The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, June. 26, 2024

Vacation rental bill reaches governor

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

A bill that could make significant waves on Anna Maria Island has reached the governor’s desk.

State legislative officers signed Senate Bill 280 June 17 and presented it to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for his signature.

However, as of June 21,

Sea turtle killed on Gulf Drive

A sea turtle disoriented early June 19 in Bradenton Beach, crawling onto Gulf Drive South, where it was struck and killed by a vehicle.

The incident occurred near a lighted crosswalk in the 1600 block of Gulf Drive South, according to a Bradenton Beach Police Department report.

Law enforcement and other first responders arrived about 6 a.m. to the scene.

The first to arrive were representatives from Mote Marine Laboratory and Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch, who found a large, female loggerhead in the roadway.

PLeASe, See TURTLE KILLED, PAGe 2

no action had been taken.

SB 280 was filed last November by Sen. Nick DiCeglie, R-St. Petersburg, and an amended version passed through the Legislature by the time session ended March 8.

The bill would preempt vacation rental regulations adopted before June 1, 2011, to the state — other than for Flagler County, which is exempted from the proposed legislation.

The measure would:

• Establish statewide maximum overnight occupancy limits;

• Limit the number of inspections at each property;

• Cap fines for rental violations to $500.

Now that SB 280 has reached the governor’s desk, DeSantis will have until July 2 to sign or veto the legislation.

If he takes no action in the 15 days

HB resort docks pass ferry test

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Holmes Beach is the only Anna Maria Island municipality without a stop for passengers to hop on and off the Gulf Islands Ferry.

But a dock at the Waterline Villas & Marina, 5325 Marina Drive, at the city basin could be the solution.

Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau executive director Elliott Falcione told The Islander June 21 that he is in dialogue with Waterline ownership about potentially using it as a ferry stop following a successful June 17 docking test.

Manatee County’s ferry program con-

BACVB executive director elliott Falcione, left, and Holmes Beach City Commissioner Dan Diggins meet a ferry on a June 17 test run at Waterline Villas & Marina. Islander Courtesy Photo

sists of two open-air 49-passenger catamarans that run Wednesday-Sunday between downtown Bradenton and the Anna Maria City Pier and the Historic Bridge Street Pier on the island.

The ferry fleet is operated by Clearwater-based Gulf Coast Water Taxi and is set to expand in about a year.

Manatee County’s Board of County Commissioners approved $3 million in tourist development tax money to build a third, enclosed vessel for the program.

The new vessel would be larger — carrying 91 passengers with 67 enclosed seats — and would operate between Bradenton

RENTAL BILL, PAGe 2

First responders investigate the death of a sea turtle June 19 in the 1600 block of Gulf Drive South in Bradenton Beach. Islander Photo: Courtesy Alexis Krummick

Loggerhead factoids

The loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta caretta, is one of seven species of sea turtle. Six of the seven species are endangered, with the loggerhead classified as “vulnerable” on the International union for Conservation of nature’s Red List of endangered Species.

From the moment they’re born, hatchling loggerheads fight for survival, with one in 1,000 surviving into adulthood.

The loggerhead is the largest of the hard-shelled turtles, and is named after its big head and strong jaw. Loggerheads are part of the Cheloniidae family, which makes them related to the hawksbill, green and Kemp’s ridley turtles.

Loggerhead sea turtles have a reddish-brown shell with a yellow bottom, which is heart-shaped.

Their shell is flat and wide — streamlined.

They have paddle-like flippers for their front limbs, which are stronger than the back limbs. Their front flippers typically propel them through the water, while their back limbs help with stability and steering.

Adult loggerheads weigh an average of 250 pounds and are generally about 3 feet long.

Only females come ashore, and only do so to nest.

— Bonner Joy

TURTLE KILLED COnTInueD FROM PAGe 1

“It had been obviously run completely over by an unknown motor vehicle,” the police report stated.

In addition to the BBPD, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and West Manatee Fire Rescue responded.

BBPD provided traffi c control so AMITW and Mote representatives could tend to the deceased turtle, according to police Lt. Lenard Diaz.

“There is no criminal investigation being done,” Diaz told The Islander over the phone June 21. “We have no idea how long the turtle was there and we don’t know who hit it.”

WMFR cleaned up the roadway, according to the BBPD report.

a

daytime sighting in

camouflaging

The Florida Department of Transportation responded later to turn out the lights that caused the disorientation, as well as lights at other locations with similar crosswalk lighting.

“Lighting shields are being procured and will then be installed to block the light from the shoreline,” the DOT stated in a news release June 21.

The DOT also said, “Those who travel on State Road 789 are asked to be vigilant when traveling through this area while we try to make Gulf of Mexico Drive safer for our road users and local wildlife.”

— Masha Dolgoff and Lisa neff

To read more about the incident, turn to Nesting Notes, page 22.

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▲ Wine Down Wednesday, 5O% OFF Wines by the Glass

▼ Live Maine Lobster Thursdays, plus Happy Hour all nite in the lounge.

BB calls town meeting on vulnerability study

Bradenton Beach will hold a town hall meeting on a vulnerability study at 9 a.m. Thursday, June 27, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. City commissioners last October accepted a $46,875 grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for a comprehensive vulnerability assessment to create strategies to mitigate and adapt to environmental hazards and disaster risks, including fl ooding, hurricanes, coastal erosion and wildfires.

For more information about the meeting, call city hall at 941-778-1005.

— Robert Anderson

RENTAL BILL COnTInueD FROM PAGe 1

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy asked DeSantis to veto the bill in a June 17 email to the governor, in which the mayor called out the “unexplainable ‘carve out’” for Flagler County.

“If the bill is so good, it should be good for all counties in our state!” Murphy wrote.

Murphy between the bill’s presentation and then, the legislation will become law — so a veto is needed to kill the bill.

He also wrote that the bill eliminates occupancy limitations, which could lead to a 35% spike in population for the cities and that such changes were unnecessary.

“I ask that you please veto this bill as it can cripple our previous coastal communities,” Murphy wrote. “Local governments have been regulating vacation rentals for years and have successfully done so with the consent of both homeowners and local realtors.” Murphy also spoke with DeSantis’ chief of staff, PLeASe, See RENTAL BILL, neXT PAGe

A

May Anna Maria shows

loggerhead

its nest by throwing sand before heading back to the the Gulf of Mexico. Islander File Photo: Courtesy MCSO

Lake LaVista improvement study budgeted for 2024-25

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The city of Anna Maria did not have much luck with state appropriations this year, losing out on two of its three requests.

But the surviving appropriation might lead to important changes for Lake LaVista.

The city’s request for $94,000 to study potential improvements for the Lake LaVista channel made it into the final cut of the state’s $116.5 billion budget for fiscal 2024-25, which Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed June 12.

The channel allows boaters to pass between the lake and Tampa Bay but periodically fills in with sand from tidal currents and severe storms.

Mayor Dan Murphy wrote in a June 20 email

RENTAL BILL COnTInueD FROM PAGe 2 Alex Kelly, in March about his concerns for the bill and has since expressed optimism about its veto.

Murphy told The Islander June 21 that he remained optimistic. He said he had “some insight” into the governor’s staff’s perspective on the bill.

“The governor’s staff, first of all, feels that it is bad policy. In particular, the raw nerve and primary objection seems to be the carve out for Flagler County,” he said.

Since SB 280’s presentation to DeSantis, Anna Maria has also led five email campaigns, generating more than 1,000 emails from subscribers, encouraging the governor to veto the bill via homerulefl.com.

People can visit the website to send prewritten letters, varying each day, with messages of opposition regarding the bill directly to the governor.

Murphy added that the city was “weighing our options” about potential litigation if SB 280 becomes law.

“We’re not going to become roadkill. We’re not going to become victimized by this thing,” he said. “I can tell you that.”

Anna Maria Commission Chair Mark Short

to The Islander that the channel must be cleared via dredging every three or four years.

The city last dredged the channel in late 2021-early 2022 to the tune of $242,927.70.

The $94,000 appropriation will fund a study to explore alternative solutions to permanently address the channel’s issue with sand buildup.

Such solutions could involve:

• Building a groin;

• Building a second pier to control the movement of sand into the channel.

However, Murphy wrote that those proposed improvements were “never actually studied scientifi cally as to effectiveness in keeping the channel clear.”

The state 2024-25 budget goes into effect July 1.

acknowledged in a June 21 interview with The Islander that — even if the bill fails — it will be back by the next state legislative session.

Nevertheless, Short also expressed optimism with the bill’s potential veto.

“I’m optimistic that (DeSantis) is going to see through and understand the concerns, but stranger things have happened,” Short said. “So we’re just going to have to wait and see.”

Top Notch Photo

contest opens

Do your photos get lots of love on Instagram?

Do you get praised for your eye on TikTok or Facebook?

See how you fare in The Islander’s Top Notch photo contest, a summertime tradition with six weekly winners and a grand-prize award for the best photo entry, as well as props and prizes for pet pix.

We have some rules and guidelines.

See details online and on page 12.

Holiday closings

July 4 holiday brings closings

Independence Day will be observed Thursday, July 4.

Most government offices will be closed, including city halls in Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach.

The fare-free island trolley will operate as normal but Manatee County Area Transit buses will not operate other fixed-route services or the Handy Bus service.

Residential trash or recycling pickups regularly scheduled for Thursdays will be delayed and other collection services may be pushed back through the week.

Manatee County parks, preserves and beaches will be open to the public but the Island Library will not be open.

— Lisa neff

The Islander poll

Last week’s question

By Lisa neff

How do you vote in u.S. elections?

40%. On Election Day at polls.

12%. Early voting at polls.

34%. By mail.

7%. It depends.

6%. Don’t or can’t vote.

This week’s question

How do you want to celebrate Independence Day?

A. Cheering a parade.

B. Oohing over fireworks.

C. Going to the beach.

D. All of the above.

E. None of the above.

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

Meetings

By Lisa neff

ANNA MARIA CITY

June 27, 6 p.m., commission.

July 18, 2 p.m., commission.

July 25, 6 p.m., commission.

10005 Gulf Drive, 941-708-6130, cityofannamaria.com.

BRADENTON BEACH

June 27, 9 a.m., town hall, vulnerability.

July 18, noon, commission.

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

HOLMES BEACH

July 9, 2 p.m., commission.

July 23, 2 p.m., commission.

July 24, 5 p.m., planning commission.

July 30, 10 a.m., special magistrate. 5801 Marina Drive, 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org.

WEST MANATEE FIRE RESCUE

July 16, 6 p.m., commission.

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

MANATEE COUNTY

July 30, 9 a.m., commission.

Aug. 1, 9 a.m., commission, budget. 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee. org.

ALSO OF INTEREST

July 4, Independence Day, most government offices will be closed. The Islander office also will be closed.

July 11, 9:30 a.m., ManaSota League of Cities, Longboat Key Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key.

Sept. 2, Labor Day, most government offices will be closed. The Islander office also will be closed. Please, send meeting notices to calendar@islander.org.

You can read it all online at islander.org

Clock ticking on treehouse demolition

The deadline to demolish an unpermitted Holmes Beach treehouse is approaching — and no progress has been made on permitting its removal.

Holmes Beach planning and zoning administrator Chad Minor wrote in a June 20 email to The Islander that the city had not received permit applications to demolish the treehouse on the beachfront at the Angelinos Sea Lodge, 2818 Ave. E.

The treehouse, built in 2011, has been at the center of controversy and litigation since 2013, when the city issued code violations for the structure and the property owners filed their first lawsuit.

12th Circuit Court Judge Edward Nicholas ruled in February that the treehouse must be demolished by July 3.

If the property owners fail to remove the treehouse by then, the city will be able to remove it at the expense of the owners after providing at least 72 hours’ notice.

Nicholas will oversee a virtual compliance status conference over Zoom to discuss progress on the demolition at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 26.

— Ryan Paice

The treehouse on the beachfront at the residence of Lynn and Richard Hazen and the Angelinos Sea Lodge, 2818 Ave. e., Holmes Beach, remained standing as of June 7. The Hazens are facing a court order for the structure’s removal by July 3.

Holmes Beach recognizes waste removal workers

Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth expresses her gratitude June 18 to Waste Pro employees for their work in the city during a pizza lunch in city field. Islander

Photos: Ryan Paice

Coquina Beach Market

Wed, Jun 26th Fri, Jun 28th

Sun, Jun 30th is our last day for this season 10 AM - 2 PM

This is our last week before we close for the summer on Sunday, June 30th. Come and support your local artists and crafters.

Music 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Mike Sales on Wed Chuck Davis on Fri & Sun

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

Vendors offer jewelry, fresh lemonade, apparel, custom & creative artwork, pet items, stuffed turtles, sunglasses, caps, skin care products, water totes & bags, t -shirts, guacamole, windchimes, eco friendly bug spray, aloe vera lotion, and MORE.

