The islander newspaper e edition wednesday, dec 13, 2017 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

Privateers make merry. 14 VOLUME 26, NO. 7

AsTheWorldTerns reminder, ’tis the season to help people. 6 BB commissioner returns to dais after election ouster. 2 AM commissioners review pier options. 4 Anna Maria replaces building official. 4

Op-Ed

Opinions. 6

10-20 YEARS AGO

From the archives. 7

Meetings

On the government calendar. 8 HB dog park upgrades planned. 8 Island traffic study gets studied. 8 Friends set library lectures. 10 Make plans, save dates. 12-13

Gathering. 16

Obituaries. 17 Man charged in child’s death. 20 Records set by green sea turtles. 24 Planning Planned Parenthood retirement. 25 Birds of prey on display. 26 Jiffy Lube wins soccer title. 28 Hot action for anglers before cold. 29 Chambers share cheer. 31 Classifieds. 32

Hot-dogging on AMI. 21

Merry

Christmas

The Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992

Counting on Christmas. 27 DEC. 13, 2017 FREE

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TDC OKs $1.5M to rebuild Anna Maria City Pier

By Bianca Benedí Islander Reporter Thanks to the Manatee County Tourist Development Council, Anna Maria is another step closer to paying for a new city pier. In a meeting Dec. 4, TDC members reviewed and approved a $1.5 million plan to send to the county board for ultimate approval, reviewed tourism in the county and discussed the holiday season. The TDC voted unanimously to approve a deal with the city of Anna Maria on the Anna Maria City Pier rebuild. The deal will now be sent to the Manatee County Board of Commissioners for approval. If approved, the county will match up to $1.5 million to rebuild the pier structure, but not the restaurant. State law dictates that the TDC cannot fund private businesses. Elliott Falcione, director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, which promotes tourism in Manatee County for the TDC, said the board is excited to sign the deal with the city to repair the structure,

Rebuilding the Anna Maria City Pier, closed since September by damages from Hurricane Irma, an attraction for flocks of people to fish and look across Tampa Bay for more than 100 years, is a step closer to reality this week. Islander File Photo: Jack Elka which is more than a century old. “The pier is iconic,” he said. “It’s important that we partner with the city to renovate it.” Falcione added that the pier also offers the TDC an opportunity to accommodate multimodal transportation — a water taxi.

The TDC also agreed to leave the decision to the city on materials used to build the new pier. County Commissioner Carol Whitmore, representing the county on the TDC, told Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy the city has PLEASE SEE CITY PIER PAGE 5

High court suspends Webb from legal practice

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter Island attorney Chuck Webb is suspended from practicing law for 60 days for violating ethics rules that govern the legal profession. The Florida Supreme Court entered a consent judgment Nov. 30, accepting the attorney’s plea at the recommendation of 20th Circuit Judge Cheryl Laboda, assigned as the referee in Webb’s case. Charles Houston Webb, a 31-year attorney with an office in Holmes Beach, resident of Anna Maria and former city commissioner, will be reinstated after the two-month ordered hiatus. Webb Webb was found guilty of violating rules relating to conflicts of interests, transactions and non-meritorious claims in representing David and Jane Guy. The judgment requires Webb to stop foreclosing liens against clients’ homes, attend a Florida Bar Ethics School and implement office procedures recommended by a Florida Bar-appointed consultant. The state Supreme Court licenses and

regulates the practice of lawyers who’ve been admitted to the Florida Bar. According to the judgment, Webb also must serve a one-year probation and pay $3,945.25 to the Florida Bar. The Florida Bar filed the disciplinary action against Webb in March after a 2015 complaint to the bar from 12th Circuit Senior Judge Thomas Gallen. Gallen alleged Webb made false and fraudulent representations to the court on behalf of his clients, delaying foreclosures and was motivated by the rental income he was receiving from properties. Webb represented the Guys on several property actions, including foreclosures, two of which were in Holmes Beach. Signed by all seven justices, the order gives Webb 30 days to close his practice and protect the interests of existing clients — unless he notifies the court and elects an earlier date. Webb also is prohibited from accepting new client business until reinstated. He must provide copies of the suspension order to his clients, opposing counsel or co-counsel, courts and to the bar, and provide a list of clients to the Florida Bar.

Santa makes an island visit

Rudolph shines bright as Santa prepares for take off behind his team of reindeers. The jolly old man in red is touring AMI, including a scheduled stop at The Islander Dec. 15. For more on Santa, see inside. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

2 n Dec. 13, 2017 n THe ISLANDeR

BB commissioner returns to dais after losing popular vote

Ralph Cole makes his case Dec. 6, before being appointed commissioner for a one-year term. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes cation procedure, the city provides the opportunity to apply at the meeting and, since the qualifications are minimal, the city clerk would be able to vet the applicant on the spot. However, no one added his or her name to the hat. During public comment, resident Jim Hassett asked the commission to consider the electors’ desire for change. “I’ve been reading in the paper how we’re going to pay attention to the public. The public just got through telling us ‘We want change,’” Hassett said. “I would just like to ask you to continue thinking about change and to elect Mr. Lynch as the next commissioner.”

Former P&Z member John Metz also spoke on Lynch’s behalf, pointing out that 55 percent of the voters did not choose Cole. White won the race with 205 votes to Cole’s 169 votes. “I think when a candidate has been defeated, by the voters, 30 days ago, I think that voice is pretty clear,” Metz said. Following public comment, Cole and Lynch each were allowed 10 minutes to express their desire to serve. Cole said he would like to continue the work he started in 2016 as community redevelopment agency chair. The CRA district’s blighted status allows grants and incremental tax revenue funding distributed by the county to promote restoration and growth in the district, including tourism. Cole pointed out that the city receives $1.3 million in funds that must be used to enhance the CRA district, or be lost. “It’s very important that that money goes to the city of Bradenton Beach because there’s a lot we can do with it,” Cole said, referencing projects he supported as CRA chair, including seagrass mitigation and dredging to create a channel southeast of the Historic Bridge Street Pier. The city has filed bills with the state for the 2018 legislative session to get additional funds to enhance the district. “If we get the money to mitigate that seagrass and create a channel through there, it will be a wonderful thing for Bradenton Beach. I’ve been working on it,” Cole said. “I’m very familiar with what is going on in the city. So if you choose me, I’ll be able to step in and continue what was done.” Lynch listed his qualifications, including 20 years as a military attorney and 15 years as Hillsborough County assistant attorney. PLEASE SEE COMMISSIONER, NEXT PAGE

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By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter The Bradenton Beach commission chose a familiar face for the vacant seat on the dais. Former Ward 3 Commissioner Ralph Cole — ousted in the Nov. 7 election — was tapped Dec. 6 for an open seat on the dais by the mayor and commissioners during a special meeting at city hall. The vote was 3-1, with newly elected Commissioner Randy White casting the dissenting vote. Planning and zoning board vice chair Jim Lynch also applied and was considered for the seat. The seat opened when John Chappie resigned as commissioner to run for mayor in November. The voter’s approved charter amendment 1 — replacing the city’s four-ward system with an at-large election — which meant Cole, who lost his Ward 3 seat to White in the election, was eligible for the appointment. The meeting began with White inquiring whether three amendments passed Nov. 7 had been incorporated into the city charter. “I kind of see it as a chicken before the egg kind of thing,” White said, referring to amendment 1, which allows commissioners to reside anywhere in the city — at-large. City attorney Ricinda Perry confirmed that according to a resolution previously approved by the commission, the three charter amendments approved by the electors in the city went into effect upon certification of the election. Chappie opened the meeting by asking if anyone in the audience would like to file a last-minute application for the open seat. White raised concerns about vetting qualifications for people on the spot. “How do we vet someone who stands up today and says they want to be included?” White asked. “Seems they get spared the consideration to not have to give their information.” Chappie said, per the commission-approved appli-

THe ISLANDeR n Dec. 13, 2017 n 3

COMMISSIONER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 “My whole working career has been looking at problems and trying to solve problems,” Lynch said. “And coming up with ways to make a win-win solution by talking with all stakeholders and try to determine a solution that everyone feels like they got something out of. I feel like I can add that.” The commission’s decision The commissioners next drew lots to determine their order in making nominations. Commissioner Marilyn Maro went first, with the two commissioners and mayor following. Maro nominated Cole, citing his commitment to the CRA and to the community. “After the hurricane, he came to my house to see if I was OK,” Maro said. “No one else did that.” White went next and nominated Lynch. “My decision seems to be a person more qualified

than anybody I’ve ever heard of — James Lynch,” sion, about half of the 25 attendees — known Lynch White said. supporters —walked out of the meeting. Commissioner Jake Spooner also nominated The commission voted 3-1 to appoint Cole, with Cole. White casting the dissenting vote. “There’s only a year left on this term and it takes a while to get going,” Spooner said. “There’s a whole Correction laundry list of accomplishments by Ralph (Cole). The page 1 story “Anna Maria loses FEMA There’s things in the works that I would like to see discount, fires building official” in the Dec. 6 edicome to completion.” tion of The Islander incorrectly stated that the city The final nomination from Chappie supported of Anna Maria lost its FEMA discount at the end Cole. of October. The discount remains in tact, although “I think we have two incredible candidates and it may be withheld starting in May 2018 if the city my want and desire is that Jim (Lynch), because he is does not qualify. so incredible on P&Z and with the new members on The city learned the building official had failed that board, I want him to mentor and help out there,” to submit the required paperwork to FEMA, and Chappie said. “We have some corrections that have to there was a last-ditch effort to comply. The city is be taken care of, and I want Jim to lead the way and awaiting a final decision from FEMA. help out.” As Chappie addressed the gallery with his deci-

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West Manatee Fire Rescue firefighter Zack Benshoff puts out a dumpster fire Dec. 7 as firefighter Chad Brunner holds the ladder at Key West North condo, 1205 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. According to WMFR, the cause of the fire was unknown, but remodeling at the condo might have been a factor. No property — other than the dumpster — was damaged in the fire. Islander Photo: Courtesy Ron Joseph

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Kathy Pastorius of Holmes Beach caught this passing view of the dumpster fire at the Key West North condos in Bradenton Beach, where witnesses said a fire extinguisher and also a garden hose failed to put out the flames.

4 n Dec. 13, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Anna Maria commissioners, islanders review pier options

By Bianca Benedí Islander Reporter In a fact-finding meeting Dec. 4, Anna Maria commissioners gave Ayres Associates direction on the future of the Anna Maria City Pier. Some people made their case for wood decking and pilings, while others wanted to weigh the benefits of concrete construction. Jay Saxena, vice president of Ayres Associates southeast operations, told commissioners Ayres is in the process of working with agencies to complete permit applications to rebuild the structure. Ayres is working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. At a meeting Oct. 16, commissioners voted to build a pier with a 75- to 100-year life span. Saxena presented commissioners with options developed thus far, including the proposed use of concrete piles and concrete-filled steel piles. However, commissioners and the public asked about using wood instead. Commissioner Carol Carter asked if timber pilings were an option for a 75-100 year life span. “The service life is not 75 years,” Saxena replied. “Some may last that long, but from a design perspective,” timber pilings would not be appropriate, he said. Wood might last 75 years, but it would be more expensive to maintain. “I’ve seen concrete used around here,” said Commissioner Dale Woodland. “Our bridges were built in the ’50s and ’60s using concrete and none of them have

Sissy Quinn poses Dec. 10 in front of the gate to the Anna Maria City Pier. She hopes to help fund the city pier rebuild with an online fundraiser. Islander Photo: Bianca Benedí

lasted.” Holmes Beach resident Mitch Perdue agreed there are examples of concrete that have not worked, while wood has lasted. “Let’s do it the old-fashioned way,” he said. Anna Maria resident Dennis Ellsworth said the only reason the pier is in peril is because the city failed at maintenance. “I think you need to ride down the road from the city pier. We have another pier down there. It’s been there 70 years. It’s made out of wood. And that’s individually maintained,” he said, referring to the Rod & Reel Pier on North Bay Boulevard. Saxena, however, continued to caution. “Familiarity versus structural design, those are two different components,” he said. “We also want to make sure we design this from a safety perspective to meet

Anna Maria fills building official position

By Bianca Benedí Islander Reporter Less than a week after firing building official Jimmy Strickland, the city of Anna Maria hired a successor. David Greenbaum will begin work as the city building official in the new year, Mayor Dan Murphy told commissioners Dec. 6 at the emergency city commission meeting called to address the matter. Commissioners voted unaniMurphy mously to hire Murphy’s selection for the job. Greenbaum has served as the Longboat Key building official since June. His departure from Longboat Key Greenbaum is due to the arrival of town manager Tom Harmer, who took office Dec. 11 and brought a new team with him, Murphy told commissioners. Murphy said David Bullock, the previous Longboat Key town manager, “couldn’t say enough good things about” Greenbaum. Greenbaum was hired by the Seminole Tribe of Florida as a building official in 2007 and served as chief building official for the tribe 2012-15. From 1983-1990, Greenbaum served in the Marines. He then worked eight years as a project manager, installation manager and estimator for various companies until he was hired in 2007 by the Seminole tribe. He left the tribe position in 2015 to return to New York to serve as a project manager before returning to Florida in June. Commissioner Nancy Yetter, who met with Greenbaum Dec. 4, said she was “very impressed.” “He had a military career, strong leadership quality,” Murphy said. “So I don’t think he would be a pushover.” Murphy said the city ran a “thorough” background check on Greenbaum, “far more than we usually do,” and found no red flags. In addition, Greenbaum planned to receive a flood plain management certification Dec. 7. in order to accommodate the city’s needs. After the commission voted to hire Greenbaum, commission Chair Doug Copeland asked Murphy if

the city had a problem breaking its contract with M.T. Causley, the building services firm that provided past building officials to the city. “No, it’s not an issue,” Murphy said. “We had a cause.” Former building official Jimmy Strickland received a vote of no confidence and was fired Nov. 30 after Murphy revealed Strickland failed to send crucial documents to participate in the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s community rating system. The rating system allows participating governments to receive a community discount in the National Flood Insurance Program if they take steps beyond the minimum requirements to ease flood risk. The city of Anna Maria has a 25 percent discount. FEMA representative Chris Carpenter sent Murphy a letter in late October announcing he would recommend FEMA drop Anna Maria’s discount to zero in May 2018 due to the city’s failure to document efforts to mitigate flood risk. The city gathered the appropriate documents in two weeks and sent them to FEMA, hoping to retain the discount. However, Murphy said Nov. 30, “it’s in FEMA’s hands now.” Murphy told commissioners Dec. 6 he expected a response from FEMA about the discount within two weeks.

that 75-year requirement.” Sissy Quinn, president of the Anna Maria Island Preservation Trust, pointed out, “There isn’t a toothpick left of that original pier.” Quinn told the commission the only requirement for the pier to retain its historical designation is that it retain the original footprint. Saxena said this is a “key component” in rebuilding the pier, because the permit process would take much longer to expand the pier footprint. “Don’t be concerned. Let the city go ahead and do what’s best for the city,” Quinn said. Holmes Beach resident Nancy Deal, however, showed up with a list of questions about the project. “Are the pilings driven into the sand until refusal, is that true? Have all pilings failed or just some? Is it possible to re-mediate only the pilings that failed, do all require replacement?” she asked. Deal listed her questions, asking if there is physical evidence, such as photos or videos, documenting the need for repairs, and whether experts dug underneath the pilings for their assessments. She also asked whether the damage assessment was based on engineering judgment or physical evidence, whether loading structures would change and whether Ayres calculated the most cost-effective plan before issuing recommendations. Mayor Dan Murphy asked Deal to submit her questions to city hall. “We’ll get you answers to every question you’ve got and be glad to make that part of the public record,” he said. “People come to the pier because it represents a bygone era,” Quinn said. “We want to sustain and preserve that atmosphere, that culture, that structure as it was. We want our pier back.” Murphy said in the next meeting with Ayres, the city would discuss specific options, and the related costs and benefits. However, he said, no date has been set yet for such a meeting. In a 2015 study, the city pier was found to be badly in need of repair. The city was in the process of seeking bids to engineer repairs when Hurricane Irma passed Sept. 10-11, leaving the structure further damaged. Murphy said it was “totally destroyed” according to the terms of the city’s lease with Mario Schoenfelder. Schoenfelder has not responded to requests for comment.

