The Islander Newspaper E-Edition Wednesday, January 30, 2018 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

Trolley grants roll out. 31

Library’s best buds. 14 Astheworldterns take their shot at city ‘haul.’ 6

AME adds up fun. 16

VOLUME 27, NO. 14

JAN. 30, 2019 FREE

Holmes Beach dives into Spring Lake cleanup options. 4

Meetings

Celebrating the Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992

Op-Ed

Are you ready for some pile driving?

On the government calendar. 4 The Islander editorial, reader letters. 6

www.islander.org

10-20 YEARS AGO

From the archives. 7 Dock expansion granted for Bridge Street restaurant. 8

Happenings

Community announcements, activities. 10-11

Plan ahead. 12-13 Fundraising falls off for community center. 15 AM, HB charter reviews underway. 17 Local donations surge for federal workers. 19 WMFR looks within for new fire chief. 20

Above, a drone photo by Islander photographer Jack Elka shows a thriving Anna Maria City Pier in February 2015. Right: Elka captures a drone shot Jan. 23 as I+iconSoutheast moves its barge into place to begin construction of the new city pier. See story, page 2.

Firefighters, officers recognized. 21

Gathering. 22

Obituaries. 23 Depositions continue in BB sunshine lawsuit. 23

Streetlife. 24 Backyard birders to aid scientists. 27 Flag football action continues at center. 28 Flexibility key to winter fishing success. 29

ISL BIZ

Island motels undergo updates. 30 CLASSIFIEDS. 32

Recognition for restaurateur

Anna Maria resident and restaurateur Ed Chiles tearfully accepts the Anna Maria Citizen of the Year award Jan. 24. Story, page 3. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

Are the Bradenton Beach library and city hall going on the chopping block? Story, page 5

2 n JAN. 30, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

Former AM commissioner aims criticism at city pier project

By ryan paice islander reporter not everyone is happy with the plans for the new anna maria city pier. the first pilings were to be driven by Jan. 28, according to Vice mayor Brian Seymour, but former city commissioner and architect gene aubry believes there are issues with the pier as designed by the Sarasota-based Schimberg group. first, aubry, who moved to anna maria in 1985, is concerned with the lack of railings on the pier walkway. He said railings are important safety measures and could double as a surface for cleaning fish. “i think the railings are absolutely crucial,” aubry said in an interview Jan. 25. “You’re 6 feet over the water without railings? i’m questioning the whole blasted thought process because if you’re not putting railings on it, that’s a very serious problem for the handicapped and for the public in general.” aubry pointed to the rod & reel pier, 875 n. Shore drive, anna maria, which has no railings but

has benches on the walkway for comfort and also to block people from falling into the water. “i wouldn’t mind seeing more benches,” anna maria commissioner dale Woodland said in an interview Jan. 25. “Simply because that’s a long walk out there, and we get older people and maybe they want to relax a little bit on their way out there.” Woodland said the city could discuss adding railings or benches after building the pier. “We don’t want to mess anything up,” Woodland said. “Look how long it has been already just to get it back to what it was. i’m sorry, but when you’re working with the government and you bring up any new point, that could set you back three months.” commissioner amy tripp said she wished aubry’s input had been given during public meetings with the Schimberg group, held for people to share opinions on the pier design. “i went to all those meetings, and that was even before i became a commissioner, and i didn’t see him there and i didn’t hear those issues raised,” tripp said

in an interview Jan. 25. “So at this point i just feel like it seems like a really negative thing to say for no productive reason.” commission chair Brian Seymour — vice mayor during mayor dan murphy’s two-week vacation — said a member of the public raised concerns for railings at one of the meetings, but it was discussed and an overwhelming majority of the public feedback was against railings. “We even had the engineering firm make sure the curbs that run along the sides were higher than originally proposed to help stop things such as a wheelchair from going off the sides of the pier,” Seymour said in an interview Jan. 25. tripp, who had visited the island since she was 19 years old before moving to anna maria, said she couldn’t recollect any issues when the pier had no railings. “i don’t think it is really a problem,” she said. “and at this point, it’s a done deal. The design is finished pLeaSe See PIER, neXt page

ABOVE: The Anna Maria City Pier — including two residential houses jutting from the north and south sides — circa 1915-25. Islander Photo: Courtesy the Manatee County Library Historical Collection. CENTER: An Islander file photo of the city pier in 2016. RIGHT: A construction barge is positioned Jan. 26 in Tampa Bay to begin work on the new pier. Islander Photo: Robert Abrunzo

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THE ISLANDER n Jan. 30, 2019 n 3

Anna Maria cheers Citizen of the Year

Judge to rule on Holmes Beach noise

Twelfth Circuit Judge Charles Sniffin listens to arguments Jan. 24 from Anthony Manganiello III, attorney for Richard and Marjorie Motzer. At the hearing, the city moved to dismiss the June 2018 case. The Motzers live on 56th Street, where their residence is bordered by short-term rental properties. Their lawsuit asks the court to order the city and its police department to enforce its noise ordinance. The judge took both attorneysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; arguments under advisement, saying he would rule in a couple of days. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell PIER continued from page 2 and the money that we have â&#x20AC;Ś is already earmarked for how it is going to be used.â&#x20AC;? Commissioner Carol Carter said it is the commissionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s intention to build the pier as close as possible to the structure damaged by Hurricane Irma in September 2017, but to use longer-lasting materials â&#x20AC;&#x201D; such as concrete pilings instead of wood. Aubry said he also doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t agree with using concrete instead of wood for the pilings. He said wood could be used for the pier like it was for the pier demolished in 2018. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re hellbent on building a pier that lasts 100 years,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Why? I have no idea.â&#x20AC;? Woodland â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a self-titled traditionalist â&#x20AC;&#x201D; agreed, saying, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yeah, they have to be replaced once in a while. But is concrete better? I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not an expert. But I supported the wooden pilings, and I

lost that vote 4-1.â&#x20AC;? Woodland said he spoke with three different marine construction businesses about wood pilings, all of which told him there wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a big difference between wood and concrete because wood could be wrapped in vinyl to prevent damage from barnacles. Tripp said the engineer on the project, Ayres Associates, maintained concrete was superior to wood. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Back in the day when the pier was built, they didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the option of using better materials,â&#x20AC;? Tripp said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know when I redid my house, I put new stuff in it because the old stuff wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t serve me as well. So when you do something, I think it only stands to reason that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to use the best materials on the market that are available.â&#x20AC;? Commissioner Doug Copeland declined to comment on Aubryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s issues with the pier design.

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By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter The cheers for Ed Chiles filled Anna Maria City Hall Jan. 24. Those gathered in the chambers at city hall were brimming with excitement as Anna Maria resident and businessman Ed Chiles was named the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2018 Citizen of the Year. The chamber seats were filled when Vice Mayor Brian Seymour presented the award Jan. 24 to Chiles. Mayor Dan Murphy was on vacation. Chiles was chosen for the honor by a committee of three â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Mary Louise Seine, Pat Copeland and Margaret Jenkins â&#x20AC;&#x201D; for his willingness to help others and his involvement in the city. Chiles teared up during his acceptance. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m tickled pink to have this,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have the privilege of never remembering not being in Anna Maria. I came here in utero first, when my mom was pregnant.â&#x20AC;Ś When I grew up, we were in Lakeland, and when it was time to pick a place to live, I got lucky enough to get in the restaurant business here and raise a family here.â&#x20AC;? Chiles is the son of late Gov. Lawton Chiles, who also served as a U.S. senator, and the late Florida first lady Rhea Chiles, who led the creation of the Florida House on Capitol Hill, the only â&#x20AC;&#x153;state embassyâ&#x20AC;? in Washington, D.C. After graduating from the University of Florida, Ed Chiles began his career as a restaurateur on Anna Maria Island, where his family vacationed his entire life. Chiles owns three restaurants, including the Sandbar Restaurant in Anna Maria, Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Pub on Longboat Key and the Beach House Restaurant in Bradenton Beach. Nominees for the award included the mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wife, Barbara Murphy, as well as Cindy Richmond and John Chambers, according to Seymour.

4 n JAN. 30, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

Holmes Beach dives into Spring Lake cleanup options

By chrisann Silver esformes islander reporter Questions about Spring Lake have been answered. and action will be taken. the lake, a saltwater-fed lake between 68th and 70th streets — has been undergoing review to determine the best way to remove the “depth of muck and sewage that has settled to the bottom,” according to city engineer Lynn Burnett. She met with representatives from the Southwest florida Water management district, who provided historical documents indicating the lake originally was a mangrove-heavy, upper wetland area before it was excavated to create two lakes, joined by a channel, stocked with fish and connected to outfall pipes. Burnett said the work was executed prior to Swiftmud assuming jurisdiction over the brackish lake. “it is neither a freshwater system nor a saltwater system,” she said. “they deemed it as a brackish system,” adding that Swiftmud said the lake will “always be a brackish system.” if the city wants to clean up Spring Lake and provide the best quality of water, the lake must be dredged, and an aeration system installed to preserve the saltwater-freshwater balance. according to a bathymetric survey, the lowest depth is 7 feet, as compared to historical records from the time the lake was excavated, which state the depth

Spring Lake, a polluted body of water between 68th and 70th streets in Holmes Beach, was determined to be brackish by the Southwest Florida Water Management District. City officials will decide next how to clean and aerate the lake. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

was 10 feet. “So there is 3 feet of muck at the bottom of Spring Lake, on average,” according to Burnett, who said core samples were taken to determine the level of pollution. once those results are received, she recommends approaching manatee county for assistance with dredging and disposing of the sludge. “there’s a discussion that needs to happen with manatee county after we know the actual composition,” Burnett said. additionally, two WaStop tidal regulating valves

installed in 2017 in the lake as part of stormwater improvements must stay in place, Burnett recommended. “removing those would subject property owners to flooding, and (Swiftmud) would not support that request,” she said. removal of the valves would require a permit and put the city in jeopardy of losing a stormwater grant. the next city commission meeting will be at 6 p.m. tuesday, feb. 5, at city hall, 5801 marina drive, with a work session to follow.

Skate park contract tabled in Holmes Beach By chrisann Silver esformes islander reporter Holmes Beach officials slowed their roll to consider the contract. the mayor and city commission tabled execution of a contract with american ramp company to replace the skate park in the recreational complex at city field, adjacent to city hall, 5801 marina drive. the commission previously approved the $150,000 project, with an option to include a skate bowl — an area similar to a swimming pool in structure — with $100,000 from using grants. due to a clerical error, the contract was not included in the information distributed to city officials and the public. commission chair Jim Kihm requested additional time to review the contract before voting. “i think some people are confused about how we’re funding this skate park,” commissioner carol Soustek said. She said she was approached by people asking whether the skate park is the best use of city funds. However, the park will be funded with manatee

Bike lanes brightened up in Holmes Beach

at their Jan. 22 meeting, Holmes Beach commissioners unanimously approved authorization of a contract with aKca inc. of plant city to designate bike lanes with bright white, uV-resistant striping. the city appropriated $15,000 for the project in the 2018-19 fiscal year budget. the funds include $11,314 for striping and an undetermined amount for other pavement markings. — ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

Correction

in reporting the new service agreement between manatee county, the manatee county Sheriff’s Office and the city of Anna Maria, The Islander erred on the amount anna maria owes for mcSo services provided october 2018-January 2019. city clerk Leanne addy said Jan. 24 the city has paid $315,385.84 of the total $315,689.96 due to the county for mcSo services during the time frame. anna maria must pay the remaining $304.12 by monday, feb. 4. — Ryan Paice

and recreation, according to the county. commissioner Kim rash asked if the city conducted a study to determine how many people would use the park. Burnett said no, but she interviewed local skaters, who also attended meetings and workshops. additionally, police chief Bill tokajer said the original park was used daily. “there were multiple people every day having fun, safe entertainment,” tokajer said, adding residents and visitors enjoyed the amenity. rash asked if the state has exempted the city from liability at such parks, to which Burnett responded yes. She said the city would not be liable for accidents or An updated skate park is planned for the recreinjuries in the park. ational complex adjacent to Holmes Beach City Burnett said, upon execution of the contract, arc Hall, 5801 Marina Drive. The rendering shows a would complete the park within four months. design for the park, as well as a skate bowl, which a completion date of march 31, 2020, was included was not approved but could be built if funds are in the contract to allow for possible construction of a raised. Islander Photo: Courtesy Holmes Beach skate bowl. county beach concession revenue and the half-cent the next city commission meeting will be at 6 p.m. county sales tax, not with property tax revenues. tuesday, feb. 5, at city hall, 5801 marina drive, with the half-cent sales tax funds are dedicated to parks a work session to follow.

Meetings

Anna Maria City feb. 6, 10 a.m., charter review and city commission. feb. 12, 4 p.m., planning and zoning. feb. 14, 6 p.m., city commission. feb. 20, 5:30 p.m., special magistrate. feb. 28, 6 p.m., city commission. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941708-6130, cityofannamaria.com.

Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941-708-5800, holmesbeachﬂ.org. West Manatee Fire Rescue none announced. WMFR administration building, 6417 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, wmfr.org.

Manatee County feb. 5, 9 a.m., commission (land development). Bradenton Beach feb. 7, 9 a.m., commission (land use). none announced. feb. 12, 9 a.m., commission. Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., feb. 26, 9 a.m., commission. 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.org. Administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org. Holmes Beach Feb. 6, 10 a.m., parks and beautification com- Of interest mittee. feb. 11, 9 a.m. manatee county tourist develfeb. 6, 6 p.m., planning commission. opment council, county administration building. feb. 7, 10 a.m., charter review commission. Feb. 18, Presidents Day, most government offices feb. 12, 6 p.m., city commission. will be closed. feb. 14, 10 a.m., charter review. Feb. 19, 2 p.m., Barrier Island Elected Officials, feb. 21, 10 a.m., charter review. Bradenton Beach city Hall. feb. 26, 6 p.m., city commission. Send notices to calendar@islander.org and feb. 28, 10 a.m., charter review. news@islander.org.

THE ISLANDER n JAN. 30, 2019 n 5

Bradenton Beach explores options for city hall, library

By ryan paice islander reporter Bradenton Beach officials appear ready to move forward on major changes for city hall, the library and other public buildings. mayor John chappie said Jan. 22 that he and building official Steve Gilbert will meet before Feb. 7, the date of the next city commission meeting, to discuss a plan and possibly appraise tingley memorial Library, 111 Second St. n., as well as city hall, 107 gulf drive n., and the public works and police department buildings at 403 Highland ave. “i just wanted to get this discussion started early in the year so we can make some type of decision within a few months, hopefully,” chappie said. “We need to do something. We can’t just keep sitting on our hands with all the deferred maintenance.” gilbert told chappie and city commissioners at the Jan. 22 meeting that the buildings face a laundry list of maintenance needs, and three of the public buildings are hampered by flooding issues and rising insurance premiums. the library is elevated and locked in at an annual flood insurance premium of $2,600-$3,000, according to gilbert. other than some necessary maintenance, the building — which was constructed in 1994 — is in better shape than the others. the public works building is not elevated and could face collapse in the event of flooding, according to gilbert. gilbert said the building could be strengthened against wind impacts and flood vents could be installed to allow floodwaters to flow through the building. However, the kitchen would need to be removed and the building could be used only for storage and as a workshop. “We recognize the fact that if we decide to elevate everything, you can’t put hydraulic lifts and welders upstairs to service vehicles,” gilbert said. “So we’re kind of stuck with that building. it’s just a matter of

retrofitting it to reduce our flood insurance premium increases and then reinforcing it for wind so that it’s available after a hurricane comes through.” gilbert said the two-story police department needs flood-proofing barriers. The city also needs to explore wind mitigation measures for the building, including tie-downs to secure the roof in strong winds. of the four public buildings, city hall is in the worst condition, according to gilbert. Built in the 1970s and renovated in the 1990s, the building has roofing issues and corroding rebar in the block structure. Gilbert said city hall needs flood-proofing to mitigate rising insurance premiums, but added the efforts would not protect the building in a hurricane. “from a public safety perspective, from a public response perspective and from a resilience perspective, my recommendation would probably be to build a new building to meet category 4 or 5 hurricane winds,” gilbert said. He recommended moving city hall to Highland avenue with the police and public works departments. “We elevate the building, tie it into the police department — which is already elevated well above base flood elevation — and then potentially sell these two lots, or three, or the whole block and integrate everything into one complex that’s next to the bridge, where we can get back to work as soon as the storm has passed and be available for the citizens.” gilbert estimated the cost at $2 million-$2.5 million, and recommended the city seek appraisals for the value of the four buildings. Commissioner Jake Spooner said flood barriers for city hall could be problematic — to install and to maintain. Yet Spooner said it would be tough to vacate and sell the lots that now hold city hall and the library. He suggested exploring repurposing the property. for example, Spooner said, the property could produce revenue for the city as parking lots.

the mayor responded. “i’ll be honest, i really don’t like the idea of making this into a parking lot. i hear what you’re saying about how we can have a beautiful piece of property for public use, but if we’re going to have to relocate city hall, we have to figure out how we’re going to pay for it. even without a lot of information, my guess is selling this piece of property would be one of the best ways to cover a lot of the costs, if not all.” commissioner ralph cole said the city should begin with getting appraisals. “if we go ahead and get the current value of what we’ve got to work with, it will give us time to get the input of what the people really want, and that’s what we should base our decision on: what the majority of the voters want to see done,” cole said. commissioner marilyn maro said citizens tell her they like city hall on gulf drive, and she wants to see city hall remain at the site, regardless of what is done with the building.

