The Islander Newspaper E-Edition Wednesday, April 27, 2022 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

APRIL 27, 2022 free

VOLUME 30, NO. 27

the Best news on Anna maria island Since 1992

islander.org

aM agrees to extend Motepier timeline

Astheworldterns. 6 trolley drops facemask orders. 3

Q&a 042722

Meetings 4

county scrambles for water taxi. 4

By ryan Paice islander reporter

The long wait is to be continued. Anna Maria commissioners voted 4-1 April 22 to extend a contract through March 1, 2023, with Mote Marine Laboratory for an educational outreach center in the vacant 1,800-square-foot building on the pier. They also directed the city to work with Mote on contract revisions to add intermittent deadlines — or Mote will risk voiding their lease with the city. Commissioner Mark Short voted “no,” stating frustration with Mote’s lack of production through that point. This isn’t the first push for the project’s timeline. Mote first presented its proposal to city commissioners last February and, early in the lease negotiation process, city officials projected a December 2021-January 2022 opening date. organized fishermen of florida-cortez chapter By the time Mote entered a 10-year lease members and helpers pose April 23 at Blenker Boatworks in Bradenton with debris they collected with the city for the installation and operation of the proposed outreach center in Sepduring a cleanup. About 35 volunteers gathered tember 2021, the opening date had moved to trash for four hours, including at an abandoned March-April 2022. homeless encampment in the mangroves near However, Mote delayed presenting the miguel Pass in the terra ceia Aquatic Preserve. final conceptual plans for the outreach center left: Stewart Susser, 10, of Anna maria, left, until the April 22 city meeting — much less and Jason Bussey, 9, of cortez, hold baskets of

BB charter committee assembles. 5

Opinions 6

10-20 Years ago

looking back. 7

Beach access dispute heats up. 8

Cops & Courts 8 fire district may hike rates. 9

Cops & Courts 8

OFF tidies up its workspace

Save the date. 10-11

Happenings community events. 10-11

registration opens. 13

Gathering. 14

GoodDeeds 14 Obituaries 14 center explores next green step. 15 BB reaffirms clam campaign. 20 Arbor day events. 21

garbage collected from the mangrove shoreline during the off event. islander Photos: courtesy Alexis meschelle

tourism tide rises to record By Kane Kaiman islander reporter

The sand dollars continue to pour in. Consultant Anne Wittine and Sarasota Bradenton International Airport COO Mark Stuckey shared statistics related to Manatee nesting notes. 22 County’s tourism boom at an April 18 tourist development council meeting at the county administration building in Bradenton. Wittine, director of quantitative research Sandbites. 23 at Research Data Services, said almost all Youth soccer kicks off. 24 February 2022 tourism metrics surpassed benchmark data points from February 2020, Anglers adjust. 25 which had been a record-setting month. Isl Biz: 26 Total visitors increased 6.3% from 2020 and length of stay increased 12.5%, a trend Stone crab season winds related to growing numbers of tourists from down. 27 outside the state. CLASSIFIEDS. 28-29 The county experienced a more than $200 million economic impact from tourPropertyWatch 30 ism in February, a record-breaking achievepuzzle. 31 ment.

NYT

aMi toUrisM: endless season While occupancy decreased about 2% from 2020, rental properties commanded higher-than-ever fees. “This has never happened before in the entire time that I have looked at tourism information from the Bradenton, Anna Maria, Longboat Key area — we had properties with average daily rates over $500 for January and February,” Wittine said. The data described a changing mixture of visitors to the area. Tourists from within the state decreased 30.9% from 2021 — still a 20.4% increase from 2020 — while out-of-state visitors turn to toUrisM, PAge 4

turn to Mote, PAge 2

check your watch: it’s turtle time on aMi

Lights out. Action. Sea turtle nesting season officially begins May 1 and with it comes the enforcement of measures intended to safeguard nesting female sea turtles — mostly loggerheads on AMI — and the hatchlings that eventually emerge from the beachfront nests left to incubate on their own. The southeastern United States hosts the world’s largest nesting aggregation of loggerhead turtles and AMI sees its share. To protect the nesting activity, regulations require dark beaches clear of obstacles at night. Beachfront, near beach residents and visitors are reminded to: • Close curtains. • Turn out lights along the shore or use turtle-friendly fixtures and bulbs. • Fill holes in the sand. • Remove beach gear by dusk. For more, see page 22.

Page 2 THE ISLANDER | islander.org April 27, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Mote continued from page 1

meet the March 29 lease deadline to complete the interior buildout. The city met April 22 to hear from Mote and decide to either end or extend the contract. Kevin Cooper, Mote’s vice president for communications and strategic initiatives, presented finalized conceptual plans he said had been delayed due to thirdparty limitations and engineering constraints on the pier. The plans include four live tank exhibits with about 1,000 gallons of recirculating seawater. The live tanks are to include: • An invertebrate touch tank where people can touch sea urchins, starfish, crabs and more; • A mangrove tank displaying plants in local marine ecosystems and small fish and shrimp; • A seagrass tank containing Gulf killifish and stone crab; • A tank with local marine life. Plans also include interactive exhibits, such as a livestream display of waters beneath the pier, microscopes with varying samples, as well as an exhibit where people can draw marine life and view a live animation on a computer screen. Cooper said the space is fire-rated for a maximum of 24 people and it would be staffed with one to three employees and volunteers depending on visitor load. He added that Mote would need 24/7 access to the pier to ensure the safety of the marine life. Cooper also established a “probable” 26-week timeline for the project. He said if the commission agreed to move forward with the proposed concept, architect Barron Schimberg could begin fleshing out the design by Aug. 18. Cooper said the design phase would take eight weeks to complete before submitting permits. The city would then have two weeks for approval and construction would be 14 weeks, plus two weeks for inspections and occupancy approval. The timeline would result in a March 1, 2023, opening date for Mote.

Cooper said if city commissioners approved a contract extension, Mote would hire Schimberg and provide verification to the city. Murphy proposed adding intermittent deadlines, including proof by Aug. 18 that Schimberg had begun work and eight weeks later for completed plans. He said the city could hammer out those deadlines at a later date and present a contract revision for commission consideration. Resident Alan Ward voiced frustration with the wait and suggested the city implement financial penalties for future deadline failures since the city was not collecting lease payments. He also suggested Mote seek a different architect to begin work sooner and the city issue a request for proposals from restaurant operators so it could weigh options. “I’m as frustrated as all of you should be,” Ward said. Resident Scott McGregor said during public comment that he and many other residents wanted the city to fill the space with a restaurant instead of the outreach center. He said residents miss the former pier restaurant. Resident Dan Divine questioned whether Mote could meet its own timeline. “It’s hard to believe that it’s going to start accelerating at this point,” Divine said. Short, who attended via Zoom, said he was too concerned with Mote’s lack of production to approve an extension. “I’m surprised progress isn’t significantly further than where it is,” he said. Other commissioners also expressed frustration with Mote’s delays, but were more forgiving. Commissioner Robert Kingan said he would support one last extension but if Mote didn’t have an architect signed and engaged by Aug. 18, he would not be willing to grant another. Commissioner Jonathan Crane said it was not unusual for such projects to take longer than expected.

Lakeland resident Don Pell cuts his line April 20 to release a juvenile hammerhead he caught while fishing at the Anna Maria City Pier. Pell, who said he visits the island regularly to fish, tossed the shark back in the water. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

He supported granting the extension and cautioned placing too many deadlines, saying Mote shouldn’t be penalized if the city causes a delay. Crane moved to approve the contract extension. Kingan seconded the motion, which passed. The commission’s next meeting will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 28, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive. The meeting will be open to the public. Directions to attend via Zoom can be found at cityofannamaria.com.

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APril 27, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 3 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Manatee County transit agency drops mask requirements By ryan Paice islander reporter

Another coronavirus-related rule has fallen by the wayside. Manatee County Area Transit, which operates the fare-free island trolleys, no longer requires passengers to wear face masks following an April 18 statement from the federal Transportation Security Administration. The statement said that due to a court ruling made the same day, the TSA would no longer enforce a mask mandate for public transportation and transportation hubs. Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, appointed by former President Donald Trump, ruled April 18 to void the mandate, which led to the rule changes. The ruling followed the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention extension of the federal transportation-related mask mandate through May 3. The TSA’s statement said the CDC “continues to recommend that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings at this time.” Manatee County strategic affairs manager Ogden Clark told The Islander April 19 that MCAT dropped mask requirements but still provides free masks for anyone who needs one.

A masked person boards one of manatee county Area transit’s Anna maria island trolleys feb. 17, 2021, in accordance with a federal mandate requiring people on public transit to wear face coverings to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus. mcAt lifted the mask requirement April 18. islander file Photo: ryan Paice

Q&a 042722

Clark said the MCAT fleet would keep the plastic protective “bio-shields” that separate the driver from By lisa neff passengers. He added that MCAT staff would remove mask This week’s question my favorite “season” on Ami is: mandate signage over the next few weeks. A. Turtle nesting season. The island trolleys operate seven days a week, 6 B. Spring high season. a.m.-10:30 p.m., on 20-minute intervals on a looping C. Fall slowdown. route from a hub at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach D. Hurricane season. to the Anna Maria City Pier in Anna Maria. E. Any and all seasons. To answer the poll, go online to islander.org.

Man dies following 3-car pileup on AMI bridge One life was lost following a three-car pileup on the Anna Maria Island Bridge. The crash occurred around 4 p.m. April 12 when a motorist driving west on Manatee Avenue/State Road 64 failed to stop behind a pair of vehicles that stopped for congestion, according to a Florida Highway Patrol report. A motorist, a 47-year-old Palmetto woman, rearended the vehicle in front of her, which then pushed that vehicle into the back of a third vehicle.

A passenger, a 59-year-old Palmetto man, sustained injuries in the crash and was transported in “serious condition” to HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton. He was pronounced dead Easter Sunday, according to the FHP report. The report did not provide names for the involved individuals and the crash remains under investigation. — ryan Paice

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Last week’s question

Sea turtle nesting season begins may 1. What’s the most important rule?

20%. Lights out on the beach at night. 1%. Remove beach furniture overnight. 0%. Keep a distance from nesting turtles. 5%. Fill sand holes on the beach. 75. All of the above.

check out Samara Paice’s “nesting notes” page 22.

Page 4 THE ISLANDER | islander.org APril 27, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Lacking water taxi bids, county scrambles new plan By ryan Paice islander reporter

The private sector has not shown interest in Manatee County’s proposed water taxi service. But the county’s efforts to launch the service aren’t stopping. Manatee County public works director Chad Butzow attended an April 20 Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials meeting at Longboat Key Town Hall to update island representatives on the county’s efforts to launch a water taxi. Local officials have discussed creating a waterborne transport service for several years to alleviate traffic and provide an alternative travel route between the island and the mainland. The county began its own efforts to move the idea forward earlier this year and issued an invitation to bid the service that received no response by its March 30 deadline. Butzow said the lack of response sent county staff back to the drawing board. In addition to contacting potential operators, Butzow said staff has reached out to ferry service operators in Tampa and Clearwater for feedback.

He said based on early feedback, county staff might bring the issue before the board of commissioners to discuss funding the purchase or lease of vessels that could be used for the service. Butzow said it could take a couple of months to complete a proposal for county consideration. “We’re committed and moving forward,” Butzow said. “It remains a top priority.” When — or if — the service does begin, he said the water taxi might begin by moving people between island-only stops and later incorporate a route between the island and downtown Bradenton. Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said he isn’t interested in an island ride service. He said it would be better used to transport island workers from the mainland to reduce traffic and open up parking. “That’s who we feel would benefit from a water taxi,” Murphy said. “Beachgoers are not a target.” He added that the county should consider subsidizing the service because the target audience, workers, would not want to pay to ride. Butzow said county staff could develop express routes at certain times to transport the work force to and from the island. manatee county public works director chad Butzow speaks April 20 to members of the coalition of Barrier island elected officials about a proposed water taxi that failed to garner bids in response to the county’s invitation to negotiate for a service provider. islander Photo: ryan Paice

toUrisM continued from PAge 1

more than made up the difference. Tourism from the Midwest increased 36.7% from 2021, while visitation from the Southeast and Northeast increased 35%. Wittine showed the council a graph indicating airline passenger volume internationally and within the United States was still below pre-pandemic levels, meaning the county likely would see unprecedented levels of tourism continue to rise in coming years. Comparatively lower passenger volume has not been a problem for Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, which broke a passenger record in March, when about 443,000 people traveled through the facility. More than 1 million passengers have passed through the gates since Jan. 1, about a 90% increase from January-March 2021, Stuckey said. According to Wittine, SRQ’s passenger volume growth in March outpaced rivals St. Pete-Clearwater

Meetings

International and Punta Gorda airports, the only Florida airports with numbers available for comparison at the time of the meeting. In March, St. Pete-Clearwater and Punta Gorda airports experienced passenger volume increases of 9% and 13%, respectively, over 2019 levels, while SRQ saw a 124% increase. The airport has grown dramatically since 2018, when it serviced six airlines and offered 12 nonstop destinations. Today, SRQ accommodates 11 airlines and boasts 53 nonstop destinations. The growth is permanent, Stuckey said, thanks to long-term signatory lease agreements with six airlines that produce most of the airport’s traffic. He outlined numerous construction projects the airport expects to begin within the year, including the creation of several parking lots, the expansion of a terminal concourse and the addition of a ground-level

By lisa neff

Anna Maria City April 28, 6 p.m., commission. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941708-6130, cityofannamaria.com. Bradenton Beach April 26, 1 p.m., charter review. April 27, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. May 4, 9:30 a.m., CRA. May 4, 2 p.m. ScenicWAVES, May 5, 6 p.m., commission. May 18, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. May 19, noon, commission. Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com. Holmes Beach April 26, 5 p.m., commission. April 28, 11:30 a.m., police pension. Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive,

941-708-5800, holmesbeachﬂ.org. Manatee County May 2, 6 p.m., environmental land management, G.T. Bray, 5502 33rd Ave. Drive W., Bradenton. May 5, 9 a.m., commission (land use). County administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee. org. Also of interest May 3, 4 p.m., Manatee Council of Governments, Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto. May 9, 2 p.m., Island Transportation Planning Organization, Holmes Beach City Hall. May 30 is Memorial Day. Most government offices will be closed. Send notices to calendar@islander.org.

