The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, May 26, 2021 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

VOLUME

NO. 31

Honor our fallen veterans on Memorial Day

MAY 26, 2021 frEE

the Best news on anna Maria Island since 1992

FWC, fishers jaw about sharks

astheworldterns. 6 traffic committee discusses congestion. 2

Q&A 052621

By Kane Kaiman Islander Reporter

COVID-19 vaccines offered at aMI pop-ups. 4

Angler vs. predator. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission hosted a roundtable discussion May 12 focused on interactions between fishers and sharks in Florida waters, which some say are becoming more frequent. Sharks have a tendency to mangle hooked fish and damage fishing gear, negatively impacting commercial and charter fishers’ bottom lines. The FWC, which has received an influx of complaints about sharks in recent years, staged the discussion to better understand the

Meetings. 4 BB options for library, city hall. 5

Opinions. 6 10-20 YEARS AGO

looking back. 7

BB P&Z continues review.

tuRn tO sHarKs, Page 5

BB OKs outdoor dining. 9

save a date. 10

Q&a with aMe-PtO. 11

islander.org

Skating, chilling the way into summer

aBOVe: Bradenton resident Clark Witoshynski launches into a kickflip May 20 at the skate park adjacent to Holmes Beach City Hall. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice. BelOW: Beachgoers wind down in the shade of an umbrella May 20 while others swim, sunbathe and fish at Cortez Beach in Bradenton Beach. Islander Photo: Kelsey Mako

WMfR pushes for rate hike. 12 anna Maria ‘reimagining’ Pine ave. 13

Capt. Warren girle, a local fishing guide, poses with the 764pound, world record dusky shark he caught off longboat Key in 1982. girle supports the fWC’s shark fishing regulations. Islander Photo: Courtesy Igfa

Gathering. 14

Milestones. 14-15 Mapping aMI. 16-17 forecast: above normal storm season. 18

RoadWatch. 18 environmental groups sue over Piney Point. 19 Red tide warning. 19

Cops & Courts. 20 StreetLife. 20 NESTING NOTES:

sea turtles disorient. 22

Volts? Vroom, vroom. 23 soccer keeps kicking. 24 full moon+stellar tides+ light winds=success. 25

BIZ: losing the mask. 26 CLASSIFIEDS. 28

PropertyWatch. 30

NYT puzzle.

Patrols beef up for Memorial Day crush By amy V.t. Moriarty Islander Reporter

Law enforcement islandwide will beef up patrols for Memorial Day weekend. Memorial Day, May 28-31, is the unofficial start to summer and, even in the land of “endless summer,” it is one of the busiest beach weekends. With crowd surges of more than 45,000 expected from Bean Point in Anna Maria to Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach, the island’s law enforcement officers want to ensure people enjoy a safe weekend.

“People don’t realize you can only fit so many people on an island,” Bradenton Beach Detective Sgt. Lenard Diaz said May 11. People “drive around and around looking for a parking space” but when still unable to legally park after several loops, they park wherever they can fit their vehicle, Diaz said. To alleviate parking problems, Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer May 10 suggested beachgoers carpool or use a ridesharing service. Also, those staying on the island should use

transit options such as the Manatee County Area Transit-operated fare-free island trolley or the private service, Island Monkey Bus. Tokajer also said visitors should not drive “as if you’re in a vacation mindset but pay attention to all signs and watch for pedestrians and crosswalks.” And “saving parking spaces is never allowed,” Diaz cautioned. Public parking is first-come, first-serve and police will make people move when caught attempting to save parking spaces. tuRn tO Patrols, Page 3

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Traffic committee discusses seasonal congestion, roundabout By Kane Kaiman Islander Reporter

They’re trying to get us out of a jam. The Barrier Islands Traffic Committee — an eightmember body established to advise the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization on technical matters related to the implementation of the Barrier Island Traffic Study — met May 17. The BITC, which endeavors to reduce traffic congestion on Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key in accordance with the study, discussed: • Lower barrier island traffic congestion levels during this year’s busy season; • The installation of a roundabout at the intersection of Cortez Road and Gulf Drive; • The addition of a “flexible” third lane to the Cortez megabridge. During the project update portion of the meeting, Lynn Burnett, the city engineer contracted by Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach, said construction and staged vehicles associated with the infrastructure projects at the south end of Anna Maria Island caused traffic congestion and put Bradenton Beach’s plans to reconfigure parking lots in the area on hold. “I think that we’re probably going into the next busy season in about the same position we have been this past year, with the exception of hopefully not as much construction, equipment, staging and things like that slowing stuff down,” she said. Burnett’s report prompted Isaac Brownman, Longboat Key public works director, to mention that despite the Coquina Beach-area projects, traffic congestion on Longboat Key was lighter than last year, according to public feedback he received. Burnett concurred. Traffic heading northbound on Anna Maria Island flowed better this year, she said. “As long as the road wasn’t shut down because of sewer work, I would agree there was an improvement,” Burnett said. “And from three-plus decades of watching traffic patterns out there, I’m going to attribute

Pedestrians May 18 wait to cross at the intersection Cortez Road at Gulf Drive, west of the Cortez Bridge in Bradenton Beach. Officials and planners have discussed acquiring the property on the west side of Gulf Drive to accommodate a roundabout. Islander Photo: Kane Kaiman

that to the improvements that were made at Cortez and Beach. 123rd Street.” There is a chance the $1.25 million study, which would include the intersection of Gulf Drive and Circling back Cortez Road, could be conducted earlier, said Jesten Installing a roundabout at the intersection of Gulf Abraham, DOT District 1 community liaison. Drive and Cortez Road west of the Cortez Bridge has Abraham said he would know more about the been a longtime topic of discussion for barrier island timeline in July, when the DOT work program develofficials and planners. opment cycle begins. Though a DOT analysis determined a roundabout Though the project may be advanced, Abraham was not feasible due to the cost of right of way acquisi- made no roundabout promises. tion, the idea was back on the table at the BITC meet“I don’t know what the best treatment would be, ing. obviously, until we actually look at the (study),” he Burnett reported that Bradenton Beach city com- said. missioners discussed ways to acquire the property at Cortez Road’s western terminus. Where’s the flexibility? As it stands, the property sits too close to the interThe DOT plans to replace the 17-foot-clearance section to allow for roundabout construction. Cortez drawbridge with a 65-foot-clearance fixed-span In its 5-year tentative work plan, the DOT has pro- bridge in 2026-27. grammed a 2024-25 “Complete Streets” project study Following a presentation on the status of megafor State Road 789 along the city length of Bradenton please, see traffic, page 3

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May 26, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 3 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Patrols continued from page 1

People staying on the island should grocery shop before the weekend to minimize the need to drive, Tokajer suggested. Basic beach rules include: • No pets; • No fires; • No grills, except in designated areas at public beaches; • No glass bottles; • No alcohol. And when it comes to music, Tokajer said it should be for the listener’s enjoyment — not blasted. Police want to “continue our efforts to keep a family friendly atmosphere,” Tokajer said. Too often, police see the combination of slow traffic, hard-to-find parking and large crowds along with the heat turn enjoyment into frustration, leading to outbursts or fights, especially when alcohol is involved. “Come down on vacation, don’t go back on probation,” Diaz said. traffic continued from page 2

bridge design, Brownman and Susan Montgomery, a Manatee County Area Transit planner, expressed concerns about the lack of a third, flexible lane on bridge blueprints. “A big push during the (study) was to make sure that future major pieces of infrastructure, like bridges,” included additional lanes for high-occupancy vehicles and reversible lanes, Brownman said. While the preliminary Cortez bridge study found a third lane was not feasible, an additional lane could be included in the future, said DOT design project manager Roxann Lake. The DOT decided against including the third lane in current design plans because it would exacerbate congestion at the intersection of Cortez Road and Gulf Drive, Abraham said. “You have to have the surrounding infrastructure in place to support that kind of through traffic,” added MPO fiscal manager Ryan Brown.

HBPD seeks hit-and-run suspect, witnesses

Be on the lookout. Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer told The Islander May 21 that law enforcement is searching for a white SUV reportedly involved in a May 20 hit-andrun crash that injured a woman. The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. at the corner of Gulf Drive and 39th Street. The vehicle may have damage and paint transfer on the front left bumper and was reportedly driven by a bald man who appeared to be around 70 years old, according to Tokajer. “We have nothing on the suspect vehicle except for that it’s a white SUV,” Tokajer said. “We’re going through our license plate recognition cameras and pulling all white and light-colored SUVs. …We’re also looking to see if anyone has any camera footage that would assist us in the investigation.” Tokajer said the victim was hospitalized and had surgery the day after the incident due to her injuries. He added that police hoped to speak with her soon to get more information. Jim Craig posted on the social networking site Nextdoor May 21 that his wife is the victim. He posted that she was in a golf cart when the SUV struck her vehicle head on, then fled. He was seeking witnesses who might help with the investigation. People with information about the incident can call the HBPD at 941-708-5804. — Ryan Paice

Memorial Day brings closures

Memorial Day tribute Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy speaks during a Memorial Day observance in May 2019 at City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. The Anna Maria Salute to Veterans will return 10-11:30 a.m. Monday, May 31, with a color guard leading people on Pine Avenue to City Pier Park for speeches, salutes and music. Islander File Photo

Q&A 052621

The Islander poll

Last week’s question: Hurricane season begins June 1. When do you prepare? 8%. June 1 27%. When a storm approaches. 51%. Always ready. 14%. I don’t.

Memorial Day — Monday, May 31 — will bring This week’s question: My Memorial Day tradition the closure of most local government offices. The fare-free island trolley will operate on the includes: A. Honoring a fallen servicemember. holiday. B. Gathering with friends and family. Residential trash or recycling pickups reguC. Getting a day off work. larly scheduled for Mondays will be Tuesdays, and D. Other. collection services may be pushed back through the To take the poll, go online to islander.org. week.

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BB drainage survey runs off the financial track By Kelsey Mako Islander Reporter

Money doesn’t grow on trees in Bradenton Beach. Bradenton Beach commissioners learned May 20 that they need to allocate more funding to complete a drainage survey and apply the drainage solutions that were planned for this fiscal year. Commissioners believed the city had budgeted $60,000 for the survey, but treasurer Shayne Thompson said the city will need the $60,000 to get through the fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30. “It’s not allocated to projects or anything that can be postponed. It’s dedicated to the bare bones of stormwater,” he said. Thompson said the city had $5,000 in the professional services section of the stormwater account and could possibly pull $3,000 from operation expenses in the account. Commissioners accepted bids for the survey and May 11 ranked Land and Water Engineering Science as the top bid choice for the work. The survey would evaluate drainage systems, as well as determine how drainage could be improved. City attorney Ricinda Perry said she had clarified tasks required for the survey before learning of the funding problem. She suggested breaking the project up into tasks for the winning bidder. Land and Water Engineering bid $42,010 to complete three tasks and a second bidder, Utility Consul-

Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth receives a COVID-19 vaccine May 17 at the Publix Super Market at 75th Street in Bradenton. Titsworth and many of the city staff were infected when the virus swept through city hall in February-March 2020. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy

Meetings

Anna Maria City May 27, 6 p.m., city commission. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941708-6130, cityofannamaria.com. Bradenton Beach May 26, 10 a.m., planning and zoning. June 2, 9:30 a.m., CRA. June 2, 2 p.m., ScenicWAVES. CANCELED June 17, noon, city commission. Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com. Holmes Beach June 2, 6 p.m., planning commission. June 8, 6 p.m., city commission. June 22, 6 p.m., city commission. Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org.

Public works director Tom Woodard describes LTA Engineer’s drainage plan May 20 to city commissioners. Islander Photo: Kelsey Mako

tants of Florida, had an all-in bid of $45,450. To complete task one, determining what needs repairs, Utility Consultants bid $8,000 while Land and Water bid $12,000. “I’m flabbergasted,” Commissioner Jake Spooner said. “Why are we going to spend $8,000 if we don’t have $40,000 for solutions?” he asked. Perry suggested city funds could be moved from other accounts to the stormwater account. The city planned to use a $2.7 million state appro-

priation for drainage improvements along with $60,000 from the city budget for the survey. Public works director Tom Woodard said the $2.7 million could be used to fund solutions suggested by LTA Engineers. However, commissioners disagree with the areas selected for drainage improvements in LTA’s design. Woodard added that he did not believe LTA would redesign the engineering plan without compensation. Commissioners unanimously voted to finalize the engineering survey pending a transfer of funds.

