The Islander Newspaper E-Edition Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

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NO. 13

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astheworldterns. 6 grand jury indicts 4 for murder. 3

RoadWatch.

Sailboat extracted from cortez Bridge

HB closes doors to curb virus’ spread. 4

Meetings. 4 Shipwreck cleanup continues. 5

Opinions. 6 10-20 Years ago

Looking back. 7

nfL scout works from ami. 8

Save a date. 10

aBoVe: Pelicans circle Jan. 12 as workers contracted by the florida fish and Wildlife conservation commission remove a vessel that had broken its anchor and was lodged under the cortez Bridge in november 2020 following the passage of tropical Storm eta in the gulf of mexico. the state reported that there was no damage to the bridge. islander Photo: chrisann allen

Happenings announcements. 11

testing on calendar. 12 center rings in new year with fundraising surge. 13

Q&a 012021

Left: the mast of a submerged sailboat is lodged under the cortez Bridge near the Bradenton Beach side of the bridge since nov. 11, 2020, after the boat broke anchor during high winds and choppy surf produced by tS eta nov. 11-12. islander file Photo

Where’s tuna Street? 16-17

Gathering. 18

Obituaries. 18-19 Streetlife. 20

island police ‘honored,’ called to serve covid cases fall off, at Biden-Harris inauguration vaccine drained By ryan Paice islander reporter

After the insurrection at the Capitol Building Jan. 6, tensions surrounding Joe Biden’s presidential inauguration are high. county seeks $$ to So is the need for tight and skilled secuimprove boat ramp. 22 rity on Inauguration Day, which is Jan. 20. Law enforcement in Washington, D.C., will have a handful of Anna Maria Island’s manatee casualties con- finest to help. Six island officers were headed to the tinue. 23 nation’s capital this week to help the U.S. adult sports kick off. 24 Secret Service, the federal coordinator for security at the inauguration. Pompano rewards. 25 Officers Roy Joslin and Devon Straight are the Bradenton Beach Police Departisland bank 4 sale. 26 ment’s choices to attend, according to BBPD Chief Sam Speciale. CLASSIFIEDS. 28 Sgt. Mike Walker and Officers Christine PropertyWatch. 30 LaBranche, Lee Diehl and Adam DeSantis from the Holmes Beach Police Department BIZ CAL: also are to attend the inauguration, according to HBPD Chief Bill Tokajer. Tokajer told The Islander Jan. 13 that he puzzle. HB approves arts-crafts shows. 21

NYT

is excited for his officers to participate. “It is an honor,” Tokajer said. “It’s pretty much a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the officers. …Just being able to participate in something like an inauguration is an honor.” “The fact that we can help out from our small little part of the world is something we’re very happy with,” he added. “It’s definitely an honor,” Joslin said about being selected as one of BBPD’s attending officers. “I was very surprised and excited when I was asked. And it’s definitely a privilege.” However, Joslin expressed “mixed feelings” about serving as security amid the political turmoil that led to the insurrection Jan. 6 and the loss of life, including the deaths of two U.S. Capitol Police. “Obviously, I’m happy to be there but, then again, I don’t want something major to go down,” Joslin said. “If something happens to me and Officer Straight … with only

turn to POlice, Page 2

By chrisann allen islander reporter

The local numbers dropped in the past week. But not by much. Meanwhile, tens of thousands of seniors awaited notice of vaccine appointments in Manatee County and apparently the supply of vaccine doses has been drained. Between Jan. 8-15, 1,430 new cases of the novel coronavirus were reported to the Department of Health-Manatee County, a decrease from the week prior, when 1,586 new cases of the novel coronavirus were documented. As of Jan. 15, 146 people in Holmes Beach, 61 people in Bradenton Beach and 43 people in Anna Maria had tested positive for the virus — an increase of nine cases for islanders compared with the week prior. According to metrics provided by the DOH, as of Jan. 15, 25,743 people had tested positive for the virus in the county, with 454 turn to vaccine, Page 2

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Vaccine continued from page 1

4 years ago

fatalities and 1,168 hospitalizations. Of those testing positive, 463 were nonresidents, compared with 427 the week prior. Meanwhile, the effort to vaccinate those 65 and older continued, but not without criticism about the pace and process. Within the county, 13,919 people — mostly health care workers — were treated with the Moderna vaccine as of Jan. 15. This leaves an unknown number of people awaiting a second, required dose and more than 80,000 seniors waiting on a first dose of vaccine. People can join the county’s standby pool by registering online at vax.mymanatee.org or by calling the county’s 311 call center for assistance. The call center operates 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Edwin Michael, professor of epidemiology in the University of South Florida College of Public Health, has garnered statewide forecasts of the impact of vaccine rollouts. Michael’s model shows that if there’s a 10% statewide increase in the number of individuals who wear face masks and reduce social activity, there would be 67,000 daily cases Feb. 13. However, if individuals take fewer precautions, statewide there could be 172,500 daily cases by Feb. 14. Model projections show that a slow rollout of the vaccine would lead to a peak of 113,500 daily cases in Florida by Feb. 18 if social distancing measures remain the same, according to the report. Pandemic precautions, including face masks and social distancing, are believed to prevent 40%-45%

Bradenton Beach officers — Detective Sgt. Lenard Diaz and Officer John Tsakiri — are sworn Jan. 19, 2017, as federal marshals to serve in Washington, D.C., for the inaugural parade. The officers were stationed Jan. 20, 2017, on the parade route at Pennsylvania Avenue near the Presidential Reviewing Stand. With thousands of officers from around the country, Holmes Beach police Officers Tom Fraser and Mike Walker, Sgt. Vern McGowin and Officer Joel Pierce are deputized Jan. 19, 2017, by the U.S. Marshall’s Service, before serving at the Jan. 20, 2017, inaugural parade for Donald Trump. Islander File Photos Police continued from page 1

10 full-time officers in Bradenton Beach, if two of us go down, that’s not going to look too good — but I don’t think that’ll ever happen. Hopefully.” Joslin said he and Straight would leave for the capital Jan. 18 and, later that day, be sworn into service for the inauguration. He said they would learn Jan. 19 more about their roles and where they would be stationed for the inauguration. “It’s going to be more detailed when we get there,” Joslin said. “But I believe we’re going to have to be out there by around 3 a.m. …And I think it gets over with somewhere close to midnight.” “It’ll be very busy, with no sleep,” he continued. “But I’m just happy to go up there and be used as whatever I need to be used as to make sure everything’s secure.” Tokajer said plans for the officers to attend were

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in the works for 6-8 months and the violence Jan. 6 didn’t change any minds about going. “This is a time when they need more officers who are well-trained and know the right thing to do,” Tokajer said. “It would be wrong of us — when we know that they need more people than they presently have

— to say ‘no.’” “The event that happened this last week, although horrific, does not sway us from us going and assisting another law enforcement agency and making sure everything is safe,” he continued. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office substation in Anna Maria did not respond to calls Jan. 14 and Jan. 15 from The Islander.

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Vaccine continued from Page 2

community transmission, the USF report stated. “If the size of the coming wave is not reduced by ramping up social mitigation measures, then it will lead to requirements for hospitalizations that will overwhelm the current capacity of the Tampa Bay hospital system,” Michael said in a news release. On the island, Anna Maria and Holmes Beach mandate that people more than 6-years-old wear a face covering in public when closer than 6 feet to a person unrelated or from another household. Bradenton Beach does not have such a mandate, requesting that people wear masks in businesses that request the measure.

Grand jury indicts former islander, others with murder By ryan Paice islander reporter

Charges are ramping up against four men, including a former Anna Maria Island resident, in connection with the death of a Bradenton man. A grand jury Jan. 14 indicted Amado Zeppi, 21, James Brewer, 20, Michael Hepner, 22, and Coty Paulk, 22, with first-degree murder in connection with Mohammed Hamed’s death at the Green Galaxy Smoke Shop, 3212 First St. W., Bradenton, Zeppi in September 2019. Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Survey asks: detectives originally requested each suspect be charged with secondShot in the arm, or not? degree murder. Tampa Bay researchers released the first national Zeppi, a former Bradenton Beach survey of attitudes about vaccines for the novel coroBrewer resident, and the others allegedly were navirus. attempting to rob the smoke shop Some findings from the University of South Florwhen — based on store surveillance video — Zeppi ida’s school of public affairs include: struck Hamed with a bayonet attached to his semiau• A third of respondents said they “will definitely get vaccinated” in the coming months. • About 59% said they will either “definitely” or indicated they are likely to get vaccinated. • Only 21% of Americans have talked to their pri“probably get vaccinated.” • About 23% said they will “probably not” or “defi- mary care doctor about whether a COVID-19 vaccine is appropriate. nitely not get vaccinated.” • The most commonly cited sources of informa• More than a quarter of respondents said they are tion that respondents have used to learn about the either “not very confident” or “not at all confident” that the recently approved vaccines are effective in COVID-19 vaccine include television news at 57%, friends, family and coworkers at 40% and social media preventing the spread of the virus. • About 71% said they are at least “somewhat at 32%. • Two-thirds of respondents said they will “someconcerned” about the potential side effects of the what support” or “strongly support” a nationwide mask COVID-19 vaccines. • Male respondents were more likely than female mandate, including penalties for non-compliance. • About 51% indicated they will support “a national respondents to indicate they will get vaccinated. shutdown of nonessential businesses to slow the spread • About 76% of those 65 and older said they “probof the virus.” ably” or “definitely” will get the vaccine. The survey was conducted Jan. 9-12 with a margin • Vaccination plans were lowest among middleaged respondents, as 48% of those between 45 and 54 of error at plus or minus 3%.

tomatic rifle. The rifle discharged, killing the clerk. Brewer allegedly had entered the shop to distract Hamed. Zeppi and Paulk then entered with their weapHepner ons drawn, and Hepner acted as the getaway driver, according to MCSO incident reports. Zeppi was arrested at a Longboat Key restaurant where he worked. His arrest was followed by the arrests of Brewer, Hepner and Paulk. Paulk Paulk had remained unidentified and at-large for several months, until the MCSO pegged him as the fourth and final suspect. He was taken into custody in May 2020. If convicted of first-degree murder, the men could face the death penalty. A case management hearing will be held Jan. 28 at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

RoadWatch eyes on the road

The Florida Department of Transportation and Manatee County posted the following: • Cortez Road and 119th Street West in Cortez: Work to realign the intersection of 119th Street West at Cortez Road/State Road 684 continues. Phase 2, which will continue into February, involves a new traffic pattern and shifting construction near the village. For the latest road watch information, go online to fl511.com and swflroads.com or dial 511. And, a reminder, a fare-free trolley operates daily on Anna Maria Island. — Lisa neff

