Proposed BB pathway falls by the wayside. 4 Meetings 4
am moves forward with senior exemption. 5 Opinions 6 Looking back. 7 ame plans Peace day. 8 get in the game. 9 Save the date. 10-11 community events. 11 GoodDeeds 11
Wmfr signs up for mentorship program. 12
BB finalizes vulnerability study. 13 StreetLife 14 mayors press for causeway cleanup. 15 football finals, finally. 16 Jumping at inshore hookups. 17
francine’s waves. 17
NOTES 18
puzzle 18
19
20-21
Biz: 22
23
By ryan Paice islander reporter
Ambitious plans to redevelop a former Wells Fargo at 5325 Gulf Drive and 5327 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach are set for public discussion.
Chad Minor, the city’s director of development services, told The Islander Sept. 12 that a major site plan with a request for outdoor dining at the property would be discussed at a Sept. 24 workshop.
The two-lot commercial property features a 10,328-square-foot defunct Wells Fargo bank building that was sold in 2021 to North Carolina-based ABC Family LLC for $3,010,000.
The property then was sold for $4,750,000 June 10, 2023, to former Bradenton Beach Commissioner Jake Spooner, who owns other commercial ventures on the island.
The property is in the Commercial 3 district, Holmes Beach’s most intensive commercial zone, which allows for office, retail
an overhead view of a three-dimensional conceptual plan for a mini-golf course, restaurant, bar, retail and candy stores, ice cream shop and arcade at the intersection of gulf and marina drives in Holmes Beach, where the original island Bank stood. islander graphic: courtesy Holmes Beach. rigHt: rubble piles up Sept. 11 at the former island Bank/Wells fargo at 5325/5327 gulf drive following the driveup demolition and exploratory work ahead of the Holmes Beach property’s redevelopment. islander Photo: Lisa neff
By ryan Paice islander reporter
A city investigation into claims of racism and a hostile workplace in the city of Anna Maria has concluded. and its findings wave off the worst of the allegations levied against the municipality.
Labor attorney Matthew Stefany of Tampabased Allen Norton & Blue law firm, wrapped up his investigation with a Sept. 6 report that found former city employees’ claims “unsubstantiated.”
The Islander recently spoke with four former municipal employees, including Benzard Holland, Roosevelt Jones, Nick Huling and Tyffanny Rios, who said they experienced racially motivated mistreatment and a hostile workplace during their time with the city.
Many of the claims involve Mayor Dan
Murphy, general manager Dean Jones and city clerk and treasurer LeAnne Addy.
Holland, a Black man and former public works employee, told The Islander that Dean Jones repeatedly called him and other employees “kids,” culminating in a July 12 incident in which he alleges Jones called him “boy.”
Holland said he had requested Dean Jones refrain from calling him “kid,” so when Jones greeted him the next day by saying, “Hey kid,” and asked him to load a dolly in the back of a vehicle, he refused to do the task.
In response, Dean Jones allegedly said, “Listen here, boy, I’m the general manager, and you do what I tell you to do when I tell you to do it,” according to Holland. Holland resigned shortly after the incident.
Roosevelt Jones, another Black man and the city’s former public works manager, told The Islander that he believed he was forced out of his job due to Dean Jones’ return to the city and nicknamed “Brownie” by Murphy. Roosevelt Jones also resigned due to the treatment he received.
By ryan Paice islander reporter
An undeveloped Holmes Beach lot blanketed with mangroves soon might become the site of a single-family home.
But not without a loss of mangroves. Chad Minor, the city’s director of development services, told The Islander Sept. 12 that property owners Terence and Valerie Jackovic are in the permitting process for a single-family home at 406 28th St.
The lot is located to the south of Grassy Point Preserve, 3021 Ave. C, adjacent to Anna Maria Sound and consists largely of undeveloped mangrove wetlands.
It is one of three platted lots that were retained as private property after the estate of resident Cedar Hames, who died in 2018, agreed in 2021 to donate more than 22 acres of upland and submerged property south of Grassy Point, otherwise known as the Hames Family Preserve.
As part of the deal, the city paid $41,200 for the cost of appraising the property and mitigation credits to satisfy federal and state
city center continued from Page 1 and service businesses, as well as automotive- and marine-related uses.
Spooner’s plans to redevelop the former bank could make the building into a hot spot for activity in the City Center.
plans for the first floor include an outdoor miniature golf course, Island Bazaar retail shop, ice cream shop and arcade.
the second floor would feature a restaurant with covered and open roof deck seating, a kitchen and a candy store.
Despite the extensive redevelopment, the bones of the former bank building — other than its drivethroughs — will remain, according to Minor.
He said a permit for exploratory demolition had been issued, allowing a contractor to look behind walls and more, but the shell of the building will not be taken down.
“They’re going to be basically rehabilitating the existing building and upgrading it,” Minor said. “It’s pretty impressive.”
“We don’t really have anything like this, so it’ll be new,” he added.
Minor said city staff encouraged Spooner to explore the addition of a mural on the building exterior along Marina Drive.
The public workshop will be held during a city commission meeting at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.
A livestream of the meeting can be viewed on the city’s website, holmesbeachfl.org.
You can peruse the archives of The Islander dating to November 1992 in the uofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.
OPEN SUNDAYS! 4-9 P.M. AND SUNDAY SIN SERVICE INDUSTRY NITE 20% OFF on Sundays for service industry workers!
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a blueprint for the second floor at island Bazaar & mini golf shows a restaurant and candy store, as well as a combination of covered and open decks on the roof for restaurant and bar seating overlooking downtown Holmes Beach.
a picture postcard shows the original island Bank building, 5327 gulf drive, Holmes Beach. the back of the card reads, “the island Bank. Holmes Beach, florida. established april 25, 1961. Visit us in our new modern quarters on beautiful anna maria island in the heart of the ‘Suncoast.’” islander image: courtesy manatee county Public Library System
▼ Modern Chop Happy Hour 11:30-6 Light Bite Specials 4-6, lounge only.
▲ Martini Monday: Signature Martinis, $7, plus 1/2 price lite bites -- lounge only.
▼ Tuesday: $3 Tacos and Margaritas 4-9, lounge only.
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▼ Live Maine Lobster Thursdays, plus Happy Hour all nite in the lounge. 1830 59th St W, Bradenton 11:30-9 Mon-Thu, 11:30-10 Fri, 4-10 Sat, 4-9 Sunday 941.201.6006 Call to book private events. modernchopsteakhouse.com
a blueprint for the ground-level, first floor of a planned development for island Bazaar & mini golf at gulf and marina drives shows an island Bazaar retail store, ice cream shop, mini golf course and arcade.
regulatory requirements for development of the three parcels.
The Jackovics purchased the property in January 2022 for $678,000.
By November 2023, they had secured a permit from the u.s. army corps of Engineers to discharge fill over 0.012 acres of mangrove wetlands at the property, which would result in a permanent loss.
the fill would allow for the construction of a single-family home, driveway and elevated boardwalk.
usacE’s review of the permit application states, “The proposed structures associated with Parcel 2 will utilize disturbed uplands to the maximum extent feasible and will only impact mangrove wetlands where this habitat cannot be completely avoided.”
The permit is valid through March 14, 2026.
On Sept. 6, a path was cleared through mangroves on the lot to allow for further work at the site.
Code compliance supervisor JT Thomas told The Islander Sept. 13 that the work was approved by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
“It appears that everything that is being done there is legal,” he said. “They have everything they need to be doing what they’re doing.”
Minor said it could be days or months until the city issues a construction permit at the property since it has received an application and is awaiting responses to some questions.
“They’re still just at the very beginning of the permitting process,” he said. “But the ball is in their court.”
Grassy Point Preserve, 3021 Ave. C, Holmes Beach, was purchased in July 2001, with grant funding from the Florida Communities Trust.
The funding was $359,945.51 for 33 acres.
The preserve is considered a wetland area that provides open, passive and recreational opportunities and education for visitors.
The purchase of Grassy Point was envisioned by the late Commissioner Billie Martini and overseen by former city treasurer Rick Ashley and the late, former Mayor Robert VanWagoner as a guard against development and preservation of the last coastal hammock community on the island, according to the city. It is open daily to the public.
Last week’s question
By Lisa neff
do you remember where you were on 9/11?
96%. I’ll never forget.
2%. Kind of.
1%. No.
0%. Too young.
0%. Wasn’t born.
This week’s question ami feels like autumn when …
A. Rainy season ends.
B. Heat subsides.
C. Snowbirds arrive.
D. Bayfest is around the corner.
E. All the above.
To answer the poll, go online to islander.org.
To suggest a poll question, email lisa@islander. org.
By robert anderson islander reporter
Plans for a new, wider sidewalk linking Gulf Drive to the Bradenton Beach waterfront via a pathway under a proposed new Cortez Bridge are on hold.
Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie, earlier in September, said the city had been in negotiations with the Bridgeport condominium homeowners association, 501 Gulf Drive N., north of the current bridge, for an easement allowing the Florida Department of Transportation to incorporate a 10-foot-wide path as part of the design for the bridge replacement.
Allowing an easement for the Bridgeport property, including the existing sidewalk to expand the path to 10-feet wide, would require a majority vote from Bridgeport owners, according to Chappie.
That vote was not achieved by a Sept. 13 deadline set by the DOT.
“Today it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen,” Chappie said. “They have got to have their phase 3 sub-
the Bridgeport condominiums in Bradenton Beach are in the distance to the right of the cortez Bridge landing, between gulf drive and the intracoastal Waterway. islander
By Lisa neff
Sept. 19, 9 a.m., planning and zoning.
Sept. 26, 6 p.m., commission.
Oct. 10, 2 p.m., commission.
10005 Gulf Drive, 941-708-6130, cityofannamaria.com.
Sept. 18, 1 p.m., ScenicWAVES.
Sept. 19, noon, commission.
Sept. 19, 5:05 p.m., commission, budget.
Oct. 2, 9:30 a.m., CRA.
Oct. 2, 1 p.m., planning and zoning.
Oct. 3, 6 p.m., commission.
107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com.
Sept. 18, 10 a.m., code compliance.
Sept. 18, 5 p.m., planning.
Sept. 24, 5 p.m., commission.
Oct. 2, 10 a.m., parks and beautification.
Oct. 2, 5 p.m., planning.
Oct. 8, 2 p.m., commission.
Oct. 9, 9 a.m., clean water.
5801 Marina Drive, 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org.
Sept. 24, 9 a.m., commission.
Sept. 26, 9 a.m., commission, land use.
Oct. 1, 9 a.m., commission, work meeting.
Oct. 3, 9 a.m., commission, land use.
Oct. 8, 9 a.m., commission.
1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee. org.
Sept. 23, 9:30 a.m., Sarasota/Manatee MPO, Doubletree by Hilton, 8009 15th St. E., Sarasota.
Oct. 14, Columbus Day, some government offices will be closed.
Please, send meeting notices to news@islander.org.
the manatee county Property appraiser’s office website shows the Bridgeport property in red and a sidewalk leading from gulf drive in Bradenton Beach to the commercial district marked in yellow. an area owned by the florida department of transportation is marked in green. islander Screenshot
the 10-foot easement for a sidewalk along there.”
Despite the change in design, Chappie said improvements planned for the entrance to the city’s commercial district were still in the works.
