The islander newspaper e edition wednesday, march 14, 2018 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

Barbershop quartet. 21

Offshore archaeology. 16 AsTheWorldTerns share their lucky day. 6

VOLUME 26, NO. 20

Seuss time. 29

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

MARCH 14, 2018 FREE

Meetings

On the government calendar. 4 Environmentalists lose wetland challenge. 4 Holmes Beach hit with 14th Bert Harris suit. 5

Op-Ed

The Islander editorial, reader letters. 6

10-20 YEARS AGO

Looking back. 7

Happenings

Community announcements, activities. 10-11

St. Pat’s parade, Judy remembered. 7, 11

Make plans, save a date. 12-13 Irish pub permit, parking, puzzle? 14 In the audience: ‘The Curious Savage.’ 17 Out and about for ArtWalk. 18

Obituaries. 20 Streetlife. 23 Cops, coffee, conversation. 24 Running the Skyway. 26 Warm or cold, fishing is hot. 27 Spring Fling gala raises funds. 28

ISL BIZ Jeweler crafts expansion. 30 CLASSIFIEDS. 32

The Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992

www.islander.org

Pedestrian run over in hit-and-run on Gulf Drive

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter Why aren’t pedestrians safe on Anna Maria Island? Why aren’t there better crime deterrents? Or more lights and security cameras on the streets and bridges? These questions come from a visitor with a crushed leg, foot and back after a vehicle ran him over and sped away from the scene in Bradenton Beach. David Hargrove of Vermont was struck by a GMC SUV at 11:50 p.m. Feb. 25 in the 1000 block of Gulf Drive North between Summer Sands condominiums and the Gulf Drive Cafe. The force of the collision stripped off the SUV’s side-view mirror. Just before the crash, both Hargrove, on foot, and the vehicle were traveling north. “It was very dark. I don’t remember much of any light,” Hargrove told The Islander in a phone interview from Vermont. He was crossing the road to the sidewalk on the east side of Gulf Drive when a darkcolored SUV struck him below his ribs from behind. The vehicle then ran over him.

Hargrove noticed the SUV slowing down after hitting him, but then it sped away. He said that as he crawled to the west side of the road, hoping he wouldn’t get run over again, he noticed the vehicle had a “long set of taillights.” Bystanders heard his cries and called 911. EMS transported Hargrove to Blake Medical Center in Bradenton, where he

By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter It’s as if the powers that be don’t know it’s high season. The Florida Department of Transportation announced March 8 it would perform maintenance work on the Anna Maria Island Bridge March 18-22. The bridge links Holmes Beach to Perico Island and the mainland on State Road 64/ Manatee Avenue. The DOT said the 9 p.m.-5 a.m. work would cause delays for motorists and drivers were being advised by the DOT to use alternate routes. “You’re kidding me,” said Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy. “Isn’t that incredible?” The following day, responding to concerns, the DOT announced the bridge maintenance would be deferred. Zac Burch, DOT public information officer for District 1, which includes Anna Maria Island, said the routine maintenance would be delayed “until further notice.”

Burch said the DOT received several calls after The Islander began making inquiries. “We decided it was something that could wait,” Burch said. The DOT apparently did not notify local officials, including Murphy and Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer, of the project plans in advance. “I’ve not received word one,” said Tokajer. Murphy and Tokajer called the DOT to request the work be delayed until after tourist season — after April. “If I had my way, I’d say do your maintenance — unless it’s critical — in off-season sometime in May,” Murphy said. “Not during the busiest time of the year.” Earlier in the same week, Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie requested Manatee County postpone construction work begun on Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach for the Force Main 5 project. The county contractor was directed to stop and remove all equipment until mid-April.

Polly Frazer of Pennsylvania runs March 7 near where a pedestrian was struck by a hitand-run driver in a dark-colored GMC SUV south of 11th Street North on Gulf Drive North in Bradenton Beach. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell

DOT delays March plans for AMI Bridge

spent five days on the mend. The hospital discharged him when he was able to walk on crutches and travel, he said. “I’m 36. I’m a carpenter. It takes me out of work and driving duties for my family for three months, plus physical therapy. And we’re not insured.” Hargrove, his wife and 5-year-old son were visiting his mother, who owns a condo PLEASE SEE HIT-AND-RUN PAGE 2

Anna Maria Commissioner Carol Carter holds a sample of Kebony, an enhanced wood product, chosen March 6 for the decking in the rebuild of the city pier. See story, page 3. Islander Photo: Bianca Benedí

2 n MARCH 14, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Islanders, tourists, merchants restless for BB dock solution

cations of my financing, but it certainly stresses the situation.” Bradenton Beach Police Chief Sam Speciale, who chairs the city pier team that vetted the contractor, said March 7 the business owners who use the public dock need to remember the floating dock is public, and while it supports their businesses, that is not the dock’s sole purpose. “I know it’s frustrating for the business owners that benefit from the dock, but it’s not just theirs,” Speciale said. “The contractor has provided plans and a schedule, so we should be moving forward.”

Sherman Baldwin, owner of Paradise Boat Tours, which operates from his bait shop at the foot of the Historic Bridge Street Pier, gazes March 9 toward the water. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Horne at the foot of the pier, relied on the floating dock for his pontoon boat tours, and his plan to launch a 149-passenger water taxi is dependent on the new dock. Baldwin said his only hold up for the water taxi, planned to run between downtown Bradenton, Bradenton Beach and Sarasota, is the floating dock. “The irony is the Bradenton Beach location was the first and easiest step in the process and now it’s the one holdup,” he said. According to Baldwin, the boat is ready to launch, but will not be released by lenders until the three dock locations are cleared for use by all three cities. In light of previous delays, Baldwin says he doubts the dock’s timely arrival. “The Sarasota-Bradenton Ferry Inc. has to live in the world that this thing isn’t happening this year at all,” Baldwin said. “I’m unable to assess the ramifi-

HIT-AND-RUN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 in Holmes Beach. They have since returned to Vermont. He went alone to a Bridge Street restaurant for something to eat and drink while his family stayed at the condo. They were tired from a day on the beach, he said. Trying to get back to the condo, Hargrove called the Monkey Bus, and arranged a pickup on Bridge Street. But he became impatient and began walking north “for 10 minutes or so,” he said. As for what happened next, Hargrove disagrees with a Bradenton Beach police report, which states he crossed from the east to the west side of the street. He said he crossed from the beach side of Gulf Drive and said his injuries support his version. It’ll be awhile until he visits the island again, Hargrove added, saying something’s not right in a beach town when a motorist can run into someone, leave the scene and not be held accountable. “That someone can be run over and left for dead is not a comforting feeling,” he said. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Detective Sgt. Lenard Diaz at 941-7784766. To make an anonymous tip, call CrimeStoppers at 866-634-TIPS.

Unique Pet Portraits

Composited images printed to stretched canvas

6HOƓHV Sunsets PRINTS FROM

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter Islanders are getting restless, not to mention the visitors and tourists. Count among them the business owners waiting to capitalize on increased traffic. A new floating dock adjacent to the Historic Bridge Street Pier — a replacement for a damaged dock — was approved by the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency in March 2017, but is yet to be seen. As with the old dock, the new dock will provide boater access to the restaurants and businesses on the pier, and along Bridge Street and Gulf Drive. And no floating dock during tourist season means fewer customers for those businesses. The city received schematics March 7 for the dock from contractor Technomarine of West Palm Beach and the most recent schedule states Technomarine will “mobilize into the site” March 19, with dock delivery planned for March 26. Initially, Technomarine representatives said work on the dock would begin September 2017. The company received the city’s deposit of $29,995 April 2017, but cited hurricane Irma as the cause for delay. Anna Maria Oyster Bar owner John Horne said March 8 that he’s fortunate his restaurant on the pier is busy, but if the dock is not completed by April 30 — the currently slated final inspection date — summer business could suffer. “People love to come here and make an afternoon of it, but now they can’t pull up on their boats,” Horne said. “It also helps keep traffic down on the island when people don’t have to use their cars.” However, Horne said, he’s aware the dock is not part of his lease and acknowledges that “everyone is working together to get this matter resolved.” Sherman Baldwin, owner of Paradise Boat Tours, which operates from a storefront sub-leased from

THE ISLANDER n MARCH 14, 2018 n 3

Anna Maria selects Kebony pier decking, reviews T-end layout

By Bianca Benedí Islander Reporter Another step is concreted for the future Anna Maria City Pier. After weighing their options, Anna Maria commissioners directed Ayres Associates, the firm hired to engineer and carry out rebuilding the Anna Maria City Pier, to use Kebony as the decking material. Touted as a sustainable alternative to hardwood, Kebony is created with pine and modified to perform like mahogany or teak, longer-lasting tropical hardwoods. The Kebony material, at $3.24 per linear foot, comes with a 30-year warranty and a 50-75-year life span. Commissioners voted 4-1 for Kebony after failing to take up a motion from Commissioner Brian Seymour to select IPE, a Brazilian hardwood that costs $3.91 per linear foot. Commissioner Dale Woodland voted against the Kebony. Azek, a material made of a plastic composite, was rejected because it would retain heat, making it a hazard for barefoot visitors. Commissioners voted to select spun-concrete for the piling material at a Feb. 14 meeting with Ayres Associates.

Architects present pier design The pier will look “pretty much the same,” said Barron Schimberg, owner of the Sarasota-based Schimberg Group, the architectural firm selected by Ayres to design the new pier. Schimberg presented commissioners March 6 with floor plans, models and renderings of the redesign, highlighting what has changed and what has stayed the same. The most notable differences would be a change to the shape of the roof, the layout of the bathrooms and the addition of a trellis at the back of the restaurant.

A model of the city pier design by Schimberg Group depicts the proposed addition of extended roofing and a trellis facing Tampa Bay at the T-end of the Anna Maria City Pier. Islander Graphic: Courtesy Schimberg Group Schimberg proposed extending the portion of the roof connecting the bait shop to the restaurant over the walkway to the front and back of the pier. He also proposed relocating the pier bathrooms to make them more accessible at the back of the pier. In addition, Schimberg proposed the trellis to resemble scattered fishing poles. The trellis would provide partial shade for the area behind the bait shop. Other proposed changes include adding slidingglass doors to the restaurant, moving the garbage containers to the east side of the pier and removing a door from the bait shop. Schimberg said sliding-glass doors at the side and back of the restaurant would open up the space, allow air to flow and enable waiters to serve outside customers more readily. Other changes would clean up the facade, he said. Mayor Dan Murphy asked Schimberg to send commissioners copies of the floor plan and models for review. Although Schimberg’s model included solar panels, he said that would need to be arranged between the tenant and the city, not the architect. Woodland told Schimberg after his presentation: “There’s one thing you can’t do with architecture and design and that’s called character.... You can’t build character, that comes with time.” Woodland told Schimberg he would continue to

Own a piece of paradise on Anna Maria Island OPEN HOUSE 10-1 SUNDAY MARCH 25 AT BRADENTON BEACH MARINA $150,000! ON THE WATER! ONLY $999 a month and NO TAXES.

402 CHURCH AVE. BRADENTON BEACH 941.778.2288

vote “no” throughout the process, as he now has his mind set on repairing the pier. During public comments, Anna Maria resident Dennis Ellsworth expressed concern that the model appeared to show the majority of the T-end of the pier as a restaurant. Schimberg said the design was not set, and the tables were only included in the model for illustrative purposes. He also noted the area around the perimeter of the building for fishing is unchanged. Mike Deal, a regular at the pier before it was closed in September, also commented on the amount of dining tables in the design. He said 30-40 people would congregate in the open area of the pier deck and adding chairs and tables would take that space away. The bait shop served beverages on the open deck and often a musician entertained there. Deal added that he approved of the trellis to create shade. Murphy said commissioners should come back with comments on the design at the next meeting with Ayres Associates. In addition, the mayor said he would attempt to arrange a meeting with pier tenant Mario Schoenfelder, who he expects to be visiting Anna Maria from his home in Germany through May. The next meeting with Ayres will take place in the next three weeks, Murphy said.

4 n March 14, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Environmentalists lose DEP-Long Bar wetland challenge

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter A developer is a step closer to operating a wetland mitigation bank on Sarasota Bay — the first of its kind in Florida. The next challenge may be with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. A Florida Division of Administrative Hearings judge March 6 issued an order to the state Department of Environmental Protection recommending the approval of Long Bar Pointe LLLP’s 260.80-acre mitigation bank permit on the bayfront south and east of Cortez. The parties had 15 days as of March 6 to submit written exceptions to the DOAH order, after which the DEP is expected to issue a final order on the permit. The bank would form part of the 529-acre mixeduse development, Aqua by the Bay, approved by the county in October 2017. The Carlos Beruff-Larry Lieberman partnership is seeking the DEP’s approval to operate a bank for mostly preservation activities on submerged lands, financed through the sale of 18.01 credits to other developers at $100,000-$200,000 per credit. The credits would allow the destruction of wetlands elsewhere in the region. The DEP conditionally approved the permit in December 2016 and the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage, Suncoast Waterkeeper and former Manatee County Commissioner Joe McClash followed with the challenge. McClash said he plans to file exceptions to the judge’s decision — including exceptions to the conclusions by the judge that he lacked standing and the assignment of 7.38 credits for placing buoys in stateowned submerged lands — to preserve his right to further appeal. Suncoast Waterkeeper, with a mission is to protect and restore the waters of Sarasota and Manatee counties, and FISH, a group of some 180 members dedicated to preserving the commercial fishing heritage of Cortez, are not expected to file exceptions or appeal.

The hearing, the decision A two-day hearing in December 2017, which included seven witnesses for the environmentalists and two for the DEP/developer camp, preceded Administrative Law Judge D.R. Alexander’s decision. In it, Alexander concluded the environmentalists failed to prove they had standing to challenge the permit. The judge stated Suncoast Waterkeeper and FISH “failed to quantify the number of members” reasonably expected to be affected by the proposed activities, and he labeled McClash’s concerns for offsets for future credit purchases “too speculative and remote to give rise to standing.” Alexander’s decision also states the developer provided “reasonable assurance” and “a substantial likelihood that the project will be successfully implemented.

Protestors wave signs at 75th Street West and 53rd Avenue West in Bradenton in May 2017 — opposing the pending development Aqua by the Bay. Islander File Photo: Kathy Prucnell

“He missed the point,” Andy Mele of Suncoast Waterkeeper said about the judge’s decision, “which was, that this mitigation bank is a con.” “In my opinion, he cherry-picked from the developer’s case, offered overwhelming deference to the agency and chose to see the worst in our case,” he added. The two nonprofits and McClash have fought the mitigation bank, Aqua and prior iterations of the Beruff-Lieberman development, filing online petitions and claiming the 100-foot wide gap between two parcels in the mitigation bank will allow for a future boat channel to accommodate a marina previously denied. The environmentalists say by approving the bank, Beruff will get paid to install a dozen potentially harmful seagrass warning signs, allow harmful mangrove trimming and remove invasive plants he’s already obligated to remove under county regulations. State-permitted wetland mitigation banks Not only would the bank mark a first for Sarasota Bay, it’s apparently the first DEP-approved mitigation bank adjacent to an active development in the state. There are currently about 80 mitigation banks in Florida, of which 23 are DEP-permitted banks. The remainder are permitted by state water management districts, according to spokeswoman Dee Ann Miller. Only one bank, in Flagler County, is smaller at 66 acres, but has 33 credits issued. Long Bar’s bank would be the first DEP permitted bank in an active development with “the fewest credits of any bank by far and the fewest credits per acre,” according to Suncoast Waterkeeper’s Stu Smith, who calls out these facts as “clear indications of political favor” toward Beruff. In March 9 emails, Miller and Southwest Florida Water Management Water District’s public information officer Susanna Martinez Tarokh could not point to a permitted bank for a development like Aqua. Tarokh said, however, “some banks are adjacent to pre-existing developments (Hillsborough River Phase 2) and some have adjacent post-existing developments

County wraps up renovation, reopens Coquina boat ramp

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter The Coquina North Boat Ramp is open in time to meet the demands at the peak of the tourist season. Following a nine-month renovation, the Manatee County-maintained boat ramp in Bradenton Beach re-

Brian Phillips and Stephen Blenker of Quality Marine Construction install railings Jan. 26 at the Coquina North Boat Ramp. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell

opened March 9 with improved boater access, parking and landscaping. The boat ramp, 2652 Gulf Drive S., was closed by the county in early 2015 due to safety concerns. The renovated facility includes two boat launch lanes with improved slope, three new docks and paved parking with two U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act parking spaces, 28 boat-trailer parking spots and 12 vehicle parking spaces. Additionally, the boat ramp improvements include new landscaping, rope and bollards, fish cleaning stations with running water, turtle-friendly lighting, a seawall, two stormwater-retention ponds and a 250-foot sidewalk connecting a bus/trolley stop on Gulf Drive to the ramps at the south end of the facility. Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie said March 8 that the new boat ramp will benefit public safety and protect the environment “for decades to come.” He noted the new parking lot surface and stormwater ponds will reduce runoff into Sarasota Bay better than sand or shell. “It’s very exciting,” Chappie said.

(North Tampa).” Another day Pete Logan of Medallion Home, a representative for the Beruff-Lieberman partnership, said in a March 9 email “at this time” the group declined comment on the ALJ’s decision or the pursuit of a federal wetland permit for the mitigation bank. In addition to the DEP permit, the Beruff-Lieberman partnership will need approval from the Army Corps of Engineers if it decides to sell mitigation credits to developers who intend to destroy federaldelineated wetlands. The Beruff-Lieberman partnership was turned down by the Corps in May 2017 and September 2016. Corps public information officer Nakeir Nobles said March 9 there is no application pending for a mitigation bank from the developer.

Meetings Anna Maria City • March 22, 6 p.m., commission. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941708-6130, cityofannamaria.com. Bradenton Beach • March 15, noon, city commission. • March 20, 1 p.m., city commission. • March 21, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.org. Holmes Beach • March 15, 6 p.m., city commission. • March 27, 6 p.m., city commission. • March 29, 6 p.m., city commission. Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org. West Manatee Fire Rescue • March 20, 6 p.m., commission. WMFR administration building, 6417 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, wmfr.org. Manatee County • March 20, 9 a.m., county commission. Administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org. Of interest • March 19, 2 p.m., Island Transportation Planning Organization, Anna Maria City Hall. • March 20, special election, Manatee County School District tax referendum, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. polling. For more, go to votemanatee.com. • March 30 is the Christian observance of Good Friday. Many government offices, including the island city halls, will be closed. Send notices to calendar@islander.org and news@islander.org.

