The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, May 12, 2021 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

VOLUME

MAY 12, 2021 FREE

NO. 29

The Best News on anna Maria Island Since 1992

Astheworldterns. 6 2 injured in PWC-boat collision. 3

Q&A 051221

History made for aM preservation. 4

Meetings. 4 Complaints filed against HB commissioner. 5

Opinions. 6 10-20 YEARS AGO

Looking back. 7

New concept could save stilt-house. 8 Megabridge opponents root out DOT faults. 9

High court denies treehouse review By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The U.S. Supreme Court has shown no interest in reviewing a Holmes Beach treehouse case. The highest court in the nation responded May 3 to treehouse owners Richard Hazen and Lynn Tran-Hazen’s December 2020 writ of certiorari asking for a review of the case by declining it without comment, according to the clerk of court’s website, www.supremecourt.gov. “We are disappointed that the Supreme Court denied our petition,” Tran-Hazen wrote in a May 6 email to The Islander. “It is what it is, we can only try the best we can TURN TO TREEHOUSE, PaGE 2

Beach patrol

Falling for sea turtles By Kelsey Mako Islander Reporter

appreciation lesson. 12

Gathering. 14 Navigating aMI. 16-17

Cops&Court. 18 Mask orders dropped. 20 Bumpy times on Bridge Street. 21

Not loving lovebugs? 23 Soccer rules at center. 24 Catch the breeze, hook a fish. 25 County seeks to expand boar ramp capacity. 26

AMI TOURISM: 26 Tourist tax sets record.

ISL BIZ: Booming business. 27

CLASSIFIEDS. 28

NYT puzzle.

a treehouse behind 103 29th St., Holmes Beach. Owners Richard Hazen and Lynn TranHazen built the structure without city permits and inspections seaward of the erosion control line in 2011. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

A Q&A with Anna Maria’s sea turtle guardian

Save a date. 10

PropertyWatch. 30

islander.org

Code enforcement officers JT Thomas, right, and Ronald Peterson patrol the shore May 2 in Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach. The officers aimed to alert people to sea turtle nesting season as they checked for lighting violations and beach gear in need of removal. For more on the season, turn to page 22. Islander Photo: Kelsey Mako

Let there be no doubt: Suzi Fox loves sea turtles. With sea turtle nesting season underway, the Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring executive director discussed May 3 the history of AMITW and her years of saving turtles and preserving their habitat in a phone call with The Fox Islander. The Islander: How did the program get started? Suzi Fox: In 1983, there was a man named Dr. Dodge. He was a statistician. He and his wife were very interested in sea turtles. Sea turtles were endangered but there was no program to measure the success rate. Being a stat guy, he knew protection and data collection were the key. Our program is older than Mote Marine’s program. Q: How long have you been with AMITW? SF: Since 1990. Q: Were you a volunteer ﬁrst? SF: I was. Q: When did you become the executive director? SF: I took the director position in 1996, but I was still working full time. I can’t remember when I started to get a salary. I think it was the year 2000. Q: What did you do before AMITW?

TURN TO TURTLES, PaGE 21

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TREEHOUSE CONTINUED FROM PaGE 1

at each step in the legal process.” This is the second time the U.S. Supreme Court has declined a petition from the property owners to review the Hazens’ cases. They previously sought a hearing on a constitutional claim with the court in 2018. The court also declined to hear that petition without comment, which is not unusual. The property owners’ newest petition to the high court sought to appeal a July 17, 2020, ruling from 11th Judicial Circuit Court dismissing their case against the city and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection on the grounds that the ruling violated their constitutional rights under the First, Fifth, Eighth and 14th amendments. The court receives about 10,000 petitions a year and, in recent years, issued full opinions in fewer than 100 cases per year. Jay Daigneault, the city’s attorney on the treehouse case, told The Islander May 4 the high court’s May 3 decision didn’t take him by surprise. “The denial is fully in line with my expectations for the case,” Daigneault said. “The next step is simply to attempt to bring the other proceedings to an end.”

“The city would like to stop litigating with these folks but they have to take the treehouse down,” he added, stressing that did not mean they also must remove the tree. The case began in 2011, when the property owners built the treehouse around an Australian pine tree — including buried concrete pilings — beyond the erosion control line and without a permit on their beachfront property at 103 29th St., Holmes Beach. The Hazens reside at the property, where they operate four vacation rental units as Angelinos Sea Lodge. The city found the structure in violation of the municipality’s land development code and moved for its removal in 2013, sparking litigation with the owners. The Hazens have been on the losing end of each ruling and several lawsuits and appeals in circuit court. Litigation has so far cost the city $184,955 and the property owners $170,000, according to the parties. Additionally, the property owners have received almost $105,000 in code violation fines from the city, which were unpaid as of May 7. A circuit court case between the parties remains

State approves $750K for HB drainage improvements Holmes Beach is taking a slice of state pie. Only one local funding initiative from Anna Maria Island made it into the state’s list of appropriations for 2021-22. Florida legislators agreed to fund $750,000 in flood prevention improvements in Holmes Beach from $116.6 million available from the state for nonrecurring water projects. The money will be used to fund stormwater drainage and filtration improvements along unspecified roadways to prevent flooding and reduce pollutants to waterways. The project is estimated to be completed by June

2022. A funding request for $750,000 to improve drainage and bury utility lines along Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach was not included in the state’s final appropriations bill. Anna Maria did not submit a request for state funding for the 2021-22 fiscal year, according to www.flsenate.gov. The state appropriations bill must go before Gov. Ron DeSantis for approval before the funds are officially in the budget. For more on the session, see page 5. — Ryan Paice

open and Sarasota attorney Michael Connolly, the city’s special magistrate, ruled in April to add a $125 daily fine against the property owners for operating vacation rental units at the property without a city license. Connolly had ruled in March that the pair must stop renting and advertising their vacation units until they acquire a valid vacation rental certificate, which they failed to do by the April hearing. The fines will continue to add up until the property owners obtain a vacation rental license — which would first require they pay the $105,000 in back fines. The property owners’ attorney, Bruce Minnick, has argued that the city codes are unconstitutional and said the city wants to remove the Australian pine tree the treehouse was built around. Daigneault said the city has never required the tree’s removal — just the treehouse. Now that the U.S. Supreme Court denied the property owners’ petition, the remaining circuit court case against the city could be their only hope. However, that case also may be on its last legs. The city and DEP filed motions in February to dismiss the case, citing the property owners’ failure to comply with court-ordered directives and state causes of action for which relief can be granted. 12th Circuit Judge Charles Sniffen was set to hold a May 3 hearing on the motions to dismiss the case, but the hearing was continued due to scheduling conflicts. It now is scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 9, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. “We will continue with those cases and evaluate any other avenues we can pursue unless the city is willing to work with us to come to some happy conclusion,” Tran-Hazen wrote. “Tearing down and killing another ancient Australian pine and the now decade-old treehouse within it, that many like and enjoy, is certainly not a happy conclusion,” she added.

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Boat-PWC collision in ICW injures 2 near Coquina boat ramps

calm throughout the process, Draayom said. When they returned to shore, Draayom offered everyone aboard for the rescue May 2 another tour — on the house. The cause of the collision remained unknown as of May 5. To report a boating incident to the FWC, call 1-888-404-3922.

By Kelsey Mako Islander Reporter

A collision between a boat and a personal watercraft May 2 near a Coquina Bayside boat ramp resulted in injuries. Capt. John “Mike” Draayom of Bradenton Beachbased Paradise Boat Tours pulled a father and daughter, who had been on the PWC, from the Intracoastal Waterway near the Coquina Bayside boat ramps and Longboat Pass. “The PWC operator and the boat passenger received injuries and both individuals were transported to the hospital for treatment,” Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission public information director Melody Kilborn said May 4 in a prepared statement. “The (boat) operator and PWC passenger were uninjured,” she added. Draayom was heading south with a tour group and saw a boat, a PWC and two people in the water. “I saw the folks in the water and I thought, ‘Why are they swimming there?’ But of course, they weren’t swimming; they were floundering,” Draayom said. Draayom deployed a ladder, assisted two people onboard and called 911. The FWC, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, West Manatee Fire Rescue and the U.S. Coast Guard responded. The FWC is the lead agency in the ongoing investigation. The father had neck, back and leg pain and the daughter had pain in her ribs, Draayom said. “I’m glad they had their life vests on, that’s what I can tell you,” he said. Additionally, the passenger on the boat involved in the collision was struck in the head by the cowling — the removable engine cover — from the PWC. The FWC towed the PWC. The the boat operator drove on his own to the South Coquina Boat Ramp. Draayom said he has helped people in emergen-

Q&A 051221

The Islander poll

Last week’s question What’s the ideal water temp for swimming? 2%, Frigid and in the 60s. 8%, 72 degrees. 28%, 78 degrees. 62%, At least 80.

Two people injured in a crash involving a boat and PWC May 2 are treated at the South Coquina Boat Ramp in Bradenton Beach. Their conditions unknown, they were transported to the hospital. Islander Photo: Courtesy Paradise Boat Tours/Sherman Baldwin

cies before but nothing so serious. “I would just hope that anybody else would have done the same thing but some of those boats didn’t stop. So I don’t know if they were going to,” he said. Draayom previously worked as a cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first-aid instructor. Everyone on the tour boat remained seated and

This week’s question A private treehouse attached to an Australian pine tree remains on the shoreline in Holmes Beach despite court orders for its removal. A. City error. Let it stand. B. Go ahead with the demo. C. Allow more of them. D. Can it be moved? To take the poll, go online to islander.org.

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 13,800plus friends who “like” The Islander.

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AM preservation board designates city’s 1st historical sites By Amy V.T. Moriarty Islander Reporter

The Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum and the Island Players were designated historic sites May 3. Anna Maria’s historic preservation board began work to evaluate the sites for historic designation about a year ago, city planner Chad Minor said May 4. The city commission will decide whether to seek designations at the state and national level, Minor said. He noted the issue likely would not be on the commission’s May 13 meeting agenda but could go before commissioners May 27. The city’s historic designation lasts as long as the property exists or until it has been “so irreversibly altered that it no longer possesses those qualities that originally contributed to its significance,” according to a question-and-answer pamphlet created by the board. Among the benefits of a historic site designation is flexibility on Federal Emergency Management Agency stipulations for flood standards, Minor said. He noted another benefit is the historic designation helps “keep the original feel and character,” better maintaining the “old Florida” charm for which the city is known. The historical society museum Built in 1920, the main building at 402 Pine Ave. served as the city’s icehouse in the years before refrigerators were common in homes. Before the city-owned building was leased to the historical society in 1992 for a museum, it housed an automotive garage, sea turtle hatchery and an administration office. Now the building is part of history and the museum it houses tells the city’s story. Part of that history includes the Old City Jail, built in 1927 and used until a fire ravaged it in the 1940s. Though the roof burned, the structure’s walls remained, and city officials chose to leave it in place for use as a tourist attraction. That’s when the tonguein-cheek slogans, “No Roof, No Doors, No Windows, No Bars, Anna Maria City Jail Air Conditioned” were painted on the building. In later years, “no guests for yrs n’ yrs” was added. It remains one of the most photographed attractions on the island, according to the AMIHS, but is not part of this designation. Island Players playhouse Built as the home of William Gillette in 1910, according to Carolyne Norwood in her book “The Early Days 1893-1940,” the building that houses the Island Players theater was relocated from Parrish to Anna Maria in 1912 — after Gillette died and his children sold the structure. Some historical accounts list the year as 1914. Too large to fit on one barge, the house was sawed

Meetings

Anna Maria City May 13, 2 p.m., city commission. May 17, 2:30 p.m., planning and zoning. May 27, 6 p.m., city commission. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941708-6130, cityofannamaria.com. Bradenton Beach May 19, 10 a.m., planning and zoning. May 20, noon, city commission. Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com.

One of the oldest buildings on Anna Maria Island, the Island Players theater at Gulf Drive and Pine Avenue in Anna Maria. The building — now designated as historic by the city preservation board — served as a home, a tourist center, sales office, church and World War II service club in the years since its relocation from Parrish by barge in 1912. Islander File Photo

in half and floated in two trips — at the time, the island was only accessible by boat. Once in Anna Maria, the house was reassembled at Gulf Drive and Pine Avenue, where it remains today. Its first use was as a tourist center, transitioning to a community center as the island became more populated. When the city incorporated in 1923, the building became the seat of city business. In the years since it has been used as a schoolroom, a meeting place for clubs and socials, a church for more than one religious denomination and the meeting house and exhibition hall for the Anna Maria Garden Club and the Woman’s Club. In 1949, the Island Players theater group formed and, just as they began to seek a playhouse, the city leased the building to the group. For more than 71 years, it has been home to the theater.

With the first two historic designations in the books, the board is eyeing other properties to designate as historically significant. One such site is the Anna Maria City Pier, 100 S. Bay Blvd. About 12 years ago, city officials sought to have the state designate the pier as historically significant, Mayor Dan Murphy said May 3. Murphy said the petition was rejected because years of repairs left nothing of the original pier. It wasn’t until the pier was demolished after extensive damage from Hurricane Irma in 2017 that pylons made of palm trees — complete with ax marks — from the original pier were found in place, Murphy said. Those pylons were relocated to the AMIHS museum for display. Since the original petition to the state was for the pier itself, the preservation board will take another bite About the historic preservation board of the apple and attempt to have the site of the pier A city ordinance in 2017 created the board to iden- designated as historically significant. tify, evaluate, recognize, preserve and protect significant historic and archeological resources in the city. Other board news Under the ordinance, using established criteria, At her first meeting, the board named its newest the board is empowered to certify the designation of member, Sharon Wisniewski, as its chair. individual properties as historically significant. The previous chair, Jack Brennan, will remain on “It’s not always about architecture, but about the the board but said he needed to step back from leaderhistoric significance” of a property, Minor said. ship as he already serves as chair on other boards. The board cannot arbitrarily choose properties to Wisniewski retired from a career in the U.S. Army designate as historic sites, as the request to do so must in 2014 and moved to Anna Maria with her husband, come from the property owner, Minor said. whose family has lived on the island since the 1950s. “We want to encourage folks to keep the heritage” “The first time I came over the bridge, I knew this of the city and their property, and hope owners will is where I want to be,” Wisniewski said. apply for historic designation, Minor said. The board meets quarterly but has not set a date for its July meeting. Next for the preservation board For more information, email amplanner@cityofannamaria.com or call 941-708-6130, ext. 127.

