The Islander Newspaper E-Edition Wednesday, April. 8, 2020 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

#AMItogether

VOLUME 28, NO. 24

APRIL 8, 2020 FREE

the Best news on Anna maria island Since 1992

Astheworldterns find a ‘silver lining.’ 6 mom and pops employ survival skills. 4

Meetings. 4 Voter registration open. 4 coVid-19 reaches Ami, county numbers rise. 5

Opinions. 6 10-20 YEARS AGO

Looking back. 7

Gathering. 8 easter arrives to isolation.

Obituaries. 8

islander.org

COVID-19 on AMI, curfew, rental bans begin By ryan Paice islander reporter

Efforts to counter the spread of COVID-19 reached new heights just as data showed the virus found its way to Anna Maria Island. Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a “safer at home” order April 1 to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus the same day the first confirmed case was reported from Holmes Beach. The Holmes Beach statistic is one of

Manatee County’s 136 confirmed cases, including three deaths and 31 hospitalizations, as of April 6. Across the state, the number of people infected deSantis with the virus has ballooned. There were 136 confirmed cases in the state March 16 and 12,350 cases as of April 6, according to the Florida Department of Health.

Small Town hearts

county downshifts island trolley service. 9 community center issues #StayHomechallenge. 10 coVid-19 closings, cancellations. 10

DeSantis’ “safer at home” order, intended to flatten the curve and slow the spread of COVID-19, limits people to essential activities, including work for some, pet care, attending religious services, assisting a loved one or friend and participating in exercise under social distancing guidelines. Essential services that can continue operating include medical care, public safety, law enforcement, utilities, public works, critical manufacturing, transportation, communications and information technology, financial, food, agriculture, government and some community-based operations. The order took effect at 12:01 a.m. April 3 with an expiration date of April 30. DeSantis also issued a pair of executive orders April 2 to improve the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity’s Reemployment Assistance Program and provide relief from mortgage foreclosures and evictions for 45 days. However, the order did not relieve the obligation to make mortgage and rent payments. At the county level April 3, commissioners voted 5-2 to enact an immediate 11 p.m.-5 a.m. countywide curfew, as well as give law enforcement agencies the ability to enforce group gathering restrictions on private property, not including residence interiors. PLeASe, See COVID-19, PAge 3

Home-learning help. 11

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island law enforcement responds to safer-athome order. 13

Streetlife. 13

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ILL-FATeD JoURneY. Bradenton Beach man dies at Sarasota hospital after becoming sick on a cruise.

‘He died alone — he suffered alone’

NESTING NOTES. 14

By matt deYoung the grand Haven tribune in the forecast. 15 Holmes Beach to repair failing seawalls. 16

RoadWatch. 16 Anna maria pier opening pushed to April. 17 Aces on the course. 18 fishing: As good as it gets. 19

PropertyWatch. 20 CLASSIFIEDS. 20

ISL BIZ takeaways, delivery. 22

NYT puzzle. 23

#AMItogether

gabriella gilbert, left, and her mom, Lindy, stand outside the Small town creamery in the island Shopping center, 5404 marina drive, Holmes Beach. they decorated the sidewalk with hearts to send a message to islanders after closing the creamery indefinitely due to coVid-19. for more, see the story on Page 22. islander courtesy Photo

Guide to aid during COVID-19 crisis

The Islander applied its “Storm Avenger” approach to prepping for hurricane season. Click here. The Islander compiled a guide to advice Go there. and assistance, using local, state and federal Watch this. government sources, as well as community An abundance of advice and informa- resources in Manatee County and university tion exists for people, organizations and extension services. businesses struggling to cope with day-today obligations, while also dealing with Staying safe the extraordinary — a pandemic, the global First and foremost, stay home when posspread of COVID-19. sible and social distance when you cannot. To help readers attend to basic needs Take temperature readings. Wash hands with PLeASe, See HELP, PAge 4 while coping with a public health crisis, By Lisa neff islander editor

Megan Sheehan and her siblings say they did their best to talk their father out of boarding a cruise ship in Florida in March. But Tom Sheehan — described as “stubborn as a goat” by his son, Kevin — wouldn’t listen. Tom and his wife, Jill, boarded the Costa Lumiosa in Fort Lauderdale with another couple on March 5, joining about 1,400 others on board. Little did they know that at least one passenger on the ship was infected with COVID-19 and, over the course of the next few weeks, many others aboard would also become sick. For Tom, the decision to board the cruise ultimately cost him his life. An ill-fated journey Megan Sheehan lives in Grand Haven, Michigan, nearly 1,300 miles from her father, who was living in Bradenton Beach. Megan’s pleadings with her father to skip the cruise – with planned stops in Italy, Antigua, Puerto Rico, Spain, the Canary Islands and France — were shrugged off. “Me and my brothers begged him not to go,” she said. “I’m not sure why he decided to go. That was his take — it’s still over there and I’m going to be fine. Plus, the cruise line PLeASe, See SHEEHAN, PAge 2

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had taken Italy off its list of stops, so he figured they’re not going anywhere that it’s bad.” To Tom’s defense, this was prior to the coronavirus putting the United States on lockdown. Major outbreaks were limited to China and Italy, with a few cases starting to pop up in the U.S. The next day, March 6, Vice President Mike Pence announced that 21 people aboard the Grand Princess cruise ship, which was being held off the coast of California, had tested positive for the virus. By that time, it was too late for Tom and Jill. They were already aboard their cruise, which made its first stop two days later in Puerto Rico. An Italian woman was removed from the ship during the stop after exhibiting symptoms of the virus, according to a New York Times article. Tom said he wouldn’t have reboarded the ship had he known. “They were never able to get off the boat after that first stop,” Megan said. “They gave everyone the full roam of the boat, but they couldn’t get off. When they got to Spain, they unloaded a sick passenger, but they wouldn’t let anybody off the boat.”

tom Sheehan of Bradenton Beach, pictured with grandson evan, died march 29 from coVid-19. islander courtesy Photo

for COVID-19, according to statistics Megan provided. Four of them, including Tom, have died. Megan, fighting back tears, recounted the final days of her dad’s life. “He never left the hospital,” she said. “They tried to get him stable, and on March 22, they told us they had his COVID stable. Mind you, nobody can visit. The nurses have to completely suit up to go into the rooms, so their contact with the patients is limited, too. “We got updates twice a day,” she continued. “My dad’s phone died that Sunday, and before we could have someone bring him up a charger, on Sunday, he went into a coma. He never recovered. ... The nurses, bless their souls, at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, brought in an iPad so that me, my brothers and my cousins could say goodbye this past Friday.” Megan said her father loved life, loved his family and had a strong Irish pride. He was 68 when he died March 29. “He died alone, 100% alone. He suffered alone,” Megan said. “It’s a very lonely virus. My stepmom sat at home, quarantined, very sick (she also contracted the virus), and had to make the call to take him off the ventilator.” Sharing the story is heartbreaking for Megan, but she wants to make sure everyone realizes just how real the current situation is. “Stay home,” she said. “This is so fast-acting and lonely. … I’m a single mom. My biggest fear is if I were to get it, who would take care of my boys? Maybe I’m overthinking it, but I just had the unthinkable happen to me.” Her final message is a chilling one. “Thank God, the best part of my dad being in a coma is that he doesn’t know he died alone,” she said. This story is reprinted with permission from the Grand Haven Tribune, grandhaventribune.com.

were allowed off the ship March 19. Once they left the ship, the American passengers were packed into buses and spent much of the day confined to them before being driven to the airport and boarding a redeye flight to Atlanta, Georgia, where they arrived the Living a nightmare What was supposed to be a 10-day cruise turned next morning. into an 14-day nightmare for those onboard. Passengers were quarantined to their rooms for the final five There’s no place like home Sheehan said the passengers, many of whom were days. They took to social media to share their stories tested before leaving France but not given results, were with loved ones. “My dad was begging and pleading for help,” not quarantined once they reached Atlanta. “We were thinking, as soon as he got in, the CDC’s Megan said. “They had put posts on Facebook for help — ‘Help us get off this ship.’ He was sending gonna quarantine them because so many people are sick, but that didn’t happen,” Kevin Sheehan said in messages to me and my brothers asking for help.” Other passengers created a Facebook page, “Costa an interview with the Tallahassee Democrat. “My wife Luminosa Update for Passengers,” which has hundreds and I were shocked.” A day later, Tom — who suffered from asthma, of posts from those aboard the ship, and their family members. The page continues to have active conver- COPD and diabetes — was stricken with the virus. “On Saturday, my dad was rushed to the hospital sations today as some of the passengers still haven’t because he could not breathe,” Meghan said. found their way home. He wasn’t alone. Nearly 80 of the 300 passengers Click! The Islander welcomes news of the milestones According to reports, the ship was eventually allowed to dock in Marseille, France, and passengers who returned to the United States have tested positive in readers’ lives. Send notices to news@islander.org.