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HB City Hall closes again due to pandemic concerns By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Better to be safe than sorry. Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth told The Islander Jan. 14 that city staff decided Jan. 6 to close city hall in response to the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Florida. The city first closed its doors in early 2020 to curb the spread of the coronavirus between staff and members of the public, but reopened in the fall, when the number of new statewide COVID-19 cases hovered around 5,000 per day in the state. “When everyone else started opening, we opened again,” Titsworth said. “Even though we didn’t feel ready, we just felt we had to, so we took on extra precautions.” However, the number of new cases spiked after the winter holidays. Other than Jan. 1, when Florida did not process any COVID-19 tests, the state has recorded more than 10,000 new cases every day since the new year — including a single-day record-high 31,518 new cases Jan. 2. Titsworth said city staffers, who meet Wednesdays, discussed the issue Jan. 6. She said building department staff, who had previously argued to keep city hall open, saw the spiking case numbers and reversed course. “We’re so small. If we lose any one department, we could be shut down for weeks, the mayor said. “Once the numbers kept going up and the new variant came around, they decided ‘OK, we’ll change our minds,’” she continued. For now, city hall will be locked. Members of the public must make appointments to enter city hall or call a number posted on the front door for assistance. “If they really need us for immediate assistance, we’ll meet them at the door right away,” Titsworth said. Once inside, city staff will check visitors’ temperatures with a noncontact infrared thermometer, since a feverish temperature is often one of the symptoms of COVID-19. The door to Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., was propped open Jan. 15 as construction work was completed inside. However, public access to city hall has been on an appointment-only basis for months to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Signs posted Jan. 6 outside Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, inform people the building is only accessible to the public via appointment. The city reopened the building to the public a couple of months ago, but decided to close again due to the rising number of confirmed COVID19 cases. Islander Photos: Ryan Paice

People are required to wear face masks and social social distancing required — would continue without distance within city hall. changes. Titsworth said she hadn’t received any negative feedback regarding the closure. “I haven’t heard of anyone that’s upset,” Titsworth said. “I think everyone pretty much now underNew relief money offered stands. …I definitely feel the staff is safer.” Another round of financial assistance is on the In the meantime, nothing has changed in the way. island’s other two cities. The federal Small Business Administration’s Both Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach closed Paycheck Protection Program reopened Jan. 13 the doors of their city halls last year and have yet to for another round of loans and opportunities for reopen them to the general public. new borrowers. For now, people must make appointments to enter This round of PPP loans is available to some either building and city staffs check temperatures businesses previously ineligible for funding, before admitting visitors. including 501(c)(6) housing cooperatives and Also, people must wear face masks and social direct-marketing organizations. distance in both city halls. The loans also can be used to cover some Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy wrote in a Jan. expenses previously uncovered by the program, 15 email to The Islander that the city-sponsored including property damage costs, supplier costs events at City Pier Park — the Farmers Market and and worker protection. Movies in the Park on Tuesdays with face masks and For more information, visit www.sba.gov. — Ryan Paice

Meetings

Anna Maria City 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org. Jan. 25, 2 p.m., planning and zoning. Jan. 26, 10 a.m., historic preservation. Manatee County Jan. 28, 9 a.m., special magistrate. Jan. 26, 9 a.m., commission. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben 708-6130, cityofannamaria.com. Blvd., Palmetto, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org. Bradenton Beach Of interest Jan. 21, noon, commission. Jan. 20, 2:30 p.m., Island Transportation PlanJan. 27, 9:15 a.m., commission. ning Organization, Bradenton Beach City Hall. Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Jan. 25, 9:30 a.m., Sarasota/Manatee Metropoli941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com. tan Planning Organization, Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto. Holmes Beach Feb. 1, 9 a.m., Manatee County Tourist DevelopJan. 21, 10 a.m., code. ment Council, Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Jan. 26, 6 p.m., city commission. Haben Blvd., Palmetto. Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, — Lisa Neff

Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks Jan. 7 with Dr. Jennifer Bencie, DOH-Manatee health officer, who has provided the public with information on COVID-19 since the first case in the county in March 2020. Islander Courtesy Photo

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cleanup in Gulf continues for wrecked shrimp trawler By ryan Paice islander reporter

The beaches are clean, but the hull of a shrimp trawler that wrecked two miles off Anna Maria Island remains on the seabed. The crew of the Warrior, owned by the Tampabased Versaggi Shrimp Corp., required rescue from the U.S. Coast Guard the night of Jan. 8 after the vessel began flooding. Nobody was hurt, but flotsam from the broken-up vessel was littered across island beaches. With help from Manatee County, public works crews from the island municipalities removed much of the washed up debris Jan. 9. Arthur “Art” Whiting from Tampa-based Harden Marine Associates, Versaggi’s insurance adjuster, told The Islander Jan. 14 that the cleanup wasn’t finished. A portion of the hull — including up to three gas tanks capable of holding thousands of gallons of diesel — remained intact in 14 feet of water. Whiting hired Tarpon Springs-based Florida Dredge and Dock and Palmetto-based DiveCom Marine to inspect the wreckage, remove the gas tanks and salvage any remaining valuable parts from the hull. DiveCom divers began inspecting the hull Jan. 14 in an effort to locate the fuel tanks and prepare for their removal, according to Whiting. “If the tanks aren’t in there, then we’ve got another

a photo extracted from a night-vision video shows a u.S. coast guard crew out of cortez responding Jan. 8 to the sinking Warrior, a shrimp trawler out of tampa. islander Photo: courtesy u.S. coast guardStation cortez

situation, but we believe the remaining tankage is still in the hull,” Whiting said. “So, they will remove parts of the hull to get at those and get them out. …From a pollution standpoint, that would take care of just about everything.” Whiting said a pollution containment boom — a floating dam designed to contain oil spills to a small area — was placed in the water above the wreckage

Reef cleanup part of Super Bowl green campaign

The local buildup to the big game this year is a cleanup. Some 55 volunteer divers plan to participate in a cleanup Jan. 25, one of the giving back initiatives tied to Super Bowl LV in Tampa. The Dive55 campaign under the Pepsi Stronger Together platform involves the nonprofit Force Blue. Force Blue Special Operations veterans and divers representing other organizations will remove marine debris and abandoned fishing gear from Spanish Rocks Reef, which provides habitat for sponges, soft corals and a variety of reef fish, according to a news release. The reef is about 500 feet offshore of Bradenton Beach. “Force Blue is proud to be able to work with the NFL, Tampa Bay Super Bowl LV Host Committee and Pepsi leading up to Super Bowl LV to bring attention to, and take action for, one of the biggest problems our oceans face today — the rapidly declining health of our coral reefs and coastal habitats,” Jim Ritterhoff, Force Blue executive director and cofounder, said in the news release. The cleanup is part of NFL Green, the league’s effort to leave a positive, “green” legacy in the communities that host the Super Bowl. The big game will be Sunday, Feb. 7, at Raymond Looking north Jan. 9 from about fourth Street South James Stadium in Tampa, with kickoff at 6:30 p.m. and in Bradenton Beach, flotsam from the trawler lines the television audience watching on CBS. the shoreline. islander Photo: tjet martin

#AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether

as a precaution for any gas that leaks. However, he said weather could be a factor in completing the job, since inclement conditions could complicate the tank removal and render the boom ineffective. “So far, we’ve had excellent cooperation with our contractors,” Whiting said. “Everything’s gone smoothly.”

the divers are set for a Jan. 25 rendezvous at the manatee Public Beach, 4000 gulf drive, Holmes Beach, where beach walkers are welcome, according to the website.

For more information about Pepsi Stronger Together, go online to pepsistrongertogether.com/ gamedays. For more information about the Super Bowl, go online to tampabaylv.com and www.nfl.com/superbowl.

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Opinion

Our

The great outdoors

Aaaaah. Cool, clean air to breathe. We finally have a pinch of “cool” weather. This is the best AC we’ve had in a few years. And we need winter to spur Mother Nature into spring. It’s a little solace for those of us who may be feeling cramped or confined at home in order to stay safe — and keep others safe — from the COVID-19 infections known to be in the island communities. By now, in terms of the length of the pandemic and the multiple crises of illness and death, we all have experienced losses among our friends and family. The deadly virus creeps ever closer and, regrettably, the vaccine is not within our immediate reach. Today I watched a short YouTube video from the Washington Post. It’s chilling. It’s a must-see. We thank them for sharing their insight. “Inside the U.S. Capitol” begins with Donald Trump telling his followers at his Jan. 6 rally, “We’re going to the Capitol … to take back our country.” I hope you watch this video of the siege at the Capitol playing out, minute-by-minute, showing the immediate threat to our lawmakers. Showing the fear. Living through the threats of screaming rioters in the halls. Gunfire. Staff hiding under tables, whispering. A mob estimated at 300 was quickly inside. Legislators cowered on the floor. And then, thankfully, made their way to safety. The voice of U.S. Sen. Mike Lee of Utah can be heard remarking that Senate parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough was standing next to him during the evacuation, carrying the boxes containing the electoral votes that had been cast. You can hear a chilling call from the police channel to the DC-area for all military and sworn police to respond to a breach of the Capitol. U.S. Rep. Daniel Kildee of Michigan recounts in the video his thoughts as he called his wife, “You know, when the plane’s going down or the building’s on fire, is this that call?” I hope you watch and listen. Live the moments of insurrection, be thankful the electoral votes were cast and remember this in the coming months, as spring warms us and Congress deals with the outfall. This week, our local police chiefs and the sheriff are sending officers to the U.S. capital to aid law enforcement and provide security at the inauguration. We wish them a safe trip and a swift return. We must get past the insurrection — and the inauguration — to look forward to the future. And keep faith — there will be vaccines for all. — Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

JAN. 20, 2021 • Vol. 29, No. 13 ▼ ▼

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Publisher and Co-editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org Editorial editor Lisa neff, lisa@islander.org chrisann allen, chrisann@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Kevin cassidy, kevin@islander.org Jack elka, jack@jackelka.com amy V.t. moriarty, amym@islander.org ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org Contributors Johann Bertram Karen riley-Love capt. danny Stasny, fish@islander.org 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. ©1992-2021 • Editorial, sales and production ofﬁces: 3218 e. Bay drive, Holmes Beach fL 34217 WeBSite: islander.org text or call: 941-778-7978

Opinion

Your

Go speed boater

I wish to join the folks who get much enjoyment from the super boats that come to the Tampa Bay area twice a year and to other racing events. I never miss a chance to boat out and watch and hear them go by, with some having over 1,000-horsepower. Many folks watch from their homes. It is reported by a local paper that the Sarasota Power Boat Grand Prix events in July bring more than $29.6 million to the area. And it was great to get a call that one was gassing up at a Holmes Beach bait shop and a few had pulled into the docks in Holmes Beach for lunch. The driver of a 42-foot super boat relayed that driving at 100 mph from Coral Cables took a little gas — 300 gallons. Let’s encourage these million dollar boats to stop by and enjoy our hospitality. They are always looking for a good marina and restaurant for their poker run events. Doug Terry, Holmes Beach

cooking in Holmes Beach

I am writing to share my appreciation for Sam Abbo of Sammy’s Mediterranean Kitchen for bringing authentic Middle Eastern food to Holmes Beach. I am a second-generation Lebanese-American who grew up on Lebanese cuisine. My only choice before the restaurant’s opening was to travel at least an hour to find anything close to the real thing — unless, of course, if I prepared it myself. Abbo is preparing some of the finest dishes, which rival those prepared by my mother, grandmother and aunts — rare company. CJ Coury, Holmes Beach

Government connections

Anna Maria: Mayor Dan Murphy; 941-708-6130; 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria FL 34216; cityofannamaria.com; ammayor@cityofannamaria.com. Bradenton Beach: Mayor John Chappie; 941778-1005; 107 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach FL 34217; 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.org; mayor@cityofbradentonbeach.com. Holmes Beach: Mayor Judy Titsworth; 941-7085800; 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach FL 34217; holmesbeachfl.org; hbmayor@holmesbeachfl.org. Governor: Gov. Ron DeSantis, 850-717-9337; 400 S. Monroe St., Tallahassee FL 32399-0001; flgov. com. Florida Senate: Sen. Jim Boyd; 941-742-6445; Suite 100, 717 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton; flsenate. gov. Florida House: State Rep. William Cloud “Will” Robinson, District 71; 941-708-4968; Suite 100, 717 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton; myfloridahouse.gov. U.S. House: U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, District 16; 941-747-9081; Suite 305, 1051 Manatee Ave, W., Bradenton FL 34205; buchanan.house.gov. U.S. Senate: U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, 202-2243041; 284 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510; rubio.senate.gov. U.S. Sen. Rick Scott: 813- 225-7040; Suite 421, 801 N. Florida Ave., Tampa; rickscott.senate.gov. President: President Joe Biden, 202-456-1111; 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington DC 20500; whitehouse.gov.

