The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022

Retailers expect juicy Turkey days

By Kane Kaiman Islander Reporter

It should all be gravy for island merchants offering post-Thanksgiving deals.

Several business owners running Black Friday and Small Business Saturday promotions expect strong sales volume at their establishments through the Thanksgiving holiday weekend and beyond.

The island’s “endless season,” which began in late 2020, the return of European visitors previously subject to pandemic travel bans and visitation from vacationers displaced from their rentals in areas decimated by Hurricane Ian likely will bolster business from Thanksgiving through Easter, the owners said.

At Original Sand Dollar, owner Julia Duytschaver said Nov. 9 that at the Island Shopping Center in Holmes Beach, where her boutique is located, it’s busier than years past.

“I feel like we didn’t get a slowdown,” she said. “There was a week in September it was quiet but ever since it’s been busy.”

Snowbirds and an influx of customers from Germany, France and England have begun to patronize her homeware, candle, jewelry and holiday decor shop in greater

numbers but the bulk of her weekday business has come from out-of-state weeklong vacationers.

The shop experienced an uptick in business after it posted images of its Christmas decor to social media.

Developer refiles federal lawsuit v. Holmes Beach

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

A ceasefi re between island developer Shawn Kaleta and Holmes Beach didn’t last long.

Attorney Michelle Grantham of the Bradenton-based Najmy Thompson law firm filed a federal lawsuit Oct. 31 against the city on behalf of Shawn Kaleta — only 75 days after they voluntarily withdrew a similar lawsuit.

The lawsuit asks the court for a jury trial, as well as a declaratory judgment finding the city’s actions violate Kaleta’s constitutional rights, grant injunctive relief ordering the city to cease “unlawful practices,” order the city to engage in corrective measures and award Kaleta damages.

Kaleta owns many properties in the city, including Bali Hai Beachfront Resort, Anna Maria Island Beach Resort, Coconuts Beach Resort, the Islands West Resort, 305 73rd St. and 102 48th St.

Kaleta’s first lawsuit, filed Dec. 31, 2021, claimed the city ran a “black-ball campaign” against him that resulted in $3,125,000 in damages to his businesses. The suit demanded a jury trial for injunctive relief and sought an order directing the city to issue a public apology via a local newspaper.

The lawsuit alleges the city discriminated against Kaleta and set out to destroy his “business reputation and goodwill” by stalling development plans, denying access

olivia osborne of Manchester, England, left, and Holmes Beach resident Haley McGinnis, owner of Florida Underwater Sports AMI, peruse Christmas decor Nov. 9 at the original Sand Dollar boutique in the Island Shopping Center in Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: Kane Kaiman

The 40-foot Bradenton Beach Christmas is lighted at twilight Nov. 19 before a crowd, launching a season of holiday events, including a lighted boat parade at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, with viewing from the Historic Bridge Street Pier and Longboat Pass Bridge. More, pages 12-13. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

Islanders voice displeasure with Holmes Beach detour, traffic

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Some people went to Holmes Beach to air out their frustration with traffic problems since road work began at the city center.

Seven people attended the Nov. 15 Holmes Beach City Commission meeting to express their displeasure with the city center construction and detour.

The project involves adding roadway markings, bicycle lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, street lighting and landscaping to Marina Drive from the intersection at Gulf and Marina drives to the 5600 block of Marina Drive.

The city hired Sarasota-based C-Squared CGC Inc. to complete the project for $2,753,784.55.

City commissioners also approved two addendums expanding the scope of work:

• $154,649.30 to replace infiltration drenches and a failing stormwater pipe along Gulf Drive;

Holmes Beach’s zoning map. At their Nov. 15 meet ing, com missioners approved a food truck ordinance, allow ing some operations in C-2 and C-3 zones.

• $93,027 to replace a failing stormwater pipe that runs through the Island Shopping Center to Marina Drive.

Plenty of work has been completed thus far, includ ing installation of stormwater pipes, new curbing and new sidewalks.

Since the start of construction, the city has redi rected traffic to a four-way stop at the intersection of Gulf Drive and Holmes Boulevard due to closure of Marina Drive at the intersection with Gulf Drive.

Seven people commented about the matter and a common theme could be heard: They support the proj ect but the detour could be improved.

Anna Maria Commissioner Deanie Sebring expressed her support for the project but said the detour resulted in traffic problems across the island and unsafe conditions for pedestrians.

Sebring urged the city to consider removing the four-way stop in favor of lighted crosswalks to keep traffic moving on Gulf Drive unless a pedestrian needs to cross.

Holmes Beach resident Robin Rouse, a frequent bicycle rider, said she is excited for the improvements included in the city center project.

However, she decried the traffic backups and said the city’s call for patience from those stuck in traffic lacked empathy.

“I don’t think any Holmes Beach resident wouldn’t applaud the work on Marina,” Rouse said. “There are ways around this issue and we want some empathy.”

Holmes Beach resident Susan Martins called the situation frustrating and said the increased traffic on Holmes Boulevard was less safe for pedestrians.

“We just want to walk our dogs safely,” Martins said.

She asked the city to consider stationing a police officer or posting additional signage along Holmes Boulevard to slow traffic.

Commissioner Carol Soustek thanked those who voiced their opinions and said the city would take their

comments under advisement.

However, later in the meeting, Police Chief Bill Tokajer said city staff considered a setup like Sebring had proposed but concluded it would not work as effi ciently as the current arrangement.

He said removing the four-way stop would keep traffic on Gulf Drive flowing but prevent people on the detour on Holmes Boulevard from making their way through the intersection.

“That will not work,” Tokajer said. “Nobody on Gulf Drive is going to let people go through the traffic. … You can’t detour people to a brick wall.”

Mayor Judy Titsworth said she accepted blame for approving a permit for the Trail of Treats in Octo ber, which caused some of the worst traffic congestion since the detour was established.

Nevertheless, Titsworth encouraged islanders to remain patient while construction continues.

“We have looked at this every which way pos sible,” she said. “There is no way around when you replace the most heavily traveled section in our city.”

In other matters, commissioners also:

• Unanimously voted to adopt an ordinance that allows food trucks to seek written consent from busi ness owners in the city’s C-2 and C-3 commercial zoning districts to operate 7 a.m.-7 p.m. up to two days per week from a businesses’ excess parking spaces or other finished surfaces.

State law prohibits municipalities from banning food truck operations.

• Received new commission liaison appointments from Titsworth;

• Discussed a draft ordinance that would amend the land development code to add a definition for artificial turf and establish regulations for the use of lawn turf.

The commission will meet next at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

Directions to attend the meeting will be available on the city’s website, holmesbeachfl.org.

Titsworth

Islander Graphic

to public hearings and failing to respond to record requests.

The developer volunteered to dismiss an amended complaint after a June 9 motion, fi led on behalf of the city by attorney Jay Daigneault of the Clearwaterbased Task, Metz & Daigneault law firm, claimed the lawsuit was an “impermissible shotgun pleading.”

A shotgun pleading is a complaint that fails to provide adequate clarity of its claims, such as the notice of the number and nature of claims, leaving a defendant with little to frame a responsive pleading.

Daigneault previously told The Islander that Kaleta’s legal team had told him they “wanted to ‘get their ducks in a row.’”

Daigneault did not respond to a Nov. 17 call from The Islander.

The new lawsuit, amended Nov. 11, also seeks damages from and injunctive relief against the city on claims the city did irreparable damage to Kaleta by “depriving” his constitutional rights to free speech and equal protection under the First and Fourteenth

amendments.

“In retaliation for the exercise of his lawful business practices and his exercise of free speech, the city, its commissioners and its mayor have all singled out Kaleta directly and via the Kaleta Companies for individualized over-regulatory treatment under color of law in the form of an unofficial ‘Anti-Kaleta Policy,’” the complaint states.

The complaint states the city’s so-called “AntiKaleta Policy” began in 2012, when the developer was publicly decried by city officials, and has since prevented lawful development at his properties.

It also reiterates several other claims from the original lawsuit, such as the city excluded Kaleta and his representation from public hearings, failed to respond to record requests and selectively enforced regulation against the developer.

The lawsuit does not include a price tag — unlike the previous lawsuit — for damages caused by the city’s actions.

The case was assigned to Judge Mary Scriven of the Middle District of Florida and Magistrate Judge

MCSO deputy celebrated in Anna Maria

Manatee County sheriff’s deputies gather Nov. 13 at Ginny’s and Jane E’s Cafe and Gift Store, 9807 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, for a sendoff to Deputy Patrick Manning, second to left, and celebration of his seven years at the MCSo-Anna Maria substation. Manning worked his last day for Anna Maria earlier this month and now will focus on work at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1041 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. Islander

Julie Sneed.

Grantham did not respond to a Nov. 17 call from The Islander.

Attorney Jason Miller from Najmy-Thompson, also representing Kaleta, did not respond to a Nov. 17 call from The Islander.

Kaleta did not respond to a Nov. 16 text message from The Islander.

Holiday brings closings

Thanksgiving is Thursday, Nov. 24.

Most government offices will be closed that day and Friday, Nov. 25, including AMI city halls.

The fare-free island trolley and the Beach Express will operate Nov. 24 but Manatee County Area Transit will not operate other fixed-route services or the Handy Bus service. Friday will be business as usual for MCAT.

Trash or recycling pickups regularly scheduled for Thursdays will be pushed to Friday.

Manatee County parks, preserves and beaches will be open but libraries will be closed Nov. 24.

Q&A 112322

The Islander poll

Last week’s question

By Lisa Neff

The day after Thanksgiving, is all about…

8%. Shopping Black Friday.

7%. Going to work.

21%. Heading to the beach.

64%. eating leftovers.

This week’s question

It’s nearly the 12th month of 2022! Do you need a 2023 calendar?

A. Yes, must have a wall calendar.

B. Yes, still love desk calendars.

C. No, gone digital.

D. Don’t use any calendar.

To answer the poll, go online to islander.org.

SERvING FULL MENU 3:30-9 pm 7 DAYS

Photo: Courtesy Ginny’s and Jane E’s

Duytschaver, going into her third season as owner, experiences strong patronage from locals on weekends and will lean into the trend by offering raffle prizes, Christmas ornaments and discounts on Small Business Saturday Nov. 26.

“What I’ve seen the last two years, a lot of people, it’s fun for them to go out and support local businesses on Saturday,” she said. “There are groups of people that I know from Bradenton, it’s the thing to do, to go shopping that day.”

Aside from a few quieter weeks in January, when snowbirds return home between holidays, Duytschaver expects business to remain strong through Easter, which this year is April 9.

In Anna Maria, Q’s Boutique and Custom Wood Creations owner Lisa Luu is optimistic about her first holiday season in the island’s northernmost city.

Luu moved her store from Bradenton Beach’s Bridge Street to a space adjacent to Slim’s Place and next to the Porch restaurant on Gulf Drive in April to access a family-oriented market.

After strong Labor Day sales, the shop had a period “so dead it was worrisome,” Luu said Nov. 9.

However, business picked up a few weeks ago, when German and Swiss customers and an influx of out-of-state tourists came to the rescue.

Almost monthly, Luu stages “trailer events” at the shop.

On Black Friday and Small Business Saturday Nov. 25-26, the Iowa native will haul out wooden furniture crafted by her husband, Rowdy Nail, and offer a 15% discount on everything in the store.

The shop’s furniture, made of wood reclaimed from a dilapidated barn and trees on Luu and Nail’s Hawkeye State property, has been a hit with local buyers and Luu said she hopes to see a steady stream of Bradenton-area shoppers during Thanksgiving weekend.

North of Q’s along Gulf Drive, Anna Maria Rocks has experienced strong business volume since new owner Priya Weiman-Parikh and her husband, David, took over the jewelry, gem and fossil shop in late April.

“In retail, you’re always worried about seasonality but the island seems impervious to that,” WeimanParikh said Nov. 9. “We had a slightly lower period toward the end of summer but it was only about two and a half weeks.”

Historically, peak season for the shop has been late spring and early summer but Weiman-Parikh anticipates sales to surpass April-June levels in the fourth quarter of the year due to Hurricane Ian.

“Unfortunately, with the damage that happened a little farther south from Hurricane Ian, we’ve been

HB clean water committee discusses PFA testing

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

It might be time for a new water filter.

University of Florida professor John Bowden, attending a Nov. 16 Holmes Beach Clean Water Committee via Zoom, told members that preliminary tests on nine local water samples found PFAs.