Deck the sign! The Anna Maria Island welcome sign in Holmes Beach on Manatee Avenue, provided and maintained by the Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island, is decked out with lights for the holidays. And if you look closely, you may see some marine life wearing Santa hats. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

THe ISLANDeR n Dec. 13, 2017 n 5

CITY PIER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “done a good job” handling the urgency of replacing the pier. Murphy told commissioners the city also anticipates funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the state. TDC member Ed Chiles, owner of two restaurants on Anna Maria Island and one on Longboat Key, said the project is ideal for TDC funding. “We take a lot of heat up here for the money we spend. Here in two months, this organization unanimously supported a project that needed to be done for years,” he said. “Thank you for your support,” Murphy told the TDC. “I greatly appreciate it and our city greatly appreciates it.” “Congratulations to Anna Maria, and we have your back,” Whitmore responded.

Visits were up 8 percent as compared to September 2016, and visitors spent 14.7 percent more compared to the same period last year. Klages said the increase could partially be attributed to a “migration” of south Florida residents fleeing the brunt of Hurricane Irma. However, Klages said the increase also could be attributed to the World Rowing Championships, which were held Sept. 24-Oct. 1 in Sarasota. Hotels and motels in Manatee had 2.9 percent increased occupancy through the month, but the surge was not distributed evenly through the county. On the mainland and on Longboat Key, lodging occupancy rose 8 percent and 3.9 percent respectively in September as compared to September 2016, but fell by almost 9 percent on Anna Maria Island. Mainland-Longboat Key room revenue grew more than 14 percent, but fell 5.2 percent on the island.

September tourism ﬁgures Walter Klages, a data scientist and president of Research Data Services, presented the TDC with tourism figures demonstrating that visitors and spending were up in the month of September.

Roadwatch

Eyes on the road

The Florida Department of Transportation posted the following advisories for the week of Dec. 11: State Road 789/Gulf Drive from SR 64/Manatee Avenue to SR 684/Cortez Road: Manatee County crews are installing force mains and water mains. For more information about the project, go online to amipipereplacement.com. State Road 684/Cortez Road at 119th Street West in Cortez: Crews are working on signals and concrete medians. Motorists should expect lane closures at any hour. Expected completion is late 2017. For the latest road watch information, go online to www.fl511.com or dial 511.

Walter Klages, data researcher, advises members of the Manatee County Tourist Development Council Dec. 4 at their meeting at Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive. Islander Photo: Bianca Benedí

Officials issued a mandatory evacuation on Anna Maria Island ahead of Hurricane Irma, which likely affected room rates. In addition, Klages reported a 3.9 percent drop in European tourism and a 10 percent drop in Canadian tourism as a result of press related to the hurricane. However, tourism from the northeast surged almost 20 percent compared to last year, while tourism from the Midwest was up 10.6 percent. Florida’s holiday advert BACVB marketing specialist Michelle Stewart discussed with the TDC the impact of a Florida holiday advertisement for the program “How to Do Florida” that aired in recent weeks across the country. The hourlong feature, titled “Sand, Sun and Holiday Fun,” is set in the Bradenton area. It introduces viewers to vacation activities and holiday experiences available in the BACVB marketing area. The episode, which began airing in November, reached more than 30 million households in the United States, according to Stewart. Stewart said the episode reached almost 2.5 million households in the Houston and Atlanta areas. Other areas that aired the episode included Phoenix, St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Orlando. In addition, the show aired on two stations in the St. Petersburg/Tampa region, reaching almost 2 million households. “With temperatures in the 70s, it’s less about sweaters and mittens and more about flip-flops and board shorts,” an advertisement for the episode informs viewers, panning over shots of the beach, including the shoreline of Anna Maria Island. “Tag along with us to the warm coastal waters of the Sunshine State for some sand, sun and holiday fun,” the advertisement narrator says at the end. Stewart said the program targeted key market areas in the United States that could boost tourism to Manatee County. The episode aired in the Bradenton area Dec. 10 on CBS affiliate stations.

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Opinion

Our

All I want for Christmas…

Sorry to be a cynic when it comes to government and the holidays, but I learned it from 25 years of news coverage, dozens of city, county and other officials all making promises and then backing up the truck and dumping on us, saying they can’t afford to do what they promised. They can’t afford it because they don’t want to give the appearance they’re raising taxes, when all along that’s exactly what they do. They don’t steward the properties that are entrusted in their care, and then can’t repair or replace. Take for instance, the once-upon-a-time amenities at the Manatee Public Beach — a rooftop deck on the concession building and a wide cascading staircase leading from the patio to the pier that reached out over the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The rooftop deck, where people gathered at night under the stars for music, dances and celebrations disappeared before I arrived in the early 1970s, so I can only romanticize about its charm. It fell victim to storm damage and a lack of funding for repairs. About 10 years ago, county officials took out the pier, claiming it hadn’t been maintained. But wait! The rooftop deck and the pier were the county’s responsibility. Meanwhile, the county touts its excess revenue from the beach concessionaire, but still no pier. No rooftop deck. And never mind how they spent the BP oil money, it wasn’t intended to improve the beach. Or was it? I’m tempted to attend a county meeting with a boombox, blaring an adapted holiday song that goes something like. “All I want for Christmas is a beautiful beach, a pier and a deck, a pier and a deck.…” Too many things have been promised that don’t come to fruition that I can’t count them all. Roundabouts, crosswalks, bike paths and sidewalks — a safe path for kids who must negotiate the “downtown” business district in Holmes Beach on their trek to and from school — come to mind. Most of all this year, I wish to see the Anna Maria City Pier and its restaurant and bait shop repaired and opened in short order and all the employees, including good friend and manager David Sork, returned to work. I hope for a merry Christmas for them. Please, put people first, reopen the pier and then make plans to build a new pier over time. Is it too much to ask, Santa? — Bonner Joy

DEC. 13, 2017 • Vol. 26, No. 7 ▼ ▼

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Publisher and Editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org Editorial Lisa Neff, copy editor Sandy Ambrogi, sandy@islander.org Bianca Benedí, bianca@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org Jack Elka, jack@jackelka.com ChrisAnn Silver Esformes, chrisann@islander.org Terry O’Connor, terryo@islander.org Kathy Prucnell, kathyp@islander.org Ed Scott, edscott@islander.org Contributors Jesse Brisson Karen Riley-Love Capt. Danny Stasny, ﬁsh@islander.org Advertising Director Toni Lyon, toni@islander.org Office Staff Lisa Williams, manager Christi Burton accounting@islander.org classiﬁeds@islander.org subscriptions@islander.org Distribution Urbane Bouchet Judy Loden Wasco Ross Roberts (All others: news@islander.org)

Single copies free. Quantities of five or more: 25 cents each. ©1992-2017 • Editorial, sales and production ofﬁces: 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach FL 34217 WEBSITE: www.islander.org PHONE 941-778-7978 toll-free fax 1-866-362-9821

Opinion

Your

BB voters take it on the nose

On Nov. 7, 55 percent of the voters in Bradenton Beach rejected Ralph Cole as a city commissioner. On Dec. 6, Mayor John Chappie and Commissioners Jake Spooner and Marilyn Maro appointed Cole over a highly qualified candidate, Jim Lynch, to fill a commission vacancy. Lynch is a Florida attorney with 20 years in the Army JAG Corp and 10 years in the Hillsborough County counsel’s office. He’s an 11-year Bradenton Beach resident, a member of the planning and zoning board and a volunteer advocate for the elderly. Rather than reflecting the voters’ will, Chappie, Spooner and Maro prefer to keep the clubby “do nothings” together with the malleable Cole instead of having to deal with the intellect, character and experience of Lynch, who might focus on the city’s real problems — like the party houses — as opposed to the “do nothings” costly lawsuit suing city volunteers. Elections should count. And, on the subject of the lawsuit, Michael Barfield, a felon earning $180 an hour for assisting the city and an ex-mayor in suing six of its’ volunteers, was quoted in The Islander saying “The cost to the city could reach six figures.” $100,000 plus? Wow! Where is this budgeted? If the city loses, the city will end up paying the defendants’ attorney fees too! The city is becoming a lawyers’ trough! John Metz, Bradenton Beach

Pier rebuild requires urgency

In a meeting Nov. 9, Anna Maria Commissioner Dale Woodland provided the results of his findings from discussions with the potential contractors of the city pier and Bradenton Beach officials. This information was useful and concerned the rebuild of the Anna Maria City Pier. He was chastised by the mayor for providing that

information and he was told to keep his notes because it would be discussed at a meeting in December, when Ayers Associates, the engineering firm, was present so the information was only heard one time. Well, a special meeting was held Dec. 6. What a waste of time that was. Ayers provided nothing. Only commissioners were allowed to ask questions and those questions were not answered. The public could only comment. If the public had questions, they could submit them and city officials would respond sometime in the future. An information exchange did not take place and will not take place in the forum of a city commission meeting. Something needs to change. There appears to be no sense of urgency to get anything done. I believe the Ayers team is in over its head and does not have any idea how to proceed. By now they should have at least preliminary design drawing of the options, as well as costs and schedule information. Permit applications should already be submitted. None of this has been done. This is not a difficult design. What is wrong with the idea of holding roundtable discussions with all concerned parties involved? What are we afraid of? We do not need a pier with solar panels on the roof and accommodations for a water taxi that has not been approved by our commission. We already have a world-class pier. Dennis Ellsworth, Anna Maria

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THe ISLANDeR n Dec. 13, 2017 n 7

Slice of island life

A snapshot of kids eating watermelon on the running board of the family car. The photograph was in a collection belonging to the late Paul Roat of Bradenton Beach. This photo and many other historical images can be found in “Images of America: Anna Maria Island” by Islander publisher Bonner Joy. Islander Courtesy Photo

Good deeds

10&20 years ago

In the headlines: Dec. 10, 1997

• Island officials announced plans to make another attempt to reduce bridge openings to halfhour intervals. “We’re opening every 20 minutes and I’m hoping we could have that changed to every half-hour during tourist season,” said Bradenton Beach Mayor Connie Drescher. • Qualifying for the nonpartisan municipal election in Anna Maria opened for two commission posts and the mayor’s seat. The election was to take place in February 1998. • The 10th annual Anna Maria Island Christmas Lighted Boat Parade took place, moving from Bimini Bay into the Anna Maria Channel and then past the Anna Maria City Pier and Rod & Reel Pier. Hundreds turned out for the event.

In the headlines: Dec. 12, 2007

Wished for wood

• Sue Normand, the owner of Island Mail & More, was shot and injured by a man who walked into her business with a package and shot her with a 9-mm handgun. The man, Mark W. Koenigs, fled and was shot by law enforcement on the beach in Bradenton Beach. • Holmes Beach police were pursuing a lead in the killing of Carla Ann Beard, whose partially clothed body was found Dec. 1 in a bed of seagrape leaves about 100 yards from the Gulf of Mexico. Days earlier, she had left a drug and alcohol treatment center in Sarasota. • Fire officials said code violations were factors in a fire that caused about $30,000 in damages to a duplex in Anna Maria. The property contained a bedroom added without a permit.

Bill Dale of Bradenton, left, and friend Tom Mineo of Flamingo Cay, deliver plywood to the Moonracer Animal Shelter Country House, operated by Islander office manager Lisa Williams. In The Islander’s Wish Book, Moonracer wished for plywood, among other items. Mineo and Dale had used the plywood to board up their homes during Hurricane Irma and both read Moonracer’s wish in the Wish Book. “The rescue is beginning the process of rebuilding a barn into a happy, home-like kennel area for rescued pets,” Williams said. Islander Courtesy Photo

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Holmes Beach police chief, commissioner question DOT study

Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter A lot of questions were asked. Answers were less plentiful. Nearly 100 people attended a public workshop Dec. 5 on Longboat Key on the barrier island traffic study conducted by the Florida Department of Transportation. “They’ve done a really good job of brainstorming ideas,” said Holmes Beach Commissioner Jim Kihm. “Now they need to decide what could work, what will work and what won’t work.” Kihm said one idea won’t fly, at least at his church. St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach, is not receptive to renting church parking spaces to the city during off hours, Kihm said. Roundabouts are another idea receiving a mixed reception. Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said some roundabouts suggested by the DOT would help, but others are unnecessary. The DOT study suggested roundabouts could improve traffic flow at East Bay-Gulf drives, GulfMarina drives, Palm-Marina frives at Key Royale Drive-66th Street and Gulf Drive-52nd Street. Roundabouts would not improve traffic flow at Gulf Drive-52nd Street or East Bay Drive-Gulf Drive intersections, Tokajer said. Frank Domingo, of Stantec Consulting Services

Trafﬁc study at a glance

Study zones: Anna Maria and Holmes Beach, Zone 1; Bradenton Beach, Zone 2; and Longboat Key, St. Armands Circle and Lido Key, Zone 3. Florida Department of Transportation personnel: Project manager Tanya King, 863-519-2509 or tanya.king@dot.state.fl.us; and assistant project manager Nathan Kautz, 863-519-2347 or nathan. kautz@dot.state.fl.us. Cost: $675,000. Project scope: Evaluate island travel patterns, origins and destination points, transit service, parking and bike-pedestrian needs, land development codes related to parking, alternate modes of transportation and intersections.

