The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, March 16, 2022 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

VOLUME 30, NO. 21

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

MARCH 16, 2022 FrEE

The Best news on anna Maria Island Since 1992 astheworldterns. 6 Work to begin at coquina boat ramp. 3

Q&A 031622.

Meetings. 4

Pandemic-era tourist boom benefits new business. 5

Opinions. 6

10-20 YEARS AGO

Looking back. 7

Legislature oKs funds for rattlesnake Key park. 8

Happenings

islander.org

finally, a st. Paddy Parade

The anna Maria Island Privateers fire up the crowd March 13 from their Skullywag ﬂoat/boat during the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The procession, including camels, ﬂoats, beads a plenty, bagpipers and officials marched from holmes Beach city hall to the center of anna Maria Island in anna Maria.

community events. 10-12

The ugly grouper gang strikes a pose while waiting in the lineup for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade to head onto Marina Drive from holmes Beach city hall to begin the anna Maria Island St. Paddy’s celebration. Islander Photos: robert anderson

Save the date. 10-11 Parenting during coVID-19. 13

Gathering. 14

Obituaries. 14 Milestones. 15 GoodDeeds. 15

Where’s Tuna Street.

16-17

BBPD hunts abandoned boats. 18

2 years sees COVID numbers dwindle, island ofﬁcials hopeful By ryan Paice Islander reporter

Anna Maria Island is returning to its prepandemic normal. Since the pandemic’s March 2020 onset, more than 5.8 million cases of COVID-19 Streetlife. 20 have been reported in the state, resulting in 71,860 deaths as of March 10, according to data from the Florida Department of “Beyond” imagination. 23 Health. The numbers of new cases being reported Krc women’s title are on the decline: 1,378 cases reported in decided. 24 the state for March 11 pales in comparison to the state’s single-day record of 125,996 cases set Jan. 10, during the height of the Omicron variant’s spread. There were 94,819 reported cases and 1,383 deaths in Manatee County through Fish plentiful. So think March 10. “sustainable.” 25 Through March 1, 70% of Manatee Isl Biz: 26 County’s 405,480 residents had been vacIrish, barns, blooms. cinated — slightly above the 65.7% national CLASSIFIEDS. 28-29 rate and 66.2% state rate. The DOH no longer provides municipal PropertyWatch. 30 statistics. The island’s three governments have puzzle. 31 taken a variety of actions in response to anna Maria pier clears inspection. 19

NYT

the pandemic, such as implementing mask mandates, allowing remote access to public meetings, canceling events, closing beaches and limiting rental reservations. However, after two full years, only a few of these pandemic-inspired changes remain in place and island officials’ hopes are high to put the pandemic to rest. In Anna Maria, the only remaining changes are the addition of sanitization stations and free face masks at city hall, as well as the use of Zoom to provide remote access to public meetings. Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy wrote in a March 11 email to The Islander that “all remaining items are worthwhile and will remain.” “I think the Zoom thing was good,” Anna Maria City Commissioner Jonathan Crane told The Islander March 11. “I think expanding public access is always a good thing. … I don’t mind keeping the expanded Zoom access in place forever.” Crane added that the city’s atmosphere had improved and that it was rare to see signs of concern for the pandemic from both Turn To HOPE, Page 4

Fitting sendoff for John Swager, 1963-2021 The anna Maria Island Privateers held a sunset sendoff at Longboat Pass in Bradenton Beach March 9 for the late John Swager, an original Privateer, former president and the symbol for many things Privateer. Islander Photo: aMIP

ame parking lot opens for spring breakers

Manatee County government announced March 11 that it reached an agreement with the Manatee County School District to open the parking lot at Anna Maria Elementary, 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, for public access during spring break through March 20. Signs stating “Free Public Beach Parking — Dawn to Dusk” were posted to advertise the availability of 46 marked parking spaces at the lot. The agreement also opens the AME parking lot to the public for Memorial Day weekend, May 28-30; Fourth of July weekend, July 2-4; as well as Labor Day weekend, Sept. 3-5. — ryan Paice

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HB officials accuse county of ‘grandstanding’ at workshop By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Holmes Beach officials didn’t leave happy from a March 1 joint workshop with Manatee County. The two sides met to workshop solutions to an ongoing disagreement centered around the city’s park-by-permit system, established during the summer in 2020 to reduce streetside parking on some residential streets. The city created a zone — north of Manatee Avenue and west of Gulf, Marina, Palm and East Bay drives — Titsworth where permits are needed to park 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Permits cost $15 per vehicle and $10 to renew annually, and are only available for Holmes Beach residents. The issue has been a hot topic Van Ostensince County Commissioner Kevin bridge Van Ostenbridge, who now serves as board chair, was elected in November 2020. At his first meeting, Ostenbridge announced his opposition to the city’s parking limits and threatened to withhold beach renourishment funds if Whitmore they weren’t reversed. County officials argue the city’s parking limits are unfair to off-island residents visiting the beaches. City officials contend that allowing streetside parking on residential streets lowers their residents’ quality of life due to crowded streets and waste left by visitors. After a lengthy back-and-forth, the workshop was scheduled as an opportunity to find solutions, but none were found after three hours of debate. Mayor Judy Titsworth said she expected the meeting to be fruitless and was not surprised by how it

went. She said county commissioners used the opportunity to grandstand instead of seek solutions. She recommended staff coordination with the county, rather than scheduling another meeting with officials. “I don’t think we’ll get anything done with them when it’s just theatrics,” Titsworth said. “Nothing we do will ever be enough.” Commissioner Jayne Christenson said she didn’t want to close the door on meeting again with the county. She said the city could show the county they mean business without reversing its parking changes, such as allowing after-hour public parking at Anna Maria Elementary and the Island Library. After the workshop, the county announced a parking agreement with the school district that opens the school parking lot on key holidays, including spring break, but the agreement did not include the city. Commission Chair Carol Soustek said they could explore those items at future meetings. Commissioners Terry Schaefer and Kim Rash also said they would like to meet with county officials again, but after city and county staff had time to coordinate. Schaefer said he was surprised at how little county commissioners knew about the city’s parking situation. He thanked Charlie Hunsicker, director of the county’s parks and natural resources department, for explaining that the city met state and federal standards for beach renourishment with regard to beach access parking despite its parking reductions. Schaefer said he was disappointed county officials failed to acknowledge what he believed to be the true problem — traffic. “We have 10,000 new residents every year all coming to our beaches,” he said. “Giving them 480 parking spaces back won’t ease any of our problems.” Police Chief Bill Tokajer agreed, adding that,

according to the city’s license plate recognition system, 9 million vehicles visited Holmes Beach in 2020 and 9.6 million in 2021. Averaged out over 365 days, about 26,301 vehicles entered the city daily last year. At the joint workshop, county commissioners broached the idea of building a parking garage at Manatee Public Beach to make up for the 480 parking spaces lost to nonresidents when the parking-by-permit system was established. The garage likely would exceed the city’s 36-foot maximum height for all buildings established in the city charter. Exemptions require a vote of approval from the city electorate. Resident Israel Sky was one of two people to comment, thanking city officials for defending the park-bypermit system and residential quality of life. He also opposed a parking garage. “You cannot pave our paradise to put in a parking lot,” he said. “This is no place for a concrete jungle or a multi-tiered parking garage.” Sky received applause from other attendees. “I think they thought we were just going to roll over and die,” Soustek said. Titsworth-Whitmore squabble on parking garage Titsworth and County Commissioner Carol Whitmore exchanged emails after the joint workshop, but their communications were as fruitless as the meeting. Whitmore, a Holmes Beach resident and former mayor, wrote a March 4 email in support of the proposed parking garage. “I don’t think we can make the cost work or provide the 400+ lost spaces unless this happens,” Whitmore wrote. Titsworth wrote back March 4 saying if city commissioners allow a parking garage, the county should respect the city’s 36-foot building height limit. “If I were you I wouldn’t go anywhere near that,” Turn to grandstanding, Next page

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March 16, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 3 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Coquina south boat ramp makeover begins this month By robert anderson Islander reporter

Manatee County is gearing up to begin a $1.81 million redesign and remodel of the Coquina South Boat Ramp. The project is wholly funded using West Coast Inland Navigation District money. The ramp is at the south end of Anna Maria Island at 1465 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. The project is scheduled to begin March 21 and due to be completed in October. Due to the complexity of the work involved, the ramp will be closed to the public during the six-month projected construction window. The county is reminding boaters to be aware of

the closure and that vessel operators can use the newly remodeled Coquina North Boat Ramp. Improvements were in the permitting process when the south boat ramp suffered damage during Tropical Storm Eta in November 2020. After the storm, county workers removed the wooden planking from the ramp decking to improve public safety. According to the Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department, the initiation of the project will start with the removal of the existing docks, launch ramp and seawalls. The footprint of the ramp will remain essentially the same, but planned upgrades include: • Outer L-shaped docks will be extended 25 feet

Manatee county will close the coquina South Boat ramp this month for improvements. Islander Photo: robert anderson

on either side to increase docking capacity; • The southernmost dock will be widened to improve handicap access; • The concrete ramp will see changes in slope to provide more efficient loading and unloading at various tidal levels; • Articulating concrete block will be placed at the end of the ramp to prevent erosion caused by power loading of vessels; • A handicap access sidewalk with upgraded handicap functionality will be installed near the handicap parking area. For more information about the project, go online to mymanatee.org.

Q&A 031622

By Lisa neff

The Islander poll This week’s question

I know spring has arrived when… A. Publix runs out of beer and toilet paper. B. I can’t get a table at a restaurant. C. Birds are nesting. D. Family arrives for vacation.

Last week’s question

Two full years after the first COVID-19 cases were reported in Florida, I’m taking precautions. 55%. Yes. 28%. No. 22%. Sometimes. To answer the poll, go online to islander.org.

grandstanding conTInueD FroM Page 2

Titsworth told Whitmore in the email. “Height limitations are the one thing us islanders are most proud of and is what saved the character of this place we call home.” Whitmore responded March 6, saying Titsworth

was “not sounding like a leader who wants to find a During the height of the pandemic, solution.” local organizations and governShe told Titsworth, “Never has anyone ever sug- ments united in a “Mask up Manatee!” campaign, gested wanting to increase (the height limit) on the encouraging people to take precautions against the coronavirus. islands.”

nothing

brings people

together

good food

941.778.1515 | 111 South Bay Blvd | Anna Maria Island, FL.

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Manatee county commissioners meet using the Zoom videoconferencing platform april 17, 2020, to discuss extending a countywide curfew while in-person meetings were suspended due to the coVID-19 pandemic. Screenshot: Zoom HOPE conTInueD FroM Page 1

residents and visitors. He also voiced pride for the way residents behaved throughout the pandemic. “I was pretty proud of our residents for helping each other avoid the ravages of the disease,” Crane said. In Bradenton Beach, no changes remain at city hall but one policy has stuck around: an ordinance allowing for expanded outdoor business operations. The ordinance was proposed to help local businesses recover from Vosburgh financial losses suffered during the pandemic. Bradenton Beach City Commissioner Jan Vosburgh told The Islander March 11 that her city eluded the

anna Maria staff and a few members of the public listen in June 11, 2020, as the commission meets in person for the first time since the coVID-19 pandemic onset in March 2020. Islander Photo: ryan Paice

brunt of the pandemic and was back into its normal groove. “I think we lucked out,” Vosburgh said. “It’s not over but I’m glad it’s on the back-burner now. … I would say pretty much everything is back to normal.” Holmes Beach is in much the same position as Anna Maria. Its only remaining pandemic-inspired changes are sanitary stations at city hall and Zoom access to public meetings. However, due to early technical issues, the city only allows Zoom attendees to listen to meetings — unlike in Anna Maria, where Zoom participants can contribute public comment. Holmes Beach Commissioner Terry Schaefer told The Islander March 11 that he is in support of keeping Zoom access to city meetings but he encouraged people to attend in-person so they could actively par-

ticipate. “It’s always best, in my opinion, if people come into the chambers,” Schaefer said. “Zoom is good but it doesn’t come close to having the effect and responsiveness of a live dialogue in chambers.” He also stressed that people who haven’t been vaccinated should seek the shot. Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth said March 11 that she wanted to thank her city’s residents for pulling together as a team through the pandemic. “To Holmes Beach residents: I am so extremely proud,” Titsworth said. “I can’t even imagine that we went through that and we came out safe on the other side.” “Although it was a horrible experience, I think it brought a lot of people together, understanding that we can get through anything together,” Titsworth added.

