The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

VOLUME

Happy Holidays

NO. 8

DEC. 16, 2020 FREE

the Best news on anna maria island Since 1992

Burgers, beer, music return to anna Maria city Pier

Astheworldterns. 6 tourist data: manatee’s visitors mostly from florida. 3

By chrisann allen islander reporter

Local coViD-19 cases explode. 4

Meetings. 4 Volunteers, deputies rescue sea turtle. 5

Opinions. 6 10-20 YeaRs ago

from the archives. 7

cortez road improvements continue. 8

Save a date. 10

Happenings community announcements, activities. 10-11

ame decks the halls. 12

Isl BIZ

turn to PIER, Page 2

HB limits support for chamber Passport. 17

Streetlife. 18 get in the game. 19 Longboat Key gains time for state response to sewage spill. 20 am preservation board seeks 2. 20

Hurrah! City pier grill and bait shop open…

Brian Seymour, left, owner of the Pine avenue general Store, Victor mattay of Dips ice cream and nick graham of Pine avenue Bait and tackle — the trio comprising gSm Partners, the company operating the new grill and bait shop at the anna maria city Pier — celebrate their Dec. 10 opening. “We are just overjoyed that we got it ready and can start serving food, drinks and treats on the pier to our visitors and locals,” mattay said. for more photos, turn to page 2 or go to islander.org. islander Photos: chrisann allen

treehouse owners slapped with rental violation

A vacation in the treetops might have to be placed on hold. A treehouse — built without permits in Holmes Beach in 2011 — has led to four pending lawsuits spanning nine years. And now owners face setbacks from city code violations. In an Oct. 16 letter to property owners Richard Hazen and Lynn Tran, code compliance supervisor JT Thomas wrote that $95,600 in fines must be paid before the vacation rental license could be renewed by the city for the four rental properties they operate in the 2800 block of Avenue E, where Hazen and Tran reside and the treehouse was built. “Pursuant to the code, we cannot have

any fine, liens, violations or health risks at the property,” Thomas said. “We stand on the findings of fact from the past, and those liens have been filed with the city and county court system.” In one of three pending cases in state court, 12th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Edward Nicholas denied Aug. 12 the city’s motion to dismiss the couple’s third amended complaint. However, the city repeatedly has preturn to TREEHOUSE, Page 3

a treehouse, built in an australian pine tree by the owners of four adjacent vacation rental properties, remains on the beach at 103 29th St., Holmes Beach, following nine years of legal disputes. islander Photo: chrisann allen

Island proprietors reap $20M-plus in recovery funds

researching red tide. 21

TideWatch. 21 golfers, pitchers play in chilly weather. 22 Winter weather brings variety to fishing. 23 CLASSIFIEDS. 24

PropertyWatch. 24

NYT puzzle. 28

Islanders — and visitors — now can soak up the food, beverages and vibes missed by so many at the Anna Maria City Pier. “This is a very exciting day for everybody,” Victor Mattay, part-owner of GSM Partners, the city’s tenants at the new grill and bait shop at the pier, said opening day Dec. 10. “We are really happy to put a great product and awesome atmosphere out here for everyone now.” Mattay, owner of Dips Ice Cream, is one of three entrepreneurs, including former Anna Maria Commissioner Brian Seymour, owner of the Pine Avenue General Store; and Nick Graham, owner of Pine Avenue Bait and Tackle, operating the grill and bait shop on the new city pier at 101 Bay Blvd. The opening was much anticipated as the city first had to rebuild the pier — built in 1911, damaged by Hurricane Irma in 2017

By chrisann allen islander reporter

island retailers track holiday trends. 14

Gathering.

islander.org

By ryan Paice islander reporter

Anna Maria Island may avoid a cold winter, but few have escaped the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic. But some local businesses saw a slice of relief in funding from the federal government’s Paycheck Protection Program to help alleviate the economic impact of the pandemic and retain staff. Island businesses requested and received $20,078,036 in loans through the PPP as of Dec. 10, according to publicaccountability. org. Manatee County Commissioner Carol

6600 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach, Fl 34217

Whitmore told The Islander Dec. 10 that she had spoken with several businessowners who depended on the loans to stay afloat. “They were very appreWhitmore ciative,” Whitmore said. “They’ve lost this money due to no fault of their own. It’s a worldwide pandemic. So any way we can help all of our citizens … I’m all for it.” Previously, the federal Small Business Administration only released approximated dollar ranges — no specific amounts — for PPP loans to the public exceeding $150,000.

(941) 778-6444

beachbistro.com

No information was given regarding loans under $150,000. But the SBA cracked under pressure from journalists to reveal who received the taxpayer-funded loans, including a lawsuit filed under the Freedom of Information Act by several large media organizations, including the Washington Post. The PPP was created under the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act with the intention of stabilizing the economy. Distribution of some CARES Act funds within Manatee County has been overseen turn to RECOVERY, Page 4

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Mom and kids from the Roadman family of Holmes Beach check out their menu options at the window Dec. 10 before placing an order at the new Anna Maria City Pier Grill. Islander Photos: ChrisAnn Allen LEFT: About 30 people are among the first to eat, drink and make merry at the new Anna Maria City Pier Grill on the new pier at 101 Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. The city built the new pier 2018-20 to replace the original pier, built in 1911 and demolished following damage caused by Hurricane Irma in 2017. The grill opened Dec. 10.

Pier continued from page 1

and demolished by the city in 2018 — and negotiate construction and a tenant for food, beverages and bait, with a rebuild lasting nearly three years. “It’s done and I’m elated with what we all were able to accomplish,” Dean Jones, Anna Maria public works manager, said Dec. 10. “Taking down the old pier and building the new one was an amazing learning process. I am happy that we have a tenant that will be the perfect fit for our new pier.” Jones and the rest of the city’s public works crew maintain the pier, which involves regular cleaning and ensuring lighting and public restrooms are safe. “People come from all around the world to walk this pier. It becomes part of their memories that are shared with their kids and grandkids,” Jones said. “And now it is back for all of us to enjoy.” Since reopening to fishers and sightseers June 19, pier access was limited to 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Sunday, while awaiting full-time operations to coincide

with the grill and bait shop hours after its opening. James Roadman, Holmes Beach resident and owner of Solid Rock Construction — the contractor for the grill buildout — said it was a challenge to work on the pier, but one he was excited to meet thanks to his love for the island community. “Dealing with the weather and salt atmosphere was unique,” Roadman said. “It was definitely an event. We were working night-and-day here to get it open for our community. This is our hometown and we know how much people have missed being able to fully enjoy the pier for all it could be.” Les Parker of Riverview, a resident of the Tampa Bay area for 73 years, said he used to head to the north end of the island as a kid to spend time with friends. “The island has definitely changed since that time,” Parker said. “I used to just hang out with my friends on the beach. This new pier is fantastic. I can see myself making new memories here.”

Brian Seymour, member of GSM Partners LLC, bumps fists with charter fishing Capt. Sam Major of Holmes Beach as Major enjoys a sweet treat at the new takeout grill on the Anna Maria City Pier.

In short order

Breakfast, lunch, dinner and sweet treats, with locally produced and fresh beverages, including beer and wine, are offered “to go” 7 a.m.-10 p.m. daily at the new Anna Maria City Pier.

.EED A LAUGH Join us for our Friday Night Live Comedy Cruise aboard the Anna Maria Princess.

Light Menu. Full Bar. 90-minute cruise. Departs every Friday at 6 PM.

“Get on board at the Bradenton Beach Marina!” Bradenton Beach Marina

402 CHURCH AVE., BRADENTON BEACH 941-778-2288 WWW.ANNAMARIAPRINCESS.COM Covid-19 ready. Limited Capacity. Masks Required. Socially Distanced Seating.

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research shows most Manatee-area visitors from Florida By amy V.t. moriarty islander reporter

A visitor profile identifies Floridians as the largest group of tourists flocking to Manatee County. The profile was to be presented Dec. 14 to the Manatee County Tourist Development Council by Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors’ consultant Anne Wittine of Research Data Services Inc.

The meeting was set for the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto, as The Islander went to press. Wittine’s report indicates a 109.9% increase in the estimated number of visitors from Florida between September 2019 and 2020. The report also shows a 12.5% increase in visitors originating from the Southeast, while indicating

TreeHOUSe continueD from Page 1

vailed in court, including a November 2019 hearing on a case that started in 2013. At that hearing, Nicholas refuted the plaintiffs’ claim that a city ordinance, including a 50-foot setback from the state’s erosion control line on the beach, amounted to a property taking without compensation. Tran and Hazen built the two-story, uninhabitable structure in 2011 attached to an Australian pine tree on the beach fronting their home and four short-term rental units they operate, leading to litigation between the city, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the owners. The city argued that the treehouse was built in violation of building codes and the beach setback. The setback rule prohibits structures within 50 feet of the ECL, which separates the public beach from private ownership. The beach renourishment project, which started in 1992, permanently set the ECL in the sand in Holmes Beach. The owners claim that state law, which allows a more flexible setback, supersedes local law, and that then-city inspector Bob Shaffer said no permit was required. However, those claims were settled in favor of the city in court. Thomas told The Islander Dec. 3 that the city’s code must be enforced to protect the safety of those who might rent the adjoining properties and have access to the treehouse. “They are great people with a beautiful prop-

decreases in visitors from the Northeast and Midwest — down 41.5% and 38.2% respectively. Canadian and European visitor profiles show a 100% decrease with an asterisk, as “September 2020’s European and Canadian visitation was too small to measure,” according to Wittine’s report. COVID-19 pandemic travel restrictions have restricted travel from Europe and Canada since the spring. Of 46,000 visitors in September, the profile shows 32,340 were Floridians, 3,500 were from the Southeast, 3,910 from the Northeast, 4,460 from the Midwest and 1,790 from markets of opportunity. The report further indicates the influx of in-state visitors correlated to a 12% increase in island lodging occupancy and a 5.6% increase in room rates and ultimately a rise in revenue during the same period of comparison. And, according to the resort tax collection report from the Manatee County Tax Collector, tourism revenue continued to increase in October, with the three island cities generating $451,778 from the resort tax, a 5% tax charged on rentals of six months or less collected by the government.

About the TDC

treehouse owner Lynn tran pleads her case Jan. 7 before 12th circuit Judge charles Sniffen at the manatee county Judicial center, 1051 manatee ave. W., Bradenton. islander file Photo: chrisann allen

erty,” Thomas said. “But there is a code that cannot be changed or bended. This case has been adjudicated all the way to the Supreme Court. At this point, it seems the only way they can come into compliance is to remove the treehouse.”

The TDC consists of nine people, appointed by the county commission, that usually meets the third Monday of every other month at 9 a.m. at varied locations. As of Dec. 10, the TDC included Manatee County Commissioner Misty Servia, Vernon DeSear, Ed Chiles, Eric Cairns, Jack Rynerson, Jiten Patel, Barbara Baker, Palmetto Mayor Shirley Groover Bryant and Bradenton Mayor Wayne Poston. The term for Poston, who did not seek reelection in November, will end Jan. 5, 2021. For more about the TDC, call Monica Luff at 941-729-9177 or email monica.luff@bacvb.com.