HB polls on garden rates). WMFR administration building, 6510 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-761-1555, wmfr.org. Manatee County May 18, 9 a.m., county commission. May 20, 9 a.m., county commission (land use). CANCELED May 25, 9 a.m., county commission. County administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee. org.

Holmes Beach May 19, 10 a.m., code enforcement. May 25, 6 p.m., city commission. Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org.

Also of interest May 31, Memorial Day, most government offices are closed.

West Manatee Fire Rescue May 18, 6 p.m., commission (assessment

Please, send meeting notices to calendar@ islander.org and news@islander.org.

— Lisa Neff

Holmes Beach Parks and Beautification Committee members hope to collect more feedback on a community garden proposed for a lot south of the Grassy Point Preserve. Public works administrator Matt McDonough told the committee earlier this month the city published a survey online at www.holmesbeachfl.org. The survey poses questions asking whether respondents would support the proposed location for the garden or participate and/or pay for a slot at the garden. McDonough said only a handful of people responded to the survey as of May 5. Gillies suggested the city set an Aug. 31 deadline for the survey. Committee member Alec Graham seconded the motion. Committee members voted 4-0 to approve the motion. The parks and beautification committee won’t meet again until fall. It will meet next at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. — Ryan Paice

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Loud music, trash trigger complaints against HB commish

Rash using his power to influence the local police were unfounded. “I see what was said to have been said by Commissioner Rash to the complainant,” Tokajer said. “I don’t know if that was truly what was said but, if it was, then it was not accurate.” “Commissioners have no more power over the police than any other citizen. We do not do the bidding of any of the commissioners, and I have not been asked to do the bidding of any of the commissioners,” he added.

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Rising tensions between two Holmes Beach neighbors resulted in a pair of formal complaints against one — a Holmes Beach city commissioner. Resident Anastasios Tricas filed a complaint May 1 with the Holmes Beach Police Department against City Commissioner Kim Rash for leaving loud music playing in his residence while he was out of town. A pair of officers arrived and met Tricas, the owner of 7214 Holmes Blvd., who said Rash, the owner of the attached unit, 7216 Holmes Blvd., left music playing loudly for three days with only a shared wall between the units to muffle the noise. “Tricas stated that he had been having a hard time sleeping with the music and it is affecting his wellbeing. The noise level of the music, as well as the duration of how long it has been playing, has deprived the complainant of the peaceable enjoyment of his private property,” according to the HBPD incident report. The report states that Tricas welcomed the officers into his home, where they could hear music and feel music vibrations through the wall shared with Rash. The officers deemed the noise a violation of city code and called Rash to inform him he was being served with a warning and to seek resolution. Rash told the HBPD he left the music on to convince a potential home invader that his unit was occupied and said he would have someone turn the music off. The report stated, “Shortly after (notification), a friend of Rash came to turn the music down.” Witness statement Tricas’ statement said his family decided to sell their unit and move due to harassment from Rash. “My neighbor Kim Rash has harassed us and our family and guests since we moved in,” Tricas wrote. “We have been bullied and intimidated by Kim for over a year and a half. … We are moving because we no longer can enjoy our home because of Kim.” “We are heartbroken to leave the island, but Kim has left us no choice,” he added. Tricas’ statement lists incidents at the two-unit condominium, such as Rash allegedly allowing his dog to urinate on Tricas’ deck, building a pool on the common-owned property without consulting Tricas, damaging the yard and refusing to repair damages, as well as leering into the windows of Tricas’ home. “Kim will walk up to our window, cup his hands on the window to block the glare and stare in,” Tricas wrote. “He used to just walk in uninvited until I confronted him and threatened to call the police.” The witness statement from Tricas also alleged that Rash caused discomfort among his family members. “Earlier this year my goddaughter and her mother were here. Kim saw them on the deck and said, ‘Hey ladies, why don’t you go put on a bathing suit and join me in the pool.’ They said they felt dirty and uncomfortable by how he said it,” Tricas wrote.

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

a two-unit condo at 7214 and 7216 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, where resident anastasios Tricas filed complaints against City Commissioner Kim Rash for, among a list of issues, playing nonstop loud music for three consecutive days while out of town. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

“One of my daughters was visiting and Kim approached her and stood close to her and made comments about her appearance,” he added. Tricas also wrote that Rash made statements about using his influence as a commissioner for corrupt purposes. “We were frighted about the idea of calling the police because Kim Rash has made it clear that he is a city councilman and the police work for him,” Tricas wrote. “He has told me on more than one occasion that all he has to do is call his ‘buddys’ (sic) at the police department and they will respond and do his bidding.” HBPD chief response HBPD Chief Bill Tokajer said in a May 6 interview with The Islander that Tricas’ concerns about

Code complaint Tricas also filed a code complaint against Rash, according to city code compliance administrative assistant Kim Charron. Charron said Tricas called city hall May 1 to report that Rash had left waste bins overturned in the driveway and trash and debris was scattered across the yard. “The gentleman is trying to sell his property and he had a showing, and he was just concerned that there was litter and trash around,” Charron said. Tricas submitted photos detailing the issues, but called back within an hour to report someone had cleaned up the mess. Charron said the city arranged to send a code compliance officer to the property, but listed the incident as resolved. “At that point, we couldn’t really issue any citations or anything like that,” she said. Charron said there would be no followup on the complaint. Rash did not respond to a May 6 call from The Islander. Tricas declined to comment beyond the statement given to HBPD during a May 6 call with The Islander.

Vacation rental bill, tree regulations die in state session

With this year’s threats vanquished, officials won’t have to worry about losing control over vacation rental Municipal home rule over vacation rentals is safe regulation until the state’s next 60-day legislative sesfor another year. sion begins Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022. A pair of bills aimed at preempting vacation rental regulations established after 2011 to the state failed to Municipal tree regulation become law before Florida’s legislative session ended With municipal home rule over vacation rental April 30. secure, tree regulations remain in the state’s hands. Officials from Anna Maria Island’s three cities Holmes Beach city commissioners were hopehave consistently opposed state take-over proposals ful the state would repeal tree pruning, trimming and due to the island’s large number of vacation rental removal regulations in the Florida Statutes. properties — about 60%-70% of properties. However, the measure died in committees. All three cities on the island have ordinances reguAnother pair of measures supported by Holmes lating transient lodging establishments by requiring Beach commissioners failed to become law. the businesses register with the city, maintain licenses, The city passed a resolution in April supporting pass annual inspections and pay fees. House and Senate bills that would have allowed counIsland officials have expressed concerns that pre- ties to dip into revenue derived from the “bed tax” — emption would hamstring a municipality’s ability to the tourism development tax on accommodations of counter “party houses.” six months or less — to combat sea level rise. By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

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Opinion

Our

Another mother story

In 29 years of newstracking on AMI, I’ve seen a few things. I once went boating with a team from the Sarasota Bay Dolphin Project and a group of about six of us sat on the floor of a boat on our knees and cradled a dolphin as another team member ran a sonogram over the female dolphin’s body. The catch, study and release — unharmed — was a highlight of my wildlife experiences. But trailing behind in a close second are all the opportunities I’ve had to be up close with sea turtles — big and small. There was a leatherback (BTW — they’re H-U-G-E) that had lost a flipper that caused it to beach on AMI, and no matter how far they took her offshore, that missing flipper kept her circling back. While I opted for a trip to the east coast for another release where she could circle as far as she liked in the Atlantic Ocean, the marine biologists opted for necropsy. I observed the old school methods of the people who watched over sea turtles on AMI before the FWC knew better. They moved all the eggs and reburied them in a large, framed, chicken-wire covered pen — a hatchery — where they awaited the hatch dates. When the hatchlings were due, they used the island’s coconut telegraph to alert friends and families, who gathered at dusk on the beach by the nests. From there, the volunteers carried buckets full of hatchlings to within 10-20 yards of the shore and released them on the sand. The tiny sea turtles scampered out, following the flashlights the volunteers used to draw them to the water. Everyone oohed and aahed, cheered and applauded as the little ones disappeared into the dark Gulf waters. Little did we know then that the “turtle watchers” were violating their terms with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The guidelines for protecting sea turtles and the laws had changed in the early 1990s, but the people in charge held on to their methods for selfish reasons — they loved it. We know better now. And there’s always more to learn. It’s a delight and a privilege to see these creatures on the shore — nesting mothers and hatchlings. And it’s our job to protect them and to preserve their habitat. For certain, lights out on the beach! Keep chairs, canopies and other beach gear off the shore after sunset! Make way for sea turtles on AMI. Give Mother Nature a chance. — Bonner Joy, news@islander.org.

MAY 12, 2021 • Vol. 29, No. 29 Publisher, Co-editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org ▼ Editorial Editor Lisa Neff, lisa@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org Jack Elka, jack@jackelka.com Kane Kaiman, kane@islander.org Kelsey Mako, kelsey@islander.org amy V.T. Moriarty, amym@islander.org Ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org ▼ Contributors Johann Bertram Karen Riley-Love Capt. Danny Stasny, fish@islander.org ▼ Advertising Director Toni Lyon, toni@islander.org ▼ Webmaster Wayne ansell ▼ Office Manager, Lisa Williams info@, accounting@, classifieds@, subscriptions@islander.org ▼ Distribution Urbane Bouchet Ross Roberts Judy Loden Wasco (All others: news@islander.org) ▼

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Your

Opinion

Seeking a voice

Residents take the initiative to speak at Holmes Beach commission meetings. There have been expressions of frustration when being cut off over quality-oflife issues that are much more complex than what can be addressed in the adherence to three minutes. Robert’s Rules of Order set speaking time at two separate 10-minute speeches per day. During public comment recently, a single resident received a single platform of more than 20 minutes for an issue that was not on the agenda. What were the discriminating circumstances? What was the reason for this special treatment and selective enforcement when others would have been ruled out of order? This occurred on the heels of some commissioners being chastised for reaching out to constituents for open communication and for communication in the role of liaison positions. We know the city has both openly and secretively blocked communications. If resident concerns make it on the agenda at all, they may be put at the end, they may die by never being returned to the agenda, or they may be placed again on the agenda so far in the future it is difficult to retain continuity. With many meetings extending until 10 p.m., the time is not coming from resident presentations. Many city resources in staff time, attorney expenses and commission time and effort seem to be devoted to solicitations for special exceptions that are not in

Skimming online …

Web (register for free news alerts) islander.org Facebook @islandernewspaper Twitter @ami_islander Instagram @theislanderami Pinterest @islandernewspaper E-edition For $36 a year or $99 for a lifetime, e-edition subscribers have access to the weekly e-edition, with page-by-page views of all the news, photos, columns, community announcements and advertisements. To subscribe, visit islander.org. the residents’ best interest, nor in alignment with the comprehensive plan or ULI recommendations. Suppression of communication, suppression of positive and innovative suggestions and apparent inequities are preventing Holmes Beach from being the best that it can be. The issuance of all the proclamations in the world cannot substitute for this. We hope for an open and responsive government, and until that occurs, we thank the press for those who are seeking a voice. Richard and Margie Motzer, Holmes Beach

Have your say: The Islander accepts original letters of up to 250 words and reserves the right to edit for grammar and length. Letters must include name, address and a phone number (for verification). Email: news@islander.org. anonymous letters will not be printed. Readers also may comment online. and, we have an active Facebook community. To join the conversation, “like” The Islander on Facebook.

May 12, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 7 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

From the archives

From the archives Cooled and color TV

Share from your archives Got old photographs of AMI? Write a recollection and share them at news@islander. org.

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Take a trip back in time in our digital newspaper collection. There’s a complete library of The Islander online at ufdc.ufl.edu.

a postcard for Island Plantation & Manor advertises the amenities at 7300 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach: “air conditioned, heated and color TV. Relax on private beach on the Gulf of Mexico. Championship shuffleboard courts. New shopping center and restaurants nearby. Minutes to fine golf courses.” The property opened in the late 1950s. Islander Photos: Manatee County Public Library System

At the sanctuary a postcard advertises the Island Baptist Church, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. William J. Bayless designed the sanctuary, home to the Island Baptist Chapel, then Island Baptist Church and CrossPointe Fellowship.

10&20 years ago

In the May 10, 2001, issue

• An Anna Maria resident began a campaign against the Beach Unlimited store on East Bay Drive in Holmes Beach for selling what she termed sexually suggestive items. She asked island mayors to propose ordinances limiting such sales. Anna Maria Mayor Gary Deffenbaugh said people might not like the business, but it “might not fall under lewd or obscenity laws.” • The Holmes Beach planning board scheduled a special meeting to consider rezoning two residential lots owned by the Tidemark Lodge. The lots were zoned duplex but Tidemark owner/developer Nick Easterling requested they be rezoned to commercial. Without the rezoning, Easterling could not incorporate the lots into his resort project. • Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Tony Dungy and several assistant coaches visited Galati Marine in Anna Maria and went deep-sea fishing with Chris Galati. At the docks, fans gathered to greet Dungy, who signed autographs and talked with his visitors.

In the May 11, 2011, issue

• Anna Maria celebrated the centennial of the city pier, holding two days of festivities that culminated with a fireworks show. The planning took nearly three years. • The increased use of Segways on the island had Manatee County commissioners exploring how to regulate the human transporters in parks and preserves, including at Coquina Beach. • The American Red Cross held a series of hurricane-preparedness events ahead of the Atlantic storm season, including at the Anna Maria Island Community Center and the local Publix.

