The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, June. 19, 2024

Candidates take marks, let the races begin

Anna

Maria set

for

1st

election contest in 7 years

By ryan Paice islander reporter

a former chair of the anna maria city commission will square off with its current chair for the municipality’s mayoral post in November.

mayor dan murphy did not seek reelection, so his fifth two-year term will end this december and cap off a decade of service. in his stead, former commission chair Brian seymour and current commission chair mark short qualified with the manatee county supervisor of Elections Office by the June 14 deadline — sparking the city’s first race since 2017.

No contest in Bradenton Beach, new commissioner

By robert anderson islander reporter

there’s a “Bear” on the run.

Bradenton Beach’s Ward 2 seat will have a new commissioner in November. scott Bear, a civil engineer and Bradenton Beach resident for the past two years was the only person to qualify for the ballot in the Nov. 5 city election.

scott said his decision to run stemmed from a desire to advocate for the Ward 2 community, particularly on issues of home rule and stormwater resiliency.

He’ll automatically take the seat held by marilyn maro, who did not seek to qualify

‘Summer

school’ in the keys

Holmes Beach election sparks 2 races for 3 seats

By ryan Paice islander reporter

there is no shortage this year of Holmes Beach residents hoping to participate in city government.

six candidates qualified by the June 14 deadline with the manatee county supervisor of Elections Office to run for mayor and two city commission seats in the upcoming city election.

two candidates will square off for the mayor’s seat, incumbent mayor Judy titsworth and political newcomer michael “mike” ross.

titsworth — granddaughter of the city’s

What’s up on Gilligan’s Island?

By robert anderson islander reporter

lewis “lucky” Whitaker has an island destination spot that con’t be found on airbnb — Gilligan’s island.

located across the bay from Key royale and neighboring the north end of perico Bayou just south of the manatee river bulkhead, the island has been used by recreational campers and boat-going sightseers for decades.

the island recently gained public attention when a video showing what appeared to be people living among makeshift struc-

3rd ferry gets nod — 1 year to build

By lisa neff islander editor

tourism officials want to see manatee county’s ferry service put even more flipflops on the sand and take more tires off the roads.

On June 11, Bradenton area convention and Visitors Bureau executive director Elliott Falcione asked for and received an OK from county commissioners to spend $3 million in tourist development tax money to build a third boat, enclosed for passengers, to add to the Gulf islands Ferry fleet. the commission will be asked to vote to authorize procurement of the boat during a June 20 meeting, just ahead of the board’s summer break.

“We don’t even want to another month,”

Kiley flynn and other manatee county teachers identify marine life at a marine lab in Key largo. islander Photos: courtesy Katie fradley

anna maria elementary principal Katie fradley collects data on reef fish for citizen science June 8 at elbow reef off Key largo. more, page 13.

lewis “lucky” Whitaker and Blu the dog take a moment June 12 from raking the beach at Whitaker’s camp on gilligan’s island. islander courtesy Photo

Photo contest opens. 12

Top Notch

Holiday closings

Offices close for Juneteenth

Juneteenth National independence day is Wednesday, June 19.

Federal offices will be closed for the holiday, which commemorates the emancipation of enslaved africanamericans. also, most local government offices will be closed.

many manatee county government institutions, including the transit service and libraries, will operate as usual, as will Waste pro and Waste management collections.

However, the county courthouse and the clerk’s office will be closed.

— lisa neff

GilliGan’s continued from Page 1

tures and scattered debris began circulating on social media, raising questions about the island’s use and oversight.

t he man behind the video and the structures, lewis Whitaker, spoke June 10 to the islander.

Whitaker, known locally as “lucky lewy,” said he is not homeless and he does not reside on Gilligan’s island.

“i am not a homeless person. i have an address … every bank card, all my bills get sent to that residence,” Whitaker said, referring to a residence in west Bradenton.

He said he first went out to Gilligan’s to camp with friends in 2007 over Easter weekend.

“it was love at first sight,” Whitaker said. “When i got to the island, i said, oh my gosh, i couldn’t believe how beautiful it is.”

Whitaker said he sheltered on the island after a period of homelessness during the cOVid-19 pandemic. He said his housemate became ill and they couldn’t afford their rent.

With nowhere to go, Whitaker turned to the island.

Re: Gilligan’s, the statutes

a look at state statutes concerning citizen support organizations involved with state-owned lands under the department of environmental protections:

section 20.2551 of the Florida statutes “recognizes that many of the lands managed by the department need a variety of facilities to enhance the use and potential of such lands and that many of the department’s programs are of interest to and could benefit from the support of local citizen groups.”

state law authorizes the dEp to approve csO’s that act “consistent with the goals of the department and in the best interests of the state” and to conduct programs and activities, raise funds, request and receive grants in the dEp’s name and make expenditures for the direct or indirect benefit of the department.

— robert anderson

“really, that was the time i went out there and said, ‘i’ll camp out there for a few weeks while i figure out what to do,’” he said.

Whitaker now resides in west Bradenton with a friend but he still frequents Gilligan’s island.

“i renewed the love i have for the island,” Whitaker said, referring to his time living on Gilligan’s. “Only now i am retired and i have a boat.”

Whitaker turned 65 this year.

He said he thought about how he could give something back to the island that had sheltered him. then he erected a tent to house tools and provide a place to rest and went to work cleaning up the island.

He and his dog Blu spend 4-5 days a week on the island and the rest in Bradenton. they also go back and forth to a restaurant where he works in anna maria.

Whitaker said he’s met many people, some now considered friends, by stewarding the island.

He said he’s helped people who go to the island unprepared or experiencing boat trouble. He even assisted in the rescue of a woman whose boat sank at

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night near the island.

“she saw my solar lights on the beach. she swam over there with her little dog to the island,” Whitaker said. He let the woman use his phone to call police, who sent a rescue boat.

Whitaker said manatee county code enforcement went to the island may 9 to inspect the camp.

“they said, look, you can’t build a city here on the island. so i just removed everything and took it back to my truck,” he said.

a violation, which Whitaker showed the islander, mandated the cleanup of “trash/debris/homeless camp” by may 14.

Whitaker said a code enforcement officer returned by boat and, upon seeing the area cleaned up, waved and left.

He said he was interested in trying to find a way to work with the state to continue to steward the island. a ccording to the m anatee c ounty p roperty appraiser’s Office, the Board of trustees of the internal improvement trust Fund of the state of Florida is now on the tax roll as responsible for Gilligan’s island.

c reated in 1855, the trust is charged with the acquisition, administration, management, control, supervision, conservation, protection and disposition of all state-owned lands.

the Florida department of Environmental protection, division of state lands performs staff duties for the trust or tiitF and administers islands like Gilligan’s through its aquatic preserve program.

However, according to the dEp website, no aquatic preserve exists on the west coast of Florida from the south border of the manatee river south to roberts Bay in Venice.

in other parts of the state, citizen-support organizations like Friends of the spoil islands in the indian river lagoon aquatic preserve formed to work with the dEp to steward spoil islands.

FOsi oversees spoil island stewardship from titusville to West palm Beach, for example.

DeSantis vetoes 2 of three appropriations for Anna Maria

One state appropriation is better than none.

anna maria mayor dan murphy announced June 13 that Gov. ron desantis had vetoed two out of three of the municipality’s appropriation requests for fiscal 2024-25.

the governor vetoed:

• $250,000 for the expansion of a multiuse path on Gulf drive from Willow avenue to magnolia avenue;

• $250,000 for a public comfort station on cityowned property “in close proximity to the Gulf beaches.”

murphy said both appropriations were included in the state’s tourist development fund, which was largely axed by the governor.

the city’s surviving appropriation request is for $94,000 to evaluate alternatives for improvements to the lake laVista channel, which often requires dredg-

GilliGan’s continued from Page 2

John Bacon, president of FOsi spoke with the islander June 13.

He said FOsi was founded in 2014 by people who recognized the need to make the islands accessible but maintain the natural environment.

“FOsi was also started because state agencies can’t fundraise,” Bacon said.

He said many of the islands have been outfitted with tent platforms, hiking trails, picnic tables and other amenities.

legal administration, however, is left to the Florida Fish and Wildlife conservation commission.

“if it’s a state island, FWc is the one that’ll handle that,” Bacon said. “so with issues with people, you know, drinking underage on the island or setting up encampments, structures, that type of thing. that’s FWc that would handle that.”

When asked how a stewardship initiative like FOsi’s could be developed in this area, Bacon said interested parties would need to work with the dEp.

“they’d have to get with the aquatic preserve

ing.

murphy, at a meeting June 13, requested city commission consensus to authorize him to request funds for the comfort station from the manatee county tourist development council.

He said the project was the top priority between the

two vetoed appropriations and the city could explore using ad valorem revenue to pursue the comfort station if it did not get the tdc’s approval.

commissioners authorized murphy to go before the tdc to request funding for the comfort station.

— ryan Paice

DeSantis vetoes Bradenton Beach dock project dollars

Gov. ron desantis June 12 cut funding for a Bradenton Beach project before signing the state’s $116.5 billion budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1.

the governor vetoed $625,000 in state appropriations for Bradenton Beach, city attorney ricinda perry confirmed June 13.

the money was to be used to build out boat slips on the north side of the Historic Bridge street pier,

that’s in that area or the dEp agency that is managing those particular islands,” he said. “they’ll get with them, and say, look, we want to set up a citizen support organization.”

the islander reached out to the dEp for comment by email but, as of press time June 17, the dEp had not responded to questions.

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.

200 Bridge st., to create better boating access and a more cohesive docking arrangement for the manatee county ferry service.

OVerall, the governor vetoed almost $950 million in programs and projects, including two anna maria appropriations. Holmes Beach did not have any line-item appropriations pending in the state budget.

—robert anderson

The Islander poll

Last week’s question

By lisa neff

What did you hear most around ami the past couple of weeks?

38%. “We need rain.”

17%. “it’s too hot.”

27%. “Gonna be an extremely active hurricane season.”

18%. “it’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.”

This week’s question

How do you vote in u.s. elections?

a. On Election day at polls.

B. Early voting at polls.

c. By mail.

d. it depends.

E. don’t or can’t vote.

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

DEP visits Holmes Beach on mangroves, Anna Maria reaches out

By ryan Paice islander reporter

the Florida department of Environmental protection made another stop to educate local officials about mangrove protections.

this time, they landed in the city of Holmes Beach.

Hannah Westervelt, environmental administrator of the dEp’s southwest district, attended the city commission’s June 11 meeting to discuss mangrove regulations and their enforcement. mangroves provide environmental benefits, such as offering a unique ecosystem for marine life, decreasing land erosion and improving nearshore water quality. the dEp oversees mangrove enforcement under the 1996 mangrove trimming and preservation act, which sets standards for removing and trimming mangroves. However, the exempted removal of more than 100 feet of shoreline mangrove fringe last december at 111 Gull drive, anna maria, inspired island officials to explore delegated authority over the vegetation to better protect it.

Officials from anna maria island’s three municipalities and the town of longboat Key agreed in april to explore cooperative efforts to enforce mangrove

Meetings

lisa neff

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

BRADENTON BEACH

June 19, 1 p.m., ScenicWAVES.

June 20, noon, commission. 107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com.

HOLMES BEACH

regulations.

Westervelt attended a longboat Key town commission workshop in may to discuss regulations and how the dEp enforces them.

Holmes Beach planning and zoning administrator chad minor asked her to do the same for the city commission, resulting in her visit to HB city hall.

Westervelt’s presentation was the same as she gave in longboat Key, but the city officials did have some questions of their own.

commission chair terry schaefer asked if the four island municipalities would need to seek delegated authority together or separately, and asked if uniform mangrove permitting and enforcement across the municipalities would be beneficial.

Westervelt said she was not sure if the four municipalities could be approved for one delegation but working together and sharing resources as separate entities could help the application process.

schaefer also asked if changing the allowed exemptions for mangrove alterations and trimmings would require legislative action, which Westervelt confirmed.

commissioner dan diggins asked what it meant for the city to be able to adopt rules and procedures after obtaining delegated authority from the dEp.

June 25, 10 a.m., code compliance. June 25, 2 p.m., commission. 5801 Marina Drive, 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org.

June 19, 9 a.m., commission, budget.