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Local COVID-19 cases explode, vaccination on horizon By ChrisAnn Allen Islander Reporter

Cases of coronavirus on Anna Maria Island more than doubled since November. But the light at the end of a tunnel spanning 10 months of cases could be approaching. Manatee County has begun a plan to roll out phased vaccinations for the novel coronavirus in limited quantities, Jake Saur, Manatee County public safety director, said during a Dec. 10 county meeting. Saur said staff at hospitals and long-term care facilities would be the first to receive vaccinations. Following the initial distribution, first-responders, education providers and other “critical elements of the work force will be targeted for vaccination.” In the subsequent phase, the elderly and those with underlying health conditions would receive a vaccine, before reaching the general public. In the meantime, Saur said, “It is critical our citizens and visitors continue to remain vigilant in their efforts to reduce the spread of the virus through social distancing, wearing a mask and practicing safe hygiene.” According to Saur, 70% of the population — about 275,000 people in the county — must be vaccinated or have already contracted the virus and recovered for herd immunity to be successful. RECOVERY continued from page 1

by county staff, but PPP loans are processed by banks and approved by the SBA. A PPP loan may be forgiven if at least 60% of the money is spent on employee payroll. Otherwise, the loans carry a 1% interest rate and must be paid back within two years. Anna Maria businesses and nonprofits received more total PPP loans than any other city on the island, with $10,288,682 distributed throughout the municipality as of Dec. 10. Some of the largest loans distributed in the city include $3,234,997 to GMI Holdings Co., the corporate entity for Galati Marina and Yacht Sales; $496,500 to Suzor Properties, owner of the Waterfront Restaurant; $375,300 to Agnelli Pools and Construction; $349,700 to Taqueria Restaurants Group, operator of Poppo’s Taqueria; and $310,715 to Anna Maria Island Accommodations Inc. Other notable PPP loans in Anna Maria include $293,173 to the Rod & Reel Pier, $84,215 to the Center of Anna Maria Island and $67,700 to Roser Memorial Community Church. Businesses and nonprofits in Bradenton Beach received $3,682,003 in PPP loans — the least funding of the three island cities. The largest recipients of PPP aid in Bradenton Beach include $471,500 to Koko and Associates, operator of Gulf Drive Cafe; $288,300 to the Bridge Tender Inn; $242,401 to Wicked Taco; $229,600 to Excellence in Restaurants, operator of Island Time Grill and Bridge Street Bistro; and $202,953 to Vacation Property Management Inc. No other entity in Bradenton Beach received a loan larger than $150,000. Other loans distributed in the city include $121,500 to Bazzy Marine Corp., $98,100 to the Bridge Street Bazaar — owned by Commissioner Jake Spooner — and $69,200 to the Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge. Holmes Beach businesses and nonprofits received $6,107,351 in loans through the PPP. Over a 10th of those funds — $638,205 — went to LaPensee Plumbing Inc. Christie’s Plumbing Co. received $552,400, the second-largest PPP loan in the city. Florida Gulf Coast Vacation Homes came in third, with a $363,700 loan; and $215,900 went to the Center for Early Childhood Education, based at 512 77th St., a residential address. Other notable loans within the city include $359,900 to Mainsail AMI Marina, operator of the Waterline Resort; $230,479 to the Beach Bistro; $199,707 to Lets Do This Beaches LP; and $118,360 to the Freckled Fin Restaurant. Local restaurateur Ed Chiles’ businesses received three of the five largest loans distributed on the island, with $1,412,622 for the Sandbar, $1,168,582 for the Beach House and $555,769 for the Mar Vista Dockside

Jake Saur, Manatee County public safety director, delivers an update on the spread of the novel coronavirus in the county during a Dec. 10 county commission meeting. Islander Screenshot

Herd immunity is an indirect protection from infectious disease that occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population has become immune to an infection, whether through vaccination or previous infections, thereby reducing the likelihood of infection for individuals who lack immunity. However, according to Saur, the impact of herd immunity is still being researched. As of Dec. 10, 96 people in Holmes Beach, 51

people in Bradenton Beach and 30 people in Anna Maria had tested positive for COVID-19 since the first case was reported in the county in March. On Nov. 12, 90 islandwide cases were documented — 45 in Holmes Beach, 34 in Bradenton Beach and 11 in Anna Maria. According to metrics provided by the Florida Department of Health as of Dec. 10, 17,759 people tested positive for the virus in Manatee County since March, with 392 fatalities, an increase of 1,279 positive cases and 21 deaths since Dec. 1. The state documented 1,056,065 cases as of Dec. 10, with 19,378 deaths — an increase of 79,121 cases and 878 deaths since Dec. 1. As of Dec. 10, 911 people had been hospitalized due to the virus in the county and about 90% of those who tested positive in the county recovered from the illness, according to DOH-Manatee.

FDA’s emergency use authorization

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued Dec. 11 the first emergency use authorization for a vaccine for the prevention COVID-19 in individuals 16 years of age and older. The FDA approved the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID19 vaccine, which will be administered as a series of two doses, three weeks apart.

20 largest island PPP loans, recipients • $3,234,997 to GMI Holdings Company, owner of Galati Marina and Yacht Sales, 900 S. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria; • $1,412,622 to the Sandbar Restaurant, 100 Spring Ave., Anna Maria; • $1,168,582 to the Beach House Restaurant, 200 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach; • $638,205 to LaPensee Plumbing, 401 Manatee Ave., Holmes Beach; • $555,769 to the Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant, 760 Broadway St., Longboat Key; • $552,400 to Christie’s Plumbing Co., 5508 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach; • $471,500 to Koko and Associates, operator of Gulf Drive Cafe, 900 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach; • $375,300 to Agnelli Pools and Construction, 208 Pine Ave., Anna Maria; • $363,700 to Florida Gulf Coast Vacation Homes, 3018 Ave. C, Holmes Beach; • $359,900 to Mainsail AMI Marina, operator of the Waterline Resort, 5325 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach; • $349,700 to Taqueria Restaurants Group,

operator of Poppo’s Taqueria, 401 Pine Ave., Anna Maria; • $310,715 to Anna Maria Island Accommodations, 315 Pine Ave., Anna Maria; • $293,173 to the New Rod and Reel Pier, 875 N. Shore Drive, Anna Maria; • $288,300 to Bridge Tender Inn, 135 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach; • $242,401 to the Wicked Taco, 101 Seventh St. N., Bradenton Beach; • $230,479 to Beach Bistro, 6600 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach; • $229,600 to Excellence in Restaurants, operator of Island Time Bar & Grill and Bridge St. Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach; • $215,900 to Center for Early Childhood Education, registered to Janice Mattina, 512 77th St., Holmes Beach; • $213,193 to AMI Locals, registered by attorney Louis Najmy, 9801 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria; • $202,953 to Vacation Property Management, 1501 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Sources: publicaccountability.org and sunbiz. org.

Restaurant. The Islander newspaper received PPP funding of less than $$60,000. Local loans were distributed through numerous banks, including Hancock Whitney Bank, Centennial Bank, the Bank of America, Wells Fargo Bank and the First Home Bank. The county, at press time, was reviewing more than 900 applications for funding under the CARES Act, according to Whitmore. She said she’d received several calls from business owners concerned about getting loans approved before

a Dec. 31 deadline. “Just don’t give up,” she said. “This money is owed to you, but you just have to go through the process.”

Anna Maria City Dec. 21, 2 p.m., planning and zoning. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941708-6130, cityofannamaria.com.

Holmes Beach None announced. Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org.

Bradenton Beach Dec. 16, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. CANCELED Dec. 17, noon, commission. CANCELED Dec. 23, 9:15 a.m., commission. Dec. 31, 9:15 a.m., commission. Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com.

Manatee County None announced. Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org.

Meetings

Search and find To search the Paycheck Protection Program loan data, go online to the Accountability Project at publicaccountability.org. Select “PPP Loans” in the filter tab and enter a search term: business name, address, city or ZIP code.

Of interest Dec. 25, Christmas, most government offices will be closed, as well as on Dec. 24.

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Sick sea turtle saved through AMiTW-MCSO-Mote teamwork chrisann allen islander reporter

representatives of mote marine Laboratory in Sarasota Dec. 10 transfer a loggerhead sea turtle from the mSco atV to a mote vehicle for the ride to the lab for testing. the turtle was found struggling to stay afloat in tampa Bay near the rod & reel Pier in anna maria.

One loggerhead might be in line for a starring role in a marine-life movie similar to “It’s a Wonderful Life.” A combination of efforts Dec. 10 led to the rescue of the sea turtle after it washed ashore in Tampa Bay near the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria. Employees of the pier who witnessed the sea turtle slamming against the pilings called Anna Maria Island Sea Turtle and Shorebird Monitoring for help. Several staff at the pier — as well as a passing boater — worked with AMITW to get the turtle into a safe place until Mote Marine Laboratory representatives arrived to take it to the lab and a warm pool to assess why it might have had flotation difficulties. Amber Lea Kincaid, a biologist with Mote, told The Islander Dec. 10 that the turtle must undergo testing before determining the problem that led to its flota- unfortunately,” Kincaid said. “So we will take her back to Mote and our team will do a blood draw and see if tion issue. “Turtles don’t give us a lot of immediate clues, any health values are off.” Jonah Johnson of the Rod & Reel Pier, a Nebraska native, said he learned a great deal about wildlife on the island through his experience working on the pier. “I have seen a couple of turtles swim by but never bumping against the pier like that,” he said. “It was great to watch everyone work together to bring the turtle to safety.” Hopefully, the loggerhead will have a long, “wonderful” life ahead. To report a cold-stunned or stranded turtle, contact Fox at 941-778-5638, or call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.

County commissioner appointed to state task force

State Sen. Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, named Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore to serve on the statewide Local Government Efficiency Task Force. The move was one of the final acts as Senate president by Galvano, who termed out this year. The task force, created by the Legislature in 2020, is charged with reviewing the “governance structure and function of local governments” and filing a report by June 20, 2021, on whether changes are necessary to make governments run more efficiently. Whitmore, in a statement to the media, said, “I’m honored to be part of the important task force to look at ways to cut down on wastes of taxpayers’ dollars. The group is well rounded in all aspects of local and state government.” The group met for the first time Dec. 1 and elected Whitmore as chair.

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

BeLoW: the rescued loggerhead recovers at mote. islander Photo: courtesy mmL

Left: Jonah Johnson, an employee at the rod & reel Pier in anna maria, left, manatee sheriff’s Deputy Steve Stewart and Skip coyne, amitW volunteer, keep watch over a loggerhead sea turtle Dec. 10 as it is prepped for transport to mote marine Laboratory in Sarasota for rehabilitation. the team covered the turtle to keep it warm. islander Photos: chrisann allen

Government council set for format change Manatee County’s local governments are poised for a larger role in the county’s Council of Governments. Council members agreed Dec. 1 to explore changing the format of quarterly meetings so each local government can take a turn leading the discussion by rotating the council chair position among the representatives. County Commissioner Carol Whitmore, acting as council chair, proposed the change to encourage more participation. She added that many COG meetings wind up canceled because members fail to suggest agenda items to discuss. Whitmore added that they could alphabetically

rotate the chair, so Anna Maria’s representative, Mayor Dan Murphy, would lead the next meeting. Many members supported the change. “I think the cities need to have more of a voice,” Bradenton Councilman Bill Sanders said. “There hasn’t been much participation because I don’t think they feel heard.” “I want us communicating better than we have recently,” County Commissioner Vanessa Baugh said. The next council of governments meeting — to be led by Murphy — will be at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2, at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto. — ryan Paice

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Opinion

Our

Cool, cool, cool, hot!

