The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, Dec. 01, 2021 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

VOLUME 30, NO. 6

Happy Holidays

DEC. 1, 2021 Free

the Best news on anna maria island since 1992

Cortez P.O. runs out of time

Astheworldterns. 6

Q&A 120121.

state plans gulf Drive safety fixes. 3

By tomas gomez islander reporter

treehouse dispute reaches a decade. 4

Meetings. 4 county, lBK to meet over improvements. 5

RoadWatch. 5 Opinions. 6

10-20 YEARS AGO

looking back. 7 Holiday blooms. 9

Happenings community activities. 10-11

Purple lights shine on the sunshine skyway Bridge against an orange-colored sky. islander courtesy Photos

SHINE ON

save a date. 11-12

Purple lights brighten bridge as mom turns tragedy to benefit others

community center resumes concerts. 13

By nicole Quigley special to the islander

Gathering. 14 Obituaries. 14

GoodDeeds. 15 food pantry seeks donors. 15

get in the game. 16

StreetLife. 17 market going strong. 17 festival of trees benefits Wildlife inc. 18

Housing crunch for tortoises. 19 Holiday shuffles sports. 20

PropertyWatch. 20 cold fronts force bait switch. 21

Isl Biz: arrivals, achievements. 22-23 CLASSIFIEDS. 24-25 a sign of the times. 26

NYT puzzle. 27

islander.org

Cortez is out of time and no one is saying what’s next. Eviction of the Cortez Post Office from the strip mall on Cortez Road at 12112 44th Ave. W. was pushed to Dec. 1 and, as of Nov. 27, no statements were made by either side on the status of negotiations to extend the lease. On July 28, three days before a lease was to expire for the Cortez facility that includes mailboxes for community residents who do not receive home delivery, the U.S. Postal Service received a notice from the property owner, John Banyas, that the arrangement would not be renewed. However, the post office did not vacate and became a hold-over tenant in its storefront despite the expired lease. Banyas on Sept. 21 filed a complaint with the circuit court to evict the USPS and followed up Oct. 6 by filing a notice for removal. For the south side of the village, which lacks home mail delivery, without a post office, locals would need to travel to the post office in Bradenton Beach, a small contract facility in the 7800 block of Cortez Road or to the facility in Northwest Bradenton near 75th Street West and Manatee Avenue West. So Cortezians mobilized to keep the local office and their P.O. boxes open or

One morning in early 2006, Christine Olson parked outside her job at the Rod & Reel pier, where she was a server, wondering how she could make it one more day. She sat in the car and prayed. “God, this is too hard. I’m not going to make it. You have to dry up these tears.” Olson was looking for a sign that her turn to Cortez P.o., Page 2 daughter, Tiffiany, was OK, even though the christine olson takes a ride over the unthinkable had happened. skyway Bridge. Just weeks before, on Dec. 7, Olson’s son, Derek, called her at 11:20 p.m. to a Clearwater restaurant for Wednesday “Mom, she’s been involved in an acci- night “bike night.” Before they reached the dent. Get to Manatee Memorial,” Derek Sunshine Skyway Bridge, at 7:05 p.m., a By ryan Paice said. He had received a call from a friend drunk driver traveling westbound pulled in islander reporter Manatee County legislators are set to that Tiffiany was involved in a motorcycle front of them. crash. Tiffiany died on impact. Her boyfriend head back to Tallahassee after hearing from their constituents. They raced to the Bradenton hospital, died about 30 minutes later. Manatee County Commission Chair where the ER nurses could offer no informaTiffiany’s driver’s license did not have tion, no news of whether Tiffiany had been her current address, so the police had no way Vanessa Baugh presented the county’s priorities Nov. 23 to the area’s legislative delegaair-lifted to another hospital, nothing. to contact her next of kin. So mother and son waited outside by the “I was in panic mode the whole time I tion, state Reps. Tommy Gregory of District door to the ER, waiting for an answer. was waiting. In my heart, I thought she was 73, Michele Rayner of District 70 and Will Finally, a security guard contacted high- hurt and she was crying for her mom. She’s Robinson of District 71. State Sen. Jim Boyd, District 21, was way patrol. At 1:30 a.m., a deputy arrived my baby. And nobody was there to help,” absent. holding an evidence bag containing Tiffi- Olson said. Baugh said most of the county’s prioriany’s lip-gloss, a broken earring and other The loss of Olson’s only daughter, items. compounded by the events of that evening, ties are infrastructure improvements. “We are growing at a rapid pace, with “Sorry, she’s gone,” he said. brought her to her lowest point. traffi c as our No. 1 issue,” Baugh said. “We “Where?” Olson asked. “To another The Olson family held a service for Tifhospital? fiany on the only day the Rod & Reel restau- are requesting funding to widen roads and improve some of our bridges, which will also “No,” he said. “I presume she has gone rant is closed, Christmas. to the medical examiner. They are closed, But Olson, a committed Christian, was help our workforce to work every day.” The county commission’s three top legbut you can call them in the morning.” searching for hope that her daughter was Tiffiany and her boyfriend were driving well, at rest, and that she would see her islative priorities include: northbound on U.S. Highway 19 in Palmetto turn to tiFF, Page 8 turn to Wish List, Page 2

Infrastructure tops county wish list

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beach renourishment; • A $950,000 appropriation for an oyster and clam research-and-restoration pilot project to test the marine life’s impact on water quality. Baugh also presented the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization’s legislative priorities, which included replacements for the Cortez, DeSoto, Manatee Avenue and Longboat Pass bridges. She said the Florida Department of Transportation’s Barrier Islands Traffic Study provided recommendations for improving traffic flow on and off the islands, and, while some municipalities could begin taking their own steps, many items require state funding and assistance. Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie presented the ManaSota League of Cities’ priorities, including support for the repeal of preemptions of vacation rental regulations to the state and expanded uses for tourist development taxes. “We love the tourists. We need the tourists, but the challenges are great when it comes to public safety,” he said. “Some of the things we could use the funds for, for our infrastructure, is greatly needed because of the influx of people.” Chappie added that the ManaSota league also supports legislation funding improvements in water quality and to handle issues with rising sea level, as well as the preservation of revenue sources, like local business taxes. Banyas. Holmes Beach City Commissioner Terry Schaefer Banyas did not answer calls Nov. presented the city’s top legislative priorities, includ23 or Nov. 26 and his mailbox was ing: full. Attempts to reach him in person please, see wish list, Next page were unsuccessful. Buchanan’s press secretary, injured Richard C. Kiley, court records show. Banyas maintained the injury was due to USPS’ Savannah Glasgow, did not respond Banyas failure to maintain equipment, which violated the to emails from The Islander Nov. terms of the lease. When the USPS refused to provide 23. Meanwhile, David Walton, the postal service Banyas with a liability insurance policy, the landlord media contact for Central Florida said Nov. 23 there opted not to renew the lease. The Kiley lawsuit is pending in the 12th Judicial were no updates. In 2020, Banyas was sued after a flagpole fell and Circuit. Wish List continued from page 1

• Up to $100 million in continued funding to ensure the safe and efficient closure of Piney Point reservoirs to protect local water quality and ecosystems; • A $7.5 million state appropriation to match local funding to widen Moccasin Wallow Road from two to four lanes, as well as add bicycle lanes and sidewalks; • Expediting the state’s Bradenton-Palmetto Connector project development and environment study to replace the DeSoto Bridge. Baugh said the county projected to spend up to $350 million on infrastructure improvements and asked the state to work as a “strong partner” to the county. Anna Maria Island did not come up during her presentation but Baugh said she would be “remiss” not to mention the county’s “beautiful beaches and environment are critical to our way of life” when asking for help closing Piney Point. While she only discussed the county’s three top priorities, a draft of the county commission’s state legislative priorities include: • Support the “expeditious” replacement of the Cortez Road, Manatee Avenue and Longboat Pass bridges; • A $2.3 million state appropriation for island

The Cortez Post Office, 12112 44th Ave. W., Cortez, is open for business Nov. 23. Islander Photo: Tomas Gomez Cortez P.O. continued from page 1

receive home delivery. A campaign to reach out to U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Longboat Key, for assistance yielded some success. On Oct. 22, Buchanan’s office said it successfully negotiated an extension to keep the post office open through November while a long-term agreement was negotiated. “I will continue to do everything in my power to keep the post office open for my constituents in Cortez Village,” Buchanan tweeted Oct. 29. The week ending Nov. 28, The Islander reached out by phone and email to the USPS, Buchanan and

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Here’s what to expect from DOT’s 5-year plan for Gulf Drive By tomas gomez islander reporter

There’s a long road of work ahead. The Florida Department of Transportation released a long-range estimate for its five-year work program that includes improvements to Gulf Drive. The work program is an outline of changes, upkeep and construction to be carried out on state roads from 2020-25. One element of the program, an intersection improvement project, would cover State Road 789 from Longboat Key through Bradenton Beach and into Holmes Beach to State Road 64 and includes work at or near 18 intersections within the Gulf Drive corridor. Surveying has yet to begin but will help determine if adjustments to utilities need to be made. The estimate for the full intersection improvement plan is $1.48 million, according to the DOT. A report released by the DOT in April shows where and what construction is anticipated. Here’s what to expect in Bradenton Beach: • The placement or replacement of curbs and gutters or sidewalks, milling and resurfacing SR 789 south Wish List continueD from Page 2

• Opposition to further limitations on local government authority in regulating vacation rentals; • Support for legislation providing a recurring funding source for programs and projects to mitigate the negative environmental and economic impact of red tides and other harmful algae blooms; • Opposition to efforts limiting municipalities’ authority to levy or collect local business taxes; • Support for legislation to expand usage of tourist tax revenue for public safety services and infrastructure improvements where “substantial portions of a county’s tourist taxes are collected.” The 2022 session will convene at noon Tuesday, Jan. 11, and is scheduled to conclude March 11.

of 11th Street South. Plans include the installation of bollards in the parking lot area at Cortez Beach to protect pedestrian signals and signage at the crossing area on the west side. There is an emphasis on crosswalks at the midblock crossing with pedestrian crossing markings and signage. • The placement or replacement of curbs and gutters or sidewalks, milling and resurfacing SR 789 south of Ninth Street South. There is an emphasis on crosswalks at a mid-block crossing, with pedestrian crossing markings and signage. • Milling and resurfacing SR 789 north of First Street North. There is an emphasis on crosswalks at the mid-block crossing, with pedestrian crossing markings and signage. • Milling and resurfacing SR 789 north of Ninth Street North and the addition of pedestrian crossing markings. • The placement or replacement of curbs and gutters or sidewalks, milling and resurfacing SR 789 near the Bermuda Bay Club. There is an emphasis on crosswalks at mid-block crossing with pedestrian crossing markings and signage. • The placement or replacement of curbs and gutters or sidewalk, milling and resurfacing SR 789 north of 22nd Street North. There is an emphasis on crosswalks at mid-block crossing with pedestrian crossing markings and signage. • The placement or replacement of curb and gutter or sidewalk, milling and resurfacing SR789 south of 25th Street North. There is an emphasis on crosswalks at a mid-block crossing with pedestrian crossing markings and signage. • The milling and resurfacing SR789 south of 27th Street North with pedestrian crossing markings. • The milling and resurfacing SR789 north of 28th Street North, with an emphasis on crosswalks at midblock crossing with pedestrian crossing markings and signage.