PFAs, or per- and polyfluoroalkyls, are longlasting, human-made and often cancerous chemical compounds found throughout the globe due to their widespread use.

They are also called “forever chemicals” since their chemistry prevents the compounds from breaking down under typical environmental conditions.

Bowden said the water samples, taken from multiple sites in the city in September, contained PFAs levels that exceed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s latest health advisory for perfl uorooctanoic acid and perfl uorooctane sulfonic acid — members of the PFAs family.

However, Bowden said the health advisory found that negative health effects may occur with near-zero concentrations of PFOA or PFOS.

He recommended people use reverse-osmosis

filters for drinking water to limit exposure to the chemicals.

“You can’t completely avoid these compounds, but you can limit exposure,” Bowden said.

CWC Chair Ron Huibers said the committee would further review test results and present them to the city commission at an upcoming meeting.

2 openings on the cWc

A couple of CWC seats are up for grabs.

With the recent resignation of CWC member Bob Carter, who announced he sold his home in Anna Maria and will soon move off the island. A second seat is open due to Nancy Flynn’s resignation from the board earlier this year.

The CWC is an advisory board for the city commission focused on projects and policies for improving and protecting water quality.

The committee typically meets at 10 a.m. on the second Wednesday of every month.

Application forms can be found on the city’s website, holmesbeachfl.org, and can be returned to 5801 Marina Drive or emailed to deputyclerk@holmesbeachfl.org.

seeing a lot of people who had to reshuffle their vacation plans and come up here,” Weiman-Parikh said.

“We just had a family come in, just now, from New Jersey. The whole family, grandparents, the four kids,” she said. “And they were supposed to go to Sanibel but that’s not, unfortunately, an option anymore.”

The former commercial banker said she’s also heard a high number of vacationers who couldn’t visit due to the hurricane have rebooked.

Based on customer feedback, the shop has expanded its handmade jewelry offerings, a move Weiman-Parikh said has paid dividends and will through Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s.

In anticipation of the holiday season, the shop has begun expanding its giftable items.

“We’re just thinking about everyone on the gift list,” Weiman-Parikh said. “And one of the main things we’re doing is rebranding our handmade jewelry collections. For example, we’ll have necklaces that include crystals said to help with anti-anxiety, leadership and self-confidence.”

“So we’ll kind of identify qualities that people want to adopt for the new year and then find a piece that will line up with that,” she said.

For repeat customers on the hunt for something a little different this holiday season, the shop is offering unique items, such as fossilized rhinoceros teeth.

On Black Friday, the shop will offer discounts.

On Bridge Street, Cove owner Kelley Headley said Nov. 11 she’s satisfied with recent foot traffic to her art gallery and boutique.

“It’s been really good,” Headley said. “It’s not as crazy busy as last year but I’m still in that kind of mind frame where I’m just grateful to be here from the hurricane. We had essentially no damage. Our island is fine. I still have a business and I still have a home.”

The past two years, Cove — an ocean-themed shop specializing in local artwork, crystals and books — has been “crazy busy” during Thanksgiving weekends.

Headley, who expects the trend to continue, will offer discounts on wall art in the gallery on Black Friday and a free shell candle with every purchase on Small Business Saturday.

Beyond Thanksgiving, Headley predicts sales and business volume to be similar to last year.

“I think with hurricane season behind us, people are coming down. And that potential influx of people that can’t go elsewhere, I think it’s going to be good,” she said. “I’m optimistic for sure and preparing thus with inventory.”

Meetings

anna maria city

Dec. 15, 2 p.m., commission.

By Lisa Neff

Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941708-6130, cityofannamaria.com.

bradenton beach

Dec. 1, 6 p.m., commission.

Dec. 7, 9:30 a.m., CRA.

Dec. 7, 2 p.m., ScenicWAVES. Dec. 15, noon, commission.

Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com.

holmes beach

Dec. 7, 10 a.m., parks and beautification.

Dec. 7, 5 p.m., planning.

Dec. 13, 5 p.m., commission.

Dec. 14, 9 a.m., clean water.

Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org.

manatee county

Nov. 29, 9 a.m., commission.

Dec. 6, 8:30 a.m., commission.

County administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org.

also of interest

Nov. 24, Thanksgiving. Most government offices will be closed Nov. 24-25.

Nov. 29, 4 p.m., Manatee County Council of Governments, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto.

Send meeting notices to news@islander.org.

BB approves Farm-City, Tree City designations

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Bradenton Beach is nurturing a bumper crop of green ideas.

Commissioners meeting at city hall Nov. 17 approved a proclamation recognizing the importance of farming in Manatee County and also authorized an application for the 2023 Tree City USA designation.

Suncoast Nursery owner Ralph Garrison addressed commissioners for Farm-City Week and gifted them juvenile purple radishes in Farm-City coffee cups.

Farm-City Week is celebrated Nov. 16-23, the week leading up to Thanksgiving. Garrison said the week recognizes beneficial partnerships between rural and urban communities that make the community food supply safe and plentiful.

“This is actually the 67th year we’ve celebrated Farm-City Week in Manatee County,” he said. “There’s no unity in a community that doesn’t know its past and Manatee County’s past is agriculture.”

Garrison is an agricultural historian and has served as president of the county farm bureau. He was inducted into the Manatee County Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2003.

“This is something I always look forward to,” Mayor John Chappie said. “It’s important to remember that Manatee County is a big agricultural community and we have so much history here.”

Commissioner Ralph Cole motioned to approve a proclamation for Farm-City Week. Commissioner Jan Vosburgh seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

Chappie presented Garrison with a signed copy of the proclamation.

Also at the meeting, Ingrid McClellan of the ScenicWAVES advisory board, asked the commission to authorize an application for a 2023 Tree City USA designation.

The program provides the framework for communities to manage and expand their tree canopy. More than 3,400 U.S. communities participate.

McClellan said next year’s celebration would be the city’s 12th year in the program.

Chair Ingrid McClellan addresses Bradenton Beach commissioners Nov. 17 about the Tree City USA program, which will see year 12 in 2023 in the city.

Ready holidayfor hustle?

Advertisers: Ready for the holidays on AMI?

Improve your odds of success and reach The Islander’s readers — residents, seasonal visitors and vacationers — looking to shop and dine, as well as indoor and outdoor fun. For advertising info, call or text 941-778-7978.

Vosburgh motioned to approve the application, which was seconded by Commissioner Marilyn Maro and passed unanimously.

The approval allows the ScenicWAVES committee to apply for 2023.

The next commission meeting will be at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 1, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

More utility poles go up in AM

RoadWatch

Eyes on the road

• Throughout this year, Holmes Beach is working near the intersection of Gulf and Marina drives to include new amenities and improve stormwater flow. There will be road and lane closures at Gulf and Marina drives with marked detours. Also, a full intersection closure will be necessary.

Also, construction has required the closure of the eastside trolley stop on Marina Drive north of Gulf Drive. So the northbound trolley is taking a detour, going from Gulf Drive, then east on 56th Street to north on Marina Drive.

• The Manatee County utilities department is working on a force main project along Holmes Boulevard, which can result in some traffic delays and congestion.

For the latest road watch information, go online to swflroads.com or dial 511.

To check traffi c via road cameras, go to fl 511. com.

— Lisa Neff

AM proclaims ‘Farm-City Week’

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy, left, reads a proclamation Nov. 10 designating Nov. 7-19 as “Farm-City Week” alongside John Hamilton, Manatee County’s outstanding Agriculturist of the Year for 2018. FarmCity Week is an annual celebration recognizing the importance of agriculture in Manatee County. This year’s celebration honors the Bradenton Kiwanis Club, which first sponsored Ag week in 1955. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

MasTec employees prepare a new concrete utility pole Nov. 3 for installation along Alamanda Road in Anna Maria, where several new utility poles have been installed in recent months. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie presents Farm-City Week representative Ralph Garrison with a proclamation during a Nov. 17 city commission meeting. Islander Photos: Robert Anderson

ScenicWAvES

Being thankful

I’m in love, as should be obvious to those who know me and anyone who can see my social media posts.

I’m in love with an adorable great-grandchild. June and I already are sharing laughs and hugs and she’s just 3 months old. Lucky for me, her mom — my granddaughter — has gone back to work and I’m getting premium time with “GGB,” the joy of my life — from fun afternoons to bath time and bedtime, four or five days a week.

June’s becoming quite the little charmer, with her big brown eyes, plump cheeks and bashful smile. I’m thankful she came along to fill a void I didn’t know existed.

On Thursday, June and granddaughter Josey and I will be sharing Thanksgiving dinner with friends and acquaintances at Roser Church, something I did prior to the pandemic and so look forward to doing again. It definitely kicks off the holiday season with a large serving of gratitude.

I hope your Thanksgiving plans will be “delicious,” whether it’s a visit to the beach, fishing for dinner, a stroll on a bayfront pier, sunrise on the bay or sunset on the beach, and I hope the hustle and bustle on Anna Maria Island gives you a holiday glow.

Meanwhile, there’s plenty to wish for on Anna Maria Island.

Our 30th Annual Islander Wish Book is published as a special section in the newspaper this week and there’s a good chance the participating organizations and groups could see all their wishes come true.

Well, that is, if each reader takes a moment to add at least one item from the many lists of needs we’ve collected to their personal holiday shopping list.

While you’re out shopping for family and friends, shopping for just one item from the wish lists could mean a big difference to the school, the community centers, organizations and service clubs in fulfilling the needs of islanders.

Some items are small, inexpensive and simple to shop for and you’re sure to pass by them in stores during the holidays. Office supplies, sporting goods, games, plants, tools, art supplies and more.

Check your shopping list one more time. And hopefully you can add something that benefits others on Anna Maria Island.

Please, find the spirit of the season in your heart. The gift of giving will be your reward.

We look forward to seeing you over the holidays! And, “Ho, ho, ho” we go.

— Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

Publix price check

I live in Colonial Beach, Virginia, and my family comes down to Anna Maria Island every year for a weeklong vacation.

Like everyone and everywhere else, we are troubled by the high cost of food.

However, I have to say that shopping at Publix, the island supermarket, was alarming due to how much higher the prices are compared to those in Virginia.

Here’s one example.

Last week, in Colonial Beach, I purchased a packet of matches at the supermarket.

I paid $1.

I had to buy matches for birthday cake candles at the island Publix and the cost for the exact same packet was $1.29.

The math is easy —that’s a 29% cost increase.

When we start to assign blame for high prices, don’t forget to include corporate greed, which is apparently the case with Publix.

Rob Rudick, Colonial Beach, Virginia

Detour sign forces detour for pedestrians, cyclists

As you have no doubt noticed, there is a portable traffic sign on westbound Manatee Avenue as you near Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach advising motorists about the construction on Gulf and Marina Drives.

OK, fine, they should be warned. But does the sign have to block the sidewalk, also used by bicyclists? I think not. I can’t believe it was actually placed there. There is plenty of room on the shoulder. Locating it where it is sends an unspoken message: “We are not a biker-friendly island.”

Perhaps having The Islander place this in the public eye will help get the sign relocated.

— Karl Hamlin, Bradenton

our theme, “We’re Glad You’re Here,” originated in the 1980s with a restaurant trade group. We hope everyone feels welcome on AMI. — The Islander

Write! The Islander welcomes your opinion letters. Submit your opinion along with name, address and phone number to news@islander.org.

Pier parking

The

Strike a pose

The postcard features a woman posing on a set meant to portray the beaches of Anna Maria Island. The undated postcard, by S.H. Kress and Co., advertises the Anna Maria Beach Co. and is part of the Blalock collection at the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in Bradenton. Islander Photos: Courtesy of Manatee County Public Library Historical Digital Collections

10&20 years ago

From the Nov. 20, 2002, issue

• At an Anna Maria commission meeting on variance requests for exceptions to right-of-way violations, two residents threatened to settle their differences in the city hall parking lot. A Manatee County sheriff’s deputy attended the meeting and intervened in the argument.

• School District of Manatee County attorneys told Anna Maria Elementary’s principal that selling raffle tickets for a prize was against school board policy.

• The Florida Communities Trust Equity approved a grant — $6 million — to purchase 480 acres of wetlands along Perico Bayou for a preserve. The grant to Manatee County saved the land from development.

From the Nov. 21, 2012, issue

• Manatee County accepted five blue flags during a ceremony at Coquina Beach celebrating a “Blue Wave” award for clean beaches.

• Anna Maria commissioners elected SueLynn as mayor during an organizational meeting held after the November election. No one qualified to run for mayor, so the commission appointed one of its own.

