Newcomer nabs D3 GOP nomination
Hostile workplace, racism claims in AM
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
A handful of recently resigned Anna Maria employees share claims of a hostile workplace and racially motivated misconduct committed by top staff.
Over the week of Aug. 12, The Islander spoke with four former city employees — Benzard Holland, Roosevelt Jones, Tyffanny Rios and Nick Huling — regarding their allegations of misconduct within the municipal government.
Many of the claims involve Mayor Dan Murphy, building department manager Dean Jones and city clerk/treasurer LeAnne Addy.
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
Dean Jones was the city’s public works manager for five years before he left in 2022 to work for the city of Bradenton. Anna Maria rehired him as building department manager earlier this year.
The Republican nominee for Manatee County’s District 3 commission seat came into the race as a newcomer.
Culbreath, the current chair of the Manatee County Republican Executive Committee, received 3,868 votes.
District 3 covers the western side of the county, including all of Anna Maria Island, Cortez and part of Longboat Key.
The seat is held by Kevin Van Ostenbridge, who ran for and lost the District 7 at-large commission GOP nomination to incumbent George Kruse.
But Talha “Tal” Siddique knocked on a lot of doors and shook a lot of hands on his way to notching 6,061 votes, or 61.04% of 9,929 total votes, in the aug. 20 primary election to secure the GOP nomination over April Culbreath.
The District 3 primary was won on all fronts by Siddique, even though Culbreath outraised and outspent him.
HB business center struck by lightning
addy was appointed as city clerk in 2016 and was later named city treasurer. She has been a mainstay at city hall during much of murphy’s tenure in office, which began in 2014.
Holland told the islander aug. 14 that he resigned July 16 due to a hostile work environment and discriminatory behavior, specifically from dean Jones.
Dean Jones was hired as the city’s building department manager but quickly became
Is treehouse demo (finally) at hand?
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
The saga of the controversial treehouse in Holmes Beach might be at an end.
Lynn Tran-Hazen, owner of a residence and the Angelinos Sea Lodge, 2818 Ave. E, with her husband Richard Hazen, wrote in an Aug. 23 email to The Islander that their treehouse was set to be demolished aug. 26, as the paper went to press.
Planning and zoning administrator Chad minor confirmed the proposed demolition date in an Aug. 23 email to The Islander. the treehouse was built in 2011 and has been the center of litigation since 2013, when the city issued code violations for the structure.
In February, Judge Edward Nicholas of the 12th Circuit Court ordered that the structure was to be demolished by July 3.
Islander Cory Wright campaigns on gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach Aug. 20 for Tal Siddique, who won the Republican primary for the District 3 seat on Manatee County’s board of commissioners. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson
A West Manatee Fire Rescue engine arrives Aug. 22 to extinguish a structural fire sparked by a lightning strike to the roof of the Holmes Beach Business Center at the West Coast Air Conditioning unit, 5347 gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. See more, page 2. Islander Photo: Courtesy Mayor Judy Titsworth
Lightning strike sets building on fire, demolishes AC business
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
“We’re very blessed that everybody got out safe,” Mikey Silbaugh, president of West Coast Air Conditioning, told the islander aug. 26. “that’s the important thing.”
Silbaugh said that no one was injured following a structure fire sparked by a lightning strike to the roof of Wcac, unit 4, at the Holmes Beach Business center, 5347 Gulf drive.
the lightning strike occurred around 9:50 a.m. and was captured on security camera footage from across the street at Seabreeze Vacation Rentals, 5372 Gulf Drive.
the lightning sparked a fire in the roof of the center’s northernmost building, which West Coast Air Conditioning shares with Fun and More Rentals.
The business center is owned by Holmes Bros., including president Jean Holmes, mother of Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth.
Titsworth and husband Steve operate Shoreline Builders, a construction company, in another building at the business center.
silbaugh said that the Wcac office lights flickered that morning but nobody inside knew the building roof had been struck by lightning or was on fire until about 10:15 a.m., when a Fun and more rentals employee entered the office to inform them.
“We didn’t get any fire damage. We didn’t get any smoke infiltration. We had no clue. if it wasn’t for Fun and More, we would have still been sitting there when the fire department showed up,” silbaugh said.
They next evacuated people and animals from the office, including silbaugh’s springer spaniel Goose and cockatiel Henry, to Pour House in the S&S Plaza.
West Manatee Fire Rescue units responded to the structure fire around 10:18 a.m. with support from the Bradenton Fire Department, Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue and Southern Manatee Fire Rescue.
Firefighters arrived to find smoke and flames coming from the peak of the roof, and they evacuated
the building and began to extinguish the fire.
to do so, firefighters shot water onto and under the roof and confirmed there were no undetected extensions of the fire.
They cleared the scene within a couple of hours, according to WmFr fire marshal Kwiatkowski.
The commercial building was closed due to damage from the fire.
Kwiatkowski said a structural engineer would review the extent of the damage to determine how quickly the affected businesses could reopen.
silbaugh said the office sustained a “huge amount” of water damage due to the efforts to extinguish the fire, causing around $40,000-$50,000 in damage to company equipment and supplies.
“We did lose items,” he said. “But in the grand scheme of everything, it could have been much worse.”
silbaugh said the office was unusable following the fire, and it could be six months to a year before it is back to normal.
“It makes you realize that nobody is immune to having some sort of tragedy happen,” Silbaugh said.
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WMFR firefighters shoot water from a fire hose Aug. 22 under the roof at the back of the Holmes Beach Business Center to extinguish a structural fire caused by lightning. The roof over WCAC offices collapsed. A video of the lighning strike from a neighboring business’ security camera can be viewed on The Islander Facebook page. Islander Photo: Courtesy Holmes Beach Police Department
“at first it was very disheartening because that is our family business and it’s been 40 years. Watching it burn like that was very upsetting. “Now we’re just in the mindset that it’s like, ‘We just gotta put everything back together again and everything’s going to be back to normal.’”
“We’re just going to keep on trucking on and do the best we can with the cards we’re dealt,” he added.
Meanwhile, the business is dispatching employees out of Silbaugh’s parents’ home in Bradenton.
He said that Holmes Bros. is planning to provide an office trailer in the business center parking lot for the company to work out of by aug. 30.
Fun and More Rentals posted Aug. 23 on Facebook, encouraging prospective renters of golf cart or vacation supplies to visit the business’ sister location, the lazy turtle, 314 pine ave., anna maria, while “we rebuild and handle the damage to our office.”
Kwiatkowski said WmFr only responds to fires caused by lightning once or twice a year.
“People were amazed by that, but it happens,” he said. “An act of God.” He added, these things come up quickly. “Mother Nature can be very unforgiving.”
TREEHOUSE CONTINuED FROM PAgE 1
Tran-Hazen previously told The Islander that the pine tree the structure is built on would be spared from harm during the demolition.
in an aug. 24 email to islander publisher Bonner Joy, the owners said the treehouse “will be removed by hand with minimal impact on the Australian pine and might take more than a day.”
They also wrote, “It’s emotional for us and many after all these years.”
Monday was to begin with an inspection by the city, followed by the contractor meeting with the Hazens and setting up dumpsters, according to TranHazen. the demo started before 10 a.m. and according to HB Police Chief Bill Tokajer, would take three days.
Labor Day brings closings
Labor Day will be observed Monday, Sept. 2.
the holiday on the first monday in september was created by the u.s. labor movement and is dedicated to achievements of American workers.
Most government offices will be closed, including city halls in Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach.
The fare-free island trolley will operate as normal but Manatee County Area Transit buses will not operate other fixed-route services or the Handy Bus service.
Residential trash or recycling pickups regularly scheduled for Mondays will be pushed to Tuesdays, and collection services may be pushed back through the week.
Manatee County parks, preserves and beaches will be open to the public.
— Lisa Neff
Q&A 082824
By Lisa Neff
The Islander poll
Last week’s question
Do you celebrate the date you moved to the island area?
17%. Of course.
50%. Never thought about it. 5%. i’m a native.
27%. still dreaming about making the move. This week’s question
Do you buy suitcase art when you travel?
A. Almost always.
B. When it strikes me.
C. Something affordable, yes.
D. Nope.
To answer the poll, go online to islander.org.
To suggest a poll question, email lisa@islander. org.
Marilia Clark of garland, Texas, who won the fourth week of The Islander’s
2024 Top Notch weekly contest with this July 22 photograph of a child near Flotilla Drive in Holmes Beach looking toward a rainbow over Anna Maria Sound, is now the Top Notch grand-prize winner. Clark wins $100 from The Islander and gift certificates from Islander advertising partners, including Salon Salon, Doctor’s Office and garden, the Feast, xxxxxx. Islander Courtesy Photo
Look to the Sept. 4 issue for honorable mentions and the winner of the pet photo contest.
Employees from Tampa-based Allied Wrecking remove panes of glass Aug. 26 from the top floor on day 1 of demolition of the two-story treehouse. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice
am hostile continued from PAge 1 “general manager,” in charge of both the building and public works departments, according to Holland, Huling and Roosevelt Jones.
As their new boss, Dean Jones would call them “kids” and behaved in a generally “condescending” and “demeaning” way, according to Holland.
On July 11, Jones again called Holland a “kid,” so Holland asked him not to refer to him as a kid.
However, the next day, Jones allegedly greeted Holland by saying, “Hey kid,” before asking him to put a dolly in the back of a vehicle.
Holland reminded Jones not to call him kid and refused to complete his request.
In response, Jones allegedly said, “Listen here, boy, I’m the general manager, and you do what I tell you to do when I tell you to do it,” according to Holland, a Black man.
Holland said he told Jones not to refer to him that way and that he considered “boy” the same as if Jones had called him the N-word.
Despite loving his job with the city, Holland said he could not tolerate such treatment any longer and he resigned shortly after the incident.
Nevertheless, he said there are other city employees who continue to work under similar treatment but will not speak out in fear of losing their jobs.
“There are people there right now that are being silenced,” Holland said.
He emailed a summary of his claims to city commissioners in early August.
Former public works manager Roosevelt Jones, also a Black man, told The Islander Aug. 14 that he also experienced demeaning and racist treatment as a city employee.
According to Roosevelt Jones and Holland, Jones’ unwanted nickname around city hall was allegedly “Brownie.”
“Some people heard it before and never knew what Brownie meant, but then I come to find out that was me. I was called ‘Brownie’ by Mayor Dan Murphy. That was his name for me,” Roosevelt Jones said.
Murphy denied the allegation in an Aug. 23 text to The Islander. He wrote, “I have never called any Black
About past allegations
Former code enforcement administrative assistant Angela Albrecht, who was fired by the city Jan. 24, 2019, reported in March 2019 multiple allegations against the municipality, including:
• The city housed a toxic work environment as a result of a pattern of forcing employees out of their jobs.
• The city allowed parking enforcement officers to serve citations without state certification.
• Bureau Veritas, an inspection agency formerly contracted by the city, was pressured by former building official David Greenbaum into passing mechanical, electrical and plumbing inspections without certification.
— ryan Paice
with her and go over the training material together, but Addy never followed through with her.
“Addy failed to provide me with the proper training and support for me to adequately succeed in this new role,” Rios wrote in her Sept. 20, 2023, letter of resignation to Murphy.
When Rios communicated that to Addy, she was told the clerk had an open-door policy, but when she approached her for guidance, she was met with “constant dismissive behavior.”
Additionally, Rios said she lost two days of pay during Hurricane Idalia in August 2023 due to Addy.
She said that during preparation for the storm, Addy told her she was leaving to go to a Best Buy store to get Rios a laptop and work cell phone so she could work from home.
While Addy set up Rios’ white coworker to work remotely during the storm, Rios never received a laptop or cell phone for remote work despite being told they would be provided.
Rios was unable to work from home over two days when she would have otherwise been paid.
“I felt targeted, I was ignored, I was constantly dismissed and I was always interrupted by my superior coworker, city clerk/treasurer LeAnne Addy,” Rios wrote in her resignation letter.
Commissioner Gary McMullen told The Islander Aug. 16 that he spoke with Holland after receiving his email and was inclined to believe his claims.
employees ‘Brownie.’”
Roosevelt Jones also said the city purposefully forced him out of his job as public works manager.
He said that shortly after Dean Jones returned to the city, his office was converted into storage space and the new “general manager,” Dean Jones, became his supervisor.
Roosevelt Jones said that his work had been considered satisfactory before, but he was denigrated after Dean Jones returned.
