The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, June 14, 2023

About the Pines Trailer Park sale … 2 Holiday notice. 2 AM market to expand. 3

Q&A 061423 3

Meetings 4

Opinions 6

Looking back. 7

BB mulls parking improvements. 8-9

Save the date. 10 up and coming. 11

Top Notch

Mark your calendar. 12

Break time

Celebrating summer on AMI

Mid-summer launch eyed for water taxis

By ed Scott Islander Reporter

Two vessels comprising the Gulf Islands Ferry, a water taxi service planned for Anna Maria Island and the mainland, should be ready at the end of June.

But the boats won’t launch until at least a month later.

TP time at the library

Jayden Budnick, 11, assists Kim Kassin of Science Scope in an experiment that sends toilet paper flying around the meeting room June 8 at the Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Kassin also demonstrated optical illusions, electricity, chemistry and air pressure for the summer reading program. She established Science Scope to share her passion for learning with children. Islander Photo: nenita Daquinotas

Shadows and shade

GoodDeeds 15

Obituaries 15

County OKs $100k for AMI historical society. 15

Streetlife. 16

RoadWatch 18

Center deficit prompts membership rate hike. 20 Summer sports. 20 Silver kings push offshore. 21

NESTING NOTES 22

50th-anniversary act. 23

CLASSIFIEDS. 24-25

Isl Biz: 26

PropertyWatch. 27

Kids attending Roser Memorial Community Church’s vacation Bible school program June 6 enjoy fun-time at the Anna Maria church. VBS at Roser included activities, learning and dinner. Islander Courtesy Photo

Flipping for clean water

Ben Rigney Jr., 15, “takes the plunge,” launching from a dock piling June 6 into Holmes Beach waters to promote Islanders 4 Clean Water. The campaign is a unified effort by the island cities to promote water quality stewardship, and asks people to spread the message over social media by sharing videos of themselves taking the plunge into local waters.

More, page 4. Islander

Courtesy Matt McDonough

Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, relayed the development June 5, during a meeting of the Manatee County Tourist Development Council at the Center of Anna Maria Island in Anna Maria.

Falcione’s staff recently provided the three communities involved with the county project — Bradenton, Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria — revised interlocal agreements and was expecting to receive feedback the week ending June 11.

They also were expected to fi nalize a draft operating agreement with the ferry service operator, Gulf Coast Water Taxi LLC.

Scenic highway extended on AMI

By Ryan Paice

Islander Reporter

The state has added some feet to the Palma Sola Scenic Highway.

Florida Department of Transportation

scenic highway coordinator Darryl Richard announced June 7 that a request to extend the scenic highway was approved.

The scenic highway previously included a 4-mile stretch of Manatee Avenue/State Road 64 from 75th Street West in Bradenton to East Bay Drive in Holmes Beach.

Now the scenic highway extends west to the intersection of Manatee Avenue and Gulf Drive, to the entrance to the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive.

The extension also runs south along East Bay Drive to 27th Street in Bradenton Beach, where it connects to the Bradenton Beach Scenic Highway.

The Palma Sola Scenic Highway Corridor Management Entity requested the extension. The committee was established in 2004 under the state’s scenic highways program and has sought an extension for years, at

Photo:

Bradenton Beach official gives insight on Pines Park future

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Some six months after an announcement the owners of the Pines Trailer Park land plan to sell, Bradenton Beach City Hall has yet to receive any inquiries about development options.

But there is speculation among Pines residents and neighbors.

Bradenton Beach building official

Steve Gilbert spoke with The Islander June 7 about the process that would be involved in the possible redevelopment of the park.

And he said no one had yet inquired at city hall about the property or the requirements to change the use of the trailer park land.

The owner of the park, the Jackson Partnership, informed the residents Jan. 25 that it intended to sell the mobile home park.

Holiday notice

Closings for Juneteenth

Juneteenth National Independence Day is Monday, June 19.

Federal offices will be closed for the holiday, which commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans.

Also, some local government offices will be closed, including Anna Maria and Holmes Beach city halls.

Bradenton Beach commissioners are expected to vote on observing the holiday — and closing city hall — during a meeting at noon Thursday, June 15, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

Many Manatee County institutions, including the transit service, will operate as usual, as will Waste Pro and Waste Management collections.

However, the county courthouse and the clerk’s office will be closed.

The homeowners received notice May 8 from the partnership of an offer from an undisclosed entity to purchase the park land.

Little is known about the intentions of any purchaser toward the park land as any negotiations are taking place under a nondisclosure agreement.

So Gilbert addressed the “what if” a new owner wants change.

“To change anything over from what it is now, would require a comprehensive plan map change. It would require rezoning. It would require major development application review hearings. You would probably be looking at a two- to three-year process to get it done,” he said. “You’d have to change the future land use map. You’d have to change the zoning on the property. You’re going to have to come up with development plans and I’m pretty sure someone is going to want to see at least preliminary development plans before they agree to comprehensive plan and zoning changes.”

Gilbert said a process for a preliminary plan review could take three to five years to complete.

The wait time involved in the process of initiating planning and zoning changes for development would seem to create breathing room for homeowners in the park.

Gilbert said one of the best options for a prospective buyer would be to run the property as a trailer park.

“I’ll be honest with you, mobile home parks are cash cows, you can’t lose money on an established mobile home park,” he said.

The Pines is a land-lease community where mobile homes, owned by residents, sit on lots owned by a separate property owner, in this case the Jackson Partnership. Rent is paid monthly on a land-lease basis.

The ownership listed the park land for sale for $16 million.

The Florida Mobile Home Act required the park owner to give 45 days’ notice of an intent to sell to

unit owners and gave homeowners the first right of refusal.

On Feb. 24, homeowners voted to form a cooperative to rally for the purchase of the land.

However, negotiations between the property owner and the HOA failed April 20 due to a lack of funding on the HOA’s part.

The property went on the open market April 21.

The May notice, prepared by attorney David A. Luczak for the Jackson Partnership, said the partnership was considering an offer of $16,250,000 for all park-owned land, mobile homes, recreational vehicles, equipment, materials, vehicles and buildings.

The offer included an initial nonrefundable deposit of $1 million from the buyer within three days of execution of a purchase agreement and allows a 15-day period of due diligence before a contract would be finalized.

At the end of due diligence, the buyer would deposit another $1 million.

Closing would come 45 days from the successful completion of due diligence, unless extended by an agreement between the buyer and seller.

The notice also said the seller would hold a purchase money mortgage of $8,125,000 at 4.50% for five years with no right to prepay the balance.

Also, the buyer could not seek a land use change during the five years of mortgage financing.

Jackson Partnership has not identified who or what entity made the offer.

A listing for the 2.785-acre park, which contains 87 residential trailers and abuts the Historic Bridge Street Pier, is on the website for Yale Realty & Capital Advisors at yaleadvisors.com.

The website, as of June 9, showed the property as being under contract.

▼ Modern Chop Happy Hour 4-6

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▼ Prime Rib Tuesdays, plus $3 Tacos and Margaritas -- lounge only.

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▼ Live Maine Lobster Thursdays, plus Happy Hour all nite in the lounge.

▲ Saturday: Roll to Win, call for details!

Gilbert

AM opts for expanding farmers market vendors in 2023-24

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The Anna Maria Farmers Market will be back and bigger than ever in the fall.

City commissioners unanimously voted June 8 to renew the market for a 2023-24 season and increase the maximum number of commercial vendors and nonprofits allowed to participate from 13 to 15.

The market is held at City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., and runs 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays from October to May.

It began in 2017 as a way to draw people to Pine Avenue during the closure of the city pier site and has since become a staple of city events.

The market has run without many issues, other than in 2019-20, when the market season was cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic.

It also has grown over the years. The 2022-23 market season had 13 participants — 11 vendors and two nonprofits — the market’s largest offering yet, according to Mayor Dan Murphy.

“It’s been so very well accepted and popular, not only by residents but visitors as well,” he said.

Deputy clerk Fransheska Berrios said the city hoped to further expand the market next season by increasing the number of vendors and nonprofits by two.

Berrios added that the city wants to attract more organic food vendors to the market, since public feedback called for additional organic offerings.

However, Murphy said that with the attraction of the Mote outreach center at the city pier, there is a “fine line” between expanding the market and allowing it to grow into a “blight.”

City commissioners voiced unanimous support for the market and its proposed expansion, with few complaints.

Commissioner Deanie Sebring said she’d like to see a meat vendor, or butcher, added to the market since there were few spots on the island to buy good

cuts of fresh meat.

Commissioner Jonathan Crane said the only negative from the market was increased jaywalking across North Bay Boulevard and Pine Avenue near the park.

Barbara Murphy, the mayor’s wife and vice president of the Anna Maria Island Historical Society board, called the market a “huge success.”

She said during public comment that AMIHS regularly sold more than 50 loaves of bread at the market, usually selling out before noon, and the bread money goes toward college scholarships.

Murphy added that she’d like to see the market add fresh seafood for sale, in addition to seconding Sebring’s call to add a meat vendor.

The 2023-24 market season will begin Tuesday, Oct. 3, and end Tuesday, May 7, 2024.

Berrios said the deadline for vendors and nonprofits to apply to participate in the upcoming market season will be Tuesday, Sept. 19 — two weeks before the start of the season.

There is no vendor fee.

The commission will meet next at 6 p.m. Thursday,

CRUISES

People arrive at City Pier Park, 103 n. Bay Blvd., for the 2021-22 season opening of the Anna Maria Farmers Market. The city-run market operates Tuesdays, OctoberMay. Islander File

June 22, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

cityofannamaria.com.

Q&A 061423

The Islander poll

Last week’s question

By Lisa neff

How do you book vacation accommodations?

16%. Hotel app.

52%. Vacation rental app.

5%. Tourist-travel agency.

8%. Just crash with friends and family

19%. Other.

This week’s question

How often do you donate blood?

A. Every 1-2 months.

B. Couple of times a year.

C. Rarely.

D. I don’t donate.

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

Photo: Ryan Paice

Directions to attend via Zoom can be found on the city’s website,

Joining the force

Bradenton Beach Police Lt. Lenard Diaz, left, stands with newly hired police Officer Ryan Gagliano, Chief John Cosby and evan Harbus, the city’s new code enforcement officer. Gagliano and Harbus were sworn in June 9 by city clerk Terri Sanclemente at Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive n. Islander

least as far back as 2009.

In that year, the committee unanimously agreed to pursue extending the scenic route to the Bradenton Beach city line.

At the time, committee members did not anticipate a lengthy process of applying and reapplying for the extension.

“It’s a very easy process, adding to an existing scenic highway,” Bob Herrington of the Sarasota/ Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization told the committee in July 2009.

The state’s scenic highway designation increases eligibility for federal and state funding, protects intrinsic resources through corridor management plans and highlights each scenic stretch on state maps.

Those benefits now extend to the new portions of the Palma Sola Scenic Highway in Holmes Beach.

Richard congratulated the committee, meeting June 7 at the Bradenton Public Works Department, for making the extension happen.

“I’m really happy to say that it is done,” Richard said. “Celebration is in order. … You deserve a pat on the back.”

CME Vice Chair Ingrid McClellan, also a leader of

Tiki & Kitty’s

And here comes summer. Tiki and Kitty are heating up their shopping plans, looking for a day or two to make a round of visits to the best shops.

They’re starting at Blue Flamingo, home to hip and trendy upcycled and repurposed goods, furniture and decor, garden features, candles, jewelry and work by local artisans. Blue Flamingo also offers Dixie Belle paints.

Cat’s Meow has 7,700 square feet of vintage, unique and repurposed items. You may want to lace up your skates, as this large, former skating rink has plenty to offer bargain, antique, unique hunters. Plus, there’s a mancave and a cool clothing boutique. You don’t want to miss this vast collection of vendors.

Blessed and Distressed is a tastefully designed store — so inviting, you’ll want to pull up a chair — with collectibles and work by local artists at Palma Sola Square, around the corner from Winn-Dixie. It offers 30-plus vintage, upcycled, shabby chic and

Miss us? WE MISS YOU AMI!

Stop by at our other locations:

Scavengers Marketplace SRQ

1175 N Washington Blvd

Scavengers Palmetto

2100 US Hwy 301

artsy vendors. You won’t be disappointed. Scavengers Marketplace invites you to visit its many vendors at the Palmetto store, 2100 U.S. 301, where a portion of your purchase benefits Moonracer No Kill Pet Rescue — our favorite pet rescue group. Founder Lisa Williams leads the rescue efforts and also works at The Islander as office manager.

FYI: Scavengers also carries Fusion Paints.

The Vintage Vine Market offers fine vintage

Your

place for fun, funky quirky!

Great work from Local Artisans Upcycled, Repurposed, Vintage Dixie Belle Paint, Fun Gifts & More! theblueflamingo.biz

the scenic highway group in Bradenton Beach, counted the extension in a list of the board’s accomplishments discussed at the meeting.