COVID-19 vaccines ‘finally’ offered at AMI pop-ups

3rd incumbent commissioner to seek reelection in HB

COVID-19 vaccination sites have finally made it to Anna Maria Island. The city of Anna Maria was set to host two vaccine pop-up clinics to all adults 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday, May 25, and Wednesday, May 26, at City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., according to the city’s website, www.cityofannamaria.com. 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. All three sites will distribute Johnson & Johnson vaccines. They will be open to all adults aged 18 and older and no documentation is needed to attend. The clinics will be sponsored by the Florida Division of Emergency Management’s mobile vaccination bus program, which uses buses as mobile vaccine distribution centers that can travel across the state to address vulnerable populations. The clinics will be the first island-based vaccination events, which some elected officials, including Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy, have requested in an effort to make vaccines more accessible to island residents. People with questions about the vaccine can call the FDEM’s 24/7 COVID-19 hotline at 1-866-7796121. — Ryan Paice

Manatee County June 3, 9 a.m., county commission (land use). June 8, 8:30 a.m., county commission. June 9, 9 a.m., county commission (budget). June 16, 9 a.m., county commission (budget). June 17 9 a.m., county commission (land use). County administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee. org. Also of interest May 31, Memorial Day, most government offices are closed. June 14, 9 a.m., Manatee County Tourist Development Council, county administration building. — Lisa Neff

Editor’s note: Some meetings may be conducted virtually and some in-person and virtual. Please, send meeting notices to calendar@ islander.org and news@islander.org.

All three incumbents on the Holmes Beach City Commission will seek additional terms. Commission Chair Jim Kihm told The Islander May 18 that he will run for reelection in November. He was first elected to the board in 2017 and won a reelection bid in 2019. Kihm has served as commission Kihm chair since the board appointed him to the position in 2018. He also serves as the city’s legislative liaison and chair of the ManaSota League of Cities. Incumbent commissioners Carol Soustek and Terry Schaefer previously told The Islander they are running to retain their seats in November. Voters will choose three candidates on the city ballot. The window to qualify to run for the city commission will open at noon, Monday, Aug. 23, and close at noon, Friday, Aug. 27. — Ryan Paice

Coronavirus stats

The state has been documenting coronavirus statistics since March 2020. In Florida there have been: • 2,304,860 positive cases as of May 21. • 36,441 deaths as of May 21. The latest numbers for Manatee County: • 39,514 positive cases as of May 21, which is an increase of 331 from the week prior. • 1,574 hospitalizations as of May 21, an increase of 12 from a week prior. • 683 deaths as of May 21, an increase of four from a week prior. On the island, there have been: • 72 cases in Anna Maria as of May 21, an increase of three from the previous week’s reporting. • 111 cases in Bradenton Beach as of May 21, an increase of two from a week prior. • 215 cases in Holmes Beach as of May 21 and no increase from the previous week.

Correction

A report in the May 19 issue incorrectly stated Manatee County Commissioner Misty Servia voted against a May 11 motion to eliminate COVID-19related restrictions in county-owned and maintained public buildings. Commissioner Reggie Bellamy cast the dissenting vote.

May 26, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 5 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

BB officials to workshop options for city hall, library future By Kelsey Mako Islander Reporter

Bradenton Beach commissioners discussed May 20 asking voters to decide nonbinding referendums on the fates of the city hall and Tingley Library buildings, but did not reach a consensus. Possible questions presented for the November ballot included: • Should the city sell properties where city hall operates at 107 Gulf Drive N. and the Tingley Memorial Library, 111 Second St. N., and apply the proceeds to relocate and rebuild a new municipal complex? • Should the city raise taxes in lieu of selling 107 Gulf Drive N. and 111 Second St. N. to renovate, repair and maintain the existing city hall and Tingley Library? City hall requires repairs to windows, roof, ducts, air conditioning, foundation and walls. Tingley Library also requires significant main-

tenance, including a new roof, new stairways and windows. Building official Steve Gilbert estimated the cost to fix city hall to be about $1.5 million. Meanwhile, the cost to insure the property will continue to increase 25% a year, said police Lt. John Cosby, who has long been the city’s point person on hurricane readiness and management. Cosby, who has participated in the city budget process in recent years, suggested paying for building repairs by issuing a bond that would be paid

options. “There are at least nine options I could come up with quickly,” Spooner said. For example, Spooner discussed building city hall as a multistory building with rental space. Commissioners also discussed repairing and relocating the Bradenton Beach police and public works Cosby buildings. The two possible referendums were presented as part of an ordinance drafted by city attorney Ricinda Perry that also included a ballot question on term limits for elected officials. Commissioners decided they wanted to discuss the options for city hall and other city properties at a spooner workshop but did not set a date. over time. The Islander reported in March that a new round Commissioner Jake Spooner said he thought there of stimulus funding from the American Rescue Plan is were more solutions than the possible ballot questions expected to provide $78.21 million to Manatee County and suggested hiring a real estate expert to review and $540,000 to Bradenton Beach.

sHarKs COntInueD fROM Page 1

issue and promote a dialogue between fishery managers, fishers, scientists and conservationists, according to FWC Commissioner Mike Sole. According to the presentation that accompanied the discussion, east coast shark populations rapidly declined from the mid-1970s to the early 1990s due to overfishing. Since then, the FWC has implemented regulations that have allowed some species to bounce back. Of the more than 50 species native to the U.S. Atlantic coast, 16 can be harvested in Florida. Bull, great hammerhead, sandbar and dusky sharks are the most commonly reported species in predation interactions. Of the four, only bull sharks are unprotected. The discussion also included a review of a predator interaction survey emailed to fishers in March. In addition to queries about sharks, the survey included questions about bird, dolphin and grouper predation. Of the 1,166 commercial fisher respondents, 87% had a predator interact with their catch last year. Sharks were the most frequently noted culprit. Capt. Tan Beal, a 40-year Florida commercial fisher who has been subcontracting for A.P. Bell Fish Co. in Cortez for five years, said May 18 shark interactions this year are the worst he’s ever seen. On a recent eight-day red grouper fishing trip 60 miles into the Gulf of Mexico, Beal said he lost more than 100 hooks per day to sharks — up from about 25 per day in years past. “And we’re not talking little coastal sharks. We’re talking 6-footers and up. We had a hammerhead up beside the boat there that was every bit of 12-foot,” he said. Time is money for commercial fishers, and Beal said it’s more efficient to cut the line than try to recover gear, no matter how expensive. Shredded fish are the other costly consequence of

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Jesse Balderas, left, Capt. tan Beal, Richard Parker and Ricky Balderas stand March 31 on the deck of the liberty Bell at the a.P. Bell fish Co. dock in Cortez. Beal said he has noted an uptick in the number of sharks interfering with his fishing this year. Islander Photo: Kane Kaiman

shark predation, Beal said. “A lot of fish are getting eaten, molested, to where they’re not sellable,” he said. “When a shark bites the tail off the fish, he’s not a sellable fish.” Beal said it’s time to open the shark fishery back up, not only to protect the interests of fishers, but also beachgoers. “Let’s thin them back down. They came back a lot quicker than they thought they would, too,” he said. “We’re going to have to either open it up, or I think we’re going to have problems with shark bites — interactions with people on the beaches.” According to the FWC, an increasing shark population is an indicator of ecosystem health and resil-

iency. As apex predators, sharks stabilize the ecosystem by removing sick or weak fish from their prey populations and limiting the number of other predators in the water. Capt. Warren Girle, a local charter fishing guide, said May 18 he is not sure there are more sharks in the water, at least in the 9-mile offshore range he fishes. He also said he supports the current shark fishing regulations. “I actually hold a world record, a 764-pound dusky shark,” he said. “And I would never kill one ever again, because its part of the ecosystem. We need the sharks out there.”

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Opinion

Our

Pause for Jaws, veterans

It wouldn’t be summer without “Jaws.” First released in June 1975, the summer blockbuster can make you laugh, cry, scream and cower. I purposely avoided it for many years but I couldn’t pass up the fun on “Saturday Night Live.” Cue the announcer, Don Pardo: “The Land Shark is considered the cleverest of all sharks. Unlike the Great White Shark, which tends to inhabit the waters and harbors of recreational beach areas, the Land Shark may strike at any place, any time. It is capable of disguising its voice, and generally preys on young, single women. The costumed Land Shark (Chevy Chase) then came knocking on the apartment door, announcing a flower delivery. The woman replies, “Flowers? Who is it?” Through the door, Land Shark responds, “Plumber.” “I didn’t call a plumber. You’re that clever shark, aren’t you?” Pause... “Candygram.” Woman: “Candygram, my foot! You get out of here before I call the police! You’re the shark, and you know it!” Land Shark: “Wait. I-I’m only a dolphin, ma’am.” Woman: “OK.” Oh, the horror. The shark lunges in and devours the woman as the now-famous theme music plays. The Land Shark appears over the years in numerous skits, devouring “SNL” regulars, hosts and Pardo. Later on, I watched the movie on TV for the first time with family, laughing all through the opening scene and music — before the shark attack. Then I took an afternoon walk in May to a vacant beach, where I sat awhile, contemplating entering the water. Looking north and south — seeing no one on the beach — I decided not to swim. It was “Jaws.” Damn it. It got me. So here we are in May again, 40-plus years later, and, there’s good news and bad news. The beach will not be empty. It’s almost never Skimming online … empty anymore until long after sunset and shortly Home rule on home-based before dawn. Web (register for free news alerts) businesses defended You can swim and splash and enjoy the water. islander.org Editor’s note: The following letter was sent May Whatever you do, don’t swim after dark. Facebook 10 to Gov. Ron DeSantis. Memorial Day will bring crowds. Traffic. Lines. @islandernewspaper On behalf of the city of Bradenton Beach and Boaters, anglers, fun-seekers. And maybe, sharks. Twitter the Bradenton Beach City Commission I respectfully Please, be safe, and remember those who sacrificed @ami_islander request that you veto CS/HB 403 relating to homefor our freedom. Honor them on Memorial Day. Instagram based businesses. — Bonner Joy, news@islander.org. @theislanderami The current legislation strips regulation authorPinterest ity away from local government and the compromises @islandernewspaper made by legislators and cities in negotiating the prior E-edition proposed legislation that was formalized in CS/SB For $36 a year or $99 for a lifetime, e-edition 266. MAY 26, 2021 • Vol. 29, No. 31 subscribers have access to the weekly e-edition The last-minute amendment filed by the House ▼ Publisher, Co-editor with page-by-page views of all the news, photos, and narrowly approved by the Senate removed the Bonner Joy, news@islander.org columns, community announcements and advernegotiated legislation that was amenable to local gov▼ Editorial tisements. And they get breaking news notices. editor lisa neff, lisa@islander.org ernments which included some common sense and Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist To subscribe online, visit islander.org. reasonable local regulation such as: Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org For other subscriber services, call our newsProhibitions on having business activities occur Jack elka, jack@jackelka.com paper office at 941-778-7978. Kane Kaiman, kane@islander.org within view of the street. Kelsey Mako, kelsey@islander.org Local control over hours of operation. amy V.t. Moriarty, amym@islander.org The ability of local governments to regulate busiRyan Paice, ryan@islander.org ▼ Contributors Local control on HBB uses of equipment or pronesses signs, exterior storage, traffic/the amount of Johann Bertram cesses that create noise, vibration, heat, smoke, dust, cars coming and going from the HBB. Karen Riley-love The prohibition building external modifications glare, fumes or odors. Capt. Danny stasny, fish@islander.org The ability of local governments to license that are visible from the street or neighboring proper▼ Advertising Director toni lyon, toni@islander.org HBB. ties. ▼ Webmaster Wayne ansell One thing local elected officials frequently hear ▼ Office Manager, lisa Williams Have your say from our citizens is please protect our neighborhood. info@, accounting@, classifieds@, subscriptions@islander.org The Islander accepts original letters of up to 250 Reasonable regulatory authority is needed to allow ▼ Distribution words and reserves the right to edit for grammar and us to be responsive to those requests. urbane Bouchet length. Letters must include name, address and a phone The final HBB legislation strips any such authority Ross Roberts Judy loden Wasco number (for verification). Email: news@islander.org. from us. (All others: news@islander.org) Anonymous letters will not be printed. I ask that you let common sense prevail and veto single copies free. Quantities of five or more: 25 cents each. Readers also may comment online. CS/HB 403. ©1992-2021 • Editorial, sales and production ofﬁces: And, we have an active Facebook community. To Thank you for your service to the citizens of this 315 58th st., suite J, Holmes Beach fl 34217 join the conversation, “like” The Islander on Face- great state. WeBsIte: islander.org text or call: 941-778-7978 book. Bradenton Beach Mayor John R. Chappie

Your

Opinion

May 26, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 7 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Share from your archives

Got old photographs of AMI? Write a recollection and share at news@islander.org.

read our archives

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

Babe by the bridge the county library archives show the date for the photo as March 13, 1932. a child, Clyde Priest, sits posed in front of the old longboat Pass Bridge from longboat Key. the bridge was built in the 1920s but damaged by a storm and then washed out by high tides in 1932.

10&20 years ago

In the May 24, 2001, issue

• Anna Maria building official Bob Welch announced he would resign his city post to accept a building official job in Bradenton Beach, despite a decrease in salary for the new job. • Three masked thieves broke into the home of former Holmes Beach Commissioner Luke Courtney and held his daughter and two of her friends at gunpoint while they ransacked the house and stole property. Holmes Beach Police Lt. Dale Stephenson said there was a party earlier at the house, but it was over by the time the robbers entered. • A 3 a.m. car-truck collision on the Palma Sola Causeway sent three people to the hospital and halted traffic in both directions for several hours. Police said the car’s driver ignored a flagger’s warning to halt and slammed into a truck pouring concrete.

