The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, Sept. 06, 2023

Top Notch

Idalia takes a bite of AMI, Cortez

ufdc.ufl.edu.

After the storm, calm Labor Day

Looking north from Cortez Beach in Bradenton Beach Sept. 2, Jacob Merrifield’s drone sees beachgoers spread out on the sand. the Saturday beach day came days after AMI reopened to the public following Hurricane Idalia and an advisory against swimming remained in effect.

top left, clockwise. Residential fire on 71st Street. Dock damage in Cortez. Road Block on mainland at 80th Street and Palma Sola Causeway. Hurricane Hank’s message to Idalia. Sandbaggers at Holmes Beach city field. A surfer at three Piers in Bradenton Beach. A rescued tern gets rehab at Wildlife Inc., Bradenton Beach. High water caution on North Shore Boulevard, Anna Maria. See more inside, pages 9, 15, 16-18.

Downed power line ignites Holmes Beach duplex during storm

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Hurricane Idalia resulted in more than water and wind damage to one Holmes Beach property.

A duplex at 210 71st St. suffered extensive fire damage the night of Aug. 29 after a power line downed by a storm band from Hurricane Idalia led to a structure fire, according to a West Manatee Fire Rescue report.

The property is owned by the Don F Trust and Dorothy C Trust and their respective trustees, Holmes Beach residents Don and Dorothy Pon.

WMFR units were on their way to the area around 10:03 p.m. in response to reports of downed power lines when they received word that one of the lines caught a backyard shed on fire.

Firefighters arrived around 10:08 p.m. to find a shed burning behind 210 71st. St., as well as a fence connecting the shed to a main building.

However, the responding crews had to wait for the active powerline to be deenergized before they could begin combatting the spreading fire.

WMFR command contacted Florida Power & Light for assistance but FPL’s 30-minute response time was deemed to be too long to wait and the local grid was deenergized within two minutes, allowing firefighting efforts to begin.

By the time crews could take action, the fire had spread to the back of one unit of the duplex.

WMFR crews extinguished the fire with hoses and pulled parts of the ceiling to check for any spread of the fire.

They cleared the property around midnight, but the home, assessed at $417,697, was left with extensive damage.

The arcing powerline also scorched trees and melted a neighbor’s vinyl fence.

There were no occupants within the burning unit but occupants in the attached unit were displaced due to smoke damage and loss of power.

Nobody was injured, according to WMFR fire marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski.

“In terms of a structure fire, it was relatively textbook,” Kwiatkowski said. “If you’re going to have a structure fire, it’s kind of the best-case scenario.”

The fire also threatened a backyard neighbor, Josh Foster, at 209 72nd St. Foster co-owns The Porch in Anna Maria with his wife.

He told The Islander Aug. 31 that he saw the fire through a window while he was in bed and called 911.

He said by the time firefighters began combatting the blaze, it had spread to his backyard fence due to intense winds from the storm.

Holmes Beach police knocked on his door and had Foster and his wife escorted from the property due to spreading fire but it never went beyond their fence.

“Luckily, we only lost the back fence,” Foster said. “Maybe a palm tree or two was charred but that’s all right.”

What remains of a twounit residential property at 210 71st St., Holmes Beach, that suffered extensive damage in an Aug. 29 structure fire caused by a downed power line during Hurricane Idalia. there were no injuries. Islander

BeLOW: A firefighter applies water to the structure at 210 70th St.

Foster said the fi re came as a surprise addition to the storm, which was passing through the Gulf of Mexico, sending out bands of storms, but he was relieved it was resolved without injuries.

“It was a pretty crazy experience,” he added.

Photo: Courtesy Josh Foster

Islander Photo: Courtesy WMFR

Dog attack survivors frustrated by county’s lack of response

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

A pair of dog attacks committed by the same animal — just 12 days apart — injured three people and resulted in the death of one pet.

Now survivors of the attacks have questions.

Deanna Quinn-McCollian of Illinois and Evalena Leedy of Holmes Beach were attacked by an English mastiff owned by Anthony Santamauro, whose last known residence was in Holmes Beach.

Quinn-McCollian was attacked Aug. 9 while at Island Time Restaurant and Bar, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. She was bitten on her left calf near the knee and Teddy, her sister’s 8-month-old maltipoo, died from injuries suffered in the attack.

Police reports indicate Santamauro suffered a sep-

arated shoulder attempting to restrain his dog during the attack at the bar.

Leedy was attacked Aug. 21 outside her residence at Westbay Cove South, 700 Manatee Ave., Holmes Beach.

She said she was charged by a mastiff while walking her toy poodle, Alonzo.

Leedy protected her dog by placing it on the roof of a parked car. While defending her animal, she was bitten on the forearm by the mastiff.

In both cases, the mastiff was not on a leash.

And in both attacks, the women required emergency medical attention at a local hospital.

Quinn-McCollian’s case was initially handled by the Bradenton Beach Police Department and Leedy’s was reported to the Holmes Beach Police Department. BBPD issued an ordinance violation to Santamauro for violating the city’s animal ordinance. Holmes Beach officers attempted to cite Santamauro but were unable to locate him. The agencies turned the dog attack investigations over to Manatee County Animal Welfare.

Quinn-McCollian told The Islander Aug. 22 that during an interview with MCAW she was told her attack was the third interaction they had with Santamauro in two years.

In the weeks since the attacks, Leedy and QuinnMcCollian said they received little response from the county.

Quinn-McCollian said Aug. 31 that she sent an email inquiring about the course of action the county would take but she’s had no response.

Leedy told The Islander Aug. 31 that she was still waiting for MCAW officer Kevin Mitchell to pick up her affidavit.

She said she received an email from departmental chief Sarah Brown concerning her request for more information but Brown’s email did not contain any new information.

Leedy said the only information provided by the county was that Santamauro was not at the address

CRUISES

provided as his residence at the time of the attacks and therefore his animal could not be impounded for violation of a quarantine.

Under rules set by the Florida Department of Health, an owner of animal involved in a bite attack is required to quarantine the animal for rabies observations for 10 days.

Home quarantine requires that a dog stay on the property or on a leash if walked off the property until an inspector releases the animal from quarantine.

“I intend on following this up,” Leedy said Aug. 31. “These two attacks — that we know about — should not have happened if animal control was following the law — as I understand it.”

The Islander reached out to Mitchell and Brown Aug. 23 and Aug. 24 but as of Sept. 1 had no response.

The Islander filed a public records request regarding the attacks and Santamauro with MCAW Aug. 24 but had no response as of Sept. 1.

Q&A 090623

The Islander poll

Last week’s question

Summer on AMI ends …

37%. On Labor Day.

23%. On the fall equinox.

27%. When school starts.

By Lisa Neff

7%. When businesses reopen after vacation.

6%. When Island Players open a new season. This week’s question

Ready for some football?

A. Already watching.

B. Looking forward to the season.

C. Watch occasionally.

D. I’ll tune in to the Super Bowl.

E. Meh.

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

the interior of a duplex at 210 71st St., Holmes Beach, damaged by an Aug. 29 structure fire that started when a power line fell during a thunderstorm associated with Hurricane Idalia as it brushed by Anna Maria Island.

3 Holmes Beach incumbents unopposed for reelection

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The Holmes Beach City Commission will stay the way it is for now.

Three incumbents — Commissioners Pat Morton, Terry Schaefer and Carol Soustek — qualified for reelection without opposition by the time the window to qualify closed Sept. 1.

Soustek was first appointed to the commission in 2014 to complete the unexpired term of David Zaccagnino, then was reelected to her first full two-year term in 2015.

She has been reelected every two years and, after qualifying for reelection without opposition, she’ll serve a fifth term.

“I was very, very pleased and happy when I found no one had challenged our three commissioners that were up for reelection,” Soustek told The Islander Sept. 1. “My oldest daughter tells me no one wants the job but I think that — or I want to think — it is because people feel we’re doing a good job for them.”

“It gives us a sense that what we’re doing is paying off,” she added.

Schaefer was elected to the commission in November 2019 and was reelected in 2021. He’ll serve a third term starting in November.

Schaefer did not respond to a Sept. 1 call from The Islander.

Morton was first elected to the commission in 2003 and served 17 years before losing his seat in 2020. He was returned to the board again in the 2021 election.

Morton’s successful reelection bid begins 19 years of service to the city.

He told The Islander Sept. 1 that this was his first time qualifying for reelection without opposition and he was “flattered” to serve another term.

“This is one of the things I’ve enjoyed doing for about 20 years, even if it sounds crazy,” Morton said. “Apparently we’re doing a good job, and I hope we just stick with it. … I feel very good about the way this is going.”

City commissioners currently receive $7,950 annual salaries, but their pay will rise to $8,080 due to a $130 cost-of-living adjustment that was adopted in 2019.

Charter review commission

While seats on the city commission will remain full, no one qualified with the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office by noon Sept. 1 for a seat on the city’s five-member charter review commission.

The city charter is akin to a constitution and establishes the structure, functions and procedures of municipal government.

Every five years, a board is elected to review the document and implement potential changes. The last charter review board was formed in 2018.

However, there won’t be one this year.

City clerk Stacey Johnston wrote in an Aug. 31 email to The Islander that since nobody qualified to join a review board, there would be no review.

Bradenton Beach mayor, commissioners retake seats

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

It looks like the gang is all in.

Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie and Commissioners Jan Vosburgh and Jacob Spooner submitted qualifying paperwork the week ending Sept. 1 to the Manatee Supervisor of Elections Office to run for reelection Nov. 7.

But there will be no ballot to bring voters to the polls on Election Day because no one else qualified to run in the city.

Chappie, Vosburgh and Spooner are automatically reelected to two-year terms effective in November.

Chappie has served the city for more than 12 years as mayor, in two separate six-year periods, and six years as a city commissioner. He also served a term as a county commissioner.

Vosburgh has lived in Bradenton Beach since 2003 and has served the city as a commissioner for 10 years but not consecutively.

Vosburgh represents Ward 3, which encompasses the community redevelopment agency district and is bordered by Cortez Road, Sarasota Bay, the Gulf of Mexico and the southern city limits.

Spooner has served four two-year terms as a commissioner for Ward 1, which is bordered by the northern city limit, Sarasota Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, Canasta Drive, Avenue C, 24th Street North and 25th Street North.

Due to a 2022 charter amendment vote by the electorate to eliminate term limits, there are no restrictions on the incumbents seeking to retain their seats.

The period set by the supervisor of elections to qualify for seats in Bradenton Beach was noon Aug. 28-noon Sept. 1.

City commissioners receive $400 a month while the mayor receives $800.

Bradenton Beach had 636 registered voters as of Aug. 28.

In the 2021 election, 348 voters cast ballots. In the 2022 election, 494 voters cast ballots.

Milestones

the Islander welcomes stories about islanders and island life, as well as photographs and notices of the milestones in readers’ lives — weddings, births, anniversaries, travels, obituaries and other events.

Submit your announcements and photographs with captions for publication — along with contact information — to news@islander. org.

Also, visit us on Facebook and join the 13,800-plus friends who “like” the Islander and share their social news.

CELEBRATION!

SUNDAY SEPT. 10th

2 for 3 in Anna Maria, but 2 vacancies

Anna Maria Commissioners Charlie Salem, left, and Jonathan Crane pose Aug. 24 as the only people to seek two of three available city commission seats in this year’s election. But two vacant seats will be vacant. Commissioner Robert Kingan chose not to run and his seat expires in November. Commissioner Deanie Sebring is leaving the board in October. the vacancies will be addressed by the remaining commissioners when they convene after the election. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

2024 elections

Looking to 2024

The only offices that island voters were to decide in 2023 were municipal offices — commission seats in each city, as well as the mayoral post in Bradenton Beach.

Also, an election for a charter review board in Holmes Beach had no applicants and there will be no election and no review.

Lacking contests, island voters will not go to the polls in November and can look to 2024 races at the municipal, county, state and federal level.

Save the dates: presidential preference primary, March 19, 2024; general primary Aug. 20, 2024; general election, Nov. 5.

Other dates

Sept. 18: Anna Maria Island and West Manatee Democratic Club 2023-24 kickoff at the Island Library in Holmes Beach.

Sept. 19: National Voter Registration Day.

— Lisa Neff

Holmes Beach considering ban on temporary signs

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Temporary signs could be running out of time in Holmes Beach’s residential areas.

City commissioners reached consensus Aug. 15 to direct city staff to return to a future meeting with research on options for regulating temporary signs, such as prohibiting them throughout the municipality’s residential zoning districts.

The city has been exploring changes to its signage regulations since its current code, which prohibits the posting of political signage until 45 days before an election, became defunct last summer after controversy brought it into the spotlight.

