The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, April 28, 2021 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

Volume

No. 26

Happy Arbor Day!

The Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992 Astheworldterns. 6

Q&A 042821

Meetings. 4 Cortez Bridge news. 4 Well for Piney Point. 5

Opinions. 6 10-20 years ago

Looking back. 7

AM OKs Memorial Day tribute. 8

April 28, 2021 FREE

islander.org

Campaign: Hey visitors, ‘Love it Like a Local’ By Amy V.T. Moriarty Islander Reporter

R.E.S.P.E.C.T. A new marketing campaign encourages visitors to respect Anna Maria Island like they live on AMI. The campaign from the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau encouraging area visitors to “Love it Like a Local” rolled out April 22, Earth Day. At the new website, www.loveitlikelocals.com, the campaign uses a combination of interactive tools to educate tourists about

how they can responsibly visit. From reminders to clean up trash — including discarded and tangled fishing line — to what to do if one comes upon an unmarked turtle nest, the campaign seeks to “get the point across while being playful,” BACVB marketing and communications director Kelly Clark said April 19 at a media event unveiling the new marketing plan. For years, Manatee County residents — especially those who live on Anna Maria Island — have requested the BACVB encourage tourists to behave while visiting,

executive director Elliott Falcione said at the media event. The BACVB team worked with local mayors and Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said he is pleased they used his suggestion to inform visitors about the appropriate uses of golf carts. Among other inclusions in the website’s “quick tips” to being a good visitor are reminders about noise ordinances and that the area is more than an ideal vacation spot, as many people live and work here. Turn to campaign, page 2

BB seeks tow service. 9

Save a date. 10

Happenings Activities. 11 AME retirements. 12 Market questions. 13

Gathering. 14 Obituaries. 14 Street map 16-17

Cops&Courts 18-19 WMFR reviews rates. 20 FISH holds annual meet. 21

Nesting notes. 22

All aboard for fun, funds at the center

ABOVE: Kids take a “train ride” April 24 at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, during a fun day and cookout launching a spring fundraising campaign. RIGHT: Center executive director Chris Culhane, center, joins longtime supporters Joey and Chuck Lester during lunch at the celebration. More photos, page 15. Islander Photos: Karen Riley-Love

Magistrate slaps treehouse owners with added fine By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Treemendous trees. 23 Golf tourney, soccer. 24 Backwater fishing. 25 Island cities seek tourism $$$. 26

ISL BIZ: Buzz about AMI. 27

Classifieds. 28 State of tourism. 30

NYT puzzle.

Richard Hazen and Lynn Tran-Hazen’s legal battle to save a treehouse on their property may be drowned out by fines. Holmes Beach’s special magistrate, Sarasota attorney Michael Connolly, ruled April 21 to fine the pair $125 per day from March 18 until they obtain a valid vacation rental license through the city for rental units on the property at 103 29th St., Holmes Beach. Hazen and Tran-Hazen reside at the property, where they also operate four vacation rental units as Angelinos Sea Lodge — and own a treehouse on the beach. Their case began in 2011, when they built the treehouse in an Australian pine tree

beyond the erosion control line and without a permit on their beachfront property. The city found the structure in violation of the municipality’s land development code and moved for its removal in 2013, sparking litigation with the owners. Hazen and Tran-Hazen were on the losing end of each ruling after several lawsuits and appeals in the 12th District Circuit Court over the years since. Litigation has cost the city $184,955 and the property owners $170,000, according to the parties. Additionally, the property owners have received more than $105,000 in code violation fines from the city. Two circuit court cases between the parties remain open and the property owners

petitioned in December to have a case reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court. The city and Florida Department of Environmental Protection filed responses to the petition, but the court had yet to act on the case as of April 25. At a special magistrate meeting March 17, Connolly ordered that the pair must stop renting and advertising the vacation units until they obtained a certificate, but stipulated they must pay more than $105,000 in code violation fines owed the city before the license can be issued. Despite the order, code compliance supervisor James “JT” Thomas said he’s monitored the property and noticed rental activity on numerous occasions. Turn to treehouse, page 3

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campaign continued from page 1

When visitors to the website have clicked through all the pages, they will be prompted to complete a 10-question “final exam” reiterating key tips to be responsible visitors. Two questions on the exam: • “After enjoying a family lunch at one of our pristine sugar-white sand beaches, what is the best way to dispose of the trash? a) Dig a hole in the sand and bury it. b) Toss it into the ocean when no one is looking. Turtles love plastic straws. c) Place it in a bag, take it back to your room to sort for recycling and/or dispose of it in a nearby trash can when you leave.” • “It’s 10 p.m. and those not on vacation have to work tomorrow. What should you do? a) Move the party inside, turn down your music and keep your voices low to respect the noise ordinance. b) Parade through the streets while banging pots and pans to celebrate another great day in the Bradenton area. c) Break out the speakers for some karaoke in the front yard. Use that melodious voice to lull the neighbors to sleep.” At the end of the exam, a certificate of completion can be printed and exchanged for a prize at the BACVB at 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto, or the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce office, 5313 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Also, there is an opportunity to enter a drawing for a free vacation rental from AMI Locals Realty in Anna Maria. Chamber president Terri Kinder said April 21 that her office is “working hand-in-hand with the BACVB” to put information at island kiosks, on trolleys and in subscriber e-blasts. News of the campaign also will be included in the chamber’s quarterly newsletter next published in June and sent to more than 19,000 subscribers, Kinder added.

Manatee County Tourist Development Council members and local mayors assemble April 19 with shirts and proclamations to promote a marketing campaign encouraging visitors to “Love it Like a Local.” Islander Photos: Amy V.T. Moriarty

The marketing campaign is designed to be ongo- businesses for prizes. ing, with the initial phase running through the summer, “People respond to incentives,” Murphy said, Clark said. adding that the website and prize incentives show a As such, organizers hope to partner with other “well thought out” campaign.

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy, left, speaks April 19 at a news conference about a new marketing campaign, “Love it Like a Local,” as Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth and other officials look on. The campaign was unveiled following a Manatee County Tourist Development Council meeting in Bradenton. For more tourism news, turn to pages 26 and 30.

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treehouse continued from page 1

Thomas recommended leveling a $200 per day fine from Dec. 28, 2020, until they come into compliance, as well as a $127.24 administrative fee for the continued violation. The property owners’ attorney, Bruce Minnick, represented the pair via Zoom at the April 21 meeting and said his clients couldn’t afford the additional fines on top of an existing $50 daily fine against the property for previous code violations. “You’re taking away my clients’ livelihood over a dispute that hasn’t been settled yet,” Minnick said. “On behalf of my client, we’re on bended knee here, asking for relief.” “More fines will just hasten the days until my clients go out of business,” he added. Minnick, who submitted a request for leniency the night before the hearing, asked Connolly for no more fines or “harassment.” However, Minnick said the property owners would continue seeking retribution in court unless the city wanted to discuss a settlement. “If this body imposes this fine on my clients today, you will have another lawsuit to deal with and we can keep on going,” Minnick said. “This stuff has to stop!” Erica Augello, the city’s code compliance attorney, said the existing $50 per day fine against the property shouldn’t be considered along with the proposed fine because the treehouse and vacation unit violations are separate issues. Augello added that the property owners’ petition to the U.S. Supreme Court would not impact the fines associated with the vacation units. Connolly said the property owners were issued the final order but continued renting and advertising the vacation units and ruled in favor of the city. Tran-Hazen wrote in an April 22 email to The Islander that the fine is another “hard-handed and hamhanded approach to squeeze us out of existence.” She said they would continue to litigate the matters.

Treehouse owner Lynn Tran-Hazen pleads her case Jan. 7, 2020, before the 12th Circuit at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton. Islander File Photo: Chris-Ann Allen

Q&A 042821

The Islander poll

Holmes Beach code compliance supervisor JT Thomas speaks April 21 to the city’s special magistrate, attorney Michael Connolly, about code violations at Angelinos Sea Lodge, 103 29th St. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

Last week’s question National Arbor Day is April 30. What’s your favorite tree on AMI? 33%, Australian pine. 29%, Sabal palm. 15%, Live oak. “Should we fail in all legal recourse, we will 12%, Gumbo limbo. remove all our trees and the treehouse,” Tran-Hazen 11%, Sea grape. wrote. “Since the laws prohibited treehouses, we will need investors to rebuild a monster luxury three-story This week’s question multifamily wedding cake place that the city allows The best Anna Maria Island foot fashion: in the city land development code and comprehensive A. Sandals. plan.” B. Flip-flop. “Then we will sell them to grouchy buyers so we C. Cowboy boots. can pay the city the heavy daily fines,” she added. “The D. Boat shoes. city would then be happy with the big win and succeed E. Barefoot. in getting us out of this island.” To take the poll, go online to islander.org.

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BB seeks horse trades at Cortez Bridge settlement meeting By Kane Kaiman Islander Reporter

Bridge pro quo. At a Bradenton Beach city commission meeting April 22, city attorney Ricinda Perry reported the details of an April 16 closed-door settlement meeting with Florida Department of Transportation lawyers regarding the agency’s proposal to replace the 17-footclearance Cortez drawbridge with a 65-foot-clearance fixed-span bridge. City commissioners discussed Perry’s negotiations with the DOT, which she said included the following requests: • The installation of a wider multiuse trail alongside Bridgeport Condominiums and a sidewalk between the Gulf Drive Cafe and the Beach House Restaurant; • The addition of a shuttle-only route on the megabridge; • and the undergrounding of utilities “in areas that would be greatly impacted by the bridge.” The DOT indicated that the requests, aside from the installation of a shuttle-only lane on the bridge, were feasible, and asked Perry to provide a cost estimate for undergrounding utilities, she said. Perry also asked the DOT to explore the possibility of installing windows in the bridge support wall that would border Bridgeport Condominiums. “I think there’s a lot we could possibly get back aesthetically with the trade-off of the bridge,” she said. She also reported the DOT would not compromise on the size of the bridge. “It’s the large bridge or we will keep what we have and it will have problems, and there will be significant repairs,” Perry said. “And I don’t know how long they will continue to let that last before they come in and just decide it’s unsafe, it’s coming down. And we’re

Bradenton Beach city attorney Ricinda Perry updates city commissioners April 22 on a closed-door settlement meeting she had April 16 with Florida Department of Transportation lawyers. Islander Photo: Kane Kaiman

not even going to have this same open-door discussion.” Commissioner Jake Spooner asked if it is possible to set the parameters of a settlement agreement in stone even if the DOT does not construct the high bridge, which is currently facing a challenge in federal court from former County Commissioners Joe McClash and Jane von Hahmann, who resides in Cortez, Linda Molto and Joe Kane, also Cortez residents. Megabridge construction is slated for 2026-27, but Perry said she communicated to the DOT the city’s desire to move forward with the requests as soon as possible, because the contractors and equipment required for undergrounding utilities are in place. Although Mayor John Chappie said he communicated the city’s list of requests to Perry in a mid-April phone call, he expressed disappointment with the outcome of the conference. “In the stuff I see that they’re saying they can compromise on, I don’t really see a lot of stuff that’s beneficial,” Mayor John Chappie said. “In my opinion,

again, I still think they can keep the current bridge going.” The discussion then turned to additional “asks” Perry could bring to another meeting with the DOT, including undergrounding utilities and installing lighting on portions of Gulf Drive outside the scope of the bridge project. “If that’s what the whole commission wants, Gulf Drive lit up by the DOT, I can make that request,” Perry said. Chappie asked commissioners if they agreed to direct Perry to make the request and they replied in the affirmative. The DOT provided the current plaintiffs a draft administrative record April 20. The document details how the department came to its decision to build the megabridge. At the meeting April 22, city commissioners said they had not seen the record and agreed to review the report before directing Perry to schedule another conference with the DOT.

