The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, Feb. 01, 2023

astheworldterns 6

Q&A 020123 3

Opinions 6-7

10-20 YEARS AGO

looking back. 7

state orders educators to cover, catalog books. 8

Petition to halt resort gains traction. 9

save the date. 10-11

announcements. 10-12

GoodDeeds 14

Obituaries 15

Where’s Tuna Street? 16-17

Cops & Courts 18

Planners prep for resiliency projects. 20

Work begins on market area at coquina. 21

RoadWatch. 21

Hb bank rezone moves forward. 22

am greenlights food trucks. 23

Football tops sports action. 24

Find shelter on the water to avoid chill. 25

TideWatch. 25 state fishes for feedback on pelican protections. 26

NYT puzzle 26

awaiting ‘forever.’ 27

CLASSIFIEDS. 28-29

Isl Biz: 30 chamber awards trolley grants.

Find the islander archive dating to 1992 online at ufdc.ufl.edu.

Islanders rally against state threats

by ryan Paice

islander reporter

Islanders are saying “no” to any notion of consolidating or dissolving island cities.

Several people spoke during public comment at a Jan. 24 Holmes Beach commission meeting to voice concern about potential consolidation or dissolution following recent actions by state Rep. Will Robinson Jr., R-Bradenton.

Robinson opened the door Jan. 12 at a 2023 Manatee County Legislative Delegation meeting, where he questioned the number of municipalities needed to govern the island.

AM votes 3-1, Salem takes vacant seat

by ryan Paice islander reporter

The Anna Maria City Commission is whole again.

City commissioners voted Jan. 26 to appoint resident Charles “Charlie” Salem, a newcomer to politics in Anna Maria, to fill a commission seat left empty by Carol Carter late last year.

Carter vacated the seat in December for a move to Sarasota County after serving nine years on the board and three as chair.

Salem and Brian Seymour applied to fill the vacancy.

Salem moved to Anna Maria with his husband in 2017, became a board member of the Center of Anna Maria Island in 2019 and a member of the city’s planning and zoning board in 2021.

He most recently worked in Washington, D.C., as Microsoft’s managing director of public policy.

He’s no newcomer to politics, as he also spent years working with elected officials, including as special counsel in Tallahassee for the Florida Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget in 1991 and as chief of staff and legislative director for then-U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Indiana, in D.C. 1999-2010.

Seymour has spent 14 years in Anna Maria and owns the Anna Maria General Store, 503 Pine Ave., as well as operates the City Pier Grill and Bait Shop.

Seymour also spent time in a leadership role on the city commission. He was first elected to the board in 2016, became chair in 2018 and served in that role until he resigned for personal reasons in August 2019.

Salem and Seymour were the first candidates to go through the city’s new appointment process, which Mayor Dan Murphy established to increase public involvement and awareness.

The city previously filled commission vacancies by allowing applicants to introduce themselves with five-minute speeches,

Robinson motioned to commission a state study on Anna Maria Island’s governing structure and to present options to the delegation for the 2024 legislative session. The delegation unanimously approved Robinson’s motion.

Robinson also introduced a bill that would preempt local regulation of parking

HB prevails in 2013 treehouse case, 2 cases linger

by ryan Paice islander reporter

A decade of litigation surrounding a controversial Holmes Beach treehouse may be nearing a conclusion.

the commission vote to appoint him to the commission seat vacated by carol carter.

nicholas

12th Judicial Circuit Judge Edward Nicholas issued his fi nal order Jan. 20, ruling in favor of the city on all counts in a 2013 lawsuit regarding the constitutionality of city codes enacting setback restrictions which prohibit the treehouse.

Property owners Richard Hazen and Lynn Tran-Hazen’s third amended complaint in the case included four counts.

The first count claimed ordinance 07-04 fails to comply with the Florida Constitution, which mandates, “Every law shall embrace but one subject and matter properly connected therewith, and the subject shall be briefly expressed in the title,” since the code addresses “four separate and distinct subjects.”

The city argued the state constitution’s “single-subject” statute applies to the state

turn to treehouse, Page 2

islander Photo: ryan Paice

salem

anna maria elementary students and staff form a heart Jan. 27 on the school campus to mark the end of literacy Week and encourage acts of kindness. more, page 13. islander Photo: brook morrison

the lynn tran-Hazen, richard Hazen treehouse remains standing Jan. 27 behind their home and the angelinos sea lodge vacation rentals they own at 2818 ave. e., Holmes beach, despite more than 10 years of litigation over the structure’s removal.

Candidates continued From Page 1 then voting to appoint a new commissioner at the same meeting.

The new process involved collecting questions from the public, then holding a workshop for the candidates to introduce themselves and answer the questions and, lastly, a commission meeting to vote on a winner.

Both candidates attended the Jan. 19 public workshop and answered all 24 questions collected by the city — leaving the four sitting commissioners to make their decisions at the Jan. 26 meeting.

Salem and Seymour were given a chance ahead of the Jan. 26 vote to make their final cases for the job.

Seymour said regardless of the outcome, he would remain involved with the city, but was looking forward to bringing his perspective back to the commission.

Salem said he appreciated the opportunity and the city’s new appointment process, and wanted to be a help to the city whether he won or not.

Commissioners Jonathan Crane, Robert Kingan,

Deanie Sebring and Mark Short were asked to rank Salem and Seymour as their first and second preferences for the seat.

Crane, Kingan and Sebring ranked Salem their top choice.

Short ranked Seymour as his first choice.

And the appointment went to Salem.

Carter’s term, which Salem now holds, expires November 2023 — at which point Salem said he plans to run for election.

Murphy asked for suggestions regarding any changes to the new appointment process.

Salem, Short and Sebring voiced support for the process but Salem suggested allowing candidates to take live questions from the public at the workshop instead of only precollected questions.

With the commission whole again, Murphy also announced new liaison assignments, including:

• Crane: Anna Maria City Pier;

• Kingan: Island Players;

SUNSET CRUISES & DOLPHIN TOURS

treehouse continued From Page 1

Legislature, not municipal ordinances, and regardless, the ordinance did not violate it.

Nicholas wrote in his ruling that municipal ordinances were not exempt from the single-subject statute but the ordinance at question “so clearly does not violate” the requirement.

“The bottom line is that the ordinance does, in fact, ‘embrace but one subject and matters properly connected therewith;’ the language is not confusing or misleading, and the title is reasonably sufficient to inform the public of the essence and scope of the adopted changes,” Nicholas wrote.

The second count claimed ordinance 07-04 violates state due process laws since its title “fails to fairly appraise the people of the substance of the proposed legislation,” so it “must be deemed null and void.”

Nicholas wrote that the argument was “wholly without merit” and “simply unpersuasive.”

“It cannot be reasonably said that the city violated plaintiff’s procedural due process rights,” Nicholas wrote. “This is not a close call.”

The third count claimed ordinance 07-04 prohibits all construction landward of the erosion control line without any provision for a variance, reducing the value of property and thus a facial violation of the state’s due process laws.

The city argued that code “allows for limited development within the area landward of the erosion control line, just not the kind plaintiffs desire.”

• Salem: Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce;

• Sebring: Anna Maria Island Historical Society;

• Short: Center of Anna Maria Island and the ManaSota League of Cities.

There was no public comment.

The commission will meet next at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

Directions to attend via Zoom can be found at cityofannamaria.com.

islander Photo: ryan Paice

treehouse continued From Page 2

Nicholas agreed with the city, writing that the code “does not completely bar coastal development, either landward or seaward” and is reasonable for “furthering the city’s legitimate objectives” such as regulating coastal development.

“The court finds the limitations in ordinance 07-04 of certain structures, such as a large treehouse attached to an Australian pine tree, within 50 feet of the erosion control line is certainly not unreasonable, arbitrary, or capricious,” he wrote.

The fourth and final count claimed ordinance 07-04 conflicts with state law since it prohibits development within 50 feet landward of the erosion control line “without any regard as to whether such structures qualify for a permit from the FDEP or are otherwise exempt from permitting requirements.”

Nicholas cited a September 2014 ruling in which the ordinance was found to be consistent with state law since it allowed exemptions for construction of certain structures upon proper permitting.

The ruling did not include an order to remove the treehouse but may have implications for two remaining cases:

• The city of Holmes Beach v. property owners fi led in 2018, asking the court to enforce the code board’s order to remove the treehouse and pay the assessed fines;

• Property owners v. the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, filed in 2018, asking the court to temporarily prevent the treehouse’s removal and stop the assessment of “excessive” daily fines.

Both cases have gone quiet in recent years.

In the city v. Hazens case, no actions have been filed since Nicholas issued an order imposing a temporary stay of proceedings in March 2022.

A hearing hasn’t been held for the case since November 2019 and no upcoming hearings were scheduled as of Jan. 28.

In the property owners v. DEP case, the parties filed a joint stipulation in November 2022 to abate the lawsuit while discussing a potential settlement.

DOT set to share bridge plans

the cortez bridge is scheduled for replacement in 2026 by the Florida department of transportation. the dot was set to hold an information meeting on plans for a new bridge Jan. 31 at Kirkwood Presbyterian church in bradenton, after the islander went to press. the dot also posted meeting materials online at swflroads.com/project/430204-2, where public comments will be taken until Feb. 10. islander Photo: Jacob merrifield

This dispute entered the court in December 2018, when the owners sued Holmes Beach and the DEP for a temporary injunction to stop the accumulation of fines and prevent the removal of the treehouse.

The city was dismissed from the case in July 2021.

The joint stipulation for abatement indicated a settlement between the property owners and DEP may be on the horizon, but may be dependent on the results of the 2013 lawsuit.

The property owners and DEP representatives are on the court calendar to discuss a trial date in a case management hearing at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 3, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

Directions to attend the hearing via Zoom can be found on the Manatee County Clerk of Court’s website, records.manateeclerk.com.

Q&A 020123

The Islander poll

Last week’s question

by lisa neff

Parking garage at Manatee Public Beach?

11%. Absolutely.

10%. Maybe.

79%. No way.

This week’s question

How often do you ride the trolley?

A. Never.

B. Hardly ever.

C. Occasionally.

D. Regularly.

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

for state and county properties. The bill would override a Holmes Beach ordinance that prohibits multilevel parking facilities within city limits.

City officials immediately decried Robinson’s actions, calling it one of the most significant attacks on municipal home rule in recent history.

The city deployed its lobbyist, Thomas Hobbs from Tallahasseebased Ramba Consulting Group, to work with state legislators and coordinate with the Florida League of Cities in an attempt to counter dissolution.

Holmes Beach also provided sample letters regarding the issue on the city’s website, holmesbeachfl.org, for residents to send to local representatives to voice their opposition.

A handful of residents also voiced their opposition at the Jan. 24 meeting.

Resident Laurel Nevans said she created a Facebook group to promote island voices in response to Robinson’s actions. As of Jan. 28, 1,158 users had joined Save AMI Cities.

“I’m confident that if we all band together and make our voice loud enough … they cannot ignore us,” Nevans said.

Bradenton resident Larry Grossman said he was “appalled” at the possibility of consolidating or dissolving the island cities and questioned who Robinson was representing with his actions.

“Who are they representing? That’s the question here. They’re not representing us. We didn’t ask for this,” Grossman said. “This isn’t about parking, it’s about power. This is the biggest power grab I’ve ever seen anywhere, and we’ve got to fight it with all our might.”

Resident Alice Sutton voiced direct support for city government.

“I believe you all can do the right thing and do not need any help from anyone else. We’re quite capable of governing ourselves,” Sutton said.

“Putting a parking garage in Holmes Beach is similar to putting a landfill in the botanical gardens down in Sarasota,” resident James Craig said.

Commissioner Terry Schaefer thanked the speakers for voicing their opinions and asked residents to voice their opinions in writing to their stat representatives.

“This represents a stark warning to every city in the state of Florida that, if this can be done, where can’t it be done?” Schaefer said. “What is most encouraging tonight is the fact that you’re here. … This is truly a battle for the future of our independent cities.”

The commission will meet next at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

Directions to attend via Zoom can be found at holmesbeachfl.org.

State, island officials set private meeting

Anna Maria Island’s three mayors were set to meet Jan. 30 with state Rep. Will Robinson Jr. R-Bradenton, and state Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, to discuss Robinson’s recent call for a study into island governance, according to Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy.

Murphy said he met with Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie and Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth the week beginning Jan. 16 to discuss Robinson’s proposal, which opens the door to the potential dissolution or consolidation of the island cities.

Murphy said he then called Robinson, who said grief he’d received from constituents about not being able to find parking on the island prompted his proposal.

Murphy also called Boyd and asked both legislators to meet with the island mayors to discuss the issue and negotiate resolutions.

Murphy said the meeting might result in “miserable failure” but said it was worth a shot to “stop a war” between the cities, county and state.