Maybe you go from hot cocoa or toddies on cold winter nights on Anna Maria Island to iced tea or rum punch on the steamy days. Perhaps you switch from a gaudy Christmas sweater to a loud Hawaiian shirt — on the same day. Maybe you relax in front of a warm, crackling fireplace at night and rev up the motor for a fast boat ride in the morning. Here, you can watch sunrise in the morning from the bayfront and sunset at the beach as evening falls. You can swim in the Gulf of Mexico — if you dare — there are fish and sharks and who knows what in the water — and it feels frigid. But you also might like the smell of low tide as you wade in the bay. You can fish at the Rod & Reel Pier in Tampa Bay by morning and wander to the south end of the island at dusk to whet your line at Longboat Pass. The choices — and the extremes — are there for all of us. There’s plenty of nothing to do on Anna Maria Island. You just have to look for it. I’m seeing people on Facebook posting queries about things to do. Some seek outdoor adventure, while others look for nightlife. Pub crawls. Live music. Sure. There’s some of that in all three cities. But a visit to Anna Maria Island also could include offshore fishing or hiking the trails at a nature preserve, biking, kayaking or birdwatching. My first visits to AMI included long days at the beach with a book, a radio (you remember those precellphone devices), a thermos of refreshing, sweet iced tea and a crispy, white bed sheet to lay on. I took long walks in about an inch- to knee-deep water looking for olive shells and sand dollars. I’d usually get a hot dog at the concession stand at the public beach, where curiosity and opportunity introduced me to island life. It was heavenly. Of course, I soon settled into the routine of work, raising two kids and taking part in their activities. And when they spent time with family in Illinois at the holidays, I trundled off to Key West. It was my extreme indulgence. This quasi-quarantine has many of us pushing the edges. Christmas will be very different this year if — like myself and most of my associates — you plan to celebrate with only your closest family. There’s much to do this time of year but, please, take extreme cautions. Stay safe. Enjoy the gift of the holiday season. — Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

DEC. 16, 2020 • Vol. 29, No. 8 Publisher and Editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org ▼ Editorial Lisa neff, editor, lisa@islander.org chrisann allen, chrisann@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Kevin cassidy, kevin@islander.org Jack elka, jack@jackelka.com Leslie Lake, leslie@islander.org amy V.t. moriarty, amym@islander.org ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org ▼ Contributors Johann Bertram Karen riley-Love capt. Danny Stasny, fish@islander.org ▼ Advertising Director toni Lyon, toni@islander.org ▼ Office Staff Lisa Williams, office manager info@, accounting@, classifieds@, subscriptions@islander.org ▼ Distribution urbane Bouchet Judy Loden Wasco ross roberts (All others: news@islander.org) ▼

Single copies free. Quantities of five or more: 25 cents each. ©1992-2020 • Editorial, sales and production ofﬁces: 3218 e. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach fL 34217 WeBSite: www.islander.org PHone 941-778-7978 toll-free fax 1-866-362-9821

Opinion

Your

Center sets challenge

The annual Lester Family Fun Day was postponed due to safety concerns, but we hope you will consider supporting our $50,000 challenge in honor of our lifelong center friends, Chuck and Joey Lester. As of Dec. 8, donors had matched $34,040.73 in the challenge that ends Dec. 31. Thank you to our donors for making a difference. The challenge is made possible by the Melancon family, Bob and Carol Carter, Elizabeth Moore, Sebastian Scripps and the board of directors of the center. To help, go online to www.centerami.org/support or call 941-778-1908. Chris Culhane, Center of Anna Maria Island, Anna Maria

For the Sunshine record

Editor’s note: The following, shared with The Islander editor, was addressed to Bradenton Beach city clerk Teri Sanclemente. In the Dec. 9 edition of The Islander, Ryan Paice reports on the Dec. 3 city commission meeting. In the article, Paice writes about the city attorney as follows: “Perry said defendant Bill and Rose Vincent also agreed to each pay $500 to settle with the city, but the city had yet to receive the Vincents’ payments.” In order to have a factually correct record, I offer the following: On Nov. 25, Rose and I executed the settlement

Have your say

The Islander accepts original letters of up to 250 words and reserves the right to edit for grammar and length. Letters must include name, address and a contact phone number (for verification). Email: news@ islander.org. Anonymous letters will not be printed.

Skimming online …

Web (register for free news alerts) islander.org Facebook islandernewspaper Twitter @ami_islander Instagram theislanderami Pinterest islandernewspaper E-edition For $36 a year or $99 for a lifetime, e-edition — digital — subscribers have access to the weekly e-edition and page-by-page views, all the news, photos, columns, announcements and advertisements. To subscribe, visit islander.org. agreement and each endorsed a check in the amount of $500 payable to the city of Bradenton Beach. Since city hall was closed for the Thanksgiving weekend until Nov. 30, we were unable to deliver the agreements and checks until approximately 10:30 a.m. Nov. 30, when we went to city hall. We were let in by the city treasurer and seen by Mayor John Chappie and city clerk Teri Sanclemente. The treasurer received the agreements and checks and gave us receipts for the checks. He also stated he would scan the agreements and checks and transmit copies to the city attorney. Both checks cleared the bank Dec. 3, before the Dec. 3 commission meeting. We have submitted our notice of withdrawal of appeal and have received notice of acceptance by the court. We look forward to receiving our fully executed copies of the agreement. William Vincent, Bradenton Beach

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At the market

From the archives islander collecting wishes

a view of the exterior of island foods on east Bay Drive in Holmes Beach. the store opened in 1974 and was the primary grocery store on anna maria island for many years. in 1997, the grocery closed, the property sold and the building was demolished to make way for a Publix Super market. islander Photos: manatee county Public Library System

On the pier

The Islander published its annual Wish Book with the Nov. 25 edition of the newspaper. The Wish Book contains lists of needs for local organizations that Islander readers can fill. You can find a PDF of the Wish Book at islander.org or you can pick up a copy at The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

“Volunteer Pier Painters,” according to the sign on the trike, spruce up Bradenton Beach’s Historic Bridge Street Pier in november 1995.

10&20 years ago

in the Dec. 13, 2000, issue

• The state attorney’s office said it would investigate a complaint from Anna Maria Commissioner Jay Hill and resident Ed Rost that Mayor Gary Deffenbaugh and Commissioner Bob Barlow violated the Sunshine Law when they discussed remodeling city hall. Deffenbaugh and Barlow said the conversation was held in the presence of city staff and was not a private discussion. • Anna Maria Island’s planned $9.5 million beach renourishment scheduled to start in February 2001 was delayed because county officials feared they had not received competitive bids. • Anna Maria City Commissioner Doug Wolfe announced he would not seek a seventh term because of perceived “animosity, hatred and distrust” on the commission. He claimed he was unable to sleep nights because of the “paranoia” brought about by Commissioners Jay Hill and Tom Skoloda.

in the Dec. 15, 2010, issue:

• The Manatee County Parks and Recreation Department was working with a beach concessionaire to bring kayak and bike rentals to Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. Segway rentals also would be considered. • The Anna Maria City Pier remained the No. 1 local attraction in Manatee County, according to a survey by the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. The top “area” attraction was St. Armands Circle in Sarasota. The BACVB no longer conducts the popularity survey. • About 50 people gathered at the Florida Maritime Museum in Cortez to learn how to keep their properties and pets safe from coyotes.

From the archives

Take a trip back in time with The Islander in our digital newspaper collection. It’s simple, easy and available 24/7. There’s 29 years — the complete collection of The Islander, online at ufdc.ufl.edu.

— Lisa neff

LIFETIM

99 ION

IPT R C S B SU

“Bark, bark. It makes a great holiday gift!”

DON’T chase the dog for the news! Go digital! View the weekly e-edition of The Islander on your laptop, desktop or cellphone for $36 a year. Or, for $99, you get early access to the weekly e-edition for a lifetime as well as premium subscriber benefits, including breaking news!

Subscribe online now to the e-edition to get this limited offer! Look for “lifetime” subscriber at islander.org. Online only! Not available by mail or in person.

Page 8 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 16, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Cortez road, drainage, sidewalk improvements ongoing until February 2021 By ryan Paice islander reporter

ajax Paving

Cortez traffic improvements won’t be included in industries of this year’s holiday gift-giving. florida employAjax Paving Industries of Florida won’t finish ees lay asphalt improvement work on Cortez Road until February Dec. 9 as part 2021, Florida Department of Transportation commuof a $5 milnication specialist Brian Rick wrote in a Dec. 10 email lion project to to The Islander. improve drainThe $5 million project is funded by the DOT and age, construct stretches from 123rd Street West to 86th Street West. a sidewalk The project aims to improve stormwater drainage, proand realign the vide a new sidewalk and realign the intersection of intersection of Cortez Road West at 119th Street West. cortez road Work was supposed to finish by the fall, but Rick West and 119th said Tropical Storm Eta and the coronavirus pandemic Street West. delayed the process. islander Photo: Otherwise, he said, work had gone smoothly. ryan Paice As of Dec. 10, Ajax had constructed the sidewalk, completed drainage improvements, widened Cortez West and 119th Street West. Road West and repaved both sides of the roadway. necessary repairs to the nearby infrastructure. The final steps will involve installing signs, therNext, the contractor will lay additional surface Rick said the contractor would tackle the final asphalt and realign the intersection at Cortez Road moplastic traffic lines and indicators, then address steps after a holiday break and the start of the new punch-list items, such as cleaning up and making any year.

HB bans autocycles

The plan is to make the city streets safer. At a teleconferenced meeting Dec. 8, Holmes Beach commissioners held the second public hearing and approved 4-0 the final reading of an ordinance prohibiting rental of autocycles. Commissioner Carol Soustek was absent with excuse. Defined as motor vehicles with three wheels, a steering wheel and non-straddle seats but certified as motorcycles, autocycles now are prohibited from being offered as rentals in the city. The exception is vehicles available for rent by the Toy Barn, 5604 Marina Drive, which is grandfathered as a nonconforming legal use. — chrisann allen

Place portrait photo here

Beach shuttle on the road

Manatee County resumed the operation of its express shuttle to the Manatee Public Beach. The fare-free shuttle operates weekends and holidays December through April. The bus operates on Manatee Avenue/State Road 64 between the public beach at 4000 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach and the Beachway Plaza parking lot at Manatee Avenue and 75th Street West in Bradenton. The first shuttle to the beach is at 9:40 a.m. and one follows every 40 minutes. The last shuttle departing the beach is at 5:15 p.m. MCAT also announced that fare collections on fixed routes resumed Dec. 5.

