The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, May 5, 2021 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

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Happy Mother’s Day!

NO. 27

the Best News on anna Maria Island Since 1992 astheworldterns. 6 governor extends Covid emergency. 2

Q&A 050521

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Propane explosion halts chamber festival

Piney Point. 3 HB resort compromise. 4

Meetings. 4 Questions follow BB presentation. 5 Beautification planned along gulf drive. 5

Opinions. 6 Vincent gollamudi, 10, of Holmes Beach, watches the action as emergency responders bring a propane tank fire under control. More, page 13. Islander Photo: Nenita Caidic-Colis daguinotas

10-20 YEARS AGO

Looking back. 7

aM mulls stormwater tax hike. 8 arbor day observed. 9

By amy V.t. Moriarty Islander reporter

Boom! 911! Sirens! An emergency response May 1 is not the finale the Anna Maria Island Chamber Save a date. 10 of Commerce envisioned for its Beach ‘N Food Truck Festival. However, a surprise ending came when Celebrating Mom. 11 “a huge propane tank blew its top” at about 4:30 p.m., chamber president Terri Kinder appreciating aME. 12 said. Emergency services were called to Gathering. 14 address the explosion and manage the situObituaries. 14 ation outside Holmes Beach City Hall at 5800 Marina Drive, adjacent to the site of Cops&Court. 18 the festival The leaking propane tank was less than Shoreline protection 50 feet from the area where musicians were project on LBK. 21 staging and performing, so when the tank Slow start for sea turtles. popped, Kinder, chamber staff, board members and volunteers quickly worked to get 22 people moved to the opposite side of city field in the. “The tank belongs to the city” and was Beachbound mothers. not being used for the festival, Kinder said. 24 Soccer, plus. 24 Warmer weather heats up catch. 25

What caused the top to blow was unknown at the time The Islander went to press. Because so many people were mingling at the festival, police from each of the island’s three cities were called to seal off the area and ensure public safety, said Holmes Beach Police Sgt. Tom Fraser, who was at the field. By 5:15 p.m., Fraser broke the news to Kinder that the festival was being shut down for safety. “We’re going to cancel the event because it’s going to take over two hours to burn off the propane,” Fraser told The Islander. Craft vendors quickly broke down their tents and food truck operators packed up and headed out with festivalgoers, as West Manatee Fire Rescue firefighters from Ladder 129 began a controlled burn of the propane to stabilize the damaged tank. “We were having such a good time. It’s our last day in town and we were having so much fun here we decided to wait until turN to eXPlOsiOn, PagE 13

the view of the Skyway Bridge disaster scene unfolded from the top of the second span looking northwest toward the Summit Venture after it moved back from the bridge. Islander file Photo: Paul roat

Skyway disaster: They were there

On May 9, 1980, a mayday call went out, alerting the U.S. Coast Guard that the Sunshine Skyway Bridge spanning Tampa Bay between Pinellas and Manatee counties was “down.” In a morning squall, the Summit Venture collided with the bridge, collapsing the southbound lane, sending vehicles and passengers plummeting into the water below. Thirty-five people died. The Islander looks back at the tragedy on Tampa Bay with those who recall racing to the scene 41 years ago this week.

See page 16-17 for more...

Capitol visit: County commissioners give input on Cortez Bridge By Kane Kaiman Islander reporter

Anti-megabridge Cortezians might have to fend for themselves. TideWatch. 25 During a three-day trip to Tallahassee Stone crab season ends. to meet with state officials and advocate for Manatee County priorities during the legisla26 tive session that ended April 30, four county ISL BIZ: Spring bloom. commissioners conferenced with Florida 27 Department of Transportation Secretary Kevin J. Thibault to discuss future funding CLASSIFIEDS. 28 needs for county bridges, including the three PropertyWatch. 30 that link to Anna Maria Island. The Anna Maria Island Bridge links puzzle. Holmes Beach to Perico Island and the mainland via Manatee Avenue. The Cortez

NYT

Bridge spans the Intracoastal Waterway between Cortez and Bradenton Beach. And the Longboat Pass Bridge links Bradenton Beach and Longboat Key. Commissioners George Kruse of District 7, a countywide district, and Kevin Van Ostenbridge of District 3, in which Anna Maria Island and Cortez are located were in attendance, along with Vanessa Baugh of District 5 and Misty Servia of District 4. The March 18 meeting was not recorded. To comply with Florida’s Sunshine Law, Van Ostenbridge was the only commissioner who spoke with Thibault, Kruse said in an email to The Islander April 19. At the meeting, Thibault communicated

that, despite a legal challenge in federal court, the DOT was continuing to move forward with its proposed replacement for the 17-foot-clearance Cortez drawbridge — a 65-footclearance fixed-span structure that is slated for construction in 2026-27, Van Ostenbridge said in an April Van osten20 email to The Islander. bridge “I did express my concern about the length of time the bridge would be out of service. I explained that the businesses in Cortez depend heavily on tourism from Anna Maria Island and that turN to Bridge, PagE 2

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DeSantis extends COVID-19 state of emergency another 60 days By ryan Paice Islander reporter

The novel coronavirus will keep Florida in a state of emergency for at least another two months. Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order April 27 to extend Florida’s state of emergency through June 26, only hours before it was set to expire. The state of emergency allows the state and its municipalities to access federal emergency funds and enact emergency measures to protect its deSantis citizens. It must be renewed by the governor every 60 days. Florida’s state of emergency in response to the pandemic began in March 2020 and has been extended since. However, a section of the order indicates this could be the state of emergency’s last extension. The order states, in part, “the state should prepare to resume non-emergency operations.” Without the state of emergency, mask mandates in Anna Maria and Holmes Beach would be obsolete. The two cities have mandates that face masks be worn inside public accommodations, with some exceptions for age, health conditions and to consume food and beverages. Bradenton Beach has no mandate for face masks. Likewise, Manatee County has no mandate. The governor’s order also prohibits state entities from issuing or requiring “vaccine passports,” as long as the state of emergency is in effect. CDC, Florida clash on mask guidance The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is easing its stance on mask use as more people become vaccinated. The CDC released new guidance April 27 detailing that fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask outdoors in small gatherings or while walking,

biking or running. Since early in the pandemic, the CDC has advised people to wear masks outdoors if they are within 6 feet of each other. Unvaccinated people should wear masks at outdoor gatherings with other unvaccinated people, according to the CDC. The CDC still recommends people wear masks indoors to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, as well as in crowded outdoor venues like sports stadiums or concerts. However, Florida Surgeon General Scott Rivkees issued contradictory guidance April 29, canceling four COVID-19 health advisories and stating that fully vaccinated people should no longer be advised to wear masks or avoid crowds. The canceled health advisories included guidance to protect vulnerable populations, restrict private gatherings and wear face masks when people can’t maintain social distancing. “Due to COVID-18 wide-spread vaccine availability, fully vaccinated individuals should no longer be advised to wear face coverings or avoid social and recreational gatherings except in limited circumstances,” the statement reads. Rivkees also advised government offices to resume conducting in-person operations and issued a public health advisory expanding vaccine access to non-Florida residents.

HB discusses collaboration on recovery act spending

Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth April 27 addressed potential uses for the $1.81 million the city is slated to receive from the U.S. American Recovery Plan Act. The act, which passed both houses of Congress and was signed into law in March, will provide a total of $3.09 million to the island cities.

Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach are set to receive $740,000 and $540,000, respectively. Titsworth said Manatee County economic development official Karen Stewart recommended partnering with the other cities to hire a consultant who could better identify the needs of each municipality and those of the county. “They are hiring a consultant and they are wondering if we would partner with them,” she said. “She’s sending us the information.” Titsworth said she would present a proposal to city commissioners regarding the funds when Stewart sends more information on the county’s plans to collaborate. — ryan Paice

Bridge CoNtINuEd froM PagE 1

while the bridge is closed those businesses will suffer greatly,” he said. “I also encouraged maximum community engagement throughout the process.” Van Ostenbridge also said that since the board of county commissioners has not taken an official stance on the size of the replacement bridge, he could not advocate for his personal preference — a drawbridge. “However, I also understand the reality of the situation,” Van Ostenbridge said in a follow-up email. “The reality is that the FDOT owns the Cortez Bridge, and the FDOT is the ultimate decisionmaker. The decision has been made and FDOT is moving forward. I am not going to throw taxpayer money away on a doomed lawsuit.” The legal challenge, lodged in 2019, has four complainants: Former Manatee County Commissioners Joe McClash and Jane von Hahmann, a resident of Cortez, as well as Linda Molto and Joe Kane, both of Cortez. The city of Bradenton Beach recently expressed interest in joining the McClash et al suit and directed PLEaSE, SEE Bridge, NExt PagE

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Local officials to take up water quality, Piney Point polluted water from the retired Piney Point phosphate fertilizer site, as well as the closure of the site. Government was to conference on a crisis. The meeting, set for after The Islander’s press The Manatee County Council of Governments, time this week, was to take place in the Longboat which includes the island cities, was to convene at 4 Key Room at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, p.m. Tuesday, May 4, to talk about the discharge of 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto. In late March, after years of alarms sounded by environmental groups and concerns raised by Manatee County’s government, management at Piney Point detected a leak in the largest containment pond. The ponds hold processed water high in nitrogen, phosphorous and ammonia and sit on 70-foot-tall stacks of gypsum, a radioactive byproduct of phosphate mining. The emergency response involved releasing about 270 million gallons of polluted wastewater into Tampa Bay to avoid the collapse of the stack system and flooding the area. The discharges, authorized by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, continued from March 30 to April 9. Now the focus is on removing the waste at Piney Point, closing the site and monitoring the water quality in Tampa Bay for adverse impacts from the pollution A team surveys the situation April 26 at the Piney discharges. Point phosphate site in Manatee County. Islander The DEP said April 29 that algae bloom conditions Courtesy Photo were observed in the area of the discharges. By Lisa Neff Islander Editor

Bridge continued from page 2

city attorney Ricinda Perry to hold an informal settlement conference April 16 with DOT representatives. The complainants are seeking compromise on a 35-foot-clearance drawbridge, while maintaining the high bridge would destroy the character of Cortez. Kruse said he was not familiar enough with the Cortez Bridge to take a stance. “As a new member of this board, we have not had in-depth briefings on this, so I’m not going to interject with a pending lawsuit based solely on (my) personal opinion or media commentary,” he said.

Test results ranged from non-detect to normal levels of cyanotoxins. The DEP also said April 29 that water samples “in the localized area of discharges in Manatee County remain within the range of non-detect to low concentrations of K. brevis,” the Florida red tide organism. The council of governments’ agenda also included discussion on pandemic relief money and benefits, a review of the county’s boat ramps and expansion plans, an update on Longboat Key’s beach renourishment project and “hot topics” in Bradenton. People can view the meeting on the web at mymanatee.org/mga as well as on Spectrum channel 644, Verizon channel 30 and Comcast channel 20. On the web The Tampa Bay Estuary Project maintains a “Piney Point Environmental Monitoring Dashboard” at shiny. tbep.org/piney-point/.

Q&A 050521

The Islander poll

Last week’s question The best Anna Maria Island foot fashion: 30%, Sandals. 50%, Flip-flops. County Commissioner Carol Whitmore, represent0%, Cowboy boats. ing Anna Maria Island as an at-large commissioner, 6%, Boat shoes. was not at the March meeting in Tallahassee, but has 14%, Barefoot. long opposed the high bridge. “I support the grass-roots effort. I would prefer a This week’s question lower bridge,” Whitmore said in an April 25 email to What’s the ideal water temp for swimming? The Islander. A. Frigid and in the 60s. Whitmore also indicated that she doesn’t believe B. 72 degrees. the current board is willing to oppose the megabridge, C. 78 degrees. but said she would raise the subject at the board’s May D. At least 80. 4 work session, which was held after The Islander’s To take the poll, go online to islander.org.

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Resort offers compromise to settle HB lighted-sign complaint

“This was not an agenda item tonight,” Schaefer said. “Rather than make the ultimate decision tonight, my suggestion would be a work session after the next meeting that is noticed.” Commissioners reached consensus to ask Thomas for an extension to the April 28 deadline so they could further discuss the issue. In the meantime, Titsworth recommended each of the commissioners consider a 25% lumen reduction for the roadside sign as an agreeable solution.

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Let’s make a deal. Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth said April 27 that a settlement offer from attorney Aaron Thomas, representing Anna Maria Beach Resort, 6306 Gulf Drive, to end litigation with the city over the resort’s illuminated signage was set to expire the next day. The resort has three illuminated signs in use, including a roadside sign, a customizable LED board and a neon sign, all erroneously permitted by a previous building official. Litigation began in 2019 when the property owners filed to appeal a special magistrate’s ruling that found the signage in violation of city code despite the cityissued permits. The resort’s signage is part of the reason city commissioners have been discussing an ordinance that would limit the use of illuminated signs in certain residential districts in an effort to protect the character of the neighborhoods. However, the ordinance was tabled at the April 13 public hearing and reading so city officials could consider a settlement offer from the resort owner, Blue Water Resort AMI. The offer stipulates that the resort could continue to use its portico sign in exchange for eliminating the LED board, as well as reducing the lumens — units measuring the amount of light emitted — on its roadside sign by 25%. Thomas proposed the offer at the April 13 meeting, but commissioners hadn’t discussed the settlement at length until the April 27 meeting. Titsworth said the settlement may not solve the city’s issues with the resort’s signage. “I don’t think my concern was that the light was too bright that it effected ambient light,” Titsworth said. “I think it was because it was showing an adver-

HB mayor proclaims …

Anna Maria Beach Resort signage is at the center of litigation between the city and the resort. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

tisement. …It was the character of the neighborhood that was effected from the illuminated sign.” She suggested the city offer a 50/50 split for the resort’s $46,000 roadside sign based on the property owner’s argument that they wouldn’t recoup the sign cost over the city’s proposed 5-year sunset period. In exchange, the roadside sign’s lumen level would be reduced 25% and the other signs would be removed. Commissioner Terry Schaefer proposed the city ask for a deadline extension for the settlement offer so they could discuss the matter in detail at a future work session. He said he didn’t mind the risk of the litigants dropping their offer.

Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth read a handful of proclamations into the record April 27 to celebrate and recognize an array of causes. Titsworth proclaimed: • April as “Water Conservation Month;” • May as “Building Safety Month;” • May 2-8 as “Professional Municipal Clerks Week;” • May 9-15 as “National Police Week;” • May 9-15 as “National Public Works Week.”