Frank Domingo, barrier island traffic study project manager, spent two hours Dec. 5 discussing the study at a Florida Department of Transportation public hearing on Longboat Key. Holmes Beach Commissioner Judy Titsworth studies a map in the background. Islander Photo: Terry O’Connor

Inc., Sarasota, is collecting the traffic study data for issues. the DOT. He said not all ideas to surface during the The study will be presented to the MPO at 9:30 brainstorming phase will become recommendations. a.m. Monday, Dec. 18, at the Holiday Inn-Sarasota One example is the idea of stretching a $30 million Airport, 8009 15th St. E., Sarasota. aerial tramline from Sarasota across Sarasota Bay to Bird Key and St. Armands Circle. “It’s clearly way out of the box,” Domingo said. “It takes pubic acceptance for that. But, we do have a Anna Maria City beautiful view.” • Dec. 14, 6 p.m., city commission. DOT staff members answered questions and dis• Dec. 28, 6 p.m., city commission. plays were used to illustrate many of the 64 study sug• Jan. 9, 4 p.m., planning and zoning. gestions for improving traffic flow along island and Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, mainland arteries. 941-708-6130, cityofannamaria.com. The DOT gave a one-week notice, which precluded a notice to Islander readers, before conducting Bradenton Beach the workshop at the Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 • Dec. 13, 9:30 a.m., CRA (master plan). Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. • Dec. 13, 11 a.m., city commission Recommendations will be made in the final phase (alleys). of the study, which should be finished by September • Dec. 20, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. 2018, according to Domingo. • Dec. 21, noon, city commission. CANFunding will be identified if any DOT recommenCELED dations are adopted as priority items by the Sarasota/ • Dec. 27, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization. Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive The study also has been on the radar of the Island N., 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.org. Transportation Planning Organization, which consists of the three island mayors. The ITPO operates Holmes Beach under the MPO umbrella to consult on transportation • Dec. 13, 1 p.m., FEMA flood risk review. Tentative. • Dec. 18, 11 a.m., ad hoc committee. Grossman’s No. 1 priority is the comfort of park • Jan. 3, 10 a.m., parks and beautification. neighbors, he said. • Jan. 3, 6 p.m., planning commission. “We need to make sure the dog park doesn’t inter• Jan. 9, 6 p.m., city commission. fere with anybody’s lifestyle,” he said. • Jan. 11, 6 p.m., city commission. He said the committee should recommend relocat• Jan. 23, 6 p.m., city commission. ing the park entrances as far from the street as possible • Jan. 25, 6 p.m., city commission. to minimize noise from excitable dogs that sometimes Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, announce their arrival by barking. Then, consider ame941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org. nities, such as new fencing and creature comforts. “Water features, like a drinking fountain for dogs,” West Manatee Fire Rescue Grossman said. “That’s a no-brainer. We need two of • Dec. 21, 6 p.m., fire commission. CANthem. That’s one of the first things.” CELED The dog park, known as Scentral Park, has a pavilWMFR administration building, 6417 Third ion, benches and a water hose. Ave. W., Bradenton, wmfr.org. Another suggested improvement is expanding the size to include more shade trees. Manatee County There’s even more money to spend on the skate • Dec. 19, 9 a.m., county commission/school park although the park committee is not handling those board joint meeting (hurricane shelters). recommendations. • Jan. 9, 9 a.m., commission. City engineer Lynn Burnett said $100,000 of skate • Jan. 11, 9:30 a.m., commission (land use). park funding budgeted over 10 years will fulfill the • Jan. 23, 9 a.m., commission. commission’s directive for upgrades. Administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. The skate park cost $60,000 initially, and BurW., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org. nett said improvements to the park on Marina Drive between city hall and the public works facilities may Of interest not consume the entire allocation. • Dec. 25 is Christmas and most government Burnett said she plans to make her skate-park recoffices, as well as The Islander, will be closed. ommendations to the commission in the first quarter Most government offices also will be closed Dec. of 2018. 26. Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer has said • Jan. 1 is New Year’s Day and most govsecurity cameras for the skate park should be a priorernment offices, as well as The Islander, will be ity. closed. Burnett said her bid specs, which should be ready • Jan. 8, 2 p.m., Island Transportation Planfor commission approval by the end of December, will ning Organization, Anna Maria City Hall. include new security cameras, replacing and upgrading • Jan. 30, 4 p.m., council of governments. ramps and upgrading the fencing at the park. TBD. The parks committee will meet at 10 a.m. WednesSend notices to news@islander.org. day, Jan. 3, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

Holmes Beach committee plans dog park upgrades By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter The Holmes Beach Parks and Beautification Committee is flush with $50,000 for the dog park. New fencing, canine water fountains and relocating gates are “no-brainer” ideas likely to be implemented immediately, according to former Commissioner Marvin Grossman, who was commission liaison to the committee before his loss in the Nov. 7 municipal election. Grossman said, after the Dec. 6 committee meeting, he remains dedicated to seeing park improvements through to completion. He is attending committee meetings as a private citizen for now, he said. In November, committee members were charged by the commission with recommending upgrades for the park on Flotilla Drive next to Birdie Tebbetts Field.

Lawyer gains time in case of Cortez house built over water

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection issued a final order to Raymond Guthrie Jr. to remove the house he built on stilts in Sarasota Bay just off the commercial fishing docks in Cortez. The Nov. 17 order requires the removal of the 1,211 square-foot structure by Dec. 7 and payment of $6,500 in fines by Dec. 17 — but Guthrie is trying to settle before DEP can enforce it. With the help of Capt. Tom Mora, Guthrie built the house and dock in early 2017 in the bay, 350 feet from the A.P. Bell Fish Co. docks. Guthrie was allowed additional time after attorney Ryan Reese of Moore, Bowman & Rix PA of Tampa called the DEP Dec. 1 on his behalf. DEP counsel was unable to reach Reese as of Dec. 11, according to media and legislative affairs spokesperson Shannon Herbon. — Kathy Prucnell

Meetings

THe ISLANDeR n Dec. 13, 2017 n 9

Debate over Sunshine lawsuit rages in Bradenton Beach

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter Some Bradenton Beach residents are looking to the new commission and mayor for change. Soon, it could be the other way around. At a Dec. 7 commission meeting, city attorney Ricinda Perry reported the city spent $35,822.40 on attorney’s fees since August, when commissioners voted to join a lawsuit filed by ex-Mayor Jack Clarke against several city board members for allegChappie edly violating Florida’s Governmentin-the-Sunshine Laws by discussing city matters at meetings that weren’t properly noticed, as well as through emails and phone calls. In August, the city agreed to spend $5,000 on the lawsuit. In a Perry Sept. 6 shade meeting with the city’s attorney for the suit, Robert Watrous of Sarasota, the commission unanimously approved a motion to remove the cap, with the understanding Watrous would provide regular cost updates and Perry could contact him with billing concerns. Commissioner Marilyn Maro requested Dec. 7 that Watrous’s September invoice for $14,597.25 be taken off the consent agenda and discussed. Commissioner Randy White, who was seated Nov. 7 asked, “What do residents gain from this? This is their money.” Mayor John Chappie said, “The invoice is the invoice” and it needs to be paid, but the topic of the lawsuit could be brought up later for discussion. A motion to approve the Watrous invoice passed 4-1, with White casting the dissenting vote. White then requested Perry’s September invoice — amounting to $10,395.50 — be pulled from the consent agenda. Chappie explained discussion of the lawsuit must

be limited to shade meetings to maintain attorneyclient privilege while the case is in litigation. He proposed a January shade meeting to update White and discuss strategy with Watrous. The motion to approve Perry’s invoice also passed 4-1, with White voting “nay.” Former planning and zoning board member Patty Shay, a defendant in the suit, asked what the city is trying to accomplish with the lawsuit. “All of the defendants have resigned from their committees, so isn’t the complaint actually ‘cured’ at this time?” she asked the commission. In response to Shay and White, Perry said the “sole purpose for the lawsuit is that the city must have all public records of all board members” and the defendants did not provide those records. “Anybody on the street can say they want public records,” Perry said, and the city must be able to provide any document relating to city board activities. “If the city clerk is not given a copy of that, we will get sued and we will lose,” Perry said. Additionally, Perry said the defendants are driving up the cost by not providing records in a timely manner and delaying depositions, although the depositions have tentatively been set for January 2018. “Unfortunately it’s the defendants that are driving the cost,” Perry said. “It has nothing to do with the city or its strategy. All we have said is, ‘We’ve got to cure the mess you’ve made.’” Perry also cited “litigation tactics” by the defendants, including Shay’s decision to release her attorney, as strategies that add to the attorney bills. “All we want are the documents, the admission that what was done was done and the ability to cure it,” she concluded. Chappie said if the defendants lose the suit, the judge will review the case to determine who pays how much, based on culpability. Perry agreed. Chappie suggested a shade meeting with the com-

Midtown Hol id THE ANNA MARIA

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mission and Watrous, but without Perry to keep costs down. White said he is concerned that by having shade meetings, the commission is not being “transparent.” Chappie said shade meetings are the “cleanest and safest way” to discuss the suit without violating Sunshine Law or exposing litigation strategies. He said that although most of the shade meeting is closed to the public, a court reporter is present and the record becomes public when the case is resolved. Commissioners Ralph Cole, Jake Spooner and Maro agreed on a shade meeting. “Other commissioners sometimes have interesting questions, so it would be good for us all to hear them, together,” Spooner said. The commission agreed to meet with Watrous. But White again addressed the lawsuit. “I’ve heard so much about saving money, raising money…. It’s all money, money, money up here tonight,” White said. “I think we could sure save money if we just dropped this lawsuit.” Chappie again ended the discussion. An update to the lawsuit is planned for the next commission meeting, which will be at noon Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

Milestones

The Islander welcomes stories about islanders and island life, as well as photographs and notices of the milestones in readers’ lives — weddings, births, anniversaries, travels, obituaries and other events. Submit your announcements and photographs with captions for publication — along with contact information — to news@islander.org. Also, visit us on Facebook and join the 10,700-plus friends who “like” The Islander and share their social news.

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Submit your social news to news@islander.org. Please, include the time, date and location for events, as well as a contact name and phone number for publication. And, thanks for sharing!

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The Friends of the Island Library will open its annual Travel and Lecture Series Thursday, Jan. 11, 2018, with a talk by Jeff Rodgers of the South Florida Museum. The series is a highlight of the winter season on Anna Maria Island. Programs will be at 2 p.m. A look at the schedule: Jan. 11, Jeff Rodgers, “Reinventing the Museum.” Rodgers is the provost and chief operating officer of the South Florida Museum in downtown Bradenton. He will talk about “the past, present and future” of the museum, where he has worked for 13 years. Jan. 18, Paul Ferber, “The Prickly Topic — Politics.” Ferber has taught political science at the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York since 1981, including American politics, state and local politics and politics through film. He completed his undergraduate studies at American University and received his Ph.D. from George Washington University. Jan. 25, Sally Snowman, “The Boston Light Keeper.” Snowman is the 70th “keeper of Boston Light,” the oldest U.S. Coast Guard Light Station in the United States, dating to 1716. She will talk about her role as curator, caretaker, historian and preserver of the light. Feb. 1, Letetia Henley-Kirk, “Taking Care of Elvis.” Henley-Kirk knew Elvis Presley, working as his nurse from 1968 to 1977. She recently published her stories of time spent with the King in “Taking Care of Elvis.” Feb. 8, Ray Maki, “Making Sense of the Census.” Why do we have a census and what does it tell us? Maki will discuss why the U.S. Census is the most valuable genealogical research tool. He’ll explain the information fields contained on population censuses and why non-population schedules and state census should not be overlooked. Maki has been interested in genealogy for more than 20 years and has produced several family history monographs. Feb. 22, Adam Ellis, “The Making of a Restaurateur.” Ellis in 2011 opened the Blue Marlin Seafood Restaurant in Bradenton Beach and it wasn’t long until his “recipe” for the business proved a success. He’ll share his recipe, and some special ingredients.

Adam Ellis. Islander Courtesy Photo March 1, Craig Pittman, “Oh, Florida!” Journalist and author Pittman’s most recent book, “Oh Florida!” is a gold medal winner for Florida nonfiction in the Florida Book Awards. In the book, he deals with Florida’s contradictions and contrasts. A question to consider until the lecture: Is Florida a paradise or a punch line? March 22, John Stoffolano, “Insects Impact Human Culture: Past and Present.” Yankee Magazine once called Stoffolano “the lord of the flies.” He’ll talk about adventure travels and how insects have affected cultures.

Jeff Rodgers

Paul Ferber will lecture for the Friends of the Island Library.

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The Islander welcomes news of the milestones in readers’ lives — weddings, anniversaries, births, obituaries, travels and other events. Submit notices and photographs with detailed captions — along with complete contact information — to news@islander.org.

Island happenings AGAMI calls artists to ‘Dialogue’

Phil Jensen of the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island. Islander Courtesy Image

IGW sets weekly artist demonstrations

Island Gallery West will offer weekly art demonstrations Jan. 6-March 31. The free events are open to the public and are held Saturdays 10:30 a.m.-noon at the gallery, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. A look at the schedule: Jan. 6, Lee Mears, acrylics. Jan. 13, Jane Keeling, painting water birds. Jan. 20, Caroline Whitmore, watercolor. Jan. 27, Candace Bennington, pastels. Feb. 3, Sharon Lennox Woelfling, watercolor. Feb. 10, Joanna Karpay, pastels. Feb. 17, Judy Saltzman, layering watercolor. Feb. 24, Graciela Giles, watercolor. March 3, Carole Dougherty, mixed media. March 17, Sue Elliott, intro to alcohol ink. March 24, Judy Saltzman, “Just Add Water.” March 31, Maria Sine, acrylics. For more information, call IGW at 941-7786648.

Kiwanis to host Take Stock director

The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island will hear from Jamie Serino, executive director of Take Stock in Children of Manatee, during the club’s Saturday gathering at the Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe at the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Club members and guests will gather Dec. 16 for breakfast at 8 a.m., followed by the program at 8:30 a.m. For more information, call Sandy Haas-Martens at 941-778-1383.

The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island is calling creatives to “Dialogue of an Artist.” The all-media, juried show at the Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, will open Jan. 10 and continue through Feb. 4. Artists may submit work 9 a.m.-noon Monday, Jan. 8. An exhibit reception will be 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18. For more information about the exhibit, go online to amiartistsguildgallery.com, email artistsguildami@ gmail.com or call 941-778-6694. AGAMI operates the Guild Gallery at 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

THe ISLANDeR n Dec. 13, 2017 n 11

Charlotte Sorsen

A new member in our gallery, Charlotte exhibits boundless creativity. Her passion is for painting, but she has also made a name for herself making lampworked glass beads and for her clothing and jewelry designs. See her paintings now on display in the gallery. 5368 Gulf Dr., Holmes Beach Mon-Sun 10-5 941-778-6648

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Jane Keeling demonstrates oil painting technique at Island Gallery West in Holmes Beach. The gallery will begin weekly demonstrations Jan. 6. Islander Courtesy Photo

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Senior Adventures to attend concert

Senior Adventures will depart Friday, Dec. 15, from the Annie Silver Community Center to attend a holiday concert and luncheon. A shared van ride to Sunnyside Village Community Center in Sarasota will be $5. Cost to attend the program will be $20. The van will leave at 10 a.m. from Annie Silver, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. For more information or to RSVP for activities, call Kaye Bell at 941-538-0945.

Center launches funding challenge

The Center of Anna Maria Island launched a fundraising challenge in mid-December. “An anonymous donor has pledged $30,000 as a dollar-for-dollar challenge match opportunity for you,” read an email flyer sent to center subscribers Dec. 8. “Through Dec. 31, your personal gift will be matched on a first-come, first-served basis, up to $1,000.” The appeal invited people to donate during the challenge to double their investments in the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. ‘Queso’ captures prize “As an islander, your ongoing annual participation Cortez artist Anne Abgott’s “Queso” earned her a accelerates the center’s ability to enhance the overall third-place honor at the Florida Suncoast Waterwell-being of individuals of all ages while preserving color Society’s show at the Punta Gorda Visual Arts a sense of community through creative programs and Center, 210 Maud St., Punta Gorda. The show will partnerships,” the newsletter stated. remain on display through Dec. 21, with a reception For more information, call the center at 941-7785-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14. Islander Courtesy Photo 1908.