• Holmes Beach public works superintendent Joe Duennes, a top city official of more than 15 years, abruptly resigned. Duennes had been the focus of criticism during the 2012 election, which resulted in the ouster of Mayor Rich Bohnenberger.

— Lisa Neff

Find The Islander dating to November 1992 online at the UofF Digital Newspaper Collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

postcard, dated 1930-45, shows the Anna Maria City Pier at the east end of Pine Avenue on Bay Boulevard. The historic pier was built in 1911 and demolished in 2017 due to damage from Hurricane Irma.

Beach patrol at practice

Beach Patrol Capt. Karen Burkett, left, organizes rescue training Nov. 8 with WaveRunner operator Jack Bratcher and Shannon Cielinski at Longboat Pass. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

Lifeguard Kaylie McCarthy, right, is all smiles Nov. 8 as she initiates a training rescue of Shannon Cielinski at Longboat Pass in Bradenton Beach. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

ABovE: Lifeguard Shannon Cielinski plays the role of the shallow water “passive victim” during Nov. 8 training exercises at Longboat Pass. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

LEFT: Manatee County Beach Patrol complete a training exercise Nov. 8 at Longboat Pass. The training included implementation of a variety of water rescue techniques using floatation devices, rescue boards and personal watercraft. Islander Photo: Jacob Merrifield

Manatee County’s beach lifeguards train at Longboat Pass

Bradenton Beach faces prolonged Ian recovery plan

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Bradenton Beach Police Chief John Cosby updated commissioners Nov. 17 on storm damage and repairs underway at the police station.

The roof was damaged during Ian and the front office experienced water infiltration, Cosby said.

ServPro, hired by the city to help assess the situation, determined the damage was not as severe as initially thought.

Still, Cosby said, “At the PD, we are definitely over our deductible. We have a 10% deductible of the value of the building, it’s somewhere between $16,000 and $17,500 that will be the city’s portion,” said Cosby. “Anything over that, we will pay for and submit to FEMA for the replacement of the deductible.”

The chief said the city also might experience a wait for FEMA reimbursement.

“During Irma, I don’t think we got our first check for about 12-14 months,” Cosby said. “It’s a long process.”

The commission approved two requests for funds to repair the repair the police station.

Commissioner Ralph Cole motioned to accept ServePro’s quote, of $6,096.45 to remediate water damage to the police station interior and Commissioner Marylin Maro seconded.

The motion passed unanimously.

Cole also motioned to approve a quote from Roofs for Life Inc. for roof and soffit repairs not to exceed $20,000, which was seconded by Commissioner Jan Vosburgh.

The motion passed by unanimous vote.

Cosby said he and public works director Tom Woodard were meeting with FEMA the next day.

“Right now, we are estimating that the total damage

Milestones

The Islander welcomes photographs and notices of milestones. Submit announcements and photographs to news@islander.org.

loss to the city is about $120,000 for this event,” Cosby said. In addition to damage at the police station, Ian damaged the BBPD boat lift and caused major tree damage and debris cleanup throughout the city.

In other matters …

• Commissioner Jake Spooner spoke about concerns over setbacks for corner lots.

“It was brought to my attention that the setback for corner lots were changed from 10 feet to 15 feet,” Spooner said.

Spooner said developers could purchase two lots and build larger houses with higher density and smaller green spaces if they combined corner lots.

Building official Steve Gilbert said regardless of lot size, current zoning allows a builder to only utilize 35% of the lot for the building footprint.

Gilbert said the setbacks were changed for ingress and egress from driveways along Gulf Drive when the city learned traffic laws made backing onto Gulf Drive

illegal. So setbacks were enlarged to deter backing out.

Gilbert also said south of Bridge Street, where lots typically are smaller, the setback increase allows for placement of driveways on side streets rather than on Gulf Drive.

The commission reached a consensus to schedule a joint workshop with the planning and zoning board to discuss setbacks for corner lots.

• Commissioners heard the final reading of an ordinance for a 90-day moratorium on any authorization or franchise for golf carts and low-speed vehicles.

The moratorium allows the city to develop regulations for such uses.

The commission agreed a draft ordinance would be workshopped in 2023.

Vosburgh motioned to enact the moratorium and it was seconded by Spooner. It passed unanimously.

The next commission meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

Sunny game day

visitor Nick Bamonte of Cincinnati, left, tosses a ball in october to his grandson, Jayden Lilly, 9, while his daughter, Gabbi Tompkins, plays defense at Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach. Islander

Photo: Ryan Paice

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ONGOING ON AMI

Throughout November, artist Marg Williamson’s “Venues Remembered” exhibit, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: islandgallerywest.com, 941-778-6648.

Through Dec. 31, Artists’ Guild Gallery Hand-Made Holiday Ornaments exhibit and sale, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694.

Tuesdays Through May 9, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Anna Maria Farmers Market, City Pier Park, North Bay Boulevard and Pine Avenue, Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130.

Tuesdays Through March 7, 6:30 p.m., Anna Maria Movies in the Park, City Pier Park, North Bay Boulevard and Pine Avenue, Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130.

ONGOING AROUND AMI

Through Nov. 27, “Queens of the Air and Empresses of the Arena,” the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-360-7390, ringling.org.

Through Jan. 15, 2023, “Multiple: Prince Twins Seventh-Seven” exhibit Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg. Fee applies. Information: 941-896-2667, mfastpete.org.

Through March 26, 2023, “True Nature: Rodin and the Age of Impressionism” exhibit Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg. Fee applies. Information: 941-896-2667, mfastpete. org.

Through May 28, 2023, “Gods and Lovers: Painting and Sculpture from India,” the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-360-7390, ringling.org.

Through May 2023, 9 a.m-2 p.m., Downtown Bradenton Public Market, Old Main Street, Bradenton. Information: 941-932-9439.

First Fridays, 6-9:30 p.m., Village of the Arts First Fridays Artwalk, 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Information: villageofthearts.com

Second and fourth Saturdays, 2-4 p.m., Music on the Porch jam session, presented by the Florida Maritime Museum and Cortez Cultural Center, outdoors, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: floridamaritimemuseum.org, fmminfo@manateeclerk.com.

“Caught in the Storm: 100 Years of Florida Hurricanes” exhibit, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: floridamaritimemuseum.org.

SAVE THE DATE

Dec. 2-3, Realize Bradenton’s Bradenton Blues Fest, Bradenton.

Dec. 10, Bradenton Gulf Islands Concert Series at the Center of Anna Maria Island presents “Beatlemania Now!,” Anna Maria.

Dec. 31, Realize Bradenton’s Main Street Live/New Year’s Eve Extravaganza, Bradenton.

Jan. 12-29, Island Players’ “The Odd Couple,” Anna Maria.

Jan. 15, Island Players’ auditions, “The 39 Steps,” Anna Maria.

Jan. 21, Bradenton Gulf Islands Concert Series at the Center of Anna Maria Island presents Tommy DeCarlo of Boston, Anna Maria.

Feb. 11, 2023, Sarasota Bay Watch Scallopalooza, Sarasota.

Feb. 18-19, 2023, Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, Cortez.

Feb. 25, Bradenton Gulf Islands Concert Series at the Center of Anna Maria Island presents Grand Funk Railroad, Anna Maria.

March 18-19, Anna Maria Island Art League Springfest, Holmes Beach.

March 21, Bradenton Gulf Islands Concert Series at the Center of Anna Maria Island presents The Orchestra, Anna Maria.

KIDS & FAMILY

ON AMI

Tuesday, Nov. 29

10 a.m. — Story time, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-778-6341.

AROUND AMI

Wednesday, Nov. 23

6-9 p.m. — Realize Bradenton’s Main Street Live Thanksgiving celebration, Old Main, Bradenton. Information: 941-685-8196. Saturday, Nov. 26

9-3 p.m. — Orban’s Nursery annual poinsettia sale and celebration, 9601 Ninth Ave. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-7928717.

5:30 p.m. — Light Up Longboat holiday lights event, Town Center Green, 600 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Information: 941383-2466.

ONGOING AROUND AMI

First Wednesdays, “SOAR in 4” family night, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131, bishopscience.org

Through March 18, “Towers of Tomorrow with LEGO Bricks,” the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131, bishopscience.org

SAVE THE DATE

Dec. 2, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce holiday tree lighting and open houses, Holmes Beach.

Dec. 3, Center of Anna Maria Island’s Lester Family Fun Day,

Anna Maria.

Holiday season blooms

Poinsettia plants fill orban’s Nursery Nov. 27, 2021. orban’s, which has roots on Anna Maria Island, holds the sale every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This year’s sale will be 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, at 9601 Ninth Ave. NW, Bradenton.

Islander File Photo: Lisa Neff

Dec. 3, Holiday Boat Parade and Fair, Bradenton Beach. Dec. 9, Santa in the Park and Holiday Walk of Treasures, Anna Maria.

Dec. 10, Anna Maria Island Privateers Christmas Parade, islandwide.

Dec. 10, Florida Maritime Museum’s Christmas in Cortez, Cortez.

Dec. 15-18, Palma Sola Botanical Park’s Winter Nights Under the Lights, Bradenton.

Dec. 17, Bradenton Beach Area Merchants Christmas on Bridge Street celebration, Bradenton Beach.

CLUBS & COMMUNITY

ON AMI

Monday, Nov. 28

10 a.m. — Creative Aging Series: Drawing, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Reservations required. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-778-6341.

1 p.m. — Climate Smart Series, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-7786341.

Wednesday, Nov. 30

10 a.m. — Aging Series: Caregiving, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Reservations required. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-778-6341.

ONGOING ON AMI

Fridays, 11:30 a.m., Mahjong Club experienced players, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee. org/library, 941-778-6341. CANCELED NOV. 25.

Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-778-1383, amikiwanis.com.

Wednesdays, 1 p.m., Mahjong Club beginners, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/ library, 941-778-6341.

ONGOING AROUND AMI

Second Fridays, 1 p.m., Parkinson’s Combined Support Group, the Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-6493.

Mondays, 1 p.m., Thinking Out Loud discussions, the Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Information: 941-3836493.

Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island lunch meeting, Slicker’s Eatery, 12012 Cortez Road W., Cortez. Information: 512-944-4177, amirotary.org.

Second Tuesdays, 4 p.m., Cortez Village Historical Society meetings, Cortez Cultural Center, 11655 Cortez Road W., Cortez. Information: 941-840-0590, cortezvillagehistoricalsociety.org.

Visit islander.org for the best news on AMI.

Island happenings

Tuesday in the park

Grumpy’s Farm Market booth brings in customers oct. 11 at the Anna Maria Farmers Market at City Pier Park. The cityoperated market operates 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays into May under the shade sails at the park at the corner of North Bay Boulevard and Pine Avenue.

AM lighting contest returns

Who’s got the holiday spirit?

Anna Maria residents and businesses have until 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, to sign up to show their spirit and participate in the city’s Bright Holiday Lights contest.

The contest encourages people to decorate their homes and businesses for the holiday season in hopes of winning awards.

Judges will tour the city and announce winners at an awards ceremony to be scheduled.

Applications can be found on the city website, cityofannamaria.com, or at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

Completed applications can be returned to city hall, emailed to amsradmin@cityofannamaria.com, faxed to 941-708-6134 or mailed to the city at P.O. Box 779, Anna Maria, FL 34216.

There is no application fee.

— Ryan Paice

SAVE THE DATE

Dec. 2, Toys for Tots campaign open house, Holmes Beach.

Dec. 13, Anna Maria Island and West Manatee Democratic Club holiday celebration, Bradenton.

Dec. 14, Paradise Center’s Veterans Canteen gathering, Longboat Key.

Dec. 15, Paradise Center’s memory screenings, Longboat Key.

Dec. 16, Anna Maria Garden Club meeting, Anna Maria.

Jan. 14, Center of Anna Maria Island beach cleanup, Anna Maria.

Jan. 20, Anna Maria Garden Club meeting, Anna Maria.

Feb. 11, Center of Anna Maria Island beach cleanup, Anna Maria.

OUTDOORS & SPORTS ON AMI

Wednesday, Nov. 23

9 a.m. — Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources’ Seashell Shore Walk, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-742-5923.

ONGOING ON AMI

AMI Dragon Boat Team-Paddlers from Paradise practices and meetups, various times and locations. Information: 941-462-2626, mrbradway@gmail.com.