“I think they were trying to go, ‘Oh, we’re not going to take your pay or your title.’ But all of a sudden I didn’t have an office,” he said. “Before Dean, it would look ‘great.’ Then all of a sudden it looked like a ‘ghetto.’ You could tell they were trying to force me out.”
Roosevelt Jones said he resigned due to the treatment he received. “I’m not going to drive three hours away from my kids to go there and get treated the way I was treated. It was awful.”
Huling, a former public works technician who resigned in June, corroborated many of Holland and Roosevelt Jones’ claims — such as Dean Jones calling them kids — in an Aug. 15 interview with The Islander.
Huling said he also believed the city forced Roosevelt Jones out of his position as public works manager.
“They just make it so that everything he did was met with ‘It’s not right, it’s not right,’” Huling said. “They ran him out of the place.”
He added that employee turnover in the city was high due to the hostile work environment created by Addy, Dean Jones and Murphy.
Former code enforcement officer/administrator Tyffanny Rios told The Islander Aug. 16 that she resigned from her position with the city due to what she believed to be racially motivated mistreatment from Addy.
Rios, a dark-skinned Latina, alleged that Addy made multiple disparaging remarks about her during her time with the city and treated her — and other non-white employees — differently than white coworkers.
Rios recalled a meal with Addy and other coworkers where the city clerk allegedly made multiple racial comments and jokes about Mexican people hired to complete work on her residential property.
Addy’s alleged comments included one about feeding corndogs to the workers and prompted another city employee to speak up about their inappropriateness, according to Rios.
Rios also claimed that Addy deliberately set her up for failure as an employee.
She said she was interviewed and hired to be a code enforcement and parking officer/administrator and worked/trained exclusively for that role.
However, Addy suddenly reversed gears and provided her a stack of training handouts related to a position as vacation rental inspection administrator.
Rios claimed that Addy told her she would sit down
McMullen, a former code and parking enforcement officer for the city, said he had witnessed an instance of Dean Jones’ demeaning behavior during the city’s cleanup efforts following Hurricane Irma in September 2017.
He said that Jones got in the face of one staff member and “exploded” on him in front of multiple coworkers, leaving them shocked.
“I’ve heard a lot of stories about Dean,” McMullen said. “I saw that… I’ve never seen anybody do that to somebody that wasn’t a policeman to a crook. Certainly not a subordinate.”
He added that he had spoken with a current public works employee who confirmed Jones was now heading the department.
McMullen said he was concerned and wanted the city to investigate the claims.
“I was chagrined to see he was brought back to the city of Anna Maria,” he said. “I don’t know how he came back. I don’t know how he got so much power over everybody, but I know a lot of people don’t care for it.”
Murphy announced at an Aug. 22 meeting that the city hired an attorney, Matthew Stefany from the Tampabased Allen Norton & Blue law firm, in July to head an investigation into Holland’s claims.
He said Stefany’s investigation involved interviewing Holland, former employees and all current employees at a neutral location — not on city property.
Murphy said he hoped to receive Stefany’s analysis and recommendations by Aug. 27, after The Islander’s press deadline.
City Commission Chair Mark Short, who met Aug. 20 with Murphy and Stefany, said he was impressed by the attorney’s approach.
Anna maria mayor dan murphy speaks Aug. 22 about claims of a hostile workplace and racial discrimination at the city. islander Photo: ryan Paice
Anna maria building department manager dean Jones updates city commissioners July 18 about joint efforts to explore mangrove regulations.
islander file Photo: ryan Paice
Anna maria city clerk/treasurer LeAnne Addy, left, shakes then new planning and zoning board member Jim conoly’s hand Aug. 14, 2018, after swearing him to serve. islander file Photo: ryan Paice
AM hires Eason for Pine Avenue sidewalk improvements
By ryan Paice islander reporter
A contractor was selected to lead phase one of Pine Avenue sidewalk improvements.
City commissioners voted 4-0 Aug. 22 to authorize Mayor Dan Murphy to execute a contract with Longboat Key-based Eason Builders Group to complete the first phase of upgrades along Pine, from Gulf Drive to North Shore Drive.
Commissioner Gary McMullen attended via speakerphone and was allowed to remotely participate in the vote.
Commissioner Charlie Salem recused himself from the vote due to his ownership of the property housing the Olive Oil Outpost and AMI Outfitters at 401 Pine Ave.
The city has been working to improve Pine Avenue for the past two years and has rejected the results of four previous requests for proposals due to a lack of competitive bids.
The municipality has since pursued piecemeal improvements, resulting in RFPs for block-by-block phases — beginning with the stretch between Gulf and North Shore drives.
Improvements will include the installation of pervious brick pavers over Pine Avenue’s existing meandering sidewalks.
Eason submitted a $233,704.73 bid to complete the first phase of improvements, the least expensive
of three proposals.
Scott eason speaks at an Aug. 22 Anna maria meeting about his desire to lead construction on the first phase of Pine Avenue improvements.
islander
Photo: ryan Paice
City commissioners voted in July to authorize Murphy to begin the fact-finding process for a contract with Eason.
Murphy presented a proposed contract at the Aug. 22 meeting. He said it had been cleared by the Florida Department of Transportation for execution.
The contract uses the same unit prices included in Eason’s bid.
Murphy said that, following the contract’s execution, the city would have to go back to the DOT for a notice to commence work, then hold a preconstruction meeting with Eason and the DOT.
Shade sail planned for AM playground
An image included in the Aug. 22 Anna maria meeting packet displays the city’s plans to add a shade structure over the playground at city Pier Park, 103 n. Bay Blvd. the structure would be similar to the shade sail over the park’s main body and is projected to cost $69,962.80. Work on the sail is expected to wrap up in november, according to mayor dan murphy. islander Screenshot: courtesy Anna maria
Plan now for the next holiday!
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He asked for commissioners to grant him authorization to sign the proposed contract.
Scott Eason, owner of Eason Builders Group, spoke during public comment about his hopes to head the job.
“I’m an island resident. I want to do this project,” Eason said. “I think a walkable Pine Avenue is what we all want, and we’d love the opportunity to do this work. We won’t let you down.”
Murphy said he was looking forward to working with Eason to improve the roadway.
Commissioner Jonathan Crane moved to approve the contract.
Commissioner Kathleen Morgan-Johnson seconded the motion, which passed.
The city originally planned to complete work on phase one by the end of October.
The commission will meet next at 5:01 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.
Directions to attend via Zoom can be found on the city’s website, cityofannamaria.com.
Meetings
Sept. 11, 5:01 p.m., commission. 10005 Gulf Drive, 941-708-6130, cityofannamaria.com.
Aug. 28, 10 a.m., pier team.
Sept. 4, 9:30 a.m., CRA. Sept. 5, 5:35 p.m., commission, budget.
Sept. 5, 6 p.m., commission. 107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com.
Sept. 11, 9 a.m., clean water ad hoc committee. Sept. 11, 5 p.m., commission. 5801 Marina Drive, 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org.
Sept. 10, 6 p.m., commission.
701 63rd St. W., Bradenton, 941-761-1555, wmfr.org.
People stand may 27 under shade sails as Bishop michael garrison from the episcopal church of the Annunciation in Holmes Beach leads an invocation to open Anna maria’s memorial day Symphony Salute at city Pier Park, 103 n. Bay Blvd. islander file Photo: ryan Paice
MANATEE COUNTY
Sept. 3, 9 a.m., commission.
Sept. 5, 9 a.m., commission, land use.
Sept. 10, 9 a.m., commission.
Sept. 12, 9 a.m., commission.
Sept. 12, 6 p.m., commission, budget. 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee. org.
ALSO OF INTEREST
Sept. 2, Labor Day, most government offices will be closed. Sept. 9, 2 p.m., Island Transportation Planning Organization, Anna Maria City Hall.
Please, send meeting notices to calendar@islander.org and news@islander.org.
Elation, tragedy in same week
Put simply, we won. We won the campaign to put a Republican, a solid, common sense county commissioner, on the November ballot for the countywide seat in District 7 over Kevin Van Ostenbridge.
KVO had set out in his first term with revenge and it didn’t serve him well.
Thank you George Kruse for persevering. And the same goes for Tal Siddique. He came in as an unknown and put his nose to the grindstone in District 3, which includes the island and Cortez, northwest Bradenton and the north end of Longboat Key. He walked neighborhoods, greeted and met people at any sort of gathering he could wrangle an invitation to and his primary win over his opponent — a bad cop by just about anyone’s measure — was hard fought.
We got lucky. People listened. People heard us.
Now we’re on to general elections, and hopefully, the final vote to resolve dickering between the island cities and the county board over parking garages and forced consolidation.
Well, at least, we hope it ended.
I can’t recall a time when I was so happy to see a Republican win a race. Mostly for me, I look at the polls for winning women to stand up for women’s rights. To fight for kids and schools. To have empathy for people.
So onward we will go, giving you an opportunity in the coming weeks to learn about our local candidates for office, so you can make up your minds before the votes are called.
I’m already checking my mailbox for my mail-in ballot, as I’m looking forward to Nov. 5 and a new president.
On another front, there are two family-run island businesses that were struck with hardship from an “act of god” this past week.
West Coast Air Conditioning and Fun and More Rentals — and the building where they rent offices and manage their operations, the Holmes Beach Business Center, were struck by lightning Aug. 22, and the result was devastating.
OpinionYour OpinionOur
Thankfully, no one was hurt, and even the pets that “work” at WCAC were evacuated safely.
Our next step is to see what the community can do to help them.
Also this week, Richard and Lynn-Tran Hazen are finally undertaking demolition of their controversial beachfront treehouse.
We empathize with their loss, knowing that for Lynn, who loved the treehouse like a personal treasure and fought so hard to keep it, it will be a sad time.
— Bonner Joy, news@islander.org
No more KVO
I want to thank the citizens of Manatee County for all of their help in taking back our county.
The primary results were a tremendous victory for our county and for our island cities as it couldn’t have happened anywhere else but the ballot box.
Citizens, environmentalists and government officials who were subject to the bully tactics from the likes of Kevin Van Ostenbridge had only two choices, kiss the ring or risk becoming a casualty of their attacks and false narratives.
Skimming online
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Return to Gilligan’s Island?
AUG. 28, 2024 • Vol. 32, No. 45
▼ Publisher, Co-editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org
▼ Editorial editor Lisa neff, lisa@islander.org robert Anderson, robert@islander.org
Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist
Kevin cassidy, kevin@islander.org
masha dolgoff, masha@islander.org
Jack elka, jack@jackelka.com
robyn murrell, robyn@islander.org
ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org
▼ Contributors
Karen riley-Love
Jacob merrifield
capt. danny Stasny, fish@islander.org
▼ Advertising Sales
debbie tucker, debbie@islander.org
▼ Webmaster Wayne Ansell
▼ Office Manager, Lisa Williams
info@, accounting@, classifieds@, subscriptions@islander.org
▼ Distribution
urbane Bouchet
ross roberts
Judy Loden Wasco
I thank all who had the courage to hold their ground and assisted in educating the people and, in doing so, asked the people to help fight this battle.
Thanks for covering the squatter on Gilligan’s Island.
All others: news@islander.org
We were warriors for the county, for the cities and for the environment.
Well done Manatee County citizens. We did it!
Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth
Correction in direction
I am writing to acknowledge and thank Manatee County voters for their support and decision to correct the membership of our county commission, along with the leadership of the supervisor of elections office.
I am grateful that voters on and off island recognized the dangerous direction that the county commission had taken and that change could only happen at the ballot box.
The election results signify that voters support home rule and that a powerful few well-funded individuals should not and must not define our future.
As a result of this primary, a pathway to cooperation and future mutually beneficial discussions and decisions has become possible with the county commission. On behalf of our city administration and commission, I thank you for the opportunities this election has allowed.
Holmes Beach Commission Chair Terry Schaefer
I’ve been kayaking with a local group for many years, and we used to frequently stop at Gilligan’s Island to take a break and stretch. However, since the squatter took up residence on the Island over a year ago, we’ve had to change our routine.
The squatter treats the beach as his private property, and his large, intimidating dog ensures that no one else can access the Island.
I hope our local offi cials take action to restore public access to Gilligan’s Island so that everyone can once again enjoy this special place.
Dennis Fister, Sarasota
“We’re glad You’re Here,” originated in the 1980s with a restaurant trade group. We hope everyone feels welcome on Ami.
