The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, May. 29, 2024

islander Photo: Karen riley-love

DEP talks mangroves with LBK

By ryan Paice islander reporter

Who better to discuss mangrove regulations than the regulators?

Hannah Westervelt, environmental administrator of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Southwest District, attended a May 20 Longboat Key workshop to discuss mangrove alteration and trimming regulations.

In addition to the Longboat Key town commission, a handful of Anna Maria Island representatives attended the presentation.

They included Anna Maria Commissioners Gary McMullen, Charlie Salem and Mark Short, Anna Maria building department manager Dean Jones, as well as Holmes Beach planning and zoning administrator Chad Minor.

Mangroves provide environmental benefits, such as offering a unique ecosystem for marine life, decreasing land erosion and improving nearshore water quality.

The DEP oversees mangrove enforcement under the 1996 Mangrove Trimming

and Preservation Act, which sets standards for removing and trimming mangroves.

However, the removal of more than 100 feet of shoreline mangrove fringe last December at a canal home at 111 Gull Drive, Anna Maria, sparked questions of local governments better preserving mangroves by seeking delegated authority over the vegetation from the DEP.

Officials from anna maria island’s three municipalities and the town of Longboat Key agreed in April to explore cooperative efforts to enforce mangrove regulations.

Westervelt is a part of the DEP’s environmental resources permitting program, which regulates activities in wetlands, surface waters and mangrove regulations.

Her presentation provided insight into mangrove regulations and what her department does to enforce them.

Westervelt said local governments can apply with the DEP to adopt delegated authority over enforcement of the MTPA and it is up to those agencies to determine if

Local election qualifying on deck for cities

By ryan Paice and robert anderson islander reporters

The 2024 election season is right around the corner for the cities on Anna Maria Island.

The window to qualify with the Manatee county supervisor of Elections Office to run for an office with the city of anna maria will open at noon Monday, June 3, and close at noon Friday, June 14.

the qualification periods for the cities of Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach are a week shorter, both beginning at noon Monday, June 10, and ending at noon Friday, June 14.

While people seeking elected office are allowed to declare their intent to run by filing forms with the SEO, they must submit qualifying forms and fees before the end of their municipality’s qualifying period in order to be on the ballot.

If they fail to qualify with the SEO in time, they cannot run in the Nov. 5 general election.

all offi ces in the island cities are for two-year terms.

The deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 5 general election is Monday, Oct. 7.

Anna Maria

With the city’s qualification period in sight, Mayor Dan Murphy announced May

Hurricane season arrives

The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and continues through Nov. 30, with forecasters calling for an above-normal season.

Find forecast coverage and readiness tips throughout this annual edition, as well as a pullout map for tracking the storm season on pages 16-17.

titsworth Murphy 2 mayoral seats up for grabs

cahill de forest, left, 6, alexandra, aka mom, and rollins, 4, celebrate snooks adams Kids day with the anna Maria island Privateers while on vacation from Kingston, new york.

Anna Maria charter changes, a vote away from balloting

By ryan Paice islander reporter

Voters may get their say on a handful of proposed changes to Anna Maria’s charter in November.

city commissioners held first readings may 23 for five ordinances that would send the proposed amendments from a charter committee to the ballot in the Nov. 5 general election.

the city must review its charter every five years by appointing a board of volunteers to review the document and present potential amendments.

This year’s charter review committee completed its review in March and, in April, presented seven proposed changes to the city commission.

Commissioners have discussed the proposed amendments at multiple meetings, whittling the CRC’s recommendations down into five ordinances.

The ordinances include:

• amending sec. 1.02 of article i, creation and Powers, adding, “The City of Anna Maria will take steps to see that the single-family detached residential character and home rule of the City is maintained and protected …”;

• a mending s ec. 1.03 of a rticle i to provide a definition for administrative officers;

• amending sec. 1.07 of article i to establish a height limitation of no more than two residential/habitable floors and 37 feet above crown of an abutting road;

• amending sec. 3.02 of article iii, legislative, adding language regarding removal of non-qualifying city commissioners and prohibiting them from holding concurrent municipal or other public office or employment by the city;

• amending sec. 3.08 of article iii to require special meetings be called by a mayor, commission chair or commission majority, instead of by any individual commissioner.

The CRC’s proposed text revisions to eliminate gendered language throughout the charter will

state’s island consolidation efforts.

The mayor added that he would be happy to post a statement on the city website or erect a plaque at city hall to make it clear that the municipality is a “staunch supporter” of home rule.

On the other hand, Commissioner Charlie Salem voiced support for the proposed language.

He said it would allow the electorate to confirm its desire to maintain municipal home rule in the face of consolidation threats.

There was no public comment.

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

Directions to attend the meeting via a Zoom call can be found on the city’s website, cityofannamaria. com.

they have the resources to handle that work.

However, even municipalities that receive delegated authority have limitations on regulating and enforcing mangroves — and shoulder liability for unauthorized activities.

be implemented without a ballot initiative, since the updates do not qualify as a substantive change.

However, the first proposed amendment has proven controversial among city officials.

Commissioner Jonathan Crane reiterated his opinion that the mission statement was a nonactionable “aspirational” item and he did not believe it should be put forward to voters.

Mayor Dan Murphy said he also has concerns with taking an item out to vote if it is not necessary.

Murphy has previously expressed concern about the risks of such a question being potentially rejected by voters and how it could provide ammunition for the

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Such local governments cannot limit state-established exemptions or impose stricter standards and more demanding procedural requirements for alterations and trimming within riparian mangrove fringe areas.

A riparian mangrove fringe is a shoreline where mangroves extend no more than 50 feet waterward.

Westervelt said that her district — which spans from Manatee County up to Citrus County, and as far east as Polk County — had about 14 team members managing mangrove oversight and permitting activities.

She added the district’s ERP receives and evaluates about 400 complaints about noncompliant mangrove alteration and trimming activities every year.

DEP staff conducts inspections for noncompliance Please, see mangroves, next Page

anna Maria Mayor dan Murphy addresses his concerns May 23 with a proposed amendment to add language to the city charter to protect home rule. islander Photo: ryan Paice

mangroves continued froM Page 2

at each reported location, which can sometimes require court-ordered inspection wards.

While town commissioners had questions, they did not open public comment following Westervelt’s presentation.

Short said May 23 that he was disappointed the town did not open for public comment but reached out to Westervelt later that week.

He asked if the city could make a formal request for the DEP to notify the municipality about mangrove alterations and permit requests.

Westervelt said she did not see a reason why the DEP could not honor that but it would require approval from higher up, according to Short.

Short added that he asked Mayor Dan Murphy to work with city attorney Becky Vose to draft such a request to the DEP.

“We’ve got to at least know what’s going on,” he said.

Keeping people safe in AMI waters

a woman is consoled as a Manatee county lifeguard speaks May 18 after she was rescued from the waters off Holmes Beach. the woman was one of three people, including a man who drowned, who required rescue that day due to red flag conditions — high surf and/ or rip current activity. Beach conditions at coquina Beach, cortez Beach and Manatee Public Beach are posted at safebeachday.com/county/ manatee-county. lifeguards are stationed 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily at 11 towers at the three public beaches. islander Photo: courtesy toni Bray

Honoring service, sacrifice

anna Maria Mayor dan Murphy, left, recognizes veterans from all branches of the u.s. military, as well as nato allies, for their service May 27 during the city’s Memorial day symphony salute at city Pier Park, 101 n.

The Islander poll

Last week’s question

By lisa neff

My hurricane kit protein of choice: 24%. canned fish. 10%. SPAM. 43%. Peanut butter. 7%. Beans. 16%. Other.

This week’s question

My summer reading list includes: A. Romance. B. Mystery-thriller. C. Classic. D. Bestseller. E. Old favorite. To answer the poll, go online to islander.org.

Bay Blvd. islander Photo: ryan Paice

Holmes Beach official talks consolidation with state senator

By ryan Paice islander reporter

Anna Maria Islanders’ battle against the potential consolidation of their three municipalities continues to rage on.

While many have spoken out via petition and protest, Holmes Beach Commission Chair Terry Schaefer delivered his message May 15 directly to state Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton.

Rep. Will Robinson Jr., R-Bradenton, proposed last year for the Manatee County legislative delegation — which includes Boyd — commission a Florida Office of program policy and Government accountability study into the potential consolidation of the three island municipalities.

Boyd and the delegation unanimously backed Robinson’s proposal.

OPPAGA has been working on the study since

Stopover in Cortez

u.s. coast guard station cortez hosts May 21 the Patrol torpedo fast 26, a decommissioned navy ship. santiago gomez, a coast guard tampa Bay public affairs officer, said the vessel stopped for its crew to rest and take on supplies for a trip to alabama, where it will become a museum. islander Photo: courtesy us coast guard Petty officer 3rd class alaina stonestreet

last November and completion is expected by July.

In the meantime, islanders like Schaefer have been voicing opposition to potential consolidation — but Schaefer got access to one of the legislators behind the study.

Schaefer said he hoped to get 20 minutes with Boyd at a May 15 meeting at the senator’s Bradenton office but they ended up talking for about 40 minutes.

“We had a very open, candid and — I believe — productive meeting,” Schaefer said. “I really appreciated his demeanor during the meeting.”

schaefer said they first went over the history of the city’s conflicts with manatee county over municipal

parking changes and the lead up to the ongoing consolidation study.

He informed Boyd about the city’s parking enhancements over the last couple of years, which consist of mapping and marking almost every roadside public parking space with signed ropes and bollards to better identify those spots to motorists.

Boyd committed to visiting the city to check out the improvements, according to Schaefer.

“I invited him to come out and take a look for himself, just so he could see what the city has done and what the city is prepared to do if it’s necessary to further improve parking,” Schaefer said.

One of the most controversial aspects of the OPPAGA study is that its results will be provided to state legislators but not the public.

OPPAGA is exempt from Florida’s Government under the sunshine law, which guarantees public access to most government documents and meetings.

That means it will be up to state legislators to share the OPPAGA report on its completion.

Schaefer said they did not speak about whether Boyd would share the report with the public.

Nevertheless, Schaefer said he walked away happy with the meeting.

“I had a very positive feeling after the meeting that we have an open, and hopefully more productive, dialogue with the senator,” he said.

People can learn more about how to oppose island consolidation on the “Save Florida Home Rule” Facebook page.

The page also provides prewritten letters of opposition ready to print and deliver to Boyd and Robinson.

Such letters also can be found at the Anna Maria Island Coffee Shack, 5500 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, which will collect signed letters for future delivery.

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Sunday June 2nd (10 AM - 2 PM)

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Music 11 AM - 2 PM by Chuck Davis

NEW LOCATION: The Coquina Beach Market is located on the very South end of Anna Maria Island. If driving, take the South entrance to the park before the Longboat Pass bridge. If taking the trolley, walk South from the Café to the end of the island.

Follow us on Face Book and receive daily vendor roster, weather cancellations or marked closure days. www.coquinabeachmarket.org 941 -840-0789 https://www.facebook.com/CoquinaBeachMarket

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HOMETOWN DESSERTS 507 Pine Ave., Anna Maria 941-896-3167

SARASOTA GEM

We have been a new and used GEM dealer for 20 years. We welcome our long-time friends and encourage new patrons from Anna Maria Island to shop here!

4 AND 6

schaefer Boyd

23 that he would allow his term to expire and not run for reelection.

murphy was first elected mayor in 2014 and was reelected without opposition in 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2022.

He said that it had been a “fun 10 years.”

Two commission seats will be up for grabs alongside Murphy’s, seats currently held by Gary McMullen and Mark Short.

McMullen was appointed by commissioners in January to succeed Deanie Sebring, who resigned and moved from the city last October. He was named to Sebring’s term, which will expire in December.

Short was appointed to the commission in September 2019 to complete the remainder of Brian Seymour’s term, then reelected without contest in 2020 and 2022.

However, short filed forms may 24 declaring his intent to run for the open mayoral seat rather than his commission post.

as of may 24, short was the only person to file forms with the SEO to run for election in Anna Maria, according to votemanatee.com.

The Anna Maria mayor earns a $19,600 annual salary.

commissioners receive a $4,800 annual salary.

Bradenton Beach

In the electoral landscape of Bradenton Beach, Commissioner Ralph Cole, who also serves as vice mayor, finds himself exempt from the traditional term limits imposed by the city charter, courtesy of recent ward boundary modifications.

City attorney Ricinda Perry told The Islander May 23 that ward changes implemented by the commission in February granted Cole an additional year in his position, a deviation from the usual election cycle.

Cole and Ward 2 Commissioner Marilyn Maro were both sworn into their seats in 2022.

The decision to modify ward boundaries was recommended by the SEO and sanctioned by commissioners during a Feb. 1 meeting.

the proposed adjustments entail a reconfiguration of boundaries for Wards 1 and 2, while also flipping

Milestones

The Islander welcomes stories about islanders and island life, as well as photographs and notices of the milestones in readers’ lives — weddings, births, anniversaries, travels, obituaries and other events.

Submit your story with contact information to news@islander.org.

the numerical designations for Wards 3 and 4.

cole, who previously served Ward 3, flipped numbers with Commissioner Jan Vosburgh. Cole now represents Ward 4, while Vosburgh serves Ward 3.

Perry said that while Cole’s term will extend by one year, Vosburgh’s will not shorten.

Maro’s term, meanwhile, is up this year. It is unknown whether she will run again.

The Islander reached out May 23 to Maro, who did not respond by May 27.

Maro has been absent from all but 11 commission meetings since 2023.

She was originally appointed by the commission to fill a vacancy in 2016 and was reelected in 2018. She ran without opposition in 2020 and 2022.

Bradenton Beach commissioners receive an annual salary of $4,800.

No one had filed with the sEO to declare candidacy for Maro’s seat as of May 24.