RoadWatch eyes on the road

The Florida Department of Transportation and Manatee County posted the following: • Cortez Road and 119th Street West in Cortez: Work to realign the intersection of 119th Street West at Cortez Road/State Road 684 continues. Phase 2 involves a new trafﬁc pattern and shifting construction to the north side of Cortez Road. Thru trafﬁc will use the south side of Cortez Road. — Lisa neff

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Dec. 16, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 9 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Community center runs short before holidays, 2020’s end By ryan Paice islander reporter

The Center of Anna Maria Island is in a similar financial position as last year. And the numbers don’t look good. The center was $85,642 in the red through September, according to financial reports available online at centerami.org. Last year, the nonprofit was $80,341 in the red through September 2020, but finished the 2019-20 fiscal year in June with $8,761 in net income by trimming expenses and delaying capital improvement projects. In an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19, the nonprofit canceled or postponed nearly all of its fundraising events thus far in fiscal 2020-21, including Lester Family Fun Day, the annual golf and bowling tournaments, as well as indoor sports. Some outdoor sports leagues continued. On the good news side of the ledger, the nonprofit has exceeded last year’s fundraising pace — raising $61,632 in revenue so far this year in comparison to $58,883 by the same point last year. Programming revenue has held steady despite cancellations. The nonprofit cut program expenses from $79,498 through September 2019 to $52,109 so far this year — a 34% drop in costs, which helped offset a 23% drop in program revenue. The center has made $18,096 in income from programs thus far, in comparison to $11,483 through the same time last year. “Center programming/participation overall is still flourishing given the circumstances,” center executive director Chris Culhane wrote. “While our parttime memberships and after-school programming have dwindled due to COVID and safety concerns, most of our other programming seems to be on an uptick.” “We’ve had record turnout for youth flag football tryouts last week and record turnouts for youth soccer

Kids from the center of anna maria island’s Beyond the classroom after-school program pose with the fish nov. 30 during a field trip to the florida aquarium in tampa. islander courtesy Photo: center of anna maria island

several months back,” he added. Culhane said the center also delayed several capital improvements, such as new showers, but was in the process of replacing its 1,000-gallon propane tank. He added that the nonprofit won’t incur any cost for the tank “thanks to a generous donation from Detweiler’s Propane.” Regardless, the nonprofit’s $131,837 in revenues through September pale in comparison to $217,479 in operating expenses. The center’s expenses include $124,443 for general and administrative costs, $52,109 in program costs and $40,927 in fundraising costs. Culhane said he couldn’t provide additional financial information until the board meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14, at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. In the meantime, the center continues to implement a number of safety measures to prevent the coronavirus’ spread. Front desk employees check visitors’ tem-

peratures as they enter and the facility requires people to social distance and wear face masks indoors. The center also encourages guests to bring water bottles, towels and yoga mats, as well as sanitize equipment after use. The center hasn’t reported any additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 among employees since it closed in July after a staff member tested positive. The center and its programs will be closed Dec. 24-26 and Jan. 1-2 for the holidays. The center also is running a fundraising challenge campaign that matches donations made before Dec. 31. Those challenging people to contribute to the matching fund include the Melancon family, Bob and Carol Carter, Elizabeth Moore, Sebastian Scripps and the board of directors of the center. For more information, call the Center of Anna Maria Island at 941-778-1908 or go online to centerami.org.

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Page 10 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 16, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

The Islander Calendar

get listed in the islander calendar. email calendar@islander.org.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND

Saturday, Dec. 19 6 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Privateers Christmas Party and Potluck Dinner, Drift In, 120 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-780-1668. VIRTUAL

AHEAD OFF AMI Friday, Dec. 18 7:20 p.m. — Island Players’ “A Christmas Carol” adaptation, via April 29-May 3, 2021, Sarasota-Manatee Originals Forks and Zoom. Meeting ID, 86052346632. Password: Scrooge. Donations Corks Food and Wine Festival, various locations. encouraged. Information: 941-778-7374. COMMUNITY & Sunday, Dec. 20 CLUBS 7:20 p.m. — Island Players’ “A Christmas Carol” adaptation, via Zoom. Meeting ID, 86052346632. Password: Scrooge. Donations VIRTUAL encouraged. Information: 941-778-7374. Tuesday, Dec. 22 ONGOING ON AMI 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. — Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island teleIn December, Artists’ Guild Gallery window exhibit features ornaments, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941778-6694. In December, “Endless Summer” paintings by Sharon Lennox Woelﬂing, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648. ONGOING OFF AMI Through June 27, 2021, “Kabuki Modern,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-359-5700. AHEAD OFF AMI Jan. 5, 2021, Florida Maritime Museum reopens, Cortez.

KIDS & FAMILY ONGOING OFF AMI Through Jan. 3, 2021, “Water’s Extreme Journey” exhibit, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131, bishopscience.org. mymanatee.org/library.

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

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rotary dials into telethon

Dial in. Most people won’t use the rotary dial but Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island supporters will be asked to dial in with dollars for the service organization. The club will hold a telethon 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 22, based at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Supporters are asked to call 941-778-1908 to donate and help the club make up for fundraising losses due to COVID-19 restrictions. “Our club is very active in our community and these funds normally cover a range of projects,” organizer Shawn Shields wrote to The Islander Dec. 9. The club supports programs at Anna Maria Elementary, a youth musician competition conducted by the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra, YMCA swim lessons and also donates to the Roser Food Pantry. Shields “or another friendly voice from our Rotary Club” will answer the calls. In addition to calling in to donate, the club will stream the telethon on Zoom — the meeting ID on the platform is 3170449802 and the passcode is gZ8udK. The island group holds regular meetings at noon Tuesdays at the Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, and also via Zoom, with the exception of Dec. 29 due to the holidays.

thon fundraising. Information and donations: 941-778-1908. ONGOING ON AMI Thursdays, 5-8 p.m., Thursdays in Paradise art, shopping and entertainment, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941896-2222. Tuesdays into May, Anna Maria Farmers Market, City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. • Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island lunch meeting, in-person at Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, and via Zoom. Information: 941-920-2505. AHEAD ON AMI Jan. 1, 2021, Anna Maria Island Privateers launch 50th anniversary celebration. ONGOING OFF AMI First Fridays, 10 a.m., Parkinson’s Support Group, Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Information: 941-9266413.

OUTDOORS & SPORTS ON AMI Friday, Dec. 18 9 a.m. — Manatee County Park and Natural Resources Department’s Seashell Shore Walk, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-742-5923.

GOOD TO KNOW SAVE THE DATES Through Dec. 18, Hanukkah. Thursday, Dec. 24, Christmas Eve. Friday, Dec. 25, Christmas. Thursday, Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve.

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

Z en Nails

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Music Lessons: Guitar, Piano, Ukulele, Saxophone and Drums

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Professional Nail Care Salon

WE’RE OPEN! Mon-Sat 9:30-5 AMI Centre Shops 3224 East Bay Drive Holmes Beach

941.778.0700

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

Holistic wellness center and spa

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Island happenings

Dec. 16, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 11 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

New to the krewe

‘Paradise’ in the shade a tai chi class at the Paradise center, 546 Bay isles road, Longboat Key, takes place in the shade of a tree. the center, which due to the coronavirus pandemic conducts many programs outdoors and with social distancing, is encouraging people to give memberships as gifts this season. for more information, go online to www.theparadisecenter.org or call 941-383-6493. islander courtesy Photo

Valerie “Dallas” mabry, right, and renee Kirkley show their shirts after achieving “grey Shirt” status with the anna maria island Privateers, a nonprofit dedicated to “kids and community” that started up on anna maria island in the 1970s. Privateers voted to approve mabry and Kirkley, who took an oath to uphold the rules. members meet the second Wednesday of the month. for more details, go online to amiprivateers.memberlodge.org or tim “Hammer” thompson at 941-780-1668. islander courtesy Photo

Privateers continue holiday party tradition, potluck The Anna Maria Island Privateers will bring Santa, their sleigh and their merry ways to the Drift In Saturday, Dec. 19, for a Christmas party. Santa will visit with partygoers at the bar, 120 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach, beginning at 6 p.m. The party will include a potluck dinner, with baked ham and partygoers bringing a dish to share or providing a $5 donation. Also, live music will begin about 9 p.m. The event also will feature raffles and prizes, including a cash prize of at least $100 and the raffle of a “Pirate in a Basket Party” — a basket filled with booze. Tim “Hammer” Thompson told The Islander the

Privateers will respect the bar’s guidelines for coronavirus precautions: “No sitting on Santa’s lap. Standing by Santa’s sleigh only at a 6-foot distance. Served buffet with single-use utensils.” Because the coronavirus is transmitted person-toperson in close contact and also by air droplets, public health experts caution against gathering indoors and recommend social distancing of at least 6 feet and wearing face masks. The city of Bradenton Beach has recommended wearing face masks but does not mandate them at businesses. For more information, call the Drift In at 941-7789088 or Thompson at 941-780-1668.

island Players present ‘A Christmas Carol’ — via Zoom! Happy humbug to all! The Island Players return to live theater for the first time since March to present an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” But don’t rush out for tickets to the playhouse at Pine Avenue and Gulf Drive in Anna Maria. The two live performances — 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18, and Sunday, Dec. 20 — will be streamed for the theater’s audience on Zoom. Jeffrey Steiger will direct the play, described by the Island Players as having a contemporary twist: “It’s Christmas and COVID has sequestered everyone at home aside from Scrooge’s nephew and his hapless workers at the bank. As the rest of the world adjusts to the new normal, Scrooge says, ‘Bah humbug’ and churns out high-interest loans to the unemployed and beaten down. One night, three ghosts crash his Face Time and force him to take a hard look at a forgotten past, a difficult present and a possible future.” And so it will be played, with a cast that includes: Heiko Knipfelberg as Scrooge, James Thaggard as the narrator, Pamela Hopkins as Belle, Mary Selke as Mrs. Lamb, Judy Glynn as the Ghost of Christmas Present, Dianne Brin as the Ghost of Christmas

Past, Jay Poppe as Marley’s Ghost, Alice Cotman as Mrs. Cratchit, Joanie Anton as the Ghost of Christmas Future, Dane Oldham as Fred and Joshua HandleyWhite as the Boy and Mikey Lynch as Bob Cratchit. To watch a performance on Zoom, the meeting ID is 86052346632 and the passcode is Scrooge. For a link to the Zoom performance, go to theislandplayers.org. Audience members are encouraged to download and test Zoom prior to the performance night and to sign in for the show by 7:20 p.m. The Island Players are not selling tickets but do welcome donations. To give to the nonprofit, call Peg Farrup at 941778-7374 or write Island Players, P.O. Box 2059, Anna Maria FL 34216.

rotary aid Meals on Wheels

Local Rotary clubs, including the island club, partnered to help Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee provide food to families in need this month. For more information about the area clubs, go online to rotarydistrict6960.org. To contact Susan Courter about the campaign, call 941-545-0650 or email susan.r.courter@gmail.com.

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need a good laugh? visit the emerson quillin signature store. humor, art, gifts 317 Pine Ave., Anna Maria • www.emersonshumor.com

A Hair Day Salon & Spa MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Welcome Sharon to the salon! She’s offering to finish 2020 with 20% OFF highlights, color & style OR perm. Ask for Sharon. Also, ask for Shelley for 20% OFF your third of three 1-hr massages. And, Call Katy for hair and nails. Lastly, we offer “Christmas-styled” gift certificates for your hard-tobuy-for friends! Come see us!

