The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, March 31, 2021 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

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Treehouse opposition files Supreme Court briefs By ryan Paice Islander reporter

All parties involved in the U.S. Supreme Court case that entangles the treehouse in Holmes Beach have introduced their cases. The city and the Florida Department Meetings. 4 of Environmental Protection filed briefs of cities resolve to protect opposition March 26 in response to treehome rule. 5 house owners Richard Hazen and Lynn Tran-Hazen’s Dec. 22, 2020, writ of cerhB reviews parking. 5 tiorari asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review the case. Opinions. 6 The matter began in 2011, when the city discovered the property owners at 103 39th St. were building a treehouse without a 10-20 YEARS AGO permit in an Australian pine tree seaward of Looking back. 7 the erosion control line on the beachfront. Longboat bridge proThe city found the structure in violation cess starts up. 8 of the municipality’s land development code and moved for its removal in 2013, sparking cortez Bridge update. 9 litigation with the owners. The Hazens have since been on the losing end of each ruling through several Save a date. 10-11 lawsuits and appeals. Litigation has so far cost the city Happenings $184,955 and the property owners $170,000, activities. 10-11 according to the parties. Additionally, almost $100,000 in city Florida native takes helm fines are bearing down on the Hazens. at cortez museum. 12 Questions surround federal stimulus money. 4

The treehouse developed into a controversy in 2011 when richard and Lynn Tran-hazen began construction without permits on a two-story elevated treehouse on concrete pilings, pictured in December 2020, attached to a pine tree seaward of the setback for the state erosion control line on the beachfront at their residence. Islander File Photo

Two circuit court cases between the par- U.S Supreme Court in 2018, but the court ties remain open, but the property owners declined to take up the case. petitioned last December for a review by the This time around, it’s unclear if their U.S. Supreme Court. petition will follow the same route. The property owners previously sought The city and DEP’s briefs of opposition Turn To treehouse, Page 3 a hearing on a constitutional claim with the

State expands vaccine eligibility, county readies rollout

Testing to begin. 13

By ryan Paice Islander reporter

“In line for Moderna.” “Hoping for Pfizer.” “Searching for Johnson & Johnson.” Obituaries. 15 Florida’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout Where’s Tuna St.? 16-17 efforts are set to dramatically expand over the coming weeks. Streetlife. 18 Gov. Ron DeSantis announced March 25 that the state was to expand eligibility BB infrastructure progfor two-dose Moderna and Pfizer and singleress. 20 dose Johnson & Johnson vaccines to people ages 40 years and older by March 29. aM seeks road safety solutions. 21 Then, beginning Monday, April 5, everyone age 18 and older will be eligible nesting notes. 22 to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, while everyone age 16 and older will be eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine. Bloom time. 23 DeSantis’ target date to expand statewide vaccine eligibility to all adults is almost a 3 sports, 3 champs. 24 month ahead of President Joe Biden’s May Stellar fishing ahead. 25 1 target date to achieve the same goal on a nationwide scale. hB changes course on The move comes as more than 3.2 million resiliency project. 26 Floridians ages 65 and older — around 70% of the 4.4 million seniors in the state — have artist gains ‘fans.’ 27 been vaccinated, according to DeSantis. PropertyWatch. 27 Despite Florida’s large senior population, the state has kept pace with nationwide CLASSIFIEDS. 28 rollout efforts that have distributed first ISL BIZ: 30 doses of the vaccine to 71.1% of the same demographic across the country. puzzle. More than 5.47 million Floridians had

easter sunrise service. 14

NYT

Turn To treehouse, Page 3

been vaccinated as of March 26, according to the Florida Department of Health. In Manatee County, more than 118,144 residents have been vaccinated and all registrants over the age of 50 had been contacted at least once as of March 26, according to the DOH. The county also scheduled 8,000 firstdose and 8,000 second-dose vaccinations for adults age 40 and older March 29-April 2 at Tom Bennett Park and the Manatee County Public Safety Center. DeSantis’ announcement aired only a week after Manatee County opened registration March 19 to its COVID-19 vaccine standby pool to everyone 18 and over. County strategic affairs manager Chloe Conboy wrote in a March 26 email to The Islander that opening registration to all adults ahead of time helped the county get ready to reach a broader population. She added that the county’s previous well of registrants had run dry or grown unresponsive. “We are very pleased with the governor’s decision to expand eligibility, because we have already exhausted everyone that’s eligible in our standby pool,” Conboy said. “Right now, we’re seeing 60% of eligible patients in our standby pool not even respond when Manatee County notifies them for an appointment.” Conboy stressed that, since the county’s registration pool had grown thin, now was a

better time than ever to get in line. “The demand for the vaccine isn’t as high as it was in the beginning and you will be getting scheduled very quickly after you register,” Conboy said. “We are starting to see a significant decline of people registering for the vaccine.” Carol Whitmore, a Holmes Beach resident and at-large Manatee County commisTurn To CoVID, Page 4

In his name a scholarship fund in honor of the late John van Zandt is accepting applications for an award in 2021. For the story, turn to page 15.

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Historical society reveals old jail housed infamous ‘Ma’ Barker By Lisa neff Islander editor

Newly uncovered documents reveal that the old Anna Maria jail briefly housed Kate “Ma” Barker, killed by the FBI in 1935 in Ocklawaha. Barker, alleged to be the matriarch of the BarkerKarpis criminal gang during the “Public Enemy” era in the 1930s, was housed overnight in the jail on a drunk-and-disorderly charge, according to documents uncovered as the Anna Maria Island Historical Society continues to digitize newspapers and other materials donated by island families. “A melee on Pine Avenue in the town of Anna Maria ended with peacekeepers locking up Kate Barker, George Barker and Donald “Pinky” Adams in the Anna Maria City Jail,” reads a Bradenton Herald clipping found in the historical society archives. “They were held overnight, until they apologized for their crimes and slept off their intoxication.” The clipping is dated April 1, 1931. The city jail was built for the purposes of just such a detention. In 1927, Anna Maria Mayor Mitch Davis had the jail built to lock up rowdy people who disturbed the quiet near a Spring Avenue tavern and dance hall. The historical society maintains that “with only bars on the windows, prisoners were exposed to clouds of ferocious mosquitoes during their stay. No one wanted to spend more than one night in jail and the dance hall crowd quickly quieted down.” During the Great Depression, the jail fell out of use and, in the 1940s, a fire damaged the structure, leaving only the concrete walls. At the time of Barker’s detention, the jail was not celebrated for “No roofs. No Doors” or as a tourist attraction. Island newspaper publisher Harry Varley painted

the jail with catchy slogans after convincing town officials to leave the concrete shell. By then, Barker had died in the shootout with the FBI. At the time of her death at age 61 in 1935, she was described by J. Edgar Hoover as “the most vicious, dangerous and resourceful criminal brain of the last decade.” The press reported that Barker was found with a Tommy gun in her hand. However, Barker’s role in the criminal exploits of her sons has long been questioned and those who knew her said she played no criminal role in the gang. The historical society board plans to develop an exhibit based on the jail and its infamous occupant, possibly in connection with the caretakers of the Bradford-Ma Barker house in the Carney Island Recreation and Conservation Area in Marion County, where Barker died in that longest gun battle in FBI history. “We’re more than interested in this new piece of history,” the caretakers said in a press statement. “Furthermore, happy April Fools’ Day. Kate “Ma” Barker, said to have run the Barker gang “Let’s say that one more time for the record: Happy from in “public enemy era” in the 1930s. Islander April Fools’ Day.” Photo: courtesy Wikipedia

have no fear, the rest of the newspaper contains the “real” news. But we hope you were fooled just once! — Bonner Joy

Fred Mutter of grayslake, Illinois, top left, visits the anna Maria city Jail with niece Pippa neff, bottom left, and his children, John and Jackie. The jail, 402 Pine ave., anna Maria, is a top tourist attraction on the island. Many visitors stop at the anna Maria Island historical Society’s museum grounds for a photo opportunity. Islander Photo: Lisa neff

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Q&A 033121

treehouse continued from page 1

argued against bringing the case to the highest court in the country. “Dismissal with prejudice is the accepted and usual course of proceedings when pro se plaintiffs are given notice of the defects of their pleading and an opportunity to correct them, but repeatedly fail to do so,” the city’s brief states. “Petitioners argue this court should review the case because they have been deprived of ‘equal access to federal courts to seek equal justice, relief and secure their constitutional rights. …’ They have not.” The DEP’s brief argues that there is no precedent for the Supreme Court to hear the case. “Petitioners have presented no compelling reasons for granting a petition for writ of certiorari, as the eleventh circuit’s subject decision is not in direct conflict with a decision of another circuit court on the same important matter; the decision did not decide an important federal question conflicting with a state court of last resort; nor did it depart from the accepted and usual course of judicial proceedings,” according to the brief. Jay Daigneault, the city’s attorney in the matter, told The Islander March 26 that the Hazens did not have a compelling case for the Supreme Court. “It’s merely a run-of-the-mill inability to properly plead a case that the Supreme Court generally would have no interest in,” Daigneault said. Daigneault said all that remains is to wait for a response from the court. But he added that there is no timeline for the court to respond. Hate mail Tran-Hazen shared in a March 9 email to The Islander an anonymous voicemail she recently received that expressed disdain toward her legal battle. “Do you realize there are hungry children right here in Manatee County and you have the nerve to try to set up a GoFundMe page for $200,000 for your legal team,” the anonymous caller stated. “I don’t know who the hell you people think you are, but everyone on this island hates you and can’t wait until that treehouse is

The Islander poll

Richard Hazen and Lynn Tran-Hazen, treehouse owners, left, consult with attorney David Levin at a Holmes Beach hearing in 2013. Islander File Photo

Last week’s results A federal complaint challenges the Florida Department of Transportation’s plan for a high, fixed-span bridge on Cortez Road between the fishing village and Bradenton Beach. 31%. A 65-foot clearance bridge is too big. 24%. I like the charm of a drawbridge. 24%. The island needs a tall bridge. 19%. Nothing can solve the traffic problems. 1%. Other. This week’s question Manatee County the week beginning March 22 conducted its largest week of coronavirus vaccines to date following the expanding of eligibility. What’s your status? A. Fully vaccinated. B. Awaiting second dose. C. Awaiting an appointment. D. Not getting a vaccine. To take the poll, go online to islander.org.

knocked down.” “You are off the wall and we can’t wait for you to lose this,” she added. Tran-Hazen said the message was “one of many” that caused her to stop answering calls, for fear of “more nasty notes.” She instead called on Holmes Beach and the DEP to end the litigation. “Stop wasting our money to fight us,” Tran-Hazen wrote. “Use our tax money to feed the hungry children, fix broken sidewalks, fix flooded streets, and restore Moose to host Easter egg hunts The Moose is playing Easter bunny. our civil rights and our constitutional rights!” The Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge, 110 Gulf “We cannot even access the court system to get jusDrive. S., Bradenton Beach, is inviting members to tice these days while hate and violence spread,” Tranbring children to an Easter egg hunt on the beach Hazen continued. “Please spread love not hate.” behind the property. Correction The event, a tradition for the lodge, will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 3, with hunts for two age groups A cutline in the March 24 Islander naming Pat Slowey of Anna Maria the top bidder in the auction with 10 as the age limit. An announcement said, “Moose member parents, of a Garth Brooks’ autographed guitar during the Clint Hurdle-Prader Willi Hot Stove Dinner incorrectly please bring your children to gather Easter eggs and attributed the winner of the guitar with ownership of have some fun!” “Tommy Moose” will attend to pose with chila fitness studio in Holmes Beach. The good news? Brooks chimed in with a second dren. For more information, call the lodge at 941-778guitar and a second match for $40,000-plus for the 4110. Prader Willi Syndrome support group. Win! Win!

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Questions surround federal stimulus money for island officials The third U.S. stimulus plan to counter the impact of the novel coronavirus is set to deliver millions of dollars in relief funds to Anna Maria Island’s three cities. But city officials are unsure how the money can be spent. The $1.9 trillion stimulus bill, which President Joe Biden signed into effect March 11, will send $78.21 million to Manatee County and around $22.84 million to its municipalities, according to the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Reform. The island’s cities will receive: • $740,000 for Anna Maria; • $540,000 for Bradenton Beach; • $1,810,000 for Holmes Beach. While questions remain, money distributed under the American Rescue Plan can be used for local infrastructure improvements — unlike the $2.2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act signed into effect last year by President Donald Trump. Gov. Ron DeSantis issued several recommenda-

tions March 16 for how the state could use its share of the funds. His recommendations include: • Issuing one-time $1,000 relief checks to law enforcement officers and emergency first responders; • Investing $500 million into economic development and recovery programs; • Sending $1 billion to the Resilient Florida Grant Program, which offers grants for resilience projects; • Using $1 billion to create an “Emergency Management Response Fund.” Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth told The Islander March 10 that she had no plans for the funds yet and did not yet know how the money could be used. “At this point we have no guidance,” Titsworth said. “Once we have real answers to our questions, I will put together a priority list and proposal to the commission for consideration.” Nevertheless, Titsworth said she was happy about the incoming relief funds. “Any improvements that can be made in our city without using ad valorem (revenue) is a benefit to our citizens,” Titsworth said. However, Titsworth said she hoped the county

COVID continued from page 1

Coronavirus stats

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

sioner, told The Islander March 26 that she was excited about the changes. “It’s a good thing and we can handle it,” Whitmore said. “I’m very confident. … It takes a lot of people to do this, but I think we’ve got it down to a science.” Whitmore — who received her first dose of a vaccine March 9 after sitting through the county’s lottery system for the shots — said she wasn’t concerned about the portion of registrants who’d been unresponsive. “I think when they see all the people that are getting it with no issues, they’ll come around,” Whitmore said. “There’s a lot of stuff on social media either way that can scare people and keep them away, but vaccines are important.” “Look at all the millions who’ve had it so far,” she added. Whitmore said the county had no plans to erect a vaccination site on Anna Maria Island, despite some elected officials calling for such. “I live on Anna Maria Island and I went up to Tom Bennett Park,” Whitmore said. “It was a piece of cake.” To register in Manatee County’s vaccination enrollment process, go online to vax.mymanatee.org. Also, COVID-19 vaccinations are available by appointment, depending on eligibility, at select CVS, Publix, Walgreens, Walmart and Winn-Dixie locations in the county.