Holmes Beach

There already is a race in Holmes Beach among two declared candidates.

The city’s mayoral post, currently held by Judy Titsworth, and two city commission seats, held by Dan Diggins and Greg Kerchner, will be up for grabs this November.

Titsworth, the granddaughter of the city’s namesake John Holmes Sr., served 2012-18 on the city commission before winning the mayor’s seat in 2018. titsworth was reelected to the mayor’s office in 2020 and 2022 without opposition.

Titsworth has told The Islander that she will run for reelection.

And she has a challenger.

Michael “Mike” Roth, a political newcomer to the city, filed forms with the SEO in January that declared his intent to run for the mayor’s office.

On the other hand, there is no competition yet for the commission seats.

While Diggins has told The Islander that he plans to run for reelection in November, Kerchner announced he will not seek reelection. roth was the only person to file forms as of may 24 at the sEO to run for office in Holmes Beach.

mayors earn a $28,160 annual salary in Holmes Beach.

Holmes Beach commissioners receive an $8,080 annual salary.

Correction

An Islander story in the May 22 issue stated an incorrect name and role for a leader of the Cortez Village Historical Society. The correct name and office in cVHs is vice president paul dryfoos.

Plan now for the next holiday!

Is your business ready to make the most of 2024? Improve your odds of success with Islander newspaper readers looking to shop and dine, seeking indoor and outdoor fun, and a place to stay for their next visit. For ad info, call or text 941778-7978.

Election 2024

Voter registration continues

Voter registration is open for the August primary election in Manatee County.

The deadline to register ahead of the primary is Monday, July 22.

For more information, go to votemanatee.com.

Also on the election calendar

• June 3-14, candidate qualifying in anna maria.

• June 10-14, candidate qualifying in Bradenton Beach.

• June 10-14, candidate qualifying in Holmes Beach.

• July 22, registration closes for primary.

• July 30, 5:30 p.m., manatee chamber of commerce Meet the Primary Candidates night.

• tuesday, aug. 20, primary election.

• tuesday, Nov. 5, general election.

— lisa neff

June 13, 2 p.m., commission.

June 27, 6 p.m., commission. 10005 Gulf Drive, 941-708-6130, cityofannamaria.com.

June 5, 9:30 a.m., CRA.

June 5, 1 p.m., planning and zoning.

June 6, 6 p.m., commission.

June 19, 1 p.m., ScenicWAVES.

June 20, noon, commission.

107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com.

HOLMES BEACH

June 5, 5 p.m., planning.

June 11, 2 p.m., commission.

June 12, 9 a.m. clean water.

June 25, 10 a.m., code compliance.

June 25, 2 p.m., commission. 5801 Marina Drive, 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org.

WEST MANATEE FIRE RESCUE

June 18, 6 p.m., commission.

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

MANATEE COUNTY

June 11, 9 a.m., commission.

June 10, 9 a.m., tourist development council, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee. org.

ALSO OF INTEREST

June 19, Juneteenth, most government offices will be closed. Send meeting notices to calendar@islander.org.

Meetings By lisa neff

roth

ANNA MARIA CITY

short McMullen

diggins

Kerchner

Maro

Opinion

Holiday practice run

It seems as though every season we have increasing levels of crowds and traffic on ami. more people. More cars and trucks on the road. More boats on the waterways.

some of us were bantering about the “traffic” in text messages, testing the travel times on apps to and from the island and marveling over the flotilla of boats surrounding Beer can and Jewfish Key at longboat Pass — thanks to a video from Capt. Katie Tupin to reporter Robert Anderson.

Yes. If history is any judge of what’s to come, the Fourth of July holiday should be a whopper for AMI and all the surrounding neighborhoods and coastal playgrounds.

Well, you’ve seen the abbreviations on line, I’m sure. My new favorite is “IYKYK.”

If you know, you know.

According to Google, these abbreviations are not acronyms, they’re called initialism.

Initialisms are pronounced letter by letter, while acronyms are pronounced like a word.

But .... SMH. (Shaking my head.) I wandered off.

I was saying, we who have survived many holidays on the island know. Stay home. Travel by bicycle if you must plan restaurant outings or shopping.

if you’re a first-timer here, then start planning now for Fourth of July — because it’s a whopper.

You’ll be living in gridlock — but it’s still paradise. Just make the best of all the family time at home.

And while you’re planning ahead for the July 4 holiday, please, put your mind in gear for all the planning that goes into storm season. Line up your evacuation plan. Where will you go and what do you need to take with you.

plan at least five days away from home. and then prepare for five days at home without power.

plan a cleanup of your yard before the first summer storm. And plan how and where you will store the grill and all the lawn and deck furniture.

Plan for your boat. And from what I’ve seen on lifts and at docks along the neighborhood canals, seek advice on how to best secure your boat for a storm at the dock if you’re not towing it to a safe location.

Plan for your pets. Everyone should plan an evacuation to a safe place and we only recommend a shelter as a last resort. A shelter will require you to kennel your pets and provide proof of vaccination.

And keep reading for more tips on storm planning — and stash this edition of The Islander in a safe place to help with last-minute prep — and recovery.

— Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

OpinionYour

Bacteria in the bay

Responding on social media to a May 22 report on science-based DNA testing linking horse waste to enteric bacteria in north Palma Sola Bay, readers wrote:

Years ago you couldn’t ride horses on the beach. Had a friend who transferred to Puerto Rico to live this dream. Flew her horse down there.

— Barbara Budka Wilson

Skimming online

Website: islander.org

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Pinterest: @islandernewspaper

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Say it ain’t so

MAY 29,

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

▼ Editorial editor lisa neff, lisa@islander.org robert anderson, robert@islander.org

Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist

Kevin cassidy, kevin@islander.org

Masha dolgoff, masha@islander.org

Jack elka, jack@jackelka.com robyn Murrell, robyn@islander.org ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org

▼ Contributors

Karen riley-love

Jacob Merrifield

capt. danny stasny, fish@islander.org

▼ Advertising Director

toni lyon, toni@islander.org

▼ Webmaster Wayne ansell

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

▼ Distribution

urbane Bouchet ross roberts

I’ve been saying for years that horses are the cause. Not only are they contaminating the water but the operations take up a ton of parking that we as taxpayers are paying for.

— Jacob Goetz

Judy loden Wasco

All others: news@islander.org

Imagine that!

— Carmen S Bailey

Maybe reduce the days that the horses are there? these horses benefit from being useful in a positive way.

— Isana Michaelson

used to ride our horses to the causeway all the time. I think it’s sad.

— Renee Gibson Lehnert

Hello…It doesn’t take testing…just common sense.

— Dolores DiLeo

What many people don’t realize is that horses aren’t actually marine animals.

— Ryan Blass

It’s sad news for me that Peach’s Restaurant is leaving the island. It’s been great going there in the mornings — and I especially appreciate them opening at 6 for business people and fishers like me — for 23 years. It’s been great, meeting all the employees over the years that have come and gone.

Hopefully, we will get a new breakfast place that’ll open early for workers.

Good luck to all the employees and thank you and Peach’s for all the great years.

Capt. Scott Moore, Holmes Beach

“We’re glad you’re Here,” originated in the 1980s with a restaurant trade group. We hope everyone feels welcome on aMi.

School days

author Wyatt Blassingame of anna Maria speaks to students during a forum in 1983. the archives do not state which school hosted the event. readers will find a Blassingame story on the newspaper’s website at islander.org/annamaria-i-love-you/.

Check the archives Look for The Islander in the uofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

We’d love to mail you the news!

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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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10, 20, 30 years ago

From the May 26, 1994, issue

• the anna maria planning commission recommended a request from the Sandbar Restaurant for the vacation of an alley adjacent to the east wall of the establishment. The restaurant wanted the vacation to make property improvements.

• Bradenton Beach marina ownership said a 6-foot-tall fence surrounding the property was temporary. residents and city officials had complained about the structure, calling the marina “The Walled City.”

From the May 26, 2004, issue

• the Bradenton planning commission approved a site plan for a Perico Island development, sending the plan to the city commission for consideration.

• the West manatee Fire rescue district commission voted to ask voters on an August ballot to approve an ad valorem tax in addition to the district’s assessments.

From the May 28, 2014, issue

• anna maria commissioners debated the possible sale of City Pier Park, acquired in 2011 but nothing but sand and dying trees, according to Mayor SueLynn.

• Bradenton Beach commissioners voted to increase a stormwater tax by 15% and eliminate a credit used by property owners for nine years.

• the islander’s propertyWatch report still listed sales of one-bedroom, one-bath condos on Anna Maria Island for under $190,000 and real estate agencies advertised island duplexes for sale at $365,000.

— lisa neff

taylor ramsey, a sugg Middle school student, participates in an experiment while on a science-based field trip to the island in May 1996.

a student gets a hearing test at anna Maria elementary in Holmes Beach in october 1978. islander

Photos: courtesy Manatee county Public library system

AM pursuing piecemeal Pine Ave. improvements

By ryan Paice islander reporter

The city of Anna Maria might have bitten off more than it could chew in previous attempts to improve Pine Avenue.

so city officials hope breaking improvements to its “Main Street” into bite-size pieces will help get the job done.

City commissioners reached consensus May 23, authorizing Mayor Dan Murphy to work on the piecemeal planning.

Commissioner Charlie Salem recused himself from the discussion due to his ownership of property on Pine.

the city budgeted $3,349,634.46 in fiscal 2023-24 to improve Pine, Magnolia and Spring avenues, including $2,698,440 in state appropriations and $283,412.96 from the u.s. american rescue plan act.

Proposed improvements for Pine Avenue would include the addition of pervious brick paver meandering sidewalks, as well as the creation and enhancement of crosswalks and lighting along the corridor.

Commissioners recently voted to reject Sarasotabased c-squared cGc, inc.’s $1,426,849.39 bid to complete an improvement prototype from south of Gulf Drive to Pine Avenue’s intersection with North Shore Drive.

That was the fourth round of bids rejected by the city, which has been working on a new strategy for moving forward since.

Murphy presented his ideas for such a strategy — complete improvements step-by-step, block-byblock.

Such improvements would begin with the addition of meandering sidewalks and enhancement of crosswalks from Pine Avenue’s intersection with Gulf Drive to North Shore Drive.

The city would then move to completing the same

improvements for the next block of Pine, from North shore drive to crescent drive; then the third and final block, from Crescent Drive down to the Anna Maria City Pier.

The city would then go back over each block to improve preestablished sidewalks, then once more to enhance lighting — which will be funded separately from other improvements.

Murphy said three local contractors had expressed interest to him with participating in a piecemeal improvement process.

Murphy added that he needed commission consensus so he could bring the proposal to an engineer and the Florida Department of Transportation for review.

Commissioner Gary McMullen said he did not believe pedestrians use Pine’s meandering sidewalks — which he called unsafe — but often walk along the street.

He agreed to the commission’s consensus to move forward with murphy’s plan but clarified that he would not support meandering sidewalks until he saw for himself that people use them.

There was no public comment.

Commissioners also unanimously voted to adopt a resolution accepting a state-funded grant agreement with the dOt for $1,288,440 toward improvements along Magnolia and Spring avenues.

The city plans to improve the two roadways as a second phase of work following Pine Avenue enhancements.

Murphy said the city will conduct a study to determine the needs along the corridors and hold public workshops before moving forward with improvement plans.

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

Directions to attend via Zoom can be found on the city’s website, cityofannamaria.com.

Manatee County Area Transit ridership climbs

By lisa neff islander editor

Manatee County Area Transit recorded a 40% spike in ridership since October 2023.

Several factors influenced the big bump, said MCAT transit planner/scheduler Susan Montgomery during a quarterly briefing may 20 to the sarasota/ Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization board. The board was meeting in Sarasota, the last such gathering before a summer break.

Montgomery, explaining the ridership increase, cited several reasons:

• route enhancements;

• increased travel on the island trolley;

• installation of systems to automatically count passenger, allowing MCAT to discontinue relying on bus operators to key in riders.

Also, the county instituted a fare-free system in late 2022.

Looking ahead, Montgomery said MCAT wanted to boost ridership on Route 6, which operates on Cortez Road and Gulf Drive between the Desoto Station in Bradenton and Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach.

Buses will operate on 30-minute intervals beginning in December.

“We are looking forward to that,” Montgomery said.

MCAT also is preparing to assume management of the Gulf Islands Ferry that operates Thursday-Sunday between the Bradenton riverfront, Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach.

The Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau steered the ferry launch and tourist development tax dollars continue to fund the service but MCAT is incorporating the ferry into its system.

Already transit riders can track the ferry using the MyStop mobile app and see the ferry route on MCAT’s system map.

“We’re still working out a few kinks with the captains but I think we’ve got it going on,” Montgomery told the board.

Her remarks led board members to share hopes for expanding the ferry service — to Palmetto and Longboat Key in Manatee County, as well as to Sarasota County.

Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown, who chaired the meeting, said collaboration between counties is key to getting people to the barrier islands without cars.

Montgomery said, “We’ve already reached out to the city of Sarasota and the town of Longboat Key.”

Planners surveying public to envision 2050

By lisa neff islander editor

See red when driving along the Palma Sola Causeway?

Got green ideas for improving pedestrian or bike travel around AMI?

The Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization is developing a blueprint for transportation — the 2050 Long-Range Transportation Plan — and is seeking public comment on a survey that closes June 15.

The survey at www.transform-tomorrow.com is part of a three-phase process that involves identifying key projects and opportunities to improve resiliency, accessibility, safety and mobility, as well as infrastructure and transit.

The survey takes 5-10 minutes to complete and poses 24 questions, beginning with: “Over the past 5 years, do you think the transportation system in the region has become.” Possible answers include much better, somewhat better, about the same, worse, much worse and not sure.