ONGOING AROUND AMI

Saturdays, 9 a.m., Robinson Runners run, walk stroll, Robinson Preserve NEST, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW., Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923, crystal.scherer@mymanatee.org, mymanatee.org.

Saturdays, 9 a.m., Mornings at the NEST, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW., Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923, mymanatee.org.

SAVE THE DATE

Feb. 25, Pittsburgh Pirates spring training opens, Bradenton.

March 12, Sunshine Skyway 10K race, Skyway Bridge.

April 7, Bradenton Marauders season opens, Bradenton.

“PAW Patrol: The Movie” will be shown Tuesday, Nov. 29, at City Pier Park. Islander Courtesy Photo

Patrol’ in Pier Park

Mayor Humdinger’s causing trouble in Adventure City!

What’s a boy and his dogs to do?

Yes, “PAW Patrol: The Movie” will be screened at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29, in City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., part of the city’s Tuesday night movie series.

Here’s the plot of “PAW Patrol:” Ryder, a 10-yearold boy, and his puppy patrol are called to Adventure City to stop the dog-disliking Mayor Humdinger from turning the bustling metropolis of into a state of chaos.

Other upcoming films include:

• Dec. 6: “The Greatest Showman.”

• Dec. 13: “Rio Bravo.”

• Dec. 20: “The Polar Express.”

• Dec. 27: “Sing 2.”

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own blankets, chairs and snacks.

For more, call the city at 941-708-6130.

Artist’s honors

Susanna Spann of Cortez celebrates a first-place award at Bradenton’s Art Center Manatee, host of the exhibition “Where the HeART Grows.” Spann won for her painting, “ Hide and Seek with the Fritzels.” She recently was recognized with a merit award for her work at the ocala Art Festival and also the Florida Watercolor Society presented her the Blick Art Materials and Cheap Joes awards of merit.

Nov. 24, Thanksgiving.

Dec. 7, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

Dec. 17, Hanukkah begins.

Dec. 21, winter begins.

Dec. 25, Christmas.

Dec. 26, Kwanzaa begins.

Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve.

Islander Photo: Samara Paice

Islander Courtesy Photo

Kitty Cole of the AMI Garden Club, left, and Karen McDonald of Bradenton Beach talk over a coconut palm at the “check-out” table Nov. 18 at the Anna Maria Garden Club plant sale. Coconut palms grown from the coconut were just one of the popular items for sale at the fundraiser.

Holiday happenings set for Anna Maria Island

Ho, ho how many visits to Anna Maria Island will Santa make before Christmas Eve?

He’s booked for at least nine appearances on or near AMI, including the annual Lester Family Fun Day 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Center of Anna Maria Island.

Chuck and Joey Lester of Holmes Beach and Wisconsin are the contributors and originators of the allages celebration that features “old-fashioned fun at old-fashioned prices.”

A notice from the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, promised a lineup of fun activities and performances, along with food, prizes, a visit from Santa and a 50/50 golf ball drop.

Santa also is set make appearances at events in Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach and on Longboat Key that marry the “shop local” campaign with holiday merrymaking, including:

• Holiday Walk and Tree Lighting in Holmes Beach’s City Center 5-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2. The evening includes extended shopping hours in “downtown”

Holmes Beach, holiday music, visits by the Anna Maria Island Privateers, refreshments and the outdoor giant Christmas tree lighting at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, 5313 Gulf Drive.

• Fourth annual Holiday Boat Parade and Faire on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach 6 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3, with the best parade viewing on Longboat Pass Bridge and the Historic Bridge Street Pier. Parade entries are at boat-parade.com.

• Holiday Walk of Treasures/Santa Stops Here in Anna Maria 4-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9. The evening includes extended shopping hours at businesses on Pine Avenue and Gulf Drive, as well as holiday carols in City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., and festivities at the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum, 402 Pine Ave. Santa Stops Here is 4-5:30 p.m. The open houses are 5-8 p.m.

• Christmas on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach 3-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17. The evening includes children’s activities, visits with Santa and entertainment, including a 7:30 p.m. family movie.

Also, look for Santa in the Anna Maria Island Privateers’ Christmas Parade, which will begin at about 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, followed by a party in the park with Santa visits.

Additional appearances by the big man are expected off the island, including at:

• Light Up Longboat holiday lights celebration at Town Center Green, 600 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26. The evening includes selfies with Santa, holiday music, raffles, concessions and a tree-lighting at 6:30 p.m.

• Christmas in Cortez, 1-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Organizers offer “a merry time at the maritime.”

• Palma Sola Botanical Park’s Winter Nights Under the Lights, 6-9 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, Dec. 15-18, 9800 17th Ave. NW, Bradenton. The evenings include visits with Santa, bakery and hot beverage concessions and walks through the decorated park.

— Lisa Neff

You had me at aloe Scott Toland of Anna Maria, left, and Bruce Meyer of Holmes Beach confer with Anna Maria Island Garden Club member Janet Smith over a selection of succulents.

Islander Photos: Robert Anderson

ToP LEFT: The Campbell family of Ft. Lauderdale stops for a holiday photo in front of the Bradenton Beach Christmas tree Nov. 19. Pictured are dad Chris, mom Anfisa, daughter Avrora and son Konstantin.

ToP: And what do you want for Christmas? Santa and Mrs. Claus, aka Jeff Zelna and Jamie Bond, listen to Christmas wishes from a young celebrant at the Bridge Street event in Bradenton Beach.

LEFT: The Sweet Adelines chorus performs Christmas carols during the holiday tree-lighting ceremony on Bridge Street.

Islander Photos: Robert Anderson

Tidings

By Lisa Neff

Roser hosts Thanksgiving worship, dinner

Roser Memorial Community Church will open Thursday, Nov. 24, to give thanks and celebrate the holiday.

Worship will be at 11 a.m. at the church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

Roser also will host a community Thanksgiving dinner at 1 p.m. in the church fellowship hall.

For more information, call Roser at 941-778-0414 or go online to roserchurch.com.

Longboat Island Chapel celebrates holiday season

The Longboat Island Chapel will host a series of evening events Nov. 27-Dec. 31 to mark the holidays.

Christmas in the Garden: A Celebration of Lights and Music will begin about 5 p.m. and continue until 9 p.m. each night at the chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key.

The celebration will include holiday music, lights, decorated trees, refreshments and, on select nights, special musical performances and refreshments.

There is no admission fee.

For more information, call the chapel at 941-3836491 or go online to longboatislandchapel.org.

Obituaries

Roberta (Knoll) Augostini

Roberta (Knoll) Augostini, 80, of Bradenton and formerly of Anna Maria Island, died Nov. 16, surrounded by her loving family in Bradenton.

She was born Oct. 10, 1942, in Salinas, California.

She graduated from East High School in Rochester, New York, in 1960. She worked as a legal secretary and paralegal for many years in Rochester, then in real estate after “retiring” to Bradenton in 1993. She married Carl Augostini, her best friend and the love of her life in 1963. Together they especially enjoyed time with family, friends and their life on Anna Maria Island. She worshipped the sun, walks on the beach and bike rides on the island. She was an outstanding cook and loved to entertain and celebrate every day. She loved animals, music, reading, dining, traveling and holiday baking and decorating. She was extremely proud of her children and grandchildren.

No service is planned at this time. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to Mrs. Augostini’s favorite charity, St. Jude’s Research Hospital. Condolences may be made at brownandsonsfuneral.com

Mrs. Augostini is survived by her children and their spouses; Craig and Lisa and Carla and Derek Dobbertin; grandchildren Nicholas and Suzy and Louis and Mary Jacobs; brother, Kurt and wife Diane Knoll and literally hundreds of nieces and nephews.

ON AMI

CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-0719, crosspointefellowship.church, @CrossPointeFellowship.

Worship: Sundays, 9 a.m.

Ongoing: Wednesdays, 7 a.m., men’s Bible meeting; Wednesdays, 6 p.m., supper; Wednesdays, Night Blast, 6:45 p.m.; Fridays, 10 a.m. women’s Bible meeting.

Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-1638, amiannunciation.org, @EpiscopalChurchoftheAnnunciationatHolmesBeach.

Worship: Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.; Sundays, 8 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.

Ongoing: Wednesdays, 8 a.m., men’s meeting; Mondays, 1 p.m., book group; Tuesdays, 6 p.m. first and second, 5 p.m. third and fourth, Terrific Tuesdays.

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive. Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-1813, gloriadeilutheran.com.

Worship: Sundays, 9:30 a.m.

Ongoing: Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m., social gathering, Manatee Public Beach; Sundays, 10:15 a.m., coffee and fellowship.

Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-779-1912.

Worship: Sundays, 9:15 a.m.

Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414, roserchurch.com, @roserchurch.

Worship: Sundays, 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m.

Ongoing: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m., Roser Robics; Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Roser Thrift Store; Wednesdays, 6:15 p.m., Youth Performing Arts, second and fourth Thursdays, 11 a.m., Just Older Youth group programs with brown-bag lunch; Thursdays, 5:30 p.m., Roser Ringers rehearsal; 7 p.m., Thursdays, choir rehearsal; Sundays, 8:30 a.m., adult Sunday school and coffee and conversation sessions.

St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-4769, stbernardcc.com, @stbernardcc.

Francis ‘Frank’ Hall

Francis “Frank” Hall, 81, of Narragansett, Rhode Island, and Holmes Beach, died Nov. 16, surrounded by family.

He grew up in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and was a graduate of La Salle Academy and Providence College. He remained an active alumnus of the college, establishing the Frank and Kathleen Hall Scholarship Fund to assist students with financial needs and served as a member of the buildings and properties committee. He also was an avid supporter of PC basketball and hockey.

Mr. Hall was a member of Point Judith Country Club and the Dunes Club.

He had a 32-year career at CVS, retiring in 2004 as senior vice president of real estate. He then served at J.P. Morgan Chase Bank as executive vice president until 2010. In retirement, he established Frank Hall Consulting LLC.

He cherished every moment spent with his family and especially his grandchildren. They truly were his

At your service

Obituaries are offered as a community service to residents and families of residents, both past and present, as well as to those people with ties to the island. Submit to news@islander.org. Obituaries are free — a service of your community newspaper. Paid obituaries can be discussed with advertising consultant Toni Lyon at 941-778-7978.

Worship With Us At Our Church

Sunday Ser vice 10:00 AM

The Rev Dr Nor man Pritchard

Men’s Bible Study: Monday @ 9:00

Women’s Bible Study: Wednesday @ 10:00

Visitors & Residents Welcome Watch Our 10: 00 AM Ser vice Live: www.bit.ly/cclbksermons or www christchurchof lbk org (follow YouTube link)

Worship: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.; Saturdays, 4 p.m.; Sundays, 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.

Ongoing: Mondays-Fridays, 8 a.m., rosary; Wednesdays, 7:30 a.m., Rosary on the Beach at Manatee Public Beach; Saturdays, 3:30 p.m., confession.

OFF AMI

Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian USA, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Info: 941-900-4903, christchurchoflbk.org, @CCLBK.

Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.

Ongoing: Wednesdays, 10 a.m., Women’s Bible Study; Mondays, 9 a.m., Men’s Bible Study.

Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Info: 941-383-6491, longboatislandchapel.org, @longboatislandchapel.

Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.

Ongoing: Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Lord’s Warehouse Thrift Shop; Wednesdays, 10 a.m., Bible study; Mondays, 4 p.m., choir rehearsal.

Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Info: 941-383-3428.

Worship: Fridays, Shabbat, 5:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.

Ongoing: Fridays, 6:45 p.m., choir call.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Nov. 24, 11 a.m., Roser Thanksgiving worship.

Nov. 24, 1 p.m., Roser Community Thanksgiving dinner.

Nov. 27-Dec. 31, Longboat Island Chapel Christmas in the Garden.

Dec. 3, 9:30 a.m., CrossPointe REAL Women Annual Christmas Brunch.

Dec. 3, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Episcopal Church of the Annunciation Holly Berry Bazaar and Food Market.

Dec. 4, St. B Women’s Guild Poinsettia Sale.

Dec. 11, 2 p.m., Gloria Dei Christmas concert.

Dec. 11, 6 p.m., Roser Bethlehem Walk.

Dec. 18, Roser Christmas Cantata.

Gathering: Submit your news to calendar@ islander.org.

greatest joy.

Mass and internment were held in Rhode Island.

Memorial donations may be made to Saint Thomas More Parish Mission, 53 Rockland St., Narragansett, RI 02882 or to the Hall Scholarship Fund, Providence College Office of Annual Giving, Harkins Hall 412, 1 Cunningham Square, Providence, RI 02918-0001. Condolences may be made to thequinnfuneralhome. com.

