The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

JAN. 19, 2022 FrEE

VOLUME 30, NO. 13

the Best news on anna maria island Since 1992

islander.org

2nd commissioner claims ‘witch hunt’ after police spat

astheworldterns. 6

Q&A 011922.

nominees for am citizen of the year are… 3 itPo digs into timelines for crosswalks, study. 4

By ryan Paice islander reporter

Meetings. 4 Pickleballers serve up complaints about HB courts. 5

Opinions. 6

10-20 YEARS AGO

Looking back. 7

appropriation requests under review. 8 dredging, paving ahead in anna maria. 9

izzi gomez drops in on a 30-foot wave at Pe’ahi, aka “Jaws,” maui’s biggest surf break. islander Photos: courtesy fred Pompermayer

Big dreams, big waves

Save a date. 10-12

izzi gomez — celebrating her victory in Barbados after a tournament win — has had an unparalleled run, dominating the SuP surfing tour, winning five world titles between 2014 and 2019. She’s got her sights on bigger waves now! for more on gomez, see page 24.

community events. 10-12 ame-Pto cancels school dance. 13

Gathering. 14 Obituaries. 14 GoodDeeds. 15 Where’s Tuna Street.

16-17

Cops & Courts. 18-19 Streetlife. 19 am delays clam project. 20

HB postpones discussion on emotional support animals By ryan Paice islander reporter

Will a goat “mah-ah-ah-ahke” a change in Holmes Beach? Holmes Beach officials have been workHB water committee sets ing to create a permitting process for housing goals. 22 emotional support animals, including a goat already residing in the city. City commissioners reached consensus Jan. 11 to postpone discussion on a proposed ordinance Butting in on butts. 23 and directed city attorney Erica Augello to football, golf, horseshoes revise the document. on ami. 24 Roger Danziger, a resident of Key avoid chill fish docks and Royale, brought the issue to the commiscanals. 25 sion in October 2021, when he requested a special exemption for his wife’s emotional Isl Biz: Beans, beach support animal, a Nigerian dwarf goat. time, seafood. 26 Emotional support animals are pets that provide companionship and therapeutic benCLASSIFIEDS. 28-29 ts to people who may suffer from a psyPropertyWatch. 30 efi chological disorder. Danziger, an allergist, said the goat helps puzzle. 31 grants offered for bay projects. 22

NYT

his wife, Debbie, deal with depression and anxiety since she became physically disabled in 2018. However, someone complained to the city about the goat, leading city staff to notify Danziger that city code prohibits keeping livestock other than chickens. Mayor Judy Titsworth said Danziger collected enough petition signatures to keep the goat but the proposed ordinance would set a precedent. The measure would require that residents obtain a city permit to keep emotional support animals at their property. Application permits would go before the city commission for consideration. Permits would allow people to keep emotional support animals for a year with “reasonable conditions” including fencing, odor and noise control, sanitation standards, as well as various other regulations.

turn to animals, Page 2

Another week, another allegation of a “witch hunt” in Holmes Beach. Eleven days after Commissioner Jayne Christenson accused Mayor Judy Titsworth of sparking a witch hunt over her residency, another commissioner is at odds with the city. This time, the beef is between Commissioner Kim Rash and the Holmes Beach Police Department. The gripe stems from an Election Day, Nov. 2, rash 2021, complaint to the HBPD alleging Rash urinated in public outside the city’s polling site at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive. David Zaccagnino, a former city commissioner tokajer who was present at the poll, filed the complaint, telling police he saw Rash urinate behind a dumpster and provided video showing the commissioner walking out from behind the fenced Hall dumpster enclosure, according to an HBPD report. Sgt. Brian Copeman wrote in the report, “Rash went on to say that he did not urinate by the dumpster, copeman that someone else did and he did not want to give me that name.” Police could not determine if a violation occurred and no action was taken, according to another report on the incident. However, Rash took issue with Copeman’s report and Jan. 9 and Jan. 10 communicated with Lt. Brian Hall, requesting that HBPD revise the original report, according

turn to rash, Page 2

In honor gary deffenbaugh, former anna maria mayor, died dec. 26, 2021. read the remembrance on page 14.

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HBPD officers speak on Election Day, Nov. 2, 2021, with Holmes Beach Commissioner Kim Rash, who was accused of urinating behind a dumpster at St. Bernard Church, where he was campaigning for candidate Rene Ferguson at the municipal polling place. Screenshots: HBPD Dash Cam

HBPD Officer Jason Higgins’ patrol truck, the dumpster and the golf cart where Commissioner Kim Rash and friends congregated on Election Day in the St. Bernard Church parking lot. animals continued from page 1

rash continued from page 1

to a Jan. 10 memo from Hall to Chief Bill Tokajer. “Rash had requested the report to be changed because he said he did not say ‘he did not urinate behind the dumpster,’” Hall wrote. Hall said he directed Copeman to review video from the incident and write a supplemental report documenting what was said by Rash on the video. “Upon checking the video, Commissioner Rash did not deny the incident. Rash stated ‘I don’t know about that.’ The entire video and audio can be heard from the recorded truck video,” Copeman wrote in the supplemental report. Hall shared the supplemental report with Rash, who expressed dissatisfaction to Hall, according to Hall’s memo. “I received a phone call from Rash who stated that the report was not at all what we discussed … He said we are playing games and trying to make him look bad,” Hall wrote. “I explained to him that we do not change the original reports but wrote a supplement to documents (based on) what he had requested to be reviewed and changed.” Hall said he offered to share footage of the incident with Rash and assured him the report was accurate.

“Commissioner Rash replied with something like ‘I guess you are a crooked officer like Chief Tokajer,’” Hall wrote. “I replied, ‘No sir, I am not.’” With that, Hall ended the phone call. Titsworth responded to Rash’s claim that Hall and Tokajer are “crooked” in a Jan. 14 text message to The Islander: “The lack of respect of police officers is not befitting of a commissioner and I hope an effort will be made in the future to choose better words,” Titsworth wrote. Rash wrote in a Jan. 14 email to The Islander that he hadn’t seen Hall’s memo, but said it was an attack on his reputation. “This seems to be another perpetrated attempt by Holmes Beach to conduct a witch hunt against a sitting city commissioner. The city of Holmes Beach and the Holmes Beach Police Department continue to try to tarnish the good reputation of two Holmes Beach commissioners. This is another incident of Holmes Beach ‘targeting’ certain individuals who they don’t agree with on various issues,” Rash wrote. The video and a transcript of the recorded conversation are available to read with this story at islander. org. The transcript contains graphic language that could be offensive to some readers.

A renewal request would be handled by the mayor and city staff. Augello offered several suggestions for the ordinance, such as creating definitions for service animals, which are recognized under the U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act whereas support animals are not. She also recommended revisions to address ESAs in public spaces, such as the beach, since they are not trained at the same level as service animals. Lastly, Augello cautioned that the city would take on liability by permitting ESAs as complainants could sue the city. Commissioner Terry Schaefer suggested Augello revise the ordinance to implement her recommendations, delaying the issue until the commission’s next meeting. “We need to take a step back,” Commissioner Pat Morton agreed. Titsworth asked commissioners to direct their ideas and concerns for the ordinance to her. The commission will meet next at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 25, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. The meeting will be open to the public with masks recommended. Directions to attend via Zoom can be found online at holmesbeachfl.org.

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Jan. 19, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 3 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Margarita cleanup needed in BB Bradenton Beach resident Eileen Cain sent a “photo to the editor” of The Islander, commenting, “I was walking the beach and was shocked at the amount of plastic bags, cups, straws and other garbage” observed in the sands in Bradenton Beach. I approached a manager and asked if they ever clean up the beach?, but I was told to “have a nice day.” Cain shared her photo because she believes most people do care about pollution. Please, pick up! Islander Courtesy Photo

Hoot, hoot A pair of great-horned owlets peer Jan. 11 from their nest near the main entrance to Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Great-horned owlets remain in the nest for about six weeks, then climb out onto nearby branches. They begin taking city aimed at finding foster homes for abandoned dogs. short flights at seven weeks and can fly well at 9-10 They adopted out 64 dogs since last March. weeks. Islander Photo: Courtesy Bruce McFadden

Anna Maria names Citizen of the Year nominees By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Anna Maria is one step from naming its 2021 Citizen of the Year. The city’s citizen recognition committee was set to meet Jan. 18, after The Islander’s press deadline, to select an award-winner from three nominees. So, who’s in the running? Nominees include: • Holmes Beach resident Nancy Flynn nominated Anna Maria Island Historical Society vice president Barbara Murphy, the mayor’s wife, for her work at AMIHS, as well as her involvement with the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce and the AMI Garden Club; • Holmes Beach resident Maureen Dye nominated Joan Voyles, a founder and past president of the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island, for her role as a “major community supporter” for island artists; • Anna Maria Commissioner Carol Carter nominated Debbie Greenspan and Christine Aaron for creating AMI Pup Rescue, a nonprofit organization in the

The winner will be announced at a city meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 27, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive. The meeting will be open to the public with masks recommended. Directions to attend via Zoom can be found online, at cityofannamaria.com.

County issues water notice for Bradenton Beach area

Q&A 011922

By Lisa Neff

The Islander poll This week’s question

When temps fall to low 60s on AMI, I: A. Turn on the heat. B. Bundle up. C. Rejoice. D. Stay with sandals. E. Other.

The Manatee County Utility Department Tuesday, Jan. 18, was to turn off water to properties on Avenue B from 23rd Street North to 22nd Street North in Bra- Last week’s question The best spot for AMI birding is: denton Beach. 28%. Bean Point. The water shut off for a water main tie-in was to 18%. The piers. be 9 a.m.-1 p.m., after The Islander went to press. 25%. Leffis Key. The department was expected to issue a boil water 4%. Kingfish Boat Ramp. notice after reconnecting the water. 25%. My secret spot. For more information, call the county at 941-792To answer the poll, go online to islander.org. 8811, ext. 5011.

/ -/ ǉ ) 2 4 - 2$ǉ 0.@

941.778.1515 | 111 South Bay Blvd | Anna Maria Island, FL.

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ITPO digs into timeline for Gulf Drive study, crosswalk work By Kane Kaiman islander reporter

Are we there yet? The Island Transportation Planning Organization discussed the timing of a potential expansion of a Gulf Drive “complete streets” study and crosswalk construction on the island’s main north-south thoroughfare at a Jan. 10 meeting at Holmes Beach City Hall. The ITPO voting members are the mayors of Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach, and one member rotates with a vote on the board of the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Organization. Meetings also are attended by MPO and Florida Department of Transportation liaisons. The chair of the ITPO, Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth, currently represents the island on the MPO and meetings include a review of the MPO upcoming agenda. A complete streets study of Gulf Drive from the Longboat Pass Bridge to 27th Street North is programmed in the DOT draft tentative work program for 2025, though the $1.25 million initiative could be conducted sooner. The study will identify roadway improvements with the potential to make Gulf Drive more efficient, safe and accessible. Improvements may include the installation of sidewalks, bike lanes and roundabouts. At previous ITPO meetings, DOT representatives indicated the study’s boundaries could be lengthened to include Gulf Drive as far north as Pine Avenue in

Holmes Beach mayor Judy titsworth discusses the extension of a gulf drive “complete streets” study into the city with Sarasota/manatee metropolitan organization executive director david Hutchinson and florida department of transportation community liaison tanya merkle at a Jan. 10 island transportation Planning organization meeting at Holmes Beach city Hall. islander Photo: Kane Kaiman

Anna Maria. At the Jan. 10 meeting, Titsworth asked DOT community liaison Tanya Merkle when the agency would decide on expanding the analysis. Merkle said she was unsure. The analysis in its current form is one of the MPO’s top project priorities for 2022, according to a recent draft document.

BB dock closed for safety, not construction

I saw the sign! A sign at the floating dock at the Historic Bridge Street Pier indicates a section is closed for repairs. However, the Bradenton Beach Police Department said the sign is being used to cordon off the area for the police boat lift. The dock is not closed for repairs. The remainder of the floating dock is in use, although that is subject to change in April. Last June, Manatee County commissioners approved a funding request from Bradenton Beach to add 20 finger docks to the pier, providing up to $850,000 in matching funds from the Manatee County tourist development tax. Plans include rebuilding a shoreline dock that is used by dinghies to carry people from boats in the anchorage area to the shore. The floating dock plans include establishing a water shuttle, creating an access terminal for people arriving by boat, placing signage to direct boaters and building finger docks to accommodate up to 27 vessels, including a potential water taxi.

Meetings

— tomas gomez

a sign blocks access to the portion of the floating dock at the Historic Bridge Street Pier where the police boat lift is located, not for construction on the dock, which is set to begin in april. islander Photo: tomas gomez

compiled by Lisa neff, calendar@islander.org

Anna Maria City Jan. 27, 6 p.m., commission. Feb. 10, 2 p.m., commission. Feb. 24, 6 p.m., commission. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941708-6130, cityofannamaria.com. Bradenton Beach Jan. 19, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. CANCELED Jan. 20, noon, commission. Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com. Holmes Beach Jan. 19, 10 a.m., code. Jan. 25, commission. Jan. 27, 11:30 a.m., police pension board. Feb. 2, 10 a.m., parks and beautification. Feb. 2, 5 p.m., planning. Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941-708-5800, holmesbeachﬂ.org. West Manatee Fire Rescue None announced.