Last June, former Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore — a Holmes Beach resident — removed three campaign signs belonging to Jason Bearden, who was running against her in the Republican primary for the county’s at-large District 6 seat.

Whitmore told police she removed the signs because they violated city code — which limits posting political signs to 45 days before an election.

Bearden pursued a potential misdemeanor charge against Whitmore for petit theft until beating her in the primary election, after which he dropped the charge.

Bearden also complained that the city’s code violated a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that determined content-based sign regulations violate citizens’ First Amendment right to free speech.

His complaint led city attorney Erica Augello to review the municipality’s sign code and determine changes had to be made.

Commissioners have been discussing the code during intermittent work sessions since.

Not all changes have to do with political and temporary signs, however.

Chad Minor, the city’s planning and zoning administrator, presented other proposed changes to the sign code, including:

• Allowing internal lighting for illuminated signage, which can emit up to 10 lumens when measured 10 feet away from a sign at night, in the city’s A-1, R-2 and R-4 districts, where it was previously prohibited;

• Removing a requirement to provide landscaping at the base of freestanding monument signs;

• Removing a section on applicability.

Commissioners were onboard with Minor’s proposed changes but the discussion returned to how to regulate temporary signage — the subject of two previous work sessions.

Mayor Judy Titsworth asked if there was anything that could be done to reduce the clutter of election signs or prevent some temporary signage, such as vacation rental signs, from remaining posted in perpetuity.

Titsworth said vacation rentals are essentially permanent signs, since a single permitted “temporary”

sign could remain indefinitely if the event it advertises is continuous, such as weekly rental operations.

She added that the city’s allowance of temporary signage in its commercial zones for up to 100 days prior to an event was “lengthy” and needed adjustment.

“It’s way too long,” Commission Chair Carol Soustek agreed.

Augello said there was nothing that could be done

Meetings

three campaign signs for Jason Bearden, elected to the Manatee County Commission’s District 6 seat last fall, were held at the Holmes Beach code enforcement office in June 2022 after then-County Commissioner Carol Whitmore, who was running against Bearden, pulled the signs. Islander File

to distinguish real estate and rental signs from political signage but the city could prohibit temporary signage in its residential zoning districts.

Titsworth expressed enthusiasm for the idea of removing the clutter of political signs from residential areas.

“Political signs are such a waste. It’s plastic. It’s trash. I just can’t stand them. I’d love to have those be gone,” she said.

Commissioner Terry Schaefer said, “If our objective is anti-clutter, that’s a good move in the right direction.”

Commissioners agreed to direct staff to explore options for the change.

“We’ll get it figured out,” Minor said.

The commission will meet next at 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

People can view a livestream of the meeting on the city’s website, holmesbeachfl.org.

By Lisa Neff, calendar@islander.org

ANNA MARIA CITY

Sept. 7, 5 p.m., commission (budget).

Sept. 21, 5 p.m., commission (budget).

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

BRADENTON BEACH

Sept. 6, 9:30 a.m., CRA.

Sept. 6, 1 p.m., planning and zoning.

Sept. 7, 5:05 p.m., CRA (budget).

Sept. 7, 5:30 p.m., commission (budget).

Sept. 7, 6 p.m., commission.

Sept. 14, 5:05 p.m., CRA (budget).

Sept. 14, 5:30 p.m., commission (budget).

Sept. 20, 1 p.m., ScenicWAVES.

Sept. 21, noon, commission.

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

HOLMES BEACH

Sept. 6, 5 p.m., planning.

Sept. 13, 9 a.m., clean water ad hoc committee.

Sept. 14, 5 p.m., commission (budget).

Sept. 26, 10 a.m., special magistrate.

Sept. 26, 5 p.m., commission (budget).

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

WEST MANATEE FIRE RESCUE

Sept. 12, 6 p.m., commission.

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

MANATEE COUNTY

Sept. 7, 9 a.m., commission (land use).

Sept. 12, 9 a.m., commission.

Sept. 12, 6 p.m., commission (budget).

Sept. 19, 9 a.m., commission (work session).

Sept. 19, 6 p.m., commission (budget).

Sept. 27, 6 p.m., Commissioner George Kruse town hall, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786341.

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

ALSO OF INTEREST

Sept. 18, 2 p.m., Island Transportation Planning Organization, Anna Maria City Hall.

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

Photo: Ryan Paice

Who you callin’ frenzied?

I think I can assume that right about now you’re hoping this is the last hurricane we brush up with this year.

Although, the season runs through November.

If the words frenzied, frantic, wild, hectic, fraught, manic, intense, crazed, panic-struck, sleepless or overwrought describe your emotional state during the run-up to Hurricane Idalia, you need to start preparing now for the next go-round.

And if that frenzied feeling was foremost over the hours that Hurricane Idalia approached our coast and passed to our north, you might want to think about evacuating when the next “cone of uncertainty” stretches across Manatee County and Tampa Bay.

Meanwhile, breathe a sigh of relief.

The storm did not send high winds to toss tree limbs and push water far up on our shore. The storm surge on the Gulf beaches and from the bays and canals was minimal, especially considering we were in a king tide cycle. Our high tides were higher than usual but, as luck would have it, the stormwater receded just before the highest tide came.

For the folks with water damage, you’ve got work ahead of you before the mold and mildew sets in. Make sure you dry and clean everything you can.

And as you make headway on the problem, keep thinking about making your home or business or boat more storm-ready.

Replace carpeting with tile or vinyl. Elevate cabinets, appliances and storage units in the garage. Consider more resilient landscaping. And wash, wash, wash your vehicles because the water washing onto the roads was not mixed with Dawn, it was saltwater. And every puddle you ran through can do damage.

There’s plenty you can do to build confidence in your decisions when another storm comes along and now’s the time to do it.

And watch the weather. Really watch the weather. Not just the predicted path of the storm but the fronts and currents that push the storm onward on its path.

Then if a storm is heading to Walt Disney World, you can make evacuation plans that include avoiding Orlando.

Try humming a Jimmy Buffett tune to ease your worries — something like “Trying to Reason with Hurricane Season” might be appropriate.

Because while we say goodbye this week to Buffett, the music will live on within you.

Thanks, Jimmy. It’s been a lovely cruise.

Now let’s get back to island time.

— Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

Law of the beach

It appears that some people think our laws do not apply to them.

I admonished a child who was trying to harm shore birds on the beach near 25th Street North in Bradenton Beach.

After yelling at the child to stop running at and throwing objects at the terns and gulls, I asked him several times about his parents’ whereabouts.

He joined his siblings back in the water and ceased further harassment.

Skimming online

Website: islander.org

Facebook: islandernewspaper

Twitter: @ami_islander

Instagram: @theislanderami

Pinterest: @islandernewspaper

News alerts: Register at islander.org

E-edition: Subscribe at islander.org

Connections, AMI & beyond

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

▼ Editorial editor Lisa Neff, lisa@islander.org

Robert Anderson, robert@islander.org

Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist

Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org

Jack elka, jack@jackelka.com

Brook Morrison, brook@islander.org

Ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org

▼ Contributors

Karen Riley-Love

Jacob Merrifield

Capt. Danny Stasny, fish@islander.org

Nicole Quigley

▼ Advertising Director

toni Lyon, toni@islander.org

▼ Webmaster Wayne Ansell

▼ Office Manager, Lisa Williams info@, accounting@, classifieds@, subscriptions@islander.org

▼ Distribution

Urbane Bouchet Ross Roberts

Judy Loden Wasco

(All others: news@islander.org)

It wasn’t long afterward when his older sister began doing the same thing, this time in the company of their parents, who had no intention of stopping the behavior.

I asked one of my friends if she would speak to the parents, as I was too irate not to make a scene. But the parents wouldn’t even acknowledge her. They eventually packed up and left because a storm was coming in.

I would hope that more people would take the initiative that my friend and I did to let people know when they are out of line.

If we overlook such acts, we will lose our paradise faster than the developers’ greedy timeline may dictate.

We all have a duty to protect our island and all its resources.

Please, join me in improving our collective stewardship of our island paradise before it’s too late.

Carlos Santo, Bradenton Beach

Anna Maria: Mayor Dan Murphy, 941-708-6130, cityofannamaria.com, ammayor@cityofannamaria.com.

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

Holmes Beach: Mayor Judy Titsworth, 941-7085800, holmesbeachfl.org, hbmayor@holmesbeachfl.org.

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

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

Florida Senate: Republican Jim Boyd, 941-7426445, boyd.jim.web@flsenate.gov, flsenate.gov, @JimBoydFL via Twitter.

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

Looking back

Smokes and special deliveries

More than a century ago, a post office in the village of Cortez offered mail services, as well as sales of cool drinks, candy and cigars. the photo is dated 19001910. Islander Photos: Courtesy Manatee County Public Library System

Petitioning for a post office

Petitions are submitted for a new post office in the village of Cortez. the date on the photo is May 1979. the people in the photo are not identified in the library archives.

At the counter in Cortez

Postmaster Harry F. Swathwood weighs a package in December 1965 at the counter in the village post office in Cortez. Swathwood was about to retire from his post.

We’d love to mail you the news!

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

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

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

BULK MAIL U.S. SUBSCRIPTION (allow 2 weeks for every week’s delivery)

❑ 1 year: $54 ❑ 3-6 Months: $36 ❑ 1-3 Months: $24

U.S. FIRST CLASS AND CANADIAN MAIL SUBSCRIPTION

❑ 1 year: $160 ❑ 3-6 Months: $98 ❑ 1-3 Months: $54

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

MAIL TO:

10&20 years ago

From the Sept. 3, 2003, issue

• Anna Maria city attorney Jim Dye informed commissioners that the Florida Telecommunications Industry Association filed a complaint against the city alleging its members were having trouble establishing a cellular facility in Anna Maria.

• Jeff Brown, owner of Island Marine, 412 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, began demolition of the structure to make way for homes after he and the city were unable to reach an agreement for the city to purchase the property. Brown had sought $2 million for four-plus lots.

• Bradenton Beach commissioners voted to move forward with a hearing to remove two members from the planning and zoning board who were property owners in the city but not residents.

• A man driving a rented motor scooter was transported by medical helicopter to a hospital with serious injuries after he rear-ended a vehicle that had stopped at a crosswalk in Holmes Beach. Another man on a scooter also rear-ended the vehicle.

From the Sept. 4, 2013, issue

• Forbes.com introduced a pictorial feature on “America’s Prettiest Towns” and included Anna Maria as one of the “prettiest little cities in America.”

• Holmes Beach commissioners voted to authorize the mayor to move forward with researching paid parking for public spaces in the city.

• The Anna Maria Island Community Center was using a grant from the Pittsburgh Pirates Charities Field for Kids program to help improve the athletic fi elds at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

Sounds Apparel

Name shown on card: Exp. Date

Credit card billing address:

— Lisa Neff

Supply chain delays bridge-water main work

By Ryan Paice the Islander

One step forward, two steps back.

Additional work to replace a temporary water main across the Anna Maria Island Bridge on Manatee Avenue was postponed by the county to late September or October due to delays in acquiring materials, according to a Sept. 1 news release.

The news came just over a week after an Aug. 23 announcement that Bradenton-based Lovin Contracting would begin work on the repairs Sept. 6, and take two-three weeks to complete.

The postponed work involves the temporary pipeline installed across the bridge in June to replace the failed 16-inch water main that carried potable water from the mainland to Holmes Beach.

The previous water main was installed in 1982 and collapsed into Anna Maria Sound in July due to corrosion and failing hangers on the east end.

After its collapse, Bradenton-based Woodruff & Sons installed a new pipeline across the bridge to carry potable water to Holmes Beach.

The postponed work will involve the installation of about 90 additional pipeline support hangers along the eastern half of the bridge, where the existing, original water main remains hanging along the bridge undercarriage.

The temporary pipeline is positioned on top of the western half of the bridge’s south sidewalk, where it

will remain for about two years before a subaqueous pipeline is installed to replace the water main. People can learn more on the county government’s website, mymanatee.org or by calling 941-748-4501.

Pines trailer park residents weather Idalia, await sale news

Some residents of the Pines Trailer Park, 103 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach, were drying out their homes after Hurricane Idalia.

Homeowners also were awaiting news of a possible sale of the bayside park.

Bradenton Beach Police Chief John Cosby said Aug. 31 that three Pines homes had limited flooding from Idalia and suffered no wind damage.

One park resident who checked their property during the storm via home security cameras texted The Islander Aug. 30, saying “The park fared well. Dodged another one.”

The resident requested anonymity because also addressed owners plans to sell the park land, confirm-

ing there had been no official notice since May 8 to owners regarding the sale of the property.

The park, owned by Richard and William Jackson of the Jackson Partnership of Bradenton, was listed for sale Jan. 25 at $16 million, prompting homeowners to form a cooperative to purchase the land but negotiations failed in April due to a lack of funding.

