The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024

County offers $13M for Cortez landmark

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Manatee County is buying the Shack.

Commissioners voted Sept. 5 to acquire the Seafood Shack Marina, Bar & Grill in Cortez for $13 million.

The commission adopted a resolution by a 6-0 vote, amending the county budget for 2023-24 to facilitate a sales contract between the county and Vandyk Properties, owners of the Seafood Shack and adjoining properties at 4110 127th St. W., Cortez.

The contract is expected to be finalized in October.

The two-story waterfront restaurant with banquet, restaurant and bar seating for 650 patrons, and the marina, including 94 wet slips, 30 dry slips and transient dock space, have long been fixtures in the Cortez community.

In 1971, Ham Jones constructed the marina and then built an elevated restaurant a year later. There were several expansions over the years, including the ground-level restaurant and bar.

The transaction also will include seven upland parcels totaling 5.9 acres and two submerged land leases of roughly 2.9 acres, making for a total of 8.8 acres.

According to a presentation from the

county property acquisitions department, the county intends to provide public boating access, including a ramp and dry storage.

Submerged land leases attached to the property are expired. However, according to the budget amendment, Vandyk has temporary-use agreements in place with the state

Man drowns at Cortez Beach over Labor Day

A 20-year-old man drowned Aug. 31 at Cortez Beach, according to Bradenton Beach police.

county marine rescue’s beach patrol found the man face down in the Gulf of Mexico.

and the county intends to establish a permanent submerged land lease with the state.

If acquired, the county will increase the number of boat trailer parking spaces

BB commission drives food truck ordinance home

The Bradenton Beach Police Department, Manatee County Emergency Medical Services and West Manatee Fire Rescue responded to an emergency call after the

BBPD Lt. Lenard Diaz Sept. 3 said the man was unresponsive when found. He was later identified as Hector Pineda, 20, of Georgia.

Pineda had been at the beach with friends and became separated from his group.

After searching for Pineda, a friend alerted lifeguards, who, 10-15 minutes later, found him near lifeguard Tower 3.

Diaz said beach patrol started CPR and used a defibrillator in an effort to resuscitate the man until EMS arrived and took over resuscitative efforts.

EMS transported Pineda to HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton, where he was pronounced dead.

Diaz said Sept. 3. results of an autopsy were pending.

No other details were available at press time for The Islander.

— Robert Anderson

Beach warnings to expand plans call for signage and warning flags on boxes at 10 Holmes Beach beach accesses to inform beachgoers about surf and current marine conditions. to read more, go to page 3. Islander photo: Courtesy Holmes Beach

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Food truck operators can serve customers with a side of approval in Bradenton Beach.

City commissioners Sept. 5 held a second public hearing and final reading of an ordinance on food truck operations.

City attorney Ricinda Perry provided an overview of changes to the proposed ordinance based on commissioner input at an Aug. 1 meeting.

One addition is the prohibition of marijuana dispensary trucks based on a policy review by the police department.

Another change involves the use of meters to measure noise generated by equipment, specifically generators. Perry said noise levels would be measured at 10 feet, with 60 decibels being the standard.

“From what I’ve read, 60 decibels is as loud as a normal conversation between two people,” she said.

During a first reading in August, commissioners reached a consensus on several points, including barring food trucks from operating in the Cortez Beach parking lot, between Fourth Street South and the 1300

An aerial view looking northeast at the Seafood Shack Marina & Restaurant shows the vast property at 4110 127th St. W., Cortez. Islander photo: Jacob Merrifield

the Sea tulip III sits at anchor Sept. 7 after the U.S. Coast Guard rescued the occupants. Islander photo: Courtesy U.S. Coast Guard

USCG rescues 4 boaters

The U.S. Coast Guard rescued four boaters Aug. 8 after their 19-foot vessel, the Sea Tulip III, became disabled approximately 20 miles offshore of Anna Maria Island.

A distress call was sent after the vessels captain realized the boat had become disabled and was taking on water.

U.S. Coast Guard Cortez crews responded and transported the stranded individuals back to station Cortez without injury.

The vessels owner is now coordinating recovery of the disabled vessel, USCG officials confirmed.

— Robert Anderson

block of Gulf Drive South.

Additionally, the commission mandated that food trucks be located within at least 200 feet of public restrooms and required operators to display “No Smoking” signs.

Other ordinance guidelines include:

• A food truck parked in a private lot cannot reduce the available parking below the minimum required for

CONtINUeD

pAGe 1 countywide by 25%.

The county offers nine saltwater-access boat ramps with 17 launch lanes and 234 trailer spaces.

Vandyke opted not to pursue future development of the property after realizing the site’s incompatibility with their objective to create a luxury condominium development, Coldwell Banker real estate agent Elliot Rose said in August 2023. The property was listed for $15 million in April 2023.

In May, the county sought appraisal by Colliers Valuation and Advisory Services of Tampa, which valued the property at $12.5 million.

The county negotiated a purchase price of $13 million with Vandyke a month later, according to the county presentation.

During the meeting, commissioners discussed the expense of restoring the properties.

County chief financial officer Sheila McLean said there is $20.8 million in the capital improvements fund and other streams of revenue to be used to cover costs associated with the project.

“There’s a multitude of funding sources that are

standard site operations;

• A mobile food vending service cannot be located within 25 feet of a street intersection or pedestrian crosswalk unless a special event permit is obtained or it is part of a city-approved site plan;

• Overnight parking of a food truck on public property is prohibited without written city permission;

• Food trucks and property owners are equally responsible for trash and waste disposal;

• Food trucks may operate 8 a.m.–10 p.m.

• The proposal includes a penalty for violations with a fine of up to $500 per offense.

Under the proposed ordinance, food trucks must display proof of insurance, as well as necessary licenses and permits from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations, the Florida Department of Health and the local fire marshal.

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paying for it. We are using impact fees. We are using our own cash reserves and some infrastructure sales tax,” McLean said.

Commissioners also discussed the potential for revenue generation and, while the presentation was unclear if the restaurant would continue to operate, some alluded to a continued use of the existing buildings.

“I assume the board will just act as a landlord and essentially create a revenue source by leasing slips and continue to lease space to those businesses that are already there,” Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, R-District 3, said. “We’re not looking to put anyone out of work.”

Van Ostenbridge motioned to approve the resolution amending the county budget and approving the sales contract. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Jason Bearden and passed 6-0. There was no District 1 commission vote, as the seat previously held by James Satcher, who was appointed to elections supervisor, remains vacant.

There was no comment from Vandyk Properties about the property’s potential sale.

As of Sept. 6, there were two food trucks known to be operating in Bradenton Beach, both on properties owned by developer Shawn Kaleta.

A Lobster Made Easy truck on the corner of Gulf Drive and Bridge Street operates in Kaleta’s parking lot within 25 feet of an intersection and pedestrian crosswalk and might be in violation of the city’s newly minted law.

Another food truck, Harbor Light Grill, operates at the Bradenton Beach Marina.

Perry, speaking to The Islander Sept. 6, said vendors would be allowed some time to achieve compliance under the new regulations.

Commissioner Ralph Cole motioned to adopt the ordinance and was seconded by Commissioner Debbie Scaccianoce. The motion passed 3-0. Commissioner Jan Vosburgh left the meeting before the vote and Commissioner Marilyn Maro was absent.

Holmes Beach OKs flag boxes for 10 beach accesses

By Ryan paice Islander Reporter

Knowing is half the battle.

And island beachgoers soon will have more tools to stay informed in Holmes Beach.

City commissioners reached consensus Aug. 27 to approve the addition of 10 informative beach boxes along unguarded areas of the Gulf shoreline to inform people about surf and current conditions.

The boxes feature a pointed top where warning flags indicating current conditions can be posted, as well as space inside to store the flags.

Different flags indicate different conditions, such as:

• One green flag: low hazard and calm conditions;

• One yellow flag: medium hazard, moderate surf and/or current conditions;

• One red flag: high hazard, high surf and/or strong currents;

• Two red flags: water closed to the public;

• One blue flag: dangerous marine life.

The boxes also have two faces with signage to educate readers about the flags’ meanings and to advise that there are no lifeguards on duty in the area.

The same warning flag system is used at lifeguard towers at Manatee County’s three public beaches, Coquina Beach, Cortez Beach and Manatee Public Beach.

However, the majority of the island’s shoreline is not overseen by county lifeguards and currently lack such information for beachgoers.

Police Chief Bill Tokajer said county lifeguards would adjust the warning flags at each of the beach boxes as conditions change.

The chief said he had selected locations to install the boxes at beach accesses on 26th, 30th, 33rd, 35th, 38th, 47th, 52nd, 67th, 71st and 77th streets.

The city could add more beach boxes in the future if commissioners found them beneficial.

County beach patrol chief Chet Brown has said the beach boxes would not be permanent structures and could be removed in emergency situations, such as incoming hurricanes.

He said QR codes would be found on each box that could be scanned for more information.

County lifeguards also will begin roaming patrols of the beaches in October, with one patrol covering north of Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, and another patrolling to the south.

Commission Chair Terry Schaefer supported the proposal but asked for the beach boxes to be installed in the least obtrusive way possible for nearby property owners.

The county-led initiative also will involve the installation of flag boxes in Anna Maria and Braden-

‘Never forget’

A memorial to firefighters who died in the 9/11 terrorist attacks stands Sept. 11, 2021, at the West Manatee Fire Rescue station in Holmes Beach at 6001 Marina Drive. the district created the memorial, which includes a steel beam salvaged from the World trade Center site, as well as granite markers bearing the names of firefighters who died at the twin towers in New York City. Islander File photo

By Lisa Neff

The Islander poll

Last week’s question

Next time you purchase a vehicle, will you consider electric?

72%. No.

12%. Maybe.

10%. Yes.

6%. Already have one. This week’s question

Do you remember where you were on 9/11?

A. I’ll never forget.

B. Kind of.

C. No.

D. Too young.

E. Wasn’t born.

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

ton Beach.

A map of 10 proposed beach boxes across the city of Holmes Beach’s Gulf-side shores.

BB approves 1st reading of CRA, city fiscal year

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Bradenton Beach commissioners approved a first reading of the 2024-25 municipal budget during their Sept. 5 meeting at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach.

