The Islander Newspaper E-Edition Wednesday, Jan. 06, 2020 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

VOLUME

JAN. 6, 2021 fREE

NO. 11

The Best news on anna Maria Island Since 1992 astheworldterns. 6 Treehouse heads to Fla. Supreme Court. 2 Island food pantry collects $30K. 3

Opinions. 6 Privateers’ conquest. 7

10-20 YEARS AGO

Looking back. 7

Plunging into 2021. 8-9

What’s up on aMI? 10

Islander Poll. 11 Happenings

announcements. 11

2nd semester begins. 12 1st CoVID-19 vaccines go to elderly. 13

STREET MAP 16-17

Gathering.

Obituaries. 19 GoodDeeds. 19 Streetlife. 20 Meetings. 21 Manatee delegation to meet. 21 Vacated banks concern HB mayor. 22 Fueling at boat ramps revisited. 24

Walking into 2021. 25 Strange times in sports. 26 Ringing in 2021 with great fishing action. 27 CLASSIFIEDS. 28

PropertyWatch. 30

NYT puzzle.

Islander of the year for 2020

And the winner is … YOU. You win for your diligence regarding your wellness, for maintaining safety guidelines and lessening the risk for yourself and others, for caring enough to protect your family. You wore the mask, day in and day out. You maintained social distance. You sterilized, cleansed, and upheld all the mandates for safety. YOU YO OU WIn. YOU win the C COVId-19 challenge. You win Islander of the Year. Yes, you win Islander of the Year! And you! And you! And you! You — our safety-above-all-else survivors — win. We all thank you! And toasts you.

Islanders honored, remembered, 1992-2020 By Bonner Joy Islander Publisher

islander.org

The Islander takes pride in recognizing members of the Anna Maria Island community for contributions and concern for making this slice of paradise an even better place to live. Since the newspaper started in 1992, The Islander has sought to make its path by partnering with organizations and making their goals one and the same, by reporting the news of record and by telling the tales of people who live and work on AMI. If it’s not about the island or the people who live and flourish here, it’s not likely to be read here.

By the end of the first and second years of publishing, we sought a way to say thank you to the people who worked for a better island. And, in 1993, we found a worthy champion and launched an Islander-of-theYear award. The first award was presented posthumously to Cagnina for the year 1993 and the next to Ray Simches for 1994. Both served as mayors in Anna Maria. Our third Islander of the Year is still striving for a better way, better bridges — especially a low, bascule bridge replacement for the Cortez-Bradenton Beach link for island-mainland traffic. She now lives

on the mainland, but a big slice of her heart is with us in the battles we face to maintain paradise. Seldom do we recognize people whose job it is to serve the community. We look for those who give from the heart ... our Islanders of the Year:

July bradenton beach stands alone with  no mask mandate: Face masks were made mandatory in Anna Maria and Holmes Beach in late June but Bradenton Beach officials rejected resident requests for a similar city rule. Longboat Key sewage line breaks: A wastewater pipeline between Longboat Key and the mainland broke, spilling millions of gallons of raw sewage in mangroves along Sarasota Bay. Center shuts down for COVID-19: The nonprofit announced it would close for 14 days after a staff member tested positive for COVID-19 and others displayed symp-

toms of the virus. May tourist tax tumbles: Manatee County tourist tax revenue for May — collected by the government in June and reported July 1 — totaled $558,014, a drop of 48.99% from May 2019. COVID-19 cases soar ‘like a wildfire’: Manatee County reported a record 288 positive cases on one day July 3. The county ranked 11th of 67 counties for positive cases. Bridge Street ﬂips switch: The power was running from new underground lines on Bridge Street as the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency’s project to

katie Pierola, 1995: Katie Pierola had served six years as mayor of Bradenton Beach and her last term had just ended in 1995. She proved to be a bulldog at grantgetting, enacting improvements and bringing about positive change in office, and the city TuRn To IslaNDERs, PagE 4

Flashback 2020: The Islander’s Year in Review Part II

Compiled by Lisa neff Islander Editor

Many islanders embarked on the second half of 2020 masked and cautious, as COVID-19 cases soared “like a wildfire.” The pandemic dominated the news nationally and at the local level throughout the second half of the year, but the period also brought a primary and general election, a tropical storm and a tornado, a massive sewage spill on the shore of Sarasota Bay, the completion of a beach renourishment project and the full opening of the new Anna Maria City Pier. A look back at the second half of 2020.

TuRn To flashback, PagE 14

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Page 2 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 6, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Treehouse owners mount a new plea to Fla. Supreme Court By ChrisAnn Allen Islander Reporter

They are taking it to the top. Again. And not the treetops. A treehouse — built without a permit in Holmes Beach in 2011 — still has four pending lawsuits in various courts spanning nearly 10 years and the owners are attempting to move up the legal fight. “I give them a lot of credit for being persistent,” attorney Jay Daigneault, of the Trask, Daigneault, firm in Clearwater, representing the city in this case, said Dec. 30, 2020, in response to their most recent filing with the Florida Supreme Court. Owners Richard Hazen and Huong Lynn Tran filed a petition for writ of certiorari with the state’s high court Dec. 29 in another attempt to keep their treehouse from being removed by the city. The petition, an appeal, cites earlier cases that were denied hearings, stating that the 11th Circuit Court “already set itself apart” from accepting results of similar cases and “petitioners pray that this court grants their petition for writ of certiorari.” The writ requests that the Supreme Court order a lower court to send up the court record for review. Meanwhile, the city issued a code violation Dec. 29, 2020, citing the owners of the treehouse with operating an unregistered rental as part of the other four vacation rentals on the property. According to city code compliance director JT Thomas, $95,600 in fines is due to the city and must be paid for a vacation rental certificate to be viable. The issuance of a vacation rental certificate is predicated on the property owners maintaining good standing with the city. Tran and Hazen will be cited $500 per day if they continue to provide short-term rentals on the property, a vacation accommodation named Angelino’s Sea Lodge. Daigneault said they went to the Supreme Court

A jaguar and other wildlife replicas Dec. 30 decorate the treehouse built in an Australian pine tree on the beachfront by the owners of the residence and four adjacent vacation rental properties at 103 29th St., Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Allen

because it is the state’s “court of last resort.” The writ reads much like the other pro se — lacking an attorney — filings, with incomplete and jumbled statements that distort the case background. “This is largely gibberish, but this is one way to get what they want,” he said, adding that the Supreme Court has no requirement to review such cases and hears only about 2.5% of those that come before it. “The fact of the matter is that the treehouse needs to come down,” he said. “And it is going to come down at some point. The question is when.” The couple previously sought a hearing on a constitutional claim with the U.S. Supreme Court — after being denied hearings in the appeal courts after a civil court ruling on a petition for a vote by the Holmes Beach electorate was declined due to state law. The court declined to hear the case without comment. Attempts to contact Tran and Hazen Dec. 29 were unanswered.

Treehouse owner Lynn Tran pleads her case Jan. 7, 2020, before 12th Circuit at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton. Islander File Photo: ChrisAnn Allen

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Jan. 6, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 3 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Island food pantry receives $30K from county ‘CARES’ fund By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Some support for needy islanders arrived with the new year. Local officials and representatives from the Mayors Feed the Hungry program delivered a $30,000 check Dec. 31 to the Roser Food Pantry in Anna Maria after some confusion developed regarding the island’s food assistance and relief funds. Those in attendance for the presentation included Roser Food Pantry chair Jack Brennan, who accepted the donation, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy, former Manatee County Commissioner Betsy Benac and Mayors Feed the Hungry chair Joel Swallow. “We plan to continue the Sponsored Food Recipient Program more aggressively,” Brennan said in a Dec. 31 interview with The Islander. “Anyone that we can conceive of that has been affected negatively by COVID-19, we’re going to provide food assistance.” He said the $30,000 donation should help the pantry support needy islanders through July. “It feels really good,” Brennan said. “Anyone that thinks of this island thinks in terms of affluence, but in reality, there are a lot of people in need.” Mayors Feed the Hungry program also donated $3,000 to All Island Denominations, the organization of island churches that supports the pantry and also provides assistance to needy islanders. The donations were funded through the U.S. Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, which sent $70 million in federal relief to the county. County commissioners agreed in November 2020 to designate $150,000 in CARES Act funds for the Mayors Feed the Hungry program, with the county’s municipalities fronting $25,000 each — to be reimbursed by the county. Island officials expressed concerns about the distribution of funding, saying the Mayors Feed the Hungry partners lacked island-based organizations. Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy asked program

Mayors Feed the Hungry representatives stand with Roser Food Pantry chair Jack Brennan, second from left, who holds a $30,000 check Dec. 31, 2020, funded by the CARES Act. From left, AID president Cornelia Zanetti, Brennan, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy, Mt. Carmel Resource Center director Shirley Pearson, former Manatee County Commissioner Betsy Benac, Mayors Feed the Hungry chair Joel Swallow and Fran Maxon Real Estate co-owner Rich Bell. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

director Scott Biehler to send a portion of the $75,000 funding earmarked for the island cities to the Roser pantry and AID, since both help islanders. County commissioners then reversed course, granting $450,000 in CARES Act funding directly to the Mayors Feed the Hungry program — a decision that seemingly left the island without relief funds. However, Swallow said Dec. 31 that Benac helped secure funding for the island during her final days as a commissioner. “It’s not easy to get that money out in a short amount of time,” Benac said. “It really takes a lot of legwork. …But we got it done. So we’re really pleased to see that money go to the communities where it needs to go.” Murphy told The Islander he was satisfied with the

reallocation. “I thought it would be good to channel some of those funds out here to Anna Maria,” he said. “I’m just real pleased we were able to accomplish that.” “This is a great boon, not only for the food pantry but also for All Island Denominations,” he added. “Both of those agencies do a tremendous job of helping the people that are here in this community out here on the island.”

To get help

For more information about the Roser Food Pantry, go to roserchurch.com or call Roser at 941-778-0414. Roser is at 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. For more information about AID, contact the office or administrator of any of the island churches.

