The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, April 06, 2022 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

APRIL 6, 2022 Free

VOLUME 30, NO. 24

the Best news on Anna maria island Since 1992

astheworldterns. 6

Q&A 040622.

county code enforcement sets sweeps. 4

Meetings. 4 Parking debate stalls in Holmes Beach. 5

Opinions. 6

10-20 YeArs Ago

looking back. 7

2 arrests in HB assault, 1 suspect sought By ryan Paice islander reporter

The search is on. Local police obtained arrest warrants and began searching March 30 for three teenagers allegedly involved in the March 23 beating of an island man outside Anna Maria Elementary, 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. The beating left resident Evan Pur-

BBPd chief pursues new patrol boat. 8 HB committee digs into garden plans. 9

Save the date. 10-11

Happenings community events. 10-11

accessing the lot after hours. islander Photo: ryan Paice

campus work. 13

Holy Week ahead. tales of adventure. 15

Streetlife 16

Cops & Courts 16 think globally. 19 Key royale awards President’s cup. 20

Call for water taxi bids ﬂops By ryan Paice islander reporter

Manatee County’s invite for a water taxi service sank before it sailed. Manatee County wanted a water taxi service connecting mainland destinations and Anna Maria Island as early as this summer but there were no proposals from vendors before the March 30 deadline passed to negotiate for the service. So it’s back to the drawing board. Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau director Elliott Falcione, who county

Anglers seek weather breaks. 21

Isl Biz: 22

chamber honors scholars.

endless seAson february tourist tax dollars tallied. 23

CLASSIFIEDS. 24-25

PropertyWatch. 26

NYT puzzle. 27

find the islander dating to november 1992 online at the uoff digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

cell, 41, hospitalized with severe injuries. to a Holmes Beach Police As of Islander press time, two suspects Department news release. were in custody for alleged aggravated batPolice said the group tery. became aggressive and Purcell was walking his dog with his attacked Purcell, beating 10-year-old niece when he suggested a group him to the point of unconof young adults and teenagers who were evans sciousness, while his niece observed drinking and breaking glass bottles ran to a nearby home and on school grounds should leave, according asked the resident to call 911. Emergency medical services found Purcell unconscious and transported him to HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton, where he was in stable condition as of March 25, according to a news release. The release identified Sarasota resident Cameron Evans, 18, and Ellenton resident John Bartholow, 17, as well as a third, unnamed juvenile, as suspects in connection with the incident. “Due to the violent acts committed and nature of the charges, we believe Evans and Bartholow are a danger to the community. Vehicles stream in and out of the … Do not approach,” the release states. Anna maria elementary’s pickup lane A few hours after the HBPD published march 31. the manatee county School the release, it issued an update — Bartholow district installed swing gates the week had been arrested. of march 28 to prevent vehicles from

school parking lot secured

firefighters promote drowning awareness. 8

Gathering. 14

islander.org

A boater docks march 30 at the Anna maria city Pier, 101 n. Bay Blvd., a possible stop for a water taxi linking mainland manatee county to the island. islander Photo: ryan Paice

administrator Dr. Scott Hopes tasked to move the project forward, told The Islander March 31 that the county procurement division was reaching out to prospective vendors to gather feedback about their lack of interest and figure out the next step. For now, though, he said he did not know why the county received no bids and the ITN will not be extended or reopened as it is currently. “We’re hoping to receive some feedback from some of the water taxi companies that

turn to assault, PAge 3

child nearly drowns in Anna Maria vacation rental pool By ryan Paice islander reporter

A 3-year-old nearly drowned March 28 after falling into a swimming pool at a vacation rental in the 100 block of Crescent Drive in Anna Maria, according to a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office report. The child’s uncle told police he realized the child was missing while loading his vehicle to join the rest of his family at the beach. turn to water taxi, PAge 2 On a search of the house, he found the child floating face down in the pool. The uncle rescued the child from the pool, started CPR and called 911 at 4:12 p.m. The child reportedly became responsive and coughed up water before emergency medical services arrived. EMS and police arrived at the address around 4:30 p.m. and took over medical treatment. Bayflite, an air emergency carrier service, was contacted and transported the child via helicopter to from the Holmes Beach city field to the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg. “The child had no negative medical issues as a result of the near drowning and was expected to be discharged (March 29),” according to the MCSO report. For privacy reasons, the child was not

turn to near drowning, PAge 2

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named. As of March 30, the MCSO had closed its investigation into the incident. A report states, “There were no signs of abuse or neglect on scene and the near drowning appeared to be accidental in nature. No crime occurred.” The incident is the second in two months in which a child almost drowned in a pool at an Anna Maria vacation rental following a similar incident Feb. 14 in the 200 block of South Bay Boulevard. The 2-year-old involved in the South Bay incident had a positive prognosis and the MCSO investigation was closed as of Feb. 15.

A pool alarm at that property lacked batteries and was nonfunctional. Following the February incident, the HBPD contacted registered vacation rental owners and managers asking them to ensure pool safety measures are in place and functional at their properties. Officials from Holmes Beach also participated in a March 10 news conference organized by the West Manatee Fire Rescue District at Kingfish Boat Ramp in Holmes Beach to advocate for water safety and drowning prevention. The city of Anna Maria did not take part in the news conference and Mayor Dan Murphy did not respond to related questions from The Islander.

BB man sentenced in battery

Water taxi continued from page 1

near drowning continued from page 1

A judge sentenced a Bradenton Beach man March 30 in connection with battery against two Bradenton Beach police officers two years ago. Circuit Judge Frederick Mercurio sentenced James Strader Jr., 58, to 11 months and 29 days in jail with credit for time served, followed by four years probation. Strader also must write a 250-word apology and complete anger management therapy. Bradenton Beach police arrested Strader April 22, 2020, for felony aggravated battery against two officers, according to court documents. That day, at a Circle K store, 103 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, Strader’s wife approached two officers, saying Strader was destroying their belongings. She asked police to intervene and the officers went to the Strader residence in the 2300 block of Avenue C, where they found James Strader outside. Strader refused to speak with the officers and, according to the BBPD report, took a “fighter-type stance.” The man attempted to push past them, hitting the officers several times. The officers tasered Strader in their attempt to arrest him. A trial at the judicial center in Bradenton ended Feb. 8 with the jury convicting Strader of two felony counts of battery on a law enforcement officer. — Robert Anderson

were sent a proposal,” Falcione said. “See what they were missing or what they were looking for. …We will continue to work hard and turn over every rock to pursue a water taxi operation for the county.” Falcione, when pitching the program to local officials, expressed hope to launch the water taxi by Memorial Day weekend May 28-30. While the lack of prospects stifled that possibility, Falcione said he remains hopeful for the water taxi’s future. “You got to draw a line in the sand and target something,” Falcione said. “I don’t look at this as a setback, it’s just part of the process and how we handle the process to keep it moving forward.” The county’s ITN sought to “a water-borne transportation alternative that provides safe, clean, affordable, consistent, on-time, and Americans with Disabilities-accessible vehicles/service for the benefit of all tourists, employees and residents.” The document provided few specifications in order to allow bidders freedom in planning their approaches to the service. Sherman Baldwin, owner of Bradenton Beachbased Paradise Boat Tours and a longtime proponent of a water taxi, told The Islander March 31 that he did not submit a proposal because the county did not

In the March 28 incident, there were no alarms or safety measures, according to the MCSO report written by Detective Brian Moreland. Moreland wrote that a deputy walked the property, including the exterior of the residence, and noted safety inadequacies — that there were no pool alarms on entrances to the pool. The report also states that a representative from Beach Retreats, the property’s rental management company, responded to install new alarms. The property is registered with the city as a vacation rental and was last inspected by staff Aug. 16, 2021, when it was found in full compliance with state law and city code. address operator concerns, such as funding. “I don’t believe the invitation to negotiate accurately reflected the challenges an operator would face in making this a viable commuter option,” Baldwin said. “The ITN looked like they were looking for a glorified tour boat operator instead of a people-mover.” “With this ITN, there were two potential results: a single operator who fails fairly quickly and we learn lessons from it, or nobody submits paperwork and they learn lessons from it,” he added. Baldwin suggested the county help fund two $3 million vessels that could comfortably and efficiently transport people between downtown Bradenton and the island cities without overlapping with local tour boat businesses, including his own. He said he would welcome the opportunity to help mold an RFP or ITN that addresses the challenges, as well as the fiscal needs of a viable people-mover. He added that, if the county takes a “go big or go home concept,” he’d “definitely be interested” in being a provider. “Whether it’s a year from now, five years from now or 50 years from now, people will be getting around southwest Florida, the Suncoast, via viable commuter water transportation,” Baldwin said. “It’s just ‘when,’ that’s the question.”

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April 6, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 3 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

assault continued from page 1

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer told The Islander March 31 that a judge remanded Bartholow that day to a 21-day stay at the Manatee Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Bradenton. He said the prosecutor then filed charges on Bartholow as an adult. And, according to Tokajer, he had prior charges pending. A third suspect, charged as a juvenile and name withheld, surrendered and was released to parental custody, according to Tokajer. Multiple law enforcement agencies were still looking for Evans as of March 31, according to Tokajer. People with information can contact HBPD Detective Josh Fleischer at fleischerj@holmesbeach.org or 941-708-5800, ext. 270. People who wish to remain anonymous can call Manatee County Crime Stoppers at 866-634-TIPS. School security enhanced The incident led to some changes at AME. Staff from the School District of Manatee County installed traffic gates the week of March 28 at the entrance of a previously unsecured parking lot at AME, according to communications director Mike Barber and chief of safety and security Paul Damico. Damico said the traffic gates, as well as “NO BEACH PARKING” signs, would help prevent people from entering school grounds after hours. AME’s parking lot previously was unrestricted after school hours, but Manatee County reached an agreement with the school district to allow public parking from dawn to dusk March 12-20 to bolster available parking during spring break. The agreement also calls for the parking lots to open for public use from dawn to dusk Memorial Day weekend May 28-30, July 4, as well as Labor Day weekend Sept. 3-5. Barber declined to comment on the agreement. Damico said they also were considering security camera improvements due to concerns with the exist-

Q&A 040622

The radiant of the meteor shower is located in the constellation Lyra, near its brightest star, Vega. Islander Image: Wikipedia By Lisa Neff

This week’s question

The Lyrids meteor shower will peak April 21-22. How often do you skygaze? A. Often. B. When something big is happening. C. Once in a blue moon. D. Never. Last week’s question

Tax Day is Monday, April 18. I file my tax docs: 8%. At the last minute. 25%. In the final week. A “NO BEACH PARKING” sign at Anna Maria 50%. ASAP. Elementary School was posted as of March 31 fol9%. I get a delay. lowing the March 23 evening attack and beating of a 7%. Taxes? Holmes Beach resident on school grounds. Islander To answer the poll, go online to islander.org. Photo: Ryan Paice

ing cameras’ grainy footage of the Purcell attack. Otherwise, Barber said armed school resource officers monitor the school during operating hours and district security officers check the property after hours. “Obviously, we can’t cover every single school 24 hours a day — we have 64 schools — but we do have security on the clock 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” Barber said.

