The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, April 21, 2021 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

VOLUME

Celebrate Earth!

NO. 26

APRIL 21, 2021 fRee

The Best news on Anna Maria island Since 1992

Astheworldterns. 6 AM planners send lot splits to commission. 3

Q&A 042121

#VaxupManatee. 4

Meetings. 4 Opinions. 6 10-20 YEARS AGO

looking back. 7

BB-DoT meeting set for reveal. 8 HB tracks state bills of interest. 9

Save a date. 10

Happenings Activities. 11 Center in red, appeals with fundraisers. 12 AME principal to retire. 13

Gathering. 14 Obituaries. 14

AMI’s racing sea turtle on return trek

islander.org

By Kelsey Mako islander reporter

Bortie the loggerhead sea turtle is on the move toward a familiar destination. Satellite tracking data shows Bortie — adopted by island turtle enthusiasts years ago — moving north in the Gulf toward Anna Maria Island, where the Sea Turtle Conservancy began tracking the loggerhead in 2018. STC is an international organization dedicated to helping endangered or threatened sea turtles survive through tracking, education and research. Bortie, as of April 13, was southwest of Cape Coral, south of AMI. In June 2018, Bortie was captured and outfitted with a tracking device after nesting at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. Bortie spent much of the past three years swimming in a feeding area near the Florida About 100 people watch in June 2018 as Bortie, a loggerhead sea turtle with a satellite Keys, Dan Evans of the Sea Turtle Conser- tracker attached to its shell, makes tracks on its path to the gulf of Mexico. islander file Turn To BoRtIe, pAgE 2

photo: Jack Elka

On watch for Piney Point pollution By lisa neff islander Editor

“He’s got a snook! Close to 30 inches,” Capt. Scott Moore shouted April 15. Moore was guiding a fishing trip in Terra Ceia. Mote to focus on awareHis delight that morning diverged from ness at city pier. 16 the dismay of April 14, when he had steered Stilt-house owner puts his boat to Bishop Harbor to assess condifaith in lawmaker. 17 tions after an estimated 215 million gallons of wastewater flowed from the defunct Piney Cops&Courts 18-19 Point phosphorus plant to the Tampa Bay estuary. Streetlife. 18 Controlled discharges began March 30 and continued until April 9 in an effort to Committee halts horseback riding debate. 20 avoid a large-scale breach at the site and the collapse of the phosphogypsum stack Shorebird season system. Some “low-level” seepage from a begins. 22 containment area was observed after authorized discharges ceased and, as of April 14, about 222 million gallons remained in the protect land, lots of compartment. land. 23 On April 14, Moore observed brown and greenish water at Bishop Harbor. He didn’t Women’s golf tops find dead fish, but he noticed a lack of fish. scorecard at KrC. 24 “On the other side of the Skyway, the water’s not so good,” Moore told The Springtime fishing. 25 Islander April 15. island cities eye tourism The Holmes Beach captain, who’s $$$. 26 guided charters for four decades and in 2019 was inducted into the Manatee County ISL BIZ: revolving Agriculture Hall of Fame for his conservadoors. 27 tion efforts, remains chiefly concerned with CLASSIFIEDS. 28 a cascading impact from the nutrient-rich — red tide, fish kills, seagrass PropertyWatch. 30 wastewater destruction, habitat loss. The pollution in Bishop Harbor isn’t the puzzle. first from Piney Point. Waste dumped there

NYT

Estate to donate preserve land to HB By ryan paice islander reporter

Capt. Scott Moore of Holmes Beach on the water April 15. Moore is guiding fishing charters on and around Tampa Bay and also keeping watch following the discharge of nutrient-heavy water from the piney point phosphate site. islander Courtesy photo

in 1970 killed fish and about 170 million gallons of polluted water spilled into the harbor and Tampa Bay in 2011. “We’ve been going through this for years, since the ’60s. There is no excuse. This shouldn’t have happened,” said Moore, who lays blame on Piney Point ownership and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Holmes Beach soon will have a new preserve to neighbor Grassy Point. City commissioners voted 5-0 April 13 to authorize Mayor Judy Titsworth to sign Earth Day 2021 an agreement to receive the “Hames Family Preserve” — more than 22 acres of upland and submerged lands adjacent to the preserve — from the estate of Cedar Hames, who died in 2018. The agreement states, “The city’s acceptance of title to the property is for the purpose of promoting open space, preserving protected lands and providing flood and climate change mitigation.” Nora Scholin, a surviving sister and estate representative, told commissioners she is giving the city all but three residential parcels from the 26-acre property. “It was very difficult to try to preserve as much of this property as possible, but I was very determined to do that,” Scholin said. “It’s up to you to move forward with this.” The agreement establishes that the city must continue to identify the propTurn To pReseRVe, pAgE 5

Turn To pollutIoN, pAgE 5

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vancy said April 13 by phone. Tracking devices are used to learn about turtle activity beyond nesting. The devices collect information on depth, temperature and swim speed in some cases, Evans said. The devices also send signals to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather satellites to calculate locations. STC updates tracking maps daily. The organization is tracking 17 turtles. To boost support for turtle conservation, STC uses the tracking to run a race, Tour de Turtles, so people can watch to see which STC tagged turtle will swim the furthest. “They try to get people to engage in the cause,” said Suzi Fox, executive director of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, which partners with STC and has helped identify local sponsors for the Tour de Turtles. Through funding, as well as sponsorships from local businesses — each tracker costs about $5,000 — AMITW aims to track one sea turtle a year. In 2018, Bortel’s Lounge, 10002 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, sponsored Bortie through a partnership with AMITW. A year later Bortel’s sponsored Bortie 2, another loggerhead, who’s tracker lasted 241 days, stopping off the coast of Cuba. Fox and AMITW volunteers assist, but Evans does the tagging on AMI under a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission permit. Observations gained by tracking Bortie have been unusual for several reasons, Evans said. After being tagged in Bradenton Beach in 2018, Bortie swam south toward a feeding area, Evans said. Then Bortie turned to swim north toward Siesta Key. When the tracker showed Bortie to be near Siesta Key, shore monitors found two nests and a false crawl, which is when a sea turtle crawls on the beach to nest but abandons the effort.

people watch June 19, 2018, as Bortie, a loggerhead sea turtle, is released at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach after being outfitted with a tracking device. islander file photo

Earth Day 2021

“We don’t get that many opportunities to track a turtle for two nesting seasons,” Evans said. Evans said it will be interesting to see whether Bortie returns to Siesta Key or Anna Maria Island.

More news

For more news about AMITW and sea turtles, go to page 22.

To contact

For more information on Bortie and sea turtle tracking, go to conserveturtles.org. For more information about AMITW, go to islandturtlewatch.com.

Bortie the sea turtle continues April 16 on a north track in the gulf of Mexico, seen through Sea Turtle Conservancy’s satellite tracking. islander Screenshot: Sea Turtle Conservancy

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AM planners send lot splits to commission By Amy V.T. Moriarty Islander Reporter

The owners of 302 Coconut Ave., Anna Maria, will be permitted to divide their lot to build two singlefamily dwellings. A unanimous recommendation came from city planners April 5 and city commissioners approved it April 8. Concerned with increased density driving out residents and a trend among property owners to split larger lots to accommodate two vacation rentals, reducing resident homeowners, planning and zoning board members wanted to determine how many more properties could be split. The city is working on an amendment to an ordinance governing lot splits but it could not be applied in the case for 302 Coconut Ave. because the request for a permit to split the lot came first, city attorney Becky Vose advised. The P&Z members voted to forward to commissioners a draft of an ordinance regarding lot splits for a public hearing and second reading. Board member Maureen Cote abstained, as she owns a construction company that does business in the city. The draft ordinance states: “The division of land for the purposes of creating additional residential density, residential dwelling units and/or additional buildable lots for residential development is strictly prohibited.” According to Manatee County Property Appraiser records, 53 “double” or similarly sized lots remain in the city, Minor said. The ordinance seeks to amend a minimum lot for a single-family dwelling to 7,500 square feet with at least 50 feet of frontage. The ordinance amendment was not on the April 8 city commission agenda. But when it is, if commissioners approve it, the city would be required in accordance with the Bert J. Harris Jr., Private Property Rights Protection Act

Q&A 042121

The Islander poll

Sean Kelly, an attorney representing the owners of 302 Coconut Ave., renews his clients’ request April 5 that Anna Maria planners approve splitting a lot at the location. Islander Photo: Amy V.T. Moriarty

of 1995 to notify the owners of the 53 properties that would no longer be eligible for lot division. The property owners would have a year to file a claim for damages, which would equate to the difference in property value for a single-family dwelling versus the value of the property if split to accommodate two single-family dwellings, Vose said. Claimants’ attorney fees could also be payable as damages, she said. The draft ordinance is set to go to commissioners for review at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 22. City planners are next set to meet at 2:30 p.m. Monday, May 17. Anna Maria City Hall is at 10005 Gulf Drive. For more information, call the clerk’s office at 941708-6130.

Last week’s question Earth Day will be celebrated April 22. How will you mark the day? 57%, It’s just another day. 21%, Commit to do more for the environment. 14%, Donate to a cause. 7%, Plant a tree. 0%, Post on social media. This week’s question National Arbor Day is April 30. What’s your favorite island tree? A. Sabal palm. B. Australian pine. C. Live oak. D. Gumbo limbo. E. Sea grape. To take the poll, go online to islander.org.

Happy Earth Day! Earth Day is April 22. Throughout this issue of The Islander, readers will find stories tied to the environment and its importance to Anna Maria Island. We encourage readers to celebrate the holiday and to share photos of their celebrations with The Islander. Email photos to news@islander.org.

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County pushes #VaxUpManatee By ryan paice islander reporter

Manatee County is pulling out the stops to encourage people to get their COVID-19 vaccines. But it may be a struggle for the Manatee population to reach herd immunity. County information outreach manager Nicholas Azzara told The Islander April 16 that the county launched the #VaxUpManatee campaign April 8 in an effort to increase the number of inoculated residents. The Manatee County Public Safety and Health departments had vaccinated 156,377 residents as of April 16, according to a COVID-19 report from the same day. Around 70%-80% of the population must be inoculated for the county to reach herd immunity — the point at which so many people are vaccinated that the virus struggles to spread from person to person — according to Azzara. Only 38% of Manatee County’s 411,000 residents were vaccinated as of April 16 and demand for the vaccine was on the decline. Now enters the #VaxUpManatee campaign. The county launched a #MaskUpManatee campaign last year, during the onset of the novel coronavirus in Florida and the early promotion of mask use. The collaborative effort involves about 50 government, nonprofit and business organizations. “It’s been really valuable to have everybody pulling in the same direction,” Azzara said. “So we’re going to be calling up that coalition next week to tell them about this and see if they want to be a part of this through social media or other methods.” The county posted April 8 on social media about the #VaxUpManatee campaign and shared a frame people can apply to images to show they have received a vaccine without showing their vaccination cards and the personal information contained on the cards. County staff also created stickers to promote the campaign, featuring a manatee with a face mask and a bandage where it received a shot, as a giveaway at vaccination sites. Azzara said a main objective of the campaign is A symbol — and social media profile frame — for Manatee County’s #VaxupManatee campaign. islander Courtesy graphic

Meetings

Anna Maria City April 22, 6 p.m., city commission. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941708-6130, cityofannamaria.com.

Motorists wait in line April 10 for a CoViD-19 vaccine at the Tom Bennett park vaccination site in Bradenton. islander photos: ryan paice

to combat misinformation about vaccines by hosting events with local medical professionals to address popular misconceptions and vaccine hesitancy, especially among younger crowds. “The demand just is not there like it was in January and February,” Azzara said. “It was about two weeks ago when we recognized we weren’t getting the kinds of volume of younger people enrolling that we were with the seniors.” He said the county’s vaccine standby registry filled with thousands of seniors at once when it opened last December to people ages 65 and over and, by March, everyone registered from that age group had been inoculated. However, when the county lowered the age restriction for the standby registry to 18 and over, it didn’t see the same influx of registrants despite having a similarly sized population. “I’ll be honest, it was a real surprise to my team,” Azzara said. “It was my guess that we were going to have to try hard to have seniors buy into the vaccination and it was going to be young people that would line up in droves for it, but it’s been the exact opposite.” “Younger people, for whatever reason, were not as interested in it,” he added. Azzara said campaign members would attend different upcoming youth group meetings, such as the Manatee Young Professionals, to make presentations promoting the vaccine rollout effort. “There are a lot of different reasons people are hesitant,” Azzara said. “And that’s perfectly fine — we don’t want to force the vaccine on anybody who’s not interested in having it — but it is our duty as a county to provide information to the public that is accurate.” The campaign began as the county closed its registry April 12 and prepared to open for a first-come, first served vaccine distribution event at Tom Bennett Park 8 a.m.-noon Wednesday, April 21. Patients receiving their first dose at the event will

WMFR administration building, 6510 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-761-1555, wmfr.org. Manatee County None announced. County administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee. org.

Bradenton Beach April 21, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. April 22, noon, city commission. Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com. Also of interest April 21, 2 p.m., Coalition of Barrier Island Holmes Beach Elected Officials, Anna Maria City Hall. April 21, 10 a.m., code compliance. April 30, last day of the regular legislative sesApril 22, 11:30 a.m., police pension. sion. — lisa neff April 27, 6 p.m., commission. Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Editor’s note: Some meetings may be conducted 941-708-5800, holmesbeachﬂ.org. virtually and some in-person and virtual. Please, send meeting notices to calendar@ West Manatee Fire Rescue islander.org and news@islander.org. None announced.

A Manatee County health care worker administers a CoViD-19 vaccine April 10 to Bradenton resident Cristyne ramirez at a Department of Health vaccination site at Tom Bennett park in Bradenton.

receive their second doses Wednesday, May 19. The public safety center vaccine site will continue to administer second doses until it closes Friday, April 30, which will leave Tom Bennett Park as the only public vaccination site. Then the county will assess how long the park vaccination sit must remain operational. Azzara said the #VaxUpManatee campaign would likely continue even if the county’s public safety and health departments close all vaccination sites. J&J hold nonissue for county rollout Gov. Ron DeSantis announced April 13 that he would follow the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendation to pause the distribution of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines due to clotting concerns. Due to the hold — which began after six women of the 7 million people vaccinated reported cases of a rare type of blood clot disorder — all state mobile vaccination sites were closed April 17-18. However, Azzara said the hold wouldn’t have much of an impact for the county’s vaccination sites. “I can tell you with certainty that zero of the 150,000-160,000 doses that have been administered in the county-operated distribution points were Johnson & Johnson,” Azzara said.

Coronavirus stats

The state has been documenting coronavirus statistics since March 2020. In Florida there have been: • 2,155,744 positive cases as of April 16. • 34,330 deaths as of April 16. The latest numbers for Manatee County: • 36,646 positive cases as of April 16, which is an increase of 858 from the week prior. • 1,501 hospitalizations as of April 16, an increase of 13 from a week prior. • 648 deaths as of April 16, an increase of 11 from a week prior. On the island, there have been: • 67 cases in Anna Maria as of April 16. There has been no increase from the week prior. • 105 cases in Bradenton Beach as of April 16 — an increase of three from the week prior. • 205 cases in Holmes Beach as of April 16. There has been no increase from the week prior.