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Pierola

Adams

Joey and Chuck Lester

Kronus

Fox

Norwood

Martini Kenricks

Lannon

champion at it, so much so that we selected her the underwent a renaissance under her command. Islander of the Year for 2001. for our island. The Privateers gave him many reasons She embodied the definition of a public servant The Anna Maria Island Historical Society, its to return — and hope. in caring, tireless efforts to improve her city and the museum and the preservation of the old jail and Belle The Privateers also came to the rescue with Hurisland. Haven Cottage all are thanks to her vision. ricane Katrina relief, collecting needed items and transPierola fought to achieve the first beach renourishporting them to Tampa. ment program for the island and led the first round of Billie Martini, 2002: Billie Martini was just Next, the Privateers managed a memorial scholarthe battles to prevent a proposed megabridge to replace our cup of tea. She exemplified the charm and charac- ship fund for an island teen killed in a car crash. The the Cortez Bridge — both in the late 1980s. ter of the island. fund for Bridget Miller was a great addition to the Martini came to AMI in 1944, residing 16 years in many youth scholarships the Privateers award every Willis Howard “Snooks” Adams, Bradenton Beach before settling in Holmes Beach. year. 1996: Adams was born April 24, 1917, to settlers of She held various jobs, including post office clerk, They hosted the annual Snooks Adams Kids Day, Cortez and spent much of his life on the island as a bookkeeper for the water company and teacher’s aide “thieves markets” in season, blood drives, Fourth of police chief who used common sense as his guide. at AME. She retired and rose to president of the grass- July and Christmas parades and many “captures” and He was a friend to local children, having started in roots effort that became Save Anna Maria Inc. visits to almost every event where their presence is 1954 an end-of-school party, celebrated now as Snooks She was elected to the Holmes Beach City Com- requested. Adams Kids Day. mission in 1993 for a two-year term, on the promise They did all this and more — despite the death of In 1952, Bradenton Beach incorporated and Adams to be a voice for the people on the commission. their president, Greg “Shiprek” Davidson. became first assistant chief, then chief of police. She sought recreational opportunities for residents, Dick Cline, who also died in 2005, aided him, He is credited with helping set up the first Veterans including a public swimming pool. Although that pur- working behind the scenes. of Foreign Wars post and was commander three times suit did not see reality — there is now a skate park, In spite of their losses, the Privateers continued to during the 1950s. children’s gym and other amenities at the site adjacent do great things. In 1956, Adams went to work for the Manatee to city hall. The stated mission of the Anna Maria Island PriCounty Sheriff’s Office. “My job was to take care of Her finest achievement was the realization of the vateers is “Pirates for children and community.” the island,” he said. Grassy Point Preserve, fronting on Anna Maria Sound They fulfill their mission and more, and we are all From 1962-78, Adams was chief of police in in the 3600 block of East Bay Drive (opposite Wal- better for it. Holmes Beach. greens). Another achievement to her credit is the play pavilPete Lannon, 2006: If there was one person Charles and Jo Ann Lester, 1997: ion at AME. Martini envisioned the sheltered area and who touched the fabric of life that brought out the best Charles Lester and Jo Ann Lester came from Wiscon- donated the funding to make it a reality. in the island community in 2006, it was Pete Lannon. sin, fell in love with the island and, along with it, the He went far beyond his calling as a Holmes Beach Anna Maria Island Community Center, now the Center Ilona and Jeff Kenrick, 2003: Ilona and community resource officer to become a mentor for our of Anna Maria Island. They put their money where Jeff Kenrick were Islanders of the year for 2003. children, a confidant for those in need and a friendly their hearts are — here and in Wisconsin. The Holmes Beach couple led an anonymous foun- face that even island visitors came to know as they For this, and for the foresight to establish an dation that gave international aid amounting to about passed AME, where Lannon was a fixture as a crossing endowment fund for the center, for their altruistic, $1 million a year. The foundation’s mission was to guard for more than five years. unselfish willingness to put themselves at the fore- “make contributions for religious, educational, chariHe fought cancer and eventually lost. ground of a major fundraising campaign for the center, table and scientific purposes.” He is still missed by many, but the anti-drug prowe honored them as 1997 Islanders of the year. The Kenricks carried out the mission and created a gram he taught at AME and his ideals live on. His charlocal event that combined donations for a blood bank acter traits are heralded at the entrance to the school, Jim Kronus, 1998: Jim Kronus, retiring in with a reward for blood donors, a cash payout to the Lannon Way. January 1999 after 25 years as Anna Maria Island blood donor’s choice of four island charities. Elementary principal, was named 1998 Islander of It was a win-win for everyone — although it no Christine Olson, 2007: Christine Olson’s the Year. longer is held — and we thank them for their positive 22-year-old daughter Tiffiany died in 2005 in a motorHe also was honored with his name on the school impact. cycle crash, after which O lson sought to connect auditorium. Twenty-five years worth of admiring stupeople in emergency situations with loved ones and dents, their parents, family and former and current staff Jeff Croley, 2004: Jeff Croley of Holmes family members who “need to know.” honored him at that event. Beach symbolized all the good qualities we could The quest led her to our office and then-state Rep. ask for in a volunteer — and he symbolized for Anna Bill Galvano, who just retired as a state senator. Suzi Fox, 1999: With little funding to support Maria Island all the good folks who quietly went about Galvano led Olson to the Florida Department of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch, Suzi Fox organized doing anything and everything they could to aid those Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, which allowed a group of volunteers to protect sea turtles. in need after Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and contact information in the existing Driver And Vehicle A few years earlier, she took over the state permit Jeanne. Information Database and law enforcement agencies to for protecting nesting sea turtles, mostly loggerheads, Croley, who worked a condo maintenance job access information by “swiping” a driver’s license. and also their hatchlings. on Longboat Key, took vacation days to drive with a Registration was added to the DHSMV website in Beach renourishment brought funding and neces- cooler, cold drinks and a chain saw to the hurricane October 2006, and just like that, Tiffiany’s Initiative sary monitoring of turtles to AMITW and Fox, who devastated areas in East Manatee, DeSoto and Char- became reality. continues as the group’s executive director, overseeing lotte counties, looking for folks who needed aid. There are now well more than a million registered volunteers who track and monitor turtle activities on He came upon The Islander office early the first Florida emergency contact participants. the shore. morning of his good Samaritan journey looking for We thank Olson for making a difference in the a big cooler and some ice — and we were pleased to lives of many. For information or to register, visit her Nancy Ambrose, 2000: Ambrose brought oblige. website at www.toinformfamiliesfirst.org. a passion for butterflies and butterfly gardening to It was rewarding for us to know and help a truly Holmes Beach, where a peaceful retreat for butterflies selfless human being and proud islander. Florida Institute for Saltwater and people was established at city hall. Heritage, 2008: Cheers to the organization that Ambrose was later shamed with an arrest and plea Anna Maria Island Privateers, 2005: runs the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival and dediagreement after she allegedly stole from the butterfly If there is a symbol for Anna Maria Island, it is the cates the proceeds to preserving the village, including charity and the park. The park underwent a make- sword-wielding, cannon-firing, ship-riding krewe, the the Burton store, the old schoolhouse and the 90-plus over in recent years as host to the Veterans Memorial Anna Maria Island Privateers. acre preserve that provides a buffer for the village from Marker. They do good year after year, but 2005 stood out encroaching development. for the extra efforts on behalf of one unfortunate boy. Carolyne Norwood, 2001: With so many It only took a phone call to bring the Privateers Rhea and Ed Chiles, 2009: It was an honor people moving to our area daily from everywhere on and their ship to greet a boy with a failing heart on a for the island to be home to a first lady of Florida, Rhea the planet, our history was at risk of being lost in an “wish” trip to the island. And it wasn’t just a greeting Chiles, and to have her return after the death of Gov. avalanche of new faces, homes, businesses, things to for little Tyler and his siblings and parents. They were Lawton Chiles. do and see. treated to a tour aboard ship, escorted to dinner and AMI embraced Rhea. Little did we know she would The keeper of the island’s history became Caro- made honorary Privateers. bring with her culture, education, arts and artists, and a lyne Norwood, who died in 2020. She set out on a It was a selfless and remarkable gesture that sym- sense of nature and the beauty around us — the Studio quest to preserve our history and we think she was a bolized hope for Tyler and filled his heart with love at Gulf and Pine. islanders continued from page 1

Jan. 6, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 5 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

olson

Croley

FISH

geyer

Ed Chiles Rhea Chiles

Leckie

aubry

The Privateers

own soft-hearted generosity. You may never know who gave to a needy person or a cause, but it often was Ernie. HurriCane irma resPonders, 2017: For 2017, we recognized the people who made a safe Bystrom Musil-Buehler Casali Ed Straight Irma responders return to the island possible after the evacuation for gail Straight Hurricane Irma. Combined with the generosity and vision of son almost 1,500 bags of food and gift cards for fresh We saw damage but not devastation from the Ed Chiles, owner of a trio of landmark restaurants foods. storm, and our “hurricane heroes” kept order, soothed on Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, we have a Leckie and her volunteers proved they are among and swayed our fears and led us back home. legacy for the future. the best of the best by coming to the aid with groceries for employees of the Rod & Reel Pier after a fire vern mCgoWin, 2018: And for 2018, servtHe geyers, 2010: The Geyer family was our closed the Anna Maria restaurant. ing among the heroes in law enforcement with grace, 2010 Islanders of the Year. You may have known Pat embracing our children in his duties at AME and Geyer as mayor or commissioner and, for many years, gene aubry, 2013: Former Anna Maria Com- always putting a caring manner behind the badge, there islanders loved her as Miss Duffy. missioner Gene Aubry is a renaissance man, empow- is Holmes Beach Police Sgt. Vern McGowin. Patricia A. Geyer, proprietress of Duffy’s Tavern, ered with seemingly limitless knowledge, embracing He was off to relish a much-deserved retirement died May 1, 2010, at age 79, but she is remembered. a sort of great thinking. and an adventure that put family first. She served 18 years on the city commission and He stepped up to serve the city — many times. We celebrate Vern and wish him well. was elected mayor from 1990-94. If you haven’t heard him play guitar, you may not Her daughters — and now their families — con- recognize his range of talent. If you don’t know of his WildliFe inC. , ed and gail straigHt, tributed to community events, fundraisers and the many architectural achievements, you might doubt this 2019: Who you gonna call with a wildlife emerfamily business. Geyer gave her family and the island quiet man had reached such heights. If you don’t know gency? a great gift of traditions. of his art — the simple, fine lines and subtle colors that Ask an animal-, bird-, wildlife-lover and the Miss Duffy earned many accolades, but surely capture moments in time like no photograph could — answer comes readily: Wildlife Inc. none pleased her more than the simple appreciation you may not appreciate his refined taste. Gail or Ed Straight are founders and directors of for her family, political service and burgers. He may no longer serve in city government, but Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, based in their For those reasons, the Geyers were our choice for he isn’t giving up. Surrender is not in his character. home in Bradenton Beach since 1987. Islanders of the year 2010. Ed Straight, president and former Bradenton Jeannie bystrom, 2014: For 2014, we hon- Beach commissioner, a retired law enforcement offitHe Privateers, 2011: The Privateers are ored the effort of one woman — Jeannie Bystrom — to cer, started rescuing animals in need as a hobby. our only repeat winner. make a difference by not only saving seabirds day after The Straights now manage thousands of rescued They brought revelry and excitement during their day, freeing them from fishing line entanglement and birds and animals yearly, from laughing gulls and owls 40th anniversary year under the leadership of Roger other hazards encountered in their habitat, but more so to Key deer, otters and many more, caring for their “Hoodat” Murphree. The captures at city halls were for pushing for better education and regulations to pro- injuries or nursing them when they’re abandoned and lifetime adventures for the city officials, some who tect wildlife and our valuable environmental assets. returning them to the wild whenever possible. found themselves shackled to the mast on the SkulThanks to you, Gail and Ed, and to all the Islanders sabine musil-bueHler, 2015: As we of the Year who came before you. lywag with ransom to be paid. It was a very good year for the Privateers, a crew searched for the person who made a difference in our Thanks to our two-time winners, the island’s krewe, that proved worth its weight in gold — raising more lives in 2015, we came to realize the value of lessons the Anna Maria Island Privateers, as they embark on than $40,000 for college scholarships — and continu- learned from the loss of Sabine Musil-Buehler and for 2021’s Golden Jubilee — a 50-year anniversary. ing service and entertainment on the island. the closure she provided from her final resting place Here’s to a safe new year for us all. on the beach. Arrrrrgh! Here’s to 40-plus years of Privateers. Which brings us to this year and you. We pledged to honor her memory with the final You — the person who has diligently worn your Pam leCkie, 2012: On to 2012, and we came sunset of the year. life-saving mask, repeatedly washed your hands and to recognize a crusade of sorts by one woman to fill sanitized and, especially, respected other people’s need ernie Casali, 2016: In 2016, we recognized for personal space by social distancing for most of the island pantry, the Roser Food Pantry. The food pantry and its chair at the time, Pam a grand figure in Moose International and at our local the past nine months in order to protect yourself and Leckie, literally brought the pantry out of a church lodge in Bradenton Beach, Ernie Casali. others, your family and the strangers you encounter, He made a difference for the lodge over the course as you go about your essential business. closet to a place of its own, where the pantry grew in its assistance to islanders. of years as its manager and in the daily lives of people “THANK YOU ALL.” — Bonner Joy In 2012, Leckie and other volunteers distributed he helped — both through the Moose and through his

#AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether

Page 6 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 6, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Opinion

Our

looking into the light

Ask anyone who knows me well, and they’ll tell you I love the Blues Brothers. I love the music and the 1980s movie. Chicago blues runs through my veins along with lots of other music, like Jimmy Cliff, Meatloaf, the Stones and the Allman Brothers, Doc Watson and Muddy Waters, along with big-band singer Keely Smith, my father’s lifelong friend, to mention only a few. But the “Blues Brothers” scene where Jake and Elwood (John Belushi and Dan Akroyd), desperately looking for a path to save the orphanage where they lived as youths and wind up in a gospel church, the Triple Rock, with the Rev. Cleophus (James Brown) James — preaching about lost, anguished souls seeking a divine light — comes quickly to the forefront in my mind when I hear current discussions about the light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel. The choir sings ... Alleluia. Alleluia.... and Jake is bathed in light as the Rev. James cries out to the congregation and the pair at the back of the church hall, “Do you see the light? Do you see the light?” The music crescendos. Brown points to Jake and Elwood: “Have you seeeeeeen the light?” Jake is glowing ... literally glowing blue. Elwood asks, “What light?” And Jake responds, “Yes. Yes. Jesus H. Tap-Dancing Christ. I have seen the light! (pause) The band.” The brothers careen through Chicago, gathering up their band of blues musicians, split by a respite while Jake did jail time at Joliet State Prison. They’ve traded their Cadillac for a microphone and they’re on a “mission from God.” And, yes, the band of blues stars is booked into a huge venue that raises the $5,000 they need to pay the Chicago taxman and save the orphanage. The rest is movie history. But that light. The music. That moment. (Jake somersaults in the church aisle.) That’s what I’m thinking when the TV pundits and people on the street talk about the light at the end of the pandemic. If we’re to make a better year of 2021 — to vanquish the fear, hard times, sickness, business closures and failures, to honor the people who suffered and died — we have to fight the spread of coronavirus. We have to get in line for the vaccine, and you’re welcome to stand right behind me. The vaccine is our light. The vaccine. And honest, moral and ethical leadership will guide us. The future is bright. — Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

JAN. 6, 2021 • Vol. 29, No. 11 ▼ ▼

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Publisher and Co-editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org Editorial Editor Lisa neff, lisa@islander.org Chrisann allen, chrisann@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org Jack Elka, jack@jackelka.com amy V.T. Moriarty, amym@islander.org Ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org Contributors Johann Bertram Karen Riley-Love Capt. Danny Stasny, fish@islander.org 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