Bradenton Beach residents Catherine Twomey and Rick Freeman walk past Bradenton Beach city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Jan. 25 on their way to dinner. City officials are discussing selling or repurposing the building, as well as Tingley Memorial Library, 111 Second St. N. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

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6 n JAN. 30, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

Opinion

Our

Roll over Beethoven

i think i’ve got some news. i thought i’d never hear such a thing, but, apparently, it’s true. i’m shocked to learn in the past week that the Bradenton Beach mayor and commissioners are considering getting rid of the tingley memorial Library. i can’t tell you how many people i’ve known since starting the islander in 1992 who put their heart and soul into the little library — it was for many years in a leaky clapboard house on church avenue, but the dedicated trust funds from Beulah tingley assured it would have new home in 1994. many people worked long and hard to see the library dedicated on the land behind city hall in Bradenton Beach. But the trust provided the means and a board was formed in 1991 of molly and John Sandberg, Bette Kissick, Hazel Hastings, Sue Barreda, charlie grace, dahlia Barreda, Linda molto, marge fritz, Virginia Serating and Jesse tobey. they were recognized for their inspiring dedication and realization of the tingley memorial Library. in fact, in 2005, some of those dedicated board members were recognized and honored by then-mayor John Chappie — now serving a second round in office after having termed out. it’s ironic, because now chappie has introduced a discussion to eliminate the library and the current city hall from the city roster and either sell the land to pay for a new city hall — to be built by the police station — or create a pay-to-park lot for city revenue. after all, the library trust is plump with dollars, invested in cds, and maybe that money is burning a hole in someone’s pocket. the late islander editor paul roat, born and raised in Bradenton Beach, worked hard behind the scenes to help the library come to fruition. He continued to offer advice and guidance over the years. in fact, the meeting room was named for him after his death in 2014. He revered history and his ties to anna maria island — as many of us do. it’s our foundation. What does the library mean? a library has a vibrant role in culture, promoting reading and lifetime learning. it’s a place for creativity and peaceful thinking. it’s a place for people who love reading, but can’t afford books. for people who can’t afford a computer, it’s a window to the world. can Bradenton Beach really snuff the library? maybe the terms of tingley’s trust will tell. — Bonner Joy

JAN. 30, 2019 • Vol. 27, No. 14 ▼ ▼

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Publisher and Editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org Editorial Lisa Neff, copy editor, lisa@islander.org Steve Albee, steve@islander.org Sandy Ambrogi, sandy@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org Jack Elka, jack@jackelka.com ChrisAnn Silver Esformes, chrisann@islander.org Ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org Kathy Prucnell, kathyp@islander.org Contributors Jesse Brisson Karen Riley-Love Capt. Danny Stasny, fish@islander.org Advertising Director Toni Lyon, toni@islander.org Office Staff Lisa Williams, manager Vicki McIntyre accounting@islander.org classifieds@islander.org subscriptions@islander.org Distribution Urbane Bouchet Judy Loden Wasco Ross Roberts (All others: news@islander.org)

Single copies free. Quantities of ﬁve or more: 25 cents each. ©1992-2019 • Editorial, sales and production offices: 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach FL 34217 WEBSITE: www.islander.org PHONE 941-778-7978 toll-free fax 1-866-362-9821

Opinion

Your

PTO praise

the anna maria elementary parent-teacher organization would like to thank chris culhane and the center of anna maria island’s staff, board and friends for all they have done for the students and families of ame. the pto fall fest in 2018 was hosted at the center and hit record numbers, thanks to the generosity of culhane and his wonderful staff. We are beyond grateful, and the students thank them for the use of the grounds. the parents felt safe knowing their children could run around and be in a secure and fun environment. also, the haunted house really got the doors and grounds packed. We are so blessed to have the center on the island and supporting our little school on the bay. the center is a true community builder. Janae Rudacille, AME PTO secretary

Big blue observation

i have good news. fred, the beach heron, was on the beach in Bradenton Beach for a brief visit on a recent Sunday just Adeline Weber, 10 months, enjoys her first visit to the after sunrise. beach. Islander Courtesy Photo all is well on anna maria island. Linda Breunig

Great blue here and there

i bought a home in June near 58th Street and gulf drive in Holmes Beach, and we take the beach access path at guava and gulf. a large great blue heron has been wandering around. i bet it’s the one from coquina Beach that reader Lynne Senzatimore was asking about in her recent letter to the editor. it’s alive and well. Robin Krieger, Holmes Beach

Bliss on the beach

i read the editorial in the islander (Jan. 16) and i’m following up on the suggestion that we post the best beach scenes to dispel myths about red tide. the photo above was taken over the winter break in Holmes Beach. the beautiful 10-month-old adeline Weber was experiencing her very first time on the beach and her face says it all — bliss. the Webers are dear friends of mine. they are snowbirds from canada and adeline is their first grandchild. Patricia Horne, Holmes Beach

THE ISLANDER n JAN. 30, 2019 n 7

Opinion

Your

Check, please

10&20 years ago

Forgot the railing?

Some anna maria island parents expressed outrage at a manatee county School Board meeting after hearing a proposal to eliminate “courtesy riders” on manatee county area transit buses. the proposal came from an office of the Florida Legislature charged with the task of cutting costs in school districts. A coalition of local elected officials, business owners and representatives of the florida department of transportation formed a task force to deal with congestion on the east end of the palma Sola causeway between flamingo cay and the mainland. then-Bradenton mayor Bill evers said the area had become popular for undesired parties, loud music and uncontrolled parking. Four candidates qualified for two Anna Maria city commission seats up for election in february, including incumbents doug Wolfe and george mcKay, along with political newcomers ellen trudelle and Jason cimino.

In the headlines: Jan. 27, 1999

on a recent visit to anna maria’s Sandbar restaurant with two of our california children and their families, my husband wore his old World War ii cap. after a delightful meal and happy time, we asked for our bill. the waitress informed us that some kind person(s) paid our bill for all nine in our party. What a wonderful surprise! of course we explained the kind gesture to the grandchildren. they were in disbelief that a stranger would be so kind. We explained to the children that the person appreciated that “grampy” served in the war. We also explained to the children that we will “pass it on.” many thanks to the kind individual(s). Happy new year and god bless! Dorothy Pon, Holmes Beach as we begin the construction of the new anna maria pier — i recall, after seeing photos of the original pier — it strikes me that we have no handrails dedicated on the new proposed structure. do we not think this might be a problem? We will be having thousands of people on that pier and i think not having railings could be a serious liability for the city. We have in our building code a requirement that if a deck is elevated above 18 inches it has to have a handrail. and the pier will not only be over 18 inches, it will be over water. my question: How did we permit this? Eugene Aubry, Anna Maria

In the ’70s

Mayor Dick Connick of Bradenton Beach speaks during a candidates’ night in November 1977. Connick, in the late 1970s, threatened to close the Oar House Bar, citing vandalism, code violations and noise. In 1979, the bar, where Gregg Allman, Dickie Betts and Tom Waits and many others performed, burned to the ground. Islander Photo: Courtesy Manatee County Public Library Digital Collection

Dive into digital archives

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

We’d love to mail you the news!

In the headlines: Jan. 28, 2009.

Local merchants took their vows, promising potential brides and grooms that anna maria island is a wedding paradise. merchants, in partnership with the anna maria island chamber of commerce, presented the second annual wedding festival in late January 2009. the anna maria island democratic club had planned to host an inauguration party on the Beach House restaurant deck, but cold weather forced the event indoors. Still, Beach House manager mike Shannon said of Barack obama’s inauguration and the restaurant’s celebration, “today is a glorious day.”

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Vacation rentals on Bridge Street pass P&Z review By ryan paice islander reporter the addition of four vacation rentals to a Bridge Street building is a step closer to reality. Bradenton Beach planning and zoning board members voted Jan. 16 3-2 to recommend city commissioners approve the addition of four vacation rental units at developer Hynds group’s property at 119 Bridge St. and 114 third St. S. with stipulations. fred Bartizal and andrew mincieli voted “no.” the Hynds group LLc is managed by mike and debbie Hynds of Holmes Beach. Stipulations from the p&Z require the developer keep the dumpster in its originally approved under-roof location rather than street-side on third Street South, as proposed in the new drawings, as well as partner with the city to create a buffer between the residential parking area and third Street South. the addition of vacation rentals is the second phase of the plans for the property. The first phase was for construction of a restaurant and eight retail spaces, which was completed in September 2018. eight existing parking spots for each of the retail units will remain, while one parking space, one space for a golf cart and two slots in a bicycle rack will be allocated for each of the four vacation rental units. Hynds said he is marketing the vacation rentals with an emphasis on the use of alternate transportation — golf carts and bicycles — which he will provide lodgers. “all we’re trying to do is discourage the people bringing cars to the island and parking them up for a week and basically not using them,” mike Hynds said. “So we’re going to partner with some on-island rental

Concept art for the Hynds Group property at 119 Bridge St. and 114 Third St. S., Bradenton Beach, which will face Third Street South and include four vacation rental units. Islander Courtesy Image companies to provide transportation services for the tenants.” Bradenton Beach resident William Van Wagner said during public comment that he observed flooding on Third Street South during the first phase of construction. He also complained about an overflow of garbage on the street. “i’m truly thinking about leaving the city,” Van Wagner said. “i am concerned enough about this building and this builder, based on what i saw during the first construction period.” Bradenton Beach resident mary Bell did not oppose the project, but said she wants to make sure her concerns about stormwater runoff and use of third

Dock expansion granted for BB restaurant

By ryan paice islander reporter Boaters looking to dock for a meal or libations at the Bridge tender inn and dockside Bar soon will have more options. Bradenton Beach commissioners and mayor John chappie Jan. 17 voted unanimously on three motions to approve the expansion of the existing dock at 131 Bridge St., with the stipulations that business owner fred Bartizal not allow overnight mooring. He also must post dock rules. the dock will be expanded 44 feet into Sarasota Bay, with perpendicular 24-by-4-foot finger docks branching from each side of the extended walkway. a 54-by-4-foot terminal will cap off the dock, creating a t-end. the dock is for temporary mooring for Bridge tender customers during business hours, according to Bartizal. the slips will not be rented, and the docks will have no fish cleaning tables or fueling facilities. Sarasota-based contractor duncan Seawall will build the expansion using a shallow-draft barge equipped with a winch-operated boom crane for piledriving and heavy lifting. deck material will be trex, a plastic composite, which the plans indicate will limit leaching harmful materials into the bay. Wood pilings, which will be jetted and driven 6 feet into the bay bottom, will be wrapped with pVc sheeting from below the mudline to a foot above the

Watching the tide

Manatee County Marine Rescue lifeguards Joey Santos and Marshall Greene watch for any sign of distress on the beach. Under sunny skies, they reported lots of beachgoers enjoying the day Jan. 23 at the Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach, where the temperature reached 83 degrees. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell

mean-high waterline to reduce leaching preservatives. during public comment, Barbara Baker, a Bradenton Beach resident and president of the old Bridge Village condominium association, expressed concern with enforcement of the rules against overnight mooring. “the restaurant closes at 11 p.m. and my concern is, what happens after that?” she said. “You know, if boats are still there, who is going to police that?” Bradenton Beach resident mary Bell said the additional boat parking will be beneficial, but she agreed with Baker’s concerns about overnight mooring. “While the business is operating, clearly, Bridge tender would enforce — and they do a good job of that today,” Bell said. “But after hours, the property owners adjacent to those kinds of properties end up becoming the policemen.… How are we going to police these stipulations to make sure this doesn’t turn into a blight instead of an attractive gem for our city.” Bradenton Beach police Lt. John cosby said Bartizal could join the BBpd trespass program, which authorizes police to enforce the stipulations. “i wish i would have known about this before,” Bartizal said, adding he is willing to join the program. When complete, the dock will be open to boaters first come first serve, and will be regulated during business hours by an attendant who currently oversees parking and the existing dock.

Street South for construction parking and staging — both problems she experienced during the first phase of construction — are addressed. in response, board members stipulated that Hynds provide the city with a construction staging plan. Hynds told board members he never received a complaint during the first phase of construction, but said he would work to ensure such concerns will not arise again. “Going forward, we will definitely take onboard what was discussed at the meeting, and we will certainly be working to alleviate any concerns in the future,” Hynds said in an interview Jan. 17. “We are responsible property owners and we take pride in our properties. problems with neighbors is not something we want.” the plans for the proposed vacation rental units will go before city commissioners for consideration in march, according to Hynds.

County OKs beach parking lot improvements

By ryan paice islander reporter improvements to the coquina Beach parking lot are in the works for 2019. manatee county commissioners Jan. 15 unanimously voted to hire Bradenton-based contractor Woodruff and Sons for the first of two phases of stormwater improvement projects to deal with parking lot flooding during heavy rains. the park is within Bradenton Beach city limits, but it is managed and maintained by the county. The first phase involves installing an underground pipeline and drainage system at the south end of the beach, near Longboat pass. pervious concrete will be laid for the beach access road and parking area. impervious concrete will be used for vehicle access points to gulf drive. “When it rains, the water will leech down through the pervious concrete into the underdrain system and then it will go right out through the storm lines,” Woodruff and Sons project manager eric epler said in an interview Jan. 17. “Hopefully it will come out nice and clean.” a date has not been set for the start of construction, but epler said he would like to postpone the work until after spring break in march. “it would make construction a lot easier if we didn’t have to deal with a complete crush of outof-towners and, of course, we don’t want to tear up any of the beach and restrict access to it at the most popular time of the year,” he said. “it’s a double-edged sword.” on the downside, beginning after spring break would put the project on track for spring rains, according to epler. When construction begins, the contractor will have 270 days to reach substantial completion. if the work is deemed unsubstantial by the end of the time frame, Woodruff and Sons will pay $1,665 per day in damages to the county until the requirement is met. out of four bids, Woodruff and Sons submitted the lowest for the project, at $2,426,774.90. Wauchula-based contractor cobb Site development submitted the second lowest bid at $2,481,000.96 and palmetto-based contractor Westra construction came in with the highest bid, totaling $2,827,913.66. to fund the project, the county will use $800,000 in reserves from its tourist development tax fund, $489,749 from the highway capital projects fund and $1,137,025.90 from the county’s budgeted stormwater expenses for the year. during construction, manatee county will make payments to the contractor based on its progress. the second phase of stormwater drainage improvements will cover the northern half of coquina.