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

Holmes Beach city officials and staff celebrate June 18 with Waste Pro employees at Veterans Pavilion in city field in the 5800 block of Marina Drive.

Waste Pro employees received certificates of appreciation, pizza and beverages.

Islander

Photo: Ryan Paice

Candidate

night in Cortez

Cortez business owner

Karen Bell introduces candidates at a political meet-and-greet

June 23 on the docks of the Star Fish Co. restaurant, 12306 46th Ave. W., Cortez. Bell said she organized the event because “I am concerned about the current state of our local government and thought it would be good for people to meet these candidates.”

and Anna Maria.

The vessels currently in operation would be used as “hoppers” between island stops.

The third vessel is expected to take a year to build.

In the meantime, the county has its eyes set on bringing the ferry to Holmes Beach.

“From day one, the objective was to go into all three municipalities on the island,” Falcione said.

When the city recently requested $500,000 from the Manatee County Tourist Development Council to fund improvements along Marina Drive, the lack of a ferry stop in the city entered the conversation.

TDC members ultimately reached a unanimous decision to recommend approval of the city’s $500,000 request with the stipulation that the county and city negotiate a ferry landing.

However, unlike its island counterparts, Holmes Beach does not have a public pier to dock the ferries.

Other potential locations, such as the county-run Kingfish Boat Ramp, 752 Manatee Ave., or a public ramp at 6398 Marina Way, are not ideal stops due to their distance from the city center and a trolley stop.

On the other hand, the Waterline — private property owned by Tampa-based Mainsail AMI Marina —

Manatee County Supervisor of elections candidate Scott Farrington, right, speaks with a voter June 23. Farrington will face off in the Aug. 20 Republican primary against James Satcher. Islander

Photos: Robert Anderson

is near the city center and a northbound trolley stop.

Holmes Beach City Commissioner Dan Diggins attended the June 10 TDC meeting and spoke in support of a ferry stop within the municipality.

Diggins told The Islander June 18 that he called Falcione to facilitate the previous day’s run to the Waterline to test the logistics of the location as a ferry dock.

“Before we go through all the legal hijinks to try to make this work, let’s see if the boat can actually fit in there,” he said.

Diggins said a ferry made the trek and docked at the Waterline without issue. He said four captains onboard for the trip told him it was easier to dock there than at the Anna Maria City Pier due to currents in Tampa Bay and winds on the island’s north side.

While Diggins facilitated the test run to the Waterline, it is private property, so city officials will not have a hand in negotiating the new ferry stop.

Falcione said he is “working through” talks with Mainsail AMI about using the location.

“We’re going to talk to all parties involved and, if everybody is comfortable and there’s balances there and everybody wins … then we’ll pursue it,” Falcione said. “Right now, I think it’s an intriguing time.”

Plan now for the next holiday!

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

Election 2024

Elections office posts early voting dates

The Manatee County Supervisor of Elections will hold early voting hours for the Tuesday, Aug. 20, primary Aug. 10-Aug. 17.

Early voting will be daily 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. at eight locations in the county.

The location nearest Anna Maria Island is G. T. Bray Park, 5502 33rd Ave. W., Bradenton.

Voters must present a valid photo and signature ID.

As of June 24, the SEO had not provided a date for when vote-by-mail ballots will go out.

For more information, go to the SEO website at votemanatee.com.

Also on the calendar

• June 26, noon, Anna Maria Island and West Manatee Democratic Club Get out the Vote work session, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

• July 15, 11:30 a.m., Anna Maria Island and West Manatee Democratic Club Meet the Candidates forum via Zoom.

• July 22, voter registration deadline for primary.

• Aug. 8, deadline to request mail ballot.

• Tuesday, Aug. 20, primary election.

• Monday, Oct. 7, registration deadline for general election.

• Tuesday, Nov. 5, general election.

— Lisa neff

A map shows the stops for the Gulf Islands Ferry service operated by Manatee County. The service operates between Bradenton and Anna Maria Island, with stops on the riverfront in downtown Bradenton and on the island at the Anna Maria City and Historic Bridge Street piers. The service is Wednesday-Sunday, weather permitting. For service information and tickets, go online to gulfislandferry. com. The ferry customer service number is 941357-2587.

NOW OFFERING PERMANENT JEWELRY !

FERRY COnTInueD FROM PAGe 1

County Commissioner George Kruse speaks June 23 during a “meet the candidates” event at Star Fish Co. restaurant, Cortez.

Gap week

In the time we have before the big, big, booming July 4 holiday arrives on our mostly serene island, my very best advice is to use that time to prepare. Get ready for gridlock and frustration. Or get ready to avoid it.

Plan ahead.

Get your groceries and refreshments lined up. Fill the fridge with food, the coolers with drinks, the pantry with snacks, because no matter how hard they try to keep the shelves stocked at the Island Publix, I’ve seen times when the Gatorade shelves were cleared, the deli couldn’t make sandwiches and fried chicken fast enough and the steaks were sold out — during the summer rush of July 4.

And traffic? Well, once you’re ensconced in your island home — whether you live here year-round or you’re a visitor — you don’t want to sit in traffic.

Plan your days accordingly — like you plan your sunscreen and exposure on the beach. Limit your running to the best of the fun stuff.

Use the free end-to-end island trolley for a tourism experience — either stopping with kids at the variety of ice cream shops in the three cities, or the adult run, an island hop for adult beverages in each of the three cities.

If you’re trying your luck with fishing, you could scratch off a bucket list fish in July — a tarpon — if you get the right gear for beach fishing or book a charter guide.

If you just want to chill, take a tour boat ride or put the gang in kayaks in the later afternoon to catch a sunset, Anna Maria Island has the best.

And you can now take a ferry ride from Anna Maria to Bradenton Beach to downtown Bradenton and back again, for a low fee — hopping off and on and visiting the shops, boutiques and restaurants and bars along the way.

Soon, we hope, the ferry ports will include Holmes Beach at the Waterline Resort and Marina — if the county, the BACVB and the Waterline owners can work it out. It seems like a win-win for the ferry riders.

There are endless opportunities to jam in the fun and there are long days and late sunsets to enjoy — even if you only sit under an umbrella on the beach and watch the horizon.

This year, your gawking opportunities might include a long-awaited teardown on the beachfront — the treehouse that people either love or hate — built without permits or permission and, facing a courtordered demolition by July 3. Kaboom. Stay safe.

— Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

Your

Opinion

About the parking garage

Holmes Beach Commissioner Terry Schaeffer’s opinion piece, “Manatee County’s parking myths” published June 12 at islander.org is a fair and accurate description of what has brought Holmes Beach to this point and details well the havoc that will result.

Skimming online

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▼ Publisher, Co-editor

Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

▼ Editorial editor Lisa neff, lisa@islander.org

Robert Anderson, robert@islander.org

Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist

Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org

Masha Dolgoff, masha@islander.org

Jack elka, jack@jackelka.com

Robyn Murrell, robyn@islander.org

Ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org

▼ Contributors

Karen Riley-Love

Jacob Merrifield

Capt. Danny Stasny, fish@islander.org

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info@, accounting@, classifieds@, subscriptions@islander.org

▼ Distribution

urbane Bouchet

Ross Roberts

The county hatched a revenge plot and engaged the state in punishment on residents and government officials who complained about or resisted the creation of more public parking.

It is a rather Draconian measure to punish a municipal government for trying to protect its people, environment and promote safety from the dramatic negative effects of county-created tourism and growth.

Judy Loden Wasco

All others: news@islander.org

How can you blame city commissioners and mayors?

Put the blame where it goes — the county led by Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge and the state led by state Rep. Will Robinson Jr. and state Sen. Jim Boyd.

If these greedy politicians build the government/ private sector parking garage with their developer buddies and reap the financial benefits off the residents’ backs, what’s next?

Janet Aubry, Holmes Beach

Connections, AMI & beyond

Anna Maria: Mayor Dan Murphy, 941-7086130, cityofannamaria.com, ammayor@cityofannamaria.com.

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

Holmes Beach: Mayor Judy Titsworth, 941708-5800, hbmayor@holmesbeachfl.org.

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

Florida Senate: Republican Jim Boyd, 941742-6445, boyd.jim.web@flsenate.gov.

Florida House : Republican William Cloud “Will” Robinson Jr., 941-708-4968, will.robinson@myfloridahouse.gov.

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

U.S. House: Republican Vern Buchanan, 941951-6643, rep.vern.buchanan@mail.house.gov.

U.S. Senate : Republican Marco Rubio, 305-596-4224; Republican Rick Scott, 786-5017141.

President : Democrat Joe Biden, 202-4561111, whitehouse.gov/contact.

Sending letters We welcome letters to the editor. Submit them along with a name, city of residence and phone number to news@islander.org.

JUNE 26, 2024 • Vol. 32, No. 36

Fill ’er up

Construction is underway on a gas station in Holmes Beach near Rich’s Beach Drugs and the Island Bakery — now Sun n Surf and Sand Dollar.

The station is now the home of Holmes Beach Auto Service, in the outparcel at the Island Shopping Center. The photo is not dated.

Cars travel over sand at the end of Bradenton Beach’s Bridge Street in 1947.

The large building on left is marked “Recreation Center” and behind it is a service station.

We’d love to mail you the news!

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10, 20, 30 years ago

From the June 23, 1994, issue

• Island officials at a Barrier Island Elected Officials meeting shared concerns about careless and reckless boating, as well as insufficient resources to police local waterways.

• Florida Gov. Lawton Chiles visited the Beach House restaurant in Bradenton Beach for a reelection campaign party and talked with protesters about their opposition to a high bridge on Manatee Avenue to AMI. The late governor’s son, Ed, still owns the restaurant and other businesses.

From the June 23, 2004, issue

• There was concern as sea turtle nesting was down and false crawls up nearly two months into the season. There were 30 nests on the island as of June 23 and false crawls exceeded 100.

• Kids at the Anna Maria Island Community Center were playing roller hockey in the gym, a new sport for the center popular enough that the nonprofit also planned a fall league.

From the June 25, 2014, issue

• Bradenton Beach commissioners fired city clerk Jamie Anderson following an evaluation that involved questions about her status as a notary and clerk association certification.

• The Anna Maria Island Community Center, conducting a “Save Our Center” fundraising campaign, reported its losses over three years totaled $650,000.

• The Holmes Beach Police Department pursued the theft of a bee colony and beekeeping equipment from a residence on 81st Street.

— Lisa neff

The Bay gas station operates adjacent to the Shop and Go Food store near 25th Street north on Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach in December 1982. Photos: Courtesy Manatee County Public Library System

Fire district approves collective bargaining agreement

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The West Manatee Fire Rescue District locked in a new collective bargaining agreement raising wages 7% annually for three years.

WMFR commissioners voted 2-1 June 18 to adopt an agreement with Suncoast Professional Firefighters and Paramedics, IAFF Local 2546, to establish employment terms for the next three fiscal years.

Commissioners Robert Bennett and Billy Burke were absent with excuse.

Commissioner David Bishop voted “no,” stating he supports the agreement but voted against it because he wanted the full commission present to vote.

Deputy Chief Jay Johnson, who presented the agreement, said the deal will establish 7% wage raises every year over the next three years. He said the agreement was “fair” and recommended its approval.

Commissioner Larry Jennis moved to approve the agreement but Bishop did not second the motion. So Chair Derrick Warner passed the gavel to Jennis and seconded the motion.

Bishop voiced support for the deal, calling it historic, but said there was no urgency to sign it until they were closer to fiscal 2024-25, which begins Oct. 1. He said his issue was with procedure, not content.

Warner said he would prefer the commissioners

Australian pine trees shade the shoreline June 20 at Herb Dolan Park in the 2500 block of Avenue A, Bradenton Beach. The city commission decided June 20 that the trees will be removed. Islander

Hourly rates over 3 years

Rank Sept. ’24 Sept.’25

First

be present for the vote but he did not want to wait.

Chief Ben Rigney said he had spoken with the absent commissioners about the agreement. He said Bennett had not expressed any opposition and Burke had voiced support.

There was no public comment.

The agreement will go into effect Oct. 1 and remain in effect until Sept. 30, 2027.

The fire commission will meet next at 6 p.m. Tues-

day, July 16, at the district’s administrative headquarters, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton.

Directions to attend the meeting via Zoom can be found on the district’s website, wmfr.org.

WMFR firefighters promoted West Manatee Fire Rescue firefighters Zachary Misiura, left, and Brooks Larkin smile June 18 with shiny new badges after receiving promotions to thirdclass firefighters for the district, which services west Manatee, including AMI. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

BB orders pine trees removed from park

Bradenton Beach commissioners met June 20 at city hall and voted to remove all Australian pine trees from Herb Dolan Park and also from city beachfront property in the 1100 block of Gulf Drive North. Eleven trees — two Australian pines near Gulf Drive North and nine Australian pines at Herb Dolan Park in the 2500 block of Avenue A — will be removed.

