The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, March. 27, 2024

Oysters rock!

Oyster gardens consist of recycled shells strung on a rope or wire and suspended in the water from a dock. The week beginning March 25, the center, 407 Magnolia ave., anna Maria, will host spring break camp sessions.

BB appoints new commissioner

By robert anderson Islander reporter

Bradenton Beach commissioners March 21 appointed Deborah Scaccianoce as commissioner for Ward 1.

The ward is bounded by Seventh Street North, 25th Street North, the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay.

Commissioners considered two applicants, Scaccianoce, a co-owner of Double Deez Chicago Style Hotdogs in Holmes Beach, and Gary Michniewicz, a retired executive originally from Chicago.

Michniewicz was celebrating an anniversary in Tahiti and did not attend the meeting, while Scaccianoce addressed commissioners about her interest in the future of Bradenton Beach.

“I’ve watched this city grow and develop. I’ve watched all the changes — some painful, some amazing,” she said.

Scaccianoce said her father was a member of the planning board in the early 1980s and her brother, Sam Speciale, served

OPPAGA team visits AMI

By ryan Paice Islander reporter

The Florida Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability has made landfall on Anna Maria Island.

OPPAGA chief legislative analyst Todd Clark and deputy coordinator Claire Mazur visited Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach’s public works departments March 20 to ask city staff for their responses to questions about consolidation and dissolution.

Holmes Beach public works superintendent Sage Kamiya told The Islander March 24 the pair relayed many of the questions the cities had received directly to staff for responses, as well as explored potential consolidation/dissolution through the frame of public works.

“I didn’t see a huge benefit, other than maybe sharing some equipment and machinery as possible positives,” Kamiya said. “One of the potential cons would be how responsive is the county or the city of Bradenton going to be to people on the island if they are that far away?”

AMI sails into high season

By robyn Murrell Islander reporter

Anna Maria Island might hold the money egg this Easter.

Meanwhile, tourism in the state exceeds prepandemic numbers, according to Visit Florida research.

Florida visitors are spending on food and drink, accommodations, recreation and entertainment, as well as retail, transportation and rentals.

These are commodities in abundance on Anna Maria Island, where retailers, restaurant owners, charter captains, cruise companies and vacation rental companies welcomed a surge in business with the arrival of high season.

Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce president Terri Kinder told The Islander March 20 that ahead of the Easter holiday, island businesses already were seeing spring’s positives.

The season, thus far, “has been good to the area businesses,” Kinder said. “Visitors understand that they are visiting a beautiful paradise destination island in the Gulf of Mexico and are just happy to be here.”

“They know to bring their patience,” she

Deborah Scaccianoce, left, takes her oath as city commissioner during a March 21 meeting at Bradenton Beach city hall. Islander Photo: robert anderson

Islander Photos: courtesy cofaMI

children in the after-school program at the center of anna Maria Island show off oyster projects and color info-pages March 20 during a presentation by the Gulf Shellfish Institute of Palmetto.

SPRING BREAK cONTINUED FrOM PaGE 1 added. “From what we are hearing, we anticipate that the good season will continue. We are receiving calls from visitors who are looking to book for next year.”

Kace Varga, revenue manager at Island Real Estate Sales & Rentals, 3909 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, told The Islander March 21 that their 108 properties were fully booked for Easter.

“Most families have rented mostly for a week,” Varga said. “The retirees are the ones that are here for multiple months. Since Easter is early this year, a lot of the long-term stays come in for a month or two months. They’re exceeding that time frame.”

“They’re staying into the first week of April, but the families are coming Saturday, March 30, and staying until April 6. So about a week, including Easter.”

Rejane Monetti is the owner and designer of Monetti Apparel, a women’s fitness apparel company at 119 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach.

Husband John Monetti, a former Holmes Beach city commissioner and restaurant manager, assists, and he recently told The Islander: “I’ve been on this island for 30 years. I’m used to the business trends, the

Fill ’er up

Vehicles

fill the parking lot March 14 at the Episcopal church of the annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, holmes Beach, where digital donations are welcome for the convenience during the church’s off hours. Mayor Judy Titsworth wrote in a March 14 text message to The Islander that parking remained available and “adequate” despite the crowds on the beach.

seasonality of it all. And what I see is very similar to what we often see. It’s busy and, thankfully, it is.”

Going into Easter week, inconsistent weather patterns — cool temps and rainfall — dampened some activities, impacting restaurants outdoor dining, fishing charters and boat and kayak tours.

Kristelle Soto is the chief marketing officer for the Chiles Hospitality Group, which operates the Sandbar Seafood & Spirits in Anna Maria, The Beach House Waterfront Restaurant in Bradenton Beach and Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Pub on Longboat Key, among other businesses.

Soto told The Islander March 21 that she couldn’t guess how many diners would visit their restaurants during the holiday week, which coincides with spring break for the School District of Manatee County, but the weather outlook is useful.

“Right now, it’s gorgeous and people are traveling,” she said. “We are in our busiest time of year between Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day.”

Meanwhile, charter boat captains said they are still drumming up business this spring.

Capt. David White has been assisting in operating

Anna Maria Charters for almost eight years. He told The Islander March 21 that they were extremely busy in March.

“Bookings are up from last year, “he said. “The further we get away from COVID, the more people seem to come to town. I have seen more Ontario license plates lately, and I didn’t see that for several years,” White said.

He added, “The fishing has been good since our harsh weather subsided.”

BB COMMISSIONER cONTINUED FrOM PaGE 1 as police chief.

Scaccianoce said she brings a unique perspective as a longtime resident and an island business owner.

“I understand the balance that we have to have,” she said. “The balance of the city’s needs, the balance of our residents and it’s various wards.”

Scaccianoce fills the seat vacated by Jake Spooner in December 2023.

Mayor John Chappie expressed confidence in Scaccianoce’s ability to represent Ward 1, having worked with her during his tenure as a Manatee County commissioner.

Scaccianoce worked as records manager for the county for more than 11 years.

“You always did an excellent job there as records manager,” Chappie said.

Commissioner Ralph Cole motioned to nominate Scaccianoce for the commission seat and was seconded by Commissioner Jan Vosburgh. The motion passed 3-0. Marilyn Maro was absent with excuse.

Scaccianoce was sworn into office by city clerk Terri Sanclemente and immediately took her seat at the dais for a commission meeting that lasted just over six hours.

Scaccianoce, a resident of the city for the past 11 years, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve during a March 21 interview with The Islander.

“I am excited. I am glad I got to hit the ground running,” she said. “I look forward to the next meeting and everything that’s coming.”

Islander Photo: ryan Paice

To find beach parking in holmes Beach, go to holmesbeachfl.org.

Residents push strollers for crosswalk safety

By Lisa Neff Islander Editor

A group of islanders seeking to promote pedestrian safety plans to submit petitions April 1 proposing a novel crosswalk campaign.

The group wants the cities of Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach to go after a $50,000 grant from the Florida Department of Transportation to fund a “Strollers at Crosswalks” campaign.

The cities would use the money to purchase baby strollers for pedestrians to push at crosswalks to get motorists’ attention.

“An adult can stand at the crosswalk at Holmes Beach city field and the cows will come home before a car stops,” said Joe Kanyou of Holmes Beach.

Kanyou said he stood at the crosswalk five mornings the week beginning March 18, and 16 or more motorists passed daily before one slowed to allow his crossing.

“But what happens when there’s a baby stroller at a crosswalk?” Kanyou said. “Then the drivers see you.”

RoadWatch

Eyes on the road

• Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach : Manatee County is working on sewer lines along Gulf Drive South. Motorists can expect lane shifts on Gulf Drive and the closures of some side streets. Final paving of Ninth Street South and 10th Street South will be the week beginning March 25.

• City center in Holmes Beach: Manatee County’s work on a force main project on Holmes Boulevard, Marina Drive and select side streets continues but is expected to wind up this spring. For the latest, go to amiprojects.io.

For more, go online to swflroads.com

— Lisa Neff

April Riddle of Anna Maria, among the 100 to sign the petition, told The Islander she’s seen motorists roll through crosswalks despite flashing beacons.

Riddle said she’s also seen motorists roll through crosswalks in Pinellas County despite people carrying white signal flags.

“We tested the stroller use across Gulf Drive in Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach and Marina Drive in Holmes Beach,” Riddle said. “It works, it really does work.”

Kanyou suggested the cities could place 2-3 strollers, along with storage corrals, at crosswalks lacking flashing beacons.

He said GPS tags could be attached to strollers to keep track of them.

A spokesperson with the DOT said a stroller initiative would be the first of its kind in the state.

“The only thing even close is down in Key West, where we gave the city some money for people to wear Santa suits to wear while waiting at busy crosswalks,” the DOT rep said. “It seems to be working.”

Yep, and they added, a happy early April Fools’ Day to y’all.

Good Friday closes offices

Most government offices will be closed Friday, March 29, for Good Friday, a Christian religious holiday.

Public schools also will be closed, as will some banking institutions and other businesses, including The Islander office.

The holiday also might disrupt some trash collection schedules.

However, Manatee County Area Transit services, including the fare-free island trolley and the Longboat Key shuttle, will operate normal daily routes.

Also, the holiday will not impact operations at public parks.

Ferry expands by a day

As predicted, a local ferry service is growing in popularity and service days.

Manatee County added a fifth day — Wednesday — to its Gulf Islands Ferry service between downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria Island.

The ferry service operates 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday, with stops on the riverfront in downtown Bradenton, the City Pier in Anna Maria and the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach.

The Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, which is overseeing the service, stated in a news release March 18 that an average 360 riders a day use the service.

People can track the two catamarans in the ferry service on the county’s MyStop transit app, which also shows bus times to the island, as well as AMI trolley locations.

People will find scheduling and ticket details at gulfislandsferry.com.

For more information, call the operators at 941357-2587 or text 727-200-6487.

— Lisa Neff

Q&A 032724

The Islander poll

Last week’s question

By Lisa Neff

Will you observe april’s solar eclipse?

19%. Yes, traveling into the path of totality.

44%. Yes, will see the local partial eclipse

27%. Kind of, will follow news coverage.

9%. No, will just wait 20 years for the next one. This week’s question

What would you pay for a parking space on aMI?

A. $3 an hour.

B. $6 an hour.

C. $12 or more an hour.

D. Nothing.

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

OPPAGA cONTINUED FrOM PaGE 1

Anna Maria’s public works manager was out for the week on personal leave, so the city did not receive an OPPAGA site visit, according to Mayor Dan Murphy.

OPPAGA is a research arm of the Florida Legislature that supports lawmakers by providing data, research and analysis that assist budget and policy deliberations.

OPPAGA has been working since last fall on a study into the potential consolidation of the island municipalities.

The study was proposed by Rep. Will Robinson Jr., R-Bradenton, and unanimously backed by the Manatee County Legislative Delegation, including state Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, who represents the island.

The visits came around the same time as the cities were responding to OPPAGA’s follow-up requests for information related to its consolidation study.

OPPAGA began the study by sending requests to the island cities, asking for information and documentation from the past five fiscal years.

The requests also asked for narrative responses to discuss the benefits and challenges of three possibilities for the island cities’ futures, including:

• All three cities are consolidated into one new city on the island;

• All three cities are incorporated into the city of Bradenton;

• All three cities remain incorporated municipalities on the island and work to consolidate existing services where that makes sense.

OPPAGA then sent follow-up requests to the cities asking for more information, including narrative responses for an option previously unveiled to the municipalities: the three cities’ dissolution into unincorporated Manatee County.

OPPAGA’s March 7 request to Bradenton Beach established a March 22 deadline for a response but the city did not fulfill a March 22 records request from The Islander before the press deadline.

Anna Maria received OPPAGA’s follow-up request

March 5 and had until March 15 to respond.

The city provided additional financial information, the number and type of employees, a contract with Waste Management and a response to the question of dissolution.

The city lists four benefits of dissolution as an unincorporated city in the county, including:

• Lower tax rates for property owners by discontinuing the city’s current 2.05 millage rate;

• Access to the county’s public works equipment, which includes a “far greater range and inventory of heavy equipment;”

• Uniform building rules and enforcement;

• Uniform law and code enforcement standards.

On the other hand, the city provides six cons in response to the dissolution option.

The cons include:

• Increased financial and administrative burden on the county and negative impact on tourism;

• Loss of local environmental safeguards;

• Loss of diversity among the island’s three culturally distinct cities in favor of “one vanilla entity;”

• Elimination of charters and comprehensive plans;

• Loss of jobs;

• Potential legal challenges due to widespread island opposition.

Under the first con, the city wrote that the county only contributed $15,000 over the last budget year toward the city’s roughly $11,400,000 budget.

It wrote that the municipality uses its budget to maintain “an extremely high set of standards” for quality of life in the city that the county may struggle to maintain.

The city also noted under the last con, “Property owners, annual visitors, tourists as well as the island elected officials have all publicly stated their opposi-

tion to this option. This scenario is almost certain to be met with strong legal opposition, thus making such an effort costly as well as time consuming and delaying any savings of taxes.”

Holmes Beach provided a response by its March 22 deadline.

City attorney Erica Augello wrote the municipality’s narrative responses, including almost six pages on dissolution.

Of those six pages, a little more than one was spent listing the potential benefits of such an option.

Augello listed similar benefits as Anna Maria, such as the establishment of uniform standards for code and law enforcement, construction standards.

She also wrote that the centralization of certain services, such as building/land development, engineering, floodplain management and public works could also prove beneficial to the island.

However, many of the pros presented by Augello were listed alongside caveats and followed by almost five pages of cons, which include the potential flaws of centralizing services like public works, such as finding space to adequately combine the three cities’ equipment and materials, or how creating a uniform standard could negatively affect the municipality’s separately developed infrastructure.

Overall, Augello wrote in opposition to the potential dissolution of the island governments.