THE ISLANDER n JAN. 30, 2019 n 9

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Submit your social news to news@islander.org. Please, include the time, date and location for events, as well as a contact name and phone number for publication. And, thanks for sharing!

IGW gets ‘Blue’

Island Gallery West will feature the paintings of Sharon Lennox Woelﬂing in February. Her exhibit — a display of traditional watercolors and contemporary acrylics in shades of blue found in sea, sky, objects, shadows and reﬂections — is titled “Blue.” A reception will be 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8, and coincides with the downtown Holmes Beach ArtWalk. The gallery is at 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the gallery at 941-778-6648. Islander Courtesy Photo

Privateers to stage market

the anna maria island privateers will hold a thieves market 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, feb. 9, at coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. an announcement promised “treasures to be found, food to be eaten” and an opportunity to “hang with some pirates” at their ship. Vendors will sell a variety of merchandise and menu items include hamburgers, hot dogs, chili and cheese, corn on the cob and baked goods. for more information, including details to become a vendor, call Kim “Syren” Boyd at 931639-0986.

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the anna maria island Historical Society will explore “miguel’s Bay” and dine at the Studio at gulf and pine. amiHS will hold its annual member’s luncheon at 11:30 a.m. tuesday, feb. 5, at the studio, 10101 gulf drive, anna maria. the featured speaker will be peggy donoho, author of “Miguel’s Bay,” a work of historical fiction. Also, AMIHS will elect officers for the upcoming year and offer memberships — the cost is $20 per person, $30 per family and $100 membership for participation in the north american reciprocal museum program. for reservations, call the museum at 941-7780492. for more information, call Liz Hager at 603419-7060

Off Stage Ladies to lunch

the off Stage Ladies of the island players will meet at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, feb. 13, at the img academy golf club, 3450 el conquistador parkway, Bradenton. Vocalist ron Smith will perform. the cost of the luncheon is $16. checks should be made payable to oSL. for more information, call president roe duncan at 941-567-4960.

Players to open house for ‘behind-the-scenes’ gathering

the island players invite the public to go behind the stage — and into the control booth — during an open house 2-4 p.m. Sunday, feb. 10. an announcement said the event will acquaint potential volunteers with all aspects of the theater — acting onstage and also building sets, operating lights and staffing the box office. island players actors will lead backstage tours and off Stage Ladies volunteers and island players board members will answer questions. Wisconsin Day set for Feb. 6 refreshments will be served and volunteers will ` the annual Wisconsin day will be observed be registered. Wednesday, feb. 6, at St. Bernard catholic church. the theater is at 10009 gulf drive, anna maria. the 62nd annual celebration will be in the activity For more information, all the box office at 941hall, 248 S. Harbor drive, Holmes Beach, beginning 778-5755 or go online to www.theislandplayers.org. with registration at 10 a.m. the event will last until about 2:30 p.m. attendees are encouraged to bring a hot dish to share that could generously serve eight adults. people also should bring their own tableware. plans include live polka music, door prizes and a 50-50 raffle. the cost to attend is $5. for more information, call Larry tyler at 863-6515425.

Senior Adventures seek history in Tampa

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the Senior adventures group will travel friday, feb. 1, to tampa to tour the tampa Bay History center. the tour will cost $8.50 and will be followed by lunch, not included in the tour fee, at the columbia cafe at the history center. the group will depart at 10 a.m. from the annie Silver community center, 103 23rd St. n., Bradenton Beach. reservations are required. for more information, call Kaye Bell at 941538-0945.

Out and about off AMI

Olivia Gruen, a Senior Adventures adventurer, meets Jason Stevens, a baritone with the Sarasota Music Club, which performed a concert in JanuClick! the islander welcomes news of the milestones ary attended by the group at Sunnyside Village in in readers’ lives. Send notices and photographs, along Sarasota. The Senior Adventures group takes regular with a contact to news@islander.org. outings Fridays. Islander Courtesy Photo

Island happenings

THE ISLANDER n JAN. 30, 2019 n 11

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Volunteer artists Rhonda Candell, Maxine Johnson, Gretchen Arnold, Kris Martinez, Victoria Eriach-Paul and Faith Eriach-Paul pause Jan. 12 for a photograph with two of 45 cardboard signs they made to wrap trash bins for the Feb. 16-17 Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival. The fest will be held west of the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage Preserve on 119th Street between Cortez Road West and the waterfront in Cortez. For more information, go online to www.cortez-fish.org/fishing-festival. Islander Photo: Nan Helm

Chamber accepting applications for scholarships

the anna maria island chamber of commerce is accepting applications for educational scholarships. the deadline for submissions is Sunday, march 31. the chamber is offering four $1,000 scholarships — three to manatee county graduating seniors seeking four-year degrees and one to a manatee county graduating senior pursuing a trade or career-focused education. applications can be found on the chamber’s website at amichamber.org. Scholarship recipients will be notified by phone in april. an awards presentation will take place during a board meeting at 5 p.m. Wednesday, april 17, at the chamber, 5313 gulf drive, Holmes Beach. for more information, call the chamber at 941778-1541.

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Longboat library celebrates art, authors

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the Longboat Library will hold its art and author festival Saturday, feb. 2, on the library lawn, 555 Bay isles road, Longboat Key. the festival will be noon-4 p.m. the library will serve refreshments and host local artists displaying their work and local authors who will sign copies of their books. also, guitar player paul Jaffe will perform. for more information, call Sue reese at 941-3870202.

Elvis impersonator to perform at Sunny Shores

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Bill “elvis” Lindsey will shake, rattle and roll Saturday, feb. 2, at the Sunny Shores club House. Lindsey, a past winner of the elvis extravaganza at the florida State fair, will perform some of the King’s hits and fan favorites at the neighborhood clubhouse, 3800 115 St. W., Bradenton, to benefit the Sunny Shores Garden Club’s beautification work. the public is invited to “dance the night away” and enjoy snacks at Sunny Shores’ 1950s-style soda shop. the evening — 6-9 p.m. — will include a silent auction and a 50-50 raffle. tickets are $10. for more information about the event, call Sharon france at 941-795-0306. Bill “Elvis” Lindsey will perform 6-9 p.m. Saturfor more information about Lindsey, go online to day, Feb. 2, at Sunny Shores in Bradenton. Islander billyelvislindsey.com. Courtesy Photo: billyelvislindsey.com

Sharon is our featured artist in February with her exhibit “Blue.” It features traditional watercolors & contemporary acrylics in shades of blue seen in the sea, sky, objects, shadows and reflections. Reception Feb. 8, 5:30-7:30. un

Submit your social news to news@islander.org. Please, include the time, date and location for events, as well as a contact name and phone number for publication. And, thanks for sharing!

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12 n JAN. 30, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

The Islander Calendar ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Thursday, Jan. 31 2 p.m. — Friends of the Island Library Lecture and Travel Series lecture by singer-songwriter Janis Ian, Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club, 5325 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, and simulcast, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. A reception sponsored by the Waterline and The Islander will follow at the hotel. Information: 941-778-6341. Saturday, Feb. 2 10:30 a.m. — Island Gallery West water media demonstration with Carole Dougherty, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648. Monday, Feb. 4 6:30 p.m. — Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island monthly meeting and program with Anne Abgott leading a watercolor demonstration, Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694.

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ists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694. Through March 30, Saturdays at 10:30 a.m., Island Gallery West artist demonstrations, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648.

March 31, AMICCO’s “Diva Wars” concert, Bradenton.

KIDS & FAMILY ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND

Wednesday, Jan. 30 6:30 p.m. — Movies in the Park, showing “First Kid,” City Pier Park, North Bay Boulevard and Pine Avenue, Anna Maria. InformaFeb. 8, Center of Anna Maria Island concert with country music tion: 941-708-6130. artist Phil Vassar, Anna Maria. Friday, Feb. 1 Feb. 12, AMICCO’s Jazz Fest, Anna Maria. 10 a.m. — Forty Carrots partners in play, Island Library, 5701 Feb. 13-March 2, Richard Thomas’ “Drawn to Line and Color” Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. exhibit, Anna Maria. Feb. 22-23, Center of Anna Maria Island Murder Mystery, Anna Tuesday, Feb. 5 10 a.m. — Preschool storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Maria. Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND ONGOING ON AMI Wednesday, Jan. 30 Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m., City of Anna Maria “Movies in the 3 p.m. — John Stevely lecture, “Absorbing the History of Park,” City Pier Park, North Bay Boulevard and Pine Avenue, Anna Sponges Past,” Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Maria. Information: 941-708-6130. Cortez. Information: 941-708-6121. LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI

ONGOING OFF AMI Saturday, Feb. 2 Noon-4 p.m. — Longboat Library Art and Author Festival, 555 ONGOING ON AMI First Saturdays, Family Night at the Museum, South Florida Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Information: 941-387-0202. Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: Throughout January, Sue Elliott exhibits “Companions,” Island 6-9 p.m. — Bill “Elvis” Lindsey will perform at Sunny Shores 941-746-4131. Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778- Club House, 3800 115 St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: Fourth Wednesdays, “Stelliferous Live” star talk, South Florida 6648. 941-795-0306. Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: Throughout January, Janet Razze exhibits her glasswork, ArtONGOING OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND 941-746-4131. ists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694. Through Feb. 9, Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island ﬁne art exhibition, “The Space Between,” Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-1906. Through Feb. 9, Jane Seymour’s “Up Close and Personal” exhibit, the Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-1906. Throughout February, Sharon Lennox Woelﬂing exhibits “Blue,” Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648. Throughout February, Diane Remington exhibits her work, Art-

Through Feb. 2, “The Greek Communities of Tarpon Springs and the Bahamas,” Florida Maritime Museum, 4419 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: 941-708-6120. Through Feb. 3, John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art’s “Watercolors from the Permanent Collection,” 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-359-5700. Second Wednesdays, Think + Drink (science), South Florida Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131. Wednesdays, 2-4 p.m., Shanty Singers, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: 941-708-6120. First Fridays, 6-9 p.m. ArtWalk in the Village of the Arts, around 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Also, Saturdays after the ﬁrst Fridays. Information: villageofthearts@gmail.com. Second Saturdays, 2-4 p.m., Music on the Porch, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: 941-7086120.

GAMES, SPORTS & OUTDOORS ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND

Wednesdays, AMI Dragon Boat Fun and Fitness Club, time depends on tides, 417 63rd St., Holmes Beach. Information: 941462-2626. Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m., horseshoes pitched, Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-7086130. Thursdays, through March 28, bingo, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-7783580. Most Fridays, 11:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. (call for times) mahjong games, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Mondays, noon, bridge, Roser Memorial Community Church, LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. Most Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong games and instruction Feb. 16-17, Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, Cortez. for beginners, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Feb. 17, AMICCO’s opera concert, Bradenton. Feb. 22, U.S. Coast Guard exhibit at Florida Maritime Museum, Information: 941-778-6341. Cortez.

Kiwanis to host program

Country coming to community center

Country music artist Phil Vassar, along with an opening act, will perform at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8. Tickets are $29-$59 and can be purchased from the Manatee Performing Arts Center’s website at manateeperformingarts.com, by phone at 941-748-5875 or from the box office, 52 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. Islander Courtesy Photo

the Kiwanis club of anna maria island will meet Saturday, Jan. 26, for breakfast and to hear from damon moore of the manatee county parks and natural resources department about preserve expansions. the club meets at 8:30 a.m. most Saturdays at the anna maria island Beach cafe at the manatee public Beach, 4000 gulf drive, Holmes Beach. for more information, call Sandy Haas-martens at 941-778-1383.

COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY The Community Redevelopment Agency is seeking a new board member. The applicant must reside or operate a business in the CRA district boundaries. The members term is a 4-year term and members are required to attend an Educational seminar Mail all applications to: City Clerk, City of Bradenton Beach, 107 Gulf Drive North, Bradenton Beach, Florida 34217 PLEASE MARK ENVELOPE “CRA APPLICATION” APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT CITY HALL NO PHONE CALLS

Signature AMI gifts! Navy mugs, $10 each. All-cotton AMI tote bags, $5. White and tie-dye “MoreThan-a-Mullet-Wrapper” T-shirts, $10-$15, and AMI stickers, $2. Come shop at 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

THE ISLANDER n JAN. 30, 2019 n 13

The Islander Calendar

Tuesdays, noon, duplicate bridge, Episcopal Church of the Wednesday, Feb. 6 Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 94110 a.m. — Wisconsin Day, St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 779-0881. S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 863-651-5425. 1 p.m. — Gulf Coast Writers, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, LOOKING AHEAD OF AMI Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Feb. 24, Pittsburgh Pirates spring-training season home ONGOING ON AMI opener, Bradenton. Wednesdays through March, Anna Maria Island Historical Society sales of settlers bread, AMIHS museum, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0492. Wednesdays through March, 1:30 p.m. Anna Maria Island Irish Ceili and Set Dancing, Sandpiper Mobile Resort clubhouse, 2601 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-779-1416. Thursdays, 9-11 a.m., veterans services assistance, Island CLUBS & Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778COMMUNITY 6341. Third Thursdays, 11:45 a.m., Successful Women Aligning ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Together meets, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Wednesday, Jan. 30 Beach. Fee applies. Information: 941-345-5135. 1 p.m. — Lifelong Learning Academy: Replicating Nature: A Fridays, Senior Adventures usually meets to carpool on an Difﬁcult Challenge with Jam Bartuli, Island Library, 5701 Marina adventure or for an activity, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-538-0945. Thursday, Jan. 31 Second Fridays, 6 p.m., AMI Resident Community Connec10 a.m. — Seaside Quilters, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, tions, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Information: 941-778-1908. Friday, Feb. 1 Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island break10 a.m. — Senior Adventures depart to tour the Tampa Bay fast meeting, Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, Manatee Public Beach, History Center, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1383. Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-538-0945. Tuesdays through May 14, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Anna Maria Farm2 p.m. — The Perfect Valentine’s Day Celebration with a chef, ers Market, City Pier Park, North Bay Boulevard and Pine Avenue. Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941- Information: 941-708-6130. 778-6341. Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island, Bridge Saturday, Feb. 2 Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Information: 9418:30 a.m. — Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island breakfast 718-0291. meeting with speaker Damon Moore of Manatee County Parks Tuesdays, 2-4 p.m., Tech Help, Island Library, 5701 Marina and Natural Resources, Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, Manatee Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI 778-1383. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. — Ask A Master Gardner, Island Library, 5701 Feb. 7, Friends of the Island Library lecture by Katherine Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. McHugh. Tuesday, Feb. 5 Feb. 8-9, Episcopal Church of the Annunciation White Elephant 11:30 a.m. — Anna Maria Island Historical Society annual Sale, Holmes Beach. members luncheon, Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Feb. 8, Annie Silver Community Center dinner, Bradenton Maria. Fee applies. Information: 603-419-7060. Beach. Feb. 9, Anna Maria Island Privateers’ Thieves Market, Bradenton Beach. Feb. 13, Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island Sale-A-Bration, Holmes Beach. the islander has an active facebook comFeb. 14-16, Friends of the Island Library book sale, Anna munity of more than 12,200 “likes.” to join the Maria. conversation, become a fan of “the islander” on Feb. 21, Friends of the Island Library lecture by Sally Vastola, facebook. We provide a direct link to our fan Holmes Beach.

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Saturday, Feb. 2 5 p.m. — Cortez Cultural Center concert and fundraiser for U.S. Coast Guard workers, 11655 Cortez Road W. Information: 941-538-

ONGOING OFF AMI Fridays, 10:30 a.m., Paradise Cafe games, music and socializing, the Paradise Center, Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Fee applies. Information: 941-383-6493. Saturdays through May, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Bradenton Farmers Market, Old Main, Bradenton. Information: 941- 621-6471. LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI Feb. 8-9, Manatee River Garden Club Annual Flower Show, Bradenton. March, Mondays, Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium lecture series.