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Page 8 THE ISLANDER | islander.org May 12, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Local, state ofﬁcials support concept to save stilt-house By Kane Kaiman Islander Reporter

Guth-501(c)(3)? The Manatee County Board of Commissioners and the Manatee County legislative delegation sent letters to Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Noah Valenstein in April expressing support for protection of the Raymond “Junior” Guthrie stilthouse through a plan that would transfer ownership of the structure from Guthrie to a Cortez nonprofit. In 2018, the DEP successfully sued Guthrie for building the Sarasota Bay stilt-house over state-owned submerged land near the A.P. Bell Fish Co. docks in Cortez, but a series of extensions on 12th Circuit Judge Edward Nicholas’ final demolition order has allowed the structure to remain standing. The latest extension — a March 8 stay of enforcement on the order — opened a 60-day window for officials to consider protections for the stilt-house. Robert Schermer, Guthrie’s attorney, said May 3 that he would file a motion to extend the stay that expired May 8. “He’s the judge, and he gets to do what he wants to do, but it’d be our hope that it is extended

RoadWatch Eyes on the road

The Florida Department of Transportation posted the following notice: State Road 64/Manatee Avenue on the Anna Maria Island Bridge: DBi Systems will be making bridge repairs overnight Sunday-Thursday, May 23May 27. Motorists can expect flagging operations intermittently in both the east and westbound lanes 9 p.m.-5 a.m. People are advised to use caution in the area. For the latest road watch information, go online to swflroads.com or dial 511. — Lisa Neff

Place portrait photo here

because we’ve made strides in looking to protect it,” Schermer said. In 2018, county commissioners sent a letter to the DEP that outlined the historical significance of net camps to the Cortez fishing village — listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1995 — and expressed the board’s desire that the stilt-house, which they characterized as a historic net camp replica, be protected by state permits. On April 15, county commissioners unanimously voted to direct Chair Vanessa Baugh to sign another letter to the DEP expressing the board’s continued support for Guthrie’s stilt-house. District 3 Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, representing Cortez, made the motion, which was seconded by Commissioner Carol Whitmore, who drafted the letter. While Guthrie maintains the stilt-house is a historic net camp, critics of the 1,200-foot structure — built with electricity, sliding-glass doors, a wide deck and other amenities — have said it does not resemble camps of old. Historic net camps were barren shacks built over the water in the 19th century to store nets. The April 15 letter outlines a plan to make the stilthouse appear more authentic and transfer its ownership to a nonprofit, thereby increasing the likelihood that the DEP will drop its lawsuit and agree to a lease for the state-owned submerged lands. “Currently the net camp does not conform to state standards however, we believe a commitment from Cortez community leaders to establish a nonprofit organization pledged to the historical interpretation, facade reconstruction and subsequent maintenance of the structure will restore the net camp to its historical character,” the letter reads. A.P. Bell Fish Co. owner Karen Bell, who has been assisting Guthrie, said May 3 that the details of the plan have not been ironed out. Access to the camp, changes to the exterior and removal of amenities, including a refrigerator, would

be determined by the nonprofit, Bell said. “(Guthrie) might even be one of the members of the nonprofit,” she said. “But, I’m assuming it’s going to be mostly village people that would be interested in it.” Whitmore, who also led the 2018 push to support the structure, said May 5 that developer Pat Neal was instrumental in drumming up official support for the stilt-house at the county level. Neal, initially contacted by Bell, organized a meeting with Whitmore, Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department director Charlie Hunsicker and Manatee County Historical Commission representatives to brainstorm ways to protect the structure, Whitmore said. “(Neal) didn’t want to help a specific person, he wanted to help the character of Cortez,” she said. At the state level, District 73 Rep. Tommy Gregory was rumored to initiate legislation to protect the structure during the legislative session that ended April 30. The opportunity did not pan out. However, on April 29, Gregory’s office sent a letter to the DEP mirroring the county commission’s sentiments. The document was signed by the county legislative delegation, including state Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, Republican Rep. William “Will” Robinson Jr. of District 71, in which the structure is located, and Democratic Rep. Michele K. Rayner of District 70. “After Hurricane Irma in 2017, Mr. Raymond Guthrie Jr., rebuilt the Guthrie Net Camp. It has been rebuilt multiple times and is currently a more modern building than the previous structure. While the Guthrie Net Camp has lost some of its historic charm, it is an important part of the history of Cortez,” the letter reads. When asked about the plan to turn over the stilthouse to a nonprofit, Guthrie said May 5 that he’s on board. “It sounds good. I hope it works out,” Guthrie said.

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Megabridge opponents ﬁnd fault in DOT record, plead case to BB By Kane Kaiman Islander Reporter

It never hurts to ask — twice. The Florida Department of Transportation has resolved to replace the 17-foot-clearance Cortez drawbridge with a 65-foot fixed-span bridge, but a group challenging the department in federal court said it has identified instances in which the agency breached procedure while coming to its decision. The bridge is slated for construction in 2026-27. A member of the group spoke before the Bradenton Beach Commission May 6, highlighting DOT procedural errors and asking a second time for the city to join the lawsuit. In accordance with the timeline laid out by the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, the DOT provided the anti-megabridge coalition — which includes former County Commissioners Joe McClash and Jane von Hahmann, a resident of Cortez, as well as Cortezians Linda Molto and Joe Kane — a draft administrative record April 20 that details the department’s decision-making for the high bridge. The complainants have been reviewing the record for completeness and procedural missteps. According to McClash, in addition to uncovering bureaucratic errors, the group has determined the record is incomplete and will be requesting additional information from the DOT. The Cortez Bridge spans the Intracoastal Waterway, linking Cortez on the mainland to Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island. During the public comment portion of the Bradenton Beach Commission meeting May 6, von Hahmann outlined flaws in the DOT’s decision-making process, including selective analysis of community support data and a problem with the access road that would be built beneath the megabridge ramp to connect Cortez. Von Hahmann, who said she has been finding errors in the 4,000- to 5,000-page record on a daily basis, began her review with an analysis of the five

Jane von Hahmann, one of four complainants in a federal lawsuit challenging the Florida Department of Transportation’s decision to replace the Cortez drawbridge with a high fixed-span bridge, encourages Bradenton Beach May 6 to join the suit. Islander Photo: Kelsey Mako

surveys the DOT conducted during the Cortez Bridge project development and environment study. The surveys included questions about whether a new bridge should be built and asked respondents to indicate their preference for the height of a replacement structure. “They deleted and never used those people who voted for no bridge or bridge rehabilitation. So, when they tell you that 65% of all people voted for the 65-foot bridge, that was of the 30% who voted for a bridge to begin with,” von Hahmann said. The megabridge opposition group seeks to settle

with the DOT on a 35-foot drawbridge replacement. Von Hahmann told the commissioners that, of the 12,029 people surveyed by the DOT, 70% expressed support for rehabilitating the existing bascule bridge or building a 35-foot drawbridge. At its eastern terminus, the megabridge would extend into the mainland about 720 feet, dividing Cortez in half along Cortez Road. To link the halves together, the DOT plans to build an access road that would stem from the northern side of Cortez Road and loop southward beneath the bridge. However, since the Cortez Mobile Home Park at Cortez Road’s southern border is private property, von Hahmann told commissioners that pedestrians would not be able to access the road from the south without trespassing. Von Hahmann invited Bradenton Beach to join the megabridge lawsuit at a March 4 city commission meeting. On March 18, commissioners unanimously voted to direct city attorney Ricinda Perry to coordinate with outside counsel to join the lawsuit and allocated up to $15,000 for legal expenses related to the case. However, on April 8, Mayor John Chappie said the city was still gathering information about the costs associated with joining the suit, and commissioners voted 4-1 to reduce the allocation to $5,000. Perry and DOT attorneys held a closed-door settlement meeting April 16, and, on April 22, city commissioners said they planned to review the DOT’s draft administrative record before directing Perry to conduct a followup meeting. Von Hahmann concluded her commentary May 6 by asking the city, once again, to become the fifth complainant in the case against the DOT. “We just ask you to please continue,” she said. “If I had a municipal government in Cortez, I would be fighting tooth and nail to have them join this. But (we) don’t. But, you represent a constituency out here that is going to be severely impacted.”

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Page 10 THE ISLANDER | islander.org May 12, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

The Islander Calendar ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Compiled by Lisa Neff, email calendar@islander.org. The Marshall Tucker Band is set to perform outdoors Thursday, May 13, at the Center of anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia ave., anna Maria. Islander Courtesy Photo

ON AMI Thursday, May 13 7 p.m. — Marshall Tucker Band outdoor concert, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-1908. ONGOING ON AMI Throughout May, “Where in the World?” paintings by Karen Beach, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648. AHEAD ON AMI

June 4, Center of Anna Maria Island’s Journey outdoor concert, Anna Maria. July 24, Anna Maria Island Privateers Christmas in July party, Bradenton Beach. Sept. 16-26, Island Players’ performance of “The Savannah The Visit Bradenton Gulf Islands 2021 Concert By Ryan Paice Sipping Society,” Anna Maria. Series will launch Thursday, May 13, with an outdoor Islander Reporter Nov. 4-14, Island Players’ Same Time, Next Year,” Anna Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast is findperformance by the Marshall Tucker Band. Maria. ONGOING OFF AMI Through May 16, “Frans Hals: Detecting a Decade,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-359-5700. Through May 16, “Larry Rivers: Boston Massacre from the Ringling collection,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-3595700. Through June 27, “Kabuki Modern,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-359-5700. Through June 27, “Roy Lichtenstein: Monet’s Garden Goes Pop!” Mary Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-366-5731.

KIDS & FAMILY AHEAD ON AMI July 4, Anna Maria Island Privateers July 4 Parade, islandwide. TENTATIVE

CLUBS & COMMUNITY

Marshall Tucker set to play outdoor stage at center

Big Brothers Big Sisters partners with center

The concert by the Southern rockers will be on the soccer/football field at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. The band originated from Spartanburg, South Carolina, and pushed the Southern rock genre by blending rock, country, blues and jazz. The series also will feature country artist Simon Kirke of Bad Company June 11; Steve Augeri of Journey June 17 and the Grass Roots July 2. Concerts will begin at 7 p.m. For more details about ticket sales and prices, go online to www.centerami.org or contact the itickets box office at 800-965-9324 or www.itickets.com.

ing a new way to reach Anna Maria Island youth. BBBS and the Center of Anna Maria Island are partnering to provide one-to-one mentoring to students in the community center’s after-school programs beginning this month. BBBS development associate Melissa Ferlazzo told The Islander volunteers from the program were set to attend to 7-9 after-school students at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, for an hour every week. “We match adult volunteers with children ages 6-18 so they have somebody in their life to guide them, to be a mentor and to help them out,” Ferlazzo said. “We do our matches based on interest, what would benefit the children and what strengths the volunteers have.” Volunteers must be 18 or older and available for an hour of mentoring 3:30-6 p.m. Monday-Friday. They also must pass background checks. “We’re looking for volunteers generally from the Anna Maria Island area,” Ferlazzo said. “We can get volunteers from other areas, but it is a far drive and, during season with traffic, it’s a lot to ask someone.” Four people had applied to be volunteers as of April 28, according to Ferlazzo. Ferlazzo said the situation presents a great opportunity for BBBS to branch out on the island. “We’re absolutely excited for it,” Ferlazzo said. “We’re all of Manatee, but Anna Maria isn’t one of the areas we’ve really had a touch on yet. So to be able to expand and offer kids in that area our services as well is really exciting.” Center youth program director Kathryn Palmer wrote in an April 28 email to The Islander that “the mentoring program brings caring adults together with children in meaningful, one-to-one mentoring relationships and enables them to spend quality time together.” “It has been proven by research that children and teens who have mentors do better in school, have more positive peer and family relationships and are less likely to abuse substances and alcohol,” Palmer wrote. “We’re thrilled to be partnering with such an incredible organization,” center executive director Chris Culhane wrote in an April 28 email to The Islander. People interested in volunteering can reach Ferlazzo at 941-746-7000 or mferlazzo@bbbssun.org. For more about the center, people can call 941778-1908 or visit centerami.org.

ONGOING OFF AMI First Fridays, 10 a.m., Parkinson’s Support Group, Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Information: 941-9266413.

OUTDOORS & SPORTS ONGOING OFF AMI

Bradenton Marauders baseball, LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-747-3031, bradentonSaturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island break- marauders.com. fast and meeting, Gulf Drive Cafe, 900 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton GOOD TO KNOW Beach. Information: 941-778-1383. Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island lunch meetSAVE THE DATES ing, in-person at Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Saturday, May 15, Armed Forces Day. Beach, and via Zoom. Information: 941-920-2505. Thursday, May 27, last day of school. Monday, May 31, Memorial Day. Monday, June 14, Flag Day. Sunday, June 20, Father’s Day. Sunday, June 20, summer solstice. Sunday, July 4, Independence Day. Monday, Sept. 6, Labor Day. Tuesday, Sept. 7, autumnal equinox. ONGOING ON AMI

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

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May 12, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 11 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Island happenings Plein aire painters find picture-perfect spots Astronomy Day observed

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature invites people to celebrate Astronomy Day with a visit to the Bradenton attraction. Astronomy Day is Saturday, May 15, and the museum will present a special star talk in its planetarium, host a scavenger hunt and lead a series of arts and crafts. The celebration, an admission fee is required, will be 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the museum, 201 10th St. W. Additionally, the Bishop will partner with the Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department to present “Seeing Stars” at the Robinson Preserve expansion, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW., Bradenton. The astronomy event will be 8:30-10:30 p.m. in the park. Weather permitting, people will view Mercury, Venus and the waxing crescent moon through telescopes. For more information, go online to bishopscience. org or call the museum at 941-746-4131.

Galvano to address Kiwanis

The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island will gather Saturday, May 15. The meeting will be at 8:30 a.m. at the Gulf Drive Cafe, 900 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. The club plans to host former state Sen. Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton. Galvano represented Anna Maria Island and elsewhere in the county in the Florida Senate 2012-20 and in the Florida House 2002-10. He served as Senate president his last two years in office. Due to the pandemic, face masks are required when attendees are not eating or drinking during the club’s meeting. For more information, call Sandy Haas-Martens at 941-778-1383.

Click! We welcome news of the milestones in readers’ lives. Send to news@islander.org. Enter The Islander’s Father’s Day contest

The Islander invites readers to enter our Father’s Day composition and art contest. We’ll select essay contest winners for publication in age categories, as well as feature 2D art. Please, send your entries to news@islander. org by noon Saturday, June 12. For more information, call The Islander at 941-778-7978.

