The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, March 30, 2022 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

MARCH 30, 2022 FRee

VOLUME 30, NO. 23

the Best news on anna Maria island Since 1992

Astheworldterns. 6 amusement park? 3

Q&A 033022.

Permitting begins for aM beachfront lot. 4

2022 elections

no clams for clams in anna Maria. 5

Meetings. 4 Opinions. 6

10-20 YEARS AGO

Looking back. 7

fines levied in hB code cases. 8 coquina parking project delayed. 9

Save the date. 10-11

Happenings community events. 10-11 groovin’ at community center. 12

islander.org

Islander attacked outside AME after hours By ryan Paice islander reporter

Holmes Beach police are investigating the “brutal” attack that resulted in hospitalization for Evan Purcell, 41, by a group of young people March 23 on the Anna Maria Elementary campus, 4700 Gulf Drive, according to Chief Bill Tokajer. Purcell was walking his dogs on school property with his 10-year-old niece at about 9 p.m. March 23 when he saw the group “drinking and possibly vandalizing the school,” according to a news release from the Holmes Beach Police Department. When Purcell suggested that breaking glass bottles on the school property was harmful, they reportedly became aggressive and approached him. “The victim was in fear for his safety and pulled out a pocketknife to scare off the group,” the release states. “Several of the males in the group attacked the victim knocking him to the ground. The victim was hit in the head with a wooden object — possibly a skateboard. He was punched and

kicked repeatedly in the face and head while he was on the ground until he was unconscious.” Purcell was found unconscious and transported to HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton for “serious injuries” sustained at the scene. He was in stable condition as of March 25, according to HBPD. Tokajer said police identified some suspects and people of interest who left the scene in a white Kia Sportage, a vehicle identified by the city’s license plate recognition system, and HBPD was hoping to quickly resolve the matter. Tokajer said video from the school was used to help identify the suspects, but it was not available to the public since it is part of the ongoing investigation. Another of Purcell’s nieces, Peyton, posted on Facebook March 24 about the incident. “Last night around 8:30 p.m. (Evan) holmes Beach Police chief Bill tokajer was jumped and almost beaten to death by addresses media March 25 at a news a group of boys and two female bystanders,” conference on the campus of anna Maria turn to AMe AttACK, Page 2

No shushing on ‘Library Day’

Gathering. 14

ukrainian conﬂict stirs harrowing memories. 15

Obituaries. 15 Where’s Tuna Street.

16-17

hB molds plans for golf carts. 18

Cops & Courts 20-21 Strange sightings. 23 Krc tees up for title. 24 fish reheat after chill. 25

Isl Biz: 26-27 artist wows beachgoers. 27

CLASSIFIEDS. 28-29

MarketWatch. 30

NYT puzzle. 31

Questions remain for tenants, owner of condemned home By ryan Paice islander reporter

aMe news. 13

clearing the ‘hurdle.’ 19

elementary. islander Photo: Bonner Joy

aBoVe: holmes Beach Mayor Judy titsworth, who recalled visiting the library as young islander, reads a proclamation March 23 in celebration of island Branch Library day. titsworth joined the island Library staff and friends of the island Library for a 40th anniversary party at the branch, 5701 Marina drive, holmes Beach. islander Photos: Lisa neff Left: aileen Valdes, supervisor of the island Library, applauds during the 40th anniversary party, held March 23 at the library, 5701 Marina drive. More photos, page 15.

Code violations at a condemned property in Holmes Beach soon might be solved by demolition. But questions about the former occupants remain unanswered. Code compliance supervisor JT Thomas told The Islander March 25 that the property owner of the multifamily building at 2809 Ave. E was expected Kaleta to apply for a permit to demo the structure, which was deemed a hazard to the public and its inhabitants. Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer and city staff condemned the building March 18 after they received an anonymous complaint about the property and discovered a litany of structural hazards following an inspection, including: • A partially collapsed balcony; • Dilapidated stairs at the front and back of the building; • Missing wall panels; • A deteriorating central structural beam. The property is owned by developer Shawn Kaleta and Beach to Bay Investments, of which Kaleta is title president,

turn to questions, Page 2

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questions continued from page 1

according to sunbiz.org. The city issued a notice March 18 to Kaleta stating that staff found four code violations at the property and asking him to contact the city within 10 days to create a plan to mitigate the issue. Thomas said Kaleta had not applied for a demo permit as of March 25 but city staff expected to receive one soon based on previous communications. He said if the code violations were not addressed by March 28, they would be discussed at the city’s next special magistrate meeting at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 26, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. The meeting will be open to the public but will not be accessible on Zoom. Meanwhile, questions arose about the occupants. “The tenants are illegal squatters,” attorney Louis Najmy, representing Kaleta for the Najmy-Thompson law firm, told The Islander March 23. He continued, “We are glad the city removed them. They were hiding in there and we didn’t know they had trespassed.” However, both former tenants have disputed Najmy’s claim. Nicole Adams-Vella contested the claim in a March Rotted wood decking and support beams create a hazard at the condemned home at 2809 Ave. E, Holmes Beach

Property at 2809 Ave. E, Holmes Beach, was condemned March 17 as a matter of public safety due to code violations. Issues include a rotten balcony, dilapidated stairs at the front and back of the building, missing wall panels and a failing structural beam. Islander Photos: Ryan Paice

21 email to Thomas. “My family and I have not been squatting in the dwelling … Shawn Kaleta is the owner of home and is aware that my family has been residing in the home,” Adams-Vella wrote. Another tenant, whose name was not provided, explained his situation in a March 21 text to city staff. “When I moved into Shawn Kalettas (sic) house I gave him 1,500 dollars. There is no rental paper work. I was paying him 900 a month all utilities included. I would have my son’s mother send money to Shawn Kalettas through Venmo,” the message states. The tenants also said Kaleta shared plans with them to demo the building following its closure. Thomas said city staff did not obtain proof of rental payments from the tenants but added that the tenants immediately named Kaleta as their landlord when staff inquired. Code compliance administrator Kim Charron told The Islander March 25 that the property’s interior was set up as if people had been living there for a while — not for a short-term stay.

ame attack continued from page 1

she wrote. “His niece/my 10-year-old cousin was with him, luckily she was able to escape and get to a neighbors house to call 911 and get help.” Her post includes a photo of Purcell’s facial wounds as he recovered in the hospital. She wrote in a March 25 message to The Islander Turn to AME ATTACK, Next page

Evan Purcell after the attack at the hospital, awaiting surgery. Islander Photo: Facebook

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March 30, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 3 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Billion dollar fun park proposed at Coquina Beach

Q&A 033022

By Lisa neff

a shoreline amusement park is being proposed for Manatee county by a texas entertainment company. they hope to develop Sandy town amusement park at coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. Such a project would need permits at the local, state and federal level, as well as a concession agreement with Manatee county. islander courtesy Photo

This week’s question Tax Day is Monday, April 18. I file my tax docs: A. At the last minute. B. In the final week. C. ASAP. D. I get a delay. E. Taxes?

A Texas entertainment company is seeking a The largest public park and beach on the island concessionaire’s lease for Coquina Beach to develop already is home to an open-air market and a restauSandy Town amusement park. rant concession, but Sandy Town is proposing a much Manatee County manages and maintains Coquina larger operation with a billion-dollar investment. Beach in Bradenton Beach. In addition to needing a series of agreements with Manatee County, Sandy Town Inc. must obtain state AMe AttACK continued froM Page 2 and federal permits for coastal construction activity. Sandy Town proposes to build nine other parks in that Evan had received stitches and undergone surgery Gulf coast states, according to a news release leaked due to his injuries. AME Principal Michael Masiello sent out a voice from an anonymous source. The news release outlined the concept. message March 23 to AME parents about the inciThe proposed park would be situated at the south dent. “The safety and security of our campus is of the end of Coquina Beach, with a food and beverage court utmost importance,” Masiello said. “Please, know at the tip of the island, covered carnival games, a turtlewe continue to have a police presence on our campus themed playground for tots and toddlers, and a midway during school hours and continue to be vigilant with with Florida-themed amusement rides, including the ensuring unauthorized persons are not on school Hurricane Coaster, the Privateers of AMI funhouse, the Manatee Carousal and the Seashell Scrambler. grounds during the school day.” “We’ll do what we can to put up a Ferris wheel,” People with information can contact HBPD Detective Josh Fleischer by email at fleischerj@holmes- Sandy Town CEO Jokey Foolger stated in the news release. “We want the passenger cars to be island-style beach.org or by calling 941-708-5800, ext. 270. People who wish to remain anonymous can call — like golf carts.” One proposed ride, the Traffic Jam, is an adaptaManatee County Crime Stoppers at 866-634-TIPS.

tion of classic bumper cars, while another ride will be corralled in the water — Jet-ski-styled bumper cars. Sandy Town aims to “construct something that kids and families could enjoy during their stay in paradise,” Foolger said. Manatee County commissioners declined to comment on Sandy Town’s proposal. “I’d never comment on an April 1-dated news release,” said one commissioner. “Because, yes, we know, it’s April Fools’ Day.” Islander publisher Bonner Joy added, “Happy April Fools’ Day from the staff.” — from staff reports

Last week’s question On April Fools’ Day, I … 62%. Prank friends or family. 16%. Fool my coworkers. 22%. Enjoy a prank at the expense of others. To answer the poll, go online to islander.org.

nothing

brings people

together

good food

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Controversial beachfront home enters AM permitting process By ryan Paice islander reporter

A controversial three-story multi-family building could soon rise out of Anna Maria’s beachside dunes. But neighbors are hoping the city rejects the proposed development. City planner Chad Minor told The Islander March 25 that staff reviewed and responded to Bradenton resident Fedora Campbell’s application for a permit to build in an area of a conservation zone and was awaiting revisions. The property is located seaward of the coastal construction control line and in the city’s conservation 1 district, which is intended for areas of “significant environmental or ecological importance” along the city’s shoreline. The lot currently is undeveloped and lies beyond the beach access at the end of Elm. In order to provide vehicular access to the property, the avenue would need to be extended into the unpaved city-owned right of way, which is the walking path. Campbell contracted Anna Maria-based Gagne Construction to build the home and driveway for $1.635 million, with the contract demanding 50% payment upon entering the agreement and the remainder upon completion. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection provided a notice to proceed and a permit for the proposed development in June 2020. Campbell still must seek city commission approval for a development permit and site plan including vehicular access and utilities for the property after the plans clear administrative review. Some people aren’t on board with the proposed development. Wendy Jordan, owner of neighboring property at 107 Elm Ave., told The Islander March 25 she hopes the city rejects the plans as approval may establish a precedent encouraging owners of similar property to develop seaward of the CCCL.

a proposed three-story single-family home at 105 elm ave., anna Maria, would be built on the undeveloped lot seaward of 107 elm ave., an issue that has sparked litigation between the property owner and neighbors. islander Photo: ryan Paice

The CCCL is a Florida coastal management program that regulates structures and activities but does not prohibit building. It regulates activity that can cause beach erosion, destabilize dunes, damage upland properties or interfere with public access. CCCL permits also protect sea turtles and dune plants. Jordan added that the development would obstruct the view from her property, which she and her husband purchased for $4 million in April 2021, but she mostly is concerned about the loss of habitat for turtles and other wildlife she’s grown fond of. Jordan became emotional while talking about the issue and said she is considering selling her home. “I loved this place. Well, I don’t feel that way anymore. It has defeated me,” Jordan said. “It’s very upsetting. I have relationships with a bunch of turtles out here, and they’re going to wipe them out.” “I’ve got a beautiful boat, I can get a view of everything around me. … I’d like this island, especially this north end, to stay as it is,” she added. Jordan also noted that her home is shaped like a wedge due to the CCCL and other restrictions, but

Campbell’s proposed development is a full-sized rectangular home despite its location seaward of the CCCL. After moving to the island, Jordan began financing litigation that four of her neighbors previously launched to combat the proposed development. She found herself on the losing side after an administrative law judge ruled in 2021 to uphold the DEP’s 2020 building permit for the development. Jordan’s opposition still persists through a “Preserve AMI” campaign that consists of signage and advertisements asking city officials to “Do the right thing” and reject permitting for the property. She said that, by now, all she could do was hope the city commission votes against permits for the development. “If they don’t vote against it, then it’s going to happen all the way down the beach,” Jordan said. “I hope those guys understand that we have a precious gem here that we need to hold on to.”

