The Islander Newspaper E-Edition Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

sea turtles set record. 22

Planking the pier. 5 Astheworldterns tip the BB seesaw. 6

Bridge warriors return. 16

Sept 6 sea turtle stats: 533 nests, 576 false crawls, 317 hatched nests.

SEPT.11, 2019 FREE

VOLUME 27, NO. 46

anna maria swim advisory ends. 3 appeal filed in Sunshine lawsuit. 4

Meetings

on the government calendar. 4

Op-Ed

the Islander editorial. 6

10-20 Years ago from the archives. 7

Holmes Beach prepares for storm cleanup. 8

Save the date. 10-11

Happenings announcements. 11, 13 BB CRa considers master plan recommendations. 12 Take 5:00: Stepping up for island son. 13

Streetlife. 14 Judge postpones ruling in Bert Harris cases. 15

get in the game. 17

Gathering. 18

Obituaries. 18 artist transforms beach trash. 19

The Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992

soe rejects Bradenton Beach ballot initiatives By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Take one step forward, two steps back. You’re in Bradenton Beach. Four proposed charter amendments petitioned by the Keep Our Residential Neighborhoods political action committee failed to make the Nov. 5 Bradenton Beach ballot under a decision by the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections. City commissioners learned of the decision Sept. 5, the day after they approved a resolution for the vote. “The ballot language does not comply with Florida Statutes, specifically 101.161,” Supervisor of Elections Michael Bennett wrote in a Sept. 5 letter to Bradenton Beach city clerk Terri Sanclemente. “I do not believe it is in my authority to change

or create any ballot wording, so I will be unable to place these questions on any ballot.” “I had previously indicated Sept. 5, 2019, as the deadline to get any amendBennett ments on the ballot,” Bennett continued. He offered to extend the deadline to Sept. 9, but no later. The charter amendment subjects for the ballot include: Perry • Prohibit construction of a multilevel parking garage in the city; • Require city commission vacancies be filled by election; • Prevent construction within setbacks;

Mixing young and old Island Library volunteer Sara Hudgins helps Vincent gollamudi embellish a picture frame Sept. 7 at the Island Library’s grandparents day Celebration. Islander Photos: Sarah Brice

Lifesaving lessons on tap at Island Library. 21

NESTING NOTES. 22 23 adult soccer, football standings tight. 24 Storms bring fish in numbers. 25

tourism numbers. 26 CLASSIFIEDS. 28 nYt Crossword. 31

Vincent gollamudi, 7, of Holmes Beach, displays his finished keepsake, an embellished frame with a photo of himself and his mother, nenita daguinotas.

• Establish a full-time city manager. The state law Bennett referred to requires a ballot title of up to 15 words, as well as a ballot summary not to exceed 75 words, including amendments to a city charter, which acts as a municipal constitution. The ballot language, which Bradenton Beach commissioners adopted Sept. 4 in a resolution to the SOE, exceed the word limit, according to Bennett. Blame for the city’s failure to put the questions on this year’s ballot is up in the air. Judge Lon Arend of the 12th Judicial Circuit Court made it the city’s responsibility to determine the ballot language to conform with state law in his final judgment, but city attorney Ricinda Perry refused to PLeaSe See BB BALLOT, Page 2

anna Maria seeks applicants for vacant city seat By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

AmE NEWS 20

ENDLESS SUMMER:

islander.org

Vincent gollamudi offers a helping hand to 20-month-old finn Bryant at the Island Library’s grandparents day Celebration.

Anna Maria’s open city commission seat might not be available for long. Mayor Dan Murphy told commissioners in a Sept. 4 emergency meeting that the city is taking applications to fill the vacancy on the commission created by the Aug. 30 resignation of Brian Seymour. The mayor added that he hopes to fill the vacancy by the end of September. Seymour’s resignation letter to Murphy did not provide a reason for his departure. It was tendered a day after city commissioners voted against an amendment which would have allowed Seymour to sell package liquor from a storefront near the Anna Maria General Store, which he owns. Applicants looking to fill the vacated seat must be Anna Maria residents for at least two years and be qualified to vote in the city. City employees, as well as anyone holding another municipal office, cannot apply. Murphy said people can find an application on the city’s website at cityofannamaria. com or visit city hall at 10005 Gulf Drive. Applications must be submitted to city PLeaSe See AM VACANCY, Page 3

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new language to conform with state law. change the language, saying KORN attorney Robert But, Perry said she is unwilling to Hendrickson advised against changing any wording. alter the wording because that would Perry said Hendrickson threatened to file for sancchange what the voters read when tions against her and the city if she altered the wording they signed the petitions. of the questions. She said she sought changes to the Mapes The petition forms contained wording from KORN co-founders John Metz and Reed KORN’s proposed ballot language. Mapes on multiple occasions, to no avail. “We’re saying, ‘This is how you She added, in the commission meetings held to shopped it, it’s not fair to pull a baitdiscuss the ballot questions in the six months since and-switch,’” Perry said. Arend ruled that they must be submitted to the SOE for Additionally, Perry said she the ballot, KORN representatives made no objections didn’t understand some of the initiaand offered no changes to the wording. tives, and Metz and Mapes haven’t Perry said that, after hearing about the SOE’s rejec- Metz tion of the ballot wording, Hendrickson is proposing provided clarification. On Aug. 27, prior to the SOE decision, Hendrickson filed a second motion to enforce Arend’s final judgment, claiming the ballot language doesn’t meet the criteria of the state law because the city added a summary to the original text that exceeds the word limit and includes the ballot title as the ballot question. “For some reason there are some added words that might make the SOE not accept them,” Metz said in an interview with The Islander Sept. 5. “I don’t know what that’s about, but it would be a travesty.” “We’ve got a lot of personalities here that don’t want to give up their power,” he continued. The next day, Perry told The Islander that she doesn’t understand why Hendrickson would say the city added the ballot summaries. She said KORN provided the summaries to voters on the petitions. BB ballot continued from page 1

Blalock Walters attorney Chuck Johnson, attending the Sept. 4 Bradenton Beach city commission meeting, will represent the city at a Sept. 20 hearing regarding four charter ballot initiatives. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

Court hearing Despite Bennett’s short extension of the deadline for the ballot questions from Sept. 5 to Sept. 9, Perry said she won’t propose changes until a court hearing is held to determine a course of action. Perry said a three-hour hearing with Judge Edward Nicholas of the 12th Judicial Circuit Court is scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 20, but she can’t attend. She suggested retaining Blalock Walters attorney Chuck Johnson to represent the city.

Charter amendment petition

A signed, sample Charter Amendment Petition Form includes the ballot summary and the amendment that is proposed to go before the Bradenton Beach electorate. The name, signatures and date of birth have been masked to protect the voters’ information. Islander Courtesy Graphic

Commissioner Jake Spooner, at the Sept. 4 meeting, moved to retain Johnson for the hearing, and Commissioner Ralph Cole seconded the motion. The motion passed 4-0. Commissioner Randy White was absent with excuse. Perry said that, if the hearing results in the city having to redraft the language of the initiatives to meet SOE requirements, the city could schedule a special election for the amendments or await the November 2020 general election.

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No-swim advisory lifted at Anna Maria park on Tampa Bay By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s OK to swim at Bayfront Park again. The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County Sept. 5 lifted the no-swim advisory for the north end of the Anna Maria park after issuing the warning Aug. 30 based on two tests showing elevated levels of enterococci bacteria â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a indicator for fecal matterâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; in the water. Fecal matter from animal or human waste can spill into Tampa Bay waterways through sewer-line breaks, leaching septic systems, lift station failures, stormwater runoff and other events. Contact with the bacteria poses an increased risk of rashes, urinary tract infections and other diseases when the enterococci levels exceed U.S. Environmental Protection Agencyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 70.05 colony-forming unit

standard. An Aug. 26 test measured 135 colony-forming units in 100 milliliters of water. Two days later, 238 units were found in a sample. DOH advisories are lifted after the EPA standard is met by subsequent testing. The last advisory for Bayfront Park occurred in October 2018, according to Tom Larkin, Manatee County DOH environmental manager. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection also monitors the waters to ensure discharges are stopped â&#x20AC;&#x153;as quickly as possibleâ&#x20AC;? and to determine corrective actions, according to spokeswoman Shannon Herbon. Asked about the high levels of enterococci bacteria Aug. 26-28 at Bayfront Park, Herbon said in a Sept. 6 email to The Islander: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have no record

of any nearby wastewater discharges that would have impacted Tampa Bay near the north end of Bayfront Park during the time frame you requested. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As I previously mentioned, enterococci are found in the fecal matter of all warm-blooded animals and birds, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s possible that the elevated levels are from other sources.â&#x20AC;? For more information, go online to the DOH website at www.floridahealth.gov and select environmental health and beach water quality tabs or call 941-7147593.

AM Vacancy continued from page 1

hall by 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24. The applications will be given to commissioners as they are received and applicants will have a chance to address the commission and make a case for their appointment at the city meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, at city hall. The four commissioners, Carol Carter, Doug Copeland, Amy Tripp and Dale Woodland, will vote on hidden ballots, which will be revealed after the top

vote-getter is named. Copeland did not run for re-election, and will leave the commission in November. He said in a Sept. 5 interview with The Islander that he intends to participate in the appointment of the new commissioner. Carter, who became commission chair following Seymourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resignation, said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m very hopeful weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get some good candidates.â&#x20AC;?

Anna Maria city commissioners discuss Sept. 4 filling the vacancy created Aug. 30 with the resignation of Commissioner Brian Seymour. Commissioner Amy Tripp attended via speakerphone. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

Deputy clerk appointed, assistant clerk hired in HB Shaina Keough, left, recently hired by Holmes Beach as assistant deputy clerk, and Maureen Gluff, newly appointed deputy clerk, pose Sept. 4 after city clerk Stacey Johnston introduced them to the planning commissioners at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

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Page 4 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Sept. 11, 2019 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Bradenton Beach CRA considers mini-reefs for shoreline By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The underside of Bradenton Beach’s Historic Bridge Street Pier might become a five-star hotel for sea life. Sandy Gilbert, chief executive officer of Solutions to Avoid Red Tide, presented city commissioners, sitting in their capacity as community redevelopment agency members, Sept. 4 with a Powerpoint about mini-reefs, and proposed they be installed under the pier to help produce clean water and attract sea life. CRA members Randy White and Ed Chiles were absent with excuse. START is nonprofit organization devoted to preserving coastal waters and increasing public awareness about the importance of preserving the marine environment. The organization assisted in the CRA’s purchase and placement of almost 100,000 clams to begin the city’s living shoreline. Gilbert said a polypropylene mini-reef could filter up to 30,000 gallons of water a day within a few months, after sea life moves in. “It’s a hotel,” Gilbert said. He added that three months after a mini-reef was placed off Siesta Key, it became habitat for sponges, corals and fish. Gilbert said each reef would cost the city $250, including delivery, installation and maintenance from the manufacturer, Ocean Habitats. The city also would receive a 10% discount for purchasing 10 or more of

Sandy Gilbert, chief executive officer of Solutions to Avoid Red Tide, directs attention to his presentation Sept. 4 to Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency members about mini-reefs for the Historic Bridge Street Pier. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

Ocean Habitats reefs. Each reef would last 10 years. Gilbert said permits are not required because they are removable and, also, they do not rest on the seabed. “We really hope you consider them for your fishing pier,” Gilbert said. Mayor John Chappie, a CRA member, thanked Gilbert for START’s role in assisting the CRA’s clam project: “I think this is a great opportunity for us to invest in this living shoreline.” CRA Chair Ralph Cole, a city commissioner, said

he also would like to see reef balls, as well as oysters, placed in Sarasota Bay to build on the living shoreline. Gilbert said reef balls and mini reefs would work seamlessly to create habitat for sea life and clean water since mini reefs are kept near the surface of the water, while reef balls rest on the seabed. “I think it’s an awesome opportunity,” Cole said. “I think anything that we can do like this is good.” Chappie said the CRA would discuss purchasing mini reefs at a future meeting.

... and approves floating dock addition, safety rails By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The floating dock at the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach is open — but not finished. Community redevelopment agency members voted 5-0 Sept. 4 to proceed with plans to install a police boat lift. They also approved extending the floating dock to connect with the city’s dock on the shoreline south of the pier. CRA members Ed Chiles and Randy White were absent with excuse. City attorney Ricinda Perry said she is working on acquiring an updated submerged land lease for the finger docks and boatlift from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Riparian property lines need to be clarified within two weeks, the attorney said. However, the riparian property is owned by the city, which makes the process a joint project between the city and CRA, according to Perry. She said in a Sept. 5 meeting that Mayor John Chappie needs to work with Commissioner Ralph Cole, who serves as chair of the CRA and oversees the project. “I don’t really care how we do it, as long as we get

Bradenton Beach Commissioner Ralph Cole, who chairs the city’s community redevelopment agency, presents conceptual plans Sept. 4 for continued work on the floating dock at the Historic Bridge Street Pier. Islander Photos: Ryan Paice

it done right,” Chappie said. Perry said she planned to meet with residents of the Pines Trailer Park to make sure there is no dispute over the boatlift, which would be built on the north side of the pier and border on the riparian property lines of the mobile home park. She added that Chappie should attend, and he agreed. Cole, who serves as chair of the CRA, presented his plans to extend the dock toward the shore by angling away from the pier, then back to the shore to connect with the city dock. Cole said the extension would create a cut-off area of water where the CRA could highlight components of its living shoreline with informative signage. Chappie, a CRA member, supported Cole’s plans. Perry said she would use them to move forward with the permitting request. CRA members also voted 5-0 to continue a contract with Environmental Science Associates-Sheda

Meetings

Ecological Associates, a consulting firm hired to assist with acquiring an updated submerged land lease. Perry said she would work with ESA to update the lease with the state to cover installation of the finger docks and dock extension, as well as the Bradenton Beach Police Department’s boat lift. She said ESA staff expect to obtain permits for construction by October 2020. Safety rails, ladder CRA members voted 5-0 Sept. 4 to purchase safety rails and ladders on the floating dock for $2,290. Cole said rails would keep wheelchairs from rolling off the dock while the ladders would help people who fall off climb back on the dock. He added that the city needs to install the safety measures as soon as possible. Perry added that the Florida League of Cities offers up to $500 a year for safety improvements and the CRA’s safety measures could qualify for reimbursement. There was no public comment.

Anna Maria City West Manatee Fire Rescue Sept. 11, 10 a.m., historic preservation. None scheduled. Sept. 12, 6 p.m., city commission. WMFR temporary administration office, 6510 Sept. 18, 5 p.m., special magistrate. Third Ave. W., Bradenton, wmfr.org. Sept. 26, 6 p.m., city commission. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941- Manatee County 708-6130, cityofannamaria.com. Sept. 17, 9 a.m., county commission (workshop). Bradenton Beach Sept. 17, 6 p.m., county commission (budget). Sept. 12, 1 p.m., department heads. Sept. 24, 9 a.m., county commission. Sept. 12, 5:05 p.m., CRA (budget). Administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Sept. 12, 5:30 p.m., commission (budget). Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org. Sept. 19, 11 a.m., pier team. Sept. 19, noon, commission. Of interest Sept. 19, 5:05 p.m., CRA (budget). Sept. 16, 9 a.m., Manatee County Tourist DevelSept. 19, 5:30 p.m., commission (budget). opment Council, Sarasota-Bradenton International Sept. 24, 1 p.m., commission. Airport, 5900 Airport Lane, Sarasota. Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Sept. 16, 2 p.m., Island Transportation Planning 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.org. Organization, Bradenton Beach City Hall. Sept. 23, 9:30 a.m., Sarasota-Manatee MetropolHolmes Beach itan Planning Organization, Holiday Inn-SarasotaSept. 11, 10 a.m., special magistrate. Bradenton International Airport, 8009 15th St. E., Sept. 11, 2 p.m., comprehensive plan. Sarasota. Sept. 11, 6 p.m., city commission (budget). Oct. 1, 4 p.m., Manatee County Council of GovSept. 24, 2 p.m., comprehensive plan. ernments, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto. Sept. 24, 6 p.m., city commission (budget). Nov. 5, elections. Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Send notices to calendar@islander.org and 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org. news@islander.org.

