The Islander Newspaper E-Edition Wednesday, March 27, 2019 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

golden giveaway. 3

Blooms vie for prizes. 14

sequins on stage. 23 Astheworldterns turn to Aesop’s Fables. 6

MARCH 27, 2019 FREE

VOLUME 27, NO. 22

HB building official resigns. 3 BB city attorney deposed in Sunshine suit. 4

Celebrating the Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992

www.islander.org

Meetings

On the government calendar. 4

Op-Ed

The Islander editorial, reader letters. 6

10-20 Years ago

From the archives. 7 BB defines wards. 8

Happenings

Community announcements, activities. 10-11 Make plans, save a date. 12-13 Beachfront motel OK for alcohol sales. 16 Longboat Key, DOT plan roundabout. 17 AM takes time-out on sign permits. 19

Gathering. 20 PTO plans gala. 22

Streetlife. 25 Postcards from paradise. 27 Sports: Seeding semifinals at center. 28 No break from hot fishing. 29

isl BiZ

County commissioners mull bed tax collections. 30 CLASSIFIEDS. 32 NYT crossword. 35

A parade for Budweiser

A team of Budweiser Clydesdale horses arrive March 19 to Holmes Beach by city hall. The horse-and-wagon showpiece paraded through the downtown area on a busy Friday afternoon. More, page 23. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

The Anna Maria City Pier takes shape in Tampa Bay.

Jack Elka visits the work site in Tampa Bay with a camera and drone March 23 to document progress on the future Anna Maria City Pier. The pilings and shadows help forecast the shape of the pier. See more on the city pier, page 18. Islander Photo: Jack Elka

Hometown hire: wMfr names next chief

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter A new chief has been named for West Manatee Fire Rescue. And he’s a hometown, in-house applicant. WMFR commissioners March 19 voted 5-0 to appoint Ben Rigney as the next fire chief when Tom Sousa retires Oct. 17, pending contract negotiations by Commission Chair David Bishop. Bishop said each commissioner interviewed Rigney for the position, so he motioned to forego a verbal presentation by the applicant, saying it was not necessary. Commissioners voted unanimously to skip the presentation. “He’s well-qualified and he’s got some good ideas,” Commission Vice Chair Randy Cooper said. “He’s got a lot of history in this area, and I look forward to working with him.” Rigney and his family have history with WMFR. He is son to John Rigney, who was

a firefighter and served on the WMFR commission, and grandson to Hugh Holmes Sr. and nephew to Hugh Holmes Jr., who both served the district as volunteer firefighters. Rigney, who holds a master’s degree in public administration, began at WMFR as a volunteer firefighter in October 2005 and became a district employee Jan. 20, 2006. He was the only person to apply for WMFR’s internal search to fill the post. “I’m excited to work with the district, and to further the goals of the commission,” Rigney said. The fire chief is the top administrative officer for the district, which employs 35 firefighters and inspectors, as well as six paramedics and four administrative personnel to serve an 18-square mile area with 19,824 parcels. Sousa’s current contracted salary as the fire chief is $112,000. Sousa said he was looking forward to retirement and the district would be “in good hands” under Rigney.

Battalion Chief Ben Rigney, right, shakes hands with Chief Tom Sousa March 19 after being named Sousa’s successor by WMFR commissioners. Last November, Sousa announced he will retire by Oct. 17. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

2 n MARcH 27, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

Holmes Beach resident takes aim at city for dock approval The owners of 606 Crestwood Lane on Key Royale in Holmes Beach claim a newly constructed dock and boatlifts at 604 Crestwood Lane infringe upon their riparian rights. Laurie and Robert Mock own the home on the left, including the white fence. Islander Photo: Courtesy Laurie Mock

of 604 Crestwood Lane are Mary and Carmine Stella. The Islander was unable to reach them for comment. Titsworth responded that day that she was not sure what Mock required since the final inspection occurred and the project is completed. “Please, let us know once you hear from your riparian survey provider,” Titsworth wrote. The mayor also inquired about whether Mock was able to talk to the neighbor about moving the lifts to the other side of their dock. Titsworth asked to alert her of any determination by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection after its inspection and, she replied, yes, the building official — who resigned March 18 — was qualified to sign permits. Mock wrote March 19 that Titsworth’s response was “very very concerning.” She questioned city planner Bill Brisson’s experience dealing with riparian rights and said she wants a determination in writing “of the improper approval of the dock and lift at 604

Crestwood Lane.” Mock questioned the ability of city leaders to govern. In a March 21 interview with The Islander, Titsworth said she told Mock the city’s jurisdiction stops at the seawall and riparian line dispute is with her neighbor. “My thought is, why are we issuing the permit for Florida outstanding waterways?” Titsworth asked. The mayor questioned whether the DEP exempted a permit in state waters. She also noted that riparian lines can vary depending on the surveyor. The underwater land could be state land or it could be deeded to the property owners. Mock submitted a survey of the setbacks by Leo Mills and Associates to the city. “They pay for their surveys and go to court and the judge makes the determination,” Titsworth said. Titsworth said, in the meantime, she awaits the DEP dock inspection report.

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By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter A Holmes Beach resident is taking issue with the city over her neighbor’s dock. But it appears the dispute will be decided in court or by the state, not the city. In a Feb. 20 email to Mayor Judy Titsworth, Laurie Mock of Crestwood Lane said a dock built by her neighbor was improperly permitted and the boat and Jet Ski lifts encroach on her riparian rights. Riparian rights are the interests of landowners that may attach to real property that connects to an adjacent body of water. Mock wrote that a marine consultant looked at the property and said the dock, permitted by the city in November 2018, should not have been approved for construction. She cited a section of the city code of ordinances that states, “No dock, wharf, pier, mooring piles, groins or other structures extending into or over waterways shall be erected or installed except upon issuance of a permit from the department of public works.” Plans and permits from other agencies also must be obtained. Additionally, she included a portion of the city land development code that states a dock and an access walkway must have a 25-foot setback from adjoining property lines — a requirement that Mock claims was ignored. She questioned in the email the qualifications of city staff to sign off on permits. Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth responded Feb. 21 that she understands Mock has concerns with setbacks and work performed without a permit. The mayor told Mock she would discuss the dock with the city planner. Titsworth said she later spoke with Mock and suggested she speak with the dock owner prior to receipt of a March 18 email from Mock in which she asked Titsworth to provide a “determination in writing.” Manatee County property records show the owners

THE ISLANDER n March 27, 2019 n 3

Finders keepers: Islander offers gold egg for treasure hunt By Joe Konyou Islander Reporter Flor Winebrenner is going to lay a golden egg. Then sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll wait and watch for someone with a keen eye to find the prize. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The egg is worth about $12,000,â&#x20AC;? said Winebrenner, who moved to Anna Maria in September 2018 from her farm outside Carbondale, Illinois. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whoever finds the egg gets to keep the egg.â&#x20AC;? In Illinois, Winebrenner managed her familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s farm. After selling the 6,000-acre property to the state to expand Southern Illinois Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agricultural education program, the retiree had quite the nest egg. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m fortunate and I want to share the wealth,â&#x20AC;? she told The Islander in an exclusive interview March 21. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The property was in my family for so many years â&#x20AC;&#x201D; more than a hundred years. And we did well.â&#x20AC;? Winebrenner decided to put some money into a farm assistance program back in Illinois, invest in a cottage near Anna Mariaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bayfront Park and share some of her hard-earned fortune. Early April 1, she plans to hide the golden egg in Bayfront Park while sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s taking her regular morning

Anna Maria resident Flor Winebrennerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s golden egg. Islander Courtesy Photo walk. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had the egg made years ago,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know, it was an eccentric thing to do but my husband and I always loved the message of the Aesop fable.â&#x20AC;? Winebrennerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite tale was â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Goose and

the Golden Egg,â&#x20AC;? not â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jack and the Beanstalk,â&#x20AC;? which also features a goose that lays golden eggs. In the Aesop fable, a countryman possesses a goose that daily laid a glittering golden egg that he sold on trips to the market. But the man grew greedy and impatient and decided he wanted more than a golden egg each day. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You know what happened,â&#x20AC;? Winebrenner said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He got the idea to kill the goose, cut it open and collect a bunch of golden eggs at once. Instead, he had a dead goose and no more eggs.â&#x20AC;? She commissioned a Carbondale blacksmith to create the golden egg to remind her to appreciate her wealth and feel compassion for the animals kept on her farm. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve lived the message,â&#x20AC;? Winebrenner said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now it is time to pass on the golden egg, with a caution not to be the kind to kill the goose that lays them. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And also time to say, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Happy April Foolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s note: Joe Konyou is a pseudonym for Islander editor Lisa Neff. She and the rest of the staff at the newspaper wish you a foolish April 1.

Holmes Beach building official resigns

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter Holmes Beach needs a new building official. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Please, inform the commissioners that as of this morning I have accepted the resignation of Jim McGuinness,â&#x20AC;? Mayor Judy Titsworth wrote March 18 to city clerk Stacey Johnston. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I currently have asked John Fernandez to cover for him on a very short-term basis, while I seek a qualified temporary person and an applicant to fill this charter position by consensus of the commission.â&#x20AC;? At a March 21 charter review commission meeting, Titsworth said Fernandez, formerly a planner with the city, and also the town of Longboat Key, â&#x20AC;&#x153;is wonderful,â&#x20AC;? but recently retired. Fernandez was once

the superintendent of public works in Holmes Beach, before taking a job on Longboat Key. Titsworth said she will conduct a search for a person to succeed McGuinness. She suggested the charter review commission consider removing building official as a charter position. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Filling this position may require us going to an outside provider,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It seems like itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the way of the times now.â&#x20AC;? Titsworth said she would prefer an employee, but she also is willing to subcontract. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m seeking a qualified official, with strong customer relations skills,â&#x20AC;? she said. McGuinness, who served as building official for about four years, was not available for comment.

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Holmes Beach building official Jim McGuinness resigned March 18. Islander File Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

4 n MARcH 27, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

City attorney deposed in Bradenton Beach lawsuit

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter Both sides in a lawsuit made settlement offers. But no compromise was made. So the depositions and the costs rage on in a lawsuit filed in August 2017 by ex-Mayor Jack Clarke and joined by the city against six former city board members alleging violations of Florida’s Governmentin-the-Sunshine Law. As of March 7, the city has spent $168,294. City attorney Ricinda Perry was deposed March 20 by Thomas Shults, defendant John Metz’s attorney. Perry is not representing the city in the suit, although she helped guide the city’s decision to join forces with Clarke and pay the costs. The lawsuit alleges violations of state statutes governing open meetings and public records laws by former board members Metz, Reed Mapes, Tjet Martin, Patty Shay, and Bill and wife Rose Vincent, who were then members of the now-defunct grass-roots group Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton Beach. When the lawsuit was initiated, Perry claimed recordings of CNOBB meetings indicated the defendants discussed matters that could come before them as board members. Following a July 27, 2017, CNOBB steering committee meeting, where discussion was allegedly held on a citizen-initiated referendum to block parking garages, Perry emailed the CNOBB and board members, as well as the mayor and city commissioners, warning that discussion of city matters with more than one member of a board present could result in violations of the open meeting law. The parking garage was considered by Perry as a land-use issue prohibited for discussion by board members outside of publicly noticed, city meetings. Perry listened to meeting recordings on the nowdefunct CNOBB website and then recommended the city take action to prevent it from being “exposed to litigation.” At the deposition, Shults asked Perry if the board members that also were CNOBB members “should have understood what the words ‘parking garage’ meant.” She responded that she cannot put herself “in the mind of other people,” but as P&Z members, parking was an issue they were dealing with, which could include a parking garage. “The documents they produced had a bunch of different words — such as parking garage — that were not defined,” she said. “It could be very broad or narrowly defined. I don’t know.” Shults stated there was a resolution passed in 2016

WMFR administration settles into temporary office

West Manatee Fire Rescue District didn’t look far for a temporary office. The district March 26 began relocating its administrative offices across the street and upstairs at the Palma Sola Presbyterian Church, 6510 Third Ave., Bradenton. Chief Tom Sousa said the new offices, located on the second floor on the east side of the building, would be operational April 1. Sousa said Chris Kiernan, battalion chief, was prepping the space, but the move would require hiring professionals. The space will serve as the district’s offices while the commission determines a permanent solution. Temporary signage will be posted roadside, and signs to the building’s elevator will be placed nearby in the parking lot. Oasis Middle School signed a $1.675 million sales contract with WMFR for the current administrative building, 6417 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, which is expected to close April 2, according to Sousa. Oasis, which requested multiple extensions from the fire district while it sought a special use permit allowing the development of a charter school on the property, is on course to open in August. Commissioners have not decided where the next offices will be located, but say they will consider renting, purchasing or constructing a new headquarters. — Ryan Paice

Bradenton Beach city attorney Ricinda Perry waits March 20 with paralegal Michael Barfield before her deposition in the Bradenton Beach Sunshine lawsuit at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. Islander Photos: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes that allows the city commission to suspend volunteer board members and asked why this resolution wasn’t acted upon when the city was concerned with the actions of the six board members. Perry said the commission was concerned that

Metz might retaliate against commissioners, as he had begun jogging past Commissioner Ralph Cole’s place of business and threatening him with code violations and to “destroy his business.” She said she suggested to Shearon to “take corrective measures to help the board members resolve their issues.” She said she doesn’t remember her directives, which could have included removal from office. She said she asked Shearon to bring the issue before the commission for discussion. “But Mayor Shearon, like the defendants, refused to take my advice,” Perry said. Shults asked Perry if there was a discussion during an August 2017 city commission meeting about whether to sue the board members. Perry said the discussion was not “whether to sue,” but rather how to mitigate the actions of the board members to protect the city from being sued as a result of their actions. According to Perry, the city was facing a situation of join the lawsuit or be sued and the defendants rejected the city’s efforts to help. “So the discussion wasn’t to sue the board members, it was to protect the city of Bradenton Beach,” she said. Shults stated some of the board members resigned when the issue came before the city commission and asked Perry, “Had you become aware several of the board members had resigned, would you have sued them?” “Under the Sunshine Law, the actions were irreparable,” she said. Discovery will continue through June, with depositions planned for Metz and Rose Vincent, the mayor, city commissioners and some city staff. A trial is planned for the week of July 15. Rose Vincent, far left, a defendant in the Sunshine lawsuit, her husband Bill Vincent, also a defendant, former Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon and his partner, defendant Tjet Martin, former Bradenton Beach Commissioner Janie Robertson and defendant Patty Shay await the start of a March 20 deposition at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

Meetings

West manatee Fire Rescue Anna maria City None announced. March 28, 6 p.m., city commission. WMFR administration building, 6510 Third Ave. April 9, 4 p.m., planning and zoning. W., Bradenton, wmfr.org. Apri1 11, 6 p.m., city commission. April 17, 5:30 p.m., special magistrate. manatee County April 25, 6 p.m., city commission. April 4, 9 a.m., commission (land use). Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941April 9, 9 a.m., commission. CANCELED 708-6130, cityofannamaria.com. April 23, 9 a.m., commission. Administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton Beach Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org. None announced. Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., of interest 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.org. April 1, 4-7 p.m., FEMA and Manatee County flood maps open house, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto. Holmes Beach April 2, 1-7 p.m., FEMA and Manatee County March 28, 10 a.m., charter review. flood maps open house, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto. April 3, 10 a.m., parks and beautification. April 2, Manatee County Council of GovernApril 3, 6 p.m., planning commission. ments, 4 p.m., Bradenton Area Convention Center, April 4, 10 a.m., charter review. 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto. April 9, 6 p.m., city commission. April 15, 9 a.m., Manatee County Tourist DevelApril 11, 10 a.m., charter review. opment Council, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 April 16, 10 a.m., special magistrate. Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. April 18, 10 a.m., charter review. April 19, most government offices closed for April 23, 6 p.m., city commission. Good Friday. April 25, 10 a.m., charter review. April 25, 11:30 a.m., police retirement board. Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Send notices to calendar@islander.org and 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org. news@islander.org.

