The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Astheworldterns 6

Q&A 032923 3

BB commissioner roots for Pines community. 4

Meetings 4

Opinions 6

10-20 YEARS AGO

Looking back. 7

Firefighters honors. 8

Sandpiper celebrates 20 years as co-op. 9

Save the date. 10-11

AMI Happenings

announcements. 10-12

GoodDeeds. 12

Gathering. 14

holy Week services.

Obituaries 15

Where’s Tuna Street? 16-17

NYT crossword 16

Cops & Courts 20-21

anna Maria tweaks water taxi deal. 23

Sports news. 24

Fishing fever. 25

TideWatch 25

Yours ’til. 27

CLASSIFIEDS. 28-28

Isl Biz: 30

PropertyWatch. 30

The Best News on anna Maria Island Since 1992 islander.org

AMCP-Mote set May outreach center opening

By ryan Paice Islander reporter

The end is in sight for the long wait to open Mote Marine Laboratory’s outreach center on the Anna Maria City Pier. City commissioners unanimously voted March 23 to approve a special event permit — subject to fire marshal approval — for a 10 a.m. Friday, May 5, grand opening ceremony for the Mote educational outreach center.

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said the grand opening would include a ceremonial ribbon-cutting at City Pier Park, 103 N.

Bay Blvd., and a celebration with live music at the pier.

Mote reached a contract with the city in September 2021 to lease the 1,800-squarefoot building on the T-end to house the center.

The pier, originally built in 1911 and demolished following damage caused by Hurricane Irma in 2017, was rebuilt and reopened June 19, 2020, but the main building on the T-end remained vacant until now.

Plans for the outreach center include live exhibits with about 1,000 gallons of recirculating seawater, as well as several interactive exhibits, such as microscopes and a livestream display of water beneath the pier.

The live tanks will include:

• An invertebrate tank where people can touch urchins, sea stars, horseshoe crabs and more;

• A mangrove tank displaying the plants’ importance in local marine ecosystems and containing small fish and shrimp;

• A tank displaying a grass flat with killifish and stone crab;

• A tank with marine life from the waters surrounding the island.

Mote failed to meet the lease’s initial March 29, 2022, deadline to complete the interior build-out, but commissioners voted in April 2022 to extend Mote’s contract with new deadlines.

While Mote met the first of three new deadlines, it failed to apply for a certificate of occupancy by its March 10 deadline.

The Orchestra takes the stage March 21 at the center of anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia ave., anna Maria, to close out the annual Bradenton Gulf Islands concert Series presented by the Bradenton area convention and Visitors Bureau and the Manatee county Tourist Development council. The band is known for such 1970s hits as “Mr. Blue Sky” and “Don’t Bring Me Down.” The 2022-23 concerts also featured Beatlemania Now!, Tommy Decarlo and Grand Funk railroad. Islander Photo: courtesy Jeff higgins

Mote requested a 14-day extension to apply for the CO, which the city approved, so March 24 became the new deadline for occupancy.

Murphy forwarded to The Islander a March 24 email from Mote vice president for communications and strategic initiatives Kevin Cooper notifying the city Mote had

AM mayor delivers ‘bad news’ on legislative outlook

By ryan Paice Islander reporter

Pending legislation in Tallahassee threatening local vacation rental regulations might be a done deal.

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said March 23 that he met with 10 state legislators during his visit to the Capitol the week before to discuss his concerns with SB 714, a bill filed by state Sen. Nick DiCeglie, R-St. Petersburg, which would preempt local vacation rental regulations to the state.

Despite his opposition, Murphy said every legislator he spoke with said the bill’s adoption into law was a priority.

The Islander archive, dating to November 1992, is at the University of Florida Digital Newspaper collection: ufdc.ufl.edu.

“I can’t tell you how disappointed I was,” Murphy said. “The bill could change the entire complexion of this city.”

SB 714 would preempt licensing and inspections of vacation rental properties to the state, as well as prohibit municipalities from regulating the duration or fre-

quency of rental activities — unless such regulations were adopted before June 1, 2011.

That would nullify the city’s current vacation rental ordinance, which was adopted in 2015.

The bill also would impact vacation rental ordinances in Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach, which adopted their vacation rental regulations in 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The bill would allow local governments to establish vacation rental registration programs, but limit registration fees to $50 for an single application and $100 for a collective application.

It also would remove the limit for vacation rental occupancy, which Anna Maria caps at eight people.

The city currently assesses each vacation

rental property based on maximum occupancy, beginning with a base occupancy of two people, plus two people per bedroom — a minimum occupancy of four people.

The city is set to charge $84.17 per allowed occupant in 2023-24, so a vacation rental property with minimum occupancy would require a fee of $336.68 to register.

That charge is prorated to cover the cost of enforcing the city’s vacation rental ordinance, as well as inspections and lobbying costs associated with vacation rentals.

So SB 714’s proposed limit on registration fees — which represent a signifi cant decrease from the current rates — would hamstring the city’s rental enforcement and lobbying activities.

The Senate Regulated Industries Committee voted 5-2 March 14 to send the bill forward to the Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Gov-

annamaria.com

Murphy

Sharing 20 years of homeowner pride

met the deadline.

Cooper emailed the city stating that “Mote has submitted all inspection requests required for the issuance of a certificate of occupancy. My understanding is that the inspections associated with those requests are scheduled for Tuesday (March 28),” Cooper wrote.

Murphy said he expected the inspections to go well since building official David Gilson has been keeping an eye on construction at the pier.

If the city grants the requested CO, Mote will begin its final steps to open the outreach center.

That includes the installation of live exhibits — which were created off-site — pumping and acclimating water for the sea life and populating the exhibits.

Commissioner Robert Kingan said he went to

Early morning crash closes AMI Bridge

The Anna Maria Island Bridge, linking Holmes Beach to Perico Island and the mainland via State Road 64/Manatee Avenue, was closed to traffic for almost four hours early March 25.

According to Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer, the HBPD worked a single vehicle crash in the absence of the Florida Highway Patrol, which has jurisdiction on the bridge, beginning at 2:50 a.m.

Damage to the bridge required an inspection and the railing required repairs by a maintenance team from the Florida Department of Transportation.

Further contributing to the closure of the bridge was possible damage to the main waterline that traverses the bridge, requiring inspection by Manatee County Utilities, according to Tokajer.

According to HBPD Officer Ryan Welch, the crash impacted the guard rail about 88 feet east of the center span and water was spraying from a waterline onto the roadway. He reported finding the driver, Pedro Munoz Roque, 21, of Wauchula, and his two passengers standing on the bridge near a 2007 Chevrolet pickup with “heavy damage to front end and engine.”

The vehicle was towed and the three men refused medical treatment. Munoz Roque told HBPD through Google translate that the “roadway was wet and he lost control of the vehicle.”

The bridge reopened to motorists at 6:47 a.m.

— Bonner Joy

the pier earlier that day to check out work on the outreach center and he was impressed with Mote’s progress.

Commissioner Charlie Salem recommended the city invite students from Anna Maria Elementary in Holmes Beach to be the outreach center’s first attendees.

Murphy said he liked the suggestion and would reach out to the Manatee County School District to see what could be arranged.

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MOTE cONTINUED FrOM PaGE 1

Some of the original shareholders of the Sandpiper resort, a mobile home co-op, 2601 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach, include Jim and Max althouse, left, Betty Doherty, coleen Wisotzke, Darlene Stephenson, annjo Bitley, Linda and Danny raines, Penny Mccuish, helen Doherty, Marilyn and robert Demarest and Maureen and David Glover. More on Sandpiper, page 9. Islander Photo: robert anderson

The interior of the Mote outreach center March 23 on the T-end of the anna Maria city Pier. Islander Photo: ryan Paice

Developers set to submit site plans for 3 AMI parking garages

By Lisa Neff Islander editor

“If the county can do it” is the rationale for an investment group’s plan to build multilevel parking garages on privately held properties in Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach.

The group, consisting of several big development companies in the Manatee-Sarasota region, announced they will file their proposals April 1 at city halls.

“It looks like Manatee County is getting on the fast track to building a garage at the beach and it’s simply not fair to exclude the private sector,” said Adora Davenport, spokesperson for AMI Build Up investment group.

Davenport was referring to Manatee County’s push to construct a multilevel parking garage at the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

To construct a garage, the county must get around a city ordinance prohibiting parking structures. County commissioners are counting on the state Legislature to pass a bill sponsored by Rep. Will Robinson Jr., R-Bradenton, that trumps municipal home rule and overrides the city’s prohibition.

Q&A 032923

The Islander poll

Last week’s question

By Lisa Neff

March Madness brackets, you say?

20%. I’m in.

12%. I’m already out.

19%. Rooting for underdogs.

3%. Betting on top seeds.

47%. What’s a bracket?

This week’s question

April Fools’ Day is the trickiest day of the year?

A. Get fooled every year.

B. I’m usually amused.

C. I’m usually annoyed.

D. Love to pull a prank.

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

“The county chair is all-in for free reign for business,” Davenport said. “So he’ll have to line up on our side on this. We have a robust, rich group of developers — can’t say who yet — so this is going to happen.”

The Manatee County Property Appraiser website at www.manateepao.gov shows property holdings for AMI Build Up in the three island cities, as well as some land holdings on Longboat Key.

The group seeks to construct garages on the bayfront of the island rather than the Gulf side.

“We’re hoping to take advantage of the island tourists that’ll be using the ferry service starting later this year,” Davenport said. “You don’t think they’re walking to the pickup locations, do you?”

The island mayors did not respond to email requests for comment as of press time for The Islander.

County commissioners also did not respond to phone calls and emails.

At several popular tourist venues in the island

a multilevel parking garage. No fooling: Manatee county proposes to build such a garage at Manatee Public Beach in holmes Beach despite an ordinance prohibiting parking garages. a group of developers on april 1 planned to submit details of their plans to build parking garages in each island city. Islander courtesy Photo cities, some people welcomed the plans and others pledged to fight or expressed despair.

“It’s what we knew would happen,” Elvis Suave of Anna Maria said March 22 as he fished from the city pier. “Two years from now I’ll be looking over there where shops used to be and see a concrete hulk.”

At the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach, Julie Freize of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, said the city needs a garage.

“We spent an hour looking for a space before we just parked in someone’s driveway in that trailer park,” Freize said, gesturing toward the Pines Trailer Park north of the pier parking lot.

At the Manatee Public Beach, Terri Peabody of Bradenton observed, “Any garage will be fi lled by noon. So they already need another one. I hope there’s something good on the ground level, like a Starbucks.”

Peabody’s husband added, “Yeah. Or a McDonald’s. And happy April Fools’ Day!”

And happy April Fools’ Day from The Islander staff. Did we get you?

BB commissioner roots for Pines Trailer Park community

By robert anderson

Islander reporter

Jan Vosburgh has seen a lot of change and people come and go in her time on the Bradenton Beach City Commission.

She reflected March 23, as she discussed the potential sale of the Pines Trailer Park. The 2.78-acre park at 103 Church Ave. has been a fixture in the historic district since the 1930s.

“These people here are wonderful,” said Vosburgh, who serves as vice mayor. “I haven’t met one person over there who hasn’t been absolutely super.”

The park’s ownership, Jackson Partnership LLLP of Bradenton —with brothers Richard and William Jackson as partners — made an offer to Jan. 25 to sell homeowners the land upon which their homes sit.

The sale was listed online for $16 million and the partnership, as required by law, first offered the park to the homeowners.

Negotiations now are underway between the partnership and the Pines homeowner’s association, according to the newspaper’s sources, who have asked to remain anonymous.

‘ ’

ernment, where it was pending review March 25.

Murphy said he met with committee chair Sen. Jason Brodeur, R-Lake Mary, Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, House Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast, and DiCeglie — the bill’s sponsor — to discuss his concerns.

He also met with members of the Manatee County Legislative Delegation, including Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, and Rep. Will Robinson Jr., R-Bradenton.

Murphy said that none of the legislators he spoke with were “surprised” with his concerns about the bill hamstringing the city’s efforts and inviting chaos by removing occupancy limits.

“They know exactly what this bill is,” he said.

Murphy said Passidomo told him she liked SB 714 “just as it was written.”

He said the city of Naples, in Passidomo’s district, would not be impacted because it adopted a VRO requiring minimum 30-day stays in 2011.

Meetings are taking place but the results have not been made public.

Vosburgh said she’s seen five mayors come and g while serving as commissioner for Ward 4 and Ward 3, beginning in 2010.

And she’s seen the Pines Trailer Park residents help to maintain a sustainable, stable residential-commercial district.

“I feel bad for those people because they come down here and spend their winters. So I hope that they can work it out,” Vosburgh said.

She added that it’s important residents know they can reach out to their government representatives.