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Racing into summer children participate in a sack race during the anna maria island Privateers’ Snooks adams Kids day in June 1996. the Privateers carried on the tradition of the day celebrating summer’s start that Willis “Snooks” adams created in 1954. islander Photos: manatee county Public Library System

From the archives Flying the ﬂag the anna maria island Privateers raise a flag over a fort as they defend Holmes Beach from capture by the conquistadors during an april 1979 Hernando de Soto celebration. the Privateers are celebrating a 50th anniversary this year.

10&20 years ago

in the Jan 17, 2001, issue:

• Several Anna Maria residents asked their city commission to consider permitting dog owners to take their pets swimming on a small beach north of the city pier and south of Bayfront Park. However, several other residents objected on the grounds of a potential health hazard. Mayor Gary Deffenbaugh requested more public input. • Anna Maria City Commissioner Bob Barlow said the first issue of a city official newsletter was out. The city commission put $6,000 in its 2000-01 budget to fund the publication. • Then-Holmes Beach Mayor Carol Whitmore said Bradenton city attorney Steve Thompson made a mistake when he entered the legal address for the TimeSaver Convenience Store on Perico Island to be annexed into Bradenton as 5353 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Whitmore said Thompson meant the TimeSaver at 12300 Manatee Ave. W.

in the Jan. 19, 2011, issue:

• Runners in the fifth annual Dolphin Dash race to benefit the Anna Maria Elementary ParentTeacher Organization took off from the campus in a 5K race Jan. 15, 2011. • Boaters proposed creating a yacht club to help oversee Bradenton Beach’s anchorage south of the Historic Bridge Street Pier. • The Anna Maria Island Privateers issued a plea for a regular location to hold meetings after deciding space at the Annie Silver Community Center in Bradenton Beach was not sufficient for long-term use.

Privateers in pix

The Anna Maria Island Privateers are celebrating a 50th anniversary in 2021. Want to help The Islander document their history? Check your scrapbooks, photo albums and computer folders for photographs from the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s and 2010s and share your images and recollections via email to news@islander.org. Please include a contact name and phone number, as well as photo details.

From the archives

— Lisa neff

LIFETIM

99 ION

IPT R C S B SU

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Page 8 THE ISLANDER | islander.org JAN. 20, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

NFL’s youngest female scout works, lives football on AMI By Amy V.T. Moriarty Islander Reporter

Within two weeks of graduating college in May 2020, Riley Hecklinski became the youngest female scout in the National Football League. The 22-year-old was hired as a scouting assistant for the Cleveland Browns. “I always knew I wanted to work in football,” Hecklinski said Jan. 13 in a phone interview with The Islander. “Football is in my blood.” She credits her father, Jeff Hecklinski, a coach at San Diego State University, and her grandfather, Mike Deal, a Holmes Beach resident and former college and NFL coach and scout, with fostering her love for the game. But she made her own connections to land a dream job in professional football. “They taught me the game,” Hecklinski said. “But I’m determined to be my own person.” In the summer of 2019, before her senior year at Indiana State University, Hecklinski interned in the recruiting and scouting program at the University of Kansas. A communications major, she said she was originally focused on a broadcast career “in front of the camera for College GameDay” on ESPN. But that summer internship ignited a new spark and Hecklinski realized she wanted to build and shape the game through scouting and recruiting. In January 2020, Hecklinski landed a weeklong internship in Mobile, Alabama, with Jim Nagy, an 18-year veteran scout, most recently for the Seattle Seahawks, for the Reese’s Senior Bowl. After that excitement, Hecklinski returned to school for her ﬁnal spring semester and nurtured the connections she made during her internships. She was seeking work in football, “even if it’s in the mailroom,” she said. But the mailroom isn’t what the Browns organization had in mind when the team put Hecklinski on a

Place portrait photo here

Looks as if Riley Hecklinski and pet Bentley will fit right into the image at the Cleveland Browns.

Riley Hecklinski, 22, the youngest female scout in the NFL, works remotely from Holmes Beach. She visited Ginny’s & Jane E’s Bakery Jan. 6 with her 15-month-old Frenchton, Bentley. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy

list of candidates for an assistant scouting position. “It was exciting. It was nerve-wracking,” Hecklinski said of juggling studying for ﬁnals and interviewing with an NFL team. In the months since she was hired by the Browns, Hecklinski has welcomed the challenges of a job without a set schedule and ever-changing tasks. As an assistant scout, much of her time is spent watching game ﬁlm and reporting to senior scouts,

but “there is not a typical day,” Hecklinski said laughing. With the NFL in the postseason underway, Hecklinski is working remotely from her grandparents’ house in Holmes Beach with Bentley, her 15-monthold Frenchton — a cross between a French bulldog and Boston terrier. She said she has no desire to coach but she wants to continue working in the NFL. “I don’t want to limit myself and I’ll follow the path presented that’s best for me,” Hecklinski said.

Milestones

The Islander welcomes stories about islanders and island life, as well as photographs and notices of the milestones in readers’ lives — weddings, births, anniversaries, travels, obituaries and other events. Submit your announcements and photographs with captions for publication — along with contact information — to news@islander. org. Also, visit us on Facebook and join the 13,800-plus friends who “like” The Islander and share their social news.

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anna maria mayor dan murphy, right, reads a statement Jan. 15, recognizing florida arbor day before helping plant a buttonwood tree at a pocket park at 311 S. Bay Blvd. commissioner Joe muscatello, planning and zoning board member melissa anderson, commissioners “deanie” Sebring and carol carter, as well as Bob Hardiman, a part-time resident visiting from Boston, attended.

Anna Maria celebrates Florida Arbor Day

HB commissioners approve 5-year school plan

Holmes Beach confirmed a city plan for the school district for 2021. City commissioners Jan. 12 unanimously approved the first reading of a five-year schedule of capital improvements per the city’s comprehensive plan. Each year, the city must update its schedule of capital improvements. City planner Bill Brisson said the city is required to include the Manatee County School District’s school capacity-program, annually adopted by the school board. Both the CIP and school district elements must be consistent with state law and the city comp plan. Having received commission approval, the city will submit the plan to the state department of community affairs. — chrisann allen

anna maria public works employees use gold shovels Jan. 15 to put finishing touches on the planting of a buttonwood tree at 311 S. Bay Blvd. to celebrate florida arbor day. islander Photos: ryan Paice

Holmes Beach assigns commission liaisons chrisann allen islander reporter

Holmes Beach officials are lining up communications positions in 2021. At the Holmes Beach commission meeting Jan. 12, commissioners unanimously approved Mayor Judy Titsworth’s choices for their liaison posts to organizations, boards, committees and departments. She started the meeting reaffirming Commission Chair Jim Kihm’s role as legislative delegate to the ManaSota League of Cities and the Manatee County Council of Government, as well as the county tourist development council. “You’ve been doing a phenomenal job and I appreciate it immensely,” Titsworth said. Commission Vice-Chair Carol Soustek will continue to serve as liaison to the code compliance department, parks and beautification committee, planning commission and Grassy Point Preserve, a nature preserve at the north end of Avenue C near 30th Street.

Additionally, Soustek will be the contact for the county emergency operations center, replacing former Commissioner Pat Morton, who fulfilled that role for 17 years. Jayne Christenson, elected in 2020, will represent the city at the Barrier Island Elected Officials meetings and the Island Transportation Planning Organization, as well as on recycling and solid waste. Kim Rash was reappointed liaison to buildings and grounds, working with public works on drainage, canals, erosion and stormwater maintenance projects. “He enjoys this role and he is doing a great job informing the commission,” Titsworth said. Commissioner Terry Schaefer, will continue to serve as liaison to the Center of Anna Maria Island, Anna Maria Elementary School and the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce and as the alternate liaison to the Manatee County Emergency Operations Center.

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Page 10 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 20, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

The Islander Calendar ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

First Fridays, 10 a.m., Parkinson’s Support Group, Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Information: 941-9266413.

Throughout January, Artists’ Guild Gallery exhibits “Water Dancing,” featuring work by Susanna Spann, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694. Throughout January, “Love Lights,” mosaics by Donna Grossman, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648.

AHEAD OFF AMI Feb. 13, Anna Maria Island Privateers Thieves Market, Bradenton. March 13, Anna Maria Island Privateers Thieves Market, Bradenton. April 4, Anna Maria Island Privateers Thieves Market, Bradenton.

AHEAD ON AMI March 13-14, Anna Maria Island Art League Springfest, Holmes Beach. TENTATIVE April 10, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Beach’n Food Truck Festival, Bradenton Beach. TENTATIVE July 24, Anna Maria Island Privateers Christmas in July party, Bradenton Beach. TENTATIVE

VIRTUAL Monday, Jan. 25 5:30 p.m. — Mote Marine Laboratory lecture series program, Dr. Aileen Maldonado talks about “The Mysterious World of Chemical Communication and Ecotoxicology” via Zoom. Fee applies. Information: 941- 388-4441.

ONGOING OFF AMI

E-learning for budding painters

A painting by LuAnn Widergren, who led an online oil painting class at Jan. 17, for the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island. Additional classes include instruction in watercolors by Roger Rockefeller at noon Jan. 25 and noon Feb. 1. Fees are involved for AHEAD OFF AMI the online lessons. For more information, contact Jan. 31, John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art’s Great Art AGAMI at 941-778-6694 or go online to amiartistson Screen presents “Frida, Viva La Vida,” Sarasota. guildgallery.com. Islander Courtesy Photo Feb. 6, Anna Maria Island Privateers Casino Night, Palmetto. AHEAD VIRTUAL Feb. 1, Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria 2021 show opens. March 4-25, artsHOP.

KIDS & FAMILY ONGOING ON AMI Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m., Movies in the Park, City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. Information: 941-708 –6130. AHEAD ON AMI March 6, Anna Maria Island Historical Society Heritage Day, Anna Maria. TENTATIVE March 14, Anna Maria Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Holmes Beach. TENTATIVE June 5, Anna Maria Island Privateers Snooks Adams Kids Day, TBD. TENTATIVE July 4, Anna Maria Island Privateers July 4 Parade, islandwide. TENTATIVE July 15, Anna Maria Island Privateers treasure hunt, TENTATIVE OFF AMI Through Jan. 24, various hours, Manatee County Fair, 1402

103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. Information: 941-708 –6130. ONGOING OFF AMI

ONGOING ON AMI

Through April 11, “For Real This Time,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-359-5700. Through June 27, “Kabuki Modern,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-359-5700.