HB water committee to explore ‘magic bullet’ By ryan Paice islander reporter

Some things sound too good to be true. But maybe they’re worth exploring. Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth asked the city’s Clean Water Committee April 20 to look into Cape Coral-based Ecological Laboratories’ product, Microbe-Lift, for potential use in a city lake. The product contains bacteria that, when poured into a body of water, breaks down dead algae, reduces nitrates and unpleasant odors, as well as improves water clarity and quality. Titsworth said she had been told the product was being tested in Lakewood Ranch and suggested purchasing a sample to test whether it would reduce the muck at Spring Lake. Spring Lake is a small brackish body of water between 68th and 70th streets in Holmes Beach that flushes tidal water from the nearby canals. “It sounds promising,” Titsworth said. “I’m not a doctor and I’m not a scientist but this seems worth looking at.” She said if the product proved useful, the city could use it in canal waterways during outbreaks of Lyngbya or red tide instead of hiring boaters to manually remove harmful bacteria. Several committee members aired words of cautious optimism, saying the product might be “too good to be true” and calling it a “magic bullet.” CWC member Bob Carter said he could ask representatives from Mote Marine Laboratory for their opinion on the product. CWC members also agreed to invite Stephen Suau, watershed manager at Sarasota-based Progressive Water Resources, to attend a future meeting to discuss the product. The committee’s next meeting will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 11, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. The meeting will be open to the public. boarding terminal that will provide the 13-gate facility with five additional gates. SRQ has landed two new airlines since October 2021 — Avelo Airlines and Breeze Airways. Avelo offers nonstop flights to New Haven, Connecticut, while Breeze features a nonstop trip to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Breeze also may offer SRQ passengers nonstop flights to the western United States, Stuckey said. “They do a lot of westbound service, which, currently, there’s nothing at our airport,” he said. “We’re working hard to see if we can make something happen with Breeze on a westbound flight, and I think that brings a lot of excitement to the community.” In other TDC news… • Bradenton city administrator Rob Perry suggested the waterfront building that has served as Bradenton’s city hall, 101 12th Street W., could be put to better use and said municipal officials were determining “the highest and best use of the (building) for the betterment of the community.” • ArtCenter Manatee executive director Carla Nierman said the organization would break ground on a new building by the end of the year. It will be constructed next to the existing center, 209 Ninth St. W., Bradenton, which will be removed to make way for a sculpture garden. • Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director Elliott Falcione gave an update on the construction of an eight-story, 252-room Sheraton Hotel next to the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto set to open in the spring of 2024. The next TDC meeting will be Monday, June 20, at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. What is the TDC? The TDC provides guidance to the board of county commissioners on tourist development projects and the use of tourist tax revenue. Members include chair Misty Servia, a county commissioner, Vernon DeSear, Palmetto Mayor Shirley Groover Bryant, Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown, Ed Chiles, Eric Cairns, Jack Rynerson, Jiten Patel and Rahul Patel.

APril 27, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 5 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Bradenton Beach Charter Review Committee assembles By robert Anderson islander reporter

Take it to the limit one more time. The Bradenton Beach Charter Review Committee assembled for the first time April 20 to discuss possible charter amendments for the November general election ballot. City commissioners established and appointed the committee earlier this month, based on recommendations from city attorney Ricinda Perry. The committee is working to end its review and produce a report by the first week in May because the Manatee County supervisor of elections requires paperwork by the beginning of June. The April 20 meeting began with the swearing-in of members by city clerk Terri Sanclemente and the selection of Ed Straight as chair and Anne Leister as vice chair. Perry then led the group into its review. “We are working with the most important governing document of the city,” she said. A charter is a governing document for municipalities, originally adopted by the electorate and amended by voters through a referendum. Every Florida city operates under a charter and one method of amending the document is for a review commission to draft and propose changes to be considered by voters at the polls. Perry raised a couple of issues for the committee to consider — term limits for elected officeholders and the ward system for representation. “There were some directives from the commission on what they wanted to look at,” Perry told the committee. “One of the first ones is the wards, making sure there are equal numbers of voters in the wards, where the ward boundaries should fall and whether to keep a ward system in place,” she said.

Bradenton Beach charter review committee members were sworn at their April 20 meeting. islander Photos: robert Anderson deBaun

Hassett

leister

little

Straight asked the committee to vote as to whether the wards should remain unchanged. He said, “Let’s first address whether we want to keep wards. Those in favor of keeping the same wards, say ‘Aye.’” The group voted 4-1 for the motion. Little, Leister, Straight and DeBaun voted yes but Hassett said the city did not need wards. Perry raised the topic of term limits: Should term limits continue or be eliminated? The charter states that no person may hold the same elected office for more than three consecutive terms, or portions thereof, with each term lasting two years. “We are, of the three cities on the island, the only one who remains with term limits in place,” Perry said. Sitting commissioners and the mayor will face limits on their terms and “they would be disqualified from being able to serve you and the rest of the citizenry,” she said. Bradenton Beach voters in 2021 rejected a proposal from the city to eliminate term limits. Voters also rejected an attempt to remove the commissioner-mayor term limits from the charter in 2016 Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency member David Bell, speaking during public

Straight

comment, encouraged the CRC to heed the previous votes. “The voters decided that there should be term limits,” he said. Bell said he did not vote in favor of term limits in 2021 but added, “I feel like we have to listen to the voice of the people who voted for this.” Hassett lamented the lack of other people at the meeting and spoke about the group’s responsibility. “I think it tells us an awful lot that there is no public presence here today,” he said. “It becomes our job, in my opinion, to determine whether or not what the city is proposing is the best thing for the citizens of Bradenton Beach.” CRC members did not decide whether to propose a charter change on term limits and will meet next at 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 26, at the Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. To review the charter, go online to library.municode.com and search the “code library” for the city.

Holmes Beach ‘city center’ contract on April 26 agenda

Holmes Beach may finally start work on a new city center. At their April 26 meeting, city commissioners will consider a contract from Bradenton-based C-Squared CGC Inc. to complete the project. Proposed improvements include adjusting traffic lanes, sidewalks and crosswalks and adding bicycle lanes from the intersection of Gulf and Marina drives to the 5600 block of Marina Drive. The project has been discussed since 2020 and is projected to cost the city about $1.6 million. The commission was to meet at 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 26 — after The Islander went to press — at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. The meeting was to be open to the public. — ryan Paice

Milestones

At the ready more than 100 emergency responders, including representatives from island governments, assemble April 22 at the manatee county emergency operations center for a drill — a simulated category 3 hurricane. the desk exercise focused on responders dealing with preparations for Hurricane Braden, then landfall and recovery. the Atlantic hurricane season officially begins June 1 and continues through nov. 30. the county will host a hurricane expo 4-7 p.m. tuesday, may 17, at the Bradenton Area convention center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto. for more information, go online to mymanatee.org. islander Screenshot

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

The Islander welcomes stories about islanders and island life, as well as photographs and notices of the milestones in readers’ lives — weddings, births, anniversaries, travels, obituaries and other events. Submit your announcements and photographs with captions for publication — along with contact information — to news@islander.org. Also, visit us on Facebook and join the 13,800plus friends who “like” The Islander and share their social news.

Page 6 THE ISLANDER | islander.org APril 27, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Opinion

Our

Whatever name you call it …

I was somewhat amused when the word “kerfuffle” surfaced this week in emails and a newsletter posted by the Rev. Doug Kings of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. It was a serious subject that arose as people were filing onto the beach for the Easter Sunrise Service, but by tagging it a “kerfuffle,” he lightened the air that surrounded what was building into a brouhaha. The pastor deflated the controversy. He lessened its impact, particularly for his views and those of his constituents. I spent time this week with both the Rev. Ed Moss of CrossPointe Fellowship and Rev. Kings in an attempt to reconcile matters for myself and for the community — in my humble view, a unified, inclusive community. Apparently, we are not as unified as I assumed, based on the beliefs submitted to me by “a number of members and leaders of CrossPointe Fellowship.” Their message came to me as a letter, with a request to publish or provide paid space for their statement. I declined the request. Their letter, which was tempered from its original “hell and brimstone,” confirmed and reaffirmed what Moss called a “false gospel.” His fear of the “false gospel,” and his homophobic fears compelled him to speak out to the congregation at the Easter service — even before he heard what was said by the other pastors. He confronted a pastor and some of the Kiwanis Club members before the service began. He told me he is compelled to defend his beliefs even at the cost of life and reputation. I, on the other hand, having little to no religious background, prefer to practice what my mother taught me: Nothing nice to say? Say nothing. The CrossPointe letter asks, “Is the goal of our Ressurrrection Day celebration going to be to glorify our risen Savior and Lord and proclaim with clarity His gospel or a celebration of all religions?” Having attended the April 23 Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, I heard the members emphasize that in all 57 years of the service, it’s been an ecumenical — promoting worldwide Christian unity — service. And the club plans to continue to host its ecumenical Easter Sunrise Service on the beach. I remain hopeful that future services will reflect unity for Anna Maria Island and that the strong, inclusive, diverse community that I believe exists here — in spite of the beliefs of a few — will prevail. I share the goals of the Kiwanis Club for Easter and every day, that everyone feel welcome here. — Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

APRIL 27, 2022 • Vol. 30, No. 27 Publisher, Co-editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org ▼ Editorial editor lisa neff, lisa@islander.org robert Anderson, robert@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Kevin cassidy, kevin@islander.org Jack elka, jack@jackelka.com Kane Kaiman, kane@islander.org Brook morrison, brook@islander.org ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org ▼ Contributors Karen riley-love Samara Paice capt. danny Stasny, fish@islander.org nicole Quigley ▼ Advertising Director toni lyon, toni@islander.org ▼ Webmaster Wayne Ansell ▼ Office Manager, lisa Williams info@, accounting@, classifieds@, subscriptions@islander.org ▼ Distribution urbane Bouchet ross roberts Judy loden Wasco (All others: news@islander.org) ▼

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Your

Opinion

Sunrise celebration, service

Skimming online … On behalf of the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Web (register for free news alerts) Island, we thank the churches that took part in our islander.org 57th Annual Easter Sunrise Service. Facebook The attendance was our largest yet and the weather @islandernewspaper didn’t disappoint. Twitter Thank you to the AMI Beach Cafe for the location, @ami_islander Chuck Caudill for providing the sound system, Morgan Instagram Bryant for her lovely voice, the city of Holmes Beach @theislanderami and the Holmes Beach Police Department for helping Pinterest with the parking and The Islander newspaper for its @islandernewspaper coverage. E-edition We had our full membership and their families For $36 a year, e-edition subscribers have helping along with our State College of Florida Key access to the weekly e-edition with page-by-page Club. views of all the news and advertisements. To subLastly, a huge “thank you” to the Anna Maria scribe online, visit islander.org. Island Chamber of Commerce, which awarded trolFor other subscriber services, call our newsley grant funds toward our expenses. paper office at 941-778-7978. With this and the generosity of those who attended, we will be able to contribute about $1,650 each to the nificant negative effect on the tourism attractiveness participating churches and our scholarship fund. of AMI. We look forward to seeing everyone next year. The measure also punishes permanent residents Sandra K. Haas-Martens, board member/secrewho possess a golf cart and enjoy running errands or tary, Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island heading to the water themselves via such. Might commissioners next prohibit bicycling, Carts and character pedestrian traffic, skateboards, motorcycles, surfHolmes Beach commissioners recently voted on boards, automobiles and boats? I suggest the residents replace the commissioners a draft ordinance to eventually prohibit golf carts. It is baffling that elected officials would be so at the next election opportunity with representatives who will preserve and protect the nature and character short-sighted and seemingly clueless on this issue. The character of this area is defined by an atmo- of this community so that it continues to be a paradise sphere of freedom to experience a vacation by any for both those who live here permanently and those number of enjoyable activities and accessing many of who visit for their precious vacation weeks once or twice a year. those activities by the simple means of a golf cart. Alden Smith, Burke, Virginia There are more sensible and less draconian meaEditor’s note: The city commission voted to reverse sures to consider regarding golf carts. Prohibiting golf carts altogether will have a sig- course, backing away from sunsetting golf carts.