In other matters…

City commissioners also: • Unanimously approved an agreement with Florida Power & Light for installation and maintenance of electric vehicle charging stations at city hall for free 24/7 public use for 10 years; • Renewed the city’s agreement with the School Board of Manatee County to provide a school resource officer from the HBPD to Anna Maria Elementary in exchange for 70% reimbursement of the SRO’s salary and costs. The next commission meeting will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 11, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive, or via teleconference, with directions to attend posted to the city’s website, www.holmesbeachfl.org.

HB mayor-commissioners return to debate on responsibilities By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

A pair of Holmes Beach commissioners are standing firm on their methods. Commissioners Jayne Christenson and Kim Rash said during an April 27 meeting that they would continue to speak with residents and address their concerns, including traffic and noise problems. “I’m an elected official. That’s what I’m here to do,” Christenson Titsworth said. The discussion-turned-debate began at an April 13 meeting. Rash said he experienced frequent noise problems due to a vacation rental near his residence and took issue with the city’s handling of complaints. He showed a cellphone video he took of a noisy party, but, he said, although he reported the party, his complaint

Meetings

Anna Maria City May 13, 2 p.m., city commission. May 27, 6 p.m., city commission. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941708-6130, cityofannamaria.com. Bradenton Beach May 5, 9:30 a.m., CRA. May 5, 11 a.m., planning and zoning. May 6, 9 a.m., city commission. Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com. Holmes Beach May 5, 10 a.m., parks and beautification. May 5, 6 p.m., planning. May 11, 6 p.m., city commission. Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org.

did not prompt a citation. He said he was concerned about the possibility of renters suing if complaints fail to produce a citation. Rash also suggested posting a police officer to direct traffic at the intersection of Key Royale and Christenson Marina drives in the mornings. Christenson spoke in support of Rash, adding that she wanted to discuss limiting waste collection days from four to three in an attempt to ease congestion. Mayor Judy Titsworth countered Rash that managing code violations and traffic problems is not the responsibility of commissioners. “Your job is legislation,” Titsworth said. “You should not be going up and down the streets trying to

West Manatee Fire Rescue None announced. WMFR administration building, 6510 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-761-1555, wmfr.org. Manatee County May 6, 9 a.m., county commission (land use). May 11, 9 a.m., county commission. May 18, 9 a.m., county commission. May 25, 9 a.m., county commission. County administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee. org. Also of interest May 10, Island Transportation Planning Organization, Holmes Beach City Hall. — Lisa Neff

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

perform the job of a code officer.” She said she understood their desire to better the city, but suggested the commission rely on code and police officers to handle code violations and traffic. “We are doing the job,” Titsworth said. “We’re winning our magistrate hearings. We are citing violators. …Will every infraction be found with our current system? No. But still it works.” Both the mayor and commissioners received praise for their stances during public comment. Rash said April 27 that he received several calls from residents about how he’d “made the mayor mad” in some of his previous comments. However, he said he would continue to address residents’ concerns at the commission level. “It is never my intent to make anybody mad,” Rash said. “I’m just trying to bring things to the commission that will help the residents of Holmes Beach to have a better place to live.” “I assured them all that’s what I’d keep doing,” he added. Christenson said she would do the same. “I was out all weekend and out today on my bike meeting residents, talking to people and asking how they feel about things,” Christenson said. “I’m going to continue to look for the things we’re doing good and the things we can improve upon.” Christenson noted a conversation with Larry Chatt, a broker at Island Real Estate in Holmes Beach, and said he supported her idea for signage to counter noise violations at vacation rentals. Titsworth was silent on Christenson’s and Rash’s comments at the April 27 meeting and declined to comment to The Islander on the matter as of April 28. Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer told The Islander April 29 that he hoped commissioners would abide by the city’s enforcement process and avoid further involvement. “As a commissioner, I know (they) want to be helpful, but the best way to help would be to give (residents) the phone number so they can call the code department,” Tokajer said. “Let us do our jobs,” he added.

Visit www.islander.org for the best news on AMI.

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Flood of questions follow BB engineer’s presentation By Kelsey Mako Islander reporter

No decisions were made regarding a proposed Bradenton Beach flood control project. City commissioners April 27 delayed approving bid documents for a project designed by LTA Engineers. Commissioners said they want more information from a master drainage survey before they make decisions regarding the project. Bidding on conducting the survey was due May 3, after The Islander press time. The project involves implementing measures to stop stormwater runoff discharges into Sarasota Bay, LTA Engineers’ Lynn Burnett said. Bradenton Beach’s elevation ranges between 1 foot and 8 feet above sea level, Burnett observed. So evacuation routes are vulnerable to storm surge, king tides and sea level rise. Additionally, roads sometimes flood during everyday storms, creating hazards for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians. Planned improvements include infiltration trenches, drainage structures and low-impact development techniques that mimic nature to control stormwater. Pervious concrete or pave-drain systems are options, Burnett said. Pervious concrete allows water and air to pass from the surface to underlying areas through small voids. Pave-drain systems allow water to pass by creating gaps between arched, interlocking concrete blocks. Pervious concrete was used in the Coquina Beach parking lot and a pave-drain system is proposed for a Florida Department of Transportation sidewalk improvement project for Gulf Drive from 10th Street North to the S-curve. Flood protection measures would be installed in rights of way, platted alleys, drainage easements, on the coastal evacuation route and elsewhere where measures are needed along the shoreline. The project would start at the northern boundary Bradenton Beach treasurer Shayne thompson, left, BBPd Lt. John Cosby, city clerk terri Sanclemente and public works director tom Woodard attend Lta Engineers owner Lynn Burnett’s april 27 presentation on a planned flood control project. Islander Photo: Kelsey Mako

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

of Bradenton Beach at 27th Street North and continue south on street ends on the west side of Gulf Drive. Police Lt. John Cosby expressed concerns with LTA’s plan, saying the city is too focused on getting the most “bang for their buck.” Cosby has long been the point person on storm preparedness. Spooner expressed concern with the engineering plan, as well at the project location, saying sections on Avenue A and Bay Drive South need repairs but are not included in the project scope. “It seems to me our responsibility is to make sure people can get to and from their homes,” Spooner said. Commissioner Jan Vosburgh cited problems on Avenue A, where similar work was completed a few years ago. But, Burnett said, the prior work on Avenue A was to improve the quality of stormwater runoff, not ease flooding. Mayor John Chappie added, “We need to improve the negative impacts from sea level rise and flooding from the torrential downpours as best we can with the funds we have available.” The project is being funded with $2.69 million in Florida Department of Environmental Protection money. Chappie said additional funding sources, such as resiliency grants, might pay for flood protections in other areas, including Avenue A and Bay Drive South. “It’s a matter of us balancing the different funding sources when they are available for best possible results at the time,” Chappie said. Bids for construction would be due Oct. 31. The project must be completed by June 31, 2023, per a requirement of the DEP. A Q&A for the master drainage survey will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 6, during the commission meeting in the Katie Pierola Commission Chambers at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

Beautification proposed for BB-Gulf Drive corridor By Kelsey Mako Islander reporter

Bradenton Beach is gussying up. Bradenton Beach commissioners April 27 unanimously passed a motion to approve final plans and bid documents for a beautification project as designed by LTA Engineers. The goal is to remove sedimentation and sand along the west side of the Gulf Drive corridor, LTA Engineers owner Lynn Burnett said. The project will begin at 23rd Street North and end at 12th Street North along Gulf Drive/State Road 789. Property owners in the project area will be notified. Plans involve the installation of landscaping and vegetation that allow stormwater and sand to sink into soil more easily, as opposed to building up on the sidewalk or other rights of way, and plants that block sand from blowing. The city also plans to remove exotic, nuisance species, including Australian pines, and replace them with other shade trees, said Burnett. The Florida Department of Transportation plans to begin a similar project along the east side of Gulf Drive this month. The DOT is providing the city with $104,000 for its project construction, but not the design, permit or bid costs. In total, the city project is estimated to cost about $150,000. An estimate for the DOT work was not available. Commissioner Jake Spooner expressed concern that funding from the DOT would not be sufficient for tree removal. Burnett said the project could be scaled upward or downward, depending on the bids. The city’s project is set to begin in September.

In the works

Project plan: Gulf Drive beautification, removal of sediment and sand in the west corridor of Gulf Drive and installation of landscaping. Area/boundaries: Along Gulf Drive between 23rd Street North and 12th Street North. Estimated Cost: $150,000. Start date: September. End date: TBD

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Opinion

Our

It’s good to go home

For Mother’s Day, what could be better than a visit with family to your childhood home? It wasn’t yet Mother’s Day, just a little bit early, but the first time I visited my family in Virginia after a 30-some year absence, it was Mother’s Day 2016, and it was my uncle’s 100th birthday. I returned several times — before the pandemic — and with my cousins and myself fully vaccinated, I bravely stepped on a plane again. I was happy to arrive there amid the spring azalea bloom. The azaleas and dogwoods were blooming everywhere and, while I missed the peak of the dogwoods and the opening of the daffodils that rim my uncle’s backyard, I was on time for the azaleas. And what a beautiful scene they are. Pink and pinker, they are everywhere you look, even in the landscaping at the airport in Norfolk, Virginia. My uncle was famous in his neighborhood for his glorious spring bloom, but each time I returned to Churchland for his birthday, I arrived too late. He was known for growing the heartiest boxwoods, but his yard is still a wildly colorful, botanical garden in the spring. Everyone in the family had a framed set of photos of my Uncle Harry’s yard (circa 1970s) with the azaleas in full bloom. So when my cousin said, “They’re starting to bloom,” I lept online for ticket. But this story is not all about my uncle. My mother, grandmother, great grandmother and my great aunt grew up close and remained close — even when later many miles separated us. As a young child, I lived alternately with my mother, grandparents and great grandmother in one house and my aunt, uncle and cousins in another home just a few blocks away. One home was just as loving and comfortable to me as the other. And I loved them all the same, my four mothers. My cousins were my siblings. And when I was there for the first time in many years for my uncle’s birthday — all the rest of my family had passed many years earlier, including my four moms, making for a bittersweet visit. My uncle’s home is exactly as I remember it. The furniture and the knick-knacks, the artwork on the walls, the bedroom my cousin and I shared, even Bay access We come to Anna Maria Island each year for the the cuckoo clock is the same. I came to realize that I’d been homesick for a long, month of March. I wade or kayak fish from 28th Street. long time. The memories from that place and the house I notice there are now lots all along the water at around the block that still looks as I recall it, call up a flood of memories of my mother and the three women the north shore of the street. Will the city maintain access to the bay from someI loved equally as a child. where on 28th? It sparked my Mother’s Day memories. — Bonner Joy, news@islander.org. That would make the new donation of preserve land that much more useful. Greg Tomko, Lexington, Kentucky

Your

MAY 5, 2021 • Vol. 29, No. 27 Publisher, Co-editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org ▼ Editorial Editor Lisa Neff, lisa@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org Jack Elka, jack@jackelka.com Kane Kaiman, kane@islander.org Kelsey Mako, kelsey@islander.org amy V.t. Moriarty, amym@islander.org ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org ▼ Contributors Johann Bertram Karen riley-Love Capt. danny Stasny, fish@islander.org ▼ Advertising Director toni Lyon, toni@islander.org ▼ Webmaster Wayne ansell ▼ Office Manager, Lisa Williams info@, accounting@, classifieds@, subscriptions@islander.org ▼ Distribution urbane Bouchet ross roberts Judy Loden Wasco (All others: news@islander.org) ▼

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Opinion

Finding friends

Our book sale April 10 was an opportunity for the Friends of the Island Library and the community to come together after a lengthy pause in our normal lives. How wonderful it was to see friends — old and new — and benefit the Island Library at the same time! The Friends of the Island Library thanks each and every participant at our recent book sale. Your enthusiasm and book purchases at the sale were clear indications of your willingness to support the Island Library and its programs and activities. Thank you to those who became annual members and, to those interested in joining, please, visit the friends’ website at www.friendsoftheislandlibrary. org. Our special thanks go to Hancock Whitney Bank, 5817 Manatee Ave. W., Holmes Beach, for storing

Skimming online …

Web (register for free news alerts) islander.org Facebook @islandernewspaper Twitter @ami_islander Instagram @theislanderami Pinterest @islandernewspaper E-edition For $36 a year or $99 for a lifetime, e-edition subscribers have access to the weekly e-edition, with page-by-page views of all the news, photos, columns, community announcements and advertisements. To subscribe, visit islander.org. our inventory of books from fall 2019 to present. We couldn’t have held our sale without the bank storage! At this time, we are unable to accept book sale donations. However, access to a book storage location continues to be an important issue for future book sales. If you or your company would like to donate space, please, contact the library at 941-778-6341. Thank you again. Friends of the Island board of directors, Holmes Beach

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

May 5, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 7 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Subdivision survey

From the archives

a plat map dated 1953 shows the Bimini Bay Estates subdivision established by Walter S. Hardin realty Co. on anna Maria Island. Islander Photos: Manatee County Public Library

Pier project a construction crew works at the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach. the photo, donated to the Manatee County Public Library by the Bradenton Herald, was taken in the mid-1990s.

10&20 years ago

In the May 4, 2001, issue

• Organizers of the Island Middle charter school hit a roadblock after leasing a building at Loggerhead Junction in Holmes Beach. City building official Bill Saunders said the property was not zoned for a school. Saunders said the only way the school could operate at the site would be with a special exception approved by the commission. • The Manatee County Commission unanimously approved a fare-free trolley for Anna Maria Island that would cost $3.78 million to operate for three years. Five trolleys would be purchased and the trolley would operate 6 a.m.-11 p.m. • Anna Maria Mayor Gary Deffenbaugh took exception to Commissioner Jay Hill’s appointment of members of a committee that would make recommendations for a policy on the day-to-day operations of the city. Deffenbaugh said the city charter called for the mayor to make committee appointments subject to commission approval.

In the May 4, 2011, issue

• The Manatee County Area Transit reported trolley ridership on the rise, with the first quarter of 2011 seeing an increase of 2.5% compared with 2010. Some 116,000 riders boarded the trolley in the first quarter of 2011. • Anna Maria Island reported the best real estate numbers in Manatee County for March 2011, when home sales were 5% above those in March 2010. • The medical examiner for Manatee County changed from “suicide” to “undetermined” the manner of death for a Tampa woman found in a Bradenton Beach resort room on New Year’s Day in 2009.

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

— Lisa Neff

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Subscribe online now to the e-edition to get this limited offer! Look for “lifetime” subscriber at islander.org. Online only! Not available by mail or in person.