Get listed in The Islander calendar. Email calendar@islander.org.

14th Ave. W., Palmetto. Fee applies. Information: 941-722-1639. AHEAD OFF AMI April 29-May 3, Sarasota-Manatee Originals Forks and Corks Food and Wine Festival, various locations.

COMMUNITY & CLUBS ONGOING ON AMI

OUTDOORS & SPORTS AHEAD ON AMI April 8, coastal cleanup, islandwide. April 10, Anna Maria Island Privateers Whitey Horton Putt Putt Golf Tournament, Bradenton Beach. AHEAD OFF AMI March 5-7, July 26-32, American Cornhole Organization world competition, various locations. May 14, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament, Bradenton.

GOOD TO KNOW SAVE THE DATES Wednesday, Jan. 20, Inauguration Day. Sunday, Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day. Monday, Feb. 15, Presidents Day.

Thursdays, 5-8 p.m., Thursdays in Paradise art, shopping and GET LISTED entertainment, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941POST IN THE CALENDAR 896-2222. Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island breakSend announcements for The Islander’s calendar to calendar@ fast and meeting, Gulf Drive Cafe, 900 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton islander.org. The deadline for listings is the Wednesday before the Beach. Information: 941-778-1382. publication date. Please include the date, time, location and descripTuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island lunch meet- tion of the event, as well as a phone number for publication. ing, in-person at Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, and via Zoom. Information: 941-920-2505. Tuesdays into May, Anna Maria Farmers Market, City Pier Park, An effort to organize the islandwide artsHOP is

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ongoing, with two big changes for the series of events celebrating island arts and culture. First, artsHOP is taking place in the spring rather than the fall. Second, artsHOP is taking place online due to the coronavirus pandemic. Cultural Connections is organizing the effort, with plans to convey the theme of “community” and focus on four communities: Bradenton Beach, Thursday, March 4; Holmes Beach, Thursday, March 11; Anna Maria, Thursday, March 18; and Cortez, Thursday, March 25. ArtsHOP will feature videos of businesses, artists, demonstrations and more. Applications to participate can be requested by email to culturalconnectionsami@gmail.com. For more information, contact CC president Casey Hoffman at 941-538-8484.

Island happenings

Jan. 20, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 11 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

get listed in the islander calendar. email calendar@islander.org.

Privateers plan casino night as Golden Jubilee continues

Will a “Blackbeard” win at blackjack? The Anna Maria Island Privateers plan to host a James Bond-themed casino night as a kickoff party for their Golden Jubilee in 2021. The party will be 6-11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at the Palmetto Moose Lodge No. 2117, 203 Ninth St. Drive W., Palmetto. Members of the krewe will be trading in pirate attire for evening wear for the evening, which will begin with a cocktail hour at 6 p.m., followed by gambling entertainment at 7 p.m. Pirate awarded T honor The adult-themed game night will include poker, Jen Schrader shows off the new t-shirt she received blackjack, roulette, craps and slots. on achieving “gray Shirt” status with the anna Hors d’oeuvre will be served and a cash bar will maria island Privateers, the nonprofit celebrating its be opened. 50th anniversary throughout 2021. Schrader was Gamblers will win prizes, not cash. voted in by the krewe. “gray Shirt” status includes Admission will cost $50 and includes two drink six months probation to “show the krewe that you tickets and three poker chips. are enthusiastic and willing to pitch in and work Regarding precautions for the coronavirus panhard.” the Privateers invite people to find out more demic, the Privateers say these are the plans: about membership by going to amiprivateers.mem• Check the temperatures of attendees; berlodge.org, where member applications can be • “Masks, gloves and sanitizer will be available to downloaded. for more information about the group, all that want;” call tim “Hammer” thompson at 941-780-1668. • Games will be social-distanced; islander courtesy Photo

anna Maria’s Movies in the Park continues with ‘Sing’ Anna Maria will screen “Sing” during its “Movies in the Park” event Tuesday, Jan. 26. The weekly event takes place in City Pier Park at the corner of Pine Avenue and Bay Boulevard, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Describing the story in the animated feature-length film, the online movie site IMDb says: “In a city of humanoid animals, a hustling theater impresario’s attempt to save his theater with a singing competition becomes grander than he anticipates even as its finalists find that their lives will never be the same.” The film features the voices of Matthew McConaughey and Reese Witherspoon. The city has scheduled weekly screenings on Tuesdays through March 9, including “Sing,” “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” Feb. 2; “Frozen” Feb. 9; “A Dog’s Journey” Feb. 16; “Abominable” Feb. 23; “Dolittle” March 2 and “Trolls World Tour” March 9. To curb the spread of the coronavirus, Anna Maria

• Food will be served cafeteria-style by servers wearing masks and gloves and diners will use disposable plates and utensils; • Cocktails will be served in plastic glasses by bartenders wearing masks. Money raised will go toward nonprofit organization with a mission statement to benefit “kids and community.” For more, contact Tim “Hammer” Thompson at 941-780-1668 or go online to amiprivateers.org.

Privateers plan Drift in party

The Anna Maria Island Privateers will raise money for the nonprofit’s scholarship fund with a party Saturday, Jan. 30, at the Drift In. The party will include a potluck dinner starting at 5:30 p.m., cash bar, live music starting at 9 p.m., raffles and other chances to win cash and prizes. The party, part of the Privateers’ Golden Jubilee, will run 5:30-10 p.m. indoors and outdoors at the bar, 120 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. A news release did not mention precautions for the coronavirus pandemic. For more information, call the Drift In at 941-7789088 or Tim “Hammer” Thompson at 941-780-1668.

Kiwanis to meet Jan. 23

The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island will gather Saturday, Jan. 23, for a meeting. The meeting will be at 8:30 a.m. at the Gulf Drive Cafe, 900 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Due to the pandemic, face masks are required when attendees are not eating or drinking. The club members may gather at 8 a.m. for breakfast. For more information, call Sandy Haas-Martens at 941-778-1383. anna maria will screen “Sing” during the “movies in the Park” event tuesday, Jan. 26, at city Pier Park. islander courtesy Photo

requires face masks at park events, as well as social distancing. For more information, call city hall at 941-7086130.

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Page 12 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 20, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

achievement testing on horizon for aMe students Florida State Achievement testing will begin in By Amy V.T. Moriarty, amym@islander.org April. First up for Anna Maria Elementary third-graders will be English Language Arts. The fourth- and fifth-grade classes will begin with writing, which will factor into final ELA scores, principal Jackie Featherston wrote Jan. 7 in an email to The Testing at AME will culminate in mid-May with Islander. science for the fifth-grade classes. Testing will continue with ELA in May for the Why are achievement tests important? fourth- and fifth-grade students and math for students The tests help educators measure student learning in third-, fourth- and fifth-grades. gains from year to year, Featherston said. Also, they are tied to millions of dollars in school funds awarded by the state commissioner of education to school districts based on performance.

AME Calendar

• Tuesday, Jan. 26, 5:45 p.m., Manatee County School Board meeting, 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. • Monday, Feb. 1, 4 p.m., PTO member meeting, via Zoom. • Monday, Feb. 8, 3:45 p.m., school advisory committee meeting, via Microsoft Teams online meeting platform. • Tuesday, Feb. 9, 5:45 p.m., school board meeting, 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the school at 941708-5525.

The funds finance improvements and purchase equipment. Each Florida public school is graded on test performance and, based on the grade, schools receive up to $100 per full-time student. The Manatee County School District received $2,176,166 during the 2018-19 academic year testing, Michael Barber wrote Jan. 11 in an email to The Islander. Barber is the district’s director of communications, family and community engagement. Due to COVID-19 school closures in 2020, testing was canceled and no funds were awarded. So schools maintained grades from the 2018-19 academic year, for which AME received an “A.”

Dolphin Dash, garden planting canceled due to pandemic Folks won’t be lacing up their trainers to raise funds for Anna Maria Elementary this year. The annual AME Parent-Teacher Organization Dolphin Dash fundraiser has been canceled due to continued coronavirus pandemic precautions. The 5K and 1-mile family-friendly walk and run through Holmes Beach that begins and ends at the elementary school usually happens in February. However, precautions to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus include limiting access to school property in the Manatee County district to students and professional staff. The school garden programs also were weeded out

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this year due to district pandemic protocols, principal Jackie Featherston wrote Jan. 7 in an email to The Islander. There will be no garden, no harvest and no student luncheons featuring the herbs and veggies nurtured outdoors at the school. The Earth Box gardens usually tended by the fourth-grade classes with planning and supervision from volunteer gardeners remain fallow because of restricted access to the campus. Meanwhile, the campus butterfly gardens are being maintained by custodial or other staff until volunteers can return, Featherston said.

Free meal program extended through May The Manatee County School District extended free breakfast and lunch for youths 18 and younger through May 27, the end of the academic year. Extension of the program, originally set to expire Dec. 31, 2020, was announced Jan. 6. The program, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, was opened for the 2020-21 academic year to all students without need for application due

to the coronavirus pandemic. A link to a refund application for those who put money into student meal plans can be found on the food and nutrition department’s page at manateeschools.net. Curbside pickup of free meals for students utilizing e-learning require a parent or guardian to pick up the week’s meals 9:30-10:30 a.m. Mondays at any school.

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Students at anna maria elementary flash the peace sign Jan. 8 while at recess.

Jan. 20, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 13 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

center rings in new year on $164K 2020 fundraiser success

Kids play flag football Jan. 7, kicking off the start of the center of anna maria island’s youth flag football season. islander Photo: courtesy coami

By ryan Paice islander reporter

The Center of Anna Maria Island ended 2020 with a bang — or a ka-ching. The nonprofit raised $164,000 in its annual “Go Green” fundraising campaign that ran from mid-November to the end of 2020, center development director Jim McDaniel told The Islander Jan. 11. The center began its campaign with a $50,000 challenge, a matching donation through Dec. 31 that surpassed its goal Dec. 16, when a $10,000 donation from longtime supporters Chuck and Joey Lester came through the door. Then, the same day, the Eisenbarth Foundation

extended the challenge, offering to match another $30,000. By early 2021, the center had raised $84,000 from 125 community donations and earned $80,000 in matching gifts from the campaign sponsors. The campaign was a boon for the nonprofit, which shut down some programs and canceled or postponed numerous fundraising events in fiscal 2020-21 in response to the coronavirus pandemic, including the Lester Family Fun Day, the annual golf and bowling tournaments and indoor sports programming. “We are extremely humbled by the community’s response to the center’s campaign,” McDaniel said. “Your gifts will enable us to continue to provide the

Rotary aMi raises $7K with christmas telethon The Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island raised more than $7,000 with a telethon held Dec. 22, 2020, according to a social media announcement. Donors called and Zoomed into the event to support the club, which in turn supports a variety of programs, including at Anna Maria Elementary, Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra and the Roser Food Pantry.