APril 27, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 7 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Australian pine trees line the shore at coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach in 1980. Some Australian pine trees remain at the beach but many have been removed and replaced with native tree species. islander Photos: manatee county Public library System

10&20 years ago

From the April 24, 2002, issue

• Duffy’s Tavern, when it was near the corner of Gulf Drive and Manatee Avenue in Holmes Beach, announced a planned closure for June. Owner Pat Geyer, a Holmes Beach city commissioner, said Duffy’s lease would not be renewed and the property owners at the location planned their own restaurant. • Bradenton Beach commissioners voted 3-2 for a six-month moratorium on vacating rights of way, rezoning and comprehensive-plan amendments. Mayor John Chappie said, “We need a breather.” • A $9.3 million beach renourishment project was mid-way through Bradenton Beach and 60% complete. The project was working south toward Longboat Pass and project managers assured the public that dredging and pumping would not interfere with sea turtle-nesting season.

looking back

Mayday, mayday

Do you recall the morning of May 9, 1980? That was the day the Summit Venture hit the Sunshine Skyway Bridge southbound span’s bridge piling, crumpling the metal -concrete roadbed into the bay. The Islander invites you to share your memories of that day. Please, email at news@islander.org.

From the April 25, 2012, issue

• A state engineer’s report on the Cortez Bridge determined the drawbridge was “structurally deficient,” with a sufficiency rating of 21.7. • A 55-year-old Bradenton man was killed while attempting to cross Cortez Road in the fishing village. • A contest was on for a 4-year term on the Manatee County Tourist Development Council as Holmes Beach Commissioner Jean Peelen announced she wanted the post held by HB Commissioner Sandy Haas-Martens.

Rooted in history A tugboat pushes the Summit Venture from the wreckage. islander file Photo: gene Page iii

A tree planted by capt. Jonathan r. Jones in Anna maria circa 1906. According to island history, Jones was an early homesteader who piloted boats between tampa and cuba.

We’d love to mail you the news!

We mail The Islander weekly for a nominal $54 per year. We also offer online e-edition subscriptions — a page-by-page view of the weekly news for only $36 per year, but you must sign up online. It’s the best way to stay in touch with what’s happening on Anna Maria Island. We bring you all the news about three city governments, community happenings, people features and special events … even real estate transactions … everything you need if your “heart is on Anna Maria Island.” If you don’t live here year-round, use this form to subscribe by (snail) mail for yourself or someone else. (Sorry, we do not suspend mail subscriptions — you get The Islander free while you’re here!)

— lisa neff

Islander archive 24/7 Look online for The Islander at ufdc.ufl.edu.

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Page 8 THE ISLANDER | islander.org April 27, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Beach access dispute heats up at 78th St., Holmes Beach By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

A dispute is heating up over a Holmes Beach property owner’s attempt to restrict beach access. Travis Resmondo, owner of both a residence and vacant beachfront lots at 99, 100 and 101 78th St., emailed Mayor Judy Titsworth April 13 to address public outcry about his claim that the beach access path at the terminus of 78th Street is his property. Resmondo did not provide explanation for posting signage and roping off the access but wrote that a survey he contracted in March had determined the path was not public access. The claim is contentious — a 1986 warranty deed passing the vacant property from John Holmes Jr. and Hugh Holmes, Titsworth’s father, to Robert Waters, describes the inclusion of a 10-foot-wide “non-exclusive walkway easement.” That easement description cannot be found in later deeds, including those from 2014 and 2021. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection also recognizes the path as public beach access, according to the DEP’s online coastal access guide.

A woman walks past warning signs April 20 along a path to the beach at the terminus of 78th Street in Holmes Beach.

Ropes and bollards, new plants and a “Private Property — Keep Out” sign April 22 restrict access at the west end of 78th Street in Holmes Beach. Islander Photos: Ryan Paice

Nevertheless, Resmondo asked for recognition from the city that the property is private. The city complied the week beginning April 18 by adding a “No Beach Access” sign alongside the path, where there already were posted “Private Property” signs. Titsworth wrote in an April 21 email to concerned resident Andy Laszlo that she directed the city to add the signage — at least until the dispute is settled. “If and when we receive direction as to the outcome of this dispute, the city will either remove the sign or make it permanent,” Titsworth wrote. She added that it was unclear how city law enforcement would address people walking the path if a complaint was made. “We hope this will not be necessary,” Titsworth wrote. “At this point we are taking a wait-and-see approach as the homeowner at this point has not asked the police department to become involved.” However, the issue continued to escalate following the addition of the city sign. More restrictions were placed on the path as of April 22, blocking the walkway with ropes and bollards, plants and an additional sign reading “Private

Streetlife

Staff reports

Island police reports

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Anna Maria. April 20, the 9000 block of Gulf Drive, burglary. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call regarding a vehicle break-in. An MSCO deputy arrived and took the complainant’s statement, estimating the value of the stolen items at $300-$400. A case number was assigned. The MSCO polices Anna Maria Island. Bradenton Beach No reports. The BBPD polices Bradenton Beach. Cortez No new reports. The MCSO polices Cortez. Holmes Beach April 15, 100 block of 45th Street, trespass warning. An officer responded to reports of a man refusing to leave private property and found an intoxicated couple in a backyard. The officer directed them off the property and they complied. The complainant asked the officer to trespass the man from the property until their vacation ended. The officer issued a trespass warning to the man. April 15, 200 block of 39th Street, crash and public disturbance. An officer responded to reports of a vehicular crash and spoke with the involved parties, who said they got into a physical confrontation following a fender bender. The officer provided both drivers case numbers. April 15, 4100 block of Gulf Drive, speeding. An officer clocked a motorist driving 40 mph in a 25-mph zone and conducted a traffic stop. The driver did not have a U.S. driver’s license. The officer issued a citation for speeding and court summons for driving without a

Property – Keep Out.” Laszlo told The Islander April 22 he didn’t want to disclose legal strategy but “it is safe to assume” Resmondo’s claim would be challenged in court. He said the beach access was one of the reasons he purchased his nearby home and closing the path impacted everyone along the roadway. “It’s extremely disappointing and disheartening that we would have a neighbor behave this way,” Laszlo said. “All of the impacted residents are in dialogue already. As you might imagine, everyone’s flabbergasted that this action took place.” In an April 20 email to Titsworth, Laszlo asked her to remove the city’s sign and refuse to take police action against alleged trespassers until a resolution is reached. “Generations of families that have lived, and continue to live, on 78th Street have enjoyed the public right of way to the beach,” Lazslo wrote. “I have zero doubt that we will prevail in maintaining this access.” City attorney Erica Augello did not respond to The Islander’s phone calls April 21 and April 22. Resmondo did not respond to an April 23 email

license. April 16, 4900 block of Gulf Drive, disturbance. An officer saw a motorist with passengers shooting gel pellets out of the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. The driver and passengers were juveniles. The officer confiscated the pellet gun and contacted the juveniles’ parents. April 16, 5901 Marina Drive, criminal mischief. An officer was closing a bathroom near the Holmes Beach Skate Park for the day and saw graffiti painted on the interior walls and furniture. The officer photographed the graffiti. April 18, 6300 block of Flotilla Drive, recovered bicycle. A person called the Holmes Beach Police Department to report they found an abandoned bicycle near the dog park. An officer responded and placed the bike in storage. It’s serial number had not been reported missing according to databases. April 18, Cayman Cay Condos, 4307 Gulf Drive, battery. An officer responded to reports of a disturbance and found a man being assisted by emergency medical services. The man said he had been struck and pushed by another man. The officer spoke with a woman who said her father attacked the injured man because he had been harassing her. The victim provided a written statement and police submitted a capias request for the suspect’s arrest. April 19, 400 block of Clark Lane, property damage. A property owner called the HBPD to report that a Fedex driver damaged her stilted home after backing underneath it and driving away. There were no witnesses or video footage of the incident. Holmes Beach Police Department polices Holmes Beach. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

APril 27, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 9 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

WMFR chief, commissioners exploring 4% tax hike for 2022-23 By ryan Paice islander reporter

People living within the West Manatee Fire Rescue district might pay more fire service next year. WMFR commissioners reached consensus April 19 to direct staff to draft a resolution that would increase fire assessment tax rates by 4% for the fiscal year 2022-23, which will begin Oct. 1. Chief Ben Rigney recommended rigney the hike to cover projected rising costs over the next couple of years. The increase would raise the district revenue to $315,248.80 more than the existing collect collection. The district’s existing rate includes a $203.35 residential base fee and a $0.1199 charge for square footage, as well as a $505.38 commercial base rate with a $0.2188 charge for square footage. With the current rates, WMFR charges residential

Cops & Courts

property owners $323.28 for a 2,000-square-foot home and $443.22 for a 3,000-square-foot home. Commercial property owners pay $724.23 for a 2,000-square-foot building and $943.08 for a 3,000square-foot building. The proposed rates would include a $211.48 residential base fee and a $0.1247 additional charge for square footage. For commercial properties, there would be a $525.59 base fee with a $0.2276 charge per square foot. If commissioners approve the proposed rate, property owners would pay $336.22 for a 2,000-square-foot home and $460.95 for a 3,000-square-foot home. Commercial property owners would pay $753.19 for a 2,000-square-foot building and $980.80 for a 3,000-square-foot building. The maximum rate increase the district could adopt is a 6.78% hike, which would raise $219,097.92 more than the proposed rate increase. Determining tentative changes to fire assessment rates is the first step in planning for next year’s

budget. The commission’s meeting in May will include a public hearing for the tentative assessment rate increase and a public hearing for a tentative budget will be in August. A finalized budget and assessment rate will go before commissioners to consider for adoption in September. In the meantime, Rigney presented a rough draft of next year’s $8,628,536 spending plan — a $406,249 increase in expenses over this year. The plan includes a $226,148.72 payment to pay off the district’s debt for Station No.1, at 407 67th St. W., Bradenton. The proposed increase in spending also includes $70,000 to purchase a new response/utility vehicle. The commission’s next meeting will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 17, at the administration building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton. The meeting will be open to the public. Direction to attend via Zoom can be found at wmfr.org.

Arraignment set for 2 of 3 Holmes Beach-AME battery defendants By ryan Paice islander reporter

The cases against two young men involved in an alleged aggravated battery are moving forward. The state attorney’s office is pushing seconddegree felony charges for Sarasota resident Cameron Evans, 18, and John Bartholow, 17, of Ellenton, for their alleged involvement in the March 23 incident. The incident outside Anna Maria Elementary School, Holmes Beach, sent resident Evan Purcell, 41, to the hospital with serious injuries. Purcell was walking his dog with his 10-year-old niece when he observed a group of five-six young adult and teenage males and females vandalizing the facility, breaking alcoholic beverage bottles near the picnic

area, according to a Holmes Beach Police Department report. As Purcell confronted the group, they became aggressive and, according to the police report, he drew a pocketknife to protect himself but members of the group overpowered him, knocking him to the ground and beating him. Purcell’s niece, who was not attacked, ran to a nearby home for help and the resident called 911. HBPD found Purcell unconscious and emergency medical services transported him to the HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton, where he was in stable condition as of March 25. The Purcell family has not responded to inquiries about Purcell’s condition since March 25, citing the

ongoing investigation. A family friend said Purcell was back at home. The HBPD identified Bartholow, Evans and an unnamed juvenile as suspects using surveillance video from the scene and witness accounts. Bartholow was arrested shortly after the incident, while Evans evaded arrest until April 14. The unnamed juvenile surrendered to police and was released to his/her family. Evans remained in custody in the Manatee County jail’s juvenile section as of April 23. Bartholow was released on $50,000 bail April 22. An arraignment for Bartholow and Evans will be at 8:55 a.m. Friday, May 13, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