June 20, 9 a.m., commission, land use. 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee. org.

ALSO OF INTEREST

June 19, Juneteenth, many government offices will be closed.

July 4, Independence Day. Please, send meeting notices to news@islander.org.

Westervelt said state law only prevented delegated authorities from making exemptions more stringent. commissioner carol soustek asked about obtaining an exemption to alter or trim mangroves. Westervelt said an exemption was handled similarly to a standard permit and would require all the same information, such as a plan showing impacts and detailing activity.

the commission took no action.

Anna Maria’s efforts

the city of anna maria is taking steps to be more in tune with mangrove alterations and trimming in the city.

Building department manager dean Jones said June 13 that he had contacted the dEp to request it notify the city about mangrove permitting and work throughout the municipality.

the idea was originally proposed by commission chair mark short, who asked Westervelt following her presentation on longboat Key about getting notice of such work.

Jones said the dEp currently provides the city with no notification about mangrove alteration and trimming work.

He added that he and staff from the other three municipalities were scheduled to meet July 16 to discuss mangrove regulations.

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, call city hall at 941-708-5800. Send GoodDeeds listings to lisa@islander.org.

Coquina Beach Market

Wed, Jun 19th Fri, Jun 21st; Sun, Jun 23rd

NEW HOURS 10 AM - 2 PM

Two more weeks before we close for the summer. Come and support your local artists and crafters.

Music 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM Mike Sales on Wed Chuck Davis on Fri & Sun

Weather can be stormy in June causing us to unexpectedly close due to forecasted inclement weather. 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.

Tourist council eyes ferry stop in Holmes Beach

By lisa neff islander editor

the manatee county tourist development council got behind a Holmes Beach request for $500,000 for some multimodal improvements with one condition — talk about a ferry stop in the city gets serious.

the tdc, meeting at the center of anna maria island in anna maria, considered a request from the city of Holmes Beach to fund path improvements along marina drive and the discussion veered into another lane — finding a location for the county-operated ferry boats to stop.

in the end, the tdc unanimously voted to recommend the county commission approve $500,000 in tourist development tax dollars for paths with the stipulation that the county and the city negotiate to create a ferry landing.

“it’s a benefit to Holmes Beach,” said tdc chair ray turner, a county commissioner from district 5.

“it’s a natural fit,” added tdc member Gene Brown, the mayor of Bradenton. “it’s all about connectivity to me.”

the ferry operates Wednesday-sunday between Bradenton and anna maria island, with island stops at the city pier in anna maria and the Historic Bridge street pier in Bradenton Beach.

Holmes Beach lacks a pier but has docking at bayside locations, including the county’s Kingfish Boat ramp on manatee avenue and a city-owned dock near the Waterline Villas and marina on marina drive.

Because the ferry service is a public transit operation, the landing locations must be publicly owned, according to Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton area convention and Visitors Bureau.

the boat ramp, officials have agreed as far back as 2022, is not a suitable landing option for several reasons, including Kingfish’s distance from the city center and because it is off the trolley route.

there also have been criticisms of the Waterline

3RD BOaT continued from Page 1

said Falcione, whose agency launched the ferry in January.

He estimated construction of a third boat could take a year.

currently the county service runs two open-air catamarans Wednesday-sunday between downtown Bradenton and the anna maria city pier and the Historic Bridge street pier on the island.

in may, the service carried 14,000 passengers and Falcione estimated the boats carry “north of 200 passengers a day.”

However, inclement weather can interrupt operations. since January, the service was suspended more than 40 days due to rough waters produced by wind and weather on the manatee river, for example. the third, larger boat would operate between Bradenton and anna maria and the boats already in operation would be stationed on anna maria island

a map indicates the routes for the gulf islands ferry service operating between Bradenton and ami. islander file image

site but Falcione said June 10 that the location is ideal and he offered to consult with Holmes Beach officials on a concept.

Falcione also said county grant-writers were working on an application, due this month, for money that would be used to build up the fleet of boats and possibly for docking amenities.

Holmes Beach commissioner dan diggins, who attended the tdc meeting, said, “i see every reason that we should have a landing in Holmes Beach.”

He added, “the optimum is to build a pier.” meanwhile, the city now is up for consideration for $500,000 from the bed tax to help complete a gap in its multimodal path along marina drive and also along 65th street.

“safety, that’s really been our push,” said city engineer sage Kamiya. the city project is outside the area the Florida department of transportation is analyzing in a project, development and environment study for a complete streets campaign in Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach.

as “hoppers.”

the new boat would carry 91 passengers, with 67 seats enclosed, Falcione said.

the county also is seeking a $3.4 million federal grant to expand the service, possibly adding a fourth boat, as well as secure money to build a structure to create a stop in Holmes Beach.

the county tourist development council, during a meeting June 10 in anna maria, discussed potential locations in Holmes Beach, including near the Waterline Villas and marina-autograph collection, 5325 marina drive.

the ferry boats are operated under a contract with Gulf coast Water taxi based in clearwater.

an expansion, Falcione said, is key to piloting a workforce program, with workers traveling between Bradenton and the island and perhaps added stops in palmetto and east manatee.

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

TDC backs Nov. 5 referendum on tourist tax

By lisa neff islander editor

a proposal to collect more money from visitors to overnight accommodations in manatee county might be decided at the ballot box. the manatee county tourist development council unanimously agreed June 10 to recommend the county commission adopt an ordinance to move forward with a referendum on adding a sixth cent to the bed tax.

Earlier in the year, the tdc voted to recommend the county commission authorize the tax increase, but a notice from the Florida department of revenue said a 2023 law changed the process for raising the tax — from commission approval to voter authorization.

the tourist development tax — also known as the resort tax or the bed tax — is collected on overnight accommodations of six months or less, including vacation rentals and hotel rooms. manatee county first enacted the tax in 1980 and has raised the collection figure over the years, with the last bump in 2009.

Based on the county’s 2023 tourist tax revenues, manatee meets criteria to be a high tourismimpact county eligible for an additional 1% tourist tax.

Florida counties can collect a sixth cent of tourist tax — the maximum possible — once they pass the threshold of $30 million a year in such taxes.

manatee collected $30,090,618 in tourist tax revenues in the calendar year of 2023. also, according to the BacVB, the county generated $625,890,749 in taxable rental revenues. a penny increase in the tax would generate another $7 million to $8 million a year, according to Bradenton area convention and Visitors Bureau executive director Elliott Falcione, who asked the tdc, meeting June 10 at the center of anna maria island in anna maria, to recommend a general election vote.

the BacVB is operated by the tdc. tourist tax revenues must be used for touristrelated programs and projects, and, in manatee county, they fund beach renourishment, pier reconstruction, airport expansion, preserve and park enhancements, cultural and heritage centers and the ferry service operating between anna maria island and Bradenton.

the deadline to place a question on the Nov. 5 general election ballot in manatee county is aug. 19. in addition to the bed tax, there is a 7% sales tax collected on short-term accommodations.

Yes, it’s finally summer

put your umbrella by the door, dust off your poncho and turn down the ac in anticipation.

a cool house in the morning can produce comfort in the hottest part of the afternoon as the heat peaks around 6 p.m. before the sun slides into the Gulf of mexico.

the Farmers’ almanac is predicting an early summer, and they report this season may bring the hottest temperatures in recorded history!

the Farmers’ almanac summer Weather Forecast 2024 includes wet weather and planting suggestions and regional forecasts for Fourth of July. plus, two late-season hurricane warnings you need to read.

the almanac reports that summer officially arrives in Florida with the solstice at 5:51 p.m. dst thursday, June 20 — the earliest start in 128 years!

sorry to say, but this time of year and in these muggy conditions, i must retreat from outdoor activities. and i see a few of my favorite locations on ami do the same.

the doctor’s Garden, the airy, charming outdoor dining area at the doctor’s Offi ce, has retreated to indoor dining until the heat lets up. smart move.

Owner sean murphy — former proprietor of a Zagat-famous beachfront restaurant in Holmes Beach — used to put the outdoor seats and the comfy beachy couch in storage for the summer months so guests from the far north would not beg to be seated outdoors, which can cause the waiters to wither.

i’m with sean … and his now famous offer for a free prescription to cool-down at the doctor’s Office bar, “sure is hot.” i hope it has rum because after a couple of trips to both Jamaica and Haiti, i can attest to the cooling effects of a rum punch.

On this morning’s cBs news, the Weather channel reminded us how quickly our cars can heat up from 89-90 degrees to 100 after 10 minutes and 125-130 degrees after 30 minutes. and it’s deadly to pets and kids — and adults. if you can leave your four-legged companions at home, do it. they’re far better off than riding in the car and jumping out on hot pavement.

and be stratigic on planning your walks.

i find my new little guy is just as happy roaming in the backyard as he is strutting up and down the street — although occasionally we try to meet up with other pups after the sun cools down.

so start now to plan ways to stay cool — and put a couple of battery-operated fans on your supply list for storms and power outages. You’ll be glad you did. summer is hurricane season and we all need to be mindful. please, keep an eye on the weather radar.

— Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

Your

Opinion

Beachfront construction controversy, or not

responding on social media to the islander’s report on the building of a beachfront home permitted seaward of the coastal construction control line at 105 Elm ave., anna maria, people posted: lots of irony in this. if you know, you know.

— Karl sclichter

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

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

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urbane Bouchet

ross roberts

What is the controversy? Everything had to be approved by the city and it is continually inspected. Only controversy i see is a previous homeowner got its view blocked. unless i’m missing something.

— Kelly reppel

Judy loden Wasco

All others: news@islander.org

it will be under water in 10 years anyway.

— melissa dedloff

the property is on the section of beach we spend a lot of time on, and i find it jarring every time i see the new house. Having succeeded in a challenge to the cccl myself, i would be embarrassed at the disregard for the neighbors if i were building in that location. i guess some people are very thick-skinned.

— stephen allen

the owners don’t care because it will probably be a rental property. they just want money.

— leeanna Houston

too bad the original neighborhood couldn’t have purchased the lot and left it wild.

— Jeannette polowski

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

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.

Send opinions to news@islander.org.

JUNE 19,

Shark hunters

edgar J. green stands with a shark caught in the gulf of mexico in december 1937 about 6 miles west of longboat Pass and towed to longboat Key. the shark measured 20 feet long and weighed 2,536 pounds.

or nurse

either a great

— about 6 miles west of long-

frank cavendish, right, pier owner, and a fisher stand with a shark caught at the rod & reel Pier in anna maria in July 1973. islander Photos: courtesy manatee county Public library system

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10, 20, 30 years ago

From the June 16, 1994, issue

• the Bridge tender inn in Bradenton Beach secured a franchise agreement to operate a restaurant at the Historic Bridge street pier. some in the city alleged the franchise should have been put out to bid.

• Bradenton Beach building official Joe romano resigned citing “constant criticism” and issues related to beach concessions.

From the June 16, 2004, issue

• anna maria city Hall was relocated to the city of Holmes Beach as maintenance and remodeling got underway on city hall in anna maria.

• the Waterfront restaurant in anna maria presented a remodeling site plan to the city’s planning and zoning board. the project came together following a fire at the restaurant.

From the June 18, 2014, issue

• Bradenton Beach officials held a groundbreaking near the police and public works departments on church avenue for a cell tower project, the first in the city.

• Florida tower partners was conducting a balloon test for the planned height of a cell tower near anna maria city Hall on spring avenue east of Gulf drive.

• Bradenton Beach’s planning and zoning board delayed a review of a requested variance for a two-unit motel in the 100 block of Ninth street North, which was a residential zone.

— lisa neff

Look for The Islander in the UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

edgar J. green set a record in 1937 for catching a shark — described in archives as

white

shark

boat Pass.