In the May 25, 2011, issue

• Members of the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach learned from their newly elected president that the club was in financial difficulty due to embezzlement. • The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce announced it might have to borrow against a moneymarket account to make payroll and needed to borrow $3,000 for scholarship awards planned in the spring of 2011. The chamber also said it was owed $40,900 from the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. • Sales of single-family homes and condos on Anna Maria Island climbed 58.6% in April 2011 compared with April 2010. There were 27 singlefamily homes sold in April 2011 compared with 16 in 2010.

Before the storm the archives of the Manatee County Public library system say the photo shows “Joe guthrie’s large dock and building before the destruction of the Hurricane of 1921.” the dock in Cortez was built between 1905 and 1915. Islander Photos: Manatee County Public library system

— lisa neff

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Page 8 THE ISLANDER | islander.org May 26, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

BB P&Z continues with recommendations for land use changes

By Kelsey Mako Islander Reporter

Slow but steady progress is being made by the Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board. Meeting May 19, the P&Z continued to discuss inconsistencies between the city’s future land use and zoning maps and their plans with regard to any recommended changes. The zoning map shows how land is used and the FLUM depicts how the city wants to use land in the future. The P&Z passed multiple motions, including the following proposed changes to the FLUM: • Rezone to public/semi-public the area where a parking lot is located west of Church Street near the police department. • Designate street ends on the Gulf side of Gulf Drive from Bridge Street to 12th Street South to parks/recreation and open space. • Designate the area on the bayside of Bay Drive South to parks/recreation and open space. • Change areas bordering the bayside near Fifth Street South and Ninth Street South to 13th Street South to medium-density residential. • Rezone from R-3 to E-1 the dunes in front of properties along Gulf Drive across from Sixth Street

In the zone

In Bradenton Beach, Residential-1 allows for a single-family dwelling. R-2 allows for twofamily dwellings. R-3 allows for multiple-family dwellings. C-1 allows for limited commercial development. C-2 allows for general commercial development. E-1 is for preservation. A low-density residential designation on the FLUM allows for medium-density for R-1 and R-2 zoning and high-density for R-1 through R-3 zoning, as well as mobile home parks on a planned development overlay. — Kelsey Mako

Place portrait photo here

Bradenton Beach resident lisa Kelly addresses the planning and zoning board May 19 with concerns over possible changes to the future land use map. Islander Photo: Kelsey Mako

North to 17th Street North and across from 10th Street North. • Rezone from R-2 to public/semi-public the area bordering 23rd Street North and Avenue C, where the Annie Silver Community Center is located. • Rezone Katie Pierola Park from R-3 to public recreation. • Rezone from public recreation to E-1 the dunes across from and south of Seventh Street North and across from Sixth Street North. • Rezone from C-2 to E-1 the area along the beach across from Third Street North, Bridge Street and Third Street South near the Bradenton Beach Moose Lodge and the Beach House Restaurant. • Rezone from R-3 to R-2 and change the FLUM to medium-density residential the area north of Second Street North bordering Third Street North, Highland Avenue, Church Avenue and Bay Drive North. Bradenton Beach resident Lisa Kelly spoke during public comment, asking why the city would

want to add more high-density residential designations to the FLUM and suggested changes for city signage. Another review will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 2, at the city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

Islander archive 24/7 some years ago, the Islander was invited to take part in a pilot project with the university of florida george a. smathers libraries. We donated our collection of printed newspapers beginning with the first edition in 1992. It took some time, but it’s all maintained on the library site, searchable by key word, name and date. look online for “Islander” at the uoff florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

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May 26, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 9 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Bradenton Beach opts for dining exemptions

Resident Mary Bell expresses her concern May 20 over outdoor entertainment during a Bradenton Beach Commission meeting. Islander Photo: Kelsey Mako

By Kelsey Mako Islander Reporter

Streetside table for two? Bradenton Beach city commissioners May 20 voted unanimously for a motion to extend a COVIDrelated ordinance for outdoor dining — with some changes. The vote was a first reading of a measure amending an ordinance enacted early in the coronavirus pandemic, when many businesses were limited by government actions intended to prevent the spread of the virus by restricting restaurants to outdoor dining or takeout service. Some locations lacked the space to offer outdoor alternatives. A public hearing and final vote will be at 6 p.m. June 3 at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive. The ordinance increased opportunities for businesses to offer temporary outdoor dining in sidewalk and parking areas so dining parties could social distance. The commission has indicated it supports continuing the opportunities, while requiring that restaurants reapply for sidewalk and parking exceptions and instituting safety improvements and stronger enforcement against outdoor entertainment, which is prohibited without a permit. Police Lt. John Cosby said safety can be improved by placing barricades in front of outdoor dining areas to better separate diners and traffic. Bradenton Beach resident Mary Bell spoke during public comment May 20 over outdoor entertainment. “It’s getting out of control,” she said referring to live music. Cosby, who later this year will become police chief, said he planned to improve enforcement by completing “call for service” reports when the department refers complaints to code enforcement. The COVID-19-related ordinance was first implemented May 21, 2020.

…moves forward on term limit discussion

Bradenton Beach city commissioners unanimously voted May 20 to advance an ordinance for a referendum on term limits on the November ballot. The question: Should the city amend its charter to remove term limits while maintaining the requirement that each term shall last for two years? The charter states that an elected officer may not be in office for more than three consecutive two-year terms. City attorney Ricinda Perry said a recommendation to amend the city charter is meant to protect residents. “Neighborhoods are being overrun by individuals not residing here. Residents are an endangered species,” Perry said, meaning there are not a lot of residents able or willing to run for local office. “A lot of things have changed in the past couple of years,” Commissioner Jake Spooner said, referring to the increase of nonresidents on Anna Maria Island. Anna Maria and Holmes Beach do not have term limits for elected officials. A public hearing and final reading of the ordinance for the ballot question will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 3, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. — Kelsey Mako

… reviews, reconsiders DOT agreement

Bradenton Beach commissioners discussed May 6 altering an agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation for a stormwater project near Runaway Bay condominiums, 1801 Gulf Drive N. The project involves installing bricks and other systems to improve drainage. The DOT has indicated it needs the city to choose red or gray bricks for the sidewalk. But the commission decision isn’t as simple as a color choice. Commissioners said they did not realize the bricks are 12 by 12 by 5.4 inches, and they don’t want to be responsible for maintenance and repairs, although the commission entered an agreement in 2019 made the city responsible for maintaining the project. “I think that was not a very smart vote on your part,” Commissioner Jan Vosburgh said. She was not on the commission when it voted for the agreement. The commission then directed public works director Tom Woodard to ask if there is a way out of the agreement. However, commissioners also reached a consensus to use gray bricks. — Kelsey Mako

… and continues limits on micro-mobility devices

Bradenton Beach city commissioners unanimously approved the first reading May 20 of an ordinance to impose an additional 90-day temporary moratorium on authorizations, permits or franchises related to micromobility hubs. The moratorium prohibits the use of and hiring of micro-mobility devices, including motorized scooters and scoot coupes. The commission wants to extend the moratorium to further consider permanent regulations. A public hearing and final reading are set for 6 p.m. June 3 at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. — Kelsey Mako

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Page 10 THE ISLANDER | islander.org May 26, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

The Islander Calendar ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

941-708-6130.

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 Throughout June, new members exhibits, Island Gallery West, Beach. Information: 941-778-1383. 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648. Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island lunch meetAHEAD ON AMI ing, in-person at Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton June 4, Center of Anna Maria Island’s Journey outdoor concert, Beach, and via Zoom. Information: 941-920-2505. Anna Maria. OUTDOORS & July 24, Anna Maria Island Privateers Christmas in July party, SPORTS Bradenton Beach. Aug. 1, Island Player auditions for “The Savannah Sipping ONGOING OFF AMI Society,” Anna Maria. Through the summer, Bradenton Marauders baseball, LECOM Sept. 16-26, Island Players’ performance of “The Savannah Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941Sipping Society,” Anna Maria. Nov. 4-14, Island Players’ Same Time, Next Year,” Anna Maria. ONGOING OFF AMI Through June 27, “Kabuki Modern,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-359-5700. Through June 27, “Roy Lichtenstein: Monet’s Garden Goes Pop!” Mary Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-366-5731.

KIDS & FAMILY ON AMI Saturday, May 29 10 a.m.-2 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Privateers’ Snooks Adams Kids Day, City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. Information: 931-639-0986, president@amiprivateers.org. AHEAD ON AMI July 4, Anna Maria Island Privateers July 4 Parade, islandwide. July 23, Island Players/Center of Anna Maria Island drama camp performances, Anna Maria.

CLUBS & COMMUNITY ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Wednesday, May 26 10 a.m.-6 p.m. — COVID-19 Johnson & Johnson vaccine clinic, City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. Information: 941-7086130. Thursday, May 27 10 a.m.-6 p.m. — COVID-19 Johnson & Johnson vaccine clinic, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-708-5800. Monday, May 31 10-11:30 a.m. — Anna Maria Memorial Day Patriotic Symphony Salute, City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. Information:

Compiled by lisa neff, email calendar@islander.org. 747-3031, bradentonmarauders.com.

GOOD TO KNOW KEEP THE DATES Thursday, May 27, last day of school. Monday, May 31, Memorial Day. Tuesday, June 1, Atlantic hurricane season starts. Monday, June 14, Flag Day. Sunday, June 20, Father’s Day. Sunday, June 20, summer solstice. Sunday, July 4, Independence Day. Monday, Sept. 6, Labor Day. Tuesday, Sept. 7, autumnal equinox. Get listed. Email calendar@islander.org.

Island happenings IGW shouts out new members in June displays

The Island Gallery West artists’ coop will feature the work of three new members in June — Jody Clancy Goldman, Darryl Goldman and Jim Wheeler. Jody Goldman titled her June exhibit, “My Favorite Things.” She works in colored pencil and oil and gallery visitors can meet her 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, June J. goldman 3. Darryl Goldman takes an impressionistic approach with his oils. His exhibit is titled “Simple Memories” and art patrons can meet the artist 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, June 24. D. goldman Wheeler is a photographer who embellishes his photos with an acrylic overpaint. His exhibit is titled “Florida.” Gallery visitors can meet the artist 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, June 6. IGW is at 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Wheeler For more information, call the gallery at 941-778-6648. Submit social news to news@islander.org. Please, include time, date and location for events, as well as a contact name and phone number for publication. And, thanks for sharing!

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Snooks Adams Kids Day set for May 29 at City Pier Park

The Anna Maria Island Privateers invite kids to sail into summer with Snooks Adams’ Kids Day. Kids didn’t get their day in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, but the traditional celebration marking the end of the school year will be Saturday, May 29. The activities will be 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. Privateers will serve a lunch that includes hot dogs, pizza and beverages. They also will lead children in a series of games and activities, including a treasure hunt. For more information, call Kim “Syren” Boyd at 931-639-0986.

Anna Maria to salute heroes on Memorial Day

The Anna Maria Salute to Heroes will return 10-11:30 a.m. Monday, May 31. 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 Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra will perform for about an hour.

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.