“It’s a swing and a possible miss but we are going to get some really nice improvements for the entrance to the CRA area with a wider sidewalk underneath and an expanded area underneath the Cortez Bridge when that comes,” Chappie said during a Sept. 4 city meeting.
DOT communications specialist Patricia Pichette told The Islander that the lack of a vote on the easement would not slow the bridge replacement process.
“The current design phase is still on track. Construction on this project is scheduled for fiscal year late fall of 2026,” Pichette wrote in a Sept. 9 email to The Islander.
The proposed bridge is part of a broader effort by the DOT to modernize infrastructure and improve transportation between the mainland and AMI.
the wake
Sightseers from Scotland get a show Sept. 4 as a bottlenose dolphin jumps in the wake of a Sweet Sunset & dolphin tours boat out of anna maria island. Wakes form waves and currents that dolphins sometimes play in, leaping and surfing behind the boat. capt. Joey Sweet said the dolphin followed them as they traveled the intracoastal Waterway in Sarasota Bay near Longboat Key. islander
By ryan Paice islander reporter
anna maria officials already lowered the millage rate and secured a tax reduction for property owners for 2024-25.
But they also are working on other ways to cut taxes.
city commissioners held a first reading sept. 11 for an ordinance that would increase the homestead exemption for qualifying low-income senior citizens from $25,000 to $50,000.
Florida’s homestead exemption is a tax break that allows property owners to reduce the taxable value of their primary residence by up to $50,000.
However, state law allows municipal governments
to adopt ordinances allowing certain additional homestead exemptions, such as $50,000 more for property owners who are 65 years old and up whose household income does not exceed annual limitations.
The adjusted income limitation for eligibility for the additional homestead exemption is $36,614.
The additional homestead exemption would only apply to ad valorem taxes levied by the city.
Commission Chair Mark Short and Commissioner Charlie Salem have advocated for increasing the homestead exemption for low-income senior citizens up to the $50,000 maximum allowed by state law.
Salem, who has pushed for the exemption increase to help retain and encourage residential ownership, thanked Short for raising the issue near the beginning of the budgeting process for fiscal 2024-25.
However, Salem called upon state legislators to expand the eligibility for the additional homestead exemption so it could be “more meaningful.”
Short said that when he and Mayor Dan Murphy met with state Sen. Jim Boyd and Rep. Will Robinson Jr., both R-Bradenton, they discussed that point with the legislators and pushed for increased eligibility.
There was no public comment during the city meeting.
since it was a first reading, no action was required to move forward with the ordinance.
City commissioners will hold a second public hearing and final reading for the ordinance at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.
Directions to attend the meeting via Zoom can be found on the city’s website, cityofannamaria.com.
Better than a check in the mail?
The Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office is due to send vote-by-ballots for the general election as early as Thursday, Sept. 26, and at the latest Thursday, Oct. 3.
Voters can check whether they are due to receive a ballot in the mail, the status of a ballot or request a mailed ballot at votemanatee.com or 941-741-3823.
Democrat Diana Shoemaker will attend a meetand-greet at 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, in the garden at the doctor’s Office, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach.
Shoemaker is facing Republican Tal Siddique in the Nov. 5 general election for the District 3 seat on the Manatee County commission.
Hosts include Holmes Beach Commission Chair Terry Schaeffer and wife Vicky, John Kolojeski and Sue Seiter, and restaurant owner Sean Murphy.
For more details about the event, call Schaeffer at 941-224-6502.
For more information about Shoemaker, go online to electshoemaker.com.
• thursday, sept. 26-thursday, Oct. 3, mail ballots go out.
• monday, Oct. 7, 5 p.m., voter registration closes.
• monday, Oct. 21-saturday, Nov. 2, 8:30 a.m.6:30 p.m., early voting, various locations.
• thursday, Oct. 24, deadline to request mail ballot.
• tuesday, Nov. 5, 7 a.m.-7 p.m., election.
— Lisa neff
Plan now for the next holiday!
Is your business ready to make the most of a new season?
Improve your odds of success with Islander newspaper readers looking to shop and dine, seeking indoor and outdoor fun, and a place to stay for their next visit. Call or text 941-778-7978.
By dawn Kitterman the Bradenton times
After receiving grievance complaints regarding the Manatee County Republican Executive Committee, the Republican Party of Florida voted Sept. 7 to suspend the local political committee.
According to an email addressed to Manatee County Republican’s executive committee chair April Culbreath, RPOF chairman Evan Power said the state party’s grievance committee recommended suspension due to “numerous grievances” including “lawsuits and police reports.”
“The grievance committee,” Power wrote, “decided it was impossible to understand the complex dynamics of all of these grievances.”
“In the meantime,” Power’s email continued, “the REC is prohibited from making any new expenditures that have not already been committed or obligated.”
Power referred to the MREC suspension as temporary.
The suspension occurred weeks following Culbreath losing her bid for the District 3 seat on the county board of commissioners in the August primary
Masts mark sunken sailboats two sailboat masts protrude Sept. 3 from the waters of Sarasota Bay, marking the site of sunken vessels off Longboat Key, south of the mar Vista dockside restaurant & Pub, 760 Broadway St., Longboat Key. islander
election. The district covers much of west Manatee, including Anna Maria Island.
Incumbent or appointed Republicans Kevin Van Ostenbridge, Ray Turner, and James Satcher also lost races.
Published with permission from The Bradenton Times. To read the full report, go to thebradentontimes. com.
From the web, we can learn that good stewards are accountable for how they manage the resources with which they are entrusted.
Over the years and some failures, the School Board of Manatee County stands out for failing at maintaining the AME campus. They told us a pair of oak hammocks wouldn’t survive new construction on the campus because they hadn’t been maintained.
But? Wait a minute.
Meanwhile, the county failed to maintain the erosion control groin that people relied on for fishing and sunset strolls at Manatee Public Beach and, on removing it, promised a new pier to replace the old.
But? Yes, we’re still waiting.
The county fails to maintain a great deal of its properties and now it seems is creating preserves over parks is popular because the stewards can limit or eliminate facilities and amenities and overlook maintenance to allow for a natural setting.
At some county properties, removing Australian pine trees is preferred over caretaking — especially after maintenance has been ignored for many years.
So now the county will acquire the Seafood Shack, including the restaurant, bar and banquet room, marina and all the parking that goes with it — and Annie’s!
At a meeting in September to approve the purchase, County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge said, “We’re not looking to put anyone out of work.”
While he’s a lame duck on the commission, at least the full board voted to approve the proposal.
And it will be up to us, their constituents, to hold their feet to the fire. Boat ramps? Yes. please. But don’t take away the jobs and the amenities that attract people there, whether by boat or car.
We’ll also be more than pleased to see the new ferries use the Shack as a hub for island-hopping.
Meanwhile, private business is turning the intersection at Marina and Gulf drives in “downtown” Holmes Beach into an adult-kid playground — tourist shop, mini-golf, candy store, ice cream shop, arcade, restaurant and bar.
Oh boy. all this within the confines of what used to be a bank? The promoter forgot to add bleachers for the golf cart demolition derby at the corner.
And no, we are not taking a pass on the new home being built on the perimeter of Grassy Point. It’s disappointing that we can’t grow the preserve, but it’s the city’s trade-off for 22 acres that put us here.
And we are not ignoring the city of Anna Maria’s determination that it did not harass its employees. It just ain’t over yet, folks.
— Bonner Joy, news@islander.org
Less oversight and reduced regulation of the building industry has made our region a contender for the “Sewage Spill Capitol of the World.”
Contact with water contaminated with raw sewage can lead to infections and inhalation of contaminated water can cause respiratory diseases. Raw sewage also can cause long-term environmental damage: kill fish, close beaches and destroy shellfish beds.
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Anna Maria: mayor dan murphy, 941-7086130, ammayor@cityofannamaria.com.
SEPT. 18, 2024 • Vol. 32, No. 48
▼ Publisher, Co-editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org
▼ Editorial editor Lisa neff, lisa@islander.org robert anderson, robert@islander.org
Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist
Kevin cassidy, kevin@islander.org
masha dolgoff, masha@islander.org
Jack elka, jack@jackelka.com
robyn murrell, robyn@islander.org
ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org
▼ Contributors
Karen riley-Love
Jacob merrifield
capt. danny Stasny, fish@islander.org
▼ Advertising Sales
debbie tucker, debbie@islander.org
▼ Webmaster Wayne ansell
▼ Office Manager, Lisa Williams
info@, accounting@, classifieds@, subscriptions@islander.org
▼ Distribution
urbane Bouchet
ross roberts
Judy Loden Wasco
although the exact figure may never be known, after Debby, the city of Sarasota discharged more than 17 million gallons of sewage into Sarasota Bay and the city of Bradenton spilled at least 25 million gallons of sewage during Debby, and the spills continue.
All others: news@islander.org
Historic mistakes have been made regarding stormwater discharges into our local water bodies. But we have yet to learn from many of these past mistakes. Stormwater treatment facilities are still being constructed and permitted with no required monitoring of their discharge under allowable “presumptive criteria” guidelines.
Independent compliance sampling of stormwater discharge is needed to document violations of water quality standards. This is made possible through the addition of required sampling by means of specific permit conditions. unfortunately, such regulatory remedies are seldom, if ever, employed.
Continued population growth can predictably only aggravate existing water pollution problems under currently lax regulatory oversight.
Every day that passes, Florida gains nearly 1,000 new permanent residents who demand an additional 111,000 gallons of water and generate 95,000 gallons of wastewater.
The direct and secondary impacts of the recent sewage spills will result in unpermittable adverse impacts that will violate water quality standards and will be contrary to the public interest.
ManaSota-88, Nokomis
Bradenton Beach : mayor John chappie, 941-778-1005, mayor@cityofbradentonbeach. com.
Holmes Beach: mayor Judy titsworth, 941708-5800, hbmayor@holmesbeachfl.org.
Manatee County: commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, 941-745-3705, kevin.vanostenbridge@mymanatee.org.
Florida Senate : Jim Boyd, 941-742-6445, boyd.jim.web@flsenate.gov.
Florida House : William cloud
“Will” Robinson Jr., 941-708-4968, will.robinson@myfloridahouse.gov.
Florida Governor: ron desantis, 850-7179337, flgov.com.
U.S. House: Vern Buchanan, 941- 951-6643, rep.vern.buchanan@mail.house.gov.
U.S. Senate: marco rubio, 305-596-4224; Rick Scott, 786-501-7141.
President: Joe Biden, 202-456-1111, whitehouse.gov/contact.
The Islander welcomes your opinion letters
Please, submit your opinion with name, address and contact phone number to news@islander.org. Only your name and city are published. Letters may be edited for space and style.
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From the Sept. 15, 1994, issue
• anna maria commissioners sought a pay raise for their positions in a new fiscal budget but met opposition from Mayor Ray Simches.
• Holmes Beach city councilmembers heard complaints about noise associated with airplanes flying over anna maria island and a lack of island representation on an airport noise abatement task force.
From the Sept. 15, 2004, issue
• a motel owner in anna maria raised alarms about the fate of such businesses on the island after receiving a property tax notice refl ecting a 70% increase in assessed value, resulting in a $10,000 increase in taxes.
• the top fi ve property taxpayers on ami included Gsr development llc, $111,606; Florida power & light, 97,714; sandpiper resort coop, $91,401; ami Bayshore dev. llc, $84,156; catalina of anna maria llc, $82,689.