The MPO also will hold a 2050 long-range plan visioning workshop at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 29, in the selby auditorium at the university of south Florida-sarasota campus, 8350 N. tamiami trail, Sarasota.

this isn’t the first long-range plan for the mpO. The organization, under federal law and regulations, must update its long-range plan every five years and the 2050 initiative will build on a 2045 document, Ryan Brown, MPO deputy director, told the MPO board during a meeting May 20 in Sarasota.

In other developments at the meeting, the board unanimously approved sending a letter to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection supporting expansion of the Florida Gulf Coast Rail Trail, a multiuse trail system with segments in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties.

A year ago, the MPO proposed two segments — from the Palma Sola Causeway in west Bradenton to the Green Bridge in downtown Bradenton and a northern extension of the Legacy Trail to east of I-75 in Sarasota.

Charles Hines, Florida Gulf Coast Trail director for the Trust for Public Land, thanked the board for its support and encouraged the planners to propose trails as they consider new development.

“When you see these large development plans coming, ask, where does a trail fit?” Hines said. “it needs to fit in before the development gets there. … Six-foot paths and bike lanes are not a trail. So please, keep that in mind.”

MPO and Florida Department of Transportation staff also previewed projects, including planning multimodal transportation on barrier islands, managing congestion, resiliency studies and regional transportation efforts involving rail, ferry and rapid-bus services.

The next MPO meeting will be at 9 a.m. Monday, sept. 23, at the double tree by Hilton, 8009 15th st. E., Sarasota.

Eyes on the road

• South Bradenton Beach: Manatee County is working on sewer lines on side streets off Gulf Drive South. Motorists can expect closures of some side streets, including Sixth Street South through early June. Paving on Sixth Street South and Seventh Street South is expected later in June, along with road restoration on Gulf Drive. For the latest, go to amiprojects. io.

• City center in Holmes Beach: Manatee County’s final work on a force main project on Holmes Boulevard, Marina Drive and side streets continues. For the latest, go to amiprojects.io.

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

Pedestrians, a biker and parked cars share Pine avenue May 27 in anna Maria. islander

Photo: ryan Paice

compiled by lisa neff, calendar@islander.org

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT OFF AMI

Wednesday, May 29

1 p.m. — Screening “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones,” the Longboat Key Paradise Center for Healthy Living, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-6493.

ONGOING OFF AMI

Throughout June, Island Gallery and Studios “Walk on the Wildside” exhibit featuring Jody Goldman’s paintings, 456 Old Main St., Bradenton. Information: 941-778-6648.

• Through June 23, “Mountains of the Mind: Scholars’ Rocks from China and Beyond” exhibit, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-360-7390.

• Through June 30, “Yayoi Kusama: A Letter to Georgia O’Keeffe,” Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-366-5731.

• Through Aug. 15, “To the Moon: Snoopy Soars with NASA,” the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131.

• Through Aug. 31, Thursday-Saturday, 7 p.m., 9 p.m., Laser Light Nights, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131.

• Through Oct. 20, “Reimagining Nature: Dali’s Floral Fantasies,” the Dali Museum, 1 Dali Boulevard St., St. Petersburg. Fee applies. Information: 727-823-3767, thedali.org.

• 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, 10:30 a.m., art demos, Island Gallery and Studios, 456 Old Main St., Bradenton. Information: 941-778-6648, islandgalleryandstudios.org.

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

SAVE THE DATES

Sept. 19-29, Island Players’ “Crimes of the Heart,” Anna Maria.

Nov. 14-24, Island Players’ “A Doublewide, Texas Christmas,” Anna Maria.

MARKETS & SALES

ONGOING ON AMI

• Most Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Coquina Beach Market, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941840-0789, coquinabeachmarket.org.

On exhibit

“cruising the gulf” is a painting by Jody goldman, the featured artist in June at the island gallery and studios in downtown Bradenton. for more information, go online to islandgalleryandstudios.org or call 941-778-6648 islander courtesy Photo

ONGOING OFF AMI

• Second Saturdays through Aug. 10, 8 a.m.-noon, Summer Mini-Markets, Old Main Street, Bradenton. Information: realizebradenton.com, 941-301-8445.

KIDS & FAMILY ON AMI

Tuesday, June 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.

• Third Fridays, Teen Nights, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131.

Second Saturdays, Quest for Kids, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131.

CLUBS & COMMUNITY

ON AMI

Thursday, May 30

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

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

Saturday, June 1

10 a.m.-noon — Manatee County Animal Welfare kitten adoption-foster program, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

ONGOING ON AMI

• Most 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.

Book Club, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-7781908.

• Most Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-718-5583.

LESSONS & LEARNING

ONGOING ON AMI

• Tuesdays through August, 10 a.m., Anna Maria Island and Shorebird Monitoring Turtle Tracks and Shorebird Facts, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Note: Time change to noon May 28 and June 25. Information: islandturtlewatch.com, info@islandturtlewatch.com, 941-301-8434.

SPORTS & FITNESS

ONGOING ON AMI

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

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

• Mondays, 10 a.m., morning yoga, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

ONGOING OFF AMI

Through Sept. 1, Bradenton Marauders home games, LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Fee apples. Information: 941-7473031.

OUTDOORS & NATURE

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

CALENDAR NOTES

KEEP THE DATES

Through Oct. 31, sea turtle nesting season. Lights out! Through Nov. 30, Atlantic hurricane season. Be prepared!

June 14, Flag Day.

June 16, Father’s Day.

June 19, Juneteenth. June 20, summer solstice. July 4, Independence Day. Sept. 2, Labor Day. GET

Send listings to calendar@islander.org.

Island happenings

Libraries offers summer reading contest for kids

The Manatee County Public Library System’s Summer Learning Program will launch June 1 for kids up to age 17.

The theme is “Adventure Begins at Your Library,” with each branch representing a National Park.

The Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, will be designated Biscayne National Park — that home to coral reefs, islands and shoreline mangrove forests in the northern Keys.

During the campaign, library adventurers can read to win prizes and attend events.

Here is how the program works:

Participants’ goal is to read 20 hours or more June 1-July 31 and for every five hours clocked reading, a kid receives a book.

Hours are logged in an activity booklet available June 1 at branches.

After at least 20 hours, participants turn in log booklets at their local library to claim a ticket to a Bradenton Marauders baseball game and enter a drawing for grand prizes.

Also, the participants who record the most reading hours are invited to create library displays, take behind-the-scenes tours of a library and serve as librarians.

Prize-winners will be announced in early August.

Throughout the initiative, the libraries will hold events, including at the Island Library, which in June

Laser shows brighten Bishop

Laser Light Nights — featuring music by Pink Floyd, Elton John, Led Zeppelin and other artists — returned this month to the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in Bradenton.

On Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights through Aug. 31, the museum will host laser light shows to music.

Tickets cost $15.

Refreshments will be sold at the museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton.

upcoming shows include:

• motown medley, 7 p.m. thursday, may 30;

• Bob marley, 9 p.m. thursday, may 30;

• david Bowie, 7 p.m. Friday, may 31;

• prince, 9 p.m. Friday, may 31;

• led Zeppelin, 7 p.m. saturday, June 1;

• metallica, 9 p.m., saturday, June 1.

Looking deeper into the lineup, hot tickets will include taylor swift shows at 9 p.m. saturday, June 8; 7 p.m. Saturday, July 13; and 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23.

For more information, go online to bishopscience. org or call the museum at 941-746-4131.

Submit social news to news@islander.org. Please, include time, date and location for events, as well as a contact name and phone number for publication. And, thanks for sharing!

“Anna Maria Island,” a signed pictorial history book of the island by Bonner Joy, is available for $20 at the islander office, 315 58th st., Holmes Beach, or by mail. Visit islander.org or call 941778-7978. $20 plus postage.

1,000 books before kindergarten

The Manatee County Public Library System is registering children and their adults in the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program.

“Improve your child’s skills in vocabulary and language while also gaining prizes for every milestone,” read a notice from the library system.

For more information, call the Island Branch at 941-778-6341.

will present:

• saturday, June 1, 10 a.m., Whiskers & Words: a Kitten Adoption and Foster Kickoff Party;

• thursday, June 6, 10 a.m., comic book writing lessons;

• Wednesday, June 12, 10 a.m., let’s recycle with Manatee County;

• thursday, June 13, 10 a.m., Jiggleman comedy performance;

• Friday, June 14, 2 p.m., rock garden painting;

• thursday, June 20, 10 a.m., Bits & pieces puppets performing “The Adventures of Robin Hood”;

• Wednesday, June 26, 10 a.m., candymaking;

• thursday, June 27, 10 a.m., Great space adventure.

Registration is required for events.

For more information, call the Island Branch at 941-778-6341.

Island

Gallery and Studios takes ‘Walk on the Wildside’

Island Gallery and Studios in downtown Bradenton will feature work by oil painter Jody Goldman throughout June.

The exhibit is “Walk on the Wildside.”

Goldman is a member of Artists for Conservation, Oil Painters of America and Association for Animal Artists and she concentrates her work on wildlife.

The gallery is at 456 Old Main St.

For more information, go online to islandgalleryandstudios.org or call 941-778-6648.

Duck Designs Shop

Annie Silver charts a course

By robert anderson islander reporter

Annie Silver Community Center treasurer Dianne coates tallied up the nonprofit’s financial status for members at their May 23 meeting.

Coates said the center produced a net income of $4,851 from January through april, mostly from collections at community dinners and bingo nights at the center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach.

Coates also reported that the center had two grants at its disposal — $750 remaining from a $1,250 grant from the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce and $5,000 from the city of Bradenton Beach.

Interim president Bruce Butler suggested compiling a list of possible improvements and enhancements.

Butler recommended purchasing garden furniture. Others suggested remodeling the kitchen, replacing lighting fixtures and installing irrigation.

Members agreed to work on their lists for discussion at another meeting.

In other news, former center president and longstanding member Jim Hassett recommended a review of the center’s articles of incorporation and charter.

Hassett, who began visiting the center in 1992, emphasized the importance of safeguarding the center’s legacy and ensuring its sustainability.

“It’s been my concern all along, the future of Annie Silver.” Hassett told The Islander in a May 24 interview. “We are operating from a charter from 1955 and maybe it’s long overdue to review the charter and establish and upgrade it, if it needs to be done, to protect the rights of Annie Silver.”

Board members agreed to discuss the issue at the next community center meeting, which will be at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, June 13.

About the center

The Annie Silver Community Center was formed to provide a meeting place and promote goodwill in the Bradenton Beach community.

Annie Silver, who donated the property, wanted the center to be owned by the community for bingo games, book club meetings, garden shows and shared suppers, with only a $5 per year fee.

The center has been in operation since 1952.

need a good laugh? visit the NEW emerson quillin signature store. humor, art, gifts NEW LOCATION: HB Post Office, 5354 Gulf Drive• emersonshumor.com

and Glitter Tattoos

goldman

John van Zandt Scholarship awarded

The John van Zandt Scholarship administered through the Center of Anna Maria Island went this year to Jack Love and Mikaela Culhane.

Jack donated his award back to the fund.

A May 16 notice from the center said Jack’s “exceptional generosity and commitment and “in an admirable act of selflessness … graciously chose to donate his scholarship back to the JVZ Fund, ensuring that future recipients can benefit from the same opportunities that have been afforded to him.”

Mikaela Culhane, the second scholarship recipient, plans to utilize the scholarship to further her education and pursue a career as an MRI technologist. She is the daughter of center executive director Chris Culhane.

Recipients were chosen by an independent committee.

The center said, “With a clear vision for her future, Mikaela’s dedication and determination serve as an inspiration to aspiring professionals in the fi eld of health care.”

The JVZ Scholarship is awarded annually to graduating seniors who are seeking careers necessitating certification, licensing or apprenticeship

The scholarship, named for the late John van Zandt of Holmes Beach, supports individuals entering a diverse array of industries, including trades, health care, construction, manufacturing and hospitality.

For more, go to centerami.org or call the center at 941-778-1908.

SFCP VPK blossoms into kindergartners school for constructive Play voluntary pre-kindergarten students gather onstage May 23 for a graduation ceremony. the students in blue caps will move on to kindergarten while students in the red caps will graduate next year from the preschool that operates at gloria dei lutheran church, 6608 Marina drive, Holmes Beach. islander Photos: courtesy sfcP/Barbara Burgess

left: sophia cross, left, granddaughter of christine van Zandt; Will cross, van Zandt’s grandson; christine van Zandt, wife of the late John van Zandt; Mikaela culhane, scholarship recipient; and dr. ana shaw, daughter of van Zandt, celebrate the award earlier this month. islander courtesy Photo

AME to King, students honored Mya suzor of Holmes Beach, taylor King of cortez, savanna coba of Holmes Beach, Jack Mccarthy of Holmes Beach and cale rudacille of Holmes Beach pose May 16 at an eighth-grade awards ceremony at King Middle school, 600 75th st. nW, Bradenton. Mya received awards for sports, the national Junior Honor society and art. savanna received a future Business leader of america award and cale took home an engineering award. each student also was awarded medals for maintaining a gPa of 3.5 or higher over three years. savanna received gold for a 4.0, Mya and cale received silver for 3.7-3.99, Jack and taylor received bronze for 3.5-.3.7. the students all attended anna Maria elementary and were in the same kindergarten class. in 2024-25, they will attend Manatee High school. islander Photo: courtesy Janae rudacille

Jack love, scholar

AME principal slides into retirement, successor named

Katie Fradley of Bradenton will go from Gecko to Dolphin.

Willis Elementary’s vice principal for 2023-24 was named Anna Maria Elementary School’s principal for 2024-25.

While students take their summer break, Fradley will work with retiring principal Mike Masiello through June to transition into her new role.

Her official start date is July 1.

Fradley told The Islander via email May 22 that AME is her dream school.