GOOD TO KNOW SAVE THE DATES Feb. 2, Groundhog Day. Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day. Feb. 18, Presidents Day. March 10, daylight saving time begins. March 17, St. Patrick’s Day. March 20, spring begins. April 1, April Fools’ Day. April 19, Good Friday. April 19, Passover begins. April 21, Easter.

GOOD DEEDS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Looking for volunteer opportunities on or around Anna Maria Island? These organizations are seeking help: The Roser Food Bank needs donations of cash and nonperishable food. The pantry is administered by Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals. Information: 941-345-2441. Anna Maria Island Historical Society museum seeks docents, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0492. Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce seeks volunteers to assist at the ofﬁce and visitor information center. Information: 941-778-1541.

GET LISTED Send announcements for The Islander calendar to calendar@ islander.org. The deadline for listings is the Wednesday before the publication date. Please include the date, time, location and description of the event, as well as a phone number for publication.

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14 n JAN. 30, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

Friends of the Island Library supports community, lifelong learning By chrisann Silver esformes islander reporter everyone needs a friend. the island Library in Holmes Beach is fortunate to have a community of supporters, including the nonprofit Friends of the Island Library, which formed in 1965. “We, as a friends group, support the island Library in a manner that hopefully will bring people in the door, so that they can learn what services are here at the library,” board president ginny upshaw said Jan. 17. Julie perry, current vice president and presidentelect, said the board supports the library through children’s and adult programs, including a summer reading program for kids and a winter lecture and travel series, which includes weekly lectures on a variety of topics through march 21. the series draws residents and visitors alike, often filling the library conference room to capacity, according to perry. She said each year, shortly after the series ends, the board convenes to coordinate speakers for the upcoming year. “it’s this great brainstorming session where we all put our heads together and discuss topics and a diverse group of speakers that we can bring in to educate the public,” perry said. “Beyond our regular lecture series, there are multiple programs held during the course of a week that could be sponsored by the friends,” upshaw said, adding the board also supports the library by helping with funding for needed equipment. She said the board helps create library activities, such as a weekly mahjong group, based on the desires of the community. mahjong is a tile-based game that was developed in china and is played in groups, much like bridge. the board worked with library supervisor Liz

Ginny Upshaw, Friends of the Island Library president, and Julie Perry, current vice president and president-elect for the board, discuss library activities Jan. 17 at the Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

Williams to create two weekly mahjong classes and purchased card tables and game sets for the library. “people were wanting to learn how to play mahjong, but they didn’t know where to go to learn,” perry said. “it really depends on the interests of the community. and we are here to listen to our community and help provide that support.” She said the board recently provided a Lego table with chairs for the children’s room at the library, which was funded through a grant from Kiwanis international. upshaw said the board works closely with Williams “to determine the needs of the island library community and help in any way we can.” Williams said the staff approaches the board if it needs any extras, including such items as craft supplies for activities — items that are lacking in the county budget. “Sometimes it’s only $5 in craft supplies, but i have no other way to get it,” Williams said.

Friends bring Janis Ian to lectern at Waterline

expect to hear a song and a story when Janis ian stops by the Waterline marina resort and Beach club Jan. 31. ian, famously a member of the grammy Winner’s circle, will join the friends of the island Library circle for the group’s Lecture and travel Series. the singer-songwriter is set to deliver her lecture at 2 p.m. thursday at the Waterline marina resort and Beach club, 5325 marina drive, Holmes Beach. Ian was 15 when she scored her first hit with “Society’s child” — the song inspired by the sight of an interracial couple on a new Jersey bus. at 16, she was a regular performer at the gaslight, a fixture in the folk scene in New York’s Greenwich Village in the 1960s. and “at Seventeen,” an anthem of teenage angst, earned Ian her first Grammy in 1975. ian also is the author of a children’s book, “the tiny mouse,” and an autobiography, “Society’s child,” which folksinger Joan Baez described as “deftly written.” “the life experiences described by Janis ian in this engaging memoir gives us a peek into the anatomy of a brilliant songwriter,” Baez wrote about the book. as seating for ian’s lecture will be limited, volunteers will distribute tickets to the free event at the hotel starting at 11:30 a.m. Overflow will be accommodated at the library, 5701 marina drive, Holmes Beach, with a live-stream presentation in the Walker-Swift meeting room. tea and other refreshments will be served at the Waterline following the lecture, courtesy of the

Islander newspaper. And a raffle of dinner for two at Waterline’s eliza ann restaurant, wine from the islander, a giclee print from Steamdesigns graphics studio and an autographed item from Ian will benefit the friends. also, ian will sell and autograph select items at the reception. for more information, call the library at 941-7786341.

Comedian shares laughs at library lecture

Les McCurdy, stand-up comic and founder of McCurdy’s Comedy Theater and Humor Institute in Sarasota, lectures on “Standing up for Laughter” Jan. 24 to a packed house of about 80 people. The talk was part of the Friends of the Island Library lecture series at the Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

Janis Ian will deliver a lecture for the Friends of the Island Library at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, at the Waterline Resort and Marina. Islander Photo: Peter Cunningham

She said recently, library patrons requested a puzzle table. and the board made it happen. “it’s things like that, that are kind of needed but may not be in the budget,” upshaw said. “the friends enhances the things that the county provides.” perry said the island Library is unique because the community is so strong. “it’s not a tourist-only community,” she said. “people are engaged with each other and the library is engaged with the community.” that community includes anna maria island, Longboat Key, cortez and northwest Bradenton. Williams said she appreciates the support of the group. “We all have the same goal, which is a library that is a fabulous community place where people can find what they need in a supportive environment,” Williams said. “the friends group helps create that space.” for more information about the group, visit the website at www.friendsoftheislandlibrary.com.

Friends stocking up for book sale

the friends of the island Library’s popular annual book sale again will be at roser memorial community church, 512 pine ave., anna maria. a preview sale for friends of the island Library members will be 10 a.m.-noon thursday, feb. 14. memberships can be purchased at the door — the cost begins at $10 for an individual membership. Sale dates for the general public are fridaySaturday, feb. 15-16. Hours will be 9 a.m.-3 p.m., as well as noon-3 p.m. thursday, feb. 14, after the members-only sale. The final two hours of the sale — 1-3 p.m. Feb. 16 — shoppers can fill a grocery bag with books and pay $2 per bag. proceeds from the sale will support programs at the island Library, including the friends of the island Library Lecture and travel series. the group continues to collect “clean, gently used books, dVds, jigsaw puzzles and children’s books” at the library, 5701 marina drive, Holmes Beach, through friday, feb. 10. for more information, call the library at 941778-6341.

THE ISLANDER n Jan. 30, 2019 n 15

Fundraising falls off, center understaffing credited for budget in black By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter Vacant jobs turned out to be profitable for the Center of Anna Maria Island halfway through the nonprofitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2018-19 fiscal year. From the beginning of the fiscal year July 1, 2018, through December 2018, the center earned $34,854 in net income. The figure is $1,664 more than the planned $33,190 in net income for the month, and a $28,831 difference compared to the $6,023 in net income for the same period in 2017-18. Treasurer Christine Major Hicks said at the Jan. 21 board meeting that vacancies for development director and operations director lowered expenses. General and administrative expenses through December amounted to $222,307, 14 percent under the budgeted $259,052, which can be attributed to the vacancies. However, board chair David Zaccagnino said executive director Chris Culhane is overworked, performing the duties of three positions. Several candidates have been interviewed, but the search continues, according to Zaccagnino. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were so close,â&#x20AC;? Culhane said of the interviews. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to the finish line a few times now, and it just didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work out. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to fast-track that search, hopefully.â&#x20AC;? While expenses are down, operating revenue has fallen below expectations. Totaling $490,982

through December, the figure is 9 percent short of the $538,402 planned for income. According to a handout from the meeting, part of the difference can be attributed to a downturn in fundraising. At $246,655 through December, fundraising revenue is 20 percent lower than budgeted and 12 percent lower than the $280,409 raised during the same period for the 2017-18 budget. Zaccagnino said he expects revenues to increase as they head into the thick of the season. Also, he said the center has yet to receive $50,000 in concession funds from Manatee County. The concesZaccagnino sion funds were allocated for roof improvements and remodeling of restrooms. In addition, the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureauâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first concert series is providing unbudgeted, unexpected revenue. The Outlaws concert Jan. 19 oversold the BAVCB goal of 500 tickets and raised more than $30,000 in gross revenue for the center, according to Culhane. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think everybody had a really good time,â&#x20AC;? Zaccagnino said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everybody really enjoyed the show, and I kept hearing â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Unbelievable. The Outlaws playing at the youth center?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Well, I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think this could be done. I think thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a couple things we can tweak, but Chris and the staff here, and Elliott (Falcione,

executive director of the BAVCB), did an amazing job.â&#x20AC;? Two more concerts are planned for the center stage. Country rock singer Phil Vassar will perform Feb. 8 and singer B.J. Thomas will take the stage March 21. Culhane said the concerts would be smaller than the Outlaws show, with 400 seats each. Tickets are $29 and are available at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, which is the box office for all shows. The venue benefits from the ticket sales and refreshment sales at the event and the MPAC box office receives a service charge to cover its overhead. Tickets also are on sale online at manateeperformingartscenter.com.

Milestones

The Islander welcomes stories about islanders and island life, as well as photographs and notices of the milestones in readersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lives â&#x20AC;&#x201D; weddings, births, anniversaries, travels, obituaries and other events. Submit your announcements and photographs with captions for publication â&#x20AC;&#x201D; along with contact information â&#x20AC;&#x201D; to news@ islander.org. Also, visit us on Facebook and join the 12,300-plus friends who â&#x20AC;&#x153;likeâ&#x20AC;? The Islander.

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16 n JAN. 30, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

AME STEM Night adds up to fun, education

Anna Maria Elementary School kindergarten teacher Kelly Crawford shows students how to assemble a “mega marble maze” Jan. 22 during STEM Night. The event promotes the learning of science, technology, engineering and math. Islander Photos: Ryan Paice

Sunshine Community Compost executive director Tracie Troxler and SCC board member Christine Callahan talk about the benefits of composting Jan. 22 as part of AME’s STEM Night. Volunteer Donna Kirkpatrick teaches AME students about origami Jan. 22 during STEM Night. The activity was intended as an exercise in engineering.

By Ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org

AME calendar

Alex Keidel from Mad Science of Greater Tampa Bay teaches AME students how to make a propulsion system with balloons Jan. 22 during STEM Night.

Calling all princesses: AME ball Feb. 5

get the royal attire ready, the anna maria elementary School princess Ball is feb. 5. the event, which will be at 6 p.m. in the school auditorium, is a night for ame students to dress up as princesses and enjoy music, food and dance. a dJ will play music. event chairperson Jamie Hinckle and ame parent-teacher organization volunteers will decorate the auditorium for the dance. principal Jackie featherston said Jan. 24 she is

excited for the ball, which she will attend. “it’s a fun event,” featherston said. “my absolute favorite is seeing the kids all dressed up and decked out because it is their special evening. it makes them very happy.” attendees must pay $10 a person at the door, which will entitle them to a corsage, pictures, food and drinks. Proceeds will benefit the AME PTO. — Ryan Paice

• Tuesday, Feb. 5, 6 p.m., Princess Ball. • Wednesday, Feb. 6, 1:45 p.m., early release. • Monday, Feb. 18, Presidents Day, no school. • Friday, March 8, 1 p.m., early release. • Friday, March 15, record day, no school. • Friday, March 22, 1 p.m., early release. • Spring break, no school, Monday-Friday, march 25-29. • Monday, April 1, students return from break. anna maria elementary is at 4700 gulf drive, Holmes Beach. for more information, call the school at 941708-5525.

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THE ISLANDER n Jan. 30, 2019 n 17

Anna Maria charter committee to explore terms, city manager

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter A review of the Anna Maria city charter has thus far resulted in more questions than answers. Anna Maria’s charter review committee members reviewed three sections of the charter Jan. 23 and highlighted two issues for discussion with city commissioners: Term length for elected officials and a city manager form of government. Committee member Mark Short, a retired advisory services partner, introduced the idea of a city manager, noting Holmes Beach’s charter review board is exploring the issue. “Should we be discussing a city manager alternative form of government for the city?” Short asked. “I’m not saying I’m a proponent of it. I’m certainly not saying that at all, but I think, in good faith because of our responsibility here, we should at least have a conversation about it.” Committee chair Fran Barford, former Anna Maria mayor, said Holmes Beach is exploring the idea because of its size and budget. “I don’t think we’re there yet,” Barford said. “That’s just my personal opinion, and I’ve thought a lot about it because it would have really helped me and Dan, too.… But I think it’s coming.” Committee member Sissy Quinn, a preservation activist, said she wants to learn more about a city manager, including the salary the position demands. Committee member John Chambers, a retired accountant, said the matter could be discussed with city commissioners at a joint meeting at city hall 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6.

The Anna Maria Charter Review Committee, including former Mayor Fran Barford, Jack Brennan, John Chambers, Sissy Quinn and Mark Short, meet at Anna Maria City Hall Jan. 23. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

someone who violates the Florida code of ethics. Short said the charter allows someone to remain in office if they’re qualified for the position and attend meetings. City attorney Becky Vose said a governor can remove an elected official for unethical conduct or criminal acts, but the committee could explore adding such a provision. Committee members also discussed more narrowly defining the “resident” qualification to run for office. Chambers said some people who reside in Anna Maria have multiple homes in different cities and states. Vose advised against changing the definition. “What matters is what the voters think,” Vose said over speakerphone. “If somebody runs and they only live there for seven months out of the year, they’d be way off-base and I would assume that the voters wouldn’t think very highly of electing them, since they’re not really as invested as somebody who lives there all the time.” The next regular charter review committee meeting will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13. The committee is assembled every five years to review the charter, discuss changes and provide the city commission with periodic progress reports. Charter commissioners are not paid and the committee dissolves once the review is completed.

Short also asked about two-year terms for commissioners and the mayor. He said the first year of a new job is spent learning and the second year should be spent mastering the post, yet city officials instead are occupied with running for re-election. “There’s two sides to everything,” Chambers responded, “but at the same time, the electorate has the chance to get rid of somebody that is ineffective or uninterested. So, I don’t know.” Barford said she wants to seek input from com- Wondering what’s in Anna Maria’s charter? missioners on the topic. Go online to library.municode.com and enter a Next, Short said he wants the committee to explore search for Anna Maria, Florida, for the charter, as well a charter provision allowing city officials to remove as the city code of ordinances.