THE ISLANDER n MARCH 14, 2018 n 5

Holmes Beach is served 14th — and counting — Bert Harris suit By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter Fourteen lawsuits and counting. The city of Holmes Beach, insured by the Florida League of Cities’ Florida Municipal Insurance Trust, is fielding its 14th lawsuit under the Bert J. Harris Private Property Rights Protection Act. Mayor Bob Johnson was served March 6 with the suit, which alleges the city’s two-person-per-bedroom occupancy rules enacted in 2015-16 devalued a duplex property at 204 72nd St. belonging to developer Shawn Kaleta. The latest filing in the 12th Circuit Court brings the total of Bert Harris suits against the city to $5.3 million. It claims the vacation rental ordinances required reducing the occupants from 18 to 16 at a home built in 2010 “before occupancy restrictions contained in the ordinance were even considered.” Filed Feb. 22 by attorney Aaron Thomas of the therefore is entitled to the actual market value loss. Najmy Thompson law firm of Bradenton, the latest Other suits against the city allege similar Bert complaint also alleges his client suffered an inordinate Harris devaluation from short-term rental ordinances economic burden due to the occupancy restriction and adopted in 2013-16 restricting building footprints, living areas, setbacks, parking and pools. Kaleta initially notified the city of his 204 72nd St. claim for a $400,000 loss in April 2017 supported by an appraisal. Eyes on the road Prior to filing under the act, owners must first The Florida Department of Transportation posted bring their claims to the applicable government entity. the following notice for the week of March 12: The entity — the city in these cases — is required to • POSTPONED: State Road 64 at the Anna Maria respond with an offer, which can include an offer not Island Bridge: Crews will be working on the bridge. to change in its actions. Motorists should expect intermittent lane closures 9 Holmes Beach has responded to all claimants with p.m.-5 a.m. March 18-22. “no change” offers. • State Road 789/Gulf Drive from SR 64/ManaThe city began receiving Bert Harris claims, numtee Avenue to SR 684/Cortez Road: Manatee County bering now more than 50, in March 2016. In January crews are replacing force mains. For more information, 2017, the first suit was filed in 12th Circuit Court. go online to amipipereplacement.com. Mayor Bob Johnson said March 9 the city is mainFor the latest road watch information, go online taining the same position — not negotiating with claimto www.fl511.com or dial 511. ants and defending the city’s ordinances in court.

Roadwatch

Guests arrive to the Shawn Kaleta-owned vacation rental at 204 72nd St., Holmes Beach, the subject of the most recent Bert Harris lawsuit served on the city of Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell

“There’s nothing new with these things,” he added. According to treasurer Lori Hill, the city is insured by a $1 million annual policy, including loss coverage related to Bert Harris suits. As far as costs and attorneys’ fees in the pending cases, Johnson said the city is waiting for “a clear answer” from the insurer.

Milestones

The Islander welcomes stories about island life, as well as photographs and notices of the milestones in readers’ lives — weddings, births, anniversaries, travels and other events. Submit your announcements and photographs with details — along with contact information — to news@islander.org. Also, visit us on Facebook and join the 11,000-plus friends who “like” The Islander and share their social news.

N PE O S E S W A IE PH V L TER A N A I F W

To Beaches Palma Sola Bay

Manatee Ave. W

Cortez Rd. W

75th St. W

Pa lm

ola

Blv d.

34th Ave. W

To Beaches

Turn west on Cortez Rd. from US-41; Turn right on 75th St. W.; Turn left on 34th Ave. W.

JUST ANNOUNCED

2018 Parade of Homes Overall Winner* Luxurious Condominiums From the $400,000’s • • • • • •

3/2.5 & 2/2 condominium homes Close to beaches & downtown Private gated community Resort style amenities Luxurious two-story clubhouse Private deck & kayak launch

Models Open

Mon. - Sat.: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Sun.: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

*2018 Winner in these categories: Best Overall Development; Best Amenities; Best Entranceway; Islamorada - Best Overall, Best Curb Appeal, Best Kitchen, Best Master Suite, Best Floor Plan & Best Architectural Detail; Key Largo - Best Master Suite. Prices subject to change.

941-854-6991 www.PalmaSolaBayClub.com 3410 77th St. W. Bradenton, FL, 34209

6 n MARCH 14, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Opinion

Our

Don’t blink

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the three best parades on Anna Maria Island. OK. So there are only three parades on AMI. Twice a year, the Anna Maria Island Privateers rock the streets from end to end of AMI. On the Fourth of July, they blast the cannons and beads fly as they go from one end of the island to the other. They bring us Santa Claus in December at the end of the Christmas parade, as well as a traditional party for kids. Those parades treat people on the sidelines to a long line of partiers and revelers — all motorized — from one end of the island to the other. Then there’s the Beach Bistro parade, celebrating all things Irish. It’s short and sweet. Filled with pipers and drummers, all marching to their beat. There’s loud music, a pub on wheels and wild Irish goings on as it passes. It fills the street from beginning to end and, just as quick, it’s over. As the last participant enters Marina Drive, the parade is winding down and the last beads are being thrown at 78th Street. And old St. Patrick himself helps lead the way, along with a salute to dedicated military veterans, plenty of pipers and a few camels — or so they say this year. So why did the camel come to the parade? Murphy invited him to the bar after the march! And don’t be surprised, if you don’t join the party or forget your green, to feel the pinch of a leprechaun, reminding you to celebrate. Americans are known to celebrate their Irish heritage and the legends of trolls and shamrocks with caldrons of Guinness, platefuls of corned beef and cabbage and, yes, parades! Islanders may only be rowdier. This parade is all thanks to Sean Murphy, wife Susan and their loyal Irish tribe of Beach Bistro-Eat Here-Doctor’s Office fans and staff. It’s NOT to be missed. And, please, also, do not forget to thank them! You can tell them by the Irish twinkle in their eyes… and the wearing of green. They’ll be looking for you on the street in Holmes Beach at 4 O’clock Sunday. Yes, in true Irish fashion, there’s so much celebrating, blarney and drinking to do on St. Patrick’s Day, this year's parade is holding over to the next day. After 20 years, it’s our tradition. Loads of Irish love to y’all. — Bonner Joy

MARCH 14, 2018 • Vol. 26, No. 20 ▼ ▼

▼

▼ ▼

▼

Publisher and Editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org Editorial Lisa Neff, copy editor Sandy Ambrogi, sandy@islander.org Bianca Benedí, bianca@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org Jack Elka, jack@jackelka.com ChrisAnn Silver Esformes, chrisann@islander.org Terry O’Connor, terryo@islander.org Kathy Prucnell, kathyp@islander.org Ed Scott, edscott@islander.org Contributors Jesse Brisson Karen Riley-Love Capt. Danny Stasny, fish@islander.org Advertising Director Toni Lyon, toni@islander.org Office Staff Lisa Williams, manager Jennifer Powell accounting@islander.org classifieds@islander.org subscriptions@islander.org Distribution Urbane Bouchet Judy Loden Wasco Ross Roberts (All others: news@islander.org)

Single copies free. Quantities of ﬁve or more: 25 cents each. ©1992-2018 • Editorial, sales and production offices: 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach FL 34217 WEBSITE: www.islander.org PHONE 941-778-7978 toll-free fax 1-866-362-9821

Opinion

Your

Osprey nest: No vacancy

I spotted “my” osprey on the front page of The Islander (March 7, 2018). I decided to check out the situation. The featured osprey nests in a tree a few houses from me at the tennis courts on Flotilla Drive. When I got there I found it on top of the light pole, deep in conversation with the stupid fake owl somebody put up there. I had a good laugh. I love that bird. It comes to the tall Norfolk Island pine across the street and chirps loudly until I come outside and tell it how pretty it is — it cocks its head and listens, makes small happy noises and, if I go back inside too soon, it shrieks until I come back out. Later in the spring, I watch the babies growing as the parents bring fresh fish and other goodies for them to eat, and I enjoy their flying lessons. The young birds are usually quick learners, but there’s always one that can’t quite get the hang of it. We haven’t had that many ospreys around here and it is a blessing from Mother Nature that we have them now. I was appalled to learn the nest at the tennis court had been declared unoccupied or unused and knocked down. It has been occupied every season for several years now. Quoting an expert’s opinion doesn’t make what he says true, real or right. If the expert was here everyday, he would know the nest is occupied. It is a viable, ongoing nest and that is a fact. If the tennis players object to debris and bird poop on the court should we cut down all the trees? The tennis players can dump a bucket of water and use a broom where soiling has occurred or they can wait for the objectionable excrement to bake dry in the hot sun, which takes less than an hour. Or maybe the county can take the money it pays to their expert and send someone to wash the courts. Maybe even install a hose bibb? Lord knows, we pay enough in taxes to have a maintenance person stationed at the tennis courts to catch the bird poop as soon as

— or even before — it hits the ground. If we had a referendum today asking us to choose between listening to tennis players whine about a dirty court or the majestic ospreys living and thriving in a bird sanctuary, I’m betting the players would be packing up those rackets. Janet Aubry, Holmes Beach

Annie Silver salute

A big thank you to the community for support of the Annie Silver Community Center in Bradenton Beach. Through bingo and our community dinners we raised enough revenue to make improvements to the building and grounds. We updated the kitchen and two bathrooms, replaced windows and doors, replaced the floor, painted the building inside and out and updated the electrical. We’ve maintained a community vegetable garden and a butterfly garden. The center was started more than 65 years ago and we look forward to many more years of serving the island community. Again, thank you for your support. Linda Yarger, center president, and Jim Hassett, vice president

Have your say

The Islander accepts original letters of up to 250 words and reserves the right to edit for grammar and length. Letters must include name, address and a contact phone number (for verification). Anonymous letters will not be printed. Email: news@islander.org. Readers also may comment on stories online where The Islander has 2,500+ registered users. Also, The Islander has an active — 11,000+ likes — Facebook community. To join the conversation, “like” The Islander on Facebook.

THE ISLANDER n MARCH 14, 2018 n 7

St Paddy’s Day — an ode to Judy the Elephant

10&20 years ago

The best thing about a parade ‘ is watching the kids watching the parade. — Sean Murphy ’

By Sean Murphy Special to The Islander At the Beach Bistro St Paddy’s parade, the kids faces are bright with glee and green with face paint and sparkles. Judy the parade elephant was the heart of the parade and inspired much delight in all those little faces. We all miss Judy. She was a true parade elephant. Judy and her keeper, Mr. Bones, paraded together for more than 40 years. Mr. Bones is not a Chatty Kathy. He spoke with me of his relationship with Judy only once. “Yup. Been with Judy forty years,” he says. “Forty years. Three wives. One elephant.” Judy loved the parade. She danced north from the parade’s beginning with a lightness to her step and a musical sway to her massive hips. There was joy in her gait. We always walked Judy back from the end of the parade. Her post-parade gait was more of a saunter. She would stop to pluck at leaves on trees, squeeze the bejeezus out of a Coke can, check out a chocolate bar wrapper. There was elephant sighing. Elephant ennui. The marching bands and the cheering and the happy faces were a closed chapter for another year. Some people ask, why we do not get another elephant?

In the headlines: March 11, 1998

Aside from the emotional answer that there is no other elephant, and could be no other elephant, the other elephants I have met scared the poop out of me. A lady from PETA wrote to complain about Judy being in the parade. I assured her that we were not going to eat Judy, that she was just marching in the parade. Every year the Beach Bistro St. Patrick’s Day Parade is celebrated on the Sunday closest to St. Patrick’s Day. This year that is Sunday, March 18. We will miss Judy again this year but the animal kingdom will be represented by camels. Camels are truly mystical beasts for the Irish, who find it impossible to believe anyone or anything can go for weeks without drinking. The St. Patrick’s Day parade will assemble at 2 p.m. at the Eat Here parking lot. It will step off at 4 p.m. and proceed north along Marina Drive and then Palm Drive to its end at 78thSt. Sean Murphy is the originator, owner-operator of Beach Bistro and its “little sister, little brother” Eat Here restaurant and Doctor’s Office craft bar — and a great friend.

We’d love to mail you the news!

• Holmes Beach voters elected Carol Whitmore as their new mayor. Whitmore, who had served on the city commission, defeated Joy Courtney and Ron Robinson at the polls. Voters also elected Sandy Haas-Martens and Roger Lutz to the commission. • Bradenton Beach police arrested a woman for allegedly stabbing her husband and business partner at the Sunset Beach Motel. An officer reported finding the woman standing over her husband with a butcher knife. • The Anna Maria Planning and Zoning Board backed an ordinance that would put a moratorium on cell towers in the city.

In the headlines: March 12, 2008

• Holmes Beach officials were turning away applications for building permits while the city’s ordinance governing construction in the floodplain underwent a revision. • The environmental group ManaSota-88 urged Manatee County commissioners to support a moratorium on development in coastal zones. • The Anna Maria Island Democratic Club celebrated its 15th anniversary with a party at the Beach House Restaurant in Bradenton Beach. The club also launched a voter registration drive in advance of the presidential election. You can peruse The Islander newspaper archive, dating back to its launch in November 1992, at ufdc.ufl.edu.

YOUR COMPLETE CASUAL FURNITURE STORE

We mail The Islander weekly for a nominal $54 per year. We also offer online e-edition subscriptions — a page-by-page view of the weekly news for only $36 per year, but you must sign up online. It’s the best way to stay in touch with what’s happening on Anna Maria Island. We bring you all the news about three city governments, community happenings, people features and special events … even real estate transactions … everything you need if your “heart is on Anna Maria Island.” If you don’t live here year-round, use this form to subscribe by (snail) mail for yourself or someone else. (Sorry, we do not suspend mail subscriptions — you get The Islander free while you’re here!)

BULK MAIL U.S. SUBSCRIPTION (allow 2 weeks for every week’s delivery) ❑ 1 year: $54

❑ 3-6 Months: $36

❑ 1-3 Months: $24

We offer Rattan and Wicker tropical-style indoor and outdoor furniture, for island and coastal looks.

U.S. FIRST CLASS AND CANADIAN MAIL SUBSCRIPTION ❑ 3-6 Months: $98 ❑ 1-3 Months: $54 ❑ 1 year: $160 ❑ Single Issue: $5 FIRST CLASS MAIL, U.S. ONLY, maximum four weeks MAIL TO: ______________________________________________________________ ADDRESS _____________________________________________________________ CITY ____________________________ STATE __________ ZIP _________________ Credit card: ❏ d

❏ u No.

___________________________________________

Name shown on card: _____________________________ Exp. Date ___________ Credit card billing address: ______________________________________________ MAIL START DATE: _____________________________________________________

THE BEST NEWS ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND — SINCE 1992

UÊ iÀ V> >`iÊ ÕÀ ÌÕÀiÊÊUÊ ÕÃÌ Ê"À`iÀÃÊ7i V i UÊ > ÞÊ"Ü i`ÊEÊ"«iÀ>Ìi`ÊÊUÊ ` ÀÊEÊ"ÕÌ` ÀÊ7 V iÀ

SPECIAL ISLANDER OFFER!

$50 OFF any purchase of $500 or more $100 OFF any purchase of $1,000 or more

3218 E. Bay Drive • Holmes Beach FL 34217

*WITH THIS AD. Not valid with any other offer or prior purchases. Expires 03-21-18

CHARGE BY PHONE 941.778.7978 ONLINE (secure server) www.islander.org E-MAIL subscriptions@islander.org

6807 14TH ST. W., BRADENTON (across from Alex Karras Lincoln)

VISIT OUR 8,000+ SF SHOWROOM {£ Çxx äÓÎxÊUÊÜÜÜ°yÊ À `> i> `«>Ì °V

8 n March 14, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

BB works with petitioners to amend restaurant sign at pier

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter Discussion on the Anna Maria Oyster Bar sign at the foot of the Historic Bridge Street Pier has prompted compromise in Bradenton Beach. The restaurant sign was undergoing review following complaints regarding its height, placement, lighting and aesthetic. During a March 1 commission meeting, Scenic WAVES Partnership Committee member Fidencia Pla — who previously complained to the commission about the sign — presented the mayor and commissioners with an appeal signed by 66 people who agree the sign should be lowered and moved and the lighting changed. Anna Maria Oyster Bar operates the pier restaurant on a lease with the city and the sign, which was installed in early 2017, is on city property. It replaced another wooden sign that promoted the pier and announced the restaurant was closed. The restaurant sign now is about 16 feet 6 inches tall and is internally illuminated with LEDs. The conditional-use permit allowed for a non-illuminated sign standing 13 feet. The petitioners, many of whom live in the Pines Trailer Park adjacent to the pier, requested the old sign be returned in place of the restaurant sign. The old sign is being stored by public works. Following discussion about the sign in February, the commission agreed the sign need not be moved, but directed the pier team — Bradenton Beach Police Chief Sam Speciale, chair, building official Steve Gilbert, public works director Tom Woodard and Anna Maria Oyster Bar owner John Horne — to review permits for the sign and consider its placement. Horne has offered to work with the city, but the

sign was approved by the building department at its current height, so any changes made would be at Horne’s discretion, according to Woodard. At the March 7 pier team meeting, Horne said he would be OK with lowering the sign to 13 feet. He’s also working on a “gooseneck” fixture for front illumination, similar to the previous sign. Additionally, Horne said he would consider adding wood trim to the sign cabinet to adhere to the district aesthetic. Previously, the commission discussed adding “gingerbread-style” trim to the sign, but consensus was reached March 7 that it would not enhance the sign. Horne said he should have plans for a new sign by the March 15 commission meeting. Pines resident Hilda Richard asked, “Where is our historic Bridge Street sign going to go?”

By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter Beautiful weather was supposed to help the 36th annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival regain its swagger. Instead, receipts will likely fall short of 2017, which was the worst year in the history of the festival, organizers said. The two-day fest saw gorgeous, sunny weather with temps in the 80s this year in contrast to the rains blamed for holding down crowds in 2017. Early crowds were encouraging, but attendance and receipts were off, organizers said. Vice president Jane von Hahmann of the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage, which organizes the festival, said preliminary numbers were not encouraging. Fiscal results have yet to be fully tabulated. “It’s going to be worse than I thought,” von Hahmann said at the March 5 FISH meeting. “It was a great festival but the returns were disap-

pointing,” said FISH board member John Stevely. “I was really disappointed because I thought we were going to knock the socks off of it.” FISH president Kim McVey said the 2018-19 budget will be affected by attendance skidding an estimated 23.5 percent from 17,000 in 2017 to 13,000 this year. A number of factors were blamed for the decline, including bad timing, competition for the entertainment dollar, festival burnout from a glut of events and “perfect beach weather.” “We had probably the most beautiful weather we’ve ever had for the festival,” von Hahmann said. “It was the perfect beach day.” Getting to the festival was problematic at times. “We believe traffic was a huge, huge factor,” von Hahmann said. Competition from the Sarasota motorcycle festival, Thunder by the Bay, the last weekend of the Florida State Fair and the Daytona 500 also were cited.

Hilda Richard, left, Susan Rochford and Judy Plant, residents of Pines Trailer Park, adjacent to the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach, discuss sign placement March 7 with Anna Maria Oyster Bar-owner John Horne during a pier team meeting at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Andre Archambault, also a Pines resident, suggested the restaurant sign stay where it is and the old sign be placed on the boardwalk at the foot of the pier to be used as a spot for people to pose for photos. He said it’s important for Horne’s sign to be visible and the old sign would be in a better location for photos away from the traffic circle. He also pointed out that leaving the restaurant sign where it is would save the city the cost of moving the sign and the electric supply. Based on the pier team’s review of the sign and discussion at the March 7 meeting, Speciale said the recommendation to the commission would be to lower the sign to the permitted 13-foot height, leave the electric hookups for a possible change to a gooseneck fixture and the possible addition of wood trim. Additionally, the pier team will determine placement of the old pier sign.

