The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, March 15, 2023

Astheworldterns 6

Q&A 031523 3

Mote gains extension on pier project. 4

Meetings 4

Opinions 6-7

10-20 YEARS AGO

Looking back. 7

anna Maria tweaks watertaxi agreement. 8

Save the date. 10-11

AMI Happenings

announcements. 10-12

run to Island Players’ ’39 Steps.’ 12 13

Gathering. 14

Obituaries 15

Where’s Tuna Street? 16-17

NYT puzzle 18

Fire breaks out at BB vacation rental. 20

Streetlife 20

Cops & Courts 21

IGW’s farewell. 22

Youth football champs crowned. 24 anglers get no break from red tide. 25

hB in the market for algae harvester. 26

TideWatch 26

Tangled up and blue. 27

CLASSIFIEDS. 28-28

Isl Biz: 30

PropertyWatch 30

The green came marching in …

Pines Park offer to buy land rejected

By robert anderson Islander reporter

The ownership of the Pines Trailer Park in Bradenton Beach rejected a purchase offer from the homeowners, according to Islander newspaper sources.

The park, 103 Church Ave., was listed for sale Jan. 25 and state law gives homeowners in mobile home communities 45 days from an offer to buy the land.

The ownership is Jackson Partnership LLLP of Bradenton.

Richard and William Jackson are partners in the land-lease community.

They informed the HOA of their intent to list the park for sale at $16 million and, as required by the Florida Mobile Home Act, first offered the park to the owners.

Subsequently, real estate professional Bill Gorman was called in to help the community create an offer for the property.

March 6-9 was the best and final offer period, when the seller was to review letters of intent and supplemental information to choose the best offer for negotiation.

Mobile homeowners in the park soon learned their HOA offer was rejected by the

TUrN TO PINES PARK, PaGE 3

HB racer hits big $100K prize

By Bonner Joy Islander Editor

She’s got speed in her blood like a race car engine has oil.

And she’s a champion in her sport.

McKenna Kitterman, a Holmes Beach resident and University of Central Florida student, won the Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod held March 3-5 at Bradenton Motorsports Park in Bradenton.

McKenna battled her way through the field of some of the world’s best racers to claim the title of “World Series of Pro Mod Champion-Top Dragster Shootout.”

The event was billed as the “Biggest, Richest Pro Mod Race in the History of the

Known Universe.”

For McKenna, it’s the pinnacle of a 10-year racing career that started when she was in seventh-grade.

HB road work pushed to April, irritation builds

By ryan Paice Islander reporter

Holmes Beach’s city center roadway improvement project has been under construction for six months.

And it might take another month or two to complete the bulk of the job.

City engineer Sage Kamiya told The Islander March 9 that Sarasota-based C-Squared CGC Inc. was projected to reopen Gulf Drive by the end of March and to reach substantial completion by the end of April.

“We’re getting close,” he said.

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

Billed as the “Biggest, richest Pro Mod race in the history of the Known Universe,” holmes Beach resident/college student McKenna Kitterman won the Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod held March 3-5 at Bradenton Motorsports Park in Bradenton. McKenna battled her way through the field of some of the world’s best racers to claim the title of “champion-Top Dragster Shootout.” Islander

The $3,001,460.85 project involves improving drainage infrastructure and adding roadway markings, bicycle lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, street lighting and landscaping from the intersection at Gulf and Marina drives to the 5600 block of Marina.

That section of Marina Drive was closed when construction began last September while C-Squared rebuilt the roadway.

So far, C-Squared has removed the old

.com

Photo: courtesy Dennis “Dad” Kitterman

The rowlett Middle academy Fiddlers and Band step up in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, hosted March 12 by the center of anna Maria Island, from holmes Beach to anna Maria to an Irish celebration for kids of all ages at the center. More, page 23. Islander Photo: Jacob Merrifield

RACER cONTINUED FrOM PaGE 1

“My dad used to compete in motocross events when he was younger and one weekend took me to Bradenton Motorsports Park on a daddy/daughter weekend, where we saw the Junior Dragsters,” McKenna wrote in a March 8 email to The Islander.

“I absolutely fell in love with the atmosphere and environment and when my dad asked if it was something I wanted to do, I couldn’t turn down the opportunity. I found a passion in the sport of racing I never knew I was capable of possessing. The relationships and memories I have made throughout my career with my dad and my racing family are ones I will cherish forever.

“I raced the junior dragster all throughout middle and high school until I aged out and, around 16 or 17, I moved into the full-size dragster.”

McKenna said her car runs around 4.3 seconds in 1/8th of a mile — around 165 mph. The car is a 540cubic-inch Chevy big block with a blower and it runs on alcohol.

At the racetrack, McKenna was humble after the big win with the big prize of $100,000.

“I was good when I needed to be good and I was

lucky when I needed to be lucky,” she said. “I know not to drive faster than my angels can fly, so I do my best and let God do the rest.”

Next, McKenna will be graduating University of Central Florida-Burnett Honors College in May and fueling a doctorate in occupational therapy with her winnings at University of Southern California in the fall.

McKenna Kitterman gets last-minute advice before her run from Dennis “Dad” Kitterman. Islander Photo: courtesy SFG Media

The prize money — $100,000 in $100 bills — rains on McKenna Kitterman, World Series of Pro Mod champion-Top Dragster. Islander Photo: courtesy Kc Photography

McKenna Kitterman on the strip. Islander Photo: courtesy Drag Illustrated

Small, older mobile homes line the private streets in the 2.785-acre Pines Trailer Park in Bradenton Beach. Islander Photo: robert anderson

PINES PARK cONTINUED FrOM PaGE 1

Jacksons and an HOA meeting was held March 10 to discuss the next steps for the HOA members.

But the HOA board and homeowners as of March 10 were not sharing results of that meeting.

People who have spoken to The Islander say the partnership asked homeowners to keep details confidential.

To purchase the property, homeowners could share the cost among 87 units, with each owner responsible for $183,908 if the shares were equal and the sale price remained $16 million.

A listing for the 2.785-acre park that abuts the Historic Bridge Street Pier and Sarasota Bay can be found on the Yale Realty & Capital Advisors website at yaleadvisors.com.

The listing also includes a projected timeline for the process.

The timeline shows a written agreement should be in place by mid-March.

Mid-April would see the completion of due diligence, with a possible closing in 30 days.

Click! The Islander welcomes news of the milestones in readers’ lives. Send notices — along with contact info — to news@islander.org.

AMOB employees rescue visitor from dive into water

AMOB to the rescue.

It was an action-packed Friday at the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach.

Lynn Horne, managing partner of the Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the pier, told The Islander March 7 that restaurant employees responded March 3 to a call for help from the wife of an 80-year-old man who dove off the pier in pursuit of a fallen pair of glasses.

Horne said the woman called the host stand for help after realizing her husband could not gain access to a safety ladder at the end of the pier. She feared he could drown before help arrived.

AMOB employees Ruthie Tuttle and Fredrick Brown ran to the end of the pier, where Tuttle jumped into the water and helped the man reach the ladder, while Brown helped him to the deck.

Tuttle told The Islander that after being rescued, the unidentifi ed man thanked the AMOB staff and left with his wife, declining aid from emergency services.

—

robert anderson

Crashed sailboat owner requests 30-day extension

It looks like “Lucky Us 2” might stick around.

James Golembiewski, owner of the beached sailboat, told The Islander March 10 that he submitted a request for an informal hearing to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for another 30 days to remove the vessel.

The sailboat crashed Feb. 12 in the aftermath of a storm and high surf onto the shore of Holmes Beach near 79th Street. Its crew had been rescued the night before by the U.S. Coast Guard.

The FWC gave Golembiewski until March 9 to request an administrative hearing.

Golembiewski said he received an email from the FWC acknowledging his request but a hearing had not been scheduled as of March 10.

He said he was monitoring the weather with hopes to float the boat with the help of a few Cortez fishermen March 11-14.

— ryan Paice

Q&A 031523

The Islander poll

Last week’s question

By Lisa Neff

First sign of spring on aMI …

15%. Flowering trees.

3%. Sunburns.

69%. Gridlock.

2%. Empty store shelves

11%. “No vacancy.”

This week’s question

how has aMI changed since your first encounter.

A. Totally different.

B. More touristy.

C. Not too changed.

D. Still the same.

To answer the poll, go online to islander.org.

AM approves 14-day Mote center extension, April opening

By ryan Paice

Islander reporter

Anna Maria officials reset the clock for Mote Marine Laboratory’s educational outreach center at the city pier.

But time is still ticking as the project nears its second-to-last deadline.

City commissioners voted 4-1 March 9 to extend by 14 days a March 10 deadline for Mote to apply for a certificate of occupancy for the outreach center.

Commission Chair Mark Short, who has opposed the outreach center in several previous votes, voted “no.”

Mote reached a contract with the city in September 2021 to lease the 1,800-square-foot empty building on the T-end to house the center.

Plans include live exhibits with about 1,000 gallons of recirculating seawater, as well as several interactive exhibits, such as microscopes and a livestream display of water beneath the pier.

The live tanks will include:

• An invertebrate touch tank where people can touch urchins, sea stars, horseshoe crabs and more;

• A mangrove tank displaying the plants’ importance in local marine ecosystems and containing small fish and shrimp;

• A flats tank, containing gulf killifish and stone crab;

• A tank with marine life from the waters surrounding the island.

Mote failed to meet the lease’s initial March 29, 2022, deadline to complete the interior buildout but commissioners voted in April 2022 to extend Mote’s contract with new deadlines.

Failure by Mote to meet any deadline can result in a vote by city commissioners to dissolve the lease.

Mote met the first two new deadlines and submitted completed plans for the outreach center in October 2022.

While Mote did not submit required bond documentation until Dec. 16, 2022, the delay did not violate the deadline to begin construction within seven days of the issuance of a building permit — since the city had not issued a the permit.

Mote was given 12 weeks from Dec. 16, 2022 — from the issuance of a building permit — to apply for a certificate of occupancy, resulting in the March 10 deadline.

A final deadline requires Mote to open the outreach center within four weeks after the city issues a certificate of occupancy.

Kevin Cooper, Mote’s vice president for communications and strategic initiatives, told commissioners March 9 that Sarasota-based Willis Smith Construction would not meet the March 10 deadline.

He said the delay boiled down to long lead times to obtain electrical fixtures and an air conditioning unit, which led Mote to explore alternative options and resubmit designs for the project.

Cooper asked commissioners for a 14-day extension to March 24 to apply for the certificate.

“We’re on the 1-yard line with this,” he said. Mote also may ask the city to allow the use of a temporary CO.

Cooper said Mote was working with West Manatee Fire Rescue fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski to finalize plans for fire monitoring systems but they might not be ready by the time Mote applies for occupancy. He said a temporary certificate would allow Mote to install the live exhibits, which have been constructed off-site, so the marine habitats could acclimate to a new setting while the fire monitoring systems are finalized.

Cooper said he had a “high degree of confidence” that the March 24 deadline could be met. He added that Mote could open the outreach center by the end of April, “if not sooner.”

Commissioner Robert Kingan, who attended the meeting by phone, said he was “delighted” to see Mote

within sight of the finish line and wanted to see the project completed.

Commissioner Jonathan Crane moved to approve Cooper’s extension request.

Commissioner Deanie Sebring seconded the motion, which passed.

There was no public comment.

The commission will meet next at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 23, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

Directions to attend via Zoom can be found at cityofannamaria.com.

In other matters…

Anna Maria commissioners also:

• Unanimously voted to approve a replat application for 828 S. Bay Blvd., subdividing the property into two buildable single-family lots measuring about 50 feet by 200 feet;

• Unanimously voted to take $129,000 from the city’s contingency fund for Hurricane Ian recovery costs. Murphy said the Federal Emergency Management Agency would reimburse about $107,000 of the cost.

Meetings

ANNA MARIA CITY

March 21, 9 a.m., planning and zoning.

March 23, 6 p.m., commission.

By Lisa Neff

Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941-708-6130, cityofannamaria.com.

BRADENTON BEACH

March 15, 10 a.m., department heads.

March 15, 1 p.m., ScenicWAVES.