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Page 12 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 16, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Holiday spirit on display at Anna Maria elementary ’Twas the day after Thanksgiving break and all through the school, hallways were decorated by teachers and staff. But bare in the front hall, stood a lonely tree. When classes resumed Nov. 30, Anna Maria Elementary students found their school had experienced a holiday makeover, courtesy of staff and teachers. But kindergarten teacher Kelly Crawford noticed a tree in the front hallway was left bare. “After walking by the tree a few times, I thought it should be decorated with a sea-life theme to match our little ‘island school.’ I then began looking up free sealife images I could print and have the students decorate to hang on the tree,” Crawford wrote Dec. 7 in an email to The Islander. Excited about Crawford’s project, third-grade teacher Laura Redeker gave the kids some sea-life craft kits to expand the ornament-making operation. Sticking to Crawford’s adage that “any time there is glitter involved, it’s a great day in kindergarten!” students designed with crayons, markers, colored pencils and watercolor paints — and glitter for adornment. Finally, it was time to decorate the tree. But even the tallest kindergarten student can reach only so high. That’s where having a school resource officer who is more than 6-feet tall came in handy, Crawford said. At the students’ direction, Holmes Beach Police Officer Josh Fleischer hung the ornaments on the higher boughs. And that’s the story of how a tree at Anna Maria Elementary once bare, became a beacon of cheer for all to share.

Sabrina De La riva, left, and Lennox Shields, kindergartners at anna maria elementary in Holmes Beach, decorate a school tree Dec. 3. the students made the decorations.

Thanks and holiday wishes from AMe PTO

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

anna maria elementary kindergartners mason Wheeler, left, and Bria Pietsch decorate a holiday tree Dec. 3. islander courtesy Photos: ame/Susan tabicman

AME Calendar

• Friday, Dec. 18, end of ﬁrst semester. • Dec. 21-Jan. 5, winter break. • Wednesday, Jan. 6, beginning of second semester. • Tuesday, Jan. 12, 5:45 p.m., school board meeting, 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. • Wednesday, Jan. 13, 9 a.m., PTO board meeting, via Zoom. • Monday, Jan. 18, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday, no school. Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the school at 941708-5525.

Mission accomplished. The Anna Maria Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization mission statement reads: “Bringing parents, teachers, staff and the community together to give the best to our children!” While the pandemic makes accomplishing the mission a challenge, where there’s a will, there’s a way. As the holidays arrived, PTO president Nicole Plummer sent a message to the community: “Happy Holidays from AME PTO! AME PTO wants to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season! We are overwhelmed by the generosity of Anna Maria Elementary staff and families as well as our community members.…Thank you for everyone’s continued financial support through these difficult times. Funds raised will help provide teachers and students the requested materials and supplies to enhance the learning experience of our students. ‘Our Little School by the Bay’ is a wonderful place to learn and ‘it takes an island’ to make it special.” For more information, go online to www.amepto. org or @amepto on Facebook. a “thank you” to the anna maria elementary Parent-teacher organization from students in Becky Demo’s fourth-grade class. islander Photo: courtesy nicole Plummer

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Dec. 16, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 13 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Page 14 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 16, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

isl

biz

Amy V.T. Moriarty

Island retailers track shift in holiday shopping trends

It’s the gift-giving season and island retailers have noticed more holiday-minded shoppers buying gift certificates and items that can be shipped. And many customers are making the transactions with retailers by phone. Kelly Kary, owner of Olive Oil Outpost, 401 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, has noticed a 30% increase in phone orders for items to be shipped or picked up curbside as compared to past years. The shop still has plenty of in-person shoppers, Kary said Dec. 2, but more people are calling to have her assemble and ship gift baskets. Most callers, she said, give her a budget and request a type of basket, trusting her to assemble the selections. “We’ll ship anything from single bottles to full gourmet baskets,” Kary said. “But we won’t ship meats and cheeses,” because of the refrigeration required for those items. Ten months into the COVID-19 pandemic locally, public health officials still recommend people avoid nonessential trips and gatherings. Also, health officials recommend the use of face masks and social distancing, as the virus is transmitted mainly from person-to-person in close contact through

Salon, pet store open on Pine

When one door closes, two doors open. At least that’s the case at 313C Pine Ave., Anna Maria. When a previous salon at the site relocated earlier this year, Anna Maria resident and hairstylist Alli Carpenter seized the opportunity for her own salon and spa. Carpenter said Dec. 9 her goal is to “provide a safe and comfortable environment, while delivering superior service with an exceptional salon experience.” Carpenter also knew she could use less space. The solution was a wall and two storefronts. At about the same time, Janalee Gallagher’s husband was transferred to the area for work from Indianapolis and Gallagher saw her opportunity to open a pet supply business. Gallagher, who spent 23 years training service dogs, as well as working for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency as a K-9 handler brings Arrow, a retired search-and-rescue dog, and Blitz, a retrieval specialist, with her to the shop. “I get to talk about dogs all day and sell all the stuff I’ve been lusting over for the last 23 years,” she said Dec. 9. The shop opened Oct. 22 and Gallagher said she

Kelly Kary, owner of olive oil outpost, 401 Pine ave., anna maria, prepares cheeses Dec. 2 for an order. Because of refrigeration requirements, cheeses and meats are the only items Kary said she won’t ship, but she offers curbside pickup for customers. islander Photo: amy V.t. moriarty

respiratory droplets and also can be airborne. The health recommendations, combined with a rise in positive tests and virus-related deaths throughout the country, are impacting the way consumers shop. At Ginny’s and Jane E’s Cafe and Gift Store, 9807 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, retail manager Amanda Foster has noticed more would-be customers poke their heads in to see how crowded the shop is before stepping in. With tight aisles and small displays, there’s not a lot of room for social distancing. So people tend to has enjoyed getting to know islanders and vacationers alike when their pets bring them in. “She’s just darling,” Anna Maria resident Annabelle Pinto said Dec. 9 about Gallagher. Pointing to her 1-year-old German purebred beaver terrier, Pinto said, “He pulls me here because she’s special and so talented.” Pinto said the shop is convenient and the merchandise — food and treats, toys and leashes, specialty and keepsake items — is wonderful. Meanwhile, in addition to a wall, Carpenter and Gallagher share a commitment to community. Carpenter will host “Pop-up Porches on Pine,” offering small businesses an opportunity to set up shop on the porch. Gallagher has her eye on hosting pet adoption fairs and training programs. Both stores will host a grand opening with small bites and beverages 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19. Guests will be required to wear face masks and maintain social distancing. Salt & Scissors Salon Spa is open Monday-Saturday. For hours and more information, visit saltandscissors.com or call 941-961-4458. AMI Beach & Dog Supply serves customers Monday-Saturday. For more information, visit amibeachndog.com or call 941-713-8970.

visit the shop later in the day when it’s less busy, Foster said in a Dec. 3 phone interview with The Islander. The pandemic seems to have positively impacted shoppers’ attitudes, Adina Dicus observed Dec. 2. “I feel like more people are in the Christmas spirit this year. It just seems like people are trying to make everyone happy,” said Dicus, who owns Restless Natives in the Island Shopping Center at 5416 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Shoppers seem to “try to be impactful in their shopping,” she said. What’s selling at Restless Natives? “Big wall art,” said Dicus, who attributes the sales to restless “people getting tired of the walls of their homes.” In Bradenton Beach, Terrence Keith, owner of Back Alley Treasures, 108 Bridge St., said Dec. 4 that he hadn’t noticed a change in shopping trends, but he has been busy selling “local treasures” along with coffee, wine and craft beer. “The only real change we’ve seen is just an increase in business in the past couple months as compared to this time last year,” Keith said. The busiest holiday shopping days at Ginny’s and Jane E’s are the two days before Christmas, when the store sees an 80% spike in sales. Yet Foster said she has noticed a 25%-30% increase in advance gift certificate sales this year as compared to past years. And, she said, most customers are buying gift certificates by phone and having them mailed. However, for shoppers who want to buy their holiday gifts in person, island retailers are doing what they can to make the process safe — and special. FYI: For those looking for dining establishments that serve on Christmas and New Year’s Eve, the chamber’s lists are posted at islander.org.

annabelle Pinto of anna maria, standing, watches Benny, her german Biewer terrier, get a treat Dec. 9 from ami Beach & Dog Supply owner Janalee gallagher. islander Photos: amy V.t. moriarty

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alli carpenter, owner of Salt & Scissors Salon Spa, 313c Pine ave., anna maria, applies highlights to a client’s hair Dec. 9.

Dec. 16, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 15 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Businesses light up December’s holiday nights

In a year when social gatherings are more worri- westward the Center of Anna Maria Island, where the For more information, call Pineapple Marketplace some than merry, Anna Maria’s businesses turned to commercial holiday lighting display winds up. at 941-216-4226. nostalgia to spread cheer. christmas lights In the days leading up to Thanksgiving, Tara brighten the old jail at O’Brien of Pineapple Marketplace on Pine Avenue in the anna maria island Anna Maria, and some other business owners in the Historical Society city discussed how to handle the holidays during a museum, 420 Pine pandemic without the traditional open houses, O’Brien ave., anna maria, said Dec. 10 in a phone call with The Islander. where there may be no “We decided to go old school and do a nostalgic roof, no doors and “no light show for people to enjoy safely,” she said. guests for yrs n yrs” And thus, “31 Nights of Lights” came to be. but there is holiday The trail of lights runs from Slim’s Place on Gulf cheer. the museum Drive and continues to Pine Avenue, then east to Bay is taking part in the Boulevard and south to Magnolia Avenue, which runs citywide “31 nights of Lights.” islander Photo: amy V.t. moriarty

Bittersweet end of year for chamber staﬀ member

Feast family supports Toys for Tots christopher Dale, left, and wife adrianne, Joseph Dale, John tilelli and corrinn tippett of the feast, 5406 marina Drive, Holmes Beach, pose with their donation for the marine corps’ toys for tots. the feast is collecting new, unwrapped toys for the cause through Dec. 23 at the restaurant. the restaurant opens 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. for more information, call the feast at 941-778-5092. islander Photo: courtesy Pamela Dale

Pizzo

Cathy Pizzo is stepping down at work to step up for her family. Her time with the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will come to close at the end of 2020. Pizzo started with the chamber as an administrator about five years ago and was named vice president

in 2018. “I wasn’t expecting to do this so soon,” Pizzo told The Islander Dec. 10. “I’m glad I’m able to do this though.” Her parents live in Leesburg and need more help as they age. Pizzo said she’s not moving, but she plans to divide her time between the island and

Leesburg. “I’ve just been so connected to the community here. I love the community. I love the people,” she said. The chamber is searching for a new, full-time administrative assistant, Pizzo added. In the meantime, she said member services coordinator Laura Micciche will continue in her role but also take on some of Pizzo’s duties. “Cathy has been a true asset to our members and our community as a whole,” the chamber stated Dec. 10 in an email to members. “She will most definitely be missed!” For more information, go online to www.amichamber.org, or call the office at 941-778-1541.

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313 Pine Ave, Anna Maria 941-713-897O

The perfect gift awaits! the new Jack elka 2021 calendar has arrived at the islander office in the anna maria island centre shopping plaza in Holmes Beach. also available by mail order at Jackelka.com.

ami centre, 3218 e. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach

Page 16 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 16, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Gathering

Christmas planners the rev. neil crowell, facilities administrator charles Wade and the rev. Dirk rodgers, along with Brandon Kouri and craig ramberger, discuss the location of an outdoor stage for roser memorial community church’s christmas eve services. the church, 512 Pine ave., anna maria, will hold two outdoor services and a service in the sanctuary. islander courtesy Photos

Presbyterian churches help local families with debt

Anna Maria Island and Cortez families earlier this month received $42,458 of medical debt relief with the help of two local churches. About 750 Manatee County residents received letters the week beginning Dec. 7 notifying them that their medical debts were cleared with assistance from Palma Sola and Westminster Presbyterian churches. The nonprofit RIP Medical Debt sent the letters and announced that $1,456,877 in debt was forgiven with the assistance of a smaller, $14,000 donation from the churches. About $1 in donations resulted in the forgiveness of $100 in debt, according to a news release from Palma Sola Presbyterian, 6510 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. For more information, call the church office at 941-792-3141 or go online to ripmedicaldebt.org.