Karen Eddy and Beverly anderson show off a painting by anderson of Eddy and Carolann Garafola while at the Swordfish Grill in Cortez in December 2020. RIGHT: Karen Eddy paints her view of the Gulf of Mexico at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. Islander Photos: Courtesy Carolann Garafola

expertise and work together to develop and promote the artistic community,” as stated on AGAMI’s website The beaches are picture-perfect. by its founder, the late Genevieve Novicky Alban, who A group of plein aire painters met April 27 at died in 2010. Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. The gallery is closed for renovations in May and They meet Tuesdays, weather permitting, 9 a.m.- will reopen in June. noon at various locations on or near the island. For more information, go to amiartistsguildgallery. In April, they met at the Florida Maritime Museum com or call 941-778-6694. in Cortez, the 46th Street beach in Holmes Beach and a painting Robinson Preserve in Northwest Bradenton. by Carolann They gather with a goal of each completing a Garafola painting and enjoying the outdoors, Carolann Garafola, depicts the corresponding secretary for the group, said April 27. courtyard at “Painting outdoors for many of us helped to keep the Florida us energized in spite of COVID. We were outdoors, Maritime socially distanced and productive,” Garafola said. Museum in Membership is not required to join the painters. Cortez. The group’s activities are organized by Eija Friedlander through the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island. AGAMI, a nonprofit with 150 members, arranges exhibits, shows and online classes. Additionally, AGAMI operates an art gallery on 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, where the work of more than 50 artists is displayed. AGAMI members most recently collected art supplies for the Blanche H. Daughtrey Preparatory School Custom Jewelry of Arts and Sciences and helped with the Manatee ChilConsignments dren’s Art Show at ArtCenter Manatee in Bradenton. Appraisals Now members are reviewing applications to award 40% OFF ESTATE SALES college scholarships to two graduating high school stuWatch Repairs dents in the Manatee County School District. Tune-Ups AGAMI’s purpose is “to promote and support creBatteries ative processes by bringing together all artists — visual Service on Site and performing and writers — to share experiences, By Kelsey Mako Islander Reporter

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Page 12 THE ISLANDER | islander.org May 12, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

AME kids, parents celebrate teachers, staff as 2020-21 end nears

Spread the love. The week beginning May 3 was teacher and staff appreciation week at Anna Maria Elementary School, when students, parents and others showered educators with tributes, tokens and even tacos. Each day, a theme guided the celebration. May 3 was “bombard the yard” day, when students made posters and signs showing their appreciation for teachers and staff. May 4 was “flower power” day, bringing Sweet B’s flower truck to the car loop, where teachers and staff chose flowers for personal bouquets.

By Kelsey Mako

May 5 was “taco ‘not Tuesday’ but Wednesday” for Cinco de Mayo, a holiday that marks the Mexican army’s victory over France in 1862. PTO volunteers delivered taco kits to the school for teachers and staff.

Each kit included chicken, pork, tortillas and toppings for a “COVID-free” taco bar experience, said PTO president Nicole Plummer. May 6 was “stuck on you” day, when the PTO delivered magnets for teachers and staff in staff mailboxes. May 5 was “UR sweet” day, celebrated with boxed mini cheesecakes. Assure Insurance of Bradenton and Cheesecake Cutie & Cafe of Holmes Beach sponsored the effort. The PTO is a volunteer organization that hosts events and provides support for AME. LEFT: aME teacher’s aide Britta Rohrer and STEM teacher Jackie Jordan take a slice of cheesecake May 7 during teacher appreciation week.

Signs and posters made by students show their appreciation for anna Maria Elementary teachers and staff May 3. Islander Photos: Courtesy PTO/ Nicole Plummer The parentteacher organization made magnets and distributed them May 6 to aME teachers.

aME staff member Julie Sawyer holds a taco kit. Festive music and maracas greeted staff and teachers at the free lunch from Scott’s Deli.

PTO ofﬁcers sworn

aME PTO president Nicole Plummer and PTO secretary Kari Kennedy take part in “taco ‘not Tuesday’ but Wednesday.” Jamie’s Tacos, a specialty at Scott’s Deli in Holmes Beach, sponsored the event.

PTO officers for the 2021-22 school year were sworn in May 5 by principal Jackie Featherston. The officers include: • Nicole Plummer, president; • Alana Fleisher, vice president; • Brook Morrison, co-treasurer; • Jen Serra, co-treasurer; • Kari Kennedy secretary. The 2020-21 board differs from next year’s board with Serra succeeding Lauren Palmer as co-treasurer.

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FISH board approves rental cleanup, designates picnic area By Kane Kaiman Islander Reporter

The village elders have spoken. The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving Cortez’s commercial fishing tradition, held its monthly board meeting May 4. Discussion included maintenance requirements for a FISH-owned rental property, plans for creating a picnic area in the FISH Preserve and a reversal of Kaye Bell’s decision to step down as president of the Cortez Village Historical Society. To offset mortgage costs, FISH makes some of its properties available for rent, by the day for weddings and meetings, or annually in the case of residential units. Around 2009, FISH purchased the former Church of God property, 4515 124th St. W., Cortez, and converted the main worship building into Fishermen’s Hall, a meeting hall and activity center for FISH and as a rental. The parsonage building south of the hall became a residential unit. A tenant who had occupied the parsonage since 2011 moved out in late March. Since then, board member David Cadmus has been spearheading an effort to ready the property for a new renter. The parsonage’s exterior needs little more than a pressure washing, but the interior needs painting and cleaning, Cadmus said. Board members also discussed plans to have the property inspected for termites. Cadmus said he plans to have the unit on the rental market by July. Rent will be $1,500 per month, and interested people can contact Cadmus at 941-504-6241. FISH owns a 100-acre nature preserve east of Cortez. The preserve’s shoreline is one of the few remaining mangrove forests on Sarasota Bay and provides a critical hatchery for juvenile fish. Since making the final payment on the land in 2005, FISH has engaged in various restoration activi-

FISH board member David Cadmus, left, gives an update May 4 on the status of the rental property he is readying for occupancy. Islander Photo: Kane Kaiman

ties within the preserve, including the removal of Australian pine trees, an invasive species. However, Australian pines provide good shade, and board members discussed plans to leave some of the trees standing in an area they hope to designate for picnics. The picnic area, which would include tables and parking spaces for four or five cars, would be located in the northeast quadrant of the preserve. According to von Hahmann, there is no timetable for completing the picnic project.

During an update on the Cortez Village Historical Society — a group that “focuses on preserving ‘old Florida’ history and stories of founding families in Cortez” — Kaye Bell announced that she would not immediately step down as president of the organization, despite an April 5 statement to that effect. Bell, who has led the organization since 2013, said members of CVHS asked her to stay on as president until some current projects could be completed. For more on FISH, call 941-794-0043 or email jvonhahm@verizon.net.

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Tidings

Gathering

CrossPointe Fellowship will hold its annual “School’s Out” party and its last “Wednesday Night Blast of the 2020-21 year at Anna Maria’s Bayfront Park. The party will be 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 12, in the park, 316 N. Bay Blvd. Plans include kids’ activities and serving grilled hot dogs and hamburgers. The Wednesday Night Blast kids’ program will resume at the church in August. CrossPointe also is preparing for its vacation Bible school program, which will be 9 a.m.-noon MondayFriday, June 21-25, and an “Anchored for the Summer” youth program on Wednesday nights. CrossPointe is at 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the church office at 941-941-778-0719.

Remembrance

Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-4769. Thursdays 9:30 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1638. Saturdays 4 p.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. Sundays 8 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. 8:30 a.m. — Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. 9 a.m. — CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-0719. 9:30 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. 10 a.m. — Roser Church. 10 a.m. — Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian USA, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-9004903. 9 a.m. — Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-6491. 10:30 a.m. — St. Bernard. 10:45 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation.

Anna Maria resident honored The anna Maria Garden Club’s memorial marker planted at the anna Maria Island Historical Society museum, 402 Pine ave., anna Maria, honors Margaret Jenkins, who died in February. Jenkins was a longtime resident of anna Maria, as well as a member of the garden club, Episcopal Church of the annunciation and the anna Maria Planning and Zoning Board. The marker inscription is her words: “The secret to her long life was her dedication to pulling weeds.” Islander Photo: Courtesy Zan Fuller

Obituaries are offered as a community service to residents and families of residents, both past and present, as well as to those people with ties to the island. You may submit a standard obituary and photo to news@islander.org. Obituaries are free.

WHY AM I HERE?

ONGOING EVENTS Wednesdays 10 a.m. — Women’s Bible study, Christ Church. 6:15 p.m. — Wednesday supper, CrossPointe. 6:45 p.m. — Wednesday Night Blast, CrossPointe. Thursdays 9:30 a.m. — RoserRobics ﬁtness, Roser Church. Mondays 9 a.m. — Men’s Bible study, Christ Church, via Zoom. Tuesdays 9:30 a.m. — RoserRobics ﬁtness, Roser Church. SAVE THE DATES July 24, Pioneer Day. Sept. 6-7, Rosh Hashanah. Sept. 13, Yom Kippur. — Lisa Neff

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

Assistance on AMI

Essential Truths

Christ Church of Longboat Key, christchurchlbk.org. CrossPointe Fellowship, crosspointefellowship.church. Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, amiannunciation.org. Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, gloriadeilutheran.com. Harvey Memorial Community Church, Facebook. Longboat Island Chapel, longboatislandchapel.org. Roser Church, roserchurch.com.

Gathering

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REGULAR WORSHIP

‘School’s Out’ party set

About obituaries

11 a.m. — Longboat Island Chapel.

Worship and events calendar

• The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce offers free face masks. Information: 941-778-1541. • The Roser Food Bank welcomes applicants who live and/or work on Anna Maria Island for food assistance, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. • AID offers help to those who live on the island, go to church on the island, attend school on the island and work on the island. Information: 941725-2433

Assistance sought on AMI

• The Roser Food Bank seeks donations. Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, administers the pantry, supported by All Island Denominations. Information: 941-778-0414. • The Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department seeks “self-guided volunteers” to clean trails and beaches, take photos and other tasks. Info: michelle.leahy@mymanatee.org or 941-742-5923. • The Anna Maria Island Historical Society, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, seeks volunteers, including docents for the museum. Information: 941-7780492. • Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals. Information: 941-345-2441. — Lisa Neff

LBK club takes ‘Taste’ fundraiser online The Longboat Key Garden Club went virtual this year with its 10th annual Taste of the Keys. The fundraiser involves the garden club and restaurants on St. Armands Circle, Longboat Key and Anna Maria Island sharing recipes and preparing signature dishes in “informative and fun videos,” according to a news release.

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Participating restaurants include Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Pub, Tommy Bahama’s Tropical Cafe, the Lazy Lobster of Longboat, Driftwood Beach Home and Garden, Speaks Clam Bar, Dry Dock Waterfront Grill, Zota Beach Resort, Whitney’s LBK, Longboat Key Club and Resort, the Chateau Anna Maria, Euphemia Haye and the Columbia Restaurant Group. Watching the videos requires registration and a donation at tasteofthekeys.org. The garden club hopes to raise about $24,000 for grants to local environmental projects and beautification projects on Longboat Key. Another $10,000 would be for scholarships. For more information about the garden club, go online to lbkgardenclub.org or email club president Susan Phillips at president@lbkgardenclub.com.

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Holmes Beach opens bids for shelters, drainage improvements By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Holmes Beach could move forward with a couple of improvement projects over the next month. City staff opened bid packages May 3 and May 4 for a pair of projects: three bids to complete Phase E of the city’s continuous stormwater drainage improvement plans and one bid to replace old and/or damaged bus shelters. Phase E would involve installing drainage pipelines underground and infiltration trenches along the rights of way on 84th Street between Marina Drive and 85th Street, as well as 83rd Street between Marina Drive and 85th Street. Work also would involve repairs to stormwater infrastructure. All three bidders for the stormwater improvement project — Bradenton-based Woodruff & Sons, Sarasota-based C-Squared General Contractor and Palmettobased Gator Grading & Paving — proposed to complete the work for $206,229. The proposals differ in completion methods and bid offers for an alternate item to install a 12-inch-wide perforated drainage pipeline along the south side of 83rd Street. Bids to complete the alternate pipeline include: • $21,032.55 from Woodruff & Sons; • $43,036.30 from C-Squared; • $52,202 from Gator Grading & Paving. City development services director Eran Wasserman said in a May 5 interview with The Islander that 50% of the project’s costs would be funded by the Southwest Florida Water Management District. City engineer Lynn Burnett will review the proposals before they go to the city commission for consideration at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 11, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. People can attend the meeting in person or via teleconference, with directions posted to the city’s website, www.holmesbeachfl.org. The city also received a bid from Bradenton-based Kern Construction Inc. to replace any old and/or dam-

aged trolley shelters for $6,019.21 per shelter. at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 25, at city hall. People can The project would involve demolishing and remov- attend in person or via teleconference. ing eight trolley/bus shelters at the foundation, then installing new structures with metal insulation to protect from the elements. Wasserman said the project was an opportunity to improve a handful of trolley shelters that have been hit by vehicles, suffered water damage or vandalism. “Many of ours were built around 20 years ago … amd we discovered that some of them were failing,” Wasserman said. He added that he hoped the city could complete the project within the next eight weeks so the contractor chosen for the job could avoid the late summer-early Holmes Beach plans to improve about eight fall rainy season. trolley shelters. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice The shelter bid will go before the city commission

Lucky days at HB dog park By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Talk about right place, right time. Detroit resident Brian Greer, who’s visited Anna Maria Island for years and frequents the Holmes Beach dog park, told The Islander April 29 that he found and returned a money clip with $765 to an island resident — thanks to a bit of luck. Greer said he visited the city dog park at 6000 Flotilla Drive April 13 and found a money clip on the ground near its entrance. He said he asked a few people at the park if they lost any valuables, but no one responded in the affirmative. He said he didn’t report the clip to the police because he hoped to avoid paperwork by finding and quickly returning it to its rightful owner. After hanging around the dog park for a few hours without finding the owner, Greer said he headed home with the money clip in hand. However, Greer’s history as a good Samaritan ended up saving the day. “I go on my merry way and I didn’t tell anybody” Greer said. “But later on, I got a text from this girl

saying, ‘My name is Amy. My dad lost something valuable today and I think you may have found it.” “I was thinking — how in the heck did this person get my phone number?” Greer said. She told Greer that she spoke with another parkgoer who gave her Greer’s phone number after she realized he might have found the clip. Greer said the parkgoer only knew him and his number because he’d previously found and returned her iPad. Apparently, the money clip slipped from the owner’s pocket while reaching for his phone at the park. “Pretty bizarre, huh?” he said. “I just happened to be in the right spot at the right time.” And lucky for the two people who lost their valuables.