Cortez high bridge design committee holds 7th meeting By Kane Kaiman Islander Reporter

It’s like picking out new drapes. The Cortez Bridge Aesthetics Committee met for a seventh time April 22. The 11-member body of local resident-volunteers working with the Florida Department of Transportation is selecting design features for the 65-foot-clearance fixed-span bridge the department has slated for construction in 2026-27. Four members of the committee attended the teleconference, along with five DOT employees and consultants, including DOT design project manager Roxann Lake, design consultant Adrian Moon and consultant project manager Doug Hershey. Design meetings are open to the public and Terry Dieterle, a Bradenton resident, was in attendance. Dieterle said he was interested in finding out how the megabridge might impact his view if he purchases property in Hunters Point, a subdivision awaiting construction in Cortez. The committee discussed the following ornamental details: • Roadway and pedestrian lighting options; • Landscaping treatment options around the bridge; • The shape of bridge overlooks and whether or not to include benches at each site. For lighting, the committee was presented with two options: Tall, bright lights or shorter, dimmer lights. Moon explained that fewer tall lights would be necessary to illuminate the bridge than shorter lights. Committee members Bobby Woodson, co-owner of Tide Tables Restaurant, and AnnMarie Nicholas, owner of A Room With A Hue, an island art studio and boutique, advocated for the shorter lights. Jeff Vey, a Bridgeport Condominiums resident, agreed the shorter lights were more aesthetically pleasing but said he preferred the tall lights because they would be more minimalistic. The landscaping discussion was broader. Committee members reviewed various combinations of tall and short palm trees that would be planted along the bridge’s approach walls and provided general feedback to Rachel Rodgers, a consultant landscape architect on the DOT design team. At a previous meeting, the committee decided to

A mock-up of tall light poles reviewed April 22 by the Cortez megabridge design committee members. Islander Screenshots

A map illustrates how far megabridge walls would extend into Cortez.

include overlooks on the span at each of the bridge’s four main piers. At the April 22 meeting, they compared the aesthetic values of rectangular overlooks to circular overlooks and discussed the inclusion of benches and educational signage at each site. Woodson, Nicholas and Vey advocated for circular overlooks. While Nicholas expressed support for the inclusion of a bench, Woodson and Vey said that benches might invite people to sleep there. Moon added that circular overlooks would better accommodate panoramic signage, an idea Vey brought up at a previous meeting. Before the meeting wrapped up, Dieterle asked how high the megabridge’s walls would be at the point

where they intersected with Hunters Point on the north side of Cortez Road. Hershey said the beginning of the northern bridge wall will be 19 feet tall and slope down to about 7.5 feet where it would meet a retaining pond 250 feet inland. However, he said he could not answer Hunters Point-related questions because, to his knowledge, the developer had not submitted a site plan to the Florida Department of Transportation. The design committee will meet for a final time in three or four weeks, Lake said. People interested in attending can email Lake at roxann.lake@dot.state.fl.us.

Visit www.islander.org for the best news on AMI.

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County commission OKs deep well for Piney Point waste By Lisa Neff Islander Editor

Manatee County commissioners April 20 voted to move forward with a plan to put wastewater from a retired phosphate plant deep into the ground. Meanwhile, monitoring of the wastewater released from the Piney Point site into the Tampa Bay estuary found high nitrogen concentrations near Port Manatee, said Charlie Hunsicker, director of the county parks and natural resources department. And acting county administrator Scott Hopes confirmed the presence of an algae bloom, although he said as of April 20 it was not substantial. “We are monitoring daily using the NOAA satellites of where the plume is and it is pretty much staying near the port and to the north,” Hopes said at a meeting, where the commission unanimously voted to extend a local state of emergency to deal with the Piney Point crisis. The most recent crisis escalated in late March, when on-site management at Piney Point detected a leak in the largest containment pond. The ponds — there are a number at the site — hold process water high in nitrogen, phosphorous and ammonia and sit on 70-foot-tall stacks of gypsum, a radioactive byproduct of phosphate processing. The emergency response was to release about 270 million gallons of polluted wastewater into Tampa Bay to avoid the collapse of the stack and flooding the area. The discharges, authorized by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, continued from March 30 to April 9. Now the focus is on monitoring water quality in the region and treating and removing the wastewater at Piney Point.

Meetings

Anna Maria City May 23, 2 p.m., city commission. May 27, 6 p.m., city commission. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941708-6130, cityofannamaria.com.

A research team conducts water quality testing following the discharge of polluted wastewater from Piney Point into Tampa Bay.

“Changes continue for the better,” Hunsicker told commissioners during what’s become at least a weekly briefing. Hopes added of the situation, “We’ve got a lot of eyes on it.” Monitoring involves county, state and federal agencies, as well as educational institutions such as the University of South Florida and nonprofits such as Suncoast Waterkeeper. Teams are collecting water samples, applying forecast models and piloting drones to map seagrasses at least as far south as the Anna Maria Island Bridge on Manatee Avenue. “I’m excited about all the new data we’ll be getting,” Hopes said of the drone work. Longer-term work involves shutting down Piney Point and to get there the commission April 20 voted 6-1 to contract for a deep well injection plan to dispose of the 190 million gallons of wastewater held in the south containment pool at the site.

About the water quality May 6, 9 a.m., county commission (land use). May 11, 9 a.m., county commission. May 18, 9 a.m., county commission. May 20, 9 a.m., county commission (land use) May 25, 9 a.m., county commission. County administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org.

Bradenton Beach April 28, 9:15 a.m., city commission. May 5, 9 a.m., CIP. Also of interest May 20, noon, city commission. May 4, 4 p.m., Manatee County Council of GovBradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., ernments, Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com. Blvd., Palmetto. May 10, Island Transportation Planning OrganizaHolmes Beach tion, Holmes Beach City Hall. None announced. — Lisa Neff Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org. Editor’s note: Some meetings may be conducted virtually and some in-person and virtual. Manatee County Please, send meeting notices to calendar@islander. May 4, 9 a.m., county commission (utilities) org and news@islander.org.

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

Commissioner Reggie Bellamy voted against the motion for a $9,350,000 contract for the deep injection well, which would drain the polluted water to 2,000 feet below ground. Other commissioners said they had been reluctant to vote for the plan but decided it was the best — or only — alternative. “I’ve never been in favor of a deep water injection well,” said County Commission Chair Vanessa Baugh. “I’m still not but … we don’t have a choice.” Commissioner Misty Servia put her support behind the plan after hearing scientific arguments for the well. “The evidence shows that they are scientifically sound ways of disposing of this type of waste,” she said. The county expects reimbursement from the state for the contract and other work to deal with the crisis at the plant. Total closure of the site could cost about $200 million. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection reported on water conditions April 23, following the days of discharging wastewater from the retired Piney Point phosphate plant. Bloom conditions were observed in the discharge areas. Survey results have ranged from non-detection to trace levels of cyanotoxins. Additionally, the DEP reported red tide conditions in lower Tampa Bay, southwest of the Manatee River. “Based on results of water quality monitoring and utilization of ocean circulation models, the red tide conditions in these areas are not thought to be a direct result of the Piney Point discharges,” the DEP said. However, elevated nutrients have the potential to exacerbate the blooms. There were no reported fish kills in Tampa Bay as of April 23. — Lisa Neff

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Opinion

Our

Springtime on AMI

We mark National Arbor Day April 30. Can you dig it? We encourage you to keep the holiday by joining a planting ceremony in your community. Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach both host events that day. And we encourage you to mark the holiday by planting a tree or, if that’s not an option, to donate to a tree-planting program. Arbor Day originated in 1872 in Nebraska with a campaign to plant a million trees. As a nation on this Arbor Day, we ought to plant at least 50 million trees and then wake up the morning after to celebrate another spring holiday, May Day. May Day’s origins go back to the Roman Republic era and Floralia, a festival of the goddess of Flora, and different rites of spring developed over the years in many other cultures and communities. Modern May Day traditions, particularly in North America and Europe, include dancing around a maypole and anonymously leaving small baskets of candies or flowers for neighbors, friends and sweethearts. Wouldn’t it be great if giving a May Day basket became an islandwide ritual, an annual act of kindness to cheer neighbors and welcome vacationers? As we encourage you to observe these holidays, we invite you to recognize those who likely taught us as children to treasure the meaning of Arbor Day and make merry on May Day — our teachers and parents. Who inspired you to cherish and nurture the seedling grown in a cup on the windowsill? To make bouquets of violets or daisies? To notice the scent of freshly cut grass or the salt in the Gulf breeze? Who offered instruction on the benefits of trees or pollinator plants, on where butterflies come from and why birds migrate? Our teachers. Our mothers. At the end of the 2020-21 school year, five educators at Anna Maria Elementary — Jackie Featherston, Karen Paul, Mary Miller, Susan Tabicman and Jacque Jordan — will retire. Please, thank them for their service (email featherj@manateeschools.net). Or organize a May Day offering? And close on the calendar is Mother’s Day. Please, participate in The Islander’s Mother’s Day contest — write an essay or create art that pays tribute to the special person or persons who instilled the beauty of nature in you. Email us with your contribution at news@islander.org. — Lisa Neff

April 28, 2021 • Vol. 29, No. 27 Publisher, Co-editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org ▼ Editorial Editor Lisa Neff, lisa@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org Jack Elka, jack@jackelka.com Kane Kaiman, kane@islander.org Kelsey Mako, kelsey@islander.org Amy V.T. Moriarty, amym@islander.org Ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org ▼ Contributors Johann Bertram Karen Riley-Love Capt. Danny Stasny, fish@islander.org ▼ Advertising Director Toni Lyon, toni@islander.org ▼ Webmaster Wayne Ansell ▼ Office Manager, Lisa Williams info@, accounting@, classifieds@, subscriptions@islander.org ▼ Distribution Urbane Bouchet Ross Roberts Judy Loden Wasco (All others: news@islander.org) ▼

Single copies free. Quantities of five or more: 25 cents each. ©1992-2021 • Editorial, sales and production offices: 315 58th St., Suite J, Holmes Beach FL 34217 WEBSITE: islander.org Text or call: 941-778-7978

Your

Opinion

Good governance

After a recent Holmes Beach commission meeting, we looked up the definition of “good governance.” “Good governance” is “a way of measuring how public institutions conduct public affairs and manage public resources.” Furthermore, “it is the responsibility of governments to meet the needs of the masses as opposed to select groups in society.” We thank city officials who have gotten into our neighborhoods and reached out to constituents in an effort to solve issues and work toward the preservation of our neighborhoods. Our comprehensive plan states, “The city considers its most important attribute to be that of a residential community.” Preserving this is dependent upon recognition of accurately characterized problems and using the tools that we have to solve them in an organized team effort. The lengthy soliloquy by the mayor at a recent meeting, which has been described by some as a “tirade,” was anything but this. People were made to feel chastised and put into a corner. For the city officials who are doing what constituents want and deserve, please, do not be deterred. Your residents are greatly appreciative of your efforts. Perhaps one day your many positive suggestions and sometimes easy fixes, will be acknowledged to move toward “good governance” and preservation of our neighborhoods. Dick and Margie Motzer, Holmes Beach

FISH praise

The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage board of directors met for their monthly board meeting April 5 and during that meeting it was pointed out what great effects we have seen from articles written about FISH by Kane Kaiman for The Islander. We are grateful to the paper and to the readers of

Skimming online …

Web (register for free news alerts) islander.org Facebook @islandernewspaper Twitter @ami_islander Instagram @theislanderami Pinterest @islandernewspaper E-edition For $36 a year or $99 for a lifetime, e-edition subscribers have access to the weekly e-edition, with page-by-page views of all the news, photos, columns, community announcements and advertisements. To subscribe, visit islander.org. the stories for their support. We have garnered from Kaiman’s stories much needed financial support from residents on the island. We’ve also welcomed new volunteers at the BoatWorks who joined us, bringing with skill sets that we were lacking. So we want to say how grateful we are to Kane Kaiman, The Islander and its readers for the continued support. One thing for sure: We welcome getting back to normal and can’t wait for the return of the biggest “Party for a Purpose” in February 2022. You got it: The 40th Annual Cortez Commercial FISH Festival! Thank you again for your show of love and support for a very special place and organization. Jane von Hahmann, FISH board treasurer FISH, Cortez

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From the archives

Almost to AMI A postcard from Curt Teich & Co. shows an aerial view of Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. The photograph includes the Longbeach Condominium community in the lower left, the Longboat Pass Bridge and Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. Islander Images: Courtesy Manatee County Public Library System

Tarpon time

10&20 years ago

In the April 25, 2001, issue

• Citing a culmination of events, Bradenton Beach building official Roger Titus resigned after two years in his position. • Turtle watchers were forecasting a delayed start to nesting because of temps in the Gulf of Mexico, which had not reached 80 degrees. A cold snap brought the water temp down to 72 in late April. • Manatee County officials were surveying people on the type of services they would want from a fare-free island trolley. The county planned to launch the operation in 2002. • The Anna Maria Island Community Center — now the Center of Anna Maria Island — raised more than $200,000 with its Affaire to Remember, an annual black-tie gala.

In the April 27, 2011, issue

The caption for the photograph, dated circa 1915-20, reads, “Men with their tarpon catch after a day’s fishing” in Manatee County.

• The unanimous “yes” rang loud and clear when Bradenton Beach commissioners approved a first reading of a new telecommunications ordinance intended to clear the way for construction of a cell tower. • The Florida Department of Transportation and the city of Anna Maria partnered to hold a public meeting on construction of a boardwalk at the Anna Maria City Pier site. • The Anna Maria Island Community Center board was discussing new policies dealing with sexual activity following allegations against a former employee.

Share from your archives Got old photographs of AMI? Write a recollection and share them with The Islander at news@ islander.org.