The state has been documenting coronavirus statistics since March 2020. In Florida there have been: • 2,033,179 positive cases as of March 26. • 33,756 deaths as of March 26. The latest numbers for Manatee County: • 34,371 positive cases as of March 26, which is an increase of 701 from the week prior. • 1,463 hospitalizations as of March 26, an increase of 13 from a week prior. • 632 deaths as of March 26, an increase of two from a week prior. On the island, there have been: • 65 cases in Anna Maria as of March 26. There was no increase over the week prior. • 97 cases in Bradenton Beach as of March 26 — an increase of four from the week prior. • 200 cases in Holmes Beach as of March 26 — an increase of one from the week prior.

would use a portion of its relief funds to improve its wastewater treatment plants and stormwater drainage infrastructure to decrease nitrogen and phosphorus loads entering local waterways. She also said that the county funds should be used for improvements “in response to the increasing congestion from uncontrolled growth.” Anna Maria Commission Chair Carol Carter told The Islander March 19 that city officials had yet to discuss the incoming relief funds or how they could be spent, so she declined to comment further. Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie did not respond to a March 19 call and email from The Islander.

Vehicles line up for COVID-19 vaccines March 23 — the county’s busiest week of shot-giving — at the Manatee County Public Safety Center in Bradenton. Islander Photo: Connie Wolgast

with some exceptions for age, health conditions and to consume food and beverages. Neither Bradenton Beach nor Manatee County have a mandate for face masks. However, a federal mandate requires face masks to be worn on public transportation including the island Coronavirus testing Free testing for the novel coronavirus is available trolleys and buses operating on Anna Maria Island, as at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben well as the Bradenton Beach tram service and ridership Blvd., Palmetto. Hours are 8 a.m.-4 p.m. — or until services such as Uber and the Monkey Bus. — Ryan Paice capacity is reached.

Do you recall? Coronavirus precautions Anna Maria and Holmes Beach have mandates that March 1, 2020: Florida reported its first two face masks be worn inside public accommodations, COVID-19 cases, one in Manatee County and another in Hillsborough County. March 11, 2020: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention saw evidence of “community spread” of the virus in Florida. Anna Maria WMFR administration building, 6510 Third Ave. March 17, 2020: The state ordered public April 5, 2:30 p.m., planning and zoning. W., Bradenton, 941-761-1555, wmfr.org. schools closed through at least April 14. April 8, 2 p.m., city commission. March 24, 2020: The state ordered Florida visiApril 22, 6 p.m., city commission. Manatee County tors arriving from New York, New Jersey and ConAnna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941April 1, 9 a.m., county commission (land use). necticut to self-quarantine for two weeks. 708-6130, cityofannamaria.com. April 6, 8:30 a.m., county commission. March 27, 2020: The state ordered Florida April 15, 1:30 p.m., county commission (land visitors from Louisiana to self-quarantine for two Bradenton Beach use). weeks. March 31, 9:15 a.m., commission. April 20, 9 a.m., county commission. April 1, 2020: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ execApril 7, 9:30 a.m., CRA. County administration building,1112 Manatee utive order restricting activity in the state went into April 15, noon, commission. CANCELED Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee. effect, calling on people to stay home unless providing Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., org. and accessing essential services. 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com. May 4, 2020: DeSantis issued an executive order Also of interest allowing restaurants, retail stores, libraries and museHolmes Beach April 2 is Good Friday and most government ums to open to 25% of their building capacity. April 7, 10 a.m., parks and beautification. offices will be closed. For Memorial Day weekend 2020: At April 7, 6 p.m., planning commission. April 14, 4 p.m., Palma Sola Scenic Highway the urging of local officials, the state allowed shortApril 13, 6 p.m., commission. group, Bradenton public works, 1411 Ninth St. W., term vacation rental operations to resume in Manatee April 21, 10 a.m., code compliance. Bradenton. County. April 22, 11:30 a.m., police pension. April 19, 9 a.m., Manatee County Tourist DevelSept. 14, 2020: The state allowed bars to reopen April 27, 6 p.m., commission. opment Council, county administration building. at 50% capacity, though many had already reopened Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, — Lisa Neff with the allowance for food service. 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org. Editor’s note: Some meetings may be conducted Sept. 25, 2020: DeSantis announced the state virtually and some in-person and virtual. was fully opened, including bars and restaurants at West Manatee Fire Rescue Please, send meeting notices to calendar@ full capacity. None announced. islander.org and news@islander.org.

Meetings

— Lisa Neff

March 31, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 5 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Island cities adopt resolutions to preserve home rule By ryan Paice Islander reporter

The battle to preserve home rule is heating up on Anna Maria Island. Holmes Beach commissioners unanimously voted March 23 to adopt a resolution urging Florida legislators to oppose any measure that would prohibit the city from regulating vacation rentals. The resolution states that preempting home rule regulation of vacation rental properties to the state “would endanger the city of Holmes Beach and provide for no limit on the number of people who can occupy a residence, no requirements for a fire and safety inspection, and fewer wars to enforce Federal Emergency Management Agency requirements.” Holmes Beach was the last of the three island cities to adopt such a measure. Commissioners in Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach unanimously adopted similar resolutions March 11 and March 18, respectively. The legislative session began March 2 and will end April 30. Over that time, lawmakers will determine the fate of several bills that could make waves on the island — including a pair that will strip home rule powers if they pass. House Bill 219 and its companion, Senate Bill 522,

where the growing ratio of vacation rentals to resi-

The Florida Legislature dential properties has become an issue among many convened its 2021 ses- residents and elected officials. sion March 2 with plans The three AMI cities’ resolutions all stated opposito sine die april 30. tion to the proposed legislation, joining the Florida and

ManaSota leagues of cities.

would preempt vacation rental regulations established after 2011 to the state. HB 219 was introduced by state Rep. Jason Fischer, R-Duval County, and is in the Ways & Means Committee after passing through the Regulatory Reform Subcommittee in February. SB 522 was introduced by state Sen. Manny Diaz Jr., R-Hialeah, and it is in the Appropriations Committee after members voted 13-5 March 11 to continue discussing the bill. The measure previously passed the Regulated Industries Committee on a 6-3 vote. Proponents of the bills argue that preempting rental regulations to the state would protect personal property rights from encroachment by local rules. Opponents argue the measures would result in a “one-size-fits-all” approach that may not be beneficial for some municipalities, such as the island cities,

Resiliency legislation Island cities may not be so opposed to a pair of bills that would allow counties to spend “bed tax” funds on flood mitigation and improvements. Florida’s “bed” tax is a sales tax on rental accommodations of six months or less. Also known as the resort tax or tourist tax, the rate in Manatee County is 5%. House Bill 1429 was introduced by state Rep. Bryan Avila, R-Miami Springs, and would allow counties to dip into revenue derived from the tourism tax to combat sea level rise — an issue that looms large on the horizon for Anna Maria Island. The State Affairs Committee is discussing the bill after it passed the Ways & Means Committee. In the other legislative house, the companion Senate Bill 2008, had yet to be discussed. The bill was introduced by Diaz and slated for discussion in the Community Affairs Committee March 30, after The Islander’s press deadline.

Holmes Beach reviews, explores parking changes By ryan Paice Islander reporter

Parking has been a hot topic in Holmes Beach since the city implemented a parking-by-permit program last year to reduce congestion and roadside beach parking. But some aspects of the program may change. City commissioners reached consensus March 23 to direct staff to explore potential adjustments to the parking ordinance, such as moving parking fines and permit costs from the ordinance to a resolution. Last year, the city reduced on-street parking by about 1,100 spots to minimize congestion, trash and noise caused by people parking near beach accesses. Commissioners then established a program allowing residents and property owners to obtain decals for parking 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in 619 spots that were first prohibited when the beaches reopened following closures due to the novel coronavirus. Decals cost $15 per vehicle and are needed to park along roadways within established “parking-bypermit-only zones.” The city had issued 171 parking permits as of March 23. Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said the program had been effective at preventing roadside parking on the targeted roadways. Out of 267 parking citations issued March 1-23, 13 violations occurred on parking-by-permit-only roadways, according to Tokajer.

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

He said those were exceptional results given that the city’s license plate recognition system counted 559,992 motorists traveling through the city over the same period of time — an average of 24,347 vehicles every day. “The pandemic is not stopping people from coming to Holmes Beach,” Tokajer said. Commissioner Jayne Christenson said she supports the parking program but does not believe residents should pay $15 for a permit to park in front of their homes. She recommended amending the ordinance so residents with homes along parking-by-permit roadways would not need to pay for permits. Commission Chair Jim Kihm said the change would financially hamstring the program. He recommended giving one free permit to every resident with a home along a parking-by-permit roadway. Tokajer supported Kihm’s suggestion. Commissioner Terry Schaefer also recommended lowering renewal fees for the permits. City attorney Patricia Petruff called the changes “messy” and recommended the city create a survey to gauge public opinion on the issue. “I don’t want to mess with an ordinance that is working,” Petruff said. “Is there a real demand for this?” Titsworth said city staff could review the ordinance and explore potential changes so commissioners could revisit the topic in late April.

Motorists fill parking spots March 23 at the Manatee Public Beach in holmes Beach. Islander Photo: ryan Paice

Fee changes Commissioners also unanimously voted to approve the final reading of an ordinance establishing a resolution-set administrative fee for parking violators, as well as changes to the late fees. The city previously charged violators who failed to pay parking fines within 10 days a $15 late fee. Now, late fees for parking violations will grow the longer they remain unpaid. New fees include: • $15 late fee if a payment is later than 10 days but before 30 days; • $40 late fee if a payment is later than 30 days but before 60 days; • $90 late fee is a payment is any later than 90 days. A resolution to set the new administrative fee had not been established as of March 26.

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Opinion

Our

Celebrate Easter, island time

It’s almost here. The spring season’s crescendo to Easter finally is on my weekly calendar. And what a season it’s been. The traffic congestion, long waits to either get on the island or to leave the island, has been the worst I’ve seen since an afternoon rainstorm chased beachgoers away and the cars trying to leave stacked up back to Pine Avenue. So whatever you plan to do, wherever you plan to go, either on the island or the mainland, contemplate your plan and act accordingly. Hopefully, your plans include a backyard barbecue, a quick trip to your house of worship or the early morning Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island-sponsored Sunrise Easter Service at the Manatee Public Beach. It’s a beautiful morning service with the sun filling the sky behind the pulpit and a few thousand voices filling the crisp air with song. The point here is, you can have a delightful morning and a wonderful, engaging day, celebrate Easter and all the beauty of Anna Maria Island without getting into the fray on the main roads and bridges. Shop ahead. Plan ahead. Stay in place. Just do it. For myself, I’ve got a nest of osprey towering over my backyard and I’m keeping an eye on them. I have a new hammock to install with a “bird view.” And I’ve got food, wine and nibbles to last the duration. I only plan to leave home to walk Mister Sharp, my cairn terrier, around the hood. Life is good. Did I mention the office has moved? I hope our frequent office visitors and anyone else who needs our services — a souvenir T-shirt, an AMI sticker, an anniversary, wedding or birth announcement, an obituary, a classified ad or just a bit of advice — will find our new office in Holmes Beach. It was previously Jack Elka’s studio/office and we’re proud to be the new owner. We can be found on the ground floor at the front of the two-story building — a combo of office and residential condos — with a few nearby landmarks: the AMI Carwash is across 58th Street. We’re directly west of the Ugly Grouper and we’re just across Marina Drive from Holmes Beach City Hall. We’re sorry to leave our friends at the Anna Maria Island Centre shops, but the move is a healthy one. And since the pandemic struck, like so many others, our office needs are evolving with the times. — Bonner Joy, news@islander.org.

MARCH 31, 2021 • Vol. 29, No. 23 Publisher, Co-editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org ▼ Editorial editor Lisa neff, lisa@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Kevin cassidy, kevin@islander.org Jack elka, jack@jackelka.com Kane Kaiman, kane@islander.org Kelsey Mako, kelsey@islander.org 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: 315 58th St., Suite J, holmes Beach FL 34217 WeBSITe: islander.org Text or call: 941-778-7978

Opinion

Your

Trading places

Say, why not trade the Holmes Beach treehouse for the Cortez stilt-house? The builders could negotiate visiting rights in their old structures and the area would boast two odd, new tourist attractions — a stilt-house in a tree and a treehouse over water. Larry Mulligan, Anna Maria

Getting on track

One of the biggest arguments for a fixed bridge is to get people off the islands for storms. Getting off is not the problem. Having a place to go after getting on the island is a problem. The roads simply cannot handle the traffic and there isn’t enough room to widen them. Keith Brightbill, city unknown

Skimming online …

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March 31, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 7 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

From the archives

10&20 years ago

Pier plan a sketch shows planned renovations and landscaping on Bradenton Beach’s historic Bridge Street Pier, referred to on the 1995 sketch as the Bradenton Beach city Pier. Islander Images: courtesy Manatee county Public Library System

In the March 28, 2001, issue:

• Anna Maria commissioners agreed to changes to the city pier lease with restaurant owner Mario Schoenfelder, including authorizing an electrified “open” sign. • For the first time in 50 years, no member of the Adams family was working at the Anna Maria post office. Judy Adams retired in March 2001. Her father-in-law had started at the post office in 1943. • The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage made its first payment — $60,000 — on the 95-acres that would become the FISH Preserve in Cortez. The total purchase price was $250,000.

This way, that way a sign near the intersection of gulf Drive and cortez road welcomes people to Bradenton Beach in 1970, directing them to the business district, the beach and fishing piers to the south and restaurants, stores, motels and apartments in both directions.

