The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, August 11, 2021 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

VOLUME

AUG. 11, 2021 Free

NO. 41

the Best news on Anna maria island since 1992 Astheworldterns. 6 fisH joins fight to halt cortez megabridge. 3

Q&A 081121

Top Notch

islander.org

‘Beach gymnastics’

interest lags for HB water committee. 4 BB continues tree city honors. 4

Meetings. 4 RoadWatch. 5 election 2021. 5

Opinions. 6 10-20 YEARS AGO

Looking back. 7

HB planning committee member canned. 8

Week 5: ‘Beach gymnastics’ Julie gaskins of odessa photographed daughter emma and niece Alexandra practicing their aerials on the beach at Bean Point while vacationing in Anna maria. gaskins is a winner in the islander’s 2021 weekly top notch photo contest of a “more-than-a-mullet wrapper” t-shirt and the photo is in the finals, which offers a grand prize of $100 from the islander and gift certificates from islander advertisers. Photographers, there is one more week to enter the contest. details are on page 11 and online at islander.org.

A batch of loggerheads leave their imprint …

dead fish blanket icW. 9

BB leaves Cortez in lurch By Kane Kaiman islander reporter

save the date. 10

The courtship has ended. After a presentation, back-and-forth discussion and a recess to review a draft contract at a Bradenton Beach City Commission meeting Aug. 5, commissioners reached a 3-2 consensus to continue megabridge negotiations with the Florida Department of Transportation and declined to join the legal challenge facing the department’s decision to replace the 17-foot-clearance Cortez drawbridge with a 65-foot-clearance fixedspan structure in 2026-27. Mayor John Chappie and Commission-

Happenings community activities. 11 Privateers race into ‘invasion Weekend.’ 12 Back to school. 13

Gathering. 14 Obituaries. 14 commercial fishing a family affair. 15

turn to BB-Cortez, PAge 2

monitoring Piney Point. 16

Rockin’ and readin’

Streetlife. 16 Anna maria asked to back clam project. 17

storm season outlook, take 2. 20 registration for mAYso league begins. 21 fish for success: Avoid storms, red tide. 22

TideWatch. 22 June tourism soars. 22 Biz come, biz go. 23

CLASSIFIEDS. 24

PropertyWatch. 26

NYT puzzle. 27

sea turtle hatchlings make their imprint in the sand as they scramble Aug. 2 to the gulf of mexico after being released by AmitW volunteers near the moose Lodge in Bradenton Beach. the nest was disturbed by people and these hatchlings remained behind after the clutch of loggerheads crawled out or were carried to the gulf. for more “nesting notes,” see page 18. islander Photo: samara Paice

Anna maria elementary kindergartner Ariyah carlton, 6, finds her groove Aug. 5 during Back-to-school night. for more, see page 13. islander Photo: ryan Paice

Award-Winning Surfside Dining Call For Reservations: (941) 778 - 6444

Page 2 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Aug. 11, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

FAR LEFT: Commissioner Jan Vosburgh, left, speaks in favor of joining the megabridge lawsuit Aug. 5. Commissioner Marilyn Maro, center, and Mayor John Chappie indicated they preferred to stay out of the suit. LEFT: Joe McClash entreats city leadership to join the lawsuit opposing DOT plans for a 65-foot-clearance fixed-span replacement for the Cortez drawbridge. Islander Photos: Kane Kaiman

BB-Cortez continued from page 1

ers Ralph Cole and Marilyn Maro advocated for continuing discussions with the DOT and steering clear of the lawsuit. Commissioners Jake Spooner and Jan Vosburgh favored joining the complainants in opposing the megabridge. The Aug. 5 meeting began with a presentation from Joe McClash, a former Manatee County commissioner who spearheads a group of four people who lodged their initial complaint in federal court in March 2020 and began advocating for the construction of a 35-foot-clearance drawbridge to replace the aging Cortez Bridge. During the presentation, McClash outlined two “major winning points” the anti-megabridge coalition has uncovered while reviewing the administrative record — a document detailing how the DOT came to its decision to build the high bridge. According to McClash, the agency approved the bridge under outdated legal conditions and failed to abide by a federal rule requiring the department to choose the bridge alternative that would have the smallest impact on the surrounding floodplain.

McClash told the commission he located an attorney to represent his coalition and the city of Bradenton Beach at an upcoming mediation hearing Aug. 25 for about $25,000. He summed up his presentation by asking the commission to join the suit and revert to the city’s original, March 18 commitment to allocate $15,000 toward legal fees. “It would be my recommendation to spend the $15,000 and to help our neighbors, because it would be a nightmare to do it the other way,” Vosburgh said, following the presentation. “We don’t need that tall bridge and I think we would have the cooperation of almost everyone in Bradenton Beach to go ahead and do it.” Chappie said the city needed more time to discuss the situation with the DOT and that he’d like to see the anti-megabridge coalition formally ask the Manatee County Board of Commissioners to weigh in on the issue. He also indicated the city’s budget was tight and said, if pressured, he would vote against joining the suit. Cole said he also would vote against joining the

suit as an inappropriate use of taxpayer dollars. Spooner initially voiced concerns about being drawn into a lawsuit where the city could incur more fees than expected. He suggested the draft contract be amended to allow the city to join the suit at no expense — at least through the mediation hearing. Maro voiced concerns about Bradenton Beach bearing the brunt of the financial burden and prompted city attorney Ricinda Perry to review the draft contract. After a brief recess, Perry highlighted what changes would need to be made to insulate Bradenton Beach from financial obligation. Despite the possibility of joining the suit through the mediation hearing at no cost, Chappie and Cole did not change their positions and Maro tipped the balance. Chappie, Cole and Spooner said they would privately donate to the lawsuit. Negotiation autopsy On March 18, commissioners unanimously voted to direct Perry to coordinate with outside counsel to join the suit and allocated $15,000 for legal fees. please, see BB-Cortez, Next page

SUNSET CRUISES DOLPHIN TOURS

CALL US ABOUT the SANDBAR AND EGMONT KEY EXPRESS

Under New Ownership

Take a relaxing 90-minute cruise, featuring dolphin, sandbar and sunset cruises — fun for the whole family! Or Cruise with us aboard the Anna Maria Princess Music 7:15 Wednesdays Comedy 6 Fridays

es!

r all ag

o Great f

RENT A BOAT s 0ONTOONS and Deckboats

BE YOUR OWN CAPTAIN!

s &ULL OR (ALF $AY 2ENTALS

-Ì>ÀÌ }Ê Ê Õ}ÕÃÌ\Ê"Ûi > i`Ê7 }ÃÊ UÊ >«ÀiÃiÊ-> >`ÊUÊ >ÀVÕÌiÀ iÊ >À`ÃÊ UÊ Ê- Ì Ê* ââ>ÃÊUÊ >ÌÊ Ài>`ÃÊ > `Ê ÀiÊ°°°Ê ÛiÀÞÌ }Ê ÀiÃ °Ê

/ÕiÃ`>ÞÊ ÊEÊ/ iÊ > }Ê 7 iÊ7i` iÃ`>ÞÃÊf£ÓÊ ÌÌ iÃ / ÕÀÃ`>Þ\Ê/ iÊ ÃÊ> `Ê -Ê / Ê ÊofxÊ >À}>À Ì>ÃÊ> `Ê Ã Ã] $3 Well Cocktails and Fireball Special À `>Þ ->ÌÕÀ`>ÞÊ Õi }Ê* > ÃÊ Sunday Fundays (Details Online)

Hours: 5-11 Tuesday-Thursday, Sunday 5-12 Friday & Saturday

Plenty of parking at the marina!

CALL OR BOOK ONLINE TODAY! 941-778-2288 www.bradentonbeachmarina.com 402 CHURCH AVE., BRADENTON BEACH

CLOSED MONDAYS (FOR NOW)

ÈÈ{äÊ ÀÌiâÊ, >`Ê7°]Ê1 ÌÊ ÊUÊ À>`i Ì Ê

941.900.1133 | 88-live-piano-bar.business.site

Aug. 11, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 3 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

FISH joins activists in fight to halt Cortez megabridge By Kane Kaiman Islander Reporter

Add FISH to the list. At a meeting Aug. 2, the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage board members unanimously voted to become the fifth complainant in a federal lawsuit challenging the Florida Department of Transportation’s decision to replace the 17-foot-clearance Cortez drawbridge with a 65-foot-clearance fixedspan structure in 2026-27. The nonprofit, dedicated to preserving the commercial fishing legacy of Cortez, has until Aug. 15 to join the suit based on a timeline laid out in court documents. Barring any legal hurdles, the organization will join former Manatee County Commissioner Joe BB-Cortez continued from page 2

In April, they reduced the allocation to $5,000 and Perry began settlement negotiations with the DOT. At a July 1 commission meeting, Perry said the department rebuked the city’s proposal that the agency spend $4.8 million to underground utilities on streets inside and outside the scope of the megabridge project and build a sidewalk on a portion of Gulf Drive. Perry said the agency asked her to scale back the requests and demonstrate how the construction of the high bridge would make them necessary. Commissioners directed her to do so and continue her negotiations. Based on public records obtained by The Islander, Perry had not communicated the scaled back requests to the DOT as of July 27. Since the July 1 meeting, DOT District 1 Secretary L.K. Nandam and Perry have characterized the discussions between the city and the agency’s attorneys as something other than informal settlement negotiations. “I wouldn’t call them settlement conversations,” Nandam said July 2. “I think this is part of any con-

McClash, former County Commissioner and current FISH treasurer Jane von Hahmann, who resides in Cortez, and Linda Molto and Joe Kane, also Cortez residents, in their fight to prevent the high bridge from being built. The 65-foot-clearance structure would require construction of inland retaining walls — about 20-feethigh at their peak — that would extend into Cortez about 700 feet. The complainants advocate for the construction of a 35-foot-clearance drawbridge to span the Intracoastal Waterway between Cortez and Bradenton Beach, which they maintain would have a minimal impact on the historic fishing village on the west side of the proposed bridge. At the Aug. 2 meeting, von Hahmann announced FISH would hold a high bridge informational meet-

versation that we have with our communities on what enhancements they would like to see within the scope of the project.” “There are NO negotiations … this is a joint effort to help the community,” Perry said in an Aug. 6 text message to The Islander. However, Perry has repeatedly characterized the discussions as negotiations in the past, most recently at the July 1 commission meeting. “I want to be very careful, because we’re in negotiations, understanding that the reason for the negotiations is (the DOT) did not want to see the city of Bradenton Beach become a party to the lawsuit. That is the appeal of us working together. To avoid all that,” she said. It was unclear if Perry, who has been in discussions with the DOT since April, will continue to pursue the dispensations. But the deadline for new parties to join the federal lawsuit is Aug. 15, not Aug. 25, as the commissioners discussed, leaving the city only days to win any concessions from the DOT in return for not joining the suit.

ing at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12, at Fishermen’s Hall, 4515 124th St. W. “It’s been so long since people had a conversation about the bridge and, in this village, I don’t even know how to tell you how many people don’t even realize it’s happening,” von Hahmann said. The anti-megabridge coalition recently established a “Stop the Mega Bridge” GoFundMe page to help offset the costs of court-ordered mediation with the DOT, scheduled for Aug. 25. In addition to getting the word out, von Hahmann said she hopes the Aug. 12 informational meeting will drive people to donate to the cause. “Like one of my fellow board members said, (the high bridge) will destroy this village,” she said. To donate, visit https://gofund.me/8a79c74f. For more on FISH, call 941-794-0043 or email jvonhahm@verizon.net.

Q&A 081121

The Islander poll Last week’s question

It’s time for students to return to class. What was your favorite school supply? 71%. Crayons! 4%. Glue! 0%. Ruler! 18%. Pencil! 7%. Watercolors! This week’s question

Dog days of August! Where’s the best place for island dogs to play? A. Scentral Park in Holmes Beach. B. My yard. C. Palma Sola Causeway Beach. D. Happy Trails at G.T. Bray Park in Bradenton. E. Herb Dolan Park in Bradenton Beach. To take the poll, go online to islander.org.

Page 4 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Aug. 11, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Bradenton Beach workers air concerns about shuttle service demands By Amy V.t. moriarty islander reporter

Bradenton Beach employees are raising concerns about demands of the Old Town Tram service. Tickets for overnight parking, washing vehicles on private property without permission and demanding work from public works employees are a few of the concerns voiced about the tram service operated by Joshua LaRose and established with Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency money. “There’s just a lot of concern in Woodard the community about some of their actions,” city attorney Ricinda Perry told CRA members meeting Aug. 4. Public works director Tom Woodard began the discussion by asking what are his department’s responsibilities with regard to the tram service. According to Woodard, tram employees demanded public works crews install a waterproof cover over the tram charger. Woodard told the CRA members a tram employee told a public works staff they also work for the city. Public works staff are city employees but tram operators are contractors, Perry clarified. And city employees should not do work that is not stipulated in the contract between the city and the Old Town Tram owner LaRose, she said. LaRose was not at the meeting Aug. 4. So board members requested he attend the next meeting to address their concerns. CRA meetings usually are at 9:30 a.m. the first

Wednesday of each month at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. In other matters • CRA board members raised a concern about increased trash at the Historic Bridge Street Pier, 200 Bridge St. Woodard said his understanding is the trash comes from the boating community. • City Commissioner Ralph Cole, the CRA chair, extended kudos to the Bradenton Beach Police Department for efforts to “get rid of” boats in disrepair from the anchorage south of the pier. At a high point, there were 50 such vessels but at last count only 17 remained, Mayor John Chappie said. • Perry requested board member feedback regarding lighting at the roundabout at Gulf Drive and Bridge Street. She asked members to consider whether the older solar-powered lights should be removed. About the CRA The CRA funds improvement projects to promote restoration, growth and tourism for the district, which is bordered by Cortez Road, Sarasota Bay, Fifth Street South and the Gulf of Mexico. The CRA funds the projects with incremental tax revenue collected by Manatee County since 1992, when the area was declared blighted. The agency includes the mayor, city commissioners and two appointed members, restaurateur Ed Chiles and resident David Bell.