“They are dirty, nasty trees and there’s a great mangrove shoreline there,” Mayor John Chappie said of Herb Dolan Park. “And one of the things that we’ve discussed long-term to do in that park is to create more of a scenic overview area along there.”

— Robert Anderson

Tiki & Kitty’s

Tiki and Kitty are leading the way to their favorite shops and boutiques for summer fun.

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

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

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

We promise you will find treasures aplenty.

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

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

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

FYI: Scavengers also carries Fusion Paints.

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

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

Photo: Robert Anderson

New ‘official’ financial disclosure requirements suspended

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Elected officials’ concerns about financial disclosure requirements can be quelled — for now.

Form 6 financial disclosure requirements approved in 2023 were suspended following a June 10 temporary injunction ordered by Judge Melissa Damian of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

Senate Bill 774, which was signed into law in May 2023 and went into effect Jan. 1, requires municipal officials — mayors and city commissioners — to file annual Form 6 financial disclosure forms instead of simplified Form 1 disclosure forms.

Form 1 requires officials to disclose income sources, business interests, major debts and real estate holdings. The form does not require officials to provide specific amounts for income, debts and holdings.

Form 6 requires government officials to disclose their net worth, income sources and amounts, bank accounts and year-end balances, stock and investment accounts, as well as land and real estate holdings.

Form 6 also requires elected officials to disclose all assets worth more than $1,000, as well as a lump sum value of other household goods and personal effects.

Form 6 has long applied to other officials, such as the governor, state legislators and attorneys, as well as county commissioners, but its implementation on the municipal level has proven controversial.

Before SB 774 could take effect, it made an impact on island politics.

In Anna Maria, three of five applicants vying for two vacant city commission seats last December withdrew their candidacy due to their concerns with the new financial disclosure requirements.

Around the same time, Bradenton Beach City Commissioner Jake Spooner, a business owner and developer on AMI, resigned from the commission. He identified the Form 6 disclosure requirements as the primary reason for his departure.

SB 774 also sparked litigation led by Fort Lauderdale-based attorney Jamie Cole and his law firm, Weiss-Serota, with numerous elected officials from across Florida as plaintiffs.

Florida Commission on Ethics Chair Ashley Lukis and six other FCE members are listed as defendants.

The law firm filed a motion for a preliminary injunction in March that Damian found warranted in her June 10 ruling.

Holmes Beach city attorney Erica Augello told The Islander June 21 that Damian’s ruling found SB 774 violates officials’ First Amendment rights by compelling content-based speech.

“Case law heard in the past … says that disclosures are considered speech, and that if you’re going to regulate speech, you must do so within a certain framework,” Augello said. “They didn’t provide any analytical data or anything else to support the conten-

Jake Spooner resigned from the Bradenton Beach City Commission in December 2023 citing new financial disclosure rules imposed at the state level on local elected officials. The new rules are now on hold pending a court challenge. Islander File Photo

PAMARO SHOP FURNITURE

Hot SUMMER SALE

tion that the way it had been done with Form 1 over the last 40 years somehow needed to be changed.”

The temporary injunction prohibits the state from enforcing Form 6 requirements against municipal officials, less than a month before the financial disclosure forms were due on July 1.

So municipal officials must file Form 1 until the court changes its position or the Legislature changes the law and provides the necessary documentation needed to overcome a First Amendment challenge.

Those who have filed Form 6 cannot withdraw that information.

Anna Maria resident John Kolojeski, one of the three city commission applicants who withdrew due to Form 6, spoke with The Islander June 20 about the temporary injunction.

Kolojeski said that news of the injunction initially encouraged him to once more run for elected office since two city commission seats are up for grabs in November’s election.

However, he said his enthusiasm once more died down upon learning the Legislature’s errors were curable.

Kolojeski said he expected the same legislator who sponsored the bill to bring it back to the next session, so the threat remains.

“I don’t think it’s in the interest of voters to care about knowing the value of every candidate’s net worth down to $1,000 per item,” he added. “That can only help a thief!”

Anna Maria Commission Chair Mark Short told The Islander June 21 that he also opposes Form 6 requirements for local officials.

Short called them “intrusive” and said such requirements act as a deterrent for public participation in municipal governments.

“I just hope that the state comes to its senses and says, ‘You know what? At the local level, Form 1 is sufficient,’” Short said. “Leave it at that and move on.”

Compiled by Lisa neff, calendar@islander.org

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ON AMI

Friday, June 28

2 p.m. — Rock garden painting, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

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

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

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

• Through July, Artists’ Guild Gallery window show featuring 50 area artists, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941778-6694.

• Throughout July, Island Gallery and Studios “Color and Texture” by Jim Wheeler, 456 Old Main St., Bradenton. Information: 941-778-6648.

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

• Through Aug. 16, Ringling College of Art and Design Galleries “Jack Dowd: Last Call” installation, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Information: 941-359-7563.

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

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

SAVE THE DATES

July 20-Sept. 15, Selby Gardens’ “The Florida Highway Men: Interstate Connections,” Sarasota.

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

Oct. 8, Manatee Performing Arts Center’s Tribute Tuesday concert series begins, Bradenton. Oct. 19, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s Bayfest, Anna Maria.

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

MARKETS & SALES

ONGOING ON AMI

• Most Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Coquina Beach Market, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941840-0789, coquinabeachmarket.org.

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

SAVE THE DATES

July 18, Bridge Street Merchants’ Sun Down Get Down, Bradenton Beach.

KIDS & FAMILY ON AMI

Thursday, June 27

10 a.m. — The Great Adventure Show, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786341.

Building ’bots

Campers in the Center of Anna Maria Island’s Adventure Time Teen Camp work June 12 on assembling robots with wheels from kits. Summer day camp continues at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, into August. Islander Courtesy Photo

Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Tuesday, July 2

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

Wednesday, July 3

10 a.m. — Summer Learning: Reactory Factory Rocks: The Sound of Science, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

OFF AMI

Wednesday, July 3

6:30 p.m. — Bradenton Marauders Independence Day Celebration with baseball and fireworks, LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-747-3031.

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

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

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

SAVE THE DATES

July 4, Anna Maria Island Privateers Parade, Bradenton BeachAnna Maria.

July 4, Fourth Fest, Palmetto.

July 4, Independence Day Celebration, Bradenton.

July 4, Manatee River Independence Day fireworks, Bradenton and Palmetto. CLUBS &

Thursday, June 27

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

Saturday, June 29

7 a.m. — Sea oat plantings with the Anna Maria Island Garden Club and Keep Manatee Beautiful, 77th Street beach access, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-795-8272.

ONGOING ON AMI

wellness center and spa

• Most Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis

Send listings to calendar@islander.org

meeting, Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-778-1383.

• Second Mondays, 2 p.m., Center of Anna Maria Island Adult Book Club, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-7781908.

SAVE THE DATES

July 5, Holmes Beach-Keep Manatee Beautiful beach cleanup, Holmes Beach.

July 6-21, Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Eyes on Seagrass monitoring, Sarasota Bay.

July 13, Rise up for River health benefit, Anna Maria. July 20, Anna Maria Island Privateers Christmas in July party, Bradenton Beach.

LESSONS & LEARNING

ONGOING ON AMI

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

SPORTS & FITNESS

ONGOING ON AMI

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

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

• Most Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m.., mahjong club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

SAVE THE DATE

July 13, Bradenton Marauders Pride Night at LECOM Park, Bradenton.

OUTDOORS & NATURE

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

CALENDAR NOTES

KEEP THE DATES

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

July 4, Independence Day.

Aug. 26, Women’s Equality Day.

Aug. 30, Jimmy Buffett Day.

Sept. 2, Labor Day.

Sept. 8, National Grandparents Day. Sept. 11, Patriot Day.

GET LISTED! Send listings to calendar@islander.org.

Odd Duck Designs Shop

Wearable T-shirt art by local artist Connie Wolgast.

Scan here shop! etsy.com/shop/OddDuckDesignsShop

to

Island happenings

AMI to show patriotic pride with parade

Fire the cannons.

Independence Day will be celebrated on Anna Maria Island Thursday, July 4, with the Anna Maria Island Privateers’ annual parade.

The parade is set to begin at 10 a.m. at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach, with participants due to arrive at 8 a.m. to organize the procession.

From there, the parade will travel north on Gulf Drive.

In Holmes Beach, the parade will travel on Gulf, East Bay, Marina and Palm drives.

In Anna Maria, the parade will travel on Gulf Drive, then Pine Avenue east to Bay Boulevard, then north to Bayfront Park.

Participants must be on wheels, as the route is too long and the parade moves too fast for walkers.

Some other encouragements and cautions:

• Entries with a generator must be equipped with a fire extinguisher;

• Entries must feature a banner identifying representation;

• Political advertising and campaigning is not allowed and;

• Entries should be decked out for the holiday.

• No water balloons and no high-powered spray nozzles.

Entry in the parade is free but the Privateers welcome donations, which will support the Roser Food Pantry.

For more information about the island parade, go online to amiprivateers.org or call Privateer Terry “Cookie” Rapert at 941-705-0199.

As of Islander press time June 24, there were no official fireworks shows planned on AMI.

Off-island fireworks and more Celebrations also are planned on Longboat Key and on the mainland, including:

• The Bradenton Marauders will celebrate the holiday Wednesday, July 3, at LECOM Park.

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

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

The team, decked out in “patriotic jerseys,” will take on the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels in a minor league baseball game.

After the game, the team will celebrate Independence Day with a fireworks display.

Tickets are $15 per person and include a ballcap and drink voucher.

The game will begin at 6:30 p.m.

For tickets, go to milb.com/bradenton.

• Longboat Key’s Freedom Fest will begin at 9 a.m. July 4 at Bicentennial Park, 2730 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Plans include a parade into the park, games, crafts and a butterfly release.

For more information, call the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce at 941-383-2466.

• On July 4, fireworks will begin after dark along the Manatee River in downtown Bradenton and Palmetto, with the show originating from the Green Bridge.

Beginning at 5 p.m., the city of Palmetto will host Fourth Fest at Riverside Park, 801 Riverside Drive, featuring music by One Night Rodeo, Scarlet Drive and the Beatdown Band, food vendors and a kids’ zone.

For more information, call the city at 941-7234570.

Beginning at 3 p.m., the city of Bradenton will host the Fourth of July Independence Day Celebration at the Riverwalk, featuring a classic car show, food and merchant vendors, and musical performances by Emmet Stevens Jr. and 22N.

For more information, go online to bradentonalive. com.

and Glitter Tattoos

Island happenings

Summer Solstice stretches to ‘Save AMI’

Dana Sky, owner of SkySolYoga, left, leads about 30 people in a scorpion pose June 22, during Summer Solstice Yoga on the lawn at the Waterline Villas & Marina, 5325 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. The event benefited Save AMI Cities, a grassroots effort to protect the island’s three municipalities from potential state-led consolidation. Islander

‘Color and Texture’ at Island Gallery

The Island Gallery and Studios in downtown Bradenton will feature work by Jim Wheeler throughout July in the exhibit “Color and Texture.” A news release from the gallery, 456 Old Main St., said Wheeler “calls his art photo/acrylic, meaning he uses photography for a base and acrylics for both texturizing and occasionally for enhancement. Doing it this way means each piece is truly unique, creating a 3-D effect.” A meet-the-artist day will be 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, July 27. For more information, go online to islandgalleryandstudios.org or call 941778-6648. Islander Courtesy Photo

Annie Silver center to host book sale, potluck lunch

The Annie Silver Community Center will host a potluck lunch and book sale Saturday, June 29. The activities will be 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the neighborhood center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach.

For more information, call Dianne Coates at 724-787-1418.

Guild features 50-plus artists

The Artists’ Guild Gallery this summer is showcasing the work of more than 50 local artists.

The gallery is at 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

For more information, call AGAMI at 941-7786694.

Click! The Islander welcomes news of the milestones in readers’ lives. Send notices — along with contact info — to news@islander.org.

Islander’s Top Notch photo contest launches July 10, 1st deadline July 5

The Islander’s Top Notch contest begins anew.

The contest celebrates what still is known as the “Kodak moment,” despite Kodak’s downfall in the switch from film to digital technology.

Look to Friday, July 5, for the first deadline and don’t forget to submit July 4 holiday photos in the coming weeks.

The contest includes six weekly front-page winners. Each will claim an Islander “More than a mullet wrapper” T-shirt.

Top Notch

missions and a winner announced in the final week. Look online this week for complete rules and details.

