The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, Dec. 07, 2022

All kids on board for Santa Claus

Grinch alert!

Big

two elves oversee visits with santa as the Manatee High school Drum Line beats up enthusiasm Dec. 3 at the Lester Family Fun Day at the center of anna Maria Island in anna Maria. More photos, page 21.

Islander

Photo: Brook Morrison

Santa visits to drum beat

AME welcomes Harvey

kid Ben Bryant, 36, and his youngsters, Lily, 2, and Finn, 5, join santa aboard his sleigh for a photo op during the Holmes Beach downtown open house. santa and his sponsor, the anna Maria Island Privateers, were hosting visits in the parking lot at the anna Maria Island chamber of commerce. More photos, page 14. Islander Photo: Morgan “Mom” Bryant

guy Harvey shows off a “christmas octopus” drawing Dec. 2 by anna Maria elementary fourthgrader Luke Willing in the cafeteria at the school. More on page 20. Islander Photo: courtesy aMe

the grinch cruises to the Historic Bridge street Pier to cheers and a round of applause Dec. 3 during the Bradenton Beach lighted boat parade. Organizer Mike Bazzy, owner-operator of the Bradenton Beach Marina, said there were a record 26 floating entries in the parade. Find more photos, pages 8-9. Islander Photo: Robert anderson

Island worker shares fire devastation, silver lining for family

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

A pair of island workers who lost their home and dog to a Nov. 21 fire found the silver lining in their future.

Minnie’s Beach Cafe longtime waitress Kaylee Smith told The Islander Dec. 2 that she and her hus band, Chuck, who works as Minnie’s kitchen manager, signed a lease for a new home and were set to move in later that day with their son, Weston, 12.

Their previous home at 7103 Ninth Ave. NW, Bra denton, suffered extensive damage from the fire that began in the dryer vent and spread through more than half of the house.

Kaylee was grocery shopping with Weston when the fire broke out and Chuck, who was asleep inside the house when it began, managed to escape the building without injury.

However, their dog, Ellie, wasn’t found until Bradenton Fire Department units searched the home. Attempts to revive Ellie — which Kaylee said lasted about an hour — were unsuccessful.

Kaylee said her family had just celebrated Ellie’s first birthday in September and was going to miss the protective, playful and spunky pup they had all come to love.

“Ellie was just amazing,” Smith said through tears. “She was the most perfect dog. She listened, she was playful and she had such a personality. She touched everybody that she knew and everybody loved her.”

The fire and water left the property — assessed at $247,501 by the Manatee County property appraiser — at a complete loss, according to Smith.

She added that the city of Bradenton failed to shut down water to the house for several days following the fire, resulting in continuous flooding in the home.

“The fire was devastating but that made it so much worse. … The water just kept pouring into our house,” Smith said. “At this point, pretty much everything is gone. There’s nothing really to save.”

The house was passed to Chuck and his siblings when their father died and Chuck’s sister acts as estate executor. Smith said they don’t know if the property was insured.

Since the house was red-tagged by the city of Bra denton as unsafe to inhabit, the Smith family found temporary housing with Kaylee’s aunt, Mary Doub, and her wife, Kathy Smart, the co-owners of Minnie’s, before finding a rental home.

Smith said they had recently paid off the house’s

SUNSET CRUISES

TOURS

mortgage and were hoping to move on before the fire occurred, so she saw the chance to find a new home as a silver lining to the tragedy.

Smith also expressed gratitude for the support from her aunts and the island community following the tragedy.

Smart launched a GoFundMe campaign the day after the fire named “Family Lost All to Devastating House Fire!” that raised $40,240 from 211 donors as of Dec. 3.

Smith said she was touched to see how many patrons and members of the island community had donated to the cause and sent words of support.

How was the fire handled?

People first called to report the Nov. 21 fire at 7103 Ninth Ave. NW, Bradenton, to the Manatee County emergency operations center at 6:31 p.m.

The EOC notified the West Manatee Fire Rescue district by 6:33 p.m. and WMFR responders arrived to the scene by 6:37 p.m.

WMFR provided two fire engines and nine per sonnel, including deputy and battalion chiefs. Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue provided a ladder truck with three personnel and the city of Bradenton provided a heavy rescue team and two personnel.

WMFR deployed water hoses by 6:39 p.m. and cleared the property by 9 p.m. without issue.

WMFR fire marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski told The Islander Dec. 5 that the fire began in the property’s dryer vent. He advised people to routinely clean dryer vents and ensure the air vents outdoors.

WMFR fire and life safety inspector Josh Adkins further advised property owners to ensure they have functional smoke alarms.

Kwiatkowski said he could not provide a projected cost of damages from the fire but added that it was safe to say the property was a complete loss.

— Ryan Paice

Water damage, including a downed ceiling, wiring and insulation, covers the furnishings in the smiths’ living room after the Nov. 21 fire. Islander Photo: courtesy Kaylee smith

AM pier staining begins, Mote construction still to come

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The Anna Maria City Pier is getting a glow-up this holiday season.

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy wrote in a Dec. 2 email to The Islander that Bradenton-based Equity Painting began pressure-washing the pier earlier that week to prepare for staining the structure.

City commissioners in October authorized Murphy to sign a $29,970 contract with Equity to coat the pier’s faded ipe hardwood decking.

Equity was one of three contractors that bid for the job.

The decking originally was stained in 2020, during the rebuild of the historic pier, which was damaged by Hurricane Irma in September 2017 and removed.

Murphy wrote that Equity was pressure-washing the pier’s decking from the T-end to the landing. Then it will apply an olive oil-based stain.

The mayor said the work was expected to take two weeks, depending on weather.

Since the contractor is working overnight, the job will not require any closure during the pier’s usual operating hours.

The pier’s decking will need to be stained again after the new stain fades but there is “no exact timeline,” according to Murphy.

Additional construction also may begin soon in the empty building on the south side of the pier’s T-end.

Mote Marine Laboratory reached a contract

She added that a coworker helped her find their new home and others had provided furnishings.

“We’re a paycheck-to-paycheck family,” Smith said. “It’s not like we have a bunch of savings or anything. … The words can never be found, nor enough, to express the gratitude we have.”

“We’ve had such a strong village behind us through this,” she added.

with the city in September 2021 to lease the 1,800square-foot building to house an educational outreach center.

Plans for the outreach center include live exhibits with about 1,000 gallons of recirculating seawater, as well as several interactive exhibits, such as microscopes and a livestream display of activity in the waters beneath the pier.

Mote failed to meet the city’s initial March 29 deadline but city commissioners voted in April to extend the contract with the nonprofit through March 1, 2023, while also applying several new deadlines.

City commissioners then voted Nov. 10 to authorize the building department to execute a construction permit for Mote’s proposed outreach center.

People meander Dec. 1 to and from the t-end of the anna Maria city Pier. equity Painting began pressure-washing the pier earlier in the week to prepare for a new coat of stain. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

However, Murphy wrote Dec. 1 that the city had not issued a construction permit because Mote’s contractor had not provided the required bond documentation required.

“Per Mote they expect that to be completed prior to Tuesday, Dec. 6, with the permit being issued on that day,” Murphy wrote.

Construction must begin within seven days of the permit’s issuance, according to a new deadline established in the lease addendum.

Murphy said the city will hold a meeting Dec. 6 to discuss plans for the work but, he added, “any closures are not anticipated at this point and will be avoided if at all possible.”

Q&A 120722

The Islander poll

Last week’s question

By Lisa Neff

My favorite AMI winter holiday event is … 32%. Anna Maria Island Privateers Christmas Parade.

41%. Bradenton Beach’s lighted boat parade. 3%. Lester Family Fun Day at the center. 23%. Holiday walks in the cities.

This week’s question

On a court, I like to play …

A. Pickleball. B. Tennis. C. Basketball. D. Volleyball. To answer the poll, go online to islander.org.

seRVINg FULL MeNU 3:30-9 pm 7 DaYs

County staff, HB mayor discuss boat ramp’s future

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The future of the Kingfish Boat Ramp in Holmes Beach is up in the air since Manatee County’s redevelopment plans sank below the tides.

County information outreach manager Bill Logan wrote in a Dec. 1 email to The Islander that the county did not have “plans and specifications completed” for future improvements at the boat ramp after scrapping its original plans.

Ethan Geerling of Indiana, who was fishing Dec. 1 at the boat ramp, said he appreciated the boat ramp just as it is.

“It’s functional and I’m not too picky,” Geerling said. “As long as I can come out here and fish, I’m happy.

The boat ramp currently offers three vessel launch lanes, 47 vehicle-boat trailer parking spaces, 14 car/ truck parking spaces and a single portable toilet.

The county’s proposed improvements would have begun with adding a bathroom, expanding the ramp to four vessel launch lanes and installing 600 feet of new seawall and 5,000 square feet of new docks.

A second phase of improvements would have involved expanding the boat ramp’s capacity to 88 vehicle-trailer spaces by expanding the parking lot east but wasn’t planned to begin until after replacement of the Anna Maria Island Bridge.

The first phase of improvements was slated to cost the county $11.2 million — funded in part with a secured a $4,500,000 Florida Department of Environmental Protection RESTORE grant and $2.5 million from the West Coast Inland Navigational District’s county navigation improvement fund.

However, the county had to terminate the DEP’s $4.5 million grant in September since it could not secure a permit from the city and complete construction before the grant’s November 2023 expiration date.

The county had spent roughly $540,000 to design the first phase of improvements before termination of the grant — and possibly the county’s hopes to redevelop the boat ramp.

Moving forward, the county has its sights set on securing a lease from the DEP to use the boat ramp and adjust the scope of improvements at the property.

The DEP owns the boat ramp and leased the property to the Florida Department of Transportation, which in turn subleased the property to the county.

However, the DOT’s lease does not allow it to sublease the property, so the county currently does not have permission to build at the property — a hangup for the initial improvement plans.

Logan wrote that the county had not secured a lease for the property as of Dec. 1.

He said the DEP requested revised construction plans for the boat ramp, which county staff was still working to produce.

Logan said the county’s revised plans may include

Holmes Beach public works employees tray thorp and Darlene Hernandez prepare lighted characters and other objects Nov. 28 for a holiday display in the traffic island on gulf Drive near the Manatee Public Beach. Hernandez — five weeks into working for the city — noted the instructions were lacking. thorp said the lighted display would be powered by a generator concealed as a holiday gift. Islander

Photo: Bonner Joy

1st FY 2022-23 tourist tax collections top 2021-22

By Lisa Neff Islander editor

Hear the jingle-jangle?