Tidings

the rev. neil crowell of roser memorial community church in anna maria works on a plan for outdoor services on christmas eve. island churches will observe christmas eve and christmas differently this year due to the pandemic. the islander will publish worship service schedules in the Dec. 23 issue.

Worship and events calendar

REGULAR WORSHIP

9:30 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. 10 a.m. — Roser Church. Monday-Friday 10 a.m. — Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian USA, 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Info: 941-900-4903. Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-4769. 10 a.m. — Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Thursdays Longboat Key. Info: 941-383-6491. 9:30 a.m. — Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, 10:30 a.m. — CrossPointe Fellowship. Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1638. 10:30 a.m. — St. Bernard. Saturdays 4 p.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. EVENTS Sundays Wednesdays 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. 10 a.m., Women’s Bible study, Christ Church of LBK. 8:30 a.m. — Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine 6:15 p.m. — Wednesday supper, CrossPointe. Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. 6:45 p.m. — Wednesday Night Blast, CrossPointe. 9 a.m. — CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Thursdays Beach. Information: 941-778-0719. 9:30 a.m. — Women’s fellowship class, CrossPointe.

GoodDeeds

• The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce offers free face masks. Information:941-778-1541. • The Roser Food Bank welcomes applicants who live and/or work on Anna Maria Island for food assistance, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. • All Island Denominations offers help with rent, etc. For information or to apply, call 941-725-2433. Send listings to calendar@islander.org.

Loving Chr�t • Sh� ing H� Grace • S�ving A�

COMMUNITY CHURCH Hope can be a powerful force. Without hope, people stop trying, stop laughing, stop loving, and stop living. We celebrate a Child who comes to bring us hope... The Chapel is open during office hours for prayer and meditation.

Hope!

INVINCIBLE

In the SANCTUARY and ONLINE Go to www.RoserChurch.com Click WORSHIP-SIGNUP , WATCH LIVE or WATCH LATER Text ROSER to 22828 to receive the weekly eBulletin.

Through Dec. 18, Hanukkah. Dec. 25, Christmas.

Pat ragsdale, left, of Darien, georgia, adds her donation to the red bucket Dec. 7, in response to Holmes Beach Police chief William tokajer’s bell-ringing at the Publix Super market, 3900 e. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. tokajer said he volunteers to jingle the bell to raise money for the Salvation army. the anna maria island Kiwanis club coordinates the schedule for ringers at the island Publix. for more information about the Kiwanis campaign, contact roger Domme at 941761-0082. islander Photo: amy V.t. moriarty

CHRISTMAS EVE

12:00 & 4:00 PM

Sanctuary Parking Lot Bring lawn chairs!

7:00 PM In the Sanctuary

941-778-0414 • www.RoserChurch.com • Facebook @RoserChurch

512 Pine Ave • Anna Maria • Everyone is welcome!

• Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals. Information: 941-345-2441. • The Roser Food Bank seeks donations. Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, administers the pantry, supported by All Island Denominations. Information: 941-778-0414.

SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 AM or 10:00 AM

SAVE THE DATES

Ringing for a cause

Assistance sought

Assistance offered

9:30 a.m. — RoserRobics ﬁtness, Roser Church. Saturdays 9 a.m.-noon, Lord’s Warehouse thrift store, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, LBK. Info: 941-383-6491. Sundays 11 a.m. — Sunday school, Christ Church of Longboat Key. Mondays 9 a.m. — Men’s Bible study, Christ Church, via Zoom. Tuesdays 9:30 a.m. — RoserRobics ﬁtness, Roser Church. 10:30 a.m. — Book discussion group, Gloria Dei, Zoom-based. Information: gdlami18@gmail.com.

Growing in Jesus’ Name

Worship With Us at Our Church Sunday Service 10:00 AM

Please Register to Attend • Masks Required

941-900-4903 The Rev. Dr. Norman Pritchard SERMON:

Visitors & Residents Welcome Watch our 10:00 AM service live: www.bit.ly/cclbksermons

or www.christchurchlbk.org (follow YouTube link)

6400 Gulf of Mexico Dr.

•

941.383.8833 (oﬃce)

•

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Dec. 16, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 17 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Holmes Beach limits support for chamber program after split vote By ChrisAnn Allen Islander Reporter

Officials wanted more time to consider the cost. But Holmes Beach officials eventually agreed to support the local business community, yet be mindful of the city’s 2021-22 budget. Terry Schaefer, liaison to the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, said Dec. 8 during a teleconferenced city commission meeting, that chamber president Terri Kinder contacted him about a city contribuKinder tion of $10,000 to the “Anna Maria Island and Cortez Fishing Village Passport Program,” which is expected to kick off in January 2021. “Passport holders” will visit participating businesses to receive stamps. After obtaining a required amount of stamps in their passport, participants can provide the chamber with their passport and receive a T-shirt, as well as entry in a raffle for prizes from local businesses. “The reason that I feel it’s so important for us to consider and participate in this program, is that, as we know, our business community has suffered tremendous setbacks in the past nine months and likely will for an unforeseen future,” Schaefer said Dec. 8, adding the initial program kicked off “very successfully” for Cortez merchants in 2019. The cost was not disclosed at the meeting, but the sign-up sheet for the passport program indicates members pay $125 and non-member participation is $175 with a deadline of Nov. 30 to be included. At the city’s Dec. 8 meeting, Kinder and Dan Alderson, a chamber board member and co-owner of Tyler’s Ice Cream in Cortez, said more funding is needed. They stressed that there’s a need for the island cities to help local businesses struggling with losses

due to the pandemic. “The whole idea is to get people to visit our businesses,” Alderson said. “As you all know, these have been trying times and the more traffic we can produce to our island and our village, so much the better.” Following questions on cost from Commissioner Jayne Christenson, Kinder said the chamber had a commitment from Anna Maria for $10,000, was asking Bradenton Beach for $5,000-$7,000 and Cortez had antied up $3,000. She said printing and marketing costs are estimated at $35,000. Commission Chair Jim Kihm said the Manatee County Tourist Development Council might be a more appropriate funding source. The TDC recommends tourism policy and a budget for spending the county’s tourist tax revenue, but decisions rest with the county board of commissioners. The spending is limited to tourism promotions by myriad state guidelines. Kinder said the chamber approached the TDC, but the TDC board said the cities should be the funding source, due to losses due from the pandemic. TDC revenue — tourist tax collections in Manatee County — plummeted in March, April and May but, since then have been on the rise, surpassing the 2019 numbers in some months, according to Islander archives. “We realized perhaps the best way to approach this was to come to the municipalities and the village of Cortez and say, ‘This benefits us and so this is probably where the sponsorship needs to come from,’” Kinder said. Commissioner Kim Rash said the project should be funded through bed taxes paid by short-term rental properties in the city, rather than through city taxpayers. “I think this would be a great program for the

county because it is all about the tourists,” he said. Kihm agreed. “This is about tourism and helping the businesses in Manatee County, which the cities are part of,” Kihm said. “I am going to encourage the chamber to go back to the TDC, tell them you’ve met with the cities and that you would like them to find a way that they could participate as well.” Christenson said she supports programs to help local business but is concerned with costs, suggesting the county beach concession fund could be a funding source. A motion to participate in the program failed in a split vote, with Kihm and Rash voting “nay,” while Schaefer and Christenson voted “yea.” Commissioner Carol Soustek was absent with excuse. “For us not to do this would be a mistake,” Schaefer said. “It’s an opportunity to reinvest, not only in our businesses but in our community,” Following the split vote, Kihm passed the gavel to Vice Chair Rash, who motioned that the city instead fund $5,000 for the program. “I want to show my support, but I think there is still work to be completed,” Kihm said. “I am willing to show my support to the merchants in our community if the rest of the commissioners agree with the motion on the floor.” The motion passed 3-1, with Schaefer, who previously supported the $10,000 payment, voting “nay” in protest to the reduction.

Holmes Beach recognizes top employee, former officials

City clerk Stacey Johnston, right, looks on as Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth prepares to present former Commissioner Pat Morton with a plaque in appreciation of his service.

While the audience was limited due to the pandemic, Holmes Beach showed appreciation for those who serve the city, as well as those who served in the past. At a Dec. 8 city commission meeting, city clerk Stacey Johnston and Mayor Judy Titsworth presented former Commissioner Pat Morton and several past board members with plaques for their service. Additionally, Ami Cox, accounting specialist for the city, was named employee of the year. Johnston led the presentation, while Titsworth presented the awards — in person to some and virtually to others. Morton, former parks and beautification committee members Dennis Groh, Carol Hebden and Donna Ryan, as well as those in the community who contributed to the new shuffleboard, bocce ball and pickleball courts, baseball field, playground and skate park were recognized.

Are you ready for some 2021? The new Anna Maria Island-Jack Elka 2021 calendar is available now by mail order at jackelka.com and islander.org. Calendars are available at The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call 941-778-7978.

— ChrisAnn Allen

Scott Boyd, former Holmes Beach Planning Commission chair, Zooms in Dec. 10 with his granddaughter, for a teleconferenced Holmes Beach Commission meeting honoring former board members.

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Page 18 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 16, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Zephyrhills man arrested for DUi in Bradenton Beach Bradenton Beach police arrested Nov. 22 Zephyrhills resident Martin Uribe Jr., 26, on a second-degree misdemeanor for driving while under the influence. The incident began when a Bradenton Beach police officer was forced to swerve off Gulf Drive to avoid a head-on collision with Uribe, who was driving his vehicle in the wrong lane. The officer turned around, conducted a traffic stop

Streetlife

Staff reports

island police reports

Anna Maria Nov. 29, 200 block of Periwinkle Plaza, noise. The Manatee County Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office dispatched a deputy at about 3:15 a.m. in response to a complaint about loud noise. The deputy reported â&#x20AC;&#x153;excessive, loud talkingâ&#x20AC;? by a residential swimming pool. A citation was issued and an occupant refused to sign for it. Dec. 3, 100 block of South Bay Boulevard, animal complaint. An MCSO deputy issued a warning for a dog on the beach, which is prohibited by ordinance. The Manatee County Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office polices Anna Maria. Bradenton Beach Dec. 2, Drift In, 120 Bridge St., Marchman Act. A Bradenton Beach police officer arrived at the bar in response to a call about an intoxicated guest and the patronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strange behavior. The officer contacted the man, who was too intoxicated to provide basic information, then placed him under protective custody and Island watch: In an emergency, call 911. To report information, call the MCSO Anna Maria substation, 941-708-8899; Bradenton Beach police, 941-7786311; or Holmes Beach police, 941-708-5804.

near the 2200 block of Gulf Drive North and asked Uribe if there were any weapons in the vehicle. Uribe said there was a pistol and ammunition in the center console, which the officer removed. The officer detected the smell of alcohol, so he requested a Manatee County Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office traffic unit. A responding MCSO deputy conducted field sobriety tests, which Uribe failed. The BBPD officer arrested Uribe and called for a tow company to remove his vehicle. Uribe was transported to the Manatee County jail, where he was released from custody Nov. 30 after posting a $120 bond. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; ryan Paice

transported him to a medical facility in Bradenton. BBPD polices Bradenton Beach. Cortez No new reports. MCSO polices Cortez. Holmes Beach Dec. 7, Seaside Laundromat, 5400B Marina Drive, trespass. The owner notified the Holmes Beach Police Department that a person was sleeping inside the business. An officer trespassed the individual. Later that day, the person returned and was arrested and trespassed to Manatee County jail. Dec. 7, Walgreens, 3200 E. Bay Drive, trespass. A store manager asked the HBPD that a person who had previously shoplifted be removed from the store. An officer responded and the person was issued a trespass warning. Dec. 8, 100 block of 52nd Street, information. Two people argued over a display of artwork with writing in the sand. Officers were called, and cleared the area without incident. Dec. 8, Subway, 3232 E. Bay Drive, trespass.