Holmes Beach charter review members set scope

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter Holmes Beach charter review commissioners are considering some of the past changes to the charter as they begin their process. The commission plans include gathering input from members of the 2014 review board, as well as city staff and officials and Florida League of Cities representative Lynn Tipton via a teleconference. Members unanimously approved with changes Jan. 24 a list of their guiding principles, drafted in 2014 by then-CRC member, former-Mayor Bob Johnson. The principles include attending meetings with “a self-formed understanding of the points on the agenda,” with concerns to be discussed at meetings in an “open and respectful” manner, much like the city commission’s code of conduct. The commission added that members “shall make an effort to attend all meetings.” Chair Ed Upshaw and members Claudia Carlson, Nancy Deal, Sean Murphy and David Zaccagnino were

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elected to the CRC Nov. 6, 2018. Murphy was absent with excuse from the Jan. 24 meeting. The group is reviewing the charter to recommend possible amendments. The city commission will vote on an ordinance containing the proposed changes and hold two public hearings. The approved ordinance will be added to the November ballot. At the meeting, 2014 CRC member David Cheshire reviewed changes made by his committee, which included adding height and density requirements from the land development code to the charter and requiring a citizen vote for future changes to those standards. Additionally, he said the 2014 CRC established the position of human resources officer and added qualification, selection and appointment requirements to charter positions, including city clerk, treasurer, attorney and building official. The 2014 CRC wrote 17 charter amendments for

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the ballot, all of which were approved by voters. City attorney Patricia Petruff also reviewed work done by the previous CRC and provided guidance on the process. She suggested the committee consider whether the city might benefit from establishing a position for an in-house attorney “for day-to-day assistance with the staff.” The topic was discussed by the 2014 CRC, but action was not taken. A motion for the group to individually review the charter section-by-section and be prepared at the next meeting to discuss which areas should be focused on passed 4-0. Additionally, the group approved 4-0 a motion to ask Mayor Judy Titsworth to attend the next meeting to discuss the charter officials and the cost of each position, including salary, health insurance and other benefits. Upshaw said Tipton would teleconference the Feb. 7 meeting and provide a PowerPoint presentation. The CRC will meet at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

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18 n JAN. 30, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

LTA, Burnett resigns as Anna Maria city engineer, code clerk ousted

By ryan paice islander reporter For the first time since 2017, Anna Maria will have to make do with one city engineer. Vice mayor Brian Seymour announced Jan. 24 Lynn Burnett and her engineering firm, LTA Engineers, have terminated their agreement with the city. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lynn Burnett has terminated Burnett her professional agreement between Lta and the city of anna maria,â&#x20AC;? Seymour told commissioners. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We wish her well and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll still have the ability to use her in the future. She

will continue to work with the mpo (Sarasota/manatee metropolitan planning organization) and the itpo (island transportation planning organization) on our behalf.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have ayres as our other city engineer, so we feel confident moving forward,â&#x20AC;? Seymour finished. Burnett will continue to serve as the contracted city engineer for Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach, but in Anna Maria, Tampa-based engineering firm Ayres associates will now be the primary city engineer. When ayres and Lta responded to the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s request for proposals in September 2017, the city retained ayres for the engineering and design of the new city pier, while also retaining Lta for work on the

cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stormwater drainage and roadway projects. during her time in anna maria, Burnett designed the multiuse path along gulf drive, from archer avenue to Willow avenue, as well as the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stormwater retention, drainage and filtration system. additionally, code enforcement administrative assistant angela albrecht was dismissed Jan. 24 during a meeting with city clerk Leanne addy and Vice mayor Brian Seymour. mayor dan murphy was on vacation. Addy did not provide The Islander with an official reason for letting albrecht go, and a request to review her personnel file was unanswered by the press deadline for the newspaper.

Leffis Key site of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Coastal Climate Walkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

the first in a seven-part series exploring the â&#x20AC;&#x153;coastal climateâ&#x20AC;? will take place at Leffis Key in Bradenton Beach beginning at 9:30 a.m. friday, feb. 1. an announcement from the manatee county parks and natural resources department said around the Bend nature tours will lead the â&#x20AC;&#x153;interpretive walks on the effects of climate change on our coastal environment.â&#x20AC;? reservations are required via eventbrite.com and the cost is $25. also on the calendar for the county parks: â&#x20AC;˘ 8:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 4, Manatee County audubon Society birding tour at perico preserve, 11700 manatee ave. W., perico island. the freshwater ponds and salt marshes in the preserve provide an

oasis for numerous species of birds. for more information, call cathy davis at 561253-5025. â&#x20AC;˘ 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5, Tortoise Talks education program at the Valentine House in robinson preserve, 1704 99th St. nW, Bradenton. â&#x20AC;˘ 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, Treetots: Counting nature childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s program at the mosaic neSt in robinson preserve expansion, 815 13th ave. nW. â&#x20AC;˘ 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, NEST Nature Days in robinson preserve expansion. in this program, attendees will be asked to compose and share a nature poem inspired by their visit. â&#x20AC;˘ Noon and 1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 9, NEST nature day at the mosaic neSt in robinson pre-

serve expansion. â&#x20AC;˘ 9 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 12, a kayak trip from Anna maria island to passage Key coordinated by Wayneadventures. the trip, departing from Bayfront park in anna maria, is open to adults with prior experience kayaking on open water. for reservations, call 941-742-5757, ext. 7. â&#x20AC;˘ 9:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 15, Around the Bend nature tours will lead another segment in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;coastal climate Walkâ&#x20AC;? series, this outing taking place at grassy point preserve in Holmes Beach and neal preserve, 12301 manatee ave. W., perico island. the cost will be $25 and reservations must be made online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/coastalclimate-walk-intracoastal-preserves-tickets-

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THE ISLANDER n JAN. 30, 2019 n 19

Donations, efforts surge for federal workers awaiting pay

By Kathy prucnell islander reporter anna maria island and cortez businesses and nonprofits raised more than $15,000 for federal employees affected by the partial government shutdown. u.S. coast guard chief Zachary gray said Jan. 25 he accepted $40,000 at the uScg station cortez on behalf of the nonprofit Sun Coast Chief Petty Officers association. “the support from the community has been amazing,” gray said. “i’m extremely grateful for what the community is doing for us.” the cash, checks, gift cards and other donations gray received the week of Jan. 21 — in addition to more than $100,000 received by the regional association — were being distributed according to need to 1,600 coast guard members between Yankeetown and fort myers Beach by the association, he said. on Jan. 25, president donald trump announced a temporary end to the shutdown and signed a funding bill to keep the federal government running until feb. 15. a week earlier he signed the government employee fair treatment act of 2019, providing back pay to federal employees for lost wages, work performed or leave used during the shutdown that began dec. 22. Back pay for coast guard employees is expected by feb. 1. The Cortez station employs 35 enlisted officers, who mostly reside in Bradenton and parrish, though some live on the base, gray said. to help make ends meet during the shutdown, Barry grooms collected more than $10,000 for the u.S. coast guard and delivered a $7,800 check and $400-$500 in gift cards Jan. 21 to gray. “We hit our goal,” said grooms, who grew up on anna maria island and owns SaraBay Suncoast realty in Bradenton, which paid the fees to set up the

U.S. Coast Guard Chief Zachary Gray, center, accepts donations from government shutdown fundraisers Mike Faber, left, Debi Reynolds, Sherry Grooms and Barry Grooms. Barry Grooms headed up a fundraising drive on Facebook that resulted in a donation of more than $10,000. Islander Courtesy Photo facebook fundraiser. He also owns grooms motors & automotive in Holmes Beach. anna maria island democratic club president Bill mcgrath hand-carried $4,680 in cash and checks, gift cards and supplies to the cortez station. the contributions came from the anna maria island democratic club, manatee area council for advanced nursing practice, democratic Women’s club of manatee county and the new York State united teachers retiree council in Sarasota. mcgrath said when he saw the “young men and women of the military” at the cortez station, “i just wanted to apologize.” a.p. Bell, Star fish and tide tables collected gas, food and other gift cards for the service members.

“We’ve been quite busy down here,” said eric anglim at the Star fish market. “it’s quite a good feeling,” he said about the people dropping off the cards and talking about their support for the coast guard. during the shutdown, rangers nathan Souder and dan Stephens maintained the de Soto national memorial in northwest Bradenton while the other four staffers were furloughed. the visitors’ center re-opened Jan. 26 and, by Jan. 31, its living history programs, hands-on exhibits and 16th century reenactments were to resume. the de Soto staff are expecting shutdown back pay “in a week or so,” Stephens said. the coast guard and rangers at deSoto memorial last received a paycheck Jan. 1. meanwhile, more local assistance — even though the shutdown was lifted for three weeks — is planned for impacted workers. the cortez Village Historical Society will host a concert and coast guard fundraiser at 5 p.m. Saturday, feb. 2, at the cortez cultural center, 11655 cortez road W., cortez, with hot dogs and s’mores on the menu and performances by Soupy davis and carol alt. cVHS president Kaye Bell invited the community to bring gift and gas cards, baby food and diapers. Bell said Jan. 26 the fundraiser will be held despite the short-term funding order because “some of the guys are so far behind” on their bills that the coast guard association will continue to accept donations. With a new fire pit and pavilion at the cultural center, Kaye said the group was planning monthly gatherings and the first event became a fundraiser when she heard about the coast guard’s needs. “a lot of younger families are living from paycheck to paycheck,” Bell said.

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20 n Jan. 30, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

WMFR lines up selection procedures for new chief

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter West Manatee Fire Rescue is looking to name a new fire chief by June. Chief Tom Sousa, who announced his retirement plans in late 2018, recommended a “drop dead date” to hire an internal candidate during a Jan. 15 workshop. Sousa also suggested a three-person committee — a commission liaison, a battalion chief and a fire chief from a nearby district, with the commissioner selecting the two others — to screen applicants. Commissioner Larry Jennis, a past chair, stepped up to head the selection committee. Commissioners George Harris, Randy Cooper, Al Robinson and newly appointed chair David Bishop agreed with Sousa’s recommendations and confirmed Jennis as the liaison to the committee by unanimous vote at the meeting following a workshop at the district’s administrative office in Bradenton. Also at the workshop, the chief recommended upping the qualifications for future fire chiefs to include a bachelor’s degree and paramedic and fire officer certifications. Sousa said he reviewed state law and surveyed other Southwest Florida fire districts. Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach and Largo fire chiefs hold advance degrees and certifications, he said. A June deadline was tied to Sousa’s recommendation that the committee begin with an internal search, commissioner interviews and board deliberation. Sousa said, “By going to the internal candi-

WMFR firefighter Brian Gaskill receives accolades from Chief Tom Sousa Jan. 15. Gaskill received a 15-year service award. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell

date, you’re basically sending a message to the district saying we value our people and we believe that we can develop our people to eventually run the district.” The chief also pointed out “first day” officer training encourages all firefighters to strive to become a fire chief. He added that WMFR personnel includes a “hand-

ful of officers” pursuing advanced degrees and certifications. Sousa announced his retirement in November with two years remaining on his contract for undisclosed reasons. He is expected to leave his post in October. Harris said is a “strong proponent” of hiring an internal candidate.

Men resist rescue, fire boat damaged

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter A rescue involving $40,000 in damages to a West Manatee Fire Rescue boat came to the surface at a Jan. 15 commission meeting. A month earlier, a 15-foot Carolina skiff collided with the fire boat after WMFR responders rescued two men, Joseph Naples and Nicholas Longobardi, from Sarasota Bay. Following the rescue, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers arrested Naples, 53, of Bradenton, was arrested Dec. 7, 2018, for boating under the influence and refusing to take a BUI test. WMFR responded to a shoal between Cortez and Bradenton Beach at about 6:30 p.m. with a 30-foot rescue boat. The stranded men were standing in waist-high water with their boats nearby in 16-17 feet of water, according to Rich Jasinski, battalion chief, who responded by land to the shore near the emergency. In an incident

report, James Leigh, WMFR boat captain, wrote: “Upon arrival, two men were standing on a sandbar with their unmanned skiff circling around them.” The men then became “difficult about boarding,” while the unmanned skiff continued to circle, coming closer to the rescue boat, Leigh’s report stated. The unmanned skiff hit a channel marker and careened into the rescue boat, damaging both motors. One motor operated long enough to bring the two men ashore. Nicholas and Naples were examined by emergency medical personnel, who reported to the FWC officers the two men “were extremely intoxicated.” WMFR commissioners were presented with the damages at their Jan. 15 meeting. Chief Tom Sousa said the starboard motor took a direct hit and, even though “it doesn’t look bad,” he recommended replacing both engines. Ben Rigney, battalion chief, told commissioners replacing both engines would cost $40,000 and the dis-

Longboat task force asks EPA for red tide intervention By Sandy Ambrogi Islander Reporter A call to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Jan. 25 was met with a recorded message due to the partial government shutdown. But the shutdown, which ended Jan. 25, didn’t stop Longboat Key task force members from sending a plea to the EPA Southeast Region 4 headquarters in Atlanta Jan. 22. Tom Freiwald chairs the Longboat Key Revitalization Task Force. The task force, which he joined in 2011, comprises a dozen “stakeholders in the future of Longboat Key,” recently completed an in-depth study of the 2017-19 red tide bloom. After hundreds of hours of study, the task force concluded a master plan is needed to deal with red tide and one entity needs to be in charge. They want the EPA to be that entity. “We have a disconnected group of organizations, municipalities, workers, scientists measuring water, etc.,” Freiwald told The Islander by phone Jan. 24. “What we don’t have is a master plan and someone in charge. We need a master planner to go to Mote, to go to the University of Florida, to go to the cities and assign and coordinate the effort.” The task force’s letter refers to the history of the Chesapeake Bay recovery, which was led by the EPA beginning in 2009. The federally managed effort successfully cleared the bay of algae, when other fragmented efforts had failed.

trict insurance would cover only $21,000 for repairs. About $19,000 would be needed to purchase replacement motors, according to Rigney, who added the funds for the outlay are in the budget. Jasinski estimated the salvaging of both motors would recoup $12,000, leaving the cost to the district at $8,000-$9,000. On their mechanic’s advice, the fire officials recommended replacement over repairs because the motors are at the end of their warranties. Sousa said Longboat Key fire and Manatee County sheriff’s departments purchase new boat motors every three years for the warranties. “We learned a lot from this incident,” Sousa said, adding the district should consider anti-collision and anti-fouling devices to prevent similar events. Commissioner Al Robinson asked whether the men who caused the damage would have to pay. Rigney said the insurance company would look to the boater’s insurance for reimbursement. “I think it’s a no-brainer to go with the replacement to get the new warranties,” Robinson said. The other commissioners agreed that purchasing the two new motors was prudent, deciding to forgo a second mechanic’s opinion they had discussed earlier in the meeting. WMFR commission chair David Bishop summarized the commissioners’ directive to pursue the replacement. Naples’ next court date is at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

The task force letter also states, “We believe a similar application of effort by the EPA is required on Florida’s Gulf Coast and will result in the mitigation of red tide.” Freiwald said the federal U.S. Clean Water Act, passed in 1972, gives the EPA the authority to restore and maintain the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the nation’s waters, he said. “Red tide is not on the EPA list of priorities. We are encouraging them to exercise their authority and get involved to centralize the command post,” Freiwald said. Copies of his letter were sent to the mayors of Bradenton, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach and Anna Maria, as well as others. “Anna Maria Island is facing the same thing we are here on Longboat. It’s time to do something different and make some headway with this problem,” he said. Freiwald noted the task force is not a political body. “We have a new governor, and we see him doing things,” he said. But the state will amount to another fragment in the red tide puzzle and Freiwald is looking for oversight. Still, he said, the task force feels EPA’s failure to assume oversight would “be recognized historically as an obvious and foreseeable catastrophic error.” At this point, Freiwald said, “The only thing worse The WMFR boat’s four-stroke 250 motors were damthan inviting the EPA into the fray is three more years aged Dec. 7, 2018, in Sarasota Bay. Islander Photo: WMFR of red tide.”

THE ISLANDER n JAN. 30, 2019 n 21

WMFR recognizes firefighters, officers

Firefighter Cameron Frazier shows his five-year service award Jan. 15 at the WMFR District administrative office in Bradenton.

A gavel is presented Jan. 15 to WMFR Commissioner Larry Jennis for his 2018 service as chair. Capt. Ryan Moore, with wife Marissa, son Waylon and daughter Ailey, pauses for a photo Jan. 15 after his promotion to WMFR battalion chief.

Battalion Chief Richard Losek, the winner of the Officer of the Year award, presents firefighter Josh Atkins, with wife Niki, a 2018 firefighter of the year award Jan. 15. Also recognized with the same award was paramedic/firefighter Andrew Powers. Islander Photos: Kathy Prucnell WMFR inspector Rodney Kwiatkowski accepts his 10-year service award Jan. 15 from Chief Tom Sousa.

About WMFR

the district, according to the Wmfr, includes some 20,000 parcels in anna maria, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, tidy island and parts of cortez and Bradenton with a resident population of 34,705, which fluctuates to include 13,000 nonresidents during tourist season. WMFR employs 42 career officers and 30 reserve members.