Page 8 THE ISLANDER | islander.org May 5, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

AM commissioners seek input prior to hiking stormwater tax By amy V.t. Moriarty Islander reporter

Anna Maria residents will have at least three chances this month and next to sound off on a potential stormwater tax increase. The dates for the public hearings have not been set but commissioners determined April 22 that the discussion should be separated from commission meetings, with the proposed fee increase the only agenda item. Murphy Commissioners also agreed on the importance of holding daytime and evening meetings so more property owners can attend and be heard. In 2008, the city established a stormwater management utility in accordance with state statutes, levyCrane ing a tax on all developed properties. The functions of the stormwater management utility include maintenance, planning, design, construction, regulation, surveying, inspection and enforcement. In May 2015, an ordinance was enacted to establish charges for the utility, with fees set by the com-

RoadWatch Eyes on the road

The Florida Department of Transportation posted no notices for the week. For the latest road watch information, go online to swflroads.com or dial 511. And, a reminder, a fare-free trolley operates daily on Anna Maria Island. — Lisa Neff

Place portrait photo here

mission. The fee was set at $1 per 100-square-feet of a property, with annual billing Jan. 1-Dec. 31. So, for a property measuring 1,700-square-feet, a property owner would pay $17 per year. The tax rate has not been adjusted since its inception and commissioners must determine if there is a need to raise the rate, which would require a resolution. Before arriving at a the decision, commissioners want to hear from property owners. Commissioner Jonathan Crane suggested structuring the public comment portion of the hearings more loosely than usual. Rather than limit comments to three minutes, he suggested stretching the time limit for comments to five or six minutes and allowing for some dialogue between the commission and the person offering input. The 2021 fiscal year collection for the utility will be about $1.6 million dollars, with funding from three sources — $750,000 from the Southwest Florida Water Management District, $386,000 from ad valorem taxes and $164,000 from the city’s utility tax. The amount from Swiftmud this year is more than double the normal contribution and includes reimbursement for a previous project, said city clerk LeAnne Addy. Addy said the Swiftmud funds are not guaranteed from year-to-year but must be applied for and applications cannot request funding for projects previously approved and funded by the agency. Funding for 2022 — at about half the 2021 amount — was already approved, Addy said, noting she and Mayor Dan Murphy and public works director Dean Jones are working on the 2023 Swiftmud application. The amount of funding received from Swiftmud determines how much ad valorem funding is required to cover the stormwater spending for a year, since at

the current tax rate, the stormwater utility contribution remains at $164,000. At an April 8 meeting, commissioners authorized Murphy to spend $44,505 to engage North Carolinabased utility and public sector consulting firm Raftelis to evaluate the city’s stormwater fee equity. That evaluation is expected to conclude in December, though if a change to the tax formula is recommended, it could take 20 months to implement, Murphy said April 22. In the meantime, the possible fee increase commissioners will consider with the public’s input would be a resolution to adjust the rate for 2022. The resolution would need to be passed by lateJune to be included with the next fiscal year budget — October-September — but could be reviewed annually, based on expenses. There are no shortage of flooded areas after heavy rains and as infiltration is added based on identified “hot spots,” maintenance is still required, Addy pointed out. Further complicating the ability to predict needs for stormwater infiltration and maintenance, Murphy and Jones pointed out, is the “hot spots” are “moving targets” — related to city and private construction. Murphy, Addy, Jones and other department heads are working on the capital plan for next year, so the mayor said there’s no point in discussing how much, if at all, to raise the fee per square foot, but it’s important to begin the discussion with taxpayers. “It’s a tax increase no matter how you slice it,” Murphy said. “You can call it a fee, you can call it whatever you want, but it’s a tax increase and it effects every property owner in the city so we need to be A, cautious, and B, make sure the public knows what we’re doing.” Murphy pointed out that at $1 per 100-square-feet, Anna Maria has the lowest stormwater fee as “Holmes Beach is nearly $3 … and Bradenton Beach is even more.”

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Bradenton Beach chips in 4 palms for Arbor Day By Kelsey Mako Islander reporter

The sun set April 30 on sabal palms new to a Bradenton Beach park. The city held an Arbor Day observation at the Katie Pierola Sunset Park, where four sabal palms were planted. Members of the ScenicWAVES Committee, also part of the tree and landscaping committee, organized the event. ScenicWAVES has been working to revitalize the park with the help of the public works department, ScenicWAVES chairperson Ingrid McClellan said. In addition to planting the palms, bollards and ropes were placed to create a path in the park, litter was removed and benches were added.

City Commissioner Marilyn Maro began the observance by sharing an Arbor Day proclamation, covering the history of Arbor Day and the importance of trees. Donors included the Anna Maria Garden Club, Keep Manatee Beautiful, Modern Woodmen of America and the Florida Forest Service. Donations totaled $1,000. The garden club is working to shift its focus to planting native species and restoring habitats, said club member Claudia Carlson. “We are thrilled to have a worthwhile cause to contribute toward,” she added. Keep Manatee Beautiful works to ensure a tree is planted in every Manatee County community on Arbor Day, said Jennifer Hoffman from Keep Manatee Beautiful said. “It’s one of the legacies I love that we do,” she said. Sabal palms, the Florida state tree, can be planted in a variety of soils and ecosystems, said Richard Andrew Larsen III of the Florida Forest Service. The palms are some of the most hurricane- and wind-resistant trees, he added. “I find it to be an exceptional holiday, as we get to gather with the community and appreciation nature and give back a little bit,” Larsen said of Arbor Day. Stakes will stay on the sabal palms for a year and the city’s public works department will water the trees over a three-month establishment period. Bradenton Beach is a Tree City USA. To qualify, a city must have a tree and landscaping advisory board, an ordinance to protect trees, an expense of $2 per capita in maintenance, education or planting of trees and an arbor day observance. For more information, go to the Bradenton Beach website, cityofbradentonbeach.com. Scenic WaVES members, donors and tree enthusiasts celebrate arbor day by planting sabal palm trees at Katie Pierola Sunset Park, 2214 gulf drive N., Bradenton Beach. Islander Photos: Kelsey Mako

HB plants tree for Arbor Day Holmes Beach parks and beautification committee member alec graham, Mayor Judy titsworth, public works administrator Matt Mcdonough and employee dan young pose april 30 next to a red cedar tree planted to celebrate National arbor day. Islander Photo: ryan Paice

About red cedars

The red cedar is native to Florida, providing year-round greenery and texture to a landscape. With dense foliage, the tree often is used as a windbreaker or screen. Because of its high salt tolerance, the tree is appropriate for coastal areas. The red cedar also makes a popular living Christmas tree and, last December, the Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department, sold living red cedars for the holiday season. For many years, red cedars in Florida were harvested to the point of near depletion — including on Cedar Key — for pencil manufacturing. Source: University of Florida

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The Islander Calendar ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

CLUBS & COMMUNITY

ONGOING ON AMI

Throughout May, “Where in the World?” paintings by Karen Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island breakBeach, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Infor- fast and meeting, Gulf Drive Cafe, 900 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton mation: 941-778-6648. Beach. Information: 941-778-1383. Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island lunch meetAHEAD ON AMI ing, in-person at Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton May 13, Center of Anna Maria Island’s Marshall Tucker Band Beach, and via Zoom. Information: 941-920-2505. outdoor concert, Anna Maria. Tuesdays into May, Anna Maria Farmers Market, City Pier Park, June 4, Center of Anna Maria Island’s Journey outdoor concert, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130. Anna Maria. ONGOING OFF AMI July 24, Anna Maria Island Privateers Christmas in July party, First Fridays, 10 a.m., Parkinson’s Support Group, Paradise Bradenton Beach. Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Information: 941-926Sept. 16-26, Island Players’ performance of “The Savannah 6413. Sipping Society,” Anna Maria.

OUTDOORS & SPORTS

ONGOING OFF AMI

Through May 16, “Frans Hals: Detecting a Decade,” John and ONGOING OFF AMI Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Bradenton Marauders baseball, LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. Fee applies. Information: 941-359-5700. Through May 16, “Larry Rivers: Boston Massacre from the W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-747-3031, bradentonRingling collection,” Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, marauders.com. Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-359-5700. AHEAD OFF AMI Through June 27, “Kabuki Modern,” John and Mable Ringling May 14, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Golf TourMuseum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Infornament, Bradenton. mation: 941-359-5700. Through June 27, “Roy Lichtenstein: Monet’s Garden Goes GOOD TO KNOW Pop!” Mary Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. SAVE THE DATES Fee applies. Information: 941-366-5731.

KIDS & FAMILY AHEAD ON AMI

Day.

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Saturday, May 15, Armed Forces Day. July 4, Anna Maria Island Privateers July 4 Parade, islandThursday, May 27, last day of wide. school. POST IN THE CALENDAR Monday, May 31, Memorial Day. Send listings to calendar@islander.org. The deadline is the Monday, June 14, Flag Day. Wednesday before the publication date. Include the date, time, locaSunday, June 20, Father’s Day. tion and description of the event, as well as a phone number. Sunday, June 20, summer solstice. Sunday, July 4, Independence Day. A Hair Day Salon & Spa Monday, Sept. 6, Labor Day.

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County hosts paddles, strolls and coastal cleanups

The Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department is offering volunteer opportunities on and near Anna Maria Island in May. A coastal cleanup will be at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 8, at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. Also, a cleanup will be at 9 a.m. Friday, May 14, along the Palma Sola Causeway west of 81st Street West in Bradenton. Parks department children’s programs in May include a “stroller stroll” at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 18, in the Robinson Preserve Expansion, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW, Bradenton. “Round up your baby buggies and your little ones for a strolling naturist-led walk through Manatee County’s wild spaces!” the parks department entices. Also in the expansion, the parks department will offer education activities during “Saturday Mornings at the NEST” throughout May. The activities will begin at 9 a.m. and include hiking and climbing. Adventure and recreational programs also will take place in Robinson Preserve at 1704 99th St. NW, Bradenton, and the expansion, including “Rise and Shine Yoga” at 10:30 a.m. Sundays, May 16, May 23 and May 30 and the Robinson Twilight 5K/10K run at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 28. For the parks department’s May calendar, go online to mymanatee.org/ecoevents. For more information about the programs, call 941-742-5923.

Kiwanis to meet

The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island will gather Saturday, May 8 at 8:30 a.m. at the Gulf Drive Cafe, 900 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. The club plans scholarship presentations. For more, call Sandy Haas-Martens at 941778-1383.

DON’T FORGET MOM!

Spoil mom for Mother’s Day with Shelley’s massage, including aromatherapy foot treatment and surprise gift bag. How about a new hair style & highlights by Irene, or mani-pedi with Katy. A spa day gift certificate is perfect! Faith, Katy, Shelley and Irene are here to serve you! We welcome Irene, formerly of Bayside Salon.

Compiled by Lisa Neff, email calendar@islander.org.

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Cottage sign restored al gilchrist hammers a nail april 22, securing the Belle Haven Historic Cottage sign he restored. the cottage is on the grounds of the anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum, 402 Pine ave., anna Maria. gilchrist is a longtime aMIHS volunteer, docent and baker of Settlers Bread. the cottage was built on the city pier in the early 1920s, moved ashore and then moved to the museum in 2020. Islander Photo: Courtesy aMIHS/Barbara Murphy

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May 5, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 11 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Thank you, Mom By gene Ciliberti

To be like her By Brooke Valliere

“You look just like your mother” is a common phrase — because it’s true Daughters look like their mothers As I begin to get older I see this more and more The wave of my hair The way eyebrows settle on my forehead We have the same teeth The same brown in our hair These have been noticeable my whole life I begin to see more as I grow up I notice similarities in other ways A laugh comes through sometimes that sounds just like hers A snarky comment said in just a way that makes me say out loud: “Oh my gosh that’s how my mum would have said it” We share a mild stubbornness That I’m sure must drive people insane She is the woman who raised me and taught me how to carry myself Rather indirectly There were never words of “this is how you do this”

As much as learning from observing her through the years She taught me how to hold my head up high, even if I’m unsure She taught me how to be strong and independent on my own There are other qualities about her I hope to have someday Her ability to not let things bother her At least in an outward manner Her rational thinking and willingness to finish what needs to be done Her way of being easy going While also staying on top of everything So while I do look like my mother My hope is to one day also act like her To be like her We share more than just appearances And I hope I continue to grow Into a great woman like her Brooke Valliere, 20, wrote this poem for her mom, Kerry Valliere, who lives in Ellenton and works on the island at Island Real Estate.

Spending time with mother By Erin Mcdermott

My mother does so many things for me, my brother and my sister. Oh, I just wish l could repay her with something. But I’m pretty sure that every mother has already gotten the best gift ever. Would you like to hear. Well it’s actually their children. Every mother loves their children most. We are the gift. Erin, age 8, submitted her tribute to The Islander May 1 and the next day celebrated a birthday. She’s a second-grader at Anna Maria Elementary School.

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Hi Mom, it’s me. I want to thank you for being my mom. Without you, there would be no me. When I think of you, I see only pure love. All that I am I owe to you. Thank you for giving me my life. After 10 pregnancies and losing two of your babies, I would have understood you not wanting more children. Along with my Pop, you decided you wanted one more son — and that he would be named Eugene. Well, here I am — the third Eugene. Your first two Eugenes died at six months and at six years. Thank you for the courage it must have taken to try again. When I was born, your other children — my three brothers and four sisters — had grown into adults. Here you were with a new baby to care for and I would have understood if you were too tired to look after me. Some of my friends have told me that’s how they felt with their youngest child. Not you, Mom. I was afraid of the dark — you stayed with me. Others would scold me — you calmed them and held me. I cried a lot — you would smile at me and I would quiet down. Thank you, Mom. When I was in the Korean War, I learned so much about your love and what it means to be a mom. When I was frightened and feared for my life, I prayed to you. In my heart I knew that it would be you who would help me get through my fear. I heard brave Marines who were dying, calling for their moms. Thank you, Mom. I am so fortunate to have the unconditional love you had given me. I always felt wanted and safe. Thank you, Mom. The last time I saw you, there was so little time left. I kissed your cheeks that were still so soft and pink. You smiled at me and said, “My good little boy has grown up to be a good man.” Thank you, Mom.