Available At… . .. AMI CENTRE, 3216 E. BAY DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH 941 778-7978 • WWW.ISLANDER.ORG

May 26, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 11 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Advancing at AME

By Kelsey Mako

a Q&a with the pTo president By Kelsey Mako Islander Reporter

As the 2020-21 school year reaches the end, the president of the island elementary school PTO reflects on a historic year, while also looking forward. “I’m just so proud of how teachers and staff have handled this year. These kids feel safe and they want to go to school,” PTO president Nicole Plummer told The Islander May 17. The PTO assists with school Plummer funding and provides opportunities for students with the help hands of parents and volunteers. Plummer discussed her experience within the PTO and her hopes for AME in the 2021-22 academic year with The Islander over the phone. The Islander: How long have you been a part of the PTO and what positions have you held? Nicole Plummer: I’ve officially been on the board for two years. I was co-secretary the first year and this year I was president. Next year will be my third year and I will be president. Before I was co-secretary, I was a parent-liaison. …That was my first touch on PTO and what they do. Q: How many children do you have attending AME? NP: I have two. My oldest is Lily and she’s in fourth-grade. My second one is Luke and he’s a kindergartner. Q: What made you choose to get involved with the PTO? NP: I wanted to be more informed of what’s going on at the school. I’m a former high school science teacher. So I know how important it is to have parents involved. Q: Can you describe some of what you have done while being involved with the PTO? NP: A big thing that I enjoyed is I worked closely with Karen Paul and reorganizing the science closet on campus. With my science background, that was a lot of fun. I helped with a lot of science activities in the classroom. In previous years, we did an estuary study. The PTO provided funds for that and I volunteered collecting marine specimens. Q: What do PTO funds go to? NP: The PTO budgets for accolade printing for grades K-5, assemblies and field trips, art enrichment, grade-level funding, literacy night books, plays and programs, special requests, the fish tank and student planners. We try to provide these opportunities for these

AME Calendar

• Wednesday, May 26, ﬁfth-grade awards ceremony. • Thursday, May 27, last day of school. • Tuesday, Aug. 3, teachers and staff back to school. • Tuesday, Aug. 10, ﬁrst day of school. Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the school at 941-708-5525.

aMe parent nicole Plummer browses books at the Island library with daughter lily, and son luke, in 2019. Islander file Photo

kids, the little extras. The PTO also will be funding the fifth-grade lunch following their awards ceremony. I’m still learning what PTO pays for myself. Q: What have you learned about educators while working with AME? NP: I’ve noticed there’s not a lot of funding for the teachers. These last few years, I’ve noticed the PTO has covered the lack of funding in certain areas. We’ve been able to have teachers think outside the box with lessons and buy supplies (for them) that normally wouldn’t be covered by the school’s budget. Being a science teacher, I like when you can use all different teaching modalities. Q: What have you learned about students while working with AME? NP: They’re happy. They have pride in their school. This year I have not had one single morning that my kids say they don’t want to go to school. They’re just happy the school is open. Q: What has being a part of the PTO taught you about yourself? NP: I enjoy the support system. I am not alone,

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that’s for sure. These ladies from this year and next year are there whenever I need them. These are now my good friends. Q: What is the biggest challenge about being in the PTO? NP: I think this year with us being virtual and having Zoom meetings and not being on campus and not having events, it’s been hard to meet parents. If you call businesses and parents, they are there to help. This year I haven’t felt that community because it’s been virtual. I would love to be back on campus next year for meetings. Q: Can you talk about any plans the organization has for next year? NP: We hope to bring some events back. I don’t have anything I can officially say because I haven’t talked to the new principal. Q: What do you do outside of the PTO? NP: The Manatee County Gator Club. It’s part of the University of Florida alumni association. I’m the secretary and I’ve been treasurer of that board in previous years. For more information on the AME PTO, go to amepto.org or call Plummer at 941-708-5525.

Academic achievements

The Islander welcomes announcements of scholastic achievements. Share honors, stories and photographs by emailing news@islander.org.

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

Fire district moves forward on 2021-22 rate hike

WMFr assessment rates

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The West Manatee Fire Rescue District’s proposed assessment rate increase is only a couple of votes from approval. WMFR commissioners voted 4-1 May 18 to move forward with a staff-recommended 4% increase to fire assessment rates to cover rising costs for the next three years. Commissioner Al Robinson voted “no,” but did not comment on his vote. The increase would raise $300,791.80 more than the existing rate. The district’s current rates include a $195.53 residential base rate and a $0.1153 additional charge for square footage, as well as a $485.94 commercial base rate with a $0.2104 additional charge for square footage. With the current rates, WMFR charges residential property owners $310.85 for a 2,000-square-foot home and $426.17 for a 3,000-square-foot home. Commercial property owners pay $696.37 for a 2,000-square-foot building and $906.80 for a 3,000-square-foot building. The proposed rates would include a $203.35 residential base rate and a $0.1199 additional charge for square footage, as well as a $505.38 commercial base rate with a $0.2188 additional charge for square footage. If commissioners approve the proposed rate, prop-

Rate existing Category (2020-21) Residential Base $195.53 Residential sf $0.1153 Commercial Base $485.94 Commercial sf $0.2104 Projected Revenue $7,519,795

Proposed (2021-22) $203.35 $0.1199 $505.38 $0.2188 $7,820586.80

Maximum (2021-22) $206.56 $0.1218 $513.34 $0.2223 $7,943,910.97

3,000-square-foot building. Commissioner George Harris said he was proud of the district for trying to keep the hike relatively low. “I think it says a lot about this district that we choose to make our rates less than the personal income growth,” Harris said. “There are many fire departments in this county that choose not to do that. … I think we deserve to pat ourselves a little.” There was no public comment. WMFR must adopt a budget for fiscal year 202122 by its Sept. 14 commission meeting. Administration building Meanwhile, the district was gearing up to move into its new administration building at 701 63rd St. W. in Bradenton. Chief Ben Rigney said administrative staff was to start moving small items by May 24 — after The erty owners would pay $323.28 for a 2,000-square-foot Islander’s press deadline — and a professional crew would move larger items, including furniture. home and $443.22 for a 3,000-square-foot home. Rigney said work on the building is almost finCommercial property owners would pay $724.23 for a 2,000-square-foot building and $943.08 for a ished, but Clearwater-based Creative Contractors has yet to stripe the parking lot and finish the interior flooring. “Everything’s moving very quickly,” Rigney said. WMFR purchased the lot in 2019 for $295,000 and construction of the weather-hardened building is projected to cost $1,469,708. The next WMFR commission meeting will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 15, at the new administration building.

Kayla Phillips pins a badge to the uniform of her husband, Jeffrey Phillips, along with daughter Olivia, during a May 11 ceremony to celebrate his promotion from firefighter/paramedic to lieutenant. Islander Photo: Courtesy WMfR Chief Ben Rigney

WMfR’s new administration offices at 701 63rd st. W., Bradenton, are near completion May 20. staff will begin moving into the building the week beginning May 24. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

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WMfR District administrative manager Julie Kichar leads new paramedic Crystal tucciarone May 11 in reciting her oath of office. Islander Photo: Courtesy Chief Ben Rigney

PLEASE, TAKE NOTE!

The Islander has moved! The “best news on AMI” has purchased and relocated to a condo ofﬁceat 315 58th St., Holmes Beach. We’re now across from HB City Hall and behind the Ugly Grouper. Same owner, staff, phone, email. New digs. The island’s best news for 29 years! 941.778.7978 news@islander.org

May 26, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 13 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Anna Maria looks for solutions to ‘chaos’ on Pine Avenue By amy V.t. Moriarty Islander Reporter

A solution for Pine Avenue chaos could arrive by July 22. The havoc is the result of the destination’s popularity and a growing tourism market — too many pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicles of all sorts, some meandering in the road and others driving too fast. Anna Maria commissioners May 13 unanimously approved a $50,274 expenditure to engage a St. Petersburg-based civil engineering and surveying company, George F. Young Inc., to develop a plan to reimagine the Pine Avenue corridor. The project is titled “Reimagining Pine Avenue” but it will include Magnolia and Spring avenues, Gulf Drive and South Bay Boulevard. Gerry Traverso, vice president of transportation engineering for the firm, spent about 30 minutes explaining to commissioners the process his company would use to develop four options for the business corridor. Funding for the study will come from money awarded the city through the American Rescue Plan, a pandemic stimulus package providing federal funding to local governments, Mayor Dan Murphy told commissioners. In addition to monitoring traffic flow, Traverso said his firm will seek input through public hearings and online submissions and present options by July 22.

Each option will include a study indicating impact on traffic flow and ease of access, along with estimated costs and timetables. Commissioner Jonathan Crane was concerned the study is being conducted after high season and would not capture the tourists that “drive crazy.” Also, tourists ride bicycles without caution or concern for what’s happening around them and cross streets without using crosswalks, Crane said. Traverso assured commissioners the study could be done at any time and still consider the unpredictability of the vacation mentality of tourists. He said the firm uses several means to account for population fluctuations and is adept at doing projects in popular vacation destinations. He provided the example of a project his firm handled in Treasure Island, where tourists would bar hop and then attempt to cross a four-lane road, sometimes while intoxicated and often not in crosswalks. The solution, he said, came from a landscape architect working in the area that suggested using shrubs to create a natural wall, forcing pedestrians to utilize crosswalks. But what works in one city doesn’t necessarily work in another. Traverso said recommendations are tailored to the specific needs identified in the study and examination may determine shrubs are not the answer in Anna Maria. Public works director Dean Jones said he could

see where they would work in some areas and would support the low-cost option of adding shrubbery if recommended. This isn’t the first time safety in the city’s business corridor has come up in the past year. Planning and zoning board members have in recent months discussed the need for quick measures when it comes to Pine and Magnolia avenues, even attending a March 25 city commission meeting as a board to raise concerns. P&Z member Melissa Anderson took more than 50 photographs March 22 of problems on Magnolia Avenue stemming from a lack of sidewalks, a narrow road and limited on-street parking. She shared the photos with board members March 23. Anderson, wife of Commissioner Joe Muscatello, said at the time that traversing Magnolia Avenue was risky and compounded by pedestrians and bicyclists with no regard for traffic. Anderson’s photographs also depicted another problem: sightline issues and delivery vehicles parked too close to the intersection of Magnolia Avenue and Gulf Drive. Former Anna Maria Commissioner Doug Copeland attended the May 13 commission meeting and said he applauds commissioners for taking on the issue. He pointed out the city’s infrastructure is more than 100 years old and it’s outdated. “Something drastic” needs to be done, he said.

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

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Tidings

Gathering

9:15 a.m. — Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-779-1912. REGULAR WORSHIP 9:30 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. Monday-Friday 9:30 a.m. — Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive. 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1813. Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-4769. 10 a.m. — Roser Church. Thursdays 10 a.m. — Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian USA, 9:30 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-900Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1638. 4903. Saturdays 10 a.m. — Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 4 p.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-6491. Sundays 10:30 a.m. — St. Bernard. 8 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. 10:45 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. REGULAR EVENTS CrossPointe Fellowship will hold its vacation 8:30 a.m. — Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Bible school program 9 a.m.-noon Monday-Friday, Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. Thursdays June 21-25. 9 a.m. — CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes 9:30 a.m. — RoserRobics, Roser Church. Children ages 4 through the fifth-grade can attend Beach. Information: 941-778-0719. Tuesdays the school. 9:30 a.m. — RoserRobics, Roser Church. Worship and events calendar

CrossPointe Fellowship plans vacation Bible school

Additionally, CrossPointe will offer a special summer program for kids in sixth-12th grades— “Anchored for the Summer” — on Wednesday nights beginning June 2. The program will be 6:30-8:30 p.m. CrossPointe is at 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the church office at 941-941-778-0719.

Gathering

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

SAVE THE DATES July 24, Pioneer Day. Sept. 6-7, Rosh Hashanah. Sept. 13, Yom Kippur. Editor’s note: Most churches offer a livestream of at least some services. Please check with churches. Please, send notices to calendar@islander.org.

Milestones

‘Girls Week’ on aMI sisters angie Blunt, left, of Perico Island, Betty terry of Holmes Beach and audrey gear and glenna thompson of Ohio celebrate sisterhood in mid-May with their aunt thelma Vance of Virginia. the group stayed at the nautilus condominiums in Holmes Beach, where they said they enjoyed the beach, swimming, boating and dining. Islander Courtesy Photo

Bea elliott of Key Royale in Holmes Beach will celebrate her 101st birthday May 26. Islander Courtesy Photo

Islander celebrates 101st birthday By alden smith special to the Islander

Holmes Beach resident Bea Elliott celebrates a 101st birthday May 26. The Key Royale resident has lived on Anna Maria Island since 1968, having managed the Motel 66 for many years and serving the community in various ways. She was born in Deadwood, South Dakota, in 1920 and spent her early years in Alliance, Nebraska, and elsewhere out west. She was living in Casper, Wyoming, after college, when she was hired as an executive assistant to a U.S. senator. This was in the years after World War II and that’s when she met her husband, Bob. They moved to the island in 1968 to enjoy their retirement — taking advantage of the good year-round weather, watching sunsets, celebrating occasions at the local restaurants with friends and family, playing rounds and card games at the Key Royale Club and special encounters, such as witnessing the birth of a dolphin calf in the bay behind their home. We know Bea reads The Islander every week. And so: Happy birthday!

GoodDeeds

Assistance sought on AMI

• Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals. Information: 941-345-2441. • The Roser Food Bank seeks donations. Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, administers the pantry, supported by All Island Denominations. Information: 941778-0414. • The Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources

Department seeks “self-guided volunteers” to clean trails and beaches, take photos and other tasks. Info: michelle.leahy@mymanatee.org or 941-742-5923. • The Anna Maria Island Historical Society, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, seeks volunteers, including docents for the museum. Information: 941-7780492.

Assistance offered on AMI

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

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

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May 26, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 15 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

FLIPPING, GRINDING, FLYING IN HOLMES BEACH…

Islander file Photo: Jack elka

aBOVe: los angeles resident Omar alkishawi goes for a kickflip May 20 at the skate park near Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive. He was vacationing in the area. Islander Photos: Ryan Paice tOP left: Bradenton resident Clark Witoshynski grinds a rail May 20 at the Holmes Beach skate park. Witoshynski said the park is one of his favorites and he visits when he can.