March 16, noon, commission.

March 21, 9:30 a.m., commission (work meeting).

Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com.

HOLMES BEACH

March 28, 10 a.m., code compliance.

March 28, 5 p.m., commission.

Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org.

WEST MANATEE FIRE RESCUE

March 21, 6 p.m., commission.

WMFR administration building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton, 941-761-1555, wmfr.org.

MANATEE COUNTY

March 21, 9 a.m., commission (work meeting).

March 23, 9 a.m., commission (land use).

March 28, 8:30 a.m., commission.

March 30, 1:30 p.m., commission (work meeting). County administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org.

ALSO OF INTEREST

March 27, 9:30 a.m., Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization board, Holiday Inn-SRQ, 8009 15th St. E., Sarasota.

Please, send meeting notices to calendar@islander.org and news@islander.org.

cooper

Employees from Sarasota-based Willis Smith construction work March 8 at the city pier, transforming the empty T-end building into Mote’s educational outreach center.

Islander

Photo: ryan Paice

Pines Park in a pickle

I’m not sure how the Pines Trailer Park homeowners got themselves in a pickle, but it appears they have a situation.

The park’s landowners advertised the property that hosts all the mobile homes in their compact spaces bordered by Bridge Street, Church Avenue, Second Street North and Sarasota Bay.

When the offer first surfaced, homeowners in the park said the asking price was $16 million.

So without more details — and everyone we know there is convinced they shouldn’t make anything pubic — the offer by the homeowner’s association to the landowner, the Jackson brothers, has been declined.

So who didn’t think $16M was a good price for the homeowners — about $183K if all lots are valued equally? And who didn’t work out the math for the co-op members to come out with a value of $300K or more per lot once they own their shares?

Maybe the negotiations are over. After all, the timetable for “best and final offer,” according to the real estate listing online, was March 6-9. And that could mean the sale is opened up to the highest bidder.

That would be a shame, because, in part, it would mean the members of the HOA no longer have a lock on the property at the price offered by the Jacksons.

And it means that if they fail to win the bidding and lose out, they could either be looking for new homes or homesites.

Well, their lips are sealed. They’re not talking. So we’re on the sidelines with most of you, in a tense wait-and-see playoff with runners on all the bases.

Will it remain Pines Trailer Park, or will there be a developer looking to build a Peabody at Pines Park or is there a Pines Parking Garage in the city’s future?

The crystal ball is cloudy in Bradenton Beach — with a chance of a storm on the horizon.

Meanwhile, in Holmes Beach, we’re saying aloha to our friends in the co-op gallery we’ve known and supported for more than 30 years, Island Gallery West. And we wish them well as they take their membership on a new adventure — to downtown Bradenton.

As for the contributor to the IGW exit, the city center improvement project, a commitment from the mayor and Commissioner Carol Soustek to remove unnecessary barricades and barrels, piles of sand and stone, trailers and other equipment from the construction zone and the entryway to businesses made more than a week ago had no effective response — and no communication on when the contractor would start to clean up the appearance for the businesses.

— Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

Carrying capacity

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has the responsibility of planning the use and management of Florida’s public lands and water areas.

As we write our state legislators regarding the hot topic of a parking garage in Holmes Beach, we should encourage a study using DEP carrying capacity guidelines.

Carrying capacity is the maximum population that can be sustained by an environment and it governs parking spaces, restrooms and support facilities.

These are the broad capacities:

Skimming online

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• Economic-maximum number of tourists that an area can support;

• Biophysical damage to nature exceeds the habitat’s ability to regenerate;

• Social-reduced visitor enjoyment and increased crime indicators of when the social carrying capacity has been exceeded;

• Environmental-ecological and physical parameters.

Anna Maria Island is less than half of a percent of the total area of Manatee County. The garage is not a panacea for a county with a population of more than 400,000 and a city currently showing 32,000 vehicles daily on its license plate readers.

Other Florida jurisdictions have conducted carrying capacity studies and planned accordingly.

Please, encourage the state legislators to use smart and sensible studies and planning strategies for the benefit of residents, visitors, businesses and the environment.

Margie Motzer, Holmes Beach

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To subscribe online, visit islander.org.

60 signs?

“No parking on the right of way” signs are placed along Gulf Drive South in Bradenton Beach about every 20 feet — 55 signs in a mile stretch of the city’s scenic highway.

There also are five signs at the pedestrian crossing, in addition to painted crosswalk markings on the roadway.

I walk every day from my condo building to Longboat Pass and before the signs were installed I never saw a car parked alongside Gulf Drive.

It makes me wonder why the signs are necessary. And, if they are necessary, why are there so many?

Sixty signs in a mile is excessive, to say the least.

It’s time to stop and think about how these signs detract from the natural beauty around us.

Carolyn Burke, Bradenton Beach

Training on the beach american red cross volunteers take a break from a life-saving class for a photo at a pavilion in Bradenton Beach. The image is dated 1926. Islander Photos: courtesy Manatee county Public Library archives

10&20 years ago

From the March 12, 2003, issue

• A fishing vessel rented by two Oklahoma men caught fire and sank about 250 yards offshore of Bayfront Park in Anna Maria. Passing boaters rescued the men. One went to the hospital suffering minor burns. West Manatee Fire Rescue said the men saw a spark jump from the battery to the gas tank before an explosion.

• Bradenton Beach Police Chief Sam Speciale said he had no idea why the squirrel population at Coquina Beach was disappearing after a count by Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch volunteers found 100 fewer squirrels than a count the previous week. Bradenton Beach resident Jack Webber said he had seen hawks feeding on the squirrels.

Riding on the beach children ride an elephant at coquina Beach, where the Stebbing European circus performed a benefit show for the Bradenton Beach Police auxiliary in February 1976.

You can peruse The Islander newspaper archive, dating back to its launch in November 1992, at ufdc.ufl.edu.

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• Florida’s college spring break passed quietly on AMI. There were no reports of loud parties. Bradenton Beach Police Chief Sam Speciale said the weekend is usually a busy time for the island, with occasional calls to police about noise.

From the March 13, 2013, issue

• Anna Maria building offi cial Bob Welch, working with city attorney Jim Dye, determined guidelines for construction projects to be exempt from an in-process building moratorium.

• Bradenton Beach Commissioner Gay Breuler expressed disappointment after a capital improvement projects meeting that effectively killed her effort to beautify the city’s gateway.

• With the winter visitor season in high gear on both Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, Bradenton Beach Police Chief Sam Speciale had some advice for motorists. “Have patience,” he said, especially if the drawbridge is raised.

— Lisa Neff

Print Your Own Memories

Anna Maria tweaks city-county water taxi agreement

By ryan Paice Islander reporter

The legal groundwork for a water taxi service linking Anna Maria Island and downtown Bradenton has yet to be completed.

Anna Maria commissioners March 9 discussed potential changes to an interlocal agreement with Manatee County regarding the use of the city pier dock as a water taxi stop.

As proposed, the service would run 10:30 a.m.9:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday between downtown Bradenton, the Anna Maria City Pier, the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach as well as Coquina Park bayside.

The service would operate two 45-50 foot ferries outfitted to carry 35-45 passengers, with a one-way fare of no more than $10. Island employees would be able to ride for free.

Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, previously said the taxi could launch by February but a new projection calls for a May launch.

Mayor Dan Murphy said March 9 that Falcione would not commit to a launch date but said it was “right around the corner.”

Commissioners first crafted an interlocal agreement last September to establish terms for the water taxi’s use of the pier dock.

Their proposed terms included:

• Requiring the service feature Anna Maria as the only stop to and from downtown Bradenton, and negating the agreement if the route is eliminated;

• Requiring the county assume all legal liability for operation of the water taxi;

• Requiring all fares between Anna Maria and Bradenton to be subject to city commission approval;

• Requiring the county pay the cost of any improvements, permits, maintenance and studies needed to provide adequate dockage for the water taxi vessel, as well as to present detailed plans for such improve-

ments to the city commission for approval;

• Establishing the purposes of the service are to “relieve automobile congestion coming to and from the island” and provide an affordable means of public transportation to and from the island for visitors, residents and service workers.

The city sent their proposed terms to the county, which responded by sending the city its own version of an interlocal agreement and terms.

The county’s version includes some changes but largely adheres to the city’s terms.

The county’s version does not include Anna Maria’s requirement for water taxi fares to be subject to commission approval.

The revised agreement would shoulder the county with the cost of dock improvements needed for the water taxi stop to comply with the U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities.

AMI: Small-town gem

Anna Maria Island ranked third in a national poll on “America’s favorite small town to visit” behind Holualoa, Hawaii, No. 1, and Ely, Nevada, No. 2.

Family Destinations Guide, which features resources for travelers at familydestinationsguide. com, surveyed 3,000 people online and listed 150 small towns, characterized as “hidden gems” that “offer a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the local culture, connect with friendly communities and escape the stress of everyday life,” said FDG’s Rose Ackermann in a news release. The guide said AMI “showcases how ‘Old Florida’ used to be, with its pastel-colored clapboard houses and old-timey storefronts.”

However, it would saddle the city with the cost of “subsequent maintenance” of the pier.

Commission Chair Mark Short suggested requiring the county to handle the cost of maintenance related to the dock and any needed ADA improvements.

Murphy suggested the city could perform maintenance and bill the county, since he does not want to have to wait for county staff to address issues.

Short also suggested making the county liable for any damages caused to the pier due to the water taxi to cover the possibility of a negligent taxi operator.

Commissioner Charlie Salem suggested they remove “service” from the clause establishing the taxi’s purpose since it should benefit all island employees, not just service workers.

Murphy said he and city attorney Becky Vose would revise the agreement and bring it back for the next commission meeting for a vote, which would be at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 23, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

Directions to attend via Zoom can be found at cityofannamaria.com.

Click!

The Islander welcomes news of the milestones in readers’ lives. Send notices — along with contact info — to news@islander.org.

FAVORITE

Corned

Shepherd’s

Coco

Bake

Mike Sales performs March 9 at the grill on the T-end of the anna Maria city Pier, which is set to become one of the first Manatee county water taxi stops. Islander Photo: ryan Paice

AM adopts resolution opposing state rental preemption bill

By ryan Paice Islander reporter

The state legislative session began March 7, bringing another set of challenges to municipal home rule.

Anna Maria commissioners voted 4-0 March 9 to adopt a resolution opposing SB 714, a bill filed by state Sen. Nick DiCeglie, R-St. Petersburg, that would preempt vacation rental regulations to the state.

Commissioner Robert Kingan, who called into the meeting, was absent for the vote due to technical issues.

SB 714 would preempt licensing and inspections of vacation rental properties to the state, as well as prohibit municipalities from regulating the duration or frequency of rental activities — unless such regulations were adopted before June 1, 2011.

That would nullify Anna Maria’s current vacation rental ordinance, which was adopted in 2015.

The bill would allow local governments to establish vacation rental registration programs but limit registration fees to $50 for an individual application and $100 for a collective application.

The city currently assesses vacation rental properties based on maximum occupancy, beginning with a base of two people, plus two people per bedroom.

The city is set to charge $84.17 per allowed occupant in 2023-24, with the owner of a one bedroom vacation rental and an occupancy of four paying $336.68. That fee covers the cost of enforcing the city’s vacation rental ordinance, as well as inspections, lobbying and other costs associated with vacation rentals.

The SB 714 proposed limit on registration fees

asphalt, installed or improved four stormwater pipeline crossings under Marina Drive, repaved and added new curbing and sidewalks.

The contractor reopened Marina in December and closed Gulf Drive, from Marina to the intersection with Holmes Boulevard, where underground stormwater drainage pipelines are being replaced. There also were some intermittent detours on Marina Drive.

Kamiya said C-Squared has completed some pipes on the south side of Gulf and will install a pipeline on the north side within a week.

He said installing the pipeline on the north side was set back due to a broken elevation grate, which required a stretch of pipeline to be rebuilt.

Next the contractor will begin to landscape and install lighting conduits, ropes and bollards, according to Kamiya.

Installation of new light poles, which the contractor has ordered but has yet to receive, will be one of the final steps on the project.

Kamiya said C-Squared is contractually obligated to reach substantial completion of the project by the end of April.