Cortez fishing festival leaves FISH financially under the weather

Stevely wondered if the FISH board had grown lax in its festival preparations. The board brainstormed ideas to reverse the festival’s decline, including corporate sponsorship, digital advertising, improved signage and advance ticket sales. Net festival proceeds might not cover the $48,000 in annual FISH overhead costs, von Hahmann said. “Bottom line is, I guess our prayers need to be for nice weather, not incredible weather,” von Hahmann said to laughter. McVey said the board could decide to augment its sole fundraiser with more events. “We’ve talked about doing something else,” she said. “Eventually, we might have to.” In other matters, the board set the annual election for 7 p.m. Monday, April 9. Members whose terms are expiring include McVey, von Hahmann and members Kaye Bell, Plum Taylor and Janet Miller. All are running uncontested for reelection to three-year terms. Founded in 1991, FISH supports a 95-acre preserve and boat-building and repair programs. Its misThe delivery of the second letter addressed his sion includes fighting land developments seen as harmconcerns by committing to transparency and acknowl- ful to the commercial fishing community. FISH will next meet at 7 p.m. Monday, April 2, at edging the center’s “unique” relationship with the city, Fishermen’s Hall, 4511 124th St. W. he said. Murphy said the letter convinced him the city could resume a financial relationship with the center. “From my perspective, this covers this issue,” he said. Murphy said the center, which helps meet the recreational needs for the city’s comprehensive plan and sits on a large piece of city property with a $1 annual lease, is dependent on the city. Rudacille’s letter acknowledges that dependence, he said. However, the mayor asked if the letter alone would hold up in court. City attorney Becky Vose said a resolution passed by the center board would be her recommended solution. Commission Chair Doug Copeland said he didn’t have “the confidence” Murphy had after reading the letter, and a resolution would make him feel “much FISH vice president Jane von Hahmann, left, and more comfortable.” David Zaccagnino, chair of the center board, president Kim McVey discuss the Cortez Commeraddressed the commission and said he would be com- cial Fishing Festival at the March 5 board meeting. Islander Photo: Terry O’Connor fortable with bringing a resolution to the board.

Community center offers accountability, some records

By Bianca Benedí Islander Reporter The Center of Anna Maria Island is still saying it isn’t subject to Florida’s public records laws. However, in a March 5 letter to the city of Anna Maria, center lawyer Scott Rudacille said the center recognizes the “unique relationship” between the city and the center. He said the center will commit to transparency and provide financial and operating records. In August 2017, Rudacille wrote a letter to Rachel Fugate, a lawyer representing The Islander newspaper, claiming the center is exempt from Florida’s Government-in-the-Sunshine Laws. In that letter, Rudacille claimed the city of Holmes Beach and Manatee County both made more substantial annual donations than the city of Anna Maria. Rudacille said then that the center “does not represent the privatization of an essential government service nor does it serve as an alter ego for the city. … Under these facts, we do not believe a court would deem the center to be an agent of any local government, including the city.” Mayor Dan Murphy said March 8 that after he received the first letter, he found it “difficult to ... recommend any funding for the community center.”

THE ISLANDER n MARCH 14, 2018 n 9

SHOP SAVINGS THROUGHOUT THE STORE & AT BEALLSFLORIDA.COM BeallsFlorida.com

SAVINGS PASS

EXTRA

OFF

your purchase

SALE, REGULAR & CLEARANCE MERCHANDISE

Use promo code PARROT on BeallsFlorida.com Savings Pass valid for use on a qualifying merchandise purchase in Bealls Stores, by phone at 800-569-9038, on Click & Find® kiosks and on BeallsFlorida.com only. Savings Pass must be presented at time of purchase. Limit one (1) Savings Pass per purchase. Can be used with single item coupon. Cannot be applied to prior purchases, gift card purchases, existing Bealls Florida credit balances, taxes, or shipping charges and cannot be used with Employee Discount or any other offer. Dollar-off discounts will be applied before any percent-off total purchase discounts. Savings Pass is applied to qualifying items on a prorated basis; returns will be credited at the return price on your receipt. EXCLUSIONS: Bealls Extreme Values, Bealls Outstanding Buys, Birkenstock®, Cobian®, Columbia, Hook & Tackle®, Huk™, Levi’s®, Life Is Good®, Melissa & Doug®, Natural Life®, Nite Ize®, Nike®, Nomad™, Oscar Mike®, Pelagic®, Reef®, Sakroots®, Sawyer®, Simply Southern®, Suncloud®, Under Armour®, Vionic® and other brands listed at BeallsFlorida.com/exclusions. Not valid at Bealls Outlet. Bealls Stores & BeallsFlorida.com are operated by Bealls Stores, Inc. and Beall’s Westgate Corporation. SP02

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14 TUESDAY MARCH 20, 2018

Earn a 5 Reward for Enrolling!† $

Rewards

bealls $ buck$ FOR EVERY $50 YOU SPEND

GET

• $1 = 2 points when you use your Bealls Florida Credit Card†† • $1 = 1 point when you use any other form of payment • $5 Reward for every 200 points (up to a max of $50 in a month)

Receive $10 Bealls Bucks (March 14-17, 2018) when you make a qualifying merchandise purchase of $50 or more (before taxes) in Bealls Stores only. Maximum of $120 Bealls Bucks awarded per guest. Bealls Bucks have no cash value and can be redeemed in-store (March 18 & 19, 2018) only at Bealls Stores. Bealls Bucks must be presented and surrendered at time of purchase; any remaining balance will be forfeited. Bealls Bucks cannot be earned on purchases of gift cards or applied to prior purchases, gift cards, taxes or existing Bealls Florida credit balances. Bealls Bucks will be applied before any percent off total purchase discounts. Offer cannot be earned or combined with Employee discount. OP13

†Receive 200 points for joining Coast2Coast Rewards.® † † Subject to credit approval. Comenity Bank issues the Bealls Florida Credit Card. This Program is NOT affiliated with or related to the Bealls Outlet Rewards Program in any way. Coast2Coast Rewards® program is provided by Bealls Stores, Inc. which is solely responsible for the Program operation. Bealls Stores, Inc. may change the terms of the Program at any time. For full Rewards Terms and Conditions, please visit www.beallsflorida.com/online/rewards.

Go to BeallsFlorida.com for hours & locations.

Bealls Stores & BeallsFlorida.com are operated by Bealls Stores, Inc. and Beall’s Westgate Corporation. GE01

10 n MARCH 14, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

TERRAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

Island happenings

Handmade Sterling Jewelry

LBK Kiwanis club cooking pancakes March 17

NOW OPEN at our new location! 714 43rd St. W â&#x20AC;˘ Bradenton Tue-Fri 10-5, Sat 11-4

941.779.5350

Anna Maria Elementary School students Paizly Patton, middle, Lyla Smith and Maggie Yerkes won the Anna Maria Island Garden Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s poster contest for the annual â&#x20AC;&#x153;Penny Flower Show.â&#x20AC;? Paizly won first place. Lyla won second and Maggie won third in the contest among fourth- and fifth-graders. Islander Courtesy Photo UI 4FBTPO UIFJTMBOEQMBZFST PSH t

(VMG %SJWF 1JOF "WFOVF "OOB .BSJB

The Curious Savage

CZ +PIO 1BUSJDL %JSFDUFE CZ ,FMMZ 8ZOO 8PPEMBOE $P QSPEVDFE CZ #PSUFMM T -PVOHF .BSDI 8IFO .ST 4BWBHF JOIFSJUT NJMMJPO GSPN IFS IVTCBOE IFS TUFQDIJMESFO SFBMJ[F UIFZ DBOOPU DPOUSPM UIF GVOET 5IFZ DPNNJU IFS UP B TBOBUPSJVN IPQJOH UP iCSJOH IFS UP IFS TFOTFTw JO UIJT IJHI DPNFEZ XIFSF LJOEOFTT BOE BGGFDUJPO CBUUMF HSFFE BOE EJTIPOFTUZ

4)085*.&4 QN .BUJOFFT QN .BSDI d 5*$,&54 i

4FBTPO UJDLFUT BWBJMBCMF #PY PGm DF UIFJTMBOEQMBZFST PSH t

AMI Chamber of Commerce 2017 Best Business of the Year

Garden club presents â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Penny Flower Showâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Penny for your thoughts? The Anna Maria Island Garden Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual â&#x20AC;&#x153;Penny Flower Showâ&#x20AC;? will be 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, March 21. The event will be in the fellowship hall at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. The theme of the show will be â&#x20AC;&#x153;Games People Play.â&#x20AC;? An announcement said show categories will include Twister, checkers, Apples to Apples, Uno, Chutes and Ladders, tic-tac-toe, fairy garden and horticulture, with ribbons presented for first, second and third in each group. Voting is done by the public, with pennies cast for favorite floral arrangements. Also, the club will raffle baskets filled with goods and goodies, sell baked goods and demonstrate how to make â&#x20AC;&#x153;living art.â&#x20AC;? Raffle tickets will sell for $1 each or six for $5. Each year, the club promotes the flower show with a poster contest conducted among fourth- and fifthgrade Anna Maria Elementary School students. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winners include Paizly Patton, Lyla Smith and Maggie Yerkes. The club will hold its fashion show at noon Wednesday, April 18, at Roser. For more information, call Charlotte Noyes at 941778-6758.

Kiwanis to learn about boys and girls clubs

full service salon and spa oďŹ&#x20AC;eringâ&#x20AC;Ś Hair ~ Nails ~ Massage ~ Facials Acupuncture ~ Body Treatments ~ Bikini and Brazilian Waxing ~ 3612 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, 941.778.0400 313 Pine Ave, Anna Maria, 941.778.0500

ď?Ąď?Žď?Žď?Ąď?ď?Ąď?˛ď?Šď?Ąď?łď?Ąď?Źď?Żď?Ž.ď?Łď?Żď?

The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island will gather Saturday, March 17, for a program and breakfast. The program â&#x20AC;&#x201D; featuring remarks by Dawn Stanhope, president of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Manatee County â&#x20AC;&#x201D; will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe at the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Club members and guests will gather for breakfast at 8 a.m. Also in March, the club is preparing for its sunrise service celebrating Easter, which is April 1. For more information, call Sandy Haas-Martens at 941-778-1383.

The Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key presents its annual pancake breakfast Saturday, March 17. The event will be 7:30-11 a.m. at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, 4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Menu offerings will include pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee. Tickets are $10 per person or six for $50. They are available at the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce in the Centre Shops at 5390 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 102. Proceeds will benefit childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s charities and scholarships in Manatee and Sarasota counties. For more information, call the chamber at 941383-2466.

St. Bernard sale dates set

Looking for odds-and-ends for the kitchen or an oddity for the living room? Look to St. Bernard Catholic Church, which will hold a two-day rummage sale March 16-17. The sale typically features household goods, collectibles, books, clothing, accessories and other items. The sale will tbe 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, March 16, and 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, March 17, at the church hall, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. For more, call Cheryl Daniels at 941-730-2819.

Annie Silver fires up fryer

The Annie Silver Community Center will host a fish fry Friday, March 16. The menu will include fresh fish, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, hush puppies, drinks and desserts. Karen Bell of A.P. Bell Fish Co. in Cortez will provide the fish. Dinners are $8 and served 5-7 p.m. The center is at 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. For more information, call Linda Yarger at 941-778-3580.

Turtle watch lecture at FMM

The Florida Maritime Museum in Cortez will host one more lecture in its winter series â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a talk by Suzi Fox of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring. The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sea Turtles and Shorebirds and Snowbirds, Oh My!â&#x20AC;? lecture will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 21, in the main gallery of the museum. The museum is at 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. For more info, call FMM at 941-708-6120.

Craft market benefits BB wildlife organization

The Holmes Beach Arts and Crafts Show will benefit the Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center in Bradenton Beach. The crafts market will take place 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 17, and Sunday, March 18, at city field, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. An announcement said the event will feature artisans from across the United States, as well as wildlife displays and lectures. For more information, call Wildlife Inc. at 941-778-6324.

Island happenings

THE ISLANDER n MARCH 14, 2018 n 11 WATCH BANDS • WATCH BATTERIES • SERVICE/REPAIRS

40% OFF All pre-owned ROLEX!

Ladies and Gents -- 2-year service warranty, box and papers

33 YEARS IN BRADENTON! 8110 CORTEZ RD. W. Tue-Fri 10-4, Sat 10-2 • ATM & CCs • 941-798-9585

Bagpipers march in the 2017 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Holmes beach. This year’s parade will begin at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 18. Islander File Photo

March 18 parade to celebrate St. Pat’s, everything Irish

AMI toasts IRE with a St. Patrick’s Day parade March 18. The Sunday celebration — an island tradition for 20 years — will begin at about 4 p.m. in Holmes Beach, with staging starting at 2 p.m. at the Eat Here restaurant, 5315 Marina Drive. The parade will begin on Marina Drive and travel north to Palm Drive and end at 78th Street. The parade originated two decades ago when Sean Murphy and wife Susan Timmins — owners of the Beach Bistro, Eat Here and the Doctor’s Office — loaded their children and coaxed neighborhood friends into an old green lawn trailer and, blasting music from a boom box, motored down the middle of Gulf Drive to the amusement and consternation of bystanders. A few years later, the parade had grown to include bands and floats and attracted thousands of paradegoers. This year the Beach Bistro St. Patrick’s Day Parade will begin at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 18. “The parade is now the largest St. Paddy’s Day Parade south and east of Savannah,” Murphy said in a news release. Two marshals will lead this year’s parade: World War II veteran Bob Schweiger and Korean War veteran “Mr. Bill,” as he is known to many at his workplace, Hurricane Hanks. The parade also will feature camels, marching bands, pipe bands, floats and folks dressed as leprechauns. Murphy boasted that because the parade is turning 20 years old, he is “inclined to add more bands and musicians this year.” He also said he’d welcome assistance in acquiring musical talent. Everyone is invited to “get with the St. Pat spirit” and join in the parade — it’s free to stroll with the bag pipers, pirates, leprechauns, marching bands and community groups. For more information, call the Beach Bistro at 941778-6444.

Paradise Center to serve St. Patrick’s dinner

Celebrate an early St. Patrick’s Day with dinner and a sing-a-long in the Shook Fellowship Hall of the Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. The event will be 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, March 14. The Paradise Center is organizing the celebration, which will feature corned beef and cabbage served by the Anna Maria Oyster Bar. The cost to attend is $25 per person. The Paradise Center is at 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. For more information, call the center at 941383-6493.

Cortezians welcome guests to picnic on St. Pat’s Day

The Cortez Village Historical Society invites the public to a picnic lunch to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. The celebration will be 12:30-2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 17, at 11655 Cortez Road, Cortez. The CVHS will serve corned beef and cabbage. Attendees are asked to bring a side dish or dessert to share. The group also will celebrate the volunteerism of Ted Adams, an enthusiastic supporter of the Florida Maritime Museum, Manatee Historical Village, Cortez Cultural Center and other institutions. For more information, call the CVHS at 941-7054656.

NEW ARRIVALS! Come check us out! EMBROIDERY! Purses & Bags Clothing, Towels, Cups, Koozies Apparel & Accessory SHOP. PLUS we do wash & fold, dry clean & drop-off laundry service for family/commercial. Free pickup for elderly. 5400 Marina Drive at the Holmes Beach laundromat 941-705-4603 • yptapparel.com

For more about St. Patrick’s Day parade traditions, see page 7.

Under New Ownership! Ali Severson Hair.Skin.Nails.Massage Open 6 days a week www.acquaaveda.com 941.778.5400

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

5311 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach

12 n MARCH 14, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

The Islander Calendar ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

downtown Bradenton. Information: manateepride.com Information: 941-778-5638. 5-10 p.m. — Main Street Live, Old Main, downtown Bradenton. • Terrific Tuesdays for community and families, 5:30 p.m., Roser Information: 941-621-6471. Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. InformaON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Wednesday, March 21 tion: 941-778-0414. 3 p.m. — Florida Maritime Museum lecture by Suzi Fox of Anna ONGOING OFF AMI Thursday, March 15 Maria Island Turtle Watch, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: 6-8 p.m. — “Wild” art exhibit reception, Studio at Gulf and Pine, • First Saturdays, Family Night at the Museum, South Florida 941-708-6120. 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-6694. Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: ONGOING OFF AMI Saturday, March 17 941-746-4131. 10 a.m. -4 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Tour of Homes to benefit • Fourth Wednesdays, “Stelliferous Live” star talk, South Florida • Through May 6, “How People Make Things,” South Florida the Center of Anna Maria Island, various locations and 407 Magnolia Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-1908. 941-746-4131. 941-746-4131. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. — Holmes Beach Arts and Crafts Show, • “Sea Debris: Awareness Through Art” exhibit, Mote Marine GAMES, SPORTS city field, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-379- Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, City Island, Sarasota. Fee & OUTDOORS 0991. applies. Information: 941-388-4441. 10:30 a.m. — Island gallery West art demonstration with Sue ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND • Second Wednesdays, Think + Drink (science), South Florida Elliott’s introduction to alcohol ink, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: Information: 941-778-6648. Wednesday, March 14 941-746-4131. Sunday, March 18 4 p.m. — Chess club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, • First Fridays, 6-9 p.m. ArtWalk in the Village of the Arts, around 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. — Holmes Beach Arts and Crafts Show, 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Also, Saturdays Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. city field, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-379- after the first Fridays. Information: villageofthearts@gmail.com. Saturday, March 17 0991. 9 a.m. — Tampa Bay Watch Coastal Cleanup of Coquina LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI Beach, Bradenton Beach. Information: 727-867-8166. ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND • Throughout March, Judy Saltzman exhibits her artwork in “Sea Escape — Celebration of Sea and Sail,” Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648. • Through April 7, “Wild,” a visual celebration of the extraordinary wildlife of Florida, Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-6694. • Through April 8, Anna Maria Island Art League exhibits Brandon Scott’s “Under the Inﬂuence of Us,” 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-2099. • Throughout March, Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria exhibits work by photographer Chris Collins, Artists’ Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694. LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI March 25, Roser Memorial Community Church concert, Anna Maria. April 13, ArtWalk, Holmes Beach. April 14, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Beach ’N Food Truck and Music Festival, Bradenton Beach. May 3-13, Island Players’ “An Inspector Calls,” Anna Maria. OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND Friday, March 16 6-8 p.m. — Music in the Park, Mosaic Amphitheater on the Riverwalk, downtown Bradenton. Information: 941-621-6471. Saturday, March 17 Noon-6 p.m. — Manatee County Pride Festival, Riverwalk,

ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND March 25, Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra Opera Concert, Bradenton. April 7, Manatee River Garden Club • Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m., horseshoes pitched, “Bradenton in Bloom” garden tour, Bradenton. April 8, Sea to Shore Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: Alliance cocktail party, Bradenton. April 28, De Soto Grand Parade, 941-708-6130. Bradenton. • Thursdays, 7-9 p.m., through March 29, Annie Silver ComKIDS & FAMILY munity Center bingo games, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-3580. ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND • Fridays, usually at 11:30 a.m., mahjong games, Island Library, Sunday, March 18 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. 4 p.m. —St. Patrick’s Day Parade presented by the Beach • Second and fourth Fridays, 6 p.m., Center of Anna Maria Bistro, from the Eat Here parking lot, 5315 Gulf Drive, Holmes Island bingo games, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Beach, north to 78th Street. Information: 941-778-6444. Information: 941-778-1908. Tuesday, March 20 • Mondays, noon, bridge, Roser Memorial Community Church, 10 a.m. — Preschool Storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. • Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong games and instruction for ONGOING ON AMI beginners, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. • Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m., Wednesday Night Blast, CrossPointe • Tuesdays, 12:15 p.m., duplicate bridge, Episcopal Church Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778- of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 0719. 941-779-0881. • Tuesdays, 3:15 p.m., after-school children’s choir, Roser OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. Friday, March 16 • Third Tuesdays, 10 a.m., Winter Time Turtle Talks with Anna 2-4 p.m. — NEST Nature Days, Mosaic NEST, Robinson PreMaria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, Waterline serve expansion, 99th Street Northwest and Ninth Avenue NorthMarina Resort and Beach Club, 5325 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. west, Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-742-5923.