2022 Elections

Special forces training heads into the Gulf a u.S. coast guard Port Security unit makes its way to the gulf of Mexico from Longboat Pass March 22 on a training exercise. executive Petty officer andrew Mozley of the u.S. coast guard Station-cortez said the unit is part of a visiting group of deployable specialized forces. a dSf group from cape cod, Massachusetts, was supported by the cortez station for a week of training. islander Photo: robert anderson

Meetings

Qualifying set for AMI races

compiled by Lisa neff, calendar@islander.org

Anna Maria City April 19, 10 a.m., special magistrate. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941708-6130, cityofannamaria.com.

West Manatee Fire Rescue None announced. WMFR administration building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton, 941-761-1555, wmfr.org.

Bradenton Beach April 6, 9:30 a.m., CRA. April 6, 2 p.m., ScenicWAVES. Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com.

Manatee County April 7, 9 a.m., commission. April 12, 8:30 a.m., commission. April 19, 9 a.m., commission. April 21, 1:30 p.m., commission (land use). April 26, 9 a.m., commission. County administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee. org.

Holmes Beach March 30, 10 a.m., parks and beautification. April 6, 5 p.m., planning. April 12, 5 p.m., commission. April 26, 10 a.m., code. April 26, 5 p.m., commission. April 28, 11:30 a.m., police pension. Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941-708-5800, holmesbeachﬂ.org.

Also of interest April 15, Good Friday, most government offices are closed. April 18, 9 a.m., Manatee County Tourist Development Council, county administration building. Please, send meeting notices to calendar@ islander.org and news@islander.org.

Candidate qualifying dates are on the calendar in June. Qualifying in Anna Maria opens at noon Monday, June 6, and continues through noon, Friday, June 17. The qualifying period in Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach is one week — noon Monday, June 22, through noon Friday, June 17. In Anna Maria, the mayor’s office, held by Dan Murphy, is up for election, as are commission seats held by Deanie Sebring and Mark Short. In Bradenton Beach, two commission seats — Ward 2, now represented by Marilyn Maro, and Ward 4, represented by Ralph Cole — are up for election. Maro and Cole can run for reelection, as they are not at term limits, according to the city clerk’s office. In Holmes Beach, the mayor’s office, held by Judy Titsworth, is up for election, along with commission seats held by Jayne Christenson and Kim Rash. For qualifying information, go online to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections office at votemanatee.gov. In addition, island voters may cast ballots at the local level for the Manatee County commission, the judicial bench and West Manatee Fire Rescue District, as well as statewide races for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, chief financial officer and agriculture commissioner; state legislative offices; and also contests for U.S. Senate and U.S. House. Other key dates The deadline to register to vote in the 2022 primary will be Monday, July 25, and the deadline to request a mail ballot will be Saturday, Aug. 13. The primary will be Tuesday, Aug. 23. The deadline to register to vote for the general election will be Monday, Oct. 11, and the deadline to request a mail ballot will be Saturday, Oct. 29. The general election will be Tuesday, Nov. 8. — Lisa neff

March 16, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 5 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Contractor withdraws, puts end to clam-seeding proposal By ryan Paice islander reporter

Anna Maria is putting clams on the shelf. The plan to use American Rescue Plan Act funding to seed clams in Anna Maria’s waters is moot. Commission Chair Carol Carter said March 24 the city received a letter from the Diatom Initiative, one of the contractors that proposed seeding clams on Anna Maria’s shore, withdrawing the project from consideration. Instead, the funding will go to maintain the city’s stormwater infiltration trenches. The city received $740,432 from the U.S. American Rescue Plan and earmarked $50,000 to spend on

addressing environmental issues, including red tide. A collection of four contractors, including Diatom, proposed using the money to seed 1 million-2 million southern hard clams along the city’s northern shoreline on Tampa Bay and Bimini Bay. The project was put forth by Palmetto-based Gulf Shellfish Institute, a nonprofit that would provide collaborative oversight, of which island business owner Ed Chiles is a founding board member. Chiles was set to make a presentation on the project at the meeting before the offer was withdrawn. Proponents believe seeding filter feeders such as clams could improve water quality, while detractors say they would have minimal impact. However, Curtis Hemmel from Diatom wrote in a March 18 letter to city officials that the project was “not suitable” for use of ARPA funds since the city’s

“main focus” is red tide mitigation instead of “general environmental improvement.” The letter also states that Diatom would be interested in “future shellfish projects” with the city “if interest arises.” With the offer off the table, commissioners discussed other options for the funds. Commissioner Jonathan Crane supported adding the money to the city’s stormwater budget for filtration trenches, which engineer Quinn Duffy of Melbournebased Infrastructure Solution Services presented in February as an option to remove excess nutrients from stormwater runoff. Mayor Dan Murphy said the city had added lengths of trenches over recent years that needed to be better maintained. He suggested using the money to fund the maintenance budget. “We built so much and we never really took an Trump adviser visits AMI active approach at maintenance until the last couple Shannon firel, morning manager at the chateau years and it’s because we have more and more and anna Maria, poses with donald trump’s pardoned more to maintain,” Murphy said. former national Security adviser Michael flynn, Crane moved to allocate $50,000 in ARPA funds who attended a fundraising dinner at the restaurant to maintain the city’s stormdrain trenches. at the Waterline resort in holmes Beach, March 6, Commissioner Robert Kingan seconded the hosted by the chateau and owner Buddy foy, who motion, which passed unanimously. donated the space, food and open bar. the event The commission will meet next at 2 p.m. Thursday, was organized by the nonprofit freedom’s Voice to April 14, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive N. The meeting benefit gold Star families. islander Photos: courtesy will be open to the public. Directions to attend can be chateau aM found at cityofannamaria.com.

Volunteers take action on butterfly garden at Veterans Park Buddy foy, chateau anna Maria owner, Michael flynn and chateau executive chef tyren crain pose for a photo at the March 5 freedom’s Voice fundraiser at the restaurant in holmes Beach.

Ready for Season? Are you taking full advantage of the spring season on AMI? You can improve your odds for success and reach The Islander’s readers — residents, seasonal visitors and vacationers — looking for things to do. Shop, dine, events and indoor and outdoor fun. For advertising info, call or text 941-778-7978.

Volunteers from the holmes Beach Parks and Beautification committee, the anna Maria island garden club and Manatee county Master gardeners program lay mulch and plant vegetation March 17 for a butterﬂy garden in the fountain area at Veterans Park, adjacent to city hall, 5801 Marina drive, holmes Beach. the plants, including white indigo berry, sea lavender, milkweed and more, were chosen to best nourish butterﬂies. the parks and beautification committee also plans to test a community garden and add a memorial wall to Veterans Park. islander Photo: courtesy Mary Lange

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Opinion

Our

Watch out for fools

We learned last week that the county commission may yet have more “parking punishment” for Holmes Beach. It seems they’re speculating and planning how to alleviate the city’s parking and traffic woes by possibly, maybe, allegedly closing the Anna Maria Island Bridge — the mainland-island link via Manatee Avenue — one day a week. Only essential workers— such as police and fire — and school buses would be allowed to cross the bridge to and from Holmes Beach on that given day. And, hoo boy, howdy! That should solve all the traffic and parking woes for everyone. Right? So who’s crying now? Well, have no fear. Our county administrators and elected commissioners may not be nearly so vindictive. I hope they don’t get any ideas from this editorial. But the idea struck me as I was thinking about April Fools’ Day — and all the past pranks we’ve published over the years. This year’s missive (page 3) from editor Lisa Neff is a good one — a new amusement park for Coquina Beach. It’s a great solution for all those folks on Facebook who are asking us — islanders — what activities and adventures they can expect on Anna Maria Island. My answer to their questions is simple and sincere — the beach. I can’t think of anything better to do on Anna Maria Island than go to the beach. Sunrise is awesome, as we learn yearly at the Kiwanis Club Easter sunrise event at the Manatee Public Beach. Walking in the shallow waters far up and down the beach is a great activity any time of day. And sunsets are especially spectacular. It’s the beach! The beach! I don’t know about you, but it’s why I moved here. I still love it like the very first time. No amount of people or traffic or lines at restaurants or hateful people will ever change that for me. So about those hateful people. The attack that transpired outside of the AME cafeteria last week was despicable. Agreed. I’m hearing from plenty of folks — island oldtimers, lifelong islanders, young folks and newcomers — who are in shock over such a brutal attack on any person, but especially for another lifelong islander. We’re all rooting for you, Evan Purcell, for a speedy recovery and the peace of mind for you and your family to take that walk again someday with the confidence of knowing we’re with you. You deserve no less. — Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

MARCH 30, 2022 • Vol. 30, No. 23 Publisher, Co-editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org ▼ Editorial editor Lisa neff, lisa@islander.org robert anderson, robert@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Kevin cassidy, kevin@islander.org Jack elka, jack@jackelka.com Kane Kaiman, kane@islander.org Brook Morrison, brook@islander.org ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org ▼ Contributors Karen riley-Love Samara Paice capt. danny Stasny, fish@islander.org nicole Quigley ▼ Advertising Director toni Lyon, toni@islander.org ▼ Webmaster Wayne ansell ▼ Office Manager, Lisa Williams info@, accounting@, classifieds@, subscriptions@islander.org ▼ Distribution urbane Bouchet ross roberts Judy Loden Wasco (All others: news@islander.org) ▼

Single copies free. Quantities of five or more: 25 cents each. ©1992-2022 • Editorial, sales and production ofﬁces: 315 58th St., Suite J, holmes Beach fL 34217 WeBSite: islander.org text or call: 941-778-7978

Your

Opinion

Wrong-way dangers

I’m sorry Deborah Altermatt had a bad experience during her stay in Holmes Beach (The Islander, March 16). Her parking citation is unfortunate — she parked facing the wrong way. I have a very dear friend whose mother was struck and killed because she parked facing the wrong way. Let’s be thankful no one was injured and be glad someone along the way is being made aware of what could happen and avoid it all together. V. L. Fowler, Bradenton

53rd Avenue alternative

Regarding traffic and parking problems on Anna Maria Island: Manatee County and the state need to partner to extend 53rd Avenue from 75th Street West to the south end of Anna Maria Island. A low bridge needs to be constructed from the uplands to facilitate vessels navigating the canal servicing the Coral Shores community and surrounding neighborhoods, plus the Intracoastal Waterway. Such a route would enhance travel from the mainland to Anna Maria Island and the north end of Longboat Key, alleviating the traffic load on Cortez Road. A parking structure as tall as the land development code of Bradenton Beach allows needs to be constructed over the existing parking areas of Coquina Beach and possibly extending over the top of Gulf Drive as far east as possible, allowing parking for more than 1,000 vehicles. Also, a tram or monorail could be constructed in conjunction with the 53rd Street extension to transport beachgoers, extending east, serving IMG and Lakewood Ranch. The parking structures on the south end of AMI would not be an eyesore to any residential neighborhoods or negatively impact property values.

Skimming online …

Web (register for free news alerts) islander.org Facebook @islandernewspaper Twitter @ami_islander Instagram @theislanderami Pinterest @islandernewspaper E-edition For $36 a year, e-edition subscribers have access to the weekly e-edition with page-by-page views of all the news and advertisements. To subscribe online, visit islander.org. For other subscriber services, call our newspaper office at 941-778-7978.

Have your say

The Islander accepts letters of up to 250 words. Please, email news@islander.org. Parking would not be free. Pay-to-park is common in most places and was one of the main suggestions of the committee that studied parking problems on the island several years ago. Don Meilner, Palmetto

Double standard for Sundays?