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COVID-19 continued from PAge 1

Before the resolution passed, law enforcement agencies could only enforce local COVID-19 restrictions and safety measures on public property. Commissioner Carol Whitmore, serving the island and the county at-large, floundered in her support, then backed off and said she wanted more public feedback but, in the end, she voted yes. Both Commissioners Vanessa Baugh and Stephen Jonsson voted “no.” Jonsson’s district includes the island, Cortez and northwest Bradenton. The curfew prohibits group gatherings larger than 10 people, as well as nonessential travel. However, it allows for first responder operations, food delivery services, travel to and from work, walking domestic animals and utility work. A proposal restricting dog-walkers to within 250 feet of their residences was removed before the policy was approved. Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells said deputies would issue citations for second-degree misdemeanors and notices to appear in court to people found violating the curfew or the “safer at home” order. Public comment at the meeting was conducted by phone and in person at the administration building in Bradenton. Dr. Werther Marciales, M.D., of Manatee Memorial Hospital encouraged the county to implement the proposed safety measures. “The possibility that this could be a catastrophe should not be taken lightly,” Marciales said. “I believe that anything we can do to prevent this should be done.” Speaking against the resolution, resident Kevin Wright said the measure infringes upon citizens’ civil liberties. “Not all behavior, especially good behavior, should be subject to the law,” Wright said. “Even if everything else you’ve done here before was good, this is a red line.” But county public safety director Jacob Saur said the curfew would reduce vehicular traffic, allowing

dr. Stephanie minter, m.d., chief resident in internal medicine at manatee memorial Hospital, addresses manatee county commissioners April 3 on the seriousness of coVid-19. islander Screenshot

law enforcement to better identify illegal activity and providing a needed break for first responders. He said several MCSO deputies and emergency medical services employees had been quarantined due to exposure to the coronavirus, which impacted staffing. Saur said the burden will only worsen, as projections are that the number of positive cases will grow before peaking around May 2. “This is putting a strain on EMS, fire department and local law enforcement personnel daily to maintain adequate levels of staffing to respond to 911 calls,” Saur said. “We are in unprecedented times, and we will have a real problem when the virus peaks in our community.” “Our health care system and our first responders will not be able to manage the surge of sick patients,” Saur continued. “Now is the time to make swift, purposeful decisions before we reach the peak.” Wells said too many residents failed to take safety measures seriously and continued large group gatherings. He added that he hoped the curfew would keep people at home. Jonsson and Baugh spoke against the resolution. “I just think this is a bad idea,” Jonsson said. “And it’s totally unenforceable in my opinion. “Our residents have already given up a lot,” Baugh said. “We have 400,000 residents and we haven’t heard from all of them. …We need to take them into consideration.” Commissioner Misty Servia said the curfew did little to restrict civil liberties because most businesses

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were closed and people could still carry out essential activities. Commissioner Priscilla Trace moved to approve the modified resolution and Commission Chair Betsy Benac seconded the motion. Meanwhile, during the week ending April 5, all three island cities extended their states of emergency. Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie said April 3 city parks were closed, but the Historic Bridge Street Pier remained open to the public and the beaches were open to residents. “There haven’t been any issues whatsoever,” Chappie said. “It’s been a change, of course.… But we’ll get through it.” Bradenton Beach Police Lt. John Cosby said nonessential businesses in the city were closed and officers hadn’t faced any challenges enforcing restrictions. “Everybody’s been very compliant,” he said. Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth wrote in a daily report April 3 that the city had reopened the large dog park, but the covered pavilions remained closed to social gatherings. She said the small dog park would be reopened “just as soon as the new grass is ready to be played on.” The city’s code enforcement employees and police officers were monitoring to ensure vacation rental properties complied with DeSantis’ order barring new check-ins through April 10. A banner posted at the Manatee Avenue gateway to the city stated, “No vacation rental check ins.” Titsworth also encouraged essential businesses to adopt screening and social distancing procedures established by the U.S. Center of Disease Control and Prevention to further limit the spread of the virus. In Anna Maria, Mayor Dan Murphy wrote in an April 3 email to The Islander that the city was determining which businesses are “essential.” Murphy said beaches would remain open to residents. At press time for The Islander, the island cities had not planned to limit access from the mainland.

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Island businesses — mom and pops — employ survival skills By Sandy Ambrogi island reporter

Without an employer, there can be no employee. As the COVID-19 pandemic grows deeper, record numbers of workers are seeking state and federal unemployment relief from the new roughly $2 trillion CARES package. But business owners must find a way to stay afloat through the crisis, or workers will have no jobs when the air finally clears. The CARES Act contains $377 billion dollars earmarked for small businesses. There is $350 billion allocated to the Small Business Administration for loans of up to $10 million per business. Any part of that loan used to maintain payroll, keep workers on the books or pay rent, mortgage or existing debt could be forgiven if workers stay employed through June. The package also provides $10 billion in emergency funds to small businesses to cover immediate operating costs. The grants do not have to be repaid. Small businesses that already have existing SBA loans will receive funds to cover six months of payments. Local businesses on different paths When Gov. Ron DeSantis issued the order limiting Florida commerce to “essential services” beginning April 3, more local businesses were forced to shutter. However, the “essential” list is lengthy — the list can be viewed at cisa.gov. — and people are allowed health care visits, grocery shopping, outdoor recreational activities and exercise that practice social distancing, caring for a loved one, friend or pet, picking up food orders and attending religious services, among others. Also, April 3, Manatee County commissioners voted 5-2 to pass a curfew order, adding another layer to the shelter-at-home edict from the governor. The curfew runs 11 p.m.-5 a.m., but pet walking and in-home gatherings are exempt. Gatherings outside

david Sork stays home these days from his job at the ugly grouper, relaxing with thunder and avoiding the coVid-19 storm. islander courtesy Photo

of a home are not exempt. Commissioners will revisit the curfew every seven days. Some business continues While retail shops, boutiques, hair and nail salons closed, many eateries on the island continued to offer takeout and delivery as of April 6. Linda Kissell at Harry’s Grill and Bistro, 9903 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, said April 3 the restaurant would continue to offer carryout and delivery “as long as we can.” ‘We are trying to bless the community with our food” with a limited staff, she said. David Sork at the Ugly Grouper, 5704 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, left work to stay at home earlier in March when the COVID-19 was worsening. “I’m on cancer treatments and I’m over 60. I pulled the plug two weeks ago. It was time for me to get home and stay there,” Sork said. The Ugly Grouper remained open until March 31, when it posted it would close until April 17, after which managers plan to reevaluate.

CoVID-19 heLP continued from PAge 1

soap and water. Keep the home, auto and workstation County and partners provide grab-and-go meals for sanitized. And connect daily with loved ones, whether students. For sites, go to www.manateeschools.net. by phone, computer or a wave from afar. More long-term, families may be eligible for benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance ProGetting food assistance gram administered by the state at myflorida.com. Stock up, but with a budget-conscious approach. For example, buy canned garbanzos instead of ready- Finding health care made hummus, or, better, buy dried garbanzos, which If exposed to someone who tested positive for have a longer shelf life and cost far less. COVID-19 or exhibiting symptoms, the state’s Roser Food Pantry, 512 Pine. Ave., Anna Maria, COVID-19 center can be reached at 866-779-6121 or offers grocery assistance to locals. For help, call 941- covid-19@flhealth.gov. State officials have stressed 778-0414. that no one, regardless of income or health insurance Also, Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee — at status, should worry about the cost of a test or care. mealsonwheelsplus.org — provides help through For the uninsured dealing with other medical Meals on Wheels and the Food Bank of Manatee. issues, call 211 or visit 211.org or visit We Care ManaOther providers can be found by calling 211 or tee at wecaremanatee.org. going to 211.org, which directs people in need to many services. Applying for unemployment Additionally, the School District of Manatee The first thing to do if laid off from work is apply

Meetings

April 28, 6 a.m., city commission. Anna Maria City Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941April 9, 2 p.m., commission. 708-5800, holmesbeachﬂ.org. April 23, 6 p.m., commission. Note: City hall is closed. For details on meeting Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941-708participation, call 941-708-5800. 6130, cityofannamaria.com. Note: City hall is closed until further notice. For details on meeting participation, call 941-708-6130. West Manatee Fire Rescue April 21, 5 p.m., workshop. April 21, 6 p.m., commission. Bradenton Beach WMFR administration building, 6510 Third Ave. April 8, 9:30 a.m., CRA. W., Bradenton, 941-761-1555, wmfr.org. April 14, 9:15 a.m., commission. CANCELED Note: For details on meeting participation, call April 16, noon, commission. 941-761-1555. April 21, 9:15 a.m., commission. April 22, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Manatee County April 14, 9 a.m., county commission. 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com. Administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Note: City hall is closed. For details on meeting Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org. participation, call 941-778-1005. Note: County buildings are closed. For details on meeting participation, call 941-748-4501. Holmes Beach Submit notices to news@islander.org. April 14, 6 p.m., city commission. CANCELED

AMI chamber recommendations Cathy Pizzo, vice president of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, made three recommendations for small businesses navigating the confusing web of loans and grants due to COVID-19: • The Small Business Paycheck Protection Program provides funds for up to eight weeks for payroll costs and benefits, as well funding for business mortgages, rent and utilities. The loans are forgivable when used at least 75% for payroll. Loan payments on any balances will be deferred for six months and no personal or collateral guarantees are required. There are no initiation fees. Forgiveness is based on maintaining or quickly rehiring employees and maintaining salary levels. Businesses with 500 fewer employees and certain other industries are eligible. Business applications began April 3 and are available from SBA lenders. Check with your bank. For more information, go to sba.gov or coronavirus.gov. • Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan is a short-term, interest-free working capital loan to “bridge” between catastrophe and when a business has secured longer term recovery resources. They must employ 2-100 workers and suffered economic injury due to COVID-19. floridadisasterloan.org • Federal Economic Injury Disaster Loan offers an immediate advance of $10,000 with no repayment to qualified applicants for loss of revenue and provides working capital loans of up to $2 million to overcome revenue loss. SBA.gov. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, businesses seek ways to hold on and emerge after the crisis. For now, small businesses need to fill out applications as quickly as possible as some programs have a cap on available funds. For more about island businesses operating during the crisis, go to Page 22. for unemployment — called “reemployment insurance” in Florida. New federal legislation brings the benefit to $600 per week for some applicants. Also, the timetable for benefits was extended from 26 weeks to 39 weeks and freelance, contract labor and gig workers can qualify. People quarantined, caring for a sick loved one, furloughed or dismissed because of COVID-19 also can apply at floridajobs.org. Banking on relief The federal government is sending stimulus checks —$500 for dependent children, $1,200 for individuals earning less than $75,000 a year and less for those PLeASe, See HELP, neXt PAge

Election 2020

Registration opens, qualifying ahead

Voter registration is open for the Aug. 18 primary, the next election island voters will face. Registration will close at 5 p.m. July 20. The general election will be Nov. 3, which is when candidates will compete for offices in Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach. Qualifying in Anna Maria will be noon June 1-noon June 12. Offices up for election include the mayoral post, held by Dan Murphy, and two commission seats, held by Amy Tripp and Mark Short. In Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach, candidates will qualify noon June 8-June 12. Two commission seats — held by Marilyn Maro and Ralph Cole — are up for election. In Holmes Beach, the mayoral post held by Judy Titsworth is up for election, as are two commission seats, held by Pat Morton and Kim Rash. All island elected offices are for two-year terms. Details about voter registration and candidate qualifying can be found online at votemanatee.com. — Lisa neff

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Protection vital as CoVID reaches AMI, numbers rise By chrisAnn Allen islander reporter