The first tourist tax collections reported for the 2022-23 fiscal year registered a 24.7% increase over the prior year.

The Manatee County Tax Collector’s offi ce on Dec. 1 released October collection numbers for the county tourist tax, also known as the resort or bed tax — it’s the 5% tax collected on accommodation rentals of six months or less.

The first month of the 2022-23 fiscal year showed $1,792,372.44 collected. In 2021-22, the same month’s collections totaled $1,437,374.

Holmes Beach topped collections on Anna Maria Island, generating $378,725, about 21.13% of the total.

Anna Maria accounted for about 7.44% of the collections, bringing in $133,316, and Bradenton Beach generated $80,358 or 4.48%.

Some other numbers for October:

• Unincorporated Manatee County generated $869,415 or 48.5%.

• Bradenton generated $203,133 or 11.33%;

• Longboat Key generated $122,837 or 6.85%;

• Palmetto generated $4,721 or 0.26%;

The collection fee or commission on the tax is 3%,

ethan geerling of Indiana casts a net Dec. 1 while fishing off a dock at the Kingfish Boat Ramp in Holmes Beach.

AMI TOURISM:

October tourist tax collections

October 2018: $694,834

October 2019: $807,356

October 2020: $954,682

October 2021: $1,437,374

October 2022: $1,792,372

source: Manatee county tax collector

so the net collection for the Manatee County Tourist Development Council in October was $ 1,738,601.

According to state law, resort tax revenues must be used to boost and develop tourism, including funding for the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Bradenton Area Convention Center and tourism-related entities such as Realize Bradenton and the Pittsburgh Pirates, as well as supporting projects, such as island beach renourishment and construction of the Anna Maria City Pier.

The TDC recommends how to spend the money to the county commission.

November numbers will be released Jan. 2.

“replacing/repairing docks and walkways, the ramp, seawalls and railings. Other improvements may include parking lot pavement, landside amenities and landscaping.”

But there may be an issue for city officials, who have expressed concern that replacing the boat ramp’s shell parking lot with pavement would change the character at the gateway to the city.

City officials also expressed issue with the county’s initial plan to remove 140 Australian pine trees and add trailer parking in place of an existing picnic area during Phase 1.

Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth told The Islander Dec. 1 that the city hadn’t received any communications from county staff or officials about revised plans for the boat ramp.

She said she nevertheless hoped the county would include her in discussions about Kingfish.

“When it starts moving forward again, it would be wonderful if Holmes Beach could have a true seat at the table,” Titsworth said.

As for improvements, Titsworth said she would like the county to add a restroom and ice machine, as well as add parking, but would prefer if the boat ramp’s shell parking and wooded picnic area remained.

“I just didn’t want them to change its character,” Titsworth said. “It’s the first thing you see coming on the island … and it’s beautiful the way it is.”

She added that she hoped the county would improve other boat ramps on the mainland so people wouldn’t need to drive to the island to launch their watercraft.

Meetings

Anna Maria City

Dec. 15, 2 p.m., commission.

By Lisa Neff

Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941-7086130, cityofannamaria.com.

Bradenton Beach

Dec. 7, 9:30 a.m., CRA.

Dec. 7, 2 p.m., ScenicWAVES.

Dec. 15, noon, commission. CANCELED Dec. 21, 1 p.m., P&Z. CANCELED

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

Holmes Beach

Dec. 7, 10 a.m., parks and beautification.

Dec. 7, 5 p.m., planning.

Dec. 13, 5 p.m., commission.

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

Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org.

Manatee County

Dec. 12, 9 a.m., tourist development council, location TBD.

Dec. 13, 9 a.m., commission.

Dec. 15, 9 a.m., commission (land use).

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

Dec. 25, Christmas. Many government offices will be closed Dec. 23-26.

Jan. 1, New Year’s Day. Most government offices will be closed Jan. 2.

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

Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

Cherish the holiday spirit

Did we get a big dose of Christmas spirit already this month? Yes! Cheers, applause and a drum roll to the groups and individuals who put it all on.

The tree-lighting and open house events in Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach were awesome and the Bradenton Beach boat parade was the biggest ever — with 26 watercraft lighting up Sarasota Bay and entertainment and crowds cheering from the city pier.

Next up, a holiday walkabout Dec. 9 in Anna Maria, another Bridge Street celebration Dec. 17, and the all-time best event Dec. 10, the annual Anna Maria Island Privateers’ Christmas Parade, running the island end-to-end and culminating with a party, lunch and visits with Santa, including gifts for kids.

Also, the Roser Bethlehem Walk will take place Dec. 11 with a traditional celebration — the reason for the season.

And don’t forget, also Dec. 10, a crowded day on the calendar, Christmas in Cortez is a “must-do” for people like me, who cherish the Cortez community and the friends that call it home. It’s being held 1-4 p.m. Saturday at the Florida Maritime (Merry time) Museum — a free family event offering crafts, games, a bounce house and a maze and Santa visits, as well as food and refreshments for purchase. Your “best” hometown newspaper is a cosponsor of the event.

Soon after, I head to my new, second job, babysitting my GGB, while my granddaughter works.

Next on my mind, with all the “Grinch” photos in this week’s paper, is a spoiler.

The Grinch brought a rerun this past week on NBC “Dateline” of the show that originally aired in February 2016 about a woman who lived, loved and worked on Anna Maria Island, and, in 2008, was murdered.

Her killer was found guilty in October 2015.

As the Sabine Musil-Buehler murder episode, “A Place in the Sand,” aired again, I could hear my little voice nagging me about three things:

1. The detectives kept her husband as a suspect until the end but knew all along he was innocent.

2. The killer got a deal for 20 years by saying he choked Buehler in the heat of an argument. However, he also stomped on her neck and chest, broke her ribs and buried her with her hands tied behind her back, based on the autopsy findings.

3. I want his 20-year plea deal revoked and the key to his cell thrown away. Who doesn’t think he buried her alive or else why tie her hands behind her back?

But I regress with the Grinch.

Let’s cherish the holiday spirit while we can.

— Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

Santa seeks letters

The U.S. Postal Service is conducting Operation Santa this season.

People can write Santa — there appears to be no age limit – at Santa Claus, 123 Elf Road, North Pole, 88888. Letters must be postmarked by Dec. 12.

In the letter, tell Santa what type of year you’ve had — be honest because he knows!

Requests for clothes and shoes should include preferred size, style and color.

For toys, games and books, include names and titles.

The return address information must include a full name, street address, city, state and ZIP Code.

Also, people can volunteer to help Santa by adopting letters. To participate, go online to https://about. usps.com/holidaynews/operation-santa.htm.

Sipping, strolling, inspiring

Thank you to all the businesses that participated in the tree-lighting and holiday walk in Holmes Beach Dec. 2.

I look forward to this event every year. It is just so fun to explore stores and restaurants and everyone is so festive.

A free glass of wine or snack is a bonus!

This year, best drink goes to the Restless Native. It was the real deal, with a big old booze-soaked cherry to boot. Yum!

The Sand Dollar’s mimosa was a close second.

Best food was Pizzano’s Pizza — the generous taste they offered has me wanting more.

Friendliest staff was the Sand Dollar, followed closely by Sun & Surf and Restless Native.

It was great to stop in to a few places I had not ventured into yet, including the Fifty Three Fifty, The Pourhouse. I didn’t realize they had a nice menu. So I will head down for dinner soon.

I missed Irene’s this year. I always picked up some jewelry and they usually have great snacks — I got one of my favorite holiday recipes at a previous open house there.

There was excellent art, live music, crafts and a fun atmosphere. A really great event. I hope this event continues.

Lynne Buehler, Holmes Beach

Our theme, “We’re glad You’re Here,” originated in the 1980s with a restaurant trade group. We hope everyone feels welcome on aMI. — the Islander

Marina Drive makeover a crew works to pave Marina Drive in Holmes Beach in the 5700 block — near where the Ugly grouper restaurant operates today — in september 1997. Islander Photos: courtesy Manatee county Public Library Historical Digital collections

In the archives

Islander

archive 24/7

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

At the exchange

tricia Mixon, seated, peruses as emmy Lou Hurlbut stocks the used book exchange located in the 5700 block of Marina Drive in Holmes Beach in January 1981.

10&20 years ago

From the Dec. 4, 2002, issue

• Renzo Rivolta submitted plans to Manatee County for a 20-unit motel at the Cortez Cove Marina on Cortez Road. Plans showed a 40-seat floating restaurant and townhouses.

• Anna Maria Island’s Christmas Lighted Boat Parade was canceled due to a forecast for bad weather, including heavy rain and high winds.

• Some Anna Maria residents protested the mayor’s decision to limit public comment at commission meetings to one person per topic for three minutes. One protestor said the mayor was doing away with meaningful comment.

From the Dec. 5, 2012, issue

• The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, acting on a tip, searched an apartment in the 100 block of Pine Avenue in Anna Maria and found five firearms, including assault rifles and shotguns, in the possession of a felon.

• The Anna Maria Commission broke a deadlock and named a fi fth person — former Commissioner Gene Aubry — to take the seat at the dais vacated by SueLynn, who became mayor in a post-election shuffle.

• The 2012 hurricane season ended with an “above average” listing, having seen 19 named storms, including 10 hurricanes.

• Holmes Beach police were seeking three people suspected of an armed home invasion in the 3600 block of Sixth Avenue. A resident said she and her roommates were robbed at gunpoint.

— Lisa Neff

The Grinch motors into Christmas

BB OKs BBPD’s new wheels, lawsuit fees, settlement discussed

By Robert anderson Islander Reporter

The Bradenton Beach Police Department is getting a new vehicle but the deal is no steal.

The city budgeted $45,943.35 in September for the purchase of a 2022 Ford Interceptor but now needs to buy a 2023 model that costs $7,954.91 more.

Police Chief John Cosby Dec 1 updated city com missioners on a price increase for the vehicle.

Commissioner Ralph Cole motioned to approve spending the money for the newer vehicle and was seconded by Commissioner Jake Spooner. The motion passed unanimously.

In other business, city attorney Ricinda Perry told commissioners the city still is having difficulty col lecting a $20,563 settlement from the estate of Reed Mapes, who had volunteered on the planning and zoning board.

A 2019 ruling from the 12th Judicial Circuit Court determined Mapes and five other people who had vol unteered for city boards violated the Sunshine Law.

The appeals court ruling was the finale to a lawsuit that began in 2017, when the city sued some planning and zoning board and ScenicWAVES committee mem bers over violations of the Sunshine Law.

The court ordered payments to the city but Mapes continued to fight the case until his death April 13.