In the meantime, at least one local business owner’s frustrations boiled over in emails.

Rick Hurst, former city commissioner and co-

Ready for tourist season?

would hamstring the city’s rental activities.

It also would not provide a limit for vacation rental occupancy, which the city limits to eight people.

The bill was to be discussed March 14 by the Senate Regulated Industries Committee.

The city’s resolution states, “SB 714 would cripple the ability of the city of Anna Maria to effectively regulate transient rentals, which would have the effect of undoing the will of the residents … as implemented

owner of the Freckled Fin Irish Pub, communicated his frustration in a string of emails between Kamiya and city officials.

The exchange began March 7 with Hurst emailing Kamiya to ask why the closed block of Gulf Drive couldn’t be reopened until the contractor was ready to complete work, which he wrote “has been closed for quite some time with no activity.”

Kamiya responded March 8, assuring Hurst that work was being done on Gulf Drive.

Hurst replied March 8, calling for accountability and questioning the city’s efforts to mitigate the project’s impact. He continued to ask, “Why?”

“I understand the work had to be done but there should be as much effort as possible to keep roads open and clear as much as possible and that was not done,” Hurst wrote. “It has been very disappointing as well as devastating to businesses.”

He wrote in another March 8 email that the city should have funded incentives to keep work on the project moving along.

“Just because it is on time does not mean this was done correctly or morally,” Hurst wrote. “It means the timeline that was given was too long and with no concern for those that we impacted.”

Commissioner Terry Schaefer emailed Hurst

by their local leaders, and upset the balance achieved by the vacation rental ordinance.”

The resolution urges all state legislators to oppose the bill and any similar legislation “which would prohibit the city of Anna Maria from using its home rule power to appropriately regulate vacation rentals.”

Murphy said he was set to visit Tallahassee the week beginning March 13 and had scheduled meetings with Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, Rep. Will Robinson Jr., R-Bradenton, and Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples.

The mayor said he would present the resolution to them and express concerns with SB 714 and its impact on home rule.

Murphy said he also wanted to talk with state legislators about SB 170, filed by state Sen. Jay Trumbull, R-Panama City.

The bill is a rehash of two measures introduced last year. It would require municipalities to create and publicly post business impact estimates before enacting an ordinance, and allow business owners to sue municipalities for damages caused by the regulations.

Murphy has said such a law would cost the municipality additional time, money and effort to complete its usual legislative functions.

The Senate Community Affairs Committee voted 29-11 March 8 to move the bill forward to the Messages Committee, where it was pending March 10.

Commissioner Charlie Salem moved to adopt the resolution.

Commissioner Jonathan Crane seconded the motion, which passed.

There was no public comment.

March 8 in defense of Kamiya and the city’s efforts.

“Your insinuations are misguided and for a former commissioner, disturbing,” Schaefer said. “We agree the project has been difficult on all, in particular to the businesses and residents fronting the construction, however every detail has had the attention of the professionals in our city to accelerate completion.”

Hurst replied several times, stressing his unanswered question: “Why the closed block of Gulf Drive couldn’t be reopened until the contractor was ready to complete work?”

Mayor Judy Titsworth wrote in a March 9 email to Hurst that the city would have had to close part of Marina Drive if it wanted to temporarily reopen Gulf Drive.

“In order to keep Marina open in both directions, equipment and continued loads of stone and pipe needed to be stored,” Titsworth wrote. “This project is surrounded by properties which did not offer any staging for the contractor. … It was more efficient in moving traffic on and off the city if we kept Marina open in both directions.”

“Although I am certain this response will not make you any happier, I am over defending your position that the city is not looking out for our many businesses,” she added.

anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy speaks March 9 about plans to visit Tallahassee and meet with state legislators. Islander Photo: ryan Paice

HB ROAD WORK cONTINUED FrOM PaGE 1

compiled by Lisa Neff, calendar@islander.org.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

THIS WEEK ON AMI

Wednesday, March 15

10 a.m. — Creative Aging: Watercolor painting, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Thursday, March 16 10:15 a.m. — Island Morning Book Club, reading Kristen Harmel’s “The Book of Last Names,” Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Friday, March 17

1-2:30 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Garden Club Flower Show, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 781-983-1937.

Saturday, March 18

10 a.m.-5 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Art League’s Springfest: Festival of Fine Arts and Fine Crafts, 5800 block of Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-2099.

4:30 p.m. — Wine tasting, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Info: 941-778-1908.

Sunday, March 19 10 a.m.-4 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Art League’s Springfest: Festival of Fine Arts and Fine Crafts, 5800 block of Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-2099.

Tuesday, March 21 7 p.m. — Bradenton Gulf Island Concert Series final 2022-23 show, The Orchestra with members of ELO, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-1908.

Wednesday, March 22 10 a.m. — Creative Aging: Watercolor painting, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

ONGOING ON AMI

Through March 26, Island Players present “The 39 Steps,” 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Fee applies. Info: 941-778-5755.

Throughout March, Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island’s exhibit featuring watercolors by Sharon Tarras, Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694.

Second Fridays through April, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Art Walk and Shop Stroll, Gulf and Marina drives, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694.

Tuesdays through May 9, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Anna Maria Farmers Market, City Pier Park, North Bay Boulevard and Pine Avenue, Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130.

OFF AMI

Island happenings

‘Minions’ at the library

The Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, holmes Beach, will host a movie night featuring “Minions: The rise of Gru,” Thursday, March 16. The viewing — sponsored by the Friends of the Island Library — will begin at 5:45 p.m. For more, call 941-778-6341. Islander courtesy Photo

Saturday, March 18

2 p.m. — Magic of Manatee Sweet Adelines Concert, SCF Neel Performing Arts Center, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-5499.

ONGOING OFF AMI

“Caught in the Storm: 100 Years of Florida Hurricanes” exhibit, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: floridamaritimemuseum.org.

Through March 26, “True Nature: Rodin and the Age of Impressionism” exhibit Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg. Fee applies. Information: 941-896-2667.

Through May 28, “Gods and Lovers: Painting and Sculpture from India,” the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-360-7390, ringling.org.

First Fridays, 6-9:30 p.m., Village of the Arts First Fridays Artwalk, 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Information: villageofthearts.com.

Saturdays through May, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Bradenton Public Market, Old Main Street, Bradenton. Information: 941-932-9439.

Second and fourth Saturdays, 2-4 p.m., Music on the Porch jam session, presented by the Florida Maritime Museum and Cortez Cultural Center, outdoors, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: floridamaritimemuseum.org, fmminfo@manateeclerk.com.

SAVE THE DATE

April 22, Main Street Live’s Spring Fling, Bradenton.

KIDS & FAMILY

Thursday, March 16

5:45 p.m. — Family Movie Night with “Minions: The Rise of Gru,” Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Information: 941-792-0458.

Tuesday, March 21

10 a.m. — Family Storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Wednesday, March 22

6 p.m. — Bishop Museum of Science and Nature workshop, “Paleontology and Fossils,” the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-7781908.

ONGOING OFF AMI

First Wednesdays, “SOAR in 4” family night, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131, bishopscience.org.

Through May 21, Mote Marine Aquarium’s “Voyage to the Deep” exhibit, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-388-4441.

SAVE THE DATE

April 15, Desoto National Memorial’s “Landing,” Bradenton. April 29, De Soto Grand Parade, Bradenton.

CLUBS & COMMUNITY ON AMI

Thursday, March 16

2 p.m. — Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Saturday, March 18

11 a.m. — Meditation session, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Monday, March 20

11 a.m. — “Pioneer Women of Manatee” program, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786341.

1 p.m. — Anna Maria Island and West Manatee Democratic Club meeting, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: barbara.ehren@gmail.com.

ONGOING ON AMI

Most Wednesdays, 1 p.m., mahjong club beginners, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786341.

Second Wednesdays, noon, Off Stage Ladies meeting and luncheon, various locations. Fee applies. Information:” 941-9322798.

Thursdays, 6 p.m., Anne Silver Community Center bingo games, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 413-4416823.

Friday, March 17

6-9 p.m. — Main Street Live celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with music, vendors, children’s activities, Old Main, Bradenton. Information: 941-685-8196.

Saturday, March 18 10 a.m.-4 p.m. — Five Centuries of Florida History, De Soto National Memorial, 8300 Desoto Memorial Highway, Bradenton.

Local Democratic club to meet on education

The Anna Maria Island and West Manatee Democratic Club will meet at 1 p.m. Monday, March 20, at the Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

The program will include a discussion on “Saving Public Education” with guest speaker Thomas Edwards, a Sarasota County School Board member. Membership in the club costs $25.

To confirm attendance, email Barbara Beckwith at bbeckwith02@gmail.com.

Most Fridays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong club experienced players, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941778-6341.

Privateers fundraiser to repair the Skullywag

The Anna Maria Island Privateers will raise funds to repair their boat-float with a March 15 party.

The “Raise the Skullywag” event will be at the Drift In, 120 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach, and feature a “St. Paddy’s Day Lotto Board” with opportunities to win cash. The drawing is 9 p.m. Wednesday, March 15 at the bar.

Tickets can be purchased at the bar or from a Privateer and the winner need not be present to collect.

For more information about the event, go to amiprivateers.org.

Island Kiwanis to meet

The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island is meeting Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. at Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

The programming Saturday, March 18, will include remarks by Capt. Chasten Whitfield of the nonprofit Chastenation, dedicated to giving differently abled kids and their families “a moment to forget about doctor appointments or therapy and focus on reeling in that fish.”

For more information, call Sandy Haas-Martens at 941-778-1383.

Club to stage flower show

The Anna Maria Island Garden Club’s annual Flower Show will be 1-3 p.m. Friday, March 17.

The event will be in the fellowship hall at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

This year’s show theme will be “Down on the Farm,” with judges deciding such categories as “old MacDonald had a farm,” “put your boots on, “mending fences,” “green pastures,” “harvest time,” “barn raising,” “elevators and augers,” “country sunshine” and horticulture.

The show is open to the public with free admission.

For more information, call Charlotte Noyes at 781-983-1937

Fridays, noon, bridge, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 314-324-5921.

Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-778-1383.

Tuesdays, noon, duplicate bridge, Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 703582-7755.

ONGOING OFF AMI

Second Fridays, 1 p.m., Parkinson’s Combined Support Group, Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-6493.

Mondays, 1 p.m., Thinking Out Loud discussions, the Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Information: 941-3836493.

Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island lunch meeting, Slicker’s Eatery, 12012 Cortez Road W., Cortez. Information: 512-944-4177, amirotary.org.

Second Tuesdays, 4 p.m., Cortez Village Historical Society meetings, Cortez Cultural Center, 11655 Cortez Road W., Cortez. Information: 941-840-0590, cortezvillagehistoricalsociety.org.

SAVE THE DATE

March 25, Clint Hurdle’s Hot Stove Dinner to benefit PraderWilli Syndrome Association, Holmes Beach.

April 1, Center of Anna Maria Island beach cleanup, Anna Maria.

April 16, Cortez Village Historical Society Village Picnic, Cortez.

April 17, AMI and West Manatee Democratic Club meeting, Holmes Beach.

April 21, AMI Garden Club lunch and meeting, Anna Maria.

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.

Island happenings

Springfest celebration set

The 35th annual Springfest Festival of Fine Arts & Fine Crafts will take place at Holmes Beach’s city field March 18-19.

The event will be 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday on the field in the 5800 and 5900 blocks of Marina Drive.

The Anna Maria Island Art League organizes the event, which features free admission to see juried work by artists and craftspeople, as well as experience live music, including a Saturday performance by Koko Ray and his band.

Orchestra to perform March 21

The Orchestra — featuring former bandmembers of the Electric Light Orchestra — will perform Tuesday, March 21, at the center of anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia ave., anna Maria. Doors will open at 6 p.m., followed by an opening act at 7 p.m. and the headliner at 8 p.m. The concert — the last in the 2022-23 series — is presented by the Bradenton area convention and Visitors Bureau and the Manatee county Tourist Development council. For ticket details, go to centerami.org. To reach the center, call 941-778-1908.

ONGOING OFF AMI

Through March 28 — Pittsburgh Pirates spring training games, various times, various dates, LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: pirates/com/springtraining.