The city-owned pier is at 200 Bridge St.

WMFR administration building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton, 941-761-1555, wmfr.org. Manatee County Jan. 25, 9 a.m., commission. Feb. 1, 9 a.m., commission (work). Feb. 3, 9 a.m., commission (land use). Feb. 8, 8:30 a.m., commission. Feb. 14, 9 a.m., tourist development council. Feb. 15, 9 a.m., commission (work). County administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee. org. Also of interest Jan. 24, 9:30 a.m., Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization, Venice Community Center, Venice. Feb. 1, 4 p.m., Manatee County Council of Governments, Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto. Feb. 9, 3:30 p.m., Palma Sola Scenic Highway committee, Bradenton Public Works, 1411 Ninth St. W., Bradenton.

Holmes Beach roundabout studies and a complete streets analysis for a stretch of Gulf Drive north of 27th Street North and Palm Drive are listed separately on the document as lesser priorities and are not currently funded. Titsworth said Holmes Beach traffic engineer Sage Kamiya is drafting proposals to widen sidewalks and add bike lanes to portions of Gulf Drive in preparation for a March meeting with Manatee County officials to seek tourist development tax funds that could be used for the project. Look both ways In mid-May, the DOT will accept bids for a crosswalk construction project on Gulf of Mexico Drive on Longboat Key north from Longboat Club Road and on Gulf Drive north to Manatee Avenue in Holmes Beach, Merkle said. She told The Islander Jan. 12 the contractor would likely be selected within three months, barring any complications with the bidding process. The anticipated construction duration is 450 days and contractors typically begin work about a month after they are selected by the agency. At the meeting, Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie inquired where the contractor would begin work. Since the contractor has yet to be selected, Merkle said, she was unsure if work would begin on Longboat Key or the island. Contractors make decisions about where work begins, not the DOT, she said. Chappie and Titsworth encouraged the DOT to ensure work was done during the summer or fall when the island is less congested.

County seeks applicants for oversight committee

Manatee County seeks four people to serve on an advisory committee for the infrastructure sales tax. The committee makes recommendations to the board of county commissioners, meeting periodically and preparing an annual report reviewing spending of the half-cent tax approved by voters in 2016. Committee applicants must reside in unincorporated areas of Manatee County, which includes Cortez and parts of west Manatee. The term of this appointment is for two years. Application forms, online at mymanatee.org, must be submitted by Feb. 10. For more information, call the county at 941-7453778.

Milestones

The Islander welcomes stories about islanders, as well as photos of the milestones in readers’ lives — weddings, births, anniversaries, travels, obituaries and other events. Submit announcements and photos along with contact information — to news@islander.org.

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Holmes Beach pickleballers speak out about ‘unsafe’ courts By ryan Paice islander reporter

Not everyone is a fan of Holmes Beach’s pickleball courts. Bradenton resident Charlie Hurd, who has frequented pickleball courts on Anna Maria Island for six years, told The Islander Jan. 11 that the pickleball courts at city field, near the intersection of 59th Street and Flotilla Drive, pose a safety hazard. The courts were built in 2020 with partial funding from the Hagen Family Foundation, which paid for the concrete pad. The city paid for a geogrid plastic surface intended to improve safety and reduce slips. However, the city has fielded complaints about the plastic surface since the installation, including from Hurd, according to Mayor Judy Titsworth. Hurd maintains the plastic surface results in more slips than a traditional asphalt surface. He also said the courts are often covered in sand or dirt because they are not fenced. Another complaint: balls bounce erratically due to the checkered top. “The main thing is the danger of the courts,” Hurd said. “We’d like courts we can play on and be safe.” Holmes Beach resident Christopher Munzo also complained to the city. He wrote a Dec. 3, 2021, email to city officials complaining about the plastic surface. “What a shame and a waste! Standard asphalt courts would have been great. There is a regular pickleball group that plays every morning at 9 a.m. — on the tennis courts right across the street from the (Holmes Beach) pickleball courts! These players would rather chase balls on a huge tennis court than play on these brand-new pickleball-specific courts,” Munzo wrote. So far, complaints about the surface have led the city to add caution signs at the court and mats for players to wipe off shoes after retrieving balls hit offcourt. “The mats don’t really do any good,” Hurd said. Titsworth defended the court’s surface in a Jan.

HB planners reviews public feedback

Holmes Beach planning commissioners met Jan. 12 to discuss feedback collected at a Dec. 8, 2021, public forum to review the board’s proposed changes to the city’s comprehensive plan, which guides future legislation and determines community goals and aspirations regarding development. Planning commissioners have been reviewing the document with Fort Myers-based LaRue Planning since 2020, and plan to review the land development code on completing the comp plan. The next meeting will be at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. The meeting will be open to the public with masks recommended. Directions to attend via Zoom can be found online, at holmesbeachfl.org

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

a worker drives a tractor around the perimeter of the newly installed pickleball courts near the dog park in october 2020 at Holmes Beach city field, in the 5800-6200 blocks of marina drive. islander file Photo

12 email to The Islander, saying it is less costly to maintain than asphalt. She said the city conducted a survey when designing the courts and a majority of people voted for a plastic surface “as it is easier on their joints.” “The court is liked by beginner and intermediate players,” Titsworth wrote. “Tournament players prefer the asphalt court. There are numerous courts in the county that provide these asphalt courts.” Titsworth said the surface is slated to remain for at least one more year. “When it is time to replace the surface on this court we will reassess and consider all surfaces available and

the costs,” she said. “We have not budgeted for a new surface this year.”

By ryan Paice islander reporter

during the discussion item, so the motion was withdrawn and there was consensus to table the discussion. The revised code, presented at the Jan. 11 meeting includes a change to the stewardship clause that states, “I shall strive to make a positive role model as a city commissioner. I shall dress in an appropriate manner as befits my position as city commissioner.” The code does not prohibit clothing with wording or political slogans. It also does not prohibit eating at the dais. Christenson said she liked the changes. There was no public comment. Commissioner Terry Schaefer moved to approve the rules. Christenson seconded the motion, which then passed. Commissioners also reached consensus to revisit the rules yearly during their annual organizational meeting.

Additional courts … On Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach’s public pickleball court is at Lou Barolo Park, 107 Fourth St. N. On the mainland, Manatee County maintains multiple public courts, including two outdoor courts and four indoor courts at G.T. Bray Recreation Center in Bradenton and there are courts at John H. Marble Park, Lakewood Ranch Park, Palmetto Tennis Courts and University Place Community Park.

HB commission adopts newly revised code of conduct Holmes Beach’s new code of conduct for elected officials is a lot less controversial than when it was proposed. City commissioners unanimously voted Jan. 11 to adopt a revised “Code of Core Values for Civility and Ethics,” including rules for public officials to maintain integrity, uphold ethics and improve stewardship. Commission Chair Carol Soustek proposed the code at a Dec. 14, 2020, meeting. At that meeting, a stewardship clause — which would have prohibited commissioners from eating at the dais and wearing clothing with wording or political statements — drew the ire of Commissioners Jayne Christenson and Kim Rash. Commissioners voted 3-2 Dec. 14 to adopt Soustek’s proposed code of conduct with Christenson and Rash voting “no.” However, Soustek did not call for public comment

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Opinion

Our

High time

The effort to seed and clean Tampa Bay, Anna Maria Sound and Sarasota Bay are long, long overdue. It’s a small step for us, the two-legged intruders of the natural environment who call Anna Maria Island home and those who also appreciate the waterways and marine life that Mother Nature provided. Clams may seem tiny for the task, but they’re mighty. According to the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, a single littlenecksized clam can filter 4.5 gallons of seawater per day. Some call the industry aquaculture, but we’re chopping off a bit of the big picture to put the focus on clam culture. The clams that are growing in beds near the Bradenton Beach city pier are cleaning the mucky water that results in the shallows where boat turbidity and a lack of good flowing tides to flush the silt, muck and worse from the bottom have accumulated. UofF tells us that as clams feed, they create currents that move water. The tiny moving hair-like structures that cover the gills, pump the water through the clams. Some particles are captured and ingested and the water is ejected. As they feed, clams filter microscopic algae, microorganisms and detritus. The clams improve water clarity and reduce sediment and nutrients from our inshore coastal waters. In turn, the clearer water that results from the clams natural filtering process allows more sunlight to penetrate, which aids the growth of seagrasses and increases oxygen levels. UofF scientists say the “filter feeding” clams may also potentially prevent harmful algal blooms. And, ultimately, we’re all for that. So when it comes to the seeding, clam bedding and seagrass project proposed for Anna Maria, the paybacks, and the offer to help fund the project, are almost too good to be true. Kudos to the far-thinking people at the forefront of the clam plans. It’s perfect for the shallows around the shoreline and — don’t tell anyone I said so, but the areas where oyster shells were dumped for many years from restaurant kitchens provide a perfect starting place for oyster seedlings to latch on and proliferate. The clam culture is ripe for the island waters. So what are we all waiting for? Time’s a wasting. Hey, Holmes Beach! Longboat Key! Cortez and Manatee County! Let’s put the stimulus to work for clean water. — Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

JAN. 19, 2022 • Vol. 30, No. 13 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 tomas gomez, tomas@islander.org Kane Kaiman, kane@islander.org ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org ▼ Contributors Karen riley-Love Samara Paice amber Sigman 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) ▼

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Your

Opinion

Ode to the beach

I was introduced to Anna Maria Island in 1980 while visiting my future in-laws, who owned a villa in Spanish Main on Longboat Key. I moved to Bradenton Beach Labor Day weekend in 1985, when Hurricane Elena decided to visit. We survived our first Florida hurricane and bought a house the following year in Holmes Beach, where my oldest daughter attended Anna Maria Elementary. We thoroughly enjoyed the beach and everything the area had to offer. We moved back to New York in 1990 but continued to visit until I bought a house in Bradenton, retired from teaching in June and became a resident of Bradenton. This poem invaded my brain last spring.

Skimming online …

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

Ode to the Beach Where did it come from, this love of the sun? A quest for the beach, a desire for fun? I was born a redhead with freckles to spare; Can I sit in the sun without turning rare? Have your say Two weeks every July spent on the Jersey shore The Islander accepts original letters of up Under an umbrella till I could take it no more. to 250 words and reserves the right to edit for Played miniature golf and rode the Star Jet grammar and length. Letters must include name, Till hurricane Sandy showed complete disreaddress and a phone number (for verification). spect! Email: news@islander.org. Anonymous letters As I grew old, I sought out the beach will not be printed. Any and all that were within my reach. Cape Cod, Bermuda, Bahamas, Key West, We now load up on sunscreen ‘fore we go; Anna Maria Island I sure loved the best! Sunscreen didn’t exist when I was a child, did you And there did I pass on my love for the beach To my two gorgeous redhead daughters still in my know? So don’t let those freckles, blue eyes, and red reach. hair We’ve enjoyed the smile of the sun on the sand Keep you from enjoying the beach and salt air! And watching the dolphins and manatees from Sharon Carloni, Bradenton land,

Visit islander.org for the best news on AMI.

Jan. 19, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 7 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

10&20 years ago

From the Jan. 16, 2002, issue:

Before the board chris angelidis, chief of the manatee county utilities department, faces questions during a 1977 hearing before the manatee county commission concerning what were termed unusual irregularities in his department. the questions covered county employees washing or caring for private vehicles and illegal water hookups by the then-mayor of Bradenton Beach and an illegal hookup in a west Bradenton horse pasture used by the angelidis family.

At the table gary deffenbaugh, a former mayor and law enforcement officer in anna maria and manatee county, enjoys a smoke in may 1977. the longtime islander died in december 2021 at his summer home in north carolina. islander Photos: courtesy manatee county Public Library Historical digital collections

Jim Toomey, owner of Bayview Plaza, informed Anna Maria mayoral candidates SueLynn and Tom Skoloda they would not be permitted to campaign at the post office, which rented space in the plaza. Toomey said his decision was “a longstanding company policy” and had nothing to do with the candidates. • A committee began gathering petition signatures to overturn a Bradenton Beach City Commission decision allowing the development of Old Bridge Village — an 11–unit residential condo with three offices —on Bay Drive South in Bradenton Beach. “The response has been overwhelming,” said petition author Anna O’Brien. • The Bradenton Beach Scenic Highway corridor management entity informed the city of Anna Maria that it was not interested in a compromise regarding trolley signs after learning Anna Maria officials rejected the original signs and a compromise design.