It will get worse before it gets better. Positive cases of COVID-19 were rapidly rising in the state and in Manatee County the week ending April 5. Since the first case in Florida was documented March 1 in Manatee County, the number of people in the state who had tested positive increased to 12,350 and 221 deaths as of April 5. The county reported 136 positive cases as of April 5, out of 910 people tested. Jake Saur, the county’s public safety director, said April 3 that projections indicated Florida would see a surge of COVID-19 patients peaking May 2. The first person to test positive on Anna Maria Island was a Holmes Beach resident who was reported April 1 by the Florida Department of Health. However, Bradenton Beach resident Tom Sheehan, who had been on a cruise that departed March 5, contracted the virus on the ship and died at Sarasota Memorial Hospital March 29. (Story, Page 1.) Following an increase in testing the week of March 23, positive cases reported statewide more than tripled from 2,484 as of March 26 to 9,008 as of April 2. Gov. Ron DeSantis April 1 issued an order directing people to stay at home for 30 days and maintain social distancing while in public, and only leave home for essentials, such as groceries, gas, banking and health care. First responders The county health department was working to ensure that first responders were protected while working to prevent unnecessary quarantines. Saur said that intensive measures also must be taken to protect health care professionals dealing with coronavirus. “We are receiving an average of 100 COVID-19 calls a day,” Saur said. “Each coronavirus call takes HELP continued from PAge 1

earning $75,000-$99,000. Checks can be expected this month, with eligibility based on 2019 or 2018 tax returns. The U.S. Treasury Department says people with little to no income, receiving Social Security or veterans benefits are eligible for the recovery rebates. Those who filed tax returns don’t need to take any action to receive the rebate. Taking sick leave The federal Families First Coronavirus Response ACT took effect April 1 and provides guidelines for employees — full- and part-time — to take paid sick leave due to COVID-19. The measure expanded leave benefits and employer tax credits for recovery from illness or to care for a sick person. Because there are exemptions based on the size of a business, the best resource on the issue for employers and employees is the U.S. Department of Labor’s website at www.dol.gov. Staying sheltered A series of federal and state actions, as well as adjustments by lenders and landlords, will help people struggling with mortgage or rent payments. The key here is deferments. Evictions and foreclosures in many situations have been suspended. Also, the federal agencies that back many loans say borrowers can put off mortgage payments without hurting their credit or incurring late fees. The best advice is to contact a lender regarding mortgage payments and a landlord regarding rent. Dealing with debt Contact banks and credit card companies before missing a payment on credit lines, car loans, education loans and business lines. Many companies are cooperating on payment relief assistance, especially payment deferrals and service fee waivers. Assistance also may include increased credit lines

Covid-19 cases in Manatee

According to the Florida Department of Health website by Florida Division of Emergency Management April 5, positive cases of Covid-19 in Manatee County were reported as: • 95 Bradenton; • 5 Lakewood Ranch; • 5 Longboat Key; • 11 Palmetto; • 6 Parrish; • 1 Myakka City; • 3 Ellenton; • 1 Holmes Beach; • 4, Sarasota/Manatee • 5, missing data. two hours to complete.” He said a number of first responders were quarantined after possibly being exposed to COVID-19 while performing their duties. And some of those quarantines could have been prevented had the 911 callers answered questions to the best of their ability. Randy Warren, Manatee County Sheriff’s Office public information officer, wrote April 2 that one MCSO deputy tested positive for COVID-19 following a vacation in the Orlando area for several days the week of March 16. The officer was tested March 21 and results came back positive March 23. Additionally, four deputies who shared office space with the deputy self-isolated and were working remotely. “So far, those seven employees report feeling good and have not indicated symptoms of the coronavirus,” Warren wrote. As of April 3, no officers with the Holmes Beach or Bradenton Beach police departments tested positive for the virus, although one Holmes Beach officer was quarantined following a cruise and two other officers self-quarantined following travel and flu-like

symptoms. “We are doing everything in our power to keep our employees healthy,” Tokajer said. “If somebody starts feeling sick, we are making sure they stay home.” Protective equipment According to an April 3 email to The Islander from the health department state communications center in Tallahassee, Florida was slated to receive its third shipment of equipment from the Strategic National Stockpile, including: • 1,290,000 surgical masks; • 714,354 gloves; • 540,000 N95 masks; • 246,000 face shields; • 201,000 gowns; • 1,026 coveralls The materials were being distributed on a rolling basis across the state. However, the county is concerned about availability for providers during the anticipated surge in COVID-19 patients through April and has requested people donate medical grade personal protection equipment, such as gloves, masks and hand sanitizer. To donate, people are asked to call 941-744-3939. A list of PPE items can be found on the county at mymanatee.org. manatee county is promoting safety advice on social media.

Rebuilding business For small business owners dealing with a triple threat — the virus, paying bills and staying the course — advice can come from accountants and bankers. Other resources include local, county, state and national chambers of commerce. One of the best resources is a guide at uschamber.com on loans and other types of relief. Low-interest loans up to $2 million are available A new coVid-19 app and web tool at apple. from the Small Business Administration’s Economic com provide information and guidance from the Injury Disaster Loan Program — details at sba.gov. u.S. centers for disease control and Prevention. The SBA also is the connection for the Paycheck islander Photo: courtesy Apple Protection Program, which can provide businesses — including 501 c3 nonprofits — with loans up to $10 or new loans, but avoid taking on new debt with a million. The interest is capped at 4% but the loan can diminished income. be forgiven if employees are kept on the payroll for For more guidance, visit the Consumer Financial eight weeks and the money is used for wages, rent, Protection Bureau at www.consumerfinance.gov. mortgage interest and utilities. Businesses employing 2-100 people also can apply Keeping the lights on for a $50,000 interest-free loan through May 8 at floriWith a public emergency declared, utilities will dadisasterloan.org or by calling the Small Business not be turning out the lights. Development Center Network at 866-737-7232. Florida Power and Light is suspending disconnections, extending payment deadlines and waiving some Rescuing rescuers fees. Customers can go to fpl.com for help. Local community groups — from theaters to Spectrum Internet is working with customers on animal rescues — suffered some of the earliest setpayment extensions at spectrum.com, as well as offer- backs under government directives for social distancing Wi-Fi hotspots for public use. ing and prohibited gatherings. Manatee County utilities also will not disconnect Nonprofit directors should reach out to banking water service for nonpayment until further notice. partners for assistance in filing for SBA loans and other People needing additional help can turn to Step benefits. Up Suncoast, which operates the Low-Income Home Nonprofit managers also may be eligible for unemEnergy Assistance Program at stepupsuncoast.org. ployment benefits and employee retention tax credits, SUP also offers some child care and rent assistance. as well as deferrals of payroll taxes, bank loans and credit card payments. Borrowing from retirement Additionally, new federal legislation eased limits New federal legislation changed the rules on hard- on charitable contributions to help nonprofits through ship withdrawals and loans from retirement plans for the crisis by suspending the limit on deductions for those impacted by a COVID-19 diagnosis or those who cash contributions from individuals who itemize their lost earnings because of the outbreak. tax returns. People withdrawing funds from traditional retireAlso, a $300 universal charitable deduction allows ment accounts will have three years to pay taxes on individuals to deduct up to $300 in cash contributions, the money or three years to replace the money. even if they do not itemize.

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Opinion

Guest

Silver lining?

The proverbial saying “every cloud has a silver lining” is used to convey the notion that no matter how bad a situation might seem, there is always some good to it. Is there a “silver lining” in this pandemic we’re experiencing? Well, that would be a real stretch. But, I’ll try. Five weeks ago my primary source of food supply for the pantry — Publix — inadvertently cut me off. Not the store’s fault. It was at the time that bathroom tissue couldn’t be found and all other staples were flying off the shelves due to the pandemic fears. And that was the situation in any store, everywhere. Four weeks ago, when that first bulk order was denied, I began searching for alternative sources to buy food and supplies. There was no need to worry. I had a relatively full pantry and a healthy bank account. That was until my third weekly bulk order also was denied. Publix corporate was making the decisions on what each store got from the warehouse to restock the shelves. Of course, the pantry’s food needs were not on their trucks. We had opened our doors to island workers displaced by this pandemic, much the same as we did in the 2017 red tide emergency. New applications for pantry benefits were coming in weekly. All Island Denominations’ board, the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce and Anna Maria Commission Chair Carol Carter, a friend, learned of the pantry’s situation and sent memos, reaching out to their people and organizations. They said this was not a financial need, rather a supply need, that a bag of groceries or two is what was needed. They all included a list of supplies desired and locations where donations were being accepted. About two weeks ago it started: The potential “silver lining” in all of this. Motorists began to pull in and leave bags and bags of needed food items. One islander called from Costco and asked, “What do you need? I’m in a buying People were dropping off bags filled with groceries mood.” Within an hour she dropped off nearly $500 in and cash and checks — one after the other. groceries. One islander joined with a convenience store Publix donated 800 paper bags. owner and found the means to have $6,000 in nonperishable food delivered to the pantry. A manager at FELD Entertainment, another islander, heard of our need and donated two cases APRIL 8, 2020 • Vol. 28, No. 24 of cotton candy — what a treat for the children we serve! ▼ Publisher and Editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org Thank you, one and all. ▼ Editorial You know who you are. Lisa neff, editor, lisa@islander.org Jack Brennan, Roser Food Pantry chair, Anna chrisAnn Allen, chrisann@islander.org Sandy Ambrogi, sandy@islander.org Maria Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Editor’s note: Thank you, Jack Brennan, and thank Kevin cassidy, kevin@islander.org you to our community. #AMItogether. michael dunn, michael@islander.org

Opinion

Your

Jack elka, jack@jackelka.com Brook morrison, brook@islander.org ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org ▼ Contributors Arthur Brice, arthur@islander.org Sarah Brice, sarah@islander.org Jesse Brisson Leslie Lake, leslie@islander.org Karen riley-Love capt. danny Stasny, fish@islander.org ▼ Advertising Director toni Lyon, toni@islander.org ▼ Office Staff Lisa Williams, office manager Vicki mcintyre, office assistant, reader advocate info@, accounting@, classifieds@, subscriptions@islander.org ▼ Distribution urbane Bouchet Judy Loden Wasco ross roberts (All others: news@islander.org)