Here’s what’s in the plan for Holmes Beach: • The milling and resurfacing SR 789 at 28th Street North. • Milling and resurfacing SR 789 East Bay Drive near shopping center with an emphasis on crosswalks at mid-block crossing with pedestrian crossing markings and signage. Also included in the plan: Overhead lighting for the Coquina North Boat Ramp entrance, north of Fifth Street South and north of Ninth Street North in Bradenton Beach. For more information, contact the DOT Office of Work Program and Budget at 850-414-4622.

Q&A 120121

By lisa neff

The Islander poll Last week’s question a first sign seasonal residents are back is …

63%. Crowds at restaurants. 24%. Empty Publix shelves. 11%. More “hellos” at sunset. 0%. Social events resume. 2%. Lots of library patrons.

This week’s question

The best part of the Anna Maria Island Privateers Christmas Parade: A. Santa’s appearance. B. The beads. C. Seeing friends, family. D. Rowdy pirates. E. Other. To take the poll, go online to islander.org.

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No end in sight 10 years into HB v. owner treehouse case By ryan Paice islander reporter

After a decade of litigation over the structure, a private treehouse remains standing on the Gulf shore in Holmes Beach. And, with three active lawsuits over the structure as of Nov. 27, it is unclear when litigation will end. Richard Hazen and Lynn Tran-Hazen constructed the treehouse. They’re owners of 103 29th St., where they reside and operate four vacation rental units — Angelinos Sea Lodge — and they have stood firm despite losing on every court ruling to date. The Islander first covered the treehouse in its Nov. 23, 2011, issue, when the matter was brought to the city’s attention through an anonymous complaint. The person who complained also encouraged the newspaper to look into the construction on the beach. And the newspaper agreed to respect the complainants’ anonymity. Holmes Beach has argued the structure was built within a 50-foot setback for the erosion control line and without a permit and thus, it violated the municipality’s land development code. The city’s code board ruled in July 2013 to fine the owners and order them to comply with Holmes Beach code or remove the structure. The ruling was upheld in the 12th District Circuit Court in 2014 and in the 2nd District Court of Appeal in 2015.

2013 richard Hazen, left, lynn tran-Hazen and their attorney, David levin, attend a september 2013 hearing at Holmes Beach city Hall. islander file Photo

The U.S. Supreme Court has since denied two petitions to hear the case. In the meantime, fines have been piling up against the owners. A special magistrate updated the code board’s order in 2016 to additionally assess the owners a $50 daily fine that began July 22, 2015. A magistrate this year ruled in April to fine the owners $125 per day from March 18 until they obtain a valid vacation rental license through the city for Angelinos, putting the owners in a tight spot. They cannot obtain a vacation rental license from the city until they pay the accrued fines but the owners have said they can’t pay for the fines without the income from the rental units. So far, the property has accrued more than $147,877.24 in fines from the city, adding to a litigation bill in excess of $170,000. Litigation has cost the city $198,956.67 as of Nov.

24, according to city treasurer Lori Hill. Tran-Hazen told the magistrate in April that she and Hazen were considering removing the treehouse — the first and only time either one hinted at conceding defeat. However, the treehouse remains standing and the owners have filed no motions in court suggesting surrender. Three treehouse cases remained active in the 12th Circuit as of Nov. 27, including: • Property owners v. the city of Holmes Beach, asking the court for declaratory and injunctive relief, arguing that city code was unconstitutional and that the treehouse was an accessory structure allowed within 50 feet of the erosion control line; • The city of Holmes Beach v. property owners, asking the court to enforce the code board’s order to remove the treehouse and pay the assessed fines; • Property owners v. the city of Holmes Beach and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, asking the court to temporarily prevent the treehouse’s removal and stop the assessment of “excessive” daily fines. There have been no motions or hearings for the first two cases since 2020 but Judge Charles Sniffen granted the city’s motion July 7, dismissing it from the third case and leaving the owners and the DEP to duke it out. The DEP filed a motion Sept. 14 to dismiss the owners’ complaint with prejudice, which the owners opposed in a Nov. 12 response. The opposing motions will be discussed at a hearing at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. Tran-Hazen did not respond to a Nov. 24 call from The Islander. lynn tran-Hazen cautions beachgoers — restricted by a safety barrier erected by beach renourishment workers — to avoid crossing onto her private property in february 2014 as they attempt to walk south on the limited beachfront. the Holmes Beach Police were called to intervene and the renourishment crew moved their fence to allow beachgoers a walkway to pass the treehouse. islander file Photo: Bonner Joy

2011

2014

Meetings

Anna Maria City Dec. 9, 2 p.m., commission (organizational). Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941708-6130, cityofannamaria.com. Bradenton Beach Dec. 1, 9:30 a.m., CRA. Dec. 2, 6 p.m., commission. Dec. 8, 2 p.m., ScenicWAVES. Dec. 16, noon, commission. CANCELED Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com. Holmes Beach Dec. 1, 10 a.m., parks and beautification. Dec. 1, 5 p.m., planning. Dec. 8, 5 p.m., planning. Dec. 14, 5 p.m., commission. Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org. West Manatee Fire Rescue None announced.

2021

WMFR administration building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton, 941-761-1555, wmfr.org. Manatee County Dec. 2, 9 a.m., commission (land use). Dec. 7, 9 a.m., commission (work session). Dec. 14, 9 a.m., commission. Dec. 15, 1 p.m., commission (work session). Dec. 16, 2 p.m., commission (land use). County administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee. org. Also of interest Dec. 13, 9 a.m., Manatee County Tourist Development Council, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Dec. 25, Christmas, most government offices will observe the holiday with closures Dec. 23-26. Jan. 1, New Year’s, most government offices will be closed Dec. 31-Jan. 2. — lisa neff

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

a treehouse at 103 29th st., Holmes Beach, pictured in august, remains standing nov. 24 after 10 years of litigation over removal of the structure. islander Photo: ryan Paice

Milestones

The Islander welcomes stories about islanders and island life, as well as photographs and notices of the milestones in readers’ lives — weddings, births, anniversaries, travels, obituaries and other events. Submit your story with contact information to news@islander.org.

Dec. 1, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 5 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

County, LBK officials to meet, collaborate on improvements By lisa neff islander editor

Power up for a PowerPoint presentation — or two. Longboat Key and Manatee County officials are set for a joint meeting Dec. 1 to tackle an agenda that deals with capital improvements, services and collaboration. The four-point agenda listed the following topics: • A discussion on the challenges Longboat Key faces due to being included partly in Manatee County and partly in Sarasota County. A study by the Florida Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability completed in October examined challenges for Longboat Key, with 3,747 parcels in Manatee and 6,617 parcels in Sarasota. Longboat Key town manager Tom Harmer is scheduled to present the study, which includes information about taxes, investments and services, as well as outline steps for collaboration with the county, including working on a roundabout at Broadway Street and Gulf Drive. • An update on the process to replace a wastewater pipeline that extends from Longboat Key underwater across Sarasota Bay to the mainland and a county treatment facility. Longboat Key public works director Isaac Brownman is scheduled to present information about the ongoing effort to replace a pipeline that ruptured and leaked raw sewage in June-July 2020 about 400 feet inland from the bay on the mainland. • County transit services on Longboat Key. Manatee County Area Transit officials will talk about services on Longboat Key, which include an ondemand shuttle operating seven days a week between Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach and Bay Isles Road on Longboat Key. • Renourishment and erosion control plans for Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. Charlie Hunsicker, director of Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources, is set to brief officials on erosion control and renourishment projects in fiscal

RoadWatch Eyes on the road

The Florida Department of Transportation posted the following notices: • State Road 789/Gulf Drive at the intersection with Avenue C south to Ninth Street North in Bradenton Beach: Crews are replacing the east sidewalk with permeable pavers. Expect lane closures and flagging operations, as well as construction noise. The contractor is AF USA Construction Corp. The project is expected to be completed late this year. — lisa neff

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

2022-23. A memo indicated Hunsicker will talk about: • The deconstruction and removal of derelict concrete groins constructed in the late-1950s, replacing them with offshore stone breakwaters; • Proposed structural solutions for refurbishing the Longboat Pass jetty at the south end of Anna Maria

Island; • The placement and location of additional artificial reefs. The meeting will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1, at the county administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. People can attend in person or follow by video at mymanatee.org/mga.

Catching some pier time lily Bobbit, 11, of Wilmington, north carolina, nov. 23 tosses an unwanted fish back into the water under the anna maria city Pier t-end, making sure to avoid hungry pelicans below. the pelicans made a lunge for the fish, but it got away. islander Photo: ryan Paice

Jeff Wente and his son, Hunter, 9, of toledo, ohio, wait for a bite nov. 23 as they angle off the side of the anna maria city Pier boardwalk while vacationing on anna maria island. anna maria and mote marine laboratory officials are working to bring a marine education to the t-end of the pier, where a bait shop and open-air restaurant exist.

MCAT’s fare-free shuttle service to island resuming A bus will loop between Bradenton and the beach beginning Saturday, Dec. 4, providing free rides on and off Anna Maria Island. Manatee County Area Transit’s fare-free Beach ConneXion will operate weekends and holidays from December through April. The hours will be 10 a.m.-6 p.m., with passengers boarding at the Manatee Avenue bus stop east of 75th Street West in Bradenton, the Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach and several stops along Manatee Avenue/State Road 64 between the turnarounds.

Parking on the mainland will be available at the Beachway Plaza in the 7300 block of Manatee Avenue. The shuttle will add to other MCAT services on Manatee Avenue and helps riders connect with the fare-free island trolley that operates seven days a week between Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach and the Anna Maria City Pier in Anna Maria. For more information about the services, go online to mymanatee.org or call the county at 941748-4501.