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941.778.1515 | 111 South Bay Blvd | Anna Maria Island, FL.

You can peruse The Islander newspaper archive, dating back to its launch in November 1992, at ufdc. ufl.edu.

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Father-son game of catch tim mccormick tosses a baseball march 31 to his dad, Andy, while playing catch in city field in the 5800 block of marina drive in Holmes Beach. the mccormick family was visiting the area from the chicago area. islander Photo: ryan Paice

A boat is stored under cover near the corner of 123rd Street court West and 46th Avenue West in cortez. islander Photo: Kane Kaiman

Code enforcement to sweep Cortez — in August

‘No swim’ advisory issued for causeway beach A “no swim” advisory went into effect April 1 for the Palma Sola South beach along State Road 64/ Manatee Avenue. Other beaches in Manatee County were not under an advisory. A “no swim” advisory indicates water contact might pose an increased risk of infectious diseases to humans, according to a news release from the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County. Health department officials said test results from samples taken at Palma Sola South March 28 and again March 30 showed an elevated level of entero-

Meetings

cocci bacteria. The advisory will be in effect until the water meets U.S. Environmental Protection Agency safety guidelines. Water quality at some county beaches is monitored under the Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program, which samples and analyzes for enteric bacteria, a cause in human disease, infections and rashes. For more information about the program, call the health department at 941-714-7593 or go online to www.floridahealth.gov and select “beach water quality” under the “Environmental Health” tab.

compiled by lisa neff, calendar@islander.org

Anna Maria April 19 a.m., special magistrate. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941708-6130, cityofannamaria.com.

West Manatee Fire Rescue April 19, 6 p.m., commission. WMFR administration building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton, 941-761-1555, wmfr.org.

Bradenton Beach April 6, 9:30 a.m., CRA. April 6, 2 p.m., ScenicWAVES. April 7, 6 p.m., commission. April 20, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. April 21, noon, commission. Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com.

Manatee County April 7, 9 a.m., commission (land use). April 12, 8:30 a.m., commission. April 19, 9 a.m., commission. April 21, 1:30 p.m., commission (land use). April 26, 9 a.m., commission. County administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee. org.

Holmes Beach April 6, 5 p.m., planning. April 12, 5 p.m., commission. April 20, 10 a.m., clean water. April 26, 10 a.m., code. April 26, 5 p.m., commission. Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941-708-5800, holmesbeachﬂ.org.

Also of interest April 15, Good Friday, most government offices are closed. April 18, 9 a.m., Manatee County Tourist Development Council, county administration building. Please, send meeting notices to calendar@ islander.org and news@islander.org.

By Kane Kaiman islander reporter

Everything better be shipshape! In August, with an eye out for restricted vehicles, overgrown lots, trash and debris, Manatee County code enforcement personnel are scheduled to comb Cortez — a community whose residents enjoy special regulatory exemptions due to the area’s commercial fishing legacy. The sweep will be part of a yearlong initiative to improve sight lines in the county, which officials have broken into 11 geographic regions for the undertaking. The sweep dates are subject to change and communities will be notified several weeks before enforcement begins, county information outreach manager Bill Logan told The Islander in a March 28 email. “As each region gets swept, residents will see multiple message boards and signs advising of the cleanup activities,” Logan said. Cortez is one of the oldest working fishing villages in the state and a number of residences in the community have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1995. Thanks to a combination of exemptions and village-specific regulations listed in the Manatee County land development code, boats, crab traps and other fishing gear are a common site on the lawns in the village. Code violations include overgrown yards, unsafe structures, abandoned vehicles, unpermitted signs, businesses operating in residential areas, dangerous dead trees, noise disturbances and criminal nuisance activities. “Residents with any concerns about properties with (these) elements — or who may have identified possible violations on their own property — are urged to do what they can to ensure voluntary compliance before the sweep commences,” Logan said. For more information, call 311 or visit mymanatee.org.

Ready for Season? Are you taking full advantage of the spring season on AMI? You can improve your odds for success and reach The Islander’s readers — residents, seasonal visitors and vacationers — looking for things to do. Shop, dine, events and indoor and outdoor fun. For advertising info, call or text 941-778-7978.

APril 6, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 5 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Holmes Beach-Manatee County parking debate stalls By ryan Paice islander reporter

Talks about beach parking have stalled between Manatee County and Holmes Beach since the two sides met for a joint workshop. Mayor Judy Titsworth told The Islander March 30 that there had been no “real” coordination between city and county officials and staff since shortly after a March 1 workshop and an email exchange between the mayor and County Commissioner Carol Whitmore. In that exchange, Whitmore defended her support for a parking garage at the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, that likely would exceed the city’s height limits. The two sides have debated the city’s reduction of roadside parking on residential streets since County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, who now serves as chair, was elected in November 2020. County officials argue that the parking limits are unfair to off-island residents visiting the beaches and have threatened to withhold beach renourishment if the limits aren’t reversed. City officials say their park-by-permit system, which resulted in the parking reduction, protects residential quality of life by preventing roadways from becoming beach parking lots for visitors. The joint workshop was supposed to allow both sides to brainstorm potential solutions but, a month after it happened, nothing has changed. One of the main takeaways from the workshop is that several county officials, including Whitmore, favor building a parking garage at Manatee Public Beach, to replace lost parking — an idea that met with uncertainty or outright opposition from city officials. The garage likely would exceed the city’s 36-foot maximum height for buildings established in the city charter. Exemptions require a vote of approval from the city electorate. While discussion between officials proved fruitless, there was some talk about having city and county

Beachgoers unload a baby and stroller in the parking lot at the manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach, as a pedestrian and a vehicle head into the parking lot. islander Photo: Bonner Joy

staff coordinate to progress the issue. However, Whitmore told The Islander March 30 that county commissioners never voted or reached consensus to direct staff to coordinate with the city, so staff has taken no action on the matter. In the meantime, Whitmore said she was hopeful for future dialogue with Titsworth and other city officials. “I 100% support the mayor and sometimes we

GoodDeeds

By lisa neff

Assistance sought on AMI

• The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island is organizing its Easter sunrise service at the Manatee Public Beach and welcomes volunteers and new club members. Information: 941-778-1383. • The Friends of the Island Library seeks storage

may not agree on everything, but she supports me and I support her, so we’ll continue working together,” Whitmore said. “This is all a work in progress.” She added that County Commissioner Reggie Bellamy recently visited the city and met with Titsworth and Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer to discuss the issue. Bellamy did not respond to a March 31 call from The Islander. space for donations to its annual book sale. Information: 941-778-6341. • Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals. Information: 941-345-2441. • The Roser Food Bank seeks donations. Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, administers the pantry, supported by All Island Denominations. Information: 941-778-0414.

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Page 6 THE ISLANDER | islander.org APril 6, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Opinion

Our

So sad

Not my words. “So sad,” was the subject of an email received at the newspaper from Campbell Blain, a visitor from Michigan who winters on Anna Maria Island with his family. They came upon a littered beach — not the first time, mind you — with so much trash that he was prompted to reach out to us. “Last Saturday we went down to watch a beautiful Gulf of Mexico sunset and here is what we found on the beach. “It was disgusting. So instead of focusing on an outstanding evening, we spent it cleaning up after very irresponsible people. “There were broken toys, a shoe, water bottles, plastic forks and even dirty diapers. “Obviously this was a family. And what kind of example is this for children to see. We are here for three short months from Michigan and treasure the beaches so, we ask, people, please, do the same.” Yes. Mr. Blain, it seems we can’t ask often enough, and we continue to find trashy people who come to our beaches to exhibit their trashy behavior. Sadly, they obviously choose to pass it on to their children. After all, it’s learned behavior. It’s not necessary, as many beach access points have trash barrels and some even have dumpsters due to the past volume of trash we’ve experienced. Whoever believes this is acceptable behavior, please, go home and add to your own front yard. Don’t tread your trash on our beaches. — Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

Your

Opinion

Thank you, HB planners

islander Photo: campbell Blain

APRIL 6, 2022 • Vol. 30, No. 24 Publisher, Co-editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org ▼ Editorial editor lisa neff, lisa@islander.org robert Anderson, robert@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Kevin cassidy, kevin@islander.org Jack elka, jack@jackelka.com Kane Kaiman, kane@islander.org Brook morrison, brook@islander.org ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org ▼ Contributors Karen riley-love Samara Paice capt. danny Stasny, fish@islander.org nicole Quigley ▼ Advertising Director toni lyon, toni@islander.org ▼ Webmaster Wayne Ansell ▼ Office Manager, lisa Williams info@, accounting@, classifieds@, subscriptions@islander.org ▼ Distribution urbane Bouchet ross roberts Judy loden Wasco (All others: news@islander.org) ▼

Single copies free. Quantities of five or more: 25 cents each. ©1992-2022 • Editorial, sales and production ofﬁces: 315 58th St., Suite J, Holmes Beach fl 34217 WeBSite: islander.org text or call: 941-778-7978

We would like to extend a “thank you” to all who devoted their time, energy and expertise toward the Holmes Beach comprehensive plan revision. The planning commissioners took the initiative to reach out for resident input and they were responsive to residents. We are most pleased with the No. 1 community value statement: “We resolve to preserve our singlefamily residential character.” This may seem simple, but it enhances the concept that has been reiterated multiple times throughout our plan, as well as the ULI community study, and it is extremely important to the unique character of our city on this barrier island. We greatly appreciate their efforts to preserve neighborhoods for the betterment of our city. Richard and Margie Motzer, Holmes Beach

Off-road e-bikes

My husband and I walk to the beach on Manatee Avenue in Holmes Beach every day. On days when we walk the sidewalk on the north side of Manatee Avenue, not only are we at risk from vehicle traffic but now we have to watch for e-bikes speeding along on the sidewalk. The e-bikes are going 25 mph or more on a pedestrian path. They should be licensed and required to be in the bike lanes or on the street. Steps need to be taken to eliminate these vehicles from the sidewalks before a serious injury occurs. Karen Dennis, Holmes Beach

Coquina calamity

20 minutes — in total frustration — we left without visiting the market or the beautiful surroundings. Cars were parked along the grassy sides and people were crossing the street with chairs and coolers. Meanwhile, there were a few police cars in their usual place. We have not seen a worker in the roped-off empty parking areas our entire time here. The police were not directing or assisting in the horrendous parking situation and should not have allowed any more vehicles to enter as tempers were flaring and the situation was stressful for all. Jackie Kielbania, Palmer, Massachusetts Editor’s note: The Coquina parking project was put on hold pending the hiring of a new contractor.