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22 n JAN. 30, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

Gathering

Gathering plans

SAVE THE DATE

Concert with New Orleans Nighthawks Jazz Band, Feb. 10, Roser Memorial Community Church. Concert with harpist Elizabeth Gerberding, Feb. 17, Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian (USA). Women’s Guild Luncheon and Fashion Show, Feb. 21, St. Bernard Catholic Church. Rummage sale, March 1-2, St. Bernard Catholic Church. Concert with Ring Sarasota, March 10, Roser Church. the episcopal church of the annunciation, 4408 Concert with Florida Gulf Coast Brass Quintet, March 17, Christ gulf drive, Holmes Beach, will hold a white elephant Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian (USA). sale feb. 8-9. Concert with Key Chorale Chamber Singers, March 31, Roser Hours will be 3-5 p.m. friday, feb. 8, and 9 a.m.-1 Church.

Annunciation sets sale days

p.m. Saturday, feb. 9. ONGOING LISTINGS available items will include housewares, jewChrist Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian (USA), 6400 Gulf elry, books, collectibles, clothing, baked goods and of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Sunday service 8:30 a.m. and 10 the church’s “famous pickles,” as well as lunch. for more information, call the church at 941-778- a.m.; men’s Bible study 9 a.m. Monday; women’s Bible study 10 a.m. Wednesday. 1638.

Gathering Send announcements and photos to news@ islander.org and calendar@islander.org.

CrossPointe Fellowship, 8665 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Sunday worship 9 a.m.; Sunday life group 10:30 a.m.; women’s prayer 9:30 a.m. Tuesday; men’s Bible study 7 a.m. Wednesday;

fellowship meal 6:15 p.m. Wednesday; Wednesday Night Blast 6:45 p.m. Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Sunday Holy Eucharist (Rite I) 8 a.m.; Sunday Holy Eucharist (Rite II) 10:30 a.m.; men’s breakfast 8 a.m. Wednesday. Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Saturday service 5 p.m.; Sunday service 9:30 a.m.; Sunday fellowship 10:30 a.m.; prayer partners 11:30 a.m. Wednesday; women’s Bible study 10 a.m. Thursday. Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach. Sunday services 8:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Sunday service 10 a.m.; fellowship following service. Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Sunday worship 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.; adult Sunday school 8:45 a.m.; Sunday adult book study 9 a.m. Also, first and third Wednesdays, Roser Golfing for God, IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Parkway, Bradenton; second and fourth Wednesdays, 11 a.m., Just Older Youth/JOY Brown Bag Lunch Series; Tuesdays through April 2, 5:30 p.m., Terrific Tuesdays. St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Saturday confession 3 p.m.; Saturday Mass 4 p.m.; Sunday Mass 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.; weekday Mass 8:30 a.m.

Dining and fellowship

Steve and Linda Gianiotes draw diners to Roser Memorial Community Church, where a pancake breakfast was served Jan. 19. Islander Photo: Peggy Nash

Bruce Birkman and Charlie Gianiotes cook pancakes Jan. 19 for the Roser Memorial Community Church pancake breakfast. The church’s next pancake breakfast will be Feb. 16. Roser is at 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Islander Courtesy Photo: Peggy Nash

Travels

Pancake breakfast draws crowd to Roser

People dine on pancakes, sausages, biscuits and gravy for breakfast Jan. 19 at the Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. The next pancake breakfast will be 8 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 16. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

Wintertime reading

Art by Joan Voyles

Pastor Stephen King

“Only reading The Islander will help me stay warm up here in North Andover, Massachusetts,” writes Joe DiBiase, whose full-time residence is in New England. He owns a condo in Holmes Beach and visits Anna Maria Island three-four times a year. “We love it there,” he says. Islander Courtesy Photo

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Marcia Kendall Smith Powers

marcia Kendall Smith powers, 79, of Bradenton, died Jan. 18. She was born in elkhart, indiana, to roger and Hazel (Kidder) Kendall. She moved from detroit to anna maria island in 1968. She was a well-known real estate broker and member of roser memorial community church in anna maria. Powers She loved to sew, quilt, travel and was especially interested in vintage cars. a celebration of life will be at 1 p.m., Saturday, feb. 9, at roser memorial community church, 512 pine ave., anna maria. Brown & Sons funeral Homes & crematory 43rd Street chapel, 604 43rd St. W., Bradenton, is in charge of arrangements. memorial donations may be made to roser memorial community church, p.o. Box 247, anna maria fL 34216. condolences may be made online to brownandsonsfuneral. com. mrs. powers is survived by her husband, dale; sister Beth Knox; son Sean; daughter Jennifer; stepsons mark Smith, robert Smith and edward; stepdaughter cay; stepdaughters Karen and Kathy; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Edward Vincent Tumolo III

edward Vincent tumolo iii, of Bradenton, died dec. 31, 2018. He was born april 19, 1957, in chester, pennsylvania, to edward Vincent ii and Joan. He was married to peggy dean, who owned the color of coconuts boutique in Holmes Beach. Tumolo III He was a custom homebuilder for most of his life and he loved working with his hands, helping people and traveling to the mountains, where he intended to retire with his beloved wife, who he affectionately referred to as his “girlie.” His family will honor his life in a private ceremony and suggests donations be made to cancer research. mr. tumolo is survived by peggy; sons edward Vincent iV and wife erin, Keith and wife carey, daughter nicole; stepchildren david Lenker and wife Kellie and amanda doyle and husband devin; grandchildren edward Vincent V, madilyn grace and gemma mae doyle; and sister diane.

Former CNOBB webmaster deposed in BB lawsuit By chrisann Silver esformes islander reporter another witness put his deposition on the record in the Bradenton Beach versus citizens governmentin-the-Sunshine lawsuit. michael Harrington, former webmaster for the now-defunct concerned neighbors of Bradenton Beach, was deposed Jan. 23 in the lawsuit initiated in august 2017 by ex-mayor Jack clarke and joined by the city against six former board members for allegedly violating the Sunshine Law. Harrington is not a defendant in the suit. However, since Harrington controlled the flow of information through the cnoBB website, he was deposed as a witness. He also provided nearly 10,000 documents to the plaintiff’s attorney, robert Watrous, and his paralegal, Michael Barfield. the six defendants — reed mapes, tjet martin, John metz, patty Shay and Bill and rose Vincent — were members of the grass-roots group when they allegedly violated the Sunshine Law by discussing city business at cnoBB meetings and through phone calls, emails and text messages. the documents provided by Harrington include emails, text messages and other exchanges of information between Harrington and members of cnoBB, as well as web information relating to the organization and its initiatives. during the deposition, Harrington told Watrous he no longer possesses the computer he used for cnoBB business — it crashed about six months ago and would have been more expensive to repair than replace. So he allowed it to be destroyed. near the end of the proceeding, Watrous said the deposition would need to be continued as he planned to file a motion to have a forensic evaluation of Harrington’s current computer to research emails or other documents. “there are still gaps — large gaps — where emails were not provided,” Watrous said Jan. 23. “there are emails indicating you attempted to delete files.” an oct. 13, 2017, the subject of an email from mapes to Harrington reads, “What is your phone number so we can talk instead of emails.” in the body of the email, mapes wrote, “and please delete this one and the previous one,” implying mapes was asking Harrington to permanently delete communications. additionally, shortly after the lawsuit began, Harrington said he took the website offline and deleted its contents, including recordings of meetings, at the request of Bill Vincent, the founder of the defunct 2019

Obituaries

THE ISLANDER n JAN. 30, 2019 n 23

At your service

obituaries are offered as a community service in the islander newspaper to residents and family of residents, both past and present, as well as to those people with ties to the island. Submit to news@ islander.org. islander obituaries are free, including a photo and posting on the website. paid obituaries can be discussed with advertising consultant toni Lyon. call the islander at 941778-7978.

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Michael Harrington, former webmaster for CNOBB, waits Jan. 23 with his wife, Carol, for his deposition to begin at Vincent M. Lucentes & Associates Court Reporters in Bradenton. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes grass-roots group. the deleted meeting recordings allegedly include discussion about prohibiting parking garages — a topic that the city alleges could have come before the p&Z board and the Scenic Waves partnership committee, which included members martin and rose Vincent. Harrington also told Watrous he thought he deleted all cnoBB-related emails, not realizing emails were retained on a google server. When asked why he deleted the emails and other cnoBB materials, Harrington said he didn’t need them because he was no longer affiliated with CNOBB and he wanted to clear space on his computer. attorney Jim dye, representing mapes, and metz’s attorney, thomas Shults, attended the deposition, but did not cross-examine Harrington. Several more depositions are yet to be taken, including metz, city attorney ricinda perry, who is scheduled to be deposed feb. 13, and city planner alan garrett, who was scheduled for a Jan. 25 deposition but canceled due to medical issues. a hearing for a motion of partial summary judgment for legal fees is planned for Jan. 31 at the manatee county Judicial center, 1051 manatee ave. W., Bradenton. mediation for the parties with attorney Jack Hawkins is scheduled for Feb. 25 at the law offices of Grimes goebel grimes Hawkins gladfelter & galvano, 1023 manatee ave. W., Bradenton. at a case management conference in december 2018, Judge Lon arend of the manatee county 12th Judicial circuit court ordered a nonjury trial the week of march 18.

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w ks a h t h ig N s n a e l r O T h e Ne w “Images of America: Anna Maria Island,” a pictorial history of the island compiled by Bonner Joy is available at The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. It includes many never-before-seen photos from Joy’s collection. She is publisher of The Islander newspaper, launched in 1992, and a 44-year resident.

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24 n JAN. 30, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

Streetlife

By Kathy Prucnell

Island police blotter

Anna Maria Jan. 9, pine avenue and tarpon Street, drug arrest. manatee county sheriff’s deputies pulled over a vehicle and arrested a juvenile for misdemeanor marijuana possession and paraphernalia after observing the vehicle had stopped at an intersection for a long time. Jan. 13, 200 block of pine, runaway. a habitual runaway, whose parents live in anna maria, showed up at the sheriff’s substation. deputies determined she was staying at a friend’s house and the runaway’s father was working with a specialized law enforcement team about the continuing problem. the deputy left a message with the friend’s mother to ensure the runaway was living there. Jan. 22, gulf drive and Willow avenue, Baker act. deputies stopped a vehicle after observing it without its headlights on after dark. the woman was incoherent and emS was summoned. She was taken to Blake medical center in Bradenton under the Baker act. Anna Maria is policed by the MCSO. Bradenton Beach Jan. 16, island time Bar and grill, 111 gulf drive S., warrant. Bradenton Beach police arrested

a 37-year-old man on two warrants for violating his probation. He was taken into custody and transported to the manatee county jail. Jan. 18, coquina Boat ramp, 2651 gulf drive, stolen boat. MCSO advised a BBPD officer of a stolen boat in the city jurisdiction. The officer contacted the tampa owner, who declined to retrieve the boat due to the boat’s condition. the boat was towed. Jan. 19, Wicked cantina, 101 Seventh St. n., defrauding an innkeeper/trespass. a 40-year-old man was arrested after a manager reported a customer becoming belligerent with employees and refusing to pay a $5.30 bill. He cursed at the server and said he was broke. the man later apologized to police, saying he found out earlier his girlfriend of 15 years had cheated on him and he’d gone out drinking. Jan. 20, circle K, 103 gulf drive S., trespass. Bradenton Beach police on patrol at about 11:50 p.m. observed a man and a woman in their 30s get undressed behind a bar on Bridge Street. The officers advised the couple to get dressed. police later found the same people exposing themselves under the convenience store. the couple said they were on vacation and did nothing wrong. the store manager trespassed the man and woman. at the station, the couple apologized. the man told the officers he’d just met the woman at a bar and “didn’t think this was a big deal.” Bradenton Beach is policed by BBPD. Cortez

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Jan. 11, 3700 block of 117th Street West, domestic disturbance. two sisters argued and 911 was called. manatee county sheriff’s deputies observed no injuries and determined no physical violence occurred. Cortez is policed by the MCSO. Holmes Beach Jan. 12, dunkin donuts, 3302 e. Bay drive, information. Holmes Beach police responded to a clerk’s report of a female customer’s husband making threats after the clerk waited on the woman. the clerk admitted she hadn’t initially seen the woman at the counter. the clerk told police she apologized for making the woman wait and that she made an offensive remark about the woman’s height. the female customer apparently complained about her coffee being cold and left. Her husband then entered the store, yelled and threatened the staff, who told police they feared the man would return and cause them harm. the workers were advised to call the police if the couple returned or if they encountered an irate customer. Jan. 15, 3000 block of gulf drive, drug arrest. a 29-year-old man was arrested for misdemeanor marijuana and paraphernalia possession after a Holmes Beach police officer pulled him over for speeding and noticed the odor of marijuana. The officer found 15 grams of marijuana, a rubber case containing .06 grams of tHc resin, two bongs, a marijuana pipe, three packs of rolling papers and a cannabis shredder. Holmes Beach is policed by HBPD. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBpd, HBpd and mcSo.

You can catch all the news online at islander.org

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THE ISLANDER n Jan. 30, 2019 n 25

Anna Maria man arrested in Holmes Beach on DUI charge

Holmes Beach police arrested an Anna Maria man for driving under the influence after a Christmas party at D.Coy Ducks Bar & Grill in Holmes Beach. Trevor Coleman, 31, was arrested at 11:14 p.m. Dec. 25, 2018, after failing to stop at a flashing red traffic light as he turned east on to Manatee Avenue from southbound Gulf Drive, a HBPD report states. Coleman Coleman told police, “Come on, it’s Christmas. Do you realize there is a huge party at D.Coy’s right now? I just want to get home. I can drive a f------ half mile.” An HBPD officer also reported the motorist failed a field sobriety test. Coleman was transported to the Manatee County jail, where he refused to submit to a blood alcohol test. He posted $120 in bond and was released, pending a Jan. 28 arraignment after press time. All court hearings are held at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

Crash in Holmes Beach ends with DUI, drug arrests

Two 20-year-old Sarasota men were arrested by Holmes Beach police after their SUV crashed into a palm tree Dec. 29 at Gulf Drive and Sunrise Lane. The driver of a 2006 Toyota 4Runner, Joshua Snyder, was arrested for driving under the influence with property damage, as well as possessing marijuana and paraphernalia. The front seat passenger, Andrew Ginsberg, was arrested, with police suggesting charges of possessing canSnyder nabis oil and paraphernalia, although the charges against Ginsberg were dropped by the prosecutor Jan. 15. Both men were treated at Blake Medical Center in Bradenton, where Snyder refused to submit to a blood-alcohol test. There was no report of injuries to a passenger in the backseat. Holmes Beach police were working another crash in the 600 block of Manatee Avenue at 2:21 a.m. when Snyder’s vehicle hit a tree in the median in the 5300 block of Gulf Drive, and Manatee County Sheriff’s Deputy Robert Desch was called to assist.

HBPD Officer Adam Desantis subsequently arrived to work the crash and DUI investigation. Desch and Desantis reported the men were belligerent as they were transported to Blake and the Manatee County jail, with Ginsberg switching his handcuffs around from the back to the front of his body and Snyder kicking the police squad cage. In a search of Snyder’s vehicle, police found 10 grams of marijuana in plain sight on the center console, hash oil in a backpack near the front passenger’s seat, a vaping device in an ashtray and burnt marijuana cigarettes on the vehicle floor. Snyder posted $1,500 in bond. Ginsberg posted $2,000 in bond. The 12th Circuit State Attorney’s Office dropped Ginsberg’s case Jan. 15, declining to file the charge. To prove the crimes charged, the defendant must have knowledge and control over the substance and there was no proof of Ginsberg’s knowledge of the drugs, according to an interoffice memo by Assistant State Attorney Daniel Ley. Snyder’s next court date is at 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

RVs run afoul

LEFT: A recreational vehicle parked on Gladiolus Street in Anna Maria, apparently in violation of city code, was reported anonymously to the city in October and November 2018 and Jan. 23. According to city staff, RVs at 250 Gladiolus and 610 Gladiolus, far left, violate code, which prohibits parking RVs or trailers on rights of way between sunset and sunrise. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

26 n JAN. 30, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

Migratory, resident birds suffer depleted food source

By chrisann Silver esformes islander reporter anna maria island is a popular stopover for migrating shorebirds. Since early January, black skimmers have gathered in groups of more than 300 at coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach and they pepper other spots on the island. also, a variety of terns, including forster’s, royal and sandwich terns, have congregated on beaches on the north end of the island in anna maria. the island also is home to a variety of resident water birds, including pelicans and cormorants, which suffered when high levels of red tide algae bloom were detected in manatee county in august 2018, according to ed Straight, president of Wildlife inc. rescue and rehabilitation in Bradenton Beach. Whether local or just passing through, water birds and shorebirds rely on the same food sources — primarily fish, were was diminished by the red tide outbreak. Suzi fox, executive director of anna maria island turtle Watch and Shorebird monitoring, said Jan. 15 the birds are here to rest before continuing their migration, and some will remain, then mate in several months. She said the 2018 season, may-october, was unusual because black skimmers, which previously nested on the beach near the 5400 block of gulf drive in Holmes Beach, did not nest, and did not migrate to South america, where they usually spend winter. fox said human interference likely was to blame.