Please, note, each original JPG must be included in a single email with the name of the photographer, date the photo was taken, location and description, names of recognizable people and the address and phone number of the photographer.

All rules at islander.org must be observed. — Bonner Joy

One weekly shot will take the grand prize in the contest, earning the photographer a $100 prize from The Islander and certificates from local merchants. There also is a pet photo contest for weekly sub-

LeFT: Katy Roadman of Holmes Beach wins the grand prize in The Islander’s 2020 Top notch photo contest with this photograph of kids lighting sparklers. MIDDLe: Shauna Carver of Massapequa, new York, is a weekly 2023 Top notch contest winner with this photograph taken from Bayfront Park in Anna Maria. RIGHT: Bianca Conte of Poughkeepsie, new York, is a 2022 Top notch photo contest with a photograph of a hand breaching the dark waters on the surface of the Gulf of Mexico at sunset.

“Green Turtle,” an oil painting by Carolann Garafola, is on exhibit at the Artists’ Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, along with work by more than 50 other artists. Islander Courtesy Photo

Photo: Ryan Paice

RIGHT: Dana Sky introduces herself June 22 to attendees of Summer Solstice Yoga. The summer solstice occurs when earth has its maximum tilt toward the sun, resulting in the longest day of the year. This year’s solstice was June 20.

Anna Maria Island Privateers award $10,250 in scholarships

The Anna Maria Island Privateers recognized students and institutions June 21 with scholarships for the 2024-25 academic year.

The nonprofit dedicated to “kids and communities” announced the scholarships during Crewe Night at Bradenton’s LECOM Park in a celebration hosted by the Bradenton Marauders minor league team. The scholars include:

• First year, $500 Privateers awards: Jake Burdette and Jack Love, Manatee High School graduates, and Ella Evans, Palmetto High School graduate;

• Second year, $750 Privateers awards: Jessica Burdette and Isabella Pasquale at the University of Florida and Laila Singer at the University of North Florida.

Burdette also received the $500 D Big John Capt. Barbarosa Memorial Scholarship as a dean’s list

AMI resident joins Hawkeye alums

Anna Maria resident Anthony Becht graduated in May from the University of Iowa with a degree in business.

Becht completed a marketing academic program at the Tippie College of Business and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Cortez gets social Florida Maritime Museum supervisor Tori Chasey shows visitors a coconut seed pod as part of a round of nature bingo during a Cortez Summer Social June 22 at the Cortez Village Historical Society’s Cortez Cultural Center, 11655 Cortez Road W., Cortez. The event featured family-friendly activities and games. Islander Photos: Robert Anderson

bonus.

• Third year, $1,000 Theresa Kunze Sandpiper Resort Memorial Scholarship awards : Carissa Bailey at the University of Florida, Gabe French at the University of Central Florida and Keile O’Dell at

Southeastern University.

The Privateers also presented $1,500 in first responder awards, including the Drift-In AMI Scholarship to the Manatee Technical College Police Academy, the Privateers’ First Responder Scholarship to the MTC Fire Academy was presented to Jay Bush and a scholarship for medical studies was presented to Courtney Bauer from the University of South Florida.

A $1,000 scholarship was presented to Rachel Spivey for the Early Learning Coalition from the Kunze-Sandpiper fund and a $500 Drift-In AMI scholarship was presented to Brittany Burton for MTC to support veterans’ continuing education.

The total awarded was $10,250.

For more information about the scholarships and the Privateers, go to amiprivateers.org.

— Lisa neff

Winning night for Privateers, scholars at the ballpark

Anna Maria Island Privateers join their scholarship recipients June 21 in Bradenton’s LeCOM Park for Crewe night and a ballgame. The Privateers presented more than $10,000 in scholarships and a 10th-inning single lifted the Marauders to an 8-7 victory over the Lakeland Flying Tigers. The 2024 recipients include Jake Burdette, Jack Love, ella evans, Courtney Bauer, Manatee Technical College Police Academy, Brittany Burton for MTC veterans’ continuing education and Jay Bush for MTC Fire Academy, $500 awards; Isabella Pasquale and Laila Singer, $750 awards; Carissa Bailey, Gabe French, Keile O’Dell and Rachel Spivey for early Learning Coalition, $1,000 awards; and Jessica Burdette, $1,250 award. Islander

Photo: Courtesy AMIP/Debra “Flash” Kilpatrick

BB approves Bridge St. event

Bradenton Beach commissioners June 20 approved motions to donate funds to the Center of Anna Maria Island in Anna Maria and the Annie Silver Community Center in Bradenton Beach.

Commissioners voted 4-0 to donate $1,568 to the Center of AMI and $3,182 to Annie Silver.

Commissioners also voted 4-0 to permit the Sundown Get Down event in the city’s commercial center on Bridge Street.

The event, presented by Leah Brown of the Big Idea, a strategic event planning company, will be 4-10 p.m. on the third Thursdays July-December.

The city will close the street and waived some alcohol and noise ordinances for the event.

The next commission meeting will be at noon Thursday, July 18, at Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

— Robert Anderson

First-year Privateer scholars Jake Burdette, ella evans, Jack Love.

Gabriel Vella, 5, top, and friend Colt, 3, of Bradenton take turns as “captain” at a steering station during the Cortez Summer Social.

By Lisa neff

Christ Church members to lunch in Cortez

Members of Christ Church of Longboat Key will gather for lunch at noon, Thursday, July 18, at the Swordfish Grill, 4628 119th St. W., Cortez.

Reservations are required by Sunday, June 30.

For more information, call the church at 941-3838833.

St. Bernard schedules

Sunday blood drive

St. Bernard Catholic Church will hold a blood drive in partnership with OneBlood 8 a.m.-noon Sunday, June 30.

Donors at the church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach, will receive $20 gift cards for online shopping, a T-shirt and a wellness checkup.

For more information or to book an appointment, go online to oneblood/donate-now and use the sponsor code 14317.

Roser Church to host speaker

Roser Memorial Community Church will host a guest speaker during its 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. worship services Sunday, June 30 and July 7.

Also, the June 30 services will feature patriotic music in celebration of Independence Day

Inspiration speaker Justin Halas, who runs a life change program called High on Jesus and is the executive director of the nonprofit Hand Up to Victory, will address churchgoers.

Halas’ work involves offering people coming out of jail or off the street who are struggling with addictions “a hand up out of their situation.”

The church is at 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. For more, call Roser at 941-778-0414.

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

Tidings

THIS WEEK

Sunday, June 30

8 a.m.-noon — St. Bernard Catholic Church blood drive, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-4769.

SAVE THE DATES

July 10-Oct. 2, Roser Church Grief Share program, Anna Maria.

July 17, Roser Church Golfing for God, Bradenton. July 18, Christ Church of Longboat Key lunch outing, Cortez. Aug. 7, Roser Church Golfing for God, Bradenton. Sept. 18, Roser Church Golfing for God, Bradenton. Oct. 23, Christ Church book club resumes, Longboat Key. Feb. 25-26, 2025, Christ Church of Longboat Key Men’s Retreat, TBD.

ONGOING ON AMI

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

Worship: Sundays, 9 a.m.

Ongoing: Wednesdays, 7 a.m., men’s Bible meeting; Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m., Beach Night; Fridays, 10 a.m. women’s Bible meeting.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Worship: Sundays, 9:15 a.m.

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

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

Ongoing: Tuesdays, 2 p.m., women’s book study. St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-4769, stbernardcc.org, office@stbernardcc. org.

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

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

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.

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

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

Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.

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

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

GET LISTED, CHANGE LISTINGS

Please, send notices of changes to schedules for worship and other events during the summer to calendar@islander.org.

Remembering the Pulse shooting The American flag hangs at half-mast June 12 outside Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, in honor of Pulse Remembrance Day. The day recognizes the victims of the June 12, 2016, mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, where 49 people were killed and 53 were wounded. At the time, it was the deadliest mass shooting in u.S. history. Islander Photo: Ryan

Compiled by Lisa neff

Paice

Justin Hallas speaks at Roser Church in July 2023. Islander

Photo: Courtesy Peggy nash

GoodDeeds

Volunteers needed

By Lisa neff

• Keep Manatee Beautiful and the Anna Maria Island Garden Club seek volunteers to plant sea oats in Holmes Beach near the 77th Street beach access 7 a.m. Saturday, June 29. Information: 941-795-3490.

• Volunteers are called to the Holmes Beach 52nd beach access at 9 a.m. Friday, July 5, for a post-holiday cleanup. Information: 941-708-5800.

• The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program seeks citizen scientists to participate in “Eyes on Seagrass” July 6-21. Information: sarasotabay.org.

Other

assistance sought

• Tingley Memorial Library in Bradenton Beach seeks volunteers for morning and afternoon shifts in the “fun and friendly” atmosphere. Info: 941-7791208, bradentonbeachlibrary@gmail.com.

• The Anna Maria Island Privateers group seeks members to build up the crewe and an indoor port for their boat-float. Info: 941-896-0797.

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

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

• The Islander seeks donations on behalf of Holmes Beach Commissioner Pat Morton, injured when struck by a truck while walking to his workplace. Information: “Please help — Unexpected Medical and Care Costs” on gofundme.com.

• The Island Players, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, seeks volunteers for the 76th season of shows. Info: theislandplayers.org, 941-941 778-5755. Assistance offered on AMI

• Roser Food Bank welcomes applicants who live, work or attend school on Anna Maria Island for food assistance, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941-778-0414.

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

Get listed

Send GoodDeeds listings to calendar@islander. org. Include a contact number for publication.

Obituary

Ernest Jackson ‘Jack’ Pollock

Ernest Jackson “Jack” Pollock, 93, died May 29 in Bradenton.

He was born April 7, 1930, in Lakeland.

He grew up in southern California, graduating in 1949 from Narbonne High School, where he played tennis.

He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War on the aircraft carriers USS Essex (CV9) and USS Point Cruz (CVE119). He graduated from Florida State University with a business degree in 1959, before moving to Tampa, where he met his wife, Josie. They moved to Anna Maria in 1960. He and his family settled along Palma Sola Bay, where he and Josie lived for 50 years.

Mr. Pollock retired as a real estate broker, having owned J. Pollock & Associates Real Estate with his wife. He served as president of the Manatee County

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

Friends reunite to honor late companion

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

What began as a cherished tradition for a circle of five friends transformed into four paying tribute to one.

Jamie Klimson and Kerri Keller of Illinois, Jessica Russell of Minnesota, Denise Sanchez of Iowa and Laura Anderson of Colorado began visiting Anna Maria Island annually in 2018, having forged a bond that endured through life’s trials and triumphs.

In late June, four of the women returned to inter the ashes of Denise Sanchez in the waters of Anna Maria Island.

The women began their journey years ago in Dubuque, Iowa, where, as college students, they became close friends.

Despite geographical distances after graduation, the women remained steadfast.

Their tradition of visiting Anna Maria Island began in 2018, when they came to Bradenton to support Klimson after the sudden death of her mother. Their trip brought them to Anna Maria Island and the group healed together on the island.

They vowed to make the pilgrimage an annual event.

The camaraderie continued through 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

In 2022, Sanchez told her friends she was battling cancer. Ever the fighter, she paused her treatments to join them on the island that year.

Deteriorating health prevented their reunion in

Board of Realtors in 1989. He was appointed by Gov. Lawton Chiles as Manatee County property appraiser in 1992.

He was part Native American, belonging to the Otoe Missouria Tribe and enjoyed his Indian heritage. He loved watching the sunset from his dock and castnetting in Palma Sola Bay and then frying or smoking his catch for his family and friends. He was a fixture in the stands for his sons’ and grandsons’ baseball games. Along with his passion for tennis, he enjoyed watching FSU football, baseball and the Tampa Bay Rays.

Mr. Pollock was a founding member of Ss. Peter and Paul the Apostles Catholic Church.

He also was one of many fathers who brought Little League baseball to Manatee County. He was a current member of the Otoe Missouria Tribe and USS Essex Association, former member of the Bradenton Kiwanis Club, Hernando DeSoto Historical Society, Bradenton Yacht Club, Manatee County Board of Realtors, Manatee Seminole Club and many other organizations.

A private family service will be held. Condo-

of Iowa. She shared reunions on AMI with friends from college. She died last June. Islander Courtesy Photo

2023, culminating in a heartbreaking farewell at Sanchez’s home in Dubuque, where she died June 24, 2023.

“We were supposed to be in Florida with her,” Keller reflected in a June 17 interview with The Islander. “But instead, we were planning her memorial service.”

After Sanchez’s death, there was debate as to whether the group should return to the island.

However, Keller said Sanchez’s last wishes were discovered in a book she had been writing in the last months of her life.

“She wrote in there that she wanted a portion of her ashes spread in Anna Maria,” Keller said. “So that kind of answered our question.”