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mental organizations sampled water quality. The DEP reported April 14 it was “working rigModeling for the area also occurred, as researchorously to get innovative technologies up and run- ers with the University of South Florida used comning as quickly as possible” so “any future necessary puter simulation to forecast the trajectory of the discharges are pretreated to minimize any ecological wastewater contaminants. impacts.” In the political arena, Gov. Ron DeSantis, flanked April 12 by Manatee County commissioners and state lawmakers at Piney Point, announced $15.4 million from the DEP budget would be reallocated to fund pretreatments of wastewater. The governor also said, “I have requested that DEP’s team of engineers and scientists develop plans for the permanent closure of this site, including identifying the necessary resources to do so.” The cost could be $100 million or more. On the water that day and throughout the week ending April 18, the DEP, institutions and environpollutIoN ConTinuED froM pAgE 1

HB declares emergency over Piney Point crisis

Holmes Beach city commissioners voted 5-0 April 13 to adopt a resolution declaring a state of emergency for the discharge of wastewater from the Piney Point plant site. A state of emergency allows the city to exercise emergency powers and access state and federal emergency funding. City attorney Patricia Petruff said she wrote the resolution with concern that the discharge of wastewater from Piney Point could adversely impact Holmes Beach and Anna Maria Island as a whole. “It is thought that if we have something like this available and the city has to expend funds to address issues caused by the discharge that it will make it easier to access funding to replace taxpayers’ dollars,” Petruff said. “I think it’s important,” Commissioner Terry Schaefer said. “I like what it says and stands for.” — ryan paice

BB continues state of emergency over Piney Point

Bradenton Beach city commissioners unanimously voted April 14 to continue a resolution that was first approved April 8, declaring a state of emergency for the crisis at Piney Point. The resolution gives the city the ability to exercise emergency powers, should the discharge of wastewater from Piney Point impact the city and the surrounding waters. Contaminated water was released beginning March 30 after a leak had been discovered days earlier and continued as reservoir containment walls threatened to collapse. The next emergency special commission meeting will be at 9:15 a.m. Wednesday, April 21, at the Katie Pierola Commission Chambers. — Kelsey Mako

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

The USF team said April 15 that the highest nutrient concentrations occurred along Tampa Bay’s lower east coast and that the Piney Point plume had spread north to the Little Manatee River and south to the Manatee River. Researcher Bob Weisberg described the wastewater as sloshing back and forth with the tides, moving south from Port Manatee, diluting and making its way to the Gulf of Mexico. USF College of Marine Science dean Tom Frazer said, “We’re starting to put together the pieces of the story.” Moore, on the water April 14 and April 15, observed the monitors and modelers. “I’ve never seen so many different boats taking water samples,” he said. “So we are going to know whether things are right or wrong.”

Get updates A computer simulation models the trajectory of contaminants in wastewater released into Tampa Bay from the retired piney point phosphate plant. Areas of highest concentration are indicated by orange and yellow colors. islander image: uSf College of Marine Science Circulation lab

For updates on the Piney Point crisis, follow @FLDEPNews on Twitter. Also, go online to protectingfloridatogether. gov/pineypointupdate and www.mymanatee.org. To see water sampling data, go online to floridadep.gov.

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erty as the Hames Family Preserve in perpetuity, regardless of use. Mayor Judy Titsworth said the land is not zoned as a preserve, so it could be used in a multitude of ways. She said the city wouldn’t immediately rezone. “We don’t want to do that because it would limit what we could do with it,” Titsworth said. The agreement includes a provision requiring the city to pay $41,200 upon closing to reimburse Scholin for her purchase of mitigation credits and an appraisal for the property. Scholin encouraged the city to set the closing date as soon as possible because the deadline to donate the property before the estate closes passed. She said a judge granted an extension through this month to donate the property but might not wait longer. “That’s why I was hoping to wrap this up by March,” Scholin said. “If it reverts back to the daughters, it complicates things seriously.” “The sooner we can do this, the better!” she added. Titsworth suggested a 45-day timeline for closing the agreement — setting a deadline for closure May 28 — but working to close before then. Scholin agreed to the recommended terms. “Tomorrow I’ll call my attorney and have him submit a request to extend the deadline out to then,” Scholin said.

Earth Day 2021

The estate of Holmes Beach resident Cedar Hames, who died in 2018, agreed April 13 to donate part of the 26-acre highlighted property south of grassy point preserve to the city. islander Courtesy photo: Manatee County property Appraiser

Commissioners expressed their gratitude to her. “I think this is a very generous donation to our city at a very important time,” Commissioner Terry Schaefer said. “I just want to express my appreciation.” “This is a super generous donation,” Commissioner Jayne Christenson said. “We’re honored that our city will be the recipient of beautiful land like this.” “It’s a great opportunity for the city,” Commission Chair Jim Kihm said. There was no public comment.

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Opinion

Our

Do no harm

Do you remember when you first heard someone say, “Leave only footprints in the sand?” How about Iron Eyes Cody, the “Crying Indian” who sprang onto your television screen in 1971 in Keep America Beautiful public service announcements? The wistful message began with the actor in Native American garb, paddling a canoe on tranquil waters that increasingly became polluted. As he steps ashore toward a busy highway, pondering the pollution he just witnessed, a bag of trash is thrown from a car, scattering fast-food waste at his feet. The commentator interjects: “Some people have a deep, abiding respect for the natural beauty that was once this country. And some people don’t.” Cue the close-up for Cody as a tear falls slowly from one eye. The message was simple. “Pollution hurts all of us.” The “tear” message saturated TV and magazine ads, billboards and other media, and won many prizes — even as the best commercial of all time. The tear became famous. It may seem hokey in hindsight, but the message was received. The movement took hold. I find myself growling, expressing helplessness when I see trash flung from a moving car. Likewise for a burning cigarette butt hurled out a window. The same goes for cigarette butts cast with the tide into the weed line on the beach. Litterbugs are the reason we can’t let go. In my small neighborhood, where I walk the streets daily with my cairn terrier and a “doggy pickup bag,” I sometimes collect dozens of cigs and cigarillo tips a day, plus beverage containers and all manner of trash — mostly from the workers installing a new water main, but also from a neighbor who disregards his frequently spilled trash at the curb. Several of us have grown tired of the cleanup routine — and the oblivious attitude. For me, awareness started with Lady Bird Johnson, first lady 1963-69, who summarized her legacy: “To me …beautification means our total concern for the physical and human quality we pass on to our children and the future.” Many of us feel cleaning up after trashy people on Anna Maria Island is a duty to Mother Nature. For Earth Day, we must strive always to be better.

Earth Day 2021

— Bonner Joy, news@islander.org.

APRIL 21, 2021 • Vol. 29, No. 26 Publisher, Co-editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org ▼ Editorial Editor lisa neff, lisa@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org Jack Elka, jack@jackelka.com Kane Kaiman, kane@islander.org Kelsey Mako, kelsey@islander.org Amy V.T. Moriarty, amym@islander.org ryan paice, ryan@islander.org ▼ Contributors Johann Bertram Karen riley-love Capt. Danny Stasny, fish@islander.org ▼ Advertising Director Toni lyon, toni@islander.org ▼ Webmaster Wayne Ansell ▼ Office Manager, lisa Williams info@, accounting@, classifieds@, subscriptions@islander.org ▼ Distribution urbane Bouchet ross roberts Judy loden Wasco (All others: news@islander.org) ▼

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Your

Opinion

Planning for the beach

Oh, please, boo hoo to you. Snipe all you want officials. When I was a kid, it was tradition that our family would pack the car the night before our beach day, leave at the crack of dawn for our 90-minute trip to the beach because we wanted to get a parking spot, and we always did. So people, plan your beach day ahead. With all due respect to Manatee Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge: Set your alarm, get to the beach early. A no-brainer really. Also, what’s up with threatening Holmes Beach’s mayor. I’ll end with this: I agree with Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth. I also would not want to meet up with you without the chief of police. Jan Jenkinson, Anna Maria

Trafﬁc troubles

The time has come for serious attention to the traffic situation on Anna Maria Island. I have lived on the island for 20 years and never in those years have I encountered the traffic situation encountered April 10, a Saturday. We had been off the island and were returning about 6:30 p.m. We had no trouble returning to the island but, once in Holmes Beach, traffic was backed up on Marina and Gulf drives, as well as Holmes Boulevard. Also, drivers were rude, not allowing others to

Skimming online …

Web (register for free news alerts) islander.org Facebook @islandernewspaper Twitter @ami_islander Instagram @theislanderami Pinterest @islandernewspaper E-edition For $36 a year or $99 for a lifetime, e-edition subscribers have access to the weekly e-edition, with page-by-page views of all the news, photos, columns, community announcements and advertisements. To subscribe, visit islander.org. make left turns. The Holmes Beach police chief indicated that traffic lights can be adjusted to speed departures from the island. If this has been done, it is not working, as evidenced by the gridlock April 10. If the congestion continues, it will impact business. Action needs to be taken, If all else fails, perhaps the police department can provide officers to direct traffic at Gulf Drive and Manatee Avenue and at Manatee Avenue and East Bay Drive. Melissa Snyder, Holmes Beach

Have your say in The Islander The Islander accepts original letters of up to 250 words and reserves the right to edit for grammar and length. Letters must include name, address and a contact phone number (for verification). Anonymous letters will not be printed. Please, email news@ islander.org.

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From the archives

White sand, blue water A postcard for Manatee public Beach celebrates the location — “Situated in the heart of Anna Maria island, Manatee Beach offers beautiful white sand, warm gulf waters and a great place to enjoy good food. located on florida’s West Coast.” The public beach was established in 1952.

Taking reservations A postcard promoting the Blue Water Beach Club — constructed as the Blue Water Beach Apartments in 1958 at 6306 gulf Drive in Holmes Beach. The back reads, “A delightful beach resort on the gulf. Motel rooms, studios and apartments with kitchenettes. All rooms air conditioned, color TV, heated pool, shuffleboard courts and blue water of the gulf of Mexico.” The card is not dated. islander images: Courtesy Manatee County public library

10&20 years ago

In the April 18, 2001, issue

• The top headline read, “Lots of people, lots of traffic, few problems on holiday weekend” as The Islander reported about 40,000 people gathered at Coquina Beach over the Easter weekend. • Bradenton Beach officials were planning to hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony to inaugurate the designation of Gulf Drive as a scenic highway. • Anna Maria commissioners met for five hours and debated increasing parking fines and hiring a collection agency for unpaid tickets.

In the April 20, 2011, issue

• Some Anna Maria residents rallied to oppose two proposals for cell towers at the Anna Maria Island Community Center. • After more than 11 months of debate, Anna Maria commissioners adopted a parking plan for Pine Avenue, requiring all new developments along the roadway to provide parking. • Musician Mike Sales put out a call for dancers to help create the world’s longest conga line on sand. He was planning an event on the Gulf shore in Bradenton Beach. — lisa neff

Share from your archives Got old photographs, postcards or newsclippings of AMI

in your memory boxes or photo albums? Make a photo or scan, write a recollection and share one with The Islander. We welcome submissions at news@islander.org and calendar@islander.org.

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BB-DOT off-record bridge settlement meeting set for reveal By Kane Kaiman islander reporter

Give us the juicy details. Bradenton Beach city attorney Ricinda Perry teleconferenced with Florida Department of Transportation lawyers April 16 to discuss the city’s concerns with a DOT proposal to replace the 17-foot-clearance Cortez drawbridge with a 65-foot-clearance fixed-span. Due to Florida’s Sunshine Law, the details of the meeting will not be disclosed to the commission or the public until the next commission meeting, Thursday, April 22, Perry said. perry DOT chief counsel for District 1, Angela Tucker, contacted Perry to coordinate the meeting. “What I was told was that the DOT would like to hear the concerns that we have, what aesthetic issues there are and discuss settlement ideas, as well as aesthetic accoutrements or improvements that could be made to the larger bridge they were planning to install,” Perry said April 14, before the conference. “I think this is an excellent opportunity that I don’t want to miss,” she added. “It’s my hope that coming out of the meeting, I’ll be able to make an opportunity for all the parties involved to sit down and vet out the issue.”

Perry said there is a chance Bradenton Beach will step back from the ongoing lawsuit, even if the settlement meeting is fruitless. “That’s always a possibility, because the commissioners are responsible for protecting the treasury of the city. And they have to do an analysis to determine whether or not the funds are there to support the litigation,” she said. Bradenton Beach city commissioners unanimously voted March 18 to direct Perry to coordinate Eyes on the road with outside counsel to become the fifth complainant The Florida Department of Transportation posted in a case that is moving toward mitigation against the no notices for the week. DOT’s megabridge proposal. The motion included a For the latest road watch information, go online to $15,000 allocation for participating in the lawsuit. swflroads.com or dial 511. The city has not secured outside counsel or filed And, a reminder, a fare-free trolley operates daily a notice of joinder. on Anna Maria Island. On April 8, commissioners voted 4-1 to reduce — lisa neff the lawsuit allocation to $5,000.

RoadWatch

Place portrait photo here

The Cortez drawbridge, which spans the intracoastal Waterway and connects Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria island to Cortez on the mainland, opens April 1 to accommodate a sailboat. islander photo: Kane Kaiman

Perry indicated at the April 8 meeting that the case could wind up costing the city six figures. “There’s no sense in spending that kind of money if we can work something out,” Perry said. Former County Commissioner McClash Joe McClash leads the current group of complainants, which includes former County Commissioner Jane von Hahmann, a Cortez resident, as well as Linda Molto and Joe Kane, both Cortez residents. McClash said the April 16 meeting was in line with the group’s goal to involve Bradenton Beach in their effort and bring the DOT to the settlement table. The DOT has agreed to meet the anti-megabridge coalition for another informal settlement meeting after the department produces a draft administrative record that details how the agency came to its decision to build the high bridge. The deadline for getting those materials to McClash and his co-complainants was April 19, after Islander press time. “I think it’s all positive,” McClash said April 15. “Bradenton Beach is actively opposing the 65-foot bridge, and it doesn’t concern me that they’ve reduced their budget a little bit. I think they’ll spend whatever resources they are comfortable with.”

Milestones

The Islander welcomes photographs and notices of milestones. Submit announcements and photographs to news@islander.org.