Man sought for bike theft

Bradenton Beach Police officers filed a capias request with the state attorney Dec. 3 to arrest Bradenton resident Caleb Hatfield, 29, on a felony charge for stealing a Bradenton Beach residentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bicycle. The resident called the BBPD to report the bike was stolen and was being advertised for sale on social media. The resident set a meeting between her husband and Hatfield under the guise of buying the bike. However, she said her husband took the bike back and chased Hatfield to a house, where the manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mother told police he wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t home. A Manatee County Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office deputy called the BBPD, reporting Hatfield spoke with a detective and confirmed he tried to sell stolen property. The victim filled out a complaint and wanted to pursue a charge. The BBPD filed a capias request with the state attorneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office to arrest Hatfield for property theft, but had yet to receive a response as of Dec. 9. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; ryan Paice

While on patrol, an officer was contacted that three people were threatening store employees. The people were trespassed from the property. Dec. 8, 5300 block of 23rd Street West, marijuana. An HBPD officer observed a vehicle traveling without headlights or taillights turned on. Upon stopping the driver, the officer determined the motorist had a 3.5 ounce bag of marijuana. The person was cited for holding less than 20 grams of marijuana. HBPD polices Holmes Beach. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

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Dec. 16, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 19 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Page 20 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 16, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Longboat Key gains time for state response on sewage spill Longboat Key commission members are expected to vote in January on a proposed order from the state setting forth penalties for spilling millions of gallons of sewage on the mainland in a mangrove forest about 350 feet from Sarasota Bay. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The department continues to work with the town to finalize the proposed consent order,â&#x20AC;? Shannon Herbon told The Islander Dec. 9. Herbon is the public information manager for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Southwest District. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s final approval of the proposed consent order requires that it goes to the commission for a vote,â&#x20AC;? Herbon added. â&#x20AC;&#x153;However, the deadline to include the consent order on the agenda for their December commission meeting passed.â&#x20AC;? The town requested an extension to Jan. 22, 2021, and the DEP granted the extension. The DEP issued the proposed order in late September, saying the town should either pay a $262,652 fine or create an environmental enhancement project of greater value as compensation for the spill. The leak from the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only wastewater pipeline began June 17 on the mainland and continued until June 30, when crews cleared a path through a mangrove forest on undeveloped land at Long Bar Pointe to make repairs. Developer Carlos Beruff owns the land at Long Bar Pointe where a planned development has been approved by the county. A DEP estimate put the spill at 17 million gallons. In its proposed order, the DEP said the town violated state rules by: â&#x20AC;˘ Failing to maintain equipment; â&#x20AC;˘ Discharging wastewater without authorization;

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â&#x20AC;˘ Failing to obtain permission to alter mangroves; â&#x20AC;˘ Failing to secure approval for dredge and fill activities. As a result, the DEP said the town must pay the state $242,652.50 in a settlement or off-set the amount by implementing an in-kind environmental enhancement project valued at $362,476.75. Also, per the order, the town must submit a sewer overflow response plan that includes procedures for sampling discharged wastewater. The DEP proposal also said called for Longboat Key to: â&#x20AC;˘ Offset the impact of the pollution by purchasing 0.3 saltwater forested mitigation credits from the Nature Coast Mitigation Bank;

â&#x20AC;˘ Remove any fill material and return the cleared site at the spill to â&#x20AC;&#x153;pre-fill conditionsâ&#x20AC;? as part of a mangrove restoration action; â&#x20AC;˘ Submit a plan, including start and completion dates, to install a new force main; â&#x20AC;˘ File permits for any impacts to wetlands, mangroves or waters with installing a new pipeline. As to replacement of the decadesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; old wastewater line that partly runs across the bay bottom, Longboat Key town manager Tom Harmer has said the project was in the works before the spill. The town could sign the proposed order or reject the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s settlement offer and seek a hearing. Herbon said the DEP â&#x20AC;&#x153;remains committed to ensuring this enforcement matter is resolved as quickly as possible.â&#x20AC;?

Anna Maria preservation board seeks 2 members By ryan Paice islander reporter

The Anna Maria Historic Preservation Board is looking to fill a couple of vacancies. Anna Maria city planner Chad Minor told The Islander Dec. 10 that board chair Sissy Quinn and member Pat Copeland resigned for personal reasons. So the city is seeking two residents or business owners to join the advisory board. Susan Wisniewski, who recently lost to Doris â&#x20AC;&#x153;Deanieâ&#x20AC;? Sebring as a candidate to succeed Amy Tripp on the city commission, attended the boardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dec. 8 meeting as a prospective new member. City clerk Leanne Addy did not respond to a Dec. 10 email from The Islander asking for names of any applicants. People can obtain an application form online at cityofannamaria.com or at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive. The applications first go before Mayor Dan Murphy, who makes recommendations to the city commission, which appoints new members.

the new Jack elka 2021 calendar is available German Restaurant at the islander office, 3218 e. Bay Drive, $2 stickers, Holmes and other signature Beach, or by mail order at jackelka.com or islander. AMI items. org.

T-shirts $10 each @ The Islander, 3218 E. Bay Drive, HB.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The mayor likes to sit down with each of these candidates,â&#x20AC;? Minor said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The mayor recommends, but theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re confirmed by the commission. Preservation board member Jack Brennan, chair of the Roser Food Pantry, will serve as acting chair for now. The board currently is trying to designate the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum and the Island Playerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theater as historic buildings at the state level. The designation is an official recognition of historical significance and may help a property owner acquire grants or tax incentives for preserving or repairing their structures. The city owns both buildings and leases them to AMIHS and the Island Players respectively. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re also waiting on a response from the state on our grant application for some funds to do a citywide survey of historical properties,â&#x20AC;? Minor said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Essentially, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be bringing in a third-party consultant â&#x20AC;Ś theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d come out and assess every structure in the city to determine if it could be eligible for a historic designation.â&#x20AC;? s "RADENTON S "EST ,OCAL %ATS FROM BY 4RIPADVISOR s 6OTED "EST 'ERMAN 2ESTAURANT IN "RADENTON s 3TARS OF ON &ACEBOOK

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By Lisa neff islander editor

Dec. 16, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 21 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Meet K. brevis

By Lisa Neff

researching red tide

The presence of a certain microscopic organism can send shock waves through the island community. The name begins with a hard “K” sound, but I’m referring to Karenia brevis, the Florida red tide organism, not the coronavirus. Karenia brevis always is present in the Gulf of Mexico, usually in small amounts, but can form red tides when environmental conditions are just right for growth. Red tides may last for days or neff months. They may come and go with little consequence or, because K. brevis produces brevetoxins that act on the nervous system, they can cause aquatic and avian deaths, illness in people and economic calamity. On the island, we’ve known red tides of no consequence. And we’ve experienced great harm from harmful algal blooms. The past two weeks, The Islander received notices of background or very low concentrations of K. brevis in Manatee County but higher concentrations in the near- and offshore waters to the south. In other words, we don’t have a problem but we’re monitoring the testing. We’re also monitoring research into red tides. K. brevis may be nature-made and red tides are naturally occurring, but some scientists say the HABs are increasing in frequency, duration and intensity.

About red tide

• Red tides are caused by the massive growth of tiny, microscopic algae, which is a type of phytoplankton in the ocean. • In Florida, microscopic algae named Karenia brevis often cause red tides. Massive growth of these algae gives the water a reddish color, which is why it is called a red tide. • Karenia brevis is always present in the Gulf. • Red tides often begin in late summer or early fall and can last for days to months. • Red tides move and change shape with ocean tides, currents and winds. • Karenia brevis is a fragile algae and in rough conditions like surf it will break into small pieces and release noxious particles and chemicals into the air in wind-blown aerosols.

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The Florida red tide organism has bloomed and drifted under several names, but for about 20 years has been sampled and studied as Karenia brevis. The genus is named for Dr. Steidinger Karen A. Steidinger, who officially retired in June after years of work in the field of marine science with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Research Institute. Since 1963, Steidinger has advanced research in marine biology, becoming a leader in the field on harmful algal blooms, including red tide. In 2000-01, her contributions were recognized when the Florida red tide organism was renamed for her — Karenia brevis. The taxonomic history begins in 1948, with the classification of the organism as Gymnodinium brevis, then Ptychodiscus brevis in 1979 and G. brevis again in 1989 before a reclassification to the new genus Karenia, which was established by Gert Hansen and Øjvind Moestrup at the University of Copenhagen in 2000. Hansen and Moestrup’s paper states, “Named after Karen Steidinger in recognition of her many contributions to dinoflagellate research.” Steidinger also had published that year about evidence for a new genus. — Lisa neff

These scientists are working to better understand when and why we see severe outbreaks of red tide and the role humans play in triggering red tides, as well as developing technologies to monitor and mitigate red tide and improving public notification systems. Sarasota-based Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is partnered with researchers on more than 20 projects as the leader of the Florida Red Tide Mitigation and Technology Development Initiative. Project titles include: • “Automated in situ Advanced Sensing Technology Development for Red Tide Mitigation;” • “Testing the Efficacy of Products for Mitigating Harmful Effects of Karenia brevis Red Tide Events along the Florida Gulf Coast;” • “Developing UAV-based Red Tide Detection System;” • “Natural Compound Control and Mitigation for Red Tide” and many, many more. Several research projects involve studying naturally occurring bacteria, macroalgae, grasses and seawater to identify algicides to prevent or terminate harmful algal blooms. Another study seeks to determine what harm might come from algicides in the battle against red tides. One project would boost the role of citizen sci-

TideWatch

red tide at background levels

Karenia brevis, the red tide organism, was detected the week ending Dec. 13 at background concentrations at locations in Manatee County — the Palma Sola Bay Bridge, Longboat Pass Bridge and at the Rod & Reel Pier. Also, K. brevis was observed at background concentrations in Hillsborough and Sarasota counties. Observations further south showed very low concentrations in Charlotte County, background to high concentrations in and offshore of Lee County at 22 sites and very low and medium concentrations in Collier County. No fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were reported over the past week. And no human respiratory irritation was reported. For more information, go online to myfwc.com/ redtidestatus. entists in monitoring HABs by creating a microscope that attaches to a smartphone to detect and quantify K. brevis concentrations and another project aims to better employ drones to detect blooms. Research involving Florida Gulf Coast University seeks to better quantify the nutrient outputs of fish killed by red tide blooms and whether those nutrients feed bigger outbreaks. And the study getting the most buzz involves beer or rather beer byproducts. Mote and the University of Maryland are researching the use of brewers’ spent grain, which contains concentrations of flavonoids that could be extracted and used to suppress the growth of K. brevis. Early lab tests have been positive, showing the compounds killed small amounts of K. brevis and, another plus is there’s no shortage of the cheap beer byproduct in Florida. Cheers to science.