The island club gathers weekly — Tuesdays at noon for a lunch meeting at the Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. For more information about the club, go online to www.amirotary.org or contact Shawn Shields at 941-920-2505. — Lisa neff

very best possible of services.” People interested in contributing can donate online at www.centerami.org, call 941-778-1908 or visit the center at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

Q&a 012021

The islander poll

Last week’s results What’s the best movie featuring local scenes? 46%. “Great Expectations” 1998. 17%. “Out of Time” 2003. 14%. “Palmetto” 1998. 3%. “On an Island with You” 1948. This week’s question Do you plan to get a coronavirus vaccine? A. Already got at least one shot. B. Waiting in the pool. C. Yes, but way down the priority list. D. No, I will not. E. Undecided. F. Already had COVID-19. To take the poll, go online to islander.org.

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Page 14 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 20, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Surf’s up on aMi dylan mcclain takes a run on a nice, tight wave Jan. 16 in Holmes Beach. He stopped by Skinny’s Place in Holmes Beach after the surf session, where we coaxed him to share some photos. mcclain lives in St. Petersburg and claims — on facebook — to be an adventure seeker, ocean enthusiast and a paramedic. He is a firefighter with tampa firefighters Local 754 and captains “fresh off the Boat Seafood.”

Send your fishing, birding, sea turtle news and photos to news@islander.org.

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Tidings

Gathering

Roser to install pastor

Roser Memorial Community Church will formally install a new pastor during the 10 a.m. worship service Sunday, Jan. 24. The church welcomed the Rev. Dirk W. Rodgers last fall, following the August retirement of the Rev. Dr. Bob O’Keef. Rodgers and his wife, Liz, relocated to the area after about 27 years rodgers in Maine and New Hampshire, where they attended Bethany Church, a nondenominational, multisite church based in Greenland, New Hampshire. Rodgers was ordained in 2008 and for the past 12 years had been a Bethany pastor. His former boss at Bethany, Dr. Bruce Boria, will participate in the 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. services Jan. 24 at the church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. During the installation, the Roser congregation will present Rodgers with gifts, including a Bible, water, bread and a globe. Registration for services is online at roserchurch. com. Masks and social distancing are required. Services also are streamed on Roser’s YouTube channel. For more information, call the church at 941-7780414.

Thursdays 9:30 a.m. — Women’s fellowship class, CrossPointe. 9:30 a.m. — RoserRobics ﬁtness, Roser Church. REGULAR WORSHIP Saturdays 9 a.m.-noon, Lord’s Warehouse thrift store, Longboat Island Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941383-6491. Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-4769. Sundays Thursdays 11 a.m. — Sunday school, Christ Church of Longboat Key. 9:30 a.m. — Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Mondays Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1638. 9 a.m. — Men’s Bible study, Christ Church of Longboat Key, Saturdays via Zoom. 4 p.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. Tuesdays Sundays 9:30 a.m. — RoserRobics ﬁtness, Roser Church. 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. 8:30 a.m. — Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine SAVE THE DATES Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. Feb. 17, Ash Wednesday. 9 a.m. — CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Feb. 25, Purim. Beach. Information: 941-778-0719. March 15, Eastern Orthodox Lent. 9:30 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. March 17, St. Patrick’s Day. 10 a.m. — Roser Church. March 27, Passover. 10 a.m. — Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian USA, March 29, Palm Sunday. 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-900April 2, Good Friday. 4903. April 4, Easter. 9 a.m. — Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, April 12, Feast of Ramadan. Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-6491. Please, send notices to calendar@islander.org. 10:30 a.m. — St. Bernard. Worship and events calendar

ONLINE WORSHIP Christ Church of Longboat Key, christchurchlbk.org. CrossPointe Fellowship, Facebook. Catholic Diocese of Venice, Spectrum cable TV. Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, Facebook. Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Facebook. Harvey Memorial Community Church, Facebook. Longboat Island Chapel, longboatislandchapel.org. Roser Church, roserchurch.com. REGULAR EVENTS Wednesdays 10 a.m. — Women’s Bible study, Christ Church of Longboat Key. 6:15 p.m. — Wednesday supper, CrossPointe. 6:45 p.m. — Wednesday Night Blast, CrossPointe.

click! The Islander welcomes news of the

milestones in readers’ lives. Send notices — along with contact info — to news@islander.org.

GoodDeeds

assistance sought on aMi

the rev. dirk rodgers unpacks books in his office at roser memorial community church, 512 Pine ave., anna maria. roser celebrated the arrival of the new pastor and his wife, Liz, with a parade nov. 15, 2020. on Sunday, Jan. 24, the church will hold an installation ceremony for rodgers during a worship service. islander file Photo

Milestones

The Islander welcomes photographs and notices of milestones. Submit announcements and photographs to news@islander.org.

SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 AM or 10:00 AM

In the SANCTUARY and ONLINE Go to www.RoserChurch.com Click WORSHIP-SIGNUP , WATCH LIVE or WATCH LATER

Obituaries

11 a.m. — Longboat Island Chapel.

• 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. The Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department seeks “self-guided volunteers” to clean trails and beaches, take photos and other tasks. Info: michelle.leahy@mymanatee.org or 941-742-5923.

assistance offered to aMi

Katy H. Dunn

Katy H. Dunn, 98, of Wilmington, Illinois, and formerly of Berwyn, Illinois, died Jan. 7 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee, Illinois. She was born Oct. 8, 1922, in Clinton, Kentucky, to Johnny Carl and Sally (Hollingsworth) Jackson. She was raised in Cairo, Illinois, where she graduated from high school. dunn In 1961, she married William Dunn and they made their home in Berwyn. She worked for 38 years as a ticket agent for the Chicago Transit Authority, retiring in 1985. She wintered in Holmes Beach and was fortunate to spend decades as a snowbird, making countless friends. Mrs. Dunn was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church in Holmes Beach and enjoyed volunteering for the Island Players community theater in Anna Maria. She traveled extensively over the years — domestic and abroad, as well as at sea. She took pleasure in playing bingo, cards and visiting casinos and also loved vegetable and flower gardening. She will be remembered as a true social butterfly, who just enjoyed being in the company of others. A service was in Wilmington, Illinois. A public celebration will be planned for a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Island Players, P.O. Box 2059, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Remembrances can be made at www.baskervillefuneral.com/obituary/KatyDunn. Survivors include nieces and nephews Ken and Pat Wise, Michael and wife Shirley Jackson, Jay and wife Sharon Jackson, Sarah and husband Ed Armbruster, Tammy and husband Brian Cook, Mary Kasch and fiance John Tahlier, Amy Wise, Taylor Cook, Jarrett Cook and Samantha Armbruster; as well as cousins Betty Mitchell, Lindy Henley, Virginia Bryant, Nancy Henley, Ruth Harmon and Grant Mitchell.

• The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce offers free face masks. Information:941-778-1541. • The Roser Food Bank welcomes applicants for food assistance, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. • All Island Denominations offers help to those who live on the island, go to church on the island, about obituaries Obituaries are offered attend school on the island or work on the island. Infor- as a service to residents and their families, as well as mation: 941-725-2433. people with ties to the island. Submit a free, standard Send listings to calendar@islander.org. obituary to news@islander.org.

COMMUNITY CHURCH SUNDAY, JANUARY 24

Growing in Jesus’ Name

Installation Service for Senior Pastor,

Sunday Service 10:00 AM Please Register to Attend • Masks Required

REV. DIRK W. RODGERS

Everyone is invited to witness this unique ceremony. Pastor Dirk will be presented with symbolic gifts to aid him in his ministry, Text ROSER to 22828 to including a Bible, water, bread, a globe, and receive the weekly eBulletin. a very special surprise gift. We welcome DR. BRUCE BORIA, Pastor Dirk’s former The CHAPEL is open during boss, coworker and friend to the pulpit! office hours for prayer & meditation. 941-778-0414 • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria • FOLLOW us on Facebook @RoserChurch

Worship With Us at Our Church 941-900-4903 The Rev. Dr. Norman Pritchard Visitors & Residents Welcome Watch our 10:00 AM service live: www.bit.ly/cclbksermons or www.christchurchlbk.org (follow YouTube link)

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Jan. 20, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 19 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

‘3 ol’ gals’

the other day three ol’ gals met at the gazebo in the park ... of course, it was in the afternoon ... not even close to getting dark.... we were former tennis players ... rode our bikes and walked the beach ... and now we were meeting at a place.... that was very close for all to reach ... as we carried our canes for insurance .. in case we needed a little aid ... so, instead of a racquet in our hand, we had something else that made us feel secure, even tho we kind of loathed the carrying of this cane, this help... but, we didn’t want to fall down, either, and let out a huge yelp ! Joyce deWitt, maryann Kammerlen, Sally martin and poet Joan allee. islander Photo: courtesy Kyle alee feehan

Obituaries

continued

Bailey Robert Williams Sr.

Bailey Robert Williams Sr. died Jan. 7, in Corinth, Mississippi. Mr. Williams was born in Corinth July 29, 1936, to Dr. Fayette and Margaret Schumpert. After graduating from Corinth High School in 1955, he received bachelor’s and master’s from the University of Mississippi. After nearly 50 years in the real estate and insurance businesses, he spent nearly 30 years of his later adult life and retirement years in Anna Maria. He loved life on the island and introduced many family and friends to the area. He enjoyed boating, fishing and biking on the island. He was a regular at the Center of Anna Maria Island and Roser Memorial Community Church, where he frequently welcomed guests as a greeter. He was a true gentleman who never met a stranger. He is survived by his wife, Gloria Dixon; daughter Melinda Roux and husband Jeffrey of Memphis; son Robert and wife Sallie Kate of Corinth; grandchildren Andrew, Bailey and Margaret Roux of Memphis,

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Robert ‘Pirate Bob’ Boyd

The life of “Pirate Bob” Robert Kenneth Boyd will be celebrated at 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23. Boyd, 72, died April 20, 2020. The Anna Maria Island Privateers will gather outside Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, to form a procession to the Anna Maria City Pier for the tribute. Mr. Boyd was a hairstylist and owned and operated Bob’s Hair and Co. in Anna Maria for 20 years. His family also gave support to the Center of Anna Maria Island in Anna Maria. The Privateers invited people to join the honors for “Pirate Bob” Boyd. For more info, contact John “Capt. Barbarossa” Swager at 941-920-3989.

Fat Cat

about the cane carrying ordeal .. we had a great, good time! we just have to admit it to ourselves that we are a bit past our prime. — Joan allee, Holmes Beach

Milestones:

The Islander welcomes photographs and notices of milestones. Please, submit announcements and photographs to news@islander.org. Also, please, include a contact phone number.

