The Islander Newspaper E-Edition Wednesday, Dec. 06, 2023 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

VOLUME 32, NO. 7

’Tis the Season

DEC. 6, 2023 FREE

The Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992 Astheworldterns 6 HB magistrate sets fines. 2

islander.org

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas on AMI

Mainland to AMI ferry set to launch. 3

Q&A 120623 3 5 apply for 2 AM commission seats. 4 Islander managing library branch. 5

Meetings 5 Opinions 6

10-20 YEARS AGO

Looking back. 7

Nesting numbers. 8 BB mulls turtle lighting. 8 Resort hearing set. 9

Save the date. 10-11

Happenings Jingle-jangle. 11 To market in AM. 12 13

Gathering. 14 Obituaries 15 Where’s Tuna Street?

16-17

Festive AMI. 18-20

GoodDeeds 19 Streetlife 22 Scenic highway groups share achievements. 22 Get in the Game. 23 Sporting news. 24 Winter fishing. 25 ’23 hurricane wrap. 26

NYT puzzle. 26 Butt why? 27

CLASSIFIEDS. 28-29

Isl Biz: 30 MarketWatch 30

Clockwise from top left: Anna Maria Elementary pre-K student Keegan Reuter, 4, greets the Grinch at Lester Family Fun Day at the Center of Anna Maria Island. Holiday celebrants look across Gulf Drive Dec. 2 as the lights of a Christmas tree at Hancock Whitney Bank come alive at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s Tree Lighting & Holmes Beach Holiday Open House. Justin and Ashley Labadie, left, flash smiles Dec. 2 on a ride with Abigail, 4, Emily, 6, and parents Allison and Evan Marchesini aboard Wild Honey in the boat parade. The Dickens Carolers sing Christmas carols Dec. 2 at the Christmas on Bridge Street celebration. The flagship of the boat parade, The AMI Princess paddlewheeler, cruises past the Historic Bridge Street Pier Dec. 2 during the 5th annual Bradenton Beach lighted boat parade. Islander Photos: Ryan Paice and Robert Anderson

Page 2 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 6, 2023 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

HB magistrate for ﬁnes cracked seawall, overgrown lots By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

A lack of maintenance has resulted in fines for some Holmes Beach property owners. Special magistrate Michael Connolly of the Sarasota-based Fournier, Connolly, Shamsey, Mladinich & Polz law firm ruled Nov. 28 to find property owners Jane and Walter Depew at 506 83rd St. in violation of city code for failing to maintain a cracked and dilapidated seawall. Connolly also ordered the Depews to pay $127.24 in administrative fees and a $250 daily fine going forward from Sept. 26 and until the property is brought into compliance. In March, the magistrate ordered the property owners to obtain permits from the city and complete repairs of the seawall at the back of the lot, which city staff found to be cracked and dilapidated. Code compliance supervisor JT Thomas presented the case again to Connolly. Thomas said the property owners submitted a permit application June 2 for seawall repairs and the city issued the permit June 13, but building official Neal Schwartz emailed the listed contractor, Bradenton-based Mariner Dock and Seawall, June 27 for additional information needed to complete the project. Schwartz received no reply from the contractor,

A cracked seawall at 506 83rd St., Holmes Beach, is documented by code compliance staff and presented Nov. 28 to Holmes Beach special magistrate Michael connolly. Islander Photos: courtesy Holmes Beach

and sent another email July 6, again requesting the missing information. He told Connolly that he had yet to receive any response from the contractor or the property owners. In the meantime, Schwartz said the cracked seawall is “compromised and very dangerous.” Thomas said the property owners were notified of the magistrate hearing, but there were no respondents in attendance. Connolly ruled in favor of the city. Connolly also found two corporations, Knights Build 1 and Knights Build 2 in violation of city code for the overgrowth of grass and weeds on their vacant properties at 6210 Marina Way and 203 Haverkos Court, respectively. The magistrate issued $50 daily fines, running from Nov. 1 until the properties comply with code, as well as $127.24 administrative fees for each property. Connolly ordered Oct. 25 for property owners Knights 1 and 2 — owned by Windermere resident John Rattigan — to clean up the overgrowth by Oct. 31. However, Thomas said city staff inspected the

properties Nov. 14 and found the matter had gone unaddressed, so they issued a notice of hearing for the violation. He also presented pictures taken that morning of both properties, showing the overgrowth. Jon Rhodes spoke on behalf of the property owners. Rhodes said the owners had hired a contractor to landscape four different properties on the island, but the contractor had only been working at two of the four properties, leaving the pair found in violation unaddressed. He said the property owners had worked out the issue with the contractor, who was set to visit both properties later that day. Rhodes asked Connolly to dismiss the city’s requested fines, but the magistrate ruled in favor of the city for both properties. The city’s next special magistrate hearing will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. The following special magistrate hearing will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27, also at city hall. The public is welcome to attend.

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Dec. 6, 2023 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 3 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Ferry rides linking islandmainland set to begin Dec. 8

People board the Downtown Duchess Nov. 20 for the ferry’s inaugural voyage to the island. The ferry is set to launch for public transit Dec. 8. The service will initially operate 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Sunday, ferrying passengers between downtown Bradenton, the Anna Maria city Pier and the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Public transport is taking to the seas to link Anna Maria Island to mainland Bradenton. Manatee County’s Gulf Island Ferry program will begin at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 8, pending final certification from the U.S. Coast Guard. The service includes two 50-foot catamarans operated by Clearwater-based Gulf Coast Water Taxi, which will staff each of the 49-passenger vessels with two crew members on the route. The program will initially run 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Sunday, ferrying passengers between downtown Bradenton, the Anna Maria City Pier and the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach. Future ferry stops are planned for Coquina Beach and Longboat Key. The first leg of the trip — Bradenton to Anna Maria — is estimated to take 35 minutes. A one-way trip will cost $8, which is discounted to $5 for children ages 3-11 and $6 for seniors 55 and up. Children under the age of 3 ride free. Passengers will be allowed beach gear on the ferries, as well as service animals and “leashed, wellbehaved pets … as long as they do not bother other guests,” according to a Gulf Islands Ferry fact sheet. The service also can accommodate groups, as long as arrangements are made at least two weeks ahead by emailing Kristi Watson at kristi@gulfcoastwatertaxi. com.

Q&A 120623

The Islander poll Last week’s question

Should city services on AMI be consolidated?

38%. No. 14%. Maybe. 26%. Yes, some. 22%. Yes, all.

This week’s question Heat goes on in my house when the temperature hits …

Check The Islander archives Look for the entire archive of The Islander dating to November 1992 in the UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.uﬂ.edu.

A map from the Gulf Islands Ferry webpage — www.bradentongulfislands.com/gulf-islands-ferry — shows the planned routes for the two 50-foot catamarans to be put into service Dec. 8. A oneway trip will cost $5-$8, with children under the age of 3 riding for free. Islander courtesy Photo

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Page 4 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 6, 2023 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

5 applicants now seeking 2 Anna Maria commission seats By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

A handful of residents have applied to claim two vacancies on the Anna Maria City Commission. The city received five applications from residents seeking to succeed Robert Kingan and Deanie Sebring as of Dec. 1, according to city clerk LeAnne Addy. Applicants include: • Gary McMullen; • Kathleen Morgan-Johnson; • Pat Olesen; • Susan Stephen; • Sharon Wisniewski. Only two seats will be filled by a vote from the commission’s three members. Sebring’s seat has been vacant since she resigned and moved away in October. Her successor will serve the remainder of her term, which expires in December 2024. On the other hand, no one qualified to run for the seat occupied by Kingan, who elected not to run for a second term in November. His successor will step into a full two-year term, since Kingan’s expires in December, prior to the selection process outlined by the city. That process includes solicitation of candidate questions that will be posed at a city-hosted public forum at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, where applicants will introduce themselves to the public and respond to residents’ questions. In the meantime, it’s never too early to get to know the prospective commissioners. Morgan-Johnson, Olesen and Wisniewski spoke with The Islander the week of Nov. 27 about their hopes to serve on the city commission. McMullen and Stephen applied recently and their applications were shared Dec. 1 as a result of a public records request by The Islander. The newspaper plans to schedule profiles and interviews with the newer applicants later this month. McMullen According to his application, McMullen has lived in Anna Maria for more than 70 years and serves as the current vice chair of the Anna Maria Historical Preservation Board. McMullen graduated from Florida State University and has worked in government management more than 30 years. He also worked as one of the city’s first code and parking enforcement officers. McMullen wrote in his application that his tenure in the city and staff experience gave him a unique perspective of the city and its operations. He added that, “One of my goals is to retain and increase our resident base.”

son Realty and a licensed broker, who also works as a legal assistant in Sarasota for her husband, attorney David Johnson. Morgan-Johnson also serves as the president of the Anna Maria Island MorganGarden Club and as secretary of the Johnson Center of Anna Maria Island’s board of directors. Before moving to Florida, she operated a tire and auto business in New York for 23 years. Morgan-Johnson told The Islander Nov. 24 that she wants to preserve the city’s Old Florida feel. “I just love the small town feel and love living here,” she said. “We need to commit to keeping our little island here. I’m for change, as long as it benefits the people, but I feel that every little bit makes an impact, so we should carefully judge what we do and work towards the betterment of the island for everyone.” Morgan-Johnson added that she would prefer the two-year term on the commission if she receives the most votes among applicants.

Olesen • Pat Olesen, who came to AMI from Chicago, has an engineering background and most recently worked as the senior program director for Maryland-based Hughes Network Systems, a broadband satellite service provider. She retired in 2020. Olesen told The Islander Nov. 21 that she started visiting the island in Olesen the 1980s, when she met her husband, Terry, a third-generation Anna Maria resident. They live in a house passed down through those generations. Olesen has lived in the city for more than 20 years and is a member of the garden club and community center. She said she’s been interested in getting involved with the city for years but held off because her job kept her too busy. “It’s been in the back of my mind for many years,” Olesen said. “I have not been a commissioner before … but I have a lot of experience in managing programs and working with all levels of people.” “Hopefully I can make a difference. I care about the community and have time now where I can participate more,” she added. Olesen said that, if she receives the most votes in the appointment process, she prefers the two-year term vacated by Kingan since it would give her more time to settle in. Nevertheless, she added that she was “really ﬂexible” and would accept the one-year term.

a timeline. She wants to represent residents who have an “understanding (of) the need for business.” “I literally walk the streets of Anna Maria daily covering most of the community weekly,” Stephen wrote. “I hear and see things to bring to the board consistently.” “I would enjoy representing the community,” she added. “I hope to bring some new ideas to keep us a community of residents.”

Wisniewski • California-native Sharon Wisniewski started visiting AMI in the 1980s when she met her husband Luis, whose family has lived on the island since 1959. The pair served in the U.S. military and traveled for 31 years before retiring in 2014 and moving to Florida to take care of Luis’ mother, who was ill. She said they found the island to be a stable home for their children Wisniewski during their travels with the military. Wisniewski has twice applied to fill a vacant seat on the city commission, including in 2020, when Sebring was appointed, and 2021, when Kingan was appointed. She joined the city’s historic preservation board in 2020 and serves as the board’s chairperson. Wisniewski told The Islander Nov. 21 that the position has done well to prepare her for a commission seat, since she has gotten to know city officials and staff, as well as learn more about the municipality. She said that, despite her previous applications’ lack of success, she would volunteer again for a commission seat. “If there’s a need, then I’ll step up and see what happens. If they reject me, they reject me. If not, then I guess it’s meant to be,” Wisniewski said. She added that she would also prefer the twoyear term on the commission due to the continuity, but either way was OK.

ELECTION NEWS Renew vote-by-mail requests for 2024

Manatee County residents who vote by mail must renew their ballot requests before the 2024 elections. To request a vote-by-mail ballot, voters can go online to www.votemanatee.gov/vbm or call the supervisor of elections office at 941-741-3823 and press 1. Morgan-Johnson The request requires a voter to provide their name, • Kathleen Morgan-Johnson has lived on the island Stephen date of birth and either the last four digits of their Social for 20 years, beginning in Holmes Beach and moving Stephen wrote in her application that she has lived Security number or a valid Florida driver’s license or to Anna Maria in 2005. in the city for at least two years, meeting the required Florida identification card. She is the owner of Sarasota-based Morgan John- residency threshold for applicants, but did not provide Renewing a vote-by-mail request is a requirement under Senate Bill 90, which passed the Legislature and was signed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2021. The law “limits the duration of requests for voteWe’ve got your trees at by-mail ballots to all elections through the end of the 3401 W. Manatee Ave. calendar year of the next regularly scheduled general election.” next to Begley Auto Service. Looking ahead to 2024 — islanders did not go to Fresh-Cut Premium the polls in 2023 — the presidential preference primary Quality Christmas Trees will be March 19, the general primary Aug. 20 and the general election Nov. 5.