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The Islander Calendar ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND

Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. • Terriﬁc Tuesdays for community and families, 5:30 p.m., Roser Gloriann Liu, Rania Matar, Eman Mohammed, Farah Nosh, Suzanne Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. InformaOpton, Michal Rovner, Stephen Dupont, Ben Lowy and Simon Nor- tion: 941-778-0414. folk, John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, GAMES, SPORTS Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-359-5700. LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI

Saturday, Dec. 16 5:30-10 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Privateers Christmas Party, Feb. 17-18, 2018, Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage’s Drift In, 120 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-778- Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, Cortez. Feb. 25, Anna Maria 9088. Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra Broadway and Beyond concert, Bradenton. March 25, Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Orchestra Opera Concert, Bradenton. • Throughout December, Maria Sine exhibits her artwork in KIDS & FAMILY “Land and Sea,” Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Beach. Information: 941-778-6648. • Throughout December, Artists’ Guild Gallery exhibits “ChristThursday, Dec. 14 mas Island,” 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 94110 a.m. — Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird 778-6694. Monitoring Turtle Talk, Waterline Marina Resort, 5325 Marina Drive, • Through Dec. 23, 10th anniversary celebration at Studio at Holmes Beach. Information: 941 778 5638. Gulf and Pine and “10byTen” community exhibit, 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-1906. • Through Jan. 6, Fernado Soler’s acrylic painting exhibit, “Aquatic FantaSea,” Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf Drive, Friday, Dec. 15 Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-1906. 5:30-7:30 p.m. — Midtown Holiday Party with Santa, the Anna LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI Maria Island Privateers and more, Anna Maria Island Centre and Walgreens Plaza, 3200 block of East Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. Jan. 6, Island Gallery West acrylics demonstration with Lee Information: 941-778-7978. Mears, Holmes Beach. Jan. 11-28, Island Players’ “Beyond a Joke,” Saturday, Dec. 16 Anna Maria. Jan. 28, Roser Memorial Community Church concert, 2 p.m. — Holiday Make-and-Take crafts, Island Library, 5701 Anna Maria. Feb. 18, Roser Memorial Community Church concert, Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Anna Maria. March 8-25, Island Players’ “The Curious Savage,” Tuesday, Dec. 19 Anna Maria. March 10-11, Anna Maria Island Art League Springfest 10 a.m. — Preschool storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina juried arts and crafts festival, Holmes Beach. Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. ONGOING OFF AMI ONGOING ON AMI • Through Dec. 16, “Cuban Fishing Ranchos in Tampa Bay” • Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m., Wednesday Night Blast, CrossPointe exhibit, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. InforFellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778mation: 941-708-6120. 0719. • Through Jan. 21, “Aftermath: The Fallout of War” exhibit fea• Tuesdays, 3:15 p.m., after-school children’s choir, Roser turing work by Lynsey Addario, Jananne Al-Ani, Jennifer Karady,

& OUTDOORS ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND

Saturday, Dec. 16 11 a.m. — Meditation session, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Noon-8 p.m. — Christmas on Bridge Street celebration with Santa and Anna Maria Island Privateers, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-405-8071. ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND • Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m., horseshoes pitched, Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130. • Fridays, usually at 1 p.m., mahjong games, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. • Mondays, noon, bridge, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. • Tuesdays, 12:15 p.m., duplicate bridge, Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-779-0881. LOOKING AHEAD Jan. 13, Anna Maria Elementary Dolphin Dash 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run, Holmes Beach. OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND Wednesday, Dec. 13 1 p.m. — Fitness in the Preserve, Neal Preserve, 12301 Manatee Ave. W., Perico Island. Information: 941-742-5923. Saturday, Dec. 15 9 a.m. — Naturalist-led wagon tour, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923. ONGOING OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND

Merchants bring Santa to Bridge Street

The Bridge Street Merchants will present Christmas on Bridge Street noon-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16. The annual event celebrates the Christmas season and will include entertainment, a visit from Santa Claus on the Anna Maria Island Privateers sleigh, face painting, sand art and a variety of food and beverage offerings. The event will benefit Turning Points, which assists individuals and families on a path to financial stability and independence. Musical entertainment will be provided by Stone Crab Steve, Rebecca-the Song Bird, Bridgid’s Cross, Barry and the Boomers, featuring Washboard Betty, and other local musicians. Also, there will be a silent auction for gift baskets and wreaths. The event is located at 117 Bridge St., Bradenton. Parking is available at the city lots and at the Cortez and Coquina beaches. For more information, contact Steve Arvey at 941-405-8071 or stevearvey@aol.com.

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The Anna Maria Island Centre Shops on East Bay Drive in Holmes Beach will celebrate with the Midtown Holiday Party. The fun begins at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15. Islander File Photo: Jack Elka

AMI Centre Shops plan flurries for holiday celebration

“Snow” is in the forecast at AMI Centre Shops on East Bay Drive in Holmes Beach. The forecast for “snow” is down to the hours: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15. This is when the businesses in the plaza will host the Midtown Holiday Party and celebrate the holiday season with an open house featuring Santa Claus aboard the Anna Maria Island Privateers sleigh, prize drawings, a decorating contest, holiday treats and specials. The evening will feature a performance by the Manatee High School Drumline. There also will be a chance drawing for prizes. The celebration will take place from Walgreens and The Islander newspaper office on the south end of the plaza to Ace Hardware on the north end. For more information, call The Islander at 941778-7978.

Privateers plan Christmas party

The Anna Maria Island Privateers will bring Santa, their sleigh and their merry ways to the Drift In Saturday, Dec. 16, for a Christmas party. The party, which coincides with the annual Christmas celebration on Bridge Street, will be 5:30-10 p.m. There will be raffle drawings for prizes at about 10 p.m. and a potluck dinner at 7 p.m. Santa will visit with partygoers and pose for photographs at about 5:30 p.m. outside the bar, 120 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. For more info, call the Drift In at 941-778-9088.

GET LISTED Send announcements for The Islander’s 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.

THe ISLANDeR n Dec. 13, 2017 n 13

â&#x20AC;˘ First and third Wednesdays usually, Roser Memorial Commu- Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Informanity Church GolďŹ ng for God, IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Con- tion: 941-778-6758. quistador Parkway, Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-778-0414. ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND â&#x20AC;˘ Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 1-4 p.m., ACBL Open â&#x20AC;˘ Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in December and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Pairs Duplicate Bridge, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico after Jan. 1, Anna Maria Island Historical Society sales of Settlers Drive, Longboat Key. Fee apples. Information: 941-216-9600. Bread, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI 778-0492. Feb. 24, 2018, Pittsburgh Pirates spring training home opener, â&#x20AC;˘ Second and fourth Wednesdays, 11 a.m. Just Older Youth/ Bradenton. April 4, 2018, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island golf JOY Brown Bag Lunch Series, Roser Memorial Community Church, tournament, Bradenton. 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. â&#x20AC;˘ Thursdays, 9 a.m.-noon, Manatee County Veteran Services CLUBS & Divisions counseling and assistance, Island Library, 5701 Marina COMMUNITY Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND â&#x20AC;˘ Third Thursdays, 11:45 a.m., Successful Women Aligning Together meets, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Wednesday, Dec. 13 Beach. Fee applies. Information: 941-345-5135. Noon â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Adult coloring club meeting, Island Library, 5701 â&#x20AC;˘ Fridays, Senior Adventures usually meets to carpool on an Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. adventure or for an activity, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 Friday, Dec. 15 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-538-0945. 10 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Senior Adventures departs from Annie Silver Comâ&#x20AC;˘ Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island munity Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach, for a holiday breakfast meeting, Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, 4000 Gulf Drive, concert and luncheon at Sunnyside Village Community Center in Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1383. Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-538-0945. â&#x20AC;˘ Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island, Bridge Saturday, Dec. 16 Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Information: 9418:30 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, with 518-1965. remarks by Take Stock in Children of Manateeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jamie Serino, Anna LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI Maria Island Beach Cafe, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1383. Jan. 11, Friends of the Island Library Lecture and Travel Tuesday, Dec. 19 Series begins, Holmes Beach. Jan. 13, Anna Maria Island Priva2 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Tech help, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes teers Thieves Market, Bradenton Beach. Feb. 10, Anna Maria Island Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Privateers Thieves Market, Bradenton Beach. Feb. 15-17, Friends Wednesday, Dec. 20 of the Island Library annual book sale, Anna Maria. March 3, Anna Noon â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Anna Maria Island Garden Club meeting, Roser Maria Island Historical Society Heritage Day Festival, Anna Maria.

Sumi-e exhibit in Cortez

The Florida Maritime Museum will exhibit â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sumi-e by the Sea,â&#x20AC;? featuring the works of the Sarasota Sumi-e society, through Feb. 24. The watercolors are maritime-themed. The museum is at 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. For more information, call the museum at 941-708-6121. Islander Courtesy Photo

Island author receives awards

Anna Maria author and composer Alice Moerk recently received three awards from the Florida State Conference of the National League of American Pen Women. Moerk was commissioned to write â&#x20AC;&#x153;Peculiaritiesâ&#x20AC;? for fiddle and guitar for the late U.S. Sen. Robert Byrd of West Virginia, a renowned fiddle player. At the time, Moerk was a professor of music at Fairmount State University in West Virginia. She also received honors for two books for young people: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jackie the Sailor Boy,â&#x20AC;? a picture book about her brother, and â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Entertainers,â&#x20AC;? part three of her â&#x20AC;&#x153;PasTimesâ&#x20AC;? series, set in the Middle Ages. The books are available on Amazon. For more information, call Moerk at 941-7787923.

11:30 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Off Stage Ladies meeting and luncheon, IMG Academy and Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Parkway, Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-932-2798. 3 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lighthouses of the Florida Keysâ&#x20AC;? lecture, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: 941-7086120. Thursday, Dec. 14 7 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Manatee River Garden Club Fun with Flowers program, 3120 First Ave. W., Bradenton. Information: 941-870-2259. ONGOING OFF AMI â&#x20AC;˘ Second Wednesdays during season, Off Stage Ladies meeting and luncheon, various venues, Bradenton. Information: 941-9322798.

GOOD TO KNOW SAVE THE DATES â&#x20AC;˘ Thursday, Dec. 21, ďŹ rst day of winter. â&#x20AC;˘ Sunday, Dec. 24, Christmas Eve. â&#x20AC;˘ Monday, Dec. 25, Christmas Day. â&#x20AC;˘ Sunday, Dec. 31, New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve. â&#x20AC;˘ Monday, Jan. 1, New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day. â&#x20AC;˘ Monday, Jan. 15, Martin Luther King Jr. Day. â&#x20AC;˘ Tuesday, Feb. 13, Fat Tuesday. â&#x20AC;˘ Wednesday, Feb. 14, Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day. â&#x20AC;˘ Monday, Feb. 19, Presidents Day. â&#x20AC;˘ Sunday, April 1, Easter.

GET LISTED Send announcements for The Islanderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 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.

GOOD DEEDS

March 10, Anna Maria Island Privateers Thieves Market, Bradenton Looking for volunteer opportunities on or around Anna Maria Beach. March 21, Anna Maria Island Garden Club Penny Flower Island? These organizations are seeking help: Show, Anna Maria. April 18, Anna Maria Island Garden Club Fashion â&#x20AC;˘ The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Show, Anna Maria. Maria, is seeking volunteers. Volunteer orientations take place at OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND noon and 6 p.m. the ďŹ rst Thursday of each month. Information: 941778-1908. Wednesday, Dec. 13 â&#x20AC;˘ The Roser Food Bank needs donations of cash and nonperishable food. The pantry is administered by Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941-778-0414. â&#x20AC;˘ The Anna Maria Island Historical Society, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, seeks volunteers to serve as docents and in other ways. The Anna Maria Garden Club will meet at Information: 813-758-3234. noon Wednesday, Dec. 20, in the fellowship â&#x20AC;˘ The Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, hall. seeks volunteers for the gift shop, visitor services, grounds, garRoser Memorial Community Church is at 512 dens, building maintenance, classes and more. Information: 941Pine Ave., Anna Maria. 708-6120. The program will include musical entertainâ&#x20AC;˘ Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and ment by Howie Banfield. forever homes for rescued animals. Information: 941-345-2441. Additional meetings will be at noon WednesLooking for volunteers for an organization or an event? Email days, Jan. 17 and Feb. 21. calendar@islander.org with the details.

Garden club to gather at Roser Church

Special events on the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s calendar include: â&#x20AC;˘ Penny Flower Show, 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 21, 2018. â&#x20AC;˘ Fashion show, noon Wednesday, April 18, 2018. For more information about events or the club, please call Charlotte Noyes at 941-778-6758.

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Santa comes to town in Privateers’ Christmas parade

Vivienne Macminn, 3, and Paul Macminn, 8, accept Christmas gifts, including a pirate sword, from Terry “Cookie” Rapert Dec. 9 at the Privateers’ Christmas celebration. Islander Photos: Bianca Benedí

Santa Claus and helper ride their sleigh in the parade on their way to a Privateers’ party for kids at Coquina Beach. Bins Be Clean waves to viewers on the Privateer parade route.

ABOVE: SteamDesigns studio owners Frank and Melissa Williams ride with artist Nick Donatelli in a pickup in the Anna Maria Island Privateers parade. RIGHT: The Anna Maria Island Privateers aboard their ship Skullywag lead the Christmas parade Dec. 9 through rain showers on the parade route to Coquina Beach. Islander Photos: Bianca Benedí

Luke Willing, 5, of Bradenton, adds another ring of beads to the collection around his neck Dec. 9 during the Anna Maria Island Privateers’ Christmas parade.

AMI Privateers host Christmas parade, rain or shine

Cold temperatures and rain may have dampened the public’s enthusiasm, but it didn’t stop the Anna Maria Island Privateers from forging ahead with their annual Christmas parade. Beginning at Bayfront Park in Anna Maria, about 40 floats made their way down Anna Maria Island to Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. Paraders were shooting cannons, throwing colorful bead necklaces and candy and waving to those who braved the weather to view the parade and welcome Santa Claus to Anna Maria Island. Holmes Beach resident Marcia Griffith, who watched the parade with her family near the intersection of Marina and Gulf drives in Holmes Beach, said this year was her third Christmas parade. The weather reduced the size of the parade compared to previous years, she said, but it was still a fun

event for her grandkids. The Privateers, in the lead aboard the Skullywag, and the trailing floats finished the parade at Coquina Beach and took cover from the rain under a shelter. The Privateers and Christmas partygoers squeezed into the pavilion, where Santa Claus greeted and hoisted kids onto his lap and listened to their Christmas wishes. Each child at the party received a pirate sword and a goody bag of toys and treats. Elizabeth Macminn, whose family recently relocated to Sarasota from Port Saint Lucie, said, “I wish it was different weather,” but the parade was fun. Rain and cold weather may have kept people indoors, but the undaunted Privateers celebrate the Jinsheng Song, who traveled to Holmes Beach from Christmas season, rain or shine. Fort McCoy, adds finishing touches to his painting, — Bianca Benedí “Crossing the Time,” Dec. 10 at Winterfest.

Bradenton Beach’s floating dock pushed into 2018

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter Sorry for the inconvenience. Boaters and others in Bradenton Beach must continue to wait for the installation of the new floating dock adjacent to the Historic Bridge Street Pier. The dock was approved by the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency in March. In a Dec. 8 email to Bradenton Beach Police Chief Sam Speciale, the city’s pier team facilitator, Anna Bennett, director of operations contractor for Technomarine wrote, “The docks will arrive in January, to be installed in the first quarter of 2018.” Initially, representatives from Technomarine

said they could begin work on the new dock in September. The company received a deposit for the work from the city Aug. 20. However, a busy hurricane season delayed progress, according to Bennett. “Hurricanes have caused a ripple effect in the industry and all jobs have run a bit behind,” Bennett wrote Dec. 8. The old floating dock suffered its final blows July 31 from Tropical Storm Emily and was removed in August. As with the old floating dock, the new dock will be available for boaters on a first-come firstserve basis, with a separate loading and unloading area for commercial vessels. — ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

The floating, loading dock at the Bradenton Beach Historic Bridge Street Pier remains closed. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

THE ISLANDER n Dec. 13, 2017 n 15

Sybille Petereit and Santa Claus pose Dec. 8 outside the Island Real Estate office during Anna Maria’s holiday walk. Islander Photos: Bianca Benedí

Children in the Roser Memorial Community Church Joyful Noise children’s choir perform for a packed audience Dec. 8 at the Anna Maria Island Historical Society park during Anna Maria’s holiday walk on Pine Avenue.