The property went on the open market April 21. Homeowners received notice in May about an offer from an unknown entity to purchase the land.

A source involved in the possible transaction told The Islander Aug. 24 that an announcement was forthcoming.

— Robert Anderson

Tiki & Kitty’s

Tiki and Kitty are heating up their shopping plans, taking a summer day or two to make a round of visits to the coolest shops.

They’ll definitely make a stop at Blue Flamingo, home to hip and trendy upcycled and repurposed goods, furniture and decor, garden features, candles, jewelry and work by local artisan, where they also offer Dixie Belle paints.

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

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

Anna Maria exploring sandwich sign allowances

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

A-frame sandwich board signs might become fixtures in Anna Maria.

City commissioners held a public hearing in August to discuss proposed changes to the sign ordinance that would allow one sandwich board sign per commercial use.

The city long ago scrapped a sign ordinance that allowed A-frame signs in favor of a prohibition.

However, the city passed a resolution following Hurricane Irma in 2017 to allow sandwich board signs for a limited time in an effort to stimulate struggling businesses.

The city twice extended its deadline, then tied it to the reopening of the hurricane-damaged Anna Maria City Pier.

The pier reopened in summer 2020 but by then the coronavirus pandemic was in full swing, so the city again approved the signs to stimulate business.

The resolution expired but Mayor Dan Murphy said the sign prohibition is a low-priority and timeconsuming enforcement issue.

Moving forward, the proposed ordinance would allow each commercial use one such sign up to 24 inches wide and 36 inches tall.

The signs would be allowed during business hours and would be required to be removed during inclement weather.

Murphy said the city also could consider enforcing its sandwich board sign prohibition. However, he said denying the signs could negatively impact the city’s businesses.

There was no public comment at an Aug. 24 hearing.

The ordinance will go before the city’s planning and zoning board for consideration at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

The ordinance will return to the commission for a second hearing and reading at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

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

offers 30-plus vintage, upcycled, shabby chic and artsy vendors. You won’t be disappointed.

Scavengers Marketplace invites you to visit its many vendors at the Palmetto store, 2100 U.S. 301, where a portion of your purchase benefits Moonracer No Kill Pet Rescue — our favorite pet rescue group. Founder Lisa Williams leads the rescue efforts and also works at The Islander as office manager.

FYI: Scavengers also carries Fusion Paints.

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

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

A vehicle travels east on the Anna Maria Island Bridge on Manatee Avenue/State Road 64, where a Manatee County contractor constructed a temporary water line on the bike-pedestrian path following the collapse of a water main to the island. Islander

Photo: Lisa Neff

For the record: About Idalia

Tropical Depression 10 formed Aug. 26 and became Tropical Storm Idalia Aug. 27.

Early Aug. 28, Idalia was intensifying, moving northward and west of Cuba. Tracking from the National Hurricane Center indicated the storm would build into a hurricane before making landfall on Florida’s Gulf coast.

Manatee County issued a mandatory evacuation effective at 2 p.m. for level A zones, including all of Anna Maria Island, Cortez, Perico and the adjoining coastal areas.

“Our primary concern at this point is storm surge,” Manatee County Commission Chair Kevin Van Ostenbridge said Aug. 28. “Coastal residents need to heed our warnings.”

The county also opened e emergency shelters.

Idalia became a hurricane Aug. 29 and continued to intensify as it moved north in the Gulf.

Idalia became a category 4 storm Aug. 30 but diminished to category 3 before landfall at 7:45 a.m. that day along the Big Bend coast near Keaton Beach. Maximum sustained winds were about 125 mph.

Manatee County saw impacts from Idalia as the storm passed about 100 miles west in the Gulf of Mexico Aug. 29-30. The most intense wind was overnight but floodwaters and rain continued to impact the area into the afternoon Aug. 30.

The evacuation orders were lifted at 2 p.m. Aug. 30 and the Anna Maria Island and Cortez bridges reopened, allowing people to return to the island, about 4:30 p.m. that day.

In Manatee, rainfall was estimated at 3-4.5 inches and the highest wind gusts were estimated at 67 mph, while sustained winds reached 37 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

Storm surge was forecast at 3-7 feet, as Idalia’s impact on the coast was compounded by daily high tides and an Aug. 30 king tide.

Returning to the coast, residents and business owners found resculpted shorelines, debris littered yards, flooded roads and parking lots and some water intrusion in structures.

Manatee County’s preliminary countywide damage estimate exceeded $2 million but there were no injuries reported.

— Lisa Neff

SARASOTA GEM

from Anna Maria Island to shop here!

the National Hurricane Center was forecasting early Aug. 28 that Idalia would approach Florida and strengthen to a category 3 hurricane. And it was not wrong. the storm turned slightly west from the projected path as it headed north into the Gulf of Mexico. Islander Graphic: Courtesy NOAA

Idalia’s wrath

A duplex at 210 71st St., Holmes Beach, likely suffered the worst damage on AMI from Hurricane Idalia. It burned Aug. 29 after a downed power line struck a shed. thankfully a resident was alerted by a neighbor and is safe. Islander

Photo: Josh Foster

Compiled by Lisa Neff, calendar@islander.org

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ON AMI

Wednesday, Sept. 13

6:30 p.m. — Island Time Book Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786341.

ONGOING OFF AMI

Throughout September, Island Gallery and Studios “Expressions of Anna Maria Island Sunsets: A Retrospective,” 456 Old Main St., Bradenton. Information: 941-778-6648.

Through Sept. 17, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ “John Pirman: Diving into Nature” exhibit, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-366-5731.

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

Through June 23, 2024, “Mountains of the Mind: Scholars’ Rocks from China and Beyond,” the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-360-7390, ringling.org.

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

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

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

SAVE THE DATE

Sept. 14-24, Island Players’ “Farce of Nature,” Anna Maria.

Oct. 3-May 7, Anna Maria Farmers Market, Anna Maria.

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

Oct. 11, Island Library’s Time Book Club discusses Glennon Doyle’s “Untamed,” Holmes Beach.

Oct. 22, Palma Sola Botanical Park’s Fall Plants and More Sale, Bradenton.

Nov. 2-12, Island Players’ “Later Life,” Anna Maria.

Nov. 3-4, Village of the Arts’ Dia de los Muertos, Bradenton.

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

Nov. 8, Island Library’s Island Time Book Club discusses Curtis

Sittenfeld’s “Romantic Comedy,” Holmes Beach. Dec. 1-2, Bradenton Blues Festival, Bradenton.

KIDS & FAMILY ON AMI

Friday, Sept. 7

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

Saturday, Sept. 9

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

1 p.m. — Teen art club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Tuesday, Sept. 12

10 a.m. — Storytime for kids, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

ONGOING ON AMI

Select Thursdays — Sept. 28, Oct. 26, Nov. 16, Dec. 14 — Shark Pups and Grownups preschool program, Mote Marine Science Education and Outreach Center on Anna Maria City Pier, Pine Avenue and Bay Boulevard, Anna Maria. Information: mote.org.

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

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

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

SAVE THE DATE

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

CLUBS & COMMUNITY

ON AMI

SAVE THE DATE

Sept. 18, Anna Maria Island and West Manatee Democratic Club kickoff meeting, Holmes Beach.

Nov. 3, FISH Preserve ribbon-cutting ceremony, Cortez.

SPORTS & FITNESS

ONGOING ON AMI

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

Most Wednesdays, 1 p.m., mahjong club beginners, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786341.

Most Fridays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong club experienced players, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941778-6341.

Mondays beginning Sept. 18, morning yoga, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

SAVE THE DATE

Dec. 9, DeSoto Cornhole Tournament, Bradenton.

Feb. 24, 2024, Pittsburgh Pirates spring training opens, Bradenton.

LESSONS & LEARNING ON

Monday, Sept. 11

AMI

11 a.m. — Medicare 101 with AARP seminar, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

SAVE THE DATE

Sept. 22, Oct. 20, Nov. 15, Island Library/Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee Holocaust Speaker Series, Holmes Beach.

OUTDOORS & NATURE

OFF AMI

Thursday, Sept. 7

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

Sunday, Sept. 10

3:30-6:30 p.m. — Anna Maria Centennial Celebration, City Pier Park, Pine Avenue and Bay Boulevard, Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130.

ONGOING ON AMI

Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-7781383.

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

OFF AMI

Wednesday, Sept. 6

8 a.m. — Pollinator garden planting day, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923, ext. 6035.

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

GOOD TO KNOW

KEEP THE DATES

Sept. 10, Grandparents Day.

Sept. 11, Patriot Day.

Sept. 23, fall equinox.

Oct. 9, Columbus Day.

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

Oct. 31, Halloween.

Nov. 5, daylight saving time ends.

Nov. 7, Election Day.

Nov. 11, Veterans Day.

Nov. 23, Thanksgiving.

Saturday, Sept. 9

6-8 p.m. — Center of Anna Maria Island Greg LaPensee Bowling Tournament, Bowlero Bradenton lanes, 4208 Cortez Road, Cortez. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-1908.

Tuesday, Sept. 12

9 a.m. — Cortez Village Historical Society September coffee, Cortez Cultural Center, 11655 Cortez Road, Cortez. Information: cvhs2016@aol.com, 941-840-0590.

Seasonal announcements

Get listed early and reach The Islander’s audience weekly.

Please, send notices for the 2023-24 seasonal calendar to Lisa Neff at calendar@islander.org.

Be sure to include a contact name, as well as a phone number for publication in the calendar and announcements.

Island happenings

Alongside his Beach House Real estate team, Don Purvis, center, accepts the prize for best team costumes Sept. 7, 2019, for his team’s Harlem Globetrotters outfits at the annual tournament to benefit the Center of Anna Maria Island. this year’s tournament will be Saturday, Sept. 9, at Bowlero Bradenton. Islander Photo: Courtesy CofAMI

Center sets bowling tournament for Sept. 9

Bowlers are striking out to support the center. The annual Greg LaPensee Bowling Tournament to benefit the Center of Anna Maria Island, will take place in September.

The tournament will begin at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, at Bowlero Bradenton, 4208 Cortez Road, Bradenton.

Center registers students for hands-only CPR class

The Center of Anna Maria Island will offer a handsonly CPR class for seniors at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20.

Registration is required by Thursday, Sept. 14.

An announcement from the center said, “This class teaches how to recognize a cardiac emergency, calling 911, compressions only and applying an AED.”

Enrollment is $25 for center members and $35 for others.

The center is at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. For more information, call 941-778-1908 or go online to centerami.org.

Anna Maria plans history party

A celebration marking Anna Maria’s first 100 years is lasting more than a day.

The city in May held a Centennial Celebration on Pine Avenue as it also observed Memorial Day.

Another centennial event will be 3:30-6:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10, at City Pier Park at Pine Avenue and Bay Boulevard.

Centennial Celebration plans include music, nonprofit vendors and food and beverage sales. For more information, go online to www.cityofannamaria.com.

Odd Duck Designs Shop

Plans include games and a costume contest. Tickets are on sale at centerami.org/events. For more information, call the center at 941-7781908.

Island Players box office opens for ‘Farce of Nature’

The box office is open for the Island Players’ first production of the new season at the theater, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria.

The show, “Farce of Nature,” written by Jones, Hope and Wooten and directed by Mike Lusk, will open Thursday, Sept. 14.

Performances will continue through Sunday, Sept. 24, with the cast taking the stage at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

The theater is dark Mondays.

The box office is open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. MondaysSaturdays through Sept. 23 and also an hour before curtain.

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

AM pier closing 2 days for maintenance

The Anna Maria City Pier will close for maintenance Sept. 11-12.

The pier’s decking is ipe wood and was stained before the structure reopened to the public in 2020. Maintenance involves completing electrical work and staining the wood decking for long-term use.

Pollinator Planting Day set

Volunteers are being called to Robinson Preserve in northwest Bradenton for a Pollinator Planting Day.

The event will be 8-11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6, in the main part of the preserve, 1704 99th St. NW, Bradenton.

Volunteers are asked to wear closed-toe shoes and to bring a water bottle.

Registration is required.

For more information, call Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources at 941-742-5923, ext. 6035.

Sunset tai chi class offered

Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources is hosting instructor Brian Nell leading a Sunset Tai Chi class at the Robinson Preserve NEST, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW, Bradenton.

The class — suitable for beginners — meets the second Monday of the month.

The fee is $10.

To register, go online to parks.mymanatee. org.

For more information, call parks and natural resources at 941-742-5923.

Cortez group brewing coffee conversation

The Cortez Village Historical Society invites people to gather at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12, for coffee and conversation.

The meetup — coffee and breakfast treats provided — will be at the Cortez Cultural Center, 11655 Cortez Road, Cortez.