A first reading of a budget ordinance for the community redevelopment agency also was approved Sept. 5.

City treasurer Shayne Thompson reviewed the municipal budget, which is $4, 857,954 in total expenditures, based on maintaining the 2023-24 millage rate of 2.3329.

A rollback rate of 2.1447 would be required to keep property tax revenues at this year’s levels and avoid a tax increase for property owners.

Using the current rate is expected to generate $2,537,083 in ad valorem taxes, an increase from the 2023-24 total of $2,230,288. The city’s taxable value was certified at $1,087,523,358.

Notably, salary increases for city employees and an adjustment to the city’s longevity policy are part of the proposal.

The proposed budget could boost reserves by $250,000, an essential move for emergency preparedness, according to police Chief John Cosby.

Cosby emphasized the importance of maintaining strong reserves during a budget review in July. He said that, following a disaster declaration, the city might

need to remain financially solvent for up to six months before receiving federal aid.

Administrative expenditures will increase by $74,254, primarily driven by salary hikes, higher retirement contributions and increases in wind and flood insurance costs.

The commission’s budget is largely unchanged, except for a rise in monthly attorney fees, from $4,000 to $20,000, after exceeding legal expenses other years.

Police department budgeting will rise by $141,043, mainly due to salary and retirement increases.

Bradenton Beach commissioners listen to city treasurer Shayne thompson, right, Sept. 5 as he reviews city and community redevelopment agency budgets for the 2024-25 fiscal year. Islander photo: Robert Anderson

Other departments, including code enforcement, planning and community rating systems, also will see slight budget increases, with stormwater and road maintenance seeing additional funding.

The total proposed general fund expenditures for 2024-25 are $4,857,954, which is $359,969 higher than this year.

The commission also tentatively approved the community redevelopment agency budget, which funds local projects like the undergrounding of utilities, sidewalk, lighting and parking improvements. The budget will see reduced expenditures due to postponed capital projects.

Total CRA spending is projected at $344,606 for 2024-25.

Commissioners voted to approve each section of the budgets 4-0. Commissioner Marilyn Maro was absent with excuse.

Thompson said final versions of the city and CRA budgets will have public hearings and a vote at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach.

The fiscal year begins Oct. 1.

Bradenton Beach votes to shrink CRA BB nixes sidewalks for temporary parking lots

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Bradenton Beach commissioners decided Sept. 5 to return the community redevelopment agency to a five-member board exclusively comprising elected officials.

The CRA funds capital improvement projects to promote restoration, growth and tourism for the district and is bordered by Cortez Road, Sarasota Bay, Fifth Street South and the Gulf of Mexico. The area was deemed blighted in 1992, allowing for incremental tax revenue to promote restoration and growth, including tourism.

At times, the board has consisted of five members — the city commissioners and mayor — and at other times the board also has included citizen representatives.

The CRA was governed by seven members this year, until district resident David Bell resigned in March and business owner Ed Chiles sold his restaurant properties Aug. 1, including in Bradenton Beach, making him ineligible to sit on the board.

During a Sept. 5 meeting, commissioners directed city attorney Ricinda Perry to prepare a resolution modifying the makeup of the CRA board from seven members to five members and to change meeting dates to coincide with commission meetings.

“A meeting with five members would probably work out well,” said Commissioner Ralph Cole, who chairs the CRA. “The thing is, getting a quorum.”

Commissioner Marilyn Maro has made only a few virtual meeting attendances and has been mostly absent from the functions of her elected office since January 2023.

“I have been a commissioner long enough that I have seen it both ways,” Commissioner Jan Vosburgh said of the CRA composition. “I agree with Ralph. I think we need to go back to five.”

After some discussion, the commission moved to continue with a five-member board.

While commissioners approved, Bradenton Beach resident Jim Hassett spoke during public comment in

Election 2024

On the calendar

favor of a seven-member CRA board.

Hassett said it is important to pull members from the district’s residential and business population for perspective and warned against the creation of an echo chamber.

He suggested former commissioner and Bridge Street-business owner Jake Spooner might be qualified to sit on the CRA.

Spooner resigned his commission seat in 2023 over changes to state financial disclosure laws that are now on hold.

“I would love to see Jake back as a commissioner or as a board member,” Cole said. “I think he did a really good job. He saved the city a lot of money, several times.”

“But the five-person thing is my opinion. I think it’s an easier way to go,” Cole concluded.

Commissioner Debbie Scaccianoce motioned to direct Perry to prepare a resolution modifying the makeup of the CRA board to fi ve members and to change CRA meeting dates. The motion was seconded by Vosburgh and passed 4-0. Maro was absent with excuse.

The next commission meeting will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

RoadWatch

Eyes on the road

• City center in Holmes Beach: Manatee County’s final work on a force main project on Holmes Boulevard, Marina Drive and side streets remains open. The posted completion date is this fall, as the contractor is “working to complete final project activities, punch-list items and cleanup.” For the latest, go to amiprojects. io.

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

— Lisa Neff

Meetings

By Lisa Neff

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Bradenton Beach commissioners Sept. 5 modified temporary use permits held by Beach to Bay LLC, removing a requirement to install sidewalks at two pay-to-park lots.

The lots at 206 Bay Drive N. and 102 Third St. N. are owned by developer Shawn Kaleta and were originally zoned for use as residential properties.

In February, the commission approved temporary use of the lots as paid parking with stipulations, including requiring installation of sidewalks to improve pedestrian access.

But at the Sept. 5 meeting, Sam Negrin, spokesperson for Beach to Bay, requested the sidewalk installation requirement be removed.

Negrin said the sidewalks were unnecessary, noting that not all properties in the areas of the lots had sidewalks and that Kaleta obtained a building permit for new construction on the lots, meaning the sidewalks would have to be removed for construction.

He also said the sidewalks would need to be constructed in the city rights of way.

“What’s being requested is these two very small patches of sidewalks, with nothing to connect to,” Negrin said.

Police Chief John Cosby also voiced concern about the sidewalks.

“We are getting ready to redo our entire stormwater system and re-engineer them,” he said. “I would hate to see us put sidewalks all over the city and then have to go back and rip them up.”

After some discussion, Commissioner Debbie Scaccianoce motioned to modify the temporary-use permit to exclude sidewalks as a stipulation.

The motion was seconded by Ralph Cole and passed 4-0. Commissioner Marilyn Maro was absent with excuse.

The next commission meeting will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

ANNA MARIA CITY

• Thursday, Sept. 26-Thursday, Oct. 3, mail ballots go out.

• Monday, Oct. 7, 5 p.m., voter registration closes.

• Monday, Oct. 21-Saturday, Nov. 2, 8:30 a.m.6:30 a.m., early voting, various locations.

• Thursday, Oct. 24, deadline to request mail ballots.

• Tuesday, Nov. 5, 7 a.m.-7 p.m., general election polling.

— Lisa Neff

Plan now for the next holiday!

Is your business ready to make the most of a new season?

Improve your odds of success with Islander newspaper readers looking to shop and dine, seeking indoor and outdoor fun, and a place to stay for their next visit. Call or text 941-778-7978.

Sept. 11, 5:01 p.m., commission. 10005 Gulf Drive, 941-708-6130, cityofannamaria.com.

BRADENTON BEACH

Sept. 18, 1 p.m., ScenicWAVES.

Sept. 19, noon, commission.

Sept. 19, 5:05 p.m., commission, budget. 107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com.

HOLMES BEACH

Sept. 11, 9 a.m., clean water ad hoc committee.

Sept. 11, 5 p.m., commission.

Sept. 18, 10 a.m., code compliance. Sept. 18, 5 p.m., planning. 5801 Marina Drive, 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org.

WEST MANATEE FIRE

None announced. 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton, 941-761-1555, wmfr.org. MANATEE COUNTY

Sept. 12, 9 a.m., commission. Sept. 12, 6 p.m., commission, budget. Sept. 17, 9 a.m., commission. Sept. 17, 6 p.m., commission, budget. 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee. org.

ALSO OF INTEREST

Sept. 23, 9:30 a.m., Sarasota/Manatee MPO, Doubletree by Hilton, 8009 15th St. E., Sarasota.

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

Our

Remembering, honoring

Editor Lisa Neff asks this week in her Islander poll, where were you when 9/11 happened.

It’s 23 years past, but I’m sure, many of you, like me, remember it with Technicolor reality.

I was sitting at a big conference table that served as our production desk at The Islander. Paul Roat was to my left, laying out pages for the upcoming edition of The Islander. I was reviewing a reporter’s stories on another computer, processing photos and feeding work to Paul’s computer.

There was a small, 13-inch television on a rollaround cart to Paul’s left and, just like every other production day since we started in 1992, the TV was tuned to the news.

Our reaction, as well as all those in the office who joined us in staring at the small screen, was disbelief.

We were stricken. No one could speak. No one could believe what we saw.

A 8:46 a.m., an airplane had struck one of the twin towers at the World Trade Center in New York and, within 17 minutes, we watched as a second plane struck the second tower and listened to broadcasters try to make sense of what we saw.

In a synopsis on Britannica.com:

September 11, a series of airline hijackings and suicide attacks committed in 2001 by 19 militants associated with the Islamic extremist group al-Qaida against targets in the United States, the deadliest terrorist attacks on American soil in U.S. history. Some 2,750 people were killed in New York, 184 at the Pentagon, and 40 in Pennsylvania (where one of the hijacked planes crashed); all 19 terrorists died. Police and fire departments in New York were especially hard-hit as hundreds rushed to the scene of the attacks. More than 400 police officers and firefighters were killed. It was a day that defined the beginning of the 21st century.

For anyone interested, the University of Virginia Miller Center online has a timeline with photos of the events surrounding Sept. 11.

OpinionYour Opinion

It’s worth remembering — so we never forget. And for younger generations who were not present to witness this terrorist attack and the media coverage that brought us a frightening new reality, it’s time you knew. The UV outline is a good teaching aid.

And so, on this anniversary, we again honor those whose lives were lost that day and going forward — to all those who suffered the effects of 9/11 and to all who lost friends, family and loved ones.