Holmes Beach’s key Left: An aerial view shows development of Key royale in Holmes Beach in 1970.
Bottom Left: the view from on high of Holmes Beach’s Key royale in 1971. residential construction on Key royale began in the 1960s.
Bottom rigHt: in 1982, boats fill residential docks on Key royale in Holmes Beach. the community also is home to the island’s only golf course, the member-only Key royale club.. islander Photos: manatee county Public Library System
Check The Islander archives
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10, 20, 30 years ago
From the Aug. 25, 1994, issue
• The Bradenton Beach City Council denied a request from the Bradenton Beach Marina to expand to residentially zoned lots in the neighborhood. The vote was 3-2 against the plan, which included storage for boats.
• Flags were flying at half-staff in honor of former Anna Maria Mayor Ernie Cagnina and former Anna Maria Commissioner Mary Ross. Cagnina died Aug. 23 at the age of 84. Ross died Aug. 17 at the age of 55.
From the Aug. 25, 2004, issue
• The West Manatee Fire Rescue District approved a record $4.6 million budget to be funded mostly with assessments of residential and commercial properties, including on AMI.
• Anna Maria was looking at a $50,000 estimate to put a new roof on city hall to address “significant deterioration” and termite destruction.
From the Aug. 27, 2014, issue
• The operators of a restaurant and bait shop on the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach said their business was “way down” due to construction on the city-owned structure.
• Wildlife Inc., an animal rescue in Bradenton Beach, said it was facing “life and death” funding woes following the discontinuation of an island blood drive that raised money for the nonprofit and other nonprofits.
• Scientists released hatchery-reared juvenile snook into Sarasota Bay in an effort to replenish the fish population.
— Lisa neff
Melbourne man flees police in morning chase, crashes in HB
By ryan Paice islander reporter
One man’s alleged abuse and vehicle theft ended with a car chase, crash and arrest in Holmes Beach — all before the sun rose.
Manatee County sheriff’s deputies arrested Melbourne resident Dominic Garcia, 24, Aug. 21 on a handful of criminal charges following the chase.
The charges against him include:
• A third-degree felony for grand theft of a motor vehicle;
• A third-degree felony for battery of a person 65 years of age or older;
• A first-degree misdemeanor for domestic battery;
• A second-degree misdemeanor for operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license;
• Two second-degree misdemeanor charges for leaving the scenes of two crashes involving property damage.
The case began around 5 a.m. when Garcia went to the shared home of his mother and grandmother in Bradenton following his release from Manatee Memorial Hospital, according to the police report.
Garcia’s relatives reported to police he arrived angry and broke down the screen door to the patio.
When his mother opened the door, Garcia allegedly dragged her outside and struck her in the head before entering the home.
Inside, Garcia reportedly struck his mother multiple times before striking his 73-year-old grandmother with a closed fist to her face.
He left after the pair grabbed a frying pan and a small wooden club to defend themselves.
Garcia, who did not have a driver’s license, entered his mother’s neighborhood in a 2024 Ford Expedition stolen out of Palmetto, crashing an entrance gate and also an exit gate — both damaged in his path.
A witness reported the stolen vehicle’s license plate number to police.
A vehicle matching the description was found involved in a hit-and-run traffic incident in Holmes Beach, where Garcia allegedly ran a stop sign and plowed into another motorist at the intersection of Gulf Drive and 39th Street.
The other motorist’s vehicle went off the road and into nearby shrubs, while Garcia — who did not have the stolen vehicle’s headlights on — drove away in the dark.
An MCSO deputy caught up with the damaged and stolen vehicle on Marina Drive and attempted to conduct a traffic stop.
Garcia drove away at a high speed but after about 100 yards lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a median and road sign, then into a fenced tennis court at the Martinique North condominiums, 5300 Gulf Drive.
The vehicle crashed through a fence onto the court
and then on the other side, where it came to rest.
Garcia was the vehicle’s only occupant. He was arrested, issued citations and transported to HCA Florida Palmetto Emergency in Palmetto for medical treatment.
He was taken to the Manatee County jail, where he remained in custody under $7,950 bond as of Aug. 24.
If convicted, punishment for a third-degree felony includes up to five years in prison, five years of probation and a fine of up to $5,000; a first-degree misdemeanor includes up to one year in prison, one year of probation and a fine of up to $1,000; and a seconddegree misdemeanor includes up to 60 days in jail, six months of probation and a fine of up to $500.
A hearing had not been scheduled to discuss Garcia’s case as of Aug. 22, according to the Manatee County Clerk of Court’s website, manateeclerk.com.
The Islander newspaper is FRee at Publix Holmes Beach. Just stop by the customer service desk, hold out your hand and say, “Islander, please!” And maybe remind staff you’d like the serve-yourself community newsrack returned to the lobby.
A stolen 2024 ford expedition shows damage Aug. 21 after melbourne resident dominic garcia, 24, crashed it into a median, another vehicle and across a fenced tennis court at the martinique north condominium building, 5300 gulf drive, Holmes Beach, while trying to evade police. islander Photo: courtesy michelle trotter
A section of landscaping and two sides of a fence surrounding a tennis court outside the martinique north condo building were destroyed Aug. 21 by a motorist who lost control of his vehicle while being chased by police.
islander Photo: courtesy debbie trotter
Endless Season AMI TOURISM:
Tourism continues uphill climb
By Lisa neff islander editor
No major peaks.
No major lulls.
That’s what Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, says he seeks in managing tourism in Manatee County.
Falcione delivered a “state of tourism” report to the Manatee County Tourist Development Council, an advisory board of elected officials, tourism industry representatives and residents that met Aug. 19 at the Center of Anna Maria Island in Anna Maria.
“We don’t need to be breaking records,” Falcione said as he reviewed occupancy rates, room prices and other tourism data during the meeting.
Some details from a report that was focused on May:
• Visitors were estimated at 79,100, up from 76,500 in May 2023.
• Room nights were up about 4.8% from May 2023 at 182,100.
• Direct expenditures were up 7.3% at $72,688,900.
• Occupancy was up 5.4% to 72.8%.
• Room rates were at $207.27 compared to $206.48 in May 2023.
Ferry landing in Holmes Beach in the works
Manatee County is ramping up conversations about a ferry stop in Holmes Beach, with eyes turned to the Kingfish Boat Ramp.
Earlier this year, a focus was on establishing a stop for the county-operated ferry in the city center near the Waterline Villas and Marina on Marina Drive.
But during a meeting of the county tourist development council, Elliott Falcione of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau said he was planning a presentation in the fall that would look at the county-operated boat ramp.
Falcione said, “We’re going to work like hell to see if we can bring that water taxi into Kingfish.”
The Gulf Islands Ferry operates WednesdaySunday between Bradenton and Anna Maria Island, with stops on the Bradenton riverfront downtown, at the Anna Maria City Pier in Anna Maria and the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach.
— Lisa neff
“The room rates kicked up,” Falcione said. “That’s good.”
The largest percentage of visitors to the area — visitor origins — are Florida travelers, followed by Midwesterners, then the Northeast.
Longtime TDC member Ed Chiles wasn’t present for the roll call at the center.
Chiles’ business group recently sold its trio of restaurants and Falcione told the council that the islander is “out of the hospitality industry.”
Falcione said the vacancy would be filled later this year or in early 2025, as will a vacancy created by the exit of Palmetto Mayor Shirley Groover Bryant, who will term out of office Nov. 18.
“All seats will be restored by February,” said Falcione, who plans to recommend successors between
On deck for a boarding call duncan Seawall dock & Boat Lift works Aug. 21 on a deck and pergola, part of a Bradenton Beach community redevelopment Agency project to provide a waiting area for gulf islands ferry patrons landside of the floating dock at the Bradenton Beach Historic Bridge Street Pier, 200 Bridge St. the county is reimbursing the crA for 100% of the $403,900 project. islander Photo: robert Anderson Thanksgiving and Christmas.
A third change will come with the naming of a new TDC chair from the county board, as incumbent District 5 Commissioner Ray Turner lost the Republican primary for his seat the day after the TDC meeting.
In other business, Mark Stuckey, chief of staff for the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, shared a growth report: six new airlines, 41 new destinations and passengers up 213% since 2018.
The new airlines include Allegiant, Breeze, Frontier, Southwest, Avelo and Sun Country.
“We are the No. 1 fastest growing airport in Florida,” Stuckey said.
The next TDC meeting will be at 9 a.m. Monday, Oct. 21, at the county administration building in Bradenton.
Capping crew
dyco of Sarasota works Aug. 21 to cap an artesian well at a parking lot on the corner of gulf drive and Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. the parking lot is owned by by Beach to Bay developer Shawn Kaleta. tony guest, lead sales representative for dyco, said the well would be capped by filling an opening with enough concrete to overcome the well’s natural pressure. islander Photo: robert Anderson
compiled by Lisa neff, calendar@islander.org
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
ONGOING ON AMI
• Through August, Artists’ Guild Gallery window show, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694.
ONGOING OFF AMI
• First Fridays, 6-9:30 p.m., Village of the Arts First Fridays Artwalk, 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Information: villageofthearts.com.
• Second and fourth Saturdays, 2 p.m., Music on the Porch jam session, presented by the Florida Maritime Museum and Cortez Cultural Center, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: floridamaritimemuseum.org.
• Through August, Island Gallery and Studios “Anna Maria Island Life Through the Eyes of the Artists,” 456 Old Main St., Bradenton. Information: 941-778-6648.
• Through September, Island Gallery and Studios “Harmony: Lines, Shapes and Color” exhibit by David Tejada, 456 Old Main St., Bradenton. Information: 941-778-6648.
• Through Aug. 31, Thursday-Saturday, 7 p.m., 9 p.m., Laser Light Nights, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131.
• Through August, by appointment, Cortez Cultural Center Museum, 11655 Cortez Road W., Cortez. Information: 941-8400590, cvhs2016@aol.com.
Through Sept. 15, Selby Gardens’ “The Florida Highway Men: Interstate Connections,” 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-366-5731.
• Through Feb. 25, 2025, “I want you to know my story” photography by Jess T. Dugan, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies except Mondays. Information: 941-359-5700.
SAVE THE DATES
Sept. 19-29, Island Players’ “Crimes of the Heart,” Anna Maria.
MARKETS & SALES
ONGOING ON AMI
Third Thursdays, 4 p.m., Sundown Get Down with the Bridge Street Merchants, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941778-8565.
KIDS & FAMILY
Tuesday, Sept. 3
10 a.m. — Family storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive,
Island happenings
Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.
Wednesday, Sept. 4
10 a.m. — Preschool yoga, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.
ONGOING OFF AMI
• First Wednesdays, SOAR in 4 family night, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131.
• Third Fridays, Teen Nights, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131.
• Second Saturdays, Quest for Kids, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131.
CLUBS & COMMUNITY
ON AMI
Thursday, Aug. 29
1 p.m. — Sunshine Stitchers, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.
ONGOING ON AMI
• Second Mondays, 2 p.m., Center of
On exhibit
Jess t. dugan’s “Self-portrait (blue room)” is on exhibit at the John and mable ringling museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore road, Sarasota, in the “i want you to know my story” exhibit, which continues through feb. 25, 2025. A news release said, “this solo exhibition includes new photographs from their ongoing series ‘Look at me like you love me’ that consists of portraits, self-portraits and still lifes. dugan’s use of rich textures, vivid colors, and dramatic lighting evoke a feeling of the Baroque and grants their interior scenes a powerful sense of intimacy.” during pandemic restrictions, dugan worked indoors “to create poignant scenes bathed in the ephemeral ‘golden hour’ light at sunset.” for more information, call the museum at 941-359-5700. islander Photo: courtesy Jess t. dugan
FMM plans planting party
The Florida Maritime Museum in Cortez will hold a planting party 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31.
A notice said the museum grounds, 4415 119th St. W., will be improved with help from the Friends of the Florida Maritime Museum and the Longboat Key Garden Club, along with other volunteers.
To volunteer, email Tori Chasey at tori.chasey@ manateeclerk.com.
For more information, call the museum at 941708-6120.
Book Club, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-7781908. OFF AMI
Saturday, Aug. 31
9 a.m.-2 p.m. — Florida Maritime Museum planting party, 4415 11th St. W., Cortez. Information: 941-708-6120.