The CME will meet next at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 9, at the Bradenton Public Works Department, 1411 Ninth St. W., Bradenton.

About the scenic route

For more information about the Florida scenic highway program, including maps, go online to floridascenichighways.com.

About the Palma Sola Scenic Highway, the site says, “‘Palma Sola’ means ‘Solitary Palm,’ and the solitary palm referred to is an old palm standing near the beach at Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island. Sailors have searched the horizon for that palm on Anna Maria Island for many years, using it to guide themselves into Anna Maria Sound and Palma Sola Bay. The scenic route leads to Anna Maria Island crossing over Palma Sola Bay and the inland waterway.”

The site is not yet updated to reflect the route extensions in Holmes Beach.

Adventures in Shopping … Antiques, Art-Tiques and Chic Boutiques!

wares and more with a whimsical twist in historic Old Manatee along the newest section of the Bradenton Riverwalk. The location in the 1910 building oozes charm — high ceilings, exposed brick and tons of natural light and greenery. We take select consignments by appointment.

And don’t forget, tell people you meet along the way, “The Islander sent me.”

Wed-Sat 10-5

PALMA SOLA COnTInueD FROM PAGe 1

Bradenton teen Ben Rigney Jr., the son of West Manatee Fire Chief Ben Rigney, flies into a backflip June 6 on a plunge into Holmes Beach waters behind the home of Mayor Judy Titsworth, his great aunt. People can learn more about the clean water campaign at holmesbeachfl.org.

Islander Photos: Courtesy Matt McDonough

Photo: Courtesy BBPD

County drops Perico Island median improvement plans

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

A dispute over proposed improvements to a pair of medians on the Palma Sola Scenic Highway ended as abruptly as it began.

“Manatee County is not moving forward with median improvements on Perico Island at this time,” County Commission Chair Kevin Van Ostenbridge wrote in a June 2 statement emailed to The Islander.

Van Ostenbridge, who represents the island, did not respond to a follow-up email from The Islander the same day asking for details about that decision.

His message marked a shift in the county’s plans, which Van Ostenbridge seemed adamant to pursue less than a month ago.

The county applied in May for a Florida Department of Transportation permit to improve two medians on Manatee Avenue/State Road 64 by replacing the trees and landscaping with Alexander palm and royal palm trees, a sod border and new irrigation.

The plans also involved an agreement with the DOT for the county to maintain the medians, instead Bradenton, which currently maintains the spaces.

The medians currently hosts oak trees and sabal palms that were planted in 2008, as well as ground plants, which died due to lack of maintenance since the last improvements.

DOT district landscape architect and scenic highway coordinator Darryl Richard shared the county’s application May 11 with members of the Palma Sola Scenic Highway Corridor Management Entity to collect feedback on the proposal.

Meetings

ANNA MARIA CITY

By Lisa neff

June 21, 9 a.m., planning and zoning. CANCELED

June 22, 6 p.m., commission.

July 13, 2 p.m., commission.

July 27, 6 p.m., commission.

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

BRADENTON BEACH

June 15, noon, commission.

June 21, 1 p.m., ScenicWAVES. CANCELED

July 5, 9:30 a.m., CRA.

July 5, 1 p.m., planning and zoning.

July 6, commission. CANCELED

July 19, 1 p.m., ScenicWAVES.

July 20, noon, commission.

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

HOLMES BEACH

June 14, 9 a.m., clean water.

June 14, 5 p.m., planning.

June 27, 10 a.m., code enforcement.

Ready for summer season?

Is your business ready for the summer season on AMI? Improve your odds of success with The Islander’s readers — residents, seasonal visitors and vacationers — looking to shop and dine, as well as indoor and outdoor fun. For advertising info, call or text 941-778-7978.

The CME serves as oversight for the 4.5-mile stretch of Manatee Avenue, from its intersection with 75th Street on the mainland to Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach, as part of the Florida Scenic Highway program.

The Palma Sola Scenic Highway also includes a stretch of East Bay Drive in Holmes Beach, from its intersection with Manatee Avenue to the Bradenton Beach Scenic Highway where East Bay Drive turns into Gulf Drive/State Road 789.

Holmes Beach city engineer Sage Kamiya, who

June 27, 5 p.m., commission.

July 19, 5 p.m., planning.

July 25, 10 a.m., code enforcement.

July 27, 11:30 a.m., police pension.

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

WEST MANATEE FIRE RESCUE

June 20, 6 p.m., commission.

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

MANATEE COUNTY

June 14, 9 a.m., commission (budget).

June 15, 1:30 p.m., commission (land use).

County administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org.

ALSO OF INTEREST

Juneteenth, a federal holiday, is June 19. Some government offices will be closed.

Independence Day, a federal holiday, is July 4. Most government offices will be closed.

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

serves as a member of the CME, responded to Richard in a May 11 email to express concern with replacing the medians’ existing trees.

“Removing what I understand are existing live oaks and sabal palms does not seem consistent with Palma Sola Committee preferences,” Kamiya wrote.

CME member Joshua Linney wrote in a May 12 email that he would “definitely oppose” replacing the trees: “I think it is unnecessary and does not maintain or contribute to the natural character of the area.”

Carmine DeMilio, the deputy director of parks and grounds for the county’s property management department, supported the plans in a May 11 email.

“With all due respect, we are only attempting to beautify and enhance these medians,” DeMilio wrote. “The existing conditions can be considered an eyesore and lacking maintenance to some. … I’m not sure that this is the standard or condition that reflects Manatee County and the surrounding cities, especially as visitors enter and exit the island.”

Van Ostenbridge also backed the plans in a May 12 email to CME members.

“These two medians are part of a countywide initiative that the entire BOCC has embraced. All of the medians on Manatee Avenue are to take on this new look. Let’s not waste any additional time on discussion. Please, move forward with site work ASAP,” Van Ostenbridge wrote.

The CME had scheduled a special meeting in June, two months ahead of its next regular meeting in August, to discuss the matter.

Palma Sola Scenic Highway CME member Ingrid McClellan told The Islander June 2 she was happy Van Ostenbridge would drop the tree replacement.

She said replacing the existing trees with different palm trees would be a waste of money and the medians could be improved more efficiently with regular maintenance instead of expensive additions.

“I think that was a smart decision because more county commissioner, county department and citizen input is necessary for such a change,” McClellan said.

Despite Van Ostenbridge’s June 2 statement, the CME still held a special meeting in June but shifted its focus.

Without the county’s proposed improvements, and the maintenance agreement that would go with it, McClellan said the CME should ask the city of Bradenton to better maintain the medians moving forward.

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

White flags line a median June 2 outside near the Perico Bay Club along the Palma Sola Scenic Highway. Islander Photo: Lisa neff

Hurry up and wait

You know the routine.

You rush to get ready, head out the door, hair still wet, hands full and you forgot your shades.

You snap the seat belt on and put the car in reverse. You hit the road, turn your oldies station on and the beat propels you to your destination.

But for whatever reason — traffic, bridge up, bridge down, no parking space — there’s no short cut and you’re running late.

And you really had hoped you could make it to your destination on time.

To add to your woes, you’re last to be served when you arrive, or they just ran out of the “free” refreshments. Or you hear, “Sorry, we just ran out of your favorite dish.”

There you are ... having spent the past two hours in a hurry and now you have to wait.

Well, here at The Islander newspaper, we grow accustomed to waiting. We wait for answers, wait for results, wait for return calls and wait to confirm what we already know but can’t “say.”

And believe me, if we know ... we like to say.

Not much tops the feeling of getting a great story and scooping other media on the local news.

This week, we learned the much-awaited launch of the area water taxi — in discussion and on the wish list for years and years — must wait until after July 4.

I can’t say that I think a water taxi will make a noticeable reduction in the traffic we see circling the island, but it will be a great little waterway jaunt for people who want to “island hop” at an affordable price — from one destination, restaurant, bar, ice cream shop to another and the sunset run should be a doozy.

Remember when the trolley started up and kids rode it all day, barely hopping off for a slushie? They called it X-treme trolley. LOL. Watch out, water taxi captain.

Next, we’re waiting on news about the sale of the Pines Trailer Park, an icon on Bridge Street and home to some 87 trailers — a small community. We’re waiting on edge to learn who will buy it and what the future holds, while hoping the residents can stay put.

And the Seafood Shack is on our wait list. There’s trepidation growing about what sort of development could swallow up the land, marina and restaurant and change the future of Cortez.

And we’re waiting to see what another storm season brings to our barrier island community.

Be prepared. Follow our storm-ready advice online at islander.org. And rest assured, the news is coming.

— Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

Parking for the people

The leaders and residents of Anna Maria Island should have realized there would be a backlash due to eliminating almost 1,000 parking spaces for Manatee County residents.

They don’t own the beaches.

They own properties along the beaches.

Manatee County government officials deserve to have a parking garage due to eliminating spaces for Manatee residents who actually help pay the taxes.

Most of us work for a living.

We don’t have the privilege of generational wealth or acquiring money through other means.

▼ Publisher, Co-editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

▼ Editorial editor Lisa neff, lisa@islander.org

Robert Anderson, robert@islander.org

Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist

Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org

Jack elka, jack@jackelka.com

Brook Morrison, brook@islander.org

Ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org

ed Scott

▼ Contributors

Karen Riley-Love

Jacob Merrifield

Capt. Danny Stasny, fish@islander.org

nicole Quigley

▼ 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)

We as residents enjoy the beach and spend as much time as possible at the beach. It is why we live here.

So for everyone to complain about a parking garage, well, you all brought it on yourselves.

Charisse Wenger, Manatee County

Letters to the editor

We welcome opinion letters.

You can submit your comments along with a name, city of residence and phone number for verification to news@islander.org.

Also, please, limit letters to 250 words.

Islander archive 24/7

Some years ago, The Islander was invited to take part in a project with the University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries. We donated our collection of newspapers beginning with the first edition in 1992.

Our complete archive is maintained on the library site, searchable by keyword, name or date. Look for The Islander in the UofF digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

Skimming online

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Connections, AMI & beyond

Anna Maria : Mayor Dan Murphy, 941-7086130, cityofannamaria.com, ammayor@cityofannamaria.com.

Bradenton Beach: Mayor John Chappie, 941778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.org, mayor@cityofbradentonbeach.com.

Holmes Beach: Mayor Judy Titsworth, 941708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org, hbmayor@holmesbeachfl.org.

Manatee County: Republican Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, 941-745-3705, kevin. vanostenbridge@mymanatee.org.

Florida Governor: Republican Ron DeSantis, 850-717-9337 for staff, flgov.com for email, @GovRonDeSantis via Twitter.

Florida Senate: Republican Jim Boyd, 941742-6445, boyd.jim.web@flsenate.gov, flsenate.gov, @JimBoydFL via Twitter.

Florida House : Republican Rep. William Cloud “Will” Robinson Jr., 941-708-4968, will.robinson@myfl oridahouse.gov, myfl oridahouse.gov, @will_robinsonjr via Twitter.

Passage Key in the 1950s. Passage Key is a national wildlife refuge, established as such in 1905. Passage Key, located north of Anna Maria Island and south of egmont Key at the mouth of Tampa Bay, is not open to the public. Islander Photo: Manatee County Public Library System

Key to the bay

A pilot station stands on egmont Key in 1965. egmont, to the north of Anna Maria Island at the mouth of Tampa Bay, today boasts a state park and a national wildlife refuge. egmont is accessible to the public by boat. Islander Photo: Manatee County Public Library System

Looking back

We’d love to mail you the news!

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We bring you all the news about three city governments, community happenings, people features and special events … even real estate transactions … everything you need if your “heart is on Anna Maria Island.”

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10&20 years ago

From the June 11, 2003, issue

• A man drowned in the Gulf near Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach. A girl reached the man in the water and dragged him to shore but emergency services could not revive him.

President Theodore Roosevelt in 1904. In 1905, Roosevelt established the Passage Key national Wildlife Refuge to preserve and protect nesting colonies of native seabirds and wading birds. Islander Photo: Pach Brothers/ Wikimedia

• The grand opening of the Holmes Beach Skate Park was scheduled for June 28 after Mayor Carol Whitmore announced construction was nearly finished.

• A sailboat struck a sandbar off Manatee Public Beach and was abandoned. The owner, from Indian Rocks Beach, knocked at the fi rst house he saw with its lights on, which happened to be building official Bob Shaffer’s residence. Shaffer said the man wanted a taxi to Indian Rocks Beach and said he was abandoning the boat, which he had just purchased in Venice.

From the June 12, 2013, issue

• A handful of people brushed off raindrops as they arrived to Holmes Beach City Hall for a forum on a referendum to create a half-cent sales tax increase for the county.

• Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring confirmed the loss of at least 15 nests to storm surge created by Tropical Storm Andrea.