WinterFest brings ‘young at art’ to Holmes Beach

Matilde Ortiz, 10, holds up her entry Dec. 10 for the Winterfest Young at Art children’s exhibit. Islander Photo: Courtesy Lori Heintz

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REAL celebration

About 100 people gather Dec. 2 at CrossPointe Fellowship for the REAL Women annual Christmas brunch to hear musical entertainment by the Manatee High School girls’ chorus. The group performed a capella Christmas songs under the direction of Tommy Jomisko. The program featured remarks by Maria Shanks about the meaning of Christmas. She’s the wife of Bryan Shanks, who leads CrossPointe’s youth and music ministries.

Heather Dearlove plays the violin Dec. 2, during the REAL Women of CrossPointe Fellowship’s annual Christmas brunch. About 100 women attended the event, which featured “delicious food, great fellowship, amazing music and an inspiring message,” according to Sandy Watts, ministry assistant at the Holmes Beach church.

Roser recognizes ‘exceptional’ volunteers

Volunteers are the heart of any organization — deserving of recognition. Roser Memorial Community Church is no exception. The church celebrated Founder’s Day Nov. 19, recognizing several “exceptional volunteers,” including Jim and Peg Bell, Bruce and Priscilla Seewald, Jim and Joy Bennington and Joanne Moyer. The Bells have served as trustees, deacons, members of the acolyte committee and assisted with the youth choir and numerous other activities. Bruce Seewald has served as deacon and volunteered for missions, as has wife Priscilla, who also has served on music committees, as well as assisted

with vacation Bible school, the women’s guild and the thrift shop and taught Sunday school. Joy Bennington has been involved in music, missions, nominating and executive committees and the council and is the facilitator of the newly formed griefsharing program. Husband Jim’s volunteerism is centered on stewardship and finance, audit, investment, digital applications, executive committees and church council. Moyer has been involved with the deacons, music and executive committees and the council, as well as Grace Notes Trio, hand bell choir, VBS, facilitating the grief-sharing program and working at the thrift shop.

Joyce Alvarez of the prayer shawl ministry attends the REAL Women of CrossPointe Fellowship’s annual Christmas brunch. Islander Courtesy Photos

Gathering

Priscilla Seewald, an “exceptional” volunteer at Roser. Volunteers Joy and Jim Bennington.

Send news of church happenings to news@islander.org. Please, include details, as well as a contact name and phone number.

RIGHT: Roser volunteer Joanne Moyer. Islander Courtesy Photos

Anna Maria celebrates with Santa, song

Santa Claus waves as he walks into the tent Dec. 8 at Anna Maria’s Holiday Carols in City Pier Park, hosted by the city on the corner of Pine Avenue and North Bay Boulevard. Islander Photos: Bianca Benedí

Jack Melancon, 3, sits on Santa’s lap to share his Christmas wish list as Miles Hoss, 3, waits his turn during Anna Maria’s Holidays Carols in the City Pier Park.

THe ISLANDeR n Dec. 13, 2017 n 17

Obituaries

Kent Chetlain

Kent Gladstone Chetlain “the second” died Dec. 4, at Inspired Living at Lakewood Ranch. He was a former Manatee County commissioner, Florida newsman, writer and, for 55 years, husband of Mary “Joanne” Chetlain, who died in 2007. He was born in Oak Park, Illinois, Sept. 20, 1927, to Kent G. Sr. and Margaret Virginia Castle. He grew up living on the North Shore area of Lake Michigan, just north of Chicago, until 1943, when the family purchased a farm and moved to Woodstock, Illinois. In 1945, they moved back to Glencoe. Mr. ChetChetlain lain graduated from New Trier High School in 1946. He graduated from Gila Junior College in eastern Arizona in 1948 and the University of Miami in 1951, majoring in history and journalism. He started his journalism career at the Miami Herald in 1951, where he met Joanne Lacey, who was working in the advertising department. They were married the same year. He worked for a radio station in Arizona and for newspapers in Sanford and Orlando and a brief stint at Tropicana that brought the young couple to Bradenton in 1957. He started at the Bradenton Herald in 1957, became sports editor in 1962 and remained in that position until 1969, when he accepted a job with the Tampa Tribune. In 1971, he became the news editor for Florida Trend Magazine, also in Tampa, and, in 1973, the family moved back to Bradenton, where he again worked for the Bradenton Herald, as well as the Islander/Banner newspapers of Anna Maria. He also was records manager for the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court. In 1982, he was elected to the board of Manatee County commissioners and served three consecutive terms for a total of 12 years. All are welcome During this time, he served as chairman of the board, as well as chairman of the West Coast Inland Navigation District, tourist development council, port

Episcopal Church of the Annunciation All are welcome

Sunday services 8 am Holy Eucharist Rite I 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II with Music Thursday service 9:30 am Holy Eucharist and Healing The Rev. Matthew Grunfeld 4408 Gulf Drive ~ Holmes Beach

941-778-1638 ~ www.episcopalchurchoftheannunciation.com

authority and Sarasota/Manatee County Metropolitan Planning Organization. After retiring in 1994 at age 67, he wrote a real estate column for the Longboat Key Observer for 13 years and, in 2009, at the age 81, he retired from his 43-year career as a journalist, politician and public servant. A funeral service will be at noon Saturday, Dec. 16, at the Manatee Village Historical Park, 1404 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton. Memorial donations may be made to Employees of Inspired Living at Lakewood Ranch or the Alzheimer’s Association, Manatee/Sarasota Chapter. He is survived by daughters Mary Lou Zoback of Stanford, California, and Anna of St. Petersburg; sons Kent III of Sarasota and Paul of Bradenton; grandchildren Eli Zoback of Orinda, California, Megan Zoback of San Francisco, Joshua Knapek of Palmetto, Erika of Anna Maria and Abigail of Houston.

Nancy Evelyn MacVicar

Nancy Evelyn MacVicar, 82, of Bradenton, died Nov. 22. She was born June 4, 1935, to Arthur and Eva Papworth, and grew up in Flint, Michigan. She attended Flint Northern High School, where she met the love of her life, James E MacVicar. The two went on to attend the University of Michigan. MacVicar While in Ann Arbor, she joined the Gamma Phi Beta sorority and became a lifelong Wolverine. She and Jim married June 18, 1955, and shared 62 years together. For most of her life, she lived on Gull Lake in Richland, Michigan, where she co-founded the Travel Unlimited Travel Agency. As a dedicated member of the Service Club of Kalamazoo (Junior League) and the Pretty Lake Camp board of directors, she served Pastor Rosemary Wheeler Backer

WORSHIP WITH US SATURDAY AT 5 PM SUNDAY AT 9:30 AM Fellowship follows Sunday worship 6608 Marina Drive ~ Holmes Beach ~ 941-778-1813 www.gloriadeilutheran.com “All are welcome”

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The Islander 3218 E. Bay Drive, HB.

hope, peace, joy and love YOU ARE INVITED TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS AT ROSER

SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 & 10:00 AM 8:45 AM Adult Bible Study 10:00 AM Nursery & Church School DECEMBER 17 Grace Notes An Angelic Christmas Medley DECEMBER 24 Jazz Combo & Choir Jesus, What a Wonderful Child

CHRISTMAS EVE

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24

CANDLELIGHT SERVICES

Christmas Carols Dr. Bob O’Keef will bring us the message of Good News! The services end with the singing of Silent Night and the Passing of the Light.

5:30 PM FAMILY SERVICE

This service features a Nativity Pageant in which all children are invited to participate. Special music by the Joyful Noise Children’s Choir. All children will receive a gift.

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the Southwest Michigan community for many years. After retiring to Florida, she enjoyed her membership at the Key Royale Club, as well as several book and bridge groups on Anna Maria Island. Throughout her life, she loved reading, quilting, swimming, traveling and entertaining. The MacVicar home was well-known for its frequent and generous hospitality. Above all, she cherished the moments she shared with her family and friends. She was a certified Stephens Minister and had a deep and abiding relationship with Christ. She was a devout member of the Gull Lake Area Community Church and Roser Memorial Community Church. She also enjoyed her association with the International Council of Community Churches, where she served as moderator of the Jordan Scholarship Committee for several years. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 23, at Roser Memorial Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association or a charity of choice. Survivors include husband Jim; children Neil and wife Sandy of Holt, Michigan, David and wife Kay of Seattle, and Laura and husband Clif of Mequon, Wisconsin; brother Russell Papworth of Vicksburg, Michigan; and grandchildren James, Neil and wife Alex, Matthew, Louis, Amanda Hooks, Grant Hooks and Caleb Fisher. At your service: Obituaries are provided as a community service in The Islander to residents and family members, both past and present. Information may be submitted to news@islander.org.

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Obituaries are provided as a community service in The Islander newspaper to residents and family of residents, both past and present. Information may be submitted to news@islander.org.

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20 n Dec. 13, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Cops & Court By Kathy Prucnell, Islander Reporter

Holmes Beach man charged in child’s death

In an emergency, call 911. To report information on island crime, call the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Anna Maria substation, 941-708-8899; Bradenton Beach police, 941-778-6311; or Holmes Beach police, 941-708-5804.

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Couple gets probation for Cortez burglary

A couple who lived on a vessel named “Faith” were sentenced to 24 months probation for burglarizing a Cortez marina. Ryan Bloesch and Nicole Green, both 36, listed the vessel anchored in waters near Cortez as their address in Manatee County sheriff’s records after their April arrest. They were arrested on a warrant for entering Parrot Cove Marina, 11510 36th Ave. W., Cortez, and taking an outdoor motor in March. Green had left the motor for repair with a mechanic and the two had taken it back, without paying for the work. Green pleaded guilty to one count of burglary in

A possible overdose led Holmes Beach police to a woman in a white Jaguar who overstayed her welcome at the pump at a gas station. Eileen Riley, 56, of Holmes Beach, was arrested for driving under the influence after she was found slumped over the wheel of her car at 10:20 p.m. Nov. 23 at the Citgo, 3015 Gulf Drive. The gas station operator told Riley police the car had been parked at the pump for at least three hours. When Officer Tom Fraser arrived, he took Riley’s cellphone and purse from her lap, turned off her car’s engine and made several attempts to rouse her, according to a police report. After she woke up, she allegedly performed poorly on a field sobriety test and provided breath samples, which measured 0.00 on two tries. Riley told the officer she was tired after eating Thanksgiving turkey earlier that day. She allegedly refused to provide a urine sample. Found in Riley’s vehicle were three bottles of prescription drugs commonly used for opioid dependence and nerve pain, which police seized as evidence, the report stated. Riley was transported and booked into the Manatee County jail. She was released on a $1,000 bond. Her arraignment is set for 8:25 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 27, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

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Vickers has been in the county jail since his Aug. 24 arrest for a revoked driver’s license and allegedly possessing marijuana. HBPD arrested Vickers in jail several days later for allegedly stealing a laptop and stereo from Sholey’s mother. In September, the prosecutor reduced the license charge and transferred the case to a misdemeanor court. The theft case is pending in circuit court. Vickers faces up to life in prison, a life probation and a $10,000 fine on the second-degree murder charge. The aggravated child-abuse charge carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, 15 years probation and a $10,000 fine. Life in prison, life on probation and a $10,000 fine are maximum sentences for the manslaughter count. Vickers remains in custody without bond on the homicide counts. A $100,000 bond was set for the abuse charge, according to the MCSO jail website. His next court date is 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

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By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter The 12th Circuit State Attorney’s Office filed formal charges in the case of a 31-year-old man arrested for killing a toddler in Holmes Beach. David Vickers, 31, of Holmes Beach and formerly of Apollo Beach, was arrested Oct. 11 by Holmes Beach police after HBPD, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Crimes Against Children and state Child Protective Services investigated the August Vickers death. The state filed a formal charging document Oct. 31, which included the second-degree murder and neglect of a child with great bodily harm recommended by HBPD and added a charge of aggravated manslaughter. Vickers is being held in Manatee County jail without bond. Luca Sholey, 17 months old, lived with family members and Vickers in the 200 block of Peacock Lane and died Aug. 23, allegedly in Vickers’ care. Assistant State Attorney Dawn Buff said she added the manslaughter charge “to cover the bases.” An autopsy in August identified the cause of death as a swollen brain and indicated broken ribs in various stages of healing.

July. In addition to the probation, 12th Circuit Judge Hunter Carroll withheld Green’s adjudication and sentenced her to time already served in the Manatee County jail. Bloesch pleaded no contest Nov. 13 to a burglary count. Judge Deno Economou sentenced Bloesch to probation and 50 hours of public service, with a court supervision transferable to Pinellas County. Green was fined $50 and Bloesch was assessed $868 in court costs.

THe ISLANDeR n Dec. 13, 2017 n 21

Wienermobile drivers choose AMI for pit-stop

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter Meat the hot-doggers. Elise “Cheddar Cheese” Johnson and Dominic “Dijon Dom” Ricci are two of 12 people who can drive the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile — with the rare exception of Jay Leno, who took the modified Chevy truck for a spin and a story earlier this year for his TV series on motor vehicles, “Jay Leno’s Garage.” And it was Johnson and Ricci who chose to beach the larger-than-life hot dog and stay at the Cedar Cove Resort in Holmes Beach between marketing events Dec. 5-10 in Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, North Port, Fort Myers and Sarasota. “A lot of people have been stopping by and taking pictures,” Johnson said about her stay on Anna Maria Island. “It always makes somebody’s day,” she added. Johnson and her fellow hot-doggers are among an elite few, including Oscar Mayer’s president, who can speak on behalf of the company. They interviewed, sang the jingle and “cut the mustard” to get the job the first year out of college, Ricci added. Johnson graduated from the University of TexasAustin and Ricci from the University of WisconsinMadison. They attended a two-week Hot Dog High with the 10 other drivers and then took to the road for a yearlong stint at the wheel of the Wienermobile for the Kraft Heinz-owned company, now headquartered in Chicago. A 2015 merger closed the Oscar Mayer plant in Madison, Wisconsin, consolidated operations and moved the headquarters to the Aon Building in Chicago’s Loop. Dominic “Dijon Dom” Ricci shows off the inside of the Wienermobile, where, at least on the ceiling, “there’s always blue skies,” a painted streak of mustard on the floor and hot dogs imprinted on the seats of the modified Chevy truck.

Paradise Cafe owner Jackie Estes, left, with granddaughter Jazzy Sparks and Willona Blanche of Toronto and her granddaughter, Charlotte Blanche, came from the bagel shop to get a closer view Dec. 8 of the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile at the Anna Maria Island Centre in the 3200 block of East Bay Drive. The kids received weinermobile stickers and a whistle. Islander Photos: Kathy Prucnell German immigrant Oscar F. Mayer started a meat folks interested in the Wienermobile. market with his brother, Gottfried, first in Detroit and “It’s so peaceful. I think it’s the best-kept secret,” then in the 1880s on the north side of Chicago. His Johnson said about the island. nephew Carl G. Mayer created the first Weinermobile “I’ll be taking my family back here,” she added. in 1936. And, as Ricci and Johnson would say, the puns are About every 10-15 years, Ricci said, the company many, so we’ll ketchup then. With relish. changes the vehicle design. In the meantime, put a little mustard on that dog. Ricci and Johnson see a bright future in marketing Bradenwith the parent company, as teachers or wherever they ton Beach want to use their people skills after finishing their tour Police of 15 Southeast states in June 2018. Chief They have oodles of transferable skills, they say. Sam “We’re basically running a PR firm, the 12 of us Speciale and the CEO,” Johnson said, with six months and proudly 25,000 miles under her belt. shows off She also praised their Anna Maria Island hangout his new Dec. 8 while visiting The Islander office and greeting wiener whistle.