Perry, at the commission meeting, also expressed frustration over a new $70 invoice from attorney

Robert

In October, the commission formed a consensus directing Perry to pursue contracting with a collection agency.

Commissioners Jan Vosburgh, Spooner and Cole agreed it best to pay the $70 bill.

In other matters

In other matters at the Dec. 1 meeting, the com mission:

• Heard from the city attorney that Colliers Engi

Bradenton Beach Police chief John cosby addresses city commis sioners about purchas ing a new police vehicle during a meeting Dec. 1 at city hall. Islander

neering and Design produced a site plan for paid park ing in a city lot on Highland Avenue next to the public works department.

• Unanimously voted to continue a public hearing for the expansion of open-air dining at Wicked Can tina, 101 Seventh St. N. until Jan. 19. Vosburgh made the motion, which Cole seconded.

• Voted to pay M.T. Causley $18,612.50 for plan ning services.

The commission canceled its Dec. 15 meeting, which pushes the next meeting into the new year. It will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

Abominable sign?

From a short distance Nov. 28, the “Do Not enter” sign on the north side of the countymaintained Manatee Public Beach parking lot, 4000 gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, looks like it’s covered in snow — melting snow. On closer inspection, the sign looks to be due for replacement. Islander

Photo: Bonner Joy

Photo: Robert anderson

Watrous, who has represented the city in the Sunshine Law case and, according to Perry, was paid $502,929.44 for the litigation.

With the anna Maria Princess in the background, the No. 10 boat takes a round of applause Dec. 3 from onlookers at the Historic Bridge street Pier for its Dr. seuss-themed entry in the Bradenton Beach lighted boat parade. Organizer Mike Bazzy, operator of the Bradenton Beach Marina and the Princess, said there were a record 26 floating entries in the parade.

callie Pitkin, 6, and brother cooper, 10, of Braden ton Beach, have their picture taken Dec. 3 with Mr. and Mrs. claus during the Bradenton Beach Holiday Festival on Bridge street. Islander Photos: Robert anderson

the No. 6 entry in the Dec. 3 Bradenton Beach Lighted Boat Parade from Paradise Boat tours, filled to the brim with holiday characters and several grinch-costumed participants, turned heads of viewers on the Bradenton Beach pier and got plenty of cheers to impress the judges and take home first prize of $200 for best decorated boat — a grinch-centric winner. the No. 2 boat entered by Ronald Lorfing took home $250 for most enthusiastic vessel at the lighted boat parade. the Lorfing vessel, decorated with an outer space theme, hosted people in space suits as well as little green men.

RoadWatch

• Holmes Beach contractor crews are working near the intersection of Gulf and Marina drives to include roadway amenities and improve stormwater flow.

Marina Drive is closed from Gulf Drive to 56th Street and there is a marked detour.

Also, as crews work on Gulf Drive between 52nd Street and Holmes Boulevard, there will be northbound traffic on Gulf Drive between 52nd and Holmes Boulevard but southbound traffic will be directed down Holmes Boulevard to 52nd Street and then back out to Gulf Drive.

Construction also required the closure of a trolley stop on Marina Drive. The northbound trolley is taking a detour, going from Gulf Drive, then east on 56th Street to north on Marina Drive.

• Manatee County is working on a force main project along Holmes Boulevard, which can result in some traffic delays and congestion.

For the latest road watch information, go online to swflroads.com.

— Lisa Neff

Ready holidayfor hustle?

Advertisers: Ready for the holidays on AMI?

Improve your odds of success and reach The Islander’s readers — residents, seasonal visitors and vacationers — looking to shop and dine, as well as indoor and outdoor fun. For advertising info, call or text 941-778-7978.

6-week Gulf Drive closure announced

Face-painter Winter Kelly decorates the face of Braxton stupec, 6, of sarasota during the holiday festival Dec. 3 on Bridge street in Bradenton Beach.

Holmes Beach announced a new detour associated with the city center project. For six weeks, gulf Drive between 52nd and Holmes Boulevard will be open to northbound traffic but southbound traffic will be detoured. Islander courtesy Photo

candymaker Peter Vrinios guides erica Ostrander and Milly and Oscar aguirre in the art of making candy canes at the Fudge Factory confectioner shop on Bridge street during the Dec. 3 holiday festival in Bradenton Beach.

Islander

Photos: Robert anderson

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ON AMI

Saturday,

Island happenings

Blvd., Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130.

5:30-8 p.m. — Holiday Walk of Treasures, Gulf Drive and Pine Avenue, Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130.

Saturday, Dec. 10

10 a.m. — Origami crafting, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-7786341.

Dec. 10

7 p.m. — Beatlemania Now! Concert, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: centerami.org, 941-778-1908.

ONGOING ON AMI

Throughout December, “Holiday Treasures, Treasured Holidays” exhibit, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: islandgallerywest.com, 941-778-6648.

Through Dec. 31, Artists’ Guild Gallery Handmade Holiday Ornaments exhibit and sale, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694.

Second Fridays through April, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Art Walk and Shop Stroll, Gulf and Marina drives, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648, 941-778-6694.

Tuesdays through March 7, 6:30 p.m., Anna Maria Movies in the Park, City Pier Park, North Bay Boulevard and Pine Avenue, Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130.

Tuesdays through May 9, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Anna Maria Farmers Market, City Pier Park, North Bay Boulevard and Pine Avenue, Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130.

ONGOING AROUND AMI

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

Through March 26, “True Nature: Rodin and the Age of Impressionism” exhibit Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg. Fee applies. Information: 941-896-2667.

Through May 28, “Gods and Lovers: Painting and Sculpture from India,” the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-360-7390, ringling.org.

In tune with the season

Josh Flickinger will perform at Island gallery West, 5368 gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, during an art walk at 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9. IgW and the artists’ guild gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, are exhibiting holiday-themed art. Islander courtesy Photo

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

Saturdays through May, 9 a.m-2 p.m., downtown Bradenton Public Market, Old Main Street, Bradenton. Information: 941-9329439.

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

SAVE THE DATE

Dec. 17, Anna Maria Island Privateers Christmas at the Drift In, Bradenton Beach.

Dec. 31, Realize Bradenton’s Main Street Live/New Year’s Eve Extravaganza, Bradenton.

Jan. 12-29, Island Players’ “The Odd Couple,” Anna Maria.

Jan. 14-15, Anna Maria Winter Art and Craft Show, Holmes Beach.

Feb. 18-19, 2023, Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, Cortez.

Feb. 25, Bradenton Gulf Islands Concert Series at the Center of Anna Maria Island presents Grand Funk Railroad, Anna Maria.

KIDS & FAMILY

ON AMI

Friday, Dec. 9

10 a.m. — 40 Carrots, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-7786341.

4-5:30 p.m. — Santa Stops Here, City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay

10 a.m. — Anna Maria Island Privateers Christmas Parade, Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach to City Pier Park in Anna Maria, via Gulf Drive and Pine Avenue. Information: amiprivateers,org, 931639-0986.

11:30 a.m. — Anna Maria Island Privateers Post-Parade Party, city field, 5800 block of Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: amiprivateers,org, 931-639-0986.

Tuesday, Dec. 13

10 a.m. — Storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-778-6341.

AROUND AMI

Friday, Dec. 9

5:30-8 p.m. — A Night Before Christmas family celebration, G.T. Bray Park, 5502 33rd Ave. Drive W., Bradenton. Information: 941-748-4501.

Saturday, Dec. 10

1-4 p.m. — Christmas in Cortez, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: 941-708-6120.

ONGOING AROUND AMI

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

Through March 18, “Towers of Tomorrow with LEGO Bricks,” the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131, bishopscience.org

SAVE THE DATE

Dec. 15-18, Palma Sola Botanical Park’s Winter Nights Under the Lights, Bradenton.

Dec. 17, Bradenton Beach Area Merchants Christmas on Bridge Street celebration, Bradenton Beach.

CLUBS & COMMUNITY

ON AMI

Thursday, Dec. 8

2 p.m. — Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/ library, 941-778-6341.

Saturday, Dec. 10

1 p.m. — “Stressless Holiday Cooking” program, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/ library, 941-778-6341.

Wednesday, Dec. 14

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

ONGOING ON AMI

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

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

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

Island happenings

AMI

Tuesday, Dec. 13

Noon — Anna Maria Island and West Manatee Democratic Club Holiday Celebration, Edelweiss Restaurant, 611 Manatee Ave., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-962-9966.

Wednesday, Dec. 14

1 p.m. — Veterans’ Canteen, the Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-6493.

ONGOING AROUND AMI

Second Fridays, 1 p.m., Parkinson’s Combined Support Group, the Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-6493.

Mondays, 1 p.m., Thinking Out Loud discussions, the Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Information: 941-3836493.

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

Second Tuesdays, 4 p.m., Cortez Village Historical Society meetings, Cortez Cultural Center, 11655 Cortez Road W., Cortez. Information: 941-840-0590, cortezvillagehistoricalsociety.org.

SAVE THE DATE

Dec. 15, Paradise Center’s memory screenings, Longboat Key.

Dec. 16, Anna Maria Garden Club meeting, Anna Maria. Dec. 17, Manatee County Democratic Environmental Caucus’ Perico Preserve Tour, Perico Island. Feb. 11, Center of Anna Maria Island beach cleanup, Anna Maria.

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.

ONGOING AROUND AMI

Saturdays, 9 a.m., Robinson Runners run, walk stroll, Robinson Preserve NEST, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW., Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923, crystal.scherer@mymanatee.org, mymanatee.org.

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

GOOD TO KNOW

KEEP THE DATES

Dec. 18-26, Hanukkah. Dec. 21, winter begins. Dec. 25, Christmas. Dec. 26, Kwanzaa begins.

Center presents Beatlemania Now! in concert series

It’s just a two-block walk from Pine Avenue for Beatlemaniacs to reach Penny Lane on Dec. 10.

Beatlemania Now! will launch the Visit Bradenton Gulf Islands 2022-23 Concert Series Saturday, Dec. 10.

The show — featuring a Fab Four tribute band — will take place at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. The event is a fundraiser for the center.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. An opening act takes the stage at 7 p.m. and the headliner goes on at 8 p.m.

Tickets cost $30-$40.

The series will continue into 2023 with three other concerts — Tommy DeCarlo of Boston fame Jan. 21, Grand Funk Railroad Feb. 25 and The Orchestra featuring former members of the Electric Light Orchestra March 21.

Tickets can be purchased at the center 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday and online.

For more details, go online to www.centerami.org/ events.