Saturdays, 9 a.m., Robinson Runners run, walk stroll, Robinson Preserve NEST, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW., Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923, crystal.scherer@mymanatee.org, mymanatee.org.

Saturdays, 9 a.m., Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW., Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923, mymanatee.org.

SAVE THE DATE

April 7, Bradenton Marauders home opener, Bradenton.

GOOD TO KNOW

KEEP THE DATES

March 17, St., Patrick’s Day.

March 20, Vernal Equinox.

April 1, April Fool’s Day.

April 15, Tax Day.

April 22, Earth Day.

May 5, Cinco de Mayo.

May 14, Mother’s Day.

Festivalgoers also will fi nd food and beverage vendors and a raffle of artwork donated by Springfest exhibitors — a traditional highlight at the event. Prize tickets cost $1 each or $5 for six and winners need not be present.

Another feature will be the “Young at Art” children’s exhibit, featuring artwork by students from 11 schools in the Manatee County School District.

Ahead of the festival, AMIAL is showcasing the “Young at Art” entries at island businesses, including:

• Anna Maria: Beach Bums Rentals;

• Bradenton Beach: Back Alley Treasures, Bridge Tender Inn, Anna Maria Oyster Bar, Tortuga Inn, BridgeWalk and Silver Surf resorts;

• Holmes Beach: Island Therapeutics, Scott’s Deli, Island Fresh Market, Small Town Creamery, Vintage Beach, Original Sand Dollar, Azure, Island Library, Hurricane Hanks, Hurricane Liquors, Pizzano’s Pizza, Domino’s Pizza, Fifty Three Fifty: the Pourhouse, Vinnie’s Italian Kitchen, Minnie’s Beach Cafe, LaPensee Plumbing, AMI Beach Fun Rental and Island Vacation Properties.

Springfest is the major fundraiser for AMIAL, a nonprofit that promotes the arts across the island and offers scholarships.

For more information, call AMIAL at 941-7782099 or go online to islandartleague.org.

Click!

The Islander welcomes news of the milestones in readers’ lives. Send notices — along with contact info — to news@islander.org.

Run, don’t walk to island playhouse for ‘The 39 Steps’

By Brook Morrison Islander reporter

Warning: You will leave the Island Players theater clutching your sides after much laughter and gasping for breath between bursts of hilarity.

“The 39 Steps” is a whirlwind adventure play, with romance and constant absurdity set in the United Kingdom during the reign of King George V.

The March 9 audience never stopped roaring.

Patrick Barlow’s adaptation of the classic spy novel by John Buchan — a 1935 Alfred Hitchcock film — is directed here by Heiko Knipfelberg.

The play follows the story of bored Londoner Richard Hannay, played by talented Colin Brady, who gets drawn into a web of intrigue when a mysterious woman is murdered in his apartment.

What follows is a madcap adventure through the Scottish Highlands, as Hannay attempts to clear his name, foil a dastardly plot and save the world from certain doom.

Along the way, he encounters a cast of unforgettable characters listed in the program as “clowns” — portrayed by Mark Shoemaker and Joseph Smith. The characters include a milkman, a professor, pilots, British constables and over 100 more!

Elks Lodge offers ‘Irish fun’

The Bradenton Elks Lodge 1511 will open to the public Friday, March 17, for “shenanigans” and “Irish fun.”

The lodge, 2511 75th St. W., Bradenton, will mark St. Patrick’s Day hosting Irish dancers, bagpipers, a DJ and the Donnie Bostic Band.

The lodge also will hold a “bingo scavenger hunt” and “pot of gold drawings,” as well as offer a menu with corned-beef, shepherd’s pie, “Irish” nachos, “Irish” sundaes and baked goods.

“Shenanigan hours” will be 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

For more information, call the lodge at 941-7921511.

De Soto hosts ‘5 Centuries of Florida History’

Booms and blasts will sound across the river. De Soto National Memorial, 8300 Desoto Memorial Highway, Bradenton, will host the annual “Five Centuries of Florida History” 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, March 18.

Period reenactors will portray Floridians from the past, telling a long history of conquest, occupation, settlement and war at the memorial operated by the U.S. National Park Service.

The event also includes children’s activities and a variety of food truck vendors offering lunch items and treats.

Eventgoers should plan to ride a free shuttle to the memorial from Martha B. King Middle School, 600 75th St. W., Bradenton, as there will be no parking at the memorial site.

For more information, call the memorial headquarters at 941-792-0458.

Yes, you read that correctly!

What the what?

How?

Shoemaker and Smith formed an impeccable duo creating laughs for the audience with fast-paced character changes and constant energy.

The damsel(s) Annabella Schmidt/Pamela/Margaret, played by Silvia Marnie, gave us the perfect blend of German spy, Scottish wife and woman on the train.

The highlight of the play is not necessarily the plot but the performances.

The four actors are stunning, bringing a level of energy and enthusiasm to their roles that is infectious.

Their physical comedy is particularly impressive, with each actor contorting their body in hilarious ways

The Island Players’ director for “The 39 Steps,” heiko Knipfelberg, takes the stage March 9 to announce the play to a sold-out audience at the island theater, 10009 Gulf Drive, anna Maria.

Islander Photo: Brook Morrison

to adapt the multiple characters.

The play’s use of props also is inventive, with everything from a ladder to a pair of handcuffs being employed to great effect.

This a must-see play, as it’s not only guaranteed to lift your spirits but the set, music, lighting and acting are aces.

The sets are cleverly designed to morph into various backdrops — a London flat, an airplane and a Scottish farm — thanks to Jan Van Wart.

Light design by Ethan Vail gives the audience strobe lighting, spotlights, enhancements and drama.

Sound designer Mike Lusk enhances the suspenseful gunshot (bang!), and sends the audience home humming romantic tunes and a familiar song from “The Wizard of Oz.”

Costuming by Pamela Hopkins was next level and was pulled off effortlessly considering the number of costume changes, combined with excellent hair and makeup by Rita Lamoreux.

“It’s amazing how they can capture so many different accents and scenes in one act,” audience member Anuj Naidu of Bradenton remarked.

“The 39 Steps” was coproduced by LaPensee Plumbing Pools Air and continues through March 26 at the playhouse, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria.

Tickets are $25 at the box offi ce 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and one hour before each show or $27 online at theislandplayers.org.

The performances are Tuesday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. The theater is dark Mondays.

For more information, call the box office 941-7785755.

Island happenings

a reenactment at De Soto National Memorial in Bradenton. The memorial will host “Five centuries of Florida history” 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, March 18. Islander courtesy Photo

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aME thirdgraders perform March 7 during their beachthemed play at the holmes Beach school. The next play will be March 28.

AmE NEWS

By

Brook Morrison

aME thirdgrader Olivia Shirley sings a solo during the class play March 7 in the school auditorium. The class staged a luau production.

AME registering for voluntary prekindergarten

Anna Maria Elementary is accepting applications for voluntary prekindergarten for the 2023-24 school year.

“We have had some children sign up,” AME principal Mike Masiello told The Islander March 9 via email.

AME follows the Manatee County School District’s VPK guidelines, offering 540 hours of free education 8:30-11:30 a.m.

Full-day programs are available for $275 per month, plus a one-time registration fee of $30.

Children who turn 4 by Sept. 1 and have a VPK

• Through March 17, spring break, no school.

• Tuesday, March 28, second-grade play, 6:30 p.m., auditorium; PTO dinner by Pizza Social, 5 p.m., cafeteria.

• Thursday, April 6, walk-a-thon.

• Friday, April 7, record day, no school.

• Tuesday, April 25, first-grade play, 6:30 p.m., auditorium; PTO dinner TBD, 5 p.m., cafeteria.

• May 2-3, kindergarten to fifth-grade English language arts state assessments.

• May 9-10, fifth-grade science assessment.

• Saturday, May 13, Spring Gala.

• Friday, May 19, field day.

Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

For more information, call the school at 941708-5525.

certificate of eligibility issued by the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County can register at AME or contact the Manatee County School District’s Department of Early Learning at 941-753-0958.

VPK programs follow the 2023-24 school district calendar.

For more information, contact the district’s early learning department at 941-753-0958, ext. 38200, or visit www.elc-manatee.org.

T-Shirts $10 @ The Islander, 315 58th St., HB.

By Lisa Neff

Roser rings in spring season

Roser Memorial Community Church will host the Ring Sarasota ensemble performing its “I Wanna Be Like You” show.

The concert is the final performance in the church’s winter series.

The show will be at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 19, in the sanctuary, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Doors will open at 3 p.m. and Roser will collect donations.

ON AMI

CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-0719, crosspointefellowship.church.

Worship: Sundays, 9 a.m.

Ongoing: Wednesdays, 7 a.m., men’s Bible meeting; Wednesdays, 6 p.m., supper; Wednesdays, Night Blast, 6:45 p.m.; Fridays, 10 a.m. women’s Bible meeting.

Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-1638, amiannunciation.org.

Worship: Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.; Sundays, 8 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.

Ongoing: Wednesdays, 8 a.m., men’s meeting; Mondays, 1 p.m., book group.

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive. Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-1813, gloriadeilutheran.com.

Worship: Sundays, 9:30 a.m.

Ongoing: Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m., social gathering, Manatee Public Beach; Sundays, 10:15 a.m., coffee and fellowship.

Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-779-1912.

Worship: Sundays, 9:15 a.m.

Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414, roserchurch.com.

Worship: Sundays, 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m.

Ongoing: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m., Roser Robics; Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Roser Thrift Store; Wednesdays, 6:15 p.m., Youth Performing Arts, first and third Wednesdays, 11: 30 a.m., Just Older Youth group programs with brown-bag lunch; Thursdays, 5:30 p.m., Roser Ringers rehearsal; 7 p.m., Thursdays, choir rehearsal; Sundays, 8:30 a.m., adult Sunday school and coffee and conversation sessions. St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-4769, stbernardcc.org, office@stbernardcc. org.

Worship: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.; Saturdays, 4 p.m.; Sundays, 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.

Ongoing: Mondays-Fridays, 8 a.m., rosary; Wednesdays, 7:30 a.m., Rosary on the Beach at Manatee Public Beach; second Thursdays, women’s guild luncheons; Saturdays, 3 p.m., confession.

Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian USA, 6400

… and serves breakfast

Roser will host a pancake breakfast 8-11 a.m. Saturday, March 18.

For $8, diners will enjoy pancakes, sausage, syrup and butter, applesauce, biscuits and gravy, juice and coffee or tea.

There is no charge for children under the age of 5.

Ring Sarasota describes itself as the area’s “premier handbell ensemble,” as “spirited musicians captivate audiences of all ages with a unique combination of entertainment, education, and community engagement.”

For more info, call Roser at 941-778-0414.

Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Info: 941-900-4903, christchurchoflbk.org.

Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.

Ongoing: Wednesdays, 10 a.m., Women’s Bible Study; Mondays, 9 a.m., Men’s Bible Study.

Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Info: 941-383-6491, longboatislandchapel.org.

Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.

Ongoing: Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Lord’s Warehouse Thrift Shop; Wednesdays, 10 a.m., Bible study; Mondays, 4 p.m., choir rehearsal.

Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Info:

GoodDeeds

Assistance sought on AMI

• Anna Maria Island Art League seeks volunteers for Springfest, an outdoor festival March 18-19. Info: 941-778-2099.

Kiwanis plans Easter service

The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island is organizing its 58th Easter sunrise service, set for April 9 at the Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach.

The service draws as many as 2,000 to the beach for what the club described in a news release as “truly an uplifting service.”

The Anna Maria Beach Cafe will open at 6:30 a.m., as worshipers arrive, for morning coffee.

The service will take place as the sun rises behind the stage.

There will be music and a collection to be divided among participating churches and the Kiwanis for its scholarship program.

For more information, call Sandy Haas-Martens at 941-778-1383.

Also, the Roser Guild Thrift Shop will open to shoppers 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

For more information, call the church at 941-7780414.

Please, send Gathering notices — including Easter week plans and other spring activities — to lisa@ islander.org.

941-383-3428.

Worship: Fridays, Shabbat, 5:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.