I am baffled and concerned as to the policy and guidelines for special events on Anna Maria Island. Last year, Anna Maria rescinded a permit for a procession and parade on a federal holiday commemorating July 4 and the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

PLeaSe, See LetteRs, Page 7

March 30, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 7 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

10&20 years ago

From the March 27, 2002, issue

On holiday on AMI a group of “excursionists and visitors” to roser church in anna Maria circa 1920. the information in the archives said the soldier at the center may have come from fort dade on egmont Key. islander Photos: Manatee county Public Library System

North end kids two boys play at the north end of the island. the boys are not identified in the archives, where the photo is dated oct. 27, 1976. LetteRs froM Page 6

The parade was hosted by the Anna Maria Island Privateers and the holiday fell on a Sunday. The decision to modify the special event permit for a Saturday — July 3 — was based on a letter by the Rev. Ed Moss of CrossPointe Fellowship. Moss asked that the Sunday parade permit be retracted. He wrote, “For the good of our community and the blessing of God’s grace, as leaders we should encourage and protect our country’s long-standing tradition of worship … and do nothing to distract from it.” The Anna Maria City Commission agreed and

Looking back retracted and modified the permit. This would seem to set a precedent for permits issued for Sunday events. However, I have seen a Sunday craft fair in Holmes Beach, with proceeds going to a local church. I see beach and flea market events on Sundays and most recently Anna Maria and Holmes Beach approved special event permits for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade hosted by the Center of Anna Maria Island and held on a Sunday. I guess the Irish tradition of green beer and camels is more worthy of celebration than the Declaration of Independence that military veterans have defended. Timothy L. Thompson, Army veteran, Bradenton

Islander archive 24/7 The Islander was invited to take part in a project with the University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries. We donated our collection of newspapers beginning with the first edition. Look online for The Islander at the UofF Florida collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

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• The Florida Department of Transportation said a 21-foot high bridge could be built to replace the Anna Maria Island Bridge for about $29.6 million. • Six years after the three island cities approved some portions of beach renourishment on the Gulf of Mexico shore, Great Lakes Dock and Dredge began a $9.6 million renourishment project. • Sandpiper Resort mobile home residents in Bradenton Beach received notice they had until April 20 to purchase the property from Vorbeck Enterprises or start looking for new homesites.

From the March 28, 2012, issue

• Warning letters were issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to the owners of island property for constructing docks within 65 linear feet of each other in Anna Maria Sound without proper DEP permits. • A nurse walking on the beach in Bradenton Beach saw a man run from the Gulf. He stumbled and fell, and the nurse saw he was losing blood — due to a stingray attack. She created a tourniquet from a T-shirt and aided the man until paramedics arrived. • Anna Maria declined to approve an exemption for the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s fall Bayfest, prompting chamber consideration of a new location for the festival in Holmes Beach. — Lisa neff

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

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Page 8 THE ISLANDER | islander.org March 30, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

HB magistrate levies ﬁnes in 2 cases By ryan Paice islander reporter

Owners of a pair of rental properties must cough up some cash after violating Holmes Beach’s lengthof-stay code. Michael Connolly, the city’s special magistrate, ruled March 23 that two properties were in violation of city code, ordered their compliance and issued fines. The first case, involving a property at 213 84th St., was a repeat violation for renting the property for less than 30 days in the city’s Residential 1 zone. The R1 zone allows single-family homes and is found in several areas of the city. JT Thomas, the city’s code compliance supervisor, said the city first cited the property owner, Jill Christy, Dec. 8, 2021, but she had yet to pay or contest the citation — leaving the case open. Thomas said city staff contacted a tenant at the time who showed their reservation was for seven days. He said city staff also spoke with tenants March 2 and March 17, who showed reservations for 12- and five-night stays. Thomas recommended Connolly order Christy to come into compliance with city code and pay a $500 daily fine from Dec. 8, 2021, since the original violation had not been addressed. The city also asked for a $127.24 administrative fee. Christy had no representative at the hearing. Connolly found the property owner committed a repeat violation, ordered Christy comply with city code and issued a $500 daily fine from March 2 — the earliest date a repeat violation was found — and a $127.24 admin fee. The second case involved advertising stays of less than seven nights in the city’s R4 district for Islands West Resort, a small cluster of six rental units at 3605 Gulf Drive. The R4 zone is for medium-density residential housing and is located in a few areas, but mostly along the city’s west side, south of Manatee Avenue. The property is owned by developer Shawn Kaleta, who is suing the city in federal court, claiming the city has run a “black-ball campaign” against him that has resulted in more than $3 million in damages. Thomas said city staff first found the length of stay violation last December and found ads Feb. 2 for onenight minimum stays at the resort, which had remained online during checks on March 15 and March 21. He said the property management company, AMI Locals, also owned by Kaleta, had changed ads for

Community survey tracks AMI population By Lisa neff islander editor

a notice posted at islands West resort, 3605 gulf drive, remains March 23 after the city’s special magistrate found for the city in a violation for advertising stays of less than seven days.

Islands West on its website as of that morning but had not addressed ads elsewhere. Thomas recommended issuing a $250 daily fine from Dec. 16, 2021, when the city first posted a notice of violation, a $127.24 admin fee, as well as ordering a cease of all ads for less than seven-night stays at the rental. Attorney Louis Najmy, from the Bradenton-based Najmy-Thompson law firm, represented Kaleta and said they had tried to come into compliance by changing ads on their website but were still working out how to remove the ads from other sites, such as Airbnb. He said the property owner would come into compliance without a struggle. “This is one we can all be happy about and have a big group hug on,” Najmy said. Connolly ruled a violation had occurred, ordered the property owner’s compliance and imposed a $250 daily fine from Dec. 16, 2021, as well as the $127.24 admin fee. The city’s next hearings will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 26, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. The meeting will be open to the public. Directions to attend via Zoom can be found at holmesbeachfl.org.

Travelers

Maine alert on AMI they call themselves the naughty Mountain girls of rangley, Maine, and they took aMi by storm — trolley riding, shopping, dining and cruising with “capt. Matt” on a tiki boat with BYo cocktails to see dolphins and a bird rookery in Sarasota Bay. they are elyse andrews, cilla Bean, Margery Jamison, elora ryder, Birgitta Parker, Patty rodway and carolyn Smith. islander courtesy Photo

The U.S. Census Bureau in March released the 2016-20 American Community Survey, with five-year estimates that boost the understanding of social and economic characteristics in a community. The survey provides estimates on population, demographics, housing units and more, differing from the decennial census that provides official counts of population and housing units. About the survey, the U.S. Census Bureau says: “The ACS is the nation’s leading source of large- and small-area socioeconomic and demographic statistics for all levels of geography” providing “public officials, community leaders, business owners, researchers and others with detailed information helping them to plan for the future.” Here’s a look at some data for the island from the new ACS: Population total Anna Maria: 1,087 people (1,219 in 2015) Bradenton Beach: 902 (946 in 2015) Holmes Beach: 4,276 (4,045 in 2015) 18 and younger Anna Maria: 67 Bradenton Beach: 62 Holmes Beach: 274 60 years and older Anna Maria: 799 Bradenton Beach: 589 Holmes Beach: 2,695 Male Anna Maria: 473 Bradenton Beach: 401 Holmes Beach: 1,919 Female Anna Maria: 614 Bradenton Beach: 501 Holmes Beach: 2,357 U.S. native Anna Maria: 1,030 Bradenton Beach: 846 Holmes Beach: 4,021 Native Floridian Anna Maria: 217 Bradenton Beach: 131 Holmes Beach: 438 Born outside the United States Anna Maria: 30 Bradenton Beach: 5 Holmes Beach: 42 Employed Anna Maria: 29.7% Bradenton Beach: 42% Holmes Beach: 36.5% Grandchildren living with grandparents Anna Maria: 0 Bradenton Beach: 11 Holmes Beach: 0 Married Anna Maria: 66.8% Bradenton Beach: 56.9% Holmes Beach: 64.3% Widowed Anna Maria: 14.5% Bradenton Beach: 11.9% Holmes Beach: 13.3% Divorced Anna Maria: 8.3% Bradenton Beach: 13.4% Holmes Beach: 11.9% Military veterans Anna Maria: 7.7% Bradenton Beach: 12.9% Holmes Beach: 15.2% Living below poverty level Anna Maria: 2.8% Bradenton Beach: 7.6% Holmes Beach: 5.6% This spring, The Islander will look at economic, diversity and household statistics from the ACS.

March 30, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 9 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

County rethinks Coquina parking project timeline By robert anderson islander reporter

Another contractor means possibly another year for Coquina Beach improvements and construction. Administered by Manatee County, the Coquina Beach Drainage Improvements project, which began in April 2019, hit a setback that could delay its conclusion until next year. The renovation, with a budget of $5 million, is funded with tourist development tax dollars and includes covering access roads and parking areas in the south parking lots with pervious concrete. The improvements are intended to aid the drainage and filtering of stormwater runoff from the parking area into the surrounding waters. Bill Logan, information outreach manager for county government, told The Islander via email that the former contractor, American Pipeline of Miami, went out of business, which meant the county needed to begin a new contract process. As of March 24, there has been a selection of a “construction manager at risk,” according to Logan. A CMAR acts as a consultant to the county in the development and design phases, but also as a general contractor during the construction phase. Agreements with the company are being written and must go before the Manatee Board of County Com-

a view of the coquina Beach parking lot March 24 looking west.

Looking north from the coquina Beach parking lot March 24. the sub-phase 4 and sub-phase 1 sections of the Manatee county parking project are on hold as the county looks to select a new contractor. islander Photos: robert anderson

missioners before the process can move forward. The setbacks push the previous December completion date into 2023. Logan stated in his email, “It is expected that that approval will come within the next month to six weeks and, when that happens, then the build out should be done by the start of the next high (tourist) season.” Parking spaces are still available along the finished sections of the parking lot from the Coquina Beach Cafe, 2650 Gulf Drive S., to lifeguard tower No. 6. There also is parking in the southernmost section of the Coquina parking lot near Longboat Pass. People seeking more information can view project information and a map of parking construction at https://amiprojects.io/projects/coquina-beach-improvements.

Trolley ridership stays below pre-pandemic levels

Manatee County Area Transit reported that ridership on the fare-free island trolley in February exceeded the number for the same month in 2021 but remained below pre-pandemic levels. For February 2022, MCAT reported 32,361 riders. In February 2021, ridership was at 22,488. In February 2020, ridership was at 53,675 and for the month in 2019, 49,655. Going back to February 2012, ridership was at 50,713. The trolley service operates 6 a.m.-10:30 p.m. between Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach and the Anna Maria City Pier in Anna Maria. For more information, go online to mymanatee.org. — Lisa neff

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Island happenings

Page 10 THE ISLANDER | islander.org March 30, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

compiled by Lisa neff, calendar@islander.org.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ONGOING ON AMI Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island “Art Unites Us” online exhibit, amiartistsguildgallery.com. Information: 941-778-6694. Throughout April, painter Pat O’Neill’s “Art from the Heart” exhibit, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: islandgallerywest.com, 941-778-6648. Second Fridays, Art Walk, downtown Holmes Beach around Gulf and Marina drives. Information: 941-778-6694. AHEAD ON AMI

‘Art from the Heart’ at HB gallery

April 8, Center of Anna Maria Island bingo night, Anna Maria. ONGOING OFF AMI Through April 24, “Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience,” Starry Night Pavilion at University Town Center, 195 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: vangoghsarasota.com. Through April 29, Fridays, 6-8 p.m., Music in the Park, Rossi Park Pavilion on the Riverwalk, downtown Bradenton. Information: 941-301-8445. Through Aug. 28, “Metadata: Rethinking Photography in the 21st Century,” The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-360-7390. First Fridays, 6-9:30 p.m., Village of the Arts First Fridays Artwalk, 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Information: villageofthearts.com. Second and fourth Saturdays, 2-4 p.m., Music on the Porch, outdoor jam session presented by the Florida Maritime Museum and Cortez Cultural Center, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: ﬂoridamaritimemuseum.org, fmminfo@manateeclerk.com.

KIDS & FAMILY

2 honors for ‘Palms 1’ “Palms 1,” by artists’ guild of anna Maria island member anne abgott, is featured in the March/april issue of artists Magazine as a top winner in the “over 60 competition.” abgott, of cortez, wrote to the islander, “the painting also has been accepted into the prestigious transparent Watercolor Society of america’s 46th annual show and competition in Kenosha, Wisconsin.” for more information, go online to www.anneabgott.com. islander courtesy image

Work by painter Pat o’neill will be featured throughout april at island gallery West, 5368 gulf drive, holmes Beach. his exhibit is “art from the heart.” o’neill is a self-taught artist from dora, alabama, who has lived in Bradenton since 2005. his medium of choice is acrylics. he also specializes in custom wall murals. a reception with the artist will take place during the downtown art Walk friday, april 8. for more information, call the gallery at 941778-6648. islander courtesy Photo

May 28, Snooks Adams Kids Day, TBD.