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Island happenings

Page 10 THE ISLANDER | islander.org APril 27, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Cortez hosts community picnic

compiled by lisa neff, calendar@islander.org.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ONGOING ON AMI Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island “Art Unites Us” online exhibit through April 30, amiartistsguildgallery.com. Information: 941-7786694. Throughout April, painter Pat O’Neill’s “Art from the Heart” exhibit, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: islandgallerywest.com, 941-778-6648. Throughout May, artist Janet Flickinger’s “People Everywhere” exhibit, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: islandgallerywest.com, 941-778-6648. ONGOING OFF AMI Through June 5, “Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience,” Starry Night Pavilion at University Town Center, 195 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: vangoghsarasota.com. Through April 29, Fridays, 6-8 p.m., Music in the Park, Rossi Park Pavilion on the Riverwalk, downtown Bradenton. Information: 941-301-8445. Through Aug. 28, “Metadata: Rethinking Photography in the 21st Century,” The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-360-7390. First Fridays, 6-9:30 p.m., Village of the Arts First Fridays Artwalk, 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Information: villageofthearts.com. Saturdays through May 28, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Bradenton Farmers Market, Main Street, downtown Bradenton. Information: realizebradenton.com, 941-301-8445. Second and fourth Saturdays, 2-4 p.m., Music on the Porch jam session, presented by the Florida Maritime Museum and Cortez Cultural Center, outdoors, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: ﬂoridamaritimemuseum.org, fmminfo@manateeclerk.com.

community activist Jane von Hahmann speaks from the back as villagers and friends of cortez share a meal April 16 at the annual cortez Village Historical Society Picnic on the miller dock at the foot of 123rd Street West on Sarasota Bay in cortez. the first picnic was held in 1991. About 70 people attended this year’s get-together, held in companionship with the cortez cultural center, which operates a museum that focuses on preserving stories of founding families in the historic fishing Village of cortez. Star fish co., adjacent to the community dock, provided the main course of seafood. islander Photo: Kane Kaiman

Tuesday, May 3 ing, Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. 10 a.m.— Family storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Information: 941-778-1383. Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-778Tuesdays through May 10, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Farmers Market 6341. in the Park, City Pier Park, Pine Avenue and Bay Boulevard, Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130. AHEAD ON AMI Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., Mahjong Club, Island Library, 5701 May 28, Snooks Adams Kids Day, Holmes Beach. Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. July 4, Anna Maria Island Privateers Independence Day AHEAD ON AMI Parade. May 15, Anna Maria Island Privateers Shiprek Poker Run. OFF AMI May 30, Anna Maria Memorial Day Symphony Salute, Anna Saturday, April 30 Maria. 7 p.m. — De Soto Heritage Festival Grande Parade, portions ONGOING OFF AMI of Ninth Avenue West, 39th Street West and Manatee Avenue in AHEAD ON AMI Bradenton. Information: 941-747-1998. Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island lunch May 5-15, Island Players’ “The Psychic,” Anna Maria. meeting, Slicker’s Eatery, 12012 Cortez Road W., Cortez. InformaONGOING OFF AMI tion: 512-944-4177. AHEAD OFF AMI Through Aug. 7, “Sharks: On Assignment with Brian Skerry” AHEAD OFF AMI May 20, Anna Maria Island Privateers’ Second Chance Prom, exhibit, Mote Marine Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, City Palmetto. Island, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-388-4441. May 6, Manatee County’s dedication of the Wilbur Boyd Blvd. KIDS & FAMILY and C.W. Walton Racquet Center, Bradenton. ON AMI

CLUBS & COMMUNITY

Friday, April 29 ON AMI 10 a.m. — 40 Carrots, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-778- Thursday, April 28 10 a.m. — Seaside Quilters, Island Library, 5701 Marina 6341. Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941778-6341. Visit islander.org for the best news on aMi. 2 p.m. — Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/ library, 941-778-6341. Friday, April 29 8 a.m. — Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge’s National Arbor Day Cleanup, 110 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-778-4110. ONGOING ON AMI Fridays, 11:30 a.m., Mahjong Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meet-

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OUTDOORS & SPORTS ONGOING ON AMI AMI Dragon Boat Team—Paddlers from Paradise practices and meetups, various times and locations. Information: 941-462-2626, mrbradway@gmail.com. AHEAD OFF AMI May 7, Margaritaville Night with the Bradenton Marauders, Bradenton. May 13, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament, Bradenton.

GOOD TO KNOW KEEP THE DATES Friday, April 29, National Arbor Day. Sunday, May 1, May Day. Thursday, May 5, Cinco de Mayo.

Island happenings

APril 27, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 11 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

‘People Everywhere’ at HB gallery drawings by artist Janet flickinger will be featured throughout may at island gallery West, 5368 gulf drive, Holmes Beach. the exhibit is “People everywhere.” islander courtesy Photos

Janet flickinger “loves to capture the interactions of people as they conduct their everyday pursuits of life,” read a news release from island gallery West. “Her style can be characterized as social or photorealism with a highly technical and detailed structure.” Seasonal art walks are over for 2021-22 but the artist, who works mostly in pencil, will be in the gallery to visit with people 10 a.m.-4 p.m. tuesday, may, 24, and thursday, may 26. for more information, call the gallery at 941-778-6648.

De Soto Grande Parade set for April 30 in Bradenton Manatee County’s annual spring celebration, the De Soto Heritage Festival, concludes with a grand parade. The parade will be at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 30, in Bradenton. An estimated 200,000 people will line Manatee Avenue to watch more than 150 entries. The parade will begin at Manatee High School,

turn west on Ninth Avenue West, turn north on 39th Street West, turn east on Manatee Avenue and finish in downtown Bradenton. The Anna Maria Island Privateers plan to participate. For more information, go online to desotohq.com or call 941-747-1998.

County to open renovated racquet center, dedicate blvd. Manatee County will honor two men and mark the opening of improved recreational amenities with a celebration Friday, May 6. The event will be 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at G.T. Bray, 5502 33rd Ave. Drive W., Bradenton. That day, the county will dedicate Wilbur H. Boyd Boulevard and hold the grand opening for the renovated C.V. Walton Racquet Center. Walton in 1985 donated property for four clay courts at G.T. Bray Park and additional property for four courts in 1988. Boyd, who died in 2003, was born on Terra Ceia, grew up in Manatee, went into the grocery, insurance, real estate and banking businesses in Manatee and represented Manatee voters in the state House and state Senate, as well as on the Palmetto City Council. Boyd was nicknamed “Mr. Educator” in the Legislature for his work on education policy. He also was

instrumental in acquiring funding for red tide control and sponsored bills removing toll fees on Anna Maria Island bridges, dedicating the naming of the Anna Maria Island Bridge and delegating the work of fighting beach erosion,” according to a history provided by the county. His career in the Legislature spanned decades, as he was elected to his first of multiple terms in the House in 1958 and elected to his first of multiple terms in the Senate in 1966. Boyd’s family continues to be involved in Manatee politics and business, including on Anna Maria Island. Reservations to attend were required by April 22. For more information, contact Crystal Scherer via email at crystal.scherer@mymanatee.org or call the recreation center at 941-742-5973.

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Island Players anticipate ‘The Psychic’

The Island Players will present the fifth and final play in the 73rd season — Sam Bobrick’s “The Psychic.” Opening night for the comedic murder-mystery is set for Thursday, May 5. The play will run through May 15, with performances at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sundays. The theater is dark Mondays. James Thaggard is the director — marking his 20th production in that role — and stage manager is Denise Hundley. The cast includes William Ashburn, Michael Sacco, Mark Shoemaker, Jennifer Kwiatkowski, Rick Kopp and Jennifer Caldwell. Tickets cost $25. The theater is at 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. The box office will be open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. MondaySaturday and an hour before performances. For more information, call the theater box office at 941-778-5755. — lisa neff

Submit your social news, weddings, anniversaries, births, travel photos and event news and photos to news@islander.org.

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Page 12 THE ISLANDER | islander.org APril 27, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

1st-graders rumble in the ‘Jungle’ production

Ready, set, hop Homeschooled kids from the down By the Bay co-op group prepare April 5 for a burlap sack race in the soccer field at the center of Anna maria island, 407 magnolia Ave., Anna maria, during a field trip to the nonprofit community center. the kids also participated in tug-of-war, ball toss, water games and a 40-yard dash. islander Photos: courtesy Brooke Svoboda

Anna maria elementary first-graders sing songs in the production of “Jungle Party tonight,” held April 19 in the school auditorium. islander courtesy Photos: nicole Plummer

Ame art and music teacher gary Wooten smiles April 19 during the production of “Jungle Party tonight” at the Holmes Beach school.

AmE NEWS

Homeschooled kids from down By the Bay smile April 5 during a field trip to the center.

By Brook morrison, brook@islander.org

You can read it all online at islander.org

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APril 27, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 13 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

2022-23 registration opens

‘Super sea’ studies

Registration for the 2022-23 academic year at Anna Maria Elementary opened March 1 for kindergarten and new students. “We are projected to have 32 kindergarten students and this is of course only a projection, as numbers change between now and August,” AME principal Mike Masiello told The Islander. Masiello noted two kindergarten teachers would be allocated. Registration will continue through the end of the school year. About 54% of AME students currently attend via the school choice program. For registration, go to manateeschools.net.

mote marine laboratory and Aquarium educator nicole Johnston answers questions April 21 from Anna maria elementary students. “We are inspiring future ocean guardians by furthering their appreciation for marine health,” Johnston told the islander. islander Photos: Brook morrison

— Brook morrison

AME Calendar

Ame thirdgrader giuliana Bankert smiles April 21 during an assembly involving mote lessons on ocean health and sea animals. mote is a marine research organization and aquarium based on city island in Sarasota.

May 2-6, staff appreciation week. May 3-4, fourth- and fifth-grade reading assessment. May 10-11, fourth- and fifth-grade math assessment. Saturday, May 14, spring golf tournament. Tuesday, May 17, 6:30 p.m., second-grade play. May 17-18, fifth-grade science assessment. Friday, May 20, field day. Tuesday, May 24, fifth-grade luncheon. AME is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more info, call the school at 941-708-5525.

two Ame students use tools to create a super sea creature April 21 during a mote marine assembly in the school auditorium.

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Page 14 THE ISLANDER | islander.org APril 27, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Tidings

Gathering

compiled by lisa neff

By lisa neff

St. B seeks tech help

St. Bernard Catholic Church is seeking to hire an office administrator but until such a hire seeks volunteer help with tech support. The church is at 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the church at 941-7784769. ,

Gathering is the religion page for The Islander. Send announcements, calendar listings and photos to calendar@islander.org.

Obituaries

Margaret Warner Bossert

Margaret “Meg” Warner Bossert, 70, of Holmes Beach, died April 18. She was born Dec. 7, 1951, to Margaret and Melvin Warner in Oakland, California. Her father was a career Navy officer, serving in Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, and so she spent her early school years in many places, starting in Pearl City, Hawaii, and ending high school in Placerville, California. She attended several colleges, including U.C. Berkeley, earned her BA in Psychology at CSU, Sacramento, as well as master’s degrees in public administration and counseling. She married professor J. Michael Bossert in 1978. In 1989, they sailed a 30-foot sailboat to Hawaii, returning in July 1990. In 2000, he retired and they moved to Holmes Beach, where she volunteered for a local women’s group for several years. She was a loving step-mother to her husband’s youngest child. She loved her collie, RIO, and enjoyed taking him to retirement homes to visit seniors. She was a lifelong meditator and teacher. She was under Tidewell Hospice care at home, where her husband was her primary caregiver. She was a wonderful, giving, loving person who will be sorely missed by husband Michael and all who knew her. There is no planned service.