Kiwanis plans holiday party

The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island will meet for a board meeting at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

On Saturday, Dec. 17, club members will gather at a home for a Christmas party and ornament exchange.

There will be no meetings Dec. 24, which is Christmas Eve, or Dec. 31, which is New Year’s Eve.

For more info, call Sandy Haas-Martens at 941778-1383.

Garden club sets lunch date

Anna Maria Island Garden Club members will gather at 11:45 a.m. Friday, Dec. 16, for a general meeting and luncheon.

The meeting will be in the fellowship hall at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

For more information about the garden club, call Charlotte Noyes at 781-983-1937.

Beatlemania Now! Performs saturday, Dec. 10, at the center of anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia ave., anna Maria. It’s the first show in the Visit Bradenton gulf Islands 2022-23 concert series. Islander courtesy Photo

Privateers Christmas parade, AMI holiday walks set

compiled by Lisa Neff

Pirates don’t steal Christmas on Anna Maria Island, they bring holiday merriment.

The Anna Maria Island Privateers will lead their annual Christmas parade beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, traveling from Bradenton Beach’s Coquina Beach to Anna Maria’s City Pier Park.

The all-wheels parade will travel along Gulf Drive to Pine Avenue.

Watch for Santa Claus at the parade’s end.

Staging for the parade at the Coquina North Boat Ramp will begin at 8 a.m. The Privateers issued a reminder that they will not allow “political advertising or political bashing signs, flags, posters, etc, by parade participants,” a problem encountered during the July 4 parade.

Violators, the notice said, will be excused from the parade.

A party in the park with Santa will follow the parade, taking place at city field in the 5800 block of Marina Drive in Holmes Beach.

There, kids will visit with Santa and receive a gift, as well as a free lunch.

For more information, contact AMIP president Kim Boyd at president@amiprivateers.org or 931639-0986.

To register for the parade, go to amiprivateers. org.

On the eve of the parade, Anna Maria will celebrate with two events — the Holiday Walk of Treasures and Santa Stops Here.

The holiday walk, 5-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, includes extended shopping hours at businesses along Gulf Drive and Pine Avenue, and festivities at the Anna Maria Island Historical Society museum, 402 Pine Ave.

Santa Stops Here will be 4-5:30 p.m. in City Pier Park, when Santa will have goodie bags for kids.

For more information, call city hall at 941-7086130.

Other events on the calendar in December:

• Holmes Beach Art Walk and Shop Stroll: 5:307:30 p.m. Gulf and Marina drives.

Galleries and stores, including Island Gallery West and the Artists’ Guild Gallery, will remain open extended hours.

For more information, call IGW at 941-7786648.

• A Night Before Christmas: 5:30-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, G.T. Bray Park, 5502 33rd Ave. Drive W., Bradenton.

The evening includes visits with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, children’s games, food-truck vending and a screening of the film “Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas.”

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

• Christmas in Cortez: 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez.

The afternoon will offer “a merry time at the maritime,” including crafts, games, a meet-and-greet with Santa and food sales.

Parking will be available the FISH Preserve, with

access off Cortez Road.

the anna Maria Island Privateers will play elves to santa at a children’s christmas party following the nonprofit’s annual christmas parade. the parade begins at 10 a.m. saturday, Dec. 10. the party follows at city field in Holmes Beach. the Privateers also plan a christmas party at the Drift In in Bradenton Beach for saturday, Dec. 17. Islander courtesy Photo

For more information, call the museum at 941708-6120.

• Winter Nights Under the Lights : 6-9 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, Dec. 15-18, Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Ave. NW, Bradenton.

The evenings include visits with Santa, bakery and hot beverage concessions and walks through the decorated park.

For more information, call the park at 941-7612866.

• Christmas on Bridge Street: 3-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach.

The evening includes children’s activities, visits with Santa, musical entertainment, extended shop hours and an outdoor movie with concessions.

For more information, call 941-896-2222.

• Anna Island Privateers Christmas at the Drift In: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, Drift In, 120 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach.

The evening includes visits with Santa, musical entertainment, raffl es and a “taste of the island buffet.”

For more, email president@amiprivateers.org.

AM market season off to slow start

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Bad luck with weather dampened the start of the new season of the Anna Maria Farmers Market.

Grumpy’s Farm Market owner Tillman Thomas, who has participated as a vendor at the city-run market since its creation, told The Islander Nov. 22 that inclement weather led to a slow start in comparison to years past.

The market takes place under the shade sails at City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, and began in 2017 as a way to draw people to Pine Avenue during the construction of the new city pier.

The market has since become a staple of city events and runs without issue — other than in 2019-20, when the market season was cut short in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

This season, 14 vendors signed up to participate, one more than last season, according to city clerk LeAnne Addy.

“Our vendors love our market and we love having them,” Addy wrote in a Nov. 23 email to The Islander.

Thomas, who was wearing layers to combat an unusually cold day on the island, said business was slow due to the weather.

“It’s been bad every Tuesday — either rainy or cold,” Thomas said. “This morning it was really cold.”

Thomas said market regulars still were showing up and buying produce from his stand but he had seen fewer tourists than in past years.

Chip English, owner and chef of Spiked Pickles, which sells pickles lacto-fermented with craft beers, told The Islander Nov. 22 that he wasn’t surprised by the season’s start.

“A little bit of a slow start,” English said. “That’s weather, but overall, it’s fi ne. … It’s only the fi rst

month. Typically, the first month of all seasons at most farmers markets is the slowest.”

English said he’d had some repeat customers, from when he began at the market near the end of last season but most sales had gone to tourists interested in his product.

Emily Gonzalez, an employee for Dynasty Guacamole, which sells fresh guacamole, told The Islander Nov. 22 that her business was booming despite the weather.

“Today, especially, has been an amazing day,” Gonzalez said. “It’s pretty busy in general. … We were kind of worried this morning but, so far, it’s been amazing.”

“It’s picking up,” she added. “Today was better than last.”

Gonzalez said there was one day where the market was slower than usual due to rain.

Regardless of the relatively slow start, the vendors said they were happy to be a part of the market.

English said that despite her hourlong travel to the market, it’s a beautiful drive and location. He praised

ten Haaf purchases fresh produce Nov. 22 from tillman thomas, owner of grumpy’s Farm Market, while at the anna Maria Farmers Market at city Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd. the city-run market operates 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. tuesdays through May 9. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

the city’s handling of the market and said he has recommended it to other vendors — some of whom had signed on.

Gonzalez said she wakes up at 3 a.m. to prepare for the market.

“It’s beautiful,” Gonzalez said. “We come from Cape Coral, so we drive like two hours and we still enjoy it. It’s worth it. … It’s a smaller market than we’re used to, but it’s great”

“I’m always happy to be here,” Thomas said. “(The city) and staff have always been really nice to us and taken care of us.”

“And it’ll pick up,” he added.

The market runs 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays through May 9.

There currently are no openings for vendors, according to Addy.

However, vendors interested in participating can join a wait list by completing and submitting an application form available on the city’s website, cityofannamaria.com.

For more information, call 941-708-6130.

anna Maria resident Keren

Lighting ceremony brings cheer

People Dec. 2 gather to watch the illumination of lighting strung to form a holiday tree during the anna Maria Island chamber of commerce’s ceremony and holiday open house in the parking lot of the shops at Waterline Plaza, 5321-5337 gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Islander

Holmes Beach resident and anna Maria elementary second-grader Miles Moss, 8, smiles Dec. 2 with santa claus after telling st. Nick he wants Pokemon cards for christmas.

an eventgoer at the chamber’s tree-lighting ceremony and holiday open house.

Photos: Ryan Paice

Michael saunders & co. real estate manager tammy Nordling, volunteering for the anna Maria Island chamber of commerce, hands a cup of wine Dec. 2 to

By Lisa Neff

Roser sets Bethlehem Walk

A Christmas story will play out on Pine Avenue Dec. 11.

Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., will host the Bethlehem Walk at 6 p.m. Sunday.

The church, in a news release, said, “We take to the streets of beautiful Anna Maria to reenact the mystery and joy of that Holy Night! The Bethlehem Walk is exciting for people of all ages — from the littlest of angels to the wisest of men. Invite your friends and neighbors to join the excitement.”

The walk consists of taking the journey to Bethlehem — one block in Anna Maria — with Mary and Joseph as they search for shelter. Along the way, participants sing holiday carols.

Back at the church, participants will celebrate the birth of Jesus and gather in the church hall for hot chocolate and cookies.

For more information, call the church at 941-7780414,

St. B collecting for storm relief

St. Bernard Catholic Church invites people to take ornaments from its giving tree.

But people who take an ornament are asked to return it along with a gift card or check for the St. Vincent de Paul Society to help with hurricane relief in Wauchula.

Donations will be collected until Sunday, Dec. 18.

The church is at 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach.

For more information, call the church offi ce at 941-778-4769.

LBK’s Temple Beth Israel hosts open house

Temple Beth Israel will welcome the holiday season with a pre-Hanukkah open house 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11.

Plans include building tours, meet-and-greets, shopping, gift raffles and refreshments, including jelly doughnuts, coffee and apple cider.

Temple Beth Israel is at 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key.

For more information, call the office at 941-3833428.

Longboat Island Chapel celebrates holiday season

The Longboat Island Chapel is hosting evening events through Dec. 31 to mark the holidays.

Christmas in the Garden: A Celebration of Lights and Music begins about 5 p.m. each night at the chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key.

The celebration includes lights, decorated trees, refreshments and, on select nights, special musical performances.

For more information, call the chapel at 941-3836491 or go online to longboatislandchapel.org.

Mary, portrayed by Nikkiah Jaworski, and Joseph, portrayed by Matt Meehan, emerge at Roser church following the 2021 Bethlehem Walk with baby Jesus. this year’s walk will assemble at 6 p.m. sunday, Dec. 11, at the church, 512 Pine ave. Islander

Tidings

compiled by Lisa Neff

ON AMI

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

Worship: Sundays, 9 a.m.

Ongoing: Wednesdays, 7 a.m., men’s Bible meeting; Wednesdays, 6 p.m., supper; Wednesdays, Night Blast, 6:45 p.m.; Fridays, 10 a.m. women’s Bible meeting.

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

Worship: Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.; Sundays, 8 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.

Ongoing: Wednesdays, 8 a.m., men’s meeting; Mondays, 1 p.m., book group; Tuesdays, 6 p.m. first and second, 5 p.m. third and fourth, Terrific Tuesdays.

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

Worship: Sundays, 9:30 a.m.