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Letters to the editor

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GoodDeeds

how to help …

Looking for an opportunity to volunteer on Anna Maria Island? These organizations need your help: • Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals. Blooming with thanks Information: 941-345-2441. • The Roser Food Bank needs donations. Roser The Anna Maria Island Garden Club would like to extend thanks to our community during this terrible Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, administers the pantry, supported by All Island crisis that has affected our beautiful island. Our organization had to cancel several events, Denominations. Information: 941-778-0414. meetings and any social activities scheduled during … and get help this “stay at home” mandate. Looking for assistance on Anna Maria Island? So many volunteers, raffle sponsors and club members put so much effort into organizing such wonderful These groups offer help: • The Roser Food Bank offers staples, Roser events for our community to enjoy. The club is planning to reschedule the annual Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941flower show that was set for last month with the same 778-0414. • CrossPointe Fellowship offers help dealing with theme for next year. There is so much dedication in organizing events the COVID-19 outbreak, including grocery shopping. and support from our community that a thank-you and Information: 941-778-0719. • All Island Denominations offers help to island how wonderful our community has been is only a small residents, island church members, island workers and token of the garden club’s appreciation. those referred by Anna Maria Elementary. Information: Stay safe and healthy. 941-725-2433. And again, a big thanks. Send listings to calendar@islander.org. Anna Maria Garden Club members, Anna Maria

April 8, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 7 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

From the archives

Up with the sun manatee Public Beach was a house of worship for the 43rd annual easter Sunrise Service April 8, 2007. guests of the sponsor, Kiwanis club Anna maria island, listen to the rev. rosemary Backer of gloria dei Lutheran church read from the Bible — matthew 28:1-5. — from the temporary altar during the service. islander file Photo: Lisa neff

New day’s dawn Worshippers witness the dawn’s first glow on easter Sunday, April 21, 2019, at the 55th annual Kiwanis club of Anna maria island Sunrise Service from the beach at the manatee Public Beach, 4000 gulf drive, Holmes Beach. island pastors and officiates were on center stage, alongside a large white cross. the 2020 service was canceled because of the coVid-19 outbreak. islander file Photo: Jack elka

10&20 years ago

From the April 5, 2000, issue

• Cortez fisherman Daniel Patrick Gilliland was sentenced to prison for 17 months after pleading guilty to using illegal fishing equipment in a restricted area, then trying to destroy the evidence. • Manatee County Commissioner Amy Stein advised representatives of groups opposed to the Arvida condominium project on north Perico Island to join forces and hire a lawyer. She also advised the group to attend meetings Arvida was to hold with the Bradenton Planning Department to express opposition to the project. • Holmes Beach Mayor Carol Whitmore said bicyclists would have to wait until 2001 for completion of the city’s bicycle paths after she was unable to obtain grant funding for 2000. Whitmore said that although Anna Maria forfeited $250,000 in grant money for its bicycle path, Holmes Beach could only get $204,000 of that amount.

From the April 7, 2010, issue

• The Manatee Economic Development Council secured $400,000 in time funding for its outreach work from a Manatee County reserve fund. County commissioners also put on hold an EDC request for a $35 annual tax on businesses. • Duffy’s Tavern in Holmes Beach was burglarized. Thieves took two donation buckets. The tavern had been burglarized about 20 years earlier, when kids took a 12-pack of beer and a pack of missing cigarettes. • Easter brought crowds to the beach for a celebratory religious service at sunrise and joyful days of play over the holiday weekend. — Lisa neff

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When You Go North, Who Will Care For Your Home?

Is there Storm Damage? Is the Air Conditioning Working? A lot of bad things can happen to your home while you’re away for the summer. It could cost you thousands of dollars! But I can help! With weekly inspections, I’ll make certain all is OK. Should a problem occur, I’m here to handle it and help you keep a small problem from becoming a big expensive one! For peace of mind while you’re gone, call me. I’ve been helping homeowners care for their Island homes for more than 28 years.

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Page 8 THE ISLANDER | islander.org April 8, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Gathering

that, ‘Hey, the resurrection is still going. We have hope in spite of everything,’” O’Keef said April 1. The church also is accepting orders for lilies to be placed around the cross through its website at roserchurch.com/easter/.

For streaming Easter, weekly services For more about live streaming worship services, go to: • CrossPointe Fellowship: crosspointefellowship. church easter arrives to isolation, • Episcopal Church of the Annunciation: episcoRoser tradition honored palchurchoftheannunciation.com • Gloria Dei Lutheran Church: gloriadeilutheran. By chrisAnn Allen com islander reporter • Roser Memorial Community Church: roserEaster celebrations will break tradition in 2020. Due to the spread of the new coronavirus, most church.com • St. Bernard Catholic Church: stbernardcc.org church doors will be closed during the April 12 holiday. Even though religious services are listed as an essential activity in Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ April 3 safer-at-home order, groups of 10 or more people cannot meet. Most island churches — CrossPointe Fellowship, the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, St. Bernard Catholic Church and Roser Memorial Community Church — are streaming services, as well as other programs, on their websites throughout April. Roser Church has a plan to keep one holiday tradition alive for the Holy holiday by continuing to invite people to place a flower on a cross outside the church on Easter Sunday, according to the Rev. Dr. Bob O’Keef. “It will be a statement out there on Pine Avenue

Food pantry seeks donations

The Roser Food Pantry, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, is serving a rapidly growing list of people affected by the spread of COVID-19, including out-of-work and displaced staff from island businesses. “We are seeing a great surge in need,” Bev Hunsberger, administrative coordinator for Roser Church, wrote April 1. The pantry is requesting people donate nonperishable food items, as grocery stores have limited bulk food purchases during the pandemic. Hunsberger asked that people “buy a few extra items for our pantry,” which can be deposited in a shopping cart stationed weekdays on the sidewalk that leads from Pine Avenue into the administration building. — chrisAnn Allen

Beth Bernet contributes to a flower cross for easter 2019 at roser memorial community church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna maria. A cross will be placed outside the church for people to decorate April 12. islander Photo: courtesy roser church

Our building may be closed, but our MINISTRIES continue!

Obituaries

Allene Deanna Koehn

Allene Deanna Koehn died March 23. She was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Jan. 24, 1937, to Joseph Vondracek and Myrtle P. and was a true child of the Greatest Generation. As a child, she enjoyed singing in her Presbyterian church choir, playing piano and tap dancing. She graduated from McKinley High School in Cedar Rapids in 1955. In September 1959, she married William Koehn, who would be the Koehn love of her life for 46 years. “Bill and Al,” as they were known to most friends, had three children, Kraig William, Kristen Deann and Karen Lee. They moved to Bradenton in 1965, where they spent the rest of their days. She loved her community and was active in the DeSoto celebrations, South Florida Museum, Manatee Players and the Girl Scouts. For many years, she and her husband were trustees of the Eaton Foundation, a charitable foundation that distributed funding to the Manatee Players, the library system and local charities. Her greatest satisfaction, however, was serving the congregation of Hope Lutheran Church, where she continued to volunteer until this last year. She also loved to travel. In 1957, she took her first trip abroad to Cuba. While there, the Cuban Revolution flared up and she was forced to stay in her hotel room the entire time. It was a decade before she would travel overseas again. Over the years, she visited most of the 50 states, Europe, and the Caribbean. She especially enjoyed cruising and camping. In the 1980s, she and husband Bill purchased Bay Area Travel and Dixie Tours. They managed these companies together until retirement in the 1990s. A memorial service will be at Hope Lutheran Church in the fall, as the family knows many would like to join in remembering her but, in light of COVID-19 concerns, cannot gather at this time. Memorial donations may be sent to Hope Lutheran Church. Arrangements were by Shannon Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be made at www.shannonfuneralhomes. com. Mrs. Koehn is survived by her daughters, Kristen D. McLean and Karen Koehn Ballard; niece Sharri Poulson Speaker; grandchildren Shannon and Lauren PLeASe, See KOEHN, neXt PAge

Growing in Jesus’ Name

The Rev. Dr. Norman M. Pritchard

THE GOOD NEWS W� invit� yo� t� w�shi� wit� u� onlin�!

Worship with us during our Holy Week Services via Livestream: www.bit.ly/cclbksermons or

Ever� Sunday 10:00 AM Traditional Worship

MAUNDY THURSDAY TENEBRAE SERVICE

www.RoserChurch.com/worship 5:30 PM

soulJourn Praise & Worship

Watch LIVE (interactive) or LATER! Cal� th� offic� i� yo� nee� assistanc�. Cal� th� churc� � tex� ROSER t� 22828 t� �eceiv� th� weekl� eBulleti�. FACEBOOK> follow> �e� first, joi� � grou�. Nee� hel�? Cal� th� offic�! Th� FOOD PANTRY i� ope� t� assis� islan� �esident�/w�ker� i� nee�. Th� CHAPEL i� ope� 9:00 t� 3:00 weekday� f� praye� & meditatio�. Sen� PRAYER REQUESTS t� inf�@��erchurc�.co� � cal� th� offic�. Cal� th� churc� offic� i� yo� woul� lik� t� tal� t� � PASTOR. A NON DENOMINATIONAL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY COMMUNITY CHURCH • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria [near Pier]

941-778-0414 • www.RoserChurch.com • Facebook @RoserChurch

www.christchurchlbk.org (follow YouTube link)

Thurs., April 9, 7:30 PM

•

SERMON: Kingdom Come

GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE Friday, April 10

•

1:00 PM

SERMON: The Glory of God

EASTER DAY SERVICE Sunday, April 12

•

10:00 A M

SERMON: On With Life

Due to Coronavirus concerns, Sunday church services will be livestreamed until further notice. Join us Sundays at 10:00 AM

6400 Gulf of Mexico Dr.

•

941.383.8833 (oﬃce)

•

www.christchurchlbk.org

April 8, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 9 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Koehn continued from page 8

County downshifts island trolley, bus schedules

Ballard and Daniella and Connor McLean and stepBy Ryan Paice grandchildren Cole and Emma Devos-McLean.