From the Jan. 18, 2012, issue:

• Anna Maria commissioners agreed to look into the costs of hiring a special master to handle code enforcement citations. Such a hire would eliminate a code enforcement board. • Citing her love for “hands-on” work, former Manatee County Commissioner Jane von Hahmann filed to run for supervisor of elections after learning that longtime supervisor Bob Sweat would not seek another term. • The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce celebrated the grand opening of Le Petit Cafe with a ribbon-cutting at the Tortuga Inn in Bradenton Beach. — Lisa neff

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Page 8 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 19, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Tracking session: Local appropriations requests under review An appropriations project bill for Holmes Beach flood mitigation work advanced Jan. 13, just days after the 2022 legislative session convened in Tallahassee. A number of specific appropriation project requests filed by lawmakers in the House and Senate would bring funding directly to Anna Maria Island or impact AMI. A look at lawmakers’ requests: House Bill 2527: To fund Holmes Beach flood mitigation improvements, including reducing the susceptibility to flooding on evacuation routes. The request is for $2 million. The Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee voted favorably Jan. 13. State Rep. Will Robinson, R-Bradenton, filed the request. 1307: The companion request to HB 2527, filed by state Sen. Jim Boyd and referred to the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Environment and General Government. HB 2731: To extend the service life of the mainland portion of a force main from Longboat Key to Bradenton. The request is for $800,000. The Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee voted favorably Jan. 13. Rep. Fiona McFarland filed the request. 1313: The companion to HB 2731, filed by Boyd and referred to the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Environment and General Government. HB 4483: To bury utility lines and remove secondary lines along Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach. The request, filed by Robinson, is for $3 million. A first reading was Jan. 11. 1378: The companion to HB 4483, filed by Boyd and referred to the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Environment and General Government. HB 9223: To evaluate alternatives to improvements for Anna Maria’s LaVista Channel. The request, filed by Rep. Scott Plakon, is for $207,450. A first reading was Jan. 11. 1509: The companion to HB 9223, filed by Boyd

DAILY ENTERTAINMENT Dennis Lee Show Wolves of the World Coronas of Hollywood Les McDowell’s Cowboy Poetry The Plant Guy Pirate Dan SCHEDULED ENTERTAINMENT 7-8:15 Jan. 18, Veterans’ Tribute Ceremony 6 Jan 19, Voice of Classic Soul 6 Jan. 20, 4-H & FFA Goat Show 6 Jan. 21, 4-H & FFA Swine Showmanship Noon Jan. 22, 10th Annual WhipPopping Contest 5 Jan. 22, 4th Annual Donut Eating Contest

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and referred to the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Environment and General Government. HB 4931: To help fund Phase 1 of Anna Maria’s “Reimagining Pine Avenue” project. The request, filed by Robinson, is for $1,288,440. A first reading was Jan. 11. 1508: The companion to HB 4931, filed by Boyd and referred to the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Tourism and Economic Development. HB 4929: To help finance the acquisition of Rattlesnake Key for a state park. The request, filed by Robinson, is for $2.5 million. A first reading was Jan. 11. 1315: The companion to HB 4929, filed by Boyd and referred to the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Environment and General Government. HB 9255: To help Manatee County fund water

quality improvements with native oysters and clams. The request, filed by Robinson, is for $950,000. A first reading was Jan. 11. 2114: The companion to HB 9255, filed by Boyd and referred to the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Environment and General Government. HB 4927: To expand the manatee rehabilitation program at the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in Bradenton. The request, filed by Robinson, is for $547,000. A favorable vote was Jan. 13 in the Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee. 1512: The companion to HB 4927, filed by Boyd and referred to the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Environment and General Government. The last day of regular session is March 11. — Lisa Neff

Out-numbered, out-weighed Brown pelicans perch on a bait barge Jan. 13 as white pelicans — bigger but fewer in number — appear to challenge for the space. The bait boat anchored at the Kingfish Boat Ramp in Holmes Beach near the Anna Maria Island Bridge is used by a bait monger part of the year — and attracts pelicans year-round. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy

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Jan. 19, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 9 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Anna Maria mayor details dredging, paving projects By ryan Paice islander reporter

The city of Anna Maria is trying to knock out a couple of improvement projects before spring tourist season arrives. Mayor Dan Murphy said Jan. 13 that Clearwaterbased Gator Dredging began work in the channel to Lake LaVista earlier that week and would finish by the first week of February. The city regularly dredges the channel due to sand and silt flowing from the bay that interferes with navigation by boats. City commissioners approved $250,000 to dredge the lake during their 2021-22 budget discussions and work is projected to cost $243,000. The city also submitted a state appropriation request for $2 million over the next two years to fund the development of a permanent solution to maintain the channel. Murphy has said work should pose minimal interruptions in the channel’s access, but may cause some delays. Meanwhile, Bradenton-based Superior Asphalt a white pelican Jan. 13 squeezes aboard the deck of a bait boat at anchor in anna maria Sound next to the Kingfish Boat ramp in Holmes Beach. the birds alternate their perch between white and brown pelicans and with time spent at the ramp, where fishers clean catches and people launch and trailer boats. islander Photo: Bonner Joy

was set to begin paving work Jan. 17 involving milling, resurfacing and restriping a handful of city roadways, including: • Pelican Avenue; • Magnolia Avenue; • Gull Drive; • South Bay Boulevard; • Palmetto Avenue • Spring Avenue; • Gulf Drive from Willow Avenue to the city’s southern limits. The work is projected to cost the city $396,000, almost half of the $800,000 the city budgeted to spend on paving improvements in fiscal 2021-22. Murphy said work would be done 7 p.m.-5 a.m. every night unless the city receives noise complaints, at which point it may need to reconsider the work schedule. “If we start getting complaints about noise, we’ll try to alter things and see what we can do,” Murphy said. Public works manager Dean Jones expressed support for the project.

“It’s a very aggressive plan,” Jones said. “We’re very excited to get this done.” Murphy said letters had been sent to residents impacted by the projects notifying them of the work. People with questions or concerns about the projects can contact Jones at 941-708-6130, ext. 131, or at ampublic2@cityofannamaria.com.

Mote-AM pier outreach center delayed

A timeline remains unclear for progress on Mote Marine Laboratory’s educational outreach center at the Anna Maria City Pier. Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said Jan. 13 the city’s plans to open the center in the empty 1,800-square-foot building on the pier’s T-end by March would need to be revisited as he continues to wait for designs from Mote. Early in the process of negotiating a lease with Mote, the city projected a December 2021-January 2022 opening date. That date had shifted to March-April 2022 by the time the lease was signed in September 2021. Now, apparently due to difficulties in engineering for live marine display tanks, Mote will submit two sets of designs, according to Murphy. “They’re going to give us one set of plans with a lot of live displays and then another set of plans with less live displays and more interactive displays,” Murphy said. He said Mote was set to provide designs by the end of the month, at which point he will bring them to city commissioners for consideration. The city’s lease with Mote allows city commissioners to cancel the contract if they find the designs unsatisfactory. — ryan Paice

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Island happenings

Page 10 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 19, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

compiled by Lisa neff, calendar@islander.org.

‘Evening of Arts’ arrives at historical society museum

The Anna Maria Island Historical Society will present “An Evening of Arts” at its Pine Avenue museum grounds 5-7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 21. AMIHS will present the work of three artists — ON AMI Karen Beach, Angie Prindle and Janet Razze – during Wednesday, Jan. 19 the evening reception. 11:30 a.m. — Anna Maria Island Garden Club Fashion Show, Beach worked as a research scientist and then Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee opened a graphic arts company and taught at George applies. SOLD OUT. Information: 941-920-5929. Mason University. She works with pencil, ink and Thursday, Jan. 20 watercolor.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

2 p.m. — Friends of the Island Library lecture series, Cathy Slusser, “Cross Country Tails,” Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-6341. Friday, Jan. 21 5-7 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Historical Society Evening of the Arts, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0492. Saturday, Jan. 22 7 p.m. — Lou Gramm concert, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-1908. ONGOING ON AMI

Friends lecture series continues at Roser

The Friends of the Island Library winter Lecture and Travel Series will continue with a talk about travel. Cathy Slusser will tell stories about her life on the road with her husband and two dogs in “Cross Country Tails.” The lecture will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 20, at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Slusser worked 26 years as a historian for the Manatee County clerk’s office. When she retired in February 2020, she began her journey — a seven-month cross-country camping trip. The lecture series coincides with the Friends and Library 40th anniversary celebration. For more information, call the library at 941778-6341.

Through Jan. 23, Island Players present “Blithe Spirit,” 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-5755. Throughout January, Donna Slawsky’s “Piecing Together a Beautiful Life” exhibit, Artists’ Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694. Throughout January, Darryl Goldman’s “Simple Memories” exhibit, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: islandgallerywest.com, 941Sale, Bradenton. 778-6648. AHEAD ON AMI

Prindle is a watercolorist turned mixed-media artist. She also teaches art. Razze works in watercolor, acrylic, stained glass and mixed media, with a focus on nature. Plans also include a musical performance by Michael Whitty. The museum is at 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. For more information, call the museum at 941778-0492.

AGAMI calls to artists

The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria invites artists to participate in its online juried show, “Art Unites Us,” opening March 1. AGAMI’s 13th annual fine arts exhibition is an allmedia, juried show taking place online March 1-April 30. The judge will be watercolorist Chris Krupinski. The deadline to submit entries is Feb. 15. The entrance fee for art work is $30 for members, $40 for nonmembers. AGAMI will honor the best of show with an award of $500, as well as present cash prizes for first, second and third place, merit awards and honorable mentions. While the entries will be submitted and viewed online for judging and review, original work must be available for sale. Applications are on AGAMI’s website at www. amiartistsguildgallery.com. Fee applies. Information: selby.org, 941-366-5731.

ONGOING OFF AMI

First Fridays, 6-9:30 p.m., Village of the Arts First Fridays ArtFeb. 18-19, Center of Anna Maria Island murder-mystery night, walk, 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. InformaAnna Maria. March 12, Palma Sola Botanical Park Spring Plants and More tion: villageofthearts.com. Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Bradenton Farmers Market, Main Street, downtown Bradenton. Information: realizebradenton.com, 941-301-8445. Second and fourth Saturdays, noon-2 p.m., Chickee Hut Jammers session, presented by the Custom Jewelry Florida Maritime Museum and Cortez Cultural Consignments Center, outdoors, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. InforAppraisals mation: ﬂoridamaritimemuseum.org, fmminfo@manateeclerk.com. 40% OFF ESTATE SALES “Battles of the Boneless” exhibit, the Bishop Museum of SciWatch Repairs ence and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. InformaTune-Ups tion: bishopmuseum.org, 941-746-4131. Batteries Service on Site Through August, “Seeing the Invisible” augmented reality exhibit, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. -/°Ê£ nÎÊUÊn££äÊ ",/ <Ê, °Ê7°]Ê , /" MON-FRI 10-4 • ATM & CCs • 941-798-9585

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KIDS & FAMILY ON AMI Friday, Jan. 21 10 a.m. — Forty Carrots, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Tuesday, Jan. 25 10 a.m.— Family storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. ONGOING ON AMI Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m., Anna Maria Movies in the Park, City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130. ONGOING OFF AMI First Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m., “Soar in 4 Family Night, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: soarin4.org, 941-746-4131. Saturdays and Sundays, 3 p.m., Tales Under the Tree, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: bishop.org, 941-746-4131.

CLUBS & COMMUNITY ON AMI Thursday, Jan. 20 10:15 a.m. — Island Library Book Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, PLeaSe, See CalEnDar, Page 11

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Island happenings

Jan. 19, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 11 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Wellness for All offers checkups, screenings Roll up the shirt sleeves to donate blood. Open wide for the dentist. Point out that off-color spot to the dermatologist. And maybe take home a doorprize. Islanders can find a one-stop health shop at Faith United Methodist Church in Bradenton, which is hosting “Wellness for All” 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22. “It’s time for the community to get out and about and celebrate life,” said Daphne Siegert, of Bradenton, a volunteer and cochair of the team organizing the event. And she’s enthusiastic about bringing islanders across the bridges to the mainland for good times and health benefits. Partners include Blake Medical Center, West Bradenton Fire Rescue, Manatee County Paramedicine, Oneblood, YMCA, Florida Highway Patrol, On Spot Dermatology, Samaritan Counseling, Lake Erie

College of Dentistry and more. Festivalgoers can expect to learn about access to patient care and emergency services, donate blood, explore community and lifestyle programs, check their blood pressure, undergo dental and dermatology screenings and more. “What’s interesting is people are calling us to be exhibitors,” Siegert told The Islander Jan. 12. The event will be outside the church, 7215 First Ave. W., Bradenton. Admission to the Festivals of Life event is free. Siegert said organizers plan three more Festivals of Life events in 2022 — a “giving back” event in April to promote volunteerism, a back-to-school event in July and a carnival in October. For more information, call the church at 941-7948067 or go online to faithchurchum.org/events.

Annie Silver’s new board renews traditions

Back in business! The Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St N., Bradenton Beach, elected Jim Hassett as the community center’s new president Jan. 3. Also elected to offices: vice president Donna Kirkpatrick, treasurer Dianne Coates, secretary Judy Pruitt and board members Linda Yarger, Peg Miller and Kaye Bell. The center’s first bingo game of the year was Jan. 13. Games will continue Thursdays at 6 p.m., with cake, coffee, water and soda for attendees. “We had a small crowd but everyone was enthusiastic and glad that we are having bingo again!” Pruitt told The Islander Jan. 14. The first dinner will be barbecue from Big Dogg — Lisa neff Bar B, to be served 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26. People can dine in the center or order takeouts at a cost of $10 per meal. Additional dinners are planned but not yet on the 941-778-6341. 50-plus, Holmes Beach. calendar. 2 p.m. — Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Library, February, date to be determined, Friends The next Annie Silver business meeting will be at 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/ of the Island Library Book Sale, Anna Maria. the center at 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 7. library, 941-778-6341. Feb. 16, Anna Maria Island Historical For more information, contact Kirkpatrick at 941Society members’ luncheon, TBD. ONGOING ON AMI 757-6029. March 15, Anna Maria Island Historical Society Heritage Day,

Jan. 28, Cheesecake Cutie’s Let’s Get Social reception for

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OFF AMI Wednesday, Jan. 19 3:30-5 p.m. — Longboat Key Paradise Center for Healthy Living free memory screenings, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Reservations required. Information: theparadisecenter.org, 941-383-6493. Saturday, Jan. 22 10 a.m.-2 p.m. — Wellness for All, Faith United Methodist Church, 7215 1st Ave. W., Bradenton. Information: 941-794-8067. ONGOING OFF AMI

in readers’ lives. Send notices to news@islander.org.