Sept.11, 2019 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 5 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Storm stalls pier, planking starts, lease negotiations continue By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter

Two more weeks. Construction work at Anna Maria City Pier was delayed two weeks, until mid-September, by precautionary measures in advance of Hurricane Dorian’s approach in the Atlantic Ocean. “We’re putting things back together.” Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said Sept. 5, as workers began installing Ipe planking on the 800-foot-long walkway. Murphy said Sept. 9 that he expects the walkway will be done by Sept. 13, although some openings will be left for utility access. I+conSOUTHEAST, the city’s pier contractor, enacted a hurricane preparedness plan Aug. 30 to protect the $5.9 million project, that removed the plywood walkway, covered light posts and secured the Ipe planks and other materials at the site. The city contracted with I+con in November 2018 to replace and reconstruct the pier after Hurricane Irma damaged it in September 2017. The path of Dorian spared Southwest Florida, although the storm caused vast destruction in the Bahamas and slammed the Outer Banks in North Carolina before spinning northward along the Atlantic coast. With the timeline pushed from Sept. 1 to mid-September, January 2020 is the target date for the reopening the pier to the public, although the T-end buildings will be shells. Construction plans for the restaurant, bait shop and restrooms do not include interior improvements. The city entered a $967,000 contract in July with Mason Martin of Holmes Beach to rebuild the woodframe structures — not the interiors. Mason Martin is expected to deliver materials by barge to the T-end Sept. 13-14, including trusses and beams, and begin work Sept. 16, Murphy said. Building lease terms, negotiations

However, the city has new terms in its plans. In August, the commission determined Schoenfelder’s new lease would exclude bathrooms and other common areas and require a contract for maintenance from a third-party management company. Schoenfelder proposed to maintain the interiors, while the city would maintain the outside. Still to be negotiated are the lease terms, insurance requirements and taxes, as well as parking, but a pro-rata allocation based on square footage would be a “logical approach,” Murphy said Sept. 5. He said he and Schoenfelder have been discussing a 10-year lease with an option for 10 more years. The city budgeted $500,000 to cover the buildout, but Schoenfelder’s offer was for $250,000 for the buildout and $250,000 to go toward restaurant fixtures and equipment. In subsequent emails to Murphy, Schoenfelder objected to presenting his investment offer as Alexander and Elizabeth Barthalis, both of Palmetto, $250,000, saying the equipment, valued at $250,000, check Sept. 5 on construction progress at the Anna would remain after his lease. Maria City Pier. A fisher for 10 years at the pier “It’s just hogwash,” Murphy told The Islander before it was destroyed by Hurricane Irma, AlexanSept. 7. der Barthalis told The Islander he’s been keeping an eye on the work so he can return to fish. Islander Photos: Kathy Prucnell

Meanwhile, negotiations are ongoing for a new lease for the restaurant operations with Mario Schoenfelder, who holds the current lease through December 2020. His lease payments were suspended after the pier was deemed destroyed. Schoenfelder extended an offer in July for lease payments of $12,000 a month, beginning in December 2020, and no security deposit, for the T-end, restaurant, bait shop and bathrooms, as well as parking and the boat landing. He stipulated payments would begin after the first six months of operation to offset the costs of Walkway decking is installed Sept. 5 on the Anna getting the business started. Maria City Pier.

Labor Day slow, first responders go north for Dorian recovery

“The storm kind of scared everybody away,” said Bradenton Beach Detective Sgt. Lenard Diaz, adding that while Cortez Beach parking was full, Coquina to the south was less than half full during the weekend. Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer reported no major Labor Day incidents and fewer visitors. Labor Day weekend “was not busy at all,” said Manatee County Sheriff Office’s Lt. Brad Johnson, who oversees the Anna Maria substation. He thought the crowds might return after Dorian stalled, but instead the three days turned out slower than nonholiday weekends.

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter

Summer on Anna Maria Island ended with a safe Labor Day weekend and some of its first responders helping others in the path of Hurricane Dorian. The Southwest coast of Florida was spared the Category 5 storm that decimated the Bahamas then weakened and moved up the east coast of the United States, leaving destruction from power outages, rain and wind damages in its wake. Manatee County, West Manatee Fire Rescue, Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach declared states of emergency Aug. 30 — a requirement within 72 hours for Federal Emergency Management Agency reimbursements — but the elevated emergency status proved unnecessary. Manatee County Emergency Management Chief Steve Litschauer responded to head planning for the Putnam County emergency operations center east of St. Augustine. In a Sept. 4 email, Litschauer said he was preparing plans for the EOC at “full level” activation. “We are still in tropical force winds warning area. Some power outages, some downed trees, minor flooding, but that is a major concern for St. Johns River,” he wrote. As part of a countywide 28-member fire rescue strike team, WMFR sent two trucks and two firefighters to Orlando to assist in north Florida communities. WMFR serves Anna Maria Island, unincorporated areas of west Manatee County and Cortez.

WMFR Firefighter Clayton Lease and Lt. Paul Hopkins stand Sept. 3 alongside a WMFR engine at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. The team of 28 firefighter/paramedics assembled from Manatee County to assist coastal areas impacted by Hurricane Dorian, consisted. Islander Photo: Courtesy WMFR

Labor Day weekend Meanwhile, Labor Day visitors were fewer than anticipated on Anna Maria Island. Manatee County Beach Patrol Chief Joe Westerman estimated 12,500-13,000 beachgoers Aug. 31-Sept. 2 in Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach — down from prior years. Westerman heads up the emergency medical technicians, responders and paramedics, who guard Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach and the Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach.

“We believe the weather and that people were preparing for Hurricane Dorian and the uncertainty of its path” led to “lower crowd levels than usual for the end of summer weekend,” Westerman said in a Sept. 4 email to The Islander. At Coquina Beach, lifeguards helped two people overcome by heat and a swimmer on a noodle pushed out too far in the Gulf by a strong east wind. Bradenton Beach police reported no Labor Day weekend problems, but they asked people to leave the water when lightening threatened.

Summer safety stacks up At the county beaches, the lifeguards responded to 10 rip current rescues, 10 other water rescues, 47 medical calls and 7,422 preventions between June 1 and Sept. 3, according to Westerman. For the first five months of the year, he reported 19 rip current rescues, 20 other water rescues, 72 medical calls and 9,226 preventions. On the island, between June 21 and Sept. 4, Manatee County’s emergency medical services, headquartered in WMFR’s Holmes Beach station, ran 193 calls, most for non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses. “We had a lot of visitors during the summer and most were very well behaved,” Tokajer said, adding overall crime in Holmes Beach remained low. He said HBPD handled the occasional noise complaint and parking issues at Manatee Public Beach and the beach accesses on a “case-by-case” basis. In Bradenton Beach, Diaz reported a steady pace of visitors. “September is pretty much our slowest month,” he added. In Anna Maria, Johnson also said summer was busy with the deputies responding to medical emergencies, noise complaints, alcohol-related issues and relaying information to the public. “No dogs on the beach. No grills on the beach. And no alcohol,” he said of warnings to violators. “Our deputies do a good job of educating,” Johnson said, adding “we’re trying to make sure people are safe.”

Severe storms r power outages af

Page 6 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Sept. 11, 2019 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Opinion

Our

4,785 lose power Saturday

What now? you ask

There are some crazy mixed up goings on in Bradenton Beach, where everything seems to be them versus them. What battles loom next? This week we report on the supervisor of elections quash of four charter amendments that have been headed to the November ballot for many months. The questions, and how they will be worded, were posed on petitions — based on state requirements — by the proponents, Reed Mapes and John Metz. We believe Mapes and Metz were acting in the best interests of the city, proposing to improve city operations and limit unwanted development — things lacking in the city administration. The four questions, if they ever get to the ballot, will allow voters to restrict parking garages and construction in setbacks. Voters can opt to require a vote on filling commission vacancies — as opposed to letting commissioners fill an empty seat. And they can choose to hire a city manager to head up the $5.5 million budget and oversee the department heads — all with direction from the commission, of course. Not such bad schemes, we think, for the betterment of the city. The voters deserve to have their say, but wrangling over the wording, passing the ball back and forth between lawyers and judges, has resulted in an 11th hour demand from the supervisor of elections office, which may have the last word. SOE Mike Bennett says the ballot questions and summary are too wordy and he is declining to prepare the Nov. 5 ballot — ending all but a smidgen of hope for an election in November. Another court battle looms. And why didn’t we hear this news from the SOE sooner? Well, maybe it was delayed by a back-andforth lawyer seesaw, a battle of egos. Also this week, we’re learning that five of the six former board members who lost the Sunshine Lawsuit filed by the city against them — including Mapes and Metz — will file an appeal. They plan to fight on in the face of a hearing to determine who will pay the city’s costs, even though the defendants’ costs to stand up against the city are nearly equal those of the city. Would it be fair for the city and the defendants to each cover their costs? We say, “yes,” but in this city, too many minds are set against one another. No one wins on the seesaw.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY FRED STABBERT III

FRED STABBERT III | DEMOCRAT

Alpha and Omega Mountain Patrol sent six horses to Bethel Woods Center for the Arts all weekend to help with public safety. The horses are trained to work at mass gatherings and public events. Enjoying a pet of “Titan” before the Carlos Santana concert on Saturday night were, from the left: Kim Darder, Debbie Hornicek, Jeanne Leewe, Judy Qualls, Debbie Graham and Kelsey Hornicek.

Sullivan County enjoys great Anniversary weekend 100,000 visitors flock to county BY FRED STABBERT III

BETHEL – After nearly a year of planning Woodstock Weekend is now in the Sullivan County history books. And by any yardstick, it appears the major events which were held throughout Sullivan County were all well-attended and went off without a hitch. “We are absolutely thrilled,” Sullivan County Director of Communications Dan Hust said Monday morning. “Our preliminary estimates are that we hosted nearly 100,000 visitors this weekend,” Hust said. “That includes Bethel Woods, Porchfest, Yasgur Farm and Little World’s Fair. “We planned for the worst, hoped for the best and got the best,” Hust summed up. Sullivan County Commis-

sioner of Public Safety Rick Sauer said the planning process took all of a year. “We started planning for this a year ago,” Sauer said. “It basically consumed my whole summer. We went from monthly meetings, to weekly meetings to daily phone calls. It was a very good weekend that went much better than expected.” Both Hust and Sauer lauded local residents who responded to the advice to avoid Route 17B unless they were going to a business, an event or lived there. “That made a big difference [in keeping the road relatively open],” Sauer said. “The traffic plan was implemented very well by the NYS DOT and State Police.” One major storyline that popped up was the weather, bringing violent thunderstorms to Sullivan County on both Saturday and Sunday evenings.

Opinion

Your

PLEASE SEE 100,000, 1B

SEPT. 11, 2019 • Vol. 27, No. 46

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Publisher and Editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org Editorial Lisa neff, editor, lisa@islander.org Sandy ambrogi, sandy@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist arthur Brice, arthur@islander.org Sarah Brice, sarah@islander.org Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org michael dunn, michael@islander.org Jack elka, jack@jackelka.com Chrisann Silver esformes, chrisann@islander.org Brook morrison, brook@islander.org Ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org Kathy Prucnell, kathyp@islander.org Contributors Jesse Brisson Karen Riley-Love Capt. danny Stasny, fish@islander.org Advertising Director toni Lyon, toni@islander.org Office Staff Lisa Williams, manager Vicki mcIntyre, office assistant, reader advocate info@, accounting@, classifieds@, subscriptions@islander.org Distribution urbane Bouchet Judy Loden Wasco Ross Roberts (All others: news@islander.org)

Single copies free. Quantities of five or more: 25 cents each. ©1992-2019 • Editorial, sales and production ofﬁces: 3218 e. Bay drive, Holmes Beach fL 34217 WeBSIte: www.islander.org PHone 941-778-7978 toll-free fax 1-866-362-9821

American Electric sent its bucket tru day morning to repair the high voltag the last of three high voltage fuses i the timeshare units. so that they are safe to work on,” NYSEG spokesman Michael Jamision said. “After the repairs were made to their equipment, we re-energized the lines.” “At the peak, there were 4,785 NYSEG customers without electric on Saturday,” he said. It was just three weeks ago that a reported twister ripped through Hortonville, doing extensive damage to property, downing dozens of trees and injuring a driver whose car was hit by a falling

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Paul Ferber, of Rochester and the Beechwoods, was in Callicoon on Saturday to enjoy the Porchfest. Paul was wearing a 1969 Woodstock Press Pass issued to Robert Evans of the Sullivan County Democrat, which was quite the conversation starter. See more coverage of Porchfest in Friday’s Democrat.

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So I went to the drawer and found my Islander tie-dye T-shirt. AsISABEL you can see, I made theCouncilwoman paper — the Sullivan BY BRAVERMAN Jane NARROWSBURG — edition. Luchsinger said, “It’s a lot of County Democrat’s early Installing emergency backup money, I agree. I don’t like to I thinkfor it isthe theTown first of time do a picture of York a Ferber has generators it, but New State says Tustenonhas topic of any job over $20,000 requires been its been frontapage. conversation at recent town an engineering report. We Of meetings, course, getting page was board and on onethe front [already] wentsomething out for step taken to move the RFP’s—we zero.” of the of anwas inside job. The publisher still isgot a friend project forward at the most In the past year the board family. recent meeting last week. sent out an RFP for an elecPaul Ferber, Bradenton Beach and Rochester The board voted inoffavor of trical engineer and they signing a contract with received back two bids. But and the Beechwoods, New York Delaware Engineering for an the board rejected the bids

— Bonner Joy

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SULLIVAN COUNTY – What would ‘Woodstock Weekend’ be without rain and lightning? Well… for the hundreds of guests staying at the Villa Roma Resort and Conference Center in Callicoon, the weekend would have been a lot brighter if not for a severe thunder, rain and windstorm that sheared off two utility poles and knocked out power to the nearly full resort from shortly after 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday night. “We had a bad thunderstorm and high winds,” Villa Roma Resort General Manager Paul Carlucci said Sunday afternoon as electric crews from American Electric snapped the last fuses in place on a utility pole near the laundry building. According to NYSEG, “an evening of severe thunderstorms, lightning and intense wind gusts across the state…knocked out more than 16,000 customers [statewide]. “The hardest hit areas included Binghamton, Elmira, Geneva, Liberty, Mechanicsville and Oneonta divisions,” NYSEG reported. According to NYSEG, the Villa Roma had two broken poles due to the storm and NYSEG crews arrived to “make safe” the lines so private contractors could make temporary repairs. “We de-energize the lines

electrical engineer’s report because they didn’t meet all for generators in the Town the requirements. Hall and the Highway They again sent out a RFP Department Barn. and that time did not receive However, there was some any bids. Luchsinger said debate before the board several companies met with called the question, and ultithe town’s Code Enforcemately Councilman Tony ment Officer, Jim Crowley, Ritter abstained from voting. but then did not submit a The cost for the engineerproposal. ing report is $27,000 and RitSupervisor Carol Ropke ter was wary of that amount. Wingert said the companies “I have a problem with the said the project was too comengineering firm getting plicated and that they needpaid that sum of money—it’s ed an engineering report a lot of money—for two first. Crowley also recomRFP’s (request for proposals), mended that the town hire Web (register for free one for this building and onenews analerts) electrical engineer before for the islander.org highway building.” looking at installing genera-

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Facebook islandernewspaper ALMANAC 8A Back to Woodstock Twitter CLASSIFIED 3B 8A ALMANAC @ami_islander CLASSIFIED 3B The Islander was represented at the 50th anniverCOMING UP 8A COMING UP 8A Instagram sary of Woodstock.DOWNDOWN THE DECADES THE DECADES 6B 6B theislanderami Our family’s farm, going back to the late EDITORIAL 6A 1800s, is EDITORIAL 6A FURTHER REVIEW 7B MONTICELLO — Monticello wants to publicly thank Superin- the Boar Pinterest located about 15 minutes — with no traffic6A— from the HEREREVIEW AND THERE FURTHER 7B Central School District Superin- tendent Mangus for her hard all her f islandernewspaper Woodstock site in Bethel, mostlyTammy Mangus INSIDENew OUT York, which 6A is tendent sub- work and dedication to the Dis- an offic HERELETTERS AND THERE 6A 7A E-edition mitted her resignation to the trict’s students, staff and families district o why I wound up at the event 50 years ago. LONG Friday throughout her subscribers career at MontiOUTAGO 6A 6A Board of Education For $36 a year, e-edition have The sta This year I didINSIDE notOBITUARIES go to the actual site, to theShe plans to 2B but morning. step down cello. Superintendent Mangus’ Mangus LETTERS 7A 8BFest. SPORTS to an e-edition, with page-by-page viewsand the d effective 31. enthusiasm and passion for town nearest the farm, Callicoon, for Porch LocalAugustaccess STREAMSIDE “The BoardofofallEducation Monticello will be missed, and tion offi AGO of restaurants 6A 8B the news, photos, columns, community bands performed LONG outside and bars — WHILE THE KETTLE BOILS 6A announcements and advertisements weekly. To OBITUARIES 2B more my speed these days than the massive event. subscribe, visit islander.org. 8B the 1969 part. Porch Fest hadSPORTS a theme of dressing

Monticello Superintendent

STREAMSIDE

Sept.11, 2019 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 7 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Modern cooling a Power air Conditioning Inc. employee installs air conditioning at the newly constructed Island Library, 5701 marina drive, Holmes Beach, in 1982. the view is from the east side of the building looking north.