“I can’t speak for the rest of the commissioners or the mayor but I would do everything possible to help those people because they are my neighbors,” Vosburgh said. “One of the things I have always wanted for Bradenton Beach is for it to have a neighborhood-like community. It is a small community. So I am hoping they can work it out with the owner.

The Pines Trailer Park is a pocket community that should be preserved, the commissioner said.

“I think it’s nice to have a small community,” said Vosburgh. “We don’t want this to be just a community of party houses.”

AMI ranks in travel site’s top 20 ‘beach towns’

A digital travel publication identified the “best beach towns from the East Coast to the West Coast” and listed Anna Maria Island in the mix.

But, city attorney Becky Vose said the Naples VRO is being challenged in court, and SB 714 could impact them, too.

Murphy said the legislators he spoke to had heard no opposition to SB 714 from the Florida League of Cities, leaving it up to Anna Maria and its website, homerulefl. com, to oppose the bill’s adoption.

He called homerulefl.com, which provides information about bills threatening municipal home rule and allows users to automatically send composed emails of opposition to state legislators, the city’s “best hope.”

City clerk LeAnne Addy provided statistics for the website’s activity since it began its latest mailing campaign March 3.

Since then, the website has been used to send 4,940 letters to state legislators and accrued an additional 555 subscribers.

If the bill and a companion bill pass both chambers, it will go before Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has veto power, for final approval.

Murphy said the city’s lobbyist, Land O’ Lakesbased Corcoran Partners, had no indication of what DeSantis would do with SB 714.

There was no public comment.

Travel writers at Thrillist, produced by D.C.based Vox Media, wrote the 20 communities on its list, published in late February, are places where “sands give way to dreamy towns, where the locals vibe with the visitors, and the food and drink become the stuff of endless summer memories. Pack extra sunscreen.”

At the top of the list: Asbury Park, New Jersey; followed by Nags Head, North Carolina; Saugatuck/Douglas, Michigan; Cannon Beach, Oregon; Ocean City, Maryland; and then Anna Maria Island.

Thrillist said of AMI: “It’s essentially a 1950s time warp.”

To read the piece, go to thrillist.com.

— Lisa Neff

Meetings

ANNA MARIA CITY

April 13, 2 p.m., commission.

By Lisa Neff

Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941-708-6130, cityofannamaria.com.

BRADENTON BEACH

April 5, 9 a.m., CRA.

April 5, 1 p.m., P&Z.

April 6, 6 p.m., commission.

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

HOLMES BEACH

April 5, 10 a.m., parks and beautification.

April 5, 5 p.m., planning commission.

April 11, 2 p.m., commission.

April 12, 9 a.m., clean water.

Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org.

WEST MANATEE FIRE RESCUE

None announced.

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

MANATEE COUNTY

March 30, 1:30 p.m., commission (work meeting).

April 11, 9 a.m., commission.

April 18, 9 a.m., commission (work meeting).

April 20, 9 a.m., commission (land use).

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

ALSO OF INTEREST

Good Friday is April 7. Many government offices will be closed, including island city halls.

April 12, 3:30 p.m., Palma Sola Scenic Highway Corridor Management Entity, Bradenton Public Works, 1411 Ninth St. W., Bradenton.

Please, send meeting notices to calendar@islander.org.

This bill could change the entire complexion of this city.

— Mayor Dan Murphy on SB 714

Pines Trailer Park residents in 2017, Sandy Suever, left, and rose Vincent, pitch in at a community pie sale. Islander File Photo

Vosburgh

Bad news?

Try very bad news.

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy traveled to Tallahassee to try to dissuade lawmakers from ending city-implemented vacation rental regulations.

Ryan Paice’s interview with the mayor and his page 1 story this week make it pretty clear that the mayor’s effort was met with mostly stubborn opposition. The Florida House and Senate majority seem dead set on ending home rule when it comes to vacation rental homes.

It’s been an objective for a number of years but, in the past, it fizzled and faltered.

The Republican side of the chambers told us many times they wanted no rental regulations. The conservatives believe an owner should have the right to do with their property as they please.

In reality, the short time before Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach — and other communities up and down the coast — saw the urgent need to curtail the glutted “motel” homes in residential neighborhoods, the camel was already in the tent.

Homes with 10-plus bedrooms were already renting to 20-plus guests next door to small homes where seniors were retired and young couples were trying to raise families.

All the efforts by the city governments could only bring things under control by limiting bedrooms for future homebuilders, setting noise limits, garbage regulations, setbacks for pools and providing safety features — including routine inspections.

It feels a lot like the state legislators are throwing the baby out with the bath water.

But what about those like-minded (Republican) folks who own vacation homes and rental properties in our neighborhoods who want to maintain their property values and rental income by providing an exceptional setting for their guests — seclusion, peace and quiet and the qualities of a top notch beach town?

They will be losing paradise, too.

They won’t be able to advertise Anna Maria Island as the “old Florida” destination that everyone loves.

The Manatee County Tourist Development Council members and the county commissioners who control the tourist tax funds — that huge barrel of money that heads in beds produces — could see diminishing returns if the very charm that attracts visitors morphs into an island of party homes and crowded beaches.

With apologies for the cliches, but for me, it’s very much like they’re killing the goose. The very goose that laid the golden egg. It’s very bad news.

— Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

Thanks from Friends

The Friends of the Island Library would like to thank our community — all of you — for ongoing support of the Island Library.

Our first-ever jewelry sale was a success, thanks to you.

For the treasure of donations received, the businesses that advertised for us and the hundreds of friends who came to the sale, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Your love for our libraries is crystal clear!

Skimming online

Web (register for free news alerts) islander.org

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▼ Publisher, Co-editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

▼ Editorial Editor Lisa Neff, lisa@islander.org

robert anderson, robert@islander.org

Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist

Kevin cassidy, kevin@islander.org

Jack Elka, jack@jackelka.com

Brook Morrison, brook@islander.org

ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org

▼ Contributors

Karen riley-Love

Jacob Merrifield

Samara Paice

capt. Danny Stasny, fish@islander.org

Nicole Quigley

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

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Judy Loden Wasco

(All others: news@islander.org)

Since it was such a fun event enjoyed by all, we plan to do it again next spring!

Have jewelry to donate? We will start collecting in the fall.

So, if you head north in the summer, it is a great time to clear out your bobbles for our 2024 sale and bring them down to AMI!

Thank you again for supporting public libraries and our gem on the island.

Julie Perry, Friends of the Island Library

Your opinion

The Islander values your opinion. Submit yours along with your name, address and phone number to news@islander.org.

Islander archive 24/7

Some years ago, The Islander was invited to take part in a project with the University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries. We donated our collection of newspapers beginning with the first edition in 1992.

Our complete archive is maintained on the library site, searchable by keyword, name or date. Look for The Islander in the UofF digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

@islandernewspaper

E-edition

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To subscribe online, visit islander.org.

Connections, AMI & beyond

Anna Maria: Mayor Dan Murphy, 941-708-6130, cityofannamaria.com, ammayor@cityofannamaria.com.

Bradenton Beach : Mayor John Chappie, 941778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.org, mayor@cityofbradentonbeach.com.

Holmes Beach: Mayor Judy Titsworth, 941-7085800, holmesbeachfl.org, hbmayor@holmesbeachfl.org.

Manatee County : Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, 941-745-3705, kevin.vanostenbridge@ mymanatee.org.

Governor: Ron DeSantis, 850-717-9337, flgov. com.

Florida Senate: Jim Boyd, 941-742-6445, boyd. jim.web@flsenate.gov, flsenate.gov.

Florida House: State Rep. William Cloud “Will” Robinson, District 71, 941-708-4968, will.robinson@ myfloridahouse.gov, myfloridahouse.gov.

Dinner time at Key Royale Club

clint hurdle, center, and family huddle for Dara caudill and her camera at the helicopter that performed a golf ball drop at hurdle’s signature event — the clint hurdle hot Stove Dinner — March 25 under tents on the Krc fairway to benefit the PraderWilli Syndrome association Family Support Program.

Islander Photos: Bonner Joy

10&20 years ago

From the March 26, 2003, issue

• A Holmes Beach resident filed a wrongful death suit against Longboat Key Maintenance department and three drivers, claiming the company’s negligence caused the death of his wife in a traffic crash on the Cortez Bridge. The resident said the company knew its driver was operating with a suspended license.

• A Bradenton Beach commissioner asked for the city attorney to draft an ordinance prohibiting property owners from building structures that blocked a neighbor’s view of the Gulf of Mexico. Commissioners agreed to discuss the issue.

• A Bradenton man was arrested by the Florida Highway Patrol for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol and careless driving after his Jeep hit a concrete barrier on the Anna Maria Island Bridge. The defendant said he wasn’t behind the wheel and the actual driver fled the crash scene.

From the March 27, 2013, issue

• A former islander living in Lomita, California, — who killed his wife and boiled her body in his restaurant’s kitchen — was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison moments after he declared “I didn’t cook my wife.”

• Dawn Stiles, the new executive director of the Anna Maria Island Community Center, said she was packing to move from Maine to AMI and ready to assume her duties April 1 as planned.

aBOVE: Tim McGraw’s contribution to the live auction to benefit PWSa. rIGhT: ann Scheimann of Baltimore reacts on winning the “coconut Drop” (golf ball drop) with clint hurdle March 25 at the Ninth annual hot Stove Dinner at the Key royale club in holmes Beach.

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We bring you all the news about three city governments, community happenings, people features and special events … even real estate transactions … everything you need if your “heart is on Anna Maria Island.”

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• Roser Memorial Community Church continued its 100-year anniversary celebration with a ceremonial planting of a tree on church grounds and the installation of a time capsule in the Roser Chapel wall.

— Lisa Neff

Print Your Own Memories

WMFR assessing service during spring break

By ryan Paice

Islander reporter

Spring break traffic can make getting to and from Anna Maria Island a hassle.

For the West Manatee Fire Rescue District, that congestion can be a matter of life and death.

WMFR commissioners reached consensus March 21 to direct Chief Ben Rigney to study island response times during spring break, analyze related issues and present potential improvements.

Commissioner Derrick Warner began the discussion by saying firefighters had a hard time getting to a March 8 fire at the Birds Nest Apartments in Bradenton Beach due to heavy traffic.

The fire was extinguished and there were no injuries but Warner said WMFR might not be so lucky if an incident was farther from a station.

He said that in addition to creating a hassle for people traveling to the island, traffi c during spring break can present a roadblock for first responders.

“It was a mess. They did a great job … but maybe that’s not going to happen on the other end of the island,” Warner said. “This is putting emergency care and transportation in jeopardy.”

Warner motioned for Rigney to analyze the issue and present potential improvements at a future meeting.

The commission agreed with Warner’s suggestion but Commissioner David Bishop said Rigney could be

directed by the commission without a vote.

The commission will meet next at 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 18, at the district administrative building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton.

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

West Manatee Fire Rescue officers take home county fire chiefs’ awards

crystal Tucciarone, center, poses March 23 with West Manatee Fire rescue District officers on being named Manatee county Fire chiefs’ association’s 2022 Firefighter of the Year. Tucciarone was one of three WMFr staff who won the association’s four individual awards for 2022. Islander Photos:

ryan Paice

WMFr Deputy chief Jay Johnson, center, smiles March 23 alongside other WMFr officers on being named the Manatee county Fire chiefs’ association 2022 chief Officer of the Year.

Ready for tourist season?

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

WMFr Fire Marshal rodney Kwiatkowski, left, who chairs the Manatee county Fire chiefs’ association awards committee, introduces WMFr fire-and-life safety inspector Josh adkins, right, as the association’s 2022 Inspector of the Year.

WMFr capt. Paul hopkins, left, Deputy chief Jay Johnson, Battalion chief ryan Moore and chief Ben rigney stand March 23 with Parrish Fire District chief and Mc Fire chiefs’ association president Stacey Bailey, right, are recognized among the local responders deployed to assist with the hurricane Ian recovery in Fort Myers.

WMFr Lt. John Stump, left, March 21 shakes the hand of clayton Lease after Lease was promoted to a first-class firefighter/paramedic.

LEFT: WMFr Lt. Frank agresta, left, receives his lieutenant badge March 21 from his wife, Jaymie.

WMFr Battalion chief ryan Moore, left, congratulates cameron Frazier March 21 with a handshake for his promotion to lieutenant.

Dylan McKee is sworn into service March 21.

Islander Photos: ryan Paice

Sandpiper co-op community celebrates 20-year history

By robert anderson Islander reporter

Sandpiper residents partied like it’s 2003.

The Bradenton Beach mobile home park residents marked their 20th anniversary as a co-op March 24, with an all-day celebration.

The party began at 10 a.m. March 24 with the premiere of a video perspective and sipping mimosas. The video, created by park resident Kristen McCormack, included interviews with current and former residents who have been part of the Sandpiper community through the decades.