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Page 12 THE ISLANDER | islander.org May 5, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

AME finishes Battle of the Books

By Kelsey Mako

Anna Maria Elementary students are reading machines. Anna Maria Elementary School finished its Battle of the Books program April 30. The literacy program is for students in grades 3-5. Students compete by seeing who can read the most books and answer questions about the books, media specialist Lynn McDonough said April 30. The first-place winner for reading the most books is Matthew Winsper, who read more than 60 books, and the second-place winner is Julia Baugher, who read more than 30 books. Books are selected from the Sunshine State Award list and the Who Was series. Every Friday, students who have read a book and passed a quiz get their names announced on the AME morning show and earn charms, McDonough said. Students who have read eight or more books receive a T-shirt and participate in the Battle of the Books. The Battle winner for the Sunshine State Award books is Tegan Dahl. The Battle winner in the Who Was series is Matthew Winsper. Twenty-five students participated in the program this year. For more, call the school at 941-708-5525.

twenty-five anna Maria Elementary students participated in the Battle of the Books program this year. Islander Photos: Courtesy Lynn Mcdonough

Schools have option to keep state grade from 2019 “A” for Anna Maria Elementary School? Florida public schools can choose whether to be graded on state tests taken in the 2020-21 academic year or keep their grades from the 2018-19 year. Schools did not take state tests in the 2019-20 academic year due to the pandemic. AME will decide whether to opt for a new grade or keep the grade from the 2018-19 school year when a grade from this year’s results come back. AME’s grade from the 2018-19 school year is an A and the school is on track for another A this year, principal Jackie Featherston told The Islander April 20 by phone. The state is giving schools a choice because of learning gaps due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “I’m expecting we will make that A grade on our own with how our students achieve but we do notice some gaps in learning, too,” Featherston said. Learning gaps, particularly in mathematics, have been seen throughout the Manatee County School District, Featherston added. Students in grades 3-5 take reading and math state tests. Additionally, fifth-graders take science state tests. Testing determines whether students are proficient in math, reading and science for their grade level, as well as show growth. The last day of state testing will be May 20. Based on prior grades, AME is designated by the Florida Department of Education as a “School of Matthew Winsper, right, came in first place for reading the most books and Julia Baugher followed in second.

aME student Matthew Winsper was the Battle of the Books winner for the Who Was series and aME student tegan dahl was the winner for Sunshine State award books.

i.wed

Excellence,” Featherston said. The title recognizes schools with at least a threeyear average of a high level of achievements, such as maintaining A grades. Featherston said a “School of Excellence” designation provides schools with more freedom in certain areas, such as class sizes and hiring but does not come with a monetary award. AME has received an A grade for 19 out of 21 years of taking state tests, Featherston said. For more information, call the school at 941-7085525.

AME shows staff appreciation

Anna Maria Elementary’s family is saying thanks. Staff appreciation week is ongoing through May 7. May 3, after The Islander went to press, was “Bombard the Yard” day, when students made appreciation signs for teachers and other staff. The signs were placed throughout the campus. Parents placed the signs on campus May 2 so the teachers and staff would see them when they arrived to school after their weekend. Each day of staff appreciation week will bring a surprise for teachers and staff.

AME Calendar 2020-21 school calendar

• Through May 5, English/language arts state test, fourthand fifth-grades. • Wednesday, May 5, 9 a.m., PTO meeting. • May 11-12, science state test, fifth-grade. • May 19-20, FSA math, third-, fourth- and fifth-grades. • Monday, May 24, AME field day. • Thursday, May 27, last day of school. Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the school at 941-708-5525.

Visit islander.org for the best news on AMI.

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People gather in the shade of a tree May 1 at city field in Holmes Beach while enjoying music performances and food truck fare — prior to the propane explosion — at the aMI Chamber of Commerce Beach ‘N food truck festival. Islander Photo: amy V.t. Moriarty

Visiting from Colorado and arizona, Janelle Bryan, left, alec Bryan and dustin Bryan May 1 chat with jeweler terry Clark about his craft at the aMI Chamber of Commerce Beach ‘N food truck festival at city park in Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: amy V.t. Moriarty

a West Manatee fire rescue firefighter oversees a slow burnoff of propane May 1 behind Holmes Beach City Hall, adjacent to city field, where the tank explosion forced an early end to the anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Beach ‘N food truck festival. Islander Photo: amy V.t. Moriarty

LEft: Chuck Caudill, left, and Scott Blum perform at the Beach ‘N food truck festival. Islander Photo: dara Caudill/islandphotography.org

eXPlOsiOn CoNtINuEd froM PagE 1

tomorrow morning to drive back home,” said Margo Missoni. Missoni, her husband Giuliano and their two daughters were visiting the island for the first time from Connecticut. “We were doing so good,” Kinder said of the festival attendance. The festival was the first for the chamber since 2019 due to COVID-19, Kinder said. “Vendors said it was off the charts they were doing so good,” Susanne Arbanas said. Arbanas — a longtime board member and ambassador — volunteered for the chamber at the event.

Entertainer Mike Sales performs from his one-man stage at the Beach ‘N food truck festival. Sales performed and served the chamber as emcee — Patrons of the Beach ‘N food truck festival peruse — “look, but don’t touch” — a lineup of antique and collec- until the propane tank went “boom.” tor cars on city field at the Beach ‘N food truck festival. Islander Photo: dara Caudill/islandphotography.org Islander Photo: dara Caudill/islandphotography.org

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Gathering

Roser Church hosts ‘faith, fitness’ class

Roser Memorial Community Church is offering two ways for people to join a “faith, fitness, fun” class — the Roser Robics workout. The church hosts in-person workouts at 9 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays outdoors in the shade, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. The church also offers workout opportunities online at roserchurch.com/roser-robics. Mission in May For more information, call the church office at a global Service Network team. roser Memorial Community Church’s May Mission is to support the 941-778-0414. global Service Network, which engages the church in a campaign to “equip and train college students,

Church offers gifts for moms

Roser Memorial Community Church will celebrate Mother’s Day during Sunday worship May 9. The church will present gifts to moms and daughters during services at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. People can attend the services in-person at 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, as well as online at roserchurch.com.

Tidings

Worship and events calendar

REGULAR WORSHIP

Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-4769. Thursdays 9:30 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1638. Saturdays 4 p.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. Sundays 8 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. 8:30 a.m. — Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. 9 a.m. — CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-0719.

and make a global impact among unreached nations.” gSN has ministries on four college campuses in the area: university of South florida Sarasota/Manatee, State College of florida, New College and the ringling College of art and design. for more information, go online to globalservicenetwork.org.

Gathering

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

9:30 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. 10 a.m. — Roser Church. 10 a.m. — Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian USA, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-9004903. 9 a.m. — Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-6491. 10:30 a.m. — St. Bernard. 10:45 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. 11 a.m. — Longboat Island Chapel. ONLINE WORSHIP OFFERED

ONGOING EVENTS Wednesdays 10 a.m. — Women’s Bible study, Christ Church. 6:15 p.m. — Wednesday supper, CrossPointe. 6:45 p.m. — Wednesday Night Blast, CrossPointe. Thursdays 9:30 a.m. — RoserRobics ﬁtness, Roser Church. Mondays 9 a.m. — Men’s Bible study, Christ Church, via Zoom. Tuesdays 9:30 a.m. — RoserRobics ﬁtness, Roser Church.

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

SAVE THE DATES July 24, Pioneer Day. Sept. 6-7, Rosh Hashanah. Sept. 13, Yom Kippur. — Lisa Neff

‘Paddle Out’ planned for ‘Sol Man’ remembrance

Michael “Sol Man” Steach of Holmes Beach.

COMMUNITY CHURCH

Essential Truths WHY AM I HERE?

Friends of Michael “Sol Man” Steach of Holmes Beach are organizing a surfer-style memorial known as a “Paddle Out.” The event organizers seek to break a “paddle out” world record in honor of Steach, who died Nov. 19, 2020. The event will be 6-8 p.m. Saturday, May 8, at the 70th Street Beach in Holmes Beach. Observers on the beach and surfboards, SUPs, kayakers and other boats are welcome. Parking is available at CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, and the Monkey Bus will provide shuttle service to the beach access 5:308:30 p.m. Paddlers should drop off their equipment on the beach prior to parking. “He touched so many people’s lives on the Island he loved,” Erin Hughey, his life partner, wrote in a notice to The Islander. Hughey said everyone is welcome, observing Steach’s love for surfing boating, fishing and time spent on the water.

SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 AM or 10:00 AM

Steach was born May 7, 1964, in Maryland and arrived to Anna Maria Island in 1991.

Obituary

Freda Mae Cole 27.

Cole

She was born Feb. 13, 1926, in Roanoke, Indiana, to Fred and Olive Stump and was the second oldest of six siblings. She graduated as valedictorian from Roanoke High School and went on to graduate from St Joseph Hospital School of Nursing in Fort Wayne,

Indiana. She was first married to Jack Walton in 1950 and had two daughters, Marcy and Deborah. In 1952, Jack SEE OBituary, NExt PagE

Growing in Jesus’ Name

In the SANCTUARY and ONLINE

Happ�Mother’�Day!

Sunday Service 10:00 AM

Masks Required The Rev. Dr. Norman Pritchard Please join us for

THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

A GIFT for all MOMS and DAUGHTERS on May 9! Go to www.RoserChurch.com to WATCH LIVE or WATCH LATER

Text ROSER to 22828 to “The unexamined life is not worth living.” Socrates receive the weekly eBulletin. Why has God put us here, even in troubled times? 941-778-0414 • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria • FOLLOW us on Facebook @RoserChurch

Freda Mae Cole of Bradenton Beach died April

Thursday, May 6 • 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Visitors & Residents Welcome

Watch our 10:00 AM service live: www.bit.ly/cclbksermons

or www.christchurchlbk.org (follow YouTube link)

6400 Gulf of Mexico Dr.

•

941.383.8833 (oﬃce)

•

www.christchurchlbk.org

May 5, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 15 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

GoodDeeds

Assistance on AMI

• The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce offers free face masks. Information: 941-778-1541. • The Roser Food Bank welcomes applicants who live and/or work on Anna Maria Island for food assistance, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. • AID offers help to those who live on the island, go to church on the island, attend school on the island and work on the island. Information: 941-725-2433

Assistance sought on AMI

• The Roser Food Bank seeks donations. Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, administers the pantry, supported by All Island Denominations. Information: 941-778-0414. • The Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department seeks “self-guided volunteers” to clean trails and beaches, take photos and other tasks. Info: michelle.leahy@mymanatee.org or 941-742-5923. • The Anna Maria Island Historical Society, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, seeks volunteers, including docents for the museum. Information: 941-778-0492. • Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals. Information: 941-345-2441.

Cortez cleanup by OFF fills dumpster Members of the Cortez Chapter of Organized Fishermen of Florida, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the economic well-being and quality of life for stakeholders in Florida’s fisheries, pose April 24 with members of Masonic Lodge 409 and other volunteers in front of a 30-yard dumpster filled with trash and debris collected during a 3.5-hour shoreline cleanup in areas of north Sarasota Bay. Islander Courtesy Photo

— Lisa Neff

Obituary continued from page 14

Walton died in a construction accident. On Nov. 21, 1953, she married Gail R. Cole and they had a daughter, Elizabeth “Libby,” and two sons, Gail R. II “Coley” and Ralph. They lived in Fort Wayne for 18 years, before moving in 1977, along with Ralph, to Lake Park. They moved to Bradenton Beach in 1978 and resided in their present home for 42 years. She loved her nursing career, especially taking care of the sick and elderly. She worked as an RN at St. Joseph Hospital in Fort Wayne for 15 years and as a charge nurse at Blake Medical Center in Bradenton for 22 years. She enjoyed many hobbies throughout her life, including cooking, sewing, knitting, gardening, playing board games, especially Scrabble, walking the beach and watching sports. She was an avid Tampa Bay Rays fan but loved to watch her grandchildren play sports even more. She enjoyed fishing with the family and, according to her husband, she always caught the biggest fish whenever they fished together. She was loved by all and will be missed by many. Memorial gifts may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Boomer Esiason Foundation. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 2 p.m. June 26 at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. A life celebration will be held afterward at the NEST at the Robinson Preserve expansion in northwest Bradenton. She is survived by her husband, Gail, former mayor of Bradenton Beach; daughters Debbie Morken and husband Ed and Libby Taylor and husband Tom; sons Gail R. II “Coley” and wife Jackie, and Ralph, presently serving as a commissioner in Bradenton Beach, and wife Beth; grandchildren Amanda, Katy, Elizabeth, Eddie, Joe, Erin, Christine, Cole, Angela, Emily, James, Dustin, Pat and Terra; and 13 great-grandchildren.

ABOVE: OFF members Thomas Pickett Reynolds, left, and Courtney Ramsey and volunteers Jody Gugguno and Jake Joachim, as well as Manatee County ecological and marine resources manager Damon Moore haul refuse to shore. The team “won” the cleanup collection challenge. Islander Photo: Courtesy Alexis Lucas

Courtney Ramsey, left, and Jody Gugguno collect construction debris from the mangroves. Islander Photo: Courtesy Damon Moore

Visit www.islander.org for the best news on AMI.