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Opinion

Our

Good times? It’s about time

My first computer was a Mac Classic. It was the all-in-one cracker box of computers in the 1980s. I found it to be life-changing — if not worldchanging. The old school production days were done. And so were the businesses that provided those services. The Mac freed up so much of my marketing and advertising time that I packed my home office and moved it to a small storefront in Holmes Beach. The move turned out to be good timing, as my MacBonner business added clients and I grew into bigger, bolder versions of Macs and added staff. Then came the newspaper. The existing paper on AMI merged with a “group” of acquired weeklies and the island was facing a dearth of local news. I called in friends. “We can do this,” I said. We, myself and sales rep Jan Barnes, changed gears. We created a rate card. We sold ads. I called a writer to head up the social news and happenings and my editor friend to dig up news. Reporters signed on and we were into our first season of weekly news. The first edition, Nov. 25, 1992, was headlined by an armed robbery at the Church of Annunciation in Holmes Beach — and, thanks to Joe Hutchinson — we learned on “press day” we had a sketch to go with it. Yes, we had a great cover for the first edition of our newspaper. Time flies. It’s now 29 years later. The newspaper is in its 30th year. I have two grandchildren and white hair. LOL. So much has happened and, as we all experience, it also feels like yesterday. I owe a great deal of thanks to many people, family, friends, staff, readers — and to reporter Sandy Ambrogi— who died in 2020. A few of us “Islanders” recently gathered to celebrate Sandy’s life with her daughter Maria, son-in-law Prescott and their two sons, brother Alan and wife Brookley, at a vacation home in Anna Maria. It was a sweet goodbye for the sassy, Southern-talking, hard-laughing woman from Nashville who so quickly became part of our family. So much to be thankful for and so little time. I’m reminded of that first Mac and a little character, “The Talking Moose,” who appeared randomly and often somewhat irreverently. He once said, “Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.” Oh. As for that armed robber ... another staff member, Rebecca Barnett, pointed out his resemblance to the photo of a brazen Holmes Beach bank robber a few years later and he was nabbed for both heists. I’m thankful for good times. Happy shopping — keep it small, please. — Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

DEC. 1, 2021 • Vol. 30, No. 6 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 tomas gomez, tomas@islander.org Kane Kaiman, kane@islander.org ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org ▼ Contributors Karen riley-love samara Paice amber sigman 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

For the love of pines

I saw another huge Australian pine removed in Holmes Beach. I’m a tree warden from the United Kingdom and I’ve noticed many mature trees removed here over the past couple of years. These trees may not be native but they serve as a reservoir for water, reducing local flooding. They provide shade from the heat and habitat for wildlife, notably ospreys. They also buffer strong winds during storms. In England, you may not remove heritage trees without consent. If we on the island keep letting McMansions take priority, soon we’ll find we can no longer identify as a bird sanctuary. Who’s in charge? At the very least, any removal of a tall tree should be accompanied by a condition to plant similar “tree years” worth of real, ideally deciduous trees — not palms — or insist newcomers build around mature trees on the land they purchase for redevelopment. Leigh Terrafranca, Holmes Beach and London

Skimming online …

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Have your say

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

Visit islander.org for the best news on AMI.

our theme, “We’re glad You’re Here,” originated in the 1980s with a restaurant trade group. We hope everyone feels welcome on ami. — the islander

Dec. 1, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 7 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

10&20 years ago

Pay to cross a worker takes a break during construction of a toll booth for the cortez Bridge in 1957. tolls were collected for 13 years, with the cost rising from 10 cents to 25 cents.

From collections to booking the building that previously housed a toll booth for the cortez Bridge is used as a city jail in Bradenton Beach in may 1970. islander Photos: courtesy manatee county Public library system

In the Nov. 28, 2001, issue

• A Holmes Beach man was arrested for the aggravated assault and attempted murder of two Bradenton Beach men after an altercation outside Hurricane Hanks. The bar argument concluded with the shooting of one man. • More than 100 people who gathered to watch the Leonid meteor shower on Coquina Beach were not happy when Bradenton Beach police told them to leave the area or have their cars towed because the beach was closed. • Anna Maria city commissioners unanimously voted for a moratorium on new permit applications for cell tower construction while the city looked for consultants to help create a master cellular communications plan. The decision ended an agreement between Roser Memorial Community Church and Tech Tower Inc. to build a tower on church property.

In the Nov. 30, 2011, issue

Islander archive 24/7

Some years ago, The Islander was invited to take part in a pilot project with the University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries. We donated our collection of printed newspapers beginning with the first edition in 1992. Look online for Islander at the UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

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• Holmes Beach residents pleaded with city commissioners to address enforcement issues related to short-term vacation rentals, including noise, construction traffic and overcrowding. • The Islander polled beachgoers on whether a dog-friendly beach area should be established on AMI and found no consensus on the issue. • Legal work to advance a major dune project in Bradenton Beach continued, with negotiations involving the city, the BeachHouse Restaurant and the state. • The Holmes Beach Police Department called for people to collect lost or confiscated belongings — from kayaks to real estate signs — before items were “destroyed, donated or sold.” — lisa neff

The Islander has a new location!

The “best news on AMI moved in April to a new, permanent location. We’re now at 315 58th St., Holmes Beach, a commercial condo-ofﬁce behind Ugly Grouper and across Marina Drive from Holmes Beach City Hall. So stop by and check out our new digs. We’re ready to serve you!

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TIFF continued from page 1

again. “And then the morning came when I didn’t know how I could go on,” Olson said. “I prayed for God to dry up my tears. I went into work and I had a woman customer. She seemed like a fisherman. She ordered a glass of water and a cup of chowder. Her meal was $3.13. She left the money on the table with a card that quoted the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:28, ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.’” For Olson, it was an answer to her prayer. Olson decided no one else should ever have to endure the same debilitating delay. “I was 15 minutes away but it took over six hours to notify me. How is it possible that it took that long in this day and age of technology to notify her mother? The delay was no one’s fault. Back then, there were no resources available. But that’s the way it was and still is in many communities,” Olson said. Her idea was to be able to add emergency contact information to a state driver’s license or state issued ID because all Tiffiany had on her was her license. A co-worker suggested she start a petition. The idea of “To Inform Families First” or TIFF — named after Olson’s daughter — was born. Olson dropped by The Islander office with her petition and Bonner Joy, publisher, helped her contact then-state Rep. Bill Galvano, who championed Olson’s idea with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and law enforcement agencies. They quickly learned the system — DAVID — already existed. And within two months, the DMV was fully on board. It was simple. Information entered into the Florida Driver And Vehicle Information Database is only accessible by law enforcement through a driver’s license or identification card. When the system came online on Oct. 2, 2006, Olson was at the DMV with Galvano to be the first registrant. Today, more than 19 million Floridians have registered their emergency contacts. More than 15 states have adopted the concept and Olson hopes it will soon go national. “I’ve received calls from states across the country wondering how they can adopt TIFF. In Maine, for example, they called because kids were overdosing and they needed to contact families,” Olson said. Olson said one of TIFF’s greatest champions is Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells, who often helps get the word out about the importance of the system and invites anyone to call his office to learn more about it. “I’ve been doing this for 37 years. In the old days, when we had a serious emergency or death investigation, we would have to do a lot of investigation to find family members. Sometimes they would be close but sometimes they would be out of state. It could take a whole day just to find the next of kin. Now we have it in a matter of seconds,” Wells said. When law enforcement swipes a driver’s license into a computer, the officer sees who the individual wants notified in an emergency. “You’re talking about going from several hours to

TIFF supporters take a memorial ride Oct. 23 to mark the 15th anniversary of the initiative. Islander Courtesy Photo

several seconds of having this information available. I encourage people to sign up. If you’re not doing it for yourselves, do it for your family members. It’s a valuable tool, and it works. And they can thank Christine Olson for that,” Wells said. This year is the 15th anniversary of the initiative. In recognition of its importance, Olson decided to complete the ride that her daughter never got to finish. On Oct. 23, more than 100 motorcyclists, many of them members of the Tampa Bay Area Cruisers, along with a dozen Jeeps from Bradenton/SRQ Jeep Club, joined Olson in a memorial ride, starting in Bradenton and finishing at the Quaker Stake & Lube restaurant in Clearwater. Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore helped to organize Manatee, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties to agree to light up the Skyway purple, Tiffiany’s favorite color. They approved the change and

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the bridge was lit in remembrance Oct. 17-23. The ride was supported with involvement from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Bradenton Police Department and Mayor Gene Brown, Southern Manatee Fire Rescue and Florida Highway Patrol. Volunteers from Manatee High School, Tiffiany’s alma mater, and others helped to staff the event. The ride, including the purple T-shirts and boas for all of the bikers, was sponsored by Fran Haasch Law Firm, Salty Shamrock in Apollo Beach and Enterprise Rent-A-Car. “I wanted the ride to get national media attention as a big purple wave crossed the Skyway with a hundred bikes and Jeeps,” Olson said. “I want people to sign up and to share this information with five people. We can all do that.” Olson said that one of the things that helped her in her grief was to serve others. This, and her faith, Olson, said, has kept her going. “I was baptized at the beach in June 2005. Tiffiany was there to support me and called me not long after to say, ‘Mom, I accepted the Lord.’ It was a year later she went to meet him. I know I’m going to see my daughter again. I know without a doubt,” Olson said. “I sometimes wonder, how is it possible that I am creating this change. I’m a server at the Rod & Reel. But I am. I’ve learned, even when you doubt yourself, follow your heart. Do something. And do something for the sake of others.” Olson offers one piece of advice for others facing grief: “Look up and talk to God about it. There’s no book, no psychology, nothing else. Just look up and ask God to help you. He will.” After the ride, Olson returned home, driving again over the Skyway. That evening, she saw the purple lights of the bridge reaching from the water below, seeming to hold up the road, the bridge’s peaks towering above, pointing to the sky. It was a good sign for Olson. For more information, visit www.toinformfamiliesfirst.org.

On Oct. 2, 2006, Christine Olson became the first person to register personal contact information on the DMV website. She was joined by FHP Lt. Doug Dotson, Shawn Olson, state Rep. Bill Galvano and Derrick Olson. Islander File Photo ABOVE LEFT: Tiffiany Olson swims with a dolphin at an attraction in Key Largo, a celebration for her 18th birthday. Islander Courtesy Photo

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

Dec. 1, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 9 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

’Tis the season for the poinsettias’ red bloom

a crowd turns out nov. 27 for the annual poinsettia sale at orban’s nursery, 9601 ninth ave. nW, Bradenton. orban’s, which has roots on anna maria island, holds the sale every year at its greenhouses on the saturday after thanksgiving. islander Photos: lisa neff

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Island happenings

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Island businesses collect toys for tots for holidays

A team of island businesses is collecting toys to stuff Santa’s sack. The businesses are taking donations for the annual Toys for Tots program launched nearly 75 years ago by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve to provide gifts to children during the holiday season. Since 1947, the global campaign has collected toys, books and other gifts for more than 272 million children. On Anna Maria Island, people can drop off unwrapped gifts at the following locations through Wednesday, Dec. 15: • Holmes Beach: A Paradise Realty, 5201 Gulf Drive; Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, 5313 Gulf Drive; Duffy’s Tavern, 5808 Marina Drive; the Feast Restaurant, 5406 Marina Drive; Grooms Motors and Automotive, 5608 Marina Drive; Holmes Beach Post Office, 5354 Gulf Drive; Hurricane Hanks, 5346 Gulf Drive; Publix Super Market, 3900 E. Bay Drive; and the Waterline Resort, 5325 Marina Drive. • Anna Maria: Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., and the U.S. post office, 101 S. Bay Blvd. • Cortez: Slicker’s Eatery, 12012 Cortez Road W., Cortez. For more information, please visit www.toysfortots.org.

GET LISTED

Send announcements for The Islander’s calendar to calendar@islander.org. The deadline for listings is the Wednesday before the publication date.

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Fun day set for center field

The Center of Anna Maria Island will put some “fa la la la la” in family fun Dec. 4. The holiday-themed 19th annual Lester Family Fun Day will take place 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Chuck and Joey Lester of Holmes Beach sponsor the all-ages celebration that features “old-fashioned fun at old-fashioned prices.” Plans include fun activities and performances, food and prizes and visits with Santa — all outdoors on the center’s sports fields. Activities will include pony rides, face-painting and rock-wall climbing. Admission is free and tickets cost 25 cents. Also, the Manatee High School Drum Line will perform. Adults can enter a 50/50 raffle — a golf ball drop from a helicopter hovering over the sports field. The

Bridge Street businesses make merry for holidays

Bradenton Beach festivities continue to brighten the holiday season. The “Holidays in Paradise” partnership involving the city and Bradenton Beach businesses brings “Christmas on Bridge Street” to the downtown district Saturday, Dec. 4. The event coincides with a lighted boat parade in Sarasota Bay and an Anna Maria Island Privateers Christmas party at the Drift In on Bridge Street. “Christmas on Bridge Street” begins about 3 p.m. and lasts into the evening. Plans include a “kids zone” with face-painting and holiday crafting, visits with Santa Claus, songs around a 40-foot Christmas tree and open houses at retailers, restaurants and other Bridge Street businesses. The Dickens Carolers will perform, as will local musician Mike Sales. For more information, call 941-896-2222 or go online to lovebradentonbeach.com.

a pony ride is a tradition at lester family fun Day. islander file Photo

cost to enter the raffle is $50 for a chance or $100 for three chances. Food fare for fun day will include: Duffy’s Tavern crew serving hamburgers, hot dogs donated by the Anna Maria Oyster Bar, ice cream from Small Town Creamery, as well as chips, soda and water. The center is at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. For more, call the center at 941-778-1908.