“Having to provide for the unique development and environmental concerns of the island communities is something that Manatee County’s regulations do not address,” she wrote.

Augello added that it would be “unwise” to hand reins of the island to a county that has “in recent years been rife with malfeasance, misfeasance, fiscal irresponsibility, ethical concerns, sunshine and public records concerns, and staffing and budgetary concerns.”

“These are not issues that presently face the island communities, and if so, certainly not to the degree that Manatee County faces,” Augello wrote.

Kamiya Titsworth

augello

Island Republicans favor Trump in primary

By ryan Paice Islander reporter

Former President Donald J. Trump is the winner of Florida’s Republican presidential primary election and 125 delegates.

But GOP voters on Anna Maria Island might not favor him as much as those in the rest of the state.

Trump, who clinched the Republican nomination by surpassing the 1,215-delegate threshold earlier in March, won the state’s March 19 Republican primary with 910,897 votes, or 81.2% of the total vote as of March 20.

Trump’s competition suspended their campaigns ahead of the primary, but his opponents still received votes.

Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki R. Haley led the rest of the pack with 13.9% of the statewide vote, while Gov. Ron DeSantis came in third with 3.7% of the vote.

No other candidates received more than 1% of the vote, with former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie coming closest with 8,951 votes, or 0.8% of the total.

According to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office, the county vote mirrored the state totals.

Out of 30,179 county votes, Trump won with 23,750, 78.70% of the total vote, while Haley came in second place with 4,906 votes, or 16.26%.

DeSantis finished in third place, with 1,147 votes,

Barbara J. Dotson poses for a photo March 19 outside the Bradenton Beach Fire hall, after casting her vote in the republican presidential preference primary. Islander

good for 3.80% of the total vote.

The city of Bradenton Beach produced similar numbers, with Trump garnering 77.11%, or 64 votes, of the 83 total votes cast in precinct 307, according to the SEO.

Haley finished in second place with 18.07%, or 15 votes. DeSantis came in third with 3.61%, or three votes.

While the order did not change in Anna Maria and Holmes Beach, Trump’s wins there were less dominant.

In Anna Maria, Trump won 76 out of 131 total votes, or 58.02%, while Haley received 41 votes, 31.30%, and DeSantis received 12 votes, or 9.16%.

In Holmes Beach, Trump won with 207 votes out of 328 in total, or 63.11%.

Haley finished in second with 96 votes, or 29.27%, and DeSantis finished with 18 votes, or 5.49%.

Christie finished with more than 1% of the vote in all three island cities.

A primary election was not held for Democrats since the Florida Democratic Party nominated President Joseph R. Biden Jr. as the party’s only presidential candidate.

Tracy Becht gives a thumbs up March 19 after voting in the republican presidential primary at roser Memorial community church, 512 Pine ave., anna Maria, which serves as the polling location for precinct 301. Islander

941778-7978.

Election 2024

Registration resumes

Voter registration is open for the August primary election in Manatee County.

The deadline to register ahead of the primary is Monday, July 22.

The Manatee County Supervisor of Elections reported March 21 registration totals for the island: 840 voters in Anna Maria, 608 voters in Bradenton Beach and 2,467 voters in Holmes Beach.

For more information, go to votemanatee.com.

Suds after session

The Manatee Chamber of Commerce will host Pints & Politics at the restaurant Oscura, 816 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton.

The annual event will be 5-7 p.m. Monday, April 1.

The chamber invited Republican Sens. Jim Boyd and Joe Gruters and Republican Reps. Mike Beltran, Will Robinson, Tommy Gregory, Fiona McFarland, James Buchanan and Michael Grant.

Tickets are $40-$55 per person.

To register, go to manateechamber.com.

For more information, call 941-748-4842.

Meetings

By Lisa Neff

ANNA MARIA CITY

March 28, 6 p.m., commission.

April 11, 2 p.m., commission.

City hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941-708-6130, cityofannamaria. com.

BRADENTON BEACH

April 3, 9:30 a.m., CRA.

April 3, 1 p.m., planning and zoning.

April 4, 6 p.m., commission.

City hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com.

HOLMES BEACH

April 3, 5 p.m., planning.

April 9, 2 p.m., commission.

City hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl. org.

MANATEE COUNTY

April 2, 9 a.m., commission.

April 4, 9 a.m., commission.

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

ALSO OF INTEREST

March 29 is Good Friday, a Christian holiday. Many government offices will be closed.

NOW OFFERING PERMANENT JEWELRY !

Photo: robert anderson

Photo: ryan Paice

holmes Beach resident Morgan Bryant wears an “I VOTED” sticker March 19 after voting in the republican presidential primary at St. Bernard catholic church, 248 S. harbor Drive, holmes Beach, the polling site for precinct 305.

There’s trouble ahead

There’s plenty brewing and stewing in this week of Easter.

Easter is an important festival for Christians, as they celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

We, at The Islander, wish all who worship and celebrate the holiday, a joyful time.

For many island residents, the holiday signals a much-awaited lull in tourism and traffic — to come.

April won’t be immediate relief, as the rental sales folks try their best to fill all their units but, in a few weeks, we might be able to drive from Holmes Beach to Anna Maria and back in less than an hour.

And we might be able to pass through Bradenton Beach to Longboat Key for a dining experience and still be home before prime time.

Yes, for all who live here, May will bring back a little peace and quiet on the roads and beaches.

Not like 20 or 40 or 50 years ago, but you will find it easier to navigate AMI.

Meanwhile, the island cities are being forced to navigate around the state study that has nearly everyone on edge.

They have had deadline after deadline for responses to questionnaires from OPPAGA — the research arm of the Florida Legislature that supports lawmakers with data, research and analysis.

Nevermind that it’s high season and last week there were teams from OPPAGA on the ground in the cities, touring and reviewing facilities.

According to Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth, the OPPAGA team was focused on reviewing the city’s public works facilities with an eye to housing a county facility that would serve the island.

The visit gave her and some of the staff the impression that they are leaning toward recommending dissolving the cities and letting the county government take control.

Apparently, the OPPAGA team was pushing in one direction — and that was for a county-run island.

And what could be more stressful for the people who work for cities?

It’s a worst case scenario for all who cherish and take pride in their lives on Anna Maria Island in the small cities that have their distinguished character and histories that go back beyond their incorporation to the early days of Anna Maria Island.

There’s a vindictive wind blowing across our 7-mile-long island that comes from state Rep. Will Robinson, Sen. Jim Boyd and the local delegation.

It’s going to take all of us to stifle their plan.

I think we need a cohesive plan of our own. — Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

My ties

I, as founder of To Inform Families First, was honored to be nominated for the 2023 Anna Maria Citizen of the Year award and thought, maybe this time.

But I was so very crushed to read in The Islander that Doug Copeland, a member of the selection committee, noted that I have no direct ties to the city, so he leaned toward selecting the club for the award.

I beg to differ.

From Friends

A huge thank you.

Wow! Where do we begin to express our gratitude to this community for its support of our Island Library?

We put out the call for jewelry contributions in early November 2023 and the response was immediate.

▼

▼

MARCH 27, 2024 • Vol. 32, No. 23

▼

▼

▼

▼

▼

I moved here in 2000 and lived on Elm Avenue in Anna Maria for many years.

I was employed at the Rod & Reel Pier for 22 years and recently retired.

After my daughter Tiffiany was killed in a crash I began TIFF’s Initiative with the help of many locals in Anna Maria.

To Inform Families First was named by a mother and daughter eating a grouper sandwich at the Rod & Reel.

Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles continue to use a picture of Tiffiany in her prom dress at a pier in Anna Maria for the state website.

The life of a woman living in Anna Maria was possibly saved as TIFF was used to contact her family by a Manatee County sheriff’s unit.

It wasn’t that I didn’t win that hurts. It’s that all the years of being part of this island were noted as no direct ties.

Christine Olson, Palma Sola

News your way …

Website: islander.org

Facebook: islandernewspaper

Instagram: @theislanderami

Pinterest: @islandernewspaper

News alerts: Register at islander.org

E-edition: Subscribe at islander.org

As we started sorting, we realized the quantity and quality would surpass our inaugural endeavor, but we couldn’t have imagined the magnitude of this community’s generosity.

Our board is humbled and truly thankful for the support the Island Library received, not only from donations but also from the community’s support of the sale.

Your donations allowed us to reinvent the way we presented and marketed the items, which in turn, made the sale an overwhelming success.

What is most gratifying is your unwavering love and support of the Island Library, especially now. We heard that from many of you.

The new flooring we envisioned for the conference room will become a reality because you not only donate and attend the sale, but also you support the Friends of the Island Library with your membership, utilization of our library and its programs, and support of the tremendous staff.

Thank you for showing your commitment to our Island gem. It warms our hearts to serve this outstanding community of library lovers!

Friends of the Island Library president Deb Wartschlager and jewelry sale chair Julie Perry

Old-time religion a photograph dated 1924 shows the view of anna Maria’s “Pine Street” looking toward the Gulf of Mexico from the bayside angler’s Inn hotel. The view includes the street, cottages and roser church. Islander

Photos: courtesy Manatee county Public Library System

St. Bernard

1982. a note in the Manatee county Public Library System archives states the church began as a “catholic mission to the island in the mid1950s,” the congregation grew and a “cross-shaped wooden church building was replaced” with a larger pie-shaped sanctuary with a higher roof.

Check The Islander archives

Some years ago, The Islander was invited to take part in a pilot project with the University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries. We donated the collection of newspapers beginning with the first issue in 1992. Look for The Islander in the UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

We’d love to mail you the news!

We mail The Islander weekly for a nominal $54 per year. We also offer online e-edition subscriptions — a page-by-page view of the weekly news for only $36 per year, but you must sign up online. It’s the best way to stay in touch with what’s happening on Anna Maria Island.

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

If you don’t live here year-round, use this form to subscribe by snail mail for yourself or someone else. Sorry, we do not suspend mail subscriptions — you get The Islander free while you’re here!

BULK MAIL U.S. SUBSCRIPTION Allow 2 weeks for every week’s delivery.

❑ 1 year: $76 ❑ 3-6 Months: $48 ❑ 1-3 Months: $36

U.S. FIRST CLASS AND CANADIAN MAIL SUBSCRIPTION

❑ 1 year: $180 ❑ 3-6 Months: $120 ❑ 1-3 Months: $70

❑ Single Issue: $5 FIRST CLASS MAIL, U.S. ONLY, maximum four weeks

MAIL TO:

ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP

Credit card: ❏ d ❏ u No.

Name shown on card:

Credit card billing address:

MAIL START DATE:

Exp. Date

ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND — SINCE 1992

315 58th St. • Holmes Beach FL 34217

CHARGE BY PHONE 941.778.7978

ONLINE (secure server) islander.org

E-MAIL subscriptions@islander.org

10, 20, 30 years ago

From the March 24, 1994, issue

• Island elected officials asked Manatee County Commissioner Joe McClash for help creating an island seat on the tourist development council. McClash chaired the TDC.

• Island elected offi cials agreed to support a 30-day closure of the Cortez Bridge for rehab work in 1995. The Florida Department of Transportation also proposed periodic closures over a year.

From the March 24, 2004, issue

• Bradenton Beach’s public works director announced the planned launch of curbside recycling in the city, with sanitation crews distributing blue bins and white buckets by the first week in April.

• After an early morning fire, the Waterfront Restaurant in Anna Maria closed indefinitely. The fire gutted the kitchen and spread through portions of the roof.

From the March 26, 2014, issue

• A judge ordered the city of Holmes Beach to stop accruing fines for the owners of a beachfront tree house built without a permit because the case was on appeal.

• An audit revealed accounting deficiencies in the city of Bradenton Beach’s budget process for 2012-13 and reported that the reserve balance in the general fund was drawn down by $800,000 over five years.

• The city of Holmes Beach shared renderings of a “walkable” city center with new pedestrian amenities, including a boardwalk with vendors along Marina Drive near the boat basin.

— Lisa Neff

catholic church as it stood in

BB changes course on paid parking, reviews private lots

By robert anderson Islander reporter

Bradenton Beach commissioners made a U-turn on paid parking March 21, opting for a city-owned paid parking program over proposals from third parties.

Mayor John Chappie and Commissioners Ralph Cole, Jan Vosburgh and Deborah Scaccianoce reviewed proposals March 21 during a meeting that lasted more than six hours at city hall.

Commissioner Marilyn Maro was absent with excuse.

More than half of the meeting was dedicated to parking discussions, but Chappie made his intentions clear in the first minutes.

“One of the early things that Commissioner Cole had talked about is maybe trying to do this in-house,” Chappie said regarding paid municipal parking. “The one thing I just kept going back to is why have that third person involved when we are talking basically 75 parking spaces. I think we should at least look into it.”

“What I am going to be recommending is that we deny both of these and start seriously looking at how we can do this in-house,” Chappie said referring to

City has oversight on permits for paid parking

Bradenton Beach commissioners concluded March 21 that they can approve or deny temporary use permits for privately operated paid parking on both residential and commercially zoned properties, as well as attach stipulations to protect the public interest.

Such stipulations include:

• Any nuisance or hazardous feature must be separated from adjacent uses;

• Excessive vehicular traffic cannot be generated on a public street;

• Financial security must exist for damages, losses or negative impacts;

• When pertinent, adequate utilities, drainage, refuse management, dust control, emergency vehicular access, beach and marine sea turtle protection and ingress/egress must be provided;

• The temporary use shall be denied if there is adverse impact on the environment or the site is not suitable considering flood hazards, drainage, soil and other conditions;

• A time limit must be applied and, upon expiration of the time period, continuation of the use will constitute a violation.

— robert anderson

bids from Beach to Bay and SP Municipal Services to operate paid-parking on city lots.

Cole responded, “This is such a big commitment to make and once we do it, it is done. My thought is getting the most for the city and the taxpayers.”