Island visitor, retired nurse sews hope, 1 mask at a time By nicole Quigley guest Writer

What does it take for a friendly island visitor to become part of the genuine island community? To watch Kate Eglee, who has been visiting the island every year since 1989, the answer is pretty clear. It’s about giving back. A retired nurse who lives in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, most of the year, Eglee felt a special responsibility to help fight the spread of COVID-19 when the pandemic hit in 2020. But instead of returning to a hospital setting, Eglee put a different skill to use. A lifelong seamstress, she began to sew masks with filters and optional N95 inserts. She’s used personal funds to purchase materials and she’s freely gives the masks to anyone who asks. She hopes each one has helped to fight the spread of the virus. It’s a mission that doesn’t take a vacation for

Meetings

Eglee. This year, she brought her 1950s Singer Featherweight sewing machine to her vacation rental in Holmes Beach to keep the work going. “It takes up my time in retirement and gives me a purpose to get out of bed every morning,” Eglee said. “With the N95, you stay safe. And with my masks, you have style.” So true. Patterns include stars and stripes, baseball prints and—of course — manatees. Each mask costs Eglee $2-$3 in material and takes around 30 minutes to sew. “I never did any sewing until I got into eighthgrade. Then I went to this very small girls’ school in New Haven, and one of our classes was sewing. We had a dance festival every year, and we had to make our skirts that we wore with pleats. That set me up for sewing. And if we weren’t sewing, we were doing needle work.” Eglee said.

The antique sewing machine Eglee uses comes with its own story. She grew up watching her grandmother and a friend spend hours sewing together. When her grandmother died, her friend still visited and bequeathed Eglee the machine, which hasn’t failed her yet. To date, Eglee has sewn more than 1,000 masks. She lost count after that milestone, which she hit in 2021. Eglee points out that her masks have pleats, which help prevent glasses from fogging. “My friends tease me and say it’s my Fort Knox mask,” she said. Eglee is a proud annual island visitor. “When you grow up on the ocean, lakes don’t do it for you. I go to the beach every day, even if it’s not necessarily very warm. If it’s sunny, I’m on the beach,” she said. “I try to be a good steward and visitor when I’m down here and deal with the traffic and let people cross when they’re at a crosswalk. It’s taught me patience sometimes,” Eglee said. PLeaSe, See MasK, nexT Page

compiled by Lisa neff, calendar@islander.org

Anna Maria City March 16, 10:30 a.m., historic preservation. March 17, 2 p.m., commission (Pine Avenue). March 24, 6 p.m., commission. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941708-6130, cityofannamaria.com. Bradenton Beach March 16, 2 p.m., planning and zoning. March 17, noon, commission. April 6, 9:30 a.m., CRA. April 6, 2 p.m., ScenicWAVES. CANCELED Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com. Holmes Beach March 22, 10 a.m., code. March 22, 5 p.m., commission. April 26, 10 a.m., code. April 28, 11:30 a.m., police pension. Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941-708-5800, holmesbeachﬂ.org.

West Manatee Fire Rescue None announced. WMFR administration building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton, 941-761-1555, wmfr.org. Manatee County March 22, 9 a.m., commission. April 7, 9 a.m., commission. April 12, 8:30 a.m., commission. April 19, 9 a.m., commission. April 21, 1:30 p.m., commission (land use). April 26, 9 a.m., commission. County administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee. org. Also of interest April 15, Good Friday, most government offices are closed. April 18, 9 a.m., Manatee County Tourist Development Council, county administration building. Please, send notices to news@islander.org.

Kate eglee is surrounded by her passion, handsewn face masks. Islander courtesy Photo

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Pandemic-era tourism boom works for new AMI businesses By Kane Kaiman Islander reporter

They’ve beat COVID. Despite staffing, supply-chain and other challenges, three island businesses that opened during the pandemic are thriving thanks to hard work, moxie and an influx of visitors to the area. Andrew and Ammanda Simonetti, husband-andwife owners of Pizza Social AMI, took their leap of faith before the pandemic even began. In January 2020, they ditched corporate and teaching jobs in Illinois to pursue their dream of opening a pizza shop on the island. “COVID wasn’t even a thing,” Andrew Simonetti told The Islander March 7. The couple’s plan was to open their new restaurant in the spring of 2020 to bank peak tourist season cash, pay staff and complete a six-week renovation. However, nationwide lockdowns and a 30-day stay-at-home order April 1 from Gov. Ron DeSantis severely hampered their plan. The Simonettis were forced to rely on a paycheck protection loan — part of the U.S. Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act — to retain staff while they revamped their pizza joint, adding an iconic fixture, a domed combination gas-wood pizza oven with a rotating deck. When Pizza Social, 308 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, reopened June 17, 2020, the couple was in a financial hole and a two-week closure due to a staff member who contracted COVID in early July made matters worse. Still, the fledgling entrepreneurs never considered throwing in the towel. “Listen, it never crossed my mind not to continue to move forward with this. I’m kind of like, if somebody tells me that I can’t do something, that I can’t succeed, I’m going to prove them wrong,” Andrew Simonetti said. Buoyed by sales through Island Eats — an online food delivery service — Pizza Social continued to plug away in 2020, bearing the brunt of supply chain MasK conTInueD FroM Page 4

“Nursing has been in my soul. I told my parents when I was 4 years old that I wanted to be a nurse. And all I wanted for Christmas that year was a nursing cap and a cape, and I never wavered on that dream. I spent 45 years in nursing before I retired,” she said. “This gives me a purpose in retirement. Retirement can be hard. For a long time, I was like what do I do with my day? I got involved. I volunteered on the Cape driving seniors to medical appointments. … It’s all about giving back.” Eglee will return to the island next December. In the meantime, she invites people to connect with her about masks at eggs917@att.net. Editor’s note: Nicole Quigley is the award-winning author of “Like Moonlight at Low Tide,” a novel set on the island.

Ready for Season? Are you taking full advantage of the spring season on AMI? You can improve your odds for success and reach The Islander’s readers — residents, seasonal visitors and vacationers — looking for things to do. Shop, dine, events and indoor and outdoor fun. For advertising info, call or text 941-778-7978.

Pizza Social aMI staff and owners gather March 9 for a photo in the shop, 308 Pine ave., anna Maria. Islander Photo: courtesy Sharon Wisniewski

shortages and more closures due to staff falling ill. The clouds parted in 2021 and the Simonettis have never looked back. Florida’s minimal pandemic restrictions and the limits on vacationers for cruises or travel outside the country led to an unprecedented, prolonged tourist boom on Anna Maria Island. Sales at Pizza Social increased month after month as the restaurant’s dedicated staff became increasingly more efficient and the numbers of local regulars grew. The eatery still deals with unpredictable material shortages and occasional closures due to illness — the restaurant closed for three days in February when five employees became ill, however none tested positive for the coronavirus. The lingering effects of the pandemic are not stalling the restaurant’s upward trajectory or the plan to install another high-tech oven in the near future. “I worked all day yesterday running our pizza oven — every seat in the restaurant is full, people are sitting on the couch, the phones are ringing off the hook, every table outside is full,” Andrew Simonetti said. “I’d say things are better than I ever imagined considering the start of this.” Just up the street from Pizza Social to where longtime Anna Maria business partners Brian Seymour of the Anna Maria General Store, Victor Mattay of Dips Ice Cream and Nicholas Graham of Graham Slam Fishing Charters opened the City Pier Grill and Bait Shop in December 2020, 10 months into the pandemic, at the new Anna Maria City Pier, 100 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. Before opening day, the trio, which struggled to keep their existing businesses fully staffed due to the pandemic, was concerned closures could impact cashflow necessary for building out the new establish-

ment. When the restaurant opened, Seymour and company realized staffing up would be their No. 1 obstacle. “That was really more of a challenge for us than securing customers and the threat of the pandemic,” Seymour said. Open 15 hours a day, the eatery and bait shop needs seven employees around the clock, but City Pier Grill achieved nearly full staffing in September 2021 but now is looking for two employees to add to the team, Seymour said. The second biggest challenge the business has faced throughout the pandemic is rising food prices. “We found over the last year that our chicken wing prices tripled. We’ve gone from $50 dollars a case to a peak of almost $180 a case,” Seymour said. “And it’s not just chicken products. Beef products, basically everything we use, seafood, everything has astronomically gone up anywhere from 20%-300%.” “It’s not that we want to raise prices. But you can’t maintain and keep a business running if you don’t pass the cost along,” he said. On the positive side, none of the staff has tested positive for COVID-19 and they benefited from openair dining and walk-up window service. Their winter sales are topping last year’s numbers as people discover the eatery on the pier. “We feel like the business is in a good place,” Seymour said. Also in Anna Maria, husband-and-wife team, Joshua and Brianna Foster started renovating the Porch Restaurant in February 2020, the month before the pandemic began. It would be more than a year before the first-time restaurant owners could open their upscale establishment, 9707 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, as supply shortages pushed the ribbon-cutting from November 2020 to July 2021. When they finally opened, restaurant supply shortages presented challenges. “We had to work with what we had. Often times, we were (preparing) cutlery between every meal,” Brianna Foster said March 9. The Fosters opened by avoiding staffing issues — limiting the restaurant hours to dinner service. By the time they began offering lunch, they had established a core group of employees and customers who were attracted to the menu and cottage’s historic ambiance. “I think, if anything, (the pandemic) has made us very strategic,” Brianna Foster said. “We came into this knowing that we were coming in at a rough time. … So we worked hard every single day to see what we could do to make a good environment for the people coming in.” Brianna Foster predicts a bright future for the Porch and other restaurants on Anna Maria Island as a result of a positive business landscape, a landscape that shifted and reformed during the pandemic.

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Opinion

Our

Kiss me, I’m Irish

Maybe. I hope. I wish. With a great-grandmother born Bertha Bonner Kelly in 1891 in North Carolina, I say maybe. With sketchy results from an ancestry DNA test, I say I hope. No one in my mother’s family ever spoke of heritage and there’s no one to ask. There’s no record and no Bible to track the family tree. I have no idea where my great-grandmother’s parents are buried or their names, but I remember a drive as a “wee lass” with family in Portsmouth, Virginia, traveling to the cemetery and the grave of my great-grandmother. So I am left to wish. I wish I knew for certain. At least, I can celebrate the honorary Irish in me. The year brought back the St. Patrick’s Day parade — missing for two years due to the pandemic — and thanks to dwindling COVID-19 numbers, a sense of normalcy for most of us. I think those of us with preexisting conditions, autoimmune diseases and co-morbidites should still work on maintaining social distance and masking, but I also realize how much we yearn for normal. As I’m sure you know, Anna Maria had some good fortune during the pandemic. Business after business told me last October that their month and the year saw improvement over the pre-pandemic year. A remarkable accomplishment. But we faced challenges to get here. We started off the pandemic at The Islander with precautions for staff. A stack of surgical masks at the door for customers, sanitizing of the office space, cautions on the door and the loss of one staff member who refused to mask. A lot of our cautions — and hopefully our success at remaining mostly COVID-19 free — were thanks to the extraordinary effort of editor Lisa Neff. And we have her to thank for maintaining vital coverage of the pandemic that hopefully helped you stay informed and your family to feel safe. It changed the way we do business but it didn’t change our purpose or determination to cover local news. We’re here for you, Anna Maria Island. So in this St. Patrick’s Day, pandemic anniversary edition of The Islander, it seems fitting to offer an Irish blessing — and count our blessings. May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand. — Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

MARCH 16, 2022 • Vol. 30, No. 21 Publisher, Co-editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org ▼ Editorial editor Lisa neff, lisa@islander.org robert anderson, robert@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Kevin cassidy, kevin@islander.org Jack elka, jack@jackelka.com Kane Kaiman, kane@islander.org Brook Morrison, brook@islander.org ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org ▼ Contributors Karen riley-Love Samara Paice capt. Danny Stasny, fish@islander.org nicole Quigley ▼ Advertising Director Toni Lyon, toni@islander.org ▼ Webmaster Wayne ansell ▼ Office Manager, Lisa Williams info@, accounting@, classifieds@, subscriptions@islander.org ▼ Distribution urbane Bouchet ross roberts Judy Loden Wasco (All others: news@islander.org) ▼

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Your

Opinion

Empathy for city vendor

My wife and I were extremely disappointed when we went to buy empanadas from the empanada and pasta vendor at the Anna Maria Farmer’s Market this past Tuesday. She said the city government told her she could no longer sell empanadas because it competed with another business in the city that sold empanadas, presumably a restaurant. If true, this is outrageous! What about free market and competition? Is a business that sells empanadas one morning per week a competitive threat? Seems to me they would be serving different customer bases. The market vendor said she might no longer participate at the market since the empanadas represent a significant part of her business. My wife and I might as well take our business elsewhere. If the empanada vendor is being stifled, I say boycott the farmer’s market. Tom Potter, Holmes Beach Editor’s note: Anna Maria created the market to draw people to Pine Avenue during construction of the new city pier and prohibited vendors from retailing products sold by licensed businesses in the city.