Lighted boats to parade past Bridge Street pier

Deck the decks with boughs of holly. The third annual Bradenton Beach Lighted Boat Parade will take place Saturday, Dec. 4, in Sarasota Bay. Boat owners are invited to show off their holiday spirit and their lighted vessels in a parade in the Intracoastal Waterway. The parade will begin near Longboat Pass Bridge, then follow the Intracoastal Waterway past Leffis Key and the Historic Bridge Street Pier to the Bradenton Beach Marina. The event will begin at 6 p.m. and coincides with Christmas on Bridge Street. The marina is hosting the event. It’s free to enter the parade, which offers opportunities to win prizes for decorations. For more about Christmas on Bridge Street and the area’s “Holidays in Paradise” effort, go online to lovebradentonbeach.com or call 941-896-2222.

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Dec. 1, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 11 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

‘Mingling’ online artist abgott painted “mingling colors.” abgott will teach an online watercolor class 10 a.m.-2 p.m. monday, Dec. 6, part of the artists’ guild of anna maria island’s continuing educational series. the cost to enroll is $56. for more information, go online to amiartistsguildgallery.com or call the guild gallery at 941778-6694. islander courtesy Photo

Privateers plan Christmas party with Santa Claus

snow” and more winter fun. Organizers also plan holiday-themed crafts, carnival games and visits with Santa Claus. The museum is at 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. For more information, call FMM at 941-7086120.

Nonprofit wishes to fulfill

Holiday lights contest begins

Visit islander.org for the best news on AMI.

MAKE A WISH COME TRUE AND A HOLIDAY MERRY

The holidays are the time to take an extra moment to offer someone a smile or send a greeting, to give a hug or share words of praise. And, as we approach the 12th month of another difficult year, we need the smiles, greetings, hugs, praise — and help — even more. In our annual Wish Book, we present the wishes and needs of some dedicated and deserving organizations in our community. These community groups provide assistance to families and individuals, teach and mentor children, assist the elderly and the less fortunate, all with the goal of making Anna Maria Island a better place to live for all. With the Wish Book, we offer a special way for

you to share the holiday spirit and help others. We present their wishes. Your contribution, however small or grand, is deeply appreciated. Please, take time to peruse our Wish Book and select a gift — or two, or more — to add to your holiday shopping list. A small contribution can make a big difference. And to our generous sponsor advertisers, we offer thanks for making this publication possible. We hope you receive the same return as we have each year from The Wish Book — the joy of giving. Here’s wishing you all the happiest holidays and best wishes for 2022! — The Islander

the islander’s Wish Book 2021 published nov. 24 and is available online at islander. org. the Wish Book contains lists of needs — and wants — for local nonprofits that provide services on anna maria island. Please help the islander make wishes come true.

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AHEAD ON AMI Dec. 10, City Center Art Walk, Holmes Beach. Dec. 11, Center of Anna Maria Island concert with The Wailers, Anna Maria. Jan. 13, ﬁrst Friends of the Island Library 2022 lecture, Holmes Beach. Jan. 22, Center of Anna Maria Island concert with Lou Gramm, Please, see CALeNDAr, next Page CUSTOM . HANDCRAFTED . VINTAGE jewelry . beach bags . hats sunglasses . clothing . gifts

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Plans also include a potluck dinner, raffles and opportunities to get an early holiday wish with scratch tickets. Proceeds from the party will benefit the Privateers’ scholarship efforts. For more information, call the Drift In at 941-7789088.

Cortez forecast calls for snow at maritime museum

Anna Maria’s Holiday Lights 2021 is open to residents and businesses, with registration forms online at cityofannamaria.com. The deadline to enter is 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7, with judging to follow Thursday, Dec. 9. The city will announce contest winners Friday, Dec. 10. For more information, call city hall at 941-7086130, go online to cityofannamaria.com or visit at 10005 Gulf Drive.

ON AMI

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Island Gallery West will showcase holiday creations by coop artists in December, including during two artist receptions. The gallery celebrates “the magic of the holiday season with an all-members’ exhibit — “Good Things Come in Small Packages.” The gallery will extend its hours to host a reception during a city center holiday walk 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3. Also, IGW will participate in a holiday-themed Holmes Beach Art Walk 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10. For more information, go online to islandgalleryThe gallery, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, will west.com or call 941-778-6648. offer refreshments during both events.

Snow is forecast to fall Dec. 4 at the Florida Maritime Museum. The museum’s “Christmas in Cortez” celebration will be 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Plans include “sledding with real

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Friday, Dec. 3 5:30-7:30 p.m. — Island Gallery West “Good Things Come in Small Packages” artist reception, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: islandgallerywest.com, 941-7786648. 5:30-7:30 p.m. — Artists’ Guild Gallery shirley reception, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Dean’s Information: 941-778-6694. designs, Saturday, Dec. 4 featured at 6-10 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Privateers Drift-In Christmas island galScholarship Fundraiser, Drift In, 120 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. lery West, Information: 941-778-8565. 5368 gulf Drive, ONGOING ON AMI Holmes Throughout December, “Good Things Come in Small PackBeach. ages” holiday art, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes islander Beach. Information: islandgallerywest.com, 941-778-6648. courtesy Throughout December, artist-crafted Christmas ornaments Photo exhibit, Artists’ Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694.

‘Good Things’ at HB gallery

Santa will drift in on the bayside Dec. 4. The Anna Maria Island Privateers will bring Santa Claus, their sleigh and their merry ways to the Drift In Saturday, Dec. 4, for a Christmas party. The event coincides with Christmas on Bridge Street and the lighted boat parade in the Intracoastal Waterway. Santa will visit with partygoers at the Drift, 120 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach, beginning about 6 p.m.

compiled by lisa neff, calendar@islander.org.

Page 12 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec, 1, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

6341. Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Gulf Drive Cafe, 900 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-778-1383. Tuesdays, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Farmers Market in the Park, City Pier Park, Pine Avenue and Bay Boulevard, Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130. Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m. — Mahjong Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-778-6341.

CALeNDAr from Page 11 Anna Maria. OFF AMI

AHEAD ON AMI

Saturday, Dec. 4 Noon-2 p.m. — Longboat Key Kiwanis Club Lawn Party, Longboat Key Town Center Green, 600 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Fee applies. Information: lbklawnparty.org, 941-383-0440.

Dec. 15, Anna Maria Island Garden Club general meeting, Anna Maria. February 2022, Friends of the Island Library Book Sale, Anna Maria.

ONGOING OFF AMI Dec. 3-5, Bradenton Blues Festival, LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton, Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: www.bradentonbluesfestival.org, 941-747-3031. First Fridays, 6-9:30 p.m., Village of the Arts First Fridays Artwalk, 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Information: villageofthearts.com. Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Bradenton Farmers Market, Main Street, downtown Bradenton. Information: realizebradenton.com, 941-301-8445. Second and fourth Saturdays, noon-2 p.m., Chickee Hut Jammers session, presented by the Florida Maritime Museum and Cortez Cultural Center, outdoors, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: ﬂoridamaritimemuseum.org, fmminfo@manateeclerk.com. “Battles of the Boneless” exhibit, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: bishopmuseum.org, 941-746-4131. Through August 2022, “Seeing the Invisible” augmented reality exhibit, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: selby.org, 941-366-5731.

ONGOING OFF AMI

the anna maria island Privateers christmas Parade will begin at 10 a.m. saturday, Dec. 11, at coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach and travel north to city Pier Park in anna maria, where a post-parade with santa will take place. for more information, including how to participate, go online to amiprivateers. memberlodge.org. islander file Photo: lisa neff

Wednesdays, 3 p.m., the Longboat Key Paradise Center for Healthy Living “Grieve Not Alone: Peer Support Group,” 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Information: theparadisecenter.org, 941383-6493. Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island lunch meeting, Compass Hotel by Margaritaville, 12324 Manatee Ave. W., Perico Island. Second Tuesdays at 5 p.m. Information: 941-9202505. Second Tuesdays through May, 11:45 a.m., Off Stage Ladies luncheon, Pier 22, 1200 First Ave. W., Bradenton. Information: 941932-2798.

Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-7786341.

OUTDOORS & SPORTS

AHEAD ON AMI

ON AMI

All aboard

Dec. 10, City of Anna Maria Santa Stops Here/Holiday Walk of Treasures open houses and Holiday Carols in the Park, Anna Maria. KIDS & FAMILY Dec. 11, Anna Maria Island Privateers Christmas Parade, ON AMI islandwide. Dec. 11, Anna Maria Island Privateers Christmas Parade, Anna Friday, Dec. 3 Maria. 10 a.m. — Forty Carrots, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Dec. 28, ﬁrst “Movies in the Park” of the season, Anna Maria. Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-7786341. OFF AMI 5-8 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce treeSaturday, Dec. 4 lighting celebration and city center holiday walk, Marina and Gulf 10 a.m.-2 p.m. — Christmas in Cortez celebration, Florida drives, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1541, annamariaisMaritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: 941landchamber.org. 708-6120, www.ﬂoridamaritimemuseum.org. Saturday, Dec. 4 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. — Lester Family Fun Day, Center of Anna ONGOING OFF AMI Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778First Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m., “Soar in 4 Family Night, the 1908. Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Braden3-8 p.m. — Christmas on Bridge Street and Lighted Boat ton. Fee applies. Information: soarin4.org, 941-746-4131. Parade, Bridge Street and the Historic Bridge Street Pier, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-896-2222 or lovebradentonbeach.com. CLUBS & Tuesday, Dec. 7 COMMUNITY 10 a.m.— Family storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, ON AMI

Saturday, Dec. 4 9 a.m. — Keep Manatee Beautiful cleanup, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-795-8272. ONGOING ON AMI AMI Dragon Boat Team—Paddlers from Paradise practices and meetups, various times and locations. Information: 941-462-2626, mrbradway@gmail.com. OFF AMI Thursday, Dec. 2 5:30 p.m. — Craft club at the NEST, Robinson Preserve expansion, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Information: mymanatee.org, 941-742-5923. ONGOING OFF AMI Saturdays, 8 a.m., Robinson Runners running club, Robinson Preserve expansion, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Information: mymanatee.org, 941-742-5923, ext. 6047. Saturdays, 9 a.m., Saturday Mornings at the NEST nature exploration, Robinson Preserve expansion, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Information: mymanatee.org, 941-742-5923, ext. 6047. Saturdays once a month, Manatee County Audubon Society workday, Felts Preserve, 4600 24th Ave. E., Palmetto. Information: manateeaudubon.org, zholmes003@gmail.com.