Ongoing: Fridays, 6:45 p.m., choir call.

SPECIAL DATES & EVENTS

Saturday, March 18, 8 a.m.-11 a.m., Roser Church Pancake

Breakfast.

Sunday, March 19, 4 p.m., Roser Church Concert with Ring Sarasota.

Sunday, March 19, 6:30 p.m., Temple Beth Israel’s men’s club sunset cruise, Sarasota.

March 22-April 21, Ramadan.

• Island Players seeks volunteers as house managers and for the backstage crew at the Anna Maria playhouse. Info: president@theislandplayers.org.

• Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals, as well as assist with technology. Info: 941-345-2441.

• Roser Food Bank seeks donations. Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, administers the pantry, supported by All Island Denominations. Info: 941-778-0414.

Assistance offered on AMI

• Roser Food Bank welcomes applicants who live and/or work on Anna Maria Island for food assistance, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941778-0414.

• AID offers financial help to those who live on the island, go to church on the island, attend school on the island and work on the island. Info: 941-725-2433.

— Lisa Neff

“...a beautiful place to explore your faith...”

SUNDAY WORSHIP

8:30 AM & 10:00 AM

IN PERSON � in the Sanctuary Nursery • Children’s Church

ONLINE � Watch LIVE or LATER RoserChurch.com

Text ROSER to 22828 to receive the weekly eBulletin

The CHAPEL is open during office hours for prayer and meditation 941-778-0414 • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria • FOLLOW us on Facebook @RoserChurch

Roser Church

Obituaries

Patricia ‘Pat’ Garrett

Patricia “Pat” Garrett, 79, of Holmes Beach and Portland, Maine, died March 2 after a yearlong struggle with colon cancer.

Stephen ‘Steve’ Alton Schmidt

Stephen “Steve” Alton Schmidt, 66, formerly of Holmes Beach, died March 4 in Lakeland of liver cancer.

He was born Dec. 8, 1956, in St. Joseph, Missouri, and moved to Lakeland in 1967.

Garrett

She was an accomplished biochemist, earning an undergraduate degree at St. Francis College in Pennsylvania, a master’s degree at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and a doctorate from the University of Colorado. She conducted cutting-edge research on HIV/AIDS at SeraCare Life Sciences 1988-2012 and at Immunetics Inc. 2014-17.

Mrs. Garrett published numerous articles and served as a role model to many young scientists. One of her colleagues described her as “a wise and sage mentor to all, always going out of her way to help and educate others.” She retired in 2017 to care for her husband and to spend more time on Anna Maria Island but she remained active in her field by opening a consulting firm specializing in quality control, method evaluation and infectious disease testing.

In recent years, she enjoyed exercise and yoga with friends, and dining out. She was thoughtful, compassionate and loved making new friends, many of whom remained in touch from around the world. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. A highlight for her in 2022 was a fun-filled Garrett-Ball family reunion in Holmes Beach.

No services are planned. Memorial donations may be made to a favorite charity.

Mrs. Garrett is survived by sister Kathy and husband George Ball; stepson David and wife Marjan Sedgh; and many nieces and nephews and their children.

At your service

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

74TH SEASON

THE 39 STEPS

BY PATRICK BARLOW

DIRECTED BY HEIKO KNIPFELBERG

CO-PRODUCED BY LAPENSEE PLUMBING POOLS AIR

March 9-26

Get ready for non-stop laughs in this zany adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic thriller. Four actors play more than 150 characters as our hero and heroine race across England and Scotland to stop an international gang of

SHOWTIMES: 7:30 PM Tuesday-Saturday

2 PM Sunday Matinees

d TICKETS: $25 i

Box office: 9-1, Monday-Saturday and 1 hour before curtain

Online tickets: $27

theislandplayers.org

941.778.5755

10009 Gulf Drive at Pine Avenue, Anna Maria

Schmidt

A graduate of the University of Florida, Schmidt was a newspaper executive who spent 26 years at The Ledger in Lakeland, where he was advertising director for 10 years. At the time, The Ledger was a New York Times-affiliate newspaper, as was the Times Daily in Florence, Alabama, where Schmidt served as publisher from 2006 until the paper was sold in 2009.

While living in Holmes Beach, he was called upon to conceptualize and launch Better Living magazine in Sarasota for The New York Times.

Schmidt began visiting Anna Maria Island in the late 1970s and frequently vacationed at the beach with his family for weeks at a time before buying a home. He spent his honeymoon and every July Fourth on the island.

He and his wife, Cheryl, bought a home on Spring Lake in Holmes Beach in 2004 for weekends at the beach, eventually living there 2009-16.

It was such a special place to him that he requested his ashes be scattered in the waters off Holmes Beach.

Memorial donations may be made to the Pace Center for Girls-Polk, 213 Tyler Ave., Lakeland, FL 33801, or the cancer research organization of your choice.

Mr. Schmidt is survived by wife Cheryl, of Lakeland; daughter Katie of Wilmington, North Carolina, son Eric and wife Johanna Miller of New York City; sister Sandra and husband Dave Harris of Bayside, Wisconsin; sisters-in-law Tina Schmidt of Lakeland and Susan Diskin of St. Augustine; brothers-in-law Richard John and wife Sela Nordby of Mesa, Arizona and Jim Kunburger of Marietta, Georgia; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and lifelong friends.

All here, all cheer

Give me an “a.” Give me an “M.” Give me an “I.” cheerleading for the flag football season started after a 12-15 year hiatus at the center of anna Maria Island and 37 kids, ages 4-11, signed up to shake pompoms, perform routines and have fun. Brooke Svoboda coaches. Islander courtesy Photos

Friends raise $$ selling jewelry

People sift through piles of jewelry for “gold” at the $1 table March 10 at the Friends of Island Library Jewelry Sale at the Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, holmes Beach. Proceeds from the event, which ran March 9-11, benefit the group’s programs and projects at the Island Library. Islander Photos:

ryan Paice

HAPPY!

2511 75th St. W. Bradenton 941.792.1511

Andre’s Famous Gumbo Made-Fresh Daily Breakfast & Lunch Sandwiches & Salads

Pressed Cubans . Chicken Salad . Soup du Jour

Dog food, household items, cold beverages, beer, wine, cigs. FRIENDLY SERVICE!

Look for the BLUE market at the light 51st & Manatee 5104 Manatee Ave W . Bradenton . 941.896.6245

Friends of Island Library volunteer Sharon Otis, right, assists March 10 while patrons sift through piles of mostly donated jewelry that was offered for sale for $1-$10.

Fire breaks out in BB vacation rental

By robert anderson Islander reporter

Tenants of the Birds Nest Apartments in Bradenton Beach had a sudden change in holiday plans after a fire broke out March 8 in one of four apartments.

The fire started in a second-floor balcony of Unit D at 403 Gulf Drive S. and ignited an external wall, according to West Manatee Fire Rescue reports.

Witnesses reported seeing fire and smoke emanating from the northernmost unit of the multifamily structure as they made calls to 911 and the Bradenton Beach Police Department.

Police Chief John Cosby told The Islander March 8 that Officer Steve Masi was one of the first to respond and evacuated tenants of units A, B and C.

From the WMFR District, fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski said four people were staying in D. At the time of the fire, three of them had gone to the beach and the fourth was taking a shower when he heard the smoke alarms.

“Smoke alarms save lives,” Kwiatkowski said. “He gets out of the shower in just enough time to grab his clothes and evacuate the house. Didn’t grab his wallet. Didn’t grab his computers. The kid had just enough time to grab his clothes and get out of the house. That battery, that alarm, saved (his) life.”

No one was injured or required medical attention.

Kyle Phillips and his family were on vacation from Cedar Falls, Iowa, in a neighboring house. They called 911.

“We were just sitting over here on the patio and next thing you know we smell a little smoke and turn around and see a little fire coming out of the corner,” Phillips said.

Phillips was impressed with the response.

“Those firefighters did a heck of a job, once they got them on scene, because I thought everything was gone,” Phillips said.

A WMFR incident report said the first call was made at noon and the fi rst fi re rescue units arrived at 12:07 p.m. The last unit cleared the scene at 1:54 p.m.

Kwiatkowski said the fire was suppressed in short order and an investigation into the cause began.

“We’re going to list it as undetermined because we couldn’t dig it out,” Kwiatkowski told The Islander

March 9.

Kwiatkowski said the balcony was structurally weakened by the fire, making the investigation hazardous for investigators.

He also said Bradenton Beach building inspector Steve Gilbert assessed the building and condemned units D and C.

Because utilities to the building were shut off, tenants were relocated by Vacasa, the rental company that manages the Birds Nest Vacation Apartments.

Streetlife Staff reports

Island police reports

Anna Maria

No new reports.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office polices Anna Maria.

Bradenton Beach

No new reports.

The Bradenton Beach Police Department polices the city.

Cortez

March 3, 10000 block of Cortez Road West, theft. An MCSO deputy responded to a call concerning the theft of a bicycle from a residence. The deputy filed an incident report.

March 6, 4000 block of 127th Street West, theft. Deputies responded to a call concerning a trailer theft. A case number was issued.

The MCSO polices Cortez.

Holmes Beach

March 4, 6700 block of Gulf Drive, reckless driving/alcohol. An officer saw two motorists at night turn off their headlights and drive away at high speeds after 3:00

PLEaSE, SEE STREETLIFE, NEXT PaGE

Black soot and charred framing are left on an exterior wall after a fire at the Birds Nest Vacation apartments in Bradenton Beach.

Smoke and fire from the Birds Nest Vacation apartments are visible March 8 from the rooftop at the Daiquiri Deck on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. Islander Photo: courtesy Brian Schrader

Emergency responders at the Birds Nest Vacation apartments fire. Islander Photo: robert anderson

RoadWatch

Eyes on the road

• Gulf and Marina drives in Holmes Beach : A Holmes Beach contractor continues work near the intersection of Gulf and Marina drives on new amenities. There are marked detours and closures at Marina and Gulf drives in the city center. Traffic patterns can change. For the latest, check the city’s page on Facebook.

• Holmes Boulevard in Holmes Beach: Manatee County is working on a force main project along Holmes Boulevard at 58th and 66th streets, which can result in some traffic delays and congestion. For more information, go online to amiprojects.io.

• Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach : Manatee County is relocating and replacing sewer lines in Bradenton Beach along Gulf Drive from Sixth Street South to 13th Street South. Motorists can expect a detour and traffic delays. For more information, go online to amiprojects.io.

For area road watch information, go online to swflroads.com or dial 511.

— Lisa Neff

seeing his vehicle. The officer followed the vehicles and conducted a traffic stop, but one motorist drove away. The offi cer called for backup and other officers located the second motorist. Both drivers were juveniles. Their passengers told police they had been at the beach and they were worried they were going to be in trouble. An officer arrested the motorist who failed to initially stop and transported him to the Manatee County juvenile detention center in Bradenton.

March 4, 2900 block of Gulf Drive, no license. An officer saw a motorist driving a vehicle with one functional taillight and conducted a traffic stop. The driver did not have a license and the officer found via databases that she was cited twice for lacking a license.

2019 Cortez hit-and-run, battery case keeps on running

By robert anderson Islander reporter

A 2019 case against Bradenton resident David Nichols will take more time to reach a verdict as Nichols finds himself approaching trial without legal representation.

Nichols, 59, was arrested in November 2019 for alleged aggravated battery and leaving the scene of a crash in Cortez.

He is accused of hitting and dragging Fred Gilliland of Cortez underneath his vehicle for nearly a block in the area of 101st Street West.

Gilliland, known in Cortez as “Fat Freddy,” had his right arm amputated as a result of the injuries and also sustained injuries to his spleen, a lacerated liver, rib fractures, a collapsed lung and facial lacerations.

If convicted, Nichols faces a mandatory prison sentence with a maximum penalty of 15 years.

Nichols went to trial in late 2022 but the jury deadlocked, resulting in a mistrial.

Now Manatee County Clerk’s Office records, updated March 8, indicate that Nichols’ attorney, Colleen M. Glenn, is withdrawing due to the defendant’s financial inability to pay the fees.

Glenn was retained to represent Nichols March 12, 2020, but the retainer does not include a retrial or an appeal.