This way, not that way

rental car stating the vehicle was facing the wrong direction on the roadway. I appealed online on the basis that there was no signage stating it was an extension of 69th Street. My appeal was denied. I called the police chief, who told me the violation stood. I took photos trying to show the lack of signage and sent them to the chief. Denied again. I read in your paper that the island has a parking problem and your local government is trying to solve the issue. But instead of milking tourists who come with no intention of breaking your laws, the administration should be sure the laws are obvious. And just in case anyone cares: We can help a little with your overcrowding. Slamming this tourist with a senseless $75 fine is enough to keep us away in the future. Deborah Altermatt, Seward, Alaska

Old Town courtesy

I just wanted to say thank you to the Old Town Tram operation for a good deed I witnessed last week. While sitting on the Cortez Bridge waiting in traffic, I heard sirens from an ambulance or fire rescue. When I got to the foot of the bridge on the island side, I watched a driver for the Old Town Tram get out of his vehicle, stop and direct the bridge traffic so the first responders were able to make it to the scene. Thank you for your actions! Thank you for helping residents and guests alike find parking while visiting the south end of AMI. Nicely done! Marianne Norman-Ellis, Cortez

My husband and I were fortunate enough to spend a few days at a Holmes Beach resort in February. However, our wonderful experience was tainted with a parking violation. On returning Feb. 20 to the resort parking lot, there were no parking spaces available next to the building. So I parked in what appeared to be parallel parking. I looked for signs prohibiting parking, but there were Have your say: The Islander accepts letters of none. The next morning I found a $75 citation on our up to 250 words. Please, email news@islander.org.

March 16, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 7 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Pat Geyer, she served up public service with a smile A name appears at the top of most agendas for meetings at Holmes Beach City Hall. A name appears on the commission chambers at Holmes Beach City Hall at 5801 Marina Drive. The public space across the street from Duffy’s Tavern at city hall is named for the one-time proprietor of the tavern, Patricia A. Geyer, better known as Pat Geyer or, by the kids who grew up with her kids, as “Miss Duffy.” For Women’s History Month, The Islander is remembering women who contributed to AMI history, left legacies of service and helped build community. Pat Geyer died May 1, 2010, at the age of 79. She had owned and operated Duffy’s for some 40 years, serving cheeseburgers and “the coldest beer this side of heaven.” She also had served two terms as mayor of Holmes Beach, as well as multiple terms on the city commission. Her political career spanned four decades — and that is not including her work in party politics. She was first elected to the city commission in 1978 and was last elected to the commission in 2006 with the slogan “Put Pat Back to Work for You.” She served as mayor 1990-94. On Oct. 5, 2010, Holmes Beach dedicated the Patricia A. Geyer Commission Chambers during a ceremony presided over by then-Mayor Rich Bohnenberger. The mayor’s proclamation read: Whereas, the City of Holmes Beach wishes to recognize Patricia A Geyer for her service to our City; and, Whereas, Patricia was the longest serving elected official with twenty-five years of service; and, Whereas, her dedication to serving our community began upon her arrival in the 1950s; and, Whereas, her community service took on many forms including her becoming the first female volunteer firefighter on the Island; and, Whereas, she was always involved in events

10&20 years ago

From the March 13, 2002, issue

Pat geyer displays a Duffy burger at her Duffy’s Tavern in holmes Beach. geyer served as mayor and city commissioner in the city. She also was a member of the anna Maria Island Privateers and St. Bernard catholic church. Islander Photo: Manatee Public Library System collection

that supported children such as the Privateers and “Snooks” Adams’ Day; and, Whereas, Pat was always a fixture in our island parades bringing joy to all; and, Whereas, in her service as a City Commissioner as well as Mayor she was always available to meet with those she served, either here in City Hall or at her City Hall annex “Duffy’s”… Now therefore , I Rich Bohnenberger, mayor of the city of Holmes Beach and with the full support of the city commission, do hereby dedicate and name these chambers to the memory of Patricia A. Geyer. Also for 2010, The Islander honored Pat Geyer as the newspaper’s Islander of the Year. In the story announcing the honor, then-Holmes Beach Police Chief Jay Romine remembered Pat Geyer this way: “She didn’t have a lot to say. But when she did speak, you listened. She was one of the sweetest ladies you’ll ever meet.”

• The Florida Department of Transportation scheduled a workshop to discuss a report for the Anna Maria Island Bridge. A DOT spokesperson said the report had not been released to the public pending an internal review. The report could call for a replacement bridge, the DOT said. • Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce executive director Mary Ann Brockman was invited to attend the 2002 Oscars by her son, Kevin Brockman, a TV executive in Hollywood. The Islander held a voting contest to choose Brockman’s gown for the Oscar event. • Anna Maria city attorney Jim Dye said an art sale advertised as a garage sale should have obtained a special-use permit. Dye said artists sold new paintings, thus making it an event.

From the March 14, 2012, issue

• A management company booted 18 people from a vacation rental in Holmes Beach for violating a lease. Police had responded to the property, where underage vacationers were drinking alcohol. • Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring reported the sighting of a snowy plover on the beach and the likelihood of nesting season arriving in late March. • Following more than two months of renovations under new ownership, the grand reopening of the Tropic Isle Beach Resort in Bradenton Beach, was celebrated with libations. — Lisa neff

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State funds $23M for Rattlesnake Key, passes anti-home rule bill By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The purchase will help realize the state’s Florida Forever Terra Ceia project, which was prepared by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to preserve the area and wildlife in the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve. So far, the state has acquired 2,432 out of 4,724 acres identified by the state for the project. Buying Rattlesnake Key would add 970 privately owned acres, consisting mostly of mangrove swamp, to the count. Boyd expressed satisfaction with the Rattlesnake Key funding on the proposed budget in a March 10 statement provided to The Islander. “Preserving Rattlesnake Key is instrumental to protect our waterway from commercial development, to preserve fish and wildlife, and create a park and recreation area for all Floridians to enjoy for generations to come,” Boyd wrote. “Rattlesnake Key was my No. 1 funding priority heading into the 2022 Legislative session. I couldn’t be happier.”

Cross your fingers. Manatee County soon may boast a new state park. The Florida Legislature’s proposed 2022-23 budget, which must go before Gov. Ron DeSantis for approval, includes $23 million for the purchase of Rattlesnake Key to advance plans for a state park on the island. The county also agreed to contribute $3 million from its parks and natural resources reserves toward purchasing Rattlesnake Key, located southwest of the Sunshine Skyway on Tampa and Terra Ceia bays and federally designated as critical habitat for the rare aboriginal prickly-apple cactus. Rattlesnake Key is accessible only by boat and would remain that way as a state park. The appropriation request was submitted by state Rep. Will Robinson in the House and state Sen. Jim Boyd in the Senate, who both represent the area, with the stated goal of preserving the land, wildlife and Notable bills local water quality. Island officials are hoping DeSantis vetoes one bill that could present a challenge for municipal home rule. Senate Bill 620, which would allow businesses to claim damages for county or municipal ordinances or charter provisions that reduce their profit by at least 15%, passed through both the Senate and the House. SB 620 was introduced by Sen. Travis Hutson, R-Palm Coast. HB 569, SB 620’s companion bill, was introduced by Rep. Lawrence McClure, R-Hillsborough County. Anna Maria Commissioner Carol Carter, liaison to the ManaSota League of Cities, told The Islander March 3 that the bill would require the city to combat such claims by paying a third party to study business impacts before exploring new legislation. She said it could prove “cumbersome and costly,” despite amendments to require businesses to operate in good standing within the city for three years before filing claims. Carter said March 10 that the league was creating a mail-in system so people could write to DeSantis asking him to veto the bill. Mayor Dan Murphy said March 10 the bill would “hurt” the city. He said the city commission may adopt A downed oak, cut March 10 at a property in Anna a resolution voicing its opposition to the measure. Maria. State legislators passed Senate Bill 518. If DeSantis does not veto the bill within 14 days, If ratified by the governor, the measure will revise it will automatically become law. previous state preemptions for tree trimming and Holmes Beach Commissioner Terry Schaefer told removal. Islander Photo: Courtesy Cathy Szabo

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All news is good news when it comes to this year’s appropriation requests for Anna Maria Island’s municipalities. All four of the cities’ appropriations requests will make it to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk for final approval, including: • $207,450 for Anna Maria to create a permanent solution for the Lake La Vista inlet, which requires regular dredging by the city; • $1,288,440 for Anna Maria to improve the Pine Avenue corridor; • $3,000,000 for Bradenton Beach to bury utility lines along portions of Gulf Drive; • $2,000,000 for Holmes Beach to improve flood mitigation measures, including the addition of stormwater infiltration drenches. DeSantis can line-item veto any part of the budget, which may take weeks to review. — Ryan Paice

The Islander he didn’t have high hopes that DeSantis would veto the bill. “It is going to tie the hands of municipalities in regards to taking actions, making decisions and drafting ordinances they believe is for the good of the community,” Schaefer said. “We will be very mindful with this going forward. … It is what it is. Time will tell what impact it really does have.” On the other hand, the session did bring some good news. Another package city officials feared, SB 512 and HB 325, which would have limited municipal vacation rental registration fees to $50 per unit, will not reach DeSantis’ desk. SB 512 was introduced by Sen. Danny Burgess, R-Zephyrhills. HB 325 was introduced by Rep. Jason Fischer, R-Jacksonville. Both bills had gone strong through January but SB 512 stalled out in the Community Affairs Committee while HB 325 hit a snag in the Ways & Means Committee in February. The Legislature also passed SB 518 and HB 1555, which would revise state preemptions for regulating tree trimming and removal. The bill doesn’t go as far as other proposed measures that would have repealed such preemptions, but Carter said its passage could allow the city to reclaim some of the regulatory power it had through its former grand tree ordinance. The bill would allow municipal regulation of tree trimming and removal, exempting property owners who obtain proof from the International Society of Agriculture or a Florida-licensed landscape architect that a tree poses “an unacceptable risk.”

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St Patrick’s Day Parade … Participants and crowds loved it!

clockwise from top: Two blonde camels, decorated with Irish colors, take part in the procession March 13 for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The Dancing Divas let the beads ﬂy in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade from their Irish-style LSV. anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy drives wife Barbara in the St Patrick’s Day Parade in a Jeep Wrangler. The Lion rampant Pipe and Drum of Sarasota march on, playing traditional folk music. Deklin giasone, Isla Darling, Karma engel and canine friend Seamus huntington wait on Marina Drive for the parade to begin. The parade returned after a two-year hiatus during the pandemic and was organized by the center of anna Maria Island and the anna Maria Island chamber of commerce. Islander Photos: robert anderson

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Page 10 THE ISLANDER | islander.org March 16, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

richard Marx will perform Wednesday, March 23, at the center of anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia ave., anna Maria. Islander courtesy Photo

compiled by Lisa neff, calendar@islander.org.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ON AMI

Thursday, March 17 2 p.m. — Friends of the Island Library lecture, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-778-6341. Saturday, March 19 10 a.m.-5 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Art League’s Springfest, city field, 5800 block of Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-2099. Sunday, March 20 10 a.m.-4 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Art League’s Springfest, city field, 5800 block of Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-2099. Fans of Grammy-winning artist Richard Marx can Tuesday, March 22 9 a.m. — Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island Plein Air Painting, “hold on to the memories” March 23 at the Center of Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: Anna Maria Island. The singer, songwriter and producer has sold more 941-778-6694. than 30 million albums and written No. 1 songs in each Wednesday, March 23 7 p.m. — Richard Marx concert, Center of Anna Maria Island, First Fridays, 6-9:30 p.m., Village of the Arts First Fridays Art407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Info: 941-778-1908. walk, 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. InformaONGOING ON AMI tion: villageofthearts.com. Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Bradenton Farmers Market, Main Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island “Art Unites Us” online exhibit, Street, downtown Bradenton. Information: realizebradenton.com, amiartistsguildgallery.com. Information: 941-778-6694. Through March 20, Island Players’ “A Comedy of Tenors,” 941-301-8445. Second and fourth Saturdays, 2-4 p.m., Music on the Porch 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778jam session, presented by the Florida Maritime Museum and Cortez 5755. Throughout March, Sue Elliott’s “Wonderful World mixed-media Cultural Center, outdoors, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: exhibit, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Infor- floridamaritimemuseum.org, fmminfo@manateeclerk.com. mation: islandgallerywest.com, 941-778-6648. KIDS & FAMILY Second Fridays, Art Walk, downtown Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648, 941-778-6694. ON AMI

Richard Marx to play the Center of Anna Maria Island

AHEAD ON AMI April 2, Center of Anna Maria Island concert with Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals, Anna Maria. April 8, Center of Anna Maria Island bingo night, Anna Maria. ONGOING OFF AMI Through April 24, “Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience,” Starry Night Pavilion at University Town Center, 195 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: vangoghsarasota.com. Through April 29, Fridays, 6-8 p.m., Music in the Park, Rossi Park Pavilion on the Riverwalk, downtown Bradenton. Information: 941-301-8445. Through Aug. 28, “Metadata: Rethinking Photography in the 21st Century,” The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-360-7390.

of the past four decades. He’s also the first male artist to see seven singles reach the Top 5 on the Billboard charts. His self-titled debut album featured four of his Top 5 singles, including “Hold on to the Nights” and “Don’t Mean Nothing.” Marx’s tour this month brings him to Anna Maria, as well as San Juan, Puerto Rico; Greeneville, Tennessee; Prestonburg, Kentucky; and more. About his audience and shows, Marx said in his press material, “They sing along to all the songs in the show. People come back again and again and I’m very proud of my live show. I want fans to walk away feeling like they know me after a concert.” The indoor concert is the fourth in a five-show series. The gym doors will open at 6 p.m. and the show will begin at 7 p.m. The final concert, featuring Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals, will be in April. For more information and ticket purchases, go online to centerami.org or call the center at 941-7781908.

Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 781-983-1937. Thursday, March 17 10:15 a.m. — Island Library Book Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-778-6341. 2 p.m. — Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Saturday, March 19 11 a.m. — Meditation session, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: mymanatee.org/library, 941-778-6341. Monday, March 21 11:30 a.m. — Anna Maria Island and West Manatee Democratic Club lunch meeting, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Wednesday, March 16 Ave., Anna Maria. Information: bbeckwith02@gmail.com. 6:30 p.m. — Seashell Art, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Wednesday, March 23 Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. 5 p.m. — Friends of the Island Library anniversary party, Island Friday, March 18 Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341. 10 a.m. — Forty Carrots, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. ONGOING ON AMI Tuesday, March 22 Thursdays, 6 p.m., bingo night, Annie Silver Community Center, 10 a.m.— Family storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, 103 23rd St N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-757-6029. Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Fridays, 11:30 a.m., Mahjong Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: mymanatee.org/library, 941-778-6341. ONGOING ON AMI Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meetTuesdays, 6:30 p.m., Anna Maria Movies in the Park, City Pier ing, Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130. Information: 941-778-1383. Mondays, 12:30 p.m., Anna Maria Bridge Club, Roser MemoONGOING OFF AMI rial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: Through Aug. 7, “Sharks: On Assignment with Brian Skerry” 205-910-6344, 941-778-0414. exhibit, Mote Marine Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, City Tuesdays, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Farmers Market in the Park, City Island, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-388-4441. Pier Park, Pine Avenue and Bay Boulevard, Anna Maria. Information: AHEAD OFF AMI 941-708-6130. Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., Mahjong Club, Island Library, 5701 April 30, De Soto Heritage Festival Parade, Bradenton. Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-778-6341. CLUBS & Tuesdays, noon, duplicate bridge, Episcopal Church of the COMMUNITY Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Fee applies. InforON AMI mation: 703-582-7755. Wednesday, March 16 1-3 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Garden Club Flower Show,

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Island happenings

March 16, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 11 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Friends gathering for 40-year anniversary party

Enjoy a slice of cake and check out a book. The Friends of the Island Library invite the public to their 40th anniversary party at the library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. The event will be 5-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 23, and feature greetings from Manatee County commissioners, the presentation of a proclamation by Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth, an unveiling of a Friends of the Library gift, a celebration cake, activities, demonstrations and more. Both the library and the group that supports the institution are marking a 40th anniversary at the 5701 Marina Drive location. For more info, call the library at 941-778-6341.

Garden club hosts ﬂower show

The Anna Maria Island Garden Club’s annual Flower Show will be 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, March 16. The event will be in the fellowship hall at Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. The show’s theme will be “Paradise Found” and club member entries will be judged in 10 categories. The show is open to the public with free admission and “people’s choice” awards — a category that allows a winner to be selected by attendees. For more information, call Charlotte Noyes at 781983-1937 AHEAD ON AMI April 20, Anna Maria Island Garden Club member meeting and luncheon, Anna Maria. ONGOING OFF AMI Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island lunch meeting, Compass Hotel, 12324 Manatee Ave. W., Perico Island. Second Tuesdays at 5 p.m. Information: 941-920-2505. AHEAD OFF AMI April 1, Paradise Center’s April Fool’s event, Longboat Key.

OUTDOORS & SPORTS ONGOING ON AMI AMI Dragon Boat Team—Paddlers from Paradise practices and meetups, various times and locations. Information: 941-462-2626, mrbradway@gmail.com. AHEAD OFF AMI May 13, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Golf Tour-

Kiwanis Club to meet

Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island will hear March 19 from Kim Bailey of Feeding Empty Little Tummies. Bailey is president and CEO of FELT, which is dedicated to helping combat hunger among food-insecure students in Manatee County one backpack at a time. Also this month, the club will hear from Bradenton Beach Police Chief John Cosby about hurricane Season blooms again as preparedness. The presentation will be March 26. The club meets Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. at Braden- pandemic turns 3 ton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. For months after the pandemic hit in March 2020, Meanwhile, the club continues to organize its shows did not go on, artists did not exhibit, bands did Easter sunrise service, which will take place at the not play, clubs did not gather on Anna Maria Island. Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach. Events that did take place occurred online. For more information, call Sandy Haas-Martens One of the island’s busiest destinations, the Center at 941-778-1383. of Anna Maria Island, suspended sports, group fitness, wellness programs and other activities. Meeting of island Dems set Executive director Chris Culhane, in a spring The Anna Maria Island and West Manatee Demo- 2020 statement referring to “unprecedented times,” cratic Club will meet at 11:30 a.m. Monday, March said the nature of how the coronavirus spreads pre21, at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia sented challenges for a place that exists to bring people Ave., Anna Maria. together. The program will include a talk about LGBTQ Last spring, on the first anniversary of the panrights by Manatee County Democratic Party external demic, with vaccinations available and in demand, The vice president Dan Coppinger. Islander asked, “Will organizations rescue season later Attendees must wear masks and bring vaccination this spring?” cards. Some gatherings took place later in the spring and, They also may bring a brown-bag lunch. through the summer, islanders saw the return of the For more information, contact Barbara Beckwith Privateers’ July 4 Parade, followed by the stage lights at bbeckwith02@gmail.com. coming on at the Island Players theater and crowds assembling for Bayfest. Now, on the second anniversary and beginning a third year of life with COVID-19, the St. Patrick’s Day nament, Bradenton. Parade, one of the first events “postponed” in the pandemic, took place, heralding another new normal. GOOD TO KNOW — Lisa neff

KEEP THE DATES Thursday, March 17, St. Patrick’s Day. Friday, April 1, April Fool’s Day. Friday, April 15, Tax Day. Friday, April 22, Earth Day. Sunday, May 1, May Day. Thursday, May 5, Cinco de Mayo.

GET LISTED POST IN THE CALENDAR Send announcements for The Islander’s calendar to calendar@ islander.org. The deadline is the Wednesday prior to publication. Please include the date, time, location and description of the event, as well as a contact name and phone number for publication.

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MLB retiree back to work, hosting island event By Kane Kaiman Islander reporter

Visitors to a past Springfest check out a booth at the show in holmes Beach city field. This year’s Springfest will be March 19-20. Islander File Photo

Springfest set for city field

The grass looks greener this spring for seekers and sponsors of seasonal celebrations. The 34th annual Springfest Festival of Fine Arts & Fine Crafts will take place in city field in Holmes Beach. The event will be 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, March 19, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, March 20, on the field in the 5800 and 5900 blocks of Marina Drive. The Anna Maria Island Art League organizes the event, which features free admission to see juried work by artists and craftspeople, as well as experience live music, including a Saturday performance by Koko Ray’s Uptown 4. Festivalgoers also will find food and beverage vendors and a raffle of artwork donated by Springfest exhibitors — a traditional highlight at the event. Tickets are $1 each or $5 for six and winners need not be present. Springfest is the major fundraiser for AMIAL, a nonprofit that promotes the arts across the island and offers scholarships. A news release said masking and social distancing are suggested but not required. For more information, call AMIAL at 941-7782099 or go online to islandartleague.org.

He’s managing what’s most important. Key Royale resident Clint Hurdle, a former 17-year Major League Baseball manager, has struck a balance between the family and the game he loves. But his family, including a daughter with a rare genetic disorder, tips the scales. When Hurdle was fired as manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2019, he opted not to pursue another coaching gig in favor of a new undertaking. “I went on a two-year mission, a home mission, to try to figure out how I could better serve my family for the first time in a long time,” Hurdle said. “Because the entire time I’ve known my wife, Karla, over 30 years, and my kids, I’ve been out of the house two weeks out of every month.” For two years Hurdle carried out his mission, attending to the needs of his wife and children, Maddie, 19, and Christian, 17. In 2022, a unique opportunity presented itself, one that allowed Hurdle to be present in the lives of his wife and kids, as well as young coaches and players in the Colorado Rockies Major League farm system. Hurdle began his MLB coaching career with the Rockies in 1993 and, as manager, led the organization to its first National League pennant and World Series berth in 2007. Earlier this year, he joined the club as a special assistant to general manager Bill Schmidt with an emphasis on player development, a role that will have him on the road with minor league teams one week out of the month during the 2022 season. “I was able to set some boundaries and they were willing to work within the boundaries,” Hurdle said. “I still get to go home; I’m going to have my two weeks at home with my family, which is important to me.” Hurdle’s son is a junior at the Bradenton Christian School. He’s an avid rower, sculling for Manatee County Youth Rowing teams on the Manatee River and at Sarasota’s Nathan Benderson Park. Maddie, an animal-lover, works at AMI Beach and Dog Supply Company in Anna Maria and participates in a vocational program at Manatee High School. She was born with Prader-Willi Syndrome, a genetic disorder caused by a change on chromosome No. 15. “It affects these kids all across the board: fine motor skills, gross motor skills, walking, balance, and,

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Maddie and dad, clint hurdle, at the 2021 hot Stove Dinner. Islander Photo: Dara Townsend caudill

more often than not, nutritionally,” Hurdle said. “It makes them hungry from the time they wake up to the time they go to bed.” For nine years during Hurdle’s first stint with the Rockies, his family held a golf fundraiser for the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association, a nonprofit that supports PWS research, raises awareness about the condition and provides support to the people it impacts. He began managing the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2010 and, in 2015, staged the first Clint Hurdle Hot Stove Dinner PWSA fundraiser in the Bradenton area, where the ballclub holds spring training. Over the years, attendance at the event grew from about 80 to 150 people. In its first year, the dinner raised $50,000. In 2021, it raised $250,000. “Basically, we raise this money for the support groups that provide for the families out there that don’t have the support we have,” Hurdle said. In-person seats at this year’s event, set for 6 p.m. Saturday, March 26, at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach, are sold out, but virtual slots are available. Virtual attendees can participate in the live auction by proxy and also can purchase raffle tickets, golf balls for the helicopter “coconut” drop on the golf course and bid on silent auction items on the fundraiser’s website, e.givesmart.com/events/pgL/. Notable auction items include: • A stay in an eight-bedroom luxury estate in Kentucky Bourbon country with a tasting tour; • An overnight “Texas tank experience” where winners get to drive and fire a tank; • A Detroit Lions football helmet autographed by Barry Sanders. Hot Stove refers to MLB’s off season, back when fans gathered around a hot stove to discuss their team, and now to winter meetings, signings and trades. “Any donations we get can get put us ahead of the game,” Hurdle said. “Because not many people know about us and we’re just trying to get the word out and seek the hearts and the generosity of others to help us take care of our kids and our families.”

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Parenting: Betwixt and between during COVID-19 By Brook Morrison Islander reporter

Let’s rewind to March 2020. Anna Maria Elementary closed for spring break but did not reopen when the holiday ended. Parents were advised to visit the school and drive through a line at Anna Maria Elementary to collect paper bags of books, supplies and a laptop for at-home online learning. My son’s third-grade teacher included a photo of herself and wrote, “I miss you.” We held back tears. We were told to expect two weeks of virtual learning in the Manatee County School District but just learning the platform to help teach my son was pure h-e-double-hockey-sticks. A month earlier, in February 2020, I had read an article predicting a viral pandemic lasting three years, and that every person would know at least three people who would die due to the virus. What? No, I thought, the reporting must be wrong. The journalist was crazed by the pandemic. But then two weeks passed, then four, five, six weeks and many more. The world shut down and here my son and I were in the middle of a tiny 7-mile slice of heaven called Anna Maria Island. Time lapsed. Was it Wednesday? Saturday? The beaches closed to the public and we felt a combination of eerie abandonment and fear of the unknown. There was a larger order of crisis and we were on a ghost beach. There was silence, empty rentals and empty spaces and we felt strange. We laughed, cried, languished and got creative. We put together a lot of Legos. Days bled into each other as we walked the deserted island to Bean Point for sunshine and exercise. We connected with friends online, took exercise classes on Zoom, attended virtual courses, read, painted and caught up on sleep. Rarely did we social distance with friends or family and, when we did, it

aMe student oliver Morrison-Tirpak studies in March 2020 with mom during the start of coVID-19. Islander Photo: Brook Morrison

was on the beach. It was dystopian. The texts and calls from friends and family who had or knew someone with COVID-19 escalated. I found some had the super-size version of the virus and some were symptom-free. The pandemic depressingly disrupted our lives but then extremist politics made life even more grim. The best day of 2020? When AME announced students would return to in-person learning for the 2020-21 school year. Students would be taught in a classroom with teachers — our heroes. The second-best day was when a group of friends

and myself held a Zoom disco dance party. And now, the island heaves with visitors and new homeowners, including some new residents who have become dear friends. To say the pandemic changed my sense of comfort and disrupted stability while so many people suffered illness or died would be an understatement. Three people in my circle died during the past two years: we lost my maternal aunt, Frances Tate, as well as a beloved family friend and our local chiropractor. And there were other forms of loss. Now, as we enter the third year of the pandemic, it is with sadness I note the “crazed” journalist was correct. With a hurricane or earthquake, where we experience the weird timeless feeling associated with time out of time, the end is meant to be evident. But with this, we have no end. My son now is in the fifth-grade and recently memorized a poem, “Invictus,” written by William Ernest Henley in 1875. The opening paragraph refers to an “unconquerable soul” and the last two lines read, “I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.” I’m writing this piece while the war in Ukraine escalates, seeing and reading of another crisis of humanity at its worst and best. I hope for unconquerable souls.