For more information, email cvhs2016@aol.com or call 941-840-0590.

Kiwanis to meet weekly

The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island is meeting Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. at Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

The program Saturday, Sept. 9, will include a talk by Kim Sherburn, a counselor at the club’s partner, Anna Maria Elementary School, in Holmes Beach.

For more information, call Sandy Haas-Martens at 941-778-1383.

Idalia threat prompts 2-day break at AME

Anna Maria Elementary students and staff got a two-day break just before a three-day weekend due to threats posed by Hurricane Idalia.

When Anna Maria Island was placed under a mandatory evacuation effective 2 p.m. Aug. 28, the Holmes Beach school was in session.

About that time, the School District of Manatee County announced the closure of most schools and support sites for the next two days after consulting with Manatee County Emergency Management.

So AME students did not head to class Aug. 29-30, as Idalia intensified in the Gulf of Mexico, sending rain, wind and surge to AMI.

The district also canceled extracurricular activities and athletic events, including extended day programs.

Three schools — Freedom, Miller and Mills ele-

AME Calendar

• Monday, Sept. 11, 3:45 p.m., PTO member meeting, cafeteria.

• Thursday, Sept. 21, 9 a.m., Peace Day celebration, playground.

• Friday, Sept. 22, 6-8 p.m., PTO family social, Holmes Beach skate park, 5800 block of Marina Drive.

• Thursday, Sept. 28, 3:45 p.m., SAC meeting, Guy Harvey classroom.

• Oct. 2-5, Fire Safety Week.

• Monday, Oct. 9, 3:45 p.m., PTO board meeting, Guy Harvey classroom.

• Thursday, Oct. 12, end of first quarter.

• Friday, Oct. 13, record day, no school.

• Saturday, Oct. 28, Fall Festival.

Anna Maria elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

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

mentary — served as public shelters Aug. 28-30.

District maintenance teams and principals inspected buildings Aug. 30 and classes and activities resumed Aug. 31 throughout the district.

The district, in a notice issued at 5 p.m. Aug. 30 said, “We thank parents and employees for their patience and understanding during this abrupt inter-

ruption of the school week. We also extend our gratitude to all of the district, county and law enforcement employees who served in our school shelters throughout the storm.”

In Florida, Idalia’s threat prompted the closure of more than 50 school districts, as well as 20 state college systems and nine state university systems.

As of Sept. 1, 58 out of 67 school districts were open, as well as 10 of 12 state universities and 26 of 28 state colleges, according to a news release from the governor’s office.

— Lisa Neff

Grand visit

West Manatee Fire Rescue Firefighter Zachary Younce, left, and Capt. Jimmy Leigh, right, bookend Henry Brigman, 2, and his sister, emily, 4, of North Carolina, Aug. 25. the kids, the grandchildren of retired administrative manager Julie Kichar, who worked for the district for 25 years, visited Station 1, 407 67th St. W., Bradenton. Islander Photo: Courtesy WMFR

BeLOW: Henry Brigman, 2, grabs the steering wheel of a WMFR fire engine during his Aug. 25 visit to Station 1 with his grandmother, Julie Kichar. Henry and his sister, emily Brigman, 4, live in North Carolina, but were in town to visit Kichar.

The Islander’s Top Notch contest concludes with a trio of honorable mentions

Top Notch

Local wildlife shelter sees uptick in rescues due to Idalia

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Hurricane Idalia gave the Wildlife Inc. team zero breaks.

Volunteers Aug. 28 decided to shelter through Hurricane Idalia on the island with rescue animals despite a mandatory evacuation order from Manatee County.

After sandbagging and fortifying the Wildlife Inc. facility and residence of founders Ed and Gail Straight at 2207 Ave. B, Bradenton Beach, volunteers secured animals in their habitats and cages to weather the storm.

Then they hunkered down.

Volunteer Krista Carpenter told The Islander that nearby Avenue A flooded but water did not reach the Straight house.

After winds subsided and water receded, calls and drop-offs for wildlife began.

Carpenter said the rescue took in 25 animals in one day after Idalia brushed the island.

The shelter made room for 10 squirrels, six doves, three raccoons, two terns, one crow, one cottontail rabbit, one duckling and a gopher tortoise.

Animals were fed a diet of easy-to-digest food or recovery formula consisting of purified amino acids, hydrolyzed proteins, stabilized vitamins and simple carbohydrates for energy.

Carpenter said most of the squirrels and doves fell from trees and were grounded by high winds during the storm.

The terns possibly were pushed out of their nests by rising waters and then fought the high winds until they became exhausted and were forced to the ground.

A Wildlife Inc. volunteer hand-feeds

formula Aug. 31 to a baby squirrel pushed from its nest by high winds during Hurricane Idalia. the shelter saw a jump in rescues after the storm.

Juvenile deer rest Aug. 28 in a shelter at Wildlife Inc., 2207 Avenue B, Bradenton Beach.

The terns were fed a piscivore diet and would be transferred to a large cage that allows them to regain their strength with limited flight.

Before the storm, on Aug. 28, Wildlife Inc. housed 180 animals. On Aug. 31, the number was 205 and calls kept coming in.

Carpenter advised people who find a bird or animal suffering from exposure after a storm to call Wildlife Inc. at 941-778-6324.

About Wildlife Inc.

Founded in 1987, Wildlife Inc. is a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center run by Gail and Ed Straight. The rescue is run from their residence in Bradenton Beach. It is the largest rehabilitation and rescue center for wildlife in Manatee County, treating thousands of birds, mammals and reptiles since its founding. It is a nonprofit and is run by volunteers.

To learn more about Wildlife Inc., go online to wildlifeinc.org or call 941-778-6324.

Angie Blunt of Bradenton wins an honorable mention in the Islander’s top Notch photo contest for this image of the U.S. flag flying over Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach ahead of the Fourth of July.

Doug Blunt of Bradenton wins an honorable mention in the Islander’s annual contest for this image of an adult skimmer and chick, taken June 22 at South Lido Beach Park in Sarasota County.

Patrick Morris of Bradenton captured the sunrise on Sarasota Bay July 30 to grab a top Notch honorable mention. the Islander congratulates all the winners. Start shooting for the 2024 summer contest.

A sooty tern recovers Aug. 31 at Wildlife Inc. in Bradenton Beach after being driven from its nest by weather associated with Hurricane Idalia, which passed AMI Aug. 29-30 about 100 miles out in the Gulf. Islander Photos: Courtesy Krista Carpenter

By Lisa Neff

Churches resume service, services after storm

Island churches closed their doors Aug. 28 in compliance with a mandatory evacuation of Anna Maria Island for Hurricane Idalia.

Closures resulted in the cancellation of worship, interruptions of services and delays in activities.

But by Aug. 31, island churches were resuming operations even as volunteers and staff were cleaning up debris from church grounds.

“Please, pray for everyone in the path of the storm as they return to their homes and clean up begins,” said Cathy Meehan, chair of the congregation, and the Rev. Dirk Rodgers, senior pastor, in a joint statement Aug. 31 from Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

Roser reopened Aug. 31 and held services as usual Sept. 3.

At CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, an Aug. 30 kickoff party for the church’s fall-winter Wednesday Night Blast was canceled.

The church did not reschedule the kickoff, as regular Wednesday Night Blast events began Sept. 6, with supper at 6 p.m. and activities at 6:45 p.m.

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, emailed news to members Aug. 31 under the headline, “High and dry.”

The newsletter included a photo of fl oodwater surrounding the church that the Holmes Beach Police Department posted to social media Aug. 30.

Gloria Dei’s pastor, the Rev. Doug Kings, said, “Needless to say, many of us feared the worst for our church. However, after bridges and roads were reopened, I was able to inspect the building and found no signs of water anywhere inside. For that we are certainly grateful.”

He added, “Island flooding has also mostly receded. We know that some island businesses and homes did get water in them and wish their owners the best in their cleanup and recovery. Thank you for your expressions of concern and well wishes.”

At St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach, the parish office opened the day after Idalia made landfall and the church returned to its normal Mass schedule Sept. 1.

At the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive N., Holmes Beach, worship services resumed Aug. 31 and an early notice, posted to social media, read, “After an inspection of our facilities, there is no damage noted. Neither the ceiling or the floors appear to have sustained any water damage. There is plenty of debris for our yard crew to remove as one would expect after such a storm, but all seems to be fine.”

In a message to church members, the Rev. Matthew Grunfeld said, “Please keep those who have sustained loss from Hurricane Idalia in your prayers.”

At Harvey Memorial Community Church in Bradenton Beach, Idalia left some debris on the grounds and Sunday service took place as usual.

Tidings

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

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

Ongoing: Wednesdays, 7 a.m., men’s Bible meeting; Wednesdays, 6 p.m., Wednesday Night Blast supper and 6:30 p.m., Wednesday Night Blast; Fridays, 10 a.m. women’s Bible meeting.

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

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

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

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

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

Ongoing: First Sundays, food bank collections; Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m., women’s social gathering. Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-779-1912.

Worship: Sundays, 9:15 a.m.

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

Worship: Sundays, 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-4769, stbernardcc.org, office@stbernardcc. org.

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

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

Water associated with Hurricane Idalia surrounds Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Aug. 30. the church is at 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Islander

Photo: Courtesy HBPD/Via Facebook

Blood drive set at Roser

Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, will hold a blood drive 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10.

Donors will receive a $20 gift card, a T-shirt and a wellness checkup.

To make an appointment, go online to oneblooddonor.org and use the sponsor code 37502 and sponsor name “Roser Memorial Community Church.”

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

OFF AMI

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

Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.

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

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

Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.

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

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

SPECIAL DATES & EVENTS

Sept. 15, Rosh Hashanah.

Sept. 24, Yom Kippur.

GET LISTED, CHANGE LISTINGS

Please, send listings and/or changes in worship calendars and other events to calendar@islander.org.

Wading into storm cleanup

Charles Wade, the facilities administer at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, cleans up Aug. 31 in the Roser Guild thrift Shop, which flooded during Hurricane Idalia. Wade and Roser finance administrator Matt Meehan cleared out water and waterlogged goods and then a volunteer team put the shop in order. the store, across the street from the chapel, was to reopen Sept. 5, after the Islander press date. Hours are 9 a.m.-2 p.m. tuesdays and thursdays and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays. Islander Courtesy Photo

Assistance offered on AMI

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

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

GoodDeeds notices: To list an organization, email lisa@islander.org with details.

Compiled by Lisa Neff ON AMI

The 1921 hurricane

editor’s note: the following is part four of a six-part series about the 1921 hurricane. the report, by June Alder, first appeared in print in 1993. It has been edited for content and style.

Anna Maria Island hit hard

By June Alder

From the Islander archives

After a good night’s rest to recover from his hurricane ordeal, Jack Leffingwell, builder of a nearly completed bridge to Anna Maria Island, and Edison Curry, a neighbor on Point Pleasant in Bradenton, set off in Curry’s launch down the Manatee River to Cortez.

Leffingwell dreaded what he might find.

His first concern was the fate of the pile-driver and its caretaker.

The man had refused to leave his post as the storm approached Oct. 23, 1921.

The huge piece of equipment had broken loose from its moorings and disappeared at the height of the storm.

To his relief Leffingwell saw that the pile-driver had come to rest about a mile north of the bridge, almost midway up Anna Maria Island.

“We found that unreasonable craft, all right, with its 50-foot-high derrick undamaged and upright,” Leffingwell wrote in his memoir of the storm. “It was on the island, west of Cobb’s boat yard.”

He also wrote that he found the caretaker “was alive — down in the hold and still praying.”

As for the bridge, the steel draw with its foundation was intact, Leffingwell rejoiced to see but almost all the decking from the nearly half-mile-long span had

A chart from 1921 indicates the movement of the 1921 storm that impacted the greater tampa Bay area. the storm had peak winds of 140 mph. Landfall was at tarpon Springs and maximum storm surge for tampa Bay was 10.5 feet. Maximum rainfall in the area was 11.73 inches. Islander Photo: Courtesy National Weather Service

been swept away.

Two large fish houses and a store had crashed into the bridge, knocking out many pilings. It would take a lot of work to repair the bridge — but it could be done.

Leffingwell and his friend motored slowly up the sound along the shoreline of the island.

The dock on the south end where steamers made stops was gone, and so were most of the cottages and shacks in Cortez Beach — now Bradenton Beach.

But the Gulf Park Hotel built by Leffi ngwell’s friend Rurick Cobb in 1906 still stood, though considerably damaged on its Gulfside.

And northward, also still standing, was the long

Resources for storm season

Twitter

• National Hurricane Center: @NWSNHC, @NHC_Atlantic.