Oldfashioned sunbathing Several women gather for a day on the beach near the Bradenton Beach bathhouse. the photo was taken circa 1920-30. Islander Photos: manatee County Public Library System archives

10&20 years ago In the Sept. 8, 1999, issue:

• Charges against Anna Maria building official Phil Charnock for brandishing a handgun in a road-rage incident on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge were reduced to improper exhibition of a firearm, a misdemeanor. • Holmes Beach police investigated separate incidents in which two girls were sexually assaulted and their residences burglarized. The incidents took place in early July and August. Police Chief Jay Romine said a possible suspect was arrested for prowling, battery on a police officer and resisting arrest with violence. • Anna Maria Mayor Chuck Shumard said he declined to pursue the city purchase of six vacant lots at the northwest corner of the Pine Avenue and Bay Boulevard because the city couldn’t afford the $1.1 million price tag. Two years earlier, the lots were offered to the city for $175,000.

In the Sept. 9, 2009, issue:

• A court filing by attorneys representing Tom Buehler asked a judge to declare his wife, Sabin Musil-Buehler, dead. She had disappeared in November 2008, • Donation boxes were installed on the farefree island trolley as part of a private-public effort to keep the transit service free to passengers. • The federal Securities and Exchange Commission accused an island resident of selling unregistered securities. A search was conducted at the man’s home on Key Royale in Holmes Beach.

Have your say… The Islander accepts original letters of up to 250 words and reserves the

— Lisa neff

right to edit for grammar and length. Letters must include name, address and a contact phone number (for verification). Email: news@islander.org. Anonymous letters will not be printed.

We’d love to mail you the news!

We mail The Islander weekly for a nominal $54 per year. We also offer online e-edition subscriptions — a page-by-page view of the weekly news for only $36 per year, but you must sign up online. It’s the best way to stay in touch with what’s happening on Anna Maria Island. We bring you all the news about three city governments, community happenings, people features and special events … even real estate transactions … everything you need if your “heart is on Anna Maria Island.” If you don’t live here year-round, use this form to subscribe by (snail) mail for yourself or someone else. (Sorry, we do not suspend mail subscriptions — you get The Islander free while you’re here!)

The weekly archives for The Islander are online at ufdc.uﬂ.edu.

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Portraits by the Sea

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Holmes Beach considers stormwater tax hike By Chrisann Silver esformes Islander Reporter

Holmes Beach commissioners are looking for a way to pay for stormwater project shortfalls and build reserves. City engineer Lynn Burnett Aug. 27 presented city commissioners with three options to increase the stormwater fee, which can be used to address flooding. Homeowners pay an annual stormwater management fee to cover the cost of maintenance and longterm capital improvement projects. Each lot is assessed at a rate of $1.68 per 100 square feet, according to the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s Office. In June, FEMA assessed the city’s deteriorating seawalls, which are needed to work with stormwater infiltration systems to reduce flooding, and agreed to include seawall reconstruction as part of its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program project. But the city must pay for the project before FEMA reimburses 75%, which would create a $730,000 shortfall for fiscal year 2019-20. The adopted long-term budget plan for stormwater improvements includes a yearly 125% increase in the fee for six years to install, operate and maintain the city’s stormwater systems. The first option Burnett presented Aug. 27 would continue the 125% increase for the next fiscal year, bringing the fee to $2.10 per 100 square feet of property. The second option would increase the fee in 2020 to the fifth year rate of $4.10, and the third option is to increase the rate in 2020 to the projected sixth year fee of $4.40, matching the Bradenton Beach stormwater tax. Burnett said the increase to $4.40 would allow Holmes Beach to build a resiliency plan. If the commission adopts one of the proposed increases, it would be enacted Jan. 1, 2020, and paid with property taxes in 2021. Burnett said she factored elevation of seawalls and shorelines for sea level rise into the plan, and the city recently incorporated state-required “peril of flood” contingencies into its comprehensive plan. She said the guidelines must be followed because sea level projections call for a rise of 1-3 feet in 20 years. “We need to start thinking about our resiliency,” Burnett said, adding that the upcoming seawall replacement would have cost twice as much if the city had failed to catch the problem before it worsened.

Rain slows Holmes Beach stormwater, paving work By Chrisann Silver esformes Islander Reporter

Holmes Beach Commissioner Carol Soustek listens aug. 27 as Commissioner Rick Hurst discusses stormwater fees during a work session at city hall. Islander Photo: Chrisann Silver esformes

Seawalls, pipe infrastructure and vulnerability due to high tides are the biggest concerns, according to Burnett. “We’re on borrowed time for the seawalls,” she said. Burnett said her minimum recommendation would be to increase to the projected fifth-year rate of $4.10 per 100 square feet, but increasing the rate to $4.40 would be more efficient. The average residential lot size is 7,500 square feet. So an increase from $1.68 to $4.40 per 100 square feet would increase the fee by $202.50 annually. Commissioners asked Burnett to return with more information, including details on project costs and a spreadsheet showing how increased fees would fund the projects. “If we’re talking about things like resiliency and seawalls, and we really should be spending more money, we need to know how much more, what areas it’s going to address and how will it benefit the city,” Commission Chair Jim Kihm said. “I’m uncomfortable,” Commission Carol Soustek added. She said the proposed increase to $4.40 per 100 square feet seems steep. “I just can’t slam the residents with that kind of increase.” Mayor Judy Titsworth said she recognizes the need, but also appreciates the commissioners’ concerns about raising the fee. Burnett said she would provide more information for discussion at a commission meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

Construction has begun, but the weather hasn’t cooperated. Holmes Beach commissioners Aug. 27 approved the third revised agreement to extend a contract with Superior Asphalt Inc. to resurface Palm Drive from 66th Street northward to the city limits at 86th Street. In an Aug. 20 staff report, city engineer Lynn Burnett requested an extension of the contract completion date from Sept. 30 to Nov. 15, “due to the severe storm events the city has experienced over the past several weeks.” She said Aug. 27 that the contractor completed widening, but weather slowed the paving process. Also, asphalt needs 30 days to cure before installation of thermoplastic striping. “We had almost 20 inches of rain over the span of a couple weeks,” Burnett said. “So it pushed out the contracts they had ahead of us.” A motion to authorize the mayor to extend the contract was approved with a 4-0 vote. Commissioner Pat Morton was absent with excuse. The commission also approved a fourth revision with Woodruff and Sons Inc. to install the final phase of stormwater infiltration in fiscal year 2018-19. Phase C of the stormwater project includes a portion of city field, adjacent to city hall on Marina Drive, where the new skate park and dog park will be located, as well as the area of Gulf Drive-Avenue E-Fourth Avenue and some cross streets in the area south of the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive. Burnett also requested an extension of the contract completion date from Sept. 30 to Oct. 30. She said this request also was due to heavy rains but, barring back-to-back storm events, work should be completed by the new deadline. Commissioners also approved 4-0 the extension of the contract with Woodruff and Sons. Commission Chair Jim Kihm asked Burnett why the drainage work only needed a 30-day extension, but the paving and striping required 45 days. She said this was to allow the asphalt to cure.

Holmes Beach approves debris removal contracts, seeks more bids By Chrisann Silver esformes Islander Reporter

Holmes Beach didn’t waste any time. As forecasters were watching then-Tropical Storm Dorian Aug. 27, the city commission unanimously approved contracts with two post-disaster debris removal companies, Ceres Environmental Services of Sarasota and TFR Enterprises of Leander, Texas. A committee of city staff and officials opened bids Aug. 20 from Ceres and TFR and recommended the city contract with both. Eran Wasserman, project manager with LTA Engineers LLC, the firm owned by the city engineer, said there is no limit on how many companies the city could hire, adding it is best to have at least four under contract if a hurricane or other damaging circumstance, such as red tide, arises. TFR bid $283,280 for debris removal and Ceres bid $214,206. The request for proposals also was for monitoring companies to oversee debris removal and ensure the task is completed according to standards established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. However, the city did not receive bids from monitoring companies, according to Wasserman, who is overseeing the bid process. Wasserman recommended the city post the RFP again to procure more contractors for debris removal and bids for monitoring services. He said the city should have three or more contracts with debris removal companies and contracts with at least two monitoring services. Commissioner Carol Soustek asked Wasserman

debris collected in Holmes Beach after Hurricane Irma stretches across the city field Sept. 27, 2017. next to the public works facilities on marina drive. Islander file Photo: Kathy Prucnell

why the city needs more than two contractors. Wasserman said that if a major disaster occurs, the city’s top choice may not be available. Mayor Judy Titsworth said debris removal companies are dropping smaller cities. So Holmes Beach was fortunate to have two bids on the first RFP. “We’ll immediately do it again,” Titsworth said of re-posting the RFP. “Even if we don’t get more this year, we’re going to do it again early next year

and continue to build it up to get the best ones for the city.” Commissioner Kim Rash suggested Holmes Beach might benefit from hiring the same companies Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach contracted for debris removal. Titsworth agreed and added that could lead to better rates. Commission Chair Jim Kihm asked what the city has to guarantee a contractor will show up when needed. “There are no guarantees,” Wasserman replied. He said that is why the city must hire several contractors. Titsworth said if there is a need and no contractors show, FEMA would not let Holmes Beach be overlooked. She said if the governor declared an emergency, there are other ways to gain assistance, including Waste Pro, the city’s regular waste removal contractor. Following Hurricane Irma, which grazed Anna Maria Island as a Category 2 storm in September 2017, the cleanup, which did not involve a debris removal contractor, took several weeks. “But we don’t want to go to that,” Titsworth said of emergency assistance. “We want to make sure we’ve got a good number under contract, and we don’t have to go to that extent.” The commission approved 4-0 motions to allow the mayor to execute contracts for debris removal with Ceres and TFR. Commissioner Pat Morton was absent with excuse.

Sept.11, 2019 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 9 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Page 10 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Sept. 11, 2019 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

The Islander Calendar ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Compiled by Lisa Neff, calendar@islander.org

applies. Information: 941-746-4131. Second Saturdays, 4 p.m., IQuest for middle schoolers, the ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131. Friday, Sept. 13 Second and fourth Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. KidSpace, the Bishop 5:30-7:30 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Artist receptions, Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee Drive, and Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. applies. Information: 941-746-4131. Information: 941-778-6694.

A Hair Day Salon & Spa Please, join us for an informative lecture by Dr. Denise Kessler about the benefits of Reiki & Acupuncture. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re interested, call or text Dr. D at 941-524-9338, or sign up at A Hair Day Salon & Spa for the 6 pm Sept. 17 class!

941-795-5227

Saturday, Sept. 14 4 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Anna Maria Island Privateers celebrate â&#x20AC;&#x153;Talk Like a Pirate Day,â&#x20AC;? islandwide via the island trolley and at local pubs. Information: 931-639-0986. ONGOING ON AMI

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Looking Ahead on AMI Nov. 2, America Recycles Day at Sandblast, Holmes Beach. Nov. 30, Bridge Street tree lighting, Bradenton Beach. LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI

Oct. 19, Mote Marine Aquariumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fish, Fun and Fright night. Throughout September, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shower Powerâ&#x20AC;? display, Artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778CLUBS & 6694. COMMUNITY Throughout September, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Throttle Artâ&#x20AC;? exhibit, Island Gallery ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648. Second Fridays, downtown Holmes Beach art walk, various Wednesday, Sept. 11 venues. Information: 941-778-6694, 941-778-6648. Noon â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Coloring club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI 6:30 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Island Time Book Club, discussing â&#x20AC;&#x153;Big Little Lies,â&#x20AC;? Sept. 19-25, Island Playersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Steel Magnolias,â&#x20AC;? Anna Maria. Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941Sept. 22, Island Playersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; auditions, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Relatively Speaking,â&#x20AC;? Anna 778-6341. Maria. Saturday, Sept. 14 Oct. 19, Bayfest, Anna Maria. 8:30 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Anna Nov. 7-17, Island Playersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Relatively Speaking,â&#x20AC;? Anna Maria. Maria Island Beach Cafe, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive. Nov. 9, Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Information: 941-778-1383. Symphony on the Sand concert, Bradenton Beach. ONGOING ON AMI Ongoing OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND First Wednesdays, 10 a.m., â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ask A Master Gardenerâ&#x20AC;? in colThrough Sept. 29, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Natasha Mazurka: Order Systems,â&#x20AC;? John laboration with the Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Serand Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. vice, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: Fee applies. Information: 941- 359-5700. 941-778-6341. Through Oct. 13, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Fabric of Indiaâ&#x20AC;? exhibit, John and Mable Thursdays, 9-11 a.m., veterans services assistance, Island Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778applies. Information: 941- 359-5700. 6341. Through Dec. 31, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Always Readyâ&#x20AC;? U.S. Coast Guard exhibit, Third Thursdays, 11:45 a.m., Successful Women Aligning Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: Together meets, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton 941-708-6120. Beach. Fee applies. Information: 941-345-5135. Second Wednesdays, 12:15 p.m., Lunch and Learn program, Second Fridays, 6 p.m., AMI Resident Community Connecthe Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Brations, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. denton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131. Information: 941-778-1908. Second Wednesdays, 7 p.m., Think+Drink/Science, the Bishop Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island, Bridge Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941applies. Information: 941-746-4131. 718-0291. First Fridays, 6-9 p.m., ArtWalk in the Village of the Arts, around Tuesdays, 2-4 p.m., Tech Help, Island Library, 5701 Marina 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Also, Saturdays Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. after the first Fridays. Information: villageofthearts@gmail.com. LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI Second and fourth Saturdays, 1-4 p.m., Music on the Porch, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: Sept. 27, Senior Adventures potluck lunch and book sale, Bra941-708-6120. denton Beach. Oct. 1, National Night Out, Holmes Beach. Oct. 2-Nov. 20, Einsteinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Circle discussions, Anna Maria. Oct. 4, Set the Bar: You be the Judge Cocktail Competition, Oct. 30, Lifelong Learning Academy Lecture, Holmes Beach. Sarasota. Nov. 15-17, Anna Maria Island Art League Wellness Weekend, Oct. 12-Dec. 1, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Orchid Show, Holmes Beach. Sarasota. OFF AMI Oct. 19, John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art UnGala 2019, Sarasota. Wednesday, Sept. 11 Nov. 1, Village of the Artsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Festival of Skeletons, Bradenton. 8-10 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Manatee County Fire Chiefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tribute Nov. 9, eighth annual Cortez Stone Crab and Music Festival, to Heroes Memorial Service, Bradenton Riverwalk Park, 452 Third Cortez. Ave. W. Information: 941-932-9600. Looking Ahead off AMI

KIDS & FAMILY

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Tribute to Heroesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND

The Manatee County Fire Chiefs Association invites the public to attend the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tribute to Heroesâ&#x20AC;? memorial service at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11, at the Emergency Services Memorial on the Riverwalk in downtown Bradenton. The memorial is at 400 Third Ave. W. The service is in â&#x20AC;&#x153;remembrance of those lost Sept. 11, 2001,â&#x20AC;? according to an announcement from the association. Islander Courtesy Photo

Friday, Sept. 13 10 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Forty Carrots, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Saturday, Sept. 14 10 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Origami crafting, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Tuesday, Sept. 17 10 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Preschool storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. ONGOING OFF AMI Through Sept. 30, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hippos: A Truly Big Showâ&#x20AC;? poster exhibit, John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941- 359-5700. Fourth Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Stelliferous Star Talk, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee

Island happenings

Sept.11, 2019 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 11 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

‘talk like a Pirate Day’ observed on aMI Sept. 14

AGAMI’s awareness artists dee Pastorius and Karen Stuart of the artists’ guild of anna maria Island hold a painting of ribbons in colors symbolic of types of cancer. agamI, in october, will recognize the impact of cancer on its members. at the guild gallery, 5414 marina drive, Holmes Beach, artists will create a window display “dedicated to all agamI members who are cancer ‘involved.’” october is Breast Cancer awareness month. for more information, call the gallery at 941778-6694.