In the March 30, 2011, issue:

• The U.S. Census Bureau’s 2010 figures showed Anna Maria Island’s population declined 21.2% from 2000 to 2010, with a loss of 1,752 residents. • Bradenton Beach commissioners and Mayor Bob Bartelt took a tour on the island trolley to conduct a survey of various sites along Gulf Drive for potential improvements. • A plan to remove a dead tree at the Annie Silver Community Center in Bradenton Beach was put on hold after Bradenton Beach Commissioner Ed Straight, who runs a wildlife rehab operation, said he wanted to investigate a possible bird nest. — Lisa neff

Find The Islander dating to november 1992 online at ufdc.ufl.edu.

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Page 8 THE ISLANDER | islander.org March 31, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

DOT initiates process, comments on Longboat Pass Bridge By Kane Kaiman Islander reporter

They came, they saw, they filled out questionnaires. The Florida Department of Transportation held a meeting March 23 in the Harbourside Ballroom at the Longboat Key Club resort to receive public input into the project development and environment study the agency is conducting on the Longboat Pass Bridge. The bridge traverses the pass on State Road 789, linking Longboat and its Gulf of Mexico Drive to Bradenton Beach and Gulf Drive. The PD&E will evaluate the social, natural, cultural and physical impacts of three alternatives: • Maintaining the existing bridge, built in 1957, for the foreseeable future; • Replacing the approximately 17-foot-clearance drawbridge with a high, fixed-span bridge; • Replacing the bridge with another drawbridge. DOT employees and contractors from Atkins Global and Scalar Consulting Group discussed aspects of the study with the 24 people who attended, including Longboat Key Mayor Ken Schneier. In one corner of the room, attendees gathered around a table covered with an aerial map that included the project’s boundaries — from Coquina Beach in

Longboat Key Mayor Ken Schneier attends the March 23 DoT meeting on the Longboat Pass Bridge. Islander Photo: Kane Kaiman

Place portrait photo here

Bradenton Beach to North Shore Road on Longboat Key — and spoke with Jim Jacobsen, a DOT engineer who oversees maintenance of the bridge. Comment forms, questionnaires and a newsletter were made available to attendees, and signage was posted around the ballroom that included information about the PD&E study, project funding and ways to make comments. The in-person meeting is part of a prolonged official comment period that started online March 16 on the project’s website, www.swflroads.com/sr789/longboatkey, and ends April 2. At the meeting, the relationship between sailboat mast heights and bridge heights and complaints about Anna Maria Island traffic were the most common points of discussion, said Siobhan Gale, an Atkins Global public information specialist. Previous PD&E studies for the Cortez Bridge and Anna Maria Island Bridge resulted in recommendations for 65-foot-clearance fixed-span alternatives. The Cortez high bridge alternative is currently facing a challenge in federal court. According to the plaintiffs, the Cortez Bridge PD&E, completed in 2019, failed to accurately represent that about 5% of boats would be too tall to pass beneath a 65-foot-clearance fixed-span bridge. James Haft, a sailor and Longboat Key resident who said he has a view of the bridge from his home, would prefer the DOT choose a drawbridge alternative for two reasons: aesthetics and sailboat clearance. “Having something the size of the John Ringling Causeway Bridge, it will be kind of an eyesore,” he said. “This is a very beautiful area. You’ve got turquoise waters, and people love to get on the bridge and look at the dolphins and whatnot. It’s a whole different experience if you’re 65 feet above water, not to mention what it does for views for us and other people.” According to Haft, most sailboats over 45 feet in length have a 65-foot or taller mast. If the DOT replaces the Longboat Pass Bridge

with a 65-foot fixed bridge and carries out its plans to replace the Cortez and Anna Maria Island bridges with fixed structures of the same height, sailboats with masts taller than 65 feet would be trapped in Sarasota Bay, Haft said. Tall sailboats attempting to escape the bay going south would run into the 65-foot-clearance Ringling bridge and could not use the New Pass drawbridge at the southern end of Longboat Key because its channel is too shallow, he said. Haft also said the current bridge could operate more efficiently to alleviate traffic problems. Unlike other bridges in the area that open on a set schedule during the day, the Longboat Pass Bridge opens on demand by boaters. “The problem is that bridge operators will open the bridge when the boat is on the horizon and then wait until the boat’s a mile down the other way before they close the bridge. And I’m exaggerating, but only slightly,” he said. Haft recommended bridge operators receive clear guidance to only open bridges for boats positioned and ready to pass through the bridge. Longboat Key Mayor Ken Schneier said he has not received any complaints about the Longboat Pass Bridge, since it isn’t a bottleneck. “The bottlenecks in getting off Longboat Key to the north are more on Bradenton Beach, between the Coquina Beach parking and the Cortez Bridge and the shortness of the right-hand-turn lane to get onto Cortez Bridge from the south,” he said. Schneier said he anticipates the PD&E will recommend minor changes to the bridge, but a fixed-span alternative is out of the question, he said. “There’s no way you would be able to do away with the drawbridge element,” Schneier said. “I don’t think anyone would be interested in having a bridge that high.” Comments can be submitted to the DOT’s Patrick Bateman at patrick.bateman@dot.state.fl.us.

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Cortez Bridge opposition: BB onboard, alliance awaits DOT records By Kane Kaiman Islander reporter

The newest player in the game of bridges is arranging its hand. Bradenton Beach, the fifth complainant in a legal case against the Florida Department of Transportation’s proposed 65-foot-clearance fixed-span replacement for the 17-foot-clearance Cortez Road drawbridge, has begun seeking outside legal representation. City attorney Ricinda Perry said March 22 she reached out to a couple of attorneys but had not received a commitment. Bradenton Beach commissioners unanimously voted March 18 to join the Cortez megabridge opposition group — former County Commissioner Joe McClash, and a second former county commissioner, Jane von Hahmann, as well as Linda Molto and Joe Kane, both Cortez residents — and apportioned funding not to exceed $15,000 for legal fees. “I think it was made very clear to Mr. McClash and Mrs. von Hahmann that the city is not looking to even allocate that much money,” Perry said. “Minimal expense is what the city is looking to accomplish.” The case is relatively inexpensive, according to McClash, who spearheads the group, because it requires little discovery. To keep costs down, McClash said he would continue to carry the load. McClash said March 22 he hopes to get the other Anna Maria Island municipalities on board as well. “What happens to one city impacts other cities,” he said. “The character of the island is very important, not only to our community, but to the people that visit, who are our economic drivers. They don’t want to see Anna Maria Island become a city like St. Pete Beach, with all these high rises. They love what we have and it takes work to protect it.” The four original megabridge fighters, who lodged a 47-page complaint with the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida March 9, 2020, maintain a high bridge would negatively impact the historic

Cortez fishing village on the south side of the proposed structure’s eastern terminus on Cortez Road. “The big issue that people should realize is that this bridge divides Cortez with a giant wall-like structure as it comes down almost three football fields from the bay, inland,” McClash said. At the city commission meeting March 18, Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie said a high bridge would not benefit Anna Maria Island residents, either. The complainants are seeking a compromise — to build a 35-foot-clearance drawbridge. On Feb. 1, the opposition group and the DOT agreed to file an amended case management report, the first step toward mediation, a formal process in which a thirdparty helps parties resolve a dispute. Now, the DOT must provide McClash and company with a draft administrative record by April 19 that details the way in which the department came to its decision to move forward with a high bridge. That decision-making process must comply with federal regulations. The opposition group’s complaint highlights various ways the DOT broke the rules. “As plaintiffs, we’ll scrub the administrative record in detail for what we feel were the rules violated by the DOT, which we have confidence that we’ll find consistent with our complaint,” McClash said. Among the grievances, he maintains: • The DOT failed to provide a socio-cultural effects evaluation of a 65-foot fixed bridge by neglecting to carry out a detailed income analysis of Cortez. McClash said the DOT instead used census data from a larger geographic area. • The DOT failed to properly evaluate the effects a steeper bridge would have on pedestrians with mobility issues. • The DOT used inaccurate data, including the number of locals opposed to the high bridge and the percent of vessels too tall to pass under the fixed span. The McClash group can amend its complaint based on the records the DOT provides.

The 17-foot-clearance cortez drawbridge is raised March 24. Islander Photo: Kane Kaiman

The mediation is tentatively set for Aug. 25. If mediation is not successful, the next step is a recommended summary judgment, where the amended complaint will be part of the information the plaintiffs present to a federal magistrate. However, McClash said there is a possibility mediation and a recommended summary judgment can be avoided through an informal settlement conference both sides agreed to attend. McClash said the outcome will be a toss-up. “We’re 50/50, which is a good position to be in,” he said. Bridge aesthetics The DOT’s Cortez Bridge project is in the design phase, which will cost $6.7 million. The DOT formed an aesthetics committee of 11 people. The committee’s next meeting will be online at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 1. The meeting can be accessed at https://global. gotomeeting.com/join/995438029. To access by phone, dial 669-224-3412 and enter 995 438 029. Questions and comments can be emailed to DOT design project manager Roxann Lake at roxann.lake@ dot.state.fl.us.

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The Islander Calendar

compiled by Lisa neff email calendar@islander.org.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island lunch meetAHEAD OFF AMI ing, in-person at Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton May 14, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Golf TourBeach, and via Zoom. Information: 941-920-2505. nament, Bradenton. ONGOING ON AMI Tuesdays into May, Anna Maria Farmers Market, City Pier Park, GOOD TO KNOW Throughout April, “Line<Color<Form,” three-dimensional works 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130. by Susan Maas, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes AHEAD ON AMI SAVE THE DATES Beach. Information: 941-778-6648. April 10, Friends of the Island Library outdoor book sale, Thursday, April 1, April Fools’ Day. Throughout April, Jodi Tshida and Dee Pastorius, featured Holmes Beach. Friday, April 2, Good Friday. artists, Artists’ Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Sunday, April 4, Easter. Information: 941-778-6694. ONGOING OFF AMI Thursday, April 8, Holocaust Remembrance Day. AHEAD ON AMI First Fridays, 10 a.m., Parkinson’s Support Group, Paradise Thursday, April 22, Earth Day. Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Information: 941-926Saturday, May 1, May Day. May 1, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Beach’n 6413. Sunday, May 9, Mother’s Day. Food Truck Festival, Holmes Beach. Thursday, May 27, last day of school July 24, Anna Maria Island Privateers Christmas in July party, AHEAD OFF AMI Monday, May 31, Memorial Day. Bradenton Beach. April 17, Anna Maria Island Privateers Thieves Market, BraSunday, June 20, Father’s Day. ONGOING OFF AMI denton. Sunday, June 20, summer begins. April 29-May 3, Sarasota-Manatee Originals Forks and Corks Sunday, July 4, Independence Day. Through April 11, “For Real This Time,” John and Mable RingFood and Wine Festival, various locations. ling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. GET LISTED Information: 941-359-5700. OUTDOORS & POST IN THE CALENDAR Through May 16, “Frans Hals: Detecting a Decade,” John and SPORTS Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Send announcements for The Islander’s calendar to calendar@ Fee applies. Information: 941-359-5700. AHEAD ON AMI islander.org. The deadline for listings is the Wednesday before the Through May 16, “Larry Rivers: Boston Massacre from the April 10, Anna Maria Island Privateers Whitey Horton Putt Putt publication date. Please include the date, time, location and descripRingling collection,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 tion of the event, as well as a phone number for publication. Golf Tournament, Bradenton Beach. Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-3595700. Through June 27, “Kabuki Modern,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-359-5700. Island Gallery West will feature three-dimensional Susan Maas is Through June 27, “Roy Lichtenstein: Monet’s Garden Goes works by Susan Maas throughout April. the featured artist Pop!” Mary Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. Her exhibit is “Line<Color<Form.” at Island galFee applies. Information: 941-366-5731. Maas, originally from Chicago, retired from the lery West in april. military and moved to the Florida Keys in 2000. The KIDS & FAMILY her exhibit is natural beauty in the keys inspired her to return to “Line<color<Form.” AHEAD ON AMI

Island Gallery West features 3-D works

July 4, Anna Maria Island Privateers July 4 Parade, islandwide. TENTATIVE ONGOING OFF AMI Through April 18, second annual Teen Poetry Contest, Manatee County Public Libraries. Information: molly.saunders@mymanatee. org.

CLUBS & COMMUNITY ONGOING ON AMI Thursdays, 5-8 p.m., Thursdays in Paradise art, shopping and entertainment, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941896-2222. Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island breakfast and meeting, Gulf Drive Cafe, 900 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-778-1383.

creating art. So she went back to school in 2008, earning a bachelor’s of fine art and a master’s of fine art at Florida International University and a post-bac graduate certificate from the Maryland Institute College of Art — all with concentrations in sculpture. Maas works in stone, wood and fiber and, according to an IGW news release, “continues to be inspired by the forms that can be found in nature and people.” She and her husband live in east Manatee. The public can meet the artist 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, April 22. Face masks are required to enter the gallery. IGW is at 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. The gallery is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. For more information, go online to islandgallerywest.com or call 941-778-6648.

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“She comes undone” is by Susan Maas, Island gallery West’s featured artist in april. Maas will be in the gallery Thursday, april 22, to talk with visitors. Islander courtesy Photo

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Island happenings

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compiled by Lisa neff email calendar@islander.org.

Mom, daughter featured at guild gallery Dee Pastorius and daughter Jodi Tshida will be featured at the Artists’ Guild Gallery in April. Pastorius paints Florida flora and fauna. She has a love for watercolors but also works in resins and alcohol inks. In the past two years, Pastorius has dealt with diminished vision and is blind in one eye, affecting her depth of field. Tshida works in acrylic and resin, creating big,

colorful pieces. Mermaids and flamingos are well represented in her work. Both will be at the gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 4-6:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, April 6-9. Tshida also will be offering henna designs through mid-April, outside the gallery. For more information, call the Artists’ Guild Gallery at 941- 778-6694.