Jolene Makowesky, organizer of the event, pulled together scrapbooks and photo albums for display at the clubhouse and the resort catered a beach-themed barbecue and celebrated with an evening of live music by Brigid’s Cross and dancing.

The invitation-only evening event hosted 248 people.

The celebration marked the 2003 purchase of the Sandpiper land by original shareholders. The resort’s homeowners raised $5 million in 2003 to purchase the land and created a co-op after the original owner, the Vorbeck Corporation, announced it had received an offer from a developer to purchase the park.

Under the Florida Mobile Home Act, which governs the rental or leasing of mobile home lots in the state, homeowners in Sandpiper were given the first right to purchase the park.

A cooperative mobile home park, or co-op, is a nonprofit corporation owned solely by the homeowners for the benefit of the residents, formed as the park land goes to the homeowners. It then transitions from a land-lease company to a nonprofit, with the homeowners becoming shareholders in the corporation.

Sandpiper community manager Tracy Moon gathered many of the park’s long-term shareholders together for a photo and an interview with The Islander March 24.

Shareholder AnnJo Bitley saw an ad for a trailer

for sale in 2000 and stopped by the park to see the unit. She and her husband, Al, purchased the unit the next day and have been residents ever since.

“Our in-laws were here in ’86 and came every March break until we actually bought shares in 2003,” shareholder Darlene Stephenson said.

Penny McCuish’s grandparents went to the park in the late 1950s and McCuish’s family has been there ever since. She became a shareholder in 2003.

“We just drove by and we’d been going by to go to the beach for several years,” shareholder Max Althouse said.

Althouse, who lived in Tampa, used to spend weekends on Anna Maria Island with her family. Their usual drive to the beach would take them past the Sandpiper Resort.

“I used to say, ‘I just want a place where I can go to the beach on Saturday, go stay overnight and then home. I’d even take one of those crappy little trailers.’”

Althouse bought one of those trailers in 2003, becoming one of the many shareholders who made the Sandpiper Resort co-op a reality.

Now open.

Sandpiper residents cheer Kristen Mccormack, front center, March 24, and her effort to produce a video celebrating the Sandpiper community to mark 20 years since the resort became a co-op.

Islander

Currently Sandpiper has 120 shareholders and 46 homeowners.

“We’ve been here since 1939,” Moon said. “Historically resident-owned communities typically don’t make it past the first three years.”

Sandpipers’ 20-year celebration occurred as another island mobile community is making its bid to become a co-op.

Homeowners in the Pines Trailer Park, 103 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach, are working through the process to take ownership from Jackson Partnership LLLP of Bradenton, after it proffered the sale Jan. 25.

To purchase the property, homeowners would split the cost among the 87 existing units. Each owner would be responsible for $183,908, if the shares were equal at the offered price of $16 million.

As of March 10, the initial offer from the Pines HOA was rejected by the Jackson Partnership LLLP, according to residents who asked not to be named.

Little is known of the status of the land sale as the mobile home tenants and owners have been asked to keep details of the sale confidential.

Photo: robert anderson

compiled by Lisa Neff, calendar@islander.org.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

THIS WEEK ON AMI

Wednesday, April 5

11 a.m. — History of the Manatee River program, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

ONGOING ON AMI

Throughout March, Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island’s exhibit featuring watercolors by Sharon Tarras, Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786694.

Throughout April, Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island’s exhibit featuring paintings and stained glass by Janet Razze, Artists’ Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6694.

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

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

Friday, March 31

6-8 p.m. — Music in the Park presents Glass Onion Beatles Tribute Band, Riverwalk Mosaic Amphitheater, 606 Third Ave. W., Bradenton: Information: 941-301-8445.

April 6-16, Paranormal Cirque III with acrobats, illusionists, aerial acts and more, Riviera Dunes Marina, 102 Riviera Dunes Way, Palmetto. Fee applies. Information: 941-704-8572, paranormalcirque.com.

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

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

Fridays through May 5, 6 p.m., Music in the Park, Riverwalk Mosaic Amphitheater, 606 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. Information: 941- 301-8445.

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

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

Second and fourth Saturdays, 2-4 p.m., Music on the Porch

Island happenings

Something terrifying this way comes

People crossing the Desoto Bridge between Palmetto and Bradenton will catch sight of the blackand-white big top tent near the riviera Dunes Marina, 102 riviera Dunes Way, Palmetto. The tent is for the Paranormal cirque III, featuring James Giroldini Magic and other performances by illusionists, acrobats, aerial acts and more. “Our wide range of otherworldly characters will send shivers down your spine,” promised a news release. “From zombies to erotic witches, sexy vampires to gruesome ghosts and everything in between.” The show runs april 6-16. For details, go to paranormalcirque. com or call 941-704-8572. Islander Photo: courtesy Michael Gillman

ONGOING ON AMI

jam session, presented by the Florida Maritime Museum and Cortez Cultural Center, outdoors, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: floridamaritimemuseum.org, fmminfo@manateeclerk.com.

SAVE THE DATE

April 7, Music in the Park presents Eric von Band, Bradenton.

April 14, Music in the Park presents Kettle of Fish, Bradenton.

April 22, Main Street Live’s Spring Fling, Bradenton.

Dec. 1-2, Bradenton Blues Fest, Bradenton.

KIDS & FAMILY

Friday, March 31

ON AMI

10 a.m. — 40 Carrots parenting and young children, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786341.

Saturday, April 1

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

Tuesday, April 4

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

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

Through May 21, Mote Marine Aquarium’s “Voyage to the Deep” exhibit, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-388-4441.

SAVE THE DATE

April 15, Desoto National Memorial’s “Landing,” Bradenton. April 29, De Soto Grand Parade, Bradenton.

CLUBS & COMMUNITY

Thursday, March 30

ON AMI

10 a.m. — Seaside Quilters, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

2 p.m. — Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Saturday, April 1

9-11 a.m. — Center of Anna Maria Island beach cleanup, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-1908.

10 a.m.-1 p.m. — Ask A Master Gardener program, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786341.

Most Wednesdays, 1 p.m., mahjong club beginners, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786341.

Second Wednesdays, noon, Off Stage Ladies meeting and luncheon, various locations. Fee applies. Information:” 941-9322798.

Thursdays, 6 p.m., Annie Silver Community Center bingo games, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 413-4416823.

Most Fridays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong club experienced players, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941778-6341.

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

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

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

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

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

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

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

SAVE THE DATE

April 10, Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge/Keep Manatee Beautiful Coastal Cleanup, Bradenton Beach.

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

April 17, Anna Maria Island and West Manatee Democratic Club meeting, Holmes Beach.

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

OUTDOORS & SPORTS ON AMI

Tuesday, April 4 6 p.m. — Beginners yoga, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Bishop Museum series continues at center

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature continues a workshop series through the season at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

The series includes family-oriented workshops and adult programs.

All-ages programs take place at 6 p.m. on designated Wednesdays and adult-oriented programs take place at 10:30 a.m. on designated Thursdays.

Topics include

• For families or children: “Capturing Science” April 5, “How we Build” April 19 and “Florida’s Native Wildlife and Adaptation” May 3.

• For adults: “Capturing Science” March 30, “How we Build” April 6 and “Florida’s Native Wildlife and Adaptations” April 20.

For more information, call the center at 941778-1908.

Easter egg hunt set for April 8

The Sandbar Restaurant will celebrate Easter weekend with the 35th annual egg hunt and bonnet contest on the beach.

The bring-your-own basket egg hunt for children will begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 8, following refreshments at 9 a.m.

An announcement said more than 3,000 eggs will be placed on the beach for children ages 10 and under to find.

The restaurant also will host two Easter bonnet contests — one for adults and one for kids.

The top prize in the adult contest is a two-night stay at the Compass Hotel Anna Maria Sound on Perico Island.

The top prize in the kid’s contest is lunch for four at the Sandbar.

The restaurant is at 100 Spring Ave., Anna Maria.

The restaurant phone number is 941-778-0444.

Friday, March 31

9 a.m. — Seashell Shore Walk, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach. Reservations required. Information: 941-742-5923.

ONGOING ON AMI

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

Thursday, March 30

9 a.m. — Archeo Paddle, Robinson Preserve North Entrance, 1704 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Reservations required. Information: 941-742-5923, mymanatee.org.

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

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

SAVE THE DATE

April 7, Bradenton Marauders home opener, Bradenton.

Island happenings

Artists’ Guild exhibits stained glass, paintings

The Artists’ Guild Gallery will showcase the work of Janet Razze, stained-glass artist and painter, throughout February.

Razze also is president of the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island, which operates the member gallery at 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

Razze’s work will be featured in the gallery window and toasted during a reception set for 5-7:30 p.m. Friday, April 14.

Razze is a second-generation stained-glass artist whose work can be found in the windows of the Cortez Road Baptist Church, 4411 100th St. W., as well as many Bradenton area homes.

She also paints with watercolors and acrylics. For more info, call the gallery at 941-778-6694.

It takes a ‘village’

“Nathan and the Stone crabs” is by children’s book author J.B. crawford, who will address the Just Older Youth group at roser Memorial community church during a meeting and lunch at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, april 5. People are encouraged to bring their brownbag lunches to the tables in the fellowship hall for the talk by crawford, who grew up in cortez and patterned his stories about life in a fishing community. For more information, call the church at 941-778-0414 or go online to roserchurch.com.

Islander courtesy Photo

GOOD TO KNOW

KEEP THE DATES

April 1, April Fools’ Day.

April 9, Easter.

April 15, Tax Day.

April 22, Earth Day.

May 5, Cinco de Mayo.

May 14, Mother’s Day. Get listed! Send listings to calendar@islander.org.

artwork by Janet razze will be featured at the artists’ Guild Gallery in holmes Beach throughout april. Islander courtesy Photo

Spotlight shines on island theater group

An independent film studio, Grey Matter Studios, was formed by three Florida friends from college, Lucas Piety, Derin George and Jacob Massaro.

Producer Piety spearheaded the “Anna Maria Island Players” documentary accepted into the Sarasota Film Festival, with a screening at 10 a.m. April 1 at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail.

For more information, including ticket details, go to sarasotafilmfestival.com.

“We’re extremely excited to share this bit of important local history with the community and shed light on this little-known gem of a resource that Anna Maria has right on their own shores,” Piety shared with The Islander March 25.

The documentary was produced in 2022 and came about when Piety learned the Island Players had produced 74 seasons and the building also had a story. The story unfolds with information from the Anna Maria Island Historical Society and interviews with staff, actors and theater supporters.

For more info, visit sarasotafilmfestival.com.

— Brook Morrison

Mayors Feed the Hungry drive benefits Roser Pantry

Clearing out the cupboards before clearing out of the vacation rental? Shopping for nonperishables at the grocery store?

The Mayors Feed the Hungry Program is conducting a community food drive through Thursday, March 31, on Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key to restock the shelves at the Roser Church Food Pantry.

The Feed the Hungry program has been collecting food for pantries since the late 1980s.

Through March 31, the program is inviting people to drop off nonperishable food — for people and pets — at city halls and fire stations on AMI and LBK.

Final donations will be dropped off at Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 1.

For more, go to mayorsfeedthehungry.org or call an island city hall.

Grants available for nonprofits

Drivers of local nonprofi ts can compete for an Impact100 SRQ grant.

Impact100 SRQ will fund seven “transformational” grants, awarding $109,000 each to nonprofits working in areas of art, culture, history, education, environment, recreation, family, health and wellness.

Pam Kandziora, president of Impact100 SRQ, said in a news release, “We celebrate our fifth year of making transformational change by supporting local organizations and helping to make their big dreams a reality.”

Impact100 SRQ’s collective giving model involves at least 100 women coming together to each make a $1,000 tax-deductible donation.

The grants are funded in increments of no less

Commercial fishing industry workers in Cortez share their perspectives in 5 new videos.

Center of Anna Maria Island plans beach cleanup

The Center of Anna Maria Island will coordinate a beach cleanup Saturday, April 1.

An additional work date — the last of the season —will be Saturday, May 6.

Volunteers will meet at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, and walk to the beach.

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

GoodDeeds

By Lisa Neff

Assistance sought on AMI

• Island Players seeks volunteers to serve as house managers and join the backstage crew at the Anna Maria playhouse. Info: president@theislandplayers. org.

• Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals, as well as assist with technology. Info: 941-345-2441.

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

• AID offers financial help to those who live on the island, go to church on the island, attend school on the island and work on the island. Info: 941-725-2433.

than $100,000 to local nonprofits and, as membership grows, more grants will be funded.

For details, go to www.impact100srq.org.

— Lisa Neff

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Watch their stories at flmaritimefriends.org/clearwaters as they share their experiences on the topics of net making, misconceptions, water quality, federal regulations, and their memories.