Both Vosburgh and Scaccianoce expressed agreement with Chappie.

In April 2023, the commission approved a study by city attorney Ricinda Perry, city treasurer Shane Thompson, public works director Tom Woodard and police Chief John Cosby on paid parking in municipal lots. The city also solicited proposals from companies that specialize in municipal parking.

The city received two bids for paid parking at city lots between First Street North and Bridge Street, public spaces on Bridge Street, the city hall lot at 107 Gulf Drive N., public parking west of the roundabout

Evelyn Stob, owner of a home on Third Street North, addresses the Bradenton Beach commission about the impact of paid parking operations in her neighborhood.

adjacent to the Moose Lodge, public parking around Katie Pierola Sunset Park, 2212 Gulf Drive N., and also public parking at the police station.

SP Municipal Services of Chicago submitted a bid, as did Beach to Bay LLC, owned by developer Shawn Kaleta.

Kaleta attended the March 21 meeting and said, “My two cents are it is an option for the city to review an opportunity to manage it. Wise decision. However, while the RFPs are already in, select one, in the event you guys don’t come up with a solution.”

Will Gloor, regional manager for SP Municipal Services, also attended. He told the commission: “I respect the council’s decision. I don’t think it’s a poor decision by any means. I think doing a revenue share with a third party is exposing the city to not getting the maximum out of their assets.”

During public comment, Azure Shores resident Evelyn Stob spoke to commissioners about the issue.

“Just as a constituent and a taxpayer, I would like to see more information about the city itself,” Stob said. “I would like you to spend the time, see what you can do. Keep control of the property you do have.”

Another voice during public comment was that of Brandt Clark, whose family owns Bridge Street Jewelers, 129 Bridge St. Clark asked the city not to burden Bridge Street employees with parking costs.

City attorney Ricinda Perry reminded commissioners they needed to act on the pending bids, encouraging them to accept a bid in order retain the proposals.

But Cole motioned to reject the bids and direct the mayor to investigate and present a proposal for municipal oversight of paid parking within 90 days.

Vosburgh seconded the motion, which passed 4-0.

Privately operated paid parking

During the meeting, commissioners reviewed temporary use applications for privately run paid parking in residential and commercial areas, including:

• 301 Gulf Drive S., which is zoned commercial and owned by Why Knot AMI LLC, with George and Wendy Kokolis as title managers for the property. The Kokolis’ own several vacation rental properties and the Gulf Drive Cafe.

An application to use an existing lot for golf cart storage was approved 4-0 with stipulations.

• Lots owned by Kaleta and administered by Bay to Beach LLC also were considered for temporary-use permitting, including 102 Third St. N., 207 Church Ave., and 206 Bay Drive N., all zoned residential.

The commission approved using the properties for paid parking lots with stipulations.

• An application for 205 First St. N., a lot at the Pines Trailer Park, owned by Kaleta and zoned commercial, was withdrawn.

• An application for paid parking at 109 Third St. N., submitted by Joshua LaRose, owner of Easy Parking Group on behalf of the Chiles Hospitality Group/Beach House restaurant, was denied for what the city termed “substantial adverse impact” to the surrounding area. Commissioners said excess traffic would be created in the residential area and that the commercial operation would conflict with the neighborhood.

Stob, who spoke earlier, opposed a second commercial lot next to her residence.

The next commission meeting will be 6 p.m., Thursday, April 4, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

Developer Shawn Kaleta addresses city commissioners March 21 during a meeting at Bradenton Beach city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. Islander Photos: robert anderson

AM mayor takes concerns over rental bill to DeSantis’ office

By ryan Paice Islander reporter

The island’s last opportunity to counter Senate Bill 280 might come down to a phone call.

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy told The Islander March 21 that he spoke over the phone with Gov. Ron DeSantis’ acting chief of staff, Alex Kelly, about his concerns with the bill, which would preempt vacation rental regulations to the state.

SB 280 was fi led last November by Sen. Nick DiCeglie, R-St. Petersburg, and an amended version passed through the Legislature by the time session ended March 8.

The bill would preempt to the state vacation rental regulations adopted before June 1, 2011.

SB 280 would establish statewide maximum overnight occupancy limits, which would be two people in one common area, plus two people per bedroom — or more if there is at least 50 square feet per person.

The bill also would limit the number of inspections at each rental property and cap fines for rental violations to $500, as well as direct appeals to the circuit courts instead of other processes, such as special magistrate hearings.

As of March 22, the bill had yet to be presented to the governor, who will have 15 days following its presentation to sign or veto the legislation.

The legislation will automatically pass if DeSantis takes no action. So his veto is needed to kill the bill.

Murphy wanted to meet in person with DeSantis to discuss the bill’s impact on Anna Maria and other small coastal cities.

However, DeSantis was not available, so Murphy instead spoke over the phone for about 20 minutes March 18 with Kelly and his staff.

He said missing out on a meeting to express his concerns to the governor was “frustrating,” but added that the phone call was productive.

Murphy told Kelly that SB 280’s changes to occupancy limits and inspections would negatively impact the city and others like it.

The city’s current maximum rental occupancy is

two occupants in one common area, plus two occupants for every bedroom.

Murphy said the city found that expanding occupancy based on room size would increase the municipality’s vacation rental population by 37%, and overall population by 32%.

He said the city does not have the resources to handle such an increase in population.

“No city can absorb a 32% increase in their population like that,” Murphy said. “If you’re regulating occupancy, it’s not a fi t. It’s not going to work. … You’d kill the goose that is laying the golden egg. You would drive this city to its knees.”

He also argued that annual inspections are necessary to maintain safe rental spaces.

“It’s a public safety issue,” Murphy said. “We’ve had (swimming pool) drownings. So it’s s stupid idea.

And those are the words I used.”

In response, Kelly asked “great” questions involving growth within the city, according to Murphy.

Kelly also told Murphy his call was well timed, since he soon would brief DeSantis about SB 280 and had not considered the issues posed by the mayor.

Murphy said the meeting was “good,” but stressed that he was not satisfied with it as the city’s last attempt at stopping the adoption of SB 280.

“I’ll fi gure out another way,” he said. “I’m not going to stop. It’s wrong.”

Murphy refused to comment on whether the city would explore litigation.

In the meantime, city attorney Becky Vose to provide a legal opinion by March 25 for DeSantis’ consideration, according to Murphy.

Senior smile time

‘Save home rule’ plans beach demonstration

The Save Florida Home Rule group is planning a “Hands Across the Sand” action at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 13, at Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

The purpose of the event is to say, “keep your hands off our island cities,” according to a news release from the nonpartisan group.

The release said “our beautiful island cities are under attack by lawmakers who want to usurp control. Send the messages that residents and visitors love AMI the way it is. Insist on keeping the three Anna Maria Island cities intact. Protect Paradise.”

Manatee County commissioners propose building a parking garage at Manatee Public Beach and state lawmakers in 2023 enacted legislation allowing the county to ignore Holmes Beach prohibitions against such a structure.

At the request of the Manatee County Republican legislative delegation, a state agency also is studying island governance, which could lead to efforts to consolidate or dissolve the island cities.

For more information, email savefloridahomerule@gmail.com or go to the Save Florida Home Rule page on Facebook.

— Lisa Neff

AM mayor speaks on island consolidation anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy, left, tells people attending a March 18 meeting of the anna Maria Island and West Manatee Democratic club his thoughts on the state-led study into the potential consolidation of the island cities. Murphy expressed support for consolidating some municipal services, such as creating an islandwide police force, but otherwise voiced concern about the prospect of consolidation. Islander Photo: ryan Paice

Professional photographer Jessica Buehler shoots Natalie rencher’s photo March 12 under the Longboat Pass Bridge at coquina Beach. rencher is a senior at Sarasota high School and chose the Bradenton Beach location as a backdrop for her senior photos. Islander Photo: robert anderson

compiled by Lisa Neff, calendar@islander.org

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ONGOING ON AMI

Throughout March, Carolann Garafola exhibit, Artists’ Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6694.

Throughout April, Kathy Lee Patterson exhibit, Artists’ Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6694.

OFF AMI

Friday, March 29

6-8 p.m. — Music in the Park concert with SoulRCoaster, Riverwalk Pavilion at Rossi Park, 452 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, Bradenton. Information: 941-301-8445.

ONGOING OFF AMI

Throughout March, “My World” exhibit by Cheryl SudburyBuerger, Island Gallery and Studios, 456 Old Main St., Bradenton. Information: 941-778-6648.

Throughout April, “Venues Remembered” exhibit by Marg Williamson, Island Gallery and Studios, 456 Old Main St., Bradenton. Information: 941-778-6648.

Through April 28, “Dali and the Impressionists,” the Dali Museum, 1 Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg. Fee applies. Information: 727-823-3767.

Through April 28, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature’s “Bird Photographer of the Year,” 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131.

Through June 23, “Mountains of the Mind: Scholars’ Rocks from China and Beyond” exhibit, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-360-7390.

Through June 30, “Yayoi Kusama: A Letter to Georgia O’Keeffe,” Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-366-5731.

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

Saturdays, 10:30 a.m., art demos, Island Gallery and Studios, 456 Old Main St., Bradenton. Information: 941-778-6648, islandgal-

leryandstudios.org.

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

SAVE THE DATES

April 6, Center of Anna Maria Island/Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Al Jardin concert, Anna Maria.

April 18, Manatee Music Series concert with Trevor Bystrom and Zion Albert, Bradenton.

MARKETS & SALES

ONGOING ON AMI

Most Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Coquina Beach Market, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941840-0789, coquinabeachmarket.org.

Second Fridays through spring, 5-7:30 p.m., Holmes Beach Night Market, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694.

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

ONGOING OFF AMI

Saturdays through May 7, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Bradenton Market, Old Main Street, Bradenton. Information: 941-301-8445.

SAVE THE DATES

April 6-7, Coquina Beach Spring Arts and Crafts Market, Bradenton Beach.

KIDS & FAMILY

ON AMI

Saturday, March 30

9 a.m. — Sandbar Seafood and Spirits Easter Egg Hunt and Bonnet Contest, 100 Spring Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-7780444.

Tuesday, April 2

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

OFF AMI

Friday, March 29

10 a.m. — Desoto Children’s Parade, Sutton Park, 1036 Sixth St. W., Palmetto. Information: desotohq.com.

ONGOING OFF AMI

First Wednesdays, SOAR in 4 family night, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-7464131.

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

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

‘Venues Remembered’

Island Gallery and Studios in april will feature “Venues remembered,” with works in watercolor and pen and ink by Marg Williamson of Bradenton. a news release said, “after a career in the advertising world, Marg now explores her love of nature and expresses it with the spontaneity of self-taught realistic watercolors and pen/ink drawings.” a reception will be 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, april 5, at the gallery, 456 Old Main St., Bradenton. For more information, call Williamson at 239-537-9108. Islander courtesy Photo

SAVE THE DATES

April 13, De Soto National Memorial De Soto Landing, Bradenton.

April 27, De Soto Heritage Festival Grand Parade, Bradenton.

CLUBS & COMMUNITY ON AMI

Thursday, March 28

8:30 a.m. — Center of Anna Maria Island Senior Adventures outing, Florida Aquarium in Tampa, Center of Anna Maria Island meetup, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941-778-1908.

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

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

ONGOING ON AMI

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

Second Mondays, 2 p.m., Center of Anna Maria Island Adult Book Club, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941-778-1908.

Most Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-718-5583.

ONGOING OFF AMI

Third Thursdays, 6:30 p.m., through April, Manatee Audubon Society meetings, First United Methodist Church of Palmetto, 330 11th Ave. W., Palmetto. Information: manateeaudubon@gmail.com, 941-729-2222.

SAVE THE DATES

April 12, Center of Anna Maria Island Senior Adventures outing to St. Petersburg Pier.

April 13, Center of Anna Maria Island Beach Cleanup, Anna Maria.

LESSONS & LEARNING ON AMI

Wednesday, March 27

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

Monday, April 1

1 p.m. — Comic book writing for adults, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

ONGOING OFF AMI

Mondays, 1 p.m., Paradise Center for Healthy Living Thinking Out Loud discussions, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-6493.

ART WORKSHOP: Create your own Resin Wave Lazy Susan! 11a-1p Monday, April 1. Visit our shop or call for details!

Island happenings

AMI favorites found on Bradenton stages

Manatee County this spring launched the Manatee Music Series at the G.T. Bray Amphitheater, bringing Trevor Bystrom & Zion to the stage Thursday, April 18.

Bystrom, a life-long resident of Holmes Beach, developed a passion for world music at an early age, falling in love first with the sounds of the Caribbean and later immersing himself in the work of a wide array of African artists.

Zion hails from the island of Dominica, having grown up in the U.S. Virgin Islands. His musical inspiration is Bob Marley.

The concert will be at 2811 51st St. W., Bradenton.

For more, call the county at 941-748-4501.

Meanwhile, SoulRcoaster, a band that’s played many venues on AMI, will perform in Realize Bradenton’s Music in the Park series at 6 p.m. Friday, March 29.

The concert will be at the Riverwalk Pavilion at Rossi Park, 452 Third Ave. W., Bradenton.

For more, call Realize Bradenton at 941-3018445.

SPORTS & GAMES

ONGOING ON AMI

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

Thursdays, 6 p.m., through March 28, Annie Silver Community Center bingo, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941224-1973.

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

Most Fridays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong club experienced players,

Center presents Endless Summer concert

“We’ll have fun, fun, fun.”

The center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, will bring Beach Boy cofounder Al Jardine and the Endless Summer Band to the stage Saturday, April 6.

The concert is the last in the 2023-24 season presented by the Manatee County Tourist Development Council and the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Jardine, a guitarist, vocalist and songwriter, was a founding member the Beach Boys, having met the other original members after his family moved from Ohio to California.