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Skyway Bridge disaster: Father, son stood on edge of abyss

‘

By Kane Kaiman Islander Reporter

They were there. Richard Hornbuckle’s white Buick, abandoned on the edge of what remained of the southbound span of the Sunshine Skyway bridge — they stood within feet of it. On the morning of May 9, 1980, the Summit Venture, a 609-foot-long freighter, was caught in a sudden storm and collided with the bridge, sending a portion of the southbound span — and 36 people — into the water 150 feet below. Only one person survived. Michael McKeithen, who took a walk up the damaged bridge that day with his father, Shands, still dreams about the experience. He was 14 years old at the time, living in St. Petersburg on Tampa Bay in a Greater Pinellas Point home with a view of the bridge from his bedroom window. Shands was an OB-GYN at Bayfront Medical Center. On the morning of the disaster, the hospital got a call that something had struck the bridge. Shands phoned his wife, Joan, told her to turn on the news and headed home. “It’s hazy, but I remember my dad getting us together and looking out the window and actually seeing the ship. And he said, ‘Let’s drive out there and see if we can get out,’” Michael McKeithen, who owns a home in Anna Maria, told The Islander April 26 in a first-ever interview with the press. Father and son drove as close as they could to the bridge’s northern terminus before running into stopped traffic. They parked near what is today the northern portion of the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park and made their way onto the mangled southbound span. “There was no one saying you couldn’t do anything. And I don’t remember having permission or not having permission, but we didn’t sneak by anyone. And we actually walked all the way from the flat part of the bridge up the Skyway Bridge,” Michael McKeithen said. What Michael remembers most vividly is the fear inspired by the gaps in the bridge’s grates. “When you’re that high up — as a little boy, I was scared of driving over the Skyway. But, I’ll tell you, those little grates were actually very big grates. And it was like 180 feet tall or something, and just looking straight down and seeing nothing, looking over the

‘ And I walked up to within about a foot of that big piece of grating that was just hanging down. — Michael McKeithen

Shands McKeithen, left, and his son, Eddie McKeithen, stand September 2018 at the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria. Islander Courtesy Photo

edge and seeing nothing. And I walked up to within about a foot of that big piece of grating that was just hanging down,” he said. The McKeithens, along with about six others who had made the journey, stood facing an approximately 1,200-foot chasm. What may have been less than an hour before, six cars, a truck and a Greyhound bus traveling over what was suddenly thin air had plunged into Tampa Bay. Shands McKeithen, 93, said he remembers seeing Hornbuckle’s Buick — stopped feet from the edge of the grate and looking down on the water at about a 45 degree angle — and the Summit Venture, wedged against the Skyway’s southwestern main pier below. They were on the Skyway for about an hour. By

When the Skyway fell, he raced to the scene

the time they came down, the authorities had arrived to close off the bridge. Only later did the McKeithens learn the details of what had happened: Around 7:30 a.m., the Summit Venture, captained by Tampa harbor pilot John Lerro, was hit by a squall as it made the turn in the narrow shipping channel near the bridge. The sudden onslaught of tropical stormforce winds and heavy rain left Lerro steering blind. Multiple factors, including the possibility that other ships navigating the channel could run into the Summit Venture if it changed course, led the captain to attempt to guide the ship between the bridge’s main piers. Unbeknownst to Lerro, the wind changed direction and pushed the vessel out of the channel. When the captain realized where the ship was headed, he put the vessel in full reverse and dropped the anchor — but it was too late. The bow of the Venture collided with two support piers, one of which failed, collapsing a portion of the bridge. In the same way some people have recurring dreams about going to the dentist, Michael McKeithen said the experience he had on the bridge that day became his “stress dream.” “I dream about walking across the old Skyway bridge. I remember when my grandfather died, I was dreaming that we were carrying his casket and having to hop from piling to piling on the Skyway,” he said. “I’ve had these dreams my whole life, probably every other year.” After the disaster, the two-lane northbound span of the bridge was converted to accommodate north- and southbound traffic. Construction of the new Sunshine Skyway Bridge, complete with 36 “dolphins” — bumper pilings between 47 and 64 feet in diameter designed to protect the structure’s piers from wayward ships — began in 1982 and culminated in 1987. Michael McKeithen watched the new bridge go up from his bedroom window. A Florida Highway Patrol officer helps secure the yellow Buick stopped at the edge of the mangled Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Driver Richard Hornbuckle of St. Petersburg stopped just shy of disaster that day, having walked back from the brink with his three passengers. Islander File Photo: Paul Roat

By Gene Page III From The Islander Archives

Editor’s Note: Photographer Gene Page raced by boat to the scene of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge disaster May 9, 1980. The following is his account of the morning. I remember waking up to the noise of strong wind from the west beating the rain, horizontally, onto our windows where we lived on 77th Street in Holmes Beach. Probably 10 minutes afterward, I got the phone call from my Coast Guard friend. I then called Charlie Gerdes, who lived two blocks west of me and told him I had to get to the scene. No problem for Charlie, who had previously spent 20 years in the Coast Guard prior to moving to Holmes Beach and getting into the marina business. Meeting me at the marina, he already had one of his two Blackfin 28-footers ready to go. The huge, deep-V boat had twin 488-cubic-inch engines and a beam of 12 feet, the latter telling you how stable it would be in heavy weather — which it was, thank goodness! We quickly got going and about the time we made the Intracoastal Waterway I got a call on my walkietalkie from Sarasota Herald-Tribune Managing Editor Ed Pierce screaming about hearing something about the bridge being hit by some boat, and did I know anything about it? After he knew what I knew and the fact I was en route to the scene by boat, he really started screaming! Of course, you’d have to have known Ed to fully appreciate him and his ways. Passing four Coast Guard boats from Cortez and bouncing around a bit, it still only required about 30 minutes for us to get there. With the Summit Venture still in the process of backing off slowly from both

’

the bridge and the debris to a safe distance, Eckerd College had two boats on scene with divers already in the water. There were some floaters but, of course, most folk, especially those in the bus, were still down. I shot what I could, trying not to miss anything as the weather began to calm down and the first Coast Guard boats from St. Petersburg began to appear. They paid us no attention for about the first 20 minutes or so until they realized all we were doing was shooting pix. Then, as the Cortez boats arrived, they backed us out and established the 600-foot perimeter. I switched to a longer lens and kept shooting, mostly of folk being dragged aboard the Coast Guard boats. Ed Pierce called back and wanted to know where I thought staff photographer Phil Skinner should go. I suggested Bayboro because that’s where the Coast Guard was already ferrying bodies. Also, I had Skinner meet us near the

shore on the south side so I could throw him several rolls of film I had finished. He would then pass that film to a “runner,” who also came up in a separate car. We stayed on the scene about two hours and then went to Bayboro to take Skinner’s place, who was now shooting from the bridge. What impressed me most of all through the entire ordeal was the eerie quietness about the scene once the weather calmed down. Everyone there just went about doing their respective jobs with little or no radio traffic or talk between boats. Actually, the very same solitude prevailed days later when we were all back out there for the raising of the bus, various cars and additional bodies that had been trapped inside the bus. I left Charlie’s boat and went ashore to return to

please, see firsthand, next page

May 5, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 17 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

“the bridge is down. Call all emergency equipment onto the Skyway Bridge. the Skyway Bridge is down. this is a major emergency situation. Stop the traffic on that Skyway Bridge.” — Capt. John Lerro, Summit Venture pilot, distress call, May 9, 1980. Islander file Photo: Paul roat

From the record

a tugboat pushes the Summit Venture from the wreckage after the May 9, 1980, crash into the Sunshine Skyway Bridge as a small boat in the center searches for survivors. thirty-five people died. Islander file Photo: gene Page III

At 7:34 a.m. May 9, 1980, the Liberian bulk carrier Summit Venture rammed a support pier of the western span of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. About 1,297 feet of bridge deck and superstructure fell 150 feet into Tampa Bay, according to the investigation report released by the National Transportation Safety Board in March 1981. The NTSB determined the probable cause to be the Summit Venture’s unexpected encounter with severe weather, the failure of the National Weather Service to issue a severe weather warning for mariners and the failure of the Summit Venture pilot to abandon transit when he lost visual and radar navigational references in the rain. Thirty-five people died, all of them drivers or passengers in vehicles on the bridge. A Greyhound bus, small pickup truck and six automobiles plummeted into the bay. The NTSB conducted a 10-day hearing where 28 people testified. These are their words, according to the report. “I started reviewing my options immediately … The rains came, but the wind has to be 30 to 10, 20, 30 seconds later. I don’t know how long,” the Summit Venture pilot-trainee said about the intense rain that obliterated the radar screen. “Make the anchors ready for dropping,” the Summit Venture pilot said he told the ship’s master as he saw the rain fill the radar screen and tried, unsuccessfully, to sight a buoy using binoculars. “Buoy starboard bow,” the pilot trainee said he reported when he could see buoys again. “Where captain, where on the starboard bow? I have to know,” the pilot said he replied, and then he ordered the pilot-trainee to “change to the next course.” “Lighter than usual,” two Skyway tollbooth operators testified, describing traffic on the bridge that morning. “I could see the red airplane warning lights atop the bridge structure on the west side of the bridge. ahead,” testified the motorist at the wheel of a slowSuddenly those red lights fell from their original posi- moving Chevy that stopped safely on the bridge. tion to a point out of my view below the roadway “It seemed to wave and roll as it was falling,” the Chevy’s driver testified, adding that he backed firsthand CoNtINuEd froM PagE 16 up. “After I stopped, I remembered about three cars the Bradenton office of the Herald-Tribune about noon and then a bus passed traveling southbound.” and then on down to Sarasota to talk to a reporter for “The pickup started to bob up and down. … But a sidebar story on my trip to the scene. then I, like, started to drop over a high part, and at this Much later in the day I went out on the northbound point I looked and there I seen the ship. I was looking span with Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Mike Rush- down at the ship. And I knew, you know, what had ing so he could stop his car long enough for me to take happened,” testified another driver. He was driving the shot I sent The Islander showing the remains of the a pickup that went off the bridge. He was the only southbound span silhouetted against the late day sun. survivor of the bridge collapse. That shot later became the cover for our book. — Lisa Neff

an Eckerd College marine rescue team was first on the scene at the Skyway Bridge disaster and set about helping with recovery amid the wreckage. Islander file Photo: Paul roat

‘

The radar was out, the visuals were out. … I was between the devil and the deep blue sea. That’s what I have to live with now. — Summit Venture pilot John Lerro

’

Lerro died of multiple sclerosis at age 59 on aug. 31, 2002, in tampa. He spent his life after the Skyway disaster seeking redemption and peace.

Page 18 THE ISLANDER | islander.org May 5, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Cops & Courts

Staff reports

Virginian charged with 3 felonies in HB arrest By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The state attorney’s office is pursuing a handful of charges against a Virginia man arrested March 11 in Holmes Beach for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol. 12th Circuit Judge Stephen Whyte at an April 23 arraignment informed Raymond Cox, 47, that the SAO had charged him with three felonies and a misdemeanor, including: • A third-degree felony for driving under the influence after three or more DUI charges; • A second-degree felony for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon; • A third-degree felony for possessing and concealing a handcuff key; • A first-degree misdemeanor for possessing 20 or less grams of marijuana. The SAO filed a notice of action April 9 informing the court it was replacing a third-degree felony charge for possessing a concealed weapon with a first-degree misdemeanor for possessing less than 20 grams of marijuana.

Streetlife

Holmes Beach police officers arrested Cox March 11 after finding him behind the wheel of a vehicle that was observed moving recklessly and speeding. Police noticed the smell of alcohol during the traffic stop and asked Cox to perform field sobriety tests, which he failed, according to an arrest report. They also found an unlicensed firearm and a bag of marijuana during a search of Cox’s vehicle. In detainment, officers found a missing handcuff key in Cox’s pocket. Cox pleaded not guilty March 15. A conviction for a third-degree felony can carry up to a five-year prison term and a $5,000 fine. A conviction for a second-degree felony can carry up to 15-year prison term and a $10,000 fine. A conviction for a first-degree misdemeanor can carry up to 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Cox remained in custody at the Manatee County jail under a $10,500 bond — which was reduced from $25,500 — as of April 26. The next hearing had yet to be scheduled as of April 26, according to the Manatee County Clerk of Court.

Staff reports

Island police reports

Anna Maria April 21, 100 block of South Bay Boulevard, traffic hazard. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a parked vehicle blocking a Manatee County Area Transit trolley from turning around. DAILY/WEEKLY/MONTHLY SCHEDULED SERVICE

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The deputy searched the vehicle but, before it could be towed, the owner returned and moved it. April 23, 600 block of South Bay Boulevard, noise. The MCSO dispatched a deputy regarding a complaint of loud music. The deputy found people listening to music outdoors around a swimming pool. The deputy advised the partiers of the city’s noise ordinance and warned that after 9 p.m. they could be cited for violating it. The music was turned down. April 24, Anna Maria City Pier, 100 S. Bay Blvd., intoxicated person. The MCSO received a complaint

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Career in service Manatee County Sheriff’s Deputy Amy Hildreth holds a plaque April 27. The plaque commemorates Hildreth’s 25 years of service to the sheriff’s department, including a brief assignment as a patrol deputy in Anna Maria. Hildreth retired April 30. Islander Photo: Courtesy MCSO

of an intoxicated person disrupting people on the city pier. The person was gone when deputies arrived. April 24, 100 block of Hammock Road, noise. The MCSO dispatched a deputy regarding a complaint of construction noise. The deputy found a construction crew at work earlier than allowed by city ordinance. The deputy issued a warning. April 24, 800 block of North Shore Drive, noise. The MCSO responded to a complaint of loud music coming from a boat about 20 yards offshore. On the deputy’s arrival, the partiers turned off their music. April 25, 500 block of South Bay Boulevard, noise. The MCSO dispatched a deputy regarding a complaint of loud music. The deputy found people in a backyard listening to loud music and issued a warning. April 25, 100 block of Maple Avenue, noise. The MCSO received a complaint of a loud party. The deputy issued a citation for violation of the city’s noise please, see streetlife, next page

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Cops & Courts

Staff reports

Largo man pleads guilty to meth possession

A Largo resident arrested in Holmes Beach for possessing methamphetamine is dropping his defense after two months. Steven Neidl, 25, pleaded guilty April 29 to a third-degree felony charge for drug possession and a first-degree misdemeanor charge for possession of paraphernalia. A Holmes Beach police officer stopped Neidl March 8 after he was observed biking at night without lights. The officer ran Neidl’s name through databases and found an out-of-county arrest warrant. He then searched Neidl and found a substance that tested positive for meth. HBPD arrested Neidl and transported him to the Manatee County jail, where he remained in custody under a $513 bond as of April 30. Neidl pleaded not guilty March 10 but changed his plea April 29. 12th Circuit Judge Frederick Mercurio then sentenced Neidl to up to six years in jail and revoked his driver’s license for six months. Neidl has 30 days to appeal Mercurio’s ruling. — ryan Paice

streetlife CoNtINuEd froM PagE 18

ordinance. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office polices Anna Maria. Bradenton Beach No new reports The Bradenton Beach Police Department polices Bradenton Beach. Cortez April 27, 12500 block of Cortez Road West, burglary. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office dispatched a deputy regarding a theft. The deputy filed a report. April 27, Seafood Shack, 4110 127th Street W., hit-and-run. The MCSO dispatched a deputy regarding a complaint of a parked vehicle that was hit. The deputy worked with the business for possible evidence on security cameras. The Manatee County Sheriff ’s Office polices Cortez. Holmes Beach April 20, 2900 block of Gulf Drive, marijuana. An officer from the Holmes Beach Police Department stopped a motorist with an expired license plate. The officer smelled marijuana and the driver admitted to smoking a marijuana cigarette. The officer issued citations and confiscated the marijuana. April 20, Kingfish Boat Ramp, 752 Manatee Ave., marijuana. An HBPD officer saw a vehicle parked after hours at the boat ramp. He saw paraphernalia in the vehicle while speaking with the driver, who admitted to smoking marijuana in the parked vehicle. The officer issued a citation and confiscated the marijuana. April 21, 300 block of 66th Street, burglary. HBPD responded to a call about items missing from two rental vehicles left unlocked overnight. The officer found no