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Your

2020’s top 10 on the web

What were people reading on islander.org in 2020? Many readers sought out news about the novel coronavirus, with local stories about the pandemic and related precautions generating the most interest — and clicks — from mid-March through the year’s end. But The Islander’s most-read story on islander. org — by thousands of clicks — was a report about the threat of Tropical Storm Eta in November. Here’s glance at our top web stories in 2020: 1. Warning issued for anna maria island as eta advances: “The storm could bring “impacts from rain, wind and storm surge” and interests in the region should monitor Eta’s progress.” A November post. 2. Covid-19 closings and cancellations on anna maria island: A roundup of cancellations in March due to the pandemic, which hit as spring break was about to explode on AMI. A March post. 3. spring break grinds to a halt, tourism promotions stand down: “Tourism on Anna Maria Island took a shot to the gut. … And the weeks and month ahead will be challenging.” A March post. 4. resort lounge leads to brouhaha in Holmes beach: “Bali Hai? Kiss the lounge goodbye. For now.” A March post. 5. manatee County Covid-19 cases by city, zip Code: A listing of positive case numbers in late April. A May post. 6. beach parking crackdown, ami enforcement: “Restrictions tightened in Holmes Beach as positive COVID-19 numbers continued to rise in Manatee County.” A May post. 7. island cities tackle reopening, few hitches: “COVID-19 remained in check on AMI as the first phase of the state’s plan to reopen went into effect.” A June post. 8. bradenton man critical after hit-and-run on

ami bridge: “A 61-year-old Bradenton man remained in critical condition May 1 after he was struck by a vehicle headed west across the AMI Bridge on Manatee Avenue West in Holmes Beach.” A June post. 9. Covid-19 reaches anna maria island: “COVID-19 crossed the bridge to Anna Maria Island. The Florida Department of Health reported the island’s first case of the novel coronavirus in Holmes Beach April 1.” A May post. 10. anna maria ousts 20-year tenant: “The Anna Maria City Pier is still on track for a late-February opening for anglers, but the fate of the pier’s restaurant and bait shop remains unknown as the city rejected the tenant’s lease offer.” A January post. — Lisa neff and Wayne ansell

disturbing our peace

The two dozen or so offshore racing boats that go flying up and down Anna Maria Sound and Sarasota Bay annoy a lot of people and also probably hit manatees and dolphins in the drivers’ mindless disregard for others. The boats are incredibly loud, obnoxious and destroy our peace and quiet. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the Intracoastal Waterway is owned by the federal government. The rest of the bays are owned by the state. However, because the noise affects the people in Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach, it is a violation and disturbs the peace. Both cities should have police boats sitting in the waterway with their blue lights on and ticket the thoughtless individuals and just provide us with the peace and quiet to which we are entitled. Mike Norman, Bradenton Beach P.S. It may not be illegal to drive these noisemakers in the bays, but it is illegal to disturb the peace; it also is not illegal to drive my car, but it is illegal to

Jan. 6, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 7 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Privateers launch 50th anniversary with ‘conquest’ The anna Maria Island Privateers lay claim Jan. 2 to the anna Maria City Jail, where the walls proclaim, “no Roof, no Doors, no Windows, no Bars, no guests for Yrs n’ Yrs,” at the anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum, 402 Pine ave., during the krewe’s “conquest” of the city. Islander Courtesy Photo: Kim “Syren” Boyd

10&20 years ago

In the Jan 3, 2001, issue

• The Bradenton City Council voted to annex the Perico Island property containing a marina and convenience store. An attorney for the property owners said they had no plans to sell to Arvida, which planned an 898-unit condominium project on adjacent land. • An Anna Maria resident sparked an outcry when he asked the city to remove Australian pines in the right of way at his property. The trees had caught fire during a storm. • The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage said the sale of 95 undeveloped acres east of Cortez to FISH ensured there would be no waterfront development next to the village.

In the Jan. 5, 2011, issue:

The Privateers arrive on the Skullywag to anna Maria to take over the pier Jan. 2 during a “conquest” of the city to launch the nonprofit’s 50th anniversary year. The event involved the krewe visiting attractions and businesses in anna Maria. Established in 1971, the Privateers raise money to better the lives of kids and community. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

• Anna Maria officials attended a training session to learn about public records and government in the sunshine. • A group of northwest Bradenton residents wanted a state review of a county comp plan amendment they said would lead to over-development, creating evacuation issues for the island. • Eat Here opened in Holmes Beach, becoming the island’s latest restaurant. Chef Gator Thomas promised a New Orleans influence at the restaurant in the space formerly occupied by Melinda’s Cafe. • The Anna Maria Island Privateers were collecting fishing gear — new and used — to repair as needed and distribute to kids to encourage the outdoors sport. — Lisa neff

Visit www.islander.org for the best news on AMI.

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Page 8 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 6, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

C’mon in! The water’s ﬁne for a plunge — and some charity

new Year’s celebrants splash Jan. 1 into the gulf of Mexico for the 13th annual Shamrock Shiver. The charity event hosted by Clancy’s Irish Sports Pub, 6218 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, has raised more than $273,500 over the years. Islander Photos: amy V.T. Moriarty By amy V.T. Moriarty Islander Reporter

Running headlong into the Gulf of Mexico was a great way to start 2021. Nearly 100 people thought so, anyway, as they gathered Jan. 1 on the shore at Cortez Beach, between Fourth and Twelfth streets south along Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach, for Clancy’s 13th annual Shamrock Shiver. Though the noon sky was clear and the temperature on the beach 82 degrees, plunger James Lightfoot of Bradenton said the water was cold. “This is the first time I did this, and the water was cold, but I’m glad I did it,” Lightfoot said after emerging from the Gulf. NOAA’s water temperature table for the Gulf of Mexico put the temp at about 65 degrees. Lightfoot, dressed as Ace Ventura, was one of more than a dozen people to dress in costume for a crowd-judged contest. What got the most laughs and love from the crowd?

Place portrait photo here

A group of friends donning costumes and holding signs that expressed their opinion of 2020. Mark Gritz wore an inflatable poop emoji costume while his wife, Patty, was made up as a bottle of hand sanitizer and friends Robert Nott and Shona LaBaff wore giant rolls of toilet paper with messages. Barry Hopkins dressed as a chicken and laid (dropped) yellow plastic eggs on the beach to the delight of onlookers. His wife, RuthAnn, arrived as Superwoman “to save the day.” Other costumed plungers taking part in the contest were dinosaurs, a man in a hospital gown open in back to reveal a fake tush and some hula dancers. The plunge began in 2009 with a group of friends who frequented Clancy’s outdoor Tiki Bar and preferred to do something fun to raise money for charity as an alternative to the traditional holiday parties, Rayma Stowe said. Stowe — past proprietor of the Rod & Reel Pier — is a founding member of the event and her Bradenton restaurant and bar, Clancy’s Irish Pub and Sports Bar,

6218 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, annually sponsors and hosts the event, which includes an after-party with music, raffles and food and beverages. “It’s a fun way to start the new year,” Stowe said. “And it keeps us off the streets New Year’s Eve,” joked Lisa Pierce, Stowe’s friend and another founder of the charity event. Over the years, Clancy’s has helped raise $273,500 with the Shamrock Shiver. The Islander newspaper was a sponsor this year. The proceeds from the 2020 shiver, which Stowe estimated at more than $25,000, will be divided among four local charities: The Blessing Bags Project, Feeding Empty Little Tummies, Healthy Teens Coalition of Manatee County and Parenting Matters. Donations will be accepted until at least Jan. 8 — either at Clancy’s or online at clancysirishsportspub. com, Pierce said. For more information, go to clancysirishsportspub. com or call Stowe at 941-720-4072.

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nearly 100 people — some in costume, some in swimsuits — splash Jan. 1 in the gulf waters to raise money for charity as part of Clancy’s 13th annual Shamrock Shiver.

Barry Hopkins of Bradenton lays an egg Jan. 1 while waiting to plunge into the gulf of Mexico for the 13th annual Shamrock Shiver.

Madeline, 3, left, and mom, Karen Haacke, check out the sand before plunging into the gulf. Madeline first participated as a 3-month-old, and she’s plunged every year since. James Lightfoot, left, as ace Ventura, Superwoman Ruthann Hopkins and Barry Hopkins, the chicken, enjoy a few laughs while waiting for the plunge.

LEFT: Rayme Stowe, left, of Clancy’s Freaki-Tiki, poses with Lisa Pierce at the kickoff of the Shamrock Shiver.

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Page 10 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 6, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

The Islander Calendar ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ON AMI

Beach, and via Zoom. Information: 941-920-2505. Tuesdays into May, Anna Maria Farmers Market, City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. Information: 941-708 –6130.

Get listed in The Islander calendar. Email calendar@islander.org.

Flashback 2020

ONGOING OFF AMI Friday, Jan. 8 First Fridays, 10 a.m., Parkinson’s Support Group, Paradise 5 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Privateers capture and ribbon Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Information: 941-926cutting, Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton 6413. Beach. VIRTUAL

ONGOING ON AMI

Throughout January, Artists’ Guild Gallery exhibits “Water Monday, Jan. 11 5:30 p.m. — Mote Marine Laboratory lecture series program, Dancing,” featuring work by Susanna Spann, 5414 Marina Drive, Dr. Cindy Heil presents “Red Tide Mitigation,” via Zoom. Fee applies. Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694. Information: 941- 388-4441. Throughout January, “Love Lights,” mosaics by Donna Grossman, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. InformaGOOD TO KNOW tion: 941-778-6648. SAVE THE DATES ONGOING OFF AMI Monday, Jan. 18, Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Through June 27, 2021, “Kabuki Modern,” John and Mable Sunday, Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day. Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee Monday, Feb. 15, Presidents Day. applies. Information: 941-359-5700.

KIDS & FAMILY

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Send notices for the calendar to calendar@islander.org.

ONGOING ON AMI Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m., Movies in the Park, City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. Information: 941-708 –6130. AHEAD OFF AMI April 29-May 3, 2021, Sarasota-Manatee Originals Forks and Corks Food and Wine Festival, various locations.

COMMUNITY & CLUBS ONGOING ON AMI Thursdays, 5-8 p.m., Thursdays in Paradise art, shopping and entertainment, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941896-2222. Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island breakfast and meeting, Gulf Drive Cafe, 900 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-778-1382. Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island lunch meet- Brush work for beginners ing, in-person at Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton A painting by Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island member Cory Wright, artist and teacher, who will lead a Zoom-based class on watercolor for beginners Thursday, Jan. 10. Also, AGAMI artists Karen 12 MONTHS SAME AS CASH DeLeon will teach a class on oil portraits Jan. 11 and LuAnn Widergren provides instruction in oil painting Jan. 17. Additional classes and details can Call Greg Cobb. Project be found at amiartistsguildgallery.com. For more Manager / Island Resident information, call AGAMI’s gallery at 941-778-6694. Cell 941.999.0620 Islander Courtesy Photo Complete Sales & Service

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‘Reading’ temps: Librarian Liz Williams takes her temperature July 9, 2020, at the Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. People seeking to check out the branch library were asked to first check in at a temperature scanner. Islander File Photo: Lisa Neff

Privateers to seize BB city hall

The Anna Maria Island Privateers are celebrating a “50th Golden Jubilee” in 2021 and the nonprofit will continue the anniversary year — following the Jan. 2 capture of the city of Anna Maria — with the capture of Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie and the seizure of city hall. The event will be Friday, Jan. 8, beginning at 5 p.m. at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. An announcement said Chappie would be held for ransom. Also, the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will join the Privateers in their capture in Bradenton Beach with in a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Attendees can expect alcoholic beverages and “eats.” No details were provided regarding precautions for the coronavirus pandemic. Bradenton Beach does not require face masks, although some businesses have indoor mask policies. For more information, contact Tim “Hammer” Thompson at 941-780-1668 or email tlt_florida@ yahoo.com.

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The Anna Maria Island Historical Society museum is open Monday-Friday — 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The hours will continue through March. The museum, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, will be open 10 a.m.-1 p.m. April-December. For more information, call the museum at 941778-0492.

Island happenings

Jan. 6, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 11 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

get listed in The Islander calendar. Email calendar@islander.org.

Q&A 010621

The Islander poll

Last week’s results How often do you go to an Anna Maria Island beach? 65%, only during vacation. 47%, Not as often as I’d like 23%, Multiple times a week 17%, Several times a month 2%, I don’t go to the beach This week’s question if the island had a signature dish, it would be: Grouper sandwich Smoked mullet Grilled burger Stone crabs Key lime pie Other To take the poll, go online to islander.org.