Ongoing: Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m., social gathering, Manatee Public Beach; Sundays, 10:15 a.m., coffee and fellowship.

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

Worship: Sundays, 9:15 a.m.

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

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

Ongoing: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m., Roser Robics; Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Roser Thrift Store; Wednesdays, 6:15 p.m., Youth Performing Arts, second and fourth Thursdays, 11 a.m., Just Older Youth group programs with brown-bag lunch; Thursdays, 5:30 p.m., Roser Ringers rehearsal; 7 p.m., Thursdays, choir rehearsal; Sundays, 8:30 a.m., adult Sunday school and coffee and conversation sessions.

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

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

Holiday concert at Gloria Dei

Pianist/organist elena Zamolodchikova will present a concert of christmas music at 2 p.m. sunday, Dec. 11, at gloria Dei Lutheran church, 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. the concert — open to the public with offerings welcome — will include a singalong. after the performance, the church will serve cookies and punch. For more information, contact gloria Dei by phone at 941-778-1813 or via email at gdlami18@gmail.com. Islander courtesy Photo

days, 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.

Ongoing: Mondays-Fridays, 8 a.m., rosary; Wednesdays, 7:30 a.m., Rosary on the Beach at Manatee Public Beach; second Thursdays, women’s guild luncheons; Saturdays, 3:30 p.m., confession.

OFF AMI

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

Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.

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

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

Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.

Ongoing: Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Lord’s Warehouse Thrift Shop; Wednesdays, 10 a.m., Bible study; Mondays, 4 p.m., choir rehearsal.

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

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

Ongoing: Fridays, 6:45 p.m., choir call.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Through Dec. 31, 5-9 p.m., Longboat Island Chapel’s Christmas in the Garden: A Celebration of Lights and Music.

Dec. 10, 2-4 p.m., Temple Beth Israel open house.

Dec. 11, 11:30 a.m., CrossPointe covered dish lunch and speaker.

Dec. 11, 2 p.m., Gloria Dei Christmas concert.

Dec. 11, 6 p.m., Roser Church Bethlehem Walk.

Dec. 12, 12 p.m., Temple Beth Israel Hope for the Holidays toy collection.

Dec. 18, Roser Christmas Cantata.

Dec. 18-26, Hanukkah.

Dec. 25, Christmas.

Please, send notices to calendar@islander.org.

File Photo: courtesy Bev Hunsberger

Maxwell Vaughn Kelly

Maxwell Vaughn Kelly, 66, died Nov. 14 after a valiant battle with cancer.

Affectionately known as “Pete,” and later “Beach Trolley Max,” he was born in Valdosta, Georgia, the youngest son of the late Dorothy Pittman and Robert Kelly. His family relocated to Bird Key in 1964, where he spent his childhood rabblerousing on the shores of Longboat Key, St. Armands Key and Anna Maria Island.

He attended Sarasota High School before launching a successful career as a commercial painter and small business owner.

Mr. Kelly returned to his beachside roots in 2011 when he began an encore career as a Manatee County transit driver for the island trolley and paratransit service. He greeted thousands of travelers annually, always offering a warm welcome, congenial conversation and safe journey.

He had a lifelong love affair with coffee and grits, nummies and good back scratches. When he wasn’t pursuing his passion for tinkering, he could be found reading a book, scoring deals on Craigslist or rescuing wayward animals.

He excelled in curating the ultimate vinyl record playlist, Sunday morning breakfast and coming through for friends and loved ones when they needed it most. He was beloved by his children, friends and stray and stranded animals alike. Above all, he lived his life with kindness, generosity and a good laugh.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date. Mr. Kelly would ask that you not take any moment for granted. Please, offer an unsolicited act of kindness; spend time with loved ones; adopt a pet in his name.

Mr. Kelly is survived by daughters Heather and Tara; former wife Carolyn Fraley Mariotti; son-in-law Ethan Tolbert; granddaughter Aeve Kelly-Tolbert; and countless loving friends, family members, grand nieces and nephews.

At your service

Obituaries are offered as a community service to residents and families of residents, both past and present, as well as to those people with ties to the island. Submit to news@islander.org.

It’s a holly berry Christmas at ECOA

GoodDeeds

Helping at holidays

LeFt: carol garrison, sells air plants Dec. 2 in pots decorated with shells found on anna Maria Island during the episcopal church of annunciation Holly Berry Bazaar. the event was held in the fellowship hall. Other items sold included raffle baskets, jewelry, food and housewares. Islander Photos: Brook Morrison

by Lisa Neff

• Duffy’s Tavern, 5808 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, will host the Seventh Annual Toys for Tots Night at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, to collect toy donations. Chuck Caudill, Sycamore Shade, Scott Blum, Dave Besley and Caroline McKeon will perform. Information: 941-778-2501.

Assistance sought on AMI

• The Palma Sola Botanical Park Foundation, which oversees the gardens at 9800 17th Ave. NW, Bradenton, seeks help fulfilling a wish list for a golf cart, scaffolding, wheelbarrows, wagons, ceramic pots, potting soil, mulch, plants and greenhouse tables. Information: 941-761-2866.

• Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals, as well as assist with technology. Info: 941-345-2441.

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

the Wish Book is available at the office, 315 58th st., suite J, Holmes Beach, as well as at islander. org. the Wish Book contains wish lists from aMI organizations.

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

compiled

Kelly

the Holly Berry Bazaar at the episcopal church of the annunciation, 4408 gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, returned Dec. 3, after a hiatus due to the pandemic.

By Brook Morrison

AME reels in marine conservation star

It’s o-fish-al.

Anna Maria Elementary hosted marine wildlife artist and conservationist Guy Harvey Dec. 2 for the dedication of the Guy Harvey Academy of Arts and Science recently implemented at the Holmes Beach school.

AME principal Mike Masiello and Manatee County School District Superintendent Cynthia Saun ders expressed their gratitude and introduced Harvey to event attendees.

“Today is an exciting day for Anna Maria Elemen tary and the School District of Manatee County to be able to formalize the establishment of the first ever Guy Harvey Academy of Arts and Science at Anna Maria Elementary,” Masiello said Dec. 2.

Harvey spoke with praise for AME staff and stu dents, who already are studying Harvey’s biologicalscience curriculum using updated resources for science and math through an artistic lens.

He highlighted his personal journey, which led him to make efforts to become a conservationist and artist.

“I’m a normal human being like you who eats fish and I’m not a tree-hugger,” Harvey told the audi ence.

After the ribbon-cutting, Harvey and guests unveiled the AME Guy Harvey Arts and Science class

room, its walls adorned with marine wildlife illustra tions.

The classroom will be used to enhance marine and environmental science courses for Manatee County students from elementary to high school.

“Students will be able to participate in lessons that support a true STEAM approach, lessons that take learning about our marine environment and conserva tion to a deeper level,” Masiello said.

Because AME is situated on the bayfront, it is well suited to host marine science summer camps for stu dents in district schools.

“It is so important that we continue to inform, educate, and engage our students so they, along with their teachers and families can enjoy and benefit from a properly balanced ocean ecosystem,” Harvey wrote in a Nov. 30 news release about the dedication.

Harvey toured the Holmes Beach campus and spoke to some AME students about their personal marine life conservation efforts and the hard work they have accomplished through the new science cur riculum.

After shaking Harvey’s hand, AME fifth-grader Alex Serra said he is ready for the next lesson because “it’s fun to learn science by doing.”

aMe fifth-grade student Penny Payne speaks to guy Harvey Dec. 2 about ocean conservation and her efforts to clean the beach and protect marine wildlife. “I’m part of a group called ‘the Four Directions’ and we make sure to pick up plastic on the shore of anna Maria Island,” Penny said. Islander Photo: Brook Morrison

Disalvo, elle Blackburn and Lily goodier prepare Dec.1 for the scholastic Book Fair in the media center. the book fair is ongoing through Dec. 8 at the Holmes Beach school. Islander Photo: courtesy aMe

the center of anna Maria Island hosts a crowd for games, fun activities and food and refreshments Dec. 3 for the annual Lester Family Fun day. Islander Photos: Brook Morrison

AME

• Wednesday, Dec. 7, 5-7 p.m., STEM Night.

• Dec. 5-8, Scholastic Book Fair.

• Dec. 15-16, Polar Express.

• Friday, Dec. 16, holiday cookie exchange.

• Tuesday, Dec. 20, 5:30 p.m., PTO dinner in the cafeteria; 6:30 p.m., fifth-grade play in the auditorium.

• Dec. 19-21, holiday shopper.

• Dec. 23, winter break begins.

• Tuesday, Jan. 10, school begins.

anna Maria elementary is at 4700 gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

For more information, call the school at 941708-5525.

Winner, winner! Fish dinner?

For the Center of Anna Maria Island and a local charter captain, the golf ball drop at the Lester Family Fun Day was better than a hole-in-one.

Charter Capt. Laura King won the ball drop Dec. 3 at the family festival hosted each December at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

Center director of development Jim McDaniel said King, a center supporter, was one of the first people to buy into the 50-50 fundraiser that’s a high-

light of the Christmas-themed celebration.

King, he said, was not present for the balldrop, which was carried out by Florida Suncoast Helicopter over the center’s sports field.

At Islander press time Dec. 5, the center was still tabulating the amount raised, said McDaniel, and King had yet to be reached. Surprise!

He said the center continues to focus on its end-of-the-year fundraiser, a matching offer for $100,000.

For more information, call the center at 941941-778-1908.

Amended complaint filed in dispute over HB beach access

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

If one approach doesn’t work, it might be worth trying another.

Attorney Fred Moore of the Blalock Walters law firm said Nov. 22 that he amended a complaint against Holmes Beach property owners for closing a beach access path.

The dispute began in April, when Travis Resmondo, owner of 99, 100 and 101 78th St., posted signs warning the path is private.

Then more signs, ropes, bollards and plants were placed to block pedestrians from entering the path, which begins on Resmondo’s lot at 99 78th St. and continues onto a lot at 98 78th St. owned by Michael Fronk and Oceana Condominium Association.

Several residents protested the closure of a path historically used as a public access — at least before 2014, property deeds included a “non-exclusive walkway easement” providing public access.

However, city attorney Erica Augello recommended leaving the matter to the property owners since the now-missing easement lacked a listed beneficiary, which could lead a judge to consider it ambiguous.

In lieu of the city’s legal assistance, Moore filed an initial complaint in May on behalf of Linda Carmon, owner of 103 and 105 78th St., 107 78th Street Investments LLC, owner of 107 78th St., and Minh Vu, owner of 202 78th St.