Islander file Photo: Jack elka

Community center awards $5K van Zandt scholarship Chris Culhane, executive director of the Center of anna Maria Island, left, and Christine van Zandt, second to the right, award Manatee High school 2021 graduate tyler Brewer a $5,000 check May 20 from the John van Zandt scholarship fund to pursue a career in electrical engineering. the grad posed with his mother, Dina franklin. the new fund will annually award $2,500-$5,000 checks to graduating seniors seeking tuition or training assistance. Brewer is a member of the scanio family, for whom the center’s baseball diamond, the scanio-Hutchinson field, is partly named. Islander Photo: Courtesy CofaMI

County commissioner presses for community center funding Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge wrote May 17 to support Holmes Beach Mayor Judy titsworth’s efforts at a May 11 meeting, when she urged commissioners to reconsider a $22,500 donation to the Center of anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia ave., anna Maria, due to its importance as a “unique gathering place for island residents.” three Holmes Beach commissioners — Jayne Christenson, Jim Kihm and Kim Rash — voted against funding the center, which provides recreational and after-school programs. the commission was set to reconsider the matter at a May 25 meeting, after the Islander’s press deadline.

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Page 16 THE ISLANDER | islander.org May 26, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Page 18 THE ISLANDER | islander.org May 26, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Atlantic hurricane season forecast: above normal By lisa neff Islander editor

A national forecast for an “above-normal” hurricane season came with the usual message: Get prepared. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center issued May 20 its forecast for the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season that begins June 1. Forecasters predict a 60% chance of an abovenormal season, a 30% chance of a near-normal season and a 10% chance of a below-normal season. Forecasters do not anticipate the historic level of storm activity seen in 2020, when there were 30 named storms and 12 landfalling storms in the United States. For 2021, the forecast is for 13-20 named storms with winds of 39 mph or higher. The forecast calls for 6-10 storms to become hurricanes and 3-5 to become major hurricanes, with winds of 111 miles per hour or greater. Matthew Rosencrans, lead seasonal hurricane forecaster at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, said, “Predicted warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, weaker tropical Atlantic trade winds and an enhanced west African monsoon would likely be factors in this year’s overall activity.” NOAA said it provided the ranges with a 70% confidence. “Now is the time for communities along the coastline as well as inland to get prepared for the dangers that hurricanes can bring,” Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said in a news release accompanying the government’s forecast. Last month, NOAA updated statistics to determine when hurricane seasons are above-, near- or belowaverage relative to the latest climate record. Based on the update, an average hurricane season

a chart shows the federal prediction for the 2021 atlantic hurricane season: above normal. Islander Courtesy Image

2021 storm names

The 2021 storm names for the Atlantic hurricane season include: Ana, Bill, Claudette, Danny, Elsa, Fred, Grace, Henri, Ida, Julian, Kate, Larry, Mindy, Nicholas, Odette, Peter, Rose, Sam, Theresa, Victor and Wanda. produces 14 named storms, of which seven become hurricanes, including three major hurricanes. The hurricane season ends Nov. 30. In June Look to the June 2 issue of The Islander for our annual storm-tracking map and each issue in June will feature storm readiness tips. And check islander.org throughout the season for breaking news.

BB chooses contractor for city pier expansion By Kelsey Mako Islander Reporter

A bidder is on deck for Bradenton Beach’s floating dock project. Community redevelopment agency board members unanimously passed a motion May 19, selecting Duncan Seawall, Dock and Boat Lift to complete a dock project. Tampa Bay Marine Inc. was their second choice. The CRA wants to improve boater access to the Historic Bridge Street Pier by increasing the number of finger docks and replacing the dinghy dock near the pier at 200 Bridge St. City staff recommended Duncan because of the company’s experience, as well as bid details regarding scheduling, warranty, references, price and project design, city attorney Ricinda Perry said.

Duncan’s bid was $248,000 for the finger docks and $41,000 for replacing the dinghy dock. Tampa Bay’s bid was $251,000 for the finger docks and $95,000 to replace the small dock. Funding will come from a 50/50 match grant from Manatee County, which will be awarded in June. Duncan’s base bid involves installing nine 4-by31-foot finger piers secured with 12-inch piles. Additionally, Duncan will remove and replace the dinghy dock. Duncan plans to use materials constructed by Golden Marine Services LLC, a manufacturer specializing in floating aluminum, concrete dock systems and gangways. The city also obtained a submerged land lease from the state, allowing for an additional section of floating dock to be built if needed, Perry said.

Storm Avengers at the ready …

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Get in with the good news: How to prepare for storm season!

State suspends sales tax for storm supplies Be prepared. And be cost-conscious. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation establishing a sales tax holiday for shoppers stocking their hurricane kits. This sales tax holiday will begin Friday, May 28, and extends through Thursday, June 3. During this period, qualifying items related to disaster preparedness are exempt from sales tax. However, the sales tax holiday does not apply to the rental or repair of items. Additionally, the sales tax holiday does not apply to sales in a theme park, entertainment complex, public lodging establishment or airport. Some examples of tax-free items include: • Flashlights and lanterns for $40 or less; • Radios for $50 or less; • Tarps for $100 or less; • Coolers for $60 or less; • Generators costing $1,000 or less. Additional sales tax holidays include: • Freedom Week holiday, July 1-7, on purchases of admissions to music events, sporting events, cultural events, movies, museums, state park passes and fitness facilities, as well as sales of boating and water activity supplies, camping supplies, fishing supplies and sports equipment. • A 10-day “back-to-school” sales tax holiday, July 31-Aug. 9, for clothing, footwear, and backpacks costing $60 or less, school supplies costing $15 or less, and the first $1,000 of personal computer costs or computer-related accessories. — lisa neff

RoadWatch Eyes on the road

The Florida Department of Transportation posted the following notices: State Road 64/Manatee Avenue on the Anna advertise your Maria Island Bridge: DBi Systems will be making service and bridge repairs overnight through Thursday, May 27. products in June Motorists can expect flagging operations and interto our market of mittent closures in the east and westbound lanes 9 hungry readers, p.m.-5 a.m. eager to prepare SR 64/Manatee Avenue at Gulf Drive in for storm season Holmes Beach: Through Friday, May 28, crews will on aMI. be making drainage improvements in the area, conContact Toni Lyon, structing curbs and gutters, and elevating and reconad advisor at The structing the sidewalk to allow for larger stormdrain pipes. Motorists should expect lane closures and a Islander, 941pedestrian detour. 778-7978, 941For the latest road watch information, go online 928-8735 or email Toni@islander.org. to swflroads.com or dial 511. To check traffic via road cameras, go to fl511. com. And, a reminder, to make use of the fare-free trolley that operates daily on AMI. — lisa neff

Storm Avengers at the ready — because the Atlantic hurricane season has ofﬁcially begun, and will continue through November. The superheroes in storm season don’t generally wear capes or masks but

May 26, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 19 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Environmental groups sue over Piney Point pollution By Lisa Neff Islander Editor

Disaster at Piney Point seemed imminent to conservationists. So did a civil suit. Local and national environmental groups May 18 announced their intent to go to court over pollution from the defunct Piney Point phosphate plant, where after decades of troubles, about 215 million gallons of polluted wastewater was dumped into the Tampa Bay estuary from late March to April 9 in an attempt to avoid a larger catastrophe. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection had authorized the release of up to 480 million gallons of wastewater to avoid the collapse of a phosphogypsum stack, a mountain of toxic waste on the site. “The Piney Point disaster was the direct result of bad decision-making by Florida regulators,” Jaclyn Lopez, Florida director of the Center for Biological Diversity, said May 18. The complainants, represented by an attorney from Oregon, include two national groups, the CBD and Our Children’s Earth Foundation, and three regional groups, Tampa Bay Waterkeeper, Suncoast Waterkeeper and ManaSota-88. Their notice went to Gov. Ron DeSantis, Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Noah Valenstein, Manatee County Port Authority, Piney Point owner HRK Holdings and site manager

The south gypsum stack at the defunct Piney Point fertilizer plant in Manatee County. Islander Photo: Courtesy Jaclyn Lopez/CBD

East Port Development. The complainants stated they intend to sue in U.S. District Court in Tampa under the federal Water Pollution Control, Endangered Species and Resource Conservation and Recovery acts. The claims involve open dumping, imminent and substantial endangerment to human health and the environment, unlawful discharge of pollution in navigable waters and the illegal taking of threatened and endangered species, specifically Florida manatees. The discharges of the polluted water from Piney Point – a mix of rainwater, saltwater and wastewater high in nutrients that can fuel toxic algae blooms — ended April 9.

Resident alleges damage to BB mangroves By Kelsey Mako Islander Reporter

Changes observed in the mangroves near a condominium community in Bradenton Beach have prompted the concerns of a resident activist. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection received a complaint May 7 from resident Audrey Young, alleging defoliant spraying of bayfront mangroves near Runaway Bay condos, 1801 Gulf Drive N. The case was assigned May 11 to Alexander Miranda at the DEP. How long a review takes varies by case, Miranda told The Islander May 14. Young has told The Islander that she saw signs April 19 of defoliant, including discolored grass around the mangroves. “It’s so evident. You can’t miss it,” she said. The DEP previously received a complaint from Young about mangroves being removed near Runaway Bay, DEP public information manager Shannon Herbon said May 14. On April 15, the DEP investigated that complaint and found the mangroves were trimmed in accordance with a permit for Runaway Bay. Also, about a month ago, Young called the Bradenton Beach Police Department to report the deterioration of some nearby mangroves. She said an officer did observe the change. “He had to see it before. You can’t see what isn’t there,” she said. Young said she also tried to contact the owner of the property where the mangroves are located, a woman in Saginaw, Michigan. The mangroves have been cut for years, Young said. Grass has grown in place of the protected trees and the bay is visible, after the trimming, through gaps in the trees. Young resides on Avenue A with a view of the mangroves, and recalls when they grew thick along the bayfront, within 15 feet of the buildings. The Runaway Bay Condominium Association was not reached for comment as of May 14. Florida laws allow property owners to trim mangroves on their properties — limited to riparian mangrove fringes when mangroves grow along the shoreline and do not extend more than 50 feet waterward. Property owners cannot trim mangroves below 6 feet tall and mangroves more than 10 feet tall only can be trimmed by professionals. Additionally, defoliation, trimming mangrove roots and removing mangroves is prohibited. “It’s not for me, it’s for everyone,” Young said, referring to her actions to stop the cutting of mangroves.

Since then, Manatee County has approved a plan to build a deep injection well for the eventual closure of the site and teams of researchers have been on the water in the area of the discharges collecting samples and monitoring for quality issues. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has reported algae blooms in the region but has not cited the discharges from Piney Point as a cause. A May 20 FWC report on red tide stated, “Fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were reported in Manatee.” That day, the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County notified the public of a red tide bloom near Longboat Key and Anna Maria Island.

TideWatch

Red tide persists, health department issues warning

Mangroves in a canal at the end of Bradenton Beach’s Avenue A have thinned due to cutting, according to resident Audrey Young. Islander Photos: Courtesy Audrey Young

Grass is changing color and dying near mangroves bordering the Runaway Bay condos in Bradenton Beach. Resident Audrey Young suspects a defoliant is being sprayed on the mangroves.

A bloom of the red tide organism, Karenia brevis, prompted a May 20 public warning. The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County notified the public of a red tide bloom near Longboat Key and Anna Maria Island, after samples collected by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission indicated low levels of red tide. Samples contained very low levels — below 10,000 cells per liter — at the Coquina Bayside boat ramp in Bradenton Beach and low levels at the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria and the Kingfish Boat Ramp in Holmes Beach. The measurement was 59,333 cells per liter at the Rod & Reel Pier and 11,667 cells per liter at the Kingfish ramp. The health warning said, “Some people may have mild and short-lived respiratory symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation similar to cold symptoms. Some individuals with breathing problems, such as asthma, might experience more severe symptoms.” The health department recommended that people experiencing adverse symptoms stay away from beach areas or go into an air-conditioned space. The department also recommended: • People avoid swimming around dead fish; • Against harvesting or eating molluscan shellfish and distressed or dead fish from the location; • Keep pets away from water, sea foam and dead sea life. Also, people may choose to wear paper filter masks, especially if onshore winds are blowing. For the week ending May 23, K. brevis was detected in 54 samples. In Southwest Florida, K. brevis was observed at very low concentrations in Pinellas County, background to low concentrations in Manatee County, background to low concentrations in Sarasota County, background to high concentrations in and offshore of Lee County, very low to high concentrations in and offshore of Collier County and background to low concentrations offshore of Monroe County. Also, patches of a marine cyanobacterium have been reported in offshore, coastal and nearshore waters, including in Manatee County. Fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were reported in Sarasota, Lee and Collier counties, in addition to Manatee. Respiratory irritation was reported in Manatee, Pinellas, Charlotte, and Collier counties. For more, go to myfwc.com/research/redtide.