WE TWEET TOO

— Lisa Neff

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s !SSORTED TREES TO FEET 3EE +ERRY FOR A SPECIAL TREE

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The Islander welcomes stories about islanders and island life, as well as photographs and notices of the milestones in readers’ lives — weddings, births, anniversaries, travels, obituaries and other events. Submit your announcements and photographs with captions for publication — along with contact info — to news@islander.org.

Dec. 6, 2023 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 5 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Islander returns, steps up to manage Island Library By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

An islander is the new supervisor of the Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Holmes Beach resident Aaron Drake, the newly appointed branch supervisor, introduced himself in a Nov. 28 email to The Islander. Drake, 37, grew up in Ohio and graduated from Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree in mass communication. He later graduated with a master’s degree from the University of South Florida. Drake said he worked in libraries in high school and college before becoming a magazine editor and freelance travel journalist for 15 years. He returned to the library profession in 2020 as

Drake

a library assistant at the Palmetto Library, then an assistant branch supervisor at the Island Library. Drake first visited the island in 2011, when his parents bought a second home in Holmes Beach and began inviting family every year for Thanksgiving. He moved to Holmes

Beach in 2020. “My parents were first introduced to the island because my dad, now retired as vice president of engineering for Norfolk Southern Railroad, took my mom to stay at the old Layby (Resort) the railroad owned and they fell in love with it,” Drake wrote. “I have many wonderful memories I’ve made here since I first visited the island over a decade ago.” “I enjoy spending my free time at the beach, playBy Lisa Neff ing with my two German shepherds, watching movies, ANNA MARIA CITY listening to music, traveling, and exploring restaurants and things to do in the area,” he added. Dec. 7, 6 p.m., commission. Drake said he is passionate about the library and its Dec. 8, 4 p.m., Santa Stops Here, City Pier Park. offerings, and excited about his new leadership role. Dec. 15, commission candidate deadline. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941-708Piper 6130, cityofannamaria.com.

Meetings

BRADENTON BEACH

Dec. 6, 9:30 a.m., CRA. Dec. 7, 6 p.m., commission. Dec. 21, noon, commission. Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com. HOLMES BEACH

Dec. 6, 10 a.m., parks and beautification. Dec. 6, 5 p.m., planning. Dec. 12, 2 p.m., commission. Dec. 13, 9 a.m., clean water. Dec. 14, 3:30 p.m., Sleigh Bell Social, city field. Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941708-5800, holmesbeachﬂ.org.

Dawson, 1, plays with blocks and toys while mom Ashley of Longboat Key supervises during 40 carrots, a regular program at the Island Library. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

WEST MANATEE FIRE RESCUE

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

Dec. 7, 9 a.m., commission (land use). Dec. 12, 9 a.m., commission. County administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org. ALSO OF INTEREST

Dec. 25, Christmas, is a federal holiday. Most government offices will be closed. Some government offices also will be closed Dec. 22 and some will be closed Dec. 26. Please, send meeting notices to calendar@ islander.org and news@islander.org.

He wrote that, as branch supervisor, he plans to create additional “fun programming for all ages” and increase community outreach to inform people about the library’s services and upgraded technology, such as remote printing. The library is open 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Saturday. It is closed Sundays.

County seeks to ﬁll seats on library advisory board Manatee County is accepting applications for five seats on an expanded library advisory board, including an island seat. The board is responsible for “creating and recommending policies for the operation of the library system to the board of county commissioners, advising the library services manager on public needs, reviewing and providing input on the library annual plan … providing input regarding collection development, making recommendations on the Manatee County collection development policy.” The openings on the board include: • A representative for the island and Longboat Key. Applicants must be residents. • A representative for Lakewood Ranch/Myakka City area. • A representative with a master’s degree in library science. • A representative with a child enrolled in a county school. • A representative with a homeschool child. Terms are for four years. The board meets the third Wednesday of each month at the Central Library, 1301 Barcarrota Blvd. W., Bradenton. Applications are due by Dec. 20. For more information, call county administrative specialist Brooke Frasca at 941-748-5555, ext. 6389, or email brooke.frasca@mymanatee.org. — Lisa Neff

Anna Maria holiday lights contest back for 5th year

’Tis the season and little lights soon will be twinkling all over AMI. The city of Anna Maria is looking for festive residents and businesses to participate in its fifth annual Holiday Lights Contest. The contest encourages people to decorate their homes, boutiques and shops for the season. The city began accepting applications for entry Nov. 30. The window to apply will close at 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18. Judges will tour the city Dec. 19 and determine winners for both the commercial and residential categories.

Awards will be presented Dec. 20. Applications can be found on the city website, cityofannamaria.com, or at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive. Completed applications can be returned to city hall or mailed to the city at P.O. Box 779, Anna Maria, FL 34216. There is no application fee. For more information, people can contact city staff at deputyclerk@cityofannamaria.com or 941708-6130, ext. 110 or 121. — Ryan Paice

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Page 6 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 6, 2023 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Opinion

Our

Shopping panic

Here we go again. You know that feeling of panic that comes on when the holidays are racing up on the calendar and you haven’t shopped, wrapped or decorated? Yep. I’m there. Again. I get the urge to go shopping but I haven’t made a list and I don’t dare go willy-nilly up and down the aisles at the various shops looking for things when I haven’t a clue who I need to buy for this year — and, least of all, what to buy. I do know one thing … shopping’s not my thing. And I don’t enjoy wrapping either, so I buy tissue and bags and take the easy route. And since the focus for me has always been kids, and my granddaughters are in their 20s, I’m thinking my little GGB (great-granddaughter) might like a fun gift or two. She’s only 16 months old. It’s another year before she’ll be into Santa and the excitement of the holiday, but she does play hard. So I’ve got some options in mind. I’m looking for some “active” toys — things that go ding, blink, light up, and make music. She loves a ﬂashlight that has LED-lighted tentacles of what looks like fishing line! And she thinks everything is edible. So maybe I’ll start shopping next week. I’m not rushing into this. Not this year. But it seems the city of Bradenton Beach is rushing the review of a major development for Bridge Street. It’s almost like there’s a timer set to get things done quickly. Or is it so we don’t look that hard and thoughtfully at the plans. For one thing, 106 motel rooms on the corner of Gulf Drive at Bridge Street and Third Avenue South sounds huge to me. And it seems the planners thought so too, but when the city commissioners and the mayor discussed reducing the number of rooms with the developer’s representatives at their first review of the plans, the offer was to reduce the number of rooms by creating suites. But that doesn’t reduce the number of bedrooms, it just combines two rooms into one larger accommodation. And parking? I already tell people the only way to enjoy Bridge Street is to ride the trolley, because trying to park is so frustrating that you might just keep State secrets driving. My family vacations on AMI every year. So let’s hope we get a real review at the second I noticed the state of Florida was trying to impose public hearing — and some compromises — and the size and scope of the resort is the right fit for Bridge a multilevel parking garage on the public beach. I wondered what was happening regarding that and Street and the surrounding neighbors. — Bonner Joy, news@islander.org saw the article in The Islander headlined “AMI gov’ts face risks.” I can see the battle has now metastasized into the state trying to force the consolidation of local governments. The more I read, the more my jaw dropped. So much for local control of affairs. The idea of DEC. 6, 2023 • Vol. 32, No. 7 the state wanting to impose its will on AMI residents ▼ Publisher, Co-editor is outrageous enough but they really took the cake Bonner Joy, news@islander.org with the fact that they are not planning on releasing ▼ Editorial editor Lisa Neff, lisa@islander.org the report to the local municipalities. Robert Anderson, robert@islander.org My recommendation is that local officials comJoe Bird, editorial cartoonist pile the documentation requested but not provide it to Kevin cassidy, kevin@islander.org Jack elka, jack@jackelka.com the state without guarantees that they will receive the Brook Morrison, brook@islander.org report when it is handed over to the Legislature. Ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org My strong feeling is that the recommendation will ▼ Contributors Karen Riley-Love be to consolidate the municipalities into one entity. Jacob Merrifield This action is meant as punitive in nature. capt. Danny Stasny, fish@islander.org How dare the communities try to control what goes Nicole Quigley on within their borders? ▼ Advertising Director Toni Lyon, toni@islander.org For now, Florida is a nice place to visit, but I ▼ Webmaster Wayne Ansell wouldn’t want to live there. ▼ Office Manager, Lisa Williams Rob Rudick, Colonial Beach, Virginia info@, accounting@, classifieds@,

Opinion

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For the people

A once snobbish Bostonian and Cape Codder, I value the unique features of Anna Maria Island, cited by Travel + Leisure magazine as the only U.S. location ranked in the Top 50 worldwide for “beach vibes!” “No-high-rises shoreline … and small-town feel.” Sound familiar? I am grateful for the leadership of Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth and our city commissioners in resisting the attacks by state legislative representatives on home rule and AMI’s special character. There has been deception, bordering on lies, in some of the state lawmakers’ recent statements. Contrary to what they claimed, the three island mayors are willing to identify opportunities for shared services providing they could offer comparable quality at a lower cost. What is the problem the legislators want to solve? Why might the legislators seek to enforce consolidation and even absorption of the island towns into Bradenton or Manatee County? Is the suggestion that consolidation might lower our taxes? Hardly, when we again see that our three towns have a far lower tax rates than Bradenton. Who could imagine that allegedly conservative Republican representatives would only openly undermine local government and refuse to consult with property owners or ensure transparency concerning their mandated study by OPPAGA? So much for limiting intrusion by big government. Let’s let Anna Maria Island’s municipal leaders do their job and let’s all walk the talk of “government by the people, for the people.” Tom Flynn, Holmes Beach

Dec. 6, 2023 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 7 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

“A traffic jam on Anna Maria Island near the cortez Bridge toll booth after Hurricane Betsy” is the caption associated with this photo from the Manatee county Public Library System archives. Betsy struck in September 1965 as an intense and destructive tropical cyclone that brought widespread damage to areas of Florida and the central U.S. Gulf coast. The hurricane made landfall at New Orleans Sept. 9, 1965.

10&20 years ago

From the Dec. 3, 2003, issue

Check the archives

Some years ago, The Islander was invited to take part in a pilot project with the University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries. We donated the newspapers beginning with the first edition in 1992. Look for The Islander in the UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.uﬂ.edu.

The airport in Holmes Beach is ﬂooded following a passing blow from Hurricane Betsy in September 1965. The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season ended Nov. 30. The “above-normal” season produced 20 named storms. Islander Photos: Manatee county Public Library System

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• Anna Maria Commissioner Duke Miller called on Mayor SueLynn to examine bills from Florida Power & Light. Miller made his request after an accountant examined books for Tingley Memorial Library and discovered an FPL accounting error that returned $23,000. • Anna Maria Mayor Suelynn responded to complaints from bayside residents about shark fishing at night, saying the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission told her shark fishing at night is not illegal along public beaches. • Holmes Beach Commissioner Rich Bohnenberger said there was an error in the code enforcement process for operating a business without a license and called for a revision. Bohnenberger said someone moving to the city and opening a business without a license can be immediately fined, while a business that fails to renew its license has a grace period. He said a grace period should be allowed a new business.

From the Dec. 4, 2013, issue

• A 25-year-old woman was facing up to three years in prison after being convicted of grand theft auto and causing serious injury to a Bradenton Beach police officer. • Holmes Beach commissioners approved an ordinance amending building department fees for services provided by city staff but for which the city had not been previously compensated. • All Island Denominations celebrated Thanksgiving at the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation in Holmes Beach with an ecumenical service. A choir made up of singers from all the island churches performed. — Lisa Neff

Christmas in Cortez SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9 1 - 4 PM Florida Maritime Museum 4415 119th Street West Cortez, FL

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Page 8 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 6, 2023 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Bradenton Beach mulls turtle-friendly lighting, public safety By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Bradenton Beach officials want to shed some light on concerns for sea turtle habitat. Seeking to balance the preservation of sea turtle nesting habitat and public safety, commissioners are considering partnering with Florida Power & Light to install enhanced turtle-friendly lighting along Gulf Drive. Artificial lighting can disorient nesting adult females and emerging hatchlings because sea turtles crawl toward light at night, following an instinctive response that should lead them seaward. Disorientation from artificial lighting causes thousands of hatchling deaths each year in the state, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. On Anna Maria Island, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring recorded about 2,814 disoriented hatchlings in 2023. AMITW, led by executive director Kristen Mazzarella in her first year at the helm, consists of a board of directors and a team of volunteers who monitor nestand-hatch activities. Mazzarella said AMITW was called to at least 19 rescues of hatchlings in storm drains in 2023.

Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie gestures during discussion of turtle-friendly Nov. 26. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

She added that there were 105 disorientation incidents during the season that ended Oct. 31, with 94 involving hatchling disorientations. Forty-five disorientations were in Bradenton Beach, 47 in Holmes Beach and 13 in Anna Maria. The Holmes Beach and Anna Maria disorienta-

By the numbers: 2023 nesting season Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring Nov. 30 released its final numbers for the 2023 sea turtle nesting season. A look at the numbers for the season, which officially runs May 1-Oct. 31, provided by AMITW executive director Kristen Mazzarella: Sea turtle nests marked: 404, including 293 loggerheads and 11 greens. In 2022, The Islander reported 531 nests on AMI. False crawls: 439, including 428 loggerheads and 11 greens. In 2022, The Islander reported 490 false crawls. Hatched nests: 282, including 275 loggerheads, six greens. In 2022, The Islander reported 467 hatched nests. Hatchlings produced: 22,875, including 22,309 loggerheads and 566 greens. AMITW was not able to excavate all the nests in 2023, so the number is a minimum. In 2022, The Islander reported more than 37,000 hatchlings to the sea. Nests with hatchling disorientations: 94, with a minimum of 2,814 hatchlings disoriented, all of them

loggerheads. Adult disorientations: 11, all of them loggerheads. Nests on the beach prior to Hurricane Idalia in late August: 94. Nests washed out due to Idalia: 75. Nests production after Idalia: One nest yielded four hatchlings. — Lisa Neff

As of Oct. 31, there were 404 nests and 439 false crawls, with 282 hatched nests and about 22,875 hatchlings sent to the sea.

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tions were more attributable to sky glow, according to Mazzarella. The Bradenton Beach incidents, she said, were linked directly to lighting. “We report the disoriented nests, whether they are adults or hatchlings, to code enforcement for every city on the island,” Mazzarella told The Islander Nov. 26. “We were reporting disorientations in Bradenton Beach and we were getting a lot of hatchlings in the streets and in the storm drains along Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach.” “Many of those, we would find hatchlings at the base of lights,” she said. “We were pretty clear that the lights were the problem.” A proposed LED lighting agreement between the city and FPL would involve replacing 34 traditional streetlights along Gulf Drive with fixtures designed to minimize light pollution on the beaches. The fixtures would emit a specific wavelength of light less disruptive to sea turtles, reducing the likelihood of disorientation. Further, portions of some streetlamps would be shielded to keep light from reaching the beach. Police Chief John Cosby said Nov. 26 the fixtures would run the length of Gulf Drive in the city. He said code enforcement, like AMITW, had determined existing streetlighting can be seen from the beach in violation of the city’s turtle-protection ordinance. “We had a huge number of hatchlings that wound up in the sewer grates and going across the road,” Cosby said. Mazzarella told The Islander that the roadway in Bradenton Beach is much closer to the shoreline than in the other island cities. Yet Commissioner Ralph Cole, during the meeting, said he received complaints from residents that portions of Gulf Drive are too dark. He suggested lighting be turned up outside of turtle nesting season, which runs May 1-Oct. 31. “It just scares me because you’ve got whole families walking,” Cole said. “We need something to light up the sidewalk.” “I am all about the turtles,” he added. “But I would hate to see someone’s family get wiped because of the absence of lights.” Mayor John Chappie said there are safety concerns for pedestrians with low-light conditions. He said he would reach out to FPL representatives to request that an agent identify what changes are needed to bring the city into compliance. He also suggested city attorney Ricinda Perry work to modify the FPL agreement. Commissioners agreed Chappie and Perry should gain further insight before making a vote to approve or deny the agreement. The commission will discuss the issue in its meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive.

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A hole in the sand left overnight on the beach became a trap for two hatchlings in Holmes Beach. Upon discovery, the hatchlings were rescued and released to the Gulf of Mexico. Holes on the beach can be deadly for nesting sea turtles and emerging hatchlings making their way to the Gulf and should be filled in at the end of the day. Islander File Photo

Dec. 6, 2023 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 9 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Mistletoe Market makes its way to Anna Maria

Debbie carnes, left, displays laser-engraved cutting boards Dec. 2 to people visiting the booth for Palmetto-based A Mid Somers Nap Laser creations at the event at Roser Memorial community church. carnes was helping her daughter, craft owner, Samantha Somers at the event.

People walk through the Mistletoe Market Art & craft Show Dec. 2 in the parking lot at Roser Memorial community church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. The holiday market ran Dec. 1-2 and featured arts, crafts and other wares for sale. Organizers also said they were collecting donations for the Roser Food Pantry. Islander Photos: Ryan Paice

Commercial development awaits a decision Looking east-southeast from Bradenton Beach’s roundabout on Gulf Drive at Bridge Street includes the properties being considered for a resort development. The city commission will gather at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., for a final public hearing and possible vote on an ordinance to advance a proposed 106-room resort with restaurant and retail space bordering Bridge Street, Gulf Drive and Third Street South. The project, proposed by Shawn Kaleta, a developer, and Jake Spooner, a city commissioner, involves eight properties in the district. Islander Photo: Jacob Merrifield

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Page 10 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 6, 2023 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

christmas stockings bearing the surnames of early cortez family settlers adorn an exhibit at the Florida Maritime Museum during christmas in cortez in 2022. Islander File Photo: Robert Anderson

compiled by Lisa Neff, calendar@islander.org

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ON AMI Saturday, Dec. 9 6 p.m. — Center of Anna Maria Island/Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau concert with Simply Queen tribute band, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. information: 941-7781908. Wednesday, Dec. 13 6:30 p.m. — Island Time Book Club — “Wish You Were Here” by Jodi Picoult, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. ONGOING ON AMI

Saturday, Dec. 9 10 a.m. — Origami club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. 10 a.m. — Anna Maria Island Privateers’ Christmas Parade, Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach to City Pier Park in Anna Maria. Information: amiprivateers.wildapricot.org. 11:30 a.m. — Anna Maria Island Privateers Post-Parade Party with Santa, city ﬁeld, 5800 block of Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: amiprivateers.wildapricot.org. 1-4 p.m. — Christmas in Cortez, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: 941-708-6120. Tuesday, Dec. 12 10 a.m. — Family storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. ONGOING ON AMI Select Thursdays — including Dec. 14 — Shark Pups and Grownups preschool program, Mote Marine Science Education and Outreach Center on Anna Maria City Pier, Pine Avenue and Bay Boulevard, Anna Maria. Information: mote.org. ONGOING OFF AMI

Throughout December, “Holiday Decor” showcase, Artists’ Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941778-6694.

MARKETS & SALES

ONGOING OFF AMI

ONGOING ON AMI

Through Jan. 7, “Guercino’s Friar with a Gold Earring” exhibit, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-360-7390, ringling.org. Through April 28, “Dali and the Impressionists,” the Dali Museum, 1 Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg. Fee applies. Information: 727-823-3767. Through June 23, “Mountains of the Mind: Scholars’ Rocks from China and Beyond” exhibit, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-360-7390, ringling.org. First Fridays, 6-9:30 p.m., Village of the Arts First Fridays Artwalk, 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Information: villageofthearts.com. Second and fourth Saturdays, 2-4 p.m., Music on the Porch jam session, presented by the Florida Maritime Museum and Cortez Cultural Center, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: ﬂoridamaritimemuseum.org.

Tuesdays, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Anna Maria Farmers Market, City Pier Park, Pine Avenue and Bay Boulevard. Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130. Through April 2024, select dates — including through Dec. 8 — Artists’ Guild Gallery Paint the Town sidewalk demonstrations and sales events, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694.

Dec. 13-17, 6-9 p.m., Palma Sola Botanical Park’s Winter Night Under the Lights, 9800 17th Ave. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941761-2866. First Wednesdays, SOAR in 4 family night, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131, bishopscience.org. Third Fridays, Teen Nights, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131, bishopscience.org. Second Saturdays, Quest for kids, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131, bishopscience.org.

ONGOING OFF AMI

SAVE THE DATE

Thursdays through December, after 5 p.m., Thursdays in Paradise — Christmas Edition, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach. Information: lovebradentonbeach.com. Select Fridays — Jan. 12, Feb. 9, March 8, April 12 — 5:307:30 p.m., Holmes Beach Night Market, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694. Saturdays through May 7, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Bradenton Market, Old Main Street, Bradenton. Information: 941-301-8445.

Dec. 14, Sleigh Bell Social, Holmes Beach. Dec. 21, Robinson Preserve Holiday Crafting, Bradenton. Jan. 4, Robinson Preserve Game Night, Bradenton.

SAVE THE DATE

CLUBS & COMMUNITY ON AMI

Thursday, Dec. 7 1 p.m. — Sunshine Stitchers, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Jan. 13-14, Anna Maria Winter Arts and Crafts Market, Holmes Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Beach. ONGOING ON AMI Jan. 20-21, Coquina Beach Winter Arts and Crafts Market, Most Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island Bradenton Beach. Feb. 9-10, Feed the Peeps Arts and Crafts Market, Anna meeting, Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-778-1383. Maria. Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, March 2-3, The Invitational, Holmes Beach. Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. InformaMarch 8-9, Feed the Peeps Arts and Crafts Market, Anna tion: 941-718-5583. Maria.

Jan. 13, Anna Maria Island/Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Foghat concert, Anna Maria. Jan. 21, Island Players’ “Communicating Doors” auditions, Anna Maria. Jan. 26, Anna Maria Island/Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Croce Plays Croce concert, Anna Maria. Feb. 23, Anna Maria Island/Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Guess Who concert, Anna Maria. March 10, Island Players’ “The Woman in Black” auditions, April 6-8, Coquina Beach Spring Arts and Crafts Market, BraAnna Maria. OFF AMI April 6, Anna Maria Island/Bradenton Area Convention and denton Beach. March 14-16, Friends of the Island Library Jewelry Sale, Thursday, Dec. 7 Visitors Bureau Al Jardin concert, Anna Maria. 9 a.m. — Coffee in Cortez, Cortez Cultural Center, 11655 Holmes Beach. Cortez Road, Cortez. Information: 941-840-0590, cvhs2016@aol. KIDS & FAMILY com. ON AMI

ONGOING OFF AMI

Friday, Dec. 8 Third Thursdays, 6:30 p.m., through April, Manatee Audubon 10 a.m. — Forty Carrots playtime with parents, Island Library, Society meetings, First United Methodist Church of Palmetto, 330 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. 11th Ave. W., Palmetto. Information: manateeaudubon@gmail.com, 4-5:30 p.m. — Santa in the Park, City Pier Park, Pine Avenue 941-729-2222. and Bay Boulevard, Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130. SAVE THE DATE 5:30-8 p.m. — Holiday Walk of Treasures, Pine Avenue and Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130. Dec. 19, Cortez Village Historical Society meeting, Cortez. Jan. 24, Feb. 21, March 22, Annie Silver Community Center community suppers, Bradenton Beach.

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Island happenings

Dec. 6, 2023 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 11 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Jingle-jangle season continues

Anna Maria Island’s merrymakers continue to celebrate the season with Santa visits, open houses, markets and an annual Christmas parade. A look at holiday-themed events: • City of Anna Maria’s Santa in the Park, 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, City Pier Park, Pine Avenue and Bay Boulevard, Anna Maria. Santa will hand out goodie bags to kids and carolers will sing holiday tunes. For more information, go online to www.cityofannamaria.com or call 941-708-6130. • Holiday Walk of Treasures, 5:30-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, Pine Avenue and Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Businesses and the Anna Maria Island Historical Society, 402 Pine Ave., will host open houses, offer refreshments and welcome Santa. For more information, 941-778-0492. • Anna Maria Island Privateers Christmas Parade, 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. The motorized parade will travel from Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach to City Pier Park in Anna Maria, with Santa in his sleigh and pirates aboard the Skullywag. The ship, sleigh and all will then move to city field, in the 5800 block of Marina Drive in Holmes Beach for the Anna Maria Island Privateers Christmas Party, which starts around noonish. The Privateers will host Santa handing out Christmas presents to children and also serve a free lunch to kids. Adults can pay a nominal fee for lunch and

LESSONS & LEARNING ON AMI

Privateers plan parade, party Santa talks with kids at an Anna Maria Island Privateers’ christmas party. This year, the Privateers will present the christmas Parade and post-parade party Saturday, Dec. 9. Some details: The parade begins at 10 a.m. at coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach, and travels north through Holmes Beach into Anna Maria, ending at city Pier Park at the intersection of Pine Avenue and North Bay Boulevard. The party, Santa visits and free lunch for kids, will follow the parade at city field in Holmes Beach. To register for the parade, which is free, go online to amiprivateers.memberlodge.org. For more information, email Terry “capt. cookie” Rapert at moespride@verizon. net. Islander File Photo: Lisa Neff

sodas. For more information, amiprivateers.wildapricot. org. • Christmas in Cortez, 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at the Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. The event will include children’s activities, crafting and a meet-and-greet with Santa. For more information, call the museum at 941708-6120. • Winter Night Under the Lights 6-9 p.m. Dec. 13-17, Palma Sola Botanical Gardens, 9800 17th Ave. NW, Bradenton. Visitors will find food trucks, crafting, a marketplace, musical performers, hay rides, refreshments and Santa on the grounds. For more information, 941-761-2866. • Sleigh Bell Social, 3:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec.