Thank you for remembering with me.

— Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

Flood in solution?

Holmes Beach flooding has become a major problem. The causes minimally appear to be two areas of road construction: the Manatee County force main project and the City Center project.

First, the county work on Holmes Boulevard has caused flooding on just about every street that runs off of it.

Skimming online

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Connections on AMI

SEPT. 11, 2024 • Vol. 32, No. 47

▼ 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

Masha Dolgoff, masha@islander.org

Jack elka, jack@jackelka.com

Robyn Murrell, robyn@islander.org

Ryan paice, ryan@islander.org

▼ Contributors

Karen Riley-Love

Jacob Merrifield

Capt. Danny Stasny, fish@islander.org

▼ Advertising Sales

Debbie tucker, debbie@islander.org

▼ Webmaster Wayne Ansell

▼ Office Manager, Lisa Williams

info@, accounting@, classifieds@, subscriptions@islander.org

▼ Distribution

Urbane Bouchet

Ross Roberts

Judy Loden Wasco

We know that some drains were buried but questions remain: Were the drains replaced? If so, what were they connected to? Did our tenuous liaison with the county affect the ability to oversee the construction? Were there leadership issues?

All others: news@islander.org

Second, the City Center project caused some areas to be elevated more than a foot. This is evident from the engineer drawings. This has caused major flooding on Marina Drive from 56th Street and further down and also down 56th Street and other side streets as well.

Heading north on Marina from the light at Gulf Drive, if you have a straight line of sight, as I did late one evening when there was not much traffic, you can see the difference in elevation. It appears to act like a dam backing the water up to the north.

The changes have been dramatic. There has been damage to residents’ properties. The auto shop on the corner of Gulf and Marina had to raise their floor. It even caused closure of the library which we have never known to occur before.

We are left wondering. Why was it elevated? Who was in charge? Who did the planning? Who did the engineering? Where was the leadership? And most importantly at this point, how is the city going to correct the problem?

Richard Motzer, Holmes Beach

Anna Maria: Mayor Dan Murphy, 941-7086130, ammayor@cityofannamaria.com. Bradenton Beach: Mayor John Chappie, 941778-1005, mayor@cityofbradentonbeach.com. Holmes Beach: Mayor Judy Titsworth, 941708-5800, hbmayor@holmesbeachfl.org.

Thank you!

We, the owners/operators of West Coast Air Conditioning & Heating, would like to thank everyone for their kind offers of help during our recent fire.

It’s been an adventure.

We have heard from many customers, neighbors and friends offering assistance — ranging from cleaning up our office to offering us temporary office space. We are blessed to have so many wonderful people surrounding us.

This is a wonderful place to do business and we appreciate each and every one of you.

We should be in our temporary offices soon — if not already at The Islander’s press time — and hope to continue our long business relationship with all. Mikey, Mike, Mary and Andy Silbaugh; Laurence, Pam, Pat, Chris, Juan, Jason, Miles, Larry and Buck, Holmes Beach

Letters to the editor

The Islander welcomes your opinion letters. Submit your opinion along with name, address and a contact phone number to news@islander.org.

An umbrella and hats offer shade during a summer beach excursion on Anna Maria Island. the photo is dated 1910-15. During this period, before the bridges were built, people arrived to

Picnic at the beach Gathering for a picnic on an AMI beach circa 1915 are Marian Braymer, left, Florence Zimmerman, an unidentified person, Margaret Hurlebaus, another unidentified person, Doris Hampton, Gertrude and Catherine Fuller, Julia Reasoner, Inez Morgan, Mabel Morrow, pearl Keller and Grace Morgan. the archival information with the photo reads, “Notice that the girls all have their ‘summer whites’ on.”

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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.”

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A group poses for a photo during a picnic on Anna Maria Island. the image is dated 1905-12. Islander photos: Manatee County public Library System

10, 20, 30 years ago

From the Sept. 8, 1994, issue

• The Manatee County Sheriff’s office arrested a former accountant for the Beach House and Sandbar restaurants, charging the man with grand theft following a six-week investigation.

• Accommodation owners were seeking a density hike in Holmes Beach to allow for smaller units and more room rentals due to changes in vacation trends.

• The U.S. Postal Service informed the city of Anna Maria in writing that it didn’t need building permits to remodel the post office because “we’re special.”

From the Sept. 8, 2004, issue

• The island was hit with high winds and driving rain, resulting in power outages and toppled trees, as Hurricane Frances moved west from the Atlantic Ocean across the state and into the Gulf of Mexico.

• Bradenton Beach commissioners approved the first reading of a stormwater fee intended to finance infrastructure improvements and reduce flooding.

From the Sept. 10, 2014, issue

• Bradenton Beach commissioners shaved $1,135 off the monthly rent for the proprietors of the Cast-N-Cage restaurant, Rusty Anchor bait and tackle shop and the Pelican Perch concession beginning with the September payment and continuing until the Historic Bridge Street Pier reopened to the public following repairs.

• The U.S. Coast guard-Station Cortez was dispatched to a distress call about 7 miles off AMI’s shore to rescue three people whose boat was taking on water.

—

Lisa Neff

Anna Maria Island for day visits by boat.

HB resident addresses kayak tours

By Ryan paice Islander Reporter

A battle was lost but the war continues.

While his temporary injunction was denied, Holmes Beach property owner Roger Alvarez told The Islander Sept. 4 that he remains determined to slow down the kayak tours in Sportsman Harbor offered by Bradenton-based Fun Florida Tours.

The harbor is an inlet off Anna Maria Sound that runs up to Alvarez’s property at 201 N. Harbor Drive, where manatees frequent the quiet waters.

Alvarez and his wife, Irene, filed a lawsuit against Fun Florida Tours alleging that the company’s lighted kayak tours into the canal disturb manatees, constitute a private nuisance and put them at risk of liability claims.

Part of the lawsuit was a motion for a temporary injunction that would have enjoined the tour company and its customers from entering the harbor, among other things.

12th Circuit Judge D. Ryan Felix denied Alvarez’s requested temporary injunction Aug. 19.

Alvarez said their goal was not to shut down the tour company but to slow it down to a more reasonable pace.

“We in no way, shape or form, had the intent to stop them 100% in any way,” Alvarez said.

He said Fun Florida Tours guides as many as four tours a day through the canal — some consisting of more than 20 lighted kayaks and about 30 people — that congregate near his property for 30-40 minutes per tour.

Alvarez said he wished the tours could minimize their impact along the canal by bringing in four-five kayakers for 10-15 minutes instead.

“I’m all pro-business,” he said. “But I’m also probusiness with the balance of respecting the home and the lives of the people that you are around and impacting.”

Alvarez compared the tour company’s activities to a business bringing 20-30 people to a residential road or right of way and shining lights inside homes.

He said there was a fine line between annoyance — which Felix acknowledged the tours might be in his judicial order — and a nuisance.

Moving forward, Alvarez said they would explore additional case law to establish such a nuisance, as well as emphasize the tours’ impact on their quality of life.

“My wife and I used to sit outside all the time. We no longer sit outside in our patio any longer. It’s a privacy issue,” Alvarez said.

He also pushed back against Fun Florida Tours owner Carl Hatley Jr.’s previous claims that they are using their money to “harass” the company, calling them “absurd.”

“My family is a family of immigrants and we’ve worked multiple jobs to be able to live on this island. We bought here before this place exploded cost-wise, and I’ve put my life into this home. To sit there and think that was part of what we were doing is completely absurd,” Alvarez said.

There were no upcoming hearings scheduled for the case as of Sept. 6, according to the Manatee County Clerk of Circuit Court’s website, manateeclerk.com.

A kayaker June 13 pushes away from a dock in Sportsman Harbor, where a property owner sued a kayak tour company for posing an alleged nuisance. Islander photo: Courtesy Roger Alvare

July 2020: $1,620,700

July 2021: $2,764,559

July 2022: $2,800,988

July 2023: $2,697,210

July 2024: $2,623,320

Source: Manatee County tax Collector

County tourist tax numbers for July fall again

By Lisa Neff Islander editor

Did the Fourth of July fizzle again?

Tourist development tax dollars in Manatee County dropped off in July compared with July 2023, marking the second consecutive decline for the month, as tax dollars also dropped in 2023 from a monthly record in 2022.

The county tax collector’s office reported earlier this month that the tax revenues — the 5% tax levied on overnight rentals of six months or less — for July were $2,623,320. That’s a drop of 2.74% from July 2023, when the county gleaned $2,697,210.

As of July 31 in the fiscal 2023-24, the county had earned $27,623,321 in tourist tax revenue and was still on track to top a total of $30 million.

Holmes Beach accommodations in July produced $816,967 in tourist development tax dollars or 31.14% of the county’s total earnings.

Only unincorporated Manatee County accommodations yielded more than Holmes Beach, with $872,605 in collections or 33.26% of the revenue pie.

Anna Maria accommodations produced $403,934 or 15.4%, Bradenton Beach brought in $123,117 or 4.69%, and Longboat Key tallied $203,196 or 7.75%.

Bradenton earned $195,787 or 7.46% and Palmetto netted $7,761 or 0.3%.

After a 3% administrative fee, the county’s net tourist tax revenue for July was $2,544,621. July is not the only month in which tax revenue declined in 2023-24. October was down 17.31%, as were revenues in November, December, January and April.

Under state law, resort tax earnings must be spent on tourism-bolstering initiatives.

The tourist development council funds the the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and advises the county commission on bed tax spending and, in years past, earnings from the levy have financed beach renourishment projects and the construction of two city piers, in Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach.

Other entities that have received tourist tax dollars include the Anna Maria Island Historical Society, the Bradenton Area Convention Center, Realize Bradenton and the Pittsburgh Pirates.

August resort tax revenue data will be released in early October.

And in November, county voters will be asked to add a sixth penny to the tourist development tax in a question on the general election ballot.