As of March 10, the 12th Judicial Circuit Court

The officer arrested the driver and transported her to the Manatee County jail. The officer contacted the parents of a juvenile passenger for pickup.

March 5, 900 block of Manatee Avenue, speeding. An officer clocked a motorist driving 69 mph in a 35-mph zone. The officer conducted a traffic stop and spoke with the driver, who admitted speeding. The officer issued a citation and court summons. HBPD polices Holmes Beach.

Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

Harry's features a wide variety of craft cocktails, an extensive wine selection paired with coastal cuisine

still showed Nichols’ case going to trial at the judicial center in Bradenton March 16 but, without a defense lawyer, the trial will likely be delayed.

“Nichols could proceed without an attorney, also known as pro se, but that is rare in a felony case,” public information officer Jennifer Linzy of the Manatee County Clerk’s Office wrote in a March 10 email to The Islander.

Nichols remained in custody at the Manatee County jail as of March 10 after being denied reinstatement of a $150,000 bond stemming from an Oct. 14, 2022, citation for allegedly driving with a suspended license — a violation of the conditions of his pretrial release.

Georgia man sentenced to probation for AM crime

Camren Fambrough of Canton, Georgia, took a plea deal March 6 resulting in six months’ probation on charges stemming from his 2022 arrest in Anna Maria.

Fambrough, 21, appeared at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton before Judge Stephen “Matt” Whyte on reduced charges.

Charges were reduced last October from carjacking with a weapon, burglary, criminal mischief and resisting arrest to burglary of an occupied conveyance, criminal mischief and resisting arrest without violence.

Fambrough was arrested Aug. 27, 2022, after he attempted to gain entry to an occupied home in the 200 block of Magnolia Avenue in Anna Maria by hurling a rock at a door and then trying to open the door, according to Manatee County Sheriff’s Office records. Fambrough then ran away and unsuccessfully attempted to force his way into an occupied vehicle. MCSO deputies made the arrest.

In addition to his probationary sentence, Fambrough must pay restitution of $5,000 to the victims.

— robert anderson

IGW celebrates its final art walk in Holmes Beach

West: 1990-2023.” The co-op gallery was set to begin its move to downtown Bradenton the next day, making the event IGW’s final holmes Beach art Walk.

Local musician chip ragsdale March 10 plays “Folsom Prison Blues” by Johnny cash for an audience of members and guests of the art co-op’s final holmes Beach art Walk outside Island Gallery West.

8-11:59 SAT., MARCH 18, DJ DANCE PARTY WITH TUFF SON

Ô 7-11 SUN., MARCH 19, BOBBY JAMES

Ô

BEST

E’FIN CORNED

chicago resident Emma Defreytas, 8, right, paints a watercolor flower March 10 while being encouraged by artist cheryl Jorgensen outside the artists’ Guild Gallery in the Island Shopping center, 5414 Marina Drive, holmes Beach. Emma, visiting grandparents on the island, watched Jorgensen’s watercolor demonstration during art Walk and wanted to give it a try. Islander Photos: ryan Paice

People pack the room March 10 at Island Gallery West during holmes Beach art Walk.

Anna Maria Island goes green

The rowlett Middle academy Fiddlers and Band bring on the enthusiasm March 12 at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, hosted by the center of anna Maria Island, including an Irish celebration for kids of all ages at the center.

rIGhT: Jase and Whit chase candy and beads at the March 12 St. Patrick’s Day parade in holmes Beach. Islander Photo: Jacob Merrifield

The Freckled Fin Irish Pub in holmes Beach showed up to the March 12 festivities with plenty of Irish fun to go around for the crowd at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Islander Photo: Josey Presswood

Islander Photo: Josey Presswood

St. Pat’s paradegoers get their “green” on the roadside in holmes Beach, as the parade participants roll by. Islander Photo: Jacob Merrifield

Champions crowned in youth football, KRC 4-ball tourney

By Kevin P. cassidy

Islander reporter

Twenty two-man teams competed in the annual four-ball handicap match-play championship over five weeks, culminating Feb. 28 at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach.

Matchup set for adult football championship

No. 1 seed Luxury Services edged No. 4 Briley Mortgage 27-25 and No. 3 Solid Rock Construction outlasted No. 2 Moss Builders 35-28 during March 9 semifinal action.

The championship game for the adult league is set for 7 p.m. Thursday, March 16, at the center.

Horseshoe news

cassidy

The championship match saw Terry Tarras and Tom Nelson take on Gary Risner and John Kolojeski. All tied after 18 holes, the match went to a sudden-death playoff. On the first extra hole, Terry Tarras came through with a birdie to secure the victory.

The regular golf action at KRC teed off with the men’s modifi ed-Stableford system match March 6. Herb Clauhs and Bill Sweeney shared the day after both carded plus-4s. Brian Comer was alone in second place at plus-3, while Dale Hudson, Jeff Jump, Jack Lowry, Chuck Patrick and Ron Pfaff were another point back in third place.

The women of KRC played a nine-hole individual-low-net match in two fl ights March 7. Margrit Layh and Barb Rinckey both carded 1-under-par 31s to fi nish in a tie for fi rst place. Phyllis Roe, Linda Dorsey, Nina McSparren and Mary Wilkie tied for second at even-par 32, while Betsy Meyer, Jana Samuels, Brenda Solleveld and Debbie DuVernay tied for third place at 1-over-par 33.

SportsShort

Perico tennis player wins in quest for ‘Golden Ticket’

Perico Island resident Mark Malinowski won in the “Golden Ticket” Regional Qualifier for the U.S. Tennis Association’s National Tennis Rating Program 4.5 Men’s 40+ Singles Tournament.

The tournament finals were March 5 on the red clay courts at IMG Academy in Bradenton and featured 97 entrants competing in 16 divisions.

To advance, Malinowski said on March 5, he defeated Gilberto Sanchez of Tampa, then Paul Zavala of Estero and then, in the final, Lance Hill of Clearwater.

The win advances him to the sectional in Tampa early next year. And a victory in the sectional would lead to play in the USTA NTRP Nationals in Orlando and Phoenix, depending on division placement. Share the news. Email news@islander.org.

Judy Menchek fired a 4-under-par 28 for the low-net round of the day and first place in Flight B. Annette Hall and Anne Klein were tied for second place at 2-under-par 30, while Billie Jean Pinson, Connie Livanos and Terry Westby were tied for third place at even-par 32.

Youth football champs crowned Champions were crowned March 7 in the 8-10 and 11-13 age divisions in the flag football league at the Center of Anna Maria Island.

Pineapple Market Place showed how they got to No. 1 in the 11-13 division with a solid, 37-27 victory March 7 over No. 2 Solid Rock Construction thanks to a strong all-around game from Jack Mattick.

Mattick threw three touchdown passes and ran for two more on offense, while also chipping in three flag pulls and an interception on defense. Krosby Lamison finished with six catches including two for TDs, while Cyrus Ryan had one TD grab in the victory.

Carter Eurice threw four TD passes, including two each to Hayden Eurice and Audrey Guess. Colson Mendiola added a 2-point conversion and Addie Guess completed the scoring with an extra point.

Pineapple Market Place advanced to the fi nals with a 29-13 victory over Shady Lady Horticultural Services in semifinal action March 6.

Solid Rock Construction edged Moss Builders 19-13 in the second semifinal game of the night.

Due to scheduling of a school play, the 8-10 division championship was moved to March 9. No. 1 seed Sato Real Estate cruised to a 39-18 victory over No. 4 seed Westfall’s Lawn Care & Pest Control.

Sato Real Estate advanced to the fi nals with a 38-7 victory over Moss Builders during semifi nal action March 6.

Westfall’s Lawn Service & Pest Control advanced with a 33-24 upset victory over No. 2 Solid Rock Construction.

Three teams emerged from pool playing during March 8 horseshoe action and settled things in the knockout round. Bob Rowley and Dom Livedoti drew the bye into the finals and watched as Tom Farrington and Jerry Disbrow advanced on a 21-14 win over Rod Bussey and Tom Skoloda.

The championship game saw Farrington and Disbrow trailing 20-10 before rallying for a 26-20 come-from-behind victory over Rowley and Livedoti to win the day’s proceedings.

The March 11 games were another three-team affair with the bye into the finals going to Tim Sofran and Aidin Shank. Farrington and Bob Mason cruised past Bob Heiger and Gary Howcroft 24-9 to advance to the finals.

Farrington and Mason lost their mojo in the final and dropped a 22-14 decision, giving Sofran and Shank the day’s bragging rights.

Play gets underway at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Anna Maria pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m. followed by random team selection.

There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome.

For more sports, go to islander.org.

Islander to sing anthem at spring-training game

Before they play ball at LECOM Park, they sing “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

There are six games remaining for the Pittsburgh Pirates’ homestand during spring training and six anthem singers will step up to home plate.

Bradenton Beach singer-songwriter Morgan Lawson will be one of the singers. Lawson — her maiden name and the name she uses as a performer — is married to Ben Bryant and together they own Live Naturally, a health and wellness store at 5337 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

Lawson performs annually at the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island Easter services, and also at AMI venues, including the Island Time Bar and Grill, Anna Maria City Pier and Freckled Fin.

She is set to sing the anthem Tuesday, March 21, when the Pirates take on the Philadelphia Phillies.

In her music biography, Lawson writes, “I made the move from Florida to California on Sept. 1, 2012, because I had a dream that I could share my music with the world.”

The ballgame will begin at 1:05 p.m. Lawson also sang the anthem at a 2012 Pirates versus Orioles game.

Other anthem performers in the lineup: March 17, Lily Cordell; March 18, Megan Nimick; March 23, Shea Flood; March 25, Ayla Mulock; and March 28, Sarasota Chorus of the Keys.

LECOM Park is at 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton.

For more information about spring training, go to www.mlb.com/pirates.

For more about Lawson, go to reverbnation.com/ morganlawson.

Tom Nelson, left, and Terry Tarras share the honors Feb. 28 at the annual Key royale club two-man four-ball match-play championship played. Islander

Photo: courtesy Krc

Lawson-Bryant

It’s spring break for students, but no break from red tide

By capt. Danny Stasny Islander reporter

As we are move through spring break, Anna Maria Island fishers find themselves facing red tide.

We’re discouraged and feeling helpless as we watch our ecosystem being killed by over-population, outdated infrastructure and poor leadership.

Bottom fishing around structure and hard bottom also is producing action, especially on red grouper. Live baits such as pinfish are working to attract these large predators.

And while bottom fishing, Stock is seeing plenty of vermilion, lane and mangrove snapper.

Finally, blackfin tuna are being caught on the troll and, as a bonus, a sailfish took a hook for Stock this past week.

Stasny

If I have to hear about red tide being a natural occurrence one more time, I think I’m going to puke. A bolt of lightning striking a tree in the forest and causing a fire could be considered a natural occurrence. But if someone pours gallons of fuel on it, is it still natural?

I don’t think so.

Isn’t our red tide situation comparable to this scenario?

Sure, red tide naturally exists in the Gulf waters and, during favorable conditions, it can bloom and be destructive to marine life. But with the addition of fertilizer and pesticide run-off, poor sewage systems and inadequate water treatment facilities that leech nutrients, aren’t we adding fuel to the fire?

I mean, c’mon.

How frequent can the red tide blooms be before proper measures can be considered to minimize our impact on fueling this organism?

We know that every time we experience a hurricane on the southwestern coast of Florida, we observe severe red tides stemming from the nutrient-rich waters of Lake Okeechobee being released into the Caloosahatchee, which snakes its way to the Gulf of Mexico.

And we saw a huge bloom active in March 2021 from Piney Point that laid utter devastation to the eastern shoreline of Tampa Bay, causing tons of dead fish to flow westward, clogging the canals and marinas of downtown St. Pete.

Once again, nutrient-rich water interacted with the red tide organism, resulting in a supernova effect.

I’m no scientist, but there seems to be a pattern. I’m curious to see what path we take to realize the impact we’re having on our waters. Hopefully it’ll be for the best and not for the money.