Bradenton Beach to pedestrians: Use crosswalks By Amy V.t. moriarty islander reporter

Frogger faces dangers, not unlike pedestrians. City leaders in Bradenton Beach are hoping to improve pedestrian safety by adding a crosswalk to the 1400 block of Gulf Drive. Mayor John Chappie told city commissioners Aug. 5 that representatives of Bermuda Bay Club, 1467 Gulf Drive N., and Tortuga Inn Beach Resort, 1325 Gulf Drive N., contacted him seeking a solution for people to safely cross the road to the beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. The mayor did not seek a vote but said he wanted to gauge commissioners’ response to bring up the issue during budget meetings this month. He noted the area has been on a list for several years as a location in need of a crosswalk.

Meetings

Anna Maria City Aug. 12, 1:30 p.m., commission. Aug. 16, noon, candidate qualifying opens. Aug. 16, 2:30 p.m., planning and zoning. Aug. 19, 2 p.m., “Reimagining Pine Ave.” Aug. 26, 5:30 p.m., commission. Aug. 27, noon, candidate qualifying closes. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941708-6130, cityofannamaria.com. Bradenton Beach Aug. 18, 10 a.m., commission (budget). Aug. 19, 9:30, commission (budget). Aug. 19, noon, commission. Aug. 23, noon, candidate qualifying opens. Aug. 27, noon, candidate qualifying closes. Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com. Holmes Beach Aug. 18, 10 a.m., code enforcement. Aug. 23, noon, candidate qualifying opens. Aug. 24, 5 p.m., commission. Aug. 27, noon, candidate qualifying closes. Sept. 1, 5 p.m., planning commission. Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive,

Commissioner Jan Vosburgh said funding for a crosswalk should come from the state since Gulf Drive is a state road. “What we need to do there is direct people through that public access way” at John Chappie Park, 1400 Gulf Drive N., by centering the crosswalk to the park’s entrance, Commissioner Ralph Cole said. Commissioner Jake Spooner suggested utilizing barriers such as plants or bollards connected by rope to funnel people to the crosswalk. “It’s like Frogger out there with all these people … shooting out of all the driveways,” Spooner said. Frogger is a green, anthropomorphic frog, best known as the namesake of a classic 1981 arcade game, where the object is to navigate frogs home through hazards, across a busy highway or a river filled with alligators.

941-708-5800, holmesbeachﬂ.org. West Manatee Fire Rescue Aug. 17, 6 p.m., commission (budget). WMFR administration building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton, 941-761-1555, wmfr.org. Manatee County Aug. 11, 1 p.m., commission (work session). Aug. 17, 9 a.m., commission (budget). Aug. 19, 1 p.m., commission (land use). Aug. 24, 9 a.m., commission. Aug. 25, 1 p.m., commission (work session). Aug. 31, 9 a.m., commission (work session). County administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee. org. Also of interest Aug. 11, 2 p.m., Palma Sola Scenic Highway Corridor Management Entity, Bradenton Public Works, 1411 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Aug. 16, 9 a.m., Manatee County Tourist Development Council, county administration building. — Lisa neff

Please, send meeting notices to calendar@ islander.org and news@islander.org.

Bradenton Beach continues tree city honors

The Arbor Day Foundation has awarded “Tree City USA” designation to Bradenton Beach for 10 years running. The milestone earned the city recognition from the foundation in the form of two new signs. The Scenic WAVES Committee unanimously agreed Aug. 4 the signs should have pride of place at two parks — Katie Pierola Sunset Park, 2212 Gulf Drive, and Herb Dolan Park, 2501-2599 Ave N. The signs bring the city total to four — the first two were placed back-to-back along Gulf Drive outside city hall to be seen “coming and going,” committee chair Ingrid McClellan told The Islander. The Aug. 4 meeting was the first in a while for ScenicWAVES, which is an advisory committee representing the Bradenton Beach Scenic Highway Corridor Management Entity for the Florida Department of Transportation designated scenic highway program and the Waterfronts Florida Partnership Program. The committee also advises on tree and landscaping, promoting awareness of the citywide tree canopy and landscaping education programs. Members include McClellan, vice chair Cathy King, Ginny Little, Peg Miller, Binky Rogers, Sarah Santos, Carmine DeMilio as Manatee County government liaison, Jennifer Hoffman as liaison for Keep Manatee Beautiful, Darryl Richard as DOT liaison and Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization liaison Corinne Tucker. The committee will next meet at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6, at Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. — Amy V.t. moriarty

Interest lags for Holmes Beach water committee By ryan Paice islander reporter

It’ll be another few laps around the pool before Holmes Beach’s proposed “clean water committee” has a chance to dip its toes in the water. City Commissioner Terry Schaefer told The Islander Aug. 4 that he hopes to launch the committee this fall — around the commission’s Sept. 28 meeting — in the hope public interest grows. He added that he planned to meet with Mayor Judy Titsworth and the city’s development services director, Eran Wasserman, to discuss the committee. “The intent is without question to continue moving forward on this,” Schaefer said. “I think we’re getting closer. …It’s kind of a slow work in progress.” City clerk Stacey Johnston wrote in an Aug. 3 email to The Islander that three people applied to serve on a committee of 5-7-members. The committee will advise city commissioners, focusing on coordinating community activities and philanthropy to improve water quality on Anna Maria Island. City commissioners first discussed creating the committee last November and reached consensus in February to call for applications. Members are not required to be Holmes Beach residents but should be able to meet as needed, Johnston has said. Schaefer said he’d also like the committee to review potential municipal regulations on pesticides and herbicides, as well as work with Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach on water issues. “What we do in Holmes Beach would be a much stronger improvement or ordinance if it was at least islandwide,” Schaefer said. Schaefer said water quality issues such as red tide may boost public interest in joining the committee. The committee’s meeting schedule would be determined by board members at the CWC’s first meeting.

Click!

The Islander welcomes news of the milestones in readers’ lives — weddings, anniversaries, travels and other events. Send notices to news@islander.org.

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

RoadWatch Eyes on the road

The Florida Department of Transportation posted the following notice: • SR 684 Cortez Road at 119th Street: Crews are installing landscaping on the west corner of the intersection. Occasional shoulder and lane closures may be required. Estimated completion is in October. The contractor is Superior Lawn and Landscaping. For the latest road watch information, go online to swflroads.com or dial 511. To check traffic via road cameras, go to fl511. com. And, a reminder, a fare-free trolley operates daily on Anna Maria Island. — Lisa neff

County surveys on mobility

Manatee County is surveying residents on how they get around. How often do you ride the trolley? Walk on sidewalks? Cycle along paths? And, if the answer is “never” to all of the above, the county transportation planners want to know why as they create a “mobility plan” to address issues for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists. County residents can take the survey by going online to www.mymanatee.org/mobility. The county expects to complete the plan next spring. — Lisa neff

Election 2021

Qualifying ahead on AMI

Thinking of acting locally? Qualifying for elected offices in the November general election will take place in August. Qualifying in Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach is Aug. 23-27. Offices up for election include: Bradenton Beach: The mayoral post, currently held by John Chappie. Mayors serve two-year terms. Two commission seats for two-year terms. The seats currently are held by Jacob “Jake” Spooner and Janet E. Vosburgh. Holmes Beach: Three city commission seats, currently held by Jim Kihm, Carol Soustek and Terry W. Schaefer. Commissioners serve two-year terms. As of Aug. 4, the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office was reporting: • 1,025 registered voters in Anna Maria; • 717 registered voters in Bradenton Beach; • 2,762 registered voters in Holmes Beach. Election Day will be Tuesday, Nov. 2. For more information, go online to votemanatee.com. — Lisa neff

Storm ready?

Get your storm supplies and your storm plan in order with The Islander’s Storm-Ready news throughout the season. For advertising requests, call or text 941-7787978.

florida institute for saltwater Heritage treasurer Jane von Hahmann, center, flanked by Lance Plowman and Kim mcVey, addresses attendees at the nonprofit’s Aug. 2 board meeting. Von Hahmann distributed a flyer for a fisH-sponsored anti-megabridge informational meeting set for 7 p.m. thursday, Aug. 12, at fishermen’s Hall, 4511 124th st. W., cortez. Von Hahmann is a complainant in a lawsuit — now joined by fisH — with two other cortez residents and former manatee county commissioner Joe mcclash to halt the dot’s planned 65-foot-clearance bridge and instead install a 35-foot bascule bridge to replace the aging cortez Bridge. islander Photo: Kane Kaiman

Election qualifying to open in Anna Maria By Amy V.t. moriarty islander reporter

We’re off to the races. Three Anna Maria city commission seats will be up for grabs in the Nov. 2 election. First, would-be candidates, including incumbents, must qualify to be on the ballot. In Anna Maria, the candidate qualifying period will begin at noon Monday, Aug. 16, and end at noon Friday, Aug. 27. The process for qualifying starts at the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office, where a potential candidate must submit forms detailing the bank where a campaign account carter will be held and appointing a campaign treasurer, Sharon Stief told The Islander Aug. 5. She’s the supervisor of elections’ chief deputy. Once the financial forms are filed with the SOE, candidates can open their campaign account and follow the copeland remaining steps required to qualify. The steps include obtaining signatures from 10 registered voters in the city, submitting an affidavit of residency and paying the $48 qualifying fee. Stief said the fee is 1% of the $4,800 annual pay commissioners in Anna Maria receive for their two-

year terms. Both Commission Chair Carol Carter and Commissioner Jonathan Crane said they will seek reelection. But there is not an incumbent for the third seat — held by Joe Muscatello until he resigned in June and now crane held by Doug Copeland, unanimously appointed to fill the role until November. When Copeland took the seat in July, he said he would not run for the office. If there are three or less candidates for the open seats, Stief said there would be no election and the candidates will automatically take office after the election. But if there are more candidates than open seats, she said Anna Maria’s 1,025 registered voters can head to the polls to cast ballots on Nov. 2. The deadline for voter registration is Monday, Oct. 4. Either way, Stief said, to allow for certification of the ballots, newly elected commissioners would not begin new terms until the second Thursday after the election. This year, that will be after Nov. 11. As of Aug. 5, Stief said no one had begun the process to qualify for the Anna Maria municipal election. For more information about qualifying, go online to votemanatee.com.

Page 6 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Aug. 11, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Opinion

Our

Eat more bacon

Amusement comes some days in the small things. Such as a promotional flyer received Aug. 8 from the South Cape Hospitality & Entertainment Association based in Cape Coral. Their notice comes just in time to make plans for their 7th annual South Cape Bacon Fest on Aug. 14. Bacon lovers are invited to judge the “Best (baconthemed) Drink” and “Best Appetizer” at various locations around town — with guests chauffeured to the participating hospitality venues on trolleys. Featured items on the Bacon Fest tour include “Pig Punch & Mini Dogs with Bacon Aioli,” or, “Blueberry Pancake Martini & Piggy Pinwheels with Bacon Jalapeno Aioli.” And more amusé broche. Sounds like an event “to die for …” while ignoring healthy dining options for just one evening — just the sort of event that Anna Maria Island might enthusiastically embrace. Oh. The pitch that caught my eye? “Save a Manatee ... Eat More Bacon.” Bacon is likely a better choice than the bottomfeeding catches from red tide areas in the bay. Fresh — and toxic — from the bay should be avoided in lieu of healthier, cleaner choices among local seafood catches from the offshore waters in the Gulf of Mexico until the inshore red tide subsides. In 2019, I attended a brunch hosted by Suncoast Waterkeeper to hear Larry Brand, a scientist and researcher, talk about red tide and blue-green algae. It was enlightening. And it was discouraging. Before hearing Dr. Brand, I was convinced Karenia brevis was the result of nature but, while it exists in nature, it is fueled by nutrients that humans and their developments — and now the Piney Point disaster — pour into the waters. I learned that when red tide numbers reach 50,000100,000 cells per liter and fish mortality occurs, the toxin in fish, shrimp and crab that survive the red tide increase and remain for several months. So while we struggle with another red tide outbreak, I encourage you to remain cautious about the source of your seafood. And consider attending the upcoming fifth annual Suncoast Waterkeeper Brunch for the Bay Sept. 26 at the Sarasota Yacht Club for enlightenment and for a good cause. I’m thinking bacon will be the star of the menu. For tickets and information, visit suncoastwaterkeeper.org or email Justin Bloom, founder and board member, at jbloom@suncoastwaterkeeper.org. — Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

AUG. 11, 2021 • Vol. 29, No. 41 Publisher, Co-editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org ▼ Editorial editor Lisa neff, lisa@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Kevin cassidy, kevin@islander.org Jack elka, jack@jackelka.com Kane Kaiman, kane@islander.org Amy V.t. moriarty, amym@islander.org ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org ▼ Contributors Johann Bertram Karen riley-Love samara Paice capt. danny stasny, fish@islander.org ▼ Advertising Director toni Lyon, toni@islander.org ▼ Webmaster Wayne Ansell ▼ Office Manager, Lisa Williams info@, accounting@, classifieds@, subscriptions@islander.org ▼ Distribution urbane Bouchet ross roberts Judy Loden Wasco (All others: news@islander.org) ▼

single copies free. Quantities of five or more: 25 cents each. ©1992-2021 • Editorial, sales and production ofﬁces: 315 58th st., suite J, Holmes Beach fL 34217 WeBsite: islander.org text or call: 941-778-7978

Your

Opinion

About that big bridge …

The Islander story in the Aug. 4 issue about Bradenton Beach being asked to join a legal challenge to a megabridge between the city and Cortez generated dozens of comments on Facebook the week ending Aug. 8, including: “Just a landing strip. If you want traffic alleviated it’s time for Longboat Key to step up and get a bridge.” — Patty Lynn Madden “So you build a huge bridge because you want to end the traffic build up on Cortez. BUT all that traffic is moving onto a two-lane island highway. They have NOWHERE TO GO! Are they going to widen Gulf Drive? Tear down city hall or Beach House Restaurant? The logic of a bigger bridge just isn’t logical.” — Kathy Doddridge “Let’s pray they have the foresight to jump on board! I know their main goal is only bringing in more tourist revenue, that’s quite obvious. All those new buildings on Bridge Street need to be paid for somehow right? It seems the cart is always put before the horse ... look at all the times they’ve redone landscapes and paving and drainage. Good money after bad, sad. But I digress. Back to the bridge ... just say NO and let’s keep what little there is left to our beautiful piece of paradise even if we can no longer see around the million-plus ginormous party homes anymore.” — Lesley Mullaney “Imagine the traffic when this all starts!!” — Timothy Patrick Murphy “If my dad was still mayor of Bradenton beach I believe he would (join the challenge.)” — Paul Arnold “I hope so. A tall 65-foot bridge will do nothing to alleviate traffic backups to/from the Island. FDOT

Skimming online …

Web (register for free news alerts) islander.org Facebook @islandernewspaper Twitter @ami_islander Instagram @theislanderami Pinterest @islandernewspaper E-edition For $36 a year or $99 for a lifetime, e-edition subscribers have access to the weekly e-edition with page-by-page views of all the news, photos, columns, community announcements and advertisements. And they get breaking news notices. To subscribe online, visit islander.org. For other subscriber services, call our newspaper office at 941-778-7978. should respect the wishes of the residents of Cortez and AMI — the majority are opposed!” — Carol Findlay “Just say NO to that monstrosity!” — Annie Camp

Have your say

The Islander accepts original letters of up to 250 words and reserves the right to edit for grammar and length. Letters must include name, address and a contact phone number (for verification). Anonymous letters will not be printed. Please, email news@islander.org.