The next TDC meeting will be at 9 a.m. Monday, Oct. 21, at the Manatee County Administrative Building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

the Gulf Islands Ferry, operated by Manatee County, launches from downtown Bradenton. the county purchase of the Seafood Shack and a sixth penny could provide the ferry with a port and hub for operations. Islander File photo

Built of solid block with solid concrete foundation pillars that are buried well into the ground below, this 2-bedroom, 2-bath home is merely 100 feet from the beach access. The oversized garage can park at least four vehicles. Zoned for weekly rentals and no street-side parking. Duplex weekly rental property, each unit having its own entire floor with front balconies to take in the seaside sites and glorious sunsets, as well as balconies on the back. Five bedrooms and four baths and an oversized owner’s area on the ground floor is a must-see.

Paradise matinee

Compiled by Lisa

Neff, calendar@islander.org

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ON AMI

Saturday, Sept. 14

11:30 a.m. — Author talk, James R. Benn, who wrote “The Phantom Patrol,” Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

ONGOING ON AMI

• Through September, Artists’ Guild Gallery window show, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694.

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

• Through September, Island Gallery and Studios “Harmony: Lines, Shapes and Color” exhibit by David Tejada, 456 Old Main St., Bradenton. Information: 941-778-6648.

Through Sept. 15, Selby Gardens’ “The Florida Highway Men: Interstate Connections,” 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-366-5731.

• Through Oct. 20, “Reimagining Nature: Dali’s Floral Fantasies,” the Dali Museum, 1 Dali Boulevard St., St. Petersburg. Fee applies. Information: 727-823-3767, thedali.org.

Through Jan. 5, “Life in One Cubic Foot,” the Bishop, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941746-4131.

• Through Feb. 25, 2025, “I want you to know my story” photography by Jess T. Dugan, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies except Mondays. Information: 941-359-5700.

SAVE THE DATES

Sept. 19-29, Island Players’ “Crimes of the Heart,” Anna Maria.

Sept. 21, “100 Things To Do In Sarasota Before You Die” presentation and book signing, Holmes Beach.

Oct. 4, Realize Bradenton’s Music in the Park concert, Bradenton.

Oct. 8, Manatee Performing Arts Center’s Tribute Tuesday concert series begins, Bradenton.

Oct. 11, Realize Bradenton’s Music in the Park concert, Bradenton.

Oct. 18, Realize Bradenton’s Music in the Park concert, Bradenton.

“the Laundromat” will entertain attendees of the “Wednesday Movie Matinee” at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 19, at the Longboat Key paradise Center for Healthy Living. the 2019 comedy by Stephen Soderbergh is about a widow who investigates insurance fraud, chasing a pair of panama City law partners exploiting the world’s financial system. Admission is free and includes popcorn. the center is at 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. For more information, call 941-383-6493. Islander Courtesy photo

Oct. 19, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s Bayfest, Anna Maria.

Oct. 25, Realize Bradenton’s Music in the Park concert, Bradenton.

MARKETS & SALES

ONGOING ON AMI

Third Thursdays, 4 p.m., Sundown Get Down with the Bridge Street Merchants, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941778-8565.

SAVE THE DATES

Oct. 5, Bradenton Market opens, Bradenton. Oct. 5, UF/IFAS Manatee County Plant Sale, Palmetto.

KIDS & FAMILY ON AMI

Wednesday, Sept. 11

4 p.m. — Intro to sewing for teens, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Thursday, Sept. 12

10 a.m. — Toddler Playdough Fun, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Friday, Sept. 13

10 a.m. — 40 Carrots, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Tuesday, Sept. 17

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

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

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

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

CLUBS & COMMUNITY

ON AMI

Wednesday, Sept. 11

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

Thursday, Sept.12

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

ONGOING ON AMI

• Second Mondays, 2 p.m., Center of Anna Maria Island Adult Book Club, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-7781908.

SAVE THE DATES

Nov. 2, Bishop Museum’s Celestial Affair gala, Bradenton. LESSONS & LEARNING ON AMI

Wednesday, Sept. 11

10 a.m. — Beginning line dancing, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

11 a.m. — Advanced line dancing, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Monday, Sept. 16

5 p.m. — Photography for young adults, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Wednesday, Sept. 18

10 a.m. — Beginning line dancing, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. 11 a.m. — Advanced line dancing, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

SPORTS & FITNESS

ONGOING ON AMI

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

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

• Most Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

OUTDOORS & NATURE

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

KEEP THE DATES Through Oct. 31, sea turtle nesting season. Lights out! Through Nov. 30, Atlantic hurricane season. Be prepared! Sept. 11, Patriot Day.

Send listings to calendar@islander.org.

We meet all your linen and cleaning needs with 5-star service. 18-plus years serving AMI. Our fleet will pick up/drop off daily.

Island happenings

Nature photographer David Liittschwager took a metal cube — measuring a cubic foot — and set it in ecosystems to document life within the area. Islander Courtesy photo: David Liittschwager

‘Life in One Cubic Foot’ opens at Bishop

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is exhibiting “Life in One Cubic Foot,” featuring the research of Smithsonian scientists and photographer David Liittschwager as they discover what a cubic foot of land or water — a biocube — reveals about the diversity of life on our planet.

“Life in One Cubic Foot” is organized by the

Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.

A tour of the exhibit is included in the general admission price to the museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton.

For more, call 941-746-4131.

Island Players to open season, stage ‘Crimes of the Heart’

The Island Players will open a new season Thursday, Sept. 19, with Beth Henley’s “Crimes of the Heart.”

Season tickets for the 76th season were on sale through the summer. Now the box office is open for performance tickets 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Saturday and an hour before showtime.

Henley’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play follows siblings Lenny, Meg, and Babe Magrath, who return to their small hometown in Mississippi to care for “Old Granddaddy” and to help their youngest sister, who recently shot her husband because she “just didn’t like his looks.”

Actors in the cast include Janet Salem, Jennifer Kwiatkowski. Morgan Powis, Sue Belvo, Brannon

Westfall and Joseph Mammina.

Mike Lusk is directing the show.

The play runs through Sept. 29, with performances at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. The theater is dark Mondays.

Other shows in the lineup include “A Doublewide, Texas Christmas” Nov. 14-24, “Birthday Suite” Jan. 9-26, 2025; “Death by Design” March 13-30, 2025; and “Grace and Glorie” May 8-18, 2025.

The theater is at 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria.

For more information about the show or the season, call the box office at 941-778-5755 or go online to islandplayers.org.

Sundown Get Down set

The Bradenton Beach Merchants Association will continue its Sundown Get Down series with a street party at 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19.

The theme will be “Under the Sea Back-to-School Bash.”

The events include “family-friendly activities, musical entertainment and discounts and specials at local businesses.

For more information, go online to sundowngetdown.com or contact marketing manager Jill McGarry at 941.448.7808 or jill@mcgarrymarketing.com. emily Fernandez and Mattison Jones hand out leis July 18 to people visiting the Anna Maria Oyster Bar as part of the Sundown Get Down Bridge Street. Islander File photo: Robert Anderson

Center offers tennis development

the Center of Anna Maria Island is offering a tennis development program for kids ages 6-12 at 5 p.m. Wednesdays Sept. 11, Sept. 18, Sept. 25 and Oct. 2. Children will learn technique, cultivate handeye coordination, practice footwork and enhance overall coordination. the cost is $120 for members, $135 for nonmembers. the center offers a range of programs for youth and adults, including sports lessons, fitness sessions, day camps and sports leagues. For more information about youth programs, contact erica palmer at youthprograms@ centerami.org or 941-778-1908. Islander Courtesy photo

Summer schedule ends for Cortez Cultural Center

The Cortez Cultural Center ended its “by appointment” summer schedule. The center, 11655 Cortez Road W., Cortez, has resumed regular hours — 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday-Saturday.

The center also will host a Cortez Coffee Hour 9-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14. For more, email cvhs2016@gmail.com or call 941-840-0590.

Kiwanis to meet

The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island will end its monthly summer schedule and resume weekly meetings Saturday, Sept. 14.

The club will meet at 8:30 a.m. at Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

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

Hey AMI and area groups!

Groups preparing for the 2024-25 season are encouraged to send their event calendars to The Islander, which is readying its preview of the season. Please, email calendars, logos and photos to Lisa Neff at calendar@islander.org.

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

Salem Mammina powis Belvo Westfall Kwiatkowski

A good book, a good pup

Anna Maria elementary volunteer Susan Mitchell shows a flamingo to therapy dog Zinnia Sept. 5 as first-grader Hayes Bystrom turns a page in a book he’s reading in the school library. Islander photos: Courtesy Becky Demo

Former AMe media specialist Lynne McDonough — creator of the Read with a Dog program — and her dog Lilly look on Sept. 5 as third-grader Jewell Smith reads.

From student to A+ teacher at AME

Beth McIntosh, a teacher at Anna Maria Elementary, was named a Spectrum A+ Teacher and will be featured in a segment on Spectrum Bay News 9.

Born on Long Island, New York, and raised on Anna Maria Island, McIntosh has taught in the Manatee County School District for 34 years, with the last nine at AME.

“I attended AME as a fifth-grade student when Mr. Kronus was principal,” McIntosh wrote in a Sept. 6 email to The Islander, referring to the late Jim Kronus, who served as AME principal 1974-99. “I’ve lived on Anna Maria since I was 10 and, despite the changes, I still feel a spirit of community.”

She told The Islander she was surprised by the nomination.

“I was quite shocked, honestly, I’ve been a special education teacher for my entire career until last year. Now I teach art, music/movement and direct all six grade-level musicals.”

She added, “The person who nominated me must kind of like me, which feels very nice.”

To nominate an educator, a person emails teachers@charter.com with the nominee’s name, contact information and an explanation of why they are an A+ Teacher, according to baynews9.com.

GoodDeeds

By Lisa Neff

Assistance sought on AMI

• Tingley Memorial Library in Bradenton Beach seeks volunteers for morning and afternoon shifts in the “fun and friendly” atmosphere. Info: 941-7791208, bradentonbeachlibrary@gmail.com.

• The Anna Maria Island Privateers group seeks members and an indoor port for their boat-float. Info: 941-896-0797.

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

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

Assistance offered on AMI

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

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

Get listed

Do you work with a nonprofit in need of assistance on Anna Maria Island? Are you looking ahead to lining up volunteers for a new season on the island? Do you offer free services to islanders or on AMI and want to increase use? Email listings to Lisa Neff at lisa@ islander.org.