• Two boats broke loose from their near-shore anchorage in Sarasota Bay and crashed into the Historic Bridge Street Pier during Tropical Storm Andrea.

• The Anna Maria Island Community Center — now called the Center of Anna Maria Island — announced its annual gala, An Affaire to Remember, fell about $40,000 short of a fundraising goal. The center no longer organizes the gala.

— Lisa neff

ONLINE

BB CRA considers raising library or moving it to gain parking

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Raise it? Or move it?

Bradenton Beach officials are considering either further elevating the Tingley Memorial Library to accommodate parking under the building or moving the library.

Community redevelopment agency members discussed the possibility June 7, when Mayor John Chappie spoke about the need for parking for the library, which shares a parking lot with city hall, and introduced concepts to increase the elevation or move the library, built in 1994, to allow more parking.

The library is a city-owned building and CRA funds cannot be used on city structures. However, the creation of a public parking lot in the CRA District, where the library and city hall are situated, is appropriate for CRA funding.

The library is named for Beulah Tingley, a Bradenton Beach resident who became a member of the Bradenton Beach Library Board.

She noted a lack of space for a public library, which then was housed in an old cottage on Church Avenue and, upon her death in 1986, bequeathed more than $600,000 for the construction and operation of a permanent library in the city.

Tingley stated the need for “a quiet place where books could be enjoyed.”

Building official Steve Gilbert said an architect and engineer would need to examine the building to determine feasibility of relocating or raising the building.

“I think you’re halfway there,” CRA member Ed

Chiles said about the need to harden buildings against storms.

“You have a capital improvement plan that says you need to harden your facilities for storms,” he said. “If you are going to go up and you’re going to harden, go up and combine the library and city hall or whatever kind of function therein.”

“I’d love to have a discussion about ad valorem dollars and I know we are seeing big increases of the tax base. How much room is there? What could we buy? Because this city building has been here since 1970. We need to be planning and looking out for the next 50 years. This is an opportunity to do it,” Chiles continued.

Chappie said he wanted CRA permission to work with Gilbert and city attorney Ricinda Perry to write a request for proposals on the library-parking project.

CRA member David Bell raised concerns about using CRA funds for city buildings. He referred to the CRA meeting packet and said, “My understanding has always been that the CRA may not work on city buildings but in here it says that we will be elevating the library as part of this RFP, that we will be paying for it through the CRA.”

Chappie said, “What I am asking for is to direct all three of us together to show how this is a CRA project. A public parking lot is what we are trying to create and utilize the land underneath that building.”

Chappie motioned for the CRA to direct Perry, Gilbert and himself to develop and present an RFP for the possible elevation and/or relocation of the library.

The motion was seconded by Chiles and passed 5-0. CRA members Jake Spooner and Marilyn Maro, also city commissioners, were absent with excuse.

As of Islander press time June 12, no timeline had

been set for the project.

Thoughts at the library

The Tingley Memorial Library, 111 Second St. n., Bradenton Beach, may be elevated even higher or relocated to facilitate a larger city-parking lot.

Islander Photos: Robert Anderson

Eveann Adams has been clerk of the library for 20 years.

“Ever since I’ve been here, they’ve talked about the possibility of raising up the library so there’d be parking underneath,” Adams told The Islander June 7. “I personally think it would be a good idea. … I only have four or five spaces out there.”

Adams said patronage is seasonal.

“It drops off drastically after March and by April, if we have two or three customers a day, we are lucky,” she said.

During the height of tourist season the library is busier and finding parking can present a challenge.

The library operates under a fund established with Tingley’s bequeath.

“Beulah’s vision was to have a reading room. I kind of like it that you have a library available for the community because they are almost a thing of the past,” Adams said. “I think it’s kind of a little jewel in the city to have a library.”

City treasurer Shayne Thompson told The Islander May 7 the library fund contains $302,000. However, he said, an upcoming $50,000 roof replacement for the library would be paid from the fund.

Bill for beach parking garage awaits transmittal to DeSantis

More than a month has passed without action on a bill that would allow Manatee County to build a parking garage in Holmes Beach.

House Bill 947, filed by state Rep. Will Robinson Jr., R-Bradenton, passed in the Legislature May 4 but it had not been presented to Governor Ron DeSantis for consideration by June 12.

HB 947 would override a city code that prohibits multilevel parking facilities by allowing the county to construct such a structure without permits or approval from the city.

Upon presentation to the governor, DeSantis can sign or veto the bill, or take no action and allow it to become law after 15 days.

There is no law setting a timeline for a bill’s presentation to the governor.

People can call DeSantis’ office at 850-7179337 or email the governor at governorron.desantis@eog.myflorida.com.

— Ryan Paice

Tingley Memorial Library clerk eveann Adams June 7 points to a collection of historical photos and news clippings about Beulah Tingley and the institution’s origins. The history is displayed on a wall near the entrance to the building.

Brielle Langley, left, and daughter Millie, 2, read books with family — Charlee, 8, Libby, 6, and Judy Hagemeier. The group decided to visit the library during their vacation from nebraska.

Bradenton Beach CRA backs reworking city parking lot

By Robert Anderson

Islander Reporter

Bradenton Beach officials are trying to find a parking space.

The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency June 6 approved $1,400 to draft a redesign for the city parking lot adjacent to the public works building off Highland Avenue.

Colliers Engineering of New Jersey will create the document with the goal of increasing the number of spaces in the lot.

“Currently we have parking down there. But we

WATER TAXI COnTInueD FROM PAGe 1

Manatee County owns the boats. The project will be presented to the Manatee County Commission for its consideration and ratification soon, as early as June 15. A meeting agenda for that date includes a request for a motion to authorize the chair to execute the interlocal agreements with the cities.

With agreements in place, trial runs by the boats likely would begin in late July or early August.

“Let me be fluid on that,” Falcione told TDC members. “We’re pushing every day but we want to get it right the first time. Stay tuned. You are going to start seeing a little bit of ‘Coming Soon!’ leaked out to try to build that expectation, that anticipation for our community and tourists.”

At its April 24 meeting, the TDC voted unanimously to recommend county commissioners approve a $400,000 subsidy — paid with tourist development tax revenues — for the ferry service’s first year, plus $25,000 in TDT money for marketing.

Falcione, at the time, expressed hope for launching a Friday-Saturday-Sunday ferry service between Bradenton and Anna Maria Island for the July 4 weekend. But that “perfect scenario” failed to materialize.

In April, Falcione told the council the goal is to build an operation that pays for itself, one that eventually would be operated by the county transit agency but still marketed by the BACVB.

The planned route for the ferry is from downtown Bradenton to the city pier in Anna Maria and the Historic Bridge Street Pier and Coquina South boat ramp in Bradenton Beach. The return route would be the reverse.

The cost will be $8 one way, $10 for a “hopper.” Eventually, the county plans to offer a fare-free workforce pass.

Know your TDCs

In addition to making revenue spending recommendations, the TDC — a volunteer group comprising elected officials, hospitality owners and citizens involved in the tourism industry — advises the county on tourist development projects.

Members of the TDC include County Commissioner James Satcher, chairman; Palmetto Mayor Shirley Groover Bryant, Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown; Ed Chiles, Eric Cairns, Jiten Patel, Rahul Patel, Dave Wick and Norma Kennedy.

are trying to see what we could do to maximize the number of spaces,” public works director Tom Woodard said.

“I’ve gone over it with our building official,” Mayor John Chappie said. “It looks as though we could possibly redo the angles, reverse them in some cases and maximize the number of parking spaces but, of course, we need the experts.”

Chappie said a proposal would include a rendering of the lot.

He said the design could allow the possibility of 8-10 extra parking spaces. Currently there are 13 spaces in the lot and 11 at public works, according to Chappie.

CRA Chair Ralph Cole asked city treasurer Shayne Thompson if the CRA could pay for the design.

“It wasn’t a foreseen expense. However, there was significant savings to the undergrounding. $1,400 is not a large pot of money,” Thompson said, referring to

The boats — each capable of carrying 49 passengers — are under construction in a boat yard near Orlando. The TDC previously recommended spending $950,000 for the boats.

One vessel is the Downtown Duchess and the other is the Miss Anna Maria. Their port of call will be Bradenton.

Palmetto Mayor Shirley Groover-Bryant wants the ferry route eventually expanded to include her side of the Manatee River.

Extra bases

The TDC June 5 voted unanimously to recommend that the county commission approve a $5 million project — over three years — to add a third baseball field — dubbed City Park — at LECOM Park in Bradenton.

Parking, lighting and dugouts are included in the project.

Tourism officials hope to have the park completed

the work to underground utilities in the redevelopment district.

CRA member Ed Chiles, owner of the Beach House Restaurant, motioned to approve $1,400 for the design. The motion passed 5-0. CRA members/ City Commissioners Jake Spooner and Marilyn Maro were absent with excuses.

The next CRA meeting will be at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

About the CRA

The Bradenton Beach CRA funds capital improvement projects to promote restoration, growth and tourism in the district.

The district, bordered by Cortez Road, Sarasota Bay, Fifth Street South and the Gulf of Mexico, was deemed blighted in 1992, allowing for incremental tax revenue to promote restoration and growth, including tourism.

by mid to late 2024 for use by the Pittsburgh Pirates during spring training.

Falcione added that the county then would have another asset to promote LECOM as a potential site for state, regional and national baseball tournaments.

“I’m real excited about it,” said Falcione, who added that a third field would inject $10 million-12 million annually into Bradenton’s urban core.

“This sounds like an absolute no-brainer,” said TDC member Eric Cairns, owner of Cedar Cove Resort in Holmes Beach.

Meanwhile, the TDC recommended the county approve a two-year, $17.3 million marketing plan.

Among the 19 line items are $1.04 million for online and digital marketing, plus social media, and $900,000 for sports commission marketing, promotion and sponsorships.

The next TDC meeting will be at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 21, at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

Falcione

Compiled by Lisa neff, calendar@islander.org.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ON AMI

Wednesday, June 14

6:30 p.m. — Island Time Book Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

ONGOING ON AMI

Throughout June, Artists’ Guild Gallery’s “Junes and Spoons and Ferris Wheels” exhibit, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694.

ONGOING OFF AMI

Throughout June, “New Beginnings” all-member exhibit, Island Gallery West, 456 Old Main St., Bradenton. Information: 941-7786648.

Through June 25, “ Tiffany: The Pursuit of Beauty in Nature,” Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-366-5731.

Through Sept. 2, Thursday-Saturday, Laser Light Nights musical shows, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131.

Through Sept. 3, “Eco Engineers” exhibit, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131, bishopscience.org.

Through Sept. 4, “Reclaiming Home: Contemporary Seminole Art,” the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-360-7390, ringling.org.

Through Oct. 15, “Lorna Bieber: Natural World,” the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-360-7390, ringling.org.

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

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

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

SAVE THE DATE

Oct. 7, Florida Maritime Museum Cortez Nautical Flea Market, Cortez.

Nov. 4, the Bash at the Bishop: A Celestial Affair, Bradenton.

Privateers bound for ballpark, scholarship night

The Anna Maria Island Privateers will crash the Bradenton Marauders’ territory Friday, June 30.

The Privateers will celebrate this year’s scholarship winners during a night of minor league baseball.

The Privateers for 2023-24 plan to award about $7,500 in scholarships.

Group tickets to the game — between the Marauders and the Clearwater Threshers — are $12 and include infield reserve seats, a baseball hat and a voucher for a soda pop.

The game will begin at 6:30 p.m. at LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton.

For tickets with the group, go online to amiprivateers.wildapricot.org and click the “LECOM Park” banner.

KIDS & FAMILY ON AMI

Thursday, June 15

10 a.m. — Didgeridoo Down Under program, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Friday, June 16

10 a.m. — Forty Carrots, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786341.

Tuesday, June 20

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

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

Third Fridays, Teen Nights, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131, bishopscience.org.

Second Saturdays, Quest for kids, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131, bishopscience.org.

SAVE THE DATE

July 3, Bradenton Marauders’ Independence Day celebration, Bradenton.

July 4, Anna Maria Island Privateers’ Independence Day Parade, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, Anna Maria.

July 4, The Bishop’s Red White and Bloom, Bradenton.

Oct. 21, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s Bayfest, Anna Maria.

CLUBS & COMMUNITY ON AMI

Thursday, June 15

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

Friday, June 16

2 p.m. — Vision board creations, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Tuesday, June 20

8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. — Center of Anna Maria Island blood drive with OneBlood, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. RSVP at oneblood.org/donatenow with #14076. Information: 941-778-1908.

ONGOING ON AMI

Saturday — June 24, July 29, Aug. 26 in the summer — 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-7781383.

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

SAVE THE DATE

June 30, Anna Maria Island Privateers’ Scholarship Night with the Bradenton Marauders, Bradenton.

July 17, Anna Maria Island and West Manatee Democratic Club meeting, Holmes Beach.