This year, the four remaining friends returned on the anniversary of Sanchez’s death to Anna Maria Island to fulfill Denise’s final wish: to celebrate her life and spread her ashes in the place they cherished together.

They booked a cruise with Captain Sky Cruises of Bradenton Beach to scatter Sanchez’s ashes in the Gulf of Mexico and to visit some of their favorite spots.

“You have to invest in friendships,” Keller said, “You may not always see each other or be in every season of each other’s lives, but they are there for you when you need them.”

Their journey, filled with love, laughter and loss, is a testament to the impact of friendship — and a life celebrated on an island made of memories.

lences may be made through Shannon’s Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made to either the Otoe Missouria Tribe Burial Fund, OM Tribe, Attn: Burial, 8151 Hwy 177, Red Rock, OK 74651; Bradenton Kiwanis Foundation or a charity of one’s choice.

Mr. Pollock is survived by his wife of 64 years, Josephine; sister Ester “Neta” Sargent; sons Brett and wife Vickie and Derek and wife Chanda; daughter Kathleen and husband Paul Della Santina; grandchildren Maxwell, Tanner and Holden, Dan and wife Monique, Della Santina, Nicki and husband Marc Tedeschi; and four great-grandchildren.

At your service

Obituaries are offered as a free service to residents and families of residents, as well as to people with ties to AMI. Email news@islander.org.

Jamie Klimson, Jessica Russell, Keri Keller, Denise Sanchez and Laura Anderson pose on an Anna Maria Island beach for a bestie’s pic in 2022. Islander Photo: Courtesy Keri Keller

Denise Sanchez

Pollock

Streetlife

By Robert Anderson and Ryan Paice

Island police reports

Anna

Maria

June 19, 100 block of Magnolia Avenue, burglary.

A Manatee County sheriff’s deputy responded to the theft of beach chairs from outside a home. The deputy filed an incident report and assigned a case number.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office polices Anna Maria.

Bradenton Beach

No new reports.

The Bradenton Beach Police Department polices Bradenton Beach.

Cortez

June 14, 4628 119th St. W., Swordfish Grill, burglary. An MCSO responded to the theft of marine equipment at the Swordfish Grill. An unknown person broke into a storage shed to take the equipment. The deputy fi led an incident report and assigned a case number.

The MCSO polices Cortez.

Holmes Beach

June 10, Holmes Beach Police Department, 5801 Marina Drive, threats. A man entered the HBPD to report a former employee for threatening him. He told police the former employee carries a firearm and said he had a “surprise” for the next time he saw the complainant. The complainant said he wanted to document the incident.

June 12, 3300 block of East Bay Drive, vehicle burglary. Two Holmes Beach police officers responded to reports of a burglary in progress. One officer searched

for a man matching the complainant’s description of a suspect. The other officer spoke to the complainant, who said he saw a man checking multiple vehicles and rummaging through one. The complainant said he confronted the man, who left the scene. An officer later found a juvenile matching the complainant’s description and contacted his parents, who took the juvenile home. The owner of the burglarized vehicle did not respond to police. No charges were pursued.

June 13, 6800 block of Gulf Drive, identity theft. An officer responded to a call and spoke with the complainant, who said her identity might have been stolen. She told police her latest Social Security check was less than usual. She contacted her bank, which told her someone opened a business loan in her name. An officer issued the complainant a case number.

June 15, Kingfish Boat Ramp, 752 Manatee Ave., vehicle burglary. Two officers responded to reports of a burglary and spoke with the complainant. She said her vehicle’s front passenger window was smashed and several items were taken from the vehicle. The officers searched the area for a suspect or other burglaries to no avail.

June 16, Island Bazaar, 3304 E. Bay Drive, petit theft. An officer responded to reports of shoplifting and spoke with the manager, who said a woman concealed multiple bathing suits in her bag before leaving without paying. The manager provided video footage of the theft and wanted to press charges. The officer provided the manager with a victim’s rights brochure and case number, including his contact information.

Island watch

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

June 16, 3200 block of East Bay Drive, domestic violence. An officer responded to reports of domestic violence and found a woman who had a bruise on her arm. She told police her ex-boyfriend had become upset with her and grabbed her arm while insulting her. She completed a witness statement and wanted to press charges. The officer provided her with a victim’s rights brochure and domestic violence pamphlet. He also submitted a capias request to the state attorney for potential charges against the man.

June 17, HBPD, 5801 Marina Drive, missing property. A man entered the HBPD to report that he was swimming at the beach when he realized his wedding ring was missing from his finger. He said he attempted to file a claim with his insurance company but needed a police report to proceed. An officer issued the man a case number and entered the ring in the HBPD’s lost/ found database.

The HBPD polices Holmes Beach.

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

Tour boat strikes, damages Longboat Pass Bridge

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

U.S. Coast Guard Sector St. Pete confirmed June 18 an investigation is ongoing into a tour boat collision at the Longboat Pass Bridge.

During a sunset dolphin cruise June 9, the Anna Maria Explorer out of the Bradenton Beach Marina, 402 Church St. N., in the city, turned into a harrowing experience as the vessel crashed into a bridge pylon, leaving passengers in a panic to don life jackets, according to passenger Stephanie Bridges.

“We were nearly at the end of our tour when the captain pointed our boat toward the Longboat Pass Bridge,” Bridges stated in a June 12 Facebook post. “One of my family members noted that we were traveling a bit too fast through the pillars when all of a sudden we crashed into the concrete bridge pylon.”

The captain tried to get out of the pass and, while putting the boat into reverse, crashed into another pylon, according to Bridges, who was visiting the area from South Carolina.

She described in her social media post panic among passengers: “We received zero instruction as to what was happening or how to put the life vests on. The captain and his first mate were silent.”

The vessel operator, experiencing steering issues, according to Bridges, struggled for 45 minutes to return the boat to the marina.

She described her relatives, including older parents and children, as “crying and hysterical.”

“The captain made no effort to call anyone to help us. No call to 911, no call to the Coast Guard, no help,” Bridge wrote.

Bridges declined June 17 to speak with The Islander saying her family was considering obtaining legal counsel.

Florida Department of Transportation public information officer Jason Heironimus June 19 said the bridge damage was considered “non-emergency” —

minor scrapes and concrete spalls were observed on some pylons. Repairs had not begun as of June 19.

Heironimus said the DOT might seek reimbursement from the boat owner’s insurance.

He added that Coast Guard protocols for vessel impacts could affect the vessel’s owner or operator.

Coast Guard public information offi cer Nicole Groll declined comment due to the ongoing investigation.

Another Bradenton Beach Marina vessel hit the bridge about a year ago. A May 6, 2023, crash involving

an 80-foot Bradenton Beach Marina paddle-wheeler, the Anna Maria Princess, hit the bridge, resulting in similar damage.

The marina sold the boat in January.

Bridges, in recounting her experience, said that upon contacting the Coast Guard, no incident reports were filed by the marina.

“We went back to the marina the next day to get our refund,” Bridges said.

She wrote that the marina owner, Shawn Kaleta, seemed unaware of the details but confirmed the captain was fired.

“I feel it is my duty to let the public know that this happened and warn others as my family and I could have lost our lives that evening,” Bridges wrote.

The Islander reached out to Kaleta June 18 for comment by text message but, as of Islander press time, June 24, there was no response.

RoadWatch

Eyes on the road

• South Bradenton Beach: Manatee County is working on sewer lines on side streets off Gulf Drive South. For the latest, go to amiprojects.io.

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

• Marina Drive in Holmes Beach: Through July 2, the city is working on stormwater maintenance and upgrades crossing Marina Drive from 85th to 74th streets, which might impact roadway traffic and disturb rights of way. Work will be 7 a.m.-7 p.m. For more, call city hall at 941-708-5800.

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

— Lisa neff

Damage to a Bradenton Beach Marina boat, the Anna Maria explorer, is evident June 9. Islander

Photo: Courtesy Stephanie Bridges

Cops & Courts

Claims amended in wrongful death lawsuit

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Another party has been named potentially liable for the death of Miriam Trotter.

The Coral Gables-based Haggard Law Firm filed an amended complaint May 3 against Bradenton-resident Michael Ritchie and Sarasota-based C-Squared CGC on behalf of the plaintiff, Deborah Trotter.

The new complaint also names a new defendant: Bradenton-based Anna Maria Landscaping & Home Services LLC, which Ritchie owns and operates.

Ritchie was driving a truck that crashed May 12, 2023, into Deborah Trotter and her mother, Miriam, in a crosswalk at the intersection of Gulf and Marina drives in Holmes Beach.

Miriam Trotter, 86, never regained consciousness, having suffered irreversible brain damage, and died May 17, 2023.

Deborah Trotter was treated and discharged from the hospital the day of the crash, suffering partial hearing loss, tinnitus and a permanent soft spot on her skull from the impact.

The Trotters had received indication from a pedestrian crossing signal to cross the street at the intersection and Ritchie had a green light.

Ritchie did not receive criminal charges for the crash and was instead issued a citation for failure to yield the right of way to pedestrians, which he contested in court.

He was found guilty last August and was ordered to pay $166 for the citation and $21 in subpoena costs, as well as complete a four-hour basic driver improvement course.

Trotter filed a wrongful death lawsuit in the 12th Circuit Court last December alleging Ritchie and C-Squared’s negligence played a role in her mother’s death.

The lawsuit claims two counts of negligence:

• One against Ritchie for failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians in an active crosswalk, driving recklessly and failing to brake or reduce speed prior to his truck’s impact with the Trotters;

• One against C-Squared for failing to coordinate the new traffi c lights with crosswalk signals at the intersection following work on Holmes Beach’s city center improvements last year.

The lawsuit also calls for the court to award Trotter $50,000 in damages.

Trotter’s amended lawsuit contains the same claims but adds a third count to allege Anna Maria Landscaping & Home Services was vicariously liable for her mother’s wrongful death since it “had the duty to operate, maintain, and/or control” the vehicle that struck her.

The company was sent a court summons to respond to Trotter’s claims on May 7.

By May 24, Ritchie and Anna Maria Landscaping filed affirmative defenses to the amended complaint arguing that the crash was caused by the negligence of Trotter and C-Squared.

One of the affirmative defenses argues, “The damages allegedly sustained by plaintiff were caused or greatly exacerbated by the failure of plaintiff to mitigate her damages.”

On June 6, C-Squared filed its defenses to Trotter’s amended complaint and alleged it was the plaintiff’s negligence that led to the crash.

C-Squared claimed any injuries or losses were the “proximate results of negligence and/or wrongdoing by persons, entities, or forces not within defendant’s supervision, control, or responsibility,” so the company cannot be liable.

All four parties demanded a jury trial.

There were no upcoming hearings for the case as of June 21, according to the Manatee County Clerk of Circuit Court’s website, manateeclerk.com.

Anna Maria man on probation for DUI

John Richards, 54, of Anna Maria, will be on probation through February 2025 despite avoiding a conviction for a second-degree misdemeanor for alcohol-related reckless driving.

Holmes Beach police arrested Richards Aug. 25, 2023, after an offi cer found him driving in the wrong lane. During a traffic stop, Richards displayed signs of impairment.

He declined to perform field sobriety exercises, as well as refused to provide breath samples.

He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and charged with a second-degree misdemeanor for DUI.

Richards subsequently enrolled in the Florida Driver Enhanced Treatment Education Rehabilitation program, completing the program by Jan. 18, the same day he entered a plea of no contest to a second-degree misdemeanor charge for alcoholrelated reckless driving.

Judge Melissa Gould of the 12th Circuit Court ruled Jan. 30 to amend Richards’ initial DUI charge to alcohol-related reckless driving, as well as to withhold adjudication.

Withholding adjudication means legal sanctions can be imparted without a criminal conviction.

Gould ruled for Richards to complete 12 months of supervised probation, complete DUI school and Mothers Against Drunk Driving live impact panel within six months.

— Ryan Paice

Island watch In an emergency, call 911. To report info, call the MCSO Anna Maria, 941708-8899; Bradenton Beach police, 941-778-6311; Holmes Beach police, 941-708-5804.

Bradenton man arrested by BBPD for DUI

Bradenton Beach police arrested Christopher Corso, 56, of Bradenton, June 14 for allegedly driving under the influence, failure to use a designated lane and possession of an open container in a motor vehicle.

Responding to reports of an erratic driver, Bradenton Beach Police Officer Ryan Gagliano initiated a traffic stop at Gulf Drive and Cortez Road and spoke with Corso, who exhibited signs of impairment, according to a police report.

Also, the officer reported that he observed what appeared to be an open beer can in the vehicle.

A Manatee County sheriff’s deputy arrived and performed a DUI field sobriety test, which, according to an MCSO report, Corso could not perform.

According to police, he also failed a breathalyzer test.