CLUBS & COMMUNITY ON AMI

ON AMI

Thursday, March 31 Friday, April 1 10 a.m. — Seaside Quilters, Island Library, Island Library, 5701 10 a.m. — Forty Carrots, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. 2 p.m. — Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Library, Tuesday, April 5 Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 94110 a.m.— Family storytime, Island Library. Info: 941-778-6341. 778-6341. ONGOING OFF AMI ONGOING ON AMI Through Aug. 7, “Sharks: On Assignment with Brian Skerry” Thursdays, 6 p.m., bingo night, Annie Silver Community Center, exhibit, Mote Marine Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, City 103 23rd St N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-757-6029. Island, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-388-4441. Fridays, 11:30 a.m., Mahjong Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. AHEAD OFF AMI Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meetApril 15, De Soto Children’s Parade, Palmetto. ing, Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. April 30, De Soto Heritage Festival Grand Parade, BradenInformation: 941-778-1383. ton.

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Mondays, 12:30 p.m., Anna Maria Bridge Club, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 205-910-6344, 941-778-0414. Tuesdays, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Farmers Market in the Park, City Pier Park, Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130. Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., Mahjong Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Tuesdays, noon, duplicate bridge, Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Fee applies. Information: 703-582-7755. AHEAD ON AMI April 20, Anna Maria Island Garden Club member meeting and luncheon, Anna Maria. May 15, Anna Maria Island Privateers Shiprek Poker Run. OFF AMI Friday, April 1 4-7 p.m. — Paradise Center on Longboat Key April Fools’ Fundraiser, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Fee applies. Information: 941-383-6493. Sunday, April 3 10 a.m.-4 p.m. — Palma Sola Botanical Park Spring Plants & More Sale, 9800 17th Ave. NW, Bradenton. Info: 941-761-2866. ONGOING OFF AMI Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island lunch meeting, Slicker’s Eatery, 12012 Cortez Road W., Cortez. Information: 512-944-4177.

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Island happenings

March 30, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 11 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Community connects over dinner david redeker, Susan redeker, Kit redeker, tom Kelley and Maggie Van Wormer enjoy their dinners at the annie Silver community center. the community dinner was March 23 and the last on the calendar for the 2022 winterspring season.

diane coates works the door at the March 23 community barbecue. the center served meals for $10 from Bigg dogg BBQ of Sarasota. islander Photos: robert anderson

The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island will host a representative from Care Net Manasota Pregnancy during an April 2 meeting. The club meets Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. at Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. Care Net is “a nonprofit Christian organization whose primary purpose is to affirm the sanctity of human life by ministering to those whose lives are touched by crisis pregnancy.” For more information, call Sandy Haas-Martens at 941-778-1383.

Palma Sola park hosts sale

A plant sale will be Sunday, April 3, at the Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Ave. NW, Bradenton. The sale will be 10 a.m.-4 p.m. An announcement said the event will feature vendors with plants, antiques, artwork and crafts, as well as lunch items. For more, call 941-761-2866.

annie Silver community center board members Judy Pruitt, Jim hassett, donna Kirkpatrick and Kristen Mchale pose for a photo at the center’s barbecue dinner March 23. the center is at 103 23rd St. n., Bradenton Beach, where bingo games continue to take place thursday nights.

OUTDOORS & SPORTS

May 13, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament, Bradenton.

ONGOING ON AMI

GOOD TO KNOW

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

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AHEAD OFF AMI April 16, Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Flamingo Cay Paddle Cleanup, Flamingo Cay. April 30, Sarasota Bay Estuary Program 2022 Seagrass Survey, Sarasota. May 7, Margaritaville Night with the Bradenton Marauders, Bradenton.

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Page 12 THE ISLANDER | islander.org March 30, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Keep groovin’ with legend Felix Cavaliere at the center By Brook Morrison islander reporter

Singer-songwriter Felix Cavaliere plans to eat grouper on Anna Maria Island. “I love seafood and I’m a big grouper fan,” Cavaliere told The Islander in an interview March 7. “We look forward to it every time we come to Florida.” He’s due to arrive in Florida — specifically on AMI — next month, as Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals will perform in the final event in the Bradenton Gulf Islands Concert series. The show will be at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 2, at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Born in 1942 to Italian parents in New York, the Rascals frontman said he does not “pay attention to age and I feel great.” Cavaliere studied yoga for many years with Swami Satchidananda, who opened the historic Woodstock Music and Art Fair in 1969, and mentions that another friend, George Harrison, spoke to him years ago about the “voracity of being involved.” “These gurus used to ignore their birthdays,” said Cavaliere, who began playing classical music at age 6 and was not introduced to modern music until his teenage years. The Rascals formed in the 1960s and blurred lines between rock and soul, churning out many No. 1 hits, including “It’s a Beautiful Morning,” “Groovin’” and “Good Lovin.” The band began as The Young Rascals but changed the name to The Rascals after they aged out of their teens. How did they get their name?

rock and roll hall of famer felix cavaliere will perform Saturday, april 2, at the center of anna Maria island, 407 Magnolia ave., anna Maria. for more information and tickets, go online to centerami.org. islander Photo: courtesy Leon Volskis

From comedian Soupy Sales. As fans of Sales, the bandmates went to the WNEW TV in New York City, where Sales performed and asked if he wanted a backup band. “We laughed at every single thing he said,” Cavaliere recalled. The comic asked the kids if they had a name for their band and, when they said no, he christened them The Young Rascals. The players welcomed performing with artists working in a variety of genres and from varied backgrounds. And they understood the power of music to transcend. Cavaliere recalled, “The Rascals were the first

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white artists to sign with Atlantic Records,” which was the top R&B jazz label at the time, representing Ray Charles and The Drifters. In the 65 years since Cavaliere started playing in bands, the industry has changed. “We can get music for free on demand and the business has changed drastically, in some ways it’s good,” he observed. Cavaliere is the third Felix after his father and grandfather, who originated from Naples, Italy, and he remembers both parents cooking at home, mostly his mother though. Does he like pineapple on his pizza? “No. But I love pizza and there is a restaurant called Dasano that makes great pizza where I live in Nashville — they bring products from Italy near Naples and they even named one of their pizza ovens after me, Felice, the saint,” he said, with a chuckle. When asked when and where he’s happiest, Cavaliere didn’t hesitate. “I have to mention my parents, I had a great childhood in Pelham,” he said of the city in New York state. He added, “I’ve been really happy and I enjoyed what happened and the years with the band were great. The joy of making music and the wonderful experience that has given me continues.”

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March 30, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 13 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

AME PTO organizes, seeks to build 2022-23 board Anna Maria Elementary is seeking parents to join the 2022-23 Parent-Teacher Organization and serve on its board of directors. The PTO is instrumental in funding enrichment and supplemental classroom supplies, materials and school licenses for math and reading online platforms. The board is responsible for planning fundraisers throughout the school year to help reach its financial goals. For example, the 2021-22 board planned a fall festival, a cookie sale and a 5K race, among other events. “We are so fortunate to have supportive families

AmE NEWS By Brook Morrison, brook@islander.org

and community members that allow our students to have enriching experiences at AME,” stated the most recent spring update from the PTO. Board nominations will begin in April. People interested in the PTO can email amepto@ gmail.com or call the school at 941-708-5525.

AME grinds gears at robotics tournament anna Maria elementary’s fifth-grade technology Student association club competes with select Manatee county elementary and middle schools March 22 at the Bradenton area convention center, 1 haben Blvd., Palmetto. islander Photos: courtesy aMe/alana fleischer

AME Calendar

• Monday, April 4, 3:30 p.m., PTO membership meeting, cafeteria. • Tuesday, April 5, third-grade FSA reading assessment. • Wednesday, April 6, third-, fourth- and fifthgrade FSA reading assessment. • Friday, April 15, Good Friday, no school. • Tuesday, April 19, 6:30 p.m., first-grade play, auditorium. • Wednesday, April 20, early release. • Friday, April 22, fifth-grade class trip. • Staff Appreciation week, May 2-6. • May 3-4, fourth- and fifth-grade FSA reading assessment. • May 10-11, fourth- and fifth-grade FSA math assessment. • Saturday, May 14, PTO Spring Golf Tournament. • Tuesday, May 17, 6:30 p.m., second-grade play, auditorium. • May 17-18, fifth-grade FSA science assessment. • Friday, May 20, field day. • Tuesday, May 24, fifth-grade luncheon. • Wednesday, May 25, fifth-grade awards ceremony. • May 24-26, early release. • Thursday, May 26, last day of school for students. Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the school at 941708-5525.

aMe SteM teacher Pidge Barreda listens to fifth-grader Bo Mcdermott during the 2022 Vex iQ district robotics tournament March 22 in Palmetto. the competition involved tSa clubs in the district, with judging based on robot

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Singer-songwriter richard Marx performs March 23 at the center of anna Maria island, 407 Magnolia ave., anna Maria. the next concert in the series will be april 2, when the center hosts felix cavaliere’s rascals. for more information, including ticket details, go online to centerami.org. islander Photo: nenita daquinotas

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Page 14 THE ISLANDER | islander.org March 30, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Gathering

Kiwanis club organizing for Easter service

The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island is preparing to host its traditional sunrise service on Easter Sunday. The 57th anniversary event will begin about 6:30 a.m. Sunday, April 17, on the shoreline of the Gulf of Mexico at the Manatee Public Beach at the west end of Manatee Avenue in Holmes Beach. About 1,200-2,000 people typically attend the service, which did not take place in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic but returned to conclude Holy Week in 2021. “It is truly an uplifting service, as all the island churches participate,” states a news release from the Kiwanis. The Rev. Matthew Grunfeld of the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation in Holmes Beach will deliver the opening prayer. The Rev. Edward Moss of CrossPointe Fellowship will deliver the scriptures. The Rev. Doug Kings of Gloria Dei Lutheran

By Lisa neff

Tidings

REGULAR WORSHIP

Church will deliver the sermon. The Rev. Stephen King of Harvey Memorial Community Church will deliver the offering prayer. And the Rev. Dirk Rodgers of Roser Memorial Community Church will deliver the benediction. The service also will feature “inspirational Easter music.” The beach offers public parking. Additionally, the fare-free island trolley begins operations at about 6 a.m. Sunrise is forecast at 7:04 a.m., and attendees may want to bring a flashlight or a cellphone with a flashlight app. Attendees also should bring blankets or chairs to sit on and dress for a morning chill on the beach. The event is open to the general public. For more information, contact club secretary Sandy Haas-Martens at 941-778-1383.

Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-4769, stbernardcc.com. Thursdays 9:30 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-1638, amiannunciation.org. Saturdays 4 p.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. — Lisa neff 5 p.m. — Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive. Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-1813, gloriadeilutheran.com. Thursdays, 7 p.m., Roser chancel choir rehearsals. Sundays Thursdays and Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m., Roser ﬁtness. 8 a.m., 10:15 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. Second and fourth Fridays, 11 a.m., Roser JOY meeting. Gathering is the religion page for The 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. Islander. 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m.— Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 SPECIAL DATES Send announcements and calendar listings, Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414, roserchurch. Wednesdays until Easter, 5:30 p.m., Annunciation Lenten proincluding for Holy Week, to calendar@islander. com. gram, including soup supper. org. 9 a.m. — CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes SAVE THE DATES Beach. Info: 941-778-0719, crosspointefellowship.church. 9:15 a.m. — Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church Tuesday, April 8, Roser Women’s Guild picnic. Ave., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-779-1912. By Lisa neff Sunday, April 10, Palm Sunday. 9:30 a.m. — Gloria Dei. Sunday, April 10, Roser cantata. 10 a.m. — Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian USA, Friday, April 15, Good Friday. 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Info: 941-900-4903, Friday, April 15, Passover. • The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island is orgachristchurchoﬂbk.org. Sunday, April 17, Easter. nizing its Easter sunrise service at the Manatee Public 10 a.m. — Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Please, send notices to calendar@islander.org. Beach and welcomes volunteers and new club memLongboat Key. Info: 941-383-6491, longboatislandchapel.org. ,

Gathering

GoodDeeds

Assistance sought on AMI

ONGOING EVENTS Wednesdays, 7:15 a.m., St. Bernard Rosary on the Beach, Manatee Public Beach, Holmes Beach. Wednesdays, 7 a.m., CrossPointe men’s Bible meeting. Most Wednesdays, 8 a.m., Annunciation men’s meeting. Wednesdays, 9 a.m., Roser Hope Seeds packing. Wednesdays, 9 a.m., Roser Freedom through Faith. Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m., Gloria Dei social gathering, private home, contact the church for details. Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m., CrossPointe women’s Bible study. Wednesdays, 6:45 p.m., CrossPointe Wednesday Night Blast.