Bay News 9 reports 50 A+ teachers from Manatee, Hillsborough, Pasco, Polk, Pinellas and Citrus counties have been featured since October 2023. — Robyn Murrell

art, music and movement teacher Beth McIntosh poses Sept. 6 at Anna Maria elementary, where she is nominated as a Spectrum A+ teacher. A feature on McIntosh will air on Bay News 9 but a date was not available. Islander Courtesy photo

AME Calendar

• Friday, Sept. 20, Peace Day.

• Friday, Sept. 20, PTO skate night. Holmes Beach skate park, 5801 Marina Drive.

• Monday, Oct. 14, record day, no school.

• Saturday, Oct. 26, PTO Fall Fest, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

• Wednesday, Nov. 6, early release.

• Monday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day, no school.

• Monday-Friday, Nov. 25-29, fall break, Thanksgiving, no school.

AME is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the school at 941-708-5525.

Holmes Beach donates to schools Holmes Beach police Detective Josh Fleischer, left, Mayor Judy titsworth and code compliance supervisor Jt thomas, front right, smile Aug. 29 with bags of school supplies the city donated to kids at Anna Maria and Samoset elementary schools. the city donated 350 bags to AMe and 300 to Samoset. Fleischer and thomas attended Samoset. Islander photos: City of Holmes Beach

Holmes Beach Mayor Judy titsworth, left, holds one of about 650 drawstring backpacks the city donated Aug. 29. Holmes Beach digital-media strategist Matt McDonough, right, displays informational material from the Islanders 4 Clean Water campaign to educate kids about how to be stewards of the environment.

AMe

By Lisa Neff

Roser secures grant for pantry

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County recently awarded a $5,000 grant to benefit the food pantry operated at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

The Paul and Anne Finstad and the Zella I. and Junius F. Allen Funds at the foundation provided the money.

Roser invited others to support the pantry with donations. The church, in a news release Sept. 4, said, “Rent, food, insurance and other costs of living have increased drastically over the past several years without proportionate wage increases, leading previously self-sufficient folks to become aid-dependent, previously at-risk folks to lose/downgrade housing, and previously homeless folks to have a tougher time making ends meet.

“At the same time, there are hundreds of Anna Maria Island visitors and residents with a desire to share their abundance.”

For more information, call the church at 941-7780414 or go to roserchurch.com.

Gathering

Gathering is the religion section.

Please, send announcements, calendar listings and photos to Lisa Neff at lisa@islander.org. Please include a contact phone number and email address.

Memories

Gene Ciliberti died Aug. 27. He lived on Anna Maria Island for many years and loved the island life. In 2014, he published a book to share the stories and photos he cherished. the publication was a redo of a book he published 13 years prior, “Anna Maria Island, A tour through paradise.” “It’s not a picture book, it’s a love story. It’s all about how much I love Anna Maria Island,” Ciliberti said. the book was sold for a nominal fee at outlets on AMI. Islander photo: Bonner Joy

St. B offers fall series

St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach, will host an adult education series.

The eight-week program will begin Oct. 3 and take place at 9:30 a.m. Thursdays.

A notice in the church bulletin described the series as “interactive Bible study.”

For more information, call the church at 941-7784769.

ECTA breakfast on hold

The Episcopal Church of the Annunciation placed its weekly men’s breakfast meeting on hold following the closure of Peach’s in Holmes Beach.

The group had been holding meetings at the restaurant.

A notice in the church bulletin said, “We will decide a new meeting place this fall.”

Meanwhile, at the church,4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, a healing service at 9:30 a.m. Thursdays is back on the calendar after a summer break.

For more information, call the church at 941-7781638.

Chapel hosts charitable social

Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, will host a Gather and Give Social at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, in the fellowship hall.

The beneficiary of the event will be Harvest House in Sarasota.

Attendees are asked to bring new underwear to donate to Harvest House, which deals with affordable housing and hunger relief issues.

For more information, call the chapel at 941-3836491.

Thrift shop reopens

The Roser Guild Thrift Shop reopened Sept. 5 after a closure in August.

Hours at the shop, located at 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, across the street from the church, are 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays.

The store is volunteer-run and the church guild is seeking volunteers to help at the cash register, as well as sort donations.

Memories

Tidings

Compiled by Lisa Neff

Wednesday, Sept. 11

1 p.m. — Roser Memorial Community Church Grief Share healing support, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-7780414.

Tuesday, Sept. 17

5 p.m. — Longboat Island Chapel Gathering and Give Social, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Info: 941-383-6491, longboatislandchapel.org.

Wednesday, Sept. 18

1 p.m. — Roser Memorial Community Church Grief Share healing support, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-7780414.

SAVE THE DATES

Oct. 4, Roser Church Tech Night, Anna Maria. Oct. 3, Temple Beth Israel Rosh Hashanah luncheon, Sarasota.

Oct. 23, Christ Church book club resumes, Longboat Key. Nov. 17, Roser Church Surviving the Holidays program, Anna Maria.

ONGOING ON AMI

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

Worship: Sundays, 9 a.m.

Ongoing: Wednesdays, 7 a.m., men’s Bible meeting; Wednesdays, 6:45 p.m., Wednesday Night Blasts; 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: Mondays, 1 p.m., book club.

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.

Ongoing: Tuesdays, 2 p.m., women’s book study. 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.

ONGOING 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; first Sundays, 11:30 a.m., Connection Conversations; 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.

Ongoing: Wednesdays, 10 a.m., Pastor’s Bible Study; Thursdays, Shifting Sands group.

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

Worship: Fridays, Shabbat, 5:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. Send listings to calendar@islander.org.

Capt. Soupy Davis died Sept. 4. He will be remembered for his contributions to Music on the porch at the Burton-Bratton store on the Florida Maritime Museum campus in Cortez. Islander File photo

A love story

Obituaries

Michael ‘Mike’ Evan Barnhart

Michael “Mike” Evan Barnhart, 81, of Anna Maria, died Sept. 2.

He was born March 15, 1943, in Madison, West Virginia, to Darrell and Vada Barnhart.

Mr. Barnhart dedicated 36 years of his life as a letter carrier in Madison before retiring and moving to Florida.

Capt. Arnold ‘Soupy’ Davis

Capt. Arnold “Soupy” Davis, 97, of Bradenton, died Sept. 4.

He was born Jan. 6, 1927, in Parker, to Charles and Mary Davis.

Memorial donations may be made to “Bring on the Ministry” in Bradenton or the Gideons.

“The family misses him dearly” and plans to hold a celebration of life later this year.

Mr. Barnhart is survived by his wife Janet; sons Christopher and Philip; and sister Patricia and their families. Barnhart

Eugene ‘Geno’ Ciliberti

Eugene “Geno” Ciliberti, 93, died Aug. 27. He was born Dec. 3, 1930, in Philadelphia to Angelo and Angela Ciliberti, his “two angels.”

He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1948. He fought in the Korean War in 1950. He was wounded and evacuated from action in the Chosin Reservoir campaign.

He worked with IBM for 35 years as a senior technical educator.

After leaving IBM, he and his wife, Sophia, formed G&S Associates, a training and consulting company and led seminars for management and employees of Fortune 500 firms around the world. He dissolved the company in 1990, when his wife died. He retired to Anna Maria Island in 1997 and became an author, publishing several books. He spoke to support groups and published a blog site. He furthered his education when he was 80 years old, earning his doctorate in counseling psychology. He was a key speaker at The Islander’s annual Veterans Day celebration in Holmes Beach.

Interment with military honors will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 4, at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Ciliberti is survived by his children, Rachel A. and Maria and husband Chris Keatts of Tampa, and Richard J. of St. Augustine.

After graduating from high school in 1945, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. In his early years, he was a charter boat captain for the Anderson Fleet, later becoming owner of the Best Bet.

One of his greatest joys in life was entertaining people with his musical talent. He sang and played the fiddle, mandolin and guitar.

Visitation was to be noon-1 p.m. with a service to follow at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, at Toale Brothers Funeral Home, Bradenton Chapel, 912 53rd Ave. W., Bradenton.

Mr. Davis is survived by numerous nieces, nephews and many close and dear friends that were a special part of his life.

Carolyn Grant Harrison Pepka

Carolyn Grant Harrison Pepka, 83, of Bradenton and formerly of Anna Maria, died Sept. 4.

She was born Feb. 21, 1941, in Norristown, Pennsylvania, to Adelaide Hall Mahan Harrison and Hezekiah Noblet Harrison.

She resided many years on the island and then Bradenton. She worked for the Island Players, contributing to the production of many plays, and also contributed photos to The Islander in the 1990s. The Islander once received an award for a spot news photo by Mrs. Pepka.

She was loved by her three children and her greatest passions were the beach, caring for sea (and land) animals and her family.

Her home was always open to family and friends and she hosted many gatherings over the years, resulting in cherished, life-long memories.

Her wishes include joining the sea life in the Anna Maria waters that she loved. Family and friends are welcome to celebrate and remember her beautiful soul anytime they are near the sea.

Mrs. Pepka is survived by her children, Herbert Bean and wife Cynthia, Jessie Leigh Bolinsky Fitzgerald and husband Terry, and Carolyn Fiore and husband David; grandchildren Isabelle Bean, Leo Bean, William Bolinsky, Colton Fiore and Corey Fiore; nieces and nephews Heather Hondros and husband Phil, Melissa Scheetz, Heather Bilardo and Billy Harrison.

Brewster Charles Seewald

Bewster “Bruce” Charles Seewald, 96, of Holmes Beach, and Andover, Maine, died Aug. 30. He was born to Edith and Charles Seewald May 12, 1928, in Medford, Maine.

Seewald

He was a proud World War II veteran who joined the Navy at 17 years old.

He loved to travel, boat, fish and play golf. An engineer by trade, coupled with his sense of adventure, he ran his business, Seewald Corp., a small import-export company that specialized in custom plastics and electronics, and traveled the world.

He always was willing to lend a hand to anyone in need and spent many hours volunteering with his wife of 66 years, Priscilla. He was active in the church and a longtime member of Roser Memorial Community Church in Anna Maria.