Corso was arrested, taken to the Manatee County jail in Palmetto and released without bond.

Driving under the influence, if convicted, carries a punishment of up to 12 months in jail.

Corso’s arraignment will be at 8:55 a.m. Tuesday, July 17, at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton.

— Robert Anderson

Woman arrested for drugs

Bradenton Beach Police officers June 14 arrested Natalea Wheeler, 25, of Bradenton for allegedly possessing a controlled substance.

The arrest occurred in the 2500 block of Gulf Drive South after Officer Eric Hill initiated a traffic stop for a vehicle lacking registration, according to a police report.

Police searched the vehicle and found a bag containing what fi eld-tested positive for methamphetamine, according to BBPD.

Wheeler was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and taken to the county jail in Palmetto.

She was released without bond June 14.

If convicted of felony possession of a controlled substance, Wheeler could face five years in a Florida state prison and a $5,000 fine.

Wheeler’s arraignment will be 9 a.m. Friday, Aug. 9, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

— Robert Anderson

Manatee County adds telehealth to 911 system

Manatee County Public Safety joined with a telehealth provider in June to increase the range of services available with calling 911.

The county partnership with MD Ally created Manatee Telehealth and allows dispatchers to connect non-emergency callers with a health care professional trained via telehealth.

The program launched June 18.

“Trained experts can conduct virtual visits with patients, providing treatment recommendations, prescriptions, transportation to medical facilities, behavioral health support and connections to local community resources from the comfort of their homes,” according to a news release.

The county said the service would “better support patients while freeing up essential public safety personnel and ambulances to handle urgent emergencies.”

For more, go to mymanatee.org or call 941-7484501.

— Lisa neff

Seagrass monitors needed

The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program is seeking citizen scientists to participate in Eyes on Seagrass, a campaign to survey seagrass beds in July.

Eye on Seagrass volunteers — with training provided — will monitor macroalgae by snorkeling in an assigned area, estimating the coverage of seagrass and macro algae and collecting samples.

The survey will take place July 6-21 and registration is required.

To register, go to sarasotabay.org. For information about SBEP, call 941-955-8085.

— Lisa neff

Brianne Bender speaks to Bradenton Beach commissioners

June 20 at city hall. Bender was newly appointed a member of the Bradenton Beach ScenicWAVES advisory committee.

Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

BB commission welcomes new ScenicWAVES member

Bradenton Beach appointed Brie Bender June 20 to the ScenicWAVES advisory committee.

Bender moved to Bradenton Beach in 2019. She works as the director of brokerage operations at INNOVATE Real Estate and spends time between Florida and South Carolina.

Prior to her relocation to Bradenton Beach, she was a member of the Downtown Redevelopment Committee in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Bender told commissioners, “I am interested in an opportunity to see how I can give back to the community. I’d love to get involved any way that I can to help.”

On Facebook that day she wrote, “I’m excited to get started on this new journey of servant leadership!”

The committee serves as the scenic highway corridor management entity and makes recommendations on aesthetics and environmental sustainability.

Commissioner Ralph Cole motioned to approve the appointment. He was seconded by Commissioner Debbie Scaccianoce. The motion passed 4-0. Marilyn Maro was absent with excuse.

— Robert Anderson

Tidewatch

Water quality issues reported

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported the week ending June 23 background concentrations of the red tide organism, Karenia brevis, in Sarasota County.

Meanwhile, the nonprofit Suncoast Waterkeeper, which conducts testing for Enterococcus bacteria, reported June 15 finding “don’t swim” levels at the the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach and “take caution” levels along the Palma Sola North causeway beach in west Bradenton and at Bayfront Park on Longboat Key.

Suncoast Waterkeeper, the week ending June 23, also confirmed multiple reports from charter captains that there were fish kills found along Sarasota Bay’s northern mainland shoreline, especially near New College in Sarasota. Heavy rain in mid-June overwhelmed stormwater and wastewater systems.

In another development, Manatee County Utilities reported elevated levels of algae in Lake Manatee might be impacting the odor and taste of drinking water.

“While the odor or taste may be noticeable, the water remains safe to drink,” the county stated in a June 21 news release.

The county provides Anna Maria Island’s water. For more information, go online to mymanatee. org or call the county at 941-748-4501.

Also, the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County also issued a water quality advisory. The notice June 21 cautioned against swimming at the Palma Sola South beach on Manatee Avenue based on June 17 and June 19 tests showing high levels of Enterococcus bacteria. For more information, go online to floridahealth. gov/healthybeaches or call 941-714-7596.

— Lisa neff

Scenic highway to county: Say ‘no’ to median changes

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

There is some vocal opposition to Manatee County’s plans to “improve” a pair of Perico Island medians on Manatee Avenue.

Palma Sola Scenic Highway Corridor Management Entity vice chair Ingrid McClellan attended the June 20 Manatee Board of County Commissioners’ land use meeting to ask county officials to reconsider plans for the medians.

The plans involve replacing the medians’ six live oak trees and nine sabal palms, as well as ground cover, with Alexander palm and royal palm trees, a sod border and new irrigation.

The medians are located on the Palma Sola Scenic Highway, which spans Manatee Avenue from 75th Street West in Bradenton to Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach, as well as a short stretch south on East Bay Drive to 27th Street in Bradenton Beach.

The medians’ existing trees were planted in 2008 with funding from a Florida Department of Transportation joint project agreement between the city of Bradenton and the county.

CME members have argued that replacing the trees

2025 improvements include new Skyway boat ramp

Manatee County’s recommended 2025-29 capital improvements plan includes a new boat ramp adjacent to the Sunshine Skyway Fishing Pier.

The proposed plan, presented June 18 to commissioners, contains $2,321,568,098 in projects, including an investment of $559,753,229 in fiscal 2025, which begins in October.

Budget documents show design could begin in October 2027 and construction in November 2030.

The estimated cost is $9,345,000, most of it for construction and the funding to come from impact fees and the West Coast Inland Navigation District and the state’s boating improvement program.

The project would involve filling bay bottom to accommodate up to 200 trailer spaces, 40 vehicle spaces and six launch lanes on the south side of the bridge and pier.

— Lisa neff

is a waste of money and regular maintenance could better improve the medians.

McClellan attended the June 20 meeting on behalf of the CME. She said during citizen comments that the existing trees were too large to be relocated and would be destroyed.

McClellan asked county officials to consider revising its plans for the medians by keeping the existing trees and enhancing the rest of the spaces.

Terry McKamey, a certified arborist and technical advisor to the CME, also spoke during citizen comments. He said the existing trees are healthy and did not need to be removed.

“We should keep our established native trees and do some landscaping with them instead of starting all over,” McKamey said.

BOCC Chair Mike Rahn said the county would have staff reach out to McKamey regarding the plans.

to county’s plans to replace trees in a pair of Perico Island-Manatee Avenue medians. Screenshot: YouTube

Post-holiday cleanup planned

Volunteers are called to the beach Friday, July 5, for a post-holiday cleanup.

The city of Holmes Beach announced the event, asking people to arrive about 9 a.m. to the 52nd Street beach access.

Partners in the cleanup include Keep Manatee Beautiful and WastePro.

For more information, call city hall at 941-7085800.

PSSH vice chair

Ingrid McClellan speaks at a June 20 Manatee County meeting in opposition

It’s summer, time to hit the gym for indoor soccer

By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter

School is out, vacation plans are set and it’s so hot outdoors you can fry an egg on the sidewalk. Yup, summer is here!

That means indoor soccer for younger players — ages 3-14 — in the air-conditioned gym at the Center of Anna Maria Island. With two teams in the 3-4 division, four teams in the 5-7 division, five teams in the 8-10 division and four teams in the 11-14 division, there will be plenty of competitive soccer action this summer.

The 3- and 4-year olds were to start their season of mostly instructional soccer with Monday matches at 5:30 p.m. June 24, after press time for the Islander. The 5-7 division was to start Tuesday night games at 5:30 p.m. June 25. The 8-10s also was to kick off June 25 with two matches at 6:15 p.m. and 7 p.m., while the 11-14s were to get started June 24, with games at 6:15 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Also on tap at the community center for summer is adult flag football, which kicks off at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 27, with four games on the outdoor field. The season runs until Aug. 15, with playoffs starting Aug. 22. There are eight teams hoping to advance to the championship game, which is set for 7 p.m. Sept. 5.

KRC news

Golf action at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach got started June 17 with the men’s weekly modified-Stableford system match. Mike Clements carded a plus-4, two points ahead of second-place finisher Quentin Talbert in the quota-point game.

Janet Razze grabbed first place in the women’s nine-hole individual-low-net match June 18. Ann Klein was alone in second place while Terry Westby and Jana Samuels finished in a tie for third place.

Members closed out the week of golf at the club with a nine-hole scramble June 20. The team of A.J. and Rob Ellis, Chuck Patrick and Quentin Talbert tied the team of Mike Clements, Ken Nagengast and

Horseshoe news

Three teams advanced from pool play June 19 with 3-0 records and settled things in a playoff during horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Livedoti and Hawks advanced to the championship match by defeating Howcroft and Mason King 21-13. The wellrested team of Sofran and Tom Farrington came off the bench red hot and cruised to a 23-1 victory over Livedoti and Hawks to earn the day’s bragging rights.

Three teams also advanced from pool play during the June 22 games. John King and Dom Livedoti drew the bye and watched as Tim Sofran and Bob Hawks edged Gary Howcroft and Mason King 21-19 to advance to the finals. In the championship match, a double ringer by Hawks put an exclamation point on a 24-8 victory by Sofran and Hawks.

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.

AMI Dolphin Tours player Parker Svoboda chases the ball up court as an unknown Progressive Cabinetry defender converges during last summer’s 8-10 division indoor soccer action at the Center of Anna

BB commissioners pump the brakes on paid parking

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

The debate over implementing paid parking at city-owned lots in Bradenton Beach took a turn June 20 when commissioners postponed a decision on a contract to hire a vendor.

The commission in April 2023 greenlighted a study to evaluate implementing paid parking at city lots.

Proposals for paid-parking were later divided into two groups:

• Parking at a city-owned lot between Church and

Highland avenues;

• City-owned lots on Bridge Street; city hall at 107 Gulf Drive N.; Lou Barolo Park, 107 Fourth St. N.; a shared lot at the BridgeWalk Resort on First Street North; Gulfside near the Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge; and possible spaces at the Tingley Library if the building were to be elevated.

Commissioners in March voted for city attorney Ricinda Perry to negotiate a contract with Beach to Bay Investments, owned by developer Shawn Kaleta, to implement paid parking at the Church and Highlands avenues lot.

The commission opted to consider a city-run parking program for the remainder of city-owned lots,

Continued

to diagnose and repair modern vehicles accurately.

Moreover, ongoing training enables professionals to adapt to emerging trends like electric and autonomous vehicles, enhancing their ability to address evolving customer needs.

We’re committed to meeting your needs.

authorizing Mayor John Chappie and Police Chief John Cosby to study the issue.

Chappie, during a June 6 commission meeting, discussed the results of their study.

“We met with the city of Sarasota, with their paidparking staff, and they are operating in the red and have been the last five years,” Chappie said.

A work session is the best choice to continue discussions about implementing paid parking, the mayor said at a June 20 meeting.

So commissioners agreed to hold a work meeting at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13, at city hall.

Regarding the Church-Highland lot, Perry encouraged commissioners to make a decision about the contract she already negotiated with Beach to Bay.

“We still need to address that contract,” she said. “You did select a bidder to take over the south tower lot and provide parking services. You’ve already selected the bidder. Now we need to move forward with their PLeASe, See BB PARKING, neXT PAGe

Tarpon handling guidelines

Tarpon is an iconic saltwater fish. When handled properly, the large fish are more likely to survive and evade predators.

Follow these guidelines to ensure tarpon remains a strong and viable fishery:

Tarpon over 40 inches must remain in the water unless a tag is used. Keep tarpon, especially the gills, in as much water as possible. Tarpon tags can only be used to harvest potential state record or IGFA record-sized tarpon. Taxidermy mounts are made from length and girth measurements and a photo. And don’t tow a tarpon unless it is necessary to revive it. If you must tow, go as slow as possible while moving water over the gills.

Want to learn more? Search FWC tarpon.

Cassidy

Warren Stevens for clubhouse bragging rights.

Maria Island. Islander

Photo: Kevin P. Cassidy

Tim Sofran, left, and Bob Hawks teamed up to win the June 22 horseshoe games at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. They were both in the mix for the June 19 games, which saw Sofran and Tom Farrington win over Hawks and Livedoti. Islander

Photo: Courtesy AMI Pitchers

Full moon prompts return of silver king, mangrove snapper

By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

As we have just passed the full moon June 21, anglers are anticipating a last hurrah for tarpon season and the long-awaited arrival of mangrove snapper.