Obituaries

At your service

Obituaries are offered as a community service to residents and families of residents, both past and present, as well as to those people with ties to the island. Submit to news@islander.org. Obituaries are provided free — a service of your community newspaper. Paid obituaries can be discussed with advertising specialist Toni Lyon at 941-778-7978.

Growing in Jesus’ Name

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BREAKING NEWS, E-EDITION, FACEBOOK & TWITTER. THE ISLANDER HAS IT ALL.

bers. Information: 941-778-1383. • The Friends of the Island Library seeks storage space for donations to its annual book sale. Information: 941-778-6341. • Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals. Information: 941-345-2441. • The Roser Food Bank seeks donations. Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, administers the pantry, supported by All Island Denominations. Information: 941-778-0414.

Assistance offered on AMI

• The Roser Food Bank welcomes applicants who live and/or work on Anna Maria Island for food assistance, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. • AID offers financial help to those who live on the island, go to church on the island, attend school on the island and work on the island. Information: 941-7252433.

WE ROCK ONLINE

Worship With Us at Our Church Sunday Service 10:00 AM The Rev. Dr. Norman Pritchard

Masks Are Optional Watch Our 10:00 AM Service Live: www.bit.ly/cclbksermons or www.christchurchoflbk.org (follow YouTube link)

EASTER MESSIAH SERVICE Sunday, April 3 • 10:00 AM Service

Christ Church is pleased to feature the Easter portion of George Frederick Handel's crowning achievement, the Messiah. Under the direction of the Director of Music, Robert Romanski, Our Chancel Choir and Soloists will be accompanied by a professional orchestra, presenting this masterpiece during our regular Sunday Service on April 3, at 10:00 a.m. Come and rejoice in God's glorious plan of redemption, accomplished through our cruciﬁed, risen, and returning Savior! Childcare Available

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islander.org

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SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 AM or 10:00 AM IN PERSON in the Sanctuary Nursery • Children’s Church ONLINE � Watch LIVE or LATER

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Text ROSER to 22828 to receive the weekly eBulletin The CHAPEL is open during office hours for prayer and meditation 941-778-0414 • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria • FOLLOW us on Facebook @RoserChurch

March 30, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 15 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Ukrainian conflict stirs harrowing memories for islander By Kane Kaiman Islander Reporter

History repeats itself — sometimes in a single lifetime. Danica Turk’s early life was shaped by global conflict. Today, the 94-year-old Slovenian immigrant and Anna Maria resident is transported back to war-torn Yugoslavia when she turns on the news. “I feel like I’m pulled back 70 or 80 years,” she said March 23. For Turk, February reports of Russian forces marching into Ukraine sparked memories of Nazi soldiers pouring into Slovenia in April 1941 and long lines of Communist troops traversing the Yugoslavian provincial state near the end of World War II. “On the one hand, we had Hitler. And on the other hand, we had Stalin. And we were hit by both sides,” she said. “And now it is happening again.” Turk was 13 in the spring of 1941, when the Nazis invaded Slovenia and shut down the school she attended. In the summer of that year, her father, Paul Horvat, a Depression-era social reformer, was arrested, forcing Turk, her mother and her three brothers to seek refuge in neighboring Croatia. The family squatted in a fruit warehouse while Horvat escaped a Nazi firing squad. Turk remained in Croatia with her family — including Horvat, who had managed to find them — until the end of the war. In 1945, she returned to her Slovenian girlhood home, a house on a hill overlooking the Austrian and Hungarian borders. Stalin’s troops withdrew from Yugoslavia at the end of World War II but the dictator exerted influence over the country’s fledgling Communist government. Officials arrested her father in 1945, releasing him as a gesture of political good will before the Slovenian elections in 1946. When police began searching for Horvat after the elections, he fled to Austria. Seeking information about her father, Communists

Obituary

Beatrice Giles Elliott

Beatrice “Bea” Giles Elliott, 101, of Holmes Beach, died March 25. She was born May 26, 1920, in Deadwood, South Dakota, to Ethel and Haeckel Humboldt Giles. She spent most of her years through high school in Casper, Wyoming, and then attended Grinnell College in Iowa and Denver University in Colorado. In 1942, she married Jack Savage, who served in the U.S. Navy on a Elliott minesweeper and was killed in the battle of Okinawa in 1945. Shortly after World War II, She joined the office of Sen. Edward V. Robertson of Wyoming and served as executive secretary in his Washington, D.C., office. While in that position, she met U.S. Air Force Col. Robert W. Elliott, who was serving at the Pentagon. They married in 1947 and had a daughter, Linda, who died at age 25. The couple moved to Anna Maria Island in 1968 after Col. Elliott completed his career in the Air Force. They were active members of the Holmes Beach community, as well as significant contributors in the early life and for many subsequent years of the Key Royale Club. In the 1970s, Mrs. Elliott was employed as a manager at Resort 66 motel on the island. In her retired life, she loved traveling and enjoyed a number of international trips. She loved playing cards with various groups and regularly played at the Key Royale Club. She continued to play cards socially until her health no longer allowed and then in her home with friends until her final days. She was a classy lady, intelligent, spunky and proper in all of her ways. She will be missed. A celebration of life will be held at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 30, at the KRC clubhouse, 700 Key Royale Drive, Holmes Beach.

Danica Turk — a 94-yearold Slovenian immigrant, endured Nazi and Communist oppression in her homeland during the World War II-era — winters in Anna Maria. Islander Photo: Kane Kaiman

arrested Turk, her 11-year-old brother, also named Paul, and her mother, Mary, later that year. They held Turk and her brother for about a month while her mother endured a six-month detention complete with beatings that left her unable to walk properly for the rest of her life. While her mother was in prison, two of Turk’s brothers, Branko and Paul, went searching for their father in Austria. In the meantime, Turk and brother Drago lived rent-free in a room at a sausage factory courtesy of the operation’s kindhearted owner. Not long after World War II, Yugoslavian President Josip Broz Tito distanced the country from Russian influence, a political change Turk said led to the release of her mother, who was carried on a stretcher to see the judge who granted her clemency. The following year, Mary Horvat took her children to Austria to search for their father and brothers — almost exclusively on foot. Turk said the trio, trudging over the grassy hills of Austria, looked like characters in a much gloomier scene from the movie, “The Sound of Music.” After reuniting with her father and brothers, the Horvats remained in Austria. In the years to follow, Turk and her two eldest brothers labored in English cotton mills through the European Voluntary Workers programs.

In the early 1950s, her mother, father and youngest brother were issued American visas on the condition her brother fight for the U.S. military in the Korean War. They settled in the Chicago area, where her father established a landscaping company. After a doctor told Mary Horvat warm weather would ease the pain in her legs, the family purchased beachfront cottages in Anna Maria in view of the Rod & Reel Pier. Turk’s parents wintered at the cottages until their deaths in the late 1980s. Turk spent 15 years in England working in the cotton mills. There, she earned a chemistry degree and married her husband, Barnabas Turk. She emigrated to the United States in the 1960s, settling near her parents in the Chicago area. Over the years, she worked as a chemical engineer for the Portland Cement Association, Gillette and the U.S. Gypsum Corp. and vacationed at her parents’ Anna Maria cottages. In 2000, the cottages were replaced with two-story homes. Today, Turk winters in one of the homes while sister-in-law Christina Horvat lives in the other Anna Maria dwelling and brother Paul lives in Cortez. A photograph of the Slovenian house Turk and her family were forced to abandon several times in the 1940s hangs on a wall near the sliding-glass doors overlooking the pier. The photo is a reminder of Turk’s journey. “After all these bad things that happened to the whole family, finally, we swam out of it and I’m always grateful for that,” she said. “We always had the luck.” Just as her fellow Yugoslavians were caught between two powerful factions during World War II, so too are modern-day Ukrainians, Turk said. “It is very simple. Putin is trying out what the West will do, but the West is afraid to do anything, and he knows it,” she said. “Nobody moved. Because if it moves, we are in World War III.” Turk, who will celebrate her 95th birthday in May, is saddened by the prospect of prolonged conflict in Ukraine and a life bookended by war. “How this will finish, I won’t know,” she said. “But I probably won’t see the end of it.”

‘Friends’ party among the stacks Members of the Friends of the Island Library present a “check” for $40,000 to library staff during a March 23 40th anniversary party at the library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. With a series of events this winter and spring, the support group raised the funding for materials and furniture, and for a refurbished circulation desk at the library. Islander Photos: Lisa Neff

Friends of the Island Library president Jan Riggs addresses the celebration March 23 at the library.

Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, who represents the island on the county board, addresses a crowd assembled to celebrate the Island Library and its “friends.”

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Holmes Beach molds plan to register, sunset golf cart use By ryan Paice islander reporter

The sunset may be on the horizon for golf carts in Holmes Beach. City commissioners reached consensus March 22 to move forward on drafting an ordinance requiring residency to obtain registration to operate a golf cart on city roads, establishing a 16-year-old age limit for drivers and preventing the registration of new vehicles after the initial 90-day registration period. The ordinance would not regulate low-speed vehicles, which have a top speed exceeding 20 mph and are recognized as motor vehicles under federal law — which requires an operator to have a driver’s license. If registered and tagged by the state, LSVs are allowed on roadways with speed limits of 35 mph or less, under state code chapter 316. On the other hand, golf carts travel at speeds up to 20 mph, but are not classified as motor vehicles. Operators do not need a Florida driver’s licence and can be as young as 14 — an oft-cited concern about mingling the vehicles on the roadways. State law prohibits the use of golf carts on state roads, such as Manatee Avenue/State Road 64 and East Bay Drive/State Road 789, but allows municipalities to permit their operation on city streets. City code currently allows golf carts on all streets except Gulf, Palm and Marina drives, where they are only allowed to cross the roadway.

a trio of LSVs navigate Marina drive March 22 in holmes Beach. the city is exploring ways to improve traffic safety with golf cart and LSV regulations. islander Photo: ryan Paice

Commissioners took a “first step” at improving road safety by adopting a citywide 25-mph speed limit in February. The commission focus now has turned to golf carts and LSVs, which must be regulated separately due to state and federal preemptions. Commissioners planned in early March to allow resident-only golf cart registration and sunset the provision in five years. However, city attorney Erica Augello said, based on public input on the five-year sunset, presented options with and without a sunset provision.

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“Anna Maria Island,” a pictorial history book of the island by Bonner Joy is available at the islander office, 315 58th St., holmes Beach. Joy is publisher of the islander newspaper. She launched the newspaper in 1992. She first came to the island in 1972. T-Shirts $10 @ The Islander, 315 58th St., HB.

Both would establish a resident-only registration process, require safety features and set a 16-year-old age limit for golf cart operators. Mayor Judy Titsworth said she was concerned about the city overstepping regulatory boundaries and “penalizing” residents by sunsetting golf carts. “If we solve the problem with the age, then I think we solve the problem,” Titsworth said. She also suggested commissioners remove a provision requiring insurance on the vehicles. Commissioners reached consensus to eliminate the insurance provision. Commission Chair Carol Soustek said she was “leaning toward” supporting a sunset provision since eliminating the vehicles would best improve safety, while Commissioner Jayne Christenson expressed opposition to a sunset provision. Commissioner Kim Rash suggested they change the sunset period from five years to the lifetime of a registered vehicle and eliminate the proposed registration renewal process, allowing a golf cart owner to register their vehicle during a yet-to-be-determined 90-day window and drive it on city roads until it became inoperable. Commissioners voted 4-1 on two motions, establishing a 90-day registration period following the ordinance’s adoption and ceasing registration for new golf carts after 90 days. Commissioners also agreed to sunset golf carts based on the lifetime of a registered vehicle. In other matters… City commissioners also agreed to: • Authorized Titsworth to negotiate a land purchase near Grassy Point Preserve, 3021 Ave. C; • Unanimously voted to endorse the Sarasota-Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization’s “Destination Zero Action Plan” to improve roadway safety and reduce traffic fatalities; • Unanimously approved an agreement with Colliers Engineering & Design for engineering services. The commission will meet next at 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. The meeting will be open to the public. Directions to attend via Zoom can be found at holmesbeachfl.org.