Golf goes to the dogs!

Saturday, March 17 9 a.m. —Master gardener tour, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5757.

There will be NO sand at the beach this year! INTRODUCING …

Moonracer No Kill Animal Rescue

Golf Outing for the Rescue Tourney Golf and Awards Lunch at Terra Ceia Bay Golf & Tennis Club, Palmetto 7:30 Registration, 8:30 Shotgun Start ~ Saturday, April 28 Single Golfer $65: green fees, cart, lunch +2 drink tickets, awards & gift bags Proceeds Benefit Moonracer For more information, golf signup and sponsor opportunities, call Toni Lyon, 941-928-8735 or email tlyonami@gmail.com

Sandless System

Our Unique 2-Layer Design Actually Keeps Sand Off! The oversized 60x80, 2-color blanket has a top layer of cool, fast drying, 100% cotton that allows the sand to pass thru to the bottom layer, keeping sand off you, your tanning lotion, drinks, etc. There’s also a large pocket to store keys, magazines or other beach gear. Also great for boating, camping and as a bed cover. ORDER TODAY! Only $44.95 plus S&H; or $39.95 each for 2 or more OR save S&H costs and pick yours up at Your Personal Touch at Island Shopping Center, 5400 Marina Drive, HB

1-855-686-SAND (7263) sandlessblanket.com PAYPAL, DISCOVER, MC, VISA, AMEX

THE ISLANDER n MARCH 14, 2018 n 13

Tuesday, March 20 8:30 a.m. —Kayak tour, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5757. 7:45 p.m. — Equinox Light Labyrinth Walk, Mosaic NEST, Robinson Preserve expansion, 99th Street Northwest and Ninth Avenue Northwest, Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-742-5923. ONGOING OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND • Through March 26, Pittsburgh Pirates spring training, LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941747-3031. • First and third Wednesdays usually, Roser Memorial Community Church Golfing for God, IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Parkway, Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-778-0414. • Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 1-4 p.m., ACBL open pairs duplicate bridge, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Fee apples. Information: 941-216-9600. LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI April 4, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island golf tournament, Bradenton. April 28, Moonracer Animal Rescue golf tournament, Palmetto. May 18, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce 19th annual Golf Tournament, Bradenton.

CLUBS & COMMUNITY On Anna Maria Island Wednesday, March 14 Noon — Adult coloring club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Thursday, March 15 10:15 a.m. — Friends of the Island Library book club meeting, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. 1 p.m. — Knit and crochet club, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

‘Wild’ reception at the Studio

The Studio at Gulf and Pine will host a reception March 15 for “Wild,” an exhibit featuring the work of Susan Curry, Joanne Brown, Charlotte Mansur, Evelyn Peters. Craig Rubadoux, Jean Blackburn, Linda Hunsaker, Joyce Eli Walker, Nancee Clark, Tim Jaeger, Ines Norman, Tom Hawkaas, Penelope Bowdry Sanders and Nancy Matthews. The reception will be 6-8 p.m. Thursday, March 15. The exhibit will continue through April 7. A portion of the sale of art works featured in the exhibit will be donated to Wildlife Inc. in Bradenton Beach. The Studio at Gulf and Pine is at 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. For more information, call the gallery at 941-778-1906 or go online to studioatgulfandpine. com.

Friday, March 16 9-1 p.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church rummage sale, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-730-2819. 5-7 p.m. — Annie Silver Community Center fish fry, 103 23rd Street North, Bradenton Beach. Fee applies. Information: 941-7783580. Saturday, March 17 8-11 a.m. — Roser Memorial Community Church St. Patrick’s Day Pancake Breakfast, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-0414. 8:30 a.m. — Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island breakfast meeting with speaker Dawn Stanhope of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Manatee County, Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1383. 11 a.m. — Meditation session, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. 9 a.m.-noon — St. Bernard Catholic Church rummage sale, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-730-2819. Wednesday, March 21 1 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Garden Club Penny Flower Show, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-6758.

Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1383. • Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941518-1965. • Tuesdays, 1-3 p.m., through March, Anna Maria Island Irish Ceili dance social, Sandpiper Mobile Resort, 2601 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-779-1416.

ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND

ONGOING OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND

Looking Ahead on AMI April 18, Anna Maria Island Garden Club Fashion Show, Anna Maria. OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND Wednesday, March 14 11:30 a.m. — Off Stage Ladies luncheon and meeting with a speaker from Southeastern Guide Dogs, IMG Academy Golf Club, 3450 El Conquistador Parkway, Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-932-2798. Saturday, March 17 12:30-2:30 p.m. — Cortez Village Historical Society picnic, Cortez Cultural Center, 11655 Cortez Road W., Cortez. Information: 941-705-4656.

• Second Wednesdays during season, Off Stage Ladies meet• Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Anna Maria Island Historical Society sales of Settlers Bread, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Fee ing and luncheon, various venues, Bradenton. Information: 941-9322798. applies. Information: 941-778-0492. • Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. — Bradenton Farmers’ Market, Main • Second and fourth Wednesdays, 11 a.m. Just Older Youth/ JOY Brown Bag Lunch Series, Roser Memorial Community Church, Street, downtown Bradenton. Information: 941-621-6471. 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. GOOD TO KNOW • Thursdays, 9 a.m.-noon, Manatee County Veteran Services Save the dates Divisions counseling and assistance, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. • Saturday, March 17, St. Patrick’s Day. • Third Thursdays, 11:45 a.m., Successful Women Aligning • March 20, spring equinox. Together meets, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton • Friday, March 30, Passover begins. Beach. Fee applies. Information: 941-345-5135. • Friday, March 30, Good Friday. • Fridays, Senior Adventures usually meets to carpool on an • Sunday, April 1, April Fools’ Day. adventure or for an activity, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 • Sunday, April 1, Easter. 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-538-0945. • Tuesday, April 17, Tax Day. • Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island • Sunday, April 22, Earth Day. breakfast meeting, Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, 4000 Gulf Drive, • Friday, April 27, National Arbor Day.

The crowd cheers as Judy the Elephant, Beach Bistro bartender Fred Sullivan, and Judy's handler, Mr. Bones, pass by in the 2014 Beach Bistro St. Patrick's Day Parade. The parade will step off at 4 p.m. March 18 from Eat Here restaurant in Holmes Beach. Islander File Photo: Bonner Joy

HOW TO RELAX ON AN ISLAND. Massaging on AMI for more than 17 years. Your place, your convenience. GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

MA#0017550

MASSAGE BY NADIA Call 941.518.8301

ACCOMMODATIONS Tortuga Inn Beach & Tradewinds Resorts 90 well-appointed rooms, apts., suites with kitchens, wi-fi, pools, beach, more! www.tortugainn.com 941.778.6611 www.tradewinds-resort.com

A FULL-SERVICE SALON

15% OFF Kelley Baker Brows & IMAGE Skin Care products Massage starting $55 Facials $55+ by Karen Gel manicures by Katy Color with Cindy Gift certificates available Call for appointment

941.795.5227 Faith, Cindy, Karen & Katy www.ahairday.com

i.wed

The Islander Wedding Directory

M-F 8-5 Tuesday 9-7 Saturday 8-3

9516 Cortez Road W, Ste 7 Mount Vernon Plaza #MM34454

Bungalow Beach Resort DIRECTLY ON THE BEACH! Classic 1930s island-style resort. 800.779.3601 bungalow@bungalowbeach.com www.bungalowbeach.com JEWELRY Bridge Street Jewelers The island’s full-service jewelry store. 129 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach 941.896.7800

MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT Gulf Drive Band The Best! Classic Danceable Tunes Musical Entertainment DJ for Weddings, Receptions. Call: 941.778.0173. email: gulfdriveband@gmail.com

PHOTOGRAPHY Jack Elka PhotoGraphics The finest wedding photography since 1980. Studio: 315 58th St., Holmes Beach. Preview weddings: www.jackelka.com • 941.778.2711

WEDDING PLANNER AMI Beach Weddings Destination Beach Wedding Experts. AMIBeachWeddings.com love@amibeachweddings.com

Island Photography Beautiful and creative photography to treasure for a lifetime. Dara Caudill • 941-778-5676 islandphotography.org

TO BE INCLUDED IN IWED, CONTACT TONI LYON, 941-928-8735, OR toni@islander.org

14 n March 14, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

HB chair questions outdoor bar, seating, parking at AMI Plaza

By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter Seating, parking and permit compliance continue to be disputed issues at AMI Plaza in Holmes Beach. Holmes Beach Commission Chair Judy Titsworth called on city attorney Patricia Petruff for a legal opinion March 6, saying she saw more seats than allowed at the Freckled Fin Irish Pub at the plaza, 5337 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. “It appears they now have an outside, staffed liquor bar on their deck outside the front door, and many tables and chairs,” Titsworth emailed Petruff. “I am not aware of any application on a site plan for a staffed, outTitsworth door liquor bar.” Holmes Beach’s outdoor-dining standards and the approved site plan allow just eight open-air seats at the Freckled Fin, Titsworth maintained. There were 42 seats available March 9. To gain additional seating per city code, AMI Plaza owner Mike Hynds must apply for an outdoor dining permit, Titsworth said. Titsworth questioned the AMI Plaza parking compliance, too. She communicated her concerns to Petruff and included Police Chief Bill Tokajer, building official James McGuinness and planner Bill Brisson in the email. Petruff has yet to give an opinion. Tokajer said the matter requires research. “The building department has to look at the site plan before it gets to us,” Tokajer said. “If the building department says there is a violation, then code enforcement would get involved.”

The outside bar, patio seating and parking at the Freckled Fin Irish Pub, 5337 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, are undergoing scrutiny from city attorney Patricia Petruff after an inquiry about permit compliance from Holmes Beach City Commission Chair Judy Titsworth. Islander Photo: Bianca Benedí

Permit technician Angie Birdwell said the AMI Plaza are in the hands of McGuinness, who did not return repeated requests for comment. Scott and Eileen Lubore, who own and operate the Freckled Fin, lease the space from Hynds. Scott Lubore said he was not aware of any questions involving the outdoor bar, seating or parking. Hynds has applied for a transfer of the former Lobstahs restaurant business license, according to city clerk Stacey Johnston. His site plan application, which calls for rental housing in a second-floor addition, is still under review by the building department. Hynds and the commission were negotiating the plaza expansion throughout 2017 and the wrangling continued in the first quarter of 2018.

The former Lobstahs Restaurant occupied two AMI Plaza suites, 500 and 600, and was licensed at a time when there were no limits on outdoor dining. An approved site plan allowed 128 indoor seats and 16 outdoor seats, but since suite 500 is being divided into retail shops and suite 600 is occupied by the Freckled Fin, Titsworth said the allowances for seating and parking should be reconfigured. “Once suite 500 gives up its restaurant use, the parking allocation to that address is gone and would have to conform to new ratios,” Titsworth wrote. “Any additional seats added to suite 600 would fall under the new parking ratio.” The commission was to meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 13, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive, after press time for The Islander.

Holmes Beach urges Waste Pro emergency response improvements By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter Hurricane Irma narrowly missed smashing into Anna Maria Island as a Category 5 hurricane Sept. 10, 2017. Even as a tropical storm, Irma left a gigantic mess. Waste Pro made at least three passes through Holmes Beach neighborhoods in cleaning up after Hurricane Irma, according to Keith Banasiak, regional vice president in southwest Florida of the waste-hauling company. “Overall, the program was a success,” Banasiak told the Holmes Beach City Commission Feb. 15. The need to improve communication with customers and city officials are the biggest lessons learned from the storm, he said. Banasiak said online maps are being developed

to show daily progress and where cleanup efforts are being conducted. Commissioners suggested other improvements. Commissioner Pat Morton, the Waste Pro liaison, said a more orderly cleanup plan would be less confusing to residents concerned storm debris in their yard had been missed. “We should pick a plan and move south rather than jumping all over the city,” Morton said. “I think it will work better for us.” Commissioner Jim Kihm called for more timely debris removal. “It was unclear what was going on,” Kihm said. “We were getting confusing dates as far as when the cleanup would be complete and what the plan was.” Commission Chair Judy Titsworth said Irma’s scope should not be underestimated. “We had a lot of debris. If it was a normal storm,

it would have been handled quicker,” Titsworth said. “But it hit the whole state.” Waste Pro was criticized for hauling debris to the county landfill rather than placing chippers at a staging area on Anna Maria Island. Titsworth said chippers would have saved time, but been a hardship, too. “I don’t think anybody would have wanted to live next door to a chipper in a staging area,” Titsworth said. Commissioner Carol Soustek noted heavy equipment required for debris removal was in short supply post-Irma, which also hampered recovery. Overall, Morton commended Waste Pro for its post-Irma performance. “A lot of people don’t realize how much stuff we had down here. You can’t just make it evaporate,” Morton said. “They stuck with it and did their job.”

‘Glitch’ ordinance fortifies new HB formula business law

By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter Just in case the new Holmes Beach formula business regulation isn’t constructed tightly enough, city commissioners were advised to fortify it with a “glitch ordinance.” Planner Bill Brisson insisted on it. The Holmes Beach Planning Commission unanimously agreed with Brisson after debating the merits of the glitch ordinance March 7. Holmes Beach commissioners previously adopted an ordinance Brisson March 1, which restricts the number of formula businesses in the city. More than a year in the making, Brisson anticipates the new formula-business ordinance will attract legal challenges. He advised the glitch ordinance be passed to strengthen the city’s legal standing. “The most serious consequence is the prohibition of businesses in the C-1 district outside the mixeduse district,” Brisson said. “This results in potentially prohibiting many office-type businesses from locating in the two former bank buildings in the district.” Brisson was referring to two vacant commercial buildings, including a former Bank of America branch at 699 Manatee Ave., and a former Regions Bank

branch at 3900 Sixth Ave. Because a temporary business ban expired the day before the city commission passed the formula-business ordinance, the needed changes could not be made before the advertised final hearing and adoption. “The ordinance passed left out permitted uses in the commercial district,” Brisson said, and the glitch ordinance addresses the shortcoming. Planning chair Chuck Stealey noted there is no limit to the number of formula businesses allowed at the Benderson-owned plaza on East Bay Drive. Commissioners adopted a temporary formula business moratorium June 14, 2016, following Benderson’s leases to Smoothie King and Dunkin’ Donuts/BaskinRobbins in its 60,000-square-foot Anna Maria Island Centre shopping plaza. The temporary ban was extended twice before expiring Feb. 28. Planners noted the glitch ordinance is consistent with the comprehensive plan and recommended the commission hold a first reading and vote at its March 13, after press time for The Islander. The ordinance allows formula businesses to apply for special exceptions to be granted by the city commission on a case-by-case basis. Once a special exception is acquired, formula businesses would be allowed within the mixed-use district

only on properties zoned for commercial use, according to Brisson. The planning commission will next meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 4, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

Anna Maria commissioners shift liaison positions

Anna Maria commissioners recently shuffled their liaison assignments to fill those held by former Commissioner Nancy Yetter. Commissioner Brian Seymour asked to be assigned to the Center of Anna Maria Island and to relinquish his liaison role to the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce. Commissioner Amy Tripp, selected Feb. 22 to fill Yetter’s commission seat through November, agreed to take the chamber post. Commissioner Dale Woodland volunteered to be liaison to the Island Players. Woodland also serves as liaison for the Anna Maria City Pier. Commissioner Carol Carter continues as liaison to the Anna Maria Island Historical Society and ManaSota League of Cities and Commissioner Doug Copeland continues as liaison to the Manatee County Tourist Development Council. — Bianca Benedí

THE ISLANDER n MARCH 14, 2018 n 15

O V ER LO O K IN G ANN A M AR IA SO UN D

Live the Lifestyle at One Particular Harbour

Introducing One Particular Getaway

â&#x20AC;˘ 3 days/2 nights in a waterfront home at One Particular Harbour â&#x20AC;˘ Full access to resort recreation â&#x20AC;˘ Use of Margaritaville beach cruiser during your stay â&#x20AC;˘ And more!

Only $229*

Purchase a One Particular Harbour home and your trip is on us!*

A nna Mari â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Vote d To a Island p 10 B each

Sunset V ie

Marina, Dining & Enter tainment

MOVE-IN READY WATERFRONT RESIDENCES FROM THE HIGH $400s Sheltered from the wind, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a private island paradise waiting for you to come ashore... where LVODQG VW\OHG UHVLGHQFHV RÎ? HU VWXQQLQJ VXQVHW YLHZV D GHHSZDWHU PDULQD SURYLGHV GLUHFW DFFHVV WR WKH Gulf of Mexico, and dockside dining and boat drinks are served with a license to chill. Hurry, before this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity sails away!

Brand New Vacation Homes â&#x20AC;˘ Short-Term Rental Opportunity â&#x20AC;˘ Floridaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Last Private Island

For more information, call today!

888-508-4680 | OPHMintoUSA.com 12300 Manatee Ave. West, Bradenton, FL 34209

*Price excludes taxes. Costs of trip including airfare and expenses will be reimbursed up to $500 at closing. Purchase must be made within 90 days of One Particular Getaway visit. Receipts for airfare and expenses must be submitted in order to be reimbursed for exact expenditures. The reimbursement cost is not to exceed $500. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required. The facilities and amenities described and depicted are proposed, but not yet constructed. Photographs are for illustrative purposes only and are merely representative of current development plans. Development plans, amenities, facilities, dimensions, speciďŹ cations, prices and features depicted by artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; renderings or otherwise described herein are approximate and subject to change without notice. ÂŠ Minto Communities, LLC 2018. All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced, copied, altered, distributed, stored or transferred in any form or by any means without express written permission. One Particular Harbour and the One Particular Harbour logo are trademarks of Margaritaville Enterprises, LLC and are used under license. Minto and the Minto logo are trademarks of Minto Communities, LLC and/or its affiliates. CGC 1519880. 3/2018.