HB police pension board assigns officers the Holmes Beach Police Pension Board of trustees meets april 22 to discuss financial updates and choose officers for the next year. Board members unanimously voted to reelect dan Hardy and Brian Hall as chair and secretary, respectively. Board members are appointed by the city commission and monitor the city’s investments in the Municipal Police officers’ Pension trust fund. Islander Photo: ryan Paice

evidence leading to a potential culprit and issued case numbers. April 21, 4000 block of Gulf Drive, trespass. An HBPD officer on patrol approached a man sitting after hours behind a business. The man was previously trespassed, so the officer issued a summons. April 22, 400 block of Clark Drive, burglary. An officer responded to calls about items missing from a vehicle. The complainant told the officer she left the vehicle unlocked overnight and noticed items missing in the morning. The officer issued a case number. April 22, 3100 block of Gulf Drive, battery. An officer responded to reports of battery on Gulf Drive involving two motorists. One said the other threw liquid at him while driving and asked to press charges for misdemeanor battery. The other motorist admitted to spitting on the man and he was arrested. April 23, 600 block of Manatee Avenue, burglary. An officer responded to calls about a burglarized vehicle. The victim told the officer that their unlocked vehicle was broken into overnight, but no items were missing. The officer collected fingerprints for evidence. April 23, 5500 block of Holmes Boulevard, noise. An officer responded to complaints about noisy vacationers. The officer arrived and attempted to get a reading with a decibel meter but strong wind prevented accurate results. The officer heard loud music from outside and issued the tenants a citation. April 24, 100 block of Aqua Lane, marijuana. An officer saw a vehicle parked in a no-parking zone, approached and spoke with the driver when he smelled marijuana. The driver admitted to smoking a marijuana cigarette and the officer issued citations and confiscated the marijuana. April 25, Freckled Fin Irish Pub, 5337 Gulf Drive, battery. HBPD responded to reports of a fight outside the pub and found a group of men walking away from the scene. A man told the officer he was arguing with another patron when someone punched him. Witnesses corroborated the story, but the man didn’t want to press charges and the officer couldn’t locate the suspect. April 26, 3300 block of Gulf Drive, indecent exposure. An officer responded to a call about a man

Arraignment delayed in battery, drug case

It’ll take a little longer to know what charges the state attorney’s office may bring against Lakeland resident Tamara Swanchara. An April 30 court arraignment was continued because the SAO had yet to file official charges against Swanchara, 23, arrested April 3 for third-degree felony drug possession and first-degree misdemeanor domestic battery in Holmes Beach. The case began when witnesses called the Holmes Beach Police Department to report Swanchara for attacking a friend and fleeing the scene at the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive. Police located Swanchara at a local bar, where they arrested her for domestic battery. They also found in her purse a Xanax pill for which she had no prescription. Swanchara was transported to the Manatee County jail, where she was released April 4 after posting $3,000 bond. Swanchara pleaded not guilty April 8. The third-degree felony charge for drug possession can carry up to 5-year prison and/or probation sentences, as well as a $5,000 fine. The first-degree misdemeanor charge carries up to a year-long prison sentence and a $1,000 fine. — ryan Paice

exposing himself to beachgoers. The officer stopped and arrested a motorist leaving the scene who matched witness descriptions. The man was later identified in a lineup by witnesses and charged with misdemeanor indecent exposure. April 26, 200 block of 77th Street, noise. An officer responded to complaints about noisy vacationers. He obtained decibel meter a reading demonstrating the occupants were in violation of city code. The officer issued a citation. HBPD polices Holmes Beach. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

VISITORS MAY BE LOOKING FOR YOU ! Don’t miss your opportunity to market to our island visitors. We offer more circulation weekly than anyone on AMI, greater readership and reader loyalty than any other publication, a solid reputation for ad success and the top award for BEST community news from the Florida Press Association! We have more than 29 years of service to the island community, and readers are still flocking to The Islander. Call Toni Lyon for marketing tips, special deals and the “best news on Anna Maria Island” … call 941-778-7978.

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Page 20 THE ISLANDER | islander.org May 5, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Bradenton Beach tennis player ranks 892 in world By Mark “Scoop” Malinowski Special to the Islander

Bradenton Beach resident Anastasia Sysoeva recently accepted a full scholarship to play tennis for the University of Florida Gators, one of the top NCAA programs. Sysoeva, 18, also is an aspiring pro while still developing her game. She is ranked 892 in the world in the Women’s Tennis Association. Her schedule this month includes International Tennis Federation tournaments in Naples and Atlanta. In late 2019, Sysoeva earned her first WTA Tour points in Mexico. Then last summer she competed in the East Coast Pro Series in Tampa, a special tour organized for lower ranked pro players during the pandemic by tennis promoter Harry Cicma. The prize-money series live-streamed by ESPN 3 was contested at the Saddlebrook Resort and Sysoeva scored her two best career wins against 20-yearold Alycia Parks, ranked no. 276 in the world in the WTA. In the series, Sysoeva bested Parks 64, 64 and 62, 63 in two separate matches. She downplayed one of the wins as a late day, raindelayed match but Sysoeva is an emerging, talented player with a devastating backhand, potent forehand, excellent footspeed and an improved serve. One area she says she needs improving on is her mental mindset during big points. “I have trouble winning games when I have the game points at 40, 30. I have to be mentally stronger to close out those games instead of losing them after I have the game point. I have a tendency to get tight on those key points sometimes.” Sysoeva does not have an official coach right now but she hits daily for 90 minutes with her stepfather, Andrei Cherkasov, a coach at IMG who once ranked 13 in the world in the ATP.

tennis player anastasia Sysoeva of Bradenton Beach and stepdad/IMg tennis coach andrei Cherkasov. Islander Courtesy Photo

Bradenton Beach resident anastasia Sysoeva is ranked 892 in the world in the Women’s tennis association. She’s headed to gainesville in the fall to play NCaa tennis for the gators. Islander Photo: Courtesy @joejordanou

Cherkasov won two ATP singles titles — in Moscow at the Kremlin Cup — and he holds career wins over Pete Sampras and Bjorn Borg. Sysoeva’s mom, Katia, also is a tennis coach and former professional player. This spring, Sysoeva is adding a new cross-train-

ing activity to her regimen — boxing at the Sarasota Boxing Club under the guidance of Florida Boxing Hall of Fame trainer Harold Wilen, who also taught Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams the benefits of boxing for their tennis careers. Punching the mitts and speed bags will strengthen and quicken Sysoeva’s reflexes, power, hand-eye coordination and footwork and also her confidence. She will hit the courts for the Gators in Gainesville in the fall — her first college tennis season. A professional career in tennis is one of the most challenging endeavors for any athlete to pursue, but Sysoeva has developed and progressed. By fine-tuning her skillset and gaining experience in NCAA tennis, her potential and her future are looking bright.

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Tiki and Kitty, shopping pros with a keen eye for style and value, know you enjoy shopping small, local and vintage and you’re invited to come along on their adventures. Now that the spring season is blooming, we know you want to shop! Cat’s Meow has 7,700 square feet of vintage, unique and repurposed items. Plus, there’s a mancave and a cool clothing boutique. We’re celebrating our first anniversary. So join us 4-6 p.m. Thursday, May

Your place for fun, funky

6, for Sip & Shop. Wednesday-Saturday is Super Sale Week. For every $25 you spend, you get an entry for a $50 gift card drawing Saturday, May 8. Blue Flamingo offers hip and trendy upcycled and repurposed goods, furniture and decor, from antique cameras to garden features, candles, jewelry and work by local artisans. They also offer Dixie Belle paints. Blessed and Distressed is a tastefully designed store — so inviting, you’ll want to stay and visit — filled with collectibles and work by local artists at Palma Sola Square, around the corner from Winn-Di-

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xie. It offers 30-plus vendors and artists, including vintage, upcycled, shabby chic, fanciful frocks and local crafts and art. You won’t be disappointed. You Never Know Thrift has everything you could want: clothes, kitchen utensils, small appliances, furniture, DVDs and autographed sports memorabilia. The inventory is constantly changing. So keep going back. You never know what you will find. Scavengers Marketplace welcomes you to peruse the goodies for a good cause at the Island Shopping Center in Holmes Beach. Purchases at the store benefit Moonracer No Kill Pet Rescue — our favorite pet rescue group, which is based at The Islander. Founder Lisa Williams is office manager and, along with board member/Islander sales rep Toni Lyon, they lead the rescue efforts. FYI: Scavengers also carries Fusion Paints. And don’t forget, tell people you meet along the way, “The Islander sent me.”

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May 5, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 21 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Shore protection in full swing for ‘Beer Can’ on Longboat Key By Kelsey Mako Islander reporter

Longboat Key beach nourishment and stabilization efforts have entered a new stage. Sand was placed near the Islander Club condominiums, 2295 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, the week of April 26 and work on rock groin structures continued on Greer Island. The beach nourishment project is being constructed in segments with a goal to combat erosion on Greer Island, a popular spot for boaters and recreation also known as Beer Can Island, as well as on other areas of Longboat Key, engineer Al Browder of Olsen Associates Inc. said April 29. Weeks Marine is dredging near Passage Key in Tampa Bay to bring sand to Longboat Key beaches. Earlier this spring, Weeks Marine placed sand near Longboat Club Road on Longboat Key. An excavator is being used to remove sand near Passage Key and place it in a spider barge, a barge with mechanical “arms” used to load materials onto other barges. Scow barges — a flat-bottomed barge — transports the sand to an unloader, set up offshore, and tugboats push and pull the barges, which do not have motors. Finally, an unloader assists in pumping fluidized sand down the beach in a submerged pipeline. The Passage Key area was chosen for the quality of its sand, as sand mixed with limestone, clay, silt or mud is unfavorable, Browder said. Tugboats and equipment for dredging are stationed

the sun sets June 26 on greer Island, also known as Beer Can Island, which is popular among recreational boaters and driftwood collectors. Islander Photos: Kelsey Mako

Kelly Brothers of fort Myers, a commercial marine construction corporation, is building five groins on greer Island and Longboat Key to stabilize the gulf of Mexico shoreline.

in Tampa Bay near the north end of Anna Maria Island. Some Anna Maria residents are unhappy with the noise and sights associated with the dredging and the construction company is working to find a new spot to move its equipment, Browder added. Dredging in a different form took place earlier this year, as sand was pumped from Longboat Pass to Gulfside Road on Longboat Key and Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. Because of the proximity of the dredge site, sand was pumped directly from the pass to the beaches. Coquina Beach nourishment operations finished the week of March 26 and nourishment near Gulfside Road ended the week of April 19. Additionally, Weeks Marine has subcontracted Kelly Brothers to build rock groin structures, Browder said. Groins run perpendicular to a beach and assist in stabilizing the shore by capturing sand that could be moved by currents. Five rock groins will be constructed on Longboat — three groins on Greer Island and two south of North Shore Road. Already, there are two cement groins in the area. The new groins will be rock, which is less impermeable, allowing less sand to drift and wash away with the tides. There is a difficult balance between protecting Greer Island from the Gulf’s surge and allowing sand to reach the top of Greer Island, Browder said. Greer Island will be the last section to receive sand from dredging, as sand won’t be placed until the

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groins are constructed. Groin construction is scheduled to wrap up the week of Aug. 23. Driftwood also will be removed from Greer Island. The driftwood is from felled Australian pines and dying mangroves. Large amounts of driftwood on a beach are a sign of extreme erosion, as trees are uprooted, Browder said. When more sand is added to the beaches, the beaches will be ideal places for nesting sea turtles and hatchlings. However, if driftwood remains under the sand, the beach could become hazardous to turtles, Browder said. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service want all driftwood removed, he said. Meanwhile, Longboat Key wants to remove some driftwood and some residents and vacationers want the beach to remain as is. “It’s a real interesting competing interest. We don’t want the island to fade away, but everyone likes the driftwood that erosion creates,” Browder said. The total cost of the beach nourishment and groins is $35 million. Most funding is by Longboat Key. The town received assistance from Manatee County and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in the form of reimbursements, Browder said. For more information and updates on the project, go to olsen-associations.com/lbk2021.