Visit islander.org for the best news on AMI.

Aug. 11, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 7 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Lunch call at AME

10&20 years ago

Anna maria elementary school cafeteria workers prepare lunch in september 1980. the manatee county Public Library system archives identify the women as gertrude routh, left, lunchroom manager Wanda miller, an unidentified person (do you know her?) and Perthenia Kaehel. islander Photos: manatee county Public Library system

In the Aug. 9, 2001, issue

Share from your archives

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

Read our archives

Take a trip back in time in our digital newspaper collection. ‘Pick me’ There’s a complete Pe at the “Little school by the Bay,” including a panoramic view of Anna maria sound, takes place on the field behind Anna maria elementary school in the fall library of The Islander online at ufdc.ufl.edu. of 1980.

• The Florida Department of Transportation began a weeklong inspection of the Anna Maria Island Bridge that caused traffic delays. The DOT said the $1 million inspection was to determine the condition of the 44-year-old structure. • Attorneys for Manatee County and the environmental group ManaSota-88 filed legal objections to an order by Judge J. Lawrence Johnston that the Bradenton comp plan amendment that allowed the city to approve a planned 898-unit condominium on Perico Island complied with state requirements. • Members of Anna Maria’s environmental education and enhancement committee agreed to examine privatization of the committee rather than conform to requirements of Florida’s Government-in-the-Sunshine Laws that prohibit members from talking about some issues outside a publicly noticed meeting.

In the Aug. 10, 2011, issue

• Bradenton Beach Mayor Bob Bartelt suggested forming a task force to investigate creating a route for a jitney service between the downtownhistoric district and Coquina Beach. • The first of five new island trolleys to replace the aging fleet arrived to a Manatee County Area transit garage to be inspected and outfitted with advertising. • Members of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleading squad posed in a photo shoot on an Anna Maria beach for a 2012swimsuit calendar. — Lisa neff

To read old copies of The Islander, go online to 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!)

BULK MAIL U.S. SUBSCRIPTION (allow 2 weeks for every week’s delivery)

❑ 3-6 Months: $36 ❑ 1-3 Months: $24 ❑ 1 year: $54 U.S. FIRST CLASS AND CANADIAN MAIL SUBSCRIPTION ❑ 3-6 Months: $98 ❑ 1-3 Months: $54 ❑ 1 year: $160 ❑ Single Issue: $5 FIRST CLASS MAIL, U.S. ONLY, maximum four weeks MAIL TO: ______________________________________________________________ ADDRESS _____________________________________________________________ CITY ____________________________ STATE __________ ZIP _________________ Credit card: ❏ d

❏ u No. ____________________________________________

Name shown on card: _____________________________ Exp. Date ___________ Credit card billing address: ______________________________________________ MAIL START DATE: _____________________________________________________ The Anna Maria Island Privatteers are a not-forproﬁt 501(c)(3)

THE BEST NEWS ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND — SINCE 1992 315 58th St. • Holmes Beach FL 34217

CHARGE BY PHONE 941.778.7978 ONLINE (secure server) islander.org E-MAIL subscriptions@islander.org

We’re proud to step up for the Islander Privateers. Please, join us in celebrating their 50th Anniversary! PROUD

The

COMMUNITY NEWS SPONSOR SINCE 1992

Page 8 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Aug. 11, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Holmes Beach planners discuss sharing info with public By ryan Paice islander reporter

Drumming up public interest in the Holmes Beach Planning Commission’s comprehensive plan review isn’t an easy task. Planning commissioners Aug. 4 continued discussing a public forum to seek community involvement in their review of the city’s comp plan. Comp plans were initiated by the state in 1989 and determine community goals and aspirations regarding development, as well as guide future legislation. The city’s 110-page comp plan lists nine main elements, including future land use, transportation, housing and infrastructure. Planning commissioners have reviewed close to all of the plan over the past year but few community members attended the board’s meetings or participated in their discussions. Ben Smith from LaRue Planning, the consulting firm hired by the city in January 2020 to help revise the comp plan, previously proposed holding a workshop to inform the public and collect input. Commissioner Gale Tedhams said she’d spoken with staff at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive, about hosting such a forum but she has concerns with the location. She said there are issues with the venue, including scheduling constraints and the size of the multipurpose room that would be used for the forum. “The room itself is probably half the size of this room (commission chambers),” Tedhams said. “I’m thinking that we need a bigger space.” Tedhams said she’d like to explore hosting the event at CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, which she said offers a room large enough for a forum. Otherwise, she suggested hosting an outdoor forum. Austen Dole, the city’s planning assistant, said the city could set up tents and tables at city field, where

Place portrait photo here

the public could visit and learn about the comp plan and the proposed changes. Eran Wasserman, the city’s development services director, said an outdoor forum would be best for spacing a crowd during the coronavirus pandemic. Planning commissioners agreed to move ahead with plans to hold a public forum in October.

ment code. Dole said the LDC — which provides regulations for zoning, development and land use — is the implementation of the comprehensive plan — which sets long-term goals and direction — within everyday city code. “It’s the nitty-gritty of it all,” Dole said. However, Dole called the document confusing and LDC review complicated. The planning commission’s next task following its She suggested planning commissioners review the comp plan review could be to review the land develop- document after they finish their comp plan review. “I hope that’s our next big project,” Dole said. “It desperately needs to be revamped.” City planner Bill Brisson has compiled a list of suggested changes to the LDC, according to Dole. Commissioners agreed to review the document.

HB planners recommend member’s removal By ryan Paice islander reporter

Holmes Beach planning commissioners discussed Aug. 4 holding a public forum at crossPointe fellowship, 8605 gulf drive, to seek community involvement in the board’s review of the city’s comprehensive plan. islander Photo: ryan Paice

The Holmes Beach Planning Commission is drawing a line in the sand for attendance. Planning commissioners unanimously voted Aug. 4 to recommend the city commission remove second alternate planning commissioner Drew Hyman after he failed to meet attendance requirements. Commissioner Dana Krupa participated in discussion via Zoom but did not vote. City commissioners appointed Hyman in February and he only attended an April 7 meeting and missed all others without excuse, according to city clerk Stacey Johnston. When contacted for the July meeting, Hyman said he was in “Pennsylvania and would not return until September,” Johnston wrote in a memo. The rules specify that planning commissioners cannot miss three consecutive meetings or five meetPLeAse, see PLANNerS, next PAge

HOMEDEPOT.COM/MYHOMEORGINSTALL

941-900-4179 000-000-0000 gs inre esmHe gom me Na ia Tu Elis

ss rvice sevice tion ionSer ottInst tallat insalla Ho depo me Dep Home der Lea m Leader al lTea Loc team Loca

Aug. 11, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 9 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Dead fish blanket ICW, Palma Sola Bay

dead fish blanket the icW south of the cortez Bridge. PLANNerS from PAge 8

ings over 12 months without their position becoming subject to forfeiture. If a commissioner fails to meet attendance requirements, board policy requires the commission to vote to determine if that person should be removed from office — a threshold Hyman reached. Hyman wrote in a July 27 email to Johnston, “Regarding attendance at meetings: I am typically at my home in Holmes Beach, Florida, from October through May of each year. I would plan to attend commission meetings at that time. Please, let me know if this is acceptable.” Commissioner Gale Tedhams said she was surprised by Hyman’s misunderstanding with regard to the board’s attendance requirements. “I distinctly remember having the conversation … about how this is a year-round thing,” Tedhams said. “If you’re gone during the summer — as many people are — you probably aren’t even eligible to be on the commission.” “He did say, ‘Please, let me know if this is acceptable.’ And we’re saying, ‘It’s not,’” she added.

capt. scott moore, a charter fishing guide based in Holmes Beach, took this photo on the approach to the cortez Bridge from his boat. He reviewed the intracoastal Waterway and Palma sola Bay Aug. 6-7 and saw thick lines and large pools of dead fish blanketing the waters. “With big strong tides and really low tides expected,” he predicted we’d see red tide and dead fish moving into the bays and canals. “it’s sad to see the redfish,” he added. the species was hard hit by red tide in 2018 and was making a promising recovery. islander Photos: scott moore

‘No Swim’ advisories issued for Sarasota beaches Heightened levels of enterococcus bacteria prompted the issuance of “No Swim” advisories Aug. 6 for some Sarasota County beaches. The amount of enterococcus bacteria found during water quality testing Aug. 2 was outside acceptable limits, according to the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County. No such advisories were issued for Manatee County, as “beach water quality” was categorized as “good,” including at Bayfront Park in Anna Maria, Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach and Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach. Water quality at the Palma Sola Causeway Beach was “moderate” but no advisory was issued. Sarasota County’s Aug. 6 advisories included: Longboat Key, Bird Key Park, Ringling Causeway, Turtle Beach, Nokomis Beach, Brohard Beach, Casperson Beach, Manasota Key and Blind Pass.

The town of Longboat Key said on social media over the weekend that the caution for LBK beaches was lifted based on new test results. Additional DOH-Sarasota test results were expected Aug. 9, after The Islander went to press. Enterococcus bacteria, which presents health hazards for people and wildlife, can come from pet waste, livestock, birds, wildlife, stormwater runoff, human sewage and decaying marine life. Decaying algae and decaying fish associated with red tide were found along the shoreline where the advisories were issued. Signage advising the public not to swim was to stay in place until water testing results meet recreational water quality standards, according to DOHSarasota. For more information, go online to visitbeaches. org or call 941-BEACHES (232-2437).

HOMEDEPOT.COM/MYCABINETMAKEOVER

Place portrait photo here

000-000-0000 941-900-4179 gs inre esmHe Tum ia go me Na Elis rvice ss sevice ionSer tion tallat insalla ottInst depo Ho meDep Home derer m Lea Lead al lTea Loc team Loca

HDIE20K0019

Page 10 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Aug. 11, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

The Islander Calendar ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

compiled by Lisa neff, email calendar@islander.org.

Tuesday, Aug. 17 10 a.m. — Family story time, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Through Sept. 26, “Skyway 20/21: A Contemporary CollaboHolmes Beach. Registration: mymanatee.org/library. Information: ration,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore ONGOING ON AMI 941-778-6341. Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-359-5700. Throughout August, Through Sept. 26, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ “We Dream CLUBS & “Live Colorfully” membership A World, African American Landscape Painters of Mid-Century FlorCOMMUNITY exhibit, Island Gallery West, ida, The Highwaymen,” 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. Fee applies. 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes ON AMI Information: 941-366-5731. Beach. Information: 941-778-6648. Second and fourth Saturdays, 2-4 p.m., Soupy and his Band, Wednesday, Aug. 11 Through Sept. 1, Island Players season ticket sales. Informa- Florida Maritime Museum outdoors, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Infor6:30 p.m. — Island Time Book tion: 941-778-5755. mation: cvhs2016@aol.com. Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina AHEAD ON AMI

ONGOING OFF AMI

Drive, Holmes Beach. Registration: mymanatee.org/library. Information: Aug. 26, Paradise Center’s “The United States vs. Billie Holi- 941-778-6341. day” screening, Longboat Key. Saturday, Aug. 14 Nov. 13, Anna Maria Island Privateers Black Tie Fundraising 8:30 a.m. — Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Gala to beneﬁt the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County, Island breakfast and meeting, Gulf Drive Cafe, Bradenton. 900 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-778-1383. KIDS & FAMILY AHEAD OFF AMI

Sept. 16-26, Island Players’ performance of “The Savannah Sipping Society,” Anna Maria. Oct. 15, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Bayfest kickoff, Anna Maria. Oct. 16, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Bayfest, Anna Maria. ONGOING ON AMI ON AMI Nov. 4-14, Island Players’ Same Time, Next Year,” Anna Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island lunch meetSaturday, Aug. 14 Maria. ing, in-person at Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton 10 a.m. — Origami crafting for all ages, Island Library, 5701 OFF AMI Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Registration: mymanatee.org/library. Beach, and via Zoom. Information: 941-920-2505. Information: 941-778-6341. Thursday, Aug. 12 AHEAD ON AMI 1 p.m. — “My Octopus Teacher” ﬁlm screening, the Longboat Key Paradise Center for Healthy Living, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Fee applies. Information: 941-383-6493.

