The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, May 19, 2021 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

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MAY 19, 2021 FREE

NO. 30

The Best News on anna Maria Island Since 1992 Astheworldterns. 6 Town halls prepare for storm season. 2

islander.org

Southern rock takes center stage

BB voters may decide fate of future elections. 3

Q&A 051921

County repeals mask orders. 4

Meetings. 4 Publix plans island pharmacy, liquor store. 5 2 HB incumbents to seek reelection. 5

Opinions. 6 10-20 YEARS AGO

Looking back. 7

RoadWatch. 8 County casts doubt on Cortez Bridge suit. 9

Save a date. 10

aME graduation. 12 Cities withhold community center funds. 13

Gathering. 14 BB drainage survey. 15

Streetlife. 16 BB withdraws request to harden buildings. 17 Former HBPD chief honored. 17

NESTING NOTES:

Meet the statistician. 18

Science, surveys and such. 19 Hole-in-one!. 20

TideWatch. 20 Tarpon arrive. 21 Neighbor complains about HB resort. 22

ISL BIZ: Eats, treats. 23 CLASSIFIEDS. 24

PropertyWatch. 26

NYT puzzle.

The Marshall Tucker Band fills the field May 13 at the Center of anna Maria Island with fans of their North Carolina-based, 1970’s southern rock music. The outdoor concert was the first in a spring-summer series of music events at the center sponsored by the Bradenton area Convention and Visitors Bureau. More, page 11. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

Island to host 3 pop-up vaccine clinics COVID-19 vaccination sites are finally coming to Anna Maria Island. Anna Maria’s pop-up vaccination will be 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, May 25-26 at City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, according to Mayor Dan Murphy. The vaccine administered will be the one-dose Johnson & Johnson, and those who are vaccinated at the event will get a free souvenir, Murphy said May 17. The city of Holmes Beach also will host a pop-up vaccination clinic 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Thursday, May 27, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive, according to a news release from the Holmes Beach Police Department. The Holmes Beach clinic will be sponsored by the Florida Division of Emergency Management’s mobile vaccination program, which uses buses as distribution centers across the state. The Holmes Beach clinic also will offer the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and o documentation is needed to attend. The clinics will be the first island-based vaccination events, which some officials,

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

camera focused on the rear seat for prisoner transportation. Audio and video captured by the cameras will be maintained by WatchGuard Video and made available as public record until its deal with the city expires, at which point all records would transfer to the city. Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer told The Islander in a May 12 interview that the cameras would protect officers and the city from false malpractice or liability claims and provide an additional level of transparency. HBPD already uses dashboard cameras to collect footage of crime scenes, but Tokajer called the existing camera systems “outdated” and recommended their replacement, in addition to the new body cameras. “Adding the body cameras will just add Capt. David White of anna Maria Charters another view of what’s been already taped and his clients returned May 13 from off-

including Murphy, have requested in an effort to make vaccines more accessible for islanders. People with questions about the vaccine can call the Emergency Management 24/7 COVID-19 hotline at 1-866-779-6121. — Ryan Paice and amy V.T. Moriarty

Whale tale Islander Photo: Capt. David White

HBPD to wear body cams In an age of increased awareness toward police actions, Holmes Beach is taking steps to increase transparency on the force. City commissioners voted 5-0 May 11 to approve a $178,918 5-year agreement with Texas-based WatchGuard Video and Illinoisbased Motorola Solutions to purchase vehicle and body cameras. Tokajer proposed purchasing the cameras during the 2020-21 budget process and negotiated the deal. The agreement will provide body cams for 17 officers at the Holmes Beach Police Department and 16 three-camera dash-cam vehicle systems — featurTokajer ing a normal and wide-angle lens at the front of a vehicle and another

TURN TO BODY CAMS, PaGE 2

shore with a whale tale. More, page 21.

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city’s parks and beautification committee, questioned the size of the city’s police force during public comment May 11. Reading from a May 11 letter to the city, Graham said that despite similar populations, Longboat Key has 20 officers to cover 16 square miles while HBPD has 17 officers to cover 2 square miles. He asked why so many officers are needed to police such a small city. “Either Longboat Key is understaffed or we’re overstaffed,” he said. “My guess is the latter.” Graham said HBPD takes up too much of the city’s annual budget and suggested the city cut costs by replacing some police vehicles with bicycles. “Why do we need seven police vehicles, a rarelyused police boat and multiple beach vehicles?” Graham said. “Maybe considering police using bicycles would make sense. …This change would put officers more in touch with the community. … It would also kelp keep officers in better physical shape.” Resident Pat Morton, a former city commissioner, said during public comment that Graham is “totally wrong.” Morton said the city’s police force is proportional to the number of people visiting the municipality and credited HBPD officers for doing an excellent job. HBPD funding Tokajer responded to Graham in a May 11 email, Resident Alec Graham, recently appointed to the BODY CAMS CONTINUED FROM PaGE 1

by the vehicle camera,” Tokajer said. “We have had false claims in the past, and we’ve always been able to go to our car camera footage to show that the claim was untrue. …This gives us extra protection.” He said WatchGuard Video could install the new camera systems within the next two months, but nothing was scheduled as of May 13. The city will pay $35,783.60 annually for five years until it can decide between allowing the deal to expire and renegotiating or renewing the lease. The city’s first payment to WatchGuard is scheduled for April 1, 2022. Commissioner Carol Soustek supported the agreement, but said it Soustek is “a shame” the city had to go to such lengths to protect itself from false claims and liability. Soustek moved to approve the agreement. Commissioner Terry Schaefer seconded the motion, which passed.

County hosts virtual town halls for storm season Manatee County residents can converse with their commissioners and take lessons from public safety experts to prepare for storm season. Each county commissioner will host a video conference with emergency management chief Steve Litschauer and public safety director Jacob Saur for the storm season that begins June 1. During the virtual town halls, Saur and Litschauer will cover the following: • Learning the strength of a home and about evacuation zones. • Making an evacuation plan that involves going shorter distances to find a safer location to ride out

a storm. The town hall dates include: • 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 10, with at-large Commissioner Carol Whitmore; • 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 14, with at-large Commissioner George Kruse; • 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 15, with District 3 Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge. Additional virtual town halls will be hosted by municipal partners, including a hurricane program at 3 p.m. Monday, May 24, with Holmes Beach, and at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 9, with Anna Maria. — Lisa Neff

Holmes Beach city commissioners unanimously voted May 11 to purchase 17 body cameras from WatchGuard Video for the HBPD. Recordings are public record. Islander Courtesy Photos: WatchGuard Video

Commissioners approved the purchase of 16 WatchGuard Video systems for the HBPD vehicles.

stating the city’s police force and vehicles are needed due to the rise in people in a tourist destination. “We may have only 4,233 residents but we are policing the 20,000 to 50,000 people who live, rent, vacation and do business on the island daily,” Tokajer wrote. Tokajer also pointed to the city’s higher arrest numbers as evidence of the rational for HBPD’s police force and Longboat Key’s needs. HBPD officers arrested 383 people in 2018 and 326 in 2019, while LBKPD officers arrested 60 in 2018 and 46 in 2019, according to Tokajer. Tokajer added that requiring officers to use bicycles would reduce response times to emergencies. “Not to even mention how an officer would be effected riding a bicycle with 20-30 extra pounds of police gear and bulletproof vests in 90-plus (temperatures),” he wrote. Commissioner Terry Schaefer Schaefer directed a comment to Graham that he believed Tokajer had addressed Graham’s concerns.

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Bradenton Beach voters may decide fate of term limits By Kelsey Mako Islander Reporter

Bradenton Beach voters could be facing a ballot question to terminate term limits in November. City commissioners voted 3-1 May 6 to move forward with a referendum on the issue on the November municipal ballot. They plan to hold a first reading and public hearing on an ordinance that would establish the ballot question, according to the city charter provisions. Mayor John Chappie opened the discussion, noting it is difficult to get people to run for elected office. “To quote a local individual, ‘The residents of our community are an endangered species around here,’” Chappie said. Commissioner Ralph Cole opposed the motion, saying he would like to confer with constituents before advancing a referendum. But Commissioner

Anna Maria resurrects salute to heroes for Memorial Day

Spooner

Vosburgh

Chappie

Jan Vosburgh sided with Chappie: “I think we should have a referendum for no term limits.” Vosburgh motioned to move forward with a referendum and Commissioner Marilyn Maro seconded the motion. Commissioners directed city attorney Ricinda Perry to draft a referendum, which would need to be submitted to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office by noon Aug. 27. Bradenton Beach is the only island city with term limits for elected officials. The city charter states that commissioners and mayors can serve no more than three, consecutive two-year terms in office. Seats held by Chappie, Vosburgh and Commissioner Jake Spooner are up in the November election but none of the incumbents are facing term limits. If reelected this year, Chappie will term out as mayor in 2023. Chappie was first elected to the commission in 1997, serving until he was elected mayor in 2001. He term-limited as mayor in 2007 and was elected as a county commissioner in 2008. In 2011, he resigned from the county board and again won a city commission seat. He termed out as commissioner and retook the mayor’s seat in 2017. Vosburgh also termed-out as commissioner and after waiting out of office, returned to her Ward 3

The Anna Maria Salute to Heroes will return 10-11:30 a.m. Monday, May 31, after the pandemic forced the cancellation of the ceremony honoring military veterans and accompanying concert in 2020. A U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard will march on Pine Avenue from Roser Memorial Community Church to City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd. for a presentation of the colors. Melissa Anderson, wife of Commissioner Joe Muscatello, and U.S. Army veteran Sharon Wisniewski will place a memorial wreath. Mayor Dan Murphy will conclude the ceremony by honoring veterans of the U.S. armed forces and their spouses and families. At the conclusion, a 24-piece group from the Anna Click! Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra will perThe Islander welcomes news of the milestones in readform for about an hour. ers’ lives — weddings, anniversaries, travels and other — Amy V.T. Moriarty

events. Send notices to news@islander.org.

seat. Commissioners earn $4,800 a year and the mayor earns $9,600 a year. In addition to term limits, voters could face two other questions on the November ballot: • A nonbinding referendum on whether to sell the city properties that include city hall at 107 Gulf Drive N. and Tingley Memorial Library at 111 Second St. N. to fund a new municipal complex. • A nonbinding referendum on whether to raise property taxes — in lieu of selling the properties — for repairs, renovations and maintenance of city hall and the library. A discussion on the ballot questions is set for the city meeting at noon Thursday, May 20, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. There are 754 registered voters in Bradenton Beach.

Q&A 051921

The Islander poll

Last week’s question A treehouse in an Australian pine remains on the shoreline in Holmes Beach despite court orders for its removal. 32%. City error. Let it stand. 63%. Ahead with the demo. 1%. Allow more of them. 4%. Can it be moved? This week’s question Hurricane season begins June 1. When do you prepare? A. June 1 B. When a storm approaches. C. Always ready. D. I don’t. To take the poll, go online to islander.org.

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County repeals last mask order, island library staff relaxes By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Manatee County’s dropping COVID-19 safety measures as the percentage of vaccinated residents rises. County commissioners voted 6-1 May 11 to repeal restrictions — including mask requirements and temperature checks — inside county-run buildings. Commissioner Misty Servia voted “no.” The decision came as about 52% of the county’s population was vaccinated, according to county health officer Dr. Jennifer Bencie. The vote came on the heels of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ May 3 order that eliminated local coronavirus-based restrictions and preceded the May 13 announcement from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that “fully” vaccinated people do not need to wear masks indoors or outdoors in most situations. Commissioner George Kruse opened the discussion by moving to repeal mask requirements within county buildings. “Anybody who is at any risk whatsoever who wants to get the vaccine can get it,” Kruse said. “I don’t think we should be requiring all of the citizens of Manatee County to put themselves out protecting people who voluntarily chose not to protect themselves.” Commission Chair Vanessa Baugh supported dropping the mask requirements and seconded Kruse’s motion, calling the matter an issue of personal rights. “It’s pretty simple: You know, we’re at the point where people need to be able to make their own decisions,” Baugh said. “We cannot continue to try to rule what people do. …I will not vote to continue with masks.” Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge supported the motion, but asked Kruse to include a repeal of COVID-19-related requirements in county buildings. Kruse agreed with Van Ostenbridge’s request. Commissioner Misty Servia also supported dropping mask requirements, but said the county should

Employees assist people — minus face masks — May 14 at the Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, after the county repealed mask requirements for county-owned buildings. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

provide free N95 surgical masks for employees and members of the public who want them. “I have no problem with saying they’re not mandated in our county buildings,” she said. “If you don’t want to wear a mask, don’t wear one. …Can we please protect those that do?” Servia asked Kruse to consider revising his motion to add that the county will provide N95 masks and voluntary temperature checks for those who want them. Commissioner Carol Whitmore supported Servia’s request. Kruse agreed to the revision. Van Ostenbridge called the vote to question and Commissioner Reggie Bellamy seconded the call. The county’s action will have limited impact on Anna Maria Island, where the county maintains the Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach; Bayfront Park in Anna Maria; Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach; Coquina Beach and the Marine

32-person house advertised in Bradenton Beach By Kelsey Mako Islander Reporter

Community Redevelopment Agency board member David Bell expressed concerns May 6 to Bradenton Beach commissioners over an advertisement for a 32-person house. The property’s advertisement on Realtor.com reads, “Under construction, here’s your opportunity to own a brand-new property just steps away from the world-famous beaches of Anna Maria Island. With a total of 14 bedrooms and 14 bathrooms, this property can sleep up to 32 guests. The address is 2514 Avenue C.” Bell asked commissioners to ensure the structure is permitted and, if allowed, he asked commissioners to consider whether the size of residential dwellings should be a topic for discussion. The property is listed for $4,999,000 on Realtor. com. The listing states that the property can be divided into two units or built as one large home.