Gail Straight, executive director of Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center in Bradenton Beach, checks on two rescued cormorants. The birds likely were suffering Jan. 14 from a lack of food due to red tide, according to Straight. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

She said it is imperative that people do not chase or otherwise hassle the birds so they can put on weight. “they are resting and they are feeding,” fox said. “and with red tide limiting their food source, when they eat, they must rest.” fox said she knows it is common for children to run into a group of birds on the beach to watch them take flight, but she hopes parents learn it’s bad for the birds as it wastes their calories and discourage the behavior. “usually, it’s just kids that don’t know not to do

A black skimmer, recognizable by a splash of orange on its beak, pauses amid a ﬂock of laughing gulls Dec. 17, 2018, near Spring Avenue in Anna Maria. Islander Photo: Courtesy Pete Gross

it,” fox said. “once we say something to the parents, they realize and understand why it’s important.” She said picking up trash from the beach also is necessary, since waste draws predators that could harm the weakened birds. Straight reported in november 2018 that his wildlife facility rescued 114 birds sick from eating fish contaminated with red tide, including 44 cormorants. as of Jan. 14, the number of cormorants had more than doubled to 95 —and a total of 190 birds have been rescued since July 2018. eleven cormorants were still rehabbing at the facility as of Jan. 14. additionally, Straight said he is concerned about island pelicans. Since the red tide outbreak, his facility has rescued 19 brown pelicans, which can be year-round residents, and two american white pelicans, a larger species that annually migrates to the area, usually in november. “they just seem really lethargic, which means they just aren’t finding food,” Straight said. He also said he received reports of white pelicans fighting with brown pelicans and even attempting to drown brown pelicans by using their beaks to hold the smaller pelicans underwater. gail Straight, who directs the facility with her husband, said the unusual behavior might be caused by a lack of resources in the wake of red tide. “The problem is, the red tide killed so many fish. And, until the fish population comes back, they’re starving and fighting over food,” she said. “But we can’t keep them, so here we are putting them back in the water. It’s difficult. In 32 years, I’ve never seen it this bad.” However, fox said the arrival of migratory birds signals a “healthy beach.” “the fact that they are here is a sign that things are looking up,” fox said. “now it is up to us humans to let them eat what they can, and rest up for what lies ahead.” for more information about shorebirds, contact fox at suzilfox@gmail.com or 941-778-5638. for more information about Wildlife inc., or to report a sick or injured animal, call the facility at 941-778-6324.

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ential books in the modern environmental movement — demonstrate the disastrous environmental effects of pesticides in the 1950s and 1960s. a passage in the chapter titled “no Birds Sing” reports a wealth of bird life in a community and then, after several years of spraying ddt on trees, “the town is almost devoid of robins and starlings; chickadees

have not been on my shelf for two years, and this year the cardinals are gone, too.” the chapter also includes an observation from a man whose picture window “used to frame a scene splashed with the red of 40 or 50 cardinals and crowded with other species” but, after pesticide spraying, the man seldom saw more than two birds. We learn from such observations and scientists learn from such observations, as well as their own studies. What if i see six blue jays many mornings and then they disappear? What if the population of three crows grows to 300 crows? What if i hear one cardinal but i used to hear a dozen? What if one morning i see an ivory-billed woodpecker and prove the bird is not extinct — or no longer extinct? With this enthusiasm, i approach the global great Backyard Bird count, which will be conducted feb. 15-18. Birders of all ages and skills participate in the four-day annual happening that i consider a Valentine’s day event for nature lovers. Volunteers will count the birds they see for at least 15 minutes on one or more days of the count and then enter their checklists at birdcount.org. during the 2018 count, birdwatchers from more than 100 countries submitted more than 180,000 bird checklists, reporting a record 6,456 species – more than half the known bird species in the world.

Squadron sets change of watch

FWC to improve manatee protection signs on rivers

By Lisa Neff

Backyard birders to aid scientists

Six blue jays hopped from branch to branch in a pine tree on magnolia avenue near the beach. overhead, three crows circled. unseen, a cardinal sang a cheery tune. Why might scientists care about these observations made on a recent Saturday morning in anna maria? Because the numbers alone might Neff raise questions about the strength of a species, changes in habitat and levels of pollution. consider how observations helped rachel carson, in 1962’s “Silent Spring” — one of the most influ-

A banded juvenile black skimmer is shown July 16, 2018, at St. Pete Beach. Islander Photo: Courtesy Elizabeth Forys

Watch for banded birds

With winter, anna maria island welcomes migratory shorebirds. Some of the birds seen on the beach might have small, colored or metal bands around one or both legs. Leg-banding is a method used by organizations such as the florida Shorebird alliance to track the location patterns of some migratory birds, including black skimmers, red knots, least terns and piping and snowy plovers. the fSa recommends people not disturb a banded bird, but note its geographic location with gpS or precise notes, observe the color and location of the band, take a picture if possible, and report the sighting online at https://www.usgs.gov/centers/pwrc/science/ bird-banding-laboratory. — ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

A poster promotes the Great Backyard Bird Count involving the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the National Audubon Society and Bird Studies Canada. The GBBC will be Feb. 15-18. Islander Courtesy Photo

the anna maria island Sail and power Squadron will hold its annual change of watch at 6 p.m. thursday, feb. 7. Janet razze of Bradenton will be inducted as commander, along with the new executive officer mark Krueger of Snead island, and new administrative officer, Larry Wilhelm of Longboat Key. the group hosts monthly meetings at its building at 1200 71st St. nW, Bradenton. the squadron is an affiliate of the U.S. Power Squadron-america’s Boating club. at 6 p.m. march 7, Bob pitt, a local boat builder, will be the featured presenter at the potluck dinner and general meeting. pitt began in his teens to learn traditional shipbuilding, yacht carpentry and rigging. for more information, call 941-792-0394 or email amispsbridge@gmail.com.

the florida fish and Wildlife conservation commission will be repairing waterway markers in manatee protection zones and boating restricted areas in the manatee and Braden rivers in manatee county. the work will begin in february and take about six weeks. the fWc’s routine maintenance will include replacing degraded waterway signs in the existing boundaries of the manatee protection zones and boating restricted areas. the state will not be expanding manatee protection zones on the rivers. an announcement from fWc said boaters are urged to use caution while sign construction and maintenance are underway.

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28 n JAN. 30, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

Flag football action continues at community center By Kevin p. cassidy islander reporter the youth league completed its fourth week of football contests at the center of anna maria island Jan. 21 and Jan. 23. flag football action Jan. 21 saw Beach Bums improve to 4-0 on the season with a 31-0 blanking of ugly grouper to open the 8-10 division action Jan. 21. the second game of Cassidy the evening saw progressive cabinetry cruise to a 33-19 victory over Bins Be clean, before the third game, an exciting 33-28 win for Slim’s place over planet Stone. the 8-10 standings have Beach Bums on top with 3-0-1 Slim’s place right on their heels. progressive cabinetry is alone in third place with a 2-1-1 record, while planet Stone is in fourth with a 1-2-1 record. ugly grouper at 0-3-1 and Bins Be clean at 0-4 complete the division standings. action in the 11-13 division Jan. 23 kicked off with grooms automotive rolling to a 26-4 victory over Beach House real estate in the 11-13 division. the second contest of the day saw caBB cleaning clean up with a 33-0 victory over tyler’s ice cream. the caBB victory improved the team to 3-0 — the top spot in the 11-13 standings. Beach House real estate fell to 2-1, but remained in second place, ahead of tyler’s ice cream and island charms, which both sport 1-2 records. grooms completes the 11-13 standings with a 1-3 record. the final game Jan. 23 was a 14-17 division matchup between cloud pest control and Blue Lagoon, which saw Blue Lagoon cruise to a 32-18 victory. Lagoon improved to 2-1 on the season, tied for first place with 2-0 Ace Hardware. Island Fitness holds down third place with a 1-1 record, while cloud

pest control is still in search of a victory.

begin at 8:45 a.m. followed by random team selection. Adult football action continues, too there is no charge to play and everyone is welthe adults at the center also like to play games. come. the league completed its second week of action Jan. 24 with a trio of matchups. Beach House real estate Key Royale golf news edged Lancaster Design 22-20 in the first game, while the rains that descended on the area closed the gulfview Windows rolled to a 48-24 victory over course late last week, but not before the men and Hashmark Sports in the second game. progressive women got in their weekly golf outings Jan. 21-22. cabinetry concluded the night’s action with a 34-14 the men teed off Jan. 21 on their regular nine-hole, victory over ugly grouper. modified-Stableford match. after two weeks of play in the adult division, John Kolojeski won individual honors by carding a gulfview Windows leads the way with a 2-0 record, plus-4 to edge the trio of tom donnor, Bill macmillan while Hashmark, Lancaster, Beach House and pro- and Bob Soos, all with plus-3s in a tie for second gressive cabinetry all sport 1-1 records. ugly grou- place. per completes the standings with an 0-2 record. donnor and macmillan were part of the winning the action continues at 6:30 p.m. thursday, Jan. team with Warren Boin and Jerry martinek on a com31, at the center, 407 magnolia ave., anna maria. bined plus-5. the women played their regular nine-hole, indiHorseshoe news vidual-low-net match in four flights Jan. 22. two teams forged 3-0 records in pool play to Helen Pollock and Cathy Rice both fired 2-undermeet in the finals of the Jan. 23 horseshoe action at par 30s to finish in a tie for first place in Flight A. Pam the anna maria city Hall horseshoe pits. Lowry was alone in second with an even-par 32. the team of tim Sofran and Bob Lee rolled to carol patterson carded a 2-under-par 30 to capture a 21-9 victory over Bob Brown and Bob palmer in first place in Flight B, while Carol Duncan took second the championship match to earn the day’s bragging with a 3-over-par 35 and debbie milder was another rights. stroke back in third place. the Jan. 26 games saw four teams record undeBeth Lindeman torched the course with a 6-underfeated records during pool play. In the first semifinal, par 26 that gave her a six-shot margin of victory in Palmer and Sam Samuels cruised into the finals with flight c. Second place went to Jana Samuels with an a 23-6 victory over Steve doyle and gene fehl. the even-par 32, while fran Barford was another shot back second semifinal saw Jim Kleiner and Lee rally for a in third place. come-from-behind 21-20 victory over Brown and John marty clark matched Lindeman for low round of crawford. Lee and Kleiner stayed hot and rolled to a the day and a first-place finish in Flight D. Marcia 21-9 victory over palmer and Samuels in the champi- O’Brien, Terry Westby and Susan VanOrsdel finished onship game. in a tie for second place in the flight with matching play gets underway at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and 1-under-par 31s. Saturdays at the anna maria city Hall pits. Warmups

AME dash finishes with almost $4,000 for PTO coffers

By ryan paice islander reporter runners, records and revenue. the 13th annual dolphin dash 5K and 1-mile fun run Jan. 19 had it all. With more than 200 participants paying registration fees, the event raised $3,914.77 for the anna maria elementary School parent-teacher organization. pto president nicole teich said this year’s dolphin dash raised $400 more than the 2018 race. While times aren’t taken for the 1-mile fun run, three race records were set in the 5K. Both male and female top finalists of the Senior grand masters — a category for runners 60 and older — set records, with Sandy Meneley finishing with a time of 23:44 and Jerry Marsh crossing the finish line with a time of 20:11. Larry godair also set a record for the Veteran grand masters — a category for runners 70 and older — with a final time of 21:13. dolphin dash director Kelly gitt said she was pleased with the event. “i think the feedback was really positive,” gitt said in an interview Jan. 25. “We had really good energy out on the course, and it was great to see so many people after the fact to stay for awards and connect with friends and share results. overall, i think it was

a really successful race.” for next year, gitt said she would like to increase registration by 100 runners, improve on-site registration and have more volunteers on the course to ensure the safety of the runners. gitt said she would like to continue the event’s partnership with the Braden river and manatee high school key clubs, whose members acted as course supervisors this year, but she also would like to see an infusion of adults for next year’s event. “i would love to get it out to the public, too, that we want more good sponsors next year, and we really want to continue the theme of supporting the small Final Results Age/Group Male First Place (Time) First Overall Corey Peyerk (18:46) Masters Jesse Brisson (19:15) Grand Masters Eric Freeberg (19:33) Senior Grand Masters Jerry Marsh (20:11) Veteran Grand Masters Larry Godair (21:13) 9-Under Colin Bankart (26:47) 10-12 Luke Winsper (23:25) 13-15 Sam Hall (21:13) 16-19 Jordan Post (19:28) 20-24 —— 25-29 Kevin Papac (25:09) 30-34 Wesley Weed (23:41) 35-39 John Harrison III (22:40) 40-44 Daniel Basinger (20:26) 45-49 Ryan Humphries (20:53) 50-54 David Martinson (24:04) 55-59 Vito Gilliano (21:00) 60-64 Francis Brisson (22:06) 65-69 Don Brown (27:30) 70-74 Frank Davis (24:20) 75-79 Robert Lathrop (27:21) 80+ Chuck Vanduzee (34:44)

local businesses here on the island,” gitt said. “So if there are any sponsors that are interested in participating in next year’s race, get a hold of me. We’d love to get them that visibility and really make sure it all comes back to the community and the school.” prospective sponsors for 2020 looking for more information can call or text gitt at 941-357-4488, or email her at kelly@gittsoldit.com.

Female First Place (Time) Wendy Hudson (21:11) Rae Ann D. Reed (21:18) Sandy Meneley (23:44) Deb Robinson (25:36) Melanie Perroni (36:04) Alison Diny (26:29) Mary Harrison (30:26) Delayna Ashbough (27:53) Nathalie Chavez (27:38) Karen Murillo (31:58) Luciana Payne (29:01) Colleen Carrigg (28:04) Charise Tyson (25:22) Katie O’Connor (24:10) Lori Dunlap (29:29) Shirley Arendt (25:09) Lisa Thurlow (29:04) Andrea Jenkins (26:44) Arlene Jarzab (28:20) Jan Bosworth (40:05) Erma McMullen (39:56) Carol Westerman (44:02)

Southernaire Fishing Charters

Dolphin Dash fun-run friends, all 6 years old, Duncan Cloutier, Vincent Gollamudi, Luke Willing and Trist Fellows await the start of the 1-mile race. Luke Willing is in kindergarten at AME and his friends are AME first-graders. Islander Photo: Nenita Daguinotas

Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

Jan 30 Jan 31 Feb 1 Feb 2 Feb 3 Feb 4 Feb 5 Feb 6

10:37a 11:37a 9:59a 11:10a 12:08p 12:54p 1:31p 1:58p

HIGH

1.0 7:30p 1.1 8:22p 1.1 8:12p 1.1 8:48p 1.2 9:22p 1.2 9:56p 1.2 10:29p 1.1 11:04p

1.9 1.9 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.2

2:42a 3:37a 2:59a 3:51a 4:36a 5:15a 5:50a 6:23a

LOW

-0.3 12:35p -0.5 1:39p -0.2 1:38p -0.4 2:15p -0.6 2:51p -0.7 3:25p -0.7 4:01p -0.7 4:39p

LOW

Moon

0.9 1.0 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.0 1.0 NEW

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

THE ISLANDER n JAN. 30, 2019 n 29

Flexibility is key to local fishing success By capt. danny Stasny islander reporter fishing around anna maria island is holding steady to its wintertime pattern, which means you need to be flexible when deciding when, where and what to target. during the winter months on anna maria island, we can experience all spectrums of weather. during the cold fronts, we see Stasny raw, gusty winds and cold snaps down to the 40s. after the fronts, things can improve greatly, with calm waters, light winds and temperatures reaching into the 80s. Conditions play a major role in what fish to target and where to target them. On the cold, windy days, offshore fishing can be out of the question due to rough seas and less than favorable conditions. But, there is still fishing to be done. fishing sheltered inland waters such as the intracoastal Waterway or smaller mangrove-lined bays north of the manatee river is ideal. using live shrimp as bait can yield numerous species, including sheepshead, pompano, black drum and catch-and-release redfish. Trout fishing with soft plastics also is productive over deep grass flats and in canals. on days between fronts, venturing into the gulf of Mexico can be fulfilling. Fishing nearshore ledges and reefs can be quite productive for a number of species, including snappers, grunts, porgies, hogfish and grouper. if you’re out long enough, you can encounter large fish, such as amberjack and permit. needless to say, there are always options when fishing around Anna Maria Island. You just need to

Dylan Ciocca, visiting Anna Maria Island from Philadelphia, shows off a beautiful red grouper, caught on cut mullet last week while fishing offshore in 120-feet of water with Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters.