4 qualify for district 3 county commission seat

By ryan Paice islander reporter

the race for the district 3 seat on the board manatee county Board of county commissioners’ is set. Four candidates qualified with the manatee county supervisor of Elections Office to run for the seat by the June 14 deadline.

district 3 covers the western side of the county, including all of anna maria island and part of longboat Key.

the race will not include an incumbent.

county commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge originally fi led for reelection to the district 3 seat, but redesignated his campaign to run for the district 7 at-large commission seat.

two republicans, a democrat and a write-in candidate will vie to succeed Van Ostenbridge as the district 3 commissioner.

the republican candidates are april culbreath and tal siddique. they will square off in the closed aug. 20 primary election for the republican nomination for the Nov. 5 general election ballot.

culbreath had originally filed to run for the district 7 at-large seat, but redesignated her campaign to run for the district 3 seat after Van Ostenbridge made his

namesake John Holmes sr. — was elected as mayor in 2018 and reelected without opposition in 2020 and 2022.

roth spent 34 years in continuous active service in the u.s. army and the Florida army National Guard. He currently works as the West Florida area executive and corporate group manager for city National Bank.

Both candidates have reported campaign contributions and expenditures to the sEO.

titsworth has reported a $1,000 contribution to herself and a $3 expense for temporary checks at a local bank.

roth has reported $2,834.83 in campaign contributions, the bulk of which is from three checks, including $1,000 and $500 checks from Holmes Beach residents John reed and thomas rushmore, respectively, as well as a $1,000 check from tampa businessman James Hugs.

Other contributions include $214.83 from himself,

switch.

diana shoemaker will be the democratic nominee for the seat, since she ran for it unopposed.

Jeffrey Gray will round out the race as a write-in candidate on the November ballot.

as of June 15, all but Gray had reported campaign contributions and expenditures, according to the sEO’s website, votemanatee.com.

culbreath led the pack with $44,393 in contributions and $5,000 of in-kind contributions, but had spent the least of the three partisan candidates with only $1,838.09 in expenditures.

siddique had reported $33,743 in contributions and $2,026.40 of in-kind contributions. He also reported the most expenditures — $18,629.65 — of any candidate.

shoemaker trails the partisan pack in campaign funds with $33,128 in contributions and $232.60 of in-kind contributions. she had reported $11,996.30 in expenditures through the same period.

all candidates other than culbreath, who had her address censored in election forms, are Bradenton residents.

manatee county commissioners earn a $98,743 annual salary and serve a four-year term.

$50 from both marjorie and richard motzer, as well as $20 from clearwater resident randy Kane. roth also reported $377.06 in expenditures through may 31, including the costs of checks, door hangers and a website.

also, four candidates qualified to compete for two spots on the city commission that are currently held by dan diggins and Greg Kerchner.

While Kerchner did not seek reelection, diggins — who was elected to the commission in 2022 — qualified to run for a second term on the board.

diggins may be the only incumbent in the race for two seats, but he will not be competing against newcomers.

all three of the other candidates have experience on the city’s dais.

carol Whitmore, a former city commissioner and mayor, as well as a former county commissioner, qualified to run.

Election 2024

Island Dems to meet the anna maria island and West manatee democratic club will meet Wednesday, June 26, for a “get out the vote” work session at the island library, 5701 marina drive, Holmes Beach.

For more info, contact club president Barb Ehren at barbara.ehren@gmail.com or call 941-301-4336. Save Our Cities benefit summer solstice Yoga will raise money for the grassroots save Our ami cities campaign. the benefit, with drums and meditation, will be on the lawn at 8 a.m. saturday, June 22, at the Waterline hotel, 5325 marina drive, Holmes Beach. the cost to attend is $20.

For more, call dana sky at 814-932-3520. Star Fish hosts candidates

star Fish co. restaurant, 12306 46th ave. W., cortez, will host a meet-and-greet at 6 p.m. sunday, June 23, with scott Farrington for supervisor of elections, incumbent charlie Hackney for property appraiser, incumbent George Kruse for district 7 commissioner, tal siddique for district 3 commissioner, Jonathan lynch for district 3 school board and carol Whitmore for Holmes Beach commissioner. For more, call Karen Bell at 941-704-7643.

planning commissioner steven Oelfke and clean Water committee member Bill romberger also qualified to run.

diggins is the only commission candidate to report contributions or expenditures to the sEO as of June 14, having reported a $200 donation to his own campaign.

residents will be able to vote for their picks on the Nov. 5 general election ballot.

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

commissioners receive an $8,080 annual salary. Both offices have two-year terms. there were 2,440 registered voters in Holmes Beach as of may 31, according to the sEO.

seymour owns the anna maria General store, 503 pine ave., and operates the city pier Grill and Bait shop on a city contract at the anna maria city pier. He has also served on the city commission. He was first elected to the board in 2016, became chair in 2018 and served in that role until he resigned in august 2019, citing personal reasons. short is a retired accountant and originally a member of the city’s 2019 charter review committee. He was appointed to the city commission later the same year and reelected without opposition in 2020 and 2022. short became chair of the city commission in 2022 and remains in that role.

in the meantime, this year’s charter review committee chair, christopher arendt, qualified for short’s seat.

commissioner Gary mcmullen was appointed by commissioners in January to serve the remainder of a term expiring in december. He qualified as an incumbent and saw no opposition.

since arendt and mcmullen were the only candidates for the two available commission seats, they will serve two-year terms.

as of June 14, short’s $500 contribution to his mayoral campaign was the only contribution or expenditure among all four candidates, according to the sEO’s website.

the anna maria mayor earns a $19,600 annual salary, while commissioners receive $4,800 a year. Both offices are two-year terms. there were 836 registered voters in anna maria as of may 31, according to the sEO.

roth

titsworth

diggins oelfke

Whitmore

seymour

aerndt short

Anna Maria charter amendments approved for ballot

By ryan Paice islander reporter

anna maria residents will have their say on a handful of potential city charter changes in this year’s municipal election.

city commissioners voted June 13 to approve motions adopting ordinances calling for a referendum on five proposed charter amendments during the Nov. 5 general election.

the proposals include:

• an amendment to sec. 1.02 of article i, creation and powers, adding, “the city of anna maria will take steps to see that the single-family detached residential character and home rule of the city is maintained and protected …”;

• an amendment to sec. 1.03 of article i to provide a definition for administrative officers;

ElECT BB continued from Page 1

with the manatee county supervisor of Elections Office. the deadline for qualification was noon June 14.

despite efforts to reach maro through city staff, the islander has no current phone number for maro and she could not be reached for comment.

she most recently was sworn into her seat in 2022 and is serving her fourth two-year term. However, she has been absent from all but 11 commission meetings this year.

usually, two seats are up for election each cycle in Bradenton Beach.

However, due to ward boundary modifications, commissioner ralph cole will keep his seat until 2025. the ward changes were implemented by the commission in February and they granted cole an additional year on the commission.

Bradenton Beach commissioners receive an annual

by Nora

Election 2024

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

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

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

the potential charter amendments were proposed

salary of $4,800.

While there will not be a municipal election on the Nov. 5 ballot, Bradenton Beach voters will go to the polls for county, state and federal contests.

Bradenton Beach voters also will head to the polls for the primary elections tuesday, aug. 20.

Bradenton Beach had 596 registered voters as of may 31, according to the sEO.

the deadline to register to vote in the primary is July 22 and for the general election is Oct. 7.

UPHOLSTERY by Nora HAS MOVED! & FABRICS

by this year’s charter review committee, which completed its quinquennial review in march. all but the fi rst proposed amendment received unanimous approval with no public comment. the proposed amendment to add a mission statement about protecting municipal home rule into the charter passed by one vote.

commissioner Jonathan crane has opposed the addition of such language in the past, calling it “aspirational,” and reiterated his feelings at the June 13 meeting — this time calling it “amorphous.”

commission chair mark short said he also questioned the need to add such a statement to the charter.

However, commissioner charlie salem said the amendment addressed the most important issue facing the city: the potential state-led consolidation or dissolution of the municipality.

resident John Kolojeski said during public comment that he believed the amendment was important and would allow the city’s citizenship to express its opinion on potential consolidation.

commissioners voted 3-2 to approve the proposed amendment.

crane and short voted “no.”

the commission will meet next at 6 p.m. thursday, June 27, at city hall, 10005 Gulf drive.

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

Bear

July 4 parade planned

the anna maria island privateers will present their independence day parade, which is set to begin at 10 a.m. thursday, July 4, at coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach and travel north on Gulf drive.

compiled by lisa neff, calendar@islander.org

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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.

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

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

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

• 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 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,”

in Holmes Beach, the parade will travel on Gulf, marina and palm drives.

in anna maria, the parade will travel on Gulf drive, then east on pine avenue, then north on Bay Boulevard to Bayfront park.

participants must be on wheels, as the route is long, and the parade moves too fast for walkers. Entry is free but donations for the roser church Food pantry will be collected.

staging at coquina will begin at 9:30 a.m. registration is conducted online at amiprivateers. org. For more information, call terry “cookie” rapert at 941-705-0199.

rigHt: the 2023 anna maria island Privateers’ independence day Parade travels north on marina drive in Holmes Beach. this year’s parade will be at 10 a.m. thursday, July 4. islander file Photo

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 20

10 a.m. — Bits N Pieces Theatre puppet show, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941778-6341.

Friday, June 21

10 a.m. — Forty Carrots, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786341.

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

Saturday, June 22

11 a.m.-2 p.m. — Florida Maritime Museum/Cortez Historical Society Summer Social, Cortez Cultural Center, 11655 Cortez Road W., Cortez. Information: 941-840-0590.

Tuesday, June 25

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

Wednesday, June 26

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

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

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

SAVE THE DATES

July 3, Bradenton Marauders Independence Day celebration with fireworks, Bradenton.

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

CLUBS & COMMUNITY ON AMI

Thursday, June 20

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

ONGOING ON AMI

• Most Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Bradenton Beach City

Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-7781383.

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

OFF AMI

Friday, June 21

6 p.m. — Crewe Night with the Bradenton Marauders and Anna Maria Island Privateers, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Fee apples. Information: fevo-enterprise.com/event/crewenight621.

SAVE THE DATES

June 29, Anna Maria Island Garden Club/Keep Manatee Beautiful seagrass planting, 77th Street beach access, Holmes Beach. 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.

• 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: 941747-3031.

OUTDOORS

& NATURE ON AMI

9 a.m. — Manatee County Natural Resources Department Seashell Shore Walk, Coquina Beach South, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-748-4501.

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

CALENDAR NOTES

KEEP THE DATES

Through Oct. 31, sea turtle nesting season. Lights out! Through Nov. 30, Atlantic hurricane season. Be prepared! June 19, Juneteenth.

June 20, summer solstice. July 4, Independence Day. Sept. 2, Labor Day. GET LISTED!

Send listings to calendar@islander.org.

Duck Designs Shop

Wearable T-shirt art by local artist Connie Wolgast. Scan here shop!

Island happenings

Campers on the court

coach ray gardner from Prosper Bradenton fitness club, 7449 manatee ave. W., Bradenton, speaks June 5 to campers in opening week of the summer my Way camp and adventure time teen camp at the center of anna maria island, 407 magnolia ave., anna maria. the camps began June 3 and will run through friday, aug. 2. Prosper leads fitness exercises for campers on Wednesdays. islander Photo: courtesy cofami

Summer social set for Cortez

the Florida maritime museum and the cortez Village Historical society will mark the summer solstice with a summer social.

the event — 11 a.m.-2 p.m. saturday, June 22, at the cortez cultural center, 11655 cortez road W. — will include storytime, craftmaking and games.

For more information, call the Fmm at 941-7086120.

and a whole lot

Privateers join Marauders for Crewe Night at LECOM Park

the Bradenton marauders will host the anna maria island privateers for crewe Night at 6 p.m. Friday, June 21, at lEcOm park, 1611 Ninth st. W., Bradenton.

during the evening, the privateers will present their 2024 scholarships.

also, the marauders will take on the lakeland Flying tigers.

tickets cost $15 and include a marauders hat and soft-drink voucher.

For tickets, go to fevo-enterprise.com/event/crewenight621.

For information about the privateers, call 941-8960797.

Marauders plan post-game

Independence Eve fireworks

the Bradenton marauders will offer an evening of all-american pastimes Wednesday, July 3, at lEcOm park.

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.

also, the first 1,500 fans will receive t-shirts. Gates will open at 5 p.m. the game will begin at 6:30 p.m.

For tickets, go to www.milb.com/bradenton.