— Lisa Neff

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

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AM commissioners approve Memorial Day Salute By Amy V.T. Moriarty Islander Reporter

Raise the flag. Honor the sacrifice. Anna Maria city commissioners unanimously approved the return of a Memorial Day Salute. The event — traditionally held on Memorial Day but not in 2020 due to the pandemic — honors those who died in military service. Featuring performances by the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra, the celebration “has been one of our most coveted events,” public works director Dean Jones told commissioners April 22. Jones is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. He outlined a plan to ensure the safety of attendees, including providing 10 hand-sanitizer stations, a hand-washing station and enforcing a requirement that people wear face masks at the outdoor event. “We’ve learned a lot about how to handle crowds to fit CDC guidelines,” Mayor Dan Murphy said. Additional plans are being finalized but “we feel strongly that logistically we can pull this off,” Jones said. The event will be the first time AMICCO has performed in a year, Jones said. Anna Maria city clerk LeAnne Addy, left, talks April 22 about a possible stormwater fee increase. Commissioner Deanie Sebring looks on. Islander Photo: Amy V.T. Moriarty

Place portrait photo here

The event will be 10-11:30 a.m. Monday, May 31, for compensation of lost revenue due to the pandemic at City Pier Park, 101 S. Bay Blvd. from the $740,000 the city expects to receive as part of the federal American Rescue Plan. In other matters • Concerts approved: Two concerts at the Center • Storm water management: Commissioners unani- of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., were unanimously approved a final reading of an amended section mously approved. of the stormwater management ordinance. The concerts, with performances by Crystal Gayle The amendment allows developers to utilize a and the Grass Roots, will be 5-9 p.m. Friday, June 11, standard infiltration trench design for pools, garages and July 2, respectively. and sheds on lots with existing structures. The commission previously approved concerts Also, at least three public hearings — one in May featuring the Marshall Tucker Band and Journey. and two in June — will be scheduled to give city taxThe commission next will meet at 2 p.m. Thursday, payers an opportunity to provide input on a proposed May 6, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive. stormwater fee increase. • ATV operations: A resolution allowing city employees to operate utility terrain vehicles, all-terrain New to city hall vehicles and other off-road vehicles on city streets was Ronald Peterson, the new code enforcement unanimously adopted by commissioners. The vehicles will be used for municipal business officer for Bradenton but because they are designated for off-road use, the Beach, is preparing for turtle season, which state does not issue tags. So to be operated on city streets, commissioners begins May 1. Peterson, born and raised in had to approve a resolution, Murphy said. • Pandemic relief: Murphy sought commission Bradenton, previously input for a form to be used by nonprofits applying worked in the Bradenton Police Department. He joined the Bradenton Beach code team April 19. Islander Photo: Kelsey Mako

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AM residents voice concerns about narrow road By Amy V.T. Moriarty Islander Reporter

Fir Avenue residents Scott King and Deborah Connors are worried their narrow road could lead to problems. They voiced their concerns April 8 at an Anna Maria City Commission meeting, prompting Mayor Dan Murphy to promise a traffic engineer would evaluate the situation and determine what if any changes should be made. The dead-end road with mostly owner-occupied homes does not have a cul-de-sac. So motorists who turn onto the street must turn around in a driveway or back down the street to North Shore Drive, King said. What the road does have is a beach path. And beachgoers often clog the road with vehicles, limiting sightlines, King said. He also said beachgoers disrupt residents’ lifestyle and damage their property when they can’t find parking and turn around in driveways or lawns. The concerns are not new, deputy city clerk and code enforcement manager Debbie Haynes said.

A motorist waits April 16 for a contractor’s vehicle to turn at Fir Avenue in Anna Maria. Islander Photo: Amy V.T. Moriarty

A few years ago, in response to requests to ban on-street parking along Fir Avenue, a study showed the right of way on one side of the road was oversized, allowing for vehicles to park without impeding traffic flow, Haynes said. Two sheriff’s deputies also determined there was no safety concern on Fir, Murphy added.

But King and Connors argued allowing parking along the oversized right of way increases the safety hazard. They pointed to a recent incident that required a fire department response but, because of the narrow road and lack of a turnaround, fire crews left their apparatus on North Shore Drive. King and Connors acknowledged a solution would be to ban on-street parking or limit parking to residents. But no city streets limit parking to residents only, according to staff. Also, the city annually alternates roadside parking on many roads, meaning parking is allowed on one side of a road one year and the next year it’s allowed on the opposite side. In the case of Fir Avenue, parking is allowed on the north side during even years but, because parking on the south side is permanently banned, roadside parking is restricted on both sides during the odd-numbered years, public works director Dean Jones said April 16.

BB to seek bids for citywide towing service By Kelsey Mako Islander Reporter

Parking between the designated lines will be more important than ever in Bradenton Beach. City commissioners earlier this month unanimously approved a motion to issue a request for proposals for towing services. The goal is to reach a pricing agreement and establish a contract to tow illegally parked vehicles. The contract would be for three years, with the possibility of two one-year renewals. Mayor John Chappie said the RFP was drafted due to issues with parking at the U.S. post office, as motorists there violate regulations and use the lot during business hours.

Bradenton Beach has an agreement with the U.S. Postal Service that permanently reserves three spots in the lot for post office parking and opens the remaining spots to the public after the post office closes. The RFP will ask for bids to provide for removal of vehicles from the post office lot, public streets, public parking lots and other areas in the city. Additionally, towing services would be used to remove vehicles that are abandoned, disabled or constitute a hazard. Signs warn drivers to abide the rules at the U.S. post office, 116 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. Islander Photo: Kelsey Mako

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Page 10 THE ISLANDER | islander.org April 28, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

The Islander Calendar

Compiled by Lisa Neff, email calendar@islander.org.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ON AMI

Saturday, May 1 10 a.m.-8 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Beach’n Food Truck Festival, city field, 5800-5900 blocks of Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1541. ONGOING ON AMI Throughout April, “Line<Color<Form,” three-dimensional works by Susan Maas, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648. Throughout April, Jodi Tshida and Dee Pastorius, featured artists, Artists’ Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694. Throughout May, “Where in the World?” paintings by Karen Beach, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648.

Karen Beach’s painting, “Cartful of Coconuts —Bequia.” Beach will be the featured artist at Island Gallery West in May. Karen Beach is the featured artist at Island Gallery West in Holmes Beach in May. Islander Courtesy Photos

AHEAD ON AMI

May 13, Center of Anna Maria Island’s Marshall Tucker Band outdoor concert, Anna Maria. June 4, Center of Anna Maria Island’s Journey outdoor concert, Anna Maria. July 24, Anna Maria Island Privateers Christmas in July party, Island Gallery West will feature watercolorist For 15 years, she exhibited in Alexandria, Virginia, Bradenton Beach. Karen Beach’s travel-inspired paintings in “Where in and continues to be a member of the Potomac Valley Sept. 16-26, Island Players’ performance of “The Savannah the World?” Watercolorists. Sipping Society,” Anna Maria. Beach will be IGW’s featured artist in May. She also is a member of ArtCenter Manatee and Nov. 4-14, Island Players’ Same Time, Next Year,” Anna “They say if you write about your experiences in the Florida Watercolor Society. Maria. a journal, you relive those times and fine-tune your IGW visitors can meet Beach 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Watercolorist explores a theme, ‘Where in the World?’

ONGOING OFF AMI

memories,” Beach said in a news release. “I feel the same way when I make a painting inspired by photos I’ve taken while traveling. Whether it’s the islands in the Caribbean, France, Italy, Thailand or Africa, I hope to transport you to that place and share the experience.” Beach resides in northwest Bradenton and participates in local art exhibitions.

Thursday, May 20, as well as join a Facebook Live interview at 5 p.m. Friday, May 7, at facebook.com/ islandgallerywest. The gallery is at 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Face masks are required to enter. For more information, call IGW at 941-7786648.

Through May 16, “Frans Hals: Detecting a Decade,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-359-5700. Through May 16, “Larry Rivers: Boston Massacre from the Ringling collection,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-3595700. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-747-3031, bradentonThrough June 27, “Kabuki Modern,” John and Mable Ringling CLUBS & marauders.com. Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. InforCOMMUNITY mation: 941-359-5700. AHEAD OFF AMI ONGOING ON AMI Through June 27, “Roy Lichtenstein: Monet’s Garden Goes May 14, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Golf TourPop!” Mary Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island breakFee applies. Information: 941-366-5731. fast and meeting, Gulf Drive Cafe, 900 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton nament, Bradenton. Beach. Information: 941-778-1383. GOOD TO KNOW KIDS & FAMILY Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island lunch meetSAVE THE DATES AHEAD ON AMI ing, in-person at Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, and via Zoom. Information: 941-920-2505. Saturday, May 1, May Day. July 4, Anna Maria Island Privateers July 4 Parade, islandTuesdays into May, Anna Maria Farmers Market, City Pier Park, Sunday, May 9, Mother’s Day. wide. 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130. Saturday, May 15, Armed Forces Day. Submit social news to news@islander.org. Please, include Thursday, May 27, last day of school. ONGOING OFF AMI time, date and location for events, as well as a contact name Monday, May 31, Memorial Day. First Fridays, 10 a.m., Parkinson’s Support Group, Paradise and phone number for publication. And, thanks for sharing! Monday, June 14, Flag Day. Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Information: 941-926Sunday, June 20, Father’s Day. 6413. Sunday, June 20, summer solstice. Sunday, July 4, Independence Day. AHEAD OFF AMI Monday, Sept. 6, Labor Day. April 29-May 3, Sarasota-Manatee Originals Forks and Corks Tuesday, Sept. 7, autumnal equinox. Food and Wine Festival, various locations.

OUTDOORS & SPORTS

GET LISTED POST IN THE CALENDAR

Send listings to calendar@islander.org. The deadline is the Wednesday before the publication date. Include the date, time, locaBradenton Marauders baseball, LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. tion and description of the event, as well as a phone number. ONGOING OFF AMI

Milestones

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

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Island happenings

April 28, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 11 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Compiled by Lisa Neff Email calendar@islander.org.

Chamber food truck fest rolls to Holmes Beach

Crystal Gayle will perform outdoors Friday, June 11, at the Center of Anna Maria Island. Islander Courtesy Photo

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce is driving its annual food truck festival to Holmes Beach. The fifth annual Beach’n Food Truck and Music Festival will be 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, May 1, at city field north of Holmes Beach City Hall in the 5800 block of Marina Drive. Plans include arts and crafts vendors, a car show, a kids fun zone, food truck vendors and live music. The music lineup includes: • Emcee Mike Sales, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. • Chuck Caudill, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. • Memphis Rub, 1-3 p.m.

• Jack’D Up, 3:30-5:30 p.m. • The Dr. Dave Band, 6-8 p.m. Parking for the event — billed as a fundraiser for the chamber’s scholarship program — is offered at Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive; Hancock Whitney Bank, 5324 Gulf Drive; and CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, all in Holmes Beach. The 2020 food truck festival did not take place due to the coronavirus pandemic. The chamber also canceled its largest festival, Bayfest in October, due to the pandemic. For more information, call the chamber at 941778-1541.

Enter The Islander’s Mother’s Day contest

Ticket sales ongoing for outdoor center concerts

The Visit Bradenton Gulf Islands 2021 Concert Series will launch Thursday, May 13, with an outdoor performance by the Southern-rock Marshall Tucker Band. The concert, and others, will be outdoors at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. The Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau is sponsoring the series, presented by the Sandbar restaurant. The series also will feature country artist Crystal Gayle June 11; Journey June 17 and the Grass Roots July 2. Concerts will begin at 7 p.m. For more details about ticket sales and prices, go online to www.centerami.org or contact the itickets box office at 800-965-9324 or www.itickets.com.

She’s mom. She’s mother. She’s mama. She’s dear and deserves her tributes. So The Islander invites readers to enter our Mother’s Day composition and art contest. We’ll select an essay contest winner in each of three age categories — 12 and younger, 13-18 and 19 and older. Please limit your essays to 350 words or less. We’ll also select a 2D art winner from two age groups — 18 and younger and 19 and older. Please, send your entries to news@islander.org by noon Saturday, May 1, and look for the winners in our May 5 issue. For more information, call The Islander at 941778-7978.

Sybil Joyce Hankin, 10, rests on the Virginia Beach shore in 1940. Joyce loved the beach and instilled her passion in her daughter — Islander publisher Bonner Joy. Islander Courtesy Photo

Marauders auditioning anthem performers

The Bradenton Performers can submit recordings through Friday, Marauders are holding July 23. auditions via email for For more information, call the box office at 941national anthem per747-3031. formers. Performances can Kiwanis to meet be vocal or instrumenThe Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria tal, submitted in a video Island will gather Saturday, May 1. recording to maraudersCustom Jewelry The meeting will be at 8:30 a.m. at info@pirates.com. The format must be .mp4 and it Consignments the Gulf Drive Cafe, 900 Gulf Drive N., must be shot in landscape mode. Appraisals Bradenton Beach. An anthem recording will be played at Braden40% OFF ESTATE SALES The club will hear from Melissa Ferlazzo, devel- ton’s LECOM Park prior to the first pitch of all games Watch Repairs opment associate with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the played by the Marauders, a Low-A affiliate of the PittsTune-Ups Sun Coast. Face masks are required. burgh Pirates. Batteries For more, call Sandy Haas-Martens at 941-778Service on Site 1383. Visit www.islander.org for the best news on AMI.