Islander Reporter

Jerry Perry

Jerry Perry of Holmes Beach died March 24. He was born June 8, 1935, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Mr. Perry graduated from Central High School in Chattanooga and continued his education at Berea College, Iowa State University and Syracuse University, where he received his doctorate. He lived in Richmond, Kentucky, Perry beginning in 1974. There he raised his family and had a teaching career at Eastern Kentucky University. He retired to Holmes Beach in 1995. He was a gifted writer, loving husband and father whose smile lit up any room. His faith in God was extraordinary and he served out his faith until the end of this life. He worked with the youth in his church and also in Florida Prison Ministries. He was a deacon, choir member and at times taught Sunday school at First Presbyterian Church in Bradenton. He shared his faith in a gentle caring way with all who came in his path. He loved is family dearly. He married Barbara Peters, his high school sweetheart, in September 2008. For several years, they spent six months in her home in Arkansas and six months in Bradenton and in 2015 made Bradenton their permanent home. A celebration of life will take place when travel is easier for people from out of state. Arrangements were by care of Shannon Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be made at www.shannonfuneralhomes. com. Mr. Perry is survived by his wife, Barbara; children David and wife Cecilia and their children Ashley, Michael and Allen; Sean Perry and wife Laura Wick

COVID-19 cautions hadn’t slowed Manatee County Area Transit’s services. Then Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a “safer at home” order limiting people’s use of transit services to essential trips, meaning reduced ridership. So MCAT services were reduced April 4, including the fare-free Anna Maria Island trolleys. Bus services now end at 7 p.m. Previously, the island trolley service ended at 10:30 p.m., while most MCAT fixed-bus routes wound down at 8 p.m. Buses along Route 3, which serves the Manatee Avenue/State Road 64 corridor, as well as the island trolleys were reduced in frequency from 20-minute to 60-minute intervals. Also, MCAT suspended the island trolley on Sundays and shut down the Longboat Key shuttle. and their children Olin and Levi; Jessica McKinnon and husband Jason and their three children Katriel, Jaslynn and Martin; step-children Gary Gamble and Gina Gretz and their children Maya and Colton Gamble and Anna and Claire Gretz; sister Jane Stone and husband Robert; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Ronney Maine Scott 4.

Ronney Maine Scott of Holmes Beach died April

The doctors and nurses who aided him during his four-year battle with cancer often referred to him as a warrior. He was born in Philadelphia and graduated from Drexel University. He worked as an aerospace engineer for Scott NASA, creating the first stage of the Saturn 5 rocket, the most powerful rocket on Earth and the one that enabled man to go to the moon. He met the love of his life, his wife Nancy, in

MCAT’s Skyway ConneXion service, connecting Manatee and Pinellas counties, now only operates Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. MCAT also implemented safety measures to counter the virus’ spread: • Staggering seating to at least 6 feet; • Loading passengers through the rear entrance of transit vehicles to reduce exposure to the drivers; • Installing hand sanitizer on the fleet; • Sanitizing the fleet and facilities twice a week, Sundays and Wednesdays; • Gloves are used for handling cash and tickets; • Cleaning bus and trolley interiors daily — as well as during layovers — with antibacterial spray wipes; • Virus prevention information is included on the fleet’s infotainment screens. For more information, contact MCAT at 941-7497116, or go to mymanatee.org/departments/mcat. Pittsburgh, where he attended Pittsburgh Presbyterian Seminary and was ordained as a Presbyterian minister. Mr. Perry and his wife enjoyed working in various cities on the East Coast and settled down 20 years ago in the paradise they discovered — Anna Maria Island — where he earned his real estate license and joined Bark and Co. Realty. A memorial service, reception and celebration of life for Mr. Perry, a funny, intelligent, kind and gentle man will be scheduled at a later date at Palma Sola Presbyterian Church. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to Basenji Rescue and Transport at www.basenjirescue.org or Moffitt Cancer Center at moffitt.org. Condolences may be made to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com. Mr. Perry is surived by his wife of 46 years, Nancy; and a loving family, including four godchildren; step sisters and brothers; four adopted nieces; many dear close friends; and his adoring Basenji, Binti.

Need help shopping?

Need Encouragement?

Quarantined?

Searching for Joy?

Just need someone to talk to?

Join us for the Easter series:

It would be an honor to serve you. Free: No donations accepted, no strings attached. For your protection, we follow CDC guidelines. For example: We will conﬁrm our arrival and leave groceries at your doorstep.

We welcome your call 941-219-9211 Ed Moss, pastor

Making Your Joy Complete Wednesday

7 ��

Good Friday

7 ��

Easter Sunday 9 �� Livestream facebook.com/CrossPointeFellowship You do not need a Facebook account to watch

941-932-5872 Wayne Bronkema, pastor 941-807-2411 Diane Nosal, counselor 941-778-0719 ofﬁce@mycpf.org

Livestreams: Sunday 9:00 AM & Wednesday 7:00 PM

facebook.com/CrossPointeFellowship

Available from our website CrossPointeFellowship.church

Loving God Loving One Another Living the Mission

CrossPointe Fellowship

Page 10 THE ISLANDER | islander.org April 8, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Community center issues #StayhomeChallenge Power up the smartphone and prepare to share. The Center of Anna Maria Island recently launched a social media-based #StayHomeChallenge with a video featuring the nonprofit’s executive director, Chris Culhane. The center temporarily closed its doors in late March at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, to comply with guidelines and government mandates to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. While separated from the community it serves, the center staff has invited islanders to record #StayHomeChallenge videos and share them via social media. Several island families followed Culhane’s video with their own postings on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. The campaign was designed to build momentum for the annual Giving Challenge fundraiser set for noon April 28-noon April 29. The center and other nonprofits boost their fundraising efforts during the Giving Challenge, which according to a news release is presented by the Community Foundation of Sarasota and powered by The Patterson Foundation. “This year’s challenge will be especially important

CoVID-19 closings, cancellations

for not-for-profit organizations such as the center that have had to shut down during this time,” the release stated. For more information about the center’s #StayHomeChallenge, contact Jim McDaniel, director of development, at jim@centerami.org or 413-210-6921. For more information about the Giving Challenge, go to the CFS website at cfsarasota.org.

Closures • Holmes Beach city field amenities, including the

On vacation in April

The Islander Calendar ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI

May 2, Bourbon, Beats and Eats, Holmes Beach. Oct. 17, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Bayfest, Anna Maria. LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI May 30, Anna Maria Island Privateers Kids Day, TBD. LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI

By Lisa neff

GOOD TO KNOW SAVE THE DATES

Sunday, April 12, Easter. Wednesday, April 22, Earth Day. Friday, April 24, National Arbor Day. Friday, May 1, May Day. Tuesday, May 5, Cinco de Mayo. Sunday, May 10, Mother’s Day. Saturday, May 16, Armed Forces Day. Monday, May 25, Memorial Day.

GET LISTED

April 25, DeSoto Grand Parade, Bradenton.

Call & conﬁrm! The Islander suggests

readers check for cancellations or rescheduled activities due to COVID-19.

The following is a list of closings and cancellations dog parks, skate park, tennis and basketball courts. • Manatee County, Holmes Beach boat ramps. on the island or nearby: • Manatee County beaches. • Florida state parks. Cancellations • Bradenton Beach City Hall lobby. • Island Players season. • Anna Maria City Hall lobby. • Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island Easter Sun• Holmes Beach City Hall. rise Service, April 12. • Manatee County government buildings. • Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meetings. • Manatee County libraries. • Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island golf tourna• Center of Anna Maria Island. ment. • Annie Silver Community Center. • Senior Adventures activities. • Anna Maria Island Historical Society. • Anna Maria Tuesday Farmers’ Markets. • Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge. • Keep Manatee Beautiful Earth Day celebration. • Island Gallery West. • Keep Manatee Beautiful Great American • Artists’ Guild Gallery. Cleanup. • John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Postponements • DeSoto Bottle Boat Regatta. • Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Beach ’N Food Truck and Music Festival. • Privateers One Night in Tortuga. • Center of Anna Maria Island concert by Grass Roots. • St. Patrick’s Day Parade. • Anna Maria Island Privateers Thieves Market.

take 5:00

Send announcements for The Islander calendar to calendar@ islander.org. The deadline for listings is the Wednesday before the publication date. Please include the date, time, location and description of the event, as well as a phone number for publication.

• Mote Marine Aquarium. • Florida Maritime Museum. • Bishop Museum of Science and Nature. • CrossPointe Fellowship. • Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. • St. Bernard Catholic Church. • Roser Memorial Community Church sanctuary and thrift store. • Harvey Memorial Community Church. • Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. • Bars and nightclubs. • Restaurant dining areas, indoors and outdoors. Suspended • School District of Manatee County classes until at least April 30.

Holistic wellness center and spa

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The Islander Wedding Directory T

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MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT Chuck Caudill Entertainment Beach weddings and events. DJ, live guitar and more from an experienced island professional. 941-778-5676 • www.chuckcaudill.com Gulf Drive Band The Best! Classic Danceable Tunes Musical Entertainment DJ for Weddings, Receptions. Call: 941-778-0173. email: gulfdriveband@gmail.com TO BE INCLUDED: TONI

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BEACH CABANAS CABANUP! Tents, Chairs, Coolers, Beach Gear and more -- delivered and set up on the beach. 941-243-3871 PHOTOGRAPHY Jack Elka PhotoGraphics The finest wedding photography since 1980. www.jackelka.com 941-778-2711

April 8, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 11 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

home learning made fun, easy Vincent gollamudi, 7, a second-grader at Anna maria elementary, works on an art assignment through Schoology on his home laptop. the drawing project was organized for Vincent’s class by Anna maria elementary art teacher gary Wooten. Vincent said it’s his favorite class so far, although he prefers to be in the “real” classroom. His older siblings, sister Sheema, an eighth-grader

at King middle, and brother destin, a sophomore at manatee High, say while there’s “no choice” but to do their school work online, they want to get back to class. islander Photos: nenita “mom” daguinotas

AMe counselor provides advice for coping with home learning By Brook morrison islander reporter

Anna maria elementary guidance counselor Susan tabicman works from home April 1 — during the first week of distance learning for students. tabicman says she is doing a lot of walking and biking and Ame families also should make time for exercise. islander courtesy Photo

Anna Maria Elementary students and teachers began distance learning March 30 and will continue online learning until at least April 30. The experience may add to stress for the AME community. So guidance counselor Susan Tabicman offered her suggestions for coping. “I believe that we need to be upbeat and positive during this time and focus on what you can do, instead of what you can’t,” Tabicman told The Islander in an email April 2. She emphasized the importance of keeping a regular schedule for most families. “Have your children maintain a normal schedule with regular wake-up time, getting dressed and sitTabicman recommended AME families stay conting down to complete their school work,” Tabicman nected to social contacts through video conferencing said. Children also need to take regular breaks, as well or by phone, as well as limit exposure for kids to the news. as exercise and eat healthy foods. ”If I can leave you with one thing, it’s this: at the end of all of this, your kids’ mental health will be more #AMItogether important than their academic skills,” Tabicman said on these pages, as well as the in a statement to AME parents and teachers April 1. islander’s social media accounts, read“How they felt during this time will stay with them ers will see #Amitogether — a hashtag long after the memory of what they did during those of encouragement, a rallying cry to help weeks is long gone, so keep that in mind every single day,” she said. cope with the spread of coVid-19.