The lawsuit seeks a court order declaring an easement exists and entitles public access to the path, as well as an order directing defendants to restore access to the path by removing barriers and signs.

The plaintiffs also filed for a temporary injunction to reopen the path, which Judge Charles Sniffen of the 12th Judicial Circuit Court denied in August.

Sniffen said the plaintiffs failed to prove their claims of irreparable harm due to the path’s closure or show they had a substantial likelihood of success on the merits at trial.

So Moore expanded the complaints.

The amended complaint states the path’s “use, express right, and dedication was so open, notorious, and visible that knowledge of the use of the beach access to access the Gulf of Mexico is imputed to defendants and their predecessors and they are deemed to have constructive or imputed notice.”

The complaint also includes new counts:

• Count 2 seeks the court’s declaration as to whether the defendants’ predecessor in interest intended to dedicate the beach access to private or public use.

• Count 3 seeks the court’s declaration as to whether the general public has the right to use the path due to its historic and “uninterrupted customary use.”

• Count 4 seeks the court’s declaration as to whether an express easement “was intended to exist” that entitles public use to the access path.

The amended complaint also includes revisions to Count 1, which seeks declaratory judgment as to whether a private or public prescriptive easement exists for public access to the path.

Nevertheless, the plaintiffs’ team shrank by one Nov. 4, when Vu dismissed claims without prejudice.

Moore called on the city to “step up to the plate” and fight to keep the path open.

reports

Island police reports

Anna Maria

Nov. 23, 100 block of Crescent Drive, burglary. A complainant said a bicycle was taken from outside the home. A Manatee County sheriff’s deputy filed an incident report.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office polices the city.

Bradenton Beach

No new reports.

The Bradenton Beach Police Department polices the city.

Cortez

No new reports.

The MCSO polices the village.

Holmes Beach

Nov. 22, 5300 block of Gulf Drive, warrant arrest. A Holmes Beach officer located a motorist pinged by the license plate recognition system. The officer spoke with the driver, who did not have a license and provided a fake name for a passenger. The officer confirmed the passenger’s identity and found a warrant for his arrest for violating probation. The officer arrested the passenger

and transported him to the county jail.

Nov. 23, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, recovered property. An officer responded to reports of abandoned items. The officer spoke with a cafe employee, who handed over a bag containing clothes and medication, which were placed in storage.

Nov. 23, 5300 block of Gulf Drive, warrant. An officer saw a motorist fail to brake at a stop sign and conducted a traffic stop. The officer spoke with the driver and found a warrant for his arrest. The officer arrested the man and transported him to the jail.

Nov. 25, Dunkin, 3302 E. Bay Drive, camping. An officer saw a man sleeping outside the doughnut shop. He woke the man, who said he was waiting to start a shift at the restaurant. The man had been cited for violating the city’s camping ordinance in the past and was issued a court summons.

Nov. 25, 200 block of 84th Street, fraud. An officer spoke with two people who said they received a computer without having ordered one. They said they received a

text message that said no payment was necessary. The officer forwarded the text to HBPD.

Nov. 25, Walgreens, 3200 E. Bay Drive, recovered property. An officer responded in reference to delivery of a suspicious package and spoke with an assistant manager, who said the package contained two marijuana. The officer confiscated the marijuana.

Nov. 27, D.Coy Ducks Tavern, 5410 Marina Drive, battery. A man reported he was the victim of a battery. He said he was in an argument with an ex, who struck him. The man said he wanted to press charges.

Nov. 27, Moorings condominiums, 6200 Flotilla Drive, trespass. An officer responded to reports of people trespassing in the pool area. The officer spoke with two people who said after they left the beach they wanted to rinse off but did not live at the condo. The officer issued trespass warnings.

HBPD polices Holmes Beach.

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

acai bowl

breakfast coffee

LUNCH smoothies

By Lisa Neff

Damaging storm season ends

Locals still were picking up the pieces left by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole when the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season concluded Nov. 30.

Piles of debris remained in some communities and, more than two months after Ian’s landfall, local municipalities, businesses and residents continued to navigate claim processes, FEMA rules and contractor estimates to repair damages.

Neff

Elsewhere in the state, the continued recovery efforts were from disaster not disruption due to Ian, which made landfall Sept. 28, and Nicole, with landfall Nov. 10.

Nicole and Ian were two of 14 named storms in the 2022 season, which produced eight hurricanes with winds of 74 mph or greater, including two major hurricanes with winds reaching 111 mph or greater.

An average hurricane season produces 14 named storms, with seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes. So the 2022 season was near-average for the number of named storms and hurricanes but below average for major hurricanes.

The season saw three hurricane landfalls along the coast of the U.S. mainland — Hurricane Ian made landfall as a Category 4 storm on Florida’s Gulf coast and again as a Category 1 in Georgetown, South Carolina.

As a Category 4 with 150-mph maximum sustained winds, Ian tied for the fifth-strongest hurricane

ever to make landfall in the United States.

Ian also became the fifth-deadliest Atlantic hurricane of the past six decades, factoring in about 145 deaths.

Ian delivered hurricane-force winds, heavy rain and a surge of water to Anna Maria Island, which was evacuated Sept. 27, when the forecast track showed the storm likely making landfall in the Tampa Bay area.

The storm made landfall to the south but across the island, Ian toppled trees, battered fences, downed signs, flooded roads and knocked out utilities.

Islanders returned from the evacuation Sept. 29 when electric outages still were widespread. In some locations, the outages lasted five days.

Nicole, the latest calendar-year hurricane on record to make landfall along the east coast of Florida, made landfall as a Category 1 on north Hutchinson Island.

On AMI, Nicole brought tropical storm-force winds and rain, as well as surf.

The storm’s threat prompted the closure of Anna Maria Elementary School and some businesses but no damages were reported by the island governments.

The 2022 season also was defined by a pause in storms that scientists suspect was caused by increased wind shear and a suppressed atmospheric moisture high over the Atlantic Ocean.

There was no named storm activity July 3-Aug. 31, the first such occurrence in more than 80 years. Then, after the lull, activity ramped up in Septem-

About an alignment

the sarasota/Manatee MPO is working on a study for a multiuse trail in Manatee and conducting a survey for the Manatee trail alignment. While the study area is not on anna Maria Island, the alignment will help connect aMI to downtown Bradenton and beyond. to take the survey, go to www.publicinput.com/ manateetrailstudy.

ber with seven named storms, including Fiona, which was devastating in Puerto Rico, and Ian.

“Forecasters at NOAA’s National Weather Service and its National Hurricane Center issued earlier forecasts with increasing accuracy this season,” NOAA administrator Rick Spinrad said in a news release. “These improved forecasts coupled with critical NOAA data and services undoubtedly led to the better protection of life and property.”

The National Hurricane Center forecasts were aided by an experimental peak storm-surge graphic, which allowed forecasters to more accurately communicate the severity of expected storm-surge levels produced by landfalling storms, including Ian.

Additionally, NOAA’s intensity forecasts showed Ian as a major hurricane impacting the coast of Florida from the initial advisory Sept. 23 through landfall five days later. The lead time gave those in threatened areas more time to prepare and respond, according to NOAA.

“Seasonal activity fell within NOAA’s predicted ranges for named storms and hurricanes in both our preseason outlook and updated outlook,” said Matthew Rosencrans, forecaster at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center. “La Niña conditions remained robust throughout the season while the West African Monsoon was only slightly above normal, which both largely aligned with conditions anticipated by the team at NOAA.”

ready for some football?

By Kevin P. cassidy Islander Reporter

The adult soccer league took the pitch at the Center of Anna Maria Island Dec. 1 for a round of semifinal matches.

Adult soccer down to 2 teams, cassidy

The first match of the evening saw No. 5 seed Gulfview Windows & Doors upset top-seed Wash Family Construction 1-0. Raul Loera notched the game-winner on an assist from Keith Mahoney, while Tuna McCracken made 10 saves in goal to clinch the victory.

Wash goalie Mark Long helped keep his team in the game with seven saves in the loss.

The second semifinal match of the evening saw No. 2 Sato Real Estate cruise past No. 6 Moss Builders 7-0 behind a hat trick from Lindsey Styka and two goals and an assist from Pedro Gonzalez. Daniel Anderson and Will Kretzman each added one goal, while Kretzman also chipped in with four saves in goal.

Sato was set to square off against Gulfview Windows & Doors for the league championship at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8.

Horseshoe news

The Nov. 30 horseshoe games at the city of Anna

Paradise Center offers pickleball how-to

It’s kind of like badminton but with balls not birdies.

It’s kind of like pingpong but played on a court not a table.

It’s pickleball that’s the fastest growing consumer participant sport in the world, according to Sports and Fitness Industry Association data, which estimates there are more than 5 million pickleball players in the United States.

And here’s your chance to learn the game. The Longboat Key Paradise Center for Healthy Living, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, is offering instruction on the basics of the game at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 8.

Pickleball instructor Terri Noyes will lead a lesson on rules, scoring and more during the session.

The cost to attend is $10 for nonmembers. Members can attend for free.

For more info, call the center at 941-383-6493.

— Lisa Neff

Maria pits saw two teams advance to the knockout stage. The team of Steve Doyole and Bob Hawks rolled to a 22-9 victory over Bob Palmer and Tom Betty to win the day’s championship.

Three teams advanced to the knockout round during Dec. 3 action with the bye going to Rod Bussey and Betty. The team of Bob Mason and Tom Farrington advanced to the finals thanks to a 21-6 victory over Palmer and Gary Howcroft. Mason and Farrington stayed hot, earning a 22-0 shutout victory over the Bussey-Betty team to earn the day’s bragging rights.

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

There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome.

Key Royale golf news

There was a full card of golf action at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach, starting with the men’s modified-Stableford system match Nov. 29.

Jeff Jump earned bragging rights for the day with a plus-4, a point ahead of the second-place finishers. Herb Clauhs, Dale Hudson, Peter Lund, Gary Razze, Earl Ritchie and Terry Schaefer all finished at plus-3 for a six-way tie for second place.

The women played a nine-hole individual-low-net match in two flights Nov. 30.

Linda Dorsey and Debbie Duvernay tied for the top spot in Flight A with matching even-par 32s. Helen Pollock and Roxanne Koche tied for second at

Did you know?

1-over-par 33, while Margrit Layh was alone in third at 2-over-par 34.

Marti Clark’s 1-under-par 31 was the low-net round of the day and gave her first place in Flight B. Lisa Edmonds and Janet Razze tied for second at evenpar 32, while Judy Menchek was another stroke back in third place.