Clean campaign

We — the Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge and Keep Manatee Beautiful — appreciate the efforts of those who could join us. On a recent cleanup, we had about 40 volunteers working in Bradenton Beach, who gathered up about 150 pounds of garbage. Our next cleanup is prior to the Arbor Day Celebration at City Park in Bradenton Beach. We will meet at the Moose porch at 8 a.m. Friday, April 29, and finish at the park in front of the beach across from city hall at 9 a.m., where there will be speakers and a dedication of two trees. Also, I’ve been involved in these cleanups for more than 15 years and am looking for a successor. I’m anxious to pass on the buckets, email list and pickup sticks. So, please, call 941-447-5076 for a brief interview. Peg Miller, Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge

We recently went for a final visit to Coquina Beach during our three-month stay. After driving around the parking lot for more than Have your say: The Islander accepts letters of up to 250 words. Please, email news@islander.org.

APril 6, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 7 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Of Pirates, Royals and royalty

10&20 years ago

As the story goes, a pirate, princess, queen and conquistador walk onto a baseball field. … in 1977, the deSoto Heritage festival celebration included the capture of the Pittsburgh Pirates during an exhibition game at mcKechnie field in Bradenton. islander Photos: manatee county Public library System

From the April 3, 2002, issue

High 5 the Pittsburgh Pirates host the Kansas city royals during a spring training game in 1980 at mcKechnie field in Bradenton.

Islander archive 24/7 The Islander is included in the University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries. Our collection of newspapers,

beginning with the first edition in 1992, is available 24/7. Look online for The Islander at the UofF Florida newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

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!)

• Manatee County natural resources department director Charlie Hunsicker said Great Lakes Dock & Dredge completed its portion of beach renourishment in Anna Maria ahead of schedule and was ready to begin work in Holmes Beach. • Two Anna Maria residents questioned city commissioners as to why they should allow Hovercraft Inc. to make a presentation to bring day visitors from Fort DeSoto Park to Anna Maria. Commissioner Chuck Webb said it was “due process.” • Following completion of an engineering study of the Anna Maria Island Bridge, the Florida Department of Transportation presented island residents with options for the bridge’s future, including a new 21-foot-high center-clearance bascule bridge with a life span of 75 years.

From the April 4, 2012, issue

• The Florida Department of Environmental Protection ruled Anna Maria filled the beach at the historic City Pier with more sand than allowed by its permit during the February Bimini Bay dredging project and has ordered the city to remove the excess sand. • Birdie Tebbetts Field — the Holmes Beach baseball field seeing increased use canines and less use by ball players — was closed under the pretense of installing a new fence. • Holmes Beach city commissioners at a work session considered a ban on internet cafes, new outdoor dining rules and a transient housing law — and also instructed their attorney to prepare ordinances on all three for action at a future meeting. — lisa neff

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Page 8 THE ISLANDER | islander.org April 6, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

WMFR makes push on AMI to promote drowning awareness By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

They’re shouting it out. West Manatee Fire Rescue is doing more than talk about water safety. They’re campaigning to keep people safe while they enjoy the beach and waters of Anna Maria Island and the many private swimming pools in the area. WMFR launched a drowning prevention campaign in mid-March in an effort to raise awareness about water safety, especially with cautions for children. “April and May historically are the two busiest months for either drowning or near-drowning events. So we wanted to get out ahead of that to get the message out,” WMFR Fire Marshall Rodney Kwiatkowski told The Islander March 31. The district began its campaign March 19 and will continue drawing attention to issues through May, including with banners at the beach ends of Manatee Avenue in Holmes Beach and Cortez Road in Bradenton Beach. For the kickoff, WMFR staff, family and volunteers stood alongside main island roads with handheld signs sharing safe-swimming slogans. ABOVE: WMFR Deputy Volunteers from the Anna Maria Island Privateers, Chief Jay Johnson and Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island, the Center of Anna others volunteer to hold Maria Island and the Manatee County Mam’Selles sersigns and wave to passvice club volunteered to spread the life-saving mesing vehicles on the Cortez sages. Road approach to BradenDrowning takes about 4,000 lives a year in the ton Beach March 19, part nation and is the No. 1 cause of accidental death among of a campaign to promote children under age 5, according to the U.S. Centers for water safety. Islander Disease Control and Prevention. Photo: Courtesy WMFR Children who drown might be out of sight for less than five minutes, according to a report by Safe Kids Worldwide, a nonprofit organization that works to keep A WMFR vehicle serves children safe. as a signpost during Kwiatkowski spoke to these issues and more, the March 19 kickoff to including concerns with vacation rentals and the need a drowning awareness to comply with code requirements for pool safety, campaign. Islander Photo: including fencing and alarms on doors and gates. Courtesy WMFR “There are codes that require barriers between the house and pool, but the rentals flip so quickly that many life safety features are going unchecked for the next out and check-in, these minimal life safety features.” to discuss “what is working and things that we can do set of guests,” Kwiatkowski said. Kwiatkowski said the fire district is planning on better.” He added, “No one is checking in between check- a May 3 forum with local code enforcement officers He reminded parents and guardians: “There’s got to be an adult who is designated to be the water watcher. If you are watching kids, your eyes have to be continuously monitoring them. Because it only takes a second. Have fun, be on vacation but remain diliBy Robert Anderson gent.” Islander Reporter Bradenton Beach police are in hot pursuit — of a grant for a new patrol boat. Police Chief John Cosby said he is seeking a new boat and funding from the West Coast Inland Navigation District to make the purchase. The WCIND is a special taxing body for Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee counties that promotes safe navigation and supports local efforts to maintain and enhance navigation, boating access, facilities, parks and more. BBPD’s main patrol boat has been in service for almost 30 years and is used in WCIND-funded programs, including a derelict vessel removal program. Due to the cost of a new boat, the chief is pursuing grand funding to provide a replacement. The available grant funding for the new vessel is $120,000. “We purchased that boat in 1993 and the transom is starting to develop some cracks in it. It’s run its course … it’s done its job,” Cosby told The Islander March 29. The chief also said the department could benefit from a boat with a shallower draft to better patrol shal- Bradenton Beach Police Chief John Cosby, right, presents honors to Officer Eric Hill at a March 16 low areas of the city shoreline and Sarasota Bay. “The boat we are looking to purchase is a model city commission meeting. Cosby honored Hill for made by Pathfinder Boats that FWC uses in the Intra- spearheading the city’s derelict vessel program. The coastal. They use it all over the state,” Cosby said, city wants to procure a new police vessel with a referring to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation grant. Island Photo: Robert Anderson Commission’s vessel program. Turning heads “After doing some research, I believe it will best are in Manatee County,” Cosby said. Bev Battle of Holmes Beach and her partner, Joan The first step in the grant process is to seek meet our needs,” continued Cosby, adding that BBPD assists other agencies on the water, including Longboat approval from Manatee County, followed by submis- Bowling, were on the beach Feb. 8 as Battle, smartphone in hand, was photographing birds. The bird’s sion of the proposal to the WCIND. Key, Manatee County and the U.S. Coast Guard. Funding could be made available in the next budget strange pose, she wrote, “was totally accidental.” “All my boat officers are deputized from the sherIslander Courtesy Photo iff’s office, so they have jurisdiction as long as they cycle, which will begin Oct 1.

Bradenton Beach chief pursues new patrol boat

Islander ‘eye’

APril 6, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 9 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

HB parks committee digs into community garden plans

By ryan Paice islander reporter

A trial for Holmes Beach’s proposed community garden might begin sooner than later. The city’s parks and beautification committee decided March 30 to move forward with creating an application process for island residents to rent plots to beautify and maintain at Veterans Park outside city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. The committee set a tentative $25-$50 cost for a garden box, and requested city staff explore purchasing compost bins and assign a coordinator and vice coordinator to organize efforts. The committee is waiting for the city to rezone an empty lot south of Grassy Point Preserve, 3021 Avenue C, to build a bigger community garden. While it is unclear how long the Grassy Point permitting will take, the P&B has focused on Veterans Park as a testing ground for a community garden. So far, the committee has spent $2,500 of its $10,000 annual budget on 11 planter boxes that surround the park’s central fountain. P&B member Mary Lange said the planter boxes were ready for use and, if they could sort out an application process and allocate the boxes, people could start seeding them this spring. She said employees from the Island Library expressed interest in a garden box. Applications would be open to full-time island residents and island-based groups. Part-time residents would need to partner with a full-time applicant. Lange asked the committee to establish an annual rental fee to participate in the community garden. Lessig said rental fees were used at his gardens to purchase materials and communal tools and said a $30-$50 range for the fee was reasonable. City engineer Sage Kamiya, who chairs the committee, supported a rental fee to encourage commitment from garden participants. “If something’s free, it’s treated like it’s free,” he

Holmes Beach parks and beautification committee member mary lange stands march 30 at Veterans Park outside city hall, 5801 marina drive, where the committee is moving forward with plans for a community garden. committee members unanimously voted march 30 to appoint lange community garden coordinator. islander Photo: ryan Paice

said. P&B member Eileen Jellison suggested they set a range and table the fee discussion. The committee reached a consensus to set a $25-$50 range for annual rental fees. The committee then discussed assigning a garden coordinator and vice coordinator to ensure upkeep and involvement from participants. Lange, who has been one of the garden’s main

proponents, volunteered to serve as coordinator for the first year, and committee reached consensus on Lange as the garden coordinator. They also agreed to assign P&B member Kathryn Sandberg as vice coordinator. The committee also reached consensus for city staff to explore options for purchasing at least one static compost bin and one revolving bin. The next meeting was not scheduled as of Islander press time.

DEP approves plan for 2024 Piney Point closure The Florida Department of Environmental Protection March 31 issued an order approving the conceptual closure plan for the former Piney Point facility. The plan addresses the environmental protection requirements for the work, with a final closure set for December 2024, according to a DEP news release. The plan includes a strategy for continued management and details construction work. Manatee County previously obtained a permit to begin digging a deep-injection well and the drilling work began in December 2021.