HB appoints 2 volunteers to parks committee

Holmes Beach city commissioners voted unanimously April 27 to appoint two alternates to the parks and beautification committee. Appointees include residents Kathryn Sandberg and Christian Ulanch. Sandberg, a 20-year resident of the city who’s worked in real estate sales, attended the meeting and said she’s excited to become more involved. “I want to do something for the city that I enjoy so much,” Sandberg said. Sandberg will fill the unexpired term of former board member Carol Hatz as the committee’s first alternate. Her term will expire Aug. 1, 2023. Ulanch, a former member of the U.S. Marine Corps and a Holmes Beach resident for more than 20 years, did not attend the meeting. Ulanch’s term will expire Aug. 1, 2022. Mayor Judy Titsworth told Eileen Jellison, another applicant who failed to qualify because she hasn’t lived in the city for at least a year, that she hoped Jellison would stick around and apply again after she qualiHolmes Beach city clerk Stacey Johnston May 5 fies. The parks and beautification committee will not swears in Kathryn Sandberg to the parks and beaumeet again until the fall, following a summer break tification committee. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice that began May 5.

Crossing Gulf Drive Dale Ranson asks Bradenton Beach commissioners April 22 for help expediting the placement of a crosswalk across from Bermuda Bay condominiums, 1467 Gulf Drive N. Ranson expressed concern over pedestrian safety, saying the street is very dark at night and a lot of people walk in the neighborhood. Mayor John Chappie said he would speak with public works director Tom Woodard and report back to the commission. Islander Photo: Kelsey Mako

— Ryan Paice

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Cops & Courts

Lakeland resident arrested in HB for drug possession

Staff reports

Bradenton man arrested in HB for stealing ﬁrearm By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Holmes Beach police officers arrested a Bradenton resident May 4 on a third-degree felony charge for grand theft of a firearm. An officer stopped David Matute-Sorto, 23, due to a broken passenger-side headlight and smelled marijuana from inside the vehicle. The driver, Matute-Sorto, gave the officer a marijuana cigarette from a cup holder. The officer then saw a handgun in a cup holder in the back seat. He detained Matute-Sorto and secured the firearm — which had been reported stolen — before calling for backup. Matute-Sorto said he recently purchased the vehicle and didn’t know what was inside, including the

Streetlife

Staff reports

Island police reports

Anna Maria April 29, 300 block of Poinsettia Road, burglary in progress/suspicious circumstances. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office dispatched a deputy regarding a complaint that someone heard a door slam and saw the lights on in their parked RV. The deputy searched but found no one and no evidence of a burglary. April 29, 800 block of South Bay Boulevard, vandalism. The MCSO received a complaint that someone drove over a property owner’s back-flow preventer. The deputy filed a report. May 1, 700 block of Jacaranda Road, noise. The MCSO dispatched a deputy regarding a noise complaint. The deputy found children screaming and playing around a pool and issued a warning. May 1, 100 block of Palm Avenue, noise. The MCSO received a complaint regarding loud music

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A Holmes Beach police officer arrested a Lakeland resident April 29 on two third-degree felony charges for possession of a controlled substance and possession of over 20 grams of marijuana. The officer stopped Armani Edoizin, 22, for driving a vehicle after hours on the shore at Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive. During the traffic stop, the officer saw a mason jar containing marijuana. Officers later weighed the marijuana at 39.8 grams at the Holmes Beach Police Department. The officer searched the vehicle and found a bag with several Xanax pills that were not prescribed. The officer issued Edoizin citations for driving on the beach and driving with a suspended license, then transported him to the Manatee County jail. Edoizin was released the same day after posting $3,000 bond. An arraignment will be at 9 a.m. Friday, May 21, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee and partiers. The deputy found a party and issued a Ave. W., Bradenton. A third-degree felony charge can carry up to 5-year warning. prison and/or probation sentences, as well as a $5,000 The MCSO polices Anna Maria. fine. Bradenton Beach — Ryan Paice April 27, 100 block of Seventh Street South, grand theft of motor vehicle. The Bradenton Beach Police Department dispatched an officer regarding a comThe BBPD polices Bradenton Beach. plaint of a stolen vehicle. The officer searched the area Cortez for the vehicle and filed a report. April 28, 10300 block of Cortez Road West, disApril 29, 1400 block of Gulf Drive South, grand turbance. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office distheft of a motor vehicle. The BBPD dispatched an offi- patched a deputy regarding a complaint of a construccer regarding a complaint of a stolen motorcycle. The tion worker from a nearby site yelling and threatening officer searched the area and filed a report. the complainant. The construction worker had left the May 3, 2600 block of Gulf Drive, Marchman Act. area when the deputy arrived. A BBPD officer was flagged down by beach patrol April 28, Swordfish Grill, 4628 119th St., W., fireand a code enforcement officer to assist with a person works. The MCSO dispatched a deputy regarding a in danger of drowning who had been pulled from the complaint of loud noise. The deputy saw the fireworks water. The officer determined the person was intoxi- in the sky but could not locate the source. cated and due to threats of self-harm, the officer called April 29, 10300 block of Cortez Road West, stolen emergency health care. vehicle. The MCSO dispatched a deputy regarding a May 3, 400 block of 20th Place North, noise. The complaint of personal-water crafts stolen from a dock. BBPD dispatched an officer regarding a complaint of The deputy filed a report. loud music. The officer issued a warning. May 1, Cortez Kitchen, 4528 119th St. W., assault. The MCSO dispatched a deputy regarding a complaint of an assault. An employee reported being kicked by

firearm. He said he had been stopped by Florida Highway Patrol officers who he claimed found the weapon during a vehicle search and allowed him to keep it. Holmes Beach police reported they couldn’t verify his story. The officers also issued citations for driving with a broken headlight and for possessing marijuana without a medical marijuana license. An officer transported Matute-Sorto to the Manatee County jail, where he was released the same day after posting $1,500 bond. Officers confiscated the firearm, ammunition and marijuana and placed them in evidence. A third-degree felony charge can carry up to 5-year prison and/or probation sentences, as well as a $5,000 fine.

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Hit-and-run victim’s wife seeks witnesses to bridge crash By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

A year has passed since a hit-and-run traffic incident on the Anna Maria Island Bridge resulted in a Bradenton man’s death. Now, the man’s wife is seeking retribution for what she believes was a wrongful death. Bradenton resident Jean Nieto told The Islander May 7 that she is seeking witnesses of the April 27, 2020, incident that hospitalized her husband of 36 years, David, who was in a coma from severe head trauma, before he died from his injuries May 22, 2020. David was riding his bicycle eastbound onto the bridge from the sidewalk along the north side of Manatee Avenue/State Road 64 when he fell into the road and was struck by a truck traveling west, according to the Florida Highway Patrol, which investigated the incident. FHP’s conclusion that David fell into the roadway

cleared the motorist of fault for the incident, but Nieto said she’s spoken with a witness who said they saw the motorist’s vehicle strike her husband, knocking him into the road. “There’s conflicting reports,” Nieto said. “Another guy said David just fell off his bike, which I find hard to believe. So, we’re kind of at a standstill and I was hoping that other people could provide some more input and move this forward.” Nieto said she’s seeking additional witnesses to pursue a wrongful death claim against the motorist’s insurer and she hired Orlando-based Morgan & Morgan to take the case. “If I could go against the Florida Highway Patrol, I would, but I can’t,” she said. “I think it was mishandled from the beginning. …But I don’t have any proof.” Nieto said her husband was a man of “utmost safety,” who she doubted would have fallen into the roadway without cause. “They’re trying to make it all David’s fault. …

He wasn’t drunk,” Nieto said. “He was out getting exercise, and something knocked him off that bike and under that trailer. And I’m just very angry.” Nieto said she is organizing a celebration of life event at Coquina Beach for Saturday, May 22 — the anniversary of her husband’s death. She said about 90 people are expected to attend. She also hopes to purchase a memorial bench in Bradenton Beach. “He loved it over there,” Nieto said. People who have information about the April 27, 2020, hit-and-run incident can call Nieto at 720-7324938. David Nieto received a Purple Promise Humanitarian award in 2019 for helping pull a woman from her vehicle after she was hit by another motorist. Islander Photo: Courtesy Jean Nieto

Crash leads to DUI arrest in Bradenton Beach A 33-year-old Bradenton man is facing a charge of driving under the influence after crashing May 1 into a vacation rental home. Alex Hernandez Garcia will face a first-degree misdemeanor charge of DUI damage to property when he appears June 3 before a circuit court judge. If convicted, he could face up to one year in jail, one year probation and a $1,000 fine. Garcia failed a Breathalyzer administered by a Manatee County sheriff’s deputy and was arrested for driving under the influence and transported to the Manatee County jail, according to reports. He was released from jail May 3 after posting a $500 bond.

The crash happened at about 11:40 p.m., when Garcia drove a Nissan sedan into a building at Linger Longer, 302 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Garcia told police he was not injured but, police noted, the vehicle he drove had extensive damage. The police report also indicated a damaged waterline was gushing water. Garcia told police he lost control of the vehicle when he hit a bump driving through the roundabout, the report said. He also told police he was headed to Bradenton from Orlando and thought he was at a Sarasota convenience store. — amy V.T. Moriarty

STREETLIFE CONTINUED FROM PaGE 18

a co-worker. The person who allegedly committed the assault was fired but apparently had possession of the complainant’s personal identification. The deputy filed a report. May 3, 4100 block of 129th Street West, burglary. The MCSO dispatched a deputy regarding a complaint of a bicycle theft. The deputy filed a report. The MCSO polices Cortez. Holmes Beach April 29, 700 block of Manatee Avenue, recovered property. An officer stopped a vehicle pinged by the license plate recognition system for a stolen tag. The driver said he/she was unaware of the stolen plate was confiscated and the officer issued a warning. April 30, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, alcohol, marijuana, obstruction without violence. An officer found a pair of motorists in vehicles while parked at the beach after hours. He found one with a small amount of marijuana, an open alcohol container and drug paraphernalia. The officer issued citations. The other motorist provided a false name and fled. Police didn’t find him, but identified him and filed a capias request.

May 2, 3300 block of East Bay Drive, warrant arrest. An officer saw a man sleeping on a public bench. The officer searched databases and found arrest warrants for the man, who was arrested and transported to the Manatee County jail. May 3, Regions Bank, 3900 Sixth Ave., alcohol. An officer saw a man sitting by himself with several open alcohol containers next to him. The man chugged a beer in front of the officer. The officer issued a court summons. May 4, 4300 block of Gulf Drive, marijuana. An officer stopped a motorist who made an illegal turn and smelled marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. The driver gave the officer a bag of marijuana from the floorboard. The officer issued a court summons and citation. May 4, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, alcohol. An officer on patrol saw a man drinking beer on the beach. The officer issued a court summons and trespass warning to the man. HBPD polices Holmes Beach. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

Arraignment continued for man arrested for DUI

A May 4 arraignment was continued to June after Milwaukee resident Douglas Peck, 51, failed to appear in court. Holmes Beach police arrested Peck March 31 on a second-degree misdemeanor charge for driving under the influence of alcohol. He was stopped by HBPD for driving recklessly. The second-degree misdemeanor charge carries varying punishments, including fines and up to nine months in prison for a first conviction. The officer had Peck complete field sobriety tests, which he failed, according to a Holmes Beach Police Department arrest report. The officer arrested Peck and transported him to the HBPD, where he registered results of 0.287 and 0.271 grams of ethanol per deciliter of blood in two blood/alcohol level tests. The legal blood/alcohol content limit for driving under the influence is 0.08 in Florida. Peck was released April 1 on a $120 bond. He pleaded “not guilty” April 8, but the state attorney’s office had yet to file charges as of May 5. The next hearing is scheduled for 1:25 p.m. Tuesday, June 29, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. — Ryan Paice

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Page 20 THE ISLANDER | islander.org May 12, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

County invites cities to ‘work together’ on stimulus spending By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Manatee County deputy county administrator Karen Stewart presented the county’s plan to determine uses for funds from the U.S. American Rescue Plan Act at a May 4 council of governments meeting. The $362 billion ARPA is set to distribute $90 million to the county over two rounds of funding. Anna Maria Island will receive $3.09 million between its three municipalities: Anna Maria, $740,432; Bradenton Beach, $537,464; and Holmes Beach, $1.81 million. However, many local officials say they’re in the dark regarding how the money can be spent. Stewart said the county hired Ernst & Young — a multinational professional services network headquartered in London — to research and help determine how the funding could be used. She said local municipalities could piggyback onto the county’s agreement with the consultants in an effort to determine uses for their ARPA funds. Stewart said municipalities that piggyback onto

HB responds to governor’s dismissal of pandemic orders

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ May 3 executive order 21-102 is making waves on Anna Maria Island. The order eliminates any local COVID-19-based restrictions and emergency orders, as well as prevents the imposition of further restrictions through the remainder of Florida’s state of emergency, which is set to finally expire Saturday, June 26. The order is a stopgap to Senate Bill 2006, a piece of recently adopted legislation that will become effective July 1, which will limit local government’s emergency powers during any future non-hurricane-based emergencies. Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth wrote in a May 7 email to The Islander that, due to DeSantis’ order, city code compliance officers would no longer enforce the city’s mask mandate unless requested by a private property owner. Titsworth praised the mask mandate — which the city established in June 2020 to require people to wear masks when they couldn’t social distance — to allow “people to feel safe to leave their homes and support our local businesses by shopping again.” She said she did not support DeSantis’ order, but added that she felt open to making some changes now that vaccines are so readily available. “We’re telling our businesses that it’s up to them whether they want people to wear masks or not,” Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer told The Islander in a May 7 interview. If a private property or business owner requests a person wear a mask, their recourse would be to call the HBPD at 941-708-5804 and request a trespass order. City commissioners were set to discuss the fate of the mask mandate at a Tuesday, May 11, meeting after The Islander’s press deadline. Beforehand, the city made no changes to its safety measures at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive, which included masks and temperature readings. — Ryan Paice

Local officials met May 4 to discuss Manatee County’s plan to hire a consultant to determine uses for funds from the U.S. American Rescue Plan. Islander Screenshot: YouTube

the agreement would be able to join group calls to Bradenton Beach ends state work through any questions. Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown said the consultant of emergency agreement was a good opportunity to collaborate with No mask? No problem in Bradenton Beach. other governments in the county. The city never had a mask mandate but a state of “Obviously, everyone can decide on their own, emergency has existed since March 2020 in response but we appreciate the opportunity to work together,” to the pandemic. Brown said. Commissioners reached consensus May 5 not to renew the state of emergency, leaving it to expire the Coronavirus stats same day. The measure allowed the city to exercise emerThe state has been documenting coronavirus stagency powers and to access state and federal emertistics since March 2020. gency relief funds that would be otherwise unavailIn Florida, as of May 7, there have been: able. • 2,262,598 positive cases. However, Lt. John Cosby said the state of emer• 35,635 deaths. gency may no longer be necessary because the city has In Manatee County, as of May 7: • 38,711 positive cases, an increase of 583 from no emergency orders in effect and already has collected relief funding. the week prior. Mayor John Chappie suggested allowing the mea• 1,551 hospitalizations, an increase of 17 from a sure to expire without commission action and commisweek prior. • 674 deaths as of May 7, an increase of 13 from sioners agreed. Chappie said the city would continue to require a week prior. people to wear masks inside city hall, 103 Gulf Drive On the island, there have been: • 69 cases in Anna Maria — no increase from the N., Bradenton Beach, but city staff would no longer take temperature readings. week prior. “Whatever people feel comfortable with probably • 108 cases in Bradenton Beach — no increase. • 209 cases in Holmes Beach, an increase of three is the way we’re going to go,” Chappie said. — Ryan Paice from a week prior.