March 30, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 19 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Clearing the ‘Hurdle’

Members of the hurdle family — Major League Baseball’s clint hurdle of the colorado rockies — gather March 26 for a photo, bottom right, at the Key royale club in holmes Beach. hurdle hosted guests in the clubhouse, on the greens and in tents for the hot Stove dinner. Proceeds from the eighth annual event benefited the Prader-Willi Syndrome association uSa family and medical support programs. hurdle’s daughter Maddie, center in the family photo, lives with PWS. the soldout in-person event was enhanced by virtual attendance for all but the dinner and libations, with musical entertainment streamed live along with a “coconut helicopter drop,” a putting contest, silent and live auctions and rafﬂe prizes. and a good time was had by all! islander Photos: Bonner Joy

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Radish and herbs that include Cilantro, Nasturtium, Mexican Mint Tarragon and Scallions. On the Sandbar menu in Anna Maria, Octopus Escabeche with Gulf of Mexico octopus, house-pickled Gamble Creek Farms vegetables, and fried green plantains features yields from the farm. The Beach House in Bradenton Beach is serving Gamble Farmhouse Salad with veggies and lettuces from the farm topped with Manchego Cheese and Tropical Vinaigrette with Jubilee Orchard blueberries. Farm fresh options at Mar Vista on Longboat Key include Crispy Oyster Rockefeller with Gamble Creek Farm creamed greens, parmesan cheese and roasted red pepper coulis or the crispy softshell crab with fried romaine lettuce, blueberry BBQ, granny smith apple and Gamble Creek Farm radish slay and lemon crème fresh. Both choices are sure to please. Small shifts in our daily choices and lifestyles can have a meaningful impact and Gamble Creek Farms is a great place to learn how all these systems work together. With the hospitality industry making up 11% of the world economy, there is an obligation to work for climate improvements. The health of Gamble Creek, the namesake of the farm, directly links to the health of the Tampa Bay and the Sarasota Bay. Organizations like All Clams on Deck are doing vital work to help clean the water that is directly linked to farming and favorable climate changes. The public is invited to visit Gamble Creek Farm Market Wed-Fri 11AM6PM and Sat-Sun 9AM-1PM at 14950 Golf Course Road in Parrish. Fresh from the farm harvests change frequently so stop by often for the best selection of seasonal goodies. Content provided by: The Chiles Group

Page 20 THE ISLANDER | islander.org March 30, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Streetlife

Cops & Courts

Staff reports

Island police reports

Anna Maria March 17, 200 block of Chilson Avenue, noise. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office shortly after midnight dispatched a deputy to a complaint about loud noise. The deputy confirmed the complaint and issued a citation to the occupants of a property. The MCSO polices Anna Maria. Bradenton Beach March 17, 600 block of Gulf Drive North, larceny. A Bradenton Beach Police Department officer responded to a report of a theft — a submerged green light fixture that was attached to a private dock. The officer issued the victim a case card. No further action was taken. March 20, 103 Gulf Drive S., Circle K, larceny. A BBPD officer was flagged down by a man who parked a tow truck in the lot, leaving the doors unlocked and windows down. Upon returning to the truck, the man discovered keys and a cellphone were missing. An officer obtained footage from security cameras showing a female enter the truck and reach over the console. The victim was given a victim’s rights pamphlet by the officer. The case is under investigation. The BBPD polices Bradenton Beach. Cortez No new reports. The MCSO polices Cortez. Holmes Beach March 15, Holmes Beach Police Department, 5801 Marina Drive, business complaint. A person contacted the HBPD to report she paid to rent a boat from AMI Watersports but the business never delivered the boat. An officer advised that it was not a law enforcement

Staff reports

Ellenton resident arrested for DUI, drug possession By ryan Paice islander reporter

Holmes Beach police arrested Ellenton resident Allison Wilson, 52, March 19 for alleged drug possession. Wilson faces a third-degree felony charge for alleged possession of controlled substances and a second-degree misdemeanor charge for an alleged second offense of driving under the influence of alcohol. Wilson also was charged with a first-degree misdemeanor for alleged possession of drug paraphernalia. An officer responded to reports of a motorist driving recklessly, heading west on Manatee Avenue toward Holmes Beach. The officer located the motorist, who was acting “erratically,” and conducted a traffic stop, according to a police report. The officer spoke with the driver, identified as Wilson, and asked her to perform field sobriety exercises, which she failed. The officer arrested Wilson for DUI and asked if she had anything illegal in her vehicle. She admitted to having crack cocaine and pipes in her purse and bra, HBPD reported.

matter. March 16, 200 block of 54th Street, potential theft. An officer responded to reports of potential theft and found a man who said a wallet containing $3,800 was missing from his home. The officer issued a case number. March 18, D.Coy Ducks Bar and Grill, 5410 Marina Drive, resisting law enforcement. An officer saw two men refuse to leave the bar at a manager’s request and asked for identification. One tried to Milestones comply but the other prevented him from doing so, The Islander welcomes stories about islanders slapped the officer’s hand, then resisted arrest. The officer arrested the noncompliant of the two men and and island life. Submit announcements to news@islander.org. transported him to the Manatee County jail. March 18, 500 block of 74th Street, fraud. A woman reported fraud. She showed activity on her bank account that she did not approve, in which a total of $5,000 was sent to five other accounts. An officer took copies of the account documents for evidence. March 18, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, criminal mischief. An officer responded to reports of vandalism and found a woman who said a motorist $YDLODEOH $We got angry at her for taking a parking spot. She said she later returned to her vehicle to find it had been keyed. 315 58 S . , H B There were no witnesses or cameras in the area. 941 778-7978 • . . TH

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Police confiscated the drugs. Wilson also provided two breath samples for blood/ alcohol level tests, with results of 0.045 and 0.042 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood. The state’s legal blood alcohol level limit for driving under the influence is 0.08, but the charge also can apply if the arrested person’s faculties are deemed impaired due to alcohol. Wilson also provided a urine sample for testing. An officer then transported her to the Manatee County jail, where she was released March 20 after posting $1,120 bond. If convicted, punishments for a third-degree felony charge include up to five years in prison, five years of probation and a $5,000 fine. Punishments for a first-degree misdemeanor include up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Those for a second-degree misdemeanor include up to 60 days in jail, six months of probation and a $500 fine. An arraignment will be at 9 a.m. Friday, April 8, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

March 20, 6700 block of Gulf Drive, trespass. An officer responded to reports of loud music and disorderly youth and found a juvenile with an open alcohol container who provided a false name and age. The officer detained the juvenile and transported him to the HBPD so a family member could take him home. March 22, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, medical emergency. An officer responded to reports of an unconscious man and found an intoxicated man who had fallen and hit his head. Emergency medical services also responded and transported the man to HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton. Holmes Beach Police Department polices Holmes Beach. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

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

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Cops & Courts

Staff reports

Trial set to begin for Holmes Beach fatal hit-and-run case By ryan Paice islander reporter

A felony case against Holmes Beach resident Cierra Shannon, 27, is moving forward. A trial period was set to begin 9 a.m. Monday, April 4, under Judge Lon Arend of the 12th Judicial Circuit Court, including for the case involving a firstdegree felony charge against Shannon for allegedly leaving the scene of a Feb. 10, 2021, hit-and-run traffic incident causing death. The crash resulted in the death of 83-year-old Madelyn Dakin, a Michigan resident vacationing with her husband of 67 years, Gerald, in Holmes Beach. Dakin was hit while walking across Gulf Drive

around the 2700 block and was pronounced dead at the scene. Shannon turned herself into the Bradenton Police Department Feb. 11, 2021, after she was identified as the driver of a 2006 silver Chevrolet Trailblazer involved in the incident, according to court records. Shannon was released Feb. 16, 2021, into pretrial probation after posting a $15,000 bond. The state attorney’s office charged Shannon with a first-degree felony and she has since pleaded not guilty. The state’s amended discovery exhibit and witness list detailed 35 witnesses who could be called to testify, including Gerald Dakin, witnesses from the scene,

police officers and medical responders and examiners. The document also listed items and materials that could be used as evidence, including Shannon’s vehicle, police reports, lab analyses, medical records, video footage of the incident, the city’s license plate reader records and a record of Shannon’s criminal history. If convicted, a first-degree felony charge carries a minimum mandatory prison sentence of four years. Shannon had been found guilty of driving under the influence in 2015, according to Manatee County court records. The trial will be held at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

Riverview resident arrested for drug possession, ﬂeeing HBPD, BBPD ofﬁcers By ryan Paice islander reporter

Combined police forces arrested Riverview resident Donald Smith, 27, March 19 on two third-degree felony charges for alleged possession of a controlled substance and fleeing from police during an attempted traffic stop. Smith also was charged with a first-degree misdemeanor for alleged possession of drug paraphernalia and a second-degree misdemeanor for leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash. Two Holmes Beach police officers located a vehicle traveling south on Gulf Drive after it was pinged by the city’s license plate recognition system. The reason for the alert was redacted in the police report. The officers activated sirens and attempted to catch up to the motorist to conduct a traffic stop, but they lost sight around the 1200 block of Gulf and abandoned the pursuit. The Bradenton Beach Police Department later contacted the HBPD to report the vehicle was involved in

a collision with a parked vehicle at Smuggler’s Cove Resort, 1501 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Holmes Beach police responded and contacted BBPD officers, who said the driver exited the vehicle and fled on foot. They also detained a woman who was in the vehicle’s passenger seat and identified Smith as the driver. Police searched the vehicle and found bags containing 5.4 grams of white powder, later identified as cocaine, and 141.2 grams of marijuana, as well as two scales and an open bottle of liquor. An officer also contacted the vehicle’s owners to report the incident and damages. The HBPD contacted the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office for an air unit to support their search for Smith near Avenue B. The MCSO saw a man jump into a canal and hide under a dock. Police located Smith and ordered him to out of the water. He complied and later admitted to owning the

marijuana found in the vehicle. Police arrested Smith and transported him to the Manatee County jail, where he was released March 20 after posting $3,620 bond. If convicted, punishments for a third-degree felony charge include five years in prison, five years of probation and a $5,000 fine. Punishments for a first-degree misdemeanor include up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000, while a charge of second-degree misdemeanor includes up to 60 days in jail, six months of probation and a $500 fine. An arraignment was not scheduled as of March 24, according to the Manatee County Clerk of Court.

Correction

An article in the March 9 issue of The Islander incorrectly stated a pool alarm at 209 S. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, where a 2-year-old nearly drowned, was improperly placed. The alarm was found to be properly installed out of a child’s reach. However, it was nonfunctional, lacking batteries.