AGAMI calls to artists ‘Onward’ in Anna Maria almost 50 people watch Disney’s “onward” Dec. 29, 2020, during the city-hosted “Movies in the Park” at City Pier Park, 101 n. Bay Blvd., anna Maria. The showing was the first time the city hosted the weekly event since the CoVID-19 pandemic began. Movies will be shown at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays until March 9. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

Maritime museum to reopen

The Florida Maritime Museum will open Tuesday, Jan. 19. The museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, shut down in March 2020 due to the outbreak of the new coronavirus, During the closure, the museum underwent a “reimagination” of permanent exhibits, according to a news release. For more information, call the museum at 941708-6120.

Kiwanis to meet Jan. 9

The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island will meet Saturday, Jan. 9, to hear from state Rep. Will Robinson, R-Bradenton. The meeting will be at 8:30 a.m. at the Gulf Drive Cafe, 900 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. The club members and guests often gather at 8 a.m. for breakfast. A notice did not address precautions due to the pandemic but previously the club required face masks. For more information, call Sandy Haas-Martens at 941-778-1383.

TERRA’S Handmade

The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island issued a call to artists to participate in an annual juried show. The show, due to the pandemic, will be held online, beginning Monday, Feb. 1. Entries will be accepted through Friday, Jan. 15, for a show that offers up to $500 for “best of show” and other prizes ranging $400-$25. To submit work, go online to amiartistsguildgallery.com. For more information, call the Artists’ Guild Gallery at 941-778-6694.

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Page 12 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 6, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

2nd semester to kick off at Anna Maria Elementary As the second semester of the 2020-21 academic year gets underway Jan. 6, Anna Maria Elementary students continue e-learning. When school began in August 2020, 54 of AME’s 202 students were e-learning. Most rejoined their classmates on campus in October at the end of the first quarter. Now two more will join them as the third quarter begins — bringing the number of on-campus students to 182, principal Jackie Featherston wrote Dec. 17 in an email to The Islander. At the end of each 2020-21 acaFeatherston demic quarter, due to the coronavirus pandemic, parents can choose to have their child attend classes virtually or in person. The next opportunity to choose will be at the end of the third quarter, March 11. Many students who continue e-learning do so for health reasons, Featherston said. When the school year started, teachers divided time between brick-and-mortar and virtual instruction,

By Amy V.T. Moriarty, amym@islander.org

but that is no longer the case. The 20 e-learning students enrolled at AME are assigned to Manatee County School District teachers devoted to virtual classrooms, the principal said. For the second semester, the district policy limiting campus access to employees and students continues, as does the policy requiring that staff and students wear face masks while “on school property, facilities, school buses and during school activities.” At its Nov. 10, 2020, meeting, the school board decided to review the policy every 90 days, with the next review Feb. 9. The last day of school for the 2020-21 academic year will be May 27. For more information about district policies, go online to manateeschools.net.

Flashback 2020

aME teacher Bridget Querrard, right, and her second-graders wear tie-dye T-shirts and shirts depicting messages of peace oct. 29, 2020, during Red Ribbon Week at the school. Islander Courtesy Photo: aME/ Lynne McDonough anna Maria Elementary first-graders practice handwriting aug. 20, 2020, in Sandra Fisher’s classroom. Students, teachers and staff must wear face coverings. Islander File Photo

Flashback 2020

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AME Calendar

• Wednesday, Jan. 6, second semester. • Tuesday, Jan. 12, 5:45 p.m., School District of Manatee County board meeting, 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. • Wednesday, Jan. 13, 9 a.m., PTO board meeting, via Zoom. • Monday, Jan. 18, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday, no school. • Tuesday, Jan. 26, 5:45 p.m., school board meeting, 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. • Monday, Feb. 1, 4 p.m., PTO member meeting, via Zoom. Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the school at 941708-5525.

academic achievements

The Islander welcomes announcements of scholastic achievements. Share honors, stories and photographs by emailing news@islander.org.

anna Maria Elementary first-grade teacher Sandra Fisher wears a face shield, face covering and eyeglasses aug. 13, 2020, during her virtual backto-school message to students. Islander File Photo: Courtesy aME

Flashback 2020 aME media specialist Lynne McDonough scans a book through a plexiglass screen oct. 16, 2020. Islander File Photo: Courtesy aME

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1st COVId-19 vaccines given to elderly, health care workers By Chrisann allen Islander Reporter

The line is long. Since the first case of the novel coronavirus was documented March 1 in Manatee County, people have anticipated a vaccine. For some, the anticipation ended Dec. 30, but for many, many more, the wait continues. Vaccine distribution for those over age 65 started Dec. 30 at the Manatee County Public Safety Center, 2101 47th Terrace E., Bradenton, as people flooded the online registration portal for appointments. The vaccine drive-thru expanded to Bennett Park, 400 Cypress Creek Blvd., Bradenton, Jan. 1-4 and online appointments at the park quickly “sold out.” “‘Operation Warp Speed,’ we are happy to announce today, has arrived in Manatee County,” Nicholas Azzara, county information outreach manager, said Dec. 29 of the federally funded vaccination program during a news conference held via Zoom and attended by nearly 300 people. Azzara, along with James Crutchfield, county chief of emergency medical services; Steve Litschauer, county emergency management chief; and Dr. Jennifer Bencie, DOH-Manatee officer, provided details on the availability of vaccinations. Bencie said the first 192 doses of the Pfizer pharmaceutical vaccinations for the novel coronavirus —

a process requiring 21 days until the second dose is administered — were issued Dec. 22 to health care providers and others on the frontline. She said 3,500 doses of the Moderna vaccine, which requires a second dose after 28 days, were issued Dec. 28 to the county for the 65 and older population. However, more than 100,000 people in the county meet that criteria. “More vaccine will be coming,” she said. “As we use the vaccine, more vaccine will be arriving.” People who managed to get one of the first 300 reservations for the vaccine online were told to bring a completed consent form, registration ticket and valid identification to the vaccination site. Bencie also said nonresidents could receive the vaccination if they will be available 28 days later for the second dose. “Yes, there are no residency requirements,” Crutchfield confirmed. “We just ask that you come back in the time frame to receive your second dose.” Litschauer said people must ensure a reservation and “honor their time slot.” “That’s the most important thing,” he said. “That will greatly enhance the speed of the process.” As of Dec. 30, the state had received 367,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine, following emergencyuse authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Getting an appointment

“operation Warp Speed” rolled into Manatee County Dec. 30, 2020. Islander Courtesy graphic

Manatee County will announce additional dates, locations and online appointment availability for vaccines Mondays at 2 p.m., as additional vaccination medicines become available. Check the county’s social media for details, as well as the county website at www.mymanatee.org.

Doses of the Moderna vaccine were distributed to 226 hospital locations that did not receive the first allocation of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. A report of vaccine administration is available at floridahealthcovid19.gov. Covid-19 in manatee After the first case of the virus was reported in March, COVID-19 spiked in Manatee County in late July, with 9% of people testing positive. There was a decline in cases in late August and September, but positive test rates again climbed in October, escalating through December, exceeding 9% as of Dec. 30. Between Dec. 25-30, 767 new cases of COVID-19 were reported by the DOH-Manatee County. As of Dec. 30, 129 people in Holmes Beach, 58 people in Bradenton Beach and 38 people in Anna Maria had tested positive for COVID-19 since the first county case in March. Anna Maria and Holmes Beach have face mask regulations. Bradenton Beach does not but the city offered to support businesses that request people wear masks. According to metrics provided by the DOH, as of Dec. 30, 22,747 people tested positive for the virus in Manatee County, with 422 fatalities and 1,098 hospitalizations. Of those testing positive, 355 were nonresidents.

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Page 14 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 6, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Flashback 2020

Masked employees at Poppo’s Taqueria, 212C Pine Ave., Anna Maria, serve masked patrons July 3, 2020, in compliance with a city mandate for masks as the three-day Independence Day weekend began. Islander File Photo: Ryan Paice

flashback continued from page 1

bury utility lines neared completion. Islander reporter   dies at 66: Islander reporter Sandra “Sandy” Elizabeth Ambrogi died. She covered business and Anna Maria Elementary and wrote about the island life with passion. County revises rental rules: County officials updated the vacation rental plan, adding occupancy limits and allowing international travel except from countries gripped by COVID-19. Holmes Beach establishes parking zone: Holmes Beach commissioners approved 3-2 the final ordinance creating a “parking-by-permit-only zone.” County mandates masks: County commissioners voted to require people wear coverings inside businesses. Reggie Bellamy, Betsy Benac, Misty Servia and Carol Whitmore voted for the resolution. The vote came in the final week of the fifth month of the outbreak in the United States. Anna Maria jilts Ugly Grouper: Anna Maria commissioners voted 3-2 to 86 the negotiations with the Ugly Grouper for the vacant restaurant and bait shop on the new city pier,. August Center finishes  fiscal  year  in  black: COVID-19 didn’t stop the Center of Anna Maria Island from finishing a third consecutive fiscal year in the black. The nonprofit finished 2019-20 with $8,761 in net income. Anna Maria commissioner resigns: Commissioner Amy Tripp announced her resignation in an email to Mayor Dan Murphy: “I am resigning from my seat as a city commissioner in Anna Maria at the end of August. Alan and I will be moving to Black Mountain, North Carolina, at the beginning of September.” State closes Bridge Street bar: The Drift In in Bradenton Beach was closed for the third time since the coronavirus began spreading. Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation forced the bar to close but did not disclose why. June tourist tax revenues below 2019: Tourist tax revenues in the county began an ascent in June, as “safer at home” restrictions eased and summer travels began, but revenues remained behind June 2019 levels. Most AME students return to classrooms: Anna Maria Elementary opened for classes as teachers and kids embarked on the 2020-21 school year either in-person or remotely. There were 195 AME students in kindergarten through fifth-grade. Former Bradenton Beach Mayor Shearon remembered: Former Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon died Aug. 20. He became a member of the city planning and zoning board, then the city commission 2004-07, before serving as mayor 2013-17. Anna Maria takes in 4 bids for pier grill: Anna Maria officials opened bids to operate the takeout grill and bait shop on the new pier. Intrastate travel drives tourism: Research Data Services provided a visitor profile to the Manatee County Tourist Development Council. The profile included demographics and other details about visitors in June, including from where they arrived, lodging location, length of stay and economic impact in the fourth month of the coronavirus in the United States. AM commission puts kibosh on   Bayfest: Due to the pandemic, Anna Maria commissioners voted to retract approval of an event permit for the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce to host its 20th annual Bayfest celebration on Pine Avenue in October. Anna Maria implements impact fees: Anna Maria commissioners voted 5-0 for an ordinance implementing impact fees to fund improvements to public parks, recreation and roads. Sea turtle hatching peaks: It was peak season for scampering sea turtle hatchlings. At the end of August, 249 nests had hatched in a “nursery” area near White Avenue and Peppertree Lane.

A sailboat wedged between the pier and the floating dock at the Historic Bridge Street Pier draws attention Nov. 12, 2020. Islander File Photo: Lisa Neff

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy, right, presents Commissioner Amy Tripp with a plaque and a key to the city Aug. 13, 2020, during Tripp’s final commission meeting before moving to North Carolina. Islander File Photo: LeAnne Addy

from Anna Maria commissioners to negotiate a lease to operate a grill and bait shop on the new pier. July tourist tax collection tops prior years: Tourist tax revenue for July totaled $1,620,700. In July 2019, the tax revenue was $1,398,555, resulting in an increase of 15.88% from July 2019 to July 2020. Wildlife Inc. stars on A&E: An island wildlife rescue cooed, hooted and bleated its way onto TV. Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center Inc. appeared on A&E’s “Live Rescue” and they may return to the TV screen. Holmes Beach extends mask mandate: Holmes Beach commissioners unanimously approved an emergency ordinance extending the city’s face covering mandate until the first regular meeting in 2021, which is Jan. 12. Cortez megabridge challengers offer settlement: Opponents of the planned megabridge on Cortez Road extended a 35-foot olive branch to the Florida Department of Transportation and offered a settlement: Support for a 35-foot-clearance drawbridge. County  extends face mask mandate: Manatee County credited mandated masks for lowering the curve of new virus cases. Commissioners extended a state of emergency, as well as an emergency resolution mandating masks. FISH   opposes megabridge: Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage members submitted a letter to the U.S. District Court supporting a settlement offer with the Florida Department of Transportation asking for a 35-foot-clearance drawbridge rather than September a 65-foot-clearance fixed span. Pine Avenue group to run pier grill: A coaliGov. launches phase 3: Gov. Ron DeSantis issued tion of three Pine Avenue businesses won approval an executive order moving the state into phase 3, lift-

ing the 50% indoor seating capacity established during phase 1 and allowing bars and restaurants to open at full capacity. The order also suspended the “collection of fines and penalties associated with COVID-19,” effectively knocking out the enforcement teeth of coronavirus-related municipal and county regulations. Pandemic concerns clear  community calendar: Many islanders who “streamed” and “Zoomed” through spring and summer had to continue with home-based, remote-centric entertainment through the fall despite the governor’s reopening of the state. County repeals mask mandate: County commissioners voted 4-3 to rescind and repeal the mandate that required people to wear face masks because the governor eliminated enforcement tools. The move left Bradenton Beach uncovered. October Longboat Key faces $240k fine for spill: The Florida Department of Environmental Protection said Longboat key should either pay a $262,652 fine or create an environmental enhancement project of greater value for a massive sewage spill in Sarasota Bay. August tourist tax collection tops 2019: Tourist tax revenue in the dog days of August didn’t go to the dogs. Tax revenue for the month totaled $1,185,704, an increase of 30.33% compared with August 2019. FISH cancels festival: Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage board members agreed to cancel their 2021 festival due to the pandemic. School district maintains mask mandate: A Manatee County School District mandate for students and staff to wear face masks remained in place, including at AME. Couple found dead in apartment: Law enforcement officers began an investigation Oct. 17 at a triplex in Bradenton Beach, where Sabrina Dumdei, 37, and Zachary Winton, 34, were found dead. Bradenton Beach Police Detective Sgt. Lenard Diaz called the case a “probable murder-suicide.” please, see flashback, next page