Nov. 6, Keep Manatee Beautiful’s Manatee Public Beach cleanup, Holmes Beach. PLeAse, see CALeNDAr, next PAge

Attention seasonal planners

‘My Octopus Teacher’ to screen at LBK center

Submit listings for season preview

Local groups preparing for 2021-22 season are encouraged to send their events calendars to The Islander, which is preparing for its preview of the season. Please, email events calendars, as well as notices of regular meetings and photographs, to calendar@islander.org and news@islander.org. And please, remember to include a contact name and phone number that can be published.

A Hair Day Salon & Spa COME SEE US!

Highlight & color 10% off with Irene. 10% off any massage with Shelley. New customers only, please, mention ad. — Faith, Katy, Shelley and Irene.

941-795-5227 MM34454 | MM87857

MOUNT VERNON PLAZA 9516 CORTEZ RD. W., CORTEZ

“mY octopus teacher” will screen thursday, Aug. 12, at the Longboat Key Paradise center for Healthy Living.” islander Photo: courtesy netflix

GET LISTED

Send announcements for The Islander’s calendar to calendar@ islander.org. The deadline for listings is the Wednesday before the publication date. Please include the date, time, location and description of the event, as well as a phone number for publication.

The documentary that charmed — and educated — many on pandemic lockdown in 2020 will get a community screening Thursday, Aug. 12. The Longboat Key Paradise Center for Healthy Living will show the Oscar-winning “My Octopus Teacher” at 1 p.m. Some of the world’s top filmmakers, cinematographers and scientists collaborated to make “My Octopus Teacher,” which tells the story of a troubled man and a young octopus and their relationship in the deep blue. “My Octopus Teacher” was filmed along the shores of False Bay in the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area managed by South African National Parks. Admission to the matinee is free for members and $10 for guests. The center is at 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. For more information, call 941-383-6493 and to RSVP email paradisecenterrsvp@gmail.com.

Used & Consigned Musical Instruments

Music Lessons: Guitar, Piano, Ukulele, Saxophone and Drums

941.896.9089

playitagainjams.com 8208 Cortez Road W., Ste.5, Bradenton

Holistic wellness center and spa

Now oﬀering yoga and meditation in the ambiance of a healing Himalayan salt wall. Massage Therapy | Acupuncture | Yoga 2219 Gulf Drive N | Bradenton Beach

941.778.8400 | www.alunawellness.com

Island Gallery West Fine Art, Photography, Ceramics, Jewelry 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, AMI 941-778-6648 Hours Tues-Sun 10-5

www.IslandGalleryWest.com

$15 OFF

WHEN YOU SPEND $100 OR MORE

Island happenings

Aug. 11, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 11 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Top Notch

Islander authors biz book

Tech entrepreneur Jay B. Myers published another book in a series on business experiences and advice. “Rounding Third and Heading for Home: The Emotional Journey of Selling My Business and the Lessons Learned Along the Way” follows “Hitting the Curveballs,” “Grow Your Business” and “Keep Swinging.” “Rounding Third and Heading for Home” is about “the intricacies of knowing if your business is ready to sell and the journey of making sound business and emotional decisions to determine when the time is right,” according to a news release. Myers plans to sign copies of the book noon-2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, at Books a Million, 4225 14th St., Bradenton. The book also can be purchased online, including on Amazon, for about $16. Since 2012, Myers has lived in Holmes Beach with wife Maureen. For more information, go online to jaymyersceo. com and call Myers at 901-355-0013.

Jay B. myers is the author of “rounding third and Heading for Home.” islander courtesy Photos

Library, schools partner on ‘all access pass’ Students, check this out. The School District of Manatee County and the Manatee County Public Libraries System partnered to offer an “all access pass” for the new school year. The initiative will help students remotely access library resources — from home, classrooms, even the skatepark. Students can use their student ID number to access

books, magazines, movies and music, as well as tutor services. Students also can reserve books, as well as literacy kits, telescopes, instruments and more. For more information, go online to mymanatee. org or connect with the Island Library — by phone at 778-6341 5701 or in person at 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

CALeNDAr from PAge 10 Dec. 4, Keep Manatee Beautiful’s Coquina Beach cleanup, ners running club, Robinson Preserve expansion, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton Beach. Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923, ext. 6047. Saturdays, 9 a.m., Saturday Mornings at the NEST nature ONGOING OFF AMI exploration, Robinson Preserve expansion, 840 99th St. NW, BraWednesdays, 3 p.m., The Longboat Key Paradise Center for denton. Information: 941-742-5923, ext. 6047. Healthy Living “Grieve Not Alone: Peer Support Group,” 546 Bay GOOD TO KNOW Isles Road, Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-6493. KEEP THE DATES

OUTDOORS & SPORTS ONGOING OFF AMI

Through the summer, Bradenton Marauders baseball, LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-747-3031, bradentonmarauders.com. Saturdays, 8 a.m., Robinson Run-

Monday, Sept. 6, Labor Day. Tuesday, Sept. 7, autumnal equinox.

GET LISTED

TERRA’S Handmade Sterling Jewelry Tue-Fri 10:30-5, Sat 11-4

Or Shop Facebook: Terra’s Handmade Jewelry and Gifts.

714 43rd St W • Bradenton 941.779.5350

need a good laugh? visit the emerson quillin signature store. humor, art, gifts 317 Pine Ave., Anna Maria • emersonshumor.com

stars and stripes salute: Penny frick was a top notch contest winner in 2009.

Enter The Islander’s Top Notch photo contest The Islander’s Top Notch contest is underway. The contest celebrates what still is known as the “Kodak moment,” despite Kodak’s downfall in the switch from film to digital technology. Look to noon this Friday for the next deadline. The contest includes six weekly front-page winners. Each will claim an Islander “More than a mullet wrapper” T-shirt. One weekly shot will take the grand prize in the contest, earning the photographer a cash prize from The Islander and certificates from local merchants. A pet photo winner will be announced in the final week. Please, note, each original JPG must be included in a single email with the name of the photographer; date the photo was taken; location and description; names of recognizable people; and the address and phone number of the photographer. More rules are online at www.islander.org. — Bonner Joy

Custom Jewelry Consignments Appraisals 40% OFF ESTATE SALES Watch Repairs Tune-Ups Batteries Service on Site -/°Ê£ nÎÊUÊn££äÊ ",/ <Ê, °Ê7°]Ê , /" MON-FRI 10-4 • ATM & CCs • 941-798-9585

Page 12 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Aug. 11, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Oh rats! Privateers ‘race’ into ‘Invasion Weekend’ A lineup of rat racers take their mark Aug. 5 for the Anna maria island Privateers’ Bilge rat derby at the seafood shack in cortez. People attending the event participated in activities to move the pieces across the large game board, as well as purchased “pirate bucks” to bet on the races. the event was the first in a series of activities the Privateers hosted for “invasion Weekend.” islander Photos: courtesy Valerie “dallas” mabry

marissa Hulsart, left, Joanne Hulsart and cole Klasinski display their rats Aug. 5. “the frAternity” won the award for best decorated rats at the Bilge rat derby.

Privateers and patrons mix and mingle Aug. 5 around the game board for the Anna maria island Privateers’ Bilge rat derby at the seafood shack in cortez. Laura surgrue hauls home a basket of goodies Aug. 5 on taking first place at the betting window for the night’s rat races. she raised more than $10,000 in “pirate bucks” and, as the highest earner of the night, was rewarded with a gift basket. other “invasion Weekend” activities included an islandwide scavenger hunt, pub crawl and paddleboat cruise.

donnie olmstead smiles Aug. 5 after finishing first in the Anna maria island Privateers’ Bilge rat derby with his rat entry, “release the crappen.”

i.wed

The Islander Wedding Directory T

ACCOMMODATIONS ACCOMMODA ATI

Bungalow Beach Resort DIRECTLY ON THE BEACH! Classic 1930s island-style resort. 800-779-3601 bungalow@bungalowbeach.com www.bungalowbeach.com

MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT Chuck Caudill Entertainment Beach weddings and events. DJ, live guitar and more from an experienced island professional. 941-778-5676 • www.chuckcaudill.com Gulf Drive Band The Best! Classic Danceable Tunes Musical Entertainment DJ for Weddings, Receptions. Call: 941-778-0173. email: gulfdriveband@gmail.com

TO BE INCLUDED IN IWED, CONTACT ISLANDER SALES DIRECTOR TONI LYON, 941.928.8735 OR toni@islander.org

Anna Maria Island Privateers offer BOGO on gala tickets

The gala is “black tie” but black eye patches also are appropriate. The Anna Maria Island Privateers are selling tickets to the 50th anniversary Black Tie Gala, set to take place Saturday, Nov. 13, at IMG Academy Gulf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Parkway, Bradenton. The evening will include an opportunity to meet past scholarship recipients, including Fox 12 news reporter Kimberly Kuizon, who grew up on Anna Maria Island and will serve as the gala emcee. The gala also will feature high school students performing as a quintet, a disc jockey, dancing, dinner, drinks and auctions of goods and services, including “sportscaster of the day” on a talk radio station. Tickets — $150 each with a buy one, get one offer through Sept. 30 — can be purchased at amiprivateers. org, with a portion of the money raised benefiting the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County. Sponsorships also are available by contacting Privateer Kelly “Mullan” Sparkman at flowergirlkelly@ yahoo.com.

Aug. 11, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 13 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Back to school @ AME

AmE NEWS

By By Ryan Ryan Paice Paice

AME school year begins

Anna Maria Elementary School was to start classes Aug. 10 with the first bell at 8:25 a.m., after The Islander’s press deadline for the week’s news. AME began its year with 195 enrolled students, a new principal — Michael Massielo — and several staff members, including new teachers for kindergarten, first-, fourth- and fifth-grade students. The year also was to bring a policy change with optional face masks after the school board repealed a mask mandate in May. However, the school will continue serving free Ame students and parents wait in a line Aug. 5 to attend Back-to-school night, where they were introbreakfast and lunch to students — a move first made duced to their first experience with their new classrooms and teachers heading into the 2021-22 school during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. year. islander Photos: ryan Paice Parents can call the school at 941-708-5525 to Ame kindergarten learn more. teacher Bridget Quer-

AME Calendar

Aug. 16, PTO board meeting. Sept. 6, Labor Day, no school. Sept. 13, PTO membership meeting. Oct. 7, end of quarter. Oct. 8, record day, no school. Nov. 11, Veterans Day, no school. Nov. 22-26, Thanksgiving break. Dec. 21, end of semester. Dec. 22-31, winter break. Anna Maria Elementary School is at 4700 Gulf Drive N., Holmes Beach. For more information, call 941-708-5525.

rard introduces herself Aug. 5 to her homeroom students and their parents during Back-to-school night. the event was the first opportunity for teachers, students and parents to meet and get ready for the 202122 school year — and the first since 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic began.

AMI Islander 1/4 Page Ad : 4.9375” x 8” APPROVED REPRO FILE 8.6.21

!"#$%&'(%)*+,-%./%*01*,"*23*%"2%,*-"4*2#"+5%,*6.4*5"278%4*-"72%+24%3.2-#,93#".28 5*#%9-%4*-"72%+%6.,*%:*+9#"/95%+24%/923#".2+5%-1+3*%/.,%).9,%5"/*-#)5*

!,((*@AB4C*'"*.+0%-2(%*)"2/*+"1D(&1%#',/)*-%.&:#*+"#.2(','&"#E

45%&'2)(-<)'(0%5>< &1&#8"8"!7

!"#$%&'("&)"*'+' ,-./*..0 !"#$%&'()*+%,'-.%/*0) 1(-.*2)'23%45%678#9 :::;<'-0)-=>?*;<'@ !"#$%&'#'('"')

ASK OUR LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS TO

PRESERVEAMI .COM

!"#$%#&%#'()*("+,'%-*'"*.%/$%*'0%*+"112#&'&%.*"3*4##,*5,/&,6*7"(1%.* 8%,+06*8/,-%#'"#*8%,+06*9"#:;",'*<%)6*!"/'%=*,#-*>?*8/,-%#'"#

P�in� You� Ow� Memorie�

SCAN TO WATCH VIDEOS & SEND YOUR MESSAGE

Canvas prints from your camera or cell phone

Island

Mail & Print

3230 East Bay Drive • Holmes Beach, FL 34217 941. 778.1911 • frank@islandmailandprint.com

“ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!”

Page 14 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Aug. 11, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Gathering

Sundays Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. 8 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. Select Wednesdays, 2:45 p.m., Roser Church Golﬁng for God, 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Pkwy., Bradenton. 8:30 a.m. — Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Reservations required. Fee applies Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. Thursdays, 7 p.m., Roser Church chancel choir rehearsals. 9 a.m. — CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes SAVE THE DATES Beach. Information: 941-778-0719. Sept. 6-7, Rosh Hashanah. 9:15 a.m. — Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church Sept. 13, Yom Kippur. Ave., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-779-1912. Nov. 6, Roser Church Holiday Craft Fair. 9:45 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. Dec. 4, ECA Holly Berry Bazaar. 9:30 a.m. — Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive. Dec. 12, Roser Church blood drive. Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1813. REGULAR WORSHIP 10 a.m. — Roser Church. 10 a.m. — Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian USA, Monday-Friday Gathering 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-900Gathering is the religion page for The Islander. 4903. Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-4769. We welcome news from local places of worship, 10 a.m. — Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Thursdays as well as photos. We also welcome listings for the 9:30 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-6491. Tidings calendar. 10:30 a.m. — St. Bernard.. Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1638. Please, submit to news@islander.org and calSaturdays ONGOING EVENTS endar@islander.org. 4 p.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. Wednesdays, 7:30 a.m., St. Bernard “Rosary on the Beach,

Obituaries

GoodDeeds

Richard E. Stomp

Richard E. Stomp, 90, formerly of Anna Maria Island, died Aug. 2. He was born in Cleveland and moved to Manatee County in 1982 from Waterford, Michigan. He served 1951-54 in the U.S. Marine Corp, receiving the Korean Service Medal, National Defense Ribbon and U.S. Service Medal. His career was in the tool and die, plastic engineering business and later in hospitality. A celebration of life will be scheduled for a later date in Anna Maria. He is survived by his daughters, Judy A., Darleen N. and Rhonda S.; sons Kurt S., Todd S., and Ross S.; eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Assistance sought on AMI

• Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals. Information: 941-345-2441. • The Roser Food Bank seeks donations. Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, administers the pantry, supported by All Island Denominations. Information: 941-778-0414. • Keep Manatee Beautiful seeks volunteers for cleanups and other efforts. Information: 941-7958272.