He intended for the meeting — set to take place as The Islander went to press — to be closed to the public and press. The private meeting was to be at Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

— ryan Paice

Unprecedented assault

by Holmes beach commissioner terry W. schaefer

The actions taken at the Jan. 12 meeting of the Manatee County Legislative Delegation resulted in an unprecedented assault on home rule. By virtue of the state lawmakers’ failure to notify island elected officials, the element of surprise reduced attendance and implied the delegation preferred the affected cities not be prepared to present a defense.

This proved a lack of respect for island cities and their officials. I appreciated the opportunity to speak during public comments but could have been more factual with notification of the agenda items.

The presentation of the “parking facility” action by state Rep. Will Robinson Jr., R-Bradenton, was not wholly factual, leaving out components of Holmes Beaches’ efforts to seek a compromise following a May 2022 meeting.

Holmes Beach:

• Contacted churches to determine their willingness to allow beach parking but all declined;

• Continued to allow parking on city-owned lots;

• Discussed with school officials increasing the number of days they would allow beach parking beyond the three holidays previously permitted, with the condition the county provide trash receptacles, a portable toilet and a crossing guard.

County administrator Scott Hopes approached the school district, worked a deal and disregarded our requests.

In turn, County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge was to provide a schematic to depict the scope of the county’s proposed garage. That never occurred.

Meanwhile, the city was approached by the owner of the former Wells Fargo property to discuss building a parking garage but zoning prohibited that use.

For clarity and to minimize future confusion, HB planning and zoning officials suggested an amendment and following three public hearings and with no public opposition by state or county officials, the city commission approved the ordinance.

After passage, the opportunity remained for dialog with the county, with no effort received.

The reality of a garage on the county’s beach grounds is short-lived at best in that it may allow some amount of additional parking. However, with 30,00040,000 cars entering our city daily, those additional spots offer no long-term relief.

After filled, then what? Another garage? And then another?

The county has not offered other solutions, such as off-island lots or garages with shuttles to the beaches, reducing vehicle traffic or building lots on AMI.

Our mayor reminded Van Ostenbridge of the availability to purchase the former Bank of America property at Manatee Avenue and East Bay Drive for consideration of a parking lot. We are not aware of any follow up on his part.

A more genuine approach to the overwhelming traffic problem would have included options but the county chose to label it a parking problem and laid the solution at the doorstep of our city.

This, coupled with the reality that Holmes Beach generates greater tourist development tax funding than any other city in the county, with barely any return, has required Holmes Beach taxpayers to fund street and infrastructure repairs and replacement along with funding from our 1/2 and 5th cent tax revenue.

Additional dialog with the county could have led to a compromise, eliminating the attack on home rule that the legislators’ recent actions affected.

Robinson’s further non-agenda action, suggesting a study to determine a forced consolidation of island cities, is not in the best interest of island property owners and appears to be an opportunity to dissolve city charters, building codes and ordinances that have historically created the desirability and quality of life aspects that have retained residents and attracted visitors for decades.

I was disappointed that no member of the delegation debated or had further questions to this bold initiative.

Many others do.

schaefer

robinson

titsworth

murphy

Under fire

Are you feeling as though the island you love is under siege?

And maybe you thought vacation rentals would be the “death” of the island — as we knew it — no matter when you arrived here.

There was a time when a newspaper in the 1960s posted a slogan on its cover, “Where life is peaceful and fishing is good.”

And wouldn’t we wish to go back to those days for a do-over.

With hindsight, we could put in myriad protections in the ordinances and codes for the cities — things like height protection, limits on numbers of bedrooms and square footage in homes and stricter duplex and condo regulations. We could exercise control over the beaches and concession revenues and implement controls for all the things that have gone against the grain in building the community and the three cities.

Maybe we would have had the insight to develop a tourism tax for the island that would directly benefit island resources and infrastructure — parks, recreation, roads, canals and bridges.

We could have insured a bright future for Anna Maria Island.

But that didn’t happen.

Now we find ourselves in a hostile environment with county and state officials looking for ways to take control of the “Golden Goose” of tourism that AMI has become.

But before we can get to the negotiating table and secure protection for the resources of AMI, we have to have a seat at the table.

We need answers. We need responsive representation. We need fewer backroom talks and more transparency.

So why are we tolerating the manipulation of our cities? We’re talking to you Rep. Robinson. You have declined interviews and ignored questions.

You have apparently agreed to meet with the three island mayors in a private session but you fail to answer to the public and the media.

And, sorry to say, but any island officials, mayors or commissioners, who take part without admitting the public and the media to at least hear the conversation, well, shame on you.

Aren’t we past secret deals and backroom meetings? Banning books? Racism? Hatred? Bigotry?

It would appear it’s open season on AMI. Please, make your opinions known online at islander.org or email us.

— bonner Joy, news@islander.org

Appalled at Robinson’s tactics

I was appalled when I read the Jan. 18 article, “State Rep drops bombshell on AMI cities.”

While nothing surprises me about Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, who should be voted out of office as soon as possible, I was disappointed to learn of state Rep. Will Robinson Jr.’s proposed bill to overrule the Holmes Beach commission’s parking decision and to compound that insult by suggesting that the state dissolve or consolidate the AMI governments. What arrogance!

Consider the options

What is the right thing for preserving the barrier islands for the public and residents to enjoy?

Does it make sense to bring more cars to islands with limited land area and overloaded traffic? To pave more beach with parking garages on islands that have reached limits in density and stormwater drainage?

If county and state representatives really want to do the right thing for citizens, governing as representatives not overlords, then they would engage a process to evaluate options for access to all county beaches:

▼ 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

Jack elka, jack@jackelka.com

brook morrison, brook@islander.org

ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org

Joe becht, joe@islander.org

▼ Contributors

Karen riley-love

Jacob merrifield

samara Paice

capt. danny stasny, fish@islander.org

nicole Quigley

▼ Advertising Director

toni lyon, toni@islander.org

▼ Webmaster Wayne ansell

▼ Office Manager, lisa Williams info@, accounting@, classifieds@, subscriptions@islander.org

▼ Distribution

urbane bouchet

ross roberts

Judy loden Wasco

When did our government operate from the top down? Are we not a government by the people, for the people?

All this over a parking dispute that Holmes Beach is clearly within its rights to decide!

Perhaps the residents of Holmes Beach, represented by our city commissioners, and obviously not by Van Ostenbridge or Robinson, would be more willing to open up parking on our streets if visitors would not leave their detritus on our lawns and sidewalks. It’s a two-way street.

Come live in my house during tourist season’s months before you condemn my actions. And stop threatening me by withholding money generated by my city and my neighbors’ cities or by dissolving our governing bodies. Who do you think you are?

Susan Bartizal, Holmes Beach

• 75th Street and Manatee Avenue in Bradenton: Redevelop underutilized areas for parking and reduce the vehicular impact on the island’s natural resources by utilizing the Manatee County Area Transit system to bring visitors to the island, reducing the number of vehicles to the island and traffic on the bridges.

• On Longboat Key: LBK has high rises and is reviewing parking garages for private redevelopment. No need to overrule ordinances to develop a garage in the Publix parking lot and increase the share of parking and public beach access provided by the town.

• Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach: Develop the incomplete drainage project area into a garage, which balances environmental, public and private interests and proactively plans the distribution and density of access, parking and traffic across the county beaches.

Stop threatening, premature work-around legislation and engage an evaluation process to:

• Validate/survey the demand for beach parking;

• Develop a comprehensive countywide plan for equitable distribution of public parking;

Complete an environmental impact study of bringing more vehicles to the barrier islands;

• Compare the EIS, traffic and quality-of-life impacts of public parking options.

Mark Hebden, Holmes Beach

Use park-and-ride

My family and I have visited Anna Maria Island for more than 30 years and we have witnessed firsthand how the place is strangling itself with its popularity.

Our three-month stay ends at the end of the month and we have never before seen such slow-moving traffic so early in the season.

A multistory car park anywhere on the island is not the solution.

Our full-time home is in Chester, England, in the United Kingdom — one of the few ancient walled cities in the world.

It too gets swamped with tourists from around the globe but it has a solution to gridlock: Park-and-ride car parks serviced throughout the day, throughout the year, by an excellent hop-on, hop-off bus service.

For a fee, users can leave their cars and ride into the city to be dropped off at numerous points on a set route, while the return is just as simple.

Chester is not unique. Several other UK tourist hotspots have adopted the idea, enabling traffic-free city streets, pedestrianization, cycle routes, a reduction in air pollution and traffic-related accidents.

The irony is there are excellent shuttle bus solution in place and unlike in the UK, acres of land off the island for car parks, multilevel or otherwise.

I urge the powers that be to give the idea some thought.

Sadly, I don’t have a solution to the suggestion that AMI’s three cities should be amalgamated but I suspect that might go away if the parking was resolved.

Christopher Proudlove, Bradenton Beach

Editor’s note: On Manatee Avenue/State Road 64, Manatee County Area Transit operates a daily farefree bus from the Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach to east of the Braden River at Cypress Creek Boulevard near a Walmart Supercenter.

There is park-and-ride parking available near Manatee Avenue and 75th Street West in Bradenton. Both services are underutilitzed.

Purchased power

It appears money and greed have purchased power.

Busting height restrictions will destroy our “old Florida” uniqueness and ignores our lesson of the Martinique in Holmes Beach.

Consolidation smacks of power, conquer and control.

Top-down bullying is never good nor professional nor acceptable. The proposals benefit a very few.

Islanders: Wake up, stand up and speak up for the rape of our island is gaining momentum.

To Manatee County commissioners and our state representative, you were elected to represent the best interests of us, not those of investors.

You need to visualize how the change to four stories will change the island. It will not stop at a parking garage.

Bill Hahn, Holmes Beach

read more online from these and other writers at islander.org … Disgusted and terrified

To state Rep. Will Robinson Jr.: It has taken me several days to compose my anger at you and the other members of the local state legislative delegation. Who do you think you are and how dare you make an attempt to subvert our three local governments?

I can’t tell you how disgusted and terrified I am with every one of you. …

Ruth Cawein, Anna Maria

Shame on Will Robinson

I was stunned to learn of your proposals to preempt local regulation for parking on Anna Maria Island and your proposal to study dissolution or unification of the three cities on our island.

As a Republican, you should be for limited and de-centralized powers rather than exerting control over small communities by the state. …

David L. Madeira, Holmes Beach

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10&20 years ago

From the Jan. 29, 2003, issue

• A motion by Anna Maria commissioners to create a parking zone for residents and rearrange parking along beach-access streets created an outcry from some, who claimed Mayor SueLynn was eliminating parking. Sue-Lynn, however, said there was a lot of misinformation and no ordinance had been presented.

• Bradenton Beach commissioners agreed to place the issue of parking meters on Bridge Street and other public parking areas on the November ballot for a vote. Business owners and the city’s scenic highway committee members said they favored paid parking.

• GSR Development proposed to build a 12-unit condominium called Rosa del Mar in the 2500 block of Gulf Drive but needed the city of Holmes Beach to vacate an easement on the property.

From the Jan. 30, 2013, issue

• At the Anna Maria city commission’s Jan. 24 meeting, the vote was 4-1 on a motion by Commissioner Chuck Webb to prohibit rentals of less than 30 days in the city’s residential district.

• With a sliding scale that will allow slightly more living space for future homes on small lots, a living-area-to-lot size ordinance limiting homes to .34 living area was passed into law for the Residential-2 zone in Holmes Beach.

• With concerts, tree plantings, new chapel doors, a time-capsule, a play and chapel re-dedication, Roser Memorial Community Church is celebrating 100 years on Anna Maria Island.

— lisa neff

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Controversy erupts, state orders educators to cover, catalog books

by brook morrison islander reporter

The Manatee County School District is facing a challenge as it looks to implement new state legislation and regulations limiting content in classroom libraries.

The measures, passed by the Florida Legislature in 2022, went into effect in January and have teachers cataloguing classroom books, following procedures for approval by school media specialists.

Classroom teachers have been told to “remove or cover all classroom libraries” until materials can be reviewed and checked for compliance with Destiny, a web-based library program created by Follett School Solutions.

Before passage of the legislation, a public statement last March from Republican Gov. Ron Desantis said the measure would require the Florida Department of Education “to publish a list of materials that have been removed or discontinued by school boards as a result of an objection and disseminate the list to school districts for their consideration.”

Reading libraries are now under scrutiny in Manatee County schools.

“In regards to books in school media centers or classrooms, the School District of Manatee County is abiding by all applicable laws and statutes of the state of Florida and adhering to the guidance of the Florida Department of Education,” district communications director Mike Barber wrote in a Jan. 27 email to The Islander.

At AME, principal Mike Masiello, in a Jan. 23 email to The Islander, wrote, “There is a new state rule on having only approved books in school.”