Jan. 6, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 15 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Flashback 2020

Birgit Kremer, aMITW volunteer, looks on Sept. 2, 2020, while volunteer Hans Duerr reaches into a cavity to collect data from a green sea turtle nest at the nest nursery in anna Maria. Islander File Photo: Courtesy aMITW

FlAShBACK ConTInuED FRoM PagE 14

Parking ﬁne hike approved: Holmes Beach commissioners reached consensus on an ordinance to increase parking fines in Holmes Beach. stone crab season launches: Florida’s 2020-21 stone crab season began with modest hauls for Cortez crabbers. Last nests close to hatch date: Sea turtle nesting season on Anna Maria Island was all but over. As of Oct. 16, two nests in the nursery remained to hatch and 20,174 hatchlings had made their way to the Gulf of Mexico. bbPd chief announces retirement: “It was just time,” Bradenton Beach Police Chief Sam Speciale told The Islander after publicly announcing his plans for retirement. november ame reports 1st case of virus: A fifth-grade student at AME tested positive for the novel coronavirus, the school’s first reported case. Five other people, including a teacher, were identified as direct exposures. rash retains seat, Christenson elected: After the votes were tallied Nov. 3, incumbent Holmes Beach Commissioner Kim Rash was reelected and Jayne Christenson was voted in. Pat Morton, who served 17 years on the city commission, was not reelected. Rick Hurst lost his second bid for election since serving as a commissioner 2017-19. Presidential bout on ami: Democratic challenger Joe Biden was declared the winner of the presidential race but he didn’t win the popular vote on the island. In Anna Maria, he polled 45.7% to Donald Trump’s 54%. In Holmes Beach precincts, Trump had 60% and 57%. In Bradenton Beach, the vote was Trump, 56.7%; Biden, 42%. mPo sets new bridges as   priorities: The Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization voted to approve a list of legislative priorities that included replacing the Anna Maria Island and Cortez bridges. BB Cra launches tram: The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency’s tram was up and running, operating seven days a week. 1 dead in ts eta deluge on ami: Mark Mixon became a victim of Tropical Storm Eta’s tidal surge. Mixon, 65, was sandbagging a rental home in Bradenton Beach when he was electrocuted. County commissioners take oath: Three new county commissioners — George Kruse, Kevin Van Ostenbridge and James Satcher — took their oaths of office, along with incumbent Vanessa Baugh. BB renews amob  lease: The Anna Maria Oyster Bar could call the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach home for another five years. City commissioners voted to extend the concession lease through Dec. 31, 2025. anna maria commissioner details battle with COVID: Commissioner Joe Muscatello said he had tested positive for the virus and overcame COVID-19. “You don’t want it,” he said. “It was horrible. I’ve been through stage-4 cancer and this was worse. I couldn’t move for three weeks.” anna Maria cements parking reductions: City commissioners voted to approve an ordinance codifying the reduction of 88 spaces by creating prohibited parking areas along the rights of way of several roads at the city’s northern end. Storm season winds into record books: The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season ended with a recordbreaking 30 named storms and 12 landfalling storms in the continental United States. December island proprietors reap $20m-plus in recovery funds: Island businesses requested and received $20,078,036 in loans through the PPP, according to publicaccountability.org. Covid-19 vaccines administered: The first doses of the Moderna vaccinations for the novel coronavirus were administered in Manatee County to people on the front line in the pandemic. report blames lbk sewage spill on log, pipe

Holmes Beach Commissioner Pat Morton, left, rides shotgun nov. 3, 2020, with Commissioner Kim Rash in Rash’s LSV to St. Bernard Catholic Church in Holmes Beach — the city’s 2020 polling location. Islander File Photo: Chrisann allen

Manatee County Sheriff’s office crime scene investigators discuss a broken, blood-spattered chair oct. 17, 2020, on the balcony of a triplex in the 2500 block of avenue C in Bradenton Beach, where two people were found dead. Islander File Photo: Ryan Paice

corrosion: Beware the bump from the log. A report identified damages made by a log and corrosion as the likely reason for a rupture in Longboat Key’s only sewage disposal line to the mainland. tourism takes ﬂight at srQ: At a meeting of the Manatee County Tourist Development Council, Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport executive vice president Mark Stuckey reported the airport would finish 2020 stronger than it started despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

a tiki hut was tossed by a tornado across the concession area aug. 9, 2020, at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. Islander File Photo

Kathy Smart takes a phone order oct. 3, 2020, at Minnie’s Beach Cafe, where pleas on Facebook and an uptick in takeout orders helped keep them afloat. Islander File Photo

Page 16 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 6, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Page 18 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 6, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Gathering

Linda gianiotes, left, Jeanette Rothberg and Beth Bernet show their honors from Roser Memorial Community Church, where they were named “2020 exceptional volunteers.” Islander Courtesy Photo

Roser honors volunteers

Roser Memorial Community Church named three women as “2020 Exceptional Volunteers,” recognizing them as people who gave “time and talent to keep the dreams” of the church’s founders going. The honors were announced Nov. 15, 2020, during a church celebration, when the congregation chair Glenda Beck presented plaques to the winners. The honored include: • Linda Gianiotes, who grew up in Holmes Beach and started attending Roser in 1978. She helped with Bible school and Sunday school while in high school and continues to be involved in both programs as an adult. She served on the board of religious education,

Flashback 2020

• Jeanette Rothberg has been a member of Roser was a deacon for eight years, a member of the cantata choir and also is Roser’s No. 1 mixer of pancake batter for 22 years. She’s a longtime member of the chancel and handfor season of Saturday breakfasts in the fellowship bell choirs and the music committee. hall. She also served as the All Island Youth leader for 14 years, including leading a mission trip to Tennessee. She served as a deacon and has been a Stephen LEFT: The retiring Rev. Dr. Bob o’Keef and wife minister for five years, and also served on teams to Phyllis — photobombed by facilities manager select new leadership in the church. Charles Wade — accept gifts from congregants • Beth Bernet joined the church in 2004. during an aug. 13, 2020, send-off parade at Roser She and her husband raised their three children Memorial Community Church in anna Maria. attending Roser and were actively involved in all their Islander File Photo: Peggy nash church activities. Bernet served many terms on the board of religious education and has delivered gifts for Operation Christmas Child, helped prepare for the annual Bethlehem Walk and the Anna Maria Island Privateers Christmas Parade. She has been a deacon and also served on search teams for pastors and once climbed the bell tower to help install the carillon. Roser is at 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. For more information, go call 941-778-0414.

Roser sets blood drives

Tidings

Worship and events calendar

REGULAR WORSHIP

The Rev. Dirk Rodgers and his wife, Liz, visit the sanctuary at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine ave., anna Maria. Rodgers became Roser’s new pastor in the fall 2020. Islander File Photo

Monday-Friday 10 a.m. — Longboat Island Chapel, followed by fellowship, 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-383Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-4769. 6491. Thursdays 10:30 a.m. — St. Bernard. 9:30 a.m. — Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, ONLINE WORSHIP Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1638. Christ Church of Longboat Key, christchurchlbk.org. Saturdays CrossPointe Fellowship, Facebook. 4 p.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. Catholic Diocese of Venice, Spectrum cable TV. Sundays Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, Facebook. 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Facebook. 8:30 a.m. — Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Harvey Memorial Community Church, Facebook. Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. Longboat Island Chapel, longboatislandchapel.org. 9 a.m. — CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Roser Church, roserchurch.com. Beach. Information: 941-778-0719. 9:30 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. REGULAR EVENTS 10 a.m. — Roser Church. 10 a.m. — Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian USA, Wednesdays 10 a.m. — Women’s Bible study, Christ Church of LBK. 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-9006:15 p.m. — Wednesday supper, CrossPointe. 4903.

COMMUNITY CHURCH

Essential Truths WHO IS GOD?

Human beings throughout history have believed in some sort of divine power.

Roser Memorial Community Church will make it easy to do some good in 2021. The church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, will host a series of blood drives in the new year — Feb. 14, April 18, Sept. 12 and Dec. 12. The Sunday, Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day blood drive will be 8 a.m.-1 p.m. and overlap with worship. Donors will receive a wellness checkup. Donors must wear face masks. To make an appointment, go to oneblooddonor. org and enter the sponsor code, #37502, and sponsor name, Roser Memorial Community Church. For more information, call the church office at 941-778-0414.

SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 AM or 10:00 AM

6:45 p.m. — Wednesday Night Blast, CrossPointe. Thursdays 9:30 a.m. — Women’s fellowship class, CrossPointe. 9:30 a.m. — RoserRobics ﬁtness, Roser Church. Saturdays 9 a.m.-noon, Lord’s Warehouse thrift store, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941383-6491. Sundays 11 a.m. — Sunday school, Christ Church of Longboat Key. Mondays 9 a.m. — Men’s Bible study, Christ Church of Longboat Key,

Growing in Jesus’ Name

In the SANCTUARY and ONLINE Go to www.RoserChurch.com Click WORSHIP-SIGNUP , WATCH LIVE or WATCH LATER

Sunday Service 10:00 AM Please Register to Attend • Masks Required

941-900-4903 The Rev. Dr. Norman Pritchard Visitors & Residents Welcome

Text ROSER to 22828 to receive the weekly eBulletin.

The CHAPEL is open during Does belief in God still make sense in our changing world? office hours for prayer & meditation. 941-778-0414 • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria • FOLLOW us on Facebook @RoserChurch

Worship With Us at Our Church

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Jan. 6, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 19 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Al fresco service by the water The Rev. Dirk Rodgers, senior pastor of Roser Memorial Community Church, addresses worshippers at an al fresco service Dec. 24. The anna Maria church, due to the pandemic, provided outdoor opportunities to celebrate the Christmas season. Islander Photos: Peggy nash

Obituary

Carl M. Voyles Jr.

Dr. Carl M. Voyles Jr., 98, died Dec. 31, 2020. He was born in Duncan, Oklahoma, to Gertrude Hall and Carl Marvin Sr. He did not make it to his goal to turn 100, but the family said they think God gave him extra credit for the amazing life he lived. The family celebrates his life with memories of his service to others and Voyles to his country, his accomplishments, his adventures, his continual desire to learn and practice new skills. He was a resident of Anna Maria for more than 30 years — a familiar participant in local veterans’ events as he proudly wore his Navy captain’s uniform. He was a founding member of the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria with a focus on writing. Through that experience, in 1989, he met his future wife, Joan Abrahamson. Together they enjoyed a life highlighted by a shared and growing interest in the visual arts. Their home is filled with drawings and paintings, some documenting their trips to Europe — France, Iceland, Italy — and cruises with Joan’s son, Erik. He also enjoyed working in the backyard of his Anna Maria home, growing varieties of bamboo. Just a few blocks away, the CMV on the Anna Maria City Pier sign indicates his poetic contribution to the island he loved. For years, the couple did long swims in the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. Golfing at the Key Royale Club became a passion, and he once won the club’s Over-70 Championship. True to his nature, although retired from his medical practice, he served islanders and visitors in the 1980s-’90s at a walk-in clinic in Holmes Beach. For 25 years, he worked as a contract doctor for Manatee County Health Department. He was humbled when the Manatee County Commission designated Feb. 15, 2015, as “Dr. Carl M. Voyles Day” for his service to the county. He said he learned much from the clients in the Juvenile Detention Center and enjoyed using his French and Spanish language skills at the county jail and health clinics. In his early years, the family moved to various

Tidings

Continued via Zoom. Tuesdays 9:30 a.m. — RoserRobics ﬁtness, Roser Church. 10:30 a.m. — Book discussion group, Gloria Dei, Zoom-based. Information: gdlami18@gmail.com.