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Funding for the oral histories and digital exhibit was provided through a grant from Florida Humanities to the Friends of the Florida Maritime Museum (FFMM) with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in these programs do not necessarily represent those of Florida Humanities, the National Endowment for the Humanities, or any other funder.

Mobilizing: AT&T line replaced on AM tower

Scripts and sips

an aT&T employee replaces a faulty fiber trunk line March 23 on the cell tower outside anna Maria city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, according to Tarpon Towers president Brett Buggeln. Buggeln said a worker, “out of abundance of caution,” also removed a shroud that lost a fastener and a replacement was ordered. Islander Photo: ryan Paice

Store, 503 Manatee ave. W., holmes Beach, on opening day March 23. The property — formerly regions Bank — was rezoned from commercial-1 zoning to c-2 in 2021 to allow the retail business. The building had been vacant since 2012, when it was purchased by ScD at anna Maria LLc. Islander

Correction

In the March 22 issue of The Islander, the caption for a photograph headlined “Plein air by the sea” contained a misspelling for artist Cory Wright’s website address. The correct website address is corywrightart. com.

WE TWEET TOO

Photo: ryan Paice

Kiwanis plans Easter sunrise service on the beach

By Lisa Neff

AMI, LBK churches set Holy Week services

Anna Maria Island churches will celebrate Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem with Palm Sunday traditions and observe Holy Week with a series of services.

CrossPointe Fellowship , 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, will observe Palm Sunday April 2 with a service at 9 a.m.

Holy Week plans include worship at 7 p.m. April 7, Good Friday; and 9 a.m. Sunday, April 9, Easter.

For more information, call CrossPointe at 941-7780719 or go online to crosspointefellowship.church.

The Episcopal Church of the Annunciation , 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, will observe Palm Sunday with services at 8 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.

Holy Week online devotion will be at 5:30 p.m. April 3-5.

On April 6, the church will hold a Maundy Thursday service at 6:30 p.m., after a meal at 5:30 p.m.

Good Friday will be observed at 9:15 a.m. and Holy Saturday, April 8, with online devotion at 10 a.m.

Easter Sunday services will be at 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

For more information, call the church at 941-7781638 or go online to amiannunciation.org.

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church , 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, will observe Palm Sunday with in-person worship in the sanctuary at 9:30 a.m., as well as streaming on the church’s Facebook page.

A Maundy Thursday service will be at 9:30 a.m.

Easter festivities will include a brunch following in-person worship at 9:30 a.m., which also can be streamed on Facebook.

For more information, call the church at 941-7781813 or go online to gloriadeilutheran.com.

Harvey Memorial Community Church , 300 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach, will observe Easter with a service at 9:15 a.m.

For more information, call the church at 941-7791912.

Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine

The service comes with a sunrise.

The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island is organizing its 58th Easter sunrise service, set for April 9 at the Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach.

The service draws as many as 2,000 to the beach for what the club described in a news release as “truly an uplifting service.”

The Anna Maria Beach Cafe will open at 6 a.m., as worshipers arrive, for morning coffee.

The service will begin at 6:30 a.m. and take place as the sun rises behind the stage. Sunrise April 9 will be at 7:13 a.m.

The program includes the Rev. Matthew Grun-

Ave., Anna Maria, will celebrate Palm Sunday with services at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. that include the “Festival of Faith” musical program.

Church plans include services at noon on Good Friday and at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Easter, followed by an Easter egg hunt.

For more information, call the church at 941-7780414 or go online to roserchurch.com.

St. Bernard Catholic Church , 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach, will observe Palm Sunday with Mass at 5 p.m. Saturday, April 1, and Mass at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. April 2.

The Mass of the Lord’s Supper will be at 7 p.m. April 6.

Stations of the Cross will be at 2:30 p.m. April 7 and the Good Friday Mass will be at 3 p.m.

The Easter vigil Mass will be at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, April 8.

The church will hold two Masses at 8:30 a.m. and

The Kiwanis club of anna Maria Island’s 2022 Easter service on the beach begins with a sun rise.

This year’s service will begin at 6:30 a.m. Sunday, april 9, at Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, holmes Beach.

Islander File

field of the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation delivering the invocation, the Rev. Stephen King of Harvey Memorial Community Church reading Scriptures, the Rev. Dirk Rodgers of Roser Memorial Community Church delivering the sermon; the Rev. Douglas King of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church delivering the benediction and the Rev. Matthew Nowicki of St. Bernard Catholic Church delivering the offertory.

There will be music and a collection to be divided among the churches and the Kiwanis for its scholarship program.

For more, call at 941-778-1383.

two at 10:30 a.m. on Easter.

On Longboat Key, Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian (USA), 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, will hold the following:

Palm Sunday service, 10 a.m. featuring the chancel choir; Maundy Thursday Tenebrae Service with Communion, 7:30 p.m.; Good Friday service, 1 p.m.; and Easter service, 10 a.m., featuring the chancel choir.

For more information, go online to christchurchoflbk.org or call 941-383-8833.

Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, will celebrate Holy Week with special music at all services.

Plans include Palm Sunday Communion service at 10 a.m., Good Friday service at 6 p.m., Easter sunrise service at 7 a.m. in the garden, Easter worship at 10 a.m. in the sanctuary and a children’s egg hunt.

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

April

Photo: Bonner Joy

Obituaries

Daryl Van Ostenbridge

Daryl Van Ostenbridge, 87, a Chicago native and longtime resident of Anna Maria Island and Manatee County, died peacefully March 16.

She was born April 26, 1935.

She was a devout Christian and longest member of Roser Memorial Community Church for 75 years, a beloved fi gure in the community who volunteered for many years at the community center on the island.

Remembering tennis legend Nick Bollettieri

By Scoop Malinowski Special to The Islander

There was never a figure in tennis so inspiring, energizing and uniquely recognizable as Nick Bollettieri — and there never will be.

He died Dec. 4, 2022, and his life was celebrated March 18 at a packed IMG Academy gym in Bradenton by about 800 people associated with him in one way or another.

Nick Bollettieri lived for many years on Longboat Key and in Bradenton.

Grossman was there, too. Max Mirnyi also attended, saying if Nick Bollettieri didn’t let him train in Bradenton as a teen he wouldn’t have become a Grand Slam champion.

Ex-player Bobby Blair came from Las Vegas. Former NBTA employee Chip Hart flew in from Wisconsin. Lisa Kerkorian arrived from West Palm Beach and Anne White from Los Angeles. Mary Carillo sat in row eight. Former partner/coaches Julio Moros and Bunner Smith also attended.

Longtime Bollettieri assistant Steve Shulla was another outstanding highlight speaker.

Van Ostenbridge

She also was a retired nurse, an avid reader, a huge baseball fan, loved crafting, quilting and traveling and had an incomparable sense of humor.

As the wife of John, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she always said her family was her proudest accomplishment.

A celebration of life will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 15, at Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, with a reception to follow. Memorial donations may be made to Roser Church at P.O. Box 247, Anna Maria, FL 34216, or Tidewell Hospice.

Mrs. Van Ostenbridge is survived by her sons Butch and wife Edie and John and wife Joyce; daughter Vicki; grandchildren Kevin, Keith, Jamie, Dara, Anna and Abi; great-grandchildren ShaiLynn, Sydnee, Hailey, Liam, Riley, Harper, Sloan and Christian; brother Bob and wife Joyce and Paul and wife Jan; and sister Virginia and husband Mark.

Billy ‘Bill’ L. Rouse

Billy “Bill” L. Rouse, 75, died March 21 at home in Holmes Beach.

He was born April 3, 1947, to Harry Rouse Jr. and Phyllis (Carlson) in Gary, Indiana.

Mr. Rouse enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, Indiana University basketball and having a beer with friends.

Bollettieri

The tennis coach, academy founder, inspirational motivator and friend of countless numbers of people died at age 91 during the Eddie Herr International, a junior tennis event at the academy he envisioned and created more than five decades ago.

The invitation-only tribute included Grand Slam champions, former players and students, fans, some media and various friends, family and admirers.

In a video tribute by Monica Seles, she said, “Not only is he probably the greatest coach in the world but he’s the best motivator I’ve ever met.”

Wife Cindy Bollettieri revealed that when they married about 20 years ago, her husband was older than her parents, in a mountain of debt and she knew nothing about tennis. But it worked. She said she misses some little things about her husband, such as how he could eat 12 ears of corn in one sitting.

Jimmy Arias, now IMG director of tennis, called Bollettieri the “godfather of tennis” and “though the academy is now called IMG, it’s really Nick’s place.”

With that comment, Red Ayme, seated in the eighth row, wearing a blue IMG shirt and sunglasses, raised both hands and applauded the statement. Many others joined him.

Host Steve Shenbaum closed the celebration with a message to follow Nick Bollettieri’s example — to inspire those we encounter, try to recognize talent in everyone and let them know about it.

As I listened to all the speakers respect Nick Bollettieri and share memories, I thought of my own standout experiences with the coach — and there were so many. In 1992, my first year as a reporter doing Biofile interviews for the Morristown Daily Record in New Jersey, I managed to set up and do a phone interview with Nick Bollettieri and I still remember what a thrill it was to actually talk to the Wimbledon winning coach and for him to give me his time.

Back then I was irrelevant in tennis, but Nick Bollettieri still took the time to do an interview with a nobody. In the following years he was always accessible where ever I saw him and no matter what I asked him about — Safin, Rios, McEnroe, Djokovic — he would always give much better content than I had hoped. He even told me he loved my book, “Marcelo Rios: The Man We Barely Knew.”

Every time I saw Nick Bollettieri at a tennis tournament he always magnetized fans who wanted to talk or take a photo. And he engaged with them every single time. It’s possible nobody in tennis history touched as many lives in a positive manner as did Nick Bollettieri.

rouse

A celebration of life will be 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, March 28, at the Anchor Inn, 3007 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. In celebration, the family asked that you please go to your local bar, drink a beer for Mr. Rouse and tip your bartender.

Mr. Rouse is survived by wife Margaret “Margie;” son Jake and wife Ashley; daughter Amy Rouse, M.D.; grandchildren Brady and Sophie; and his nieces and nephews.

Looking

Ayme first united with Nick Bollettieri 38 years ago, starting as a bus driver. He later was a traveling coach for Tommy Haas and Marcelo Rios, among others, and today he’s still a coach at IMG. Was he wearing sunglasses inside the gym to hide tears?

I noticed several people with teary eyes. It’s aweinspiring to think of the impact Nick had on so many lives.

Nick Bollettieri’s students came from all over. David Wheaton gave the invocation and benediction. Carling Bassett Seguso sat in row three behind Kathy Horvath. Mary Pierce a couple of seats away. Ann

If the spirit of Nick Bollettieri managed to find the time to attend and observe the celebration of his life today, there is not an iota of doubt that his feeling of joy would have exceeded the 1992 Wimbledon final triumph of one of his best players — Andre Agassi.

Above all our heads in the gym on the scoreboard over the basketball court, hung a photo of Nick and a quote: “Believe in yourself and never doubt your ability to do it.”

His example and messages will live on.

Editor’s note: Malinowski wrote “Nick Bollettieri: Godfather of Modern Tennis,” available on Amazon.

– ZIPPIA

Upcoming Classes:

Sea Salt Scrub (April 5)

Indigo Dye Shibori (april 18)

See details and buy your ticket online at

FloridaMaritimeMuseum.org

"76% of workers report being frequently tired at work."

Cortez housing developer claims win in dock dispute

By robert anderson Islander reporter

A canal in Cortez created a division for two companies.

The dispute ended in favor of the developers of Hunters Point Resort and Marina, 12444 Cortez Road W., Cortez, according to Marshall Gobuty, president of Cortez Road Investments and Finance and founder of Pearl Homes, which is developing the housing project.

Hunters Point is a development of 86 zero-energy homes that will self-generate and store electric power.

In 2021, MHC Cortez Village LLC, which owns the neighboring Cortez Village Marina, petitioned the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings to revoke a Southwest Florida Water Management District permit for Hunters Point.

MHC Cortez Village, owned by Chicago billionaire Sam Zell’s Equity Lifestyle Properties firm, acquired the marina in March 2021.

The Swiftmud permit would allow the construction of 49 docks along a canal belonging to Hunters Point.

MHC’s petition claimed the docks would:

an aug. 31, 2022, view of a canal that borders the hunters Point development site in cortez from the bridge on 127th Street West north of the cortez road. Islander File Photo

• Increase canal traffic;

• Impair traffic by narrowing navigable portions of the canal;

• Negatively affect marina customers’ safety;

• Limit the size of the vessels that can use the canal;

• Negatively impact the profitability and ongoing operations of Cortez Village Marina.