Library friends arrange sale

Work by Dee Pastorius, above, and daughter Jodi Tshida, right, will be exhibited in the artists’ guild gallery throughout april. Pastorius and Tshida are the holmes Beach gallery’s featured artists. Islander courtesy Photos

GoodDeeds

Assistance offered on AMI

• The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce offers free face masks. Information: 941-778-1541. • The Roser Food Bank welcomes applicants who live and/or work on Anna Maria Island for food assistance, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. • AID offers help to those who live on the island, go to church on the island, attend school on the island and work on the island. Information: 941-725-2433

Volunteer opportunities on AMi

The organizations in GoodDeeds offer opportunities for people to volunteer on and around AMI. Send your listing to calendar@islander.org.

The Friends of the Island Library will host its first “Under the Big Tent” book sale in place of an indoor event. The event will in the library parking lot 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, April 10, with a rain date of Saturday, April 17. An announcement for the tent sale states, “What a great opportunity for you to select your next suspenseful beach read, plan a culinary masterpiece using a new cookbook or explore a selection of remarkable nonfiction books!” Also, shoppers can purchase a reusable Friends of the Island Library jute tote bag, as well as an annual membership to the organization that conducts programming, sponsors events and helps to enhance library materials. Face masks will be required at the tent. The Island Library is at 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the library at 941778-6341.

Kickball league forming at center

The center of anna Maria Island will host a kickball league, with games beginning Monday, april 19. Play will be at 6 p.m. Mondays at the center field, 407 Magnolia ave., anna Maria. registration is required by Friday, april 9. The league is open to players 21 and older, with teams of 8-15 people. The cost per team is $500-$650. For more information, call the center at 941-778-1908 or go online to • The Roser Food Bank seeks donations. Roser centerami.org. Islander courtesy Photo

Assistance sought on AMI

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. • The Anna Maria Island Historical Society, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, seeks volunteers, including docents for the museum. Information: 941-778-0492. • Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals. Information: 941-345-2441. — Lisa neff

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Florida native takes helm at maritime museum in Cortez By Kane Kaiman Islander reporter

The Florida Maritime Museum has a new captain at the helm. Tori Chasey, a Palmetto native, told The Islander March 15 she’d had her eye on the top job at the museum in Cortez for some time. She got her wish March 8, when she assumed the role of museum supervisor. Chasey succeeded Kristin Sweeting, who had been supervisor since December 2016. Before overseeing the maritime museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, Chasey had been the Palmetto Historical Park curator for more than seven years. “I’m used to working with a historical commission that really cares, and that’s one of the things I’m so excited about in coming to Cortez,” Chasey said March 15. “There are so many people here that have lived the history for so long. It’s their family, and they care deeply about it.” Florida Maritime Curating the Palmetto Historic Park prepared Museum supervisor Chasey for her new role. Tori chasey stands “I’ve already worn a lot of different hats and March 15 near a sign I’ve already dealt with a lot of the historical building detailing the origin of issues that I’m being brought up to speed on here,” she the building. Islander said. Photo: Kane Kaiman The maritime museum is housed in an old schoolhouse, built in 1912. Aside from developing exhibits The project included improved exhibits and new and museum programs, Chasey said the supervisor’s job is similar to owning an old home: Trees need trim- signage in English and Spanish, as well as renovaming, grass needs mowing and some of the building’s tions to the entryway, gift store and “Captain’s Corner” intergenerational learning room. bricks need replacing. The Captain’s Corner is an example of a space Chasey said her primary focus is engaging visitors. “Honestly, the biggest part for me is, how can I make it fun?” she said. “How can I make it so that, when somebody leaves, this is the story from their vacation that they tell their friends about?” A University of South Florida graduate, Chasey earned her degree in anthropology. “Anthropology is the study of people in all time periods. So, it’s the people that made the history we’re studying, but also modern museum visitors,” she said. According to Chasey, understanding both perspectives is vital to running an engaging museum. Chasey envisions a museum more accessible to children. The museum reopened Jan. 19 after completing a “Re-imagination” project to make the facility more accessible to people from all walks of life.

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that is engaging for children and adults, Chasey said, and she wants to give the rest of the museum the same intergenerational appeal. She also plans to develop outdoor exhibits, including a walk-in net camp on the museum site. Net camps — stilt-shacks built over the water to store cotton fishing nets in the early 19th century — dotted the Cortez waterfront into the 1970s. Chasey is no stranger to fishing nets. Her greatgrandfather, Hal Chasey, a prominent member of the Palmetto community until his death in 2004, was an avid fisher. “One of my earliest memories of history and hearing old stories was him, tangled up in a cast net, mending the nets, telling us stories over and over,” she said. Chasey has a 10-year-old daughter, Moxie, who had not visited the museum as of March 15, but had been hounding her mom to let her volunteer during spring break. “She grew up with me having that Palmetto job, so she’s definitely into the history and the hands-on aspects of it,” Chasey said. “She could give you a tour of the Palmetto Historical Park that would probably be pretty accurate and amazing,” she added. plan your visit With an emphasis on safety during the pandemic, the museum is open by appointment Tuesday-Saturday, with time slots at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Admission is free, and registration can be made at floridamaritimemuseum.org or 941-708-6120.

Campers visit big cats and more Spring campers from the center of anna Maria Island pet a goat March 19 in a petting zoo during a spring break field trip to the Big cat habitat & gulf coast Sanctuary in Sarasota. From left to right, the campers are Barclay Warfield, 9, avaya Kohlmeyer, 8, conrad elmore, 9, and Daphne elmore, 8. Islander Photos: courtesy cofaMI

Dylan Sato, 8, feeds a tiger March 19 with help from staff at the Big cat habitat & gulf coast Sanctuary in Sarasota. The center took Dylan and other youth campers to the sanctuary for a field trip during spring break.

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AME students to begin state achievement testing By Amy V.T. Moriarty, amym@islander.org

Sharpen the pencils, and the knowledge. Anna Maria Elementary students will begin state achievement testing in April. Third-graders will begin two days of English/language arts testing Tuesday, April 6, principal Jackie Featherston said March 22. Students utilizing the e-learning module are required to test on-campus with special accommodations to isolate those students from the student body. Testing was canceled in the 2019-20 academic year, when on-campus learning was closed down due to the coronavirus pandemic. In March 2020, AME students left for spring break and did not return to their campus by the bay the remainder of the academic year

AME Calendar

• Friday, April 2, Good Friday, no school. • Monday, April 5, 4 p.m., PTO meeting, via Zoom. • April 6-7, English/language arts state test, third-grade. • Thursday, April 8, FSA writing, fourth- and fifth-grades. • Monday, April 19, 3:45 p.m., school advisory committee meeting, via Microsoft Teams online platform. • May 4-5, English/language arts state test, fourth- and fifth-grades. • May 11-12, science state test, fifth-grade. • May 19-20, FSA math, third-, fourth- fifth grades. • Friday, May 21, AME field day, TENTATIVE. • Thursday, May 27, last day of school. Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the school at 941-708-5525.

Lennox Shields, 6, stands at a bear enclosure March 19, during a center of anna Maria Island field trip to the Big cat habitat & gulf coast Sanctuary in Sarasota. Islander Photos: courtesy cofaMI

— except to collect belongings. This year, some AME students continued with remote learning but many have returned to the physical classrooms and, with the return to campus, testing will resume. Standardized tests help educators measure student learning gains from year to year. Additionally, millions of dollars in school funding is awarded by the state commissioner of education to school districts based on test performances. In 2020, the School District of Manatee County received $2,176,166 for 2018-19 academic year testing. Funds were not awarded for the 2019-20 academic year. Testing at AME will continue Thursday, April 8, with writing assessments for fourth- and fifth-grade students. Maddie KimTesting will resume May 4-5 with English/language mons, 8, grabs arts testing for fourth- and fifth-grade students. the cage of a Fifth-grade students will be tested in science May tiger enclosure 11-12. March 19, during Achievement testing is set to conclude Wednesday, a center of anna May 20, with testing for third-, fourth- fifth grade stuMaria Island dents’ in math skills. camp day trip Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, to the Big cat Holmes Beach. habitat & gulf For more information, call the school at 941-708coast Sanctuary 5525. — amy V.T. Moriarty

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Page 14 THE ISLANDER | islander.org March 31, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Gathering

Singing praise The rev. neil crowell, pastor at roser Memorial community church, performs in a “Music on the Water” concert with the crossPointe Fellowship Praise team. The event took place outside the roser March 21.

Sunrise service set to celebrate Easter

Hundreds of beachgoers are expected to amass on the shore April 4 even before the sun comes up. They’ll be gathered at Manatee Public Beach Sunday, April 4, for the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island’s traditional Easter sunrise service. The 56th anniversary event will begin about 6:30 a.m. at the county beach at the west end of Manatee Avenue in Holmes Beach. Sunrise will be about 7:18 a.m. About 1,200-2,000 people typically attend the service, which did not take place in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Rev. Matthew Grunfeld of the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation in Holmes Beach will deliver the opening prayer. The Rev. Dirk Rodgers of Roser Memorial Community Church will deliver scriptures. The Rev. Edward Moss of CrossPointe Fellowship will deliver the sermon. Also, the Rev. Stephen King of Harvey Memorial Community Church will deliver the offering prayer and benediction. The service also will feature “inspirational Easter music.” The beach offers public parking. Additionally, the fare-free island trolley begins operations at about 6 a.m. Attendees should bring blankets or chairs to sit on, flashlights to make their way in the dark and also should dress for a morning chill. Attendees also must maintain social distancing and wear face masks. The event is open to the general public. An offertory will be collected to benefit participating churches, the Kiwanis club and its scholarship program. For more information, contact club secretary Sandy Haas-Martens at 941-778-1383.

Tidings

charles Wade performs March 21 on the grounds of roser Memorial community church, 512 Pine ave., anna Maria, for the “Music on the Water” concert series. Islander courtesy Photos: Peggy nash

Worship and events calendar

SPECIAL SERVICES

Thursday, April 1 9:30 a.m. — Confession and Communion, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7781813. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. — Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, open for Maundy Thursday prayer. Information: 941-778-0414. 6 p.m. — Maundy Thursday service, Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941778-1638. 7 p.m. — Maundy Thursday service, St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7784769. 7:30 p.m. — Maundy Thursday, Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-8833. Friday, April 2 9:30 a.m. — Readings and prayer, Gloria Dei. Noon — Good Friday service, Annunciation. 1 p.m. — Good Friday service, Christ Church. 2 p.m. — Good Friday service, St. Bernard. 6 p.m. — Good Friday service, Annunciation. 7 p.m. — Good Friday service, Roser Church. 7 p.m. — Good Friday service, CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-0719. Saturday, April 3 8 p.m. — Holy Saturday service, St. Bernard. Sunday, April 4 6:30 a.m. — Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island Easter Sunrise Service, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

— Lisa neff

HOLY WEEK SERVICES

Information: 941-778-1383. 8 a.m. — Easter service, Annunciation. 8:30 a.m. — Easter service, Roser. 8:30 a.m. — Easter service, St. Bernard. 9 a.m. — Easter service, CrossPointe Fellowship. 9:30 a.m. — Easter service, Annunciation. 9:30 a.m. — Communion, Gloria Dei. 10 a.m. — Outdoor Easter service, Roser. 10:30 a.m. — Easter service, St. Bernard. 10:45 a.m. — Easter service outdoors, Annunciation. REGULAR WORSHIP Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard. Thursdays 9:30 a.m. — Annunciation. Saturdays 4 p.m. — St. Bernard. PLeaSe, See tIDINGs, nexT Page

Gathering

Gathering is the religion page for The Islander. We welcome news from local places of worship, as well as their photographs and calendar listings. Please, send announcements, photographs and listings to calendar@islander.

Worship With Us at Our Church

Please Register to Attend • Masks Required 941-900-4903

The Rev. Dr. Norman M. Pritchard

MAUNDY THURSDAY TENEBRAE SERVICE

Thursday, April 1, 7:30 PM

SERMON: eAtinG toGetHeR• Communion Service

GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE

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•

COMMUNITY CHURCH

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SERMON: tHey WeRe tHeRe. WeRe yoU?

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•

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Visitors & Residents Welcome

Watch these services live: www.bit.ly/cclbksermons or www.christchurchlbk.org (follow YouTube link)

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Text ROSER to 22828 to receive the weekly eBulletin. Good Friday, April 2 • 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary & online! 941-778-0414 • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria • FOLLOW us on Facebook @RoserChurch

March 31, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 15 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Calling graduating seniors: Van Zandt scholarship deadline extended Graduating high school seniors in pursuit of a career can apply through Thursday, April 8, for an award from the John van Zandt Scholarship Fund. The fund was announced Feb. 1, with an application deadline of April 1. However, the deadline recently was extended to April 8. Funds will be awarded to graduating seniors seeking tuition assistance to pursue a career that does not require a college degree. Applicants should live or work on Anna Maria Island or have parents who work on the island. Awards range $2,500-$5,000 and may be presented to one scholarship winner or shared by two finalists in the application process, which involves review by a selection committee. Applications can be found on the Center of Anna Maria Island’s website at centerami.org, as well as at high school counseling offices. Donations to the fund can be made via the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Donations — put JvZ on the memo line — and are tax deductible. The scholarship fund account is with the Manatee Community Foundation, according to a news release from the center. John van Zandt, who died in 2019, grew up in Texas and later moved to Anna Maria Island, where he was known in business, educational and charitable communities. He was an avid reader, sports enthusiast, birder and sailor and, professionally, he worked many years

soccer, and at Anna Maria Elementary, he served as president of the PTO. He worked to help young people find educational opportunities and to excel and, with the Bradenton Kiwanis, served on a scholarship committee that helped young people who were not bound for college. His wife, Chris van Zandt, and the Bradenton Kiwanis Club were instrumental in getting the scholarship transferred to the center, according to center director of development Jim McDaniel. “It means so much to our family that together we are making John’s dream to give these deserving students a chance come true,” reads a letter from Chris van Zandt and other family members — Eric and Angela van Zandt and Dr. Ana Shaw. They also wrote, “This year has been difficult for in marketing and advertising and ran a successful ad so many families. Our goal is for John’s scholarship to agency before embarking on a career in real estate with provide encouragement and imperative financial aid to Island Real Estate. help students keep their dreams of continuing educaAt the Center of Anna Maria Island, he coached tion alive.” John van Zandt. a scholarship fund has been established in his memory. applications will be accepted through april 8. Islander courtesy Photo