In many instances, the tarpon will migrate offshore to spawn a few days after the full moon and then will return to our local waters.

Upon arrival in our waters, these fish are hungry from spawning and making the voyage back, which can make them quite targetable.

Another species that can be found in our inshore waters after the June strawberry moon is mangrove snapper.

As we begin to see more large schools of hatchbait washing in and out of the bays, we can expect the arrival of mangrove snapper.

Typically, the mangrove snapper will congregate around structure, such as reefs, wrecks, bridges and piers, but don’t be surprised to find groups of fish in some of the deeper grass flats and passes.

Although the inshore mangrove snapper rarely exceed 20 inches in length, they are a favorite among anglers and a top target for the frying pan. And with a minimum size limit of 11 inches, the limit is attainable for most anglers of five fish per day.

Snapper can be caught on a variety of baits, including shrimp, bait fish and even frozen squid.

Snapper can be leader shy. So be prepared to experiment with different pound tests of leader.

For rigging, a knocker rig will suffice in deeper areas. Just a small hook with a split-shot can be effective on shallow spots.

Once on the hook, mangrove snapper are fierce fighters, performing much more than would be expected from their size. And on the plate, they are one of the best.

Spotted seatrout remains steady throughout Tampa Bay and surrounding waters. Deeper grass flats with good tidal fl ow and clarity seem to be holding fi sh more than stagnant waters. Free-lined live shiners work well as bait.

Top-water plugs are effective during early morning hours, just before and just after sunrise, especially if you’re hunting large trout.

On my Just Reel charters, spotted seatrout are a mainstay for another week. Free-lined shiners over deep grass flats aren’t lasting long before being inhaled by hungry trout.

Sizes are all over the board, with a range of 13-22 inches. Larger examples are harder to come by, although limits of fish 15-19 inches are being attained.

Catch-and-release snook are cooperating on my charters, with a dozen or more fish on the hook most days.

Lastly, blacktip and sandbar sharks are prevalent in most of the inshore waters and are quite fun on medium-heavy spinning gear.

Strong winds kept Capt. Johnny Mattay of Anna Maria Charters inshore, but he’s finding plenty to do while staying in the island’s back waters.

Catch-and-release snook fishing is going well for Mattay on free-lined live shiners along mangrove shorelines and along the beaches. Most snook catches are 20-30 inches.

Fishing around docks is yielding some good catches for Mattay’s clients, where he’s finding snapper, as well as an occasional redfish. Dead shiners as bait works best for these fish and fishing deeper grass

flats throughout Sarasota and Tampa bays are providing numerous catches of spotted seatrout. Mixed in with the trout are ladyfish and jack crevalle.

Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters is spending windier days working the flats in the bays, where he’s finding spotted seatrout responding to live shiners as bait for clients over deeper grass flats.

While targeting the trout, White is putting clients on a mix of other species, including jack crevalle, ladyfish and Spanish mackerel, as well as a sporadic mangrove snapper.

On the shallower flats, snook — although catchand-release — are supplying good action for White’s clients. While targeting the snook an occasional redfish is being caught.

On the calmer days, when White can fish offshore, he’s finding large examples of American red snapper in depths of 150 feet.

In slightly shallower depths of 100-110 feet, White is finding red grouper and yellowtail snapper. Lastly, between all the inshore and offshore action, comes tarpon fishing. Evening outgoing tides are producing the best action for White’s charters, while using past crabs as bait. Silver kings running 80-100 pounds are the norm.

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

Curtland Hunt of Bradenton helps son Kellan, 11, and Drew Buky, 11, show off their June 9 catch — a whopper barracuda — at the 3-mile reef in the Gulf of Mexico. The kids took turns reeling in the fish. The fish, weighing 30-35 pounds, was released after the trophy photo — a birthday reward for Kellen. services.”

Chappie asked if the decision could hold.

Perry said, “No,” and reviewed the proposed contract.

“Just so you know this is not fully negotiated,” she said. “I was the one who originally started the contract. This came from the city’s side.”

Perry said Beach to Bay created a design and site plan with 33 parking spaces in the lot and offered to make improvements, including landscaping, stormwater retention, pedestrian walkways and trash receptacles without cost to the city.

Under the proposed fi ve-year contract, the city would split 50/50 any profits.

Beach to Bay requested a reimbursement clause for improvements if the city terminated the contract before the developers recouped their investment.

“I think we need to see a breakdown of costs and a projection to see what they think they are going to make,” Commissioner Ralph Cole said. “I’d like to know what the costs are going to be.”

Commissioner Debbie Scaccianoce voiced concern with inconsistencies in information presented to the board.

“Everything is kind of vague with the landscaping and the hardscaping and there’s not a site plan with our packet,” she said. “I agree with Ralph, and I also agree that they are doing a lot of work. So, in all fairness, if we terminate the contract, they should be reimbursed, but we should at least have a heads up of what that will look like. We can’t make a decision with the vague generalities that we have right now.”

Another stumbling block for commissioners involved parking rates.

Under the proposed agreement, once Beach to Bay completed its improvement obligations, it would become “the sole manager of the lot for all parking spaces as a municipal parking facility. All decisions as to changes, charges and rates and the timing and modifications, shall be made by the operator in its sole discretion.” This means the city would not determine an hourly rate for parking.

Cole said he was unsure about allowing another entity to make pricing decisions for city lots.

“We have people already complaining about $15 an hour,” he said, referring to rates charged at private pay-by-plate properties owned by Kaleta.

“I think we should look at something that puts a limit on how much they can charge,” he said.

Perry replied, “At the time that you made the selection of the RFP, you essentially negotiated the barebones terms and conditions and they agreed to it at that time. An open-ended determination of cost to be determined by them, the operator, was agreed upon by the city.”

City building inspector Darin Cushing said the parking lot work would require a site plan by a civil engineer.

After some back and forth, the commission continued its discussion to the next meeting — noon Thursday, July 18, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. Go to islander.org to review an aerial photo that identifies parking lots in the city core.

Stasny

Nesting notes

By Masha Dolgoff

Disorientated sea turtle in road struck, killed

A loggerhead sea turtle disoriented early June 19, crawling onto Gulf Drive South in Bradenton Beach, where it was struck and killed by a vehicle.

The incident occurred in the 1600 block of the state road near Coquina Beach, according to a Bradenton Beach Police report.

BBPD and other first responders arrived at the

Tagged for the Tour de Turtles

A crowd gathers at Coquina Beach near lifeguard tower no. 6 in Bradenton Beach early June 24 for the release of Henrietta, a female loggerhead that was tagged with a satellite tracker after nesting. Henrietta is the island’s entry in the Sea Turtle Conservancy’s Tour de Turtles, which will begin in August. Henrietta will “race” with sea turtles tagged at other locations. Islander Photo: Courtesy Facebook/ Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch

location about 6 a.m.

Representatives from Mote Marine Laboratory and Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring were first to respond.

The sea turtle had nested in the dunes and then disoriented toward streetlights illuminating a crosswalk, according to a June 19 news release from AMITW.

Female sea turtles come ashore May-October to nest. Nesting turtles can be disoriented by obstacles on the beach and by artificial lighting.

Sea turtles, which are federally protected, use light to find their way back to the water after nesting, crawling toward the brightest horizon, which in nesting habitat should be the light of the night sky on the water. Disorientations, according to AMITW, can occur when sea turtles orient toward artificial light and away from water.

AMITW has recorded 19 disorientations by nesting turtles so far this year.

The Florida Department of Transportation installed

the crosswalk streetlights that caused the June 19 disorientation during the winter and illuminated them in May, AMITW executive director Kristen Mazzarella told The Islander.

Mazzarella said she previously had contacted the DOT about problems with the crosswalk lighting, adding that the stretch where lights need to be replaced runs from Longboat Key through Bradenton Beach, possibly into Holmes Beach.

The day after the turtle’s death, DOT dispatched a crew to Anna Maria Island to turn off all the crosswalk lights but two.

On June 21, the DOT issued a news release stating that all overhead lighting would be turned off and lighting shields were being procured.

“Conversations are continuing and FDOT and its partners are determined to do whatever is possible to protect nesting loggerheads and their hatchlings,” the release stated.

“Hopefully this will prevent any future incidents and keep the turtles safe in these areas,” Mazzarella said.

Mazzarella said she first heard about the fatal disorientation from a Manatee County worker and then from a former colleague at Mote who was heading to work and drove past the crash.

The sea turtle was taken to Mote and then picked up by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission so a necropsy could be performed.

“The good news is that she laid eggs before heading towards the road, so her legacy will continue,” said Mazzarella, who in the release had expressed concern that hatchlings from the nest also could disorientate if the lighting issues were not addressed.

In 2023, 105 of 404 nests disoriented on Anna Maria Island, according to AMITW.

People who see a sea turtle in distress on Anna Maria Island can call AMITW at 941-301-8434 or FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.

AMITW director’s report

The week ending June 23, AMITW saw “a high number of turtle nests,” according to a June 21 report from executive director Kristen Mazzarella.

“We believe we are nearing the peak of season,” she added.

Rain, surf and high tides in June washed over about 40 nests and three nests were washed out.

AMITW also is monitoring a least tern colony in Bradenton Beach, where, as of June 21, there were five chicks and the colony had grown to 45 birds.

Mighty mangroves

By Lisa Neff

Mangrove protectors around AMI celebrate the trees’ ability to prevent coastal erosion, improve water quality and provide vital habitat.

And guess what?

Mangroves also are a blue carbon solution to combating climate change. Obviously, they aren’t the whole solution or even a sizable part of the global solution, which without a doubt must involve dramatic reductions in emissions.

But the world’s mangroves do contain the highest carbon density of all terrestrial ecosystems.

The trees are effective at carbon sequestration, the process of capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and carbon storage, the longterm confinement of carbon in plant materials and sediment.

The trees cover just 0.1% of the Earth’s surface but mangrove forests store 6.23 gigatons of carbon, equivalent to 22.86 gigatons of CO2, according to a 2022 report from the Mangrove Alliance, a global coalition of governments, scientists, industry and communities.

How do mangroves capture and store CO2? There are two basic ways:

• CO2 is stored in the root systems, where microbial mats suck in CO2 to create oxygen.

• And CO2 is stored in the plants and soils.

Mangrove forests can sequester about four times more carbon than rainforests and about 10 times the amount of carbon per acre than average land-based forests.

In just a single square mile, mangroves can hold as much carbon as the annual emissions of 90,000 gaspowered cars.

Eden Reforestation, which conducts tree-planting projects in Africa, considers mangroves one of the most effective and economic methods of offsetting carbon emissions in nature.

And big companies — from Apple to Gucci to Procter & Gamble — are investing in carbon credit projects that involve planting mangroves. In other words, developers, there might be money to be made from protecting and planting mangroves.

So why are mangroves under threat?

The International Union for Conservation of Nature, which maintains a global list of endangered species, includes mangroves on its “red list” of threatened species.

One fifth-of the world’s mangroves exist in Indo-

Groups seek sea oat planters

Keep Manatee Beautiful and the Anna Maria Island Garden Club seek volunteers to plant sea oats near the 77th Street beach access.

The planting will begin about 7 a.m. Saturday, June 29.

At least 50 volunteers are needed.

For more information, go online to manateebeautiful.com/volunteer.

To contact Keep Manatee Beautiful, call 941-7953490.

A graphic shows the value of blue carbon systems such as mangroves and seagrasses in capturing and storing carbon, helping to remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Islander Courtesy Graphic

nesia and the country’s forests offer the largest annual climate mitigation potential from mangroves. Yet, they are being lost at a rate of 2% per year due to deforestation.

Closer to home, we’ve lost thousands of mangrove acreage in the Sarasota Bay estuary area to development — to the construction for new housing, new docks, new seawalls.

And what happens when a powerhouse carboncapturer like a mangrove forest is destroyed? All that carbon captured gets released back into the atmosphere.

One organization working on mangrove protections and restoration, Conservation International, estimates as much as 1 billion metric tons of CO2 is released annually from degraded mangrove forests.

And a study released in February predicted the annual rate of carbon emissions due to the degradation of mangrove forests will rise by nearly 50,000% by the end of the century.

“Mangrove forests are critical to the regulation of carbon sequestration and it is important that we protect them,” the study’s author, biology professor Jennifer Krumins, said. “The first step is to understand the impact of human populations and activities on mangrove forest carbon stocks.”

The next step is to act on that knowledge.

ITEMS FOR SALE

CAMPB e LL HA u SF e LD AIR compressor: never used. 5hp 13-gallon tank, $425. 941730-4097.

SPeCIAL COLLeCTOR eDITIOn rock magazines from 360 Media circa 2023. $5 each. Call Bill, 724-986-0314.