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Page 22 THE ISLANDER | islander.org May 5, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Waterkeeper testing: Water quality concerns remain An environmental group continues to raise concerns about water quality at sites in west Bradenton and on Longboat Key. Suncoast Waterkeeper, which monitors bay, inlet and Gulf of Mexico water quality in the area, tested By Kelsey Mako samples from sites in Manatee County in late April. SW looks for enterococci — enteric bacteria that 2 AMI sea turtles wander normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and aniashore — first nest recorded mals. The presence of enteric bacteria can indicate fecal pollution, which may come from stormwater runoff, Sea turtle nesting season is off to a slow start on pets and wildlife and human sewage. If concentrations Anna Maria Island, but turtle watchers found a false are high enough in recreational waters, the bacteria crawl and a nest on Anna Maria Island the morning of may cause human disease, infections or rashes. May 3. SW’s testing showed enterococci counts exceedNesting season began May 1. ing 70 colony forming unit per 100 milliliters at the A loggerhead left tracks and a nest at 74th Street, following sites: while the false crawl — evidence of a sea turtle on the • Palma Sola Creek at Palma Sola Boulevard in beach, but no nesting activity — was observed near Bradenton; Pine Avenue. • Portosueno Park near Palma Sola Boulevard in The earliest sea turtle nest on Anna Maria Island Beachgoers watch from a respectful distance as Bradenton. was recorded April 15, 2017, Anna Maria Island Turtle a loggerhead makes her way back to the gulf of • Bayfront Park on Longboat Key. Watch and Shorebird Monitoring executive director Mexico after nesting by the dune line at Coquina Test sites with low enterococcus included Bay Suzi Fox said April 29. Beach. Islander file Photo Drive South and the Historic Bridge Street Pier in BraAMITW is a nonprofit that monitors Anna Maria denton Beach and the public pier on Longboat Key. Island beaches for sea turtle and shorebird nesting and been observed elsewhere on the Gulf coast. The first loggerhead nest of the season on Sanibel For more information, including a link to testing collects data. The latest first nest recorded on Anna Maria Island Island was recorded April 27 by the Sanibel-Captiva data and a map of testing sites, go online to suncoastConservation Foundation. waterkeeper.org. was May 29, 1983. The SCFF Sea Turtle Program surveys 18 miles — Lisa Neff Sea turtles need the sand to be warm for their nests to incubate the eggs. Fox said the sand on Anna Maria of beach with the help of about 100 volunteers. Additionally, three false crawls were recorded Island might not be warm enough for turtle nests — but April 28 along the Manatee County portion of the two loggerhead sea turtles proved her wrong. Female sea turtles come to shore at night to nest. Longboat Key beach, Mote Marine Laboratory and Lawmakers found money for a lifeline to Sarasota It’s the only time the sea turtles come ashore and their Aquarium public relations manager Stephanie Kettle Bay, where a 48-year-old sewage pipe rests on the bay said April 29. instincts are their only guide. Mote and Longboat Key Turtle Watch monitor bottom. Nesting is the only part a mother sea turtle plays Florida legislators allocated $1.25 million to help in the lives of the hatchlings, leaving the incubation Longboat Key. Mote holds the permit and Longboat Longboat Key build a sewer line to replace the pipe and their trek to the Gulf of Mexico to Mother Nature, Key Turtle Watch coordinates volunteer observers. Mote volunteers also marked a loggerhead nest that leaked about 14.7 million gallons of raw sewage so she is particular with choosing the location of her near the shore of Sarasota Bay. April 22 near Venice Beach. nest, Fox said. Gov. Ron DeSantis still needs to approve the fundFor more information and updates on sea turtle A sea turtle nest may contain 100 eggs, which take about two months to incubate, according to Florida nesting on Anna Maria Island, go to AMITW’s web- ing made from an appropriations request filed by state site at islandturtlewatch.com or call Fox at 941-778- Rep. Will Robinson, R-Bradenton. Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. And Longboat Key would need to match the Meanwhile, evidence of early nesting activity has 5638. funds. Robinson sought the funding after a breach in the Do’s and don’ts for sea turtle nesting season only wasteline serving Longboat spilled raw sewage the florida fish and Wildlife Conservation Comitems such as boats, tents, rafts and beach furniture in a mangrove forest along Sarasota Bay. mission recommends people follow these guidelines and fill in holes or level sand castles before dusk. The line was built in 1973, stretching from the key for sea turtle safety: Holes trap turtles and can injure people. • DO turn off or adjust lighting along the beachfront Call code enforcement to report unattended propacross the bottom of Sarasota Bay to the mainland, to prevent nesting sea turtles from becoming disoriented erty or large holes on the beach. with a life expectance of 50 years. and moving toward the glow of light on land, instead City of anna Maria code enforcement — 941-708An investigation into the June 2020 spill deterof natural light reflecting on the surface of the water. 6130, ext. 139 or ext. 129. mined long-term corrosion as the likely reason for a Indoor lights should be turned off, with curtains closed City of Bradenton Beach code enforcement — after dark, and outdoor lighting should be turtle-friendly 941-778-1005, ext. 280. rupture in pipeline. bulbs. use fixtures low to the ground and shielded from City of Holmes Beach code enforcement — 941The Florida Department of Environmental Protecview at the shoreline. 708-5800, ext. 247. tion ordered Longboat Key to pay penalties and take • DON’T use ﬂashlights or camera ﬂashes on the report sick, injured, entangled or dead sea turtles corrective action. beach at night. they can distract nesting sea turtles to the fWC Wildlife alert Hotline, at 1-888-404-3922,

nesting notes

Lawmakers find money for LBK sewage line

and cause them to return to the water. • DO clear the way at the end of the day. Nesting female sea turtles can become trapped, confused or impeded by gear left on the beach at night. remove

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in readers’ lives — from birth announcements to obituaries for loved ones. Send to news@islander.org.

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May 5, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 23 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

By Lisa Neff

Beachbound mothers

and the high-tide line, contains an average 100-126 eggs that incubate about 60 days. When hatchlings emerge from nests, usually at night, avoiding the abundance of daytime predators. They scramble across the sand to the water and swim for their survival to the weed line, where they nourish. The mama turtle’s “parenting” is done when the nest gets covered with sand. But to protect the survival of the species, the loggerhead lays numerous clutches of eggs, sometimes miles apart. A recent University of South Florida study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, found that some female loggerheads lay as many as six clutches as far as 6 miles apart during the same breeding season. “Nesting females don’t lay all their eggs in one basket,” USF-St. Petersburg professor Deby Cassill said in a news release. She’s the author of the study. “Their reproductive strategy is like investing in a mutual fund. Females divide their resources among many stocks rather than investing in a single stock.” In a lifetime, one mama loggerhead might produce 4,200 eggs and place them at 40 sites on a single barrier island, according to Cassill’s research based on 17 years of data from the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. The strategy reduces the risk of reproductive failure due to storms that could wash out the clutches and

Helicopter parent? Not my mom. Free-range parent? Also not my mom. I grew up with a lot of nurture and also abundant freedom to better my nature. So maybe you could say I grew more like a whale calve than a loggerhead hatchling. Loggerheads are totally freerange. They mate. The male swims. Neff The female nests and the hatchlings emerge from the nest to fend for themselves and, if triumphant, repeat the cycle. This concept in Mother Nature, alien to my experience, fascinates me. As a kid playing with my siblings, I acted out adventures of fending for ourselves in a forest, on a river or atop a mountain, but we only went so far before the dinner call sounded and brought us back to reality — and the house. Now I imagine the lives of loggerhead sea turtles, the nesting female and the emerging hatchling. The loggerhead may be the most abundant sea turtle species in the United States but the species, depending on the region, is threatened and protected. Threats include incidental capture in longline fishing, shrimp trawling, pollution, predation of nests and human disturbances such as coastal lighting and housing development. Another major threat is the loss of nesting habitat due to coastal development, which makes safeguarding our shoreline vital. On Anna Maria Island, the nesting activity seems so abundant that it might be easy to overlook the fact there are only 40,000-50,000 nesting females in the world, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, which lists loggerheads as “vulnerable,” facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future. They primarily feed on shellfish, and the females a white shark preys upon a loggerhead sea turtle. nest every two to four years. A nest, typically dug in the sand between the dune a hatchling’s chance of survival is slim — estimates

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amy Waterbury took this photo aug. 5, 2018, of a loggerhead sea turtle nesting during the day on the beach near the gulf drive Cafe, 900 gulf drive N., Bradenton Beach. Islander file Photo

improves the hatchling survival rate. Free-range parenting? Totally. Maternal instinct? Yep.

Center of Anna Maria Island to host compost-a-thon

Gather the table scraps. The Center of Anna Maria Island is holding a compost-a-thon in collaboration with the Sunshine Community Compost. The event will be 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, May 8, at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Ahead of the event, the center will collect compostable material. People can contribute food scraps — fruits, vegetables, dairy products, grains and coffee grounds — as well as tea bags, small cardboard boxes, paper bags, grass trimmings, newspapers. For more information, call the center at 941-7781908, ext. 207. — Lisa Neff

Milestones

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

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Page 24 THE ISLANDER | islander.org May 5, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Soccer tops center sports, 7x ringer at horseshoe pits By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter

After three weeks of action in the adult soccer league at the Center of Anna Maria Island, Flynn Law is holding court on the pitch with a perfect 3-0 record, two points ahead of secondplace teams CABB Cleaning and Beach Bums, which both sport 2-0-1 records. Slim’s Place is holding onto third with a 2-1 record, followed by Salty Printing and Sandbar Restaurant, both at 1-2. Sato Real Estate and Cassidy Killer Bait are at 0-3. The first match of the night at the center pitch saw Flynn Law outscore Salty Printing 5-3 behind four goals and an assist from Damir Glavan. Kris Yavalar added one goal and Mark Long made two saves. Gerardo Urbiola scored two goals and Kevin Roman added a goal to lead Salty Printing, which also received an assist from Eliza Faillace and 10 saves from Ed Moss in the loss. Sandbar Restaurant defeated Sato Real Estate 5-3 in the second match of the night behind two goals and an assist from Jessica Williams and Luis Pichardo. Chris Klotz added a goal and an assist, while Kevin Mulcahy finished with seven saves in the victory. Josh Sato, Lyn Clarke and Thomas Margotic each scored a goal to lead Sato, which also received nine saves from Rico Beissert in the loss. The third match of the evening saw CABB Cleaning hold on for a 5-4 victory over Slim’s Place behind a hat trick from Timo Vechio. Austin Nutting added a goal, while an own goal from Slim’s provided the eventual winning margin. Daniel Adan scored two goals to lead Slim’s Place, which also received a goal each from David Noval and Keith Mahoney and six saves from Steve Oelfke. The fourth and final match of the night saw Beach Bums cruise to a 7-1 victory over Killer Bait behind two goals each from Luck Durmaz, Blair Schlossberg and Emily Fischer. Yuri Pereira added a goal and Tuna McCracken finished with five saves in the win. Chris Scott notched the lone goal for Slim’s, which also received seven saves from Ethan Hampton. Youth soccer rolls on After three weeks of action in the youth soccer league at the Center of Anna Maria Island, there’s only one team left chasing perfection. Blalock Walters has won three of three matches and holds a 5-point lead in the 11-13 division. The Gitt Team is alone in second at 1-1-1, closely followed by Anna Maria Bath Time, which sits at 1-1 with a game in hand. Grooms Motors follows at 0-1-1, while HSH Designs holds the bottom rung at 0-2. The 8-10 division has Bridge Tender Inn & Dockside Bar on top at 2-1, followed by Shady Lady Horticultural Services and Tidy MD with matching 1-0-1 records. Beach Bums follows at 0-1-2, while Solid Rock Construction at 0-2 is still in search of points. Action in the 8-10 division April 28 kicked off with Beach Bums and Tidy MD battling to a 2-2 tie. Preston LaPensee and Noah Shoulson scored a goal each to lead Beach Bums, which also received six saves from Brandon Sato in the tie.

Sato Real Estate’s Ben Sato narrowly avoids a dangerous challenge near the goal from Sandbar Restaurant’s Luis Pichardo during April 29 adult soccer action at the Center of Anna Maria Island in Anna Maria. Islander Photos: Kevin P. Cassidy

Tidy MD was led by two goals from Mason Moss and a combined five saves from Shane Bradley, Andre Harwood and Stryder Petit in the tie. The second 8-10 division match saw Shady Lady slip by Bridge Tender 1-0. Oliver Tripak notched the lone goal for Shady Lady, which also received five saves from Dylan Phillips in the victory. Elijah Brannock and Colin Bankert combined on four saves to lead Bridge Tender in the loss. Action in the 11-13 division April 28 kicked off with Blalock Walters posting a 4-2 victory over Anna Maria Bath Time behind two goals each from JM Feeney and Jackson Pakbaz. Cale Rudacille and Jack McCarthy combined on eight saves in the victory. Jack Mattick scored two goals and made seven saves to lead Bath Time in the loss. The last match of the night saw The Gitt Team cruise to a 6-1 victory over HSH Designs behind four goals from Hamish Robertson and two goals from Jason Magee. Ronan Robertson helped preserve the win with five saves in goal. Mason Moss notched the lone goal for HSH Designs, which also received a combined 12 saves from Victor and Angelina Albrecht in the loss. Key Royale news Regular golf action at the Key Royale Club commenced the morning of April 26 with the men playing a nine-hole modified-Stableford system match. Eric Lawson won individual honors with a plus-4, edging Greg Shorten by a point. Shorten’s plus-3 propelled his team — Chuck Patrick, Fred Miller and Tim Friesen — to a first-place finish at plus-4. The women played a nine-hole scramble April 27 that saw the team of Laurie Hicks, Karla Hurdle, Lori Waggoner and Sharon Tarras at first place with a combined score of 23.5. The team of Brian Comer, John Kolojeski, Jana Samuels and Bill DiMenna combined on a 5-under-par 27 to win the men’s April 28 scramble. Ken Butler, Al Carr, Mike Gillie and Terry Schaefer were alone in second place at 2-under-par 30. Horseshoe news Three teams posted 3-0 records during pool play

Sato forward Josh Sato carries the ball toward the goal as Sandbar defender Chris Klotz pursues April 29 during adult soccer action at the center.

and advanced to the knockout round to decide the winner during April 28 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Bob Heiger and Jerry Disbrow drew the lucky bye into the finals and watched as Rod Bussey and Bob Lee advanced with a 21-17 victory over Steve Doyle. Bussey and Lee stayed hot and held on for a 21-16 victory over Heiger-Disbrow. Much to the dismay of the rest of the horseshoe crew, Bussey and Lee drew each other as partners again for the May 1 games. Once again, Bussey and Lee found themselves in the finals, this time pitted against Disbrow and Gary Howcroft. It was all BusseyLee as the team earned bragging rights for the week on a 26-1 thrashing of Disbrow-Howcroft, highlighted by Bussey’s game-ending six consecutive ringers. 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

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May 5 May6 May7 May8 May9 May10 May11 May12

10:20a 10:31a 10:45a 10:59a 11:12a 12:36a 1:20a 2:04a

HIGH

1.7 1.8 1.9 2.0 2.1 1.6 1.5 1.5

8:33p 9:54p 10:56p 11:49p — 11:26a 11:43a 12:03p

HIGH

LOW

1.8 1.7 1.7 1.7 — 2.3 2.4 2.5

2:37a 3:22a 3:59a 4:30a 4:55a 5:15a 5:31a 5:44a

0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.7 0.9 1.0 1.1

2:58p 4:00p 4:46p 5:25p 6:00p 6:34p 7:07p 7:42p

LOW

Moon

1.2 0.9 0.6 0.3 0.1 0.0 -0.2 New -0.2

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

Fishing Charters Capt. Warren Girle

INSHORE RE Redﬁsh Snook

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O OFFSHORE SSnapper G Grouper

LIGHT G TACKLE C • FLY Over 30 years experience in local waters • USCG Licensed Full / Half Day Trips • 941.387.8383 (H) • 941.232.8636 (C) www.captainwarren.com Facebook: Captain Warren

May 5, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 25 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Warmer weather heats up the inshore, offshore catch By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

Fishing inshore around Anna Maria Island is exceptional. And what’s so encouraging is that the fishing will only get better as we approach summer. Catch-and-release spotted seatrout have invaded the deeper grass flats in great numbers — providing great action on light- to medium-spinning gear. Most catches are 12-18 inches, with larger fish up to 24 inches in the mix. Stasny While targeting the catch-andrelease trout, anglers are hooking into a variety of other species, including bluefish, jack crevalle, ladyfish and Spanish mackerel. With the abundance of all the species on the flats, you can bet to experience some great rod-bending action on your next adventure on the water. And it doesn’t stop there. Fishing the shallower grass flats for catch-andrelease snook is in high gear. Schooley-size fish 20-26 inches are cooperating when offered free-lined live shiners. With water temps in the mid- to upper-70s, the snook are feisty as they take the hook. Numerous jumps and drag-screaming runs across the flats are why these fish hold such an adoration with inshore fisherman. And, lucky anglers are finding slot-sized catch-and-release redfish mixed in with the snook bite. Most catches are 20-25 inches. These fish are especially apparent when fishing areas where oyster bars exist. Moving offshore, mangrove snapper are becoming more prevalent as the water temperatures rise. Fish up to 9 pounds are being caught around structure and hard bottom offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. And, if you know about mangrove snapper, you know a nice a 9-pounder is a force. Better have your stout gear ready to stand a chance against one of these large mangoes. Red grouper are coming to the bait while offshore, especially around Swiss cheese bottom and ledges. Lastly, pelagics — blackfin tuna and amberjack —