Obituary

Eleanor Adeline Gage Diamond

Eleanor Adeline Gage Diamond, 91, of Sarasota, died March 20. She was a longtime local, having resided on Longboat Key and in Anna Maria and Bradenton. She was born Feb. 20, 1930, in Pensacola to Naval Air Cmdr. Fred Harrison Gage and Anna Elizabeth tIDINGs FroM Page 14 Bell. Sundays She was a member of the 1950-51 8 a.m. — Annunciation. debutante coterie of Jacksonville and 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard. Diamond was formally presented to society at 8:30 a.m. — Roser. a tea dance held at the Jacksonville 9 a.m. — CrossPointe Fellowship. offi cers club. She designed her gown. 9:30 a.m. — Annunciation. She graduated from Florida State University in 10 a.m. — Roser Church. 1952 with a bachelor’s degree in fine art. She returned 10 a.m. — Easter service, Christ Church. 9 a.m. — Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, to the university to obtain teaching certification. She was a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-6491. (Beta Mu chapter) and she held the office of vice presi10:30 a.m. — St. Bernard. dent her senior year. It was there she met her lifelong, 10:45 a.m. —Annunciation. devoted friend, Fay (Miller) Hardy. 11 a.m. — Longboat Island Chapel. She married John Dewitt Diamond June 4, 1954, ONLINE WORSHIP OFFERED at Christ Church in Pensacola. In earlier years, they lived in Pensacola, JacksonChrist Church of Longboat Key, christchurchlbk.org. ville and Puerto Rico. They had six children. CrossPointe Fellowship, crosspointefellowship.church. She took pride in knowing that her grandmother Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, amiannunciation.org. (Merritt-Bell) donated land and a stained-glass window Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, gloriadeilutheran.com. to Christ Church in Pensacola. Harvey Memorial Community Church, Facebook. In 1958, she and her husband moved to Puerto Longboat Island Chapel, longboatislandchapel.org. Rico, and joined Episcopal Cathedral, where they Roser Church, roserchurch.com. taught Sunday school and cooked meals. ONGOING EVENTS She and her husband then became founding members of a new church, St. Stephens Episcopal, in GuayWednesdays nabo, Puerto Rico. 10 a.m. — Women’s Bible study, Christ Church. 6:15 p.m. — Wednesday supper, CrossPointe. 6:45 p.m. — Wednesday Night Blast, CrossPointe. Thursdays 9:30 a.m. — RoserRobics ﬁtness, Roser Church. Mondays 9 a.m. — Men’s Bible study, Christ Church, via Zoom. Tuesdays 9:30 a.m. — RoserRobics ﬁtness, Roser Church. Editor’s note: Some regularly scheduled events may be postponed due to Holy Week and Easter. Please check with the church.

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She and her husband divorced in 1972. In 1976, she moved her children to Sarasota, where she built a new life for her family. She helped support her family working as a portrait artist, a substitute teacher at Commonwealth High School in Puerto Rico and McIntosh Middle School in Sarasota and as an associate at the Holiday Inn gift shop on Longboat Key and at Fast Eddie’s on Anna Maria Island. She took pride in her family heritage. A trip to England to explore some of that history was a highlight in her later years. She was a talented artist, known for her true-to-life portraits. She was the life of the party, an accomplished cook and hostess and enjoyed dancing. She will be remembered for her elegance and style, strength, artistic ability, witty humor, hospitality, her famous tiramisu and Christmas fudge and her beautiful blue eyes. A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Pensacola. Memorial donations may be made to the Bishop Gray Retirement Foundation Inc., P.O. Box 233, Winter Park, FL 32790. She is survived by daughters Lucy Merritt and husband Mark and Laura Adeline; sons Mark Dewitt, Matthew Gage and wife Tam and Paul Robinson and wife Janet; grandchildren Shannon and husband Warren, Fallon and husband Chris, Sean and wife Lauren, Christopher and wife Stephanie, Kathryn and husband Billy, Ocean and husband Jay Jose and Pauline; great-grandchildren Raylee, Dane, Ryan, Alexis, Aiden, Titus, Reed, Maddox, Phoenix and Lunna; nieces Susanne and Kathleen; nephew Rusty; daughter-in-law Nancy Thomas; lifetime friend Fay Hardy; and many other friends and relatives.

PLEASE, TAKE NOTE!

The Islander has moved! The “best news on AMI” has purchased and relocated to a condo ofﬁce. We’re now across from HB City Hall and behind the Ugly Grouper. You’ll ﬁnd us at 315 58th St., Holmes Beach. So stop by and check out our new, groovy digs. We’re ready to serve you! Same phone and email. The island’s best news for 29 years! 941.778.7978 news@islander.org

Page 16 THE ISLANDER | islander.org March 31, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Page 18 THE ISLANDER | islander.org March 31, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Special magistrate levies code fines, fees in Anna Maria By amy V.T. Moriarty Islander reporter

Nine code enforcement hearings before Anna Maria’s special magistrate March 25 resulted in fines. Eight hearings dealt with alleged violations of the city’s vacation rental rules and the ninth was over a parking ticket. Eric and Carolyn Gill of Parrish own 315 Hardin Ave., an address city administrative assistant and code enforcement officer Stephanie Janney said is being used as a vacation rental. Janney said the Gills failed to comply in 2020 with the ordinance requiring renewal of a vacation rental registration. The Gills’ property is managed by Duncan Real Estate, 310 Pine Ave., whose representative Lisa Schilling said the previous property manager failed to make the arrangement. Janney said she and Schilling worked together and the property was compliant. Special magistrate Gerald T. Buhr ordered the Gills to pay a $150 administrative fee. Another Duncan-managed property, 610 Gladiolus St., Unit A, owned by Lee Harrick Cook and represented by Schilling, was cited for the same violation. As the property was compliant at the time of the

Streetlife

Staff reports

Island police reports

Anna Maria March 17, 9800 block of Gulf Drive, larceny. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office investigated a missing kayak. The owner beached the vessel near the Sandbar Restaurant, 100 Spring Ave., to go shopping, then returned to find the kayak gone. Deputies learned public works staff moved the kayak “for safe keeping” and it was returned to the owner. March 17, 200 block of Archer Way, noise. The MCSO dispatched a deputy regarding a complaint about people playing what sounded like horseshoes after midnight. They issued a citation. March 18, 300 block of Magnolia Avenue, larceny. The MCSO received a complaint for a stolen rental bike, taken from a patio and replaced with a damaged rental bicycle. Police filed a report. March 18, 400 block of Magnolia Avenue, noise. The MCSO dispatched a deputy regarding a complaint of loud partiers. People watching a football game and listening to music were issued a citation. March 18, 300 block of South Bay Boulevard,

hearing, Buhr ordered Cook to pay a $150 administrative fee. Three properties managed by AMI Locals LLC and represented by the company’s attorney, Michelle Grantham, were late to comply with registration requirements. Graham and Hazel Hanson, owners of 107 Elm Ave., Scott and Sara Adams, owners of 110 Maple Ave., and 111 Cedar Ave LLC, owners of 770 North Shore Drive, Unit A, brought their properties in compliance by the hearing and were fined a $150 administrative fee. Neither the owners of 146 Crescent Drive, Kevin and Tammy Resing, nor a representative from the Beach Retreats, attended the hearing. Additionally, Janney said the property was missing a safety inspection, so it was not compliant more than a year after annual registration and inspection renewal notices were sent in February 2020. Buhr ordered the Resings to pay a $150 administrative fee and bring the property into compliance by March 31 or face a $75 daily fine. Nicole Freer, owner of 322 Hardin Ave., had failed to comply with registration renewal from February 2020 by the hearing. Buhr fined her a $150 administrative fee in absentia and ordered her to bring the property into compliance by March 31 or face a $75 daily fine. Janney said Don and Edith Ruggles, who own 105 Magnolia Ave., had not renewed their 2020 vacation

rental registration and also changed their occupancy allowance from eight people to six, requiring a new registration. The Ruggles paid the new registration fee and a $103 late fee, but the safety inspection still was outstanding, Janney said. The Ruggles’ son David said notices had been sent to an email address that was not regularly monitored. Buhr ordered the Ruggles to pay a $150 administrative fee and have the property inspected by April 10 or pay an additional $75 daily fine until it was inspected. A single parking fine was on the agenda. Mary Anne Whiteside told Buhr she was forced to park in the spot that resulted in the ticket because she was unable to park at her 114 Magnolia Ave. property. Whiteside said she has owned the property for 40 years and uses it as a vacation rental, but often has trouble finding parking while at the property between tenants. City administrative assistant and code enforcement officer Debbie Haynes said she excused a parking fine for Whiteside in 2019 for the same reason, but noted the property has a carport and driveway. Buhr ordered Whiteside to pay the $50 parking fine plus a $15 late fee, as well as a $150 administrative fee. Special magistrate hearings are scheduled on an as-needed basis and there were none on the city calendar as of March 26.

noise. The MCSO received a complaint of loud music. A deputy issued a citation. March 19, 300 block of Hammock Circle, noise. The MCSO dispatched a deputy regarding a complaint of loud music and screaming. The deputy found no violation. March 21, Island Charms, 218 Pine Ave., larceny. The MCSO received a complaint regarding theft of a bracelet valued at $92, but a suspect was not found. March 21, 200 block of South Bay Boulevard, noise. The MCSO dispatched a deputy regarding a complaint of loud partiers. People partying around a pool were cited under the noise ordinance. The MCSO polices Anna Maria. Bradenton Beach March 20, 200 block of Gulf Drive North, hit-andrun. Police received a complaint a motorcyclist crashed into the rear of another vehicle and fled. Authorities located and arrested a suspect on four misdemeanors — leaving the scene of a crash involving damage to property, knowingly driving while his license is suspended or revoked, operating a motorcycle without a license and failure to register a motor vehicle. March 23, 60 block of A Drive Dr. North, larceny. Police received a complaint of a kayak taken from a

boat. The complainant reported a chain was cut that held the kayak to the boat. The BBPD polices the city. Cortez March 18, U.S. Coast Guard-Station Cortez, 4530 124th St. Court W., gunshots. The MCSO dispatched a deputy regarding a complaint of shots fired from a boat. Deputies searched but did not find anyone. March 20, 11900 block of Cortez Road West, fraud. The MCSO dispatched a deputy on a complaint someone fraudulently used an identity to open three bank accounts. Cortez is policed by the MCSO. Holmes Beach March 17, Island Shopping Center, 5410 Marina Drive, alcohol. An officer from the Holmes Beach Police Department observed a juvenile with an open beer bottle. The officer contacted the boy’s parents and issued a citation to the juvenile. March 17, D.Coy Ducks Tavern, 5410 Marina Drive, trespass. An officer was dispatched in response to a call about an intoxicated man who refused to leave the bar. The man left after the officer asked him to leave and was issued a trespass warning. PLeaSe, See streetlIfe, nexT Page

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Clock ticking down on Cortez stilt-house demo By Kane Kaiman Islander Reporter

Tick, tick, tick…. The end of the 2021 Florida legislative session is April 30, but, when it comes to protecting Raymond Guthrie Jr.’s stilt-house from demolition, state and local officials appear to be confused about who’s doing the protecting. State Sen. Jim Boyd, a member of Manatee County’s legislative delegation representing District 21, said in a March 16 email to The Islander “there has been no legislation filed relating to net camps for the 2021 Legislative Session.” “At this time, it is my understanding that there may be something in the works locally that might assist in resolving the current issue in Cortez relating to the Guthrie net camp,” the Boyd email continued. However, Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge — whose district includes Cortez and the state-owned submerged land on which the stilt-house was built in 2017 in Sarasota Bay near the A.P. Bell Fish Co. docks— said in a March 9 email to The Islander he “had not heard that a local ordinance could be enacted that would trump state law,” but that he would ask the county attorney if that was a possibility. The commissioner also said he had not been contacted about the matter by Guthrie or A.P. Bell Fish Co. owner Karen Bell, who has been assisting Guthrie in his legal battle against the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Van Ostenbridge had not responded to multiple Streetlife continued from page 18

March 17, 200 block of 64th Street, noise. An officer responded to complaints about noise at a residence. He used a decibel meter to determine the volume of the noise coming from the property and issued a citation. March 17, 100 block of White Avenue, alcohol. Patrol officers found a group of young people with alcohol and fake identification cards on the beach. The juveniles were released to their parents and given citations. March 17, Freckled Finn Irish Pub, 5200 Holmes Blvd., fight. HBPD officers were dispatched in response to a fight between two intoxicated men. One had a gun in his vehicle. Officers deemed the man too intoxicated to drive or possess a firearm. An officer placed the gun into storage. March 17, 100 block of 52nd Avenue, alcohol. A pair of officers responded to reports of a group of teenagers and found two boys with alcohol in a cooler. The officers issued citations and the teenagers dispersed. March 20, 800 block of Manatee Avenue, marijuana. An officer stopped a motorist for speeding and smelled marijuana coming from the vehicle. The officer searched the vehicle and found a bag of marijuana. The officer issued citations and confiscated the drug. March 20, 700 block of Manatee Avenue, speeding.

Hit-and-run suspect hit with 1st-degree felony By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

email inquiries about the county attorney’s opinion as of Islander press time March 29. Bell said March 23 she had not reached out to any county commissioners about local ordinances to protect the camp, but that she had been working with unnamed Manatee County legislative delegates and officials in Tallahassee. “I don’t have a lot of information about what’s working and what’s not working, because nothing’s really totally worked yet,” Bell said. “So, I really don’t have a lot to say about it, aside from we’re trying.” Judge Edward Nicholas signed an order March 8 granting Guthrie’s motion for a 60-day stay of enforcement on his final order that the stilt-house be demolished. The order stated the motion was granted “to allow the Florida Legislature or other governmental body to consider protection for the structure.” If lawmakers do nothing to protect the structure, Guthrie said he will take the demolition in stride. “What am I going to do about it?” he said. “I’m too old to cry.”