“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.

and Glitter Tattoos

a

a

a

a weekly prize in 2023 with a photo taken

The 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 your 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

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-

Top notch tricks: When the focus turns to fireworks

Why do some fireworks photographs pop and others fizzle?

shooting fireworks can be tricky especially on an island beach during sea turtle nesting season, when there should be no other artificial lighting along the shore.

so, some tips for the best results, collected from islander photographers and the pros at Nikon usa:

• use a tripod and consider using a cable release or other shutter-release tool to snap the photo.

• think through your framing. Where do the fire-

works’ bursts usually appear? What elements can you incorporate into the foreground or background? Where’s the horizon?

• consider whether to use a wide-angle or telephoto zoom lens to capture the show.

• turn off noise and vibration reduction, as well as Hdr and flash, unless the desire is to illuminate a foreground object.

• if you can set a shutter speed, don’t use a higher isO setting than 100 or 200.

• if you can set an aperture, use a mid-range set-

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

ting, f/11 or f.8, for sharp results.

• look through camera settings for options to try, including image overlay and the obvious one, “fireworks mode.”

• use the highest-quality file setting.

• try taking video, from which photographs can be captured on smartphones.

• Fans of apps might consider installing —and testing ahead of time — pro camera, manual and Halide.

— lisa neff

left: in 2023, Kris castagna of Bradenton won

weekly prize with

photograph of son Kyle taken at a sandbar south of Jewfish Key in sarasota Bay. middle: Jessica adams of mulberry was a top notch weekly winner in 2023 with

shot of son Henry imagining he’s at work with his tonka trucks during low tide at sunset. rigHt: terry martsolf of seminole won

bayside in Holmes Beach. islander file Photos

Faculty goes ‘camping’ in the Florida keys

anna maria Elementary students aren’t the only ones finding fun this summer on break and at camp.

amE principal Katie Fradley and staff members pidge Barreda, Becky demo, Kiley Flynn, maggie Van Wormer and michele costanzo, along with other manatee county educators, attended a three-day camp June 7 at the marine lab Environmental Education center in Key largo.

the camp, organized by district science and math specialists amber platowski and susan smucker, was funded through amE’s Guy Harvey academy of arts and science grant.

taking place over World Ocean day, June 8, the camp focused on seagrass, mangrove and coral reef ecology, including snorkeling in each habitat.

Over three days, staffers engaged in labs, discussions and data collection.

— robyn murrell

Kindergarten enrollment open

Kindergarten enrollment is open for anna maria Elementary and other schools in the manatee county district.

to enroll, a child must be 5 years old on or before sept. 1.

Enrollment can be completed online, requiring the creation of a Focus login. instructions for enrollment are provided after signing up for Focus.

documents needed to enroll include a parent or guardian photo id, copies of the child’s birth certificate or passport, as well as the child’s social security card, two proofs of address and physical examination and immunization records.

to register, go online to www.manateeschools.net/ registration

For more information contact the school district, at 941-708-8770.

— robyn murrell

AME Calendar

• Monday, Aug. 12, first day of 2024-25 for students. Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

For more information, call the school at 941-708-5525.

Celebrating summer break

the islander welcomes snapshots of amE families and others spending their summer breaks. please, send photos to news@islander.org. include details, including names, dates and locations, as well as a contact name and phone number for questions.

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Our fleet will pick up/drop off daily.

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District 3 school board candidates finalized

board member charles Kennedy, Jonathan lynch and perri ann parkman.

Election 2024

there are two months to prep for the test, when voters will choose among three candidates in the nonpartisan race for manatee county school Board’s district 3 seat.

the qualifying period for candidates ended June 14, setting the stage for a contested race in district 3, which covers the western part of the county and includes 12 schools, among them anna maria Elementary, palma sola Elementary, King middle and manatee High.

mary Foreman, who holds the seat, did not seek reelection but there are three new contenders: former

Jeffrey carman withdrew his candidacy.

Voting in the race will be on the primary ballot tuesday, aug. 20.

to win, a candidate will need at least 50% of the vote. if no candidate achieves 50%, the top two candidates will compete in a runoff Nov. 5 in the general election, according to Hannah King, qualifying officer at the manatee county supervisors of Elections office.

the school board comprises five members, each serving four-year terms, according to the manatee county school district website.

For more information, go online to votemanatee. com.

— robyn murrell

First day milestone

mom Kiera gazzo takes a photo aug. 10, 2023, of son mason, 6, before his first day of first-grade at anna maria elementary in Holmes Beach. the 2024-25 school year will begin monday, aug. 12. islander file

Photo: robert anderson

anna maria elementary staffers

Pidge Barreda, left, michele costanzo, Katie fradley, Becky demo, Kiley flynn and maggie Van Wormer attend marine lab camp June 7 in Key largo. islander Photo: courtesy Katie fradley

By lisa neff

Roser seeks shop volunteers

the roser Women’s Guild at roser memorial community church, 512 pine ave., anna maria, seeks volunteers to help with the guild thrift shop. the shop is open through July and volunteers are needed to help sort donations and serve as cashiers. the shop will close throughout august, when volunteers will “deep clean, restock, reorganize” the store to ready for a september reopening.

For more information, call the church offi ce at 941-778-0414.

Survey: Yes to Roser remodel

roser memorial community church recently closed a survey of members regarding plans to renovate the sanctuary, 512 pine ave., anna maria, and announced a 90% positivity rate.

the survey asked whether people support construction starting in summer 2025 and whether they’d financially support the project.

the cost is estimated at $250,000 and would involve creating a more flexible, safer platform.

For more information, call the church at 941-7780414.

Lark C. Hunter

lark c. Hunter, 80, of cortez, died June 2. she was born aug. 4, 1953, in toronto, Ontario, to Juanita Edith (Hewitt) paveling and James John paveling, she was a loving daughter, caring mother, devoted friend and beloved member of her community. she was known for her radiant spirit and boundless energy. at 8 years old, lark moved with her mother to Florida, where she spent the rest of her life.

lark worked as a hairdresser for more than 50 years and built many friendships. she loved life in the village of cortez, where she found joy on the water, sailing and fishing. she also enjoyed her garden and birdwatching at home.

lark’s adventurous spirit and love for life will be deeply missed, but her memories will continue to bring comfort and inspiration to all who knew her. a memorial service will be held at 9:30 a.m. saturday, July 6, at star Fish co. dockside restaurant, 12306 46th ave. W., cortez. memorials to the family can be sent to andrew Hunter, 3304 19th ave. W., Bradenton, Fl 34205.

mrs. Hunter is survived by her sons, andrew and wife maggie and ian.

GoodDeeds

By lisa neff

Rescue needs paper towels

Wildlife inc. has issued a call for rolls of the quicker-picker-upper.

the Bradenton Beach-based rescue and education center, via social media, said, “We are overflowing with animals and we’re completely out of paper

in Jesus’ Name

Tidings

compiled by lisa neff

SAVE THE DATES

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

July 17, Roser Church Golfing for God, Bradenton. 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.

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

ONGOING ON AMI

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

Worship: Sundays, 9 a.m.

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

towels. if you’re able, please, consider donating.” donations can be made at the center, located at the residence of founders Ed and Gail straight, 2207 avenue B, or shipped to the center via amazon, where the nonprofit maintains a wishlist. For more information, call 941-778-6324.

Assistance sought on AMI

• tingley memorial library in Bradenton Beach seeks volunteers for morning and afternoon shifts in the “fun and friendly” atmosphere. info: 941-7791208, bradentonbeachlibrary@gmail.com.

• the anna maria island privateers group seeks members 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.

Worship With Us at Our Church

Sunday Ser vice 10 : 00 AM Dr. Julia Wharff Piermont, Pastor ’ @ ’ @ Visitors & Residents Welcome 1 AM i www.bit.ly/cclbksermons www.christchurchof lbk.org ( k

the roser Women’s guild at the anna maria church will not hold monthly meetings during the summer but the guild will continue to operate its thrift shop through July. the shop, across the street from the church, 512 Pine ave., is open 9 a.m.-2 p.m. tuesdays and thursdays and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. saturdays. islander file

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.

• 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.

Photo

Hunter

Annie Silver center shaping future, updating charter

By robert anderson islander reporter

several members of the annie silver community center in Bradenton Beach volunteered June 13 to conduct a preliminary review of the nonprofit’s charter.

Jim Hassett, a Bradenton Beach resident and longtime center member, broached the idea of a charter review in may, appealing to members to also list their concerns.

Hassett encouraged members to share their input June 13, when they met at the center. “anyone who wants to make a suggestion as to what kind of things they (think) should be done to protect annie silver,” he encouraged.

Hassett said the charter, written in 1955, should be modernized.

center interim president Bruce Butler told members the center consulted attorneys for clarification of the review process.

c enter member Barb r itter next addressed expenses.

“i have contacted several law firms,” ritter said. “Barnes and Walker, for a new one, would cost $1,500. if they just look at what we have already and make changes, it will cost $365 per hour.

“ a nother that works specifically on nonprofit agreements charges $300 per hour,” she added.

c enter member m ichael tyrrell suggested the group identify the most relevant concerns in the charter before hiring an attorney.

Hassett, Butler, ritter and tyrrell volunteered to head up a preliminary review of the charter to make recommendations to the board.

in other news, the center building, 103 23rd st. N., will get a face-lift with a mural.

Hassett motioned to approve a $400 mural by center member robert reiber and was seconded by center member c arlos s antos. t he motion passed 10-0.

m embers said the mural should depict a scene reflecting the center’s history. reiber, who teaches art classes at the center, said the mural could be done this fall.

t he next center meeting will be at 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 24.

About the center

annie silver community center member

Jim Hassett speaks about reviewing the nonprofit’s charter during a June 13 meeting at the center, 103 23rd st. n., Bradenton Beach. islander

the annie silver community center was formed in the 1950s to provide a meeting place and promote goodwill in the Bradenton Beach community.

annie silver, who donated the building that bears her name, wanted the center to be owned by the community for bingo games, book club meetings, garden shows and shared suppers.

the center began operating in 1952. people can join the center for $5 a year.

For more information, contact Jim Hassett at 413441-6823 or Bruce Butler at 513-368-6454.

Anna Maria funds $50K for center A/C, $65K for theater roof

By ryan Paice islander reporter

a couple of a nna m aria properties are set for upgrades.

city commissioners unanimously voted June 13 to approve a $50,000 contribution to the c enter of anna maria island for new air conditioning units at its facility, 407 magnolia ave.

in may, the nonprofit requested $78,000 from the municipality, including a previously pledged $50,000 donation that the center failed to collect. the donation was requested for the labor costs associated with installing new air conditioning units but the center could not find enough money to back up the city’s funds before the end of fiscal 2022-23. the city only budgeted the donation for that fiscal year, so the funds expired last september. this time, the community center found matching funds with a $90,000 grant from the Bradenton-based Bishop-parker Foundation for 12 new air conditioning units.

mayor dan murphy, who asked for time to review the budget following the nonprofit’s request in may, recommended commissioners approve a $50,000 contribution to the center with money from the city’s contingency fund.

He said the municipality had other capital improvement costs to consider on the near horizon, such as a new roof for the island players building, which the city leases to the theater, and a shade sail over the city pier park playground.

if the city pursues all three projects, its contingency fund will fall to $66,483 ahead of hurricane season.

murphy said storms could result in the city having to pay for emergency debris removal and he did not want to dip into municipal reserves unless necessary.

“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.

commissioner Gary mcmullen moved to approve the $50,000 contribution.

commissioner charlie salem seconded the motion, which passed.

culhane thanked city officials for their support and said work installing the new air conditioning units would begin in the next couple of weeks.

Island Players’ roof commissioners also unanimously voted to approve up to $65,000 in funding toward a new asphalt roof for the island players building at 10009 Gulf drive. the property is owned by the city and leased to the island players. according to the lease, the municipality is obligated to pay for outside maintenance costs.

m urphy said the building has a roofing issue that prevents getting the building’s wind mitigation insurance reinstated, but a repair would resolve the issue.

He said the island players preferred asphalt roofing due to acoustic issues with metal roofing.

the island players and the city both collected bids for the installation of a new roof, resulting in five bids ranging from $39,000-$60,000, but varying on material and labor costs, according to murphy.

He said he had yet to select a bid but asked commissioners to approve up to $65,000 in funding for a new roof.

commissioner Jonathan crane moved to approve murphy’s recommendation.