Rob Harris, left, Craig Moorhead, Brandon Herbert and Anna Baker hold their big catch of the day. They soon switched over from amberjack to hogfish, grunts, snapper and porgy. It was a beautiful January day with calm weather. The friends, Rob and Craig of St. Pete and Brandon and Anna of Michigan, enjoyed a fun trip with Capt. Jason Stock. keep an open mind and be happy with what mother nature presents to you. on my Southernaire excursions, i’m following this pattern. on the cold, windy days, i’m staying tucked up in small bays, canals and the icW, where there’s great inshore action. Sheepshead are quite abundant and a great “go to” target when conditions are less favorable. and what’s good about sheepies is the conditions don’t seem to bother them, which means they readily bite in cold weather. plus, they are among my top choices for tastiest fish. I’m also seeing a great resurgence of redfish. Sport fishers casting live shrimp to these catch-andrelease fish are producing respectable numbers of hookups during morning fishing trips. And, while targeting the reds, i’m seeing black drum and snapper take the bait. on the calm, sunny days, i’m venturing into the Gulf of Mexico to fish the ledges, reefs and wrecks — host to a number of species; producing snappers, Key West grunts, porgies, hogfish and numerous undersize grouper. a bite occurs on almost every drop of bait. Plus, you get some good eating fish to bring home for a fish fry. Jim malfese at the rod & reel pier says sheepshead are the main attraction. casting live shrimp under the pier on a weighted rig is attracting the tasty nibblers to the hook. While targeting sheepies at the pier, you can expect to encounter catch-and-release redfish, black drum and an occasional flounder. Capt. Warren Girle is fishing inshore with good results. By fishing with live shrimp as bait, Girle is putting clients on a variety of species — especially around structure, such as docks, canals, rock piles and oyster bars. Black drum and catch-and-release redfish are taking the hook, as well as numerous sheepshead. Mangrove snapper and flounder are in the mix, although they are not being caught as frequently as the sheepies and drum.

Moving offshore, Girle is fishing ledges in 40-60 feet of water, which is producing good action on snapper, Key West grunts and small grouper. Capt. Aaron Lowman is rocking the dock fishing — finding great action for his clients. Numerous sheepshead are being caught by casting a live shrimp under a dock during slower moving tides. most sheepies are 1-3 pounds, although larger fish are mixed in. He’s also finding action in the canals on black drum and catchand-release redfish. Moving to the grass flats, Lowman is drifting and jigging with soft plastics to trigger a trout bite. grass areas with depths of 3-6 feet of water are hosting 12-18 inch spotted seatrout. Lastly, nearshore fishing in the gulf of mexico remains strong for Lowman as long as the winds are light and seas calm. Snappers, groupers, Key West grunts and porgies are rounding out the inshore bite on his charters. capt. david White of anna maria charters also is working inshore, where he’s serving up a variety of species. fishing around rocks and docks is yielding sheepshead, black drum and catch-and-release redfish. Also found inshore are pompano, which are being caught by casting jigs over deep grass flats where sandy potholes or channel edges exist. on calm days, White is moving offshore, putting clients on big mangrove snapper on the ledges in 40-70 feet of water. Hogfish, porgies and grunts also can be found on the ledges. Lastly, red grouper weighing up to 20 pounds, are being caught in slightly deeper water. capt. Jason Stock is patrolling offshore, where he’s putting anglers on aJs weighing 30-90 pounds. Other species turning up for Stock are hogfish, numerous snappers and tripletail. these species are being caught using live shrimp on a bottom rig. Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

Fishing Charters

CAPT. AARON LOWMAN

Capt. Warren Girle

'ULF "AY &ISHINGs4ARPON 53'! ,ICENSED AND )NSURED

INSHORE RE Redﬁsh Snook

O OFFSHORE SSnapper G Grouper

LIGHT G TACKLE C • FLY Over 30 years experience in local waters • USCG Licensed Full / Half Day Trips • 941.387.8383 (H) • 941.232.8636 (C) www.captainwarren.com Facebook: Captain Warren

941.465.8932 AnnaMariaFishing Guide.com

DOCKED AT SEAFOOD SHACK

30 n JAN. 30, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

isl

Representatives of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce hold the ribbon as property manager Kimberly Roehl of the Driftwood Motel, 5108 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, snips it Jan. 21 for the newly remodeled property. Work wrapped up in late fall with new interiors and a facelift on the exterior. Islander Photo: Courtesy AMICofC

biz

BY SANDY AMBROGI

Winds of change on AMI

Blue Water gone, reincarnation almost finished Blue Water Beach club, the old florida twostory motel with a beachfront pool in the middle, is no more. anna maria Vacations owner Joe Varner took the property at 6306 gulf drive, Holmes Beach, down to the studs, eradicating signs of its 1960s heritage to build suites and singles for 2020. “We are down to the home stretch now,” Varner told the islander Jan. 17. Varner is targeting late-february to open the motel with suites, deluxe kings and standard rooms with two queen beds, full-size refrigerators and microwave ovens. the pool in the center of the L-shaped building was moved closer to the beach and redesigned. and, it is bigger — the biggest on the island, according at Varner. rates will be $200-$600 per night. Specials are offered. for more information, call 941-778-4178 or visit annamaria.com/beachresort. Driftwood gets a makeover another older lodging property recently underwent a makeover. the driftwood motel, 5108 gulf drive, Holmes Beach, updated six rooms with new kitchens, countertops, flooring, furniture, linens and fixtures. new owners took over in the spring 2018, and Kimberly roehl of island destinations of anna maria

manages the motel. for a sneak peek at the rooms, all named for coastal birds, visit driftwoodmotelami.com. for more information, call roehl at 941-4479988. And changing hands Longtime employee adina dicus has purchased restless natives from carol clifford. the lifestyle and home accessories boutique is located in the island Shopping center, 5416 marina drive, Holmes Beach. dicus closed on the store just days before the red tide hit anna maria island in august 2018. “imagine my luck,” she quipped Jan. 21. “But now it’s going great.” dicus has worked at the boutique since it opened in a 150-square-foot space over six years ago. She plans to keep the store stocked with local art. restless natives is open monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday noon-5 p.m. for more information, call 941-779-2624. Stay busy, islanders!

The large resort pool at the former Blue Water Beach Club — now named the Anna Maria Beach Resort — takes shape at the Holmes Beach property. Owner Joe Varner is targeting late-February for an opening. Islander Photo: Courtesy Joe Varner

MIKE NORMAN REALTY EST. 1978

DIRECT BAYFRONT 4 BEDROOM Exceptional views of the Intracoastal Waterway from this hidden gem! Views of the water from every room give you the feeling you are on a boat rather than land. This unique property offers 4BR and 2BA that can be used as two separate apartments, each with its own kitchen and living spaces. NEW, deep water dock to keep your boat or to fish and relax. Watch gorgeous sunrises and twinkling lights at night. The open bayside deck and lower-level patio are great entertaining spaces. New A/Cs installed in 2018. New roof 2017. $899,500

Mike Norman Realty 800-367-1617 • 941-778-6696 31O1 GULF DR HOLMES BEACH www.mikenormanrealty.com sales@mikenormanrealty.com

Denise Johnson, left, motions as Valerie McGannon explains Jan. 23 how the chamber’s trolley grant will be used by the Friends of the Island Library for youth and special programs. Behind the library volunteers are chamber members Bev Lesnick, Karen LaPensee, Karen Riley-Love and Eric Cairns. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

More than 200 beautiful hand-selected properties to choose from. Stop by our offices or visit our web-site to book your next vacation in paradise!

INC

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THE ISLANDER n JAN. 30, 2019 n 31

Local chamber rolls out trolley grants for nonproﬁts

the plimsoll Ballroom at the Waterline marina resort and Beach club in Holmes Beach was crowded Jan. 23 with the who’s who in anna maria island and Cortez nonprofits. More than 100 people watched 18 local nonprofits receive the 2019 giving Back trolley grants awarded from the anna maria island chamber of commerce. guests mingled and enjoyed butlered light bites, an hors d’oeuvre buffet and libations before chamber president terri Kinder named the winners. Kinder, and chamber members Karen Lapensee,

Beverly Lesnick, eric cairns and Karen riley-Love comprised the awards committee. they read each grant individually and made recommendations on awards. Surplus advertising dollars from display ads sold on the anna maria island fare-free trolley fund the awards. Applicants must be nonprofit, located on Anna maria island or in cortez, and the project proposed must be on the island or in cortez. the advertising project began seven years ago to help manatee county fund the fare-free trolley operations. Nonprofit representatives gather Jan. 23 at Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club, 5325 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Eighteen groups were awarded a total of $42,784 during the presentation of Giving Back Trolley Grants by the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce. Islander Photos: Sandy Ambrogi

thirty local businesses bought trolley ads in 2018. Kinder said the trolley had more than 432,000 riders in 2018 and a total of $42,784 was awarded Jan. 23, bringing the total to $327,000 distributed since the program began. — Sandy Ambrogi

The winners • All Island Denominations. • Anna Maria Island Art League. • Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and orchestra. • Anna Maria Elementary PTO. • Anna Maria Island Garden Club. • Anna Maria Island Historical Society. • Anna Maria Island Privateers. • Cultural Connections of AMI. • Friends of the Florida Maritime Museum. • Friends of the Island Library. • Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria. • Roser Aid Food Pantry. • Roser Memorial Community- Church Education program. • Rotary Club of Anna Maria. • Sunshine Community Compost. • The Center of Anna Maria Island. • West Bradenton Crime Watch. • Wildlife Inc.

Karen Bell, owner of A.P. Bell Fish Co., and Kristin Sweeting, director of the Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, accept a trolCOMPILED BY SANDY AMBROGI ley grant Jan. 23 for the AMI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Friends of the Florida Maritime Museum. The Wednesday, Feb. 6 grant will be used to 11:30 a.m. — Chamber networking lunch, IMG Academy Golf improve accessibility and Club, 4350 El Conquistador Parkway, Bradenton. Members $15, to meet ADA requireguests $25, reservations requested. Information: 941-778-1541, ments at the museum.

BizCal

info@amichamber.org.

LO C A L LY K N OW N . G LO B A L LY C O N N E C T E D.

H O L M E S B E AC H 528 72nd Street Mark Boehmig 941-807-6936 A4204971 $2,700,000

H O L M E S B E AC H 529 Key Royale Drive Hannah Hillyard 941.744.7358 A4184576 $1,945,000

H O L M E S B E AC H 215 64th Street Kathy Harman 941-900-9828 A4421979 $1,395,000

BR ADENTON 6215 Legends Boulevard Adam Cuffaro 941-812-0791 A4408880 $1,390,000

PA L M E T T O 1715 4th Street W Debbie Vogler 941-705-3328 A4418376 $1,250,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 111 Spring Avenue Kristi Berger 941-730-3801 A4421014 $1,125,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 674 Key Royale Drive Michael Habony 941-920-2494 A4419598 $895,000

BR ADENTON 832 Whooping Crane Court Susan Matteoli PA 941-356-1335 A4415504 $735,000

BR ADENTON 8846 17th Avenue Circle NW Mark Boehmig 941-807-6936 A4420974 $659,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 5300 Gulf Drive 306 Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4400024 $599,900

L O N G B OAT K E Y 5611 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 5 Laura Rulon 941-896-2757 A4207769 $599,000

H O L M E S B E AC H 503 70th Street Laura Rulon 941-896-2757 A4406584 $599,000

BR ADENTON 3431 79th Street Circle W 303 Rich Sporl 941-737-1754 A4423710 $750,000

NEW CONSTRUCTION

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OPEN HOUSES SUNDAYS 1–4 PM

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ANNA MARIA ISLAND 5708 Holmes Boulevard Hannah Hillyard 941-744-7358 A4418675 $699,000

RENTAL ANNA MARIA ISLAND 222 84th Street 3 Bed 3 Bath $8,000 Maria Kagin 941-779-4150 A4212086

michaelsaunders.com L I C E N S E D R E A L E S TAT E B R O K E R

32 n JAN. 30, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

Sandy’s Lawn Service Inc. Established in 1983 Residential and Commercial Full service lawn maintenance Landscaping – Clean-up Hauling tree trimming Licensed & Insured

Paradise Improvements

941.792.5600

Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Specialist Replacement Doors and Windows

IteMs FOR sale

lOst anD FOUnD

MINI FRIDGE:, $30, office desk and chair, $10, Bessler photo enlarger, $75. 941-3561456.

FOUND SATURDAY JAN. 12: Fluorescent green, small, spiral notebook outside Holmes Beach Walgreen’s. Cashier inside has it. 3200 E. Bay Drive.

SOLID OAK DINING table with four chairs, $425. 941-779-2018.

Andrew Chennault

FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED Island References Lic#CBC056755

RDI CONSTRUCTION INC.

CBC 1253471

islanderClassiFieds

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

References available • 941-720-7519

COMPUTER: DELL, WINDOWS 10, refurbished, $70. 941-756-6728. TWO 26-INCH beach bikes. $50 for the pair, as is. 484-793-5782.

Pets

ANTIQUE PARTNER DESK: All wood, $1,000. See at The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

WANTED! FOSTERS, VOLUNTEERS to help Moonracer No Kill Animal Rescue. Please email: moonraceranimalrescue@gmail. com.

FOUR OAK OFFICE chairs: Antiques, perfect for eclectic dining set. The Islander newspaper, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978. FReeBIe IteMs FOR sale

“Anna Maria Island,” a pictorial history of the island by Bonner Joy, is available at The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. Joy is publisher of The Islander newspaper. She launched the newspaper in 1992 and she is a 44-year island resident.

Place classified ads online at www.islander.org

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

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

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D A E D T A E R R E S C H L O A I N G T S T F E A R R N A B O N O S C X S T G H I N I D A N Y S T U H O P

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E N R E A W S A D E P A R E D S L I I N C M H O O U O S M I A N I N G N E H C A S A N A R D Y H N O O P

CHEF VINCENZO NOW open for business from our catering kitchen at the Elks Club, 2511 75th St. W., Bradenton. 5 minutes from the island. Until we open our new location, please, feel free to call me if you need dinners or catering, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Italian Kitchen, 941-896-9754 (same number) or chef’s cell, 941-773-6957. Thank you, Chef Vincenzo.

AERIAL PHOTOS of Anna Maria Island. View and purchase online: www.jackelka.com. FREE GUN LOCK courtesy of Project Childsafe, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Holmes Beach Police Department. Pick up at The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. Don’t be sorry, be safe. GaRaGe sales