• National Weather Service: @NWS, @NWStampaBay

On the web

• Manatee County: mymanatee.org.

• State: floridadisaster.org.

• Federal: fema.gov., nhc.noaa.gov

News

• The Islander: islander.org

• Bradenton Herald: bradenton.com

• Herald-Tribune: heraldtribune.com

Anna Maria wharf built 10 years before to attract tourists to Will Bean’s once flourishing Anna Maria Beach resort.

Leffingwell and his companion put in at the dock where a dozen or so men were cleaning up storm debris.

Not one cottage on the island had been swept off its foundation stones, not a soul was injured, he was told.

But there had been some close calls.

The island school teacher and her aged father, who lived in Lotus cottage on the pier, might have lost their lives had not Mitch Davis — future first mayor of the town of Anna Maria — risked his life to carry them off to safety.

Most disturbing was what had happened to Bean Point. The lovely, gently curving promontory, where the island’s first homesteader, George Emerson Bean, had built his home amid a fine grove of tall palms in 1893, was no more. It had been sheared off by the rampaging Gulf waters on their way up Tampa Bay.

Fortunately, no one had built on the point since the old Bean place burned down in 1915.

Next: In the next issue, look for “Cortez rebuilds.”

Flashback to Irma

the t-end of the Anna Maria City Pier took the brunt of Hurricane Irma’s wrath as the storm hit Anna Maria Island in September 2017. the storm made landfall at Marco Island Sept. 10, 2017. Anna Maria Island went under a mandatory evacuation Sept. 8, 2017, and for the next two days the hurricane’s track shifted multiple times. the storm caused wind and water damage on the island and, later that fall, it was determined the storm had destroyed the city pier. Islander File Photo: Jack elka

AM last of 3 cities to reopen post-Idalia

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

the city of Anna Maria stayed closed to the public for a day following Hurricane Idalia’s passage through the Gulf of Mexico.

Mayor Dan Murphy said Aug. 31 that the city experienced minimal damage and no reported injuries despite extensive flooding as a result of Idalia.

the city closed to the public Aug. 29 ahead of the storm and remained closed to all but residents and business owners the following day.

the extended closure was due to flooding that made roads impassable. the city lifted a roadblock at the Holmes Beach border and reopened to the public the morning of Aug. 31.

While Idalia resulted in flooding for some ground-level homes, there was no major damage to municipal infrastructure.

However, Murphy noted the storm resulted in significant beach erosion. He said more than 50 yards of beachfront had been lost to erosion due to the storm.

Otherwise, he wrote that the storm had resulted in “very little” in terms of damage to trees and power lines within the city.

Murphy added that he was unsure how many of the city’s residents evacuated ahead of the storm but said Manatee County sheriff’s deputies — who remained on patrol throughout — ensured the streets were empty.

Brian Seymour, who owns the Anna Maria General Store and co-owns the City Pier Grill & Bait Shop, told the Islander Aug. 31 that he stayed behind and weathered the storm at his residence in the city.

“It was pretty uneventful until late tuesday night-Wednesday morning. … Honestly, I got a good night’s sleep,” Seymour said. “Don’t get me wrong, I was prepared to leave but the forecast started changing pretty early.”

Noel Burke, a waitress and bartender at the Waterfront Restaurant told the Islander Aug. 31 the business closed Aug. 28 and prepared for the storm.

Nevertheless, she said about a foot of standing water made it into the kitchen, resulting in some damage and requiring extensive cleanup.

“For the most part, everything we did secured the building, and it’s minor damages we’re cleaning up right now,” Burke said. “Nothing to the building itself.”

Idalia brings flooding, damages to BB

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

When the choppy surf and storms died down and floodwaters receded from Idalia, Bradenton Beach officials began assessing damages, including at the Historic Bridge Street Pier, which was battered by boats.

Police Chief John Cosby said Aug. 31 that there were no injuries or power outages in the city but there were reports of minor flooding in residential areas.

In the commercial district, Cosby said, there were no reports of flooding. Fred Bartizal, owner of the Bridgetender Inn & Dockside Bar, 135 Bridge St., and Commissioner Jake Spooner, owner of the Bridge Street Bazaar, Fish Hole Miniature Golf and the building that houses the Daiquiri Deck, 107 Bridge St, confirmed no water intrusion at their establishments.

“We were very fortunate,” Spooner texted Aug. 30 to the Islander. “All the businesses are dry.”

the Moose Lodge, at the west end of Bridge Street on the Gulf of Mexico, was inundated with sand on its beachfront patio. Sand also covered Gulf Drive and roadways between 11th and 13th Streets South the day after the storm’s brush with AMI.

to the north, at Sandpiper Mobile Resort, community manager tracy Moon Aug. 31 said no floodwaters entered homes and there were no reports of wind damage.

“We really did very well. We have some seaweed that washed into the streets and some storm debris from the bay but, all in all, we did great,” Moon said.

the most noticeable damage was at the pier, which was battered by six boats.

“the finger piers and the floating docks sustained damage, not from the storm but from vessels that tied to the floating dock,” city attorney Ricinda Perry told the Islander Aug. 31. “A number of them were not tied properly.”

She said people tied boats to the pier’s bumper and sections of the floating dock but the pier was not designed to withstand the load of a boat through a hurricane.

Perry said the pier looked bad but the damage was more of a repair issue than a replacement issue.

“We are conducting an investigation to figure out who the owners are, whether or not they are insured and then what if any legal recourses the city will have against all those individuals,” she said.

Duncan Seawall was expected to produce a repair estimate and mobilize as early as this week for repairs.

the pier which opened in 1965 has been repaired and renovated numerous times. Most recently, the city expanded its finger docks to serve as a landing site for Manatee County’s planned water taxi program.

“I don’t anticipate this causing a delay because the tourist development council needs to have a ramp manufactured for the water taxi for individuals to get on and off and that was at least 30 days out from being

manufactured,” Perry said.

Bradenton resident Mike DeLeo, left, strings up sandbags Aug. 29 while Holmes Beach resident Josh Foster loads them into the bed of a truck in preparation for Hurricane Idalia. DeLeo and Foster — both local business owners — said they were gathering the sandbags to help with storm prep at a trio of Anna Maria businesses — AMI Beach Hut, Ginny’s & Jane e’s Cafe and Gift Store and the Porch restaurant, where Foster is co-owner/chef. Islander

Photo: Ryan Paice

Steve Porter of Duncan Seawall, Bradenton Beach, Commissioner Ralph Cole and city attorney Ricinda Perry inspect the Historic Bridge Street Pier Aug. 31 for damages from Hurricane Idalia. Islander

Photo: Robert Anderson

Bradenton Beach City Hall is boarded and sandbagged Aug. 29. City commissioners declared a local state of emergency Aug. 28. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

Vehicles line up about 4:20 p.m. Aug. 30 on Manatee Avenue/State Road 64 awaiting access to Holmes Beach via the Anna Maria Island Bridge. the bridge opened just before 4:30 p.m. An order for a mandatory evacuation of the island was lifted at 2 p.m. that day. Islander Screenshot

tower 3 at Cortez Beach in Bradenton Beach displays flags Aug. 29 indicating the waters are closed to the public. Manatee County ordered public beaches closed at 2 p.m. Aug. 28 due to risks from Idalia. Islander

HB suffers ‘most saltwater’ flooding

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Another bullet dodged in Holmes Beach.

Mayor Judy titsworth wrote in an Aug. 31 email to the Islander that despite “the most saltwater we have had on the island in my 61 years,” the municipality “fared well” through Hurricane Idalia.

While there was widespread flooding, there was minimal infrastructure damage.

Also, there were no reported injuries and power was not lost — other than a small grid that was shut down during a structure fire.

the storm made its way past Anna Maria Island about 100 miles to the west in the Gulf of Mexico overnight Aug. 29-30 and made landfall in the Big Bend area.

Police Chief Bill tokajer said many residents and all vacation rental properties followed Manatee County’s evacuation order of Aug. 28.

titsworth said she was “proud” of those who heeded the order.

During the storm, the city experienced widespread flooding, especially on Marina and Palm drives, where there was standing water as high as 4 feet.

tokajer said that last year’s Hurricane Ian — which made landfall in Florida as a category 4 storm — had stronger winds and resulted in more post-storm debris but Idalia delivered a greater storm surge and consequent flooding.

“this was, by far, the highest amount of flooding that I’ve seen in the 10 years I’ve been here,” tokajer said.

Flooding lingered on several roadways when the city reopened the afternoon of Aug. 30, after police and public works went street-by-street to remove debris and secure the municipality’s roadways were safe.

tokajer said the flooding resulted in erosion of beaches but he was unsure how much of the shore was lost.

Overall, tokajer said he believed residents and businesses did a “great job” handling the storm.

“As a whole, everyone did a really good job and I think that we were blessed as a community and city that we did not have any major damage,” he said. “I think that everything went smoothly.”

In the meantime, residents and local business owners were carrying out their own recovery plans following the storm.

Jennifer Moore, who manages Sun and Surf Beach Shop in the Island Shopping Center, 5418 Marina Drive, said her store — as well as others in the center — had 2-4 inches of standing water.

“We’re beyond lucky,” Moore said. “No merchandise got ruined, so now it’s just a cleanup job. … We’re just so happy and blessed and thankful for still having a store.”

She added, “I have a 6-year-old and a 3-year-old and they just thought it was so cool that water was inside mommy’s store.”

Holmes Beach public works employees dismantle boat decking that washed ashore Sept. 1 near 28th Street following Hurricane Idalia. Police Chief Bill tokajer told the Islander Sept. 1 that city staff were unable to identify the vessel that the deck belonged to or the registered owner, so it was removed from the beach. Islander

Photo: Courtesy Holmes Beach

Photo: Robert Anderson

the owners of Mermaid Haven, 114 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach, left a message for the storm as they secured their business. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

A barricade blocks access to the Palma Sola Causeway on Manatee Avenue/ State Road 64 mid-morning Aug. 30. High water associated with a king tide and Hurricane Idalia was pushing onto the roadway in sections. Also, Anna Maria Island residents and residential communities along the causeway were under a mandatory evacuation. Islander Photo: Lisa Neff

Water rises Aug. 29 into the parking lot of the Holmes Beach Boat Ramp, 6398 Marina Way, as Hurricane Idalia approaches in the Gulf from the south about 100 miles parallel to the shoreline. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice An iPhone flashes an emergency alert well in advance of Idalia. Islander Photo: Lisa Neff

A dock between the Starfish Co. Market & Restaurant, 12306 46th Ave. W., Cortez, and the community dock shows signs of damage Aug.

30. Capt. Katie tupin said the dock, owned by Betty “Plum” taylor, provides space for boats for many Cortez captains.

Islander Photo: Courtesy Katie tupin

Cortez bears flooding, dock damages

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Cortez residents were drying out their homes and patching up their docks in the wake of Hurricane Idalia.

Idalia skimmed the west central coast of Florida Aug. 29-30, about 100 miles from shore, bringing thunderstorms, winds, rainfall and storm surge to the fishing village on Sarasota Bay.

Some homes in Cortez flooded, including Gigi Ortwein’s home on 124th Street Court West in Cortez.

She spoke with the Islander Aug. 30: “We woke up at about 3:30, as the water was rising. We had about 4-5 inches before it started to recede. We still have about an inch but there’s nowhere for it to go right now until the groundwater goes down outside.”

Capt. Katie tupin who owns and operates Capt. Katie Scarlett Boat tours of Cortez, told the Islander Aug. 30 that floodwaters surrounded three residences belonging to her family.

“the water almost flooded into my house and my mom’s, but luckily it didn’t come in,” tupin said. “My sister across the street had four inches of water throughout her home.”

tupin said the family spent the better part of Aug. 30 clearing and drying her sister’s residence.

Meanwhile, Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage treasurer Jane von Hahmann told the Islander Aug. 30 that one FISH-owned building flooded.

She said a neighbor to the old Cortez Volunteer Fire Department, 4523 123rd St. Court W., alerted her that their home had water intrusion and there was a good chance the firehouse also flooded.

Von Hahmann said the firehouse was built with cement block and floored with tile so it would be easy to dry. She said she intended to inspect all FISH properties for signs of damage.

Cortez resident Gigi Ortwein said she woke early Aug. 30, the morning Hurricane Idalia made landfall on the Big Bend coast, to find floodwater in her

Meanwhile, Jay Leverone of the Sarasota Bay estuary Program inspected the Fish Preserve, 11655 Cortez Road W., for damage or loss to the program’s wetland creation project that is underway.

He told the Islander Aug. 31 that the preserve came through the storm with minimal damage.

“We may need to do some extra digging to ensure proper depths from minor siltation,” Leverone said.

He said he was discussing new completion dates for a preserve project and aiming for mid-October.