Face masks no longer required by Anna Maria Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis trumped the face mask mandate. Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said May 5 that the city will no longer require the use of face masks on city properties, including at the city pier. Murphy also said temperature checks are no longer required to enter city buildings. The city announcement followed DeSantis’ May 3 executive order suspending COVID-19 public health restrictions and canceling local government protections, including requirements for face masks. Following the governor’s order, Murphy said it would be up to city commissioners whether to establish a permanent ordinance mandating face masks or other precautions for the ongoing pandemic. Commissioners also could enact an emergency ordinance when they meet at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 13, Murphy said. If commissioners decide not to adopt an ordinance, rules for temperature checks and the use of masks at

BB commission keeps COVID-19 outdoor dining options By Kelsey Mako Islander Reporter

Table for two? Bradenton Beach commissioners unanimously reached a consensus May 6 to revise a year-old COVID-related ordinance on outdoor dining, allowing certain businesses to continue using the adjoining sidewalk and parking spaces along Bridge Street for outdoor dining. A sunset provision in the ordinance provided for expiration once pandemic-related limitations on restaurant capacity and retail store occupancy were terminated by the governor or the state, city attorney Ricinda Perry said. The governor has terminated COVID-related

limitations. Commissioners now plan to amend the ordinance to refer to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance rather than state regulations. Mayor John Chappie said amending the ordinance would provide businesses more time to recover from pandemic-related setbacks. Commissioners plan to amend the ordinance for outdoor dining, but not outdoor entertainment, which has led to complaints from residents, Perry said. “We’re helping one side, but we don’t want to hurt the other,” she said. Restaurants will need to resubmit seating plans to ensure business licenses and fees are accurate.

events on city property, such as the Anna Maria Island Privateers’ Snooks Adams Kids Day — 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, May 29, at City Pier Park — would be up to the event hosts. The final farmers market of the season, set for Tuesday, May 11, at City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., was to be the first event for the city after the state repeal of the mask requirement. As for city employees, Murphy said most are vaccinated and he left the decision to use a face mask up to individuals. Businesses within the city can still require masks and request the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office to help enforce the business’ policy by trespassing people who refuse to comply. Murphy likened the enforcement to applying a “no shirts, no shoes, no service” policy. For more information, call the clerk’s office at 941708-6130.

PLEASE, TAKE NOTE! — Amy V.T. Moriarty

The Islander has moved! The “best news on AMI” has purchased and relocated to a condo ofﬁce. We’re now across from HB City Hall and behind the Ugly Grouper. You’ll ﬁnd us at 315 58th St., Holmes Beach. So stop by and check out our new, groovy digs. We’re ready to serve you! Same phone and email. The island’s best news for 29 years! 941.778.7978 news@islander.org

May 12, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 21 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

BB CRA crosswalk issue highlights engineer-attorney tension By Kelsey Mako Islander Reporter

Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency board members tackled a problem May 5 with the crosswalk pavers on Bridge Street. The issue for the CRA is that pavers placed by Custom Brick Pavers Inc. in 2020 are sinking at four crosswalk locations. But the issue grew to be a blame game. City attorney Ricinda Perry said she had asked Lynn Burnett, owner of LTA Engineers and a contractor for the city, for a permanent solution and Burnett advised asphalting in the pavers and stamping them or installing raised crosswalks. According to Perry, Burnett said the crosswalk pavers would continue sinking no matter how well the base was compacted. Further contributing to the problems on Bridge Street, curbing headers intended to hold the pavers in place are falling apart, Perry said, adding that they must be excavated and replaced. Lt. John Cosby said the CRA was told epoxy would fix issues caused by erosion, but it did not. Perry and others raised concerns about the design of the project. But Burnett was not present to answer those concerns at the CRA’s May 5 meeting. Instead, Burnett, presented a prepared statement TURTLES CONTINUED FROM PaGE 1

SF: In the seventies, I lived in Miami and I managed large hotels. When I came here, my mother was with me and my grandmother lived with us because she had dementia. Within a couple of years, both of them passed away. Depression was tough. That’s when I really got into turtle watch. At the time, my mother had a cleaning business that cleaned rentals out here on the island. I picked that up because it was mindless and it was active. So I cleaned toilets. It’s not embarrassing to me. It actually helped me heal. Q: How have things changed since the early years? SF: We realized that education was a really big component to this. We never asked for money from the cities. We raised it ourselves and we received some county funding. I found grants. I’m not a grant writer. It’s a hard job, but I learned to wear many different hats. I found that if you surround yourself with good people, it’s a win-win. Q: What about the program itself has changed? SF: ATVs and automation made a big difference because they are more efficient. We also have cut back on allowing masses of people to monitor together. Before, we thought that educating on the beach was good. We realized volunteers were missing crawls and nests. That was a huge change. It had turned into such a social club, but really we’re an environmental group. It was hard because every time

May 6 to city commissioners at their meeting, clarifying that her company, LTA Engineers, did not design the Bridge Street crosswalks or install the pavers. “LTA’s responsibilities were related to the maintenance and refurbishment of the (stormwater project) open-graded stone parking areas along Bridge Street to replace those areas with permeable pavers.” Burnett said she went on vacation on Jan. 5 and on Jan. 8 it was “brought to my attention that Classic Brick had mobilized to begin the work. I immediately notified them in writing to cease and desist and remove

all materials from Bridge Street.” “Ricinda Perry, under the direction of the CRA board members, directed Classic Brick to commence work on the project,” Burnett said. She added, “Ricinda assumed the role to provide direction and oversight of the means and methods of construction and installation of the permeable brick pavers....” To move forward with the crosswalk repairs, the CRA received quotes for the following work: • Woodruff and Sons, $114,000 to install asphalt and stamped pavers. • C Squared Cert Contractors, $50,000 for stamped asphalt or $67,000 to install raised crosswalks with a stamped pattern. Previously, the CRA had agreed to have Custom Brick replace the sinking pavers and compact the base at a cost not to exceed $7,200. Angela Rodocker, owner of Bridgewalk motel on Bridge Street, favored keeping the pavers, compacting the base and installing non-pervious pavers. “This is maddening to me,” she said. “As a taxpayer, I’m going to be brutally honest, I don’t know if this was all LTA, but whoever approved this from an engineering perspective to come back and say that this is not right, I have a problem with that,” Rodocker said. “We depend on our engineering department,” she added.

someone volunteered, they became a part of me. When the pandemic started, I had to call some of our people who had breathing problems and ask them to step back. Q: How does your past experience inﬂuence how you go about turtle watching today? SF: We have fine-tuned it to where we have almost every tool to make this go smooth. There’s no brick walls for us anymore. We have ATVs and we have a software engineer who designed an app for us. He’s redesigning it right now. His wife is going to make it people friendly. Q: What have you learned about sea turtles? SF: I learned that being cranky and trying to demand what the public should do isn’t helping the turtles. We need to teach people to fall in love with them and protect them by staying back, giving us a heads up if they see something and filling in the holes. That is what’s going to help these turtles. Nothing has changed with these ancient, wonderful creatures. I’m more in awe of them than I was when

I first started. Q: What have you learned about beachgoers? SF: The island has gotten more busy. I lived here I believe in the best of times. Visitors come here to this island not to seek high-rise accommodations. They want to be your neighbor. I worry that they’re going to love these turtles to death. So, again, the education is very important. Q: What’s the biggest challenge? SF: The enforcement of our ordinances is not an easy job. We must work with code officers constantly to help them and keep them trained. The hardest thing is helping the cities protect the turtles. It’s my job to collect data. It’s their job to go question it. Q: Do you have any plans to change the program in the future? SF: We made such huge changes in the last two years. We don’t know if what we designed this year is going to work as smoothly as we think it will. We’re adaptable.

LTa Engineers owner and engineer Lynn Burnett attends the May 6 Bradenton Beach commission meeting. Islander Photo: Kelsey Mako

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Page 22 THE ISLANDER | islander.org May 12, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Nesting notes By Kelsey Mako

1st of 2021 sea turtle nests marked on AMI beach

Sea turtles tread the sand on Anna Maria Island. The first of this year’s nesting season brought tractor-like tread marks from a loggerhead’s flippers May 3 near to the beach near 74th Street in Holmes Beach, with Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteer Skip Coyne first eyeing the crawl marks in the sand. Additionally, volunteer Bill Booher identified a loggerhead’s crawl on the beach near Pine Avenue in Anna Maria. It turned out to be a false crawl, which occurs when a female sea turtle comes ashore to lay her eggs but ends up not nesting. AMITW executive director Suzi Fox said its possible the same turtle made the false crawl and nest. “It’s beautiful,” Fox said of the season’s first nest. She added that the same loggerhead may return to AMI to nest again this season, as one sea turtle can nest five to eight times in one season. A hatch date is difficult to predict due to factors Code officers use “turtle eye” lenses to check if lighting is safe for sea turtles. Blue lighting in the “turtle eye” is unsafe.

Bradenton Beach code enforcement officer Ronald Peterson fills a hole May 2 near the 31st Street beach access. Islander Photos: Kelsey Mako

of Mother Nature, Fox said, but generally incubation is 60 days. “I’ve seen them go at 42 days and 90 days,” Fox said. As of May 9, AMITW had identified seven nests on the island, as well as 17 false crawls. Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring is a nonprofit focused on monitoring and collecting data on sea turtle nests and activity. Nesting season runs May 1-Oct. 31, with volunteers on the beaches after sunrise looking for signs of activity. If they come across a nest, the volunteers place a red flag and continue with their check of the beach. After, they return to place ribbons and stakes at the nest and enter data on tablets. Nests are verified as needed, which involves carefully placing a hand in the nest hole to check for

Do’s and don’ts for sea turtle nesting season The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recommends people follow these guidelines for sea turtle safety: • DO turn off or adjust lighting along the beachfront to prevent nesting sea turtles from becoming disoriented and moving toward the glow of light on land, instead of natural light reflecting on the surface of the water. Indoor lights should be turned off, with curtains closed after dark, and outdoor lighting should be turtle-friendly bulbs. Use fixtures low to the ground and shielded from view at the shoreline. • DON’T use ﬂashlights or camera ﬂashes on the beach at night. They can distract nesting sea turtles and cause them to return to the water. • DO clear the way at the end of the day. Nesting female sea turtles can become trapped, confused or impeded by gear left on the beach at night. Remove

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eggs. But nests only can be verified by people holding permits from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which, on AMI is Fox and the volunteers she lists on her permit. AMITW has 19 volunteers: 10 are more experienced, referred to as “oldies” by Fox, leaving nine “newbies.” The volunteers monitor the 7-mile length of island beaches until nesting season picks up. They ride the beach, sometimes in pairs, on one of AMITW’s four ATVs. In the height of the season, up to eight volunteers are cruising from end to end, monitoring daily. As sea turtles arrive on Anna Maria Island, Fox said she worries about lighting from properties and furniture and other beach gear left on the beach. Lighting can disorient nesting turtles and beach furniture can deter turtles from nesting. “I’m a little worried about repeat offenders,” Fox said. Lighting on beachfront properties should be amber in wavelength and shielded, any holes dug on the shore should be filled, and beach furniture should be removed from the nesting beach by sunset. For more information, go to AMITW’s website at islandturtlewatch.com or call AMITW at 941-7785638.

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items such as boats, tents, rafts and beach furniture and fill in holes or level sand castles before dusk. Holes trap turtles and can injure people. Call code enforcement to report unattended property or large holes on the beach. City of anna Maria code enforcement — 941-7086130, ext. 139 or ext. 129. City of Bradenton Beach code enforcement — 941-778-1005, ext. 280. City of Holmes Beach code enforcement — 941708-5800, ext. 247. Report sick, injured, entangled or dead sea turtles to the FWC Wildlife alert Hotline, at 1-888-404-3922, #FWC or *FWC on a cellphone or text Tip@MyFWC. com. For more information on island nesting, contact Suzi Fox at suzifox@gmail.com or 941-778-5638.

Holmes Beach code compliance officer JT Thomas alerts a beachfront property owner May 2 that they are in violation of the lighting ordinance to protect sea turtles. Lighting visible from the beach must be amber and shielded May-October.

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Not loving lovebugs?