10-5 Saturday Jan. 22 10-4 Sunday Jan. 23 at Holmes Beach City Field 5801 Marina Drive

Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island lunch meeting, Compass Hotel by Margaritaville, 12324 Manatee Ave. W., Perico Island. Second Tuesdays at 5 p.m. Information: 941-9202505. PLeaSe, See CalEnDar, Page 12

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Fridays, 11:30 a.m., Mahjong Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-7786341. Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Paradise Bagels, 3210 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7781383. Mondays, 12:30 p.m., Anna Maria Bridge Club, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 205-910-6344, 941-778-0414. Tuesdays, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Farmers Market in the Park, City Pier Park, Pine Avenue and Bay Boulevard, Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130. Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., Mahjong Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-778-6341. Tuesdays, noon, duplicate bridge, Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Fee applies. Information: 703-582-7755. Through March, Friends of the Island Library 40th anniversary celebration, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, and other venues. Information: 941-778-6341.

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Page 12 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 19, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Shamrock Shiver raises $56K for local charities By tomas gomez islander reporter

They plunged for nonprofits. The 14th annual Clancy’s Irish Sports Pub and Grill Shamrock Shiver charity plunge held on New Year’s Day drew 100 participants and raised $56,180 for local charities. The event began Jan. 1 on the Gulf shore in Bradenton Beach with a crowd judging a costume contest. After declaring Ruth Ann and Barry Hopkins the winners for their Lady Liberty and Uncle Sam costumes, people splashed their way into the Gulf of Mexico. Later, Clancy’s Pub and Grill, 6218 Cortez Rd W., Bradenton, hosted a party at the pub, with pledges, auctions and raffles to raise money for the Blessing Bags Project, Feeding Empty Little Tummies, Healthy Teens Coalition and Nutrition Initiative of Manatee. Prizes included Kenny Chesney concert tickets, golf packages, a Johnny Bench autographed baseball bat, a Whitey Ford autographed New York Yankees jersey, Tampa Bay Lightning and Buccaneers tickets, a vacation package on Anna Maria Island, a granite installation and dinner certificates for local restaurants. Since 2009, the event has raised more than $362,284. For more information, go online to clancysirishsportspub.com or call the bar-restaurant at 941-7942489.

Arts show beneﬁts orchestra

An arts and crafts show Jan. 22-23 in Holmes Beach will benefit the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra. The show will be at city field, in the 5800 block of Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 23. Organizers plan to host vendors selling jewelry, plants, apparel, photography and more. For more information about the event, call 352344-0657. For more information about AMICCO, go online to amicco.org. CalEnDar from Page 11 AHEAD OFF AMI Feb. 12, Sarasota Bay Watch “Scallopalooza, It’s Clamtastic,” Sarasota.

OUTDOORS & SPORTS ONGOING ON AMI AMI Dragon Boat Team—Paddlers from Paradise practices and meetups, various times and locations. Information: 941-462-2626, mrbradway@gmail.com. OFF AMI danny moore announces the winners of the clancy’s irish Sports Pub and grill Shamrock Shiver costume contest Jan. 1 on the beach in Bradenton Beach. islander Photo: tomas gomez

Thursday, Jan. 20 5:30 p.m. — Lantern Walk, Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W., Perico Island. Reservations required. Information: coral. bass@mymanatee.org, 941-742-5923. ONGOING OFF AMI

Movies in the Park continues

Anna Maria’s Movies in the Park series continues into March. The city is showing family-friendly films in City Pier Park at the corner of Pine Avenue and Bay Boulevard. The films begin at 6:30 p.m. The schedule includes: • “Paw Patrol: The Movie,” Jan. 25; • “Raya and the Last Dragon,” Feb. 1; • “The Kid Who Would Be King,” Feb. 8; • “The Princess Bride,” Feb. 15; • “The Sandlot,” Feb. 22; the next film in movies in the Park will be “Paw • “The Greatest Showman,” March 1. For more information, call city hall at 941-708- Patrol: the movie” Jan. 25. islander courtesy Photo 6130.

Saturdays, 8 a.m., Robinson Runners running club, Robinson Preserve expansion, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Information: mymanatee.org, 941-742-5923, ext. 6047. Saturdays, 9 a.m., Saturday Mornings at the NEST nature exploration, Robinson Preserve expansion, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Information: mymanatee.org, 941-742-5923, ext. 6047. Saturdays once a month, Manatee County Audubon Society workday, Felts Preserve, 4600 24th Ave. E., Palmetto. Information: manateeaudubon.org, zholmes003@gmail.com. AHEAD OFF AMI Feb. 12, Bradenton Area River Regatta, Bradenton and Palmetto riverfronts. Feb. 26, Pittsburgh Pirates spring training home game, Bradenton.

GOOD TO KNOW KEEP THE DATES

need a good laugh? visit the emerson quillin signature store. humor, art, gifts 317 Pine Ave., Anna Maria • emersonshumor.com

Tuesday, Feb. 2, Groundhog Day. Monday, Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day. Monday, Feb. 21, Presidents Day. Thursday, March 17, St. Patrick’s Day. Sunday, March 13, daylight saving time begins. Friday, April 1, April Fool’s Day. Friday, April 15, Tax Day. Friday, April 22, Earth Day. Sunday, May 1, May Day. Thursday, May 5, Cinco de Mayo.

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AME PTO cancels school dance Anna Maria Elementary students will go another year without a dance. AME parent-teacher organization members agreed Jan. 10 to cancel the Dolphin Dance, an all-inclusive version of the school’s traditional Princess Ball, due to the pandemic and lack of an organizer. The event also was canceled last year due to the pandemic, leaving the school without a student dance since February 2020. The function was set to return in February before the PTO’s decision. PTO president Nicole Plummer said a volunteer signed up to chair the event at the beginning of the year, but recently hadn’t responded to her messages — leaving the event without a leader. She suggested they send an email blast to PTO members to seek a new chair or cancel the event. AME principal Michael Masiello, also a PTO member, said the event might attract a large crowd, a problem for an indoor gathering. Also, he said holding the event outdoors posed issues, such as lighting. So given the rise in COVID-19 cases in Manatee County, the PTO should consider tabling the event, the principal suggested. “It does take quite a bit of planning to do this

AmE NEWS By ryan Paice

and it’s a lot of work,” Masiello said. “It could be tricky.” “I vote that we table this for next year,” art teacher and PTO member Gary Wooten said. “We have enough on our plates right now. …This would bring twice the number of people we usually have.” Plummer wrote in a Jan. 11 email to The Islander that the event never functioned as a PTO fundraiser as ticket sales paid for expenses. So canceling wouldn’t create a funding problem. She wrote that her daughter, fifth-grader Lily Plummer, was disappointed to hear the dance was canceled since she had a dress she was excited to wear. “Her father plans on taking her out to dinner and she can wear her fancy dress for the occasion,” Plummer wrote. Otherwise, Plummer said no other upcoming PTO events were at risk of cancelation. The PTO will meet next at 3:45 p.m. Monday, Feb. 7, in the AME cafeteria, 4700 Gulf Drive N., Holmes Beach.

AME Calendar • Feb. 2, early release day. • Feb. 7, 3:30 p.m., PTO board meeting. • Feb. 19, 8 a.m., Dolphin Dash 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run. • Feb. 21, Presidents Day, no school. • March 1, 5:30 p.m., 3rd-grade play, no dinner. • March 7, 3:30 p.m., PTO board meeting. • March 11, record day, no school. • March 14-18, spring break, no school. • April 4, 3:30 p.m., PTO general membership meeting. • April 15, Good Friday, no school. • April 20, early release day. • May 9, 3:30 p.m., PTO board meeting. • May 24-25, early release days. • May 26, last day for students. • May 27, last day for teachers. Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the school at 941-708-5525.

School days

The Islander welcomes photos and notices of student achievements, accolades and just old-school good times. Email news@islander.org

Yo ho ho!

Last dance ame students and their dates fill the decorated auditorium feb. 20, 2020, at the Pto’s Princess Ball. this year’s dance — the dolphin dance — is canceled due to concerns about the pandemic and organizational issues. islander file Photo

Privateers accepting scholarship applications

The Anna Maria Island Privateers will collect applications for the nonprofit’s next scholarship awards until March 1. Students graduating from high school in 2022 or attending a post-secondary school can apply for scholarships for the 2022-23 academic year. An announcement from the nonprofit stated, “We provide scholarships to deserving Manatee County youth that have need of financial assistance, are active in supporting the community in which they live and show an eagerness to achieve by intending to pursue post-high school coursework at either a college, university or other postsecondary educational institution.” Applications must be posted by March 1. For more information, go to amiprivateers. org.

You can catch all the news online at islander.org

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Page 14 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 19, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Tidings

Gathering

REGULAR WORSHIP

By Lisa neff

Book club meeting Mondays

A book club at the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation is meeting Mondays to discuss Barbara Brown Taylor’s “Gospel Medicine.” The club meets at 1 p.m. The church is at 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, contact the church office at cota@tampabay.rr.com or 941-778-1638.

Super Bowl breakfast at St. B

The Men of St. Bernard at St. Bernard Catholic Church seek volunteers for their Super Bowl Sunday Pancake Breakfast. The event will be Sunday, Feb. 13. The church is at 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, contact Russ Stanley at 941-792-7433 or rujes@aol.com.

Gathering is The Islander religion page. Email news@islander.org with announcements.

Presenting the piper Bill Sanderson plays the bagpipes. Sanderson will be the featured musician during worship services at roser memorial community church Sunday Jan. 23. He’ll play at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. worship in the sanctuary, 512 Pine ave., anna maria. People also can watch streaming services online at roserchurch.com. for more information, call the church at 941-778-0414. islander courtesy Photo

Obituary

SPECIAL EVENTS Saturday, Jan. 22, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Faith United Methodist Church’s Wellness for All festival, 7215 First Ave. W., Bradenton, Bradenton. Information: 941-794-8067. SAVE THE DATES March 1, Shrove Tuesday. March 2, Ash Wednesday. April 2, Ramadan begins. April 10, Palm Sunday. April 15, Good Friday. April 15, Passover. April 17, Easter.

In honor of service

SUNDAY WORSHIP • 8:30 AM or 10:00 AM

ONLINE � Watch LIVE or LATER

www.RoserChurch.com Text ROSER to 22828 to receive the weekly eBulletin

The CHAPEL is open during office hours for prayer and meditation

At your service

the u.S. flags at anna maria city Hall and city Pier Park in anna maria were lowered to half-staff in honor of the late gary deffenbaugh, who served the city as mayor 2000-02. deffenbaugh also served the city in law enforcement prior to the abolishment of the city police force. the flags were to remain lowered for about 24 hours. deffenbaugh died dec. 26, 2021, at his summer home in north carolina. islander Photo: Bonner Joy

COMMUNITY CHURCH

IN PERSON in the Sanctuary Nursery • Children’s Church

ONGOING EVENTS Wednesdays, 7:15 a.m., St. Bernard Rosary on the Beach, Manatee Public Beach, Holmes Beach. Wednesdays, 7 a.m., CrossPointe Fellowship men’s Bible meeting. Most Wednesdays, 8 a.m., Episcopal Church of the Annunciation men’s breakfast meeting. Wednesdays, 9 a.m., Roser Church Hope Seeds packing. Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m., Gloria Dei social gathering, Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, Holmes Beach. Wednesdays, 6:45 p.m., CrossPointe Fellowship Wednesday Night Blast. Thursdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Roser Thrift Shop sales. Thursdays, 4 p.m., Roser Church handbell class. Thursdays, 7 p.m., Roser Church chancel choir rehearsals. Thursdays, 9:30 a.m., Roser Church Roser Robics ﬁtness. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Roser Thrift Shop sales. Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m., Roser Church Roser Robics ﬁtness.

Gary Franklin Deffenbaugh

Gary Franklin Deffenbaugh, longtime Anna Maria resident and former Anna Maria mayor 2000-02, died Dec. 26, 2021, at his summer home in Bryson City, North Carolina. He was born in Sandusky, Ohio, June 30, 1938, to James and Wilma. He attended Northwestern University and was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving in naval intelligence during the Cold War. He also had a career in law deffenbaugh enforcement that spanned 25 years. He served law enforcement in Mentor, Ohio; Longboat Key and Anna Maria. He received numerous certifications and was an expert in accident reconstruction. After ending his law enforcement career, he owned and operated Island Lock and Key in Anna Maria. He was a lifetime member of the Fraternal Order of Police, the Associated Locksmiths of America, and served many years as a volunteer with the Anna Maria Fire Department, several of them as captain. He was elected mayor of Anna Maria in 2000, serving one term. He brought a business approach to politics and was an ardent supporter of small business. He also loved spending time in Bryson City and was involved in the community there as well. He was always willing to lend a helping hand. A private service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations can be made to Harris Palliative Care and Hospice, 81 Medical Park Loop, Suite 203, Sylva, N.C. 28779. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Elaine; sons Gary W. of Anna Maria and Michael L. and wife Annette of Wilmington, North Carolina; and granddaughter Madison.

Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-4769, stbernardcc.com. Thursdays 9:30 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1638, amiannunciation. org. Saturdays 4 p.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. Sundays 8 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. 8:30 a.m. — Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414, roserchurch.com. 9 a.m. — CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-0719, crosspointefellowship.church. 9:15 a.m. — Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-779-1912. 9:30 a.m. — Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive. Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1813, gloriadeilutheran.com. 10 a.m. — Roser Church. 10 a.m. — Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian USA, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-9004903, christchurchoﬂbk.org. 10 a.m. — Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-6491, longboatislandchapel. org. 10:15 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. 10:30 a.m. — St. Bernard.

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

Growing in Jesus’ Name

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Jan. 19, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 15 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Players staging ‘Blithe Spirit’

The Island Players present “Blithe Spirit” — written by Noël Coward and directed by Jeffrey Steiger — through Sunday, Jan. 23. Final performances take place Wednesday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $25, with the box office open 9 a.m.-1 p.m., as well as an hour before performances. The cast includes Jan Wallace, Mark Shoemaker, Sylvia Marnie, Seva Anthony, Abbey Deernik, Maggie Island Players actors rehearse “Blithe Spirit,” now in its final week of a run at the Anna Maria Carter and Steiger. theater. The show continues through Sunday, Jan. 23. Islander Courtesy Photos Denise Handley is the stage manager. Masks are required to attend shows. Field work Additional shows in the season include: Destin artist Staci • “A Comedy of Tenors,” written by Ken Ludwig, Dabson paints Jan. directed by Preston Boyd and set for the stage March 8 outside of her tent 3-20, 2022; during the Anna Maria • “The Psychic,” written by Sam Bobrick, directed by James Thaggard and set for the stage May 5-15, Winter Art & Craft Show at city field in Holmes 2022. Beach. The special The theater is at 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. event was the first in a For more information about the Island Players, call series of weekend arts the box office at 941-778-5755.

GoodDeeds

and crafts shows to take place in city field. Compiled by Lisa Neff The shows, organized by different companies or nonprofits, boost business and raise • The Island Players seeks volunteers for the theater, money for local charities. including house managers, backstage and prop crews, Islander Photo: Ryan web experts and actors. Info: 508 965-5665. Paice

Assistance sought and delivered on AMI

• Ministry of Presence Inc. seeks medications and monetary donations to aid earthquake victims in Haiti, donations to The Islander, 315 58th St., Holmes Beach, or mail to MoP, P.O. Box 770, Oneco, FL 34264. • Senior Adventurers group seeks events coordinators and a van driver for Friday outings. Information: 941-447-5076 • Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals. Information: 941-345-2441. • Keep Manatee Beautiful seeks volunteers for cleanups and other efforts. Info: 941-795-8272. • The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce and a number of local businesses are collecting donations for the Toys for Tots holiday campaign. Information: 941-778-1541.

Travelers

Assistance offered

• 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 Please, send notices for GoodDeeds to Lisa Neff and work on the island. Information: 941-725-2433. at calendar@islander.org. “Anna Maria Island,” a signed pictorial history book of the island by Bonner Joy, is available for $20 at The Islander office, 315 58th St., Holmes Beach, or by mail. Visit islander.org or call 941-778-7978. $20 plus postage, if applicable.

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Holiday cruisers The Yatros family celebrates the winter holidays with a familyoriented 10-day cruise in the Caribbean. Greg Kelly, left, Mimi Kelly, Irma Yatros, Nick Yatros, Gy Yatros and Maria Yatros remembered to pack their hometown news. Islander Courtesy Photo

Page 16 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 19, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Cops & Courts

Staff reports

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

HB man pleads no contest to murder

Jessie Hernandez, 43, of Holmes Beach, was convicted Jan. 5 after pleading no contest to second-degree murder with a weapon. The felony is punishable by life in prison without the possibility of parole, probation for life and a $15,000 fine. Hernandez was arrested in February 2020 for stabbing a co-worker, Bradenton resident Rene Escobido Balditt, 48, while working at the Main Street condominiums in the 200 block of the Third Street West in Bradenton. Balditt was found with stab wounds to his upper body. Hernandez, who reportedly confessed to killing Balditt in a 911 call and to police officers, has remained in custody without bond. He pleaded not guilty in April 2020 and moved to dismiss the case but was set to move forward to a jury trial the week of Jan. 10, before he changed his plea. A sentencing hearing will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. — Ryan Paice

Holmes Beach man arrested for aggravated assault, battery Holmes Beach police arrested resident Yuriy Osipov, 21, Jan. 9 on a third-degree felony for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill and a first-degree misdemeanor for battery. Officers responded to reports of an assault with injuries at Small Town Creamery in the Island Shopping Center, 5404 Marina Drive. Osipov entered the store and was causing a disturbance by yelling about a dispute over Osipov’s girlfriend, who worked at the store, according to a police report. An employee said he punched Osipov when Osipov threatened to pull a knife from his pocket. The employee said he forced Osipov out of the store’s back door and closed it when Osipov drew a knife. Osipov returned through the storefront once more before leaving in a vehicle. The employee, whose face was spattered with

dried blood, said he wanted to press charges against Osipov. Officers spoke with a witness who was working at the store and recovered video of the incident. Two officers then went to Osipov’s home, where they arrested him. An officer transported Osipov to Blake Medical Center in Bradenton for medical treatment. From there, he was transported to the Manatee County jail, where he was released Jan. 11 after posting $1,500 bond. If convicted, a third-degree felony is punishable by up to five years in prison, five years of probation and a $5,000 fine. A first-degree misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year in jail, one year of probation and a $1,000 fine. An arraignment will be at 9 a.m. Feb. 4 at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

HBPD arrests Palmetto woman for DUI Holmes Beach police arrested Palmetto resident Autumn Toby, 29, Jan. 10 on a second-degree misdemeanor for driving under the influence of alcohol. An officer saw a motorist, later identified as Toby, drive through an intersection without stopping at red lights. The officer conducted a traffic stop and spoke with Toby, who had slurred speech, smelled of alco-

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hol and appeared to be in a “stupor,” according to the police report. The officers asked Toby to perform field sobriety exercises, which she failed. Police arrested Toby and transported her to the HBPD, where she registered 0.175 and 0.165 grams of ethanol per deciliter of blood in two blood/alcohol tests. The legal blood/alcohol content limit for driving under the influence is 0.08 in Florida. An officer transported Toby to the Manatee County jail, where she was released Jan. 12 after posting a $120 bail bond. The charge carries varying punishments, including fines and up to nine months in prison. An arraignment will be at 8:55 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 10, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. — Ryan Paice

Jan. 19, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 19 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Streetlife

Trash pileup at beach access Holmes Beach resident Jeff Shell submitted evidence of garbage and recycling bins overflowing with waste Jan. 9 at the beach access on 73rd Street in Holmes Beach, complaining that the trash was attracting flies and maggots. City code compliance supervisor JT Thomas told The Islander Jan. 12 that there were no code violations associated with the overflowing garbage, but the cans were emptied, the area was cleaned up and the city plans now to monitor the location to prevent similar problems in the future. Islander Photo: Courtesy Jeff Shell

Staff reports

Island police reports

Anna Maria No new reports. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office polices Anna Maria. Bradenton Beach Jan. 9, 402 Church St., Bradenton Beach Marina, property damage. A boat parked at the docks overnight was clipped, causing $2,000 in damages to the motor. The owner said another boat may have attempted to maneuver around his boat and caused the damage. No other information was available on the collision. The Bradenton Beach Police Department patrols Bradenton Beach. Cortez No new reports. The MCSO polices Cortez. Holmes Beach Jan. 5, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, no license. A Holmes Beach police officer saw a motorist park in the beach parking lot, which was closed for the night. The officer contacted the driver, who did not have a license. The officer issued a citation and a licensed passenger drove the vehicle away. Jan. 6, 200 block of 83rd Street, fraud. A resident entered the Holmes Beach Police Department to report potential fraud involving her bank account. Bank records showed a man had twice withdrawn money from her account using fake checks. An officer identified a driver’s license from the transactions. Jan. 8, 700 block of Manatee Avenue, no license. An officer saw a motorist drive through an intersection without stopping at red lights and conducted a traffic stop. The officer spoke with the driver, who did not have a license. The officer also smelled marijuana and found a plastic bag containing marijuana within the vehicle during a search. The officer confiscated the marijuana, then issued a court summons and citation. A licensed passenger drove the vehicle away.

Escrap, hazardous waste collection set for Coquina It’s time to toss the old gear. Manatee County in collaboration with the island municipalities will collect household hazardous waste and electronics 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29. The collection will be on the frontage road that runs along Gulf Drive at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Island watch: In an emergency, call 911. To report information, call the MCSO Anna Maria substation, 941-708-8899; Bradenton Beach police, 941-7786311; or Holmes Beach police, 941-708-5804. Jan. 11, 700 block of Manatee Avenue, hit-and-run. An officer responded to a call about a traffic collision and found a woman who said she was rear-ended while driving. She said the motorist who hit her vehicle drove away. She did not require medical treatment. The officer issued a case number and searched the area for the motorist, but could not locate them. HBPD polices Holmes Beach. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

Beach. People can dispose of solvents, latex and oil-based paints, garden pesticides, waste oil, propane tanks, fluorescent bulbs, such mercury-containing devices as thermostats and thermometers, as well as pool chemicals. Old gasoline in gasoline containers and some household, auto and marine batteries also will be collected. Alkaline batteries, which can be disposed of with household garbage, will not be collected. Electronics to be collected include TVs, computer components, copiers, video and audio equipment and also small household items, such as microwaves, hair dryers, irons, cellphones, tablets, digital cameras and battery chargers. No radioactive items, such as smoke detectors, will be accepted. Also, no biohazardous materials, such as needles, will be accepted. People should remain in their vehicles when they arrive. For more, call Manatee County at 941-798-6761 or go online to www.mymanatee.org/escrap.

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Florida’s economy is built on the beauty of its beaches, history, and tradition. Nowhere is that more evident than the area spanning southern Tampa Bay to Sarasota. 7KDQNV WR VL[ EOXH ZDYH FHUWL¿HG EHDFKHV and three natural estuaries, this region is also a highly sought-after vacation spot. Of FRXUVH DQRWKHU EHQH¿W RI WKRVH DPD]LQJ *XOI ZDWHUV LV IUHVK DQG ÀDYRUIXO VHDIRRG As populations grow, those natural resources become strained. Nutrients from ZDVWHZDWHU V\VWHPV VWRUPZDWHU UXQR൵ WKDW carries land-based nutrients, intensifying storms, and harmful algal blooms all pose a SUREOHP 7KH UHVXOW" 5HG WLGH ¿VK NLOOV DQG a weakening of Florida’s tourism industry, as well as the businesses depending on it. Local Restaurateur Ed Chiles has long been a force for positive change in the DUHD¶V HQYLURQPHQWDO H൵RUWV $ VXSSRUWHU RI aquaculture and sustainability, his passion is UHÀHFWHG LQ DOO &KLOHV *URXS HVWDEOLVKPHQWV The Sandbar, The Beach House & Mar Vista have composting programs, recycle oyster shells, and feature ethically sourced ingreGLHQWV RQ WKHLU PHQXV 7ZR 'RFNV 6KHOO¿VK is one local partner that has been integral to ERWK 7KH &KLOHV *URXS¶V GLVKHV DQG WKH FOHDQ water initiatives in the area. 7ZR 'RFNV 6KHOO¿VK IRXQGHG E\ WKH :HOFK IDPLO\¶V IDWKHU DQG VRQ WHDP DUH ¿UVW and foremost “farmers and water`men who are dedicated to our regions’ agricultural and maritime traditions and the unique marine environments we are privileged to work in.” 7KHLU H൵RUWV FXOWLYDWLQJ FODPV DFURVV DFUHV

RI WKH 7DPSD %D\ DUHD LV FUXFLDO WR ¿OWHULQJ harmful nutrients from the water. Improving water clarity enables seagrass growth, creating a habitat for diverse sea life and preventing erosion. These clams also happen to be showcased beautifully in a white wine cream sauce at The Sandbar and Beach House, and Paella at Mar Vista.