His community and friends were very important to him.

He was a member of the Anna Maria Island Power Squadron, Key Royale Club, Center of Anna Maria Island, Moose Lodge and many other organizations.

A Memorial Service will begin at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 20, at Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., with a burial service to follow at 2:30 p.m. at the Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota.

Memorial donations may be made to Roser Church, P.O. Box 247, Anna Maria FL 34216, or Lighthouse for the Blind, lighthouseeducationcenter.org/donate/. Brown and Sons is in charge of arrangements. Mr. Seewald is survived by daughter Lisa and husband Wayne Turner, as well as two grandchildren.

pepka

Ciliberti

Davis

Anna Maria man arrested for traffic offenses

Holmes Beach police arrested Anna Maria resident Christopher Dodson, 40, Aug. 31 on a third-degree felony for an alleged third violation of driving with a suspended license.

Dodson also is charged with three second-degree misdemeanors, including:

• Driving with an expired license for more than 6 months;

• Failing to register motor vehicle;

• Attaching registration license plate that was not lawfully assigned.

An officer saw a motorist with illegal blue lights driving a motor scooter at around 10:51 p.m. and clocked them driving 38 mph in a 25-mph zone on Gulf Drive.

The officer conducted a traffic stop in the 6400 block of Gulf and spoke to the driver, Dodson, who said he did not know he needed a license to drive a

Streetlife

Island police reports

Compiled by Robert Anderson and Ryan Paice Anna Maria Sept. 3, 9906 Gulf Drive, Mademoiselle Paris, trespass. A Manatee County sheriff’s deputy responded to a call concerning an irate woman yelling at staff. The woman went into the restaurant to complain of trash outside and became belligerent. A deputy trespassed the woman from the premises. An incident report was filed.

The MCSO polices Anna Maria. Bradenton Beach

scooter.

The officer determined that Dodson had been charged twice with driving with a suspended license. He also found the scooter’s license plate was not registered to the vehicle.

The officer arrested Dodson and transported him Sept. 1 to the Manatee County jail, where he was released Sept. 6 after posting $2,950 bond.

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

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

An arraignment will be at 9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 25, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

— Ryan Paice

No new reports.

The Bradenton Beach Police Department polices

Bradenton Beach.

Cortez

No new reports.

The MCSO polices Cortez. Holmes Beach

No new reports.

Holmes Beach Police Department polices Holmes Beach.

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

Sebring man on probation for reckless driving

Sebring resident Paul Tertan, 53, is set to complete in November a six-month probationary sentence for a second-degree misdemeanor for reckless driving.

Tertan was arrested Aug. 20, 2023, after a Bradenton police officer witnessed him crash his vehicle on the Palma Sola Causeway in the 8400 block of Manatee Avenue West.

The Holmes Beach Police Department was contacted to provide officer assistance for a driving under the influence investigation.

The Holmes Beach officer responded and found Tertan displayed signs of impairment.

Tertan failed field sobriety exercises and was arrested. At the HBPD, he refused to provide a breath sample for testing.

He was initially charged with three first-degree misdemeanors — two for DUI property damage and one for a third DUI outside of 10 years.

However, last November, the state’s attorney dropped the third DUI outside of 10 years charge.

By a May 30 court hearing, the SAO also dropped one of the two remaining DUI property damage charges and amended the other to a second-degree misdemeanor for reckless driving.

Tertan pleaded no contest to the remaining charge and while at the same hearing, 12th Circuit Judge Melissa Gould ruled him guilty of the second-degree misdemeanor.

She sentenced him to complete six months of probation, advanced DUI school and a victim impact panel, as well as 50 hours of public service work.

— Ryan Paice

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Magistrate resolves dilapidated seawall, overgrowth violations

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

A pair of Holmes Beach code violations were settled last month by a special magistrate.

Special magistrate Michael Connolly issued orders Aug. 27 resolving code violations for a dilapidated and cracked seawall at 506 83rd. St. and overgrown grass and weeds at 305 59th St.

The special magistrate has the authority to hold quasi-judicial proceedings to determine rulings for code violations.

The city’s next special magistrate hearing will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

Dilapidated seawall

Connolly’s first amended a previous order implementing a $250 daily fine from Sept. 26, 2023, and a $127.24 administrative fee for a dilapidated and cracked seawall at 506 83rd St.

City attorney Erica Augello said the section of dilapidated seawall which led to the code violation was brought into compliance and the property owners, Jane and Walter Depew, submitted a request to reduce the daily fines to zero.

She said the city did not oppose the fine reduction but recommended maintaining the fee.

Connolly ruled to reduce the fines to zero while maintaining the $127.24 fee.

City staff presented another violation for a second portion of dilapidated seawall at the property.

Code compliance supervisor JT Thomas asked Connolly to order the property owners to apply with the city for a building permit to repair the seawall and to pay a $127.24 administrative fee.

Augello said the city was working with the current property owners since their lot is for sale and the municipality does not want to impede their ability to sell the parcel to someone who can remedy the violation.

She said the city recommended nine months from

owners Jane and

the issuance of a building permit for the property owners to comply since the seawall had not started silting — aka filled or blocked with silt.

Augello said if the wall starts silting, they could reduce the time frame for compliance.

Attorney John Lone, of the Bradenton-based Mackey Law Group, represented the property owners at the hearing.

Lone said his clients had no objections to the recommendations and had run out of funds to fix the violation.

He said their remaining option was to sell the property.

Connolly ordered the property owners, as well as any future owners, to bring the property into compliance within nine months and to pay a $127.24 administrative fee.

The order includes language allowing its amend-

ment if the seawall begins to silt.

Overgrowth

Connolly also ordered JC Realty Group Florida LLC, the owner of 305 59th St., to pay $1,827.24 in fines to the city as the result of a daily fine for overgrown grass and weeds that ran for more than a month.

Back in May, Connolly ordered the property owner to cut the grass and weeds to bring the lot into compliance by June 4.

However, the overgrowth was not cut until July 10 and Thomas recommended a $50 daily fine from June 5-July 9, totaling $1,700, as well as a $127.24 administrative fee.

There was noone at the hearing to represent the property owner.

Connolly issued the city’s recommended fine.

Attorney John Lone, left, of the Bradenton-based Mackey Law Group, represents Holmes Beach property

Walter Depew Aug. 27 at a hearing before special magistrate Michael Connolly, right. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

A photo shows a dilapidated and cracked seawall at 506 83rd St., Holmes Beach, presented Aug. 27 by city staff at a special magistrate hearing. Islander Photo: Courtesy Holmes Beach

Augello Connolly

Sports on AMI — all while on the run in Ireland

By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter

While I’ve been touring spots in Ireland with family this past month, I’ve kept my phone tuned to the sports news from home.

Thankfully, the persistent and often heavy rains on AMI finally subsided enough to allow first-round action in the adult flag football league playoffs at the Center of Anna Maria Island.

The action kicked off Sept. 5 with No. 1 seed Floridian Mortgage slipping past No. 8 Solid Rock Air Conditioning 38-24 behind five touchdown passes and a touchdown run from quarterback Chase Richardson.

Tim Holly led the Floridian receivers with seven catches, including three for TDs. Rex Kesten and Zach Wyrick each added TD catches.

Dominick Otteni threw four TD catches, including three to Zaon Williams, who finished with a gamehigh nine receptions. Kari Stephens added a TD, while Otteni, Stephens and Williams had interceptions on defense.

Tuna McCracken threw four TD passes to lead No. 3 Salty Printing to an easy 33-12 victory over No.

division boasting five teams and the 8-10 division six teams. Add in the four teams in the 5-7 age division and the two teams in the 3-4 age division and you’ve got a lot of kids playing soccer this fall on the island pitch.

Stay tuned to The Islander for scores, highlights and team standings.

Key Royale golf news

Forty-eight Key Royale Club golfers played Sept. 3 in the club’s annual Labor Day Tournament. Playing a nine-hole scramble, the team of Anne Klein, Dan Horversten, Mark Short and Scott Self combined on a 2-under-par 30 to capture first-place for the day. One stroke back in second was the team of Meril and Rich Salzburg, Ken Nagengast and Steve Vasbinder.

Clarissa Hill won the women’s long-drive contest and John Kolojeski took the prize for the men from the gold tees and Nagengast beat the rest of the field with the longest drive from the blue tees.

6 Slim’s Place. Blake Balais paced Salty’s receivers with two TDs, while Raul Loera and Matt Manger each added one score in the victory.

Cruz Rodriguez threw a pair of TD passes to Jaden Grant for Slim’s in the loss.

Miguel Rodriguez threw three TD passes, while also running and catching a touchdown to lead No. 2 Fishing With Salty to a dominating 35-18 victory over Prosper Bradenton in the third game of the night. Dina DeJesus had a pair of TD catches to go along with 2 extra points, while Matthew Briley finished with a TD and a pair of extra points in the victory.

Prosper Bradenton was led in the loss by Ray Gardner’s three TD passes, including two to Tony Gimmari and one to Connor Ludwig.

The last game of the evening saw Moss Builders cruise to a 33-12 victory over Solid Rock Electrical behind six TD passes by Ryan Moss. Moss connected for two TDs to James Roadman, while Shawn Balvin, Greg Moss and Peggy Smith each added touchdown catches to the victory.

Jonathan Moss threw TD passes to Brandon Rolland and Jesse Skipper for Solid Rock in the loss.

Fall soccer on tap

Nagengast also captured the closest-to-the-pin on the eighth hole, parking it 10 feet 6 inches from the hole. Meanwhile, Joe Coyne sank the longest putt on hole No. 2 from 16 feet 4 inches.

KRC teaching pro Phil Parkin entertained the golfers by hitting a tee shot for each group on the first hole. Following the round of golf, members enjoyed a cookout on the patio with brats, dogs and burgers.

The KRC women played a nine-hole individuallow-net match Sept. 4. Sue Wheeler took first with an even-par 32, two strokes ahead of second-place finisher Terry Westby. Jana Samuels was alone in third with a 5-over-par 37.

Thursday’s regular golf outing was canceled due to the wet conditions brought on by persistent rain.