CRIF defended its plan, maintaining the proposed docks were designed to provide a minimal intrusion into the canal and were following local, state and federal regulations.

The CRIF legal team contended that the petition lacked merit and that Swiftmud had correctly issued the permit.

On March 7, Administrative Law Judge J. Bruce Culpepper struck down all the points raised by MHC and recommended Swiftmud permit the 49 Hunters Point docks.

Culpepper said MHC failed to meet its burden of proof that the docks are contrary to the public interest or that the docks negatively impact navigation.

The order came after a hearing held over the course of several days in June, August and September 2022.

Culpepper also stated the addition of navigational aids by Cortez Road Investments and Finance might improve navigational safety on the canal.

The court recommendation was to be forwarded to Swiftmud.

The petition caused a two-year delay in the construction of homes along the canal.

THIS AND THAT

BY DAVID TUFFS / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ

No. 0319

anna Maria Island chamber of commerce scholarship committee chair Karen LaPensee, left, presents scholarship certificates and awards to Evan Nicholas christenson, hanna Marie Ferguson and Terrance Johnson Jr. March 23 at a gathering at LaPensee Plumbing in holmes Beach. Islander courtesy Photo

Cops & Courts

PA man arrested for battering HBPD officer

By ryan Paice

Islander reporter

Holmes Beach police arrested Justin Ganser, 23, of Pennsylvania, March 12 on third-degree felony charges of battery on law enforcement and resisting law enforcement with violence.

Four officers responded to a noise complaint around midnight, found loud talking and amplifi ed music in violation of the city noise ordinance and issued a citation to the renter, Pennsylvania resident Cooper Meagher.

The party turned off the music but an officer, hearing the party continue to talk loudly, returned to seek compliance.

Instead, the renter and a guest, later identified as Ganser, argued with police and refused to comply, according to an HBPD report.

The officers issued the renter a second citation for violating the city noise ordinance and remained on scene for about 10 minutes to ensure the renters complied — which they did — until police heard a crash and screaming from inside the property.

“With a well-founded belief that someone may be injured inside and possibly a violent crime had occurred due to the argument followed by the screaming, I announced that they needed to open the door for us or I would force entry,” the HBPD report states.

A person inside the property opened the door for the officers but Ganser’s sister, Jaida Ganser, allegedly tried to physically block their way inside and struck one officer.

When the officers handcuffed Jaida Ganser, Justin Ganser began yelling at police and also was handcuffed.

Both Gansers were seated outside as the officers spoke with Meagher, who allegedly grabbed an officer. Meagher, too, was handcuffed.

“It was only after concluding the call some hours later that this battery and the previously mentioned battery in which Ms. Ganser struck my right arm were confi rmed from reviewing our body worn camera footage and this is why no arrest was made on Ms. Ganser or Mr. Meagher at the time,” the HBPD report stated.

While police were detaining Meagher, Justin Ganser approached an officer and kicked him in the chest, according to the HBPD.

The officers arrested Justin Ganser and transported him to the Manatee County jail, where he was released March 13 after posting $3,000 bond.

Assistant public defender Vanessa Ayala filed a not guilty plea March 15 on Ganser’s behalf.

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

An arraignment will be at 9 a.m. Friday, April 21, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

Police also submitted capias requests to the state attorney’s office for charges against Jaida Ganser and Meagher for battery of a law enforcement officer and resisting law enforcement without violence.

Anna Maria man arrested in HB for DUI

By ryan Paice

Islander reporter

Holmes Beach police arrested Anna Maria resident Christopher Overbey, 41, March 18 on a second-degree misdemeanor for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.

An HBPD officer was at the Anchor Inn Bar, 3007 Gulf Drive, in reference to a trespass and found an unresponsive man, Overbey, in the front seat of a vehicle in the parking lot as he was leaving.

The officer woke Overbey, who spoke with slurred speech and had watery eyes, and was holding what appeared to be a THC oil vaporizer pen.

The officer asked if the vape pen contained THC. Overbey said it did and that he had a medical marijuana license, which he provided.

Overbey told the officer he had “several” alcoholic drinks and hit his THC vape pen earlier that night, so the officer asked him to perform field sobriety tests.

Overbey refused to perform the tests, so the officer arrested Overbey and transported him to the department for processing.

There, he refused to provide a breath sample.

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

If convicted, punishments for a second-degree misdemeanor includes up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.

An arraignment will be at 8:55 a.m. Thursday, April 20, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

Streetlife Staff reports

Island police reports

Anna Maria

March 16, 100 block of Magnolia Avenue, vandalism. A Manatee County Sheriff’s Offi ce deputy responded to a call concerning damage to a van. The complainant said someone dented the van at a job site. The officer filed a case number.

The MCSO polices Anna Maria.

Bradenton Beach

No new reports.

The Bradenton Beach Police Department polices Bradenton Beach.

Cortez

No new reports.

The MCSO polices Cortez.

Holmes Beach

March 15, 12000 block of Manatee Avenue, speeding. An officer from the Holmes Beach Police Department clocked a motorist driving 83 mph in a 35-mph zone, so he conducted a traffic stop. The officer issued a citation and court summons.

March 16, D-Coy Ducks, 5410 Marina Drive, disorderly intoxication. Two officers responded to reports of a disturbance and, outside, found a man arguing with a bartender, who wanted the man removed for the night. An officer asked the man to leave. The man went to stand outside a business across the street, where he continued to yell and cause a disturbance. The officers asked the man’s friends in the bar to remove him from the area. When they tried, he began screaming at people and almost got into a physical altercation. The officers arrested the man for disorderly intoxication and transported him to the Manatee County jail.

March 17, 700 block of Manatee Avenue, alcohol/ obstruction. An officer was conducting a traffic stop when a woman with an open beer can approached him to ask for a ride to a nearby hotel. The officer called for backup, which arrived and spoke to the woman, who appeared to be intoxicated. The backup officer asked her to pour out the can since open alcohol containers

PLEaSE, SEE STREETLIFE, NEXT PaGE

Island watch

In an emergency, call 911. To report information, call the MCSO Anna Maria substation, 941-7088899; Bradenton Beach police, 941-778-6311; or Holmes Beach police, 941-708-5804.

facebook.com/daiquirideck

Wisconsin man arrested for intoxicated driving in HB

Holmes Beach police arrested Wisconsin resident Martin Kessler, 55, March 18 on a second-degree misdemeanor for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.

An HBPD officer saw a motorist around 11 p.m. driving without lights and swerving, so he conducted a traffic stop.

The officer spoke to the driver, Kessler, who had glassy eyes and breath that smelled of alcohol.

Kessler told the officer he had some drinks in Bradenton Beach and was on his way back to his vacation rental.

The officer asked Kessler to perform field sobriety exercises, which he failed.

The officer arrested Kessler and transported him to the department, where he registered breath samples with results of 0.153 and 0.143 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood.

The state’s legal blood alcohol level limit for driving under the influence is 0.08.

The offi cer transported Kessler to the Manatee County jail, where he was released the same day after posting $120 bond.

If convicted, punishments for a second-degree misdemeanor includes up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.

An arraignment will be at 8:55 a.m. Tuesday, April 18, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

— ryan Paice

are not allowed in public, but she refused to comply before throwing the beer at his feet. The officer asked for the woman’s identification so he could issue an open container violation, but she refused to provide it. So, the officer arrested the woman for obstruction and transported her to the Manatee County jail.

March 19, Anna Cabana, 3711 Fourth St., recovered firearm. A man called the HBPD to report that he accidentally left two handguns and a gun case at a vacation rental where he recently stayed. An officer responded to the property, where the new renters allowed him to search for the gun case. The officer found the case containing guns and placed it in storage for the complainant to retrieve.

HBPD polices Holmes Beach.

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

HBPD seeks charges for aggravated battery, trespass

By ryan Paice Islander reporter

Holmes Beach police were set to submit a capias request to the state attorney’s office for aggravated battery and trespassing charges against resident Everett “Lonnie” Hodapp, 53.

An officer responded March 8 to a disturbance at the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, and found Hodapp with a cut on his right hand and in possession of a machete, according to the police report.

The offi cer called Manatee County Emergency Medical Services to treat Hodapp’s injury.

After EMS cleared Hodapp, he told police the injury was a result of a conflict that began when he argued with another beachgoer.

Hodapp said the man poked him in the chest with a small knife, resulting in a cut observed by police.

Hodapp said he knocked the knife out of the man’s hand and later took a machete, which the man allegedly tried to use against him.

Because the officer was familiar with the other party involved in the conflict, HBPD contacted a family member.

The man went with his mother to the Holmes Beach Police Department for the interview.

He told police he was sitting with his mother in their truck in the beach parking lot when Hodapp took the machete from the back of the vehicle and thrust it into the window.

He said Hodapp cut himself by purposefully grabbing the blade.

The man said he threw a pole at Hodapp and Hodapp threw the machete at him.

The man denied possessing a small knife, which police failed to find during a search.

Police issued the man a trespass warning.

Hodapp had been issued a trespass warning from the beach March 7, so he left the scene after police reminded him of his active trespass warning.

However, an officer found Hodapp at the beach March 9, and he was arrested on a trespassing charge and transported to the Manatee County jail.

Hodapp was released the next day without bond.

A March 8 police report states, “A capias request will be submitted for trespass after warning, along with aggravated battery as further investigation yielded enough information that possibly Hodapp battered (the man) and the possibility of mutual combatants exists.”

Aggravated battery is a second-degree felony punishable upon conviction by up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Trespassing after warning is often charged as a misdemeanor but if an offender is armed or arms themself with a dangerous weapon while on the property they can be charged with a third-degree felony.

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.

2019 Cortez hit-and-run retrial set for May

By robert anderson Islander reporter

A man accused of aggravated battery and leaving the scene of a crash in Cortez faces a second trial in May.

David Nichols, 59, of Bradenton was arrested in November 2019.

Prosecutors say Nichols hit and dragged Fred Gilliland of Cortez underneath his vehicle for nearly a block in the area of 101st Street West.

Gilliland, known in Cortez as “Fat Freddy,” sustained severe injuries, resulting in amputation of his right arm, and including damage to his spleen, a lacerated liver, rib fractures, a collapsed lung and facial lacerations.

Jurors for a Dec. 12, 2022, trial of Nichols were deadlocked, resulting in a mistrial on both counts. When a jury cannot agree on a verdict on one or more counts, the judge can declare a mistrial, triggering a retrial.

Manatee County Clerk’s Office records March 8 indicated that Nichols’ attorney, Colleen M. Glenn, was withdrawing due to the defendant’s financial inability to pay her.

Glenn was retained in March 2020 to represent Nichols but the retainer did not include the retrial.

On March 17, a motion allowing Glenn to withdraw from the case and appointing Nichols a public defender was granted by Judge Fredrick P. Mercurio. Nichols, since Oct. 25, 2022, has been in custody at the Manatee County jail after being denied reinstatement of $150,000 bond stemming from an Oct. 14, 2022, citation for allegedly driving with a suspended license. The citation was a violation of the conditions of his pretrial release.

If convicted, Nichols faces a mandatory prison sentence with a maximum penalty of 15 years. Nichol’s case was set for trial at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, May 18, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

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STREETLIFE FrOM PaGE 20

Bradenton Beach crime rates drop 23.3% for 2022

By robert anderson Islander reporter

Bradenton Beach’s crime rate dropped 23.3% in

A 2022 report, presented to city commissioners March 16 by Police Chief John Cosby, showed total offenses decreased from 30 in 2021 to 23 in 2022.

cosby

The Bradenton Beach Police Department reported no violent crime for 2021 or 2022.

However, arrests, according to the chief’s report, increased from two in 2021 to 15 in 2022.

Some other statistics for incidents in 2022:

• Simple assault: two;

• Burglary: five;

• Larceny: 15;

• Motor vehicle thefts: two;

The total value of stolen goods for 2022 was estimated at $41,212, with $5,800 recovered by police.

Cosby cited increased patrols in the community redevelopment agency district as a reason for success in 2022.

The CRA District, established in 1992 to eliminate blight, is generally bordered by Cortez Road on the north, Sarasota Bay on the east, Fifth Street South on the south and the Gulf of Mexico on the west.

BB man arrested for spitting on officer

A Bradenton Beach man arrested outside an ice cream shop March 18 is accused of spitting on a police officer while in custody.

Bradenton Beach Police Officers Steven Masi and Charles Marose arrested Edward Thomas Kalinoski, 68, March 18 for alleged battery on a law enforcement officer and disturbing the peace.

Masi and Marose had responded to complaints from employees at Island Scoops ice cream shop, 103B Gulf Drive N., about a man in the store verbally abusing employees and customers. The man, later identified as Kalinoski, also allegedly grabbed an employee’s arm.

Outside the store, Kalinoski continued to verbally assault people, according to a BBPD report.