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Page 22 THE ISLANDER | islander.org March 30, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

AM’s new regulatory board puts turf company on thin ice By ryan Paice islander reporter

Anna Maria’s newest regulatory board has put a contractor on notice to be on its best behavior. The city’s construction regulation board unanimously voted March 24 on three motions finding Ellenton-based Empire Greens, an artificial turf installation company, in violation of city code for unpermitted or misrepresented work at three properties. Two motions require Empire Greens to obtain permits at triple the cost at two properties where work was done without a permit. The third motion prevents the company from applying for and obtaining work permits from the city if it commits another violation over the next two years — a probation of sorts. The meeting was the LCRB’s first since city commissioners voted to create the board in July 2020 due to difficulties filling board seats. The board consists of four members: Dr. Jose Erbella, David Haddox and Charlie Salem — all members of the city planning and zoning board — and builder Kevin Hutchinson. Erbella was absent with excuse. After being sworn, the board unanimously chose Haddox to serve as chair and Hutchinson as vice chair — the only members interested in the roles. The city presented evidence for three code violations against Empire Greens, including: • Installation of artificial turf without a permit at 234 Gladiolus St.; • Installation of artificial turf without a permit at 212 Spring Ave.; • Misrepresentation of a permit application for 207 Fir Ave. Another violation against Empire Greens, also for installing artificial turf without a permit, was dismissed as the company had come into compliance by the hearing. City planner Chad Minor said city staff found the first violation March 7, when they observed several Empire Greens vehicles parked outside a property where no permit had been issued for artificial turf

Luis Lovera gallegos, owner of empire greens, an artificial turf installation company, speaks March 24 in defense of his company, which was found to have committed three code violations by the aM construction regulation board.

installation. He said code enforcement staff contacted Empire Greens employees at the address about a permit, but received no answers. Minor recommended the CRB require the company to apply for a permit at triple the cost. Luis Lovera Gallegos, owner of Empire Greens, said the property owner told him Sarasota-based Beach Monkey Pools would handle permitting since the artificial turf was installed around the pool. He said his company was starting off, apologized for its actions and asked LCRB members for another opportunity. Minor said the permit granted for work at the property did not cover the artificial turf, which must be approved by the city for adherence to stormwater filtration requirements. LCRB members voted unanimously to approve the staff-recommended motion requiring Empire Greens to apply for a permit at triple the cost. The second violation also was for unpermitted installation of artificial grass, this time at 212 Spring Ave., where Minor said Empire Greens began work and abandoned the site when the city issued a stopwork order. He recommended a similar motion to the one adopted for the first violation, holding the company

responsible for obtaining a permit for the work at triple the normal fee. Gallegos said his company began work but stopped to wait for contractors to complete a survey of the property. He said that now, in possession of the survey, he would apply for a permit by the end of the day. He said he was “persuaded” by the property manager, AMI Locals, to begin the work without a permit despite knowing it was required. The CRB unanimously voted to approve Minor’s recommended action against Empire Greens. The third violation, for misrepresentation of application, was due to Gallegos’ falsified signature on a permit for work at 207 Fir Ave., according to Minor. He said city staff found that Empire Greens’ permit application appeared to be a copy of those submitted by Agnelli Pools and Construction, with lines for a signature and date whited out. Minor added that city staff met with Gallegos to discuss the issue, at which point Gallegos apologized for filing falsified paperwork. Minor recommended preventing Empire Greens from obtaining building permits from the city if it is caught committing another code violation over the next two years. City attorney Becky Vose said the contractor could face criminal penalties for the forged signature. She said the city should not allow Empire Greens to continue evading its permitting process and supported Minor’s suggested action. Gallegos said he provided written authorization for someone to sign for him on the permit and didn’t realize it wasn’t allowed. The CRB unanimously voted to approve the city staff’s recommended action. Salem told Gallegos he should consider such action “generous” and be thankful for the city’s leniency due to his questionably criminal act. The next meeting was not scheduled as of The Islander’s press time March 28. anna Maria city clerk Leanne addy swears in members of the city’s construction regulation board March 24 as it meets for the first time to discuss code violations. islander Photos: ryan Paice

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Manatees on the move

By Lisa Neff

Strange sightings, no foolin’

I took a call from a frantic island official who came across “blobs” on the beach — make that alien-like blobs on the beach, unidentified dead objects scattered along the shore. The call was not on April Fools’ Day. I once took a call from an agitated island resident who saw strange objects falling from the sky — make that silvery alien-like objects, unidentified objects in a summer’s rain. That call was not on April Fools’ Day. neff And one night, driving south across the Sunshine Skyway Bridge at twilight, I saw a strange streak of light heading toward Anna Maria Island. Back on AMI, my wife and my neighbor saw the same light streak that seemed on a trajectory to hit Bean Point. The press inquired and learned the blobs on the beach were sea cucumbers. The objects falling from the sky? They were fish collected in a waterspout that originated over the Gulf of Mexico, blew ashore and diminished over land. And the light streak in the twilight sky? Meteors were raining that night over the Gulf of Mexico, according to the National Weather Service. We can see strange things on AMI, strange but true sightings. At The Islander, we’ve also taken calls and received letters over the years regarding observances of unidentified flying objects — not just falling, flying fish, but swirling saucers and pulsing, twinkling lights. Some sightings coincided with maneuvers from aircraft out of MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, U.S. Coast Guard operations and choppers spraying for mosquitoes. In September 1999, the U.S. Space Command in Colorado responded to reports of a streaking object over Anna Maria Island and said people saw a booster engine on a Russian satellite that fell after running out of fuel, according to Islander archives. But not everything could be explained away, including one islander’s recollection that, as a child, she saw an object ascend from the bay into the sky and another islander’s sighting of an object that rose from

With temperatures heating, manatees are on the move and the state and Save the Manatee Club are reminding boaters to keep a watchful eye for this imperiled species. In the spring, manatees can be found inhabiting the waters beyond their winter sanctuaries. Designated manatee protection zones in Florida can signify areas where manatees have been regularly documented, but the slow-moving mammals can be found in all types of rivers, bays, estuaries and coastal ecosystems. Manatees are more likely to prefer shallow waters —about 3-7 feet deep — and areas with aquatic vegetation, like seagrass beds. Boating slowly in these areas and looking for snouts, backs, tails and flippers can help you spot manatees. Florida residents and visitors should report dead, orphaned, beached, entangled, tagged, harassed or sick manatees to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Con- Manatees are here. Boat with care. islander file servation Commission at 888-404-FWCC. Photo the waters beyond Bean Point. Earlier this month, outforia.com published “Extraterrestrial encounters: The biggest UFO hotspots in the USA” and charted by state UFO sightings on record. Florida, with 7,513 UFO sightings, was second to California, with 15,072 sightings. Some other details: • North Dakota had the lowest number of UFO sightings on record at 264, with South Dakota in second with 355 and Delaware coming in third at 377. • When looking at UFO sightings per 100,000 people, Washington encountered the most, 87.2; Vermont had the second-highest, 86.9; and Montana the third, 86.6. Texas is the state with the lowest number of UFO sightings per 100,000 people, followed by Louisiana and then Georgia. In Florida, there were 34.9 sightings per 100,000 people. In September 2007, for The Islander, I interviewed a man who saw something and sought to give an ID to an unidentified flying object. The amateur astronomer was lying on a deck on the island’s north end, looking at an Aug. 30, 2007, night sky. He thought he observed two meteorites shoot across the sky, from east to west, from the Anna Maria City Pier toward the Gulf of Mexico. But then the oval objects — shaped like vitamin capsules — moved in ways that meteorites don’t move.

Their lights were a soft, yellowish-white. “They slowed down. They didn’t stop but slowed and they did an ‘S’ maneuver. … There were two, side by side. And when they got out of the ‘S’ curve, they took off and were gone over the Gulf,” the observer said. A MacDill spokeswoman told The Islander that no aircraft was in the vicinity of AMI that night, which occurred on a long holiday weekend. Officials with the National Weather Service and regional airports had no answers. And so, the amateur observer was left with having seen a UFO. And we have a mystery, no fooling.

the state with the most ufo sightings on record is california, followed by florida. islander image: courtesy outforia.com

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Key Royale seniors tee up for title

Senior Key royale club champion Bill MacMillan, center, is ﬂanked by secondplace finisher del reese and third-place finisher Larry davis. MacMillan fired a net score of 2-under-par 62 March 16 to edge reese and davis for the title. islander Photo: courtesy Krc

By Kevin P. cassidy islander reporter

Twenty-two senior Key Royale Club senior members played 18 holes of golf March 16 to determine the 2022 men’s senior champion. Bill MacMillan, fired a 2-underpar 62 to edge second-place finisher Blake Ress by one stroke on his way to become the 2022 Senior Club Champion. Larry Davis was alone in third place at even-par 64. Tim Friessen carded a plus-5 to cassidy win the weekly modified-Stableford system match March 21 at the club. John Cassese, Marty Hicks and Ron Vandeman tied for second at plus-3. tim Sofran, left, The women played a nine-hole individual-low-net and tom Skoloda match in three flights March 22. team up for a Pam Lowry fired a 2-under-par 30 to edge secwin in the March ond-place finisher Brenda Solleveld by a stroke to win 23 games, and Flight A. Carol Patterson was in third at 2-over-par on March 26, 34. del reese, right, Connie Livanos carded a 3-under-par 29 to grab teamed up with first place in Flight B. Judy Todd was a stroke back in Bob rowley (not second, while Jan Turner, Marty Clark and Pam Alvord pictured) to win the tied for third with matching even-par 32s. day’s championBillie Jean Pinson’s 3-under-par 29 gave her first ship at the anna place in Flight C, just ahead of Judy Menchek and Maria city hall Terry Westby, who tied for second at 1-under-par 31. horseshoe pits. Laney Davis was alone in third at 1-over-par 33. teams are chosen The week of golf culminated with a March 24 at random on scramble. The team of Brian Comer, Jerry Martinek, the day. islander Tom Solosky and Rich Solzburg combined on a 4-unPhoto: courtesy der-par 28 to earn clubhouse bragging rights for the aMi Pitchers day. Another player who earned some clubhouse cred was Tom Young, who shot an ace on the 115-yard challenge, cruising to a 21-3 victory over Palmer and mups begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by team selection. eighth hole March 19 using a hybrid club. Young was Disbrow and earning bragging rights for the day. There is no charge to play and everyone is welallegedly too shy for a photo. Congratulations Tom! Play begins at 9 a.m. at the Anna Maria pits. War- come. In the pits in Anna Maria, the March 23 horseshoe games saw two teams post 3-0 records in pool play to battle for the day’s supremacy in the finals. The team of Tim Sofran and Tom Skoloda cruised to victory with a 23-12 victory over Rod Bussey and Bob Baker. Three teams posted 3-0 pool play records during March 26 horseshoe action. The team of Bob Palmer and Jerry Disbrow drew the lucky bye into the finals and watched as Del Reese and Bob Rowley rolled over Tom Farrington and Karl Thomas by a 21-1 score. Reese and Rowley stayed hot in the championship

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Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

Mar 30 Mar 31 Apr 1 Apr 2 Apr 3 Apr 4 Apr 5 Apr 6

12:24p 12:06a 12:52a 1:35a 2:18a 3:04a 3:59a 5:22a

HIGH

1.6 — 2.0 12:34p 1.9 12:46p 1.7 1:01p 1.6 1:19p 1.4 1:42p 1.3 2:09p 1.1 2:40p

HIGH

— 1.8 1.9 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.3 2.3

LOW

5:51a -0.1 5:46p 6:17a 0.1 6:28p 6:39a 0.4 7:07p 6:57a 0.6 7:45p 7:13a 0.7 8:25p 7:27a 0.9 9:09p 7:36a 1.0 9:59p 7:31a 1.0 10:58p

LOW

Moon

0.5 0.2 0.1 New -0.1 -0.2 -0.2 -0.2 -0.1

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

March 30, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 25 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Chilly weather interrupts fishing, but action soon reheats By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