“It took me 34 years to get here and I’m planning on planting down roots,” she wrote. “I love the small size, community involvement and deep-seated history that AME has to offer.”

Fradley visited amE may 21, attending a fifthgrade graduation ceremony and conversing with staff.

“I’m enjoying gathering input and feedback on the traditions that make AME so special,” she said.

Fradley said a goal is to get to know students, families and staff.

“I plan on being highly visible on campus, as well as in the community,” she said. “ultimately, i want to see how I can help maintain the unique historical qualities of AME while ensuring that students are provided with opportunities for growth and a foundation

By robyn Murrell

for success.”

Fradley grew up in west Bradenton and said she is no stranger to the island.

“I spent a lot of time on the island as a child with

Grads beam at ceremony

anna Maria elementary principal Mike Masiello and teachers stephanie davis and sandy fisher share a stage May 21 with graduating fifth-graders who achieved a’s and B’s. the ceremony took place in the school auditorium on the Holmes Beach campus, with 36 students graduating from two classes. islander Photo: courtesy aMe/ rebecca demo

friends who lived out there,” she said. “my first job was actually at the old Foodway on the island where Publix is now.”

Fradley holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Florida state university. she has a master’s degree in reading from the university of South Florida and a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from usF. Her career spans 34 years, with 30 in Manatee County and four years in Honolulu.

She taught at Braden River Elementary, Sea Breeze and Rowlett, as well as at a K-12 private school in Hawaii.

She also worked as an instructional specialist for the school district, assisting in “turnaround” status with the state. In 2020, Masiello — then at Ballard — hired her as the school’s assistant principal.

Next stop, after two years at Ballard, she moved to Willis Elementary as the assistant principal.

Additionally, Fradley was an adjunct professor 2002-14 at usF and saint leo university, where her students included AME staff members Pidge Barreda, Sandy Fisher and Bridget Querrard.

Fradley’s husband, Chuck, is director of operations for Rowlett Academy. Their adult son, Henry, is a software engineer in San Francisco.

Luminescence year-end luncheon

anna Maria elementary fifth-graders are seated May 20 in the school auditorium for a graduates’ lunch-and-glow party. Parents and teachers coordinated the event. Pizza social aMi and the donut experiment in anna Maria and chick-fil-a and the shake Pit in Bradenton catered lunch. islander Photo: courtesy aMe/ rebecca demo

Tiki & Kitty’s

Tiki and Kitty are leading the way to their favorite shops and boutiques for a last spring fling.

t&K love Cat’s Meow, an 8,000 square-foot marketplace! Their vendors offer coastal, cottage, beach, antique, boho, midcentury modern and other home decor styles. they also offer vintage to fine jewelry and vintage albums.

You might want to lace up your skates, as this large, former skating rink has plenty to offer bargain hunters and anyone seeking antiques and unique decor. You don’t want to miss this collection.

We’ll definitely make a stop next door at Blue Flamingo , home to hip and trendy upcycled and repurposed goods, furniture and decor, garden features, candles, jewelry and work by local artisans. They also offer Dixie Belle paints.

We promise you will find treasures aplenty.

Blessed and Distressed is a tastefully designed store — so inviting, you’ll want to pull up a chair

— with collectibles and work by local artists at Palma Sola Square, around the corner from Winn-Dixie. It offers 30-plus vintage, upcycled, shabby chic and artsy vendors. You won’t be disappointed.

Scavengers Marketplace has plenty of vendors to capture your wallet at the palmetto store, 2100 u.s. 301. There’s always something new to entice you among the vendors’ eclectic collections.

FYI: Scavengers also carries Fusion Paints.

Your place for fun, funky quirky!

The Vintage Vine Market is a favorite for Tiki and Kitty, who love the fine vintage wares and items with a whimsical twist at this store in historic Old Manatee along the newest section of the Bradenton Riverwalk. The location in the 1910 building oozes charm. And they take select consignments by appointment.

And don’t forget, tell people you meet along the way, “The Islander sent me.”

Katie fradley, newly appointed to the position of aMe principal, poses with an aMe sign May 21.

islander courtesy Photo

By lisa neff

Bible school to start at Roser

Roser Memorial Community Church is diving into summer programs with its weeklong scuba-themed vacation Bible school.

the free school will be 5:30-8:30 p.m. mondayFriday, June 3-7 at the church fellowship hall, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

Each session will begin with dinner, which adult caretakers are invited to join.

A notice said, “Kids will enjoy amazing experiments, creative games, super-fun snacks, surprising adventures and incredible music!”

Food collected at GDL

Through Sunday, June 1, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church is collecting nonperishable goods to donate to food banks.

A notice from the church said, “Please, consider adding an extra nonperishable item or two during your next grocery run. … Every small act of kindness and generosity can make a difference.”

the church is at 6608 marina drive, Holmes Beach.

For more, call the church at 941-778-1813.

GoodDeeds

Ready

to wear officers chuck Marose, left, and Kyle orms, right, of the Bradenton Beach Police department pause for a photo May 16 with sea tow foundation representative sam Joseph as they unveil a life jacket loaner rack at the Historic Bridge street Pier. officer eric Hill, who heads up the department’s marine patrol program, and Joseph coordinated the initiative and kicked off national safe Boating Week observed May 18-24. the program provides life jackets for public use.

islander Photo: BBPd

Tidings

compiled by lisa neff

THIS WEEK

Monday, June 3

5:30 p.m. — Roser Church vacation Bible school continues through June 7, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Info: roserchurch.com, 941-778-0414.

SAVE THE DATES

June 7, Temple Beth Israel Shabbat Dinner, Longboat Key. June 17-21, CrossPointe Fellowship vacation Bible school, Holmes Beach.

Feb. 25-26, 2025, Christ Church of Longboat Key Men’s Retreat, TBD.

April 2-3, 2025, Christ Church of Longboat Key Women’s Retreat, TBD.

ONGOING ON AMI

CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-0719.

Worship: Sundays, 9 a.m.

Ongoing: Wednesdays, 7 a.m., men’s Bible meeting; Fridays, 10 a.m. women’s Bible meeting.

Worship: Sundays, 9:15 a.m.

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

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

Ongoing: Tuesdays, 2 p.m., women’s book study.

St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-4769, stbernardcc.org, office@stbernardcc. org.

Worship: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.; Saturdays, 4 p.m.; Sundays, 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.

Ongoing: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m., rosary; Wednesdays, 7:30 a.m.; Rosary on the Beach at Manatee Public Beach; Saturdays, 3 p.m., confession.

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.

Ongoing: Wednesdays, 10 a.m., women’s Bible study; Mondays, 9 a.m., men’s Bible study.

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

Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.

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

Worship: Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.; Sundays, 9:15 a.m.

Ongoing: Most Wednesdays, 8 a.m., men’s breakfast; Mondays, 1 p.m., book club.

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

Worship: Sundays, 9:30 a.m., followed by coffee and fellowship.

Ongoing: First Sundays, food bank collections; Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m., women’s social gathering.

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

Assistance offered on AMI

For more information or registration, call the church at 941-778-0414. info: 941-778-0414.

• roser Food Bank welcomes applicants who live, work or attend school on Anna Maria Island for food assistance, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

• 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.

SUNDAY WORSHIP

8:30 AM in the Chapel 10:00 AM in the Sanctuary Nursery • Children’s Church ONLINE � Watch LIVE or LATER RoserChurch.com

Sign up to receive the eBulletin at RoserChurch.com/contact-us The CHAPEL is open

Ongoing: Mondays, 4 p.m., choir practice.

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

Worship: Fridays, Shabbat, 5:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. GET LISTED, CHANGE LISTINGS

Send listings to calendar@islander.org.

Obituary

Karyn Ann Budnick

Karyn Ann Budnick died April 20 in North Franklin, Connecticut.

she was born June 18, 1965, in Oak Harbor, Washington.

As a special needs person, Ms. Budnick faced many challenges during her lifetime. She was supported and uplifted by the teachers and caregivers who were part of her journey and helped her to reach her full potential.

She resided at the Holton Road Group Home in North Franklin.

She loved the nurses and support staff that cared for her and looked forward to phone calls and visits from her parents.

A celebration of her life will take place in June at Harkness Memorial Park, Waterford, Connecticut.

Ms. Budnick is survived by her parents, Gary and Sandra Budnick; sister Debbi and husband John Blomgren; brother Brian and wife Julia; niece Jayden; nephews LJ and wife Gina Blomgren and Jack Blomgren; several aunts; uncles; and cousins.

Obituaries are offered as a community service. Email news@islander.org.

• the islander seeks donations on behalf of Holmes Beach Commissioner Pat Morton, injured when struck by a truck while walking to his workplace. Information: “please help — unexpected medical and care Costs” on gofundme.com.

Assistance sought on AMI

• Wildlife inc. rescue and rehabilitation center in Bradenton Beach seeks help tending to injured and sick animals. info: 941-778-6342.

• roser Food Bank seeks donations. roser memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, administers the pantry supported by All Island Denominations. info: 941-778-0414.

Reentry tags for AMI

Hope for the best but prepare for the worst. reentry tags allow public safety officials to identify people approved to reenter an impacted area following an evacuation.

In Anna Maria, reentry tags are available at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

people can call city hall at 941-708-6130 for more information.

In Bradenton Beach, reentry tags are available at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

For more information, contact city hall at 941-7781005.

In Holmes Beach, residents can obtain reentry tags from the police department, 5801 marina drive.

For more information, call HBpd at 941-7782677.

Pet-friendly planner

Got Skip the dog chipped?

Got a kennel for Fennel the cat?

Now, at the start of the storm season, is the time to consider pets in disaster planning.

Some recommendations:

• immunize pets;

• microchip animals.

• pack a kit that includes an ID collar and rabies license tag, leashes, water and food bowls, medications, food for two weeks, bags for waste disposal, toys and comfort items.

• pets should have secure carriers or collapsible kennels. Carriers should be large enough for pets to stand comfortably and turn around.

• throughout an evacuation, pets need calm. Keep as close to their routine as possible.

• try to shelter with friends or relatives when sheltering with pets.

• if a readiness plan involves staying in a motel or other lodging, determine in advance what brands welcome pets. A resource is petswelcome.com.

• after a storm passes, take precautions if allowing pets outdoors. Familiar scents and sights may be altered or gone, disorienting the animal. Additionally, debris, insects, wildlife and water may present hazards.

• if a pet is lost, go searching asap.

Aid after a storm

After a storm strikes, people in disaster zones can find help while people outside disaster zones can lend aid using the following resources:

• Florida’s official volunteer portal, volunteerflorida.org.

• National Voluntary Organizations active in Disaster, www.nvoad.org.

• Florida’s donation site, www.volunteerflorida. org/donatefdf or text DISASTER to 20222.

Before collecting supplies to donate, people should connect with organizations in an affected area to identify what is needed, how much is needed and when it is needed.

Often, donating cash can be the best way to help after a disaster.

Also, after a storm, turn to The Islander’s social media accounts and website — islander.org — for local connections.

“Anna Maria Island,” a pictorial history book of the island by Bonner Joy, is available for $20 at the islander office, 315 58th st., Holmes Beach. call or text 941-778-7978 for hours or purchase at islander.org. Joy is publisher of the islander.

Evacuating from home to shelter

Got a friend with a mainland condo or spare bedroom outside the flood zone offering shelter?

Want to build up some big points on the hotel rewards card?

Emergency management officials encourage residents to consider options other than a public shelter, including hotels or stays with family or friends out of the evacuation zone.

In the event the public shelter is the only option, turn to local media for notice of openings.

Manatee County’s shelter roster, updated as needed at mymanatee.org, includes:

• Braden river middle school, 6215 river club Blvd., Bradenton.

• Braden river High school, 6545 state road 70 E., Bradenton.

• Buffalo creek middle school, 7320 69th st. E., Palmetto.

• daughtrey Elementary school, 515 63rd ave. E., Bradenton.

• Freedom Elementary school, 9515 state road 64 E., Bradenton.

• Gullett Elementary school, 12125 44th ave. E., Bradenton.

• Haile middle school, 9501 state road 64 E., Bradenton.

• Harvey Elementary, 8610 115th ave. E., parrish.

• Jain middle school, 12205 44th ave. E., Bradenton.

• Johnson K-8, 2121 26th ave. E., Bradenton.

• Kinnan Elementary school, 3415 tallevast road, Sarasota.

• lee middle school, 4000 53rd ave. W., Bradenton.

• manatee High school, 902 33rd st. court W., Bradenton.

• mcNeal Elementary school, 6325 lorraine road, Bradenton.

• miller Elementary school, 601 43rd st. W., Bradenton.

• mills Elementary school, 7200 69th st. E., palmetto.

• myakka city Elementary school, 37205 manatee Ave., Myakka City.

Items to bring to a shelter include: pillows, blankets, sleeping bags or air mattresses; clothing; toiletries; towels; folding chairs; quiet games, books; important papers; and irreplaceable keepsakes.

noaa’s goes-16 satellite shows Hurricane idalia approaching the gulf coast of florida while Hurricane franklin churns in the atlantic ocean at 5:01 p.m. aug. 29, 2023. islander image: courtesy noaa satellites

Speaking of storm season a guide to hurricane emergency management lingo

• Category: Hurricanes are classified in terms of intensity, from Category 1 to Category 5, with 5 being the most intense.

• Coastal flood warning: A warning to expect significant wind-forced flooding along low-lying coastal areas.

• Coastal fl ood watch : An alert to expect significant wind-forced flooding along low-lying coastal areas.

• Cone of uncertainty: The tracking model that shows the probable path of the storm center but not the size of the storm.

• EOC : The emergency operations center that serves as a central location for the coordination and control of all emergency preparedness and response activities.

• Evacuation time: The lead-time that a populated coastal jurisdiction must have to relocate residents of vulnerable areas from an approaching hurricane.

• Eye: The relatively calm area near the center of the hurricane, where winds are light, and the sky is often partly covered by clouds.

• Eye landfall: The point in time when the eye, or physical center of the hurricane, reaches a coastline.

• Flood warning: Indicates the expected severity of flooding, as well as where and when the flooding will occur.

• Forward speed: The rate of movement of the hurricane eye in miles per hour or knots.

• Hurricane: When winds reach a constant speed of 74 mph or more. These winds blow in a large spiral around a relatively calm center of extremely low pressure known as the eye of the hurricane.

• Hurricane track: The line of movement of the eye through an area.

• Hurricane warning: An alert added to a hurricane advisory to expect hurricane conditions within 24 hours.

• Hurricane watch: An alert added to a hurricane advisory covering a specified area and duration. a hurricane watch means hurricane conditions are a real possibility; it does not mean they are imminent.

• Tropical cyclone : Low-pressure systems that include thunderstorms and rotate counterclockwise.

• Tropical depression: A tropical cyclone with winds of 38 mph or less.

• Tropical storm: A tropical cyclone with winds of 39-73 mph.

• Storm surge: The forceful dome of wind-driven waters sweeping along the coastline near where the eye makes landfall or passes close to the coast.

BRIAN SHARKEY Agency Owner 941-900-9580 Brian@compassinsFl.com The Insurance Solution Advisors

lipsweatherman

Island law enforcement agencies also are on Facebook — @HolmesBeachPD, @ManateeSheriff and @BradentonBeachPoliceDepartment

Manatee County Emergency Management: mymanatee.org

Emergency Management: floridadisaster. org

Emergency Management Agency: fema. gov.

floodsmart. gov

nhc.noaa.gov

State of Florida Weather Information: s tateofflorida.com/florida-weather FPL outages: www.fplmaps.com Anna Maria: cityofannamaria.com. Bradenton Beach: cityofbradentonbeach.com Holmes Beach: holmesbeachfl.org Media resources TV: Bay News 9, The Weather Channel

and digital: The Islander, Islander.org

,

HURRICANE PROTECTION

Stocking up for storms

Must have H20 and more

❒ Water in small bottles for drinking.

❒ Water in gallon containers for cleaning up.

❒ Bottled beverages.

❒ Instant coffee.

for the ‘kitchen’

❒ Nonperishable foods.

❒ Can opener.

❒ Cooking pot or pan.

❒ Utensils.

❒ Plates.

❒ Grill.

❒ Grill tools.

❒ Self-starting charcoal.

❒ Sterno.

❒ Matches.

❒ Aluminum foil.

❒ Plastic bags.

Health and hygiene

❒ Prescriptions.

❒ Insect repellent.

❒ Sunscreen.

❒ Toiletries.

❒ Toilet paper.

❒ Adhesive bandages.

❒ Handwipes.

❒ Tweezers.

❒ Thermometer.

❒ Latex gloves.

ready to wear

❒ Changes of clothing.

❒ Glasses.

❒ Boots.

❒ Rain jacket.

❒ Umbrella.

❒ Face masks.

Checklist for shopping, packing and stockpiling for the hurricane season

records and papers

❒

❒ Birth certificates. Marriage certificates. Passports. Social security cards. Wills.

411 and 911

❒ Battery-powered radio.

❒ Earbuds.

❒ Batteries.

❒ Whistle.

❒ Smartphone and power bank.

Account numbers.

Insurance documents. Account numbers.

Irreplaceable photographs. Water-tight box.

Wrench. Hammer.

❒ Pliers.

❒ Scissors.

❒ Assorted nails.

❒ Dust mask.

❒ Pocket knife.

❒ Flashlights.

❒ Signal flare.

❒ Extension cords.

❒ Hatchet.

❒ Work gloves.

❒ Trash bags.

❒ Tarp.

❒ Duct tape.

Comfort and convenience

❒ Sleeping bag.

❒ Blankets.

❒ Lawn chairs.

❒ Games.

❒ Toys.

❒ Reading materials.

❒ Paper.

❒ Pencil.

❒ Candles.

❒ Lanterns.

❒ Solar battery charger.

❒ Road maps.

❒ Cash.

❒ Gasoline — full tanks.

❒ Propane tank.

Cleaning and clearing

❒ Disinfectant.

❒ Chlorine bleach.

❒ Medicine dropper.

❒ Plastic bucket with lid.

❒ Rags.

Pet friendly

❒ Kennel.

❒ Medications.

❒ Cat litter box.

❒ Vaccination certificates.

❒ Food.

❒ Treats.

❒ Leash.

❒ Pet pick-up bags.

Sales tax takes holidays

A state sales tax-holiday on hurricane-related items is June 1-14. Another tax holiday will be Aug. 24-Sept. 6. During both periods, qualifying items related to disaster preparedness are exempt from sales tax.

Go to the Florida Department of Revenue’s website at floridarevenue.com/disasterprep for more.

Local emergency managers prep for 2024 hurricane season

By Robert Anderson Islander reporter

As the calendar flips to June, signaling the onset of the 2024 hurricane season, local emergency managers are gearing up for storm season.

The Atlantic hurricane season is June 1-Nov. 30. Bradenton Beach Police Chief John Cosby has weathered many such seasons. He has more than 36 years of service under his belt as the city’s emergency operations manager.

“My first storm with the city was tropical storm Keith in 1988,” Cosby said in a May 22 interview.

He highlighted preparations the city is undertaking to ensure public safety and community recovery in the event of a hurricane or tropical storm.

“This year we have rebid all our contracts for debris monitoring, the FEMA help and debris hauling,” Cosby said. “If we have a hurricane that causes serious devastation, we will need someone who can do it 24/7.”

Cosby also cautioned islanders to heed emergency warnings ahead a storm.

“If you are told to evacuate, evacuate,” Cosby said, “The thing people don’t understand is, they don’t realize how fast that water is going to rise.”

Cosby outlined the process of determining evacuation needs, saying city, county and emergency management officials work together with the state emergency operations center on decisions.

Post-storm, Bradenton Beach staff return to the city to assess damage, connect with insurance companies and coordinate cleanups.

The city is prepared but Cosby underscored the importance of individual readiness, encouraging people to gather important documents and assemble their hurricane kits to be ready to move.

In Holmes Beach, police Chief Bill Tokajer led a forum on readiness May 22 at city hall that involved police, code compliance, public works and building departments and focused on evacuation, storm readiness, emergency planning, sandbagging and recovery.

The chief reminded people to think now about evacuation plans and to identify potential destinations.

He also said it is important people prepare storm kits that include their prescription medicines and cash, as power outages would disrupt electronic transactions.

In Anna Maria, early storm season preparations can include signing up on the city’s website, cityofannamaria.com, for alerts and updates via email.

City engineer and public works superintendent Sage Kamiya May 22 tells forum attendees to run from storm surge caused by hurricanes and tropical storms but to hide from the wind. Kamiya advised attendees to grab sandbags as early as possible ahead of a storm to prevent property damage from storm surge. Islander

The city site also contains resources for storm season, including websites and phone numbers for key contacts.

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy did not respond as of May 27 to The Islander’s phone and email messages May 23.

If a storm threatens the area, Manatee County leads the response from its emergency operations center, 2101 47th Terrace E., Bradenton.

In a May 20 email to The Islander, county public information officer Bill Logan said the EOC is operational 365 days a year and 24 hours a day.

“We maintain a standby list to be ready to activate the EOC … as soon as we are called upon,” Logan said. “For a hurricane, our teams are meeting generally 3-5 days prior to landfall to begin assessing potential

Code compliance supervisor JT Thomas tells forum attendees May 22 about his department’s assistance of the Holmes Beach Police Department during hurricane season by helping residents and property owners with preparation and re-entry forms.

Photos: ryan Paice

Tokajer

Cosby

Streetlife

By Robert Anderson and Ryan Paice

Island police reports

Anna Maria

April 21, 100 block of Spring Avenue, theft. A Manatee County sheriff’s deputy responded to the theft of two rented bicycles taken from a beach access. An incident report and case number were filed.

May 8, 400 block of Bay Boulevard, noise complaint. A deputy responded to a complaint about noise at a construction site. A complainant said the construction had gone on past 6 p.m. The deputy issued a citation.

May 15, 100 block of Pelican Drive, fraud. The MCSO received a complaint that a woman defrauded a man through an online dating site and then used the victim’s information to purchase a motorcycle. The case was under investigation.

The MCSO polices Anna Maria. Bradenton Beach

May 17, 2000 block of Gulf Drive North, theft. A Bradenton Beach police officer responded to a call about a bicycle theft from a residence. Video surveillance was checked and an incident report filed.

May 21, 1507 Gulf Drive S., Coquina Boat Ramp North, theft. BBPD responded to the theft of a license plate from a trailer. An incident report was filed.

The BBPD polices Bradenton Beach.

John Cosby, left, at the time a Bradenton Beach police lieutenant but now chief, public works director Tom Woodard and Mayor Bill Shearon meet at city hall in September 2017 to discuss recovery from Hurricane Irma. Irma was the ninth named storm and first Category 5 hurricane in the 2017 atlantic hurricane season. Shearon died in august 2020. Islander file Photo

Cortez

No new reports.

The MCSO polices Cortez.

Holmes Beach

May 16, 700 block of Manatee Avenue, probation violation. A Holmes Beach police officer saw a motorist drive through a flashing red light at the Manatee Avenue at Gulf Drive intersection without stopping. The officer stopped and spoke with the driver, a juvenile, and an adult passenger. The officer found the passenger was on house arrest and so arrested the passenger, who was transported to the jail. The officer called the juvenile’s parents and issued citations.

May 18, Holmes Beach Police Department, 5801 Marina Drive, Baker Act. Two women entered the department, with one reporting that she found the other, an older woman, confused on Holmes Boulevard. An officer spoke to the woman, who did not know where she was or the year. The officer called Manatee County Emergency Medical Services and EMTs cleared the woman. The officer took her into protective custody under the Baker Act and transported her to the HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton for treatment.

HBPD polices Holmes Beach.

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

impacts, unmet needs, shelter operations long before the storm is here.”

Logan said before a potential landfall the EOC would go to Level 1 activation, meaning it is operational and fully staffed 24 hours a day.

“We have various emergency support functions comprised of county and state agencies that will work together for any activation to assess needs, request resources and make sure that resources are brought into the county as soon as it is safe to do so,” according to Logan. “It is a large collaborative effort.”

During restorative efforts, public safety officials

will screen vehicles attempting to reenter impacted areas.

To ensure safety and eliminate unneeded traffic on AMI during restorative efforts, vehicle tags are needed for reentry.

Each city issues tags to residents and businesses.

For more information, contact Anna Maria City Hall at 941-708-6130; HBPD at 941-708-5807; and Bradenton Beach City Hall at 941-778-1005.

HBPD arrests man for DUI

A Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputy arrested Jeffrey Kennett, 45, of Holmes Beach, May 15 on a second-degree misdemeanor for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol with a passenger under age 18.

A Holmes Beach police officer was stationed at the Kingfish Boat Ramp, 752 Manatee Ave., around 2:23 a.m. when he heard what sounded like a motor vehicle crash.

The officer responded and found a motorist in a vehicle in the median at the intersection of East Bay Drive and Manatee Avenue, attempting to drive but stuck on a broken palm tree.

The driver, Kennett, said he was coming from a bar and did not have his driver’s license or insurance information.

An MCSO deputy called to conduct a DUI investigation spoke with Kennett, who allegedly admitted he was impaired.

Kennett failed field sobriety exercises, according to a police report. He also registered breath samples with results of 0.159 and 0.154 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood. The legal blood alcohol level limit for driving under the influence is 0.08.

Kennett was arrested and transported to the Manatee County jail, where he was released the same day after posting $500 bond.

If convicted, punishment 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, June 18, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

— ryan Paice

Orlando woman given probation for DUI

Taiama Ferreira, 33, of Orlando will be on probation through January 2025 after she was found guilty of a second-degree misdemeanor for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Ferreira was arrested Aug. 6, 2023, in Holmes Beach after a complainant reported concerns about a potentially intoxicated motorist.

Ferreira was arrested near the Kingfish Boat Ramp on Manatee Avenue.

She pleaded no contest at a Jan. 23 pretrial conference, where Judge Heather Doyle adjudicated her guilty.

Doyle sentenced Ferreira to 12 months of probation, to complete advanced DUI school and 200 hours of public service, as well as suspended Ferreira’s driver’s license for one year.

— ryan Paice

HB takes control of 3 traffic lights

By Ryan Paice Islander reporter

Traffic flow through three intersections is in the hands of the city of Holmes Beach.

City commissioners unanimously voted May 14 to adopt a resolution approving an agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation to take over control and maintenance of traffic lights at three intersections on state roads.

The intersections include:

• State Road 789/Gulf Drive and East Bay Drive;

• SR 789/Gulf Drive and State Road 64/Manatee Avenue;

West Manatee introduces new firefighters

West Manatee fire rescue training Chief

Mark Tuttle, left, swears in new hires May 21 as firefighters, Diego gutierrez and Samuel Martinez. Islander Photo: ryan Paice

• SR 64/Manatee Avenue and East Bay Drive.

Meanwhile, the DOT will provide the municipality with $22,684 every year.

Police Chief Bill Tokajer said the agreement allows the city to maintain the timing of traffic lights at the intersections, so it will be able to adjust the lights to better allow motorists on and off the island as needed.

Previously, the city needed to contact Manatee County to request DOT make timing changes to the lights.

Commissioner Dan Diggins moved to approve the resolution. Commissioner Greg Kerchner seconded the motion, which passed.

The Islander newspaper is Free at Publix Holmes Beach. Just stop by the customer service desk, hold out your hand and say, “Islander, please!” And maybe remind staff you’d like the serveyourself community news returned to the lobby.

Speed tables OK’d at 2 Holmes Beach roadways

Some motorists have been using Sixth Avenue and 43rd Street in Holmes Beach as a cut-through to avoid traffic on the main roads — and the increased traffic on the residential roads is concerning residents in the process.

But the installation of speed tables might put the brakes on those anxieties.

City commissioners reached consensus May 14 to approve the addition of three asphalt speed tables along the residential roadways, with one on Sixth Avenue and two on 43rd Street.

City engineer and public works superintendent Sage Kamiya told commissioners the police had received complaints from residents about noise and speeding from cut-through traffic.

Kamiya recommended installing temporary rubber speed tables — which would have cost $27,000 — to test whether the city wanted to install permanent tables.

However, Mayor Judy Titsworth and multiple commissioners voiced opposition to the rubber speed tables, instead favoring asphalt.

Resident Mark Hebden spoke in support of the proposed speed tables.

“The neighborhood has become a drag strip … it’s really bad,” Hebden said. “So these measures are really necessary.”

— ryan Paice

Kamiya Titsworth

Cortez captains seek assistance in clearing derelict vessels

robert anderson Islander reporter

Cortez captains are appealing to Manatee County and the state to keep their home waters safe and navigable.

Effective derelict and at-risk vessel policing programs in Sarasota, Bradenton Beach and Palmetto are pushing boat owners to areas that see less enforcement, in this case Cortez, an unincorporated area of Manatee County.

Now captains who navigate the village’s anchorage say they face a broad field of derelict and abandoned vessels, sparking discussions about the need to increase enforcement of maritime regulations in that area of Sarasota Bay.

Capts. Katie Tupin of Capt. Katie Scarlett Boat Tours and Kathe Fannon of Captain Kathe & FirstMate Pup-Pup Charters spoke to The Islander May 22 about problems navigating the Cortez waters.

“There are dozens of abandoned boats that are anchored improperly,” Tupin said. “We get a little bit of wind or bad weather, an anchor line breaks loose or they come loose and they end up crashing into private docks.”

She said one abandoned vessel recently sank and leaked fuel into the bay.

“When I do boat tours one of the top five questions from my customers is ‘Why are those boats just

WMFR marshal earns designation

Fire marshal means more than just a job title for West Manatee Fire Rescue’s Rodney Kwiatkowski.

The Commission on Professional Credentialing May 20 conferred the professional designation of fire marshal to Kwiatkowski, according to a Center for Public Safety Excellence news release.

The designation program is voluntary and requires applicants to identify a professional development plan. It recognizes individuals who demonstrate excellence in seven components, including experience and technical competence.

North Dakota State Fire Marshal Doug Nelson evaluated and approved Kwiatkowski.

Kwiatkowski is one of 242 professionally designated fire marshals globally.

— ryan Paice

Tupin said. “They bring their garbage to land every week. They are living and being responsible on their boat. They are not a problem.”

The captains estimated that between Cortez and Longboat Key Pass there are 10-12 sunken vessels in need of removal.

“I can’t believe the Coast Guard puts up with it,” Fannon said. The U.S. Coast Guard has a station at 4530 124th St. Court W., Cortez. “Because they have to dodge it all in an emergency. They’re out there at 2 and 4 o’clock in the morning, in the rain or whatever and they have to dodge all those boats in order to go rescue somebody. I can’t believe they tolerate it.”

Manatee County public information officer Bill Logan told The Islander in a May 20 email that while the FWC typically heads up derelict vessel investigations, county marine resources can assist with investigations.

left there like that,’” Fannon said. “None of these boats have ever motored up there. They are all towed there.”

Tupin and Fannon said they contacted the Manatee County sheriff’s office and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission about expediting the removal of problem boats but aren’t getting the response they feel is needed to ensure public safety.

“Maybe 13 years ago the county came in and removed a lot of the boats but I haven’t seen them come out and remove the derelict and abandoned boats in years,” Tupin said. “And no one seems to care, the county doesn’t send anyone out to take care of it.”

“There are boats out there with a bunch of oil and diesel that spill out,” she added.

The FWC works with municipalities to remove derelict and sunken vessels. The process of holding vessel owners accountable involves legal procedures that take considerable time and ownership can be elusive.

The FWC estimates removal costs are $400-$800 per foot.

Tupin said there is a distinction to be made between people who live on well-maintained boats and those occupying at-risk vessels.

“There are people who are doing the right thing,”

People who want to reach the marine resources office can call 941-748-4501.

The Islander reached out to the FWC by email May 21 but as of Islander press time May 27 no response was received.

a battered sunken vessel near Cortez is breaking up May 16 due to the waves and tidal action. Islander Photos: Courtesy Kathe fannon

an abandoned and partially submerged vessel is grounded May 10 off Cow Key near Cortez.

8-10s, 11-14s, adults wrap up spring soccer season

By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander reporter

Playoff action in the Center of Anna Maria Island’s youth soccer league has kicked off in the 8-10 and 11-14 divisions.

The 11-14s got started May 21 with No. 4 seed Solid Rock Construction taking on No. 5 Westfall’s Lawn Care & Pest Control. Callin Westfall scored three goals and Lucas Signor added one to lead Westfall’s to a 4-0 upset victory and move on to the second round of the playoffs. Austin Guess came through with eight saves in the shutout victory.

Hayden Eurice made six saves for Solid Rock in the loss.

No. 3 seed HSH Design upset No. 2 Gitt Team 3-0 behind three goals from Sterling Holiday to advance to the finals, where they await the winner of the Westfall’s versus No. 1 Moss Builders match.

That semifinal was a tight contest that saw Westfall’s continue their recent strong play with a 2-1 victory over Moss to advance to the May 28 championship game. Rust Dilley and Lucas Signor each scored a goal, while goalie Austin Guess helped preserve the victory with 11 saves in the victory.

Tristan Hagey notched the lone goal for Moss Builders, which also received six saves from Thomas Holly in the loss.

Playoff action in the 8-10 division kicked off with quarterfinal matches May 21 between No. 4 seed Am I Coconuts and No. 5 Emily Moss Designs. Phoenix Harwood notched the lone goal for Am I Coconuts, while Miles Moss scored for Moss Designs as the teams battled to a 1-1 tie through regulation, and Am I Coconuts prevailed in a penalty-kick shootout to advance to the semifinals.

Both goalies played fantastic games, with the Coconuts goalie Andre Harwood notching 12 saves and Moss Designs goalie Miles Moss putting in an amazing 17 saves in the contest.

The second quarterfinal match of the night saw No. 3 seed Isola Bella Italian Eatery slip past Shady Lady Horticultural Services by a 1-0 score behind Louis Bacon, who notched the game winner. Carson Long made five saves for Isola Bella in the shutout victory.

Semifinal action May 22 saw the 8-10’s No. 1 seed Intuitive Foundation cruise to a 3-0 victory over Am I Coconuts behind a pair of goals from Gunnar Maize and a goal from Parker Svoboda. Bailey Shenbaum and Alexander Czajkowski each added an assist, while Sawyer Leibfried had five saves in the victory.

Andre Harwood made nine saves and Everett Hood added four saves for the Coconuts in the loss.

Aidan Guess notched the lone goal to lead No. 2 seed Solid Rock Construction past Isola Bella in the second semifinal match of the night. Carson Long led

at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 28.

Adult soccer matchups set for playoffs

The regular season of adult soccer concluded May 23, finalizing matchups for the upcoming playoffs. Pool America took the No. 1 seed thanks to a 6-1-2 record, while Progressive Cabinetry took the No. 2 seed with a 6-2-1 record. Salty Printing, at 6-3 and Ross Built at 5-2-2, earned the third and fourth seeds respectively. Sato Real Estate at 4-5 and Moss Builders at 3-4-2 round out the top six in the league.

The bottom four teams, Language Services Associates, Diamond Turf, Beach House Restaurant and Solid Rock Construction will compete in a “play in” game May 29 to keep their season alive. No. 7 seed Language Services Associates takes on No. 10 Solid Rock Construction at 7 p.m., followed by No. 8 Diamond Turf vs. No. 9 Beach House.

First-round playoff action will get started at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 30, pitting Salty Printing against Moss Builders, followed by Ross Built taking on Sato. The 8 p.m. game has No. 1 seed Pool America taking on the winner of the Diamond Turf versus Beach House game, while the 9 p.m. game pits Progressive Cabinetry against the winner of the Language Services Associates versus Solid Rock game.

The last regular-season games May 23 saw Salty Printing edge Diamond Turf 3-2. Erica Nielson, Javier Rivera and Kevin Roman each scored a goal for Salty Printing in the victory.

Christos Louzou and Blair Schlossberg each scored a goal for Diamond Turf in the loss.

Ross Built cruised to a 4-1 victory over Language Services in the second match of the evening. Dean Hinterstoiser scored a pair of goals and Helio Gomez and Ted Hurst added a goal each in the victory.

Daniel Hampton notched the lone goal for Language Services, which also received nine saves from Steve Oelfke in the loss.

Junior Martines and Keith Mahoney scored two goals each to lead Progressive Cabinetry to a 5-4 victory over Sato in the third match of the night. Leo Gonzalez added a goal and Tyler Bekkerus finished with 10 saves in the victory.

Alex Landy scored two goals for Sato, which also received a goal each from Zaharieah Anabtawi and Josh Sato in the loss.

In a battle of bottom dwellers, Beach House and Solid Rock battled to a 2-2 tie in the fourth match

Tom farrington, left, and Bob Heiger pose for a photo after posting the only 3-0 record during the May 22 games at the anna Maria City Hall pits. farrington found himself back in the winner’s circle May 25, this time teaming up with Steve augustine to post the lone perfect record during pool play. Islander Photo: Courtesy aMI Pitchers

of the evening. James Rodriguez and Jonathan Stern notched goals for Beach House, while Luca Vecchio and Jana Whitehead scored for Solid Rock.

Pool America showed why they are No. 1 heading into the playoffs with a 6-1 victory over Moss Builders thanks to four goals from Nate Welch. Brandon Rolland and Chris Klotz each added a goal, while Jessica Reukberg made 11 saves in the victory.

Riley Gofry scored the lone goal for Moss Builders, which also received a combined 13 saves from Ryan Moss and Olaf Krause in the loss.

Golf news

Golf action at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach got started May 20 with the men’s modifiedStableford system match. Steve Drum took first place with a plus-5, a point ahead of a quartet of golfers, Jack Connors, Marty Hicks, Rich Salzburg and Quentin Talbert.

The women took the course May 21 to play a ninehole individual-low-net match in two flights. Phyllis Roe fired a 3-under-par 29 to earn a two-shot victory in Flight A over second-place finisher Pam Lowry. The duo of Jenny Huibers and Helen Pollock tied for third at even-par 32.

Terry Westby carded the day’s low score of 5-under-par 27 to take first place in Flight B. Connie Livanos was alone in second place with a 1-under-par 31, two shots ahead of third-place finisher Laurie Hicks. Members closed out the week May 23 with a ninehole scramble/shamble combo on a modified layout that played to a par 43. The team of Jim Bailey, Joe Coyne and Deb and Dave Richardson combined on a 4-underpar 39 to earn clubhouse bragging rights for the day. The team of Leo Burke, Gary Duncan, Don Grau and Warren Stevens were a stroke back in second place.

Horseshoe news

Horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall pits was short and sweet with no playoffs required. The team of Tom Farrington and Bob Heiger posted the lone 3-0 record during the May 22 games and were the day’s outright champs.

Farrington stayed perfect for the week, this time teaming up with Steve Augustine to forge the only 3-0 record May 25, earning Farrington another trip to the winner’s circle.

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.

Cassidy

Isola Bella Italian Eatery with five saves in the loss. Intuitive Foundation and Solid Rock Construction was to square off for the championship

Plenty to target while awaiting swarms of tarpon

By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander reporter

Many Anna Maria Island fishers are wondering when the migration of tarpon will settle in along our beaches and in the passes as the numbers of silver kings we are used to this time of year have yet to be seen. Still, tarpon anglers are fi nding success.

Most action on silver kings is occurring in the passes around Bean Point and Egmont Key by casting live crabs as bait during afternoon tides.

While fishing the passes, you can count on other boats being in the area, which can make the fishing more challenging. But if that’s what it takes to get a bite, many anglers are more than willing to work in the pack.

Finding schools of tarpon along the beaches is attainable but they are spread out, requiring a lot of time, cruising and looking for fish. The benefit of finding schools along the beaches is that you work on your own, without sharing the fish with multiple boats, increasing your chances of a bite.

Meanwhile, fishing the backcountry is heating up. Snook fishing around mangrove shorelines, especially where bait and good tidal flow exist, is improving and we are seeing greater numbers of fi sh schooling in anticipation of their spawn. Free-lined live shiners are being inhaled by hungry snook while packing on the pounds before spawning.

Spotted trout are a mainstay on the flats as they inhabit the deeper grass areas of southern Tampa Bay south to Sarasota Bay. If you’re looking for action and want to bring home a fish or two for dinner, trout is your best bet.

On my Just Reel charters, I’m happy to see the snook bite on the upswing. Casting live shiners against the roots of mangroves is yielding decent numbers of snook. Most are 20-26 inches, although I am seeing a few slot-size fish on the hook.

After snook fishing, I’m going after spotted seatrout. On deeper flats, I’m encountering respectable amounts of trout, as well as a blend of other species to complete the recipe of a good day’s fishing. Species such as silver trout, Spanish mackerel, ladyfish and jack crevalle are included in this bite.

I’m also seeing sharks in the same areas, which are biting our trout in half as they are reeled to the boat. We’re catching the trout on larger rods and casting it back in the water, resulting in immediate hookups on

Adult flag football registering for summer league

The Center of Anna Maria is bringing back its adult flag football summer league.