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the house built over the water on state land a short distance from the commercial fishing docks in cortez by raymond “Junior” guthrie Jr. was under construction in 2020. a courtordered deadline to demolish the house by Jan. 24 looms. meanwhile, a motion to stay the order is awaiting a hearing in the 12th circuit court. islander file Photo

Roadside protest “Bob,” a Bradenton Beach resident who declined to provide his name, saying he lives on anna maria island and fears retaliation from people who don’t share his views, waves a spear and a sign Jan. 15 to protest the november 2020 election of Joe Biden as president. the unidentified man, who dressed as an american indian to stand at the Kingfish Boat ramp in Holmes Beach, said he was representing americans. the claim the presidential election was stolen or fraudulent is false. Biden, duly elected president, was being sworn into office Jan. 20. islander Photo: Bonner Joy

Streetlife

Staff reports

island police reports

Anna Maria Jan. 7, 11100 block of Gulf Drive, noise. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a complaint about loud noise. However, the deputy who responded reported heavy showers and no noise but rainfall could be heard. Jan. 7, 700 block of Jacaranda Road, suspicious activity. The MCSO dispatched a deputy about a possible burglary in progress but found instead that a landscaping crew was working in the area. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Ofﬁce polices Anna Maria. Bradenton Beach Jan. 6, 100 block of Bridge Street, recovered property. A manager called the Bradenton Beach Police Department to report finding a silver ring. A BBPD officer collected the jewelry. BBPD polices Bradenton Beach. Cortez Nothing to report. MCSO polices Cortez. Holmes Beach Jan. 5, 8000 block of Marina Isles Lane, theft. A Holmes Beach police officer was dispatched to the theft of exercise equipment. Surveillance video is under review. Jan. 5, 600 block of Key Royale Drive, domestic disturbance. A person reported a domestic disturbance. No charges were filed. Jan. 7, 6800 block of Holmes Boulevard, burglary. A person reported tools missing from a garage. Jan. 10, 5800 block of Gulf Drive, information. A person reported cash was stolen from a purse at a vacation rental. Jan. 12, 3400 block of East Bay Drive, warrant. An officer on patrol was alerted to a person sleeping in a car. Upon waking the individual, the officer determined the person had a warrant for arrest in Manatee County. When searching the vehicle, the officer found a bag with drug residue and syringes. The person was arrested and transported to the county jail. Jan. 12, Walgreens, 3200 E. Bay Drive, trespass. PLeaSe, See streetlife, neXt Page

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Holmes Beach approves arts and crafts shows with pandemic rules By ChrisAnn Allen Islander Reporter

Some see it as “do or die.” At a time when large gatherings are limited due to the novel coronavirus, Holmes Beach officials faced a decision. At their Jan. 12 meeting, city commissioners voted 4-1 to approve two temporary-use permits for events at city field, the area adjacent to city hall, 5801 Marina Drive, with stipulations specific to COVID-19 protections. Commission Chair Jim Kihm voted “nay” for both events. The first event will be an arts and crafts festival Feb. 13-14, supporting the Anna Maria Island Concert Orchestra and Chorus, and the second will be Spring-

fest, planned for March 13-14, benefitting the Anna Maria Island Art League. Mayor Judy Titsworth holds event authority, but given concerns over the spread of the virus, she opted to bring the decision to the city commission. “I felt best because these are fundraisers benefitting some of our island nonprofits that I ask the commission to also weigh in on these,” she said. Andy Rudzitis of TNT Events in Bushnell, the producer for the orchestra benefit, was online for the meeting and said vendor tables would be spaced 6-10 feet apart and vendors would provide hand sanitizer and face masks, as well as signs stating attendees must wear masks. Commissioner Carol Soustek expressed concern about crowding in the tents at the events. She suggested only two people at a time be allowed in each booth and that masks be worn during the outdoor events. “Some of the people can get quite crowded in the tents,” she said, adding that the city would ask vendors to monitor the space. Commissioners Jayne Christenson, Kim Rash and Terry Schaefer agreed. “I just encourage people to wear their masks while they are there,” Rash said. City attorney Patricia Petruff said because the events are on city property, the organizers might be required to provide security. Police Chief Bill Tokajer added that there should be designated locations for people to enter and exit the festivals to maintain the mask mandate. Christenson suggested that signs be placed enforcing mask-wearing for attendees.

Kihm said he was concerned that the events are a risk for the community with COVID-19 numbers forecast to rise in February. “I’ve been watching these football games and no one but family is allowed to attend,” he said. “If the vaccine was rolled out, that would make sense. Now is not the time.” Emergency mask ordinance extended City officials unanimously voted Jan. 12 to extend the mask ordinance, including at events held at city field and within all city buildings. Tokajer asked that the requirement extend to visitors to city buildings, with an exception for employees. Schaefer asked if commissioners entering city hall would be considered part of that ordinance. “I would say yes,” Tokajer said, “So far, every commissioner that has come into city hall is being respectful and responsible and has worn a mask when they come to visit.” The city June 25, 2020, approved an emergency order mandating face coverings when social distancing cannot be maintained, with exceptions. The mandate was extended as the pandemic continued. “I think until we reach a level of what they call ‘herd immunity,’ where enough of the community has had the disease and recovered, or has been immunized against the disease, we need to continue to wear a mask to protect ourselves and protect others,” Kihm said. “And I think that is how we are going to keep our community safe.”

City considers Ugly Grouper restaurant expansion By ChrisAnn Allen Islander Reporter

People look over handcrafted jewelry for sale at a pre-pandemic craft show at the city field in Holmes Beach. Islander File Photo streetlife continued from page 20

The store manager called to report a possible theft. The suspect had removed items from the shelves and placed them into a bag, but had replaced the items when an officer checked the bag. The person was issued a trespass warning. HBPD polices Holmes Beach. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

They want more seats. And more parking. During a Jan. 12 work session, Holmes Beach city planner Bill Brisson reviewed a proposal from the Ugly Grouper restaurant, 5704 Marina Drive, to increase seating and parking. Attorney Scott Rudacille, representing the restaurant, proposed the seating for the restaurant increase capacity from 173 to 257 seats before 5 p.m. and 239 to 284 seats after that hour. “This is really the primary component of what is being asked tonight,” Rudacille said. “And that is to incorporate the 5702 building into this site plan.” The owners expanded the restaurant to include 5702 Marina Drive. Rudacille said past restaurants had operated at that site with 73 seats.

“This approval would provide for some actual indoor dining,” he said. “And the parking that is on that site is now available, full-time, incorporated into the site plan for the Ugly Grouper.” Rudacille said golf cart parking should be utilized to increase the amount of vehicles allowed at the establishment. “The golf cart parking is the only part of this ask that requires any type of special approval,” he said. “The rest of it is all just your standard one space, three seats that is a part of your code.” Additionally, he said, the restaurant has installed equipment to ensure noise does not exceed decibel levels. City commissioners and Brisson agreed to more discussion before moving the matter forward. The next commission meeting will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26, held via Zoom, with instructions on the city website at holmesbeachfl.org.

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county seeks grant for coquina boat ramp improvements By ryan Paice islander reporter

Changes may be coming to the South Coquina Boat Ramp in Bradenton Beach. County commissioners Jan. 12 unanimously voted to apply for a $1.8 million grant from the West Coast Inland Navigation District to help fund a $3.6 million project to renovate the boat ramp, owned and maintained by the county. According to the grant application signed by county environmental program manager Alan Lai Hipp, the project involves constructing over 500 feet of wooden docks and a concrete seawall. The project also involves dredging the launch area and creating a walkway compliant with the U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. A new double-lane concrete launch ramp also is planned. “As one of the busiest boat ramps in Manatee County, the renovation will result in improved struc-

tural durability, increased docking capacity, extended lifespan and improved functionality of the facility,” Lai Hipp wrote in the application. County parks and natural resources director Charlie Hunsicker told commissioners the “upgrade” is necessary to repair the damage done to the ramp’s waterside last November. “That boat ramp was damaged with Hurricane Eta and is unserviceable in over half its capacity,” Hunsicker said. “We need to move quickly.” If WCIND approves the grant request, the county will collect bids from prospective contractors and proceed to contract for the work. The project is projected to finish in December. Commissioner Carol Whitmore, an at-large member who lives in Holmes Beach, moved to approve the grant application. Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, who represents the island and west Manatee, seconded the motion.

Plans for a renovated wooden dock for the South coquina Boat ramp in Bradenton Beach were discussed Jan. 12 by manatee county commissioners. islander Photo: ryan Paice

escrap, hazardous waste collection set for coquina

everett Lyndon, 2, takes a ride on an “excavator” in december 2020 at the flamingo cay water main project, where he has developed an interest in heavy equipment. He has learned the names for the “diggers” and bulldozers and frequently takes his home gear — his toys — to excavate the piles of dirt they leave behind at the end of the day. He is the son of tricia graziano and matt Lyndon of flamingo cay. islander Photos:

afterhours contracting

Manatee County in collaboration with island municipalities will collect household hazardous waste and electronics 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30. The collection will be at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. People can dispose of solvents, paints, garden pesticides, waste oil, propane tanks, fluorescent bulbs, such mercury-containing devices as thermostats and thermometers, as well as pool chemicals. Old gasoline in gasoline containers and some household, auto and marine batteries also will be collected. Alkaline batteries, which can be disposed of with household garbage, will not be collected. Electronics to be collected include TVs, computer components, copiers, video and audio equipment and also small household items, such as microwaves, hair dryers, irons, cellphones, tablets, digital cameras and battery chargers. No radioactive items, such as smoke detectors, will be accepted. And no biohazardous materials, such as needles, will be accepted. People should remain in their vehicles when they arrive and also should wear face masks while dropping off their waste. For more information, call Manatee County Solid Waste at 941-798-6761 or go online to www.mymanatee.org/escrap.

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Jan. 20, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 23 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

By Lisa Neff

Manatee casualties continue

An argument fizzled over shared French fries outside an island beach cafe. Colleagues whose relationship was tested over the national politics of the past four years found a middle ground — harassment of manatees is criminal. We’d both seen charter Capt. Hailey Warrington’s photos and video on social media and in the news, imagery of a manatee with “TRUMP” on its back. neff We agreed that whoever scratched or etched the name in algae and on the animal’s skin deserves punishment. We also agreed that more should be done to protect the threatened species from harm — the intentional injury by aggressors but also the hurt caused by negligent boaters or the wrong that results from well-meaning swimmers. Harassment of a manatee is a federal criminal offense punishable by a $50,000 fine and up to a year in prison and a state offense that could result in 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. “Manatees aren’t billboards, and people shouldn’t be messing with these sensitive and imperiled animals for any reason,” Jaclyn Lopez of the Center for Biological Diversity said about the manatee marred with “TRUMP.” CBD, a grass-roots environmental group, is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to a conviction in the incident. “However this political graffiti was put on this manatee, it’s a crime to interfere with these creatures, which are protected under multiple federal laws,” Lopez said. Manatees are protected at the federal level under the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act and the state level under the Florida

federal and state officials are seeking information about who scratched “trumP” on a manatee seen in the Homosassa river earlier this month. the Save the manatees watchdog and education group stated, “the perpetrator may have scratched the manatee’s skin with their fingers, scraping the algae that grows on the slow-moving mammals. they may have scraped the top layer of the manatee’s skin as well.” islander courtesy Photo: Save the manatees/capt. Hailey Warrington

Manatee Sanctuary Act. In 2017, the federal government downgraded the West Indian manatee’s status from endangered to threatened — despite the fact scientific data and legal standards indicated downlisting was inappropriate. The state estimates about 7,250 of the slow-moving sea cows are in Florida waters but a federal estimate puts the number at 6,300. In 2020, there were more manatee deaths than usual, with the state reporting 637. In Tampa Bay, Manatee County saw the most deaths at 25. Reports document the deaths of 606 manatees in 2019, 824 in 2018 due to a red tide outbreak, 538 in 2017, 520 in 2016, 405 in 2015 and 371 in 2014. Manatees die from cold stress, getting locked in floodgates, habitat degradation, entanglement in marine debris and boating collisions. On average, about 20% of manatee deaths each year are caused by collisions with watercraft. However, for 2020, the research data will be incomplete because the coronavirus pandemic disrupted necropsies on more than 200 animals.