THE ISLANDER n MARcH 27, 2019 n 5

Holmes Beach wins case of noise dispute with residents By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter A judge issued a four-page opinion that turns down the noise and brings a win for the city. Twelfth Circuit Judge Charles Sniffin issued the ruling March 14 following a January hearing on Holmes Beach’s motion to dismiss Richard and Marjorie Motzers’ complaint. In ruling, the judge cited the constitutional separation of powers. The Motzers live in the 400 block of 56th Street in Holmes Beach, where their residence is bordered by short-term rental properties on Holmes Boulevard and 55th Street. Bothered by the noise from the properties and frustrated with a perceived lack of police enforcement, the couple sued the city in June 2018, asking the court to order the city and its police department to enforce its noise ordinance. The ordinance restricts noise to no more than 65 decibels before 10 p.m. and 50 decibels between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. In their complaint, the Motzers alleged a series of occasions during which law enforcement failed or declined to enforce the noise ordinance, saying police were improperly trained, came to subjective conclusions and also failed to properly measure sound. Siding with the city, however, Sniffen ruled the judiciary cannot interfere with discretionary functions of other branches of government, including an officer’s power to enforce criminal laws or issue civil citations. Attorneys Anthony J. Manganiello III of Icard Merrill of Sarasota, representing the Motzers, and Thomas Thanas, with the Dye firm in Bradenton, for the city, argued Jan. 24 before Sniffin. The Motzers are analyzing their legal options, Manganiello wrote in March 21 email, but made no comment on the order.

Richard and Marjorie Motzer watch the proceedings Jan. 24 from the courtroom gallery in the case they brought and lost against the city of Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell

Thanas referred comments to Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth, who said Sniffin’s order was fair and should end the case. The mayor said she understood the Motzers wanting a quiet neighborhood, but added, “Daytime noise is hard. It’s kids swimming in pools, playing … and it’s just going to happen.” As far as future complaints from the Motzers, Titsworth said the police will respond and issue a citation if there is a violation of the ordinance. After Sniffin’s March order, the court docket showed the Motzers’ case closed. In related but separate cases, the Motzers prevailed against the owners of the Holmes Boulevard and 55th Street properties, Jennifer and Shawn Kaleta, who initially claimed the Motzers were stalking their renters, causing losses to their businesses. The Kaletas dropped the stalking counts and, on Aug. 30, 2018, the two cases — one for each rental property — were dismissed after the judge ruled the owners failed to allege facts to support a protectible business interest.

Roadwatch

Eyes on the road

The Florida Department of Transportation and Manatee County posted the following notices for the week of March 25: Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach: Crews are striping sections of Gulf Drive during nighttime hours — 9 p.m.-5:30 a.m. Avenue C: Right-of-way restoration continues along Avenue C, including installation of a stormwater infiltration system and driveway restoration. For more information about the pipeline replacement projects on the island, go online to amipipereplacement.com. For the latest road watch information, go online to www.fl511.com or dial 511.

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6 n MARcH 27, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

Opinion

Our

Imaginary lines

There’s a story this week about the imaginary line in the water that may — or may not — delineate the lines for waterfront property owners. After all, it’s imagined. About 20-plus years back, when I moved to a small street in Holmes Beach where I already knew most of the neighbors, two situations involving land-use matters caught my eye. One couple had started to remodel but sold the home before they finished. The new owner planned a second-story master bedroom, but engineers discovered the foundation — under the slab — had wasted away. Apparently, during a dredge-and-fill project in the 1950s, downed trees and other organic matter on the lot were covered and wasted away under the old house. Oops. Apparently the matter was resolved between insurance companies. The new owner built an elevated — FEMA compliant — home and all ended well. Another home up for sale had a buyer, but it seems the neighbor’s large boat extended from the dock beyond that imaginary line drawn between the properties where the fence ended. Apparently, the buyer was upset and refused to hold the closing and the sales agent, bank and title companies were left scrambling to save the deal. Eventually, there was a compromise. And a cost reduction. And the neighbor’s boat stayed, but eventually the behemoth was traded for a smaller craft and they added a lift. Of course, more neighbors added boat lifts and boats, further inhibiting the vista on Anna Maria Sound. So who owns the view? Better yet, as we learn this week of a dispute over a dock and lift on Key Royale, who owns the riparian rights — the underwater land that continues beyond the seawall? Sometimes, it’s the property owner — as we learned when the Waterline Resort and Marina was being developed and the canal and city basin turned out to mostly belong — all but the seawall and a few feet of underwater land on Marina Drive — to the resort. Most times it’s the state. We’re still waiting to hear who owns the land under the house built without permits over the water in Cortez. It’s also wait-and-see for the homeowners in Key Royale, a dredge-and-fill project of the 1960s. And keep fingers crossed for a solid foundation for any of the homes where dredges were involved. — Bonner Joy

Opinion

Your

Successful tour

MARCH 27, 2019 • Vol. 27, No. 22 ▼ ▼

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Publisher and Editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org Editorial Lisa Neff, editor, lisa@islander.org Sandy Ambrogi, sandy@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org Jack Elka, jack@jackelka.com ChrisAnn Silver Esformes, chrisann@islander.org Brook Morrison, brook@islander.org Ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org Kathy Prucnell, kathyp@islander.org Contributors Jesse Brisson Karen Riley-Love Capt. Danny Stasny, fish@islander.org Advertising Director Toni Lyon, toni@islander.org Office Staff Lisa Williams, manager Vicki McIntyre accounting@islander.org classifieds@islander.org subscriptions@islander.org Distribution Urbane Bouchet Judy Loden Wasco Ross Roberts (All others: news@islander.org)

Single copies free. Quantities of ﬁve or more: 25 cents each. ©1992-2019 • Editorial, sales and production offices: 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach FL 34217 WEBSITE: www.islander.org PHONE 941-778-7978 toll-free fax 1-866-362-9821

Jiri Minarik steps into a hole he came across on the beach. He and his wife filled the hole after documenting its size. Islander Courtesy Photo

The hole concern

I’d like to join Patricia Horne in raising concern about holes left on the beach. I came across one recently that almost made me dizzy looking down in it — it was close to 3 feet deep. Imagine walking at night on the beach to admire the starry sky. A perfect scenario for a broken femur, hip or spine. Never mind the peril for a turtle or an ant. I would like to suggest that some mention should be added to the rules at beach entrances. Yes, dig a hole all the way to China if you will, but fill it up again before you leave! I do appreciate people’s sand creations, but the holes are more suitable for golf courses or Swiss cheese. Jiri Minarik, Holmes Beach

Thank you to all the volunteers and the public for making the 26th annual Tour of Homes a wonderful success. The tour supports the Center of Anna Maria Island, which provides a range of activities for the community. The homes were spectacular— bringing oohs and aahs, as people enjoyed each property. The center and tour organizers are most grateful to Belle and Dan Fangmeyer, Kathy and Greg Kerchner, Lynn Horne, Moss Builders and Emily Moss for opening their beautiful homes. This year’s tour quilt and the tour were dedicated to Ann Horne, who was on the inaugural tour committee and helped make the first quilt in 2003. She passed away in November 2018. She was the wife of Lynn and matriarch of the Anna Maria Oyster Bar, whose owners, John and Amanda Horne, continue the family tradition of supporting the center. More than 700 tickets were sold and 90 volunteers smiled and helped to make it a fun day for tourgoers. Much appreciation goes to the house coordinators and the volunteers who with the homeowners. And a special thank-you to the 70 tour guides for the smiles and energy they shared with the 700 tourgoers. Thank you to the transportation and parking team that kept traffic and tourgoers safe and the musicians who performed at the homes and their sponsor, as well as the center staff for taking care of all the important background details. It is the generosity of the owners of the homes that make this a great fundraiser. Success takes many rowing in the same direction — thank you all. Lee McParland on behalf of the Center of Anna Maria Island and the tour committee

THE ISLANDER n MARcH 27, 2019 n 7

On holiday

A group of “excursionists” visit Roser Church in Anna Maria. The soldier at the center of the photograph might have been visiting from Fort Dade on Egmont Key. The photo is dated 1910-20 Islander Photo: Courtesy Manatee County Public Library Digital Collection

Good deeds

Volunteer opportunities

Looking for volunteer opportunities on or around Anna Maria Island? These organizations are seeking help: The Roser Food Bank needs donations of cash and nonperishable food. The pantry is administered by Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals. Information: 941-345-2441. Anna Maria Island Historical Society museum seeks docents, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0492. Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce seeks volunteers to assist at the office and visitor information center. Information: 941-778-1541. To list volunteer opportunities with an organization or cause, please email news@islander.org and calendar@islander.org.

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From the archives

Page 1 of the The Islander Bystander newspaper from March 24, 1999. Islander File Photo

10&20 years ago

In the headlines: March 24, 1999

In the wake of a fire that destroyed a wing of the Playa Encantada condominiums, West Manatee Fire Rescue Chief Andy Price said many of the island’s condos lacked adequate fire protection because the majority of condos were built before new fire codes were enacted. The board of directors of the Playa Encantada said it would rebuild the 14 units destroyed or damaged in a fire caused by a lightning strike. Damage was estimated at $3.5 million. The Florida Department of Transportation rejected a request by island elected officials to install lights on the Anna Maria Island Bridge during a planned $1.2 million renovation of the structure. The DOT said the lights could not be installed because they were not included in a 5-year work plan.

In the headlines: March 25, 2009

The Florida Department of Transportation was holding public hearings in the spring of 2009 on its proposals for the future of the Anna Maria Island Bridge. Anna Maria commissioners moved to combine the Residential-2 and R-1 zone to create a single residential zone and eliminate the possible construction of new duplexes in the city. Bradenton Beach commissioners appointed five people to a mooring committee that was to write a final draft of the city recreational boating plan. The weekly archives for The Islander are online at ufdc.ufl.edu. Some archived stories also are online at islander.org.

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Bradenton Beach commissioners divide voters into new wards

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter The city of Bradenton Beach is divided again into four wards. City commissioners, meeting March 21, voted 5-0 to reinstate four wards based on voter numbers and neighborhoods recommended and approved by the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office and revised by the commission. A charter amendment approved by voters last November called for an ordinance establishing four wards “equal in population and that maintains the integrity of neighborhoods and communities of interest.” Such voting districts, established in the city in 1976 and based on population, were eliminated with a charter amendment in 2017. Bradenton Beach charter review committee members, under city attorney Ricinda Perry’s direction, recommended reinstating

wards in 2018. Perry said the commission’s revision of the SOE’s proposed ward maps evened out the populations of the four voting districts, but noted that the fourth ward was the largest. Ward 1 contains 193 registered voters and is bordered by the northern city limit, Sarasota Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, Canasta Drive, Avenue C, 24th Street North and 25th Street North. The ward, as proposed by the SOE, would have contained 234 registered voters. Ward 2 is bordered by the southern border of Ward 1, Sarasota Bay, the Gulf of Mexico and ends at the southern property line of Runaway Bay Condominium Associates and the Lacosta Condominiums Associates near 17th Street North. The voting district contains 211 registered voters, instead of the 169 in the SOE’s map. Commissioners swapped Ward 3 and Ward 4 to avoid hindering Commissioner Randy White’s ability

4 wards, 814 voters

to run for re-election. His term expires this year. People will vote for commissioners in odd-numbered wards in 2019 and odd-numbered years, and even-numbered wards in 2020 and even-numbered years. White’s term ends in 2019, but he resides in what was the SOE’s recommended Ward 4, which would have prevented him from running for re-election until 2020. Ward 3, a revised version of the SOE’s proposed Ward 4, contains 249 voters, 66 more than the 183 voters in the SOE’s map. The voting district contains the whole of the community redevelopment agency district, and is bordered by Cortez Road, Sarasota Bay, the Gulf of Mexico and the southern city limits. Ward 4 is bordered by the southern border of Ward 2, Sarasota Bay, the Gulf of Mexico and Cortez Road. The ward has 161 registered voters, 51 less than the 212 in the SOE’s district.

Bradenton Beach to stick with DOT street sweepers

Ward 1, 193 registered voters.

Ward 2, 211 voters.

Ward 3, 249 voters.

Ward 4, 161 voters.

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter Street and bike lane sweeping services in Bradenton Beach will remain unchanged. Public works manager Tom Woodard told city commissioners March 21 the city lacks the money to purchase and operate a street sweeper to take over cleaning on Gulf Drive, a state road. At a previous meeting, Mayor John Chappie suggested the city look into assuming streetsweeping responsibilities because state-contracted services left bike lanes unsafe, with sand and debris. Woodard said Florida Department of Transportation maintenance contract manager Joey Sites offered to pay the city $7,219.69 annually for assuming street-cleaning services, which the DOT contracts. But, Woodward said the offer was not enough to purchase a street sweeper, which could cost $125,000. The DOT pays USA Services to sweep twice a month, but the bike lanes too often are not clean, according to Woodard. He said public works had cleaned the path several times when he did not receive a timely response to complaints to the state. However, Woodard said the contractor sent new employees to sweep Gulf Drive and the bike lanes March 13, and they did a good job. “As long as they perform like they did last week, then I have no issue with leaving it the way it is,” he said. Alternatively, Woodard said the city could explore making the street sweeper a community redevelopment agency expense, assuming the CRA has funding in its budget. “I think we should continue what we’re doing, and hound them when they’re not doing something right,” Chappie said. “We’ve got their attention now.”