LESSONS & LEARNING ON

AMI

Wednesday, June 14 2 p.m. — Journal writing class, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

SPORTS & GAMES

ONGOING ON AMI

AMI Dragon Boat Team-Paddlers from Paradise practices and meetups, various times and locations. Information: 941-462-2626, mrbradway@gmail.com.

Most Wednesdays, 1 p.m., mahjong club beginners, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Most Fridays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong club experienced players, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

PLeASe, See CALENDAR, PAGe 11

Holistic wellness center and spa

Now offering yoga and meditation in the ambiance of a healing Himalayan salt wall.

Massage Therapy | Acupuncture | Yoga

2219 Gulf Drive N | Bradenton Beach 941.778.8400 | www.alunawellness.com

Island happenings

Peace power

An all-ages crowd assembles June 10 for the eric Von Band’s performance at the Center of Anna Maria Island, Anna Maria, for the Concert for Peace, a benefit presented by the Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island Foundation and Slicker’s eatery of Cortez to raise money for a ukrainian relief effort. Organizers as of Islander press time had not announced the fundraising totals. Last year, the effort raised $60,000. Islander Photos: Lisa neff

Center coordinates blood drive, camp, classes

The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, will host a blood drive with OneBlood 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 20.

Appointments can be made online at oneblood. org/donate-now using the sponsor code #14076. Donors will receive a $20 gift card, long-sleeve T-shirt and a wellness checkup.

For more information, call the center at 941-7781908.

Boating safety session set

The community center also will host a boating safety workshop in partnership with the Longboat Key Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla.

The class will be 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, June 16, with instruction led by Zac Tapp, flotilla commander. The cost will be $15 for members, $20 for nonmembers.

Juicing camp offered

The center is registering kids for Devs Bevs Juice Party, a one-day camp 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, June 21. The program, open to kids from sixth- to ninthgrade, costs $35 for members, $45 for nonmembers. Kids will learn from Devinne Whittaker of Devs Bevs juice business how to customize their juices.

Chef cooks up specialty camps

The center will host “Chef Maverick” aka Amanda Champ for youth and teen cooking camps in June. For younger campers, the cost is $40 for members, $50 for nonmembers. For teens, the cost is $30 for members, $40 for nonmembers.

Campers will learn “to be more self-sufficient in the kitchen” and make “yummy treats like tropical-fruit kebabs, veggie pizza, gluten-free banana pancakes and more.”

ONGOING OFF AMI

Through Sept. 3, Bradenton Marauders baseball, LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-7473031.

Saturdays, 7 a.m., Robinson Runners run, walk stroll, Robinson Preserve NEST, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW., Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923, crystal.scherer@mymanatee.org, mymanatee.org.

OUTDOORS & NATURE

ONGOING ON AMI

Fourth Wednesdays through August, 7 a.m., Manatee Audubon Society “Birds and Breakfast,” at various locations. Information: 941592-7622.

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

GOOD TO KNOW

KEEP THE DATES

Through Oct. 31, sea turtle nesting season. Lights out.

Through Nov. 30, Atlantic hurricane season. Be prepared.

June 14, Flag Day.

June 18, Father’s Day.

June 19, Juneteenth.

June 21, summer solstice.

GET LISTED!

Send listings to calendar@islander.org.

Library launches summer reading campaign

The Island Library this month launched its summer reading program, “All Together Now.”

The library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, participates in the Manatee County Public Library Systems’ annual program, which this year runs through July 31 and celebrates the national “All Together Now” theme.

The library encourages all kids — from infants to high school teens — to participate.

Children will earn a new “brag tag” for every four hours that they read up to 20 hours.

At the 20 hour-mark, they win a book and entry into their library branch’s grand-prize drawing for their age.

The library also continues to promote an early literacy program, “1000 Books Before Kindergarten.”

Kids ages 0-5 can win prizes for reading books as they work toward the goal of reading books.

For more info, call the library at 941-778-6341.

Matthew Lapska and his mom, Iryna, perform the national anthem of ukraine during the Concert for Peace, held June 10 at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 406 Magnolia Ave.

The Trevor Bystrom Band performs to raise money for the Rotary ukrainian Relief Fund to purchase medical supplies, goods and food for ukrainian refugees from the Russia-ukraine war. For more information, visit the organizing page on Facebook at @forukraineami.

FISH approves election, hears reports, project updates

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

FISH board members are ready to get on task.

The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage board made its spring election official June 5.

FISH members elected Cortez resident Cindy Rodgers and Parrish resident Alex Garner to the board April 17 during a meeting at Fishermen’s Hall in the village.

Rodgers succeeds Kaye Bell, who stepped down from her role on the board.

Garner fills the seat held by Karen Carpenter, who moved in February.

Three incumbent board members — David Cadmus, Tim Canniff and Steve Baker — were reelected without opposition.

The board members will serve three-year terms.

President Kim McVey, vice president David Cadmus and treasurer Jane von Hahmann will remain in their offices.

David Cadmus motioned to accept the results of the membership meeting, which was seconded by Garner and passed by unanimous vote.

In other news, treasurer von Hahmann reviewed finances for April and May, saying the group had some larger than normal expenses.

“We did have almost $7,000 in just insurance alone, that was our overall property insurance, and also $3,000 the month before in the firehouse flood insurance,” von Hahmann said.

FISH manages several properties, including the hall, a 98-acre preserve, a boat shop and the old Cortez volunteer fire station.

Von Hahmann also reviewed work by the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, a partner working to improve the environmental health of Sarasota Bay and enhance natural resources for public benefit.

With $800,000, SBEP and FISH are completing the final leg of a four-phase project begun in 2000 to return the preserve to its original state.

County approves Island Library mural

The Island Library is set to receive a splash of color.

Manatee County commissioners unanimously voted June 6 to approve a consent agenda that included authorization to add an outdoor mural to the west wall of the Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

The mural will include a combined aquatic and reading theme, featuring marine life and stacks of books, and will be painted by Palmetto-based artist Matt McAllister.

The mural will cover 50-70 feet of the library’s west wall, which faces Marina Drive, and cost $8,000$10,000.

The project will be funded by the Friends of the Island Library, a nonprofit organization focused on expanding and enhancing the library through community programs and fundraising.

Friends of the Island Library’s Julie Perry wrote in a June 6 text message to The Islander that work on the mural would “hopefully” begin this summer.

— Ryan Paice

New photo contest launches June 28

The Islander’s Top Notch contest begins anew. The contest celebrates what still is known as the “Kodak moment,” despite Kodak’s downfall in the switch from film to digital technology.

Look to June 22 for the first deadline and don’t forget your July 4 holiday photos in the coming weeks.

The contest includes six weekly front-page winners. Each will claim an Islander “More than a mullet wrapper” T-shirt.

One weekly shot will take the grand prize in the contest, earning the photographer a $100 prize from

The Islander and certificates from local merchants. There also i a pet photo contest for weekly submissions and a winner announced in the final week. Look online this week for complete rules and details.

Please, note, each original JPG must be included in a single email with the name of the photographer, date the photo was taken, location and description, names of recognizable people and the address and phone number of the photographer.

All rules at islander.org must be observed.

— Bonner Joy

CHANDI DEITMER AND TAYLOR JOHNSON / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ

The work includes the removal of invasive trees, construction of a tidally linked wetland, planting of native trees and maintenance for up to three months after completion.

FISH also is partnering with the Southwest Florida Water Management District to mitigate drainage and filtration issues at the Sarasota Bay RV Park, 10777 Cortez Road W., Bradenton.

Von Hahmann said allowing stormwater from the park to enter the wetland allows natural filtration and keeps pollutant-rich water from directly entering the bay.

The project should be completed in late June, according to SBEP’s timeline.

Also at the meeting, Bell raised the issue of derelict boats in the shallows surrounding Cortez.

Derelict boats, she said, have become makeshift shelters for homeless people and also the origin of some drug-related emergencies in recent months.

About FISH

FISH is a volunteer nonprofit run by a 12-member board. FISH operates the 98-acre preserve, a boat shop, Fishermen’s Hall and the old Cortez fire station. The nonprofit formed in 1991 and is dedicated to the promotion, education and preservation of Cortez and Florida’s commercial fishing culture.

Top Notch

No. 0528

Stars and stripes salute: Penny Frick’s patriotic shot taken at the Anna Maria City Pier was a favorite Top notch contest winner in 2009.

Island Players award 4 scholarships to area high school grads

The Island Players community theater group awarded four $2,000 scholarships to 2023 high school graduates in Manatee County.

Applicants needed to be pursing higher education in the arts — dance, music, theater.

The scholars, announced June 7 in a news release, include:

• Madelyn Hotaling graduated in the top 1% of her class from Lakewood Ranch High School with “an outstanding academic record” also enjoyed a “rich off-campus life, focused on her passion for dance and environmental change advocacy.”

She’ll be studying environmental engineering at the University of Florida, with a minor in dance.

• Lily Johns, a graduate from Braden River High School with “outstanding academic qualifications, submitted a scholarship application

AME Calendar

• Wednesday, Aug. 2, teacher workday.

• Thursday, Aug. 10, first day of 2023-24 for students.

• Monday, Sept. 4, Labor Day, no school.

• Thursday, Oct. 12, end of first 2023-24 quarter.

• Monday-Friday, Nov. 20-24, Thanksgiving holiday, no school.

AME is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

For more information, call the school at 941-708-5525.

Academic achievements

The Islander newspaper welcomes announcements of scholastic achievements and celebrations. Share honors, stories and photographs by emailing news@ islander.org. Please, include a contact name, number and email.

package with a very unique focus: she will be attending Rollins College in the fall with a double major in music and archaeology.”

She’s a violin player, member of the Bradenton Symphony Orchestra at State College of Florida, president of the Braden River High School Orchestra, as well as a member of the JROTC and captain of the high school swim team.

• Cayden Smith is “not only an outstanding academic scholar at Saint Stephens Episcopal School, he is extremely focused on his goal of obtaining a degree in musical performance at the Florida State University College of Music.”

Having successfully auditioned for his class of 2027 seat at FSU, he will be working with faculty “who prepare some of the finest musicians, educators, and music professionals in the country.”

• McKenzie Tice’s “glowing recommendations

Summer holiday shots

Making the most of summer break with a holiday on AMI or away?

Share photos and stories with The Islander. Email news@islander.org.

Please, include a contact name and phone number.

Bros at the beach

Blake Arthur, 14, and brother, Matthew, 9, have some luck fishing June 1 from the three piers area at Cortez Beach in Bradenton Beach. The boys were on vacation from Shelbyville, Kentucky, on their third trip to Anna Maria Island with their parents. Islander

from Bradenton Christian School and colleagues in her film production group made us take notice,” the theater group stated.

She will be attending Lynn University to obtain a bachelor of fi ne arts degree.

Her acceptance letter boasted of her “fantastic audition” and her “talent and personality shining through in the audition.”

For more information about the Island Players, call the box office at 941-778-5755.

Hotaling Johns

Smith

Tice

Photo: Robert Anderson

By Lisa neff

CrossPointe Fellowship sets vacation Bible school dates

CrossPointe Fellowship will host “A-maze-ing Holidays” vacation Bible school in June for children age 4 to the sixth-grade.

Hours will be 6-8:15 p.m. Monday-Thursday, June 19-22, at the church, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

Registration is open online at crosspointefellowshipchurch or vbs.mycpf.org.

For more information, call the church offi ce at 941-778-0719.

Roser to mark Father’s Day

Roser Memorial Community Church will celebrate Father’s Day during services at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Sunday, June 18.

An announcement from the church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, said attendees will receive Fig Newtons, along with a story about the connection between the invention of the cookie and the Roser Chapel.

The Rev. Dirk Rodgers, Roser’s pastor, will deliver a sermon on “the comfort of a just God.”

Following the 10 a.m. service, Roser’s hospitality team, led by Pam Ladd, will serve a brunch in the fellowship hall.

For more information, call the church offi ce at 941-778-0414 or go online to roserchurch.com. Roser also has a Facebook page — @roserchurch.

Tidings

ON AMI

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

Worship: Sundays, 9 a.m., followed by life group.

Ongoing: Wednesdays, 7 a.m., men’s Bible meeting; Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m., Youth Summer activities; Fridays, 10 a.m. women’s Bible meeting.

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

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

Ongoing: Wednesdays, 8 a.m., men’s breakfast.

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

Worship: Sundays, 9:30 a.m., followed by coffee and fellowship.

Ongoing: First Sundays, food bank collections; Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m., women’s social gathering.

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

Worship: Sundays, 9:15 a.m.

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

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

Ongoing: Wednesdays, 2:45 p.m., June 7, June 21, July 21, Aug. 9, Golfing for God, Bradenton; Wednesdays through Aug. 30, 1 p.m., GriefShare; Tuesdays, 2 p.m., women’s book study.

St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-4769, stbernardcc.org, office@stbernardcc. org.