He recommended the $50,000 contribution, as well as to waive permit fees for the air conditioning work since the facility is on city property.

murphy also said he had seen the community center’s american flag had looked a little rugged, so he handed a new one to executive director christopher culhane at the meeting.

salem seconded the motion, which passed. the commission will meet next at 6 p.m. thursday, June 27, at city hall, 10005 Gulf drive.

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

Photo: robert anderson

rylin ross, 11, smiles June 12 as she operates a rolling robot she built from a kit during the adventure time teen camp at the center, 407 magnolia ave., anna maria. islander Photo: courtesy cofami

New Desoto Kayak owner touts Tampa Bay tours

After transitioning from military life 13 years ago, Daniel Sapuppo, 35, of Bradenton, started working at Desoto Kayak.

June 10 marks his first year in business after purchasing the 20-year-old company from Franklin Miller.

“My goal was to become a teacher and start guiding, which is also a passion, being on the water. I got the chance to teach and be on the water at the same time. So I ran with it,” Sapuppo told The Islander June 5 via phone.

Desoto Kayak offers rentals and guided eco-tours

You can peruse

The Islander newspaper archive, dating back to its launch in november 1992, at ufdc. ufl.edu.

that accommodate up to 10-16 people.

Sapuppo said summer is a prime time for sighting manatees.

“Whenever the waters get warm, we see manatees,” he said. “We see sea turtles all the time. I’ve had squid jump in with people on there. But you never know what you’ll see. That’s the beauty of being on the water.”

The two-hour tours launch from Emerson Point Preserve, 6400 17th St. W., Palmetto.

To the south of the preserve lies the Manatee River and to the west Tampa Bay, with views of Anna Maria Island, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and Fort Desoto Park. On the northeastern side of the estuary is Terra Ceia Bay.

Tours are at $55 for adults and $45 for children.

For more information, call Desoto Kayak at 941524-2312 or go to desotokayaktours.com.

— Robyn Murrell

Daniel Sapuppo, owner of Desoto Kayak, snaps a selfie while leading a guidedtour from emerson Point Preserve, 6400 17th St. W., Palmetto. Islander

Photo Courtesy: Daniel Sapuppo

Manatee County Area Transit: Island Trolley

Schedule info is a public service of

RideFREE

Boat captains see evidence of continuing shellfish poaching

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Tour boat captains, who earlier this year organized into a group dedicated to stopping the illegal harvest of marine organisms in Sarasota Bay, recently reported evidence of more poaching.

Capt. Joey Sweet of Sweet Sunsets and Dolphin Tours spoke to The Islander June 13 regarding some recent sightings and also the work of the Habitat Guardian Group.

He recounted a trip where he and Bruce Adamo of Passage Key Dolphin Tours observed a sandbar full of live fighting conchs at north Jewfish Key. They returned a day later to find only the shells. The animals had been removed.

“They were there everywhere, alive, and then we came back and just found piles of the empty shells. So someone came out there during the low tide, which occurred around 11 p.m. to midnight that particular day,” Sweet said.

“If they are doing it at nighttime, that shows a particular determination on their part to do this and make sure that they are not going to be observed,” Sweet added.

Sweet said boat captains also have seen boats previously associated with poaching.

While Capt. Katie Tupin of Captain Katie Scarlett Boat Tours told The Islander June 14 that pontoon boats with hull numbers previously recorded for poaching were on sandbars near Jewfish Key.

“The last week and a half we had super high tides, which draws them away,” Tupin said. “When the tide schedule goes back to normal and it’s really low, we’ll see more.”

In 2023, the captains said they documented widespread instances of illegal sea life harvesting, often involving groups of up to 60 people.

“It’s not been anything like what we started to see last year,” Sweet said of the recent activity. But, he added, “We are coming up on the anniversary of what happened last year.”

On July 4, 2023, shellfish poachers were cited due to the observations of the captains, who reported them to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Shell collectors to stroll shore

The Manatee County Natural Resources Department will host a “Seashell Shore Walk” at 9 a.m. Thursday, June 20, at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach.

A notice from the county invited people to join “a relaxing walk on the beach to search for seashells and learn to identify them.”

Participants also will learn about ethical seashellcollecting methods.

Reservations are required.

For more information, contact Elena Burke at elena.burke@mymanatee.org and 941-742-5923, ext. 6036.

Tidewatch

Water quality issues reported

A Florida Department of Health in Manatee County water quality advisory for Palma Sola South, located on the east end of the Palma Sola Causeway and the south side of Manatee Avenue West in Bradenton, was lifted June 13.

Tests completed June 4 and June 6 had indicated the water did not meet the recreational water quality criteria for Enterococcus bacteria recommended by the Florida Department of Health.

DOH-Manatee advises against water-related activities at the location due to an increased risk of illness in swimmers. The advisory ended when June 10 tests showed bacteria at accepted health levels.

Test results are at floridahealth.gov/healthybeaches.

Meanwhile, the nonprofit Suncoast Waterkeeper, which also conducts testing for Enterococcus bacteria, reported finding “don’t swim” levels June 3 at Palma Sola North and Robinson Preserve in west Bradenton and the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach.

— Lisa neff

officers.

The group has worked since to compile and submit video and photographic evidence to the FWC for investigation. Their work has yielded more than 20 citations to 11 boat owners since July 2023.

The group also has made efforts to reach out to other law enforcement agencies and conservation groups to bring pressure to bear on poachers.

According to the guides, the poachers target edible shellfish and deplete supplies of whelks, clams, pen shells, sea urchins and other bottom-dwelling species. Such a decline disrupts the ecosystem and poses a threat to the livelihoods of local fishers and tour operators who rely on the resources for business.

Sweet said it is important not to villainize people legally harvesting species.

Obstacle course in Cortez waters

A Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission vessel stops boaters July 18, 2023, in Sarasota Bay to initiate an inspection. Islander File

In Manatee County, a person may not harvest or possess more than two shells per day — including echinoderms, such as sand dollars and starfish — containing live organisms of any single species except oysters, hard clams, sunray venus clams and coquinas.

“We have to make sure that people understand, people are legally allowed to go out and harvest things like clams and certain other species,” Sweet said.

Sweet said the captains are working to establish their Habitat Guardian Group as a nonprofit. He also intends to schedule an HGG meeting for late June or early July.

“My goal was to be able to have a meeting by June, so that we would be able to kick off in July,” he said. People interested in the Habitat Guardian Group can contact Sweet at 941-773-7298.

Burn ban extended

Despite rain the week of June 10, drought conditions persisted, leading the Manatee County commissioners to vote June 10 to extend a burn ban.

“We are asking for another seven days,” said public safety director Jodie Fiske in a news release June 10.

The ban, set to expire as The Islander went to press, included items containing any “explosive compound,” sparklers, any item or product using or containing any amount of pyrotechnic composition and flares, as well as open burning and campfires because of the increasingly dry conditions in the county.

The ban was to remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. Monday, June 17, but could be extended.

— Lisa neff

A sunken derelict vessel is tagged June 1 with a warning buoy and red sticker in Sarasota Bay near Cortez. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers use stickers to tag wrecked vessels, identifying the craft as under investigation for removal. Removal is not immediate, as the FWC must first seek out the registered owner. Vessels can become derelict due to neglect, abandonment or through a storm event.

A derelict vessel begins to sink June 2 in Sarasota Bay near Cortez, raising concerns from boaters who must navigate the sunken or derelict vessels in the area. Some in Cortez have called for expediting the removal of derelict vessels and tighter management of the bay communities. Islander

Photos: Courtesy Katie Tupin

County mitigation meeting set

The Manatee County Public Safety Department and Division of Emergency Management is seeking participation in mitigation strategy, including at a meeting at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 26, at the emergency operations center, 2101 47th Terrace E., Bradenton.

Attendees will discuss how to better prepare for and mitigate the effects of natural disasters, such as hurricanes, floods and other emergencies.

For more information about the meeting or the process, go online to mymanatee.org/hazard or call 941-749-3500, ext. 1672.

— Lisa neff

Photo: Courtesy Capt. Katie Tupin

Streetlife

By Robert Anderson and Ryan Paice

Island police reports

Anna Maria

No new reports.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office polices Anna Maria.

Bradenton Beach

No new reports.

The BBPD polices Bradenton Beach. Cortez

June 8, 4000 block of 127th Street West, fraud. A complainant told the MCSO they purchased and never received an electric scooter. The deputy advised the complainant an affidavit would be required to attest to the theft and directed them to an MCSO location.

The MCSO polices Cortez.

Holmes Beach

June 5, 400 block of 80th Street, domestic battery/ violation of injunction. Multiple Holmes Beach police officers responded to a disturbance and found the complainant, a man who flagged him down. He could not speak English, but pointed to visible scratches on his neck and upper back. He also provided video showing a woman attacking him. A Bradenton police officer was called to the scene to help with translation. The complainant told police the woman attacked him two days ago and had an injunction from further criminal activity or repeated acts of domestic violence. Two officers found and arrested the woman, who denied any physical contact with the complainant. The woman was transported to the Holmes Beach Police Department for processing, then to the Manatee County jail.

June 6, 300 block of 61st Street, assisting DCF. An officer responded to a request for aid from the Florida Department of Child and Family Services to remove

a child from a residence. The officer and two DCF investigators found the child, who was escorted into an investigators’ vehicle and taken into DCF custody.

June 7, 4100 block of Gulf Drive, assisting EMS. An offi cer responded to a request from emergency medical services to assist a man who jumped from a low-speed vehicle and sustained a head injury. The officer found the man as EMS and West Manatee Fire Rescue paramedics arrived. The LSV driver said he offered the intoxicated man a ride home, but he stepped out of the vehicle while it was moving without warning. EMS transported the man to HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton for treatment.

June 7, 6500 block of Flotilla Drive, underage alcohol possession. Two officers responded to reports of a pair of people trespassing at a pool. They found the complainant, who provided descriptions of the two people and said they had been asked to leave earlier that week. He asked for them to be trespassed from the property. The offi cers found a pair of juveniles with cans of Twisted Tea, an alcoholic beverage. The officers contacted the juveniles’ parents, who arrived and took custody of the them. The officers issued a trespass warning to the juveniles.

June 7, 3100 block of Gulf Drive, reckless driving. An officer saw a Monkey Bus driving at a high speed and across double yellow median traffic lines to pass five stopped motorists and a Manatee County Area Transit trolley. The officer conducted a traffic stop and spoke with the driver, who was issued a citation and court summons for reckless driving.

The HBPD polices Holmes Beach.

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

NJ man arrested by HBPD for battering police

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Holmes Beach police arrested William Berger, 33, of Toms River, New Jersey, June 6 on multiple criminal charges, including a third-degree felony for battery on a law enforcement officer and three first-degree misdemeanors.

Those first-degree misdemeanors include one for resisting or obstructing law enforcement without violence and two for threatening police officers.

Berger also was charged with a second-degree misdemeanor for disorderly intoxication.

An officer responded around 7 p.m. to reports of an intoxicated man disturbing people on the beach near the 3400 block of Gulf Drive.

A complainant said the intoxicated man was acting aggressively and provided his description.

Another beachgoer provided a photo of the intoxicated man.

The Holmes Beach Police Department then received a second call about a man with the same description causing a disturbance on the beach near the 3200 block of East Bay Drive.

A complainant said the man was yelling at employees inside China 1, 3236 E. Bay Drive, and not allowing people to leave. He said the man then left the restaurant, walking south while yelling profanities and slurs at him.

HBPD officers located the man, Berger, behind Walgreens, 3200 E. Bay Drive, with a duffel bag he said contained a knife.

The officers spoke to Berger, who refused to comply with verbal commands and displayed several “pre-assault indicators,” according to a report.

The officers ordered Berger to the ground and he complied, allowing them to handcuff him.

Berger resisted as the officers searched him prior to arrest, a report stated.

During transport to the Manatee County jail, Berger allegedly spit at an officer, as well as made “several threats to kill me or cause serious bodily harm.”

However, upon reaching the jail, Berger said he was the victim of a sexual assault over the past 48 hours and wanted a forensic examination completed.

Berger was transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital in Bradenton, where he denied treatment and told a nurse the officer was the one who sexually assaulted him.