14, city field, 5800 block of Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. The city will host a free holiday-themed affair featuring refreshments, rafﬂes and prizes, including bicycles for kids and children’s activities. For more information, call the city at 941-7085800.

Wednesday, Dec. 13 11 a.m. — Home Organization 101, Island Library, 5701 Marina 10299 Ninth Ave. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923, mymanatee.org. Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. ONGOING OFF AMI

SAVE THE DATE

Dec. 16, Robinson Preserve Starry Night Astronomy, BradenMondays, 1 p.m., Longboat Key Paradise Center for Healthy Living Thinking Out Loud discussions, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat ton. Dec. 28, Perico Preserve tour, Perico Island. Key. Information: 941-383-6493. Dec. 28, Seashell Shore Walk, Bradenton Beach. SAVE THE DATE Dec. 28, Robinson Preserve Litter Cleanup, Bradenton. Jan. 2, Coquina Beach Cleanup, Bradenton Beach. Jan. 11, Friends of the Island Library Lecture and Travel Series Jan. 4, Bayfront Park Cleanup, Anna Maria. begins, Anna Maria.

SPORTS & GAMES

CALENDAR NOTES

ONGOING ON AMI

Dec. 7, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Dec. 7-15, Hanukkah. Dec. 21, winter solstice. Dec. 24, Christmas Eve. Dec., 25, Christmas. Dec. 26-Jan. 1, Kwanzaa. Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve. Editor’s note: During the holidays, some ongoing regular events may be canceled. Get listed! Send listings to calendar@islander.org.

Most Wednesdays, 1 p.m., mahjong club beginners, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786341. Most Fridays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong club experienced players, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941778-6341. Mondays, 10 a.m., morning yoga, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. SAVE THE DATE

Duncan Real estate employees hand out wine at the office while Anna Maria Oyster Bar employees pass out oysters during the 2022 Holiday of Treasures Open House. This year’s celebration will be Dec. 8. Islander File Photo: Ryan Paice

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KEEP THE DATES

Jan. 12, Center of Anna Maria Island Bingo Night, Anna Maria. Jan. 18-March 28, Thursdays, Annie Silver Community Center bingo, Bradenton Beach.

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Island happenings

Page 12 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 6, 2023 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

To market, to market to Anna Maria Fibelas Produce owner erasmo Fibela, right, bags up produce Nov. 28 for a customer while others peruse his goods during the city of Anna Maria’s farmers market at city Pier Park, 101 N. Bay Blvd. The market is hosted weekly on Tuesdays, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m., through May 7, 2024. Islander Photos: Ryan Paice

Center staging Simply Queen

Simply Queen, a Queen tribute band, will kick off the Center of Anna Maria Island’s 2023-24 concert season Saturday, Dec. 9. Freddie Mercury impersonator Rick Rock fronts the band. The concert series is organized in partnership with the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Manatee County Tourist Development Council. Concerts at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, begin with an opening act at 7 p.m. Doors to the gym will open at 6 p.m. For more information, including tickets, go online to centerami.org, email info@centerami.org or call 941-778-1908.

Friends collect for jewelry sale

The Friends of the Island Library will celebrate a gem — the Island Library — with a jewelry sale in March 2024. The support group at the Holmes Beach library until this year helped to raise money with a used book sale but, due to the lack of storage space for books, the group redirected its efforts and held a jewelry sale in March. The jewelry sale will return next year — March 14-16 — and donations are being collected now. People can drop off earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, watches and more at the library, 5701 Marina Drive. Donations should be in sealed plastic bags. For more information, call the library at 941-7786341.

ABOVe: Local musician Mike Sales performs “I can See clearly Now” Nov. 28 during Anna Maria’s farmers market. This is the first season live music has been offered at the market.

LeFT: Anna Maria Bake House employee Ted Louloudes serves a blueberry muffin Nov. 28 to a customer.

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Dec. 6, 2023 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 13 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

The campus-based book fair continues through Dec. 8 and the online book fair continues through Dec. 9. The fair offers options to purchase books, gift cards and also memberships in book clubs. Shoppers ’Tis the shopping season also can fill AME teachers’ wish lists. The online fair is at efairs.literati.com. All they want for the holidays are “Baby Shark: Luck of the Claw” and “Angelina Ballerina and the STEAM ahead Tea Party.” Also, the AME Literacy/STEAM Night will be Yes, an online book fair that puts reading materi5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, at the school, 4700 Gulf als into student hands and raises money for the AME Drive, Holmes Beach, where visitors will see school community is ongoing. projects and robot demonstrations, participate in activities, such as building a glider, planting an edibles garden and crafting origami. Local groups will staff tables, including Wildlife Inc. of Bradenton Beach, Anna Maria Island Turtle • Through Dec. 7, Scholastic Book Fair. Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, Keep Manatee • Wednesday, Dec. 6, 5-7 p.m., STEM night. Beautiful and Mote Marine. • Sunday, Dec. 10, 3-5 p.m., PTO Family In the cafeteria, visitors will find snack items for Social, gingerbread house-making, center of sale, including cookies, soft drinks and pizza. Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Books will be for sale in the auditorium.

AME Calendar

Maria. • Tuesday, Dec. 12, PTO staff luncheon. • Dec. 14-15, PTO school holiday event. • Friday, Dec. 15, holiday cookie exchange. • Dec. 18-20, holiday shopper. • Thursday, Dec. 21, 6:30 p.m., ﬁfth-grade play in the auditorium. Anna Maria elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the school at 941708-5525.

Academic achievements

The Islander welcomes announcements of student achievements at any level of the educational process. Please send them, along with contact information, to news@islander.org.

Sweet social treat Another extracurricular activity takes place offcampus, with the AME-Parent Teacher Organization and the Center of Anna Maria Island cohosting a “holiday family fun” event 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. Participants will gather at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, to make gingerbread houses. — Lisa Neff

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Gathering

Churches celebrate season with song

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church will hold its holiday concert, “A Celebration of the Seasons” featuring By Lisa Neff musician Elena Zamolodchikova, at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17. The concert will begin with Christmas carols, followed by composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s “The Seasons” and concluding with a reception. The event at the church, 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, is open to the public. Gloria Dei puts up giving tree For more information, call the church at 941-778Gloria Dei Lutheran invites people to adopt a 1813. Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine family for the holidays by choosing an “ornament” Ave., Anna Maria, will feature performances of a from an angel tree at the church. Gifts will be made to a family associated with Christmas cantata at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. worship Anna Maria Elementary. A notice read, “Please take one or more ornaments, Garden lights continue buy the present on the ornament, return it unwrapped The Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico with the tag from the tree to the church, and help bring Drive, Longboat Key, is holding Christmas in the Christmas joy to this family in need.” Garden: A Celebration of Lights 5-9 p.m. through Dec. The church is at 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes 31. Beach. People are invited to stroll the gardens on the For more information, call 941-778-1813. chapel grounds nightly for decorations and holiday Find hotcakes, Santa at St. B music. Also the church will host special musical presentaWonder how Santa eats pancakes without syrup tions, refreshments and treats for children Dec. 7, Dec. sticking to his beard? 11, Dec. 13, Dec. 21 and Dec. 31. The Holy Name Society at St. Bernard Catholic For more, call the chapel at 941-383-6491. Church will host Santa Claus at its pancake breakfast set for 8 a.m.-noon Sunday, Dec. 10. Ongoing: Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m., women’s social gathering. The group asks for a $10 donation per breakfast Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church Ave., but kids under 5 eat for free. Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-779-1912. The church is at 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Worship: Sundays, 9:15 a.m. Beach. Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna For more, call the church at 941-778-4769.

Tidings

services Dec. 17. This musical services will feature the church’s cantata choir, chamber orchestra and the youth choir under the direction of Craig Ramberger, director of music ministries. For more information, call the church at 941-7780414. Also, Christ Church of Longboat Key, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, will host a Christmas musical event at 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. The church’s chancel choir and orchestra will perform portions of George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah” during the worship service. For more information, call the church at 941-3838833.

Gathering is the religion page for The Islander. Please, send notices to calendar@ islander.org.

Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m. Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Info: 941-383-3428. Worship: Fridays, Shabbat, 5:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. THIS WEEK Through Dec. 31 5-9 p.m. — Christmas in the Garden: A Celebration of Lights and Music, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-6491. Sunday, Dec. 10 8 a.m.-noon — Holy Name Society pancake breakfast, St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Fee applies. Info: 941-778-4769.

Maria. Information: 941-778-0414, roserchurch.com. Worship: Sundays, 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. compiled by Lisa Neff Ongoing: Tuesdays, Thursdays, 9:30 a.m., RoserRobics; first SAVE THE DATE and third Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m., Just Older Youth group. ON AMI Dec. 7-15, Hanukkah. St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Dec. 17, Gloria Dei Christmas concert. CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Beach. Info: 941-778-4769, office@stbernardcc.org. Dec. 17, Roser Christmas cantata. Info: 941-778-0719, crosspointefellowship.church. Worship: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.; Saturdays, 4 p.m.; SunDec. 24, Christmas Eve. Worship: Sundays, 9 a.m. days, 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. Dec. 25, Christmas. Ongoing: Wednesdays, 6 p.m., Wednesday Night Blast supper Ongoing: Wednesdays, 7:30 a.m.; Rosary on the Beach at and 6:30 p.m., Wednesday Night Blast. Manatee Public Beach; Saturdays, 3 p.m., confession. GET LISTED, CHANGE LISTINGS Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Please, send listings and changes in calendars and other OFF AMI Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-1638, amiannunciation.org. events to calendar@islander.org. Worship: Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.; Sundays, 8 a.m. and 10:15 Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian USA, 6400 a.m. Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Info: 941-900-4903, christchurDURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive. Holmes choflbk.org. A reminder that during the holiday season this month and next Beach. Info: 941-778-1813, gloriadeilutheran.com. Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m. some regularly noticed events may not be held or the times may Worship: Sundays, 9:30 a.m., followed by coffee and fellowLongboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat change. Please, call to confirm ongoing events. ship. Key. Info: 941-383-6491, longboatislandchapel.org.

Growing in Jesus’ Name

Worship With Us at Our Church Sunday Service 10:00 AM Dr. Julia Wharff Piermont, Pastor DĞŶ͛Ɛ ŝďůĞ ^ƚƵĚǇ͗ DŽŶĚĂǇ Λ ϵ͗ϬϬ tŽŵĞŶ͛Ɛ ŝďůĞ ^ƚƵĚǇ͗ tĞĚŶĞƐĚĂǇ Λ ϭϬ͗ϬϬ tĂƚĐŚ KƵƌ ϭϬ͗ϬϬ D ^ĞƌǀŝĐĞ >ŝǀĞ͗ www.bit.ly/cclbksermons Žƌ www.christchurchof lbk.org (ĨŽůůŽǁ zŽƵdƵďĞ ůŝŶkͿ

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Gloria Dei Lutheran Holiday Concert Special Christmas Messiah December 10 at 10:00 AM Christ Church is pleased to feature the Christmas portion of Handel's crowning achievement. Our Chancel Choir, professional soloists and orchestra will present this joyful holiday event during our regular Sunday Service.

“A Celebration of the Seasons” Please join us for a concert of Christmas piano & organ music. Featuring Dr. Elena Zamolodchikova performing Tchaikovsky’s, The Seasons Sunday December 17th at 2 p.m. Light refreshments to follow

Visitors & Residents Welcome • Free Event 6400 Gulf of Mexico Dr. • 941.383.8833 ;ŽĸĐĞͿ • www.christchurchof lbk.org

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Dec. 6, 2023 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 15 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Church guild checks in at community center Officers in the Roser Memorial community church Guild present a $1,100 check to leadership at the center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. In 2023, with funds raised at the Roser Thrift Shop, the church group supported 20 nonprofits and awarded three college scholarships. At the check presentation are Margo Kingsley, guild treasurer, left; Barbara Dohner, guild vice president; cherrie Birkman, guild president; Jillian Ptak, center director of development; Peggy Nash, guild publicity; christopher culhane, center executive director. For more about Roser, call the church at 941-778-0414. For more about the center, call the nonprofit at 941-778-1908. Islander Photo: courtesy Peggy Nash

Obituaries

Jacqueline Danzer Pepka

Jacqueline Danzer Pepka, 75, of Bradenton and formerly of Anna Maria, died Oct. 30. She was born Sept. 23, 1948, in Hudson, New Jersey. She was a certified nursing assistant with a nurturing spirit that endeared her to the hearts of countless residents of Anna Maria. She became a cherished friend and devoted caretaker to many who crossed her path. Her benevolence knew no bounds, Pepka extending even to providing refuge for women in times of need. In 1989, she found sanctuary on the shores of Anna Maria Island, a place she held dear. She married the love of her life, Ronald Pepka, in April 2006. He preceded her in death. A service will be held in her honor at noon Monday, Dec. 4, at Episcopal Church of Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org or Wounded Warrior Project at woundedwarriorproject.org.