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

Fun times at Roser VBS

Kids attending Roser Memorial Community Church’s vacation Bible school program June 6 enjoy a game outside the sanctuary, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. VBS at Roser included activities, learning and dinner. Islander Courtesy Photos

Kids attending vacation Bible school

June 6 at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, enjoy some time outdoors with their bubbles. The school included playtime, learning, religious activities, dinner and more.

BeLOW: Volunteers Mike and Vanessa Oney ready for a session of Roser Memorial Community Church’s vacation Bible school, which ran the first full week of June. Kids were involved in activities, learning and dinner.

Ongoing: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m., rosary; Wednesdays, 7:30 a.m., Rosary on the Beach at Manatee Public Beach; Saturdays, 3 p.m., confession.

OFF AMI

Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian USA, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Info: 941-900-4903, christchurchoflbk.org.

Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.

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

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

Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.

Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Info: 941-383-3428.

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

SPECIAL DATES & EVENTS

June 19-22, vacation Bible school, CrossPointe.

June 19, noon, Longboat Island Chapel book club, Dry Dock Restaurant, 412 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key.

GET LISTED, CHANGE LISTINGS

Seasons change and so do schedules. Please, send listings and/or changes in worship calendars and other events to calendar@ islander.org.

Gathering is the religion page for The Islander. Send notices to calendar@islander.org. Please, include a phone number for publication.

With

Sign up to receive the eBulletin at RoserChurch.com/contact-us

Compiled by Lisa neff

Sharon Ann Danna Lutz

Sharon Ann Danna Lutz, 61, of Holmes Beach, died May 26 surrounded by family.

She was born Jan. 20, 1962, in Independence, Louisiana, 15 minutes behind twin sister Karen. She was the third of four children born to Charles and Emilee Magliolo Danna.

County approves $100,000 grant for AMIHS

Lutz

She relocated in 1971 with her family to Bradenton, where she enjoyed life near Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. She graduated from Bayshore High School, earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of South Florida and spent most of her career in the legal field, working with almost everyone in downtown Bradenton.

Her proudest achievements were her two children and being a beloved Nanna to four grandchildren. She is best remembered spending time in Holmes Beach, listening to her son play music and playing in the sand with her grandsons.

Mrs. Lutz is survived by her children, Nicholas and Kady MacArthur and her husband Norman; grandchildren David, Kennon, Callum and Holden MacArthur; mother Emilee Danna-Wall and husband Charles; siblings Charles Danna Jr. and wife Laura, Karen Bell and husband Barry, and David Danna; and many nieces and nephews.

At your service

Obituaries

GoodDeeds

Assistance sought on AMI

• Wildlife Inc. rescue and rehabilitation in Bradenton Beach seeks help tending to injured animals. Information: 941-778-6342.

• Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals, as well as assist with technology. Info: 941-3452441.

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

Assistance offered on AMI

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

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

— Lisa neff

GoodDeeds notices: To list an organization’s aid services on AMI or a call for aid, email lisa@islander. org with details.

GoodDeeds

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

A chunk of money might help bring the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum enter modern times.

Manatee County commissioners unanimously voted June 6 to approve a $100,000 grant from the tourist development council to AMIHS.

The funds include $62,000 to reimburse the cost of consulting services to “guide the AMIHS in identifying a strategic vision and creating a plan to strengthen the capacity of the organization,” according to the grant agreement.

Funding also includes $38,000 for administrative costs at the museum.

Barbara Murphy, vice president of the AMIHS board, told The Islander June 8 that the historical society sought the consulting funds to reimburse the cost of hiring Brynne Anne Besio, managing director of Vero Beach-based fundraising corporation Carter.

The Carter company was cofounded and is currently chaired by former Anna Maria resident Bob Carter, husband of Carol Carter, a former city commissioner who served as AMIHS liaison.

Murphy said AMIHS chose Carter specifically due to the expertise of Besio, who served for 13 years as chief executive officer of the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in Bradenton.

“We thought of her first,” she said. “We’ve met with her and she has a whole plan. … We are all volunteers from all different walks of life, so we really needed the guidance and direction from someone who

is tremendously experienced.”

Murphy said Besio was helping to modernize the museum by reviewing its fi nancial records, procedures, retail shop and exhibits for potential improvements, as well as pursuing additional grants to fund the changes.

Such changes could be the addition of earphones for visitors to hear about the museum’s exhibits, the creation of traveling exhibits and the improvement of the museum’s outdoor space, according to Murphy.

The remaining $38,000 of the grant will be used to fund a part-time employee at the museum, which has been run by volunteer docents for years.

The employee might work about three days a week by filling in as a docent, handling administrative tasks and assisting the historical society’s social media presence, according to Murphy.

However, the AMIHS still has to hammer out what they want from the position and when they would begin looking for a person to fill the post.

“We’d like to have it in place come fall,” she said.

AMIHS president Elizabeth Hager did not respond to a June 9 call and email from The Islander.

People can visit the AMIHS museum, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, at no cost 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays January-March and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. weekdays AprilDecember.

The museum closes yearly for the month of September.

People can learn more about the historical society at amihs.org.

Stephen

The Rogers family of Weeki Wachee look through the entry June 9 at the old Anna Maria City Jail at the Anna Maria Island Historical Society grounds, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

Bradenton resident arrested for DUI in Holmes Beach

By Ryan Paice

Islander Reporter

Holmes Beach police arrested Bradenton resident Jerry Garner, 39, May 31 on a second-degree misdemeanor for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.

An officer was parked at the Kingfish Boat Ramp, 752 Manatee Ave., around 10:50 p.m. when a motorist pinged by the Holmes Beach Police Department’s license plate recognition system passed.

The officer followed the motorist and saw them

Line down

West Manatee Fire Rescue Lt. Cameron Frazier and firefighter Aaron Reese keep watch June 7 on a downed power line at the intersection of 45th Avenue West and 124th Street West in Cortez. Frazier and Reese were directing traffic away from the line until a Florida Power and Light utility crew could make repairs. The downed line disrupted power throughout the Cortez area for several hours.

Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

swerve and drive over a double-yellow line, and conducted a traffic stop.

The offi cer spoke to the driver, Garner, whose license had been suspended. Garner also had “glassy” eyes and a “strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath.”

The officer asked Garner if he drank any alcohol before driving and he said he had, so the officer asked him to perform field sobriety exercises.

Garner failed the sobriety exercises. He was arrested and transported him to the HBPD, where he refused to provide a breath sample.

Streetlife

Staff reports

Island police reports

Anna Maria

June 1, 100 block of Los Cedros Drive, noise. A Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a 2:59 a.m. complaint about people speaking loudly on a back patio. The deputy issued a citation for violation of the city’s noise ordinance.

June 2, 9000 block of Gulf Drive, noise. An MCSO deputy responded to a complaint at about 10:07 p.m. regarding loud music at a residence. A deputy issued a citation for violation of the city’s noise ordinance.

June 5, 700 block of North Bay Boulevard, vandalism. An MCSO deputy responded to a complaint of vandalism to a “little free” library in a front yard. The complainant said someone broke the book box. A case number was assigned and incident report filed.

June 6, 400 block of North Bay Boulevard, burglary. An MCSO deputy responded to a complaint about the theft of tools from a work site. The complainant reported multiple incidents of someone taking tools from the job site. A deputy assigned a case number and filed an incident report.

The MCSO polices Anna Maria.

Bradenton Beach

No new reports

The Bradenton Beach Police Department polices Bradenton Beach.

Cortez

No new reports.

The MCSO polices Cortez.

The officer issued Garner a citation for unknowingly driving with a suspended license and transported him to Bradenton, where he transferred custody to a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputy.

The MCSO deputy then transported Garner to the Manatee County jail, where Garner was released June 1 after posting $120 bond.

If convicted, punishment for a second-degree misdemeanor includes up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.

An arraignment will be at 8:55 a.m. Thursday, July 6, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

Holmes Beach

May 30, 4200 block of Gulf Drive, contractor fraud. A woman called the Holmes Beach Police Department to report contractor fraud. She said she hired a contractor to complete renovations on a property in the city and paid them $44,000, but the person never completed the work. The woman said the contractor left the property a mess. Then she learned the company had been dissolved and its owner had moved out of state. An officer sent her a form to fill out and return to the HBPD.

June 3, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, warrant arrest. An officer saw a vehicle illegally parked and found via law enforcement databases that there was an active warrant to arrest the registered owner. The officer later observed a motorist drive away and conducted a traffic stop, followed by an arrest. The officer transported the man to Bradenton, where he transferred custody to an MCSO deputy.

June 5, 3300 block of East Bay Drive, seize tag order/suspended license. An officer located a motorist pinged by the HBPD’s license plate recognition system due to a seize tag order. The officer conducted a traffic stop and spoke to the driver, who said he did not know he was driving on a suspended license. The officer issued a citation and confiscated the vehicle’s license plate. The vehicle was parked at a business and was later towed by AAA.

June 5, 700 block of Manatee Avenue, speeding

“There is no love sincerer than the love of food.” — G.B. Shaw

Charge downgraded in Cortez preserve fire

A charge was reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor in connection to a brush fire in Cortez.

Bradenton resident Jody Young, 40, was arrested May 10 on a charge of felony malicious land burning, accused of setting fire to the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage Preserve, 11655 Cortez Road W., Cortez.

The charge was reduced May 12 to second-degree misdemeanor unlawful burning during Young’s first appearance in court before Judge Lon Arend in the 12th Judicial Circuit.

Witnesses said they saw Young use a lighter to set the fire and called the 911 call center.

West Manatee Fire Rescue Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski said firefighters responded quickly, extinguishing the fire within 15 minutes of a 911 call.

Young was released from the Manatee County jail in Palmetto on a $1,500 bond.

If convicted, the misdemeanor carries up to 60 days in jail, six months of probation, and a $500 fine.

His arraignment on the misdemeanor is scheduled for 8:55 a.m. Wednesday, June 21, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

— Robert Anderson

STREETLIFE FROM PAGe 16

30 mph over posted limit. An offi cer saw a motorist pass another motorist in a no-passing zone, while driving noticeably fast. The officer used radar to clock the motorist driving 71 mph in a 35-mph zone, then conducted a traffic stop. The officer spoke to the driver and issued a court summons for driving more than 30 mph over the speed limit and a citation for passing in a no-passing zone.

HBPD polices Holmes Beach.

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

Burning for betterment

Manatee County natural Resources

Department employee John Moden stands June 5 near a blockade at the entrance of neal Preserve, 12301 Manatee Ave. W., Perico Island, while a crew begins the first prescribed burn at the preserve. Mike elswick, resource management division manager, told The Islander June 7 that prescribed burns such as the one at neal are used to maintain a natural ecology by managing shrubs and vines, as well as reduce hazardous fuel loads. elswick said the county aimed to burn about 4.9 acres at neal but only about 2.5 acres burned due to a high tide and weather conditions. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy

HBPD arrests man for fake ID, obstructing law enforcement

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Holmes Beach police arrested Bradenton resident Reid King, 19, June 2 on a third-degree felony for possession of a forged identification card.

King also was charged with a fi rst-degree misdemeanor for obstructing a law enforcement officer without violence.

An officer saw a group of people on the beach near 30th Street around 2:25 a.m. with alcohol containers.

As the offi cer approached, one person ran and ignored commands to stop or be “tased.”

Then the officer deployed his Taser but missed and the man got away.

The officer searched with backup from the Bradenton Beach Police Department and Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, but could not find the subject.

The officer then returned to the group on the beach, where a man identified the subject as his son, Reid King, and called King to ask him to turn himself in.

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King returned to the scene, where the officer arrested him and conducted a search, finding a Georgia driver’s license bearing King’s name and photo.

The officer ran the license number through dispatch and determined it belonged to someone else.

Reid, who was “noticeably under the influence of alcohol,” allegedly told police he purchased the fake ID from a friend.

The officer confiscated the ID.

The officer then arrested King and transported him to the Manatee County jail, where he was released June 2 after posting $2,000 bond.

If convicted, punishment for a third-degree felony includes up to five years in prison, five years of probation and a fine of up to $5,000.

Punishment for a first-degree misdemeanor includes up to one year in jail, one year of probation and a fine of up to $1,000.

An arraignment will be at 9 a.m. Friday, July 14, at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton.

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Variance request granted for mobile home project

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

For a Sandpiper Park homeowner, approval of a variance request is a step in the right direction.

Bradenton Beach Special Master Marisa Powers approved a request June 7 from Patrick J. Burch, owner of a home at the Sandpiper mobile home park, for a variance to install a set of stairs.

Burch requested a 3.5-foot variance from the 4-foot setback required in the city’s land development code.

In late 2022, a contractor hired to replace Burch’s stairs was told by city code enforcement that the work required a variance — permission for a property to go outside the limits of a zoning code — because it encroached on a setback.