After the Piney Point spill last March, Chiles united with local leaders to launch All &ODPV RQ 'HFN D SURJUDP WKURXJK 7KH *XOI 6KHOO¿VK ,QVWLWXWH 7KH RUJDQL]DWLRQ¶V PHWKodology is two-fold: stopping the alarming ÀRZ RI SROOXWDQWV HQWHULQJ RXU ZDWHUZD\V while ridding excess nutrients and erosion WKURXJK EL YDOYH ¿OWUDWLRQ $ SLOODU RI WKH mission is community involvement, and there are plenty of things people can do to act. Visit AllClamsOnDeck.org for more information. “Imagine annual neighborhood celebrations with local seafood, everyone with bumper stickers celebrating the cleanest waters anywhere, something our neighbors can all be proud of! We can’t wait to make this a reality.” – Ed Chiles. Content provided by: The Chiles Group

Page 20 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 19, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Anna Maria delays decision on $50K clam-seagrass project By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The waters around Anna Maria may someday house about 20,000 new residents — clams. But city commissioners want to keep options open for now. Commissioners unanimously voted Jan. 13 to table discussion on a proposed project to seed clams and add areas of cultivated seagrass along the city’s northern shoreline on Tampa Bay and within Bimini Bay. The city earmarked $50,000 of the $740,432 it received from the U.S. American Rescue Plan to spend on red tide mitigation, according to Mayor Dan Murphy. Local restaurateur Ed Chiles wrote in a Jan. 7 email to Murphy that if the city agreed to use the money on a clam and seagrass project, the Chiles Group would announce a $50,000 matching challenge to increase funding to $150,000. Chiles, who is named as vice president of Gulf Shellfish Institute Inc., brought executive president Stephen Hesterberg to pitch the project Jan. 13 to commissioners. GSI is a Palmetto-based nonprofit organization with a mission to “facilitate, support and encourage

Local businessman ed Chiles speaks Jan. 13 to anna maria city commissioners. He asked for $50,000 to help fund seeding clams and planting seagrass along the city’s shores to improve water quality. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

increased production of shellfish … for both economic and environmental benefit,” according to its website, gulfshellfishinstitute.org. Hesterberg said seeding filter feeders such as clams — which can each filter up to 4.5 gallons of water per day — could improve water quality and marine resilience to red tide. Red tide is a higher-than-normal concentration of a naturally occurring algae, specifically Karenia brevis, which exists in the waters year-round but, at high levels, produces brevetoxins that can kill marine life and be harmful to humans, according to Mote Marine Laboratory. The algae can bloom in high concentrations at times, can cause respiratory irritation that bothers beachgoers and fish kills that impact commercial fishers. Clams would not prevent red tide from reaching the city’s waters but Hesterberg said they could reduce sore spots by removing toxins from the water. Clams also nourish seagrass, which provides food and habitat for marine life, by consuming phytoplankton and depositing nitrogen into the seabed, according to Hesterberg. He said GSI would oversee a collaborative project. The Diatom Initiative would seed two species of bivalves, southern hard and Venus sunray clams. And Winter Garden-based Sea & Shoreline would plant seagrass. The Diatom Initiative would monitor the seeded clams on a quarterly basis for a year, while Sea & Shoreline would track planted seagrass annually for three years. The two contractors would report to GSI, which would assist in monitoring and evaluating the proposed marine restoration and report to the city. Angela Collins, a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension Sea Grant agent for Manatee County, attended the meeting and spoke in support from the audience. “There would be multiple research projects that would be happening in conjunction with this one that could really provide some synergy and really elevate the level of research that’s happening in the Tampa Bay area,” Collins said. Commissioner Deanie Sebring supported pushing the project forward but Commissioner Jonathan Crane urged the commission to table the discussion until its next meeting. Crane said that, by then, Mote will have released its annual report detailing red tide mitigation strategies

a graphic included in the gulf Shellfish Institute’s Jan. 13 presentation to anna maria city commissioners illustrates where the Diatom Initiative, based in Terra Ceia, plans to seed about 20,000 clams along anna maria’s northern shoreline and within Bimini Bay. Islander Image: Courtesy gulf Shellfish Institute

that the city might want to explore. He added that the city should invite Mote associate vice president for sponsored research Kevin Claridge to speak about the issue. Crane moved to table the discussion until the commission’s next meeting. Commissioner Robert Kingan seconded the motion, which passed. In other matters City commissioners also: • Reached consensus to send a proposed ordinance amending city code on determining a property’s buildable area to a second, final reading; • Reached consensus to send to final reading a proposed ordinance amending the city’s comprehensive plan to add a property rights element in accordance with state law; • Reached consensus to end discussions about drafting an ordinance that would prohibit certain property owners from splitting large lots in an effort to curb overdevelopment due to the risk of lawsuits under the state’s Bert J. Harris, Jr., Private Property Rights Protection Act. The commission will meet next at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 27, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive N. The meeting is open to the public with masks recommended. Directions to attend via Zoom can be found online at cityofannamaria.com.

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Fisher input changes tenor of county pelican rescue plan By Kane Kaiman Islander Reporter

“Commissioner, I have an angler on the line.” Phone calls and emails from fishers to Manatee County commissioners voicing opposition to the adoption of a resolution drafted by Friends of the Pelicans, a nonprofit bird rescue group, led the board to forego the resolution and direct staff to prepare a letter instead. At a county board meeting Jan. 11, commissioners voted 5-1 to direct county administrator Scott Hopes to draft a letter recognizing the plight of brown pelicans at Skyway Fishing Pier State Park — where they often become entangled in fishing line, which can result in their injury or death — and calling for collaboration between pier stakeholders to solve the problem. Commissioners expressed a desire to secure signatures on the letter from Pinellas County, Hillsborough County and Tampa Bay Estuary Program representatives to add “teeth” to the message before sending the dispatch to state officials. Commissioner James Satcher voted against the motion because it did not guarantee fishing groups the opportunity for input. The original resolution — written by Friends of the Pelicans, edited by Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department director Charlie Hunsicker and brought before the board by Commissioner Misty Servia — referenced “a list of potential solutions and management actions that, if implemented, will result in significant progress on this issue.” Commissioners Satcher and George Kruse indicated they’d corresponded with fishers concerned the resolution could lead to unwarranted regulations and loss of pier access. They also said they could not find the list of management actions in any meeting documents. “I’m not about to send this to the state … when I’m not even sure what it is we’re proposing, No. 1. No. 2, we didn’t take the time to hear from the outdoorsmen

and the fishermen that want to be a part of it or might have some input,” Satcher said. In a Dec. 27, 2021, email from Servia to state Rep. Will Robinson attached to the resolution, Servia suggested making the pier at the mouth of Tampa Bay “a walk-on fishing facility only and prohibit cars.” She also proposed reducing the three-rod limit per pier fisher, prohibiting treble hooks and Sabiki rigs and establishing a seabird rehab facility at the pier. Satcher indicated he was open to ideas about limiting hook types and opening a rehab facility but would not “put local fishermen in danger of losing their livelihood or their recreation.” “And when you say, well, that’s not what this is going to do, I heard multiple references during different presentations today that definitely pointed to the people we’re hearing from. And I think some of the people in the room think the fishermen are the problem,” he said. Servia stated multiple times the resolution did not require any action or ban any fishing activities and said it did not need to be sent to the state. “It’s really, again, just to be a leader in this and bring forth a resolution that other counties can look at that are contiguous to us and help us to achieve something that protects the pelicans,” she said. Kruse cited language from the resolution indicating the document was addressed to the state and said drafting a letter would be more appropriate. “Rarely do we have a full-on resolution and then to make the blanket claim incorrectly that we’re not even going to send this to the state — are we signing a resolution and literally shoving it in the chairman’s drawer?” he said. The resolution lacked backup support for its claims and the Servia-Robinson correspondence attached to the resolution indicated the state was taking steps to address the pelican problem on the pier, Kruse said. Since February 2021, the Florida Department of

friends of the Pelicans founder Jeanette edwards stands addresses manatee County commissioners Jan. 11. edwards gave a presentation highlighting the difficulties pelicans face at the Skyway fishing Pier State Park, where the seabirds often become entangled in fishing line during the winter months. Islander Screenshot

Environmental Protection and Pier Associates, the DEP’s concessionaire at the park, have enacted measures to mitigate harm to pelicans on the pier, including the hiring of a full-time park ranger and two full-time paid seabird rescuers. During the public comment portion of the pelican discussion, Aaron Virgin, a Manatee resident and CEO of Save Our Seabirds, a Sarasota-based wildlife rescue and rehabilitation nonprofit, addressed the board, calling the vote a “courageous first step.” Over the past 14 months, Save Our Seabirds has treated more than 70 injured brown pelicans brought to the facility from the Skyway, Virgin said. “I’m a fisherman; I’m a birder; I’m a father. And the same thing has happened to me fishing, a bird comes down and grabs the lure to the horror of my children as the bird flies away. So I agree all stakeholders, including fishermen, should be at the table,” he said.

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Page 22 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 19, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

a map shows the Sarasota Bay watershed. Islander Courtesy Image

Grants offered to boost Sarasota Bay projects

The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program plans to award $100,000 in grants for projects that promote habitat, water quality, education and stewardship to improve the quality of the bay and its tributaries. Applications are due March 1. SBEP, announcing the 2022 campaign, said priority would be given to applicants seeking to treat stormwater runoff with green infrastructure projects. Nonprofit organizations, schools, civic associations, religious groups, neighborhood and homeowners’ associations, businesses and local governments in the Sarasota Bay watershed can apply. SBEP’s example projects include: • Installing rain gardens and bioswales to filter runoff from parking lots, roads and other impervious surfaces; • Planting trees in highly paved urban areas; • Diverting gutter downspouts from impervious surfaces to planter boxes, garden beds or other permeable areas or rain barrels and cisterns; • Enhancing bay, creek or pond shorelines with native plants, including installing living shorelines and vegetated buffer zones; • Replacing impervious areas such as parking lots with pervious pavement. Application forms are online at sarasotabay. org. For more information, call SBEP at 941-9558085.

Holmes Beach CWC members are seated Jan. 12 at the dais, while committee liaison Commissioner Terry Schaefer is seated before them. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

Holmes Beach water committee sets initial tasks, goals By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Holmes Beach’s Clean Water Committee members are getting their feet wet. Their group was created by city commissioners last year to recommend improvements to water quality on and around Anna Maria Island. However, much about the CWC remains undetermined, so members met Jan. 12 to set their scope, goals and tasks as they begin to wade into deeper waters. The meeting was their second. CWC members reached consensus to expand the group’s scope by adding consideration for the island’s drinking water to its mission statement and objectives. The statement previously limited the group’s scope to improving the waters surrounding the island. With a scope set, CWC members set their minds to prioritizing goals to get the group on its feet. City development services director Eran Wasserman suggested CWC members act as liaisons to the island municipalities, organizations and businesses to better coordinate actions addressing water quality. Chair Ron Huibers agreed, saying they should create member profiles with backgrounds to identify skills, as well as a report outlining water qualityminded agencies, organizations and businesses, so

they could consider liaison appointments at a future meeting. The CWC also agreed to other goals, including: • Restore water clarity so people can view the bottom of canals; • Eliminate “stinky water” from canals; • Learn about Manatee County’s wastewater systems to better understand how they impact local waters; • Utilize research conducted in the Center of Anna Maria Island’s “Go Green” initiative; • Collect information about mitigation methods for harmful algae blooms, including brown algae. CWC members also reached consensus to invite Sarasota Bay Estuary Program executive director Dr. Dave Tomasko to address water quality assessment and involve the community in water quality improvement projects. The other committee members are Robert Carter and John Kolojeski of Anna Maria, Holmes Beach residents Jeffrey Drinkard, Nancy Flynn, and Scott Ricci, and Jim McDaniel of Palmetto and the Center of Anna Maria Island. The CWC will meet next at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. The meeting will be open to the public, with masks recommended.

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Jan. 19, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 23 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

By Lisa Neff

Butting in on butts He throws cigarette butts by the seashore. She drops cigarette butts on the playground. They snuff out smokes in the sand. So is it time for the Legislature to butt in on dealing with the most pervasive type of litter on Florida’s beaches? Republican state Sen. Joe Gruters introduced SB 224 in the 2022 session seeking to change state law so that local governments can restrict smoking on public beaches and in neff public parks. Gruters has sought to advance similar legislation in past sessions. And he’s welcoming support from environmental groups such as the Ocean Conservancy to move the bill this year. Representatives of the nonprofit joined Gruters at Lido Beach Park gruters earlier this month to rally support for SB 224. “Florida beaches are the economic engine of our state,” Gruters said at the Jan. 4 event. “People travel from around the world to visit our pristine shorelines and enjoy the Sunshine State’s natural beauty. We must do everything that we can to protect our most valuable asset.” Jon Paul “J.P.” Brooker, director of Florida conservation for the Ocean Conservancy, said, “We stand in

From littered coast to littered coast Litter collected during an ocean Conservancy cleanup in florida is similar to litter collected in oregon. When ocean Conservancy volunteers hit the shore — whether on the Pacific, atlantic or gulf coast — cigarette butts typically are recorded as the no. 1 littered item. Islander Photos: Courtesy ocean Conservancy/matt Swedlund/Thomas Jones

full support of Sen. Gruters’ bill to bring this positive change to our state.” “Cigarette butts may be small,” said Brooker, “but they have a lasting, harmful effect on our environment. They are universally the No. 1 littered item on beaches.” Ocean Conservancy leads the annual International Coastal Cleanup, as well as other volunteer campaigns. And each year for the past 31 years, the organization’s volunteers reported that the most often littered item on Florida beaches was the cigarette butt — a small but toxic bit of plastic pollution. Butts are packed with plastic fibers that erode into smaller pieces, accumulating in marine life and wildlife, harming animal health in many ways. And consider that the leachate from butts contains the residue of the chemical products used to grow and manufacture tobacco, as well as the chemicals that result from smoking filtered cigarettes. I’m referring to pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and rodenticides, as well as hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen oxides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, ammonia, acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, benzene, phenol, argon, pyridines and acetone. I’m referring to carcinogens. I’m referring to arsenic and nicotine. I’m referring to metal contaminants like cadmium, iron, nickel and copper leaching from discarded butts into the sediments. In addition to harming marine life and wildlife — and humans — littered butts can harm plant life. A peer-reviewed study in July 2019 found that cigarette butts in soil reduced the germination success and shoot length of clover by 27% and 28%, respectively, while root biomass reduced by 57%.