Mr. Hall is survived by his wife of 58 years, Kathleen S. (Deslaurier); children Joseph of Keymar, Maryland, Susan of Attleboro, Massachusetts, James of Newport, Rhode Island, and Jonathan of Washington, D.C.; daughters-in-law Camby, Claire, and Katie; and grandchildren Kane, Taylor, Brady, Henry and Posey.

GoodDeeds

Compiled by Lisa Neff

Helping at holidays

• A Paradise Realty and Vacation Rentals, 5201 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, is collecting for Toys for Tots, including at a Dec. 2 open house. Info: 941-7379642.

• Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, seeks volunteers to help prepare the community Thanksgiving dinner Nov. 24. Info: 941-778-0414.

• The Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island is ringing the bell for Salvation Army donations Dec. 5-9 and seeking volunteers. Information: Email Judy Rup at freshnfruiti@hotmail.com.

Church

SUNDAY WORSHIP

8:30 AM & 10:00 AM

IN PERSON � in the Sanctuary Nursery • Children’s Church ONLINE � Watch LIVE or LATER RoserChurch.com

Text ROSER to 22828 to receive the weekly eBulletin

The CHAPEL is open during office hours for prayer and meditation

@RoserChurch

Compiled by Lisa Neff

Augostini

Hall

Island food pantry reaches out for help, fund ‘relatively low’

Organizers at the Roser Food Pantry don’t want bare cupboards.

The church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, Nov. 16 issued a call for support as the holiday season arrives.

Financial administrator Matt Meehan in the notice said the pantry — the only one on the island — is “relatively low on funds.”

The pantry, administered by Roser volunteers with support from island churches, businesses and residents, serves islanders, workers and students.

In a typical year, the pantry assists more than 500 individuals and families, providing packed grocery bags and monthly Publix gift cards.

Each beneficiary has a church-connected sponsor who monitors their needs.

Roser invited those who turn to the pantry to com ment on its value. Testimonials from five pantry ben eficiaries follow:

• “I want to personally thank Roser Church and their food program. This gift of food has helped me tremendously be able to eat while healing and getting back on my feet to seek employment. This program is an enormous blessing to those like me that were and are in need. God bless all of you for making this help and gift available.”

• “Thank you for the Publix gift card. Please be assured that the money is being used to put food on my table and that doesn’t mean steak and lobster tails. I do my best to shop prudently and watch the weekly sales flyer online and the BOGO items. I’m not exactly sure who my sponsor is but I hope you will let them know that I am deeply grateful for the support over the past few months. I’m sure that the others receiving these funds are thankful for your program and the donors.”

• “We are very grateful for your generosity and kindness. Your wonderful gift has been so helpful. Not just financially but also spiritually as well. It is your thoughtful gesture that has kept (my son) and I going through these challenging times. We thank you so much for your help.”

• “Me and my three boys have been getting a gift

Happy Thanks-Living

card from you guys for a while now. I kept thinking every month was going to be the last month but we kept getting them and they have been so very helpful! I’m a single mom and I do get food stamps but the gift card helps with cleaning supplies and shampoo and things like that. It’s so much appreciated.”

• “I write you with a thankful and grateful heart. Out of nowhere last month, I had to fly on an emer gency up north for my mom with 80% heart blockage. So me again out of work and out of income. I feel like I’m on an unending merry-go-round. I get up, get on my feet, then get knocked back down and start all over again. Honestly, if it wasn’t for my faith and relation ship and trust that I have in the Lord, I couldn’t imag ine. Thank you for being a blessing and true angel in my life.”

This year, to maintain assistance for all benefi

Roser Memorial Community Church facilities administra tor Charles Wade, third from left, joins Roser Food Pantry volunteers Pat Sibrinsz, left, Wanda Crummy and Shirley Banas in the storeroom. The pantry is at 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. To help or to get help, call 941-778-0414.

ciaries, many beneficiaries had their benefits reduced, according to Roser.

And now, Roser is asking for help going into the holiday season.

“Thank you to the donors who fund the Roser Food Pantry,” Meehan wrote in a Nov. 16 letter to supporters. “Your donations make the world a better place and share the love of Christ with our brothers and sisters. Thank you to the volunteers who stock and operate the pantry on their own time.”

To make financial contributions to the pantry, send checks to Roser Church, P.O. Box 247, Anna Maria, FL 34216.

To donate cash or nonperishable goods, visit Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Thursday.

For more info, call Roser at 941-778-0414.

Islander Courtesy Photo

Jack Brennan col lects money, food and other items Nov. 19 for the Roser Food Pantry, which he chairs, at the Thanks-Living on AMI event at City Pier Park.

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy helps himself to the buffet Nov. 19 while attending Thanks-Living under the shade sails at City Pier Park in Anna Maria. Thanks-Living on AMI began in 2019 as a com munity potluck dinner ahead of the holiday season.

Islander Photos: Courtesy Carol Carter

Grab

AmE NEWS

Brook Morrison

Cleanup among the mangroves

Anna Maria Elementary Garden Club volunteers work Nov. 12

to

fifth-grader Penny Payne shows off her poster Nov. 13 depicting how trash gets into the ocean during a coastal cleanup effort at Joan M. Durante Park on Longboat Key. Penny and friends created a

AME Calendar

• Nov. 23-25, Thanksgiving holiday, no school.

• Wednesday, Dec. 7, STEM Night.

• Dec. 5-8, Scholastic Book Fair.

• Dec. 15-16, Polar Express.

• Friday, Dec. 16, holiday cookie exchange.

• Tuesday, Dec. 20, 5:30 p.m., PTO dinner in the cafeteria, 6:30 p.m., fifth-grade play in the auditorium.

• Dec. 19-21, holiday shopper.

• Friday, Dec. 23, winter break begins.

• Tuesday, Jan. 10, school begins.

AME 4th-graders luau to Hawaiian beat Visit islander.org for the best news .

Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

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ABovE: Anna Maria Elementary fourth-graders perform a musical Nov. 15 in the school auditorium. The next play, featuring fifth-graders, and a pre-play PTo dinner will be Tuesday, Dec. 20. The dinner will be at 5:30 p.m. in the cafeteria and the play at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend.

group, the Four Directions, to help the island community. The next kids’ coastal cleanup will be in January. Islander Photo: Brook Morrison

Holiday dinner, turkey and all, made easy, fun with desserts

Special holiday fare

By Bonner Joy

I learned long ago from my friend of 50-plus years, chef Augie Mrozowski — now retired from a very suc cessful restaurant career in Springfield, Illinois, how to cook a turkey like the pros — moist, tender, delicious and easy.

We cook the bird upside down at 400 degrees Fahr enheit and only turn it over at the end for about 10-15 minutes to brown the top. (And no stuffing.)

Before the turkey goes in, the pan is lined with scraps from the prep work — potato peels, onion skins and celery tops — and the bird is dusted liberally (inside and out) with salt and both white pepper and fresh-ground black pepper. The turkey juice simmers with the veggies, which later is strained and poured off for a delicious gravy.

But don’t overcook the bird. Use a meat thermom eter if you must and you’ll enjoy some very moist, delicious turkey. A big 25-pound turkey should only have to cook about two and a half hours.

It’s just a turkey, after all, not jerky.

Granny’s Turkey DressInG

Granny’s Turkey Dressing will make the meal spe cial. This “stuffing” recipe came from my stepfather’s family. I have to wonder why we don’t have it more than once a year — it’s simple and yummy.

Here’s how I do it now. In a disposable, foil roaster pan, mix a bag of seasoned, cubed stuffing mix with a bag of crunchy corn bread stuffing mix. You can use dried bread, but you’ll need to compen sate by adding poultry herb mix. Stir in one large chopped onion and a large head of celery chopped. (Do not saute the veggies.) Brown 1 pound each ham burger and breakfast sausage and mix into the roast ing pan. Sprinkle with poultry seasoning (premixed spice).

While you’re doing all this, you should have been boiling the turkey giblets. Pour the giblet water plus some au jus from the turkey over the dressing and stir, but just to moisten — not too wet. Add some finely chopped giblets, if you like. (And save some giblets for your gravy.)

This stuffing/dressing goes in the oven when the turkey comes out, as it only takes a short time to cook — mostly to brown. I usually brown it, stir it and brown again a few times.

BY MICHAEL LIEBERMAN

And since the turkey is out and being carved, quickly de-bone and chop up the crispy wing meat and browned skin and stir into the dressing while it’s cooking in the oven. You might also have to remoisten the mix with turkey broth — either from your au jus or from store-bought broth.

smooTh Gravy every TIme

Next step, the turkey should be out of the oven, resting before you start slicing. And the roasting pan can go right on the stove top at a medium temperature, add a cup of water or two and stir, stir, stir. Drain the au jus from the vegetable scraps and you’re ready to finish — no lumps, guaranteed. Mix three to four tablespoons of soft butter (soft, not fully melted) with the same

amount of flour and stir until thick and smooth and spoon into the simmering au jus. Stir the au jus until thickened (add more flour-butter mix — it’s called roux) if needed.

FlorIDa cranberry relIsh

The relish is my recipe. It’s all done in the blender or food processor. (I definitely do things the easy way whenever possible.) Dump in a bag of cranberries, add sections from one peeled Florida orange, a quart of fresh strawberries (if frozen, be sure to get the whole ones with no added sugar or water). Then chop, chop, chop. Pour in about 10 packets of sweetener — your choice — to taste. Of course, you can use sugar, but I never do and even the chef doesn’t notice.

Another thing I never do is measure. Blend, chop, whir it all up and then mix in chunky chopped pecans and crispy, tiny bits of chopped celery. Finish with some orange zest. More strawberries? More better.

My son Damon — also a chef — loved this recipe so much that he adapted it for restaurants and shared it readily.

It makes a lot of relish but it freezes well and you can use it with a yummy pork roast. (And if you’re invited to dinner, definitely offer to bring the relish.)

appeTIzers?

I used to look for smoked mullet in Cortez before Thanksgiving to make my own spicy mullet spread, but nowadays I let my friend James “Wyre” Lee at the Cortez Seafood Market handle the fish spread.

Whether mullet, grouper or salmon, his smoked fish spreads are awesome. I usually add a little Loui siana hot sauce or Tiger Sauce (tangy and spicy and available at grocers) and serve with some good crack ers. Right now my favorite is any cracker that comes with “everything” seasoning and seeds.

Next course, stone crab claws with key lime butter.

Then you might find it necessary to take a break from the kitchen and watch a parade, a game or the Westminster dog show!

anD For DesserT

You’ll have to follow us online. Look for Thanks giving recipes in the search bar at islander.org. Sorry, but I had to save the best for last — online.

(smile)

SHORTZ

Michael Lieberman, of Washington, D.C., is an attorney at Fairmark Partners, a consumer-protection firm. This is his ninth Times crossword

Stone crab claws, Key lime juice, hot sauce in hot butter.

Center, BACVB setting 2022-23 stage

The Visit Bradenton Gulf Islands 2022-23 Concert Series will launch Saturday, Dec. 10, with Beatlemania Now! at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

The series will continue into 2023 with three more concerts — Tommy DeCarlo of Boston fame on Jan. 21, Grand Funk Railroad on Feb. 25 and The Orchestra on March 21.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. An opening act takes the stage at 7 p.m. and the headliner goes on at 8 p.m.

Concert presenters include the center, Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Manatee County Tourist Development Council, the Sandbar Restaurant of Anna Maria and Cedar Cove Resort and Cottages of Holmes Beach.

Contributors Ed Chiles, owner of the Sandbar, and Ed Cairns, owner of Cedar Cove, serve on the TDC board.

Rich Engler, who has produced past concert series, returns to book the talent for the 2022-23 series.

For more details, go online to centerami.org/ events.

— Lisa Neff

Center boosts coat drive over last year’s total

The Center of Anna Maria Island’s second annual coat drive resulted in almost three times the result of last year’s collection.

The nonprofit had collected 67 coats and jackets as of Nov. 16, only two days before the drive ended Nov. 18, according to customer service director Jillian Ptak.

The center collected 23 coats over the course of last year’s drive.

The effort will contribute to Bradenton-based Turning Points’ coat drive, which provides Manatee County residents with new or slightly used coats, hats, gloves or scarves.

For more details, go to centerami.org.