From the Sept. 17, 2014, issue
• the Bradenton Beach cell tower arrived on a large flatbed truck to the site adjacent to the city’s public works and police buildings Sept. 11. Raising the tower involved two cranes, one able to reach 160 feet in the air.
• a challenge by Holmes Beach police chief William Tokajer to Sgt. Paul Davis, head of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office-Anna Maria substation, to cool off under a bucket of ice water raised at least $1,140 for the fight against ALS.
— Lisa neff
By robyn murrell islander reporter
The falling of the twin towers in New York City during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks gave rise to a tradition at Anna Maria Elementary.
Peace Day is celebrated annually at the little school by the bay.
“When 9/11 happened, I felt a responsibility as the school counselor to provide responsive services to the kids, staff, parents and the whole community,” retired AME counselor Cindi Harrison said Sept. 5 via phone with the islander. “i was just trying to figure out a way to respond to this tragedy with something positive.”
“So I thought a great response we could have to this tragedy would be getting a peace pole and having a ceremony and inviting the whole community so that everybody would have something positive to focus on in the aftermath of 9/11.”
A pole bearing the words “May Peace Prevail on Earth,” written by Japanese poet Masahisa Goi in response to the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan in 1945, was planted on AME’s campus in February 2002.
ame counselor cindi Harrison, center right, shares a peace sign, as she stands with art teacher gary Wooten, left, in the Peace garden during Peace day in 2002. Harrison and Wooten are retired. islander
Photo: courtesy cindi Harrison
Goi had dedicated his life to promoting global peace and his message is inscribed on more than 200,000 peace poles worldwide, including at the Bomb dome in Hiroshima, the united Nations in New York
Some of the green team members at ame pose with recycling bins Sept. 9. fifth-graders from teacher Stephanie davis’ class are raising awareness by collecting and sorting recyclables on fridays. the team gathers bins from classrooms and common areas and then sorts materials for recycling streams. davis wrote in an email to the islander Sept. 11 that this has been a longstanding tradition at ame. islander Photo: courtesy ame/principal Katie fradley
• Friday, Sept. 20, 10 a.m., Peace Day.
• Friday, Sept. 20, 5:30-7:30 p.m., PTO skate park night, Island Skate Park, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.
• Thursday, Sept. 26, 3:45 p.m., SAC meeting.
• Friday, Sept. 27, AME Making a Difference awards assembly.
• Monday, Oct. 14, record day, no school.
• Saturday, Oct. 26, 4 p.m., PTO Fall Fest, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.
• Wednesday, Nov. 6, early release.
• Monday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day, no school.
• Monday-Friday, Nov. 25-29, fall break, Thanksgiving, no school.
AME is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the school at 941-708-5525.
city and uNEscO landmarks, according to Harrison.
With the help of former Anna Maria Island Rotary Club president Jim Dunne, who died in 2019, Harrison got a pole installed at AME and also at Public School 69 in Queens, New York. Two students from PS 69 had transferred to AME before 9/11.
The pole symbolizes AME’s dedication to promoting peace and unity in the community and has been a focal point of the annual Peace Day celebration.
“I’ve been retired now for seven years and I was worried about if the Peace Day program would still go on,” Harrison said. “And, of course, it did, it’s so important to me, and I feel so lucky that something that I did lives on. That’s what you want. That’s why you become a teacher.”
Peace Day will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 20. It is no longer an event for the general public but school parents and families, as well as some community members and AME alums, will attend, said AME principal Katie Fradley.
For more, contact the school at 941-708-5525 or visit www.manateeschools.net/annamaria.
You can read it all online at islander.org
Tiki and Kitty are leading the way to their favorite shops and boutiques for some fun.
Blessed and Distressed is a tastefully designed store — so inviting you’ll want to pull up a chair — with collectibles and work by local artists at Palma Sola Square, around the corner from Winn-Dixie. It offers vintage, upcycled, shabby chic and artsy vendors. You won’t be disappointed.
T&K love Cat’s Meow, an 8,000 square-foot marketplace! Their vendors offer coastal, cottage, beach, antique, boho, midcentury modern and other home decor styles. they also offer vintage to fine jewelry and vintage albums.
You might want to lace up your skates, as this large, former skating rink has plenty to offer bargain hunters and anyone seeking antiques and unique decor. You don’t want to miss this collection.
We’ll definitely make a stop next door at Blue Flamingo , home to hip and trendy upcycled and
repurposed goods, furniture and decor, garden features, candles, jewelry and work by local artisans. They also offer Dixie Belle paints.
We promise, you will find treasures aplenty.
Scavengers Marketplace has plenty of vendors to capture your wallet at the palmetto store, 2100 u.s. 301. There’s always something new to entice you among the vendors’ eclectic collections.
FYi: scavengers also carries Fusion paints.
The Vintage Vine Market is a favorite for Tiki and Kitty, who love the fine vintage wares and items with a whimsical twist at this store in historic Old Manatee along the newest section of the Bradenton Riverwalk. The location in the 1910 building oozes charm. And they take select consignments by appointment.
And don’t forget, tell people you meet along the way, “The Islander sent me.”
Thursday, Sept. 19
5-9 p.m. — Sundown Get Down street party, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-778-8565.
Saturday, Sept. 21
10 a.m. — “100 Things To Do in Sarasota Before You Die” author talk with Kelly Stilwell, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.
ONGOING ON AMI
Sept. 19-29, Island Players’ “Crimes of the Heart,” Island Players theater, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 778-5755.
ONGOING ON AMI
• Through September, Artists’ Guild Gallery window show, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694.
ONGOING OFF AMI
• First Fridays, 6-9:30 p.m., Village of the Arts First Fridays Artwalk, 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Information: villageofthearts.com.
• Second and fourth Saturdays, 2 p.m., Music on the Porch jam session, presented by the Florida Maritime Museum and Cortez Cultural Center, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: floridamaritimemuseum.org.
• Through September, Island Gallery and Studios “Harmony: Lines, Shapes and Color” exhibit by David Tejada, 456 Old Main St., Bradenton. Information: 941-778-6648.
• Through Oct. 20, “Reimagining Nature: Dali’s Floral Fantasies,” the Dali Museum, 1 Dali Boulevard St., St. Petersburg. Fee applies. Information: 727-823-3767, thedali.org.
Through Jan. 5, “Life in One Cubic Foot,” the Bishop, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941746-4131.
• Through Feb. 25, 2025, “I want you to know my story” photography by Jess T. Dugan, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies except Mondays. Information: 941-359-5700.
Oct. 4, Realize Bradenton’s Music in the Park concert, Bradenton.
Oct. 8, Manatee Performing Arts Center’s Tribute Tuesday concert series begins, Bradenton.
Oct. 11, Realize Bradenton’s Music in the Park concert, Bradenton.
Oct. 18, Realize Bradenton’s Music in the Park concert, Bra-
The Manatee County Natural Resources Department will host a Seashell Shore Walk at 9 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach near Longboat Pass.
Music Lessons: Guitar, Bass Piano, Ukulele, Saxophone and More compiled
A notice from the county invited people to join “a relaxing walk on the beach to search for seashells and learn to identify them.”
Participants also will learn about ethical seashell-collecting methods.
Reservations are required.
For reservations, email Elena Burke at elena. burke@mymanatee.org.
For more information, call Burke at 941-7425923, ext. 6036.
denton.
Oct. 19, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s Bayfest, Anna Maria.
Oct. 25, Realize Bradenton’s Music in the Park concert, Bradenton.
Nov. 14-24, Island Players’ “A Doublewide, Texas Christmas,” Anna Maria.
Third Thursdays, 4 p.m., Sundown Get Down with the Bridge Street Merchants, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941778-8565.
Oct. 5, Bradenton Market opens, Bradenton. Oct. 5, UF/IFAS Manatee County Plant Sale, Palmetto.
ON AMI
Thursday, Sept. 19
5 p.m. — Family movie night, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.
Friday, Sept. 20
10 a.m. — 40 Carrots, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.
Monday, Sept. 23
5 p.m. — Photography session, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.
Tuesday, Sept. 24
10 a.m. — Family storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.
ONGOING OFF AMI
• First Wednesdays, SOAR in 4 family night, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131.
• Second Saturdays, Quest for Kids, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131.
ON AMI
Thursday, Sept.19
10:15 a.m. — Island Morning Book Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. 1 p.m. — Sunshine Stitchers, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.
ONGOING ON AMI
• Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meetings, Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. Information: 941-778-1383.
• Second Mondays, 2 p.m., Center of Anna Maria Island Adult Book Club, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-7781908.
Nov. 2, Bishop Museum’s Celestial Affair gala, Bradenton.
ON AMI
Wednesday, Sept. 18
10 a.m. — Beginning line dancing, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. 11 a.m. — Advanced line dancing, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.
Wednesday, Sept. 25
10 a.m. — Beginning line dancing, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.
11 a.m. — Advanced line dancing, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.
ONGOING ON AMI
• Most Fridays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong club experienced players, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941778-6341.
• Mondays, 10 a.m., morning yoga, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.
• Most Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.
Friday, Sept. 20
• Third Fridays, Teen Nights, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131.
ON AMI
6:30 p.m. — Wildlife Spotlight: Shorebirds with Manatee County Natural Resources Department, Coquina Beach Cafe, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-748-4501.
ONGOING OFF AMI
• Saturdays, 9 a.m., Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923, mymanatee.org.
KEEP THE DATES
Through Oct. 31, sea turtle nesting season. Lights out! Through Nov. 30, Atlantic hurricane season. Be prepared! Saturday, Sept. 21, International Peace Day. Sunday, Sept. 22, Autumn begins. ATTENTION RENTAL OWNERS!
We meet all your linen and cleaning needs with 5-star service. 18-plus years serving AMI. Our fleet will pick up/drop off daily.
Before going out to lunch Sept. 21, people on Anna Maria Island might visit the Island Library and get some advice on a choice spot to dine.
The library, 5701 Marina Drive, will host author Kelly Stilwell signing and making a presentation on “100 Things To Do In Sarasota Before You Die,” a guidebook to the region published by Reedy Press.
The program will be 10-11 a.m.
The book contains a bucketlist of destinations in the area, including on Anna Maria Island, for food and drink, music and entertainment, sports and recreation, culture and history and shopping and fashion.
No. 1 in the book is the recommendation to dine at Chateau 13 in downtown Bradenton and order the charcuterie board.
No. 100 is “pick up necessities at Morton’s Gourmet Market” in Sarasota.
In between, Stilwell recommends island spots for burgers, cortez spots for fish fresh off the boat, Sarasota and Bradenton destinations for museums and shows, as well as visits to jungle gardens, riverwalks, preserves, piers, ballparks and more.
Kelly Stilwell, author of “100 things to do in Sarasota Before You die,” will give a presentation Saturday, Sept. 21, at the island Library in Holmes Beach. islander courtesy image Stilwell
The Sundown Get Down event series, a familyfriendly street party every third Thursday on Bradenton Beach’s Bridge Street, will celebrate school days this month.
Suggested itineraries are included, as well as a section on activities by season.
The book, found at area bookstores and from online merchants, retails for $18.
For more information about the presentation, call the library at 941-778-6341.
For more information about the book, go to reedypress.com.
And to share adventures from the bucketlist, tag @100ThingsSarasota on Instagram.
The Island Players will open a new season Thursday, Sept. 19, with Beth Henley’s “Crimes of the Heart.”