ON AMI

Maria. Information: 941-778-0414, roserchurch.com. Worship: Sundays, 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. Ongoing: Wednesdays, 9 a.m., Hope Seeds packing; Thursdays — 9:30 a.m. ﬁtness class, 7 p.m. choir rehearsals; second and fourth Fridays, 11 a.m., JOY meeting; Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m., ﬁtness class. St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-4769, stbernardcc.com. Worship: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.; Saturdays, 4 p.m.; Sundays, 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. Ongoing: Wednesdays, 7:15 a.m., Manatee Public Beach, Holmes Beach;

CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-0719, crosspointefellowship.church. Worship: Sundays, 9 a.m. Ongoing: Wednesdays, 7 a.m., men’s Bible meeting; 9:30 a.m. women’s Bible study; 6:45 p.m., CrossPointe Wednesday Night Blast. Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-1638, amiannunciation.org. Worship: Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.; Sundays, 8 a.m., 10:15 a.m. OFF AMI Ongoing: Wednesdays, 8 a.m., men’s meeting. Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian USA, 6400 Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive. Holmes Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Info: 941-900-4903, christchurBeach. Info: 941-778-1813, gloriadeilutheran.com. choﬂbk.org. Worship: Sundays, 9:30 a.m. Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m. Ongoing: Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m., social gathering, private Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat home. Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church Ave., Key. Info: 941-383-6491, longboatislandchapel.org. Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m. Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-779-1912. Please, send notices to calendar@islander.org. Worship: Sundays, 9:15 a.m. Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna

GoodDeeds

Judith Lynn Grover

Assistance sought on AMI

Judith Grover, 78, of Silver Spring, Maryland, died March 21. She was a beloved daughter, mother, grandmother and friend to many. She was raised in Silver Spring and attended Montgomery Blair High School. Mrs. Grover retired from the National Institutes for Health after 35 years as deputy chief for the division of research grants. She was a life member and also served as president of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Silver grover Spring Fire Department. On retirement, she made use of her eye for design and started a second career in interior design with Gary Lovejoy Design in Washington, D.C. Her laughter was contagious and brought a smile to everyone around her. She was a caring, loving, generous lady, always willing to help others. She enjoyed dancing, skiing and spending time with family and friends, including a group of “sisters” who continued to get together for more than 50 years. She loved Anna Maria Island and Ocean City, Maryland, for their sunshine and beach. A private celebration of life was held. Memorial donations may be made to HEROES Inc., 1200 29th Robert ‘Bob’ Charles Fluke St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20007. Mrs. Grover is survived by her mother, Grace Robert “Bob” Charles Fluke, 60, of Bradenton and Wadford of Holmes Beach; son Jon C. II and wife formerly of Bradenton Beach, died April 16. Mr. Fluke lived on Anna Maria Susie of Cordova, Maryland; grandson Jack and wife Laurel of Berlin, Maryland; and granddaughters Taylor Island for 33 years. His favorite work was the design, McLaughlin and Grace Higley. construction and monitoring of nuclear power plants and the design Marjorie Higgins Marjorie Higgins, 98, of Anna Maria, died April and construction of inshore/offshore 12. fluke artificial reefs. She was born to Ida and Matthew He promoted the use of reef balls Dickinson in Melrose, Massachusetts. as coordinator of Manatee County’s Ad Hoc Reef She remained a proud New Englander Committee in 2000. all her life. Condolences may be shared online at Manasota She married Forrest Higgins in 1946 Chapel, rtsfunerals.com. and they had three daughters. The Mr. Fluke is survived by his loving spouse, Lori family in 1967 moved to SouthHostetter; and siblings Diane Coho and spouse John, Higgins ern California, where she took up and Roger and spouse Sue. tennis. After retirement, the couple discovered and moved Visit islander.org for the best news on aMi. to Anna Maria Island. She always said it felt like a

• Local nonprofits need support in the annual Giving Challenge fundraising campaign presented noon April 26-noon April 27 by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. Information: www. givingchallenge.org. • The Friends of the Island Library seeks storage space for donations to its annual book sale. Information: 941-778-6341. • Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals. Information: 941-345-2441. • The Roser Food Bank seeks donations. Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, administers the pantry, supported by All Island Denominations. Information: 941-778-0414.

Assistance offered on AMI

• The Roser Food Bank welcomes applicants who live and/or work on Anna Maria Island for food assistance, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 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. Information: 941-7252433. Send GoodDeeds to calendar@islander.org. second honeymoon to them. Forrest died three years later. An inspiration to many, she was always on the go, volunteering at Anna Maria Elementary, Love Bugs Daycare and for the church nursery. She liked to visit with homebound or sick friends. She attended Bible studies at church and shared her faith in the Lord with most everyone she met. Always athletic, she and her friends enjoyed tennis, biking, kayaking, long walks and some 200mile bicycle trips on travels to England, Denmark, Egypt and the Holy Land. She was an avid reader and faithful letter writer, always remembered birthdays and loved to tell stories about the old days. A celebration of life will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 28, at CrossPointe Fellowship. The family suggests memorial donations to Tidewell Hospice. Mrs. Higgins is survived by daughters Carol Thorpe and husband Jim, and Leslie Myette and husband George; grandchildren Meredith, Lana, Sarah and Alan; and nine great-grandchildren.

SPECIAL PRAYERS FOR THE UKRAINE

Growing in Jesus’ Name

Sunday Service 10:00 AM

The Rev. Dr. Norman Pritchard Please join us for

THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER Thursday, May 5 • 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Visitors & Residents Welcome • Masks Optional Watch our 10:00 AM service live: www.bit.ly/cclbksermons or www.christchurchof lbk.org (follow YouTube link)

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APril 27, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 15 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Kiwanis responds to pastor’s offensive Easter remarks

the 57th easter Sunrise Service hosted by the Kiwanis club of Anna maria island includes participation by the rev. matthew grunfeld of the episcopal church of the Annunciation, left, the rev. doug Kings of gloria dei lutheran church, the rev. dirk rodgers of roser church, the rev. Stephen King of Harvey church and the rev. ed moss of crossPointe fellowship. morgan Bryant, right, provided music and vocals. islander Photo: dara caudill

By Bonner Joy islander Publisher

The Easter sunrise did not disappoint. The sunrise arrived April 17 as the full moon set on the Gulf of Mexico — a glorious morning by any standard. And the stage was set at Manatee Public Beach. Music filled the air and the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island’s Easter service began before dawn. Then came what one participating pastor later described as a “kerfuffle” — a disturbance or commotion typically caused by a dispute or conflict. Remarks made by the Rev. Ed Moss of CrossPointe Fellowship, specifically his homophobic comments, prompted some people to comment after the service that Rev. Moss’ rant was offensive and divisive. Many others agreed in the days since. Moss arrived to the sunrise service to tell other pastors and Kiwanis Club members, as

well as The Islander in ensuing days, that he felt compelled to give a stern warning to the participants for what he anticipated as a “false gospel.” His wrath was directed at another participating pastor and, in the outfall, the Kiwanis Club voted to limit who will be invited to participate in the ecumenical service in the future. The club met April 23 and, in its review of this

year’s events, unanimously agreed that Moss would not be invited to the 2023 service on the beach. Many letters and statements were exchanged after April 17 and the club determined it would maintain its ecumenical service for an inclusive community. The club announced the offering at the event exceeded $10,500 — the most ever — and each participating church will receive $1,657.

Center explores next steps for ‘green’ environmental campaign By ryan Paice islander reporter

The Center of Anna Maria Island’s “Go Green” campaign is entering a new “evolutionary phase.” Jim McDaniel, the center’s director of development, wrote in an April 19 email to The Islander that they’re exploring options for the campaign’s future. The center launched its “Go Green” initiative in late 2019 to help the nonprofit and island community be environmentally friendly. The campaign involved distributing mini reefs, small structures placed underwater to cultivate sea life and promote clean water, installing environmentally friendly LED lightbulbs and discouraging single-use plastic water bottles. The center has facilitated the sale of 217 mini reefs — with $150 of each $350 “reef” benefitting the nonprofit — to island property owners as of April 19, according to McDaniel. McDaniel said the mini reefs collectively filter 2.38 billion gallons of water annually, as well as help cultivate sea life for thousands of minnows and crabs. Through facilitating the sale of mini reefs and hosting fundraisers like its November 2019 “Oceans of Hope” event, which featured Phillippe Cousteau Jr., the center’s “Go Green” campaign has raised $36,156

over the past two years. The center also partnered with Eckerd College and Mote Marine Laboratory, as well as formed the Blue Water Coalition with communities in Sarasota and Venice, to collect and study data gathered from the mini reefs. McDaniel said the center hoped to present its mini reef research, which is focused on water quality conditions and the colonization of filter feeders, this fall. “We are at an exciting juncture right now,” he said. “Sarasota Bay Estuary Program executive director Dave Tomasko has begun advising the group and is very interested and anxious to see the data and any conclusions drawn.” McDaniel said center staff also is exploring options to expand its “Go Green” campaign moving forward.

He said plans for “the next evolutionary phase” of the campaign would be to address coastal resiliency through planting mangroves and seeding filter-feeding shellfish and seagrass. The BWC and Rotary Clubs on Anna Maria Island and in Englewood could partner with the center to coordinate such efforts, according to McDaniel. In the meantime, McDaniel said the center received verbal commitment from Tracy Fanara, an environmental engineer and research scientist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to speak at an event this fall to promote the environmental campaign. People interested in purchasing a mini reef for their dock or waterfront can contact McDaniel via email at jim@centerami.org or by phone at 413-210-6921. two mini reefs await installation in december 2019 below the dock at the Bridge tender inn, 135 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. owner fred Bartizal purchased the mini reefs through the center of Anna maria island as a part of the nonprofit’s “go green” campaign. islander Photo: ryan Paice

Postal workers resume food collection drive

Bradenton Beach postal workers. islander courtesy Photo “Anna Maria Island,” a signed pictorial history book of the island by Bonner Joy, is available for $20 at the islander office, 315 58th St., Holmes Beach, or by mail. Visit islander.org or call 941-778-7978. $20 plus postage, if applicable.

Postal workers expect to receive some special deliveries in May. The annual National Association of Letter Carriers “Stamp Out Hunger” Food Drive returns after a two-year absence due to the coronavirus. The collection, to be held Saturday, May 14, is the largest one-day food drive in the country. “Food banks have struggled to keep the shelves stocked with the increase in need for food,” Brian Andrews wrote to The Islander in an email. He’s coordinating the drive for the Bradenton Beach Post Office. “Please, help restock their shelves and leave any

nonperishable food at or in your mailbox — with the flag up — for your letter carrier to collect,” he wrote. People also can drop off nonperishable items at their local post offices. Bradenton Beach-based postal workers encouraged snowbirds to participate and donate to the drive before they depart for summer homes. They wrote to The Islander “If you have any nonperishable food that you won’t be bringing home, you can leave it at the post office at 116 Bridge St. Any donations are truly appreciated.” For more information, call the Bradenton Beach Post Office at 941-779-0069 or go online to nalc.org.

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

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

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Page 18 THE ISLANDER | islander.org APril 27, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

BB commissioners proclaim learning days, get updates By robert Anderson islander reporter

It’s business as usual in Bradenton Beach — busy, busy, busy. Bradenton Beach commissioners began their April 21 meeting by proclaiming Suncoast Remake Learning Days. The Suncoast campaign is an effort in Charlotte, Desoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties to help children succeed by ensuring they explore creative and exciting ways of learning. The SRLD offers events at the Florida Maritime Museum and the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature. For Learning Days, FMM, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, in partnership with Rowlett Academies for Arts and Communications, will host a Hands-On Habits event for guests of all ages to learn the seven habits of highly effective people 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, May 7. Also, the Bishop, in partnership with Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources, will celebrate Astronomy Day 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Saturday, May 7, at Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. NW, Bradenton. city clerk terry Sanclemente is honored at an April 21 city commission meeting with a proclamation designating may 1-7 as municipal clerks Week. islander Photos: robert Anderson

Bradenton Beach mayor John chappie, left, and commissioner Jake Spooner, right, listen April 21 as commissioner ralph cole describes traffic issues near his residence on 12th Street north.

For more information about Learning Days and the program, go online to remakelearningdays.org Also during the meeting, city clerk Terry Sanclemente entered the commission chambers to a round of applause and Mayor John Chappie and the commissioners adopted a proclamation naming May 1-7 Municipal Clerks Week. The week is meant to extend the city’s appreciation to Sanclemente and other clerks for the services they perform. As clerk, Sanclamente is the custodian of municipal records and documents, caretaker of the city seal and authenticator of documents. She also administers oaths, keeps contracts and bonds and executes directives and orders from the mayor and commission. The meeting also included an update from Lt. Lenard Diaz on police matters, including a report that the police patrol boat is repaired and should be back in service by May 1. Also, according to Diaz, Easter weekend was extremely busy and the traffic volume through the city

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was high but the holiday went by smoothly, with no major incidents. Diaz also said the department’s police officers will be qualifying with newly purchased 9 mm firearms in the first weeks of May. In other matters the commission approved payment of $20,493.75 to M.T. Causley for research and permit review and payments of $17,470.80, $10,4122.10 and $10,826.10 to city attorney Ricinda Perry for legal work. The commission will meet next at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 5, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. Bradenton Beach Police lt. lenard diaz addresses city commissioners at their April 21 meeting.

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County revises comp plan ‘Peril of Flood’ language By robert Anderson islander reporter

Manatee County commissioners allayed public fears that they would open the gate for developers to use fill and seawalls to expand coastal development. The county board met April 21 on amending its comprehensive land-use plan to comply with the Florida Peril of Flood Act. In 2015, the Florida Legislature enacted the act specifying new requirements for coastal management in local government comp plans related to flooding and sea level rise. To comply with the act, local governments must address development and redevelopment strategies to reduce flood risk. Nicole Knapp, the county’s comprehensive planning manager, led commissioners through the issues during the April 21 meeting at the county administration building in Bradenton. “At the onset of the project, staff performed an assessment of the comprehensive plan and, although the county currently utilizes a wide range of strategies to address flood risks, staff concluded that the comprehensive plan did not fully address all six components of the Peril of Flood (Act),” said Knapp. Last November, the commission approved a staff recommended motion to transmit a plan amendment that removed in its entirety, policies related to the allowance of fill material and the construction of seawalls. A new policy was considered April 21 that dealt with development and redevelopment methods that would employ environmentally sensitive floodproofing

Send your fishing, birding, sea turtle news and photos to news@islander.org.