Although faced with flooding and repairs, Cortezians expressed a sense of thankfulness the damage was not worse.

“We are blessed or, as many would say, very lucky,” von Hahmann said.

Chris Whittaker of Bradenton caught with his camera surfer eric Reesman of Lakeland riding the tube of what might be the “best swell” at Cortez Beach. the surf was punishing the shoreline Aug. 29 during Idalia’s approach in the Gulf of Mexico from the south but surfers were taking advantage of the shoreline break. Whittaker, who contributes surf photos to the Islander, is developing World Class Captures to market his photography.

Dara

home. Islander Photo: Gigi Ortwein

Cops & Courts

Anna Maria resident arrested for DUI in Holmes Beach

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Holmes Beach police arrested John Richards, 54, of Anna Maria, Aug. 25 on a second-degree misdemeanor for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.

An officer saw a motorist purposefully seem to avoid him in the 5400 block of Marina Drive around 12:35 a.m.

The officer followed and saw the motorist weave in one lane before driving for about half a block in a wrong lane, conducted a traffic stop.

The driver, Richards, had slurred speech, “watery” and “glassy” eyes, as well as breath that smelled of alcohol, according to a report.

Streetlife

After stepping from the vehicle, Richards staggered and swayed.

The officer asked Richards to perform field sobriety exercises, which he refused.

Richards was arrested and transported to the Holmes Beach Police Department, where he refused to provide breath samples.

He was taken to the Manatee County jail, where he was released the same day after posting $120 bond.

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

An arraignment will be at 8:55 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

By Robert Anderson and Ryan Paice

Island police reports

Anna Maria

No new reports.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office polices Anna Maria.

Bradenton Beach

No new reports.

The Bradenton Beach Police Department polices

Bradenton Beach.

Cortez

No new reports.

The MCSO polices Cortez.

Holmes Beach

Aug. 23, Hidden Cove Resort, 5601 Gulf Drive, petit theft. An officer from the Holmes Beach Police Department responded to reports of stolen property. A

complainant said two beach chairs went missing from the porch of his rental property. The officer searched the area for the missing chairs to no avail. He issued the complainant a case card.

Aug. 23, 4600 block of Gulf Drive, no license/ violation of nonresident requirements. An officer saw a motorist driving without a seat belt, so he conducted a traffic stop and spoke with the driver, who provided an identification card for another country but no driver’s license. The officer found the man had been charged with driving without a license 10 other times before the stop. The officer arrested the driver and transported him to the Manatee County jail.

Aug. 25, 400 block of 75th Street, suspicious circumstance. An officer responded to reports of potential abuse and found a woman who said her child had bruises after returning from a visit with his father, who shares custody. The officer documented the injuries and interviewed the child, who said his father had caused the bruises. The officer reported the case to the Florida Abuse hotline.

HBPD arrests Bradenton resident for DUI, damages

By Ryan Paice

Islander

Reporter

Holmes Beach police Aug. 24 arrested Sonja Wasmuth, 52, of Bradenton, on a second-degree misdemeanor for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.

Wasmuth also faces a first-degree misdemeanor for DUI property damage.

Two officers responded to reports of a single-vehicle crash at the intersection of East Bay Drive and Manatee Avenue at around 9 p.m.

A witness reported that the driver of the crashed vehicle left the area on foot and provided her description to HBPD.

An officer located a woman matching the description, Wasmuth, who said she had been driving the crashed vehicle but changed her story multiple times.

Wasmuth smelled of alcohol, had “very exaggerated and slow movements,” as well as “bloodshot watery eyes,” according to a report.

The officer asked Wasmuth to perform field sobriety exercises, which she failed.

She was arrested and transported to the Holmes Beach Police Department, where she refused to provide a breath sample

The officer transported Wasmuth to the Manatee County jail, where she was released Aug. 25 after posting $620 bond.

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

Punishment for a second-degree misdemeanor includes up to 60 days in jail, up to six months of probation and a fine of up to $500.

An arraignment will be at 8:55 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

issued the woman a case card.

or Holmes Beach police, 941-708-5804.

Aug. 27, Jessie’s Island Store/Shell, 5424 Marina Drive, fraud. A woman entered the HBPD to report that her credit card went missing and someone attempted to make three charges to it within the city. An officer

Manatee Avenue Market

Gumbozilla

Andre’s

Holmes Beach Police Department polices Holmes Beach.

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

Locals cite bay poaching ‘epidemic,’ FWC issues 20 citations

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has issued 20 separate citations for poaching in Sarasota Bay since Jan. 1.

The citations were issued to 10 individuals for seven incidents of poaching sea life in the bay.

The citations were for the following alleged violations:

• Harvest of more than two live shellfish per species per day in Manatee County;

• Harvest of more than 20 items per day of tropical marine life species;

• Possession of undersized stone crab;

• Possession of egg-bearing stone crab;

• Possession of whole-condition stone crab;

• Possession of stone crab during closed season.

The citations are for second-degree misdemeanors and, if found guilty, those cited face a jail term of up to 60 days and a fine of up to $500.

Sarasota Bay has become a battleground between local tour boat captains and multiple groups comprised of up to 60 people poaching sea life from sandbars and

Checking the rules

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website states the following about collecting sea life:

In Manatee County, a person cannot harvest or possess more than two shells — including echinoderms such as sand dollars and starfish — containing live organisms of any single species except for oysters, hard clams, sunray Venus clams and coquinas per day.

The recreational collection of seashells is allowed, depending on whether the seashell contains a living organism, the type of organism it contains and where a person will be collecting the shell.

Seashells containing live organisms cannot be sold unless the seller has a commercial saltwater products license.

Harvest of any shellfish species is prohibited in waters not meeting approved or conditionally approved classification, including unclassified waters.

To report a violation, call the FWC hotline at 888-404-FWCC.

— Robert Anderson

grass flats.

The tour boat operators had noticed decreases in the number of edible shellfish, such as whelks, clams, pen shells, sea urchins and more.

Capt. Katie of Captain Katie Scarlett Boat Tours of Cortez and Capt. Joey Sweet of Sweet Sunsets and Dolphin Tours spearheaded an effort to collect information, photographs and video for law enforcement.

The team also includes Capt. Kathe Fannon of Captain Kathe and first mate pup-pup charters of Cortez, and Capt. Bruce Adamo of Passage Key Dolphin Tours of Anna Maria.

The citation figures were released by the FWC in response to an Aug. 16 public information request from The Islander.

Capt. Joey Sweet spoke to The Islander Aug. 31 about the FWC response: “Although numerous citations were written, it definitely doesn’t appear to be a whole lot of activity on the part of the FWC. If that’s

the total number of citations for that period, then it is extremely minimal and it’s no surprise why we have a poaching epidemic.”

“I am grateful they are trying to show up more but it still begs the question, why are they so shortstaffed?” Sweet asked.

But, he added, one possible reason is 20 FWC agents were sent to Texas in May for border control.

The FWC employs about 850 officers.

Sweet and Tupin told The Islander Aug. 31 they had witnessed three times the number of poaching incidents recorded by the FWC this year.

Meanwhile, Abbey Tyrna, executive director for Suncoast Waterkeeper, told The Islander Aug. 31 that the environmental group will discuss poaching during a private group meeting Sept. 6.

The Islander reached out to the FWC for comment Aug. 31 but their offices were closed due to Hurricane Idalia.

A Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission vessel intercepts boaters July 18 in Sarasota Bay to initiate an inspection. Islander File

Photo: Courtesy Capt. Katie tupin

Strike team

West Manatee Fire Rescue Lt. Andrew Lauricella and firefighters William Bowen, Jerrod Apple and William thomas were deployed Sept. 1 as part of a strike team assisting in Idalia recovery in Suwannee County. Other districts providing units included Cedar Hammock, North River, Southern Manatee and east Manatee.

Islander Photo: Courtesy WMFR

Cortez Bridge project lacks permits but timeline unchanged

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

The Florida Department of Transportation plans to build a mega-bridge between Cortez and Bradenton Beach is on schedule for fiscal-year 2026.

However, the project still needs permitting at the state and federal levels.

The DOT plans in fiscal 2026 to begin construction of a 65-foot clearance, fixed-span bridge to replace the current 17-foot clearance drawbridge, a project estimated to cost $76,998,790.

In March, a federal appeal filed by four challengers to the high bridge was dismissed, leading opposition to shift their focus on the permitting process, specifically to the Southwest Florida Water Management District, where the DOT will need an environmental resource permit.

The planned megabridge will use inland walls that peak at 20 feet on the Cortez side of the Intracoastal Waterway and extend eastward 700 feet.

The challengers— former Manatee County Commissioner Joe McClash and Cortezians Linda Molto, Joe Kane and Jane von Hahmann, also a former county commissioner — have proposed a midlevel 35-foot drawbridge that will not require retaining walls.

The challengers also have taken issue with the new bridge’s larger footprint and the structure’s impact on the flood plain.

“The premise you have in a flood plain is that as you have a storm surge, all the volume of water is rising and hits the existing structures and elevations of land,” McClash told The Islander Aug. 24.

“When you put a wall and fill it with almost two football fields and it goes up almost 20 feet, maybe more in height, as the water hits that, you have to model the impact that it will have on adjacent properties,” he continued.

He said the DOT must address this. Typically, the way engineers deal with an increase in volume in the

the Cortez Bridge Aug. 2. the drawbridge is slated to be replaced in 2026 with a high, fixed-span structure. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

floodplain is to remove an equal amount somewhere else in the floodplain.

“It’s not just volume but also how the waves could hit it and bounce off and ruin more properties because the energy is going somewhere from that interaction, from that new structure,” he said.

McClash said once the DOT’s permit application is filed with Swiftmud, the bridge fighters can resume their challenge.

The permit is required for construction that can impact wetlands, alter surface water flows or contribute to water pollution.

DOT communications director Janella Newsome told The Islander Aug. 24 that the submittal of the Phase III or 90% design plan is expected to by the end of the summer but the date could fluctuate.

The submittal of the 90% plan would be followed by finalized design plans in spring 2025.

Newsome said that in addition to needing to file for the environmental resource permit from Swiftmud, the DOT will need permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Coast Guard, as well as coastal construction control line and national pollutant discharge elimination system permits from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

RoadWatch

Eyes on the road

• Anna Maria Island Bridge on State Road 64/Manatee Avenue: Single-lane closures — which were suspended for Hurricane Idalia — again can be expected 7 p.m.-6 a.m. through December. Meanwhile, work on a water line on the bridge was pushed back to late September or early October. For more, go to www. swflroads.com.

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

• Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach: Manatee County is relocating and replacing sewer lines and 12th Street South remains closed to traffic. For the latest, go to amiprojects.io.

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

— Lisa Neff

Historical society seeks funding from 3rd island city

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The Anna Maria Island Historical Society is hoping to make a new part-time museum director a long-term position.

AMIHS board member and recording secretary Carolyn Orshak spoke during general public comment at an Aug. 24 Anna Maria City Commission meeting to request funding assistance for the position.

Manatee County commissioners approved a $100,000 tourist development council grant to AMIHS in June. That funding includes $62,000 for consulting services and $38,000 to fund the first year of a parttime executive director for the museum, which has been run by volunteers for years.

The museum director may work about three days a week by filling in as a docent, handling administrative tasks and assisting with the historical society’s social media presence.

However, Orshak said AMIHS wanted to establish the position on a long-term basis, beyond the first year of TDC funding, and asked for the city’s assistance.

AMIHS has requested $25,000 from both the cities of Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach to help fund the position.

Orshak said AMIHS’s request to Anna Maria was different due to its deal with the city to lease the museum property for only $1 a year, so the ask came with no specific dollar amount.

She said AMIHS was struggling to maintain the personnel necessary for museum operations with volunteers, partly due to the island’s declining residential population, so the position would help address that issue.

“We strongly believe this position is crucial for our museum’s continued success,” Orshak said. “It’s clear to us, though, that financial support from each of our island cities is critical.”

“I’m asking you to give what you feel you can knowing that you already give so generously. … If you can find it in your budget to support us financially, we would sincerely appreciate it,” she added.

Commissioner Jonathan Crane, a former AMIHS board member and vice president, said they had experimented with a paid museum manager in his time and it hadn’t gone well.

Historical society board member and recording secretary Carolyn Orshak asks Anna Maria commissioners Aug. 24 for assistance funding a museum director.

ident Barbara Murphy, said the city also has been suffering from the lack of voluntary participation, which AMIHS has relied upon to run the museum.

The mayor noted recent changes to its historic preservation board and planning and zoning board, in which membership and quorums were reduced.

Murphy argued it was imperative for the city to help maintain the island’s history by supporting the museum, which is part of what makes the municipality the “cultural center” of the island.