Thursday, Dec. 2 2 p.m. — Sunshine Stitchers, Island Library, 5701 Marina AHEAD OFF AMI Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941778-6341. Dec. 11, Manatee County Audubon Society ﬁeld trip to Perico Saturday, Dec. 4 Preserve, Perico Island. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. — Ask a Master Gardener, Island Library, 5701 GOOD TO KNOW Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-778-6341. KEEP THE DATES Wednesday, Dec. 8 Tuesday, Dec. 7, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. 6:30 p.m. — Island Time Book Club, Island Library, 5701 Tuesday, Dec. 21, winter solstice. Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, Saturday, Dec. 25, Christmas Day. 941-778-6341. ONGOING ON AMI

GET LISTED

Send announcements for The Islander’s calendar to calendar@ Fridays, 11:30 a.m., Mahjong Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina islander.org. The deadline for listings is the Wednesday before the Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-778- publication date.

Anna Maria Island Privateers Drift In Christmas Scholarship Fundraiser • 6–10 Saturday, Dec. 4 at the Drift In on Bridge Street. Come see Santa and his sleigh * Lotto board rafﬂe * Large Rafﬂe Basket * Drawings at 9:30pm * Potluck Dinner * Donations welcome

Dec. 1, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 13 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Community center runs $50K in the black through September By ryan Paice islander reporter

The Center of Anna Maria Island’s fiscal 2021-22 is off to a better start than the previous year. The community center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, recorded $50,262 in net income through September, according to financial documents distributed after the nonprofit’s Nov. 15 board meeting. The mark is a $139,635 improvement over the center’s results through the same point last year, when it was $85,642 in the red. Despite recording $34,339 more in direct program costs than through the same point in fiscal 2020-21 — July-June — the nonprofit more than doubled program revenue — from $70,205 last year to $146,696 so far through September. The resulting $60,248 in program income is almost five times the $12,965.79 program income it recorded through September 2020. A similar trend can be found in fundraising revenues, which spiked 234%, from $61,632 last year to $205,585 this year. At the same time, fundraising expenses only increased by 51%, from $40,927 last year to $61,716 this year. The result is $143,869 in fundraising income — a far cry from last year, when the nonprofit recorded a $38,785.89 loss in fundraising through September. The spikes in revenue more than make up for $150,124 in general and administrative costs through September, which was a $25,682 increase over last year. The financial document attributes many of the

increases to a return to form after the coronavirus pandemic suppressed membership and youth camp numbers in 2019-20 and 2020-21. It does not, however, detail the results of an Aug. 21 benefit for lifetime Anna Maria Island resident and boating Capt. Aaron Lowman, who suffered from a severe brain aneurysm. Also, the center has yet to release a spending plan for its current fiscal year despite a start date of July 1. Nevertheless, the nonprofit is on better financial footing through three months than it has had in years — and a host of upcoming fundraising events could further pad the center’s coffers. The center will host Lester Family Fun Day 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, at its facility, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. The annual event is sponsored by Holmes Beach residents Chuck and Joey Lester and will feature a visit from Santa Claus, pony rides, crafts, food, activities and a drum line from Manatee High School. Admission is free and activity tickets sell for 25 cents each. The next event will be a Dec. 11 concert performed

AME Calendar

• Dec. 6-10, scholastic book fair. • Dec. 14, 6:30 p.m., ﬁfth-grade play, dinner TBD. • Dec. 21, end of semester. • Dec. 22-31, winter holiday break. Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the school at 941-708-5525.

by The Wailers, a reggae band formed of friends and family of Bob Marley & the Wailers. The show is the first in the 2021-22 Bradenton Gulf Island Concert Series. The annual concert series is a product of the center’s partnership with the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and was launched in 2019 as a way to boost tourism to the island and bolster local businesses during a year mired by red tide.

Center to welcome The Wailers Dec. 11

The Wailers will kick off the 2021-22 Bradenton Gulf Island Concert Series with a Saturday, Dec. 11, performance at the Center of Anna Maria Island. The concert series will feature five musical acts and an array of musical styles — from reggae to rock. The Wailers are on their “One World” tour and, after playing on AMI, the roots, rock and reggae pioneers are booked to perform a series of shows in Brazil. The center gates will open at 6 p.m. and the show will begin at 7 p.m. The schedule includes Lou Gramm of Foreigner fame follows in January; Don Felder, best known as the Eagles’ lead guitarist, in February; Grammy winner Richard Marx in March and Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals in April. The first shows are outdoors; Marx and Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals will perform in the gym. For the outdoor concerts, people should bring their chairs or blankets. The Sandbar restaurant will operate a cash bar. A news release said proceeds would benefit the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. For more information and ticket purchases, go online to centerami.org or call the center at 941778-1908. — lisa neff

chuck and Joey lester — 2019.

Tiki & Kitty’s Let’s go shopping!

Tiki and Kitty are embracing the holidays! The prospect of bargains and vintage holiday decor is calling to them. Cat’s Meow has 7,700 square feet of vintage, unique and repurposed items. You may want to lace up your skates, as this large vintage skating rink has plenty to offer bargain, antique, unique hunters. Plus, there’s a mancave and a cool clothing boutique. You

Your place for fun, funky

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

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

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Page 14 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec, 1, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Gathering

“shepherds” gather at a “Bethlehem Walk.” this year’s event will be at 6 p.m. sunday, Dec. 5, beginning at roser memorial community church, 512 Pine ave., anna maria.

By lisa neff

‘Bethlehem Walk’ returns to island’s north end

A Christmas story will play out on Pine Avenue Dec. 5. Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., will host the “Bethlehem Walk” at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5. The church, in a news release, said, “We take to the streets of beautiful Anna Maria to reenact the mystery and joy of that Holy night! The Bethlehem Walk is exciting for people of all ages.” Participants, many costumed for the occasion, walk about a block, going from “inn to inn” as actors portraying Mary and Joseph search for shelter for the birth of a child. Along the journey, participants will sing carols and, back at the church, they’ll share fellowship and refreshments. Before the walk, at 4 p.m., Roser will host a Christmas concert.

In “Sounds of the Season,” saxophone artist Eirinn Abu will perform songs from his albums, “A Saxy Christmas,” “Ten Love Stories” and more. The outdoor concert will be in the sanctuary parking lot and attendees should bring lawn chairs. There is no charge but donations will be collected. For more information, call the church at 941-7780414 or go online to www.roserchurch.com.

eirinn abu will perform a christmas concert sunday, Dec. 5, at roser memorial community church, 512 Pine ave., anna maria. islander courtesy Photos

Tidings

10 a.m. — Roser Church. 10 a.m. — Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian USA, REGULAR WORSHIP 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-900Monday-Friday 4903, christchurchoﬂbk.org. 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, 10 a.m. — Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-4769, stbernardcc.com. Longboat Key. Info: 941-383-6491, longboatislandchapel.org. Eugene Robert Malinowski, 85, of Teaneck, New Thursdays 10:15 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. 9:30 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Jersey, and Perico Bay Club, formerly of Bradenton, 10:30 a.m. — St. Bernard. Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-1638, amiannunciation.org. died Nov. 24 in Teaneck. ONGOING EVENTS Saturdays

Obituary

Eugene Robert Malinowski

He was born May 1, 1936, in Locust Mountain Hospital, Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, to Victor and Stella (Zegarski). He was a retired vice principal of Mahwah High School in Mahwah, New Jersey. He was a graduate of Bloomsburg University and earned two master’s degrees from Rutgers University. Services are private. He leaves behind two sons, Mark of Teaneck, New Jersey, and David and wife Mary of Mesa, Arizona; grandchildren Abby, David and Christopher; and former wife Irene (Tucci).

Growing in Jesus’ Name

4 p.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. Sundays 8 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. 8:30 a.m. — Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414, roserchurch.com. 9 a.m. — CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-0719, crosspointefellowship.church. 9:15 a.m. — Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-779-1912. 9:30 a.m. — Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive. Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1813, gloriadeilutheran.com.

Worship With Us at Our Church Sunday Service 10:00 AM The Rev. Dr. Norman Pritchard Masks Are Optional

Watch Our 10:00 AM Service Live:

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

Gathering

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

Wednesdays, 8 a.m., CrossPointe Fellowship men’s breakfast meeting. Most Wednesdays, 8 a.m., Episcopal Church of the Annunciation men’s breakfast meeting. Wednesdays, 6:45 p.m., CrossPointe Fellowship Wednesday Night Blast. Thursdays, 7 p.m., Roser Church chancel choir rehearsals. Thursdays, 9:30 a.m., Roser Church Roser Robics ﬁtness. Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m., Roser Church Roser Robics ﬁtness. Special events Through Jan. 2, 2022, dusk, Longboat Island Chapel holiday celebrations. Dec. 2, 6 p.m., CrossPointe Fellowship’s Youth Praise Band performs Popi’s Christmas Concert, Popi’s Place, 6409 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. Dec. 4, 9:30 a.m., CrossPointe Fellowship REAL Women “Tidings of Comfort and Joy” Christmas Brunch. Dec. 5, 4 p.m., Roser Church “Sounds of the Season” Christmas concert. Dec. 5, 6 p.m., Roser Church “Bethlehem Walk.” SAVE THE DATES Dec. 12, Roser Church blood drive.

eirinn abu Special Christmas Messiah December 12 at 10:00 AM Christ Church is pleased to feature the Christmas portion of Handel's crowning achievement. Our Chancel Choir, professional soloists and orchestra will present this joyful holiday event during our regular Sunday Service.

Saxophone recording artist Eirinn Abu will perform songs from his albums: A Saxy Christmas, Ten Love Stories and his album being released in 2022. This event will be held OUTDOORS in the Sanctuary Parking Lot. No charge, but a freewill offering will be taken.

Sounds of the Season 4:00 PM � SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5

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Dec. 1, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 15 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Supporting the pantry

The volunteer-run Roser Food Pantry, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, seeks donations to feed hungry island residents and employees this holiday season. Money will be used to support the pantry’s Sponsored Food Recipient Program, which allows people to anonymously seek food assistance after receiving approval from a sponsor — an island church. Recipients receive $100-$150 Publix gift cards every month for around three months before sponsors must approve another round of assistance. The food pantry received $30,000 from the Mayors Feed the Hungry program earlier this year to support the operation. However, the coronavirus pandemic led to a funding shortage that could result in reduced benefits. To support the benefits, the pantry collected testimonials from recipients, including: • “With the crazy world we are experiencing right now this program has come in quite handy. With the cost of really everything on the rise finding enough money to purchase groceries is getting difficult … and I know that this program has helped me and others tremendously.” • “My heart is overwhelmed with gratitude for the love, support and kind gesture this program provides. I want to thank you for the Publix gift card. It truly is a blessing to be provided with food. I am humbled by your thoughtfulness and gift.” People can donate to the food pantry by visiting roserchurch.com/give, calling 941-778-0414 or delivering unopened, nonperishable food items to the church Mondays-Fridays 9 a.m.-3 p.m. People also can call 941-778-0414 for assistance. — ryan Paice

GoodDeeds

AM official deems Thanks-Living a success By ryan Paice islander reporter

Thanks-Living could be around to stay on Anna Maria Island. Anna Maria Commissioner Carol Carter, a member of the For the Love of Anna Maria Island task force that launched the community gathering, told The Islander Nov. 24 that the event had a bright future after attracting about 200 people Nov. 21. “We were really pleased with all the participation that we had,” Carter said. “We thought we had a ton of food … but it all was eaten. So we were excited about that.” Carter and a handful of other residents formed the task force after hearing a presentation from “For the Love of Cities” author Peter Kageyama at the Center of Anna Maria Island in the summer of 2019. The task force decided on Thanks-Living to bring the community together and raise money for local organizations, including the Roser Food Pantry, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. The first event was held in November 2019, when about 150 attendees gathered under the shade sails of Anna Maria City Pier Park to share a buffet of covered dishes prepared by the task force and listen to live music by Will Corr. However, Thanks-Living was canceled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. This year, the event featured free food samples from seven local restaurants — including the Sandbar Restaurant, Hurricane Hanks and Ginnie’s and Jane E’s — speeches from Carter and Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy and, once again, live music by Corr.

compiled by lisa neff

Assistance sought and delivered on AMI

• The Island Players seeks volunteers for the theater, including house managers, backstage and prop crews, website experts and actors. Information: 508 9655665. • Ministry of Presence Inc. seeks medications and monetary donations to aid earthquake victims in Haiti, donations to The Islander, 315 58th St., Suite J, Holmes Beach, or mail to MoP, P.O. Box 770, Oneco, FL 34264. • Senior Adventurers group seeks events coordinators and a van driver for Friday outings. Information: 941-447-5076 • 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

WE ROCK ONLINE 11/13/2020

islander.org

by All Island Denominations. Information: 941-7780414. • Keep Manatee Beautiful seeks volunteers for cleanups and other efforts. Information: 941-7958272. • The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce and a number of local businesses are collecting donations for the Toys for Tots holiday campaign. Information: 941-778-1541.