The state attorney’s case against a Holmes Beach resident for leaving the scene of a Feb. 10 hit-and-run traffic crash is moving forward. Judge Lon Arend of the 12th Judicial Circuit Court at a March 26 arraignment informed Holmes Beach resident Cierra Shannon, 27, that the state charged her with a first-degree felony for leaving the incident that resulted in the death of 83-year-old Madelyn Dakin. Dakin, a Michigan resident who was vacationing in Holmes Beach with her husband of 67 years, Gerald, was hit Feb. 10 while crossing near the 2700 block of Gulf Drive and was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical services shortly after. With the help of witnesses and the city’s license plate recognition system, Shannon was identified as the driver of the 2006 silver Chevrolet Trailblazer that hit Dakin. She turned herself into the Bradenton Police Department Feb. 11 and was placed in custody at the Manatee County jail. Shannon was released Feb. 16 into probation under the Manatee County Pretrial Release Program after posting a $15,000 bail bond. Police charged Shannon with a first-degree felony after the incident, but a March 5 arraignment was canceled because assistant state attorney Tyler Egbert, the prosecutor, hadn’t yet filed official charges. Egbert filed March 9, resulting in Shannon’s March 26 arraignment. Shannon had already filed a “not guilty” plea Feb. 16. The felony charge carries a four-year minimum mandatory prison sentence upon conviction. The court had not set a tentative date for trial as of March 26. Shannon had been found guilty of DUI in 2015, according to Manatee County court records.

An officer stopped a speeding motorist who did not have a driver’s license. The officer issued citations. March 20, 200 block of 77th Street, noise. Officers responded to reports of a noise at a residence and took readings with a decibel meter from the complainant’s property. The officer issued a citation. March 22, 4500 block of Gulf Drive, marijuana. An officer stopped a motorist for failing to brake at a stop sign and smelled marijuana coming from the vehicle. The driver produced two marijuana cigarettes from the center console. The officer issued a citation. March 22, 100 block of South Harbor Drive, alco-

hol. An officer stopped a motorist for suspected marijuana possession. The driver was underage and was in possession of two bottles of alcohol in the vehicle. The officer issued a citation. March 23, 6800 block of Holmes Boulevard, property damage. A female resident called the HBPD to report her mailbox was missing after seeing two men flee. An officer found the mailbox, returned it and issued a case number. HBPD polices Holmes Beach. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

A Feb. 3 view from a boat of the south side of Raymond Guthrie Jr.’s stilt-house in the bay. The A.P. Bell Fish Co. docks, right, and the Cortez Bridge, left, are in the distance. Islander Photo: Kane Kaiman

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BB side street utilities buried, Gulf Drive to follow By Kane Kaiman Islander reporter

Like they were never there. Bradenton Beach has finished burying power lines on a portion of residential streets — from 13th Street South to Sixth Street South — and is ahead of schedule in its $2 million project to bury utilities along a section of Anna Maria Island’s main thoroughfare, city attorney Ricinda Perry said March 22. The residential side street construction began March 5. As of March 22, about 85% of the connections from the power lines to homes were made. Perry, who manages the project, said she expected all side street connections to be made by March 28, after The Islander went to press. Florida Power & Light Co. will remove the defunct light poles later this year and solar lights will be placed on street corners as soon as they can be recycled from Bridge Street, Perry said. The next phase is Gulf Drive, from the BradenLights on gulf Drive near Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach operate on solar power. Islander Photo: Kelsey Mako

According to Perry, it will be Wilco’s responsibility when construction begins to ensure traffic on Gulf Drive is moving safely around equipment. Work will probably begin at Longboat Pass and move north, but there’s no telling how much ground laborers will cover each day, Perry said. “I don’t know what we’ll run into that’s under the ground there,” Perry said. “I’ve been told there are substantial boulders that have been placed to protect the beach.” The project will help protect infrastructure and keep roadways clear during hurricanes, Perry said. “Gulf Drive is the only means of ingress and egress off the island, it’s the emergency evacuation route,” she said. “So, the whole purpose is to get lines off of Gulf Drive so there’s no interference with individuals Wilco electrical workers guide power lines into the leaving for storm-related events.” ground March 19 on the corner of Seventh Street The city is already pursuing funding to continue South and gulf Drive South in Bradenton Beach. burying utilities on Gulf Drive north of Sixth Street Islander Photo: courtesy ricinda Perry South with a $3 million special appropriations request ton Beach city limits at Longboat Pass to Sixth Street to the Florida Legislature. South. In 2020, the city received $2 million in state funding for the project, an appropriation that required work be completed by June 30. Wilco Electrical, the city’s contractor, can begin work on Gulf Drive, a portion of State Road 789, as soon as the Florida Department of Transportation issues the city a right-of-way permit.

The trolley stop near ninth Street South lacks a crosswalk. ninth Street South is to the left of the trolley stop.

Bradenton Beach gets ‘smart’ about streetlights

BB crosswalk prioritized for safety

By Kelsey Mako Islander reporter

Gulf Drive, a sunny and scenic road by day, is about to get brighter at night thanks to a plan to upgrade streetlights. Bradenton Beach city commissioners voted unanimously March 18 to purchase 13 smart lights for Gulf Drive at a cost not to exceed $50,000. A smart light is a fixture that uses technology, such as cameras or sensors, to allow for real-time monitoring. Functions can include detecting weather conditions, monitoring traffic and pedestrians and sending notifications in emergencies. The smart lights are stronger, with more lumens. The current streetlights are 16 feet tall and spread light 25% of the way across Gulf Drive. The new lights would hit three-quarters of the street. Additionally, since smart lights can be modified and therefore dimmed, they will be better for sea turtle nesting. Artificial light can cause nesting sea turtles and hatchlings to become disoriented and wander inland. City attorney Ricinda Perry said the $50,000 for the fixtures would come from a Gulf Drive appropriation account. Installation will need to be funded. The city does not need approval from the Florida Department of Transportation. Installation of the streetlights is part of the project to bury utilities along Gulf Drive and being coordinated with Spectrum, Verizon and Florida Power and Light. Some streetlight funding also could come from the community redevelopment agency for the project area in the CRA district. Police Lt. John Cosby and public works director Tom Woodard support the project for safety reasons, saying it is important to have new lighting at intersections. “This is certainly an upgrade from the lighting that’s in existence out there,” Perry said. However, as of now, Perry said she did not think the city could afford lights on both sides of Gulf Drive. While the streetlight project is being planned, a timeline has yet to be set due to supply shortages brought on by the pandemic.

By Kelsey Mako Islander reporter Lou Barolo South Park, highland avenue at Fourth Street north in Bradenton Beach. Islander Photo: Kelsey Mako

Bradenton Beach to repair Highland Avenue By Kelsey Mako Islander reporter

A Bradenton Beach street in need of repair has gone from one project to two. City commissioners voted unanimously March 18 to authorize the repair of Highland Avenue at a cost not to exceed $20,000. According to city attorney Ricinda Perry, the city’s community redevelopment agency authorized the installation of pavers at Lou Barolo Park South. The CRA focuses on and funds projects related to tourism, restoration and growth in the historic, downtown district. However, the CRA’s project cannot be completed until the street is repaired. A low-lying portion of the street prevents pavers from being placed. The section in need of repair is sizable, cutting halfway into the street and covering almost the entire length of the parking lot on Highland. Perry said the only solution is to cut out the asphalt, build up the underlayment and install new pavement. “The concept that was discussed was if you’re going to do it, you’re going to do it right instead of having a problem and a problem and a problem,” Perry said. The proposed price from Superior Asphalt of Bradenton, which has a standard pricing contract with the city, to repair the street is $16,465. Public works director Tom Woodard said he has funding for street repairs.

Some Bradenton Beach crosswalks are being updated to promote pedestrian safety. City commissioners voted 4-0 March 18 to prioritize the relocation of the crosswalk midway between Ninth and 10th streets south to Ninth Street South. The existing crosswalk leads to a condominium complex but no crosswalk exists at the trolley stop at the Ninth Street South-Gulf Drive intersection. Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie, a proponent of the crosswalk relocation, cited safety concerns. “People cross at the cross streets. They won’t even go five feet to go out of their way to go to the crosswalk. I would hope the commission would go along with the motion that has been proposed,” Chappie said. After speaking with the Florida Department of Transportation, public works director Tom Woodard said he learned of plans to upgrade several crosswalks along Gulf Drive, a state road. Those crosswalks will be marked with a “regular rapid flashing beacon — or RRFB — which is a pedestrian-activated warning device with flashing lights. Additionally, crosswalks will include proper citing and pavement markings, as well as updated striping. “The project is not yet funded but it’s on our safety department’s radar,” Woodard said. As of now, there is not a timeline for when the construction phase will begin. “I do believe if something like this is pushed in MPO, it can be prioritized,” said Woodard. The MPO — the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization — provides a platform for transportation policymaking. With the commission vote, the mayor and appropriate staff were directed to make the crosswalk a priority. The next city commission will be an emergency meeting at 9:15 a.m. Wednesday, March 31, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

March 31, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 21 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

AM commissioners seek solutions to road safety concerns By amy V.T. Moriarty Islander reporter

It’s getting harder to safely travel Anna Maria roads. The city’s infrastructure is not equipped for the influx of visitors. At a March 25 city commission meeting, Mayor Dan Murphy said a team of traffic planning experts is studying roadways and he hopes to propose some solutions by July. The experts will concentrate on Pine and Magnolia avenues and Gulf and North Shore drives, the city’s densest commercial areas. They also will look at the intersection of Spring Avenue and Gulf Drive, Murphy said. Pine, Magnolia and Spring avenues run east-west from South Bay Boulevard to the beach, west of Gulf Drive. There are “systemic problems” inherited from past commissions, Murphy said, prompting Commissioner Joe Muscatello to comment, “Oh yeah, we’re behind the eight ball.” Concerns include pedestrians and bicyclists in the roads and construction and delivery vehicles blocking roads and sidewalks due to parking limitations. Limited sightlines for motorists around the vehicles and pedestrians darting into roadways is a recipe for disaster, commissioners agreed.

Anna Maria OKs center’s outdoor concerts

Anna Maria commissioners voted 4-1 March 25 to approve two outdoor concerts at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave. Commissioner Jonathan Crane was the dissenting vote, saying that based on past example, he couldn’t trust the center executive director to enforce Anna Maria’s pandemic precautions. “I don’t want a super spreader event in my city,” Crane told center executive director Chris Culhane. Culhane said concertgoers will remain with their group, in designated areas — pods marked with paint on the field. Outside of their pods, Culhane said concertgoers will be required to wear face masks. The concert series will begin with a performance by the Marshall Tucker Band, 5-9 p.m. Thursday, May 13. Journey is scheduled to perform 5-9 p.m. Thursday, June 4. The center cut short its 2020 concert series last March, when the coronavirus pandemic hit. For more information, call the center at 941778-1908.

single file as far to the side of a road as possible when sidewalks are not present and to use sidewalks where available. Also, crossing roads should be at intersections or crosswalks. Use of seat belts in golf carts and only allowing licensed drivers to operate them was another issue commissioners discussed. Commission Chair Carol Carter recounted stopping a boy driving a golf cart and without adult supervision. Carter said rental agencies must be responsible for ensuring customers follow rules. Manatee County Sheriff’s Deputy Sgt. Brett Getman, assigned to the Anna Maria substation, told the commission he would work with the MCSO crime prevention unit to get cards outlining the rules for golf Bicyclists ride two and three abreast March 22 on Magnolia avenue. Islander Photo: courtesy Melissa cart operation to be affixed to rental vehicles. Getman also said deputies increased foot and bicyanderson cle patrols to address safety and remind pedestrians Corrections will “require drastic measures” and that though they are on vacation, the rules regarding won’t be easy politically, Murphy said, cautioning pedestrian use of roadways apply. commissioners to brace for a political storm. Commissioner Mark Short said he is undaunted by parking relief at city hall the potential for fallout, as safety must be the priorPublic parking in the city hall lots is interfering ity. with public access. The other commissioners fell in step with Short. As a result, Murphy commissioned 10 signs designating spaces as “parking for city hall meetings only.” in the meantime The signs are not permanent and will be placed in the Until proposals are available for review, commis- lot when a meeting is scheduled. sioners suggested interim measures, such as working The commission is next set to meet at 2 p.m. with rental agencies — for properties, bicycles and golf Thursday, April 8, at city hall. carts — to require guests sign a document acknowledgCity hall is at 10005 Gulf Drive. ing road safety standards. For more information, call the clerk’s office at 941Included would be instruction to walk or ride 708-6130. Lacking a sidewalk on north Shore Drive at the Magnolia avenue intersection in anna Maria, people walk March 22 in the road. The city planning and zoning board is seeking solutions for improved public safety. Islander Photo: courtesy Melissa anderson

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a loggerhead nicknamed o-h was released March 24 to the waters of Tampa Bay from anna Maria’s Bayfront Park after being rehabilitated at Mote Marine’s Sea Turtle hospital. Islander Photos: courtesy Mote Marine Laboratory

Nesting notes By Kelsey Mako

Loggerhead treated, released to Tampa Bay

After 113 days, a sea turtle named O-H is finally back home — in the waters of Tampa Bay. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium staff released the 100-pound loggerhead at Anna Maria’s Bayfront Park. Mote hospital employees, interns and volunteers, as well as people from Mote’s Stranding Investigations Program and a few beachgoers, were present March 24 for the release. Since O-H is a subadult, only three Mote staffers were needed to lift the turtle from the van transport to the beach. In the past, Mote has released sea turtles weighing more than 200 pounds, requiring the help of as many as 10 carriers, said Mote public relations manager Stephannie Kettle. O-H arrived at Mote’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital Dec. 2, 2020, after a family alerted Mote’s Stranding Investigations Program on finding the sea turtle floating in a residential canal in Bradenton. O-H was nicknamed by the family. When discovered, the sea turtle had buoyancy issues, as well as a missing right rear flipper, said Kettle. The buoyancy disorder left the sea turtle unable to submerge, which can result in it being blown ashore. O-H was treated with antibiotics and, by Jan. 17, it overcame the buoyancy issue. But the turtle remained at the hospital for another two months to overcome anemia and to ensure O-H’s ability to thrive when returned to the wild. Mote’s Stranding Investigations Program staff responds to sick, injured and deceased sea turtles, dolphins, whales and manatees in Southwest Florida. The program receives about 1,000 calls each year,

Kettle said. And staff usually responds to 100-125 sea turtle calls for deceased and injured/sick turtles. Any calls staff members do not respond to often are because callers mistake animal behaviors for signs of distress, as is sometimes the case during manatee mating season. According to Kettle, the most common sea turtle injuries Mote responds to are boat strikes. Fishing entanglement and red tide toxicity are other issues. Loggerhead sea turtles are federally listed as threatened. Since 1995, Mote’s Sea Turtle Hospital has admitted more than 650 “patients.” “Our goal is to release the sea turtles,” Kettle said. And it was a good day for O-H’s swim in Tampa Bay. Mote has released sea turtles off Anna Maria Island, Lido Key and even on Florida’s east coast. Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring occasionally works with Mote, calling the hotline when volunteers see an injured or deceased turtle on the beach. If you see a sea turtle or marine mammal in dis- Three Mote Marine Laboratory staff members carry tress, call Mote’s Standing Investigations hotline at o-h, a rehabbed loggerhead, from a van transport 888-345-2335. to the shoreline in anna Maria.