Review of cafe plans delayed

BB planning and zoning board undergoes changes

And then there were five. The Bradenton Beach planning and zoning board is smaller body, whole again. It was accomplished with a rule change. Planning and zoning board members March 20 voted 5-0 to approve amendments to board procedures that reduced membership from seven to five people, allowing for a quorum of three members. City commissioners voted in January to approve an ordinance allowing the reduction because the board had struggled to meet quorum since Jim Lynch resigned in July 2018. Lynch’s resignation and an already empty seat often left the board short for a quorum, and no one

applied to fill the positions. In addition to the rule change, the board voted on new leadership. Planning and zoning board member Bill Morrow nominated Ken McDonough for chairman, who was appointed with a 5-0 vote after no other nominations were made. Fred Bartizal nominated John Burns, who served as vice chair when Lynch resigned, to return to that role. He had been serving as interim chair. No other nominations were made, and the board voted 5-0 to approve Burns as the new vice chair. — Ryan Paice

Review of development plans for the Gulf Drive Cafe are on hold at city hall until April 17. Bradenton Beach planning and zoning board members voted 5-0 March 20 to continue a public hearing for development at the restaurant, 900 Gulf Drive N., to 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, at city hall on city planner Alan Garrett’s recommendation. Garrett said while he struggled with an illness work stalled on resolving issues with the plans from the applicants. He suggested the board reserve discussion March 20 until April 17, but take public comment. No public comments were made. Development plans for the restaurant include kitchen upgrades and interior changes, according to Garrett. The plans first will be considered by the planning and zoning board, then the city commission. — Ryan Paice

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Island happenings AGAMI exhibits ‘Every Picture’

The Artists’ Guild Gallery in April will feature paintings by Donna Grossman in “Every Picture Tells a Story.” Grossman recently moved to the area. Previously she showed her work on Long Island, New York. “I had the good fortune to live on an island with outstanding artists that shared their talent with others, an island that was beautiful to paint and populated with the most interesting people to capture on canvas,” Grossman said in a news release. The gallery will welcome the public to a reception for the artist 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, April 12, which is the night of the Holmes Beach Artwalk. The gallery is at 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the gallery at 941-7786694.

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

Manatee River Garden Club 14th Annual Garden Tour

“BRADENTON IN BLOOM” SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 2019 10 AM to 4 PM

Self-guided tour of 5 beau�ful Bradenton gardens Tickets: $15 in advance at Crowder’s (Lakewood Ranch & Bradenton), at Cortez Ace Hardware or use order form online at: www.manateerivergardenclub.com ; otherwise $20 day of tour at clubhouse Pick up �ckets, have gourmet lunch ($12), enjoy vendors and Club gardens at: 3120 First Avenue West, Bradenton Informa�on: 941.870.2259

AMI Chamber of Commerce 2017 Best Business of the Year

Donna Grossman is exhibiting this self-portrait in April at the Artists’ Guild Gallery in Holmes Beach. Islander Courtesy Photo

Wildﬂower festival, plant sale date set

The Florida Native Plant Society and the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program will hold the 17th annual Spring Wildflower Festival and Native Plant Sale Saturday, April 13. The Manatee County chapter of the Audubon Society, Tampa BayWatch, Manatee County Extension Service and other nonprofits will participate. The sale will be at the Sweet Bay Nursery, 10824 Erie Road, Parrish. Festivalgoers will find native trees, grasses and blooming wildflowers for sale 9 a.m.-3 p.m. For more information, call the nursery at 941-7760510.

The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island will hold a general meeting and feature a talk about “sketching wildlife” Monday, April 1. Ed Straight of Wildlife Inc. will participate in the talk. The meeting and program will be at 1:30 p.m. at the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the Artists’ Guild Gallery at 941-778-6694.

Kiwanis to host program

The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island will meet Saturday, March 30, for breakfast and to hear from Pierrette Kelly, a consultant on the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading. Kelly formerly was the executive director of the Center of Anna Maria Island. The club meets at 8:30 a.m. at the Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe at the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call Sandy Haas-Martens at 941-778-1383.

Senior Adventures sets potluck, book sale

Center calls for bingo players

The center is calling bingo one more night this season. The center will welcome players 6-8 p.m. Friday, March 29. Bingo cards will cost $1. The center will offer wine, beer and other refreshments. The center is at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. For more information, call the center at 941-7781908.

Senior Adventures will hold a potluck lunch and book sale Friday, March 29. The sale will be 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Lunch will be at noon. Senior Adventures is a group of older adults who meet most Fridays for an adventure. For more information, call Kaye Bell at 941-5380945.

Sandbar, Pine Ave. businesses to host Easter events

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The Sandbar Restaurant and Pine Avenue Restoration will hold three free events to celebrate Easter. Plans for Saturday, April 20, include an Easter egg hunt, egg roll and the bonnet contest. This is the 33rd year for the Sandbar Restaurant’s egg hunt, which will begin at 9 a.m. on the beach, following refreshments at 8:30 a.m. The egg hunt will be on the beach near the restaurant. Parking will be available at the restaurant, as well as at nearby lots on Gulf Drive and at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, and also CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, where people can catch the island trolley to the events. The Sandbar invited children 10 years and under to participate in the hunt — they should bring their own baskets to collect eggs. After the egg hunt, the Easter Bunny will lead celebrants down Pine Avenue for the 10th annual Easter Egg Roll and Easter Bonnet Contest. Family-friendly plans for the businesses on Pine include face-painting, games, coloring and egg roll-

ing.

Complimentary framed pictures with the Easter Bunny will be offered, with photos by Dara Caudill of islandphotography.org. Music will be provided by DJ Chuck Caudill. Also, the Sandbar will provide food and refreshments and Hometown Desserts will provide sweet treats at the Pine Avenue events. The roll will take place 9:30-11 a.m. and the bonnet contest judging will be at 10:30 a.m. The first-place prize for the best adult bonnet will be a two-night stay at a vacation property on Pine Avenue. The top prize for the best kid’s bonnet will be a Sandbar lunch — complete with hot fudge sundaes — for the winner and three best friends. The Sandbar is at 100 Spring Ave., Anna Maria, and organizers can be reached at 941-778-0444. For more information about the Easter Saturday events, contact Ashley Chiles at achiles@chilesgroup. com.

Island happenings

THE ISLANDER n MARcH 27, 2019 n 11

Tuning up for ArtWalk

In April, Island Gallery West will feature an exhibit of cigar box guitars created by artist Jerry Patridge. “The cigar boxes come from many sources, materials and ages,” he says. “Most boxes, and the best sounding, are made from Spanish red cedar. I also make them from humidors.” A reception for Patridge will coincide with the ArtWalk set for 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, April 12. IGW is at 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the gallery at 941-778-6648.

Manatee River Garden Club presents tour, luncheon

The 14th annual garden tour presented by the Manatee River Garden Club will be 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, April 2. The self-guided tour, “Bradenton in Bloom,” features visits to five gardens. Tickets are $15 in advance at Crowder’s Gifts and Gadgets, 5409 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. Tickets are $20 the day of the event, when they can be purchased at the clubhouse, 3120 First Ave. W., Bradenton. Tourgoers also can enjoy a lunch at the clubhouse for $12, as well as shop the vendors and plant sales. For more information, call 941-870-2259.

Tickets on sale for AMICCO’s ‘Diva Wars’

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The Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra is selling tickets to its “Diva Wars” concert. The concert will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 31, at the State College of Florida’s Neel Performing Arts Center, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton. Featured performers include Michelle Giglio, Ashley Thunder Lowe and Stella Zambalis. On its website, AMICCO said the final concert of the winter-spring season will feature “operatic favorites with great choral and orchestral arrangements.” Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at amicco.org. For more information, call Jeanie Pickwick at 941795-2370.

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ArtistDemo

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Ceramic artists Debra Mazzei and Susan Swanson team up to demonstrate techniques using alcohol inks on Raku pottery. Seats fill up fast for these free demos. 10:30-12. Come early.

Cortez artist featured in Artists Magazine Signature ISLANDER gifts

Cortez artist Susanna Spann’s work is featured in Artists Magazine. She submitted the painting “Friday on Frenchman’s Street” to the magazine’s Over 60 competition and said she was one of 10 winners selected from among 1,500 entries. Her painting was published in the magazine’s April issue. Islander Courtesy Photo

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12 n MARcH 27, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

The Islander Calendar

coMPiled BY lisa neff

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Wednesdays, 2-4 p.m., Shanty Singers, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: 941-708-6120. First Fridays, 6-9 p.m. ArtWalk in the Village of the Arts, around ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Also, Saturdays after the ﬁrst Fridays. Information: villageofthearts@gmail.com. Saturday, March 30 Second Saturdays, 2-4 p.m., Music on the Porch, Florida Mari10:30 a.m. — Debra Mazzei and Susan Swanson demonstrate time Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: 941-708putting alcohol inks on raku pottery, Island Gallery West artist dem6120. onstrations, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778Through Dec. 31, “Always Ready” U.S. Coast Guard exhibit, 6648. Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: Monday, April 1 941-708-6120. 1:30 p.m. — Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island general memLOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI bership meeting and program, with Ed Straight of Wildlife Inc. and “an afternoon of sketching wildlife,” Episcopal Church of the May 18, Katt Hefner “Last Dance: A Tribute to Donna Summer” Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941concert, Bradenton. 778-6694. July 13, Katt Hefner “Sophisticated Lady: The Songbook of ONGOING ON AMI Natalie Cole” concert, Bradenton. Through March 30, Saturdays at 10:30 a.m., Island Gallery West artist demonstrations, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648. Throughout March, Gwen Kodad exhibits work at the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694. Throughout March, Sue Bokos exhibits “Small Wonders,” Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786648. Through April 6, Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society “Transparent” exhibit, the Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-1906. Throughout April, Donna Grossman exhibits “Every Picture Tells a Story” at the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694. Throughout April, Jerry Patridge’s “Cigar Box Guitars” exhibit, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648. LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI

KIDS & FAMILY ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Wednesday, March 27 2:30 p.m. — Spring Break Escape Room, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Registration required. Information: 941-778-6341. Friday March 29 10 a.m. — Forty Carrots, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Tuesday, April 2 10 a.m. — Preschool storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. ONGOING ON AMI Wednesdays through May 30, ukulele lessons, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI

April 20, Easter Egg Hunt, bonnet contest and egg roll, Anna April 12, ArtWalk, Holmes Beach. Maria. April 13, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Beach n’ ONGOING OFF AMI Food Truck and Music Festival, Bradenton Beach. First Saturdays, Family Night at the Museum, South Florida OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: Sunday, March 31 941-746-4131. 2 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra Fourth Wednesdays, “Stelliferous Live” star talk, South Florida concert, “Diva Wars,” Neel Performing Arts Center, 5840 26th St. Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: W., Bradenton., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: amicco.org. 941-746-4131. ONGOING OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND GAMES, SPORTS &

OUTDOORS Fridays in March, 6-8 p.m., Music in the Park, Riverwalk Mosaic Amphitheater, 606 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. Information: 941-621ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND 6471. Through March, “An Art Exposition” featuring art work by Cheryl Friday, March 29 Jorgensen and Joan McArthur, Dancing Crane Gallery, 1019 10th 6-8 p.m. — Center of Anna Maria Island bingo games, 407 Ave. W., Bradenton. Information: 941-744-1333. Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778Second Wednesdays, Think + Drink (science), South Florida 1908. Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131.

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Last call

Linda Yargar listens as Greg Luzier runs down the winning numbers during a bingo game Jan. 17 at the Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Yargar serves as president of the community center. The last games of the season will be played Thursday, March 28. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Wednesdays and Mondays, 12:30-3:30 p.m., pickleball, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-1908. Wednesdays and Fridays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., pickleball, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-1908. Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m., horseshoes pitched, Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-7086130. Thursdays, through March 28, bingo, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-7783580. Thursdays, Saturdays and Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Legends Tennis, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-1908. Thursdays-Saturdays and Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., pickleball, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-1908. Most Fridays, 11:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. (call for times) mahjong games, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Mondays, noon, bridge, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. Mondays, AMI Dragon Boat Fun and Fitness Club, time depends on tides, 417 63rd St., Holmes Beach. Information: 941462-2626. Mondays and Thursdays, 1 p.m., mahjong, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-7781908. Mondays-Saturdays, 7:30-10:30 a.m., Round Robin Tennis, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-1908. Most Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong games and instruction

Portraits by the Sea

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The Islander Calendar

for beginners, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Information: 941-778-6341. ONGOING ON AMI Tuesdays, noon, duplicate bridge, Episcopal Church of the Wednesdays throughout March, Anna Maria Island Historical Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941Society sales of settlers bread, AMIHS museum, 402 Pine Ave., 779-0881. Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0492. ONGOING OFF AMI Wednesdays throughout March, 1:30 p.m. Anna Maria Island Saturdays in March, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Valentine House open Irish Ceili and Set Dancing, Sandpiper Mobile Resort house, 2601 house, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Informa- Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-779-1416. tion: 941-742-5923, ext. 6035.. Thursdays, 9-11 a.m., veterans services assistance, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341. LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI Third Thursdays, 11:45 a.m., Successful Women Aligning April 13, Florida Native Plant Society and Sarasota Bay Estuary Together meets, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Program Wildﬂower Festival and Native Plant Sale, Parrish. Beach. Fee applies. Information: 941-345-5135. April 27, Sarasota Bay Seagrass Survey and Seagrass FestiFridays, Senior Adventures usually meets to carpool on an val, Sarasota. adventure or for an activity, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 May 3, Keep Manatee Beautiful Fore the Environment golf 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-538-0945. tournament, Bradenton. Second Fridays, 6 p.m., AMI Resident Community Connections, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. CLUBS & Information: 941-778-1908. COMMUNITY Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island breakfast meeting, Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, Manatee Public Beach, ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1383. Wednesday, March 27 Tuesdays through May 14, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Anna Maria FarmNoon — Coloring club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, ers Market, City Pier Park, North Bay Boulevard and Pine Avenue. Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Information: 941-708-6130. Thursday, March 28 Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island, Bridge 10 a.m. — Seaside Quilters, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. 718-0291. Friday, March 29 Tuesdays, 2-4 p.m., Tech Help, Island Library, 5701 Marina 10 a.m.-1 p.m. — Senior Adventures book sale and potluck Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. lunch, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI Beach. Information: 941-538-0945. Saturday, March 30 April 11, Center of Anna Maria Island Passion for Fashion 8:30 a.m. — Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island breakfast meet- Show, Anna Maria. ing with a presentation by Pierrette Kelly on the Suncoast Campaign April 17, Anna Maria Island Garden Club fashion show, Anna for Grade-Level Reading, Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, Manatee Maria. Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941May 4, A Night of Warhol/AME spring gala, Holmes Beach. 778-1383. OFF AMI 10 a.m. — Beginning meditation, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Saturday, March 30 Wednesday, April 3 Manatee River Garden Club annual garden tour, “Bradenton 1 p.m. — Gulf Coast Writers, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, in Bloom” and luncheon, various locations, Bradenton. Fee applies.