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Page 14 THE ISLANDER | islander.org March 16, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Gathering

Rocking at Roser Barry & the Boomers will perform at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 20, at roser Memorial community church, 512 Pine ave., anna Maria. The concert is the final event in the church’s winter-spring concert series. Doors will open at 3 p.m. and a free-will offering makes the performance possible. The Bradenton-based ensemble plays oldies — from the 1950s to the ’70s. For more information, call the church office at 941-7780414. Islander courtesy Photo

By Lisa neff

Brown-baggers to learn about seashells, collecting

The Just Older Youth program March 18 at Roser Memorial Community Church will feature a talk by Elena Burke about identifying and ethically collecting seashells. Burke works with the Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department. An announcement from Roser said attendees will learn “what to do when your grandkids come in from the beach with a sand pail filled with shells.” The program will be 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, March 18, at the church fellowship hall, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Attendees should bring their lunches. JOY meets the second and fourth Fridays at Roser. For more information, call the church at 941-7780414.

Obituary

Marilyn Elizabeth Trevethan

Marilyn Elizabeth Trevethan, 93, of Bradenton, died March 4. Mrs. Trevethan was well known in Anna Maria Island real estate, connecting buyers with their home in paradise and, in her later years in the market, she specialized in Perico Island properties. She loved making people’s island dreams come true and did so into her 80s. She was a ray of sunshine who brought joy to everyone she met. She will be missed for her kindness, generosity and gentle spirit. A celebration of life will be private. Online condolences may be made at griffithcline.com. Mrs. Trevethan is survived by sister Barbara; daughters Allyson and Donnalyn; grandchildren Kimberly Schuldt, Karly and husband Jeremy Messimer and Trevor and wife Tasia Schuldt; great-grandchildren Ethan and Elliot Messimer; and nephews Mark and Gary.

Growing in Jesus’ Name

REGULAR WORSHIP

Most Wednesdays, 8 a.m., Episcopal Church of the Annunciation men’s breakfast meeting. Wednesdays, 9 a.m., Roser Church Hope Seeds packing. Wednesdays, 9 a.m., Roser Freedom through Faith Meditation program. Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m., Gloria Dei social gathering, at a private home. Please contact the church for more information. Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m., CrossPointe women’s Bible study. Wednesdays, 6:45 p.m., CrossPointe Wednesday Night Blast. Thursdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Roser Thrift Shop sales. Thursdays, 10 a.m., Longboat Chapel Shifting Sands support meeting. Thursdays, 4 p.m., Roser Church handbell class. Thursdays, 7 p.m., Roser Church chancel choir rehearsals. Thursdays, 9:30 a.m., Roser Church Roser Robics ﬁtness. Second and fourth Fridays, 11 a.m., Roser Just Older Youth meeting. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Roser Thrift Shop sales. Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Longboat Chapel thrift store sales. Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m., Roser Church Roser Robics ﬁtness.

Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-4769, stbernardcc.com. Thursdays 9:30 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1638, amiannunciation. org. Saturdays 4 p.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. 5 p.m. — Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive. Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1813, gloriadeilutheran.com. Sundays 8 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. 8:30 a.m. — Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414, roserchurch.com. 9 a.m. — CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-0719, crosspointefellowship.church. 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. — Roser Church. SPECIAL DATES 10 a.m. — Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian USA, Wednesdays until Easter, 5:30 p.m., Annunciation Lenten pro6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-900gram, including soup supper. 4903, christchurchoﬂbk.org. March 20, 4 p.m., Roser Winter Concert with Barry and the 10 a.m. — Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Boomers. Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-6491, longboatislandchapel. org. SAVE THE DATES 10:15 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. April 10, Palm Sunday. 10:30 a.m. — St. Bernard. April 15, Good Friday. ONGOING EVENTS April 15, Passover. April 17, Easter. Wednesdays, 7:15 a.m., St. Bernard Rosary on the Beach, Editor’s note: Times and dates can change due to weather or Manatee Public Beach, Holmes Beach. other circumstances. Consider calling ahead or checking a webWednesdays, 7 a.m., CrossPointe men’s Bible meeting. site.

Roser Church

Worship With Us at Our Church

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

Sunday Service 10:00 AM The Rev. Dr. Norman Pritchard

FRIDAY – SUNDAY

•

MARCH 18 – 20, 2022

Dr. John Byron will lead us in three days of teaching and fellowship.

“Being the Church in the 21st Century – A Personal Journey into Renewal” u u u u u u

Friday, March 18 • Dinner (by Chef Wiley Osborn) • 5:30 PM Session 1: “Being the Church in Exile” Saturday, March 19 • 9:00 AM Session 2: “Being the Church In the Story of God” Morning Break • 10:30 AM Session 3: “Being the Church to Your Neighbor” Lunch • 12:00 PM Optional • 1:00 PM “The Land of Israel” Sunday, March 20 • 10:00 AM Dr. Byron’s Sermon: “Being a 21st Century Church in a 1st Century Context”

Reservations Required - Please Call 941.383.8833

Fee: $25 pp - Includes Friday night dinner, Saturday break, lunch & four lectures.

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Text ROSER to 22828 to receive the weekly eBulletin The CHAPEL is open during office hours for prayer and meditation 941-778-0414 • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria • FOLLOW us on Facebook @RoserChurch 2022

E NRICHMENT WEEKEND

IN PERSON in the Sanctuary Nursery • Children’s Church ONLINE � Watch LIVE or LATER

Masks Are Optional Watch Our 10:00 AM Service Live: www.bit.ly/cclbksermons or www.christchurchoflbk.org (follow YouTube link)

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Roser Concert Series

• 4:00 PM SUN, MAR 20 • Free-will offering Doors open at 3:00

A Bradentonbased ensemble specializing in music from the 50s, 60s and 70s. From Frank Sinatra to Elvis to the Beatles to Johnny Cash...

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Come relive your youth! Sing along to all those songs you remember so well – songs that shaped your life.

941-778-0414 • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria • FOLLOW us on Facebook @RoserChurch

March 16, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 15 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Celebrating 60

Then and now

Milestone

Longtime aMI residents norman and eleanor cochran will celebrate a 70th wedding anniversary March 28. Islander courtesy Photos

Dale and Karen cini will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary March 17. They lived on anna Maria Island for years and then moved to harbor Isle on anna Maria Sound, Perico Island. The Islander asked their son, Todd cini, “Married on St. Pat’s Day? are they Irish or just lucky?” he replied, “They are not Irish but very lucky!” Islander courtesy Photo

Milestone

70th anniversary of ‘spring break’ wedding celebrated

Norman and Eleanor Cochran were college students in love. So they married during their senior-year spring break. They met their junior year at Duke University in North Carolina. They were dating each other’s roommates and they came from different backgrounds — he from the rural south and she from New England. But there was instant attraction that would prove longlasting. When they were married during that senior year, with Norman’s father, a Methodist minister, officiated. They settled abroad — two years at Wiesbaden, Germany, courtesy of the U.S. Air Force, where Norman worked as an accountant at the air base. They took advantage of weekend excursions to explore Europe and the Middle East. When they returned to the United States, they settled in Massachusetts and raised three girls. Too many New England winters lured them to Anna Maria Island, where they built a home, became active at Roser Memorial Community Church and enjoyed visits from relatives, including six grandchildren.

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

Sculpting tributes Sandcastle artists ronnie and ann Wooten, husband and wife from Statesville, north carolina, created sand sculptures daily during their recent stay in Bradenton Beach. They created several such sculptures in honor of their son, adam, who died in 2020, and each contains design elements significant to the family. The sculptures are on the beachfront at the Beach house resort, 1000 gulf Drive n., just north of the gulf Drive cafe. Islander Photo: courtesy Dennis capucilli

GoodDeeds

Players offer scholarships

The Island Players community theater group will award four $2,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors in Manatee County. “Island Players is pleased to announce that, as part of our community outreach and mission to encourage

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young adults to pursue their interest in the arts, we are once again offering scholarships.” Applicants must be planning to pursue higher education in the arts — dance, music, theater — according to the release. Students can access application packages at their schools. Applications must be submitted by Friday, April 15. For more information, call the Island Players at 941-778-5755.

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Page 18 THE ISLANDER | islander.org March 16, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

BBPD on the hunt for abandoned boats By robert anderson Islander reporter

Law enforcement is on the prowl. The Bradenton Beach Police Department has been working with a $25,000 grant from the West Coast Inland Navigation District to clear abandoned and nonseaworthy vessels from Sarasota Bay near the city’s shore. According to BBPD Chief John Cosby, since the start of the initiative in 2012, the city has removed more than 68 derelict vessels and the count of existing derelict vessels had fallen to 15 as of March 11. At a recent meeting of the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, Cosby touted the work of BBPD Officer Eric Hill and others in the department in curbing the problem of abandoned property in the city’s anchorage in Sarasota Bay, south of the Historic Bridge Street Pier. Cosby also mentioned the need for a shallow draft boat to allow the department to better navigate the waters in BBPD’s jurisdiction. That jurisdiction extends from Cortez Road to the first channel of Sarasota Bay and ends at Eighth Street South. The state defines “abandoned property” as “all tangible personal property that does not have an identifiable owner and that has been disposed on public

property in a wrecked, inoperative, or partially dismantled condition or has no apparent intrinsic value to the rightful owner. This term includes derelict vessels.” A vessel owner in the waters off Bradenton Beach must be able to demonstrate a boat can maneuver under its own power safely and prove general seaworthiness. Owners also must have proof of valid registration. Police can ask for a demonstration of seaworthiness at any time and, according to the BBPD, vessels lacking an owner or that are adrift, grounded or sunk are tagged as abandoned and are destined for removal and destruction. The problems are not limited to Bradenton Beach. Per the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Coman abandoned vessel is marked March 6 with a mission: “Florida is plagued with many abandoned Bradenton Beach Police red tag, signaling immivessels. These vessels become derelict vessels quickly nent removal. Islander Photo: robert anderson and then subject the boating public to safety issues, Illegal disposal methods include: become locations for illegal activity, illegal housing, • Sinking a boat without DEP and U.S. Corp of opportunities for theft and vandalism and ultimately cost the taxpayers to be removed by … authorities.” Army Engineers approval and permitting. • Discarding or letting a vessel drift. The FWC warns that property owners who dispose • Abandoning a vessel at mooring, ramp or groundof vessels in an irresponsible manner may be commiting along a shoreline; ting a crime. • Burning the vessel in open water.

Holmes Beach water committee schedules workshop By ryan Paice Islander reporter

Holmes Beach’s Clean Water Committee is finding its footing. CWC members reached consensus March 9 to schedule a workshop later this month to hammer out the basics — goals, objectives, budget items, etc. City commissioners created the committee last year to recommend improvements to water quality on and around Anna Maria Island.

The group has met four times and, in that time, has heard from a couple of special guests and discussed several issues, such as algae mitigation. CWC Chair Ron Huibers wrote in a March 10 email to The Islander that the workshop would allow them to “update our CWC objectives, work through and prioritize the actions and recommendations we would propose to the city based on learnings to date and the community playbook.” Huibers said the committee scheduled a workshop

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instead of a regular meeting to focus on “a few key areas.” Meanwhile, Sarasota Bay Estuary Program executive director Dave Tomasko, invited as a guest speaker March 9, delivered a message to the committee. “What happens in Tampa Bay affects your water quality,” Tomasko said. “You guys can do everything right and it may not be enough unless everyone around you does the right things.” Tomasko said more than 200 million gallons of polluted wastewater was released last year into the Tampa Bay estuary from the Piney Point phosphate plant, adding 200 tons of nitrogen in 10 days. He said the incident led to the worst red tide and lyngbya blooms the area had seen in years. “Piney Point was, without a doubt, the worst thing to happen to this area in 50 years,” Tomasko said. “It needs to be shut down.” He urged the committee to do what it can to keep pressure on the state to safely dispose of the closed facility’s remaining reservoirs of contaminated wastewater and, until that happens, it serves as a “kind of gun held to our heads.” State lawmakers earmarked $100 million last year to help resolve problems at the site. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection wrote in a March 9 news release that it was “laser-focused” on closing the facility and was reviewing a closure plan submitted by a court-appointed receiver. The CWC workshop will be at 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 23, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. The meeting will be open to the public. Directions to attend via Zoom will be available at holmesbeachfl.org.