If you encounter a pirate on the trolley, say, “Argh.” The Anna Maria Island Privateers will celebrate “Talk Like a Pirate Day” by “pillaging and plundering pubs in the kingdom of Anna Maria Island,” according to a notice from the nonprofit. The activities will begin at 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, with the Privateers meeting at Harry’s Grill, then Slim’s Place, both in Anna Maria, then embarking on the fare-free island trolley to Holmes Beach for stops at the Waterline Resort, D.Coy Ducks Tavern and Freckled Fin. The trolley trip will resume at about 8 p.m. with a stop at the Anchor Inn, then on to Bradenton Beach and Tommy Knockers. Finally, at about 9:30 p.m., Talk Like a Pirate Day will wind up on Bridge Street. For more information, call Kim “Syren” Chauncey-Boyd at 931-639-0986.

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‘Second Friday’ art socials set

Island Gallery West and the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island will hold public receptions Friday, Sept. 13. The receptions, set for 5:30-7:30 p.m., continue the tradition of the downtown art walks that take place the second Friday of the month during the fall-winter tourist season. Light bites and refreshments will be provided. The public is invited. IGW is at 5368 Gulf Drive, and the Guild Gallery LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI is at 5414 Marina Drive. For more information, call IGW at 941-778-6648 Oct. 26, 22nd annual Cortez Nautical Flea Market, Cortez. or AGAMI at 941-778-6694. Oct. 26, Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium’s Oceanic Eve-

More calendar dates ning gala, Sarasota. Oct. 26, Bradenton Farmers’ Market, Bradenton.

GAMES, SPORTS & OUTDOORS ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND

99th St. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923. Friday, Sept. 13 9 a.m. — Wildlife Spotlight: Woodpeckers, Robinson Preserve, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923. 7:30 p.m. — Citizen Science Academy: Dark Skies, Robinson Preserve, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-7425923. Saturday, Sept. 14 8 a.m. — Saturday Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923. 7 p.m. — Full Moon Paddle, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923.

Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m., horseshoes pitched, Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-7086130. Wednesdays and Fridays, 9:15 a.m.-10:30 a.m. pickleball, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-1908. Thursdays, Saturdays and Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI Legends Tennis, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-1908. Sept. 21, National Estuaries Week oyster reef restoration, Most Fridays, 11:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. (call for times) mahjong Perico. games, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. InformaOct. 4, Center of Anna Maria Island Ugly Grouper Golf Tournation: 941-778-6341. ment, Bradenton Saturdays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., pickleball, Center of Anna Maria Oct. 5, Palma Sola Botanical Park plant sale, Bradenton. Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: Oct. 5, Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Sale, Palmetto. 941-778-1908. Oct. 17, Manatee Audubon meet-and-greet, Bradenton. Mondays, noon, AMI Bridge, Roser Memorial Community SAVE THE DATES Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. Sept. 23, first day of autumn. Mondays, AMI Dragon Boat Fun and Fitness Club, time depends on tides, 417 63rd St., Holmes Beach. Info: 941-462-2626. Mondays-Saturdays, 7:30-10:30 a.m., Round Robin Tennis, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-1908. Most Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong games and instruction for beginners, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

take some aMi home! we have islander coffee mugs! all-cotton aMi shopping totes! More-than-a-mullet-wrapper t-shirts! and $2 aMi stickers! get YoUrs @ the islander, 3218 e. Bay drive, Holmes Beach AMI Chamber of Commerce 2017 Best Business of the Year

LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI Sept. 21, Keep Manatee Beautiful’s International Coastal Cleanup, areawide. Sept. 21, Center of Anna Maria Island youth fall soccer, Anna Maria.

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Page 12 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Sept. 11, 2019 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

BB cRa rejects committee idea, pier paint bid, discusses projects

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think it would beautify the whole corner if we could do this,â&#x20AC;? she said. Cole supports the plan but wants to tackle other CRA projects first, such as the buried utilities on Bridge Street. Chappie agreed the agency needs to watch its spending for the 2019-20 fiscal year but suggested approving the welcome tower so the CRA can pursue permits. Smith said she didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mind a postponement. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All I want to do is to give you as many parts of my creative vision as I possibly can,â&#x20AC;? she said.

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

An array of projects for Bradenton Beachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic district are slowly making their way to the surface. Community redevelopment agency members reached consensus Sept. 5 to reject the creation of a committee under Emily Anne Smith, hired to design a master plan for the district. Smith wanted a committee to oversee projects, such as a jitney to transport people between Coquina Beach and Bridge Street. The CRA promotes restoration, growth and tourism for the district â&#x20AC;&#x201D; bordered by Cortez Road, Sarasota Bay, Fifth Street South and the Gulf of Mexico â&#x20AC;&#x201D; by funding capital improvements with Manatee County tax revenue since 1992, when the area was declared blighted. The agency includes the mayor, city commissioners and two appointed members, restaurant-owner Ed Chiles and David Bell, a full-time resident of the district. Smith proposed a committee of about five residents and businesspeople to discuss and organize projects. Commissioner Ralph Cole, who serves as chair of the CRA, said such a committee could put the CRA in jeopardy regarding the Sunshine Law. He said he supports community involvement, but not a committee. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It gets to become a real problem,â&#x20AC;? Mayor John Chappie, a CRA member, said about creating an additional committee. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And it exposes us to all kinds of appearances of improprieties.â&#x20AC;?

a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sunset Welcome towerâ&#x20AC;? is proposed at the corner of Cortez Road and gulf drive. Islander Photo: Courtesy Bradenton Beach

payment to city engineer Lynn Burnettâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s firm, LTA Engineering, for its work on a permit for a jitney trail from Coquina Beach to Bridge Street. The motion also authorized the firm to move forward with permitting and to work with Perry on funding for the project. Burnett met with county administrator Cheri Coryea to discuss the project. Since the trail â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a pervious concrete path for use by the jitneys â&#x20AC;&#x201D; would run along the Coquina and Cortez beaches, which are managed by the county, the project requires county approval. Burnett said she would continue to work on plans to reconfigure Cortez Beach parking spaces to accommodate the trail. Smith â&#x20AC;&#x201D; who provided an exterior design for a 39-passenger jitney â&#x20AC;&#x201D; said she has several drafts of Cortez Beach parking reconfigurations â&#x20AC;&#x153;blessedâ&#x20AC;? years ago by the county. Perry said the state rejected appropriations for the jitney due to lack of details, but she would pursue money again when the project is developed. She added that Coryea suggested bringing the issue to county commissioners for consideration in September, and appeared to support the project. Burnett said the project, which would provide an alternative path for the jitney to Bridge Street, also would improve stormwater retention and would eliminate drivers from backing onto Gulf Drive to exit. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If we can get our governments together to come up with a solution to our parking problem, why not?â&#x20AC;? Cole said.

Pier paint job CRA members voted 5-0 the same day to reject a $10,900 bid from Largo-based L&T Brothers to paint the structures and railings of the Historic Bridge Street Pier because the company selected for the work increased its bid by $3,500 without explanation. CRA members Chiles and Randy White were absent with excuse. The pier project involves cleaning and painting wood railings, the clock tower, as well as the gazebo, rafters, posts and under-decking fascia. Cole said the price increase raised a red flag. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sorry, but to me, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unacceptable,â&#x20AC;? Cole said. He suggested throwing out the bid. Public works manager Tom Woodard told CRA members said he was hesitant about possible change orders and requests for more money. He also said he is opposed to painting the pier. Woodard said he joined public works when the old pier was painted, and it became a maintenance issue. Commissioner Jake Spooner, a CRA member, suggested a trial run on the pier, painting only the boardwalk leading to the pier. City attorney Ricinda Perry said she would prepare a new request for proposals, and suggested allowing Welcome tower Woodard choose a test area. CRA members voted 5-0 to approve plans to build CRA members reached consensus to allow Woo- a â&#x20AC;&#x153;sunset welcoming towerâ&#x20AC;? southeast of the corner of dard to proceed with a test area. Gulf Drive and Cortez Road on city-owned land. Smith said the structure would welcome people Jitney trail entering the district without blocking views of the Gulf CRA members voted 5-0 to approve a $5,500 of Mexico. !"#$%&'(%)*+,-%./%*01*,"*23*%"2%,*-"4*2#"+5%,*6.4*5"278%4*-"72%+24%3.2-#,93#".28 5*#%9-%4*-"72%+%6.,*%:*+9#"/95%+24%/923#".2+5%-1+3*%/.,%).9,%5"/*-#)5*

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71st Season

Wise-cracking Truvy offers shampoos and free advice to the ladies of Chinquapin, Louisiana, including her eager assistant Annelle, town curmudgeon Ouiser, the eccentric Miss Clairee, and social leader Mâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Lynn, whose daughter Shelby is about to get married. The groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strength â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and love â&#x20AC;&#x201C; make them truly touching company in good times and bad.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss this one! Box office opens Sept. 9

Â&#x2030; t Â&#x2030; Insightful Comedic Drama Â&#x2030; t Â&#x2030; A Tribute to Friendship Â&#x2030; t Â&#x2030; Tugs at the Heartstrings

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Steel Magnoliasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Sept. 19-29 Written by Robert Harling Directed by Mike Lusk

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Trolley stop CRA members voted 5-0 to direct Burnett to acquire more detailed cost estimates for permitting from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the state Department of Transportation to replace the Manatee County Area Transit shelter outside city hall. The shelter would be replaced with one designed by Smith to seat eight people. The current stop seats four people. Chappie said the current shelter was installed years ago as replacement of a larger stop after the original was damaged, adding that Smithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shelter would fit the original shelterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s footprint. Burnett said it would cost the CRA up to $13,000 to obtain permits for the new shelter from the state. Smith previously estimated it would cost $27,000 to build the structure, bringing the total expense to $40,000. Spooner said he doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like the look of the current shelter but isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sure about spending so much to replace it. Cole said the CRA could acquire permits for a new trolley stop â&#x20AC;&#x153;a heck of a lot cheaperâ&#x20AC;? than the amount quoted. He called for more detailed cost estimates. Chappie moved to have Burnett flesh out the costs, and Spooner seconded the motion.

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Sept.11, 2019 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 13 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Eric Whitley stands along the coastline near San Francisco. Islander Courtesy Photos

Take 5:00 on break with Michael Dunn

Longtime islander severely injured in California

Rockaway Beach in Pacifica, California, is renowned for its scenic hiking and biking trails, and Eric Whitley was eager for adventure Aug. 8, when he set out to mountain-bike along the rugged coastline. The trek, however, is not over. The day turned tragic when the sandy path he was navigating collapsed at the edge of a cliff overlooking the shore. Whitley plummeted 40 feet, his body ricocheting off the jagged rocks below. Whitley, who grew up on Anna Maria Island, was severely injured, suffering a cracked vertebra, torn ligaments and multiple fractures to his legs and ankles. He was between jobs, with little money, so his brother, Mark, set up a GoFundMe page to help with medical and other expenses, including rent. “His ankles were pulverized. He won’t be able to walk for at least three months (but) he’s alive,” said Eric’s father, Danny Whitley, better known on Anna Maria Island as “Dan Dan the Pizza Man’ because of his nearly three decades working and delivering for Domino’s Pizza in Holmes Beach. Eric, 30, has already had three surgeries, and there’s a long road of recovery ahead, his father related

from the doctors. The Whitley family is well-known on the island. The boys went to Anna Maria Elementary School and played local sports. “A lot of outdoor stuff,” Dan Whitley said. Eric Whitley moved to California eight years ago. He’s being treated at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center. His brother Mark and his mother, Anne-Marie Shurina, are there with him. “The stress on our family has been unbelievable, but we’ve had so much support in the community,” Dan Whitley said. “It’s been overwhelming how kind everyone has been to us.’ So far, the family has raised more than $26,000. More will be needed. Money, however, isn’t the family’s primary focus, according to Dan Whitley. “Just prayers,” he said. “We’ll take prayers. I have never prayed so much in my life.”

Eric Whitley is receiving treatment at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center.

Whitley said he wants to thank everyone in the community for their support and donations. To contribute, visit www.gofundme.com, sign up, and search for “Eric Whitley.”

Tickets for Sha Na Na show at community center go on sale Born to hand jive? The band that made “Born to Hand Jive” a hit will rock the stage at the Center of Anna Maria Island. The rock ’n’ roll group Sha Na Na will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Sha Na Na began as an acapella group — the Kingsmen —on the campus of Columbia University in New York City in 1969. The group originally performed a variety of songs, but the music of the 1950s proved so popular with audiences the members decided to stick to the oldies and became Sha Na Na, according to a biography on the band’s website. The name

came from a line in “Get A Job,” performed by the Silhouettes in 1957 and later by Sha Na Na. The band’s lineup today includes founding members Jocko Marcellino and Donny York and early member Screamin’ Scott Simon. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and an opening act, not yet announced, will perform at 7 p.m. Reserved seating costs $48-$68. Tickets went on sale in late August at the Manatee Performing Arts Center. For more information, call the MPAC at 941-7485875 or go online to www.manateeperformingartscenter.com.

Box office opens on Island Players 71st season The Island Players will open its 71st season at the island playhouse Thursday, Sept. 19, with “Steel Magnolias,” written by Robert Harling and directed by Mike Lusk with assistance from Priscilla Boyd. The show continues through Sunday, Sept. 29. Performances will be 8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and

Season listings

B:3.22"

Send group announcements for the season of events to calendar@islander.org. Please include a contact phone number for publication.