THE ISLANDER n MARcH 27, 2019 n 13

Information: 941-870-2259. ONGOING OFF AMI Fridays, 10:30 a.m., Paradise Cafe games, music and socializing, the Paradise Center, Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Fee applies. Information: 941-383-6493. Saturdays through May, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Bradenton Farmers Market, Old Main, Bradenton. Information: 941-621-6471.

GOOD TO KNOW SAVE THE DATES April 21, Easter. April 22, Earth Day. April 26, National Arbor Day. May 5, Cinco de Mayo. May 12, Mother’s Day.

GET LISTED Send announcements for The Islander calendar to calendar@ islander.org. The deadline for listings is the Wednesday before the publication date. Please include the date, time, location and description of the event, as well as a phone number for publication.

Paradise tours to raise funds for maritime museum

A 90-minute boat tour set for 7 p.m. Thursday, April 25, will raise money for the Florida Maritime Museum in Cortez. Paradise Boat Tours will take participants on a 90-minute tour on the Intracoastal Waterway to look for dolphins, manatees, rays and more. Capt. Sherman Baldwin will lead the tour and A.P. Bell owner Karen Bell will join the tour group. Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for seniors and $20 for children under 12. The tour will depart from the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach. An announcement said Paradise Boat Tours will donate proceeds to the Florida Maritime Museum. For more information, call the museum at 941708-6120.

Paradise Boat Tours, a Bradenton Beach-based tour company, will conduct a tour to benefit the Florida Maritime Museum in Cortez. Islander Courtesy Photo

In the cards

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Talent blooms at annual garden club show

The fellowship hall at Roser Memorial Community Church was full of spring scents and blooms March 20, as the Anna Maria Island Garden Club held its annual flower show. Winners were chosen in seven categories, all reflecting this year’s theme of “Let’s Go to the Movies,” and a horticulture category. The winners include: “Breakfast at Tiffany’s:” Zan Fuller, first; Janet Riley, second, and Shawn Mayers, third. “Dirty Dancing:” Kathy Goerlitz, first; Marilyn Pomeroy, second, and Sam Krusa, third.

The Anna Maria Garden Club has served the community since 1951. Islander Photos: Bonner Joy

“Titanic:” Zan Fuller, first; Peggi Clauhs, second, and Lynda Striger, third. “Blue Hawaii:” Priscilla Sewald, first; Dusty Crane, second and Rita Allen, third. “Gone With the Wind:” Ginger Huhn, first; Peggi Clauhs, second and Stevie Coppin, third. “The Wizard of Oz:” Dusty Crane, first; Linda Striger, second, and Charlotte Nayes, third. “ET: The Extraterrestrial:” Sandee Shea, first; Loretta Estabrooks, second, and Phyllis Hayes, third. Minus the movie theme, the horticulture category ribbons went to Peggi Clauhs, first; Linda Striger,

“Titanic” winner, Zan Fuller.

second, and Dee O’Brien, third. Judges for this year’s show were Islander publisher Bonner Joy, Kelly Karey, Lizzie Vann and Jackie Cutrone. The garden club also hosted a bake sale. The next event will be a fashion show and luncheon at noon Wednesday, April 17, at the Roser Community Church, with tickets available at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, contact Zan Fuller at 813503-9364.

“Blue Hawaii” winner, Priscilla Sewald. FAR LEFT: Garden club members prepare their entries before the judging and opening of the flower show. LEFT: Winners in the “Titanic” category, Lynda Striger, Zan Fuller and Peggi Clauhs are announced by flower show organizer Ginger Huhn.

A delicate, ruffled violet entry in the horticulture category caught the photographer’s eye.

Organizer Ginger Huhn, left, announces the judges for the show: Kelly Karey, Lizzie Vann, Jackie Cutrone and pointing the camera, Islander publisher Bonner Joy. Anna Maria Elementary fifth-grader Gabriella Gilbert, right, created the winning poster for the Anna Maria Island Garden Club Flower Show.

THE ISLANDER n MARcH 27, 2019 n 15

Sprucing up the Moose in the Great American Cleanup

More than 100 people volunteered March 16 to spruce up the Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge, 110 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, and its surroundings during the Great American Cleanup. Additional cleanups took place at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach, the Kingfish Boat Ramp in Holmes Beach, areas near Anna Maria City Hall, the FISH Preserve in Cortez and on adopted highways and shorelines. The cleanup was in partnership with Keep Manatee Beautiful. Islander Photos: Terry Gebhardt

Mary Hamal, part of the Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge cleanup crew, shows an inflatable float she found March 16 on the beach in a dune in Bradenton Beach. Dave McGinnis shovels sand from the outdoor dining area at the Moose Lodge in Bradenton Beach. Moose volunteers March 16 participated in the Great American Cleanup.

Skip St. John gets ready to weigh bags of trash at the Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge in Bradenton Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge volunteers Beach. Bob and Mary Roby do their part in the Great American Cleanup, held March 16 in Manatee County.

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Beachfront motel granted alcohol sales by Holmes Beach

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter A motel in Holmes Beach soon may provide another way for guests to find beachfront relaxation. Cedar Cove Resort, 2710 Gulf Drive, received approval March 20 from special magistrate Michael Connelly to sell alcoholic beverages at its snack bar. Connelly is an attorney appointed by the city to hear such matters. City staff had said alcohol sales would constitute a change to the legal nonconforming use of the motel. However, according to attorney Scott Rudacille, representing the Cedar Cove owner, Angel’s Nest L.C. of Holmes Beach, the sales will occur within the existing snack bar and alcohol only will be offered to resort guests. “We believe because of these stipulations, the applicant meets all the requirements of the code,”

Rudacille said. Connelly asked Rudacille if the snack bar just serves resort patrons and if alcoholic beverages would be limited to beer and wine. Rudacille said the snack bar does limit service to resort clientele, but he was not sure if the alcoholic beverages would be confined to beer and wine, as that is not stipulated in the hotel license. City planner Bill Brisson said the applicant is in compliance with the city standards and recommended approval. City attorney Patricia Petruff said the owner must provide the city with a copy of its state liquor license. John Kosanovich, an owner and association board member at Ocean Park Terrace condominiums on the south side of Cedar Cove, said the association polled its members, received feedback and had some ques-

tions on the matter. He said concerns included oversight and hours of alcohol sales and if approval would lead to increased use of alcohol on the beach, which is illegal in Holmes Beach. Eric Cairns, co-owner of Cedar Cove, said he is on-site most days and sales would be charged to rooms and monitored by custom wristbands. Additionally, he said, sales of alcoholic beverages would stop when the snack bar closes at 5 p.m. Daniel Childress, also an owner at Ocean Park Terrace, wrote an email to city staff stating concerns for the impact of alcohol sales on beach activity at the resort. “Many of the guests have no respect for our beach restrictions and show a disregard for protecting the environment,” Childress wrote March 8. “They seem Please see motel, Next page

The Anna Maria Island Bridge on Manatee Avenue, left, opens March 20 for boat traffic on the Intracoastal Waterway. Timed openings during the day are on-demand on the half hour by boaters, 15 and 45 minutes after the hour. During spring break for Manatee County schools, delays for vehicle traffic on the AMI, Cortez and Longboat Pass bridges can leave people waiting for a half hour or more — sometimes resulting in a wait through two bridge openings. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy

The Longboat Pass Bridge, right, is set for a major overhaul in May. The Florida Department of Transportation announced in February a $5 million repair project for the 1957 drawbridge will begin May 1 and continue through November. Slowdowns and backups on the bridge connecting Longboat Key and Bradenton Beach are expected. Pedestrian access will be limited and boaters may have reduced clearance. Lane closures will occur weeknights, most night closures will be 15 minutes and nighttime bridge closures with detours will be limited to two nights. The project will add 10-15 years of life to the structure. The work will include repairs to the concrete approach and the bascule, the fender system, cleaning and painting, new traffic signals and reconditioned mechanics. Islander Photo: Courtesy DOT

THE ISLANDER n MARcH 27, 2019 n 17

DOT, Longboat Key plan roundabout south of BB-LBK bridge

By Lisa Neff Islander Editor “I don’t want you to fall out of your chair,” BraJack Elka put his denton Beach Mayor John Chappie said as if he was drone to work to about to deliver a whopper. capture a bird’s Then, to other Anna Maria Island officials, he eye view of the relayed the news that the town of Longboat Key and roundabout at the Florida Department of Transportation are at work Gulf Drive and to install a roundabout on the north end of the key. Bridge Street “And it’s for the same reasons we have our roundin Bradenton about,” said Chappie, referring to the roundabout at Beach. Islander Gulf Drive and Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. File Photo “The roundabout has done everything we wanted and more than we’d hoped to accommodate traffic flow and for public safety,” he told The Islander. The Longboat Key development amused Chappie because Bradenton Beach’s roundabout at Bridge Street and Gulf Drive has been maligned and derided Round up on the roundabout by some officials from Longboat Key and some northDo you know the difference between a roundThe DOT says a motorist should reduce speed end residents. about and a traffi c circle? to 10-15 mph when approaching a roundabout and Last year, Longboat Key Mayor George Spoll, who A traffic circle is much larger than a roundabout be aware of bicyclists and pedestrians. The motorcalled Bradenton Beach’s roundabout “intolerable” and and often has stop signs or signals within the circular ist should look left for oncoming traffic, yield to an “abomination,” also encouraged its removal. intersection, according to the Florida Department of vehicles already in the roundabout, wait for a gap And, in public comment submitted for the ongoing Transportation’s factsheet on roundabouts. and enter. Barrier Islands Traffic Study, Longboat Key residents Also, vehicles typically must yield before enterShould motorists stop inside a roundabout to let complained the Bridge Street-Gulf Drive roundabout ing a roundabout, which operates at relatively low another motorist enter? contributes to congestion on the state road rather than speeds — 25 mph or less. No, motorists should slow down so the safe alleviates traffic tie-ups. Most roundabouts restrict pedestrians from gap becomes more obvious to the driver wanting to Chappie, however, said the roundabout remedied entering the central island while some traffic cir- enter the roundabout. Motorists should not stop after safety concerns at an intersection previously controlled cles allow pedestrians to cross within the central crossing the yield line. with stop signs. island. How are pedestrians accommodated? “It was a huge safety concern with pedestrians How does a motorist drive in a single-lane Pedestrians should use marked crosswalks. trying to cross there, a lot of people going to the Moose roundabout? — Lisa Neff (lodge), a lot of people going to sunset,” the mayor said. “As I recall, there were a couple of pedestrians And, he said, he was glad to learn about Long- or federal construction funds. that were hit. …We needed to have a safer access and boat’s plans. Town officials have asked DOT officials to revisit exit to the commercial area.” Longboat Key public works director Isaac Brown- the need for a PD&E study “so we can proceed directly “The roundabout really helps keep the commercial man said the roundabout developed from the town’s to design,” according to the director. district viable,” Chappie added. master plan for Gulf of Mexico Drive and conversaFunding for construction — estimated at more than motel CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16 tions about pedestrian safety at the Broadway Street- $2 million — is not budgeted, said Brownman, adding to enjoy our beaches, but they leave the beaches and Gulf of Mexico Drive intersection, where people cross that discussion about placing the project in the DOT’s surrounding environment not in the shape they were in fast-moving traffic to reach the Gulf beach. five-year capital improvement program are ongoing. in when they first arrived.” “The FDOT is in favor of the project, and it is A second roundabout on Longboat Key could In response to such concerns about alcohol on the consistent with the Barrier Islands Traffic Study in be built at Gulf of Mexico Drive and Longboat Club beach, Petruff said, “Alcohol on the beach is illegal, progress,” he said. Road, where there is a traffic light and a shopping and alcohol on private property is legal. So, if there The roundabout would slow traffic to allow safer center that includes a Publix Super Market. are guests with alcohol on the beach, it’s a simple call pedestrian crossings, provide more convenient leftThe BITS calls for additional roundabouts in to the police department.” turns from Broadway onto Gulf of Mexico Drive Holmes Beach, including on Manatee Avenue at Gulf She added that code enforcement or the police and create a gateway to Longboat Key, according to Drive; where Palm/Marina drives merge at Key Royale department would handle noise complaints. Brownman. Drive/66th Street; and where Gulf Drives intersects Rudacille said the applicant hadn’t received noise He said the town budgeted $150,000 in fiscal 2018- with Marina Drive in downtown Holmes Beach. complaints or notices of code violations. 19 to begin the design, but before that work can begin Another roundabout at Manatee Avenue-East Bay Connelly said based on the staff report, testimony the DOT has indicated a project development and envi- Drive is tied to the future plans for the Anna Maria and a stipulation to end sales daily at 5 p.m., he would ronmental analysis must be completed. Such a review Island Bridge. prepare a resolution granting the request. is needed to identify any impact a roundabout would “There are a couple of things we’re kicking No further action is required by the city. have on the environment, as well as to qualify for state around,” said Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth.

B.J. Thomas brings the beats to the center

Singer B.J. Thomas performs “I Wanna Be Ready” alongside his band, opening his concert March 21 at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. The concert was part of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau’s series to counter the effects of red tide, by attracting tourists and raising money for the venue. Islander Photos: Ryan Paice

The Bradenton-based Billy Rice Band, with Scotty Yates on electric guitar, left, Billy Rice on acoustic guitar and Allan Marnie on bass, open the show March 21 for headliner B.J. Thomas at the center.

18 n MARcH 27, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

Peering at pier work, a new AMI pastime

“Smile, you’re at a construction site.” A snapshot is taken at the Anna Maria City Pier entrance, where work is ongoing for a new pier. Islander Photos: Jack Elka

Two people watch March 20 at the gate for the construction site where formerly the planks connected people to the Anna Maria City Pier.

Two people lean on a gate March 20, observing construction of a new Anna Maria City Pier at the east end of Pine Avenue in the city. The old pier, damaged in Hurricane Irma and demolished last year, was one of the most popular tourist attractions in Manatee County. Work on the new pier created a new activity at the site. Two laughing gulls perch March 20 on a piling near shore at the work site for the Anna Maria City Pier. A royal tern perches March 20 near the entrance to the old Anna Maria City Pier, where work continues to construct a new pier.