Years later, the jingle sticks

“Oh, I’d love to be an Oscar Mayer wiener. That is what I’d truly like to be. Cause if I were an Oscar Mayer wiener, everyone would be in love with me.” It’s a jingle everyone a certain age will not forget. Bradenton Beach Police Chief Sam Speciale is that certain age. Hearing the Wienermobile was on the island Dec. 5, Speciale smiled a wide grin and broke out in the song. The police chief shared memories of grocery shopping with his mother as a boy when he coveted the wiener whistles that came in the packages of Oscar Mayer wieners. Excited as he reminisced, he recalled how he slid the whistles out of the packs — and collected so many his pockets bulged. The next day he couldn’t be happier on receiving a new whistle. He tore it open and began tooting. “Oh, I’m glad I’m not an Oscar Mayer wiener. That is what I’d never want to be. Cause if I were an Oscar Mayer wiener, there would soon be nothing left of me!”

Wienermobile driver Elise “Cheddar Cheese” Johnson and Dominic “Dijon Dom” Ricci pose a photograph with Lisa Workman of Saginaw, Michigan.

Weiner whistle. Islander Graphic: Bonner Joy

Michelle and Henry Soininen with their Yorkie, Bruiser, of Port Edward in Ontario, Canada, pause for photos and to remininse in front of the Wienermobile at the Cedar Cove Resort in the 2700 block of Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Wienermobile driver Elise Johnson, of Austin, Texas, said “Cedar Cove was the perfect place to stay” between the planned appearances for their Oscar Mayer vehicle the first week of December.

22 n Dec. 13, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Environmentalists look to future after mitigation proceeding By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter They’re hoping for the best in a battle over Sarasota Bay. That’s how environmentalists viewed the landscape after a Dec. 5-6 hearing where they challenged the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s intent to issue Long Bar Pointe LLLP a mitigation bank permit. If issued, the permit would allow the Carlos BeruffLieberman partnership to operate a 260-acre bank with 18.01 mitigation credits in mostly submerged lands in Sarasota Bay. As bank operators, the Beruff-Lieberman partnership could sell the credits at $100,000-$200,000 to developers that need to mitigate the destruction of wetlands elsewhere in the region. Former Manatee County Commissioner Joe McClash and Suncoast Waterkeeper Inc. and Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage fought the DEP’s draft permit with expert testimony at the hearing before D.R. Alexander, a justice with the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings. “I think it went very well,” Ralf Brookes, attorney for Suncoast Waterkeeper, said Dec. 8. “The administrative law judge listened, took notes. I look forward to him recommending a decision against the mitigation bank as proposed. “This bank was over-allocated mitigation credits, especially with respect to the seagrasses. We don’t want this to become the norm around Florida — if you inflate the credits it will cause degradation in other areas of the region that’s not offset,” he said. The DEP draft permit allows 7.38 credits for buoys

placed at a 3-foot contour outside the bank of seagrass beds to warn boaters of the low-lying area. John Stevely, former Sea Grant scientist and founding member of Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage, testified the buoys would not protect the seagrasses, but rather attract curious boaters into the shallow area. Other testimony against the DEP permit — on issues of seagrass, mangrove trimming and ecological habitat — also came from McClash; Clark Hull, former Southwest Water Management District permit manager; Jack Merriam, former Sarasota County environmental manager; and Jay Leverone, scientist, and Mark Alderson, director of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program. The developer and regulatory agency were aligned on two witnesses, Alec Hoffner of Eco Consultants, and Tim Rach, the DEP project manager, who defended the permit as creating no adverse environmental impacts in the two-parcel bank along a 2.5-mile coastline adjacent

FEMA lauds Holmes Beach for Irma cleanup

By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter Roughly three months after the weakening Hurricane Irma blew through Holmes Beach, leaving 488 tons of debris behind, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is lauding the city for its handling of storm fallout. The feeling is mutual. Mary Buonagura, Holmes Beach human resources analyst, is the city agent dealing with FEMA requirements. She submitted a $79,364 bill Dec. 5 to FEMA for storm debris cleanup done by Waste Pro of Sarasota. The city’s requests for federal compensation will increase when all labor and material costs are tallied, she said. “I’m really impressed with FEMA and Tom Northup,” Buonagura said. Tom Northup, FEMA public assistance program delivery manager based in Fort Myers, is handling the Holmes Beach compensation requests. He said the city has done well fulfilling FEMA’s paperwork requirements, which carry a “learning curve.” This is first time for Holmes Beach dealing with FEMA after a disaster, Northup noted. “In my opinion, we’ve had a very good relationship, very transparent,’” he said. “The touch points in Holmes Beach have been fantastic and very helpful from my side of the house. Mary has just done an outstanding job.” JT Thomas, Holmes Beach code enforcement officer, said some storm-related debris remains in the city,

Debris from a large tree is entangled in a low-voltage power line remained Dec. 8 at a vacant duplex on Avenue C. Islander Photo: Terry O’Connor

and he blames illegal dumping. “It costs money to pick those piles of debris up,” Thomas said. Buonagura said some people are “trying to fudge” by illegally placing non-storm debris at the curb for pickup. Thomas said he has been working to mitigate the remaining piles of debris by separating illegally dumped items from storm debris. He said the last of the storm debris should be removed by Dec. 15. That’s good news to Edna Erven, who continues to be concerned about a pile of tree debris near her home. A tree stump and debris is entangled in a low-voltage power line at a duplex at 2901 Ave. C. “That’s the last of the debris they never picked up,” Erven said. “Verbally, the city has been excellent. I want action at this point. I want to hear they called the county or the tree service and they picked it up.” Erven said most debris is gone. Thomas said, “people piled on” at the duplex, which is another way of saying this was an instance of illegal dumping. “Waste Pro has been there a couple of times,” Thomas said. “The last pile that’s there is the big stump tangled in a power line. That pile was four times larger than that and we’ve been chipping away at it.” Thomas said the stump should be removed by Dec. 12, after press time fir The Islander. Buonagura credited the foresight of the Holmes Beach City Commission with an ordinance adopted in April, which made dealing with FEMA more clear-cut. The ordinance set the rates for collecting storm debris at $14.50 per loose cubic yard and $24 per compacted cubic yard. Waste Pro began collecting storm debris Sept. 13 and concluded Nov. 15. Anna Maria Island got lucky with Hurricane Irma, which was once forecast to strike the island with Category 2 ferocity. Holmes Beach issued 666 re-entry tags before the storm to evacuating islanders, Buonagura said. “People were panicked,” she said. “It was very scary. We were expecting to come back to nothing.” CNN reported Hurricane Irma was the strongest Atlantic basin hurricane ever recorded outside the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. It lasted as a hurricane from Aug. 31 until Sept. 10 when it passed over Anna Maria Island as a tropical storm.

Attorney Chris Tanner, standing, representing Long Bar Pointe LLLP, questions the developer’s consultant, Alec Hoffner, left, at a Dec. 5-6 hearing before an administrative judge at the Swiftmud office in Sarasota. Counsel for the DEP and the developer are at the near table, while challengers are seated at the far right. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell

to Aqua by the Bay. Hoffner testified the reason for a 100-foot gap between the parcels near the future development was for access to the bay. McClash and other environmentalists, who’ve opposed the permit since it was first proposed, contend the developers left the gap to dredge a channel and marina. County planner Stephanie Moreland testified about Aqua’s residential aspects, single- and multi-family homes. Commissioners approved the development in October for 16 condo buildings up to 95-feet tall and an unknown number of 35- to 75-foot tall buildings. Alexander is expected to issue a recommended order to the DEP after the two sides submit proposed orders. The DEP will then, “after careful consideration of any filed exceptions to the recommended order, as well as any filed responses to those exceptions, issue a final order,” according to DEP spokeswoman Dee Ann Miller. The DEP could reverse the ALJ’s recommendation against the permit. “The sad part of it is the recommendation goes to the secretary of the DEP. And the political powers have let (Governor) Rick Scott know, they want this bank,” McClash said. The final decision, expected in about 90 days, is appealable to the 2nd District Court of Appeal. Pete Logan, president of Medallion Homes, a Beruff company, had no comment on the DOAH hearing.

Holiday cheer

Holmes Beach Commissioner Pat Morton uses his height advantage to help decorate the Christmas tree in the lobby of city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. Islander Courtesy Photo

THE ISLANDER n Dec. 13, 2017 n 23

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24 n Dec. 13, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

AMI, Florida set record for green sea turtles

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter The loggerheads of Anna Maria Island weren’t the only sea turtles breaking records in 2017. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 39,000 green turtles nested on 27 “index beaches” — used to evaluate nesting trends — in 2017, surpassing a 2015 survey by about 11,000 nests. The final FWC statewide nesting beach survey of 800 miles of Florida coastline will be available in early 2018. On Anna Maria Island, more sea turtle nests — 488 loggerhead nests and five green sea turtle nests — were spotted in 2017 than any previous year on record. Green turtles nest every other year, contributing to a two-year spike in nesting numbers. Nearly 30 years ago, just 464 green turtles nests were reported on the 200 miles of index beaches, according to the FWC.

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring also reported five green turtle nests in 2015 — the highest number documented on the island during any season. AMITW executive director Suzi Fox said she hopes the 2015 and 2017 increase in green turtle nesting numbers is a trend for AMI. “West coast nesting ground is historically flatter nesting and green sea turtles prefer to climb a dune and dig up vegetation,” Fox said Dec. 4. “The fact that we documented five nests this year is a reason to rejoice and celebrate that we are moving in the right direction to ensure the forward movement to save this species.” Green sea turtles grow up to 5 feet in length and can weigh 700 pounds, rendering them the largest of the hard-shell sea turtles. The protected species is found in the sub-tropics and tropics worldwide. In addition to Florida, major nesting beaches include Costa Rica, Oman and Australia, where thousands of turtles nest Tracks leading to a green turtle nest were spotted each night during peak season. July 8 by turtle watch volunteers near lifeguard station 6 at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. Islander Photos: Courtesy AMITW

Turtle watch to host winter turtle talks

AMITW partners with science club

Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School in Bradenton and Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring teamed up for a cleanup Dec. 3. Lori Springstead, left, statistics teacher, is pictured with SSES marine science club members Grace Knoop, Emma Lexhed, Cate McQueen, Kyra Marshall and Kendall Miller, along with AMITW executive director Suzi Fox, club member Caroline Kelly, St. Stephen’s teacher and club co-sponsor Cristiane Skey and her son, Diego. They are at the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. The cleanup was the first in a series of projects the two organizations are planning. Islander Photo: Courtesy AMITW

Turtle watch invites people to listen and learn about wildlife on Anna Maria Island and how it can be protected. AMITW will host a free informational talk at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, poolside at the new Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club, 5325 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Reservations are not required and all are welcome. Volunteers will discuss 35 years of conservation efforts in a presentation with slides and stories about nesting shorebirds and sea turtles. Presentation giveaways for children include temporary tattoos, activity books and certificates. Additionally, turtle watch gear, including hats, T-shirts and notecards, are being offered for sale in the Waterline gift shop. Turtle watch also will accept donations at the event for nest adoptions for the 2018 nesting season, which begins in May. For more information about the Turtle Talk, visit AMITW on Facebook or call AMITW executive director Suzi Fox at 941-778-5638. — ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

Turtle watch stuffs suitcases for kids

Suzi Fox, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring executive director, stands Nov. 27 with a bevy of suitcases, each filled with clothes, toys and books and headed to foster children who are transitioning to new homes. Turtle watch teamed up with Tortuga Inn in Bradenton Beach to donate more than 140 stuffed suitcases to the nonprofit Heart Gallery Sarasota and Church of the Palms in Sarasota. Fox says AMITW will continue to collect donations for the cause in 2018. For more information, contact Fox at 941-778-5638 or director@islandturtlewatch.com. Islander Photo: Courtesy AMITW

Streetlife

By Kathy Prucnell

Island police blotter

Anna Maria Nov. 18, 300 block of Hardin Avenue, missing/ found person. A man returned home after calling his wife, saying he was lost at sea at 7:30 p.m. and then not answering his cellphone. The man was returning to Anna Maria from Cannons Marina on Longboat Key. At 8:10 p.m., his wife reported him missing. About 30 minutes later, he walked through the front door. He told his wife he couldn’t call from Galati Marine, so he took the Monkey Bus home. Law enforcement, fire-rescue and the U.S. Coast Guard were notified of the man’s return. Anna Maria is policed by Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. Bradenton Beach Dec. 2, 300 block of Bay Drive, domestic battery. A man and a woman were intoxicated, argued and the woman called 911. Bradenton Beach police were told the woman threw flowers at the man. The woman told police the man grabbed her around the neck and pushed her against a wall. As the officers interviewed the couple, their stories changed. They

were both arrested due to their intentional contact. Dec. 4, 1800 block of Gulf Drive North, theft. A woman reported $50 was taken from a purse inside a residence. Bradenton Beach is policed by BBPD. Cortez Nov. 19, Bunny & Pirates Bazaar, 12404 Cortez Road W., criminal mischief. The owner reported $200 in damages from an 8-by-4-inch piece of metal thrown through the store window. Nov. 28, Manatee Fruit Co., 11703 40th Ave. W., criminal mischief. An unknown suspect broke a window, stole $15 in coins and fled. Cortez is policed by MCSO. Holmes Beach Dec. 5, Manatee Public Beach, vehicle burglary. A Canadian visitor reported his wallet containing identification and credit cards was stolen from his locked vehicle in the parking lot. Holmes Beach is policed by Holmes Beach Police Department. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

Don’t forget … You can read it all online at www.islander.org

THE ISLANDER n Dec. 13, 2017 n 25

Islander, CEO plans retirement from Planned Parenthood

By Sandy Ambrogi Islander Reporter An island businesswoman, who has served as CEO of Planned Parenthood for the Southwest and Central Florida region for more than two decades, is retiring. Barbara Zdravecky, of Anna Maria, has led the PPSWCF as CEO for the past 24 years and also served as president. During her tenure, the Sarasota-based organization became a powerful resource and advocate for healthcare rights. Zdravecky was instrumental in building the Sarasota Planned Parenthood offices and health center on a city block in the core of the old downtown. She is even-toned and soft-spoken, betraying the power she has wielded in the past 24 years in shaping the landscape of modern health care. She has spent much of her time in boardrooms and legislative chambers, fighting for rights. Planned Parenthood is one of the nation’s largest providers of affordable, quality care for women, men and young people, as well as being the nation’s largest provider of sex education, according to its website. Zdravecky said she was hired by Planned Parenthood “right after the doctors had been killed in Pensacola,” referring to the murder of Dr. David Gunn in March 1993, and, months later, Dr. John Britton and his security escort, James Barrett. All were shot at Pensacola clinics amid a wave of anti-abortion demonstrations and violent protests. “At that time, no Planned Parenthoods were doing abortions in Florida. I was an activist and I’m a nurse. PP wanted to start offering abortions and I was hired to do that. Planned Parenthood was the first affiliate to provide compassionate, quality care to women,” Zdravecky said in an interview Oct. 20, “And I’m proud of that.” “I started at PP because I had been an advocate for women, children and families. I also did not want my daughter to have to fight for her reproductive rights

Barbara Zdravecky sits at her desk at Planned Parenthood for Southwest and Central Florida. Zdravecky announced her retirement in July after serving 24 years as the organization’s CEO. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi like I did,” she continued. “And here we are, 25 years later, and the state of America as far as women’s rights are concerned is at great risk.” The Planned Parenthood veteran is now concerned about how altering or doing away with the Affordable Care Act could affect women and families. “The ACA was one of the best things in America, in particular for women, because so many of the preventative care aspects of women’s health were covered. Mammograms, pap smears, birth control pills without a copay. That alone saves women an average of $700 a year. That’s a lot of groceries for families,” Zdravecky said. “The idea that this would be targeted and taken away is a travesty for American health care,” Zdravecky said.