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HB tracks state bills of interest, some good, some bad By ryan paice islander reporter

Florida’s 2021 legislative session isn’t over. But it is winding down. And Holmes Beach officials are making sure state lawmakers hear their opinions. Holmes Beach commissioners voted 5-0 April 13 to adopt a resolution supporting a pair of legislative bills — Senate Bill 596 and House Bill 6023 — that would repeal state preemption of tree pruning, trimming and removal regulations. The bills would repeal previous state preemptions by restoring “the rights of local governments to enact and/or enforce local ordinance and regulations related to pruning, trimming, or removal of trees on residential property within their respective corporate limits.” Commissioner Carol Soustek said the bills are important to the city and, if passed, the city could resume work that ended in 2019 on a tree protection ordinance. “We almost had a tree ordinance done and it was snatched away,” Soustek said. “Now, you see people cutting down trees right and left because they gave them loopholes.” The tree bills were introduced by state Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, and Sen. Linda Stewart, D-Orlando. The House held a first reading March 2 but had yet to discuss it further as of April 15, while the Senate measure remained with the Rules Committee. City commissioners unanimously voted to adopt another resolution, this one opposing House Bill 883 and its companion, Senate Bill 60, which would prevent code enforcement departments from investigating anonymous complaints. City attorney Patricia Petruff said the measures could impact the city’s ability to combat violations. “Traditionally, code enforcement complaints have been allowed to be anonymous because, frankly, a lot of people are frightened of retaliation from their neighbors,” Petruff said.

The House bill, introduced by state Rep. Tobin Overdorf, R-Port St. Lucie was undergoing discussion by the State Affairs Committee. It passed through the Public Integrity & Elections Committee. The Senate companion bill for the elimination of anonymous complaints was introduced by Sen. Jennifer Bradley, R-Fleming Island. It passed March 25 in the Senate on a 27-11 vote on a third reading. Holmes Beach’s resolutions directed city clerk Stacey Johnston to send the documents to Gov. Ron DeSantis, the leaders of both legislative chambers, the Florida League of Cities and Manatee County municipalities. The legislative session began March 2 and will adjourn April 30. The city previously adopted a resolution urging Florida legislators to oppose any measure that would prohibit the municipality from regulating vacation rentals, such as House Bill 219 and its companion, Senate Bill 522, both still in play in the respective houses.

The bills would preempt vacation rental regulations established after 2011 to the state. The House bill was introduced by state Rep. Jason Fischer, R-Duval County, and is in the Ways & Means Committee after passing through the Regulatory Reform Subcommittee in February. Sen. Manny Diaz Jr., R-Hialeah filed the companion bill in the Senate, where it is in review by the Rules Committee, having passed through the Appropriations Committee March 11 on a 13-5 vote. Another bill of interest to island officials would allow counties to dip into revenue derived from a the tourist development tax on rental accommodations of six months or less to combat sea level rise — a major issue on the island’s horizon. The House bill on the “bed tax” was introduced by state Rep. Bryan Avila, R-Miami Springs. It passed in the House March 14 on a 114-2. The senate companion bill — introduced by Diaz — was is in the Community Affairs Committee for discussion as of April 15.

Moving on? Dredge equipment remains April 17 in Tampa Bay about 600 feet from the Anna Maria City pier. The equipment, deployed by Weeks Marine for a longboat Key beach renourishment project, was to be removed by April 8, according to Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy, but it remained April 17. Murphy said, “They are using Tampa Bay as their staging area … We don’t like it but have no jurisdiction over the water.” islander photo: Amy V.T. Moriarty

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The Islander Calendar

Compiled by lisa neff, email calendar@islander.org.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ONGOING ON AMI

Throughout April, “Line<Color<Form,” three-dimensional works by Susan Maas, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648. Throughout April, Jodi Tshida and Dee Pastorius, featured artists, Artists’ Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694. AHEAD ON AMI May 1, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Beach’n Food Truck Festival, Holmes Beach. May 13, Center of Anna Maria Island’s Marshall Tucker Band outdoor concert, Anna Maria. June 4, Center of Anna Maria Island’s Journey outdoor concert, Anna Maria. July 24, Anna Maria Island Privateers Christmas in July party, Bradenton Beach. Sept. 16-26, Island Players’ performance of “The Savannah Sipping Society,” Anna Maria. Outdoor action Nov. 4-14, Island Players’ Same Time, Next Year,” Anna A workout takes place on the grounds at the Center of Anna Maria island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Maria. The center is hosting a cookout, with hot dogs and burgers, part of a springtime “fun day,” with outdoor activities, performances, recognition and remarks, Saturday, April 24. Hours will be 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the ONGOING OFF AMI center. islander Courtesy photo Through May 16, “Frans Hals: Detecting a Decade,” John and OFF AMI Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. COMMUNITY Fee applies. Information: 941-359-5700. Thursday, April 22 ONGOING ON AMI Through May 16, “Larry Rivers: Boston Massacre from the 11 a.m.-4 p.m. — Earth Day celebration, Longboat Island Ringling collection,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island breakChapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-359- fast and meeting, Gulf Drive Cafe, 900 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton 941-383-6491. 5700. Beach. Information: 941-778-1383. Saturday, April 24 Through June 27, “Kabuki Modern,” John and Mable Ringling Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island lunch meet9 a.m. — Master gardener tour, Perico Preserve, 11700 ManaMuseum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Infor- ing, in-person at Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton tee Ave. W., Perico Island. Information: perico_preserve.eventbrite. mation: 941-359-5700. Beach, and via Zoom. Information: 941-920-2505. com. Through June 27, “Roy Lichtenstein: Monet’s Garden Goes Tuesdays into May, Anna Maria Farmers Market, City Pier Park, ONGOING OFF AMI Pop!” Mary Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130. Fee applies. Information: 941-366-5731. Bradenton Marauders baseball, LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. ONGOING OFF AMI W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-747-3031, bradentonKIDS & FAMILY First Fridays, 10 a.m., Parkinson’s Support Group, Paradise marauders.com. Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Information: 941-926ON AMI AHEAD OFF AMI 6413. Saturday, April 24 May 14, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Golf TourAHEAD OFF AMI 11 a.m.-2 p.m. — Center of Anna Maria Island cookout and fun nament, Bradenton. day, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Donations accepted. InformaApril 29-May 3, Sarasota-Manatee Originals Forks and Corks tion: 941-778-1908. GOOD TO KNOW Food and Wine Festival, various locations. AHEAD ON AMI KEEP THE DATES OUTDOORS & July 4, Anna Maria Island Privateers July 4 Parade, islandwide. SPORTS Thursday, April 22, Earth Day. TENTATIVE Saturday, May 1, May Day. ON AMI Sunday, May 9, Mother’s Day. CLUBS & Thursday, April 22 Saturday, May 15, Armed Forces Day. 10 a.m. — Manatee Audubon Society birding tour, Lefﬁs Key, Thursday, May 27, last day of school. Coquina Bayside, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-705-3862. Monday, May 31, Memorial Day. Monday, June 14, Flag Day. Sunday, June 20, Father’s Day. Sunday, June 20, summer solstice.

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Island happenings

April 21, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org page 11 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Outdoor events for Earth Day Audubon tour set for Lefﬁs

The Manatee Audubon Society invites people to search the skies for Florida’s fabulous fliers. The group will lead a tour at Leffis Key on Coquina Bayside in Bradenton Beach. The tour will be 8-10 a.m. Thursday, April 22, in partnership with the Manatee County Natural Resources Department. Reservations are required.

Earth Day 2021

The island players’ opening play for the 2021-22 season will be “The Savannah Sipping Society.” islander Courtesy photo

Island Players set 2021-22 performances

The curtain will open on the Island Players stage in September. The nonprofit theater group will present its 73rd season — after missing the 2021 season and part of the 2020 season due to the coronavirus pandemic — beginning in September. The opening play will be “The Savannah Sipping Society,” described as a delightful production about four Southern women “all needing to escape the sameness of their day-to-day routines, are drawn together by fate and an impromptu happy hour.” The play, by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten — collectively known as Jones/Hope/ Wooten — will run Sept. 16-26 under the direction of Mike Lusk. The lineup also includes: • “Same Time, Next Year” by Bernard Slade, Nov. 4-14; • “Blithe Spirit” by Noël Coward, Jan. 6-23, 2022; • “A Comedy of Tenors” by Ken Ludwig, March 3-20, 2022; • “The Psychic” by Sam Bobrick, May 5-15, 2022. Season tickets and show tickets will be made available later this year. Meanwhile, the theater group is coordinating with the Center of Anna Maria Island to host a children’s drama camp July 12-23, with performances July 23. The theater, which underwent improvements and renovations during the pandemic shutdown, is at 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. For more information about the Island Players, call the box office at 941-778-5755. For more information about the camp, call the center at 941-778-1908.

Compiled by lisa neff Email calendar@islander.org.

For more information, contact Kathy Doddridge at 941-705-3862 or kathydoddridge56@gmail.com.

Native plants tour at Perico

Expert gardeners will lead a tour of Perico Preserve to explain how native plants can be incorporated in home landscapes. The program at the Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources park is suitable for all ages. Reservations are required for the tour at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 24. For more information, go online to perico_preserve.eventbrite.com. For general information about county preserve events, call 941-742-5923.

Paradise Center offers master Tai Chi class The Paradise Center on Longboat Key will host a master in Tai Chi leading a class on the benefits of Tao exercise. The class with Max G. Yan will be 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, April 28. Yan has been promoting traditional Chinese health care exercises for more than 30 years. He is the principal author of, “What is Chi?” by Endless Forest Publishers.

“Having Master Yan here is a privilege and an honor,” Paradise Center Tai Chi instructor Reuben Fernandez said in a news release. “His experience and vast schooling allow him to interpret exercises in a superior style.” Tai Chi is an all-ages form of exercise that involves slow movements and deep breaths and is known to have many physical and emotional benefits, such as decreased anxiety and depression, improved cognition, reduced stress, better moods and sleep, reduced Kiwanis to meet pain from arthritis, improved balance to reduce risk of The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island will gather falling and more. This class will take place outdoors at the center, Saturday, April 25. The meeting will be at 8:30 a.m. at the Gulf Drive 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. A fee applies. Cafe, 900 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. For reservations, call the center at 941-383The club will hear from Connie Taft, director of 6493. development for St. Mary Academy of Sarasota. Due to the pandemic, face masks are required when attendees are not eating or drinking during the Milestones club’s meeting. The Islander welcomes photographs and For more information, call Sandy Haas-Martens notices of milestones. Submit announcements at 941-778-1383. and photographs to news@islander.org.

GoodDeeds

Assistance offered on AMI

• The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce offers free face masks. Information: 941-778-1541. • The Roser Food Bank welcomes applicants who live and/or work on Anna Maria Island for food assistance, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. • AID offers help to those who live on the island, go to church on the island, attend school on the island and work on the island. Information: 941-725-2433

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page 12 THE ISLANDER | islander.org April 21, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Center $92K in red, reversing debt rests on event success By ryan paice islander reporter

The Center of Anna Maria Island has two and a half months to redeem its losses in the 2020-21 budget year. After a year marred by the COVID-19 pandemic, the nonprofit was $92,508 in the red through March. The figure is a far cry from last year’s results. Last year, the center was $5,473 in the black through March 2020, when the novel coronavirus arrived in Florida. The pandemic’s effects can be seen in the nonprofit’s paling revenues from the previous fiscal year. Last year, the center had $775,589 in revenue through March. “The Center received $84,000 via the U.S. Paycheck Protection Program for the nonprofit’s 2019-20 fiscal year, which ended July 1, 2020,” said executive director Chris Culhane. However, the center was not approved for a second round of PPP funding for its 2020-21 fiscal year, according to Culhane. Through the same point this year, the center has raised $515,256. The fiscal year began July 1, 2020. The center’s programs took the brunt of the pandemic’s financial impact. Last year, the nonprofit raised Program costs were cut by 22%, from $203,777 almost $400,000 from programs — classes and sport in 2019-20 to $158,878 in 2020-21. leagues. This year, it’s raised $256,981, a $142,250 Fundraising costs were cut by 40%, from 182,546 drop from 2019-20. last year to $109,786 this year. The nonprofit has kept the ship afloat with sharp The cuts saved the nonprofit $117,658. cuts to operational expenses. But cost-cutting may not be enough to make it through the COVID-19 pandemic without going into the red. Click! The Islander welcomes news of the milestones in $10 each @ readers’ lives. Weddings, family additions, achieveThe Islander, ments and kudos. Send notices and photographs 315 58th St., HB. with captions to news@islander.org. Also, visit us on Facebook and join the 15K$2 stickers plus friends who “like” The Islander and share @ The Islander their social news.

5th Annual Beach'N Food Truck & Music Festival Saturday, May 1st, 2021 5801 Marina Drive Holmes Beach City Field, Anna Maria Island 10 AM - 8 PM

Arts & Crafts Vendors Beer, Wine & More

Still, the center has a few events scheduled that could help close the gap on the $92,508 deficit. The string of fundraising events will begin 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 24, with “Celebrate the Center!” outdoors on the center sports field, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. The event will feature live music, refreshments and food, a raffle and activities —a bungee trampoline and a rock-climbing wall. Development director Jim McDaniel wrote in an April 8 email to The Islander that the event would launch a $100,000 community fundraising challenge through May 31. “We already have $50,000 in pledges and/or gifts in hand,” McDaniel wrote. “We are confident that once again our supporters will rally around our need to cover budget expenses for the year.” The center also will host concerts in 2021 in conjunction with the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau before the fiscal year ends June 30. The Marshall Tucker Band will perform Thursday, May 13, Crystal Gayle will take the stage Friday, June 11, and Steve Augeri — Journey’s former lead singer — will perform Thursday, June 17. People can donate to the center or find more information on its website, www.centerami.org.

Audience member Bonnie Wheeler, a snowbird from illinois, shot this photo of the Chicago tribute band performance feb. 13, 2020 — pre-pandemic lockdowns — at the Center of Anna Maria island. The concert was a sellout. islander Courtesy photo

Food Trucks

Classic Cars on Display

Mini-reefs are part of a green campaign involving the Center of Anna Maria island and other organizations and institutions, including Eckerd College in St. petersburg. Eckerd representatives will be at an April 24 fun day to discuss programs. for more information, call the center at 941-778-1908.

Live Music All Day!

PLEASE, TAKE NOTE!

The Islander has moved! The “best news on AMI” has purchased and relocated to a condo ofﬁceat 315 58th St., Holmes Beach. We’re now across from HB City Hall and behind the Ugly Grouper. Same owner, staff, phone, email. New digs.

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The island’s best news for 29 years! 941.778.7978 news@islander.org

April 21, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org page 13 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

AME principal announces retirement, new leader named

How many of you remember your first principal? It’s a job that leaves an impression with even the youngest students. Anna Maria Elementary principal Jackie Featherston is retiring at the end of the 2020-21 year and a new administrator already has been named for 2021-22. Mike Masiello, currently the principal at Ballard Elementary, will featherston succeed Featherston, who is retiring after 41 years of service in the Manatee County School District. At the end of the academic year, Featherston will have completed her seventh year as AME principal. She had previously been the prinMasiello cipal at Stewart Elementary for more than 18 years, as well as assistant principal at Miller and Daughtrey elementary schools. Featherston started her career as a teacher — a requirement for becoming a principal in Manatee — at Oneco Elementary, where she worked 10 years.