Season tickets for the 76th season were on sale through the summer. Now the box office is open for performance tickets 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Saturday and an hour before showtime.
Actors in the cast include Janet Salem, Jennifer Kwiatkowski. Morgan Powis, Sue Belvo, Brannon
By Lisa neff
• tingley memorial library in Bradenton Beach seeks volunteers for morning and afternoon shifts in the “fun and friendly” atmosphere. info: 941-7791208, bradentonbeachlibrary@gmail.com.
• the anna maria island privateers group seeks members and an indoor port for their boat-float. info: 941-896-0797.
• Wildlife inc. rescue and rehabilitation in Bradenton Beach seeks help tending to injured and sick animals. info: 941-778-6342.
• roser Food Bank seeks donations. roser memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, administers the pantry supported by All Island Denominations. info: 941-778-0414.
• roser Food Bank welcomes applicants who live, work or attend school on Anna Maria Island for food assistance, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. info: 941-778-0414.
• aid offers financial help to those who live on the island, go to church on the island, attend school on the island and work on the island. info: 941-725-2433. Get listed
do you work with a nonprofit in need of assistance on AMI? Are you looking to line up volunteers for a new season? Email listings to Lisa Neff at lisa@ islander.org.
Westfall and Joseph Mammina.
Mike Lusk is directing the show.
The play runs through Sept. 29, with performances at 7:30 p.m. tuesday-saturday and 2 p.m. sunday. the theater is dark Mondays.
The theater is at 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, adjacent to city hall.
For more information, call the box office at 941778-5755 or go online to islandplayers.org.
The 8th Annual Adopt-A-Palooza will be Saturday, Sept. 28, at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto.
Hours will be 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Adopt-A-Palooza is the largest one-day pet adoption and expo event in the county and Manatee County Animal Welfare, local shelters and animal rescues will offer opportunities to adopt more than 100 pets.
The event also will feature dozens of merchants offering products and services.
For pets adopted from MCAW, fees will be waived in lieu of a charitable donation to the friends group that supports the department.
A notice said all pets adopted will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.
For more information about the event, go online to mymanatee.org/aap.
For more information about county services, call 941-748-4501.
— Lisa neff
The event will begin at 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, with merchant discounts, entertainment, children’s activities and nonprofit and vendor stations, including:
• Early learning coalition of manatee county, which will distribute free books from its ELC Explorer Bus;
• mote marine laboratory and aquarium, which will conduct science simulations;
• anna maria island turtle Watch and shorebird Monitoring, which will talk with attendees about conservation;
• Bradenton marauders, whose mascot marty will be ready for photo opportunities;
• de soto National memorial, which will host educational kids’ games and crafts;
The evening, presented by the Bridge Street Merchants Association, also will include a scavenger hunt with prizes.
“Sundown Get Down is all about bringing the community together,” Derek Williams, president of the Bradenton Beach Merchants Association, said in a news release. “These events are designed to celebrate the unique charm of Bridge Street, support our local businesses and create memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike. We invite everyone to come enjoy these fantastic evenings every third Thursday.”
For more information, go online to sundowngetdown.com or call Jill McGarry at 941.448.7808.
Manatee County’s volunteer master gardeners will be selling plants during their sale Saturday, Oct. 5, in Palmetto.
The sale will be 8 a.m.-noon at the county extension service site, 1303 17th St. W., Palmetto.
Shoppers will find houseplants, orchids, wildflowers, trees, shrubs and more — “all priced to sell,” according to a news release.
For more information, including required registration and early-bird access details, call the extension service at 941-722-4524.
By Lisa neff
St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach, is hosting an adult education series.
The eight-week program will begin Oct. 3 and take place at 9:30 a.m. thursdays.
A notice in the church bulletin described the series as “interactive Bible study.”
The church also is registering kids — kindergarten through eighth-grade — for religious education classes.
Weekly classes will begin next month — Tuesday, Oct. 8, for kids in elementary school and Sunday, Oct. 20, for kids in middle school.
For more information, call the church at 941-7784769 or go online to stbernardcc.org.
Roser Memorial Community Church will hold a Tech Night Friday, Oct. 4.
the event — 5:30-7 p.m. — will offer roser an opportunity to share a behind-the-scenes look at the church’s audio and video equipment, provide instruction and recruit volunteers.
The church is at 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. For more information, call the church at 941-7780414.
Gathering is the religion section. Please, send announcements, calendar listings and photos to Lisa Neff at lisa@islander.org. Please include a contact phone number and email address.
compiled by Lisa neff
Wednesday, Sept. 18
1 p.m. — Roser Memorial Community Church Grief Share healing support, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-7780414.
Wednesday, Sept. 25
1 p.m. — Roser Memorial Community Church Grief Share healing support, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-7780414.
Oct. 3, Temple Beth Israel Rosh Hashanah luncheon, Sarasota.
Oct. 4, Roser Church Tech Night, Anna Maria. Oct. 23, Christ Church book club resumes, Longboat Key. ONGOING ON AMI
CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-0719.
Worship: Sundays, 9 a.m.
Ongoing: Wednesdays, 7 a.m., men’s Bible meeting; Wednesdays, 6:45 p.m., Wednesday Night Blasts; Fridays, 10 a.m. women’s Bible meeting.
Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-1638, amiannunciation.org.
Worship: Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.; Sundays, 9:15 a.m.
Ongoing: Mondays, 1 p.m., book club.
Temple Beth Israel of Longboat Key will hold its Rosh Hashanah luncheon at 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3, at Michaels on East, 1212 S. East Ave., Sarasota.
There is a fee to attend and reservations are required.
For more, call the temple at 941-383-3428.
By ryan Paice islander reporter
Fighting fires isn’t the only way the West manatee Fire Rescue District gives back to the community.
WmFr fi re marshal rodney Kwiatkowski told The Islander Sept. 4 that the district is partnering with Sarasota-based Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast in a youth mentorship program, Bigs with Badges.
BBBS is a volunteer-supported mentoring network that matches adult volunteers, Bigs, with children, or littles, to help kids with school, nurture confidence and minimize “risky behaviors.”
BBBS of the Sun Coast covers Manatee and Sarasota counties, as well as Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands and Lee counties.
Bigs with Badges largely will resemble BBBS’s traditional mentorship programs, matching WMFR officers and staff with students at palma sola Elementary School, 6806 Fifth Ave. NW, Bradenton.
The Bigs would read to the Littles, help them with schoolwork and eat lunch together.
“We want to be accessible to them. We just kind of want to walk beside them,” Kwiatkowski said. “It’s tough being a kid these days.”
He said their positions as firefighters, a dream occupation for many kids, could be leveraged to best influence littles.
“If they look up to us, then we’re in a unique position to really influence them for the better,” Kwiat-
kowski said. “We want to motivate them.”
The school is working to identify Littles for the program, which will be held entirely on school grounds.
Kwiatkowski has been the driving force behind the program.
He said he became a Big Brother about 10 years ago and spent seven years assigned to a Little Brother.
Kwiatkowski said he missed volunteering as a Big, which he called “very rewarding,” and spoke with BBBS of the Sun Coast about creating a new mentorship program.
He said he was excited to participate again in Bigs with Badges — and he won’t be alone.
Several district officers and staff plan to participate in the program, including Chief Ben Rigney and Deputy Chief Jay Johnson, according to Kwiatkowski.
“We’ve got six-seven people,” he said. “Depending on the number of kids that sign up, we may only get one kid each, we may get two.”
Kwiatkowski said he was most excited to see other district officers and staff get involved in the program, especially Johnson, who he called “magic” with kids.
“Whoever his Little is, that boy has won the lotto,” he said.
Kwiatkowski added that the plan is to launch the program in October.
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive. Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-1813, gloriadeilutheran.com.
Worship: Sundays, 9:30 a.m., followed by coffee and fellowship.
Ongoing: First Sundays, food bank collections; Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m., women’s social gathering.
Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-779-1912.
Worship: Sundays, 9:15 a.m.
Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414, roserchurch.com.
Worship: Sundays, 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m.
Ongoing: Tuesdays, 2 p.m., women’s book study. St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-4769, stbernardcc.org, office@stbernardcc. org.
Worship: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.; Saturdays, 4 p.m.; Sundays, 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.
Ongoing: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m., rosary; Wednesdays, 7:30 a.m.; Rosary on the Beach at Manatee Public Beach; Saturdays, 3 p.m., confession.
Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian USA, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Info: 941-900-4903, christchurchoflbk.org.
Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.
Ongoing: Wednesdays, 10 a.m., women’s Bible study; first Sundays, 11:30 a.m., Connection Conversations; Mondays, 9 a.m., men’s Bible study.
Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Info: 941-383-6491, longboatislandchapel.org.
Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.
Ongoing: Wednesdays, 10 a.m., Pastor’s Bible Study; Thursdays, Shifting Sands group.
Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Info: 941-383-3428.
Worship: Fridays, Shabbat, 5:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.
GET LISTED, CHANGE LISTINGS Send listings to calendar@islander.org.
By Lisa neff
The Food Bank of Manatee, a plus program of Meals on Wheels plus of manatee, is seeking volunteers to help with its annual Stuff the Bus campaign.
Each fall, school buses are stationed outside Manatee County Publix stores to collect donations for a food bank that helps stock more than 100 food pantries. “Our goal?” meals on Wheels plus of manatee County asked in a recent newsletter. “To stuff those buses full!”
And to do so, the organization is seeking volunteers for the campaign, which will be 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6, as well as encouraging people to shop Publix that day.
For more information, go online to mealsonwheelsplus.org or call 941-747-4655.
By robert anderson islander reporter
Bradenton Beach commissioners Sept. 5 reviewed and finalized a vulnerability assessment aimed at quantifying risks posed by rising sea levels and storms.
The evaluation was funded by a $46,875 grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and was authorized by commissioners in October 2023.
the city hired tampa-based consulting firm Environmental Science Associates to conduct the evaluation, which involved gathering data on city assets, analyzing exposure to flood scenarios, conducting sensitivity assessments and producing a final vulnerability report to identify at-risk assets and evaluate potential flood risks exacerbated by rising sea levels and storms.
The study is intended as a “living document” that the city can develop as future data for sea level rise and storm data changes.
It includes projections from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration showing an expected 10-inch to 12-inch rise in sea levels along u s. coastlines over the next 30 years.
“We know we are never going to be 100% dry following a rain event but hopefully what we can do is move the water a little bit faster and mitigate the things
Huling, another former public works employee who resigned, backed Holland and Jones’ claims and said Addy, Dean Jones and Murphy created a hostile environment that caused high employee turnover.
Rios, a dark-skinned Latina and former code enforcement officer/administrator, told the islander she resigned due to racially motivated mistreatment from Addy.
She said Addy made disparaging or inappropriate comments during her time with the city and treated her and other non-white employees differently than white employees.
Rios also claimed Addy deliberately set her up for failure as an employee, which she noted in a Sept. 20, 2023, letter of resignation.
Investigation results
Holland emailed a summary of his claims to city commissioners in August. In response, the city hired Stefany to conduct an investigation into the claims.
The investigation consisted of interviews with Holland, Huling and Roosevelt Jones, as well as all current municipal employees.
Stefany did not interview Rios or any other former employees, according to his report.
During his interview with the labor attorney, Dean Jones disputed directing “kid” toward Holland, saying he used it plurally to address people.
Dean Jones also denied using “kid” or “boy” during the second verbal altercation with Holland.