Adrienne A. Fischer

Adrienne A. Fischer, 99, formerly of Holmes Beach, died Nov. 26, in Media, Pennsylvania. She resided in Holmes Beach from 1980 until moving back to Pennsylvania in 2009. She was predeceased by her husband, Gerry, in 1989. The Fischers retired from Wayne, Pennsylvania, to their dream life in Holmes Beach, where they enjoyed golf and picnicked at the beach with friends, new and old, from Coquina Beach to Bean Point. She rode her bike daily to morning Mass at St. Bernard Catholic Church, swam like an Olympian in the Gulf of Mexico and took long Fischer LongboatChapel-ChristmasScheduleofEvents.pdf 1 10:26 bag AM walks — always with a11/14/22 garbage to keep her community beautiful. She was affectionately and reverently known as “Mim.” She was a beacon to her family. As a memorial, they ask that we care for “Mother” Earth. Her ashes will be interred with her husband at a later date at Sarasota National Cemetery. A memorial LongboatChapel-ChristmasScheduleofEvents.pdf 1 11/14/22 10:26 AM

Mass is planned at St. Bernard in April 2024. Mrs. Fischer is survived by her daughters Nancy Byrne and husband Michael and Adrienne Terrell and husband John of Chadds Ford and Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, respectively; son Gerard J Fischer of Naples, Florida; and son Peter and wife Mary of Sarasota; grandchildren Dan and wife Tracy and their daughters, Lola and Lindsey, Kelly Farahbakhshian and husband Mike and their daughters, Shirin and Zarin, and youngest grandson, Peter, of Sarasota.

Milestones

At your service

Obituaries are offered as a free community service to residents and families of residents, both past and present, as well as to people with ties to the island. Please, submit notices to news@islander.org. Paid obituaries can be discussed with ad consultant Toni Lyon at 941-778-7978. Private Practice • Convenient to Island • Accepts Most Insurances

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Page 16 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 6, 2023 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Santa celebrates holidays with center kids

Santa claus waves to children Dec. 2 as he arrives at the 21st annual Lester Family Fun Day at the center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. The event is an annual celebration of the holiday season that was conceived and hosted by longtime center supporters and Holmes Beach residents chuck and Joey Lester. + ' ++2j + & % ,-% j ' j$ 2j "'J !(., j + ' ++2j,"&)% J % &('j#." Jj+(, & +2

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Open house spotlights Marines and Toys for Tots

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Kathy Nunnally, left, sales manager, Sharon Hoatland, director of marketing, right, and Jan Terpstra, all of A Paradise Realty, put on an outdoor christmas party with the Marine corps Reserve-Desoto Auxiliary 588, for the Holmes Beach Downtown Open House. They collected gifts for Toys for Tots and raffled a Yeti cooler filled with booze for a donation to the Marine Toys for Tots program. The realty-rental office is at 5201 Gulf Drive, just south of the Anna Maria Island chamber of commerce. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy

Dec. 6, 2023 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 19 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

GoodDeeds

Assistance sought on AMI

• Island businesses, the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve are collecting for Toys for Tots. Drop off new toys through Dec. 15 at A Paradise Realty, as well as at Publix, Cheesecake Cutie and Cafe, Grooms Motors and Automotive, Duffy’s Tavern, the Feast, Hurricane Hanks and the chamber ofﬁce in Holmes Beach; and at the post ofﬁce and Center of Anna Maria Island in Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-4800. • The Anna Maria Island Art League seeks volunteers for the Springfest Fine Arts Festival March 16-17, 2024, in Holmes Beach. Info: 419-450-4824. • The Island Players, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, seeks volunteers for the 75th season of shows. Info: theislandplayers.org, 941-941 778-5755. • The Anna Maria Island Historical Society, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, seeks volunteer docents and bakers. Info: 941-778-0492, amihs.org. • Wildlife Inc. rescue and rehabilitation in Bradenton Beach seeks volunteers. Info: 941-778-6342.

Assistance offered on AMI

• Roser Food Bank welcomes applicants who live and/or work on Anna Maria Island for food assistance, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941778-0414. • AID offers ﬁnancial help to those who live on the island, go to church on the island, attend school on the island and work on the island. Info: 941-725-2433. — Lisa Neff

Anna Maria Island Privateers cindy “Lady Sinthia” Meeks, president Mary Ann “Maz” Zyla and Kelly “Moulin” Sparkman are hosts for the annual AMI Privateers christmas at the Drift-in AMI fundraiser on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. The scholarship fundraiser featured a lotto board, raffles and a pot-luck buffet. The Privateera raise funds to help area students pursue degrees in higher education.

Chiles Hospitality to host Christmas party for kids

Chiles Hospitality will host the 28th annual Lawton Chiles Christmas for Kids Party at the Sandbar Seafood & Spirits restaurant Thursday, Dec. 14. The event, set to take place 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the restaurant, 100 Spring Ave., Anna Maria, is an annual tradition, started by Lawton and Rhea Chiles, the late governor and the late first lady. The couple sought to provide underserved youth with a holiday celebration and the tradition continues under the leadership of their son, Ed Chiles, the restaurant owner. About 80 pre-kindergarten students from RCMA childcare organization, Children First’s Head Start and Early Head Start are invited to attend the Winter Wonderland-themed party with Santa and an assortment of kid-friendly characters. “We continue to honor the Chiles legacy with this beloved holiday party and our staff really look forward to it each year,” Chuck Wolfe, CEO of Chiles Hospitality, said in a news release. “With their help and the contribu0on from local sponsors, it guarantees a happy and memorable day for these students. We are thankful to all those who help us preserve this tradi0on.” Each year, Chiles’ restaurant staff help plan and execute the event which includes buying and wrapping presents, as each child goes home with a toy, as well as new shoes and an outfit. Chiles Hospitality welcomes financial contributions to support the party, which can be sent to Dine on Pine Inc., P.O. Box 1478, Anna Maria, FL 34216, with a note stating the donation is for the Lawton Chiles Christmas for Kids Party. For more information, contact Chiles Hospitality at info@chilesgroup.com or 941-778-1696.

cartoon characters, including Buzz Lightyear, Spongebob SquarePants, and Diego Marquez from “Go, Diego, Go!” meet kids from the RcMA Palmetto child Development center and the Bradenton branch of the Head Start early Rise and Shine program outside the Sandbar Restaurant, 100 Spring Ave., Anna Maria, which hosted the party in December 2022. This year’s invite-only party will be Dec. 14. Islander File Photo: Ryan Paice Milestones The Islander welcomes news about islanders and island life, as well as photographs and notices of the milestones in readers’ lives. Email news@islander.org.

Santa claus asks Delta Doyle, 2, and mom emily Dec. 2 what Delta might like for christmas during the christmas on Bridge Street Holiday Festival in Bradenton Beach. Islander Photos: Robert Anderson

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Page 20 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 6, 2023 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Bealls celebrates AME student artists Jane Bailey, center, is flanked by Bealls CEO Matt Beall, AME principal Mike Masiello, artist Guy Harvey and Bealls president Tianna Doyle, at a store at 6355 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. jane was honored for her artwork, which was adapted for a thermal tumbler that Bealls is selling for $14. Jane and her parents were treated to a private meeting with Harvey and Masiello accepted $1,000 from the Bealls as part of the festivities. AME third-grader Silas Whitehead also had his drawing selected but was not present. Island Photos: Bonner Joy

Sales of tumblers sold with AME student artwork will help continue the work of the Guy Harvey Foundation and its pursuits to protect the environment. The foundation has partnered with AME to offer a marine environmental studies curriculum — Guy Harvey Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Center Fun Day starts with a beat People watch as a drumline, consisting of Manatee High School alumni, performs Dec. 2 at the 21st annual Lester Family Fun Day.

Anna Maria first-grader Nina Comkowcz, 7, of Bradenton, rides Philly the pony Dec. 2, led around the center athletic field by Addi’s Pony Parties employee Brittany Bailey. Islander Photos: Ryan Paice

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Dec. 6, 2023 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 21 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

RoadWatch

County adjusts transit routes, schedules for AMI

Eyes on the road

• Anna Maria Island Bridge on State Road 64/Manatee Avenue: Single-lane closures can be expected 7 p.m.-6 a.m. through December. For more, go to www.swflroads.com. • City center in Holmes Beach: Work on the city’s project near the intersection of Gulf and Marina drives continues but is nearing completion. For the latest, check the city’s page on Facebook. Manatee County’s work on a force main project on Holmes Boulevard, Marina Drive and side streets continues and traffic patterns can change. For the latest, go to amiprojects.io. • Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach: Manatee County is working on sewer lines along Gulf Drive South, which can disrupt traffic patterns and reduce travel lanes. Ninth Street South is closed and through Dec. 12, the contractor will be paving streets — 11th Street South, 12 Street South and 13th Street South. For the latest, go to amiprojects.io. For area road watch information, go online to swflroads.com or dial 511. — Lisa Neff

Streetlife

By Ryan Paice and Robert Anderson

Island police reports

Manatee County Area Transit made changes to its ﬁxed-route bus service Dec. 2, including service to the island. Route 3, which runs on Manatee Avenue/State Road 64, resumed service every 30 minutes MondaySaturday instead of hourly. However, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., the route will terminate on Manatee Avenue West near Village Green Parkway and 75th Street West in Bradenton. To get to the island, passengers will transfer to a new Route 304. Route 304 will serve Manatee Avenue West between Village Green Parkway/75th Street West and Manatee Public Beach every 30 minutes. The transfers from the Route 3 will occur in the parking lot adjacent to the Wawa. Additionally, Route 75 — the Beach ConneXion Shuttle — travels from 75th Street West to the Manatee Public Beach 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays and holidays. On AMI, MCAT continues to operate a trolley between Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach and the City Pier in Anna Maria. There is no fare collected on MCAT buses. For more information, go online to mymanatee. Holmes Beach boosts food drive org or call 941-748-4501. Holmes Beach permit tech Liz cleary, left, and — Lisa Neff

Anna Maria Nov. 24, 218 Pine Ave., Island Charms, larceny. A Manatee County sheriff’s deputy from the Anna Maria substation responded to a report from a business concerning the alleged theft of a ring valued at $120. The deputy issued an incident report and assigned a case number. Nov. 24, 300 block of North Shore Drive, vandalism. A sheriff’s deputy was dispatched to the reported vandalism of a vehicle, where someone broke a window. The ofﬁcer issued an incident report and assigned a case number. The MCSO polices Anna Maria. Bradenton Beach No new reports. The Bradenton Beach Police Department polices Bradenton Beach. Cortez No new reports. The MCSO polices Cortez.

Island watch: In an emergency, call 911.

To report info, call the MCSO Anna Maria, 941708-8899; Bradenton Beach police, 941-778-6311; Holmes Beach police, 941-708-5804.

Holmes Beach Nov. 21, 300 block of 28th Street, burglary/domestic battery. An officer from the Holmes Beach Police Department responded to reports of a domestic disturbance and found a pregnant woman who said her ex-boyfriend appeared at her property without her permission and struck her multiple times. The woman filed a sworn affidavit. The officer found the woman’s vehicle at her ex-boyfriend’s home, where he denied her allegations. Nov. 26, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Marchman Act/trespass. An officer responded to reports of an intoxicated man who could not care for himself. The man was uncooperative and refused to answer the officer’s questions. The officer trespassed him from the beach and took him into protective custody under the Marchman Act. The officer then transported the man to HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton. HBPD polices Holmes Beach. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

human resources manager Maureen Gluff, right, set up signs Nov. 30 for a food drive that will take place at the city’s Sleigh Bell Social, set for 3:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, at city field in the 5800 block of Marina Drive. The public is invited to attend the free event and to bring a donation of nonperishable food. Islander Photo: courtesy Holmes Beach

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Page 22 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 6, 2023 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Scenic highway groups gather, share achievements By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Scenic highway enthusiasts shared stories of going the extra mile in 2023. On Nov. 29, representatives of scenic highway groups in the Florida Department of Transportation’s District 1 gathered in Sarasota and via Zoom for a joint meeting. Participants represented Bradenton Beach ScenicWAVES, Palma Sola Scenic Highway Corridor Management Entity and also committees overseeing the Tamiami Trail and “The Ridge” route in central Florida. The reps discussed achievements and goals for their respective scenic corridors, including the extension to the Bradenton Beach scenic route of the Palma Sola Scenic Highway that runs through parts of Bradenton and Holmes Beach. Bradenton Beach ScenicWAVES chair Ingrid McClellan and Palma Sola Scenic Highway Corridor

Management Entity co-chair Craig Keys both touted the extension of the Palma Sola route, which runs four miles from 75th Street in Bradenton on Manatee Avenue/State Road 64 to East Bay Drive in Holmes Beach, then south on East Bay/Gulf Drive to the Bradenton Beach city line. The route also extends all the way west on Manatee Avenue to the Manatee Public Beach. The Bradenton Beach Scenic Highway runs three miles on Gulf Drive, from the city line at Holmes Beach to Longboat Pass. McClellan, also a leader on the Palma Sola committee, said the extension request to the DOT was submitted twice over 10 years and ﬁnally approved in April. She also spoke about some of the Bradenton Beach initiatives championed by the scenic highway advisory group in 2023, including getting behind the Islanders 4 Clean Water campaign launched by the city of Holmes Beach to bring awareness to the quality of

local waters. “We supported this ﬁnancially and put it on the Bradenton Beach website to educate Bradenton Beach citizens and help spread the word,” McClellan said. She also shared details of a “Stash Your Trash” initiative on island trolleys intended to curb littering at trolley stops. “This year we will monitor all the trolley stops to see how much of an impact the signs are making,” McClellan said. McClellan also reviewed the committee’s tree plantings at Herb Dolan Park in April for National Arbor Day, as well as the planting of four pigeon plum trees to replace two Australian pine trees felled by Hurricane Ian in 2017.