By Kelsey Mako

She said she enjoyed teaching and administrative roles but believes she was meant to be a principal. “I felt that I could be supportive and help teachers and students. It was just a leadership quality that felt natural to me,” Featherston said April 15 by phone. Masiello’s promotion Masiello has worked at Ballard for the past five years. He was assistant principal at Bayshore Elementary for four years and has worked in education for 25 years. Earlier in his career, Masiello worked as an education specialist, as well as a behavioral specialist for 10 years, at Stewart Elementary. He and Featherston worked together at Stewart after Featherston hired him. She also encouraged him to pursue educational leadership. Masiello said he knows Featherston’s leadership style from his work with her for many years and described his leadership style as similar.

Anna Maria Elementary kids learn about insects Earth Day is many days at Anna Maria Elementary. At AME, students will be studying environmentrelated topics the week of Earth Day, which is April 22. And third-grade students are in the middle of a unit, lasting a month, related to the environment and involving the study of insects. The students have raised painted lady butterflies, as well as ladybugs and praying mantis eggs, thirdgrade teacher Karen Paul said April 12 by phone. That day, the first of five painted ladies transitioned from caterpillar to butterfly and 100 praying mantises emerged from eggs. The butterflies were released April 14 in a garden on the waterfront campus. The students also planted seeds in the garden and

Earth Day 2021

About 100 praying mantises emerge April 12 from eggs.

“He’s going to be great out here,” Featherston said. The administrators will work together on any preparations before the next school year. Masiello said April 16 he is most excited about the community involvement at AME, which partners with civic, fraternal, arts and environmental organizations, as well as hosts local authors to add their “strengths and talents.” “The best part for me about being here is all the support the community gives the school,” Featherston said. Asked about her plans for retirement, Featherston answered, “I plan to turn my alarm clock off and wake up when my body is ready.” She also hopes to travel, garden and volunteer. Featherston will continue working through June and Masiello will take over as principal July 1. She will be fondly remembered.

AME Calendar • May 4-5, English/language arts state test, fourth- and fifth-grades. • May 11-12, science state test, fifth-grade. • May 19-20, FSA math, third-, fourth- and fifth-grades. • Monday, May 24, AME field day. • Thursday, May 27, last day of school. Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the school at 941-708-5525.

Academic achievements

The Islander welcomes announcements of scholastic achievements. Share honors, stories and photographs by emailing news@islander.org. Anna Maria Elementary teachers Karen paul’s and laura redeker’s third-grade classes are doing a monthlong study of insects, coinciding with Earth Day. islander Courtesy photos

are growing butterfly plants in their classrooms, Paul said. The butterfly garden is typically taken care of by third-grade students and features a monarch butterfly way station. The students ensure there are pollinating plants, depending on the time of year. Paul has been teaching life cycle lessons, like this insect study, for 36 years at AME. Her class and Dr. Laura Redeker’s third-grade class are working together on the unit. Students in other grade levels also are learning about the environment in one form or another, ranging from what people can do to protect the Earth to tree planting, principal Jackie Featherston said April 13 by phone. She added that planned Earth Day activities are more limited than normal at AME because of COVID-19,. For more information, call Anna Maria Elementary at 941-708-5525. A painted lady made the transition April 12 from — Kelsey Mako

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page 14 THE ISLANDER | islander.org April 21, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Tidings

Gathering

REGULAR WORSHIP

Earth Day observed at Longboat Island Chapel

The Longboat Island Chapel will host nature talks and walks for Earth Day, which is Thursday, April 22. The church, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, plans walks in a garden and along the bay, as well as remarks by representatives from local environmental groups. Hours will be 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on the chapel grounds, which boasts 5.5 acres of landscaping along Sarasota Bay. For more information, call the chapel at 941-3836491.

Earth Day 2021

Roser celebrates Easter The rev. Dirk W. rodgers, senior pastor of roser Memorial Community Church, addresses those gathered outside April 4 for an Easter service. The worship included music, prayer, ceremony and celebration. islander photos: peggy nash

Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-4769. Thursdays 9:30 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1638. Saturdays 4 p.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. Sundays 8 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. 8:30 a.m. — Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. 9 a.m. — CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-0719. 9:30 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. 10 a.m. — Roser Church. 10 a.m. — Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian USA, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Info: 941-900-4903. 9 a.m. — Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-6491. 10:30 a.m. — St. Bernard. 10:45 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. 11 a.m. — Longboat Island Chapel. ONLINE WORSHIP OFFERED Christ Church of Longboat Key, christchurchlbk.org. CrossPointe Fellowship, crosspointefellowship.church. Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, amiannunciation.org. Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, gloriadeilutheran.com. Harvey Memorial Community Church, Facebook. Longboat Island Chapel, longboatislandchapel.org. Roser Church, roserchurch.com.

Gathering

Gathering is the religion page for The Islander. We welcome news from places of worship, as well as their photographs and calendar listings. Please, email news@islander.org and calendar@islander.org

ONGOING EVENTS

Obituaries

Frederic G. ‘Rick’ Catlin

Frederic G. “Rick” Catlin, 74, of Bradenton, died April 8 with his family by his side. He was born in Battle Creek, Michigan, to Virgil and Docia. He later moved to Grand Cayman, where he worked as a journalist and met his wonderful wife Jenifer before moving to Bradenton in 2001. He loved and was loved by his family and many friends. He enjoyed sports, music, history and, most importantly, his family. He was a U.S. Army veteran and was very proud of his service to the country, as well as a teacher at Ave Maria prep school, where he loved his job and his students. He was passionate about education. Mr. Catlin also worked many years as a reporter for The Islander newspaper, where he won a number of awards from the Florida Press Association and helped to present an annual tribute on Veterans Day. rick Catlin, a longtime reporter for The islander and a veteran of the Vietnam War, speaks at the newspaper’s Veterans Day ceremony in 2011. islander file photo

COMMUNITY CHURCH

Essential Truths WHY THE BIBLE?

Worship and events calendar

Wednesdays 10 a.m. — Women’s Bible study, Christ Church. 6:15 p.m. — Wednesday supper, CrossPointe. 6:45 p.m. — Wednesday Night Blast, CrossPointe. Thursdays in Easter finery, liz rodgers offers treat bags to 9:30 a.m. — RoserRobics ﬁtness, Roser Church. Mondays children attending roser Memorial Community 9 a.m. — Men’s Bible study, Christ Church, via Zoom. Church’s outdoor worship April 4. The church is at Tuesdays 512 pine Ave., Anna Maria. 9:30 a.m. — RoserRobics ﬁtness, Roser Church. Please, send notices to calendar@islander.org and news@ He helped develop a Greatest Generation column in The Islander that featured interviews with World islander.org.

War II veterans, who often praised Mr. Catlin for helping them tell their story. “Rick’s Greatest Generation column was a great source of pride for him and for the newspaper. The men and women who told Rick their stories were great warriors and deserved to be remembered as heroes,” publisher Bonner Joy said. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. A celebration of life was held at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bradenton. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 26th Street Chapel, Bradenton, is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be made to: www.brownandsonsfuneral.com. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Jenifer; son Christian; daughter Codyann Sterrenberg; son-in-law Tim Sterrenberg; brother Kim; and his most recent family addition, his beautiful granddaughter Lilyanna Sterrenberg.

Dianne linscott

early 50s, due to a 20-year bout with agoraphobia. She performed throughout the United States and Mexico, including on Anna Maria Island. She recorded at least 10 CDs, including “You, in Manhattan” with Grammy Award-winning jazz pianist Alan Broadbent, bassist Harvie S and drummer Eliot Zigmund. She performed in recent years at Ginny’s and Jane E’s Cafe in Anna Maria and the Castine Inn in Maine. She also was honored with a sold-out one-woman show of her art and jewelry at the Studio at Gulf and Pine in Anna Maria. Beyond her life as a professional artist and musiDiane Wiseman Linscott cian, Ms. Linscott was active in civic affairs. Jazz singer, songwriter and artist Diane Wiseman She is survived by two sons, Jonathan and Walt, Linscott died April 16. She summered on Penobscot and their families. Bay in Maine and wintered in Anna Maria. Roswell Funeral Home in Roswell, Georgia, is She was born May 20, 1938. in charge of arrangements. As of Islander press time, Ms. Linscott came late to her singing career in her there were no plans for a service.

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Local families complete improbable triangle, ultimate ‘gift’ By Kane Kaiman islander reporter

If you want more proof that the world is small, look no further. The lives of several Anna Maria Island residents intersected in uncanny fashion this past winter. Joan Voyles, an artist known for colorful work depicting iconic locations on Anna Maria Island, faced the death of her husband, Carl, on New Year’s Eve 2020. He was 98 and had practiced medicine on the island for more than two decades. Carl Voyles had led a remarkable life, traveling to war-torn Danang, Vietnam, during the late 1960s to care for the sick and train medical students. When the United States lifted the Vietnamese embargo in 1991, he returned to visit with the clinicians and officials with whom he had worked. He too had an artistic bent. He was a founding member of the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island, the organization through which he met his wife, and wrote short stories and books about the things he experienced overseas. In early January, Joan was looking for a way to honor the man she had been married to for more than 30 years. She came across an ad for Aid for Kids, a Maine-based nonprofit that develops humanitarian aid projects in Vietnam. She sent AFK a donation and two of Carl’s books. The books included a story about an orphanage in Danang. And this brings us to the Degenhardts. Edwin “Hunk” and Dawn Degenhardt married in Cleveland in 1962. On learning they could not conceive children, they began adopting. They didn’t stop until they had taken in nine children from foster care homes and orphanages in the United States, Korea, India and Vietnam. Beginning in the early 1970s, Dawn founded adoption agencies and humanitarian aid organizations in Ohio and Maine, including Aid for Kids. Over 30

Hunk Degenhardt, left, Joan Voyles, Daryl and Heidi Abbotoni and Joy and Dawn Degenhardt gather March 4 in Voyles’ home. islander Courtesy photos

years, the agencies placed about 5,000 children for adoption. The Degenhardts’ fifth child, Joy, was adopted from Vietnam in 1972. After graduating college in the early 1990s, Joy returned to Vietnam with her mother. She was struck by the poverty and devastation of her homeland and decided to remain in Vietnam, where, her mother’s guidance, she established an adoption agency. During Joy’s 25-year stay, she helped place 900 Vietnamese children for adoption in the United States and developed numerous humanitarian aid projects through the Maine Adoption Placement Service. In 2018, Joy moved to Parrish, about a 45 minute to hour drive from Hunk and Dawn — Florida residents who for 22 years have split their time between Maine and Holmes Beach. Dawn’s sister, Heidi, lives in Anna Maria.

World’s collide At the corner of Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach and Main Street in Danang, the lives of the Voyles and Degenhardts started to intersect. It began when Heidi read Carl’s obituary in The Islander. Struck by his ties to Vietnam, she called her mother, Dawn, to share the connection. Heidi, her husband Daryl and her son Zach went thrift store shopping a few days later, and carried home a “find,” a print of the old Anna Maria City Pier. Meanwhile, Dawn got a call from her office manager at Aid for Kids in Maine. An interesting package had arrived from Anna Maria Island, and the manager agreed to forward it to Holmes Beach. A few weeks went by before the package arrived at Dawn’s house, where Heidi had been getting a lot of mail. She took the package home and found inside a letter, a donation check and a book: “Vignettes of Vietnam” by Carl Voyles. Heidi recognized Carl’s name from the obituary and Daryl recognized the signature on the letter. He quickly ran upstairs to check the print they purchased weeks before — and sure enough, it was drawn and signed by Joan Voyles. “It just gave me goosebumps,” Heidi said. “Too many coincidences.” Dawn called Joan, and it wasn’t long before they were making plans for a get-together. Daryl and Heidi Abbotoni look on as Joy DegenOn March 4, Dawn, Hunk, Daryl, Heidi and Joy hardt points out a familiar face in one of the scrapbook photos taken by the late Carl Voyles during his met Joan at her house. They chatted and looked through albums of photos taken by Carl while in Vietnam. third visit to Vietnam in 1991.

retired doctor and navy Capt. Carl Voyles salutes with his wife, Joan, during a 2019 Veterans Day ceremony in Anna Maria. islander file photo

To everyone’s amazement, Joy recognized a young man in a photograph from 1991: Dr. Phuc, an ophthalmologist who had been an interpreter at the first hospital Joy visited on her initial trip to Vietnam in 1992. Carl had beat her there by a year. The Degenhardts and Dr. Phuc are still in touch to this day. He called Joy on Easter Sunday with holiday greetings and, when she told him the story of Joan and Carl Voyles, it brought him to tears.

‘There are no coincidences’

Joan plans on a follow-up visit with Dawn and hopes to get in touch with other doctors Carl worked with in Vietnam through Joy’s contacts. Fate will decide whether or not she’s able to do that, but, as Dawn would say, there are no coincidences. “Things are meant to happen, and I don’t know how that works,” Dawn said. “So many things have happened that are totally impossible, but they happen. And it’s a gift. Everything is a gift.”

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Mote to focus on environmental awareness at AM City Pier

Earth Day 2021

By Amy V.T. Moriarty Islander Reporter

Anglers have been taking their chances at the Anna Maria City Pier since 1910-11. How marine life endures, survives and thrives will be at the heart of a new Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium outreach center planned for the pier. Mote, a Sarasota-based nonprofit research institution founded in the 1950s by shark expert Genie Clark and later named to honor benefactor William R. Mote, uses interactive and live animal exhibits to educate the public about the wonders found in the waters. Included among the live exhibits planned for the city pier outreach center are sportfish, like grunts, snapper, sheepshead and others that anglers casting a line off the pier might reel up to the deck. Other live exhibits may include showcasing animals that inhabit grassflats, schooling fish and invertebrates — starfish, sea cucumbers and urchins. Ron and Lindsay Curtis drove from Brooksville with their children to the pier to celebrate Lindsay’s birthday with a day of fishing April 17 and were excited to learn of the planned outreach center. Avery Curtis, 8, said if the center was open, her question to scientists would be: “Why does a pufferfish blow up?” Older brother, Mason, 10, said he loves fishing. He was enjoying his first trip to the pier and thought it was “really cool” to see a school of stingrays — harmless cownose rays — swimming past the pier in Tampa Bay. To ensure the greatest educational impact, the marine life chosen by Mote for the exhibits will be based on what can be found in the surrounding waters, including rays. The location presents a place “where Mote can connect children and adults with our marine research, how they can interact and conserve the waters around Anna Maria, and the long history of the community’s relationship with the marine environment,” Mote associate vice president for education Aly Busse said March 22 in a prepared statement.

Avery Curtis, 8, April 17 holds a fish April 17 she reeled in with the help of her dad, Ron Curtis, at the Anna Maria City Pier. Avery’s brother, Mason, 10, holds his line steady behind them, hoping to get a nibble on his bait. Islander Photos: Amy V.T. Moriarty

Lottie Brusard has been visiting the island from her home in Ohio for 35 years and includes the city pier as a “favorite must visit spot every single year.” “I’ve always loved Mote and have gone there if we had a rainy day on one of our trips, so having a mini-Mote on one of my favorite places on the island would be a total win-win,” Brusard said April 17. A memorandum of understanding between the city

Mason Curtis, 10, of Brooksville, wets his line April 17 at the Anna Maria City Pier, where his family spent the day, fishing and celebrating his mom’s birthday. Mason said he loves “catching fish” and the feel of the drag when he reels fish to the deck.

and Mote signed in March laid the groundwork for the partnership. Access to the center will be free, though Mote president and CEO Dr. Michael Crosby said special classes and events could have a fee. Brusard’s sister, MaryBeth Morgansen, visiting from Stockton, California, on an annual sisters’ trip, said she has “always wondered about the different plants I see in the waters here, and being able to go in for free and learn about them would be great!” Construction of the center in the vacant 1,800 square-foot building on the south side of T-end at the new city pier is anticipated to begin by October.