GoodDeeds

Brandon Kouri, assisted by Matt Meehan, plays Christmas music during a Dec. 24 worship service at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine ave., anna Maria. Worshipers listened from lawn chairs.

college communities. When his father joined the Duke University coaching staff, the family moved to Durham, North Carolina, where he completed his high school education and became an avid, lifelong basketball “Dukie.” While coaching at William and Mary College in Williamsburg, Virginia, the younger Voyles enrolled as a pre-med student. It was during this time, on a Sunday morning, that he heard car horns honking and people shouting that Pearl Harbor had been bombed and within days of the start of World War II, he enlisted. He took part in the medical program at Duke University Medical School during the war, interned at Johns Hopkins, and then was drafted. He became a military flight surgeon, caring for pilots, and learned to fly to be more understanding of the pilots. Later, he would become an avid X-Plane pilot on his computer simulator. After military service, he returned to Duke and completed advanced medical training in cardiology/ internal medicine. On completion, he moved to St. Petersburg and opened a cardiology practice with fellow Duke graduate, Dr. Charlie Rast. Their office was across the street from what is now Bayfront Medical Center. Those were busy days of house calls in the middle of the night and patient visits in three hospitals before office time. In 1966, he volunteered for a three-month American Medical Society program to help the Vietnamese government during the Vietnam War. He served in the civilian hospital in Danang, South Vietnam. His hospital work with and the Vietnamese changed him and the direction of his career. He dictated notes of his experiences and mailed them home to daughter Kitty, who typed them. These stories were shared in the St. Petersburg Times and were later formalized in his book, “Vignettes of Vietnam.” After Vietnam, he returned to the states but not to private practice. He enlisted in the Navy and was sent by the U.S. government back to Danang to help train South Vietnamese medical students. He was invited to help doctors at the Hue Medical Hospital but needed additional training stateside. The

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Assistance offered to 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. • All Island Denominations offers help to islanders via local churches. Information: 941-778-4769. Send listings to calendar@islander.org.

islander.org

“training pause” saved his life, as the Hue Hospital was overrun by North Vietnamese soldiers and the medical staff was slaughtered. These experiences were woven into the plot of another of his books, “Voyage in a Red Canoe.” He was awarded the Legion of Merit for his dedication and service in Vietnam. He returned home from Vietnam to a Navy career stateside. His 30-year career in the Navy. He was chief of outpatient services at Bethesda Medical Center, which served many political leaders including presidents. He worked in Navy hospitals in Newport, Rhode Island, on the submarine community at Kittery, Maine, and was in charge of the U.S. Navy Hospital in Iceland for two years before retiring in 1984. Another of his books, “Angles and Dangles and other Sea Stories,” reflects some of these experiences. Services are private within the family. He is survived by his wife, Joan; daughter Kitty and husband Richard Gonzalez; grandsons Ryan and Drew Gonzalez of Windermere; stepson Erik Abrahamson of Sarasota; nieces and nephews; and furry children Duke and Carolina.

‘Paddle Out’ planned for ‘Sol Man’ remembrance

Friends of Michael “Sol Man” Steach of Holmes Beach are organizing a surfer-style memorial known as a “Paddle Out” in the spring. The event organizers seek to break a “paddle out” world record in honor of Steach, who died Nov. 19, 2020. The event will be 5-8 p.m. May 8 with more details to come later in the year. “He touched so many people’s lives on the Island he loved,” Erin Hughey, his life partner, wrote in a Jan. 4 notice to The Islander. Hughey said boats would be welcome, observing Steach’s love for fishing. Steach was born May 5, 1964, and arrived to Anna Maria Island in 1991. Steach

Page 20 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 6, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

holmes Beach wonders, ‘Whodunit?’

Streetlife

Staff reports

Island police reports

a notice posted nov. 30, 2020, near the beach access at 48th Street in Holmes Beach indicates the illegal cutting of protected vegetation. The city code compliance and police departments were looking for the offender as of Dec. 31. Islander Photo: Chrisann allen By Chrisann allen Islander Reporter

It’s a detective mystery in the making. Holmes Beach is looking for a plant-whacking culprit. Seagrapes, state-protected trees, were cut to the ground along the north side of the beach access at 48th Street. And the city was offering a $500 reward to anyone who could provide information. On Nov. 30, 2020, the city cited the owner of the property adjoining the north side of the beach access in the 100 block of 48th Street, developer Shawn Kaleta, for damages to protected vegetation, according to Florida Department of Environmental Protection standards. The DEP followed suit Dec. 1, 2020, citing Kaleta for the offense.

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But the landscaping company that did the deed is yet to be determined. The Holmes Beach Police Department, as well as code compliance, was inquiring about any possible involvement by a landscape contractor. “I approach any of the landscaping companies that don’t have labels on their trucks,” JT Thomas, city code compliance director, said Dec. 30. “I get out and ask them, ‘Do you know anything about this?’” Thomas also said the contractor that cut the seagrapes left the debris behind, which amounts to illegal dumping. “That is bad practice,” he said. “They are just trying to get away with doing something without stepping up and being responsible, if it was an honest mistake.” Thomas said he spoke with landscaping crews working on other properties in an attempt to determine the business or crew responsible for the violation. “We are still investigating,” he said. “We are now asking for help from the community to determine who did it.” Thomas is hoping his department can get to the bottom of this whodunit.

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anna maria Dec. 25, 700 block of Jacaranda Road, noise. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint about loud noise but the deputy did not report hearing any noise upon arrival. Dec. 27, 100 block of South Bay Boulevard, found. The MCSO took a report about found property. Dec. 28, 600 block of South Bay Boulevard, noise. MCSO dispatched a deputy to a noise complaint. Dec. 28, 400 block of Poinsettia Road, noise. A complaint regarding “loud kids in the pool” was filed with the MCSO. A deputy issued a citation for an ordinance violation. Dec. 29, 700 block of Holly Road, noise. A noise complaint was filed with the MCSO. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office polices Anna Maria. bradenton beach Dec. 29, 2300 block of Gulf Drive N., larceny. A caller to the Bradenton Beach Police Department reported that a bicycle was stolen overnight from a vehicle-mounted bicycle rack. Dec. 29, Bridgeport condominiums, 501 Gulf Drive N., larceny. A person called the BBPD to report that two bicycles were stolen overnight from a public rack. The cable securing the bikes was severed. BBPD polices Bradenton Beach. Cortez No new reports. MCSO polices Cortez. Holmes beach Dec. 22, 5800 block of Gulf Drive, theft. Two bicycles were reported stolen from a condominium parking garage. Dec. 22, 100 block of 38th Street, warrant. A person contacted the Holmes Beach Police Department because they saw someone who allegedly had an outstanding warrant in Bradenton Beach. The warrant was confirmed and an individual was arrested and transported to the Manatee County jail. Dec. 26, Publix, 3909 E. Bay Drive, trespass. Store management contacted the HBPD about a disturbance. Upon arriving at the store, the officer found a person hiding in the bushes and trespassed the individual, who returned to be arrested and take to the county jail. HBPD polices Holmes Beach. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

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Jan. 6, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 21 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

County commissioner clariﬁes stance on island parking By Chrisann allen Islander Reporter

He said he wants civility. County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, representing the Anna Maria Island municipalities in District 3, said in November that Holmes Beach should consider Manatee County and state contributions to renourish Anna Maria Island beaches before removing parking on streets that allow access to county beaches. In a Dec. 22 interview with The Islander, Van Ostenbridge, elected Nov. 3 to succeed Stephen Jonsson on the county board, made his case. “The island is a destination,” he said. “But we want to ensure that we are giving Holmes Beach the resources they need to enforce local laws and policies and that the property of residents in Holmes Beach is being respected by visitors.” He said he planned to meet with Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach mayors about parking. “I don’t want masses of visitors running roughshod over the locals,” he said. “At the same time, I feel strongly that the beach belongs to everyone and is has to be accessible to all residents of Manatee County. The beach is the crown jewel of the county.” In late April, Holmes Beach commissioners agreed to a plan drawn up by Mayor Judy Titsworth and Police Chief Bill Tokajer to remove more than 1,000 on-street parking spaces after beaches reopened following restrictions and parking limits due to concerns with the spread of the novel coronavirus. In September, the city scaled back its restrictions, opening some areas to permit-only parking for residents and property owners. Titsworth said the reduction in on-street parking was intended to help with resident complaints of noise,

trash and parking problems caused by a daily influx of day-trippers. Anna Maria reduced its on-street parking in December. Van Ostenbridge said Nov. 17 that he would not support participation in future beach renourishment projects in Holmes Beach unless the city provides more parking. “I hope 2021 will bring an improved level of civility to Manatee County Commission meetings,” he said. “And that will increase our level of productivity.” Manatee County District 3 Commissioner Kevin Van ostenbridge speaks nov. 17, 2020 about parking in Holmes Beach. Islander Courtesy Screenshot

Meetings

anna maria City None announced. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941708-6130, cityofannamaria.com. bradenton beach Jan. 6, 9:30 a.m., CRA. Jan. 6, 2 p.m., ScenicWaves. Jan. 7, 6 p.m., Jan. 7. Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com. Holmes beach Jan. 6, 10 a.m., parks and beautification. Jan. 6, 6 p.m., planning commission. Jan. 12, 6 p.m., city commission.

Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941-708-5800, holmesbeachﬂ.org. manatee County Jan. 7, 9 a.m., commission (land use). Jan. 12, 9 a.m., commission. Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org. of interest Jan. 1, New Year’s Day, most government offices will be closed, as well as early closures Dec. 31. Jan. 18, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, government offices will be closed. Send meeting notices to news@islander.org.

Manatee County legislative delegation to meet, hear Cortez controversy solution

The Manatee County Legislative Delegation will meet at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6, to hear from constituents about legislative priorities in 2021. The meeting will be at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto, with Rep. Tommy Gregory of District 73 chairing. Manatee County’s legislative delegation includes Gregory, Reps. William “Will” Robinson Jr. in District 71 and Michele K. Rayner in District 70, and Sen. Jim Boyd in District 21. Some Cortezians see the meeting as an opportunity to keep up the fight to save Raymond Guthrie Jr.’s stilthouse, situated near the commercial docks in Cortez. But a court-ordered deadline to demolish the residence is coming due Jan. 24. Proponents for protecting the structure — built on pilings over the waters of Sarasota Bay — were set to go before the Manatee delegation to ask the lawmakers to pressure the Florida Department of Environmental

Protection to grant a 120-day extension, according to a Facebook post from the Star Fish Co. Market and Restaurant. The fish market and restaurant are owned by Karen Bell, who made an earlier effort to side with Guthrie in court. The Facebook post states the extension “would allow time to create a law that would protect the camp during the next legislative session.” The structure — complete with utility services — was built in 2017 over waters in Sarasota Bay owned by the state and safeguarded by the DEP. Guthrie has been locked in a legal battle with the DEP over the fate of the structure for three years, but received a final order to remove the building in October 2020. “Similar laws are in place in Lee, Indian River, Monroe and Pinellas counties,” the post reads. “We need to let our representatives know that we want these

last two net camps to remain in Cortez!” A second building in the bay, visible from the commercial docks and a community-maintained dock adjacent to Star Fish in Cortez, has been renovated with donations from the community and maintained for its historic value as a net camp. It has no utilities and is not used a residence. Meanwhile, state legislative committee meetings will begin in January and February. The 2021 session will convene Tuesday, March 2, and is scheduled to conclude Friday, April 30. For more information about the delegation meeting, call Gregory’s office at 941-708-5660. — Ryan Paice

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Page 22 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 6, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

3 vacated banks concern holmes Beach mayor By amy V.T. Moriarty Islander Reporter

Though Bolus’ business is based in Pennsylvania, he is not a newcomer, with ownership of a Bradenton Beach condominium complex. The Islander reported Oct. 23, 2019, that Bolus planned to operate a restaurant to utilize the building’s existing drive-thru for take-out service. Zoned as C-2 general commercial, the mayor said the property would be best utilized as office space. Titsworth said she would like to see as medical or dental offices or, better still, an urgent care center. The paper also reported in 2019 that Bolus planned to incorporate a medical center in the building. At the time, he told The Islander he was preparing permit applications and work would get underway shortly. But as of Dec. 29, 2020, permits applications had not been filed and Bolus has not brought forward any plans for the building’s use, Titsworth said. “I’m hoping it’ll be sold to someone who will develop it,” the mayor added.