City planner Louis Serna, who read staff findings during the special master hearing, said Burch’s stairs are 21 inches wide and 15 inches from the edge of 27th Street but a larger deck and stairs are needed to allow handicapped accessibility.

So the replacement deck would need to come to within 6 inches of 27th Street, triggering the need for a variance.

“Our finding is that the requested variance is in response to a hardship affecting handicap accessibility and is in general harmony with the intent of the comprehensive plan and land development code of the city,’ Serna said. “Based on our review and our findings, our recommendations are for approval.”

He said approval should come with the condition that the variance run with the current owner and, should the property be sold, the deck would need to be returned to its current size and configuration.

Powers called for comment and, having none, delivered her decision: “As indicated, I did review in detail the report of Mr. Serna. I did review the relevant land development codes. Based upon the staff report and the comments made today as well as my own review of the issues, I find the request for variance to be consistent with the variance criteria.”

Powers approved the request with the stipulation the variance run with the current owner.

Building official Steve Gilbert said June 7 the special master’s decision would need go before city commissioners, who can affirm the recommendation, add stipulations or overturn it.

The next commission meeting will be at noon, Thursday, June 15, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. Building official Steve Gilbert, left, and city planner Louis Serna are sworn before testifying June 7 at a special master hearing at Bradenton Beach City Hall. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

A crane hoists a wave attenuation device — fiber reinforced concrete trademarked as WAD — alongside the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. The DOT’s District 1 office held a media event June 7 to show off the structures, engineered to dissipate wave energy and “provide an environmentally productive solution to reduce, eliminate and reverse coastal erosion.” The living shore project, which is expected to enhance marine habitat at the location, is due to be completed by summer’s end.

A barge in Tampa Bay holds equipment and WADS, fiber reinforced concrete structures that the DOT is placing near the bridge to guard against coastal erosion. One WAD weighs 8,500 pounds, another weighs 13,000 pounds. The structures will be placed 50-200 feet offshore for about 1,512 linear feet south of a new rest area and northwest of the access channel by the fishing pier. Another array will run parallel 50-200 feet offshore for about 1,183 linear feet on the southeast side of the access channel. Islander Photos: Courtesy DOT

RoadWatch Eyes on the road

• City center in Holmes Beach: Work on the city’s project near the intersection of Gulf and Marina drives is not concluded. Traffic patterns can change. For the latest, check the city’s page on Facebook. Also, Manatee County’s work on a force main project continues in the city center area. For the latest, go to amiprojects.io.

• Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach : Manatee County is relocating and replacing sewer lines along Gulf Drive from Sixth Street South to 11th Street South, as well as on side streets. For the latest, go to amiprojects.io.

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

— Lisa neff

Calming coastal erosion

’Cane cut

Bradenton Beach public works personnel work from a scissor lift June 6, trimming palms on city property in preparation for storm season. The palms received a pruning commonly known among landscapers as a “hurricane cut.” The palms are cut to reduce drag caused by high winds and increase the odds of a tree’s survival. It also helps lessen flying debris during high winds. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

Resources for storm season

Twitter

• National Hurricane Center: @nWSnHC, @nHC_Atlantic.

• National Weather Service: @nWS, @nWSTampaBay

On the web

• Manatee County: mymanatee.org.

BB P&Z backs comp plan changes for Azure Shores

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

The Bradenton Beach P&Z is going back for the future.

The planning and zoning board reached consensus June 8 to revise language in the city’s comprehensive plan based on comparisons between 1989 and 2020 plans.

A comp plan provides guidance for growth through goals and policies. A city’s permit, land use or zoning decision must be consistent with the comp plan.

The consensus allows city staff to move forward with drafting an ordinance to amend the comp plan to remove inconsistencies between zoning and future land use maps for the Azure Shores neighborhood.

Azure Shores is 2.53 acres between Second Street North and Cortez Road and between Gulf Drive North and Highland Avenue and includes more than 20 residential lots and Oma’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant, 201 Gulf Drive N.

Also included are vacant lots used for Beach House Restaurant parking at the corners of Third Street North and Gulf Drive North and Third Street North and Highland Avenue, both owned by Ed Chiles.

The neighborhood’s proximity to the commercial district includes a mix of commercial properties and R-3 residential zoning.

The inconsistencies stem from 2008, when the city amended its future land use map but did not amend its zoning map.

A future land use map shows land use types and densities that a city has determined to be the most desirable for a particular area.

Zoning establishes permitted and prohibited uses, as well as regulations for setbacks, building heights, subdivisions of land, fences and signs.

• State: floridadisaster.org.

• Federal: fema.gov., nhc.noaa.gov

News

• The Islander: islander.org

• Bradenton Herald: bradenton.com

• Herald-Tribune: heraldtribune.com

Staff has recommended that the Azure Shores map inconsistencies could be resolved by amending the text in the LDC and the comprehensive plan to state the existing R-3 zoning designation can be implemented

in the city’s only ROR zoning district.

Gilbert said the city’s FLUM and zoning would need to be revised moving R-3 zoning from the highdensity land use category into the restaurant-officeretail land use category.

“Basically, all this does is, essentially it takes us back to the future,” Gilbert said. “To the future land use map of 1989, where the zoning use and the future land use were consistent with each other. We’re not providing an expansion of permissions, but neither are we reducing what people already have.”

Gilbert said it would not stop a developer from compiling lots in the neighborhood and filing for future land use and zoning changes.

“For someone with the right amount of money, that’s always available to them,” Gilbert said.

P&Z members reached a 3-0 consensus to approve drafting an ordinance which would be reviewed by the P&Z and city commission.

P&Z members John Burns and Dan Morhaus were absent with excuse.

To read the land development code, go to cityofbradentonbeach.com. The LDC can be found under the building and planning department link.

The next P&Z meeting will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 5, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

Center responds to financial struggles with rate hike

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Fiscal 2022-23 hasn’t been kind to the Center of Anna Maria Island.

With only two months to go in the fiscal year ending June 30, the community center was $269,143 in the red at the end of April, according to a financial report from the nonprofit organization.

The number was a far cry from last year, when the center was $113,233 in the black through the same time frame — a $382,375 difference.

More than half of the nonprofit’s $269,143 deficit can be attributed to $163,777 in capital expenses for ongoing bathroom renovations and a new AC unit.

Another issue is a six-figure drop in fundraising revenue from last year.

In fiscal 2021-22, the center raised $942,467 and spent $629,635 on fundraising, which resulted in a profit of $312,832 in fundraising income.

This year, fundraising dropped 31% to $649,099, while expenses only dropped 25% to $473,107.

As a result, the center has collected $175,992 through April, a $136,840 decrease over last year.

Programming saw a small drop from last year.

The center took in $345,058 through April, $24,153 less than the same time span in 2021-22.

That drop can be attributed to a 52% increase in programming costs, from $266,336 last year to $403,945 this year.

Another contributing factor to the center’s fiscal issues is a 26% increase in general, indirect and administrative expenses over last year.

Last year, the nonprofit spent $495,714 on similar

expense items through April 2022.

This year, the nonprofit has spent $626,416, or $130,702 more, on the same expenses through April.

The center launched a matching challenge campaign in May to chip away at its deficit.

“The current spring fundraising campaign has never been more critical than right now,” executive director Chris Culhane wrote in a June 9 email to The Islander. “Government contributions from COVID and major grants have dried up and we must look for alternative funds to operate or continue to serve our community.”

People can contribute to the campaign at https:// bit.ly/amicac22.

Membership rate increase

This year’s financial struggles might have played a role in the center’s June 6 announcement that it will increase the cost of annual memberships and temporary passes in fiscal 2023-24.

Summer sports on tap

By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter

With the arrival of summer — summer temps that is — youth sports head indoors for fast and exciting soccer in the airconditioned gymnasium at the community center.

Annual memberships currently cost $300 for kids age 4-17, $660 for adults age 18-59, $600 for seniors age 60 and up, or $1,440 for families.

Individual access passes to the center currently cost $20 for a day, $60 for a week and $120 for a month.

Family access passes cost $55 for a day and $175 for a week.

When fiscal 2023-24 begins July 1, annual memberships will cost $360 for kids, $720 for adults, $660 for seniors and $1,620 for families.

Individual access passes will rise to $25 for a day, $75 for a week and $125 for a month.

Family access passes will be $75 for a day and $220

The center is offering to lock in current rates for the upcoming year if paid by June 30.

People can arrange memberships by calling the center at 941-778-1908 or emailing customerservice@ centerami.org.

The center is at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

Make your way to the center at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, to catch some of the action.

Key Royale news

Cassidy

The Center of Anna Maria Island indoor summer soccer league kicked off June 12 for the four-team 11-14 division. Games are being played on Monday nights at 6:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.

The 5-7 year old division or instructional league kicks off its season at 5:45 p.m. June 13, after press time for The Islander, with two games at once on the divided indoor court.

As usual, there are no scores or standings kept in the instructional league.

The four-team 8-10 division also kicks off June 13, with games at 6:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.

The season runs June 12-Aug. 8, with Aug. 7 marking the first round of playoffs for the competitive divisions and championship matches Aug. 8.

Stay tuned to the Islander for reports on the fastpaced indoor action.

Meanwhile, the adult flag football league at the center kicks off June 15 with four games. The regular season will run through July 27, while the playoffs get started Aug. 3 and conclude with the championship at 8 p.m. Aug. 17.

Weekly golf action at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach got started June 5 with the men’s modified-Stableford system match. In a tightly contested affair, Mike Clements carded a plus-5 to edge Dave Richardson for first place by one point in the quotapoint match. Dom Livedoti was alone in third place with plus-3.

The women played their nine-hole individual-lownet match in two flights June 6. Jenny Huibers fired a 1-over-par 33 to take first place by one stroke over Helen Pollock. Laurie Hicks fashioned an even-par 32 to earn a three-stroke victory over Terry Westby, who finished at 3-over-par 35.

The week concluded June 8 with a nine-hole team scramble that saw Cliff Lanning, Chuck Patrick, Warren Stevens and Quentin Talbert earn clubhouse bragging rights for the day by combining on a 3-underpar 29. There was a battle for second as the team of Jim Hill, Dave and Deb Richardson and Terry Schaefer matched the 2-under-par 30 carded by Ron Buck, Mike Cusato, Tom Erdle and Marty Hicks to finish in a tie for second place.

Horseshoe news

Three teams emerged from pool play during June

Kids stretch during a May 25 tumbling and dance recital featuring kids at the community center. Islander Photos: Courtesy CofAMI

Amelia Helbing, 9, left, and Lillian Seubert, 9, carry sunflowers May 25 during a youth tumbling and dance recital at the Center of Anna Maria Island.

Silver kings push offshore, pressure lifts on targetable species

By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

With a sudden vacancy of tarpon along the beaches due to the June 4 full moon, anglers bent on hunting the trophy fish are having to travel to find targetable schools.

As a result, the fish still around are receiving less pressure, creating better bites.

You’ll be lucky if you can locate the silver kings around Anna Maria Island but don’t fret.

We should see tarpon return soon, as they make their way back from their offshore spawn. And with the spawning areas being 70-80 miles offshore, you can bet they will be hungry when they get here.

So be ready for a second wave of big game fishing when the tarpon return and enjoy the hiatus and the chance to catch other species — some for dinner, too.

In the back country, catch-and-release snook are producing action despite the drawn-out incoming tides that last most of the day. In many instances, the slower tides result in a slower bite, although the snook seem to be active. Look for areas where good tidal flow exist even on the slowest tides, to find the best action.

Spotted seatrout are targetable during these tides. They may require patience, as the slower water movement seems detrimental to their urgency to feed, but they’re still worth a shot, especially if want to take fish home. You may encounter bluefish and Spanish mackerel in the same areas as the trout, which adds some “reel” thrills.

Lastly, mangrove snapper are finding their way into Tampa Bay as the influx of hatch bait becomes more apparent. I’m not seeing an invasion on the flats, but snapper are congregating around structure and in the passes.

On my Just Reel charters, catch-and-release snook fishing remains a crowd-pleaser. Free-lining baits along

Doug Horton of Bradenton shows off a 28-inch snook he caught and released June 9 on a guided fishing trip with Capt. Danny Stasny of Just Reel Fishing.

mangrove shorelines, sandy beaches and rocky areas is producing decent numbers of strikes.

After snook fishing, I’m finding a variety of fish on the deeper grass flats of Tampa Bay, where spotted seatrout, macks and bluefish are making up the bite. Redfish are being caught at random along oyster bars and mangroves. Lastly, mangrove snapper are being found in the passes during slow-moving tides.

Capt. Warren Girle is fishing for a variety of species — from catch-and-release snook in the backcountry to permit on the reefs in the Gulf of Mexico.

On the flats of Sarasota Bay, targeting catch-andrelease snook is working well for Girle. Casting live shiners among mangrove shorelines is producing good action. On deeper flats in Sarasota Bay, spotted seatrout are available, as well as bluefish and mackerel.