2nd location enters Bradenton Beach boat refueling equation By Kelsey Mako Islander Reporter

A boat refueling conundrum in Bradenton Beach remains unresolved. Paradise Boat Tours, which operates guided tours from the Historic Bridge Street Pier, drew attention last month for its fueling operation at the South Coquina Boat Ramp at Coquina Bayside, which is in Bradenton Beach, but managed and maintained by Manatee County. Owner Sherman Baldwin modified a pickup truck to carry 80 gallons of gas to fuel his tour boats. But city and county officials raised concerns about the refueling practice and potential harm to the environment. Meanwhile, local officials also raised concerns over another refueling operation at the bayfront end of Third Street. Community redevelopment agency board

member David Bell questioned the safety of the operation at the CRA meeting earlier in the month. The Third Street operation also involves using a pickup with a tank to refuel boats. CRA members did not indicate who is operating the Third Street fueling station. “If any spill goes into the bay, that’s a big problem,” Bell said April 7. While there’s been no consensus on how to address concerns, as of April 13, there were no regulations — city, county or state — prohibiting the refueling practices at either location. Mayor John Chappie said he would instruct the Bradenton Beach Police Department to investigate. Baldwin is awaiting any results from BBPD. “We’re stewards of the environment,” Baldwin said April 13 to The Islander by phone. He said his boats’ vents point inward instead of

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out, so any spilled fuel would fall in the boat and absorbent cloth would be used for cleanup. Additionally, he said he uses “quick connect snaps” on his hoses to minimize a spill. “I adhere to the strictest of standards,” Baldwin said. Baldwin has gone before the county commission twice and the Bradenton Beach commission at least once regarding the refueling issue. City attorney Ricinda Perry said in February that

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Owner, friends put faith in state legislator to save stilt-house By Kane Kaiman islander reporter

Demolition or eleventh hour legislation? According to Karen Bell, state Rep. Tommy Gregory, R-Bradenton, is drafting legislation to protect Raymond “Junior” Guthrie’s stilt-house from demolition and plans to get the legislation passed before April 30, the end of the legislative session. Bell, who owns A.P. Bell Fish Co. and other businesses, has been assisting Guthrie in his battle against the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The department sued Guthrie in 2018, one year after he built the house on pilings over state-owned submerged land yards off the A.P. Bell docks in Sarasota Bay. The DEP won the case, but a series of extensions on Judge Edward Nicholas’ final demolition order have allowed the structure to remain standing. It is unclear whether Gregory’s legislation would be a standalone bill or an amendment. It’s also unclear if an attempt to pass a bill can be accomplished before the 2021 session is set to end April 30. Despite multiple attempts, The Islander was unable to get a statement from Gregory’s office. State Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, and Republican Rep. William “Will” Robinson Jr. of District 71, in which the Guthrie house is located, are supportive of the legislation, Bell said April 14. Refuel ConTinuED froM pAgE 16

she would contact assistant county attorney William Clague for clarification on whether Bradenton Beach or the county has jurisdiction over the refueling service at the ramp. The city has an interlocal agreement with the county to use the ramp as a staging area and as a launching point for marine construction projects. Baldwin told The Islander April 13 that he’s open to compromise — an annual fee or inspections. He’s continues to refuel his boats at the South Coquina Boat Ramp.

looking northeast feb. 3 at the stilt-house raymond “Junior” guthrie built on pilings in 2017, work appeared to be ongoing. islander file photo: Kane Kaiman

Guthrie maintains the 1,200 square-foot structure is a historic net camp, built on pilings his ancestors drove into the bay bottom three generations ago. Net camps were barren shacks erected over the water in the

19th century to store cotton nets before the advent of monofilament nets. They dotted the Cortez waterfront into the 1960s. Local critics of the structure, which was built with electricity and other amenities, have characterized it as a “party house” and have said Guthrie should not enjoy the special privilege of building on state-owned land. “I believe some of that is personal to Junior, and what I think people should keep in mind is that was Junior’s grandfather’s camp originally,” Bell said. “How many people can say their grandfather had a camp there? There are other pilings out there and, honestly, I wouldn’t be opposed if some of those families wanted to rebuild their camps.” Guthrie said April 14 he is grateful for Bell’s help and won’t celebrate until any legislation is officially passed. “We’ve got to wait until it happens first, then we’ll figure it out,” he said. “It’s great if we keep it, great if we don’t. When you get to be 72 years old, you roll with the punches.”

Holmes Beach increases dock fees

Annual fees to use city-owned docks in Holmes Beach are increasing to match new amenities. City commissioners voted 5-0 April 13 to approve a resolution increasing annual fees to use one of 60 city-owned docks in the three T-end canals between 72nd and 77th Streets from $425 to $600. The changes come after the city voted during the 2020-21 budget process, based on renters’ requests, to provide electricity to docks for charging batteries and plugging in utilities. The year before, the city added water and fish cleaning tables to the docks, but the fees haven’t changed since 2008. City staff calculated the $175 fee increase to cover the $38,000 projected cost to add and maintain electric meters to the docks over their remaining

15-year life spans. With the additional amenities, the docks are projected to cost the city $36,031 per year. Only eight docks remained available to rent as of April 13. The fee for other city-owned docks outside of three T-end canals between 72nd and 77th Streets will remain $425. The new fee schedule will set in July 1. “There was a lot of thought put into this,” Commission Chair Jim Kihm said. “It’s very reasonable. “It’s a good deal,” Commissioner Carol Soustek said. There was no public comment. — ryan paice

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Cops & Courts

Staff reports

Judge reduces bond for Virginian arrested for DUI By ryan paice islander reporter

The price to get out of jail got a little more affordable for a Virginia resident arrested in March on four felony charges in Holmes Beach. Judge Stephen Whyte of the 12th Judicial Circuit April 7 filed an order reducing a $25,500 bond to $12,000 for the release of Raymond Cox, 47, who was arrested for — among other charges — driving under the influence of alcohol. Holmes Beach police arrested Cox March 11 after finding him behind the wheel of a vehicle that was observed being driven recklessly and speeding. Police noticed the smell of alcohol during the traffic stop and asked Cox to perform field sobriety tests,

Streetlife

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Island police reports

Anna Maria April 7, 500 block of Kumquat Drive, noise. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint about loud music. The deputy found no violation. April 7, 200 block of Palmetto Avenue, noise. The MCSO dispatched a deputy regarding a complaint of a loud party. The deputy did not find anyone at the location and did not hear sounds of a party. April 8, 400 block of Pine Avenue, noise. The MCSO received a complaint of loud music and singing. The deputy did not locate anyone and did not hear music or other noise. April 8, 100 block of Oak Avenue, larceny. The MCSO received a complaint regarding theft of a rental bicycle from a porch. The deputy filed a report. April 8, 500 block of Bayview Place, noise. The MCSO dispatched a deputy regarding a complaint of loud music. The deputy found no violation.

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which he failed, according to an arrest report. They also found an unlicensed firearm and a bag of marijuana during a search of Cox’s vehicle. In detainment, officers found a missing handcuff key in Cox’s pocket. Police arrested Cox for: • A third-degree felony for driving under the influence after three or more DUI charges; • A third-degree felony for possessing a concealed weapon; • A second-degree felony for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon; • A third-degree felony for possessing and concealing a handcuff key. A conviction for a third-degree felony charge can carry up to a five-year prison term and a $5,000 fine. April 8, 600 block of South Bay Boulevard, water rage, reckless driving. The MCSO received a complaint from a kayaker while on the water that a boater was repeatedly circling him in his kayak, shouting threats to run over the kayak with the boat. The deputy met the kayaker on the shore, where the kayaker reported losing sight of the boat. April 8, 400 block of Spring Avenue, noise. The MCSO received a complaint of a loud party. The deputy issued a citation for violation of the city’s noise ordinance. April 8, 400 block of Spring Avenue, disturbance. The MCSO dispatched a deputy regarding a complaint of neighbors harassing and yelling at the complainant and their family. The deputy reported the suspects were intoxicated and were advised to go to bed. April 9, Anna Maria City Pier, 100 S. Bay Blvd., larceny. The MCSO dispatched a deputy regarding a complaint from someone fishing off the pier that another person approached and threw their catch back in the water. The complainant provided a description of the suspect and the deputy filed a report. April 9, 300 block of Pine Avenue, noise. The MCSO dispatched a deputy regarding a complaint of loud partiers. The deputy found people shouting, jump-

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A conviction for a second-degree felony can carry up to 15-year prison term and a $10,000 fine. Whyte initially attached a $15,000 bond to the DUI charge, a $7,500 bond to the possession of a firearm by a convicted felon charge, and two $1,500 bonds to the remaining charges. Cox’s attorney, Rick Filkins III, filed a motion March 17 to reduce the bonds, claiming the costs were excessive and the defendant could not afford them. A bond hearing was held April 7 and Whyte filed his order to reduce the bonds later that day. The order also includes instructions for Cox’s supervised release if he can pay the reduced bond, including stipulations that he cannot possess firearms or ammunition, consume or possess alcohol, as well as be subject to random drug tests. Cox remained in custody at the Manatee County jail as of April 9. The next hearing had yet to be scheduled, according to the Manatee County Clerk of Court. ing and loudly splashing in a pool. The deputy issued a citation for violation of the city’s noise ordinance. April 9, Sea Isle Motel, 601 N. Bay Blvd., suspicious person. The MCSO dispatched a deputy regarding a report that someone yelled for 911 to be called. The deputy found an intoxicated person in a vehicle. The deputy attempted to contact the person’s significant other, but could not get through and was unable to leave a message. April 9, Sea Isle Motel, 601 N. Bay Blvd., stolen vehicle. The MCSO received a complaint of a stolen vehicle. Before the deputy arrived, the complainant reported to MCSO the vehicle had been returned and was not stolen. A spouse had driven it for an errand. April 10, 300 block of Pine Avenue, noise. The MCSO received a complaint regarding a vehicle blaring loud music and people being loud. The deputy located the vehicle and informed the occupants of the city’s noise ordinance. April 10, 700 block of Fern Street, noise. The MCSO received a complaint of a loud noise that sounded like a blaring alarm. The deputy found a malfunctioning house alarm at an unoccupied rental property. April 10, 200 block of Willow Avenue, noise. The MCSO dispatched a deputy regarding a complEASE, SEE stReetlIfe, nExT pAgE

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April 21, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org page 19 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Anchored boats remain an issue for Bradenton Beach police By Kelsey Mako islander reporter

Problems caused by boats that anchor near shore in Bradenton Beach remain anchored to the city. Three boats anchored near the Historic Bridge Street Pier broke lose during a storm the weekend of April 10. One owner helped Bradenton Beach police officers return a boat to the anchorage area and police re-anchored a second boat, Lt. John Cosby said April 14 by phone. The Bradenton Beach Police Department was trying to contact the third boat’s owner the week of April 12, as the boat remained attached to the city’s floating dock at the pier. Cosby, who is set to become the new police chief in the fall, said anchored boats have been an issue in the city for more than 15 years. stReetlIfe ConTinuED froM pAgE 18

plaint of loud music. The deputy found no violation but explained the quiet hours as stipulated in the city’s noise ordinance. April 11, 700 block of North Shore Drive, noise. The MCSO received a complaint regarding loud music. The deputy found no violation. April 11, 0 block of North Shore Drive, reckless driver. The MCSO dispatched a deputy regarding a complaint of a vehicle driven recklessly, almost hitting pedestrians. The deputy was unable to locate the vehicle. April 12, 400 block of Pine Avenue, noise. The MCSO received a complaint regarding loud music. The deputy explained the city’s noise ordinance and instructed a person to turn his/her down music. April 13, 400 block of Magnolia Avenue, noise. The MCSO dispatched a deputy regarding a complaint of loud voices. The deputy found no violation. April 13, 10100 block of Gulf Drive, gunfire. The MCSO dispatched a deputy in response to a 911 call reporting what sounded like at least three gunshots or fireworks. The deputies reported no evidence of gunfire or fireworks. April 13, 400 block of Spring Avenue, noise. The MCSO was dispatched to a report of a “huge” party. The deputy issued a citation for violation of the city noise ordinance. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office polices Anna Maria. Bradenton Beach April 8, 2500 block of Gulf Drive, noise. The Bradenton Beach police dispatched an officer regarding a complaint of loud noise. The officer issued a verbal warning regarding the penalty for violating the city noise ordinance. April 12, 100 block of 12th Street South, noise. The BBPD received a complaint of loud music. The officer found six people listening to music and talking around a pool. The people were advised of the city’s noise ordinance and issued a verbal warning. The Bradenton Beach Police Department polices Bradenton Beach. Cortez April 11, 12500 block of Harbour Landings Drive, noise. The MCSO received two complaints of loud music. The deputy reported the music could not be heard from the road but the people found playing guitars agreed to turn down their amplifier. April 13, Cortez Kitchen, 4528 119th St. W., larceny. The MCSO received a complaint of a stolen ID and other items from a bag. The complainant told the deputy the bag had been left on a boat during a tour and when it was returned a license and other items were missing. The deputy filed a report. The MCSO polices Cortez. Holmes Beach April 7, 300 block of 72nd Street, warrant arrest. An officer from the Holmes Beach Police Department responded to reports of a person crying. There were Manatee County Sheriff’s Office arrest warrants for a man at the scene. The officer arrested the man and transported him to the Manatee County jail. April 7, 100 block of 77th Street, grand theft. An officer responded to reports of a stolen rental bicycle. The renter left the bike unsecured near a beach access.

Boats have damaged the pier when they broke loose during storms and careened into the pier. Other boats have sunk in the anchorage and, Cosby said, some people who keep boats at the anchorage do not maintain their boats or dump waste from their vessels. A boat is derelict if it has two of the following issues: it does not have its own power, it is taking on water or it is not navigable. Since January, the BBPD has processed and removed three derelict boats from the water. An investigation started in January and the police department received boat titles in February, clearing the way this spring for their removal. “It’s a constant problem. Everyone in the city knows it,” Cosby said. Meanwhile, Bradenton Beach is at work to dredge an existing channel in the area between the pier and the bayfront boat ramps at Coquina Beach, as well as complete a seagrass mitigation project, Cosby said. The work in Sarasota Bay is to make the shallow boating channel bordering Bradenton Beach more navigable for boaters, as many boats have run aground in the channel.