Meetings

When built, the prospective residence will include an eight-car garage, heated pool and rooftop deck. Building official Steve Gilbert said May 13 the blueprint shows a building of 3,145 square feet and construction plans include a duplex, with seven bedrooms in each unit. The property meets land development code requirements, Gilbert confirmed. According to the LDC, minor developments do not require public hearings or commission review. A minor development is categorized as a “new or developed single-family or duplex dwelling with a building blueprint less than 3,500 square feet.” Parking requirements also are met, Gilbert said. The property is being built where a multi-unit residence was demolished following a murder-suicide in 2020. Zachary Winton, 34, committed suicide Oct. 16, 2020, after he killed Sabrina Dumdei, 37, at the former residence, according to the Bradenton Beach Police.

AM commissioners decline to draft mask measure

In a 3-2 consensus vote May 13, Anna Maria City Commissioners decided not to draft an ordinance requiring face mask use for public health emergencies. Commissioners Jonathan Crane and Joe Muscatello were the dissenting votes. The commission agreed to wait and, if necessary, later draft an ordinance that could be tailored to a specific public health crisis. Meanwhile, commissioners plan to continue to monitor the current health crisis. Also, in Anna Maria, any business that requires people to wear masks can request assistance from the Manatee County Sheriff’s office for noncompliance. — Amy V.T. Moriarty

Coronavirus stats

Anna Maria City May 27, 6 p.m., city commission. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941708-6130, cityofannamaria.com.

West Manatee Fire Rescue None announced. WMFR administration building, 6510 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-761-1555, wmfr.org.

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.

Manatee County 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.

Rescue Building, both in Bradenton Beach. Library manager Liz Williams told The Islander May 14 that since the county’s vote, the library no longer requires people to wear masks inside and employees had begun working without masks. “It’s completely up to you,” Williams said of the library’s patrons. “If you feel more comfortable wearing a mask, great, wear a mask. If you want me to wear a mask when I’m standing close to you, just let me know and I’ll be happy to put one on.” Williams said she and other library employees are fully vaccinated and open to the change, but are adjusting to working without masks. “Honestly, it’s hard,” she said. “We’ve been wearing them at work since last June, so for us, it’s kind of surprising. …It’s both refreshing and different.” A federal order requiring people to wear masks on public transportation remains in effect, including for Manatee County Area Transit. The U.S. Transportation Security Administration extended the order through Sept. 13.

Also of interest May 31, Memorial Day, most government offices are closed. — Lisa Neff Please, send meeting notices to news@islander. org.

The state has been documenting coronavirus statistics since March 2020. In Florida there have been: • 2,286,203 positive cases as of May 14. • 36,000 deaths as of May 14. The latest numbers for Manatee County: • 39,183 positive cases as of May 14, which is an increase of 472 from the week prior. • 1,562 hospitalizations as of May 14, an increase of 11 from a week prior. • 679 deaths as of May 14, an increase of five from a week prior. On the island, there have been: • 69 cases in Anna Maria as of May 14 — no increase. • 109 cases in Bradenton Beach as of May 14, an increase of one from a week prior. • 215 cases in Holmes Beach as of May 14, an increase of six from the week prior.

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Owners seeks rezone for liquor store, pharmacy By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The Publix Super Market in Holmes Beach hopes to expand with a pharmacy and liquor store. City commissioners reached consensus May 11 to move forward with an application to rezone the defunct Regions Bank — shuttered since December 2011 — at 503 Manatee Ave. from Commercial-1 to C-2 to allow retail space. The C-1 and C-2 zones are both commercial, but C-1 is meant to house office locations, while C-2 is intended for offices and retail businesses, including a pharmacy and liquor store. SCD at Anna Maria LLC, a Holmes Beach company registered to Blair Schlossberg, purchased the 3,847-square-foot property from Regions Bank for $1.22 million in 2012. Attorney Scott Rudacille of Blalock Walters law firm in Bradenton represented the owner at the city meeting and told commissioners they hope to make the property productive. “That bank has been vacant for some time,” Rudacille said. “It’s being proposed that this site will be a Publix pharmacy and liquor store combination. …We think it will be a great use of the site.” Rachel Layton, planning director for ZNS Engineering, one of the project developers, said the conversion would come with several changes, such as removing the drive-through ATM lanes, refinishing the parking lot and new landscaping.

Owners of the defunct Regions Bank at 503 Manatee ave. are seeking a rezone to accommodate a Publix pharmacy and liquor store. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

City planner Bill Brisson recommended the city move forward with rezoning the parcel as requested. “It’s probably the best rezone application I’ve ever seen here in this city,” Brisson said. “They did a really good job. They addressed all of the conditions listed in our code.” Commissioner Carol Soustek said the proposal also impressed her. “There’s nothing I can complain about,” Soustek said. “That site has sat there for so long there should be cobwebs on it. So, to see it become productive again and be part of the community again? I’m very pleased to see that.” Commissioner Terry Schaefer said the change would be an aesthetic improvement to the “front door to our city.”

Seaside association suggests land deal with city By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

75% vote. Commissioner Carol Soustek called the property a nuisance and called for a consensus to move forward on a deal. “I would like to see this resolved,” Soustek said. “This property has been a nuisance, not only to the community there, but to the city.” The commission’s next discussion on the matter was not set as of May 13.

A land deal could be a win-win for two parties. City commissioners reached consensus during a May 11 work session to direct city attorney Patricia Petruff to work with the Seaside Gardens Civic Association on a potential deal centered around a plot of land that’s best been used as a bioswale. The 32,950-square-foot irregular-shaped vacant parcel is between Seaside Gardens and the West Manatee Fire Rescue Station No.3 at 6001 Marina Drive. Seaside Gardens president Tom Potter said they allow the city to use much of the parcel as a bioswale. However, he said the homeowner’s association maintains the stormwater assessment fees for the land. Potter proposed selling or donating the land to the city to avoid the fees, but said getting a 75% vote from his association’s membership to approve the action would be hard to achieve. He said the city also could acquire the land via eminent domain. “We’re trying to find a win-win situation,” Potter said. “It’d be nice if we could work together.” He added that, if the city couldn’t compensate Seaside Gardens, the city could consider abating the stormwater assessment tax. Commission Chair Jim Kihm said eminent domain The subject parcel owned by the Seaside Gardens shouldn’t be considered as an option and encouraged Civic association is outlined in blue. Islander Photo: Potter to work with association members to achieve a Manatee County Property appraiser

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Qualifying arrives in August

Thinking of local service? Qualifying for elected offices in the November election will take place in August. Anna Maria’s qualifying dates are Aug. 16-27. Bradenton Beach’s and Holmes Beach’s qualifying dates are Aug. 23-27. Offices up for election include: • Anna Maria: Three commission seats for two-year terms. Joe Muscatello, Carol Carter and Jonathan Crane currently hold the seats. • Bradenton Beach: The mayoral post, currently held by John Chappie. Mayors serve twoyear terms. Two commission seats for two-year terms, currently held by Jacob “Jake” Spooner and Janet E. Vosburgh. • Holmes Beach: Three city commission seats, currently held by Jim Kihm, Carol Soustek and Terry W. Schaefer. Commissioners serve two-year terms. For more information, go online to votemanatee.com.

Soustek

Schaefer

Kihm

2 HB incumbents ready for reelection race

At least two incumbent Holmes Beach commissioners hope to stay on the job. Commissioners Carol Soustek and Terry Schaefer told The Islander May 5 they are going to run for reelection in November, when their current two-year terms are set to expire. Soustek, who serves as vice chair, was appointed in 2014 to complete the unexpired term of former Commissioner David Zaccagnino, who failed in an attempt to be elected mayor. She was reelected to her first full two-year term in November 2015 and in each of her races of the two-year cycle since. Schaefer was elected to his first two-year term on the commission in November 2019. He serves as the commission’s liaison to the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, the Center of Anna Maria Island, Anna Maria Elementary School and the city’s police pension board. Commission Chair Jim Kihm, whose term also expires in November, did not respond to a May 5 call from The Islander asking if he will seek reelection. The window to qualify to run for the three city commission seats will open at noon, Monday, Aug. 23, and close at noon, Friday, Aug. 27. — Ryan Paice

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Opinion

Our

It’s déjà vu — all over again

You know the drill. The center is underfunded. It can’t survive. There’s no money. Kids will have no where to go. They charge too much. I can’t afford to send my kids there. I love the concerts. I hate the noise. They killed baseball. It’s for an elite few. Or ... it’s all about the money. Yes. The begging by the Center of Anna Maria Island — our community center — is never-ending. And the complaints and the accolades rise and fall like the tides with each wave of funding requests. We’ve been here before. And we became weary of trying, leary of quick solutions and leaders offering nothing but lip service. And nothing has changed. The board operates in secrecy and, in spite of spending government dollars, the leaders deny access to any meaningful financial records. They dance around the income and spending like a hip-hop crew. There are solutions, but the board apparently sees and hears only day-to-day needs and never gets to the hard work of building a lasting future. Like the numbers, the solutions stay buried. There was foundation money … all spent. Or a tax assessment — $25-$50 a year, paid with your property taxes could end the constant requests to get into your pockets? Or, Manatee County’s able parks and recreation staff and the county budget could take over. Maybe they will take the fork in the road. And maybe the time will come when begging isn’t enough and the future becomes relevant. Speaking of the future, how about that Publix expansion proposal for the defunct Regions Bank building. With 50/50 hindsight, we could move CVS to the Bank of America building and create a Publix store big enough to serve the community! Maybe there are officials in Bradenton Beach who see the future? Facing term limits, Mayor/Commissioner John Chappie is looking toward another flip-flop in 2023 and suggesting an end to term limits. Chappie says people willing to run for office are an “endangered species” but, perhaps, if he were to step aside, others would jump at the chance. Wasn’t there another multi-term mayor who brought about the need to break up the lackeys and corruption in the city? It’s time for a new regime at city hall. Anyone? And how about that lucky boatload of anglers in the Gulf of Mexico who came across a trio of curious whale sharks. Bravo to Capt. David White for caring and sharing good news with our readers. Let’s all go fishing. After all, snook, trout and redfish are back on the menu starting June 1. — Bonner Joy, news@islander.org.

MAY 19, 2021 • Vol. 29, No. 30 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) ▼

Single copies free. Quantities of five or more: 25 cents each. ©1992-2021 • Editorial, sales and production ofﬁces: 315 58th St., Suite J, Holmes Beach FL 34217 WEBSITE: islander.org Text or call: 941-778-7978

Your

Opinion

Thank you

I was over at Holmes Beach Auto getting work done. After I picked up the vehicle and was on the way home, I received a call from the station that the cash I had in my pocket had fallen out. They found the money and called me to collect. I never would have known where the money was lost if they had not called. It was greatly appreciated. I’m so glad there are honest people out there. Also, they do great work. Kevin Fitzgerald, Holmes Beach

Unpleasant occurrence

Recently, some unfortunate occurrences happened to one of our city’s most honorable residents. We all have dealings with people with whom we just can’t seem to relate. Our ideals and beliefs are so far apart that no matter how we try there just seems to be friction. I have known Kim Rash for more than 10 years. His dedication to his city, his friendship and his charitable contributions go above and beyond. I hope this unpleasant occurrence doesn’t shake his resolve and have him question how much his dedication is appreciated. Renee Ferguson, Holmes Beach

Have your say

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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 Our theme, “We’re Glad you’re Here,” originated in join the conversation, “like” The Islander on Face- the 1980s with a restaurant trade group. We hope everyone feels welcome on aMI. — The Islander book.