Stefany reported that no other city employees interviewed corroborated Holland’s claims, but two had been told by Holland about Dean Jones’ alleged use of “boy.”
Stefany found there was a preponderance of evidence supporting Holland’s allegation that Dean Jones used “kid” or “kids,” but could not substantiate whether it was directed at Holland individually or others.
He also wrote that Holland said he complained about Dean Jones’ alleged use of “boy” to Roosevelt Jones following the incident, but Roosevelt Jones “denied receiving any such complaint.”
“accordingly, the undersigned finds mr. Holland’s allegations of verbal abuse and discriminatory/aggressive behavior to be unsubstantiated,” Stefany wrote.
Stefany also reported the allegation that Murphy nicknamed Roosevelt Jones “Brownie” to be unfounded.
He wrote that Murphy said the nickname referred to a former Caucasian public works employee who “mistakenly ordered brown sand to fill in low areas in the city’s public spaces rather than the white sand that was already in place.”
According to Stefany, other interviewed employees “independently confirmed the mayor’s use of the nickname ‘brownie’ for this former employee and corroborated its origin.”
that come in,” city attorney Ricinda Perry said.
“it’s important that we get this document finalized,” she added. “Because this document is required now by the state of Florida to go after any more resiliency funds.”
“If you don’t have a vulnerability assessment report, you can’t even apply and go after funds.”
Charts included in the assessment that model the impacts of tidal inundation and sea level rise show that 8% of the city is projected to be significantly vulnerable to inundation by the year 2040 and by 2070 that figure rises to 30%.
“It’s kind of a grim picture of what’s to come, as years tick by and you see inundation, we’re red pretty much everywhere,” Perry said. “So a lot of work needs to be done to overcome and compensate for that.”
Commissioners discussed properties in need of stormwater improvement and noted that 24th Street North and Avenue B and 24th Street North and Avenue A are zones that should be added to focus areas in the assessment.
Commissioner Jan Vosburgh motioned to approve and finalize the assessment with the added changes and was seconded by Commissioner Debbie Scaccianoce. The motion passed 4-0. Commissioner Marilyn Maro was absent with excuse.
Finally, Stefany found Holland’s allegations of a toxic environment to be unsubstantiated even though a “preponderance of the evidence supports the existence of tension in the (public works) department.”
“It is clear that Roosevelt and those that Roosevelt hired (Mr. Holland and Mr. Huling) felt that Dean (Jones) used his authority to micromanage the department in a manner which undermined Roosevelt’s position. However, this perception was not shared by the rest of the team,” he wrote. “There is no indication that Dean’s management of the department was based on race or any other characteristic protected under federal or state law.”
Nevertheless, Stefany wrote that several city employees expressed their own work-environment related concerns over the course of his investigation.
“These concerns were not consistently targeted at any one person or persons but can generally be summarized as a pervasive lack of trust and collegiality among coworkers which is having a reported adverse impact on the day-to-day work environment,” he reported.
Stefany said concerns, as well as recommendations for how to address them, were shared with Murphy.
Murphy said Sept. 11 that he reached out to human resources consultants to lead team-building efforts and help address work-environment related concerns unearthed in Stefany’s investigation.
“No one wants to have to operate in an environment where it is either hostile or toxic,” he said. “They want a place where they want to come to work and are happy doing what they’re doing.”
“We need to restore that,” Murphy added.
On the other hand, Holland and Roosevelt Jones spoke separately with The Islander Sept. 13 and called into question stefany’s findings.
Holland called the Sept. 6 report “a bunch of lies.” He voiced frustration that Dean Jones “got away” with his alleged mistreatment.
“I feel low as a man and degraded as a human being because of what I went through in Anna Maria. And for him to get away with it? That’s more than a slap in the face,” he said. “I want justice.”
“We didn’t get together and make this story up,” Roosevelt Jones said. “It’s just what happened.”
By robert anderson islander reporter
The FISH board swam through a pool of summer updates during its monthly meeting Sept. 9 at Fishermen’s Hall.
Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage board members heard updates on construction at the FISH Preserve in Cortez, as well as discussed policy for a community dock.
FISH member Allen Garner, a retired landscape architect hired to oversee the preserve work, said it is on track.
In 2000, FISH and Cortez residents joined forces to acquire the 95-acre parcel adjacent to the village for conservation and to provide a buffer from development. Today, the preserve represents one of the few remaining undeveloped waterfront areas along Sarasota Bay in Manatee County. Since 2000, FISH has worked with local and state agency funding to return the property to a natural state.
Garner has been leading the latest design and execution of trailways and bridge construction, having developed the vision in collaboration with the board.
He shared renderings for the trails in June and then began site work this summer.
“We’ve made some good progress,” Garner said. He said most of the summer work involved moving earth and removing dead exotic trees.
Also, pilings for the first walking bridge were delivered and work on its base soon would begin.
In other news, the board considered establishing criteria to use a FISH-administered community dock at the end of 123rd street West adjacent to starfish co. Restaurant, 12306 46th Ave. W., Cortez.
The dock has seen increased activity in recent years, prompting consideration of an application process for use.
Board members debated possible rules and guidelines, including proof of commercial usage for fishers, rules for trespassing and requiring users to be FISH members.
The board appointed Nate Meschelle and Karen Bell, owner of the adjacent property, to work on the proposal.
The next meeting is 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7, at Fishermen’s Hall, 4515 124th St. W., Cortez.
He contradicted Stefany’s report by saying that Holland did complain to him about Dean Jones’ alleged use of the term “boy” immediately after it happened. He added that he was with Holland as the general manager approached the pair to apologize.
stefany reported, “dean confirmed that he apologized to Mr. Holland later that day and explained his apology was based on Mr. Holland’s reaction to his request regarding the dolly.”
However, Holland and Roosevelt Jones said Dean Jones’ apology was for calling Holland “boy.”
Roosevelt Jones also expressed disbelief in Murphy’s reported claim that a different, white employee was called “Brownie” instead of him.
“I know for a fact he called me Brownie,” he said.
“They basically investigated themselves and found no wrongdoing,” Roosevelt Jones added. “They just don’t want to be in the paper anymore.”
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
Holmes Beach police arrested resident Stephanie Naeher, 48, Sept. 4 on four felony and five misdemeanor charges, including resisting and battering a law enforcement officer, driving under the influence of alcohol and possession of a controlled substance.
An officer responded to reports of an intoxicated woman who walked out on a $51.22 tab at the Freckled Fin Irish Pub, 5337 Gulf Drive.
A caller provided a description of the woman’s vehicle, which an officer located traveling south on Flotilla Drive.
The officer activated his emergency lights on seeing the motorist run a stop sign.
The officer gave chase, and the motorist ran another stop sign and evaded police before parking in a residential driveway in the 500 block of 58th Street.
The officer pulled in behind the motorist and
Compiled by Robert Anderson and Ryan Paice
Anna Maria
No new reports.
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office polices Anna Maria.
Bradenton Beach
No new reports.
The Bradenton Beach Police Department polices
Bradenton Beach.
Cortez
No new reports.
The MCSO polices Cortez.
• City center in Holmes Beach: Manatee County’s final work on a force main project on Holmes Boulevard, Marina Drive and side streets remains open. The posted completion date is this fall, as the contractor is “working to complete final project activities, punch-list items and cleanup.” For the latest, go to amiprojects. io.
For area road watch information, go online to swflroads.com or dial 511
— Lisa Neff
issued verbal commands for the driver, Naeher, to exit her vehicle.
She disobeyed his commands and tried to hide herself by blocking the windshield with a sunshade visor, getting in the back seat and placing a pillow over herself.
Backup officers arrived, but when police could not open the locked vehicle, an officer broke the driverside window.
At that point, Naeher tried to exit through the front passenger door and was met by an officer, whom she kicked and knocked to the ground.
Another officer removed her from the vehicle and placed her in handcuffs.
A search of her vehicle uncovered five Alprazolam and four Metronidazole pills, neither of which were prescribed.
Naeher exhibited signs of impairment and refused to walk to an officer’s vehicle, so police carried her to the vehicle and placed her in the backseat.
Holmes Beach
Sept. 5, S&S Plaza, 5360 Gulf Drive, grand theft. A Holmes Beach police officer responded to reports of a past theft at the plaza, where exterior construction is ongoing for a renovation. The officer spoke with the complainant, a contractor, who said more than $1,400 worth of building materials were taken.
Sept. 5, 400 block of 71st Street, marijuana. An officer saw a motorist and their passenger without seatbelts in a vehicle with a broken brake light. The officer conducted a traffic stop and spoke to the vehicle occupants, a man and a woman with a child in the back seat. The officer smelled marijuana. He handcuffed the man and searched the vehicle, finding a plastic bag containing 6.2 grams of marijuana. The man claimed it was his and that he did not have a medical license. The officer issued a court summons to the man.
Sept. 6, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Baker Act. An officer responded to reports of a man passed out at the beach. Upon arrival, the officer spoke with a county parks employee who pointed to the man, who was awake. The man said he was depressed and felt suicidal. The officer placed the man in protective custody under the Baker Act and transported him to Centerstone Behavioral Health Center in Bradenton.
HBPD polices Holmes Beach.
Streetlife is based on reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.
She was transported to the Holmes Beach Police Department, where Manatee County Emergency Medical Services arrived to treat a minor chin injury Naeher sustained during the struggle.
She refused to perform field sobriety exercises before EMS arrived and EMS gave her medication that invalidated the exercises during transport to the HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton.
At the hospital, Naeher refused to provide blood for alcohol content testing.
After she was cleared, an officer transported her to the Manatee County jail. Along the way, she stated she was suicidal, so she was placed under the Baker Act.
Naeher was released Sept. 6 after posting $12,050 bond.
She is charged with:
• A third-degree felony for fleeing to elude law enforcement officers;
• A third-degree felony for resisting law enforcement with violence;
• A third-degree felony for battery on a law enforcement officer;
• A third-degree felony for possession of alprazolam, a controlled substance;
• A first-degree misdemeanor for obstructing law enforcement without violence;
• A first-degree misdemeanor for refusal to submit to testing;
• A second-degree misdemeanor for driving under the influence of alcohol;
• A second-degree misdemeanor for petit theft;
• A second-degree misdemeanor for possession of a controlled substance without a prescription.
If convicted, punishment for a third-degree felony charge include up to five years in prison, five years of probation and a fine of up to $5,000.
Punishment for a first-degree misdemeanor include up to one year in jail, one year of probation and a fine of up to $1,000.
Second-degree misdemeanor charges are punishable with up to 60 days in jail, six months of probation and a fine of up to $500.
An arraignment will be at 9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 25, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
By Lisa Neff Islander editor
Island mayors arrived Sept. 9 to a transportation meeting with some complaints about getting to and from AMI.
The Palma Sola Causeway is a congested eyesore, they said.
And a Manatee County watermain blocking a sidewalk is an accident waiting to happen.
The discussion of both issues occurred at Anna Maria City Hall during a meeting of the Island Transportation Planning Organization, which consists of the island mayors. The group serves as an advisory body to the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization, which will meet Sept. 23 in Sarasota.
Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth raised both issues.
About the watermain that’s been on the south sidewalk on the drawbridge for more than a year, Titsworth said, “That’s an accident waiting to happen.”
Manatee County commissioners Sept. 10 voted 6-0 to increase funds for law enforcement and public safety on Greer Island, better known as Beer Can Island.