Commissioner Deanie Sebring agreed and said she hoped the island cities could come together to support AMIHS, since all three cities received funding requests.

There was no decision made on the item during the meeting and the city’s budget for fiscal 2023-24 has yet to be finalized.

The museum closes yearly for the month of September.

He questioned the necessity of the position and said he was hesitant for the city to fund it.

Mayor Dan Murphy, husband of AMIHS vice pres-

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

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

Dredge delay

Dredges being used to relocate accreted sand blocking a channel at Beer Can Island at Longboat Pass remain at anchor Aug. 29. Crews had positioned equipment to weather Idalia as it brushed the area Aug. 29-30, interrupting the completion of the Longboat Key project. Gator Dredging is contracted to pump sand from the channel to the west shore of the island.

Islander

Photo: Robert Anderson

Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

An at bat in the sixth inning at LeCOM Park in Bradenton Sept. 2. the series finale between the Bradenton Marauders and Palm Beach Cardinals — and the final home games of the year — were to be a pair of seven-inning games Sept. 3. With eight games to go in the season, the Marauders sat three games outside of playoffs.

Key Royale tees off, other sports go silent for Idalia

By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter

Hurricane Idalia’s jaunt up Florida’s west coast limited golf action at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach to the men’s modified-Stableford match Aug. 28.

Ken Nagengast grabbed first-place for the day after carding a plus-4, two points better than second-place finishers Don Grau, Art McMillan, Tom Nelson and Kurt Snouffer, who all finished at plus-2.

Thanks to Idalia, there were no sports from the Center of Anna Maria Island and no report from the Anna Maria City Hall horseshoe pits. But, according to the weather reports, no rain is forecast.

So play on.

The Center of Anna Maria Island is hosting a fall soccer league, with adult play to begin Sept. 7, and youth soccer, which is set to kick off Sept. 5, after The Islander went to press.

Meanwhile, the center extended a deadline to register for the fall basketball league due to the nonprofit’s closure for the evacuation and cleanup after Idalia.

The adult registration deadline was extended from Friday, Sept. 1, to Saturday, Sept. 9.

Adult play will be Sept. 25-Nov. 20 on Mondays, with a draft and pickup games set for 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 11.

Kids should register for their basketball season by Friday, Sept. 8.

Youth play — ages 5-14 — will be Sept. 30-Nov. 18 on Saturdays.

Evaluations will be Wednesday, Sept. 13.

For more information, including costs and fees, call the center at 941-778-1908 or email info@centerami.org.

Lisa Neff contributed to this report.

Marauders go to bat for fans

the Bradenton Marauders, a Single-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, take the field Sept. 2 at LeCOM Park in Bradenton against the Palm Beach Cardinals. the night included nine innings of minor league baseball, fireworks and lots of giveaways as it was “fan appreciation night.” the game was one of the Marauders’ final home games of the regular season and the home team won 9-3. Islander Photos: Lisa Neff

Sand is dredged Aug. 21 from the Beer Can Island lagoon along the north shore of Longboat Key. Sand that accumulated in the 1A canal is being moved to allow navigation. the project cost is $1.1 million, with funding from the town, which will seek partial reimbursement from the

Florida Department of environmental Protection.

Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

Marty the Marauder’s got the moves to distract a Palm Beach Cardinal pitcher during a ballgame under the lights at LeCOM Park in Bradenton. the Sept. 2 game was one of the last at home in the Bradenton Marauder’s regular season.

Cassidy

Island anglers pressed by Idalia, searching for fish post-storm

By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

After withstanding our first hurricane of the season, Anna Maria Island anglers were putting the pieces back together before heading back on the water.

Hopefully everyone fared well during the storm, with minimal amounts of damage and, if nothing else, we had a refresher on what is needed to prepare for a major storm.

As the storm surge receded, making it possible for the island to “air out,” anglers were tending to the chores that follow a hurricane, including cleaning debris from yards.

With that work done, one last chore remained — trying to figure out where the fish went.

Large storms such as Idalia tend to change up the patterns that were followed prior to the blow.

With storm surges and heavy rain, fish will move from their normal areas to seek refuge in deeper water.

Just remember, Labor Day may be the unofficial end of summer but summer fishing remains.

And the task remains— find the fish.

A logical place to start is the location and patterns of the fish prior to the storm.

So, let’s talk about where the fish were prior before Aug. 29.

Capt. David White was finding plenty of action on mangrove snapper while fishing in the passes and over structure in Tampa Bay prior to the storm.

Using a bottom rig consisting of a 1-ounce sinker and a circle hook combined with a small live shiner as bait was working well to lure limits of mangrove snapper to the hook.

Chumming with handfuls of dead shiners was also working to bring the snapper to the surface, where they were targetable with free-lined shiners.

This method is exciting as the anglers can see the fish they are targeting.

After snapper fishing, White was targeting snook in several areas.

Fishing the passes, as well as the sandy beaches close to the passes, was productive. This fishing was best when the waters were clear so anglers spot the fish along the shoreline and cast directly to the snook.

Fishing grass flats near mangroves also was producing snook, as well as redfi sh prior to the hurricane.

Using free-lined live shiners in all scenarios was working best as bait, White said.

Prior to the storm, Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier said mangrove snapper were the primary catch at the northernmost pier on Anna Maria Island. Anglers at the pier are casting lines directly into the southern tip of Tampa Bay.

Limits of the mangrove snapper could be had by

anglers using live shrimp — casting under the pier and letting the tide pull the bait back among the pilings. This was resulting in the most catches, said Malfese. Snapper measuring 14 inches were being caught in this fashion.

Other catches occurring while fishing at the R&R included catch-and-release snook, as well as redfish. Lastly, when bait schools were present, anglers had opportunities to catch migratory fish, such as ladyfish and Spanish mackerel.

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

Snap up red snapper

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced the 2023 Gulf red snapper recreational fall season was extended by 17 days. Florida’s red snapper recreational season reopened Sept. 1 for three-day weekends — Friday, Saturday and Sunday — through November, including Labor Day and Thanksgiving Day.

For federally permitted charter fishing guides, the regular red snapper season went from JuneAug. 25.

For more information, go online to myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/snappers/.

Marc Wisniewski’s nephew-in-law, Brian, shows off a small snook he caught and released while on vacation on Anna Maria Island from Wisconsin with his wife Christina and her family. the group released all their catches. RIGHt: Ava Wisniewski shows off a small speckled seatrout she caught on a family fish trip in August.

Marc Wisniewski of Greenfield, Wisconsin, shows off a nice mangrove snapper. Wisniewski shared his family fishing experiences during an August vacation to Anna Maria Island. He and his three daughters, niece Christina and her husband Brian fished the piers and passes from Anna Maria Island down to New Pass and wound up with “13 different species using nothing but artificial lures.”

Stasny

Nesting notes

By Lisa Neff

Assessing after Idalia

Hurricane Idalia sent wind and waves to Anna Maria Island Aug. 29-30, washing shore sand in some locations into roadways.

King tides compounded the storm’s impact, increasing the surge and leaving the island’s beaches underwater in some areas.

On Aug. 30, the day Idalia made landfall as a category 3 storm in Big Bend near Keaton Beach, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring was preparing to assess the impact.

As their work was getting underway, The Islander checked in with AMITW executive director Kristen Mazzarella.

The Islander: What preparations does AMITW take ahead of a tropical storm or hurricane?

Kristen Mazzarella: Prior to major storms, like Hurricane Idalia, we take a full inventory of all the nests on the beach, we pull all our adopt-anest plaques and we make sure that all the nest marking stakes and back up marking stakes are in place and pounded in well.

In addition, we make sure we have GPS coordinates for all the nests — although this is usually done on the day they are laid — and we secure our side-bysides and all our equipment.

The rest is up to Mother Nature.

Per our endangered species marine turtle permits issued by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, we are not authorized to do anything else to nests that are currently incubating on the beach.

The Islander: What are the conditions that can keep AMITW’s patrol off the beach?

KM: Any hazardous conditions on the beach — high winds, lightning, high tides and heavy surf — would put turtle patrollers in danger and keep AMITW’s patrol off the beach.

We will not risk the safety or well-being of our

Stakes mark a sea turtle nest Sept. 1, two days after Hurricane Idalia passed AMI in the Gulf of Mexico. the stakes stand near the 30th Street beach access in Holmes Beach. In the days after the storm, Anna Maria Island turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring was assessing beach conditions and evaluating the storm’s impact on nesting. As of Aug. 28, there were about 76 unhatched nests on the beach. Islander

patrollers to conduct turtle-related activities.

The Islander: Years ago, AMITW moved nests threatened by water up into the dunes. That doesn’t happen anymore? What drove the change?

KM: No that does not happen anymore. Our permits do not authorize us to move nests threatened by water up to the dunes except in very rare circumstances.

The best chance for incubating eggs is not to move them around and moving them will impact the natural sex ratio produced by the nest.

Sea turtles have adapted their nesting strategy to accommodate for natural events such as hurri -

BY MICHAEL SCHLOSSBERG / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ

canes. Each nesting female turtle deposits several nests throughout the duration of the nesting season — essentially “hedging her bets” to make sure that even if a storm hits at some point during the nesting season, there is a high probability that at least a few of her nests will incubate successfully without being impacted by a storm.

No storm season is a total loss for sea turtles.

The Islander: After a storm passes, how does AMITW assess the impact on nesting?

KM: Once the beach is safely passable, AMITW uses our pre-storm nest inventory to identify which nests are remaining and which ones have lost stakes or were washed out.

We have placed back-up marking stakes further up the beach and in the dunes for many of our nests. If nest stakes are lost and these back-up stakes remain, we use the back-up stakes to determine if the nests are still in place or if they washed out.

If the nest appears to be in place, we will place new nest marking stakes and monitor it until it hatches.

The Islander: How might a hurricane in the Gulf impact sea turtles in the Gulf?

KM: Sea turtles in the Gulf appear to weather a hurricane just fine.

As an example, we are tracking Suzi, a loggerhead sea turtle satellite tagged on June 27.

Idalia passed right by her location at her foraging grounds northeast of Cancun and she continues to transmit from this location.

For more information about AMITW, call the nonprofit at 941-301-3484, email info@islandturtlewatch. com or go online to islandturtlewatch.com.

As of Sept. 2, AMItW had identified 405 nests, 438 false crawls, 295 hatched nests and about 22,995 hatchlings to the Gulf of Mexico. they also reported 89 disorientation incidents.

No. 0827

Michael Schlossberg is an internist in Bend, Ore., who has been making crosswords for The Times since 2020. He says he got the idea for this one while thinking about the books he read to his kids when they were little. He tried to get all the circles in the puzzle to line up, but that proved to be impossible. Michael says his favorite part of constructing is converting a theme idea into a completed grid — ‘‘more fun and challenging than actual solving.’’ — W.S.

Photo: Kathy Caserta

By Lisa Neff

Flip-flopping in the muck

I was standing on the corner of Anna Maria’s Gulf Drive and Elm Avenue when my iPhone pinged and showed an emergency alert — the island was coming under a mandatory evacuation ahead of Idalia.

I was all ready to roll — all of 7.6 miles from my friend’s place on the island, where I was staying, back to my condo in west Bradenton.

But all around were work sites for new home construction — one to the east on Elm, two in the short block of Gulf between Elm and Pine Avenue and three on Elm between Gulf and North Shore.

Neff

I wondered who was going to haul away or secure the lumber, tarps and, perhaps most importantly, the port-o-potties at the work sites. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but there seem to be more port-a-potties in Anna Maria than duplexes.

From where I stood at the corner, I could count six johns and smell two of them.

The port-o-potties were there Aug. 28 when I evacuated and they were there when I returned Aug. 30.

At least they didn’t get washed away in a storm surge.

But still, they stood in floodwaters.

And, no doubt, people walked through those floodwaters to check their homes or businesses or check out the surf in the Gulf of Mexico after the storm passed.

Eww.

I’m no germophobe but I read and I know that floodwater on AMI associated with Idalia wasn’t just refreshing rain or Gulf saltwater.

Floodwater from a storm can contain:

• Debris, including chemically treated lumber;

• Wild animals, including rodents and snakes;

• Household waste, including the chemical kind.

• Hazardous waste, including pharmaceuticals;

• Pet waste;

• Human waste.

Contact with floodwater can cause:

• Rashes;

• Tetanus;

• Wound infections;

Tracking Suzi

The Sea Turtle Conservancy’s Tour de Turtles hard-shell marathon began Aug. 1 with 12 sea turtles being tracked using satellite telemetry to boost science, research and education.

Anna Maria Island’s entry, Suzi, is a loggerhead tagged and released June 27 at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach.

Suzi’s distance as of Sept. 1 in the Tour de Turtles: 647 miles.