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AME announces 4 retiring staff members Anna Maria Elementary will say so long to some longtime educators at the end of the 2020-21 academic year. Retirement plans for four staff members were announced during an AME School Advisory Committee meeting April 19. The announcement followed news that principal Jackie Featherston will retire after seven years at AME. Featherston will be succeeded by Mike Masiello, principal of Ballard Elementary School. The others planning retirement include Karen Paul, Mary Miller, Susan Tabicman and Jacque Jordan. Third-grade teacher Karen Paul Third-grade teacher Karen Paul is retiring after working at AME for 36 years. Paul has worked at AME longer than any other teacher at the school, teaching science and life cycle lessons to second-, third- and fourth-graders. Her lesson plans include bird identification, nature walks, coastal cleanups and insect studies. While at AME, Paul began the estuary program in 2006, allowing students to collect and study sea critters, then return the animals to the water behind the school, Paul said by phone April 20. Additionally, Paul helped raise money for the school butterfly garden, eventually creating a monarch waystation. She worked with master gardener Christine Callahan to design and create the space. Paul also oversees maintaining and acquiring equipment for AME’s science room, known as the professional library by students and staff. She has written about $40,000 worth of grants to fund studies, ranging from erupting volcanoes to the estuary studies. In retirement, Paul plans to perform community service, hike, bike, kayak and read. “Most of my time, I will be spending outside,” she said. Throughout her career, Paul has taught more than 1,000 students. Fifth-grade teacher Mary Miller Fifth-grade teacher Mary Miller is retiring after seven years at AME and 23 years in the school district. At AME, she has coordinated trips and events with the help of fifth-grade teacher Michele Costanzo, Featherston said April 20 by phone. Miller helped coordinate annual trips to Disney World for fifth-graders, allowing students to study

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AME Calendar • May 4-5, English/language arts state test, fourth- and fifth-grades. • Wednesday, May 5, 9 a.m., PTO meeting • May 11-12, science state test, fifth-grade. • May 19-20, FSA math, third-, fourth- and fifth-grades. • Monday, May 24, AME field day. • Thursday, May 27, last day of school. Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the school at 941-708-5525.

Academic achievements

The Islander welcomes announcements of scholastic achievements. Share honors, stories and photographs by emailing news@islander.org. service group for fifth-graders. Tabicman helped organize a grandparents’ program for fifth-grade students that allowed island residents to become “grandparents” to students without local grandparents. Tabicman also has helped organize an annual Peace Day in the fall, as well as provided character books to teachers to promote good citizenship. Many programs Tabicman is involved with continue efforts begun by former counselor Cindi HarThird-grade teacher Karen Paul will retire this year rison. after 36 years at Anna Maria Elementary. Islander “They were very beloved programs as far as the Photo: Courtesy Karen Paul staff and community were concerned,” Featherston said. STEM-related topics, such as the motion of rides, Tabicman said, “I have such great memories of while having fun. AME that I will hold dear,” Additionally, Miller helped coordinate with Anna In retirement, she plans to spend more time with Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, family, develop new hobbies and travel. allowing students to experience the process of excavating a sea turtle nest. STEM teacher Jacque Jordan During the COVID-19 pandemic, Miller orgaSTEM teacher Jacque Jordan is retiring after 15 nized a drive-through farewell parade for fifth-grade years in the school district. students. Jordan educates AME students in all grade levels Miller also worked at Stewart Elementary. in science, technology, engineering and math-related topics twice a week. Guidance counselor Susan Tabicman She also coordinates STEM-related challenges and Guidance counselor Susan Tabicman is retiring competition at the school. after five years at AME. Additionally, she organizes STEM night, where Tabicman has worked in the school district for 32 parents and families join students in participating in a years. range of activities in classrooms, Featherston added. She works with the Rotary Club of Anna Maria Before working at AME, Jordan served in the U.S. Island and the local Kiwanis Club, serving as the staff military. adviser to the K-Kids Club, a Kiwanis Club-supported Fourth-grade teacher Pidge Barreda will be succeeding Jordan as STEM teacher next fall. Other staff changes are not confirmed, Featherston said. AME is hiring for third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade teachers, as well as a guidance counselor.

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AM commissioners consider farmers market future By Amy V.T. Moriarty Islander Reporter

The Tuesday farmers market at City Pier Park in Anna Maria could face changes. Nothing has been decided but Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy gave city commissioners three options April 22 as he suggested they consider the future of the market: • Keep the market as is; • Cancel the market; • Seek an alternate location. Here’s some background on the market’s origins: After the historic city pier, 100 S. Bay Blvd., was damaged by Hurricane Irma in 2017 and later demolished, businesses suffered due to diminished traffic and tourism. To bring people to Pine Avenue and revitalize business, the city established a market at City Pier Park, 101 N. Bay Blvd. Now, Murphy said, the city is “a victim of our own success.” With shops along Pine Avenue bustling and the new pier, opened last summer, packed, parking is at a

Trisha Ram, right, buys tomatoes April 20 from Tony Martinez of Milagros Farm at the Anna Maria Farmers Market. The future of the market — open Tuesdays midOctober to mid-May at City Pier Park, 101 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria — was discussed April 22 by city commissioners. Islander Photos: Amy V.T. Moriarty

premium, especially along North Bay and South Bay boulevards near the pier and the pier park, where the market operates 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays mid-October through mid-May. And it’s going to get busier, as the city and Sarasota-based Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium develop an outreach center in the vacant 1,800 squarefoot building on the T-end of the pier. Murphy said one option is to move the market to Bayfront Park, 310 N. Bay Blvd., which is managed by Manatee County on land owned by the city. To place the market at Bayfront, the city would have to work with the county for permission. Pine Avenue resident Trisha Ram said April 20 she

loves the accessibility of the market at the pier park. She also said she doesn’t own a car. “This is how I get my stuff,” Ram said. At the meeting, Commissioner Joe Muscatello said he too has a Tuesday morning routine that involves shopping at the market. Murphy acknowledged the market’s popularity and said he doesn’t want to get rid of the attraction. But he wants commissioners to seek input from their constituents and think about options to discuss at their next meeting, set for 2 p.m. Thursday, May 6, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive. For more information, call the clerk’s office at 941708-6130.

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Tidings

Gathering

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, gloriadeilutheran.com. Harvey Memorial Community Church, Facebook. Longboat Island Chapel, longboatislandchapel.org. Roser Church, roserchurch.com.

Worship and events calendar

REGULAR WORSHIP

Catholic Church to end special dispensation

The Diocese of Venice announced the end of a special dispensation for Sunday Mass. The dispensation was issued in March 2020, as the area was responding to the spread of the novel coronavirus and churches were closing. The dispensation was continued throughout the past year but will end Saturday, May 1. A statement from the diocese, which includes St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach, said, “It is apparent that circumstances now allow for all Catholics to attend Mass safely.” The statement also said, “Life in Southwest Florida has returned to some level of normalcy; restaurants, stores and entertainment venues are open and people of all ages are willing to return to ordinary activities.” St. Bernard’s website April 21 said face masks are required to attend Mass. For more information about church operations, including access to live-streamed services, go online to stbernardcc.org or call the church office at 941-7784769.

Obituary

Kim Leslie Steenstra

Kim Leslie Steenstra died April 20. She was born June 18, 1959, in Wilmington, Delaware, to Eleanor Lee Bryson and Walt Joseph, both deceased. Her siblings included Teri Joseph, Patti Shawhan Morgado and Michael Bryson. Steenstra She was a resident of Anna Maria since 1985. She volunteered at Anna Maria Elementary School and was a teaching assistant since 1996. She also coached cheerleading at the Center of Anna Maria Island. She loved her family dearly, had a wonderful sense of humor, was a beautiful soul, loved by all who met her. She loved crafting and her artistic gifts to her family will be treasured always. She is remembered by her husband, Scott Steenstra, and sons Scottie Steenstra and Shawn Steenstra, as well as nieces Danielle Stange and Amber Elizabeth Allen, and nephews William and Dustin Allen.

About obituaries

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. You may submit a standard obituary and photo to news@islander.org. Obituaries are free.

Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-4769. Thursdays 9:30 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1638. Saturdays 4 p.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. Sundays 8 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. 8:30 a.m. — Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. 9 a.m. — CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-0719. 9:30 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. 10 a.m. — Roser Church. 10 a.m. — Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian USA, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-9004903. 9 a.m. — Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-6491. 10:30 a.m. — St. Bernard. 10:45 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. 11 a.m. — Longboat Island Chapel.

ONGOING EVENTS Wednesdays 10 a.m. — Women’s Bible study, Christ Church. 6:15 p.m. — Wednesday supper, CrossPointe. 6:45 p.m. — Wednesday Night Blast, CrossPointe. Thursdays 9:30 a.m. — RoserRobics fitness, Roser Church. Mondays 9 a.m. — Men’s Bible study, Christ Church, via Zoom. Tuesdays 9:30 a.m. — RoserRobics fitness, Roser Church. Save the dates May 4, National Day of Prayer. July 24, Pioneer Day. Sept. 6-7, Rosh Hashanah. Sept. 13, Yom Kippur. — Lisa Neff

Gathering

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

ONLINE WORSHIP OFFERED Christ Church of Longboat Key, christchurchlbk.org. CrossPointe Fellowship, crosspointefellowship.church. Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, amiannunciation.org.

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Assistance offered on AMI

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

docents for the museum. Information: 941-778-0492. • Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals. Information: 941-345-2441. — Lisa Neff

Historical society extends appreciation to volunteers

The Anna Maria Island Historical Society hosted the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce board and members April 22 on the museum grounds in Anna Maria. AMIHS presented a scholarship to a graduating high school student, Alexandra Texidor-Abel and also recognized volunteers with thanks. A statement from AMIHS extended thanks to “the following people who baked our settler’s bread, whose sales finance the scholarship: Susan Anderson, Dina Ballestrini, Sue Bokos, Lynn Brennan, Mary Coughlin, Al Gilcrist, Judy Hildman, Vicki Keasey, Jean Knopp, Becky Kobos, Mary Maki, Paula Olivero, Karen Perl, Pat Raa, Deb Sneddon, Kathy Shapell, Barbara Truemper-Green, George Wytko and Laura Ward-Doughty.” AMIHS also thanked Wanda Crummey and Brennan for staffing a booth at the Anna Maria Farmers Market, where the bread is sold on Tuesdays. During the 2021 season, volunteers baked and sold 986 loaves.

Assistance sought on AMI

• The Roser Food Bank seeks donations. Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, administers the pantry, supported by All Island Denominations. Information: 941-7780414. • The Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department seeks “self-guided volunteers” to clean trails and beaches, take photos and other tasks. Info: michelle. leahy@mymanatee.org or 941-742-5923. • The Anna Maria Island Historical Society, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, seeks volunteers, including

Volunteer opportunities The organizations Visit islander.org for the best news on AMI.

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Julia Baugher — mid-jump — enjoys a bounce on a giant trampoline during the Center of Anna Maria Island’s fun day, held April 24.

Adventures abound The Center of Anna Maria Island’s April 24 fun day offers train rides and other adventures for families, as well as raises funds for the nonprofit, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Islander Photos: Karen Riley-Love Maddie Kimmons, 8, of Cortez, is all smiles at the rock-climbing wall. Maddie is a third-grader at AME.

Trevor Bystrom April 24 entertains the crowd at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. The center hosted a fundraising fun day, with music, activities, tributes and food.

Ava Harlan, 12, of Bradenton, takes part April 24 in an ocean acidification experiment guided by Mote Marine volunteers during the Center of Anna Maria Island’s fun day, outdoors at the Anna Maria nonprofit.

Janae Rudacille and son Camden enjoy ice cream provided by Small Town Creamery during the April 24 fun day at the Center of Anna Maria Island.

Van Zandt scholarship deadline extended

Diving for dollars David Bouchard triumphantly holds a wallet April 19 near the Rod & Reel Pier, 875 N. Shore Drive, Anna Maria. Bouchard is a pier regular — described by R&R staff as “a regular Joe.” When he heard a commotion and realized it was because someone dropped a wallet into the water, he dove in to retrieve it. Islander Photo: Courtesy Mike Janusz

Graduating high school seniors in pursuit of a career can apply through Friday, April 30, for an award from the John van Zandt Scholarship Fund. The fund was announced Feb. 1, with an application deadline of April 1. However, the deadline was extended to April 8 and then to April 30. Funds will be awarded to graduating seniors seeking tuition assistance to pursue a career that does not require a college degree. Applicants should live or work on Anna Maria Island or have parents who work on the island. Awards range $2,500-$5,000 and may be presented to one scholarship winner or shared by two finalists in

the application process, which involves review by a selection committee. Applications can be found on the Center of Anna Maria Island’s website at centerami.org, as well as at high school counseling offices. Donations to the fund also can be made via the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Donations — put JvZ on the memo line — are tax deductible. The scholarship fund account is with the Manatee Community Foundation, according to a news release from the center. For more information, contact the center at 941778-1908.