By Lisa Neff

Monitoring continues for Piney Point pollution

A “mayday” went out on May Day. With reports surfacing around Anna Maria Island about thick mats of lyngbya-like blooms, the Suncoast Waterkeeper environmental group posted an alert to supporters on social media: “We have grave concerns about a resurgence of red tide. Conditions are ripe. We have many reports of lyngbya-like blooms in Neff northern Sarasota Bay/Anna Maria Sound and the dreaded plume of Piney Point wastewater that is mixing tons of nitrogen into the water column to fuel blooms.” Meanwhile, a month after the discharges of wastewater into Tampa Bay occurred at the retired Piney Point phosphate site, state agencies, nonprofits and educational institutions monitored water quality in the region. County administrator Scott Hopes and county parks and natural resources director Charlie Hunsicker briefed local officials on the situation May 4, during a Manatee County Council of Governments meeting in Palmetto. They reported monitoring is taking place daily and that the Piney Point wastewater had not — to date — produced harmful algal blooms. “We’re getting reports of large mats of floating algae,” Hunsicker said, adding that fishers and boaters were providing observations from the water. “But is it driven by Piney Point? No. Not yet.” “Will it?” Hunsicker asked. Then he answered: Possibly, because “the nitrogen is still there, in the water column.” Modeling along with monitoring will help inform officials, Hunsicker said. But “there’s very little we can do in an open water environment” to treat or remove the pollution already discharged into Tampa Bay. County officials hope to prevent further discharges — and threats to the bay — by closing down the Piney Point site, which Borden Chemical opened in 1966 and, after a series of corporate failures, pollution events and

Love doesn’t keep them together. But sex does. Yes, lovebugs are at it again, drifting and coupling in the air, on window screens, patio furniture and especially vehicles. The bugs — a march fly now common to the southeastern United States and Central America — show up in large numbers in late April and May and again in September. Lovebugs dig humid spaces and hot surfaces. They don’t bite or sting and do us no physical harm. Actually, the bugs can be beneficial to us — they’re pollinators and the larvae feed on decaying vegetation in the landscape. Still, people generally don’t show the love for the bugs that can remain paired for days. The exceptions might be carwash operators, who get the business generated in the spring and fall, when lovebugs swarm and splatter windshields, clog radiator grills and leave a slightly acidic residue. The purveyors of fake news like them, too. Lovebugs are native to Central America and likely arrived to the Gulf Coast on ships. Research documents their presence in Louisiana in 1911 and Florida in the later 1940s. But check social media forums and you’ll find plenty of posts circulating about lovebugs being the result of a genetic experiment gone awry, usually at the University of Florida. One variation of the false post reads, “Lovebugs are actually manmade. Scientists were genetically bankruptcies, came under the management of HRK Holdings in 2006. Last July, HRK reported “significant deterioration” of a liner holding wastewater on the site. Then, in late March, HRK reported a leak in a containment system on the site and secured authorization from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to discharge wastewater — a mix of freshwater, saltwater and process water super-charged with nutrients — into Tampa Bay. Their goal was to release the water to avoid the collapse of the containment system and a flood of wastewater. The discharges lasted until April 9, when the focus shifted to treating the contained water on-site and preparing to close the site, where about 600 million gallons of wastewater remains, along with the phosphogypsum that contains uranium, thorium and radium. The closure will take years, cost at least $100 mil-

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engineering females of a species of insect that would mate with the male mosquito but be sterile and produce no offspring. Unfortunately, they accidentally also created a male lovebug and a pair somehow escaped into the wild. Since the bugs had no natural predators, their numbers quickly exploded into the millions.” Another claim plays on historic school rivalry along with false news: “Back when I was a student at the Florida State, I was told that lovebugs were accidentally released from a biological experiment station at the University of Florida.” A couple of years ago, the Orlando Sentinel reported on the lovebug rumors and quoted a professor who said if the University of Florida had engineered lovebugs, they wouldn’t be black and red. They’d be blue and orange. This is interesting, because just yesterday I saw a two-headed spider and can you guess its color? — Lisa Neff

lion and involve the construction of a deep injection well. Hopes described the closure process, which would involve removing wastewater from containment ponds, installing new liners and clay caps and burying the stack under at least 2 feet of topsoil. He looked at the situation with optimism. After Piney Point is dewatered and buried, he suggested, “You could have a BMX park or the highest soccer fields in the county.”

Acidic water discharged

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection reported a new discharge of 7,020 gallons of acidic water at the retired Piney Point phosphate site. The leak was from about 1 a.m.-7:30 a.m. May 1 and the DEP report described it as a “slightly out of compliance stormwater release. The report said the water was pumped to a stormwater detention area on-site.

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Page 24 THE ISLANDER | islander.org May 12, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Mayso runs soccer camp, plans another, Magic tryouts set By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter

Manatee Area Youth Soccer Organization coach Rui Fernandes and some of the league’s Manatee Magic players — part of the youth soccer club based at G.T. Bray Park in Bradenton — arrived May 5 at the Center of Anna Maria Island to put on a free soccer clinic. About 30 kids, ages 7 to 14 years, showed up ready to learn. Magic players helping out at the clinic were Cassidy islanders Thomas Heckler and David Thompson, along with Pedro Santibanez and Elijah Hager of Bradenton. They represent the U17 Manatee Magic team coached by former islander Brett McIntosh. MAYSO was founded in 1976. Currently it is under the direction of this reporter, who serves as vice president of competitive soccer alongside recreational soccer director Rui Fernandes, a career counselor at Palmetto High School. Fernandes also is a partner in the Florida Soccer School, which puts on camps throughout the state. Fernandes’ soccer experience includes the University of Connecticut, 1999-2003, with a national title in 2000. He served as team captain 2001-03. He served as an assistant coach at the collegiate level at USF Tampa and Southern Connecticut State University while club coaching at Fishhawk Soccer Club before joining the Mayso team. Fernandes and his assistants put the clinic kids through an array of drills for skills — dribbling, passing and receiving — while emphasizing the need to communicate and have fun. The Florida Soccer School will be host two camps at G.T. Bray Park — June 7-11 and July 26-30. Mayso will be back Wednesday, May 12, for a another clinic at the center, with signup at 941-7781908. Manatee Magic tryouts on the horizon Tryouts for the 2021-22 Manatee Magic soccer season are set for the week of May 17-19 at G.T. Bray Park, 5502 33rd Ave. Drive W., Bradenton. There is no cost to tryout, but registration is required at mayso.org. Click competitive tryouts to find teams by age group. The tryouts are 6-7:30 p.m. with check-in starting at 5:30 p.m. Ages and tryout dates are as follows: • May 17: U9-U10, birth years 2012-13; • May 18: U11-U12, birth years 2010-11; • May 19: U13-U19, birth years 2004-09. May 20 is reserved for any needed rainouts. If kids can’t make their tryout dates, email info@ mayso.org for an alternate tryout. More soccer action The spring soccer league at the center completed its fourth week of action May 4 with a bevy of games. The 8-10 division saw Solid Rock Construction and Shady Lady battle to a 1-1 tie in the opening game of the night. Jesse Zaccagnino scored for Shady Lady, while McKenna Darak scored for Solid Rock. The second 8-10 match was another close one, as

Savannah Coba works on her dribbling skills May 5 under the watchful eye of MAYSO recreational soccer director Rui Fernandes during a free soccer clinic at the Center of Anna Maria Island put on by MAYSO. The club will be back at the center May 12 for another free clinic. Islander Photo: Kevin P. Cassidy

Tidy MD held on for a 1-0 victory behind a goal from Kirra Quinby. Next up, an 11-14 division match saw Grooms Automotive slip past HSH Designs 1-0 behind a goal from Cecelia Kroth. Victor Albrecht made nine saves to help keep HSH Designs in the match. The final match of the night was a barnburner. AM Bath Time outlasted The Gitt Team 6-5 behind four goals from Maddox Culhane and a pair of goals from Jack Mattick. Hamish Robertson scored three goals to lead The Gitt Team, which also received a goal each from Jason Magee and Cyrus Ryan in the loss. Adult soccer continues Four weeks into adult soccer at the center finds CABB Cleaning and Beach Bums on top of the standings with matching 3-0-1 records. Right on their heels is Flynn Law at 3-1, just ahead of third place Slim’s Place, which boasts a 2-1-1 record. The records go south from there with Salty Printing, Sandbar Restaurant and Sato Real Estate all at 1-3, while Killer Bait completes the standings at 0-3-1. The first match May 6 saw Killer Bait and Slim’s Place battle to a 7-7 tie. Chris Scott and Daniel Hampton scored two goals each, while Chris Culhane, Ethan Hampton and Ryan Moss each scored one. Keith Mahoney led Slim’s with three goals, while Daniel Adan and Raul Loera added two goals. Sato got into the win column with an 8-6 victory over Salty Printing behind three goals from Rico Beissert and two goals from Selena Gonzalez. Josh Sato, Lyn Clarke and Thomas Mangotic completed the scoring with a goal each. Kevin Roman led Salty Printing in the loss with three goals. Beach Bums rolled to a 7-1 victory over Flynn Law behind four goals from Emily Fischer and a goal each from Tyler Brewer, Lucky Durmaz and Jamie Hutchinson. Hakan Toka notched the lone goal for Flynn Law in the loss. The last match of the night saw CABB cruise to a 5-1 victory over Sandbar. Luca Vechio scored three goals to lead CABB, which also received a goal each from Timo Vechio and Kali Richardson.

Jessica Williams scored for Sandbar, which also received nine saves from Kevin Mulcahy in the loss. Key Royale golf news A full week of golf at Key Royale Club started May 3 with a men’s modified-Stableford system match. Bill Koche and Bill Shuman both carded plus-5s to tie for top individual honors. A trio of teams finished in a tie for first, including Ken Butler, Koche, Quentin Talbert and Joe Tynan; Buddy Foy, Dale Hudson, Jerry Martinek and Blake Ress; and the foursome of Marty Hicks, John Kolojeski, Tom Nelson and Shuman all with scores of plus-5. No word on who purchased the post-match drinks in the clubhouse. The women played a nine-hole individual-low-net match in three flights May 4. Betsy Meyer fired a 4-under-par 28 to win Flight A by a stroke over Lisa Edmonds. Margrit Layh carded a 1-under-par 31 to grab first place in Flight B. Sally York’s 2-under-par 30 gave her first place in Flight C by one stroke over Janet Razze. The men were back on the course May 6 for a nine-hole shamble that saw the team of Jon Holcomb, Hoyt Miller, Larry Solberg and Terry Terras card a 3-under-par 29 to earn bragging rights for the day. Horseshoe news To say Rod Bussey is on fire in the pits would be an understatement after earning his fourth consecutive victory with the AMI horseshoe group. On May 5, Bussey teamed up with Bob Heiger to post the lone 3-0 pool play record to win the day’s championship and his third in a row. Two teams posted 3-0 records during May 8 horseshoe action and battled for the day’s title. Bussey, this time teamed up with Steve Doyle, rolled to an easy 21-11 victory over Jerry Disbrow and Billy Silver for Bussey’s fourth consecutive victory. Play gets underway at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. There is no charge to play, everyone is welcome.

Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

We like likes

May 12 May13 May14 May15 May16 May17 May18 May19

HIGH

2:04a 2:50a 3:43a 1:32p 2:12p 3:01p 4:04p 8:48a

1.5 1.4 1.3 2.6 2.5 2.4 2.2 1.6

12:03p 12:28p 12:58p — — — — 5:29p

HIGH

2.5 5:44a 2.6 5:55a 2.6 6:04a — 9:48p — 10:40p — 11:36p — — 2.0 12:34a

LOW

1.1 1.2 1.2 -0.3 -0.2 -0.2 — -0.1

7:42p 8:20p 9:01p — — — — 11:40a

LOW

Moon

-0.2 -0.3 -0.3 — — — — 1.5 1st

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

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May 12, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 25 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Catch the breeze, great tides, marlin, whale sharks offshore By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

Fishing the offshore waters west of Anna Maria Island is offering great action for anglers willing to make the long trek out to the deep. Light, southerly breezes combined with some great tides are the recipe for success when fishing 30-50 miles out in the Gulf. Catches of migratory fish — African pompano, blackfin tuna, kingfish and amberjack — are being reported with gusto. Stasny Bottom fishing for snapper is red hot, with limits of above-average mangroves and yellowtail snapper being reeled up. And, for the sheer thrill, sightings of whale sharks are more frequent. Last but not least, a blue marlin skyrocketed from the water near Capt. Jason Stock’s boat while he was fishing offshore — something we don’t see often. Moving inshore, catch-and-release action on the popular trio of snook, redfish and spotted seatrout is the highlight of the backcountry. But they may take a backseat to the silver king, as we delve deeper into May and tarpon begin making appearances in many backwater areas, as well as the deeper grass flats of southern Tampa Bay. Soon, we should see larger schools in Tampa Bay and in the passes around Egmont Key and at Bean Point. As for now, the shallow-water flats action is where it’s at. Casting live baits against the mangroves is yielding snook and reds. On deeper grass flats, the spotted seatrout bite is on fire. The deeper grass areas are host to top predators — jack crevalle, ladyfish and Spanish mackerel, species adding great variety to the bite. On my Southernaire charters, I’m seeing a lot of snook on the hook — all released, of course. We’ve had a few slot-size fish this week — also released — but many of the hookups are 20-26 inches. It bodes well for a possible open season on snook in September. The catch-and-release spotted seatrout bite also is keeping me busy. Deeper flats are producing encouraging numbers of 15-20-inch fish. I’m finding trout exceeding 20 inches while targeting snook on shallow grass flats in the bay. As for the reds, the bite has been random. I’m catching them, but they’re mixed in with the snook, deep in the mangrove roots. Capt. Warren Girle is finding catch-and-release spotted seatrout to be the most consistent bite on the flats of Sarasota Bay. Deeper grass flats — depths of 5-8 feet — hold excellent action on slot-size trout, while gator trout are found randomly when working

Tom Willis of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, shows off a catch-and-release barracuda april 29. Willis caught the toothy fish on light spinning tackle from the beach in anna Maria.

Jan Nemetz, left, of Bradenton, and Debbie LaRosa, visiting from Warrington, Pennsylvania, show off two of several catch-and-release spotted seatrout they caught May 3 while fishing the nearshore and Sarasota Bay waters with shiners as bait. They were guided to the fish by Capt. Warren Girle.

the shallow flats — 3 feet of water or less. Girle said free-lined live shiners work well in both scenarios. Sport fishing for snook and redfish is going well for Girle. Casting live shiners under mangrove limbs and among the roots results in catches of both species. He also said that casting bait around docks contributes to the redfish catch. Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier is seeing mangrove snapper in the 12-inch range being reeled up by fishers baiting their hooks with live shrimp. Bait shrimp also attracts interest from black drum, jack crevalle and catch-and-release redfish and snook at the northern-most pier. Casting jigs or spoons out from the pier produces action on mackerel, which is the most prominent bite, while ladyfish, blue runners and jack crevalle are getting in on the action. Capt. Jason Stock says his anglers are enjoying an epic amberjack bite at the offshore wrecks, ledges and springs. Free-lining live baits over these areas attracts the bite. Other migratory fish — cobia, kingfish, blackfin tuna and African pompano — are being caught in the same areas. Stock says bottom fishing is hot as large mangrove and yellowtail snappers are taking live or frozen bait offerings. Capt. David White is finding exceptional snapper

fishing when dropping bait over hard bottom areas offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, with mangrove and yellowtail snappers the most apparent. Mangrove snapper 6-8 pounds are being caught, as well as yellowtails in the 5-pound range. To add to the excitement, African pompano and blackfin tuna are being reeled to the boat, adding to the coolers for the trip home. While working inshore, White is finding bonito, sharks and macks for his clients. Finally, in the backcountry, White is taking advantage of the catch-andrelease bite — snook and redfish — near mangrove shorelines during higher stages of the tide. Capt. Aaron Lowman says he’s putting sport anglers on a lot of catch-and-release snook while working the shallow flats of southern Tampa Bay. According to Lowman, the bigger tides are producing the best action. While targeting the snook, the catchand-release redfish and some large spotted seatrout are joining in on the action. Fishing deeper grass flats by channel edges or sandy potholes is yielding good action for Lowman. He’s finding macks and jack crevalle competing with catch-and-release spotted seatrout for live shiners on the hook. Send high-resolution photos and ﬁshing reports to ﬁsh@islander.org.