PLeASe, See BATTERY, neXT PAGe

Details emerge in Cortez area shooting

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Details from a shooting that occurred June 6 in the Sunny Shores mobile home community in Cortez are coming to light based on records from the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court’s Office.

Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputies, county emergency medical services and West Manatee Fire Rescue personnel responded about 8 p.m. June 6 to a shooting, according to MCSO arrest records at the clerk’s website.

The reports indicate deputies arrived in Cortez to find Caitlin Lipke, 33, of Cortez, suffering a gunshot wound to her chest. She was taken to HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton for treatment.

Lipke had been involved in an altercation with Kevin Armstrong, 47, at his residence in the 3900 block of 116th Street West earlier that evening. Armstrong allegedly struck her and Lipke left to seek refuge at a nearby restaurant, where she was joined by Dylan Taylor of Cortez and Cole Banyas of Bradenton Beach.

Lipke, along with Taylor and Banyas, returned to Armstrong’s residence for Lipke to retrieve a debit card and her dog. Reports indicate Lipke and Armstrong were in a relationship.

When they encountered Armstrong, he, his son and three of his son’s friends were armed with various weapons, including firearms, according to the MCSO arrest report.

An argument ensued, resulting in Lipke attempting

The hospital discharged Berger, but when it was time to leave, he refused to cooperate with the officer, chest bumping him and refusing to walk out of the building.

On the ride back to the jail, Berger again threatened to kill the officer and began striking and kicking the inside of the vehicle.

This time, deputies took custody of Berger, who remained in jail under $7,650 bond as of June 6.

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

Punishment for a first-degree misdemeanor

to flee as gunshots were fired.

Lipke, who was in stable condition as of the June 7 report, told investigators she did not know who fired the shots.

Armstrong, in a call to 911, claimed Lipke went to his residence and “shot up” the house.

In an MCSO interview, Taylor said he saw Armstrong with a shotgun, so he retreated to retrieve a pistol from his golf cart.

It was in the chaos outside the residence, with multiple shots fired, that Lipke was injured.

MCSO reports indicated she might have been shot by Taylor as he attempted to protect her.

Physical evidence, including spent shell casings and cartridges were collected and corroborated accounts given by Lipke, Taylor and Banyas, leading to Armstrong’s arrest that evening, according to the MCSO arrest report.

Armstrong was taken to the Manatee County jail in Palmetto on charges of misdemeanor battery and felony aggravated assault with intent to commit a felony.

Aggravated assault is a third-degree felony and can be punished by incarceration of up to five years and a fine up to $5,000.

Battery is a first-degree misdemeanor that can result in up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Armstrong was released June 8 on a $9,500 bond.

Arraignment will be at 9 a.m. July 26, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave W.

includes up to one year in jail, one year of probation and a fine of up to $1,000.

Punishment for a second-degree misdemeanor includes up to 60 days in jail, six months of probation and fine of up to $500.

An arraignment will be at 9 a.m. Friday, July 26, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

T-Shirts $10 @ The Islander, 315 58th St., HB.

In training

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer shows off the news from his beat, an issue of The Islander, June 10 while at the Florida Police Chiefs Association’s 72nd annual Summer Training Conference and exposition at the Sawgrass Marriott, 1000 Tournament Players Club Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach. Islander Photo: Courtesy Bill Tokajer

Island watch

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

Palma Sola group defends native trees, opposes county plan

By Lisa neff Islander editor

An advisory committee for the Palma Sola Scenic Highway is opposing a Manatee County plan to remove native trees and create manicured landscaping on two medians on State Road 64/Manatee Avenue.

The Palma Sola Scenic Highway Corridor Management Entity Committee, meeting June 12 in Bradenton, also said the county plan is contrary to the city of Bradenton’s tree protections.

The medians are on a state road, in state rights of way, in the city of Bradenton. Earlier this year, the city and county reached an agreement for Manatee to maintain the medians and other elements along parts of the scenic highway that begins at 75th Street West in Bradenton and ends in Holmes Beach.

The county is now proposing a “Manatee Avenue median improvements” plan for Perico Island east and west of Perico Bay Boulevard.

The plan calls for planting six Alexander palms, eight royal palms, bromeliads, spiderwort, Brazilian jasmine, dwarf allamanda and sod, as well as the installation of irrigation and the application of fertilizer.

The plan, which would need the approval of the Florida Department of Transportation, also states that “existing plant material will be removed from the medians prior to installing new landscape materials.”

Palma Sola committee members voted June 12 in favor of keeping the established native trees, including six live oaks and nine sabal palms, planted in 2008 as part of a highway beautification effort that involved the committee, DOT, county, city of Bradenton and more.

The existing plants require no irrigation or fertilizer in contrast to the landscaping proposed, which a county representative said “would be maintained at a high-level.”

“Ecologically, it’s less wise to have the manicured,” said committee member Shawn Deytschavar, who operates the Surfer Bus kayak and paddleboard rentals along the causeway.

Committee vice chair Ingrid McClellan added, “Alexander palms are from Australia. And the sod is

not Florida-friendly.”

“Why can’t we keep the trees?” she added. “The trees are perfect.”

The 90-minute meeting brought forth mostly objections to the county proposal and, by early the next morning, a letter went from McClellan to DOT District 1 landscape architect Darryl Richard advising him of the committee’s position.

A design shows Manatee County’s plans for two Perico Island medians. Islander Courtesy Photo

truck. A compromise was not made,” the letter stated. “Please inform FDOT administration of our decision.”

The Florida Native Plant Society’s Serenoa Chapter president also drafted a letter, which was shared at the committee meeting. The Manatee-Sarasota group provided a grant to plant the live oaks and palms.

“These large trees are now well established and thriving, providing a shady corridor along a busy roadway requiring no additional irrigation and only periodic maintenance,” Tom Heitzman wrote. “We do not feel the need to replace the existing plantings with new plants, many of which are proposed to be nonnative. Why try and fi x something that is beautiful the way it is, incurring many additional costs such as new plants, irrigation and additional weekly maintenance.”

The next committee meeting will be at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14, at a location to be determined.

Before then, committee members said they planned to address county commissioners and Bradenton councilmembers during meetings, as well as connect with residents along the scenic highway.

Meanwhile, the county is pursuing its plan.

On June 13, the day after the committee meeting, white flags surrounded the medians.

“The plan proposed by Manatee Co. Gov. includes Royal palms, and non-native Alexander palms, shrubs and sod, all of which will require establishment, higher maintenance and watering perpetually with a water

Richard, via email to The Islander, said the DOT had not received an application from the county but the white flags were a step in the process — “standard before an application is submitted.”

JOEL FAGLIANO

White flags mark a median June 13 on the Palma Sola Scenic Highway indicating where Manatee County wants to remove existing trees and plant new landscaping, including non-natives. Islander

Photo: Lisa neff

Anna Maria issues 5th Pine Avenue improvement RFP

Election 2024

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

2 incumbents regain fire district seats

There are no election contests for two seats on the West Manatee Fire Rescue District Commission.

Commissioners Robert Bennett and Larry Jennis will retain their spots on the board as the only candidates to qualify with the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office by deadline June 14.

The district includes all of Anna Maria Island, Cortez and areas of the west side of unincorporated Manatee County.

The fire commission consists of five at-large representatives who reside in the district.

Bennett fills Seat 5 while Jennis holds Seat 1, but both are at-large positions.

Their terms are set to expire in November, but the incumbents will step into new four-year terms after qualifying for reelection without opposition.

Neither candidate reported any contributions or expenditures as of June 14, according to the SEO’s website, votemanatee.com.

WMFR commissioners receive a $6,000 annual salary.

— Ryan Paice

Fire district seeks public feedback

The West Manatee Fire Rescue District wants input on the road ahead.

WMFR fire marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski emailed The Islander June 10 that the district is seeking public participation in its strategic planning survey.

Kwiatkowski wrote that such input would “help steer the direction of the district and its services over the next five years.”

The survey can be accessed via the attached QR code.

The survey contains questions asking participants to rate aspects of the district’s performance, highlight safety concerns and discuss potential improvements.

Collected input will be anonymous.

“We want to learn, grow and better serve the people within our fire district,” Kwiatkowski wrote. “This is an exciting time to work and live in the West Manatee Fire Rescue district.”

People can learn more about the fire district by visiting its website, wmfr.org.

— Ryan Paice

RoadWatch

Eyes on the road

• South Bradenton Beach: Manatee County is working on sewer lines, which involves roadwork. On June 19 and June 20, weather permitting, a contractor will start paving operations on Gulf Drive, beginning north of Seventh Street North and continuing south beyond 13th Street South. The work will require traffic shifts. 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 74th to 85th 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.

Did you know?

Traffic cameras at the Anna Maria Island and Cortez bridges, mainland intersections on Manatee Avenue and Cortez Road and other locations are at smarttrafficinfo.org and mymanatee.org.

— Lisa neff

The first stage of improvements on Pine Avenue might be just over the horizon.

City commissioners voted 4-0 June 13 to issue a request for proposals to complete the first phase of sidewalk improvements along Pine Avenue, from Gulf Drive to North Shore Drive.

Commissioners Charlie Salem recused himself from the vote due to his ownership of the property housing the Olive Oil Outpost and AMI Outfitters at 401 Pine Ave.

The city has pursued improvements to “reimagine” Pine Avenue with the addition of pervious brick paver meandering sidewalks, as well as the creation and enhancement of crosswalks and lighting.

The municipality has issued four requests for proposals to complete such work, narrowing down the job each time, but commissioners have rejected every round of bids.

Commissioners instead authorized Mayor Dan Murphy in May to work on a plan to complete piecemeal improvements along Pine Avenue.

Those improvements would involve installing pervious paver meandering sidewalks on a block-by-block basis.

Then a contractor would go back over each block to improve pre-established sidewalks, as well as enhance crosswalks and lighting.

Murphy recommended issuing an RFP for the first phase of work — the addition of pervious paver meandering sidewalks along Pine Avenue, from Gulf Drive to North Shore Drive.

Murphy said the city would issue the RFP the next day and seek responding bids by July 17, then select a winning bid by July 23.

“I would expect that we can have that sidewalk completed by the end of September,” he said.

Murphy said the bidding processes for each of the next three phases would be handled so construction could be completed over the following months.

The RFP for a second phase, which would involve sidewalk improvements along Pine Avenue from North Shore Drive to Crescent Drive, would be issued by June 30.

The deadline to submit bids to the city would be July 30, and the city would select a winning bid by Aug. 6.

That stretch of work would be projected for completion by the end of October, according to Murphy.

The RFP for a third phase of sidewalk improvements along Pine Avenue, this time from Crescent Drive to Tarpon Street, would be issued by July 15. Bids would be due by Aug. 13 and one would be selected by Aug. 19.

Murphy said work on that phase could be completed by the end of November.

The city plans to issue an RFP for the fourth and final phase of sidewalk improvements along Pine Avenue, from Tarpon Street to North Bay Boulevard, by July 31.

Bids would be due by Aug. 29 and the city would select a winning bid by Sept. 5.

Work on the fourth phase is also expected to be completed by the end of November, according to Murphy.

Commissioner Jonathan Crane moved to approve Murphy’s recommendation to issue an RFP for phase one.

Commissioner Kathleen Morgan-Johnson, who participated in the meeting via speakerphone, seconded the motion.

The commission will meet next at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 27, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

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

HB approves algae harvester deal, but lacks funding

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Holmes Beach city officials are hoping to add another tool to its municipal toolbelt — an algae harvester vessel.

However, it is unclear if the city has the money to buy it.

City commissioners voted 4-0 June 12 to authorize Mayor Judy Titsworth to execute a $307,970 agreement with Wisconsin-based Aquarius Systems for the manufacturing and delivery of an algae skimmer vessel — with stipulations.

Commissioner Greg Kerchner was absent with excuse.

The city’s clean water committee has pushed since shortly after its creation in 2021 for the city to purchase a harvester vessel that can dispose of algal mats and fish kills in the municipality’s waterways and canals, claiming removing decaying material from waterways can reduce odors and nitrogen load.

The municipality issued a request for proposals in 2023 seeking bids for a harvester vessel but Aquarius’ $587,060 proposal was all the city received.