Danny Whitley is knownT:3.22" on the island as “Dan Dan the Pizza Man.” IslanderS:2.97" Photo: Michael Dunn

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2 p.m. Sunday in the theater, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. The box office is dark Mondays. Tickets are $23 each. The cast includes Priscilla Boyd, Jennifer Kwiatkowski, Tahlia Chinault, Caitlin Ellis, Cathy HanselEdgerton, Corinne Woodland, Kelly Wynn Woodland and Sue Belvo. The box office is 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays through the run, as well as an hour before performances. For more information, call the box office at 941 778-5755 or go to www.theislandplayers.org.

Bungalow Beach Resort DIRECTLY ON THE BEACH! Classic 1930s island-style resort. 800.779.3601 bungalow@bungalowbeach.com www.bungalowbeach.com JEWELRY Bridge Street Jewelers The island’s full-service jewelry store. 129 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach 941.896.7800

MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT Gulf Drive Band The Best! Classic Danceable Tunes Musical Entertainment DJ for Weddings, Receptions. Call: 941.778.0173. email: gulfdriveband@gmail.com

PHOTOGRAPHY Jack Elka PhotoGraphics The finest wedding photography since 1980. Studio: 315 58th St., Holmes Beach. Preview weddings: www.jackelka.com • 941.778.2711

WEDDING PLANNER AMI Beach Weddings Destination Beach Wedding Experts. AMIBeachWeddings.com love@amibeachweddings.com

Island Photography Beautiful and creative photography to treasure for a lifetime. Dara Caudill • 941-778-5676 islandphotography.org

TO BE INCLUDED IN IWED, CONTACT TONI LYON, 941-928-8735, OR toni@islander.org

Page 14 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Sept. 11, 2019 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Jacksonville Beach man arrested for DUI in Bradenton Beach

Counterfeit money passed

Several suspects have passed or attempted to pass counterfeit $20, $50 and $100 bills in Bradenton, Holmes Beach and Cortez since midAugust. Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said an employee at a Holmes Beach business spotted the bill and refused to accept it. A bill was passed in August at Solo’s Pizza, 3244 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. Bills also were passed at several Manatee Avenue eateries in Bradenton, according to reports from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Ofﬁce, while alert employees at Tide Tables and Cortez Kitchen restaurants in Cortez caught the fake money and refused to accept it. No suspects were arrested as of Sept. 4, according to Tokajer. — Sandy Ambrogi

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Hill later observed Becker driving a vehicle at Bridge Street and Bay Drive. The driver ran a stop sign and traveled the wrong way around the traffic circle. Another Bradenton Beach officer assisted Hill in detaining Becker in a Bridge Street parking lot before an MCSO deputy arrived, tested Becker for signs of impairment and made the DUI arrest. Becker refused to provide breath samples on the scene and at the Manatee County jail, where he was booked. At his first court appearance, he was released on pretrial supervision. Becker also was ticketed for running a stop sign and traveling the wrong way at the roundabout on Bay Drive. Becker’s next court date will be at 8:25 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 13, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

Streetlife

Island police reports

Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach, Cortez No reports. Holmes Beach Aug. 28, 100 block of 34th Street, burglary. Holmes Beach police responded to a burglary in progress and found the property owners with an unknown 15-yearold male and a stolen car parked in front of their house. The couple had returned from dinner to ﬁnd their door open and initially reported nothing missing. Police took the teen into custody after connecting him with reports that a juvenile from Bradenton was missing and thought to be in a stolen car. The teen told police he had gone to the beach to clear his head, saw the house for sale and decided to go inside. HBPD transported the teen to a Manatee County juvenile facility. Aug. 31, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, alcohol. Police found a man and woman with beer sitting on a beach at 1:34 a.m. Ofﬁcers ticketed them for violating the ordinance against possessing alcohol on the beach and they left the park. Holmes Beach is policed by the HBPD. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

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The team is gathering for the next challenge. But this time it is down one player. In a civil lawsuit that began in August 2017 and was decided July 19 in favor of Bradenton Beach and ex-Mayor Jack Clarke, Judge Edward Nicholas ruled that six former city board members violated Florida’s Government-in-the-Sunshine Law by discussing city matters at meetings of the now-defunct neighborhood organization Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton Beach, and through the exchange of emails, texts and phone calls. Defendants Reed Mapes, Tjet Martin and Bill and Rose Vincent Sept. 5 joined defendant John Metz’s appeal to the Florida 2nd District Court of Appeal ﬁghting the declaratory judgement. Defendant Patty Shay opted not to join the other defendants in appealing the ruling. Shay said Sept. 5 that she could not afford the costs associated with the appeal. Also, she is unsure of the grounds. “The judge made his decision,” she said. “I don’t want to invest the time anymore. I’ll take my chances.” Additionally, Shay said she had been willing to take the settlement twice offered by the city to the defendants to end the lawsuit, which required a collective admission of guilt and payment of $500 fee each. “I was willing to sign it and end it,” she said. “But we all had to sign it, even though we were not co-defendants.” Martin said she is appealing because she is innocent. “I didn’t do anything wrong,” she said. “I can’t live with this accusation hanging over my head. We need to at least try.” As of Sept. 5, the city’s costs and fees for the suit exceed $400,000. In June, Metz said his costs were nearly $200,000. At a Sept. 5 city commission meeting, city attorney Ricinda Perry recommended attorney Steve Chase of Sarasota for the appeal, and offered to provide his rates to the commission. The hearing for fees and costs, previously set for Oct. 4, was postponed to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

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A man was arrested on his 32nd birthday for driving under the influence after he bothered several people at a bar in Bradenton Beach. Lonson Becker, of Jacksonville Beach, was arrested at 10:32 p.m. Aug. 17 in the parking lot at 116 Bridge St. by a Manatee County sheriff’s deputy called to assist Bradenton Beach police. As part of a Bridge Street patrol, BBPD Officer Eric Hill checked on Becker The Lighthouse bar, 119 Bridge St., and noticed Becker appeared intoxicated, having slurred speech and trouble standing. The owners and other people reported Becker made advances at women and told Hill they wanted the man to leave, according to the officer’s report. A police report states Hill advised Becker to leave but not to drive and that Becker left, saying he would call someone to drive him home.

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Sept.11, 2019 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 15 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

HB, owners await ruling on 6 Bert Harris property cases By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter

Same fact pattern. Same legal issues. Two results. The city of Holmes Beach hoped to bring an end to 11 cases of property owners suing under the Bert J. Harris Jr. Private Property Rights at Aug. 28 and Sept. 4 hearings — but so far, that’s not happening. With motions for judgments on the pleadings, the city claimed the owners’ lawsuits were improper and based on untimely filings. Twelfth Circuit Judge Charles Sniffin postponed ruling Sept. 4 on six cases, saying he would take the matter “under advisement” before issuing a written order. A week earlier, in another Manatee County courtroom, Judge Edward Nicholas ruled from the bench accepting the owners’ argument they were proper and timely and allowed five other cases to proceed. The 11 lawsuits involve property owners who, before the city’s 2015-16 short-term rental ordinances limited occupancy to two-persons per bedroom, were not restricted as to the number of occupants. Clearwater attorney Jay Daigneault of Trask, Daigneault, assigned by the city’s insurer, Florida Municipal Insurance Trust, argued the vacation rental owners’ failed to file their claim within one year of the adoption of the 2015 occupancy ordinance and to request a variance from the occupancy law. Attorney Aaron Thomas, of the Najmy Thompson Bradenton law firm, representing the property owners in the 11 lawsuits, argued the clock started ticking in 2016 after an ordinance set in motion the enforcement of the occupancy rule and that requesting a variance would have been futile. The city commission enacted the ordinances in response to a public call to address issues stemming

from a proliferation of large rental houses. Mayor Judy Titsworth watched the proceedings Sept. 4, and after the hearing said, “Whichever way it goes, it’s part of the procedure.” Thomas defended against the city motion alongside five Najmy attorneys. More than 80 property owners invoked the Bert Harris law by filing claims in Holmes Beach in 2017, claiming an inordinate burden caused by the occupancy ordinance that resulted in a loss of market value. Fifteen of these claims were upped to lawsuits. Two were voluntarily dismissed by the owners and in one case, the owners lost at trial. The owners’ claims heard by Sniffin Sept. 4, the corresponding rental properties and alleged losses based on appraisals are: • Shawn Kaleta, 204 72nd St., $400,000. • Brian Wien, 111 81st St., $220,000. • Robert and Michelle Carl, 118th 50th St.,

$400,000. • 307 66th LLC, 307 66th St., Unit B, $295,000. • 302 55th LLC, 302 55th St., $655,000. • R. Carlile Roberts, 6422 Gulf Drive, Unit 5, $380,000 Florida Gulf Coast Vacation Homes has a claim for 211 54th St. pending before Sniffin for $395,000, but was not heard with the others. In the 11 lawsuits, alleged damages total $4.895 million — all claimed due to market value losses stemming from the city’s 2015 occupancy ordinance and a 2016 ordinance setting the May date for its enforcement. According to city officials, the Bert Harris claims have been submitted to FMIT under the city’s insurance policies. The next hearing for pending cases was 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 9, after press time for The Islander.

Judge Charles Sniffin listens Sept. 4 in his manatee County courtroom to a pretrial motion from the city of Holmes Beach in six cases filed under the Bert J. Harris Jr. Private Property Protection act. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell

Tiki & Kitty’s Let’s go shopping! Tiki and Kitty are hot on the summer shopping trail. Blue Flamingo is looking to cool you off in September with their fun, funky atmosphere and hot deals. Here you will find upcycled and repurposed goods, renewed furniture, decor — from antique cameras to garden features — as well as candles and yummy scents, jewelry, trinkets and an eclectic collection of work by local artisans. They also retail for Dixie Belle paints. Be alert, new inventory arrives daily. Blessed & Distressed in Palma Sola Square, around the corner from Winn-Dixie, offers 30-plus vendors and artists — everything from classic to quirky — including vintage, upcycled, shabby chic, hand-sewn fanciful frocks and local crafts and art. You won’t be disappointed with this great shop,

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fectly, imperfect look. They feature a mixture of styles: cottage, coastal, beachy and even a little rustic farmhouse. They also have a great selection of gifts and jewelry. Scavengers Marketplace now has a shop on Anna Maria Island at the Island Shopping Center in Holmes Beach. Check out the new digs but don’t forget Sip & Shop at the Ellenton location, 4-7 p.m. the third Friday of the month. Wine, hors d’oeuvre and savings. Go! Help Moonracer Pet Rescue. Please, be sure to tell our friends in the shops, “The Islander sent me.”

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Page 16 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Sept. 11, 2019 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Seasoned warriors back to fight DOT over Cortez megabridge By Arthur Brice Islander Reporter

The years may have slowed down their bodies or their memories, but not their spirits. Katie Pierola and Linda Molto began battling the Florida Department of Transportation 30 years ago when the agency announced plans to build a 65-footclearance fixed-span to replace the Cortez Bridge. Pierola and Molto prevailed then, but the DOT has returned with plans to build a megabridge between Bradenton Beach and the historic fishing village of Cortez Pierola and Molto say they’ve returned too. “I would never not be involved,” Molto, 74, told The Islander in an Aug. 29 interview. Pierola, 86, may have knee surgery in November and uses a walker to get around. “I can’t jump in the car,” she said in an interview Aug. 29. “I can’t go to meetings like I used to. But I still get involved.” Neither woman is surprised by the DOT’s efforts. “We had a feeling it would come back,” Molto said. “We know the DOT. We just know them. Because we dealt with them before, we know who they are.” Said Pierola, “They haven’t given up. That’s bad because of all the work we did to save that bridge.” When the DOT announced its plans in 1989, Molto, who lives in Cortez, joined forces with Pierola, who was mayor of Bradenton Beach from 1989-92. Public outcry led the DOT to abandon plans for the Cortez Bridge in the early1990s. But the agency then announced plans to replace the Anna Maria Island Bridge with a 65-foot-clearance fixed span, same as it wanted for Cortez. Pierola and more than 70 other activists answered by forming Save Anna Maria in 1993. SAM won a lawsuit against the DOT in 1997 that halted plans for the bridge over concerns for seagrass beds and shallow waters. That quieted the waters for more than a decade. The DOT came back with a study completed in 2010 that determined the Anna Maria Island Bridge would have no significant impact on natural resources and wildlife, among other factors. The Federal HighCortez resident Linda Molto says she’s ready way Administration approved the study in 2016. to take up the fight again to keep a high bridge SAM disbanded in October 2017. from slicing through the historic fishing village. The prevailing notion among local officials and Islander Photo: Sarah Brice bridge opponents was that the DOT would get a high span for the Anna Maria Island Bridge, and leave the the anti-bridge brigade is now just getting started. Cortez structure alone. Slowly. It was not to be. They have had one meeting, she said, but don’t The DOT began a study in 2013 on options for replacing the Cortez Bridge and announced in April really know what’s next. The passage of time has weakened the bonds. 2018 that it would build a 65-foot bridge. “We knew everybody back then,” she said. “Now, Molto, who admits to a failing memory, says we don’t. We had a history with the island, and they had a history with us. It’s not gone, but it’s not what it was. “When the old-timers died, a lot of the young ones decided they did not want to live here any more or they didn’t want to fish and went elsewhere.” Opponents of the high span have maintained for years it would permanently damage the character of Cortez, which was designated a U.S. historic district in 1995 — largely due to the grass-root efforts of Linda Molto and Mary Fulford Green. “What’s it going to do to the fishing village?” Pierola asked. County Commissioner Carol Whitmore, who represents the residents countywide, is the only member of the seven-member board who opposes the high bridge. She is making another push to see it replaced by a 45-foot-clearance drawbridge. Molto says she wishes the rest of the commission would oppose the high bridge. In 2007, former Bradenton Beach Mayor Katie “I don’t understand why the county would want Pierola, who served the city and SAM during the to do something like that to Cortez,” Molto said. battles with the DOT to replace the Cortez and Anna Holmes Beach resident Nancy Deal served in a Maria Island bridges with megaspans, displayed 12 leadership post with SAM after joining the group in binders she compiled of reports and studies, includ- 2001. She strongly criticizes the DOT, which has its ing the lawsuit that halted the AMI Bridge in the regional headquarters in Polk County. 1990s. The binders and scrapbooks of news articles “A bureaucrat is making a decision that affects are available as reference materials at the downpeople’s lives,” she told The Islander in an Aug. 28 town Bradenton Library. Islander File Photo telephone interview. “Someone sitting in Bartow.”

Former Bradenton Beach Mayor Katie Pierola fought efforts in the 1990s to keep the state DOT from building a megabridge to Anna Maria Island. She and others opposed to the high span have maintained for years it would permanently damage the character of historic Cortez.

“What’s it going to do to the fishing village?” she asked. Islander

Photo: Sarah Brice

Whitmore says the DOT may be tone deaf to this issue. “I think they don’t understand the long heritage of the Cortez fishing village and its role in the state of Florida,” she said in a telephone interview Aug. 30. “With all due respect, they should consider it. Once the fishing village’s character is gone, it will never come back.” DOT District 1 secretary LK Nandam said in a statement emailed to The Islander on Aug. 22 that all due care is being taken to preserve the village. “We go through an extensive project development process, which follows both federal and state requirements, to seek the best solution for the entire community,” Nandam wrote. “The department will continue its engagement with the communities, particularly, Cortez village and Bradenton Beach, as we prepare the design for the bridge,” he wrote later in his statement. County Commission Chair Stephen Jonsson, whose district includes Anna Maria Island and Cortez, said in an Aug. 23 interview with The Islander that he feels comfortable that the DOT will preserve the character of the village. “In my conversations with the DOT,” he said, “that’s something they’re very sensitive to.” Nandam and megabridge opponents agree that repair cost is a major factor. The high span “would not require the extensive maintenance that traditional, lower-profile bridges have,” Nandam told The Islander. “The DOT does not like bascule bridges because of the maintenance costs,” Deal said. “In our case, they don’t consider what it does to the community.” The Cortez Bridge had major rehab projects in 1996, 2010 and 2015. The Anna Maria Island Bridge has had six structural repairs since 1978. Both drawbridges have outlived their 50-year life spans, the DOT says. New bridges have 75-year life spans, according to the DOT. Design work on the Anna Maria Island Bridge is about 60 percent complete, but won’t be finished until fiscal 2022-23, DOT spokesman Brian R. Rick told The Islander in August. Construction is not funded. A $6.4 million contract has been awarded for bridge design, but work has not started, Rick said. The DOT is waiting on the project development and environment study release, expected by the end of this year, the DOT spokesman said. The study will determine the environmental, economic, social, cultural and physical impacts of the new bridge. But Pierola and Molto are not waiting. They hear, in the words of 17th century English poet and politician Andrew Marvell, “time’s winged chariot hurrying near.” “We’re not going to let them off easy,” Molto said. Pierola makes no excuses for her feistiness. “I’m just the normal person on politics,” she said. “I am what I am. That’s it.”