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LOOK FOR THE LOOK FOR THE TURTLES ON THE TURTLES ON THE BEACH! BEACH!

the manatee county coastal High Hazard map identifies high flood risk in the green and gray areas. islander graphic: courtesy manateegov.org

techniques and strategies, including green technologies and living seawalls. Developers wanted more, as was proposed in a letter from attorney Ed Vogler. The letter dated March 16, was on behalf of Medallion Homes, owned by Carlos Beruff; Neal Communities, owned by Pat Neal; and “interested or affected landowners and developers.” Vogler wrote, “The ordinance does not comply with the requirements of laws of Florida because the comprehensive plan itself does not provide principles, strategies, and engineering solutions that seek to reduce flood risks or result in the removal of coastal real property from flood zone designations.” The letter contained the recommendation that the county adopt policies that: • Allow fill material to be added to coastal properties to elevate the topography, resulting in the removal of coastal real property from flood zones established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. • Allow the construction of walls and other revetments to support the placement of fill material on

coastal real property. • Require new development and redevelopment to employ techniques that reduce flood losses and claims made under flood insurance policies, such as grading and adding fill. Vogler asked the county to consider allowing new seawalls and fill for new development so developers can elevate portions of the shoreline. His letter raised concerns, bringing 12 people to speak during public comment at the April 21 land use meeting. Among them, there was unified opposition to developing sensitive areas of the coastline and wetlands. The speakers voiced the need for more concise language in an effort to make sure environmental protections go unchallenged. Florida’s Gulf Coast is among the most at-risk coastlines in the United States. It also has attracted large amounts of coastal development, impacting the environment with the loss of habitat on land and in the water. County Commissioner Vanessa Baugh spoke after public comments. “I’m going to support what our staff has brought forward,” Baugh said. “It’s a step in the right direction to protect our land.” She continued, “Am I going to look at you and tell you that in Manatee County you’re not ever going to see another seawall? No, I am not. Because I know better.” Commissioners voted unanimously for a policy change that reads: “Consider new development and redevelopment that employ site development techniques that reduce flood losses and claims made under flood insurance policies, and withstand inundation, minimizing flood damage to structures through floodproofing techniques and strategies.” The next county board meeting will be at 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 26, in the Manatee County Government Administration at 1112 Manatee Ave. W.

SEA TURTLES LOVE THE ISLAND TURTLES LOVE THE ForSEA the past 30+ years, a local group mural is located near theISLAND street entrance on

called Islanda Turtle Watch a commercial property that restaurant Forthe theAnna past Maria 30+ years, local group mural is located near thethe street entrance on (AMITW) has played an important role owns. Environmental and clean water initiacalled the Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch a commercial property that the restaurant in (AMITW) the conservation of theansea turtles that tives are aEnvironmental part of the culture the restauhas played important role owns. and of clean water initiaswim and feed around the island. Sea turtles rant and the mural highlights some of in the conservation of the sea turtles that tives are a part of the culture of thethe restauplay vital roles in the health of the Gulf of sea life and beautiful sunsets that the Sandswim and feed around the island. Sea turtles rant and the mural highlights some of the Mexico and roles the shoreline of theofisland. Theof barsea andlife Beach are sunsets so well known play vital in the health the Gulf and House beautiful that thefor Sandturtles transport nutrients, support other with visitors. Mexico and the shoreline of the island. The bar and Beach House are so well known for marine and help stabilizesupport dunes. Their turtleslife, transport nutrients, other with visitors. staff and volunteers work tirelessly from Beach-goers can also do their part marine life, and help stabilize dunes. Their May through October to collect data and on sand that staff and volunteers work tirelessly from by not parking Beach-goers can may also contain do their part protect the turtles and their eggs. Through turtle nests, cleaning up their trash May through October to collect data and by not parking on sand that maywhen contain public education and cooperation, turtle leaving the beach and filling in any holes protect the turtles and their eggs. Through turtle nests, cleaning up their trash when numbers are slowly rebounding. created in the sand so that turtles don’t fall public education and cooperation, turtle leaving the beach and filling in any holes in and become trapped as they make their numbers are slowly rebounding. created in the sand so that turtles don’t fall Public cooperation, especially from way to the water. in and become trapped as they make their waterfront homes and businesses, is one key Public cooperation, especially from way to the water. to these conservation measures. Locally our According to the AMITW webwaterfront homes and businesses, is one key restaurants, the Sandbar in Anna Maria and site, “proactive conservation measures are to these conservation measures. Locally our According to the AMITW webthe Beach House in Bradenton Beach take needed to protect sea turtles and rebuild restaurants, the Sandbar in Anna Maria and site, “proactive conservation measures are great pride in their efforts to support marine their populations to healthy levels so they the Beach House in Bradenton Beach take needed to protect sea turtles and rebuild life. can achieve the full extent of their historic great pride in their efforts to support marineroles. their to healthy levels they At populations historic levels, sea turtles willsohelp life. From May through October, lightcan achieve the full extent of their historic restore the health of our Gulf of Mexico.” roles. At historic levels, sea turtles will help bulbs are replaced with low-wattage lightFrom through light- Therestore the health our Gulf of ecosysMexico.” ing. Drapes are May utilized at the October, restaurants importance of seaofturtles in the are replaced withlighting low-wattage light- tem: to bulbs eliminate unnecessary that may ing. Drapes are utilized at the restaurants The importance of sea turtles in the ecosysreach the shoreline. Signs are posted as a to eliminate unnecessary lighting that may reminder to turn off the lights and regular • tem: They help maintain balance food web reach the shoreline. Signs are posted as a trainings educate the staff about the impor• They keep coral reefs healthy reminder to turn off the lights and regular They help maintain tance of keeping the trash off the beach. • •They keep seagrass bedsbalance healthyfood web trainings educate the staff about the impor• They keep coral reefs healthy tance Recently, of keeping the trash off the beach. • They keep seagrass healthy Content provided by: Thebeds Chiles Group the Sandbar restaurant Advertisement commissioned Lakeland, FL-based studio Content provided by: The Chiles Group the Sandbar and muralRecently, artist Gillian Fazio to restaurant create a Advertisement commissioned Lakeland, FL-based mural featuring turtles and sea life. Thestudio and mural artist Gillian Fazio to create a mural featuring turtles and sea life. The

Page 20 THE ISLANDER | islander.org April 27, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

BB reaffirms support for clam beds, seagrass projects

Island businessman Ed Chiles poses April 14 with clams, including a middle neck clam, right, and a large clamshell, left, which is Quahaug clams are native to Florida waters and part likely 60 years of the estuary ecosystem. old. Islander including red tide. Photo: The All Clams On Deck website lists the benefits Courtesy Jill of bivalve and seagrass mitigation, including their Sullivan

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Bradenton Beach wants cleaner bay waters. Two methods for improving water quality are seagrass enhancement and seeding clam beds. On April 7, city commissioners unanimously backed a city resolution supporting the state allocation of $2.5 million for bivalve and seagrass pollution control efforts in Sarasota Bay, Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor through an initiative promoted by the nonprofit All Clams On Deck. ACOD is an initiative of the Gulf Shellfish Institute, which advances sustainable aquaculture and healthy ecosystems. ACOD and GSI are at the center of Bradenton Beach’s support for the state appropriation pending before Gov. Ron DeSantis. Ed Chiles, a member of the city’s community redevelopment agency and owner of a trio of local restaurants among other commercial enterprises, also is a founding member of Gulf Shellfish Institute and ACOD. He spoke April 14 with The Islander about the city’s support of environmental programs. “They get it,” Chiles said. “Mayor John Chappie is a long-term island resident and he’s very concerned about the area.” Chiles said the brood-stock restoration that Bradenton Beach completed in 2019 is a model program, demonstrating “that we should be growing clams for restoration.” He continued, “We have a million acres of shellfish approved waters in Florida. But only a quarter of 1% are leased for aquaculture farming. Bivalves are a native species in this state. They live for 35 years or more and they are one of the most efficient marine organisms for filtering and cleaning water.”

The resolution approved by the city commission directed the mayor to share the document and express the city’s support for a pending appropriation with DeSantis as he reviews the state’s line-item budget. If approved by the governor, $2.5 million could become available to GSI to develop the science around bivalve and seagrass restoration in three national estuaries: Tampa and Sarasota bays and Charlotte Harbor. The resolution reads, “The city suffered adverse impacts due to its proximity to the Piney Point leak, which displaced 200 million gallons of nutrient-laden wastewater into Tampa Bay and its surrounding waterways March 30-April 9, 2021.” The resolution also stated that Tampa Bay saw its worst red tide event in 50 years in the months after the Piney Point discharge of nutrient-heavy wastewater, the type of nutrients that fuel harmful algae blooms,

impact on red tide, as well as: • Clams and seagrass help clean water. • Shellfish accumulate toxins as they filter algae from the water for food. • A mature hard-shell clam can filter more than 10 gallons of water per day. • Seagrass produces oxygen and filters water. “We are the stewards for these nurseries in a critical time,” Chiles said. “I think we have a responsibility to do everything we can. This is where good politics and good policy come together.” For more information about All Clams On Deck, go online to allclamsondeck.org

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APril 27, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 21 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

BB arranges Arbor Day celebration

ingrid mclellan, chair of Bradenton Beach ScenicWAVeS, and florida forest Service forester richard larsen present the Arbor day plan April 7. islander Photo: robert Anderson

By robert Anderson islander reporter

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The next best time is now,” says a Chinese proverb. For the city of Bradenton Beach and its Scenic WAVES committee, the “best time” is April 29. The committee plans to welcome National Arbor Day at 9:30 a.m. Friday, April 29, at City Park, located across the street from Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. Plans include a golden shovel planting of five sabal palm trees and a walk to city hall to update the city’s Tree City USA recognition sign with a sticker commemorating 11 years involvement in the program. The Tree City USA program provides communities with a four-step framework to maintain and grow tree canopy. Arbor Day turns 150 years old this year, as the first Arbor Day was planted in American culture in 1872 by dendrophile Julius Sterling Morton, who proposed a holiday centered around planting trees to the Nebraska State Board of Agriculture. In the process, Morton coined the name “Arbor Day,” which is celebrated in all 50 states, usually on

the last Friday in April. Prior to the celebration at City Park, the Moose Lodge No. 2188 will spearhead a coastal cleanup, beginning at 8 a.m. at the lodge, 110 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, and ending at the park, according to Moose cleanup coordinator Peg Miller. For more, go to cityofbradentonbeach.com

Cruise into bay waters A couple paddles a tandem kayak April 20 under the humpback bridge on north Bay Boulevard in Anna maria through the lake laVista inlet to tampa Bay. islander Photo: ryan Paice

HB set to plant palm tree for Arbor Day Holmes Beach city staff will plant a cabbage palm tree at 8:30 a.m. Friday, April 29, at 34th Street Park, 3400 Sixth Ave., to celebrate National Arbor Day. Mayor Judy Titsworth will read a proclamation at the ceremony. Arbor Day is celebrated on different dates between national and state levels to optimize planting conditions, leaving some states, such as Florida, celebrating

the holiday twice a year. City staff planted a little gem magnolia tree Jan. 21 to celebrate Florida Arbor Day, with Commission Chair Carol Soustek leading the ceremony. People can learn more about the ceremony by calling or visiting city hall, 5801 Marina Drive, at 941-7085800. — ryan Paice

Celebrating Arbor Day at home? national Arbor day is observed across the country on the last friday in April — April 29 this year. the Arbor day foundation includes civic activities to mark the day and also encourages people to plant trees. the organization offers tips and a tree guide online at arborday.org.

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Daytime patrols involve speaking with beachgoers about the importance of filling in holes before they leave the beach so sea turtles don’t become trapped. People are receptive as soon as they learn their actions are for the benefit of sea turtles. Still, Clayton carries a shovel and often fills in holes. Beachgoers can call the Holmes Beach code department at 941-778-0331 if they identify a hole that needs to be filled. Also, night patrols — lighting assessments — are about to start to identify businesses or residences that might not have proper sea turtle lighting. “At night the beach goes back to the turtles,” said Clayton. Items found on the beach after dusk — chairs, umbrellas, toys and beach gear — should be moved away from the shore toward the dunes if no one is around, as these can disturb nesting sea turtles and hatchlings.

Nesting notes By Samara Paice

AMI prepares for sea turtle nesting season

Island code officers are on their marks for the start of the sea turtle nesting season. A meeting April 12 hosted by Holmes Beach code enforcement kicked off the season for the officers, who urge compliance and seek to enforce ordinances intended to protect endangered sea turtle species on island beaches. The ordinances, published on the Municipal Code Corp. website at library.municode.com/fl.in, differ by city, as do enforcement practices. The focus is on artificial lighting, which can disorient nesting females and also hatchlings, and obstacles such as beach furniture, which can disorient and trap sea turtles. Bradenton Beach Acceptable lighting is 560 nanometers or higher, typically amber, red or yellow color, Bradenton Beach code enforcement officer Ronald Peterson said April 20. Peterson said in-person assessments to ensure proper turtle lighting are conducted weekly and based on reviews of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission disorientation reports.