Fishing inshore on the lush grass flats surrounding Anna Maria Island is proving to be good for yet another week. Small interruptions of mild cold fronts are causing some off days — usually the day after a front — but consistent fishing is recurring quickly. Targeting snook throughout our Stasny waters, both north and south, is as good as it gets. Respectable numbers of under-slot fish can be found along mangrove shorelines, which shows good promise for future populations of fish. Slot-size snook — 28-33 inches — are around for a catch, although they shadow in comparison to the vast numbers of smaller snook. And, speaking of vast numbers of fish, spotted seatrout are definitely making their presence known. Deeper grass flats, where good tidal flow exists, are holding encouraging numbers of the popular bucktoothed species. Sizes vary depending on the school. Many under-sized and slot-sized trout—15-19 inches — are available. Larger fish are being caught frequently, but we’re encouraged to release the big breeder trout so we have ample numbers in the future. Don’t forget about redfish. Although the reds are more elusive than snook and trout, they are being caught. Plus their elusiveness makes the catch that much more rewarding. Most fish being caught are upper-slot size and over-slot size. The fish, ranging 24 to 34 inches, put up a fierce battle. Remember to handle the over-slot fish with care and revive them before release. Moving offshore, the anticipation of the arrival of kingfish is heavy in the air. With windy days and rough seas, getting a true report on kings is tough but the conditions seem right. Capt. Jason Stock is finding some well offshore, although the true numbers of fish have yet to arrive. We should see this bite in the very near future. Get your wire rigs ready to go and pray for some light wind and calm seas. On my Just Reel charters I am having great luck fishing the flats of Tampa Bay. Targeting snook is most pleasurable, as I’m seeing an abundance of fish. Most are 20-26 inches, although some days I’m seeing some slot-size fish. While targeting snook, I’m running into redfish action, which is always welcome. Most reds being caught are 25-35 inches. Lastly, spotted seatrout are rounding out the bite. The spotties are voraciously taking baits as fast as we can bait the hook on some of the flats. Many catches are in the slot, while a few over-slot trout are taking the bait and putting up a fight. Capt. Warren Girle says he’s finding good action on spotted seatrout while fishing the deeper grass flats of Sarasota Bay and live shiners as bait are working well. Many trout being caught are in the slot of 15-19 inches, with some over-slot fish in the mix. When the trout bite diminishes, Girle is migrating to the shallower flats along the perimeters of Sarasota Bay. In these tranquil shallow waters, Girle is putting clients on a plethora of snook. Casting shiners around mangrove shorelines works best when targeting snook. Lastly, redfish are in Girle’s crosshairs. Targeting schooling reds is a specialty for Girle and he’s finding

Chris Meisner of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, with sons Cody and Jackson, shows off a 33-inch snook he caught and released March 21 while on a charter fishing trip with Capt. Danny Stasny of Just Reel Fishing Charters.

them now. These fish are in a cooperative mood, readily taking offerings of live shiners as bait. When fishing a school of redfish, it is possible to boat many reds in a short amount of time, which is always a crowdpleaser for Girle and his clients. Capt. David White is spending his days targeting snook throughout the grass flats of Tampa Bay south to Sarasota Bay and the waters between. Free-lining live shiners is resulting in numerous fish measuring 20-26 inches. These fish, making up the majority of the bite, are sometimes being interrupted by slot-size snook in the 28- to 33-inch range. And for lucky anglers, some fish exceeding 33 inches are being caught. While targeting snook, White is attracting redfish to the party. The reds are taking shiners and most are being found around mangrove shorelines. Fishing over structure with live shiners in Tampa Bay also is yielding Spanish mackerel for White. Wrecks and reefs are prime areas to find the migratory favorites. White says he’s excited to see the arrival of the macks as it adds variety to a day of fishing. And, congrats to White on the birth of a new baby girl — and baby makes three!

Capt. Jason Stock says the permit catch is remaining steady for another week. Fishing offshore reefs, wrecks and other structures is yielding catches on these elusive fish, with some weighing in at 15-20 pounds and there’s bigger fish, too. Free-lining live crabs as bait is luring the large permit to bite. Another species being caught near the surface is kingfish. Free-lining large shiners or slow-trolling the larger baits are working well, according to Stock. Both methods are yielding kings up to 30 pounds. Lastly, bottom fishing with shiners is resulting in some large mangrove snapper for the coolers, as well as catch-and-release gag grouper for Stock’s clients. Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says he’s seeing numerous under-slot snook being caught and released, some reaching 27 inches which, is just an inch shy of a keeper. To target snook, pier fishers are using a variety of baits, ranging from live shrimp to shiners and pinfish. Those using live shrimp are hooking into snook and also redfish and sheepshead. Spanish mackerel are frequenting the pier when the bait schools are present. Anglers using silver spoons or small jigs are cashing in on this bite. Send photos and reports to fish@islander.org. Chuck Sobieck of Longboat Key, Don Brooks from Michigan, Jules Sobieck visiting from Kentucky and Tom Willard of Bradenton got lucky while fishing nearshore on St. Patrick’s Day. The group, Guided by Capt. Warren Girl, used shiners as bait to entice numerous mackerel to the hook.

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isl

tahini Beach cafe owner emad al-Masri, right, daughter Jasmine al-Masri, and wife Betsy hilles hughes, partners in the business, stand March 22 in front of one of Jasmine’s paintings in the Bradenton Beach eatery. islander Photo: Kane Kaiman

biz

By Kane Kaiman

Falafel, jack-of all trades, ﬁtness expertise

Hummus among us Tahini Beach Cafe, a mom-and-pop-and-daughter eatery in Bradenton Beach, opened March 5. “We are the restaurant. This isn’t a chain. This isn’t generic,” mom Betsy Hilles Hughes said March 22. “We pour our heart and our love and our soul and our spirit into what we do and it is who we are.” Hughes manages the front of the Kaiman house while husband Emad Al-Masri, a chef with 30 years experience, prepares the Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. Daughter Jasmine Al-Masri, the eatery’s creative director, focuses on social media strategies. Her colorful paintings line the restaurant’s walls. The quiet, cozy restaurant with a beach view, 103 Gulf Drive N., serves breakfast and lunch all day and also offers takeout. Top-selling items include shakshuka, eggs your way in a sauce of tomatoes, onion and garlic; French toast stuffed with raspberry cream cheese; falafel and shawarma sandwiches, thinly-sliced marinated beef or chicken wrapped in pita bread. “People are excited to experience something different on the island, I think,” Jasmine said. “They’re excited about healthy Mediterranean food and a lot of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.” The trio purchased the restaurant — formerly the French Table — from Marieke and Christophe Celis

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March 30, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 27 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Bradenton Beach artist, designer wows beachgoers with geometric sand art By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Sand art by Wille Klapheke, who has made more than 300 sand mandala designs in Bradenton Beach since the start of 2020.

He makes sandalas by the Gulf shore. Artist Wille Klapheke, originally from Kentucky, moved to Bradenton Beach about four years ago and has produced more than 300 hand-carved sand mandalas or, as he likes to phrase it, “sandalas,” since the start of 2020. According to the artist, about 90% of his sandalas are built on the shore in Bradenton Beach between the Beach House Restaurant, 200 Gulf Drive N., and the Moose Lodge No. 2188, 110 Gulf Drive S. To complete a sculpture takes about an hour. Klapheke begins by relaxing near the water’s edge, contemplating the design he will build. He describes the process as meditative. “I try to do them close to the tide line, both for detail but also (as) a symbol that everything is going to end, so seize the day. Tomorrow might not be here, just like high tide is going to come and take it all away,” he said March 23. He hopes his artwork will inspire people to con-

sider life’s impermanence and the importance of taking the time to find beauty. “We all live really busy lives and we forget to stop once in a while and just slow it down. That’s when everything becomes clearer,” Klapheke said. When asked about reactions to his sculptures, Klapheke said: “It does make me smile when people walk by and they smile. I have had people email me He’s coached several high school football, bas- and say, ‘That was one of the highlights of our trip.’” ketball and softball players who went on to compete in college, including two who competed at the NCAA Division 1-AA level. Ron Willard, Parker’s clients need only bring water to training owner of Archisessions, which can be conducted anywhere — at a medes Handyresidence, his home gym, the beach or a nearby athletic man Services, field. right, stands with Parker — who hauls a mobile weight room to partners Ron Wilevery appointment — is insured and CPR-certified. lard Sr., his father, For more information, call 941-730-9199 or visit and Bailey March the Athlete City Facebook page and @athcitysports on 25 at a residence Instagram. in Palmetto. And as always… Islander Courtesy …Got biz news? Contact Kane Kaiman at kane@ Photo islander.org or call The Islander office at 941-7787978.

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Klapheke showcases other art in the Monarch Art Gallery in Bradenton’s Village of the Arts and in Holmes Beach’s Island Mail and More store. He also heads his art company, KLA Peak Designs, and works in design, sales and installation for Island Kitchens and Bath. “Any way I can make someone smile or make something better in others’ lives … I’m all about that,” Klapheke said.

A selfie by Wille Klapheke, a Bradenton Beach resident, artist and businessperson. Islander Courtesy Photos

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Page 28 THE ISLANDER | islander.org March 30, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

HELP WANTED Continued

White WicKer deSK and chair. harvey Link Lexington, glass-top. island-style. $300. 708567-2120.

riMi StudioS: handMade pottery, photos and photography classes! call 908-689-2021.

a PoSitiVe iMage hair salon is hiring! two hairstylists for booth rentals. great working conditions! Warm and welcoming atmosphere for you and your clients! call Margie, 941-962-2119. 7010 cortez road West.

GARAGE SALES

couPon: SaVe $5 on the only patented sandless beach blanket. Bring this coupon to the Beach hut across from ginny’s and Jane e’s cafe on gulf drive, anna Maria. call 855-686-Sand or go to https://sandlessblanket.com for home delivery.

eState SaLe: 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. friday, april 1. two family sale. 502 Bayview drive, holmes Beach. SideWaLK SaLe! Saturday, april 2. outside 8 a.m.-1 a.m. inside, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Blessed & distressed Vintage and local art. unique finds, furniture, decor, local art, jewelry, clothing, coastal, mid-mod and more! SW corner of Palma Sola Square (Winn dixie) Plaza, 59th Street W. and Manatee avenue W., Bradenton.

neW, tWin MattreSS, $100, cruiser bike, helmet, seven gears, $75, chandelier, brown metal, bulbs included, $20. 941-920-2494. free Pfaff hoBBYLocK 788 Serger. needs a tune up. call 813-503-9364 for more details.

PETS heLP reScued PetS! Volunteer, foster, computer help needed! Moonracer animal rescue. email: moonraceranimalrescue@gmail.com.

antiQue BaBY carriage: Wood and wicker. Proceeds benefit Moonracer animal rescue. email for photos: moonraceranimalrescue@ gmail.com.

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AdoptA-Pet

2009 VeSPa Lx50 scooter: Low miles, runs great, asking $1,500. 609-828-9798. 2019 cuStoM StareV cart. 48 volts with new batteries. Six passenger, rear ﬂip seat, back up camera, high/low gear, great condition, low hours. Street-legal with title and mechanically maintained. $12,000 or best offer. contact Vincent at 941-527-2387. bmyand85@outlook.com. chrYSLer SeBring Sedan: 2008, silver, runs well. $4,000. 941-345-2441. text for information.

Bobby is a male lab/dobie mix, 8-9 months old, about 50-pounds and needs a caring family. To meet this cutie, call Lisa Williams at 941-345-2441 or visit The Islander ofﬁce in Holmes Beach. For more about pet adoption, visit moonraceranimalrescue.com.

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

KIDS FOR HIRE dePendaBLe, reSPonSiBLe, fun babysitter for hire. 13 years old, island local. available in June. 941-526-9090. KidS for hire ads are free for up to three weeks for island youths under 16 looking for work. ads must be placed in person at the islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, holmes Beach.

HEALTH CARE exPerience cna for hire! 1. Skilled. 2. respite. 3. Long-term 4. home health. i have 22 years in the medical field, i love what i do, serving the elderly. contact information: 941-580-4440. tee0123@yahoo.com.

BOATS & BOATING SERVICES

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

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

ocean KaYaK MaLiBu two xl, 13-foot, 4-inch length, three seat backs, two paddles, $175 cash. 612-790-0960, holmes Beach.

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

HELP WANTED

Bobby needs YOU!

Part-tiMe caShier needed to join our dynamic team. Schedule: Saturday and Sunday. no nights. apply in person. home true Value hardware. 5324 Marina drive, holmes Beach.

noW hiring, aLL technical positions. come by for an interview or submit your resume. West coast air conditioning & heating, inc. 5347 gulf drive, holmes Beach. 941-778-9622. westcoastac1@yahoo.com. diVe ShoP retaiL store hiring a full-time employee who already loves diving or is excited to learn about the dive industry. ami@ﬂoridaunderwatersports.com. 941-200-0660.

cLeaning: Vacation, conStruction, residential, commercial and windows. Licensed and insured. 941-744-7983. PreSSure WaShing, PaVer sealing, driveway, roof, fence, pool area. also, window cleaning. Licensed and insured. 941-565-3931. BicYcLe rePairS: Just4fun at 5358 gulf drive can do most any bicycle repair at a reasonable cost. Pick-up and delivery available. 941-8967884. More adS = more readers in the islander.