That day, AME teachers moved forward with the state requirements to catalog books and set aside materials for review by media specialist Lynne MacDonough, then for review by the AME School Advisory Committee, comprising parents, teachers and students and signed off by Masiello.

The AME SAC chair is former Holmes Beach Commissioner David Zaccagnino. Vice chair is Janae Rudicille and student support specialist Ivory Graham is secretary.

Advocates of the state approach maintain it preserves the rights of parents to make decisions about what materials their children are exposed to in schools.

In a Jan. 25 letter to families at Ida. M. Stewart Elementary in Bradenton, principal Joe Hougland wrote, “This will allow parents to view the books that are in the school and your children could have access to.”

“Let me be clear, we are not ‘banning books’ as has been shared through much rumor and speculation, we are simply cataloging the materials and posting them to the school’s website and the Destiny book portal so that you can be informed as to what is here at Stewart Elementary.”

But some community leaders, school employees

ART FOR EVERYONE THE ENTIRE MONTH OF FEBRUARY!

Artist Demos: 11 to 1 Wednesday to Saturday

Gallery Competitions: Vote for your favorites!

Paint Around: 5 artists collaborate on 5 paintings. 3 to 5 Fridays

Kid Fun: Papier-maché - 3 to 5 Fridays

Art Walk: Featuring AMI scenes - 5 to 7:30 Friday, Feb. 10

Plein Aire Artists: 9 to Noon Tuesdays, Locations TBD

ame fourthgrade students celebrate literacy Week by reading to first-graders Jan. 27 in a classroom at the school.

and parents maintain the legislation violates the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution ensuring the freedom to read and speak freely.

In one email to Manatee’s school board, resident and public school media specialist Marie Masferrer wrote, “I fully support parents’ rights to choose books for their children. But not all parents have the same views or beliefs as to what their children read. Every child should have a book but not every book is for every child.”

“Parents who object to materials with opposing viewpoints can request those books not be read in their homes, but they cannot restrict others’ choices in how they raise their children in this great nation,” she added.

The next AME SAC meeting posted on the calendar is set for April 20 at the school.

The next regular school board meeting will be at 10 a.m. Feb. 14 at the Walter E. Miller School Support Center, 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

islander

Photo: brook morrison

Petition to halt Bridge Street resort gains online traction

by robert anderson islander reporter

A Bradenton local is gaining traction with his online petition against construction of a resort on Historic Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach.

As of Jan. 25, Hunter Jensen’s nonbinding petition against the proposed construction of a resort by local developer Shawn Kaleta and others had received more than 3,726 signatures.

The petition launched in the beginning of January on Change.org, which provides the ability to start campaigns and mobilize supporters.

Conceptual drawings for the resort submitted to the city by Luttrell Architectural of Tampa depict a 103-room property referred to in a design document as “Bridge St. Hotel.”

The Manatee County Property Appraiser records show the properties comprising the resort footprint are owned by Kaleta, Najmy Thompson law firm and Bridge Street business owner Jake Spooner, a city commissioner.

The proposed hotel would encompass the southwest block of Bridge Street, including the roundabout corner, where the city’s commercial corridor meets Gulf Drive.

Jensen said he started the petition to protect the historic district, which is lined with retail shops, restaurants, taverns and an existing motel.

Developer plans — described by city officials as preliminary — include more than three floors of hotel rooms, retail space, lobby and lounge, offices, a coffee bar, putt-putt golf and a gym in the 206,987-squarefoot space, including a rooftop swimming pool and outdoor deck.

In a Jan. 25 interview with The Islander, Jensen described his next steps: “I’ll be meeting with some members of the community to see where they’re at

and collaborate with more ways we can get the community involved.”

“I have not heard or seen anything yet about any planning meetings but I have heard rumors that it’s looking like they are planning for March/April. So when that time comes, I will be presenting this petition … because, at the end of the day, we have 3,700 members of our small community who are very upset about this possibility.”

Jensen is a political science student at the University of South Florida who moved to Bradenton just

Meetings by lisa neff

Anna Maria City

Feb. 9, 2 p.m., commission.

Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941-7086130, cityofannamaria.com.

Bradenton Beach

Feb. 1, 9:30 a.m., CRA.

Feb. 1, 1 p.m., planning and zoning.

Feb. 2, 6 p.m., commission.

Feb. 7, 9:30 a.m., commission/P&Z.

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

Holmes Beach

Feb. 1, 10 a.m., parks and beautification.

Feb. 1, 5 p.m., planning commission.

Feb. 8, 9 a.m., clean water.

Feb. 14, 2 p.m., city commission.

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

over a year ago. He broadened the scope of his activism to address the proposed state study on the consolidation of island governments by state Rep. Will Robinson Jr., R-Bradenton.

“I have also reached out to Rep. Robinson last week with no response,” Jensen said.

Bradenton Beach has concerns that city code and other restrictions for developmental controls would be in danger of dissolution.

To view the petition, go to Change.org and search for “Manatee Residents and Friends Against a Bridge Street Hotel.”

West Manatee Fire Rescue

Feb. 21, 6 p.m., commission.

WMFR administration building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton, 941-761-1555, wmfr.org.

Manatee County

Feb. 2, 9 a.m., commission (land use).

Feb. 7, 9 a.m., commission.

Feb. 14, 8:30 a.m., commission. County administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org.

Also of interest

Feb. 7, 2 p.m., Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials. CANCELED

Feb. 7, 4 p.m., Manatee County Council of Governments, county administration building.

Feb. 13, 9 a.m., Manatee County Tourist Development Council, county administration building.

Feb. 20, Presidents Day, most government offices will be closed.

Send meeting notices to news@islander.org.

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Ready for snowbird season?

Is your business ready for the high season on AMI? Improve your odds of success with The Islander’s readers — residents, seasonal visitors and vacationers — looking to shop and dine, as well as indoor and outdoor fun. For advertising info, call or text 941-778-7978.

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Jensen

compiled by lisa neff, calendar@islander.org.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ON AMI

Thursday, Feb. 2

2 p.m. — Friends of the Island Library Travel and Lecture Series, “Coaching College Football” with Mike Deal and John Skladany, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-6341.

10:30 a.m. — Bishop Museum of Science and Nature workshop on the scientific process, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-1908.

Friday, Feb. 3

6-8 p.m. — Center of Anna Maria Island Bingo Bonanza, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Info: 941-778-1908.

ONGOING ON AMI

Feb. 4-5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 5, Arts and Crafts Show to benefit Anna Maria Elementary School, city field, 5800 block of Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

Throughout February, Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island’s “Paint the Town” celebration, Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, and other locales. Information: 941-778-6694.

Second Fridays through April, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Art Walk and Shop Stroll, Gulf and Marina drives, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648, 941-778-6694.

Throughout February, Karen Beach’s “It Takes Two” watercolor exhibit, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: islandgallerywest.com, 941-778-6648.

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

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

ONGOING AROUND AMI

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

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

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

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.

Saturdays through May, 9 a.m-2 p.m., Bradenton Public Market,

Island happenings

Film buffs can watch “How to steal a million” on the bayside of anna maria

Feb. 7. islander courtesy Photo

Movies in the Park: ‘How to Steal a Million’

Anna Maria continues its Movies in the Park series Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. at City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd.

Next on the calendar is “How to Steal a Million,” showing Feb. 7.

The 1966 art heist comedy directed by William Wyler stars Audrey Hepburn and Peter O’Toole.

Also showing this month:

Feb. 14, “The Cutting Edge”

Feb. 21: “Encanto”

Feb. 28: “Field of Dreams.”

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

For more information, call the city at 941-7086130.

Old Main Street, Bradenton. Information: 941-932-9439.

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

SAVE THE DATE

Feb. 8, Sarasota Bay Watch’s “Scallopalooza,” Sarasota.

Feb. 10-11, Center of Anna Maria Island’s Murder Mystery Dinner, Anna Maria.

Feb. 12, Paradise Center’s “Dancing Through the Decades!, Longboat Key.

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

Feb. 18, Pittsburgh Pirates Block Party, Bradenton.

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

March 9-26, Island Players’ “The 39 Steps,” Anna Maria.

March 12, Island Players’ “How the Other Half Lives” auditions, Anna Maria.

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

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

KIDS & FAMILY

ON AMI

Wednesday, Feb. 1

6 p.m. — Bishop Museum of Science and Nature workshop

on “Manatees and their Environment,” Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-1908.

Friday, Feb. 3

10 a.m. — 40 Carrots, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-7786341.

Saturday, Feb. 4

10 a.m. — — Storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-7786341.

Tuesday, Feb. 7

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

ONGOING AROUND AMI

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

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

SAVE THE DATE

March 10, Center of Anna Maria Island Bingo Bonanza, Anna Maria.

March 18, Desoto National Memorial’s “Five Centuries of Florida History,” Bradenton.

April 15, Desoto National Memorial’s “Landing,” Bradenton.

April 29, De Soto Grand Parade, Bradenton.

CLUBS & COMMUNITY ON AMI

Thursday, Feb. 2

2 p.m. — Sunshine Stitchers, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941778-6341.

Friday, Feb. 3

2 p.m. — Paper crafting for adults, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-7786341.

Saturday, Feb. 4

10 a.m. — Ask a Master Gardener, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-7786341.

2 p.m. — Paper crafting for adults, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-7786341.

Monday, Feb. 6

11 a.m. — Wildlife Inc nonnative and invasive plant talk, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee. org/library, 941-778-6341.

Wednesday, Feb. 8

11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Garden Club Fashion Show, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 781-983-1937.

6:30 p.m. — Island Time Book Club, “Verity” by Colleen Hoover, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-778-6341.

ONGOING ON AMI

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

Second Wednesdays, noon, Off Stage Ladies meeting and

luncheon, various locations. Fee applies. Information:” 941-9322798.

Thursdays, 6 p.m., Anne Silver Community Center bingo games, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Fee applies. Information: 413-441-6823.

Most Fridays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong club experienced players, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-778-6341.

Fridays, noon, bridge, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 314-324-5921.

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

Tuesdays, noon, duplicate bridge, Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 703582-7755.

ONGOING AROUND AMI

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

Mondays, 1 p.m., Thinking Out Loud discussions, the Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Info: 941-383-6493.

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

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

SAVE THE DATE

Feb. 9, Anna Maria Island and West Manatee Democratic Club meeting, Holmes Beach.

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

Feb. 17, AMI Garden Club lunch and meeting, Anna Maria.

March 9-11, Friends of the Island Library jewelry sale, Holmes Beach.

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

March 17, AMI Garden Club flower show, Anna Maria.

April 1, Center of Anna Maria Island beach cleanup, Anna Maria.

April 16, Cortez Village Historical Society Village Picnic, Cortez.

April 21, AMI Garden Club lunch and meeting, Anna Maria.

OUTDOORS & SPORTS

ONGOING ON AMI

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

ONGOING AROUND AMI

Saturdays, 9 a.m., Robinson Runners run, walk stroll, Robinson Preserve NEST, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW., Bradenton. Information:

Island happenings

Friends of Island Library score coaches for lecture

Huddle up.

The Friends of the Island Library will continue their lecture and travel series Thursday, Feb. 2, hosting Mike Deal and John Skladany talking about coaching college football.

“Imagine two football coaches — one an offensive coordinator and the other a defensive coordinator — speaking about coaching college football,” read an announcement for the program.

Deal and Skladany played college football, coached college football and also have scouting experience.

The program will begin at 2 p.m. in the fellowship hall at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

For more information, go online to friendsoftheislandlibrary.org or call the Island Library at 941- 778-6341.

941-742-5923, crystal.scherer@mymanatee.org, mymanatee.org.

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

SAVE THE DATE

Feb. 11, River Regatta, Bradenton.

Feb. 25-March 28, Pittsburgh Pirates spring training season, Bradenton.

March 12, Skyway 10K, Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

April 7, Bradenton Marauders home opener, Bradenton.

GOOD TO KNOW

KEEP THE DATES

Feb. 2, Groundhog Day.

Feb. 12, Super Bowl Sunday.

Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day.

Feb. 20, Presidents Day.

Feb. 21, Fat Tuesday.

March 8, International Women’s Day.

March 12, daylight saving time.

March 13-17, Manatee County School District’s spring break.

March 17, St., Patrick’s Day.

March 20, Vernal Equinox.

April 1, April Fool’s Day.

April 9, Easter.

April 15, Tax Day.

April 22, Earth Day.

Kiwanis to meet

The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island is meeting Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. at Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

The program Saturday, Feb. 4, will feature remarks by Janene Amick, CEO of the Manatee Performing Arts Center in Bradenton.

For more information, call Sandy Haas-Martens at 941-778-1383.

Folk school takes registrations

The Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum is registering students for a variety of classes in February and March.