Page 20 THE ISLANDER | islander.org May 26, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Cops & Courts

staff reports

ofﬁcer of the year

Holmes Beach Police Officer Michael VanHorn was named law enforcement Officer of the year May 20 by the Manatee County 100 Club for “exemplifying outstanding achievement, devotion to duty, dedication to service, genuine concern for our citizens and continuing contribution to our community,” an HBPD news release from Detective sgt. Brian Hall stated. “If you see him, congratulate him on a job well done!” HBPD Chief Bill tokajer commented on the recognition for VanHorn. “We are truly proud of Officer VanHorn and happy to see he is recognized by the community for his hard work and professionalism.” the Manatee County 100 Club is a civic group that supports law enforcement officers. Congratulations go to Officer VanHorn from us all. Islander Courtesy Photo

HB man arrested for domestic assault, false imprisonment By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The man admitted to pushing his wife and using a knife to intimidate her into staying inside the house, “but did not have any intention of using the knife,” according to the arrest report. An officer transported the man to the Manatee County jail. He was released May 11 after he posted $8,000 bond. He pleaded not guilty May 13. His name was withheld by The Islander to shield the wife. An arraignment will be at 9 a.m. Friday, June 4, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. The sentence for a third-degree felony can include up to a five-year prison term and fines up to $5,000. The sentence for a first-degree misdemeanor can include up to a one-year prison term and fines up to $1,000.

Holmes Beach police arrested a 53-year-old man May 9 on two third-degree felony charges for aggravated domestic assault and false imprisonment, as well as a first-degree misdemeanor for domestic battery. The case began when a woman called the Holmes Beach Police Department to report that her husband battered her and had used a knife to falsely imprison her at their home on Sixth Avenue. An officer met the woman, who had escaped the home to a nearby parking lot and escorted her to the HBPD to get a witness statement. While the officer was with the woman, the man called her cellphone and admitted — without knowing an HBPD officer was listening — to pushing her and threatening her with a knife. She told the man on the phone that she did not want to press charges. But the officer told the man during the same call that he’d be at his house shortly to arrest him. Last of BB Sunshine The man hung up and tried to call his wife again, but the officer answered the call and warned the man defendants ordered to pay that “he was on the verge of witness intimidation and Is the sun about to set on a Bradenton Beach Sunhe needed to stop.” shine dispute? A pair of officers went to the residence and arrested Circuit Judge Edward Nicholas ruled May 14 that the man in the driveway and transported him to the Reed Mapes must pay $19,760 to Bradenton Beach HBPD. to end a Sunshine lawsuit that pitted the city against volunteer board members. Oregon man arrested by HBPD The amount includes $17,998 in for DUI property damage attorney fees and prejudgment interest of $1,762. By Ryan Paice The order follows the judge’s 2019 Mapes Islander Reporter ruling that former members of the Holmes Beach police arrested Oregon resident Shane Bodan, 42, on a first-degree misdemeanor planning and zoning board and Scenic WAVES Comcharge for causing property damage while driving mittee violated Florida’s Government-in-the-Sunshine Law by discussing city issues as part of a grass-roots under the influence of alcohol. The case began when a pair of officers from the group, Concerned Citizens of Bradenton Beach. The Sunshine Law is a series of regulations Holmes Beach Police Department heard a crash and intended to guarantee that government records and tires squealing. They found a vehicle “wrecked on top of a large meetings are accessible to the public — in the sunboulder” near the 600 block of Manatee Avenue, as well shine. Previously, defendants John Metz and Tjet Martin as two people — Bodan and a woman who claimed to settled with the city for a $350,000 joint payment. witness the accident, according to a report. Defendants Patricia Shay and Bill and Rose VinShe said she saw a man exit the vehicle, which had passed her earlier at a high speed before crashing cent settled for $500 each. At a hearing March 29, attorney Robert Watrous in front of her. An officer searched the vehicle and found a half- said he believed Mapes owed $31,925 in city fees and empty bottle of whiskey inside. He also found the vehi- $17,998 in attorney fees. The Islander called Mapes for comment May 20 cle damaged a pathway light and sprinkler system. The officer issued Bodan citations for reckless but he declined the call. — Kelsey Mako driving and possessing an open container in a moving vehicle. He called for a tow truck and a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office traffic unit to conduct a DUI investigation, which Bodan failed. An officer transported Bodan to the Manatee Island watch County jail, where he remained in custody as of May In an emergency, 20. call 911. To report An arraignment will be at 8:25 a.m. Thursday, information, call the June 17, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 MCSO Anna Maria Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. substation, 941-708-8899; Bradenton Beach The sentence for a first-degree misdemeanor can police, 941-778-6311; or Holmes Beach police, include up to a one-year jail sentence and fines up to 941-708-5804. $1,000.

Streetlife

staff reports

Island police reports

Anna Maria May 13, 700 block of Holly Road, noise. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office MCSO received a complaint at 10:18 p.m. of loud voices. The deputy heard people in a swimming pool and issued a citation for violating the noise ordinance. May 15, 200 block of Chilson Avenue, noise. The MCSO dispatched an officer at 11:11 p.m. for a complaint of loud music. The deputy issued a citation for violation of the noise ordinance. May 18, 800 block of North Shore Drive, noise. The MCSO received a complaint at 1:47 a.m. about a loud party. The deputy found a party in progress and heard voices and music from the street. A citation for violation of the noise ordinance was issued. The MCSO 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 12, 500 block of 74th Street, Baker Act. An officer from the Holmes Beach Police Department responded to reports of a suicide attempt. The officer called EMS, which arrived and transported an individual to Blake Medical Center in Bradenton. May 13, 5300 block of Gulf Drive, alcohol. A pair of officers found a group of people drinking beer on the beach. The officers issued citations. May 14, 400 block of 73rd Street, stolen license plate. An officer stopped a motorcyclist driving recklessly and, when checking the driver’s identification, found the motorcycle’s license plate had been stolen. The officer issued a citation and confiscated the tag. May 15, D.Coy Ducks Bar & Grill, 5410 Marina Drive, trespass. An officer responded to reports of a verbal disturbance at the bar and found an intoxicated man screaming at an employee and harassing women. The officer trespassed the man at the manager’s request. May 15, 5600 block of Gulf Drive, battery. Officers responded to reports of a battery. He found a woman who said a man hit her and was throwing objects at her before she went to a neighbor’s house and called 911. An officer interviewed the woman and another officer later found and arrested the man during a traffic stop. May 15, 200 block of Haverkos Court, grand theft. A woman called the HBPD to report that she left expensive jewelry in a vacation rental. She said she called the management company and was told the cleaning personnel did not find jewelry. May 15, 200 block of 65th Street, noise. An officer responded to complaints about noisy vacation rental tenants. The officer arrived and got a reading with a decibel meter identifying a violation of city code. The officer issued the tenant a citation. May 16, 500 block of 58th Street, domestic battery. An officer responded to reports of domestic violence. He found a man who said that his girlfriend locked him out of his home and punched him in the face when he entered. The officer arrested the woman and transported her to the Manatee County jail. May 17, 3000 block of Avenue F, noise. An officer responded to complaints about noisy vacation rental tenants. The officer arrived and could hear loud music and conversation coming from the property, so he issued the tenant a citation. May 18, 7000 block of Holmes Boulevard, petit theft. An officer was dispatched to take a report of a stolen rental bicycle. He found a woman who said the bike went missing after she left it in front of her vacation rental. The officer provided a case number. HBPD polices Holmes Beach. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

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

HB magistrate continues treehouse, issues 2 owner-friendly rulings By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Alleged code violations at a Holmes Beach property may not be resolved anytime soon. Sarasota attorney Michael Connolly, serving as special magistrate for Holmes Beach, granted a continuation request May 19 to the owners of property at 103 29th St. — Lynn Tran Hazen and Richard Hazen — for a hearing to discuss repeat violations for unlicensed vacation rental activities. The Hazens reside at the property, where they also operate four vacation rental units as Angelino’s Sea Lodge. It is also the site of a treehouse on the beachfront that sparked litigation with the city. Connolly said he received a continuance request from the property owner’s attorney, Bruce Minnick, that morning. He said he would grant the request because Minnick couldn’t attend the meeting to represent the owners. The treehouse litigation has cost the city $184,955 and the property owners $170,000, according to the parties. In the meantime, the owners also have accumulated over $105,000 in fines that Connolly previously ruled must be paid in order to obtain a certificate to operate the rentals. Connolly ruled in April to fine the pair an additional $125 per day from March 18 until they obtain a valid vacation rental license through the city for the four units on the property. The case will be heard by the special magistrate next at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 11, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Other cases, rulings Connolly issued two other rulings in favor of property owners. One case was centered around alleged repeat violations of short-term vacation rental stays under the 30-day minimum required at 102 48th St., which is owned by Shawn and Jennifer Kaleta. City code requires 30-day minimum stays at vacation rental properties within the city’s R-1 zoning district — the single-family residential district — to limit renters’ impact on residential neighborhoods. The city first cited the property owners in November 2020 for renting for an improper length of stay. Connolly ruled in favor of the city and imposed $31,627.24 in fines against the owners for the violation. JT Thomas, the city’s code compliance supervi-

Holmes Beach magistrate Michael Connolly, a sarasota attorney, ruled May 19 that the owners of property at 102 48th st. were not in violation of city code due to the city’s lack of evidence proving guests at the home were shortterm renters. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

sor, said staff observed people at the property in early May and had monitored the property since, observing several different people and vehicles staying there over the past month. Thomas added that the property was advertised as a vacation rental online and stretches of its availability calendar were grayed out, suggesting they’d been booked by renters for periods of less than 30 days. He recommended Connolly issue a $127.24 administrative fine, a $500 daily fine from May 2 until the property owners come into compliance and rule to cease rental activities at the property. Bradenton attorney Peter Mackey, representing the owners, said the city had insufficient evidence to impose fines against his clients. He said the owners have a large family and allow relatives to stay rent-free at the property.

He added that the availability calendar did not display which days were booked by renters and which were taken by relatives. Connolly ruled that there wasn’t sufficient evidence to constitute a repeat violation. Connolly also ruled to give owners of property at 6913 Holmes Blvd. until June 10 to submit a building permit to replace an exterior staircase and deck boards before he considers imposing fines. Property owners Marilyn and Patrick O’Hara said they hired a handyman to repair their stairs who falsely told them a permit had been submitted to the city. However, they said they could apply for a permit the next day to get back on track. Connolly said the owners should be given time to resolve the matter before he imposed fines, adding that he could revisit the issue at the June 11 meeting if they did not come into compliance.

HB cites owner, trimmer for extensive seagrape work a view of seagrape trees at 102 48th st., Holmes Beach. City code enforcement officers cited the property owners, shawn Kaleta and Jennifer Kaleta, for violating city code by hiring a contractor who cut seagrape plants beyond what the code allows, according to code compliance supervisor Jt thomas. thomas said the incident was a repeat violation with “irreversible and irreparable” damage, prompting a $5,000 fine for the owners and the trimmers. thomas said the matter was reported by an officer from the Holmes Beach Police Department who noticed the work. Islander Photo: Courtesy HBPD

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track Bortie the sea turtle’s path to a possible nesting spot on the shore of the gulf of Mexico. Will it be on anna Maria Island, where the loggerhead was tagged in 2018? Bortie has been tracked 4,085 miles since the tagging in 2018 for the tour de turtles. follow with us at .... https://www.conserveturtles. org/stctrackingmap/.

Nesting notes By Kelsey Mako

Turtle watch: Disorientations a problem on AMI

Disorienting sea turtles are causing concern for turtle watchers on Anna Maria Island. Three adult sea turtles have disoriented while attempting to nest on the beach in the city of Anna Maria since the first nest was found May 3. “Three disorientations out of 17 nests is a lot,” Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring executive director Suzi Fox said Mako May 17. Disorientations typically do not occur this early in nesting season, Fox said. Disorientations typically happen in June and July. Additionally, Fox said she does not remember another time when three disorientations occurred on the same night. Disorientations appear as zigzag, nonlinear crawl marks on the beach. They can occur when artificial lighting distracts the female sea turtle on her way to nest. Some disorientations can result in nests, but most do not. When a female turtle makes her way on the beach and deposits her eggs, crawl marks form a relatively straight line to the apex, the turtle’s chosen nest site, and then straight back to the Gulf. “If we see an adult disorientation, it’s a major red flag,” she said. The disorientations in the city of Anna Maria were in the same three-block area near Bean Point and Fern Street, Fox said. Fox said she suspects, based on crawl patterns, that someone was following the turtles on the beach with a light, possibly to take videos.

Fox said people should refrain from using flashlights and cellphone lights on the beach at night. She also said she saw quite a few properties out of compliance for lighting while reviewing the beach for nesting May 1-15. People keep asking what time they can come out and see turtles, Fox said. “This isn’t Disney World. We’re not going to tell you when the parade is coming in,” Fox said, of the nesting turtles — who should not be bothered or harassed. The Sea Turtle Conservancy has organized tours on the east coast for people to see sea turtles at night, but Fox said she does not do tours. She also said adult sea turtle disorientations typically occur when there are more people on the beaches. “In my opinion, we have a lot more people on our beaches this year,” Fox said. However, when asked if she is concerned about increased crowds Memorial Day weekend leading to more disorientations, Fox said she is not. She said she expects local law enforcement to have extra officers out for the weekend. “We’ve been through a lot of these. The turtles

Bortie headed toward AMI?