“And the idea that PP would lose its Medicaid designation — not only is that discrimination of us as a provider, it means that hundreds of thousands of women will have nowhere to go for care.” “We are fighting desperately to hold on,” Zdravecky said. When asked about the highlights of her tenure at Planned Parenthood, the CEO quietly replied, “I have many.” “We started with a $1 million budget and our budget is now $17 million. We now have services in 22 counties with 11 health centers and 50,000 patients and their families in the southwest and central Florida regions. “We expanded services for men including vasectomy, sexually transmitted diseases and, one year ago, transgender care. The community response has been remarkable,” Zdravecky said. Laurie Cowan Phillips, incoming board chair, and Carolyn Johnson, outgoing board chair, praised Zdravecky’s leadership of PPSWCF. “While extending services, reach and resources, Barbara led countless battles against relentless legislative efforts to block access to abortion and damage the reputation and financial stability of Planned Parenthood,” Phillips and Johnson said in a joint statement. Zdravecky said the only plans she has for the next year are basically no plans at all. She hopes to spend more time on Anna Maria Island, in the only house she has ever owned. She calls the island her refuge. She wants to spend time with her daughter — now grown. “In the year ahead, it’s time to close one door and walk through another door. I just don’t know what that looks like,” she said. Zdravecky closed the interview with this thought: “College-age people take rights for granted. Before Roe v. Wade, people were dying. We don’t want to go back.” The PPSWCF has launched a search for Zdravecky’s replacement, and she will remain in her role through January 2018 to ensure a smooth transition.

26 n Dec. 13, 2017 n THe ISLANDeR

Birds of prey create a flutter at island school

With oohs and ahhs, the birds of prey that appeared at Anna Maria Elementary Dec. 6 stirred up a flutter of reactions. Ranger Kimberly Boucireb and Mike Stott from the Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 1101 Country Club Way S., St. Petersburg, visited Anna Maria Elementary Dec. 6 with three species of birds of prey. Stott presented a red-shouldered hawk and explained about the bird’s beak shape, deadly talons and feeding and sleeping habits. Stott also played the sound of a hawk’s call, and the hawk on his hand alerted, showing interest. Boucireb surprised students when she removed a full-grown, great horned owl from its carrier. The 3-year-old bird suffered a permanent wing injury as a baby owlet. The ranger explained what and where the species hunted, when it sleeps and demonstrated with feathers how it flies soundlessly. Boucireb preempted the question she is always asked — Can the owl’s head spin all the way around? Only three-quarters, the ranger said, and then explained that owls have twice as many vertebrae in their necks as humans. The Boyd Hill rangers finished up their presentation showing a pair of tiny but full-grown Eastern screech owls. The pair, one red and one gray, had been imprinted by the touch of humans after they fell from their nest and were picked up, causing the adult owls to abandon the owlets. The pair permanently reside at the preserve.

Ranger Kimberly Boucireb of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, holding a great horned owl, points to a student with a question Dec. 6 during the birds of prey presentation.

Mike Stott, of the Boyd Hill Nature Preserve in St. Petersburg, plays the call of a red-shouldered hawk Dec. 6 in a presentation at Anna Maria Elementary School. The red-shouldered hawk on his hand alerted sponsored by the Anna Maria Elementary Parent```to the call. Islander Photos: Sandy Ambrogi Teacher Organization. The speakers from Boyd Hill gave students a lesson on baby birds, reminding them that when handled or fed by humans, it is not possible to return owls back to the wild. Stott said the highest U.S. population of Eastern screech owls is in central Florida, due to the abundance of cockroaches, the species’ favorite food. The birds of prey presentation for all classes was

By Sandy Ambrogi, sandy@islander.org

AME calendar

• 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. through Friday, Dec.15, Holiday Shopper open. • Wednesday, Dec. 13, fourth-grade garden harvest. • Thursday, Dec. 14, fourth-grade luncheon at Eat Here. • Tuesday, Dec. 19, fifth-grade play, dinner by The Feast 5-6:30 p.m., performance 6:30 p.m. • Thursday, Dec. 21-Sunday, Jan. 7, winter break. • Monday, Jan. 8, classes resume. • 7 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, Dolphin Dash at AME. Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call 941-708-5525.

Fifth-graders set sights on North Pole stage

Grab a warm jacket and claim your seat on the sleigh as the Anna Maria Elementary fifth-graders take a ride to the frozen north in “North Pole Musical” Tuesday, Dec. 19. The evening kicks off at 5 p.m. with the Feast Restaurant of Holmes Beach serving a catered dinner in the school cafeteria. Desserts — donated by parents — will be available from the Parent-Teacher Organization for an additional donation. Cost is $8 for adults and $5 for children. Tickets are available in advance at the school front desk. The musical performance will begin at 6:30 p.m. Ranger Kimberly Boucireb looks up to a tiny but in the auditorium and the community is welcome. full-grown Eastern screech owl.

Preserves open for paddles, tours, hikes in December

The Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department will welcome paddlers to Neal Preserve Saturday, Dec. 16, for a Bay Wise Kayak Tour. The event, presented by the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, will begin at 10 a.m. at Neal, 12301 Manatee Ave. W., Perico Island. Participants must provide their own kayaks and gear. To register, call 941-955-8085. Other outings in the coming weeks include: • 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13, Fitness in the Preserve at Neal Preserve is a 60-minute workout in nature. Participants must be at least 12 years old. • 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, a naturalist-led wagon tour will roll through Robinson Preserve. The tours

Tacos

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provide access to portions of the preserve that normally take 30-45 minutes to reach on foot. Seats are available on a first come, first served basis. Tours also will take place Wednesday, Dec. 27, and Friday, Dec. 29. • 8 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20, Manatee County Audubon Birding Tour in Robinson Preserve. An announcement said, “Check out the locals, as well as the migratory birds that are currently in the area. For more information, email manateeaudubon@gmail.com. • 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, Light Labyrinth Walking is a celebration of the winter solstice and features a stroll on a lighted path in Robinson Preserve. • 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Wednesday-Friday, Dec. 27-29, the Valentine House at Robinson Preserve will celebrate

the holiday season with an open house. • 10-4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29, Giving Back Cleanup Paddle will bring kayakers to Robinson Preserve to clear any trash from the park and its waterways. Some kayaks and gear can be reserved. • 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Dec. 30, Kayaking for First Timers, conducted by WayneAventures, a three-hour class and exploration of the marshes and mangroves of Robinson Preserve. Reservations are required. • 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30, Meander Through the Mangroves will bring walkers to Leffis Key in Bradenton Beach to “de-stress and reconnect with nature.” For more information and reservations, call 941742-5923, ext. 6044.

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THe ISLANDeR n Dec. 13, 2017 n 27

Kathryn Young and Mark Davis look through binoculars to count gulls during a past Christmas Bird Count conducted on Anna Maria Island. Islander File Photo: Lisa Neff

By Lisa Neff

Chirping about the Christmas count

Early risers Dec. 16 might notice a gaggle of people along the Palma Sola Causeway. They’ll likely be decked out for their holiday in floppy hats, hiking shoes, travel vests and carrying binoculars, digital cameras with telephoto lenses and note pads. What holiday? The National Audubon Society’s annual Christmas Neff Bird Count, of course. Already bird enthusiasts are chirping about this year’s campaign. The count, set to take place Dec.14-Jan. 5, is in its 118th year, making it the longest-running wildlife census in the world. It involves tens of thousands of bird-loving volunteers. The origins of the count date to Christmas Day in 1900, when Frank M. Chapman, founder of BirdLore — which evolved into Audubon magazine — proposed people make a holiday tradition of counting birds rather than hunting them. Conservation was in its beginning stages in that era and many observers and scientists were becoming concerned about declining bird populations. Each individual count takes place in a circle, about

15-miles wide, and is led by a compiler responsible for organizing volunteers and submitting observations to Audubon. This year’s compiler for the Bradenton Circle is Kathy Doddridge, who says the circle extends from Perico Bayou/Palma Sola Bay and Longbar Point north through Terra Ceia Bay to Moccasin Wallow Road, east to Fort Manatee and Manatee River Road and south to just past Tallevast Road. The Bradenton Circle Christmas Bird Count will be Saturday, Dec. 16. Another local circle, the Fort De Soto Circle, which will include the northern part of Anna Maria Island, will take place Sunday, Dec. 31. Within each circle, participants tally all birds seen or heard that day — not only the species observed, but

Red knots, including a banded bird, on the shore. During the Christmas Bird Count, participants will count the number of species types, birds in a species and also document when they see banded birds. Islander File Photo

also numbers of birds, which can provide a clear idea of the health of that population. The data the volunteers collect contributes to one of only two large existing pools of information notifying ornithologists and conservation biologists about what conservation action is required to protect birds and habitat. When combined with surveys such as the Breeding Bird Survey, the information provides a picture of how the continent’s bird populations have changed over the past hundred years. Last year, the census included a record-setting 2,536 count circles, with 1,933 counts in the United States, 447 in Canada and 156 in Latin America, the Caribbean, Bermuda and the Pacific Islands. In total, 73,153 observers tallied up 56,139,812 birds representing 2,636 species. The Christmas Bird Count surveyed about 5 percent of the North American landmass last year. One finding from last year was the continued decline of the Northern bobwhite, the only native quail in the United States. The species has essentially disappeared in the Northeast and faces massive declines due to loss of shrubland habitat. Other species in decline include American kestrels, the country’s smallest falcon, and the loggerhead shrike, a predatory songbird. There’s no charge to participate and, while some birding knowledge is useful, the holiday usually welcomes some first-time counters. ’Tis the season for citizen science.

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28 n Dec. 13, 2017 n THE ISLANDER

Jiffy Lube topples Slim’s, takes center’s adult soccer title By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter Third-seeded Jiffy Lube outlasted top-seed Slim’s Place in the championship game Dec. 7 to win the adult soccer league at the Center of Anna Maria Island. The match was a physical, back-and-forth affair that saw Jiffy Lube jump on top, only to see Slim’s Place continually claw its way back into the match. But Jiffy Lube kept answering the challenge, ending on the winning side of a 7-4 victory, earning them the Paul “Ace” Hayward Championship. Cassidy Jiffy Lube rode a balanced scoring attack from Danny Anderson and Chris Culhane, each with two goals, and a goal each from Ricky Anderson and Chris Klotz. Jason Sato was stout in goal, making seven saves to help preserve the victory. Matt Kretzman had a hat trick and an assist to lead Slim’s Place, which also received a goal from Angela Wiles and six saves from Dave Green in the loss. Key Royale golf news It was another full week of golf action at Key Royale Club, starting with a nine-hole, modified Stableford-system match among the men. Mike Gillie took individual honors with a plus-5 to edge second-place finisher Gerry Elson by a point. Elson’s score helped his team, which included Dick Mills, Bob Reid and Jere Rice, to a score of plus-3 and a win in the team competition. The women got on the course Dec. 5 for a ninehole, individual-low-net match in four flights. Helen Pollock and Brenda Solleveld both had chipins and battled to a tie for first place in Flight A. Both carded 3-under-par 29s, two strokes clear of Joy Kaiser, who was alone in second place. Marlyn Thorton, Sue Little and Stephanie Morris all carded even-par 32s to finish in a tie for third place. Sharon Tarras fired a 1-over-par 33 to grab first place in Flight B, edging second-pace finisher Tottie Wagner by a stroke. Barb Estok finished in third place with a 35. Janet Razze had a chipin on the seventh hole and took first place in Flight C with the second best low-net score of the day — a 4-under-par 28. Jan Turner was one stroke back in second, while Kathy Porter finished in third place with a 1-under-par 31. Cathy Rice’s 5-under-par 27 was the low-net round of the day — good for first place in Flight D. Kathy Miller took second place with an even-par 32, a stroke ahead of Judy Huttona and Maryanne Kaemmerlan, who finished in a tie for third place. Forty-six golfers played a nine-hole scramble Dec. 7 at the Holmes Beach course. The team of Bruce

Good sports all

Bob Blake, in orange shirt holding check on the right, is surprised by the staff at Slim’s Place in Anna Maria with a prize check. The staff pooled their cash to offer him a “huge check” as a consolation for losing The Islander football contest. Blake’s entry lost out on a $600 rollover in the Nov. 29 guess-the-score for the Buccaneer game. Congrats to the staff and Bob for being good sports! Islander Photo: Melissa Williams Southernaire Fishing Charters

Jiffy Lube teammates Mike Brusso, Brad Laudicina, Chris Culhane, Ricky Anderson, Danny Anderson, Eliza Faillace, Jason Sato and Chris Klotz pose with the Paul “Ace” Hayward trophy in Ace’s Corner on winning the adult soccer league championship Dec. 7 at the Center of Anna Maria Island. Islander Photo: Courtesy Mike Brusso

Allan, Art McMillan, Larry Pippel and Dennis Schavey tion. combined on a 6-under-par 26 to earn clubhouse bragThere is no charge to play and everyone is welging rights for the day. The team of Dieter Burckhardt, come. Dick Mills, and Gary Razze were two strokes back in second place. Last chance to register for adult flag football Saturday, Dec. 16, is the last day to register for the Horseshoe news adult flag football league at the Center of Anna Maria Four teams emerged from pool play and were left Island. to battle for the day’s supremacy during Dec. 6 horseMandatory player evaluations will be held at 7 p.m. shoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall horseshoe Thursday, Dec. 21, with the player draft to follow. pits. The league starts play at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 4. The team of Bob Palmer and Bob Lee advanced to All games are played Thursday evenings. the finals with a 23-11 victory over Gene Bobeldyk and The center also is looking for sponsors. Myles Macleod, while Steve Doyle and Dom Livedoti For more information, call 941-778-1908 or email eliminated Adin Shank by the same score. The finals will@centerami.org. saw Palmer-Lee outlast Doyle-Livedoti by a 23-15 score. Register now for 12th annual Five teams forged 2-1 pool-play records during Dolphin Dash Dec. 9 action and battled their way through elimination games. Hank Huyghe and Bobeldyk drew the bye into The Bradenton Runners Club and Anna Maria the second round and watched as Lee and Bob Mason Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization will again rolled past Gary Howcroft and Jay Disbrow by a 21-1 team up for the Dolphin Dash 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run score. The other first-round match was also a blowout. Saturday Jan. 13, 2018. Neil Hennessey and Tom Farrington cruised to a 21-5 Race day registration gets started at 7 a.m. at Anna victory over Steve Hooper and Tom Skoloda. Hen- Maria Elementary, 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. nessey-Farrington drew the bye into the finals. They The 5K Dolphin Dash start is set for 8 a.m. and the watched Lee-Mason ease into the finals with a 23-18 1-Mile Fun Run takes off through Holmes Beach at 9 victory over Huyghe-Bobeldyk. Lee and Mason stayed a.m. hot and earned an easy 21-1 victory over Hennessey Immediately following the races, there will be and Farrington in the finals. refreshments, door prizes and an awards ceremony. Play gets underway at 9 a.m. every Wednesday and All who finish the 1-mile run will receive a blue Saturday at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Warmups ribbon, while 5K awards are made in divisions, includbegin at 8:45 a.m. followed by random team selec- ing male/female overall, Masters (40+), Grand Masters (50+), Senior Grand Masters (60+) and Veteran Grand Masters (70+). There also will be awards for youth age groups. Pre-registration is $25 for adults. Children under 18 pay $10. Club member’s can pre-register for $20, with race-day registration set at $30 for adults and $18 for children. Pre-registration payments must be received by Jan. 11. Forms can be found at www.runnergirl.com or visit www.runsignup.com. Mail printed registration forms to Dolphin Dash in care of AME-PTO, 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach FL 34217 and checks must be payable to AME-PTO. For more information, contact race coordinator Bonnie Ferran at 941-405-2972 or AMIBirdNerd@ gmail.com.