Store employees told officers they did not want to press charges but they did want Kalinoski trespassed, as he appeared to be intoxicated.

But when officers advised Kalinoski he was being detained for allegedly disturbing the peace, he became

belligerent and irate, assuming a fighting posture, the BBPD report stated.

The officers attempted to place Kalinoski in handcuffs and, after a scuffle on the ground, the man was arrested and transported to the police station.

After the scuffle, Kalinoski had what appeared to be a small cut on his forehead, the report stated.

At the police station, when Masi asked Kalinoski to face him so he could treat the cut, Kalinoski allegedly swore and spit in Masi’s face, which resulted in a new charge, that of battery on a law enforcement officer.

Kalinoski was taken to the Manatee County jail and released on $1,620 bail.

He is set to appear in court April 4.

Under Florida law, battery of a law enforcement officer is a third-degree felony, with penalties of up to five years in prison or five years of probation and a $5,000 fine.

—robert anderson

Burglary trial for Bradenton man continued

The trial of a Bradenton man arrested in 2022 in connection with an alleged burglary in Bradenton Beach was continued to April 24.

Levi Oxendine, 23, was arrested March 30, 2022, for second-degree burglary to an occupied structure, first-degree obstruction without violence and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He was set to go to trail March 23 but the case was

continued by Judge Frederick P. Mercurio as the state continued to identify witnesses, according to Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court public information officer Jennifer Linzy.

In Florida, the burglary of an occupied structure is a second-degree felony and, if convicted, is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, 15 years on probation and a $10,000 fine.

Resisting without violence and possession of drug paraphernalia are first-degree misdemeanors, with penalties of up to a year in jail or a year probation and a $1,000 fine.

The trial is scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday, April 24, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

— robert anderson

The BBPD runs CRA-funded patrols throughout the district Thursday-Sunday.

“The CRA patrol has helped out immensely,” Cosby said. “I am going to come back at budget and ask for the CRA board to approve adding Wednesday to that so we can have CRA from Wednesday to Sunday.”

Mayor John Chappie touted BBPD’s efforts in a March 22 interview with The Islander.

“We’re all very proud of our Bradenton Beach Police Department,” Chappie said. “Chief Cosby in the past couple of years has made some significant operational changes. He’s really emphasizing the training and technology that goes on with our police department. It’s just excellent community policing that these guys do every day.”

Sarasota man arrested for DUI

By ryan Paice

Islander reporter

Holmes Beach police arrested Sarasota resident Bradley Bowen, 62, March 16 on a second-degree misdemeanor for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.

An HBPD officer received a tip about a motorist driving recklessly in a vehicle with a broken windshield, which the officer found parked at about 3:30 a.m. outside Hancock Whitney Bank, 5324 Gulf Drive.

The officer and backup approached the vehicle — which also had fresh scratches and dents on its hood — and spoke to the driver, Bowen.

The officers could smell alcohol and urine from inside the vehicle and there were several cans of Mike’s Harder Lemonade on the passenger seat.

Bowen, who had glassy eyes, told police he was on several prescription medications. He said he hit a barrier about three hours before, but was lost and did not know where that happened or where he was.

The officers asked Bowen to perform field sobriety exercises, which he failed.

HBPD arrested Bowen and transported him to the department, where he provided a urine sample and registered breath samples with results of 0.041 and 0.039 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood.

The state’s legal blood alcohol level limit for driving under the influence is 0.08.

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

If convicted, punishments for a second-degree misdemeanor includes up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.

An arraignment will be at 8:55 a.m. Tuesday, April 18, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

Anna Maria continues to tweak water taxi agreement

By ryan Paice Islander reporter

Manatee County and the city of Anna Maria may be nearing an agreement on the county’s planned water taxi service.

City commissioners unanimously voted March 23 to send the county an unsigned, revised interlocal agreement allowing docking at the city pier for a county-run water taxi.

The proposed service would run 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday between downtown Bradenton,

RoadWatch

Eyes on the road

• Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach : Manatee County is relocating and replacing sewer lines in Bradenton Beach along Gulf Drive from Sixth Street South to 13th Street South. Motorists can expect a detour and traffic delays. Anticipated completion is fall 2024. For more information, go online to amiprojects.io.

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

• Holmes Boulevard in Holmes Beach: Manatee County is working on a force main project near Holmes Boulevard, which can result in some traffic delays and congestion. As of March 22, the contractor was installing pipeline along 58th Street between Holmes Boulevard and Marina Drive, according to amiprojects.io. Anticipated completion is in April.

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

— Lisa Neff

the Anna Maria City Pier, the Historic Bridge Street Pier and also Coquina Bayside. There are no stops planned in Holmes Beach.

The service would involve two boats measuring 45-50 feet that would carry 35-45 passengers.

Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and head of the county’s water taxi efforts, has said the service would have a fare of no more than $10 one way and island workers could ride for free.

Commissioners first crafted an interlocal agreement last September to establish terms for the water taxi at the pier dock.

Since then, the agreement has bounced back and forth a couple of times as the two sides carve out their interests.

The city’s revised agreement includes:

• The water taxi must feature the city pier as its last stop before returning to downtown Bradenton;

• The county must pay the cost of all maintenance, improvements, permits and studies needed for water taxi dockage and accessibility under the U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act;

• The county will assume all legal liability for the operation of the water taxi service;

• The county must submit for city approval plans for modifications or improvements needed for dockage, and allowing the city to cancel the agreement if such changes are unsatisfactory;

• The water taxi fare between Anna Maria and Bradenton for island workers must be subject to city approval.

The revised agreement initially made all water taxi fares between Anna Maria and Bradenton subject to city commission approval but Commissioner Jonathan Crane said such a provision would be an “overreach.”

Mayor Dan Murphy said the provision was intended to guarantee affordable fares for island workers.

The provision was changed to specify island employees’ fares, and commissioners agreed.

The commission will meet next at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 13, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

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

a map shows the route of the Gulf Islands Ferry, with stops in downtown Bradenton, the anna Maria city Pier, the historic Bridge Street Pier and the South coquina Boat ramp. Islander File Image

Runner ranks No. 1, center soccer kicks off, horseshoes, golf

By Kevin P. cassidy Islander reporter

It’s been a good year for islander Sandy Meneley.

A 1968 graduate of Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin, she recently was honored with an alumni award for “Outstanding Personal Achievement,” recognition given to one alumni a year. She was recognized for her athletic achievements that include winning world championship ironman events, duathlons and road races.

Sandy Meneley shows off her first-place medal from the Skyway Bridge run March 12. Islander

Photo: courtesy Fuzz Meneley

and Danny Hampton scored three. Mike Parsons and Daniel Anders both chipped in two goals and an assist, while goalie Jessica Ruekberg posted four saves in the victory.

Raul Loera scored two goals for Gulf View, which also received a goal from Keith Mahoney in the loss.

Horseshoe news

cassidy

And she’s topped that with a notice from the USA Triathlon, the governing body of the sport, that again she was named an All-American in her age group and the No. 1 ranked athlete in the 75-79 age group.

In 2022, she won the Dolphin Dash on the AMI, setting a senior grand masters record with a time of 26:18, took fi rst place in the Run for Turtles, Fort DeSoto duathlon and the Illinois half marathon. She followed that up in 2023 with first-place finishes in her age group in the Chilly Willy duathlon, the Gasparilla 15K and the Skyway Bridge run.

When asked why she continues to compete at age 76, Meneley said, “Good health and because I can.”

She ad-libbed off the ironman motto, “Anything is possible,” adding “with God’s help.” She said she hopes her story inspires younger athletes to never give up and to continue an active lifestyle.

For Meneley, her personal highlights are getting to run the Mississippi Gulf Coast half-marathon with her granddaughter Halli Briscoe and the awards presentation in Kenosha with her son’s family present. She also noted her enjoyment from the Skyway Bridge run March 12 with her sister Linda Bernier of Minnesota.

Most of all, she loves the adrenaline rush at the start and finish of her races and she cherishes the support she receives from husband Fuzz, who is always there to cheer her on.

Congratulations to Meneley from The Islander.

Center soccer news

The adult soccer league at the Center of Anna Maria Island kicked off it’s spring season March 23 with four games. The league consists of eight teams competing in a seven-game season. Playoffs will kick off May 11 with semifinal matches May 18 and championship May 25.

The action got started on the center pitch with Vin-

tage Beach outlasting Duncan Real Estate 4-3 behind two goals and an assist from Joey Hutchinson and a goal each from Mandy Sky and JD Webb. Goalies Danny Free and Mark Rudacille combined to make 14 saves and contributed three assists in the Vintage victory.

Tyler Brewer scored two goals and Kevin Roman added a goal for Duncan, which also received 12 saves from Tuna McCracken in the loss.

The second game of the evening saw Pool America cruise to a 10-3 victory over shorthanded Moss Builders behind a hat trick from Chris Klotz and two goals each from Nate Welch and Lucas Wilson. Jamie Hutchison had a goal and an assist, while Eduardo Schlueter and William Romberger each notched one goal. Dean Hinterstoisser chipped in with a pair of assists and Rob Marshall made three saves in the victory.

Gerardo Urbiola Bolanos paced Moss Builders with two goals in the loss.

Solid Rock Construction outscored Sato Real Estate 5-3 in the third match of the night on the strength of three goals from Amy Ivin and two goals from Yuri Pereira. Goalie Steve Oelfke helped preserve the victory with six saves.

Joseph DiClemente, Tim Hurst and Rex Kesten each scored for Sato, which also received five saves from Benjamin Sato in the loss.

The fi nal match of the night saw Sandbar Restaurant roll past Gulfview Windows & Doors by a 12-3 score. Matt Staggs led the way with five goals

SportsShort

By Lisa Neff

Marauders to take home field

The Bradenton Marauders will return Friday, April 7, to Bradenton’s LECOM Park to start a 13th season.

The team is a Single-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The home opener at 6:30 p.m. will be against the Clearwater Threshers.

LECOM Park is slated to host 66 games during the season.

For more information, call 941-747-3031 or go online to bradentonmarauders.com.

Horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall pits saw four teams advance to the knockout stage during March 22 action. The team of Ron Hooper and Gary Howcroft advanced to the finals with a 22-12 victory over Rod Bussey and Bob Mason, while Tim Sofran and Tom Farrington advanced with a 22-8 victory over Bob Hawks and Bob Brown. It was all SofranFarrington in the finals on a 22-4 victory.

The March 25 games saw another four-team showdown to determine a champion. The first semifinal saw Bob Baker and Bob Lee eliminate Sofran and Dave Long with a 23-14 victory, while Farrington and Adin Shank advanced with a 23-8 victory over Tom Skoloda and Brown. The finals saw Farrington and Shank jump out to a 19-9 lead, but Baker and Lee scored the final 13 points to earn a 22-19 come-from-behind victory and the day’s championship.

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

There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome.

Key Royale golf news

There was a full slate of golf action at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach, starting with the men’s modified-Stableford match March 20.

The competition was fierce as Jim Hichen, Larry Solberg, Joe Tynan and Ron Vandeman carded plus-4s to finish in a four-way tie for first place.

There also was a tie for second place with Larry Bratain, Gary Risner and Harvey Shovers finishing at plus-3, while Mike Cusato, Mike Gilie and Peter Lund tied for third place at plus-2.

The women played a nine-hole individual-lownet match in two flights March 21. Roxanne Koche carded a 1-under-par 31 to earn a one-stroke victory in Flight A over Phyllis Roe, Debbie DuVernay and Mary Wilkie. Pam Lowry was another stroke back in third place.

Judy Todd fired a 1-under-par 31 to grab first place in Flight B. Jan Turner was alone in second place with an even-par 31 while Annette Hall was one stroke back in third place.

Fifty-four men played in the men’s membermember tourney March 22. Teams were divided into three divisions based on total team handicap. Playing a two-man handicap better-ball format, Eric Lawson and Gary Risner won Division 1 with a score of 4-underpar 59. The team of Marty Hicks and Terry Tarras won Division 2 with a 6-under-par 57 and, with a 5-underpar 58, Bruce Christenson and Mike Morris topped Division 3.

Water, air temps rising fast, sparking AMI fishing fever

By capt. Danny Stasny Islander reporter

With water temperatures back on the rise, Anna Maria Island anglers are unable to control their urge to get on the water and enjoy inshore and offshore fishing.

With the clear, emerald green waters reaching tolerable temperatures on the flats, fishing for snook, redfish and spotted seatrout is shaping up nicely.

The same applies for anglers venturing offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, as they are finding a variety of species to target, including permit, kingfish, blackfin tuna and bottom species — grouper and snapper.

Whether you’re in the back country or offshore, the fishing is fixing to get good. So plan your schedule accordingly.