CRAFTSMAn LAWn MOWeR, $85, propane patio space heater, $50, 10-speed racer bike, $50. 941-356-1456. More ads = more readers in The Islander.

Curlie Joe’s Aggregate Delivery

Specializing in up to 3-yard deliveries of washed shell, crushed concrete, gravel, sand and mulch. Easy delivery. Call for pricing! Credit cards, cash or check. Local business for over 30 years. M-F 8-5, 8-noon Saturday. Closed Sunday. curliejoes.com 941-753-8772

ITEMS FOR SALE

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

ABOVe-GROunD POOL cover: 22-foot, for 18-foot pool, in package, warranty. $49 or best offer. 941-778-5542.

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

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

TRANSPORTATION

GOLF CART R en TALS: Fun for residents and tourists! 212-941-2402. www.GolfCartRentalAMI.com.

2018 CLuB CAR: street-legal, high-speed gear box to 25 mph, LeD lights with nearly new batteries, bluetooth sound system, rolldown canvas rain protection. In excellent condition. 303-944-8300.

BOATS & BOATING

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

S un COAST BOTTOM PAI n TI n G: Professional bottom painting. Mobile. Call 941704-9382.

CAPTAIn FOR HIRe and boat caretaker services: If you need help with your boat on or off the water, call Captain Dan. u SCG, retired. 772-486-8085.

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

HELP WANTED

WAnTeD: eXPeRIenCeD nAIL tech, great personality. Part and full-time. Looking for a change, come join our salon! Call 941-5453305.

nOW HIRInG HAnDYMAn: Full-time professional services. $18 an hour and up, based on experience. Call JayPros, 941962-2874.

R e PORT e R WA n T e D: Full- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience required. Apply via email with letter of interest to news@islander.org.

KIDS FOR HIRE

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

SERVICES

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

CLeAnInG: VACATIOn, COnSTRuCTIOn, residential, commercial and windows. Licensed and insured. 941-756-4570.

SERVICES Continued

PR e SS u R e WASHI n G, PAV e R sealing, driveway, roof, fence, pool area. Also, window cleaning. Licensed and insured. 941-5653931.

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

API’S DRYWALL RePAIR: I look forward to servicing your drywall repair needs. Call 941524-8067 to schedule an appointment.

CL e A n T e CH MOBIL e Detailing. At your location. Cars, boats, RVs. Call or text Billie for an appointment. 941-592-3482.

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

PAInTInG: InTeRIOR/eXTeRIOR: Sarasota interior painting. Call or text Don, 941-9009398. We are the best high-end painting! Just ask our AMI clients! I’m the owner and the painter. Free estimates. Fully insured licensed business.

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

AFFORDABLe PReSSuRe WASHInG and vacation cleaning service. 941-356-1456.

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

LOOK n O MOR e ! Residential, vacation rental and commercial cleaning. Give us a call, 941-250-8548.

LOOKInG FOR SOMeOne who needs me: Clean, house-sit. I can cook, make sandwiches. I can do anything you can do but better! I can run to the grocery store for you. I can walk pets or go out to lunch with you. Looking for a part-time job caregiving companion, I am your right arm! I love people and I love helping others. I have references and I’m reliable and dependable. My name is Dena Gray a.k.a. Sparkles! 941-704-9948.

WInDOW CLeAnInG: COMMeRCIAL/residential. Free estimates/insured. We want to earn your business! 207-852-6163.

OuR SeRVICeS: CLeAnInG, home repairs, tile, concrete, remodeling, decks, steps, flooring, water drainage solutions, rental 24-hour services. Hurricane shutters and pre-storm service. n ew, low-cost generator and insulation (starts and runs on propane when power off). no permits needed. Islander, over 40 years here! Call 941-4049163.

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

LAWN & GARDEN

COnnIe’S LAnDSCAPInG InC. Residential and commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-713-1965.

COLLInS LAnDSCAPe LIGHTInG: Outdoor lighting, landscaping, irrigation services and maintenance. 941-279-9947. MJC24373@ gmail.com.

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT

VAn-GO PAInTInG residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper. Island references. Bill, 941-795-5100. www.vangopainting.net.

GRIFFI n ’S HOM e IMPROV e M en TS Inc. Handyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. Insured and licensed. 941-722-8792.

ISLAnD HAnDYMAn: I live here, work here, value your referral. Refinish, paint. Just ask. JayPros. Licensed/insured. References. Call Jay, 941-962-2874.

LAne’S SCR eenInG SeRVICeS: Replace your window, door or lanai screens. Many screen options available. Retired veteran serving our community! Free estimates, call 941-705-5293.

LOOKI n G FOR A n Y home improvement? JRCC Home Improvement, handyman service can get the job done. Please, contact us at 413-246-2410. We would love to help.

TILe-TILe-TILe: All variations of ceramic tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship, prompt, reliable, many Island references. Call Robert, 941-726-3077.

DO n ALD P e RKI n S PAI n TI n G LLC. Interior/exterior/pressure washing. Island references. dperkinspaint@hotmail.com. 941705-7096.

KITCH en CABI ne TS DIR e CT. Wholesale, installations from licensed contractor. Free quote, references available. Old cabinet removal! 941-465-3045.

GORILLA DRYWALL R e PAIR LLC. Let’s solve your drywall problems together. Give us a call at 941-286-0607.

CALL HYDRO CLeAn. Full-service pressure washing, sealing. Pavers, travertine and natural stone. Window washing too, up to three stories. Call Jacob, 941-920-2094.

RENTALS

A nn A MARIA G u LF beachfront vacation rentals. One- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941778-3143.

P e RICO ISLA n D PATIO home for rent. 3BR/2BA, 30-day minimum. Privacy fence/ gate, two miles to AMI. Call or text, 859-7716423. http://pericoislandrental.com/

AVAILABL e n OW A n D season: 1BR/1BA, seven-night minimum. carlesvacationrentals. com Special rates are available. 941-8071405.

RENTALS Continued

AnnuAL RenTAL: VILLA home in Perico Bay Club, Bradenton. Gated and 24-hour security. 2BR/2BA, updated. u pdated kitchen, screened deck and two-car garage. unfurnished. Text 908-875-0299 for information.

FOR R en T: MAY to December. Anna Maria Island condo. Great value, beautiful upgraded 2BR/2BR. Incredible water view. Pool, tennis, walk to beach. Private carport. e xcellent rental terms. Owner/ renter. Call/email for pictures, 570-239-0431. marketreps@aol.com

2BR/2BA HOLMeS BeACH. Westbay Point. Second-floor, furnished condo, beautiful bay views. n o pets, no smoking. Six months, $2,850/month. 941-778-2824.

HOLM e S B e ACH 2BR/2BA elevated furnished duplex with one-car garage. no pets, no smoking. Six months, $2,850/month plus utilities. 941-778-2824.

FOR R en T: HOLM e S Beach 2BR/2/BA ground-level. Five-minute walk to beach, quiet area. n o animals, one parking spot. Available June, July, August. Summer rate, $2,300/month plus tax. Please, text or email for more information. Louann Lehto, +1 403512-2350. dlehto@telus.net

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

S e ASO n AL R en TAL: Bradenton 55-plus community. Large 2BR/2BA condo on bay, exceptional views. e levator and five minutes to bridge. n o smoking, n o pets. $4,650/month. Three-month minimum. Photos at https://barbaragillespie.wixsite. com/47872024. 732-748-0759

SeASOnAL RenTAL In Holmes Beach available January-April 2025. elevated townhouse 2BR/1.5BA. Three-month minimum. $4,100/ month plus tax, fees. Call Anna Maria Realty, 941-778-2259 or email dina@annamariareal. com

JAnuARY OnLY: 2BR/1BA. Close to Cortez Village, 2 miles to beach. Quiet neighborhood but close to great restaurant and shopping, across from Sarasota Bay. 941-773-1552.

LOnG-TeRM RenTAL: Recently renovated home on canal. 3BR/2BA, outdoor shower, dock with boat lift. Available June 21. Please, call 617-640-0289.

VACATIOn RenTALS: CHeAPeR than hotels. Palma Sola Bay townhouse. 2BR/2BA pool, boat dock, minutes to beach. $1,100/weekly. Deluxe Perico Bay Club villa. 2BR/2BA garage, gated community. $2,800/month. Real estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

A nnu AL R en TAL: HOLM e S Beach. Two blocks to beach. 2BR/2BA. $2,500/month. Internet and basic cable included until March 2025. 920-763-2800.

The Islander website offers essential news for residents and visitors. Check it out: islander.org.

Realtor in

market! Selling island homes, Sarasota and Bradenton areas. Multi-milliondollar producer! “Selling Homes - Making Dreams Come True.”

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

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

AFFORDABL e , CLOS e TO beach. Single-story, no steps. 2BR/2BA villa. Totally upgraded. Clubhouse and heated pool. $285,000. Call agent direct, 941-356-1456. Real estate Mart.

PLACe YOuR CLASSIFIeD AD OnLIne!

By Robyn Murrell

A new taste for island diners

AMI Mediterranean Xpress in Holmes Beach held its grand opening June 21. The restaurant is owned by brothers Tony and Sam Marhi, who also own Pizzano AMI — right next door.

With a Lebanese mother and a Sicilian father, the brothers have brought together their family’s cooking traditions under one roof. Their mother, Joanna Marhi, helped with the grand opening.

Tony Marhi told The Islander June 21, “She’s a culinary experience herself, her personality, cooking and knowledge, the Mediterranean is on our mom side of the family and this is something she’s done her whole life and wanted to make sure we launched the right way.”

Now, it’s her sons’ turn.

“So far we have been blessed. First day, just a few hours in, it’s gone well, a lot of great feedback, sell-

Tand

ing a lot of everything, gyros, shawarmas, buildable bowls.” Tony said.

The space, a converted real estate office, took nearly eight months to transform into a restaurant. With custom-built ovens, gyro machines, shawarma spits and rotisseries. An open wall connects to Pizzano AMI.

The menu offers “build your own bowls” with beef or chicken shawarma, gyro or chicken. Toppings include pickled turnips, pickled cabbage and a variety of sauces, like tzatziki and white garlic. Additionally, there are rotisserie chickens, sandwiches and salads.

“We’re keeping it fresh every day with rotisserie chicken, gyros, lentils and chicken noodle soup, all made in-house,” Tony Marhi said.

AMI Mediterranean Xpress is open daily in the Island Shopping Center at 5316 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

For hours, menu and more information, contact AMI Mediterranean Xpress at 941-216-3776 or go to amimedxpress.com.

BizCal

By Robyn Murrell

Thursday, June 27

5-7 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce business card exchange with Dr. Hutch, Turning Tides, 6672 Cortez Road W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-1541, ingrid@ amichamber.org.

SAVE THE DATES

July 9, 8-9:30 a.m., AMI chamber breakfast, the Cheesecake Cutie & Cafe, 3324 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

July 11, 11:30 a.m.-1p.m, AMI chamber luncheon, Pesto Bistro & Wine Bar, 8799 Cortez Road W., Bradenton. Send calendar listings to robyn@islander.org.

MIKE NORMAN REALTY EST. 1978

For professional real estate sales, call a true island native, born and raised on Anna Maria Island. Marianne NormanEllis, sales associate. 941.778.6696 941.685.3393

Mike Norman Realty

Once Upon A Beach

PropertyWatch By Carol Bernard

Island real estate

310 64th St., #B, Holmes Beach, 800 sq ft 2BR 2BA Pineapple Palms built in 1980 sold 4-25-2024 by Weber to Ross $935,000 list price $959,000. 6006 Gulf Drive, #211, Holmes Beach, 1,154 sq ft 2BR 2BA Playa Encantada condo built in 1980 sold 4-29-2024 by Rossi to Hill $940,000 list price $985,000.

300 67th St., #A, Holmes Beach, 1,396 sq ft 3BR 2BA pool home 10585 sq ft lot built in 1960 sold 5-312024 by Strauss TruSt. to Goodman $1,050,000 list price $1,190,000.

201 75th St., Holmes Beach, 1,593 sq ft 4BR 2BA 7663 sq ft lot built in 1968 sold 5-23-2024 by Semerly to Resmondo $1,070,000 list price $1,295,000. Compiled by Island Real Estate staff. IRE can be reached at 941-778-6066, islandreal.com.

ABOVe: Sarah and Tony Marhi prepare a chicken bowl June 21 at the grand opening of AMI Mediterranean Xpress in the Island Shopping Center, 5316

Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. LeFT: Joanna Marhi, mom to AMI Mediterranean Xpress owners Tony and Sam, displays her pickled cabbage. Islander

Photos: Robyn Murrell

4103 GULF DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH

KUMQUAT DRIVE, ANNA MARIA

104 77TH ST, HOLMES BEACH