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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.

On the deck a postcard for the Sandbar Restaurant advertises the anna Maria business in the 1950s: “Sandbar on the Gulf of Mexico. North end of beautiful anna Maria Island. Cocktails. Dancing. Orchestra. Sun Patio. Snow White Beach.” The restaurant opened in 1946 in what had previously been former army barracks, according to archives at the Manatee County Public Library. Islander Photos: Manatee County Public Library System

10&20 years ago

In the May 17, 2001, issue

• The Holmes Beach Planning and Zoning Board voted to recommend the city commission amend the comprehensive plan and rezone two lots from residential to commercial. The zoning change was needed by the developers of the Tidemark Lodge and Marina. • Barbara Rodocker, developer of the Bridgewalk motel and retail complex on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach, said she planned to open the motel by November 2001 and an accompanying restaurant would open a few weeks later. • Manatee County commissioners unanimously adopted a measure restricting new construction in unincorporated areas of the county to a maximum height of 35 feet. The restriction was proposed after Bradenton approved a 698-unit condominium complex on Perico Island for the Arvida Corp.

In the May 19, 2011, issue

• Gagne Construction and the owners of the Anna Maria Island Historic Green Village led the way for the Angler’s Lodge to be moved from the bayfront to 503 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria. • The Islander showered the Anna Maria City Pier with fireworks in celebration of the pier centennial, which involved two days of festivities. • Holmes Beach police stood guard on the beach to keep onlookers from disrupting a herd of manatees in the Gulf. HBPD was called to the shore where swimmers were gathering around 13 manatees in shallow water. • Bradenton Beach commissioners adopted a telecommunications ordinance setting restrictions for new facilities, including cell towers, antennas and other equipment.

Looking southeast a postcard dated 1940 shows the anna Maria City Pier, commissioned by the anna Maria Beach Co. and first built in 1911 to accompany paddle-wheelers before the construction of a bridge to the island.

— Lisa Neff

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Page 8 THE ISLANDER | islander.org May 19, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

ITPO receives megabridge update, discusses representation By Kane Kaiman Islander Reporter

Island mayors are looking down the road. The Island Transportation Planning Organization — a chartered board for Anna Maria Island representatives under the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization — met May 10 at Holmes Beach City Hall. The board — comprising the mayors of Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach — heard a presentation on the Cortez megabridge design project and discussed changes to the ITPO’s representation on the technical advisory committee, which assists the MPO by reviewing transportation plans and programs. Megabridge decor to be ﬁnalized in June The Florida Department of Transportation plans to replace the Cortez Bridge — a 17-foot-clearance drawbridge that spans the Intracoastal Waterway between Cortez on the mainland and Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island — with a 65-foot-clearance fixed-span bridge. Construction is slated for 2026-27.

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 23-27. Motorists can expect flagging operations intermittently in the east and westbound lanes 9 p.m.-5 a.m. For the latest road watch information, go online to swflroads.com or dial 511. To check traffic via road cameras, go to fl511. com. — Lisa Neff

Place portrait photo here

Florida Department of Transportation consultant project manager Doug Hershey, left, stands as design project manager Roxann Lake updates members of the ITPO May 10 on the status of the Cortez megabridge. Islander Photo: Kane Kaiman

DOT design project manager Roxann Lake and consultant project manager Doug Hershey updated the ITPO on choices made by the Cortez Bridge Aesthetics Committee, an 11-member group of local residentvolunteers that has been selecting ornamental features for the megabridge since August 2020. To date, the choices include pier styles, the inclusion of bridge overlooks and the shape of pedestrian railings. Lake informed the ITPO that the last aesthetics committee meeting would be in June to finalize decisions on bridge colors and textures. She encouraged board members to review summaries of previous design meetings on the project website, cortezbridge.com, and provide feedback. Following the bridge presentation, Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth, in her first rotation as ITPO chair, led a discussion about representation on the

TAC. Quality TAC representation is important, she said, because committee members are tasked with advocating for their communities, ensuring transportation projects come to fruition and applying for grants. Titsworth, who took over as chair from Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie in February, said she had reviewed the board’s interlocal agreements and uncovered a problem: Lynn Burnett, who has represented the ITPO on the TAC for more than a decade, may no longer be the best representative for all three island cities. Burnett previously served the three cities as engineer but resigned from her position in Anna Maria in January 2019. With no official ties to Anna Maria, Titsworth noted that Burnett has been representing the city on the TAC for free. “We don’t want her to work for free, because obviously you want somebody to want to work for you,” Titsworth said. She proposed the ITPO explore two options — add one or more members to the TAC or replace Burnett with a representative for all three cities. “Great representation, that’s our goal,” Titsworth said. “And if two members gives us more, because it’s two votes, I’d go for two.” Adding another seat to the TAC would require approval from the MPO board. Titsworth asked Chappie and Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy to consider engineer Sage Kamiya, who has been working on traffic projects for Holmes Beach, as a candidate for either an additional seat or as a replacement on the committee. As chair, Titsworth will represent the ITPO at the next MPO board meeting, which will be at 9:30 a.m. Monday, May 24, at the Holiday Inn Sarasota-Airport. Neither the ITPO or TAC will meet again until September, and Titsworth said a decision on changes to TAC representation will not be made before then.

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May 19, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 9 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

County commissioners cast doubt on megabridge suit By Kane Kaiman Islander Reporter

The suit doesn’t have the right fit for Kevin Van Ostenbridge. Manatee County Commissioners Van Ostenbridge, Carol Whitmore and Chair Vanessa Baugh took part in a discussion on the Cortez Bridge replacement during a May 4 work session. Van Ostenbridge and Whitmore expressed doubts that the legal challenge facing the Florida Department of Transportation’s plan to replace the Cortez drawbridge with a 65-foot-clearance fixed-span bridge would succeed. The board has not taken an official position on the bridge. Whitmore, one of two at-large members of the board, said in an April 28 email to The Islander that she would raise the issue with the board and followed through at a May 4 meeting. Before turning discussion over to Van Ostenbridge, Whitmore expressed her opposition to the megabridge and confirmed that neither the board nor the Sarasota/ Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization has taken a vote on the replacement for the Cortez Bridge. Van Ostenbridge, representing Anna Maria Island and Cortez in District 3, doubled down on statements previously made to The Islander that although he prefers a mid-level drawbridge replacement, the board should not take an anti-megabridge position because the lawsuit opposing the high bridge is doomed to fail. The DOT is “pushing forward with the fixed-span 65-foot bridge, despite the lawsuit that’s been filed,” he said. “I think the city of Bradenton Beach made a poor choice in joining the lawsuit; I think it’s just going to be ultimately a waste of taxpayer money. I don’t support this board pursuing a frivolous lawsuit.” The suit, lodged in federal court in 2019, has four complainants: former County Commissioners Joe McClash and Jane von Hahmann, a resident of Cortez, along with Linda Molto and Joe Kane, also of

Cortez. The complainants are seeking compromise with the DOT on a 35-foot-clearance drawbridge replacement. Bradenton Beach city commissioners unanimously voted to join the suit March 18, but have since backpedaled. The city attorney has been exploring separate settlement options with the DOT. Van Ostenbridge said the county commission should focus on ensuring the Cortez drawbridge is in service as much as possible during the construction of the megabridge and that commissioners have maximum input into the aesthetics of the high bridge. The Cortez Bridge Aesthetics Committee, an 11-member group of local resident-volunteers, has been selecting ornamental features for the megabridge since August 2020. Committee meetings are open to the public, and, according to DOT design project manager Roxann Lake, the final meeting will be in June. Following Van Ostenbridge’s commentary, Whitmore again stated her support for a mid-level drawbridge but seemed to agree that a smaller replacement structure was not in the cards for the communities of Bradenton Beach and Cortez. “I understand what you’re saying. And (DOT District 1 Secretary LK Nandam) calls me and warns me every time that it’s not going to happen, but I still support a 45-foot replacement bridge, but that’s not going to happen,” she said. “Bottom line, we need a bridge,” Baugh said, wrapping up discussion. Von Hahmann, a Cortez resident who served on the county board of commissioners 2000-08, has been reviewing records that detail the way in which the DOT came to its decision to build the high bridge, including surveys that asked respondents to indicate whether or not they favored Cortez Bridge replacement and their preference for the height of a replacement structure. She told the Bradenton Beach Commission May 6 that 70% of respondents expressed support for reha-

Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge. Islander Screenshot

bilitating the existing bridge or building a 35-foot bridge. “If I were commissioner now, and I had 70% of my constituency opposed to the bridge, I would be very comfortable with saying we probably should have a conversation about what really better fits the community and the needs of District 3,” she said May 12. “(Van Ostenbridge) doesn’t do us a lot of good by saying he’s personally against it,” she added. “I’m sorry, that doesn’t help at all, really.” Von Hahmann also said she doesn’t believe the lawsuit is doomed to fail. “To say that without knowing it is just counterintuitive to me; it doesn’t make sense,” she said. “(The DOT study) was supposed to take into consideration what the citizens would like to see, and it just simply didn’t.”

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Page 10 THE ISLANDER | islander.org May 19, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

The Islander Calendar ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Compiled by Lisa Neff, email calendar@islander.org. ONGOING OFF AMI

Throughout May, “Where in the World?” paintings by Karen Beach, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648.

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.

AHEAD ON AMI

KIDS & FAMILY

ONGOING 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. Aug. 1, Island Player auditions for “The Savannah Sipping Society,” Anna Maria. Sept. 16-26, Island Players’ performance of “The Savannah Sipping Society,” Anna Maria. Nov. 4-14, Island Players’ Same Time, Next Year,” Anna Maria.

AHEAD ON AMI May 29, Snooks Adams Kids Day, Anna Maria. July 4, Anna Maria Island Privateers July 4 Parade, islandwide. TENTATIVE

Ahoy! Snooks Adams Kids Day a go The anna Maria Island Privateers are preparing the Snooks adams Kids Day celebration 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, May 29, at City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., anna Maria. Islander File Photo

Island happenings

CLUBS & COMMUNITY ONGOING ON AMI Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island breakfast and meeting, Gulf Drive Cafe, 900 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-778-1383. Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island lunch meeting, in-person at Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, and via Zoom. Information: 941-920-2505. 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 Through the summer, Bradenton Marauders baseball, LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941747-3031, bradentonmarauders.com.

GOOD TO KNOW SAVE THE DATES Thursday, May 27, last day of school.

Kiwanis to meet

Key to future Liezle Farinas and Raleigh Waldin, center front, of the State College of Florida Key Club, accept scholarship awards — $1,000 each — from the Kiwanis Club of anna Maria Island’s foundation. They celebrated their achievement May 8 at the Gulf Drive Cafe in Bradenton Beach with Sandy Haas-Martens, foundation secretary and treasurer, left; Darrel Shinn, foundation vice president; key club advisers Claudette Welch and Patricia Webster; and Lynn Kruse, foundation president. Islander Courtesy Photo

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The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island will gather Saturday, May 22. 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 Sheila Marvel of Peace of Mind Home Inspections. 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.

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May 19, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 11 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Local musicians James Hershey, left, and Trevor Bystrom warm up the crowd May 13 to open the Marshall Tucker Band at the Center of anna Maria Island.

Doug Gray, the original lead singer for the Marshall Tucker Band, shares a story May 13 with concertgoers at the Center of anna Maria Island in anna Maria. Islander Photos: Ryan Paice

The Marshall Tucker Band plays “Running Like the Wind” to open its show May 13 at the Center of anna Maria Island, 403 Magnolia ave., anna Maria. The outdoor concert was the first in a series sponsored by the Bradenton area Convention and Visitors Bureau. RIGHT: Brian Ellis sells Marshall Tucker Band merchandise to concertgoers.

Visit islander.org for the best news on AMI.