Suzi’s ranking in the Tour de Turtles: Sixth. People can follow Suzi’s journey at tourdeturtles. org.

• Gastrointestinal illness;

• Melioidosis, a disease caused by the bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei, which is found in contaminated soil and water.

I guess that’s why we’re supposed to wear rubber boots rather than flip-flops following a storm.

But I’ll be honest, I haven’t owned a pair of rubber boots since the sixth-grade.

I was out there on AMI after Idalia brushed past

us, wearing my flip-flops and tip-toeing around pools and puddles of water.

Even so, my flippies were wet when I arrived home.

Yes, eww.

So I scrubbed my sandals and feet.

Lathered.

Rinsed.

Repeated.

Health dept. cautions against beach swims

The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County Sept. 1 issued a countywide precautionary swim advisory for all public beaches following Hurricane Idalia.

“At this time, swimming is not recommended,” read the news release. “Tests to determine the water quality at public beach locations is expected to resume Sept. 5,” which was the day after Labor Day and after The Islander went to press.

The health department said, “Until test results are available, you should assume that water contact may pose an increased risk of disease or illness, particularly for susceptible individuals.”

“Additionally, residents should avoid contact with fl oodwaters that come from an overfl ow of rivers, lakes or oceans. Floodwater may contain fecal matter from sewage systems and septic tanks, in addition to agricultural and industrial waste. Floodwaters can also mask debris, downed power lines and other hazards.”

DOH-Manatee recommended the following precautions after hurricanes:

• Follow basic hygiene. Always wash hands with soap and water that has either been disinfected or boiled then cooled or with commercially bottled water before eating and after toilet use.

• Do not allow children to play in floodwater. They can be exposed to water contaminated with fecal matter.

• Do not allow children to play with toys that have been in fl oodwater until the toys have been disinfected.

• After helping in cleanup activities and after handling items contaminated by floodwater or sewage, wash hands with soap and water.

The latest testing on saltwater beaches will be updated on DOH’s website at www.floridahealth. gov/environmental-health/beach-water-quality/ index.html.

— Lisa Neff

A map shows where Suzi, a loggerhead outfitted June 27 in Bradenton Beach with a tracking device, traveled through Sept. 1. Islander Screenshot

A residential construction site in the 10000 block of Gulf Drive in Anna Maria hours before a mandatory evacuation took effect Aug. 28. Islander

Photo: Lisa Neff

— Lisa Neff

ITEMS FOR SALE

eIGHt-FOOt SWIFt graphite kayak paddle. Like new, $40. 321-408-6148.

PANINNI MAKeR: CUISINARt, stainlesssteel, like new, $45. 941-920-2494.

SPICe RACK, tHRee-tier clear plastic, $20, side tables, brown with glass top, 2/$20. 941-920-2494. 941-920-2494.

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

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)

Paradise Improvements 941.792.5600

AdoptA-Pet

Oh, those eyes!

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

SPONSOReD BY

ESTATE SALES

eStAte SALe: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9. 4708 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Fully furnished, sofas, end tables, two king and queen bed sets, lamps, dining and dinette sets, patio items, two sets of china, glassware, costume jewelry, lots of accessories, silverware, luggage, two bikes, tools, chandelier, lady’s clothing, linens and kitchenware. Pix: www.estatesales.net. Sale by Julie McClure.

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.

FOR SALe: 2000 electric Gem car. New batteries, new motor, seat covers, new tires and wheels. Asking $2,800., Call 813-758-3762. Come see it, we know you’ll like it.

BOATS & BOATING

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

SUNCOASt BOttOM PAINtING: Professional bottom painting. Mobile. Call 941704-9382.

FISHING

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

HELP WANTED

BOOtH StAFF AND parasail mate needed for local business. Fun job, great environment, good pay. Must be able to pass drug test. 518- 243-9465. parasailnationsouth@ gmail.com

SMUGGLeR’S COVe/GULFStReAM beach resort. Receptionist/activity person needed. three days during the week and Saturday, 30-36 hours per week. Please, call 941-7792804 for more details.

HeLP WANteD: NAIL technician, full or parttime. A Hair Day salon. 9516 Cortez Road, W., #7, Bradenton. 941-795-5227.

NOW HIRING HANDYMAN: Full-time professional services. $18 an hour and up, based on experience. Call JayPros, 941962-2874.

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

More ads = more readers in the Islander.

KIDS FOR HIRE

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

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

SERVICES

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

CLeANING: VACAtION, CONStRUCtION, residential, commercial and windows. Licensed and insured. 941-756-4570.

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

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

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

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

AIRPORt RIDeS: SARASOtA, St. Pete, tampa. Call/text, Vita, 941-376-7555.

RIDeS NeAR AND Far, car transport. Based in Palmetto. 715-292-8692.

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

RIDeeASY247: a local ride service providing a professional car service to all local airports and venues. References on request. eamonn Fortune, 941-447-7737.

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

BeACH SeRVICe air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. Commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. Serving Manatee County and the Island since 1987. For dependable, honest and personalized service, call Bill eller, 941-720-7411. CAC184228.

LAWN & GARDEN

CONNIe’S LANDSCAPING INC. Residential and commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-778-5294.

COLLINS LANDSCAPe LIGHtING: Outdoor lighting, landscaping, irrigation services and maintenance. 941-279-9947. MJC24373@ gmail.com.

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

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT

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

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

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

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

HANDYMAN AND PAINtING. No job too small. Most jobs just right. Call Richard Kloss. 941-204-1162.

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

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

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

RENTALS

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

PeRICO ISLAND PAtIO home for rent. 3BR/2BA, 30-day minimum. Privacy fence/ gate, two miles to AMI. January, 2024 available. Call or text, 859-771-6423.

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

RENTALS Continued

ANNA MARIA 3BR/1BA historic cottage, half block to Gulf beach and one block to Pine Avenue shopping and restaurants. Available November, $3,400/month. 941-7788456. terryaposporos@gmail.com.

2BR/2BA LONGBOAt KeY annual rental. Penthouse with jaw-dropping view of the bay. Completely upgraded and elegantly decorated. Fully equipped and all amenities are included. $5,500/month plus tax, fi rst and last month’s rent and $1,000 deposit. Available now. 407-451-7179. Luznava@ bellsouth.net

WINteR SeASON ReNtAL: Available December-May. 2BR/1.5BA elevated townhouse, sleeps four. Located in Holmes Beach, only two blocks to the beach. No pets. $5,000/month plus tax and fees. Call Anna Maria Realty, 941-778-2259. Dina@ annamariareal.com

LOVeLY SeCOND-FLOOR duplex for rent: 3BR/2BA partially furnished, can accommodate your needs. Washer/dryer. Five minutes to AMI, quiet, safe. Rent includes all utilities except electric. Annual $2,800/month. Will consider three-month, six-month. No smoking, Call Kelly, 941-301-9938.

BeAUtIFULLY ReFURBISHeD

1BR/1BA coastal vintage-style vacation rental less than three-minute walk to the beach. One week minimum. Available Aug. 16. Late summer/fall special rates. Available January, February, March 2024. 941-8071405 or carlesvacationrentals@gmail.com.

ANNUAL: HOLMeS BeACH elevated 2BR/2BA. Lanai, garage, nice quiet area. $2,200month. Call 970-331-1042 for rental application.

FURNISHeD ANNUAL: $3,300/month: Rent includes internet, cable, power, water and electric. First and last month rent, $1,000 deposit. Historic 3BR/1BA Cortez Village home. Home features three bedrooms, one bath, a sleeping loft with balcony views, large living room, office space, kitchen and a wrap-around front porch. the main bathroom is located inside the master bedroom on the bottom floor and is shared with other guests. Parking is limited to three vehicles. 4507 123rd St. W., Cortez Road, FL, 34215. Mike Norman Realty 941-778-6696.

HOLMeS BeACH: FURNISHeD 2BR/1BA, updated kitchen. Waterfront. Five-minute walk to Gulf. Annual rental, $3,800/month plus electric. Cable/internet/water/sewer/ garbage included. 201-988-6625.

MORe BANG FOR YOUR BUCK? It’s an old saying, but it’s still true when it comes to the Islander. Look for more online at islander. org.

ISLANDeR ARCHIVe. UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

REAL ESTATE

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

Taking reservations

The Manatee Chamber of Commerce is booking tables for its Power Connection luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20, at the Seafood Shack, 4110 127th St. W., Cortez.

The cost to attend for members will be $20 and reservations are required.

For more information, call Misti Barnes at the chamber at 941-748-8482, ext. 172.

Vendor call

The Manatee Chamber of Commerce also is taking reservations for booth space and sponsorships at Expo 2023, set for 4-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9.

The event — “to showcase your business,” according to the chamber — will be at LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton.

Plans include exhibitions, networking opportunities, door prizes, light bites served by member restaurants and a cash bar.

For more information, call the chamber at 941748-4842, ext. 172.

By Carol Bernard

By Lisa Neff

Thursday, Sept. 7

7:30-9 a.m. — Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting, Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Fee applies. Reservations required. Info: 941-7781541, annamariaislandchamber.org.

ONGOING

Espresso ahead of Idalia

Mademoiselle Paris, 9906 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, remains open mid-morning Aug. 29. the cafe was one of the last businesses in Anna Maria’s commercial district to close ahead of Hurricane Idalia. Islander

Connie Wolgast

Better business: Donating disaster aid after Idalia

Wondering how to help those dealing with damages associated with Hurricane Idalia?

The BBB Wise Giving Alliance recommends donors ask questions to help them make giving decisions:

• Does the disaster appeal describe the charity’s activities? Look for appeals that are upfront and clear about what disaster relief services you are supporting.

• How experienced is the charity in disaster relief? Donate to experienced organizations that stand ready to provide quick and effective assistance.

• Should goods be donated? Contributing money is the quickest way to help and provides charities with the flexibility to channel resources to impacted areas. Instead of donating food, support food banks.

• Have you checked out the charity? Rely on expert opinion when it comes to evaluating a charity, including using the Better Business Bureau’s give.org guide.

• What about crowdfunding requests? If engaging in crowdfunding, it is safest to give to someone you personally know and trust. Also review the platform’s policies and procedures.

Photo:

No real estate transactions due to county office closures.

Center unveils $1.8 million budget for 23-24

The Center of Anna Maria Island’s future spending plan has been revealed — almost two months after fiscal 2023-24 began.

The community center projects spending of $1,819,119.84 for the year, which began July 1, and the plan is to finish $2,385.16 in the black, according to a report shared Aug. 31 by executive director Chris Culhane.

The nonprofit finished fiscal 2022-23 $263,945 in the red — the first time landing in the red in seven years. The year prior, it finished $210,646 in the black.

In fi scal 2023-24, the nonprofi t projects to get

Survey after the storm

The Florida Commerce and the State Emergency Response Team Aug. 30 activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricane Idalia.

Survey responses will allow the state to expedite recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of affected businesses, according to a news release.

Businesses can complete the survey online by visiting www.floridadisaster.biz and selecting “Hurricane Idalia” from a dropdown menu. People who need additional assistance can call a hotline at 850-815-4925 8 a.m.-6 p.m. or email esf18@em.myflorida.com.

Building on the beach

back into the black by slashing total expenses by $171,026.44 over last year.

The biggest projected change is a $83,000 capital outlay budget, which is $124,484.10 less than last year’s $207,484.10 budget for the same item.

While the cost of labor and staffing is set to increase by $43,209.59, the nonprofi t projects to more than offset that with a $91,372.58 cut in direct expenses.

Other than a projected $95,827.20 boost in fundraising income, the rest of the budget is similar to last year’s revenue and spending plan.

Reports for the first two months of fiscal 2023-24 were not available as of Sept. 1. — Ryan Paice

Work on a three-story home at 105 elm Ave., Anna Maria, and a public access drive connecting the property to the roadway seaward of other homes continued Aug. 24. City commissioners voted to approve a permit for the work last summer despite concerns from some residents that the proposal would inspire other projects in the city’s conservation area. City clerk LeAnne Addy told the Islander Aug. 24 that the city had not received any similar permit applications since approving the elm project. Islander

The Oldest Family Owned and Operated Real Estate Firm on Anna Maria Island

Mike Norman Realty

Photo: Ryan Paice

Carlos Benzan, right, owner of Lakewood Ranchbased CABB Facility Services, and his crew paint walls Aug. 10 at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, during a week’s closure for cleaning and maintenance. Islander

Photo: Center of Anna Maria Island

Pitching in Behr Fosmore, 4, helps his father, Richard, shovel sand Aug. 29 into sandbags held by his mother, Nikita, owner of Salon Salon of AMI, 3612 e. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, to prepare the salon to weather Hurricane Idalia. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice