The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, Dec. 09, 2020 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

VOLUME

Happy Holidays

NO. 7

DEC. 9, 2020 FREE

The Best news on Anna Maria Island Since 1992

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Astheworldterns. 6 BB mulls final lawsuit settlement. 2 coronavirus cases rise, vaccine plan detailed. 3 Renourishment finale. 4

Meetings. 4 Opinions. 6

10-20 YEARS AGO

from the archives. 7

RoadWatch. 8 fire district breaks ground on new HQ. 9

New commissioner appointed to serve in Anna Maria

Holiday celebration

news @ AMe. 11

Anna Maria city clerk Leanne Addy, right, administers the oath of office to new commissioner Doris “Deanie” Sebring Dec. 3 — carrying her diabetic alert dog Humphrey — into a two-year term. The board voted earlier to appoint Sebring to succeed Amy Tripp, who resigned in August. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

Danae Tran performs Dec. 4 at a holiday open house at the original Sand Dollar gift Shop in Holmes Beach. More holiday news, page 13. Islander Photo: Amy Moriarty

AMI TOURISM: Endless Summer

Anna Maria names new commissioner

Save a date. 10

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Manatee tourist taxes rise. 12

ISL BIZ 1 business closes, 1 expands. 12

PropertyWatch. 13 Gathering.

Obituaries. 16 Deadline looms for stilthouse in cortez. 17

Streetlife. 18

HB committee plots community garden. 20

Starry starry night. 21 2 champs crowned in center sports. 11 Weather requires changing fishing tactics. 23

NYT puzzle. 28

She also wrote a children’s book, “Skip and Deanie’s Flying Bike Trip,” which is based on the imaginary adventures of herself and her real-life diabetic alert dog. Sebring said Skip, her dog when she wrote the book, had died, and she was carrying a new diabetic alert dog, Humphrey, in a sling across her chest. She said her priorities as commissioner would be to maintain the city’s home rule in regulating short-term vacation rentals and improving pedestrian and traffic safety. TuRn To COMMISSIONER, PAge 3

BB marina resident apparently drowned By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Jerald Oliver, 60, was declared dead at 3:05 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Bradenton Beach Marina after employee Andy Tolar found the liveaboard boater floating in the water. Tolar dropped his keys into the water and — when he went to retrieve them — saw Oliver’s body beneath a dock, according to a Bradenton Beach police report. Tolar tried but failed to reach Oliver and called for help. Two marina employees, Cory Stickler and Joshua Wilson, responded and retrieved Oliver. They brought him aboard a nearby vessel and began CPR. BBPD Officer Matthew Lincoln arrived as Wilson was administering CPR and noted that Oliver had bled from his left temple and suffered abrasions on his lower legs.

Holiday lighting

get in the game. 19

CLASSIFIEDS. 24

An empty seat on the Anna Maria City Commission was filled after a three-month vacancy. Commissioners voted Dec. 3 to appoint Doris “Deanie” Sebring to a two-year term. She took the seat vacated in August by Commissioner Amy Tripp. Commissioners Jonathan Crane, Joe Muscatello and Mark Short ranked Sebring as the top candidate over Sharon Wisniewski, the other candidate for the seat. Commission Chair Carol Carter ranked Wisniewski over Sebring. Tripp qualified to run for reelection without opposition earlier this year, but shortly after she announced she was moving

to North Carolina and in August resigned from the commission. Commissioners agreed to leave Tripp’s seat open until her term expired in November, allowing them to appoint a two-year successor. Both applicants for the seat, Sebring and Wisniewski, attended the meeting and were given five minutes to address the commission before voting began. Mayor Dan Murphy drew a name from a bowl to determine who would speak first, and Sebring won the draw. A Louisiana native, Sebring told commissioners of her experience in the business world as general manager of an auto dealership and creator of a product to help reunite people with their lost keys.

People gather for the lighting of the christmas tree at the Anna Maria Island chamber of commerce office in Holmes Beach. The chamber held its annual Holiday open House and Tree Lighting Dec. 4, and despite the pandemic and also rain for much of the evening, about 100 people gathered to spread cheer. Islander Photo: Amy V.T. Moriarty

TuRn To DROWNED, PAge 3

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BB mulls final Sunshine lawsuit settlement offers By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Bradenton Beach’s Sunshine lawsuit may be nearing a conclusion. City attorney Ricinda Perry said Dec. 3 that the city received a $350,000 joint settlement payment from defendants John Metz and Tjet Martin, as well as a $500 settlement payment from Patricia Shay. Perry said defendants Bill and Rose Vincent also agreed to each pay $500 to settle with the city, but the city had yet to receive the Vincents’ payments. Perry said, as a part of the settlements, the defendants agreed not to pursue an appeal against a ruling from Judge Edward Nicholas of the 12th Judicial Circuit Court requiring three of the defendants — Metz, Martin and Reed Mapes — to pay the city $369,498 as compensation for attorney’s fees. Nicholas’ ruling also exempted Shay and the Vincents from the ordered settlement of $369,498 because they had agreed to $500 settlements with the city earlier in the dispute, although those deals failed because the other defendants didn’t sign on. The only defendant the city has yet to come to terms with is Mapes.

Anna Maria pier grill sees delay, could open Dec. 8

Brian Seymour, one of three partners in GSM Partners LLC, the group of Pine Avenue businesses leasing a take-out food and bait operation at the T-end of the Anna Maria City Pier, 100 N. Bay Blvd., told The Islander Dec. 3 that “a small issue with the hood system” was slowing the opening. Seymour said the problem was rectified, but they were still awaiting a Manatee County Health Department inspection at press time for The Islander. Pending approval, the grill and bait shop could open as soon as Dec. 8. — ChrisAnn Allen

Bradenton Beach commissioners discuss settlements from the defendants in a Sunshine Lawsuit brought by the city. They met Dec. 3 in the chamber decorated for the holidays, including a Christmas tree against the wall and nutcrackers on the dais. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

If Mapes fails to settle for the $19,498 remainder of the attorney’s fees, Perry said the city could appeal to enforce collection. But Mapes has asked for the same Shay $500 settlement Shay and the Vincents received, and he gave commissioners until Dec. 4 to consider his offer. An update was not available at press time. Mayor John Chappie called for a shade meeting to discuss negotiations with Mapes in private. Vincent “I want to make the city as whole as possible,” Chappie said. Commissioners reached consensus to proceed with a shade meeting to discuss the lawsuit, but did not set a date or time. Shade meetings are allowed to discuss pending litigation and settlement, according to the Sunshine Law, a series of regulations intended to guarantee public access to government meetings and records.

In other matters, city commissioners also: • Voted 5-0 to authorize residents to landscape a city right of way on 10th Street North to create a remembrance area for a neighbor who recently died; • Voted 5-0 to apply to recertify as a Tree City U.S.A. community; • Voted 5-0 to waive the event permit fee and authorize the Anna Maria Island Privateers to park Santa’s sleigh in a right of way for the Annual Privateers Christmas Party and Fundraiser at the Drift In, 120 Bridge St., at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19. • Voted 5-0 to approve a final reading for a special events ordinance that would allow city staff to review and approve special event permits rather than the commission.

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Coronavirus: Confirmed cases rise, vaccine plan detailed By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Manatee County has continued to creep upward. County administrator Cheri Coryea told Manatee County Council of Governments officials at a Dec. 1 meeting that the county has failed almost every benchmark — such as achieving a downward trajectory of documented COVID-19 cases — set by the state for reopening. The number of documented cases in the county peaked Nov. 23 and then remained on an upward trend by the time of the COG meeting, according to Coryea. Out of 17,450 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the county recorded as of Dec. 5, 990 resulted in hospitalizations and 387 people had died. Coryea added that the three hospitals in the county had seen an upticks in emergency room visits for COVID-19-like illnesses since Nov. 23. commissioner continued from page 1

“I have no hidden agenda or political interests other than serving the community,” Sebring said. “And I love this island just as much as anyone here in this room.” Wisniewski told the commission she and her husband served in the U.S. military and moved to Anna Maria in 2015. She said she is qualified to serve as commissioner as a former officer in the military, where she developed skills and gained a wide breadth of knowledge to fulfill her duties. Wisniewski also noted she is personally invested in the business community through her daughter, who is associated with a Pine Avenue business, Pizza Social. She added that she hadn’t considered joining the commission until there was an unexpected absence. “When I saw there was a need,” Wisniewski said,

On the bright side, county public safety director Jacob Saur said local hospitals were doing better handling the illness than they did during the summer spike. He said hospitalized COVID-19 patients were leaving earlier and requiring less treatment than previous patients. The county’s upward trend in confirmed cases is mirrored on the state level. Florida set a new record-high number of confirmed cases on Nov. 27 with 17,344 after previously peaking at 15,300 on July 12. In the meantime, county officials are preparing to begin distributing COVID-19 vaccines as soon as they arrive. County public safety director Jacob Saur said he expected the county to receive COVID-19 vaccines within the “next couple months,” but added it may take a while for vaccines to reach the general public. Saur said the state first would distribute the vaccine to certain hospitals to be administered for frontline health care workers, before expanding to long-term-

that’s what moved me to “step up to the plate.” After the candidates finished their remarks, Anna Maria resident Dusty Crane spoke in support of Sebring during public comment. “She is an outstanding individual,” Crane said. The appointment process included a ranking system for each of the candidates. Sebring won the point ranking. “I’m excited about the future of the city and helping play a role in it,” Sebring told The Islander after the meeting. In other matters, Mayor Dan Murphy and Commissioner Mark Short were sworn in at the Dec. 3 meeting, having won reelection without opposition. Carol Carter was reinstated as commission chair and Short became deputy chair. The next scheduled commission meeting will be at noon Jan. 21, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

care facilities, including retirement homes. The next step would involve the state distributing the vaccine to local governments to set up vaccination points to cover high-risk individuals, including those over the age of 65. The last step would involve distributing the vaccine to members of the general public who do not qualify for either of the first steps.

The Bradenton Beach Marina runs parallel to the Cortez Bridge north of the historic city pier. Drowned continued from page 1

Manatee County paramedic John Millard arrived and began assessing the man’s condition. Millard “determined that he could not be saved,” and declared Oliver deceased. Tolar, Stickler and Wilson told the BBPD that they recognized Oliver, who had lived aboard his sailboat at the marina for several years. Richard Correa, who arrived at the marina after the incident, told Lincoln that he and Oliver had been drinking at the Drift In, 120 Bridge St., 45 minutes earlier. Correa said Oliver left the bar with a bottle of alcohol to take to his boat. The District 12 Medical Examiner’s Office transported the body for an autopsy and investigation into the cause of death.

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Beach renourishment wraps up, plans begin to add more sand By ChrisAnn Allen Islander Reporter

The deed is done, but more will come. A $17 million sand replenishment project, which started July 8 near 77th Street in Holmes Beach and spanned 5.5 miles to its termination at Longboat Pass, was complete as of Dec. 3. But a future project to restore sand lost in 2017 to Hurricane Irma and Tropical Storm Hermine also is in the works. The completed 2020 project, which involved pumping 1.1 million cubic yards of sand from borrow areas via a dredge about a quarter-mile offshore, paused several times for storms Laura, Sally, Delta, Zeta and Eta during what was considered by the National Weather Service to be among the most active Atlantic hurricane seasons on record. Charlie Hunsicker, Manatee County parks and natural resources director, told The Islander Dec. 3 that the partnership between the county and contractor Marinex Construction of Charleston, South Carolina, “was stellar.” “The front-facing staff of Marinex have been the best I have worked with since we started beach renourishment in 1992,” Hunsicker said. He added that the relationship between the county, Marinex and Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, the nonprofit that manages sea turtle and shorebird nesting on island beaches each

Umbrellas and canopies line the beach seaward of a large pipe extending July 29 from the water near 77th Street in Holmes Beach to where the pipe delivers the sand near 44th Street. The project was part of a $17 million federal, state and Manatee County plan to restore eroded beaches. Islander Photos: ChrisAnn Allen

summer, was vital to the success of the project. Hunsicker also said the sand-sorting equipment was new technology provided by a subcontractor of Marinex, which allowed for faster and smoother processing of fresh sand on the beach. Previously, the sand went through a screen that had

to be checked and replaced throughout the project. “The cages at the ends of the pipes had to be replaced and it slowed everything down by about 30% compared to this project,” Hunsicker said. A similar sand replenishment project is planned for February 2021, according to Hunsicker. About 75,000 cubic yards of sand will be placed at Coquina Beach to compensate for sand lost during Hurricane Irma and Tropical Storm Hermine in 2017. The sand will be pulled from Longboat Pass — a win-win for the island, Hunsicker said. “This will reestablish the full dimensions of that channel for boaters, while at the same time providing sand for our beaches,” he said. “People have had to be patient with this whole process. But, in the end, it is the best for us all.” The view looking north near 17th Street in Bradenton Beach Sept. 23 shows the beach widened by about 250 feet. The dredge pipe pushes sand pumped by a dredge about a quarter-mile offshore of the north end of Anna Maria Island to the beaches.

County agents extend olive branch for island parking discussion By ChrisAnn Allen Islander Reporter

Beach parking is all about money. And Manatee County and the island cities are working on myriad issues related to beach parking. Still, a balance of financial commitments shared between multiple agencies must be reached. “It seems as though there is some confusion about how much parking must be provided,” Charlie Hunsicker, director of the county parks and natural resources department, told The Islander Dec. 3. At a Nov. 17 teleconferenced Manatee County commission meeting, the county board and staff said there are plans to bring island officials into a discussion about solutions to beach parking problems. In late April, Holmes Beach commissioners agreed

Planner sworn, comp plan discussed Richard Brown is sworn in Dec. 2 via Zoom, as second alternate member of the Holmes Beach Planning Commission. Following the swearing-in, commissioners reviewed changes to the city comprehensive plan. The planning commission will continue the review at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. Islander Courtesy Photo

to a plan from Mayor Judy Titsworth and Police Chief Bill Tokajer to remove more than 1,000 on-street parking spaces to satisfy resident complaints caused by a daily influx of day-trippers. Additionally, Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach recently cut down on-street parking availability. When Holmes Beach reduced on-street parking, Titsworth and Tokajer met with Hunsicker and county administrator Cheri Coryea to discuss beach renourishment parking — a requirement for the multi-million-dollar state and federal funding that routinely replenishes eroded beaches — and settled on 500 parking spaces, where only 378 were required. However, Hunsicker said Dec. 3 that the city must include more parking near beach access points

in order to qualify for future funding. “They met the minimum state requirements and we are going to be talking soon about what we believe to be additional county expectations,” Hunsicker told The Islander. Hunsicker said the local cost of beach renourishment is borne by the state tourist tax not the island municipalities. He also said the island cities must show interest to move future replenishment projects forward. “We are moving toward determining what kind of parking the county expects for that investment,” he said. “We just need to sit down and discuss the best way for all agencies to collaborate on what will be best for the three island cities, the county, our visitors and our environment.”

Anna Maria City Dec. 21, 2 p.m., planning and zoning. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941708-6130, cityofannamaria.com.

West Manatee Fire Rescue None announced. WMFR administration building, 6510 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-761-1555, wmfr.org.

Bradenton Beach Dec. 10, 9:15 a.m., commission. Dec. 16, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. CANCELED Dec. 17, noon, commission. CANCELED Dec. 23, 9:15 a.m., commission. Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com.

Manatee County Dec. 10, 9 a.m., commission (land use). Dec. 15, 9 a.m., commission. Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org.

Meetings

Holmes Beach None announced. Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org.

Of interest Dec. 14, 9 a.m., Manatee County Tourist Development Council, Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto. Dec. 25, Christmas, most government offices will be closed, as well as on Dec. 24. Send meeting notices to news@islander.org.

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A couple of beachgoers and a bevy of birds ﬂank equipment oct. 6 behind the Beach House Restaurant, 200 gulf Drive n., Bradenton Beach. The bulldozers and a large sand separator were part of a $17 million project to renourish eroded beaches from the north end of Holmes Beach to Longboat Pass.

A large separator filters rocks and shell out of sand pumped onto Anna Maria Island beaches from a quarter-mile offshore. Islander Photos: chrisAnn Allen

gulls, terns and other shorebirds frolic Sept. 23 in the slush of water and sand pouring from a large extractor on the beach near 17th Street in Bradenton Beach. The equipment removed rocks and other materials from the sand, which was pumped onto the beach for erosion renourishment. The birds forage for crabs, bivalves and other food sources in the wake of the slurry that spews from the machinery.

express shuttle to beach resumes operations

Manatee County resumed the operation of its express shuttle to the Manatee Public Beach. The fare-free shuttle operates weekends and holidays December through April and service launched for the 2020-21 season Dec. 5. The bus operates on Manatee Avenue/State Road 64 between the public beach at 4000 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach and the Beachway Plaza parking lot at Manatee Avenue and 75th Street West in Bradenton. The first shuttle to the beach is at 9:40 a.m. and one follows every 40 minutes. The last shuttle departing the beach is at 5:15 p.m. MCAT also announced that fare collections on fixed routes resumed Dec. 5.

#AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether

A booster barge, added in August to help pump sand dredged by another vessel farther offshore, sits Sept. 23 in the gulf of Mexico near 17th Street in Bradenton Beach. The project was replenishing the 1300-1700 blocks of gulf Drive — one of the narrowest stretches of beach on Anna Maria Island — requiring extra equipment and a slower pace.

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Opinion

Our

christmas, coViD sneak up

With some guilt and remorse, I attended a small funeral for a friend. The service was lovely. The family huddled in the cold chapel and, after some pleading, myself and a few others stood outside the open double doors. The praise for my friend was gracious and uplifting — what I could hear. It was supposed to be a graveside service, which I thought would be safer for everyone, and more comfortable given the masking and distancing recommendations most of us are adhering to — indoors and out. But as I stood there, I had a premonition that I would be reporting a superspreader funeral within a few weeks. Many of the family members clinged to one another while I kept my distance. We have so much to lose. The pleas from doctors and officials with the CDC are dire and adamant — and I can’t help but add my pleading, as we look forward to Christmas. We all need a safe holiday in order to look forward to 2021. But in the photographs taken at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce holiday event, the annual tree lighting, including music and Santa Claus and refreshments, I could see the longing in children’s faces to visit up close with Santa as they waited in line for their turn aboard the Privateers’ sleigh. I could see maskless people congregating. There was little to no distancing. And I started fading back to that premonition of a superspreader story. My daydream continues as I picture in my mind all the people crowding into the super market in the afternoons — the families of 10 or more people who are mostly maskless, running the length of every aisle from the deli to the freezers for all their needs on a seven-day vacation. What we need here is a little injection of fruitcake, my dream voice says. But the awake me says we need to spark some common sense and reliability on the science of the virus that is spreading like wildfire everywhere, including in the Sunshine State. Politics won’t matter when it’s your family that you mourn. Please, be safe. Wear a mask. Social distance. Wash your hands. Let’s all try a little harder to keep the holidays and the new year safe and happy. I’m dreaming — along with you — of a merry Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, Festivus.... — Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

DEC. 9, 2020 • Vol. 29, No. 7 Publisher and Editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org ▼ Editorial Lisa neff, editor, lisa@islander.org chrisAnn Allen, chrisann@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Kevin cassidy, kevin@islander.org Jack elka, jack@jackelka.com Leslie Lake, leslie@islander.org Amy V.T. Moriarty, amym@islander.org Ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org ▼ Contributors Johann Bertram Karen Riley-Love capt. Danny Stasny, fish@islander.org ▼ Advertising Director Toni Lyon, toni@islander.org ▼ Office Staff Lisa Williams, office manager info@, accounting@, classifieds@, subscriptions@islander.org ▼ Distribution urbane Bouchet Judy Loden Wasco Ross Roberts (All others: news@islander.org) ▼

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Opinion

Your

Trouble with the facts

Why is it when someone gets voted into office upon swearing they become infected with the feeling of power, plus stupidity. Case in point, Kevin Van Ostenbridge, newly elected Manatee County commissioner. Soon after taking office he could not suppress his perceived power to blackmail the city of Holmes Beach by threatening to make certain the city would be denied beach renourishment funds if the city does not provide the required beach access parking spaces, which he erroneously insisted are not provided. Obviously this commissioner/real estate agent has a little trouble with the facts. Not a good sign for the county moving forward because, according to HBPD Chief Bill Tokajer, the city has more than 1,200 on-street parking spaces, which meets the beach renourishment requirement. The fact that the commissioner had this threat planned and didn’t have the courtesy to inform Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth says columns about this commissioner’s ethics, I believe. It’s a shame even County Commissioner Carol Whitmore misstated the truth when she declared only 500 beach access parking spaces are available since

Have your say

The Islander accepts original letters of up to 250 words and reserves the right to edit for grammar and length. Letters must include name, address and a contact phone number (for verification). Email: news@islander.org. Anonymous letters will not be printed. Readers also may comment online. And, we have an active Facebook community. To join the conversation, “like” The Islander on Facebook.

the city eliminated 2,000. One would think a public official would do a little research for the facts before spouting untruths and making threats. It seems so many coordinated events among some commissioners occurred during the first work session of the newly elected and returning commissioners that there must be a Sunshine Law violation inquiry. Michael Storms, Holmes Beach

Skimming online …

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From the archives

Take a trip back in time with The Islander in the Florida digital newspaper collection. It’s simple, easy and available 24/7. There’s 29 years, 52 weeks a year, the complete collection of The Islander, online at ufdc.ufl.edu.

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On the road The Anna Maria Island Trolley — a service that preceded the fare-free trolley operated by Manatee county — travels in June 1996 on Anna Maria Island. The trolley also serviced Bradenton and Longboat Key. Islander Photos: Manatee county Public Library System

From the archives Paving the way A work crew paves Marina Drive in Holmes Beach near gulf Drive at the Island Shopping center, Wells fargo and Holmes Beach Automotive in September 1997.

10&20 years ago

in the Dec. 6, 2000, issue:

• Holmes Beach Mayor Carol Whitmore said developer Nick Easterling did his homework to build a 40-unit resort on the site of the former Pete Reynard’s restaurant. The mayor said the project would be a “jewel” in a blighted area. Easterling estimated the project would cost $14 million. • Anna Maria resident Janine Robinson was fined $300 and ordered to pay court costs after she pleaded no contest to mutilating a 250-pound loggerhead turtle on the beach. Robinson told witnesses she intended to take the shell, worth at least $1,000. • After five years of discussion and planning, a free Anna Maria Island trolley service could begin in 2002, Manatee County community services director Fred Loveland told the island mayors. Manatee County Area Transit would operate the service with grant-funding and minimal local financial input, he said.

in the Dec. 8, issue:

• Bradenton Beach was depositing $350,000 in a court account to settle a longstanding property dispute with a developer on the Gulffront. • Anna Maria building Bob Welch said he found no merit to a complaint that a retail-officeresidential complex in the 200 block of Pine Avenue exceeded the planned height. • Nearly $3.1 million was paid in Manatee County-related claims for emergency losses associated with the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. The spill in the northern Gulf never came close to Manatee County’s shoreline. Still, a pool of money was made available and many applied. — Lisa neff

LIFETIM

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BB crA firms up district signage plans, initiates dredge bids

“I’m going to come back in January and give you the whole presentation and have you authorize the purchase of the signs and the poles,” she said.

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency members are cooking up plans to establish a uniform aesthetic appeal for the district. CRA members reached consensus Dec. 2 to direct city attorney Ricinda Perry to move forward with obtaining quotes from contractors for the removal of existing signage in the district, as well as the cost for new signs. Perry said the project would involve removing unnecessary signs to reduce sign pollution, as well as implement a common “Historic Old Town” aesthetic theme for the district’s signage. Signs involved in the project would include an entrance sign at the Cortez Road gateway to the city, an entrance sign for Bridge Street and also wayfinding, traffic and general signage throughout the district. The project is another in a series of improvement projects in the district, which this year installed buried

RoadWatch eyes on the road

The Florida Department of Transportation and Manatee County posted the following: • Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach: A county pipeline replacement project continues, involving resurfacing the roadway, reinstallation of paver driveways, removal of construction materials Monday-Saturday. Expected completion is this fall. • Cortez Road and 119th Street West in Cortez: Work to realign the intersection of 119th Street West at Cortez Road/State Road 684 continues. Phase 2 involves a new trafﬁc pattern and shifting construction to the north side of Cortez Road. Thru trafﬁc will use the south side of Cortez Road. — Lisa neff

Place portrait photo here

The cRA agreed to alter emily Anne Smith’s sign designs to resemble the color theme and carved wooden sign of the Blue Marlin Seafood Restaurant. Islander Photo: courtesy Bradenton Beach

Dredge RFP The CRA also is moving forward with a waterway dredging project. CRA members voted 7-0 to issue a request for proposals to dredge an existing navigable channel along the city’s coastline from the South Coquina Boat Ramp, 1465 Gulf Drive S., to the Historic Bridge Street Pier, 200 Bridge St. The CRA has received $500,000 in state appropriations for seagrass mitigation to dredge the channel, as well as $300,000 from the West Coast Inland Navigation District to reestablish the channel. City engineer Lynn Burnett said the project would be completed in two phases, for which the city would need to pursue separate bids. The first phase would be to dredge the channel, while the second phase would cover the seagrass mitigation. Burnett said splitting the tasks would help attract specialized contractors best equipped for each job. The CRA will hold a pre-bid meeting at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 14, at the South Coquina Boat Ramp. The window to respond to the CRA’s RFP will close at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19. The CRA will consider bids during its meeting at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. Dredging is planned to begin next spring and finish by December 2021.

utility lines and brick pavers along Bridge Street. New signs have been discussed for years and Emily Anne Smith, hired by the CRA to create an aesthetic redesign, previously proposed designs. City attorney Ricinda Perry, who has coordinated the project, proposed altering Smith’s signage to feature a look similar to that at Blue Marlin Seafood Restaurant, 121 Bridge St., including a blue-and-white theme. Several CRA members stated that they preferred to use white composite wood for its low maintenance, as well as its resistance to color changes from exposure to the sun. The CRA had a tougher time agreeing on material and colors for the posts used for the signage. Perry wrote in a Dec. 4 email to The Islander that she would obtain bids for powder-coated aluminum, composite and wood posts. Perry said the new signage would be installed on Bridge Street before the rest of the district gets consideration. She added that she also would get bids for installation of the signage if the city’s public works department Chiles reappointed to CRA board can’t handle the task. A familiar face is staying on the Bradenton Beach “I don’t think it will be a problem,” public works Community Redevelopment Agency. director Tom Woodard told commissioners. CRA members voted 6-0 Dec. 2 to reappoint local Perry said she would obtain bids and present more information to move the project forward in 2021. PLeASe, See BB CRA, neXT PAge

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Dec. 9, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 9 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

WMFR breaks ground on headquarters

Hall Architect’s rendering of the future WMfR administration building. construction is expected to wrap up by April 2021, according to a nov. 30 WMfR news release.

BB crA conTInueD fRoM PAge 8

restaurateur Ed Chiles to the board for a four-year term through 2024. Chiles was first appointed to the CRA in 2016. The CRA promotes restoration, growth and tourism for the district — bordered by Cortez Road, Sarasota Bay, Fifth Street South and the Gulf of Mexico — with incremental tax revenue funding from Manatee County after the area was declared blighted in 1992. The CRA includes the mayor, city commissioners and two appointed members. There was no public comment. emily Anne Smith’s sign proposal for the Bradenton Beach community Redevelopment Agency district. Islander Photo: courtesy Bradenton Beach

West Manatee fire Rescue staff and officials — including shift Battalion chief Rich Jasinski, left, administrative manager Julie Kichar, chief Ben Rigney, Administrative Battalion chief Jay Johnson, former commissioner Randy cooper and fire and safety inspector Josh Adkins — break ground nov. 17 on the district’s new administration building at 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton. WMfR purchased the lot in 2019 for $295,000 and construction is projected to cost $1,469,708. The building will house offices and serve as a training space and emergency operations center for the area. Islander Photos: courtesy WMfR

Holmes Beach provides records access

People will have easier access to public records in Holmes Beach. Commissioners Nov. 17 unanimously approved a contract with MCCI Inc. of Tallahassee at an annual cost of $4,050, budgeted for 2020-21. The new service provides tracking of records requests made via phone and website, as well as in person. Public records requests can be made through the city website at holmesbeachfl.org or by calling city hall at 941-708-5800. — chrisAnn Allen

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Page 10 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 9, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

The Islander Calendar

get listed in The Islander calendar. email calendar@islander.org.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ONGOING ON AMI

In December, Artists’ Guild Gallery window exhibit features ornaments, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941778-6694. In December, “Endless Summer” paintings by Sharon Lennox Woelﬂing, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648.

Palma Sola park lights up for the holidays

The Palma Sola Botanical Park will hold the “Winter Nights Under the Lights” 6-9 p.m. Dec. Jan. 5, 2021, Florida Maritime Museum reopens, Cortez. 17-20. AHEAD VIRTUAL People are invited to walk around the park to see Dec. 18, Dec. 20, Island Players’ adaptation of “A Christmas the holiday lights. An announcement on the park’s website at palCarol.” masolabp.org said, “We hope to bring cheer and smiles KIDS & to everyone that attends. With families, friends and the AHEAD OFF AMI

FAMILY

ONGOING OFF AMI

community in mind, the entry will be free.” There will be sweet treats and warm beverages available for donations. The organizers did not respond to Islander questions about pandemic precautions. The park is at 9800 17th Ave. NW, Bradenton. For more information, call the park at 941-7612866.

Anna Maria launches 2nd annual holiday lights contest

Time to get the holiday decorations out of storage www.cityofannamaria.com, or at city hall, 10005 Gulf

Through Jan. 3, 2021, “Water’s Extreme Journey” exhibit, the in Anna Maria. Drive. Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Anna Maria deputy clerk Debbie Haynes Applications, which can be printed, can be comFee applies. Information: 941-746-4131, bishopscience.org. announced Nov. 24 that the city would host its Bright pleted and returned to city hall or mailed to the City of mymanatee.org/library. Holiday Lights Contest for a second year. Anna Maria, P.O. Box 779, Anna Maria FL 34216.

The contest encourages people to decorate their homes and businesses for the holiday season in hopes Dec. 17-20, Palma Sola Botanical Park “Winter Nights Under of winning awards. the Lights,” Bradenton. Judges will tour the city and announce winners at April 29-May 3, 2021, Sarasota-Manatee Originals Forks and an awards ceremony outside city hall 5-7 p.m. WednesCorks Food and Wine Festival, various locations. day, Dec. 16. The application window opened Dec. 1 and will COMMUNITY close at 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14. & CLUBS Applications can be found on the city website, AHEAD OFF AMI

ON AMI

Thursdays, 5-8 p.m., Thursdays in Paradise art, shopping and Sunday, Dec. 13 entertainment, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach. Information: 94110 a.m.-3 p.m. — Suncoast Blood Center blood drive, Island 896-2222. Real Estate, 6101 Marina Drive. Information: 941-345-1300. Tuesdays into May, Anna Maria Farmers Market, City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. ONGOING ON AMI AHEAD ON AMI Thursdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., produce market, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 708-5800

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There is no application fee. Carol and Larry Craft won the award for best residential decorations in 2019. Duncan Real Estate won the 2018 award in the business category. For more information, call Haynes at 941-7086130, ext. 121, or email depclerk@cityofannamaria. com. — Ryan Paice

Thursday, Dec. 24, Christmas Eve. Friday, Dec. 25, Christmas. Thursday, Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve.

GET LISTED POST IN THE CALENDAR

Send announcements for The Islander’s weekly calendar to Jan. 1, 2021, Anna Maria Island Privateers launch 50th annicalendar@islander.org. The deadline for listings is the Wednesday versary celebration. prior to the desired publication date. Please, include the date, time, ONGOING OFF AMI location and description of the event, as well as a phone number First Fridays, 10 a.m., Parkinson’s Support Group, Paradise for publication. Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Information: 941-9266413.

GOOD TO KNOW SAVE THE DATES Friday, Dec. 10, Hanukkah begins.

Available At… . .. AMI CENTRE, 3216 E. BAY DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH 941 778-7978 • WWW.ISLANDER.ORG

island real estate office hosts blood drive Dec. 13

Island Real Estate invites people to roll up their sleeves and participate in a Suncoast Blood Center blood drive. The event will be 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, outside the real estate office, 6101 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Donors will receive a coupon for a pint of frozen custard at Culver’s Restaurant, as well as a wellness check and a screening for COVID-19 antibodies. The antibody test is not a test for the novel coronavirus and it is not a vaccine. Face masks are required. For more information, contact Carol Lynn Bernard at 941-345-1300.

Visit www.islander.org for the best news on AMI.

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Dec. 9, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 11 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... By Amy V.T. Moriarty, amym@islander.org

AMe PTo extends holiday gifts fundraiser, held online

The Anna Maria Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization extended a holiday fundraiser through Thursday, Dec. 10, due to low participation. Through the online fundraiser, shoppers can buy Otis Spunkmeyer cookies, candies and other sweet treats, crafts, gift-wrapping supplies, jewelry and gardening needs. The fundraiser is open to anyone and the gifts are shipped directly to shoppers. The fundraiser had generated about $4,000 in sales as of Dec. 2. The PTO will earn 40%, or about $1,600 of that amount, PTO president Nicole Plummer wrote in a Dec. 2 email to The Islander. The low participation â&#x20AC;&#x153;was expected due to COVID,â&#x20AC;? she added. In past years, the PTO has held a holiday gift fundraiser on the school campus, which now is closed to visitors to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. This year, to make purchases, people can go to www.shopfund.com, select Florida, and then Anna Maria Elementary School. For â&#x20AC;&#x153;student name,â&#x20AC;? the shopper can enter their own or PTO if they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know an AME student. For more information, go to the PTO website at www.amepto.org or @amepto on Facebook or call the school at 941-708-5525.

Smelly pencils raise funds at AME for Make-AWish.

Anna Maria elementary K-Kids holds Make A wish fundraiser

The student-led Kiwanis K-Kids service club for fifth-grade students at Anna Maria Elementary is holding a fundraiser. Students are selling Smencils â&#x20AC;&#x201D; scented pencils made from recycled newspapers with a No. 2 graphite. Pencils sell for $1 each, with 40% of the proceeds going to the club. The students are raising funds for the Make-AWish Foundation, a nonprofit organization that fulfills the wishes of children with critical illnesses. When planning the fundraiser, club members considered Southeastern Guide Dogs, American Cancer Society, St. Jude Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Research Hospital and various animal shelters before selecting the MakeA-Wish Foundation, AME guidance counselor and K-Kids Club coordinator Susan Tabicman wrote Nov. 30 in an email to The Islander. The club for fifth-grade students is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island to provide opportunities for working together in service to develop leadership and moral character and encourage loyalty to school, community and nation, Tabicman said. The fundraiser was to begin Dec. 7 and continue through Friday, Dec. 11. Students will deliver pencils Dec. 14-17, Tabicman said. Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the school at 941-7085525.

Peyton Honda, left, and cale Rudacille, fifthgraders at AMe, point to a sign Dec. 3 for a K-Kids fundraiser.

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Brylee Roberts, left, and Vita Payton, members of the AMe K-Kids club, show off Smencils, for sale to raise funds for the Make-A-Wish foundation. Islander Photos: courtesy AMe/Susan Tabicman

On the shelf, with bookends elfie, the media center elf on the Shelf, sits Dec. 2 with holiday books. In preparation for elfieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual visit, students listened to a reading of his story, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The elf on the Shelf: A christmas Traditionâ&#x20AC;? by carol Aebersold and chanda Bell. Islander courtesy Photo

AME Calendar

â&#x20AC;˘ Through Friday, Dec. 11, K-Kids Club fundraiser. â&#x20AC;˘ Friday, Dec. 18, end of ďŹ rst semester. â&#x20AC;˘ Dec. 21-Jan. 5, winter break. â&#x20AC;˘ Wednesday, Jan. 6, beginning of second semester. Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the school at 941708-5525.

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Page 12 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 9, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Tax collector: Manatee tourist tax revenues continue to rise By Amy V.T. Moriarty Islander Reporter

October brought an 18.25% increase in tourist tax revenue despite continued challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Representing the 5% tax charged on rentals of six months or less collected by the government in October and reported Dec. 1, the month’s tax revenue totaled $954,682. An improvement over 2019’s $807,356. The tourism revenue is managed by the Manatee County Tourist Development Council, including the marketing and operation of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, and oversees spending from a budget that is approved by the Manatee Board of County Commissioners. The climb in revenue continues a county trend following the lifting of restrictions that were intended to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, which is transmitted mainly from person-to-person through respiratory droplets.

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Amy V.T. Moriarty

Business closure allows deli expansion

Island Coffee Haus quietly came to a close with the month of November. In June 2019, Beverly Kilpatrick, owner of the coffee shop in the S&S Plaza at 5350 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, since 2012, invited Scott Mason, owner of Scott’s Deli, to share her space. But, in late November, Kilpatrick told Mason she was closing the coffee shop, Mason told The Islander

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In March, with the first official recorded cases reported in Florida, a “safer-at-home” order enacted to control the virus spread resulted in a steep decline in tax revenue. The state began a phased reopening process in May, including lifting a ban on short-term vacation rentals, and in July monthly revenue rebounded and topped previous years. August saw a surge in tax revenue and September tax revenues were better than any other in that month dating back to at least 2014 in Manatee County. While not as strong as the two preceding months, October’s collected tax revenue did show growth. Of the $451,778 collected by the island cities in October, the Manatee County Tax Collector’s report shows nearly 27% was collected in Holmes Beach. Anna Maria accommodations generated $145,033, or 15.19%, and the $49,862 collected from Bradenton Beach was 5.22% of the total. Both Anna Maria and Holmes Beach saw increased tax revenue generated by accommodations in October compared to the September percentage, but Bradenton Beach saw 1.59% less than the month before. Some more numbers for October: • Unincorporated Manatee County, $341,238, 35.74%; • Bradenton, $74,204, 7.77%; • Longboat Key, $84,755, 8.88%; Dec. 4. “We’re kind of shocked that it came so quickly,” he said. Mason said he recalls Kilpatrick having mentioned that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, her business was down 30% as compared to 2019. “I think it was tough on her. Like anybody, you put your heart and soul into a business for so long and have to close it, it’s a hard thing to do,” Mason said about Kilpatrick, who has not returned calls or emails to The Islander since Dec. 2, when news of her shop’s closure broke. Kilpatrick, who chairs the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce board, will continue to lead the chamber until her term expires in 2022, chamber vice president Cathy Pizzo said Dec. 4. Kilpatrick now works at Coastal Cottages AMI, 9908 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria.

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• Palmetto, $2,776, 0.29%. October yielded a net collection of $926,041 for the county after the state’s 3% commission. The November numbers will be released in early January 2021. Both September and October’s numbers will be discussed at the next Manatee County Tourist Development Council meeting, set for 9 a.m. Monday, Dec. 14, at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto.

AMI TOURISM: Endless Season

October tourist tax revenues october 2014: $551,159 october 2015: $612,452 october 2016: $680,995 october 2017: $720,607 october 2018: $694,774 october 2019: $807,356 october 2020: $954,682 Source: Manatee county Tax collector

About the TDC The Manatee county Tourist Development council comprises elected officials, interested citizens and hoteliers. The advisory board makes tourism-related recommendations to the Manatee county Board of commissioners. The TDc, prior to the november elections, included county commissioner Misty Servia, Palmetto Mayor Shirley groover Bryant, hoteliers Jiten Patel, eric cairns, Barbara Baker and ed chiles and citizens Jack Rynerson and Vernon DeSear.

As for Scott’s Deli, Mason said, “Everything’s normal at Scott’s Deli right now.” But improvements are in the works and customers can expect menu additions of freshly squeezed lemonades and brewed iced teas in the coming weeks. Mason isn’t offering coffee service yet, noting that in addition to working out details with Kilpatrick, he is seeking a local coffee roaster and other suppliers. By Jan. 1, 2021, he hopes to be serving as both a PLeASe, See ISL BIZ, neXT PAge

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Signature AMI gifts! White and tie-dye “More-Than-aMullet-Wrapper” T-shirts, $10-$15, and AMI stickers, $2. Come shop at The Islander, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. We also have 2021 Jack Elka calendars!

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Dec. 9, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 13 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Twilight and holiday lights illuminate chamber festivities

on a rainy Dec. 4, children maintain a social distance to tell Santa what’s on their christmas lists. The Anna Maria Island Privateers brought Santa and the Privateer sleigh to the Anna Maria Island chamber of commerce’s annual Holiday open House and Tree Lighting festivities, where rain could not dampen the holiday spirit. Islander Photo: Amy V.T. Moriarty iSL BiZ conTInueD fRoM PAge 12

coffee house and deli. Mason also plans to expand business hours but for now, Scott’s Deli is open Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sunday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information, go online to www.scottsdeliannamaria.com, or call 941778-3000.

PropertyWatch By Johann Bertram Real estate transactions

3805 E. Bay Drive, unit 311, Holmes Beach, a 1,146 sfla / 1,247 sfur, 2bed/2bath/1 car condo built in 1979 sold 11/13/2020 by Figari to Hart for $339,000; list $359,000. 703 Gulf Drive S., unit 2, a 1,050 sfla, 2bed/2.5 bath/1-car condo built in 1984 sold on 11/12/2020 by Coral Shores Investments LLC to Decittori for $470,000; list $479,000. 417 Poinsettia Road, Anna Maria, a 1,540 sfla / 3,017 sfur, 2bed/2bath/3 car canalfront pool home built in 1988 on a 9,670 sqft lot sold 11/12/2020 by Lee to Montalto for $995,000; list $1,045,000. 238 Gladiolus St., Anna Maria, a 2,202 sfla, 3bed/2bath pool home built in 1981 on a 12,253 sqft lot sold on 11/13/2020 by Regan to Rudelich for $1,195,000; list $1,349,000. 320 Iris St., Anna Maria, a 2,402 sfla, 3bed/3bath/1-car canalfront pool home built in 1968 on a 10,559 sqft lot sold 11/16/2020 by Schmieg to Pope for $1,500,000; list $1,500,000. 513 83rd St., Holmes Beach, a 3,338 sfla / 4,020 sfur, 4bed/3.5bath/2-car canalfront pool home built in 2015 on a 9,270 sqft lot sold 11/13/2020 by Welch to Wold for $2,700,000; list $2,850,000. Johann Bertram, a sales agent at Michael Saunders& Co., AMI, can be reached at 941-779-3856.

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People gather Dec. 5 at the entrance to Robinson Preserve north in west Bradenton to purchase live christmas trees — red cedars in 10-gallon and 15-gallon pots — from the Manatee county Parks and natural Resources Department. The florida native christmas Tree Sale was sold out in about 20 minutes. Those who purchased the trees also can avail an offer to return them after the holidays for planting in the preserve. Islander Photo: Lisa neff

Read it all at islander.org

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Page 14 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 9, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Page 16 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 9, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Gathering

Delivering holiday cheer glenda Beck, left, carol Heckman and Beth Bernet pack gifts for operation christmas child, a Samaritan’s Purse project to fill shoeboxes with gifts for children in more than 150 countries. Roser Memorial community church in Anna Maria delivered more than 114 shoeboxes this year. Islander courtesy Photo

Harvey stocking the pantry

Harvey Memorial Community Church will hold a food drive to stock the food pantry at Roser Memorial Community Church. The food drive to collect nonperishables will be 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12. The church is at 300 Church St. N., Bradenton Beach. Volunteers will deliver the donations to the pantry “for the benefit of local folks in need this holiday season,” according an announcement to The Islander. The food pantry is run by Roser and supported by All Island Denominations, a coalition of all the island churches. For more information, call the church at 941-7791912.

Tidings

Roser Food Pantry Nonperishables

islander collecting wishes

Worship and events calendar

The Islander published its annual Wish Book with the Nov. Monday-Friday 25 edition of the newspaper. 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, The Wish Book contains lists Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-4769. of needs for local organizations Thursdays that Islander readers can fill. 9:30 a.m. — Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, You can find a PDF of the Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1638. Wish Book at islander.org or Saturdays you can pick up a copy at The 4 p.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Sundays Drive, Holmes Beach. REGULAR WORSHIP

8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. 8:30 a.m. — Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. 9 a.m. — CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-0719. We encourage you to support the 9:30 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. advertisers who made the issue possible. 10 a.m. — Roser Church. 6:45 p.m. — Wednesday Night Blast, CrossPointe. 10 a.m. — Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian USA, Thursdays 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Info: 941-900-4903. 9:30 a.m. — Women’s fellowship class, CrossPointe. 10 a.m. — Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 9:30 a.m. — RoserRobics ﬁtness, Roser Church. Longboat Key. Info: 941-383-6491. Saturdays 10:30 a.m. — CrossPointe Fellowship. 9 a.m.-noon, Lord’s Warehouse thrift store, Longboat Island 10:30 a.m. — St. Bernard. Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, LBK. Info: 941-383-6491. EVENTS Sundays 11 a.m. — Sunday school, Christ Church of Longboat Key. Wednesdays Mondays 10 a.m., Women’s Bible study, Christ Church of LBK. 9 a.m. — Men’s Bible study, Christ Church, via Zoom. 6:15 p.m. — Wednesday supper, CrossPointe. Tuesdays 9:30 a.m. — RoserRobics ﬁtness, Roser Church. 10:30 a.m. — Book discussion group, Gloria Dei, Zoom-based. Information: gdlami18@gmail.com.

Obituaries

Adam e. Ksiazek

Adam E. Ksiazek died May 17. A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. There will be no gathering after the service due to COVID-19 restrictions. Ksiazek

eleanor reynard Tatakis

Eleanor M. Reynard Tatakis, 93, of Holmes Beach, died Nov. 29. A memorial service was held Dec. 3 at Skyway Memorial Gardens in Palmetto. She is survived by her loving husband Antonios “Tony” Tatakis and a host of other family and friends. Tatakis

* Drive Thru Food Drive*

Gloria Dei Lutheran 6608 Marina Drive

Saturday December 12

Holmes Beach

10 a.m. to Noon

SAVE THE DATES Dec. 10-18, Hanukkah. Dec. 25, Christmas. Please, send notices to calendar@islander.org.

About obituaries Collecting food for Our Daily Bread& the Island Food Pantry at Roser Please wear a mask—we will be. COMMUNITY CHURCH

Hope!

INVINCIBLE

Obituaries are offered as a community service to residents and families of residents, both past and present, as well as people with ties to the island. You may submit a free, standard obituary and photo to news@islander.org.

SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 AM or 10:00 AM

remembering Marty Leise Marty Leise, who joined the Anna Maria Island Privateers in 2014, has died. The Privateers, on their facebook page, said, as a member of the nonprofit dedicated to kids and charity, Mr. Leise helped plan events, played “Pirate Santa” and, as a musician, entertained for the group and its supporters. He also was a military veteran and had formed the AllVets Band. He moved to Port charlotte in 2017. “We wish him fair winds to fill his sails and following seas,” read the Privateers’ tribute. Islander Photo: facebook

Growing in Jesus’ Name

941-778-0414 • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria • LIKE us on Facebook @RoserChurch

Sunday Service 10:00 AM

Please Register to Attend • Masks Required

In the SANCTUARY and ONLINE Go to www.RoserChurch.com Click WORSHIP-SIGNUP , WATCH LIVE or WATCH LATER

Hope can be a powerful force. Without hope, people Text ROSER to 22828 to stop trying, stop laughing, stop loving, and stop living. receive the weekly eBulletin. In the Advent Season, we celebrate a Child who comes to bring us hope, to assure us that our loving The CHAPEL is open during and sovereign God has not abandoned us in our despair. office hours for prayer & meditation.

Worship With Us at Our Church 941-900-4903 The Rev. Dr. Norman Pritchard SERMON:

Visitors & Residents Welcome Watch our 10:00 AM service live: www.bit.ly/cclbksermons

or www.christchurchlbk.org (follow YouTube link)

6400 Gulf of Mexico Dr.

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Dec. 9, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 17 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Judge sets January deadline for cortez stilt-house demolition

opportunity to present evidence and argument in support of their respective positions.”

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

It’s time to go. Raymond Guthrie Jr.’s stilt-house — built on pilings over the water near the commercial docks in Cortez — might not remain standing much longer. Judge Edward Nicholas of the 12th Judicial Circuit Court issued a final order Oct. 26 requiring Guthrie to remove the structure, which was built in 2017 over Sarasota Bay waters owned by the state and safeguarded by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The house must be removed by Jan. 24, 2021. Guthrie has been locked in a legal battle with the DEP for three years, maintaining that the structure is a re-creation of a 1900s “net camp,” where cotton fishing nets were stored by commercial fishers for generations, including his father and grandfather. Nicholas first ordered Guthrie to remove the 1,200square-foot structure Feb. 18, setting a June 3 deadline to complete the job. Guthrie requested an additional 30 days to comply and, despite the DEP’s opposition to the request, Nicholas extended the deadline to July 3. When the deadline passed and the structure remained standing, the DEP filed a motion for contempt against Guthrie for failing to comply with the legal order. Nicholas’ final order denied the DEP’s motion for contempt, but granted its request for Guthrie to remove the structure according to their terms within 90 days. The DEP’s terms for the structure’s removal, which were established in an order from Nov. 17, 2017, include: • Guthrie must give 24-hour notice to the DEP in advance of the structure’s removal; • Stockpiling of tools and materials along the shoreline is prohibited; • A floating turbidity apron must be installed around the structure prior to removal;

BB business owner removes unsafe lighting, faces arrest By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Raymond guthrie Jr.’s stilt-house remains Dec. 2 in Sarasota Bay. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

• Once removed. the structure must be placed in a self-contained disposal site; • Any watercraft associated with the removal must be operated within waters of sufficient depth to prevent dredging. The DEP also requested that Nicholas enforce $6,500 in penalties and costs against Guthrie, but the judge shelved the decision until a later date. “At such time as this court revisits the issue, should Mr. Guthrie fail to remove the enclosed docking structure within 90 days of the effective date of this order, such failure shall be considered as evidence in support of payment of penalties,” Nicholas’ final order states. The final order also provides, “The issue of whether the pilings underneath the unauthorized enclosed docking structure also need to be removed will be taken up at a later date. At such time as this court revisits the issue, the parties will be given the

Complicated property lines can make for a messy land-use dispute. Peter Ross, co-owner of 101 Bridge St., told The Islander Dec. 5 that two Bradenton Beach police officers came to arrest him that day for vandalism after he removed unsafe holiday lighting strung by the city on a palm tree on his property. Ross said the city used indoor wiring to wrap holiday lighting around the palm trees circling the roundabout near his property, adding that the lighting was powered by an extension cord that was laid across Bridge Street. Due to safety concerns, Ross said, he removed the lighting from the palm tree on his property. Ross said Officer Steve Masi and another officer arrived and said that city officials — specifically Mayor John Chappie and city attorney Ricinda Perry — asked them to arrest Ross for vandalism. Ross explained his situation to the officers, claiming the issue is a civil matter and, he said, the officers left without taking further action. BBPD Chief Sam Speciale confirmed the confrontation in a Dec. 5 call with The Islander. He said it boiled down to ongoing confusion over the property easement and whether the palm tree is a part of Ross’s business or city property. Speciale said he did not know if Chappie and/ or Perry were involved in sending the two BBPD officers to arrest Ross. Neither Chappie nor Perry responded to two Dec. 5 calls from The Islander.

HAPPY

The perfect gift awaits! The new Jack elka 2021 calendar has arrived at The Islander office in the Anna Maria Island centre shopping plaza in Holmes Beach. Also available by mail order at Jackelka.com.

AMI centre, 3218 e. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach

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Page 18 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 9, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

wait continues on ‘probable’ murder-suicide Almost two months have passed since the bodies of Sabrina Dumdei, 37, and Zachary Winton, 34, were discovered Oct. 17 in an apartment the pair shared in Bradenton Beach. But nothing new since the discovery of their bodies has come from the Bradenton Beach Police Department since October. BBPD Detective Sgt. Lenard Diaz called the case a “probable murder-suicide” after reviewing the scene, but hasn’t provided additional insight into the incident since attending the Oct. 19 autopsies conducted by the District 12 Medical Examiner’s Office. The investigation began when Dumdei’s father uncovered what Diaz called a “gruesome” crime scene and reported it to law enforcement.

Streetlife

A broken, blood-spattered chair was visible on the second-floor balcony of the triplex. Blood also could be seen splashed across the sliding glass door and blind behind the chair. Police reported worse sights inside the apartment, where they found the bodies. BBPD Chief Sam Speciale told The Islander at the scene that there was too much blood to determine what happened between the two without an autopsy.” Diaz told The Islander Dec. 4 that autopsy and toxicology reports for the body may be released the week of Dec. 7. Since the investigation remains open, several items have yet to be made public, including the 911 call from Dumdei’s mother, Mary, on finding the bodies and an Oct. 16 voicemail Winton left his sister, Wendy. — Ryan Paice

Staff reports

island police reports

Anna Maria Dec. 2, 200 block of Gladiolus Street, noise. A caller to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office reported loud, pounding noises behind the house. No citation was issued. The MCSO polices Anna Maria. Bradenton Beach Nov. 21, Baywatch Condominiums, 1301 Bay Drive N., recovered property. A Bradenton Beach police officer checked the license plate of an unoccupied vehicle and confirmed it was stolen. Manatee County Sheriff’s Office contacted the BBPD regarding the vehicle because it was thought to have been involved in an ongoing investigation. The BBPD passed the case to the MCSO. Nov. 27, Intracoastal Waterway near 1000 Bay Drive S., abandoned vessel. A BBPD officer was informed of a vessel that broke loose from its anchor during a storm and crashed into a private dock. The officer located the vessel, identified the owner and tried to contact him to no avail. Nov. 29, Beach House Restaurant, 200 Gulf Drive N., contempt of court. A BBPD officer was dispatched to the restaurant in response to call about a woman who drowned, but instead found the woman walking the beach. The officer assessed her condition and asked for her information. A search for her name found two arrest warrants from Manatee County for failure to appear for traffic violations. She was arrested and transported to the Manatee County jail. Dec. 1, Historic Bridge Street Pier, 200 Bridge St., trespass warning. A BBPD officer was dispatched in

response to a man sleeping on a sidewalk. The officer found the man asleep behind the bait shop and issued a trespass warning. The man left without issue. BBPD polices Bradenton Beach. Cortez No new reports. MCSO polices Cortez. Holmes Beach Nov. 24, Jessie’s Island Store, 5424 Marina Drive, theft. The store manager contacted the Holmes Beach Police Department and stated she was holding a juvenile who attempted to steal alcohol. The juvenile was issued a trespass warning. Nov. 25, 7 Palm Harbor Drive, information. A person reported a possible vehicle and home break-in. A report was filed and a daily patrol of the property was requested. Nov. 27, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, trespass. An HBPD officer was dispatched to a trolley stop to assist with a disturbance between a passenger and the driver. The passenger was issued a trespass warning. Nov. 29, Goodwill Manasota, 3614 E. Bay Drive, camping. An officer spotted a person sleeping behind the store. The person was issued a notice to appear. Nov. 29, CVS Pharmacy, 611 Manatee Ave. W., Marchman Act. An officer was called to the store on a report on an unresponsive person who appeared intoxicated. The individual became aggressive upon waking and was transported to Centerstone Behavioral Hospital in Bradenton. Nov. 29, Bali Hai Beach Resort, 6900 Gulf Drive, suspicious circumstances. A person, unknown to the

McSo recovers Bradenton Beach man’s stolen vehicle

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office recovered Bradenton Beach resident Robert Dale’s stolen vehicle Nov. 15 after it was missing for three days. Dale called the Bradenton Beach Police Department Nov. 12 to report the vehicle went missing overnight from his residence in the 2100 block of Avenue B. The BBPD entered the vehicle data into databases. The next day, Dale provided the BBPD with surveillance video from a neighbor’s camera that showed two men taking Dale’s vehicle after failing to enter a neighbor’s car. The thief’s identities were not determined, but the MCSO found the vehicle — unoccupied and parked outside an apartment complex at 3800 75th St. W., Bradenton. Dale owns Bob Dale Construction Inc. and served many years on the city planning and zoning board. The MCSO contacted Dale to retrieve the vehicle and he did so the same day. The report noted that a key and several tools were missing from the vehicle. — Ryan Paice

occupants, entered a hotel room through sliding doors and asked to use their social media accounts. The hotel occupants asked the person to leave and reported the individual to the front desk. Nov. 29, D Coy Ducks Bar and Grille, 5410 Marina Drive, trespass. A person, previously trespassed from the bar, attempted to enter the building and was issued another trespass warning. Nov. 30, 100 block of 48th Street, environmental. Seagrapes were cut below the allowed height. The property manager was contacted and a code compliance investigation was pending. Nov. 30, Domino’s Pizza, 5606 Marina Drive, information. An officer was called to the location on a report of a possible missing and endangered person. The officer notified dispatch to send a missing person request to neighboring agencies. Dec. 1, 500 block of Manatee Avenue West, camping. While on patrol, an officer observed a person sleeping on a bench with an alcohol beverage. Upon waking the individual, the officer issued a notice to appear from camping and trespassed the person from the area. HBPD polices Holmes Beach. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO. In an emergency, call 911.

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Page 20 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 9, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Parks committee sets goals for community garden

Washed up, removed A sailboat is washed ashore Nov. 29 near 28th Street in Holmes Beach. Holmes Beach resident Vic Caserta captured the photo on his morning run. Winds caused the boat to break free from its anchor and the owners removed the boat from the beach Dec. 3, according to Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer. Islander Photo: Courtesy Vic Caserta

It is time to sow some seeds. The Holmes Beach Parks and Beautification Committee is moving forward with plans for a community garden. The committee members met Dec. 2 at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. The meeting also was held via Zoom. At a previous meeting, committee members considered planting the garden at land abutting Grassy Point Preserve, a designated nature preserve at the north end of Avenue C near 30th Street. The group is working with Eran Wasserman, the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s director of development services, to determine how many plots, what types of plants and access to water for the area, as well as hours of operation and removal of Brazilian pepper trees, an invasive species. In other matters, the committee continued a review of adopt-a-spots for residents, organizations or businesses to enhance public rights of way and open spaces with landscaping or other improvements, including ongoing maintenance. The next meeting will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, teams, was not set as of Dec, 4. Jan. 6, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive, or by teleThe Bradenton Christmas Bird Count Circle, conference, with instructions on the meeting agenda which includes Perico Island and large parts of west posted to the city website at holmesbeachfl.org. Manatee County, will be Dec. 19. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; ChrisAnn Allen Kathy Doddridge is leading the count. In 2019, birders observed 150 species, up from 146 the year before, including 31,644 individual birds, Audubon plans Perico outing The Manatee Audubon Society is organizing a down 17% from the year before. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Due to the pandemic we have modified our pro- birdwatching outing at Perico Preserve. The event will be 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, at tocols to be mindful of CDC guidelines,â&#x20AC;? Doddridge the preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W., Perico Island. wrote in an email to The Islander. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sectors are being Birdwatchers will meet in the parking lot and divided into small areas that can be covered by twoshould bring water and binoculars and be prepared person family unit teams.â&#x20AC;? The changes for safety likely will mean fewer for the milelong hike. For more information, contact Cathy Davis at 561opportunities for new volunteers but the count will 253-5025 or mcascathy@gmail.com. get completed. For more information about the Bradenton circle, contact Doddridge at kathydoddridge56@gmail.com Make a note: Order my 2021 calendar! or 941-795-1846. For more information about the Fort De Soto The new circle, call Don Margeson at 727-415-1371. Jack Elka

Audubon organizing 121st Christmas Bird Count Organizing for the 121st Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count is underway, including for counts on or near Anna Maria Island. The count is one of the longest-running wildlife surveys, with citizens collecting data used to assess the health of bird populations and guide conservation actions. Nationwide, the CBC will be Dec. 14-Jan. 5, but some dates are still being determined for local counts, as are protocols for conducting the survey during the coronavirus pandemic. Audubon, in a statement, said, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;pandemic will affect CBC participation. Pending local restrictions, many counts will be done under the COVID-19 guidelines sent to compilers, while others will likely be canceled.â&#x20AC;? The Fort De Soto Christmas Bird Count Circle includes Anna Maria Island north of 46th Street in Holmes Beach, as well as the coastal waters extending into Tampa Bay and the Gulf. A date for the count, conducted mainly by boating

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Dec. 9, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 21 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Vincent van gogh’s paintings, including “Starry night” and “Sunﬂowers,” have astounded viewers with their vibrancy and color. “Van gogh Alive” installation opened nov. 21 at The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg and offers visitors an immersive art experience. Islander courtesy Photos: 2020 grande experiences

By Lisa Neff

Starry starry night

in the United States. Before the coronavirus pandemic, I would have traveled anywhere in the country to experience the exhibit, an immersive art installation with more than 3,000 Van Gogh images projected at an enormous scale to a classical score. Now I find the opportunity exists on the other side of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, as The Dali — home to 2,400 works by Salvador Dali — won the North American premiere. “Just as we have used technology to bring both Dali and his works to life, ‘Van Gogh Alive’ offers a unique installation that expands how we are able to experience art,” said museum director Hank Hine. To ensure physical distancing, the museum is selling timed tickets and limiting capacity. Also, everyone at the museum must wear masks and undergo temperature checks. Tickets for the exhibit’s opening week sold out quickly. “The response has been wonderful,” said Dali marketing director Beth Bell. In addition to the joint event with The Bishop, The Dali has organized several programs and events inspired by “Van Gogh Alive,” including: • Jan. 16, in partnership with Keep St. Pete Lit, a nature writing workshop at Demens Landing Park inspired by Van Gogh’s connections to nature;

• Jan. 23, a Starry Night at The Dali Fundraiser, an outdoor event with stargazing, music, cocktails and more; • Jan. 28, an online presentation about the history of art and technology. The museum also expanded its cafe menu to celebrate the special exhibit. The “Starry Night Cheese Plate” features roasted red wine pear, Danish blue cheese, aged gouda, a Holland apricot Jam, spiced cashews, sliced starfruit, caper berries, grilled artisan bread and boterkoek, a Dutch butter cake. I’m only doing takeout these days, so my order will be a carryout. On the calendar The Dali and Bishop museums will host an indooroutdoor art and astronomy event, 6-8:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21, at the Dali, 1 Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg. The cost to attend is $25-$35. For more information, go online to thedali.org. On social media On Facebook, the Local Group of Deep Sky Observers has a group page with more than 750 members. Search on Facebook using the group name and join to learn about “the deep sky” and events when they resume.

Booking Holiday Parties & Reservations Gift Certificates Available - Hanukkah Dinner To Go - Christmas Dinner To Go - Tuck Beckstoffer Wine Dinner Dec. 10th - 6:30pm

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- $24.99 Weekly Local Specials - Wine Down Wednesdays “Van gogh Alive” will continue through April 11, 2021, at The Dali in St. Pete. The special exhibition features Van gogh images at an enormous scale, presented through high-definition projectors and synchronized to classical score.

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“The Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn” occurs Dec. 21. At their closest, the planets will be 0.1 degrees apart, the closest Jupiter-Saturn conjunction since 1623. A conjunction like 2020’s won’t be seen again until March 15, 2080. In normal times, such an astronomical happening might prompt a gathering of the Local Group of Deep Sky Observers, the Sarasota-Manatee neff organization that over the years has drawn crowds to city field in Holmes Beach. But, as you know, these are not normal times, and the Local Group of Deep Sky Observers is not holding public events during the pandemic. I miss the gatherings — informal, exciting, educational opportunities to step up to telescopes to see and understand the night sky. So I’m making a note on the Dec. 21 box on my calendar about the “Great Conjunction” and what seems a great alignment between The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature and The Dali Museum. The Bradenton and St. Pete museums are organizing a double-feature Dec. 21, which at my home is celebrated as the winter solstice and wife Connie’s birthday. Outdoors at The Dali’s Avant-garden, the big, astronomical show will be the “Great Conjunction,” with The Bishop offering visitors an opportunity to look through telescopes at the planetary delights and starry night. Indoors at The Dali, the big art show will be “Van Gogh Alive,” featuring the painter’s famous “Starry Night.” Van Gogh enthusiasts — myself among them — have waited years for the opening of “Van Gogh Alive”

Page 22 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 9, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

It’s a wrap! 2 adult leagues culminate in 2 championships By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter

The adult sports leagues at the Center of Anna Maria Island are nothing if not highly competitive. The fall flag football and soccer seasons for the adult players at the Center of Anna Maria Island came to a close Dec. 2-3. The Dec. 3 flag football finals were first set for Nov. 12, but Tropical Storm Eta and the Thanksgiving Cassidy holiday pushed the games back. The adult soccer playoffs were delayed as well, but the competition resumed Dec. 2 with a semifinal match between Signature Granite and Ugly Grouper that saw top-seed Signature Granite live up to its billing in a 9-2 thrashing of Ugly Grouper. Zach Lieb had four goals and two assists and Ugur Durmaz added three goals and an assist to lead Signature Granite. Lindsey Styken chipped in with a goal and two assists and Olsin Crean completed the scoring with a goal. Steve Oelfke helped preserve the victory with eight saves in goal. Chris Scott had a goal and an assist and Ben Sato scored a goal to lead Ugly Grouper, which also received an assist from Greg Ross and 10 saves from Nate Welch in the loss. The second semifinal game was another blowout, as Slim’s Place cruised past Sato Real Estate by a 9-3 score behind four goals from Kevin Roman and two goals each from Clancy Vaughn and Brent Moss. Ryan Moss nailed down the victory with seven saves. Trevor Fair, Kali Richardson and Raul Loria each scored for Sato, which also received a combined six saves from Rico Beissert and John Haggerty. The championship game that followed was all Signature Granite in a 7-0 victory behind three goals from Lieb and two goals and two assists from Styken. Dumaz chipped in with a goal and two assists and Crean completed the scoring with a goal. Championship night for the flag football league resumed Dec. 3 with Slim’s Place defeating Gulfview Windows and Doors 23-12 in the first semifinal match behind strong all-around play from Dominick Otteni and Connor Haughey. Otteni had five catches, includ-

Slim’s Place: Center Fall Flag Football League champions Joey Carder, Brad Coleman, Dominick Otteni, Connor Haughey, Luis Campos, Madison McQuillen, Keith McQuillen pose with their championship cups Dec. 3 at the Center of Anna Maria Island.

ing two for touchdowns, while also contributing two quarterback sacks on defense. Haughey notched a touchdown catch and two interceptions, including one he returned for a touchdown. Keith McQuillen threw two touchdown passes and Luis Campos had a touchdown pass and four sacks in the victory. Charles Bucky had a touchdown pass and Jordan DeMers had a touchdown reception for Gulfview in the loss. Sandbar Restaurant slipped past Moss Builders by a point behind Chase Richardson, who threw a touchdown pass to Anthony Mannino, ran for another touchdown and punctuated his night with a pick-six interception. Moss was led by Jonathan Moss who threw for a touchdown, caught a TD pass from brother Ryan Moss and added a 2-point conversion and a safety. Evelyn Long had a game-high six receptions, including one that went for a TD, while Cole Carter added an extra point to round out the scoring in the loss. The championship game that followed was a barnburner. Slim’s Place outlasted the Sandbar by a 34-33 margin behind a strong game from Connor Haughey. Haughey threw for three touchdowns, caught two and

Signature Granite: Fall soccer champs Zoran Kolega, Lindsey Styka, Hakan Toka, Olsin Crean, Steve Oelfke, Chris Yavalar, Zach Lieb and Toby Wickland show off their championship cups on the field Dec. 3 after winning the fall soccer league championship match. Islander Photos: Center of AMI

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added a two-point conversion while also chipping in with an interception on defense. McQuillen threw for two touchdowns and added a two-point conversion. Otteni finished with two touchdown receptions and Luis Campos had one to round out the scoring for the champs. For the Sandbar, Richardson threw four TD passes, including three to Mannino, who also chipped in with a pick six and an extra point. Tim Holly finished with a touchdown grab and Dylan Doyle had a 2-point conversion to complete the scoring for Sandbar in the loss. Key Royale golf news There was another full week of good weather and golf at Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach, starting Nov. 30 with the men’s nine-hole modified-Stableford match. Eric Lawson grabbed first place with a plus-5, two points ahead of second-place finishers Art McMillan and Steve Vasbinder. The played a nine-hole individual-low-net match Dec. 1 in two flights. A chip-in on the eighth hole helped Roxanne Koche fashion a 3-under-par 29 and snag first place in Flight A by three strokes over Pam Lowry, who finished alone in second at even-par 32. Barb Harrold carded a 1-under-par 31 to give her a one-stroke margin of victory in Flight B over Sue Wheeler and Susan van Orsdel. The men were back on the course Dec. 3 for a ninehole scramble that saw Dale Hudson, Eric Lawson and Ron Vandeman match the 3-under-par 29 carded by Brian Comer, Larry Pippel and Debi Richardson for a two-way tie for first. In second, John Cassese, Mike Clements and Kurt Snoufler finished at 1-under-par 31. Horseshoe news The action was short and sweet during Dec. 2 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall horseshoe pits. Team Bob — Bob Mason and Bob Palmer — posted the lone 3-0 record during pool play and were rightfully crowned champs for the day. Two teams emerged from pool play to battle for bragging rights during Dec. 5 action. Bob Palmer again found himself in the mix, this time flying, er walking solo. Palmer stayed hot, cruising to a 23-4 victory over Bob Lee and Jay Disbrow, giving him bragging rights for the week. 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.

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Dec. 9, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 23 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Cooler weather requires changing tactics for fishing success

Jim Malfese at the Rod &Reel Pier says despite the cold, windy and rough waters at the pier, fishers are finding success. Using live shrimp as bait is yielding a variety of species, including sheepshead, black drum, flounder, catch-and-release redfish and even a couple of catch-and-release snook. Most of these catches are occurring when a live shrimp is cast under the pier on a bottom rig. Keep in mind, casting around the pilings under the pier means your leader and line are subject to all kinds of barnacles and other snags that can easily cut you off. This means you need to plan ahead for your rigging. Be sure to use heavy enough line and leader to withstand being rubbed against the pilings. You’ll also need gear stout enough to control a bigger fish around all that structure. If you only have lighter gear, try casting shrimp tipped jigs out away from the pier to hook into pompano, whiting, jack crevalle and ladyfish. We want to hear from you. Send your high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

As Anna Maria Island receives its first taste of winter, fishers in-the-know are changing tactics to achieve success on the water. With water temps lingering in the mid- to high-60s, fish such as the catch-and-release snook and redfish are going to be searching for warmer water for refuge during the winter. It’s time to start patrolling your Stasny old wintertime spots. And small creek mouths and residential docks and canals are good places to start. Anywhere where the water may stay slightly warmer than normal is ideal. Even a couple degrees warmer can make a difference. And you won’t only find snook and reds in these areas — flounder, black drum and sheepshead also migrate to these slightly warmer sanctuaries. Another factor to keep in mind for fishing success is your choice of bait. Although shiners are available, you may want to opt for live shrimp. You’ll find — especially as water temps drop even more — that fish like snook and redfish will prefer the live shrimp over a tasty shiner. These fish are looking to conserve energy. Chasing a live shiner may cause them to exert too much energy, where shrimp are a much slower target. Plus the black drum and sheepshead love eating shrimp — and so do the redfish. For those who like targeting spotted seatrout, this time of year can be most entertaining. Try using soft plastics combined on a jig head to fish deep sandy potholes and entrances to canals and the Manatee River. A slow retrieve and the right color soft plastic can be deadly to trout in the winter, although the species is catch-and-release only. These fish tend to school up in the potholes and canals, which means if you find one, there’s a good chance you’ll find a bunch of them. While you’re working that jig, don’t be surprised to come across pompano that are foraging over the grass flats. So, although we’re settling into winter, don’t think fishing is over. It’s definitely not. Island living means good fishing all year. Capt. David White is working inshore due to strong winds and choppy conditions in the Gulf of Mexico.

Jeremy and Brayden Lobo, visiting from Durham, Connecticut, show off a pair of black drum — also wintertime visitors to the AMI area waters — caught on a live shrimp Dec. 2 while on a fishing trip with Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters.

Targeting species such as sheepshead, black drum and pompano in the nearshore waters in the Gulf is keeping White’s clients busy. The live shrimp as bait is proving to work well for White. Live shiners are still producing some action on catch-and-release snook and redfish, although a little more work and patience is required to get the fish to bite. Capt. Aaron Lowman is fishing nearshore structure in the Gulf of Mexico for a variety of fish, including hogfish, mangrove snapper, flounder and Key West grunts, with all of the species reacting to live shrimp as bait. In the Intracoastal Waterway, live shrimp is producing the bite. Lowman says casting around residential docks is resulting in sheepshead, black drum, flounder and catch-and-release redfish. The flounder and catch-and-release reds are being caught on soft plastics combined with a jig head.

Low concentrations of red tide appear offshore in Manatee

It’s not adversely affecting people or marine life in Manatee, but it bears watching. Karenia brevis, the red tide organism, was detected at background to very low concentrations in Manatee County the week ending Dec. 6. K. brevis was observed at background to very low concentrations in Pinellas County, background to low concentrations in Sarasota County, very low concentrations in Charlotte County and very low to medium concentrations in Lee County. No fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were reported over the past week. Respiratory irritation was reported in Pinellas County at Indian Shores Nov. 28-29. Forecasts for Pinellas to northern Monroe counties predicted variable movement of surface waters and net southeastern transport of subsurface waters in most A map of Florida shows sampling locations and concentrations for Karenia brevis, the red tide areas. The next complete red tide status report will be organism. Islander Photo: Courtesy FWC issued Friday, Dec 11. For more information, go online to myfwc.com/ redtidestatus.

Roger Danziger of Holmes Beach shows off a 26-inch, 12-pound mutton snapper at his dock. He caught the snapper on a homemade speed jig tipped with squid in 140 feet of water in the Gulf of Mexico 40 miles off Holmes Beach. Danziger says a blue streak under the eye confirms it is a mutton snapper.

Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

Dec 9 Dec 10 Dec 11 Dec 12 Dec 13 Dec 14 Dec 15 Dec 16

5:23a 7:07a 8:31a 9:42a 10:47a 11:48a 12:50p 1:57p

HIGH

2.1 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 1.9 1.7 1.6

8:22p 8:43p 9:05p 9:28p 9:54p 10:22p 10:53p 11:27p

HIGH

LOW

1.8 1.9 2.0 2.2 2.4 2.6 2.7 2.8

1:06p 1:17a 2:21a 3:15a 4:05a 4:54a 5:43a 6:33a

0.2 1.2 0.8 0.4 0.1 -0.2 -0.4 -0.5

— 1:58p 2:43p 3:22p 3:55p 4:23p 4:46p 5:05p

LOW

AM City Pier tides; Cortez high tides 7 minutes later — lows 1:06 later

Visit www.islander.org Southernaire Fishing Charters

Licensed

Moon

— 0.3 0.5 0.7 0.9 1.1 1.3 New 1.4

Page 24 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 9, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

I S L A N D E R C L A S S I F I E D S ITEMS FOR SALE

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

KIDS FOR HIRE

cAR Roof RAcK: easy install, black, $80. christmas wreath, artificial, bow, $10. Pressure cooker, stainless-steel, $35. 941-920-2494

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

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, 3218 e. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

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WAnTeD: WoRKouT DVDs and XBox, Wii units with games for Ministry of Presence for kids and teens in Haiti. Deliver to The Islander, 3218 e. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

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PAnS: non-STIcK green, 8, 10 and 12 inches, $45. 941-920-2494. ITALIAn LeATHeR coucH, excellent condition, $100. 941-778-3920 or 941-778-5542. SHIP’S WHeeL TABLe: capt. J. Lindroth original masterpiece of inlaid wood and brass. 19-inches tall, 45-inch diameter. $1,500. Also, related pieces. marinateal@gmail.com.

WAnTeD: YouR oLD cellphone for recycling. Deliver to The Islander, 3218 e. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

AnTIQue PARTneR DeSK: All wood, $1,000. See at The Islander office, 3218 e. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

fRee gun LocK courtesy of Project childsafe, florida fish and Wildlife conservation commission and HBPD. Pick up at The Islander office, 3218 e. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. Don’t be sorry, be safe.

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R A P A T

A T O N

G O O D G H A A I M S T E H S R E A Y S M O T R E I K E N M T S H W A E A R R T R A O W W

U C A P O A L T H O M S A T S D A K I R I S F A N I T R O T R A T O T W O O O V P U T E R E R O D E L O U T O H H O L S K A I N L G A A N T

cLuB cAR, PReceDenT, electric blue, seats two, new battery, tires, brakes. 941-778-2821. Best offer.

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HELP WANTED AMI cAR WASH/detailer. Looking for experienced detailer willing to be available seven days as needed. 941-527-6266. Holmes Beach. feMALe HoMe HeALTH aide wanted. experienced cnA or equivalent. 20-25 hours per week. Mid-December through mid-March. Bradenton/Palma Sola. call 312 933-1577 for this excellent position.