The county intends to move Piney Point’s wastewater to the well system and then cover the phosphogypsum stacks that currently hold the polluted water. In the spring of 2021, about 215 million gallons of nutrient-rich wastewater was discharged into the Tampa Bay estuary to avoid a large-scale disaster at Piney Point. The DEP approved the discharges, now the focus of a lawsuit filed by conservation groups. Groups also are challenging the closure plan. — lisa neff

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Island happenings

Page 10 THE ISLANDER | islander.org APril 6, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

compiled by lisa neff, calendar@islander.org.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ON AMI Friday, April 8 5-7:30 p.m. — Second Friday Art Walk, downtown Holmes Beach around Gulf and Marina drives. Information: 941-778-6648, 941-778-6694. 6-8 p.m. Bingo games, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-1908. ONGOING ON AMI Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island “Art Unites Us” online exhibit through April 30, amiartistsguildgallery.com. Information: 941-7786694. Throughout April, painter Pat O’Neill’s “Art from the Heart” Bingo buddies exhibit, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Infor- Janet Kaesberg, left, her sister carol Kellerman and husband Jerry, and Janet’s husband ralph Kaesberg mation: islandgallerywest.com, 941-778-6648. feb. 11 join other bingo players at the center of Anna maria island, 407 magnolia Ave., Anna maria. Bingo is scheduled again at the center friday, April 8. islander Photo: Brook morrison ONGOING OFF AMI Through April 24, “Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience,” Starry Night Pavilion at University Town Center, 195 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: vangoghsarasota.com. Through April 29, Fridays, 6-8 p.m., Music in the Park, Rossi Park Pavilion on the Riverwalk, downtown Bradenton. Information: 941-301-8445. Through Aug. 28, “Metadata: Rethinking Photography in the 21st Century,” The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-360-7390. First Fridays, 6-9:30 p.m., Village of the Arts First Fridays Artwalk, 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Information: villageofthearts.com. Saturdays through May 28, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Bradenton Farmers Market, Main Street, downtown Bradenton. Information: realizebradenton.com, 941-301-8445. Second and fourth Saturdays, 2-4 p.m., Music on the Porch jam session, presented by the Florida Maritime Museum and Cortez Cultural Center, outdoors, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: ﬂoridamaritimemuseum.org, fmminfo@manateeclerk.com.

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Friday, April 8 10 a.m. — Forty Carrots, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-7786341. Saturday, April 9 10 a.m. — Origami club, Island Library, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-778-6341. 2 p.m. — Keychain crafting, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-7786341. Tuesday, April 12 10 a.m.— Family storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-7786341.

Thursday, April 7 2 p.m. — Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Library, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-778-6341. Friday, April 8 10 a.m.-1 p.m. — Annie Silver Community Center book sale and potluck lunch, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-447-5076. Wednesday, April 13 6:30 p.m. — Island Time Book Club, Island Library, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-778-6341.

ONGOING OFF AMI

ONGOING ON AMI

ON AMI

Thursdays, 6 p.m., bingo night, Annie Silver Community Center, Through Aug. 7, “Sharks: On Assignment with Brian Skerry” exhibit, Mote Marine Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, City 103 23rd St N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-757-6029. Fridays, 11:30 a.m., Mahjong Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Island, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-388-4441. Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-778AHEAD OFF AMI 6341. Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meetApril 15, De Soto Heritage Festival Children’s Parade, Paling, Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. metto. Information: 941-778-1383. April 30, De Soto Heritage Festival Grand Parade, BradenTuesdays through May 10, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Farmers Market ton. in the Park, City Pier Park, Pine Avenue and Bay Boulevard, Anna May 28, Snooks Adams Kids Day, TBD. July 4, Anna Maria Island Privateers Independence Day Maria. Information: 941-708-6130. Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., Mahjong Club, Island Library, 5701

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Island happenings

APril 6, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 11 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Galleries to host receptions

Island Gallery West will host a reception 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, April 8, to celebrate Pat O’Neill’s “Art from the Heart” exhibit. IGW, 5368 Gulf Drive, will host member artists and vocalist Tanya McCormick, as well as serve light bites and drinks. Also, the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island will host a reception 5-7 p.m. at the Guild Gallery in the Island Shopping Center, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. AGAMI’s featured artist in April is watercolorist Marianne Hiland, whose display is titled, “Feathers A Second friday Art Walk in downtown Holmes and Fronds.” Beach includes a stop at island gallery West, 5368 Sand Dollar boutique, also in the Island Shopping gulf drive, Holmes Beach, which is featuring work Center, announced it will host a book sale and signing by Pat o’neill. for more information, call the gallery by Carol Hoffman, author of “Twelve Years Overseas: at 941-778-6648. islander courtesy Photo An Educator’s Journey Across the Globe.” Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, The receptions and book signing are booked as part 941-778-6341. of a “Second Friday Art Walk” in Holmes Beach. Tuesdays, noon, duplicate bridge, Episcopal Church of the For more information, call IGW at 941-778-6648 Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Fee applies. Infor- and the Guild Gallery at 941-778-6694. mation: 703-582-7755.

Garden club to meet

AHEAD ON AMI April 20, Anna Maria Island Garden Club member meeting and luncheon, Anna Maria. May 15, Anna Maria Island Privateers Shiprek Poker Run. July 23, Anna Maria Island Privateers Christmas in July at the Drift-In, Bradenton Beach. ONGOING OFF AMI Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island lunch meeting, Slicker’s Eatery, 12012 Cortez Road W., Cortez. Information: 512-944-4177.

Anna Maria Island Garden Club members will gather at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 20, for a general meeting. The club usually meets monthly October-April at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. For more information about the garden club, call Gerry Mills at 941-920-5929.

Off Stage Ladies to gather

The Off Stage Ladies auxiliary that supports the Island Players will meet for lunch and a program at OUTDOORS & 11:45 a.m. Wednesday, April 13. SPORTS The gathering will be at Cipriano, 3561 53rd Ave. ONGOING ON AMI W., Bradenton. For more, call Roe Duncan at 941-932-2798. AMI Dragon Boat Team—Paddlers from Paradise practices and

meetups, various times and locations. Information: 941-462-2626, Sarasota. mrbradway@gmail.com. May 7, Margaritaville Night with the Bradenton Marauders, Bradenton. AHEAD ON AMI May 13, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Golf TourApril 29, Keep Manatee Beautiful/Anna Maria Island Moose nament, Bradenton. Lodge Arbor Day Coastal Cleanup, Bradenton Beach. July 15, Anna Maria Island Privateers scholarship night with the Bradenton Marauders, Bradenton. AHEAD OFF AMI April 16, Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Flamingo Cay Paddle Cleanup, Flamingo Cay. April 23, Keep Manatee Beautiful Earth Day celebration, Bradenton. April 30, Sarasota Bay Estuary Program 2022 Seagrass Survey,

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BB center hosts lunch, sale

Hungry for potluck? Eager for a potboiler in paperback? The Annie Silver Community Center offers opportunity to enjoy both. The center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach, will host a book sale and potluck lunch Friday, April 8. The hours will be 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Visitors will find a plethora of books to purchase, priced 50 cents to $1 each. And people are invited to participate in the potluck by bringing a dish to share and dining at the community center. For more information, call Peg Miller at 941447-5076.

Book club sets reading list

The Island Time Book Club will discuss Sally Hepworth’s suspenseful novel about the secrets and lies that bond two sisters in “The Good Sister,” at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 13. The schedule through the summer includes: “Her Hidden Genius” by Marie Benedict May 11; “Rock Paper Scissors” by Alice Feeney June 8; “The Giver of Stars” by Jojo Moyes July 13; “Malibu Rising” by Taylor Jenkins Reid Aug. 10. The library is at 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the branch at 941778-6341.

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Page 12 THE ISLANDER | islander.org April 6, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

‘Little Rascal’ a hit on AMI

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Felix Cavaliere of the Rascals performs April 2 for a crowd gathered in the gym at the Center of Anna Maria Island, Anna Maria. Islander Photo: Brook Morrison

Welcome home, precious… Big sister, Layla, 5, cradles the newest addition to the White house. Elizabeth Louise, born at 5:32 p.m. on March 24 at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, was welcomed home by Layla, sister Cameron, 3, and dad and mom, Capt. David and Heather White.

Players offer scholarships

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The Island Players community theater group will award four $2,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors in Manatee County. Applicants must be planning to pursue higher education in the arts — dance, music, theater — according to a news release. Students will find application packages at their high schools. Applications must be submitted by Friday, April 15. For more information, call the Island Players at 941-778-5755.

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APril 6, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 13 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Working over spring break

Workers put out safety tape and cones during a maintenance project march 17 on the roof of the Anna maria elementary auditorium. “We had a new roof put on the auditorium over spring break and are awaiting the final inspection,” Ame principal mike masiello said. islander Photo: Bonner Joy

AME Calendar

• Wednesday, April 6, third-, fourth- and fifthgrade FSA reading assessment. • Friday, April 15, Good Friday, no school. • Tuesday, April 19, 6:30 p.m., first-grade play, auditorium. • Wednesday, April 20, early release. • Friday, April 22, fifth-grade class trip. • May 2-6, staff appreciation week, . • May 3-4, fourth- and fifth-grade FSA reading assessment. • May 10-11, fourth- and fifth-grade FSA math assessment. • Saturday, May 14, PTO Spring Golf Tournament. • Tuesday, May 17, 6:30 p.m., second-grade play, auditorium. • May 17-18, fifth-grade FSA science assessment. • Friday, May 20, field day. • Tuesday, May 24, fifth-grade luncheon. AME is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more, call the school at 941-708-5525.

Van Zandt ‘trades’ scholarship applications accepted

Graduating high school seniors in pursuit of a trade can apply through Tuesday, April 12, for an award from the John van Zandt Scholarship Fund. The scholarship will be awarded to a student seekAME club woos butterﬂies ing certification, licensing or apprenticeship in a variAnna maria elementary garden club volunteers work Ame-Pto president nicole Plummer, left, her ety of careers in the trades, technology and more. march 26 to improve school grounds. the club is open mother Suzanne thomas and Ame garden club Applications are available from the Center of Anna to the public and meets once a month. for more infor- organizer margaret Van Wormer strike a pose Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, and mation, go online to www.amepto.org. islander Photo: march 26 while gardening at the school. islander centerami.org. Jeanine Kalajainen Photo: courtesy Ame For more info, call the center at 941-778-1908.

Tiki & Kitty’s Let’s go shopping! Tiki and Kitty sprang forward to spend more time shopping! They’re always ready to visit their favorite thrifts and boutiques. Kitty says, “Let the spring shopping begin!” Cat’s Meow has 7,700 square feet of vintage, unique and repurposed items. You may want to lace up your skates, as this large vintage skating rink has plenty to offer bargain, antique, unique hunters. Plus,

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there’s a mancave and a cool clothing boutique. You don’t want to miss this vast collection of vendors. Blue Flamingo offers hip and trendy upcycled and repurposed goods, furniture and decor, from antique cameras to garden features, candles, jewelry and work by local artisans. They also offer Dixie Belle paints. Blessed and Distressed is a tastefully designed store — so inviting, you’ll want to stay and visit — filled with collectibles and work by local artists. The store is in Palma Sola Square, around the corner from Winn-Dixie. It offers 30-plus vendors, including vin-

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

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Page 14 THE ISLANDER | islander.org APril 6, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Gathering

Open house at Roser store

By lisa neff

Island churches, Kiwanis make Holy Week plans

A week of holy observances begins for the AMI churches among the palms with Palm Sunday, marked April 10, and ends on Easter Sunday, April 17, with a sunrise service on the beach and worship in churches. A look at Holy Week observances on Anna Maria Island: • The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island and island churches will hold the 57th anniversary Easter Sunday Sunrise Service at about 6:30 a.m. at the Manatee Public Beach at the west end of Manatee Avenue in Holmes Beach. For more information, contact club secretary Sandy Haas-Martens at 941-778-1383. • CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, will hold its Palm Sunday service at 9 a.m. April 10, and its Good Friday service at 7 p.m. April 15. CrossPointe will hold its Easter Sunday service at 9 a.m. For more information, call CrossPointe at 941778-0719. • Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, will observe Palm Sunday at 8 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. Annunciation will hold a low Mass at 6 p.m. Monday, April 11, and Tuesday, April 12, and at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 13, followed by a soup supper. The church will observe Maundy Thursday at 6 p.m. April 14, Good Friday at 9:15 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Easter Sunday at 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. For more information, call the church at 941-7781638.

• Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, will observe Maundy Thursday at 9:30 a.m., Good Friday at 9:30 a.m. and Easter Sunday at 9:30 a.m. For more information, call Gloria Dei at 941-7781813. • Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach, will hold an Easter service at 9:15 a.m. For more information, call Harvey at 941-7791912. • Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, will observe Palm Sunday with services at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. featuring “The Body of

Roser club screens ‘Passion’

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MAUNDY THURSDAY TENEBRAE SERVICE Thursday, April 14 • 7:30 PM Choir & Communion Service • Dr. Fred Finks Preaching

GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE Friday, April 15 • 1:00 PM Rev. Dr. Norman M. Pritchard Preaching

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•

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Christ” cantata. Roser’s Monday Thursday and Good Friday events will be at noon. Roser services on Easter Sunday will be at 8:30 a.m. in the sanctuary and 10 a.m. outside. The church also will hold an Easter egg hunt. • St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach, will observe Palm Sunday vigil at 4 p.m. April 9, Palm Sunday at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., followed by Holy Thursday Mass and Last Supper at 6 p.m., Good Friday Stations of the Cross at 2:30 p.m., Good Friday Liturgy of the Passion at 3 p.m., Holy Saturday Easter Vigil at 8 p.m. and Easter Sunday Masses at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. For more info, call St. Bernard at 941-778-4769. Also, on Longboat Key: • Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian (USA), 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, will observe Palm Sunday with services at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m., Maundy Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Good Friday at 1 p.m. and Easter Sunday at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.. For more information, call the church at 941-3838833.

Tidings

The Roser Church JOY group will screen “The easter 2021 is celebrated at sunrise at the manatee Passion of the Christ” at 11 a.m. Friday, April 8, in the Public Beach in Holmes Beach. islander file Photo: Bonner Joy fellowship hall, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

Growing in Jesus’ Name

margaret Art at work at the roser guild thrift Shop. islander Photo: courtesy Peggy nash

The Roser Guild will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Roser Guild Thrift Shop’s opening with an open house. The celebration will be 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Thursday, April 14, at the shop across from the church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. The city granted Margaret Art permission to open the thrift store in May 1997. Art still works at the shop, along with many other volunteers who collect donations, price sale items and run the store to support more than 20 charitable organizations and initiatives, as well as college scholarships. For more information about the event or the shop, call the church at 941-778-0414.

ON AMI

CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-0719, crosspointefellowship.church. Worship: Sundays, 9 a.m. Ongoing: Wednesdays — 7 a.m., men’s Bible meeting; 9:30 a.m., women’s Bible study, 6:45 p.m., CrossPointe Wednesday Night PleASe, See tidings, neXt PAge

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Text ROSER to 22828 to receive the weekly eBulletin The CHAPEL is open during office hours for prayer and meditation 941-778-0414 • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria • FOLLOW us on Facebook @RoserChurch

APril 6, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 15 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Islander goes from retirement to 12-year overseas adventure By nicole Quigley guest Writer

Former islander Carol Hoffman tried to retire a few times. But the former Wisconsin special education teacher doesn’t do well with staying put. Now she’s chronicled her journey since her first retirement — a dozen years of living and working abroad — in an autobiography, “Twelve Years Overseas: An Educator’s Journey Across the Globe.” Hoffman will share her story at two book signings: 1:30 p.m. Friday, April 8, at North Shore Cafe, 304 Pine Ave., Anna Maria; and 5-7 p.m. April 8 at the Sand Dollar boutique in the Island Shopping Center, 5302 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, during the Holmes Beach Art Walk. A portion of the book sale proceeds will go to the Manatee Literacy Council. Part autobiography and part travel writing, Hoffman’s book details her experiences and work abroad with her late husband, Stan Ore, a former high school principal. When they retired as educators, some friends expected them to spend their days at their island condo. They were original owners at North Beach Village in 1992. Instead, Hoffman went to a job fair and discovered a second act as overseas educators. Their first assignment was in 1998 in Izmir, Turkey, where Ore served as principal and Hoffman as a middle school English teacher. And Hoffman discovered a love for travel and life abroad.

carol Hoffman shows off her travel tales. islander Photo: nicole Quigley

In 1999, Hoffman and Ore made the island their official home. She taught at Manatee Technical School and Booker High School in Sarasota. But the travel bug had struck. The couple took their next assignment in Kuwait. Hoffman arrived first, a day before the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Ore was waiting at home on his visa and on a tropical storm to clear, and was able to reach their daughter in New York before Hoffman heard the news. “Thankfully, by the time I understood what had happened, my husband called and said (our daughter) was OK,” Hoffman said. “There was nothing happening in Kuwait. It was a perfectly peaceful place, and the people I worked with were heartsick. I remember

tidings from PAge 14 Blast. Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-1638, amiannunciation.org. Worship: Sundays, 8 a.m., 10:15 a.m. Ongoing: Wednesdays, 8 a.m., men’s meeting. Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive. Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-1813, gloriadeilutheran.com. Worship: Saturdays, 5 p.m.; Sundays, 9:30 a.m. Ongoing: Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m., social gathering, private home. Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-779-1912. Worship: Sundays, 9:15 a.m. Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414, roserchurch.com. Worship: Sundays, 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. Ongoing: Wednesdays, 9 a.m., Hope Seeds packing; Thursdays — 9:30 a.m. ﬁtness class, 7 p.m. choir rehearsals; second and fourth Fridays, 11 a.m., JOY meeting; Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m., ﬁtness class. St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-4769, stbernardcc.com. Worship: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.; Saturdays, 4 p.m.; Sun-

days, 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. Ongoing: Wednesdays, 7:15 a.m., Manatee Public Beach, Holmes Beach; OFF AMI Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian USA, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Info: 941-900-4903, christchurchoﬂbk.org. Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m. Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Info: 941-383-6491, longboatislandchapel.org. Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m. SPECIAL EVENTS Sunday, April 17, 6:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island Easter Sunrise Service, Manatee Public Beach, Holmes Beach.

Gathering

Gathering is the religion page for The Islander. Send announcements and calendar listings, including for Holy Week, to calendar@islander.org.

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one man saying to me, ‘Carol, this isn’t Islam.’” The couple spent the next two years in Kuwait. “The people I worked with were so wonderful. They were all Syrian or Jordanian or Palestinian or Kuwaiti or Egyptian. I diagnosed kids with learning disabilities and supervised English classes in school,” Hoffman said. Over 12 years, Hoffman and her husband continued to live and work abroad, including in Belarus, Armenia and Italy. Hoffman’s book, published in 2021 by Sand Beach Press in Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin, was inspired by her travel journal. She dedicated the book to her grandchildren. “This is a slice of time in my life and a slice of each of the countries where I worked. And I wanted them to know about this and pass it along to their children and grandchildren and so forth — so they all knew what a crazy grandmother they had,” Hoffman said. The book includes personal stories of life overseas, along with descriptions of the cultures in the countries where she lived. Among Hoffman’s favorite locations was Armenia. “Armenia is considered unspoiled. There are no tourists there. It’s a beautiful country — green and mountainous. It has two climates, really a dry desert sort of climate and then mountains and lush vegetation,” Hoffman said. “It was very fun but very different. It was cheap as well. You could get dinner for under $5 anywhere,” Hoffman said. In 2014, the couple officially became snowbirds, splitting their time between Anna Maria Island and Wisconsin, before Ore died in 2018. Hoffman moved soon after to an age-restricted community in town, where she enjoys the sense of community with other retirees. As Hoffman reflected on her travels, she said, “The best part of it is the people you meet and become friends with. I still connect with many of the people that I’ve worked with.” Hoffman’s advice to other retirees is to “get out there and do it.” “It’s good to travel. It’s fun. It’s eye opening. It’s a learning experience.” These days, Hoffman is staying put. But she serves as a volunteer tutor with Manatee Literacy Council, an organization that helps foreign nationals learn English or prepare for job tests and a GED. “I guess I haven’t really retired,” Hoffman said. Nicole Quigley is a fiction writer whose debut novel was a “recommended teen read” by USA Today.

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Page 16 THE ISLANDER | islander.org APril 6, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Streetlife

Staff reports

Island police reports

Anna Maria No new reports The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office polices Anna Maria. Bradenton Beach No new reports. Bradenton Beach Police Department polices Bradenton Beach. Cortez March 28, 10000 block of Cortez Road, theft. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call from a property owner who reported an antique table stolen. A case number was assigned. March 25, 12000 block of Cortez Road, theft. An MSCO deputy responded to a report of a disturbance stemming from the alleged theft of a fishing pole valued at more than $500 from the complainant’s truck. A suspect was not found. The MSCO polices Cortez. Holmes Beach March 25, 3200 block of Gulf Drive, unlicensed carry of a firearm, marijuana and paraphernalia possession. An officer saw a motorist fail to stop at a flashing red light and conducted a traffic stop. The officer spoke with the driver, a juvenile, and smelled marijuana, so he searched the vehicle and found a plastic bag con-

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HBPD requests warrant for witness tampering arrest By ryan Paice islander reporter

point she allowed him to stay for the night. However, she said she was woken up that night by Schoeneck yelling at her and breaking things, including a mirror and another wine bottle. When she told him she was going to call 911, she said Schoeneck grabbed her phone and threw it, then grabbed her as she tried to leave. She said she escaped the house and later returned to find it empty, so she locked the door. Later, she said Schoeneck returned and knocked on her door, then punched and broke a window. She could not find her phone, so she went to a neighbor to call 911. If arrested and convicted, punishments for a thirddegree felony charge includes up to five years in prison or probation and a fine of up to $5,000. Conviction for a first-degree misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year in jail, one year of probation and a fine of up to $1,000. Schoeneck’s first appearance in court was not scheduled as of The Islander’s press time.

taining 5.8 grams of marijuana, a digital scale and a loaded shotgun. The officer arrested the juvenile and transported him to the Manatee Regional Detention Center in Bradenton. March 25, 2900 block of Avenue C, assist law enforcement. An officer responded to assist Bradenton Beach police with a possible burglary. The officer helped arrest a suspect and waited until backup arrived.