SAVE THE DATES
Sept. 14, Center of Anna Maria Island Greg LaPensee Bowling Tournament, Bradenton. Nov. 2, Bishop Museum’s Celestial Affair gala, Bradenton.
LESSONS & LEARNING
ONGOING ON AMI
• Tuesdays through August, 10 a.m., Anna Maria Island and Shorebird Monitoring Turtle Tracks and Shorebird Facts, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: islandturtlewatch.com, info@islandturtlewatch.com, 941-3018434.
SPORTS & FITNESS
ONGOING ON AMI
• Most Fridays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong club experienced players, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941778-6341.
• Mondays, 10 a.m., morning yoga, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.
• Most Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.
ATTENTION RENTAL OWNERS!
We meet all your linen and cleaning needs with 5-star service. 18-plus years serving AMI.
Our fleet will pick up/drop off daily.
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Anna Maria Island Adult
Island happenings
Collections, contests for kids concluding in Holmes Beach
The city of Holmes Beach is collecting school supplies for the 2024-25 academic year.
Donors can drop supplies at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, including crayons, markers, paper, pencils, notebooks, binders, folders, backpacks, glue, scissors and rulers, through Aug. 30.
Also, the city’s Islanders 4 Clean Water is conducting a contest to encourage kids to help clean up beaches.
Islanders 4 Clean Water encourages kids to:
• Collect litter in a 5-gallon bucket at any beach;
ONGOING OFF AMI
• Through Sept. 1, Bradenton Marauders home games, LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Fee apples. Information: 941747-3031.
OUTDOORS & NATURE
Wednesday, Aug. 28
8 a.m.-noon — Oyster drilling, Robinson Preserve, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923, mymanatee. org.
By robyn murrell
A
AME Calendar
• Monday, Sept. 2, Labor Day, no school.
• Thursday, Sept. 5, 12:50-1:50 p.m., reading with dogs.
• Friday, Sept. 20, Peace Day.
• Monday, Oct. 14, record day, no school.
• Saturday, Oct. 26, PTO Fall Fest, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.
• Wednesday, Nov. 6, early release.
• Monday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day, no school.
• Monday-Friday, Nov. 25-29, fall break, Thanksgiving, no school.
AME is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the school at 941-708-5525.
Odd Duck Designs Shop
Wearable T-shirt art by local artist Connie Wolgast. Scan here shop!
• Share on social media a photo of collected litter and tag @cityofholmesbeach;
• Stop by Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, to get a backpack for participating.
• Participants are entered into a raffle for a half-day inshore fishing trip with Capt. Logan Bystrom.
The contest will run through Aug. 31.
For more information, call city hall at 941-7085800.
— Lisa neff
ONGOING OFF AMI
• Saturdays, 9 a.m., Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923, mymanatee.org.
CALENDAR NOTES
KEEP THE DATES
Through Oct. 31, sea turtle nesting season. Lights out! Through Nov. 30, Atlantic hurricane season. Be prepared!
Aug. 30, Jimmy Buffett Day.
Sept. 2, Labor Day.
Sept. 8, National Grandparents Day.
Sept. 11, Patriot Day.
Players selling season subscriptions
The Island Players are selling subscriptions for the 76th season, with forms available at theislandplayers.org.
Subscription sales will close Sept. 1, when the theater group will begin regular ticket sales for the season.
The season will open at the Anna Maria playhouse, 10009 Gulf Drive, with “Crimes of the Heart,” Sept. 19-29.
Other shows in the lineup include “A Doublewide, Texas Christmas” Nov. 14-24, “Birthday Suite” Jan. 9-26, 2025; “Death by Design” March 13-30, 2025; and “Grace and Glorie” May 8-18, 2025.
For more information, leave a message at the box office at 941-778-5755 or go to theislandplayers.org.
Silver center hosts book sale, potluck lunch
The Annie Silver Community Center will host a public potluck lunch and book sale Saturday, Aug. 31.
The activities will be 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the neighborhood center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach.
People are asked to bring a dish to share for lunch, which will be 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. There is no fee.
For more information, call Dianne Coates at 724787-1418.
Lounge action
tammy Hale, Anna maria elementary secretarybookkeeper, stands Aug. 22 in the doorway of the school’s renovated teacher’s lounge, which was improved with a new feature wall, as well as art and cafe-style tables and chairs. the parent-teacher organization funded and worked hands-on to complete the project before the new school year began in August. they installed a new sink and countertop and provided new appliances. islander
Photos: robyn murrell
the “kitchen” in the Ame teacher’s lounge. Aug. 22.
countertop and kitchen sink were replaced over the summer break by the Ame-Pto. islander courtesy Photo
Meet-and-greet in District 3
Democrat Diana Shoemaker will attend a meet-and-greet at 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29, in the garden at the Doctor’s Office, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach.
Shoemaker is facing Republican Tal Siddique in the Nov. 5 general election for the District 3 seat on the Manatee County commission.
Hosts include Holmes Beach Commission Chair Terry Schaeffer and wife Vicki and John Kolojeski and Sue Seiter.
For more details about the event, call Schaeffer at 941-224-6502.
For more information about Shoemaker, go online to electshoemaker.com.
D3 continued from PAge 1
Siddique raised $68,357.70 in campaign contributions and spent $58,901.01 of that money heading into the primary while Culbreath raised $106,393.24 and spent almost all of it — $99,088.13 — before the primary.
Nevertheless, Siddique garnered more votes on primary day, 2,624 to 1,536, more early votes, 999 to 541, and more votes by mail, 2,438 to 1,791.
Siddique told The Islander Aug. 21 that he held a party on Aug. 20 with Kruse and Scott Farrington, who won the Republican nomination for supervisor of elections over James Satcher.
Siddique said he was happy to see himself with an early lead over Culbreath but did not relax until he saw results from the other elections.
“I just felt a wave of relief and a sense of optimism,” Siddique said. “I’m glad that all of us won. This is really the best-case outcome for our county.”
Siddique said heading into the general election, he planned to run a clean and fair campaign.
“I think people voted for me because they understood not only do I not stand for the negativity and the special interests, but because I want to represent them and do so in a way that is ethical and transparent,” he said.
Election 2024
Manatee County results
compiled by Lisa neff islander editor
For Manatee County School Board’s nonpartisan races, Heather Felton received 39.26%, followed by Max Stanoch at 29.31% and Alex Garner at 29.31, in District 1; Charles Kennedy received 47.53%, followed by Jon Lynch at 30.03% and Perri Ann Parkman at 22.45%.
The numbers are based on preliminary results from the county supervisor of elections.
On the Nov. 5 general election ballot, Felton will face Stanoch in a runoff and Kennedy will face Lynch.
For county commission, Carol Ann Felts defeated Steve Metallo in the District 1 Republican primary 54.17% to 45.83%. In November, Felts will face independent Jen Hamey and Democrat Glenn Pearson.
Tal Siddique defeated April Culbreath 61.04% to 38.96% in the District 3 GOP primary, which includes Anna Maria Island’s votes. In November, Siddique will face Democrat Diana Shoemaker and write-in candidate Jeffrey Gray.
Robert McCann defeated incumbent Raymond Turner in the District 5 Republican primary 54.08%45.92%. In November, McCann will face independent Joe DiBartolomeo.
In the countywide District 7 Republican primary, incumbent George Kruse defeated Kevin Van Ostenbridge 58.44%-41.56%. In November, Kruse will face Democrat Sari Lindroos-Valimaki and write-in candidate Nathan Meyer.
For county property appraiser, incumbent Charles Hackney won reelection with 81.10% of the vote.
For supervisor of elections, Scott Farrington received 58.8% of the vote in the Republican primary to defeat James Satcher, who had been appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. Farrington faces write-in candidate Thomas Dell in November.
For U.S. Senate, incumbent Rick Scott carried the county and the state in the GOP primary with 81.03% in Manatee and 84.4% across Florida. On the Democratic side, Debbie Murcasel-Powell carried the county and the state, with 76.16% in Manatee and 68.5%% statewide. They will face off in November.
For U.S. House, Vern Buchanan defeated Eddie Speir to face Jan Schneider in November. Buchanan had 60.18% of the GOP vote in Manatee while Schneider had 67.92% of the Democratic vote.
Primary numbers
Of 274,383 eligible voters in the county, 68,211 or 24.86% cast ballots in the Aug. 20 primary elections. About 21,045 ballots were cast in person at the polls Aug. 20 and 11,616 went to the polls early. The highest number of ballots — 35,552 — were cast by mail. By party, the turnout was 42,712 Republican, 18,991 Democrat and 6,510 other. In all three categories, the largest number of voters cast ballots by mail.
Checking in on island precincts:
• Anna Maria voters — precinct 301 — cast ballots at Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave.
There were 827 eligible voters in the precinct and turnout was 40.4%, much higher than the countywide percentage.
• Holmes Beach voters — precinct 305 — cast ballots at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive.
There were 2,434 eligible voters and turnout was 36.3%.
Bradenton Beach voters — precinct 307 — cast ballots at the old fire hall, 201 Second St. N. There were 587 eligible voters and turnout was 33%.
On the election calendar
Voter registration for the Nov. 5 general election continues until 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24.
Early voting will be Monday, Oct. 21-Saturday, Nov. 2.
PRimaRY
ABoVe: Anna maria residents Pat Zigulich, left, and her husband, Joe, smile after voting in the Aug. 20 primary at roser memorial community church, which serves as the polling location for precinct 301. When asked who they voted for, they replied, “not KVo.” islander Photos: ryan Paice
Holmes Beach resident morgan Bryant rocks a peace sign Aug. 20 after voting in the primary election at precinct 305 at St. Bernard catholic church, 248 Harbor drive S.
Shoemaker
culbreath
Left: donna Baldus promotes Perri Ann Parkman for the district 3 seat on the School Board of manatee county Aug. 20 from a tent outside of the St. Bernard catholic church in Anna maria.
Kruse knocks out KVO in GOP primary
By Lisa neff islander editor
Incumbent Republican George Kruse landed a knock-out punch to another county commissioner — Kevin Van Ostenbridge — in the party’s primary for the District 7 at-large seat.
The primary election was Aug. 20, when county voters headed to the polls to cast ballots in federal, state, county and school board races.
Kruse, after defeating Van Ostenbridge’s challenge, will face Democrat Sari A. Lindroos-Valimaki and write-in candidate Nathan Meyer in the Nov. 5 general election.
Both Kruse and Van Ostenbridge were elected to the commission in 2020 and were seeking another fouryear term. Kruse had 58% of the countywide vote.
Van Ostenbridge, now a lame duck commissioner whose term expires in November, had filed for reelection in District 3, which includes Anna Maria Island, where he is widely unpopular for pushing a plan to
build a parking garage at the beach despite Holmes Beach restrictions against one and another effort that has looked at the prospect of consolidating AMI governments or dissolution of them.
Consider the island results:
• Anna Maria voters — precinct 301 — cast ballots to give Kruse 89.96% of the vote.
• Holmes Beach voters — precinct 305 — favored Kruse with 90.74% of the vote.
Bradenton Beach voters — precinct 307 — favored Kruse with 88.24% of the vote.
Both candidates embraced the label of “conservative” but Kruse emphasized that he did not embrace the kind of developer dollars Van Ostenbridge banked in his campaign.
Van Ostenbridge raised $236,000 and spent more than $203,000, while Kruse raised $67,311 and spent more than $60,000.
Lindroos-Valimaki has reported raising more than $10,700.
As of press time, neither Kruse nor Van Ostenbridge had returned Islander requests for comment.
Kruse, in an endorsement interview with The Islander during a Coffee with the Candidates session, defined the primary race as: “This is the people versus the special interests.”
Van ostenbridge
$2 stickers @ The Islander
$10 each @ The Islander, 315 58th St., HB.
Gathering
By Lisa neff
Getting paired
church Women united of manatee county’s Holley’s Soles to Little Souls shoe give away takes place Aug. 17 at Pathways christian fellowship center in Bradenton. cWu “was founded as a racially, culturally, theologically, inclusive christian women’s movement to celebrate unity and diversity and work for peace in the world,” according to its mission statement. islander courtesy Photo
LBK chapel collecting for food bank
The Longboat Island Chapel is collecting for Manatee County food banks, working to fill three barrels in the chapel’s fellowship hall.
A notice in the church bulletin said, “Donations are very much needed!”
The chapel is at 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key.
For more information, call; the church at 941-3836491.