Beer Can Island, located at the northern tip of Longboat Key, is a natural formation created by shifting sand. The island is popular with boaters and beachgoers.
The Beer Can beaches are considered a county park but are under the jurisdiction of the town of Longboat Key.
The county vote amends a 12-month interlocal agreement created in March by increasing monthly funding for the Longboat Key Police Department from $5,000 to $7,083.33, bringing the annual contribution from the county to $85,000.
— Robert Anderson
The mayor suggested the Florida Department of Transportation pressure the county on the relocation of the line, which the county has said would be moved ahead of the bridge’s replacement.
The county placed the pipe on the bridge last summer, after about 1,000 feet of a 16-inch main feeding water to the island fell from the bridge into Anna Maria Sound.
DOT representative Pam Barr told the ITPO she’d inquire about the waterline and the timeline for its relocation.
Barr also agreed to inquire about police and code enforcement along the causeway, which, like the AMI bridge, is on State Road 64/Manatee Avenue.
Titsworth cited concerns with shoreline erosion, as well as business operations, including watercraft rentals and horseback riding tours, causing congestion and other issues.
“No one is taking responsibility for it,” she said, referring to the stretch of Manatee Avenue as an “eyesore.”
Titsworth also noted restrooms for the recreational area exist only on the causeway’s north side and that people recreating on the south side must cross the road to use them.
“Or maybe they’re not,” Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie, implying people might be finding other ways to relieve themselves.
“It’s changed tremendously in the last 10 years,” Titsworth said of the causeway.
“It’s a joke,” added Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy, who chaired the meeting.
He said the area is in Bradenton’s jurisdiction.
“This contributes to congestion,” Murphy said. “The horses. The airplane rides. The political rallies. The whole nine yards. Everything.”
Chappie asked Barr to look into oversight on the causeway and she agreed to the task.
The next ITPO meeting will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4, at Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.
Bradenton resident Leslie Hoffman, 45, will be on probation until next September for a pair of misdemeanors but will not have a formal conviction on her record.
Holmes Beach police officers arrested Hoffman March 2 after she was found driving a vehicle without lights around 3 a.m.
An officer spoke with Hoffman and asked her to exit the vehicle, but she refused even after she was notified that she was under arrest for resisting police.
The officer pulled Hoffman from the vehicle, which another officer deactivated during the struggle.
Hoffman failed field sobriety exercises but later refused to provide breath samples to test for alcohol content.
She was transported to the Manatee County jail, where she was released the same day after posting $1,000 bond.
She was charged with a first-degree misdemeanor for resisting a law enforcement officer without violence and a second-degree misdemeanor for driving under the influence of alcohol.
However, due to Hoffman’s successful participation in Manatee County’s Driver Enhanced Treatment Education Rehabilitation program, the DUI charge was amended to alcohol-related reckless driving. Hoffman pleaded no contest to the two misdemeanors at a Sept. 6 court hearing.
At the same hearing, 12th Circuit Judge Heather Doyle ruled to withhold adjudication for the charges.
Withholding adjudication allows a sentence to be imposed without a formal criminal conviction. Doyle sentenced Hoffman to complete 12 months of probation, the DETER program and 25 public service hours.
— Ryan Paice
By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter
The adult flag football league at the Center of Anna Maria Island finally came to a close after a rain delay with semifinal and final round games played Sept. 12. No. 2 seed Fishing With Salty held off No. 3 Salty Printing 21-20 to open the action for the night. Miguel Rodriguez played a big role in the victory, finishing with one touchdown pass and two touchdown receptions to go along with a 2-point conversion.
Jonathan Soultatos and Matthew Briley also threw for TDs while Dina DeJesus added a TD catch, an extra point and an interception on defense in the victory.
Tuna McCracken threw for a pair of TDs and Christian Hampton finished with three touchdown grabs. Matt Manger threw a touchdown pass and Blake Balais completed the scoring with a pair of extra points in the loss.
The second semifinal game saw top-seeded Floridian Mortgage outscore No. 5 seed Moss Builders 52-33 behind eight TD passes from quarterback Chase Richardson. His favorite target was Rex Kesten, who finished with seven catches including four that went for TDs. Tim Holly added two TD grabs and two extra points, while Tyler Brewer and Zach Wyrick each finished with a touchdown in the victory.
Ryan Moss paced Moss Builders with five TD passes, including two each to Shawn Balvin and Peggy Smith. Greg Moss added a TD catch and an extra point for Moss Builders in the loss.
The championship game pitted the top two teams — No. 1 Floridian Mortgage and No. 2 Fishing With Salty — and the final score reflected that two-seed matchup.
Floridian Mortgage jumped out to a 23-7 halftime lead. They ultimately held on for a 29-27 victory with the final margin of victory decided by a sack at the end of the first half by Tim Holly, resulting in a 2-point safety. Fishing With Salty battled back to make the game close but fell short.
Holly also had a big day on offense, finishing with six catches, including two for TDs and an extra point. Chase Richardson threw four TD passes, including one each to Tyler Brewer, who had a game-high nine catches, and one to Rex Kesten. Cory Banks completed the scoring with a pair of extra points in the victory.
Miguel Rodriguez and Matthew Briley each threw two TD passes and Jonathan Soultatos had two TDs
among his six catches while also adding an extra point. Dylan Doyle had a TD catch and an extra point among his four receptions and Octavious Cole also had a TD catch. Anthony McCance completed the scoring in the loss with an extra point and six catches.
The fall recreational soccer season at the community center was set to start Spirit Week with matches Sept. 16, after The Islander’s press time, for the 3-4 and 5-7 instructional divisions, while the 8-10 and 11-14 age divisions were to kick off their seasons Sept. 17.
The teams were to play mini-games in a jamboree format and both teams and fans would show off their spirit to kick off the season.
Fans and players were encouraged to dress in team colors and to accessorize their looks — color their hair, paint their faces, go wild.
The season looks to be competitive, with the 11-14 age division boasting five teams and the 8-10 division with six teams. Add in the four teams in the 5-7 age division and two teams in the 3-4 age division and you’ve got a lot of kids playing soccer on the island this fall.
Stay tuned to The Islander for scores, highlights and team standings.
Key Royale golf
There was a full week of golf action at the Key
Adult flag football champs Floridian Mortgage
Players Tyler Brewer, left, Rex Kesten, Cory Banks, Chase Richardson, Zach Wyrick, Derrick Carrey, Tim Holly and Jasmine Muldoon. Islander Photo: Courtesy CofAMI
Royale Club in Holmes Beach last week, starting with the men’s weekly modified-Stableford system match Sept. 9. Nelson Eage won the day’s proceedings with a plus-4, a point ahead of Ken Nagengast and Tom Nelson.
The women played their weekly nine-hole individual-low-net golf match Sept. 10. Margrit Layh fired an even-par 32 to earn clubhouse bragging rights for the day, finishing two shots clear of Jana Samuels and Sue Wheeler, who both finished at 2-over-par 34.
The week ended Sept. 12 with members playing a nine-hole scramble. The team of Rod Hammonds, Dale Miller, Earl Ritchie and Ron Vandeman combined on a 1-under-par 31 to take first place for the day.
Horseshoe news
Horseshoe action Sept. 11 at Anna Maria City Hall pits saw two teams advance to the knockout stage. The team of Neil Hennessey and Norm Good cruised to a 22-5 victory over Jay Disbrow and Tom Farrington to win the day’s bragging rights.
The Sept. 14 games saw Tim Sofran and Farrington team up to forge the lone 3-0 record in pool play and claim the day’s outright champs.
The action gets started at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Anna Maria pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by random team selection.
There is no charge to play.
This month, we celebrate the love, wisdom and guidance that grandparents bring into our lives. Their stories, advice, and support mean the world to us.
You have a special way of making every moment memorable and every day brighter.
Thank you for being such wonderful grandparents and for all the love and care you share. We cherish the moments we have with you and look forward to making many more memories together.
By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter
With a reprieve from thunderstorms, Anna Maria Island anglers are eagerly getting out on the water to experience some of what September fishing in West Central Florida has to offer.
With American red snapper recreational season open on the weekends, you can bet weekend warriors are out in force to catch their limit.
Other snappers, such as mangrove and yellowtails, are being added to the aggregate as near-limits are easily attainable.
Anglers who aren’t equipped to venture long distances into the Gulf or have no desire to do so, are catching enough to satisfy them. With a multitude of bait fish — shiners, sardines, threadfin herring and glass minnows — flashing in and out of Tampa Bay on the tides, Spanish mackerel, bonito, ladyfish and jack crevalle are taking a hook without too much hassle.
Whether you’re in a boat or fishing from a pier, you should be able to get action on these tough-fighting fish as they frenzy around the bait schools.
If you’re looking for something larger, redfish and snook are lurking around the passes and the adjacent beaches, waiting for a tasty morsel.
The same applies on the flats. Casting baits along
Scott Ellis, a local fisher who owns and operates Mariner Dock and Seawall, pauses Sept. 11 for a trophy photo with an overslot Snook that ate a pilchard. Ellis was fishing the backwaters with Capt. David White.
mangrove shorelines — especially oyster bars and where good water flow exists — can result in great action on both reds and linesiders.
Fishing deeper grass flats is another option to finding a bite, especially spotted seatrout. Casting mediumsize shiners in these areas can yield many hookups on trout, as well as ladyfish and jacks.
If you’re willing to brave the September heat, there is fishing to be done. Just keep an eye on the horizon for pop-up thunderstorms.
Capt. David White is working inshore throughout Tampa Bay while targeting a variety of species.
Nick Rausch and Mike Singley, visiting from Cape May, New Jersey, show off a pair of bull reds Sept. 12 in Tampa Bay. According to their guide, Capt. David White, the fish were caught on live pinfish and they’re some of the “largest redfish caught on my charters!”
During the two-week gag grouper season, White says his anglers caught a respectable number of keeper-size fish using live pinfish as bait. Fishing areas such as rock piles, wrecks and reefs was most productive.
Now that gag season is over, White is spending his time catching bull redfish along the beaches and passes, where, using pinfish and crabs as bait is leading to reds exceeding 35 inches in length.
After wearing out on redfish, White turns to the hunt to big snook. Again, the beaches and passes are producing the best action.
Capt. Johnny Mattay is fishing offshore on calmer days, where depths of 70-100 feet are yielding excellent action on mangrove snapper and yellowtail snapper. Using live shiners as bait works well, although offering frozen sardines is working, too.
Moving inshore, Mattay is putting clients on large redfish around the beaches and passes. Casting live pinfish or shiners to these fish is resulting in a bite and some tired anglers with sore arms due to the large size of the fish, some exceeding 35 inches in length.
Mattay says snook are being found in the same areas and are reacting to the same offerings of pinfish and shiners as bait.
Meanwhile, when moving to the backcountry, Mattay says spotted seatrout are being caught on the deep grass flats. Limits of trout are being caught and the flats excursions also are producing a mix of other species, such as macks, ladyfish and jacks.
Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.
Christian Chamberlin carves a wave Sept. 12 at Cortez Beach in Bradenton Beach. Chamberlin, a commercial fisher from Anna Maria, was one of more than 40 surfers taking advantage of the waves produced by
A surfer stands Sept. 12 at the end of pier 2, timing his jump with the wave action at Cortez Beach. Surfers and bodyboarders showed up for the high waves brought on by Hurricane Francine.