Join us in sharing your posts, photos, news and videos via facebook, twitter and instagram about #Amitogether as we look out for the safety and security of our family, friends, neighbors and coworkers, as well as ourselves. #Alonetogether. #Amitogether.

Time for Take 5:00

Friends, neighbors, coworkers, do you know someone The Islander readers should know? Recommend a person for a Take 5:00 interview with Michael Dunn. Send details to news@islander.org or call The Islander newspaper office at 941-778-7978.

need a good laugh? visit the emerson quillin signature store. humor, art, gifts 317 Pine Ave., Anna Maria | www.emersonshumor.com

AmE NEWS By Brook morrison, brook@islander.org

the school office at

2019-20 AMe calendar • Through April 30, no school. • May 4-8, Staff Appreciation Week. • Friday, May 15, end-of-year ﬁeld day. • Tuesday, May 19, kindergarten play, 6:30 p.m., auditorium; PTO dinner in the cafeteria, 5 p.m. • Monday, May 25, Memorial Day, no school. • May 26-28, 12:55 p.m., early release. • Thursday, May 28, last day of school for students. Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call 941-708-5525.

Page 12 THE ISLANDER | islander.org April 8, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

2 island cities encourage reporting illegal rental check-ins By ryan Paice islander reporter

Holmes Beach code officer Jt thomas, left, and Police chief Bill tokajer display a banner for manatee Avenue near the Kingfish Boat ramp that warns new vacation rental check-ins are prohibited if the rental period is under 30 days. islander Photo: courtesy HBPd

The cities of Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach are looking for help from residents. The cities issued a joint public service announcement April 4 in an effort to inform more people of Gov. Ron DeSantisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; executive order suspending short-term vacation rental operations statewide. The local announcement provides contact information to make complaints and report possible illegal rentals to city authorities, as well as the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. At press time, DeSantisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; order was set to expire April 10. That would allow vacation rental operations â&#x20AC;&#x201D; homes and condos booked for less than 30 days â&#x20AC;&#x201D; to resume Easter weekend despite the continued spread of COVID-19. Licensed hotels and motels were not included in the order. People found violating the governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s order can be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor and issued Bradenton Beach city attorney Ricinda Perry wrote to reach Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy, but decided a notice to appear in court. in an April 4 email to The Islander that the cities failed to proceed due to concerns over Easter check-ins. Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie told The Islander April 4 that Bradenton Beach Police Lt. John A morning Cosby had identified at least six cases where people Bad car wash vehicle fire were found checking into vacation rental bookings. April 6 at Chappie said the two cities issued the announce5615 gulf ment so residents â&#x20AC;&#x201D; neighbors of vacation rentals â&#x20AC;&#x201D; drive, Holmes could help identify illegal check-ins. Beach, The announcement directs people to file combrought West plaints to the DBPR via its website, myfloridalicense. manatee fire com/DBPR/eo-complaints or to provide city staff with rescue crews the address of the vacation rental, date and name of the to the scene, rental agency, if known. where the Bradenton Beachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s code enforcement office can vehicle was a be reached at 941-737-0161, and complaints also can loss, and the be made online at cityofbradentonbeach.com. duplex susHolmes Beach code officer JT Thomas can be tained minor reached at 941-518-9488, and complaints can be subdamage. mitted on the city website, cityofholmesbeach.org. there were no injuries. islander Photo: HBPd Sgt. Brian copeman

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April 8, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 13 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Island law enforcement responds to safer-at-home order By ChrisAnn Allen Islander Reporter

While most people are hunkered down at home, law enforcement must keep to the streets. Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an order April 1 calling on people to stay at home for 30 days and maintain social distancing. Under the order, only essential business and essential activities may be conducted, including recreation, such as walking, biking and swimming, pet-walking, health care, banking and attending religious services. Essential businesses include gas stations, banks, grocery stores and pharmacies. Additionally, Manatee County commissioners approved a resolution April 3 instituting a curfew that prohibits nonessential travel 11 p.m.-5 a.m., seven days a week. The resolution also allowed law enforcement to enforce social distancing restrictions for group gatherings on private property. An end date for the curfew was not set. Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said April 2 that not much would change in Holmes Beach, considering the governor’s measures had already been

observed in the city. He said most businesses considered nonessential had closed. “We’re going to take it on a case-by-case basis as we drive through the city and, if we see something that does not meet the criteria, then we will have a conversation with them,” Tokajer said. Tokajer also said the governor ordered that owners and managers could not rent vacation homes for a stay of less than 30 days until after April 11, which could be extended. Licensed hotels and motels could continue shortterm rentals. “We are taking this order very seriously,” Tokajer said. “If we find out that anyone checked in, or they are violating the governor’s order in any way, we will take immediate action.” At a time when officials were closing beaches around the state, Manatee County and city officials ordered Anna Maria Island’s beaches closed to the general public as of March 20. County parking lots were barricaded and most other parking areas in Holmes Beach were posted

Holmes Beach: Safer at work, thanks to island stitchers

Streetlife

with temporary “no parking” signs. However, people were not prohibited from walking the beach, sunbathing or swimming while observing social distancing guidelines and limiting groups to no more than 10 people. Tokajer said people were doing well with social distancing on the beach, although officers were monitoring the larger numbers of people drawn to the beaches at sunset. The Bradenton Beach police reported similar compliance. Randy Warren, the Manatee County sheriff public information officer, said April 2 that the MCSO was doing its part to educate people regarding the order. The MCSO polices Anna Maria. Warren said violation of the order is punishable as a second degree misdemeanor, but deputies would seek verbal compliance before issuing a citation. “Arrests will be made in situations where people are defiant, and there are extraordinary circumstances,” Warren wrote The Islander. “Sheriff Rick Wells does not want to arrest people over this, but will if necessary.” Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth, right, and Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer display handmade face masks donated to the city’s team by islanders Karen Anderson and JoAnn DiFerdinando, both retired health care professionals. A news release from the city said the women formed the “Caring is Contagious” team to support local first responders, as well as Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch volunteers. For more information about Caring is Contagious, email Anderson at recoveru1@gmail. com. Islander Courtesy Photo

Staff reports

Island police reports

Anna Maria March 22, 600 block of South Bay Boulevard, possible burglary. Deputies from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office-Anna Maria substation responded to a call about a potential break-in. A door was found ajar and an alarm sounding. The deputy determined the alarm was on a swimming pool and wind probably opened the back door. March 29, 400 block of Magnolia Avenue, suspicious vehicle. The MCSO responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle at about 6:05 p.m. near the Center of Anna Maria Island. No further information was available. March 31, 200 block of South Bay Boulevard, suspicious vehicle. Deputies were dispatched in response to a complaint about a suspicious vehicle. No further information was available. Anna Maria is policed by the MCSO. Bradenton Beach March 27, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., resisting arrest without violence. While patrolling, an officer found a man sleeping in the sand surrounded by clothing, food and alcoholic beverages. The officer woke the man and asked for identification, but the man refused to comply and tried to leave. The officer issued the man a notice to appear for obstruction without violence of a police officer. March 28, public beach near 2500 Gulf Drive North, misdemeanor battery. An officer who responded to reports of a battery on the beach found the victim and witnesses, but no suspect. The victim said she was at the beach when the suspect, a young woman, physically assaulted her. A man separated the two and the suspect left the beach. The victim knew the suspect as her son’s roommate. The suspect was contacted at her address. She said she never hit the victim. A capias request was filed and forwarded to

the state attorney’s office. BBPD polices Bradenton Beach. Holmes Beach March 26, Walgreens, 3200 E. Bay Drive, trespass. A Holmes Beach police officer was called to the store regarding a theft in progress. A man who stole a bottle of vodka from the store was apprehended at a trolley stop. He returned the bottle and was issued a trespass warning for the store. March 26, 3700 block of Gulf Drive, trespass. An officer responded to a call that two men were sleeping on a private patio. They were issued trespass warnings and released. March 26, 5300 block of Gulf Drive, camping. A patrol officer observed a man sleeping on a trolley bench. He failed to wake when the officer turned on his patrol car siren. The officer issued him a violation, which the man refused to sign. March 27, 4100 block of Gulf Drive, traffic. An officer on patrol was alerted by the license plate reader system. The officer stopped a motorist and determined the male driver had a suspended license. The plate was seized, the vehicle was towed and the driver was issued a citation. March 28, 400 block of Manatee Avenue, alcohol. A patrol officer observed a male on the street drinking from a box of wine. He was issued a notice to appear and released. March 30, 500 block of Key Royale Drive, domestic battery, suspicious circumstances. A woman reported her boyfriend punched and tried to choke her. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office attempted to locate the male suspect. The HBPD officer took a statement and photos of the woman, who also reported a gun missing. The HBPD reported the firearm as lost to Florida and national crime information centers. March 31, 700 block of Key Royale Drive, information. A man contacted the HBPD and stated that

an identity theft monitoring service alerted him to someone who attempted to open a credit card in his name. A report was filed. March 31, Walgreens, 3200 E. Bay Drive, trespass. The store manager called the HBPD regarding a theft. The manager said a man stole two bottles of wine. An officer located the man at a nearby trolley stop. He returned the bottles and was issued a trespass warning. March 31, Vinny’s Italian Kitchen, 5337 Gulf Drive, information. A man reported the bumper of his car was hit in the parking lot at the business. The officer determined the incident was a hit-and-run and the investigation was closed. HBPD polices Holmes Beach. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

See it. Say it. Make the call.

HBPD and Bradenton Beach police are counting on you to alert them of any suspected vacation rental check-ins during the mandated suspension of short-term -- fewer than 30 days — vacations. Please, don’t ask, JUST CALL. HBPD: 941-708-5807. BBPD: 941-737-0161.