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Cops & Courts

Staff reports

Prosecutor posts witness, evidence list in hit-and-run case By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The state attorney’s office is beginning to show its cards. Attorney Tyler Egbert is the prosecutor assigned to the state’s case against Holmes Beach resident Cierra Shannon, 27, who allegedly left the scene of a Feb. 10 hit-and-run traffic crash that resulted in the death of a pedestrian. Egbert filed a discovery exhibit and witness list April 15 that provides an outline of what he could bring into a courtroom. Shannon turned herself into the Bradenton Police Department Feb. 11, the day after she was identified as the driver of a 2006 silver Chevrolet Trailblazer that killed 83-year-old Madelyn Dakin. Dakin, a Michigan resident who was vacationing in Holmes Beach with her husband of 67 years, Gerald, was struck while crossing near the 2700 block of Gulf Drive and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Streetlife

Staff reports

Island police reports

Anna Maria April 14, 100 block of Beach Avenue, suspicious circumstances. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a property owner witnessing someone jump their fence and had it on a security camera recording. The deputy found no one in the area and nothing was reported missing from the property but the deputy filed a request for additional patrols. April 14, 700 block of Holly Road, noise. The MCSO dispatched a deputy regarding a complaint of loud music. The deputy found people around a pool, listening to music and talking loudly, and issued citation for violation of the noise ordinance.

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Shannon was released Feb. 16 into pretrial probation after posting a $15,000 bail bond. The SAO charged Shannon with a first-degree felony for leaving the scene of the incident that resulted in Dakin’s death. Shannon filed a “not guilty” plea Feb. 16. Now, the state is building its case. The discovery exhibit and witness list details the state’s prepared evidence, as well as a 31-person list of witnesses who could be called to testify. Prosecutors are obligated to disclose the information to the defense. The witness list includes 20 law enforcement officers, including Holmes Beach Police Detective Sgt. Brian Hall and Bradenton Beach police officer John Tsakiri, as well as Kristen Cavener from the District 12 Medical Examiner’s Office in Sarasota and Dawn Strom from Manatee County EMS. The list includes Shannon’s mother, Elizabeth, and

a handful of people identified as witnesses at the scene in Holmes Beach Police Department’s reports. The document also lists items and materials that could be used as evidence, including Shannon’s vehicle, police reports, lab analysis, medical records, video footage of the incident, the city’s license plate reader records and a record of Shannon’s criminal history. The exhibit states the prosecution “has no material information tending to negate the defendant’s guilt.” The charge carries a four-year minimum mandatory prison sentence if she is found guilty. Shannon was found guilty of driving under the influence in 2015, according to county court records. An April 20 case management hearing was continued to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, June 3, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. Egbert did not respond to an April 22 call from The Islander.

April 15, Rod & Reel Pier, 875 N. Shore Drive, trespass. The MCSO dispatched a deputy regarding an unwanted person at the business. The deputy issued a verbal warning. April 15, 200 block of Palm Avenue, noise. The MCSO received a complaint about loud music and talking. The deputy heard the music and loud voices and issued a citation for violation of the city’s noise ordinance. April 16, 200 block of Palm Avenue, noise. The MCSO dispatched a deputy regarding a complaint of loud partiers. The deputy did not hear anything and the complainant said the partiers moved inside and quieted down when they learned police were called. April 18, 200 block of Willow Avenue, noise. The MCSO received a complaint about a large party. The deputy issued a citation for violation of the city noise ordinance. The MCSO polices Anna Maria. Bradenton Beach April 15, 2100 block of Avenue B, noise. The Bra-

denton Beach police dispatched an officer regarding loud talking. The officer issued a warning regarding the penalty for violating the city noise ordinance. April 16, Tortuga Inn, 1325 Gulf Drive N., noise. The BBPD dispatched an officer regarding a complaint of loud voices. The officer found people talking on a balcony, advised them of the city’s noise ordinance and issued a verbal warning. The Bradenton Beach Police Department polices Bradenton Beach. Cortez April 14, 4500 block of 119th Street West, larceny. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint that a driver’s license and personal grooming items were stolen from a bag during a boat tour. The deputy filed a report. April 18, 10300 block of Cortez Road West, vandalism. The MCSO dispatched a deputy regarding a complaint that a boater anchored too close to a dock and, when wind shifted, the boat broke the dock. The deputy filed a report. The MCSO polices Cortez.

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HB magistrate issues deadline for uncertified rentals By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Time is ticking away for property owners of vacation rental units at 208 Peacock Lane in Holmes Beach to reach compliance. The city’s special magistrate, Sarasota attorney Michael Connolly, ruled April 21, setting a 4 p.m. Friday, April 30, deadline for property owners Thomas and Evelyn Varne to obtain a valid vacation rental license from the city. Code compliance supervisor JT Thomas said the city notified the property owners several times that their vacation rental license expired Jan. 4, but they continued to rent and advertise the units. The pair applied to renew their vacation rental

license April 19 but the property failed an inspection due to the lack of a landline phone connection, according to Thomas. City code requires all vacation rentals have at least one landline phone connection for communal use in case of emergencies. Thomas recommended levying a $250 daily fine from Jan. 4 until the owners come into compliance, plus a $127.24 administrative fee. Property manager Adam Neumeyer, who represented the property owners at the meeting, said they’d missed several city violation notices but were trying to install a phone line as soon as possible. “We don’t want to fight. …We’re working our best to be in compliance with the city,” Neumeyer said.

Arraignment continued for Jacksonville man arrested for DUI By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Official charges against Jacksonville resident Nicholas McCutcheon, 22, for driving under the influence of alcohol in Holmes Beach will have to wait. An April 22 arraignment for McCutcheon’s case was continued after McCutcheon failed to appear for the hearing. The case began when Holmes Beach police arrested McCutcheon after he allegedly failed field sobriety tests during a March 20 traffic stop. McCutcheon performed two Breathalyzer tests that returned results of 0.170 and 0.173 blood/alcohol content. The legal limit for driving under the influence is 0.08 in Florida. An officer transported McCutcheon to the Manatee County jail. He was released the next day after posting

a $120 bond. Attorney Deanna Cipriano, assigned as prosecutor, filed a second-degree misdemeanor charge April 1 against McCutcheon for driving under the influence. McCutcheon pleaded not guilty April 19, as well as filed a motion — granted the same day — to consolidate two traffic infractions from the incident into one case. The traffic infractions include failure to drive in one lane and possession of open alcohol containers in a motor vehicle. The arraignment hadn’t been rescheduled as of April 23, but a pretrial conference will be at 1:25 p.m. Tuesday, June 29, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. The second-degree misdemeanor charge carries varying punishments, including fines and up to nine months in prison for a first conviction.

Erica Augello, the city’s code compliance attorney, said the city emailed Neumeyer multiple times and posted notices at the property, but only recently received a response. Augello recommended Connolly impose a $250 daily fine but asked the special magistrate to give the property owners 72 hours to come into compliance before the fine went into effect. Connolly said he’d give the property owners until April 30 to come into compliance before levying fines, but required they pay the $127.24 administrative fee. Connolly said they would revisit potential fines at a future special magistrate hearing if the property owners were not in compliance by the deadline.

BB plans to increase code enforcement fines

The cost of causing trouble in Bradenton Beach could more than double. Commissioners April 22 held a first reading of an ordinance to increase code enforcement fines. The draft ordinance states general code violators could be fined up to $250 per day on a first offense and $500 per day for repeated violations. The existing ordinance states violators can be fined up to $100 per day on a first offense and $250 per day for repeated violation of the same code. There was no public comment. A second, final reading and public hearing will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 6, at the Katie Pierola Commission Chambers, 107 Gulf Drive N. — Kelsey Mako

Streetlife continued from page 18

Holmes Beach April 14, 4100 block of Sixth Avenue, Baker Act. An officer from the Holmes Beach Police Department responded to reports of a disturbance. The officer found a man who said his stepson was acting violent and needed intervention. The officer located the stepson and transported him for treatment in Bradenton. April 16, 500 block of 75th Street, fraud. A resident called the HBPD to report that a fraudulent medical bill was mailed to her address and billed to her credit card. The officer issued the complainant a case number and told her to contact her insurance company. April 17, 4000 block of Gulf Drive, recovered firearm. A motorist flagged down an officer to give him a firearm found at Gulf Drive and Manatee Avenue. The officer placed the gun in storage. April 17, Island Bazaar, 3304 E. Bay Drive, trespass. An officer responded to calls from employees about a man trying to enter locked vehicles in the parking lot. The officer searched the area but couldn’t find the man, until another business called to report the same person. The officer found the man and trespassed him at the property owner’s request. April 19, 500 block of Manatee Avenue, suspended license. An officer stopped a motorist known to lack a license. The driver’s license was suspended and the motorist had no proof of insurance. The officer issued a court summons and citation. April 19, Publix Super Market, 3900 E. Bay Drive, lewd behavior. Employees called the HBPD to report a man taking upskirt photos of women. They provided security footage of the man and sworn statements. An officer reviewed the footage and opened an investigation. HBPD polices Holmes Beach. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

Island watch In an emergency, call 911. To report information, call the MCSO Anna Maria substation, 941-708-8899; Bradenton Beach police, 941-778-6311; or Holmes Beach police, 941-708-5804.

R&R: Rescue and recovery Manatee County Sheriff’s Sgt. Robert Hendrickson holds a fawn — maybe a day or two old — injured in an attack by dogs in Lakewood Ranch. After vet care, the fawn went to the Wildlife Inc. Education and Rehabilitation Center in Bradenton Beach, which Ed and Gail Straight operate from their home. Islander Photos: Courtesy MCSO/Facebook

Agreement reached between city, county, property owners

Case closed. Bradenton Beach commissioners approved April 8 a motion for settlement and mutual release in a case between Manatee County, three property owners and Bradenton Beach. In 2017, the county filed a complaint against the city’s use of the Bayshore Drive right of way, as it crosses three lots. A portion of the county wastewater system, called the Gravity Line, is located in the right of way. The lots are owned by BB Bayfront LLC, 114 11th Street LLC and Shawn Kaleta. The property owners had sought a city permit to construct pools on the three lots. The city then filed a crossclaim, asking the owners to grant utility easements to the city. In 2018, the property owners filed a counterclaim against the county, alleging claims for ejectment, trespass and inverse condemnation relating to

the county’s use of the right of way. In 2019, the county amended its complaint to include three additional causes of action against the city. The settlement states the county will relocate and replace the Gravity Line by installing a new wastewater line to extend through 11th Street South and Gulf Drive South. The motion also included an amended and restated agreement between Bradenton Beach and the county. The main change in the agreement is the franchise fee, city attorney Ricinda Perry said. Annually, through Oct. 1, 2022, the city will impose a franchise fee of at least $50,000. Previously, the franchise fee extended through Oct. 1, 2021, but costs involved with litigation allowed for the extension of the fee. — Kelsey Mako

Page 20 THE ISLANDER | islander.org April 28, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

County vaccine event draws 330, rollout ending By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Manatee County’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout effort is coming to a close. County information outreach manager Nicholas Azzara told The Islander April 22 that the first-come, first-served vaccinations at Tom Bennett Park April 21 resulted in 330 inoculations. “It was better turnout than I expected,” Azzara said, acknowledging the event’s 8 a.m.-noon timeline made it inaccessible for some working people. “It’s hard to accommodate all working schedules.” The county will host a final first-dose vaccination event on a first-come, first-served basis 3-7 p.m. Wednesday, April 28, at Tom Bennett Park, 400 Cypress Creek Blvd., Bradenton. Azzara said the event is timed to make it more accessible to people working 9 a.m.-5 p.m. People who receive first doses that day will receive their second doses May 26 at Bennett Park.

The county’s public safety center vaccine site will continue to administer second doses until it closes Friday, April 30, which will leave Bennett Park as the only public vaccination site. The county will assess how long the Bennett Park site must remain operational and Azzara encouraged people to get vaccinated by appointment at pharmacies including at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Publix Super Markets and Winn-Dixie. “There should be enough opportunities now for anyone who wants to be vaccinated to do that on their own timetable,” Azzara said. The county public safety and health departments had vaccinated 164,046 residents as of April 23, according to a COVID-19 report from the same day. Up to 70%-80% of the county population must be vaccinated to reach herd immunity, Azzara said.

bers of the #MaskUpManatee Coalition, made up of government entities and nonprofits, and received a warm reception for #VaxUpManatee. “Even though the county’s operations for public vaccinations at Tom Bennett Park and the public safety center are starting to wind down, we’re not quite at half the percentage we’re trying to reach for vaccinations,” Azzara said. Azzara said several coalition members volunteered to join the #VaxUpManatee plan for an anti-hesitancy campaign. The campaign would consist of community leaders and experts making videos and hosting or visiting events to educate and ease people’s minds about the vaccines. “We’re going to start to get dates booked to film people relaying these messages and that’ll be another part of the campaign going into May,” Azzara said. #VaxUpManatee campaign continues For more, go online to https://www.mymanatee. Azzara said he spoke April 22 with about 30 mem- org.