From pilings to pier in Tampa Bay

This rendering for the new pier was presented in March 2018 by Schimberg Group, the architectural firm selected by the city’s pier engineers, Ayres Associates, to design the pier. Barron Schimberg said at the time the model was for illustrative purposes. The city has not yet issued a request for proposals to construct the restaurant or accessory structures. Islander Graphic: Courtesy Schimberg Group

THE ISLANDER n MARcH 27, 2019 n 19

Anna Maria enacts moratorium on sign permits

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter City commissioners put a hold on new sign permits and A-frame signs in Anna Maria. City commissioners March 21 voted 4-0 to enact a 60-day moratorium on new signage, which city attorney Becky Vose, attending by speakerphone, said will prevent someone from requesting a sign permit while the commission works on changes to the sign ordinance. Discussion on the ordinance began March 14, when Vose recommended changes based on case law that determined signs cannot be regulated differently based on content. Changes to the ordinance, such as permitting temporary signage, changing the distance temporary signs

are allowed from the roadway and adjusting sign sizes for businesses sharing the same property, were discussed March 14. Bill Arthur, owner of Anna Maria Rocks, a jewelry and shark’s tooth specialty store at 9908 Gulf Drive, attended the March 21 meeting and asked commissioners to consider lifting the ban on A-frame signs. By ordinance, A-frame signs are banned in the city. A timeout for the regulation that denies A-frame signs has been in place since September 2017 to help businesses after the city lost the attraction of the city pier. Arthur said the A-frame sign for his shop upped

business by 50 percent and he asked commissioners to consider allowing every business an A-frame sign while they compose their amended ordinance. “I think our concern was that there could be a multitude of A-frame signs on one property,” Commissioner Carol Carter said. “Perhaps we can modify how the city deals with A-frame signs.” She suggested limiting A-frame signs by frontage, the width of a commercial property. City commissioners will discuss the sign ordinance further during a hearing and first reading of the revised ordinance at 6 p.m., Thursday, March 28, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

Drainage project extended

‘Donate Life Month’ is in April

April will be dedicated to the encouragement of organ donation in Bradenton Beach. City commissioners, meeting March 21, voted 5-0 to approve Mayor John Chappie’s proclamation naming April “Donate Life Month” to educate residents on the importance of organ and tissue donation. The proclamation lists facts about organ and tissue donation, including how more than 35,500 Americans receive a lifesaving organ transplant every year and how an average of 22 people die every day waiting for an organ transplant. Chappie said he knows someone on a waiting list for a transplant. — Ryan Paice

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Double-sided sign proposal

Jack Elka, owner of a Holmes Beach-based photography business and an Islander newspaper photographer, proposed applying crack-and-peel signs to the back of street signs to encourage pedestrians to “walk to the side of the road, possibly saving their lives.” “Pedestrian share the road with cars! Please walk on the side of the street or off the road for your own safety.”

“Images of America: Anna Maria Island,”

a pictorial history of the island compiled by Bonner Joy is available for $20 at The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

Shop-owner Bill Arthur tells Anna Maria’s commissioners March 21 his A-frame sign upped his business 50 percent. He asked commissioners to consider lifting a ban on A-frame signs that was temporarily suspended to help businesses after the Anna Maria City Pier closed in September 2017 and traffic to businesses slowed. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

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Residents of Avenue C in Bradenton Beach can expect drainage work on their roadway to continue for another few months. City commissioners March 21 voted 5-0 to approve a 90-day extension for the stormwater infiltration project on Avenue C, giving Westra Construction time to install drainage systems around the corners of the avenue and intersecting roads, which are problem areas. Westra, which was initially tasked with installing stormwater infiltration and restoring driveways and rights of way along Avenue C, is redoing driveways for owners impacted by the roadway infiltration systems. City engineer Lynn Burnett cited a positive development for the project: When budgeting the project, Westra overestimated material quantities. So the project is now under budget. — Ryan Paice

20 n MARcH 27, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

Gathering

Gathering plans SPECIAL WORSHIP, EVENTS

Sunday, March 31 4 p.m. — Roser Memorial Community Church concert with the Key Chorale Chamber Singers, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. SAVE THE DATE

Chapel benefit feeds anti-hunger effort

The Longboat Island Chapel will present “A Charity Affair” to benefit Feeding Empty Little Tummies. The celebration will be 5-7:30 p.m. Friday, April 5. The evening will include wine and hors d’oeuvre, games, raffles, a live auction and a chance to win $1,000. Tickets are $40. FELT is a Manatee County nonprofit that provides nutritious meals on the weekends to more than 700 children from 50 local schools. The Longboat Island Chapel is at 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. For more information, call the church office at 941-383-6491.

Key.

Longboat Island Chapel “A Charity Affair,” April 5, Longboat Palm Sunday, April 14. Maundy Thursday, April 18. Good Friday, April 19. Passover begins, April 19. Holy Saturday, April 20. Easter, April 21. Kiwanis Sunrise Easter Service, April 21, Holmes Beach. Passover ends, April 27. ONGOING LISTINGS

Sunday worship 9 a.m.; Sunday life group 10:30 a.m.; women’s Tuesday prayer 9:30 a.m.; men’s Wednesday Bible study 7 a.m.; Wednesday fellowship meal 6:15 p.m.; Wednesday Night Blast 6:45 p.m. Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Sunday Holy Eucharist (Rite I) 8 a.m.; Sunday Holy Eucharist (Rite II) 10:30 a.m.; men’s Wednesday breakfast 8 a.m. Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Saturday service 5 p.m.; Sunday service 9:30 a.m.; Sunday fellowship 10:30 a.m.; Wednesday prayer partners 11:30 a.m.; women’s Thursday Bible study 10 a.m. Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach. Sunday services 8:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Sunday service 10 a.m.; fellowship afterward. Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Sunday worship 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.; adult Sunday school 8:45 a.m.; Sunday adult book study 9 a.m.; Just Older Youth/JOY Brown Bag Lunch Series second and fourth Wednesdays, 11 a.m.; Terriﬁc Tuesdays 5:30 p.m.. St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Saturday confession 3 p.m.; Saturday Mass 4 p.m.; Sunday Mass followed by coffee and doughnuts 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.; weekday Mass 8:30 a.m. Send listings to calendar@islander.org.

Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian (USA), 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Sunday service 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.; men’s Monday Bible study 9 a.m.; women’s Wednesday Bible study 10 a.m. Gathering Cortez Church of Christ, 12111 45th Ave. W., Cortez. Sunday Bible study, 10 a.m.; Sunday worship, 11 a.m.; Wednesday Bible Please, send announcements and photos for the study, 7 p.m. church happenings page to news@islander.org and CrossPointe Fellowship, 8665 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. calendar@islander.org.

Blessed Mother awaits new grotto at Catholic church in Holmes Beach

By Sandy Ambrogi Islander Reporter The statue of the Virgin Mary is tucked away for safekeeping in an office at St. Bernard Catholic Church, but just for the time being. Outdoors, parishioner Frank Cashin is overseeing a remodel of the Blessed Mother grotto at the church built in Holmes Beach in 1956. “The old grotto was deteriorating. It was not in keeping with honoring the Virgin Mary,” Cashin said March 12. A grotto is a small picturesque cave, usually artificial, in a small park or garden. Working with Cashin is stonemason and Florida building contractor John Fara, who helped build the original church at 248 S. Harbor Drive. Both men are longtime Anna Maria Islanders. The St. Bernard Women’s Guild had approached Cashin about remodeling the grotto, and he took up the challenge, providing a new vision for the space. Fara was referred to Cashin by Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy, who appreciated the stonework Fara did in City Pier Park. Church officials approved the project in 2018, and Cashin and Fara hope to complete the work before a May celebration. “We might not be completely finished, but that’s our goal,” Cashin said. “We are always at the whims of the materials arriving. When we finish, we’ll have a ceremony.” Fara’s stonework includes a Diana Royal marble facade around the statue niche and curved stone seating

You can catch all the news online at islander.org

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around the perimeter. Existing wrought-iron benches will be placed on side patios. The statue niche will be enlarged, and a walkway will connect the contemplation area with the back door to the church. Cashin is excited about adding a brick pathway from the grotto to the church. To help cover the costs, memorial bricks are being sold for the walkway. Bricks are 4 by 8 inches and can contain up to three lines of lettering with 13 letters or spaces per line. The cost with engraving is $125. “It’s a great way to honor a loved one,” Cashin said. Private donations have funded the remodeling work, but Cashin says more has to be done before the statue is placed at the new grotto. For more information about purchasing a brick, The old grotto at St. Bernard Catholic Church in contact Mary Jane McSparran at 941-792-5983 or Holmes Beach. Islander Courtesy Photo: Frank Cashin Patricia Webster at 906-420-1389.

Online arrangements available

Art by Joan Voyles

simple cremations

Frank Cashin, right, stands with mason John Fara at the grotto under construction at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Cashin and Fara teamed up with the parish women’s guild to replace an aging grotto at the back of the church property. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

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You can read it all online at islander.org

THE ISLANDER  MARCH 27, 2019  21

Obituaries

chemistry from the State University of New York in Syracuse in 1967. Following two years as a postdoctoral fellow teaching at Washington University in St. Louis, he worked for 30 years at Ford Motor Co. in Dearborn, Michigan, as a research scientist. He retired and moved to Anna Maria Island in 1999. He married his wife, Zita, May 27, 1967. They were married for nearly 52 years. He was a stalwart provider and caretaker for his family, and he lovingly cared for his wife until her last day. He had a dry sense of humor and enjoyed reading, baseball and political talk shows. A service was to be March 25 at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Holmes Beach. Funeral arrangements were handled by Brown & Sons Funeral Homes, 604 43rd St. W., Bradenton. Memorial donations may be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness at https://donate.nami.org. Condolences may be made to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com. He is survived by his daughters, Asta M. and Marie A. Neid; and grandchild Kyle G. Neid.

James Anderson

2019

James Anderson, 97, of Bradenton, died March 10 at Tidewell Hospice House. He was born Aug. 6, 1921, in Twechar, Scotland. He served in World War II. He moved with his wife Dorothy to Bradenton from Farmingdale, New York, in 1996. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. He was member of Kiwanis International since 1958. He was the activities director for the Mount Vernon community near Cortez for many years. He and his wife were married for more than 50 years. He traveled the world and raised a wonderful family. He enjoyed, danced and traveled his way through life. He lived an amazing life. A celebration of life will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 30, at the Country Village Clubhouse in Bradenton after a beach ceremony near 28th Street and Avenue E at 11 a.m. Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Parkinson’s Foundation. Survivors include his children, James and wife Zita Zinbo Magda, Ken and wife Karen and Nancy; grandchilZita Zinbo, 81, of Anna Maria, died March 13. She dren Sam, David, Bridget, Carl, Chris and Mike; and was born in Panemunelis, Lithuania, April 27, 1937. great-grandchildren Kellen, Alec and Eleanor. She graduated with a bachelor’s Richard Allen Rose degree in microbiology from the Lithuanian Veterinary Academy in Richard Allen Rose, age 74, died March 20. He Kaunas, Lithuania. She emigrated was born Nov. 3, 1944, in Syracuse, New York. from Lithuania — then part of the He wasn’t much of a fan of the cold weather. He Soviet Union — to the United States moved to Miami with his family in 1970. Aug. 28, 1960, with her brother, For his love of the great outdoors, Z. Zinbo Eugene, and grandmother, Ona, in he pursued a lifelong career as a land order to be reunited with her father, Anthony Celkis, surveyor. He settled in Bradenton in 1981, in Alaska. Her father had traveled to the United States to attend the New York World’s Fair in 1939 and was then retiring in 2007. He loved loud music, NASCAR unable to return during World War II. He then petiRose and shooting pool with his buddies. tioned Interior Secretary Fred A. Seaton to secure the You would always find his garage release of his family from behind the Iron Curtain. After her arrival in the United States, she spent door open to friends, neighbors or anyone who just time in Healy, Alaska, and Chicago, and then moved wanted to stop by and say “hi.” He was also a huge Miami Dolphin’s fan. If tem- to Syracuse, New York, to work at the State University perature dropped below 70 degrees, he would be sport- of New York in the research lab. She met Mikio Zinbo at a Christmas party for ing his bright turquoise Dolphin’s jacket. He also loved all holidays spent with family, but international students in Syracuse and they were marhis favorite holiday was the Fourth of July. So, the next ried May 27, 1967. She worked as a homemaker raising her children time you see ﬁreworks, raise a glass in his honor and know that the sparkle in his eye will be shining down and as a part-time nanny in Canton, Michigan, where she resided for 30 years. on all who knew and loved him. The family began vacationing on Anna Maria He was a fun loving, kind soul. A celebration of life will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 30, at Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel. Condolences may be made to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com. He is survived by his daughters, Denise and husband Joseph of Anna Maria, Michele and her partner Nader of Sarasota; brothers William of Bradenton, James and wife Patricia of Dallas, Robert and Rebecka

Mikio Zinbo

Mikio Zinbo, 83, died March 13, in Anna Maria. He was born Sept. 20, 1935, in Japanese-occupied North Korea. He graduated from the University of Osaka in Japan in 1959 with a bachelor’s degree in biophysical chemistry and worked at the Hashimoto Chemical Company in Osaka, Japan, and the University of Shimane, Japan. He came to the United States in 1963 and completed a Ph.D in organic M. Zinbo

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

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Island in 1973 and regularly stayed at Resort 66. She moved to Anna Maria Island in 1999. She enjoyed gardening and tai chi classes at the Center of Anna Maria Island and was a member of the Anna Maria Island Garden Club and the St. Bernard Catholic Church Women’s Guild. She was committed to lifelong learning and took classes throughout her life. She was known for her positive attitude, kindness and compassion for all living things, and was a frequent pet sitter for friends on the island. She volunteered for many years with the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Manatee County, a nationwide grass-roots advocacy group representing people affected by mental illness. A funeral Service was to be March 25 at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd St. W., Bradenton. Memorial donations may be made to NAMI at https://donate.nami.org/. Condolences may be made to www.brownandsonsfuneral. com. She is survived by her two daughters, Asta M. and Marie A. Neid; grandson Kyle G. Neid; and two nephews.

Roser concert series concludes March 31

Roser Memorial Community Church will host the Key Chorale Chamber Singers in concert at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 31. The doors will open at 3 p.m. for the free-will offering performance, the last in the church’s winter concert series. The 110-voice group will be accompanied by harp, violin and organ at the church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. For more info, call the church at 941-778-0414.

Roser to host trafficking talk

Roser Memorial Community Church will host Vivian Carasso and Evie Batten, members of the Jewish National Council of Women, discussing human trafﬁcking. The program, part of the ongoing lunch series of the Just Older Youth group, will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 27, at the fellowship hall, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. The group will serve a hot lunch — hot dogs and chili — or attendees can bring a brown-bag lunch. For more information, call the church at 941-7780414.

Roser Concert Series

PRESENTS

& o5 & 5 6 Singers 4:00 PM SUNDAY,

MARCH 31

Doors open at 3:00 Free-will offering

Joseph Caulkins leads the Key Chorale Chamber Singers as they present an intimate version of Faure’s Requiem with harp, violin and organ. In this setting of the Requiem, the soul journeys from this life to the next on wings of glorious song. Britten’s Festival Te Deum and favorite spirituals round out a program of the jubilant and sublime. The KEY CHORALE CHAMBER SINGERS are a group of auditioned and selected voices from the full, 110-voice Key Chorale, including the Chorale’s professional base of section leaders and core singers.

www.RoserChurch.com/Concert-Series A NON DENOMINATIONAL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY COMMUNITY CHURCH • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria [near Pier]

SUNDAY WORSHIP • 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM 10:00 AM Nursery • 8:45 AM Adult Bible Study 941-778-0414 • www.RoserChurch.com • Facebook @RoserChurch

22 n MARcH 27, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

AME PTO to conjure Warhol for spring gala at Waterline

By Brook Morrison Islander Reporter “Think bright colors, pop art and a good time,” said Janae Rudacille, who is co-hosting in the Anna Maria Elementary spring gala with fellow ParentTeacher Organization member Nicole Plummer.