16 n MARCH 14, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

A grid is used to map a section of a test unit as part of an archaeological investigation at a 7,000-year-old Native American ancestral burial site in the Gulf of Mexico near Venice. The Manasota Key Offshore archaeological site is unprecedented. It is located on the continental shelf in offshore waters, preserved in what appears to have been a peatbottomed freshwater pond thousands of years ago. Islander Photos: Ivor Mollema/Florida Department of State

By Lisa Neff

Unprecedented discovery nearshore in the Gulf

I once stood on the beach in Anna Maria beside a good friend, who told me how her family home had been on a portion of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gulf Boulevardâ&#x20AC;? that was threatened and then consumed by the Gulf of Mexico years ago. The home was moved back, east to Snapper Street, which we know as Gulf Drive. I can imagine this happening, because I grew up in a city along Neff Lake Michigan, where, year after year, waves smash and break roads and piers into concrete rubble that gets buried deep in the water. But as I stood on the beach in Anna Maria recently, trying to imagine a 7,000-year-old burial site at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico, I could only think in superlatives. In late February, the state of Florida formally announced that a find by an amateur diver in June 2016 led to an extraordinary project that could change everything scientists know about archaeology in the Gulf of Mexico. The find â&#x20AC;&#x201D; human skeletal material â&#x20AC;&#x201D; eventually led to the identification of a 7,000-year-old burial site about a quarter-mile from Manasota Key, a barrier island offshore of Englewood. The diver reported what he found to the state Bureau of Archaeological Research, which launched an underwater investigation at the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Manasota Key Offshoreâ&#x20AC;? site. Using non-invasive survey and investigative techniques and tools, researchers documented evidence of a prehistoric Native American burial site in what once was a freshwater, peat-bottomed pond

Nicole Grinnan takes depth measurements using a laser level and folding ruler at a Native American ancestral burial site in the Gulf of Mexico. thousands of years ago â&#x20AC;&#x201D; before becoming buried by the Gulf of Mexico waters. The discovery, according to BAR, is globally significant and transformative for Florida: The site represents the first example in the Americas of offshore preservation of the Archaic Period paleoenvironment, including a prehistoric burial site that survived sealevel rise since the last ice age. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s out there? The ongoing archaeological investigation at the 0.75-acre site revealed multiple areas containing peat, wooden stakes used in burial practice and human remains. Radiocarbon dating indicated that

two stakes are more than 7,200 years old. When the site was used for burials, the waters of the Gulf of Mexico were about 30 feet below the current level, according to BAR. And the peat-bottom pond, 7,200 years ago, sat on dry land about 9 feet above sea level. Scientists have documented evidence of Archaic Period pond burials elsewhere in the state, including Little Salt Spring in Sarasota County, but what makes the Manasota Key Offshore site remarkable is its offshore location. As the research continues, scientists may be able to model and recreate the prehistoric environment, including ancient springs and rivers. The researchers say the implications for learning more about how Archaic peoples lived in what became Florida, the effects of sea-level change on the prehistoric landscape and the intersection of the two are vast and exciting. Ryan Duggins, the underwater archaeology supervisor for BAR, described seeing the 7,000-year-old site as â&#x20AC;&#x153;awe inspiring.â&#x20AC;? He also emphasized the site is protected â&#x20AC;&#x201D; offlimits to the public out of respect for the people buried there and their living descendants. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a burial site and must be treated with the utmost respect,â&#x20AC;? Duggins said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We now know that this type of site exists on the continental shelf. This will forever change the way we approach offshore archaeology.â&#x20AC;?

BEN AND KAREN COOPER PLEASE COME SEE US AT OUR NEW OFFICE NEXT TO THE REGIONS BANK BUILDING AT 4401 MANATEE AVE. W., BRADENTON.

Holistic wellness center and spa

Now oďŹ&#x20AC;ering yoga and meditation in the ambiance of a healing Himalayan salt wall. Massage Therapy | Acupuncture | Yoga 2219 Gulf Drive N | Bradenton Beach

L I F E A U T O H O M E B O AT B U S I N E S S 5412 Marina Drive â&#x20AC;˘ Island Shopping Center Holmes Beach â&#x20AC;˘ 941.778.2253

941.778.8400 | www.alunawellness.com

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! Meet Dr. Jill Diesman â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, and the Central Institute for the Deaf. Dr. Jill is skilled in providing diagnostic, rehabilitative and other services associated with hearing, balance, tinnitus management, and related audiological ďŹ elds.

"ANK 2ECONCILIATIONS s 0REPARING &INANCIALS #ALCULATING 0AYROLLS s (OMEOWNER !SSOCIATIONS )NDIVIDUAL #ORPORATE 4AX 2ETURNS

941-795-7048 OfďŹ ce 941-795-4878 Fax

941-713-9190 Cell benacooper@aol.com

WINTER FUN SPECIAL

10% OFF

ANY 2%.4!, ./4 ).#,5$).' "/!4 2%.4!,

FACEBOOK COM *UST &UN2ENTALS

3 3 0LAZA s 'ULF $RIVE s (OLMES "EACH s

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HOT OUTSIDE, STAY COOL

99 79 Performance test, ACUV dye,

AC Tune-Up Special 501 VILLAGE GREEN PKWY., STE.16, BRADENTON

To schedule a free hearing screening, call 941.795.2811

up to 1 pound of freon.

Expires10-22-14. 03-21-18 Exp CALL GROOMS!

5608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach 941.896.7898

THE ISLANDER n MARCH 14, 2018 n 17

Not-so-ordinary characters rule the stage in ‘The Curious Savage’

By Sandy Ambrogi Islander Reporter Though “The Curious Savage” first opened in 1950, the tenets of the play are still pertinent in today’s world. Greed, kindness, compassion, love and a look at family are woven in the story with a cast of characters both broken and endearing. Cathy Hansel-Edgerton plays the lead role of Ethel Savage, widow of a wealthy businessman who has hidden $10 million of inheritance money from her self-promoting stepchildren. Hansel-Edgerton, active on and off the stage for the Island Players, is fitting as the wealthy, prim Mrs. Ethel P. Savage, who is coiffed in blue hair with a method to her “madness,” a strong bent for making the stepchildren she has tolerated for years look ridiculous. She has launched an acting career late in life, and totes a large teddy bear about with her, reasons enough to get her institutionalized, the children believe. Having committed the “insane” Mrs. Savage to a sanatorium called The Cloisters, Jim Faltot as the eldest Titus, Thomas Carson as Samuel, the younger son, and Jennifer Kwiatkowski as the loathsome daughter Lily Belle, attempt to discover what Ethel has done with the money they feel is theirs. Ethel has other ideas about the inheritance and how to honor the husband she loved. Kwiatkowski is well practiced as the villainous, petty child, six times married, and her exaggerated facial expressions and body language add the only humor to her unlikeable character. The play examines that fine line between sanity and insanity, punctuated by the wise Mrs. Savage and the residents she encounters in The Cloisters. Taking charge of the play from the beginning scene and never relinquishing it to the final bow is Joanie Anton as resident Fairy May. The character so aptly named, Anton’s frenetic portrayal of a woman existing in a half-real, half-fantasy world is spot on. She covers the stage like a wild butterfly, flitting physically and mentally in a constant state of motion. Sweet Florence, played, by Jeannie Hudkins, who believes her doll is her five-year-old son, is calm and kind, welcoming the elderly woman into the circle. Hudkins’ quiet portrayal is a counterpoint to her character’s deep issues with motherhood. Hannibal, portrayed by Ron Smith, plays a terrible violinist with a wonderful heart whose strings are tugged by Mrs. Savage’s predicament. Smith performs

The end twist to “The Curious Savage” is fitting, leaving theatergoers wondering what exactly the outcome for Mrs. Savage will be, but knowing she will be pursuing her own dreams and ideas. Kudos to director Kelly Wynn Woodland for managing a large cast for the Island Players and making the old play seem relevant in today’s world. Rita Lamoreux had her hands full with Lily Belle’s eccentric hair and Mrs. Savage’s blue coif — and both worked perfectly. The set was designed by Jan Van Wart and costumes were by Priscilla Boyd. Bortell’s Lounge co-produced the play. Performances for “The Curious Savage” are at 8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sundays. For tickets or more information, phone the box office 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Saturday at 941-778-5755.

Jim Faltot as Titus, left, Thomas Carson as Samuel, Cathy Hansel-Edgerton as Ethel and Candace Artim Sex offender sails to Cortez as Miss Willie ponder a question March 9 in a scene The Florida Department of Law Enforcement from the Island Players production of “The Curious announced March 3 a male sex offender has moved Savage,” onstage through March 25 at the theater near Cortez in a white sailboat. at 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Islander Photo: The 54-year-old was convicted of providing Courtesy Island Players obscene material to a minor in Manatee County in with grace and a strong resounding voice on stage. January 2000. John Andruzzi, in the role of Jeffrey, is scarred Sex offenders must register permanent and tempofrom war trauma and injury. A twist revealed late in rary addresses. On March 6, the FDLE also reported the play by The Cloister staff member Miss Willie, other sex offenders in the area: played by Candace Artim, reveals the true nature of • A 56-year-old male offender in the 4200 block love and devotion — the kind of love Mrs. Ethel plans of the 129th Street West in Cortez. to honor with the $10 million she is hiding from the • A 57-year-old transient male offender in Anna stepchildren. Maria. And then there is Susan Belvo, as resident Mrs. • A 53-year-old male offender in the 100 block of Paddy. In typical Belvo form, she doesn’t even need to Crescent Drive in Anna Maria. speak to illicit hoots from the audience with her faces • A 55 year-old male offender in the 6600 block and actions. Mrs. Paddy has only a dozen lines or so, of Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach. but they are critical to the play. • A 53-year-old male offender in Bradenton Dawn Burns’ portrayal of Dr. Emmitt is convinc- Beach. ing, exhibiting the steady, unruffled demeanor one • A 59-year-old male offender in the 100 block of would expect from a physician in such a facility. Ninth Street North in Bradenton Beach.

WE TWEET TOO

Holmes Beach

Arts & Crafts Show

@ami_islander

2018 Penny Flower Show Floral Theme: “Games People Play” 1-3 p.m. Wednesday March 21 Roser Church, Anna Maria Sponsor The Anna Maria Island Garden Club Poser Art: Paizly Patton

Make plans to attend! 10-4:30 Saturday and Sunday March 17-18

Located at the

Holmes Beach City Field (on Marina Drive)

For Information Call 941-379-0951 • Artisans from across the U.S. • Admission and parking are FREE. • On-site display & lectures provided by Wildlife Inc.’s Education-Rehabilitation Center.

Stop by and visit the birds!

18 n MARCH 14, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Holmes Beach celebrates creativity with ArtWalk

Adventures in jewelry

A class in redesigning all that sparkles and shines will be offered free at the Annie Silver Community Center. Liz Nelson will share her jewelry know-how at 10 a.m. Friday, March 16, to the Senior Adventures group at the center, 103 23rd Street N., Bradenton Beach. Nelson has lived in Oregon, Washington state and Rhode Island and, about three years ago, began wintering near Cortez. “I use my education every day in every way,” she said, about her master’s degree in clothing, textile and design from the University of California, Berkeley. She succeeded in business, selling sheepskin products in Oregon after graduating in the mid-1970s, and now travels, collects jewelry to repurpose and donates her time to good causes. The public is invited and organizer Kaye Bell encourages people to bring old jewelry to donate. “You know the earrings you lose the match to that end up on the bottom of your jewelry box?” She can help you turn them into a pendant or Tish Mikelarakis holds up one of her Artist Caleb Roberts shows one of his paintings March 9 at another pretty piece, she said. SteamDesigns Studio, 5343 Gulf Drive, during the March ArtWalk creations, a fused stained-glass plate at “She’s really clever,” she added. ArtWalk March 9 at Restless Natives, in Holmes Beach. For more information, Bell can be reached at by 5416 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. email at cortezbell@tampabay.rr.com. — Kathy Prucnell James Hershey taps out a beat on the djembe, adding rhythm to the ambiance for patrons of ArtWalk at SteamDesigns Studio. Islander Photos: Bianca Benedí

Chip Ragsdale strums guitar and sings for an audience of gallery visitors during ArtWalk March 9 at Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

Foreign & Domestic • Air Conditioning Electrical Systems • Tune-Ups, Brakes & More 5333 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach at the corner of Gulf & Marina Drives

‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE? WHERE

941-779-0487

Liz Nelson shows her collection of repurposed jewelry Feb. 18 at the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell

CHRISTIE’S PLUMBING

RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL Family Owned and Operated Since 1975 Two Florida State-Certiﬁed Master Plumbers REPAIRS & REMODELING • NEW CONSTRUCTION EMERGENCY SERVICE • FREE ESTIMATES WATER HEATERS • SEWER & DRAIN CLEANING NO EXTRA CHARGE FOR OVERTIME

778-3924 OR 778-4461

Nochemicalsinside.com

No More Chemicals Inside your House! Smart Water Technology tied into your Sprinkler System will accomplish this Goal !

37 Years in Business, Family Owned and Operated!

No More Mosquitos, No No-Seeums, No Fireants and many more insects that our Guarantee covers.  



We will save you appr 75000 Gallon of water per year Inside and Outside Pest Management all done with ONLY ORGANIC Products

Outside Liquid Fertilization for Lawn, Shrubs and Trees all done with ONLY ORGANIC Products Smart Water Technology Controller using latest Technology and will be managed by us

FOR ONE LOW MONTHLY FEE

5508 MARINA DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH LOCATED IN THE BACK OF THE BUILDING

$2 OFF

$3 OFF THE WORKS

FRESH & SHINE Full-Service Car Wash, PLUS Sealer Wax, Under Chassis Wash & Air Freshener. Most vehicles

AMERICAN CAR CARE 941-794-5007

(CFC1426596)

HOLMES BEACH AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE

Must present coupon. Not valid with other offers or prior services. Expires 03-28-18

Full-Service Car Wash, PLUS Polish-N-Wax, Under Chassis Wash, Armor All on Tires & Air Freshener Most Vehicles.

AMERICAN CAR CARE 941-794-5007

Must present coupon. Not valid with other offers or prior services. Expires 03-28-18

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1994 6412 Manatee Ave. W. Bradenton 941-794-5007 WWW.AMERICANCARCAREBRADENTON.COM

THE ISLANDER n MARCH 14, 2018 n 19

Come take the tour, the annual Tour of Homes

The homeowners are primping. The goods are priced for the bazaar. The quilt is stitched in time for auction. The Center of Anna Maria Island’s 25th annual Anna Maria Island Tour of Homes will be 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, March 17. Five recently renovated homes are on the tour to take place in Anna Maria and Holmes Beach. The tour will include three Holmes Beach homes: 1 Palm Harbor Drive, owned by Ron and Peggy Jude; 627 Emerald Lane, owned by Don and Leah Purvis; and 628 Key Royale Drive, owned by Tom and Jane Gauld. The tour also includes two homes in Anna Maria: 242 Gladiolus St., owned by Art and Wooley Dutton; and 420 Magnolia Ave., built for island investor Mike Ross. Visitors can make a sixth stop at the tour bazaar at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. There, tourgoers will be able to shop for jewelry and crafts, enter a contest to win a free membership to the center and purchase raffle tickets for the tour quilt stitched by the Eyeland Needlers. The quilt will be raffled at the end of the day. Raffle tickets are $1 each for six for $5. Center volunteers will be on hand to provide golf cart rides for patrons who need assistance traveling between locations. A park-and-ride option will be stationed at CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Tickets at $30 are available at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, or at any of the features homes the day of the tour. — Bianca Benedí

TOUR HOMES, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The Dutton home at 242 Gladiolus St., Anna Maria. The Jude home at 1 Palm Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. The Magnolia home at 420 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. The Purvis home at 627 Emerald Drive, Holmes Beach. The Gauld home at 628 Key Royale Drive, Holmes Beach. Islander Photos: Courtesy Center of AMI

Tiki & Kitty’s Adventures in Shopping … Antiques, Art-Tiques and Chic Boutiques!

Let’s go shopping! Tiki and Kitty are busy shopping for great values in their favorite shops. They’re also sipping wine and contributing to a good cause! Tide & Moon on the Historic Bridge Street Pier has a great selection of handmade jewelry by silversmith Laura Shely. Also, check out the downtown Bradenton location at 1209 Third Ave. W., where you can learn to make jewelry, too.

Alert! Store closing! After a decade in business, Retro Rosie’s is closing its doors! The final day of business will be Saturday, May 19. All clothing items are marked down, as well as most jewelry and accessories — even sewing and craft supplies. All sales are final. Most pieces are one of a kind, so once they’re gone, they’re gone! Get in while it lasts! Be sure to stop often for the changing array of home decor, furnishings, jewelry, shoes and clothing for the entire family at Community Thrift Shop on Manatee Avenue in Bradenton. It’s the spot for consignment

Historic East Manatee Antiques District

bargains, including books and collectibles. Kingberry Estate Finds in Palmetto offers home furnishings and decor, emphasizing quality, comfort and style at affordable prices. The estate inventory includes items for inside and outside your home. As an added bonus, you’ll find Annie Sloan Chalk Paint exclusively in Manatee County at Kingberry. And, be sure to check out Scavengers Marketplace every third Friday of the month, from 4-7 p.m., come to the Sip & Shop event to help Moonracer No Kill Animal Rescue. Wine, hors d’ oeuvre and savings. How can you lose? Please, be sure to tell our friends in the shops, “The Islander sent me.”

Vintage Clothes for All Occasions Antiques and Accessories

Shop, Save & Support Moonracer Animal Rescue

10-4 Tue-Sat • 817 Manatee Ave. E. 941-708-0913 • Like us on Facebook!

Community Thrift Shop Bradenton’s Original Thrift and Consignment Shop

Large selection of Home Decor, Furniture, Collectibles, Fine Jewelry, Clothes for the whole family! Books and more! Accepting quality consignments. Call 792-2253

Mon-Sat 10-4

5704 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton

Reader’s Choice 2008 Best Consignment Store

Tide and Moon Jewelry

Huge Selection of Handmade Jewelry Exclusive Tide and Moon Island Pearl Pendant & LongitudeLatitude Ring!

Custom designed by owner Laura Shely

2 LOCATIONS: Historic Bridge Street Pier & Bradenton

200 BRIDGE ST. • BRADENTON BEACH • 941.778.4050 NEW 1209 THIRD AVE. W., DOWNTOWN BRADENTON

Over 40 vendors! Local, coastal, unique & antique. Furniture, décor, collectibles, jewelry & records.

S P ‘n SHOP Join us the third Friday of the month 4-7pm for wine, hors d’oeuvres and savings.

2100 US Highway 301 N, Palmetto Open Mon-Sat 10-5pm; Sun 11-5pm If you cannot find it here, it probably doesn’t exist.

20 n MARCH 14, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Obituaries

Springfest artists take home honors

Artist John Cheer went home happy from the Anna Holmes Beach-based art league. Maria Island Art League’s Springfest juried arts festiAwards of distinction went to sculptor Wayne val held March 10-11 at city field in Holmes Beach. Harshberger and painter Luis Martinez. Cheer who works in clay and glass, won the prize Awards of merit went to painter Robin Zimmerfor best in show at Springfest, a fundraiser for the man, photographer Jay Canterbury and jewelry-maker Ward Siegler. Barbara Bauchner judged the show. She has a bachelor’s degree in art history and a master’s in fine art. She is a seasonal resident of Anna Maria Island who also lives in Vermont. In the Springfest “Young at Art” exhibit featuring work by Manatee County students, awards were presented to Sheila Medino, Bailey Osborn and Autumn Macrae of Southeast High School; Morgan Wilch, Eva Speck and Jessie Lin of Rowlett Middle School; Jolette Rico of Lincoln Middle School; Jordyn Jomiske of Freedom Elementary; Aliyana Berrores of Rogers Garden Bullock Elementary; Natalie Nichols of Jessie P. Miller Elementary. The judge for “Young at Art” was art instructor Lori Heintz. AMIAL produces a spring and winter fine arts show from its gallery at 5312 Holmes Blvd. For more information, call AMIAL at 941-7782099.

Senior Adventures settle in for March

The Senior Adventures group will spend three dates Linda Gianiotes whisks a giant batch of pancake in March at the Annie Silver Community Center. mix Jan. 13 for Roser’s pancake breakfast. Gianiotes The Senior Adventures meets most Fridays for an said the secret to the mix is vanilla extract. Islander outing or an activity at the Annie Silver Community File Photo Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. At 10 a.m. Friday, March 16 the group will attend Roser to serve a workshop on making new jewelry items from old pancake breakfast jewelry. The public is invited to Roser Memorial CommuThe group will gather at the center at 10 a.m. nity Church’s pancake breakfast 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Friday, March 23,m for a free “lunch and learn” proMarch 17, in the fellowship hall. gram with a representative from Bank United. For $6, diners can enjoy pancakes and syrup, sauMarch 30, the group will hold its monthly book sage, applesauce, biscuits and gravy, juice and coffee sale and potluck lunch. Lunch will be at noon and the or tea. There is no charge for children under the age sale will be 10 a.m.-1 p.m. of 5. For more information or to reserve a van seat, call Proceeds will go toward upgrading the church’s Kaye Bell at 941-538-0945. kitchen equipment. Click! Also, Roser’s Guild Thrift Shop will be open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The Islander welcomes news of the milestones in The church is at 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. readers’ lives. Submit notices and photographs with For more information, call the church at 941-778- detailed captions — along with complete contact infor0414. mation — to news@islander.org.

simple cremations

740

Obituaries are provided as a community service in The Islander newspaper to residents and family of residents, both past and present, as well as to those people with ties to Anna Maria Island. Information may be submitted to news@islander. org. Paid obituaries are available by calling sales rep Toni Lyon at 941-778-7978 or by email, toni@ islander.org.