Turtle lovers contribute to conservation through adopt-a-nest program By Kelsey Mako Islander reporter

Fundraising for a cause can be rewarding for an organization and those who donate. This year Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch’s Adopt-a-Sea Turtle Nest program, the organization’s biggest fundraiser, is back on the front burner, although slightly curtailed due to the coronavirus pandemic. AMITW executive director Suzi Fox said fewer nests were adopted in 2020. “We’re grateful for what we get,” Fox said March 23. AMITW is focused on sea turtle conservation through data from monitoring sea turtle nesting activity, mainly May-October, when female turtles come ashore to nest, averaging about 100 eggs per nest.

The nonprofit is funded by Manatee County through a contract with the state for beach renourishment of about $60,000 and the adoptions supplement the budget, including Fox’s salary, contract labor, ATV expenses, insurance and other seasonal costs. AMITW nests are $125 and adopters receive personalized, turtle-shaped plaques, as well as adoption certificates, letters of appreciation and nesting data. It’s a “symbolic nest,” Fox said. In pre-pandemic years, as many as 200 nests were adopted by turtle watch supporters and about a quarter of the adoptions were by repeat donors. Rob Riley and his business, Grooms Motors & Automotive in Holmes Beach, have been adopting nests for the past couple of years. “I believe in what they’re doing, helping the sea

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turtles. I don’t have physical time to help. So I help the people who do have time,” Riley said. Grooms Motors also donates labor for tire repairs and oil changes on AMITW’s ATVs, the vehicles used daily by the volunteers to reach the nests. “It’s good for residents who want to give back something to this island. It’s a feel-good program for PLeaSe, See ADopt-A-Nest, nexT Page rob riley, proprietor of grooms Motors, and his wife have been adopting anna Maria Island turtle nests for a couple of years. Islander courtesy Photo

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By Lisa Neff

Bloom time

Spring just arrived March 20 but for weeks I’ve been sweeping away signs of the season. Tree pollen — yellow, powdery and sticky — is layered so thick on my patio that it looks like splotches of oil paint. The live oak flowers on the ground in my backyard are piled so thick they look like the shag carpet popular about the time my condo was built in the 1980s. Someone, who would scowl if neff I used her name, blew her nose the other day and, I’m not April fooling, her nose was filled with tree pollen. I suspect we have what’s called a “trigger tree” in the yard, which can expose an allergy sufferer to 10 times more pollen than a tree down the block. I asked my allergist about changing my prescription for the season and he replied, “Allergy season is like tourist season in Florida. It’s year-round.” Consider this: We endure pollen from oaks and pines October through May, grass pollen April to October and ragweed May through December. I guess that covers all 12 months. But really, in March and April, the pollen season peaks, providing a reason other than the pandemic to wear face masks. ADopt-A-Nest conTInueD FroM Page 22

sure,” said Fox. And people from across the world, even some who have never visited the island, contribute. Though nesting season is May-October, volunteers are working now, crafting adoption plaques. AMITW strives to have 200 cutouts on hand. Later, names and quotes will be added to the plaques. Quotes can be personal or taken from AMITW’s suggested list. One of AMITW’s most popular recommendations is its “Advice from a sea turtle:” Swim with the current; Be a good navigator; Stay calm under pressure;

Live oak tree flowers. The flowers aren’t bright and showy like those of some other trees. They are small, brown and pollinated by wind in the spring. Islander courtesy Photos

The image from a scanning electron microscope shows pollen grains from a variety of plants, including sunflower, morning glory, prairie hollyhock, oriental lily, evening primrose and castor bean.

The forecast at pollen.com March 25 showed pollen levels at medium-high for the island that day and the day before, with oak, juniper and nettle as top allergens. Other culprits this time of year include bayberry and maple. Even the beaches aren’t safe havens for hay fever sufferers, as airborne pollen can travel hundreds of miles and the wild grasses found along the shore can contribute to allergies. The island’s pollen level throughout March? Not a day below medium-high. And the five-day forecast? “High” times five. Prior to moving to Florida from Chicago, I didn’t experience seasonal allergies. My Florida hay fever

may be due to exposure to unfamiliar allergens or simply the onset of seasonal allergies in adulthood, which can occur with rapidity. Despite the runny nose, scratchy throat and allergic shiners under my eyes, I do love springtime on and around the island. The tabebuia tree showering bright yellow blooms is nothing to sneeze at, while the bougainvillea, flaunting pink flowers, and the jacaranda, stunning in a showy purple, can stop me in my tracks. Happy spring.

Be well traveled; Think long term; Age gracefully; and Spend time at the beach. Beyond the adoption program, turtle watch fundraising is minimal. Money raised by the state through the sale of sea turtle license plates is available through grants, which Fox, a member of the grant committee, occasionally seeks. “I’m not good at fundraising,” she said. “I have a tendency to give everything away for free.” Most donors discover AMITW and Adopt-a-Nest when they see a nest and plaque on the beach. “As the program has grown, everyone wants to adopt a nest,” Fox said. For more information, contact Fox at 941-7785638 or go online to islandturtlewatch.com.

Did you know? Rainy days can provide some relief for allergy sufferers but thunderstorms can intensify pollen levels. Pollen grains can be carried by wind produced in storms and rupture, leading to increased allergic reactions during storms, known as “thunderstorm asthma.” Arbor Day ahead National Arbor Day is celebrated Friday, April 30. The island cities, in partnership with the state and Keep Manatee Beautiful, usually hold treeplanting ceremonies. Also, the Arbor Day Foundation offers 10 trees to new members to plant at home or donate to a forest. Species for the area include Eastern red cedar, Eastern redbud, live oak, bald cypress, river birch, white dogwood and crape myrtle. For more information, go online to arborday. org.

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Page 24 THE ISLANDER | islander.org March 31, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Center soccer, football champs and KRC golf champ crowned By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter

The playoffs in the adult flag football league at the Center of Anna Maria Island, delayed to March 25, saw Beach Bums outlast Ugly Grouper 31-27 in a backand-forth championship matchup behind three touchdown passes from Matt Briley and a rushing TD and a pick-six from Anthony Mannino. Lucas Paquin completed the scoring for Beach Bums with an extra point. Ugly Grouper was led by Jaret Rojas’ Cassidy four TD passes, three of which went to Brandon Kull. Cam Winston added a touchdown reception for Ugly Grouper, which also received extra points from Octavious Cole, Rojas and Cory Banks in the loss. Ugly Grouper first played its semifinal match, a Flag football champs game that had been postponed due to a downpour. The Beach Bums: 2021 adult flag team cruised past Mi-Box 39-12 behind two passing football league champs. Donnie TDs and four receiving TDs from Kull. Rojas threw Dietch, Matt Briley, Kemo three touchdown passes and Mark Anthony added a Harris, Anthony Mannino, touchdown pass and a touchdown reception. Julia King Rueben Young, Lucas Paquin competed the scoring with a pair of catches. and Carolina Montes. Islander Matthew Manger connected with Chad Woods and Photo: Courtesy CofAMI Christie Baily for touchdowns in the loss. Sato holds on for soccer title No. 5 seed Blalock Walters’ Cinderella story, run through the playoffs in the adult soccer league at the Center of Anna Maria Island, came to an end at the hands, er feet, of Sato Real Estate. The March 24 championship had to be decided in extra time with Sato prevailing 4-3. Amy Ivan and Will McMillan squared off. Kretzman scored two goals each to lead Sato, which McMillan was one up through nine holes but also received a pair of assists in the victory from Josh Lawson caught fire on the back nine and earned a Sato and six saves from Mark Rudacille. comfortable 3-and-2 victory —he held his three-hole lead with two holes left to play. Key Royale golf news Congratulations to Lawson, the Key Royale Club On Feb. 17, 34 Key Royale Club men began a men’s handicap match-play champ. five-week quest to be crowned the 2021 men’s handiThe men played their weekly modified-Stableford cap match-play champion. The golf championship system match March 22. The team of John Kolojeski, was decided March 23 when Eric Lawson and Art Chuck Patrick, Dean Christensen and Hoyt Miller combined on a plus-5 to win the day’s bragging rights. Jack Lowry won individual honors with a plus-6, while Dave Richardson and Ron Huibers were a point back in a tie for second place. The women played a nine-hole individual-lownet match March 23 in three flights. Monica Lawson carded a 3-under-par 29 to grab first place in Flight A. Jenny Huibers was alone in second place with a 1-under-par 31, while Pam Lowry and Nina McSparren tied for third with matching 1-over-par 33s. Penny Williams fired a 3-under-par 29 to earn a three-shot victory in Flight B. Gloria LaDue, MaryLou Dreier and Kay Neal tied for second at even-par 32. Peggy Clauhs fired a 6-under-par 26 for the lownet round of the day and first place in Flight C. Laney Daniels took second place with a 2-under-par 30, while Laurie Hicks was another stroke back in third place. The men played an 18-hole shamble March 25 Art McMillan, left, and 2021 Key Royale handicap that saw the team of Ron Buck, Jack Lowry and All match-play champ Eric Lawson pose March 25 at the conclusion of a five-week tournament at the Key Waal take first on a 3-over-par 66. Kevin Brown, Brian Comer, Cate Foy and Buddy Foy matched the 4-overRoyale clubhouse. Islander Photo: Courtesy KRC/ par 67 carded by Gary Alvord, Ron Babcok, Larry Tom Nelson

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Soccer champs Sato Real Estate: 2021 adult league soccer champions. Josh Sato, Amy Ivan, Ryan Hogan, Will Kretzman, Hakan Toka, Race Arande, David Noval, Damir Glavan and Mark Rudacille. Islander Photo: Courtesy CofAMI

Ugly Grouper receiver Julia King waits on a TD pass, one of two she caught during semifinal action in the adult flag football league playoffs at the center. Islander Photo: Kevin P. Cassidy

Davis and Jon Holcomb to finish in a tie for second.

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Page 26 THE ISLANDER | islander.org MARCH 31, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Moose Lodge kitchen renovation prepped for grilling, frying

hooked up in a timely fashion, the kitchen will reopen in early April. The renovation included the addition of three deep fryers, two burners, two ovens and a larger range, meaning the kitchen will be able to increase its output and reduce wait time for diners. With an emphasis on safety during the pandemic, the lodge is operating at 50% capacity, requiring masks be worn indoors and disinfecting surfaces. For more information about the lodge, call 941778-4110.

By Kane Kaiman Islander Reporter

Moose need to be properly fed. Barring any additional red tape, the Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge is one step away from reopening its kitchen after an extensive renovation. The project began in May 2020, after a shutdown for the pandemic, but was delayed due to permitting hurdles. The floors, ceiling, walls and 98% of kitchen equipment have been replaced, said lodge administrator Byron G. Dalton Sr. The lodge, 110 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, is setting up a kitchen sprinkler system, which requires tapping into a Manatee County waterline. Dalton, who has worked with the lodge’s contractor, Midwest Construction Services, to satisfy city, state and federal building requirements, hopes the sprinkler system will be the last piece of the puzzle. “Every time we turn around, there appears to be some type of speed bump we got to go over to get this completed,” Dalton said March 16. “I understand they’re doing this to keep it within code, to keep things safe, but there appears to be just one speed here. I don’t know how else to say it,” Dalton added. For nine months, the lodge has been cooking grilled food. But hamburgers and hot dogs are no substitute for the prime rib and ﬁsh dinners that members look forward to eating, Dalton said. According to Dalton, if the sprinkler system is

Assistant chef Joey Darden, front, and chef Zack Machleit feel the heat from the new burners in the renovated Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge kitchen, 110 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Islander Photo: Courtesy Byron S. Dalton Sr.

A newly equipped kitchen awaits an opening date March 17 at the Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge, 110 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Islander Photo: Courtesy Byron S. Dalton Sr.