“Color Splash a Night of Warhol” will be Saturday, May 4, 6-10 p.m. at the Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club, 5325 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. “We are so pleased to host this event at the gorgeous, Waterline Resort this year, as the space and decor will give the night a more upscale feel,” Rudacille said.

Anna Maria Elementary fifth-graders Skyler Dubats, Ava Harlan, Fiona McCarthy, Emerson Gill and Gabriella Gilbert are winners March 15 in the Manatee County Battle of the Books competition. Islander Courtesy Photo

“All from the island are welcome, and we hope to see everyone there.” The plans include dinner, entertainment, a DJ spinning music, dancing and drinks. Cocktail attire is suggested, or an outfit that projects an, artsy Warhol theme. This is the largest annual fundraiser to benefit AME. Individual tickets are on sale at the school office, 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Tables of eight and sponsorships are available, in addition to six VIP tables — “The Andys” are tables closest to the stage and bar. VIPs will receive a Champagne flute surprise and their name displayed at the table. For sponsorship opportunities, visit the AME-PTO Facebook event page or call Rudacille at 941-7308298. By Brook Morrison, brook@islander.org

AME calendar

AME fifth-grade team wins reading contest Anna Maria fifth-graders placed first in the Manatee County School District Battle of the Books at State College of Florida in Bradenton. Battle of the Books is a reading competition that Anna Maria Elementary has participated in for seven years.

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This year, the Manatee County School District held a districtwide competition as part of the national campaign. AME’s fifth-grade team read 15 books from the Sunshine State Readers list during the school year to earn the school a trophy. Also, each team member received a trophy and a medal.

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• Through March 29, spring break, no school. • Monday, April 1, students return from spring break. • Tuesday, April 2, fourth- and fifth-grade English Language Arts writing assessment. • Wednesday-Thursday, April 3-4, third-grade English Language Arts reading assessment. • Friday, April 5, estuary study. • Thursday, April 11, time TBD, talent show. • Thursday, April 18, second-grade field trip to Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island Guild Gallery. • Friday, April 19, Good Friday, no school. • Tuesday, April 23, first-grade play, 6:30 p.m., auditorium; AME Parent-Teacher Organization dinner starting at 5 p.m., cafeteria, hosted by the Waterfront Restaurant. • Thursday, April 25, progress reports. • Friday, April 26, 9-10 a.m., fourth- and fifthgrade speech contest, auditorium. • Monday, April 30, fifth-grade science assessment. • Thursday, May 2, 5 p.m., boys night out, school playground. • Saturday, May 4, 6 p.m., AME PTO spring gala, Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club, 5325 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. • Teacher Appreciation Week, May 6-10. • Thursday, May 30, last day of classes. Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the school at 941708-5525.

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It’s a hit! By Brook Morrison, brook@islander.org

Molly Boyd dines in the AME cafeteria at the March 19 PTO fundraiser catered by The Columbia Restaurant of St. Armands Circle before watching her nephew, Oliver Morrison-Tirpak, perform in the second-grade play. Second-graders color the stage with red sequins during their March 19 performance.

Anna Maria Elementary second-graders perform hit Broadway songs in red sequined top hats and vests for an audience March 19. From the lyrics of “I Whistle a Happy Tune” to the crowdpleaser “Supercalifragilisticexpealidocious,” the auditorium boomed with applause, clapping to the beat and people singing along. Islander Photos: Brook Morrison Principal Featherston opens the evening with thanks to the Parent Teacher Organization members and John Monetti, manager of the Columbia Restaurant, who catered the PTO dinner. Monetti’s son Johnny, who is in the secondgrade, performed with his class on stage.

Budweiser Clydesdales visit Holmes Beach People line 59th Street in Holmes Beach March 22 when the Budweiser Clydesdales were hitched to a beer wagon for a parade through downtown Holmes Beach. Islander Photos: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

A crowd assembles March 22 at Duffy’s Tavern in Holmes Beach for visits and photos with the Budweiser Clydesdales hitch and beer wagon.

Mary — the Budweiser Dalmatian dog — rides March 22 atop the cargo on the wagon pulled by the team of Clydesdales.

The Clydesdales turn the corner in a trot to Duffy’s Tavern, the marketing sponsor. Peggi Davenport of Duffy’s rode with the drivers.

24 n MARcH 27, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

Cops & Court By Kathy Prucnell, Islander Reporter

Bradenton woman takes plea for AM business fraud The time has come for a Bradenton woman to pay for her crime. Heather Jo O’Leary, 40, was ordered to repay $67,927.37 she skimmed from gift shop and fuel dock receipts in four years as an accounts payable/receivable clerk at the Galati Yacht Sales location at 900 S. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. The restitution was ordered as part of O’Leary’s sentence and plea deal March 20 at the Manatee County Judicial Center, one month after her arrest for a felony scheme to defraud. Twelfth Circuit Court Judge Gilbert Smith Jr. accepted the plea and found O’Leary guilty, but with-

held her conviction. O’Leary’s sentence also includes 100 hours of public service work and a prohibition against acting as a bookkeeper or handling funds in an employment capacity without disclosing her criminal history. Leading to O’Leary’s arrest, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office conducted an investigation with a Galati representative who audited the business accounts in July 2018, after O’Leary resigned from the marina, 900 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. The MCSO probable cause affidavit states O’Leary “altered deposits with checks to cover cash shortages.” Fran Galati said in a March 22 email she believed justice was served with O’Leary’s plea and sentence because she must notify employers of her crime. “She has done this to her employers in the past,” Galati added. “Now all future employer will be aware of her character.”

Crashes hinder St. Patrick’s island traffic

Two crashes the evening of March 17 — one in the 5700 block of Marina Drive in Holmes Beach and another on the Anna Maria Island Bridge — topped off St. Patrick’s Day with trips to the hospital. The first crash occurred at 8:50 p.m. when a Ford 150, traveling north on Marina Drive, struck and dragged a Bradenton man 40 feet on the roadway, according to Holmes Beach Police Officer Alexander Hurt. Witnesses told the HBPD the man walked into traffic after stumbling on the sidewalk. When Hurt arrived, emergency medical services was attending to the pedestrian, Shepherd Warriner, 30, according to the HBPD report. On March 18, police reported Warriner was in the intensive care unit at Blake Medical Center in Bradenton. The bridge crash was reported at 9:05 p.m. March 17, according to a Manatee County Sheriff’s Ofﬁce

report. A 2002 Kia Rio was stopped to allow a westbound ﬁre truck to pass when Ethan Gluck, 75, of Bradenton, driving a 2015 Honda Civic, rear-ended the Rio, which deployed the Civic’s airbags, the report stated. Gluck was ticketed for careless driving. Witness Laura Jaicomo of Holmes Beach reported seeing the aftermath of both crashes. “We were coming home to the island about 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 17. One lane of the bridge was shut down. An eastbound car had crashed into the railing on the westbound side,” Jaicomo told The Islander in an email. “The car had what appeared to be blood on its right front bumper,” Jaicomo stated, adding she also observed police in front of the Ugly Grouper, 5704 Marina Drive, where the pedestrian was struck in trafﬁc.

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Man arrested for hitting girlfriend, ﬂeeing MCSO

An Indiana man was arrested in Holmes Beach by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office for domestic battery after he was observed hitting a female passenger in the vehicle he was driving. Michael A. Lawless, 26, was arrested at 2:12 p.m. March 16 on the felony charge of fleeing and eluding law enforcement. He also faces three misdemeanor charges: domestic battery, reckless driving and driving Lawless without a valid license. Lawless was transported to the Manatee County jail, where he remained in custody March 22. On patrol, Deputy Peter Pappas tracked Lawless’ vehicle to the 6000 block of Marina Drive after the MCSO received reports that a man was driving recklessly and hitting a female passenger in a green Honda Civic. Pappas also observed the man hit the female passenger. Several pedestrians flagged the deputy down about the same vehicle. The deputy attempted to pull the driver over, but the driver took off at a high rate of speed. The deputy followed the vehicle while it sped south, cutting around vehicles. Pappas stopped Lawless a second time in the 5300 block of Marina Drive, where he was apprehended and handcuffed. The passenger had blood on her hands and face, and Pappas requested emergency medical services. Lawless told the deputy he was upset because, he said, the woman had cheated on him while he was working. Lawless was being held on $1,700 bond and a requirement of court supervision, according to an order after his first court appearance. His arraignment is set for Friday, April 12, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

You can catch all the news online at islander.org

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THE ISLANDER n MARcH 27, 2019 n 25

Anna Maria spends money for pier materials, saves on taxes

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter Eliminating sales tax on purchases is saving the city of Anna Maria tens of thousands of dollars on construction of its new pier. Mayor Dan Murphy told commissioners March 21 the city purchased the decking for the city pier walkway and the T-end, timbers to support walkway decking, caps for pier pilings and concrete deck panels for the T-end for $528,833. The purchase saved the city $38,971 over what i+iconSOUTHEAST would have paid to purchase the materials. The city is exempt from sales tax. No motion was needed to authorize the purchase, as the city contract with Icon to construct the pier allows the city to purchase materials. Murphy also asked commissioners to decide whether to stain the ipe wood. Both the contractor and manufacturer recommended against staining the wood, and he estimated the savings at $7,500.

Streetlife

By Kathy Prucnell

Island police blotter

Anna maria No reports. Anna Maria is policed by the MCSO. Bradenton Beach March 14, Drift In Lounge & Package Store, 120 Bridge St., battery. A Bradenton man reported a Feb. 18 altercation, when he and a woman argued about the Colin Kaepernick lawsuit and the woman threw a bottle of Bud Light at the man. He told police the incident caused a cut that became infected. March 14, Circle K, 103 Gulf Drive S., battery. A 39-year-old man listed as homeless was arrested after he tackled, kicked and hit another man in the parking lot. The injured man told police the attack was unprovoked. March 16, Drift In Lounge & Package Store, 120 Bridge St., drug arrest. A 17-year-old female at the business was jumping on people for piggyback rides when a packet of cocaine was observed falling from the girl’s shirt to the ground. A Bradenton Beach officer arrested the girl and transported her to the Manatee County jail, where jail personnel found another small bag of cocaine. March 16, Bits and Bubs, 129 Bridge St.; Back Alley Treasures, 108 Bridge St.; Bridge Street Bazaar, 117 Bridge St.; Beach Life AMI, 119 Bridge St.; recovered property. A store manager reported a theft and described the shoplifting suspects to police. Later in the day, a Holmes Beach police officer alerted the BBPD he had encountered a couple that matched the descriptions. Bradenton Beach police officers responded and found merchandise belonging to the retail stores in the couple’s vehicle. Souvenirs and jewelry valued at more than $860 were returned to the stores where they had been stolen. March 18, Coquina Park, 2650 Gulf Drive S., battery. BBPD was dispatched to a fight in progress on

Murphy said there are tradeoffs to both sides of the decision. If stained, the city must maintain and reapply the stain. If the wood isn’t stained, it will weather. However, he added, the supplier said a stain wouldn’t prolong the life of the wood. Commissioners voted 4-0 not to stain the ipe wood decking for the pier. Commissioner Dale Woodland was absent with excuse. Murphy said the city soon might issue a request for proposals for the construction of the restaurant and bait shop on the T-end and he also would like the winning bidder to give an opinion on the staining the materials. Meanwhile, Icon submitted change orders, first asking for a nine-day extension on the project, which was slated to be completed Aug. 26. The reason for the request: inclement weather. Murphy recommended commissioners deny the request, saying bad weather should have been considered in Icon’s planning. Commissioners voted 4-0 to deny the extension. Murphy recommended commissioners approve a

request for a $12,000 payment from the city, as well as a one-day extension to the project deadline, due to issues with broken underwater piles from the old pier that obstructed T-end pile driving. He said city engineer Ayres Associates recommended approval of the request, since Icon lost a day of work and had to drive more H-piles and recalculate its piling matrix. Commissioners voted 4-0 to approve the request, which moved the expected completion date of the base pier to Aug. 27. Icon’s third change request was for a two-day extension, due to miscommunication with the pile supplier when the work barge left the job site to load piles in Hillsborough County. Murphy recommended denial, saying the contractor could have avoided the issue. Commissioners voted 4-0 to deny Icon’s request. “Typically, you can’t get a change order if you didn’t plan things out properly,” city attorney Becky Vose said over speakerphone.

a trolley. A man complained about the trolley leaving him in a dark parking lot and that his wife and children also were uncomfortable. The trolley driver said the man pushed and ordered him to take the man and his family to their hotel. The trolley driver reported he had attempted to explain to the man about the trolley’s limited service and that the Coquina lot was his last stop for the night. Bradenton Beach is policed by BBPD. Cortez No reports. Cortez is policed by the MCSO. Holmes Beach March 14, 600 block of Emerald Lane, burglary. A resident reported $2,500 in items went missing over two years. The items include jewelry, clothes, purses, souvenirs and Christmas dolls. March 14, Hancock Whitney Bank, 5324 Gulf Drive, and AMI Health & Fitness Center, 5364 Gulf Drive, domestic. A man and a woman argued in the bank parking lot about their child, where the woman threw water on the man. The argument continued into the fitness center parking lot, where the woman threw food on the man and keyed his car. The man declined to press charges. March 14, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Baker Act. Alerted that a man was threatening to kill himself, a Holmes Beach police officer approached the man and attempted to calm him. The man walked away from the officer despite commands to stop. The man grabbed a backpack, but the officer was able to handcuff the man and call for EMS to transport him to a medical facility. March 15, 4100 block of Fourth Avenue, disorderly intoxication/eviction. Partygoers were heard yelling and screaming at a house, where police counted 13 people on the balconies. One man, who continued shouting and swearing after police tried to quell the disturbance, was arrested for disorderly intoxication. The man’s vehicle was towed for obstructing the drive-

way. HBPD called the rental property manager, who evicted the renters. March 15, Publix Super Market, 3900 E. Bay Drive, theft. A 50-year-old man was arrested for stealing cough drops, ointment, razors, juice, mouthwash, mineral oil, cranberries, plums and an avocado. The manager reported the $43.01 theft and the man’s description to Holmes Beach police, who stopped the man with the items as he walked away from the store. March 15, Dollar Tree, 3260 E. Bay Drive, Marchman Act. Holmes Beach police were called to assist a 57-year-old man passed out on the sidewalk in front of the store. An officer determined the man needed substance abuse assistance. EMS transported him to a medical facility. March 16, Solo’s Pizza, 3244 E. Bay Drive, theft. Two women ate at the restaurant and left without paying their $26.52 bill. March 17, 6400 block of Flotilla Drive, battery. A fight broke out among an intoxicated couple and their friend after a wife refused the advances of her husband and the friend intervened. The husband shoved the friend into the wife and onto the floor. The friend signed a waiver of prosecution. March 18, 6200 block of Flotilla Drive, criminal mischief. A man who thought he was home attempted to enter another person’s residence by ripping a screen from its frame. The man told police he was trying to get into his apartment in the 6400 block, where the screened porch already was ripped. The man apologized. March 19, 700 Manatee Ave., marijuana ordinance. Police said they noticed the odor of marijuana after a 20-year-old driver was stopped for running the flashing red stop light at Gulf Drive and Manatee Avenue. She was ticketed for disregarding the red light and cited for possessing 7 grams of marijuana. Street life is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