Online arrangements available Sarasota (941) 312-6371 | Manatee (941) 213-9234

SoundChoiceCremation.com

WORSHIP WITH US SATURDAY AT 5 PM SUNDAY AT 9:30 AM Fellowship follows Sunday worship 6608 Marina Drive ~ Holmes Beach ~ 941-778-1813 www.gloriadeilutheran.com “All are welcome”

Loving Christ • Sharing His Grace • Serving All COMMUNITY CHURCH

SUNDAY WORSHIP

8:30 AM and 10:00 AM Call for a ride to the 10:00 AM Worship Service

IN THE SANCTUARY 10:00 AM Nursery & Church School 8:30 AM Early Bird Sunday School 8:45 AM Adult Sunday School 9:00 AM Adult Book Study

A NON�DENOMINATIONAL, CHRISTIAN CHURCH • EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Frazer Grant

Elizabeth “Betty” Frazer Grant, 88, of Anna Maria Island, died Jan. 20. She was born Dec. 2, 1929, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Maron and Estelle Doty Frazer. She was married to James Thomas Grant Jr. She was a resident of Anna Maria since 1990, moving from Winter Haven, where she had lived since 1955. Before retirement, she was a school teacher with the Polk County Schools. Her bubbly personality, humor and kindness will be remembered. No services are planned. She is survived by son Jim Grant, wife Kim and their daughter Taylor of Bonita Springs; son in-law Joe Kerekes; and his sons, Grant and Andrew of Anna Maria Island.

Dolores ‘Dee’ Arbanas

Dolores “Dee” Arbanas, 87, of Holmes Beach, died Jan 7. Mrs. Arbanas, husband Ron and kids moved to Holmes Beach 25 years ago. She was a florist and loved all things green. She raised hundreds of orchids and was considered somewhat of an “orchid whisperer.” She was a great cook and her door was always open. She had a wicked sense of humor which kept everyone laughing. She had a great passion for the Pawnee Indian and became an honorary member of the tribe through her years of work with them at the Field Museum in Chicago. She and her husband would travel every year to Oklahoma for the annual Pawnee Indian Pow Wow, where she was invited to join in the ceremonial dancing. Husband Ron, daughter Susanna and son Keith, all of Holmes Beach, send a “warm thank you” to all the friends on the island who reached out to them with condolences.

Pastor Rosemary Wheeler Backer

simple burials

1,195

At your service

Larry Ackerman, 61, born and raised in Manatee County, died March 4. He was born March 27, 1956, and graduated from Palmetto High School in 1975. He owned L.A. Design auto repair and sales in Bradenton and was a member of the Palmetto Jaycees and the Anna Maria Island Privateers. Arrangements were made by Central Florida Casket Store and Funeral Chapel in Lakeland. Memorial donaAckerman tions may be made to Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary or the Humane Society of Manatee County. He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Caryn Cleary Ackerman; brothers Jim Skeels of Bradenton, Kenneth Ackerman of Everett, Washington, and Ron Flinn of Juneau, Alaska.

TERRIFIC TUESDAYS

5:30 • Dinner ($6) 6:15 • 3 Classes, The Groove for Youth!

941-778-0414 • www.RoserChurch.com • www.facebook.com/RoserChurch

Art by Joan Voyles

Roser Memorial Community Church is seeking cooks and servers for its pancake breakfast. People also are needed for cleanup. For details, call the church at 941-778-0414.

512 Pine Ave • Anna Maria

Volunteers needed for breakfast

Nicholas Lawrence ‘Larry’ Ackerman

Pastor Stephen King 8:30 and 10:15 am Sunday Services

300 Church Ave. • Bradenton Beach PO Box 243, Bradenton Beach 34217

2 blocks north of Bridge St. Clock Tower

THE ISLANDER n MARCH 14, 2018 n 21

Barbers withstand test of time, styles, friendship

By Sandy Ambrogi Islander Reporter Barbers must surely know something about a lot of things to carry on so many different conversations in one day. It’s evident at the Holmes Beach Barber Shop in the Island Shopping Center at 5320 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, where conversations run from politics to treehouses and from food to fables. The sliver of a storefront has four barber stations and just enough room to seat a few customers waiting for a cut. The aroma of spicy-scented men’s hair products fill the air. Outside, past the classic red, blue and white barber pole at the door, men line up on the benches and chat, waiting their turn. Combs soak in Barbicide and partially read newspapers are strewn about. The counter is cluttered and the floor shows evidence of a busy morning March 8, with tufts of gray, black and brown hair floating on the wood planks. Old photos and maps of Anna Maria Island cover the walls along with displays of vintage barber tools, model cars and other memorabilia. “Guess I should have swept the floor,” co-owner Don Madden quips as he deftly clips the hair of client Ed Mathes. “I just got off a cruise ship and we are flying back home tomorrow. Heading to Sarasota, but I stopped for a cut on the way,” Mathes says. “This shop has been on the island since 1954,” Madden replies to his customer, who asked how long he had been in business. “Thirty-plus years in this location here. I started across the street. The guy who had this shop retired 32 years ago and we took it.” The “we” includes Patsy Welch, who answers the phone at the shop, cuts hair and smiles at the banter among the men. She and Madden have been a couple since 1977. “Don and I are like this,” she says, crossing her fingers and speaking in a soft tone. The couple, like the shop they run, also have withstood the test of time, sharing their lives at work and play for three-plus decades. “I’m pretty quiet,” Welch adds, as she waves her hand toward the chattering men. Barber Duane Cowgill of Michigan takes a

Don Madden chats up Ed Mathes in his chair March 8 at the Holmes Beach Barber Shop.

protect the things you love 9805 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria 941-244-4743

Co-owner Don Madden, left, gives Ed Mathes a clip as fellow barbers Brian Finelli, Duane Cowgill and Madden’s partner, Patsy Welch, tend to clients March 8 in the Holmes Beach Barber Shop. Islander Photos: Sandy Ambrogi

breather, but it isn’t long before his chair is filled with another customer. Cowgill has been cutting hair during season with Madden and Welch for seven years but he has many more years of cutting under his belt. Brian Finelli works the other station. He’s been on the island for more than 30 years. When asked how services changed at the shop, Madden says “very little” over the years. “When I first started cutting hair on the island, there were six shops and now there is only us. There are two or three beauty shops now with a hundred beauticians,” he says. “That’s how business has changed. Those beauty shops are doing a lot of guys. Patsy does women, but I sure don’t,” Madden adds. “I have enough trouble with men.” Madden says a haircut is $12 today, as opposed to the $1.85-$2 charged 30 years ago, although he couldn’t recall the exact cost back then. One service no longer offered is the traditional shave. “We don’t do shaves any more. We don’t have enough room, people stopped asking for it and the AIDS epidemic came. Some states even outlawed shaving when AIDS came,” Madden says. “Every 20 years or so, we start doing the same cuts we had to do 20 years ago. Crew cuts to flat tops to mullets. They think they are changing it, but it’s the same really,” Madden says. In the back chair, Welch trims islander Jim Adams’ eyebrows and neckline. “I’ve been here since 1946,” Adams says as Welch tidies him up. “And getting my hair cut here just about as long. There was a little house with a barber up on the north point years ago, before this shop was here. It was all jungle out here.” When asked how long Madden planned on running

the shop, he answers with a joke, “That depends on how long I live. I don’t have any hobbies and chasing women has sure gotten harder.” Inside, the chairs are filling again and three more men take seats on the outside benches. “Is there a number system here?” one man calls inside the door. “Nope, just sit down and we’ll be with you in a couple of minutes, as soon as we get an empty chair,” Madden says. The Holmes Beach Barber Shop is in the Island Shopping Center at 5320 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. They can be reached at 941-778-3249.

Patsy Welch, co-owner of the Holmes Beach Barber Shop in the Island Shopping Center, gives islander Jim Adams a trim March 8.

22 n MARCH 14, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Cops & Court

“The intox room is video- and audio-recorded and the HBPD was able to view and determine the hose By Kathy Prucnell, Islander Reporter was removed by Cate,” Fraser wrote in a probable cause affidavit, which charged Cate with tampering with evidence and criminal mischief. Formal charges by the 12th Circuit State Attor2 burglars from Indiana get pretrial intervention ney’s office are pending. Two Indianapolis men charged for the October HBPD and $100 to the state attorney and $30 for drug Cate was transported to Manatee County jail. He 2016 burglaries at the Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe testing as well as monthly costs of $30 for probation posted $2,500 bond and was released. and Island Bazaar entered a deal with the 12th Circuit and $2 for correction training. His court arraignment on the DUI is set for 8:25 State Attorney Office. a.m. Wednesday, March 28, and for the device tamperAndrew J. Montgomery, 20, and Jacob W. Thomas, Police arrest Holmes Beach ing mischief at 9 a.m. Friday, April 6. Proceedings in 19, signed contracts in September and July 2017, both cases will be held at the Manatee County Judicial man for DUI, mischief respectively, with the prosecutor, requiring monthly Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. reports to a Florida Department of Corrections officer, Perhaps a man had too much time on his hands. no change in residence or employment without the Douglas Cate, 55, of Holmes Beach, was arrested 9 months in county jail officer’s consent and payments as part of an 18-month at 7:55 p.m. Feb. 23 for driving under result from meth arrest pretrial-diversion program. the influence and refusing to submit Nolan Wilkes, 32, of Sarasota, is out of ManaMontgomery and Thomas were arrested Oct. 7, to a DUI test and, two days later, for 2016, walking in Holmes Beach after HBPD connected altering an alcohol- measurement tee County jail after serving time for a meth arrest in them to the business burglaries three days earlier. device while at the Holmes Beach Holmes Beach. Wilkes was released Jan. 7 from the jail after he The men were seen on surveillance tape, searchpolice station. ing a thatched hut and removing a cash register at the Cate Cate’s run-in with the HBPD was sentenced in October 2017 to nine months, includcafe at Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, after began after a caller notified police of ing credit for time served. Wilkes pleaded no contest to the prosecutor’s closing time. The men also were arrested for criminal a reckless driver on Manatee Avenue and Gulf Drive. mischief for a damaged cash drawer. No money was At the intersection of Sunrise Lane and Gulf Drive, amended charges: meth possession, driving while his reported missing. Officer Christine LaBranche observed the motorist license was revoked and possessing drug paraphernaThe same night Montgomery and Thomas broke swerving out his lane while negotiating the curve and lia. In addition to the jail sentence, 12th Circuit Judge into a truck behind the Island Bazaar, 3304 E. Bay drifting in and out of his lane while northbound on Edward Nicholas suspended Wilkes’ driver’s license Drive, but nothing was reported missing, according Marina Drive. to HBPD reports. LaBranche pulled Cate over in the 5800 block of and ordered 24 months probation for driving on a The state formally charged the pair for criminal Marina Drive, where Officer Alan Desantis adminis- revoked license and the drug charges. The 12th Circuit State Attorney’s Office reduced mischief and burglaries of an unoccupied structure and tered a DUI field-sobriety test. Desantis arrested Cate a vehicle and agreed to dismiss the charges if the men for DUI, having discontinued the test when Cate lost an original meth trafficking charge to possessing the illegal drug and threw out marijuana and grand theft successfully completed the program. his balance. By signing the contract, Montgomery and Thomas Officer Thomas Fraser also assisted at the scene charges. Holmes Beach police officers arrested Wilkes in waived their rights to remain silent and a speedy trial, and at the station, where Cate refused the breath test, April 2017 in a stolen car in the 700 block of Manatee and face prosecution if they fail to meet their obliga- according to police reports. tions. After Cate left the room, the hose to the alcohol- Avenue, after he told police he’d found a supply of In addition to the DOC-monitoring, the contract measurement device went missing. Police later recov- meth at the beach. The police report stated a search of the vehicle requires them each to pay $400 restitution, $200 to the ered it behind a cabinet. turned up 16.1 grams of meth, six syringes, two bags SERVING GOURMET ICE CREAM SINCE 1984 of crystal meth and a small bag of marijuana, a large number of plastic bags, as well as a stack of credit and identification cards with a variety of names.

❊ Truly Homemade Ice Cream

(yes, we really make it ourselves)

❊ Voted Best Ice Cream ❊ Open 7 Days a Week www.tylersicecream.com Manatee Ave & 59th 941-243-3841

Cortez & 119th 941-794-5333

Longboat Center Shops 941-383-6935

EAT-IN OR TAKE-OUT

$100 OFF

Any Size Pizza

FREE DELIVERY!

OMA PIZZA

& ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Specializing in Veal • Chicken • Fish • Pasta Makers of the World’s Largest Pizza Makers of the World’s Largest Pizza Open 7 Days • 11AM to Midnight 201 N. Gulf Dr. • Bradenton Beach 778-0771 or 778-0772

SEAFOOD

SHRIMP AJILLO A LANDMARK ON

PROUD RECIPIENT OF THE SMALL BUSINESS

OF THE YEAR AWARD

GULF COAST!

- LARGE CATEGORY-

SEARED IN GARLIC & OLIVE OIL WITH LIMES, CRUSHED RED PEPPER & ARUGULA

Live music Friday & Saturday 121 Bridge St. Bradenton Beach 941-896-9737 bluemarlinami.com

Streetlife

THE ISLANDER n MARCH 14, 2018 n 23

By Kathy Prucnell

Island police blotter

Anna Maria Feb. 22, 400 block of Pine Avenue, fraud. A woman reported an unknown person without permission opened several fraudulent phone accounts in her name and changed her bank account information. Feb. 24, 700 block of North Shore, suspicious incident. Manatee County sheriff’s deputies responded to a call for help when a woman woke up with her dogs barking and uncertain if anyone had entered her home. The officers found no indications of a break-in and no suspicious activity on the beach. It was later determined a glass shelf had fallen in her living room. Anna Maria is policed by MCSO. Bradenton Beach Feb. 27, Anna Maria Island Club condominiums, 2600 Gulf Drive N., burglary. A Cadillac owner alerted by the car’s security system reported the vehicle had been broken into and rummaged through. The owner’s manual was the only item reported missing. Feb. 28, Gulf Drive Cafe, 900 Gulf Drive N., trespass. The restaurant owner asked a man and woman with a dog to leave the property because they were disturbing customers. The woman refused. The man and woman were trespassed when police arrived, and they left. March 4, Sports Lounge, 118 Bridge St., trespass. A Bradenton Beach police officer observed an argument between two patrons. In the officer’s presence, the bartender warned a 56-year-old man to leave and not return. March 4, Circle K, 103 Gulf Drive S., trespass. A 48-year-old man was arrested for trespass after an Island watch: To report information on island crime, call the MCSO Anna Maria substation, 941708-8899; Bradenton Beach police, 941-778-6311; or Holmes Beach police, 941-708-5804.

officer observed him at the convenience store where he knew the man had previously been warned for trespassing. The man was transported to Manatee County jail, where he was released after a 12th Circuit judge sentenced him to five days served in jail, court costs and fines. Bradenton Beach is policed by BBPD. Cortez Feb. 26, Holiday Cove RV Resort, 11900 Cortez Road West, burglary. Four boats, a 1999 Seaway, 2013 Sweetwater, 2006 Scout and another vessel with a center console, were burglarized Feb. 21-23. Anchors, fishing poles, tackle boxes, binoculars, a spear gun, a signal light and a personal locator beacon were stolen from the boats. Cortez is policed by MCSO. Holmes Beach March 2, White Avenue on the beach, alcohol. At 12:38 a.m., Holmes Beach police found a man and woman smoking marijuana and drinking wine. An officer cited them for violating a city ordinance against possessing alcohol on the beach and disposed of some marijuana cigarettes, weighing 1.5 grams, found in their possession. March 4, 5300 block of Holmes Boulevard, alcohol. Two men were observed drinking beer while walking down the street. A police officer cited them for drinking alcohol in the street against the city ordinance. March 4, 37th Street and the beach, sex. While conducting a beach check at 12:57 a.m., a police officer observed a male and female having sex. The officer determined the man was 25 and the female was 17. The officer made numerous calls to the female’s mother and then contacted her father, who told the officer his daughter could ride home with her companion. March 4, Citgo, 3015 Gulf Drive, property damage. The store owner reported a driver of a U-Haul truck ran into two gas pumps while turning into the station. He estimated $15,000 in damage if the pumps have to be replaced. March 4, 100 block of 52nd Street, drug. Holmes

HBPD announces community forum

The Holmes Beach Police Department issued a friendly APB — for people to attend a community policing forum March 22. The Thursday program will begin at 10 a.m. at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. The agenda lists remarks by Chief Bill Tokajer on crime and arrest data for 2017 and the differences between golf carts and low-speed vehicles, as well as presentations by HBPD officers on bicycle safety, neighborhood watch, residential security and house checks and community outreach. The forum also will provide time to talk about what happens after a crime is reported, a new program for registering the locations of security cameras, as well as an open discussion. For more information, call the HBPD at 941708-5804. Beach officers responded to a vandalism report and found two men in an SUV and another man hiding under the vehicle. The complainant told the officer another vehicle at the scene, a pickup, had run into a fence. A 3.2-gram bag of marijuana was confiscated. The men were arrested and transported to jail. March 7, Island Library, 5711 Marina Drive, warrant/resisting. Police were dispatched to a report of suspicious activity of a man and woman harassing patrons. The pair ran away while the officer was waiting for dispatch to confirm a warrant out of Virginia on the woman. They ran onto Marina and Flotilla drives and 59th Street, where the woman was caught and arrested in the 500 block. Police continued to search for the male with an MCSO-provided K-9. The male was not found after a 30-minute search. Holmes Beach is policed by HBPD. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

24 n MARCH 14, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Holmes Beach cops talk shop, mingle with community over coffee

Sgt. Vern McGowan, left, talks March 7 with Crystal Carpenter, owner of The Hive gift shop, and son Blake during Coffee with a Cop at The Islander in the Anna Maria Centre.

Holmes Beach police visit March 7 with residents and visitors at The Islander newspaper office and Paradise Cafe in the Anna Maria Island Centre on East Bay Drive in Holmes Beach. Major Leckie of Holmes Beach and Gaye Love of Canada talk about pedestrians, bicyclists and traffic with Holmes Beach Police Sgt. Vern McGowin March 7 at the Coffee with a Cop gathering outside The Islander. The newspaper partnered with Paradise Bagels to host the Holmes Beach Police Department event. Islander Photos: Kathy Prucnell

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

Jackie Estes, owner of Paradise Bagels and neighbor to The Islander in the Anna Maria Island Centre, said she's not often the smallest person in the photo, as she poses with HBPD Sgt. Vern McGowin and Officers Chris Higgins and Josh Fleischer during Coffee with a Cop.

SATURDAY, MARCH 17TH, 2017 • 5.00 to 8.30 pm Come to our cute little EASTER SPRING Market in front of our Restaurant and find wonderful Easter Decorations and Gifts for your Beloved and have a delicious, authentic German Meal cooked by Master Chef Uwe from Bavaria.