March 16, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 19 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Anna Maria clears pier inspection, Mote to move forward

clams could improve water quality, while detractors say they would make minimal impact. The commission has explored the project at several meetings, invited guest speakers to discuss its scientific standing and directed staff to explore other options to remove nutrients from local water, such as adding stormwater infiltration trenches. Murphy said local businessman/Sandbar Restaurant owner Ed Chiles, a GSI founding board member, would make his “last pitch” for the project at the commission’s next meeting. “We’ve been talking about this for quite some time, and it’s time to come to a conclusion,” Murphy said. The commission’s next regular meeting is at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 24, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive N. The meeting will be open to the public. Directions to attend via Zoom can be found at cityofannamaria. com.

By ryan Paice Islander reporter

All options are on the table for Mote Marine Laboratory’s proposed educational outreach center at the Anna Maria City Pier. Mayor Dan Murphy said March 10 that Sarasotabased Infrastructure Solutions Services finished its inspection of the pier and found it fit to house live display tanks that previously came into question. Mote agreed in September 2021 to lease the empty 1,800-square-foot empty space on the pier and has been planning the interior. Mote’s options include one with four marine live display tanks featuring fish and crustaceans on view and a second option that replaces the live tanks with interactive media displays, such as a livestream underwater video at the pier. It first proposed the live tank option, but added a second option due to concerns about whether the pier structure could support the weight of live tanks. Murphy said the inspection concluded that the pier’s design and condition was satisfactory for the live tank option. He said inspectors found small issues, such as spalling — when concrete peels or chips away from the surface — but nothing that would impact its structural integrity. Murphy said he was set to meet with Mote representatives to review the inspection results and discuss the project. He added that Mote may present its plans for the outreach center at the city’s next regular meeting on March 24. Clam project Murphy said commissioners also would revisit a proposed clam-seeding project at their next meeting. The city earmarked $50,000 of $740,432 received from the U.S. American Rescue Plan to address environmental issues, including red tide. A collection of four contractors, supported by Pal-

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a blue heron approaches Bradenton resident Ken hamilton, who netted a couple of mullet while casting March 9 off the walkway at the anna Maria city Pier. The city is exploring plans for Mote Marine Laboratory to add an educational outreach center in the empty building at the pier’s T-end. Islander Photo: ryan Paice

metto-based Gulf Shellfish Institute, a nonprofit that would provide collaborative oversight, proposed using the money to seed 1 million-2 million southern hard clams along the city’s northern shoreline on Tampa Bay and Bimini Bay. Proponents believe seeding filter feeders such as

Holmes Beach police and West Manatee Fire Rescue firefighters extinguished a house fire March 9 at 6812 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. WMFR Chief Ben Rigney told The Islander March 10 that a service employee from Bradentonbased Air & Energy was working at the property when a small fire began in the HVAC system. Rigney said WMFR staff was investigating the cause of the incident, which was reported around 4 p.m. Rigney said firefighters extinguished the fire quickly using a water can and the property was cleared by 5 p.m. He added that the fire resulted in “no major damage” to the property and nobody was injured. — ryan Paice

ALL CLAMS ON DECK Many of us are very concerned about the increased pressure on our local coastal waters. The news lately in this regard is not good. There are historic numbers of manatee deaths and a 20 % loss of seagrass in our estuaries. Not only are we seeing more episodes of harmful algal blooms like red tide and Lingbya but they are lasting longer and are often more intense. The tremendous growth that our area is experiHQFLQJ UHVXOWV LQ PRUH UXQ R൵ IURP QXtrients like nitrogen and phosphorus near our shore waters. Inadequate wastewater treatment facilities are one of the major sources of nutrient loading into our national estuaries. The Piney Point spill added over 250 million gallons of heavily nutrient-laden water directly into Tampa Bay. Dave Tomasko, the Director of the Sarasota Bay National Estuary Program, equated that to 14 semi-trailers dumping full loads RI IHUWLOL]HU R൵ WKH 6N\ZD\ %ULGJH LQWR Tampa Bay. Indeed, that spill caused a red tide bloom that moved in at the same time to bloom up and wreak havoc for weeks in Tampa and St. Pete waters. Had the curUHQWV EHHQ GL൵HUHQW WKH PDMRU H൵HFWV WKDW WKH\ VX൵HUHG FRXOG KDYH GHYDVWDWHG RXU waters. There is a full spectrum of issues that must be addressed to stop nutrient loading into our coastal waters and to promote coastal resiliency. We are living on the edge of the largest gulf in the world. We are the only place in the country that has three national estuaries. These are in large part the nurseries of the Gulf of MexLFR 7KH *XOI 6KHOO¿VK ,QVWLWXWH LV SHUXVing a federal, state and local initiative to use our three national estuaries, as a giant laboratory, to bring together the science DQG GDWD WR HVWDEOLVK WKH H൶FDF\ RI XVLQJ ELYDOYHV VSHFL¿FDOO\ FODPV DQG VHDJUDVV as biological mitigation strategies to clean water and promote coastal resiliency.

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy is recommending that $50,000 of American Rescue Plan funding be allocated to help launch this pilot program. A group of concerned Island residents has put forth a $50,000 challenge match. An approval could ultimately mean a $150,000 investment for clean water. There will be a presentation about the project at the next Anna Maria City Council meeting on Thursday, March 24 at 6PM, 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Contact Anna Maria City Commissioners in support of this important work to promote coastal resiliency and protect the paradise that we love. •Carol, Carter, Vice-Mayor, amcommcarter@cityofannamaria.com •Jonathan Crane, Commissioner, amcommcrane@cityofannamaria.com •Doris “Deanie” Sebring, Commissioner, amcommsebring@cityofannamaria.com •Mark Short, Commissioner, amcommshort@cityofannamaria.com •Robert Kingan, Commissioner, amcommkingan@cityofannamaria.com •Dan Murphy, Mayor, ammayor@ cityofannamaria.com

Thanks to Senator Boyd and Rep. Will Robinson, the Florida Legislature has approved HB 9161 for $2.5 million in funding to further this clam and seagrass restoration project. With local funding, the City of Anna Maria is poised to be at the forefront of this pivotal clean water work. More information is available at AllClamsonDeck.org, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Content provided by: The Chiles Group. Photo credit: Rusty Chinnis

Page 20 THE ISLANDER | islander.org March 16, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Streetlife

Staff reports

Island police reports

Anna Maria March 7, 100 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria City Pier, trespassing. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report that six males jumped a gate at the pier, entering the property after hours. A deputy informed the transgressors of the pier hours and restrictions and they left without further incident. March 8, 700 block of Fern, flooding. The MCSO responded to a complaint that a pool was being pumped out and the water was flooding the neighborhood. A deputy contacted the pool company servicing the property to stop the pump. The MCSO polices Anna Maria. Bradenton Beach March 3, 103 Gulf Drive S., Circle K, trespass. An officer with the Bradenton Beach Police Department responded to complaints from management, who stated two people were “hanging out” underneath the elevated building in a utility area. The officer approached and identified the subjects, who were issued trespass warnings and asked to leave, which they did. March 4, 1301 Gulf Drive N., Silver Surf Resort, property damage. An officer responded in reference to property damage. An employee, while attempting

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to reverse in the parking lot, struck a guest’s vehicle, causing damage. No injuries were reported. March. 6, 2400 Block of Gulf Drive South, trespass. A BBPD police officer responded to a call from Manatee County Code Enforcement regarding an attempted illegal vessel launch of a kayak at the Longboat Pass Bridge from the Bradenton Beach side. When the officer advised the subject he could not launch his kayak at that location, the subject became belligerent. The officer trespassed the subject from the park and the subject complied. The BBPD polices Bradenton Beach. Cortez No new reports. The MCSO polices Cortez. Holmes Beach March 2, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, disturbing public meeting. Two people joined a planning commission meeting via Zoom. After the meeting started, the pair began playing inappropriate videos, including one of a naked man. Zoom access to the meeting was shut down and the city clerk provided a statement. March 3, 5600 block of Marina Drive, missing person. An officer responded to reports of a missing person pinged on Gulf Drive by OnStar and HBPD found a vehicle registered to that person. The officer conducted a traffic stop and spoke with the driver, who said she was lost. The officer transported her to the Holmes Beach Police Department so a family member could pick her up. March 3, Dunkin’, 3302 E. Bay Drive, recovered property. An officer saw a photo posted on Facebook about someone stealing an electric bicycle and recognized the alleged culprit. The officer tracked the person to his workplace and made contact with the person,

who admitted taking the bike. The officer took the bike to the HBPD, where it was retrieved by its owner. March 3, 4000 block of Gulf Drive, reckless driving. An officer saw a speeding motorist and conducted a traffic stop, which the driver attempted to escape. The officer contacted the driver, who denied trying to elude the officer, and a court summons was issued. March 4, HBPD, 5801 Marina Drive, fraud. A person called the HBPD to report that her son paid for a gift card from an island business that seemed not to exist. The officer advised it was a civil issue and directed the complainant to the Better Business Bureau and the company that sold the card. March 5, Anchor Inn, 3007 Gulf Drive, trespass. An officer responded to reports of a public disturbance and spoke with an employee, who requested the officer trespass three people. The officer trespassed them and provided the employee with a case card. March 6, 800 block of Manatee Avenue, speeding. An officer clocked a motorist driving 80 mph in a 35-mph zone and conducted a traffic stop. The officer issued a citation. March 7, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, trespass. An officer responded to complaints about a man exposing his genitals to beachgoers. The officer found the man, who was wearing a thong-type undergarment and observed that his genitals could be seen. The officer told the man to get dressed and trespassed him from the beach. March 8, 2800 block of Avenue E, Baker Act. Officers responded to a caller at the residence where the where the call originated but was disconnected. The officers found a woman who said a male at the residence allegedly suffered post-traumatic stress disorder. The subject exited the home and charged at an officer, who drew his firearm. The man then changed direction and ran into the street yelling. The officer caught the man and handcuffed him. He was transported to the Centerstone Behavioral Hospital in Bradenton. HBPD polices Holmes Beach. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

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Safety first in the water Tom Bardwell, the father of a 3-year-old child who drowned in the family’s residential swimming pool april 2021, speaks March 10 about the tragedy with family members at his side during a news conference about drowning prevention. The West Manatee Fire rescue District organized the news conference at the Kingfish Boat ramp in holmes Beach, with officials from Manatee county and holmes Beach attending. The conference was held in response to two incidents that have occurred this year and to increase awareness ahead of spring break. Islander Photos: ryan Paice BeLoW: People hold signs March 10 with messages promoting water safety, including “SWIM LeSSonS SaVe LIVeS,” at a news conference in holmes Beach about drowning prevention.

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FISH harvests festival bounty, sets board elections By Kane Kaiman Islander Reporter

Look whose got the clams. The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage netted approximately $85,000 from the 40th annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival Feb. 19-20. At a March 7 meeting at Fishermen’s Hall in Cortez, members of the nonprofit’s board unanimously voted to use $12,000 of the proceeds for an advance mortgage payment. FISH recently combined mortgages on the former LeMasters’ property — three parcels of land within the 100-acre nature preserve the nonprofit has been restoring since 2005 — and Fishermen’s Hall, 4515 124th St. W., Cortez, a meeting place and former church. FISH can pay off the mortgage in seven years if the organization contributes an additional $1,000 to its $1,300 monthly payments, FISH treasurer Jane von Hahmann told The Islander March 8. “It feels good to have the promise already taken care of, of doing $1,000 additional a month. We said that was our goal for the year and we just accomplished our goal,” she said. This year’s proceeds rank second on the all-time festival revenue list — the organization brought in about $90,000 in 2016. Due to the pandemic, FISH did not hold a festival, its primary fundraiser, in 2021.