Page 14 THE ISLANDER | islander.org April 8, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Nesting notes By ChrisAnn Allen

Sea turtles, CoVID-19 concerns

In uncertain times, the people of Anna Maria Island can count on one thing â&#x20AC;&#x201D; there will be sea turtles. Suzi Fox, executive director of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, hopped aboard her ATV April 1 and rode to the beach for a pre-nesting survey. Sea turtle nesting season officially starts May 1. On AMI, the watch starts but the season kicks off in earnest when the first sea turtle tracks are spotted. The first nest in the state in 2020 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; laid Feb. 6 by a leatherback turtle â&#x20AC;&#x201D; was found near Stuart on Hutchinson Island. Nesting season in that area starts March 1. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the earliest nest on record in the state, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Fox is geared up to ensure AMITW is ready for early nesting. Due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19, Fox is streamlining, putting volunteers on ATVs. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s limiting her team of 67 FWC permitted volunteers to four, two people per ATV. The teams will patrol half of the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beaches daily in much less than half the time it would take to walk. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The idea is to limit exposure and get on and off the beach fast,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Their safety is my first concern and collecting data can be done with just a skeleton crew.â&#x20AC;? During sea turtle nesting and hatching, which runs through the end of October, Fox and AMITW volunteers usually divide and walk nine designated 1-mile stretches of beach just after sunrise, looking for signs of nesting activity and, later in the season, tracks indicating hatchlings have emerged from nests. When nests are identified, they are staked, marked and monitored for data, with funding for AMITW

AMITW donates medical gloves to marine rescue manatee county marine rescue chief Joe Westerman accepts a donation of 2,000 pairs of vinyl gloves from Suzi fox, Anna maria island turtle Watch and Shorebird monitoring executive director. turtle watch volunteers routinely use the gloves during sea turtle nesting season, which starts may 1. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When we need more this summer we can buy more,â&#x20AC;? fox said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We all need to do what we can in these times.â&#x20AC;? islander Photo: courtesy AmitW

through the beach renourishment program, as required by Manatee County, as well as the state, for tracking population and behavior. Fox said the organization already had planned to operate with a small crew due to county beach renourishment projects slated to begin in spring. The start date is yet to be determined. She also said that informational Turtle Talks, which usually take place during the summer, might not resume due to COVID-19. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Education is very important for us, but our first concern is staying safe and collecting data from the nesting beaches,â&#x20AC;? she said. The organization recently launched a new website, which people can visit at islandturtlewatch.com.

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The Islander suggests readers check for cancellations or rescheduled activities due to safety measures to deal with COVID-19.

Suzi fox, AmitW executive director, conducts an advance beach survey from the turtle watch AtV patrol vehicle April 1 near Bean Point in Anna maria, before the official may 1 start of the 2020 sea turtle nesting season. islander Photo: AmitW

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Fox said she hopes people will use the website as a resource. Additionally, she plans to install a lighting display that helps educate as to what lighting is allowed on the beach at night at a public location and provide people and businesses with handouts. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This health scare is overwhelming and panic provoking to me,â&#x20AC;? Fox said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So it gives me hope to know that our turtles are soon going to start nesting here on Anna Maria Island like they have done for many years and it will bring me back to something more normal.â&#x20AC;? For more information about AMITW, contact Fox at suzilfox@gmail.com or 941-778-5638. clip and save.....

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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recommends people follow these guidelines for sea turtle safety: â&#x20AC;˘ DO turn off or adjust lighting along the beachfront to prevent nesting sea turtles from becoming disoriented and moving toward the glow of light on land, instead of natural light reflecting on the surface of the water. Indoor lights should be turned off, with curtains closed after dark, and outdoor lighting should be turtlefriendly bulbs. Use fixtures low to the ground and shielded from view at the shoreline. â&#x20AC;˘ DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T use flashlights or camera flashes on the beach at night. They can distract nesting sea turtles and cause them to return to the water. â&#x20AC;˘ DO clear the way at the end of the day. Nesting female sea turtles can become trapped, confused or impeded by gear left on the beach at night. Remove items such as boats, tents, rafts and beach furniture and fill in holes or level sand castles before dusk. Holes trap turtles and can injure people. Call code enforcement to report unattended property or large holes on the beach. City of Anna Maria code enforcement â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 941-708-6130, ext. 139 or ext. 129. City of Bradenton Beach code enforcement â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 941-778-1005, ext. 280. City of Holmes Beach code enforcement â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 941-708-5800, ext. 247. Report sick, injured, entangled or dead sea turtles to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline, at 1-888-404-3922, #FWC or *FWC on a cellphone or text Tip@MyFWC.com. For more information on nesting season, contact Fox at suzifox@gmail.com or 941-7785638.

April 8, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 15 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

By Lisa Neff

In the forecast

“Feels like we’re preparing for a storm,” I remarked after my last run through the super market — and I do mean run. The morning after the governor announced his “safer at home” executive order to curb the spread of the new coronavirus, customers crowded the aisles of the grocery store. Beer was on short supply. Toilet paper was not found. Cans of soup and tuna fish teetered atop stockpiles of nonperishables in the grocery carts lined up at every checkout aisle. neff But I found people shopping to fill their hurricane kits ahead of a storm warning dress and behave differently than people trying to avoid close contact in the trying times of a global pandemic. I don’t remember anyone wearing a mask in the grocery store while stocking up for Hurricane Irma in 2017. I remember an all-for-one cheerfulness, lots of howdies, stay safes and see you on the re-entry. Can you believe I think of Irma as “better days”? And now, as we struggle through a public health crisis and worry about its economic fallout, we’re reminded the Atlantic hurricane season begins in less than two months. The season officially begins June 1 and continues through November. The National Hurricane Center’s predictions for 2020 are expected later this spring. The Colorado State University extended-range forecast was issued April 2. “We anticipate that the 2020 Atlantic basin hurricane season will have above-normal activity,” write CSU researchers Philip J. Klotzbach, Michael M. Bell We speak bagel, egg-el, breakfast muffins, lunch salads, platters, sandwiches... and more!

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and Jhordanne Jones in their outlook. They also write, “We anticipate an above-average probability for major hurricanes making landfall along the continental United States and in the Caribbean.” Specifically, the forecast is for: • 16 named storms, the average is 12.1; • 80 named storm days, the average is 59.4; • 35 hurricane days, the average is 24.2; • Four major hurricanes; the average is 2.7. The probability of at least one major hurricane — a storm of Category 3 or higher — making landfall on the U.S. continental coastline is 69%. The average for the last century is 52%. The probability of a major hurricane making landfall on the East Coast, including the Florida peninsula, is 45%. The average for the past 100 years is 31%. The probability of a major hurricane making landfall on the Gulf coast between the Florida Panhandle and Brownsville, Texas, is 44%. The average for the last century is 30%. And the probability of at least one major hurricane tracking into the Caribbean is 58%. The researchers based their predictions in part on these circumstances: The tropical Atlantic is warmer than normal, while the subtropical Atlantic is quite warm and the far North Atlantic is anomalously cool. “The anomalously cold sea surface temperatures in

the far North Atlantic lead us to believe that the Atlantic Multi-decadal Oscillation is in its negative phase,” they write, referring to the climate cycle. “While a cold far North Atlantic is typically associated with a cold tropical Atlantic, that has not occurred this winter.” The forecast, as it always does, concludes with a caution: “Coastal residents are reminded that it only takes one hurricane making landfall to make it an active season for them. They should prepare for every season, regardless of how much activity is predicted.” 2020 storm names Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal, Dolly, Edouard, Fay, Gonzalo, Hanna, Isaias, Josephine, Kyle, Laura, Marco, Nana, Omar, Paulette, Rene, Sally, Teddy, Vicky and Wilfred. SERVING GOURMET ICE CREAM SINCE 1984

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Page 16 THE ISLANDER | islander.org April 8, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

holmes Beach to repair failing municipal seawalls By chrisAnn Allen islander reporter

Long-awaited seawall repairs shall begin in April in Holmes Beach. City commissioners March 24 unanimously approved an easement agreement with Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club, 5325 Marina Drive, as well as two construction contracts with Duncan Seawall, Dock and Boatlift of Sarasota, to repair deteriorated seawalls along Marina Drive at 67th Street and on Marina Drive between Gulf Drive and 56th Street. The meeting was held by teleconference, due to concerns with the spread of COVID-19. City engineer Lynn Burnett said construction could begin by mid-April and would last about 21 days for the seawall along 67th Street and about 70 days for the area that ends at 56th Street. In June 2019, the Federal Emergency Management Agency inspected the seawalls and agreed to include reconstruction as part of its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program project. Total cost for both projects is $295,900, of which FEMA will reimburse the city 75%, or $199,432.50. The city applied for the grant in 2018 to repair the infrastructure near the Gulf and Marina drive intersection, and was awarded a grant from Hurricane Irma Disaster Funds. The easement agreement with Waterline Resort includes a 10-foot temporary construction easement and a 5-foot permanent maintenance easement in the waterway area of the marina, where it meets the seawall, to complete the repairs and have long-term access. Duncan will remove 339 feet of seawall cap along Marina Drive and install sheet piles. Additionally, the contractor will remove 22 feet of seawall cap and install sheet piles in the T-end of the canal at 67th Street at a cost of $29,990. The city opened bids March 12. Other bid-

the roadway running along the boat basin on marina drive in Holmes Beach from gulf drive to 56th Street was closed to traffic in 2018 due to deterioration of the seawall. islander Photo: chrisAnn Allen

ders included Midcoast Construction Enterprises of Largo, which bid $411,255 total for both projects, and Fender Marina Construction of Orlando, which bid $898,501.51. Commissioner Terry Schaefer asked Burnett why Duncan’s bid was considerably lower than the others. Burnett said many seawalls in the area, which were built more than 50 years ago, are collapsing, so contractors are busy. Duncan had just finished a major project and was available to start when needed. Commissioner Carol Soustek asked why the old seawalls failed and if the new ones were engineered to avoid similar issues. Burnett said the old seawalls mostly are damaged due to age, but also from the water-action created by boat motors starting and moving away from the dock. She said the new seawalls were designed to withstand wave action.