Assistance offered on AMI

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

Dear Santa… santa’s mailbox is set up on the pavilion at the entrance to the anna maria city Pier, 100 n. Bay Blvd., and officially ready for letters to santa claus, the city of anna maria announced nov. 29. islander courtesy Photo

The event also included a poetry reading by an Anna Maria Elementary student and ended with a singalong to Woody Guthrie’s “This Land is Your Land.” Carter said the second Thanks-Living raised more than $2,200 for the food pantry, which is asking for donations to help feed hungry island residents and employees during the holiday season. “We’re pretty excited about how it turned out this year,” Carter said. “I’m pretty sure we’re trying to make it an annual event, we just had a little blip last year.”

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Need a new stylist? Call and book with Irene and receive 10% OFF your first service. Need a great massage? New clients who book a Monday Are you having a bad hair day? Need- or Friday appt with Shelley enjoy a combination of 10-15 minutes of ing a new Stylist? Call and book w/ assisted stretch and massage plus Irene and receiveor10% off your 1st service. Needing a great massage, call 1-hour session, $75. Mention ad at COMMUNITY CHURCH • Sermon Series by Rev. Dirk Rodgers & book an apt w/ Shelley, Monday's & time of appt. SUN, DEC 5 IN PERSON in the Sanctuary Friday's 1st time clients, you’ll enjoy a COME SEE US! 4:00 PM Nursery • Children’s Church combination of 10-15 mins. of assisted 941-795-5227 MOUNT VERNON PLAZA Eirinn Abu 9516 CORTEZ RD. W., CORTEZ stretching massage, 1 hour session MM34454 | MM87857 ONLINE �and Watch LIVE or LATER Christmas www.RoserChurch.com $75. Mention ad at time of appt. Concert why Christmas truly matters We are looking for a nail 6:00 PM Text ROSER to 22828 totech to join Bethlehem our team,the stop by with a resume or call receive weekly eBulletin Walk Meet in for an appointment. front of the The CHAPEL is open during office Sanctuary! hours for prayer and meditation

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Page 16 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec, 1, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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HBPD chief to address Kiwanis of AMI club

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer will address the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island during its Saturday, Dec. 4, meeting. The club meets at 8:30 a.m. Saturdays at the Gulf Drive Cafe, 900 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. The club will gather for a private party Dec. 11 and exchange holiday ornaments Dec. 18. There will be no meetings Dec. 25 and Dec. 31 due to the holidays. For more information, call Sandy Haas-Martens at 941-778-1383.

Streetlife

Anna Maria Tuesday market off to strong start

People peruse produce and goods nov. 23 at the tuesday market under the shade sails at city Pier Park, 103 n. Bay Blvd., anna maria. islander Photo: ryan Paice

staff reports

Island police reports

Anna Maria Nov. 2, 512 Pine Ave., Roser Memorial Community Church, threat. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office took a report from the church regarding an individual who had been seeking assistance from the church and who called the office and made “minor threats.” No additional information was available. Nov. 15, 400 block of Magnolia Avenue, fraud complaint. The MCSO responded to a complaint regarding an individual with a fraudulent credit card. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Ofﬁce polices Anna Maria. Bradenton Beach No new reports. The Bradenton Beach Police Department patrols the city. Cortez No new reports. The MCSO polices Cortez. Holmes Beach Nov. 17, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, trespass warning. A Holmes Beach police officer observed two people on the second level of a lifeguard tower. The officer issued trespass warnings and the people left without issue. Nov. 18, Holmes Beach Police Department, 5801 Marina Drive, potential identity theft. A man entered the HBPD and said a loan had been opened under his name without his consent and by an unknown person. An officer issued a case number. Nov. 22, 4600 block of Gulf Drive, marijuana. An officer located a vehicle pinged by the city’s license plate recognition system and conducted a traffic stop. The driver had a suspended license, which the officer confiscated. The officer smelled marijuana and asked the driver if he had been smoking. The driver said he had and handed over a marijuana cigarette. The officer also found a bag of marijuana inside the center console during a search. He issued citations. Nov. 22, 3100 block of Avenue F, property damage. An officer responded to a call and found a vehicle that

By ryan Paice islander reporter

Season is starting off strong for the Anna Maria Farmer’s Market. A steady stream of people Nov. 23 poured into City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., to peruse fresh produce and goods in the closing hour of the market despite chilly weather for Anna Maria Island. The temperature was in the low 60s, with about 10-mph winds, keeping many of the market’s vendors and visitors in sweatshirts and jackets. The busy day probably shouldn’t come as a surprise for the market. After ending the 2019-20 season early due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the market roared back for its busiest season yet in 2020-21. The city established the market in 2018 to attract traffic to Pine Avenue during the closure and rebuild of the city pier and a bad hit from red tide. Tillman Thomas, owner of Grumpy’s Farm Market, a returning vendor at the market, told The Islander Nov. 23 the 2021-22 season was going strong after a lull in early November. “It was crazy at the beginning in October and it’s picking up again now,” Thomas said. He gestured to the dozens of people bustling between vendors with only minutes before the market’s 2 p.m. closing time. “Look at the crowd. We usually don’t get this. They come in early and head out around noon.”

Thomas added that many customers are locals who became regulars during the pandemic, which he said increased business for outdoor markets. Bill Nelms, producer for Mr. Fun Guy, another returning vendor at the market, echoed Thomas’ sentiments while keeping his hands tucked in coat pockets for warmth. “Business has been going real strong,” Nelms said. “It’s doubled last year’s.” Nelms said he also experienced a boost in sales during the pandemic, but credited his recent success for the growth of the mushroom market to health benefits provided by fungi. In the meantime, Nelms said he enjoyed working the Anna Maria market for its location, customers and weather — despite that day’s drop in temperature. “I’m chilled to the bone,” Nelms said. “But overall, it’s been a great market.” Rosibel Malheiro, owner of Bella’s Gourmet Cuisine, said business for her had dropped off slightly from the 2020-21 season, but remained profitable. “(Business) is always good,” Malheiro said. “This is a really good market. People love it. We have a lot of consistent customers and they’re all happy to see us vendors come back.” The market runs 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays through May 10, 2022. Vendors interested in a market spot can contact the city at 941-708-6130.

had struck a post and damaged a residential back flow form and handcuffed the man in order for EMS to preventer. The tenants reported the damage to the prop- transport him to Blake Medical Center in Bradenton. HBPD polices Holmes Beach. erty owner, who contacted a plumber. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narraNov. 23, 7300 Palm Drive, Marchman Act. An officer responded to reports of an erratic patient on tives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO. an ambulance. Emergency medical services told the officer the man was found unconscious on a bus and was now awake and hostile. The man apparently was intoxicated. The officer completed a Marchman Act

SEAFOOD

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Page 18 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec, 1, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Wildlife Inc. enters holiday Festival of Trees By tomas gomez islander reporter

Want to wow the family with a Christmas tree without a hassle? Consider a trip to the second annual Festival of Trees at University Town Center Mall, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota. The festival, housed in the retail space next to Old Navy and across from the Green at UTC, will open at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10. Among the contestants is Bradenton Beach’s Wildlife Inc. Education and Rehabilitation Center. Run by Ed and Gail Straight from their home, Wildlife Inc. began operating in 1988.

The nonprofit has rescued and rehabilitated more than 50,000 animals. The center also is entirely volunteer run and depends on grants and donations, such as those that will come from the Festival of Trees. From Dec. 10-19, UTC and Nathan Benderson Park will hold a silent auction for more than 50 charitythemed trees. People can purchase $1 raffle tickets to vote for their favorite trees and also place bids in a silent auction to purchase a tree. Both raffle and silent auction sales will benefit participating charities, including Wildlife Inc. Gail Straight said she hopes the nonprofit’s tree will fetch a high bid, with the money to go toward food and medicine for rescued animals. Local artist Wendell Graham helped decorate the tree with sepia drawings of wildlife rescued by the organization, including raccoons, opossums, cranes, owls and armadillos. The center is currently rehabilitating a variety of animals, including cranes, possums, screech owls, barn owls and raccoons. To learn more about Wildlife Inc., visit their Facebook page, go to wildlifeinc.org or contact them at 941-778-6324.

Patrons peruse the covers nov. 26 at the senior adventures book sale at the annie silver center in Bradenton Beach. islander Photo: tomas gomez

Seniors host fundraiser The Annie Silver Community Center hosted a potluck and book sale Nov. 26-27 as part of a collaborative fundraiser with Senior Adventures, a group that takes seniors on field trips. The event raised $99 for the next adventure. Both the Senior Adventures and Annie Silver Community Center seek people to lead into 2022. The center had been without a leader since the Sept. 30 resignation of former-president Linda Yarger. The acting president, Jim Hassett, is expected to take on the role after a vote to be held at the next meeting, granted enough members are in attendance for a quorum. The meeting will be at 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6, at the center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Center meetings were halted in 2020 due to the pandemic and only resumed in late September. Now that meetings have resumed, longtime programs such as bingo games and dinners are expected to begin in January.

one of several barn owls being cared for nov. 25 at Wildlife inc. islander Photo: tomas gomez the Wildlife inc. contender for the festival of trees auction is decorated with work by local artist Wendell graham. islander Photo: courtesy Wildlife inc.