FISH board members Angela Collins, left, Lance Plowman, Susan Buckland and Kim McVey crunch numbers. Islander Photo: Kane Kaiman

The 2022 celebration put the nonprofit, dedicated to maintaining Cortez’s commercial fishing legacy, in a better place financially, von Hahmann said. “It just made us feel like we’re back again. Because the last two years, not knowing what was going to happen and not getting to have 2021, really impacted us. We got our savings back to where it was and we still can pay against our mortgage. It’s just exciting

to know that, from a financial standpoint, we’re very much on solid ground,” she said. About 15,000 people attended the festival — 2,000 shy of the celebration’s 2016 attendance record — and spent approximately $184,000 on food and beverage tickets, $56,000 on gate donations and $26,130 on T-shirts and posters. Fishers fill the hall Four candidates will pursue four open seats on the FISH board at the membership meeting April 25: • Karen Bell, owner of A.P. Bell Fish Co., Star Fish restaurant and co-owner of Tide Tables Restaurant; • Pat Potts, treasurer of the Cortez Village Historical Society; • Lance Plowman, a charter fishing captain and owner of Florida Fishing Fleet charters; • Nathan Meschelle, a commercial fishing captain, owner of Inseine Fish Harvest and president of the Cortez chapter of the Organized Fishermen of Florida. If Bell, Plowman and Meschelle are elected, five members — including commercial fisher Tim Caniff and Cortez Bait and Seafood vice president Kim McVey — of the organization’s 11-member board will rely on fishing for a living. The next board meeting will be 7 p.m. Monday, April 4, at Fishermen’s Hall in Cortez. For more, call 941-301-4000. A sea of people crowds the food vendor area at the February Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival. Islander Photo: Kane Kaiman

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By Lisa Neff

Nature ‘Beyond’ imagination

Sometimes a reporting assignment is ho-hum. And sometimes a gig is “woo-hoo.” And it’s “woo-hoo” I went on entering the “Beyond Van Gogh Sarasota” experience at the Starry Night Pavilion at University Town Center in Sarasota. French-Canadian creative director Mathieu St-Arnaud, with a team at Montreal’s Normal Studio, designed “Beyond Van Gogh,” featuring more than 300 of Vincent Van Gogh’s works projected to an original score. The exhibit opened March 4. neff I missed a different immersive Van Gogh experience a year ago, so this show was a must-do. The Dali in St. Petersburg hosted “Van Gogh Alive” and, when I heard about the show in December 2020, I told you of my plans to attend. “Before the coronavirus pandemic, I would have traveled anywhere in the country to experience the exhibit,” I wrote. “Now the opportunity exists on the other side of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.” But I delayed my visit in December 2020, Janu-

Wild they remain a diamondback terrapin. The Florida Fish and Wildlife conservation commission this month instituted regulatory changes that prevent people from collecting terrapins from the wild. collection and possession is prohibited, with the exception of permitted scientific research. For more information about the freshwater/brackish water turtles, go online to myfwc.com. Islander Photo: courtesy FWc

Visitors are immersed in the “Beyond Van gogh” experience — in Sarasota through april 24. For more information, go to vangoghsarasota.com or call 800-441-0819. Islander Photo: Paquin entertainment group

ary 2021, February 2021 and on into March 2021, all while waiting for eligibility for a vaccine against the coronavirus. When I finally found myself fully vaccinated and ready to visit, “Van Gogh Alive” was gone. But now, closer to home, “Beyond Van Gogh” is immersing visitors in the artist’s work and also his experiences in nature. Finally, I ventured into a preview of the “Beyond Van Gogh,” where art historian Fanny Curtat, who helped create the experience, guided me through the 50,000 square-foot space. Near the entrance, in the “introduction hall,” empty frames symbolized what isn’t included in “Beyond Van Gogh” — the actual paintings — while statements by the artist and art experts appear on lighted fabric displays, including those titled “Embracing freedom,” “Brotherhood” and “Healing nature.” “People here can get to learn a little bit more about

Vincent,” Curtat said. “Here’s an opportunity to not only learn a little bit more about his life but also each panel is designed to help a 21st-century audience connect with a 19th-century artist. How is he still relevant? Why is he still widely popular?” Words on one panel read, “Nature is central to Van Gogh’s work. While his earlier paintings show the true beauty of land and those who work it, his later works fully embrace the exuberance of nature. Dreading the city and its temptations, Van Gogh sought the countryside as much for its visual richness as for its healing qualities. Enthralled by the circle of life and fascinated by figures like the reaper and the sower, Van Gogh imbued his landscapes with a sense of transcendence. To experience his work is to reconnect oneself with the sublimity of nature.” I sought to reconnect and stepped inside the “immersive room,” where Van Gogh’s masterpieces — freed from frames — appeared, disappeared and danced across the surfaces. Standing in a virtual South of France, I asked Curtat about Van Gogh’s connection with nature and the environment. “The environment? Oh my, God,” she said. “It was everything, everything.” Soil was sacred. Natural beauty was celebrated. Van Gogh studied and painted the cycle of seasons. He showed us the cycle of life with apple blossoms. “And the sun!” Curtat said. “The sun is the most important symbol for him.” I mentioned to her the imaginative island-based artists who’ve celebrated Van Gogh in their own paintings — sunflowers on the beach, iris alongside beach paths and, especially prominent, a starry night at the Anna Maria City Pier. She’s not surprised, especially about a starry night on AMI. “It’s the one where you see all this movement, all of this energy. It’s fascinating,” she said of Van Gogh’s original. The projection show looped back to the beginning and I took another trip into the “Beyond,” sitting amid Van Gogh’s sunflowers, standing with the sower, turning and turning in the starry night.

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KRC women’s title decided, champs crowned in youth football By Kevin P. cassidy Islander reporter

And then there was one. Seven Key Royale Club women battled it out in a three-week, singleelimination match-play tournament to determine the 2022 Ladies Club Champion. The final match March 7 came down to two players, defending champ Debbie Wohlers and Jenny cassidy Huibers. Huibers prevailed in a closely fought match with a 2-and-1 victory — up two strokes with one hole left to play. Her eagle on the sixth hole cinched the game for the new women’s champ. With the title, she has the premier parking place at the club for 12 months. The men played their weekly modified- Stableford system match March 7 and Jack Lowry’s score of plus-4 was good enough for first place. The quintet of Tim Friessen, Jon Holcomb, Greg Shorten, Bill Shuman and Quentin Talbert were all a point back in second place. The women played their weekly nine-hole individual-low-net match in three flights March 8. Linda Dorsey rode birdies on the first and second holes to a 2-under-par 30 for first place in Flight A by a stroke over second-place finisher Sue Wheeler. Debbie Duverney and Roxanne Koche tied for third at even-par 32. Laurie Hicks fired the low-net round of the day with a 6-under-par 26 in Flight B to edge Judy Christenson by a stroke. Judy Todd, Sue Christensen and Connie Livanos were in a three-way tie for third at 1-under-par 31.

Signups begin in youth soccer

Registration is ongoing for the community center’s youth soccer league for players ages 3-17. The cost for the season is $10 for members and $130 for nonmembers, with the last day to register March 28. The season gets going March 29, with player evaluations at 5:30 p.m. for ages 8-10; 7:30 p.m. for ages 11-13; and 7:30 p.m. for ages 14-17. Games will be played Tuesday evenings and some Wednesdays if needed. Preseason games will kick off the soccer league April 12, with the season schedule starting April 19. For more information, contact the center, 941-7781908, ext 217, or connor@centerami.org.

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champion Jenny huibers, left, and defending champ Debbie Wohlers pose March 7 at the Key royale club. huibers defeated Wohlers 2-and-1 for the title Krc Ladies championship. Islander Photo: courtesy Krc

Janet Razze carded a 5-under-par 27 to earn a three-stroke victory in Flight C. Terry Westby came in second at 2-under-par 30, while Barb Harrold, who chipped in on the first hole, was another stroke back in third.

Flag football youth finale Championship night in the youth flag football league at the Center of Anna Maria Island kicked off Indoor soccer playoffs begin March 8 with a semifinal game in the 8-10 division for The regular season is over for the adult indoor soccer league at the center gym and it’s win or go home for the playoffs. No. 1 and No. 2 seeds Sato Real Estate and Beach Bums received first-round byes into the semifinals and watched quarterfinal action March 10 that began with Gulfview Windows & Doors eliminating Progressive Cabinetry 21-7. The second game saw Slim’s Place earn a 6-0 shutout victory over Mi-Box. Semifinal games are set for 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., followed by the championship match at 9 p.m. Thursday, March 17. Horseshoe news Horseshoe action at the city of Anna Maria horseSkyway’s no limit for runners shoe pits was short and sweet this past week. The runners get the “go” for the Sunshine Skyway 10K, March 9 games saw two teams advance to the knockheld March 6 on the Bob graham Sunshine Skyway out stage with 3-0 records. Tom Skoloda walked his Bridge. The race, including registration fees, benway to the winner’s circle with a 22-14 victory over efits the armed Forces Families Foundation. overall, Rod Bussey and Tom Farrington. Action on March 12 Ian Walsh, 35, of Bradenton, finished first with a was rained out. time of 31:57:56. abby Torrance, 36, of St. PetersPlay begins at 9 a.m. every Wednesday and Satburg, finished first among females with a time of urday at the Anna Maria pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 42:11:30. at least 18 runners entered the race from a.m., followed by random team selection. aMI. Islander Photo: courtesy Skyway 10K There is no charge to play.

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Prosper Bradenton and Moss Builders. Moss Builders held on for a 33-26 victory. The second semifinal game saw Solid Rock Construction hold on for a 26-25 victory over Beach Bums. Though the championship game lacked the drama of the two semifinal matchups, it was a competitive game that saw Moss Builders outscore Solid Rock Construction by a 27-15 score. Moss Builders was led by the Mason Moss-Austin Guess connection, which produced three TDs. Moss also hit Turner Worth for a TD and an extra point, while Miles Moss finished with two extra points in the victory. Solid Rock received two TD passes from Van Havell to Colson Mendiola and Mckenna Darak, who also had an extra point in the loss. The 11-13 division semifinals got started with Moss Builders eliminating Nissan of Bradenton 27-17. The second 11-13 semifinal game saw Blalock Walters cruise to a 29-14 victory over HSH Designs. The championship game saw Moss Builders hold on for a 27-25 victory thanks in part to the Mason Moss-Greg Jordan connection, which produced three TDs from Jordan, a 2-point conversion and an extra point. Mason Moss completed the scoring with a TD run. Ashton Hovda passed for three TDs, including two to brother Peyton Hovda and one to Liam Proud. Jackson Zoller ran for another score, while Cale Rudacille completed the scoring with an extra point in the loss. Catch up on all the football action from the semis and the championship games, including photos, online at islander.org.

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Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

Mar 16 Mar 17 Mar 18 Mar 19 Mar 20 Mar 21 Mar 22 Mar 23

12:46p 12:53p 12:33a 1:17a 2:04a 2:57a 4:03a 5:49a

HIGH

1.4 11:49p 1.5 — 2.0 1:03p 1.9 1:20p 1.8 1:41p 1.6 2:08p 1.3 2:40p 1.1 3:18p

HIGH

2.0 — 1.7 1.8 2.0 2.2 2.3 2.4

LOW

6:04a -0.3 5:36p 0.7 6:31a -0.1 6:13p 0.4 6:56a 0.0 6:53p 0.2 7:20a 0.2 7:35p 0.0 7:42a 0.4 8:24p -0.2 8:01a 0.7 9:19p -0.3 8:14a 0.9 10:26p -0.3 8:02a 1.0 11:47p -0.4

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

Moon

Full

March 16, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 25 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Fish plentiful. So keep what you need to keep it that way By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

Springtime fishing is in full swing in the waters surrounding Anna Maria Island. You might find interruptions in the bite due to strong March winds and a cold front but most days on the water are successful ones. Fishing the flats in Tampa Bay south to Sarasota Bay is resulting in many successful days. Using live bait such as shiners is working for spotted Stasny seatrout, redfish and snook and limits of these fish are attainable. You might find catching keeper-size snook challenging but if you’re an avid, local angler you know that’s usually the case. In fact, many locals, when they catch keeper-size snook, opt to release the large fish to live another day. Before you harvest a snook, make sure you know the regulations. Harvest is open in all Florida waters of Manatee County north of State Road 64, including waters of the Braden River and tributaries of the Manatee River, but excluding all waters of Palma Sola Bay. A snook permit is required and bag limit is one snook per person per day and must measure not less than 28 inches or more than 33 inches total length. Snook remains catch-and-release for state waters south of State Road 64 — Sarasota Bay through Gordon Pass in Collier County. For the redfish and spotted seatrout, many are finding their way into the cooler. Spotted seatrout are a good choice for harvest as they seem to regenerate their numbers quite sufficiently. And with the redfish regulations limiting anglers to one fish per person per day in the slot of 18-27 inches, these fish are able to remain sustainable. Ultimately, the best scenario is catch-and-release, although keeping enough fish for a meal is adequate to keep our fishery at sustainable levels. Especially in the inshore waters when targeting the top trio of

Steve Duryea of Hunterdon County, New Jersey, shows off a nice redfish he “fought hard” and released March 5 in Tampa Bay near the Palmetto shoreline. Duryea, visiting his parents’ home in Holmes Beach, fished with Capt. Nick Costello.