— Ryan Paice

Community center $222K in red through 1st quarter

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The Center of Anna Maria Island has quite a lot of digging to do to recover from its losses.

The community center was $222,187.32 in the red through September, three months into the 2022-23 fiscal year, according to a financial report.

It was $50,262 in the black through the same point last year — a negative 542% swing.

The nonprofit finished last year $210,645.58 in the black, its fifth consecutive year in the black after recording a $282,749 loss in 2016-17.

The center has finished in the red all three months of this fiscal year, which began July 1.

The center operates on city property on a special lease at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

It was $76,765 in the red through July — before tacking on $49,578.47 in additional net losses in August. Then September topped July as its worst month thus far, as the nonprofit added $95,892.39 in net losses over that month alone.

Despite a 29% increase in program revenue over

2021-22 through September, from $146,696 last year to $189,855 this year, larger increases in spending have led to the early deficit.

Direct costs for programming have increased by 44% over last year, from $86,448 in FY2021-22 to $124,070 this year, while “general/indirect/admin expenses” increased by 33%, from $150,124 to $199,595.

The nonprofit also has spent $69,284 on capital overlay improvements, such as foyer and bathroom renovations.

“The work continues and we hope to finish these projects before the first of the year,” executive director Chris Culhane wrote in a Nov. 16 email to The Islander. “Once complete, we will work towards updating several other of our deferred capital projects.”

Additionally, the center’s fundraising efforts have gotten off to a slow start, racking up $19,092 in fundraising losses through September.

That’s due to a 64% decrease in fundraising revenue, from $205,585 last year to $73,928 this year to date, as well as a 51% increase in expenses, from $61,716 to $93,020.

However, the center’s loaded slate of upcoming events might reverse that trend, including two in December.

The 20th annual Lester Family Fun Day, a holiday event sponsored every year by Holmes Beach residents Chuck and Joey Lester, is first on the calendar, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at the center.

The event will include a visit from Santa Claus, a performance by the Manatee High School Drum Line, food and beverages, a golf ball drop with a 50/50 raffle prize, pony rides and other family-friendly activities.

Construction is underway as of oct. 7 at the center to add showers to a second-floor bathroom that are compliant with the U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act, a federal law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. The project has added to the nonprofit’s $69,284 capital expenses, almost a third of the $222,187.32 deficit so far in FY2022-23. Islander Photo: Courtesy Chris Culhane

People interested in volunteering for the event can visit centerami.org/events or contact customer service director Jillian Ptak at 941-778-1908 or customerservice@centerami.org.

Another fundraiser, the Bradenton Gulf Island Concert Series, will begin with a tribute to The Beatles — BeatleMania Now — Saturday, Dec. 10, and will be followed by more concerts in 2023.

Doors will open at 6 p.m., with an opening act on stage by 7 p.m. and the headliner’s performance at 8 p.m.

Tickets for the concert series can be found via the center’s website, centerami.org/events.

Bond denied in Cortez hit-and-run case

Bradenton resident David Nichols, 59, facing a trial for aggravated battery and leaving the scene of a 2019 crash in Cortez is back in jail, denied reinstatement of bond after being cited for driving with a suspended license.

Nichols was stopped while driving in the 6000 block of 15th Street East and charged Oct. 14 by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office with driving with a suspended license. The alleged offense is a violation of his pretrial release.

Court records show cancellation for a $150,000 bond that had been issued Jan. 31, 2020.

Bond was denied during a Nov. 15 hearing and Nichols is in the Manatee County jail.

According to Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Courts public information officer Jennifer Linzy,

Streetlife Staff reports Island police reports anna maria

Nov. 11, 101 S. Bay Blvd., Two Scoops Ice Cream Parlor, larceny. Manatee County sheriff’s deputies from the Anna Maria substation responded to an alleged larceny at the shop. A complainant said three youths entered the store and were rude to staff members. They left the store but returned and stole merchandise. Deputies searched the area but did not locate the suspects. An incident report was filed and case number was assigned.

Nov.12, 800 block of South Bay Boulevard, lar-

Nichols will remain in custody until his mid-December trial for aggravated battery.

Nichols is accused of hitting and dragging Fred Gilliland of Cortez underneath his vehicle for nearly a block in the area of 101st Street West near Cortez in November 2019.

Gilliland, known in Cortez as “Fat Freddy,” sustained injuries to his spleen, a lacerated liver, rib fractures, a collapsed lung and facial lacerations. Also, his right arm was amputated as a result of the incident.

If convicted, Nichols faces a mandatory prison sentence with a maximum penalty of 15 years.

The trial is scheduled for 9 a.m. Monday, Dec. 12, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

— Robert Anderson

ceny. An MCSO deputy responded to a call concerning the theft of a boat motor. The owner said someone used bolt cutters to open a locker containing a motor valued at $500. The deputy filed an incident report.

Nov. 14, 500 block of Pine Avenue, larceny. MCSO deputies responded to a call about the theft of a bicycle. A complainant alleged someone stole a bicycle valued at $706 from outside a residence. An incident report was filed.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office polices Anna Maria. bradenton beach

BBPD collecting nonperishables

Bradenton Beach Police Lt. Lenard Diaz shows off cans for a food drive Nov. 16 that is administered by the BBPD. The cans were placed ahead of Nov. 19 to collect donations at the city tree lighting event. “We’re just asking everybody if they could bring anywhere between five cans of nonperishables so that we could give back to the community,” Diaz said. “We know there are a lot of people hurting.”

Islander

Photo: Robert Anderson

Nov. 13, 101 22nd St. N., Tropic Isles Inn, warrant arrest. Bradenton Beach police officers responded to a call from a woman who said she and a male friend had an argument and he refused to leave. She said the man took a firearm and fled before officers could arrive. The officers contacted the man and found no weapon. The officers conducted warrant checks for both people. The woman had an outstanding arrest warrant for fraudulent use of credit cards. She was taken into custody and transported to the Bradenton Beach police station.

The Bradenton Beach Police Department polices Bradenton Beach.

cortez

Nov. 10, 12000 block of Yacht Club Place, vandalism. An MCSO deputy responded to a call concerning criminal mischief involving damage to a boat. The owner said someone trespassed on his dock and lowered his boat lift, trapping a boat under the dock. When

is available at The Islander office, 315 58th St., Holmes Beach.

the tide rose, the vessel was damaged. A case file was assigned and an incident report issued.

The MCSO polices Cortez. holmes beach

Nov. 8, 7200 block of Gulf Drive, seize tag order/ driving with suspended license. An officer from the Holmes Beach Police Department located a vehicle pinged by the city’s license plate recognition system and conducted a traffic stop. He spoke with the driver, who had an expired license plate and whose license had been suspended. The officer issued a warning and a citation for unknowingly driving with a suspended license, then confiscated the plate and placed it in storage.

Nov. 11, 4100 block of Sixth Avenue, theft. A woman called the HBPD to report her low-speed vehicle battery charger had gone missing after she left it unattended overnight. She provided a sworn statement and a serial number for the charger to an officer.

Nov. 13, 5900 block of Manatee Avenue West, careless driving. An officer saw a motorist driving at inconsistent speeds, swerving across traffic lanes and almost striking road signs and medians. The officer conducted a traffic stop and spoke with the driver, who was cited for careless driving.

Nov. 13, 4900 block of Gulf Drive, driving with suspended license. An officer located a motorist pinged by the LPR system and conducted a traffic stop. The officer spoke with the driver, who knew his license was suspended, and issued a citation and court summons.

Holmes Beach Police Department polices Holmes Beach.

Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

Island watch In an emergency, call 911. To report info, call the MCSO Anna Maria substation, 941-708-8899; Bradenton Beach police, 941-7786311; Holmes Beach police, 941-708-5804.

West Manatee Fire Rescue administrative manager

Julie Kichar, center, poses Nov. 15 alongside district administration, staff and commissioners during her retirement ceremony at the headquarters in Bradenton. Kichar began at the district in 1997 and is WMFR’s final remaining employee from the original Anna Maria Fire Control District. She will work her last day for WMFR Jan. 12, 2023. Chief Ben Rigney, left of Kichar, awarded her a trophy and plaque recognizing her quarter-decade of service and said she would be missed. “She’s become the fire department mom to all of us,” Rigney said. Islander

Photos: Ryan Paice

Stone Crab Stone Crab Stone Crab

West Manatee Fire Rescue Commissioners Derrick Warner, left, David Bishop and William “Billy” Burke, right, pose Nov. 15 following their first meeting of their new four-year terms.

3 sworn to serve WMFR district board, longtime admin retires

Nesting notes

By Samara Paice

For the love of birds

Anna Maria Island is a bird lover’s paradise.

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers survey the beaches in shorebird nesting season to report data into the Florida Shorebird Alliance database.

Shorebird nesting season on AMI generally is February-October. The FWC manages the alliance, which works with

An American oystercatcher is spotted foraging for food oct. 13 on Anna Maria Island. Islander Photo: Courtesy Kathy Doddridge

WE ROCK ONLINE

acai bowl

smoothies

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shorebirds.

And AMITW is one of those partners, part of the Suncoast region for the alliance.

The alliance focuses on five species — American oystercatcher, black skimmer, least tern, snowy plover and Wilson’s plover — protected under the state’s Endangered and Threatened Species Rule, as well as the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

While several of the species were seen on island beaches in 2022, only one species, the least tern, nested on island beaches this year. That nest in Bradenton Beach was predated by raccoons.

In an annual report released earlier this month, the alliance reviewed 10 years of data and identified breeding areas for the threatened species.

Manatee County is a low breeding area for American oystercatchers and the Wilson’s plover. Mid-level for least terns and had no noted breeding for black skimmers or snowy plovers, according to the report at flshorebirdalliance.org.

So a question: What can beachgoers do to help protect shorebirds and their habitat?

They can avoid running through a flock of resting birds to stir up a photo of flying birds.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services says: If you see birds noticing you, you’re too close. Keep your distance.

AMITW volunteers also ask that people not feed the birds. It is unhealthy for the birds and creates dependencies that can lead to their death.

To report nesting activity, call AMITW at 941-2321405.

Islander archive 24/7

The Islander is a partner with the University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries.

Look for The Islander in the stacks at the UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

And it’s available 24/7.

By Lisa Neff

Happy Thanksgreening

In some social media forums, I go by Grateful Neff.

The handle happens to be a Grateful Dead thing but, with Thanksgiving to celebrate and thanks to share, Grateful Neff is grateful for a good deal, beginning with my family and friends, my health and home.

I’m also grateful for the growing commitment to green-living on our big blue planet.

I’m also looking beyond the obvious outstanding outdoorsy reasons to be grateful.

Biker group on tour

Members of the Bradenton-based Mount vernon Re-Cyclers bike club ride Nov. 3 on a sidewalk overlooking the water along North Bay Boulevard in Anna Maria. Islander

Neff

I’m grateful for global initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, promote sustainable energy sources, curb pollution and protect wildlife, wild lands and seas. And I’m grateful for the leaders who craft the treaties and resolutions to enforce those initiatives.

I’m grateful for the national initiatives to support solar power, promote sustainable business practices, cut greenhouse gas emissions, produce carbon-free electricity and advance environmental justice. And, again, I’m grateful for the politicians and policymakers dedicated to carrying out those initiatives.

At the state level, I’m grateful for the public and nonprofit organizations pledging to protect and preserve wildlife and wild places, committing to restore damaged habitats on land and in waters and guarding environmental resources from plunderers.

As for the local level, well, a 24-hour day on AMI brings countless reasons to be grateful — from sunrise on the bayside to sunset over the Gulf, from wading at the north end’s Bean Point to hiking at the south end’s Leffis Key, from birding along the shore in Bimini Bay to kayaking among the mangroves at Grassy Point

I’m grateful for the community organization focused on monitoring shorebird and turtle populations and also the community organization that rescues and rehabs injured and sick wild animals.

I’m grateful for the restaurants reducing waste, especially eliminating single-use throw-aways, as well as committing to purchasing sustainable, local foods.

I’m grateful for retailers that stock green goods and cater to local suppliers, including artists and creatives.

I’m grateful for community leaders raising awareness to environmental issues and calling for eco-action.

I’m grateful for people on the island who, if they can, use their feet or bikes to go short distances and who consider traveling longer distances on the farefree trolley.

And I’m also grateful for the recent launch of an 18-month pilot program experimenting with a fare-free transit service throughout Manatee County.

Yep, I can hop on a bus at 75th Street and Manatee Avenue in Bradenton, ride to the Manatee Public Beach, board a trolley and relax for the ride to The Islander office near 58th Street and Marina Drive.