Report harassment Florida law states, “It is unlawful for any person, at any time, intentionally or negligently, to annoy, molest, harass or disturb any manatee.” To report the harassment of a manatee, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission hotline at 888-404-3922. Did you know? Manatees have tough but sensitive skin covered with sensory hairs. So it’s possible scratching or scraping the animal’s skin can cause discomfort or pain, according to the environmental group Save the Manatees. Also, manatees have a healthy fear of people but can become accustomed to people feeding them or running hoses with fresh water at docks. Manatees “tamed” by handouts may associate people and boats with rewards and approach people, only to be harassed, injured or killed.

Manatee county seeks islander, school rep for land management committee Manatee County is filling two vacancies on the The committee also serves as the county’s tree Environmental Land Management and Acquisition advisory board. Committee, including a seat reserved for a barrier One vacancy is a two-year term open to any island resident. member of the Manatee County School District. The advisory committee makes recommendations The second is a two-year term open to year-round to county commissioners on environmental land acqui- resident of Anna Maria Island or Longboat Key. sition and management issues. Committee members should be able to attend

From the archives

islander 24/7 archive

Some years ago, The Islander was invited to take part in a project with the University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries. We donated our printed newspapers from the first edition in 1992, as well as the digital editions. It took some time, but the archive is there, maintained on the digital library site. The collection is at ufdc.ufl.edu.

meetings at 6 p.m. the first Monday of every other month. Applications are due Feb. 3 and may be found online at mymanatee.org. For more, contact county parks and natural resources director Charlie Hunsicker at 941-742-5923, ext. 6001, or charlie.hunsicker@mymanatee.org.

Grants open to Sarasota Bay stewards, apps due March 1

The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program is accepting applications for grant awards — up to $4,000 — for projects to restore habitat and water quality in the bay region. The SBEP invited nonprofits, schools, civic organizations, businesses, neighborhood and homeowner associations in Sarasota and Manatee counties to apply. “Applications from organizations that have never received a Sarasota Bay Partners Grant or have not

received one in the past three years are especially encouraged,” read a news release. SBEP is one of 28 national estuary programs and a member of the Association of National Estuary Programs. Application packages, due back by 5 p.m. Monday, March 1, are online at sarasotabay.org. For more information about the grants, contact Darcy Young at SBEP at darcy@sarasotabay.org or 941-955-8085.

Page 24 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 20, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Adult soccer, football kick off new seasons at Center By Kevin P. cassidy islander reporter

The adult soccer league kicked off its 2021 winter season with four games Jan. 13 on the pitch at the Center of Anna Maria Island, starting with Jiffy Lube battling Slim’s Place to a 3-3 tie. Sean Flynn, Eric Pullen and Gerardo Urbiola each scored and Robb Marshall came through with nine saves to lead Jiffy Lube. Do Hyun Kim scored two goals and David Hiram added one to lead cassidy Slim’s Place, which also received a pair of assists in the tie from Lindsey Styka and 10 saves from Mark Long. The second match of the evening saw Allied cruise to a 7-2 victory over Blalock Walters behind three goals from Zach Reda and a goal each from Raul Loria, Cody Wright, Aaron French and Clancy Vaughn. Steve Oelfke in goal helped preserve the victory with 10 saves. Chris Scott and Matt Staggs scored a goal each to lead Blalock Walters, which also received eight saves from Kevin Mulcahy in the loss. Pool America earned a 6-3 victory over Servis First Bank behind a hat trick and four saves from Chris Klotz. Zach Lieb added a pair of goals for Burton Brick & Tile, which also received a goal from Olsin Crean and six saves from Jonathan Aragon in the victory. Kevin Roman had two goals and an assist to lead Servis First Bank, which also received a goal from Johnny Perusi and nine saves from Ben Sato in the loss. Sato Real Estate defeated The Gitt Team 4-2 in

a battle of Realtors to close out soccer action for the evening. Josh Sato, Amy Ivin, Hakan Toka and Race Arande each scored to lead Sato, which also received seven saves from Mark Rudacille in the victory. Robert Fellowes scored both Gitt Team goals and also combined with Neil Fellowes, Tanner Zellmer and Murap Akay to notch 10 saves in the loss.

Flag football season kicks off The adult flag football season also kicked off its winter schedule at the Center of Anna Maria Island Jan. 14 with four games. The action got started with Sandbar Restaurant cruising to a 40-27 victory over Salty Printing behind three touchdown passes and a rushing touchdown from Matteo Ferris and a touchdown pass from Jackson Hayes. Salty Printing was led in the loss by Tim Shaughnessy’s two touchdown passes and a rushing touchdown. Beach Bums edged Moss Builders 21-18 thanks in part to a sack by Donnie Dietch that resulted in a safety. Matt Briley threw three touchdown passes, including two to Rueben Young and one to Anthony Mannino. Ryan Moss had two touchdown passes and ran for a TD to lead Moss Builders, which also received two touchdown catches from Dina DeJesus in the loss. Ugly Grouper rolled to a 32-19 victory over Mi-Box behind three TD passes and a TD catch from Brandon Kull. Mark Anthony threw for a score and caught a touchdown pass in the win, while Melissa Acevedo and Octavious Cole each added touchdown receptions. Matthew Manger threw for two scores and Domin-

Everyone needs a safe place to land… a laughing gull lands Jan. 12 atop a brown pelican in the bay near the cortez Bridge. islander Photo: chrisann allen

ick Otteni added a TD pass and a touchdown reception to lead Mi-Box. Dylan Doyle and Chad Woods each had a TD catch in the loss to round out the scoring for Mi-Box. The center is at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Horseshoe news Horseshoe action Jan. 13 at the Anna Maria City Hall pits saw two teams advance to the knockout stage to determine a champ for the day. The team of Bob Lee and Bob Mason earned a trip to the winner’s circle after edging past Bob Fowler and Tom Farrington by a 21-20 score. The Jan. 16 games appeared to be heading to a six-team playoff as the last-standing undefeated team found themselves trailing Neil Hennessey 14-5 in their third and final pool-play game, but Farrington and Mason rallied and earned a 21-19 come-from-behind victory to win the day’s championship. Play gets underway at 9 a.m. every Wednesday and Saturday at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m. followed by random team selection. There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome. Key Royale news Golf action at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach got started Jan. 11 with the men playing a ninehole modified-Stableford system match. Buddy Foy took individual honors with a plus-3, a point better than second-place finishers Brian Comer and Hoyt Miller. The women played a nine-hole individual low-net match in three flights Jan. 12 that saw Roxanne Koche ride a birdie on the second hole to a 5-under-par 27 and a three-shot victory in Flight A. Helen Pollock was alone in second with a 2-under-par 30, while Pam Lowry took third with a 2-over-par 34. Jan Turner’s 1-under-par 31 was good enough for first place in Group B. Susan VanOrsdel took second with an even-par 32, while Beth Lindeman and Connie Livanos tied for third at 1-over-par 33. Terry Westby fired a 1-under-par 31 to earn a twostroke victory in Flight C. Peggy Clauhs and Sally York finished in a tie for second with matching 1-overpar 33s. Gloria LaDue chipped in on the sixth hole and Jenny Hulbers had a chipin on the fifth hole. Register opens for Mayso spring soccer Registration for the spring season of the competitive league of the Manatee Area Youth Soccer Organization is underway. Cost for the season is $125 plus a $50 deposit. The deposit is due on registration and is refunded upon completion of two hours of service to the club. Evaluations are scheduled for the week of Feb. 8-11 at G.T. Bray Park in Bradenton, with practices starting up Feb. 22. The first games are scheduled for March 6. For more information on Mayso, visit mayso.org or email the club at info@mayso.org.

Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

10 Tees 2

Stickers @ The Islander, 3218 E. Bay Drive, HB.

Jan 20 Jan 21 Jan 22 Jan 23 Jan 24 Jan 25 Jan 26 Jan 27

HIGH

4:58a 6:51a 9:00a 7:09p 7:56p 8:43p 9:29p 1:26p

1.1 5:02p 0.9 5:41p 0.9 6:24p 1.9 — 2.0 — 2.1 — 2.1 — 1.1 10:15p

1.6 1.7 1.8 — — — — 2.2

LOW

Moon

0.4 — — 0.2 11:00a 0.7 0.0 11:34a 0.8 -0.3 — — -0.5 — — -0.6 — — -0.8 — — -0.8 3:43p 1.0

1st

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Jan. 20, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 25 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Wisely choose fishing days, spots for pompano rewards By capt. danny Stasny islander reporter

Anna Maria Island is settling into a wintertime fishing pattern, including frequent cold fronts. Picking days to head out on the water may prove challenging as we face many winter days of strong winds and rough seas. This being said, watch the weather forecasts and narrow trips to the warmest days with the least wind. Stasny If you’re strictly an inshore angler, this isn’t quite as crucial, as it’s fairly easy to get around and avoid the cold wind in the backcountry. But, if you’re planning on getting out in the Gulf of Mexico, you’ll want to pay close attention to conditions. The Gulf seems to be where it’s at if you’re looking for consistency in the bite. Bottom fishing with live shrimp is leading to a variety of species being caught, including hogfish, sheepshead, grunts, porgies and snappers. None of the catches are very large, but the sheer numbers of fish caught can definitely provide for a fish fry. As for the inshore bite, you may need to spend some time trying to find concentrations of fish. And, if you do find spots with fish, keep it a secret. Pompano seem to be the most sought-after species, but if you’re an experienced pompano angler, you know these fish demand a lot of work to find the mother lode. Drifting and jigging in Sarasota Bay is a good bet to hook up with these tasty fish. Pompano jigs topped with fresh-cut pieces of shrimp are deadly to the pompano. But, you have to find the pompano. I have quite a few areas where I know the pomps frequently show up, but if they’re not in these spots, drifting and jigging is the best alternative. This method ensures you can cover a vast amount of water, especially if the fish are spread out. In the process,

TideWatch

Red tide bloom in SW Florida

A bloom of the red tide organism, Karenia brevis, persists in Southwest Florida. K. brevis was observed at background to high concentrations in and offshore of Lee County and medium to high concentrations in Collier County. Fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were reported in Lee and Collier counties. Respiratory irritation was reported over the past week in Lee and Collier counties. For more information, go online to myfwc.com/ research/redtide. — Lisa neff

Pete ewanechko and son mike, of rochester, new York, show off a pair of catchand-release redfish. the reds took the bait — live shrimp — Jan. 15 on a charter with capt. david White of anna maria charters.