Additionally, Bradenton Beach officials are reviewing a proposed ordinance to expand city boundaries 1,500 feet from shore to the centerline of the Intracoastal Waterway. The proposed boundaries extend southeast of the centerline of Longboat Pass, east of the centerline of the Intracoastal Waterway and 500 feet west and parallel with the Gulf of Mexico. Cosby said no boats are located where dredging and seagrass mitigation will occur. However, once the channel is open, new markers will inform boaters of the anchor limits. There are 21 boats anchored near the Historic Bridge Street Pier. Six are liveaboards and the others are “wet storage,” Cosby said. A boat can remain stored on the water as long as the registration is up to date and the boater complies with the rules and regulations, per state statute, he added. “All we want is for them to comply and be current. That’s all we ask,” Cosby said. For more information about the anchorage and waterway projects, contact the BBPD at 941-7786311.

Boats anchor April 15 in Sarasota Bay near the Historic Bridge Street pier, 200 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. Cortez is in the background. islander photo: Kelsey Mako

The officer searched but didn’t find the bike. He issued a case number. April 7, 5700 block of Carissa Drive, noise. An officer was dispatched in reference to noisy vacation rental tenants. The officer heard yelling and talking from the property. He contacted the tenant and issued a citation. April 8, 200 block off 65th Street, noise. An officer responded to reports of noisy vacation rental tenants. The officer obtained a reading with a decibel meter that the noise was in violation of city code and issued a citation. April 9, 3000 block of Avenue C, overdose attempt. HBPD officers responded to reports of an attempted suicide by overdose. The officers arrived after Manatee County emergency medical services administered Narcan and oxygen to a patient. EMS transported the patient to Blake Medical Center in Bradenton. Officers found pill bottles and a suicide note. April 10, 5400 block of Marina Drive, property damage. Several HBPD officers responded to reports of a crash on Marina Drive and found three damaged vehicles and witnesses who said a man on a moped caused the damage and fled. Officers found the man in Anna Maria and issued four criminal traffic summons. April 11, 5500 block of Holmes Boulevard, alcohol. An officer on patrol saw a woman walking with an open can of alcohol. The officer stopped her and issued a citation. April 11, 5500 block of Holmes Boulevard, noise. An officer responded to a noise complaint. The officer arrived and obtained a reading with a decibel meter that the noise was in violation of city code. He issued a citation. April 12, 3900 block of East Bay Drive, camping. An officer on patrol saw a man sleeping on a Manatee County Area Transit bench. The officer issued a cita-

tion and court summons. April 12, 200 block of 38th Street, noise. An officer responded to reports of a loud vacation rental tenant. The officer determined the noise coming from the property was in violation of city code and issued a citation. April 12, 4700 block of Gulf Drive, expired license. An officer saw a motorist pass a vehicle in a no passing zone. The officer stopped the motorist and asked for identification, but the driver did not have any. The officer determined the man’s license expired over six months ago and issued a citation and court summons. April 13, 500 block of Manatee Avenue, 0.02 violation. An officer stopped a motorist exhibiting signs of impairment. The driver was under the age of 21 and the officer could smell alcohol. The driver performed a Breathalyzer test, which he failed. The officer issued the driver a 0.02 violation citation. April 13, 100 block of 50th Street, noise. An officer responded to reports of noisy vacation rental tenants. The officer obtained a reading with a decibel meter that the noise was in violation of city code and issued a citation. HBPD polices Holmes Beach. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

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

page 20 THE ISLANDER | islander.org April 21, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Scenic highway group drops horseback ride debate By ryan paice islander reporter

The debate over horseback riding along a scenic highway on Manatee Avenue may continue. But the Palma Sola Scenic Highway Corridor Management Entity won’t be airing the arguments. CME members agreed April 14 to drop their discussion about horseback riding businesses on the causeway after they learned the entity has no jurisdiction over the matter. The entity is a committee of Bradenton, Manatee County, Holmes Beach and nonprofit representatives that monitors, protects, beautifies and promotes the scenic highway along Manatee Avenue/State Road 64 from 75th Street West in Bradenton to East Bay Drive in Holmes Beach. The section of the scenic highway where the horse rides are staged is within Bradenton city limits. The committee debate began in February, when Bradenton resident Tom Skoloda — a former Anna Maria city commissioner — expressed a concern to the CME about the numerous horseback-riding companies operating on the causeway. Skoloda said horse trailers sometimes block vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic along the causeway and animal waste introduces bacteria that could impact seagrasses in Palma Sola Bay. In response to the discussion, CME co-chair Ingrid McClellan contacted the Florida Department of Transportation about potential safety issues. McClellan said the DOT responded that recreation was allowed in the causeway’s rights of way and that it would not regulate horseback riding operations. She said the DOT would not “restrict uses for some and not for others.” In addition, she said the CME management plan establishes the causeway as a multi-modal roadway with an objective to maintain its “pet-friendly” atmosphere. CME co-chair Craig Keys said the entity had no say or jurisdiction over the horseback riding operations. He suggested dropping the discussion. McClellan said the April 14 discussion was nevertheless scheduled so they could gather public input and consider a response. Some people commented in support of the horseback riding businesses. “This is a wonderful benefit for the community and to the public,” Bradenton resident Mary Blanchfield said. “If you want to enforce what the rules and the laws are, then so be it, but don’t stop it.” “We want to do everything we can to make everyone as happy as we can,” said Carmen Hanson, owner of C Ponies Beach Horseback Rides, one of the businesses operating on the causeway. “I’m willing to work together with everyone on improving the situation.” “Many, many people love coming to the causeway

guides from florida Beach Horses of Bradenton lead horseback riders April 15 into the waters off the palma Sola Scenic Highway. islander photo: ryan paice

to ride horses,” Bradenton resident Susan Weinkauf typed in the Zoom meeting chat. “It is an attraction that is on many bucket lists and draws a large number of people to our area.” Keys again said the discussion was a waste of time. He suggested public comment should be brought to the elected officials with the power to act. Other CME members agreed to drop the matter. Skoloda said he would take his concerns to Bradenton’s city officials. Causeway extension CME members unanimously voted to approve a revised application to the Florida Scenic Highway Advisory Committee to extend the Palma Sola Scenic Highway in Holmes Beach. The extension would run from the intersection of

State Road 64/Manatee Avenue and State Road 789/ East Bay Drive in Holmes Beach west to the entrance of the Manatee Public Beach at the intersection of Manatee Avenue and Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach. The extension also would run south along State Road 789/Gulf Drive to 27th Street in Bradenton Beach. That is the point where the 3-mile Bradenton Beach Scenic Highway begins. The CME previously submitted an extension application, but the state requested more information. CME members revised the application in February and it now will go to the Florida Scenic Highway Advisory Committee. The next CME meeting will be at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 11, at the Bradenton Public Works Department, 1022 26th Ave. E., Bradenton. The meeting will be available via Zoom.

Holmes Beach puts out SOS on H2O committee By ryan paice islander reporter

Holmes Beach was still searching for people to fill its Clean Water Committee as Earth Day rolled up on the calendar. The city opened the application period for 5-7 commission-based appointments to the CWC in March but had not received one as of April 15, according to city clerk Stacey Johnston. The committee will act as an advisory board for the city commission, focusing on coordinating community activity and philanthropy to improve water quality on Anna Maria Island. City commissioners have discussed creating the committee since last November and reached consensus in February to move forward and call for applicants. Members are not required to be Holmes Beach residents but “should be able to meet as needed,” Johnston said. The committee’s meeting schedule would be deter-

mined by board members at the CWC’s first meeting. The commission aimed to appoint committee members in April but, without applicants, city officials have more time to flesh out the entity’s purpose and goals. Commissioner Terry Schaefer said at an April 13 meeting that he’d meet with city development services director Eran Wasserman the next day to outline potential objectives for the group. “Hopefully, by next meeting, I’ll have a little more substance,” Schaefer said. Schaefer added that he would like the CWC to coordinate with Manatee County and the other two island cities in an effort to best address local water quality issues. Applications can be found and completed online at the city’s website, www.holmesbeachfl.org, printed and returned to city hall, 5801 Marina Drive, or emailed to deputyclerk@holmesbeachfl.org.

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April 21, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org page 21 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Crabbers haul in rare, renewable resource: stone crabs By Kane Kaiman islander reporter

Some say the FWC has gone overboard. When stone crab season ends May 2, fishers will have completed their first harvest under new regulations set forward by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in 2020. The sought-after stone crabs flourish in Florida and the Bahamas — and 98% of the total commercial catch of stone crabs is from Florida. Locally, small-scale crabbers navigated the rules to participate in one of the few self-sustaining protein industries in the world. Mark Howard, a Holmes Beach resident since 1996, has been crabbing with his wife, Dot, for two seasons. They began crabbing at the beginning of the pandemic as a way to have fun in isolation. “I wouldn’t make her grab the crabs,” Howard said. “Luckily, I never got bit, and neither did she.” This year, Howard had nine traps in the water and enjoyed interacting with a fishery in which the target species survives. “What’s unique about stone crabs is, legally, you’re allowed to harvest both claws. What happens with the carcass is you just throw it back in the water, and the claws will grow back,” he said. “So, it’s almost like a renewable resource.” Crabs can die if the claws are removed improperly, and Howard said he watched YouTube videos until he’d mastered the technique. The retired charter fishing captain said he had a great year, averaging 20 claws per trip, and that his primary concern for the stone crab population is water quality and the impact of the Piney Point pollution in

fresh stone crab claws harvested April 5 on Mark and Dot Howard’s final pull of the year rest on one of their traps. islander Courtesy photos

Holmes Beach resident Mark Howard, a recreational crabber, shows off a live stone crab April 5, while harvesting claws for dinner.

Tampa Bay. As a recreational crabber, he finds no fault with the new harvest regulations. “I think they’re fair; they’re easy to understand. And anyone with a boat and a little gumption can go out and do the same thing, too,” he said. For Cortez-born crabber Guy Davis, harvesting the crustaceans is something special. “For me, it’s a national holiday Oct. 15. When I was in the Navy, I flew home twice from overseas for the opening of stone crab season,” he said. Davis, who has been crabbing commercially for four seasons, said the business represents between 5% and 20% of his annual income, depending on the year. “I do it more for fun; it’s not my livelihood,” he said. “I love the marine environment. Crabbing is very interesting because you get to see tripletail, calico crab and octopus.” Davis worked 100 traps this year and said it was a great season. The only regulation he doesn’t agree with is the reduction in the minimum size for harvestable claws, because he’s lost the ability to eyeball a legal catch. Pointing to two good seasons in a row, Davis said he doesn’t believe the stone crab population is in decline, and that he is less concerned with overfishing than water quality.

But the data is derived from static traps, which some crabbers said do not provide an accurate picture of the migratory stone crab population. “I don’t think there’s a decline, I think the crabs move offshore,” said Mark Coarsey, a Cortez-born former net fisher who began exploring the profitability of commercial crabbing two years ago. Following moving herds of bottom-feeding stone crabs is fundamental to the business, and a variety of factors can get the animals roaming, including threats from predators, habitat destruction due to dredging, poor water quality and red tide events caused by fertilizer runoff, Coarsey said. “It’s all on water quality. If you get a batch of red tide that comes down this shoreline, the crabs make a mass exodus. And the ones that don’t get out of here, they die,” he said. Commission analyses to date have not used water quality as a variable, said FWC public information specialist Amanda Nalley in an April 14 email to The Islander. “Regardless of the cause of the decrease in population size, a smaller population cannot sustain the pressure it did when it was larger,” Nalley said. The FWC is working with the University of Florida on a stock assessment to further evaluate the fishery and crab population. Based on the results of the assessment, additional regulatory changes could be introduced.

Are we less crabby? According to the FWC, the new rules, which include shortening the season by two weeks, were instituted to improve the stone crab population and build resiliency in the fishery, which has seen an approximately 20-year decline in the number of commercial catches. The commission theorizes that overfishing has put the stone crab population in decline. According to the FWC website, since stone crabs are thrown back into the water after their claws are harvested, biologists struggle to obtain data about the species’ population — including crab size, sex ratio and growth rate. Since 2012, the commission has attempted to col- Mark Howard, a recreational crabber, carries a lect this data through a trap-based monitoring program handful of stone crab claws from his boat to the that includes 10 locations in the Gulf of Mexico. kitchen stovetop in november.

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page 22 THE ISLANDER | islander.org April 21, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Nesting notes By Kelsey Mako

Protecting sea turtles, shorebirds on AMI

Earth Day 2021 decades, said there are multiple ways for people to assist. For the good of sea turtles People can help nesting and hatching sea turtles by ensuring their beachfront properties have proper lighting, removing beach furniture by sunset, clearing litter from the shore and filling in holes in the sand, Fox said. Some points: • Artificial lighting can disorient nesting females and hatchlings. Sea turtle friendly lighting is amber in wavelength and shielded from the beach. • Removing beach gear and trash protects the nesting habitat, as human debris can deter the sea turtles that nest on the island, the most common being the loggerhead. For the good of shorebirds The island is home to many shorebirds and a destination for migrating birds, but sightings and nesting of some species has declined, Fox said. According to the Florida Audubon, a nonprofit focused on conserving and restoring natural ecoA loggerhead nests on AMi. islander photo: AMiTW

Two snowy plovers peek out from the sand on an island beach. islander photo: AMiTW

Signs of shorebird mating observed on AMI “Love is in the air,” Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring executive director Suzi Fox said April 12. AMITW reported the first observations of shorebird mating behavior the week of April 12. Volunteers with the organization look for shorebirds, and sometimes mark nesting areas to protect the nests and collect data to monitor the population. Fox said she observed royal terns mating April 12. Many royals can be found at the north end of the island, as well as onshore from 26th Street in Holmes Beach to Bradenton Beach. Plumage changes are occurring among the royal terns, as well as laughing gulls, as the birds try to impress potential mates, Fox said. Plumage is the layer of feathers that covers a bird, including the arrangement, color and pattern of those feathers. Laughing gulls’ beaks and eyes also are transitioning into a red color for mating. Black skimmers, traditionally one of the island’s largest colony nesters, also have been observed on AMI shores, Fox said.

Before black skimmers nest, they gather, identify a location, pair up and begin mating. After, they begin a scraping ceremony, creating nests in the sand to incubate and protect their eggs. Female black skimmers typically sit over eggs, but when they need a break, male black skimmers step in, according to Fox. “It’s cute to watch. It’s definitely a ritual,” Fox said. Fox said she does not know as much about nesting royal terns and laughing gulls because the birds usually nest by Port Manatee in the northeastern part of the county. Snowy plovers, American oystercatchers, least terns — other shorebirds AMITW watches for this time of year — have not been observed. “I’ve seen nothing. I’m disturbed by that,” Fox said, specifically about the lack of snowy plovers, a threatened species in Florida. For more information about shorebird nesting, go to islandturtlewatch.com.

systems for birds and other wildlife, habitat loss or destruction due to human development or disturbance is the main reason for declining shorebird populations. On AMI, habitat change is a problem for black skimmers, as the birds may be unable to find nesting areas, Fox said. Black skimmers typically return to a nesting area year after year. Measures people can take to help shorebirds include minimizing lighting at night and clearing the beach of trash and beach gear. Birds on the shore also should not be fed or disturbed. “A beach that has birds nesting and turtles nesting on a regular basis is a healthy beach,” Fox said. “That beach is healthy for our families. If you have a big house on the beach and no animals in front of it, I would be nervous.” For more information about AMITW, go to their website at islandturtlewatch.com.