Sept.11, 2019 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 17 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Page 18 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Sept. 11, 2019 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Gathering

WORSHIP

Tuning up for SoulJourn derrick Williams sits at the piano in the sanctuary at Roser memorial Community Church, 512 Pine ave., anna maria. Williams is involved in SoulJourn, a new casual, music-inspired worship service at the church that will preview at 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 15, with refreshments and fellowship following the program. for more information, call Roser at 941778-0414.

Obituaries

louise adler

Louise (Talé) Adler, 93, of Falmouth, Massachusetts, and formerly of Anna Maria Island, died Sept. 5. She was born in Brooklyn, New York, the daughter of immigrants. Her father was from Italy and her mother was from France. Her parents put a high priority on education and Ms. Adler, at 27, earned a doctorate in adler immunology. Her career included teaching at the university level, as well as many years of research at the Public Health Research Institute in New York City and at St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. For most of her career, she worked alongside her

Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-4769. Thursday 9:30 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1638. Saturday 4 p.m. — St. Bernard, Holmes Beach. 5 p.m. — Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1813. Sunday 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. — Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian (USA), 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-8833. 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. — Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. 9:30 a.m. — Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-779-1912. 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. — St. Bernard, Holmes Beach. 9 a.m. — CrossPointe Fellowship, 8665 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-0719. 9 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, Holmes Beach. 9:30 a.m. — Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Holmes Beach. 10 a.m. — Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-6491. 11 a.m. — Cortez Church of Christ, 12111 45th Ave. W., Cortez. Information: 941-216-6286. ONGOING Wednesday 7 a.m. — Men’s Bible study, CrossPointe.

husband of 43 years, Frank L., who died in 1991. After her retirement in 1987, she filled her days with music, art and travel. While living in Florida, she was a performing member of the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra, as well as a board member and its president for several years. She also was a member and occasional performer with the Manatee Players in Bradenton and a longtime member of the Bradenton Opera Guild. After moving to Falmouth in 1999, she sang with the Woods Hole Cantata Consort and the Falmouth Chorale. Every summer for 15 years she participated in the Berkshire Choral Festival. She was an accomplished artist: her watercolors featured her favorite places in Falmouth and sites she “Anna Maria Island,” a pictorial history book of the island by Bonner Joy, is available for $20 at the Islander office, 3218 e. Bay drive, Holmes Beach. Joy is publisher of the Islander newspaper. She came to amI in 1975 and launched the newspaper in 1992.

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7:15 a.m., St. Bernard’s Rosary on the Beach, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. 8 a.m. — Men’s breakfast, Church of the Annunciation. 10 a.m. — Women’s Bible study, Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian (USA). 9 a.m. — Men’s Bible study, Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian (USA). 10 a.m. — Tai chi exercise, Gloria Dei. 11 a.m. — Just Older Youth group, second and fourth Wednesdays, Roser. 11:30 a.m. — Prayer partners, Gloria Dei. 6:15 p.m. — Wednesday Night Blast, CrossPointe. 7 p.m. — Bible study, Cortez Church of Christ. Thursday 9:30 a.m. — Roser-robics, Roser. 10 a.m. — Women’s Bible study, Gloria Dei. 10 a.m. — Bible study, Harvey Church. Saturday 3 p.m. — Confession, St. Bernard. Sunday 8:45 a.m. — Adult Sunday school, Roser. 9 a.m. — Adult book study, Roser. 10:15 a.m. — Fellowship, Gloria Dei. 10 a.m. — Bible study, Cortez Church of Christ. 10:30 a.m. — Life group, CrossPointe. Tuesday 9:30 a.m. — Women’s prayer, CrossPointe. 9:30 a.m. — Roser-robics, Roser.

had visited in her travels. Her love of opera began as a child, attending the Glimmerglass Festival in Cooperstown, New York, each summer, including a final trip there several weeks ago. At Glimmerglass 2018, she was invited to a preopera picnic dinner and sat next to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. For several summers, she shared her enthusiasm for opera by teaching a four-week course at Falmouth Public Library. She leaves a daughter, Gabrielle Allen; son Jonathan; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchil-

Robert D. ‘Bob’ crowe

Robert D. “Bob” Crowe of Holmes Beach died Sept. 4. Mr. Crowe owned and operated with wife Debbie the landmark Shake Pit, a diner and ice cream, malt and shake drive-in at 3801 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, since 2002. Shake Pit first opened in 1959. Memorial visitation will be 2-3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15, followed by a Celebration of Life at 3 p.m. at Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd St. W., Bradenton. Condolences may be made online at brownandsonsfuneral. com. Mr. Crowe is survived by wife Debbie and daughter Hannah.

At your service

Obituaries are offered as a community service by The Islander newspaper to residents and family of residents, both past and present, as well as to those people with ties to the island. Submit to news@islander.org.

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Sept.11, 2019 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 19 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Artist cleans up beaches, creates paintings with purpose By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter

Artist Emma Bruno grew up on the beach. “I went to the beach all the time and fell in love with it,” she said. “When you grow up in a beach town, what else are you going to do?” Bruno, 26, who was born in Englewood and resides in Bradenton, graduated from Ringling College of Art & Design with a bachelor’s in fine arts in graphic and interactive communication. From there, she took her love of Florida’s Gulf Coast and started creating art with an environmental mesBruno sage. “I always wanted to create art for good, not just random paintings,” Bruno said. “So I came up with a project highlighting plastic pollution and beach litter.” In 2016, Bruno began a poster campaign, the “Keep It Beautiful” series, depicting plastic debris she found on area beaches, and painted beach scenes, then paired with statistics from the Ocean Conservancy’s annual trash index report. Each piece focuses on a different waste item found on beaches worldwide, including plastic containers, straws, bottle caps and cigarette butts. She said she spends weekends traveling to beaches and preserves in the state, and frequents Anna Maria Island, to kayak, explore and collect trash. “I cover whatever beach I end up on and always bring a trash bag with me,” she said. “Sometimes I’ll get a group of friends together to enjoy sunset and do some cleanup.”

A deflated beach ball, found on Cortez Beach and painted as part of a beach scene by artist Emma Bruno, is part of her “Keep It Beautiful” poster series. Islander Photo: Courtesy Emma Bruno

Her process includes collecting litter, then determining what is usable. She cleans and fixes pieces to a canvas with glue, then paints using either acrylic or oil. She said it can be difficult to paint on the pieces of trash, depending upon texture, with aged Styrofoam being the hardest to manipulate. Bruno said her work garnered the public reaction she had hoped to receive. “People were shocked by the stats. I had smokers telling me they changed their ways when they saw how many cigarette butts are on the beach,” she said, adding that many people do not know cigarette butts contain plastic and do not fully decompose. When asked if she has seen a decrease in the amount of plastic straws on the beach in light of

focused attention, she said she has seen a decline, but more is needed. “Bans are great progress, but they need to expand the cone beyond straws,” she said. “The ordinances help get people’s attention, but will take more corporate backing.” For more information, the artist can be contacted through her website at emmabruno.com.

HBPD invites community to Night Out celebration

The Holmes Beach Police Department will host its fourth annual National Night Out celebration in city field 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1. The event is part of a national community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Millions of neighbors take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities in all 50 states, U.S. territories and military bases. Plans include a number of activities — safety demonstrations, exhibits, prize giveaways, raffles and carnival games. As of Islander press time, HBPD was recruiting event partners, sponsors and donations. City field is at 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, north of city hall. For more information, contact HBPD Sgt. Brian Copeman or Officer John Fleischer at watch@holmesbeach.org or 941-708-5804.

Island chamber joins relief efforts for Hurricane Dorian

You can help bring relief to hurricane survivors in the Bahamas. The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce partnered with the Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club and the Mainsail Beach Inn to collect supplies, including bottled water, nonperishable food, baby formula, food and diapers, personal hygiene products, first-aid kits, flashlights, batteries, clothing and sunscreen. Donations are being accepted at the chamber office at 5313 Gulf Drive, Waterline Resort at 5325 Marina Drive and Mainsail Beach Inn at 101 66th St., all in Holmes Beach. No deadline had been announced for donations as of Sept. 6. Donations may be left at the front desks at Waterline and Mainsail. The AMI chamber will accept donations 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. The Ellenton Urgent Care, 4015 U.S. 301 N., Ellenton, is coordinating the effort. Also, many island businesses the week of Sept. 2 were collecting hurricane relief donations, including Paddlers pitch in Cupcake Delights in Holmes Beach, Tide Tables in AMI Paddlers from Paradise, the local island dragon Cortez and numerous real estate offices. boat team, participated Aug. 31 in a cleanup at For their calls for contributions, check The Islander the Mainsail Beach Inn at 66th Street on the beach Facebook page. in Holmes Beach. Participants included Diane For more information, call the chamber at 941Goolsby, Stacey Hiles Janik, Gail McCall, Donna 778-1541 or Ellenton Urgent Care at 941-531-2800.

‘Coastal Cleanup’ volunteers needed to turn the tide on trash Keep Manatee Beautiful seeks volunteers for the 2019 International Coastal Cleanup from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 21. Coordinated globally by the Ocean Conservancy, the annual event gives people the opportunity to beautify the environment and protect wildlife by cleaning up litter. Adopt-A-Highway, Road and Shore groups will clean their adopted sites, while Keep Manatee Beautiful will recruit additional volunteers to clean beaches, parks and preserves. On the island, volunteers will check in at Anna Maria City Hall, as well as the Kingfish Boat Ramp west of the Anna Maria Island Bridge on Manatee Avenue in Holmes Beach and at Coquina Beach on Gulf Drive at the southern tip of the island in Bradenton Beach. Those who can’t volunteer also can contribute by following the advice of the Ocean Conservancy: • Use a trash can with a lid. • Drink tap water in a reusable bottle. • Lobby legislators for policies on ocean trash. • Use an ashtray for disposal of cigarette butts. • Sort and separate disposables for recycling. • Use reusable shopping bags, beverage containers and picnic supplies. • Ask companies to optimize packaging and create ocean-friendly materials. For more information, visit www.manateebeautiful.com, or contact Keep Manatee Beautiful by email at keep@manateebeautiful.com or call 941-795-8272.

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Blohm and Melinda and Craig Bradway. The team will start a new sport season Sept. 18. Also, the cleanups will take place the last day of the month at the inn, beginning at 8 a.m. For more information, contact Melinda Bradway at 941-462-2626. Islander Courtesy Photo

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You can catch all the news online at islander.org

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Page 20 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Sept. 11, 2019 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

aME loses alumna teacher Anna Maria Elementary second-grade teacher Margaret Payne will transfer to another Manatee County school due to 2019-20 low enrollment. margaret Payne Payne, who taught second-grade at AME for three years, was the teacher with the least seniority and, as a result, was chosen for the transfer. Lacking a volunteer transfer or retirement, low seniority was the deciding factor. In order to keep the full roster of teachers, AME needed an additional 15-18 primary-age students — kindergarten-third-grade — to reach a goal nearing 240 students. In comparison, AME finished 2019 with an enrollment of 265. AME is not the only district school to lose a teacher. Two west Bradenton schools, Seabreeze and Stewart elementary schools lost a teacher as well, explained principal Jackie Featherston. “Most of the student movement seems to be to the east and north in the county where housing is newer and less expensive,” Featherston said. As the teacher with least seniority, Payne was at the top of the list for reassignment, but she was the only teacher at AME who was a student, having attended AME from kindergarten to fifth-grade. She was a student in current teacher Karen Paul’s thirdgrade class.

aME-Pto hosts new school year welcome party

The 2019-20 Anna Maria Elementary ParentTeacher Organization welcome party will be 5-7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 13, at the Freckled Fin, 5337 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. An adult-only event, the party is for parents and guardians to learn more about PTO events, as well as other ways to get involved in school activities. “This is a great social event for parents and staff to get to know each other a little better in a relaxing environment” said AME PTO co-secretary Nicole Plummer.

AmE NEWS By Brook Morrison, brook@islander.org

aME plans community Peace Day celebration

Anna Maria Elementary is set to celebrate Peace Day at 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 20, during a gathering around the flag poles. The Manatee High School drum line will perform, accompanying students parading with flags from around the world. Also, students will make speeches and sing songs focusing on the theme of peace. A representative from the Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island will attend to commemorate the role peace played after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The AME peace pole was donated by the club after Sept. 11. All are welcome to attend the public event to promote peace in school, at home and beyond. AME Parent Teacher Organization co-secretary Nicole Plummer said the event is “a great reflection on unity and what peace means to you.”

Box tops for Education goes beyond with smartphone app

Box Tops for Education now gives people a choice to scan receipts with a new smartphone app or continue to clip box tops and bring them to school. Android and Apple smartphone users can go to the online store and download the Box Tops for Education app. After following prompts to connect to a school, the app gives consumers the opportunity to scan receipts and find out about participating products and bonusearning opportunities. Anna Maria Elementary supporters who prefer to collect box tops can continue to put clippings in the pink mailbox in the front office at the school, 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. According to the website, boxtops4education.com, Box Tops for Education “has given families an easy way to earn cash for their school with products they already buy.”

AmE NEWS 2019-20 school calendar

• Wednesday, Sept. 11, early release. • Friday, Sept. 13, 5 p.m., PTO reception, Freckled Fin, 5337 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. • Friday, Sept. 20, 9 a.m., Peace Day celebration. • Sept. 23-Oct. 2, book fair. • Wednesday, Sept. 25, 5-7 p.m., PTO bake sale, literacy night dinner. • Oct. 7-11, Fire Safety Week. • Friday, Oct. 11, early release. • Friday, Oct. 11, end of first quarter. • Saturday, Oct. 12, Fall Festival, the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. • Monday, Oct. 14, record day, no school. • Friday, Oct. 18, early release. Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call 941-708-5525.

Box tops for eduction offers online options to contribute to schools. Islander Courtesy graphic

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Fri 8/30 Ralph's Place, Cape Coral, 9p-1a Sat 8/31 Ragged Ass Saloon, St. James City, 2-5p Tue 9/3 SandBar Tiki, Englewood Beach, 6-10p Fri 9/06 Drift In, Bradenton Beach, 9p-1a Sun 9/08 Cold River Saloon, Punta Gorda, 1-5p Fri 9/20 Peggy's Corral,7-11p Sat 9/21 Straggler's Bar, Sarasota, 7-10p Sat 9/28 Cortez Kitchen, Cortez Village, 6-10p

don’t forget… You can read it all online at islander.org Signature ISLAND gifts!

Coffee mugs, $10. White and tie-dye “morethan-a-mullet-Wrapper” t-shirts, $10-$15, and amI stickers, $2. Come shop at 3218 e. Bay drive, Holmes Beach, between Walgreens and Paradise cafe!