BB OKs state mutual aid agreement By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Bradenton Beach commissioners voted Nov. 28 to accept a mutual aid agreement with the state. Under the terms of the agreement, the city and state will coordinate resources and support during emergencies to ensure a streamlined response. The local agreement is part of a broader initiative to foster cooperation among municipalities and state agencies in a crisis. Police Chief John Cosby, who has long served

Bradenton Beach Police chief John cosby, right, speaks to city commissioners and the mayor at their Nov. 28 meeting at city hall regarding a mutual aid contract. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

as Bradenton Beach’s emergency management chief, addressed commissioners about the agreement, which is with the state division of emergency management. “During an event, if we need to request services outside of our area, we go through the (county) emergency operation center and then that is sent up to the state EOC and then the resources are allocated to them,” Cosby said, referring to Manatee County EOC and then the state’s EOC. “This agreement needs to be in place in order for us to request those services, so that everybody can get paid and we can get whatever it is that we need.” Cosby said the agreement, the same as last year’s, must be renewed annually to ease response, recovery and reimbursement. For example, the city received a Federal Emergency Management Agency reimbursement check Nov. 25 for debris removal for Hurricane Idalia, which grazed Bradenton Beach in late August. Cosby said the city received 100% of its $34,000 expense. The chief also said reimbursement for damages to the police boatlift and tree-related damage at Herb Dolan Park also would come from FEMA. Commissioner Jake Spooner motioned to approve the agreement. Commissioner Ralph Cole seconded the motion, which passed by a vote of 4-0. Commissioner Marilyn Maro was absent with excuse. The next commission meeting will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

A graphic highlights the state-approved extension connecting the Palma Sola and Bradenton Beach scenic highways on Anna Maria Island. Islander Graphic: courtesy DOT

About scenic highways

The Florida Scenic Highways Program was established to showcase cultural, historic, archaeological, recreational, natural and scenic resources found along Florida’s highway system. The byway collection includes 27 state-designated scenic highways. To learn more about Florida scenic highways or ﬁnd a map, go online to ﬂoridascenichighways. com.

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Page 24 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 6, 2023 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Center on sports break, for ﬁrst place. Brian Hogan was a point back in second, for nonmembers. Tim Friessen and Bill Shuman tied for third place Adult indoor soccer will heat up the gym starting golfers, horseshoers play on while at plus-2. Jan. 18 with matches played Thursdays. Cost is $20 By Kevin P. cassidy Islander Reporter

Sports — both youth and adult leagues — are on hold at the Center of Anna Maria until January — with new leagues starting up after the new year. Registration is ongoing for a number of sports so don’t miss out. Get in the game. Meanwhile, golf action at Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach got going the week of Nov. 27 with the cassidy men’s weekly modified-Stableford system match. Bill MacMillan and Ken Nagengast both carded plus-4s to ﬁnish in a tie

The women played a nine hole, individual low-net match Nov. 28 that saw Janet Razze and Jenny Huibers finish in a tie for first place with matching 2-under-par 30s. Linda Dorsey and Helen Pollock tied for second at even-par 32. The week of golf ended Nov. 30 with a shamble — two scores count from each group — that saw the foursome of Joe Cassese, John Cassese, John Kolojeski and Wayne Patterson combine to shoot a 2-under-par 62 for the top score and clubhouse bragging rights for the day. Second place went to the team of Gary Razze, Greg Shorten and Bill Shuman, which finished one stroke back.

Horseshoe news Two teams advanced from pool play and settled things in a playoff during Nov. 29 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Tom Farrington and Bob Mason outlasted Bob Hawks and Bob Palmer 23-18 to earn the day’s bragging rights. Three teams advanced to the knockout stage during the Dec. 2 games. Bob Hawks and Gary Howcroft drew the bye and watched as Tom Farrington and Steve Kriebel won their semiﬁnal match against Bob Palmer and Bob Mason by a 22-11 score. The ﬁnals saw the Farrington-Kreibel team cruise past Hawks and Howcroft 22-4 to win the day’s proceedings. Play gets underway at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Anna Maria pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by random team selection. There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome.

for members and $110 for nonmembers. The last day to register is Dec. 15. Kids will have a round of action in flag football on the outdoor field Jan. 15-March 19, with the deadline to register Dec. 8. Evaluations and drafts for the 11-13Y and 14-17Y teams will be 6:30 p.m. Dec. 11, followed by 8-10Y players at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12. The cost to play youth flag football is $20 for members and $150 for nonmembers. There are no evaluations for 4-5Y or 6-7Y divisions, where the focus is on learning the sport. Game nights are Mondays and Tuesdays. And the center is hosting cheerleading for ages 4-14, with registration closing Dec. 8. A prep meeting and evaluations will be at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 11, with game nights starting Jan. 15. The cost to cheer is $20 for members and $90 for nonmembers. The center also is looking for coaches and sponsors. For more information, email recreation@centerami.org, call 941-778-1908 or stop by the center at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

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cooper Koepke, 11, visiting from Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, helped guide Grampa Tom Willis, visiting from Sheboygan, Wisconsin, to reel in this 20-inch, 6.75-pound pompano from the beach near the 65th Street access in Holmes Beach. Willis used a 1/2 oz orange jig with teaser to entice the bite. First mate Rita Willis, left, assisted with spectator control. The family was visiting Willis’ dad, James Willis, formerly of AMI, now residing at Freedom Village.

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Dec. 6, 2023 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 25 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Frequent cold fronts provide a taste of winter fishing, weather By capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

With cold fronts becoming more frequent and longer in duration, Anna Maria Island anglers find themselves anticipating a colder than usual winter. Temperatures greatly influence the species we target in AMI waters, as well as the baits and techniques we use to find a successful day on the water. Stasny I guess what’s crucial to enjoy a good day on the water in the winter is wearing attire to ensure warmth. With air temps in the low 50s and water temps not much higher, you can bet it’s going to be chilly on the water — especially when you’re buzzing across the flats at 30 mph. There’s nothing worse than freezing your butt off on the water because you didn’t anticipate the cold. It doesn’t matter how good the fishing is if you can’t get warm. So dress warmer than you think you need to and peel off layers as the sun warms the air. Having grown up in Florida, I don’t particularly care for the cold and I’m smart enough to know it’s better to be too hot and remove layers than it is to start the day cold and stay cold. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had clients get on the boat for a wintertime charter wearing shorts and a light sweatshirt. “It’s OK,” they say. “We’re from Michigan. We’re used to the cold.” Well, nine times out of 10 they’re shaking and shivering before we get to the first fishing spot. I don’t care where you’re from — cold is cold, especially when you’re on the water. So plan accordingly. As far as fishing goes in December, you can bet that getting acquainted with your local bait shop will be quite important, as generally we rely on live shrimp in the cold months. When using shrimp as bait, you can expect to encounter a number of species, including redfish, black drum, sheepshead and pompano. And the list goes on, as most of the species we target will adopt live shrimp as their main food source throughout the winter. Snook and spotted seatrout are prime candidates for this switch in menu preference and you also can bet that migratory species — bluefish, ladyfish, jacks and Spanish mackerel will follow suit. Don’t rule out the reef species — mangrove snapper, grunts and hogfish can’t resist a nice plump shrimp when dropped in front if their noses. Yes, wintertime fishing means shrimp for bait. There may be shiners still available to be netted, but save your energy and buy some shrimp. There’s a good chance you’ll have better results. The flounder fishery has reopened as of Dec. 1.

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Greg carrigan and Ken Wawrew, who migrated south from the Toronto area for some fishing, show off their Nov. 30 catch, some nice redfish they hooked while fishing with capt. Danny Stasny of Just Reel Fishing charters.

For those wishing to take home a “flattie” for dinner, the minimum size is 14 inches and the daily bag limit is five per person. On my Just Reel charters, I’m seeing a pretty good redfish bite while casting live shrimp around residential docks, seawalls and canals. Many slot-size fish are being caught, as well as quite a few “rat reds,” which is encouraging to see as they’re fat with eggs and it ensures we’ll have a fishery in the future. Sheepshead are starting to make a showing, which is a sign that the wintertime bite is just around the corner. Most sheepies being caught are 2-3 pounds. Spotted seatrout are another species being caught except the most consistent bites are occurring during the warmer days between cold fronts. Also, I’m seeing a few snook being caught and, again, they are biting on the warner days between cold fronts. Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says there’s plenty of action to be had for anglers looking for a relaxing morning of fishing at the pier. Anglers using live shrimp as bait at the R&R are hooking into a variety of species, including redfish, black drum and sheepshead. Malfese says some of the sheepies are running small, although the reds and black drum are keeper-size fish. In fact, some of them are too big to keep, which means the catch is exceeding 27 inches in length. When baits school are present, Malfese says pier anglers casting speck rigs or silver spoons are hooking into blue runners and jack crevalle, as well as ladyfish. Lastly, large over-slot snook are being caught by anglers using large baits, such as lizard fish. Capt. David White says he’s finding action on

snook and redfish while working charters in Tampa Bay. Both are responding to live shiners as bait, although for the reds, White favors live shrimp on the hook. The reds are being found in a few different areas, including mangrove shorelines, residential docks and sandy beaches. As for the snook, residential docks and canals are working best — which also provides shelter from the wind. Also, large jack crevalle are being found in Tampa Bay and when spotted, White’s got his clients casting baits to them. These jacks are considerably large, which ensures the angler has a battle in store once the hook is set. Capt. Johnny Mattay says fishing nearshore structure is good on days when the winds are light and the seas are calm. Fishing artificial reefs, ledges and hard-bottom areas is leading to action on kingfish, bonito and macks. All three species are responding well to live shiners as bait. Artificials such as Clark spoons also are a good bet. The highlight of fishing around the reefs is the chance of hooking into a cobia and Mattay is giving his clients a run at the brown bombers. There are also redfish, snook and spotted seatrout are on the agenda for Mattay’s charter clients. Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

Fishing tip! If you hook a bird, remember: Reel, remove, release!

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Page 26 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 6, 2023 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

‘Above-normal’ hurricane season ends with 20 named storms By Lisa Neff Islander editor

Twenty named storms churned in the Atlantic basin during the 2023 hurricane season. Forecasters predicted an above-normal season and that’s what the region experienced June 1-Nov. 30. With 20 named storms, the season saw the fourth most storms since 1950. Seven of the 20 named storms were hurricanes and three intensified to major hurricanes — category 3 or higher on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. An average season produces 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes. “A strong El Nino and record warm water in the tropical Atlantic were competing factors and the main drivers of hurricane activity this season,” Matthew Rosencrans, lead hurricane forecaster at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, said in a news release. “Based on the high number of named storms this year, I’d say the warm ocean temperatures won out.” Hurricane Idalia, which formed in the northwestern Caribbean, intensified into a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall as a category-3 hurricane Aug. 30 near Florida’s Keaton Beach. Idalia was the only U.S. landfalling hurricane in 2023 and it caused storm surge inundation of 7-12 feet, as well as widespread rainfall flooding in Florida and throughout the southeast. In anticipation of Idalia, Anna Maria Island residents were ordered to evacuate Aug. 28. “Our primary concern at this point is storm surge,” Manatee County Commission Chair Kevin Van Ostenbridge said at the time. “Coastal residents need to heed our warnings.” In Manatee, rainfall associated with Idalia was estimated at 3-4.5 inches and the highest wind gusts were estimated at 67 mph and sustained winds at 37 mph, according to the National Weather Service. Local storm surge was at 3-7 feet, as Idalia’s impact on the coast was compounded by king tides Aug. 30. Returning to the coast Aug. 30, island residents and business owners found re-sculpted shorelines, debris littered yards, flooded roads and parking lots and some water intrusion in structures. You can peruse The Islander newspaper archive, dating back to its launch in November 1992, at ufdc. ufl.edu.