Center to host benefit for charter captain, family

The Center of Anna Maria Island will host a benefit 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21, to help a local charter captain and his family chart a course to recovery. Capt. Aaron Lowman suffered a brain aneurism earlier this year, just weeks after he and wife Dani had a son. A social media post for the benefit read, “Aaron and Dani are both the epitome of what it means to be genuinely good people and are deeply loved and admired by family and friends. But when Aaron makes a full recovery, he may or may not be able to resume his career on the water. Obviously, no one knows the future, but it could take a quite a while to iron-out where he and his family go from here. During that time, the family will surely need some financial help with medical expenses, mortgage payments, newborn expenses, household expenditures, boat and vehicle costs.” The center is at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. For more information about assisting with or attending the benefit, call the center at 941-7781908. Brett fortenberry — seen here enjoying dinner and conversation June 30 with wife Pam, left, and friends at the Porch restaurant in Anna maria — unexpectedly died Aug. 2. there was no obituary at press time for the islander and, as yet, no services planned, although an announcement is being prepared for the Aug. 18 islander edition. meanwhile, friends are sharing memories and a “meal train” on facebook. islander Photo: Bonner Joy

Obituaries are offered as a community service to residents and families of residents, both past and present, as well as to those people with ties to the island. You may submit a standard obituary and photo to news@islander.org. Obituaries are free.

COMMUNITY CHURCH IN PERSON in the Sanctuary Nursery • Children’s Church

Text ROSER to 22828 to receive the weekly eBulletin The CHAPEL is open during office hours for prayer & meditation

Essential

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

Send listings for GoodDeeds to calendar@islander. org. Please include a phone number for publication.

Keep Manatee Beautiful calls for volunteers

Keep Manatee Beautiful continues with a series of cleanups in 2021 and is seeking volunteers to help with the effort. The next “First Saturday Cleanup” will be Sept. 4 at a boat ramp at 3020 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton, followed by an Oct. 2 cleanup at the boat ramp on Bradenton’s riverfront at Riverside Drive and Ninth Avenue West. The final cleanups in 2021 will be on Anna Maria Island. They include: • Nov. 6 at Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach. • Dec. 4 at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. Cleanups generally begin about 9 a.m. Registration is taking place online at manateebeautiful.com. For more information, call KMB’s Bradenton office at 941-795-8272.

Islander archive 24/7

The Islander is pleased to be included in the University of Florida George A. Smathers

About obituaries

SUNDAY WORSHIP • 8:30 AM or 10:00 AM

ONLINE • Watch LIVE or LATER www.RoserChurch.com

Assistance offered on AMI

Libraries. We donated our collection of printed newspapers beginning with the first edition in 1992. It took some time, but it’s all maintained on the library site, searchable by key word, name or date. Look online for The Islander at the UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

Growing in Jesus’ Name

SHARING OUR FAITH

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

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

DISCIPLINES LEARN HOW!

Worship With Us at Our Church

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

6400 Gulf of Mexico Dr.

•

941.383.8833 (oﬃce)

•

www.christchurchlbk.org

Aug. 11, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 15 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Commercial fishing a family affair for fire inspector and sons

Twins Greydon, left, and Blake Miller, 15, show off a pair of red snapper caught during a July 4-6 trip with dad, Keith Miller. Islander Courtesy Photos

Keith Miller stands on the deck of the Odyssey in Seth Miller, 22, holds a red grouper caught May 29 the early 1980s with a trophy catch — a 300-pound- during his first commercial fishing voyage as captain plus Warsaw grouper. of the Bruno, part of the A.P. Bell Fish Co. fleet.

By Kane Kaiman Islander Reporter

a single line with multiple hooks behind the boat — was more productive and rose to prominence. Miller was a crew member on the Odyssey — a 44-foot CSY and the first modern commercial fishing sailboat in Florida — for two years before becoming the vessel’s captain. To keep pace with other fishers, the Odyssey was converted from a bandit boat to a longliner in 1983. The change took a lot of the fun out of fishing, Miller said. “Longlining to me was monotonous, like factory work,” he said. “With bandit fishing you do all the things you do when you go rod-and-reel fishing — you feel the fish take the bait, you hook the fish and you feel it fighting all the way up.” In 1984, Miller decided to go it alone, captaining a one-man bandit fishing vessel for about three years. Solo fishing was dangerous, but it kept expenses low and Miller was able to earn as much as he had while working on the Odyssey. Next came eight years in the Cayman Islands, where Miller worked at a water sports company, captained a charter fishing boat and met his wife, Del. In 1995, he returned to Bradenton, and, a year later, purchased a home in the Cortez fishing village. For eight years, Miller made a living cast netting mullet and brim and blue crabbing. Working alone, he could net as much as 4,000 pounds of mullet a day during peak season, and the work took a toll on his body. Over time, competition for mullet increased, and Miller began looking for another line of work. A friend suggested firefighting and, at 44, Miller went to firefighting school. In 2004, he was hired by West Manatee Fire Rescue, he has worked for Proof where #1 the past 17 years. Miller has five sons, ages 15-22. While they were growing up, he took them mullet fishing around Christmas, during the annual run of mullet. “My kids got a big old taste of commercial fishing

He’s taking father-son fishing to greater depths. Keith Miller, a West Manatee Fire Rescue inspector, has taken two deep-sea commercial fishing trips with his sons since May 29 — his first in about 30 years. The longtime angler said part-time commercial fishing likely will be a family activity for years to come. Miller moved to Bradenton from Mississippi in 1978 and began fileting fish at Bayshore Seafood in Cortez. Two years later, his fishing career — which would span more than four decades — began on the Odyssey, one of a handful of grouper/snapper fishing boats operating out of the fish house. At that time, bottom fishing was predominately a “vertical” enterprise. Fishers dropped lines into the water and pulled up their catch with electric “bandit” reels. However, longlining — the practice of unspooling

WMFR inspector and fisherman Keith Miller. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy

“Is your home well protected this hurricane season?”

"AY 0LAZA s 3 "AY "LVD 3UITE " s !NNA -ARIA CLEGGINSURANCE COM LISA CLEGGINSURANCE COM #ALL

FREE DELIVERY: Islands.Bradenton.Palmetto

s ,/7 $25' 02)#%3 s 3PECIALTY #OMPOUNDING s -EDICAL 'RADE #"$ 0RODUCTS s 2X FOR #ATS AND $OGS

Please, give us a call or come see us for a quote …

,ISA * "RAKEl ELD %XECUTIVE 6ICE 0RESIDENT #OMMERCIAL ,INES #LEGG )NSURANCE 'ROUP )NC

and what I used to do for a living,” he said. “I wanted them to see how hard it was, hoping they would realize that there’s other ways to make money besides using your back.” Miller’s sons appear to have learned the lesson — but at least two still see part-time fishing as a way to bring in extra income. In March, Seth Miller, 22, approached A.P. Bell Fish Co. owner Karen Bell about captaining the Bruno, an offshore grouper/snapper fishing boat, to offset the cost of online college courses he’s been taking for two years. To date, Seth Miller has captained two rod-andreel fishing trips on the Bruno, in May and June. In July, Keith Miller was at the helm with twin sons Greydon and Blake, 15, as his crew. The three-day voyage was another lesson in the hardships of commercial fishing. More than 80 miles offshore, the trio dealt with rough seas and caught less than 40 pounds of fish the first two days. “So that was great,” Keith Miller said. “Because they didn’t like it.” However, on day three, the group caught 500 pounds of red snapper and grouper — which may have rekindled Greydon’s desire to explore commercial fishing as a livelihood, Miller said. Miller is eyeing retirement, and, after he hangs up the fire hose for good, he hopes to run at least one fishing trip a month. “It would be fun for me, and I figure that out of all of my five kids, I’ll probably have one in the bunch that needs to make money. So, I’ll just kind of keep it in the family,” he said.

Back to School? Time for a checkup! Jamie Lawson O.D., Kenneth Lawson O.D. 5632 26th St. W., Bradenton 941.751.4668, BayshoreEyeCare.net

We also offer memory packaging and monthly accounting services.

34/2%3 -ANATEE !VE 7 AND TH 3T 7 "RADENTON

MY%CKERDS COM s 941.538.7122

Page 16 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Aug. 11, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Rainfall monitored at Piney Point plant By Lisa neff islander editor

Sometimes when it rains, it pours. And it could pour from Piney Point. The defunct fertilizer plant received nearly 4 inches of rain Aug. 3 and rainfall continued Aug. 4, heightening concerns about the potential for polluted wastewater to reach Tampa Bay. No pollution occurred with the early August rains, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, which has been monitoring the status of Piney Point since the spring, when it authorized the release of millions of gallons of nutrient-rich wastewater into Tampa Bay to avert a larger catastrophe. “Rainwater runoff is being conveyed through … permitted outfall to the drainage ditch along Buckeye Road,” the DEP said in an Aug. 4 press statement. “This is rainwater, not wastewater from the compartment areas on-site.” The DEP said its water samples confirmed the runoff at the site managed by HRK Holdings is rainwater. The DEP also stated, “To be clear, HRK’s prior emergency discharges ceased on April 9 and have not resumed.” In late March, the DEP allowed the release of 215 million gallons of pollutants from Piney Point into Tampa Bay and Manatee County groundwater, a decision that scientists and environmentalists say fueled the summer’s harmful algal blooms. The discharges were intended to avoid a collapse of a gyp stack, a mountain of toxic waste left from fertilizer production that’s topped with millions of gallons of processed wastewater, stormwater and dredged spoil. With the state-sanctioned discharges ended, the focus is on monitoring water quality in the region and the stability of the containment system, as well as preparing for closure of Piney Point at a cost of about $100 million. During a Manatee County Council of Governments meeting Aug. 3 in Palmetto, county administrator Scott Hopes briefed officials on the situation. “I will tell you that it’s still a struggle. The stack is not in the best shape in the world,” Hopes said, referring to the south gyp stack at the site.

Closing Piney Point, he said, will involve drilling a deep injection well probably on county-owned 40 acres near the plant, dewatering the gyp stacks, placing new liners and caps on them, then burying Piney Point under topsoil and sod. “My expectation is to have the highest soccer fields and BMX park in Manatee County,” Hopes told local officials. ManaSota-88, a public health and environmental organization responded Aug. 5: “Mr. Hopes’ recent statement clearly reflects the defiance and ignorance public officials have had, and still have, regarding the health hazards associated with a gyp stack.” Earlier this summer, ManaSota-88 and other organizations filed a federal lawsuit against the state, HRK and the Manatee County Port Authority over the crisis. The lawsuit alleges that Piney Point is an ongoing threat to public health and the environment due to: • The threat of catastrophic failure of its impoundments and/or stack system; • The site’s failing liners; • Violations of groundwater-quality standards and evidence that dangerous levels of pollution have migrated into the aquifer; • The choice of a high-risk wastewater disposal method called deep-well injection to store hazardous waste; • The discharge of 215 million gallons of toxic wastewater into Tampa Bay, which is now experiencing harmful algae blooms and fish kills. Meanwhile, the DEP is pursuing an enforcement action against HRK in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court, as announced Aug. 5 by interim Secretary Shawn Hamilton: “This action enforces compliance with the state’s environmental laws and all of HRK’s existing authorizations, orders and agreements with the department. The department is seeking the maximum allowable penalties and recovery of costs and damages under existing laws and regulations.” Hamilton, in a news release, said DEP’s “ultimate goal remains closure of the site once and for all. We are confident the court appointed receivership requested through this complaint will pave the way to expediting this process.”

Streetlife

Island police reports

Anna Maria Aug. 2, 900 block of North Shore Drive, larceny. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office dispatched a deputy regarding a bicycle theft. The deputy filed a report. The MCSO polices Anna Maria. Bradenton Beach July 21, 400 block of Gulf Drive North, battery. The Bradenton Beach Police Department dispatched an officer for a “fight in the middle of the roadway.” An Illinois man was arrested for misdemeanor battery after telling law enforcement he was intoxicated and struck his fiance multiple times. The BBPD polices Bradenton Beach. Cortez No new reports. The MCSO polices Cortez. Holmes Beach July 28, 5900 block of Flotilla Drive, burglary. A resident called the Holmes Beach Police Department to report items missing from a shed that was possibly left unlocked. An officer did not find fingerprints. July 30, 500 block of 67th Street, property damage. A resident called the HBPD to report someone broke a vehicle window. An officer took photos of the damage. July 31, 300 block of Clark Drive, noise. An officer responded around 2 a.m. to reports of a noisy vacation rental tenant. The officer deemed the noise a violation and issued a citation to the occupant. Aug. 1, 600 block of Key Royale Drive, burglary. A man called the HBPD to report equipment stolen from a locked trailer. He said the lock was cut overnight. An officer recovered video from a Ring doorbell system at a nearby property. Aug. 2, 100 50th Street, petit theft. A resident called the HBPD to report a motorcycle trailer stolen from his property overnight, as well as damage to a vehicle. There were no videos or fingerprints. HBPD polices Holmes Beach. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

Tiki & Kitty’s Let’s go shopping!