Meanwhile, Bolus has racked up “a number of code violations” for failure to properly maintain the exterior of the property, Titsworth said. The landscaping was not being maintained. And then there was a code violation for the proTrump flags Bolus or his representative improperly hung from the building facade, though city code requires flags be flown from flagpoles. As of press time, Bolus had not returned Dec. 28 and Dec. 30 calls from The Islander. As for the Regions Bank building, tax records indicate it is owned by SCD at Anna Maria LLC, Holmes Beach administrative accounting specialist Ami Cox said Dec. 29. The state’s division of corporations website shows the LLC registered since May 2012 to Avishai Ron, with a principal address in Houston. Calls from The Islander to Regions Bank Dec. 28 and Dec. 29 were not returned by press time. The Wells Fargo branch, 5327 Gulf Drive — closed LEFT: Island Bank, circa since the start of the pandemic in March 2020 — is set 1961, opens at the corner to permanently shutter March 10, according to a Dec. of gulf and Marina drives 4 letter to branch customers. in Holmes Beach, the first Wells Fargo officials previously declined to profull-service bank to open vide plans for the building. on the island. Islander The Hancock Whitney Bank branch at 5324 Gulf Courtesy Photo Drive remains serving customers. s "RADENTON S "EST ,OCAL %ATS FROM BY 4RIPADVISOR s 6OTED "EST 'ERMAN 2ESTAURANT IN "RADENTON s 3TARS OF ON &ACEBOOK

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It’s sometimes called the gateway to Holmes Beach. Years after the island branches of Bank of America and Regions Bank closed — both on Manatee Avenue at the gateway — the buildings remain unoccupied. “It looks like we are a desolate city,” Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth said Dec. 29, 2020, about the deserted Bank of America building at the corner of Manatee Avenue and East Bay Drive. In 2011, Regions Bank closed its branch at 503A Manatee Ave. W., Holmes Beach. Bank of America pulled up stakes in December 2017 at 699 Manatee Ave., Holmes Beach. Neither were victims of a pandemic. But Wells Fargo closed in March during the pandemic lockdown and now plans to vacate its branch in downtown Holmes Beach at Gulf and Marina drives — the location of the Island Bank, first chartered in 1961, the first banking institution on the island. Holmes Beach Police Chief William Tokajer said Dec. 29 that HBPD regularly patrols the Bank of America parking lot and performs a shift change there twice a day. Having officers there for shift change serves a number of purposes, he said. The prime location of the bank makes it easy for officers to respond to a call. And the optics are good, too, indicating a regular police presence. Manatee County tax records indicate Bank of America paid taxes on the property from December 1999 through October 2020. Additional state business records indicate that in August 2019, Robert C. Bolus Sr. purchased the building for $1,025,500 at an auction through his Pennsylvania-based Bolus Truck Sales & Towing Services.

Holmes Beach Police officer Christine LaBranche, far left cruiser, and Sgt. Tom Fraser, also in his cruiser, chat with officer Chris Hall as they complete a shift change Dec. 30, 2020, at the former Bank of america building, 699 Manatee ave., Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: amy V.T. Moriarty

Jan. 6, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 23 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Patti Wesley, left, a member of the anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, draws for a prize at the Sept. 24, 2020, mixer at the Compass by Margaritaville Hotel. Chamber president Terri Kinder, center, and member services coordinator Laura Micciche assist. Islander File Photo: amy V.T. Moriarty

Flashback 2020 AM tower adds AT&T cell service Tarpon Towers workers install an aT&T antennae Dec. 29, 2020, on the cellular tower in anna Maria, according to Mayor Dan Murphy. He said installing the antennae was the first step “for provision of aT&T cellular service” at the tower, which was built in 2015 and has provided cellular service from Verizon. Murphy said it was unclear how much revenue the new service would bring to the city. Islander Courtesy Photo: City of anna Maria

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This week Friday, Jan. 8, 5 p.m., Anna Maria Island Privateers ribbon cutting, Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Save the date Jan. 14, breakfast meeting, Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Jan. 19, ribbon cutting, Cheesecake Cutie and Cafe, 3324 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. Jan. 28, business card exchange and Giving Back awards, TBD. For more information, contact the chamber at 941-778-1541.

Flashback 2020

Covering up, cashing out: Customers line up to pay aug. 6, 2020, at the Bridge Street Bazaar in Bradenton Beach. Patrons were required to wear masks inside businesses under a Manatee County emergency resolution. Islander File Photo: Ryan Paice

Welcome to the chamber

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce welcomed seven new businesses as members in December 2020, including: Rudy Prouty of Factory Off Lease Auto Brokers in Bradenton; Scott Viehman of 82° West Home Inspections; Leslie McHugh of Nutrition Initiative of Manatee Inc. in

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Page 24 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 6, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

County set to revisit boat ramp refueling discussion By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

It’s OK to fill ’er up. Paradise Boat Tour’s refueling operations at the South Coquina Boat Ramp in Bradenton Beach will continue for now. But regulations could change, altering or halting the practice. Business owner Sherman Baldwin manages the boat tours from an office/bait shop at the Historic Bridge Street Pier, embarking from the floating dock and selling tickets at the bait shop. There is, however, no fueling operation at the pier. Baldwin told The Islander Dec. 29 that his company has used a loading dock at the Manatee Countyowned boat ramp as a site to refuel tour vessels for seven years without issue. The county began a crackdown to halt the practice in October. The company purchases market-priced gasoline from land-based gas stations, whereas the cost of fuel is $2 more per gallon at a marina, and uses a modified pickup truck to transport and dispense up to 80 gallons of gas into its tour vessels at the public dock. Baldwin said he spent around $10,000 to ensure the truck’s modifications met federal standards for holding and dispensing fuel.

Paradise Boat Tours owner Sherman Baldwin speaks Dec. 15 before the Manatee County Board of Commissioners about his company’s vessel refueling practices at the county-owned South Coquina Boat Ramp in Bradenton Beach.

He added that his refueling operations were inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Baldwin said the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office informed him two months earlier that his company could no longer refuel tour boats at the county ramp and that he and his boat captains would be subject to arrest if they did. In response, Baldwin appeared before county com-

missioners Dec. 15, asking them to direct staff and the MCSO to stand down and allow Paradise Boat Tours to continue using the dock to refuel. He told commissioners he’d have to lay off an employee to make up for the additional cost of marinapriced fuel. County attorney Mickey Palmer said there is no regulation prohibiting people from refueling vessels at the county-owned dock and advised against trespassing someone from public property. County commissioners unanimously voted Dec. 15 to direct the MCSO to allow people to continue refueling vessels at the boat ramp until the county could hammer out a regulation. Commissioners also were in unanimous in opposition to people using county property to refuel vessels and directed Palmer to draft a prohibition of such activities at the county’s boat ramps. Commissioners may discuss potential regulations for such activities as early as this month. Baldwin said he would not be in favor of a prohibition on businesses using the public dock to refuel vessels, but would support reasonable regulation. “I’m in favor of regulating it and making sure people aren’t callous with our beautiful natural resources,” Baldwin said. “But I think it’d be heavyhanded to prohibit it all together.”

Flashback 2020

Flashback 2020 Beach renourishment rolls south from Holmes Beach, where equipment lines the shore July 8, 2020, near 77th Street. Islander File Photo: ChrisAnn Allen

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Jan. 6, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 25 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

For only the second time in history, the greek alphabet was used for the remainder of the atlantic hurricane season, extending through the ninth name on the list, Iota, as of nov. 30, the last day of the 2020 season. Islander File Photo

By Lisa Neff

Walking into 2021

Tick, tock. When the countdown to the new year reached the final 24 hours, I began a final review of 2020, taking stock of promises made last Jan. 1. Then, I resolved to volunteer more and lounge less. Sadly, when I wasn’t walking or working in 2020, I seemed to be lounging. I volunteered for some political efforts but, staying safer at home due to the pandemic, mostly volunteered neff to operate the TV remote. A different resolution proved easy to keep during the pandemic. I resolved to walk more and drive less and did I ever walk. Spending three-fourths of the year mostly “at home,” I took five-six walks per day. Depending on time availability, some walks were a mile while others were five miles. So I can tick off that resolution as accomplished. I also resolved to seek out more close encounters in nature. Again, I succeeded while staying close to home. I spotted a dozen “backyard” birds to add to my life list, observed coyotes strolling down side streets, ran through a field of muhly grass, nurtured a garden of milkweed and spent an evening with a friend my wife watching the clouds drift across the luminous face of 2020’s last full moon. The year past changed so much about daily life, and yet, my resolutions for 2020 are basically my resolutions for 2021. I resolve to seek out more close encounters in nature. By year’s end, I hope to be exploring beyond Tampa Bay, but I learned in 2020 to cherish what’s outside my front door. I resolve to walk more and drive less, hoping to keep habits established in 2020 for another year, even a lifetime. I resolve to volunteer more, with plans to make better use of virtual options offered during the pandemic and hopes to connect in person with community groups and campaigns by the summer. I’m not resolving to lounge less, but I do resolve to lounge differently — beside the pool, at the beach, under a tree, on the pier, in addition to the couch in front of the TV. In fact, the best way I found to begin 2021 was to work at this last resolution by lounging on the new Anna Maria City Pier with a beverage, a burger and my Christmas book. I closed my first Sandscript column of 2020 with a sunny outlook: “Oh, the opportunity in the year ahead.” Now I’m closing my first Sandscript column of 2021 with steadfast optimism: “Oh, the opportunity in the year ahead.”

Audubon Christmas Bird Count conducted Birders made the rounds on and near Anna Maria Island in December, taking species and population counts for the 121st National Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count. The count is one of the longest-running wildlife surveys, with citizens collecting data used to assess the health of bird populations and guide conservation actions. The Bradenton Christmas Bird Count Circle, which includes Perico Island and large parts of west Manatee County, involved counting species and populations Dec. 19. Kathy Doddridge led that count. She said birders observed 158 species, up from 150 the year before, and 52,836 individual birds, up from 31,644 birds the year before. “Needless to say, I am beyond pleased,” Doddridge said about the results of the count, which involved 61 volunteers observing in “clear, cool” weather. The volunteers worked in smaller groups to comply with pandemic precautions and the circle was scouted before the count day. The counters saw low counts of about 40 species, including mockingbirds and kingfishers.

Flashback 2020

Visit www.islander.org. And Happy New Year!

However, they also recorded high counts of more than 60 species — ducks, herons, vultures, hawks, plovers, terns, gulls, robins, bluebirds, cardinals and more. The number of immature bald eagles counted — 25 — was triple the number in 2019 and the number of American robins was five times as high as in 2019. The Bradenton Circle birders also saw some birds not counted in 2019, including the shiny and bronzed cowbird, Eastern meadowlark, Virginia rail, American wigeon, black-necked stilt, crested caracara and peregrine falcon. Some years ago, there was an Anna Maria Island circle in the count. While that circle no longer exists, the Fort De Soto Circle includes part of the north end of Anna Maria Island, as well as the coastal waters extending into Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. A report for the Fort De Soto count was not available as The Islander went to press. As of Dec. 30, a total of 6,859,226 birds had been reported in Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count, which was set to end Jan. 5. — Lisa neff

Employees with Solid Rock Construction of Bradenton and Electrical Engineering Enterprises of Tampa work nov. 24, 2020, to put the final touches on the City Pier grill at the anna Maria City Pier. Islander File Photo: Ryan Paice

Page 26 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 6, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Sports in pandemic year produce strange times indeed

Real Estate and Ross Built on May 21, 2020, that saw Ross Built break open a close score with a couple of late goals to earn a 7-4 victory. All the players seemed happy to be back out running, but there also was mention of being in shape for soccer in the summer-like heat.