Roser Church to host music ministries potluck
Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, is resuming music rehearsals for a new season and marking the occasion with a potluck supper.
The event will begin at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5.
A notice read, “EVERYONE in the congregation and community interested in joining in the Roser Ringers Handbell Choir and Chancel/Cantata Choir is invited to the rehearsals and to the potluck dinner.”
For more information, call the church at 941-7780414.
Tidings
compiled by Lisa neff
THIS WEEK
Wednesday, Aug. 28
1 p.m. — Roser Memorial Community Church Grief Share healing support, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-7780414.
SAVE THE DATES
Sept. 5, Roser Church Music Ministries rehearsal and potluck, Anna Maria.
Sept. 8, Roser Church blood drive, Anna Maria.
Sept. 18, Roser Church Golfing for God, Bradenton.
Oct. 4, Roser Church Tech Night, Anna Maria.
Oct. 3, Temple Beth Israel Rosh Hashanah luncheon, Sarasota.
Oct. 23, Christ Church book club resumes, Longboat Key. Nov. 17, Roser Church Surviving the Holidays program, Anna Maria.
ONGOING ON AMI
CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-0719.
Worship: Sundays, 9 a.m.
Ongoing: Wednesdays, 7 a.m., men’s Bible meeting; Wednesdays, 6:45 p.m., Wednesday Night Blasts; Fridays, 10 a.m. women’s Bible meeting.
Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-1638, amiannunciation.org.
Worship: Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.; Sundays, 9:15 a.m.
Ongoing: Most Wednesdays, 8 a.m., men’s breakfast; Mondays, 1 p.m., book club.
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive. Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-1813, gloriadeilutheran.com.
Worship: Sundays, 9:30 a.m., followed by coffee and fellowship.
Ongoing: First Sundays, food bank collections; Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m., women’s social gathering.
Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-779-1912.
Obituary
Clarice Marie Claps Wiedorn
Clarice “Clare” Marie Claps Wiedorn, 98, died Aug. 13.
She was born Jan. 24, 1926, at the family home in New Rochelle, New York, to Camille Colangelo and George Anthony Claps.
The family moved to Waterbury, Connecticut, where she was valedictorian of her class at Bucks Hill Grammar School and graduated Crosby High in 1943. In 1947, she graduated from the University of Connecticut with a major in mathematics.
In 1951, she went off on an adventure throughout Europe and visited relatives in Italy and spent Christmas with them.
Soon after, she met her future husband, Albert Wiedorn, who also had attended Crosby High and graduated in the same class.
They married July 11, 1953, and in 1955, with their 5-week-old firstborn, Paul, in tow, they moved to Quito, Ecuador. After that they lived in Santo Domingo, then known as Ciudad de Trujillo in Dominican Republic; East Granby, Connecticut; Brasilia, Brazil; Tegucigalpa, Honduras; Riverview, Florida; and fi nally, Holmes Beach.
After returning from Brazil in 1970, Mrs. Weidorn worked briefly as a clerk at Heublein liquor company. In 1972, she completed training as a computer programmer and worked at the Hartford Insurance Group until 1977,
Worship: Sundays, 9:15 a.m.
Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414, roserchurch.com.
Worship: Sundays, 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m.
Ongoing: Tuesdays, 2 p.m., women’s book study. St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-4769, stbernardcc.org, office@stbernardcc. org.
Worship: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.; Saturdays, 4 p.m.; Sundays, 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.
Ongoing: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m., rosary; Wednesdays, 7:30 a.m.; Rosary on the Beach at Manatee Public Beach; Saturdays, 3 p.m., confession.
ONGOING OFF AMI
Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian USA, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Info: 941-900-4903, christchurchoflbk.org.
Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.
Ongoing: Wednesdays, 10 a.m., women’s Bible study; first Sundays, 11:30 a.m., Connection Conversations; Mondays, 9 a.m., men’s Bible study.
Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Info: 941-383-6491, longboatislandchapel.org.
Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.
Ongoing: Wednesdays, 10 a.m., Pastor’s Bible Study; Thursdays, Shifting Sands group.
Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Info: 941-383-3428.
Worship: Fridays, Shabbat, 5:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. GET LISTED, CHANGE LISTINGS Send listings to calendar@islander.org.
Gathering
Gathering is the religion section. Please, send announcements, calendar listings and photos to Lisa Neff at lisa@islander.org. Please include a contact phone number and email address.
when she joined her husband in Honduras.
In 1978, the couple moved to Florida to become managers of the Alafia River Campers Resort they coowned with their siblings Fred and Gladys Wiedorn, and Elmer and Ingrid Claps. After selling the ARC in 1987, they purchased their home in Holmes Beach and continued their travelling adventures. In the end, they had visited over 100 countries.
She enjoyed early morning walks on the beach and swimming in the Gulf and developed a group of friends who met on the beach in the late afternoon to enjoy a cocktail and critique the sunset.
A memorial service/celebration of life on will be held starting at 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29, followee by a 6-7 p.m. ceremony at Toale Brothers Chapel, 912 53rd Ave. W., Bradenton.
Mrs. Wiedorn is survived by son Paul, and his wife Macushla; their children Ian, Arras and Patrick and his wife, Krista Mangiardi; daughter Cathy Camille and husband John Mazurek; and a large extended family.
At your service
Obituaries are offered as a 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 our advertising consultant at 941-778-7978.
Wiedorn
1st responders tasked with work on Labor Day
By robert Anderson islander reporter
Island first responders were making plans to work overtime over Labor Day.
Holmes Beach police Chief Bill Tokajer spoke with The Islander Aug. 21 about preparations for the long weekend Aug. 31-Sept. 2.
“We are going to have extra personnel on duty, patrolling both the beach and the city,” Tokajer said, adding that the island’s largest police department plans to enforce a zero-tolerance policy on alcohol on the beach, along with monitoring for other rules, including no pets, no glass bottles, no fires and no grills outside of designated areas.
Additionally, Tokajer advised that beachgoers should keep music at a reasonable volume.
“We want people who are vacationing to remember that they are vacationing in residential areas, so please
GoodDeeds
By Lisa neff
Assistance sought on AMI
• Tingley Memorial Library in Bradenton Beach seeks volunteers for morning and afternoon shifts in the “fun and friendly” atmosphere. Info: 941-7791208, bradentonbeachlibrary@gmail.com.
• The Anna Maria Island Privateers group seeks members and an indoor port for their boat-float. Info: 941-896-0797.
• Wildlife Inc. rescue and rehabilitation in Bradenton Beach seeks help tending to injured and sick animals. Info: 941-778-6342.
• Roser Food Bank seeks donations. Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, administers the pantry supported by All Island Denominations. Info: 941-778-0414.
Assistance offered on AMI
• Roser Food Bank welcomes applicants who live, work or attend school on Anna Maria Island for food assistance, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941-778-0414.
• AID offers financial help to those who live on the island, go to church on the island, attend school on the island and work on the island. Info: 941-725-2433. Get listed
Do you work with a nonprofit in need of assistance on Anna Maria Island? Are you looking ahead to lining up volunteers for a new season on the island? Do you offer free services to islanders or on AMI and want to increase use? Email listings to Lisa Neff at lisa@ islander.org.
Back to School? Time for a checkup!
keep the noise to a respectable level.” he said.
In Holmes Beach, motorists must park with tires off the roadway to avoid getting ticketed with a $75 citation.
In Bradenton Beach, police Chief John Cosby said Aug. 20 that police and code enforcement officers were ready for the busy weekend.
Parking is a known challenge during holidays and Cosby encouraged motoring beachgoers to arrive early to secure a spot.
Overflow parking at Coquina Beach South will be open, adding 142 spaces at the beach.
Cosby said motorists should utilize parking spaces and not park on right of ways. Parking violations can result in $75 citations and vehicles obstructing emergency access can be towed.
“Labor Day tends to be a calmer holiday than others, but we will still have extra patrols and will be coordinating closely with the sheriff’s department,” he added.
Cosby also urged families to keep an eye on kids.
“We get a lot of missing children calls,” Cosby said. “It’ really just takes a second for them to wander off.”
Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputies also will be out in increased numbers. The MCSO is contracted
to provide law enforcement services in Anna Maria but also provides assistance and backup in the other cities, as well as at the beaches.
Randy Warren, MCSO public information officer, said special response teams will bolster the law enforcement presence on the island and motorcycle units will monitor for golf cart infractions, speeding and other violations.
On county beaches, the Manatee County Beach Patrol will be on watch.
“We have 15 (lifeguards) on staff for all three days. So 15 guards each day,” beach patrol Capt. Marshall Greene told The Islander Aug. 22. Greene said every guard tower on county beaches — Manatee, Coquina and Cortez beaches — will be staffed for the holiday weekend except Tower 4 at Cortez Beach, which was deemed unsafe due to erosion from Tropical Storm Debby.
Greene also made a few suggestions for hotweather survival: “Stay hydrated. Wear sunscreen, bring food and just be prepared to be out in the sun. Florida heat really gets to you, so we want to make sure everybody stays hydrated and is protected from the sun and out of the elements if you’re coming out.”
In addition to the land-based operations, the MCSO’s marine patrol will be on the water around Anna Maria Island.
On the web
People can go to safebeachday.com/county/manatee-county/ to check beach and water conditions. People looking for parking in Holmes Beach can go to holmesbeachfl.org and search “Find Parking.”
Going, going, gone
Bradenton Beach city clerk terri Sanclemente reads the results of a silent bid Aug. 22 during a public auction for surplus police vehicles at city hall, 107 gulf drive n., Bradenton Beach. Police Sgt. Steve masi bought a 2017 ford interceptor with a bid of $1,503.03 and police officer eric Hill was the high bid on a 2017 ford interceptor at $2,003.03, as well as a 2015 ford interceptor for a bid of $2,003.03. the city advertised the auction Aug. 9 and bidding for the vehicles began at $1,500. islander
robert Anderson
Jamie Lawson O.D., Kenneth Lawson O.D. 5632 26th St. W., Bradenton 941.751.4668, BayshoreEyeCare.net
tokajer
Warren
cosby greene
Photo:
Cops & Courts
Bradenton man receives probation for DUI
Despite avoiding a formal conviction, Bradenton resident Tristan Hendrix, 26, will be on probation through July 2025 for alcohol-related reckless driving.
Hendrix was arrested Jan. 26 after a Holmes Beach police officer found him driving at 60 mph in a 35-mph zone and conducted a traffic stop.
Hendrix displayed signs of alcohol impairment, failed field sobriety exercises and, at the Holmes Beach Police Department registered breath samples with results of 0.148 and 0.150 milligrams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath. The state’s legal blood alcohol level limit for driving under the influence is 0.08.
He was charged with a second-degree misdemeanor for DUI, but that charge was later changed to a second-degree misdemeanor for alcohol-related reckless driving.
Hendrix initially pleaded not guilty but changed his plea July 3 to no contest after entering Manatee County’s Driver Enhanced Treatment Education Rehabilitation program.
At the same hearing, Judge Heather Doyle of the 12th Circuit Court withheld adjudication of the charge against Hendrix based on his successful completion of the DETER program.
Doyle sentenced Hendrix to complete 12 months of probation and required him to complete the DETER program within 11 months.
— Ryan Paice
BB ScenicWAVES focuses in on signage
ScenicWAVES sees the signs in Bradenton Beach’s future.
Members of the city advisory committee tasked with enhancing and maintaining the Gulf Drive scenic highway and other beautification efforts met Aug. 21 and finalized additions to educational wildlife signage created with a Tampa Bay Estuary Program grant with input from Wildlife Inc. of Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring.
ScenicWAVES vice president Ingrid McClellan said minor adjustments to the designs were finalized and the process of acquiring quotes to create the signage could begin.
She said the city would work with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for permits on sign placement at John Chappie Park, 1400 Gulf Drive N.; Jan Vosburgh Park across from city hall; the
RoadWatch
Eyes on the road
• City center in Holmes Beach: Manatee County’s work is ongoing on a force main project on Holmes Boulevard, Marina Drive and side streets. The contractor is completing final punch-list items and cleanup. For the latest, go to amiprojects.io.
Did you know?
Before departing for a destination, travelers can check traffic cameras at many area locations, including on the Cortez and Anna Maria Island bridges. To view the road cameras, go to fl511.com.
— Lisa Neff
Historic Bridge Street Pier, 200 Bridge St.; and Katie Pierola Sunset Park, 2212 Gulf Drive N., pending commission approval.