A loggerhead makes its way back to the gulf of mexico after nesting near the dunes at coquina Beach. islander file Photo

Holmes Beach trueValue hardware employee michelle mcrae assists with a turtle friendly lighting demonstration, as viewed through the turtle Safelight guide and viewed without the filter. islander Photos: Samara Paice

Anna Maria Anna Maria code enforcement also enforces measures to protect sea turtles May 1-Oct. 31. Nighttime beach assessments are done once per Officials in the city did not respond April 19 to an week in the southernmost island city by code enforce- email and a phone call from The Islander. ment. Meanwhile Peterson also is distributing educa- About AMITW tional material to resorts, hotels and businesses, and AMITW is a nonprofit focused on protecting sea Florida Power and Light is addressing some streetlight turtles and collecting nest and hatch data related to issues. beach renourishment on the sea turtles that are listed as threatened or endangered species in Florida. Holmes Beach AMITW is funded through a beach renourishment Patrolling the beach daily is part of a regular contract with Manatee County. schedule for Holmes Beach code compliance officer For more info, go online to islandturtlewatch.com Jayson Clayton. or call executive director Suzi Fox at 941-232-1405.

Do’s and don’ts for sea turtle nesting season the florida fish and Wildlife conservation commission recommends people follow these guidelines for sea turtle safety: • DO turn off or adjust lighting along the beachfront to prevent nesting sea turtles from becoming disoriented and moving toward the glow of light on land, instead of natural light reflecting on the surface of the water. indoor lights should be turned off, with curtains closed after dark, and outdoor lighting should be turtle-friendly bulbs. use fixtures low to the ground and shielded from view at the shoreline. • DON’T use ﬂashlights or camera ﬂashes on the beach at night. they can distract nesting sea turtles and cause them to return to the water. • DO clear the way at the end of the day. Nesting female sea turtles can become trapped, confused or impeded by gear left on the beach at night. remove cliP And SAVe.....

items such as boats, tents, rafts and beach furniture and fill in holes or level sand castles before dusk. Holes trap turtles and can injure people. call code enforcement to report unattended property or large holes on the beach. city of Anna maria code enforcement — 941-7086130, ext. 139 or ext. 129. city of Bradenton Beach code enforcement — 941-778-1005, ext. 280. city of Holmes Beach code enforcement — 941778-0331, ext. 260. report sick, injured, entangled or dead sea turtles to the fWc Wildlife Alert Hotline, at 1-888-404-3922, #fWc or *fWc on a cellphone or text tip@myfWc. com. for more information on island nesting, contact Suzi fox at suzifox@gmail.com or 941-232-1405.

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algal blooms or turbid waters,” FIU lead researcher Jennifer Rehage said in a news release. One lesson here? “Take back” unused meds rather than flush them. Some pharmacies allow disposals. So do some public safety departments. For example, the Holmes Beach Police Department accepts prescription drugs for the Take Back program 365 days a year.

By Lisa Neff

Piney Point paper A new peer-reviewed paper published in the Marine Pollution Bulletin contains findings from research into the discharge of 215 million gallons of nutrient-loaded wastewater from the Piney Point phosphate facility into Tampa Bay. The research, led by the Tampa Bay Estuary ProColor-coded chart for Sarasota Bay gram, also involved the SBEP, University of Florida, A chart from the SBeP on the health of the bay. Blue indicates healthy water quality. green indicates University of South Florida, New College of Florida and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. healthy water but monitor carefully, as one or more The scientists detailed their observations of diatom signs suggest concerns. Yellow indicates a need blooms and high levels of cyanobacteria and Karenia to investigate stressors, check for compliance with wastewater and stormwater permits and plan man- brevis, the red tide organism, following the state-authorized discharges last spring. agement actions. for red, all signs indicate water

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Time to branch out? National Arbor Day will be celebrated April 29 with ceremonial plantings at public and private properties across the country. On AMI, beautification committees will host events — at 9:30 a.m. in City Park in Bradenton Beach and at 8:30 a.m. at the 34th Street Park in Holmes Beach. Islanders are invited to attend the observances and also encouraged to plant a tree — or three — at their quality degradation. islander courtesy graphic neff properties. Improving grades I’ve my eye on an Indian hawthorn but I’m not The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program in April How will I find out? I’ll check with the Manatee sure it’s the right tree for the space. County Extension Service via email at manatee@ifas. released its latest report card on the health of the bay ecosystem. ufl.edu. SBEP measured nitrogen, macroalgae, seagrass meadows and more for its assessment, which showed Discoveries await What does a sea turtle see? A recent University of Michigan study involving overall improvement in the health of the bay. SBEP reported, “Water chemistry is on the more than 100 scientists estimated about 73,000 tree One measure to determine species exist on Earth, including about 9,200 species upswing, hopefully setting the stage for eventual seaif beachfront lighting is a probgrass recovery.” yet to be discovered. lem is to walk after dusk to the Most signs indicated good ecosystem health About two-thirds of all known species occur in water’s edge, crouch low near the overall for Palma Sola, Sarasota and Roberts bays but tropical and subtropical moist forests. waterline and look landward. Subtropical and tropical dry forests likely hold some lingering impacts from red tides, Piney Point If you see light, a sea high numbers of undiscovered species, according to discharges and Hurricane Irma. turtle also might see the glow. However, seagrass coverage baywide was at its the research. When female sea turtles come ashore, they lowest level in more than a decade in 2020, according have one purpose — to lay their eggs in the to the report. Pharmaceutical pollution sand. How does this line up with the positives in the A study involving Florida International University They typically aren’t looking around but they health report? “There is a delay between water quality and the Bonefi sh and Tarpon Trust examined the level do feel their way with their flippers, seeking the of pharmaceutical contaminants in the blood and tissue and seagrass recovery,” SBEP stated. “If water quality right texture and temperature in the sand for their continues to improve in coming years, we hope to see of bonefish. eggs. Contaminants, which can originate from human seagrass meadows recover.” Lights on land can distract the females and wastewater, included medications for blood pressure, might cause the turtle to head toward the light on depression, prostate treatment and pain, as well as anti- Getting on board land rather than the twinkle of the moon and stars Take an interest in the above information and lookbiotics. on the water. The researchers found, on average, seven pharma- ing for a way to get involved? Keep in mind, this is the only time a sea turtle The SBEP seeks members for its citizens advisory ceutical contaminants per fish and 17 contaminants in leaves the familiarity of the water. a single fish. Researchers also identified contaminants committee, which meets the first Monday of the month, And, once on land, female turtles are unaccus4:30-6:30 p.m., to discuss the issues. in shellfish. tomed to immovable objects, such as lawn chairs To inquire, email info@sarasotabay.org. “Pharmaceuticals are an invisible threat, unlike and volleyball posts, canopy poles and benches. These items are obstructions that sea turtles are incapable of maneuvering. So now that you “think like a sea turtle,” have a little respect: Keep the beach dark and clear of obstructions.

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Page 24 THE ISLANDER | islander.org APril 27, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Youth soccer kicks off, adults at midway on center pitch By Kevin P. cassidy islander reporter

The youth soccer league at the Center of Anna Maria Island kicked off its spring season April 19 with two games each in the 8-10 and 11-14 age divisions. The Gitt Team opened the season for the 8-10s with a 3-1 victory over Beach Bums behind a pair of goals from Callin Westfall and a goal from Tess Bolognone. Kason Davis helped cassidy preserve the victory with six saves between the pipes. Brandon Sato notched the lone goal for Beach Bums, which also received five saves from Camden Rudacille and Asher Patel in the loss. the gitt team’s Alex Serra carries the ball forward The second game of the evening saw Solid Rock April 19 as Beach Bum players Amelia Blunkall Construction edge Tidy MD 2-1 thanks in part to a pair and Brandon Sato attempt to take the ball during of goals from Mckenna Darak and an assist from Luke 8-10 division soccer action at the center of Anna Willing. Isaac Roadman made two saves. maria island. islander Photo: Kevin P. cassidy Kirra Quinby scored for Tidy MD, while Owen Purcell and Braelyn Curtis combined on four saves in with a 6-3 victory over Miz & Hiz Biz with goals from the loss. four players. Victor Albrecht led the way with two Shady Lady kicked off the 11-14 division action goals and three saves. Savanna Coba, Jayden Sparks and Jesse Zaccagnino each added a goal, while Jack Zaccagnino came through with four saves. A Miz & Hiz own goal completed the scoring for Shady Lady. Nixon Conner’s two goals and a goal from Cecelia Kroth paced Miz & Hiz Biz, along with an assist from Chad Nunez and six saves from Konnor Oelfke. Moss Builders cruised past HSH Designs in the last 11-14 division game of the night behind a hat trick from Jack Mattick and a pair of goals from Dominic Zupa. Mason Moss added a goal and Charlie Serra made four saves in the victory. Adult soccer season continues After four weeks of action, Moss Builders is atop the standings in the adult soccer league at the center with a perfect 4-0 record. Servis First Bank is on their heels at 3-1 record, followed by Gulfview Windows & Doors at 2-1-1.

Sato Real Estate holds down fourth at 2-2, while Shady Lady at 1-1-2 and the Gitt Team at 1-2-1 hold fifth and sixth respectively. Progressive Cabinetry at 1-3 and 0-4 Salty Printing complete the standings. Action April 21 started with Moss blowing out Sato 8-2 behind two goals each from Gerardo Urbiola and Eduardo Filipe Schlueter. Hakan Toka, Ed Moss, Greg Moss and Olaf Krause each added goals, while Ryan Moss helped out with seven saves. Damir Glavan and Will Kretzman scored a goal each to lead Sato, which also received a combined seven saves from Chris Yavalar, Kretzman and William Romberger in the loss. Gulfview Windows & Doors defeated Salty Printing 6-3 in the second match of the night. Keith Mahoney and Greg Ross scored two goals each to lead Gulfview, which also received a goal from Thomas Mangotic and six saves from Osvaldo Cabello. Kevin Roman’s hat trick paced Salty Printing, which also saw eight saves from Tuna McCracken. Shady Lady cruised past Progressive Cabinetry 7-2 behind three goals from Juan Pablo and two goals from Eric Pullen. Nate Welch and Ryan Hogan both chipped in with a goal while Jake Parsons had four saves. Michael Bolognone and Kali Richardson scored a goal each for Progressive Cabinetry, which also received six saves from Robb Marshall in the loss. The final match of the night saw Servis First Bank outscore Gitt Team 7-4 thanks to five goals from Lucky Durmaz. Rob Fellowes added a goal, an assist and five saves for Servis, which also received a goal from Yuri Pereira in the win. Matt Staggs scored two goals to lead Gitt, which also received a goal from Jessica Williams and a goal and four saves from Austin Nutting in the loss. Key Royale golf news Sixty-eight Key Royale Club golfers teed off in the April 15 “Farewell Scramble” at the Holmes Beach golf course, where two teams finished at 1-under-par 31, forcing a scorecard playoff. PleASe, See sports, neXt PAge

izzy Stasny, daughter of Bekka and outdoors reporter capt. danny Stasny, beams with pride on earning a spot to represent florida at the uSAg level 6 regional competition in myrtle Beach. izzy scored in the top 8 all-round gymnasts at the level 6 state meet to secure a spot on the team. the top eight gymnasts from the southeastern region — Al, fl, gA, lA, mS, nc, Sc, and tn — will compete may 1. izzy trains at lakewood ranch gymnastics.