Horseshoe news

Horseshoe action was short and sweet as playoffs were not needed to determine the weekly winners. On Sept. 4, Bob Heiger and Tom Farrington teamed up to produce the lone 3-0 record in pool play, earning them a trip to the winner’s circle.

The Sept. 7 games were more of the same as Gary Howcroft and Gersey Fernandes teamed up to forge the only 3-0 record and were the day’s outright champs.

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

There is no charge to play.

The fall recreational soccer season at the community center is set to re-start after rainouts Sept. 16 in the 3-4 and 5-7 instructional age divisions, while the 8-10 and 11-14 age divisions will kick off their seasons Sept. 17 with Spirit Week, a round of mini-games in a jamboree format to kick off the season.

Fans and players are encouraged to show their team spirit by dressing up in team colors and accessorizing their look with colored hair and painted faces.

The season looks to be competitive with the 11-14

Cassidy

teaching pro Phil Parkin hits a tee shot from his knees on the first hole at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach. Parkin did his knee-shot for groups that teed off in the tournament. Islander

Photo: Courtesy KRC

Dan Halversten, Anne Klein, Scott Self and Mark Short pose Sept. 5 on winning the 2024 Labor Day tournament at Key Royale Club. Islander Photo: Courtesy KRC

Islander sports writer Kevin Cassidy steps out on a ledge overlooking the Atlantic Ocean at Malin Head, County Donegal — the most northern point in Ireland. Islander Photo: Courtesy Mo Cassidy

Rain dampens fishing action, river runoff darkens bay waters

By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

With millions of gallons of freshwater fl owing out of the Manatee River and into Anna Maria Sound, local anglers can’t help but notice the rancid color of the water.

The closer you get to the river, the darker the water seems to get. In fact, you could compare it to the likes of strong iced tea.

This is an annual occurrence during the rainy season as Lake Manatee begins to fill and exceeds maintainable levels, which results in opening the dam and vast amounts of freshwater released to the head of the river. The river water eventually makes its way to the Gulf of Mexico via Tampa Bay and Anna Maria Sound.

The large push of freshwater lowers salinity levels which forces out several species of fish, including redfish, snook, tarpon, flounder and even the dreaded catfish.

At times, the scenario can produce some excellent fishing opportunities, as new batches of fish arrive to inhabit the waters.

On the other hand, too much freshwater can push the fish farther out, making it difficult to find them, resulting in some challenging fishing.

The darker waters also might alter how anglers fish. Live bait fishing remains king, although anglers using artificials may find themselves using the brightest colors they can find in the tackle box.

Another challenge with darker water is seeing the fish you’re trying to catch. Sight-casting might be on hold until the rain stops and things clear up. Not much

sense going up in the tower. So you’ll have to use your “know-how” and hope the fish are there.

But the mystery makes it more enjoyable, right?

Capt. David White says he’s catching plenty of redfish in Tampa Bay. Casting live shiners against mangrove shorelines is leading to catches that are running mostly 18-22 inches, with some larger fish mixed in. Oyster bars are especially fishy for White, as he reports small schools of reds are meandering in those areas.

Larger reds are being caught by White’s anglers along the Gulf beaches where they are feeding during outgoing tides. For these fish, White is casting live or fresh-cut pinfish.

Matt Bennett, of Birmingham, Alabama, Sept. 3 shows off “a perfect-sized tarpon for light tackle,” according to his guide, Capt. David White, on a halfday fishing trip.

Fishing deeper grass flats for juvenile tarpon is something White likes to do for his charters to pass the time. Live shiners or pinfish as bait are attracting tarpon measuring 10-30 pounds.

Lastly, White is putting his clients on gag grouper while using live pinfish as bait around reefs and wrecks in the bay.

Capt. Johnny Mattay is concentrating his time on his charter fishing trips by trolling for grouper in Tampa Bay. Dragging lipped plugs around, near and over wrecks, reefs and ledges is leading to some keeper-size gags. Mattay reports the brighter the paint job on the lure, the better the results, as most inshore waters are stained due to the vast amounts of freshwater from the river and frequency of thunderstorms.

After trolling, Mattay is moving to the shallows to anchor and target redfish along the mangroves. Casting shiners along the edges of the bushes is leading to action, although Mattay says pulling anchor and moving frequently down the shoreline will ensure a steady bite.

On days when the winds are down, Mattay is venturing offshore with his charters, and finding yellowtail snapper. It’s the most frequent bite with limits being caught. Other offshore species on the charter menu include mangrove snapper and gag grouper.

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

Stasny

Look Mom: A fourway grand slam! Matt Bennett, of Birmingham, Alabama, and his son, Jesse, 11, landed tarpon, redfish, snook and trout Sept. 3 on their halfday fishing trip with Capt. David White.

Nesting notes

By Masha Dolgoff

Scenic skies for sea turtles

Local photographer Angie Blunt published a 2025 calendar Sept. 9 featuring scenes from Anna Maria Island and benefitting Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring.

The calendar project goes back to when Billi Gartman, owner of Anna Maria Life Vacation rentals and a fan of Blunt’s artistry, offered to collaborate on an illustrated calendar.

“I said I would love it but I’ve been looking for ways to use my photography to benefit the turtles,”

Blunt said in a conversation with The Islander Sept. 5.

She picked up photography about 10 years ago, after she and her husband retired. They both sold dental supplies throughout their professional lives and looked to photography as a retirement hobby.

Moving close to the island, Blunt became aware of the sea turtles in the surrounding waters and nesting on shore. The Blunts live on Perico Island and first came for vacations before relocating five years ago.

When the idea for the calendar came up, Blunt said she wasn’t as interested in the commercial side as she was in the potential to use the sales to benefit sea turtles.

“Since I’m retired, I really didn’t want to get into the expense and all of that from handling selling things,” said Blunt. “I’m just not into that at this time in my life.”

Blunt suggested that a portion of the proceeds go to AMITW but Gartman was on board to have the entirety of the earnings be donated to the nonprofit.

For 2024, they set a calendar price at $5 and raised $8,000.

For 2025, they made the calendar bigger and kept the price at $5.

“We’re going to keep them at $5, that way people can get them for Christmas presents,” Blunt said. “This

Blunt poses with her 2025 calendar on the beach. Blunt’s photography, popular among visitors to her Facebook page, often features

as a

year our goal is to raise $10,000.”

The year-round sunset skies in Blunt’s calendar prove that supporting sea turtles is always in season.

From the director’s report

With only 78 nests remaining on the beach Sept. 6, it’s the time of year when nesting and hatching season are gradually ending.

Excavations continued the week of Sept. 2-8 but Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring found only a few hatches.

We believe this is because many nests were affected by Tropical Storm Debby.

There were no new nests during the week, but we are remaining vigilant as there may be a few nesting females left in the area.

Although beachgoers may not see many nests on the, it’s still important to follow turtle-friendly practices until the last nest is hatched:

• Shield or turn off outdoor lights visible on the beach and close drapes after dark;

A page in the calendar features a roseate spoonbill.

• Remove beach furniture and toys at night;

• Fill in holes and knock down sandcastles;

• Place trash in its proper place;

• Keep a distance from posted nest sites; Call AMITW at 941-301-8434 or FWC at 888404-3922 if a turtle appears in distress;

• Notify local law enforcement if a person is observed disturbing a turtle or nest site.

— Kristen Mazzarella, AMItW executive director

As of Sept. 6, AMItW documented 685 sea turtle nests, 835 false crawls and 292 hatched nests producing 20,342 hatchlings.

Mazzarella

Dolgoff

Angie

Anna Maria Island’s natural beauty

subject. Islander Courtesy Photos

By Lisa Neff

Suited up for a swim

I’m following a summer-fall migration of sea turtles courtesy of the Tour de Turtles.

The tour, presented by the Sea Turtle Conservancy, involves attaching satellite trackers to sea turtles that have nested on beaches near and far and charting the turtles’ travels as they swim and nest, swim and feed, swim and nest.

The tour engages the public and the data informs science.

The island’s entry in the Tour de Turtles is Henrietta, who nested at Coquina Beach in June and then was outfitted with a tracker.

Henrietta is in last place in the tour, having traveled about 105 miles between Aug. 2 and Sept. 6 compared with the first-place swimmer, Sparkle, who’s gone about 831 miles.

But the marathon isn’t really a race and Henrietta has no use for a gold medal or even “you go, girl” accolades from us.

I was thinking of the distances that sea turtles travel — maps can be viewed at tourdeturtles.org — as I read of a victory for conservation groups seeking to protect turtles in the Gulf of Mexico.

A federal court in late August struck down a flawed National Marine Fisheries Service assessment used to govern how endangered and marine species — rare whales and sea turtles specifically — should be protected from Gulf offshore drilling.

“This decision means the fisheries service must comply with the law to put in place meaningful safeguards for the Gulf’s rarest species,” said Chris Eaton, an attorney with the nonprofit Earthjustice.

The organization sued the federal government in 2020 on behalf of the Sierra Club, the Center for

Herb Raybourn, engineering and water resources manager from South Dakotabased ReSPeC Company LLC, consultants contracted by Holmes Beach, talks Sept. 5 about tracking flooding and planning improvements.

About 45 people attended a workshop at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

Islander Photos: Ryan

TideWatch

By Lisa Neff

More water quality issues

The week beginning Sept. 2, Bradenton’s water reclamation facility’s bypass into the Manatee River continued.

Henrietta, Anna Maria Island’s entry in the 2024 tour de turtles, was swimming in last place in the research-focused marathon as of Sept. 6. Henrietta was tagged with a satellite tracker in June at Coquina Beach for the “race” that began Aug. 2. From the tour de turtles, researchers learn about where adult sea turtles swim, as well as how often they go ashore to nest and where. Islander Screenshot

Biological Diversity, the Friends of the Earth and the Turtle Island Restoration Network.

Their complaint maintained that an April 2020 NMFS opinion did not adequately evaluate the potential for oil spills in the Gulf and did not require sufficient safeguards for imperiled whales, sea turtles and other marine animals.

The groups said the government’s allowances for harm to marine species were stunning in scope, permitting, for example, oil and gas activity in the Gulf to destroy about 13,000 sea turtles a year and kill or harm an additional 21,500 in spills.