Jardine is a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and received a Lifetime Achievement Award Grammy along with the others in the Beach Boys.

The Endless Summer Band includes Jardine’s son Matt, Debbie Shair of Heart and longtime Beach Boys backing band members Ed Carter and Bobby Figueroa.

What’s on their setlist?

“Sloop John B,” “Help Me, Rhonda,” “California Girls,” “I Get Around,” “Surfin’ USA,” “Fun Fun Fun” and more.

Doors open at 6 p.m. with an opening act at 7 p.m. and the headliner at 8 p.m.

For more about tickets, go online to centerami. org.

For more about the center, call the center at 941778-1908.

Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941778-6341.

Mondays, 10 a.m., morning yoga, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

OFF AMI

Wednesday, April 3

1 p.m. — Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island golf tournament, IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Parkway, Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: ami-rotary-golf.square.site.

SAVE THE DATES

April 5, Bradenton Marauders season opens, Bradenton.

April 6, Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium Run for the Turtles, Sarasota.

OUTDOORS & NATURE

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

CALENDAR NOTES

KEEP THE DATES

March 31, Easter.

April 1, April Fools’ Day.

April 10, Gopher Tortoise Day.

Sandbar hosts egg hunt

Egg-hunting kids will spring into the holiday weekend on the beach near Anna Maria’s Spring Avenue.

The Sandbar Restaurant will celebrate Easter with its annual Saturday morning egg hunt and bonnet contest.

The event will be 9-10:30 a.m. March 30 at the restaurant pavilion, 100 Spring Ave., Anna Maria, and on the beach.

Plans include refreshments at 9 a.m., an egg hunt at 9:30 a.m. and the bonnet contest — in adult and youth categories — at 10 a.m.

First place in the adult contest is two nights at the Compass Hotel Anna Maria Sound on Perico Island and first place in the children’s contest is lunch for four at the Sandbar.

Kids should bring their own basket for the egg hunt.

The restaurant can be reached at 941-778-0444.

April 15, Tax Day.

April 22, Earth Day.

April 22, Passover.

April 26, National Arbor Day.

May 1-Oct. 31, sea turtle nesting season. Lights out!

May 1, May Day.

May 5, Cinco de Mayo.

May 12, Mother’s Day.

May 27, Memorial Day.

GET LISTED!

Send listings to calendar@islander.org.

al Jardine will perform april 6 at the center of anna Maria Island. Islander courtesy Photo

Kids armed storm the beach at the Sandbar restaurant in anna Maria in their search for eggs, candy and treats to fill their Easter baskets. Islander File Photo: Dara caudill

Traci Kearton picks up an order of fish and chips March 22 at the Gumbozilla food truck during the annie Silver community center supper. The market served fish and chips, including coleslaw and corn on the cob. Desserts were made by center volunteers.

Supper is served

Wally Sinn serves corn on the cob March 22 to carlos Santo during an annie Silver community center dinner catered by Manatee avenue Market’s Gumbozilla food truck. Islander Photos: robert anderson

HB commissioner forced to move, retains office

By ryan Paice Islander reporter

Holmes Beach City Commissioner Pat Morton has seen better days following the death of his wife and a crash that left him injured.

But Morton’s run as commissioner will continue despite being forced to move from his residence of five years.

Morton told The Islander March 19 that he was set to move into a new apartment on Guava Street by the end of the month, allowing him to retain his seat on the city commission.

Morton was struck Jan. 25 by a motorist while walking into work at Ace Hardware, 3352 E. Bay Drive.

The crash left Morton hospitalized, with a chipped vertebra, kidney damage and a fractured pelvis. He was still two-and-a-half weeks from returning to work as of March 19.

Then, March 17, his wife of 45 years, Gailene, died.

Despite personal injury and tragedy, Morton also was tasked with the challenge of moving out of his Seaside Gardens apartment.

Around the end of February, Morton’s landlords asked him to vacate the property by April so it could be placed on the market for sale.

Primary residency within the city is one of the requirements to be a city commissioner, so Morton would have lost his seat if he moved outside Holmes

Beach limits.

Morton said finding another affordable property within the city was a challenge, but he was relieved to have found another Holmes Beach property to call home.

“I was fortunate to get into this one,” Morton said. “I’ve known the area for a long time.”

He said he had begun the packing process while also coordinating his wife’s final wishes.

In the meantime, a handful of people have promised to help Morton complete the move, as he’s not able to lift heavy items since the Jan. 25 crash.

“It’s been a very trying couple months,” Morton said. “But I’m not one to get down. I got to get up and get going. So that’s what I do: Just keep striding forward. Some things work out and some things don’t.”

Regarding his position on the city commission, Morton said, “We’ve still got work to do.”

A GoFundMe campaign organized by The Islander to raise money on behalf of Morton had raised $8,150 toward a $10,000 goal with 77 donations as of March 22.

People can search for “Please, Help! Unexpected Home Care Costs, Expenses” and donate to the campaign on gofundme.com.

Meanwhile, donations are being collected by the city of Holmes Beach for a flowering royal poinciana to be planted at city hall. Checks should be made to the city, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach FL 34217, with a memo “in memory of Gailene Morton.”

Families ‘center’ on fun

anna Maria resident Mandy Elmore, right, runs March 15 to catch a football thrown by daughter, Daphne, 11, during a game of catch on the center’s field.

center of anna Maria Island director of development Jillian Ptak, left, smiles alongside her daughter, Jade, 8, center director of customer service Morgan Blackburn, and alex Miner, right, while staffing a food and refreshments table March 15 during Family Night at the nonprofit. Islander Photos: ryan Paice

JP Linehan, 11, of Tampa, lines up for a shot March 15 over his friend, conrad, during a game of one-on-one basketball.

PTO seeks spring gala sponsors, offers tickets

Get ready for a groovy night at the Anna Maria Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization spring gala.

The “AME Hustle” gala — with a 1970s theme — will be 6-10 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

“The PTO spring gala and other fundraisers support our school and students by supplementing paying for after-school tutoring, printing costs, equipment, picnic tables, grade-level funds for field trips, supplemental curriculum programs, student planners,” principal Mike Masiello wrote in a March 20 email to The Islander. “Whenever the school has a request, it is fundraisers like the gala that enable the PTO to assist the school.”

The PTO is seeking sponsors, as well as collecting silent auction items and donations.

Tickets, sponsorship, donation details and payment

options are at ticketstripe.com/amehustle.

A single ticket costs $60 plus fees. Reserved seating for eight people costs $850 plus fees and sponsor table seating for eight ranges costs $1,500-$5,000. Sponsorship opportunities cost $500-$2,500. There’s also an option to sponsor a ticket for a teacher or staff member to attend the gala.

Also, the PTO is seeking support to provide entertainment, food and beverages and decorations. For more information, contact the PTO at amepto@ gmail.com or call the school at 941-708-5525.

AME to host Guy Harvey summer camps

Anna Maria Elementary will host marine-science summer camps this year.

The Guy Harvey Title 1 School Camp will run multiple dates in June, with second-graders from Title 1 schools in the School District of Manatee County making trips to AME to learn about marine life and conservation.

Title 1 is a program that provides academic support and learning opportunities for students at schools with high percentages of socioeconomically disadvantaged children.

Also, the Guy Harvey Shark Week Summer Camp will run 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. June 24-27 at AME. The camp is for rising third- through fifth-graders at AME and sixth-graders at King Middle School.

The camp is offered free of charge, with a registration deadline of Monday, April 1.

The Guy Harvey Science at the Beach Summer Camp will run 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. July 8-11 for rising first- through fifth-graders at AME.

The camp is offered free of charge, also with a registration deadline of April 1.

The district in 2022 established a partnership with the Guy Harvey Foundation, making AME the first Guy Harvey Academy of Arts and Science.

Since the academy’s inception, the foundation has worked with the district to develop an art, math

• Through March 29, spring break.

• Saturday, April 6, 6:30 p.m., Marauders opening weekend, LECOM Park, Bradenton. School District of Manatee County Elementary School “Spirit Night” fundraiser. Fee applies.

• Thursday, April 18, 3:45 p.m., school advisory council meeting, Guy Harvey Room.

• Saturday, April 27, 6-10 p.m., PTO spring gala, the Center of Anna Maria Island, Anna Maria. Fee Applies.

• Friday, May 17, field day.

• Monday, May 20, fifth-grade graduation luncheon, Beach House Waterfront Restaurant, 200 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach.

• Tuesday, May 21, fifth-grade graduation.

• May 22-24, 1:50 p.m., early dismissal.

• Friday, May 24, last day for students.

— robyn Murrell

and science-based curriculum to educate students on ocean conservation, marine life and the marine environment.

For more information, call the school at 941-7085525.

WE TWEET TOO

AMIHS offers scholarships

The Anna Maria Island Historical Society will collect applications for its student scholarships until Sunday, March 31.

The application process is open to Manatee County high school seniors who plan on attending a college, university, trade, or vocational school or students already enrolled in such schools.

Applicants must be a resident of an Anna Maria Island city or be employed by an island business.

For more, call AMIHS at 941-778-0492.

@ami_islander

By Lisa Neff

Kiwanis, churches celebrate Easter with sunrise service

The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island and island churches will celebrate Easter with a sunrise service — the 59th anniversary worship — at the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

An estimated 2,000 people attend the service, arriving by foot, bike, cart, auto and trolley with chairs and blankets as early as 6 a.m. for the 6:30 a.m. March 31 service.

The program will include the Rev. Matthew Grunfeld of the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation delivering the invocation and benediction.

Matthew Nowicki, director of faith formation of St. Bernard Catholic Church, will read from Scripture.

The Rev. Dr, Dirk Rodgers of Roser Memorial Community Church will deliver the offertory.

The Rev. Stephen King of Harvey Memorial Community Church will deliver the sermon.

Plans also include music.

The churches and Kiwanis’ scholarship program with the State College of Florida Key Club will share the offertory.

People also can stream on YouTube at Kiwanis of AMI.

The Anna Maria Beach Cafe at MPB will open at 6:30 a.m. and the trolley begins operating at 6 a.m.

For more, including streaming, go to amikiwanis. com or call Sandy Haas-Martens at 941-778-1383.

Tidings

compiled by Lisa Neff HOLY WEEK SERVICES

Thursday, March 28

9:30 a.m. — Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive. Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-1813.

6:30 p.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-1638.

7 p.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-4769.

7:30 p.m. — Christ Church of Longboat Key, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Info: 941-900-4903.

Friday, March 29

9:15 a.m. — Annunciation.

9:30 a.m. — Gloria Dei.

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

2:30 p.m. — St. Bernard.

6 p.m. — Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Info: 941-383-6491.

7:30 p.m. — Christ Church.

Saturday, March 30

8:30 p.m. — St. Bernard.

Sunday, March 31

6:30 a.m. — Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island Easter sunrise service, Manatee Public Beach, Gulf Drive and Manatee Avenue, Holmes Beach. Information: amikiwanis.com.

7 a.m. — Longboat Island Chapel.

7:30 a.m. — Annunciation.

8:30 a.m. — Roser.

8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard.

9 a.m. — Annunciation.

9 a.m. — CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-0719.

9:15 a.m. — Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-779-1912.

9:30 a.m. — Gloria Dei.

10 a.m. — Longboat Island Chapel.

Worshippers gather for the Easter sunrise service in 2023. This year’s service will begin at 6:30 a.m. Sunday, March 31, at the Manatee Public Beach in holmes Beach. Islander File Photo: Jacob Merrifield

10 a.m. — Christ Church.

10 a.m. — Roser.

10:30 a.m. — St. Bernard.

11 a.m. — Annunciation.

SAVE THE DATES

April 7-June 28, All Angels Church icons exhibit, Longboat Key.

April 22, Temple Beth Israel Community Family Passover Seder, Longboat Key.

GoodDeeds

By Lisa Neff

Assistance sought on AMI

• The Islander seeks donations on behalf of Holmes Beach Commissioner Pat Morton, injured when struck by a truck while walking to his workplace. Information: “Please, help — Unexpected Medical and Care Costs” on gofundme.com.

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

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

Assistance offered on AMI

• Roser Food Bank welcomes applicants who live, work or attend school on Anna Maria Island for food assistance, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941-778-0414.

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

— Lisa Neff

To list services on AMI or a call for help, email lisa@islander.org with details.

Obituaries

Alta Gailene Morton

Alta Gailene Morton, 85, of Holmes Beach, died March 17.

She was born Alta Gailene McCoy Feb. 6, 1939, in Washington Court House, a small city in Union Township, Fayette County, Ohio.

Morton

She moved to Anna Maria Island in 1993 with her husband, Pat, who soon after became a Holmes Beach city commissioner and still serves the city.

She was a Baptist.

She loved all animals but especially horses, and she loved to go horseback riding.

Mrs. Morton enjoyed a career in office work until she became sick 17 1/2 years ago.

There is no service planned.

Donations are being collected by the city of Holmes Beach for a flowering royal poinciana to be planted at city hall. Checks should be made to the city, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach FL 34217, with a memo “in memory of Gailene Morton.”

Mrs. Morton is survived by her husband of 45 years, Pat; daughter Tina Black; and grandson Dustin Black.

Laurie Murdock

Laurie Murdock, 66, of Holmes Beach, died March 14 after a short battle with cancer.

Milestones

Hop, hop, hop to the Moose

The Easter bunny visits young guests at the March 23 anna Maria Island Moose Lodge Easter party and egg hunt. Kids scrambled on the beach for eggs and candy, followed by lunch and a party in the dining room compliments of Women of the Moose. Islander courtesy Photo

Guild honors member artist

She grew up in West Dover, Vermont, attended Wilmington High School and attended Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri. Her passions were for gardening, red wine, craft beer and peanut M&Ms. She also was a NASCAR fan. She was a member of the Springfield Elks Lodge #1560.

Murdock

She loved animals and was a talented horse rider. Above all, she loved dogs and rescued many elderly dogs that needed a home for life. She loved monarch butterfl ies and maintained a garden to attract them.

Mrs. Murdock and her husband loved to travel, especially to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. They went on many trips, including to Alaska and Hawaii.

She also enjoyed thrifting and giving old furniture pieces a new life with her talent and style, and she created many beautiful stained-glass pieces. She also enjoyed photography, fishing, boating, walking on the beach and hunting for sand dollars and shark’s teeth.

She loved her grandchildren, and they had many laughs together, whether splashing at the beach or cannonballs into the fall leaves.

Memorial donations may be made to a local humane society or animal shelter.

There will be no service at this time.

Mrs. Murdock is survived by her husband, Andrew; daughters Amanda May and husband Kevin Fargo and Leah; mother MaryAnne Kaemmerlen; sisters Robin and husband Steve May and Susie and husband Ross Jeffery; grandson Emerson Belanger; dogs Bert and Gator; and many other friends and family members.

At your service Obituaries are offered as a free service to residents and families of residents, as well as to people with ties to AMI. Email news@islander.org.

The artists’ Guild of anna Maria Island honored artist member carolann Garafola March 18 for “her tireless work in a myriad of roles for the organization.” Garafola, during a celebration at the artists’ Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, holmes Beach, received the Genevieve alban award, an honor named for the nonprofit’s founder. aGaMI said the award “recognizes members who have provided exceptional service to the guild, are faithful members and regularly participate in the gallery.” For more information, call the gallery at 941-7786694. Islander courtesy Photo

Milestones

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

The Islander archives have 24/7 access

Some years ago, The Islander was invited to take part in a pilot project with the University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries. We donated the collection of newspapers beginning with the first edition in 1992. It took some time but it’s all maintained on the library site. Look for The Islander in the UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

“Anna

Fire district sued over vacation rental assessments

By ryan Paice Islander reporter

The first legal challenge against the West Manatee Fire Rescue district’s new vacation rental inspection program has launched.

Holmes Beach-based C&D Properties of AMI LLC sued WMFR Feb. 27, maintaining the district’s new fire assessments violate state law.

The district covers Anna Maria Island and west Bradenton and includes about 2,700 registered rental properties.

WMFR implemented a vacation rental inspection program in fiscal 2023-24 that involves annually inspecting every transient public lodging establishment for compliance with the Florida Fire Prevention Code.

The program — led by four staff members — is intended to improve fire safety in the district’s vacation rentals, where 73% of last year’s residential fires occurred.

However, the program comes with increased fire assessments for rental properties — fees that help cover the cost of administering the program.

Owners of TPLEs who previously paid residential assessment rates are now assessed as commercial properties.

Due to that change, the district is projected to raise $1,699,633.65 more in tax assessment revenue this year than it raised in fiscal 2022-23.

C&D’s lawsuit argues that vacation rentals are residential properties and cannot be taxed at a commercial rate.

The lawsuit asks the court for declaratory and injunctive relief regarding such assessments, including:

• A declaration that WMFR “cannot tax vacation rentals at the commercial rate because doing so violates the state preemption of the regulation of vacation rentals … and therefore, is invalid;”

• Permanent injunctive relief to bar WMFR from

taxing C&D at its commercial rate;

• An order requiring WMFR refund “wrongfully collected taxes from assessments to vacation rental owners;”

• Supplemental relief such as attorney’s fees and court costs.

WMFR has until April 1 to respond.

The district’s legal counsel, Maggie Mooney of the Lakewood Ranch-based Persson, Cohen, Mooney, Fernandez & Jackson law firm, told WMFR commissioners March 19 they should hire specialized counsel.

Mooney presented a proposed agreement with the Tallahassee-based law firm of Bryant, Miller, Olive, to enlist the help of attorneys Christopher Roe and Alan Zimmet.

She said the firm charged a $300 hourly litigation rate and a $295 hourly associate rate.

Mooney said the district’s insurer indicated it would deny coverage for the defense of the lawsuit but would reimburse up to $100,000 in legal costs if WMFR proved successful.

There was no public comment or discussion from the commission.

Commissioner David Bishop moved to approve Mooney’s recommendation.

Commissioner Billy Burke seconded the motion, which passed.

Now that the district has secured a legal team, Mooney said Roe and Zimmet could begin working on a responsive pleading.

She added that she would organize shade meetings so commissioners and staff could discuss strategy.

New fire engines

Commissioners also unanimously voted to approve the purchase of two fire engines for about $1,800,000 from Ocala-based E-ONE.

WMFR Chief Ben Rigney said the cost would be paid upon delivery, which was projected to take 28-36 months.

The commission will meet next at 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, at WMFR’s administrative building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton.

Directions to attend via Zoom can be found on the district’s website, wmfr.org.

Quick action

Prime Vacations maintenance crew Oskar coba, left, and Doug Beier found a brush fire surrounding a pool pump March 16 at 63rd Street and Marina Drive in holmes Beach. The pair extinguished the fire, then contacted emergency services. West Manatee Fire rescue responded and secured power to the pump. “Due to Oskar and Doug’s quick response, catastrophe was avoided,” WMFr fire marshal rodney Kwiatkowski wrote in a March 20 news release. Islander Photo: courtesy WMFr

Direct: 941.713.5458

Email: Shellie.Young@PremierSIR.com

Waterfront custom home built by Gagne Construction with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, generator, 500-gallon gas tank, solar panels, elevator servicing all three floors, rooftop deck and 50-foot dock! Located amongst the few canals at the north end of Anna Maria with no bridges to open water. A truly magnificent home for you and your family. Zoned for weekly rentals.

This property is solid block from base to roof with deep pilings. Located on 77th Street, only 1 house from the beach access with oversized bedrooms and bathrooms, an open floor plan and large kitchen open to both the dining area and living room, this home lives larger than one would think. Open up the sliding doors that lead to the balcony off the living room and dine al fresco — no on-street parking makes for a quiet and peaceful beach house that’s all yours to enjoy.

Shellie

AM considers changing cannabis codes

By ryan Paice

Islander reporter

Cannabis codes could be changing in Anna Maria.

City commissioners held a first reading March 14 for an ordinance to repeal and replace a section of code regarding cannabis prohibitions and restrictions.

Conversation about the cannabis codes began in February, when the municipality denied Holmes Beach-based Edibles N More participation in an arts and crafts show due to the business’ CBD and hemp sales.

Later that month, Nathan Geller, co-owner of North Shore Cafe, 304 Pine Ave., attended a commission meeting to speak about a notice of violation the cafe received for using hemp products.

The cafe has four menu items that feature the use of hemp powder, protein and/or seeds, including an acai-hemp protein bowl and smoothies.

The business also sells hemp protein powder as an add-on ingredient for any smoothie or bowl.

Geller called for the city to explore code changes to better target unwanted products and allow the use of “harmless” products like hemp powder, protein and seeds, which feature little to no THC or CBD.

Sec. 34-2 of city code currently prohibits the “growing, processing, distributing and sale of marijuana within the city limits,” medical or otherwise.

That code defines marijuana as “all parts of any plant of the genus cannabis, whether growing or not; the seeds thereof; the resin extracted from any part of the plant; and every compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the plant or its seeds or resin.”

The cannabis genus includes hemp so, by the city’s definition, the hemp products sold at the North Shore Cafe are prohibited. The definition also prohibits CBD, or cannabidiol, which is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis.

City attorney Becky Vose said the proposed ordinance would prohibit medical marijuana dispensing facilities and retail establishments with more than 10% of their inventories consisting of cannabis products.

Mayor Dan Murphy said the ordinance would allow the city’s businesses, such as the North Shore Cafe, to continue operations without violating city code since so few of their products are cannabis-based.

The proposed ordinance also would prohibit

at a March 14 city commission meeting in support of implementing a potency limit as part of its proposed changes to municipal cannabis regulations. Islander

mobile sales of cannabis products, unless approved as part of a special event permit, and establish a $500 daily fine for violations.

Vose added the ordinance would not address synthetic marijuana products, but she was exploring options and may add language ahead of a second reading and vote on the ordinance.

However, city commissioners had several issues with some of the proposed ordinance’s language, such as determining violations by percentage of inventory and the $500 daily fine.

Commissioners Gary McMullen and Charlie Salem expressed concern about the 10% inventory rule. They said it would be difficult to enforce and failed to achieve their desired goal of allowing certain sales while preventing others.

Salem suggested that if they kept the 10% determination for violations, it should be based on percentage of sales made at a business, not inventory.

He added that the rule failed to address the strength or potency of a cannabis product, and proposed working a potency limit into the ordinance.

Commissioner Jonathan Crane said he did not see a threat posed to the community by “rabid CBD buyers,” and voiced displeasure with the proposed $500 daily fine.

He called the fine “punitive” and said no business should receive a $500 fine for an inadvertent violation.

“I don’t want to fine the North Shore Cafe or Cool Beans, a coffee shop with CBD products, $1, much less

AM allows sandwich signs

Sandwich signs are now on the menu of advertising options for Anna Maria businesses.

City commissioners unanimously voted March 14 to adopt an ordinance allowing businesses throughout the municipality to post sandwich signs, with some restrictions.

The sign displays were prohibited until commissioners passed a resolution following Hurricane Irma in 2017, which allowed them for a limited time in an effort to stimulate business.

The resolution’s deadline was extended multiple times but eventually expired, and sandwich signs were again prohibited. However, the city has not enforced the prohibition and instead drafted an ordinance to allow sign boards.

The ordinance permits “each separate address housing one or more legal existing commercial use(s)” within the ROR and C-1 zoning districts to use one A-frame sandwich board sign.

The sandwich board signs cannot feature any moving parts or be more than 27 inches wide and 45 inches tall. They also cannot be placed in rights of way and parking spaces and must not impede pedestrian traffic or lines of sight, as well as vehicular sight triangles.

The signage can only be used during business hours.

— ryan Paice

$500,” Crane said. “I think it’s punitive and I don’t like it.”

McMullen called the proposed fine “ridiculous.”

Vose suggested the city could start with a smaller fine and allow businesses to comply within a certain period of time before the fines increase to the proposed $500 per day.

Murphy said he and Vose would work on changes to the ordinance, but stressed that citations need to have teeth in order to be effective. He said they would explore Vose’s proposed sliding scale for fines.

Resident Alan Ward spoke during public comment in support of the city implementing a potency limit on cannabis products.

“No shop is going to open if they can’t sell the stuff people get high on,” Ward said.

Since it was a first reading for the proposed ordinance, no consensus or motion to approve was needed to move it forward.

anna Maria resident alan Ward speaks

Photo: ryan Paice

Manatee County-HB force main work enters restoration phase

By ryan Paice

Islander reporter

Manatee County’s force main project in Holmes Beach has reached substantial completion.

It’s now cleanup time.

Project manager Brett Gocka wrote in a March 21 email that Sarasota-based Spectrum Underground is performing restorative work following the installation of a county force main along Holmes Boulevard.

Spectrum began work in March 2022 on the $3,492,035.25 county project, which involved replacing 4,000 feet of 16-inch force main along Holmes Boulevard and 1,100 feet of 8-inch force main along 58th Street with new PVC piping.

The project also involved replacing water services and upsizing water lines along the stretch from 2-inch and 4-inch diameters to 6-inch diameter pipes.

The contractor was initially projected to reach substantial completion by November 2022, but failed that mark. It was not hit until this February.

Nevertheless, Gocka wrote that pipelines were fully installed and functional by February.

Spectrum has spent March working on restoration,

One-way

Bradenton Beach Police chief John cosby explains his opposition to one-way traffic on Bridge Street to Brandt clark, left, at the March 21 commission meeting. clark, whose family owns Bridge Street Jewelers, suggested making Bridge Street one-way to improve parking and increase pedestrian safety. cosby said the city considered a one-way option some years ago, but scrapped the idea due to concerns about pushing traffic to residential streets. “It’s safer the way it is,” the chief said. Islander

such as removing decommissioned piping, lining existing manholes, completing minor concrete repairs and cleaning up impacted stormwater drainage systems.

While onlookers might question whether the contractor has reached substantial completion due to excavations at a handful of intersections along Holmes Boulevard, the project’s finishing touches could come sooner than later.

Gocka wrote that he has a walkthrough of the project site with Spectrum scheduled for April 3, at which point he and the contractor would determine “if there are any items remaining that need corrections.”

Boat demolition authorized at Palma Sola boat ramp

A complaint from an observer about vessel demolition at the Palma Sola Boat Ramp, 9100 Manatee Ave W., Bradenton, brought an explanation of the activity.

The Islander inquired with Palma Sola Scenic Highway Corridor Management Entity vice chairperson Ingrid McClellan, who shared a March 20 email from Manatee County’s ecological and marine resources division, marine resources manager, Michael Solum.

Solum said the derelict vessels that were being demolished at the location were investigated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and removed from state waters in Manatee County.

Manatee County allowed the work to take place at the boat ramp and county staff was present to observe the removal operation, according to Solum, who also said state contracts for derelict vessel demolition contains strict guidelines for dealing with hazardous materials and site restoration.

— robert anderson

In the meantime, the contractor will repave roadways and address “other items” identified for restoration by a county inspector and Holmes Beach staff.

Gocka wrote that Spectrum aims to address “all outstanding issues” ahead of an April 3 walkthrough.

1 sought for lands committee

Manatee County residents interested in serving in an at-large position on the environmental lands management and acquisition committee can apply through Friday, April 19.

This advisory committee makes recommendations to county commissioners on environmental land acquisition and management issues, including recreational planning and programming of public lands.

ELMAC also serves as the tree advisory board.

The only requirement for the position is that the applicant reside in Manatee County.

To apply, go online to mymanatee.org.