Next year, I hope to say that I’m grateful for all the other people riding the transit system because I can’t say so now.

On most bus trips to the island, I’m one of three or four passengers. Leaving the island, I’m usually the only passenger on the bus.

Even on the trolley, I’m sometimes the lone rider on weekday mornings.

I can’t explain why. There’s no good reason, especially with the traffi c congestion in Holmes Beach resulting from the City Center roadway improvements.

Mid-morning Nov. 16, I sat on the trolley as it passed a line of vehicles backed up on Gulf Drive near the four-way stop at Holmes Boulevard. I counted 19 noncommercial vehicles, all but one carrying only the driver.

Imagine the reduced congestion — and pollution — if five of those motorists used public transit. Consider if 10 of them rode the fare-free trolley.

I wonder how many people complaining to Holmes Beach commissioners drive to city hall and how many ride the trolley, walk or bike.

From Holmes Beach City Hall, I can look south to the City Center construction zone and I don’t feel like faultfinding at all.

When the project is completed later this year, walking around “downtown” Holmes Beach will be easier, biking around “downtown” Holmes Beach should be safer and, perhaps less obvious but still important, the stormwater system will be improved.

I’m grateful.

Happy Thanksgreening.

Damage report tool launched

Manatee County launched a resident reporting feature for Crisis Track, it’s damage assessment software.

The county used Crisis Track to record reports from official sources, including municipalities.

Now the database has a public reporting side. People can report storm-related damage and other issues at this link: crisistrack.com/public/manateeFL/ request.html.

Photo: Ryan Paice

Champs crowned in youth soccer, adults push into playoffs

By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter

Champions were crowned in the 10-and-under and 14U divisions in the fall youth soccer league at the Center of Anna Maria Island.

Top-seed LaPensee Plumbing edged No. 4 Solid Rock Construction 3-2 Nov. 14 to win the 10U division’s championship game.

LaPensee received a goal each from TJ Hagey, Preston LaPensee and Luca Rosenkrans, while Owen Mahoney made three saves for the victory.

Turner Worth scored both goals for Solid Rock, which also received five saves from Isaac Roadman. The following 14U division championship game at the center pitch saw No. 2 Progressive Cabinetry take down No. 1 HSH Designs 2-1, handing HSH ots first loss of the season. Mary Tess Bolognone and Mason Moss each scored a goal to lead Progressive, which also received two saves from goalie Charlie Serra.

Jesse Zaccagnino notched the lone goal for HSH Designs, which also received a save from Jack Zaccagnino in the loss.

adult soccer league pushes into playoffs

The adult soccer league playoffs kicked off with four quarterfinal matches at the community center Nov. 17 after a delay from Nicole.

The first match of the night saw No. 5 Gulfview Windows & Doors roll past No. 4 Pool America 7-3 thanks to two goals each from Keith Mahoney, Zachary Long and Raul Loera. David Kesten chipped in a goal and three assists, while Tuna McCracken made 10 saves in the victory.

Nate Welch scored two goals and Jana Whitehead added one goal to lead Pool America in the loss.

No. 1 seed Wash Construction survived an upset bid by No. 8 seed Ross Built to advance to the semifinals thanks to a 5-3 penalty-kick shootout victory.

The teams battled to a 2-2 tie through regulation and overtime before settling things in the spot-kick contest. Kevin Roman, Tyler Brewer, Austin Nutting, Amy Ivin and Ryan Hogan all made their shots for Wash while Kali Richardson, Eduardo Schlueter and Dean Hinterstoisser converted for Ross Built.

The third match of the night saw No. 2 Sato Real Estate cruise past No. 7 Servis First Bank 5-2 behind two goals each from Jacek Czajkowski and Will Kretzman. Pedro Gonzalez added a goal for Sato, which also received three saves from Mark Rudacille.

Luca Vecchio scored two goals for Servis, which also received two saves from Yuri Pereira in the loss.

No. 6 Moss Builders eliminated No. 3 Slim’s Place 4-1 in the last match of the night. Jamal Duzgun had two goals and an assist to lead Moss, which received a goal each from Damir Glavan and Daniel Hampton, and goalie Ryan Moss posted nine saves.

Joey Hutchinson notched one for Slim’s, which also saw seven saves from Sean McCarthy.

Semifinal matchups for the adult league are set for 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, when Wash takes on Gulfview Windows & Doors, followed at 8 p.m. by Sato versus Moss. The winners will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, to play for the cup.

horseshoe news

Four teams emerged from pool play and had to settle things in a playoff during Nov. 16 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall pits.

The first semifinal saw Sam Samuels and Norm Langeland slip past Karl Thomas and Rod Bussey by a 23-20 score, while Tom Farrington and Bob Lee advanced with a 22-8 thrashing of Bob Rowley and Dom Livedoti. It was all Farrington-Lee in the final, as they rolled to a 21-3 victory over Samuels-Langeland.

Two teams met in the finals Nov. 19 with matching 3-0 records in the preliminary round. Bob Palmer dominated the team of Jerry Disbrow and Bussey 25-1 to earn the day’s bragging rights.

Play gets underway at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Anna Maria pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by random team selection.

There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome.

key royale news

There was a full week of golf action at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach last week, starting Nov. 14 with the men in their weekly modified-Stableford system match.

Jeff Jump lapped the field with a score of plus-6 to outscore his competition by 3 points to win clubhouse bragging rights for the day. John Cassese, Gary Duncan, Nelson Eagle, Rod Hammonds and Bill MacMillan all tied for second with scores of plus-3.

The women mixed things up Nov. 15 during their round, playing a team-best-ball match. The team of Remi Drigan, Lisa Edmonds, Jenny Huibers and Terry Taylor matched the 5-over-par 37 carded by Laurie Hicks, Janet Razze, Sharon Tarras and Lori Waggoner for a two-way tie for first place.

Members played a nine-hole shamble Nov. 17, counting two scores from each group. The team of Gary Domaski, Marty Hicks, Ken Nagengast and Tom Solosky combined on a 1-under-par 63 to take first place for the day. Two shots back in second place was the team of Peter Lund, Quentin Talbert and Joe Tynan.

For more sports and pics, go to islander.org.

Center registers for winter leagues, lessons

Bring it on at the Center of Anna Maria Island.

The center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, is gearing up for a winter season of sports, including youth cheerleading and tumbling, as well as adult and youth flag football action.

• Youth cheerleading: Registration is open for a season that runs Jan. 10-March 7. The program is for children ages 5-11. Participants will practice Monday nights and cheer for youth flag football teams Tuesday nights. The cost is $10 for members and $90 for nonmembers. The registration deadline is Tuesday, Dec. 13.

• Youth tumbling: Tumbling lessons for tots, youth and advanced youth will begin Dec. 1 and continue through Dec. 22. Lessons take place Thursdays at various times, depending on a child’s age. Registration is required by Thursday, Nov. 24. The cost is $80 for members and $100 for nonmembers.

• Youth flag football: The center is registering kids ages 4-13 for the winter flag football season, which runs Jan. 10-March 7 with games on Tuesday nights. Evaluations for older kids will be Tuesday, Dec. 13. The cost is $10 for members and $126 for nonmembers. Registration is required by Monday, Dec. 13.

• Adult flag football: The adult flag football season runs Jan. 12-March 19, with games on Thursday nights.

Registration is required by Wednesday, Dec. 14. The cost is $10 for members, $120 for nonmembers.

Registration can be completed online at centerami. org or at the center.

For more information, call the center at 941-7781908.

Cassidy

LaPensee Plumbing, 10U Champs

Elijah Agelus, TJ Hagey, owen Mahoney, Asher Patel, Preston LaPensee, Luca Rosenkrans, Chandler LaPensee and coach Keith Mahoney. Islander

Photo: Courtesy CofAMI

Cold, blustery days give fish — and fishers — a break

By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

With colder weather and windy days, the inshore and offshore species of fish that inhabit the waters surrounding Anna Maria Island are getting a break from some anglers.

As the fish adjust to cooler water temps, we can expect the frequency of the bite to change and possibly we need to alter the bait we offer them.

If water temperatures settle in around the high 60s to low 70s, anglers may be facing a question: Carry shrimp, shiners or both as bait?

Carrying both is advantageous if you plan to target species such as redfish and black drum in the mornings and then switch to targeting snook with shiners once the flats warm up. Using shrimp as bait also opens the door to targeting other species — pompano and sheepshead, for example — which never take a shiner.

As water temps drop, you may find yourself steering off the shallow waters on the flats and heading toward deeper water, where structure and more consistent water temps exist. Using live pinfish in those areas is proving good for gag grouper, as well as large snook. Ultimately, with the drop in the water temp, paying close attention to the baits you’re using and the species to target all become more important.

Keep an eye on the water temps and try to carry a variety of bait.

On my Just Reel charters, live shiners are working on the flats for snook and redfish. I am noticing both species are on the move in anticipation of winter settling into the bay waters.

The same applies for spotted seatrout. We’re catching many of the bucked-toothed fi sh on the deeper flats, as well as some Spanish mackerel, ladyfish and jack crevalle.

Lastly, fi shing with larger baits such as pinfi sh around structure is leading to action on gag grouper.

Capt. David White is concentrating his time on

Red tide bloom in SW Florida

A bloom of the red tide organism, Karenia brevis, exists in Southwest Florida, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

For the week beginning Nov. 14, K. brevis was observed in 94 samples in the region, including with bloom concentrations greater than 100,000 cells/liter in two samples from Manatee County, 26 from Sarasota County, 11 from Charlotte County and one from Lee County.

K. brevis was observed at background to medium concentrations in Manatee County, background to low concentrations offshore of Hillsborough County, background to high concentrations in Sarasota County, very low to high concentrations in and offshore of Charlotte County, very low to high concentrations in Lee County, and low concentrations offshore of Collier County.

Reports of fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were received over the past week in Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee counties.

Respiratory irritation suspected to be related to red tide was reported in Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee counties.

For more information, go online to myfwc.com.

the water to target gag grouper. Areas where structure exists hold good numbers of the tasty, hard-fighting fish. Free-lining live pinfish in those areas is drawing the grouper out of hiding places to take a quick snack, resulting in some keeper gag grouper for White’s clients to carry home for dinner.

Switching to live shiners as bait is resulting in action — especially on Spanish mackerel. Free-lining shiners over the same structure as the gags is leading to sizzling mackerel action.

Capt. Jason Stock is enjoying targeting gag grouper throughout the inshore and nearshore waters surrounding Anna Maria Island. Due to rough seas and strong winds, the offshore waters are inaccessible, which brings on the opportunity to hunt gag grouper in the shallows. Stock says that free-lining live pinfish

in areas with artificial reefs, wrecks and hard bottom is yielding many keeper gags on his trips, as well as some just under the legal limit.

Capt. Warren Girle is finding good results while working the fl ats of Sarasota Bay, where targeting snook and redfish on the flats near the mangrove shorelines is working well. Live shiners as bait are quickly being eaten by the shallow-water predators.

Moving to the deeper flats is having good results with seatrout, macks, jacks and ladyfish.

Finally, on days when the Gulf of Mexico is calm, Girle is finding action on kingfish when fishing waters with depths around 60 feet.

Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says fishers using live shrimp as bait are catching a variety of species. Redfish, black drum and sheepshead are being caught, as well as a few mangrove snapper and snook. Casting small jigs and silver spoons away from the pier also is working for pier anglers willing to brave the chill. Species such as Spanish mackerel, ladyfish, jack crevalle and skipjacks are being caught.

Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

Maria Island Tides

Islander Image: FWC

Stasny

TideWatch Lisa Neff

A map shows concentrations of K. brevis. The red shows the most intense areas of concentration.

Roque Pastorius of Cortez uses a lip grip to show off a blacktip shark he hooked on a pinfish in the Gulf of Mexico Nov. 15 about a mile off the Manatee Public Beach. Pastorius says he also caught many Spanish mackerel, cobia and sharks — spinners, lemon and small bulls — before cold weather arrived.

ITEMS FOR SALE

MovING SALE: MUST sell in Palma Sola. Queen bed, dresser, night table. Twin beds, dresser, night table. Dining room glasstop table, four chairs. Patio glass-top table, two chairs. Excellent condition, accessories included. Call 315-345-3066 for details, leave message.

oLD BICYCLE PARTS in bulk. Brakes, reflectors, Huffy Gila bike frame and rims, etc. Call 724-986-0314.