By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter

I’ve heard it said that art and sports mirror life. I’m thinking back on the year 2020 and the Grateful Dead’s 1970 song, Truckin’, where the refrain ends with, “What a long, strange trip it’s been.” It’s apropos to me. Long and strange indeed. Despite the pandemic, the Center of Anna Maria Island’s sports programing provided the bulk of material for my reporting and I would Cassidy be remiss if I didn’t thank Connor Haughey, Tim Holly and Chris Culhane of the center for providing a plethora of information. Thanks also go to Jay Disbrow, who diligently reports the action from the Anna Maria horseshoe pits, and Tom Nelson for his golf dispatches from the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach. And, of course, I want to wish a happy new year to all of the Islander contributors and readers. I wrote in the March 24, 2020, edition about the response to the COVID-19 virus pandemic, when government mandates closed restaurants and bars, but also scuttled sporting events from professional leagues to grass-roots organizations, including the Manatee Area Youth Soccer Organization, G.T. Bray Park programs and the community center. Having no sports made my reporting somewhat difficult. A two-week run of holes-in-one on the course at the Key Royale Club, disc golf at G.T. Bray that also included a hole-in-one and some pickleball matches in my driveway filled the void for a week or two, but the well ran dry during the coronavirus lockdown. Not that I’m any sort of pandemic expert or soothsayer but back in March, when we reported on these closures in The Islander, I forecasted the virus would linger. Now we begin 2021 with cases on the rise and

lightning win Stanley Cup

Flashback 2020 The March 10, 2020, edition of The Islander included reporting on the third annual Skyway10K. Islander File Photo

locals run skyway 10k The March 10, 2020, edition included news of some of the islanders who braved the third annual Skyway10K. Longtime running enthusiast and Holmes Beach resident Sandy Meneley ran again, as did Sue George of Anna Maria, Sharon Burgess and Kelly Joseph, both former islanders now of Bradenton, and my two older sisters, Mo Cassidy and Theresa Cassidy Collins of Bradenton. Meneley bested her age group of 236 women with a time of 52:09. No times were posted by the other local runners, but just making it across the bridge is a feat. With the main span 200 feet above the boating channel and a slope of 4%, it can’t be an easy run or walk. The funds raised by the race go to the Armed Forces Families Foundation and, so far, $1.2 million has been raised. Congratulations to the runners who supported this worthy cause.

talk of a new variant that spreads more easily. surf’s up at island camp The COVID-19 virus played a role in the sports The July 21, 2020, sports report highlighted the stories of 2020, and it’s not over. Stay safe everyone. West Coast Surf Shop’s annual youth surfing camp, held on the waves at the Manatee Public Beach. adult soccer returns to the Center Camp leaders included Brandi Brady, daughter of With sporting activities shut down due to West Coast Surf Shop owners Ronni and Jim Brady, COVID-19 at the Center of Anna Maria Island, the along with experienced instructors Charlene Belsito, adult soccer league was the first sport comeback. The Travis Belsito, Joey Mattay, Spencer Carper and Gigi center league added protocols that included player Belsito, as well as newbies Anna Rehorn, Jackson waivers and temperature checks for players prior to Walz and Lance Valadie. taking the field. Approximately 20 kids ranging 5-11 in age took The center indoor soccer season was one game part in the week-long camp and everyone from the from the end of the regular play when sports were instructors to the kids had a blast! shelved, but the center completed the schedule on a So that covers most of the first half of 2020. I invite small outdoor field. you to come back next week for Part 2 of my look back The first game on tap was a matchup between Sato at sports. — Cass Sato Real Estate player Ben Sato, left, pokes the ball past hard-charging Ross Built goalie Max gazzo during the return to adult indoor soccer matches May 21, 2020, on the pitch at the Center of anna Maria Island. Islander File Photo: Kevin P. Cassidy

Flashback 2020 Tampa Bay Lightning CEo Steve griggs, left, coach Jon Cooper and restaurateur/hockey fan Sean Murphy show off the Stanley Cup oct. 9, 2020, at Murphy’s Doctor’s office bar in Holmes Beach. Islander File Photo

Flashback 2020 Flashback 2020

Ten-year old Taylor VanderBent finds success on a wave under the watchful eye of her summer camp instructor. Islander File Photo: Kevin P. Cassidy

Jan. 6, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 27 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Ring in the new year with great weather, fishing action By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

Kim Keleher of Carmel, Indiana, shows off a beautiful snook caught on live shrimp the morning of Dec. 29, 2020, with Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters.

Fishing around Anna Maria Island is beginning on a high note in 2021. With mild temperatures and fairly calm seas, fishing inshore and offshore are quite productive. While offshore, anglers are boating limits of hogfish, snappers and plenty of grouper, as well as some amberjack, porgies and Key West grunts. Stasny Most of these catches are occurring on live shrimp as bait. For the amberjack and groupers, live pinfish is the bait of choice. Remember, gag grouper are catch-and-release until June 1. Moving inshore, anglers can enjoy a variety of species, depending on location. Those working along the beaches are hooking up with pompano, ladyfish and blue runners, as well as keeper-size whiting. Moving out into the Gulf of Mexico, slightly deeper waters around the artificial reefs are yielding sheepshead, mangrove snapper and Key West grunts. Some lucky anglers are hooking into hogfish in water as shallow as 30 feet. Fishing on the flats — primarily on the deeper flats of 5-8 feet — can yield great action. Catch-and-release spotted seatrout are the most apparent, although catches of pompano, bluefish and ladyfish are frequent. Finally, fishing residential canals and docks can provide action on windy days. Casting shrimp under docks and along seawalls yields plenty of black drum, sheepshead, flounder and catch-and-release redfish. Some catch-and-release snook is being caught during the warmest parts of the day. On my Southernaire charters, I’m patrolling the beaches. Casting live shrimp or jigs tipped with freshcut shrimp attracts pompano, sheepshead, black drum and whiting. I’m also seeing clients hook into ladyfish and jack crevalle, especially while throwing the jig. On days when the Gulf waters are too rough nearshore, I’m fishing rocks and docks in Tampa Bay, where catch-and-release redfish are the most prominent bite. Black drum and sheepshead are in the mix, adding variety. Fishing deeper grass areas also can produce action, especially on catch-and-release spotted seatrout. Capt. Aaron Lowman is finding plenty of action to

keep his clients busy while using live shrimp as bait. Along the beaches, Lowman is finding sheepshead and black drum, as well as a few pompano. Residential docks and canals are good spots for anglers using shrimp as bait. This bite is consisting of sheepshead, flounder and some catch-and-release redfish. Moving into the Gulf of Mexico is producing the best action and most variety of species. In depths of 30-60 feet, Lowman is putting clients on mangrove snapper, hogfish, tripletail, porgies and Key West grunts. Capt. Jason Stock also is working offshore, casting for a variety of species. Using live shrimp as bait over ledges and hard bottom results in catches of hogfish, Key West grunts and porgies. This action is occurring in depths of 50-70 feet of water. Moving out to depths of 100 feet is producing plenty of action, too. Amberjack is the dominant bite in these waters, with the fish readily taking live pinfish as bait. In these depths, Stock is working areas of floating grass, which allows clients to sight cast to some large tripletail. Lastly, for some catch-and-release fun, Stock is setting his clients up to battle some goliath grouper. Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says sheepshead are the primary bite. It is winter, after all. Pier fishers using live shrimp or crabs are reeling up numerous sheepies in a few hours. Most catches are 12-15 inches, but bigger ones are in the mix. While targeting the sheepshead, pier fishers are Red tide bloom persists hooking into their share of black drum and catch-andA patchy bloom of the red tide organism, Karenia release redfish. brevis, persists in Southwest Florida. Lastly, casting jigs tipped with fresh-cut shrimp is Background to high concentrations of K. brevis were detected in 57 samples in the final days of December. In Manatee County, K. brevis was observed at Date AM HIGH PM HIGH AM LOW PM LOW Moon background concentrations in and offshore. Jan 6 5:11a 1.3 5:45p 1.6 11:13a 0.3 — — 3rd Also, there were background to very low concen- Jan 7 7:04a 1.1 6:26p 1.8 12:39a 0.1 11:55a 0.6 trations in and offshore of Sarasota County and back- Jan 8 9:03a 1.1 7:09p 2.0 1:58a -0.2 12:34p 0.8 ground concentrations offshore of Charlotte County. Jan 9 10:50a 1.1 7:55p 2.2 3:06a -0.5 1:09p 1.0 And, background to high concentrations of K. brevis Jan10 8:42p 2.3 — — 4:05a -0.8 — — Jan11 9:30p 2.4 — — 4:58a -1.0 — — were observed in and offshore of Lee and Collier coun- Jan12 10:18p 2.4 — — 5:44a -1.0 — — Jan13 11:06p 2.3 — — 6:27a -1.0 — — New ties. AM City Pier tides; Cortez high tides 7 minutes later — lows 1:06 later Fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were reported in Lee and Collier counties. Additionally, respiratory irritation was reported in Pinellas, Lee and Collier counties. For more information, go online to myfwc.com/ research/redtide.

yielding an occasional pompano at the pier. Capt. David White is targeting his efforts in Tampa Bay. And for those efforts, clients are rewarded with catches of sheepshead, black drum, flounder and pompano. For the sheepies, drum and flounder, a bottom rig combined with a live shrimp is working nicely. For the pompano, drifting and jigging with shrimp-tipped jigs is producing the best action. On afternoon excursions when the waters on the flats have warmed, White enjoys some good action on catch-and-release snook and redfish. Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

TideWatch

Anna Maria Island Tides

Brian Waite, longtime client from Seattle, hoists a redfish caught Dec. 30, 2020, on a shrimp with Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters.

Make one stop to shop for the Dock!

marine docktor Sales • Service • Supplies & More

• Jet Ski Lifts & Boat Lifts • Remote Controls • Stainless Motors • Cables and Switches

• Dock Accessories • Piling Cones • Aluminum Ladders

Open Mon-Fri 8-4, Saturday by Appointment 12044 Cortez Rd. W, (941) 792-7657 marinedocktor@msn.com

— Lisa Neff

Southernaire Fishing Charters

Licensed

Page 28 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 6, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

ITEMS FOR SALE Continued

SERVICES

BICYCLE FoR SaLE: Vitus carbon road bike, two sets of wheels/handlebars. Lightweight. Immaculate condition. $375 or best offer. Call 941-778-4225.

SHIP’S WHEEL TaBLE: Capt. J. Lindroth original masterpiece of inlaid wood and brass. 19-inches tall, 45-inch diameter. $1,500. also, related pieces. marinateal@gmail.com.

nEED a RIDE to airports? Tampa $65, St. Pete, $55, Sarasota, $30. gary, 863-409-5875. gvoness80@gmail.com.

gE FRIDgE: 28 by 28 by 64 inches, good condition, $100. 941-778-3920.

anTIQuE oFFICE chairs: Perfect for eclectic dining set. Circa 1950 from anna Maria City Hall. The Islander newspaper, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

CaR RooF RaCK: Easy install, black, $75, Christmas wreath with bow, $5, stainless-steel pressure cooker, $35. 941-920-2494.

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

WICKER RoCKER, CHaIR and table, lamp sets. Call for details. 315-430-0260.

Individuals may place one free ad with up to three items, each priced $100 or less, 15 words or less. FREE, one week, must be submitted online. Email classifieds@islander.org, fax toll-free 1-866-3629821. (limited time offer)

non-STICK PanS: green, 8-10-12-inch, $45, concrete pavers all sizes, shapes, 50-75 cents. Five-disc Sony DVD player, remote, $15. 941920-2494.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

anTIQuE PaRTnER DESK: all wood, $1,000. See at The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

Sandy’s Lawn Service Inc. ESTABLISHED IN 1983

Residential & Commercial Full-service lawn maintenance. Landscaping ~ Cleanups Hauling ~ Tree Trimming. LICENSED & INSURED

Paradise Improvements

941.792.5600

Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Specialist Replacement Doors and Windows

Andrew Chennault

CBC 1253471

RDI CONSTRUCTION INC. Residential & Condo Renovations Kitchens • Bath • Design Service Carpentry • Flooring • Painting Commercial & Residential

AdoptA-Pet

H A S A T

A P E D O M

B A S S I

R A N T O

R U E R F L

ANSWERS TO JAN. 6 PUZZLE B U L A N I E D O M A D O S A S E T C C L A R A S A N T D O C Y C H L E D A S P N L E A D T R C H A T E O S S P K S C U N A N A R T

S S T I L L I C H A O T L W I A L R I L S A T E B A Y

BIMInI BaY SaILIng: Small sailboat rentals and instruction. Day. Week. Month. Sunfish, Laser, Windrider 17 and Precision 15. Call Brian at 941685-1400.

HELP WANTED

N A S A

E T T A K E T T

O P A H

R O M E

E I R E

T O U R

S A S T M A S A Y S A Y D O H T S P A S H I N T Y C A T O P A I R O T E S I L S A S E T H A

E X A M

M S A N Y E R I G O T C H O O D S P A T E C H T I M U C E C I E T O K L A Z A L E D O Y L E S C O M A O O N E I U S E M A P O L L O N E M O H Y R O W M D U E S A M B A E L Y P U T T A S T O N W S P A

REPoRTER WanTED: Full- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience required. apply with letter of interest to news@islander.org.

KIDS FOR HIRE KIDS FoR HIRE ads are FREE for up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work. ads must be placed in person at The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

S C I S E L M A L E O N E D Y E R

HouSECLEanER: VERY HonEST and reliable. guaranteed quality work. Plenty of cleaning references to give upon interview. Palmetto area. If interested and have questions, call 660-3622333. RESIDEnTIaL-BuSInESS CLEanIng by Jessie. 10-plus years experience. Top-brand cleaning products. Honest, mature, trustworthy. References from long-term clients. I work alone so no “crew” in your home. I have bimonthly openings. Text or leave a message at 941-526-9900. BuSInESS-To-BuSInESS JD’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-9203840. BEaCH SERVICE air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. Commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. Serving Manatee County and the Island since 1987. For dependable, honest and personalized service, call Bill Eller, 941-795-7411. CaC184228.

LAWN & GARDEN ConnIE’S LanDSCaPIng InC. Residential and commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-778-5294.

LaRRY’S BaCK! SHELL delivered and spread. $55/yard. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, topsoil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, “shell phone” 941-7200770. SEaRaY SPRInKLER SERVICES. Repairs, additions, drip, sprinkler head/timer adjustments. office, 941-518-6326. Cell, 720-299-1661.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

aMI CaR WaSH/detailer. Looking for experienced detailer willing to be available seven days as needed. 941-527-6266. Holmes Beach.