Programs include lessons on reading charts and navigating open waters Saturdays, Feb. 4, and Feb. 11; creating valentine oyster shell decoupage Friday, Feb. 10; and memory map writing Tuesday, March 21.

Classes will be at the museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez.

There is a cost to enroll in classes and registration is required.

For more information, call the museum at 941708-6121.

To enroll, go to www.floridamaritimemuseum.org/ folkschool.

Art league seeks Springfest volunteers for March event

Regardless of whether the groundhog predicts an early spring, springtime will come to Holmes Beach city field March 18-19.

The Anna Maria Island Art League is organizing the 35th annual Springfest Festival of Fine Arts and Fine Crafts to take place on the field that weekend, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, March 18, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, March 19.

The juried art show and festival, which raises money for scholarships, is presented by volunteers.

To assist at the festival, contact at 941-778-2099 or artleagueami@gmail.com.

For more information, go online to islandartleague. org.

GET LISTED!

Send listings to calendar@islander.org.

Island happenings

Annie Silver Center hosts community dinner

sandpiper resort resident megan gray is all smiles at the annie silver community center as randy Wood, director of programs for the center of anna maria island, speaks to her table about activities for seniors. gray and other silver center patrons enjoyed a community barbecue dinner and companionship.

Volunteer ed ritzel serves from the buffet for lydia clearwaters during the Jan. 25 community dinner at the annie silver community center, 103 23rd street n., bradenton beach.

For $10, patrons had their choice of barbecue ribs or chicken and sides of potatoes, macaroni and cheese and baked beans. the event was catered by bigg dogg bbQ of bradenton.

islander Photos: robert anderson

Off Stage Ladies to lunch off-island

The Off Stage Ladies, an auxiliary of the Island Players, will meet for lunch at noon Wednesday, Feb. 8, at the Cipriano Cucina and Bar, 3561 53rd Ave. W., Bradenton.

The guest speaker will be Island Players director Keiko Knipfelberg, who will talk about the upcoming production of “The 39 Steps.”

The cost to join the group is $20. People interested in joining Off Stage Ladies can contact Roe Duncan at 941932-2798.

Island garden club to stage fashion show

Fashion models will stroll and twirl Feb. 8 to raise money for the Anna Maria Island Garden Club’s windsculpture project.

The club will hold the fashion show and luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Proceeds from the show will support wind sculpture projects on Anna Maria Island in partnership with the island cities.

For more information, call Charlotte Noyes at 781-983-1937.

Center serving up murdermystery dinner theater

Seeking dining-chair detectives.

The Center of Anna Maria Island’s annual murder-mystery event will be staged over two nights Feb. 10-11.

The center plans two adults-only evenings based on a circus theme — a sneak peek Friday, Feb. 10, and another show Saturday, Feb. 11.

Tickets Feb. 10 are $35 and include a cash bar and the show. Doors will open at 6:15 p.m.

Tickets Feb. 11 are $85 and include dinner, a cash bar, raffles and a costume contest. The center also is selling table seating — $600 for eight people. Doors will open at 6 p.m.

Brianna Roberts, with help from her mother, Beth Shaughnessy, wrote the circus-themed mystery and is directing the production starring Don and Leah Purvis, Ray and Jillian Gardner, Monica Simpson, Mike Shaughnessy, Chris Scott, Clay Spangler, Caleb Roberts. Brianna, who also will star in the show, was assisted in the production by her mom, Beth Shaughnessy.

Sponsorships are available.

The center is at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

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

Bingo games at center Feb. 3

Bingo enthusiasts are called to the Center of Anna Maria Island Friday, Feb. 3, for another round of Bingo Bonanza.

Play will be 6-8 p.m.

Refreshments will be available for donations.

Bingo cards will cost $1.

Prizes will include gift cards to local restaurants. The center is at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. For more information, call the center at 941-7781908.

steve Flacke, left, and wife, sue, right, visiting ami from st. louis, listen to the bingo calls and fill out their cards Jan. 13 while attending the first bingo night of the year at the center of anna maria island. the next bingo nights will be 6-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3, and Friday, march 10. cards and blotters cost $1 each. islander Photo: ryan Paice

by brook morrison

AME kids celebrate kindness, literacy

Bravo.

It was performance art at its finest for the students and staff of Anna Maria Elementary School.

AME celebrated the last day of Literacy Week Jan. 27, emphasizing kindness with a heart-warming display.

The student body gathered outside the school to form the shape of a heart.

The display was a visual representation of the school’s emphasis on kindness and compassion and a symbol of the importance of literacy in shaping young minds and hearts.

The concept was a collaboration between AME guidance counselor Kim Sherburne and media specialist Lynne MacDonough.

Students and staff wore pink, got in formation and stood in silence until asked to say, “be kind” in unison, expressing unity and purpose.

Many students held signs with messages — with the largest display stating, “Be Kind AME.”

ame first-grader

Kylie baker listens

as fourth-grader grayson enander reads Jan. 27

during literacy Week, a program to encourage students to make reading part of their daily lives.

aboVe: ame fourthgrader luke Willing, right, reads to gio Vera on the last day of literacy week Jan. 27.

ame students and staff trickle onto the outdoor field at the school Jan. 27 taking positions to form a heart to express kindness, concluding literacy Week at “our little school by the bay.” islander

Photos: brook morrison

• Monday, Feb. 20, Presidents Day, no school.

• Tuesday, Feb. 21, third-grade play, 6:30 p.m., auditorium; PTO dinner TBD, 5 p.m.

• Friday, Feb. 24, Princess Ball, 5:30-7 p.m., auditorium.

• Wednesday, March 1, picture day.

• Friday, March 10, record day, no school.

• March 13-17, spring break, no school.

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

For more information, call the school at 941-708-5525.

White elephant sale set at Episcopal church

The Episcopal Church of the Annunciation will host its annual white elephant sale beginning at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11.

Shoppers may fi nd treasures among household items, clothing and jewelry.

Also, they can participate in a silent auction for an antique quilt — dated to the late 1800s or early 1900s and featuring hand-piecing and hand-quilting.

The starting bid will be $125, with proceeds to benefit charities.

The church is at 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

For more information, call the church at 941-7781638.

Roser’s JOY club to host Aloha Nui Dancers

The Just Older Youth/JOY club at Roser Memorial Community Church will host a luau party and the Aloha Nui Dancers at its next gathering — 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1.

Dancers will entertain as attendees — no doubt in tropical shirts and other island attire — enjoy Hawaiian-style treats.

The club meets the first and third Wednesdays of each month at Roser, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. People are invited to bring a bag lunch and Roser serves beverages and treats.

For more information, call the church at 941-7780414.

Gathering is the religion section. Send announcements, calendar listings and photos to calendar@islander.org.

GoodDeeds

Tidings

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

Worship: Sundays, 9 a.m.

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

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

Worship: Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.; Sundays, 8 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. except Feb. 26, with one service at 9:15 a.m.

days, 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.

ellen messner, sue Wait, michael garrison and caroline Powers admire an antique quilt to be auctioned saturday, Feb. 11, during the annual white elephant sale at the episcopal church of the annunciation in Holmes beach. islander courtesy Photos

compiled by lisa neff

Assistance offered on AMI

• Roser Food Bank welcomes applicants who live and/or work on Anna Maria Island for food assistance, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941778-0414.

• AID offers financial help to those who either live on the island, go to church on the island, attend school on the island or work on the island. Info: 941-7252433.

Assistance sought on AMI

• Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals, as well as assist with technology. Information: 941-3452441.

• 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.

GoodDeeds Does your group offer islandcentric services? Does your group need volunteers or other help? Email calendar@islanderorg.

Roser Church

“...a beautiful place to explore your faith...”

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

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

Worship: Sundays, 9:30 a.m.

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

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

Worship: Sundays, 9:15 a.m.

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

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

Ongoing: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m., Roser Robics; Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Roser Thrift Store; Wednesdays, 6:15 p.m., Youth Performing Arts, first and third Wednesdays, 11: 30 a.m., Just Older Youth group programs with brown-bag lunch; Thursdays, 5:30 p.m., Roser Ringers rehearsal; 7 p.m., Thursdays, choir rehearsal; Sundays, 8:30 a.m., adult Sunday school and coffee and conversation sessions. St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-4769, stbernardcc.org

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

the aloha nui dancers will perform Wednesday, Feb. 1, at roser memorial community church, 512 Pine ave., anna maria.

Anna

FOLLOW us on Facebook @RoserChurch

Ongoing: Mondays-Fridays, 8 a.m., rosary; Wednesdays, 7:30 a.m., Rosary on the Beach at Manatee Public Beach; second Thursdays, women’s guild luncheons; Saturdays, 3 p.m., confession.

OFF AMI

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

Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.

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

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

Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.

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

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

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

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

SPECIAL DATES & EVENTS

Feb. 11, 9:30 a.m., start, Annunciation’s White Elephant sale.

Feb. 18, 8 a.m.-11 a.m., Roser Church Pancake Breakfast.

Feb. 19, 4 p.m., Roser Church concert.

Feb. 19, Temple Beth Israel gala dinner, 5:30 p.m., Michael’s on East, Sarasota.

Feb. 22, Ash Wednesday.

Feb. 24-25, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., St. Bernard Rummage Sale.

March 18, 8 a.m.-11 a.m., Roser Church Pancake Breakfast.

March 19, 4 p.m., Roser Church Concert.

Correction

The “Tidings” calendar in the Jan. 25 issue of The Islander reported a fashion show at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Holmes Beach. There is no fashion show.

compiled by lisa neff ON AMI

Obituary

Michael Jenson, 74, of Chicago and Holmes Beach, died Jan. 4. He was born March 7, 1948, and grew up in Saybrook, Illinois. Although his adult years were spent in Chicago, he never forgot his central Illinois roots.

He graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a degree in history and attended John Marshall Law School. He had a long career in as a private investigator and process server in Chicago. Guided by his principle, “Go as far as you can until someone stops you” and protected from the conflicts inherent in his work by his easy-going nature, he maintained the balance needed to succeed in his career.

Mr. Jenson enjoyed many years of vacationing on Anna Maria Island and in 2012 fulfilled his dream of owning a home in paradise. On sunny afternoons, he could be found relaxing with his dogs on the dock behind his house.

He loved his family, the beach, sunny days and the many canine friends who found their way into his life. His sense of humor knew no limits. He put everyone at ease and his friends were numerous and varied.

A service is being planned later in Illinois. Memorial donations may be made to Friends of Manatee County Animal Services.

Mr. Jenson is survived by his wife Nancy; brother Greg and wife Kathy; sisters Ann and husband Mike Young and Julie and husband Chris Kemp; nephews Mat and Tyler and wife Hannah Young; and great-niece and nephew Lyla and James Young.

Boat restorers create prize for FISH festival

Besides enjoying the 41st Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, eventgoers will have a chance to win a 20-foot restored wood kayak.

The kayak and paddle were donated to the nonprofit Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage, which organizes the festival and maintains the FISH Preserve, by John Lanning of Anna Maria Island.

Boatworks volunteer director Joe Egolf, a volunteer at the FISH Boatworks workshop, refinished the kayak for the raffle at the festival, which this year will be staged in the heart of the village near Star Fish Market — celebrating 100 years — along 119th Street West in Cortez.

Festivalgoers can enter the raffle by buying a ticket at the Boatworks display during the event for $5 or five for $20.

The festival will be 10 a.m.-6 p.m. SaturdaySunday, Feb. 18-19. For more go to fishcortez.org/ commercial-fishing-festival/.

— robert anderson

At your service

Obituaries are offered as a community service to residents and families of residents, both past and present, as well as to those people with ties to the island. Submit to news@islander.org. Obituaries are provided free — a service of your community newspaper.

Paid obituaries can be discussed with advertising consultant Toni Lyon at 941-778-7978.

Milestones We welcome stories about islanders and island life, as well as photographs of milestones in life. Email news@islander.org.

Community center campaign raises $208K

by ryan Paice islander reporter

The Center of Anna Maria Island’s annual fundraising campaign may be a turning point for the nonprofit’s unfortunate financial situation in fiscal 2022-23.

The center’s “Campaign to Sustain 1.0” ended Jan. 13 having raised $208,438 after 160 donors met and exceeded a $75,000 matching challenge.

The $75,000 matching challenge was sponsored by an anonymous source and seven donors, including: the Tucker Family Foundation and John and Tricia Rice; Chuck and Joey Lester; Bob and Carol Carter; Caroline and Brian Leibfried; the Silver Lining Fund; Paul and Amanda Gordon; and Elizabeth Moore.

The community responded to the challenge, raising $133,438 before the deadline.

The campaign results largely offset the nonprofit’s $239,824.35 deficit through October — four months into the fiscal year, which began July 1, 2022.

The center sent a message of gratitude in a Jan. 17 email to its members.