Games will take place Thursday nights.

Registration will continue until Wednesday, June 5, followed by a draft and pickup for new players starting at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 6.

The season will kick off Thursday, June 27. The cost is $20 for members and $130 for nonmembers.

The center is at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. For more information, email sports@centerami. org or call 941-778-1908.

— Lisa Neff

4-5 foot sharks. And the anglers on the boat really like reeling in a large fish.

Capt. Johnny Mattay is impressed with the offshore bite as he anticipates a stellar kickoff when red snapper season starts June 1. While bottom fishing in depths of 120 feet, Mattay reports he can’t keep the red snapper away from the bait long enough to catch the red grouper he’s targeting. He sure knows where the snapper can be caught.

In areas where red snapper are not lurking, keepersize red grouper are being caught, as well as many mangrove snapper exceeding 20 inches.

Free-lining surface baits while offshore in the Gulf of Mexico is yielding action, especially on amberjack. The tackle-busters are in the 20-pound range and more than worthy of wearing out the strongest angler.

Moving inshore, Mattay is putting clients on good numbers of spotted seatrout. Many are in the slot of 15-19 inches, with lucky anglers hooking into some fish over 20 inches.

After targeting trout, Mattay has clients going after redfish in various spots, from mangrove edges to oyster bars and even along the beaches.

Capt. David White has his sights on tarpon. Averaging five or more hook ups a day, White is finding the best action on swift moving tides around the new and full moons. Casting live crabs during the evening tides seem to be productive for White, while live threadfin

gle a tarpon May 21 for a trophy photo with his longtime friend and client, Harvey Westmaas, of Hudsonville, Michigan.

herring are working well before noon. Most hookups are 80-120 pounds, with some larger fish mixed in for lucky anglers.

Capt. Warren Girle is easing into tarpon season by patrolling the beaches and passes, which is paying off in hookups, although, Girle notes, the mass numbers of fish have not showed up yet. Girle is finding action, although he anticipates greater numbers of fish to arrive in the weeks to come.

On days when he’s not tarpon fishing, Girle is putting clients on plenty of spotted seatrout in Sarasota Bay with many fish exceeding 20 inches in length.

He also notes that snook fishing in Sarasota Bay is shaping up. Casting live shiners along mangrove shorelines is yielding good action on linesiders during the high tides. Also, Girle is finding a few redfish mixed in while targeting snook.

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

Brace against wind, waves

When a tropical storm or hurricane threatens Anna Maria Island, boat owners and operators must be concerned about more than their homes and families.

Tips for boaters include:

• If your plan calls for a move, relocate at least 48 hours before a storm is forecast to strike.

• Experts recommend having at least two storm anchors, with long nylon line and chain.

• Make sure fuel tanks are full, filters are clean and batteries are charged.

• Remove or secure deck gear, portable gear, radio antennas and dinghies. Make sure hatches, ports, doors, lazarettes and the rudder are secure.

• Canals might be a good choice for storing a boat in a storm. However, east-west canals can bring disaster when a hurricane approaches from the east. If a boat breaks loose, a domino effect can result in a pileup.

• The best offshore mooring to ride out a storm is in the center of a canal or river where double the number of mooring lines can be secured.

• Do not raft vessels together.

• If a vessel must remain dockside, heavy-duty fender boards should be used.

• Do not stay aboard a vessel during a storm.

Stasny

Capt. David White, left, helps wran-

The tarpon was in the 100-pound range.

Jeannie Bystrom of Holmes Beach gets help from her her son, Capt. Logan Bystrom, May 22 to show off her 140-pound tarpon catch. The fish was hooked in egmont Pass on a pass crab.

nesting notes

By Masha Dolgoff

In stormy weather

The National Weather Service for the Tampa Bay area identifies our rainy season as May 25-Oct. 10. Meanwhile, the Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1-Nov. 30.

Both seasons coincide with sea turtle nesting season, which is May 1-Oct. 31 and involves female sea turtles coming ashore to lay eggs and returning to the water. The eggs incubate in the sand for about 55 days, yielding a new generation of hatchlings that crawl to the Gulf of Mexico to begin their path to maturity.

People might wonder how sea turtle nests survive during periods of heavy rainfall or even more hazardous weather, like tropical storms or hurricanes.

The Islander spoke May 22 via email with Kristen Mazzarella, executive director at Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch, on how the monitoring team operates during storm season and their philosophy on human involvement.

“Storms are a natural event. Our mission is to protect turtles from human impact,” Mazzarella wrote.

For some time, before Mazzarella’s tenure, AMITW moved nests before storms, but that is no longer allowed under its marine turtle permits.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission changed the authorization for several reasons.

Moving nests during incubation can cause embryos to detach from the eggs, which can kill the hatchlings.

Also, “nests can survive some overwash,” Mazzarella said.

And overwash occurs when waves reach the shore and break beyond the high water line, sending water over the nest.

Sea turtles have evolved natural strategies for dealing with the irregularities of a subtropical climate and

one of these is laying many eggs to increase the likelihood that some hatchlings will survive.

Furthermore, climate serves an important function in the gender distribution of sea turtle populations, as the sex of a sea turtle is determined by the temperature of the eggs during time of incubation.

Overwash, when waves wash over a nest, might cool the buried eggs and contribute to a natural sex ratio of the hatchlings produced. Moving the eggs could disrupt the ratio.

So to prepare for a storm, AMITW takes an inventory of the number of nests on the beach, including their GPS locations, and then makes sure all stakes that mark the nests are secure in the sand.

After a storm, AMITW determines how many nests remain and restores any stakes that washed away.

Last year, AMITW lost 82 nests to storms. Seventeen of the nests hatched before Hurricane Idalia, but AMITW volunteers were unable to count how many eggs hatched.

А question remains of how mature sea turtles survive intense weather, like hurricanes.

“We study the nests that are laid on the beach,” Mazzarella told The Islander, not turtles in general. However, AMITW has observed that sea turtles lay eggs before and after a big storm.

“Some studies have tracked nesting female turtles via satellite tags during hurricanes and they do appear to move out of the way of the storm but return to the area near the beach soon after it passes,” she said.

Rain or shine, informed conservation efforts are essential to protect sea turtles and their habitat in tandem with nature.

anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers excavate a sea turtle nest aug. 30, 2023, near the 30th Street beach access in Holmes Beach. The nest was one of 12 still marked with stakes following the passage of Hurricane Idalia in the gulf of Mexico. Islander file Photo: Kathy Caserta

Shorebird colony remains

AMITW reported May 24 that a least tern colony first observed May 6 in Bradenton Beach remains and birds are nesting.

AMITW has installed “chick fencing” to protect the birds.

People should keep their distance from the posted colony near the 27th street beach access in Bradenton Beach as the birds need to stay on their nests to protect the eggs from heat and predators. There were 15 nests and 29 birds May 24 at the nesting area on the beach, according to AMITW. One nest was lost to an unknown cause.

Least tern eggs take about 21 days to hatch. Least terns are a state and federally protected species and previous colonies on Anna Maria Island have failed due to the presence of predators, including cats and crows.

— Masha Dolgoff

BB ScenicWAVES committee plans summer job

By Robert Anderson Islander reporter

The Bradenton Beach ScenicWAVES committee isn’t going on summer break.

The group will continue work on a template for educational wildlife signage being created with a Tampa Bay Estuary Program grant.

ScenicWAVES is receiving input from Wildlife Inc. of Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring to design and produce signs for John Chappie Park, 1400 Gulf Drive N.

AMITW executive director Kristen Mazzarella attended the committee’s May 15 meeting and discussed species to be featured on the signs, such as sea turtles, shore birds, crabs, shellfish, rays and nearshore fish species.

ScenicWAVES vice chair Ingrid McClellan said a draft of the signage could be ready by the committee’s July 17 meeting.

In other matters, Jennifer Hoffman, executive director of Keep Manatee Beautiful and a ScenicWAVES liaison, shared results from a May 4 beach cleanup: Volunteers collected nearly 500 pounds of litter from Coquina Beach north to the Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge, 110 Gulf Drive S. Volunteers also removed more than 200 plastic bags and collected more than 4,000 cigarette butts.

Hoffman said KMB is planning a diver’s cleanup on the Coquina bayside for 2025. This year’s dive cleanup in the Manatee River removed more than 5,000 pounds of litter and debris near the Desoto Bridge.

“That’s 5,000 pounds of debris that won’t be coming into your bay,” Hoffman said.

Committee members also reviewed the completion of the 2024 Arbor Day celebration held April 26 at the Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Using $250 from the Anna Maria Island Garden Club, two silver buttonwoods and a thatch palm were planted.

“We really appreciate all the support,” Annie Silver liaison Bruce Butler said of the event. Butler is also on the ScenicWAVES committee. “We hope everyone had a great time, especially some of our first-time visitors.”

In other matters, members finalized a draft of a city proclamation creating a celebratory date for the late Kaye Bell of Cortez.

Bell, who died in February, served as president and board member for the Cortez Village Historical Society. She also received the Pioneer Award for a life-

Shorebird Monitoring executive director

Mazzarella, center left, speaks to the

committee May 15 at Bradenton

City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. Islander Photo: robert anderson

time of service from the Florida Institute for Saltwater Fishing at the Feb. 17-18 Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival.

In Bradenton Beach, Bell served as a board member for the Annie Silver Community Center and was active in promoting a Senior Adventures group. Butler read a proclamation and said copies were distributed to Mayor John Chappie for the next commission meeting.

The next ScenicWAVES meeting will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. About ScenicWAVES

The committee is an advisory committee that represents the Bradenton Beach Scenic Highway Corridor Management Entity and promotes awareness of the city-wide tree canopy and landscaping education.

Mazzarella

as of May 24, there were 98 sea turtle nests and 86 false crawls documented on aMI beaches.

anna Maria Turtle Watch and

Kristen

ScenicWaVeS

Beach

By Lisa Neff

Feds forecast above-normal Atlantic hurricane season

The federal government’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is forecasting 17-25 named storms for 2024 Atlantic hurricane season.

Of those, eight to 13 are forecast to become hurricanes, including four to seven major hurricanes.

“All the ingredients are in place for an active season,” said National Weather Service director Ken Graham, based on a transcript from a briefing May 23 in Washington.

NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad said the forecast is the highest ever for a May outlook.

The season is expected to have above-normal activity due to a confluence of factors, including near-record warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean, development of La Nina conditions in the Pacific, reduced Atlantic tradewinds and less wind shear, all of which tend to favor tropical storm formation.

As one of the strongest El Ninos ever observed nears its end, scientists predicted a quick transition to La Nina, which is conducive to Atlantic hurricane activity because La Nina tends to lessen wind shear in the tropics. At the same time, abundant oceanic heat in the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea creates more energy to fuel storm development.

The potential also exists this season for an abovenormal west African monsoon, which can produce African easterly waves that seed some of the strongest and longer-lived Atlantic storms.

Another factor the forecasters addressed: Humancaused climate change is warming the Atlantic basin and melting ice on land, leading to sea level rise, which increases the risk of storm surge. “Sea level rise represents a clear human influence on the damage potential from a given hurricane,” NOAA said in its forecast statement.

The briefing included the annual warning that it just takes one storm to damage property, disrupt community and threaten lives.

“Severe weather and emergencies can happen at any moment, which is why individuals and communities need to be prepared today,” FEMA deputy administrator Erik A. Hooks said May 23 in a statement.

Hooks added, “Taking a proactive approach to our increasingly challenging climate landscape today can make a difference in how people can recover tomorrow.”

In addition to releasing a federal forecast, NOAA announced May 23 enhanced communications and tools for 2024, including:

• Around Aug. 15, the National Hurricane Center will start to issue an experimental version of a forecast cone graphic that includes a depiction of inland tropical storm and hurricane watches and warnings in effect for the continental U.S.

• The NHC will expand its offering of Spanish language text products to include all public advisories, the tropical cyclone discussion, the tropical cyclone update and key messages at nhc.noaa.gov.

• The NHC will be able to issue U.S. tropical cyclone watches and warnings with regular or intermediate public advisories. This means that if updates to watches and warnings for storm surge or winds are needed, the NHC will be able to notify the public in an intermediate advisory instead of waiting for the next issued full advisory every six hours.

• Two forecast models will go into operation: The Modular Ocean Model or MOM6 will improve the representation of the key role the ocean plays in driving hurricane intensity and SDCON will predict the probability of tropical cyclone rapid intensification.

• NOAA’s new generation of flood inundation mapping will provide information to emergency and water managers to prepare and respond to potential flooding and help local officials better prepare to protect people and infrastructure.

• NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center, in partnership with the NHC, will issue an experimental rainfall graphic for the Caribbean and Central America to provide forecast rainfall totals associated with a tropical cyclone or disturbance for a specified period.

• NOAA’s National Data Buoy Center upgraded many coastal weather buoys to include time of occurrence and measurements of 1-minute wind speed and direction, 5-second peak wind gust and direction and lowest 1-minute barometric pressure to support tropical cyclone forecasting.

Noaa National Weather Service forecasters at the Climate Prediction Center forecast above-normal hurricane activity in the atlantic basin. Noaa’s outlook for the 2024 atlantic hurricane season predicts an 85% chance of an abovenormal season, a 10% chance of a near-normal season and a 5% chance of a below-normal season. Islander Image: Courtesy Noaa

Categorizing hurricanes

The United States uses the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale for categorizing hurricanes. Damage rises by a factor of four for every category increase.

Category 1

• Wind: 74-95 mph.

• Surge: 4-5 feet.

• Effects: Damage primarily to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery and trees. Coastal flooding and minor pier damage.

Category 2

• Wind: 96-110 mph.

• Surge: 6-8 feet.