By Masha Dolgoff
As sea turtle nesting season reaches its final months, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch & Shorebird Monitoring and the community that supports it are seeing the culmination of their efforts.
Despite Tropical Storm Debby flooding the beaches in early August, it’s still a big year in terms of nest numbers.
“I’m hoping we can at least beat last year’s number for hatchlings produced,” Kristen Mazzarella, executive director of AMITW, said in an interview with The Islander Sept. 12.
In 2023, the total number of hatchlings was 22,287, while this year the tally sat at 20,478 on Sept. 13.
Some of the hatchlings emerged from nests sponsored through AMITW’s Suzi L. Fox Adopt-a-Nest Program.
For a donation of $149, participants can have a person’s name or organization title placed on a wooden plaque at a sea turtle nest.
At the end of the season, after the nest has hatched, the plaque is delivered or mailed to sponsors.
“I think it was a really successful year,” Mazzarella said about the program in 2024. “We had a lot of new donors.”
One of her favorite participants is Manatee High School, which helped AMITW make the plaques.
AMITW commissions 250-300 plaques a year from volunteers and outside organizations, and Manatee High School has been a partner in the past.
“Their shop class and their marine biology class worked on making the plaques.” Mazzarella said. “The shop class cut them out, and the other class painted them with the sealant.”
The money that AMITW earns from the plaques is almost always used for outreach programs at schools or events.
“We’re working right now on trying to establish
some programs that we’re going to be able to take to schools,” Mazzarella said.
The money also goes into educational materials that AMITW hands out to properties and people on the beach early in nesting season.
“We’re trying to develop new things and handy ways of educating people,” Mazzarella said.
For 2025, AMITW has unveiled a new tier for the adoption program. At $199, donors will be able to choose where and when a plaque is placed.
For more about the program, go to AMITW’s website at islandturtlewatch.com.
Meanwhile, Mazzarella sees nesting activity going into October.
“We are probably going to be down to six or seven nests by the time October rolls around,” she said.
As of Sept. 13, they had 44 nests left on the beach.
Here’s hoping more “adoptees” will be celebrating the success of their hatched nests in the coming weeks.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in early September released sea turtle nesting numbers, comparing the 2024 season thus far to 2023 and 2022.
A look at statewide numbers as of Aug. 31, with two months of nesting to go:
• 109,929 loggerhead nests compared to 133,958
in 2023 and 116,503 in 2022;
An adopted nest June 5 is posted with a plaque and the donor’s information in Holmes Beach. More than 200 people contribute yearly to AMITW’s adopta-nest fundraiser. Islander Photo: Masha Dolgoff
• 12,928 green turtle nests compared to 74,823 in 2023 and 36,488 in 2022;
• 1,795 leatherback nests compared to 1,711 in 2023 and 1,825 in 2022;
• 24 confirmed Kemp’s ridley nests compared to 10 in 2023 and eight in 2022.
The FWC, in its report, stated, “We are happy to share that 2024 is shaping up to be a record-breaking year for Kemp’s ridley nests in Florida and for leatherback nesting on the Florida Gulf Coast.”
Additionally, while loggerheads and leatherbacks are having a good season, green turtle nest numbers remain low.
“These low numbers from green turtles are not surprising nor concerning to our team at this time, especially following the green turtles’ record-breaking numbers in 2023,” the FWC stated.
— Lisa Neff
As of Sept. 13, AMItW reported 685 total nests, 835 false crawls and 195 hatched nests producing 20,478 hatchlings.
By Lisa Neff
My eyes the week ending Sept. 15 were on news reports from Louisiana, where Hurricane Francine made landfall Sept. 11, and on a National Hurricane Center forecast map showing two blobs that may or may not develop into storm threats.
While eyeing Francine and wondering about the possibility of a Helene or Isaac forming, I’m also still thinking about a Debby, Ida and Katrina.
The impact of a storm on an area can continue for weeks, months and years.
A
satellite catches a glimpse of Hurricane Debby Aug. 5, just prior to it making landfall on Florida’s Gulf coast. BOTTOM BOTTOM LEFT: Sunrise on Hurricane Debby as the storm makes landfall on Florida’s Gulf coast and pushes inland.
Islander Images: Courtesy NOAA
composed of toxin-producing species, the toxins could harm marine life and pose health risks to humans and pets who come into contact with the water.
The people of low-lying Houma in Louisiana, for example, were still struggling with damage caused by Ida in 2022 when Francine hit with ferocity.
And right here in Manatee County, people are still dealing with Tropical Storm Debby’s impact some six weeks later, specifically flooding on the mainland and sewage pollution in area waterways.
Scientists at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota recently compiled an analysis of their multidisciplinary findings on Debby’s ecological impact on Sarasota Bay and the associated coastal environment.
Some notes from their reporting on Debby, which
Where’s Henrietta?
Neff Henrietta, Anna Maria Island’s entry in the 2024 Tour de Turtles, was swimming in ninth place in the research-focused marathon as of Sept. 13. Henrietta was tagged with a satellite tracker in June at Coquina Beach for the “race” that began Aug. 2. From the Tour de Turtles, researchers learn about where adult sea turtles swim, as well as how often they go ashore to nest and where. As of Sept. 13, Henrietta swam 125 miles. Islander Screenshot
passed the region Aug. 4-5 as a tropical storm before making landfall as a hurricane to the north:
• Turbidity and water color: Measurements of turbidity and true color of bay waters were elevated.
Elevated true color indicates an increase in substances such as dissolved organic matter in water, while elevated turbidity indicates increased particulate matter in the water — both likely caused by massive amounts of stormwater resulting from the intense rainfall in the Sarasota Bay watershed.
Elevated turbidity and true color led directly to reduced penetration of sunlight into bay waters.
• Nitrate and ammonia concentrations: Post-TS Debby, scientists recorded a significant spike in bay concentrations of nitrate and ammonia, which might serve as an increased source of nutrients for aquatic bacteria and algae.
Higher than normal nitrate and ammonia concentrations might lead to increased bacteria and algal blooms, potentially causing low oxygen concentrations in specific locations.
If any potential bacteria and algal blooms are
Manatee County commissioners Sept. 10 approved sending $9,500 to Solutions to Avoid Red Tide Inc. for research and education initiatives.
START, based in the county, will use the money to pay for webhosting, clam restoration efforts in partnership with the Sarasota Bay Watch nonprofit, brochures and public service announcements.
The nonprofit, founded in 1996 on Longboat Key, operates with a mission to “reduce excess nutrients in our waterways that feed red tide, and other harmful algal blooms.”
For more information, go to start1.org or call 941951-3400.
— Lisa Neff
• Dissolved oxygen concentrations: Mote water samples immediately following the storm indicated a drop in dissolved oxygen levels at certain sites in the bay.
Dissolved oxygen is vital for fish and other aquatic life to survive. When oxygen levels are low, it can stress or even kill marine life, which could lead to fish die-offs and other ecological impacts.
Emily Hall, manager of Mote’s ocean acidification and chemical and physical ecology research programs, said, “We are particularly concerned about the high nutrient and low dissolved oxygen concentrations, which could have serious implications for marine life in the affected areas.”
• Sea turtle nests: In addition to its impact on water quality, TS Debby affected sea turtle nests that were still active in the area. The storm’s waves and high tides led to the overwash and washout of many of the still active nests, including on AMI and the beaches to the south that Mote patrols.
• Beach profiles: Surge from the storm changed beach profiles, including adding sand to some areas.
“Each storm is different but the data from NOAA suggested a significant impact for the beaches in the region, regardless of storm severity,” said Jake Lasala, staff scientist and program manager of Mote’s sea turtle conservation and research program.
By Lisa Neff
Suncoast Waterkeeper, based on results from Sept. 11 tests for enterococci bacteria in waterways, issued the following notice, minus emoji: “Our waters are safe to enjoy for the first time in many weeks! Our monitoring did detect fecal indicator bacteria at our location across the Manatee River from the city of Bradenton’s sewage bypass outfall. However, the mouth of the Manatee River was back in the safe to swim range.
Suncoast Waterkeeper’s tests found “safe to swim” levels at all Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key and Palma Sola sites.
Meanwhile, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported one test sample from Manatee County contained a background concentration of Karenia brevis, the Florida red tide organism. The sample was from the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria.
— Lisa Neff
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API’S DRYWALL REPAIR: I look forward to servicing your drywall repair needs. Call 941524-8067 to schedule an appointment.
LOOKING FOR AN EARLY BIRD? You can read Wednesday’s classifieds on Tuesday at islander.org. And it’s FREE!
IS YOUR POOL deck, driveway, or garage floor looking worn out and dated? Bring them back to life with our top-tier resurfacing services! Services offered: Pool deck resurfacing, Slip-resistant, cool-to-the-touch finishes that enhance safety and aesthetics. Driveway resurfacing, durable surfaces that stand up to heavy traffic and harsh weather. Garage floor resurfacing, easy-to-clean, stain-resistant surfaces that look great and perform even better. Don’t wait! Transform your spaces today with our trusted resurfacing services. Contact us now for a free consultation and estimate. Call U Plus Me LLC at 727-6235050 or visit u-plus-me.com
BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS JD’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-920-3840.
BEACH SERVICE air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. Commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. Serving Manatee County and the Island since 1987. For dependable, honest and personalized service, call Bill Eller, 941-720-7411. CAC184228.
CLEAN TECH MOBILE Detailing. At your location. Cars, boats, RVs. Call or text Billie for an appointment. 941-592-3482.
SLAND e R ARCHIV e. UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.
CONNIE’S LANDSCAPING INC. Residential and commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-713-1965.
COLLINS LANDSCAPE LIGHTING: Outdoor lighting, landscaping, irrigation services and maintenance. 941-279-9947. MJC24373@ gmail.com
SHeLL DeLIVeReD AND spread. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, topsoil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, or “shell phone” 941-720-0770.
VAN-GO PAINTING residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper. Island references. Bill, 941-795-5100. www.vangopainting.net.
GRIFFIN’S HOME IMPROVEMENTS Inc.
Handyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. Insured and licensed. 941-722-8792.
LANE’S SCREENING SERVICES: Replace your window, door or lanai screens. Many screen options available. Retired veteran serving our community! Free estimates, call 941-705-5293.
LOOKING FOR ANY home improvement?
JRCC Home Improvement, handyman service can get the job done. Please, contact us at 413-246-2410. We would love to help.
TILE-TILE-TILE: All variations of ceramic tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship, prompt, reliable, many Island references. Call Robert, 941-726-3077.
DONALD PERKINS PAINTING LLC. Interior/exterior/pressure washing. Island references. dperkinspaint@hotmail.com. 941705-7096.
GORILLA DRYWALL REPAIR LLC. Let’s solve your drywall problems together. Give us a call at 941-286-0607.
CALL HYDRO CLEAN. Full-service pressure washing, sealing. Pavers, travertine and natural stone. Window washing too, up to three stories. Call Jacob, 941-920-2094.
ISLAND HANDYMAN: I live here, work here, value your referral. Refinish, paint. Just ask. JayPros. Licensed/insured. References. Call Jay, 941-962-2874.
ANNA MARIA GULF beachfront vacation rentals. One- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941778-3143.
AVAILABLE NOW AND season: 1BR/1BA, seven-night minimum. carlesvacationrentals. com. Special rates are available. 941-8071405.