City officials decided no premanufactured vessel suited its needs, rejected Aquarius’ bid and issued an invitation to bid earlier this year for a vessel that would.

The ITB sought bids for a vessel no larger than 35 feet long and 12 feet wide, made of stainless-steel grade 304 or better with no galvanized parts, that also features epoxy and powder steel coatings for anticorrosion protection.

Aquarius was once again the only bidder to respond, this time with its $307,970 proposal for a vessel matching the city’s specifications.

The city only budgeted $120,000 for the vessel in fiscal 2023-24, which ends Sept. 30.

City attorney Erica Augello said that the commission could stipulate in its motion that the agreement’s execution is dependent on the city’s ability to obtain

funding.

Commission Chair Terry Schaefer, who serves as the commission’s liaison to the CWC, said city officials had been contemplating such a purchase for a long time. He said it was no longer time to “diddle around” with the item.

Commissioner Dan Diggins moved to authorize Titsworth to execute the agreement, with the stipulation that the city first identify and obtain funding.

There was no public comment.

In other matters…

City commissioners also:

• Unanimously voted to approve a $28,136.83 contract addendum to an agreement with Holmes Beachbased Kern & Gilder Construction to rebuild a trolley shelter at the corner of 50th Street and Gulf Drive that was damaged by a motorist;

• Unanimously voted to adopt a final reading of an ordinance allowing the city to implement speed detection systems in the Anna Maria Elementary school zone;

• Unanimously voted to approve Darcie Duncan’s reappointment to the Holmes Beach Municipal Police Officers’ Pension Board of Trustees for another twoyear term, expiring April 1, 2026;

• Unanimously voted to reappoint three members of the planning commission, including Jim McIntire, Richard Brown and Joseph Ireland.

The commission will meet next at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 25, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

A livestream of the meeting can be viewed on the city’s website, holmesbeachfl.org.

Sea oats planters sought

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 KMB, call 941-795-3490.

Sports ‘on the road,’ soccer champs, horseshoe and golf winners

By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter

Another season of adult soccer at the Center of Anna Maria Island came to an end June 13 with a championship game, this time pitting No. 2 seed Progressive Cabinetry against No. 4 Ross Built.

Tim Holly opened the game’s scoring in the fifth minute to give Ross Built a 1-0 lead. The score remained 1-0 until the end of the half thanks in part to goalie Max Gazzo, who was kept busy throughout the game — finishing with 14 saves.

A little past the midway point of the second half, Leo Gonzalez notched the equalizer, knotting the game at 1-1. Neither team was able to break through, sending the game to overtime.

Both teams battled to score in the five-minute overtime before Keith Mahoney scored in the last minute on an assist from Gonzalez to give the trophy to Progressive Cabinetry.

Gonzalez paced the Progressive Cabinetry offense with a goal and an assist, while Mahoney notched the eventual game-winner. Tyler Bekkerus helped preserve the victory with eight saves in goal.

Holly notched the lone goal for Ross Built, which also received 14 saves from Gazzo and two saves from Eliza Faillace in the loss.

Pilgrimage to Nicaragua

Champions! Progressive Cabinetry

Breslin, Ian McMahon and this writer — along with former area resident Matt Variot and Stuart resident Chase Kimptkon made the trek to Hacienda Iguana in Nicaragua for a week of surfing and downtime.

While the surf conditions did not turn out how they wanted, the boys managed to have a blast.

Forecasts showed they were traveling into a week of rainy days and worse — onshore winds — which tend to blow out the normally clean breaks that Playa Colorado is known for. For most of the week, the rain stayed away, but the waves weren’t up to standards. And the weekend was pretty much a complete washout.

To be fair, the boys got plenty of rides, but the Pacific Coast break was churning like a washing machine most of the week due to the constant onshore winds.

But it didn’t stop Ken Bowers from making it onto the NSR surf report webpage.

The group found other forms of entertainment to occupy their time, starting with round 1 of the Barefoot Invitational June 12. Playing a scramble, match-play format on the 2,888 yard, nine-hole course, the team of Matt Variot, Sean Breslin and this writer secured a one-up victory which was pretty much clinched by Variot’s 238-yard four-wood into the par-5 fifth hole that gave them a two-hole advantage after Breslin converted on the short birdie putt. A birdie putt by Lane Bowers on the ninth hole got them to within a hole, but the victory went to Variot, Breslin and Cassidy.

The rain pounded the area on the weekend, washing out round 2 of the Barefoot Invitational, putting a damper on the trip in the final couple of days.

But the islanders will return, no doubt.

Key Royale news

Golf action at the Key Royale Club in Holmes

Continued

Beach got started June 10 with the men’s modifiedStableford system match. Mike Cusato lapped the field with a plus-9, five points clear of second-place finishers Rod Hammonds and Ron Vandeman.

Members played a shamble on June 13 and the team of Mike Cusato, Ed Harrell and Terry Schaefer combined on a 1-over-par 65 to earn clubhouse bragging rights for the day. The team of Dom Livedoti, Chuck Patrick and Debi Wohlers was three strokes back in second place.

Horseshoe news

Horseshoe action on June 12 at the Anna Maria City Hall pits saw two teams advance to the knockout stage to determine a champion for the day. The team of Bob Hawks and Gary Howcroft cruised to a 22-10 victory over Bob Heiger and Tom Farrington to earn the day’s bragging rights.

The June 15 games also had two teams advance to the knockouts. The team of Herb Schutt and Dom Livedoti defeated Howcroft and Tim Sofran 22-14 to earn the day’s championship.

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

There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome.

Take a yoga break for summer and Save AMI Cities

Dana Sky, owner, Sky

Romero improve her yoga

helps

Sky invites people to flow into the summer at a fundraiser 8-11 a.m. Saturday, June 22, to benefit Save AMI Cities — a grassroots organization fighting island consolidation — on the lawn at the Waterline in Holmes Beach. People can grab their yoga mats and join in a meditative practice, featuring James Hershey on drums and 108 sun salutations. Islander Courtesy Photo

Moreover,

We’re committed to meeting your needs.

Longtime locals Ken Bowers, son Lane, Sean

Cassidy

Söl Yoga,

Kristina

pose.

Junior Martines, front, left, emily Bekkerus, Leo Gonzalez, Keith Mahoney, Back, Raul Loera, Tyler Bekkerus, Jacek Czajkowski, Alex Aviles and Osvaldo Cabello. Islander Photo: Courtesy CofAMI

Bob Hawks, left, and Gary Howcroft grip the trophy on winning the June 12 horseshoe games at Anna Maria. Islander Photo: AMI Pitchers

Fish early morning, evening for best hookup, weather chances

By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

With fast-moving scattered thunderstorms moving over Anna Maria Island from the Gulf of Mexico, anglers this week can find themselves dodging and even returning to the dock during morning fishing excursions.

This being a La Nina year, which typically occurs July through September, we can expect to see more frequent and intense storms that are tropical in nature. That said, this year we’re experiencing the symptoms a little early. Still, you can’t argue, we need the rain.

With the rain we had the week of June 10, you can bet that we will see some fish, such as snook and redfish, push out of the Manatee River, where the salinity levels drop, forcing fish to move into saltier areas such as Anna Maria Sound and Terra Ceia Bay. And while we might sacrifice a few fishing days here and there to the weather, at least there is a positive spin.

There should be more fish around, although getting them to bite is your next challenge. With water temps in the mid- to upper 80s and low 90s in some spots, you’re going to need to plan ahead to achieve the desired outcome.

Fishing in low-light conditions is a good way to start. Early morning from just before sunrise until 9 or 10 o’clock is probably best, as long as you can get that window to correspond with a good tide.

Evenings also can be good, especially with the strong outgoing tides we see this time of year.

And, of course, there are always the night trips. Fishing late night around lighted docks and bridge pilings can produce hookups on trophy-size snook during the summer, as well as good trout action depending on the location. And yes, fishing at night is tough because we’re supposed to be sleeping so we can work the next day. Still it’s worth it for a good bite.

Also, try fi shing deeper during the day, get off the flats and out of the bays and head into the Gulf of Mexico. It’s almost time for the mangrove snapper bite to turn on in the passes and on the artificial reefs.

Kolbie, left, Ryan “Dad” Kimpton and son Tip celebrate June 6 with Tip’s first beach snook, caught near the Pine Avenue beach access. The family traveled from nashville, Tennessee, for a vacation and some fishing. Ryan Kimpton reported catching and releasing approximately 20 snook per day using live greenbacks caught from the beach as bait.

If you’re equipped to travel well offshore, the American red snapper bite is quite good, as well as action on red grouper.

On my Just Reel charters, I am finding plenty of inshore action in Tampa Bay. Spotted seatrout are the most frequent catch, with some measuring up to 22 inches. Big trout are exploding on live free-lined shiners within seconds of the bait hitting the water.

Mixed in with trout are Spanish mackerel, ladyfish, jack crevalle and an unexpected number of small sharks. In many instances, the sharks are biting our trout in half as they’re being reeled in.

On shallower flats in Tampa Bay, I’m seeing an increase in snook catches. Most are measuring 20-30 inches. Again free-lined live shiners are the bait of choice. Since the snook are shallow, I’m getting the best action early in the morning before the water temps get too hot.

Capt. Johnny Mattay is finding plenty of action while fishing offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. Mattay says the American red snapper bite is as good as it gets, with limits of fish being caught daily. Live pinfish or an array of frozen bait are attracting the aggressive snappers to the hook. Most catches are 10-20 pounds.

After wearing out his clients on American red snapper, Mattay is giving them a break by targeting mangrove and yellowtail snapper. Although not as large as red snapper, the cousins are famous for their potential on the plate. For bait, small pieces of cut sardines work well.

Red grouper are around and are being caught over Swiss-cheese bottoms and live pinfish or threadfin herring are working as bait.

Moving inshore, Mattay is catching spotted seatrout, mackerel, jack crevalle and sharks around the deeper grass flats of Tampa Bay. On the shallow flats, snook are the main attraction, with respectable numbers being caught during a four-hour charter.

Capt. David White is fishing offshore on the days he’s not targeting tarpon along the beaches. While offshore, White is experiencing some exceptional action on American red snapper. Limits of American red snapper are the norm on these offshore trips with White and he’s not disappointed. Live and frozen baits are quickly being devoured before they even reach the bottom at depths of 150 feet.

Switching to slightly shallower depths around 100 feet is yielding plenty of red grouper. In fact, on most days limits of the fish are being caught. Mangrove and yellow tail snapper are also being reeled up in these areas, as well as some vermilion snapper.

Inshore, White is in pursuit of tarpon. Evening, outgoing tides are the top producers, as tarpon gather in the passes to feed on crabs. Catches are 75-100 pounds, with some larger examples mixed in.

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

Capt. David White and his clients, Dylan Trimble and Kane Atwood, both from Danville, Illinois, where White lived before he made the move to Florida, are showing off a tarpon in the 160-pound range caught June 4 on a live threadfin off the beach of AMI. Trimble now lives in Tampa but Atwood is still in Illinois. White was excited that the anglers “are ALL from Danville!”

Stasny

Longtime Islander Ken Bowers drops in on a nice leftie during a June 13 surfing session at Playa Colorado in Hacienda Iguana, nicaragua. Islander Photo: Kevin P. Cassidy

Nesting notes

By Masha Dolgoff

Tour de Turtles returns

The Sea Turtle Conservancy will arrive to Anna Maria Island June 23-24 to recruit an island entry for the 2024 Tour de Turtles marathon.

STC will capture and tag a sea turtle overnight June 23 and then release the turtle at 8:30 a.m. on Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach.

STC started Tour de Turtles 17 years ago and Anna Maria Island has been involved for seven of those years.

June 23-24, a sea turtle will be found during the night, tagged after nesting with a satellite transmitter and then held until release in the morning.

STC also will tag turtles in other locations in Florida, as well as in the Caribbean.

The science-side of the program is to gather information about sea turtle migration patterns via the satellite tags, as well as nesting patterns.

And the turtles also can be tracked by the public at tourdeturtles.org, helping generate interest and awareness.

“While we’re studying them for research, the public can also follow their migration,” Lexie Beach, STC communications coordinator, said June 13 in a phone interview with The Islander. “The event’s getting bigger and bigger every year.”