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Page 12 THE ISLANDER | islander.org May 19, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

By Kelsey Mako

events, despite district COVID-19 restrictions, Featherston said. Students do not need to wear masks outside, which has been the policy all year. However, as of Friday, May 14, volunteers and staff are required still to wear AME kids to take the ﬁeld masks outside. It’s about to be all fun and games at Anna Maria Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Elementary. Holmes Beach. Field day will be Monday, May 24. For more information, call the school at 941-708Planned activities include a water-bucket relay, 5525. a sponge bucket relay, tug-of-war, sack races and a water balloon toss, principal Jackie Featherston told AME 5th-grade graduation The Islander May 13. AME physical education teacher Terri Ruise is approaches A farewell to fifth-graders is in the works. putting the field events together and volunteers from An awards ceremony for Anna Maria Elementary the parent-teacher organization and staff are helping graduating fifth-graders will be Wednesday, May 26, to supervise. Each event has a sponsor, including Assurance in the school auditorium. Academic, presidential, citizen and perfect attenInsurance, AMI Paddleboards, Shoreline Builders, Duffy’s Tavern an the Tyler family, PTO president dance awards will be presented and students will be recognized for school services, principal Jackie FeathNicole Plummer said May 12. A fifth sponsor needs to be confirmed, she erston told The Islander May 13. Additionally, fifth-grade students will receive ceradded. Additionally, Coco Joe’s Italian Ice in Bradenton tificates for completing the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program and students with winning DARE will be on hand at AME for the day. Kindergartners and first-graders will have field day essays will read them at the ceremony. Each fifth-grader will be allowed two guests, who 9 a.m.-10a.m., second- and third-graders 10 a.m.-11 must wear face masks and practice social distancing. a.m. and fourth- and fifth-graders 12:40 p.m.-1:40 A school board policy still says adults must stay 6 p.m. Field day will not look too different from previous feet apart as of May 14. Children need to stay 3 feet apart. The ceremony will begin at about 9:15 a.m. and last 45 minutes to an hour. Parents should begin checking in at 8:45 a.m. “It’s our opportunity to say farewell,” Featherston 2020-21 school calendar said. • May 19-20, FSA math, third-, fourth- and ﬁfth-grades.

AME Calendar

• Monday, May 24, AME ﬁeld day. • Wednesday, May 26, ﬁfth-grade awards ceremony • Thursday, May 27, last day of school. Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the school at 941-708-5525.

AM OKs future farmers markets By amy V.T. Moriarty Islander Reporter

The farmers market is staying put. The market. which held its last-of-the-season sale May 11 at City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, operates mid-October-mid-May. And as the city progresses with Mote Marine Laboratory on development of an outreach center at the T-end of the Anna Maria City Pier, 100 S. Bay Blvd., Mayor Dan Murphy requested April 22 that city commissioners consider the market’s future. Neither Murphy nor commissioners sought to eliminate or relocate the market, but thought it deserved consideration as the parking for piergoers would be more in demand whenever the Mote center opens. However, concern spread among the market vendors that it might be canceled. Virgil Mayer, a 22-year resident, said May 11 the city would be “selling out” if the decision was made to cancel or move the farmers market. Pointing to the Mote center as the catalyst for the upheaval, Mayer said the city seems to care about “carpetbaggers and tourists” over residents. Thomas “Grumpy” Tillman said if a decision is made to move the market to another location he would not participate. Tillman, who owns and operates Grumpy’s Farm Market, 6804 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, is the only remaining original vendor of a half dozen or so vendors who operated in the 2020-21 season. “I truly feel that we should keep it. I think it’s a great addition to our community, I do wish there was a flower shop there as well. I do think that it’s in a perfect location,” Commissioner Deanie Sebring said. Milestones “We live on an island, everyone needs to have The Islander welcomes stories about islanders some patience and understand that it’s for the good of and island life, as well as photographs and notices of the island,” Sebring said. Unanimously agreeing that the market is an the milestones in readers’ lives — weddings, births, anniversaries, travels, obituaries and other events. enhancement, commissioners agreed with Murphy’s Submit announcements to news@islander.org. recommendation to keep it as is.

Tiki & Kitty’s Let’s go shopping!

Tiki and Kitty have keen eyes for style and value, enjoy shopping small, local and vintage and, of course, you’re invited along on their big spring adventures. Cat’s Meow has 7,700 square feet of vintage, unique and repurposed items. Plus, there’s a mancave and a cool clothing boutique. You don’t want to miss this collection of vendors. Blue Flamingo offers hip and trendy upcycled

Your place for fun, funky

and repurposed goods, furniture and decor, from antique cameras to garden features, candles, jewelry and work by local artisans. They also offer Dixie Belle paints. Blessed and Distressed is a tastefully designed store — so inviting, you’ll want to stay and visit — filled with collectibles and work by local artists at Palma Sola Square, around the corner from WinnDixie. It offers 30-plus vendors and artists, including vintage, upcycled, shabby chic, fanciful frocks and

quirky!

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local crafts and art. You won’t be disappointed. You Never Know Thrift has everything you could want: clothes, kitchen utensils, small appliances, furniture, DVDs and autographed sports memorabilia. The inventory is constantly changing. So keep going back. You never know what you will find. Scavengers Marketplace welcomes you to peruse the goodies for a good cause at the Island Shopping Center in Holmes Beach. Purchases at the store benefit Moonracer No Kill Pet Rescue — our favorite pet rescue group, which is based at The Islander. Founder Lisa Williams is office manager and, along with board member/ Islander sales rep Toni Lyon, they lead the rescue efforts. FYI: Scavengers also carries Fusion Paints. And don’t forget, tell people you meet along the way, “The Islander sent me.”

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May 19, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 13 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

AM, HB commissions withhold budgeted funding to center By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The Center of Anna Maria Island’s challenge to break even in fiscal 2020-21 just got more difficult. Holmes Beach commissioners voted 3-2 May 11 against contributing $22,500 to the community center, which provides recreational and after-school programs for islanders and their children. Commissioners Jayne Christenson, Jim Kihm and Kim Rash voted “no.” Commissioners Terry Schaefer and Carol Soustek voted “yes.” City treasurer Lori Hill began the discussion by noting that, due to the Titsworth city’s $5,000 donation to an Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce program, the city would need to draw that amount from a contingency fund to fulfill the budgeted $22,500 contribution to the center. The city has donated around Kihm $22,000 to the center every year since 1990 as a supportive gesture listed. The money represents around 2% of the nonprofit’s annual budget. Schaefer supported the contribution and said he felt the city had a commitment to the center since they agreed to the budgeted amount earlier in the 2020-21 fiscal year. Chris Culhane, the center’s executive director, attended the meeting and told commissioners he appreciated their support. He added that the nonprofit has worked hard to become less reliant on government funding. Christenson, who was elected to her seat after the commission’s budget discussions in 2020, was the first to express concern with the donation. “We’re being asked to give taxpayer money to a business entity,” Christenson said. “I’d instead encourage our citizens to contribute” to the nonprofit. Rash, serving since 2018, said he spoke with residents who felt the same. Kihm said he felt the same and had voted against the contribution during the budget process. He suggested individuals donate to the center. “I’ve been consistent in my opinion, so this shouldn’t come as a shock,” Kihm said. Mayor Judy Titsworth said she was “disappointed” with the commission’s direction. She said the center is an important resource that residents frequently rely upon. “I think this is a punch in the gut,” Titsworth said. “You don’t hit them like this after they just tried to survive a COVID response. … You all have to expand your minds and look at the bigger picture.” Schaefer asked commissioners to view the contribution as a “community investment” and said he,

Milestones

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

Culhane

too, was disappointed with them. He said he hoped the decision wouldn’t tarnish the city’s reputation. “I’m, quite frankly, surprised with what’s been said,” Schaefer said. “I think it’s disappointing … and quite frankly embarrassing.” Schaefer moved to approve the

contribution. Soustek seconded the motion, which failed. During staff comments almost 30 minutes later, Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said commissioners should revisit the matter because the city’s comprehensive plan recognizes the center’s importance to the community. Tokajer suggested reconsidering the matter at the commission meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 25, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. Commissioners reached consensus to revisit the contribution at the meeting. Anna Maria commissioners reached consensus May 13 to delay the city’s contribution to the center until another discussion can take place at their next meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 27, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. The city also has donated roughly the same amount to the center every year for several years, including $21,000 in 2019 and $25,000 in 2020. “We don’t really have — at this point — the money,” Mayor Dan Murphy said, adding that the city

was waiting to receive funds from the U.S. Americans Rescue Plan Act. “In two weeks, I believe we can come back with a recommendation as to what we should give the community center.” “We totally support you as a city, but give us two weeks and we can come back with a realistic figure,” Murphy added. The two cities’ decisions come at a difficult time for the center, which was $95,711 in the red through March, according to financial documents from the nonprofit. Jim McDaniel, center development director, wrote in a May 12 email to The Islander that it was too early for center staff to comment on the city budget decisions since the matter would be revisited. McDaniel also detailed the center’s ongoing funding challenge, which had raised $80,580.14 as of May 10 with $40,290.07 in donations matched by island residents, including Anna Maria City Commissioner Carol Carter and husband Bob and the Robert and Kathleen Dobkin Intuitive Foundation. “We are closing in on our goal,” McDaniel wrote. “The island community is the best and we are so appreciative!” He said the goal is to raise $50,000, which would then be matched by the challengers, topping off at $100,000 — “but as we get closer… you never know if a new challenger might step forward.” The funding challenge will end May 31. The center’s fiscal year ends June 30.

Nature ﬁghts dredging operations in Sarasota Bay By Kelsey Mako Islander Reporter

Dredging and seagrass mitigation in Bradenton Beach is progressing despite some challenges in Sarasota Bay. One of three dredge areas is almost done, city attorney Ricinda Perry said May 6. The city hired Duncan Seawall, Dock and Boat Lift to do the dredging and Duncan hired AquaTech Eco Consultants to do the seagrass mitigation. The project spans three locations in the bay. The dredging will improve navigation for boaters in a small near-shore channel. The work began near the Historic Bridge Street Pier, 200 Bridge St., and will end at the South Coquina Boat Ramp, 1465 Gulf Drive S. A strong current made it difficult to keep sediment within the boundaries of the silt curtains intended to contain sediment stirred up by construction. “There have been some struggles with the conditions, but that was to be expected,” Perry said. Additionally, seagrass mitigation took place the week of May 10 on the east side of the Intracoastal Waterway. The mitigation involves transplanting seagrass to offset the impact of dredging. AquaTech Eco Consultants owner Beau Williams said the company started on mitigation May 10 in the ICW near channel marker 1N. He said the goal was to finish by the week begin-

UPHOLSTERY by Nora has moved!

a map indicates locations for Bradenton Beach’s dredging and seagrass mitigation in Sarasota Bay. Islander Photo: Courtesy aquaTech/Beau Williams

ning May 17. AquaTech was to begin mitigation on the west side of the ICW near channel marker 41 after Duncan Seawall scrapes the area down. Scraping removes sand to make an area’s elevation match surrounding areas. Then AquaTech will plant mangroves and place oyster bags at sites along the shoreline, Williams said. The estimated cost for dredging and seagrass mitigation is $925,485 and the project is set to be completed by September.

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Page 14 THE ISLANDER | islander.org May 19, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Tidings

Gathering

Roser brings ‘Robics’ indoors

Roser Memorial Community Church is bringing a “faith, fitness, fun” class — the Roser Robics workout — indoors. The church hosts in-person workouts at 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in the fellowship hall 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. A notice said people must wear face masks and chairs will be placed 6 feet apart. The church also offers workout opportunities online at roserchurch.com. For more information, call the church office at 941-778-0414.

Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1813. 10 a.m. — Roser Church. REGULAR WORSHIP 10 a.m. — Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian USA, Monday-Friday 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-9008:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, 4903. Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-4769. 10 a.m. — Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Thursdays Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-6491. 9:30 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf 10:30 a.m. — St. Bernard. Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1638. 10:45 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. Saturdays REGULAR EVENTS 4 p.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. Sundays Thursdays 8 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. 9:30 a.m. — RoserRobics, Roser Church. 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. Tuesdays 8:30 a.m. — Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine 9:30 a.m. — RoserRobics, Roser Church. Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. SAVE THE DATES 9 a.m. — CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-0719. July 24, Pioneer Day. 9:15 a.m. — Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church Sept. 6-7, Rosh Hashanah. Ave., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-779-1912. Sept. 13, Yom Kippur. 9:30 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. Editor’s note: Most churches offer a livestream of at least some 9:30 a.m. — Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive. services. Please check with churches. Please, send notices to calendar@islander.org. Worship and events calendar

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

League of Cities awards Home Rule Heroes

GoodDeeds

Assistance on AMI

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

Assistance sought on AMI ManaSota League of Cities Home Rule Heroes pose May 13 with certificates of appreciation and lapel pins awarded by C. Scott Dudley, director of field advocacy and federal affairs for Florida League of Cities. Honorees include North Port Mayor Jill Luke, North Port City Commissioner Debbie McDowell, Sarasota City Commissioner Jen ahearn-Koch, Longboat Key town manager Tom Harmer, Dudley, anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy, Holmes Beach City Commission Chair Jim Kihm, anna Maria City Commission Chair Carol Carter and Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie. Carter, Chappie, ahearn-Koch and McDowell are members of the ManaSota League of Cities and Kihm is president. Islander Photo: amy V.T. Moriarty

Special Day Hip Hip! Happy Day! Hooray! This is one special day! The CDC announced the news on TV, We can now be free. The mask is not required Unless you are so inspired. all of us who sought the shot We earned this spot on top. Hang up those Mouth face clothes.

Clean out pockets and purse Time to disburse Backup masks hanging in the car No more need to populate. We have seen Pandemic fate We canceled so many dates It took a while But now I can see your smile. Now is time to celebrate May 13, a special date! Joan Voyles, anna Maria May 13, 2021

Visit islander.org for the best news on AMI. SUNDAY WORSHIP • 8:30 AM or 10:00 AM

COMMUNITY CHURCH IN PERSON in the Sanctuary Nursery • Children’s Church ONLINE • Watch LIVE or LATER www.RoserChurch.com Text ROSER to 22828 to receive the weekly eBulletin The CHAPEL is open during office hours for prayer & meditation

Essential BIBLE READING

• 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: 941-778-0492. • Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals. Information: 941-345-2441. — Lisa Neff

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 941778-7978.

Growing in Jesus’ Name

Sunday Service 10:00 AM The Rev. Dr. Norman Pritchard Masks Required Visitors & Residents Welcome Watch Our 10:00 AM Service Live:

DISCIPLINES

www.bit.ly/cclbksermons or www.christchurchlbk.org (follow YouTube link)

Discover how to maximize the benefits waiting for us in the powerful pages of the Bible.

941-778-0414 • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria • FOLLOW us on Facebook @RoserChurch

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May 19, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 15 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

BB’s new code ofﬁcer on the beat

By Kelsey Mako Islander Reporter

Welcome Officer Peterson! A new code enforcement officer, Ronald Peterson, started working in Bradenton Beach April 19. Peterson has worked in law enforcement for seven years. Before taking a job in Bradenton Beach, he worked as a patrol sergeant for the Bradenton Police Department Peterson after attending Manatee Technical College in Bradenton and earning a degree from the State College of Florida in criminal justice. Peterson said May 7 he wants to see code enforcement work more succinctly with businesses. “Just a true partnership with us and the businesses of the city,” he said is what he wants to see in Bradenton Beach. Additionally, Peterson plans to work with code enforcement officers in Holmes Beach and Anna Maria to monitor beaches and ensure sea turtle-friendly lighting during the nesting season that runs May 1-Oct. 31. Peterson also is looking for grants for a utility task

vehicle for Bradenton Beach to assist in nesting next season. A UTV, also known as a side-by-side, is a fourperson vehicle used for off-roading. In Bradenton Beach, a UTC would be used on beaches to monitor and enforce lighting ordinances to protect nesting sea turtles. Asked about challenges he faces, Peterson said, “It’s a brand-new job for me. Just learning the little differences between code enforcement and law enforcement.” Such differences include arrest powers — police have them but code enforcement does not — and dealing with civil matters not criminal matters, Peterson said. “It’s a true focus on compliance,” he said. Peterson succeeded code enforcement officer Gail Garneau, who retired in 2020. Peterson was born and raised in Bradenton. He attended Manatee High School, graduating with the class of 2011. “I’m just blessed and happy to be out here,” he said. To contact Peterson, call him at 941-778-1005 ext. 227.

Bidder chosen, negotiation begins for BB drainage survey By Kelsey Mako Islander Reporter

Bradenton Beach commissioners selected a bidder for a master drainage survey. City commissioners passed a motion 4-1 selecting Land and Water Engineering Science for the survey — pending negotiations. Commissioners set Utility Consultants of Florida as their second choice and Madrid Engineering Group as a third choice. Bids will not be open to the public until the negotiations are finished but the bidders and bid amounts were available. Land and Water Engineering Science’s bid for updating the city’s drainage survey is $112,000. Madrid’s bid was $50,030 and Utility Consultant’s was $95,000. The survey will evaluate drainage systems and identify improvements in a city that deals with a lot of flooding and standing water. Engineering firms had the opportunity to present their experience and answer commissioners’ questions during two meetings at city hall. Land and Water Engineering Science plans to rely on experience, as principal Paul Miselis has worked on stormwater projects in Pinellas County for five years. Questions from commissioners for company reps focused on costs, how to prioritize projects and what improvements might work best in Bradenton Beach. “As far as engineering skills, it seems like they’re most capable,” Commissioner Jan Vosburgh said, referring to Land and Water Engineering Science. Even without a survey, Land and Water Engineering Science identified one tool to improve drainage — an exfiltration trench, which can handle a heavier flow of water and store more water. An exfiltration trench contains a pipe for stormwater storage, as well as gravel that encourages the return of runoff to ground water. “It’s just one of the things that might work out

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Land and Water Engineering Sciences principal Paul Miselis addresses city commissioners May 11. Islander Photo: Kelsey Mako

there,” Miselis said, referring to the exfiltration trench and adding that the city’s end-all drainage solution probably will be a combination of things. Currently the city has an infiltration trench system, which are ditches that contain permeable soils and gravel that help stormwater sink into the ground at a quicker rate. For more information, call the city hall at 941-7781005.

HB seeks 3 for staff “We are looking to hire,” Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth announced April 27. Titsworth told commissioners at the city meeting that the city is taking applications for three administrative positions, including a permit technician, deputy clerk and public works clerk. A deputy clerk would be responsible for working at the front desk, answering calls and attending city commission meetings. The position answers to the city clerk. A public works clerk would answer to the department’s director and be responsible for preparing grant applications, assist in scheduling and event planning, as well as maintaining records and supplies. A permit technician would process services for building permits, such as reviewing permit applications and documentation, and would answer to the building official. The city will assist applicants in acquiring a permit technician certification within one year of employment. The city did not provide estimated pay ranges for the positions, instead asking applicants for their desired hourly rate/salary in the application form. People can find applications on the city’s website, www.holmesbeachfl.org, or at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. Completed applications should be sent to Maureen Gluff, the city’s human resources analyst and records manager, at 941-708-5800, ext. 225 or humanresources@holmesbeachfl.org. — Ryan Paice

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

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Page 16 THE ISLANDER | islander.org May 19, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Stilt-house support team casts hope for DEP lease By Kane Kaiman Islander Reporter

Interesting, to say the lease. Robert Schermer — an attorney representing Raymond “Junior” Guthrie in his legal battle against the Florida Department of Environmental Protection over the stilt-house constructed over state-owned submerged land yards off the Cortez fishing docks in Sarasota Bay in 2017 — filed a motion May 11 for a 90-day stay of enforcement on 12th Circuit Judge Edward Nicholas’ final order that the structure be torn down or moved. The motion would be an extension of the initial 60-day stay of enforcement that expired May 8. As of May 13, Nicholas had not ruled on the motion. The court document outlines the plan to save the structure: “Defendant Guthrie and all his siblings are providing a bill of sale for the structure to a not-for-profit entity that will then apply for a lease from DEP of the submerged land upon which it sits.” The document also states that funds are being raised to remodel the stilt-house to make it look historic. Regardless of who owns the structure, the stilthouse does not qualify for a lease from the state, according to DEP public information manager Shannon Herbon. All structures built on state-owned submerged lands after 1984 must adhere to criteria set forth in the Florida Administrative Code, including a requirement that “activities on sovereignty lands shall only be limited to water dependent activities and minimal secondary non-water dependent uses,” Herbon said in a May 7 email to The Islander.

Cops & Courts

“The Guthrie house does not meet the criteria of the rule. Whether the owner is a private individual or a nonprofit organization is irrelevant,” she said. A “water dependent activity” is an activity conducted on, in, over or adjacent to water areas because the activity requires direct access to the water body, according to state code. Herbon declined to comment on how the DEP determined the Guthrie stilt-house failed to meet the requirement. The DEP leases state-owned submerged land beneath 24 stilt-houses in Lee, Pasco and Indian River counties. A.P. Bell Fish Co. owner Karen Bell, assisting Guthrie with his legal defense, has said Guthrie’s stilthouse should enjoy the same privilege. Since the other stilt-houses were built prior to 1984, they are exempt from the “water dependent activity” requirement, and some have been used as “rustic getaways” for decades, according to a March 7, 2005, Sarasota Herald-Tribune report. Most of the structures are on or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places and received special authorization from the DEP for preservation, Herbon said. Guthrie maintains his stilt-house is a historic net camp built on pilings his ancestors drove into the bay bottom generations ago. The structure is located on the waterfront of the fishing village of Cortez, which has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1995. Guthrie’s stilt-house is not mentioned in the Cortez listing, though there is a section about net camps in general.

Staff reports

Burglary dropped, Bradenton woman faces drug charges By Amy V.T. Moriarty Islander Reporter

A Bradenton woman arrested for an alleged Bradenton Beach home invasion appeared May 13 in district court, where her case is next set to be heard July 15. Ashley Jodat, 34, was arrested in April for burglary to an occupied dwelling, a second-degree felony, and also possession of a controlled substance, a thirddegree felony, and possession of drug paraphernalia, a first-degree misdemeanor. Jodat pleaded not guilty April 7 and on April 13 the burglary charge was dropped when the alleged victims told court officials they would not return from their home in Minnesota to participate in the process. Held at Manatee County jail in lieu of $7,500 bond since her arrest, Jodat was released to the Manatee

County Pretrial Services Program May 4 by 12th Circuit Court Judge Frederick P. Mercurio. If convicted, Jodat could face up to five years for the felony drug charge and up to one year in jail or one year probation and a $1,000 fine for the misdemeanor paraphernalia charge. A vacationing Minnesota man told police he awoke at about 3:30 a.m. April 1 to find a woman locked in the bathroom of his Bradenton Beach apartment. According to his statement to police, he got the woman out of the bathroom and brought her outdoors, where he called the police. A search by police of Jodat’s pockets and a bag she was carrying yielded several items stolen from the apartment, including about $350 cash. Police also found a glass pipe and a baggie with a substance that tested positive for methamphetamine.

AM to address parking scofflaws

Thomas “Grumpy” Tillman rings up a customer’s fresh produce at the final sale of the October-May Anna Maria Farmers Market season, May 11, at City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. At the close of the fourth season, Tillman’s was the only remaining farm stand among the original vendors at the market. Islander Photo: Amy V.T. Moriarty

A first reading of a proposed scofflaw ordinance May 13 made it past Anna Maria commissioners. The ordinance would allow the city to report people with three or more unpaid tickets to the Florida State Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, city attorney Becky Vose said. Once reported to the state, a scofflaw — the term for a person/agency with three or more outstanding tickets — would be unable to renew their vehicle registration or operator’s license until the outstanding fines are paid. The city previously reported scofflaws to the state until the agency required an ordinance to do so, Mayor Dan Murphy said. A wheel lock — a “boot” — could be used instead but “I just don’t think that’s real friendly. This is just as effective if not more effective,” Murphy said. The mayor noted there aren’t a lot of scofflaws but there are repeat offenders. He pointed to the threewheel Scootcoupes that “seem to have a high preponderance of unpaid tickets” for illegal parking. The report to the state would be for the vehicle owner. So the registered owner would be considered the scofflaw. — Amy V.T. Moriarty

Since the stilt-house was constructed in 2017, it is not old enough to be eligible for a listing on the National Register, Herbon said. According to the National Park Service website, nps.gov, reconstructed properties are not usually considered for listing in the National Register but can be eligible if they meet special requirements. On April 29, Manatee County state legislators sent a letter of support for the Guthrie stilt-house to DEP Secretary Noah Valenstein. Schermer said May 13 he was of the belief that the state legislators are in discussions with the DEP to relax their leasing standards or find another way to allow the structure to remain standing.