People prepare sandbags ahead of Hurricane Idalia Aug. 29 at Holmes Beach city field, between 59th Street, Flotilla Drive and 62nd Street. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

Manatee’s preliminary countywide damage estimate exceeded $2 million but there were no injuries reported. Other storms with U.S. impact included: • Tropical Storm Ophelia, which made landfall Sept. 23 with 70-mph winds on Emerald Island, North Carolina, causing widespread heavy rainfall, gusty winds and significant river and storm surge flooding in portions of eastern North Carolina. • Hurricane Lee, which made landfall as a posttropical cyclone in Nova Scotia, Canada, Sept. 16. Swells generated by Lee caused dangerous surf and rip currents along the entire U.S. Atlantic coast. Strong winds with hurricane-force gusts from Lee caused extensive power outages in Maine and in parts of Canada. “The Atlantic basin produced the most named storms of any El Nino-influenced year in the modern record,” said Rosencrans. “The record warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic provided a strong counterbalance to the traditional El Nino impacts.” A new analysis and forecast system helped National Hurricane Center forecasters improve intensity predictions this season, according to the release.

Intensity forecasts showed Idalia as a major hurricane impacting the coast of Florida from early Aug. 28 through landfall two days later. The lead time gave people in threatened areas more time to prepare and respond and there were no storm surge fatalities from Idalia despite storm surge inundation of as much as 12 feet above ground level in some areas. Further, extending the hurricane center’s tropical weather outlook from ﬁve to seven days provided emergency managers more time to prepare.

A motorist drives Aug. 29 through flooding on 62nd Street in Holmes Beach, where rising waters from a nearby boat ramp put the road under several inches of standing water ahead of Hurricane Idalia. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

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RELEASE DATE: 12/3/2023

islander.org

New York Times Sunday Magazine Crossword

No. 1126 THANKSGIVING MEAL PREP BY REBECCA GOLDSTEIN AND RACHEL FABI / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ Rebecca Goldstein, of Albany, Calif., is a research scientist at Merck, developing immunotherapies for cancer. Rachel Fabi, of Syracuse, N.Y., is a bioethics professor at SUNY Upstate Medical University. They met via the online crossword community and now hang out on weekly Zoom calls. They both love collaborating. Rebecca says, ‘‘Having a second mind can really elevate an idea.’’ Rachel adds that she enjoys having someone to share puns with. — W. S.

AC R O S S

1 It grows on trees 5 Dance form featured in the documentary ‘‘Kumu Hina’’ 9 If-then-____ (programming trio) 13 Fruit in the custard apple family 18 Home to Dublin and Toledo 19 Ritual whose name translates to ‘‘covenant’’ 20 Locale for many cabs 21 Common lab culture 22 Stockpile bread? 24 Research hors d’oeuvres online? 26 ‘‘Ditto’’ 27 Tizzy 29 Rural tower 30 Catchy tune, in slang 31 Fighting sport, for short 33 Since 35 ‘‘Time to head out!’’ 38 Selects green-bean casserole, candied yams and mashed potatoes? 43 What a ghost might do to you 46 Chortled syllable 47 Loch Ness monster, apparently 48 Love lines? Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more Answers: than 4,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords page 28 ($39.95 a year).

50 Eases 94 Fame 12 Quarter backs? 13 Letter before cue 51 Blast from the past, so 96 Cupid’s counterpart to speak 97 Grabbed a chair 14 Landmark health legislation, for short 53 ‘‘Full House’’ twins 98 Some sex cells 55 Setting in 100 Heads of org. charts 15 Certain recyclable, in the Midwest ‘‘Nomadland’’ 102 Part of some pods 16 Brand aptly found in 56 Kilt folds 104 November ‘‘natural pooch food’’ 57 Alex’s partner in the birthstone 17 Tendril jewelry industry 108 Make cranberry 58 Features of a vacant sauce from scratch? 23 ‘‘Ba-dum-tss’’ sounds stare 25 Led Zeppelin’s 112 Reserve the ‘‘Whole ____ Love’’ 60 Gets caught chardonnay for later? 28 Aids in planning 61 Sanctify 32 Untold millennia 63 ‘‘Cease!’’ on the seas 114 On a bias 34 G-men 64 Part of a rock band? 115 Off-the-wall 116 Actress Jessica 36 Buffalo N.H.L.ers 65 Debate roasting versus deep-frying? 117 Noted Celtic 37 Work on one’s musician whisking technique? 67 Groove 38 Slices and dices 70 ‘‘There ____ enough 118 Kind of question words’’ 119 Shiny silver sticker? 39 ‘‘Absolutely not’’ 72 Word with bump or 120 Bid first, say 40 ‘‘Goodness!’’ trap 121 ‘‘____?’’ ‘‘___!’’ 41 Enter a bear market 73 Former Florida flier 42 Tournament ranking 75 Breaking up DOWN 44 Clinton and Obama, 78 Corn unit astrologically 1 ____ tea 79 Inventor Gray who 45 Approx. 2 Exclamations of had a patent war enlightenment 49 Chuck Taylor All Star, with Alexander e.g. 3 Outer layer Graham Bell 52 Pro tip about 4 1988 Beach Boys hit 80 Martin of Hollywood seasoning stuffing? with 81 City on the Kenai a geographical title 53 Length of some fun 77 ‘‘____ the night before 66 Peruse Peninsula runs, informally 5 ‘‘The White Lotus’’ Christmas . . . ’’ 68 Open, as a drain 83 ‘‘Let me join!’’ network 54 Backed up 79 Pitchers 69 Home to Faa’a 84 Foolish 6 Web addresses 57 Having an even score International Airport 80 Thur. + 3 86 Unspecific amount in 7 Stage name of Montero 59 Macy’s Thanksgiving 71 German candy with a 82 Arthur of tennis a recipe Lamar Hill ____ Parade 83 Rage caramel center 87 Small game, often 8 St. Francis of ____ 61 Hairstyle that the 85 Philanthropist Pratt 73 Toddler’s time out? 88 Some nail-biters, for 9 Official lang. of Guyana Brits for whom the 74 Parsonage short call ‘‘fringe’’ 10 Land through which Baltimore public 89 Developing 62 Captain Marvel, e.g. 75 Sicilian stratovolcano the Mekong River library system flows is named 91 Steers the dessert 65 Start of some 76 Things behind the 11 Go bad countdowns cart? Times? 87 Measurer of acidity

90 Pluck 105 Winter candle scent 92 Entrance 106 Actress Taylor-Joy of ‘‘The Queen’s 93 Put in a hold Gambit’’ 95 ‘‘For real,’’ in modern 107 Ardor parlance 109 Ryan Gosling’s role 98 Go-ahead in ‘‘Barbie’’ 99 Metaphor for a 110 Common factor migraine 111 It ends when 1/1 101 Lucid begins 103 Inspiration for the tribute band A*Teens 113 Boyo

Dec. 6, 2023 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 27 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

By Lisa Neff Researchers have discovered that frogs from the genus eleutherodactylus are geologically the oldest Nonproﬁts are lining up volunteers for end-of-the- caribbean vertebrates to be found in Florida. year coastal cleanups on AMI and those of us who’ve Islander Photo: courtesy Florida Museum of Natural walked the sand with trash bags in History/Kristen Grace

‘Butt’ why?

hand know what they’ll find: Lots of cigarette butts. Cigarette filters are the most common item of rubbish collected on the planet. They also are the most littered Neff type of single-use plastic. Using data from the World Bank, the Tobacco Atlas, the World Wildlife Fund and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, a new analysis calculated the economic toll of tobacco products’ toxic waste. The research, published Nov. 29, puts the cost of environmental pollution caused by the plastics in cigarette butts at $26 billion a year or $186 billion every 10 years in waste management and marine ecosystem damage worldwide. The totals reflect cost estimates of cleanups and disposal of the total plastic generated by filtered cigarette sales potentially ending up as litter. What other information are researchers sharing? • A study of 12 species of highly migratory fish predators — sharks, tuna and billfish such as marlin and swordfish — finds that most of them will encounter widespread losses of suitable habitat and redistribution from current habitats in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico by 2100. The areas are among the fastest warming ocean

“Own Your Piece of PARADISE”

regions and water temps are projected to increase 1-10 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of the century. Researchers at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts studied the impact of warming on blue, porbeagle, and shortfin mako shark; albacore, bigeye, bluefin, skipjack and yellowfin tuna; and sailfish, blue marlin, white marlin and swordfish. Their results “suggest predominant and widespread habitat loss for nearly all studied.” • Deep in the forests of Haiti lives the blue-eyed La Hotte glanded frog, which once went 20 years without being observed by scientists. The frog belongs to a genus from the Caribbean that also includes the more common coquí frog, a cultural icon in Puerto Rico. A new study finds that frogs from the genus Eleutherodactylus are geologically the oldest Caribbean vertebrates to be found in Florida. They also arrived in North America much earlier than previously thought. Scientists knew some North American frogs had origins in the Caribbean but they lacked fossil evidence showing when and how movement had occurred. María Vallejo-Pareja, a graduate student at the University of Florida, used understudied fossil collections to connect some dots. Vallejo-Pareja compared fossils from sites in

Florida with specimens from extinct and living frogs, including the La Hotte glanded frog. She found that most of the collected fossils belong to the genus Eleutherodactylus. DNA analysis had led scientists to believe Caribbean frogs in the genus arrived in Central America during the middle Miocene Epoch, 16 million-11 million years ago, before dispersing to North America. But the fossils from the UF study show rain frogs were in Florida during the late Oligocene, several million years before their recorded dispersal into Central America. • New research led by a Florida State University professor shows that potential adaptive responses by sea turtles, such as shifting the timing of when they nest, might not be enough to counteract impacts from climate change on hatchling production. Sand temperatures at turtle nesting sites globally are projected to increase by about 0.6 degrees Celsius to about 4.2 degrees Celsius by 2100. It’s known that warmer temps cause lower hatchling success and a greater percentage of females. So to examine how sea turtles might cope with higher temperatures, researchers, led by associate professor Mariana Fuentes, gathered data from 24 nesting sites across the world. They then predicted how turtles might shift the timing of nesting and what hatchling success they might expect. “We have already observed that sea turtles are nesting earlier to align with optimal environmental conditions,” Fuentes said. “Sea turtles in the past have adapted to climate changes by changing the timing of their nesting or the distribution of their nesting sites but we have found that even if they do change the timing of their nesting, that’s not going to be sufﬁcient to maintain the temperatures of current nesting grounds.” To maintain incubation temperatures in the sites the researchers examined, sea turtles would have to nest 20-191 days earlier or 54-180 days later. But in about half the sites, median incubation temperature will always be warmer than the 75th percentile of current ranges.

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Page 28 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 6, 2023 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

HEALTH CARE

COUNTRY SERVER BUFFET, $100, 10-speed bike, $50. 941-356-1456.

OLIVE OIL FROM my farm in Greece. Olive oil is from olive fruit, not from seeds. Wine bottle size (750ml). $19. Delivered to your AMI address. 203-942-8399.

CNA: I HAVE 26-plus years’ experience under my belt. If you need help with a loved one, please, give me call. No animals! Tammy, 941-567-8499.

ESTATE SALES

SERVICES

ESTATE SALE: 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8 and 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. 9005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. (Parking on Oak and on-site, according to Billy.) Vintage wicker sofa, chairs and rocker, Bahama sofa, Duncan Phyfe sofa, rockers, occasional tables, chests. Vinyl, bench, antique clocks including sessions, regulator and cuckoo. Hall tree, two TVs, piano stool, vintage radios, two mahogany drop-leaf tables, cedar chest, antique oak marble-top buffet, two buffets, chest, dinette, lamps. Victorian three-quarter bed and two chairs, sofa table, curios. Regular bed, nice glassware including cut glass decanters, costume jewelry and jewelry, kitchenware, canoe, Snapper riding mower, some tools, china, glass and brica-brac. See pictures at Estatesale.net. Sale conducted by Palma Sola Sales. Numbers given out at 8 a.m.

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

SPINET PIANO: NICE piece of furniture. Sounds great, $250. 941-356-1456. POOL LADDER Excellent condition, $49, chain-link gate, 45 inches by 42 inches, $39. 941-778-5542. PANINNI MAKER: CUISINART, stainlesssteel, like new, $45. 941-920-2494. SPICE RACK, THREE-tier clear plastic, $20, side tables, brown with glass top, 2/$20. 941-920-2494. 941-920-2494. ANTIQUE PARTNER DESK: All wood, $500. Inquire at The Islander. 941-778-7978. FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE Individuals may place one free ad with up to three items, each priced $100 or less, 15 words or less. FREE, one week, must be submitted online. Email classifieds@islander. org, fax toll-free 1-866-362-9821.