If it’s Friday, they’re golfing through the wind and rain and the coronavirus pandemic, the Am i golfing? league — including some from Ami — spends fridays on the links at Pinebrook ironwood golf club in Bradenton. the group celebrated its 100th consecutive match April 15. they are Harry Ka, left, ron Hemming, dennis goehler, Joe cucculelli, don Wilson, front, dave mulligan, dale Apicelli, Johnny nye, rick Burnes, doug Bidwell, todd mcintyre, Jerry Hills and Scott ricci. Jim Sullivan and Jimmy leary are not pictured. islander courtesy Photo

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Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

Apr 27 Apr 28 Apr 29 Apr 30 May 1 May 2 May 3 May 4

11:09a 11:22a 12:12a 12:59a 12:59a 2:30a 3:21a 4:29a

HIGH

1.9 2.0 1.7 1.6 1.6 1.4 1.3 1.3

11:19p 5:01a 11:36a 11:51a 11:51a 12:31p 12:57p 1:27p

HIGH

1.8 0.5 2.2 2.3 2.3 2.5 2.6 2.6

4:32a 5:44p 5:23a 5:42a 5:42a 6:08a 6:18a 6:20a

LOW

0.3 0.2 0.7 0.9 0.9 1.1 1.2 1.2

5:02p — 6:22p 6:59p 6:59p 8:12p 8:53p 9:39p

LOW

Moon

0.5 — 0.0 -0.1 New -0.1 -0.3 -0.3 -0.3

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

April 27, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 25 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Winds, choppy waters call for shelter, changing tactics By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

With another week of strong winds and rough seas, determined anglers fishing the waters around Anna Maria Island must use their knowhow to find sheltered areas to fish. Finding the shelters is easy. The hard part is finding the areas that also hold fish. Targeting snook and redfish on shallow flats adjacent to mangrove Stasny shorelines is working well. Deeper flats, in areas where the waters are clear and not stirred up by the wind, are holding good numbers of spotted seatrout. You may also encounter Spanish mackerel, jack crevalle and ladyfish, which add balance to the bite. On days when the winds are from the east, venturing into the Gulf of Mexico is feasible. Fishing within a mile of shore is resulting in catches of Spanish mackmangrove and yellowtail snapper. erel and ladyfish, as well as cobia. Migratory species — blackfin tuna and kingfish On days when the winds are light and seas are calm, offshore fishers are venturing to depths of 100 — are being caught in areas where reefs and wrecks feet, where they are finding red grouper, as well as are present. On my Just Reel charters, I’m hiding from the wind along mangrove shorelines in Tampa Bay and its adjacent waters. Spotted seatrout action remains quite good. Limits and then some are attainable during my morning fishing trips. Mixed in are large Spanish mackerel, as well as jack crevalle and ladyfish. Snook fishing is going well. Many snook being caught are measuring 20-26 inches, as well as a few slot-size snook here and there. Capt. David White is venturing into the offshore waters in the Gulf of Mexico on days when the winds and waves are minimal. While offshore, White is finding plenty of action bottom fishing with live baits such as pinfish or shiners. Both baits are working to target red grouper, as many of these larger bottom dwellers are being reeled up from the depths. Mangrove and yellowtail snapper are reacting to live shiners combined with a bottom rig. Free-lining shiners on the surface is producing action, especially Hadleigh Baade, 15, of Charlotte, North Carolina, for blackfin tuna and kingfish. shows off her catch from an April 18 nearshore On windier days, White is fishing the shallow flats family fishing trip with Capt. Warren Girle. Using of Tampa Bay. Live shiners free-lined near mangroves shiners for bait, Hadleigh had the high hook for the is yielding snook and redfish. largest trout among numerous trout and mackerel Capt. Warren Girle is finding lots of action on All fish were released. snook and redfish while working the grass flats of sports from page 24

The team of Mary Lou Dreier, Jack and Pam Lowry and Bob Paine prevailed in the tiebreaker over Sharon and Terry Tarras, Lori Waggoner and Debi Wohlers. Jeff Wilke won the long-drive contest for the men, while Wohlers won for the women. Mark Clark won the putting contest, while Marty Clark won the chipping contest for the women and Nelson Eagle and Bill Sweeny tied for first place on the men’s side. Kathy Donnar won the closest-to-the-pin contest for the women by hitting to within 3 feet, 4 inches, while Al Waal won it for the men at 16 feet, 1 inch. Following play, members enjoyed a “build-yourown-sandwich” lunch and refreshments on the patio. The regular golf action at KRC started with the men’s modified-Stableford system match April 18. Bill DiMenna, Eric Lawson and Chas Smith tied for first place at plus-4, a point ahead of second-place finisher Larry Solberg.

. SCUBA INSTRUCTION . SCUBA BOAT CHARTERS . SCUBA AND SNORKEL GEAR RENTAL AND SALES . GUIDED BEACH DIVES

The women played their weekly nine-hole individual-low-net match in two flights April 19. Brenda Solleveld fired a 4-under-par 28 to edge Helen Pollock by one stroke and win Flight A. Jackie Gorski and Laney Davis tied for first place in Flight B with matching 1-over-par 33s. Second place was crowded, as Janet Razze, Susan VanOrsdel and Gloria LaDue tied at 3-over-par 35. Action at the club April 21 saw a nine-hole mixed scramble won by the team of Brian Comer, Maura and Newall Smith and Mike Gillie on a combined 6-under-par 26, edging second-place finishers Quentin Talbert, Larry Solberg, Tim Donnar and Tom Solosky by a stroke. Horseshoe news Three teams posted 3-0 records during pool play and settled things in a playoff April 20 at the Anna

Kyle Sprague and his dad, Doug, show off some of their April 18 catch, Kyle with a nice blackfin tuna and Doug with a red grouper. They fished about 40 miles offshore with Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters.

Tampa and Sarasota bays. Casting free-lined shiners against mangrove shorelines is working well. Areas where oyster bars are present are prime areas where Girle is finding action. Fishing deeper grass flats in open water is proving to be good for a variety of species. Spotted seatrout are being caught, as well as a mix of Spanish mackerel, ladyfish and jack crevalle. Moving into the Gulf of Mexico, Girle is patrolling the waters within a mile of shore. In these areas, Girle is spotting an occasional cobia, and instructs clients to sight cast. Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says although it’s quite late in the year for sheepshead, he’s seeing some being caught daily by pier fishers using live shrimp as bait. Most of the sheepies are on the small side, although determined anglers are catching some keepers. Other action occurring when using live shrimp as bait include some under-sized snook and over-sized redfish. Most snook catches are falling in the 20- to 24-inch range — shy of the minimum size of 28 inches. As for the reds, fish in the 30-inch class are being caught which exceeds the top end of the slot of 27 inches. Lastly, casting small, White jigs is yielding Spanish mackerel. Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org. Maria City Hall horseshoe pits. Bob Hawks and Bob Lee drew the bye into the finals and watched as Tom Farrington and Norm Good eliminated Lisa Allen and Gary Null by a 23-10 score. Farrington and Good pulled away late to secure a 21-14 victory over Hawks and Lee and earned the day’s bragging rights. Two teams advanced to the knockout stage during the April 23 games. Null and Lee teamed up and stayed perfect for the day after defeating Bob Brown and Bill Silver 23-4 to earn a trip to the winner’s circle. Play gets underway at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Anna Maria pits. Warm ups begin at 8:45 a.m. followed by random team selection. There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome. Also, for Manatee Magic news and more photos, go online to islander.org.

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Page 26 THE ISLANDER | islander.org APril 27, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

isl

biz

By Kane Kaiman

Cool espresso, Spanish ﬂare

New era of cool Cool Beans AMI — a coffee, cold beverage and CBD shop in Anna Maria — held a grand opening celebration April 20, an unofficial holiday for some consumers. The bash featured live music from the Trevor Bystrom Band and Beach Vibes, as well as an Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony. Husband-and-wife owners Ben and Morgan Bryant spent months Kaiman readying the space, 101 S. Bay Blvd., which features a gourmet Italian espresso machine and a live-edge California redwood bar. The shop, which also offers beach boutique items and local art, soft-opened Nov. 1, 2021, but it wasn’t until January that the Bryants secured permits to finish the shop. The couple also owns Live Naturally, a CBD and hemp-based products shop, 5337 Gulf Drive #200, Holmes Beach. For more on Cool Beans, visit coolbeansami.com or call 941-896-4293. ‘Art you can eat’ That’s how Chef Holvin Rosario describes paella, a versatile Spanish dish he began cooking as a boy in Puerto Rico. In 2019, Holvin founded Dali Paella, a Tampa Bay area catering service named in honor of artist Salvador Dali. ARCHIMEDES

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cool Beans Ami owner Ben Bryant holds daughter, lily, as wife and co-owner morgan prepares to cut the ribbon April 20 with representatives of the Anna maria island chamber of commerce during a grand opening celebration at the new Anna maria coffee shop at Bay Plaza. islander Photo: courtesy Amicc

It is the only company in the region offering live, And as always… …Got biz news? Contact Kane Kaiman at kane@ on-site paella service. The outfit offers more than a meal — with Rosario islander.org or call The Islander office at 941-778putting on a cooking show with varieties of the rice- 7978. and-vegetable-based dish in a large paella pan while sharing its history. And Rosario can accommodate large groups. In 2021, he broke out his largest pan to serve seafood paella at a 50-person family reunion in Holmes Beach. The family has booked him again in July. According to legend, in Medieval times, the poorer people of Valencia, Spain, gathered the leftovers from extravagant feasts and simmered them in a wide, shallow pan, thus creating paella. Holvin prepares three varieties of the dish — traditional paella Valenciana with white meat, paella marinera with seafood and a surf-and-turf combination. For more information, visit dalipaella.com or call 727-282-4412.

don’t forget… You can read it all online at islander.org

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Recently, we’ve heard/seen advertisements regarding indoor AC coil cleaning with every routine maintenance. But the “cleaner” used 99% of the time is a disinfectant that does absolutely nothing for system performance or mold remediation. Most manufacturers recommend indoor coils be cleaned only when necessary due to the corrosiveness of the chemicals required. Some manufacturers will not even recommend a cleaning due to the damage that will occur. In a situation where mold, mildew and other VOCs are an issue, cleaning the indoor coil will NOT give you relief or a 100% clean bill of health for your system. (Max 60-80% clean is the best possible outcome.) The only way to get a clean, efficient system after maintenance abuse is to replace the indoor coil.

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chef Holvin rosario — owner of the catering service dali Paella — plates paella in late december 2021 at a christmas party. islander courtesy Photo

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April 27, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 27 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Cortez crabbers happy with shallow catch, productive season

shells after molting. “It was kind of warm, if I remember correctly, for the start of the season, and usually that has something to do with it,” Meschelle said. Underdeveloped crabs yield “floaters,” thin-shelled claws that rise to the surface during the boiling process and weigh less, thereby commanding lower market prices. While local, small-scale crabbers enjoyed a productive year, industry giants floundered, keeping prices

high, Reeder said. “What really sets the market is supply and demand and down south they had a terrible year,” he said. “Usually, they set the price because they have the biggest fishery of all of Florida, down there in the Everglades, the Keys and everything in between. Their boats are rigged up to pull 1,200 traps in a day.” Reeder estimated that offshore crabbers earned about $22 per pound after expenses while their inshore counterparts earned about $15 per pound. Fish houses pay more for bigger claws, and the difference in earnings between offshore and inshore crabbers is related to range of jumbo, large and medium claws that comprise their catches, he said. Reeder churned a modest profit this season while Meschelle, who worked 800 traps, earned enough to break even after investing in new traps with cull rings, a feature that allows small crabs to escape. Per Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regulations, crabbers will not be allowed to use traps without escape rings after the 2022-23 season. Meschelle made his final pull in March to focus on purse seine fishing, while Reeder intends to crab up to the May 1 deadline. Despite not turning a profit, Meschelle said he hopes to keep crabbing for years to come. “The demand for stone crab, it’s a hot commodity in Florida for people visiting,” he said. “I made an extra investment into my gear this year and to still break even, that means, next year, I could do the same and then turn a profit, even in a slow year.” The stone crab fishery is one of the only sustainable protein industries in the world as crabbers harvest claws and return the crustacean to the water, where they burrow into the sandy floor in the Gulf of Mexico and regenerate their claws. Stone crab predators include horse conch, grouper, sea turtles, cobia and octopuses. The season ends May 1. So you better hurry if you want some.

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By Kane Kaiman Islander Reporter

Most of the claws were just a stone’s throw away. A stone crabbing season defined by an unusual abundance of inshore landings and high market prices will end May 1. “We haven’t had that many stone crab in Sarasota Bay for 10 years, I’d say, or more,” Jacob Reeder, who worked about 400 traps this season, said April 20. “The weird thing was, they were even up in the real shallows. Like, it was definitely a migration of crabs going somewhere,” the Cortez crabber added. Reeder reported catching about eight times the number of crabs within a mile from shore compared with a typical season. For small-scale crabbers who drop traps close to the mainland to save on fuel and time, the season was a pleasant surprise, Reeder said. “If you were out there, and you had your traps out there, you probably got yourself more than you could eat,” he said. The lifelong fisher theorized a 2021 red tide bloom that lingered into October, when the season began, created a 5-mile dead zone between productive inshore and offshore crabbing areas. “It was a little bit of an awkward year,” Cortez commercial fisher Nathan Meschelle said April 21, echoing Reeder’s sentiments. “The crabs never seemed to really come from offshore, they kind of stayed offshore 5, 6, 7, 8 miles.” “Inside the passes, that was some of the best crabbing. The grade was better and it was almost a pound (per trap) a week, and that’s something that’s kind of unheard of,” Meschelle said. Crabbers need to harvest at least one-third pound per trap to cover their expenses, the 15-year commercial fisher said. Meschelle and Reeder said they trapped an unusually high number of crabs that hadn’t filled out their

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Holmes Beach resident Mark Howard, a recreational crabber who placed nine traps this season, shows off a stone crab Dec. 25, 2021. Howard said he caught about 10-20 crabs a week, which produced many large- and jumbo-sized claws for his crab pot. Islander Photo: Courtesy Dot Howard

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Page 28 THE ISLANDER | islander.org APril 27, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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