Fire district considering assessment rate hikes for 2021-22 By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

West Manatee Fire Rescue assessment rates

Fire protection in the West Manatee Fire Rescue district may cost more in fiscal year 2021-22. WMFR commissioners held a workshop April 20 to discuss the staff’s midyear budget review — including a proposal to hike assessments for next year’s budget — halfway through 2020-21. The workshop was the first of many meetings aimed at creating a budget for the next fiscal year by August. Chief Ben Rigney, who presented the review, told commissioners that staff recommended increasing the district’s assessment rates by 4% for the next fiscal year to cover projected rising costs over the next three years. The increase would raise $300,791.80 more for the district than the existing rates. The district’s current assessment rates include a $195.53 residential base rate and a $0.1153 additional charge for square footage, as well as a $485.94 commercial base rate with a $0.2104 additional charge for square footage.

With the current rates, WMFR charges residential property owners $310.85 for a 2,000-square-foot home and $426.17 for a 3,000-square-foot home. Commercial property owners pay $696.37 for a 2,000-square-foot building and $906.80 for a 3,000square-foot building. The proposed rates would include a $203.35 residential base rate and a $0.1199 additional charge for square footage, as well as a $505.38 commercial base rate with a $0.2188 additional charge for square footage. If commissioners approve the proposed rate, property owners would pay $323.28 for a 2,000-square-foot home and $443.22 for a 3,000-square-foot home.

Commercial property owners would pay $724.23 for a 2,000-square-foot building and $943.08 for a 3,000-square-foot building. Staff also proposed a 5.64% max assessment increase for the next fiscal year. If commissioners approved the max rate increase, the additional $123,324.17 raised over the proposed rate would be put toward the district’s reserves. The workshop was an informal discussion and did not include staff direction and there were no motions. The next WMFR commission meeting will be at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 18, via teleconference, with instructions posted online at www.wmfr.org.

Jamie Woloszyn pins a badge April 20 to her fiance, Frank Agresta, after WMFR promoted him to firstclass firefighter. Agresta has been with the district since 2016.

WMFR Battalion Chief Rich Jasinski pins a badge April 20 to the uniform of his son, Ashton Jasinski, after Ashton was promoted to third-class firefighter. WMFR hired him as a reserve firefighter in 2014.

Retired WMFR Deputy Chief Brett Pollock shakes the hand of his son, Maxwell Pollock, after Maxwell was promoted to third-class firefighter and awarded a new badge.

Category Residential Base Rate Residential SQ FT Rate $0.1153 Commercial Base Rate $485.94 Commercial SQ FT Rate Projected Assessment Revenue

Existing $195.53 $0.1199 $505.38 $0.2104 $7,519,795

Proposed $203.35 $0.1218 $513.34 $0.2188 $7,820586.80

Maximum $206.56

$0.2223 $7,943,910.97

Pins and badges West Manatee Fire Rescue celebrates promotions April 20 with ceremony

Milestones

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

West Manatee Fire Rescue District firefighter Paul Hopkins poses with family members April 20 after being promoted from lieutenant to captain. Hopkins has worked for WMFR since 2001. Islander Courtesy Photos: Ben Rigney

April 28, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 21 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Annual meeting provides glimpse into FISH’s future

In the past year, four board members have departed. Former treasurer Michael Northfield died in September 2020. Three others resigned, two because of advanced age, von Hahmann said. In their absence, FISH has struggled to meet quorum requirements and new volunteers have not been forthcoming during the pandemic. The departures and dwindling volunteers prompted members at the annual meeting to approve an amendment to the bylaws to reduce the board from 15 to 11 members. In the midst of these challenges, seeing young people attend the meeting was heartening, von Hahmann said. “This happening now, it’s timely. It’s very timely,” she said. “It’s just nice to see some of the younger generation decide to get involved and step up.” To get involved with FISH, call 941-794-0043 or email jvonhahm@verizon.net.

By Kane Kaiman Islander Reporter

Ah, the life cycle of FISH. The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the Cortez commercial fishing legacy, held its annual board meeting April 19. There were three new, young faces in the room that may represent the organization’s future. General members Jamie Gooden, 36, Capt. Lance Plowman, 33, and Erin Dolan, 27, stood out from the crowd of 19 people who attended. Aside from ex-officio board member Angela Collins, they were the only people at Fishermen’s Hall under age 40. Plowman and Dolan, a couple, operate Florida Fishing Fleet, a charter fishing business based in Cortez. Gooden, whose boyfriend is a charter captain and commercial fisher, moved from Bradenton to Cortez last year. She quickly became a member of FISH. “My main motivation was bringing in some younger voices, a younger vision and just supporting where I live,” she said. The annual meeting was the first for Gooden and Dolan, who motivated Plowman to attend. He plans on running for a seat on the board next year. The group said they hope their familiarity with social media will benefit FISH. Through platforms like Facebook, they believe they can help the organization spread information, raise money and recruit volunteers. “There are people that, if they were made aware of what was going on, they would want to get involved,” Gooden said. “There are a lot of younger fishermen in this village,” Dolan added. “We have a bunch of friends that

New FISH members Erin Dolan, left, Jamie Gooden and Capt. Lance Plowman pose April 19 in Fishermen’s Hall, 4515 124th St. W., Cortez, following the annual meeting. Islander Photos: Kane Kaiman

are fishermen and I think they could definitely help.” FISH has an aging membership. The organization puts on the annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival with volunteers who are, on average, more than 70 FISH treasurer Jane von Hahmann hands out meetyears old, according to treasurer Jane von Hahmann. ing materials to the gathering of members.

Bradenton Beach seeks to expand boundaries in surrounding waters By Kelsey Mako Islander Reporter

Bradenton Beach’s reach is growing. City commissioners unanimously voted April 22 to approve the final reading of an ordinance to expand municipal boundaries for enforcement purposes. The ordinance seeks to provide the Bradenton Beach Police Department enforcement authority in the amended boundaries, which would include 1,500 feet to the centerline of the Intracoastal Waterway. Boundaries also would extend 500 feet into the Gulf of Mexico parallel to the beach, Leffis Key and the Holmes Beach line. Previous boundaries, determined in 2006, gave Bradenton Beach law enforcement authority 500 feet toward the Intracoastal Waterway, the Gulf of Mexico

and Sarasota Bay. The main changes in the ordinance involve the extensions toward the Intracoastal Waterway and at Leffis Key. The map boundaries presented at the meeting extended past the South Coquina Boat Ramp and were questioned by Commissioner Jake Spooner. Mayor John Chappie recommended changing the boundaries to stop at Leffis Key and commissioners agreed. City attorney Ricinda Perry said she would need to clarify the Leffis Key change on the map with surveyor Rich Jackson.

Expanding boundaries aligns with goals the commission aims to achieve with a couple of projects, including improvements at the Historic Bridge Street Pier and work in the adjacent anchorage. Both encourage utilizing other modes of transportation and require policing, Chappie said. The pier project involves the installation of finger docks and the work in the anchorage area entails the BBPD removing derelict boats. Since 2012, the BBPD has removed 56 derelict vessels. An amendment to the police budget may be needed for added patrols, Chappie said.

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Nesting notes By Kelsey Mako

Final preps made for sea turtle nesting — none too soon

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A sign at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach reminds people to keep lights turned off for turtle nesting season, which is May 1-Oct. 31. Islander Photos: Kelsey Mako

enforcement planned to visit condo associations and other properties to leave contact and turtle lighting information. Anna Maria code enforcement also will be monitoring the beaches. Sea turtle protection ordinances for counties and municipalities can be found at myfwc.com. Did you know? Florida is home to one of the largest sea turtle nesting populations in the world, meaning what happens to turtles here is especially important. Sea turtles are protected by federal and state laws. trict.” The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation ComThe district includes properties that may directly mission and the Florida Department of Environmental or indirectly illuminate the beach with artificial light Protection share in responsibilities at the state level. at any time, regardless of whether they are beachfront At the federal level, a range of agencies are properties. involved, including the Fish and Wildlife Service. Additionally, windows and glass doors facing seaward must have a light transmittance value of 15% or 1st of season sea turtle nests less, achieved by using tinted glass, window film or in Sarasota County screens. Sea turtles are nesting on Sarasota County Disorientation markings can be used as evidence of a problem, Tighe added. Disorientation marks are beaches. A loggerhead sea turtle nest was documented April turtle crawl marks leading in multiple different direc22 north of the public Venice Beach area. tions, away from the water. Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium’s Sea STC’s webinar also addressed best practices for managing artificial lighting, including interior light- Turtle Conservation and Research Program volunteers ing. To keep interior lighting from reaching beaches, observed the tracks leading them to the nest. Volunteers Peg Magee and Joyce Thompson then window coverings or tinting are necessary and lights confirmed the nest and staked it. must be amber, Ashley The nest heralds the official start of sea turtle nestCode enforcement officers from Anna Maria, Braing season, which is May 1. denton Beach and Holmes Beach attended the webiMote’s Sea Turtle Conservation Program docunar. Holmes Beach code compliance supervisor JT ments nesting activity, as well as the status of shoreline Thomas spoke, sharing details of the city ordinance habitat on 35 miles of Sarasota County beaches. Loggerheads are the most common nesting sea and enforcement strategies. He said Holmes Beach reaches success by placing turtles on Sarasota County’s beaches, but green sea information about turtle season with businesses and turtles are known to nest there as well. Other signs of turtle nesting in that area: A false in vacation rentals, sending out code officers several crawl April 21 at Siesta Key beach. A false crawl is times a week during nesting season and being active when a female turtle comes ashore but does not nest. in the community. Meanwhile, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and “We try to get out there and be proactive,” Thomas Shorebird Monitoring volunteers continued to await said. Bradenton Beach is training a new code enforce- a first nest of the season on the island’s 7 miles of beachfront. ment officer, said building official Steve Gilbert. AMITW and MOTE volunteers have been moniThe week of May 1, Bradenton Beach code toring beaches since April 15. For more information about nesting in Sarasota County, go to mote.org. Holmes Beach code compliance administrative assistant Kim Charron stands at an information table at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. The table contains information on sea turtle nesting season, as well as activity materials for kids.

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Final preparations for the start of sea turtle nesting season are taking place on Anna Maria Island. With the season officially beginning May 1, island code enforcement officers attended an orientation on how to safeguard against disorientations. The Sea Turtle Conservancy hosted the April 20 webinar to prepare Manatee, Sarasota and Pinellas county code enforcement officers, as well as interested property managers. The code officers achieved three hours toward Florida Association of Code Enforcement certification for their attendance, as well as freshened their knowledge of rules and regs for the season. The STC, the largest sea turtle conservation group in the world, has darkened more than 27 miles of nesting habitat in Florida through education, as well as retrofitted lighting at waterfront properties during the past 11 years. Their webinar covered sea turtle biology, as well as the threats to turtles. Sea turtle populations have declined due to fishing line entanglements, hunting and marine debris, Stacey Gallagher from STC said. At the same time, human populations have increased, especially on Florida’s coasts, leading to more development and artificial lighting. Artificial lighting can confuse nesting and hatching sea turtles, which use light reflected off the Gulf of Mexico to find their way to the water, leading to reduced nesting and nesting success, Gallagher said. Lighting ordinances are adopted, administrated and enforced by local governments, said Rachel Tighe from STC. All three cities on Anna Maria Island have lighting ordinances. Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach share similar ordinances. Their ordinances state new development must have lights positioned so no light or reflective light is directly visible from the beach, artificial light within sight of the beach must be 25 watts or less and lighting fixtures must be mounted as low as possible. Additionally, the ordinances state existing development must ensure nesting habitat is not directly or indirectly illuminated and public light sources must be fitted with a shield and pointed away from the beach or turned off between sunset and sunrise May 1-Oct. 31. The Holmes Beach ordinance states lighting fixed to exterior structures and in outdoor areas, parking areas, roadways and pools must be long wavelength and fully shielded in the “Sea Turtle Friendly Dis-

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April 28, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 23 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

The calculated annual benefits of a live oak? One tree can intercept about 12,281 gallons of stormwater runoff, raise property values, conserve 141 kilowatt hours of electricity for cooling and absorb pollutants through leaves. Islander File Photo