FOR RENT: Anna Maria Island condo. Great value, beautiful upgraded 2BR/2BR. Incredible water view. Pool, tennis, walk to beach. Private carport. Excellent rental terms. Owner/renter. Call/email for pictures, 570-239-0431. marketreps@aol.com
SEASONAL RENTAL: Bradenton 55-plus community. Large 2BR/2BA condo on bay, exceptional views. elevator and five minutes to bridge. No smoking, No pets. $4,650/month. Three-month minimum. Photos at https://barbaragillespie.wixsite. com/47872024. 732-748-0759.
2025 SEASONAL RENTAL: Just one block from the beach, single-story 2BR/2BA private residence, screened patio. No smoking/ no pets. Monthly. January-April. 64th Street, Holmes Beach. Call 813-833-4926.
2BR/1BA ANNUAL LEASE: Electric/ac/heat all included. $2,975/month. Looking for 1 or 2 quiet adults with no pets or smoking. Steps to Gulf. Owner-occupied duplex. Owner, 508496-8480. williamshomes@yahoo.com
JANUARY 2025 AVAILABLE: Snowbird special! Perico Island patio home, single floor, high ceilings, 3BR/2BA, privacy wall/gate, two-car garage. Call or text Alison, 859-7716423. www.pericoislandrental.com
PERICO BAY CLUB rental: Deluxe 2BR/2BA, garage villa. $2,800/monthly. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.
ANNUAL HOLMES BEACH rental: Unfurnished elevated duplex, 2BR/1.5BA, available September. $2,500 /month plus utilities, Owner, 941-778-4498.
MORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK? It’s an old saying, but it’s still true when it comes to The Islander. Look for more online at islander. org.
WINNIe MCHALe, ReALtOR, 941-5046146. Dalton Wade Real Estate. You need an aggressive and experienced Realtor in today’s market! Selling island homes, Sarasota and Bradenton areas. Multi-milliondollar producer! “Selling Homes - Making Dreams Come True.”
2BR/2BA HOME for sale. 3,000 sfur. 1,100 sf garage. Steps to beach. $1,449,000. 941518-6329.
PRIVATE SALE: THE perfect VRBO or private vacation home. Beautiful beachside bungalow direct marina front with peek-a-boo views of Palma Sola Bay. Private boat docks are available. Just off the SR 64 causeway at Palma Sola Bay in the highly sought-after community of Palma Sola Park. This beautiful 2BR/2BA, sleeps 8 with heated salt pool and large tiki bar. $1,200,000. Contact owner, 941-661-6196.
MINUTES TO ANNA Maria beaches: 2BR/2BA ground-floor villa. Beautifully appointed with stainless-steel appliances, granite counter tops, composite wood flooring throughout. $285,000. Real estate Mart, 941-356-1456.
BUY BEFORE IT’S gone: Custom built 2BR/2BA, two-car garage in northwest Bradenton. Amenities, pool, clubhouse, boat docks on Tampa Bay and minutes to beach. $795,000. Real estate Mart, 941-356-1456.
RIGHT: Jack Elka, who closed his island photograpy business and moved to North Carolina a few years ago, returns to the microphone Sept. 11 at Slicker’s Eatery in Cortez. Elka also played keyboard and did vocals for the Billy Rice Band. LeFt: Billy Rice, popular area musician takes
the mic for a few tunes. The pair sat in for Tanya McCormick, who performs Wednesdays at Slicker’s, 12012 Cortez Road W.
Frank Williams of Island Print and Mail in Holmes Beach, left, Jack Elka, visiting from North Carolina, and Andrew Vac of Re/Max Longboat Key, reminisce Sept. 12 at the Freckled Fin Irish Pub, where the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce hosted a business lunch. On Sept. 28, the chamber’s monthly 5 p.m. business card exchange will be hosted by NY Foot and Body Massage Spa, 6100 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. Islander
Photos: Bonner Joy
By Lisa Neff
SAVE THE DATES
Thursday, Sept. 26, AMI Chamber of Commerce business card exchange, NY Foot and Body Massage Spa, Bradenton. Oct. 19, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., AMI chamber Bayfest, Anna Maria. Send listings to calendar@islander.org.
By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter
Beach to Bay LLC, a parking management company owned by developer Shawn Kaleta, closed several paid lots in Bradenton Beach citing community and municipal concerns.
In a Sept. 9 letter to city commissioners and the city building department, Sam Negrin of Beach to Bay confi rmed parking operations at three locations would cease:
• 207 Church Ave.
• 206 Bay Drive N.
• 102 Third St. N.
“We have decided to terminate parking operations at the above listed locations due to our sense of your frustration surrounding the operation of parking lots on these residential parcels,” Negrin wrote. “We plan on removing our parking equipment from the lots by the end of the business week ending September 13, 2024.”
In February and March meetings, commissioners granted temporary use permits for paid parking at the lots with the requirement that the building official approve administrative site plans and certain lot improvements be made.
The closures come on the heels of scrutiny by city officials over missed deadlines for completion of stipulations.
In a response to a Sept. 11 inquiry from The Islander, Negrin said, “We faced a lot of scrutiny from the city and residents regarding operating parking lots in residential areas. We chose to shut them down as opposed to completing the list of stipulations to keep all parties happy.”
Despite the closures, Negrin confirmed that Beach to Bay’s parking lot on the Bridge StreetGulf Drive corner would continue to remain in operation.
Click! The Islander welcomes news of the milestones in readers’ lives. Send notices to news@islander.org.
25 years, right here with her family.
... The Islander newspaper is
at Publix Holmes Beach. Just stop by the customer service desk, hold out your hand and say, “Islander, please!” And maybe remind staff you’d like the serve-yourself community news returned to the lobby.
By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter
Manatee County commissioners earlier in September unanimously voted to deny a request by Cortez Village Marina to expand operations.
The commission vote Sept. 5 inadvertently aligns with the interests of marina neighbor Hunters Point, owned by Cortez Road Investments and Finance, which is owned by developer Marshall Gobuty, who is embroiled in legal disputes with the marina over access to a privately-owned canal.
Cortez Village Marina, owned by Chicago-based parent company Equity LifeStyle Properties, asked the county for permission to construct 12 additional storage spaces for personal watercraft, as well as add boat maintenance services and create a boat washing area at the facility, 12160 Cortez Road W., Cortez.
The marina sought county permission while also attempting to achieve compliance with county code violations by removing a shell parking area and relocating a trash dumpster.
Matthew Gillespie, representing Kimley-Horn engineering of Orlando, presented the marina’s case to commissioners, stating that the proposed changes would help bring the property into compliance.
However, commissioners were swayed by complaints from residents and other cases of noncompliance and denied the expansion proposal 6-0.
Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, R-District 3, said the marina consistently has ignored regulations and has been a source of frequent complaints from neighbors.
“You’ve been more than bad neighbors,” Van
By Carol Bernard
Island real estate transactions
302 Palm Ave., Anna Maria, a 1,560 square foot Vacant Lot on a 6,380 square foot lot sold 7/1/2024 by Fox to 302 Anna Maria LLC for $1,200,000, list price $1,349,000.
304 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, a 1,064 square foot 2BR/1BA pool home on a 7,800 square foot lot built in 1964 7/8/2024 by Kaluza to Mangolia Shores LLC for $1,490,000, list price $1,650,000.
509 Spring Ave., Anna Maria, a 1,092 square foot 2BR/3BA pool home on a 7,482 square foot lot built in 1985 sold 7/22/2024 by Campbell to Monagas for $1,695,525, list price $1,750,000.
307 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, a 1,833 square foot 3BR/3BA pool home on a 6,325 square foot lot built in 1989 sold 7/24/2024 by Bagwell to JDC Aviation LLC for $1,950,000, list price $1,950,000 509 South Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, a 2,898 square foot 5BR/3BA pool home on a 7,401 square foot lot built in 1991 sold 7/23/2024 by AMI Retreat LLC to HK3 La Mirage LLC for $2,120,000, list price $2,350,000.
404 21st Place, Bradenton Beach, a 2,056 square foot 4BR/3BA pool home on a 6,098 square foot lot built in 1963 sold 7/2/2024 by Iragorn to Mesa VR LLC for $2,000,000, list price $2,250,000.
114 Eighth St., Bradenton Beach, a 3,245 square foot 7BR/8BA pool home on a 6,000 square foot lot built in 2024 sold 7/16/2024 by 114 48th St LLC to Dilip for $6,000,000, list price $6,895,000. Compiled by Island Real Estate staff. IRE can be reached at 941-778-6066, islandreal.com.
Ostenbridge said. “You’ve been abusive neighbors up to this point,”
The commission’s decision halted the marina’s plans also aligned with the interests of Cortez Road Investments.
Gobuty attended the Sept. 5 meeting and spoke in opposition to the marina’s expansion proposal.
“This is a small canal with lots of manatee and we don’t agree with the applicant’s comments that there are no manatees in the canals. We have lots of pictures of them in there,” Gobuty said. “The last thing we need is more Jet Skis going down the canal.”
Hunters Point, a development of 86 zero-energy homes, borders the canal — the only waterway leading to open water for marina clients.
The canal, which is owned by Cortez Road Investments, is the subject of a legal dispute.
MHC Cortez Village LLC petitioned the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings seeking revocation of a Southwest Florida Water Management District permit to build 49 boat slips at Hunters Point.
The entrance to the Hunters Point canal Sept. 11, as seen from 127th Street West, Cortez. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson
In response, Cortez Investment attorneys filed a lawsuit in 2022 seeking to prevent the marina from using the canal, citing ownership of the waterway and environmental concerns.
In a separate legal action begun in June 2023, Gobuty sued several homeowners on the opposite side of the canal at the Hunters Point development. The suit alleges the homeowners are unlawfully maintaining docks and boat lifts that violate state regulations.
The docks in question are said to extend more than 25% into the canal, exceeding allowable limits set by the state.
“State law says that your dock and lift can’t exceed 25% of the waterway. Some of these are 40%-55% into the canal,” Gobuty told The Islander Sept. 13. “Four out of the five docks are not permitted.”
“It’s a safety issue,” he added.
The Islander reached out Sept. 13 by phone to Fred E. Moore, a defense attorney for some of the homeowners, but as of Islander press time Sept. 16 there was no reply.
By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter
The Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board Sept. 4 recommended a special-use permit for a rental business in the commercial district.
The matter now goes to the city commission.
Kefton Schermerhorn, owner of Positive Waves, a boat rental and charter company, presented his business model during a public hearing Aug. 8 and returned to the P&Z Sept. 4.
Schermerhorn is seeking a permit for an electric hydrofoil and motorized surfboard rental business, along with retail sales, at 115 Third St. S., within the boundaries of the Old Bridge Village development.
The business would include captained charters on a 26-foot surfboat or a 36-foot catamaran. Other customers could rent motorized boards or hydrofoils for a day or learn to ride under guidance.
City planner Luis Serna said the business concept aligns with city land development codes and staff supports Schermerhorn’s application, which fits the zoned usage parameters for the C-1 Limited Commercial District, and falls under the Old Bridge Village planned development overlay.
Serna also read findings from city attorney Ricinda Perry in response to the board’s request for legal clarification on parking requirements and rental regulations. Perry said the business model complied with
city regulations.
Board member Fred Bartizal motioned to recommend the permit and was seconded by John Burns. The motion passed 4-0. Board member Dan Morhaus was absent with excuse.
The recommendation will be considered by the city commission at its Oct. 17 meeting at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach.
The next P&Z meeting will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.