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Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

Dec 13 Dec 14 Dec 15 Dec 16 Dec 17 Dec 18 Dec 19 Dec 20

9:28a 10:32a 11:27a 12:14p 12:55p 1:30p 2:00p 2:28p

HIGH

1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3

8:31p 9:01p 9:28p 9:55p 10:22p 10:52p 11:25p —

HIGH

LOW

2.0 2.1 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.2 —

2:54a 3:42a 4:23a 5:00a 5:34a 6:07a 6:39a 7:12a

0.2 -0.1 -0.3 -0.4 -0.5 -0.5 -0.5 -0.5

2:00p 2:37p 3:10p 3:40p 4:07p 4:36p 5:09p 5:49p

LOW

Moon

0.7 0.9 1.0 1.0 1.1 1.1 New 1.1 1.0

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

THE ISLANDER n Dec. 13, 2017 n 29

Island-area anglers find fishing hot prior to cold front By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter Fishing prior to the cold front that blew through the area Dec. 10-11 was producing excellent action for Anna Maria Island anglers. Fishing the flats has been good for redfish, spotted seatrout and catch-and-release snook. Snook season ended Dec. 1. Inshore fishing around docks and shallow water structure is providing action on sheepshead, snapper and gag grouper. Those willing to venture into the Stasny Gulf of Mexico are being rewarded with variety, including migratory species â&#x20AC;&#x201D; blackfin tuna, kingfish, amberjack and bonito. Bottom-fishing while offshore is producing red grouper, mangrove snapper, hogfish, flounder and Key West grunts. On my own charters for Southernaire, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m finding great action within 9 miles of shore. During the calmer days, when the seas are smooth, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m fishing ledges and hard-bottom areas. By baiting with live shrimp, my clients are reeling up gag and red grouper, hogfish, lane and mangrove snapper, as well as triggerfish and Key West grunts. While working the flats with live shiners for bait, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m finding the catch-and-release snook fishing exhilarating for my clients. Snook up to 30 inches are taking the hook, although most are 22-26 inches. Spotted seatrout and bluefish also are being caught on the flats â&#x20AC;&#x201D; in abundance. Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says pier fishers using live shrimp for bait are catching black drum, sheepshead, flounder and an occasional redfish. As happens every year, Malfese says that since snook season closed, linesiders have shown up in great numbers. Live shiners, pinfish and ladyfish are working for the catch-and release snook. Capt. Aaron Lowman is fishing the Gulf of Mexico for a variety of species. On calm days, bottom-fishing around ledges is producing hogfish, snappers and gag grouper. For these fish, Lowman is using either live shrimp or pinfish. Also present are kingfish and bonito. Live shiners are the bait of choice for these guys. While en route to his offshore

Vince and Neda Uliano of Pennsylvania show off a redfish, caught Dec. 6 in Sarasota Bay. They caught several nice redfish using shiners as bait, but kept only one fish for dinner to promote conservation. They were guided to the fish by Capt. Warren Girle. spots, Lowman is putting clients on numerous triple tail. Casting live shrimp to these fish is resulting in a bite. Capt. Rick Gross of Fishy Business is working nearshore and on the flats. Kingfish and bonito are providing good action for Grossâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; clients in 40 feet of water around the artificial reefs. Most kings are in the 10-pound range, while fish up to 30 pounds are mixed in. On the flats, catch-and-release snook are in abundance, as well as spotted seatrout, bluefish and a few redfish. Capt. Warren Girle is targeting the flats of Sarasota

Bay for redfish. Girle is locating schooling reds, which provide an excellent bite for his clients. Redfish 20-30 inches are being caught on live free-lined shiners and fresh-cut chunks of ladyfish. Also present around the redfish schools are catch-and-release snook. On the deeper grass flats of Sarasota Bay, Girle is hooking up clients with numerous spotted seatrout, as well as bluefish, ladyfish and jack crevalle. Fishing offshore is resulting in keeper-size gag grouper and mangrove snapper for Girle. Both are being taken by combining live shiners with a bottom rig. Fishing ledges and artificial reefs is a good place to start. Capt. Jason Stock is working offshore for a variety of species. While patrolling offshore reefs and wrecks, Stock is putting clients on numerous kingfish and amberjack. Using artificials, such as surface poppers, is providing excellent action. Bottom-fishing with live bait, such as shiners and pinfish, is attracting attention from flounder up to 22 inches, as well as snapper and grouper. Dropping live baits â&#x20AC;&#x201D; such as jack crevalle â&#x20AC;&#x201D; to the bottom is resulting in a monster hookup â&#x20AC;&#x201D; goliath grouper â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a catch-and-release photo trophy. Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters was taking advantage of the nice weather ahead of the cold front. On these calm days, White is venturing offshore in search of a variety of species, including blackfin tuna, amberjack, gag grouper, hogfish and red grouper. Moving inshore, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s using shrimp as bait to put clients on sheepshead and black drum. Spotted seatrout and catch-and-release snook also are being caught using live shiners as bait. Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

Mullet time

Mullet fishers and boats congregate in December 2016 by the Cortez Bridge, waiting with their cast nets for a run of mullet to pass by on their way to spawn. The run occurs annually near Christmas, just in time to put money in the fishers pockets for gifts and cheer. Islander File Photo

TideWatch

Red tide at background levels

Karenia brevis, the Florida red tide organism, was detected in background concentrations in one sample from Manatee County for the week ending Dec. 8. For more information about red tide in Florida, go to myfwc.com/redtidestatus.

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30 n Dec. 13, 2017 n THe ISLANDeR

isl

Trish White of Holmes Beach stepped in for a photo with the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile in the parking lot at the island Publix Super Market Dec. 4. Maybe the driver needed some mustard? Islander Courtesy Photo

biz

BY SANDY AMBROGI

Business lunches, new owner review and what?

Vacasa trades coasts Vacasa officials have ventured from Oregon to the beaches of Anna Maria Island for a look at the more than 300 rental units the company recently acquired from Larry Chatt’s Island Real Estate of Anna Maria. Gerard Lester and associates spent Dec. 4-8 visiting business functions, perusing businesses and meeting staff at their new rental offices. Chatt, in the meantime, released a copy of his letter to rental owners, requesting their signed consent. Chatt also advised clients on Vacasa’s insurance requirements. He tied his recommendation to recent litigation IRE “has endured along with two vacation rental owners in our program due to slip and falls in their vacation rental.” Lester said, “People should always seek the right insurance. We strive to keep our homes safe and in order but, as a homeowner, you need to know that activities that happen in your house will be covered.” It’s just the cost of doing business these days as far as rentals go, while also being able to sleep at night. It’s O-S-C-A-R! You were not seeing things. That was the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile parked on Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach. The giant hot dog on wheels was in Southwest Florida for several parades and promotional stops for the season — including a stay on Anna Maria Island. After their sidebar beach vacation — the driv-

Joe Landolfi of Manson Roofing, 807 24th Ave. W., Bradenton, left, and Dan Alderson of Tyler’s Homemade Ice Cream, greet Nate and Rather Welch of Bins Be Clean Dec. 6 at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce business lunch at Bridge Tender Inn, Bradenton Beach. The chamber will host a holiday breakfast at 7:45 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13, at Harry’s Continental Kitchens, 545 St. Judes Drive, Longboat Key. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi ers stayed overnight at Cedar Cove Resort in Holmes Beach— the Wienermobile was heading south for a Dec. 9 parade in Fort Myers. If you see it, give ’em a shoutout. We hear they love to “meat” new friends. Business women join for lunch, success The members of the Anna Maria Island chapter of

Successful Women Aligning Together/SWAT will hold a December networking luncheon 11:45 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, at the Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Guests are welcome with an RSVP to the AMI chapter at swatami@gmail.com or visit the website at www.swatnetworking.com for more information.

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BizCal

Chambers gather for holiday cheer

Chambers polish oﬀ the calendar with festivities

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will hold its final business card exchange of the year at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13, at Mixon Fruit Farm’s Farm House, 2525 27th St. E., Bradenton. The evening will include a chamber ribbon-cutting at 5:30 p.m. celebrating Mixon’s newest venture, U-Pin-It, an electronic marketing and database tool. Lite bites, libations and holiday fare will be served. Cost is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers. Holiday gift-giving? Deliver new, unwrapped toys to the chamber office 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday for Toys for Tots. The deadline to donate is 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19. For more information, go to annamariaislandchamber.org, call 941-778-1541 or visit the chamber office at 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce will hold its December Business After Hours — BAH — at 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, at Harry’s Continental Kitchens, 545 St. Judes Drive, Longboat Key. Attendees are asked to bring an ornament that reflects their business or service for the chamber tree. Harry’s will provide complimentary appetizers and a cash bar. Cost is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers. RSVPs are requested. For more information, call the LBK chamber at 941-383-2466, visit the website at longboatkeychamber.com or the office at 5390 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key.

Business news

Does your business celebrate achievements? Maybe you’ve just opened the doors, received an award or recognition or staff deserves kudos. Submit your information to news@islander.org.

Chamber members enjoy the sunset and conversation at the annual tri-chamber BusinessAfter-Hours event Dec. 5 at the Harbour Isle Beach Club on Perico Island. Guests from the Anna Maria Island, Manatee and Longboat Key chambers of commerce were treated to appetizers, holiday sweets and refreshments, compliments of One Particular Harbour Margaritaville. Islander Photos: Sandy Ambrogi

Pat Powers of One Particular Harbour Margaritaville on Perico Island tells guests of the tri-chamber event Dec. 5 that Minto Communities has joined forces with Margaritaville Holdings at the residential-commercial development, including a marina and shopping plaza that are underway.

Acting AMI chamber president Teri Kinder, past AMI chamber president Mary Brockman and Longboat Key chamber president Gail Loefgren greet guests Dec. 5 for the Tri-Chamber BAH at the Harbour Isle Beach Club.

PropertyWatch

Jesse Brisson’s island real estate sales report is on vacation.

LO C A L LY K N OW N . G LO B A L LY C O N N E C T E D.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 2500 Gulf Drive N Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4201859 $3,250,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 529 Key Royale Drive George Myers 941-224-6021 A4184576 $1,955,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 871 N Shore Drive Kathy Marshall 941-900-9777 A4197949 $1,699,000

BR ADENTON 5016 64th Drive W Debbie Capobianco & Adam Cuffaro 941-704-2394 A4136838 $1,390,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 8710 Gulf Drive Erica Thomas 941-799-9365 A4160253 $995,000

BR ADENTON 10804 Riverbank Terrace Jody Shinn 941-705-5704 A4169182 $950,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 727 Holly Road Barbara Dumbaugh 941-350-3743 A4193232 $950,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 529 69th Street Mark Boehmig 941-807-6936 A4198504 $799,000

BR ADENTON 330 Compass Point Drive 202 Susan Nemitz & Betsy Hagen 941-237-0045 A4200223 $750,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 2907 Avenue C Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4191229 $749,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 413 Bay Palms Drive Ralph & Megg Faillace 941-713-9142 A4184679 $725,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 101 66th Street 9 Ken Kavanaugh, Jr & Margo Story 941-799-1943 A4178549 $720,000

CORTEZ 4121 Osprey Harbour Loop Kathryn Sandberg 941-600-2672 A4199658 $549,000

BR ADENTON 5724 8th Avenue Drive W Debbie Capobianco & Kristi Berger 941-704-2394 A4203129 $315,000

BR ADENTON 7840 34th Avenue W 201 Barb Eberhart 614-204-7687 A4202853 $480,000

NEW CONSTRUCTION

MSC MORTGAGE | MSC TITLE | MS&C COMMERCIAL NEW HOMES & CONDOMINIUMS | RENTAL

OPEN HOUSES SUNDAYS 1–4 PM

michaelsaunders.com

8 8 8 . 552 . 52 2 8

michaelsaunders.com L I C E N S E D R E A L E S TAT E B R O K E R

32 n Dec. 13, 2017 n THe ISLANDeR

Sandy’s Lawn Service Inc. Established in 1983 Residential and Commercial Full service lawn maintenance Landscaping – Clean-up Hauling tree trimming Licensed & Insured

Paradise Improvements

941.792.5600

Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Specialist Replacement Doors and Windows

Andrew Chennault

FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED Island References Lic#CBC056755

CBC 1253471

RDI CONSTRUCTION INC. Residential & Condo Renovations Kitchens • Bath • Design Service Carpentry • Flooring • Painting Commercial & Residential

References available • 941-720-7519

Bed: A bargain!

King, Queen, Full & Twin, pre-owned from $30 new/used. 941-922-5271 www.sleepking.net

ISLANDERCLASSIFIEDS ITEMS FOR SALE

HELP WANTED

QUEEN MATTRESS, AS new, double recliner, natural leather, nearly new. $100 each. 941-7785542.

HOUSEKEEPER: PART-TIME at Haley’s Motel. Must have own transportation and speak English. Prior experience required. Haley’s is a nonsmoking property. 941-778-5405.

COMPUTER: DELL DUAL core, refurbished, $50. 941-756-6728. TWO HOTEL-GRADE heavy-duty poolside loungers made by Galaxy. Adjustable. Good condition, $65 each. 813-240-6529. ANTIQUE PARTNER DESK: All wood, $1,000. See at The Islander ofﬁce, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

REPORTER WANTED: Full- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience or journalism degree required. Apply via email with letter of interest to news@islander.org.

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

KIDS FOR HIRE

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

MY NAME IS AIDAIN, I live in Holmes Beach I’m available to do any small yard, house chores for a fee. I do dog walking, pet sitting or run small errands. I’m available after school, 4-9 p.m. or all day Saturday and Sunday. I can be reached at 941-243-4473. Text or call. Thank you.

WANTED: WORKOUT DVDs and retired but working XBox, Wii units with games for Ministry of Presence for kids and teens in Haiti. Deliver to The Islander, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

AdoptA-Pet

ANSWERS TO DEC. 13 PUZZLE

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P C G A M E

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

C O A I C N T H D A K I C M R E I C C K H O C O S T S

G O A W O L

AERIAL PHOTOS of Anna Maria Island. View and purchase online: www.jackelka.com.

T.H.S. CLEANING: RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL vacation rentals. Dependable and detailed. 941756-4570.

ROSER THRIFT SHOP: Open 9:30 a.m.-2p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m.-1p.m. Saturday. Donations preferred 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Wednesdays. 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. 941-779-2733. YARD/MOVING SALE: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16. 113 Los Cedros Drive, Anna Maria.