Tiki and Kitty are ready for school to start and some kid-free shopping! Cat’s Meow is celebrating the “Dawg Daze of Summer” Tuesday, Aug. 17 — National Thrift Store Day — and they’re having a blow-out sale! They’ll be hosting the Wolfhound Legacy: No Hero Walks Alone. They rescue, train and pair dogs with a military veteran or first responder. Please, stop by The

Your place for fun, funky

quirky!

Great work from Local Artisans Upcycled, Repurposed, Vintage Dixie Belle Paint, Fun Gifts & More! theblueflamingo.biz

10 to 5 Tues-Sat | 941.227.1936 4229 26th St. W. | Bradenton

You Never Know Thrift R Thrift and Consignment R

You never know what you might ﬁnd!

☛5529 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton 941-526-9197

Cat’s Meow for the festivities and shop a bit! Blue Flamingo offers hip and trendy upcycled and repurposed goods, furniture and decor, from antique cameras to garden features, candles, jewelry and work by local artisans. They also offer Dixie Belle paints. Blessed and Distressed is a tastefully designed store — so inviting, you’ll want to stay and visit — filled with collectibles and work by local artists at Palma Sola Square, around the corner from WinnDixie. It offers 30-plus vendors and artists, including Celebrating National Thrift Shop Day Aug. 17 !

staff reports

Adventures in Shopping … Antiques, Art-Tiques and Chic Boutiques!

vintage, upcycled, shabby chic, fanciful frocks and local crafts and art. You won’t be disappointed. You Never Know Thrift has everything you could want: clothes, 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, they lead the rescue efforts. FYI: Scavengers also carries Fusion Paints. And don’t forget, tell people you meet along the way, “The Islander sent me.”

4307 26th St. W. Bradenton 941.782.8883

30 + VENDORS & LOCAL ARTISTS Wed-Sat 10-5 Thur 10-6 615 59th St. W. Bradenton

Indoor market with 15 vendors & artisans Vintage, Unique & Shabby Chic Furniture Coastal, Nautical & Rustic Home Décor Antiques & Collectibles Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm Sunday 12-5pm Fri-Sat 10am-7pm Sunday 12pm-5pm

941-896-8800

Island Shopping Center

Facebook Blessed & Distressed Vintage Bradenton

5402 Marina Dr. Holmes Beach 941-900-1552

Aug. 11, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 17 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Anna Maria commission asked to back clam project

to Anna Maria was earmarked for red tide relief. But the mayor told The Islander Aug. 5 that he is waiting for more details from Chiles, including a timeline for funding and for the project. Chiles told Anna Maria commissioners he also hoped to involve Holmes Beach in the restoration project and will address that city soon. A partner in the project, Jeff Sedaka, addressed the council of governments Aug. 3 and outlined the All Clams on Deck initiative. Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie chaired the meeting and said the clam project in his city was great. He told The Islander Aug. 4 that he hoped to see the initiative expand in Bradenton Beach.

By Amy V.t. moriarty islander reporter

Holmes Beach city commissioners unanimously voted July 27 to appoint Holmes Beach resident Eileen Jellison to a two-year term on the parks and beautification committee. Jellison applied for the position in April but had not lived in the city long enough to serve. However, committee members Susan Anderson’s and Allyson Gillies’ terms expired Aug. 1, and they chose not to continue on the board, leaving two vacancies and the city contacted Jellison. island businessman ed chiles shows commissionCommissioners also unanimously voted to move ers two clams during a presentation about water Katheryn Sandberg — an alternate member since May and seagrass restoration projects at a July 22 Anna — into a full-time position on the board. maria meeting. islander Photo: Amy V.t. moriarty Jellison’s and Sandberg’s terms will expire Aug. 1, 2023. Now, the board lacks only an alternate member. Commissioners did not vote on Chiles’ fundPeople interested in applying for the position can ing request but instead await more information from either call city hall 941-708-5800 or visit at 5801 Mayor Dan Murphy. Murphy told commissioners July 22 that $50,000 Marina Drive. — ryan Paice of the $740,000 American Rescue Plan funds awarded

Harry's Restaurant

Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Happy Hour, Dinner

Open Daily 9AM - 9PM - 4 Course Summer Prix Fixe $45 - Wine Wednesday 30% Off Bottles - Thursday Prime Rib Dinner $31.99 *restaurant only

- New Larger Patio! Curbside/To Go

Harry's Gourmet Deli

11 AM-7PM Take-out/Curbside Pickup

- Party Specialties - 10 Take 'n' Bake Dinners Under $20 - Homemade Soups - Gourmet Sandwiches - 20% Off Retail Wine Wed. & Thurs.

Harry's Corner Store 7AM to 11PM

5 6 0 0

G U L F

O F

M E X I C O

HB appoints new parks committee member

www.HarrysKitchen.com

A Longboat Key Landmark

Bimini Bay and Lake La Vista inlet in Anna Maria could be prime sites for a clam and seagrass restoration project if Ed Chiles gets his way. “These clams are more valuable for restoration than as a $16 appetizer in my restaurants,” Chiles told Anna Maria city commissioners. Chiles made his Anna Maria presentation July 22 and a partner in the All Clams on Deck campaign outlined the initiative Aug. 3 in Palmetto, during a Manatee County Council of Governments meeting. Chiles owns three area restaurants and a stake in other food-related businesses. He’s teamed up with Curtis Hemmel, the founder and managing director of Bay Shellfish Co., and others to save Florida waters using bivalves. They developed a plan to seed state waters with mature, large clams that breed more clams and also promote seagrass growth. Bivalves are one of nature’s water filtration systems especially adept at mitigating nutrients that promote formation and growth of the algae bloom known as red tide, Chiles told Anna Maria commissioners. A clam seeding project has seen success in Bradenton Beach, where clams were placed in Sarasota Bay near the Historic Bridge Street Pier in 2019 following a long and intense 2018 red tide. Chiles told Anna Maria commissioners the clams would not be for eating but rather for restoration, as in Bradenton Beach. Chiles also asked commissioners to invest $50,000 in a city project, which he said would show an immediate and ongoing return on investment as the clams filter water, making it hospitable to growing seagrass — a vital component to a healthy marine environment. A key to success would be using larger, sexually mature clams that are predator-proof and able to filter more water at a quicker rate than other bivalves.

D R I V E • 9 4 1 - 3 8 3 - 0 7 7 7

Ginny’s

Jane E’s ISLAND BAKERY, CAFE AND STORE BREAKFAST • LUNCH • COFFEE • BAKERY

Cage-Free Eggs • No Added Nitrates • Locally Sourced Produce •Local Dairy From Daiken Farms in Myakka City

We Sell Local Arts & Crafts OPEN 7-3 EVERYDAY

9807 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria • 941.778.3170 www.ginnysandjanees.com

Page 18 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Aug. 11, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Nesting notes Samara Paice

Nest interference leaves hatchlings stranded

lings. Six of the nine were immediately released into the water. The other three were too weak to release and were held by AMITW for observation. When turtles hatch, they work together to leave the nest as they are not strong enough to make it up to the top of the cavity on their own. When people interfere with the natural hatching process, they disrupt the hatchlings’ teamwork. Disturbing nesting sea turtles, the nests or the hatchlings is against state and federal laws. Lights, beach chairs and canopies or deep holes in the sand are hazards. All of the aforementioned — and people — can lead to disorientation of nesting turtles and hatchlings. In other nesting news, Kremer and Duerr located a fresh green turtle nest near lifeguard station No. 9 on Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach Aug. 2 and another was located Aug. 4 near the Gulf Drive Cafe in Bradenton Beach. The two nests bring the total to seven

green turtle nests on the island beaches this year. AMITW is a nonprofit focused on collecting data on sea turtles which are listed as threatened or endangered in Florida, depending on the species. For more information, contact Suzi Fox, AMITW executive director, at 941-778-5838 or go to islandturtlewatch.com.

Sometimes it’s better to leave things to the professionals. Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers Birgit Kremer and Hans Duerr told The Islander Aug. 2 that they discovered a sea turtle nest that had been disturbed by people near the As of Aug. 8, AmitW had identified 413 nests, 2200 block of Gulf Drive North in Bradenton Beach. 557 false crawls and 58 hatched nests on Ami. The incident left nine hatchlings stranded and weak. Kremer and Duerr said they spoke with an observer Meanwhile, community cats impact shorebird chicks who saw “people helping the hatchlings out” by digTwo little chicks are survivors. on preserving protected sea turtles and their habitat, as ging into the nest by hand and forming a ramp in an But community cats on Anna Maria Island are well as monitoring shorebird nesting on the island. attempt to aid the hatchlings to crawl from the clutch making life difficult for the remaining least tern chicks For more information, contact Suzi Fox, AMITW to the beach. from a late July hatch. executive director, at 941-778-5838 or go to islandThe pair of volunteers said they were making their Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird turtlewatch.com. rounds on the beach and located the displaced hatch- Monitoring volunteer Kathy Doddridge told The Islander Aug. 4 that she feels confident two recently hatched least tern chicks, 3A and 3B — the only surviAmitW erected signs Aug. 2 near 23rd street vors out of 30 chicks that hatched the week beginning north in Bradenton Beach honoring longtime July 26 — are still “doing well and prospering within volunteer skip coyne, who died July 18. islander the overall flock.” Photo: samara Paice However, the predation of chicks by community cats remains a concern. After some chicks went missing, AMITW positioned cameras around a least tern colony nesting enclosure near 2600 Gulf Drive North in Bradenton Beach. The cameras revealed two cats stalking the area. The enclosure recently was removed as there are no active nests, but the cameras may prove useful in other locations in the future. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s policy is “to protect native wildlife from pre- AmitW volunteers remove a least tern enclosure dation, disease and other impacts presented by feral Aug. 1 near 2600 gulf drive north in Bradenton Beach. islander Photo: courtesy Kathy doddridge and free-ranging cats.” With this policy in mind, AMITW volunteers contacted Manatee County Animal Services to ask SERVING GOURMET ICE CREAM SINCE 1984 for assistance in humanely trapping and relocating the cats. One cat was caught as of Aug. 5 and was being ❊ Truly Homemade Ice Cream kept at MCAS for observation and care. (yes, we really make it ourselves) About Turtle Watch: AMITW is a nonprofit focused

½-Ê t

❊ Voted Best Ice Cream ❊ Open 7 Days a Week

Little Italy in the ❤ of Anna Maria Island.

7 Ê , Ê "* Ê ",Ê 1- --Ê Ê-/ Ê

"" t SERVING LUNCH AND DINNER TAKE-OUT ONLY UÊ*Ài«>Ài`Ê i> ÃÊv ÀÊ/> iÊ"ÕÌ° UÊ À V "Ûi Ê* ââ>ÊUÊ i ÊUÊ Ã«ÀiÃÃ ÊUÊ7 i UÊ ÀiÃ Ê > i`Ê `Ã]Ê Ài>`ÊEÊ*>ÃÌÀ iÃ

Open Tuesday-Saturday 11-7 5337 Gulf Drive ~ at the corner of Holmes Boulevard and Gulf Drive

941-896-9754

www.tylersicecream.com Cortez & 119th 941-794-5333

º/ iÀiÊ ÃÊ Ê ÛiÊÃ ViÀiÀÊÌ > Ê Ì iÊ ÛiÊ vÊv `°»ÊpÊ ° °Ê- >Ü

UÊ iÊ ÊUÊ >ÀÀÞÊ"ÕÌÊUÊ"«i ÊÇÊ >ÞÃÉ££\Îä ÊÊx{äÈÊ >À >Ê À ÛiÊUÊ Ã > `Ê- «« }Ê i ÌiÀ iÃÊ i>V ÊUÊ {£°ÇÇn°xä Ó

Isola Bella

+1 (941) 242-5309

Longboat Center Shops 941-383-6935

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

the updated 2021 Atlantic hurricane season probability and numbers of named storms. the next named storm would be fred, the sixth of a predicted 15-21 storms. islander courtesy images

By Lisa Neff

Storm season outlook, take 2

The earliest prediction called for an above normal 2021 Atlantic hurricane season. The revised outlook still calls for an above normal season but key to the forecast is that we’re entering a period of peak activity, with maybe 16 storms yet to come. “After a record-setting start, the Atlantic 2021 hurricane season does not show any signs of relenting as it enters the peak months ahead,” Rick Spinrad, National Oceanic and Atmoneff spheric Administration administrator, said Aug. 4. NOAA held a virtual press forum Aug. 4 to present the midseason outlook. Researchers adjusted their forecast based on astronomical and oceanographic information and the latest outlook says we can expect 15-21 named storms, including 7-10 hurricanes, of which 3-5 could become major hurricanes. In the earlier forecast, researchers predicted 13-20 named storms, including 6-10 hurricanes. NOAA scientists said the likelihood of an abovenormal 2021 Atlantic hurricane season is 65%. There is a 25% chance of a near-normal season and a 10% chance of a below-normal season. “A mix of competing oceanic and atmospheric conditions generally favor above-average activity for the remainder of the Atlantic hurricane season, including the potential return of La Nina in the months ahead,” said Matthew Rosencrans, lead seasonal hurricane forecaster at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center. Atlantic Ocean sea surface temperatures are

Resources for storm info: Twitter • The National Hurricane center: @nWsnHc and @nHc_Atlantic. • The National Weather service: @nWs, @ nWstampaBay. On the web • County emergency management: mymanatee.org. • State emergency man-

agement: floridadisaster.org. •FEMA: fema.gov. • National Hurricane center: nhc.noaa.gov. In print • The Islander, Bradenton Herald and sarasota Herald-tribune.

warmer than average in the Gulf of Mexico, off the East Coast and in the subtropics but are not expected to be as warm as they were during last year’s recordbreaking season of 30 named storms, Rosencrans said. However, reduced vertical wind shear and an enhanced west Africa monsoon contribute to conditions that could increase seasonal hurricane activity. These conditions are set against the backdrop of the ongoing warm phase of the Atlantic Multi-Decadal Oscillation, which has been favoring more active hurricane seasons since 1995. As of Aug. 4, we had seen five named storms, including Hurricane Elsa, the fifth earliest named storm on record. Whether we see only TS Fred or the entire class of 2021 cyclones, you know the message: Be prepared. It only takes one storm.

include: Ana, Bill, Claudette, Danny, Elsa. Remaining 2021 storm names include: Fred, Grace, Henri, Ida, Julian, Kate, Larry, Mindy, Nicholas, Odette, Peter, Rose, Sam, Theresa, Victor and Wanda.