A March view of Raymond “Junior” Guthrie’s stilthouse. The latest plan to save the structure from demolition involves securing a lease from the DEP, Guthrie’s opponent in the court dispute over the submerged lands. Islander Photo: Kane Kaiman

Streetlife

Staff reports

Island police reports

Anna Maria May 5, 900 block of North Shore Drive, noise. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office dispatched a deputy regarding a noise complaint. The deputy issued a citation for violation of Anna Maria’s noise ordinance. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office polices Anna Maria. Bradenton Beach No new reports. The Bradenton Beach Police Department polices Bradenton Beach. Cortez No new reports. The MCSO polices Cortez. Holmes Beach May 5, Bali Hai Resort, 6900 Gulf Drive, petit theft. An officer from the Holmes Beach Police Department responded to a report of a theft. The officer contacted the female victim, who said jewelry was stolen from her room. The officer spoke with staff, but nobody reported seeing the jewelry. May 7, Kingfish Boat Ramp, 752 Manatee Ave., trespass. An officer found a man sleeping on a picnic table at the boat ramp. The officer issued a court summons, then trespassed the man from the property. May 7, 5600 block of Gulf Drive, rental fraud. The HBPD received a call from a man who said he had booked a fraudulent vacation rental. The man provided the contact information for the person who made the listing ad. The officer reported the incident to federal agencies for interstate fraud. May 7, 700 block of Manatee Avenue, marijuana. An officer stopped a motorist pinged by the license plate recognition system for having an expired registration. The officer asked the driver if he had any drugs on him, and the driver provided a small bag of marijuana. The officer issued a court summons for driving without a license and a citation for the marijuana. May 8, 100 block of 52nd Street, larceny. A man called the HBPD to report that someone stole his backpack while he was in the water at the beach. An officer provided a case number. HBPD polices Holmes Beach. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

May 19, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 17 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Holmes Beach planners discuss process for ﬁnal stretch going to have a way better comp plan coming out of this process than we had going in.” However, he said he wanted make the process more efficient. “We’ve had some long meetings and there’s no doubt we’re going to meet our deadline but, in order to do that, I want to clean up our own process in-house,” Kerchner said. “It’s a good time to review where we’re going and where we gotta go.” Kerchner stressed that any communications must go through city clerk Stacey Johnston to avoid conflicts with Florida’s Sunshine Laws, which guarantee access to public documents and communications. He said that planning commissioners do not have the authority to contact contractors working in the city or direct city staff to complete tasks.

Additionally, if planning commissioners would like to discuss an item at a meeting, Kerchner sugHolmes Beach’s planning commission is six gested notifying the clerk so it could be included on months from presenting its proposed revisions to the an agenda. city commission. Kerchner also said he’d like to avoid spending too And chair Greg Kerchner wants to hammer out much time and effort as a group on “wordsmithing” issues before the planners enter their final stretch. and little details before they address the final elements Kerchner said at a May 5 meeting that they only of the comp plan. had three of nine elements of the comprehensive plan “We have six months until we’re due to present our left to review before they present to city commissionplan at a public workshop,” Kerchner said. “That’s not ers in November. a lot of time.” Kerchner began the discussion by thanking city Planning commissioners will review the final three staff and planning commissioners for their work reviselements— future land use, intergovernmental cooring the document. dination and public schools — of the comp plan over “We’ve done a lot of hard work and we’ve come a the next six months. long way,” Kerchner said. “Personally, I feel like we’re They have already reviewed housing, transportation, infrastructure, capital improvements, coastal BB withdrawing grant request to harden city properties management and conservation, as well as the recreBradenton Beach commissioners unanimously could be applied. ation and open space elements. passed a motion May 6 withdrawing a request for a And the improvements would need to be finished The planning commission will meet next at 6 p.m. hazard mitigation grant. by Dec. 31, 2022. Wednesday, June 2, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. The grant for $414,040.50 from the Federal Emer“To put it simply, we’d have to spend a lot of People can attend the meeting in person or via gency Management Agency would help pay to harden money just to get this building up to code for HMGP,” teleconference, with directions posted online at www. municipal buildings. public works director Tom Woodard said. holmesbeachfl.org. A grant was proposed for improvements at city Additionally, city attorney Ricinda Perry said the hall, the police department and the public works city hall could not be moved or sold if the grant was BBPD progress on derelict department. used. The commission has previously discussed reloboat removals However, windows, roofing and door frames on cating city hall. Bradenton Beach Police Lt. John Cosby announced — Kelsey Mako some buildings need to be replaced before the grant May 5 that 18 boats remain anchored in Sarasota Bay near the Historic Bridge Street Pier. FDLE honors Two more derelict boats are set to be removed former HB chief shortly, he added. Others were removed earlier this year. Former Holmes Beach Police In 2013, when the Bradenton Beach Police DepartChief Jay Romine speaks ment started a cleanup project in the anchorage area, May 15 on being inducted there were 68 boats. About 43 derelict boats were into Florida’s Law Enforceremoved by the BBPD, and a few boats were removed ment Officers Hall of Fame. by the owners. Romine began his career in A derelict boat either has no power, has taken on 1979 as an auxiliary police water or is not navigable. officer at the HBPD and “All you have to do is look across the way to see climbed the ranks to chief where the next problem is starting,” Cosby said, referin 1993. He retired in 2013, ring to boats anchored outside the city’s jurisdiction. after also serving as presiBy Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

— Kelsey Mako

dent of the Florida Police Chiefs association, and now serves as director of the Manatee Technical College Law Enforcement academy. Romine was a 2020 inductee into the LEO Hall of Fame, but a ceremony wasn’t held last year due to the novel coronavirus. Screenshot: The Florida Channel

Island watch: In an emergency, call 911. To report information, call the MCSO Anna Maria substation, 941-708-8899; Bradenton Beach police, 941-7786311; or Holmes Beach police, 941-708-5804.

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Page 18 THE ISLANDER | islander.org May 19, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Nesting notes By Kelsey Mako

Meet AMITW’s top statistician

Say “hello” to Pete Gross. Pete Gross is the chief statistician for Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring. Every morning during nesting season, Gross collects data on the number of nests and false crawls found on the beach by AMITW volunteers. Later in the season, Gross, who resides in Holmes Beach, also collects data on the number of hatchlings that emerge from each nest. Mako Additionally, Gross creates weekly data reports and, at the end of nesting season, compiles data into spreadsheets and a database for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Sea turtle nesting season runs May 1-Oct. 31. Asked about the challenges he faces as a volunteer, Gross said, “For me, it’s making sure we get all the data collected and accurate. It truly reflects what is happening on the island.” Gross began volunteering for AMITW in 2008 with his wife, Emily, who died six years ago. The couple received AMITW’s Sadie Award, given to volunteers exhibiting excellence during a nesting season and named for a sea turtle that tried to nest on Anna Maria Island. “Our fondest memories here together were doing turtle patrol. That was a big part of our life here,” he said. Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird

Pete Gross walks the beach for aMITW with his son, Matt, aug. 21, 2015, in Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: Courtesy aMITW/Suzi Fox

Monitoring is a nonprofit that monitors turtle nesting activity and collects data. In their first summer, Pete and his wife walked the beach every day with other volunteers, looking for nests and false crawls. In the past, AMITW volunteers would hit the sand at dawn and traverse their section of the beach. Once they reached the end of their section, volunteers checked for anything they missed on their walked back. At the end of the morning, volunteers helped coordinators stake out nests and collect data. In 2009, Gross and his wife became coordinators for a section of beach. But a lot of what volunteers did changed in 2020, with a renourishment project and the pandemic. The volunteer numbers now are smaller and they are using ATVs instead of walking sections. In 2020, the number of volunteers went from 95 people to less than two dozen with the program restructuring.

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Gross said that was hard on some volunteers. Everything Gross knows about sea turtles, he learned since volunteering with AMITW. He has gone to meetings with experts, as well as read books and scientific articles to further his education. Now Gross’ experiences are in writing and are frequently used by AMITW to educate others. Gross said the best part of AMITW is the people. He stays in touch with a team of volunteers via weekly Zoom sessions. “It’s what you do; it’s what you’re identified by,” Gross said, referring to the connection volunteers have with AMITW. “We lived it every day during those six months. We talked about it the other six months,” he added. Additionally, Gross said interacting with beachgoers is important. “If you don’t see anybody and you’re just walking in the morning when it’s getting light, you’ll see what they leave behind and it’s very negative. When you’re on the beach and people come up and talk to you, it’s incredible. They’re interested; they want to learn about it.” Gross is the vice president on the board of directors for the Martinique North Condominium Association in Holmes Beach. He helped the association convert to sea turtlefriendly lighting. “I spent a lot of time convincing people it was the right thing to do,” he said. Before volunteering with AMITW, Gross worked as a chief technology officer for a Fortune 200 company. For more information on AMITW and its volunteers, go to islandturtlewatch.com or call 941-7785638.

As of May 16, AMITW had identified 17 nests and 32 false crawls on the island.

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May 19, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 19 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

By Lisa Neff

Science, surveys and such

“Just slightly out of compliance,” a colleague wrote, sharing with me a state-issued “public notice of pollution.” The notice characterized spilled acidic water at the retired Piney Point phosphate site as “slightly out of compliance.” Earlier in the spring, the state had authorized the discharge of 215 million gallons of polluted water into Tampa Bay to avoid a larger environmental disaster. Neff It wasn’t difficult to read the sarcasm in the colleague’s email but, did you know: Artificial intelligence is being developed to pick up on sarcasm, specifically in social media where there’s no shortage of scorn, disdain, cynicism and mockery. Scientists at the University of Central Florida developed the sarcasm detector, a sentiment analysis process that can identify emotion — positive, negative or neutral — associated with text. The research team taught a computer model to find patterns that indicate sarcasm, as well as taught the program to identify cue words in sequences likely to show sarcasm. “Just” might be a cue word. Since the authorized discharges from Piney Point ceased April 9, teams of researchers from government, education and nonprofit organizations and agencies have been monitoring Tampa Bay and surrounding waters. One such team involves the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Chicago Zoological Society’s Sarasota Dolphin Research Program. They’re looking out for the health of the region’s dolphins and trying to determine which dolphins were exposed to the highest concentration of polluted water and whether dolphins suffered respiratory issues, skin

Father’s Day contest

SEAFOOD

Bay watch a preliminary report from the Southwest Florida Water Management District finds that between 2018 and 2020, Sarasota Bay lost about 18% — 2,300 acres — of seagrass habitat. In 2020, the report indicates mapped seagrass acreage dropped to a 12-year low of 10,540 acres. The loss for upper Sarasota Bay in Manatee County was 556 acres. Tampa Bay lost about 13% — 5,411 acres — of seagrass habitat between 2018 and 2020. Islander File Photo: Jack Elka

discolorations or exhibited behavioral changes. The day the discharges ended, SDRP director Randall Wells said researchers had observed fewer dolphins and they were mostly more than a couple of miles from the discharge site. “The situation is changing daily,” he said in a news release from the SDRP. SDRP also studied dolphins in the region following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the northern Gulf of Mexico in 2010. The Deepwater spill remains the largest marine oil spill in U.S. history and scientists continue to try to understand its impact. Research published this spring from the University

of South Florida found that nearly 100% of red snapper sampled from the Gulf over six years showed evidence of liver damage. The researchers sampled 570 fish from 72 locations in the Gulf from 2011-17 and found a correlation between crude oil in the digestive system and disease — inflammation, degenerative lesions and parasites. “The results add to the list of other species we’ve analyzed indicating early warning signs of a compromised immune system,” said Erin Pulster, the lead researcher. The other analyzed species include yellowfin tuna, golden tilefish and red drum. “Just” a few issues out there on the water.

May 27-28 king tides focus of photo contest

The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program invites people to enter its 2021 “King Tides Photo Contest,” which involves taking photos of a location during extreme high and low tides May 27-28 and submitting them for a chance to win $50. King tides occur when the moon, Earth and sun are aligned and when the moon is closest to the Earth

in its orbit. Predicted high tides for Manatee are 2.84 feet at 12:53 p.m. May 27 and 2.85 feet at 1:35 p.m. May 28. The lowest tide will be -0.65 feet at 9:38 p.m. May 27. For more about the contest, go online to sarasotabay.org.