March 27, Resort Sixty-Six, 6600 Gulf Drive, larceny. An officer responded to reports of a bicycle theft and found a man who said two bikes he left unsecured at the motel went missing. There were no cameras in the area. The complainant provided photos of the missing bikes in lieu of serial numbers. March 29, 4500 block of Gulf Drive, recovered property. An officer responded to reports of found property and found a man who said he found a pair of missing bikes in his front yard. He said he did not see who left them. The officer transported the bikes to the HBPD and entered the property into evidence. Holmes Beach Police Department polices Holmes Beach. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

Holmes Beach police requested a capias warrant March 29 for the arrest of St. Petersburg resident Alexander Schoeneck, 28, on a third-degree felony for allegedly tampering with a witness/victim. Schoeneck also is accused of three first-degree misdemeanor charges, including two for criminal mischief for causing damage estimated at $200-$1,000 and one for domestic battery. Two officers responded to reports of a physical disturbance March 29 that included loud yelling and glass breaking. The officers found a woman who said she argued with Schoeneck, who was intoxicated, after he smashed a wine bottle. She said she began to drive Schoeneck home but he became aggressive, striking her and grabbing at the steering wheel. She then told Schoeneck to get out and he complied, so she headed home. She said he later appeared at her home, at which

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APril 6, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 17 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

BBPD ofﬁcer nabs bike burglar-in-progress By robert Anderson islander reporter

Bradenton Beach police arrested Kelly Lynn Martin, 35, a resident of the city, March 25 for allegedly burglarizing a home in the 2400 block of Avenue A. A pedestrian flagged down a Bradenton Beach police officer after seeing “a suspicious male and female walking in the area,” according to a Bradenton Beach Police Department report. The witness told the officer the people were observed going into some yards, as if they were looking for something. The officer continued on patrol and saw a man on a corner who fit the witness description. The officer asked if the man was all right and the man answered that he was waiting for someone. The officer continued his search and observed a woman, Martin, exit a property from a backyard gate with a silver beach cruiser, according to the police report. At the sight of the officer’s truck, Martin put down the bicycle and ran away. The officer returned to the man, who was detained for questioning but not arrested. Meanwhile, Holmes Beach police arrived to assist and, soon after, Martin was found and arrested. Later, the property owner confirmed the bicycle was his. Martin was transported to the Bradenton Beach Police Department for paperwork and then to the Manatee County jail, where she was booked on a felony charge of burglary to an occupied structure. She was being held on a $7,500 bond as of March 25. Martin is scheduled to appear in court April 22 for arraignment. The appearance will be at the Manatee A Wmfr firefighter helps a girl Scout shoot traffic County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave W., Bra- cones off a tire with pressurized water from a fire denton. hose march 26 during a “combat challenge” that Station 2 staff set up for the touring troop.

Sweet station house visit West manatee fire rescue district Station 2 staff rest march 26 on the front of a fire truck with members of girl Scouts troop 00040 during a tour of the station, where staff set up a “combat challenge” to test the girls’ mettle. islander Photos: courtesy West manatee fire rescue

A girl Scout hauls a fire hose over her shoulder march 26 during a drill at Wmfr Station 2.

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Page 18 THE ISLANDER | islander.org APril 6, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Fish hawk snared, spared from ﬁshing mishap By Brenda Basiley Special to the islander

Hunting fish can be rewarding and dangerous. For an osprey entangled in fishing line, a rescue call to Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation the morning of March 28 was a lifesaver. The osprey — called a fish hawk for its diet of fish and crustaceans — was discovered dangling from an Australian pine tree on a canal between Bayview Place and Kumquat Drive in Anna Maria. The bird’s wing was tangled in line, with a lure attached, and snared in a branch about 20 feet up in the air. Wildlife volunteers Len O’Hara and Jim Basiley arrived and enlisted the assistance of Steve Scheppe, vacationing nearby from Traverse City, Michigan. Scheppe’s steady arms were needed to hold a pole in place to get a trimmer high enough to cut a branch. Once the branch was cut, the bird fell to the water, where is was retrieved with a net. After O’Hara, Basiley and Scheppe freed the osprey, it was taken to Wildlife Inc.’s rescue and rehab facility in Bradenton Beach. Lucky bird. The wing was not broken and helpers at Wildlife Inc. determined there were no other injuries. The osprey was released later that same day. But with the happy ending, comes a cautionary tale. Wildlife Inc. volunteers want to remind anglers of the importance of removing fishing line and lures — especially from birds — for the safety and protection of all wildlife. For more information, call Wildlife Inc. at 941778-6324. An osprey entangled in fishing line dangles march Editor’s note: Wildlife volunteers Brenda and Jim 28 from the tip of its wing in an Australian pine tree Basiley are husband and wife. in Anna maria. islander Photos: Brenda Basiley

Jim Basiley, left, len o’Hara and Steve Scheppe work to free an osprey entangled in fishing line.

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APril 6, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 19 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

By Lisa Neff

Think globally

I admit to sometimes confusing idioms and jumbling up sayings. Just ask my wife about my use of “hold your horses.” So, maybe another saying goes, think locally and act globally. Or maybe: think globally and act locally. Honestly, both work for me, especially when it comes to the environment. • Think globally about climate change and act locally on AMI and neff the surrounding communities to reduce consumption and promote conservation. • Think locally about climate change and act globally to support resolutions, regulations, treaties to protect our human and wild habitats. Later this month, on April 22, we’ll celebrate Earth Day. We’ll celebrate globally — that’s implied in the holiday’s name. And we’ll celebrate locally. One of my goals this year is to focus on plastics. Yes, one word, “plastics,” but a huge problem — locally and globally. Locally, my focus is on eliminating plastic waste and reducing plastic-related purchases, doing more to pick up litter in my neighborhood and along the Palma Sola Causeway and encouraging friends and family to do the same. Focusing on the global issue, I’m getting up to speed on the proposed plastics treaty that’s not getting the headlines it needs or deserves. Plastics — cheap, flexible and convenient — are

Did you know? • One in two sea turtles has eaten plastic. • 90% of seabirds have plastic in their stomachs. • 8 million tons of plastic are dumped in the world’s oceans every year. Source: World Wildlife Federation part of today’s consumer economy and the World Economic Forum predicts plastic production could double in the next two decades. Some plastics eventually get recycled but they also get put into landfills, where they can leach chemicals into groundwater. They might be burned, but the incineration process requires energy and the emission of toxic dioxins. And they might be littered, another form of harmful, even deadly pollution. And so governments at every level — but not in every location — have been working to address plastics, including an international conversation that could result in a treaty to limit plastic waste pollution. Work to advance such a treaty took place at the United Nations Environmental Assembly, the governing body of the nations, during a Feb. 28-March 2 meeting in Nairobi. From the meeting came a draft resolution, “End plastic pollution: Towards an international legally binding instrument,” that identifies these goals: • Promote sustainable production and consumption of plastics, including product design and environmen-

tally sound waste management; • Develop and implement national action plans; • Promote action plans toward the prevention, reduction and elimination of plastic pollution; • Provide scientific and socio-economic assessments related to plastic pollution; • Increase knowledge through awareness-raising; • Encourage action by all stakeholders, including the private sector, to promote cooperation at the global, regional, national and local levels. At least two-thirds of the UN member states have backed creating an international treaty and many large businesses, with recognizable brands, have signed a manifesto — online at plasticpollutiontreaty.org — calling for a compact. The manifesto begins, “While plastic plays an important role in our lives and brings many benefits, despite ongoing efforts, much of it ends up as waste in incinerators, landfills and the environment. Every year, millions of tons of plastic leak into the environment, and mounting evidence shows this problem will continue to grow unless we fundamentally rethink the way we produce, use, reuse, and dispose of plastic.” The call continues, “THE BUSINESS IMPERATIVE IS CLEAR: we must work together to solve this problem. Therefore, we urge the member states of the United Nations to urgently commence negotiations on a treaty on plastic pollution. There is no time to waste.” Yes, there’s no time to waste. It’s time to think. It’s time to act.

Seagrass sighters sought

Snorkelers are being sought to help take stock of Sarasota Bay’s seagrass habitats. The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program is seeking participants in the Seagrass Survey 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, April 30, from the Sarasota Sailing Squadron, 1717 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota. Registration is required at 2022seagrasssurvey. eventbrite.com.

EASTER BUNNY APPROVED

ear-ristible

CARROT CAKE

Holidays and traditions go hand in hand. Families look forward to special times together and traditions help make lasting memories. Easter at the beach is one of the most popular times for families. Sunrise services, spring break, warmer water and longer days make Easter at the beach more memorable. Traditional Easter foods including hardboiled eggs, ham and carrot cake are often part of the celebration. The origin of the carrot cake is not clear. Some say the cake was eaten by Europeans in the Middle Ages when sweeteners and sugars were expensive, and carrot was substituted for sugar. The most recent explosion in popularity of the carrot cake can be attributed to the dieting craze of the 1970’s when the cake was promoted as healthy because it contained actual vegetables—carrots. Pastry Chef, Leilana Haas at the Anna Maria Bake House is currently creating a very special version of the carrot cake for the Chiles Group of restaurants that include the Sandbar, the Beach House and Mar Vista. The carrot cake recipe she uses is from a fellow pastry chef named Sarah and it’s called the morning glory recipe. The muffins sold at the Gamble Creek Farm in nearby Parrish, FL were also an inspiration for the newest rendition. Leilana took out all the other vegetables and fruits in the muffin batter and made it a carrot cake. The cream cheese frosting is her cinnamon roll icing recipe and instead of creaming the butter and cream cheese together and then adding the powdered sugar, she melts the butter and pours

it into the cream cheese after incorporating the powdered sugar. By melting the butter, it makes it a more fluffy and airy frosting. By combining two recipes, Leilana made her own dessert out of it and restaurant guests are delighted that she did!