For grass, germination success was reduced by 10% and shoot length by 13%. The lead scientist on the study, Dannielle Green, said at the time in a news release, “Many smokers think cigarette butts quickly biodegrade and therefore don’t really consider them as litter. In reality, the filter is made out of a type of bioplastic that can take years, if not decades, to break down.” Gruters filed SB 224 last September. Soon after, the proposal was referred to committees for review, including community affairs, environment and natural resources and rules. The community affairs committee voted 8-0 to advance the bill, which is now under review by the environment and natural resources committee. A companion bill, HB 105, introduced by Republicans Randy Fine and Thad Altman, had its first reading Jan. 11. The lawmakers’ goal is to amend the Florida Clean Indoor Air Act, which regulates vaping and tobacco smoking, to allow local governments to restrict smoking on beaches and in parks. Currently, only the state can set such restrictions. The legislation also would prohibit smoking in state parks and drop “indoor” from the act’s title to read more broadly. The Sunshine State then would have a “Florida Clean Air Act” — about time.

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Former islander packs success in hunt for big waves By Kevin Cassidy Islander Reporter

At 21, Izzi Gomez — granddaughter of West Coast Surf Shop owners Roni and Jim Brady and daughter of Brandi Brady and Raul Gomez — continues to ride a wave of success. She won her first Stand Up Paddleboard Surfing World Tour event in 2013 and ended up finishing the year No. 3 in the world. Not bad for her Cassidy first time competing on tour. Gomez, brother Giorgio and mom lived on Anna Maria Island until she was 5, when they moved to Jupiter. There, she and her brother enjoyed consistent wave-riding surf at New Smyrna Beach and Sebastian Inlet, and Giorgio turned her onto SUP. Gomez was a natural. She began entering local contests and went on to win the SUP Surfing World Tour title in 2014. By 2019, at age 19, Gomez had captured five world titles. And now she’s walking away from her SUP career. When asked why, Gomez showed her’s wasn’t a snap decision. “Honestly, I felt burnt out. From age 13-18 my focus was on SUP and SUP only. I had success right away and was able to maintain that for a long time but there comes a point where winning just doesn’t do it anymore. I felt like there was a lack of competition and the sport had started to plateau — so that played a big part in my decision to strive for something bigger and more challenging.” Gomez said traditional surfing was always in her

Izzy gomez makes her mark with the october 2021 national Red Bull sports magazine, The Red Bulletin. Islander Courtesy Photo

heart, but she isn’t going back to that. No. There’s nothing traditional about Gomez. She’s running up a career in big wave surfing. Big wave surfing is a different animal from regular surfing, especially when compared to the “dinky surf” where she learned to paddle a wave — on the beaches of Anna Maria Island. In big wave surfing, the surfer gets pulled into the

wave by someone driving a personal watercraft and, once they’re there, they’re at the mercy of the wave. Gomez said being locked in on a 30-foot wave is a feeling like no other. “When you’re in the water at a big wave spot, there’s just so much energy moving around so you just have to surrender to that. Gomez said a wipe out on a 30-foot wave is pretty violent and she wasn’t under for a super long time, but she experienced whiplash-like symptoms after the tumble. Another experience came when Gomez participated in the 2021 Olympic trials in El Salvador. Things didn’t go her way, as she was nursing an injury, but she’s looking forward to representing Columbia — her father’s country of birth — in 2024. “I loved seeing all the countries come together and I got to watch a few of my friends qualify for the games.” When asked how long she anticipates competing, Gomez said, “I plan to compete as long as I am still passionate and my body allows me.” Beyond the competition, Gomez says she would love to do something to help other athletes, whether as a manager, sports psychologist or physical trainer. “I’ve learned so much and hope that I can put that knowledge to use in the best way.” Based on what Gomez already has accomplished, there’s no doubt she can achieve whatever she sets her mind on. Cheers to you, Izzi — and to your island family.

And now, for local sports: football, golf, horseshoes on AMI … By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter

The adult flag football league at the Center of Anna Maria Island kicked off its season Jan. 13 with four games. Moss Builders opened with a 32-14 blowout of Beach Bums behind four touchdown passes and one receiving touchdown from Ryan Moss. JB Shuck added five catches, including one for a touchdown, while also throwing a touchdown pass. Jesse Griffin added two touchdown catches and Ben Sato added one to complete the scoring for Moss. Tuna McCracken threw a touchdown pass to Ava Zink, who led the Bums with six catches, while Sir Williams had a touchdown run in the loss. Shady Lady outscored Sandbar Restaurant 45-32 thanks to seven touchdown passes from Connor Haughey, including three each to Jonathan Soultatos and Shawn Balvin. Soultatos finished with 13 catches

and Balvin had 12 catches in the victory. Matt Manger had three touchdown passes and two touchdown runs to lead Sandbar, which also received two touchdown grabs from Osmel Fuentes and one from Zach Routh in the loss. The third game of the night saw TBT and We The Best Lenders battle to a 31-31 tie. Jeremy Rodriguez threw five touchdown passes, including three to Cory Banks and two to Yandy Rocamora to lead TBT. Brandon Kull paced the Lenders with seven receptions, including five for touchdowns. Jaret Rojas had three touchdown passes and Dominick Otteni finished with two TD throws. The last game of the night saw Solid Rock Construction earn a 15-0 shutout victory over Prosper Bradenton. Anthony Mannino threw for a score and caught a touchdown pass from Octavious Cole. Peggy Smith completed the scoring with a touchdown grab and a quarterback sack for a safety.

Lead-off man former major Leaguer and commentator Steve Blass leads off the friends of the Island Library Winter Lecture and Travel Series with a talk about “60 Years with the Pittsburgh Pirates.” He spoke Jan. 13 at Roser memorial Community Church, 512 Pine ave., anna maria. for more information about the series, call the library at 941-778-6341. Islander Photo: Courtesy Julie Perry

Club news Weekly golf action at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach got started with the men playing their weekly nine-hole modified Stableford system match Jan. 10. The team of Ray Holton, Art McMillan, Bill Shuman and Quentin Talbert combined on a plus-6 to earn clubhouse bragging rights for the day. Earl Ritchie and Rich Salzburg tied for individual honors at plus-5, while Tim Friessen and Jerry Martinek tied for second at plus-4. The women played a nine hole individual-low-net PLeaSe, See sports, neXT Page

Anthem auditions ahead

Oh say! It’s that time again. The Pittsburgh Pirates are readying for spring training in Bradenton and that includes lining up singers for the American and Canadian national anthems. Performers must be comfortable before an audience of 7,000. Vocalists can submit a cappella audition videos or YouTube links to marketing manager Rebekah Rivette via email at rebekah.rivette@pirates.com by Feb. 18. The first home game of the spring season will be Feb. 26, with the Pirates hosting the Tampa Bay Rays at LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W. For more information, call the Pirates operation in Bradenton at 941-747-3031, visit bradentonmarauders. com or email maraudersinfo@pirates.com.

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Kari Stephens led Prosper with four receptions on offense, while Jesse Skipper’s three sacks paced the defense.

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INSHORE RE Redﬁsh Snook

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Jan. 19, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 25 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Avoid wind, stay warm, find fish near docks, in canals By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

With slightly cooler temperatures and breezy days, Anna Maria Island anglers are staying inshore to target flats-dwelling species such as redfish and spotted seatrout. Other inshore species, such as pompano, black drum and sheepshead, also are moving into the crosshairs. Live shrimp is the primary bait in Stasny these conditions. Fishing around residential docks and canals can be favorable during cooler days in winter, especially when strong winds are forecasted. These areas tend to be slightly deeper than their surrounding waters, creating a more consistent environment, devoid of large temperature fluctuations and rough water. And they can provide shelter from the wind. Predatory fish will take up residence in these waters. In fact, you may encounter many species of fish while working the canals and docks: snook, jack crevalle, ladyfish, bluefish, small grouper, flounder and snapper. There’s some homework to be done for successful dock and canal fishing. Learning which canals and docks hold fish can require some time on the water. But doing your homework can open the door to a successful day of fishing in even the hardest days of winter. On my Just Reel charters, live shrimp is yielding my anglers a variety of bites, including jack crevalle, pompano, permit and black drum while working along the Gulf beaches. In some areas, I’m finding sheepshead and redfish mixed in the bite. On windier days, I am taking cover in the back

Rod & Reel Pier regular Gloria Diaz shows off a 5-pound sheepie she caught Jan. 11 at the R&R.

bays, casting shrimp under docks for redfish, black drum and sheepshead. Either way, we’re finding some good action and putting a few fish in a cooler for dinner. Capt. David White is working inshore on days with persistent winds. Using live shiners or live shrimp is working well for a variety of species — redfish, black drum and sheepshead. White is locating the bite around docks, rocks and along the Gulf beaches. While fishing the beaches, White is finding that chumming with pieces of shrimp keeps the bite

sports from page 24

match Jan. 11 in two flights. Roxanne Koche rode a chipin on the third hole to grab the top spot in Flight A with a 1-under-par 31. Carol Patterson took second at 3-over-par 35, while Jennie Huibers and Pam Lowry were another stroke back in third place. Judy Todd fired an even-par 32 to take first place in Flight B, a stroke ahead of second-place finisher Janet Razze. Jackie Gorski and Jan Turner tied for third place at 3-over-par 35. KRC golfers were back on the course Jan. 13 for a nine-hole scramble. The team of Mike Riddick, Larry Solberg, Quentin Talbert and Al Waal combined on a

6-under-par 26 to earn the day’s bragging rights. Second place went to the team of Ron Huibers, Greg Shorten and Joe Tynan who combined on a 3-under-par 29. Horseshoe news Four teams managed 3-0 records during preliminary round play Jan. 12 at the Anna Maria City Hall horseshoe pits. The first semifinal saw Tim Sofran eliminate Bob Palmer 22-8 in a battle of walkers, while the team of Tom Farrington and Bob Heiger cruised to a 21-2 victory over Bob Mason and Adin Shank in the second semifinal. The finals were all Farrington and Heiger, as they earned a comfortable 23-13 victory over Sofran. The Jan. 15 games saw a three-team showdown after they all went 3-0 during pool play. Bob Lee and Jerry Disbrow drew the lucky bye into the finals and watched as Bob Mason and Bob Rowley eliminated Heiger and Palmer by a 22-11 score. The Mason-Rowley team was solid in the championship match as they cruised to a 23-12 victory over Lee and Disbrow to earn the day’s bragging rights. Anna Maria City Hall pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by random team selection. There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome. Bob Mason, left, and Bob Rowley show off the winner’s trophy Jan. 15 at the horseshoe competition at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Islander Photo: Courtesy AMI Pitchers

going. Switching to live shiners is working for White’s anglers in the back country flats of Tampa Bay. Snook are the primary catch, as well as some spotted seatrout, while live shiners, if you can find them, are attracting attention from jack crevalle and ladyfish. Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says due to a string of windy days, fishing at the pier has been challenging. Those willing to brave the wind and rough, choppy water are being rewarded with a variety of species. Using live shrimp as bait works when fished on a bottom rig soaked under the pier. Redfish are being caught in this fashion, as well as black drum and sheepshead. Casting shrimp away from the pier works but it requires some patience. Again, Malfese says the use of a bottom rig works best and has yielded some bonnethead sharks. Other species being caught at random include jack crevalle and ladyfish. Capt. Warren Girle is fishing nearshore structure, artificial reefs and hard bottom areas when the seas are calm. Using live shrimp, Girle is leading his clients to a variety of fish. Combining shrimp with a bottom rig is resulting in sheepshead, mangrove snapper and Key West grunts. Simply free-lining live shrimp is attracting permit to the hook. On windier days, when Girle remains in the inshore waters of Sarasota Bay, he’s putting clients on catchand-release redfish, as well as catch-and-release snook and spotted seatrout. For the reds and snook, casting baits under docks is working well. As for the trout, Girle says jigging over deep grass flats works best. Send fish tales and photos to fish@islander.org.

TideWatch

Red tide detected in Manatee waters at background level

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said red tide was reported at background concentrations in Manatee County waters. The red tide organism, Karenia brevis, was not detected elsewhere in the state the week ending Jan. 16. No reports of fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were received. For more information, go online to myfwc.com/ research/redtide. — Lisa Neff

Fishing tip! If you hook a bird, remember: Reel, remove, release!

Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

Jan 19 Jan 20 Jan 21 Jan 22 Jan 23 Jan 24 Jan 25 Jan 26

2:15p 12:05a 12:52a 1:43a 2:40a 3:50a 5:25a 7:46a

HIGH

1.1 2.1 2.0 1.8 1.6 1.3 1.0 0.9

— 2:27p 2:46p 3:10p 3:40p 4:15p 4:55p 5:42p

HIGH

— 7:08a 1.2 7:38a 1.2 8:10a 1.4 8:42a 1.5 9:16a 1.6 9:49a 1.8 10:20a 2.0 12:37a

LOW

0.9 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.3 0.1 — 0.8

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

. SCUBA INSTRUCTION . SCUBA BOAT CHARTERS . SCUBA AND SNORKEL GEAR RENTAL AND SALES . GUIDED BEACH DIVES 5352 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach 941 200 0660

. .

Floridaunderwatersports.com

-0.7 5:43p -0.6 6:36p -0.4 7:33p -0.2 8:36p 0.0 9:48p 0.3 11:09p 0.5 — -0.1 10:44a

Licensed

Moon

3rd

Page 26 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 19, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

isl

The Bryant family — Ben, morgan and their children — pose Jan. 12 at their newest venture, Cool Beans, an anna maria coffee shop. The shop, currently offering samples of their gourmet espresso, and plans call for a ribbon-cutting ceremony in midfebruary to celebrate the completion of their interior renovations. Islander Courtesy Photo

biz

By Kane Kaiman

Beans, beach time, seafood

Espressing their gratitude Ben and Morgan Bryant are grateful to be in business. In mid-February, the Bryants — owners of Live Naturally, a CBD and hemp-based products shop in Holmes Beach — expect to hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their second island business, Cool Beans, a coffee, espresso, beach boutique and CBD products shop. The shop, 101 S. Bay Blvd., Kaiman Anna Maria, has been open since Nov. 1, 2021, and plying visitors with samples of Cool Beans Anna Maria Island Reserve, a golden-brown coffee derived from organic, heirloom beans. The Bryants got the go-ahead from the city for their finishing touches on the shop Jan. 11. When work is complete, the couple will be serving coffee from a hand-built Italian espresso machine. Ben Bryant said Jan. 11 his family couldn’t have readied the shop for its grand opening without the help of local business owners Scott and Jamie Mason of Scott’s Deli, Brian Seymour of the Anna Maria General Store and Steve Rose of Bortell’s Lounge, as well as Dave Huggins, a site-maintenance specialist and manager at Pine Avenue Bait and Tackle. For more information, visit coolbeansami.com or call 941-896-4293.

No schlepping necessary Trudging out to the beach with chairs and coolers can feel like a forced march through a desert. But having everything set up and waiting for you near the water? That’s no mirage. It’s the work of Beach Suites, a concierge service that offers “stressfree days in the sun.” The outfit, founded in 2020, provides rental packages that include chairs, umbrellas, tents, coolers with ice, Bluetooth speakers, games and more. Beach Suites will set up near a beach access of your choosing and clean up and clear the gear after you leave. The setup is yours 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Beach Suites partners with Graze Street — a sandwich, salad and charcuterie business set to open soon in the Anna Maria Island Centre shopping plaza in Holmes Beach. The service also offers a sunset package. Owners Tiffany Adell and Audrey McLoughlin established the business to accommodate vacation renters, who typically lack resort amenities. “Nobody wants to carry anything to the beach and

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we wanted to give people that resort experience without staying at a resort,” Adell said Jan. 6. To book a set up at the beach, visit beachsuitesami. com. For more information, call 941-926-6749 or email beachsuitesami@gmail.com. From net to doorstep Gulf Coast Crab and Seafood owner Rich Demarse has gone full-on fisher. A longtime seafood chef and retailer, Demarse signed on in October as a deckhand on Brian Lacey’s Cortez-based fishing boats. Commercial fishing, especially stone crabbing, is a grueling profession, and Demarse wasn’t sure he could handle it. “I was just afraid it was going to be too hard for me, but I guess I’m built for that kind of work. I love it; it’s life-changing,” he said. Demarse founded Gulf Coast Crab and Seafood, a mobile market, in February 2021. When Demarse isn’t pulling crab traps and throwing nets, he’s making seafood deliveries or setting up

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Jan. 19, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 27 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

New to the chamber network

We join the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce in welcoming seven new business members Nov. 25-Jan. 3. They include: J&N Appliance serving Manatee and Sarasota counties, UBS Financial Services / Nikolas Adell, serving the Gulf Coast, Vaughn Enterprises serving the Gulf Coast, Innovative Design Group serving Manatee and Sarasota counties, Ashore Realty of Ellenton, Blueberries Café & Wine of Holmes Beach, Pink & Navy of Anna Maria. For more information, go to annamariaislandchamber.org or call 941-778-1541.

Big smiles await on Manatee Ave.

gulf Coast Crab and Seafood owner Rich Demarse gathers mullet on the boat deck to go into an ice hold Dec. 21 during the first big mullet run of the season. Demarse recently signed on as a deckhand for Cortez fisher Brian Lacey. Islander Photo: Courtesy Brian Lacey

shop at various locations in Manatee and Sarasota counties to sell live blue crab, stone crab claws, gulf shrimp and fish, including sheepshead, whiting and black drum. On Dec. 21, Demarse was on board for one of Cortez’s oldest traditions, the annual mullet run. After night fell, Demarse and Lacey netted about 3,500 pounds of the big-eyed fish. “I was just happy to be able to contribute. What a night,” Demarse said.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND �� Mangrove Avenue � Beds �/� Baths �� Sq� Ft� Hannah Hillyard & George Myers �� A��

Traci Kearton and andre Bazile are familiar faces on amI. They are living their dream with a new market in Bradenton, featuring their skills in food and wine, as well as staples for folks on the go. manatee ave market stands out as a blue building at 5104 manatee ave. W., where Chef andre is cooking up his “famous” gumbo daily — past gigs as chef included years at the old anna maria City Pier and Hurricane Hanks. Kearton also worked at Hanks in Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy

BizCal

coMPIled BY Kane KaIMan

AMI Chamber THIS WEEK

Wednesday, Jan. 26 5-7:30 p.m. — Trolley Grant Awards presentation and business card exchange, Seafood Shack, 4110 127th St. W., Cortez. Fees may apply for events. RSVP for the networking events by contacting the chamber at 941-778-1541 or info@amichamber.org.

Other events THIS WEEK

For updates on Demarse’s catch, visit the Gulf Coast Crab and Seafood Facebook page or gulfcoastcrabandseafood.com. Next-day delivery orders must be placed by 2 p.m. To place a delivery order, call or text 941-7738339. And as always… …Got biz news? Contact Kane Kaiman at kane@ islander.org or call The Islander office at 941-7787978.

Saturday, Jan. 22 4:30 p.m. — Longboat Key Chamber Savor the Sounds Concert, Town Center Green, 600 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Save the date Feb. 9, Longboat Key Chamber Networking @ Noon luncheon, Zota Beach Resort, Longboat Key. Fees may apply for events. For more LBK Chamber information, visit longboatkeychamber. com or call 941-383-2466.

LONGBOAT KEY �� Russell Street � Beds � Baths �� Sq� Ft� Cindy Fischer & Mark J Baron �� A��

BRADENTON �� Kingfisher Road E � Beds �/� Baths �� Sq� Ft� Ken Kavanaugh� Jr & Maureen Horn �� A��

LONGBOAT KEY �� Marbury Lane � Beds �/� Baths �� Sq� Ft� Sandi Layfield �� A��

LONGBOAT KEY �� Gulf Of Mexico Drive �� Beds � Baths �� Sq� Ft� Ian Addy� PA & Gail Wittig� LLC �� A��

LONGBOAT KEY �� Fox Street � Beds � Baths �� Sq� Ft� Cindy Fischer & Mark J Baron �� A��

BRADENTON �� st Avenue W � Beds � Baths �� Sq� Ft� Fran DeDona & Pam Goodwin �� A��

LONGBOAT KEY �� Tarawitt Drive �� Sq� Ft� Ian Addy� PA & Gail Wittig �� A��

LONGBOAT KEY �� Gulf Of Mexico Drive �� Beds � Baths �� Sq� Ft� Brigitte Von Kessel �� A��

LAKEWOOD RANCH �� Pine Valley Street � Beds � Baths �� Sq� Ft� Gloria Bracciano �� A��

LONGBOAT KEY �� Exeter Drive K�� Beds � Baths �� Sq� Ft� Malihe Karimi �� A��

LONGBOAT KEY �� Sutton Place �� Beds � Baths �� Sq� Ft� Michael Yawitz �� A��

SARASOTA �� Chandlers Forde �� Beds � Baths �� Sq� Ft� Nancy Phillips �� A��

PALMETTO �� Edgewater Court � Beds � Baths �� Sq� Ft� Leah Secondo �� A��

�� | MICHAELSAUNDERS�COM

Page 28 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 19, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

HEALTH CARE Continued

neW omRon PLaTInUm blood pressure monitor, premium upper arm cuff, digital, in box. $50. 941-504-0526.

anTIQUe offICe CHaIRS: Perfect for eclectic dining set. Circa 1950 from anna maria City Hall. Inquire at The Islander newspaper, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

eXPeRIenCeD Cna foR hire! 1. Skilled. 2. Respite. 3. Long-term 4. Home health. I have 22 years in the medical field, I love what I do, serving the elderly. Contact information: 941-580-4440. tee0123@yahoo.com.

DInIng SeT: 54 x 54-inch light oak, six chairs with cushions, removable leaf, very nice, $200. 941-504-0526.

LOST & FOUND

40-fooT aLUmInUm eXTenSIon ladder. $100. 941-794-0392.

foUnD: WeDDIng RIng. found at Walmart on Cortez Road, Bradenton. 518-8227315.

SonY BooKSHeLf STeReo, 24-inch Lg TV, eureka lightweight upright vacuum. $50 each. Like-new. 419-417 5687.

PETS HeLP ReSCUeD PeTS! Volunteer, foster, computer help needed! moonracer animal Rescue. email: moonraceranimalrescue@ gmail.com.

anTIQUe BaBY CaRRIage: Wood and wicker. Proceeds benefit moonracer animal Rescue. email for photos: moonraceranimalrescue@gmail.com.

BOATS & BOATING

anTIQUe PaRTneR DeSK: all wood, $500. Inquire at The Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

Sandy’s Lawn Service Inc. ESTABLISHED IN 1983

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

HELP WANTED

LICENSED & INSURED

Paradise Improvements

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Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Specialist Replacement Doors and Windows

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FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED Island References Lic#CBC056755

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50-fooT BoaT DoCK for rent in Holmes Beach. $300/month. first and last plus signed contract agreement. Parking, water and electric included! Contact BJ, 941-2249255.

Residential & Condo Renovations Kitchens • Bath • Design Service Carpentry • Flooring • Painting Commercial & Residential

LoCaL Long-STanDIng Island business looking for an experienced full-charge bookkeeper/accountant. Pay commensurate with experience. Please, send your resume to info@gaunt.com. RePoRTeR WanTeD: full- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience required. apply via email with letter of interest to news@islander.org. KIDS FOR HIRE

References available • 941-720-7519

AdoptA-Pet

DePenDaBLe, ReSPonSIBLe, fUn babysitter for hire. 13 years old, island local. available in June. 941-526-9090. KIDS foR HIRe ads are fRee for up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work. ads must be placed in person at The Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach.

Bobby needs YOU!

HEALTH CARE

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

gooD gRIef: eXPeRIenCeD Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) providing help for individuals and families working through end-of-life issues. also offering assistance crafting your advance Care Directive. Call or email Dawn, 207-615- 5876. goodgrief. dawn@gmail.com. LooKIng foR an eaRLY BIRD? You can read classifieds on Tuesday at islander.org.

SERVICES neeD a RIDe to airports? Tampa $65, St. Pete, $55, Sarasota, $30. gary, 863-4095875. gvoness80@gmail.com. IS YoUR Home or office in need of some cleaning? Well, I’m your girl! Local, reliable, professional! Please, give me a call or text, 941-773 -0461. CLeanIng: VaCaTIon, ConSTRUCTIon, residential, commercial and windows. Licensed and insured. 941-744-7983. PReSSURe WaSHIng, PaVeR sealing, driveway, roof, fence, pool area. also, window cleaning. Licensed and insured. 941-5653931. ISLanD PHoTo SHooTS WITH gemma. family, children, engagement, commercial. Instagram: @silvernestphoto. 805-5701415. nannY, BaBY/PeTSITTIng, cleaning, organizing, errands, assistance. 20 years’ experience. Reliable and trustworthy, local. 805570-1415. BICYCLe RePaIRS: Just4fun at 5358 gulf Drive can do most any bicycle repair at a reasonable cost. Pick-up and delivery available. 941-896-7884. ComPanIon/HomemaKeR: Honest and reliable offering help with running errands, grocery shopping, house sitting, pet and plant care, light cooking/cleaning, transportation. References available and licensed. Call Sherri, 941-592-4969. PooL maInTenanCe: oPenIng feb. 1. Stellar Pool Service LLC. We offer “Stellar” service at affordable rates. Call or email us for your free estimate today! 941-524-1173. stellarpoolservice1@gmail.com. BUSIneSS-To-BUSIneSS JD’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-920-3840. THe ISLanDeR is anna maria Island’s longest running publication. It’s essential news for residents and visitors. Check out the website, islander.org.