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Page 20 THE ISLANDER | islander.org May 19, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Hole-in-one tops KRC news, soccer progresses at center By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter

Golf action at the Key Royale Club is heating up, just like the weather. Brett Lance made that obvious with his first career hole-in-one May 12. Using a 9-iron on the 138-yard eighth hole, Lance’s shot went straight as an arrow onto the green, where it rolled into the cup for an ace. Congratulations to Brett! The men played their regular, Cassidy nine-hole modified-Stableford system match May 10. Hoyt Miller took individual honors with a score of plus-3. The team of Brian Comer, Blake Ress and Steve Vassbinder combined on a plus-2 to win the team competition for the day. The women played a nine-hole individual-low-net match in three flights May 11. Helen Pollock was on fire, posting a 5-under-par 27 for the low-net round of the day and first place in Flight A. Debi Wohlers and Pam Lowry tied for second at 2-under-par 30, while Jenny Huibers was alone in third at 1-under-par 31. Susan VanOrsdel ran away with Flight B with a 4-under-par 28, five strokes ahead of second-place finisher Margrit Layh. Pam Alvord was another stroke back in third. Judy Menchek took first place in Flight C with a 3-under-par 29, three strokes ahead of second-place finisher Janet Razze and Terry Westby. Janelle Clement finished alone in third place with a 1-over-par 33. The team of Jon Holcomb, Hoyt Miller, Larry Solbrerg and Terry Tarras teamed up May 13 to post a

TideWatch

Water concerns continue

The red tide organism, Karenia brevis, persisted in Southwest Florida the week ending May 16. Also, boaters continued to report thick mats of Lyngbya or blue-green alga in Anna Maria Sound and Sarasota Bay, as well as elsewhere in southwest Florida. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission stated, “This alga blooms each year, has not been shown to be toxic in Florida’s waters and often resembles sawdust but can change color as it decomposes.” In its red tide report, the FWC said K. brevis was detected in 56 samples. K. brevis was observed at background to low concentrations in Manatee County. Also, red tide was found at very low concentrations in Pinellas County, background to low concentrations in Sarasota County, background to medium concentrations in Charlotte County, background to high concentrations in Lee County, very low to high concentrations in Collier County and background to low concentrations in Monroe County. Respiratory irritation was reported in Manatee, Lee and Collier counties. Fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were reported in Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties. For more information, go online to myfwc.com/ research/redtide.

An excited Brett Lance, left, high-fives his playing partner, Chris Grant, May 12 on making his first career hole-in-one on the eighth hole at the Key Royale Club. Islander Photo: Courtesy KRC

3-under-par 29 to win the nine-hole member scramble. Second place went to the team of Fred Miller, Tom Nelson, Greg Shorten and Bill Shuman with a 2-underpar 30. Soccer moves into week 5 After four weeks of action, Blalock Walters at 4-0 is the only team chasing perfection, leading the 11-14 division. AM Bath Time is right on their heels with a 3-1 record, while Grooms Motors is entrenched in third place at 2-2. The Gitt Team follows with a 1-3 record while HSH Designs is still in search of a victory. Shady Lady leads the 8-10 division with a 2-0-2 record, just ahead of second-place Tidy MD at 2-1-1. Bridge Tender Inn remains in striking distance at 2-2, just ahead of fourth-place Solid Rock Construction at 1-2-1. Beach Bums holds down last place with an 0-2-2 tally. Action May 11 kicked off with Solid Rock easing past Beach Bums by 1-0. McKenna Drake notched the game-winning goal, while Austin Guess made nine saves to help preserve the victory. Ales Serra made nine saves to help keep Beach Bums in the game. Shady Lady edged Tidy MD 2-1 behind a pair of goals from Jesse Zaccagnino and six combined saves from Tomas Bartos and Dylan Phillips. Kirra Quinby scored the lone goals for Tidy MD, which also received five saves from Andre Harwood in the loss. Action in the 11-14 division kicked off with Blalock Walters outscoring Grooms Auto 5-4 behind four goals from JM Feeney and a goal from William Pakbaz. Cale Rudacille helped close out the victory with four saves between the pipes. Chase Johnson scored a pair of goals to lead Grooms Auto, which also received a goal each from Dennis Gallagher and Jayden Sparks. The last match of the night saw AM Bath Time cruise to an 8-1 victory over HSH Designs behind

four goals from Jack Mattick and three goals from Ava Harlan. Maddox Culhane added a goal and an assist for AM Bath Time, which also received five saves from Caden Quinby in the victory. Victor Albrecht scored the lone goal for HSH Designs, which also received nine saves from Audrey Guess in the loss. Center announces soccer cookout The center plans to hold a cookout for youth soccer participants at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 18, after press time for The Islander. The menu was to include hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and drinks — with the offerings free for coaches, players and families. For more information, call the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, at 941-778-1908. Horseshoe news May 12 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall pits saw Norm Good walk his way past the competition with the lone 3-0 record in pool play to emerge as outright champ for the day. There also were no playoffs May 15. Two teams lost their last pool play match, leaving Tim Sofran and Bob Hawks with the only 3-0 record and bragging rights for the day. Play gets underway at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by random team selection. There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome.

Eddie Kelmenson of Longboat Key, backed up by Kevin Hendrickson of Charlottesville, Virginia, boats a 160-pound tarpon May 13 in the nearshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The friends shared the two-hour fight with the silver king, exhausting the anglers. The fishermen used pass crabs for bait on a guided fishing trip with Capt. Warren Girle.

Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

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May 19 May 20 May 21 May 22 May 23 May 24 May 25 May 26

8:48a 9:01a 9:19a 9:40a 10:03a 10:29a 12:27a 1:38a

HIGH

1.6 1.7 1.8 2.0 2.2 2.4 1.7 1.6

5:29p 7:09p 8:43p 10:04p 11:18p — 10:59a 11:31a

HIGH

2.0 12:34a 1.9 1:29a 1.8 2:20a 1.8 3:05a 1.7 3:44a — 4:18a 2.6 4:45a 2.8 5:06a

LOW

-0.1 0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.1 1.2

11:40a 1:32p 2:49p 3:50p 4:45p 5:37p 6:29p 7:22p

LOW

Moon

1.5 1st 1.3 0.9 0.5 0.2 -0.2 -0.5 -0.6 Full

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

Fishing Charters Capt. Warren Girle

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May 19, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 21 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Tarpon arrive! Inshore — snook, redfish and trout — heats up By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

Inshore fishing for the sought-after trio — snook, redfish and trout — is in full swing around Anna Maria Island as we near summertime. Fishing the flats in Tampa Bay is producing good catch-and-release action for snook and spotted seatrout. Catch-and-release redfish also are available, although their numbers don’t equal the amount of snook and trout being caught. Fishing morning Stasny incoming tides is proving to work well, as long as the tides are swift. Slower tides and the half moon phases are not quite as good, although the bite is attainable. There’s big news for snook, redfish and spotted seatrout anglers starting June 1. For Tampa Bay and any waters north of State Road 64/Manatee Avenue, normal regulations will resume for snook and redfish. For the spotted seatrout: The daily bag limit is three per person and the slot is 15-19 inches. For waters south of Manatee Avenue, snook and redfish will remain closed to harvest through May 31, 2022. The spotted seatrout harvest will resume with a six-fish recreational vessel limit, not including captain and crew. These fish must fall 15-19 inches. For more information on updates to fishing regulations, visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at myfwc.com. The hot topic though — the most anticipated bite in May — is finally here. Yes, you guessed it. It’s tarpon season. The silver kings are being spotted along the beaches of Egmont Key, Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. Numerous schools of fish are being sighted within a mile of the beaches. In fact, I’m seeing quite a few fish on the flats of Tampa Bay and in the Manatee River. Keep in mind, the river fish tend to be smaller juveniles. If your intent is to catch a monster, you should be patrolling the beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. On my Southernaire charters, catch-and-release fishing for snook and trout is quite productive. Most trout catches are 14-22 inches. As for the snook, I’d say 18-30 inches is the size range being hooked. I am also seeing some catch-and-release redfish mixed in while targeting linesiders. Morning incoming tides are producing the best action. Finding areas free of Lyngbya —or gumbo as we call the ugly, stinky, floating alga — is imperative to finding a good bite. The cleaner the water, the better. Capt. Warren Girle is putting his sport fishers on good numbers of catch-and-release snook along the mangrove shorelines of Sarasota Bay. Free-lining live shiners in areas with oyster bars and lush turtle grass is producing the best action. While targeting the catchand-release snook, Girle is hooking up with some catch-and-release redfish. Targeting catch-and-release spotted seatrout also is producing action for Girle’s clients. Deeper grass flats are yielding plenty of trout, as well as some Spanish mackerel, bluefish and jack crevalle. It was Capt. David White’s week for the limelight, with his sighting of three whale sharks swimming and feeding and checking out his boat up close while about 30 miles offshore. White and his clients got their 15-minutes of fame online and in TV and print media. Meanwhile, White was patrolling with clients hoping for tarpon bites along the beaches of Egmont Key and Anna Maria Island. Although the large numbers of fish have yet to appear, White is achieving a

Capt. David White of anna Maria Charters managed to catch some great photos of three whale sharks while fishing with clients May 13 about 30 miles out in the Gulf of Mexico. It was a “sweet sight,” according to White, who attracted considerable media attention and also posted some video clips on social media.

few hookups during the morning tides. On days when he’s not targeting tarpon, White is hooking clients up with mackerel and mangrove snapper in the inshore waters. Moving offshore, White says the yellowtail snapper bite is as good as it gets. While offshore, White also is putting clients on amberjack, African pompano and blackfin tuna. Capt. Aaron Lowman is finding catch-and-release snook fishing quite productive for his clients while working the flats of southern Tampa Bay. Morning incoming tides are producing good action on these linesiders, especially when fishing around mangrove shorelines where swift tidal flow occurs. In these areas, Lowman also is interacting with some

hefty catch-and-release redfish and trout. On deeper flats, away from shore, Lowman is finding vast quantities of smaller trout mixed in with macks, ladyfish and jack crevalle. Capt. Jason Stock is on the hunt for tarpon along the beaches of Egmont Key, Anna Maria Island and Longboat key. His clients are casting live crabs and threadfin herring to the schools of fish, which is resulting in plenty of action. Still early in the tarpon season, Stock anticipates seeing greater numbers of fish — and some mega-size kings — in the weeks to come. Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier is seeing the action heat up on catch-and-release snook as we gradually slip into the summertime fishing patterns. Most catches are occurring on live shrimp as bait and the fish are mostly 18-26 inches, although larger snook are taking the bait. Some larger linesiders, exceeding 40 inches in length, are taking offerings of pinfish, ladyfish and mojarras as bait. Other catches occurring on live shrimp include catch-and-release redfish as well as black drum and a few mangrove snapper. Spanish mackerel are being caught by anglers using lures, such as small jigs or silver spoons. Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org. Suzy Johnston of Bradenton shows off a 30-inch linesider she hooked into — and released — May 11 while fishing the inshore waters in Sarasota Bay with Capt. Danny Stasny of Southernaire fishing charters.

Southernaire Fishing Charters

Licensed

Page 22 THE ISLANDER | islander.org May 19, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Ridership down, ads up for BB shuttle

Bike racks proposed for BB business district …

By Kelsey Mako Islander Reporter

The Old Town Tram is still trekking. Easy Parking Group has worked to secure advertisers and make improvements to its shuttle service despite a decrease in ridership after spring break. Bradenton Beach established the no-fare tram service to help address a lack of parking on Bridge Street and in the surrounding commercial area. In April, 3,988 passengers rode the tram. In March, 5,202 passengers hopped a ride. “This is a little down from seasonal month but still good from what we did prior to season,” Easy Parkingowner Joshua LaRose said May 5 at the community redevelopment agency meeting. Advertising contracts increased to $5,475 for May. In April, advertising contracts totaled $3,075. New contracts for May include Bridge Tender Inn, Island Scoops, I Love Bridge Street and Adventure Rental. Space for advertising is available, LaRose said. The CRA is a group that funds improvement projects focused on growth, restoration and tourism. CRA members had been concerned about a consistent route for the tram, which is funded by the city’s community redevelopment agency and ads LaRose tracked daily tram routes by GPS and said the vehicles mainly travel through the Bridge Street district but increased coverage on the beaches. Easy Parking more than doubled beach parking pickups since March. CRA member David Bell asked May 5 if the tram is getting to Coquina Beach, the southernmost amenity on the island. LaRose said yes, but the traffic, especially in season, makes it a long trip. The tram operates 11 a.m.-4 p.m., 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m., 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Sunday. For a ride, call 941-404-6240.