Moving out to the Gulf beaches, Girle is in pursuit of tarpon. According to Girle, the bite around sunrise is best. Fish up to 100 pounds are being caught.

Finally, moving offshore to the artifi cial reefs, Girle is finding a variety of species, including mangrove snapper, juvenile grouper and permit.

Fishing at the Rod & Reel Pier remains steady for yet another week, where anglers using live shrimp as bait are frequently hooking into mangrove snapper, with some anglers catching their limit of five fish in a morning session.

Redfi sh and catch-and-release snook are being caught on shrimp as bait. Anglers using artificials are hooking up with mackerel, ladyfish and an occasional jack crevalle

Finally, casting fresh-cut chunks of mackerel and ladyfish is resulting in blacktip sharks.

Capt. David White is working offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, working the late tarpon bite and also getting in some bottom fishing at depths of 100 feet or more, yielding good action on American red snapper.

Live bait such as pinfish is working well, although frozen baits such as sardines are also working. Red grouper are included in this bite when the aggressive red snapper will let them near the bait. Smaller snappers — yellowtails and mangroves — also are being taking the bait.

Moving inshore, White says tarpon fishing is still a worthwhile pursuit during evening outgoing tides. During morning incoming tides, the primary bite is redfish and catch-and-release snook. Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

8 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall pits and settled things in a playoff.

The team of Tim Sofran and Neil Hennessey drew the bye and watched as Dom Livedoti and Norm Good destroyed Bob Heiger and Bob Baker by a 21-2 score. The finals saw Sofran and Hennessey cruise to a 24-13 victory over Livedoti and Good thanks to three double ringers from Sofran.

The June 10 games saw two teams advance to the finals, where Billy Silver and Bob Baker shut out Tom Farrington and Bob Hawks 22-0 to earn the day’s bragging rights.

Play gets underway at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Anna Maria pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by random team selection. There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome.

Stasny

Capt. Mike Greig

Stuart Pilsbury, left, of Bradenton grabs a trophy photo with Capt. David White and his June 5 tarpon catch. The fish, which ate a live crab, was in the 120-pound range.

SPORTS FROM PAGe 20

BOLO on the beach

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring issued a couple of cautions June 10, as the number of false crawls on local beaches surpassed the number of nests.

AMITW June 10 reported 167 false crawls —incidents in which a female sea turtle, likely a loggerhead, came ashore but did not nest. AMITW tallied 55 false crawls for the week ending June 10.

AMITW also reported 142 documented sea turtle nests, including 31 nests for the week ending June 10.

“We had a good week for turtles, including another green turtle nest this week,” AMITW direcror Kristen Mazzarella wrote in an email to The Islander.

She also shared two alerts — fill in large holes that can impede the progress of nesting and hatchling sea turtles and refrain from using lights on the beaches.

“Several of our nesting females traveled a long distance out of their way because they were following lights instead of using the brightness of the night sky to find the ocean,” Mazzarella wrote. “Please, keep our beaches dark for sea turtles.”

Mazzarella also asked people not to remove stakes placed by turtle watch, including stakes marking nests and also backup stakes in dunes and on wide beaches.

For more info, contact director Mazzarella at annamariaturtlewatch@gmail.com or 941-232-1405.

Coming … and going

Restless islander David Stanton, couldn’t sleep and took a beach walk around 3:30 a.m. June 3 and shared this recollection: It was very bright out under a nearly full moon. As I was walking north through Holmes Beach, I noticed a fresh, unmarked sea turtle crawl. About a block later I saw a second fresh crawl. Then, just a few minutes later, there was a third crawl pattern in the sand and I saw a loggerhead up in the soft sand about 15 yards from the water’s edge. I walked closer, slowly and quietly as not to disturb it. Right about the same time, I saw a raccoon come out of the brush toward the sea turtle. I chased the raccoon off and shortly afterwards the sea turtle dug a hole and laid its eggs.

As of June 10, AMITW had identified 142 nests and 167 false crawls.

The turtle used its front and back flippers to cover the nest with sand. Then it did a 180-degree turn and headed back to the water — pausing every 15 feet or so for a short rest. All in all, it took the turtle maybe 45 minutes to lay its eggs and head back into the surf. It happened around 49th Street in Holmes Beach. It was an awesome experience to see a turtle that large. It had a few barnacles on its

back and looked to be about a 100-pound turtle. It was one of the most incredible things I’ve seen in my time here. The next morning I sent my information to the Anna Maria Island turtle patrol to let them know the location of the three fresh crawls and the nest. Also, I took these photos with an iPhone Pro Max with a 3-second exposure to catch the full light, making sure not to use my flash to scare the turtle. I think had I not walked up at just the right time, the raccoon would’ve gotten the eggs or scared the turtle back into the Gulf of Mexico. I’m 53 years old and originally from Kansas City, Missouri. I’ve lived off and on the island since 2012. This was one of the most incredible things I’ve seen in all that time.

By Lisa Neff

50th-anniversary act

We have 50 species in Florida federally listed as “threatened” or “endangered” as we mark the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Some people think the list should be longer.

Some would like to see classifications changed to better protect a species — like the manatee.

Others want to see a shorter list.

Opinions vary based on environmental assumptions, economic interests, political persuasions, outdoor pursuits.

But mostly opinion surveys indicate that protections provided under the Endangered Species Act are widely popular and bipartisan passage of the legislation established a milestone in U.S. culture, history and politics.

The act is important enough that government agencies and conservation organizations will be celebrating the anniversary for the rest of the year — until Dec. 28, 50 years to the day President Richard Nixon signed ESA into law.

The bill was introduced into the U.S. Senate 50 years ago this week — June 12, 1973.

The Senate passed the measure July 24, 1973, with a vote of 92-0, and the House followed with a decisive 390-12 vote Sept. 18, 1973.

Conferencing took place in mid-December and Nixon, who had called for stronger laws to protect

Rainy season reminder: watch the weather, wait to water

When it rains, it nourishes.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District is encouraging people who irrigate their landscapes to take advantage of the summer rainy season and “watch the weather, wait to water.”

Through September, yards need less than an inch of water every two to three days.

The simplest way to determine if a lawn needs water is to look for visual clues:

• Grass blades folded in half lengthwise on at least one-third of a yard.

• Grass blades appear blue-gray.

• Grass blades do not spring back, leaving footprints on the lawn for several minutes after walking on it.

If a yard is showing signs that it needs water, check the local forecast to see if rain is on the way.

Use a rain gauge to determine how much rain a yard has received.

And take full advantage of the rain: Make sure gutter downspouts are directed into landscaped areas or lawn and install a rain barrel to capture excess rainwater.

For additional information, visit watermatters.org/ watchtheweather.

— Lisa neff

Painter Cal Robinson’s “West Indian manatee” portrait, created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the u.S. endangered Species Act of 1973. Islander Image:

endangered species in February 1972, signed the bill nine days later.

To commemorate the anniversary, the federal government created ESA posters — including art featuring the “threatened” West Indian manatee and the “endangered” Kemp’s ridley sea turtle — as well as postage stamps, coloring books and more.

Meanwhile, preservation of the act seems a fight with no finish, as efforts to amend or challenge in the five decades since its passage can threaten the integrity of the law.

Over the years, species have come and gone from the ESA list — sometimes because their status improved but sometimes their status worsened, even to the point of extinction.

The bald eagle, whooping crane, brown pelican, American alligator and Florida’s manatee continue to exist because of Endangered Species Act protections.

We see bald eagles on and around AMI today but in the mid-1900s the national symbol was in danger of extinction throughout most of its range due to habitat destruction and degradation, hunting and contamination of its food source by insecticides.

We see American alligators around Florida today but the gator population reached an all-time low in the 1950s due to overhunting and loss of habitat.

We see manatees around Florida today, including in AMI waters, and the population is healthier than the 1,267 manatees counted in aerial surveys 20 years after passage of the ESA.

But threats remain for the manatee, as well as for Kemp’s ridley, Hawksbill, leatherback, green and loggerhead sea turtles; shortnose and Atlantic sturgeons; sperm, humpback, Bryde’s and Rice’s whales; Cape Sable seaside and Florida grasshopper sparrows; ivorybilled and red-cockaded woodpeckers; gray bats and gray wolves; American crocodiles and Florida panthers.

Hopefully there’s another success story to herald on the 75th anniversary of the ESA.

And on the 100th, too.

Celebrating species

The u.S. endangered Species Act turns 50 this year and the u.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is marking the milestone anniversary with a series of posters featuring eight federally listed species from paintings by Cal Robinson, a public affairs specialist in an FWS office in California.

Islander Image: Courtesy Cal Robinson / FWS

Gator gains

The American alligator population reached an all-time low in the 1950s, primarily due to overhunting and loss of habitat. Passage of the u.S. endangered Species Act in 1973 established protections for the species, leading to a population recovery. Islander

Photo: Courtesy Molly Martin / FWS

Courtesy Cal Robinson / FWS

ITEMS FOR SALE

RACHAeL RAY neW, in-box, red stoneware, 24 oz. olive oil evoo bottle. $20. 941-7760034.

WHITe BOOKSHeLF, WITH attached twodoor cabinet. All wood. $100. 941-2431306.

PAnInnI MAKeR: CuISInART, stainlesssteel, like new, $45. 941-920-2494.

CHAIR: BLACK, SOFT cushion $15/ each and office chair, white, $10. Side tables, brown with glass top. 2/$20. 941920-2494.

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

BeAuTIFuL FAuX FIRePLACe: $49 or best offer. nearly new Pentaire core pool fi lter, $49. 941-778-5542.

Sandy’s

Inc.

Paradise Improvements 941.792.5600

RDI CONSTRUCTION INC.

References

AdoptA-Pet

Oh, those eyes!

Bella is an 8-year-old mixed-breed lovebug!

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

SPOnSOReD BY

941-720-7519

ANSWERS TO JUNE 14 PUZZLE

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SPeCIALIZInG In BACHeLOReTTe parties. Call Michael Sue Scott. Intuitive reader. 941726-1234. www.michaelsuescott.com

GARAGE SALES

MOVInG SALe: 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, June 17. Household items, furniture, rugs, April Cornel linens, miscellaneous yard tools, books, paintings, bedding, decorative pillows, kitchen pots, pans. 107 Los Cedros Drive, Anna Maria.

PETS

HeLP ReSCueD PeTS! Volunteer, foster, computer help needed! Moonracer Animal Rescue. email: moonraceranimalrescue@ gmail.com.

TRANSPORTATION

GOLF CART RenTALS: Fun for residents and tourists! www.GolfCartRentalAMI.com.

BOATS & BOATING

HAVe A BOAT and wanna catch more fish, better bait or learn the water? 50-year local fisherman, your boat, my knowledge. Captain Chris, 941-896-2915.

SunCOAST BOTTOM PAInTInG: Professional bottom painting. Mobile. Call 941704-9382.

TWO KAYAKS FOR sale: epic V6 Tourer (siton-top kayak) that’s fast and stable; 16-feet long, 23-inches wide and only 35.3 lbs. with a rudder to improve tracking. Also includes Werner Kalliste carbon paddle (very light), kayak stand and cart, $2,000. necky Manitou (sit-inside kayak) thats stable; 14.4-feet long, 24-inches wide and 49 lbs. with a retractable skeg to improve tracking. Also includes Werner Kalliste carbon paddle (very light), kayak stand and cart. $500. Call Tom, 941-779-1957.

FISHING

Fun AnD FISH: Skiff rental. 24-foot Carolina skiff. Live bait and fi shing equipment included upon request. Call 941-704-9382.

HELP WANTED

SMuGGLeR’S COVe/GuLF STReAM Beach Resort: Receptionist needed for 10:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. every other Sunday. Please, call 941-779-2804 for more details.

nOW HIRInG HAnDYMAn: Full-time professional services. $18 an hour and up, based on experience. Call JayPros, 941962-2874.

RePORTeR WAnTeD: Full- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience required. Apply via email with letter of interest to news@islander.org.

MORe BAnG FOR YOuR BuCK? It’s an old saying, but it’s still true when it comes to The Islander. Look for more online at islander. org.

KIDS FOR HIRE

neeD An ADuLT night out? Call Maty’s Babysitting Services. I’m 16, love kids and have lots of experience. References upon request. 618-977-9630.

KIDS FOR HIRe ads are FRee for up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work. Ads must be placed in person at The Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach.

SERVICES

IS YOuR HOMe or office in need of some cleaning? Well, I’m your girl! Local, reliable, professional! Please, give me a call or text, 941-773 -0461.

CLeAnInG: VACATIOn, COnSTRuCTIOn, residential, commercial and windows. Licensed and insured. 941-756-4570.

PReSSuRe WASHInG, PAVeR sealing, driveway, roof, fence, pool area. Also, window cleaning. Licensed and insured. 941-5653931.