GERMAN & MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE BEER & WINE | BEER GARDEN

VOTED BEST GERMAN RESTAURANT HOURS Monday–Saturday 11 am–8:30 pm 4625 Cortez Road W. [next to Publix] www.lucky-frog.com • 941.795.2132

Happy Hour Tue. & Thu. 4–7

Anna Maria Oyster Bar You'll feel like family! Visit us online for menu, specials, locations, & more at OysterBar.net

THE ISLANDER n MARCH 14, 2018 n 25

No surprise to islanders: Local tourism rises in late 2017 By Ed Scott Islander Reporter Tourism resumed its uptick after Hurricane Irma went away. During the last three months of 2017, after the drama of the World Rowing Championships and the trauma of Irma, 6 percent more tourists visited Manatee County than the year before, according to information provided by Walter Klages of Data Research Services, a tourism research service. Visitation during the first quarter of the countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fiscal year increased from 146,000 to 155,000. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pretty significant growth,â&#x20AC;? Klages told members of the Manatee County Tourist Development Council at their Feb. 12 meeting. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But even more exciting is the economic impact.â&#x20AC;? Klages expects growth of 2.6-2.7 percent this year, slightly higher than the national projection. New Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce president Terri Kinder said March 9 that the â&#x20AC;&#x153;seasonâ&#x20AC;? seemed to start earlier this year as her office began welcoming a swell of tourists in February.

That was not unexpected, due to a 5.3 percent increase in inventory, from 7,846 rental units to 8,264. More hotels are under construction, he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As inventory grows, there has to be absorption,â&#x20AC;? Klages said. The market absorbed all but a small amount of new inventory, plus itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of high quality. The average daily room rate grew by 3.4 percent, Klages said, noting that inflation is likely around 2 percent. Revenue per available room grew by 2.8 percent â&#x20AC;&#x153;so thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s positive growth on REVPAR and ADR and an absorption of significant additional inventory.â&#x20AC;? The economist said first-time visitor growth was not strong, but the county is attracting more wealthy people, which is significant. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where income growth comes from, he said. The average length of stay is 6.1 nights, higher

than the state average of 4.2, noted Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. At some point, their spending here decreases. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want to land between six and seven,â&#x20AC;? Falcione said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Once they hit seven nights, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re ready for them to go home.â&#x20AC;? Meanwhile, the Manatee County Tax Collectorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office reported collecting $1.47 million in tourist tax during January, up from 720,000 in October. Collecting $268,000 in taxes, Holmes Beach continues to outpace Anna Maria at $197,000, and Bradenton Beach at $108,000. Nearly 40 percent of what Tax Collector Ken Burton Jr. collected countywide in bed tax was reported by lodging venues on Anna Maria Island.

In need of improvement

Craig Fedewa, visiting Anna Maria Island from Lansing, Michigan, says the Holmes Beach dog park should be enlarged to avoid trampling the grass into dirt. The Holmes Beach parks committee is considering adding canine watering stations and more benches and trees. The committee also is planning improvements to the city tennis courts and Spring Lake Park. Islander Photos: Terry Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor.

More impact Tourism generated a 9.7 percent increase in economic impact, totaling more than $152.1 million during the quarter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic impact,â&#x20AC;? Klages said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not only significant for us but, comparing to other major beach destinations in Florida, this is extraordinarily significant growth.â&#x20AC;? Klages says the increase reflects the quality and attractiveness of lodging countywide and a high level of customer service provided, as perceived by tourists from key â&#x20AC;&#x153;foraging marketsâ&#x20AC;? of target audiences: the United States, Canada and Europe. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Regardless of where we go, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re getting a very high level of praise instead of sanction,â&#x20AC;? Klages said, adding that he expects to see healthy growth in the number of European and American tourists coming to Manatee. The Canadian market continues to drag, he said. Occupancy contracted by 0.4 percent in the fourth quarter, from 65.3 percent in 2016 to 64.9 in 2017.

WE TWEET TOO

French Table

@ami_islander

The soul of France in the heart of Bradenton Beach

Traditional French dining experience â&#x20AC;Ś featuring entrees of mussels, shrimp, grouper, duck, pasta carbonara, chicken, beef and a slow-cooked duck casserole. 103 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach

BAGELS & CATERING

941.779.1930

New

at Paradise Bagels

Special: Cream of Broccoli Soup with Bacon. Szegediner Pork Goulash with homemade German sauerkraut, spĂ¤tzle and side salad.

6IETNAMESE 0(/ $INNER /FFERING CHOICE OF 3HRIMP 3TEAK #HICKEN OR 4OFU

Âş/Â&#x2026;iĂ&#x20AC;iĂ&#x160;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x153;Ă&#x160;Â?Â&#x153;Ă&#x203A;iĂ&#x160;Ă&#x192;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;ViĂ&#x20AC;iĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;>Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x160; Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;iĂ&#x160;Â?Â&#x153;Ă&#x203A;iĂ&#x160;Â&#x153;vĂ&#x160;vÂ&#x153;Â&#x153;`Â°ÂťĂ&#x160;pĂ&#x160; Â° Â°Ă&#x160;-Â&#x2026;>Ă&#x153;

!VAILABLE FOR DINNER ONLY 7EDNESDAY 4HURSDAY

HAXEN FRI-SAT NIGHTS (reserve ahead) Dinner Monday-Saturday 5-9

941.778.1320 http://schnitzel.house 3246 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach

UĂ&#x160; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;iĂ&#x160; Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160; >Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160;"Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;"ÂŤiÂ&#x2DC;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x2021;Ă&#x160; >Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x2030;ÂŁÂŁ\Ă&#x17D;Ă¤Â&#x2021;Â&#x2122; Ă&#x160;Ă&#x160;x{Ă¤Ă&#x2C6;Ă&#x160; >Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;>Ă&#x160; Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x203A;iĂ&#x160;UĂ&#x160; Ă&#x192;Â?>Â&#x2DC;`Ă&#x160;-Â&#x2026;Â&#x153;ÂŤÂŤÂ&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;}Ă&#x160; iÂ&#x2DC;Ă&#x152;iĂ&#x20AC; Â&#x153;Â?Â&#x201C;iĂ&#x192;Ă&#x160; i>VÂ&#x2026;Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;Â&#x2122;{ÂŁÂ°Ă&#x2021;Ă&#x2021;nÂ°xĂ¤Â&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;

3ERVING "REAKFAST ,UNCH DAILY -ON 3AT 3UNDAY $INE )N OR 4AKE /UT s 0ET &RIENDLY

%AST "AY $RIVE s (OLMES "EACH s

Waterfront Dining at Anna Maria Oyster Bar Tableside service with a bayside view on the Bridge Street Pier! Call (941) 778-AMOB (2662) for Beach-to-Pier Shuttle!

Open Daily â&#x20AC;˘ 8am-9pm Breakfast 8am-11am â&#x20AC;˘ Weekend Brunch 11am-2pm

on the

Pier

200 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach, FL â&#x20AC;˘ OysterBar.net

26 n March 14, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Local runners take on inaugural 10K Skyway Bridge run By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter It was the first time for everyone. The inaugural Skyway 10K brought 7,606 competitors to the unique and challenging event to benefit local military families. The March 4 event, held on the Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge, included competitors from 40 states and four countries. They were greeted with chilly temperatures and 20-mph winds working against them. Local runners included longtime Cassidy Galati Yacht Sales employee Mickey Hooke, and Holmes Beach triathlete Sandy Meneley, who were joined by Manatee County Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Deputy Steven Stewart, Bradenton Beach code officer Gail Garneau and treasurer Shayne Thompson. Hooke and Meneley both marveled at the organizational logistics of getting 7,000-plus runners to the starting line. They were bused to the event in waves of about 2,500 from Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg to the Skyway-Palmetto rest area. With an almost 6 percent slope, the Skyway 10K posed challenges for most runners and walkers. Meneley said her goal was to make the run to the top without walking. She accomplished that and more, finishing first in her 65+ age division at 55:43, well ahead of the 176 women in her division who took as long as 2 hours 30 minutes to complete the course. Meneley also had other good news to share. She is now ranked No. 1 in the nation in the duathlon (run, bike, run) and has been invited to join the U.S. team at

Manatee County Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Deputy Steven Stewart, Bradenton Beach City code officer Gail Garneau and Galati Yacht Sales employee Mickey Hookey smile on completing the inaugural Skyway 10K. Islander Photo: Courtesy Diane Sacca

THE ORIGINAL BAIT BOAT IS BACK!

LIVE Whitebait & Crabs

On the water at the Kingfish Boat Ramp

941-323-7892

Fishing Charters Wet Slips Fuel Dock Full Service Marine Mechanic Tackle Shop and Water Sports -ARINA $RIVE s (OLMES "EACH WWW +EYES-ARINA COM s

mark. Hooke finished the race in 44:36, which place him 54th overall and first in the male 55-64 age group. Hookeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time was 25 seconds faster than the next of the 594 age-group competitors. Stewart, Garneau and Thompson completed the course, but their times and places werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t available at press time. Key Royale golf news The action got started March 5 on the Key Royale Club golf course with the men playing their regular nine-hole, Stableford match. Chuck Patrick grabbed individual honors with a score of plus-5, edging second-place finishers John Kolojeski, Fred Miller and Dave Richardson, who finished at plus-4. Richardsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s score helped his team â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Bill MacMillan and Pat Moyna â&#x20AC;&#x201D; to a combined score of plus-7 and the top spot in the team competition. The women took to the course March 6 for a ninehole, individual-low-net match in four flights. Phyllis Roe and Pam Lowry both carded 1-underpar 31s to finish in a tie for first place in Flight A, one Bradenton resident Mickey Hooke holds his firststroke ahead of Joy Kaiser. place male 55-64 finish trophy at the Skyway 10K Gloria LaDueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s even-par 32 gave her first place March 4. Islander Courtesy Photo in Flight B. Flight C saw Cathy Rice, Jan Turner and the Duathlon World Championship on the long course Fran Barford all card 1-under-par 31s in a three-way in Switzerland and the short course in Denmark. She tie for first place. Marilyn Niewijkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1-over-par 33 gave her first also earned a No. 7 ranking in her triathlon age group place in Flight D. and all American honors in both pursuits. Markie Ksiazek had a chipin on the first hole. Hooke also had a great result at the event. He prepared for the race by making eight training runs back and forth across the John Ringling Bridge in Horseshoe news Two teams emerged from pool play with matchSarasota. Hooke started in the second wave of runners and caught up with the first wave just past the 1-mile ing 3-0 records and were left to battle it out during March 7 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall horseshoe pits. The team of Tom Farrington and Rich Holmes Brozi rolled to a 22-12 victory over the team of Neil Beach resiHennessey and Bob Lee to earn the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bragging dent Sandy rights. Meneley Four teams advanced to the knockout round during runs the span March 10 action. Jim Waller and Adin Shank advanced of the Bob Graham Sun- to the finals with a 21-9 victory over Jim Kleiner, while shine Skyway Bob Lee and Bob Mason stayed alive with a 21-13 victory over John Crawford and Sam Samuels. Team Bridge over Bob â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Mason and Lee â&#x20AC;&#x201D; stayed hot and rolled to a Tampa Bay 24-6 victory over Waller-Shank to win the day. March 4 in Play gets underway at 9 a.m. every Wednesday and the inaugural Skyway 10K. Saturday at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by random team selecIslander Photo: Cour- tion. There is no charge to play and everyone is weltesy Fritz come. Meneley Sign up now for adult sports The Center of Anna Maria Island is accepting registration for new two adult leagues. The soccer league signup continues until March 16, with mandatory evaluations set for 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, at the center. The team draft will immediately follow. The games get started March 29 with all games played on Thursday evenings. Cost for players is $10 for members and $126 for non-members. The adult basketball league is accepting registrations until March 30, with games set to tip off April 10. Games will be played Tuesday evenings. Participants can sign up as an individual or a team of seven players. The cost is $10 for members and $96 for non-members. Registration is ongoing at centerami.org or in person at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. For more information, call 941-778-1908.

Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

March 14 12:26p March 15 12:38p March 16 12:49p March 17 12:23a March 18 1:03a March 19 1:45a March 20 2:32a March 21 3:27a

HIGH

1.4 1.5 1.5 1.9 1.9 1.8 1.7 1.5

11:01p 11:43p â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 1:02p 1:20p 1:42p 2:10p 2:43p

HIGH

1.9 1.9 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 1.6 1.8 1.9 2.0 2.1

LOW

Moon

5:24a -0.3 4:58p 0.9 5:55a -0.2 5:35p 0.7 6:23a -0.1 6:10p 0.5 6:49a 0.0 6:46p 0.3 New 7:14a 0.1 7:25p 0.1 7:39a 0.3 8:09p 0.0 8:04a 0.5 8:59p -0.1 8:29a 0.7 9:57p -0.2

AM City Pier tides; Cortez high tides 7 minutes later â&#x20AC;&#x201D; lows 1:06 later

THE ISLANDER n MARCH 14, 2018 n 27

Warm weather or cold, fishing remains hot around AMI By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter Anglers are experiencing both ends of the spectrum of fishing while venturing into the waters surrounding Anna Maria Island. Spring-like conditions — where temperatures in the 80s are prevalent — is providing excellent action on the flats. Snook, trout and redfish are on the feed when the sun warms the water. Fishing offshore is proving good on the warm, calm days, with kingfish, cobia, mackerel and sharks being caught. On the other end of the spectrum Stasny are the days when air temps never rise above the low 60s. With minimal sun, the water temperature falls, creating a slightly different scenario. In these conditions, sheepshead, black drum and flounder are more apparent. Being more tolerant of the cold than snook or trout, the cold-catch species can make a cold windy day on the water enjoyable and productive. On my Southernaire fishing charters, I’m jumping on those warm sunny days when snook fishing is exceptional. Fishing the high stages of the tide around mangrove shorelines and oyster bars is providing rallies of fish with multiple hookups for my clients. Spotted seatrout can be found in these same areas, where some fish are exceeding 20 inches. It makes for a great day of fishing. Now with sudden cold spells, water temps drop overnight, which results in different species being targeted. On cold, windy days, sheepshead are my preferred target. Fishing around rocks and docks — especially in the canals, where we’re sheltered from the wind — is providing good action on these tasty, convict-striped porgies. Targeting sheepies is resulting in redfish, flounder and black drum in the cooler, too. Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier is seeing the numbers of sheepshead increase from one day to the next. Soon there will be so many sheepshead under the pier that they will appear to gnaw their way through the wooden pilings as they leisurely graze on the barnacles. Pier fishers lucky enough to get in on the sheepshead bite are reaping the benefits of large numbers of fish. Casting live shrimp under the pier is resulting in convict catches up to 2 pounds, with an occasional 4or 5-pounder being reeled up. Mixed in with the sheep herd are black drum, flounder and redfish. And casting shrimp away from the pier is attracting a pompano or two, as well as whiting and the ever-famous ladyfish, according to Malfese. Capt. Aaron Lowman is targeting snook throughout the grass flats of Tampa Bay and southward throughout Anna Maria Sound. On warmer days, Lowman is finding good numbers of linesiders as they funnel out

Fishing Charters Capt. Warren Girle

Ken Voss, visiting Anna Maria Island from Minnesota, shows off the oversized redfish he caught and released March 9 in Sarasota Bay. Voss was using shrimp and his trip was guided by Capt. Warren Girle. to the flats to feed. In areas where mangroves exist, Lowman is directing his anglers to cast baits to the edges of the shore, where the branches hang over the water. Live shiners are Lowman’s go-to bait. Numerous catches of 22- to 26-inch fish are being interrupted by an occasional 30-plus-inch fish. Large spotted seatrout are present on the shallow flats close to shore. His clients are casting live shiners and catching trout exceeding 20 inches. Moving into the Gulf of Mexico, Lowman is finding good action with migratory fish, such as bonito, kingfish, spinner sharks and cobia. To find these fish, Lowman is patrolling artificial reefs and wrecks. Capt. Rick Gross of Fishy Business also is working the flats of Tampa Bay with good results. Gross boasts of the warmer days when exceptional fishing is taking place — especially for snook and redfish. Keeper-sizes of both species are being caught around mangrove shorelines and oyster bars. Spotted seatrout are being caught on the flats, typically in depths of 4-6 feet. Rattling corks baited with live shiners worked over the surface of the water are attracting trout up to 18 inches. On the not-so-warm days, Gross is using live shrimp as bait and fishing around structure in windprotected areas for sheepshead. Keeper-sizes of these fish are in abundance. Capt. Warren Girle is fishing offshore on days when the Gulf of Mexico is calm. While fishing ledges, Girle is finding numerous mangrove snapper. Live shiners, either free-lined or on a bottom rig, are attracting the attention of these small, tasty snappers. I use the term “little” loosely — some mangrove snapper being reeled up are in excess of 20 inches. Talk about a good fighting fish. And good eating, too. Southernaire Fishing Charters

Moving inshore to Sarasota Bay, Girle is finding spotted seatrout in good numbers. Live free-lined shiners or jig heads paired with a soft plastic are producing a bite for his clients. On warm days, Girle is hunting snook on shallow flats where mangrove or oyster bars exist. Casting live shiners is resulting in numerous hookups. Capt. Jason Stock is on patrol in the offshore waters west of Anna Maria Island, where fishing around wrecks and reefs is producing big amberjack. Casting poppers or swim baits is resulting in some aggressive strikes and back-breaking battles for his clients. Kingfish are present in these areas and are responding to Halco Lures, either trolled or quickly retrieved by hand. When switching to live bait, Stock is reaching in the well for a live pass crab. Casting these silver dollar-sized crustaceans around wrecks where permit lurk is leading to some large specimens on the hook. Lastly, fishing the flats for snook is producing some fish in the 40-inch range, as well as some slot and under-slot fish. Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters is catching his share of snook. Live shiners cast around mangrove shorelines during the warmest part of the day is getting the job done. Many fish 20-25 inches are being caught by White’s anglers, as well as some slot fish for the lucky ones. Spotted seatrout also are being bagged, with some exceeding 20 inches and many more measuring 15-18 inches. Moving inshore, White is excited to see the arrival of kingfish, Spanish mackerel and cobia. Live shiners are attracting all three species to the hook. Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

CAPT. AARON LOWMAN 'ULF "AY &ISHINGs4ARPON 53'! ,ICENSED AND )NSURED

INSHORE RE Redﬁsh Snook

O OFFSHORE SSnapper G Grouper

LIGHT G TACKLE C • FLY Over 30 years experience in local waters • USCG Licensed Full / Half Day Trips • 941.387.8383 (H) • 941.232.8636 (C) www.captainwarren.com Facebook: Captain Warren

941.465.8932 AnnaMariaFishing Guide.com

DOCKED AT SEAFOOD SHACK

28 n MARCH 14, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Staff from Anna Maria Elementary gather March 9 at the Spring Gala fundraiser. Clockwise from top left, are Dawn Trejo, principal Jackie Featherston, Pam Buff, Terri Ruise and Sandy Fisher.

AME-PTO hosts annual Spring Fling fundraiser

Danielle Canup examines a campfire-themed basket March 9 that includes gourmet snacks, wines, firewood and a Bluetooth outdoor speaker. The basket, valued at $150, was one of many items auctioned at Spring Fling, the Anna Maria Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization’s annual fundraiser.