Pastry Chef Leilana Haas

The Anna Maria Bake House incorporates organic products including flour in as much of their food as possible. Preferred suppliers include King Arthur Flour (Norwich, VT), Lindley Mills (Graham, NC) and Carolina Ground (Asheville, NC). The bakery produces many different types of breads, pies, cakes, and desserts for all three of the Chiles Group restaurants. This delicious carrot cake is available at the Sandbar in Anna Maria, the Beach House in Bradenton Beach Mar Vista in Longboat Key and Gamble Creek Farms in Parrish during the Easter holiday. Content provided by: The Chiles Group

Page 20 THE ISLANDER | islander.org APril 6, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

April perfection … No foolin’ island native Joey mattay enjoys a perfect barrel while surfing near the north end of Anna maria island with other surfers April 1. the surf was the result of a thunderstorms moving through the gulf of mexico, which tend to smooth out the surf like glass after they pass. islander Photo: chris Whittaker

KRC crowns President’s Cup winner By Kevin P. cassidy islander reporter

Forty-three golfers competed in the annual President’s Cup Tournament March 23 at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach. They hit 18 holes under the modified-Stableford system with handicaps. Dave Richardson captured first place with 38 points, a point ahead of second-place finishers Wayne Patterson, Blake Ress and Bob Rowley. After the golf, members enjoyed cassidy burgers, hot dogs, Tater Tots and refreshments on the clubhouse patio. Regular action got started March 23 with the weekly Stableford match. Mike Gillie, Ken Nagengast and Quentin Talbert tied for first place at plus-5. One point back was the trio of Steve Drum, Peter Lund and Bill Shuman. The clubwomen played a nine-hole individuallow-net match March 29 in three flights. Sue Wheeler ran away with Flight A with a 4-under-par 28 giving her the low-net round of the day. Carol Patterson was alone in second at 1-over-par 33. Annette Hall and Judy Todd both carded 3-underpar 29s to finish in a tie for first place in Flight B. Laurie Hicks took second with an even-par 32. Judy Menchek and Barb Harrold both fired 2-under-par 30s to finish tied for first in Flight C.

Phyllis Roe had a chipin on the ninth hole and Pam Lowry chipped on the fifth hole to round out the day. Golf action for the week ended with members competing in a nine-hole scramble with an unusual twist — no putters allowed! The team of Bruce Goff, Jim Goff, Wayne Patterson and Peter Solleveld combined on a 4-under-par 28 to earn clubhouse bragging rights for the day. Horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall pits March 30 saw three teams post 3-0 records during pool play and a playoff to determine a champion. Bob Rowley and Adin Shank drew the bye into the finals and watched as John Yaroch and Bob Lee advanced to the finals with a 21-14 victory over Bob Baker and Tom Farrington. Yaroch and Lee stayed hot in the final, cruising to a 22-4 victory over Shank and Rowley. The April 2 games saw another three-team playoff with the bye going to Lisa Allen and Lee. Bob Baker and Bob Rowley advanced to the championship game with a 26-11 victory over Steve Hooper and Farrington, thanks in part to a game-ending double-ringer by Baker. Baker and Rowley cruised to the winner’s circle with a 24-9 victory over Allen and Lee. Play begins at 9 a.m. at the Anna Maria pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by team selection. There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome. Adult soccer kicked off March 31 at the Center of Anna Maria Island. The regular season is seven weeks followed by playoffs — set for May 19, with semifinals

May 26 and the championship game June 2. Action March 31 got started with Sato Real Estate cruising past Shady Lady by an 8-1 score behind four goals and two assists from Damir Glavan. Will Kretzman and Selena Gonzalez-Salinas added two goals each, while Josh Sato finished the win with two assists and two saves. Nate Welch notched the lone goal for Shady Lady on an assist from Eric Pullen, while Tuna McCracken made seven saves in the loss. The second match of the evening saw Progressive Cabinetry ease past Salty Printing by a 4-1 score thanks to two goals each from Kali Richardson and Timo Vecchio. Goalie Steve Oelfke made four saves to help preserve the win. Tyler Brewer scored to lead Salty Printing, which also received nine saves from Tuna McCracken in the loss. Moss Builders shut out the Gitt Team 3-0 behind a goal each from Hakan Toka, Greg Moss and Christopher Klotz. Olaf Krause added an assist and Ryan Moss made 10 saves in the win. Mark Long made five saves for Gitt in the loss. Servis First Bank edged Gulfview Windows & Doors 4-3 to close out adult soccer action for the night. Race Arande scored two goals, while Lucky Durmaz and Connor Haughey each scored goals. Haughey also finished with seven saves in the victory. Keith Mahoney, Osvaldo Cabello and Thomas Mangotic scored a goal each for Gulfview in the loss. runner-up Blake ress, left, Krc President’s cup winner dave richardson, and sharing the runners-up spot, Bob rowley and Wayne Patterson, pose at the club following the action march 23 on the golf course. islander Photo: courtesy Krc

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rigHt: John Yaroch and Bob lee, left, are winners in the day’s horseshoe competition march 30, while Bob Baker and Bob rowley teamed up for a win April 2 at the Anna maria city Hall pits. islander Photo: courtesy Ami Pitchers

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Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

Apr 6 Apr 7 Apr 8 Apr 9 Apr 10 Apr 11 Apr 12 Apr 13

5:22a 3:16p 4:03p 5:14p 7:03p 11:17a 11:20a 11:26a

HIGH

1.1 2:40p 2.3 — 2.1 — 2.0 — 1.9 — 1.6 8:43p 1.6 9:55p 1.7 10:52p

HIGH

2.3 — — — — 1.9 1.9 1.9

7:31a — 12:08a 1:23a 2:30a 3:23a 4:07a 4:43a

LOW

1.0 10:58p -0.1 — -0.1 — — -0.1 — — -0.1 — — -0.1 3:05p 1.3 -0.1 4:01p 1.0 0.0 4:44p 0.7

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

Moon

1st

April 6, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 21 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Frequent wind, storms provide breaks for fish, anglers By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

With frequent windy days, the fish that inhabit the waters surrounding Anna Maria Island are getting a brief hiatus from the anglers who flock to the area in the springtime. Numerous days with gusty winds exceeding 20 mph or more are keeping all but diehard anglers off the water in anticipation of calmer, more comfortable spring days. Stasny During the small gaps when the wind doesn’t blow and the thunderstorms hold north, fishing inshore has been exceptional. Snook fishing is easy at the moment, which indicates we have a healthy population of linesiders. Many snook measuring 18-25 inches are being caught, which instills hope that there will be many fish in our waters in the future. Of course, this is reliant on avoiding severe red tide invading our waters — but it’s good to be optimistic. Spotted seatrout are abundant throughout Tampa Bay and its small bays to the southeast. Deep grass flats during swift incoming tides are providing great action on the popular backcountry fish. As for the redfish, they seem to be frequenting mangrove shorelines where oyster bars are present. Many are large, over-slot fish, although some smaller ones are present, too. And Spanish mackerel are making a showing throughout Tampa Bay, especially over structure where bait schools are present. Look for shorebirds diving into the bait schools and you should find the macks. Lastly, we are waiting to see the arrival of kingfish in mass, although with numerous windy and rough seas, getting out into the Gulf to look for them is challenging. On my Just Reel charters, fishing the flats of Tampa Bay is keeping me busy. Snook fishing is as good as

Welsey Pritchett and Grace Diffly, visiting from Georgia, show off the sailfish they paired up on in 40 feet of water in the Gulf of Mexico while fishing with Capt. Brycen Rogers. The fish was released.

it gets in a lot of areas, with catches of 20-30 snook a morning. The same applies for spotted seatrout. Many trout being caught are in the slot of 15-19 inches, with quite a few exceeding. While targeting trout we’re also encountering ladyfish, jack crevalle and some large-sized Spanish mackerel. The mackerel seem to be rogue fish, as I’m only seeing a random one among the trout. What’s exciting is these solitary macks are big, some reaching 28 inches in length. Lastly, I’m seeing some redfish being caught while targeting snook in the areas close to the mangroves. Capt. David White is concentrating on the flats of Tampa Bay southward to Sarasota Bay, trying to hide from the windy days. Targeting snook and redfish on the flats is proving to be quite good. Free-lining live shiners along the mangrove shorelines in areas sheltered from the wind is working best. On less windy days, White is finding mackerel on deeper areas of Tampa Bay where structure exists. White reports most of the macks being caught are on the larger end of the spectrum, with some reaching 26 inches in length. Jack crevalle and ladyfish are mixed in with this bite. Capt. Warren Girle is finding plenty of action over deep grass flats in Tampa Bay. Many species are frequenting the flats including spotted seatrout, Spanish mackerel, jack crevalle, ladyfish and bluefish. Freelining live shiners in these areas is providing nonstop action. On the shallower flats of Sarasota Bay, Girle is finding the catch-and-release snook hookups to be satisfying. Days of catching 20 or more snook are

common. He’s also seeing a few redfish in the mix. Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says sheepshead are the main attraction at Anna Maria Island’s northernmost pier, although many sheepies being caught are 12 inches long or less. Casting live shrimp under the pier is yielding the best results. As the sheepies have been picked over, catching keepers is challenging, but those determined enough to spend the time are catching a plateful for dinner. As the waters warm up, Malfese is noticing daily snook arrivals. Some are being hooked, although most are just under the minimum size limit of 20 inches. Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

Cal Broek shows off a nice slot-size redfish measuring 25 inches he caught March 23 with Capt. Danny Stasny of Just Reel Fishing Charters.

Palma Sola Boat Ramp closed through April 8

Shawn Martin, vacationing on Anna Maria Island from North Vernon, Indiana, shows off a whopper snook he caught fishing from the beach March 21 in Holmes Beach. Martin said he’s been vacationing on AMI since 2014 and he loves it.

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The Palma Sola Causeway Boat Ramp, 9701 Manatee Ave. W., will be closed through Friday, April 8, for dredging maintenance. About 130 cubic yards of accumulated sand will be removed from the launch ramp and end of the docks to restore full functionality of the facility, according to a news release from the county. The maintenance is necessary due to natural geological processes — over time sand is transported westward by the current along the shoreline of the causeway on State Road 64/Manatee Avenue. The county said contractors identified a window

of opportunity to do the launch ramp and dock work began the week of April 4. A portion of the ramp parking lot also is closed for material and equipment staging. The county suggested boaters looking to launch a vessel use the Kingfish Boat Ramp, located about three miles to the west at 752 Manatee Ave. W., Holmes Beach. For more information, go online to mymanatee. org or call the county at 941-748-4501. — Lisa Neff

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Page 22 THE ISLANDER | islander.org APril 6, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

isl

biz

By Kane Kaiman

Scholars, patience, hello and goodbye

Cream of the crop Tip of the mortarboard cap to these young people. The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce awarded $1,000 scholarships to three Manatee County graduating seniors March 30 during a ceremony at the LaPensee Plumbing, Pools and Air showroom in Holmes Beach. Each year, the chamber awards a portion of its proceeds from BayFest Kaiman and a fundraising golf tournament to distinguished high schoolers planning to continue their education. This year’s winners are: • Toddrick Pollock of Southeast High School, who will graduate with honors from the high school’s international baccalaureate program and pursue a business marketing and education degree at the University of South Florida; • Keile O’Dell of Manatee High School, who accumulated more than 1,200 community service hours and will pursue a business and hospitality management degree from Southeastern University; • Maxwell Fletcher of Braden River High School will graduate near the top of his senior class and pursue a civil engineering degree at Georgia Institute of Technology. Chamber president Terri Kinder described the trio as the “cream of the crop” in a year where the nonprofit

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Farewell, for now The island lost some flavor last month. Ramkumar Kamatchi, 10-year owner of the Island Spice, closed the Indian restaurant March 31. He leased the eatery, 3608 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, from Benderson Development Co., but learned was flooded with impressive submissions. “We had amazing applications,” she said. “If we his rent was being raised by about 60%. PleASe, See isl BiZ, neXt PAge had enough money, they’d have all been awarded a scholarship.” The next application period will begin in December, when applications will be available on the chamcompiled by Kane Kaiman ber’s website. For more information, call 941-778-1541 or visit THIS WEEK amichamber.org.