Bortie the loggerhead sea turtle May 19 was in the Gulf of Mexico west of Anna Maria Island Since mid-April, Bortie has traveled north in the Gulf from Cape Coral to north of Tampa Bay. Then Bortie began heading south. The Sea Turtle Conservancy began tracking Bortie in 2018 when the turtle was equipped with a tracking device after nesting at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. Bortie spent the past three years in the Florida Keys. The STC had tracked Bortie for 1,065 days as of May 19. — Kelsey Mako

as of May 23, aMItW had identified 37 nests and 55 false crawls on the island.

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By Lisa Neff

Volts? Vroom, vroom

Shhh, don’t tell Speedy. Speedy is my sparkling blue 2011 Ford Fiesta that I determined years ago I’d drive forever. Yet another car has caught my eye, or rather another type of car has caught my eye. I’m proud to say Speedy is no gas-guzzler, as she gets about 37-40 miles to the gallon. Still, she’s powered by gasoline and lately I’ve taken to noticing the neff electric vehicles cruising along on Manatee Avenue and Gulf Drive. I’m also reading financial forecasts that say electric cars could be less expensive than gasoline-powered cars as soon as 2025 and trend-watchers are saying that all gas-powered cars could be antiques in 20 years. UBS investment bank, for example, is predicting the end of the internal combustion engine age, saying new cars would be 20% electric in 2025, 50% in 2030 and 100% in 2040. Back in 2011, before acquiring Speedy, my wife and I considered the environmental benefits of electric vehicles. Cost was a concern, but we also wondered about DisoriENtatioNs fROM Page 22

have been through a lot of these,” Fox said, referring to the holiday weekend. “The nests that we have marked off are safe. No one is to touch them,” she added. “It’s more of a relief because I know each police department is going to step up and do extra. It kind of takes a load off me,” Fox said. On Anna Maria Island, law enforcement includes the Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach police departments and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, which patrols Anna Maria. Code enforcement officers also patrol the beaches in each of the island’s three cities. Holmes Beach code compliance officer JT Thomas said code officers plan to show more presence on the beach during the holiday weekend. For more information on AMITW, go to islandturtlewatch.com or call Fox at 941-778-5638. To report wildlife or marine life in distress, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission hotline at 888-404-3922.

a sign signals the location for an electric vehicle charging station. Predictions indicate electric vehicles will be as affordable as gas cars by 2025 and be 100% of new cars sold by 2040. Islander Courtesy Photo

access to charging ports on the island. At the time, I was aware of only one AMI site — at the Historic Green Village on Pine Avenue, which also was ahead of the eco-curve with solar water heaters, solar panels and recycled rainwater. I can’t say there’s an abundance of EV charging ports on the island since a decade ago, when I worried about running out of juice and getting stranded. However, there are at least a few more ports, particularly in Bradenton Beach. And we’re likely to see more as a result of consumer demand, government incentives and commit-

ments from the auto and energy sectors. Earlier this spring, the Holmes Beach City Commission agreed to an arrangement with Florida Power and Light to host an EV charging station at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. FPL representative Ashley Fogg Shutz told The Islander the new station would include four charging ports. “Anna Maria Island is an area we are looking at closely,” she also said. “But at this time, do not have any upcoming locations to share.” FPL launched its EVolution pilot program in 2019 with a goal of installing more than 1,000 charging ports at 100 locations statewide, increasing the availability of ports in Florida by 50%. The EVolution chargers work with most automobiles, including Teslas with an adapter, but are not compatible with golf carts. And it’s free for EV drivers to power up at a station. So should Speedy need a sibling — or seek retirement — I might be looking for something sparkling and blue that gets 250 miles per charge.

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

night. Remove items such as boats, tents, rafts and beach furniture and fill in holes or level sand castles before dusk. Holes trap turtles and can injure people. Call code enforcement to report unattended property or large holes on the beach. City of anna Maria code enforcement — 941-708-6130, ext. 139 or ext. 129. City of Bradenton Beach code enforcement — 941-778-1005, ext. 280. City of Holmes Beach code enforcement — 941-708-5800, ext. 247. Report sick, injured, entangled or dead sea turtles to the fWC Wildlife alert Hotline, at 1-888-404-3922, #fWC or *fWC on a cellphone or text tip@MyfWC.com. for more info on island nesting, contact aMItW at suzifox@gmail.com or 941-778-5638.

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Soccer players keep on kicking, golfers swing, horseshoers pitch

Aiden Guess made five saves to lead SRC in the loss. Action in the 11-14 division kicked off with HSH Designs earning a 3-1 victory over the Gitt Team behind two goals and an assist from Mason Moss and a goal from Sterling Holiday. Victor Albrecht helped preserve the victory with six saves in goal. Hamish Robertson scored the lone goal for Gitt, which received nine saves from Ronan Robertson in the loss. The last match of the night saw Blalock Walters roll past Grooms Motors 5-2 behind a hat trick from Jackson Pakbaz and a goal each from JM Feeney and Jack McCarthy. Chase Johnson and Jayden Sparks scored a goal each to lead Grooms in the loss.

By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter

The soccer pitch at the at the Center of Anna Maria Island is busy this time of year. After five weeks of action, the standings are tight in the adult soccer league at the center, 407 Magnolia Drive, Anna Maria. And the youth league is pressing on in its fifth week. In adult play, CABB Cleaning and Beach Bums are tied for the top spot with 4-0-1 records, just ahead of Cassidy 4-1 Flynn Law. Slim’s Place remains in striking distance at 2-2-1, while Killer Bait is up in the standings at 1-3-1. Salty Printing, Sandbar Restaurant and Sato Real Estate have matching 1-4 records. Action on the center pitch May 20 got started with Beach Bums outlasting Slim’s Place 4-3 behind two goals and an assist from Lucky Durmaz and goals from Yuri Pereira and Emily Fischer. Jamie Hutchinson added an assist and Tuna McCracken finished with five saves in the victory. Raul Loria scored two goals to lead Slim’s Place, which also received a goal from Oswaldo Cabello and 10 saves from Steve Oelfke in the loss. CABB Cleaning cruised to a 6-3 victory over Salty Printing behind a hat trick from Timo Vecchio and goals from Greg Moss, Lindsey Styka and Luca Vecchio. Connor Haughey made five saves between the pipes. Gerardo Urbiola scored two goals and Kevin Roman added a goal to lead Salty Printing in the loss. The third match of the evening saw Flynn Law earn a dominating 6-3 victory over Sato Real Estate behind two goals from Damir Glavan and a goal each from Shana Weldon, Eric Pullen and Kris Yavalar, who also made five saves in goal. Josh Sato had a goal and an assist to lead Sato Real

Beach Bums player Tyler Brewer cuts back to grab the ball from Slim’s Place defenders Keith Mahoney and Raul Loria May 20.

Beach Bums’ Lucky Durmaz, left, and Slim’s Place Max Panthempko battle for the ball during May 20 adult soccer action at the center. Islander Photos: Kevin P. Cassidy

Estate which received a goal from Ben Sato and five saves from Rico Beissert in the loss. Killer Bait exploded for 10 goals to route Sandbar Restaurant and close out the night. Chris Scott scored four goals to lead Killer Bait, which received two goals from Jordan Sebastiano and a goal each from Daniel Hampton and Chris Culhane. Jessica Williams and Andrew Sullivan each scored goals and Kevin Mulcahy made nine saves to lead Sandbar in the loss. Youth soccer rolls up on week 6 Action in the youth soccer league has Blalock Walters sporting a 4-0 record in the 11-14 division, giving them a 3-point edge over second place AM Bath Time, which is at 3-1. Grooms Motors and Automotive follows at 2-2, while the Gitt Team and HSH Designs complete the standings with matching 1-4 records. The 8-10 soccer division standings are tight. Shady Lady sports a 2-0-2 record, just ahead of 2-1-1 Tidy MD. Bridge Tender holds third with a 1-2-1 record, while Beach Bums at 1-2-2 and Solid Rock Construction at 1-3-1 complete the standings. Action in the 8-10 division May 18 kicked off with Bridge Tender earning a 2-0 victory over Shady Lady behind two goals from Logan Stevens. Matthew Winsper helped preserve the victory with two saves, while Madeline Kimmons added an assist in the victory. Tomas Bartos made six saves to lead Shady Lady in the loss. The second 8-10 division matchup May 18 saw Beach Bums earn its first victory with a 3-0 win over Solid Rock Construction. Dylan Sato scored two goals and Preston LaPensee added a goal to lead Beach Bums.

Key Royale news Golf action at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach teed off May 17 with a nine-hole modifiedStableford system match. Mike Gillie, Larry Solberg and Ron Vandeman all carded plus-4s to finish in a tie for first place. Not sure who bought the drinks in the clubhouse following the round. The women took over the course May 18 for a nine-hole individual-low-net match in two flights. Sue Wheeler carded a 2-under-par 30 to earn a 2-stroke victory in Flight A. Connie Livanos, Pam Lowry and Phyllis Row tied for second place with matching even-par 32s. Jackie Gorski fired a 1-under-par 31 to take first place in Flight B. Remi Drigan finished alone in second place with an even-par 32, while Sally York was another stroke back in third. Golf action at the club continued May 20 with a nine-hole shamble. The team of Ron Buck, Mike Gillie, Sam Major and Ken Nagengast matched the 1-under-par 31 carded by Ken Butler, Al Carr, Lack Lowry and Quentin Talbert resulting in a tie for first place. Horseshoe news Two teams emerged from pool play and battled for the day’s bragging rights during May 19 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Tom Skoloda jumped out to an early lead and walked his way past Rod Bussey and Neil Hennessey by a 23-4 score to take the day’s championship. There were two teams that earned their way into the finals with 3-0 records in pool play during the May 22 games as well. The team of Jerry Disbrow and Bob Heiger met Bussey and Skoloda in the finals. Disbrow and Heiger jumped out to an early 9-3 lead, then emphatically ended the match with back-to-back double ringers for a 21-3 victory and the day’s bragging rights. Play gets underway at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by random team selection. There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome.

Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

We like likes

May 26 May 27 May 28 May 29 May 30 May 31 June 1 June 2

1:38a 2:55a 12:48p 1:33p 2:23p 3:23p 8:33a 8:37a

HIGH

1.6 1.4 3.0 2.9 2.7 2.4 1.6 1.7

11:31a 12:08p — — — — 4:42p 6:26p

HIGH

2.8 5:06a 2.9 5:20a — 9:10p — 10:05p — 11:01p — 11:56p 2.0 10:37a 1.8 12:47a

LOW

1.2 7:22p 1.3 8:15p -0.6 — -0.5 — -0.3 — -0.1 — 1.5 — 0.1 12:58p

LOW

Moon

-0.6 Full -0.7 — — — — — 1.3 3rd

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

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Mix full moon, stellar tides, light winds — you get fishing success By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

What we have is the perfect recipe for fishing success. As we approached the May 26 full moon, fishing around Anna Maria Island was heating up. Light winds from the east combined with stellar tides were promising great days on the water. Whether you’re fishing offshore or inshore, you are in store for some excitement. Stasny The offshore waters are yielding many species, including bottom dwellers — groupers and snappers — and migratory species — cobia, blackfin tuna and amberjack. And, to top it off, there have been several whale shark sightings 15-20 miles offshore. So keep your eyes peeled. Generally, if you can find those graceful giants, you also are likely to find cobia swimming nearby. Moving to the inshore, catch-and-release snook fishing is quite good. You can find the fish on the flats and along the beaches. On the flats and along mangrove shorelines — where turtle and eel grasses exist — expect good action. Look for good tidal flow and water free of lyngbya, or gumbo, to increase your chances. If you’re targeting snook along the beaches, you should be able to sight cast to them. Live shiners work best for these fish, although artificials such as DOA TerrorEyz or a YoZuri pins minnow will attract some attention. Catch-and-release spotted seatrout are abundant, especially in the deeper grass flats of Tampa and Sarasota bays. Again, areas with a good tidal flow and free of gumbo are great places to get started. Early morning fishing with a top water plug is productive. As the sun gets higher, switching to live bait is a good bet. Lastly, patrolling the beaches for schools of tarpon is getting better by the day. Large numbers of fish have yet to arrive, although determined anglers are finding a bite here and there. Live threadfin herring seems to be getting the most action for bait, although live crabs are working in the passes during the outgoing tide. On my Southernaire charters, I spent most of last week trying to hide from the wind and found plenty of action along the mangrove shorelines of southern Tampa Bay. The most predominant bite has been catchand-release spotted seatrout. I’m seeing 20-40 trout a day coming to the boat. Catch-and-release snook are cooperating, with fish caught measuring 20-30 inches. Lastly, catch-and-release redfish are more frequent. The biggest this week was 30 inches. Remember, starting June 1, there are new regulations for the inshore trio — snook, redfish and trout. For Tampa Bay and any waters north of Manatee Avenue, normal regulations will resume for snook and redfish. For the spotted seatrout: The daily bag limit is three trout per person and the slot is 15-19 inches. For waters south of State Road 64/Manatee Avenue, snook and redfish will remain closed to harvest through May 31, 2022. Spotted seatrout harvest will resume with a six-fish recreational vessel limit. The fish must fall 15-19 inches. Captain and crew are not included in the bag limit. Capt. Jason Stock is fishing offshore on days when the winds stay down enough to venture into the Gulf. The highlight of this past week was spotting a whale shark and numerous cobia schooling around it.