The court found multiple flaws in the service’s assessment, including the notion that an oil spill of the magnitude of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster would never again happen.

The city Sept. 4 posted a statement, “Due to continued high hydraulic loads and microorganism washout resulting from the unprecedented rainfall associated with Hurricane Debby, the City of Bradenton’s Water Reclamation Facility was required to bypass or partially bypass its filters, resulting in an ongoing discharge of partially treated wastewater, currently estimated to exceed 1,000 gallons. Water sampling of the Manatee River is currently underway.”

The notice prompted Suncoast Waterkeeper, a watchdog organization that tests water quality in the area, to recommend “no one swim in the Manatee River until this bypass is stopped and data supports good water quality conditions. The discharge of sewage can cause health risks due to high bacteria counts and potential pathogens.”

Meanwhile, the red tide organism, Karenia brevis , was observed at background concentrations in one sample from Manatee County and one sample from Flagler County the week of Sept. 2-8.

No reports of fish kills or respiratory irritation related to red tide were reported to the state.

For more information, go online to myfwc. com.

In its decision, the court gave the service until the end of the year to draft a new opinion with needed protections for imperiled species.

On AMI, we’re a ways from oil and gas activity in the Gulf.

But the health of the whole Gulf and its inhabitants is our concern.

And for those who hold special the nesting turtles of AMI, know that they aren’t locals like our Sarasota Bay dolphins. Sea turtles move and migrate, as we can easily see on those Tour de Turtle maps.

HB hosts seminar, shares stormwater management plans

Holmes Beach city engineer and public works superintendent Sage Kamiya tells an audience Sept. 5 about stormwater management program, the staff processes that go into it, as well as ongoing and upcoming drainage projects.

Sept. 5

workshop by discussing the importance of drainage

Neff

Paice

Holmes Beach Mayor Judy titsworth opens a

stormwater

infrastructure.

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I SLAND e R ARCHIV e. UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

IS YOUR POOL deck, driveway, or garage floor looking worn out and dated? Bring them back to life with our top-tier resurfacing services! Services offered: Pool deck resurfacing, Slip-resistant, cool-to-the-touch finishes that enhance safety and aesthetics. Driveway resurfacing, durable surfaces that stand up to heavy traffic and harsh weather. Garage floor resurfacing, easy-to-clean, stain-resistant surfaces that look great and perform even better. Don’t wait! transform your spaces today with our trusted resurfacing services. Contact us now for a free consultation and estimate. Call U Plus Me LLC at 727-6235050 or visit u-plus-me.com

P et SI tte R: R et IR e D teacher, just relocated. Would love to pamper your pets! References. Becky Mack, 704-363-5480.

CL e AN te CH MOBIL e Detailing. At your location. Cars, boats, RVs. Call or text Billie for an appointment. 941-5923482.

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. Service, repair and/or replacement. 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. 941713-1965.

COLLINS LANDSCAPe LIGHtING: Outdoor lighting, landscaping, irrigation services and maintenance. 941-2799947. MJC24373@gmail.com

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT

VAN-GO PAINtING residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper. Island references. Bill, 941795-5100. www.vangopainting.net

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

LANe’S SCReeNING SeRVICeS: Replace your window, door or lanai screens. Many screen options available. Retired veteran serving our community! Free estimates, call 941-705-5293.

LOOKING FOR ANY home improvement? JRCC Home Improvement, handyman service can get the job done. Please, contact us at 413-246-2410. We would love to help.

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

DONALD PeRKINS PAINtING LLC. Interior/exterior/pressure washing. Island references. dperkinspaint@hotmail.com. 941705-7096.

GORILLA DRYWALL RePAIR LLC. Let’s solve your drywall problems together. Give us a call at 941-286-0607.

CALL HYDRO CLeAN. Full-service pressure washing, sealing. Pavers, travertine and natural stone. Window washing too, up to three stories. Call Jacob, 941-9202094.

HOME IMPROVEMENT Continued

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

RENTALS

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

AVAILABLe NOW AND season: 1BR/1BA, seven-night minimum. carlesvacationrentals.com. Special rates are available. 941-807-1405.

FOR ReNt: Anna Maria Island condo. Great value, beautiful upgraded 2BR/2BR. Incredible water view. Pool, tennis, walk to beach. Private carport. excellent rental terms. Owner/renter. Call/email for pictures, 570-239-0431. marketreps@aol.com

SeASONAL ReNtAL: Bradenton 55-plus community. Large 2BR/2BA condo on bay, exceptional views. elevator and five minutes to bridge. No smoking, No pets. $4,650/month. three-month minimum. Photos at https://barbaragillespie.wixsite.com/47872024. 732-748-0759

CONDO tO ReNt in gated community (fi ve miles from Anna Maria). Available July until end November, all included! 704-993-0288. www.floridarentals. com/10943/

2025 SeASONAL ReNtAL: Just one block from the beach, single-story 2BR/2BA private residence, screened patio. No smoking/no pets. Monthly. January-April. 64th Street, Holmes Beach. Call 813-833-4926.

ANNUAL ISLAND 2BR/1BA: Unfurnished. electric/ac/heat all included. $2,775/month. Looking for 1 or 2 quiet adults with no pets or smoking. Steps to Gulf. Owner-occupied duplex. Owner, 508-496-8480. williamshomes@yahoo.com

JANUARY 2025 AVAILABLe: Snowbird special! Perico Island patio home, single floor, high ceilings, 3BR/2BA, privacy wall/gate, two-car garage. Call or text Alison, 859-771-6423. www.pericoislandrental.com

PeRICO BAY CLUB rental: Deluxe 2BR/2BA, garage villa. $2,800/monthly. Real estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

WeStBAY COVe CONDO: Holmes Beach. Second floor, 2BR/2BA, large lanai. Pools, tennis, one block to Gulf. November, December 2024. $3,200/ month. 30-day minimum. terryaposporos@gmail.com. 941-778-8456.

ANNUAL HOLMeS BeACH rental: Unfurnished elevated duplex, 2BR/1.5BA, available September. $2,500 /month plus utilities, Owner, 941-778-4498.

REAL ESTATE

WINNIe MCHALe, ReALtOR, 941-5046146. Dalton Wade Real estate. 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.”

2BR/2BA HOMe for sale. 3,000 sfur. 1,100 sf garage. Steps to beach. $1,449,000. 941-518-6329.

PRIVAte SALe: tHe perfect VRBO or private vacation home. Beautiful beachside bungalow direct marina front with peek-a-boo views of Palma Sola Bay. Private boat docks are available. Just off the SR 64 causeway at Palma Sola Bay in the highly sought-after community of Palma Sola Park. this beautiful 2BR/2BA, sleeps 8 with heated salt pool and large tiki bar. $1,200,000. Contact owner, 941-661-6196.

MINUteS tO ANNA Maria beaches: 2BR/2BA ground-floor villa. Beautifully appointed with stainless-steel appliances, granite counter tops, composite wood flooring throughout. $285,000. Real estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

BUY BeFORe It’S gone: Custom-built 2BR/2BA, two-car garage in northwest Bradenton. Amenities, pool, clubhouse, boat docks on tampa Bay and minutes to beach. $795,000. Real estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

Meet the board applicants

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce is inviting members to meet applicants for the 2025-27 board of directors.

There are five openings and eight candidates vying for seats on the board.

The candidates include:

• Susanne Arbanas of AMI Concierge Services;

• Joann Baker of United Bank;

• John Campora, financial advisor;

• Kris Castagna of Better on Bikes;

• Don Goudy of Veritas! Pest Management;

• Wayne Gunter, mortgage originator;

• Logan Nichols of Island Real Estate Vacations;

• Kellie Spring of SERVPRO Bradenton.

The chamber invited the applicants and its other members to a meet-and-greet 5-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, at the chamber office, 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

A brief bio of each candidate is on the AMI Chamber Community Facebook page.

The chamber requests RSVPs for the meet-andgreet by Monday, Sept. 16, at 941-778-1541 or info@ amichamber.org.

Meanwhile, coming up on the chamber calendar this week, the Freckled Fin Irish Pub, 5337 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, will host the Thursday, Sept. 12, business luncheon in the dining room and, of note, the Fin also is marking the week’s calendar with a celebration of “Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day.”

Choices on the chamber menu include a Reuben, Sesame-crusted Ahi Tuna and a Fin Spring salad, with or without grilled chicken.

Those planning to attend should confirm reservations and menu choice by Sept. 10.

TPropertyWatch

By Carol Bernard

Island real estate transactions

3206 Sixth Ave., Holmes Beach, a 731 square foot

2BR/1BA Palm Isle Village condo built in 2005 sold 7/24/2024 by Nordgren to Zimmerman for $750,000 list price $800,000.

322 64th St., Holmes Beach, a 1,116 square foot

2BR/2BA pool villa built in 1969 sold 7/25/2024 by Detling to Galloway for $800,000 list price $819,000.

507 71st St., Holmes Beach, a 1,725 square foot

3BR/3BA pool home on a 9,975 square foot lot built in 1963 sold 7/23/2024 by Benedict to Pullara for $1,100,000 list price $1,275,000.

306 57th St., Holmes Beach, a 1,792 square foot

4BR/5BA pool home on a 9,968 square foot lot built in 1952 sold 7/16/2024 by Kidz Hideaway LLC to Real Estate Parking LLC for $1,175,000 list price $1,250,000.

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

Business

Does your business celebrate achievements? Maybe you’re new in business or your staff deserves kudos. Submit your information to news@islander.org.

A cinnamon roll for you, and you, and you!

About 20 guests at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce breakfast Sept. 5 at Ginny’s and Jane e’s Coastal Cafe in Anna Maria enjoy a full breakfast, introductions and announcements, door prizes and — maybe best of all — cinnamon rolls “to go” — a special treat from proprietors tammy and Paul Foster. Islander

Photos: Bonner Joy

Amy Verheist, above right, is surprised to learn an alligator was seated behind her table at the Sept. 5 chamber breakfast at Ginny’s and Jane e’s Coastal Cafe in Anna Maria.

We’re local. We’re Global.

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