you likely will hook into other species to help pass the time. Spanish mackerel, ladyfish, bluefish and jack crevalle will hardly ever turn down a jig in the winter. And you may come across some hefty catch-andrelease spotted seatrout, too. Now, if the flats aren’t up your alley, you can always walk and cast from the beaches. Casting small jigs tipped with shrimp into the surf is an effective way to hook into some pompano. Fishing around either the passes of Bean Point or Longboat Pass is a good start. On this bite, you may hook into some black drum and whiting, which adds a nice mix, especially if you’re struggling to find the pomps. And don’t forget about fishing the local piers. Casting cannonball jigs tipped with shrimp can be useful when fishing the deeper waters of Tampa Bay from either the Rod & Reel Pier or the Anna Maria City Pier. Capt. Jason Stock is focusing his efforts on fishing the offshore ledges and hard-bottom in the Gulf of Mexico. Using live shrimp as bait, Stock is putting clients on numerous species, including hogfish, Key West grunts and porgies. These bites are occurring as soon as the bait reaches the bottom. Mixed in are mangrove snapper and catch-and-release gag grouper. Capt. Aaron Lowman is working charters in the Gulf of Mexico when the winds are light and the seas calm. Starting around 3 miles offshore and moving to about 8 miles offshore is producing good action from bottom fishing for Lowman’s clients. Using live shrimp as bait is attracting an assortment of species,

including mangrove snapper, hogfish, porgies, Key West grunts and catch-and-release grouper. Tripletail are being caught in these ranges and are found by casting around any type of floating debris. Moving inshore, black drum and sheepshead are being caught on live shrimp. Casting baits from the boat toward the beaches is working the best. Lowman also is seeing a few pompano mixed in, as well as some catch-and-release redfish. Capt. David White is concentrating on fishing inshore around rock piles, reefs and wrecks, where he’s finding sheepshead and black drum. Fishing along the beaches is yielding the same results, plus some pompano and catch-and-release redfish. During the warmest hours of the warmest days, White is fishing the residential canals, where he’s coaxing catch-and-release snook to take a bait from his clients. Hamilton Brown at the Rod & Reel Pier says sheepshead are making their presence known at Anna Maria Island’s northernmost pier. Not only are they visible due to the clear waters of Tampa Bay, but they also are readily taking baits. Offerings of live shrimp or crabs, combined with a bottom rig, are intriguing the sheepies to take the hook. While targeting the sheepshead, anglers are hooking into an occasional black drum and some catchand-release redfish. For the lucky anglers at the pier, casting shrimp on a bottom rig away from the deck is attracting a random pompano, although Brown reports he has yet to see any consistency on this bite. Send high-resolution photos and ﬁshing reports to ﬁsh@islander.org.

State offers free saltwater ﬁshing lessons The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission offers a series of free saltwater fishing clinics for beginning anglers. “You’ll be taught basic fishing skills and knowledge that can be used, shared and built upon for a lifetime of catching Florida memories with those you love,” reads a news release from the FWC. Session topics include conservation, rods and reels, tackle, baits, rigs, knot tying, habitats, fish

handling, best practices and additional resources. Seven-session classes will begin Tuesday, March 9, and Tuesday, April 27, with one-hour sessions at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Registration is limited to 50 anglers per clinic. Mini-clinics also will be offered. Registration is being conducted online. For more information, go to myfwc.com/fishing/ saltwater/ or call 850-488-4676.

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Page 26 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 20, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

isl

Holmes Beach bank property on the market

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Are you feeling lucky?

Short time away from short-term rentals Larry Chatt sold the short-term rental portion of his Island Real Estate business in 2018 to Vacasa. He did so with the intention of better serving his clients, he said Jan. 14 in a phone interview with The Islander. At the time, Chatt managed more than 300 vacation properties and thought the property owners would be better served by Vacasa, a national company with coast-to-coast rental management teams and offices. After two years of partial retirement and “strong demand from past customers for the Island Real Estate brand of service,” Chatt realized it was time to again serve those customers and decided to add a short-term rental management office to his business. In March 2020, he had no properties to manage. Nine months later, he had nearly 60 properties. Being able to rehire past employees contributed to customers’ comfort levels. After all, “property management is about relationships,” Chatt said. The rental properties are operated by IRE staff from a suite in the professional building at 3909 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. Breakfast with a side of networking More than a dozen businesspeople attended the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce breakfast mixer Jan. 14 at the Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe at the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Over coffee, eggs and OJ, chamber president Terri Kinder talked about upcoming events and a few changes to come. The Beach ‘N Food Truck Festival, usually held in April at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach, was canceled last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. This year, Kinder said, the event will be pushed Mirabella 2BR/2Ba plus den $399,900

What do a drive-thru barbecue restaurant, a vehicle towing and recovery business and a medical center have in common? They are the three businesses Bob Bolus wants to house at 699 Manatee Ave., Holmes Beach, the former bank property he bought at auction for $1,025,500 in August 2019. Yet, Bolus put the property on the market “for sale by owner” Jan. 8 for an undisclosed amount. The goal of the three businesses would be “to enhance the atmosphere on the island,” Bolus said Jan. 12 in a phone interview with The Islander. He owns Pennsylvania-based Bolus Truck Sales & Towing Services Inc. and said he previously owned restaurants along some of Pennsylvania’s highways. He’s never operated an urgent care center but he has no interest in being a landlord, so he would either start a care facility or partner with a medical group or purchase and relocate a facility. The building, which has stood empty since Bank of America cashed out in December 2017, is zoned as C-2 general commercial. So to utilize the property as he wants, he would need to seek rezoning from the

city, Mayor Judy Titsworth said Jan. 13. Titsworth said she spoke with Bolus Jan. 12 and discussed options for the property. She said those options ranged from Bolus requesting a rezone for the property to C-3 to tearing down the building and clearing the land for use as a parking lot or selling it to the county. “I didn’t commit to anything,” Titsworth said. “I didn’t give any opinions. I told him he would have to prove to us and show us how it would work, and the planner, too.” Bolus said he felt encouraged by his conversation with the mayor and would begin work on a rezoning proposal to present to city commissioners and planning and zoning officials before the end of January. Meanwhile, the building remains on the market. If Bolus can get the rezoning, he will take the property off the market and launch the drive-thru barbecue and a vehicle towing business while developing the urgent care business. In the first four days the building was on the market, four retail businesses made inquiries, Bolus said, declining to comment further.

to Saturday, May 1, and will likely be at city field in Holmes Beach. Plans are being discussed and finalized with city officials, she said. Also, Friday, May 14, Bradenton’s IMG Golf Club will host the chamber’s annual golf tournament. But first up, the Passport Program is set for kickoff in February. With 58 participants in the island cities and Cortez, Kinder said the program will help visitors get out and get to know the local businesses. Passport holders are tasked to gather stamps from participants for prizes. The chamber’s next networking event will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, at the Seafood Shack, 4110 127th St. W., Cortez, and will include the annual Save the Trolley Giving Back Program awards. RSVPs and COVID-19 safety precautions are required.

Street in Bradenton. Target will fill the retail space in Beachway Plaza formerly occupied by Kmart. “I can confirm Target has plans to open a store in Bradenton. Located at 75th Street and Manatee Avenue, the store will be approximately 49,000 square feet. As we get closer to opening the store, we’ll have more specific details to share — including how the shopping experience will be tailored to serve local guests and the grand opening date,” a Target spokesperson told The Islander Jan. 11. Meanwhile, across Manatee Avenue at the Manatee West Shopping Plaza, the Kroger Co. purchased the former Albertsons location. The store was razed in 2020 to make way for a Lucky’s Market. However, in January 2020, after four years of financial backing, Kroger dumped Lucky’s, forcing the experience-based market into bankruptcy. On target, off-island So we know we’re not getting Lucky’s, but maybe New anchor stores are headed to the two plazas we’ll be lucky enough to have Kroger put in its branded at the intersection of Manatee Avenue West and 75th Harris Teeter Supermarket. Got business news? Contact Amy Moriarty at $2 @ The Islander, amym@islander.org or call 941-778-7978. 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

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

ITEMS FOR SALE Continued

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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, 3218 e. Bay drive, Holmes Beach.

Queen Sofa SLeePer, excellent condition, $100. 941-798-9656 eLectric Lift cHair: Heat and massage. new, never used. Was $395, sell for $150. 941920-2341. tWo La-Z-BoY recLinerS. Light tan microfiber. Very good condition. $150 for both. 704472-7284. SHiP’S WHeeL taBLe: capt. J. Lindroth original masterpiece of inlaid wood and brass. 19-inches tall, 45-inch diameter. $1,500. also, related pieces. marinateal@gmail.com. antiQue Partner deSK: all wood, $1,000. See at the islander office, 3218 e. Bay drive, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

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References available • 941-720-7519

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE individuals may place one free ad with up to three items, each priced $100 or less, 15 words or less. free, one week, must be submitted online. email classifieds@islander.org, fax tollfree 1-866-362-9821. (limited time offer) ANNOUNCEMENTS Wanted: WorKout dVds and retired but working XBox, Wii units with games for ministry of Presence for kids and teens in Haiti. deliver to the islander, 3218 e. Bay drive, Holmes Beach. Wanted: Your oLd cellphone for recycling. deliver to the islander, 3218 e. Bay drive, Holmes Beach. free gun LocK courtesy of Project childsafe, florida fish and Wildlife conservation commission and Holmes Beach Police department. Pick up at the islander office, 3218 e. Bay drive, Holmes Beach. don’t be sorry, be safe. PETS HeLP reScued PetS! Volunteer, foster, computer help needed! moonracer animal rescue. email: moonraceranimalrescue@gmail.com. TRANSPORTATION

2018 goLf cart: garage-kept (gas), sixpassenger club car Precedent, $8,000. Holmes Beach. call 386-867-5081. BOATS & BOATING

AdoptA-Pet

Bimini BaY SaiLing: Small sailboat rentals and instruction. day. Week. month. Sunfish, Laser, Windrider 17 and Precision 15. call Brian at 941-685-1400. Honey is 5 years old. She is up to date with vaccinations, spayed and looking for a loving family. To meet this sweetie, call Lisa Williams at 941-345-2441 or visit The Islander ofﬁce in Holmes Beach. For more about pet adoption or to adopt Honey, visit moonraceranimalrescue.com.

JameS@corteZ diVing company. Local dockside service, 941-792-7595. HELP WANTED ami car WaSH/detailer. Looking for experienced detailer willing to be available seven days as needed. 941-527-6266. Holmes Beach. rePorter Wanted: full- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience required. apply via email to news@islander.org.

SERVICES need a ride to airports? tampa $65, St. Pete, $55, Sarasota, $30. gary, 863-409-5875. gvoness80@gmail.com. i don’t cut corners, i clean corners. Professional, friendly cleaning service since 1999. 941-779-6638. Leave message. HouSecLeaner: VerY HoneSt and reliable. guaranteed quality work. Plenty of cleaning references to give upon interview. Palmetto area. if interested and have questions, call 660-362-2333. reSidentiaL-BuSineSS cLeaning by Jessie. 10-plus years experience. top-brand cleaning products. Honest, mature, trustworthy. references from long-term clients. i have bimonthly openings. text or leave a message at 941-526-9900. cLeaning in ParadiSe! Let me help you keep your little slice of paradise clean and safe! Local girl, lots of experience! residential, vacation, business. give me a call, 941-773-0461.

cHef JiLL PerSonaL chef Services: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. gourmet picnics, cooking classes. Starfishchefcuisine.com. 941-7048565. BuSineSS-to-BuSineSS Jd’s Window cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. i make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-920-3840. BeacH SerVice air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. Since 1987. for dependable, honest and personalized service, call Bill eller, 941-795-7411. cac184228. LAWN & GARDEN connie’S LandScaPing inc. residential and commercial. full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! insured. 941-778-5294.

tHe iSLander offerS the best results for your classified advertising dollar. We really work for you! Submit your ad no later than noon monday on the website, www.islander. org. for monday holidays, the deadline is friday.