For those of us who live here and can’t imagine being anywhere else, we need to be proud and protect our little paradise. And for the many of out-of-state tags I see with an AMI sticker on them, I think there are more people who would like to pitch in and protect their “tropical hideaway.”

If you’re intrigued, there are numerous organizations providing information, as well as advice that may aid you in understanding the situation, including:

• Captains for Clean Water: captainsforcleanwater. org.

Fishing Charters

• The Coastal Conservation Association: ccaflorida.org.

And the Facebook group, the South Florida Clean Water Movement.

Improvements will take time and effort but, make no mistake, it’s time to get going.

On my Just Reel charters, I’m seeing an acceptable amount of inshore fish being caught despite having to deal with the uncertainties of red tide.

Fishing the flats where tidal flow is good on the eastern side of Tampa Bay is yielding decent snook catches measuring 20-28 inches.

Spotted seatrout are being caught on deeper grass flats along with some ladyfish and Spanish mackerel.

Lastly, I’m picking up a redfi sh here and there around some docks and on the flats.

Capt. Jason Stock says the African pompano bite is a frequent crowd-pleaser for his charter fishers. Fishing offshore in the Gulf in depths over 100 feet of water, Stock is leading clients to the elusive-yet-sought-after fish. APs in the 30-pound range are being caught on live baits and vertical jigs.

While targeting the pomps, amberjacks are prevalent. In fact, they seem to get in the way, although most anglers are satisfied as the fish put up quite a battle on the hook.

Capt. David White says while working inshore, he’s seeing a lot of snook take the hook with a live shiner. Casting shiners along mangrove shorelines is even resulting in an occasional redfish.

In deeper areas of Tampa Bay, White is finding Spanish mackerel. By chumming heavily with shiners, he is attracting the high-speed fish around the boat and putting clients to work, casting baits on a long shank hook into the feeding frenzy.

Moving offshore, White says bottom fi shing is providing the most action. Red grouper, yellowtail snapper and mangrove snapper are being caught on live pinfish and shiners.

Lastly, while trolling, White hits the bonus run for anglers, who get their thrills by hooking into an occasional blackfin tuna.

Capt. Warren Girle is spending his mornings fishing the flats of northern Sarasota Bay. In areas where deep grass flats exist, Girle is finding trout. Drifting and jigging is the most effective form to find the action. Spotted seatrout are the most prevalent bite, with ladyfi sh and mackerel are in the mix. And, as a bonus, pompano are coming to the jig.

Targeting snook and redfish on the shallow flats is an option. For these species, Girle removes the jig and switches to live shiners. Both species are cooperating during swift moving tides.

Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says red tide was present there for a couple of days but the waters are clearing and the fi sh are back. Sheepshead are being caught by anglers dropping live shrimp around the pilings. Species being caught on shrimp include redfish, black drum and even a couple of snook.

Using artifi cials such as small jigs and casting them away from the pier is attracting an occasional mackerel, according to Malfese, as well as ladyfish and jack crevalle.

Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

Mark Willis of harbor Isles shows off a 26-inch redfish he caught March 10 on a guided fishing trip with Islander reporter/capt. Danny Stasny of Just reel Fishing charters.

HB issues RFPs for algae harvester, skimming services

By ryan Paice Islander reporter

Holmes Beach soon may deploy a new tool to remove marine debris and algal mats from its waterways.

The municipality issued requests for proposals March 3 for a mechanical aquatic weed harvester and aquatic algae and vegetation removal services.

The items were recommended by the Holmes Beach Clean Water Committee, which was established in 2021 to act as an advisory board for the city commission.

The CWC focuses on coordinating community activity, philanthropy and government action to improve water quality in the nearshore waters of Anna Maria Island.

One of the board’s first recommendations was for the city to purchase a harvester vessel or hire a contractor to collect and dispose of algal mats and dead fish to reduce foul odors and nitrogen load.

The recommendation is one of three mitigation steps the CWC proposed to handle Lyngbya wollei, also known as “brown gumbo” algae, which can clog the surfaces of local canals and emit a foul odor.

The other two recommendations involve bioremediation testing using Cape Coral-based Ecological Laboratories’ product, Microbe-Lift, and developing community outreach to educate people about how they can protect the local waters.

The RFP for a mechanical harvester specifies the city is seeking a vessel no more than 42 feet long, 11 feet, 2 inches wide and 8 feet, 8 inches tall, as well as a barge measuring up to 24 by 10 feet.

The RFP asks bidders to provide cost estimates for both the harvester and its delivery to the city.

The second RFP, for a contractor to provide algae

removal services, asks for a 2-year agreement for aquatic weed control, consultations and weekly inspections.

It also involves a mandatory site visit at 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 22, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

Red alert

a red tide bloom along the Gulf coast leaves a raft of seagrass and dead fish

floating March 7 against the historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach.

red tide is caused by high levels of the algae Karenia Brevis. Islander Photo: robert anderson

holmes Beach clean Water committee members talk March 10 about the board’s priorities for the rest of the year.

Potential bidders must submit to the city questions for both RFPs by 5 p.m. Friday, March 24, and proposals by 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 19.

City staff will open bids for the mechanical harvester RFP at 9:30 a.m., then bids for a contractor at 10 a.m., the same day.

People can obtain the RFPs on demandstar.com, by emailing the city clerk at cityclerk@holmesbeachfl. org, or by visiting city hall.

The CWC will meet next at 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 12, at city hall.

Red tide bloom remains

The red tide organism, Karenia brevis, was detected in Southwest Florida during the week ending March 12.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported K. brevis at very low to medium concentrations in Manatee County, very low to high concentrations in Pinellas County and background to high concentrations in Sarasota County.

There were reports of fish kills and respiratory irritation from Manatee County suspected of being related to red tide.

The toxin becomes airborne in high surf and windy conditions, which can exasperate impacts to people.

Red tide, which is naturally occurring, is patchy. People might experience respiratory irritation at one location but not another just blocks away.

For more information, go online to myfwc.com/ research/redtide/statewide/.

TideWatch By Lisa Neff

Islander Photo: ryan Paice

By Lisa Neff

Tangled up and blue

Seagulls entangled in fishing lines became entangled in utility wires in Holmes Beach.

A dolphin calf entangled in fishing line in Sarasota Bay required rescue by a 51-member team with private and public agencies.

More distant in Crystal River but close enough, a manatee with a fl ipper hooked to its face with a fishing lure required rescue and rehab.

These incidents and others in the region occurred within days of one another, not over weeks or months.

an entangled fishing line cuts into a bottlenose dolphin calf’s flukes. The line was removed and the calf was given antibiotics to prevent infection before being released Feb. 21 along with her mother in Sarasota Bay. Islander Photo: courtesy chicago Zoological Society Sarasota Dolphin research Program/NMFS Scientific research Permit No. 24359

worldwide die after becoming entangled and drowning, starving or falling prey.

Beach cleanup March 19

Come by board, boat, bike or car.

Surfrider Foundation-Suncoast is staging a beach cleanup Sunday, March 19, in Bradenton Beach, and offering volunteer hours to students who participate in the campaign.

Volunteers will meet at 9 a.m. in the 1000 block of Gulf Drive South.

“As one we make little difference, as many we can make waves,” said coordinator William Romberger, who encouraged island visitors to join the effort.

For more information, contact Romberger at 941-504-7821 or williamhromberger@gmail. com.

• Bring a container with a lid to store plastic bags or used fishing line.

• Collect any plastic items or fishing line found on the shore or in the water for proper disposal.

Neff

Meanwhile, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, driven by concern for high rates of pelican entanglements, is working on new regulations to protect seabirds at the Sunshine Skyway fishing piers.

And, you’ll notice this month, an uptick in people headed to the shores not for fun in the sun but to remove litter and other trash before it endangers wildlife.

The Surfrider Foundation-Suncoast, for example, is calling on volunteers to turn out for a cleanup Sunday, March 19, in Bradenton Beach.

Surfrider admirably advocates for policies to address climate change and pollution and fights for beach access, clean water and plastic reduction.

How much fishing line will volunteers recover?

And why is fishing line even out there?

There’s not a pier or public boat ramp on the island lacking signs instructing anglers on how to handle fishing line, along with how to respond to entanglements.

The problem of course isn’t limited to AMI, the shores of the Gulf Coast or Florida.

NOAA Fisheries estimates that every year hundreds of thousands of marine mammals and sea turtles

Another estimate suggests 2 million seabirds die each year due to ingesting or becoming entangled in lines, ropes, nets and other fishing gear.

Yet another estimate suggests that 2% of fishing gear used worldwide ends up as pollution — that’s about 14 billion hooks and 740,000 kilometers of line, enough to wrap the Earth 18 times.

Solutions to reducing entanglements in commercial gear can be complicated but ways to reduce entanglement in recreational gear are simple.

Anglers should:

• Cast away from birds and shoreline vegetation.

• Keep bait buckets covered.

Springtime citizen-science project

Springtime brings horseshoe crabs to congregate along Florida’s shores to spawn. Each year, Florida Fish and Wildlife conservation commission biologists ask the public to report observations of horseshoe crab mating activities in order to help identify nesting beaches. To become involved in the citizenscience work, email fhcwcoordinator@myfwc.com. The FWc can be reached at 850-488-4676.

Islander courtesy Photo

Kids with cameras in Cortez!

Elliott Braniger the firstplace photo in the “minnows” category of the fishing festival contest.

Islander courtesy Photo

LINDA

• Look for PVC tubes that are designated for discarding fishing line. Recycled fishing line is made into tackle boxes and fish habitat structures.

• Avoid feeding wildlife.

To report wildlife entanglements, call the state Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-3922.

Did you know?

A review of 20 years of statistics in Florida — from 1993-2012 — found more than 11% of manatees that died either ingested or showed evidence of entanglement in marine debris, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Nia raulerson won second place in the “minnow’s category” of the 2023 cortez Fishing Festival Photo contest.

Dallace ryan won third place in the youth category of the 2023 cortez Fishing Festival Photo contest involving the Florida Institute for Saltwater heritage, the artists’ Guild of anna Maria Island and a.P. Bell Fish house, where contest entries were displayed during the cortez commercial Fishing Festival.

3 ‘minnows’ win fishing festival photo contest

ITEMS FOR SALE

SLEEP NUMBEr QUEEN mattress like new, custom pillowtop cover, $399. 941-5040526.

FrIGIDaIrE GaLLErY Stainless-steel refrigerator. 60 by 30 by 30. $500. Excellent condition, great for rental. 732-492-6947.

PaNINNI MaKEr: cUISINarT, stainlesssteel, like new, $50. 941-920-2494.

chaIr: BLacK, SOFT cushion $15/ each and office chair, white, $10. Side tables, brown with glass top. 2/$25. 941920-2494.

STaINLESS-STEEL PEDESTaL drawers for Whirlpool front-loading washer and dryer, $60 for both. 941-761-1373.

More ads = more readers in The Islander.

Sandy’s

Paradise Improvements 941.792.5600

RDI CONSTRUCTION INC.

AdoptA-Pet

Oh, those eyes!

Bella is an 8-year-old mixed-breed lovebug! She’s neutered and has all vaccinations — ready to meet her new family! Call Lisa Williams at 941-3452441 or visit The Islander office in Holmes Beach. And for more about pet adoption, visit moonraceranimalrescue.com.

SPONSOrED BY

ANSWERS TO MARCH 15 PUZZLE

ITEMS FOR SALE Continued

QUEEN BEDSPrEaD/cOMFOrTEr with shams, like new, seafoam green $40. 941504-0526.

aNTIQUE ParTNEr DESK: all wood, $500. Inquire at The Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

Individuals may place one free ad with up to three items, each priced $100 or less, 15 words or less. FrEE, one week, must be submitted online. Email classifieds@islander. org, fax toll-free 1-866-362-9821. (limited time offer)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

DO YOU haVE old books that you no longer want/need that are taking up space? I’m looking for books for school project. happy to pick up. Text or call Kaitlyn at 305-6328101.

PETS

hELP rEScUED PETS! Volunteer, foster, computer help needed! Moonracer animal rescue. Email: moonraceranimalrescue@ gmail.com.

TRANSPORTATION

GOLF carT rENTaLS: Fun for residents and tourists! www.GolfcartrentalaMI.com.