BICYCLe RePAIRS: Just4Fun at 5358 Gulf Drive can do most any bicycle repair at a reasonable cost. Pick-up and delivery available. 941-896-7884.

COMPAnIOn/HOMeMAKeR: Honest and reliable offering help with running errands, grocery shopping, house sitting, pet and plant care, light cooking/cleaning, transportation. References available and licensed. Call Sherri, 941-592-4969.

API’S DRYWALL RePAIR: I look forward to servicing your drywall repair needs. Call 941524-8067 to schedule an appointment.

PROFeSSIOnAL WInDOW CLeAnInG: Residential, commercial, free estimates. “We want to earn your business!” 207-8526163.

AIRPORT RIDeS: SARASOTA, St. Pete, Tampa. Call/text, Vita, 941-376-7555.

HAnGIn’ On AMI: We hang artwork, mirrors, TVs, etc. Furniture assembly. Local references available. 941-720-3126.

ISLAnD LIGHTSCAPeS & SeCuRITY: Landscape lighting and home security installation. Quality service by Island residents. 941-7203126.

eXTRA HeLP AT home or on vacation. organization, cleaning, sitting, errands. very competent. Gemma, 805-570-1415.

RAInY DAY AT the beach? Sunburned? Have fun inside. Tarot card reading for individuals or groups. Phone or video by St. Louis’ top psychic, CBS radio’s #1 fortune teller. As seen on MTV and nickelodeon. $50 for 15 minutes. Call or text, Julia GordonBramer, 314-517-0158.

PRIORITY GueST HOSTInG By Bettina. excellent five-star ratings for over five years. Vacation rental hosting. Call me, 240-4645898.

HAnDYMAn 25 YeARS experience: Boats, homes, rentals, mechanics, odd jobs, references available. Jeremy, 941-301-3967.

RIDeS neAR AnD Far car transport. Based in Palmetto. 715-292-8692.

SERVICES Continued

CLeAn TeCH MOBILe Detailing. At your location. Cars, boats, RVs. Call or text Billie for an appointment. 941-592-3482.

BuSIneSS-TO-BuSIneSS JD’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-920-3840.

BeACH SeRVICe air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. Commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. Serving Manatee County and the Island since 1987. For dependable, honest and personalized service, call Bill eller, 941-795-7411. CAC184228.

LAWN & GARDEN

COnnIe’S LAnDSCAPInG InC. Residential and commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-778-5294.

BARneS LAWn AnD Landscape LLC. Design and installation, lawn and landscape services, tree trimming, mulch, rock and shell. 941-705-1444. Jr98@barneslawnandlandscape.com.

COLLInS LAnDSCAPe LIGHTInG: Outdoor lighting, landscaping, irrigation services and maintenance. 941-279-9947. MJC24373@ gmail.com.

SHeLL DeLIVeReD AnD spread. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, topsoil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, “shell phone” 941-720-0770.

MP LAWn MAInTenAnCe now accepting new clients. Call Dante, 941-730-9199. mp@ mplawnmaintenance.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT

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

TILe -TILe -TILe. All variations of ceramic tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship, prompt, reliable, many Island references. Call neil, 941-726-3077.

GRIFFIn’S HOMe IMPROVeMenTS Inc. Handyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. Insured and licensed. 941-722-8792.

ISLAnD HAnDYMAn: I live here, work here, value your referral. Refinish, paint. Just ask. JayPros. Licensed/insured. References. Call Jay, 941-962-2874.

HAnDYMAn AnD PAInTInG. no job too small. Most jobs just right. Call Richard Kloss. 941-204-1162.

SCReenInG SeRVICeS: Replace your old or ripped window, door or porch screens. Many screen types available. Retired veteran here to serve our community! Free estimates, call Lane, 941-705-5293.

CALL HYDRO CLeAn. Full-service pressure washing, sealing. Pavers, travertine and natural stone. Window washing too, up to three stories. Call Jacob, 941-920-2094.

LOOKInG FOR An eARLY BIRD? You can read Wednesday’s classifieds on Tuesday at islander.org. And it’s FRee!

SERVICES Continued

SARASOTA InTeRIOR PAInTInG: We specialize in high-end properties. We love to paint! Owner operated. Fully insured/ licensed. Call or text Don, 941-900-9398. Instagram: SarasotaInteriorPainting.

RENTALS

AnnA MARIA GuLF beachfront vacation rentals. One- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941778-3143.

PeRICO ISLAnD PATIO home for rent. 3BR/2BA, 30-day minimum. Privacy fence/ gate, two miles to AMI. Call or text, 859771-6423.

BeAuTIFuLLY FuRnISHeD, AnnuAL rental in Beach Harbor Club, Longboat Key. 2BR/2BA with views of the bay, laundry and condo amenities include pool, grill, with both bay and beach access. $200 application required. $3,800 month plus fi rst and last month’s rent and $1,000 deposit. Call Mike norman Realty, 941-778-6696. 3101 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217.

LOnG-TeRM RenTAL: Furnished six months-plus. new upscale, modern home with mother-in-law suite in amazing Palma Sola. 3BR/3BA, two kitchens and two living areas, two patios, .30 acres. Three miles from Anna Maria Island. $5,600 per month, lawn maintenance and trash removal included. Available July 1. no pets. 813-362-5881.

BeACH LIFe! AnnuAL rental! 55-plus park, 1BR/1BA. Beach just across the street. Furnished, pool, parking. $1,635/month, vetting done by the office. no pets. 831-212-2606.

AnnuAL RenTAL: 1BR/1BA available July 1. no pets. Close to beach. $1,800/month. First, last, security. 941-807-1405.

SeASOnAL RenTAL: HOLMeS Beach. One room studio. Large bathroom, kitchen, bed alcove. Private patio and parking. Dec. 15-April 15. no pets, no smoking. Total, $8,400. 908-914-1182.

AnnuAL LeASe RenTAL on Anna Maria Island. 2BR/1BA, very clean ground-level 1,000-sf home/duplex only steps to Gulf beach. Presently unfurnished. $2,350/ month,including utilities heat/AC, trash and water. no smoking, no pets. 508-496-8480. williamshomes@yahoo.com

DeSIRABLe, QuIeT, SAFe second-floor duplex for rent. 3BR/2BA fully furnished, bed linens, dishware, washer/dryer. Five minutes to AMI. Includes all utilities except electric. Annual, $2,800. Will consider three-month, six-month. no smoking. Contact Kelly, 941301-9938.

WInnIe MCHALe, ReALTOR, 941-5046146. Rosebay International Realty Inc. You need an aggressive and experienced Realtor in today’s market! Selling island homes, Sarasota and Bradenton areas. Multi-milliondollar producer! “Selling Homes - Making Dreams Come True.”

The Islander website offers essential news for residents and visitors. Check it out: islander.org.

AMI chamber looking

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce aims to fill a pair of shoes.

Becky Lietzau, employed by the chamber since March 2021 as member services staff, will leave June 30.

The chamber posted a full-time administrative assistant opening June 7. The starting pay is $15 per hour, based on experience.

A notice stated the position requires interaction with members, potential members, the public and partner organizations.

The person will report to chamber president Terri Kinder and work with the chamber team.

The many duties range from managing a membership database to pitching in at events.

To view the job description, visit amichamber.org and search under the heading “jobs.”

The chamber requested resumes by mail to Kinder, 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach Fl 34217, or email, info@annamariaislandchamber.org.

Wagner kudos

Wagner Realty announced that Becky Smith and Ed Taaffe in the Anna Maria Island office earned certi-

fied waterfront specialist designations.

This designation is owned and awarded by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee, with local curriculum on the legalities, pitfalls and advantages of working with waterfront property.

The course covers a variety of properties and issues, including docks, seawalls, surveys, coastal construction, FEMA and more.

Smith and Taaffee boast decades of combined experience in real estate and are recognized as top producers at Wagner.

Smith can be reached at 941-773-1954 and Taaffe at 636-346-6165.

— Bonner Joy

Whisky for the ride

Fred Bartizal, owner of the Bridge Tender Inn & Dockside Bar in Bradenton Beach, heads out June 7 for a drive in his classic 1957 Chevrolet

Bel Air with his black lab, Whisky. Bartizal serves as a member of the Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board.

Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

By Lisa neff

AM drops talks about banning commercial activity in rights of way, on beaches

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

No need to fix something that isn’t broken.

Anna Maria city commissioners reached consensus June 8 to table talks about prohibiting commercial activities in city rights of way and on public beaches after fi nding the municipality’s current codes were adequate.

Commission Chair Mark Short began the discussion at the May 25 city meeting by calling for staff to draft an ordinance to prevent commercial activity in most city rights of way.

Short said he was concerned the city could become commercialized like the Palma Sola Causeway on Manatee Avenue/State Road 64, where multiple busi-

PropertyWatch

Carol Bernard

Island real estate sales

524 South Drive, Anna Maria, a 1,788 sq ft 3BR/3BA pool home on a 6,599 sq ft lot built in 1967 sold 4/28/2023 by Drexler to Hopkins for $1,925,000, list price $1,995,000.

6200 Flotilla Drive, #285, Holmes Beach, a 1,185 sq ft 2BR/2BA Westbay Point & Moorings condo built in 1979 sold 4/28/2023 by Green Trust to Forster Trust for $700,000, list price $749,900.

308 Hardin Ave., Anna Maria, a 2,610 sq ft 3BR/2BA land condo with pool built in 2013 sold 5/15/2023 by Sackett Trust to Fabjans Management Inc. for $975,000, list price $1,150,000.

2412 Gulf Drive N., #122, Bradenton Beach, a 432 sq ft 1BR/1BA Club Bamboo condo built in 1945 sold 5/12/2023 by Feresh Tehkhou LLC to Bhaskaran for $531,000, list price $550,000.

6300 Flotilla Drive, #103, Holmes Beach a 1,151 sq ft 2BR/2BA Shell Point condo built in 1973 sold 5/22/2023 by Brode to Hogan for $649,000, list price $649,000.

3204 Sixth Ave., Holmes Beach, a 687 sq ft

New Price!

nesses offering horseback rides, personal watercraft rentals and other attractions line the roadway.

Without a clear consensus on the item, the city had staff study the matter before its next meeting.

City planner Ashley Austin told commissioners June 8 that current code provides “very explicit language” prohibiting commercial activities in rights of way within the municipality.

She said regulating commercial activities on the beach was “trickier” but added that city code currently prohibits peddlers, motorized vehicles, as well as the sale of goods and services on the beach.

City code also prohibits personal watercraft rentals from being delivered to people on the beach, according to Austin.

2BR/1BA Palm Isle Village condo built in 1957 sold 5/5/2023 by Donahue to Benito for $725,000, list price $745,000.

6400 Flotilla Drive, #88, Holmes Beach, a 1,233 sq ft 2BR/2BA Westbay Point & Moorings condo built in 1978 sold 5/12/2023 by Tennill to Shankar for $800,000, list price $829,000.

622 Key Royale Drive, Holmes Beach, a 1,972 sq ft 2BR/2BA home on a 9,975 sq ft lot built in 1967 sold 5/12/2023 by Prieto to Warfel for $850,000, list price $1,194,500.

6812 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, a 1,281 sq ft 2BR/2BA West Winds condo built in 1979 sold 5/8/2023 by Liberto to Hofferman Trust for $905,000, list price $899,000.

5808 Gulf Drive, #101, Holmes Beach, a 1,164 sq ft 2BR/2BA Waters Edge condo built in 1975 sold 5/5/2023 by Helmer to Tubbs Trust for $995,000, list price $995,000.

Compiled by Island Real Estate staff. Island Real Estate can be reached at 941-778-6066.

Austin said another issue with regulating commercial activities on the beach was that much of the city’s beachfront is privately owned and could not be regulated as city property.

Mayor Dan Murphy cautioned the commission against implementing regulations that would be difficult to enforce, such as bans on commercial tents.

“I’d have to have code enforcement, when somebody sees a canopy up, go up and say, ‘Is this commercial?’” Murphy said. “It’s something we could do, but be careful of how much you do.”

Commissioner Robert Kingan said that even though city code provides adequate regulation for the matter, people might not understand it due to inconsistent signage at beach access points.

Murphy said city staff would explore possibilities for making such signage more consistent.

“We’ll take a look and see what we can do,” he said.

The commission had no enthusiasm to move forward with additional regulations following the discussion.

“I’m ready to say I don’t want to do any of this,” Commissioner Jonathan Crane said.

Short said he was satisfied with the clarity provided by city staffs’ analysis.

“I initiated this because I didn’t know if we had things in place or not,” Short said. “It sounds like we do have some things in place.”

“I’m also coming to the conclusion … that maybe we’re OK,” he added.

The commission will meet next at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 22, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

Directions to attend via Zoom can be found on the city’s website, cityofannamaria.com.

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