About La Nina La Nina is the flip side of El Nino, which is a naturally occurring climate phenomenon that starts with unusually warm water in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific. La Nina is a natural cooling of the equatorial Pacific that changes weather worldwide. There also is a neutral stage with neither unusually warm water from an El Nino nor cool water from La Nina. La Nina’s effects are often opposite of El Nino, so there are more hurricanes in the Atlantic and fewer in the Pacific. Parts of Australia and Indonesia get wetter. And in the United States, drier than normal conditions occur in the central Plains in the fall and the Southeast in the winter, while the Pacific Northwest is likely to be wetter than normal. 2021 storm names The 2021 storms for the Atlantic hurricane season

Floridians favor …

We should protect the wild. And pay for our pollution. These are the opinions of a majority of Floridians based on a University of South Florida statewide survey on conservation and environmental policy. The survey, released Aug. 3, found: • 64% of Floridians say more action is needed to protect the environment from population growth and development. • 55% say more action is needed to preserve the state’s natural ecosystems. • 86% support additional funding to preserve ecosystems. • 85% support additional funding to protect endangered species. • 87% approve of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act, which sets aside $400 million to preserve ecosystems and wildlife in the state. • 89% support reforestation to absorb carbon emissions. • 85% favor restrictions on the use of agricultural fertilizers. • 76% favor taxing corporations to offset their carbon emissions. • 56.5% favor local control over single-use plastic bans. The survey, conducted July 15-25, included 600 Floridians. The margin of error was plus or minus 4%. — Lisa neff

Visit islander.org for the best news on AMI.

SEAFOOD

BEST EF’FIN CORNED BEEF ON THE PLANET!!! LIVE MUSIC!

OUTDOOR PATIO SERVICE!

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT @ THE FIN

THE FRESHEST SEAFOOD ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND Live Music Friday & Saturday Cocktails, Beer & Wine 121 Bridge St. Bradenton Beach 941-896-9737 bluemarlinami.com

s 7-11 WED., AUG. 11, ROCK & ROLL TRIVIA WITH STEVE ARVEY s 4(523 !5' 34/#+4/. "2/3 s &2) !5' 3!).4 TONE DUO s 3!4 !5' !#/534)# 4(5.$%2 $5/ s 35. !5' $!. 3)'./2 +).' /& +%93 s -/. !5' KARAOKE HOSTED BY J.R.JENKINS Open 11AM-11PM, WEEKENDS 11-1, Closed Tuesday 5337 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach &RECKLED&IN COM s s

CRAFT BEER ON TAP, WINE & COCKTAILS + LIVE MUSIC!

OR RELAX ON THE PATIO IN THE BREEZE!

OPEN 7 DAYS DINE IN, CARRY OUT & DELIVERY

Page 20 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Aug. 11, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

All — almost — quiet in island sports

There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome.

By Kevin P. cassidy islander reporter

Practice makes perfect Holmes Beach resident craig santagata shoots Aug. 5 from the free-throw line at an outdoor basketball court at crossPointe fellowship, 8605 gulf drive, Holmes Beach. islander Photo: ryan Paice

Send your fishing, sports report to news@islander.org.

Share the fun.

Southernaire Fishing Charters

The sports calendar at the Anna Maria Island Community Center was empty Aug. 1-7 — and it wasn’t a rainout. The center put a hold on activities the week before school starts up for “maintenance.” Activities and programs should return this week, along with afterschool programs kids. cassidy Meanwhile, rain did put a damper on golf action at the Key Royale Club. The women’s Tuesday round and the regular Thursday scramble were both rained out, leaving the men’s modified-Stableford system match Aug. 2 as the only action on the Holmes Beach course. Nelson Eagle carded a plus-8 to lap the field and earn clubhouse bragging rights for the week. Vance Dixon and Jon Holcomb tied for second with scores of plus-4. Presumably, the clubhouse was busy. Rain also washed out the Wednesday horseshoe action at the pits at Anna Maria City Hall for the second week in a row, leaving the Saturday morning match as the only game in town. Steve Doyle posted the lone 3-0 record in pool play during Aug. 7 action l. Doyle earned bragging rights for the week. Play gets underway at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the city hall pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by random team selection.

Fishing Charters Capt. Warren Girle

MAYSO sets up fall soccer season Registration for the 2021 MAYSO fall soccer season for youths is open online. Returning players can log on at MAYSO.org and click on the programs button and their name to start the process. If you’re a new player/family to MAYSO, you will need to create a user account and add playerparticipants. Cost for the season is $125, including a uniform kit and FYSA insurance. In an attempt to create equitable teams, MAYSO holds evaluations for each age division. Check-in starts at 5:30 p.m. and the evaluations are 6-7:30 p.m. at G.T. Bray Park, 5502 33rd Ave. Drive W., Bradenton, on the soccer fields. Player evaluations by team are on the following dates for select birth years: Aug. 30: U6: birth years 2016, 2017. Aug. 31: U8: 2014, 2015. Sept. 1: U10: 2012, 2013 Sept. 2: U12: 2010, 2011 Sept. 2: U14: 2008-09 Sept. 2: High school: birth years 2004-07. Practices for the fall season will begin the week of Sept. 20, with the schedule determined by the coach. Generally, practices are 6-7:15 p.m. either MondayWednesday or Tuesday-Thursday. U6 teams practice one night a week. Games will begin Oct. 2 and run through Dec. 11. For more information, email me, Kevin Cassidy, at info@mayso.org.

Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

INSHORE RE Redﬁsh Snook

O OFFSHORE SSnapper G Grouper

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

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

HIGH

3:43a 3:19a 3:47a 4:22a 5:03a 5:53a 6:54a 8:04a

1.5 12:35p 1.9 3:11p 2.1 4:13p 2.2 5:32p 2.4 7:27p 2.5 — 2.7 — 2.7 —

2.7 2.4 2.1 1.8 1.6 — — —

LOW

5:35a 1.4 8:34p -0.2 8:46a 0.9 9:40p 0.6 9:51a 0.7 10:12p 0.9 11:06a 0.6 10:41p 1.1 12:33p 0.5 11:06p 1.4 2:05p 0.3 — — 3:28p 0.1 — — 4:35p -0.1 — —

Moon

1st

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

WE LIKE LIKES

facebook.com/ Islandernewspaper

Fishing tip! If you hook a bird, remember: Reel, remove, release!

WE UNDERSTAND THE VALUE OF EVERY DOLLAR. Reach more than 20,000 people weekly with your ad for as little as $12! Call 941.778.7978 315 58th St., Holmes Beach

classifieds@islander.org • islander.org

Aug. 11, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 21 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Avoid thunderstorms, red tide for fishing success By capt. danny stasny islander reporter

With a combination of thunderstorms and toxic levels of red tide pushing through our local waters, finding a window of opportunity for fishing around Anna Maria Island can be challenging. But don’t be discouraged. The rains will subside and to avoid red tide you’ll just need to search for areas where clean water exists. If you can find the right spot, you’ll get the stasny action. Fishing inshore is producing catches of various species, including mangrove snapper and Spanish mackerel. You also should encounter the catch-andrelease trio — snook, redfish and spotted seatrout. All of these fish are susceptible to live shiners. Shrimp could work too, although with the abundance of pinfish ready for the taking throughout the flats of Tampa Bay, you might find yourself going through vast amounts of small crustaceans. If you don’t want to deal with fishing inshore in these conditions, the offshore grounds in the Gulf of Mexico are providing great action on migratory and bottom species. Amberjack and blackfin tuna are being reported. And, for the bottom fishing, red grouper, mangrove snapper and yellowtail snapper are keeping anglers busy. The offshore waters are free of red tide — no hunting for clean water — allowing these fish to flourish. Hopefully they will flourish right onto your hook. On my charters, I’m finding catch-and-release action on snook, redfish and spotted seatrout fairly consistent. It’s August, so days are plus 90 degrees and the overnight air is in the 80s, resulting in high water temps, which is triggering an early bite. It seems after 10:30 a.m. or 11 a.m. the bite is fading. Most mornings, the first couple of hours of my trips are quite active, as I’m seeing many mangrove snapper being caught on the flats while we’re targeting snook and reds. The snapper is super nice — and delicious — for anglers who want fish for dinner. On a final note from me, Capt. Aaron Lowman is making progress in his recovery after a May 13 brain aneurysm. Physical therapy is helping improve his motor skills — he now can stand and walk — and he can converse with family. It’s expected he will be returning home soon, although he still has many hurdles to overcome. Godspeed my friend.

TideWatch

Lauren Zoller of Holmes Beach hoists a big red grouper she caught Aug. 3 on a vermilion snapper in 120 feet of clean blue water in the gulf of mexico on a charter trip with capt. david White of Anna maria charters.

Be sure to attend the benefit for Aaron at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21, at the Center of Anna Maria Island. Capt. Warren Girle is concentrating his efforts on fishing nearshore reefs, ledges and hard bottom in the Gulf of Mexico. With toxic levels of red tide in Sarasota Bay in his stomping grounds of Longboat Key, Girle is looking offshore to find a good bite for his clients, and he’s finding a variety of species. While free-lining live shiners on the surface, Girle is putting clients on Spanish mackerel and bonito. Both species put up a good fight on medium spinning gear and, as a bonus, Girle is able to put a few mackerel in the cooler if his clients want to take some fish home to eat. Bottom fishing with live shiners is producing action on Girle’s charters. Mangrove snapper, lane snapper and Key West grunts are being reeled up from the depths, as well as many juvenile grouper. Again, the snappers and grunts make a fine meal for a fish fry. Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says fishing is quite good there for a variety of species. The red tide has mostly passed by the pier, where fishers using live shrimp as bait are being rewarded with take-home catches of mangrove snapper, as well as catch-andrelease snook and redfish. According to Malfese, the mangrove snapper are being caught frequently and are measuring 10-14 inches. If you can get the limit of five snapper, you’ve harvested a nice family dinner. Catch-and-release snook and redfish are being caught in respectable sizes of 20-24 inches, although

some are reaching 37 inches. The reds are averaging 24 inches, with some on either side of the 2-foot mark. American red snapper season closed Aug. 2 for charter boats and Capt. Jason Stock has wrapped up a successful run. Now he’s focusing on migratory species — amberjack and blackfin tuna. Trolling lipped plugs just below the surface is tricking both species to have a taste. Once hooked, either species will surprise anglers with their power and longlasting battles. While bottom fishing offshore, Stock is boasting of many yellowtail snapper on the hook. And, as these are one of the best-eating snappers to hit a fry pan, his clients are quite happy to put a few in the cooler. Lastly, fishing closer to shore around artificial reefs is producing action on bonito, barracuda and goliath grouper — all good for the trophy photo scrapbook. Capt. David White is celebrating the end of a successful American red snapper season. In fact, he’s claiming his clients caught American reds on just about every trip he made offshore. As these are one of the most aggressive of the snappers, his achievement is remarkable. Good going cap’n. Now that the season is closed on the American reds, White is taking anglers to a variety of other bottom-dwelling fish, including red grouper, mangrove snapper and yellowtail snapper. And White says he’s seeing a fair amount of mahi offshore, where most of these beautifully colored fish are in the 10-pound range. Send high-resolution photos and ﬁshing reports to ﬁsh@islander.org. A map shows testing sites and indicates levels of red tide for Aug. 8. islander image: courtesy fWc

Red tide persists in local waters

A bloom of the red tide organism, Karenia brevis, persists on the Florida Gulf Coast but has diminished since mid-July. Over the past week, bloom concentrations of greater than 100,000 cells/liter were observed in 56 samples, including two from Manatee County. K. brevis was observed at background to high concentrations in and offshore of Pinellas County, background concentrations in Hillsborough County, background to medium concentrations in Manatee County, low to high concentrations in Sarasota County, medium concentrations in Charlotte County and background to medium concentrations in Lee

County. Fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were reported in Southwest Florida in Manatee, Pinellas, Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee counties over the past week. In Manatee, fish kills were reported in Bradenton Beach, including puffer and eel; and in Holmes Beach, including goliath grouper. Also, a dead manatee was reported from the island. Respiratory irritation suspected to be related to red tide was reported in Manatee, Pinellas, Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee counties. For more information, go online to myfwc.com/ research/redtide.

Introducing...