Tarpon on! Eric Gibson, front, visiting Anna Maria Island from Charlotte, North Carolina, is stoked May 15 to grab a trophy photo of his first-ever tarpon catch with Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters. The 120-pound silver king, caught off the AMI beach, ate a live pinfish and was quickly released after the boatside photo. Tarpon is a catch-and-release-only fishery. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission advises that tarpon over 40 inches MUST remain in the water unless in pursuit of a state or world record — and only with a tarpon tag. FWC also advises against fishing for tarpon when large predatory sharks are feeding in the area: “If sharks show up, move to another fishing location.” When handled properly, the iconic fish are more likely to survive and evade predators.

Casting any live bait in the vicinity of these brown bombers can result in an immediate hookup. After boating several cobia, Stock said the whale shark quietly moved on. Other action occurring offshore includes blackfin tuna reacting to live baits on the surface. These highly active fish are readily taking bait over offshore wrecks. And, Stock reports, bottom fishing is hot right now, especially for mangrove snapper. While targeting snappers, amberjack are taking the hook.

Jarod Zamikoff celebrated his college graduation with a fishing charter May 19 and managed to catch and release a small snook while fishing inshore with Capt. Warren Girle.

Finally, with numerous days of strong east winds, Stock also spent time closer to the beach, where tarpon were the target. Casting threadfin herring or live crabs is yielding fish 70-150 pounds and trophy photos for Stock’s clients. Capt. David White is working the flats of Tampa Bay for catch-and-release species — snook, redfish and spotted seatrout. All three species are reacting well to offerings of live shiners as bait. The snook and trout are dominating the bite. As for the reds, most are being hooked while targeting the snook along mangrove shorelines. As a bonus, White is hooking up clients with juvenile tarpon, which are 20-40 pounds. These fish are taking live shiners as bait. For the larger, mature tarpon, White is patrolling the beaches of Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, where the silver kings are 80-125 pounds. These bigger fish are accepting live threadfin herring or crabs as bait. Capt. Warren Girle is hiding from the strong winds by fishing the eastern shorelines of Sarasota Bay. By doing this, Girle is putting clients on some great action on catch-and-release snook and redfish. This bite is occurring in depths of 3 feet or less along mangrove shorelines where oyster bars exist. Moving out to the deeper grass flats, Girle is finding plenty of spotted seatrout to keep his sport fishers busy. Mixed in are some ladyfish, bluefish and jack crevalle. Moving out to the Gulf beaches of Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, Girle is targeting tarpon, with catches running 150 pounds. Live baits — threadfin herring and crabs — are working well. Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

Southernaire Fishing Charters

Licensed

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isl

Losing the mask

lorna Meyers of Bradenton, left, talks May 20 with Kelly Kary, owner of Olive Oil Outpost, 401 Pine ave., anna Maria. Kary no longer requires customers or staff to wear face masks but said they do wear them at a customer’s request. Islander Photos: amy V.t. Moriarty

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Amy V.T. Moriarty

“So that’s what your face looks like.” Variations of “I forgot what you look like without a mask” can be heard since the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced May 13 that people who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus need not wear face masks indoors or outdoors — with few exceptions. The CDC says “fully vaccinated” refers to a person two weeks past receiving either the single-dose Johnson & Johnson or both doses of the Pfizer BioNTech or Moderna vaccines. After a year of requiring face masks, many island business owners have relaxed their mask policies, no longer requiring customers or staff to don face coverings. Kelly Kary, owner of Olive Oil Outpost, 401 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, said May 20 that she no longer requires customers or staff to wear masks. Kary and staff prefer to take cues from customers rather than abiding by a mandate. So, staff have masks handy and, if customers wearing masks enter, they’ll put theirs on, too. Kary said she still wears a mask when handling cheeses or other unwrapped foods at her shop as a precaution. At Minnie’s Beach Cafe, 5360 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, owners Kathy Smart and Mary Doub changed their policy and now only require those not vaccinated to wear masks in the restaurant. In a May 17 social media post, Smart wrote that staff must wear masks until they have proof of vaccination.

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“Without proof, they will continue wearing masks for a long time to come. We cannot force anyone to get their shots, but we can make this mandatory to wear masks without it,” the post read. When it comes to customers, Smart’s post said they can’t ask customers to show proof of vaccination but they hope people who aren’t vaccinated will be honest and continue to wear masks when not seated. To accommodate island visitors without masks or businesses that want to offer masks, the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce makes masks available for those in need, chamber president Terri Kinder said May 18. She said business owners have not informed the chamber of mask policy changes. “It still remains a choice,” Kinder said. One business where owners continue to require masks is Salon Salon, 3612 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. Stylists and clients are in close proximity so “it’s the smart thing to wear masks” said Annie Petitt, who co-owns the salon with daughter/stylist Nikita Fossmore. Salon staff at a meeting in mid-May voiced support to continue mask usage, Petitt said. In mid-June, the mask requirement for fully vaccinated clients will be lifted, though staff may continue to wear masks until they feel comfortable removing

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a sign posted at the entrance to ginny’s and Jane e’s Cafe and gift store, 9807 gulf Drive, anna Maria, advises customers that as of May 13 the CDC no longer recommends fully vaccinated people wear masks indoors.

them. When Gov. Ron DeSantis announced May 3 that municipalities could no longer enforce mask requirements, he exempted businesses from the order. So, like a “shirts and shoes” rule, a business can require customers to mask or be refused service. Businesses also can request law enforcement intervention in dealing with customers who refuse to comply. Kary said throughout the pandemic, her customers were respectful of the shop’s mask policy and neither she nor staff had to request anyone leave for failure to comply. Petitt said her salon’s clients also were respectful of the policy, though three clients did choose to leave rather than wear a mask.

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May 26, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 27 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Change of pace: Cut to AMI

told us. When Blade & Tine opens its storefront location, which the couple anticipates happening by fall, they hope to include a production kitchen, a demonstration kitchen for recording videos and a consulting space. They currently offer in-home cooking classes. For more information, go online to bladeandtine. com or call Blade & Tine 303-503-8436. Welcome Heather and Jason, we look forward to getting to know you. Got business news? Contact Amy Moriarty at amym@islander.org or call 941-778-7978.

Looking for a change of pace, a young culinarycentric couple moved from Las Vegas to Anna Maria Island in November 2020. Jason and Heather Hernandez knew they loved the island from visits with Heather’s uncle, who has lived in Holmes Beach for 10 years and previously lived in Bradenton for 30 years. They started with social media to Moriarty fast-track their new business, Blade & Tine Culinary Consultants, in Holmes Beach. The couple, each with more than 25 years in the culinary industry, formed Blade & Tine in 2018. But it wasn’t until 2019 that they gave up working for others to focus on the business. When the pandemic hit, the couple decided to fulfill their dream of moving to AMI, Heather Hernandez said May 20. While strolling Pine Avenue shortly after moving to the island, they stopped a boutique and struck up a conversation. One thing led to another and they wound up catering a few parties. From there, the gals at Beach Suites — suppliers of beach rental gear — teamed up with Blade & Tine to create a “luxury picnic menu” for Beach Suites customers. Six months after moving to Florida, Blade & Tine is planning a storefront location in Holmes Beach. Blade & Tine aren’t large event caterers, instead focusing on intimate gatherings, where food can be prepared in a client’s home or delivered to the client. They also use their corporate culinary backgrounds to offer consulting services for staffing, menu creation and more, as well as representing clients at trade shows. So why Blade & Tine? Jason and Heather Hernandez, owners of Blade & “Everybody needs a knife and fork to eat, and this tine Culinary Consultants in Holmes Beach. Islander was a more modern play on that,” Jason Hernandez Courtesy Photo

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Tax increase advanced for BB businesses

Bradenton Beach city commissioners unanimously voted May 20 to advance a 5% increase to the local business tax fee. State law allows municipalities to levy a business tax for the operation of a business within city limits and Bradenton Beach first adopted its tax in 1995. The proposed increase — if passed on second reading — would raise the tax for some Bradenton Beach businesses as follows: • The annual fee for an insurance agency would go from $63.82 to $67.01; • Charter boats that service up to 20 passengers, 63.82 to 67.01; • Real estate brokers, $57.89 to $60.78; • 100-seat restaurant, $127.63 to $134.01. Other businesses would see a similar increase. But business taxes may sunset in July 2023 in Florida if Gov. Ron DeSantis signs legislation into law that passed in 2021. “Tallahassee is once again taking away one of the few remaining ways the city is able to get money to improve community,” Mayor John Chappie said. The commission vote was the first of two required to adopt the ordinance. If approved, it will be immediately effective. A public hearing and final reading will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 3, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. — Kelsey Mako

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AMI Chamber THIS WEEK

Thursday, May 27 5-7 p.m. — 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.

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Page 28 THE ISLANDER | islander.org May 26, 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

tReK sOHO DeluX urban bicycle, $300. 941778-2184.

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.

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.

fRee: COuCH anD matching chair. tan corduroy. excellent condition. Bradenton Beach, 607542-7671.

eaRly DeaDlIne! tHe Islander office will be closed Monday, May 31, to observe Memorial Day. the classified ad deadline for the June 2 newspaper will be 2 p.m. friday, May 28.

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

KeyBOaRDs fOR Dell, aPPle, $10, mouse, $5. coffeemaker, Cuisinart, twelve-cup, black, like new, $20. 941-920-2494.

InDIVIDuals May PlaCe one free ad with up to three items, each priced $100 or less, 15 words or less. fRee, one week, must be submitted online. email classifieds@islander.org, fax tollfree 1-866-362-9821. (limited time offer)

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.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

antIQue PaRtneR DesK: all wood, $1,000. Inquire at the Islander office, 315 58th st. suite J, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

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AdoptA-Pet

C H U M

C A M E R A C R E W

U R S A

S E C T

P A R A

A C T S

M A H E R

E N E R O

S L I M R Y I O T S P E I W S L M E A T R G B A A R K I E N S E

C O G I T O

A R E T H A

S U V A

O P E N T O

M O T N U B I E D S E S

B A C I C H T A K I E R A T W E T A X T C E G O O D A E R T F N A B E E P I D R S O I D E N A L T A B Y O S A R E A M A R R I T S M

H E S I L L C K O U S T I G H T L E E L L R

T O M I N A S E D E E A D M C O C H A A N E M A B L R I Y T E S

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

T A T A

A R T H R O

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.

SERVICES

BICyCle RePaIRs. Just4fun at 5358 gulf Drive. We can do all types of bicycle repairs. flat tires to new builds. We pick up and deliver. Quick response and reasonably priced. 941-896-7884.

PETS

lOOKIng fOR a housecleaner? look no further. sand & sea Cleaning is the team for you. 941-226-2773.

HelP ResCueD Pets! Volunteer, foster, computer help needed! Moonracer animal Rescue. email: moonraceranimalrescue@gmail.com.

fRee fIsHIng/natuRe guide, your boat. Ph.D. Marine Biologist with vast experience. gulf or bay. 941-773-0523.

BOATS & BOATING

HanDyMan anD CleanIng services. Move-ins and outs. affordable. Call fred, 941-356-1456.

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.

M A Y E R

S N O R E

S U S S

PIanIst/ORganIst. CHuRCH position for an experienced musician to fill accompanist role for weekly church services. Please, email resume to office@gloriadeilutheran.com

A S K E D

T H E A

T I E S

A T T Y

eaRly DeaDlIne! tHe Islander office will be closed Monday, May 31, to observe Memorial Day. the classified ad deadline for the June 2 newspaper will be 2 p.m. friday, May 28.

Z O O A N I M A L S

A D U L T M O V I E

P E T E E T A P E

KIDs fOR HIRe ads are fRee for up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work. ads must be placed in person at the Islander office, 315 58th st. suite J, Holmes Beach.

Is yOuR HOMe or office in need of some spring cleaning? Well, I’m your girl! local, reliable, professional! Please, give me a call or text, 941-773 -0461.

R I F L E

G M A E T S T O P

KIDS FOR HIRE

WanteD: yOuR OlD cellphone for recycling. Deliver to the Islander, 315 58th st. suite J, Holmes Beach.

HELP WANTED

ANSWERS TO MAY 26 PUZZLE

O P E R A H O U S E

RePORteR WanteD: full- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience required. apply via email with letter of interest to news@islander. org.

neeD a RIDe to airports? tampa $65, st. Pete, $55, sarasota, $30. gary, 863-409-5875. gvoness80@gmail.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.