In 2023, about 300 people attended the release on Anna Maria Island of a loggerhead nicknamed Suzi.

This year, Beach said, the organization expects more than 400 people based on interest in a Facebook listing for the event.

Before Anna Maria Island was included as a loca-

tion, the conservancy had no Florida entries from the Gulf of Mexico in the Tour de Turtles.

Their location selection process factors in the importance of the beaches for sea turtle nesting. For example, Melbourne Beach is one of the most important nesting beaches in the state and is an important location for the tour.

“Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch reached out to us and asked us if we would be interested in satellite tracking turtles from their side of the state,” Beach said. “One of the biggest pieces, too, is the funding of the transmitter itself.”

AMITW said it would partner with the conservancy and fundraise for the transmitter.

Each year, AMITW finds a partner to sponsor the cost of the transmitter. This year, the partner is Hurricane Hanks, 5346 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

The conservancy also works with AMITW to determine which areas are best to look for nesting turtles. Sea turtles nest on Anna Maria Island MayOctober and AMITW patrols for nests every morning during the season.

Each turtle participating in the geotagged Tour de Turtles “marathon” will be swimming for a cause to help raise awareness on what can be done to protect sea turtles.

“Usually the Anna Maria Island turtle cause is light pollution — that is a big problem in the Anna Maria

A loggerhead named esther crawls June 20, 2022, into the Gulf of Mexico near Lifeguard Tower no. 10 at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. esther was the island’s 2022 entry into the Tour de Turtles. The turtle was tagged with a tracker before its release. Islander File

Island area,” Beach said.

Beach’s favorite part of the release is people getting a “once-in-a-lifetime experience” to see a sea turtle up close.

“They make such a big impact on the people that are there to see them, and then we want those people to hopefully go out and make a change,” Beach said.

AMITW’s report

AMITW reported heavy rain the week of June 10-16 was harsh but “most of our sea turtle nests survived.”

As of June 14, AMITW reported 268 sea turtle nests and 374 false crawls on AMI beaches.

AMITW also reported the first chick has hatched from a least tern colony in Bradenton Beach. There are 45 least terns and 20 nests in the colony. 421 Pine Avenue Anna Maria 6 BD 7 BA 3016 SF $3,925,000

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By Lisa Neff

Declining denial

There’s a “flat Earth” group with a home on the web that maintains it has believers “around the globe.”

That’s right, not across the flat but around the globe.

You’ve got to wonder, is it satire?

I read remarks by people denying climate change and also think, this must be satire, right?

But I know from comments sent to my email address and from polls at the state, national and global levels that there are people who do not believe climate change is happening. How many?

A minority of the general population.

A Yale University survey in December 2023 showed 72% of Americans believe in climate change.

The “climate opinion maps” from the university showed:

• 72% think global warming is happening;

• 58%, global warming is mostly caused by human activity;

• 63%, global warming is impacting weather;

• 44%, personally experienced impacts of global warming;

• 70%, global warming will harm plants, animal species;

• 79%, fund research into renewable energy;

• 74%, provide tax rebates for solar energy;

• 74%, regulate carbon dioxide — CO2 — as a pollutant;

• 36%, discuss global warming occasionally.

Meanwhile, the latest Florida Atlantic University Florida Climate Resilience Survey, released in late spring and conducted in March, found 90% of Floridians believe climate change is happening.

The FAU survey included questions on beliefs about climate change, experience with extreme weather events and support for climate-related policies.

The survey also showed belief in human-caused climate change has surged among Florida independents

to 64% while it slipped among Republicans to 40%. About 74% of Democrats believe climate change is happening and largely caused by humans.

About 68% of all respondents want the state to do more to address climate change and 69% want the federal government to do more.

“Floridians support strengthening our resilience to the effects of climate change because they are experiencing it,” Colin Polsky, FAU professor and founding director of FAU’s School of Environmental, Coastal and Ocean Sustainability., said in a news release.

Overall, 68% of those surveyed said climate change sparked concern for future generations.

Also, a majority — 67% — support climate education in K-12 classrooms.

The survey found differences in opinion based on the age of the respondents.

People under age 50 were more likely to believe that human activity is the cause of climate change — 66% — than those 50 and older — 50%.

Also, about 77% of people under age 50 wanted state government to do more to address climate change impacts compared to 59% of those 50 and older.

“Global warming became a major public issue in

1988,” Polsky said.

Fresh tracks

Resident Kathy Caserta, who has a bird’s eye view of the beach at 30th Street in Holmes Beach, tracks sea turtle nesting and other activities on the shore. She awakened June 9 to fresh sea turtle tracks reaching midway toward the dunes. Soon after, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers Hans-uwe Duerr and Birgit Kremer documented the nest. Caserta’s beachfront, as of June 16, had six nests. Islander Photo: Courtesy Kathy Caserta

On June 23, 1988, NASA scientist James Hansen testified before a U.S. Senate panel and predicted the year would be the world’s hottest on record in part due to the burning of fossil fuels. The AP, at the time, reported, “The ‘greenhouse effect’ global warming of the Earth is here.”

“The age 50 cutoff is therefore a good proxy for separating people whose formative years included this issue versus those who did not,” Polsky said.

Did you know?

Legislation signed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis that removes some references to climate change from state law will take effect July 1.

The measure also nullifies goals to move the state toward 100% clean energy by 2050, removes emissions reductions as a policy priority, bans wind turbines off Florida coasts and weakens regulations on natural gas pipelines.

The bill passed the Senate 28-12, including a nod from Jim Boyd, R, whose district includes AMI. The same for the House, 81-29, with AMI Rep. Will Robinson Jr., R, voting yes.

Maria, FL 34216

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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.

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.

SERVICES Continued

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.

HOME IMPROVEMENT Continued

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

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

LOOKInG FOR AnY home improvement?

JRCC Home Improvement, handyman service can get the job done. Please, contact us at 413-246-2410. We would love to help.

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

DOnALD PeRKInS PAInTInG LLC. Interior/exterior/pressure washing. Island references. dperkinspaint@hotmail.com. 941705-7096.

KITCHen CABIneTS DIReCT. Wholesale, installations from licensed contractor. Free quote, references available. Old cabinet removal! 941-465-3045.

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

AnnA MARIA GuLF beachfront vacation rentals. One- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941778-3143.

PeRICO ISLAnD PATIO home for rent. 3BR/2BA, 30-day minimum. Privacy fence/ gate, two miles to AMI. Call or text, 859-7716423. http://pericoislandrental.com/

AVAILABLe nOW AnD season: 1BR/1BA, seven-night minimum. carlesvacationrentals. com. Special rates are available. 941-8071405.

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

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

ISLAnDeR ARCHIVe. uofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

RENTALS Continued

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

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

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

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

PeRICO BAY CLuB deluxe villa. 2BR/2BA, garage, turnkey furnished. $3,000 monthly. Real estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

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

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.

JuLY RenTAL: HOLMeS Beach. 2BR/2BA bayside condo. Pool, tennis, pickleball, beautifully updated. Call Julie at 312-8353054 or email shellpointhaven@gmail. com for photos and details.

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.

REAL ESTATE

WInnIe MCHALe, ReALTOR, 941-5046146. Dalton Wade Real estate. You need an aggressive and experienced Realtor in today’s market! Selling island homes, Sarasota and Bradenton areas. Multi-milliondollar producer! “Selling Homes - Making Dreams Come True.”

REAL ESTATE Continued

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

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

AFFORDABLe, CLOSe 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.

By Robyn Murrell

LBK’s record sale

Real estate agents should answer every call — because a $19.75 million deal might be on the line.

Reid Murphy, an agent at Developers Realty LBK Inc., broke the Manatee County record for the sale price of a residence May 30 when he inked a deal for the 2.7-acre Ohana Estate, 6633 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key.

Murphy also has broken the record three times for the highest-selling property on Longboat Key.

The estate, managed by the Ohana Trustee LLC, which includes attorneys William Seider, Michael Wilson, Patrick Ryskamp and Thomas B. Luzier from Williams Parker, broke a record set in 2022 with the $16 million sale of a property at 100 Beach Ave., Anna Maria. Agent Charles Buky and the Coldwell Banker Buky real estate team listed the property.

Murphy told The Islander via phone May 31, “Any sale is a shocker right now. I found last season to be slow but, I will say, you need really special properties. There is still a buyer for them, it’s just not every day you find them.”

Murphy said the estate includes four structures, 10 bathrooms and seven bedrooms.

For more information, contact Murphy at 941-2323304 or go online to reidmurphy.com.

PropertyWatch

By Carol Bernard

Island real estate

611 Gulf Drive N., #A13, Bradenton Beach, a 745 sq ft 1BR/1BA Imperial House condo built in 1968, sold 5-3-2024 by Koerber to Byron for $341,000, list price, $350,000.

501 Gulf Drive N., #209, Bradenton Beach, a 1128 sq ft 2BR/2BA Bridgeport condo built in 1982 sold 5-21-2024 by Shumaker to Tucker for $505,000, list price, $534,900.

1801 Gulf Drive, #236, Bradenton Beach, a 1,080 sq ft 2BR/2BA Runaway Bay condo built in 1978, sold 5-9-2024 by Chandler to Novak for $515,000, list price, $524,999.

Concierge owners celebrate

Coquina Concierge is celebrating its first anniversary under the ownership of Elizabeth Bowman and John Sheerin.

June 12 marked their first year at the helm after acquiring Angell’s Total Management and rebranding as Coquina Concierge.

Coquina Concierge owners elizabeth Bowman and John Sheerin. Islander Courtesy Photo

Serving Longboat Key, Anna Maria Island and surrounding areas, Coquina Concierge offers home services, including housekeeping, landscaping and storm preparation.

“We had a good first year. There were some bumps in the road. However, this year we are hoping to grow and add more clients from Anna Maria Island and Bradenton,” Bowman told The Islander June 6.

She said most summer projects are outdoor and storm-related. “Our summer services focus on outdoor tasks like window washing, pressure-washing, landscape projects and handyman services. We also handle storm prep, securing cushions, and furniture and installing hurricane shutters,” Bowman said.

For more information, contact Coquina Concierge at 941-920-7065, coquinaservices@gmail.com or coquinapropertyservices.com.

L

234 17th St., Bradenton Beach, a 1,268 sq ft 3BR/2BA Bradenton Beach Club condo built in 2005, sold 5-22-2024 by TVG Property LLC to Henderson for $800,000, list price $825,000.

5400 Gulf Drive, #12, Holmes Beach, a 810 sq ft 1BR/1BA 5400 Gulf Drive condo built in 1964, sold 5-24-2024 by Carnevalini to Wolf for $362,000 list, price $399,000.

457 62nd St., Holmes Beach, a 688 sq ft 1BR/1BA 1,345 built in 1963, sold 5-9-2024 by Sanchez to Bacha for $417,500, list price, $420,000.

4307 Gulf Drive, #209, Holmes Beach, a 1,027 sq ft 2BR/2BA Cayman Cay condo built in 1974, sold 5-9-2024 by Fincke to Rendazzo for $490,000, list price, $499,000.

729 Manatee Ave., Holmes Beach, a 1,479 sq ft 2BR/2BAWestbay Cove condo built in 1977 sold 5-142024 by Tomasovich to Rick Trust, for $535,000, list price, $575,900.

449 63rd St., Holmes Beach, a 958 sq ft 2BR/2BA pool villa on a 2,500 sq ft lot built in 1963 sold 4-292024 by Molto to Thomas for $582,000, list price, $590,000.

6300 Flotilla Drive, #84, Holmes Beach, a 1,151 sq ft 2BR/2BA Shell Point condo built in 1973 sold 5-3-2024 by Ledoux to Mauer for $645,000, list price, $650,000.

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

BizCal

By Robyn Murrell

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.

July 9, 8-9:30 a.m., AMI chamber breakfast, Cheesecake Cutie & Café, 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.

July 25,5-7 p.m., AMI chamber business card exchange with Monkey Bus, Slicker’s Eatery, 12012 Cortez Road W., Bradenton. Send calendar listings to robyn@islander.org.

The sale of the Ohana estate, spanning 2.7 acres, is the highest price ever recorded on Longboat Key. The estate is at 6633 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Islander

Photo Courtesy: Reid Murphy

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