Florida Fishing Pier Finder launched Looking for a place to fish from shore? Check out the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s new Florida Fishing Pier Finder, an interactive map that allows anglers to find publicly accessed fishing piers, jetties and fishing-specific bridges in freshwater and saltwater locations throughout the state. The map is best viewed using a computer or tablet. Visit myfwc.com/pierfinder to search for a location by county, city, feature name and type of feature. The structures give anglers who enjoy fishing from shore or do not have a boat an opportunity to catch a variety of species. Some fishable structures extend a few feet into the water, while others extend 2,000 or more feet into the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic Ocean. A majority of the structures are free to use. For those fishing piers where a fee is required,

almost all have a pier license that covers anglers, resident and non-resident, that fish on the pier. The Florida Fishing Pier Finder was created through funding from the federal Sport Fish Restoration program, which collects taxes from purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuel to fund projects that provide enhanced fishing opportunities. The new Florida Fishing Pier Finder is an interactive map for anglers looking to wet a line from “shore.” Islander Screenshot

Southernaire Fishing Charters

Licensed

Page 26 THE ISLANDER | islander.org May 12, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

County seeks to expand boat ramp capacity By Lisa Neff Islander editor

Manatee County officials hope to solve a problem. There are 21,000 registered boaters in Manatee County and 253 boat trailer parking spaces at eight county boat ramps. How many new trailer spaces are needed to accommodate boaters? The answer involves doing more than calculating the math, as the county can’t ever completely meet demand, said Charlie Hunsicker, director of the county parks and natural resources department. “We probably should have double” current capacity, Hunsicker said during a Manatee County Council of Governments meeting May 4 in Palmetto. However, Hunsicker continued, the lack of workable launch locations is an issue. Still, the county plans to increase parking at a couple of ramps, including the Fort Hamer ramp, 1605 Fort Hamer Road, Parrish, and the Kingfish ramp west of the Anna Maria Island Bridge on Manatee Avenue in Holmes Beach. The county identified space for 36 additional trailer spaces at Fort Hamer. At Kingfish, the county wants to add 20 trailer spaces but the project is tied to funding from Deepwater Horizon disaster money and the state’s bridge replacement project. “That is a decade away,” Hunsicker said. The county also is exploring increasing the number of boat ramps by three — one on Palma Sola Bay, one on Terra Ceia Bay and a third at the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. A fourth option, a ramp near Port Manatee, seems unlikely because of expected expansion at the port. The Palma Sola and Terra Ceia ramps could result from a public-private partnership involving the county, the Manatee Fruit Co. and its ownership, the Preston family. In 2016, the county commission voted in favor of the Peninsula Bay development, described then as a “New Urbanist community” that would take 12-15 years to build. The development would be on about 360 acres

between Cortez Road and Palma Sola Bay that Manatee Fruit Co. uses for plant nurseries and greenhouses. Hunsicker said when the owner plans to “pull the trigger” on the development plan, the county could partner on boat access to Palma Sola Bay. “This is a viable opportunity for us,” he said, adding that a new ramp would relieve pressure on the ramps on Anna Maria Island, as well as ease congestion to the island. Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, who represents the district where the Cortez ramp would be located, endorsed the project. He referred to conversations with the developer and said, “They are ready to start moving forward and going vertical.” A ramp on Terra Ceia Bay — there are three possible locations — also would involve a public-private partnership. A Sunshine Skyway ramp would be more complicated — involving state, federal and three county governments. Hunsicker said a ramp at the location would be located near the south rest stop and feature six launch lanes. “Imagine the access,” Hunsicker said. However, establishing a ramp at the site would involve creating a pad, placing fill and probably miti-

a draft design for a boat ramp at the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. County officials are revisiting the plan. Islander Courtesy Photo

Current ramp capacity Ramp Coquina North State Route 64 Warner’s Bayou Coquina South Fort Hamer Kingfish Palma Sola Highland Shores Total

Lanes 2 2 3 2 2 3 1 1 16

Parking 28 25 43 60 18 46 20 13 253

gating seagrass. “There’s no guarantee at this moment that it is permittable,” Hunsicker said. Previous Manatee County boards explored ramp projects for the Skyway but faced hurdles erected by the Florida Department of Transportation. And a series of meetings coordinated by a boating task force under the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council found no potential for ramp sites at or near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Still, Hunsicker characterized the ramp project as the county’s “first draft pick.”

March bed tax collection soars to new height By amy V.T. Moriarty Islander Reporter

Tourist tax dollars went way up in March. After a slight dip in February, March saw the best bed tax collection in Manatee County history, as tax revenue totaled $3,169,991, a 77.81% increase over 2020’s $1,782,752. The tax is 5% on rentals of six months or less collected by the government. The March revenues were reported May 3 by the Manatee County Tax Collector. Of the $1,551,232 collected by the island’s three cities in March, the Manatee County Tax Collector’s report shows $885,538, or 27.93%, was collected in Holmes Beach. Anna Maria rentals generated $440,541, or 13.9%, and the $225,153 collected from Bradenton Beach was 7.1% of the total take for the county. The island continued to generate the most bed tax dollars for the county in March. Some more numbers for March:

• Unincorporated Manatee County, $1,008,679, 31.82%; • Bradenton, $251,652, 7.94%; • Longboat Key, $348,305, 10.99%; • Palmetto, $10,162, 0.32%. March yielded a net collection of $3,074,891 after the state’s 3% commission. Tourism has been stronger in the county than in many other areas of the state, as well as many parts of the nation for a variety of reasons. With much of the European and Canadian markets still limiting travel to the United States, the island’s visitors mostly came from within Florida and a 700mile drive market for the first eight months since the state’s phased reopening began. But as was the case with the booking and trip lengths, the origin states for visitors steadily expanded in 2021, Anne Wittine of Research Data Services Inc. reported April 19 to the Manatee County Tourist Development Council. This year also saw more airlines extending sea-

AMI TOURISM: Endless Season

March tourist tax revenues March 2017: $1,968,698 March 2018: $2,434,673 March 2019: $2,725,570 March 2020: $1,782,752 March 2021: $3,169,991

Source: Manatee County Tax Collector

sonal routes and the addition of Southwest Airlines to Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, meaning more travelers can access the area. The April numbers will be released in early June. Both March and April’s numbers will be discussed at the next TDC meeting, set for 9 a.m. Monday, June 21, at the Manatee County Administration Building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

WE UNDERSTAND THE VALUE OF EVERY DOLLAR. Reach more than 20,000 people weekly with your ad for as little as $12! Call 941.778.7978 315 58th St., Holmes Beach

classifieds@islander.org • www.islander.org

May 12, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 27 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

isl

biz

Amy V.T. Moriarty

Business is booming

Back in business After a 10-year hiatus, Susanne Arbanas is back in the director’s chair at Anna Maria Island Concierge Services, 9805 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. The self-proclaimed “director of contagious enthusiasm” opened the business in 2008, when she returned from 10 years in Australia, but after a few years decided there weren’t enough tourists to justify her concept. Arbanas remained an ambassador of island business and continued to work in the hospitality industry at resorts and hotels in the years since closing her business in 2011. Of course, now there are plenty of tourists and Arbanas wants to help them get the most out of their vacations. She’s dusted off her original sign and banner and placed them at her new digs, which she said May 6 will be a “central clearing house for everything you want to do on vacation,” including an “eco corner,” with educational displays. “This is definitely taking a village, but it brought me to tears to realize how big my village is,” Arbanas said. She said she has received overwhelming support from area businesses — including her most recent hotel employer, Compass by Margaritaville on Perico Island. “I know what everyone has to offer, and I want to support local businesses. Especially after such a tough year,” Arbanas said. For more information, email info@amiconciergeservices.com or call 941-404-7575. Fore! a good cause The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s golf tournament will swing into action Friday, May 14, at IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Pkwy., Bradenton, with a full course of golfers. Chamber president Terri Kinder said foursomes sold out but there are seats available for the $35-perperson post-play dinner at the club. Act fast though, Kinder said she needs RSVPs in by 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 12. The tournament supports scholarships awarded annually by the chamber to graduating high school

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seniors. Pop goes the propane tank In other chamber news, Kinder was disappointed May 1 when a propane tank owned by the city of Holmes Beach popped its top and forced an early close to the Beach ‘N Food Truck Festival at city field. The event started at 10 a.m. and was to end at 8 p.m. — the first chamber festival since 2019. Kinder said vendors were reporting great sales before the unexpected end at 4:30 p.m. An incident report from West Manatee Fire Rescue indicated a propane service employee who last filled the tank likely tightened the top too much, allowing pressure to build until the top blew. But a popped propane top can’t stop Kinder, who is looking forward to the golf tournament and then the return of Bayfest Oct. 16. For more information, go online to www.annamariaislandchamber.org or call the office at 941-7781541. Meow for good news The Cat’s Meow A Vintage Marketplace of Bradenton celebrated its one-year anniversary May 6 with cake and a Champagne toast. The Cat’s Meow, 4307 26th St. W., Bradenton, is a marketplace offering numerous vendors in “a richly classic and welcoming atmosphere” to patrons. One of the vendors is Judy Sanderson, a longtime UPS delivery driver on AMI before she retired a few

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AMI Chamber THIS WEEK

Thursday, May 13 7:30 a.m. — Sunrise breakfast, Compass by Margaritaville Hotel Anna Maria Sound, 12324 Manatee Ave. W., Perico Island. Friday, May 14 11:30 a.m. — Golf tournament, IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Pkwy., Bradenton. Save the date May 27, Business card exchange, Slicker’s Eatery, 12012 Cortez Road, W., Cortez. Fees may apply for events. For more information, contact the chamber at 941-778-1541.

Other events ONGOING Through Tuesday, May 18 Longboat Key Garden Club’s 10th annual Taste of the Keys. Fee applies. Information: tasteofthekeys.org.

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years ago. Congratulations to all the artists and vendors at The Cat’s Meow. We wish you many more years of success! Got business news? Contact Amy Moriarty at amym@islander.org or call 941-778-7978.

When it comes to buying or selling your home, Please, CALL ME FIRST! LISTING INVENTORY IS LOW! Let my 30-plus years of experience work for you.

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I’M A LIFELONG NATIVE OF AMI. I’m straightforward, down to earth, and proud to be at Michael Saunders & Co., where we hold ourselves to a higher standard of service and ethics. — Johann Bertram, Realtor

Judy Sanderson looks out from her booth May 6 at The Cat’s Meow a Vintage Marketplace, Bradenton, during the market’s first anniversary, a celebration with cake and a Champagne toast. Islander Photo: Toni Lyon

Susanne arbanas motions to the door of her new business, anna Maria Island Concierge Services, 9805 Gulf Drive, anna Maria. Islander Photo: amy V.T. Moriarty

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Page 28 THE ISLANDER | islander.org May 12, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

HELP WANTED

EDGERS: CONCRETE, like new, 50 cents, car roof rack, black, easy install, $50, chandelier, brown metal, hardware Included, $50. 941-920-2494.

INDIVIDUaLS May PLaCE one free ad with up to three items, each priced $100 or less, 15 words or less. FREE, one week, must be submitted online. Email classifieds@islander. org, fax toll-free 1-866-362-9821. (limited time offer)

LOOKING FOR a safe driver to provide scheduled rides for kids of a Holmes Beach family to/from the island to off-island events (school, sports, etc.). Please contact: annamariarick@gmail.com.

KEyBOaRDS FOR DELL, aPPLE, $10, mouse, $5. coffeemaker, cuisinart, twelve-cup, black, like new, $20. 941-9202494.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SHIP’S WHEEL TaBLE: Capt. J. Lindroth original masterpiece of inlaid wood and brass. 19-inches tall, 45-inch diameter. $1,500. also, related pieces. marinateal@ gmail.com. aNTIQUE OFFICE CHaIRS: Perfect for eclectic dining set. Circa 1950 from anna Maria City Hall. The Islander newspaper, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. 941-7787978.

Sandy’s Lawn Service Inc. ESTABLISHED IN 1983

THE CITy OF anna Maria is accepting sealed bids for the following items beginning on May 11, 2021: 2003 John Deere Gator. Serial #W006X4X074360. Located: Public Works. 2004 Golf Cart, model E825, VIN# 5aSaG47474F034225. Located: Public Works. The sealed bids must be submitted to the City Clerk no later than May 20, 2021 to the following address: City of anna Maria attn: City Clerk 10005 Gulf Drive, PO Box 779 anna Maria, FL 34216. all sealed bids are due no later than May 20, 2021 at 1 p.m. The award will go to the highest bidder. any questions, please, contact the anna Maria City Clerk at 941-705-6130. WILL PURCHaSE yOUR old anna Maria Island property plat book (abstract of title). Text images to 813-205-6500.

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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, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. WaNTED: yOUR OLD cellphone for recycling. Deliver to The Islander, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. FREE GUN LOCK courtesy of Project Childsafe, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Holmes Beach Police Department. Pick up at The Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. Don’t be sorry, be safe.

References available • 941-720-7519

AdoptA-Pet

GARAGE SALES MOVING SaLE: 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. F r i d a y a n d S a t u r d a y, M a y 1 4 - 1 5 18-cubic foot refrigerator, glass-top stove, washer, dryer, leather couches, end tables, vintage chrome dinette s e t. 2 1 2 6 9 t h S t. , Holm e s Be ac h . 813-244-4944.

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

GaRaGE SaLE: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday, May 15. Two-wheel bike, threewheel trike, 600 sf of 24-inch tile, household items, boat equipment, sofa, tools. 6917 34th ave. W., Bradenton. LOST & FOUND PETS