Did you know? Loggerheads are named for their large heads and strong jaws, which allow them to crush armored prey. The turtles are 2.4–3.5 feet in length and weigh 155-412 pounds, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s website. Loggerheads can be found in subtropical and temperate regions, ranging from Newfoundland to Argentina in the Atlantic Ocean and Alaska to Chile in the Pacific Ocean. The species is designated as threatened in Florida and endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the most common threats to sea turtles are unintentional catches by fishing gear, loss or degradation of nesting habitat, vessel strikes, harvesting of sea turtles or their eggs and ocean pollution.

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April 21, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org page 23 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

A view of perico preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W., perico island, from the bird blind. The preserve on the north side of Manatee Avenue is managed by the Manatee County parks and natural resources Department. other preserves on or near AMi include: leffis Key at Coquina Bayside in Bradenton Beach, neal preserve at 12301 Manatee Ave. W. on perico island and robinson preserve at 1704 99th St. nW in Bradenton. islander photo: lisa neff

By Lisa Neff

Protect land, lots of land

You can bank on this: Voters want to see an expansion of protected environmental lands in Manatee County. Last November, voters faced a bond question on their ballot: The “Water Quality Protection, Fish and Wildlife Habitat Preservation, and Park Ad Valorem Tax and Bonds.” The referendum proposed an ad valorem levy of 0.15 mill on property values for 20 years, as well as up to $50 million in general neff obligation bonds. The countywide vote for the question? Approved with 71%. In the three island cities, support exceeded 65%. On April 13, county commissioners assembled at the administration building in Bradenton for a work session to discuss carrying out the will of the voters. The county must answer a lot of questions before the first acre of environmental land is purchased under the special tax. Still, the discussion about a week ahead of Earth Day energized people disturbed by the crisis at the Piney Point phosphorus plant, where 215 million gallons of polluted water flowed to Tampa Bay. Perhaps no one was more energized during the workshop than Charlie Hunsicker, the director of Manatee County’s parks and natural resources department who deserves so much credit for creating and managing the preserves near Anna Maria Island, on county land east of the Anna Maria Island Bridge. Hunsicker, as he discussed the potential for new land acquisition and management, put the spotlight on Robinson and Perico — nature parks created in part on tired farmland. Hunsicker guided commissioners through the policies and priorities to be established before the new tax collection begins Nov. 1 and outlined a possible timeline: • In May, the county would approve principles, affirm goals, approve a bond resolution and notify the tax collector of the millage assessment.

• In June, the county would adopt priorities and ranking criteria for projects. • In January 2022, the first HPP revenue would become available. • February-April 2022, the county would consider the first projects. Voters, with their approval of the ballot measure, set the goals for spending the HHP tax money. Hunsicker reviewed them April 13: To protect water quality, preserve fish and wildlife, prevent stormwater pollution, provide preserves and parks. The county’s existing environmental lands management and acquisition advisory committee, established in 1993, might be responsible for reviewing and recommending projects, said Hunsicker, who emphasized that his department has no list of priority acreage to be purchased. Hunsicker also emphasized purchases would be

Earth Day 2021

Don’t ﬂush, don’t share over the past decade, the u.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has collected more than 6,800 tons of prescription drugs through the Take Back Day campaign. This year, on Take Back Day, which is April 24, the DEA asks people to drop off their unused medications at collection sites, which can include participating law enforcement agencies and fire departments. The Holmes Beach police Department, 5801 Marina Drive, is one such site. The Take Back campaign removes drugs from homes where they might be abused. The campaign also keeps drugs out of the wastewater system. islander Courtesy photo

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from willing sellers and that appraisals might best be obtained under a model used in Florida Forever, the state’s premier conservation and recreation lands acquisition program. What else to consider? A ranking system might include an analysis of a property’s proximity to water, complexity for stormwater needs, adjacency to existing parks and preserves, level of discount by sellers and the biodiversity index. Commissioners talked about conservation but also about bond issues, debt service, development and growth over the next 20 years. We’re clearly in a marathon to preserve environmental land and I’m reminded of an ad that appeared in The New York Times promoting the first Earth Day in 1970: “On April 22 we start to reclaim the environment we have wrecked. … Earth Day is a day for looking beyond tomorrow. April 22 seeks a future worth living. April 22 seeks a future.”

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Page 24 THE ISLANDER | islander.org April 21, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Women top the scorecard at KRC, center soccer kicks off By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter

Sixteen women were pared down to two to culminate a five-week, single-elimination nine-hole match-play tournament that began March 17 at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach. Laura Purcell and Pam Lowry squared off to decide the champion April 14, and Lowry prevailed. The women’s nine-hole, individual low-net match April 13 opened the week of regular golf action at the Cassidy club that saw Helen Pollock fire a 2-under-par 30 for first place in Flight A. Sue Wheeler was a shot back in second place, two strokes ahead of third-place finisher Ellen Boin. Susan VanOrsdale carded a 1-under-par 31 to earn a one-stroke victory in Flight B. Sue Christenson and Judy Todd tied for second with matching even-par 32s, while Annette Hall was another shot back in third place. Laurie Hicks’ 4-under-par 28 was the low-net round of the day, earning her first place in Flight C. Jody Maleeny took second with a 3-under-par 29, while Judy Menchek was alone in third place with an even-par 32. Center adults kick off spring soccer The spring adult soccer league at the Center of Anna Maria Island kicked off April 15 with four matches, starting with Flynn Law edging Sandbar Restaurant 6-4 behind three goals each from Eric Pullen and Damir Glavan. Michael Moya chipped in with an assist, while Mark Long made seven saves to help preserve the victory. Alex Pichardo scored three goals to lead Sandbar, which also received a goal in the loss from Luis Pichardo and nine saves from Kevin Mulcahy. The second match of the night saw Slim’s Place slip past Salty Printing 6-5 behind two goals and an

Pam Lowry, seated, third from left, celebrates her victory in the nine-hole Key Royale Club match-play championship with some of the competitors. Islander Photo: Courtesy Tom Nelson/KRC

assist from Keith Mahoney. Raul Loria added a goal, two assists and four saves in goal for Slim’s, which also received goals from Emily Argeros, David Noval and Max Panthempko in the victory. Salty Printing was led by Dimitri Maramanides, who posted two goals and two assists. Kevin Roman, Gerardo Ubiolo and Ed Moss each had a goal to complete the scoring for Salty Printing. The third match of the night saw CABB cleaning services cruise to a 9-4 victory over Killer Bait behind three goals each from Timo Vecchio and Kali Richardson. Connor Haughey, Austin Nutting and Luca Vecchio each added a goal to the victory. Daniel Hampton had a hat trick to lead Killer Bait, which also received a goal from Chris Scott and six saves from David Greene in the loss. The last match of the evening saw Beach Bums cruise to an 8-3 victory over Sato Real Estate behind two goals each from Emily Fischer, Jamie Hutchison and Lucky Durmaz. Tyler Brewer had three assists, Edwin Pichardo and Yuri Pereira each scored goals and

Bradenton Marauders promotional schedule set Play ball and catch the beat. The Bradenton Marauders began ticket sales for the 2021 baseball season and also set a promotional schedule, with concerts and more at LECOM Park in Bradenton. Single-game tickets for May games, as well as new season tickets and five-game plans, were to go on sale at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 21. The Minor League Baseball team’s home opener is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. Tuesday, May 4, against the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels. The fun will continue opening weekend, Friday, May 7, with a 941 T-Shirt Giveaway, followed Saturday, May 8, with a postgame fireworks show and a Mother’s Day celebration at the May 9, game. The schedule also includes: • Saturday, May 22: Nickelodeon “Dora the Explorer” Night; • Friday, May 28: Mental Health Awareness Night; • May 29: Military Appreciation Night; • Friday, June 11: Pride Night; • Saturday, June 12: Margaritaville Night;

Tuna McCracken made five saves to help preserve the victory. Youth soccer starts up at center pitch The youth soccer league at the Center of Anna Maria Island kicked off April 13 with a bevy of games in four age divisions. The 4-5 and 6-7 age groups are purely instructional. So no results or standings are kept. The 8-10 division season got started with Bridge Tender Inn edging Beach Bums 2-1 behind a goal each from Logan Stevens and Madeline Kimmons. Elijah Brannock made three saves to help preserve the Tender victory. Dylan Sato notched the lone goal for Beach Bums, which received three saves from Charlie Serra in the loss. The second 8-10 division game of the day saw Tidy MD earn a 2-0 victory over Solid Rock Construction behind a goal each from Mason Moss and Kirra Quimby. Shane Bradley came through with two saves for Tidy MD in the victory. Austin Guess made nine saves for Solid Rock Construction in the loss. The 11-14 division followed with Blalock Walters cruising to a 4-1 victory over The Gitt Team behind two goals from JM Feeney and a goal each from Jackson Pakbaz and William Pakbaz. Cale Rudacille made two saves in the victory for Blalock Walters. Brittany Robertson notched the lone goal for The Gitt Team, which also received 12 saves from Ronan Robertson in the loss. Anna Maria Bath Time outscored Grooms Motors & Automotive 5-4 behind a hat trick from Frankie Coleman. Maddox Culhane added a goal and Jack Mattick scored once as well, while also making nine saves in goal.

• Saturday, June 26: Faith and Family Night; • Saturday, July 10: Heroes versus Villains Night; • Saturday-Sunday, July 30-31: Back to School Weekend; • Friday, Aug. 13: First Responders Night; • Saturday, Aug. 14: Health Care Heroes Night; • Friday, Aug. 20: Youth Sports Night; • Saturday, Aug. 21: Bradenton Nine Devils Tribute Night; • Friday, Sept. 3: Childhood Cancer Awareness Night; • Saturday, Sept. 4: Fan Appreciation Night. The Marauders are planning for 25% capacity in the ballpark, with tickets available in seating pod allotments of two and four per transaction. The seating Horseshoe news Horseshoe action April 14 at the Anna Maria City arrangements are being made in accordance with health Hall pits saw the last two unbeaten teams lose their and safety protocols, with 6 feet between pods. final pool-play match, resulting in five-team playoff. LECOM Park is at 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenplease, see sports, next page ton. For more information about the Bradenton Marauders, call 941-747-3031.

Anna Maria Island Tides

— Lisa Neff

Date

We like likes

April 21 April 22 April 23 April 24 April 25 April 26 April 27 April 28

HIGH

10:39a 1.6 7:27p 10:41a 1.6 8:59p 10:52a 1.7 10:12p 11:07a 1.8 11:15p 11:24a 2.0 — 12:15a 2.0 11:45a 1:13a 1.8 12:10p 2:16a 1.6 12:39p

HIGH

LOW

2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 — 2.2 2.4 2.6

2:23a 3:16a 4:02a 4:41a 5:15a 5:44a 6:09a 6:29a

-0.1 -0.1 0.0 0.1 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.1

LOW

Moon

1:48p 1.4 3:10p 1.2 4:06p 0.8 4:55p 0.5 5:42p 0.1 6:30p -0.2 7:20p -0.4 Full 8:14p -0.6

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

Fishing Charters Capt. Warren Girle

INSHORE RE Redﬁsh Snook

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April 21, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 25 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Springtime fishing in full swing for inshore, offshore anglers By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

Springtime fishing around Anna Maria Island remains strong. Fishing the grass flats of Tampa Bay south to Sarasota Bay is host to a variety of species. Catch-and-release spotted seatrout are making a showing over deeper grass flats during swift incoming tides. Finding areas where the tide is rushing over shallow flats and Stasny dumping into deeper flats is a good bet. Anchor up and drift a live shiner over the edge of the shallows into the deep — and hang on. You’ll find other predators here, such as Spanish mackerel, jack crevalle and bluefish, that like this scenario. These fish add some variety to the trout bite and — if you like dining on Spanish mackerel — you’ll have an opportunity to put a few fish in the cooler. I’m finding catch-and-release snook are none too shy this spring. Shallow flats along mangrove shorelines and oyster beds are holding respectable numbers of linesiders. Early morning top-water action with a MirrOLure 84 MR is leading to some explosive strikes. As the sun gets higher, switching over to live shiners for bait is keeping the bite going. As a bonus, the live shiners are attracting slot-size catch-and-release redfish. Moving offshore, kingfish are being caught in the 8- to 10-mile range. You might find a few in close around the offshore artificial reefs at 3-7 miles offshore. Moving out, bottom fishing for grouper and snapper remains consistent. Keeper-size red grouper are quickly inhaling live pinfish on a bottom rig. For the snappers, live shiners on the same rig will get you a hookup. On my Southernaire charters, I’m targeting catchand-release spotted seatrout in Tampa Bay. April is typically good for the larger trout — 20 inches or bigger. I’m using circle hooks on the larger trout to prevent gut-hooking them. The larger fish are the breeders, so we try to handle them as delicately as possible. While targeting the trout, my clients are getting a lot of hookups on Spanish mackerel, jack crevalle and ladyfish. Fishing shallower flats up against the mangroves sports continued from page 24

The first round saw Tom Skoloda draw the lucky bye into the second round. He watched as Jerry Disbrow and Bob Lee eliminated Tim Sofran and John Yaroch 23-15. The other first-round match pitted Tom Farrington and Norm Good in a 22-6 win over Adin Shank and Steve Doyle. The bye to the final round went to Disbrow and Lee, who watched as Farrington and Good advanced with a 22-18 victory over Skoloda. The finals proved Farrington and Good to be “too good” in their 21-16 victory over Disbrow and Lee. Three teams emerged from pool play during April 17 horseshoe action. Steve Hooper and Farrington drew the bye into the finals and watched as Billy Silver walked past Skoloda and Gene Bobeldyke 21-19. Silver edged Hooper and Farrington by the same score in the finals to earn the day’s bragging rights. Play gets underway at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by random team selection. There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome.

Six-year-old Nash Pudlewski shows off his April 12 catch, a whopper snook weighing about 32 pounds. He hooked it in the shallow mangrove flats on the Bradenton River. Dad Mike said it was a “great day catching snook and trout! This monster ran for the mangroves but we brought it in before it snapped the line” — and released it to take the bait again another day.

is resulting in great catch-and-release snook action, with most within 20-30 inches. Capt. Warren Girle is finding ample amounts of fish while working in Sarasota Bay. Catch-and-release redfish are being caught around residential docks and canals. They are being found around mangrove shorelines. Casting live shiners or shrimp in both areas is attracting the reds. Catch-and-release snook are hooking up with Girle’s anglers along the mangrove shorelines and again, shiners are the bait of choice. Moving away from shore, into the deeper grass flats of Sarasota Bay, is yielding numerous catch-andrelease spotted seatrout as well as a handful of other species — bluefish, Spanish mackerel and ladyfish. Capt. Aaron Lowman is putting sport fishers on the good catch-and-release action in Tampa Bay. Free-lining shiners around mangroves, oyster bars and sandbars on moving tides is providing some great snook and redfish hookups. The same applies for catch-and-release spotted seatrout, although the fish are being found over deeper grass flats in open water. Other catches include Spanish mackerel, bluefish and jack crevalle.