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26 n MARcH 27, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

Turtle watch, shorebird monitors plead: ‘Give wildlife space’

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter Spring is in the air. And on the beach. With the blossoms comes mating season for shorebirds. Sea turtles, which will begin nesting on Anna Maria Island beaches in May, mate in the water several miles offshore, but shorebirds must rest on Anna Maria Island beaches before they engage in mating rituals and summer nesting begins. According to Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring executive director Suzi Fox, people must avoid bothering the birds on the beach. “They are resting and performing their mating rituals so it is important to be respectful,” she said. Fox said the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission suggests people keep at least 50 feet away from flocks of shorebirds. AMITW volunteers monitor birds and sea turtle nests to account and report the findings to the FWC and Manatee County based on contract requirements for beach renourishment. The contract with the county, which starts annually April 1 and totaled about $50,000 in 2018, calls for accurate shorebird counts, Fox said. Sea turtle nesting season officially begins May 1, but Fox starts morning beach surveys to look for sea turtle nests in April. She said that throughout the winter she conducted informal bird surveys on island beaches. Royal terns, sandwich terns and laughing gulls are mating mostly on the north end of the island in Anna Maria, Fox said. Additionally, Fox has been on the lookout for a congregation of snowy plovers, a threatened species. She said that for several years AMITW counted 11 snowy plovers, which usually arrive in February and nest in late March to early April, but so far this year, none have been observed. “There’s always a chance that maybe they moved on or died off,” Fox said. She added that last year there was a problem with residents in the 5400 block of Holmes Beach chasing black skimmers off the beach, and she’s worried those actions might have caused the snowy plovers to go elsewhere. She also said dogs on the beach are a concern for AMITW, but coyotes are not. “Even service dogs are seen as predators to the birds,” Fox said. “So they need to steer clear of areas

½-Ê t And you’re gonna love it!

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Royal terns, sandwich terns and laughing gulls crowd the sand March 18 near Bean Point in Anna Maria. Islander Courtesy Photo: AMITW/Cindy Richmond

with resting or mating birds.” She said she could install screening over nests to keep out coyotes, but since they have not been a threat to bird or sea turtle nests, it shouldn’t be necessary. “Normally, you wouldn’t step up to do any predation measures unless you had 10 percent of your population hit by a focal species,” Fox said. “This could possibly be a problem in the future, but not at this time.” For now, Fox said the best course of action for

people to take is to observe wildlife, but give it a wide berth. “You don’t need to step in and help the wildlife,” she said. “You need to step back to help the wildlife.” To report sick, injured, entangled or dead wildlife contact the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-4043922. For more information about shorebirds, contact Fox at suzilfox@gmail.com or 941-778-5638.

Turtle watchers prep for nesting season

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers are getting ready to hit the beach walking. Training for about 100 volunteers, which includes practice identifying crawls and nests, will begin in April. Volunteers walk 2 miles of beach one day a week at sunrise during sea turtle nesting season, which runs May 1-Oct. 31, to document nesting and hatching

activities and stake-off nests for protection. Suzi Fox, AMITW executive director, said she is not expanding AMITW’s volunteer base for 2019, and she is encouraging volunteers to walk two days a week to gain experience. “The more days spent walking means more knowledge and expertise gained,” Fox said. “We want the walkers we have to be on top of their game.” — ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

Island businessman featured on ‘Florida Matters’

Restaurant owner Ed Chiles must care about the state of Florida seafood. It’s what contributed to his success — along with great waterfront views from his restaurants — The Sandbar in Anna Maria, Beach House in Bradenton Beach and Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Pub on Longboat Key. Chiles recently spoke on WUSF Public Media’s program, “Florida Matters,” about changes in the seafood industry. He shared in the conversation with Gary Mormino, a retired University of South Florida professor who

teaches a class about food and history at the St. Petersburg campus. Mormino talked about the types of fish consumed in the past, and the impact of pollution on sea life. Chiles discussed the Gulf Shellfish Institute he founded and its promotion of sustainable aquaculture, including the push to grow and recycle clams to help keep the waters clean. To learn more about the Gulf Shellfish Institute, go to gulfshellfishinstitute.org. — Sandy Ambrogi

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THE ISLANDER n MARcH 27, 2019 n 27

By Lisa Neff

Postcards from paradise

I spent many spring breaks when I was in grade school at my grandparents’ homes in eastern Iowa and western Illinois. I’ve never seen a postcard from Ferris, Illinois, or Keokuk, Iowa, though I suspect they do exist for Keokuk, with its Mississippi River bluffs. Family and neighbors took similar spring trips when we were kids, while others in the neighborhood stayed home, waiting for the first blades of Neff spring grass to sprout in Waukegan, Illinois. No one, it seemed, went anywhere worthy of a postcard boast. I was in junior high school when I received my first postcard in the mail — from a school friend who moved to Nebraska. She wrote “wish I was there” instead of “wish you were here.” And I’d graduated from college before I had a reason to send my first postcards — they depicted mountainous landscapes and sun-and-surf scenes from my travels out west. When I moved to Anna Maria Island in 2005, I found postcards in most retail shops and came across postcard-perfect scenes everywhere — on the beach,

can become postcards. The “Glow” exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts in downtown St. Petersburg through April 7 showcases hand-painted photographs — many of them used as postcards — by E.G. Barnhill, 1894-1987. The artist-businessman arrived to the Tampa Bay region in 1913 and opened a shop in St. Pete where he sold cameras and hand-colored photos on paper and glass in the days before color film. Barnhill focused on local scenery, augmenting the natural beauty he found with heightened handcolorizations, precursors to the paintings of the more famous Florida Highwaymen. “Barnhill was an entrepreneur and artist during the Florida tourism boom of the early 1900s,” according to museum communications director Julie Wilson. “He interpreted Florida scenery with his own sense of light and vivid palette to create colorful visions that tourists purchased and cherished as memories of their travels.” Museumgoers might recognize some of the locations — the landmark buildings, the islands, the waterfront vistas. The artist claimed to be “the only man in America to use the photographic process of uranium dyes American artist E.G. Barnhill’s “Florida Sunset on on glass” — employing the technique before people Tampa Bay at St. Petersburg Fla,” created circa 1914, is a gold-toned, gelatin, silver glass plate with understood uranium’s radioactive potential. So the hand-colored photographs seem to radiate uranium dye from the Gary Monroe Family Colleca light of their own — a glow. Hence the exhibit’s tion and on exhibit through April 7 at the Museum title. of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg. As I moved around the exhibit space, I overheard Islander Courtesy Photo people describing the “exaggerated intensity” of the the pier, by the bay, along Pine Avenue. colors in Barnhill’s scenes, especially the sunsets. I found myself living in a picture-perfect place The colors are intense, but exaggerated? where I could send postcards every day. I’ve seen Barnhill’s colors in sunsets from Bean And I live in a place so picturesque and inspira- Point and the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria, and also tional that local postcards can become art, or local art coming across the Anna Maria Island Bridge at the end of the day. Library lecturer Greetings from AMI. presents ‘New Stay awhile.

World Rainforests’ Joe Arena, an educator at the Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester, New York, lectures on “New World Rainforests” March 21, for the final presentation of the 2019 Friends of the Island Library Lecture and Travel Series at the library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

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28 n MARcH 27, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

Seeds set in center volleyball, flag football semifinals

By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter Regular-season action in the adult volleyball league at the Center of Anna Maria Island came to a close March 19 with five matches that decided the final seeds for the upcoming playoffs. Solid Rock Construction earned the top seed on a 9-3 record after wins over Planet Stone 25-18, 25-18 in the first match and Ugly Grouper 21-25, Cassidy 25-12, 15-11 in the second match. Planet Stone rebounded against Ace Hardware with a 25-14, 23-25, 15-6 win in its second match to nail down the second seed and an 8-4 record. Ugly Grouper evened its record at 6-6 after slipping past Freckled Fin 26-24, 25-17 in its second match. The final match of the night saw the Fin improve to 5-7 with a 25-20, 25-11 victory over Ace. The loss ensured the bottom seed for Ace, which set up a rematch with the Fin at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 26, after press time for The Islander, and a chance to take on top seed Solid Rock Construction in the 8 p.m. semifinal that night. Another semifinal match at 7:15 p.m. pit No. 2 seed Planet Stone against No. 3 seed Ugly Grouper.

The championship game was set for 8:45 p.m.

bined on a 5-under-par 27 to earn clubhouse bragging rights for the day. Semiﬁnalists set in adult ﬂag football The team of Bill Brodie, Lou Pagano, Blake Ress Eight teams were whittled down to four after and Marie Taddeo matched the 4-under-par 28 carded opening-round playoff action March 20 in the adult by Tim Friessen, Bob O’Brien, Jeff Ropar and Gary flag football league at the center. Razze to finish in a tie for second place. No. 5 seed Hashmark Sports pulled a mild upset over No. 4 seed Ugly Grouper, while No. 6 Beach Horseshoe news House Real Estate pulled off a stunner, outscoring No. Two teams emerged from pool play and battled 3 Gulfview Windows 26-20 in the evening’s second for the day’s supremacy during March 20 horseshoe game. action at the Anna Maria City Hall horseshoe pits. The Beach House now has its sights on No. 2 seed team of John Crawford and Kevin Monahan rolled to Lancaster Design in the first semifinal game at 6:30 a 21-12 victory over Jerry Disbrow and Bob Palmer p.m. Thursday, March 28, while Hashmark Sports is to earn the day’s bragging rights. set to take on top seed Progressive Cabinetry in the Three teams advanced to the knockout stage in the second semifinal at 7:30 p.m. March 23 action. The team of Donnie Goodwin and The winners will battle for the league champion- Palmer drew the bye and watched as Norm Langeland ship at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 4. and Dom Livedoti cruised past Bob Brown and Gene Bobeldyk by a 22-5 score. The championship match Key Royale golf news was a barnburner with Langeland and Livedoti ralGolf action at Key Royale Club got started March lying for a 23-19 victory over Goodwin and Palmer 18 with the men playing a nine-hole, modified-Stable- — punctuated by a game-ending double-ringer by ford system match. Dale Hudson and Wayne Patterson Langeland. both carded plus-5s to finish in a tie for first place. Play gets underway at 9 a.m. every Wednesday and Marty Hicks was one point back in second place. Saturday at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Warmups Hudson was part of the winning team on a com- begin at 8:45 a.m. followed by random team selection. bined plus-4 with Larry Davis, Bill Merrill and Peter There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome. Solleveld. The women’s Tuesday morning match was rained Sign up now for youth sports out, leaving the men’s March 21 scramble the final Spring soccer is getting started this week at the match of the week. The team of Gary Duncan, Jerry center with games played Tuesday nights starting April Martinek, Chuck Patrick and Dave Richardson com- 2. The center also is offering T-ball for kids 3-6 years of age. Cost is $10 for members and $96 for nonmemCenter hosts jiujitsu classes bers and the last day to register will be April 6. Skills clinics and games will be played at 6:30 p.m. The Center of Anna Maria Island will offer Monday nights starting April 8. classes in martial arts beginning Wednesday, April Registration is online at centerami.org or in person 3. This classes will begin with lessons in modern at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Brazilian jiujitsu. For more information, call the center at 941-778Matt Murphy, who has earned black belts in 1108. Brazilian jiujitsu and judo, will lead the class. Classes will be at 6:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Enrollment is $85 per month for members and $99 for nonmembers. For more information, visit the center at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, or call 941-7781908.

Brook Morrison taps the volleyball over the net for Ace Hardware in their March 12 match against Freckled Fin in the center gym. Islander Photo: Cindi Zamikoff

Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

March 27 March 28 March 29 March 30 March 31 April 1 April 2 April 3

4:21p 5:23p 6:59p 11:30a 11:42a 11:56a 12:07p 12:17p

HIGH

LOW

2.0 — 1.9 — 1.8 — 1.5 8:39p 1.6 9:53p 1.6 10:48p 1.6 11:33p 1.7 —

— — — 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.9 —

— 1:13a 2:25a 3:25a 4:12a 4:51a 5:24a 5:51a

— -0.1 -0.1 -0.1 -0.1 -0.1 0.0 0.1

LOW

— — — — — — 3:00p 1.3 4:05p 1.1 4:49p 0.9 5:25p 0.7 5:58p 0.5

Moon

3rd

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

Ken Powell, an area golf pro, shows off a yellowtail jack he caught March 14 while fishing nearshore with white bait. Powell caught several catch-andrelease jacks in Sarasota Bay on the trip, which was guided by Capt. Warren Girle.