BizCal

Thursday, April 7 5-7 p.m. — Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce, April 7, Tasty tortellini takes time membership and awards meeting, 5390 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite Practice pasta patience, please. 102, Longboat Key. That’s a message from Vincenzo Esposito, owner Info, RSVP: longboatkeychamber.com, 941-383-2466.

of Vinny’s Italian Kitchen, a Holmes Beach deli-pizzaSAVE THE DATES takeout restaurant that continues to satisfy customers clamoring for freshly-made ziti, lasagna, manicotti and April 14, AMI chamber luncheon, Pesto Bistro and Wine, Braother traditional favorites despite being understaffed denton. during peak season. April 28, AMI business card exchange, Anna Maria Island His“The thing is last year we had 13 people working, torical Society, Anna Maria. now we have six,” Esposito said March 29. “So last May 5, AMI member sunrise breakfast, AMI Beach Cafe, week, I put out a sign saying, ‘Be patient, be kind to Holmes Beach. my workers.’” May 12, AMI member luncheon, Olympic Cafe, Bradenton.

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Vinny’s italian Kitchen owner Vincenzo esposito, left, poses with deli manager Virginia russo and his sister, maria esposito, march 29 outside his pizzadeli-takeout restaurant in Holmes Beach. islander Photo: Kane Kaiman

Prep times for made-to-order items have occasionally increased during dinner hours, leading to staff and customer headaches, and Esposito urges everyone who visits the shop to remain calm and courteous. “We’ve had great clientele for many years, many followers; we put out incredible food,” Esposito said. “I want to produce top-of-the-line food for my customers and they want to pick it up from me, so we have to meet each other halfway, that’s the principle,” he said. The eatery is working on its staffing problem but Esposito said the shop requires skilled laborers, namely individuals with restaurant experience. To inquire about employment opportunities at the Italian Kitchen, 5337 Gulf Drive, or learn more about the shop’s offerings, visit italiankitchenami.com or call 941-896-9754.

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APril 6, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 23 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

February tourist tax revenue tops 2021 collection dollars By lisa neff islander editor

A short month delivered big bucks for tourism development. The Manatee County Tax Collector’s office April 1 released February 2022 collection numbers for the tourist development or bed tax — the 5% tax collected February tourist tax collections on overnight rentals of six months or less. february 2018: $1,640,165 The month generated $2,954,355 in tourist develfebruary 2019: $1,813,708 opment tax in the county. february 2020: $2,114,161 The amount is 53% more than the $1,928,629 genfebruary 2021: $1,928,629 erated in February 2021. february 2022: $2,954,355 Holmes Beach topped collections on Anna Maria Source: manatee county tax collector Island in February, generating $865,065, about 28.93% • Bradenton generated $252,154 or 8.53%; of the countywide total. • Longboat Key generated $312,777 or 10.58%; Anna Maria accounted for about 7.31% of the col• Palmetto generated $6,681 or 0.23%. lections, bringing in $216,158 and Bradenton Beach The collection fee or commission on the tax is 3%, generated $166,667 or 5.64%. so the net collection for the Manatee County Tourist Some other numbers for February: • Unincorporated Manatee County generated Development Council in February was $2,865,723. For the first five months of the 2021-22 fiscal year, $1,145,685 or 38.77%; the gross tourist tax totaled $10,492,155. isl BiZ from PAge 22 According to state law, resort tax revenues must be used to boost and develop tourism, including fund“It would have been fine for season-time but in the ing for the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors off season it would be very difficult,” he said. Kamatchi is grateful to his former customers, who motivated him to produce quality food. “That’s an important feeling … to keep moving. More than the money. The passion for the food is fueled by this customer response,” Kamatchi said. “They supported me through everything, so simply thanking them in words is not enough,” he added. Island Spice might return, as Kamatchi is looking for a venue on the island or in the Bradenton area.

AMi toUrisM: endless season

Welcome We join the island chamber in welcoming new members that joined during a membership drive: Beach Boutique Rentals serving Anna Maria Island; Floridarentals.com serving the state of Florida; LendUS of Bradenton, Sunshine Healthy Vending serving Manatee County; Feeding Empty Little Tummies of Palmetto; Jessica Buehler Photography serving Anna Maria Island; Sea Rocket Gulf Coast Parasail serving Anna Maria Island and Tahini Beach Cafe of Bradenton Beach. For more information, go to annamariaislandchamber.org or call 941-778-1541. And as always… …Got biz news? Contact Kane Kaiman at kane@ islander.org or call The Islander at 941-778-7978.

toddrick Pollock, left, Keile o’dell and maxwell fletcher, recipients of the 2022 Anna maria island chamber of commerce scholarship awards, hold their prizes march 30 at the laPensee Plumbing showroom in Holmes Beach where the awards were announced. islander courtesy Photo

A.M.I. Beaches Real Estate annamariaislandrealty.com Gregg Bayer, 941.799.9096

203 N. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach Hard to find canalfront property just off the Intracoastal Waterway. Features 5 bed, 3.5 baths, with large pool and spa and a panoramic rooftop deck. Potential income to $250k. $3,795,000.

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On the TDC The Manatee County Tourist Development Council includes representatives from local governments, the tourism industry and citizenry. The council consists of citizens Jack Rynerson of Bradenton and Vernon DeSear of Palmetto; hoteliers Jiten Patel of the Holiday Inn Sarasota-Bradenton Airport in Sarasota, Eric Cairns of the Cedar Cove Resort in Holmes Beach, Ed Chiles of the Waterline Hotel in Holmes Beach and Rahul Patel of the Red Roof Inn in Ellenton; Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown, Palmetto Mayor Shirley Groover Bryant, and Manatee County Commissioner Misty Servia, who chairs the board.

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Bureau and the Bradenton Area Convention Center and tourism-related entities such as Realize Bradenton and the Pittsburgh Pirates, as well as supporting projects, such as island beach renourishment and construction of the new Anna Maria City Pier. The TDC recommends how to spend the money to the county commission. The March numbers will be released in early May and the TDC will meet next at 9 a.m. Monday, April 18, at the county administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

the Bird of Paradise

6:05 PM

529 77th St., Holmes Beach Stunning British West Indies home on a deepwater canal. Features over 6,000 sf of living space with 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths, two half baths and large open decks with views of the Intracoastal and Tampa Bay. $6,700,000. 6430 Gulf Drive Unit 1, Holmes Beach The residence at L’Plage features 3,200 sf of luxury Gulf side living with 4 beds and 4 baths, 6-car private garage and stunning Gulf of Mexico views. $3,195,000. 122 White Ave., Anna Maria Great investment opportunity, west of Gulf Drive property with 5 bedrooms and 4 baths, tropical pool area, sleeps up to 12 and has income potential of 200k plus.

Page 24 THE ISLANDER | islander.org APril 6, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

ITEMS FOR SALE Continued

HELP WANTED Continued

WHite WicKer deSK and chair. Harvey link lexington, glass-top. island-style. $300. 708567-2120.

BroWn leAtHer SofA. Perfect condition. recliners both sides. $300. 5 x 8 new area rug. 331-330-0563.

couPon: SAVe $5 on the only patented sandless beach blanket. Bring this coupon to the Beach Hut across from ginny’s and Jane e’s cafe on gulf drive, Anna maria. call 855-686-SAnd or go to https://sandlessblanket.com for home delivery.

PAddleBoArd PAddle: Werner brand, like new, $50. 941-920-2494.

HolmeS BeAcH retired couple seeks active engaging household help. cooking breakfast, light housekeeping, trips to costco and exciting restaurants for lunch. must have own transportation. exceptional pay for right person. 313-477-8662.

neW, tWin mAttreSS, $100, cruiser bike, helmet, seven gears, $75, chandelier, brown metal, bulbs included, $20. 941-920-2494. free: PoWer recliner, twin platform bed, has storage drawers and clean mattress. 941705-2757. text please.

dinette: 36 x 60 glASS-top table, six chairs with three matching bar stools. metal tile design. $300. 608-438-4441.

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AntiQue BABY cArriAge: Wood and wicker. Proceeds benefit moonracer Animal rescue. email for photos: moonraceranimalrescue@ gmail.com. AntiQue PArtner deSK: All wood, $500. inquire at the islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

GARAGE SALES SHell Point communitY yard sale. 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Saturday, April 9. 6300 flotilla drive, Holmes Beach. YArd SAle: 9 a.m-1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 9-10. Antiques, auto, boating, furniture, banjo, tools, baskets. 327 tarpon St., Anna maria. gArAge SAle: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 9. tools, fishing gear, depression glass, household items, chairs, lamps, lots of miscellaneous. 302306 S. Bay Blvd., Anna maria.

Huge uniQue YArd SAle: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. friday and Saturday, April 8 and 9. furniture, art, decor, over 500 books, antiques, clothing and more. 5119 Second Ave W., Bradenton. PETS HelP reScued PetS! Volunteer, foster, computer help needed! moonracer Animal rescue. email: moonraceranimalrescue@gmail.com.

TRANSPORTATION

AdoptA-Pet

2009 VeSPA lX50 scooter: low miles, runs great, Asking $1,500. 609-828-9798. 2019 cuStom StAreV cart. 48 volts with new batteries. Six passenger, rear flip seat, back up camera, high/low gear, great condition, low hours. Street-legal with title and mechanically maintained. $12,000 or best offer. contact Vincent at 941-527-2387. bmyand85@outlook.com.

Bobby needs YOU!

Bobby is a male lab/dobie mix, 8-9 months old, about 50-pounds and needs a caring family. To meet this cutie, call Lisa Williams at 941-345-2441 or visit The Islander ofﬁce in Holmes Beach. For more about pet adoption, visit moonraceranimalrescue.com.

BOATS & BOATING HAVe A BoAt and wanna catch more fish, better bait or learn the waters? 50-year local fisherman, your boat, my knowledge. capt. chris, 941-896-2915. FISHING liVe PinfiSH-SHinerS delivery available. 941-705-1956, text only.