Sandy’s Lawn Service Inc. ESTABLISHED IN 1983

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

Paradise Improvements 941.792.5600 Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Specialist Replacement Doors and Windows

Andrew Chennault

CBC 1253471

FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED Island References Lic#CBC056755

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

References available • 941-720-7519

TRANSPORTATION GOLF CART RENTALS: Fun for residents and tourists! 212-941-2402. www.GolfCartRentalAMI.com. BOATS & BOATING

PRESSURE WASHING, PAVER sealing, driveway, roof, fence, pool area. Also, window cleaning. Licensed and insured. 941-5653931. BICYCLE REPAIRS: Just4Fun at 5358 Gulf Drive can do most any bicycle repair at a reasonable cost. Pick-up and delivery available. 941-896-7884. COMPANION/HOMEMAKER: Honest and reliable offering help with running errands, grocery shopping, house sitting, pet and plant care, light cooking/cleaning, transportation. References available and licensed. Call Sherri, 941-592-4969. API’S DRYWALL REPAIR: I look forward to servicing your drywall repair needs. Call 941524-8067 to schedule an appointment.

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

AIRPORT RIDES: SARASOTA, St. Pete, Tampa. Call/text, Vita, 941-376-7555.

SUNCOAST BOTTOM PAINTING: Professional bottom painting. Mobile. Call 941704-9382.

CLEAN TECH MOBILE Detailing. At your location. Cars, boats, RVs. Call or text Billie for an appointment. 941-592-3482.

CAPTAIN FOR HIRE and boat caretaker services: If you need help with your boat on or off the water, call Captain Dan. USCG, retired. 772-486-8085. BOAT FOR SALE: 21-foot Cuddy cabin with 225 Evinrude and trailer. $16,000. 941-3561456. FISHING FUN AND FISH: Skiff rental. 24-foot Carolina skiff. Live bait and fishing equipment included upon request. Call 941-704-9382. HELP WANTED

ANSWERS TO Dec. 6 PUZZLE

CLEANING: VACATION, CONSTRUCTION, residential, commercial and windows. Licensed and insured. 941-756-4570.

HELP WANTED: EXPERIENCED hair stylist, full or part-time. A Hair Day salon. 9516 Cortez Road, W., #7, Bradenton. 941795-5227. ADD THE SEA Swimwear in Holmes Beach seeks part-time retail associate. Flexible hours. Please, call 941-254-7938 or mn20@ sbcglobal.net.

RIDES NEAR AND Far, car transport. Based in Palmetto. 715-292-8692.

RIDEEASY247: a local ride service providing a professional car service to all local airports and venues. References on request. Eamonn Fortune, 941-447-7737. HELLO! MY NAME is Jada I am a local. I am 17 and I am hoping to help you! I am looking to babysit; I love kiddos and I’m available! Call, 941-773-0461. PC OR TECH issues? Not sure where to start? With years of experience, I’ll come to you with reliable solutions. Contact Gavin at 928-587-1309. www.gse.codes. AIRPORT RIDES AND more. Call for times and place. 941-356-1456. BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS JD’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-920-3840. LAWN & GARDEN

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

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

KIDS FOR HIRE

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

KIDS FOR HIRE ads are FREE for Island youths under 16 looking for work. Ads must be placed in person at The Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. LOOKING FOR AN EARLY BIRD? You can read Wednesday’s classifieds on Tuesday at islander.org. And it’s FREE!

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

Dec. 6, 2023 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 29 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

I S L A N D E R C L A S S I F I E D S HOME IMPROVEMENT

RENTALS Continued

REAL ESTATE

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

3BR/1BA FURNISHeD ANNUAL: Rent includes internet, cable, power, water and electric! $3,300/month. Mike Norman Realty, 941-778-6696. 4507 123rd St. W., cortez Village.

WINNIe McHALe, ReALTOR, 941-504-6146. Rosebay International Realty Inc. You need an aggressive and experienced Realtor in today’s market! Selling island homes, Sarasota and Bradenton areas. Multi-million-dollar producer! “Selling Homes - Making Dreams come True.”

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

AVAILABLe NOW AND season: 1BR/1BA, seven-night minimum. carlesvacationrentals. com. Special rates are available. 941-8071405.

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

3BR/1BA: $3,300/MONTH furnished. Rent includes internet, cable, power, water and electric! Mike Norman Realty, 941-778-6696. 4507 123rd St. W., cortez Village.

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

ANNUAL ReNTAL: 1BR/1BA. $1,500 month. 4850 51st St. W., #5101, Bradenton. Mike Norman Realty, 941-778-6696.

LOOKING FOR ANY home improvement? JRcc Home Improvement, handyman service can get the job done. Please, contact us at 413-246-2410. We would love to help. SOUTHWeST HOMe IMPROVeMeNT: Michigan builder, quality work guaranteed. Affordable, timely, within budget. call Mike’s cell, 1-616-204-8822. BMF INTeRIORS: HOMe repairs and more, no job too small. 786-318-8585. cALL HYDRO cLeAN. Full-service pressure washing, sealing. Pavers, travertine and natural stone. Window washing too, up to three stories. call Jacob, 941-920-2094.

RENTALS ANNA MARIA GULF beachfront vacation rentals. One- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941-7783143. PeRIcO ISLAND PATIO home for rent. 3BR/2BA, 30-day minimum. Privacy fence/ gate, two miles to AMI. January, 2024 available. Now leasing May through December, 2024 call or text, 859-771-6423. BeAUTIFULLY FURNISHeD, ANNUAL rental in Beach Harbor club, Longboat Key. 2BR/2BA with views of the bay, laundry and condo amenities include pool, grill, with both bay and beach access. $200 application required. $3,800 month plus first and last month’s rent and $1,000 deposit. call Mike Norman Realty, 941-778-6696. 3101 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217. ANNUAL ReNTAL: LOVeLY Hidden Lake condo. Furnished, 3BR/2BA, one-car garage. clubhouse, pool, gym. Minutes to the beach. First, last and security. Rent $3,500/month. Wagner Realty 941-778-2246.

Place classiﬁed ads online at islander.org

WINTeR SeASON ReNTAL: Available December-May. 2BR/1.5BA elevated townhouse, sleeps four. Holmes Beach, no pets. Only two blocks to beach. $4,500/month plus tax and fees. call Anna Maria Realty, 941-778-2259. Dina@annamariareal.com.

WeST BRADeNTON cONDO: resort lifestyle, ground-floor 2BR//2BA. Garage. 6.5 miles, 14 minutes from Gulf beaches. $264,900. call or text, 941-725-4374. cUTe 2BR/1BA VILLA: Approximately eight miles from AMI. 55-plus for only $175,000. Text or call, 941-228-2430 for photos. Lynda ellinger, Realtor, Better Homes and Gardens. BeAUTIFUL NORTHWeST NeIGHBORHOOD: Minutes to island beaches, Robinson Preserve and DeSoto Park. Upgraded 3BR/2.5BA, extra large fenced yard, no HOA fees, not flood zone. $939,000. Real estate Mart, 941-356-1456. Landscape Design Lawn Care Cleanups Stone Paths

AcROSS FROM BAY: Two miles to Anna Maria. 2BR/1BA fully furnished. Available January, February, March. All utilities. Washer/dryer. $4,500 month. Family owned. 941-773-1552.

Licensed and Insured

ISLAND: HOLMeS BeAcH furnished studio apartment as yearly rental. $1,750 monthly plus deposits. All utilities paid. Separate kitchen, bathroom, walk-in closet, laundry, yard with dining set and umbrella. 941-405-0126.

SIX-MONTH ReNTAL 2BR/2BA, Mt. Vernon, 55 and over community. Views of Sarasota Bay. Fully furnished, minutes from beaches and town. Lots of amenities. call or text, 941-730-5645.

Rick Turner

Personal Driver 941.504.2894

MONTHLY ReNTAL: LOcATION 29th Street and Avenue B, Holmes Beach. 2BR/2/BA bungalow (half duplex). Five-minute walk to beach. Nice outdoor patio, no stairs, No animals. One parking spot. Available December 2023 and January 2024. Price per month, $3,900. contact 519-807-9426.

SeASONAL ReNTALS FOR upcoming season: January, 2BR/1BA modest duplex with washer and dryer in north Holmes Beach, one block to the beach, $2,400 plus tax and fees. 3BR/2BA canalfront home on the north end of Anna Maria, $6,000 plus tax and fees. January, February, March, 2BR/2BA condo at Sunbow Bay. Nicely furnished with lovely water view, $4,200 plus tax and fees. call Green Real estate, 941778-0455. www.greenreal.com. RARe OPPORTUNITY TO rent all-inclusive executive office space in Holmes Beach. Great frontage and advertisement visibility. Great for realtors, contractors, accountants, lawyers, etc. electric and water included. Two offices available. Suite 101, approximately 200 sf. $700/month $500 deposit. Suite 104, approximately 400 sf. $750/month. $500 deposit. 5386 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. contact Bill at 941-746-8666. MINUTeS TO BeAcHeS! Beautiful 2BR/2BA Pebble Springs condo, now available! Wood flooring, ceiling fans, dishwasher, large master, walk-in, lanai, carport, pool, water, cable included. Hurry! Won’t last! $1,995/month annual. 941-713-6743. 2BR/2BA HOLMeS BeAcH house: Jan. 22-Feb. 22. $1,300/week, minimum one week, 30-day discount. Utilities included. 617-5181240.

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Page 30 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 6, 2023 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

isl

State Rep. Will Robinson Jr., R-Bradenton, addresses a “Pancakes and Politics” assembly in 2021 at the IMG Academy Golf club in Bradenton. Seated are Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton and Rep. Tommy Gregory, R-Sarasota. Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, also attended the Manatee chamber of commerce event. This year’s event will be Monday, Dec. 18, at Pier 22 in Bradenton. Islander File Photo: Lisa Neff

biz By Lisa Neff

On the menu

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly luncheon at Kiwi Style Fish & Chips, 3608 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. The luncheon will be 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14. Also, the chamber will host its monthly business-card exchange at its ofﬁce, 5313 Gulf Drive N., Holmes Beach, with help from the Anna Maria Island Privateers. The event will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14. For more information about chamber events, call the ofﬁce at 941-778-1541. Meanwhile, the Manatee Chamber of Commerce is taking reservations for its annual dinner and awards celebration, which will be 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, at the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto. The evening will include cocktails, dinner, a silent auction and awards presentation. The chamber also is taking reservations for its Pancakes and Politics breakfast meeting set for 7:30 a.m.

MarketWatch

Monday, Dec. 18, at Pier 22 in Bradenton. By Lisa Neff The chamber annually invites members of the Manatee and Sarasota legislative delegations to address Anna Maria issues ahead of the legislative session. Median listing home price: $3.4 million, trending There is a fee to attend both events. down 3.4% year-over-year. For more information about chamber events, go Median sold home price: $3.2 million. to manateechamber.com or call 941-748-3411. Listings: 79 properties, $649,000-$17 million. Bradenton Beach Median listing home price: $1.2 million, trending Business news By Lisa Neff up 85% year-over-year. Does your business celebrate achievements? Maybe Median sold home price: $640,000. THIS WEEK you’re new in business or your staff deserves kudos. Listings: 61 properties, $335,000-$7.8 million. Submit your information to news@islander.org. Thursday, Dec. 7 Holmes Beach 7:30 a.m. — Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce breakMedian listing home price: $1.6 million, down fast meeting, Compass Hotel, 12324 Manatee Ave. W., Perico 19.9% year over year. MIKE NORMAN REALTY Island. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-1541. Median sold home price: $1.1 million. EST. 1978 Friday, Dec. 8 Listings: 145 properties, $109,900-$11 million. For professional real estate sales, call a true island native, born and raised on Anna Maria Island. Marianne Norman-Ellis. 941.778.6696

Mike Norman Realty EXCLUSIVE

LUXURY

VACATION HOMES

BizCal

5:30-8 p.m. — Holiday Walk of Treasures, Anna Maria, Gulf Drive and Pine Avenue. Information: 941-778-1541. SAVE THE DATES

Source: Realtor.com

PropertyWatch By carol Bernard

No real estate sales were available for the week.

Dec. 14, 11:30 a.m., Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce luncheon at Kiwi Style Fish and Chips, Holmes Beach. Dec. 14, 5-7 p.m., AMI Chamber business card exchange with the Anna Maria Island Privateers at the chamber, Holmes Beach. Dec. 18, 7:30 a.m., Pancakes and Politics with the Manatee Some years ago, The Chamber of Commerce, Bradenton. Islander was invited to Feb. 15, 5 p.m., Manatee Chamber of Commerce annual dinner take part in a pilot projand awards, Palmetto. ect with the University Send calendar listings to calendar@islander.org.

Islander archive 24/7

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of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries. We donated our collection of printed newspapers beginning with the ﬁrst edition in 1992. It took some time, but it’s all maintained on the library site, searchable by key word, name or date. Look for The Islander in the stacks at the UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.uﬂ.edu.

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Dec. 6, 2023 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 31 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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LONGBOAT KEY �� Firehouse Road � Beds � � Baths � �� SF Maureen Horn �� A��

HOLMES BEACH �� Gulf Drive �� Beds � � Baths � �� SF Ken Kavanaugh� Jr & Kathy Harman �� A��

ANNA MARIA �� Maple Avenue � � Beds �/� Baths � �� SF Kristen Srur �� A��

Page 32 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 6, 2023 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................