TideWatch

Red tide bloom in SW Florida

The red tide organism, Karenia brevis, persists in Southwest Florida and appears to be intensifying. However, K. brevis was not observed in Manatee County the week ending April 18. K. brevis was observed at background to high concentrations in Charlotte County, background to low concentrations in or offshore of Lee County and in Collier County and low concentrations offshore of Monroe County. K. brevis also was observed at elevated levels in Sarasota County, prompting the Florida Department of Health in the county to post warning signs on beaches at Longboat Key, Bird Key Park, North Lido Beach, Lido Casino, South Lido, Siesta Beach, Turtle Beach, Nokomis Beach and North Jetty Beach. For more information, go online to myfwc.com/ research/redtide.

Jim Malfese says pompano are making a showing at the Rod & Reel Pier. Pier fishers casting live shrimp combined with a small hook and split shot are hooking into keeper-size pomps. Small jigs tipped with shrimp and bounced off the bottom are luring the tasty fish to take the hook. While using jigs for pompano, pier fishers are hooking into jack crevalle, ladyfish and a few macks. And bottom fishing with live shrimp is yielding flounder, especially when casting the bait under the pier. Capt. David White is finding action for his clients offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. Bottom fishing with live pinfish or frozen sardines is yielding many red grouper. Switching to shiners as bait is working well, especially for mangrove and yellowtail snapper. Fishing baits toward the surface while working over the offshore wrecks also is productive for White’s clients. Blackfin tuna are coming to the boat as well as some kingfish, bonito and bull sharks. On the inshore bite, White is finding action on the usual catch-and-release species — snook and redfish. Also while inshore, macks and black drum are hooking up, giving White’s clients something to take home for dinner. Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

Fishing tip! If you hook a bird, remember: Reel, remove, release!

Southernaire Fishing Charters

Licensed

Page 26 THE ISLANDER | islander.org April 21, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Island cities eye tourism money for city-centric projects By Amy V.T. Moriarty Islander Reporter

The island’s three mayors were looking hungry. They were expected to present requests April 19 for tourist development tax dollars to fund city projects at a meeting that took place as The Islander went to press. Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy was to request $500,000 to fund the buildout of a Mote Marine outreach center on the Anna Maria City Pier, 100 S. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie was to seek $850,000 for improvements to the Historic Bridge Street Pier, 200 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. And Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth was to request $324,110 to partially fund two projects — improvements to Grassy Point Preserve, stretching from the 3200 block of East Bay Drive to Anna Maria Sound, and seawall erosion control at the city center on Marina Drive. Chappie’s and Titsworth’s requests each stipulated their cities would match, at least partially, the tourist tax funding. The Manatee County Tourist Development Council makes recommendations to the county commission for spending from the 5% resort tax on accommodations of six months or less. The mayors were slated to outline their projects at the TDC’s bimonthly meeting at the county administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. Anna Maria A memorandum of understanding between the city and Mote stipulates the city would be responsible for securing funding for the $500,000 buildout of an 1,800-square-foot marine outreach center at the T-end of the pier from non-ad valorem tax dollars, while Mote would pony up $55,600. Mote would cover the annual cost to operate the outreach center, estimated at $444,134. Murphy indicated that, despite no upfront investment from the city, a long-term financial loss was estimated at $162,000 — losses resulting from the lack of rent from Mote that previously the city collected from a restaurant in the same space. Admission to the center would be free, though Mote president Dr. Michael Crosby said there could be charges for special programs and classes. After Hurricane Irma in 2017 and accumulated damage to the historic pier resulted in a declaration of loss by the city insurer, TDC funding contributed to construction of a new pier. Mote has benefited from tourist development funding in the past and TDC chair Misty Servia is on record

Vera Putnam, 4, center, enjoys leapfrogging April 17 with her grandfather, Shivoo Putnam, left, and dad, Vince Putnam at the Anna Maria City Pier. The family was enjoying the last day of a weeklong visit to Anna Maria Island from New York and New Jersey. Islander Photo: Amy V.T. Moriarty

stating her support for Mote. on East Bay Drive were included in the city project. Murphy’s request was for funding by October, Funding for another capital improvement project when the city’s new fiscal year begins. would include a beautification and pedestrian accessibility project along a stretch of recently built seawall/ Bradenton Beach sidewalk in the 5400-5600 blocks of Marina Drive TDC members were asked to consider steering up along the city boat basin. to $850,000 to reimburse Bradenton Beach for capital The requested $282,910 would reimburse the city improvements to the floating dock at the city pier to for improvements made to the erosion control seawall, enhance multi-modal transportation. “freeing monies for Holmes Beach to invest in other Included in the project: improvements to the city.” • Construction of finger piers to accommodate up The city would invest in related projects deemed to 18 vessels and a water taxi service; ineligible for tourist development tax dollars, includ• Installation of a 16-by-36-foot boatlift to accom- ing the addition of bike lanes, sidewalks and landscapmodate a BBPD vessel; ing for the area. • Rebuilding the city dock frequently used by dinghies to access the shore; Other matters • A dedicated access terminal and signage for a The TDC members also were slated to receive municipal trolley to service people out for a day trip updates about expanded service at the Sarasota-Braon a boat or water taxi. denton International Airport in Sarasota from airport At 550-feet long and stretching over Sarasota COO Mark Stuckey and a state-of-tourism update Bay, the pier houses a restaurant, bait shop, underwa- from Research Data Services director of quantitative ter lights, fish cleaning stations, a pavilion and public research Anne Wittine. restroom facilities. In 2019, a 250-foot day dock was constructed for About the TDC boaters, charter fishing guides and tour boat companies The TDC makes recommendations to the Manatee to use on a first-come, first-served basis. County Commission on tourism spending. Chappie’s request was for funding by July. Members are County Commissioner Misty Servia who is chair, vice chair Vernon DeSear, Eric Cairns, Holmes Beach Ed Chiles, Jiten Patel, Rahul Patel, Jack Rynerson, Titsworth requested $41,200 to help purchase 22 Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown and Palmetto Mayor acres of property adjacent to Grassy Point Preserve for Shirley Groover Bryant. “an enhanced passive park on Sarasota Bay.” For more information about the TDC, call 941Boardwalks, informational signs and an entrance 729-9177.

New Holmes Beach rules for signs pass 1st reading By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Holmes Beach may roll out some new rules for business signs by this summer. City commissioners held a public hearing and first reading April 13 for an ordinance that would amend the land development code to add definitions for lighting and establish standards for nonconforming commercial signs in residential districts. Changes would include allowing lighted signs at a city standard based on the level of lumens — a measure of brightness — that would be backlit or illuminated from within, as well as up- or down-lighting for safety. The discussion began in 2020, when people living in residential zones abutting resort areas expressed concerns over light intrusion from some signs. In response, city planner Bill Brisson began drafting changes. Brisson introduced another change April 13 that gained consensus: Limiting commercial properties to one lighted sign with one or two faces. However, Brisson said he needs more time to research the issue and set a standard. Brisson told commissioners the issue dates back to the 1980s and ’90s, when a former building official ignored city code and issued building permits for lighted commercial signs in residential zones. Lighted commercial signage is not permitted in the

city’s A-1, R-2 and R-4 zoning districts, according to city code. A-1 is generally intended to be multifamily residential and seasonal tourism. R-2 and R-4 are medium-density residential. The conundrum resulted in litigation between the city and at least one sign owner. Attorney Aaron Taylor of the Najmy Thompson law firm spoke at the meeting on behalf of the Anna Maria Beach Resort, which is locked in litigation with the city. Taylor said the city issued a permit for three lighted signs at the resort several years ago, then cited it with a violation, saying the signs were not permitted under city code. A special magistrate determined the resort was in violation of city code despite the permit. Blue Water subsequently appealed in 2019 and has since been locked in litigation. “I want to make sure the commission is aware that we weren’t trying to pull the wool over the city’s eyes,” Thomas said. “This is not a situation where we built something the city didn’t give us permission to build in the first place. We did exactly what the city allowed us to do.” Thomas said he is willing to settle with the city if allowed two of the resort’s three lighted signs. In light of Thomas’ offer and Brisson’s recommendations, city attorney Patricia Petruff suggested

tabling a second, final reading for the ordinance. She said the commission may revisit the topic in late May. Commissioners agreed and moved to the next agenda item. There was no action needed for the first reading.

In other matters… • Commissioner Carol Soustek said the city’s parks and beautification committee discussed having the city purchase the vacant Wells Fargo bank property, 5327 Gulf Drive, and repurpose it into public greenspace with $1.8 million the city anticipates in its COVID-19 relief funding from the U.S. American Rescue Plan Act; • Commissioners voted 5-0 to approve a temporary use permit for the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages at the May 1 Anna Maria Chamber of Commerce-sponsored Beach N’ Food Truck & Music Festival; • Commissioners unanimously voted to approve the first reading for a flood plain ordinance that would amend the LDC to prohibit manufactured homes in coastal high hazard areas. The next commission meeting will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 27, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. People can attend in-person or via teleconference, with instructions posted to the city’s website, www. holmesbeachfl.org.

April 21, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org page 27 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

isl

Chamber opener Jessica Adair, center with scissors, and Dee Munn, center right, cut the ribbon April 15 to celebrate the opening of their vacation rental and real estate business, at a popular vacation home at 102 48th St., Holmes Beach. The business is at 9801 gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Members of the Anna Maria island Chamber of Commerce board of directors took part. islander photo: Courtesy AMiCofC/laura Micciche

biz

Amy V.T. Moriarty

Revolving doors

New owners offer convenience at Jessie’s An overdue welcome to ABCO, operating as Crazy Papa’s, the group that bought Jessie’s Island Market and took over day-to-day operations at the beginning of the year. Jessie’s is the convenience store at the Shell gas station, 5424 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. The owners may be newish but the offerings remain the same. From grab-and-go sandwiches to beverages of all kinds, including alcohol, and other convenience store staples, milk, chips and candy. They have what you need to gas-and-go about your day. Movin’ on up COMPILED BY AMY V.T. MORIARTY Congratulations to Lindsey Leech at Duncan Real AMI Chamber Estate, 310 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, for her recent move THIS WEEK from marketing the agency to selling properties. Leech has been with TeamDuncan since 2015, Thursday, April 22 when she started as director of business development. 5 p.m. — Business card exchange, Anna Maria Island Historical And after six years working with agency owner Darcie Society, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Duncan, a few months ago switched over to the sales SAVE THE DATES side of the house, having received her sales license in 2017 and plenty of on-the-job training in the interim. May 1, Beach ’n Food Truck Festival, Holmes Beach. She can be reached at lindseykleech@gmail.com Connie Meyer, left, of Westminster point pleasant, May 14, golf tournament, Bradenton. or 941-779-0304. and Alex Bowman, of College Hunks Hauling Junk & Fees may apply for events. In the bullseye Moving, pause for a photograph April 15 at an Anna For more information, contact the chamber at 941-778-1541. In January, we told you retail giant Target con- Maria island Chamber of Commerce luncheon at Other events firmed plans to fill a 49,000-square-foot store in place Discovery Village at Sarasota Bay, 1414 69th Ave. of Kmart in Beachway Plaza at the northwest corner W., Bradenton. islander photo: Toni lyon SAVE THE DATES of 75th Street and Manatee Avenue in Bradenton. May 10, Manatee Chamber of Commerce Politics & Pints, BraWe followed up with Target, seeking more infor- an April 12 email or April 14 phone call from The denton. Information: 941-748-3411 Islander. mation about the projected opening date. The original plan was to open a Lucky’s Market at In response to an email from The Islander April 13, Jill Lewis in Target media relations said: “We don’t the site, but Kroger cut Lucky’s brand from its brands have any updates at this time, but as we get closer to in January 2020 and Lucky’s declared bankruptcy. In addition to markets under its own brand name, opening this store, we’ll have more specific details to Kroger owns Harris-Teeter, a high-end experienceshare.” Along with our January reporting, we also told you based market chain based in North Carolina, with more Kroger Co. purchased the lot across the street in the than 230 locations in seven states. Whether a Kroger or Harris-Teeter, whenever a Manatee West Shopping Plaza, where an Albertsons decision is announced, we’ll let you know. grocery store was razed in 2020. Got business news? Contact Amy Moriarty at Kroger’s head of media relations/corporate communications, Kristal Howard, did not LindseyKLeech@gmail.com respond to amym@islander.org or call 941-778-7978.

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page 28 THE ISLANDER | islander.org April 21, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

ITEMS FOR SALE Continued

HELP WANTED

TWin BEDS, CoMplETE, $75, full-size lay-ZBoy sleeper, $90. 215-341-7320.

AnTiQuE pArTnEr DESK: All wood, $1,000. reduced to $500. call The islander. 941-7787978.

Hiring! Tour BoAT Captain. oupV 6 pack or greater. pay plus great tips! 941-822-3351.

MEn’S ping golf clubs: g30 woods and g20 irons. putter and bag. All in excellent shape. $600. phone, 941-896-6715.

AnTiQuE offiCE chairs: perfect for eclectic dining set. Circa 1950 from Anna Maria City Hall. inquire at islander newspaper, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

EnTErTAinMEnT CEnTEr: THrEE-piece Thomasville console, can also be converted into a bar. free! 813-391-5187.

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

EDgErS: ConCrETE, like new, 50 cents, car roof rack, black, easy install, $50, chandelier, brown metal, hardware included, $60. 941-9202494.

individuals may place one free ad with up to three items, each priced $100 or less, 15 words or less. frEE, one week, must be submitted online. Email classifieds@islander.org, fax toll-free 1-866-3629821. (limited time offer)

KEYBoArDS, $10, MouSE $5. non-stick green pans, 8-10-12-inch, 3/$25. 941-920-2494.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SHip’S WHEEl TABlE: Capt. J. lindroth original masterpiece of inlaid wood and brass. 19-inches tall, 45-inch diameter. $1,500. Also, related pieces. marinateal@gmail.com.

Will purCHASE Your old Anna Maria island property plat book (abstract of title). Text images to 813-205-6500.

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frEE gun loCK courtesy of project Childsafe, florida fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Holmes Beach police Department. pick up at The islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. Don’t be sorry, be safe.

Honey is 5 years old. She is up to date with vaccinations, spayed and looking for a loving family. To meet this sweetie, call Lisa Williams at 941-345-2441 or visit The Islander ofﬁce in Holmes Beach. For more about pet adoption or to adopt Honey, visit moonraceranimalrescue.com.

ESTATE SALES ESTATE SAlE: 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. friday, April 23. 316 iris St., Anna Maria. (You must park with all four wheels off the pavement and wear a mask.) Sofa, desks, including mid-century style, twin beds, twin on king bed set, rattan swivel chairs, occasional chairs, dinette, coffee table, floridastyle bed set, clothing, ladder, kitchenware, collectibles, lamps, china, glass, bric-a-brac and other late additions. Sale conducted by palma Sola Sales. (numbers given out at 8 a.m.)