“We are thankful for this generous support from our community as we strive to meet the needs of the Anna Maria Island community of residents, workforce, and tourists living, working and recreating in our beautiful island environment,” the email reads. “As the hub of island activity, the center strives to demonstrate and plan for increased sustainability and excellence in all areas of service to our people and to our island’s delicate ecosystem.

“Thank you again, for helping us, help Anna Maria Island!”

Michael Jenson

michael Jenson

Joe egolf shows off the kayak he and members of the FisH boatworks restored for a raffle at the cortez commercial Fishing Festival Feb. 18-19 in the village. islander Photo: robert anderson

Bradenton resident arrested for 3rd DUI in 10 years

by ryan Paice islander reporter

Holmes Beach police arrested Bradenton resident David Lemmerman Jr., 41, Jan. 21 on a third-degree felony for a third offense of driving under the influence of alcohol within 10 years.

Lemmerman also was charged with two firstdegree misdemeanors for refusing to submit to DUI testing while having a suspended license and resisting law enforcement officers without violence.

An officer saw a motorist driving fast, then decelerate when the driver saw his police vehicle, so the officer followed the motorist east on Manatee Avenue.

The motorist accelerated again and the officer clocked the speed at 49 mph in a 35-mph zone. The motorist also swerved across a double yellow line and a traffic stop was conducted.

The officer spoke to the driver, Lemmerman, who smelled of alcohol and had bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and pinpoint pupils, according to the police report.

Lemmerman initially cooperated with the officer but stopped after noticing the officer’s body camera and refused to step out of the vehicle and perform field sobriety tests when asked.

The officer grabbed Lemmerman’s arm to remove him from the vehicle and handcuff him, which Lemmerman resisted, tensing and trying to pull away.

Once in handcuffs, Lemmerman collapsed and the officer required help to drag him to his vehicle.

Lemmerman also refused to provide a breath sample to the officers.

The officers transported Lemmerman to the Manatee County jail, where he was released the same day after posting $2,500 bond.

If convicted, punishment for a third-degree felony charge includes up to five years in prison, five years of probation and a fine of up to $5,000.

Punishment for a first-degree misdemeanor includes up to a year in jail, a year of probation and a fine of up to $1,000.

An arraignment will be March 3, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

Streetlife staff reports

Island police reports

Anna Maria

Jan. 24, 100 block of Maple Avenue, 8 p.m., noise. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office answered a complaint of loud noise from a construction site. The deputy issued a citation for construction work after the 6 p.m. city deadline.

The MCSO polices Anna Maria.

Bradenton Beach

Jan. 17, 100 block of Fourth Street South, vehicle burglary. A Bradenton Beach police officer responded to the reported theft of a wallet from a vehicle. The officer issued a case card and victim’s right pamphlet.

Dec. 21 118 Bridge St., Sports Lounge, battery. BBPD officers responded to a reported assault of employees by an argumentative customer. The customer attacked the employees when he was asked to leave. An investigation is ongoing. Employees were issued victims’ rights pamphlets.

The BBPD polices Bradenton Beach.

Cortez

Jan. 25, 11904 Cortez Road W., the Beach Shop, larceny. An MCSO deputy was dispatched after two people entered the store, took merchandise and then fled, throwing the items along the sidewalk. The investigation continues.

The MCSO polices Cortez.

Holmes Beach

Jan. 17, 3600 block of East Bay Drive, arrest warrant. An officer from the Holmes Beach Police Department located a motorist pinged by the city’s license plate recognition system and conducted a traffic stop. The officer arrested the driver on an outstanding warrant and transported him to the Manatee County jail.

Jan. 19, 400 block of 74th Street, recovered property. A man entered the HBPD to report his electric bicycle missing after he left it unsecured. By Jan. 24, a woman had contacted the HBPD to report finding an electric bike at her construction site. An officer recovered the bike and contacted the man about retrieval.

Jan. 20, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, marijuana possession. An officer saw two people getting into a vehicle after hours, around 11:30 p.m., so

Bradenton resident arrested for DUI in HB

Holmes Beach police arrested Bradenton resident Christopher Gregory, 38, Jan. 22 on a second-degree misdemeanor for driving under the influence of alcohol.

An officer saw a motorist driving east in the 600 block of Manatee Avenue without tag lights and conducted a traffic stop.

On speaking to Gregory, the officer reported he smelled of alcohol and had empty alcoholic beverage cans on the floorboards of his vehicle.

The officer asked Gregory to perform field sobriety exercises, which he refused.

The officer arrested Gregory on suspicion of DUI and transported him to the HBPD for processing. There, Gregory twice refused to provide breath samples.

The officer also issued Gregory traffic citations for driving without tag lights and no proof of insurance.

The officer then transported Gregory to the Manatee County jail, where he was released the same day after posting $120 bond.

If convicted, punishment for a second-degree misdemeanor charge includes up to 60 days in jail, six months of probation and a fine of up to $500.

An arraignment will be Feb. 23, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

— ryan Paice

he approached them. While speaking with the pair, the officer saw a plastic bag containing a green leafy substance, which later tested positive for marijuana. The officer confiscated the bag, a glass pipe, rolling tray, rolling papers and a purse containing marijuana. The officer issued a court summons.

Jan. 21, HBPD, 5801 Marina Drive, harassment. A man entered the HBPD to report that his ex-wife was harassing him. He claimed she had hacked into his social media and email and that she had locked him out, as well as reported him to child protective services. The man said his ex-wife had requested money and threatened to report him if he did not pay her. He provided communications between the pair.

Jan. 21, 200 block of South Harbor Drive, criminal mischief. An officer responded to reports of reckless driving and found a witness with photos of a truck doing doughnuts in the church parking lot. A church representative said he would press charges and provided a sworn affidavit. The officer found the motorist and conducted a traffic stop. The driver was a juvenile and admitted to driving in circles. The juvenile was arrested and transported to the Manatee Regional Detention Center in Bradenton.

HBPD polices Holmes Beach.

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

Fat Cat

MPO preps for resiliency projects, prioritizes bridges

by lisa neff islander editor

The region’s metro planning organization is taking a hard look at vulnerable assets.

The Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization board, meeting Jan. 23 in Venice, unanimously approved a resiliency vulnerability assessment that took about a year to complete and should assist in planning to make roads and bridges more resilient against disaster.

Colleen McGue of Kimley-Horn engineering consultants reviewed the study for the board. She said the Sarasota/Manatee region has at least 145 miles of priority roadways vulnerable to flooding, storm surge and wildfires.

The study placed vulnerable assets — roads, bridges, airports, trails and more — into three tiers for ranking most to less vulnerable.

For Anna Maria Island, the plan designated the Anna Maria Island Bridge on Manatee Avenue, the Cortez Bridge on Cortez Road and the Longboat Pass Bridge on Gulf Drive as priority bridges and vulnerable structures.

The study states, “Priority bridges are bridges reaching the end of their 50-year life cycle and needing to be replaced within 25 years, meaning that they need to be replaced sooner than other bridges in the area.”

Milestones

We welcome stories about islanders and island life, as well as photographs and notices of the milestones in readers’ lives. Submit announcements and photographs — along with contact information — to news@islander.org.

In addition, the bridges are vulnerable “because of the impact that the high levels of daily traffic volume have on their condition.”

Gulf Drive/Gulf of Mexico Drive from Anna Maria to Lido Key ranked in the top tier on the vulnerability list, as it serves as the main north/south thoroughfare and as an evacuation route on the barrier islands, with an average of 10,000-20,000 vehicles a day depending on the season.

With an elevation of just 2-14 feet, the road is vulnerable to nuisance flooding and storm surge.

What can be done? Resiliency strategies in the study include hardening seawalls, elevating roads, improving drainage, installing roundabouts and removing signals, removing Australian pine trees, undergrounding utilities and constructing living shorelines.

The island cities have tackled several of the strategies and are planning more resiliency projects.

Cortez Road from Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach to 123rd Street West in Cortez also is listed as a vulnerable priority roadway.

Next for the MPO is to use the study to plan improvements to infrastructure resiliency, McGue said, noting the availability of increased grant funding for resiliency projects.

The next MPO meeting will be at 9:30 a.m. Monday, March 27, in Sarasota.

About the MPO

The Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization is the regional planning entity for the counties. The MPO is governed by a 17-member board comprising elected officials representing both counties, nine cities and the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority.

AMI is represented by the chair of the Island Transportation Planning Organization.

BB tackles season with repairs and upgrades

by robert anderson islander reporter

The heads came together to think through a season of tourism, a variety of fixes and infrastructure improvements.

Bradenton Beach Police Chief John Cosby, public works director Tom Woodard, city clerk Terri Sanclemente, building official Steve Gilbert, Commissioners Jake Spooner and Jan Vosburgh and Mayor John Chappie assembled Jan. 18 at city hall for a workshop on city affairs.

Sanclemente began the roundtable discussing the value of new recording software and digital microphones from BISDIGITAL, an AV communications company from Fort Lauderdale.

The recording devices will cost no more than $25,000 and the upgrade will be paid with funds from federal American Rescue Plan Act funds. The commission reviewed and approved purchasing the equipment Jan. 19, the day after the workshop.

Sanclemente also said the city received $858.31 from a lawsuit administered by the Florida Attorney General’s office on behalf of the city over the overcharging of municipal governments for auto parts.

The Florida Attorney General’s office secured more than $13 million in an antitrust case against major automotive parts manufacturers.

Building official Steve Gilbert reported 145 permits for construction with the value of construction totaling $6 million have been issued in fiscal 2022-23. Also, the city has collected $163,757 in permit fees and completed 526 inspections.

Next, public works director Tom Woodard said Hurricane Ian-related repairs at the police department were going well and nearing completion. On another note, Woodard said the Historic Bridge Street Pier clock tower again needs repair and a technician soon would be dispatched.

Police Chief John Cosby reported the department saw an increase in population and traffic in the past month, signaling the start of the winter-spring tourist season and the return of seasonal residents.

Also, the department received a contract from Manatee County approving BBPD’s funding for a new Pathfinder boat to patrol the anchorage near the pier. A West Coast Inland Navigation grant is funding the purchase.

In other pier-related business, Cosby said Trey Horne at the Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier contacted him about adding a security camera system.

“We don’t want to pass this up,” Cosby said. “These camera systems are expensive and if we have a partner that’s willing to split the cost 50/50 with us, that’s awesome.”

sanclemente

Woodard

Manatee County begins work on new events area at Coquina Beach

by robert anderson islander reporter

Manatee County is taking steps to create a new Coquina events area — and planting the gridwork for a foundation to hold eventgoers’ footsteps.

Crews the week ending Jan. 29 were working at the southern end of Coquina Beach to build the foundation for the zone.

The footprint will connect to the existing multiuse trail, a path from south Coquina Beach to the northern end of Cortez Beach.

The event location could become a site for a possible Coquina Beach Market, which previously operated alongside a multiuse trail at Coquina Beach.

The market was administered by Nancy Ambrose Services LLC via an agreement with the county for more than nine years, but the county declined to renew the contract Aug. 1, 2022.

Not long after the county canceled the market agreement with Ambrose, it issued a statement saying

RoadWatch

Eyes on the road

• Holmes Beach contractor crews continue work near the intersection of Gulf and Marina drives to include new amenities, requiring marked detours and closures in the city center. Traffic patterns can change. For the latest, check the city’s page on Facebook.

• Manatee County is working on a force main project along Holmes Boulevard, which can result in some road closures, traffic delays and congestion. For more information, go online to amiprojects.io.

• The county is replacing sewer lines in Bradenton Beach along Gulf Drive from Sixth Street South to 13th Street South. Motorists can expect traffic delays. For more information, go online to amiprojects.io.

— lisa neff

the market would take a hiatus August-October 2022 as staff reassessed and rebuilt the market under the guidance of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The county, then, also said it wanted to improve the multiuse trail.

Plans to rebuild the market were put on hold when county workforces were redirected to Hurricane Ian repairs and cleanup in the fall.

“Preparations for the new Coquina Beach Market have also been impacted by the storm,” read an Oct. 7, 2022, news release. “As crews have been deployed around the county to clean up and repair other parks properties, the site prep and rehab work to get the new site (farther south on Coquina Beach) ready have been put on hold temporarily. The official opening date has been delayed from Nov. 1, the originally planned open-

ing. Expect further word on market developments as they are finalized and confirmed.”

Jan. 26, in an email, county public information manager Bill Logan said the proposed trailwork will involve removal of the existing trail, repaving the path with root barriers, tree trimming and tree replacement as required.

Logan also said the county is preparing to award the trail remodel work to a vendor by March.

Also, there’s work upcoming in Bradenton Beach for the county’s gravity sewer line replacement project, which needs to be done first to not interfere with pedestrian traffic along the beach.