For more information, call the county at 941-7484501.

“There

Photo: robert anderson

Part of 56th Street in holmes Beach is closed March 18 as a Sarasota-based contractor, Spectrum Underground, worked to excavate sections of roadway along holmes Boulevard to remove decommissioned pipelines.

Islander Photo: ryan Paice

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

State pushes removal of Cortez stilt house

By robert anderson Islander reporter

A part of the Cortez waterscape might be removed if the Florida Department of Environmental Protection gets its way.

The DEP wants a court to compel Raymond “Junior” Guthrie to demolish a stilt house he built just a short distance from the working docks in Cortez.

The legal battle over the stilt house began in 2018 when the DEP filed suit against Guthrie. The DEP contended the structure had been built by Guthrie without permission on sovereign state submerged lands and judgment was issued in favor of the DEP February 25, 2019, instructing Guthrie to dismantle the structure.

But, May 4, 2023, 12th Judicial Circuit Judge Edward Nicholas dismissed the case, citing the DEP’s failure to prosecute. However, the DEP continued pursuing fulfillment of the judge’s original order to take down the stilt house and in November 2023 the case was reopened based on the DEP claim it had not had proper notification of the court’s deadlines.

Net camps were originally used to clean, dry and store cotton nets. Their usage declined with the use of synthetic net materials more resistant to rot, according to the Florida Maritime Museum website.

Guthrie maintains the house is a historic net camp.

However, it has the typical amenities of a family home, including a kitchen, bathroom, living area, water and power from a generator.

Neighbors complained that it was a party house and a nuisance.

Guthrie maintains his family had a net camp in the location and the structure is protected under the 1921

Zolfo Springs man arrested for battering, resisting HBPD

By ryan Paice Islander reporter

Holmes Beach police arrested Zolfo Springs resident Kenyiin Lee, 18, March 13 on two third-degree felony charges for alleged battery of a law enforcement officer and resisting police with violence.

An officer responded around midnight to reports of a fight in the parking lot at the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, and found a group of people waving him down.

They pointed the officer to two men, including Lee, who were engaged in a struggle.

When the officer attempted to separate the two, Lee pushed him, according to a police report.

The officer tried to subdue Lee and took him to the ground, where Lee landed on his back and began punching the officer.

The offi cer fl ipped Lee over and, after backup arrived, they handcuffed him.

The officers contacted Manatee County Emergency Medical Services to evaluate Lee for shoulder and wrist pain.

While awaiting EMS, the officers spoke with the

other man involved in the struggle, who told police Lee was intoxicated, had been acting weird and lost his temper at another person, so he was trying to hold Lee back.

The man did not want to press charges.

EMS transported Lee to HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton and after Lee was medically cleared, he was transported to the Manatee County jail.

Lee was released the same day without bond into the county’s Pretrial Release Services Program.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges March 14.

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

An arraignment will be at 9 a.m. Friday, May 3, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

Butler Act, which awards title of submerged lands to adjacent waterfront property owners who have made permanent improvements on the submerged lands.

Guthrie was instructed by the court to justify by March 5 why sanctions shouldn’t be imposed.

Guthrie had not responded to the DEP.

Karen Bell, owner of the A.P. Bell Fish Co., 4600 124th Street Court W., has tried in the past to save the net camp. She said she had heard of the suit’s resurrection from a lawyer in March.

She said the DEP has doggedly pursued the camp’s demolition.

“They’ve warned me to the point where I feel like I can’t do anything anymore,” Bell said. “DEP has spent a bunch of money. I have tried to get help from all over the place and I am just basically giving up.”

“I don’t understand why they don’t see the cultural value of the structure. There’s so few of them left in Florida. Why would they ever want one of the last few remaining ones removed. I don’t understand it,” Bell added.

In 2021, Guthrie and Bell said ownership of the “camp” had been transferred to Cortez Core, a nonprofit Bell founded in 2019.

The Islander reached out to Guthrie March 20 by phone but there was no response.

The “Guthrie’ stilt house in cortez remains March 20. The house, built on pilings, is just offshore of the a.P. Bell Fish co., 4600 124th Street ct. W. Islander Photo: robert anderson

StreetLife

Island police reports

Anna Maria

March 20, 9000 block of Gulf Drive, 10:03 p.m., noise. A Manatee County sheriff’s deputy responded to a complaint about noise at a construction site where a crew was running heavy equipment. The deputy issued a verbal order to cease work and the crew complied.

The MCSO polices Anna Maria.

Bradenton Beach

March 16, 700 block of Gulf Drive South, larceny. A complainant told a Bradenton Beach police officer that someone cut a lock and stole a bike.

March 17, 1500 block of Gulf Drive, fleeing to elude a LEO. A Bradenton Beach offi cer observed a motorcycle using the shoulder of a road to bypass traffic at Coquina Beach and signaled for the cyclist to stop, but the motorcyclist continued to travel on the shoulder. The officer eventually caught up with and arrested the motorcyclist for fl eeing to elude a law enforcement officer. The cyclist was taken to the Manatee County jail in Palmetto.

March 17, 300 block of Bridge Street, disturbing the peace. A Bradenton Beach officer was approached by a man who was shouting expletives and confrontational. The officer warned the man to back up, but the man refused and was arrested for disturbing the peace. He was taken to the county jail in Palmetto.

The BBPD polices Bradenton Beach.

Cortez

March 17, 4334 127th St. W., Annie’s Bait & Tackle, stolen vehicle. An MCSO deputy responded to a report of a stolen car from the Annie’s Bait and Tackle parking lot in Cortez. A case number was assigned and an incident report filed.

The MCSO polices Cortez.

Holmes Beach

March 11, 500 block of 56th Street, suspicious circumstance. A person called the Holmes Beach Police Department to report an abandoned kayak found tied to a dock in a canal. Three purses and two pairs of shoes were found in the mangroves. There were no active missing person or boating reports. The officer photographed the items and provided the pictures and vessel information to the U.S. Coast Guard.

March 15, 100 block of White Avenue, underage

Bradenton man arrested by HBPD for drug possession

By ryan Paice Islander reporter

Holmes Beach police arrested Bradenton resident Robert Riddick, 35, March 13 on a second-degree felony charge for alleged possession of cocaine with intent to sell.

Riddick also was charged with a third-degree felony for alleged possession of dextroamphetamine, a controlled substance, as well as two first-degree misdemeanors for alleged possession of drug paraphernalia and less than 20 grams of marijuana.

The arrest began with a traffic stop in the 3000 block of Gulf Drive.

An offi cer smelled marijuana from inside Riddick’s vehicle and saw two marijuana cigarettes and a rolling tray with a leafy green substance, according to a police report.

Riddick had a state medical marijuana card, but the cannabis was not in its original packaging, so the officer had him gather the items to confirm they came from an authorized treatment center.

Also, police searched the vehicle and found plas-

alcohol possession/fake ID. Two officers found four males on the beach with an open beer can in the sand. The individuals said they were 21. One provided a fake ID and was issued a court summons for underage alcohol possession, as well as warnings for a fake ID and possessing an open alcohol container on the beach.

March 16, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, marijuana. An officer responded to reports of alcohol and possible marijuana use at the beach. A woman in a group told an officer they were consuming alcohol and had marijuana, which she handed over. The officer issued citations to the woman and the group was escorted from the beach.

March 16, Gulf Place condos, 6700 Gulf Drive, petit theft. A complainant said a rented paddleboard was stolen from the beach near their rental unit. The officer issued the woman a case card and victim’s rights brochure and contacted Fun & More Rentals in Holmes Beach about the stolen paddleboard.

March 17, 6300 block of Flotilla Drive, disturbance. An HBPD offi cer responded to reports of a disturbance. A man and his two juvenile sons said the boys were riding their bicycles on a sidewalk when they were stopped by a man and his wife, who told them to stop riding their bikes on the sidewalk. They said the man also was waving a wood stick and they felt threatened. The father said they have had issues with the man. The officer spoke with the man, who denied threatening the juveniles with a stick, which

tic bags containing marijuana and cocaine, a digital scale, a measuring cup, plastic bags and adextroamphetamine, for which Riddick had no prescription.

The officers confiscated the paraphernalia and substances, as well as cell phones found with the items, then arrested Riddick, who was transported to the Manatee County jail, where he was released the same day without bond into the county Pretrial Release Services Program.

He pleaded not guilty March 14.

If convicted, punishment for a second-degree felony charge includes up to 15 years in prison, 15 years of probation and a fine of up to $10,000.

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

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

An arraignment will be at 9 a.m. Friday, May 3, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

he claimed was his walking stick.

March 17, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, trespass. An officer found a man sleeping on a bus bench at the beach around midnight, despite being warned in the past about violating park rules and city code by camping overnight, littering, possessing alcohol on the beach and being in the park after closing hours. The officer trespassed the man, who left.

March 17, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, trespass. An officer was flagged down in the beach parking lot by a man who had been trespassed from the property. The officer arrested the man, who was taken to the Manatee County jail.

March 18, Anchor Inn, 3007 Gulf Drive, criminal mischief. A man reported his vehicle was dented and scratched while he was in the bar. However, video footage and a photo showed the vehicle undamaged. HBPD polices Holmes Beach.

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

Island watch

In an emergency, call 911. To report information, call the MCSO Anna Maria substation, 941-7088899; Bradenton Beach police, 941-778-6311; or Holmes Beach police, 941-708-5804.

FRESH CAUGHT

ISLAND FRESH MARKET AMI

CARRY OUT ONLY MON-FRI 9-6, SAT-SUN

DAILY WILD LOCAL FISH AND SHRIMP

Champs crowned in adult football, horseshoes and golf

By Kevin P. cassidy

Islander

reporter

The adult fl ag football season at the Center of Anna Maria Island came to a close March 21 with the championship game between No. 1 seed Floridian Mortgage and No. 2 Moss Builders.

Floridian Mortgage jumped to a 20-0 halftime lead over Moss and finished 39-20 behind five touchdown passes and a touchdown run from quarterback Chase Richardson.

Richardson connected with five receivers for touchdowns: Cody Allen, Travis Bates, Tim Holly, Cory Banks and Jasmine Muldoon. Banks, Jackson Hayes and Muldoon also added extra points, while Octavious Cole sparked the defense with six flag pulls and a quarterback sack.

Jonathan Moss threw three touchdown passes to Evelyn Long, Greg Moss and Ryan Moss for the builders, and Ryan Moss added two extra points and an interception on defense in the loss.

Horseshoe news

Two teams advanced to the knockout stage after posting the only two 3-0 pool-play records during March 20 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Del Reese and Bob Lee cruised to a 22-7 victory over Bob Palmer and Rod Bussey to win the day’s bragging rights.

The March 23 games honored late lead man for the AMI Pitchers at the 11th Annual Ron Pepka Memorial Horseshoe Tournament.

The semifinal game saw Rod Bussey and Bill Galbally advance to the finals with a 22-3 victory over Adin Shank and Ron Gagnon. The fi nals saw John Yaroch and Steve Kriebel earn a close 23-20 victory over Bussey and Galbally to remain undefeated in the cassidy

AMI anthem singer holmes Beach singersongwriter Morgan Bryant sings the national anthem March 1 at LEcOM Park in Bradenton before the Pittsburgh Pirates and Tampa Bay rays played ball during an early spring training game.

The training season ended March 25 and MLB’s opening day for 2024 is March 28.

Islander courtesy Photo

adult flag football champs Floridian Mortgage — chase richardson, Tim holly, cody allen, Travis Bates, cory Banks, Jasmine Muldoon, Octavious cole, Jackson hayes, team dog Beau and mascot Low rates Jr. — pose with their championship cups following their 39-20 victory over Moss Builders.

double-elimination tournament.

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

There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome.

Key Royale golf news

Sixty Key Royale Club men challenged in the club’s annual Member-Member Tournament March 20. Playing a two-man handicap better-ball format in three flights, Jim Hill and John Hackinson captured the first flight with a score of 8-under-par 56. Cliff

Lanning and Tom Erdle won the second flight with a matching score 8-under-par 56, while Bob Paine and Wayne Patterson won the third flight with a 6-underpar 58. In the playoff, Lanning and Erdle defeated won the overall championship.

In regular golf action March 18, the men played their weekly modified-Stableford match. Mike Cusato lapped the field, finishing with a plus-8 to earn a 4-point victory over Bill MacMillan, Chuck Patrick and Gary Risner, all tied for second at plus-4.

The women played a nine-hole, individual-lownet match in two flights March 19, that saw Debbie DuVernay fire a 1-under-par 31 for first place in Flight A. Ceil Barry was alone in second at even-par 32.

Jana Samuels’ 3-under-par 29 was low-net round of the day and gave her first place in Flight B by three strokes over second-place finisher Peggy Clauhs.

Members played a nine-hole scramble to finish off their week of golf. The team of Larry Brattain, Cliff Lanning, Nub Turner and Tom Young combined on a 1-under-par 31 to win the day’s proceedings.

Lanning and Tom Erdle pose March 20 on winning the annual Key royale club MemberMember golf tournament.

Marauders season to start

The Bradenton Marauders return to LECOM Park in Bradenton for a 14th season with a home opener against the Clearwater Threshers at 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 5.

The promotional schedule for the Single-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates includes:

• Paws & Claws, May 3, May 25, June 7, July 26 and Aug. 16.

• Cope de la Diversion, April 21, June 8, Sept. 1.

• Thirsty Thursdays, when fans can purchase $2 beers, sodas and hot dogs.

• Fireworks, April 6, May 4, July 3, July 27, Aug. 31.

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

For more information, go online to bradentonmauraders.com or call 941-747-3031.

— Lisa Neff

Islander Photo: courtesy cofaMI

cliff

Islander

Photo: courtesy Krc

By capt. Danny Stasny Islander reporter

With it being windy more than not, determined Anna Maria Island anglers are braving the weather to get out on the water for the springtime bite.