CHANDELIER BRoWN, like-new, $20, office chairs, black, soft cushion, $20. 941-9202494.

SIDE TABLES: BRoWN with glass top. Two for $25. 941-920-2494.

ANTIQUE PARTNER DESK: All wood, $500. Inquire at The Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

ITEMS FOR SALE Continued

ANTIQUE oFFICE CHAIRS: Perfect for eclectic dining set. Circa 1950 from Anna Maria City Hall. Inquire at The Islander newspaper, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. 941-7787978.

vICToRIAN BABY CARRIAGE: Wood/wicker, great photo or theater prop. Benefits Moonracer Animal Rescue. For photos: moonraceranimalrescue@gmail.com.

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

Individuals may place one free ad with up to three items, each priced $100 or less, 15 words or less. FREE, one week, must be submitted online. Email classifieds@islander.org, fax tollfree 1-866-362-9821. (limited time offer)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

oRBAN’S NURSERY ANNUAL Poinsettia open House. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26. Enjoy holiday shopping with local vendors, holiday gifts, produce, honey, and more. 9601 9th Ave., NW Bradenton.

LOST & FOUND

FoUND: BICYCLE KEY on 52nd Street, Holmes Beach. Call 941-778-9622 to claim.

PETS

HELP RESCUED PETS! volunteer, foster, computer help needed! Moonracer Animal Rescue. Email: moonraceranimalrescue@gmail.com.

TRANSPORTATION

GoLF CART RENTALS: Fun for residents and tourists! www.GolfCartRentalAMI.com.

BOATS & BOATING

TWo 2022 SINGLE-sit on top Hobie Mirage Compass pedal kayaks with 180 kick-up fins. Color, papaya. Barely used and in great condition. $1,500 each. 901-569-8685.

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

HELP WANTED

NoW HIRING HANDYMAN: Full-time professional services. $15 an hour and up, based on experience. Call JayPros, 941-962-2874.

REPoRTER WANTED: Full- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience required. Apply via email with letter of interest to news@ islander.org.

KIDS FOR HIRE

NEED AN ADULT night out? Call Maty’s Babysitting Services. I’m 16, love kids and have lots of experience. References upon request. 618-977-9630.

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, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach.

HEALTH CARE

PRIvATE DUTY: REGISTERED Nurse. Pet lover, non-smoker, fully vaccinated, help with transportation, shopping, light cooking, cleaning. Help with following doctor’s orders, bathing, etc. 10-plus years’ experience. Call or text Jessica, 412-851-0840.

SERVICES

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

CLEANING: vACATIoN, CoNSTRUCTIoN, residential, commercial and windows. Licensed and insured. 941-756-4570.

PRESSURE WASHING, PAvER sealing, driveway, roof, fence, pool area. Also, window cleaning. Licensed and insured. 941-565-3931.

BICYCLE REPAIRS: Just4Fun at 5358 Gulf Drive can do most any bicycle repair at a reasonable cost. Pick-up and delivery available. 941-896-7884.

louie is a 28 lb., 3-year-old rat Terrier. he’s spunky, smart and funny! he’s also neutered and has all vaccinations. he’s ready to meet his new family! call lisa Williams at 941-345-2441 or visit The Islander office in Holmes beach. For more about pet adoption, visit moonraceranimalrescue.com.

FoR SALE: 2007 Sweetwater pontoon 1880. New 75hp Merc. New upholstery. Includes trailer. $15,000. 941-705-6216.

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED: PRoPERTY monitor wanted for Holmes Beach condo. Working Saturday, Sunday and holidays, three hours per day. Great working conditions, $20 per hour! Call 941-778-1390.

WINN DIXIE at 7400 44th Ave W., Bradenton is hiring full and part-time positions in all departments. Apply at Winn Dixie/Careers. com

BEST BAR, BEST food, best wages. Hiring for front of the house, back of the house and weekend days for phone. Call 941-213-9926.

HELP WANTED: RETAIL part-time. Looking for honest and reliable employee. Pay based on experience. Call 941-779-0011. Email suerics@ yahoo.com

RESoRT ASSISTANT MANAGER needed for island resort and vacation rentals. Experience a plus but will train. Weekend hours included in the 32-36 hours per week. Interested candidates, please, email islands58@aol.com

More ads = more readers in The Islander.

CoMPANIoN/HoMEMAKER: Honest and reliable offering help with running errands, grocery shopping, house sitting, pet and plant care, light cooking/cleaning, transportation. References available and licensed. Call Sherri, 941592-4969.

API’S DRYWALL REPAIR: I look forward to servicing your drywall repair needs. Call 941524-8067 to schedule an appointment.

GETTING MARRIED? I will be your wedding officiant. Call Rev. James Mcubbin, 941-2536649.

HANDYMAN oR CLEANING services: Affordable rates. Fred, 941-356-1456.

PRoFESSIoNAL WINDoW CLEANING: Residential, commercial, Free estimates. “We want to earn your business!” 207-852-6163.

AIRPoRT RIDE, PET and house-sitting, plant care. Reliable. Text Deb, 941-962-4099.

BUSINESS-To-BUSINESS JD’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-920-3840.

BEACH SERvICE air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. Commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. Serving Manatee County and the Island since 1987. For dependable, honest and personalized service, call Bill Eller, 941-795-7411. CAC184228.

LAWN & GARDEN

C o NNIE’S LANDSCAPING INC. Residential and commercial. Full-service lawn mainte nance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-778-5294.

BARNES LAWN AND Landscape LLC. Design and installation, lawn and landscape services, tree trimming, mulch, rock and shell. 941-7051444. Jr98@barneslawnandlandscape.com.

C o LLINS LANDSCAPE LIGHTING: o utdoor lighting, landscaping, irrigation services and maintenance. 941-279-9947. MJC24373@ gmail.com.

SEARAY SPRINKLER SERv ICES. Repairs, additions, drip, sprinkler head/timer adjust ments. 941-920-0775.

ANGELo’S LAWN CARE: Mow, edge, string trimming, blow. Starting at $20/cut. Licensed/ insured. 941-217-9000.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

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

TILE -TILE -TILE. All variations of ceramic tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship, prompt, reliable, many Island references. Call Neil, 941-726-3077.

GRIFFIN’S H o ME IMPR ov EMENTS Inc. Handyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. Insured and licensed. 941-722-8792.

BLINDS, SHUTTERS, SHADES: Motorization. 30 years on AMI. Call Keith Barnett, Barnett Blinds, 941-730-0516.

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

HANDYMAN AND PAINTING. No job too small. Most jobs just right. Call Richard Kloss. 941-204-1162.

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT Continued

CALL HYDRo CLEAN. Full-service pressure washing, sealing. Pavers, travertine and natu ral stone. Window washing too, up to three stories. Call Jacob, 941-920-2094.

SARAS o TA INTERI o R PAINTING: We specialize in high-end properties. We love to paint! o wner operated. Fully insured/ licensed. call or text Don, 941-900-9398. Instagram: SarasotaInteriorPainting.

D o NALD PERKINS’ ABRACA DABRA Painting LLC. Interior/exterior. 30 years of experience. 941-705-7096.

RENTALS

ANNA MARIA GULF beachfront vacation rent als. o ne- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941-7783143.

vACATIoN 2023 SEASoN: January, Febru ary, March, $5,000/month. 2022 pre-season, $2,000/month. 2BR/1BA steps to beach, 55-plus condo, pool. Real Estate Mart, 941356-1456.

CoMMERCIAL LEASE: 419 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Island Real Estate, Larry Chatt, 941 345-1288.

GoRGEoUS AMI CoNDo for rent: Spectacular waterfront views, renovated 2BR/2BA. Contact Brooke, 240-893-8081.

KEY RoYALE: 2BR/2BA dock, pool, through Jan. 7. Gil, 813-943-3572. vRBo.18876.

H o LMES BEACH 2BR/2BA. Beautifully fur nished duplex with garage, includes water. WIFI and Spectrum. $2,800/month plus elec tric. 941-778-2824.

SMALL EXECUTIvE oFFICE available. Approx imately 550 sf. Gulf Drive exposure. Water and electric included, $850/month. $500 deposit. 5386 Gulf Drive, Suite 101, Holmes Beach. 941-746-8666.

The Islander offers the best results for your classified advertising dollar. We really work for you! Submit your ad no later than noon Monday on the website, islander.org. For Monday holidays, the deadline is Friday. Happy Thanksgiving, y’all! — The Islander

REAL ESTATE

WINNIE MCHALE, REALT o R, 941-5046146. Rosebay International Realty Inc. You need an aggressive and experienced Real tor in today’s market! Selling island homes, Sarasota and Bradenton areas. Multi-milliondollar producer! “Selling Homes - Making Dreams Come True.”

AFF o RDABLE REAL ESTATE services for buyers, sellers, property management or rent als. Call Fred Flis, 941-356-1456.

LoT FoR SALE. 10,000 sf buildable waterfront lot with utilities in Bradenton. Dock with boat lift. Seawall maintained by city. $500,000. 917860-1917.

AMI

honors best in biz

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce held its 2022 Member Gala and Awards Ceremony Nov. 18 at IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Parkway, Bradenton, recognizing members with its “Best Business of the Year” awards.

Winners included:

• Nonprofit of the Year, Friends of Manatee County Animal Services of Bradenton;

• Large Business of the Year, Island Gallery West of Holmes Beach;

• Medium Business of the Year, Blooms by the Beach of Bradenton Beach;

• Small Business of the Year, Veritas! Pest Management of Bradenton.

And Capt. Scott Moore received the Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island Person-of-the-Year Award.

The evening — with guests arriving in business and cocktail attire for cocktails and dining — included the installation of the board and a music by Trevor Bystrom, according to an announcement from the AMI CofC.

For more information, call the chamber at 941778-1541.

MarketWatch

anna maria

Capt. Scott Moore, a longtime fishing guide and environmentalist, holds the award he received at the AMI Chamber of Commerce Nov. 18 gala at the IMG Club. Islander Courtesy Photo

By Lisa Neff

Median listing home price: $3.6 million, trending up 40.8% year-over-year.

Median sold home price: $2.2 million.

Listings: 45 properties, $650,000-$8.5 million. bradenton beach

Median listing home price: $1.1 million, trending down 3.2% year-over-year.

Median sold home price: $762,500.

Listings: 37 properties, $295,000-$6.9 million. holmes beach

Median listing home price: $1.7 million, up 25.9% year-over-year.

Median sold home price: $1.1 million.

Listings: 75 properties, $250,000-$12 million. Source: Realtor.com

Relation-chip building event

Members of the Wagner Realty island office, Lisa varano, left, Amanda Schwartz, Terri Liss, Cindy Simmons, Becky Smith, Steve McGonagle, Ed Taaffe, Nicole Botero and Lucky Schmidt pose Nov. 8 at a Wagner-sponsored “casino night” at Runaway Bay condominiums in Bradenton Beach. Attendees risked funny money at roulette, blackjack and craps tables to win prizes, including golf lessons, bottles of wine and gift baskets. Islander Photo: Courtesy Wagner Realty

BizCal

Compiled by Lisa Neff

ONGOING

Second Fridays through April, 5:30-7:30 p.m., City Center Artwalk and Shop, Gulf and Marina drives, Holmes Beach. Info: 941778-6648.

SAVE THE DATE

Nov. 25, Black Friday.

Nov. 26, Small Business Saturday.

Nov. 26, Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce Light Up Longboat, town center green, Longboat Key.

Nov. 28, Cyber Monday.

Nov. 29, Giving Tuesday.

Dec. 2, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce holiday tree lighting and holiday open houses, Gulf and Marina drives, Holmes Beach.

Dec. 3, Bridge Street merchants Holiday Fair and Boat Parade, Sarasota Bay, Bradenton Beach.

Dec. 8, LBK Chamber, Off the Clock, Harry’s Continental Kitchens, Longboat Key.

Dec. 9, Anna Maria businesses Holiday Walk of Treasures, Gulf Drive, Pine Avenue, Anna Maria.

Dec. 9, City Center Artwalk and Shop, Gulf and Marina drives, Holmes Beach.

Dec. 16, Manatee Chamber Holiday Coffee Club party, the Bishop, Bradenton.

Dec. 17, Bridge Street merchants Christmas on Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach.

Send listings to lisa@islander.org and news@islander.org.

Does your business celebrate achievements? Maybe you’re new in business or your staff deserves kudos. Submit your info to news@islander.org.