GET OUT ON THE WATER

Touring Anna Maria Island’s network of canals and Robinson Preserve Guided kayak tours and rentals.

www.kayakami.com

941-302-4593

Licensed

Page 22 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Aug. 11, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

June tourist tax dollars almost double over June 2020 By Amy V.t. moriarty islander reporter

June tax revenue was up nearly 95% over June 2020. Totaling $2,811,793, the month’s revenue from the 5% bed tax on accommodations of six months or less was up 94.83% over June 2020’s collected $1,443,184. The June revenues were reported Aug. 2 by the Manatee County Tax Collector. More than half the month’s bed tax revenue was generated by Anna Maria Island accommodations, totaling $1,443,134, according to the report. That’s shy of $50 over total revenue for the entire county in June 2020, the first month after pandemicrelated vacation rental restrictions were lifted in Manatee County. Of the $1,443,134 collected from island cities, Holmes Beach topped the list at $810,356 or 28.82%. Anna Maria accommodations netted 14.56% with tax revenue of $409,434. Bradenton Beach saw a collection of $223,345 or 7.94%. More numbers for June: • Unincorporated Manatee County, $883,950, 31.44%; • Bradenton, $221,540, 7.88%; • Longboat Key, $255,004, 9.07%; • Palmetto, $8,285, 0.29%. June yielded a net collection of $2,727,439 after the state’s 3% commission. June 2020 was the first full month short-term accommodations could operate after a March 2020 COVID-19-related “safer-at-home” order was lifted in May 2020. July revenue numbers will be released in early September and May and June numbers will be discussed at the next Manatee County Tourist Development meet-

BEN AND KAREN COOPER TAXES & ACCOUNTING

"ANK 2ECONCILIATIONS s 0REPARING &INANCIALS #ALCULATING 0AYROLLS s (OMEOWNER !SSOCIATIONS )NDIVIDUAL #ORPORATE 4AX 2ETURNS 4401 MANATEE AVE. W., BRADENTON NEXT TO REGIONS BANK 941-795-7048 Office benacooper@aol.com

941-795-4878 Fax kacooper77777@aol.com

About the TDC The TDC makes recommendations to the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners regarding the operation of projects in the tourist development plan and how tourist development tax revenue may be spent. The state-authorized tourism tax is 5% on accomJune tourist tax numbers modations of six months or less. June 2017: $1,254,778 The TDC includes chair Misty Servia, viceJune 2018: $1,527,732 chair Vernon DeSear, Ed Chiles, Eric Cairns, Jack June 2019: $1,653,010 Rynerson, Jiten Patel, Rahul Patel, Bradenton Mayor June 2020: $1,443,184 Gene Brown and Palmetto Mayor Shirley Groover June 2021: $2,811,793 Bryant. source: manatee county tax collector For more information about the TDC, call Monica ing, set for 9 a.m. Monday, Aug. 16, at the Manatee Luff at 941-729-9177 or email monica.luff@bacvb. County Administration Building, 1112 Manatee Ave. com. W., Bradenton.

AMI TOURISM: Endless Season

People keep an eye on the gulf of mexico while sunning July 16 at coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach despite a red tide outbreak and fish kills on the bayfront. islander Photo: Kesley mako

BizCal

COMPILED BY KANE KAIMAN

AMI Chamber

LBK Chamber

THIS WEEK

Thursday, Aug. 12 Wednesday, Aug. 11 11:30 a.m. — Networking luncheon, Boneﬁsh Grill, 7456 Cortez 11:30 a.m. — Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce networkRoad W., Bradenton. RSVP required. ing luncheon, Lazy Lobster, 5350 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. SAVE THE DATES SAVE THE DATE Aug. 26, business card exchange, The Bridge Tender Inn & Dockside Bar, Bradenton Beach. Aug. 26, Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce The Bridge Sept. 9, sunrise breakfast, Wicked Cantina, Bradenton Connection, The Bridge Tender Inn, Bradenton Beach. Beach. Sept. 14, Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce East Meets Sept. 23, business card exchange, Compass Hotel, Perico West Regional Business Expo, Robarts Arena, Sarasota. Island. Fees may apply for events. Oct. 15-16, Bayfest, Pine Avenue, Anna Maria. For more information, go online to eastmeetswestexpo.com or Fees may apply for events. contact the chamber at 941-383-2466. RSVP for the networking events by contacting the chamber at 941-778-1541 or info@amichamber.org.

Business news

DAILY/WEEKLY/MONTHLY SCHEDULED SERVICE

·S YOUR COMFORT ZONE? WHERE

2ESIDENTIAL #OMMERCIAL 6ACATION (OME #LEANING

Planning new services? New in business? Celebrating achievements? Submit to news@islander.org. Please, remember to include a contact number and name.

s #LEANING -AINTENANCE s 0REMIUM ,INENS s (OME 3ITTING 4RUSTED LICENSED BONDED INSURED 3ERVICING THE ISLANDS FOR YEARS &!-),9 /7.%$ !.$ /0%2!4%$

#ALL 6ERUSHKA AT OR E MAIL 6ERUSHKA ALLIN HOME COM WWW ALLIN HOME COM

Same location for 47 years!

360195-1

During July and August get $20 back via prepaid Visa card with qualifying purchase of NAPA Batteries, Starters and Alternators, after rebate if you wish, give back a portion up to its entirety, to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund Valid at both NAPA AUTO PARTS Stores and participating NAPA AutoCare Centers. Offer valid July 1- August 31, 2021. Claim ONLINE ONLY at NAPARebates.com by September 15, 2021. This offer is only valid to US residents. Limit of two (2) Battery rebates and a limit of one (1) Starter and Alternator rebate per customer or household/address. *Cards issued by Bank of America, N.A. pursuant to a license from Visa Inc.These cards are not credit cards and expire six (6) months from issue and have no value after that date. See your cardholder agreement and associated materials for details.Void where prohibited.

5608 MARINA DR., HOLMES BEACH, 34217

(NEXT TO DOMINOS PIZZA) 941-896-7898 • GROOMSAUTO.COM

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

Aug. 11, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 23 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

isl

biz

Kane Kaiman

Biz come, biz go

When life hands you lemons… Make Blue Marlin Lemonade. Due to staff shortages, Blue Marlin Seafood is closed Sundays — unless you’re interested in hosting a private party. Brianna Roberts of Bradenton was feted with a baby shower July 31 at the restaurant, 121 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. Attendees enjoyed shrimp dip Kaiman and other appetizers, as well as the eatery’s signature cocktail: Blue Marlin Lemonade. Owner Adam Ellis and bar manager Erica Benarroch — who’s been operating A Shore Thing Events for four years —partnered to put on a “small, intimate and cozy” event. In the past, the restaurant has hosted a wide range of private events, from weddings to guest chef dinners. “Whatever you can think of, we can do it,” Ellis said. Only one rule: It must be a cozy group — no more than eight people. For more information, visit bluemarlinami.com or call 941-896-9737.

marianne ellis, left, Bri naegeli, Lindsey styka, expectant mom Brianna roberts, erica Benarroch and mackenzie fortenberry pose for a baby shower photo Aug. 1 at Blue marlin seafood, 121 Bridge st., Bradenton Beach. roberts is expecting her second child in september. islander Photo: Kane Kaiman

Eat Here will return Mark owner Sean Murphy’s words. The eatery, which opened about a decade ago, has been closed since June. Murphy said July 30 the establishment in the Waterline Plaza, 5315 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, will remain closed until he finalizes a new business plan. On Aug. 4, he outlined “Plan A” — reopen the business not as a dine-in restaurant but as the catering wing of his other establishments, the Beach Bistro restaurant and The Doctor’s Office bar. Murphy said the plan probably will be executed in November, in accordance with Florida’s unwritten rule for restaurant owners: wait until tourist season begins to open any new establishments. For updates, visit eathereflorida.com or call 941778-0411. Say it ain’t so, Sammy Falafel, gyros, kebabs — we’ll need to get our fix somewhere else. Sammy’s Mediterranean Kitchen management announced the restaurant’s permanent closure in a Facebook post July 25. The eatery, 5337 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, had Patrons of the Bridge tender inn & dockside Bar, been open for a little more than 10 months. Bradenton Beach, gather at the outdoor bar in 2020 In the post, management thanked the community — post-pandemic lockdown. the Anna maria island for its support. chamber of commerce asks members to reserve The Islander wishes the owners good luck in their a spot for the upcoming business card exchange future endeavors. Aug. 26 at the Bridge tender and for the next event Rodgers’ return happy news for Packers bar on the chamber calendar, an Aug.12 business lunch They got their quarter-back. at Bonefish grill on cortez road in Bradenton. A collective sigh of relief from the patrons at Potential members also are welcome. rsVP for the Bridge Tender Inn could be heard July 27 down Bridge networking events by contacting the chamber at 941-778-1541 or info@amichamber.org.

Street — after an offseason of cryptic messages, trade rumors and the threat of retirement, MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers has shown up to the Green Bay Packers training camp. The bars and the eatery, 135 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach, are decked out in Packers signs, flags and tchotchkes — just the way owner Fred Bartizal likes it. Bartizal, a one-time Chicago Bears fan who switched allegiances when he moved to Wisconsin in 1975, said he began outfitting the Bridge Tender’s back-door bar with Packers decor as soon as it opened in 1995. The bayfront bar came later. “I did it as a Packer bar for myself — I wanted this Packer bar — not because it was a good thing to do business-wise,” he said. The response over the years has been great, Bartizal said, even from fans of rival teams, who can’t help but engage in playful banter with the Packers faithful. Bartizal, a Packers season ticketholder, said he predicted Rodgers would return to the team this season. And he has another prediction: the Packers will win the Super Bowl this year. “I wouldn’t be a Packer fan if I didn’t think that,” he said. For more information, visit bridgetenderinn.rocks or call 941-778-4849. And as always… …Got biz news? Contact Kane Kaiman at kane@ islander.org or call The Islander ofﬁce at 941-7787978.

PLEASE, TAKE NOTE!

The Islander has moved! The “best news on AMI” has purchased and relocated to a condo ofﬁce. We’re now across from HB City Hall and behind the Ugly Grouper. You’ll ﬁnd us at 315 58th St., Holmes Beach. So stop by and check out our new, groovy digs. We’re ready to serve you! Same phone and email. The island’s best news for 29 years! 941.778.7978 news@islander.org

Advertising provided by the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage • Sponsored by The Islander newspaper.

Page 24 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Aug. 11, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

HELP WANTED Continued

BeAutifuL neW HicKorY chair, sofa and loveseat with washable slipcovers. neutral color. foam core with feather down, optimal wearability. sofa, 80-inch, length loveseat, 72-inch, length. $650. 941-704-3633

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

rePorter WAnted: full- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience required. Apply via email with letter of interest to news@islander. org.

cHAndeLier: BroWn metAL, hardware included, $45, computer keyboards, like new, $10. 941-920-2494.

ANNOUNCEMENTS notice is HereBY given that the undersigned desires to engage in business under the fictitious name of simply organized fL of manatee county, fL. simply organized fL. 6200 flotilla drive, unit 311 Holmes Beach, fL 34217. WAnted: WorKout dVds and retired but working xBox, Wii units with games for ministry of Presence for kids and teens in Haiti. deliver to the islander, 315 58th st. suite J, Holmes Beach.

eLectronic LocK for front door. Vacation rentals, $150-$190. orinocomarketing@outlook. com. AntiQue PArtner desK: All wood, $1,000. inquire at the islander office, 315 58th st. suite J, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978. AntiQue office cHAirs: Perfect for eclectic dining set. circa 1950 from Anna maria city Hall. inquire at the islander newspaper, 315 58th st. suite J, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

WAnted: Your oLd cellphone for recycling. deliver to the islander, 315 58th st. suite J, Holmes Beach.

Sandy’s Lawn Service Inc. ESTABLISHED IN 1983

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

Paradise Improvements

LOST & FOUND

941.792.5600

Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Specialist Replacement Doors and Windows

Andrew Chennault

FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED Island References Lic#CBC056755

Lost goLd Wedding band. Beer can island, south of first rock groin shallows. reward. 941504-0526.

PETS

RDI CONSTRUCTION INC.

CBC 1253471

free gun LocK courtesy of Project childsafe, florida fish and Wildlife conservation commission and Holmes Beach Police department. Pick up at the islander office, 315 58th st. suite J, Holmes Beach. don’t be sorry, be safe.

Residential & Condo Renovations Kitchens • Bath • Design Service Carpentry • Flooring • Painting Commercial & Residential

References available • 941-720-7519

AdoptA-Pet

HeLP rescued Pets! Volunteer, foster, computer help needed! moonracer Animal rescue. email: moonraceranimalrescue@gmail.com.

BOATS & BOATING cAnoe, 17-foot grumman with 1-1/2 hp motor, paddles and extras. $900. 941-794-1766.

HELP WANTED

Bobby is a 3-monthold, male pup and he’s as precious as can be! He’s looking for a loving 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 or to adopt Bobby, visit moonraceranimalrescue.com.

BoutiQue cAreer oPPortunitY on Anna maria island. full and part-time positions available, part-time positions starting at $15 an hour. full-time experienced salesperson position starting at $18, depending on experience. Please, text or call 941-773-2482 to set up an interview.

PLACE CLASSIFIED ADS ONLINE AT ISLANDER.ORG

KIDS FOR HIRE dePendABLe, resPonsiBLe, fun babysitter for hire. 13 years old, island local. Available in June. 941-526-9090. Kids for Hire ads are free for up to three weeks for island youths under 16 looking for work. Ads must be placed in person at the islander office, 315 58th st. suite J, Holmes Beach.

SERVICES need A ride to airports? tampa $65, st. Pete, $55, sarasota, $30. gary, 863-409-5875. gvoness80@gmail.com. is Your Home or office in need of some cleaning? Well, i’m your girl! Local, reliable, professional! Please, give me a call or text, 941-773 -0461. cLeAning: VAcAtion, construction, residential, commercial and windows. Licensed and insured. 941-744-7983. Pressure WAsHing, PAVer sealing, driveway, roof, fence, pool area. Also, window cleaning. Licensed and insured. 941-565-3931. isLAnd PHotosHoots WitH gemma. family, children, engagement, commercial. instagram: @ silvernestphoto. 805-570-1415. nAnnY, BABY/Petsitting, cleaning, organizing, errands, assistance. 20 years’ experience. reliable and trustworthy, local. 805-570-1415. Business-to-Business Jd’s Window cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. i make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-9203840. BeAcH serVice air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. serving manatee county and the island since 1987. for dependable, honest and personalized service, call Bill eller, 941-795-7411. cAc184228.

LAWN & GARDEN connie’s LAndscAPing inc. residential and commercial. full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! insured. 941-778-5294. more Ads = more readers in the islander.