Sept.11, 2019 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 21 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Learning life-saving essentials Sean Sparks of Bradenton practices chest compressions Aug. 31 on an infant CPR training mannequin as his daughters, Bryanna and Alyssa, look on. The family was taking part in a life-saving class in CPR and choking-rescue techniques at the Island Library at 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. The free class is offered by WMFR the fourth Saturday of every month. Participation is limited and registration can be made online at www.wmfr.org or 941761-1555. Islander Photos: Sarah Brice

A CPR training mannequin awaits a call to students to demonstrate cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques as WMFR Firefighter Alex Flores, class instructor, spells out the essentials of adult CPR during an Aug. 31 class at the Island Library in Holmes Beach.

WMFR Firefighter Alex Flores demonstrates hands placement for chest compressions on an adult CPR training mannequin at an Aug. 31 class at the Island Library.

In a choking rescue demonstration, Sean Sparks of Bradenton prepares to give WMFR’s Alex Flores the Heimlich maneuver. To check an infant’s alertness or if an infant is in distress, WMFR Firefighter Alex Flores demonstrates patting the foot to elicit a response. If none, CPR is the next action a caregiver should administer.

WMFR Firefighter/ Paramedic Alex Flores outlines the difference between adult and infant life-saving techniques. Kevin Powell, right, of Perico Island said he participated in the class to be better prepared in an emergency.

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Page 22 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Sept. 11, 2019 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Bortie too update: cruising Bahama, cuba waters

nesting notes By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

Record-breaking season

A sea turtle that nested on Anna Maria Island continues to be tracked on its migration. Named Bortie Too for sponsor Bortell’s Lounge, the loggerhead was tagged and released by Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring and the Sea Turtle Conservancy after nesting June 21 on Cortez Beach in Bradenton Beach, as part of the STC’s 12th annual Tour de Turtles. Since then, the loggerhead has nested a second time on the beach in Holmes Beach and has traveled 674 miles to the seagrass beds between the Bahamas and Cuba to feed and gain strength. AMITW’s sea turtle was in third place in the Tour de Turtles as of Sept. 5. The tagged turtles are competing in a “marathon” that started Aug. 1 and ends Nov. 1 — a contest to see which turtle swims the farthest during a three-month survey. Data received from the satellite tag helps marine biologists track and survey sea turtle migration behavior. a Sept. 5 screenshot from conserveturtles.org To track Bortie Too, visit: conserveturtles.org/sea- shows the track taken south through the gulf of turtle-tracking-active-sea-turtles/ mexico by loggerhead Bortie too.

Loggerhead nesting is crawling to the finish line on Anna Maria Island. And turtle watch is reporting another record-breaking season. As of Sept. 6, 126 nests were waiting to hatch on the island out of 535 laid since May 1, and an estimated 21,553 hatchlings have made their way to the Gulf of Mexico. In 2018, AMITW broke the 2017 record with 534 nests. In August, Mote Marine Laboratory reported a record-breaking 1,326 nests on Longboat Key, with 5,063 total in the Sarasota area, including beaches on Venice, Siesta, Casey and Lido keys. Sea turtle nesting and hatching season officially ends Oct. 31 on the island. Until then, AMITW volunteers walk the beach each morning looking for new nests and the tiny telltale tracks in the sand leading from nests to the water, indicating hatched nests. When a nest hatches, turtle watch waits 72 hours to excavate and collect data. AMITW digs into a sea turtle nest to report data on how many eggs hatched. If there are live hatchlings, they will be released to the Gulf and any dead hatchlings or unhatched eggs are tallied. Often, the hatchlings at the bottom of the nest are the weakest in the clutch, according to Suzi Fox, AMITW executive director. Turtle watch and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission agree they should be given a chance to survive. “Any time a hatchling can have at least 20 minutes of life in the ocean, we want to give them that,” Fox added. said Sept. 6. “If they don’t make it, that’s just part of She said nests that hatch later in season often are the natural order of prey and predator.” the second or third nest laid by the female, and they As season marches on, hatch rates slow, Fox can contain fewer than the usual 90-100 eggs. Additionally, the longer eggs incubate in the sand, the more they are exposed to standing water from rain and high tides, which can drown embryos. However, Fox said the hatch rate was strong at the beginning of season, and hatchlings are still emerging. “We’re having another fantastic season with strong numbers,” Fox said. AMITW sea turtle stats as of Sept. 6: 535 “Hatch rates slow at the end of season, but we’ve nests, 576 false crawls, 317 hatched nests and still got almost two months left for the little ones to approximately 21,553 hatchlings to the sea. hatch and head out to sea.” esformes

A sick bird, birds? a great blue heron with areas of swelling on its abdomen and thigh looks out over tampa Bay from the beach near the Rod & Reel Pier, 875 n. Shore drive, anna maria. Wildlife rescuer ed Straight and Palma Sola Bay bird rescuer Jeanette edwards both say they received reports of two herons with large tumors on anna maria Island the week of aug. 25. the birds have not been examined by wildlife experts and the cause is unknown. Islander Photo: Courtesy ed Straight

observers on the beach Sept. 3 watch volunteer Kathy doddridge count loggerhead eggs from a nest that hatched aug. 31 near the 2200 block of gulf drive South, Bradenton Beach, as volunteer Kim Rickards measures the nest cavity with a yardstick. the nest contained one unhatched and 46 hatched eggs. Islander Photo: Chrisann Silver esformes

Sky-glow confusion

In today’s world, the sky is aglow with artificial light, as well as the reflections from the moon and stars. Sky-glow can cause sea turtles nesting and hatching on local beaches to disorient, according to Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring executive director Suzi Fox. Fox said Sept. 5 that some hatchlings emerging from nests on the beach at the north end of Holmes Beach have been heading away from the Gulf of Mexico; apparently disoriented by skyglow effects. She said the Sea Turtle Conservancy in Gainesville has a tool that measures sky-glow and they plan to investigate.

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Sept.11, 2019 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 23 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

By Lisa Neff

Hurricane relief without relief

Islanders began collecting for relief efforts even before they could be certain they were out of the cone of uncertainty for Hurricane Dorian. Local businesses became drop-off centers for donations of staples and supplies to pile onto boats and trucks for delivery to the disaster stricken. Facebook newsfeeds became populated with islanders’ posts promising cash contributions to nonprofits operating at local levels and on global scales. Librarians waived overdue fines for contributed cans of food. neff More than one reader visited The Islander office on East Bay Drive in Holmes Beach to inquire about how to help. Some said, “We were spared,” then added, “this time.” Multiple times just in my 14 years here, storms turned early or late, east or west to spare Anna Maria Island’s people and property, economy and environment. And multiple times, islanders rallied to provide relief elsewhere — from Wauchula to New Orleans to San Juan and now the Bahamian islands.

Above the Earth naSa astronaut Christina Koch captures an image of Hurricane dorian Sept. 2, during an International Space Station flyover. the station orbits more than 200 miles above the earth. Islander Courtesy Photo: naSa

We aid the relief efforts, and we may feel a sense of relief that the big storm took another course. But science suggests we’ve received reprieves. Consider the findings in three studies: • Supercomputer simulations by climate scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Berkeley Lab found that climate change intensified the amount of rainfall in hurricanes Katrina, Irma and Maria by 5-10%. The scientists also found that if those hurricanes were to occur in a future world warmer than the present, the storms would have been even more intense, with more rain and stronger winds.

• Scientists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Center for Weather and Climate based at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that some hurricanes are moving more slowly, spending increased time over land, which can lead to catastrophic flooding. The study compared 68 years of hurricane tracking and data — from 1949 to 2016. Researchers found that worldwide, during that period, hurricane translational speeds averaged a slowdown of 10%. The most significant slowdown, 20%, occurred in the Western Pacific. In the North Atlantic region, the slowdown was about 6%. However, isolating the analysis to hurricane speeds over land, the scientists found North Atlantic storms slowed as much as 20%. Climate change seems to be a contributing factor. Hurricanes move on the strength of steering winds but, as the Earth’s atmosphere warms, steering winds weaken, resulting in slower-moving storms. • Scientists at the DOE’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory concluded that hurricanes intensify more rapidly than they did 30 years ago. The researchers studied Harvey, Irma, Jose and Maria, looking at the rapid intensification of the storms, which occurs when the maximum wind speed increases at least 25 knots within 24 hours. The scientists did not find that rapid intensification is happening more often but they did find that rapid intensification is occurring more rapidly. The study points to warmer ocean temperatures and less vertical wind shear as factors. Slower-moving storms that intensify more quickly are our present. Wetter, windier storms are our future.

flashback to irma

Dark days the anna maria City Pier suffers major impacts from Hurricane Irma in September 2017, resulting in its closure to the public and eventually a declaration of destruction.

Glory days for AMCP the anna maria City Pier was crowded with visitors July 30, 2014, for this drone shot. Some on the pier that day said they were from germany, great Britain and other countries across the atlantic. Last look the pier was built in 1911 and was In June 2018, workers began removing planks from the anna reconfigured and repaired many times maria City Pier walkway prior to pier demolition, which began over the years. Islander Photos: Jack elka several weeks later.

New horizon Work continues in august to build a new anna maria City Pier, replacing the structure destroyed by Hurricane Irma in September 2017 and later ordered demolished by the city.

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Page 24 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Sept. 11, 2019 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Center soccer, football standings tight, golf tourney on deck

each and combined to make 25 saves in goal. Yuri with a touchdown reception and an extra point in the Pereira added a goal and an assist for Ugly Grouper, loss. After four weeks of action in the adult indoor which also received a goal from James Roadman and soccer league at the Center of Anna Maria Island, seven saves from John Haggerty in the loss. Sign up now for October golf tourney the standings are tightly grouped in The center is accepting registrations for an Ugly a case of the haves and have nots. Standings tighten in ﬂag football Golf Tournament, hosted by the Ugly Grouper resUgly Grouper, Progressive CabineThe regular season for the adult football league taurant in Holmes Beach to benefit the center. try and Moss Builders are tied at the at the center has ended and now the second season The tournament will take place Friday, Oct. 4, top with matching 3-1 records, while — playoffs — takes “center” stage. at River Club, 6600 River Club Blvd., Bradenton. Sato Real Estate and Gulfview WinProgressive Cabinetry and Gulfview Windows Cost is $450 for a foursome or $125 per player, with dows and Doors sit in fourth place and Doors, the top two seeds earned a bye into the lunch and dinner included in the price. There will be Cassidy with 1-3 records, followed by Slim’s semifinals and will wait to see who comes through a cash bar available as well as lots of raffles and some Place with an 0-4 record. in the two wildcard games set for Sept. 12. The first frivolity. The action kicked off at the center, 407 Magnolia game has No. 5 Moss Builders taking on No. 4 LanCheck in begins at 11:30 a.m. prior to a shotgun Ave., Anna Maria, Sept. 5 with Moss Builders rolling caster Design, followed by Hashmark Sports, seeded start at 1 p.m. to a 15-6 victory over Sato Real Estate behind five third, taking on Ugly Grouper, seeded sixth. Sponsorships are in the offing, starting with a goals and three assists from Miguel Ajoy and four The final regular season games saw Gulfview platinum level for $2,500, including a logo display goals and an assist from Juan Carlos. Anil Akbulut Windows and Doors earn a 26-12 victory over Moss at registration and dinner, as well as recognition and chipped in with two goals and an assist, while Omar Builders behind four touchdown passes from quar- a hyperlink on the center event page. Also included Polar pulled double duty to help preserve the victory, terback Ryan Moss. Three of the Moss passes went are four social media postings, a company tag and scoring a pair of goals along with 14 saves in goal. to Brandin Holcomb, who chipped in a pair of extra four golf spots. Adam Bujarski’s three goals led Sato, and Ryan points. Jordan Demers was the recipient of Moss’ last The dinner sponsorship is $2,000, and a beer cart Moss finished with a goal. Mark Rudacille and Josh touchdown pass. Tyler Lancaster and Jake Parsons sponsor costs $1,000. There also are hole and tee Sato split goal keeping duties and both scored a goal, spearheaded the defense with a quarterback sack each sponsor opportunities for $150. combining on 21 saves in the loss. in the victory. To register or for more information, go to events Gulfview earned its first victory of the season, Ray Gardner and Jon Moss each finished with a at centerami.org or call the center at 941-778-1908. defeating Slim’s Place 20-13 behind 12 goals and an touchdown pass, and Jon Moss added a touchdown In other center news, there was no report from assist from Jose Urbiola Bolanos and six goals and reception. Lexi Sato had a big game, finishing with staff on the outcome of the Sept. 7 fundraising an assist from Keith Mahoney. Jason Chiafalo and a touchdown reception on offense and three quarter- bowling tournament as of press time Sept. 9 for The Freddy Lenhert each scored goals and Brandin Hol- back sacks on defense. Islander. comb came through with 15 saves in the victory. The second game of the night saw Hashmark Jose Casaras scored six goals to lead Slim’s, Sports outscore Ugly Grouper 62-46 behind nine Horseshoe news which also received five goals from Clancy Vaughan touchdown passes from quarterback Chase RichardTim Sofran walked his way Sept. 4 during horseand two goals from Chris Culhane. Robb Marshall son, who also chipped in a touchdown reception. Matt- shoe action past all competitors with the lone 3-0 was stout in goal, finishing with 15 saves in the new Briley finished with eight receptions, including pool play record. His efforts were rewarded with the loss. five that went for touchdowns, while also chipping in day’s bragging rights at the Anna Maria City Hall The last match of the night saw Progressive Cabi- a touchdown pass. Octavious Cole and Corey Banks horseshoe pits. netry earn a 9-6 victory over Ugly Grouper behind finished with a pair of touchdown catches, while Tim Three teams emerged from pool play with 2-1 two goals each from Kevin Roman, Steve Oelfke, Holly added three quarterback sacks on defense. records during Sept. 7 action. Neil Hennessey drew Jessica Williams and Brayan Felipe. Diego Felipe Matthew Manger threw six touchdown passes, the bye and watched as Dom Livedoti and Hank scored a goal, while also posting 14 saves in goal. three that went to Anthony McCance, who added Huyghe avenged their lone loss in pool play to Chris Klotz and Olaf Krause scored two goals an extra point. Corey Jakes added two touchdowns advance to the finals. Trailing 14-16 to Jerry Disbrow and an extra point, while Cooper Rosier and Bradley and Bob Heiger, Livedoti and Huyghe scored the final Coleman both finished with touchdown catches in the 11 points of the match, culminating in a double-ringer loss. by Livedoti. Lancaster Design handed Progressive Cabinetry Livedoti and Huyghe stayed hot in the finals, its second loss of the season behind four touchdown hitting Hennessey with a barrage of double ringers passes and a touchdown reception from Tim Shaugh- on their way to a 24-0 beat down to earn the day’s nessy. Anthony Mannino was top receiver, finishing championship. with three touchdown receptions and a pair of extra Play gets underway at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and points, while Kari Stephens added two touchdown Saturdays at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Warmups catches and an extra point in the victory. begin at 8:45 a.m. followed by random team selecConnor Haughey threw four touchdown passes, tion. including three to Brandon Kull, who chipped in a There is no charge to play and everyone is welpair of extra points. Jaret Rojas completed the scoring come. By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter

fishing tip! if you hook a bird, remember: reel, remove and release! Southernaire Fishing Charters

Registration underway for longboat Key triathlon

Golf outing benefits center

Organizers of the Longboat Key Triathlon Race Series are registering athletes online at lbktriathlon. com. Events will be Dec. 1. The international distance triathlon will include a half-mile swim, 20-mile bike race and 5-mile run. There also will be a shorter “sprint” triathlon, as well as international and sprint duathlons and “Hollywood Nights” 5K and 10K running races Headquarters for the event will be the Resort at Longboat Key Club. The event also will feature live music, an afterparty and screenings of “Star Wars” films. For more information, including fees, go online to lbktriathlon.com.