• Effects: Roofing material, door and window damage. Considerable damage to vegetation, mobile homes. Flooding damages piers and small craft in unprotected moorings may break its moorings.

Category 3

• Wind: 111-130 mph.

• Surge: 9-12 feet.

• Effects: Structural damage to small residences and utility buildings, with a minor amount of curtainwall failures. Destruction of mobile homes. Flooding near the coast destroys smaller structures with larger structures damaged by floating debris. Terrain may be flooded well inland.

Category 4

• Wind: 131-155 mph.

• Surge: 13-18 feet.

• Effects: Extensive curtain-wall failures with roof failure. Significant erosion of beaches. Terrain flooded well inland.

Category 5

• Wind: 155 mph and more.

• Surge: 18 feet and more.

• Effects: Complete roof and building failure. Flooding causes major damage to lower floors of all structures near the shore.

Neff

ITEMS FOR SALE

DINING TABLE: LARGE 102 by 42-inches with leaves and six high-back cane chairs. Cabernet by Drexal. Excellent. $1,000. Northwest Bradenton, 941-798-3842.

fLoor JoIST HaNgerS: 2-by-8-inch. 50 cents each. Six pilings, $15 each. 941-7785542.

BOSU HOME GYM, $35, exercise ball, $25, side tables, round, glass top, 2/$19, black chairs, soft leather 2/$20. 941-920-2494.

S ofa : a SHL ey. PU r CH a S e D in a ugust, brand new, just wanted something else. $600. Contact 860-836-2495.

ANTIQUE PARTNER DESK: All wood, $500. Inquire at The Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

Individuals may place one free ad with up to three items, each priced $100 or less, 15 words or less. free , one week, must be submitted online. email classifieds@islander. org. (limited time offer).

GARAGE SALES

MULTI-faMILy: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. friday and Saturday, May 31-June 1. Sofa sleeper, tables, desk, household, books, pictures, kilim rugs, sheet music, videos, american girl clothes, men’s, women’s, girls’ 5-8 clothing and shoes. 313 Spring ave., anna Maria,

LOST & FOUND

LOST BRACELET: May 10. $100 reward. Sterling silver cuff, gemstones. Sunset between Cedar avenue beach access to shoreline. 727-687-0977.

TRANSPORTATION

go L f C arT re NTa LS: f un for residents and tourists! 212-941-2402. www.golfCartrentalaMI.com.

BOATS & BOATING

HAVE A BOAT and wanna catch more fish, better bait or learn the water? 50-year local fisherman, your boat, my knowledge. Captain Chris, 941-896-2915.

SUNCOAST BOTTOM PAINTING: Professional bottom painting. Mobile. Call 941704-9382.

CaPTaIN for HIre and boat caretaker services: If you need help with your boat on or off the water, call Captain Dan. USCg , retired. 772-486-8085.

WELCOME ABOARD JOYFISH Charters for private fishing, sunset cruises, and dolphin watching. Check out joyfishcharters.com or follow us on facebook. Call to reserve, 941840-3181.

HELP WANTED

CoMMerCIaL PaINTerS NeeDeD. Minimum three years’ experience and valid driver license. Call weekdays 8am-4pm, 941-7464452.

aNNa MarIa reSIDeNT looking to hire a real gardener to maintain plants for summer months. Contact Chuck Bode at 410-3659028.

NoW HIrINg HaNDyMaN: full-time professional services. $18 an hour and up, based on experience. Call JayPros, 941962-2874.

re P orT er Wa NT e D: f ull- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience required. a pply via email with letter of interest to news@islander.org.

KIDS FOR HIRE

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

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.

P re SSU re W a SHIN g , PaV er sealing, driveway, roof, fence, pool area. also, window cleaning. Licensed and insured. 941-5653931.

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

aPI’S DryWaLL rePaIr: I look forward to servicing your drywall repair needs. Call 941524-8067 to schedule an appointment.

CLEAN TECH MOBILE Detailing. At your location. Cars, boats, RVs. Call or text Billie for an appointment. 941-592-3482.

PC or T e CH issues? Not sure where to start? With years of experience, I’ll come to you with reliable solutions. Contact gavin at 928-587-1309. www.gse.codes.

PaINTINg: INTerIor/eXTerIor: Sarasota interior painting. Call or text Don, 941-9009398. We are the best high-end painting! Just ask our aMI clients! I’m the owner and the painter. f ree estimates. f ully insured licensed business.

U PLUS Me LLC: Provides quality coatings for pool decks, driveways, garage floors, patios. Don’t miss out on our pro polishing services, concrete, terrazzo, travertine. 727623-5050.

PrIVaTe CaregIVer: Do you need help with groceries, doctors’ appointments, cleaning, care for pet, care for elderly or companion. I am looking for a part-time job. I have references and very experienced. I have integrity and I can help you and your loved ones with anything! Sparkles, 941-704-9948.

AFFORDABLE PRESSURE WASHING and vacation cleaning service. 941-356-1456.

gor ILL a D ry Wa LL re Pa I r LLC. Let’s solve your drywall problems together. give us a call at 941-286-0607.

rIDeeaSy 247 yoUr professional, reliable and courteous car service to airports and events since 2015. you can reach us via text 941-447-7737 or email to mrfort5001@gmail. com We are available 24/7.

L oo K N o M ore ! r esidential, vacation rental and commercial cleaning. give us a call, 941-250-8548.

SERVICES

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

BEACH SERVICE air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. Commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. Serving Manatee County and the Island since 1987. for dependable, honest and personalized service, call Bill Eller, 941-720-7411. CaC184228.

LAWN & GARDEN

CoNNIe’S LaNDSCaPINg INC. residential and commercial. full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-778-5294.

CoLLINS LaNDSCaPe LIgHTINg: outdoor lighting, landscaping, irrigation services and maintenance. 941-279-9947. MJC24373@ gmail.com.

SHeLL DeLIVereD aND spread. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, topsoil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, or “shell phone” 941-720-0770.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

VaN-go PaINTINg residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper. Island references. Bill, 941-795-5100. www.vangopainting.net.

grIffIN’S HoMe IMProVeMeNTS Inc. Handyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. Insured and licensed. 941-722-8792.

ISLaND HaNDyMaN: I live here, work here, value your referral. refinish, paint. Just ask. JayPros. Licensed/insured. references. Call Jay, 941-962-2874.

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.

LooKINg for aNy home improvement? JrCC Home Improvement, handyman service can get the job done. Please, contact us at 413-246-2410. We would love to help.

BMF INTERIORS: HOME repairs and more, no job too small. 786-318-8585.

TILe-TILe-TILe: LVT vinyl flooring, all variations of porcelain and ceramic tile supplied and installed. Total bathroom remodels. Many Mt. Vernon references. Licensed and insured. operations manager, 941-2269671.

DoNaLD PerKINS PaINTINg LLC. Interior/exterior/pressure washing. Island references. dperkinspaint@hotmail.com. 941705-7096.

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.

MORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK? It’s an old saying, but it’s still true when it comes to The Islander. Look for more online at islander. org.

RENTALS

aNNa MarIa gULf beachfront vacation rentals. one- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941778-3143.

PerICo ISLaND PaTIo home for rent. 3BR/2BA, 30-day minimum. Privacy fence/ gate, two miles to aMI. Now leasing May through December, 2024. $4,500/month. Call or text, 859-771-6423. http://pericoislandrental.com/

AVAILABLE NOW AND season: 1BR/1BA, seven-night minimum. carlesvacationrentals. com. Special rates are available. 941-8071405.

ANNUAL RENTAL: VILLA home in Perico Bay Club, Bradenton. Gated and 24-hour security. 2BR/2BA, updated. Updated kitchen, screened deck and two-car garage. Unfurnished. Text 908-875-0299 for information.

SeaSoNaL or aNNUaL rental: 55-plus, friendly community, bottom floor. Sleeps four, 1.5BA. Beach access. $3,400/month. 847-769-9080.

for reNT: May to December. anna Maria Island condo. great value, beautiful upgraded 2BR/2BR. Incredible water view. Pool, tennis, walk to beach. Private carport. excellent rental terms. owner/ renter. Call/email for pictures, 570-239-0431. marketreps@aol.com

2BR/2BA HOLMES BEACH. Westbay Point. Second-floor, furnished condo, beautiful bay views. No pets, no smoking. Six months, $2,850/month. 941-778-2824.

HOLMES BEACH 2BR/2BA elevated furnished duplex with one-car garage. No pets, no smoking. Six months, $2,850/month plus utilities. 941-778-2824.

FOR RENT: HOLMES Beach 2BR/2/BA ground-level. five-minute walk to beach, quiet area. No animals, one parking spot. available June, July, august. Summer rate, $2,300/month plus tax. Please, text or email for more information. Louann Lehto, +1 403512-2350. dlehto@telus.net

FLAMINGO BY THE Bay condo for rent on Palma Sola Bay. Second floor with a view. 1BR/1BA with boat dock. Annual rental, $1,800/month. 941-224-0836.

PERICO BAY CLUB deluxe villa. 2BR/2BA, garage, turnkey furnished. $3,000 monthly. real estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

SEASONAL RENTAL: Bradenton 55-plus community. Large 2BR/2BA condo on bay, exceptional views. elevator and five minutes to bridge. No smoking, No pets. $4,650/month. Three-month minimum. Photos at https://barbaragillespie.wixsite. com/47872024. 732-748-0759

WINNIe MCHaLe, reaLTor, 941-5046146. rosebay International realty Inc. you need an aggressive and experienced realtor in today’s market! Selling island homes, Sarasota and Bradenton areas. Multi-milliondollar producer! “Selling Homes - Making Dreams Come True.”

2BR/2BA HOME for sale. 3,000 sfur. 1,100 sf garage. Steps to beach. $1,449,000. 941518-6329.

CONDO FOR SALE or lease. 2BR/2BA at the west end of Bradenton Riverwalk. Downtown walk-a-bout community features library, performing art center, creative art center and galleries. Shoppes, fine and casual dining. $280,000. Florida Suncoast Real estate, geri Kenyon, 941-725-4374.

AFFORDABLE 2BR/2BA VILLA near beach. Completely upgraded. $285,000. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

ISLaNDer arCHIVe. Uoff florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

By Robyn Murrell

AMI staple to close

Peach’s restaurant in the Anna Maria Island Center, 3240 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, will close due to non-renewal of its lease, according to the restaurant.

An Ellenton Peach’s location in a plaza near the Ellenton Prime Outlet Mall also will close.

Both leases expire June 30, giving Peach’s two weeks to transition their teams and move their property.

The Islander reached out May 22 by phone to Benderson Development, owners of the AMI center, but as of May 27 there was no response.

Jennifer Hester, chief financial officer for Peach’s Restaurants, issued a statement May 22 that read, in part, “We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our guests for their unwavering support over the years. We will keep you all informed of where we find our new home.”

Co-owner John Smith, left, and co-owner Sherry elliott, center, and a guest pose May 21 at a photo wall decorated with logos, balloons and a large “3” during a party celebrating the third anniversary for 88 Love Piano BarLive entertainment, 6640 Cortez Road W., Bradenton.

Hester said she was unsure whether Peach’s would commemorate its time on AMI.

TThe Holmes Beach restaurant opened in 2001. Peach’s operates six locations in Bradenton, Sarasota and Venice, serving breakfast and lunch. For more information, email info@peachs.net or call 941-739-8879.

Mike Norman Realty

Pianos play into year 4

The piano bar has had a successful three years. Coowner John Smith told The Islander May 22, “all the credit goes to my partner Sherry. She’s the inspiration behind this whole place. She had the foresight. I would have never thought to put chandeliers in here.” The piano bar has a weekly schedule of music performances, a bar, and serves pizza, wings, sandwiches and other fare. Islander

By Robyn Murrell

Wednesday, June 5 3-5:30 p.m. — Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce 2024 disaster preparedness seminar, 3000 Harbourside Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-2466, info@lbkchamber.com.

SAVE THE DATES

June 6, 8-9:30 a.m., Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce breakfast, Mademoiselle Paris, 9906 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. June 13, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., AMI chamber business luncheon, Westminster Manor, 1700 21st Ave. W., Bradenton. June 27, 5-7 p.m., AMI chamber business card exchange with Dr. Hutch, Turning Tides, 6672 Cortez Road W., Bradenton. Send calendar listings to robyn@islander.org.

By Carol Bernard

Enjoy open water views of the bay from this 3BR/2.5BA home on deep water with a boat dock. Open floorplan, panoramic water views, spacious screened lanai and in-ground pool. Watch marine life, boats and the opening of the bridge from the comforts of this beautiful, waterfront home. Key Royale offers a 9-hole golf course, restaurant and bar with club membership.

Photos: Courtesy 88 Live

Chamber chats about conservation

anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce president Terri Kinder introduces anna Maria Island Turtle Watch executive director Kristen Mazzarella May 23 during a business card exchange at Timber Creek golf Course, 4550 Timber Lane, Bradenton. Mazzarella talked about sea turtle conservation.

Islander Photo: Courtesy aMI Chamber

Barbershop has new owner

Co-owner Don Madden, left, gives ed Mathes a clip as barbers Brian Finelli, Duane Cowgill and Madden’s partner/co-owner Patsy Welch tend to clients in the Holmes Beach Barber Shop in 2018. Earlier in May, finelli became the owner of the 70-year-old barbershop, in its original location in the Island Shopping Center, 5320 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Finelli told The Islander May 24 that when Madden and Welch decided to sell the barbershop, he was first in line, having known many of the clients and the operation. finelli has been a barber in the shop for seven years. finelli currently is the only barber in the shop but is looking to hire licensed barbers. Madden and Welch, meanwhile, have retired and are celebrating his 90th birthday this week. Cheers to you, Don! and Patsy, too! Islander file Photo