Will Trepp of Greenwich, Connecticut, shows off a spotted seatrout caught April 23 in Sarasota Bay while using shiners for bait. The fishing trip with Capt. Warren Girle turned productive in the afternoon, with several mackerel, jacks, redfish and snook on the hook. Islander Courtesy Photo

are being caught around offshore wrecks. On my Southernaire charters, I’m finding the flats fishing for catch-and-release spotted seatrout to be quite fulfilling. During swift incoming tides, I’m seeing 20-40 trout coming to the boat, while fishing over deeper grass flats. Mixed in are some Spanish mackerel and a bonus this week —we had several cobia and a couple tarpon take baits. It’s always a shocker when you’re expecting to set the hook on a trout and instead it turns out to be a 40-pound tarpon. Not a bad trade off. As for the cobia, all were under-size, but still a fun catch when casting bait in 5 feet of water. Catch-and-release snook fishing along the mangroves also is keeping my clients busy. Most are 18-24 inches, although a couple slot-size fish are managing to slip into the lineup. I’m also excited to see some catchand-release redfish mixed in with the snook bite. Capt. Jason Stock says the mangrove snapper bite is going strong while working offshore for his charters. Most catches are 3-5 pounds, although some mangoes are reaching 9 pounds. If you know anything about mangrove snapper, a 9-pounder is a really big one and it makes for a filling saute pan. Also, while bottom fishing offshore, Stock is Red tide remains in region putting clients on numerous red grouper as well as The red tide organism, Karenia brevis, persists in catch-and-release gag grouper and catch-and-release red snapper. Fishing baits toward the surface is also Southwest Florida. The week ending May 2, K. brevis was detected in 58 samples. In Southwest Florida, K. brevis was observed at background to low concentrations in Manatee County. Also, red tide was found in background to medium concentrations in Sarasota County, background to high concentrations in Charlotte County, very low to low concentrations in Lee County and background to medium concentrations inshore and offshore of Collier County. Samples from Pinellas and Hillsborough counties did not contain red tide. Respiratory irritation was reported in Manatee, Sarasota, and Charlotte counties. For more information, go online to myfwc.com/ research/redtide.

TideWatch

providing good action — especially for blackfin tuna and catch-and-release amberjack. Capt. Warren Girle is catching his fair share of catch-and-release redfish while in Sarasota Bay. Dock fishing for reds in the bay is offering the best action, although Girle is hooking some along the mangroves shorelines, too. Targeting catch-and-release spotted seatrout in the deeper grass flats is providing the best action for Girle’s sport anglers. Many of the spotted seatrout are being caught and released — plus he’s finding ladyfish, bluefish and Spanish mackerel on the hook. Lastly, catch-and-release snook fishing is on fire along the shallow grass flats where mangroves and oyster bars exist. Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel is seeing a mixed bag of fish. Pier anglers using live fish as bait are hooking into some black drum, flounder and some catchand-release redfish. A few catch-and-release snook are being caught on shrimp, too, but live pinfish are working as bait for the linesiders. Those pier fishers opting to use artificials are finding action on macks, jack crevalle and ladyfish. All three species are hitting silver spoons, Gotcha plugs and small jigs. Capt. David White says the macks are a good bet while casting in Tampa Bay. Fishing around artificial reefs, wrecks or rock piles is proving to be good. Freelining live shiners combined with a long shank hook in these areas is resulting in numerous hookups for White’s anglers. Moving to the grass flats, White is finding action on catch-and-release snook and redfish. Both are taking offerings of live shiners as bait. Lastly, fishing along the beaches with live shrimp is working well for the black drum bite. Capt. Aaron Lowman is finding some great shallow-water action by instructing clients to cast live shiners along mangrove shorelines and across the open grass flats. Catch-and-release species — redfish and gator trout — also are being caught in these areas. Fishing around the strongest parts of the tide is key to this bite, according to Lowman, who adds, catch-andrelease snook fishing is occurring in the same areas. Fishing deeper grass flats is yielding catch-andrelease spotted seatrout. These trout aren’t topping the 20-inch mark, but the number of fish make up for their size. Mixed in with this bite are plenty of jack crevalle and Spanish mackerel. Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org. A map shows sample locations and indicates the level of Karenia brevis in the water. Islander Courtesy Photo

Send your fishing report to news@islander.org.

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

Stone crab season snaps shut By Kane Kaiman Islander reporter

This one is set in stone. Stone crab season, which began Oct. 15, ended May 2. Crabbers adjusted to new regulations set forward by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in 2020, including: • A season shortened by two weeks; • An 0.125-inch increase in the minimum claw size (from 2.75 inches to 2.875 inches); • A two checker box limit. Checker boxes, which must now measure 24 cubic feet in volume, are used to hold crabs onboard boats before their claws are harvested. Karen Bell — who owns A.P. Bell Fish Co., Star Fish Co. and a share of Tide Tables Restaurant — said, from a wholesale and retail perspective, the season surpassed expectations. “I thought, with the pandemic, they wouldn’t sell

very well, the price would be down, and I was totally wrong,” she said. “Landings were fairly good. They sold at relatively high prices, and there was constant demand for them.” Bell theorizes that sales remained steady because consumers who avoided restaurants due to the pandemic splurged instead on home-cooked delicacies. However, Bell said the new regulations had some negative effects for her business. Due to the new minimum claw size, fewer medium-sized claws were available and the shortened season will mean her wholesale and retail operations cannot count on Mother’s Day sales. “It’s kind of sad. We have a little bit of frozen if people want some, but nobody seems to want frozen claws if they can help it. It’s unfortunate,” she said. As of April 28, the FWC was still compiling landings data for the 2020-21 season, according to public information specialist Amanda Nalley. The FWC instituted the new rules to improve the stone crab population and build resiliency in the fishery, which the commission said has seen an approximately 20-year decline in the number of commercial catches.

danny Barrett, a 28-year employee, weighs a stone crab claw april 30 in the a.P. Bell fish Co. “crab room.” Islander Photo: Kane Kaiman

Florida legislators end session, minus a targeted bill to save Cortez stilt-house By Kane Kaiman Islander reporter

Stilt-house, jilt-house? Despite rumblings that state Rep. Tommy Gregory, R-Bradenton, of District 73, would take action to protect Raymond “Junior” Guthrie’s stilt-house from demolition with legislation for historic net camps, the session ended April 30, and no bill was proposed. The Islander was unable to obtain a statement from Gregory despite multiple attempts. Republican Rep. William “Will” Robinson of District 71, where the structure is located, also was not be reached. On March 8, 12th Circuit Judge Edward Nicholas granted a motion for a stay of enforcement on his order that the Sarasota Bay structure — built in 2017 on pilings yards off the A.P. Bell Fish Co. docks in

Cortez — be torn down or moved. The order opened a 60-day window for the Legislature or other governmental body to consider protection for the structure. The window will close May 7. To date, no local authorities have shared plans to intervene on Guthrie’s behalf. However, A.P. Bell Fish Co. owner Karen Bell, who has been assisting Guthrie in his legal battle against the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, said April 30 that preserving the structure is still a possibility. “Just because it’s not happening in this session doesn’t mean that there aren’t things going on in the background that hopefully will still come to be,” she said. “I certainly don’t think it’s over.” In 2018, the DEP successfully sued Guthrie for

building the structure — a residence with utility service — on pilings over state-owned submerged land, but a series of extensions on Nicholas’ final demolition order have allowed the stilt-house to remain standing. Critics have deemed the structure a “party house,” while Guthrie maintains the stilt-house — built on pilings he said his ancestors drove into the bay bottom three generations ago — is a “historic net camp.” Net camps were barren shacks built over the water in the 19th century to store and protect cotton fishing nets before the advent of monofilament nets. Unlike net camps of old, Guthrie’s 1,200-foot structure was built with electricity, air conditioning and other amenities. He said he has stored nets inside the stilt-house for short periods in the past.

FOR FREE HOME DELIVERY OF THE ISLANDER ON Anna Maria ISLAND* — CALL 941-778-7978

May 5, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 27 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

isl

LEft: a sign covering the window april 30 at Bortell’s Lounge, 10002 gulf drive, anna Maria, hints that renovations at the lounge, closed since 2018, are nearing completion. However, no date has not been announced. Islander Photos: amy V.t. Moriarty

biz

Amy V.T. Moriarty

Businesses bloom in spring

From 1920s winter getaway to restored restaurant The unassuming little yellow cottage at 9707 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, was built in 1913 by the Anna Maria Beach Co. as a winter getaway for a professor. From 1992-2019, it was a restaurant with a mermaid-themed decor, aptly named Sign of the Mermaid, advertising the owner’s award-winning Crisco-crust Key lime pie. Before the mermaid, it housed a child day care. But in 2020, Josh and Brianna Foster along with Josh’s parents, Paul and Tammy Foster — who own Ginny’s and Jane E’s Café and Gift Store, 9807 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria — upped their investment in the city and began long-needed renovations. And they were able to preserve the ambiance and refurbish the 108-year-old original fireplace and the wood floors! Thanks go to contractor George Fara for his diligence and dedication to preservation. There isn’t yet a date for the restaurant’s opening, but posts on a social media page, facebook.com/theporchami, make us think it may be sooner than later. We’ll be sure to let you know as soon as we do and, in the meantime, offer encouragement and congratulations to the Fosters. And congrats to Josh and Brianna on their marriage, too. For more information, go to theporchami.com. Diver down A new watersports shop is coming to Holmes Beach. Florida Underwater Sports will open May 15 — give or take a day or two depending on how quickly they can get a permit from the city — in the S&S Plaza at 5352 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach — the space formerly occupied by ABC Rentals. Greg Galford has owned the 6,000 square-foot

Business news

rIgHt: the Porch, a restaurant poised to open in a cottage built in 1913 as a winter getaway, remains closed april 30 for renovation work. an opening date has not been announced.

flagship location in Sarasota since 2007 and said April 29 that Anna Maria resident Patrick McGinnis will manage the Holmes Beach store. Galford told us he sees the island as “underserved, believe it or not” when it comes to shops specializing in underwater sports and instruction. He aims to change that by offering everything needed, including lessons for those who’ve never set foot in the water to those who are master divers, and everyone in between. So grab your swim gear and get ready to enjoy the beautiful waters surrounding Anna Maria Island from the bottom up! For more information, go online to floridaunder-

BizCal

COMPILED BY AMY V.T. MORIARTY

watersports.com or call 941-870-4461. Welcome, bienvenue, willkommen, benvenuti We join the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce in welcoming six new businesses — and some familiar names — to its ranks in April, including Susanne Arbanas of Anna Maria Island Concierge Services, 9805 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria; Fabe Mitchell of Superior Yard Maintenance & Property Service; Amy Tobin of Island Marketing; Paulette Miller of Desoto Kayak Tours; Steve Shannon of Freckled Fin Irish Pub & Music Hall, 5337 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach; and Dean Defebo of the restaurant Whitney’s at 6990 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. For more information, go toannamariaislandchamber.org or call 941-778-1541. Got business news? Contact Amy Moriarty at amym@islander.org or call 941-778-7978.

AMI Chamber SAVE THE DATES

May 14, golf tournament, Bradenton. Fees may apply for events. For more information, contact the chamber at 941-778-1541.

Other events

Planning new services? New in business? Celebrat- Monday, May 10 4 p.m. — Manatee Chamber of Commerce Politics & Pints, ing achievements? Staff deserves kudos? Motorworks Brewing, Bradenton. Reservations required. Fee may Submit to news@islander.org. Please, remember to LindseyKLeech@gmail.com apply. Information: 941-748-3411 include a contact number and name. www.teamduncan.com Cell: 941.737.3491 Office: 941.779.0304

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Page 28 THE ISLANDER | islander.org May 5, 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

La-Z-Boy rECLINEr: really comfortable. green upholstered reclining chair. great shape! $100. 813-391-5187.

CoffEEMaKEr, CuISINart, tWELVE-cup, black, like new, $20. 941-920-2494.

BEaCH rESortS (SMuggLEr’S Cove and umbrella Beach) looking for full-time maintenance personnel. duties include opening of resort in the mornings, handling work orders, painting, etc. Saturday required. Please, call 941-778-6667.

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.

frEE tWo QuEEN beds with like-new mattress and box springs. Call 941-730-2669.

frEE VINtagE furNIturE. good condition. Hutch, large open entertainment center, bedroom set, coffee table, dishes, etc. also selling solid-wood dining table/four chairs, $200. Bradenton Beach. Must load/haul. text/call, 607-542-7671.

aNtIQuE PartNEr dESK: all wood, $1,000. See at the Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978. aNtIQuE offICE CHaIrS: Perfect for eclectic dining set. Circa 1950 from anna Maria City Hall. the Islander newspaper, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

EdgErS: CoNCrEtE, like new, 50 cents, car roof rack, black, easy install, $50, chandelier, brown metal, hardware Included, $60. 941-9202494.

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

KEyBoardS, $10, MouSE $5. Non-stick green pans, 8-10-12-inch, 3/$25. 941-920-2494.

Sandy’s Lawn Service Inc. ESTABLISHED IN 1983

ANNOUNCEMENTS

LICENSED & INSURED

WILL PurCHaSE your old anna Maria Island property plat book (abstract of title). text images to 813-205-6500.

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

Paradise Improvements

941.792.5600

Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Specialist Replacement Doors and Windows

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ANSWERS TO MAY 5 PUZZLE F O O T L O N G S

C A N C E L O U T

S H A H S

S A Y A H

N I G H T

E N E M Y

H E L P S

O N T O E

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

O R A L B

I A T E I T

WaNtEd: your oLd cellphone for recycling. deliver to the Islander, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. frEE guN LoCK courtesy of Project Childsafe, florida fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Holmes Beach Police department. Pick up at the Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. don’t be sorry, be safe.

HELP rESCuEd PEtS! Volunteer, foster, computer help needed! Moonracer animal rescue. Email: moonraceranimalrescue@gmail.com.

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