AME-PTO Spring Fling guests Bev Lesnick and Tommy Kilpatrick at the fundraiser March 9 at the South Florida Museum in Bradenton examine the bidding on a decorative chair submitted for the auction by Becky Demois’ fourth-grade class. Islander Photos: Bianca Benedí

Manatee school tax vote set for March 20

By Bianca Benedí Islander Reporter Manatee County voters should keep their eyes on the calendar. A special election to vote on a school referendum is Tuesday, March 20. Voters will decide whether to approve a property tax increase to raise an extra $33 million in annual funding for the school district. The district says the additional funding will provide a twofold benefit: Schools will be able to pay faculty more competitive rates and the school day would be extended by a half-hour. Anna Maria Elementary would receive at least $200,000 in additional funding if the millage rate hike is approved, according to principal Jackie Featherston. In addition, all elementary schools in the district would receive funding for a new teacher, as well as course material for a science, technology, engineering

and mathematics elective course. The district says Sarasota teachers receive, on average, $9,000 a year more than Manatee teachers. In addition, the district says the extra daily halfhour of schooling would add up to an extra year of learning for students in kindergarten through 12thgrade. Opponents, including the organization Common Sense Manatee, say the district has been wasteful with money and should practice fiscal discipline before receiving more money from taxpayers. Manatee County Commissioners Vanessa Baugh and Robin DiSabatino also voiced concerns in November 2017, when the referendum was approved 5-2 by the commission, about holding a special election rather than putting the referendum on the general election ballot. The special election will cost $300,000, according to the school board.

Brock Real Estate Inc. Greg Brock

941-809-3714 Michelle@MichelleMusto.com www.MichelleMusto.com Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate 201 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 1, Longboat Key

REAL ESTATE BROKER

941-896-8822 greg@brockrealestateinc.com OVER 20 YEARS OF REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE

3103 Ave. E, Holmes Beach $1,399,000

Cynthia Saunders, deputy superintendent of the school board, said the early vote would enable the district to make hires during the summer, enabling the new courses, salaries and schedules in the 2018-19 school year. Early voting will be conducted 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. through Saturday, March 17, at the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office, 600 301 Blvd. W., Suite 118, Bradenton. For the March 20 election, polling will be 7 a.m.-7 p.m. On Anna Maria Island, voters in district 301 will cast ballots at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Voters in Holmes Beach vote in two districts, district 303 will cast ballots at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive. For precinct 305, the polling location is St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. In precinct 307, the polling location is the Bradenton Beach Volunteer Fire Hall, 201 Second St. N., Bradenton Beach. Voters can check their voter ID for precinct locations or, for more information, go to votemanatee.com.

PERICO BAY CLUB 1020 Ibis Court, Bradenton. 2br/2ba, den, updated kitchen, 1-car garage, pool, spa & tennis! Offered at $359,000 $10 each @ The Islander, 3218 E. Bay Drive, HB.

EXPERIENCE REPUTATION RESULTS SALES/RENTALS 43 Years of Professional Service to Anna Maria Island

HERON’S WATCH 10 minutes to beaches. 4 BR + Den. Excellently maintained, tastefully decorated. No rental limitations. MLS A4142821. $359,000. BAY PALMS 3BR/2BA well-maintained, recent roof and other improvements, garage, pool, spa, private rear yard. $583,500. VACATION/SEASONAL RENTALS GULFFRONT PROPERTIES BOOKING NOW 941-778-0807

tdolly1@yahoo.com • www.tdollyyoungrealestate.com

EXTRAORDINARY INVESTMENT/RESIDENCE OR LUXURY VACATION RENTAL! Marina Walk at Harbour Isle Anna Maria Island’s Island’s Newest Expansion Community Island

Enjoy resort style living as an owner/investor, resident or visitor!

Open House 1-5pm March 16, 18, 19 Steps away from the beach on Anna Maria Island, this beautiful 4BR/3.5BA meticulously landscaped, pool house is beautifully decorated and is in like-new condition. 2,428 sq ft with 4136 sq ft “under roof” and much more in outdoor living spaces. 5 decks and balconies, outdoor living/dining, elevator, Jacuzzi, fully furnished and equipped, 6 wall mounted TVs and much more...

Contact Rahime Juma 941-226-4395. Virtual Tour@ http://apertureestate.com/virtual?id=2059

 Expansive Club House  Sky Bar/Tiki Bar  World Class Fitness Center  4 Swimming Pools & Jacuzzi  Walking/Biking Paths  New Full Service Marina w/ Dockside Dining

 Units Available for Purchase  Units Available for Rentals This phenomenal community is conveniently located within minutes of several beaches, great shopping, unique restaurants, exhilara�ng ac�vi�es & so much more!

3 UNITS AVAILABLE CALL NOW! Ed Ecker (727) 482-4766

THE ISLANDER n MARCH 14, 2018 n 29

Hoorah for Dr. Seuss

Kindergartners Alba Larson, Lexi Bower, Siena Suzor and June Moore pose March 2 in costumes for author Dr. Seuss’s birthday.

By Bianca Benedí, bianca@islander.org

AME kindergartners try green eggs March 1, taking inspiration from the Dr. Seuss book “Green Eggs and Ham.” Kindergartner Alba Rose Larson holds up the sign she made with her opinion after trying some green eggs March 2 at AME. Her class celebrated the birthday of children’s author Dr. Seuss after exploring some of his books, including “The Cat in the Hat” and “Green Eggs and Ham.” Islander Photos: Courtesy AME/Kelly Crawford

AME calendar

• Thursday, March 15, picture day; last day for CrossePointe Fellowship after-school tutoring. • Friday, March 16, record day, no school. • Through Friday, March 16, Manatee County School District elementary school choice enrollment period. • Thursday, March 22, 8 a.m.-7 p.m., kindergarten registration for new students; 4-7 p.m. parent-teacher conference night. • Friday, March 23, 12:30 p.m. early release. • Monday, March 26-Friday, March 30, spring break. • Tuesday and Wednesday, April 10-11, third-grade Florida State Assessment for ELA Reading. • Wednesday and Thursday, April 11-12, fourth-grade Florida Student Assessment for ELA Reading. • Friday, April 13, 12:30 p.m., early release. Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the school at 941-708-5525.

ESITE PREMIU M M HO

MARCH MADNESS 8

ON HOMESITE

#151

L E S E VENT

#151

349,550

309,550

SCORE THE LOWEST HOMESITE PREMIUM ON SELECT HOMESITES, THIS MARCH ONLY.

941.254.3330

sales@mirabellaflorida.com

2017 NAHB 55+ AWARDS WINNER

2016 AURORA AWARDS WINNER

30 n MARCH 14, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

isl

biz

BY SANDY AMBROGI

Island businesses expand, develop community

Jeweler celebrating 10 years and expansion Tide and Moon Jewelry has a new second location for showcasing owner Laura Shely’s handmade designs and a studio for classes in jewelry-making. It’s cause for a party, according to Shely. That and her 10 years of success on Anna Maria Island. The Tide and Moon Jewelry Downtown Gallery and Teaching Studio at 1209 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, will host a ribbon-cutting at 4-7 p.m. Friday, March 23, with the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, and simultaneously celebrate a decade of business on Anna Maria Island. Shely announced Billy Rice will play acoustic music at the celebration. Hors d’oeuvre and libations will be served. Shely’s daughter, Alisha Kerschbaum, took the reins at the store at the Historic Bridge Street Pier, 200 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach, when the downtown studio opened, while Shely is keeping busy teaching silversmithing at her new studio. Tide and Moon Jewelry has been an island staple for 10 years, with previous locations in Holmes Beach and Anna Maria before settling at the pier in January 2016. The Tide and Moon Teaching Studio offers classes Monday-Thursday and on open studio Fridays. The Bradenton Beach pier location is open 10 a.m.5p.m. Sunday-Friday and noon-5 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call Shely at 941-592-7697 or 941-778-4050.

Sandra Horne, a student at Laura Shely’s Tide and Moon Jewelry Teaching Studio, is learning silversmithing Feb. 15. the attention of passersby, including one concerned “something big” — and bad — was happening. Another guest delivered doughnuts. And many of those enjoying their coffee with the “cops” had compliments for the professionalism of the HBPD. Another person remarked they had never seen a police department hand out ceramic coffee mugs Newspaper sponsors coffee-cop social Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer and many before. And there were pens, sunglasses and bagels, of the officers with HBPD filled the sidewalk March 7 too. That’s Anna Maria Island. in front of 3218 E. Bay Drive for “Coffee with Cop,” hosted by The Islander and Paradise Cafe Bagels and Catering. Residents and visitors stopped by for a free cup of joe and breakfast snacks in the casual setting on the Chambers gear up for spring The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce sidewalk and the police answered questions posed by attendees on topics as diverse as school safety, bicycle will hold its monthly business card exchange at 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 28, at SteamDesigns Studio, 5343 etiquette and the final fate of the treehouse. The presence of police and patrol trucks caught Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

Laura Shely, front, owner of Tide and Moon Jewelry in Bradenton Beach and the Tide and Moon Jewelry Downtown Gallery and Teaching Studio in Bradenton, works with daughter Alisha Kerschbaum, creating one-of-a-kind jewelry in the studio. Islander Photos: Courtesy Laura Shely

BizCal

LO C A L LY K N OW N . G LO B A L LY C O N N E C T E D.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 528 72nd Street Mark Boehmig 941-807-6936 A4204971 $2,995,000

BR ADENTON 5004 Riverview Boulevard Pam Taylor & Lynne Callahan 920-2301 or 720-3278 A4175714 $2,675,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 532 70th Street George Myers 941-224-6021 A4184561 $1,699,900

PA L M E T T O 1007 Riviera Dunes Way Jody Shinn 941-705-5704 A4203167 $1,598,000

BR ADENTON 5016 64th Drive W Debbie Capobianco & Adam Cuffaro 941-704-2394 A4136838 $1,350,000

BR ADENTON 2019 74th Street NW Debbie Vogler 941-705-3328 A4208067 $1,350,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 1706 Gulf Drive N C Hannah Hillyard 941-744-7358 A4211322 $1,199,900

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 2907 Avenue C Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4191229 $749,000

BR ADENTON 3508 Avenida Madera Cheryl Roberts 941-266-1450 A4205393 $695,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 234 Gladiolus Street Deborah Capobianco & Kristi Berger 941-704-2394 A4199942 $675,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 2509 Avenue C A Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4208163 $595,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 6300 Flotilla Drive 99 Kathy Marshall 941-900-9777 A4208643 $379,000

BR ADENTON 3412 79th Street Circle W 103 Rich Sporl 941-737-1754 A4211026 $425,000

NEW CONSTRUCTION

MSC MORTGAGE | MSC TITLE | MS&C COMMERCIAL NEW HOMES & CONDOMINIUMS | RENTAL

OPEN HOUSES SUNDAYS 1–4 PM

michaelsaunders.com

8 8 8 . 552 . 52 2 8

L O N G B OAT K E Y 5611 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 5 Laura Rulon 941-896-2757 A4207769 $699,000

RENTAL ANNA MARIA ISLAND 309 65th Street A 3 Bed 2 Bath $2,600

michaelsaunders.com L I C E N S E D R E A L E S TAT E B R O K E R

THE ISLANDER n MARCH 14, 2018 n 31

Join hosts Melissa and Frank Williams for libations and appetizers in the studio art gallery. RSVPs are suggested. Cost is $5 for members and $10 for guests. Call or email the chamber with your reservation. Next up for the chamber will be the Beach’N Food Truck and Music Festival10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, April 14, at Coquina Beach. To RSVP for the SteamDesign event, call 941-7781541, visit the office and tourist center at 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, or visit the website at annamariaislandchamber.org Now celebrating its 60th year serving the business community of Longboat Key, the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce will hold several events in March. A Chamber 360-Degrees New Member and Refresher Breakfast will be at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 20, at the chamber office, 5390 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. RSVPs are required and a con-

New Body & Sol Day Spa co-owner Jocelyn Greene, left, treats Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce board member Barbara Murphy to a hand massage during the March 8 opening festivities for the spa above Ginny’s and Jane E’s Cafe and Coastal Store. Islander Photo: Courtesy AMICofC

tinental breakfast will be provided at no charge. This is a new members event and limited to 20 guests. Cafe L’Europe, 431 St. Armands Circle, St. Armands Key, will host the Longboat Key chamber BAH — Business After Hours — at 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 27. Hors d’oeuvre will be served and there will be a cash bar. Cost is $5 for members and $10 for guests. For information about the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce or to register for events, call the chamber at 941-383-2466, visit the website at longboatkeychamber.com or the office at 5390 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key.

PropertyWatch

Island real estate transactions

By Jesse Brisson Special to The Islander 510 Key Royale Drive, Holmes Beach, a 1,441 sfla / 2,497 sfur 2bed/2bath/1car canalfront home built in 1960 on a 9,714 sq ft lot was sold 02/15/18, Combs to Goins for $575,000; list $600,000. 6250 Holmes Blvd., Unit 68, North Beach Village, Holmes Beach, a 1,536 sfla / 2,504 sfur 3bed/2½bath/2car condo with shared pool built in 1991 was sold 02/12/18, Hammonds to Tretina for $500,000; list $549,000. 3013 Ave. F, Unit D1, Island Beach Club, Holmes Beach, a 984 sfla / 1.228 sfur 2bed/2bath condo with shared pool built in 1974 was sold 02/14/18, Smith to Kassanos for $475,000; list $485,000. 2601 Gulf Drive N., Unit 32, Sandpiper Resort Co-Op, Bradenton Beach, a 440 sfla / 618 sfur 1bed/1bath mobile home was sold 02/16/18, Gay to Simmons for $377,500. 1301 Bay Drive N., Unit 1A, Baywatch, Bradenton Beach, a 1,079 sfla / 1,211 sfur 2bed/2bath condo with shared pool built in 1982 was sold 02/01/18, Deane to

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

Scalise for $344,000; list $354,900. 1801 Gulf Drive N., Unit 267, Runaway Bay, Bradenton Beach, a 1,080 sfla / 1,140 sfur 2bed/2bath condo with shared pool built in 1978 was sold 02/07/18, Archer to Palma Sola Holdings LLC for $317,000. island 300 N. Shore Drive, Unit A, North Shore Paradise, Anna Maria, a 1,680 sfla 2bed/2½bath condo with pool built in 1970 was sold 02/23/18, Breteler to 300 N Shore LLC for $787,500. 300 N. Shore Drive, Unit B, North Shore Paradise, Anna Maria, a 1,680 sfla 2bed/2½bath condo with pool built in 1970 was sold 02/23/18, Breteler to 300 N Shore LLC for $787,500. 718 Holly Road, Anna Maria, a 1,562 sfla / 1,882 sfur 3bed/2bath/1car home built in 1972 on a 5,250 sq ft lot was sold 02/16/18, Hrebinko to Stickler for $710,000; list $729,000. 207 64th St., Holmes Beach, a 1,260 sfla / 4,712 sfur 2bed/2bath/2car home built in 1978 on a 8,556 sq ft lot was sold 02/22/18, Weingart to Rautenberg for $620,000; list $695,000. 6250 Holmes Blvd., Unit 71, North Beach Village, Holmes Beach, a 1,536 sfla / 2,604 sfur 3bed/2½bath/2car condo with shared pool built in 1991 was sold 02/20/18, Nay to Barnes for $500,000; list $524,000. 222 17th St. N., Unit 37, Bradenton Beach Club, Bradenton Beach, a 1,310 sfla / 1,438 sfur 2bed/2bath condo with shared pools built in 2005 was sold 02/23/18, Lajoie to Wyngarden for $485,000. 1407 Gulf Drive S., Unit 202, Coquina Moorings, Bradenton Beach, a 1,225 sfla / 1,521 sfur 3bed/2bath condo with shared pool built in 1982 was sold 02/21/18, Moore to Billmar LLC for $415,000. 611 Gulf Drive N., Unit C13, Imperial House, Bradenton Beach, a 745 sfla 2bed/1bath 55+ condo with shared pool built in 1969 was sold 02/22/18, Stufflebean to Lenox for $180,800. Jesse Brisson, broker/associate at Gulf-Bay Realty of Anna Maria, can be reached at 941-778-7244.

Captivating & Luxurious Waterfront Home in Anna Maria

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

OPEN HOUSE 8614 54th Ave. W. West Bradenton

2/2 on a saltwater canal, updated kitchen

1-3 p.m. Sunday, March 18

4 Bedrooms & 4.5 Baths – Impeccable selection of finishes. Thoughtful one floor of living floor plan. Elevator. Sustainable Landscaping. Over $200K annual Income history. 2 garages hold 4 cars. Offered at: $2,199,999. E XC L U S I V E LY O F F E R E D B Y

Shellie Young P.A.

Sales Associate Premier Sotheby ’s International Realty

Jim & Julie Warrender Associate Brokers

Jim: 941.718.5501 Julie: 941.718-5500

shellie.young@sothebysrealty.com www.shellieyoung.com DIRECT: 941.713.5458 Master Certified Negotiation Specialist, Certified Luxur y Home Marketing Specialist, Voted “Best in Customer Satisfaction” Sarasota Magazine since 2016 - 5 Star Premier Agent

32 n MARCH 14, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Sandyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lawn Service Inc. Established in 1983 Residential and Commercial Full service lawn maintenance Landscaping â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Clean-up Hauling tree trimming Licensed & Insured

Paradise Improvements

941.792.5600

Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Specialist Replacement Doors and Windows

Andrew Chennault

FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED Island References Lic#CBC056755

CBC 1253471

RDI CONSTRUCTION INC. Residential & Condo Renovations Kitchens â&#x20AC;¢ Bath â&#x20AC;¢ Design Service Carpentry â&#x20AC;¢ Flooring â&#x20AC;¢ Painting Commercial & Residential

References available â&#x20AC;¢ 941-720-7519

Bed: A bargain!

King, Queen, Full & Twin, pre-owned from $30 new/used. 941-922-5271 www.sleepking.net

islanderClassiFieds ITEMS FOR SALE

BOATS & BOATING

HONDA LAWN MOWER, $90. Echo self-propelled gas trimmer, $75. Call 941-778-6172.

BIMINI BAY SAILING: Small sailboat rentals and instruction. Day. Week. Month. Sunfish, Laser, Windrider 17 and Precision 15. Call Brian at 941685-1400.

PET-JOGGING STROLLER, like new, $25. 941730-2444. ONE WHITE OUTDOOR lounge chair, three outdoor chairs. All for $40. 941-778-1264. FREE DRESSER: High dresser, well-made, heavy. 63rd Street, Anna Maria Island. 818-601-7043. ANTIQUE PARTNER DESK: All wood, $1,000. See at The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach FOUR OAK OFFICE chairs: Antiques, perfect for eclectic dining set. The Islander newspaper, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

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

Home Checks for Absentee Owners +EY (OLDER s /PEN 9OUR (OME $OG 7ALKING 0ET #ARE

WANTED: YOUR OLD cell phone for recycling. Deliver to The Islander, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

)SLAND 2ESIDENT s ,ICENSED )NSURED WWW AMIHOMEWATCH COM #ALL 3ARAH -EAKER 941.773.5349

$YDLODEOH $We

AdoptA-Pet

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

Rollo is a happy boy! Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a 3-year-old mixed breed. He has all his shots and heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in great health. Available to adopt: www.moonraceranimalrescue.com or email moonraceranimalrescue@gmail.com Call Lisa Williams at 941-345-2441 or visit The Islander next to Walgreens in Holmes Beach for more â&#x20AC;¦

LOST & FOUND LOST SUNGLASSES Marina Drive, Holmes Beach yard sale. Contact Charlotte at 541-4500091. LOST: CAR KEYS. Customer accidentally picked up while at Bridge Street Interiors, Bradenton Beach, Jan. 23. If found, call 941-979-0113.