— tomas gomez

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Dec. 1, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 19 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

gopher tortoises are long-lived reptiles that dig deep burrows for shelter and forage on lowgrowing plants. Both the tortoise and its burrow are protected under state law. islander Photo: courtesy craig o’neal/Wikimedia commons

By Lisa Neff

Housing crunch for tortoises

Florida’s best-known tortoise is in a race — for its continued existence. The gopher tortoise — the specie’s range includes much of the state, including on Anna Maria Island — is a candidate for possible protection under the federal Endangered Species Act and is classified as “threatened” by the state. The primary threat to the gopher tortoise is habitat loss through destruction, fragmentation and degneff radation, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Yet, habitat destruction continues. It’s common enough the FWC operates a relocation program and identifies “recipient sites” for the animals, usually private land in which the owner is paid per tortoise. The relocation program began in 2007 and between 2007 and 2020, about 56,000 gopher tortoises were moved to “recipient sites.” Earlier this year, the FWC issued a public plea for more property owners to provide habitat for gopher tortoises because suitable shelter is becoming more difficult to find. “For years the state has enabled sprawl development by simply moving tortoises out of the way,” said Elise Bennett, a senior attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity environmental group. “Now there’s nowhere left to put them.” The relocation program is much better than the state’s old program, which allowed developers to bury the animals alive. But the program — and potential changes to it — certainly has critics. A rule on the books says gopher tortoises cannot be relocated more than 100 miles north or south of their original burrows, the burrows being threatened by development. The rule was enacted to ensure tortoises are relocated to areas that support long-term viability and genetic integrity. But FWC executive director Eric Sutton has issued

a map shows the federal range for the gopher tortoise. islander image: u.s. fish and Wildlife service

an executive order waiving the rule for 90 days, during which time the commission is expected to consider a longer-term change to the rule. “Gopher tortoises are caught in a habitat loss crisis, yet the commission is suggesting what amounts to a temporary storage solution,” said the center’s Bennett. The order authorizes wildlife officials to approve “temporary relocation” options, enabling the detention of gopher tortoises in on-site pens while developers push ahead with construction. The order also allows for the “temporary off-site” relocation of the animals to public lands. George Heinrich, executive director of the Florida Turtle Conservation Trust, said the order diminishes the conservation outlook for gopher tortoises. “We have long urged the commission to be more proactive with their efforts to conserve imperiled tortoise and freshwater turtle species,” Heinrich said in a statement. “The fact that our state wildlife agency has allowed it to get to this point is shameful. They simply must do better.” The issue is on the agenda for a Dec. 15-16 FWC meeting in Destin. The agenda also includes discussion of rules

regarding imperiled beach nesting birds and an update on a record number of manatee deaths in 2021. People can comment through Friday, Dec. 10, via myfwc.com, where they also can find more information about gopher tortoise “recipient sites.” Did you know? Gopher tortoises can live up to 80 years. In Florida, the animals live in dry oak sandhills, scrub, dry hammock, pine flatwoods, dry prairie, coastal grasslands and sand dunes. On the island, they can be found in the coastal dunes, where they create burrows that provide some protection from predators and the elements. The burrows vary in size — from 3 to 50 feet long and 9 to 25 feet deep — and provide refuge for about 350 other animals, including frogs, snakes, mice, skunks, foxes, rabbits, armadillos, owls, lizards and more. The tortoises forage on grasses, palmetto berries, fruits and flowers. The chief threat to the tortoises is habitat destruction but herbicides also cause harm. Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Volunteers sought for Coquina Beach cleanup

The nonprofit Keep Manatee Beautiful is seeking volunteers for a shoreline cleanup at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 4. The cleanup — KMB’s last in 2021 on Anna Maria Island — will be at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. For more information, contact KMB at 941795-8272 or go online to manateebeautiful.com.

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Short week of sports By Kevin P. cassidy islander reporter

Island sports during Thanksgiving week gave way to holiday schedules, school breaks and family travel plans. ’Twas the day before Thanksgiving, Nov. 24, and horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall pits saw two teams emerge from pool play with 3-0 records and battle for the day’s supremacy. cassidy Bob Rowley stayed perfect for the day, with a 22-11 victory over Rod Bussey and Tim Sofran to earn bragging rights for the day. Three teams advanced to the knockout stage during the Nov. 27 games. Tim Sofran drew the bye into the final and watched as Rowley and Bob Palmer outscored Tom Farrington and Rod Bussey 21-10. The championship match was close, until Palmer threw a game-ending double ringer to secure a spot in the winner’s circle. The win gave Rowley a perfect 9-0 record for the week. Play gets underway at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Anna Maria pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by random team selection. There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome. Due in part to family arrivals for some and holiday travel for others, it was a short week of golf action at Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach. The men played their weekly modified-Stableford system match Nov. 22. The team of Ken Butler, Hoyt Miller and Blake Ress combined on a plus-3 to earn

To: Center of AMI

The Center of Anna Maria Island

The Islander Nov. 24 published the annual Wish Book, which contains wishes from local nonprofits for readers to fulfill this holiday season. The Wish Book can be downloaded from islander.org but here’s the wish list for the Center

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Bob rowley walked his way to the winner’s circle during the nov. 24 horseshoe competition at the anna maria city Hall pits thanks to a 22-11 victory over rod Bussey and tim sofran. islander Photo: courtesy ami Pitchers

clubhouse bragging rights for the week. The women were on the course Nov. 23 for a ninehole individual-low-net match in two flights. Carol Patterson grabbed first place in Flight A with a 1-under-par 31, three strokes ahead of second-place finisher Jana Samuels. Jenny Huibers was another stroke back in third place. Flight B went to Terry Westby with an even-par 32, four strokes ahead of second-place finisher Janet Razze. Barb Harold was alone in third with a 6-overof Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, which hosts a variety of programs, including educational and after school programs, camps, sports leagues and fitness opportunities. The center wishes for: • Craft supplies. • Plastic jump ropes. • Frisbees. • Basketballs. • Soccer balls. • Tennis balls. • Kickballs. • Resistance bands from Spri.com. • Rubber hexagon dumbbells. For more, contact the center at 941-778-1908 or centerami.org.

par 38. At the Center of Anna Maria Island, signups continued for ages 5-17 for the winter flag football league. Player evaluations are set for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7, for the 5-7 and 8-10 age divisions, while the 11-13 and 14-17 divisions will take over the pitch at 7:30 p.m. The season will kick off after the winter holidays on Jan. 11. Players can register online at centerami.org or at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Meanwhile, four quarterfinal matches will narrow the field in the adult soccer championships at the center starting at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2. The winners will face off in two semifinal matches, scheduled at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Dec. 9, and the finals will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 16, followed by an all-star game at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. For more information, contact Connor Haughey at 941-778-1908, ext. 217.

PropertyWatch carol Bernard

Island real estate sales

655 Key Royale Drive, Holmes Beach, a 2,055 sf, 3B 101 67th St., Holmes Beach, a 2,635 sf, 4bed/4bath new construction condo in Buena Vista with a pool built in 2021 sold 10/07/21 by C&D Properties to Buena Vista AMI LLC for $3,750,000; list $3,750,000. 5400 Gulf Drive, #44, Holmes Beach, a 1,188 sf, 2bed/2bath condo in 5400 Condos built in 1969 sold 09/16/21 by Newhart-Vitolo to Giffi Trust for $750,000; list $799,000. 143 Crescent Drive, Anna Maria, a 880 sf, 2bed/2bath pool home on a 7,802 sq ft lot built in 1974 sold 11/05/21 by Crescent Estate to Richards for $1,300,000; list $1,349,000. 2305 Ave. C, Bradenton Beach, a 3,397 sf, 7bed/6bath pool home on a 5,001 sq ft lot built in 2021 sold 10/18/21 by AMI Partners LLC to Cook for $2,000,000; list $2,100,000. 714 Jacaranda Road, Anna Maria, a 3,781 sf, 4bed/5bath pool home on a 15,002 sq ft lot built in 2009 sold 10/18/21 by Talbot Trust to Cuellar for $3,950,000; list $3,950,000. 715 N. Shore Drive, Anna Maria, a 3,174 sf, 3bed/4bath pool home on a 77,284 sq ft lot built in 1988 sold 10/22/21 by York to Fish for $7,000,000; list $7,650,000. Compiled by Island Real Estate staff. Island Real Estate sales professionals can be reached at 941-7786066, islandreal.com.

Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

Dec 1 Dec 2 Dec 3 Dec 4 Dec 5 Dec 6 Dec 7 Dec 8

10:02a 11:10a 12:19p 1:31p 11:21p — 12:07a 12:59a

HIGH

LOW

1.6 8:56p 1.6 9:27p 1.5 10:01p 1.4 10:39p 2.8 — — — 2.7 — 2.5 —

2.3 2.5 2.7 2.8 — — — —

3:20a 4:11a 5:01a 5:52a 6:44a 7:38a 8:32a 9:28a

0.0 -0.4 -0.6 -0.8 -0.9 -0.9 -0.7 -0.5

2:50p 3:20p 3:45p 4:04p — — — —

LOW

Moon

0.8 1.0 1.2 1.3 New — — — —

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

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As cold fronts chill local bite, time to switch bait to shrimp By capt. Danny stasny islander reporter

Our marine life is cold, too. With the frequency and intensity of cold fronts sweeping over Anna Maria Island, inshore fishers are relying on live shrimp as bait to find success on the water. Species such as sheepshead, black drum, redfish and pompano are becoming more apparent in the back country and readily taking live shrimp offerings as the water temstasny peratures quickly cool down. So you may want to go out and investigate options on where to buy bait shrimp. Visiting the local bait shops and marinas where shrimp are sold is wise, as you want to find those that have the most consistent availability. There’s nothing worse than planning a day of fishing only to find out you can’t get bait. And, as the winter progresses and shrimp become the primary bait, demand will go up. Remember: You need to source your shrimp early to ensure you get bait for the day. If you strike out on getting live shrimp, you can opt for artificials. Casting soft plastics around docks and canals can be productive. Just remember to slow your retrieve. As the water chills, most fish in our region tend to slow down a little — they’re trying to conserve energy. Berkeley Gulp shrimp and a jig head is a great artificial option. Snook, redfish and flounder — when in the right mood — will react to these baits in a positive manner. Other species — trout, pompano, bluefish, ladyfish and jack crevalle — will readily take a Gulp shrimp if presented with the opportunity. Lastly, picking days between the fronts — when temperatures are slightly warmer — will improve your chances of a hookup. Fishing late morning and afternoon tides is another smart move, as this gives the sun a chance to warm the waters sufficiently for the fish to feel comfortable enough to feed. On my Just Reel fishing charters, I’m starting to carry shrimp as well as live shiners in my bait well. On the warmer days, between cold fronts, shiners are doing the job to attract snook and spotted seatrout. trent, 8, and greyson Hooper, 10, vacationing on anna maria island from moseley, Virginia, show off a pair of bonnethead sharks they caught nov. 27 — and released — in the shallows of tampa Bay on a guided fishing trip with capt. David White.

capt. David White holds up a gag grouper nov. 27 for a trophy photo with David Hooper of moseley, Virginia. Hooper and his sons, below, fished the chilly bay waters — tampa Bay was down to about 72 degrees — with White of anna maria charters.