Staging is underway for the sewer project under the direction of contractor Woodruff & Sons, as safety fencing and barrels were expected to go up the week beginning Jan. 31, after The Islander went to press.

county crews place the framework Jan. 26 for the foundation of a new county events area at the southwest end of coquina beach in bradenton beach.

islander Photos: robert anderson

manatee county employee stuart boese places foundational gridwork in a previously vacant area just west of the south coquina parking

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HB rezoning discussion moves forward

by ryan Paice islander reporter

The city of Holmes Beach’s zoning map soon may be updated.

City commissioners voted 3-2 Jan. 24 to send an ordinance rezoning the former bank property at 699 Manatee Ave. from C-1 to C-2 to a second reading.

Commissioners Dan Diggins and Terry Schaefer voted “no.”

Bob Bolus of Bolus Truck Parts and Towing Services purchased the defunct Bank of America property in 2019 for $1,025,600, and the building has since remained vacant.

The property is zoned as Commercial-1, which allows for low-intensity commercial uses such as banks or offices.

The city’s C-2 zone allows for higher-intensity commercial uses, such as retail or restaurant, in addition to the same uses allowed in the C-1 districts.

City commissioners voted 3-2 last year to approve a similar request from C-1 to C-2 for the defunct Regions Bank at 503 Manatee Ave., which appears now to be near completion for a Publix pharmacy with drive-thru and a liquor store.

Chad Minor, the city’s planning and zoning administrator, said the 699 Manatee Ave. request complies with the comprehensive plan and meets all criteria required to rezone. He said staff recommended approval.

Minor said if the commission approved the rezone, there would be three remaining properties zoned C-1.

Commissioner Greg Kerchner said that he had qualms about traffic to the property if it became C-2, but added that there was “no real reason to deny this.”

Kerchner said the city could further examine parking at the property if it received a site plan to expand the business footprint and/or parking.

Mayor Judy Titsworth said any site plans that do not include plans to expand the business footprint or parking would be handled by the city on an administrative basis, so commissioners might not have another

Titsworth said she was concerned about increasing the property’s use due to the limitations with its ingress and egress.

Commissioner Terry Schaefer suggested the city commission a traffic study for the property despite a study submitted with the rezone request concluding the change would not have an adverse effect on traffic flow.

However, city attorney Erica Augello said she believed it would be “inappropriate” for the city commission to direct staff to conduct a competing traffic study.

Commissioner Dan Diggins moved to send the ordinance to a second reading.

Commissioner Pat Morton seconded the motion, which passed.

The commission will meet next at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

Directions to attend via Zoom can be found at holmesbeachfl.org.

HB passes 8.72% waste removal hike to customers

by ryan Paice islander reporter

Waste collection services just became a little more expensive for customers in Holmes Beach.

City commissioners unanimously voted Jan. 24 to approve a resolution adopting Longwood-based Waste Pro’s requested 8.72% increase for services.

The city passed ordinance 15-06 in April 2015 that granted Waste Pro an exclusive franchise for waste collection and disposal in the city. The city then contracted the company to provide its services through June 2025.

The city’s franchise agreement with Waste Pro provides an annual 3.5% consumer price index adjustment.

However, Waste Pro requested a 5.22% additional increase in service prices due to rising labor and supply costs.

With the request approved, the monthly residential waste collection rate is now $21.08, while the monthly residential side door collection rate is now $35.94.

Commercial waste collection rates are based on container size and frequency.

Waste Pro declined to fulfill a Jan. 25 records request from The Islander for an overview of waste collection rates before and after the approved rate increase.

The city of Holmes Beach did not fulfill a Jan. 27 record request from The Islander for such information before the press deadline.

The commission will meet next at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

Directions to attend via Zoom can be found at holmesbeachfl.org.

“For sale” signs remain posted Jan. 27 outside 699 manatee ave., Holmes beach, where property owner bob bolus has requested a zoning change from c-1 to c-2, a change that would allow more intense commercial uses like retail or restaurant. islander Photo: ryan Paice

The e-scrap, hazardous waste collection lineup stretches out at Coquina Beach

a team removes old electronics from a vehicle in the lineup at the annual manatee county e-scrap and Hazardous Waste collection. some materials are recycled, including the metals in electronics, and some are collected for safe disposal.

motorists

Anna Maria greenlights food trucks amid cautions for more regs

by ryan Paice

islander reporter

Food trucks now may open the order window in Anna Maria — with provisions.

City commissioners unanimously voted Jan. 26 to adopt an ordinance permitting food trucks to operate on cooperating private properties in the city’s Commercial-1 zoning district.

And the zoning narrows the opportunities.

The measure comes in response to a state law — House Bill 1193 — passed in 2020 that preempts local governments from regulating most food truck operations but allows the creation of a “reasonable” space for food trucks to operate.

The C-1 commercial district is the city’s only purely commercial zone.

Only a handful of properties within the city are zoned C-1, including Galati Yachts, 900 S. Bay Blvd., the Sandbar Restaurant, 100 Spring Ave., and Bayview Plaza at 523 Pine Ave.

Under the new code, food trucks can operate at those properties with the permission of the owners or at special events if “specifically permitted in a special events permit” and prohibits food trucks in rights of way.

The ordinance also states, “Regulations regarding the mobile food dispensing vehicles may be adopted by resolution of the city commission.”

Mayor Dan Murphy told commissioners he’d like them to weigh in some potential regulations ahead of their next meeting.

Murphy asked them to address three questions: How many food trucks should be allowed per parcel? Should the city regulate the size of food trucks? Should the city include parking requirements per food truck?

Commissioner Jonathan Crane said the city should use caution in applying additional regulations on food trucks since the C-1 zone was limiting.

“We really need to tread carefully,” he said. Crane moved to adopt the ordinance.

Commissioner Robert Kingan seconded the motion, which passed.

There was no public comment.

The commission will meet next at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

the anna maria zoning map displays in red properties in the c-1 commercial district, where food trucks are now allowed to operate with permission from a property owner. islander graphic: courtesy anna maria

line up to drop off items at the manatee county e-scrap and Hazardous Waste collection Jan. 28 at coquina beach in bradenton beach. and the line was long at the start of the day.

islander Photos: lisa neff

Football tops sports action, plus KRC golf, AM horseshoes

by Kevin P. cassidy islander reporter

After two weeks of action in the youth flag football league at the Center of Anna Maria Island, there remains a handful of teams still chasing undefeated seasons.

Sato Real Estate and Island Real Estate in the 8-10 division and Moss Builders, Pineapple Market Place and Solid Rock Construction in the 11-13 division all have 2-0 records.

The rest of the 8-10 standings show Solid Rock Construction, Moss Builders, AMI Coconuts and Westfall’s Lawn Care & Pest Control with 1-1 records. SynLawn and Cloud Pest Control round out the 8-10 standings.

Following the three unbeatens in the 11-13 standings are Sandhoff Construction and Shady Lady Horticultural Services at 1-1, while Storage Building Company, Chick-Fil-A and Intentional Resilient Intuitive complete the standings at 0-2.

Action in the 8-10 division kicked off Jan. 23 with Island Real Estate cruising past Cloud Pest Control 33-8 behind two rushing touchdowns from Gunnar Maize and a receiving touchdown and a pick six from Steven Sheehan. Sawyer Leibfried added a touchdown pass.

Sammy Gilmore had a rushing touchdown and Elijah Casciani had an interception for Cloud Pest Control in the loss.

Westfall’s Lawn Care outscored Moss Builders in the second game of the night thanks to two touchdown passes and a rushing touchdown from Kellen Hunt and a pair of touchdown receptions from Callin Westfall. Carter Hey added a rushing touchdown and a pair of one-point conversions.

Quarterback Aidan Guess threw touchdown passes to Luke Willing and Miles Moss, who also added a rushing touchdown for Moss.

The third game of the evening saw Sato earn a 43-0 shutout victory over SynLawn behind three TD passes and a rushing TD from Brandon Sato, who also added three interceptions on defense. Kellen Reed had two TDs — one rushing and one receiving — while Dylan Sato and Camden Rudacille each finished with a touchdown catch. Braylen Briggs completed the scoring for Sato Real Estate with a rushing TD and two one-point conversions in the victory.

Nolan Anderson paced SynLawn with three flag pulls in the loss.

The last game of the night was also the most

adin shank, left, and bob Palmer pose in the winner’s circle on claiming the horseshoe title Jan. 25 after posting the lone 3-0 record in pool play during action at the anna maria city Hall pits. islander Photo: courtesy of ami Pitchers

competitive as AMI Coconuts outlasted Solid Rock Construction 33-28 behind a huge game from Preston LaPensee. LaPensee threw three TD passes and ran for two more to lead the Coconuts, which also received two TD grabs from Matthew Perkins and one from Kason Davis.

Turner Worth ran for two TDs and added a TD reception to lead Solid Rock, which also received a touchdown pass and a rushing touchdown from quarterback Kyle Mims.

Jack Mattick threw three TD passes, ran for a score and had two TD receptions to lead Pineapple Market Place to a 48-22 victory over Chick-Fil-A to open the 11-13 division action Jan. 24. Peyton Hovda added two TD passes and three TD grabs in addition to a quarterback sack, two interceptions and a pick six.

Chase Signor threw three touchdown passes to lead Chick-Fil-A, which also received two TD grabs from Lucas Signor and a touchdown reception from Ryk Kesten.

Shady Lady outscored the Storage Building team 21-12 thanks to three TD passes from Caden Quinby to Frankie Coleman.

Landon Snyder completed TD passes to Rowan Benford and Mazie Zoller to lead Storage Building. Solid Rock Construction outscored Intentional Resilient Intuitive 29-20 thanks to three TD passes from Carter Eurice, including two to Colson Mediola and one each to Hayden Eurice and Audrey Guess.

Adult

flag

football completes week 3

After three weeks of action in the adult flag football league at the center, only one unbeaten team remains, Luxury Services, at 3-0. Next up are the Briley Mort-

gage, Banks Home Leading, Moss Builders and Solid Rock Construction, all at 2-1. Gulf Drive Cafe follows with a 1-2 record while Sandbar Restaurant and Ugly Grouper are both in search of a win.

Three of the four games played Jan. 26 were blowouts, while the fourth ended with a large margin of victory. Banks Home Leading destroyed Ugly Grouper 50-16 in the first game, while Luxury Services cruised past Sandbar 52-13 in the second game of the evening. The third game of the night saw Moss Builders earn a 27-0 victory over Briley Mortgage, while Solid Rock outscored Gulf Drive Cafe 48-21.

Quarterback Dominick Otteni threw six TD passes, while Corey Jacques pulled in four receiving TDs and Tyler Brewer finished with three. Tuna McCracken finished with a TD grab to complete the scoring for Solid Rock.

James Herrholz threw three TD passes, including two to Anthony Mannino to lead Gulf Drive Cafe, which also received a TD grab from Jacob Ferda. Action in the adult league continues Feb. 2 starting at 6 p.m. at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

Horseshoe news

Jan. 25 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall pits was short and sweet thanks to the pairing of Adin Shank and Bob Palmer. They teamed up to post the lone 3-0 record during pool play and were the outright champs.

Four teams fashioned 3-0 pool-play records during Jan. 28 action and settled things in the playoffs. The team of Bob Mason and Bob Baker rolled past Steve Doyle and Bob Rowley by a 21-6 score, while Tom Farrington and Bob Heiger edged Palmer and Bob Hawks 22-16 to advance to the finals. Farrington and Heiger pitched a perfect game, earning a 21-0 shutout victory over Mason and Baker to earn bragging rights for the day.

Play gets underway at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Anna Maria pits. Warm ups begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by random team selection. There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome.

Key Royale golf news

Action on the links at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach got started Jan. 23 with the men’s weekly nine-hole modified-Stableford system match.

Chuck Patrick and Blake Ress fi nished in a tie for first with matching plus-3 scores, a point ahead of Ron Buck, Nelson Eagle, Ron Pfaff, Bob Rowley, Bill Shuman and Joe Tynan at plus-2.

The women took over the course Jan. 24 for a nine-hole individual-low-net match in two flights.

Jenny Huibers and Betsy Meyers finished in a tie for first place at even-par 32, one stroke ahead of second-place finisher Roxanne Koche.

Sue Pierce fired a 4-under-par 28 to earn the lownet round of the day and first place in Flight B. Barb Harold was alone in second at 1-under-par 31. Share sporting news at islander.org.

Find shelter to avoid wind and chill … and still catch fish

by capt. danny stasny islander reporter

With winds of 13-20 mph the new norm, Anna Maria Island fishers are scuttling around the bays and canals to find sheltered areas to work and play.

Fishing around mangrove islands in the back bays works to get out of the wind and catch fish.

around deep water springs is best.

On windier days, when White is confined inshore to the waters of Tampa Bay, he’s finding a potpourri of fish, including black drum, sheepshead and pompano while working along the beaches. Fishing around docks is yielding action on redfish and a few snook.

stasny

Fishing in canals and marinas also is an option to escape the wind, although this requires navigating docks and boats in the narrow canal waters.