On the flats, a couple of techniques are proving successful. Drifting and jigging with soft plastics on a jighead is a great way to cover some water and locate schools of spotted seatrout. You can encounter ladyfish and jack crevalle in the mix, which adds excitement and mystery to the bite.

And, if you have some honey holes for your go-to spots, you could find the fish there are finally responding to live shiners as bait. Free-lining the baits is sufficient on most days.

If you’re rigged to free-line shiners, don’t forget to venture onto the shallower flats. Snook and redfish can be found lingering in these areas during the right tides. Casting baits along mangrove shorelines or at oyster bars can prove to be deadly for unsuspecting snook and reds creeping the flats in search of a meal.

Moving offshore, wreck and reef fishing will be on the rise in the weeks to come as the Gulf water contin-

Steve Watson of Denver emailed The Islander that he “caught and released this big snook” March 22 on the beach on anna Maria Island. Watson said he hooked the snook on a pompano jig, landed it after 20 minutes, snapped a trophy photo and released the linesider to fight another day. he said he’s “been visiting aMI with my family for about 17 years.”

ues to warm. Pelagics such as blackfin tuna and kingfish will be noticeable in these areas. You can expect to see amberjack and possibly some permit, too. As for bottom fishing, red grouper will be a top target, as well as varieties of snapper.

On my Just Reel charters, we’re seeing trout and snook fishing beginning to shape up as the recent cold snap’s impacts wears off. Both species are responding to live shiners as bait.

On the colder days just after the front, sheepshead were being caught on live shrimp. My clients also had redfish in the mix when casting shrimp around docks.

Capt. Jason Stock is getting offshore between windy days. Permit were the targeted species this past week with some nice specimens coming to the boat. Fishing around wrecks and reefs with live pass crabs as bait put Stock’s clients on permit in the 20-pound range.

On days when the wind is blowing too hard to venture offshore, Stock is focusing on a side project, the Full Send Reef Habitat. It’s a great cause with longterm positive effects on the horizon.

If you want more information on this, visit www. fullsendreefhabitat.org. Way to go, buddy. We need more habitat in the Gulf for our fish to have sanctuary.

Capt. David White is working inshore in Tampa Bay and adjacent waters — Anna Maria Sound and

Sarasota Bay — to the south. On warmer days, especially during the afternoon tides, White is putting clients on the action on deeper grass flats where spotted seatrout are on the prowl. Free-lining live shiners or adding a split shot to the rig is resulting in respectable catches of these fish. On shallower flats, redfish are being caught on shiners.

On cooler days, White’s anglers are catching reds, although he’s switching them to live shrimp as bait and fishing around docks.

Lastly, large jack crevalle are being caught in random areas of Tampa Bay and along the beaches.

Capt. Warren Girle is finding action on the deeper grass flats of Sarasota Bay. Anglers are being shown a variety of techniques to utilize in these areas — ranging from live bait fishing to artificials.

On warmer days, the trout are responding to live shiners as bait. And on the cooler mornings, drifting and jigging is proving to be effective.

Snook fishing is on Girle’s agenda, especially as the waters are warming. He reports free-lining live shiners is working best for clients targeting the linesiders.

Lastly, on the colder days, Girle is baiting the hooks with live shrimp in the canals for redfish and black drum.

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

Gabe Bragg of Perico Island removes the hook from a pompano he caught and released March 17 while fishing from the Perico Preserve Bridge. he caught the pompano on 1/4-ounce

All three division winners then squared off in a sudden-death playoff for the over-all championship. Lawson and Risner took first place on the first playoff hole to earn bragging rights for the day.

The week culminated with a member’s scramble March 23. The team of Dave and Deb DuVernay, Bob Rowley and Al Waal combined on a 4-under-par 28 to win the day’s proceedings.

Stasny

SPORTS FrOM PaGE 24

DOa jig head with a Gulp Shrimp.

cody Meisner, 8, shows off a 19-inch spotted seatrout caught March 23 on a charter fishing trip with capt. Danny Stasny of Just reel Fishing charters.

BB staff discusses replacing code enforcement officer

robert anderson Islander reporter

To strive for “code enforcement” or “code compliance”?

That’s a question for Bradenton Beach officials as they decide how to fill a vacancy created by the departure of the city’s only code enforcement officer.

Code enforcement officer Ron Peterson resigned Dec. 22, 2022. He was hired in April 2021.

The city did not provide a reason for Peterson’s resignation.

City staff met in a work session March 23 at city hall to discuss the vacancy.

Mayor John Chappie also raised the issue with city commissioners March 2, during his mayor’s report.

Commissioners Jan Vosburgh and Jake Spooner expressed surprise, saying they were unaware of Peterson’s departure.

TideWatch

Red tide bloom remains

The red tide organism, Karenia brevis, was detected in Southwest Florida during the week ending March 26.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported K. brevis was observed at very low to medium concentrations in Manatee County, background to high concentrations in and offshore of Pinellas County and background to low concentrations in Sarasota County.

From Manatee County, there were reports of fish kills and respiratory irritation related to red tide. For more information, go online to myfwc.com/ research/redtide/statewide/.

Fat Cat

Chappie said he was working with the clerk’s office, Police Chief John Cosby and building official Steve Gilbert to gather information about duties and responsibilities of a code enforcement officer.

Code enforcement is the prevention, detection, investigation and enforcement of violations of regulations pertaining to public health, safety and welfare; public works; business activities and consumer protection; as well as building standards, land-use and municipal affairs.

On AMI, code enforcement also involves enforcing municipal codes for the protection of wildlife and wild places.

Bradenton Beach’s bird nesting season, for example, began this month and continues through the spring, while sea turtle nesting season will begin May 1 and continue into the fall.

Chappie said he hopes, as the city closes the vacancy, to emulate Holmes Beach’s successful model.

Holmes Beach code compliance supervisor JT Thomas said the city’s code office has a compliance rate of 91%-92%.

“We try to create an environment where people want to come into compliance,” Thomas told The Islander March 24. “We don’t run around and cite people day to day for numbers. We try to coach our clients, taxpayers and stakeholders to come into compliance.”

“That’s why we changed our name from code enforcement to code compliance,” he continued.

Also, the Holmes Beach compliance offi ce has three code compliance officers and two administrative staff members, according to Thomas.

Chappie said the commission likely will discuss the city’s code enforcement opening at its next meeting, set for 6 p.m. Thursday, April 6, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

Sisters at the seaside harper Preston, 6, of Knoxville, Tennessee, and her sister, London, 10, show off shells they found on the shore March 16 at coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. “The sand is so soft,” London said. Islander

Photo: Brook Morrison

— Lisa Neff

Bradenton Beach code enforcement officer ronald Peterson covers a hole left on the beach May 2, 2021, near the 31st Street beach access.

By Lisa Neff

Yours ’til …

A boast: I memorized a book as a gradeschooler.

“The Autograph Book” was not the kind of literature a teacher or parent might brag about a child memorizing but it was an entire book that I committed to memory.

I received the collection of rhymes and whatevers when I was in the third-grade.

Neff

My mom claims the book was an April Fools’ Day gift but I don’t recall ever receiving an April Fool’s present as a kid and it’s my memory that the book was in my Easter basket.

The book was a profane, sometimes naughty little collection of rhymes and sayings that presumably a kid would write in a year book or autograph book — remember those?

I recited rhymes at school, rhymes like, “I wish I were a grapefruit/And here’s the reason why/Cause if I were a grapefruit/I’d squirt you in the eye.”

I recited rhymes at family get-togethers that I didn’t understand, rhymes like: “Sally Rand has a fan/ If she drops it, oh man.”

At some point in the past 50 years, I lost “The

Manatees on the move

With temperatures heating up, manatees are on the move and conservation officials are reminding boaters to keep a watchful eye for marine mammals.

Designated manatee protection zones in Florida help signify areas where manatees have been documented but the slow-moving mammals can be found in all rivers, bays, estuaries and coastal ecosystems.

Manatees are more likely to prefer shallower waters —about 3-7 feet deep — and areas with aquatic vegetation, like seagrass beds.

Boating slowly in these areas and looking for snouts, backs, tails and flippers will help.

Manatees are a protected species and it is illegal to feed, harass or harm them.

And physically handling a distressed or stranded

Autograph Book” — maybe it got left behind in moves from New Hampshire, Iowa, Montana, Missouri or Illinois.

But even without turning to the worn pages smudged with chocolate and grape jelly, I can recall the quirky sayings sometimes more readily than my current age.

“Yours ’til they drink Canada dry.”

“Yours ’til banana splits.”

“Hey, yours ’til butter flies.”

The book contained many rhymes about nature and drawings of landscapes, animals and plants, including, on the cover, a big oak with big eyes and a grin on the trunk.

Reciting rhymes might have made me a nuisance to others but the book also helped to inspire me to feel tender toward wildlife and care for the environment.

I recently asked my school-aged nieces and nephews about reading and the environment and found they learned about the habits of manatees, Jane Goodall’s life with chimps, disappearing species, the importance of bees to our ecosystems, the water crisis in many parts of the world, the value of composting, the reasons for seed banks and even the vital work of Rachel Carson from children’s books.

So after all the pranking is done on April Fool’s Day, on Easter morning if you observe that holiday, or perhaps to celebrate National Library Week later in April, consider gifting a kid in your life a book, a book that might trigger giggles but also encourage an interest in the natural world.

Happy April Fools’ Day — a little early.

And know this: “Though your tasks are many/And your rewards are few/Remember that the mighty oak/ Was once a nut like you.”

April brings International ‘Dark Sky Week’

A global celebration of stars and skies in April can test islanders’ readiness for the 2023 sea turtle nesting season.

Nesting season officially begins May 1, with local mandates for beachfront dwellers to turn out or shield lights — or use turtle-friendly fixtures and bulbs — to reduce distractions for nesting and hatchling sea turtles.

But before AMI residents welcome nesting season, they can join a global community in celebrating International Dark Sky Week.

The weeklong event April 15-22 aims to raise awareness about the negative impacts of light pollution, the solutions that exist and simultaneously celebrate the night.

Light pollution is increasing at a global average of 2.2% per year, threatening wildlife and ecosystems, impacting human health, and wasting money and energy, according to the International Dark-Sky Association.

The organization estimates 83% of the global population lives under a light-polluted sky.

During the week, people are encouraged to discover the night — take a walk at night, learn about light pollution, test their skill at astrophotography, host a star party and engage in activism to promote darker skies.

For more information, go online to idsw.darksky.org.

MIKE NORMAN REALTY EST. 1978

a manatee in shallow water.

manatee can cause additional harm.

Instead, report injured, distressed, sick or dead manatees to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404FWCC so trained responders can assist.

— Lisa Neff

#A4560696. $454,000

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

Marianne Norman-Ellis. 941.778.6696

Mike Norman Realty

ISLAND RETREAT; 3BR/3BA home with private pool, weekly rentals allowed. Lori Guerin or Carmen Pedota 941-284-2598 #A4562847. $1,849,000

Buildable canalfront lot in the fishing village of Cortez. No bridge to Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico. Debra Ibasfalean, 941-855-1333. #A4555105. $895,000

This is the 2BR/2BA condo at One Particilar Harbour you’ve been waiting for with a stunning sunset view. Turnkey furnished and ready to move in or rent out. Becky Smith or Elfi Starrett 941-773-1954 #A4552479.

$975,000

Islander courtesy Photo

— Lisa Neff

ITEMS FOR SALE

ThrEE aDULT SLEEPING bags, $25, Wahl haircutting set, $25, army footlocker, $95. 941792-0008.

TWO 26-INch KENT Seascape beach cruisers, virtually new, $100 each. New beach Sportbrella, $35. 513-314-5449.

WOMEN’S LL BEaN casco Bay cruiser bike, yellow, step-through, nearly-new condition. $100. 914-234-3357.

PaNINNI MaKEr: cUISINarT, stainless-steel, like new, $45. 941-920-2494.

chaIr: BLacK, SOFT cushion $15/ each and office chair, white, $10. Side tables, brown with glass top. 2/$20. 941-920-2494.

WhITE DINETTE SET: Six chairs, good condition. $225 or best offer. 570-704-8486.

aNTIQUE ParTNEr DESK: 941-778-7978.

Sandy’s Lawn Service Inc.

Paradise Improvements 941.792.5600

AdoptA-Pet

Oh, those eyes!

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

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

SPONSOrED BY

ANSWERS TO MARCH 29 PUZZLE

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

DO YOU haVE old books that you no longer want/need that are taking up space? I’m looking for books for school project. happy to pick up. Text or call Kaitlyn at 305-6328101.