Finding wind-sheltered areas in the back bays, rivers and creeks is a great way to catch some springtime action without getting too beat up by choppy waters.

Species such as snook, redfi sh and trout are being caught with regularity in such areas, especially on warmer days between cold fronts.

Using live shiners as bait produces the best action, although artificials such as soft plastics on a jig head work, too. As a bonus, while targeting trout on deep grass flats, many anglers are enjoying the bite from a variety of other species, including Spanish mackerel, jack crevalle, bluefish and ladyfish.

On calmer days, fishing the artificial reefs in the Gulf of Mexico is productive.

Migratory species such as cobia and kingfish can be caught, as well as bottom dwellers such as mangrove snapper and flounder.

And on days when winds are light and the seas are calm, anglers venturing offshore into the Gulf of Mexico are finding action on a variety of species, including red grouper, mangrove snapper, amberjack, kingfish and African pompano.

I’m guiding clients on my Just Reel charters to numerous spotted seatrout on the deeper flats and shallower ones, too.

On the deeper fl ats, a variety of other species, including bluefish, mackerel, ladyfish and jack crevalle are mixed in, which adds excitement to the bite.

On the shallower fl ats, most of the trout being caught are large, which is rewarding. In these areas, snook and redfish are being caught, with most linesiders running 20-26 inches. As for the reds, many catches are falling in the slot of 18-27 inches.

Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters says offshore fishing is shaping up nicely. Bottom fishing

Brad Bishop of Pierson, Michigan, shows off a “beautiful” 20-inch redfish he caught and released March 20. he hooked the red on a shiner in Tampa Bay near the north end of anna Maria Island while on a guided fishing

Grady McKenzie, visiting anna Maria Island from Savannah, Georgia, shows off a nice 20-pound amberjack that he caught March 20 on a pinfish about 30 miles off of anna Maria on a guided fishing trip with capt. Johnny Mattay of anna Maria charters. The fish was released after a trophy photo.

with live or frozen baits is yielding mangrove snapper and red grouper. Free-lined bait on the surface is producing action on blackfin tuna. White says for the blackfins, casting baits around offshore wrecks works best.

Moving inshore, White is putting his anglers on good numbers of snook by casting live shiners on the grass flats where mangroves and oyster bars are present. Although many catches are 20-24 inches, White is happy to say he’s seeing quite a few slot-size fish, too.

Redfish are taking the hook, especially in the same areas as the snook.

Spotted seatrout are another species being caught while fi shing the deeper grass fl ats of Tampa Bay. Mixed in are macks, ladyfish and jack crevalle.

Lastly, White is finding a few kingfish on the nearshore reefs in the Gulf.

Capt. Johnny Mattay, also of Anna Maria Char-

ters, is finding good action while working the inshore waters of Tampa Bay south to Sarasota Bay. Spotted seatrout are being caught in good numbers while fishing over deep grass flats. Live, free-lined shiners with the addition of a split shot are attracting plenty of trout, as well as mackerel, ladyfish and jack crevalle.

He also says that fishing the shallower grass flats, where mangroves are present, is productive for his clients, especially on snook and redfish. Both are being caught frequently with some slot-fish mixed in.

Moving offshore, Mattay says he’s hooking into amberjack while fishing around wrecks. Along with the AJs, Mattay is seeing blackfin tuna.

Switching to bottom fishing in hardbottom areas also is working to get a bite, where Mattay is finding red grouper and mangrove snapper are responding to live and frozen baits.

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

Capt.

Stasny

Steve Kriebel and John Yaroch are all smiles March 23 on winning the 11th annual ron Pepka Memorial horseshoe Tournament. They were undefeated in the tournament, which is held in honor of the late Pepka, the longtime lead man for aMI Pitchers.

Islander Photo: courtesy aMI Pitchers

trip with capt.

David White of anna Maria charters. The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is on the horizon over his right shoulder.

Nesting notes

By Masha Dolgoff

AMI anticipates shorebirds

Nesting season is underway for Florida’s shorebirds.

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch & Shorebird Monitoring had not reported any nesting activity on the island as of March 22, but AMITW was reminding beachgoers of some best practices.

People should keep their distance from birds and never intentionally force birds to fly.

“It’s such a wonderful thing for a parent to see their child running through birds and birds flying all over them for the great photo opportunity,” Kathy Doddridge, AMITW’s shorebird monitor, told The Islander March 19. However, she added, it can be very disturbing and harmful for birds.

Doddridge recalled that last year saw one nesting colony on the island, but it failed, probably due to human activity.

The colony of black skimmers was near the Martinique condos in the 5400 block of Gulf Drive on the beach in Holmes Beach.

There, AMITW volunteers noticed courting behavior and then “scrapes” — shallow depressions in the sand that act as nests to keep the eggs from rolling away.

Doddridge said she and other volunteers erected a 300-foot barrier around the nests using stakes, ropes and signs.

“Unfortunately, that met with a great deal of consternation by the neighbors in the nearby condos because they had to walk around them and not through them,” Doddridge said.

Black skimmers congregate May 18, 2017, on the beach near 5400 Gulf Drive in holmes Beach. as of March 22, aMITW had not documented any shorebird nesting activity on island beaches for 2024. Islander File Photo

The enclosure was modified to allow a walkthrough pass but soon afterward the birds abandoned the location, possibly due to human activity.

Least terns and snowy plovers also nest on AMI. The last least tern nest recorded by AMITW in 2021 disbanded because of cat predation.

“We lost quite a lot of chicks,” Doddridge said, putting the number at around 20.

She said it is important for people to keep cats indoors, even well-behaved ones.

Also, people should not feed shorebirds or leave out food or litter.

“Feeding bread to laughing gulls is almost equiva-

lent to feeding your child Styrofoam peanuts,” Doddridge said.

When asked about crowded beaches during shorebird nesting season, Doddridge said, “Share the beach with the birds.”

So “share the beach” during spring break and give birds a break.

How to help

Please, report injured or sick wildlife to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s hotline at 888-404-3922. People also can call the hotline to report human interference with wildlife.

No Atlantic storm names retired from 2023 season

The World Meteorological Organization Hurricane Committee in March retired Otis and Dora from the rotating list of names used in the eastern North Pacific basin because of the death and destruction the storms caused.

The WMO did not retire any Atlantic basin names — the first time since 2014.

The names are repeated every six years unless a storm is so deadly that its name is retired.

— Lisa Neff

Direct: 941.713.5458

Email: Shellie.Young@PremierSIR.com

Impeccably maintained from the landscaping to the roof, new in Nov. 2022. This property has the potential for savvy investors looking to capitalize on the island’s booming vacation rental market with 2 bedrooms, bath and a den/office.Or the ultimate escape for second-home buyers seeking serenity by the sea.

Duplex weekly rental property that is fun and unique to the island as it is split level with each unit having its own entire floor with both front balconies to take in the seaside sites and glorious sunsets, as well as balconies on the back for those early risers or for those who prefer a shady libation. Located across the street from the Public Beach.

Shellie

Lisa Neff

Up, up and away

The 60-day legislative session that ended in March yielded mixed results for environmentalists.

Lawmakers sent to the governor a bill sponsored by state Rep. Will Robinson Jr., R-Bradenton, to make the scavenging turkey vulture the state bird.

No, just kidding. That’s Sandscript’s nod to April Fools’ Day.

The mockingbird remains the state bird, as bills to either give the honor to the Florida scrub jay or the American flamingo did not pass in 2024.

What else failed?

On the downside, a Senate bill to create a development-free buffer zone to protect the Everglades failed.

On the upside, a Senate measure that would have allowed the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to surplus state-owned conservation land for agricultural use and a House measure intended to eliminate provisions for controlling urban sprawl also failed.

What bad bills did lawmakers send to the governor’s desk?

A Senate bill allowing private entities to engage in trading water quality credits to offset development passed, as did a measure requiring municipalities to expedite the processing of building permits.

But perhaps the worst measure for the environment sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis is HB 1645, an energy policy act with a lengthy list of negatives.

The measure would repeal renewable energy targets, strike references to climate change in statutes, remove programs aimed at advancing renewable energy and conservation, reduce regulations on natural gas pipelines, prohibit wind energy and transmission in state waters, prohibit local governments from regulating the location of natural gas storage facilities and eliminate a requirement for governments to consider fuel efficiency when purchasing vehicles.

FWC: Slow down, manatees on the move

With temps heating up, manatees are on the move and conservation officials are reminding boaters to keep a watchful eye for marine mammals.

Designated manatee protection zones in Florida can signify areas where manatees have been regularly documented but the slow-moving mammals can be found in all types of rivers, bays, estuaries and coastal ecosystems.

Manatees are more likely to prefer shallower waters —about 3-7 feet deep — and areas with aquatic vegetation, like seagrass beds.

Boating slowly in these areas and looking for

The Sierra Club wrote to DeSantis requesting he veto HB 1645 because it “would have a devastating impact on our ability to address climate change. Florida’s insistence on ignoring the root cause of climate change, fossil fuel use, threatens the state’s health, economy and safety. Moreover, storms and sea level rise continue to worsen while half-hearted and incomplete ‘resilience’ strategies make things worse for Floridians with protectionist preemption for fossil fuels, which are the problem.”

Robinson, who represents the district that includes AMI, voted for the bill in the House and Republican Sen. Jim Boyd, who also represents AMI, voted for the measure in his chamber.

Still, environmentalists celebrated passage of positive measures in 2024, including a House bill to pro-

Swings, smiles and sunshine

aurelia Fasoli, 4, front right, smiles March 8 as she swings alongside her sister, Maria, 4, front left. Parents adam and allison provided the necessary pushes at the playground at city Pier Park, 101 N. Bay Blvd., anna Maria. The Fasoli family came to visit the area where adam grew up, on a trip from their home in Vermont.

snouts, backs, tails and flippers can help people spot manatees.

Manatees are a protected species and it is illegal to feed, harass or harm them — including providing fresh water from hoses.

And physical handling of a distressed or stranded manatee can cause additional harm.

Instead, report injured, distressed, sick or dead manatees to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888404-FWCC so trained responders can assist.

— Lisa Neff

hibit the intentional release of balloons inflated with a gas lighter than air, with an exemption for children 6 and younger.

Another measure that passed would require property owners to disclose to prospective buyers whether any flood damage had occurred and whether they’d filed any flood-related insurance or government assistance claims.

Also, conservation land spending in the 2024-25 budget before the governor includes $100 million for Florida Forever, $100 million for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, $15 million for the Florida Communities Trust and, of local interest, another $8 million for the planned Rattlesnake Key Recreation Park, a natural treasure southwest of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge on Tampa and Terra Ceia bays that someday will become a state park.

The 2022 session resulted in passage of a measure to “finance the acquisition, improvement and management” of Rattlesnake Key and the allocation of $23 million to purchase the property.

The 2024 funding also would be for land acquisition.

Neff

Islander Photo: ryan Paice

ITEMS FOR SALE

NO STaIrS TO front door: Selling one-year-old electric lift. Trust-t-lift holds 7,000 pounds. $5,000, new, asking $2,500. call 941-896-6411.

WhITE VINYL aBOVE-ground pool ladder. Excellent condition, $29. White aluminum screen door 36-inches, $49. 941-778-5542.

BOSU hOME GYM, $50, exercise ball, $25, side tables, round, glass top, 2/$19, black chairs, soft leather 2/$20. 941-920-2494.

MI cha EL KIN ca DE KING c anapy bedroom set. Two side bureaus with drawers, highboy dresser with chest of drawers. beautiful headboard. Queen bedroom set. Dresser and chest of drawers. Twin bed. 413-717-0280.

NEW c OMPa NY STO r E comforters, quilts, sheets, dust ruffles, shower curtains. all in original packaging. 413-717-0280.

P r ESSU r E Wa S h E r , h OMELITE, gasoline. Limited use, works great, $75. 403-860-7523.

KaYaK, $50. MUST pick up anna Maria. Paddle, seat, life vest for additional prices. Leave message, 919-812-3917.

DOUBLE WOODEN rOcKEr, $100, wood and iron bench, $90. Pics, 816-721-5524.

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

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

GARAGE SALES

MULTI-Fa MILY Yar D sale. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 29-30. household items, collectible items, old bottles, home decor, different holiday items. auto, furniture, antique items. Too many miscellaneous items to mention. Bargain on christmas items. 10115 Bud rhoden road, Palmetto.

TRANSPORTATION

GOLF carT r ENTa LS: Fun for residents and tourists! 212-941-2402. www.GolfcartrentalaMI. com.

2022 E-BIKE: BINTELLI Fusion 48V, 750-W electric bicycle. Like-new. New, $2,100, asking $1,000, firm. 856-357-7101.

BOATS & BOATING

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

SUNcOaST BOTTOM PaINTING: Professional bottom painting. Mobile. call 941-704-9382.

ca PTa IN FO r h I r E and boat caretaker services: If you need help with your boat on or off the water, call captain Dan. UScG, retired. 772486-8085.

FUN a ND FIS h : Skiff rental. 24-foot c arolina skiff. Live bait and fishing equipment included upon request. call 941-704-9382.

UNIQUE, ONE-OF-a-kind, factory custom 2001 45-foot Trident Tri-Toon. Bar, heat/air, twin engines. UScG Inspected, 21 passengers with crew. Endless possibilities for an Individual or addition to existing business. $149,900. 727224-8977

HELP WANTED.

a / c SE rVI c E TE ch : Seasoned, able to work well with others. Input is appreciated, hard work is rewarded, salary negotiable. 40-plus hour work week, paid holidays and vacations. West coast air conditioning and heating, Inc. 941778-9622.

a / c INSTa LLE r : cha NGE outs experienced. high work ethical standards a must. Year-round work, no layoffs, benefits. West coast air conditioning and heating, Inc. 941-778-9622.