Ladyfish, mackerel, snapper and flounder are liking shiners as bait, too. On the cooler days, I’m switching to live shrimp on the hook, which is resulting in redfish being caught, as well as black drum and sheepshead. Tipping jigs with small pieces of live shrimp is working — especially for pompano. Drifting and jigging over deep grass flats or along the beaches and passes is good for a pompano hookup. Capt. Jason Stock is excited to see the arrival of large amberjack in the offshore waters west of Anna Maria Island. Schools of these large amberjack are dominating the bite over wrecks, reefs and springs

20-30 miles offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. Stout tackle and an ample amount of stamina is required to bring the fish to the boat, as some are in the 100-pound class. Also while offshore, Stock is seeing an increase in the number of kingfish being caught. The kings are being found in the same areas as the amberjack and most catches are 20-30 pounds. Some of Stock’s luckier anglers are hooking into fish in the 40-pound class. As a bonus, Stock is putting his clients on tripletail. These delicious fish are mostly being found while on route to the offshore fishing grounds. Stock sources the tripletail by keeping an eye out for floating debris, where the fish — up to 10 pounds — are being found. Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says despite the cooler weather and numerous windy days, the bite at the pier is quite good. Live shrimp is the bait of choice for pier anglers and is resulting in catches of black drum, redfish and a few sheepshead. Malfese is even seeing under-slot snook being caught on shrimp. He anticipates the black drum and sheepshead bite to steadily improve as they settle into their winter-time pattern. If you visit Anna Maria Island’s northern-most pier, you probably won’t see much more snook action, although the abundance of other species that inhabit the pier during the winter should make up for the void. Expectations of pompano are on everyone’s mind while fishing at the R&R. So casting a shrimp-tipped jig is always advantageous as you never know when a school of these tasty fish are going to pass by the pier in Tampa Bay. Capt. David White is finding action while fishing the inshore waters of Tampa Bay south to Sarasota Bay. Along the beaches, black drum and sheepshead are being caught by White’s anglers who use live shrimp as bait. The same bite is occurring around residential docks and canals. Targeting pompano is another option on White’s backcountry charters. Casting small jigs tipped with shrimp is proving to be most effective for these elusive fish. Covering large areas of water is required when hunting pompano, as they enjoy a variety of habitats, including beaches, passes and the deeper grass flats. Although a fair amount of time and energy can go into locating these fish, the reward is realized at supper after that first bite — the bite on the end of your fork that is. Many fishers say the delectable tender meat of pompano is unmatched in quality. On a final note, White is catching keeper gag grouper while fishing structure in Tampa Bay. These big boys, also considered some of the best eating around, are taking live pinfish as bait. Send high-resolution photos and ﬁshing reports to ﬁsh@islander.org

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New arrivals, noted achievements on AMI

Target still in sight We’ll be seeing red in due time. In a Nov. 8 email to The Islander, a Target spokesperson confirmed the corporation still plans to open a store at the former Kmart site, 7350 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, in the Beachway Plaza. “We’re excited to bring an easy, safe and convenient shopping experience to new guests in the BraKaiman denton community with this new Target store,” the spokesperson said. “As we get closer to opening the store, we’ll have more specific details to share — including how the shopping experience will be tailored to serve local guests and the grand opening date.” And in case you didn’t notice, it appears that WaWa — a 24-hour, 365-days convenience store with meals and beverages and fuel — has broken ground at the southwest corner of 75th Street and Manatee Avenue West in Bradenton, where an Albertsons store was demolished. RE/MAX legend She’s an achiever. Island Realtor Christine Kourik earned a RE/MAX lifetime achievement award in November. Kourik has been a consistent top producer at RE/ MAX Alliance Group for more than 25 years and told The Islander Nov. 14 the real estate outfit’s strong international presence, referral network and other

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Friday, Dec. 3 5 p.m.-8 p.m. —Tree-lighting and holiday open house, chamber ofﬁce and Holmes Beach city center. Saturday, Dec. 4 3-9 p.m. —Christmas on Bridge Street and Lighted Boat Parade, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach. Save the date Dec. 9, member luncheon, Ugly Grouper, Holmes Beach. Dec. 10, Anna Maria Holiday Walk of Treasures, Anna Maria. Dec. 16, business card exchange, Mainsail Beach Inn, Holmes Beach. Fees may apply for events. RSVP for the networking events by contacting the chamber at 941-778-1541 or info@amichamber.org.

LBK Chamber SAVE THE DATE Dec. 9, Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce Holiday Business After Hours, Harry’s Continental Kitchen, Longboat Key. Dec. 16, LBK Chamber Networking@Noon luncheon, Zota Beach Resort, Longboat Key. Fees may apply for events. For more LBK Chamber information, visit longboatkeychamber. com or call 941-383-2466.

marketing tools have contributed to her success. She relocated to the island from Missouri in 2016 and utilizes aerial drones and 360-degree virtual tours to give buyers remote views of her listings. “I live and work on the island. I live in Anna Maria. So I’m right here with my clients. They become my true friends,” she said. Kourik operates out of the RE/MAX Alliance office at 5316 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, and can be reached at 941-538-7414 or home@christysproperties.com. Hail to the victors The Manatee Chamber of Commerce held its 41st annual small business of the year awards Nov. 16 at the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto. The winners included Take Stock in Children of Manatee County, Hope Family Services, Vet Care Express Animal Ambulance, Crystal Clean Green Cleaning, Ellenton Discount Pharmacy, Florida Suncoast Real Estate and Shake Station Restaurant. For more on the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, visit manateechamber.com or call 941-748-3411. Welcome, welcome The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce welcomed the following new members Oct. 28-Nov. 24: • TTG and James Dimmer, serving the region, 941DAILY/WEEKLY/MONTHLY SCHEDULED SERVICE

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People gather Dec. 4, 2020, outside the anna maria island chamber of commerce for the annual tree lighting-festivities. this year’s celebration will be friday, Dec. 3. islander file Photo

786-0028, trivatechgroup.com; • Bike Werks Mobile Bike Shop and Carl Armbruster, serving the county, 301-532-2679, bikewerks. com; • Your CBD Store Cortez and Jazmin Reily, Bradenton, 941-254-4510, cbdrx4u.com; • Goldman Barboni Fernandez Murphy & Walsh legal services and Debra S. Burger, Bradenton, 941752-7000, justicepays.com; • Junk King and Jim Turk, serving the region, 941554-8126, junk-king.com; • Help Where You Can Inc. nonprofit and Melissa Ness, serving the region, 941-527-7747, helpwhereyoucan.net; • Christine Kourik/REMAX Alliance Group, Holmes Beach, 941-538-7414, annamariapropertysearch.com. And as always… Submit your business news to Kane Kaiman at kane@islander.org. Correction: The Nov. 24 issue of The Islander incorrectly identified the AMI Chamber of Commerce Medium Business of the Year. The winner is Rod & Reel Resort in Anna Maria.

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

Dec. 1, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 23 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Jeffrey o’connell, left, and elizabeth shore of Bunny & Pirates in cortez accept the small Business of the Year award nov. 19 at img in Bradenton. marcia mattick, left, and tara o’Brien of Pineapple marketplace beam after receiving the large Business of the Year award from the anna maria island chamber of commerce.

ty Hicks, property manager, right, and his wife, Jen, accept the chamber’s medium Business of the Year award on behalf of rod & reel resort in anna maria during a celebration nov. 19 in Bradenton.

Business news

lix Hager, president, left, and nancy flynn, recording secretary, accept the nonprofit Business of the Year award on behalf of the anna maria island Historical society in anna maria. the award was presented nov. 19 at img golf academy in Bradenton by the anna maria island chamber of commerce. islander Photos: courtesy amicc

Chamber names tops in local business

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce named the best in business Nov. 19, during its annual member gala at IMG Golf Academy in Bradenton. The chamber presented a series of best “of the year” awards,” including: • Small Business of the Year – Bunny & Pirates, 12404 Cortez Road W., Cortez; William-Romberger_3x4.9375_Islander_Banana_Horizontal.pdf 1 • 9/23/21 PM Medium6:06 Business of the Year – Rod & Reel

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

Say hello to your new neighbors

Resort, 877 N. Shore Drive, Anna Maria; • Large Business of the Year — Pineapple Marketplace, 425 Pine Ave., Anna Maria; • Nonprofit of the year — Anna Maria Island Historical Society, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. The celebration also included the naming of the Rotary Club’s Person of the Year — Barbara Murphy.

LOVE AMI? SCAN TO LEARN MORE

& SEND YOUR MESSAGE

941.779.0304

941.504.7821

the Banana

PRESERVEAMI.COM

Page 24 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec, 1, 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

soliD WooDen Dresser: shabby chic, nine drawers, 72-inches, $135. like-new beautiful chandelier, $100. 941-778-2824.

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

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

DePenDaBle, resPonsiBle, fun babysitter for hire. 13 years old, island local. available in June. 941-526-9090.

stacKaBle frigiDaire WasHer and dryer. from seaside condo. $100 each. 941778-5542 or 941-778-3920. antiQue BaBY carriage: Wood and wicker. Proceeds benefit moonracer animal rescue. email for photos: moonraceranimalrescue@gmail.com.

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.

antiQue Partner DesK: all wood, $500. inquire at the islander office, 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.

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.

Sandy’s Lawn Service Inc. ESTABLISHED IN 1983

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

Paradise Improvements

941.792.5600

Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Specialist Replacement Doors and Windows

Andrew Chennault

FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED Island References Lic#CBC056755 CBC 1253471

RDI CONSTRUCTION INC. Residential & Condo Renovations Kitchens • Bath • Design Service Carpentry • Flooring • Painting Commercial & Residential

References available • 941-720-7519

AdoptA-Pet

HEALTH CARE

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. PETS

SERVICES

HelP rescueD Pets! Volunteer, foster, computer help needed! moonracer animal rescue. email: moonraceranimalrescue@ gmail.com.

neeD a riDe to airports? tampa $65, st. Pete, $55, sarasota, $30. gary, 863-4095875. gvoness80@gmail.com.

BOATS & BOATING 13-foot DingHY sailboat, needs mast, $50. 813-463-6770. for sale: 20-hp tohatsu outboard motor. electric start, short shank, low hours, excellent condition. can be seen running. $1,800 (cash only). located in cortez. 616-4850410.

HELP WANTED Part time: mecHanical/electrical engineer. any experience with robotics integration. focus on manufacturing automation. 218-205-0911. smugglers coVe/gulf stream Beach resort in need of front desk person 8 a.m.4 p.m. saturdays and 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. every other sunday. Please, call 941-778-6667.

Benson is a 1-year-old, 21-pound male looking for a fun family. To meet this cutie, call Lisa Williams at 941-345-2441 or visit The Islander ofﬁce in Holmes Beach. For more about pet adoption, visit moonraceranimalrescue.com.

KiDs for Hire ads are free 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.

gooD grief: exPerienceD licensed clinical social Worker (lcsW) providing help for individuals and families working through end-of-life issues. also offering assistance crafting your advance care Directive. call or email Dawn, 207-615- 5876. goodgrief. dawn@gmail.com.

for sale: BranD new complete set of white/navy blue pontoon vinyl seats. located in cortez. $200. Phone, 804-241-2537. sms only.

Benson wants a forever home!

KIDS FOR HIRE

more ads = more readers in the islander.

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. 941-5653931. islanD PHoto sHoots WitH gemma. family, children, engagement, commercial. instagram: @silvernestphoto. 805-5701415. nannY, BaBY/Petsitting, cleaning, organizing, errands, assistance. 20 years’ experience. reliable and trustworthy, local. 805570-1415. looKing for a housecleaner? look no further. sand & sea cleaning is the team for you. 941-226-2773. a+ WinDoW cleaning and services: no job too small, no job too big, from one to three-story homes, condos and businesses. Holidays are here, time to “spruce” things up! contact Bill at 941-538-2942 today!