Members played a scramble/shamble combo Dec. 1 with John Estok, Mike Gillie, Mike Riddick and Quentin Talbert earning clubhouse bragging rights with an even-par 50.

Register adults, kids for football, cheers, T-ball

The Center of Anna Maria Island is accepting registration for its winter youth flag football league for youths ages 4-13.

The youth league, which runs Jan. 10-March 7 will host 4-5, 6-7, 8-10 and 11-13 age divisions with games played Tuesday evenings.

The deadline to register is Dec. 12 and player evaluations and a player draft for the 8-10 and 11-13 age divisions will be held Dec. 13 with 8-10 evaluations at 5:30 p.m. and 11-13 evaluations at 7 p.m.

Cost for the season is $10 for members and $126 for nonmembers.

The center also is looking for volunteer coaches for the league.

Registration is open for cheerleading through Dec. 13 for the season that runs Jan. 10-March 7 with the youth flag football season.

The program is for children ages 5-11. Participants will practice Monday nights and cheer at Tuesday night’s football games.

The cost is $10 for members and $90 for nonmembers.

Meanwhile, adults interested in playing the game can register for the adult flag football league at the center, with league play running Jan. 12-March 9. Games will be played Thursday nights.

The deadline for adults to register is Dec. 14, with draft day Thursday, Dec. 15, at 6 p.m. Cost is $10 for members and $120 for nonmembers.

The center has opened registration for youth T-ball, which runs Jan. 9-March 6.

There will be four leagues based on ages. Children as young as 4 and as old as 13 can sign up.

Games will be played Mondays.

The deadline to register is Tuesday, Dec. 20.

The cost is $10 for members and $100 for nonmembers.

For more information, contact Rusty Wood at programs@centerami.org or call 941-778-1908.

Pickleball got its start on an old badminton court on Bainbridge Island near Seattle 50 years ago, according to USA Pickleball. The original game, using pingpong paddles to whack at a perforated plastic ball, improved with age. Islander Courtesy Photo

Red tide creeps in from south, threatens fishing resources

By capt. Danny stasny Islander Reporter

Anglers around Anna Maria Island are facing uncertainty as the threat of red tide looms.

Areas such as Siesta Key and southern Sarasota Bay are suffering the consequences of toxic water caused by red tide, where our nearshore waters remained relatively clear as of Dec. 2. Hopefully, with upcoming cold fronts and a combination of strong north and easterly winds, Anna Maria Island will be lucky and dodge this unfortunate “natural occurrence” of nature.

With red tide so close, fishers are planning ahead and scouting waters to the north and east to find areas of clean water and action from a variety of species.

Typically, the Manatee River, Terra Ceia Bay and the waters north of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge on the eastern shoreline of Tampa Bay are good places to escape red tide. In these areas, spotted seatrout are abundant, as there are lush grass flats in depths of 3-8 feet, offering a great habitat.

If you’re not familiar with these waters, try drifting and jigging with soft plastics on a jig head. This technique is most effective as it gives anglers an opportunity to cover quite a bit of territory and good chances for locating concentrations of trout. Plus, there are other species present here that will take the jig, including ladyfish, jack crevalle and pompano.

If fishing with artificials isn’t your thing, you can try live bait. Live shrimp under a popping cork works for targeting trout. It may take longer to locate the fish but when you do, the shrimp and the hook are usually quickly devoured by a hungry trout.

Lastly, practicing catch-and-release is advantageous, as there is potential for our fish populations to decline as a result of red tide. Under normal cir-

Red tide bloom remains

For the week ending Dec. 4, K. brevis was observed with bloom concentrations greater than 100,000 cells per liter in Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties.

Red tide was at very low to medium concentrations in Manatee, including medium concentrations Nov. 28 at Longboat Pass and low concentrations Nov. 28 at the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria.

Red tide also was observed at background concentrations in Pinellas, very low to high concentrations in and offshore of Sarasota, background to high concentrations in and offshore of Charlotte, background to high concentrations in and offshore of Lee and background to high concentrations in Collier County.

Reports of fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were received from Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties.

In Manatee, fish kills were reported Nov. 28 from Bradenton Beach, including snook, mullet and trout, as well as Nov. 28-29 from Longboat Key, including baitfish, mullet and sheepshead.

Respiratory irritation suspected to be related to red tide was reported in Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties.

For more information, go online to myfwc.com.

cumstances, keeping daily limits of fish is acceptable, although in times when there is the potential for fish kills, it’s best to practice catch-and-release and preserve the fish we have.

On my Just Reel charters, I’m enjoying a variety of fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and in the inland waters of Tampa Bay. In the Gulf, Spanish mackerel are prevalent around structure, such as reefs and wrecks. Freelining live shiners on a long shank hook is resulting in as many macks as my clients can stand. And, with all of the commotion with the macks, cobia are finding their way to the boat to investigate what is going on. In many instances, we are sight-casting to these fish as they appear boat side. Once hooked, the battle ensues, with some fish taking up to 15 minutes to get into the boat.

Moving inshore, I’m finding that jigging with DOA CAL jigs on the flats is most effective for spotted seatrout. I’m also seeing jack crevalle, ladyfish and pompano mixed in with the trout bite. The pompano

are sporadic but we are averaging a few every trip.

Capt. Jason Stock is in pursuit of gag grouper. Offshore fishing for the popular grouper is proving to be some of the best we’ve seen in recent years, according to Stock. On many days, Stock is leading clients to limits of the tasty fish. Live pinfish as bait will attract the groupers from their hiding places among the reefs, wrecks and hard-bottoms areas.

Migratory species — amberjack and kingfish — are making their presence known in the Gulf. Numerous methods are being used to catch the fish, including live bait offerings, slow trolling and the use of surface plugs.

Capt. David White says he’s catching a lot of large gag grouper while working in- and nearshore around Anna Maria Island. Targeting reefs and wrecks is resulting in plenty of action on these tackle-busters.

While inshore, White is targeting others species — snook, redfish and Spanish mackerel.

Moving offshore, White is finding the snapper bite quite good. Mangrove and yellowtail snapper are frequently being reeled up. Migratory fish, such as amberjack and kingfish, are being caught while offshore.

Capt. Warren Girle is impressed with the nearshore bite and the variety of species. In depths of 35-45 feet of water, Girle is fi nding action for his clients on mangrove snapper and gag grouper on live shiners combined with a knocker rig. Many snapper are 12-14 inches. As for the grouper, some keeper-size fish are being caught, as well as numerous shorts. Fishing live shiners as bait on a flatline is producing action — especially on kingfish and macks.

Moving inshore to the flats, Girle is catching snook and redfish, as well as plenty of trout.

Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says pier fishers using live shrimp as bait are hooking up with a variety of species. Black drum are the most prevalent bite, with some catches reaching 24 inches in length. Redfish are being caught, with most falling16-20 inches. Anglers using shrimp are hooking into an occasional mangrove snapper or sheepshead. On days when shiners are present, anglers are finding success on artificials — silver spoons, Gotcha plugs or speck rigs. All of those lures are resulting in catches of Spanish mackerel, jack crevalle, ladyfish and skipjacks.

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

Mike and cullen Hoelle of Bradenton show off their Dec. 3 catch: an amberjack in the 70-pound range. the whopper fish ate a live pinfish in 130 feet of water in the gulf of Mexico while on a guided fishing trip with anna Maria charters.

stasny

TideWatch

Lisa Neff

seymore Weiss and Burt gold, both from New York and Longboat Key, show off their Nov. 29 catches: a kingfish and snapper caught offshore using shiners. they were guided by capt. Warren girle.

ITEMS FOR SALE

tWIN BeDs: exceLLeNt condition. adjustable with electric controls, $99 each or best offer. 941-778-5542.

cHaNDeLIeR, MetaL like-new, $20, chairs, black, soft cushion, $15, white office chair, $15. 941-920-2494.

sIDe taBLes: BROWN with glass top. two for $25. 941-920-2494.

tHRee-WHeeL eLectRIc scooter. Red, basket, good condition. $995 firm. 941-7924312.

20-INcH tV, two antennas, remote, $20, 20-inch queen air mattress, sheets, $30, wheelchair, $30 808-213-5887.

aNtIQUe PaRtNeR DesK: all wood, $500. Inquire at the Islander office, 315 58th st. suite J, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

ITEMS FOR SALE Continued

VIctORIaN BaBY caRRIage: Wood/wicker, great photo or theater prop. Benefits Moonracer animal Rescue. For photos: moonraceranimalrescue@gmail.com.

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

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

GARAGE SALES

MULtI-FaMILY YaRD sale: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. saturday and sunday, Dec 10-11. 515 Magnolia ave., anna Maria.

LOST & FOUND

FOUND: BIcYcLe KeY on 52nd street, Holmes Beach. call 941-778-9622 to claim.

PETS

HeLP RescUeD Pets! Volunteer, foster, computer help needed! Moonracer animal Rescue. email: moonraceranimalrescue@ gmail.com.

TRANSPORTATION

gOLF caRt ReNtaLs: Fun for residents and tourists! www.golfcartRentalaMI.com.

BOATS & BOATING

tWO 2022 sINgLe-sit on top Hobie Mirage compass pedal kayaks with 180 kick-up fins. color, papaya. Barely used and in great condition. $1,500 each. 901-569-8685.

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.

KaYaK FIsHINg! PReMIeR condition Hobie 2018 Revolution 16. Fast and comfortable. $1,850 ($2,950 new). 503-704-8897.

HELP WANTED

HeLP WaNteD: PROPeRtY monitor wanted for Holmes Beach condo. Working saturday, sunday and holidays, three hours per day. great working conditions, $20 per hour! call 941-778-1390.

WINN DIxIe at 7400 44th ave W., Bradenton is hiring full and part-time positions in all departments. apply at Winn Dixie/careers. com

Best BaR, Best food, best wages. Hiring for front of the house, back of the house and weekend days for phone. call 941-2139926.

ResORt assIstaNt MaNageR needed for island resort and vacation rentals. experience a plus but will train. Weekend hours included in the 32-36 hours per week. Interested candidates, please, email islands58@ aol.com

NOW HIRINg HaNDYMaN: Full-time professional services. $15 an hour and up, based on experience. call JayPros, 941962-2874.

RePORteR WaNteD: Full- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience required. apply to news@islander.org.

KIDS FOR HIRE

NeeD aN aDULt night out? call Maty’s Babysitting services. I’m 16, love kids and have lots of experience. References upon request. 618-977-9630.

KIDs FOR HIRe ads are FRee for up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work. ads must be placed in person at the Islander office, 315 58th st. suite J, Holmes Beach.