In other news, McClellan said she met with police Chief John Cosby about reestablishing signage for the city’s bicycle trail.
“I showed him our plans and he said he is on it,” she said.
The route can be found by cyclists traveling the Gulf Drive scenic highway by turning east from northbound Gulf Drive onto Fifth Street South, then north along Bay Drive South around and under the Cortez Bridge and continuing north along Gulf Drive.
A map designed by ScenicWAVES and approved by the city commission in March is available at city hall, local libraries, bicycle rental shops, the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce and the Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge.
The next ScenicWAVES meeting will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. — Robert Anderson
Streetlife
Island police reports
Compiled by Robert Anderson and Ryan Paice Anna Maria
Aug. 15, 200 block of Gladiolus Street, vandalism. A Manatee County sheriff’s deputy responded to a call concerning vandalism of a vehicle. A complainant said someone slashed the tires. An incident report was filed.
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office polices Anna Maria.
Bradenton Beach
No new reports.
The Bradenton Beach Police Department polices the city.
Cortez
No new reports.
The MCSO polices Cortez.
Holmes Beach
No reports this week.
Holmes Beach Police Department polices Holmes Beach.
Streetlife is based on reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.
15% higher fire district budget ordinance sent to 2nd reading
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
The West Manatee Fire Rescue District’s budget for fiscal 2024-25 is a vote away from adoption.
Chief Ben Rigney presented the proposed $12,543,363.25 budget during an Aug. 20 first reading that did not require a vote from the commission.
The district’s upcoming fiscal year begins Oct. 1.
The proposed budget for fiscal 2024-25 is about 15% larger than this year’s $10,902,730.54 amended budget, which was already about a million dollars less than it was initially budgeted to be.
A big part of that change on the revenue side of things is a proposed $1,662,899.47 increase in revenue from tax receipts due to a 7% across the board fire assessment rate hike.
WMFR’s current rates include a $219.94 residential base rate and a $0.1247 additional charge for every square foot more than 1,000, as well as a $546.61 com-
PropertyWatch
By Carol Bernard
Island real estate transactions
1801 Gulf Drive, Unit 134, Bradenton Beach, a 691 square foot 1BR/1BA Runaway Bay condo built in 1978 sold 7/19/2024 by Granto to Torres for $370,000, list price $449,000.
1801 Gulf Drive, Unit 106, Bradenton Beach, a 691 square foot 1BR/1BA Runaway Bay condo built in 1978 sold 7/18/2024 by Williams to Wisma for $400,000, list price $400,000.
117 Seventh St. N., Unit 11, Bradenton Beach, a 864 square foot 2BR/2BA Bay View Terrace condo built in 1973 sold 7/12/2024 by Helton to Vannette Trust for $449,900, list price $449,900.
3903 E. Bay Drive, Unit 6, Holmes Beach, a 1,320 square foot 3BR/3BA Sunbow Bay condo built in 1977 sold 7/3/2024 by Shomer to Counseller for $425,000, list price $474,900.
620 Key Royale Drive, Holmes Beach, a 3,146 square foot 4BR/5BR pool home on a 9,694 square foot lot built in 2017 sold 6/5/2024 by Riley to Isherwood Trust for $3,300,000, list price $3,650,000. Compiled by Island Real Estate staff. IRE can be reached at 941-778-6066, islandreal.com.
mercial base rate with a $0.2367 additional charge per square foot more than $1,000.
With the current rates, residential property owners pay $344.64 for a 2,000-square-foot home and $469.34 for a 3,000-square-foot home.
Commercial property owners, including transient public lodging establishments, pay $783.31 for a 2,000-square foot building and $1,020.01 for a 3,000square-foot building under the current rates.
The district’s proposed rates for fiscal 2024-25 include a $236.22 residential base rate and a $0.1393 additional charge for every square foot more than 1,000, and a $587.06 commercial base rate with a $0.2542 additional charge per square foot more than 1,000.
Under the new rates, residential property owners will pay $375.52 for a 2,000-square-foot home and $514.82 for a 3,000-square-foot home.
Commercial property owners will pay $841.26 for a 2,000-square-foot building and $1,095.46 for a 3,000-square-foot building.
That rate hike will come a year after the district
raised rates by 4% and began assessing short-term rentals under its commercial rates instead of residential rates.
On the expenses side of things, the proposed budget features nearly across the board cost increases — most notably for personnel services.
The district budgeted for a proposed $1,388,555.84 increase in personnel services expenses.
That hike includes a $562,495.68 increase in salaries, a $525,628.52 increase in health insurance and a $261,570.69 in the cost of pensions.
The district also budgeted for a $53,033 increase in general property and vehicle insurance, at least partly due to WMFR’s new digs.
Rigney announced that the district had obtained a small collection of old U.S. military equipment through the Florida Forest Service to use for emergency operations.
That equipment includes four high-water vehicles, with three 2.5-ton trucks and one 5-ton truck, two generator-powered light towers and a pair of large tents to provide operating space during emergencies.
Jonathan Longabach, a pilot with the Florida Forest Service, poses Aug. 20 on being awarded the WMFR Above and Beyond Award for helping the district obtain old U.S. military equipment for use during emergencies. Islander
The equipment is loaned to WMFR through the FFS, so there is no purchase price. The only costs the equipment adds to the district’s budget are for maintenance and insurance.
In return, the district must maintain the equipment’s serviceability and repaint any equipment with military colors.
Rigney said the equipment would provide the district with new ways to handle emergency operations like Tropical Storm Debby, which resulted in rescue efforts.
There was no public comment.
The fire commission will hold a second reading and potentially final public hearing for the budget ordinance at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, at WMFR’s administrative headquarters, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton.
Directions to attend via Zoom can be found on the district’s website, wmfr.org.
Photos Ryan Paice
T-shirts $10 each @ The Islander, 315 58th St., HB.
Dublin highlights this week, but golf, horseshoes played at home
By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter
Dublin — an impressive amount of area residents made the trek to Dublin over the week past to catch the Aug. 24 college football kickoff to the season with Florida State University taking on Georgia Tech at Aviva Stadium.
The stands were filled with Americans — mostly FSU supporters — and more American accents were overheard than Dublin accents.
Unfortunately for FSU fans, the No. 10 ranked Seminoles were upset by the unranked Yellow Jackets 24-21 behind a ball-control offense that limited FSU to seven possessions and a Georgia defense that pushed the ’Noles around.
FSU got on the scoreboard first on its opening possession with a seven-play, 75-yard drive culminated by a Lawrence Toafili touchdown, followed by a 2-point conversion for an 8-0 lead.
Georgia Tech responded with a six-play, 79-yard drive punctuated by a 1-yard Zach Pyron touchdown and the ensuing extra point from Aidan Birr to pull to
within a point.
FSU extended its lead to four with a 52-yard field goal from Ryan Fitzgerald at 11:06 of the second quarter, but Georgia Tech answered right back with a 14-play, 75-yard drive culminated by Jamal Hayes’ 1-yard touchdown and the extra point for a 14-11 lead.
FSU tied the score at 14-14 on a 59-yard field goal from Fitzgerald to close out the first half.
After a scoreless third quarter, GT took a 21-14 lead on a 2-yard touchdown run by Hayes and the ensuing extra point to open the fourth quarter. The touchdown culminated an 11-play drive that consumed 6:22 of the clock.
FSU answered with a long touchdown drive of its own that required two fourth down and long yardage completions by quarterback DJ Uiagalelei to tie the score at 21-21.
Georgia Tech then chewed up the rest of the clock with a 12-play, 54-yard drive that resulted in a 44-yard, game-winning field goal by Birr.
Locals in attendance included this writer, my daughter Gillian Cassidy, sister Mo Cassidy and my neighbor Patrick Manning and his family. Other Manatee County residents include Caroline and Neil Halfacre along with son Charlie, Sofia Belsito, Cam Silk and John and Chris Willis. And although there were other island-area residents in attendance, we never ran into them.
Other than the game result, a great time was had by all!
Islander sportswriter
Kevin Cassidy, sister Mo Cassidy, daughter Gillian Cassidy and Patrick Manning pose in Aviva Stadium at the FSU versus Georgia Tech college football kickoff Aug. 24 in Dublin. Islander Photo: Kevin
BELOW: Manatee County residents Neil Halfacre, Caroline Halfacre, Sofia Belsito, Charlie Halfacre, Cam Silk, Chris Willis and John Willis
match Aug. 20 that saw Helen Pollock fire a 2-underpar 30 to earn clubhouse bragging rights for the day.
Horseshoe news
Aug. 21 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall pits saw three teams emerge from pool play and a champion was determined in the playoffs. The team of Bob Hawks and Tom Farrington drew the bye into the finals and watched as Bob Heiger and Gary Howcroft cruised past Steve Kreibel and Tim Sofran by a 24-1 score. The final match was a little closer, but Heiger and Farrington earned an easy 23-7 victory to claim the day’s bragging rights.
The games Aug. 24 saw Hawks back in the mix, this time partnered with Howcroft. They outscored Tim Sofran and Steve Kreibel 25-16.
Key Royale golf news
Heavy rains closed the course at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach Aug. 22, canceling the weekly scramble
However, the course was open Aug. 19 and Aug. 20 for regular golf action.
The men’s weekly modifi ed-Stableford system match Aug. 19 saw Rob Ellis card a plus-4 to edge second-place finisher Mike Cusato by a point.
The women played a nine-hole individual-low-net
The action gets started 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 everything you enjoy most. Here’s to another fantastic year ahead!
P. Cassidy
cheer on the ’Noles from Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Islander Courtesy Photo
The FSU Seminole Marching Band performs during the FSU-versus-Georgia Tech game Aug. 24 in Dublin. Islander Photo: Kevin P. Cassidy
Bob Hawks, left, and Tom Farrington came out winners Aug. 21.
Heavy storms leave a wake of murky water, navigation headaches
By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter
With yet another round of heavy thunderstorms this past week, Anna Maria Island anglers are having trouble navigating around the hazards while on the open water.
The rainwater funneling out of the Manatee River into the back bay fishing grounds is turning inshore waters the color of iced tea. It’s impossible to see into the waters and the lower salinity levels make inshore fishing challenging.
The best bet is to focus on redfi sh and spotted seatrout. Anglers using live bait such as shiners or pinfish are finding redfish along mangrove shorelines and around residential docks. Cut baits, such as ladyfish and mullet, are yielding results, which can come in handy if finding shiners is difficult.
As for the trout, many are claiming the fish are spread out in large areas. This being said, casting artifi cials such as soft plastics on a jig head is a great approach, as one can cover a large area by drifting and jigging. If a school of trout is located, casting live shiners works, but those large schools of fish are hard to come by. This makes casting artificials advantageous.
Moving into the Gulf of Mexico to target bottom species, such a snappers, grunts and hogfish, is slightly more consistent than the inshore bite. Using live shrimp or live shiners as bait is yielding a variety of species when working the nearshore reefs and ledges.
And for those willing to go the distance to fish, the 100-foot plus offshore waters are frequently yielding red snapper and limits of other snappers including, yellowtail and mangrove.
On my Just Reel charters, I’m keeping busy in the inshore waters around Anna Maria Island. Limits of spotted seatrout are being caught by my clients, although I’m having to make quite a few moves to get the cooler filled.
Many small trout and ladyfish are filling the gaps between catches of keeper-size trout. Fishing along mangrove shorelines is yielding action on catch-andrelease snook and redfish but, again, frequently switching spots is required to keep the bite going.
Finally, blacktip sharks are being found on the grass flats, which adds some variety to the bite as well as some intense battles on medium-spinning gear.
Capt. David White is targeting redfish while working the inshore waters of Tampa Bay. Casting live shiners or live pinfish as bait is yielding his clients reds of all sizes. Finding reds is slightly challenging, as some are being located around mangrove shorelines and oyster bars, while others are being found along the Gulf beaches.
White also is targeting catch-and-release snook throughout the inshore waters, where he says casting live shiners along the mangrove shorelines yields the best action, especially near points or flats adjacent to deeper waters where tidal flow is maximized.
Lastly, White is putting clients on mangrove snapper around structure in the Gulf of Mexico. Fishing around rock piles, ledges and artificial reefs is producing action on the tasty fish.
Capt. Johnny Mattay is spending as many days offshore in the Gulf of Mexico as he can, as the American red snapper season for charter boats winds down. Limits of the large snapper are being caught daily and typically are occurring early in the trip.