SMUGGLE r ’S c OVE/GULFST r E a M beach resort: r eceptionist/activity person needed. Three days during the week and Saturday, 30-36 hours per week. Please, call 941-779-2804 for more details.

NOW h I r ING ha NDYM a N: Full-time professional services. $18 an hour and up, based on experience. call JayPros, 941-962-2874.

rEPOrTEr WaNTED: Full- to part-time. Newspaper experience required. apply via email with letter of interest to news@islander.org.

KIDS FOR HIRE

KIDS FO r h I r E ads are F r EE for up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work. a ds must be placed in person at The Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, h olmes Beach.

SERVICES

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

cLEaNING: VacaTION, cONSTrUcTION, residential, commercial and windows. Licensed and insured. 941-756-4570.

PrESSUrE WaShING, PaVEr sealing, driveway, roof, fence, pool area. also, window cleaning. Licensed and insured. 941-565-3931.

BIcYcLE rEPaIrS: Just4Fun at 5358 Gulf Drive can do most any bicycle repair at a reasonable cost. Pick-up and delivery available. 941-8967884.

aPI’S DrYWaLL rEPaIr: I look forward to servicing your drywall repair needs. call 941-5248067 to schedule an appointment.

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

P c O r TE ch issues? Not sure where to start? With years of experience, I’ll come to you with reliable solutions. contact Gavin at 928-587-1309. www.gse.codes.

PaINTING: INTErIOr/EXTErIOr: Sarasota interior painting. call or text Don, 941-9009398. We are the best high-end painting! Just ask our aMI clients! I’m the owner and the painter. Free estimates. Fully insured licensed business.

U PLUS ME LLc: Provides quality coatings for pool decks, driveways, garage floors, patios. Don’t miss out on our pro polishing services, concrete, terrazzo, travertine. 727-623-5050.

PrIVaTE carEGIVEr: DO You need help with groceries, doctors’ appointments, cleaning, care for pet, care for elderly or companion. I am looking for a part-time job. I have references and very experienced. I have integrity and I can help you and your loved ones with anything! Sparkles, 941-704-9948.

aFFOrDaBLE PrESSUrE WaShING and vacation cleaning service. 941-356-1456.

GO r ILL a D rYWa LL r EPa I r LL c . Let’s solve your drywall problems together. Give us a call at 941-286-0607.

rIDEEaSY 247 YOUr professional, reliable and courteous car service to airports and events since 2015. You can reach us via text 941-447-7737 or email to mrfort5001@gmail. com We are available 24/7.

KcI hOME INSPEcTIONS, wind mitigation and 4-point reports. cG058093. call 941-518-6329.

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

BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS JD’s Window cleaning looking for storefront jobs in holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-9203840.

BEach SErVIcE air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. Serving Manatee c ounty and the Island since 1987. For dependable, honest and personalized service, call Bill Eller, 941-720-7411. cac184228.

I SL a NDE r arch IVE UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

I S L A N D E R C L A S S I F I E D S

LAWN & GARDEN

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

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT

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

G r IFFIN’S h OME IMP r OVEMENTS Inc. h andyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. Insured and licensed. 941-722-8792.

ISLaND haNDYMaN: I live here, work here, value your referral. refinish, paint. Just ask. JayPros. Licensed/insured. references. call Jay, 941-9622874.

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

LOOKING FO r a NY home improvement?

Jrcc home Improvement, handyman service can get the job done. Please, contact us at 413-246-2410. We would love to help.

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

BMF INTErIOrS: hOME repairs and more, no job too small. 786-318-8585.

TILE-TILE-TILE: LVT vinyl flooring, all variations of porcelain and ceramic tile supplied and installed. Total bathroom remodels. Many Mt. Vernon references. Licensed and insured. Operations manager, 941-226-9671.

ca LL h YD r O c LE a N. Full-service pressure washing, sealing. Pavers, travertine and natural stone. Window washing too, up to three stories. call Jacob, 941-920-2094.

RENTALS

aNNa MarIa GULF beachfront vacation rentals. One- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941-778-3143.

PErIcO ISLaND PaTIO home for rent. 3Br/2Ba, 30-day minimum. Privacy fence/gate, two miles to a MI. Now leasing May through December, 2024. call or text, 859-771-6423. http://pericoislandrental.com/

aVaILaBLE NOW aND season: 1Br/1Ba, sevennight minimum. carlesvacationrentals.com Special rates are available. 941-807-1405.

acrOSS FrOM BaY, Two miles to anna Maria. 2Br/1Ba fully furnished. available april. all utilities, washer/dryer. $3,900 month. Family owned. 941-773-1552.

rarE OPPOrTUNITY TO rent all-inclusive executive office space in holmes Beach. Great frontage and advertisement visibility. Great for realtors, contractors, accountants, lawyers, etc. Electric and water included. Two offices available. Suite 101, approximately 200 sf. $700/month $500 deposit. Suite 106, approximately 400 sf. $750/ month. $500 deposit. 5386 Gulf Drive, holmes Beach. contact Bill at 941-746-8666.

MOrE aDS = more readers in The Islander.

RENTALS

LUXU r IOUS a NN a M ar I a Island condo for rent. Upgraded granite/ stainless-steel kitchen. Incredible water views through floorlength windows. Waterfront patio. Luxury furnishings. 2Br/2Ba. King beds. Pool, tennis, walk to the beach. Private carport. Monthly rental, May to November. Owner/renter. Flexible terms. 570-239-0431. marketreps@aol. com

hOLMES BEach 2Br/2Ba Island home. Vaulted ceilings, walk to beach, restaurants, dog park. Boat slip, furnished. Six-plus months minimum. call Paige, 513-382-1992, Duncan real Estate.

LOOKING FO r a NNU a L rental. Minimum 3Br with a pool and on the water with a lift. austin, 863-581-3685.

aNNUaL rENTaL. 2/Br1Ba duplex. Near cortez village. Nice quiet area across from bay. Two miles to beach. Full kitchen, in-unit laundry room. Shed. Patio. $1,850/month includes water and WI-FI tv. 941-773-1552.

a NNU a L r ENTa L: VILL a home in Perico Bay club, Bradenton. Gated and 24-hour security. 2Br/2Ba, updated. Updated kitchen, screened deck and two-car garage. Unfurnished. Text 908875-0299 for information.

hOME S har E IN Bradenton near anna Maria Island. Private bedroom, furnished. Text, 941725-0256.

2025 SEaSONaL rENTaL: Just one block from the beach, Single-story 2B r /2B a , screened patio, private backyard. No smoking/no pets. Three-month minimum. holmes Beach. call 813-833-4926.

r ENTa L: SIX-MONT h minimum. Elevated 2Br/2Ba, 900sf, primary suite, Gulf views, steps to beach, furnished, utilities included. $4,500 per month. c all 941-518-6329, for photos, email morganlewisrealty@gmail.com

a NN a M ar I a 3B r /1B a historic cottage, half block to Gulf beach and one block to Pine avenue shopping and restaurants. available due to cancellation: april 2024, $3,000/month, May 2024, $2,800/month. 941-778-8456, terryaposporos@ gmail.com

aNNUaL rENTaL: hOLMES Beach. Spacious 3Br/1.5Ba on canal. Garage, washer/dryer, boat hoist, close to beach. available May 1. $3,800/ month plus utilities. Text/call, 231-670-6697.

h OLMES BE ach : 2B r /2B a bayside condo. heated pool, tennis, pickleball, beautifully updated. Summer and fall monthly availability. call Julie at 312-835-3054 or email shellpointhaven@gmail.com for photos and details.

SEaSONaL Or aNNUaL rental: 55-plus, friendly community, bottom floor. Sleeps four, 1.5B a Beach access. $3,400/month. 847-769-9080.

MONThLY rENTaL aVaILaBLE June 11 through December. furnished, all utilities. Off cortez road, 2 miles from beach, across from bay. Quiet, friendly neighborhood. $2,400/month. 941-7731552. Locally owned.

REAL ESTATE

WINNIE M cha LE, r E a LTO r , 941-504-6146. rosebay International realty Inc. You need an aggressive and experienced realtor in today’s market! Selling island homes, Sarasota and Bradenton areas. Multi-million-dollar producer! “Selling homes - Making Dreams come True.”

WEST B ra DENTON c ONDO: resort lifestyle, ground-floor 2Br//2Ba. Garage. 6.5 miles, 14 minutes from Gulf beaches. $264,900. call or text, 941-725-4374.

FO r S a LE BY owner: Paradise Bay Estates (55-plus community) mobile home, 1B r /1B a , turnkey, partially furnished, epoxy flooring in lanai, stamped concrete driveway, $160,000. One mile to beach. 614-230-5520.

BraDENTON WaLK-a-BOUT downtown at the west end of the riverwalk. Main Street shoppes, art, restaurants, entertainment and events. 2/ Br/2Ba, balcony and carport. Eight miles direct drive to Gulf beaches. Geri Kenyon, 941-7254374. Florida Suncoast real Estate.

cOaSTaL LUXUrY: 4Br/4.5Ba, pool, sold turnkey furnished for immediate move-in. Meticulously maintained, never rented, includes golf cart and electric beach wagon for island exploration! an absolute must-see! call 941-685-6850 or email Team@huntBrothersrealty.com for more info.

biz

By robyn Murrell

Cortez music venue ‘pushed out’

Elizabeth Shore and Jeffery O’Connell announced March 16 they will close Bunny & Pirates Bazaar, 12404 Cortez Road W., Cortez.

The pub— in a building leased in 2018 — is a favorite spot for people to enjoy live entertainment, wine, beer and other offerings. It also includes a deli and sundry market.

The owners said they had hoped to sell the business.

“We decided last year it was time to move on and also to find someone with a passion for music and community to pick up where we left off,” read a Facebook post from the owners. “Unfortunately, we were not given the opportunity to sell our soulful creation and beloved brand — instead we have been aggressively and cruelly pushed out on short notice without options in the middle of the season.”

According to Sunbiz.org, Shawn Kaleta and Robert Brent Whitehead manage Jewfi sh Landings LLC, which owns the building.

The owners plan a grand finale celebration at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 6.

“It’s a big loss,” Shore told The Islander March 20. “Our salty, humble place lets people of all back-

MIKE NORMAN REALTY EST. 1978

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

Marianne NormanEllis, sales associate. 941.778.6696 941.685.3393

Mike Norman Realty

grounds let their hair down and enjoy life without pretenses.”

The Islander reached out to Kaleta’s attorney, Louis Najmy, March 21 by phone. As of March 25, there was no response.

For more information, contact the pub at 941-2812584.

Stage goes dark

Black Bones Music turned out the stage lights. The music shows were canceled due to insurance and licensing issues that would have resulted in raised ticket and drink prices at the venue, Ginny’s and Jane E’s Cafe and Coastal Store, 9807 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria.

Paul and Terri Davis decided not to increase customer costs.

Paul Davis said March 13 that a combination of advertising, insurance and licensing expenses led to their decision to halt operations: “It just doesn’t work out. We end up losing at the end of the day, and you can’t run a business if you’re losing money.”

Davis added, “Working inside Ginny’s and Jane E’s Cafe, the insurance companies just don’t know what to do. Is it a venue or is it an event? It’s kind of like a boutique insurance plan that they’re trying to develop for us.”

Davis said they also heard from licensing companies “that we need to get licensing for the artists.”

Black Bones Music might be able to return to Ginny’s and Jane E’s with increased capacity.

He added that cafe owners Paul and Tammy Foster were “unbelievably supportive and generous.”

Tickets to the canceled shows were refunded.

For more, go to blackbonesmusic.com

BizCal

By robyn Murrell

THIS WEEK

Thursday, March 28

5-7:30 p.m.— Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Business Card Exchange and Annual Scholarship Award banquet, LaPensee Plumbing Pool Air, 401 Manatee Ave., Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1541.

Monday, April 1

5-7 p.m.— Manatee Chamber of Commerce Pints and Politics, Oscura, 816 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton. Information: 941-7484842. Send calendar listings to robyn@islander.org.

All in the Fin family

Steve Shannon, general manager of the Freckled Fin Irish Pub, wearing his green finery, takes time to welcome his wife, cady, and son, chase, 2, to the pub on St. Patrick’s Day. Shannon said the pub sales at the only full-Irish bar and restaurant on the island were on par with 2023. he said they were full March 17 by 9 a.m. for a Jameson giveaway and they lined the entire bar with Jameson shots at 4:30 p.m. for another round. Islander Photo: courtesy Freckled Fin

PropertyWatch

By

carol Bernard

Island real estate

521 South Drive, Anna Maria, a 1,470 sq ft 2BR/2BA home on a 6,599 sq ft lot built in 1982 sold 3/1/2024 by Labarbarea to Turnbull for $1,650,000, list price $1,650,000.

1801 Gulf Drive, #215, Bradenton Beach, a 691 sq ft 1BR/1BA Runaway Bay condo built in 1978 sold 2/29/2024 by Elliot to Wandering OZ Adventures LLC for $347,000, list price $350,000.

1801 Gulf Drive, #187, Bradenton Beach, a 1,080 sq ft 2BR/2BA Runaway Bay condo built in 1978 sold 2/29/2024 by Young to Chandler for $620,000, list price $639,900.

445 62nd St., Holmes Beach, a 616 sq ft 1BR/2BA villa on a 1,381 sq ft lot built in 1966 sold 2/29/2024 by Chernyak to Devane for $410,000, list price $415,000.

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

ANNA MARIA

HOLMES BEACH

HOLMES BEACH

Bergloff

BRADENTON BEACH

Drive N

Beds � �/� Baths � ����� SF

Kathy Harman

ANNA MARIA ISLAND

Street

Beds �/� Baths � ����� SF Hannah Hillyard & George Myers

ANNA MARIA ISLAND