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Andre Harwood and Savannah Phelan show off the first-place medals they won in a St. Patrick’s Day tournament at Brandon High School, where Center of Anna Maria Island wrestlers competed. William Pakbaz and Ceegan Cusack also came home with medals. Islander Photo: Will Schenerlein Southernaire Fishing Charters

THE ISLANDER n MARcH 27, 2019 n 29

Spring break for visitors, yes, but no break on hot fishing

By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter Fishing around Anna Maria Island is proving to be quite good on days when the weather cooperates. On warmer days with light breezes, fishing the flats for sport — catch-and-release snook and redfish — is where it’s at. On the higher tides, the fish are on the feed and are readily taking offerings of live shiners. Stasny Spotted seatrout are being found, although in slightly deeper water. While targeting trout, you may encounter Spanish mackerel and ladyfish. I’m noticing that where the macks and ladies are finning, so go the blacktip and bonnethead sharks. Both species of shark being caught are on the smaller side — averaging less than 40 inches. The tail end of the sheepshead bite is going strong, which is good if you’re looking for table fare. I’m finding plenty on structure in Tampa Bay and getting encouraging reports from the Rod & Reel Pier. Live shrimp for bait is working fine, although fiddler crabs and sand fleas will give you an edge if the convict fish become stubborn. Moving out of the comfort of Tampa Bay and into the Gulf of Mexico can be rewarding. Spanish mackerel and kingfish are being found around ledges, reefs and wrecks. These areas also are host to mangrove snapper and, if you’re lucky, cobia. Permit, amberjack and red grouper are being caught offshore on days with calm wind and seas. On my Southernaire fishing charters, I’m spending most days tucked away in the mangroves to target catch-and-release snook and redfish. Both species are responding well to free-lined shiners on a light fluorocarbon leader. For the snook, most are 20-26 inches although fish up to 32 inches are coming to the hook. The same applies to the reds. I’m seeing a lot of fish reeled in between 16-27 inches, with a few upperand over-slot fish in the mix. Spotted seatrout also are coming to the boat, although a consistent trout bite is hard to come by. I’m finding good numbers of fish in an area one day but, on the next day’s return, the fish are gone. Still, I have an arsenal of trout spots, so it’s just a case of finding where they went. In some areas, especially deep grass flats of 6-8 feet, I’m catching Spanish mackerel mixed in with the trout, which adds an element of surprise to the bite. The bite also results in a lot of retying hooks, thanks to the mack’s razor-sharp teeth. Some days, I’m using shrimp as bait, which are working well for sheepshead. Fishing structure in

Fishing Charters

Harvey Westmaas, visiting Anna Maria Island from Jenison, Michigan, shows off an overslot redfish caught March 17 on fly on a guided fishing trip with Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters.

Tampa Bay is yielding sheepies 3-5 pounds. A few snappers and Key West grunts are mixed in, which is the perfect recipe for a fish fry. Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says sheepshead are being caught in good numbers by fishers baiting live shrimp and casting weighted jigs under the pier. While fishing for sheepies, pier anglers also are reeling up mangrove snapper and catch-and-release redfish. Casting shrimp out from the pier on a weighted rig is yielding a bite from some whiting, as well as pompano. Also, silver spoons or small pink jigs are attracting Spanish mackerel on days when the bay is calm and bait schools are present. Capt. Aaron Lowman is running his charters inshore to fish throughout the lush grass flats of Tampa Bay and beyond. Casting into the shallow grass flats along mangrove shorelines and oyster bars is proving good for catch-and-release snook. Free-lined shiners in these areas are producing good quantities of fish, including catch-and-release redfish. Moving to slightly deeper grass flats is producing action for Lowman’s anglers. In depths of 4-6 feet, spotted seatrout and Spanish mackerel are present and freely taking free-lined shiners. Capt. Jason Stock, on less windy days, is running charters offshore. Targeting blackfin tuna is proving successful, with numerous fish being caught. Large permit are being found when the conditions are right. On windier days, Stock is staying inshore and targeting catch-and-release snook and redfish, and finding both are cooperative. Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters is working inshore for a variety of fish. Fishing shallow grass flats where mangrove shorelines and oyster bars exist is yielding numerous catch-and-release snook and redfish for his sport anglers.

Deeper flats are holding spotted seatrout, as well as Spanish mackerel for the coolers. Moving offshore, White is seeing his share of blackfin tuna, as well as big kingfish. Bottom fishing offshore is good, with plenty of mangrove snapper and red grouper rounding out the bite for White. Capt. Warren Girle is venturing to the Gulf of Mexico on days when the winds are light and the seas are calm. Fishing around ledges and artificial reefs is yielding mangrove snapper and Key West grunts for his clients. He’s also finding Spanish mackerel and kingfish within range while in the Gulf. Casting live shiners is attracting many macks and kings. Top-end on the kings is about 20 pounds, Girle says. Moving inshore, his anglers are finding success on free-lining shiners for spotted seatrout and catch-andrelease snook. Both are cooperating on warmer days. Lastly, Girle is encountering some random cobia on the deeper flats, with one measuring 36 inches to the fork of the tail. Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

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BY sandY aMBrogi

County commissioners mull bed tax collections

Airbnb and the taxman are butting heads on the collection and payment of short-term rental taxes. Manatee County commissioners took up the matter in a work session March 19, hoping to gain a greater understanding of the issues between County Tax Collector Ken Burtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office and Airbnb, an online rental marketplace with worldwide booking and tax collection services. With more than 7,000 registered rental properties on Anna Maria Island and in the surrounding area, rental taxes should bring big dollars to Manatee County. In 2015, Airbnb started offering contracts with Florida counties to collect the tourist development tax and pay the state. Airbnb has a signed agreement with the Florida Department of Revenue to collect and pay the 7 percent sales tax in all 67 counties. The tourist development tax, also called a bed

tax and resort tax, is dedicated to promoting tourism within the county. Currently, Manatee County, which has a 5 percent tourist development tax is the only county in the Tampa Bay area without an Airbnb contract for tourist tax collection. In May 2018, Burton sued Airbnb, alleging the company failed to register with his office or Manatee County as a dealer of transient accommodations and failed to collect and/or remit the resort taxes due the county. Burton maintains the platform does not provide for fair collection and enforcement. Speaking to commissioners March 19, Burton said he wanted to be clear: The tourist development taxes are being collected. However, he said Airbnb fails to provide the accountability to ensure equal and fair practices to all in collections, enforcement and auditing. In March, a survey by the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau concluded not all taxes were being collected from short-term rentals in the area. The survey found most of the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s property management companies are contracted with Airbnb and also registered with the county tax collectorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office. These local property managers and property owners are collecting and paying the 5 percent resort tax to Burtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office, while the 7 percent sales tax is the responsibility of Airbnb to pay to the state after collection. However, the BACVB concluded there are â&#x20AC;&#x153;many

homes and condos being marketed in the Bradenton area that are probably not registered with the tax collector.â&#x20AC;? The lawsuit Janelle Esposito of the Esposito Law Group of Bradenton represents Burtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office in the suit. She told commissioners using the Airbnb platform â&#x20AC;&#x153;gives up rights we currently have, gives less accountability and less rights to audit and collect.â&#x20AC;? Esposito said Airbnb is involved in similar lawsuits â&#x20AC;&#x201D; in Florida and across the country. Manatee Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suit wants the courts to declare Airbnb subject to accountability and that the platform must provide requested information. Burton said Airbnb will not share information about its payers for audits Falcione or other purposes and requires a waiver for the collection of all past taxes with a signed agreement. Michelle Schulz, director of the tourist tax division at Burtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office, told commissioners her office is â&#x20AC;&#x153;following the lawâ&#x20AC;? in collection matters for the tourist development tax. For the time being, Shulz said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are holding out for the court rulings,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is a convenience versus the right way to do things. We are using the right way.â&#x20AC;? According to the tax collectorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office, a net PLEASE SEE AIRBNB, NExT PAGE

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THE ISLANDER n MARcH 27, 2019 n 31

coMPiled BY sandY aMBrogi

AMI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Wednesday, March 27 5 p.m. — Business Card Exchange, LaPensee Plumbing Pools and Air, 401 Manatee Ave., Holmes Beach. Members $5, guests $10. Information: 941-778-1541, info@ amichamber.org. Saturday, April 13 10 a.m. — Beach’n Food Truck and Music Festival. The chamber is taking applications for food, arts and crafts vendors and sponsors. Information: 941-778-1541, info@amichamber.org. LONGBOAT KEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Thursday, March 28 5:30 p.m. — Business After Hours, Cedar’s Cafe and Tiki Bar, 645 Cedar Court, Longboat Key. $5 members, $10 guests. RSVP requested. Information: 941-383-2466, info@lbkchamber.com. Thursday, April 4 11:30 a.m. — Networking luncheon, Amore, 446 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. Members $25, guests $35. Information: 941-3832466, info@lkbchamber.com.

AIRBNB CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30 $1,458,562.05 in tourist tax dollars was collected in the county in February. Just under 40 percent of those collections were from Anna Maria Island rental properties. Following the presentations, commissioners seemed split on whether to use the Airbnb platform to collect the tourist tax. “I’m not convinced we are doing this the best way,” Commissioner Betsy Benac said. Commissioner Carol Whitmore Whitmore said she is “OK with the return we are getting. Of course, we always want more money. I’m OK with taking this no further right now.” Elliott Falcione, executive director of the BACVB, praised Burton’s office as possibly the best in the state in collecting taxes. “But let’s face it. There will always be a need for enforcement,” he said.

Longboat Key chamber recognizes outstanding members

The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce gave kudos to its own March 20, during the annual awards luncheon at Zota Beach Resort, 4711 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Honorees were recognized for going above and beyond for the chamber in 2018. Michael Vejins of Raymond James and Associates was named LBK Chamber Member of the Year. The Chairman’s Award went to the Observer Media Group. Jack Dean of Jack Dean Flooring was named the Norm Mallard Ambassador of the Year, and Mike

Longboat chamber kicks oﬀ membership drive

The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce is seeking new members, and will pay for them with its “Each One Reach One” drive. At the Networking@Noon monthly luncheon Thursday, April 4, current chamber members should bring three prospective members. The luncheon will be at 11:30 a.m. at Amore Restaurant, 446 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. In return for bringing new people, members receive

People browse the offerings from the food trucks in 2018 at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural Beach’n Food Truck and Music Festival at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. This year’s fest will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 13. The chamber is seeking food truck participants and other vendors. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

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MEADOWCROFT 1308 56TH ST. 1BR/1BA enclosed lanai. Turnkey furnished. Beach cottage decor in living room. Heated pool, tennis, clubhouse. $121,000. VACATION/SEASONAL RENTALS GULFFRONT PROPERTIES BOOKING NOW 941-778-0807

tdolly1@yahoo.com • www.tdollyyoungrealestate.com

a free lunch. Members also will receive $100 for each guest they bring who joins the LBK chamber April 4. Prospective members must be new to the chamber lunch program. Chamber members attending with one to three guests should register by email at dblaney@lbkchamber.com. For more, call the chamber at 941-383-2466.

Food trucks, vendors sought

Discover the 34215 – Cortez EXPERIENCE REPUTATION RESULTS SALES/RENTALS

Sales, of Mike Sales Presents, received the Newbie Award. The Ed and Marge Moran Memorial Award was received by Ocean Properties Hotels Resorts and Affiliates-Resort at Longboat Key Club. Good as Gold winners were Bill Konkol, Specialized Pipe Technologies; Scot Kuykendall, Crowther Roofing and Sheet Metal; Willie McLaughlin, Publix Super Market; Ed Nugent, Cornerstone Signs; Dick O’Dowd, retired; Alan Pollak, Serve to Protect, and Eric Steeves, Junk King.

Maria Christenson

4121 Osprey Harbour Loop

REALTOR®

$499,000 | A4208963

941.920.3583

Enjoy this beautiful, three-bedroom villa inside the gates of desirable Harbour Landings! Nestled in the historic waterfront fishing village of Cortez Walking distance to beach and island dining 1 mile from Anna Maria Island

4400 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, FL 34209 michaelsaunders.com

MariaChristenson@michaelsaunders.com MariaChristenson.michaelsaunders.com

Mike Norman Realty INC OFFERING THE BEST SELECTION OF SALES & RENTALS ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND SINCE 1978 www.mikenormanrealty.com 31o1 Gulf Drive, Hholmes Beach 800-367-1617 | 941-778-6696

More than 200 beautiful hand-selected properties to choose from. Stop by our offices or visit our web-site to book your next vacation in paradise!

Signature AMI gifts! Navy mugs, $10 each. All-cotton AMI tote bags, $5. White and tie-dye “More-Than-a-Mullet-Wrapper” T-shirts, $10-$15, and AMI stickers, $2. Come shop at 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

Î£xÊ* iÊ Ûi ÕiÊUÊ >Ê >À > 941-779-0733 www.annamariaparadise.com

32 n MARcH 27, 2019 n THE ISLANDER

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

LOST AND FOUND

HELP WANTED Continued

ROUND GLASS BISTRO table: Two covered chairs. Good condition. $100.941-778-1264.

LOST BLACK I-PHONE at Coquina Beach Market Place event March 13. Please, call 602577-8666 for reward for return.

AMI BEACH RESORT seeking part-time team member to assist in all aspects of customer service. QuickBooks knowledge a plus! Hospitality skills very important for active frontdesk and guest-related duties. Email resume to soundgal@tampabay.rr.com to be considered for this island job opportunity.

ANTIQUE PARTNER DESK: All wood, $1,000. See at The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

PETS APRIL 7: NEED volunteer help! Projects to help animals, cookout, meet pets. Moonracer Animal Rescue. Email: moonraceranimalrescue@gmail.com. 33011 86th St., E, Duette.

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.

BOATS & BOATING

GARAGE SALES

BIMINI BAY SAILING: Small sailboat rentals and instruction. Day. Week. Month. Sunfish, Laser, Windrider 17 and Precision 15. Call Brian at 941-685-1400.

ROSER THRIFT SHOP and annex open 9:30 a.m.- 2 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. Donations preferred 9 a.m.-11 a.m., Wednesdays. 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Call 941-779-2733.

PONTOON BOAT RENTAL Create life long memories. Call 941-778-2121 or see boatflorida.net.

MOVING SALE: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 29-30. Nice furniture, kitchen, tools, fishing equipment, lots of good stuff. 106 Third St N., Bradenton Beach.

GRADY WHITE 228 Yamaha 200, four-stroke. $28,900. 941-761-8761.

Sandy’s Lawn Service Inc. Established in 1983 Residential and Commercial Full service lawn maintenance Landscaping – Clean-up Hauling tree trimming Licensed & Insured

Paradise Improvements

FISHING

941.792.5600

Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Specialist Replacement Doors and Windows

FISHLIKEUS.com provides fishing lessons and kayak charters in southwest Florida. Contact 360-797-3269 or reservations@fishlikeus. com. HELP WANTED

Andrew Chennault

FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED Island References Lic#CBC056755

RDI CONSTRUCTION INC.

CBC 1253471

WANTED: 10,000-lb. boat lift needed for a short-term rental. Bimini Bay. 941-737-4253.

Residential & Condo Renovations Kitchens • Bath • Design Service Carpentry • Flooring • Painting Commercial & Residential

HOUSEKEEPER: 30-40 HOURS per week. Must know how to handle daily housekeeping operations for a small motel. Must speak English and be a non-smoker. Family owned motel, great place to work. Tom at 941-7785405.

References available • 941-720-7519 OFFICE MANAGER: LOOKING for a new challenge in the vacation rental business? Florida Dreams Realty is looking for an office manager with experience in the industry, who knows how to handle the daily operations, is a kind of all-rounder, loves to work with people and is of high professional and ethical standard. Interested? Please, send your resume to info@florida-dreams.com or call 941-779-5700.

AdoptA-Pet Smokey and Diamond. Bonded pair, mother and son. 2 and 8 years old. Apply to adopt the pair at www. moonraceranimalrescue.com. Call lisa Williams at 941-345-2441 or visit the Islander next to Paradise Cafe in Holmes Beach for more …

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Island real estate sales