HEALTH CARE

PRIVate DUtY: RegIsteReD Nurse. Pet lover, non-smoker, fully vaccinated, help with transportation, shopping, light cooking, cleaning. Help with following doctor’s orders, bathing, etc. 10-plus years’ experience. call or text Jessica, 412-851-0840.

SERVICES

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

cLeaNINg: VacatION, cONstRUctION, residential, commercial and windows. Licensed and insured. 941-756-4570.

PRessURe WasHINg, PaVeR sealing, driveway, roof, fence, pool area. also, window cleaning. Licensed and insured. 941-5653931.

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

cOMPaNION/HOMeMaKeR: Honest and reliable offering help with running errands, grocery shopping, house sitting, pet and plant care, light cooking/cleaning, transportation. References available and licensed. call sherri, 941-592-4969.

aPI’s DRYWaLL RePaIR: I look forward to servicing your drywall repair needs. call 941524-8067 to schedule an appointment.

HaNDYMaN OR cLeaNINg services: affordable rates. Fred, 941-356-1456.

PROFessIONaL WINDOW cLeaNINg: Residential, commercial, Free estimates. “We want to earn your business!” 207-852-6163.

BUsINess-tO-BUsINess JD’s Window cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-920-3840.

BeacH seRVIce air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. serving Manatee county and the Island since 1987. call Bill eller, 941-7957411. cac184228.

LAWN & GARDEN

cONNIe’s LaNDscaPINg INc. Residential and commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-778-5294.

BaRNes LaWN aND Landscape LLc. Design and installation, lawn and landscape services, tree trimming, mulch, rock and shell. 941-705-1444. Jr98@barneslawnandlandscape.com.

cOLLINs LaNDscaPe LIgHtINg: Outdoor lighting, landscaping, irrigation services and maintenance. 941-279-9947. MJc24373@ gmail.com.

LAWN & GARDEN Continued

seaRaY sPRINKLeR seRVIces. Repairs, additions, drip, sprinkler head/timer adjust ments. 941-920-0775.

a N ge LO’ s L a WN ca R e : Mow, edge, string trimming, blow. starting at $20/cut. Licensed/insured. 941-217-9000.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

VaN-gO PaINtINg residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpa per. Island references. Bill, 941-795-5100. www.vangopainting.net.

tILe -tILe -tILe all variations of ceramic tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship, prompt, reliable, many Island references. call Neil, 941-726-3077.

g RIFFIN’ s HOM e IMPROV e M e N ts Inc. Handyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. Insured and licensed. 941-722-8792.

BLINDs, sHUtteRs, sHaDes: Motoriza tion. 30 years on a MI. c all Keith Barnett, Barnett Blinds, 941-730-0516.

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

H a NDYM a N a ND Pa IN t IN g . No job too small. Most jobs just right. c all Richard Kloss. 941-204-1162.

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

caLL HYDRO cLeaN. Full-service pressure washing, sealing. Pavers, travertine and nat ural stone. Window washing too, up to three stories. call Jacob, 941-920-2094.

sa R as O ta IN te RIOR Pa IN t IN g : We specialize in high-end properties. We love to paint! Owner operated. Fully insured/ licensed. call or text Don, 941-900-9398. Instagram: sarasotaInteriorPainting.

More ads = more readers in the Islander

HOME IMPROVEMENT Continued

DON a LD P e RKIN s ’ a BR aca D a BR a Painting LL c . Interior/exterior. 30 years of experience. 941-705-7096.

RENTALS

a NN a M a RI a g ULF beachfront vacation rentals. One- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941778-3143.

cOMMeRcIaL Lease: 419 Pine ave., anna Maria. Island Real estate, Larry chatt, 941 345-1288.

KeY ROYaLe: 2BR/2Ba dock, pool, through Jan. 7. gil, 813-943-3572. VRBO.18876.

s M a LL exec U t IV e OFFI ce available. approximately 550 sf. gulf Drive exposure. Water and electric included, $850/month. $500 deposit. 5386 g ulf Drive, s uite 101, Holmes Beach. 941-746-8666.

2BR/2B a g ULF VI e W! a nnual, furnished, elevated Island house, Bradenton Beach. Minimum six months, $3,500/month. First, last, security deposit, $1,500. No pets. send detailed household information to LHB747@ gmail.com or 941-778-1098.

aNNa MaRIa 2BR/2Ba. Minimum six-month rental. Just over the bridge, beautiful com munity of the highly sought-after gated Perico Bay club. Furnished villa with garage, includes water, WIFI, spectrum, pest control, trash, and lawn care. No pets/no smoking. available april 1. $3,000/month, plus elec tric. 310-971-7210. VRBO 9422180ha.

seasONaL: 4BR/2Ba, pool, large sunroom, garage, laundry, $10,000/month. Walk to beach or cross street to beach. 3BR/2B a sunroom, porch, garage, washer and dryer. $12,000/month. call 347-510-8417.

REAL ESTATE

WINNI e M c H a L e , R ea Lt OR, 941-5046146. Rosebay International Realty Inc. You need an aggressive and experienced Real tor in today’s market! selling island homes, sarasota and Bradenton areas. Multi-milliondollar producer! “ s elling Homes - Making Dreams come true.”

LOt FOR saLe. 10,000 sf buildable water front lot with utilities in Bradenton. Dock with boat lift. s eawall maintained by city. $500,000. 917-860-1917.

aFFORDaBLe 2BR/2Ba cONDO with car port. 55-plus, new air conditioning and upgrades. Near IM g , 8 miles to beach. $225,000. Real estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

Signing up for the party

Full p-art-icipant

Howluckyami and friends hosted Artwalk and Shop customers for the first time in its new space.

The business was nestled within Restless Natives in the Island Shopping Center for five years before moving into a storefront a few doors down the strip.

“It wasn’t our first rodeo but we’re excited to have more space,” owner Jane Sperlazzi said Nov. 12.

Artwalk and Shop — business open houses on Gulf and Marina drives in Holmes Beach— drew foot traffic to the store, 5402 Marina Drive, the evening of Nov. 11.

“The merchants really appreciated everyone’s effort. Most people were on foot because of all the construction. It’s very difficult, so we truly were humbled and gratified by the turnout,” Sperlazzi said.

The next event is 5:30-7:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 9. For more, visit the shop’s Facebook page.

New to AMI chamber

The Islander joins the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce in welcoming December’s new members: Catering/banquet chef Cheryl Benecke; Queen Bee Painting, Cheryl Renee; Compeer, Cindy Thompson; Bamboo Dreams Photography, Deborah Skorupski; Sheryl Renee Portraits; Sheryl Renee; Compass Boat Rentals, John Orr; Kiwi Style Fish and Chips restaurant; Nicole Tagelagi; Pizzano’s Pizza and Grinderz, Sam Marhi; A-Door to Door Airport Service, Rick Turner; Island Rider AMI, Camden Parkhurst; and the Monkey Bus, owner Sally Dirbas.

The chamber at 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach

For more, call the chamber at 941-778-1541 or info@amichamber.org.

BizCal compiled by Lisa Neff

THIS WEEK

Friday, Dec. 9 5:30-8 p.m. — Anna Maria business-sponsored Holiday Walk of Treasures, Gulf Drive and Pine Avenue, Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130.

Saturday, Dec. 10 7 p.m. — Duffy’s Tavern, 5808 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, hosts the Seventh Annual Toys for Tots Night with entertainment and unwrapped toy donations. Information: 941-778-2501.

ONGOING

Second Fridays through April, 5:30-7:30 p.m., City Center Artwalk and Shop, Gulf and Marina drives, Holmes Beach. Info: 941778-6648.

Third Fridays, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Whitney Beach Plaza Merchants Claws for a Cause charity and food truck event, 6838 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Info: 941-387-9807.

SAVE THE DATE

Dec. 15, AMI Chamber business card exchange, TBD. Dec. 17, Bridge Street Merchants’ Christmas on Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach.

MarketWatch

Anna Maria

By Lisa Neff

Median listing home price: $3.6 million, trending up 40.8% year-over-year.

Median sold home price: $2.2 million.

Listings: 56 properties, $650,000-$8.5 million.

Bradenton Beach

Median listing home price: $1.1 million, trending down 3.2% year-over-year.

Median sold home price: $762,500.

Listings: 40 properties, $295,000-$6.9 million. Holmes Beach

Median listing home price: $1.7 million, up 25.9% year-over-year.

Median sold home price: $1.1 million. Listings: 77 properties, $250,000-$12 million. source: Realtor.com

PropertyWatch

By carol Bernard

Island real estate sales

217 Willow Ave., Anna Maria a 2,801 sq ft 4BR/5BA pool home on a 11,099 sq ft lot built in 2020 sold 10/19/2022 by Pugh to Drewes for $5,850,000, list price $5,995,000.

110 12th St., #122, Bradenton Beach a 941 sq ft 2BR/2BA Gulf to Bay Moorings condo built in 1982 sold 10/12/2022 by Little Trust to Carabeo for $750,000, list price $795,000.

244 Willow Ave., Anna Maria, a 1,546 sq ft 3BR/2BA home on a 10,424 sq ft lot built in 1987 sold 10/21/2022 by Higgins Trust to 244 Willow LLC for $2,200,000, list price $2,499,000.

1801 Gulf Drive, #282, Bradenton Beach, a 1,080 sq ft 2BR/2BA Runaway Bay Condo built in 1978 sold 10/31/2022 by Strumeier to Topp for $625,000, list price $634,900.

1455 Gulf Drive, #1455, Bradenton Beach, a 1,524 sq ft 3BR/3BA Bermuda Beach Condo built in 2000 sold 11/10/2022 by Titan Capital LLC to Maloney for $1,175,000, list price $1,300,000.

3701 Fifth Ave., #3, Holmes Beach, a 1,430 sq ft 2BR/3BA Gulf View Townhouse built in 1982 sold 10/31/2022 by Herr to Rosario for $759,000, list price $779,900.

524 Key Royale Drive, Holmes Beach, a 1,864 sq ft 3BR/2BA pool home on a 11,200 sq ft lot built in 1959 sold 11/30/2022 by Jackson to Eubank for $1,525,000, list price $1,595,000.

618 Dundee Lane, Holmes Beach, a 1,712 sq ft 3BR/2BA home on a 10,890 sq ft lot built in 1968 sold 10/28/2022 by Courtney to Clark for $1,676,000, list price $1,999,500.

Compiled by Island Real Estate staff. Island Real Estate sales professionals can be reached at 941-7786066, islandreal.com.