Wayne Stephenson, Larry Thomas and Johnny Miller pose March 7 with a slotsize snook caught on a guided fishing trip with Capt. Scott Moore. The anglers each caught an inshore slam — snook, redfish and trout — on the day.

sportfish — snook, trout and redfish. The days of filling the cooler on every trip are over and seem to be frowned upon by many anglers. My family and I like to eat fish as much as the next but only keeping what you need for dinner ensures we have a fishery in the future. Offshore, the bite is resembling the inshore bite with its spring time abundance. Inside depths of 120 feet of water, red grouper are dominating the bite around hard-bottom areas and ledges. Live pinfish as bait on a bottom rig is being engulfed by large red grouper. Live shiners are working well for grouper and, since they’re smaller in size, they’re attracting mangrove and vermilion snappers to the hook. Amberjack also are on the prowl, taking baits fished toward the surface in mid-depths in the water column. Lastly, permit are a favorite right now and they’re being found around wrecks and reefs. On my Just Reel charters, my clients are enjoying great action on snook and trout. Both species are cooperating as water temperatures are settling into the mid 70s. I’m seeing many large trout in the 20-inch plus range being caught, as well as twice as many slot-sized fish of 15-19 inches. Most snook being caught are 20-26 inches with an occasional larger fish mixed in, which is fine with me as I don’t care to harvest snook. Mixing in other species — jacks, mackerel and bluefish — is working well to round out the day. These fish put up a great fight and are abundant throughout our waters. Capt. Jason Stock is finding good action while working offshore structure in the Gulf of Mexico. Targeting permit over wrecks, reefs and other structure is a highlight this week, according to Stock. Casting free-lined live crabs over these areas is resulting in many hookups on these elusive fish. Most permit are 10-20 pounds, although a handful of catches went to 30 pounds. Amberjack are being caught frequently, especially when fishing around wrecks and natural springs in the Gulf of Mexico. Using live shiners and pinfish is attracting the fish to bite, says Stock. The grouper and snapper bite is occurring offshore, inside 120 feet of water, where mangrove and vermil-

ion snapper are cooperating nicely. As for the grouper, red grouper are dominating the bite. Capt. Warren Girle is finding good results while working the deep grass flats in Tampa Bay. Free-lining live shiners as bait is working well in these areas for a variety of species. The migratory fish — jack crevalle, bluefish and Spanish mackerel — are voraciously taking the bait along with quite a few hooks. These toothy fish are notorious for cutting right through a fluorocarbon leader when they hit. Using a wire leader to prevent cutoffs is futile, as in most instances the water is clear, which enables the fish to see the leader. In other words, an ample amount of hooks are needed to target these fish because you will be rerigging often. Over the deep grass flats, Girle is finding ample spotted seatrout and a great opportunity to put a keeper-size fish in the cooler for dinner. Pompano are present and taking small jigs tipped with fresh-cut shrimp. Capt. Dave White says he’s seeing a lot of healthy looking redfish and snook being reeled to the boat by his clients. Free-lining live shiners over shallow grass flats is working best to achieve this goal. And White is running numerous fly fishing trips for reds and snook, despite windy conditions. Spotted seatrout also are being caught, especially over deep grass during the swift-moving tides. Moving offshore, White is putting clients on plenty of red grouper, mangrove snapper and African pompano. Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says sheepshead are dominating the bite at the northernmost pier on AMI. Pier fishers using live shrimp are catching numerous sheepies weighing in at 2-3 pounds. Live shrimp also is attracting a few black drum and redfish to bite. Both are being caught in keeper-sizes, according to Malfese. Lastly, many snook at arriving at the pier, although most are not taking baits — yet. You can plan on seeing the bite improve as water temperatures rise. Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

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Page 26 THE ISLANDER | islander.org March 16, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

isl

Freckled Fin bartender Mackenzie Para serves patrons on St. Patrick’s Day 2021 at the Irish pub with a beach vibe in holmes Beach. Islander Photo: courtesy Freckled Fin

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book store. glasses and shirts. The Red Barn offers tenants low overhead and For more information on the Freckled Fin, 5337 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, visit freckledfin.com or startup costs, making it a haven for mom-and-pop busithe Freckled Fin Irish Pub Facebook page or call 941- nesses that might otherwise struggle to survive. Regardless of the weather, shoppers can remain 251-3930. comfortable as 80,000 square feet of the market’s 145,000-square-foot retail space is air-conditioned. Barnstorming Sterrett owns the Red Barn with siblings Dan and Snowbirds are flocking to the Red Barn Flea Mike Shepard. Market. When her late father, Carl Shepard, opened the “We’re seeing people we haven’t seen in a few years, so that’s been very nice,” marketing director Red Barn in 1981, it featured 10 booths. Today, there are more than 600. Linda Sterrett said March 9. For more information, visit redbarnfleamarket.com After the worst of the pandemic, the Red Barn — comprising a traditional flea market, plaza shops, or call 941-747-3794. food courts and open-air farmer’s markets — saw attendance grow until larger crowds began to appear Flowers bloom bright The past few years have been no bed of roses for in February. Snowbirds — which Sterrett estimates account for many in the floral industry but a Bradenton Beach about 70% of the market’s business in the late winter outfit has smelled success all along. In 2020 and 2021, nurseries around the world and spring — come for the music, food and treasuredestroyed millions of flowers a day during pandemic hunt-like shopping experience. Notable vendors include El Tio Carlos, an award- lockdowns and government unrest in Colombia and winning Mexican eatery; the Pearled Nautilus, a Ecuador — the United States’ top cut-flower suppliFlorida souvenir and shell shop; Everything Florida, ers — caused supply chain issues for florists, many of a beach shop; the Painted Gate, an eclectic gift store which were forced to close their doors for good. Fortunately, Blooms by the Beach, 2501 Gulf and S&T Collectibles, a sports memorabilia and comic Drive N., Unit 101, Bradenton Beach, has avoided supply-chain and pricing problems, owner Felica Goett ARCHIMEDES 30+ YEARS EXPERIENCE No Money Down Reliable On Time Every Time

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Kiss me, I’m an Islander We’ll be an Emerald Isle March 17 thanks to Freckled Fin Irish Pub. The bar’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration starts at the top o’ the morning — 9 a.m. — and rocks around the clock until 1 a.m. “It’s the best party of the year and every year it gets bigger,” owner Rick Hurst said. Hurst and his team will prepare more than 1,500 free Jell-O shots for the occasion and have ordered 900 Kaiman pounds of corned beef and 40 kegs of beer — 12 of them Guinness. From 9-9:30 a.m., pub visitors will be treated to a free shot of Jameson whiskey. The Irish fare will include the bar’s corned beef and cabbage entree and Reuben sandwiches. The corned beef, which Hurst said the pub takes seriously, is seared and slow-roasted up to 24 hours. “If you’re an Irish restaurant, you’d better have good corned beef,” he said, adding, “I think we’re the best at it.” From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., musician Josh Gilton will entertain pubgoers with Irish ditties, including “The Wild Rover,” “The Fields of Athenry” and “Whiskey in the Jar.” DJ Chaos will take the stage in the afternoon, giving way to Acoustic Thunder at 6 p.m. Throughout the day, celebrants will be showered with free “St. Patrick’s Day swag,” including beads,

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March 16, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 27 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Islander archive 24/7

Red Barn Flea Market owner Linda Sterrett shows off the August 1980 “Star Wars,” issue No. 38, March 10. The comic book is priced $150 by owner Steve O’Brien at the S&T Collectibles store in the “Barn.” Islander Photo: Courtesy Mike Shepard

Some years ago, The Islander was invited to take part in a pilot project with the University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries. It took some time,

but it’s all maintained on the library site 1992-current, searchable by key word, name or date. Look for The Islander in the stacks at the UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

A.M.I. Beaches Real Estate

Old Florida With a New Twist

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203 N. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach Hard to find canalfront property just off the Intracoastal Waterway. Features 5 bed, 3.5 baths, with large pool and spa and a panoramic rooftop deck. Potential income to $250k. $3,795,000.

said March 6. “I’m so grateful to be here,” she said. “But I think the one thing to keep in mind is, although we may be doing well, there’s a lot that aren’t. And they’re still struggling, so it’s important to — no matter what the business is — to make sure that we’re taking care of locals and avoiding third-party avenues.” Goett operated a floral business in Denver for 10 years before moving to the island, a lifelong family vacation spot, in 2019. When the pandemic hit in 2020, she was confident her shop would weather the storm. “I knew from the start that I was going to be one of the few critical outlets for people to communicate,”

she said. “People were so scared and couldn’t go anywhere and couldn’t do anything. And other than talking on the phone or FaceTiming, sending flowers was the only thing that kept people connected.” Blooms by the Beach offers floral arrangements for pickup or delivery, wedding and event services, fresh floral and succulent gardens, dish gardens, holiday decor, custom arrangements and weekly orders for individuals, business and residences. For more information, visit bloomsbythebeach.com or call 941-778-2555. And as always… …Got biz news? Contact Kane Kaiman at kane@islander.org or call The Islander office at 941-778-7978.

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529 77th St., Holmes Beach Stunning British West Indies home on a deepwater canal. Features over 6,000 sf of living space with 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths, two half baths and large open decks with views of the Intracoastal and Tampa Bay. $6,700,000. 6430 Gulf Drive Unit 1, Holmes Beach The residence at L’Plage features 3,200 sf of luxury Gulf side living with 4 beds and 4 baths, 6-car private garage and stunning Gulf of Mexico views. $3,195,000. 122 White Ave., Anna Maria Great investment opportunity, west of Gulf Drive property with 5 bedrooms and 4 baths, tropical pool area, sleeps up to 12 and has income potential of 200k plus.

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Page 28 THE ISLANDER | islander.org March 16, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

HELP WANTED Continued

FuLL SeT oF callaway Big Bertha irons, King cobra driver plus 3/5/7 woods ping putter Srixon golf bag three boxes callaway golf balls, $150. 941-778-6012.

WanTeD, garage For storage of golf cart and bikes. need electric. call Dave, 716545-0887.

IT’S aLWaYS nIce to have a little extra income: I’m looking for four ladies that live on the island who would like to work as a contractor, no benefits, as needed. Saturdays only. no experience needed. Text “more info” to 941-685-6823.

GARAGE SALES

WhITe WIcKer DeSK and chair. harvey Link Lexington, glass-top. Island-style. $300. 708-567-2120.

SaLe: 8:30 a. m. Friday and Saturday, March 18-19. Years of eclectic collecting! costume jewelry, small furniture, antique quilt, more cool stuff. Dealers welcome. no early birds. 515 70th St., holmes Beach.

couPon: SaVe $5 on the only patented sandless beach blanket. Bring this coupon to the Beach hut across from ginny’s and Jane e’s cafe on gulf Drive, anna Maria. call 855-686-SanD or go to https://sandlessblanket.com for home delivery.

PETS heLP reScueD PeTS! Volunteer, foster, computer help needed! Moonracer animal rescue. email: moonraceranimalrescue@ gmail.com.

anTIQue BaBY carrIage: Wood and wicker. Proceeds benefit Moonracer animal rescue. email for photos: moonraceranimalrescue@gmail.com.

TRANSPORTATION chrYSLer SeBrIng SeDan: 2008, silver, runs well. $4,000. 941-345-2441. Text for information.

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AdoptA-Pet Bobby needs YOU!

Bobby is a male lab/dobie mix, 8-9 months old, about 50-pounds and needs a caring family. To meet this cutie, call Lisa Williams at 941-345-2441 or visit The Islander office in Holmes Beach. For more about pet adoption, visit moonraceranimalrescue.com.

PonToon TourS! With upper deck! Sandbar hopping, dolphins, waterfront restaurants. Do all the fun stuff! call 941-243 -2425. 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. For SaLe: 23-foot Mako (1978) 200-hp Johnson, runs smooth, $10,500, 5-by-8 foot utility trailer, like new, $750, golf cart, $500, smoker, $200 or best offer. Mcgraw 20-gallon compressor, $150. 208-660-8492. uSeD BoaTLIFT For sale: 16,000 lb. needs one drive pipe replaced. call 863-287-8078 for details.

rePorTer WanTeD: Full- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience required. apply via email with letter of interest to news@islander.org. KIDS FOR HIRE DePenDaBLe, reSPonSIBLe, Fun babysitter for hire. 13 years old, island local. available in June. 941-526-9090. KIDS For hIre ads are Free for up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work. ads must be placed in person at The Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, holmes Beach. HEALTH CARE exPerIence cna For hire! 1. Skilled. 2. respite. 3. Long-term 4. home health. I have 22 years in the medical field, I love what I do, serving the elderly. contact information: 941-580-4440. tee0123@yahoo.com. SERVICES neeD a rIDe to airports? Tampa $65, St. Pete, $55, Sarasota, $30. gary, 863-4095875. gvoness80@gmail.com. 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.

HELP WANTED

cLeanIng: VacaTIon, conSTrucTIon, residential, commercial and windows. Licensed and insured. 941-744-7983.

SaLeS aSSocIaTe WanTeD: Full-time. call, email or apply in person at Sun and Surf, 5418 Marina Drive, holmes Beach. 941-778-2169. sunandsurfjenn@aol.com.

PreSSure WaShIng, PaVer sealing, driveway, roof, fence, pool area. also, window cleaning. Licensed and insured. 941-5653931.

noW hIrIng, aLL technical positions. come by for an interview or submit your resume. West coast air conditioning & heating, Inc. 5347 gulf Drive, holmes Beach. 941-778-9622. westcoastac1@yahoo.com.

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

FuLL-TIMe MaInTenance personnel needed for beach resort, Saturdays required. Painting, some plumbing and electrical needed. Please, call 941-779-2804.

coMPanIon/hoMeMaKer: honest and reliable offering help with running errands, grocery shopping, house sitting, pet and plant care, light cooking/cleaning, transportation. references available and licensed. call Sherri, 941-592-4969.