Fishing depths of 100-150 feet of water is producing the best action. Mattay says live pinfish and frozen bait, such as sardines and threadfin herring, are working well to attract the aggressive snapper to his angler’s hooks.
Once a limit of American red snapper is attained, Mattay is switching over to target yellowtail and mangrove snapper. He says the yellow snapper bite is as good as it gets. In fact, on some days, he says the yellowtail are literally coming to the surface behind the transom in the chum slick, which is enabling his clients to drop a bait right over the side of the boat and immediately get hooked up.
It’s like fishing in a barrel!
Moving inshore, Mattay is following schools of redfi sh on the fl ats. Many catches are over-slot, although his clients are finding a couple within the slot of 18-27 inches to put in the cooler.
Capt. Wes Wildman of Wildman Adventure says
Capt. Mac Gregory and his daughter, Caroline, 7, show off a redfish she caught on a recent fishing trip.
he feels things are getting back to normal after all the rainfall. Now with the waters starting to clear up, the fishing is improving.
Fishing nearshore around the reefs and ledges is yielding hogfish, porgies, and mangrove snapper for Wildman’s anglers and shrimp on a rig is his bait of choice. Macks are present in these areas and Wildman says they’re biting on shiners.
Moving inshore, Wildman is finding spotted seatrout are responding to artificials, including soft plastics combined with a light jighead.
Live baits such as shiners also are enticing the trout, and schooling reds are appearing on the inshore waters, especially around mangrove islands and shorelines. For bait shiners are working, as well as fresh pieces of ladyfish and mullet.
Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.
ReelShort Boating course offered
The Anna Maria Island Sail & Power Squadron will host a two-day safe boating course Saturday, Oct. 21, and Saturday, Oct. 28.
The sessions will be 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Cortez Road Baptist Church, 4411 100 St. W., Bradenton.
Registration is required.
The cost is $55 per person or $85 per couple. For more, call 941-447-7845 or go to usps.org/ annamaria/public_courses.html.
— Lisa Neff
Stasny
Nesting notes
By Masha Dolgoff
Fragile season
The peak of sea turtle nesting season occurred more than two months ago, meaning many nests are either hatching or reaching an overdue date.
Sea turtle nesting season is when female sea turtles come ashore on Anna Maria Island to lay eggs that incubate in the sand for an average of 55 days before hatching. On day 70, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring assumes the nest is unsuccessful and excavates it to collect data.
“We don’t locate the eggs on the day that they’re laid. So we mark off an area and we hope that it hatches,” Kristen Mazzarella, executive director of AMITW, said in an interview with The Islander Aug. 22. “But if it doesn’t hatch, we have to dig the whole area inside the stakes.”
AMITW spends 20-30 minutes excavating an overdue nest.
The organization also is finding several successfully hatched nests at a time. On Aug. 21, for example, they excavated nine hatched nests on island beaches.
Meanwhile, the appearance of new nests has slowed down considerably. The last new nest AMITW found was Aug. 16.
“We always look for new crawls until at least we haven’t had a new crawl for two weeks,” Mazzarella said. “We may go longer for certain projects.”
The process for excavating a hatched nest begins with a three-day wait after it hatches, then digging into the nest chamber and removing all the eggs.
AMITW accounts for those that hatched and which ones didn’t to get an idea of the success of the nest.
Then the eggs go back into the cavity and are covered again with sand, as the remaining eggshells provide nutrients for other animals and plants to grow.
Despite high nest numbers, the success of this year’s nesting season has been impacted by Tropical Storm Debby passing in the Gulf and flooding beaches
in early August.
The final tally of nests lost to the storm is 182. Mazzarella also said that AMITW’s ability to keep track of hatches was impacted.
“With a lot of rain there may have been disorientations that we’re unable to tell,” she said. “So we encourage people to call us if they find any hatchlings so we know and we can try to figure out where the nest is that disoriented.”
Besides calling AMITW at 941-301-8434 upon encountering a disoriented hatchling, people can help by respecting sea turtle nesting guidelines, especially during busy holidays like Labor Day.
Recently, two hatchlings were found in a hole on the beach by AMITW volunteers, serving as a reminder of how human actions can affect the fragile sea turtles.
People can help by keeping their distance from posted closures, do not use flashlights or other lighting on the beach at night, observe sea turtle-friendly lighting on beachfront units, and do not leave holes or gear on the beach.
From the director’s report
Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird
Monitoring continues to see hazards to nesting and hatchling sea turtles.
One of the many hazards we educate the public about is holes dug in the sand, which can entrap hatchlings on their way to the water.
Unless they are found by someone, the turtles can perish in the hole from dehydration or be picked up by a predator.
One of our volunteers, Kathy Noonan, found and rescued two loggerhead hatchlings from a hole this week.
But this was entirely preventable.
With the loss of over 180 nests to Tropical Storm Debby, it is even more important to make sure the remaining hatchlings make it to the Gulf!
Please remember to fill your holes before you leave the beach at night.
You can make a difference for sea turtles!
Other hazards are artificial lights, which can cause turtles disorient.
We have learned that the nest laid by the turtle killed on Gulf Drive earlier this year, hatched this past week.
When we conducted the nest excavation, we found one live hatchling, which was released immediately.
In addition, the loggerhead turtle had laid 87 eggs in the nest and, of them, 84 hatchlings emerged.
This is a great hatch success and we are hopeful that the nesting turtle’s legacy will go on!
To celebrate at this nest, which was situated in the picnic area near Coquina Beach near lifeguard Tower 6, we placed a dedication plaque to let people know how, thanks to the awareness this turtle brought to lighting issues, many more turtles were saved from her fate.
After the sea turtle’s death, the new crosswalk lights that led her into the road were turned off until a turtle-safe solution could be initiated.
— Kristen Mazzarella, AMITW
executive director
Caryn Robbins is a retired editor living on the east end of Long Island with her husband and two Havanese dogs. An avid lifelong solver, she discovered puzzle-constructing
Mazzarella
Dolgoff
Two loggerhead hatchlings are found trapped in a hole the week beginning Aug. 19. Islander Photo: Courtesy Kathy Noonan
By Lisa Neff
Hallmark anniversary
Sandscript sometimes serves as a journal. I don’t begin the column with “Dear Diary,” but I get personal.
And this time of year, I look back at what I’ve called my FLAnniversary, the Friday night ahead of Labor Day when my wife and I moved from Chicago to Anna Maria.
Many who read The Islander have moved from place to place and have recollections of beginning our lives in a new or unfamiliar location.
Some people might remember only the year they settled in a new home or a new community. Others might recall the month. Some might remember the full date.
I remember details of some arrivals better than others. My move to Freeport, Illinois, in 1985 is forgotten. About my relocation to Exeter, New Hampshire, a year later, I recall finding a dead snake in the freezer of my new shared apartment. About my adventurous arrival to Butte, Montana, I recall I had no home, no job and no worries and camped in a park where I found
By Lisa Neff
Water quality issues reported
The nonprofit Suncoast Waterkeeper, in its latest water quality testing, found “do not swim” levels of Enterococci bacteria at all but one testing site.
The testing conducted Aug. 21 found high levels of fecal contamination in water at Robinson Preserve and the Palma Sola Causeway North in northwest Bradenton, as well as on Longboat Key at the LBK Boat Ramp and Bayfront Park but not at the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach.
Meanwhile, the Florida Department of Health said Aug. 23 that tests completed Aug. 19 and Aug. 21 indicated water quality at the Palma Sola South Causeway did not meet recreational water quality criteria for Enterococcus bacteria.
DOH-Manatee advised water-related activities at the location due to an increased risk of illness.
Test results are available at floridahealth.gov/ healthybeaches.
For more info, go to suncoastwaterkeeper.org.
— Lisa Neff
As of Aug. 23, AMITW reported 684 nests, 835 false crawls, 264 hatched nests that produced 19,143 hatchlings.
bear tracks. To settle in a Chicago high-rise, I drove from St. Louis with a cat sleeping on the gear shift of the rental truck.
As for my coming to Anna Maria Island after leaving Chicago, I remember the year, the month, the date, the day of the week, even the hour of my arrival.
I called Anna Maria home at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2, 2005.
Weeks earlier I had visited Anna Maria Island by car, at night, for about five minutes before returning to Bradenton to conclude a successful job interview.
And my wife Connie had never visited.
We found our landlord and apartment in The Islander classifieds, which also is how Connie found her first island job, at an ice cream-coffee shop called Mama Lo’s in Anna Maria.
Back then, every square foot on our little island was not digitally mapped and only the local news and chamber of commerce were publishing chamber-perfect photographs on the internet. So we didn’t know what to expect when we drove north on Gulf Drive past Pine Avenue and turned into a parking space at our duplex.
From the driveway, we could see the Gulf of Mexico and hear the waves.
Once in a blue moon
A super blue moon rises over Cortez Aug. 19. The August full moon was unique in that it was both a supermoon and a seasonal blue moon that converged for a single viewing. The term “supermoon” was coined by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979 as either a new or full moon that occurs when the moon is within 90% of its closest approach to Earth. The Aug. 19 moon was the first of four consecutive supermoons for 2024. A blue moon occurs when there are four full moons in a single season instead of the usual three. Selenophiles — moon lovers — will have to wait to see the next super blue moon in January 2037. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson
We called our landlord to let him know we’d arrived and then walked to the boardwalk leading past the dunes to the beach to connect with him.
We could have counted our footsteps from the driveway to the beach if we hadn’t been so excited by the natural beauty of our new home.
There were just a few people on the shore and because everyone knew everyone, our landlord walked right up to us — the newbies — and introduced himself.
He handed us the keys to the apartment, just a little place big enough for two with the Gulf breeze stirring the blinds to go clickety-clack.
That evening, Connie and I walked north on the beach, as far as we could and then we went “home” to dress for a steak dinner at a waterfront restaurant, followed by our first “sunset.”
I’d seen the sun set, of course.
But the night of Sept. 2, 2005, was the first time I experienced what islanders call “sunset,” a communal happening celebrating the splendor in the sky with the souls on the sand.
The first sunset for an islander is like an indoctrination into a club.
Where’s Henrietta?
Henrietta, Anna Maria Island’s entry in the 2024 Tour de Turtles, has traveled 83 miles as of Aug. 24. The Sea Turtle Conservancy marathon began Aug. 1. Islander Screenshot
It’s tough to leave the club, but a lot of us have moved on over the past 10 years. Maybe we changed or circumstances changed. Certainly, the island changed in terms of affordability and community. And even the waterfront restaurant recently changed owners.
But guess what? It just takes 10 minutes on the beach at sunset to recapture the feeling, the splendor of arriving to AMI.
Scallop hunt postponed
Water pollution associated with Tropical Storm Debby prompted Sarasota Bay Watch to postpone the Great Scallop Search scheduled for Aug. 24.
“We just aren’t willing to put our valued volunteers in waters with poor water quality and low visibility,” read a post from SBW, which annually conducts a scallop search in Sarasota Bay to help determine the health of the waterway.
“We are scrambling to get this event rescheduled,” SBW stated.
Heavy rain and flooding associated with Debby in early August contributed to polluted waters, as raw sewage emptied and overflowed into the Manatee River and other waterways.
For more information about SBW, go to sarasotabaywatch.org or call 941-232-2363.
Neff
ITEMS FOR SALE
EARLY CLASSIFIED DEADLINE! The Islander office will be closed in observance of Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 2. The deadline to have your classified ad appear in the Sept. 4 edition is 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30. Place your ad at islander.org
ELECTRIC 3.0 E-BIKE. $400, purchased new 2023. Text, 651-235-9827.
ANTIQuE PARTNER DESK: All wood, $500. Inquire at The Islander, 941-778-7978.
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. (limited time offer).
ANNOUNcEMENTS
EARLY CLASSIFIED DEADLINE! The Islander office will be closed in observance of Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 2. The deadline to have your classified ad appear in the Sept. 4 edition is 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30. Place your ad at islander.org
LOST & FOUND
MISSINg CAT: HOLMES BEACH. Male, Cinnamon. Don’t attempt to catch, do feed. If seen, call Mel, 941-592-2551.
TRANSPORTATION
g OLF CART RENTALS: Fun for residents and tourists! 212-941-2402. 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.
S u NCOAST BOTTOM PAINTIN g : Professional bottom painting. Mobile. Call 941704-9382.