TWO 2022 150cc Wolf scooters. Less than 200 miles on each. $1,600 each. 219-8510024.

BOATS & BOATING

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

SUNcOaST BOTTOM PaINTING: Professional bottom painting. Mobile. call 941704-9382.

TWO arUBa 8ss Sun dolphin kayaks with paddles. Blue, 8-foot, lightweight, sit-in, padded seat back, like new. Best offer. 203668-5012.

HELP WANTED

arE YOU LOOKING for a job that makes a difference? Skyway Memorial Gardens is looking for a cemetery caretaker. $15/hour Please, call 941-722-4543.

hOME MaINTENaNcE: EIGhT hours weekly, $20 hour. Sweep, clean outdoor furniture, vacuum pool, rake, wash windows, pick up debris, etc. call Dan, 941-713-1586.

NOW hIrING haNDYMaN: Full-time professional services. $15 an hour and up, based on experience. call JayPros, 941962-2874.

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

NEED aN aDULT night out? call Maty’s Babysitting Services. I’m 16, love kids and have lots of experience. references upon request. 618-977-9630.

KIDS FOR HIRE Continued

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.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

BUSINESS OPPOrTUNITY: 30-year successful island business, owner ready to sell for health reasons. Secure lease. Serious inquiries: Biz Op, P.O. Box 145, anna Maria FL 34216.

SERVICES

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. 941-756-4570.

PrESSUrE WaShING, PaVEr sealing, driveway, roof, fence, pool area. also, window cleaning. Licensed and insured. 941-5653931.

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.

aPI’S DrYWaLL rEPaIr: I look forward to servicing your drywall repair needs. call 941524-8067 to schedule an appointment.

PrOFESSIONaL WINDOW cLEaNING: residential, commercial, Free estimates. “We want to earn your business!” 207-852-6163.

aIrPOrT rIDES: SaraSOTa, St. Pete, Tampa. call/text, Vita, 941-376-7555.

ParaDISE PET carE: Pet specialist. Walking, sitting, vet visits. Training and love. Jason, 908-720-1688.

BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS JD’s Window cleaning looking for storefront jobs in holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-920-3840.

BEach SErVIcE air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. Serving Manatee county and the Island since 1987. For dependable, honest and personalized service, call Bill Eller, 941-795-7411. cac184228.

cLEaN TEch MOBILE Detailing. at your location. cars, boats, rVs. call or text Billie for an appointment. 941-592-3482.

LAWN & GARDEN

cONNIE’S LaNDScaPING INc. residential and commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-778-5294.

BarNES LaWN aND Landscape LLc. Design and installation, lawn and landscape services, tree trimming, mulch, rock and shell. 941-705-1444. Jr98@barneslawnandlandscape.com.

cOLLINS LaNDScaPE LIGhTING: Outdoor lighting, landscaping, irrigation services and maintenance. 941-279-9947. MJc24373@ gmail.com.

SEaraY SPrINKLEr SErVIcES. repairs, additions, drip, sprinkler head/timer adjustments. 941-920-0775.

ShELL DELIVErED aND spread. hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, topsoil with free estimates. call Larry at 941-795-7775, “shell phone” 941-720-0770.

MP LaWN MaINTENaNcE now accepting new clients. call Dante, 941-730-9199. mp@ mplawnmaintenance.com.

JE BLacKWOOD GarDENEr: Ornamental horticulture expert. care of trees, shrubs, vines, flowers, 25 years’ experience, excellent references, estate trained. US Navy vet. 941-718-9087.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

VaN-GO PaINTING residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper. Island references. Bill, 941-795-5100. www.vangopainting.net.

TILE -TILE -TILE. all variations of ceramic tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship, prompt, reliable, many Island references. call Neil, 941-726-3077.

GrIFFIN’S hOME IMPrOVEMENTS Inc. handyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. Insured and licensed. 941-722-8792.

BLINDS, ShUTTErS, ShaDES: Motorization. 30 years on aMI. call Keith Barnett, Barnett Blinds, 941-730-0516.

ISLaND haNDYMaN: I live here, work here, value your referral. refinish, paint. Just ask. JayPros. Licensed/insured. references. call Jay, 941-962-2874.

haNDYMaN aND PaINTING. No job too small. Most jobs just right. call richard Kloss. 941-204-1162.

ScrEENING SErVIcES: replace your old or ripped window, door or porch screens. Many screen types available. retired veteran here to serve our community! Free estimates, call Lane, 941-705-5293.

caLL hYDrO cLEaN. Full-service pressure washing, sealing. Pavers, travertine and natural stone. Window washing too, up to three stories. call Jacob, 941-920-2094.

SaraSOTa INTErIOr PaINTING: We specialize in high-end properties. We love to paint! Owner operated. Fully insured/ licensed. call or text Don, 941-900-9398. Instagram: SarasotaInteriorPainting.

HOME IMPROVEMENT Continued

SOUThWEST hOME IMPrOVEMENT: Michigan builder, quality work guaranteed. affordable, timely, within budget. call Mike’s cell: 1-616-204-8822.

RENTALS

aNNa MarIa GULF beachfront vacation rentals. One- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941778-3143.

PErIcO ISLaND PaTIO home for rent. 3Br/2Ba. two-car garage, fully renovated. 30-day minimum. Privacy fence/gate, two miles to aMI. #bluerockingchair instagram/ fb. 859-771-6423.

cONDO FOr rENT: June through October. 3Br/2Ba. Perico Bay club. Two-month minimum. community pool and hot tub. One mile from anna Maria Island. call Dave at 856495-7200 for details.

SEaSONaL rENTaL: aVaILaBLE aprilDecember. across from bay, 2 miles from beaches, fully furnished, laundry, all utilities. 941-773-1552.

WaTErFrONT aNNUaL rENTaL on prestigious Key royale 2Br/2Ba, pool, boat lift, two-car garage, completely renovated. $7,500 per month, pets OK. available april 20. call 941-704-7336

LUXUrIOUS aNNa MarIa Island condo for rent. Upgraded granite/stainless kitchen. Incredible water views through floor-length windows. Waterfront patio. Luxury furnishings. First floor, 2Br/Ba, king beds. Pool, tennis, walk to beach. Private carport. Monthly rental May-November. Owner/renter, flexible terms. 570-239-0431. aMIrent@aol. com

aNNUaL rENTaL: UPDaTED 2Br/2Ba. Ten minutes to holmes Beach. $2,200/month. No pets/no smoking. 6407 First ave. W., Bradenton. 941-792-6493.

aNNa MarIa 3Br/1Ba historic cottage, half block to Gulf beach and one block to Pine avenue shopping and restaurants. available april, $3,000/month and May, $2,800/ month. 941-778-8456. terryaposporos@ gmail.com

WaNTED TO rENT: Garage to store antique car april through November. call John, 941730-1085.

3Br/2Ba LarGE hOUSE: Lanai, carports, laundry. Island, beaches close. $2,200/ month. 440-813-8217.

WINNIE MchaLE, rEaLTOr, 941-5046146. rosebay International realty Inc. You need an aggressive and experienced realtor in today’s market! Selling island homes, Sarasota and Bradenton areas. Multi-milliondollar producer! “Selling homes - Making Dreams come True.”

FOr SaLE: 1/4 acrE waterfront lot: Dock and boat lift. 2520 riverside Drive, east Bradenton. 917-860-1917.

The

PLACE CLASSIFIED ADS ONLINE AT ISLANDER.ORG

isl biz

Biz fundraiser rises to need for foster parents

Jennifer and Kane Geils know about the need for foster parents in Manatee County.

They opened their hearts and home a year ago for a foster child.

The couple, owners of the Cheesecake Cutie & Cafe, are hosting “Cheesecakes for Cuties” to put money toward the foster family cause March 21.

They are raising funds for a trio of nonprofits that serve the foster care community: Local Foster Parents, All Star Children’s Foundation in Sarasota and the Safe Children Coalition.

“Being foster parents has been the hardest job we have both ever had but being able to provide a safe and loving home for children has been such a blessing to our family,” Jennifer Geils told The Islander March 9. “There is a desperate need for foster parents and we are hoping to raise some money to help support this community.”

Food, drinks, live music by Mike Sales and raffle prizes are some highlights of the event.

Tickets at $50 can be purchased at Cheesecake Cutie & Cafe in the Anna Maria Island Centre shopping plaza, 3324 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

Tickets also can be purchased through Eventbrite

PropertyWatch carol Bernard Island real estate sales

5808 Gulf Drive, #208, Holmes Beach, a 1,198 sq ft 2BR/2BA Waters Edge condo built in 1975 sold 2/10/2023 by Berkery to Double Bogey LLC for $945,000, list price $965,000.

6700 Gulf Drive, #16, Holmes Beach, a 1,553 sq ft 3BR/2BA Gulf Place condo built in 1976 sold 1/25/2023 by McArthur to GP16 LLC for $1,000,000, list price $1,200,000.

601 Ambassador Lane, Holmes Beach a 2,558 sq ft 4BR/2BA pool home on a 12,458 sq ft lot built in 1962 sold 2/6/2023 by Smith to Only Flips LLC for $1,270,000, list price $1,400,000.

630 Foxworth Lane, Holmes Beach, a 1,966 sq ft 2BR/2BA home on a 10,759 sq ft lot built in 1971 sold 2/10/2023 by Clarke to 630 Foxworth LLC for $1,515,000, list price $1,695,000.

4114 Fifth Ave., #A, Holmes Beach, a 2,842 sq ft 5BR/4BA pool home on a 10,008 sq ft lot built in 2010 sold 2/10/2023 by Wilson to Noah for $1,807,000, list price $1,750,000.

629 Dundee Lane, Holmes Beach, a 3,119 sq ft

or by using a QR Code found on the cafe’s social media.

For more info, call the cafe at 941-779-2253.

— Bonner Joy

4BR/4BA pool home on a 10,890 sq ft lot built in 2015 sold 1/20/2023 by Duff to Wayne for $3,000,000, list price $3,595,000.

713 Key Royale Drive, Holmes Beach, a 3,542 sq ft 5BR/5BA pool home on a 15,952 sq ft lot built in 1986 sold 1/20/2023 by 713 Key Royale Corp to Duff for $4,375,000, list price $4,900,000.

2812 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, a vacant lot on 5,001 sq ft lot sold 2/14/2023 by Gross to Holmes Beach A LLC for $950,000, list price $1,100,000. 213 83rd St., Holmes Beach, a 2,608 sq ft 4BR/4BA home on a 8,100 sq ft lot built in 1974 sold on 2/15/2023 by Duncan to Siragusa for $1,050,000, list price $1,195,000.

200 Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach a 2,722 sq ft

5BR/4BA pool home on a 9,945 sq ft lot built in 1959 sold 2/16/2023 by Sparky HS LLC to 535 Inc. for $2,554,000, list price $2,750,000.

523 67th St., Holmes Beach, a 2,618 sq ft 5BR/4BA pool home on a 8,882 sq ft lot built in 1976 sold 1/31/2023 by Saltwater Strata LLC to Hutton for $3,500,000, list price $3,995,000.

Compiled by Island Real Estate. IRE professionals can be reached at 941-778-6066, islandreal.com.

BizCal

compiled by Lisa Neff THIS WEEK

Wednesday, March 15

11:30 a.m. — Manatee Chamber of Commerce Headliner’s Luncheon on tourism with Elliott Falcione of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Pier 22, 1200 First Ave. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-748-3411.

SAVE THE DATES

March 23, 5-7 p.m., AMI Chamber of Commerce businesscard exchange with light bites and scholarship awards, LaPensee Plumbing, Holmes Beach.

March 28, noon, Manatee Chamber of Commerce Day at the Ballpark, LECOM Park, Bradenton.

May 12, 11:30 a.m., AMI Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament, IMG Academy Golf Club, Bradenton.

Send listings to news@islander.org and calendar@islander. org. Please, remember to include a contact number and name.

For professional real estate sales, call a true island native, born and raised on Anna Maria Island.

Mike Norman Realty

Thinking

about what is best for your rental property? If so, choose QUALITY over quantity, and get in touch with us!