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Page 22 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 16, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Don’t forget to look up to the sky …

Chris Gething, a wildlife, nature photographer living on Tidy Island, took advantage of the weather and atmospheric conditions Dec. 4 to capture the passing clouds. “We had relatively cold air and high winds, especially in the upper

for nature’s beauty

atmosphere,” he said. “The cloud formations were truly unique” over Sarasota Bay in the areas of Cortez and Anna Maria Island, noting that he hadn’t seen these sort of formations since moving here 16 years ago.

Golfers, horseshoe pitchers play on in chilly weather By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter

Beautiful clear weather and blue skies helped forge a full week of golf action at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach, starting with the men’s modified Stableford-system match Dec. 7, Pearl Harbor Day. John Purcell carded a plus-6, earning a 1-point victory over second-place finishers Mike Gillie and Tom Nelson. The women took over the course Dec. 8 to play a nine-hole, individual-low-net match in two flights.

Jenny Huibers rode a birdie on the sixth hole to an even-par 32 to capture first place in Flight A. Sue Wheeler and Ellen Boin were tied for second with matching 2-over-par 34s. Jan Turner’s even-par 32 put her a 1-stroke over former Anna Maria Cassidy Mayor Fran Barford in Flight B. Other highlights include Judy Menchek and Terry Taylor carding chip-ins on the ninth and fourth holes respectively.

The coronavirus-safe, masked-up Anna Maria Island horseshoe pitchers pose with Cindy Sloan of the Food Bank of Manatee after making a $400 donation to the nonprofit’s cause at the Dec. 9 games. Islander Photo: Courtesy Jay Disbrow

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The men were back on the course Dec. 10 for their weekly nine-hole team scramble. Brian Comer, Art McMillan, Fred Miller and Joe Tynan matched the 5-under-par 27 carded by the team of Buddy Foy, Eric Lawson, Peter Lund and Nub Turner for a tie for first place. Not sure who had to buy drinks in the clubhouse after the round. Shifting to the horseshoe pitts in Anna Maria, two teams emerged from pool play and battled for the day’s championship during Dec. 9 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall horseshoe pits. Tom Farrington and Tim Sofran cruised to a 21-11 victory over Bob Lee and Steve Hooper to earn bragging rights for the day. Two teams also advanced to the knockout stage during the Dec. 12 games. Sofran again found himself in the mix, this time teamed up with Adin Shank, taking on Bob Heiger and Steve Ruddock. The HeigerRuddock team jumped out to an early lead, but Sofran and Shank staged an impressive rally to earn a 21-11, come-from-behind victory. 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 join the players and pitch in Anna Maria and everyone is welcome. Sports at the Center of Anna Maria Island in Anna Maria had a quiet week, with the youth flag football league holding tryouts for the season that starts its competitive schedule post-holidays in January.

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

Dec. 16, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 23 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Winter weather brings a variety of species to local fishers

both species. Capt. David White is targeting inshore species at the north end of AMI in and around Tampa Bay. Catch-and-release snook and redfish are being caught frequently using live shiners as bait. This bite is occurring during the warmer days between the cold fronts. When the water is too cold to achieve a good snook bite, White is putting live shrimp on the hook to target black drum, sheepshead and flounder. The catch-andrelease reds are available during the colder days, so White can target them, too. Capt. Aaron Loman is fishing with his charters at the nearshore structure within 10 miles of shore. In depths of 40-50 feet, Lowman’s anglers are reeling up hogfish, mangrove snapper and plenty of Key West grunts. Also, while in these depths, Lowman is keeping his eyes peeled for floating debris, which can hold tripletail for the taking. Moving closer to shore in the back country of Sarasota Bay, Lowman is finding good action using soft plastics combined with a jig head. Jigging over the grass flats is resulting in many catch-and-release spotted seatrout, as well as some ladyfish and jack crevalle for his clients. Casting live shrimp around rocks and docks also is working, especially for black drum and catch-and-release redfish. Hamilton Brown at the Rod & Reel Pier says winter is coming on, as evidenced by the sheepshead gathering around the barnacle-encrusted pilings under the pier. Fishers using live shrimp as bait are hooking into and reeling up the zebra-striped fish with some consistency. And black drum are taking shrimp frequently as well. There are still catch-and-release redfish being caught, although Brown warns that they are getting finicky. He advises anglers to be patient if they have their heart set on catching a R&R redfish. Capt. Jason Stock is enjoying the light breezes and calm seas, enabling him to venture offshore on his full-day trips. Big mangrove snapper, blackfin tuna, kingfish and some mahi are being caught in the deeper Gulf waters. On the shorter trips, closer to shore, Stock is putting clients on gag grouper, hogfish, cobia and tripletail. With that list of species, the fishing speaks for itself.

By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

Fishing around Anna Maria Island is shaping up nicely for the winter season. Most of the inshore species we target are settling into their wintertime haunts and in good numbers, too. Casting live shrimp around residential docks and in the canals is proving advantageous for catch-andrelease redfish and spotted seatrout. Stasny Other species — sheepshead, black drum and flounder — also are being cooperative in these wintertime sanctuaries. Other inshore species tolerant of the cooler winter temperatures include pompano, bluefish, jack crevalle and ladyfish. Try drifting over deep grass flats while casting soft plastics combined with a jig head to target these fish. This method can lead to some great catch-and-release action on spotted seatrout. I tend to lean toward the DOA Cal jig as my choice for soft plastics. As far as colors go, you’ll have to experiment to see what the fish want on any particular day. As a rule of thumb, I tend to use darker colors if I’m fishing darker water and lighter colors in clear water. If bay fishing isn’t your thing, you can venture out into the Gulf of Mexico. There are plenty of reefs, ledges and hard-bottom areas to be found within 10 miles of shore. Dave Doty of Noblesville, IndiDuring the winter months, these areas can be quite ana, shows off the tripletail he productive. caught for dinner Dec. 12 on a Live shrimp offered as bait can attract a number live shrimp while on a charter of species — mangrove snapper, flounder, sheepshead, with Capt. David White of Anna hogfish and Key West grunts. Maria Charters. What’s nice about this bite is every one of these fish is excellent once they are introduced to your favor- a fish fry, these are the go-to fish. And most put up ite breading and a frying pan. If you’re looking to have quite a fight on medium spinning gear. On my Southernaire charters, I’m working in the back country in the canals and around docks. Casting live shrimp in these areas is yielding quite a variety of species, including black drum, sheepshead and flounder, as well as catch-and-release redfish and spotted seatrout. The sheepshead and flounder give my clients the option to take a few fish home for dinner. And the action on the catch-and-release reds and trout can be Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to exciting as we are hooking up respectable numbers of fish@islander.org.

Are you ready for some 2021? The new Anna Maria Island-Jack Elka 2021 calendar is hot off the presses and available at select outlets on Anna Maria Island and by mail order at jackelka.com. Calendars are available at Hurricane Hanks, Ginny’s and Jane E’s at the Old IGA and The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call 941-778-7978.

Brett Harper, visiting from Columbus, Ohio, shows off a redfish he caught and released Dec. 11 using a live pilchard as bait while on a guided fishing trip with Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters.

Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

Dec 16 Dec 17 Dec 18 Dec 19 Dec 20 Dec 21 Dec 22 Dec 23

HIGH

11:52p 2.5 — — 12:38a 2.3 1:29a 2.1 2:31a 1.8 3:51a 1.5 5:34a 1.3 7:19a 1.2

— — 4:48p 5:17p 5:46p 6:15p 6:46p 7:16p

HIGH

— 7:18a — 8:03a 1.2 8:48a 1.3 9:33a 1.4 10:18a 1.5 11:03a 1.6 11:49a 1.7 1:15a

LOW

-0.8 — -0.7 — -0.5 7:00p -0.3 8:37p -0.1 10:22p 0.1 11:58p 0.3 — 0.5 12:33p

LOW

Moon

— — 1.1 1.1 1.0 0.8 1st — 0.5

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

Southernaire Fishing Charters

Licensed

Page 24 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 16, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

HELP WANTED Continued

HeartfeLt tHanKS to Jesus, mary and Saint Jude for prayers answered. ron, ginny H.

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. (limited time offer)

rePorter WanteD: full- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience required. apply via email with letter of interest to news@islander.org.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

KiDS for Hire ads are free for up to three weeks for island youths under 16 looking for work. ads must be placed in person at the islander office, 3218 e. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

itaLian LeatHer coucH, excellent condition, $100. 941-778-3920 or 941-7785542. SHiP’S WHeeL taBLe: capt. J. Lindroth original masterpiece of inlaid wood and brass. 19-inches tall, 45-inch diameter. $1,500. also, related pieces. marinateal@ gmail.com.

WanteD: WorKout DVDs and retired but working XBox, Wii units with games for ministry of Presence for kids and teens in Haiti. Deliver to the islander, 3218 e. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

antiQue Partner DeSK: all wood, $1,000. See at the islander office, 3218 e. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978. antiQue office chairs: Perfect for eclectic dining set. circa 1950 from anna maria city Hall. the islander newspaper, 3218 e. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

Sandy’s Lawn Service Inc. ESTABLISHED IN 1983

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

Paradise Improvements

941.792.5600

Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Specialist Replacement Doors and Windows

Andrew Chennault

FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED Island References Lic#CBC056755 CBC 1253471

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

References available • 941-720-7519

AdoptA-Pet

ANSWERS TO DEC. 16 PUZZLE

E N E S

M O C H A

A I R E D A L E R T

D E A E T T S H A A N I N E P O N T A L D O O D A N F I R S E S C S L A V T I D I E K E S R E S A

I C E M E L T

L A S E R H V I I N P E

D E B C H I I A C M E O M P T E T R A I R N E N G S O U T V E

B R A I N P R E V

S E A L S

W A N D S

O P E N A I R

R I M

S T T O H R A R A T E G I S E S T A R R E T Y

free gun LocK courtesy of Project childsafe, florida fish and Wildlife conservation commission and Holmes Beach Police Department. Pick up at the islander office, 3218 e. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. Don’t be sorry, be safe.

cLeaning: Vacation, conStruction, residential, commercial and windows. We service VrBo and airbnb. Licensed and insured. 941-744-7983.

SaLe: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19. Household, furniture, christmas. 912 n. Shore Drive, anna maria. PETS HeLP reScueD PetS! Volunteer, foster, computer help needed! moonracer animal rescue. email: moonraceranimalrescue@ gmail.com. TRANSPORTATION 2002 e825 gem: Perfect condition. titled, street legal. two owners, 350 miles. $4,800. more information, photos available. call 419357-2322.

Bimini BaY SaiLing: Small sailboat rentals and instruction. Day. Week. month. Sunfish, Laser, Windrider 17 and Precision 15. call Brian at 941-685-1400. ocean KaYaK: Paradise model 13 by 32-feet. tandem. Paddles. Back rests. easy transport. $475. 941-778-3414. HELP WANTED ami car WaSH/detailer. Looking for experienced detailer willing to be available seven days as needed. 941-527-6266. Holmes Beach. femaLe Home HeaLtH aide wanted. experienced cna or equivalent. 20-25 hours per week. mid-December through mid-march. Bradenton/Palma Sola. call 312 9331577 for this excellent position.