CAPTAIN FOR HIRE and boat caretaker services: If you need help with your boat on or off the water, call Captain Dan. u SC g , retired. 772-486-8085.
WELCOME ABOARD JOYFISH Charters for private fishing, sunset cruises, and dolphin watching. Check out joyfishcharters.com or follow us on Facebook. Call to reserve, 941840-3181.
HELP WANTED
NOW HIRINg HANDYMAN: Full-time professional services. $18 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
KIDS FOR HIRE ads are FREE for up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work. Ads must be placed online at islander. org.
SER vIcES
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.
PRESS u RE WASHIN g , 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.
API’S DRYWALL REPAIR: I look forward to servicing your drywall repair needs. Call 941524-8067 to schedule an appointment.
SER vIcES continued
CLEAN TECH MOBILE Detailing. At your location. Cars, boats, RVs. Call or text Billie for an appointment. 941-592-3482.
PC OR TECH issues? Not sure where to start? With years of experience, I’ll come to you with reliable solutions. Contact gavin at 928-587-1309. www.gse.codes
SARASOTA PAINTINg: INTERIOR/exterior/ cabinets: Call or text Don, 941-900-9398. Free estimates. Fully insured, twenty years’ experience.
u PLuS ME LLC: Provides quality coatings for pool decks, driveways, garage floors, patios. Don’t miss out on our pro polishing services, concrete, terrazzo, travertine. 727623-5050.
RIDEEASY 247 YOuR professional, reliable and courteous car service to airports and events since 2015. You can reach us via text 941-447-7737 or email to mrfort5001@gmail. com We are available 24/7.
LOOK NO MORE! Residential, vacation rental and commercial cleaning. give us a call, 941-250-8548.
LOOKINg FOR SOMEONE who needs me: Clean, house-sit. I can cook, make sandwiches. I can do anything you can do but better! I can run to the grocery store for you. I can walk pets or go out to lunch with you. Looking for a part-time job caregiving companion, I am your right arm! I love people and I love helping others. I have references and I’m reliable and dependable. My name is Dena gray a.k.a. Sparkles! 941-704-9948.
OuR SERVICES: CLEANINg, home repairs, tile, concrete, remodeling, decks, steps, flooring, water drainage solutions, rental 24-hour services. Hurricane shutters and pre-storm service. New, low-cost generator and insulation (starts and runs on propane when power off). No permits needed. Islander, over 40 years here! Call 941-4049163.
IS YOuR POOL deck, driveway, or garage floor looking worn out and dated? Bring them back to life with our top-tier resurfacing services! Services offered: Pool deck resurfacing, Slip-resistant, cool-to-the-touch finishes that enhance safety and aesthetics. Driveway resurfacing, durable surfaces that stand up to heavy traffic and harsh weather. garage floor resurfacing, easy-to-clean, stain-resistant surfaces that look great and perform even better. Don’t wait! Transform your spaces today with our trusted resurfacing services. Contact us now for a free consultation and estimate. Call u Plus Me LLC at 727-6235050 or visit u-plus-me.com
PET SITTER: RETIRED teacher, just relocated. Would love to pamper your pets! References. Becky Mack, 704-363-5480.
B u SINESS-TO-B u SINESS 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. Since 1987. For dependable service, call Bill Eller, 941-720-7411. CAC184228.
LAWN & GARDEN
CONNIE’S LANDSCAPINg INC. Residential and commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-713-1965.
COLLINS LANDSCAPE LIgHTINg: Outdoor lighting, landscaping, irrigation services and maintenance. 941-279-9947. MJC24373@ gmail.com
SHELL DELIVERED AND spread. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, topsoil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, or “shell phone” 941-720-0770.
HOME IMPROvEMENT
VAN-gO PAINTINg residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper. Island references. Bill, 941-795-5100. www.vangopainting.net.
g RIFFIN’S HOME IMPROVEMENTS Inc. Handyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. Insured and licensed. 941-722-8792.
LANE’S SCREENIN g SERVICES: Replace your window, door or lanai screens. Many screen options available. Retired veteran serving our community! Free estimates, call 941-705-5293.
LOOKIN g FOR ANY home improvement?
JRCC Home Improvement, handyman service can get the job done. Please, contact us at 413-246-2410. We would love to help.
TILE-TILE-TILE: All variations of ceramic tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship, prompt, reliable, many Island references. Call Robert, 941-726-3077.
DONALD PERKINS PAINTIN g LLC. Interior/exterior/pressure washing. Island references. dperkinspaint@hotmail.com. 941705-7096.
g ORILLA DRYWALL REPAIR LLC. Let’s solve your drywall problems together. give us a call at 941-286-0607.
CALL HYDRO CLEAN. Full-service pressure washing, sealing. Pavers, travertine and natural stone. Window washing too, up to three stories. Call Jacob, 941-920-2094.
ISLAND HANDYMAN: I live here, work here, value your referral. Refinish, paint. Just ask. JayPros. Licensed/insured. References. Call Jay, 941-962-2874.
RENTALS
ANNA MARIA gu LF beachfront vacation rentals. One- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941778-3143.
AVAILABLE NOW AND season: 1BR/1BA, seven-night minimum. carlesvacationrentals. com Special rates are available. 941-8071405.
FOR RENT: Anna Maria Island condo. great value, beautiful upgraded 2BR/2BR. Incredible water view. Pool, tennis, walk to beach. Private carport. Excellent rental terms. Owner/renter. Call/email for pictures, 570-239-0431. marketreps@aol.com
Don’f forget: Friday deadline for Labor Day, Sept. 4 edition!
RENTALS continued
SEASONAL RENTAL: Bradenton 55-plus community. Large 2BR/2BA condo on bay, exceptional views. Elevator and five minutes to bridge. No smoking, No pets. $4,650/month. Three-month minimum. Photos at https://barbaragillespie.wixsite. com/47872024. 732-748-0759.
SEASONAL RENTAL IN Holmes Beach available January-April 2025. Elevated townhouse 2BR/1.5BA. Three-month minimum. $4,100/ month plus tax, fees. Call Anna Maria Realty, 941-778-2259 or email dina@annamariareal. com.
CONDO TO RENT in gated community (five miles from Anna Maria). Available July until end November, all included! 704-9930288. www.floridarentals.com/10943/
2025 SEASONAL RENTAL: Just one block from the beach, single-story 2BR/2BA private residence, screened patio. No smoking/ no pets. Monthly. January-April. 64th Street, Holmes Beach. Call 813-833-4926.
2BR/1BA ANNuAL LEASE: Electric/ac/heat all included. $2,975/month. Looking for 1 or 2 quiet adults with no pets or smoking. Steps to gulf. Owner-occupied duplex. Owner, 508496-8480. williamshomes@yahoo.com
JANuARY 2025 AVAILABLE: Snowbird special! Perico Island patio home, single floor, high ceilings, 3BR/2BA, privacy wall/gate, two-car garage. Call or text Alison, 859-7716423. www.pericoislandrental.com
PERICO BAY CLuB rental: Deluxe 2BR/2BA, garage villa. $2,800/monthly. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.
WESTBAY COVE CONDO: Holmes Beach. Second floor, 2BR/2BA, large lanai. Pools, tennis, one block to g ulf. November, December 2024. $3,200/month. 30-day minimum. terryaposporos@gmail.com 941778-8456.
EARLY CLASSIFIED DEADLINE! The Islander office will be closed in observance of Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 2. The deadline to have your classified ad appear in the Sept. 4 edition is 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30. Place your ad at www.islander.org
REAL ESTATE
WINNIE MCHALE, REALTOR, 941-5046146. Dalton Wade Real Estate. You need an aggressive and experienced Realtor in today’s market! Selling island homes, Sarasota and Bradenton areas. Multi-milliondollar producer! “Selling Homes - Making Dreams Come True.”
2BR/2BA HOME for sale. 3,000 sfur. 1,100 sf garage. Steps to beach. $1,449,000. 941518-6329.
PRIVATE SALE: THE perfect VRBO or private vacation home. Beautiful beachside bungalow direct marina front with peek-a-boo views of Palma Sola Bay. Private boat docks are available. Just off the SR 64 causeway at Palma Sola Bay in the highly sought-after community of Palma Sola Park. This beautiful 2BR/2BA, sleeps 8 with heated salt pool and large tiki bar. $1,200,000. Contact owner, 941-661-6196.
I SLANDER ARCHIVE u ofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.
REAL ESTATE continued
TWO OPEN HOuSES at bayfront condo on Anna Maria Island. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 1. Three blocks to beautiful beach. Price reduced! 2BR/2BA. 3801 E. Bay Drive. Noranne Hutcheson, RE/MAX Alliance group, 941-932-0738.
MINuTES TO ANNA Maria beaches: 2BR/2BA ground-floor villa. Beautifully appointed with stainless-steel appliances, granite counter tops, composite wood flooring throughout. $285,000. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.
B u Y BEFORE IT’S gone: Custom built 2BR/2BA, two-car garage in northwest Bradenton. Amenities, pool, clubhouse, boat docks on Tampa Bay and minutes to beach. $795,000. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.
Don’t mess with success
By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter
Beachside Hospitality Group of Clearwater officially expanded its portfolio Aug. 1 with the acquisition of the Chiles Hospitality Group trio of restaurants.
The sale transferred ownership of three popular waterfront dining destinations on Florida’s Gulf Coast to Beachside: Sandbar Seafood & Spirits in Anna Maria, Beach House Waterfront Restaurant in Bradenton Beach, and Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub on Longboat Key.
Founded in 2014, Beachside Hospitality Group operates 13 establishments in eight Florida cities, not counting the recently added Chile portfolio of restaurants.
Julia Cassino, director of marketing and events for Beachside Hospitality, spoke to The Islander Aug. 20 about the company and plans following the acquisition.
Cassino said the names and menus of the restaurants will remain intact.
“Guests that come to dine will notice very minimal changes,” Cassino said. “However, we do want to bring some of who we are down to that area.”
She said diners can expect to see menu additions, including bairdi crab, a BHG favorite. Known
Cassino said BHG will work on other projects, like a retail shop at the Sandbar Restaurant, 100 Spring Ave., and bringing more live music to the properties.
Chiles Hospitality, founded by Ed Chiles in 1979, built a reputation over the decades for its island atmosphere, food and community engagement.
As Beachside Hospitality Group takes the reins, Cassino emphasized the transition should be seamless for the nearly 350 employees asked to remain in their roles.
“There are not going to be a bunch of huge changes,” she said. “It will be very minimal because one thing we really want to make sure the AMI community understands, is we fully understand how important Ed and his brands were to that community.”
for being the largest species of snow crab, bairdi crab typically weighs 3-5 pounds, significantly more than the standard Opilio snow crab, which is 2.5 pounds or less.
Cassino highlighted bairdi’s sweeter flavor and higher meat-to-shell ratio, qualities expected to resonate with seafood lovers frequenting the restaurants.
“We fire-roast it and baste it in garlic butter,” she said.
In fact, there is such a demand for the dish in BHG restaurants that the company’s purchases of bairdi crab accounts for 10% of the world market.
CANALFRONT BEAUTIFULLY UPDATED 4 blocks to Gulf of Mexico beach LONGBOAT KEY VILLAGE
$1,100,000 GREAT OPPORTUNITIES in WEST BRADENTON fee.
Monica Newcomer Coldwell Banker Realtor call/text 941-545-4980 monicanewcomer@aol.com
“We are just really excited to continue our growth and to kind of bring all the expertise from all the members of our team down to help elevate the legacy that Ed has already created and cemented into the Anna Maria Island location,” Cassino said. “He has done a fantastic job. So, we are super excited to be a part of Anna Maria Island. And those three locations are gorgeous. Fantastic. We couldn’t be more thrilled.”
By Lisa Neff
Eddie Wright, left, chief operating officer for Beachside Hospitality group, and CEO greg Powers sign the sales agreement Aug. 1 for purchase of the Chiles Hospitality group portfolio of restaurants. Islander Photo: Courtesy BHg
Ben Webb, left, of Ami Dolphin Tours, Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth and HB media specialist Matt McDonough, call for support for the third year of a city-initiated campaign, Islanders 4 Clean Water, at the Aug. 22 business card mixer for the AMI chamber at the Chateau AM at the Waterline Resort. Islander
Photo: Bonner Joy
We’re local. We’re Global.
ANNA