Casting live shrimp — free-lined or on a weighted rig — is leading to most of the action. You can expect to catch black drum, redfish and sheepshead — and possibly snook on the warmer days.

Using artificials isn’t out of the question. Lures like soft plastics on a jig head work well during the cooler months. Just remember: Work your lure slowly.

On calmer days, venturing into the Gulf of Mexico is a good bet. Fishing reefs, wrecks and ledges can yield a plethora of species, including hogfish, sheepshead, mangrove snapper and Key West grunts. Add a few porgies and triggerfish to the mix and you have quite a fish fry.

And traveling offshore in excess of 20 miles or more is resulting in amberjack, red grouper and African pompano. All of these species will test the stamina of even the most seasoned angler.

On my Just Reel charters, we’re battling with the wind just like everyone else on the water. Fishing canals is working well for variety — sheepshead, mangrove snapper, redfish and black drum. Live shrimp on a 1/2ounce knocker rig is attracting these fish to bite.

In sheltered areas of Sarasota Bay where the water is clear and tidal flow is good, we’re catching spotted seatrout on DOA CAL jigs. Drifting and jigging is stirring up the fish, at which point, we drop anchor. Once the bite is over, it’s time to commence drifting until the next school of trout appears.

Capt. David White says offshore fishing is quite good on days when the run into the Gulf is comfortable

TideWatch

by lisa neff

Red tide bloom lingers

The red tide organism, Karenia brevis , was observed at very low to medium concentrations in and offshore of Manatee County, as well as in Pinellas, Sarasota, Charlotte County and Lee counties. Reports of fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were received from Manatee and Sarasota. Respiratory irritation was reported in Manatee and Sarasota counties.

For more information, go online to myfwc.com.

Anna Maria Island Tides

maggie

for clients. On days when the seas are calm and the winds are light, White is putting fishers on red grouper, African pompano and amberjack. For the red grouper, bottom fishing areas where hard bottom exists is working well. As for the amberjack and pompano, fishing

Cortez crabber takes the hook

On a chance meeting at the Anna Maria Elementary drive-up in October 2022, a fleeting thought turned into a business deal.

Laura King, a Cortez resident and crabber, was visiting her son at the Holmes Beach school at the same time Jason Suzor, owner of the Waterfront restaurant and Anna Maria Charters, was arriving to AME.

Suzor shot out a “hello,” followed by, “Hey, you should buy my charter business,” according to King. And although she laughed and at first dismissed the thought, she quickly turned it around.

“Yeah. That would be awesome.”

It seems King, a single-parent and seasonal stone crabber, was looking for “something” to help her grow on the water.

So a few meetings later on Jan. 11, King took over the charter business, four boats and a staff of two work-

Capt. Jason Stock says amberjack are the highlight of his week offshore in the Gulf. Pound for pound, these fish put up a great fight that lasts until they reach the boat. Although catch-and-release right now, many anglers enjoy hooking these fish just for the ferocious fight. One AJ this week was pushing 90 pounds — guaranteed to make your arms sore.

For anglers looking to put fish in the cooler, Stock is leading them to an abundance of mangrove snapper, porgies and grunts. Other plate-worthy fish coming to the party are yellowtail snapper, vermilion snapper and red grouper.

Capt. Warren Girle says due to many consecutive days of wind, he’s working the back country of Sarasota Bay. Using live shrimp as bait, he’s putting clients on a variety of fish, including black drum, sheepshead and redfish. The results are great for a fish fry, as well as a good fight on medium spinning gear. Also in the mix: Mangrove snapper, another a sought-after fish for the fry pan. Other species being caught include jack crevalle and bluefish.

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

laura King and son Wilder, a kinder-kid at ame, go exploring on the water. islander courtesy Photo

ing captains to run the guided fishing trips. Capts. Joey Mattay and David White are running “the show”— inshore and offshore fishing trips — for King.

And she’s adding her boat to the fleet for tours with “Captain Laura the Explora.” They can be reached at 941-592-3235. — bonner Joy

Cortez

fishingonannamaria.com

anna maria charters capts. david White, left, laura King and Joey mattay push pause on fishing long enough to pose for a photo Jan. 26 at a friend’s dock in cortez. islander courtesy Photo

Freed, left, and Penni reed, both of bradenton, show off their catch from a Jan. 27 inshore fishing trip with friends Kim and lon mcdonald of indiana. the group celebrated a birthday and a nice catch of sheepshead and redfish with shrimp as bait. they were guided by capt. Warren girle.

State fishes for feedback on pelican protections at Skyway

by lisa neff islander editor

Will new rules to protect Tampa Bay brown pelicans take flight?

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission continues to collect comments on possible new rules for the fishing piers at the Sunshine Skyway Bridge to protect brown pelicans.

The FWC held a three-hour virtual workshop Jan. 25 to solicit comments from more than 100 people on its potential rules for the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park to reduce severe entanglements that can lead to injury or death of the birds.

The park — situated at both ends of the Interstate 275 bridge spanning Tampa Bay — is among one of the most popular fishing sites in the state, with two piers open 24 hours a day.

It’s also a popular spot for foraging, perching and roosting seabirds, according to the FWC, which maintains that despite educational efforts at the pier since 2017 severe entanglements “still occur in large numbers.”

Entanglements at the Skyway are fi ve to seven times higher than at other fishing locations in the state.

Potential new rules include:

• Prohibit use and possession of hook-and-line gear rigged with more than one hook;

• Prohibit multiple hooks, such as treble hooks;

• Limit anglers to possession of no more than three sets of hook-and-line fishing gear.

Some commentors Jan. 25 supported the FWC approach, others challenged or questioned any new

A population of non-native aggressive, air-breathing fish — the goldline snakehead — was documented for the first time in the Gulf Coast region.

The fish were discovered in June 2020 in a freshwater pond in Manatee County, about 250 kilometers from the only other known population of this species in the United States, which has existed in Broward County, since about 2000, according to a recent study.

Native to Asia, snakeheads have been introduced to the wild worldwide due to their popularity in the live-food and ornamental fish trades and even sport fishing.

However, the predatory fish is able to withstand

DO

BY WYNA LIU /

regulations and a number said the proposed rules don’t do enough to protect the birds.

One organization, Friends of the Pelicans, pressed for a year-round application of the rules instead of three months a year, as proposed by some anglers.

In December 2022, the Friends group reported rescuing 182 pelicans at the pier and documenting 21 dead pelicans.

Audubon Florida, ahead of the workshop, circulated an online petition on the issue. Signers applauded the FWC’s “decision to mitigate severe seabird entanglement” and called for rules that would restrict the year-round use of multi-hook rigs and limit anglers to using two rods.

Public comments, as well as FWC staff insight, will be incorporated into draft recommendations the commission could consider as early as Feb. 21-22 at a meeting location to be determined.

However, the state hasn’t set a timeline for the adoption of new regulations.

Meanwhile, a host of nonprofits continue to work at the piers to remove fishing debris, rescue injured birds and educate anglers on the three Rs for when a waterbird is caught in gear — reel the bird in slowly to prevent further injury, remove the hook by cutting the barb and backing the hook out and releasing the bird if its healthy.

How to comment

To comment on the issue, go online to myfwc.com/ fishing/saltwater and click on “rulemaking.”

For more information, call the FWC at 850-4870554 or go online to myfwc.com

diverse environmental conditions, including drought, and poses a risk to native ecosystems.

“Any reproducing non-indigenous species has the potential for deleterious effects on the environment to which it has been introduced,” said Robert Robins, ichthyology collection manager at the Florida Museum of Natural history and a co-author on the study. “Most never become invasive but some do.”

Upon discovery of the fish in the Manatee pond, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials removed almost 400 snakeheads 2020-21, several of which were cataloged in the Florida Museum’s ichthyology collection.

BY WILL SHORTZ

Did you know?

The brown pelican, once listed as endangered, is no longer on the federal endangered species list but it is protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

The species also was taken off the endangered list in Florida but it is part of the Florida Imperiled Species Management Plan.

The Tampa Bay region has a resident population of pelicans, as well as hosts wintertime migratory populations.

Several large breeding colonies of brown pelicans can be found near the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park, including at Egmont Key and the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve.

Three out of four birds rescued at Skyway Fishing Pier State Park are pelicans, according to the state.

Seven other nonnative species, including walking catfish and Asian swamp eel also were removed during that period, according to a news release from the museum.

Please,

a brown pelican.

islander File Photo

goldline snakehead — channa aurolineata — collected in broward county in 2015 are part of the Florida museum ichthyology collection. islander Photo: courtesy Florida museum/Zachary randall

By Lisa Neff

Awaiting ‘forever’

Conservationists are eager.

Charter captains are curious.

And the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is working to close the deal.

Property at Rattlesnake Key, a natural treasure southwest of the Sunshine Skyway on Tampa and Terra Ceia bays, will someday become a state park, will someday be forever protected from development as a port for cruise ships, or homes, condos or resorts.

About this time a year ago, we reported, “The state and Manatee County are partnering to establish a state park at Rattlesnake Key, using money from county parks and natural resources reserves and the state’s Florida Forever program.

“Work to create the ‘Rattlesnake Key Recreation Park’ appears to be moving forward.”

That’s because in mid-December 2021, county commissioners authorized staff to work with the state to acquire Rattlesnake Key property with a local con-

Scientists compared physical and genetic features of the goldline snakeheads found in Manatee with those recovered from Broward and closely related species in Southeast Asia. The two Florida populations were nearly identical and shared a genetic affinity with snakeheads from the Mae Klong river basin of Thailand.

Since their introduction to Florida at the turn of the century, goldline snakeheads have infiltrated other areas, escaping through canals into nearby MiamiDade and Palm Beach counties.

They now seem firmly established in parts of Southeast Florida but their discovery near the Gulf was

a map includes rattlesnake Key, which the state, with support from manatee county government, wants to acquire for a park. islander courtesy image

tribution.

And then followed the introduction of House and Senate bills to “finance the acquisition, improvement and management of land to protect drinking water sources and water quality, preserve fish and wildlife, provide a park and recreation for all Floridians, provide land acquisition as an alternative to commercial development. Preserving these lands will ensure they are not developed, giving access to the public as its best and highest use.”

During the 2022 legislative session, lawmakers approved funding for the acquisition of Rattlesnake Key and Gov. Ron DeSantis kept the $23 million intact when he signed the $109 billion state budget.

unexpected and likely the result of human transport between sites rather than natural dispersal, according to the museum.

The study also contained observations of snakehead behavior: During a rainy evening, several snakeheads slithered onto the pond bank, lured by green tree frogs. When the fish were in striking distance, they twisted their upper body in the direction of a frog, returning to the water after a successful catch. Snakeheads are known to move over land and their ability to feed while doing so emphasizes the fish’s potential negative impact on native species.

In surveys of other waters in Manatee, no snakeheads were found but the study authors, who published in the journal Aquatic Invasions, said further monitoring is needed.

— lisa neff

For professional real estate sales, call a true island native, born and raised on Anna Maria Island.

Marianne Norman-Ellis. 941.778.6696

So now what?

Prodded by reader questions from curious conservationists, we checked in with the various partners involved in making Rattlesnake Key park a reality.

At Manatee County, parks and natural resources director Charlie Hunsicker reaffirmed the government’s support for the state’s acquisition.

“In fact,” he said, the county “has pledged to contribute to the cost of acquisition at 10% of the negotiated cost up to a maximum amount of $3 million, whichever amount is less.”

But Hunsicker didn’t have a status update on the project.

“The county is not involved in any way however in the negotiations leading to the actual acquisition,” Hunsicker said.

Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, introduced the 2022 Senate Bill for Rattlesnake Key and made securing the money for acquisition a priority. His office didn’t respond in January to requests from The Islander for information.

State Rep. Will Robinson Jr., R-Bradenton, introduced the 2022 House bill for Rattlesnake Key. His office referred The Islander to the state.

And at the state level, Alexandra Kuchta, press secretary for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, reaffirmed the commitment to the project.

“As you are aware, the department is evaluating opportunities to acquire additional lands within this project, including the Rattlesnake Key parcels which total approximately 1,216 acres,” Kuchta said Jan. 24.

“The department has not acquired these parcels but we continue to work with our project partners to pursue this and other opportunities to conserve more lands on behalf of the people of Florida.”

The project, Kuchta said, “aims to preserve some of the last remaining natural lands on the southeast shore of Tampa Bay, including mangrove swamps and flatwoods that are important to fisheries and manatee feeding grounds.”

The state has been pursuing acquisitions within the Terra Ceia Florida Forever project for decades.

“This project was added to the Florida Forever list in 1996 and since that time, the state has acquired more than 2,400 acres within the project boundary,” Kuchta said.