By Lisa Neff

Treemendous trees

My family tree? A crabapple, which blossomed with bright purplish flowers and blanketed the backyard with tiny, wormy fruit. The tree stood at my childhood home when we moved into the house in 1971 and remained standing until 1982, the year I graduated high school. A blight of some kind forced my parents to take down the tree, but for Neff more than a decade the crabapple provided work and recreation and sparked my imagination. Saturday mornings I joined my siblings in the backyard to pick up spoiled fruit — we competed to see who could chuck a crabapple in the garbage can from the greatest distance and occasionally flung crabapples at one another — a warm weather substitution for a snowball fight. We climbed the trunk and hung from branches until one brother fell and broke an arm. At my youngest, I played at being Johnny Appleseed and planted the crabapples to grow more trees around the neighborhood. I learned about Johnny “Appleseed” Chapman, the nomadic orchardist of the 1800s, from a Walt Disney cartoon series that also told the tall tales of Pecos Bill and Paul Bunyan and, more recently, John Henry. The children’s tale is that Johnny Appleseed randomly spread seeds everywhere he traveled but the reality is he established nurseries from Pennsylvania to Illinois. I hadn’t thought of Johnny Appleseed in years but he came to mind when I contemplated how I wanted to celebrate National Arbor Day, which is Friday, April 30. The Arbor Day Foundation encourages us to attend a planting celebration or plant a tree on the holiday observed the last Friday in April. Arbor Day’s origins is on the Great Plains — in Nebraska — where in April 1872 a man named J. Ster-

ling Morton called for setting aside a day for planting and calling attention to trees. Nebraskans are said to have planted a million trees on the first Arbor Day. Later, in Lisle, Illinois, Morton’s daughter, Joy, founded the Morton Arboretum, a destination for many students in the Chicago suburbs, including myself decades ago. Children learn about oaks and acorns, how to plant seedlings and make tree jokes —What’s a tree’s worst month? Sep-timber. Kids also learn about the value of trees using a tree benefit calculator. The live oak outside my home, with a trunk measuring about 22 inches in circumference, provides overall benefits of about $231 a year, including:

HB, BB to celebrate Arbor Day with tree plantings Two island cities — Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach — will celebrate National Arbor Day Friday, April 30. Holmes Beach will celebrate with a ceremony at 9 a.m. at Prince Park, a pocket park behind the S&S Plaza on 53rd Street, according to city clerk Stacey Johnston. The holiday is a celebration of trees and what they provide to the environment. At the ceremony, an elected official will read a proclamation recognizing the holiday, then staff will plant a red cedar tree. In Bradenton Beach, an observance will be at 9:30 a.m. at Katie Pierola Sunset Park, 2212 Gulf Drive N., where four sabal palms will be planted. Plans include a welcome by Mayor John Chappie, former Mayor Katie Pierola and Commissioner Marilyn Maro and the reading of a proclamation by Maro; remarks by Ingrid McClellan and other members of the city’s ScenicWAVES Committee. Additionally, there will be statements by Shawn

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• Intercepting about 12,281 gallons of stormwater runoff; • Raising the property value by $163 a year; • Conserving 141 kilowatt hours of electricity for cooling; • Absorbing pollutants like ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide through leaves; • Intercepting particulate matter like dust, ash and smoke; • Releasing oxygen through photosynthesis; • Reducing atmospheric carbon by 1,240 pounds. As for my family tree, if the crabapple still stood, the annual estimated value would be about $165. But I’d put the sentimental value so much higher. Happy Arbor Day! Mayers of the Anna Maria Garden Club, Richard Andrew Larsen III of the Florida Forest Service, Jennifer Hoffman of Keep Manatee Beautiful and Bob McDuffie of Modern Woodmen of America. — Ryan Paice and Lisa Neff

Enter a Mother’s Day contest

The Islander invites you to enter our Mother’s Day composition and art contest. We’ll select an essay contest winner in each of three age categories — 12 and younger, 13-18 and 19 and older. Please limit your essays to 350 words or less. We’ll also select a 2D art winner from two age groups — 18 and younger and 19 and older. Send entries to news@islander.org by noon Saturday, May 1, and look for the winners May 5.

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Page 24 THE ISLANDER | islander.org April 28, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

KRC hosts end-of-season tourney; soccer, horseshoe news

est drive contest on the first hole while Connie Livanos and David DuVernay won the chipping contests. Following the golf, lunch and libations were served on the outside patio and a good time was had by all. Another special event concluded April 7 with the final of the nine-week, inaugural Key Royale Club Team handicap match play league. Flight A was won by Mike Pritchett and Chuck Patrick of the Duffy’s Duffers team while Flight B was captured by Tom Perkins and Tom Solosky of the Doubting Thomas team. The two flight winners then squared off April 7 with Prichett and Patrick earning a 1-up victory. Heavy rain closed the course for two days but the men were back April 21 for their regular Thursday morning scramble. The team of Bill DeMenna, Fred Miller, Ken Nagengast and Tom Solosky combined of a 4-under-par 28 to earn clubhouse bragging rights for the day.

By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter

After two weeks of action in the adult soccer league at the Center of Anna Maria Island, Flynn Law and Slim’s Place have vaulted to the head of the class. CABB and Beach Bums are right behind, with 1-0-1 records. Salty Printing holds fifth place with a 1-1 record. Sand Bar Restaurant, Sato Real Estate and Killer Bait complete the standings with 0-2 records. Cassidy Action April 22 kicked off with Slim’s Place earning a 3-1 victory over Sato Real Estate behind two goals from Keith Mahoney and one goal from Raul Lauria. Steve Oelfke helped preserve the victory with nine saves in goal. Ben Sato notched the lone Sato Real Estate goal on an assist from brother Josh while Rico Bazert made seven saves in the loss. The second match of the evening saw Flynn Law outscore Killer Bait by a 4-2 margin. Damir Glavan led the way for Flynn Law with two goals while Hakan Toka and Eric Pullen scored a goal each. Mark Long helped secure the victory with seven saves. Ethan Hampton scored two goals to lead Killer Bait, which also received 17 saves from Erik Schultz in the loss. The third match of the night saw CABB and Beach Bums battle to a 3-3 tie. Kali Richardson led CABB with a goal and two assists and Lindsay Styka added a goal and an assist. Timo Vechio completed the scoring with one goal while Connor Haughey made nine saves. Lucky Durmaz scored a pair of goals to lead Beach Bums, which also received a goal and two assists from Yuri Pereira and 12 saves from Tuna McCracken. The last match of the night saw Salty Printing outlast Sandbar Restaurant 5-3. Eliza Faillace notched a hat trick to lead Salty Printing, which also received a goal each from Kevin Roman and Gerardo Urbiola. Bradenton Beach local wins NGTA Open tennis tourney Bradenton Beach resident Mark Malinowski won the NGTA Open UTR 7.5 rating and under coed at Longwood Run April 17-18. He defeated John Owen Studdiford of Bradenton and Out of Door Academy in the finals, 6-2, 7-6 (7-5) in a duel that lasted three hours and 10 minutes. Malinowski also earned earlier round victories over David Feldman of Massachusetts and Katharine Krupnikova in the semifinals. Studdiford defeated Denid Mirnyi, son of 10-time Grand Slam doubles champion and a 2012 Olympic gold medalist in mixed doubles Max Mirnyi. Congratulations Mark. Key Royale golf news Seventy-two Key Royale Club golfers played in a “Fare Well to Members” — those headed away for the summer — scramble April 17 at the Holmes Beach club. Playing under the Ambrose handicap system, the family team of Alicia, Monica and Eric Lawson plus

Mike Pritchett and Chuck Patrick after winning the inaugural Men’s 2021 Key Royale Club team handicap match play league championship. Islander Photo: Courtesy Tom Nelson

recently adopted Neil Hammer, they teamed up to capture first place with a team score of 22.62. Second place went to the team of Anne Klein, Dan Halvorson and Laura and John Purcell at 23.37. Third place went to Debra and David DuVernay, Alain Verstandig and Nathalie Brotchi at 23.5. Alica Lawson and David Johnson won the longest drive contests while closest to the pin was won by Debi Wohlers on the eighth hole and Tom Nelson on the third hole. Roxanne Koche won the putting contest for the women while Steve Donella won for the men. Mary Lou Dreier and Tim Kenny won the straight-

Horseshoe news April 21 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall horseshoe pits saw three teams emerge from pool play with perfect 3-0 records. The team of Tom Farrington and Bob Heiger drew the lucky bye into the finals and watched as Tom Skoloda and Bob Lee slipped past Bob Brown and Rod Bussey by a 21-18 score. Skoloda and Lee took on Farrington and Heiger and held on for a 22-19 victory in the finals. It was another three-team affair in the April 24 games. Bussey and Jay Disbrow drew the bye and watched as Lee and Heiger knocked out Bob Rowley and Gary Howcroft 22-14. Lee and Heiger stayed hot and cruised to a 23-7 victory over Bussey and Disbrow to earn the day’s bragging rights. Play gets underway at 9 a.m. Wednesday and Saturday at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by random team selection. There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome.

Bradenton Beach resident Mark Malinowski shows good form on his serve while competing to win the NGTA Open UTR Coed tennis tournament at Longwood Run April 17-18. Islander Courtesy Photo

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Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

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HIGH

April 28 2:16a 1.6 April29 3:28a 1.5 April30 1:50p 2.8 May1 2:33p 2.7 May2 3:26p 2.4 May3 4:41p 2.2 May4 10:27a 1.6 May5 10:20a 1.7

12:39p 1:12p — — — — 6:39p 8:33p

HIGH

2.6 6:29a 2.8 6:41a — 10:15p — 11:24p — — — 12:35a 1.9 1:41a 1.8 2:37a

LOW

1.1 1.2 -0.5 -0.4 — -0.3 -0.1 0.0

8:14p 9:12p — — — — 1:04p 2:58p

-0.6 -0.6 — — — — 1.5 1.2

Moon

3rd

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April 28, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 25 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Backwater fishing producing action on top inshore trio By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

Backwater fishing around Anna Maria Island remains consistently good. Fishing the morning incoming tide is producing good action on the top catch-and-release species — snook and trout — and the stronger the tide, the better the bite. The snook and trout are responding well to live bait offerings, as well as artificials. Stasny As for the snook, I’m not seeing large concentrations of fish, rather they are spread out over larger areas. This means pulling the anchor more often and moving along the flats. The bottom line: We’re still catching good numbers of fish but with effort. As for the trout, the opposite applies. Catching a dozen or more trout in a spot is occurring frequently and many catches are in the new slot range of 15-19 inches. Most are either within or over-slot. Although the spotted sea trout harvest remains closed due to a prolonged red tide from 2017, the number of fish prove our population is coming back healthy. Let’s hope it stays that way. For those who desire to take fish home for dinner, the Spanish mackerel bite is strong. Anchoring over structure in Tampa Bay and free-lining live shiners on a long shank hook is yielding respectable numbers of the high-speed predators. If you plan on keeping a few for dinner, make sure to bleed them while they’re on ice in the fish box. Also, they’re best if eaten the day they are caught. Capt. Warren Girle is finding good action in Sarasota Bay using live shiners as bait. Casting shiners around residential docks is yielding slot-size and overslot catch-and-release redfish. An occasional flounder is being caught with a weight added to the rig. Moving to the flats, catch-and-release snook are coming to live shiners on the hook along mangroves shorelines and oyster bars. Lastly, on deeper grass flats in the middle of Sarasota Bay, Girle is reporting a variety of species — Spanish mackerel, bluefish, ladyfish, jack crevalle and catch-and-release spotted seatrout. Capt. Aaron Lowman is finding plenty of catchand-release snook action for his clients in southern Tampa Bay. Casting live shiners along mangroves, oyster bars and sand bars is producing excellent action on the linesiders. While fishing shallow flats for snook, Lowman is hooking into other catch-and-release species, including redfish and some large trout. Fishing deeper grass flats is bringing a bite from catch-and-release trout, as well as Spanish mackerel and jack crevalle. Capt. David White says inshore fishing in Tampa Bay is producing vast amounts of Spanish mackerel for hungry anglers. A combination of some fluorocarbon leader, a long shank hook and a live shiner can be deadly for the macks. Fishing structure or deep grass flats provides the best action. Catch-and-release snook and redfish keep White’s anglers busy in Tampa Bay. Shallow grass flats — where oyster bars or mangroves are present — provide good habitat to find these fish. Moving offshore, White’s fishers are enjoying plenty of action on red grouper, as well as mangrove and yellowtail snapper. All three are being caught

Alex Newman of Orlando celebrates his 16th birthday by hooking into a redfish April 17. He was visiting Anna Maria Island and used shiners for bait to catch several redfish — all of them released. He was guided by Capt. Warren Girle.

while bottom fishing with live or frozen bait. Lastly, live shiners fished on the surface around offshore wrecks is luring blackfin tuna to the hook. At the Rod & Reel Pier, Jim Malfese says anglers using live shrimp are hooking up with catch-and-release redfish, as well black drum and flounder. Catchand-release snook also are being caught in this fash-

ion.