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Old Town Tram driver Richard Lusk waits april 2 for passengers near the anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach. Islander Photo: Kelsey Mako

Blue Marlin hooks BB grant

The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency May 5 unanimously approved a grant request from the Blue Marlin Seafood Restaurant for two benches. City attorney Ricinda Perry recommended the benches be the property of the city and commissioners agreed. The benches will be made from pine trees and will replace existing benches at 121 Bridge St. “He loves the natural wood benches,” Perry said, referring to restaurant owner Adam Ellis. The anticipated cost is $1,600-$2,000 and the grant amount is not to exceed $2,000.

Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency members May 5 discussed proposed locations for new bike racks, including: • The corner of Lou Barolo South Park at Highland Avenue and Fourth Street North, replacing a rack with a more decorative one that also would allow more parking for golf carts. • Near the Historic Bridge Street Pier, 200 Bridge St., where CRA members are creating an overlook, with bike racks and benches. • Bay Street between Bridge Street and Third Street South, where bikes often get propped against benches and bushes, according to city attorney Ricinda Perry. • The U.S. post office, 116 Bridge St. • The Blue Marlin, 121 Bridge St., and • Near the Bradenton Beach Moose Lodge, 110 Gulf Drive S. Commissioner Jake Spooner suggested adding a rack between the Sports Lounge, 118 Bridge St., and Drift In, 120 Bridge St., which members agreed to pursue. — Kelsey Mako

… and new trash bins

Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency board members reached a consensus on a design for trash cans in the district. Receptacles will be dark gray and include a logo with the clock tower at the Historic Bridge Street Pier, as well as wood posts constructed from Australian pine trees. The cost will be $1,400 for a single unit and $1,900 for a double unit. Public works director Tom Woodard said the CRA plans to purchase at least 10 receptacles. — Kelsey Mako

— Kelsey Mako

Neighbor ﬁles complaint against HB resort By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

A Holmes Beach condo association is speaking out against recent changes at a neighboring resort. Jim Stewart, president of the Tiffany Place Condominium Association at 7000 Gulf Drive wrote an April 29 letter to the city complaining that the Bali Hai Resort’s new outdoor bar is a nuisance. Bali Hai, 6900 Gulf Drive, first opened in 1971 but was purchased by developer Shawn Kaleta in 2019 for about $20 million. He’s since completed extensive renovations, including the addition of a spa and bar for The Tiffany Place Condominium association wrote PLEaSE, SEE RESORT, NEXT PaGE

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an april 29 letter to the city of Holmes Beach complaining about the new outdoor bar and lounge area at the Bali Hai Beachfront Resort & Spa, 6900 Gulf Drive. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

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May 19, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 23 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

isl

biz New eats, treats

Amy V.T. Moriarty

Oh fudge! If you haven’t strolled Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach this month, you likely don’t know there’s a new sweet shop. The Fudge Factory, 117 Bridge St., opened May 1 “with a bang,” shop manager and chocolatier Maria Lygnos said May 11. “There were like 500 people the first day.” The shop’s owner, Ben Kaminecki, opened his first location in WildMoriarty wood, New Jersey, in 2002, and a second location on Siesta Key in 2013. Fudge, ice cream and other confections are made in-house and Lygnos said she’s been up to her elbows in chocolate to keep up with demand. The fudge is gluten-free and has no preservatives. And for those looking for a fix, the shop is open Maria Lygnos, manager at The Fudge Factory, 117 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach, May 11 holds a chocolate turtle, a popular confection. Islander Photo: amy V.T. Moriarty

RESORT FROM PaGE 22

guests. City commissioners agreed in February to a list of drafted stipulations for resort additions, but have yet to approve the business’ application for a new site plan detailing modifications and their uses. Commissioners were set to consider a resolution approving the site plan at a May 11 meeting, but agreed to reschedule the hearing at the request of attorney Louis Najmy of the Najmy Thompson law firm in Bradenton, who represents the resort. Stewart’s letter, however, asked commissioners not to approve the proposed uses due to their potential impact on the condo association’s residents. “The owners at Tifffany Place strongly oppose any new city measure, ordinance or permit amendment that would allow Bali Hai to expand or increase noise, traffic, groups of people or otherwise create the opportunity for a nuisance,” Stewart wrote. “Recent changes at Tiffany’s once quiet and pleasant neighbor have already raised concern.” “Since Bali Hai re-opened under new ownership, a bar has been opened, loud receptions or parties have occurred late into the night — requiring calls to the police because of public disturbances,” he added. Stewart wrote that the resort’s new bar was of particular concern because it is contrary to the residential neighborhood’s character and could become a recurring nuisance due to late-night parties he said had already occurred. “But what is of paramount concern is that Bali Hai’s current application is only a first step in what could become a continuing saga to expand its activities,” Stewart wrote. “It is our fervent hope that the city will do its part to keep it from getting worse.” There was no public comment on the matter at the May 11 commission meeting. The city’s next discussion on the resort’s site plan application had not been scheduled as of May 13.

Jennifer Geils, left, Lauren Welton and Kane Geils May 13 display a selection of Cheesecake Cuties’ breakfast offerings — on the menu starting June 1. Islander Photo: amy V.T. Moriarty

10 a.m.-midnight. Not sure what flavor ice cream or fudge to indulge in, no problem, as samples are offered. Sugar-free options soon will be available. If that’s not enough, Lygnos said the shop will open a chocolate-themed bar featuring alcoholic beverages made that either include or enhance chocolate. The shop is so new, the phone and website are “to come,” but, in the meantime, check out sarasotafudgefactory.com. Cheesecake for breakfast? Not quite … A new player is joining the island breakfast game. Cheesecake Cuties, in the Anna Maria Centre shopping plaza at 3324 E. Bay St., Holmes Beach, will begin serving breakfast June 1, shop owner Jennifer Geils said May 11. Since opening in November 2020, the shop has offered lunch and savory small-bite options in addition to individual cheesecakes and full-size cheesecakes. But, Geils said, after the shop added a coffee bar, customers kept asking about breakfast items. They already have lattes, cappuccinos and flavored coffees and, soon, a coffee blend will be available by the pound from a Sarasota roaster. The breakfast questions persisted. So Geils and her team began testing family-favorite quick breakfasts and developed a menu of flatbreads, a burrito, overnight oats and fruit and yogurtgranola parfaits. The goal was to come up with handheld options easy enough to enjoy at the beach or on a stroll. With breakfast, comes new store hours. Geils said beginning June 1, the shop will open 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday. For more information, go online to cheesecake-

cuties.com or call 941-779-2253. New Moose menu After a 14-month kitchen renovation, the Anna Maria Island Loyal Order of Moose is back to cooking in a full commercial kitchen — and what a kitchen! Throughout the renovation — which suffered pandemic-related setbacks — members at the lodge, 110 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, were limited to options that could be cooked on a grill in the parking lot. With the new kitchen comes a new menu, as staff makes the transition from grilling to cooking in the gleaming new kitchen. Enjoy your new kitchen, Moose, and let us know when the date of the next prime rib night. Fin drops Tuesday service Folks hoping for a bowl of steak-and-ale soup or wee bit of Irish on Tuesdays are out of luck — as the Freckled Fin is closing Tuesdays. The Fin, 5337 Gulf Drive N., Holmes Beach, announced on social media May 11 that the pub will temporarily close Tuesdays due to staffing shortages. “When/if the labor market returns to normal levels, we will bring back Tuesdays at the Fin,” the Facebook post read. But, “it is a necessary action due to the fact that our great employees have been working a schedule that is not sustainable. We need to give them a break,” the post stated. The Fin is staying the course on entertainment, food, drinks and smiles six days a week. For more information, go online to freckledfin.com or call 941-251-3930. Swinging for scholarships About 100 golfers hit the links at IMG Academy Golf Club in Bradenton May 14 for the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce 22nd annual Golf Tournament. But what’s a chamber event without a little added fun? At hole No. 1, golfers found the gals who own Beach Suites, Tiffany Adell and Audrey McLoughlin, with a luxury beach setup, including charcuterie cups and a few moments of relaxation. The third hole offered golfers a challenge for a hole-in-one — a chance to win a car from Sunset Cadillac in Bradenton and, at No. 10, golfers took a break to play cornhole, courtesy of Kellie Spring of SERVPRO. Though no one won the car, people had a great time driving and putting IMG’s 18-hole, par 72 course for the chamber’s annual scholarship fund. The putting contest winners were Alex Harlie, Brian Carter, Bill Shuman and Bo Strickland, playing for Duncan Real Estate. In third place overall for the day were Steve Sweney, Pat Evans, Jim Connelly and Bill Popham. Second-place finishers, Lance Plowman, Ryan Young and Zach Brewer played the course for Florida Fishing Fleet. And the first-place winners, drumroll please: Val Cablish, Tony Wagner, Homer Cablish and Jim Gentile of the team Cablish & Gentile team took the trophy with an overall team score of 14-under-par 58. See page 26 for more winners… We’ll be back next week with more biz news. In the meantime … … Got business news? Contact Amy Moriarty at amym@islander.org or call 941-778-7978,

Beach Suites owners Tiffany adell and audrey McLoughlin show off a deluxe beach setup May 14 at hole No. 1 at the IMG academy Golf Club during the anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce 22nd annual Golf Tournament. Islander Photo: Toni Lyon

BizCal

COMPILED BY AMY V.T. MORIARTY

AMI Chamber 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.

Claire Boschetti poses in cat ears May 6 at The Cat’s Meow a Vintage Marketplace in Bradenton on the store’s one-year anniversary. Islander Photo: Toni Lyon

Page 24 THE ISLANDER | islander.org May 19, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

ITEMS FOR SALE Continued

HELP WANTED Continued

8-by-10-FOOT RUBBERMaID SHED with floor and concrete blocks. Never in the sun. Like new. $250 obo. 941-720-1010.

aNTIQUE OFFICE CHaIRS: Perfect for eclectic dining set. Circa 1950 from anna Maria City Hall. Inquire at The Islander newspaper, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

EDGERS: CONCRETE, like new, 50 cents, car roof rack, black, easy install, $50, chandelier, brown metal, hardware Included, $50. 941-9202494.

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

VIDEOGRaPHER. GREaT OPPORTUNITy for extra weekend income. Responsibilities include filming and internet posting of weekly Sunday church service. Please, email resume to office@gloriadeilutheran.com.

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 tollfree 1-866-362-9821. (limited time offer)

KEyBOaRDS FOR DELL, aPPLE, $10, mouse, $5. coffeemaker, Cuisinart, twelve-cup, black, like new, $20. 941-920-2494.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SHIP’S WHEEL TaBLE: Capt. J. Lindroth original masterpiece of inlaid wood and brass. 19-inches tall, 45-inch diameter. $1,500. also, related pieces. marinateal@gmail.com.

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.

aNTIQUE PaRTNER DESK: all wood, $1,000. Inquire at The Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

Sandy’s Lawn Service Inc. ESTABLISHED IN 1983

Residential & Commercial Full-service lawn maintenance. Landscaping ~ Cleanups Hauling ~ Tree Trimming. LICENSED & INSURED

Paradise Improvements

941.792.5600

Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Specialist Replacement Doors and Windows

Andrew Chennault

FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED Island References Lic#CBC056755 CBC 1253471

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

References available • 941-720-7519

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.

ESTATE SALES ESTaTE SaLE: 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, May 21. 615 Foxworth Lane, Key Royale, Holmes Beach. Carved seat, bar stools, two nests of tables, bar dinette, twin beds, bench, collection of turtles, rattan sofa, chair and glass-top tables and chair, bench, sofa bed, bookcase, student desk, vacuum, bistro tables, china cabinet, chest, linens, kitchenware, collectibles, other late additions. Sale conducted by Palma Sola Sales. Numbers given out at 8 a.m.

PETS

AdoptA-Pet

HELP RESCUED PETS! Volunteer, foster, computer help needed! Moonracer animal Rescue. Email: moonraceranimalrescue@gmail.com.

BOATS & BOATING 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.

SaILING BUSINESS IS selling inventory. We have Sunfish, Lasers and 1 Windrider 17 for sale. Call Brian for prices and details, 941-685-1400. Boats are located in anna Maria.

HELP WANTED 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.