Holmes Beach changes course on resiliency project By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Holmes Beach is taking steps to ensure Grassy Point Preserve will persevere. But city commissioners reached consensus March 23 to table discussion of a resiliency project near the preserve until staff explores options. The preserve is a 34-acre property owned by the city at the end of Avenue C near 30th Street that includes a path that opens up to view Anna Maria Sound and the Intracoastal Waterway to the east. The property will expand when the city finals the acquisition of 22 acres of land — a donation to the city by Cedar Hames — that stretches along the Intracoastal Waterway to the south of the preserve. The resiliency project would involve creating raised slopes in the unimproved right of way at the end of 30th Street and extending east into the preserve near the Hames property. City engineer Lynn Burnett told commissioners the project provides “a coastal shelf,” which serves as a natural barrier against king tides and storm surge and provides a migratory shelf for mangroves and other aquatic vegetation. She said the area south of the preserve was identified as the city’s most vulnerable location to sea level rise in an analysis. Burnett said the project would be funded with up to $90,000 — with $72,000 earmarked for construction — through the University of Florida’s Sea Grant and would be a steppingstone to other grant opportunities for resiliency funding. She added that the resiliency slopes could be extended into the Hames property after the city finishes the acquisition, as well as to the north and south,

A pathway leads through the shade of mangrove trees at Grassy Point Preserve in Holmes Beach, where people can observe nature and Anna Maria Sound. City commissioners March 23 discussed a resiliency project to protect the preserve from sea level rise. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

to better protect the area. However, city attorney Patricia Petruff said the project could limit public use of the right of way, putting the city in legal jeopardy. She recommended relocating the project where it wouldn’t impact residential properties. Mayor Judy Titsworth said the shelf wouldn’t have much of an impact unless the city continued to build on it. She called the discussion “premature” and recommended tabling it while staff reviewed options. Burnett said design work for the project is around 60% complete and the city would need to reapply for grant funding if commissioners delay.

She said the city’s current grant requires it to obtain construction permits by September, but the permitting process could take up to four months. “You know I want that shelf,” Commissioner Carol Soustek said. “But I don’t want to tread on this right of way. So for right now, I want to hold off.” There was no public comment.

GoodDeeds

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

Perico Bay Club—As Good As It Gets!!

Its ALL About the VIEW!!!

Mirabella, 2BR 2BA plus Den and Private Pool. $485,000. When it comes to buying or selling your home, Please, CALL ME FIRST! Let my years of experience work for you. —

Chantelle

WWW.CHANTELLELEWIN.COM

Chantelle Lewin Broker Associate Licensed since 1983

941.713.1449

Brand New AC - $$319,500

1107 Edgewater Circle Give me a call today if you you’re looking you’re to Buy or Sell on Anna Maria Island or the surrounding area!

941-209-1952 I Lynn@Edgewaterami.com www.EdgewaterRealEstateInc.com

Moose Lodge kitchen renovation prepped for grilling, frying

By Kane Kaiman Islander Reporter

A newly equipped kitchen awaits an opening date March 17 at the Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge, 110 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Islander Photo: Courtesy Byron S. Dalton Sr.

Holmes Beach changes course on resiliency project By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

GoodDeeds

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

Perico Bay Club—As Good As It Gets!!

Its ALL About the VIEW!!!

Mirabella, 2BR 2BA plus Den and Private Pool. $485,000. When it comes to buying or selling your home, Please, CALL ME FIRST! Let my years of experience work for you. —

Chantelle

WWW.CHANTELLELEWIN.COM

Chantelle Lewin Broker Associate Licensed since 1983

941.713.1449

Brand New AC - $$319,500

1107 Edgewater Circle Give me a call today if you you’re looking you’re to Buy or Sell on Anna Maria Island or the surrounding area!

941-209-1952 I Lynn@Edgewaterami.com www.EdgewaterRealEstateInc.com

March 31, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 27 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

isl

PropertyWatch By Johann Bertram

Real estate transactions

biz

Amy V.T. Moriarty

Artist gains ‘fans’

What started as an artist sharing her work through social media developed into a successful marketing strategy. But island resident Cory Wright is not a marketing executive, she’s an artist who loves painting outdoors and interacting with people. “As an artist, you have to be your own shameless self-promoter,” Wright told The Islander March 24. She did not imagine sharing her work on Facebook and Instagram with art enthusiasts and fans of the island would lead where it has — to a national following for her art and classes. People who found Wright’s work through social media have traveled to the island for an art class or commissioned a piece, said Wright, who loves to set up her easel on the beach. “Painting is a very solitary profession. Even before COVID,” Wright said. So she also loves talking with people who approach, curious about what she’s doing. During an interview with The Islander at her Palmetto gallery, Wright recalled painting on the beach one day when a couple set up their blanket and umbrella in front of her. She thought the umbrella was colorful and cute, so she painted it and the people sitting in its shade. The people looked over her work, liked the painting and bought it on the spot, Wright said. Then she received a call from their friends seeking to commission a painting. Many people might think an artist would want to

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The Islander has moved!

artist cory Wright shares a scrapbook March 24, including a photo of a mural she painted on her bedroom wall when she was 15. She said the mural led to her first art commissions. Islander Photo: amy V.T. Moriarty

be left alone to their process, but Wright said she loves when people approach to chat. “I try to be as generous as possible with knowledge” of painting, Wright said. Requests for tips led Wright to teach painting along with hosting monthly “sip-and-paint” events at the North Shore Cafe, 304 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Wright does not pay to advertise — instead sharing her work through her Facebook page, @cory.wright, and her Instagram account, @corywrightart — and thinks she could probably do a better job marketing, but she’d rather be at her easel. She spends most of her time on the island and is a resident artist at Cove, 104 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. For more information, go online to www.corywrightart.com or call 813-758-7057.

The “best news on AMI” has purchased and relocated to a condo ofﬁce. We’re now across from HB City Hall and behind the Ugly Grouper. You’ll ﬁnd us at 315 58th St., Holmes Beach. So stop by and check out our new, groovy digs. We’re ready to serve you! Same phone and email.

MIKE NORMAN REALTY EST. 1978

For professional real estate sales, call a true island native, born and raised on Anna Maria Island. Marianne Norman-Ellis. 941.778.6696

3601 E. Bay Drive, unit 207, Holmes Beach, Sandy Pointe, this 1,004 sfla / 1,074 sfur, 2 bed/2 bath condo built in 1994 sold 03/05/21 by Wandler to Palermo for $321,500; list $319,000. 600 Manatee Ave., unit 214, Holmes Beach, Westbay Cove, a 888 sfla / 954 sfur, 1 bed/1 bath condo built in 1977 sold 03/05/21 by Wardwell to Tusa for $362,000; list $379,000. 3801 E. Bay Drive, unit 207, Holmes Beach, Sunbow Bay, a 1,146 sfla, 2 bed/2 bath condo built in 1980 sold 02/26/21 by Crownover to Warrel for $415,000; list $424,900. 1303 Gulf Drive S., unit 1, Bradenton Beach, a 1,026 sfla, 2 bed/2 bath condo built in 1971 on a 6,625 sqft lot sold 03/05/21 by Colossia to Meisel for $460,000; list $499,900. 5200 Gulf Drive, unit 305, Holmes Beach, Martinique South, a 1,169 sfla, 2 bed/2 bath beachfront condo built in 1970 sold 03/05/21 by Porter to Trotter for $508,000; list $530,900. 2214 Ave. B, unit A, Bradenton Beach, a 1,674 sfla, 4 bed / 2 bath home built in 1983 on a 5,001 sqft lot sold 03/04/21 by Donahue to Cibel for $675,000; list $675,000. 2905 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, a 1,448 sfla, 3 bed/2 bath home built in 1999 on a 5,001 sqft lot sold 03/05/21 by Amat to Lippy for $675,000; list $700,000. 7308 Gulf Drive, unit 4, Holmes Beach, La Casa Costiera, a 2,012 sfla / 2,240 sfur, 3bed/2.5 bath beachfront condo built in 2005 sold 03/08/21 by O’Bar Partners LLC to Vorontsou for $1,075,000; list $1,174,000. 209 69th St., Holmes Beach, a 2,144 sfla / 3,467 sfur, 4 bed/4.5 bath / 1-car pool home built in 2018 on a 8,547 sqft lot sold 03/08/21 by Stadler to Kamp for $2,250,000; list $2,299,000. 215 Gladiolus St., a 2,800 sfla, 4 bed/4.5 bath / 2-car canalfront pool home built in 2021 on a 8,638 sqft lot sold 03/09/21 by 215 Gladiolus Street LLC to Dobby MMH LLC for $2,960,000; list $2,950,000. Johann Bertram, a sales associate at Michael Saunders & Co., can be reached at (941)-779-3856.

I’M A LIFELONG NATIVE OF AMI. I’m straightforward, down to earth, and proud to be at Michael Saunders & Co., where we hold ourselves to a higher standard of service and ethics. — Johann Bertram, Realtor

6000 Marina Drive, Suite 113, Holmes Beach

The island’s best news for 29 years! 941.778.7978 news@islander.org

Mike Norman Realty

Christine Kourik

LOOKING FOR A COOL, MOUNTAIN VIEW?

Realtor® I LIVE, WORK & SELL THE ISLAND! 941.538.7414 home@christysproperties.com AnnaMariaPropertySearch.com

,OCATED WITHIN A DAY S DRIVE OF !NNA -ARIA )SLAND 7ESTERN .ORTH #AROLINA IS lLLED WITH NATURAL BEAUTY AND CUL TURE !N ISLAND NATIVE ) SPECIALIZE IN CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH THE PERFECT HOME TO CREATE THEIR IDEAL MOUNTAIN LIFESTYLE )F YOU RE INTERESTED IN A HOME OR PROPERTY CONTACT ME FOR A CUSTOM MARKET REPORT

&IND YOUR MOUNTAIN LIFESTYLE

941.779.3856 or JohannBertram@ michaelsaunders.com

SOLD $3,900,000

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0REMIER 3OTHEBY S )NTERNATIONAL 2EALTY\ "ROOK 3T 3UITE \!SHEVILLE .# CELL \ SARAH THOMAS MOORE PREMIERSIR COM SARAHTHOMAS MOORE PREMIERSOTHEBYSREALTY COM

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ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND. Each office is independently owned and operated

SOLD $729,000

509 PINE AVE - DOWNTOWN ANNA MARIAZoned Retail /Residential . 2 houses. One house is a 3 bedroom/2 bath and the other is a 1 bedroom/1 bath separate guest bungalow. There is a shared pool. Both homes are on the rental market and generate good income. Sold furnished. Turnkey. Move-in ready. $1,695,000.

Join our list for “Pre-Listing Homes” at AnnaMariaPropertySearch.com or call 941-538-7414.

Page 28 THE ISLANDER | islander.org March 31, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

SERVICES

eLeganT BaBY granD: Kawai plater piano with bench and cassettes, $1,000. Pick up from west Bradenton. 304-444-2756.

anTIQue ParTner DeSK: all wood, $1,000. See at The Islander office, 3218 e. Bay Drive, holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

neeD a rIDe to airports? Tampa $65, St. Pete, $55, Sarasota, $30. gary, 863-409-5875. gvoness80@gmail.com.

TWo WhITe chaIrS: height at seat, 22 inches. good quality. $60 for both. 941-7781264.

anTIQue oFFIce chairs: Perfect for eclectic dining set. circa 1950 from anna Maria city hall. The Islander newspaper, 3218 e. Bay Drive, holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

I Don’T cuT corners, I clean corners. Professional, friendly cleaning service since 1999. 941-779-6638. Leave message.

eDgerS: concreTe, nIce sizes, 50 cents, car roof rack, black, easy install, $50. 941-9202494.

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)

KeYBoarDS, $10, MouSe $5, uSB cable, $5. 941-920-2494. chanDeLIer, BroWn MeTaL. hardware Included, $79, non-stick green pans, 8-10-12inch, $25. 941-920-2494.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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.

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.

Sandy’s Lawn Service Inc. ESTABLISHED IN 1983

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

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.

LICENSED & INSURED

Paradise Improvements

941.792.5600

Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Specialist Replacement Doors and Windows

Andrew Chennault

GARAGE SALES

FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED Island References Lic#CBC056755 CBC 1253471

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

heLP reScueD PeTS! Volunteer, foster, computer help needed! Moonracer animal rescue. email: moonraceranimalrescue@gmail.com.

AdoptA-Pet

HELP WANTED

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.

ANSWERS TO MARCH 31 PUZZLE

A S C A P

S P I C E

S E A S O N O P E N E R

S P S P U A U T G N U P A L J L O O E B B

S A M B A A L A R M F F I T I P I E S O L R C E T S T H R H I S E E D E C S L L C H E C D E R R A S E L U D T T O P S R H E T T E E D S S D S W A O M A T I C U S E R S E R O N I A F F E E O T S T S A S S T R

L E I C A N N U R O O F B O I L S O C E E B L A A R A L O R R Y K E R H I D L O E F O R K L E E S N O W B T I E S I F B R E D I A S U C H M E A F M A D M R S A A A T M S

A M U S E D B E R G

I S L E

I N D E T O A V I A L L

F L U O R E S C E O R A L B

L C A G A R O N D O S

W I D E

O X I D I A Z N E T R E J M O O B D I N O T R E T R I V Z I E W

IS Your hoMe or office in need of some spring cleaning? Well, I’m your girl! Local, reliable, professional! Please, give me a call or text, 941-773 -0461. BuSIneSS-To-BuSIneSS JD’s Window cleaning looking for storefront jobs in holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-920-3840. Beach SerVIce air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. Serving Manatee county and the Island since 1987. For dependable, honest and personalized service, call Bill eller, 941-795-7411. cac184228. reSIDenTIaL-BuSIneSS cLeanIng by Jessie. 10-plus years’ experience. Top-brand cleaning products. honest, mature, trustworthy. references from long-term clients. I work alone so no crew in your home. I have bimonthly openings. Text or leave a message at 941-526-9900.

LAWN & GARDEN connIe’S LanDScaPIng Inc. residential and commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-778-5294.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

hIrIng! Tour BoaT captain. ouPV 6 pack or greater. Pay plus great tips! 941-822-3351.

Van-go PaInTIng residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper. Island references. Bill, 941-795-5100. www. vangopainting.net.

PrIVaTe cLeaner: We need support and looking for 1-2 people for vacation rental cleaning on Saturdays on holmes Beach. Please, call 941-243-3097.

LooKIng For an earLY BIrD? You can read Wednesday’s classifieds on Tuesday at www.islander.org. and it’s Free!

houSeKeePer: ParT-TIMe at haley’s Motel. Must have own transportation and speak english. Prior experience required. haley’s is a non-smoking property. 941-778-5405.

PLEASE, TAKE NOTE!

aMI car WaSh/detailer. Looking for experienced detailer willing to be available seven days as needed. 941-527-6266. holmes Beach.