Casting jigs tipped with fresh-cut pieces of shrimp is working well for ladyfish, jack crevalle and even pompano. Lastly, silver spoons or Gotcha plugs are attracting a mack bite at the pier. Send photos and reports to fish@islander.org.

Jacob White of Crested Butte, Colorado, shows off a juvenile tarpon he caught April 21 using a threadfin herring for bait. The tarpon was caught and released while on a guided fishing trip with Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters.

TideWatch

Red tide persists, intensifies

The red tide organism persists in Southwest Florida, as Karenia brevis was detected in 52 samples the week ending April 25. K. brevis was observed at very low to low concentrations in Manatee County. K. brevis also was observed at background concentrations in Hillsborough County, background to medium concentrations in Sarasota County, background to high concentrations in Charlotte County, background to medium concentrations in and offshore of Lee County and background to low concentrations in and offshore of Collier County. Fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were Eagle eye reported in Sarasota and Charlotte counties. Charter Capt. David White caught sight of these Also, respiratory irritation was reported in Manabald eagles at Passage Key National Wildlife Refuge tee and Sarasota counties. earlier in April. Passage Key is a protected bird For more information, go online to myfwc.com/ sanctuary and closed to the public. Islander Courresearch/redtide. tesy Photo

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Page 26 THE ISLANDER | islander.org April 28, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

TDC gives thumbs up to funding for island projects By Amy V.T. Moriarty Islander Reporter

Island mayors cleared a hurdle in a quest to secure tourist tax dollars to boost amenities at two piers, a preserve and a busy downtown. The projects involve creating a Mote Marine outreach center in Anna Maria on the Anna Maria City Pier, adding finger docks and making room for a water taxi service to dock in Bradenton Beach at the Historic Bridge Street Pier and, in Holmes Beach, securing new preserve land and making pedestrian-friendly enhancements in the downtown area. The Manatee County Tourist Development Council April 19 unanimously recommended county commissioners allocate project funds. An April 20 email to Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy from Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau senior administration specialist Monica Luff outlined the next steps. First the county attorney’s office will “create four … interlocal agreements with the island cities and amend the tourist development tax ordinance at the City attorney Ricinda Perry outlined for the TDC same time.” the project: How quickly that happens will dictate how long • Construct finger piers to accommodate up to 18 it will take to get the recommendations before county vessels and bring a water taxi service to the floating commissioners. dock anchored to the pier; • Rebuild an adjacent dock for people in dinghies Anna Maria to access the shore; The funding request from Anna Maria is to build• Establish a dedicated access terminal and signage out an 1,800-square-foot building at the T-end of the for a municipal shuttle to service people arriving by Anna Maria City Pier, 100 S. Bay Blvd., for use as a boat. Mote Marine science education and outreach center. “This is a project that really meets, I think, the With marine animal exhibits, seminars, workshops criteria” for funding, said TDC member Ed Chiles. and other educational components along with com- Chiles owns two restaurants on the island and a third munity partnerships, Murphy told TDC members the on Longboat Key, as well as serves on the Bradenton center would be an asset to the county. Beach Community Redevelopment Agency. He said Potential partnerships include the Center of Anna because he has no “pecuniary interest” in the projMaria Island, the Anna Maria Island Historical Society, ect, he did not need to recuse himself from the TDC Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Moni- vote. toring and the School District of Manatee County. Chiles, referring to Bradenton Beach as “a truly A March 19 memorandum of understanding tourist-friendly town,” said the project would make the between Anna Maria and Mote stipulates the city is island more easily accessible via multi-modal transporresponsible for securing $500,000 from non-ad valorem tation while supporting business. tax dollars to fund the build-out, while Mote will cover In 2019, a 250-foot floating day dock was con$55,600 and any project overrun costs, in addition to structed for boaters and charter fishing and boat tour annual operating costs estimated at $444,134. companies to use on a first-come, first-served basis. With an estimated seven-month timeline for the With materials intended to last 30-50 years, Perry build-out, Murphy said the city must secure funding said the pier was “designed to withstand Category 3 as soon as possible. hurricane wave action” and that’s how the finger docks “We’re really counting on the county commis- would be built. sion,” Murphy told The Islander April 20. At 550-feet long and stretching over Sarasota If the county commission rejects the funding Bay, the pier houses a restaurant, bait shop, underwarequest, Murphy said Anna Maria would need to find ter lights, fish cleaning stations, a pavilion and public a new funding source, which could delay the build-out restrooms. and potentially cause the project to fall through. TDC member Gene Brown, Bradenton’s mayor, said a water taxi would be an ideal way to reduce Bradenton Beach motor vehicle congestion in the region and utilize a Bringing a water taxi service to the county could transportation resource available and easily accessible be one step closer if county commissioners approve throughout the county: The waterways. the TDC’s recommendation to fund up to $850,000 Other cities have the infrastructure to accommotoward a dock project planned for the Historic Bridge date a water taxi service, Brown said, “Now it’s just Street Pier, 200 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. getting that vendor that wants to do it.”

The funding request from Bradenton Beach included a plan for the city to match the tourist tax funding. Holmes Beach In October 2020, Holmes Beach finished a seawall erosion repair project in the 5200-5600 blocks of Marina Drive. Mayor Judy Titsworth requested reimbursement up to $282,910 from the TDC to be used to invest in other improvements, such as beautification and pedestrian accessibility, including bike lanes and sidewalks. The beautification and pedestrian accessibility projects would not fall within TDC project funding guidelines but the seawall repair does. So if county commissioners follow the TDC recommendation to reimburse the funds, Titsworth said it would free up money to fund the other projects. The TDC also endorsed a second request for $41,200 to purchase 22 acres of land adjacent to Grassy Point Preserve, a passive park on Sarasota Bay. The park is difficult to access, Titsworth said, but in addition to purchasing the additional acreage, the tourist tax dollars could help create an entrance east of the 3200 block of East Bay Boulevard. The funds would finance signs and boardwalks. About the TDC The TDC makes recommendations to the county commissioners regarding the operation of projects in the tourist development plan and how tourist development tax revenue from the 5% bed tax on accommodations of six months or less may be spent. The council includes chair Misty Servia, a county commissioner, vice chair Vernon DeSear, Eric Cairns, Ed Chiles, Jiten Patel, Rahul Patel, Jack Rynerson, Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown and Palmetto Mayor Shirley Groover Bryant. For more information about the TDC, call Monica Luff at 941-729-9177 or email monica.luff@bacvb. com.

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Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy, left, signs a memorandum of understanding March 19 with Mote Marine president Michael Crosby waiting his turn to sign. Islander File Photo: Amy V.T. Moriarty

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April 28, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 27 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Beach Bistro listed in top beachfront restaurant picks

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USA Today Network contributors listed the Beach Bistro, 6600 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, as one of Florida’s top-10 beachfront restaurants. The Sarasota Herald-Tribune is a member of the network and editor Wade Tatangelo wrote, “Offering fine dining centered around Floridian cuisine that you can enjoy while dressed in your favorite smart casual attire, the bistro places guests right on the sands of Holmes Beach or indoors with its impressive new airfiltration system.” “Husband and wife team Sean Murphy and Susan Timmins opened Beach Bistro in 1985 and continue to play an integral role in the community,” he continued. The restaurant limited service to carryout in April 2020 to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus and subsequently closed until October 2020, when it reopened with a new HVAC system designed to sanitize the restaurant’s air using ultraviolet light. The Beach Bistro is open 5-10 p.m. daily. People can make reservations by calling 941-7786444 or view the menu online at www.beachbistro. com.

Amy V.T. Moriarty

The buzz in business

Newly named scholarship awarded The Anna Maria Island Historical Society awarded a $2,000 scholarship April 22 to Alexandra TexidorAbel at a networking event hosted by the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce at the historical society museum, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Texidor-Abel, who graduates in May with honors from the Manatee School for the Arts, is the captain of the school’s competitive dance team. Texidor-Abel also works at Scott’s Deli, 6000 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, and Tyler’s Ice Cream, 11904 Cortez Road W., Cortez. She is set to attend Florida Atlantic University in the fall. The scholarship was renamed the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Pat Copeland Scholarship Award in honor of the museum’s co-founder, said society vice president Barbara Murphy. Congratulations Alexandra! Sailing from Columbia to the Château Columbia Restaurant’s loss is The Château at Anna Maria’s gain. After 27 years with the Columbia on St. Armand’s Circle, John Monetti, Holmes Beach resident and former city commissioner, is excited to have a shorter commute to work. He told The Islander April 21 he met the owners of The Château during a recent meeting of the SarasotaManatee branch of the Florida restaurant and lodging group of which he is president. The Château folks invited Monetti to lunch and made him an offer he couldn’t refuse: To join their team as general manager. The restaurant, owned by two stars of The Food Network reality show “Summer Rush,” opened in December 2020 at the Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club, 5325 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Congratulations to John and the Château! For more information, go online to chateauannamaria.com or call 941-238-6264. Benevolent business helps community A family received a boost April 15 when Vinny Esposito, owner of Vinny’s Italian Kitchen, 5337 Gulf

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Elizabeth Hager, right, president of the Anna Maria Island Historical Society, presents Alexandra Texidor-Abel with the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Pat Copeland Scholarship Award April 22 at a networking event hosted by the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce. Islander Photo: Courtesy AMI Chamber of Commerce/Laura Micciche

Drive, Holmes Beach, presented them with a check for $3,815. Esposito said he has a benevolent fund he likes to use to help neighbors in need. Esposito said the fund usually raises $1,000-$1,500 monthly, but was more than doubled in March as customers learned the month’s donations were to help a family pay for a boy’s bone marrow transplant. The fund is financed with customer tips and a portion of the proceeds from the sale of shirts, hats and other merchandise. Esposito said he pays his staff well and they in turn donate their tips. “We’re not millionaires but every little bit helps when someone needs it,” Esposito told The Islander April 22. Thanks for being a great neighbor, Vinny and staff! For more information, go online to italianami.com or call 941-896-9754. Got business news? Contact Amy Moriarty at amym@islander.org or call 941-778-7978.

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AMI Chamber

Saturday, May 1 10 a.m.-8 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Beach ’n Food Truck Festival, city field, 5800 block of Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Save the dates May 14, golf tournament, Bradenton. Fees may apply for events. For more information, contact the chamber at 941-778-1541. Other events Save the dates May 10, Manatee Chamber of Commerce Politics & Pints, Bradenton. Information: 941-748-3411

Business news

Planning new services? New in business? Celebrating achievements? Staff deserves kudos? Submit to news@islander.org. Please, remember to include a contact number and name.

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Page 28 THE ISLANDER | islander.org April 28, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

ITEMS FOR Sale continued

SERVICES

BIKE: GREAT FOR around the island. $40. Call 321-408-6148.

ANTIQUE OFFICE chairs: Perfect for eclectic dining set. Circa 1950 from Anna Maria City Hall. The Islander newspaper, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

NEED A RIDE to airports? Tampa $65, St. Pete, $55, Sarasota, $30. Gary, 863-4095875. gvoness80@gmail.com.

EDGERS: CONCRETE, like new, 50 cents, car roof rack, black, easy install, $50, chandelier, brown metal, hardware Included, $60. 941-920-2494.

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)

KEYBOARDS, $10, MOUSE $5. Non-stick green pans, 8-10-12-inch, 3/$25. 941-9202494. SHIP’S WHEEL TABLE: Capt. J. Lindroth original masterpiece of inlaid wood and brass. 19-inches tall, 45-inch diameter. $1,500. Also, related pieces. marinateal@ gmail.com.

ANNOUNCEMENTS WILL PURCHASE YOUR old Anna Maria Island property plat book (abstract of title). Text images to 813-205-6500.

ANTIQUE PARTNER DESK: All wood, $1,000. See at The Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978. +++ MORE ADS = more readers.

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FOR SALE: CUSTOM golf cart, New batteries Oct. 15, 2019. $4,500 pr best offer. 612384-9076. HELP WANTED Honey is 5 years old. She is up to date with vaccinations, spayed and looking for a loving family. To meet this sweetie, call Lisa Williams at 941-345-2441 or visit The Islander office in Holmes Beach. For more about pet adoption or to adopt Honey, visit moonraceranimalrescue.com.

CHRIST CHURCH OF Longboat Key is seeking to hire an experienced individual to assist in the audio/visual and streaming of its Sunday service, 9:15 a.m.-11:15 a.m. If interested, email info@christchurchoflbk.org. HOUSEKEEPER: PART-TIME at Haley’s Motel. Must have own transportation and speak English. Prior experience required. Haley’s is a non-smoking property. 941-7785405. LOOKING FOR A safe driver to provide scheduled rides for kids of a Holmes Beach family to/from the island to off-island events (school, sports, etc.). Please contact: annamariarick@gmail.com.