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The Florida Department of Transportation and Manatee County posted the following: Cortez Bridge: The DOT is inspecting the Cortez Bridge on Cortez Road. Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures 9 p.m.-4 a.m. Monday, April 13, and Tuesday, April 14. • Cortez Road and 119th Street West in Cortez: Work to realign the intersection of 119th Street West on Cortez Road/State Road 684 continues. Drivers can expect lane closures 10 p.m.-6 a.m. Pedestrians can expect sidewalk closures. For the latest road watch information, go online to fl511.com. — Lisa neff

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April 8, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 17 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Opening date for Anna Maria City Pier pushed to April

The city of Anna Maria is waiting on developing news about the spread of COVID-19 before they decide. At a March 26 city commission meeting held by teleconference, the mayor and commissioners agreed to discuss an opening date for the new Anna Maria City Pier, 101 Bay Blvd., at its meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 9. The meeting also will be held by phone, with the city clerk to provide the commission and public with an agenda that will include instructions to join. The opening would be limited to walks on the pier, fishing and sightseeing — the restaurant and bait shop are not expected to open until late 2020 or early 2021. The city will open sealed bids April 8 in response to its request for proposals to operate the restaurant and bait shop. Murphy said the commission likely will discuss the bids at its meeting at 6 p.m. April 23, also system is completed, which will allow for the bathto be held by phone. room buildout to proceed. The original pier opened in 1911, but was closed He also said the T-end decking is finished. after it was damaged by Hurricane Irma in September Onshore utility connections began the week of 2017. March 16 and were ongoing the week of April 6. — ChrisAnn Allen The old pier was demolished and the city began construction on a new pier in 2018. Murphy said April 3 that the fire suppression RIGHT: Workers with Mason Martin Construction of

Beachgoers take in the view of the Anna Maria City Pier and Tampa Bay March 26 from the beach. The new pier, 101 Bay Blvd., remains under construction and is not yet open for visitors. The boat anchored nearby is a private vessel. Islander Photos: ChrisAnn Allen

Holmes Beach complete decking March 26 on the T-end of the new Anna Maria City Pier. The mayor expects to discuss when to open the pier to anglers and sightseers with the city commission during its April 9 meeting.

DOT road work continues in Cortez A construction barrier blocks the sidewalk fronting the shopping center at the Cortez post office, Cortez Cafe and Cortez Bait & Seafood Fish Market, 12110 Cortez Road, where Ajax Paving Industries of Florida is improving drainage, constructing a new sidewalk and realigning the intersection of Cortez Road West and 119th Street West. The $5 million project is funded by the Florida Department of Transportation and stretches from 123rd Street West in Cortez to 86th Street West in Bradenton. Work is expected to be completed by “early fall,” according to the DOT. Islander Photos: Bonner Joy

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Island Shopping Center | 5412 Marina Drive | Holmes Beach | 941.778.2253 | ThinkWALLER.com

Page 18 THE ISLANDER | islander.org April 8, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

2 players score holes-in-one on 2 very different courses By Kevin P. cassidy islander reporter

Organized sports at the Center of Anna Maria Island for youth and adults alike are on hold due to the COVID-19 outbreak, but some individuals and small groups of people are heading outdoors to enjoy fantastic spring weather. At my house, daily pickleball challenges are played among family members in the driveway. Other outcassidy door activities being pursued are jogging, biking, walking dogs and golfing. Golf courses are open for business, but most have limited cart use, requiring golfers to walk the round, or they allow one person per golf cart to comply with the 6-foot social distancing guideline. Organized outings — match play, scrambles and tourneys — at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach have been scuttled, but individuals and small groups are allowed. An April 1 outing at the club was no April Fool’s Day joke for Jon Holcomb. Playing the fourth hole, a 186-yard par three that is the No. 1 handicap hole on the course, Holcomb struck his 2-hybrid straight into a brisk wind. The ball took one hop and bounced into the hole for Holcomb’s sixth career hole-in-one. Holcomb celebrated by treating his fellow golfers to the traditional refreshments. Another hole-in-one occurred the following day at a different sort of course, this one in Bradenton — the G.T. Bray Park disc golf — aka Frisbee — course. Bradenton resident Errol King aced the 234-foot 15th hole to his delight and his playing partners.

Sam Samuels, 82, models his 2020 gulf coast games for Life gold medals and shows of the plaque presented to him feb. 27 recognizing his contribution to the Anna maria horseshoe group. the horseshoe award was presented at the pitchers and partners luncheon at Peridia golf and country club. islander courtesy Photo

King’s shot perfectly split two oak trees guarding tively compete in the Games for Life and AM horsethe basket and smashed into the chains for his first shoe pitching, I will no longer participate in these programs.” hole-in-one. He remarked that it was a difficult decision, Congratulations go to the golfers. but his goal to receive gold medals was met. “I will greatly miss my horseshoe pitching friends” and the Samuels retires his horseshoes Longtime Anna Maria horseshoe pitcher and com- weekly interaction with The Islander reporter and petitor Sam Samuels announced he would no longer editor, he said. For many years, Samuels reported the results of coordinate or compete in the Wednesday-Saturday horseshoe competition at the Anna Maria City hall the twice-weekly matches to the local newspapers. pits at a Feb. 27 luncheon at Peridia Golf and Country Samuels competed in the 2020 Games for Life in February and earned a gold medal with a distance of Club for the pitchers, their wives and partners. Samuels reported, “Since I’m unable to effec- 6 feet, 1 inch for the long jump and gold in horseshoes. Thank you, Sam!

#AMItogether

on these pages, as well as the islander’s social media accounts, readers will see #Amitogether — a hashtag of encouragement, a rallying cry to help cope with the spread of coVid-19. Join us in sharing your posts, photos, news and videos via facebook, twitter and instagram about #Amitogether as we look out for the safety and security of our family, friends, neighbors and coworkers, as well as ourselves. #Alonetogether. #Amitogether.

Always fishin’ for news.

island resident Jon Holcomb put an ace in the 186yard fourth hole at the Key royale club in Holmes Beach. the hole-in-one was Holcomb’s sixth career ace. islander Photo: courtesy Krc

Bradenton resident, errol King poses after acing the 234-foot 15th hole on the disc golf course at g.t. Bray Park in Bradenton. islander Photo: courtesy Kalen Wildasin

www.islander.org

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April 8, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 19 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Fishing: As good as it gets in AMI waters, if you can get there By capt. danny Stasny islander reporter

With a safer-at-home order in place for the state, charter fishing around Anna Maria Island was dealt a blow. And boating got a little tougher for the guides and others who can’t or don’t keep their boats in the water or at a dock. The closure of county boat ramps, some fishing piers and most parks has Stasny made accessibility to the water challenging, except for those whose boats are docked in their backyard. Most fishing charter activity has ceased, except for a few captains whose diehard clients are pushing to wet a line. It seems fishing is taking a backseat to staying home and trying to slow the spread of COVID-19. And the timing couldn’t be much worse. After all, April is one of the best months for fishing our local waters. It’s the time when, thanks to limited rainfall, our waters are clear and emerald green. The calm waters add to the recipe for a perfect day on the water. And, with the fish basically eating anything you put in front of them, it is nothing short of frustrating to be home rather than on the water. But there are some important things to think about while we stay safe at home. Now is the time to adhere to what we are being told to do to minimize the impact of this pandemic. For those who plan to venture on the water in Manatee County, my best advice is to visit the county website, mymanatee.org, to read up on the regulations that need to be observed. You also may want to visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for advice. FWC advised The Islander in an April 4 email that fishing and boating are allowed recreational activities under the governor’s order while remaining consistent with social distance guidelines. The FWC has advised boaters to maintain a 50-foot standoff from others. It recommended checking with local, county and

Fishing tip! If you hook a bird, remember: Reel, remove, release! Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

April 8 April 9 April 10 April 11 April 12 April 13 April 14 April 15

12:56a 1:52a 2:51a 4:01a 5:42a 3:25p 4:19p 5:47p

HIGH

2.0 12:41p 1.9 1:06p 1.6 1:34p 1.4 2:06p 1.2 2:43p 2.3 — 2.2 — 1.9 —

2.1 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.5 — — —

LOW

Moon

6:42a 0.4 7:13p -0.2 FULL 7:07a 0.7 8:04p -0.3 7:27a 0.9 8:59p -0.4 7:42a 1.1 9:59p -0.4 7:39a 1.1 11:06p -0.3 — — — — 12:20a -0.2 — — 3rd 1:35a -0.1 — —

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

Southernaire Fishing Charters

statewide emergency orders before boating to abide by local laws and orders. And we need to abide by the county curfew, too. Remember, show some respect for law enforcement and marine rescue personnel as they already have enough to do during the pandemic. As far as the bite is concerned, reports are as follows: Fishing inshore for catch-and-release snook and trout is about as good as it gets. Freelining live shiners is providing the best action for the snook. For the trout, try drifting over deep grass flats and casting soft plastics combined with a 1/4-ounce jig head. I find soft plastics with a curly tail are working best. Fishing the inshore reefs also is quite good. Kingfish have infested the waters in depths of 30 to 40 feet and are being coaxed to bite by large live shiners on a long shank hook or a stinger rig. While fishing the inshore reefs, you also may encounter cobia, big jacks and plenty of sharks. Leaving the inshore stuff behind and venturing out to depths of 80 feet or more, anglers are reporting good action on blackfin tuna — always a good fish for the cooler. In the mix with the tuna are amberjack and kingfish and, on the bottom at these depths, grouper and snapper are accommodating the coolers. Send high-resolution photos and ﬁshing reports to ﬁsh@islander.org.

rodney rich, right, a mixologist at the Waterfront restaurant’s craft cocktail bar, shows off an overslot redfish caught April 2 on a live pilchard while fishing with his bud, capt. david White.

Breck Harris took on a redfish march 29 and won a trophy photo before its release. Harris, who lives in terra ceia and is home from college during the coVid-19 break from the classroom, fished with capt. Warren girle. girle said Harris has been fishing with him since he was 6. “it was a fun fishing day. Stay well.”

Fishing Charters Capt. Warren Girle

CAPT. AARON LOWMAN 'ULF "AY &ISHINGs4ARPON 53'! ,ICENSED AND )NSURED

INSHORE RE Redﬁsh Snook

O OFFSHORE SSnapper G Grouper

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DOCKED AT SEAFOOD SHACK

Page 20 THE ISLANDER | islander.org April 8, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BOATS & BOATING

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Bimini BAY SAiLing: Small sailboat rentals and instruction. day. Week. month. Sunfish, Laser, Windrider 17 and Precision 15. call Brian at 941-685-1400.

AeriAL PHotoS of Anna maria island. View and purchase online: www.jackelka.com.

LocAL fiSHing guide for hire. Wanna catch more fish, have better bait, learn the local waters? Your boat, my knowledge. call nelly, 40 years local fishing experience. 941896-2915.

Wine decAnterS: $10, computer keyboard, $10, Black tabletop phone, $15. Like new. 941-920-2494. four office cHAirS from Am city Hall, circa 1950. the islander newspaper, 3218 e. Bay drive, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

free gun LocK courtesy of Project childsafe, florida fish and Wildlife conservation commission and Holmes Beach Police department. Pick up at the islander office, 3218 e. Bay drive, Holmes Beach. don’t be sorry, be safe.

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

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