And we’re eager to see the acreage — mostly mangrove swamp significant for bird rookeries, fish and invertebrate nurseries — to grow.

Oh, the waiting is the hardest part.

aGGressiVe Fish From Page 26

Clicking with nature share your nature photos with the islander. email news@islander.org.

ITEMS FOR SALE

HigH-end room rugs/runners, samsung galaxy mini-phone, cPaP. great condition/ prices. Pm: 815-289-7887.

nordic tracK treadmill commercial x22i: model # ntl29019.0. excellent condition, two years old, length, 5 feet, 10 inches, width, 3 feet, 4 inches. $2,000. 901-5698685.

Floor model PoPcorn machine, $35, large floor chinese vase, $45, Hoover floor cleaner, $30. 941-778-7199.

electrical serVice entrance. masthead, meter box, 200 amp, $50. 941-7785542.

cHandelier metal liKe-new, $20, chairs, black, soft cushion $15/each and office chair, white, $15. 941-920-2494.

Sandy’s Lawn Service Inc.

Paradise Improvements 941.792.5600

ITEMS FOR SALE Continued

side tables: broWn with glass top. 2/$25. 941-920-2494.

antiQue Partner desK: all wood, $500. inquire at the islander office, 315 58th st. suite J, Holmes beach. 941-778-7978.

Victorian babY carriage: Wood/wicker, great photo or theater prop. benefits moonracer animal rescue. For photos: moonraceranimalrescue@gmail.com.

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

bridge at roser church on Pine avenue, anna maria. Fridays starting in February. call 314-324-5921, if interested.

Want to buY old surveyors’ transit or level on wooden tripod. george, 941-387-0457.

GARAGE SALES

Yard sale! 9 a.m.-4 p.m. saturday, Feb. 4. Variety of goods, fishing rods, books, mirrors, etc. 615 n. bay blvd., anna maria.

PETS

RDI

AdoptA-Pet

Oh, those eyes!

Bella is an 8-year-old mixed-breed lovebug!

She’s neutered and has all vaccinations — ready to meet her new family! Call Lisa Williams at 941-3452441 or visit The Islander office in Holmes Beach. And for more about pet adoption, visit moonraceranimalrescue.com.

sPonsored bY

ANSWERS TO FEB. 1 PUZZLE

HelP rescued Pets! Volunteer, foster, computer help needed! moonracer animal rescue. email: moonraceranimalrescue@ gmail.com.

TRANSPORTATION

golF cart rentals: Fun for residents and tourists! www.golfcartrentalami.com.

BOATS & BOATING

HaVe a boat and wanna catch more fish, better bait or learn the water? 50-year local fisherman, your boat, my knowledge. captain chris, 941-896-2915.

suncoast bottom Painting: Professional bottom painting. mobile. call 941704-9382.

HELP WANTED

noW Hiring HandYman: Full-time professional services. $15 an hour and up, based on experience. call JayPros, 941962-2874.

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

KIDS FOR HIRE

need an adult night out? call maty’s babysitting services. i’m 16, love kids and have lots of experience. references upon request. 618-977-9630.

Kids For Hire ads are Free for island youths under 16 looking for work. ads must be placed in person at the islander office, 315 58th st. suite J, Holmes beach.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

business oPPortunitY: 30-year successful island business, owner ready to sell. secure lease. serious inquiries: biz op, P.o. box 145, anna maria Fl 34216.

HEALTH CARE

PriVate dutY: 25 Years of experience. the abilities and skills for any medical position. Please, contact 941-567-8499.

SERVICES

is Your Home or office in need of some cleaning? Well, i’m your girl! local, reliable, professional! Please, give me a call or text, 941-773 -0461.

cleaning: Vacation, construction, residential, commercial and windows. licensed and insured. 941-756-4570.

Pressure WasHing, PaVer sealing, driveway, roof, fence, pool area. also, window cleaning. licensed and insured. 941-5653931.

bicYcle rePairs: Just4Fun at 5358 gulf drive can do most any bicycle repair at a reasonable cost. Pick-up and delivery available. 941-896-7884.

comPanion/HomemaKer: Honest and reliable offering help with running errands, grocery shopping, house sitting, pet and plant care, light cooking/cleaning, transportation. references available and licensed. call sherri, 941-592-4969.

aPi’s drYWall rePair: i look forward to servicing your drywall repair needs. call 941524-8067 to schedule an appointment.

HandYman or cleaning services: affordable rates. Fred, 941-356-1456.

ProFessional WindoW cleaning: residential, commercial, Free estimates. “We want to earn your business!” 207-852-6163.

marK scaPerotta Pressure washing: Houses, roofs, pool cages, decks, docks, driveways mobile homes … anything. sarasota and manatee county since 2004. 941544-1066. www.markscaperottapressurewashing.com

Hangin’ on ami: We hang artwork, mirrors, tVs, etc. Furniture assembly, island lightscapes and security, landscape lighting and home security installation. Quality service by island residents. Free quotes. 941-720-3126. hanginonami@gmail.com

airPort rides: sarasota, st. Pete, tampa. call/text, Vita, 941-376-7555.

business-to-business Jd’s Window cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes beach. i make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-920-3840.

beacH serVice air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. serving manatee county and the island since 1987. For dependable, honest and personalized service, call bill eller, 941-795-7411. cac184228.

looKing For an earlY bird? You can read classifieds on tuesday at islander.org.

LAWN & GARDEN

connie’s landscaPing inc. residential and commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! insured. 941-778-5294.

barnes laWn and landscape llc. design and installation, lawn and landscape services, tree trimming, mulch, rock and shell. 941-705-1444. Jr98@barneslawnandlandscape.com.

collins landscaPe ligHting: outdoor lighting, landscaping, irrigation services and maintenance. 941-279-9947. mJc24373@ gmail.com.

searaY sPrinKler serVices. repairs, additions, drip, sprinkler head/timer adjustments. 941-920-0775.

sHell deliVered and spread. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, topsoil with free estimates. call larry at 941-795-7775, “shell phone” 941-720-0770.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Van-go Painting residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper. island references. bill, 941-795-5100. www.vangopainting.net.

tile -tile -tile. all variations of ceramic tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship, prompt, reliable, many island references. call neil, 941-726-3077.

griFFin’s Home imProVements inc. Handyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. insured and licensed. 941-722-8792.

blinds, sHutters, sHades: motorization. 30 years on ami. call Keith barnett, barnett blinds, 941-730-0516.

island HandYman: i live here, work here, value your referral. refinish, paint. Just ask. JayPros. licensed/insured. references. call Jay, 941-962-2874.

HandYman and Painting. no job too small. most jobs just right. call richard Kloss. 941-204-1162.

screening serVices: replace your old or ripped window, door or porch screens. many screen types available. retired veteran here to serve our community! Free estimates, call lane, 941-705-5293.

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.

sarasota interior Painting: We specialize in high-end properties. We love to paint! owner operated. Fully insured/ licensed. call or text don, 941-900-9398. instagram: sarasotainteriorPainting.

donald PerKins’ abracadabra Painting llc. interior/exterior. 30 years of experience. 941-705-7096.

soutHWest Home imProVement: michigan builder, quality work guaranteed. affordable, timely, within budget. call mike’s cell: 1-616-204-8822.

RENTALS

anna maria gulF beachfront vacation rentals. one- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941778-3143.

small executiVe oFFice available. approximately 550 sf. gulf drive exposure. Water and electric included, $850/month. $500 deposit. 5386 gulf drive, suite 101, Holmes beach. 941-746-8666.

stePs to beacH: rare, authentic annual 3br/2ba gulf view house! bradenton beach. $3,250/month. First, last, security deposit, $1,500. seven-month minimum. no pets. call 941-778-1098 or 212-658-1984.

seasonal rental: 3br and 4br/2ba, sunroom, swimming pool garage, laundry. $9,000/month. call 347-510-7417.

2br/2ba condominium across street from Holmes beach, pool, hot tub, garage. available Feb. 4-18. $1,800. 901-3311845.

4br/2ba: Pool, sunroom, garage, laundry. good location, 7808 third ave. W., bradenton. call or text, 703-587-4675.

Perico island Patio home for rent. 3br/2ba. two-car garage, fully renovated. 30-day minimum. Privacy fence/gate, two miles to ami. #bluerockingchair instagram/ fb. 859-771-6423.

Holmes beacH: 3br/2ba available Feb. 18-march 4. cozy, quiet, close to beach, on canal. no pool. 231-670-6697.

REAL ESTATE

Winnie mcHale, realtor, 941-5046146. rosebay international realty inc. 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.”

island condo For sale: 3br/2ba, one block from beach, remodeled, furnished, $629,000. 513-314-5449.

isl biz

Chamber awards trolley ad surplus to local nonprofits

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce presented representatives of local nonprofits with awards Jan. 26 from the Trolley Grant Giving Back program.

The annual celebration, held in conjunction with

a business-card exchange, was at the Seafood Shack Marina, Bar and Grill, 4110 127th St. W., Cortez.

The chamber sells advertisements on Manatee County Area Transit trolleys to help keep the service fare-free.

Annually, the chamber awards surplus dollars from those ad sales to local organizations that operate on the island.

Since the start of the chamber’s Trolley Grant Giving Back campaign, the chamber boasts contributing more than $400,000.

This year, the chamber awarded $29,341.

At the Seafood Shack, chamber president Terri Kinder kicked off the festivities with a statement about the importance of advertisements and the grants.

Recipients explained how the money will be used,

including to increase funding for the STEM program at Anna Maria Elementary, the food bank program at the Roser Food Pantry, a walking history program —”The Gulf Coast Project” by the Cortez Village Historical Society and backpacks for early learners and more from the Island Library Friends.

As the announcements concluded, a sunset provided the perfect background for photos —since each person in the photo is contributing something beautiful to Anna Maria Island.

Trolley funding recipients

Recipients of the Anna Maria Island chamber’s Trolley Grant Giving Back funds include:

Anna Maria Island Art League, Anna Maria Island Garden Club, Anna Maria Island Privateers, Annie Silver Community Center, Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria, Cortez Village Historical Society, Florida Maritime Museum, Friends of the Island Library, Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island, Roser Food Pantry, Roser Memorial Community Church, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island, Center of Anna Maria Island, Wildlife Inc.

— Joe becht

Wake-up call from chamber

Will that be a side of bacon or sausage?

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will hold a monthly networking breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 2, at the Cortez Cafe, 12108 Cortez Road W., Cortez.

recipients gather for a photo after receiving anna maria island chamber of commerce funding from the trolley grant giving back program. a celebration took place Jan. 26 at the seafood shack in cortez.

Islander welcomes new business writer

Joe Becht is joining The Islander team to cover business and tourism on and around Anna Maria Island.

In March 2022, Becht and his wife became full-time residents of Anna Maria.

He had been visiting Anna Maria Island for more 30 years — the majority of those years were timeless family moments with his wife Tracy and three sons.

Becht grew up in Chicago and has a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Iowa and

an MBA from Benedictine University.

He has been a leader in the logistics industry for more than 30 years and also has a strong resume of published articles in an array of publications.

He’s written about business, entertainment and politics and his most recent work is featured in logistics-focused publications.

For The Islander, Becht will write a weekly business column, as well as tourism reports.

Anna Maria Island, he said, is an important part of his life and “covering business and tourism here fulfills a desire to be a part of the community.”

Reach Becht at joe@islander.org.

Once Upon A Beach

The menu choices include eggs with bacon or sausage, Western omelet, pancakes or a waffle — with or without berries.

The cost to attend will be $15 for members, $25 for guests.

Reservations are required by calling 941-778-1541 or emailing becky@amichamber.org.

— lisa neff

BizCal compiled by lisa neff THIS WEEK

Thursday, Feb. 2

7:30 a.m. — Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce breakfast meet-and-greet, Cortez Cafe, 12108 Cortez Road W., Cortez. Fee applies. Info: 941-778-1541.

4-5:30 p.m. — AMI Chamber ribbon-cutting for Shore Thing Tiki Cruises with light bites and beverages, Mar Vista dockside restaurant, 760 Broadway St., Longboat Key. Fee applies. Info: 941-7781541.

SAVE THE DATE

Feb. 9, 11:30 a.m., AMI Chamber luncheon, Avocado’s Cocina Mexicana and Bar, Bradenton. Info: 941-778-1541.

Feb. 23, 5-7 p.m., AMI Chamber business card exchange, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941-778-1541.

Feb. 27, 7:30 a.m., Manatee Chamber Pancakes and Politics, IMG Academy Golf Club, Bradenton. Info: 941-748-3411. Fees generally apply and reservations are required.

Thinking about what is best for your rental property? If so, choose QUALITY over quantity, and get in touch with us!

islander Photo: Joe becht

becht