ESTATE SALES

MULTI-FaMILY ESTaTE sale. 9 a.m.-? Friday and Saturday, March 31-april 1. Old collectable bottles, avon, Budweiser and miscellaneous steins. coke, Pepsi, dolls and other miscellaneous collectibles. Solid wood office furniture and some household furniture. Office supplies. Tires, hitches, tow bar, gas tank for back of pickup, mirrors. roll on ramp carrier. Easter items. Some antiques, household items and decor. Too many other miscellaneous items to mention. 10115 Bud rhoden road, Palmetto.

GARAGE SALES

MOVING SaLE: 9 a.m.-1p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 31 and april 1. Selling contents of two units: Kitchen appliances, couches, chairs, kitchen tables and twin mattress. hot water heater, bedroom dressers, TVs, all kitchen dishes and contents, miscellaneous items. 2812 ave. E, holmes Beach. More information, 410-310-2832.

PETS

hELP rEScUED PETS! Volunteer, foster, computer help needed! Moonracer animal rescue. Email: moonraceranimalrescue@gmail.com.

TRANSPORTATION

GOLF carT rENTaLS: Fun for residents and tourists! www.GolfcartrentalaMI.com.

TWO 2022 150cc Wolf scooters. Less than 200 miles on each. $1,600 each. 219-851-0024.

GEM 2020 Golf cart/E4. Mileage 258 /white. Garage-kept, perfect condition. $17,000. Text, 910-988-6883.

BOATS & BOATING

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

SUNcOaST BOTTOM PaINTING: Professional bottom painting. Mobile. call 941-704-9382.

TWO 8-FOOT sit-in kayaks with paddles, excellent condition, make an offer, 203-668-5012.

WINDrIDEr SaILBOaT FOr sale. $6,000. 2011 Windrider 17 Trimaran. Jib and main sail, rigging, trampolines and boat in excellent shape. comfortably holds four people. Made of an almost indestructible rotomolded polyethylene. Very stable. almost impossible to capsize. Fun to sail. Very easy to learn on. The jib sheets, main sheet, furling line and steering are all controlled from a comfortable seat in the cockpit. Motor mount if an engine is desired. Quiet and efficient electric motor and battery are available for an additional $100. currently on anna Maria Island. 941730-2719 or WintersFJ@gmail.com.

HELP WANTED

hOME MaINTENaNcE: EIGhT hours weekly, $20 hour. Sweep, clean outdoor furniture, vacuum pool, rake, wash windows, pick up debris, etc. call Dan, 941-713-1586.

LOOKING TO JOIN a stable and well-established kitchen crew? Euphemia haye restaurant, an award-winning fine dining restaurant on Longboat Key, is hiring folks to work in the kitchen. Full or part-time positions available. Evenings. Pay depends on experience but is competitive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Euphemia haye restaurant, 5540 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 941-3833633.

NOW hIrING haNDYMaN: Full-time professional services. $15 an hour and up, based on experience. call JayPros, 941-962-2874.

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

KIDS FOR HIRE

NEED aN aDULT night out? call Maty’s Babysitting Services. I’m 16, love kids and have lots of experience. references upon request. 618-977-9630.

KIDS FOr hIrE ads are FrEE for up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work. ads must be placed in person at The Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, holmes Beach.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

BUSINESS OPPOrTUNITY: 30-year successful island business, owner ready to sell for health reasons. Secure lease. Serious inquiries: Biz Op, P.O. Box 145, anna Maria FL 34216.

SERVICES

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

cLEaNING: VacaTION, cONSTrUcTION, residential, commercial and windows. Licensed and insured. 941-756-4570.

PrESSUrE WaShING, PaVEr sealing, driveway, roof, fence, pool area. also, window cleaning. Licensed and insured. 941-565-3931.

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

cOMPaNION/hOMEMaKEr: honest and reliable offering help with running errands, grocery shopping, house sitting, pet and plant care, light cooking/cleaning, transportation. references available and licensed. call Sherri, 941592-4969.

aPI’S DrYWaLL rEPaIr: I look forward to servicing your drywall repair needs. call 941524-8067 to schedule an appointment.

PrOFESSIONaL WINDOW cLEaNING: residential, commercial, Free estimates. “We want to earn your business!” 207-852-6163.

SERVICES Continued

a I r PO r T r IDES: S ara SOTa , St. Pete, Tampa. call/text, Vita, 941-376-7555.

ParaDISE PET carE: Pet specialist. Walking, sitting, vet visits. Training and love. Jason, 908-720-1688.

ha NGIN’ ON a MI: We hang artwork, mirrors, TVs, etc. Furniture assembly. Local references available. 941-720-3126.

ISL a ND LIG h TS ca PES & SE c U -

r ITY: Landscape lighting and home security installation. Quality service by Island residents. 941-720-3126.

BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS JD’s Window cleaning looking for storefront jobs in holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-920-3840.

cLEaN TEch MOBILE Detailing. at your location. cars, boats, rVs. call or text Billie for an appointment. 941-592-3482.

LAWN & GARDEN

c ONNIE’S L a NDS ca PING IN c r esidential and commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-778-5294.

BarNES LaWN aND Landscape LLc. Design and installation, lawn and landscape services, tree trimming, mulch, rock and shell. 941-7051444. Jr98@barneslawnandlandscape.com.

c OLLINS L a NDS ca PE LIG h TING: Outdoor lighting, landscaping, irrigation services and maintenance. 941-279-9947. MJ c 24373@ gmail.com.

SE araY SP r INKLE r SE rVI c ES. r epairs, additions, drip, sprinkler head/timer adjustments. 941-920-0775.

S h ELL DELIVE r ED a ND spread. h auling all kinds of gravel, mulch, topsoil with free estimates. call Larry at 941-795-7775, “shell phone” 941-720-0770.

MP L aWN M a INTEN a N c E now accepting new clients. call Dante, 941-730-9199. mp@ mplawnmaintenance.com.

JE BLacKWOOD GarDENEr: Ornamental horticulture expert. c are of trees, shrubs, vines, flowers, 25 years’ experience, excellent references, estate trained. US Navy vet. 941-718-9087.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Va N-GO Pa INTING residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper. Island references. Bill, 941-795-5100. www. vangopainting.net.

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

G r IFFIN’S h OME IMP r OVEMENTS Inc. h andyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. Insured and licensed. 941-722-8792.

BLINDS, ShUTTErS, ShaDES: Motorization. 30 years on aMI. call Keith Barnett, Barnett Blinds, 941-730-0516.

MOrE aDS = more readers in The Islander.

HOME IMPROVEMENT Continued

ISLaND haNDYMaN: I live here, work here, value your referral. refinish, paint. Just ask. JayPros. Licensed/insured. references. call Jay, 941-962-2874. ha NDYM a N a ND Pa INTING. No job too small. Most jobs just right. c all r ichard Kloss. 941-204-1162.

ScrEENING SErVIcES: replace your old or ripped window, door or porch screens. Many screen types available. retired veteran here to serve our community! Free estimates, call Lane, 941-705-5293.

caLL hYDrO cLEaN. Full-service pressure washing, sealing. Pavers, travertine and natural stone. Window washing too, up to three stories. call Jacob, 941-920-2094.

S ara SOTa INTE r IO r Pa INTING: We specialize in high-end properties. We love to paint! Owner operated. Fully insured/ licensed. c all or text Don, 941-900-9398. Instagram: SarasotaInteriorPainting.

SOUThWEST hOME IMPrOVEMENT: Michigan builder, quality work guaranteed. affordable, timely, within budget. call Mike’s cell: 1-616-204-8822.

RENTALS

aNNa MarIa GULF beachfront vacation rentals. One- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941-7783143.

PE r I c O ISL a ND PaTIO home for rent. 3B r /2B a . two-car garage, fully renovated. 30-day minimum. Privacy fence/gate, two miles to aMI. #bluerockingchair instagram/fb. 859-771-6423.

c ONDO FO r r ENT: June through October. 3Br/2Ba Perico Bay club. Two-month minimum. community pool and hot tub. One mile from anna Maria Island. call Dave at 856-4957200 for details.

SE a SON a L r ENTa L: a V a IL a BLE a prilDecember. a cross from bay, 2 miles from beaches, fully furnished, laundry, all utilities. 941-773-1552.

WaTErFrONT aNNUaL rENTaL on anna Maria Island. 2Br/2Ba, pool, boat lift, twocar garage, completely renovated. $7,300 per month, pets OK. a vailable a pril 20. call 941-704-7336

aNNUaL rENTaL: UPDaTED 2Br/2Ba. Ten minutes to holmes Beach. $2,200/month. No pets/no smoking. 6407 First ave. W., Bradenton. 941-792-6493.

3B r /2B a L ar GE h OUSE: Lanai, carports, laundry. Island, beaches close. $2,200/month. 440-813-8217.

E a STE r r ENTa L aVa IL a BLE a pril 1-8. Beautiful anna Maria north shore. 5Br/4Ba private pool. www.annamaria.travel 855326-6262,

MONThLY SEaSONaL rENTaL: 55-plus community. Beach across street. 2Br/2Ba. $6,500/ month. 941-226-4008. a must see!

a NNU a L r ENTa L: FULLY-furnished 2B r /1B a . Washer and dryer. a cross from bay, off cortez. Two miles to island. $2,250 per month plus utilities. call 941-773-1552. available mid-June.

RENTALS Continued

FU r NIS h ED a NNU a L r ENTa L: a nna Maria Island 2Br/1.5Ba. Over 50 community. $3,200 per month includes garbage, water, electricity, WIFI, cable. No smoking, no pets. contact Tim, 507-382-8880.

REAL ESTATE

WINNIE M cha LE, r E a LTO r , 941-5046146. rosebay International realty Inc. You need an aggressive and experienced realtor in today’s market! Selling island homes, Sarasota and Bradenton areas. Multi-milliondollar producer! “Selling h omes - Making Dreams come True.”

LOOKING FOr aN EarLY BIrD? You can read Wednesday’s classifieds on Tuesday at islander.org. and it’s FrEE!

Crossing the bridge to learn about bridge work

The top regional Florida Department of Transportation official will headline a Manatee Chamber of Commerce luncheon to talk about pending projects, including new bridges to Anna Maria Island.

L.K. Nandam, DOT District 1 secretary, will address an audience during a luncheon 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, April 12, at the IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Parkway, Bradenton.

The chamber invite reads, “Transportation projects directly affect your bottom line. Bring your questions and learn about the transportation projects happening in our area and what’s planned for the future!”

The cost to attend is $35 for members and $49 for nonmembers.

For more information, call the chamber at 941748-3411.

BizCal compiled by Lisa Neff SAVE THE DATES

April 13, 11:30 a.m., Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce lunch, Floridays Woodfire Grill and Bar, Perico Island. Info: 941-7781541.

April 27, 5 p.m., AMI Chamber business card exchange, Anna Maria Island Historical Society museum, Anna Maria.

Jennifer Geils, left, and husband Kane, speak to guests at their cheesecake cutie event at the cafe March 21 about a cause dear to them — foster care. The event was attended by 50-60 people, who enjoyed cheesecake, other food and raffles, and raised about $5,000 to benefit all Star children’s Foundation. cheesecake cutie & cafe is in the anna Maria Island center shopping plaza at 3224 E. Bay Drive, holmes Beach. Inquire at the cafe for more information, or call 941-779-2253. Islander Photo: Karen riley-Love

PropertyWatch

carol Bernard Island real estate sales

709 Gladiolus St., Anna Maria, a 1,933 sq ft 4BR/3BA home on a 8,551 sq ft lot built in 1953 sold 3/2/2023 by Rothberg to Moss for $1,600,000, list price $1,750,000.

204 Church Ave., #14, Bradenton Beach, a 590 sq ft 1BR/1BA Coquina Reef condo built in 1982 sold

Cheesecake brings in dollars for foster care

3/1/2023 by 204 Church Ave LLC to Cheerful Rental LLC for $440,000, list price $459,000.

1007 Gulf Drive N., #202, Bradenton Beach, a 1,259 sq ft 2BR/3BA Summer Sands condo built in 1982 sold 3/1/2023 by Meyers to Cohen for $800,000, list price $800,000.

102 Third St. N., Bradenton Beach, a 928 sq ft 1BR/1BA home on a 5,148 sq ft lot built in 1946 sold 2/28/2023 by Dickson to 102 3rd St LLC for $1,150,000, list price $1,150,000.

600 Manatee Ave., #207, Holmes Beach, a 1,176 sq ft 2BR/2BA Westbay Cove condo built in 1977 sold 2/24/2023 by Winston to Hayes for $579,000, list price $599,900.

607 Emerald Lane, Holmes Beach, a 1,196 sq ft 3BR/2BA home on a 10,367 sq ft lot built in 1969 sold on 3/1/2023 by Standeaven to Lund Trust for $1,175,000, list price $1,299,000.

Compiled by Island Real Estate. IRE professionals can be reached at 941-778-6066, islandreal.com.

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