Drive “Ugly.” Chip “Ugly.” Putt “Ugly” and benefit the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. The annual Ugly Golf Tournament — presented by the Ugly Grouper of Holmes Beach — will begin with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, at the River Club, 6600 River Club Blvd., Bradenton. The cost to compete is $125 per person or $450 per foursome. The fees include a round of golf, lunch and dinner. Registration will be at 11:30 a.m. For more information, call the center at 941778-1908.

Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

HIGH

LOW

Sept 11 Sept 12 Sept 13 Sept 14 Sept 15 Sept 16 Sept 17 Sept 18

12:22a 12:37a 12:49a 12:58a 1:09a 1:24a 1:45a 2:11a

1.9 1.9 1.9 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4

10:51a 11:34a 12:12p 12:47p 1:22p 1:59p 2:39p 3:26p

2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.4 2.3 2.2 2.0

4:32a 5:13a 5:48a 6:21a 6:55a 7:30a 8:10a 8:55a

1.5 1.3 1.1 1.0 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5

5:51p 6:20p 6:46p 7:08p 7:30p 7:52p 8:14p 8:38p

LOW

0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 1.0 1.1 1.2

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

Moon

Full

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Sept.11, 2019 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 25 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Fishing the flats between storms leads to big hookups By Capt. danny Stasny Islander Reporter

If you can find the time to go fishing between summer’s anticipated storms and showers, Anna Maria Island is host to a number of good species for sport anglers and coolers. Fishing the Tampa Bay waters, including casting a line at the Rod & Reel Pier, is productive, with anglers hooking into over-slot catch-andStasny release redfish, as well as some large catch-and-release snook. That being said, “hooking” and “landing” can be two different things. You can tell the pier regulars by their fishing gear. And if they’re targeting those big reds and snook, you better believe they’re doing it with stout rods and reels spooled up with heavy braided line. Trying to wrestle a big snook or redfish out from the barnacle encrusted pilings is not child’s play. There’s a lot of skill involved and always a little bit of luck — for the fish and the fishers. And, if and when the pier anglers get a big bite, good ol’ Jimmy Malfese is standing by with the landing net. I bet Malfese has landed more big fish than anyone on that pier. He’s also quite adamant about gentle handling of the fish, and a quick release, so they can go back and make more fish. Now, for anglers looking to get out on a boat and

max monuese of Longboat Key shows off a nice snook caught in late august using shiners. monuese, who grew up on LBK, celebrated his recent graduation from the university of north florida with a guided fishing trip with Capt. Warren girle.

do some bay fishing, catch-and-release spotted seatrout are available. You can find Spanish mackerel and lady fish in the same areas — over deep grass flats in water depths of 6-8 feet. Free-lining live shiners will produce the best action, although artificials such as soft plastics or small jigs will work, too. Dock fishing is producing action on some big catch-and-release redfish. Casting chunks or fresh-cut ladyfish is attracting the bull reds to the hook. You just have to know the right dock to target. Lastly, mangrove snapper are being caught around structure in Tampa Bay — reefs, wrecks, rock piles and residential docks — and you should be able to muster up a few of these tasty fish. Capt. Aaron Lowman is finding catch-and-release action on snook and redfish along the mangrove-lined shorelines of Terra Ceia and Tampa Bays. Casting live shiners under the mangrove limbs during incoming tides is producing action. Most catches are 18-25 inches.

Moving to slightly deeper flats is resulting in success on catch-and-release spotted seatrout, as well as some Spanish mackerel and ladyfish. Free-lining shiners or adding a popping cork to the rig works well. On calm days Lowman says that venturing into the Gulf of Mexico is putting clients on macks, mangrove snapper and an occasional gag grouper. Capt. Warren Girle also is working the flats of Tampa Bay. Casting live shiners against mangrove shorelines during the higher stages of the tide is yielding catch-and-release redfish for his sport anglers. Most catches are 15-20 inches, with some bigger fish mixed in. Catch-and-release snook also are being caught in this fashion and are ranging slightly bigger, with sizes of 20-26 inches. Fishing structure in Tampa Bay is producing some mangrove snapper and Spanish mackerel. Lastly, Girle says fishing deeper grass flats is yielding spotted seatrout and some ladyfish. Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier is seeing anglers there reeling up a variety of species. Fishers using live shrimp are catching their share of mangrove snapper for their coolers. Bull redfish are keen on live shrimp, It’s a busman’s holiday— recreation that involves which is surprising the unsuspecting angler as he doing the same thing one does at work — for awaits a 12-inch snapper. The large catch-and-release fishing guide david White of anna maria Charters, reds are 28-36 inches and can put up quite a battle, showing off a river trout caught on a fly rod. “Yeah even on the stiffest rod. Those opting to cast jigs and it is! that’s how you know I’ve got the right job!,” spoons are being rewarded with catches of Spanish White said in an aug. 8 email to the Islander from mackerel, jack crevalle and ladyfish. Blue Ridge, georgia, where he vacationed with Lastly, soaking large live baits under the pier is family, and fished. “We’re loving it!” White fished with a buddy, Ryan Kauffman, who guides for Head- attracting hefty catch-and-release snook. Baits such as large pinfish, mojarras or ladyfish are ideal for catchwaters outfitters out of Rosman, north Carolina. ing the lazy linesiders, which can exceed 40 inches in White took Kauffman and wife fly fishing when they visited amI. of the fishing in georgia, White said he length. Send high-resolution photos and ﬁshing reports to enjoys dry fly fishing. “Watching them take it off of ﬁsh@islander.org. the surface is awesome.”

CAPT. AARON LOWMAN

Fishing Charters Capt. Warren Girle

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Page 26 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Sept. 11, 2019 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

eastbound cars line up — heading off the island — from Holmes Beach toward Perico Island and the mainland as the anna maria Island Bridge opens mid-afternoon Sept. 2. traffic for the Labor day weekend was lighter than the previous holidays during the summer season. Islander Photo: arthur Brice

aMi toUrisM: endless season By Sandy Ambrogi, Islander Reporter

Labor Day brings quiet ﬁnish to summer business on AMI

While eyes remained fixed on Hurricane Dorian, a moderate crowd enjoyed the sunshine on Anna Maria Island over the Labor Day weekend. Except for a heavy thunderstorm Sept. 1 that sent beachgoers running off the sand, the Aug. 30-Sept. 2 weekend weather cooperated. Still, business people reported a slower than normal conclusion to the summer season. “In general, we had a strong summer,” said Sean Murphy, who owns the Beach Bistro, Eat Here and Doctor’s Office, all in Holmes Beach. “But there was a definite softness to it,” Murphy told The Islander Sept. 3. “A lot of people seem to arrive, last minute — maybe because of the bad red tide from last year.” Murphy said his businesses were very busy Aug. 30-Sept. 1, but then business “dropped like a rock on

Monday” at the high-end Beach Bistro. He also said he saw fewer families with children dining at Eat Here. At the Mainsail Beach Inn, 101 66th St., Holmes Beach, reservation agent Edwin Sepulveda said the eight-unit beachfront motel was “pretty full for the holiday weekend.” “We had one guest who departed early because they were concerned about the hurricane. Other than that, no one seemed worried,” Sepulveda said. Referring to seasonal business, Sepulveda said the summer was “very busy” with families. ‘It was not as bad as we had anticipated,” he said. “People were still keeping an eye out for red tide, though.” At Skinny’s Place, 3901 Gulf Drive, Holmes

LANDMARK PROPERTY near Rod & Reel Pier, generating over $220K vacation rental income. Fully renovated in 2018. 2/2 1960’s beachfront house with 3/2 guest house.

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Beach, business was slow Aug. 31, but picked up Sept. 1, as beach crowds increased. Owner Clark Freeman said in a text, “Sunday was better.” He gave a thumbs down to business Aug. 31. Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer confirmed slower than normal Labor Day traffic based on car counts coming on and leaving the island and old-fashioned observation. “The public beach parking lot never even filled up,” he said. “My officers reported to me it was very slow around the island,” Tokajer said on the phone Sept. 4. Checking the stats, Tokajer reported 49,661 vehicles traveling on and off Anna Maria Island at the Holmes Beach entry points Aug. 31-Sept. 2. There were no comparable statistics from 2018 because the counter had not yet been installed, but the number was a “drastic drop” from the 101,502 vehicles recorded Memorial Day weekend, according to the chief. Barbara Baker is the general manager of Anna Maria Island Resorts, which include Tortuga, Tropic Isle, Tradewinds and Seaside Beach Resorts in Bradenton Beach. She said worries about Hurricane Dorian prompted a “few cancellations.” “There was no sense of panic here,” she said, explaining the resorts allowed people to change their dates without consequences, which a few did. The cancellations created space for one or two people who checked in at Tortuga after evacuating from the Florida East Coast. Summer for the lodging group was “about the same as normal historic summers,” Baker said. “Of course, last year, with the red tide, it was a whole other story,” she added. “Most of our bookings in the summer are Floridians coming from inland for three-day weekends. Those remained strong,” Baker said. Joe Varner, who owns Anna Maria Vacations and the Anna Maria Beach Resort, 6306 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach said his vacation rentals were 65% booked for the Labor Day Weekend, but the motel had been 100% booked before six of 31 rooms pushed their dates back due to worries about Hurricane Dorian’s path. Varner accommodated those who were uncertain about making the trip to the island. His summer proved slightly slower during periods and his theory is people had lingering — if unfounded concerns — about red tide. “People still call about it. They want to know if it’s around. It worries them,” he said. Whatever the reasons — lingering fears about red tide, hurricane anxiety or school schedules the Labor Day weekend proved slower than normal. “All of Florida had eyes on Hurricane Dorian,” Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce vice president Cathy Pizzo said Sept. 4. “They were heeding the warnings to take care of business and prepare their properties and families. They just were not thinking of a trip to the beach.” But all in all, Pizzo reported chamber members are happy with their summer business. “I had several members who said they had the best summer ever,” she said.

Sept.11, 2019 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 27 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Travelers add almost $1.4 million to tax coffers in July The Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office released tourist development tax collections for July, the most recent numbers available. Visitors spending nights in Manatee County in July accounted for $1,398,555.47 in the county coffers. That number is up nearly $90,000 from July 2018, when $1,308,818.09 was collected. The tourist development tax is the 5% collected on short term rentals for six months or less. Holmes Beach collected $363,89672 in July, 26.02% of the county collection and the largest percentage of tourist tax collected on Anna Maria Island. Anna Maria collected $237,754.70 or 17% of the county collections. Bradenton Beach brought in $92,896.14, amounting to 6.64% of the county total. Other collections for July include: • Bradenton, $83,030.65, 5.94%. • Longboat Key, $161,866.00, 11.57%. • Palmetto, $6,548.92, 0.47%.

• Unincorporated Manatee County, $452,562.34, 32.36%. A total of $14,335,631.79 in bed tax has been collected through July for Manatee County since the beginning of the fiscal year October 2018. The total is slightly behind the $14,585,539.61 collected for the same period 2017-18. Tourist tax dollar spending is limited by state law to development and boosts for tourism. In Manatee County, the tax funds the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, and contributes to island beach renourishment, the construction of the new Anna Maria Island City Pier and other tourism-related organizations, such as the Pittsburgh Pirates. The tourist development council makes recommendations to the county commission on spending of tourist tax dollars. The TDC consists of Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore, Bradenton Mayor Wayne Poston, Vernon DeSear of Manatee Memorial Hospi-

Compass rising on Perico Island

tal, former Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority commissioner Jack Rynerson, Anna Maria Commissioner Doug Copeland, hoteliers Eric Cairns, Ed Chiles, Barbara Baker and Jiten Patel. The TDC meets the third Monday of every other month at various locations in Manatee County. The next meeting will be 9 a.m. Monday, Sept. 16, at the Dan McClure Auditorium, Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, 5900 Airport Auditorium Lane, Sarasota. The public is invited.

BizCal

By Sandy Ambrogi

AMI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Wednesday, Sept. 11 7:45 a.m. — Early-riser breakfast, Bridge Tender Inn and Dockside Bar, 135 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. Members $10, guests $20. Wednesday, Sept. 25 5 p.m. — Monthly business card mixer, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Members $5, guests $10. AMI CHAMBER ONGOING Through Sept. 30 The chamber seeks sponsorships for Bayfest, set for Saturday, Oct. 19.

The Compass Hotel is rising to six stories on Perico Island at One Particular Harbour, 12340 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. The hotel, with views of Anna Maria Sound, is the first to be built by Margaritaville Holdings in a venture with Floridays Development Co. The projected opening for the 123room bayfront hotel is early 2020. Islander Photos: Sandy Ambrogi

AMI SAVE THE DATE

org.

Oct. 19, Bayfest, Anna Maria. Nov. 15, Small Business Awards, Holmes Beach. AMI chamber information, 941-778-1541 or info@amichamber.

LONGBOAT KEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Thursday, Sept. 19 4:30 p.m. — East Meets West Expo, Robarts Arena, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. Thursday, Sept. 26 5 p.m. — Business After Hours, The Circus Arts Conservatory, 2075 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota. Members $5, guests $10. LBK chamber info, 941-383-2644 or info@lbkchamber.com.

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Page 28 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Sept. 11, 2019 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

BOATS & BOATING Continued

CouPon: SaVe $5 on the only patented sandless beach blanket. use amI5@sandlessblanket.com or purchase at the Beach Hut across from ginny’s and Jane e’s oLd Iga on gulf drive, anna maria or call 855686-sand.

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

Wanted to Rent: Boat lift for 22-foot boat near north end of the island. Bridges not a problem. Call 614-906-1409.

eXeRCISe BIKe, neW, $100. two wooden adirondack chairs, $50 each. 859-3962927.

ANNOUNCEMENTS Wanted: dVds and XBox, Wii units with games for kids and teens in Haiti. the Islander, 3218 e. Bay drive, Holmes Beach.

gaRage RefRIgeRatoR, $50, abovestove microwave, $50. 951-356-1456.

Wanted: YouR oLd cellphone for recycling. deliver to the Islander, 3218 e. Bay drive, Holmes Beach.

antIQue PaRtneR deSK: all wood, $1,000. See at the Islander office, 3218 e. Bay drive, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

aeRIaL PHotoS of anna maria Island. View and purchase online: www.jackelka.com.

fouR oaK offICe chairs: antiques, perfect for eclectic dining set. the Islander newspaper, 3218 e. Bay drive, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

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ANSWERS TO SEPT.10 PUZZLE

A R A B

M O N A

H A W K S

U T I L E

S W A T

S P I R E

I C A N

A R I A

I D Y L

R E C A L R L A N C E I E P H M E A R G S I M P O A M B E S N T T S

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

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

S O D A L E A P S N A R L U P

W H A

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

HeLP ReSCued PetS! Volunteers, fosters, computer help! moonracer animal Rescue. moonraceranimalrescue@gmail.com.

KIdS foR HIRe ads are fRee for up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work. ads must be placed in person at the Islander office, 3218 e. Bay drive, Holmes Beach.

BOATS & BOATING

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

BImInI BaY SaILIng: Small sailboat rentals and instruction. day. Week. month. Sunfish, Laser, Windrider 17 and Precision 15. Call Brian at 941-685-1400.

SaLon BootH RentaL available for stylist with following. $130/week. a Positive Image, 7010 Cortez Road W., Bradenton. Call tim, 941-306-6776.

Pontoon Boat RentaL Create life-long memories. Call 941-778-2121 or see boatflorida.net.

SERVICES

By Jesse Brisson

Island real estate transactions

F R E E R A D I A L

A N A S

R O T H

D O N N E

S E E K

S U S H I

I D E A L

S I S S Y

R E N O

I M I N

S E E D

fuLL-tIme motIVated individual needed for day-to-day operations and pontoon boat rentals. must have boating experience and people skills. Send resume to mquarte335@ aol.com.

PETS

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