The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

Happy Holidays

VOLUME 30, NO. 8

The Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992 Astheworldterns. 6 HB celebrates city attorney. 3

Q&A 121521.

DEC. 15, 2021 FREE

islander.org

The Privateers bring Christmas to AMI!

AM sharing federal funds with nonprofits. 4 USPS confirms cortez lease. 4

Meetings. 4 HB hosts planning forum.

Opinions. 6 More inside, page 9.

10-20 YEARS AGO

Looking back. 7

BB values Tree city USA program. 8

Third-generation candymaker Peter Vrinios, left, Tamela Behm and erica Ostrander show off handmade candy canes Dec. 5 — available at the Fudge Factory on Bridge Street.

Santa brings joy!

RoadWatch. 8 Happenings Announcements. 10-11

Save a date. 11, 13

Get in the game. 12

STeMing, gardening. 13

Gathering. 14

Obituaries. 14 Wow! Wailers perform. 15

More inside, page 9.

Privateers to stuff the ship for pets. 15 AM calls for citizen-ofthe-year nominations. 16

StreetLife. 17

and we have a winner!

State seeks dismissal of Piney Point suit. 18

cutting through the fog. 19 Soccer narrows to 2. 20 Good fishing persists. 21

Isl Biz: Bikes,

See story, page 2.

breakfast, order up. 22 chamber serves up pancakes, politics. 23

CLASSIFIEDS. 24-25

PropertyWatch. 26

NYT puzzle. 27

More inside, page 8.

Peter Vrinios rolls, twists and shapes candy canes from a semisolid sugar ball, while helpers Tamela Behm and erica Ostrander check the candy. The process begins with Vrinios heating sugar and other ingredients to a molten liquid in copper kettles. He then pours the mixture on a large marble slab brought to the United States from Greece in 1898 by his grandfather. Islander courtesy Photos

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Candy canes roll out the old-fashioned way on Bridge Street By Kane Kaiman Islander Reporter

This candymaker makes them like they used to. And you can watch. Peter Vrinios, a third-generation candymaker, has been making traditional candy canes from a more than 123-year-old recipe at the Fudge Factory sweet shop, 117 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. Making candy canes is a spectacle involving long, large twisted ropes of flavored, colored sugar that Vrinios stretches, rolls, pulls and shapes by hand. The public is encouraged to watch Vrinios and his crew fashion the canes at the shop 5:30-7:15 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17, and Sunday Dec. 19. The process begins with Vrinios heating sugar and other ingredients to a molten liquid in copper kettles. From there, the caramel-colored mixture is poured onto a 5-by-7-foot marble slab the Illinois native’s

grandfather brought to the United States from Greece in 1898. On the table, Vrinios pours flavored oil — peppermint oil for traditional canes — onto the heated mixture, which produces smoke that fills the room. When the mixture has cooled and becomes sufficiently viscous, he folds it up into a sphere about the size of a basketball. Then Vrinios removes two pieces from the approximately 40-pound “basketball” and gives them to his “elves,” Tamela Behm and Erica Ostrander, to colorize. While the elves work, Vrinios stretches the ball on a wall-mounted hook, initiating a chemical reaction that turns the mixture white. After stretching, he returns the mass to the marble slab and fashions it into a square. The colorized strips are then added to the square and Vrinios employs a technique he began learning

The Champaign candy store was the first of the Vrinios family stores, opening in 1898 in Champaign, Illinois. The man with the hat is Peter Vrinios’ grandfather. Islander Photo: Courtesy Champaign County Historical Archives

Third-generation confectioner Peter Vrinios counts this framed gold record, 1972’s “R.E.O./T.W.O,” a gift from REO Speedwagon commemorating 500,000 records sold, among his treasures. The back cover features a band photo taken at his candy store. Islander Courtesy Photos

The back cover of “R.E.O./T.W.O.” was shot at Vriner’s store in Illinois.

at the age of 5 whereby the mass is stretched and the colors are rolled in a rhythmic fashion to prevent the mixture from melting or solidifying. At the skinny end of the rolled mass the elves cut away segments, fashioning them into canes and allowing them to cool. The process takes about an hour and each batch produces about 125 candy canes. In 1898, Vrinios’ grandfather founded Vriner’s Confectionery in downtown Champaign. The shop, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, operated until 1997, and the Vrinios family never strayed from turn-of-the-century candymaking methods. Several famous historical figures are said to have visited the shop, including Al Capone, first lady Eleanor Roosevelt and President John F. Kennedy. Members of the band REO Speedwagon frequented the shop and a picture of the band at the confectionery is featured on the back of their second album cover. As a way of thanks, the band sent Vrinios a framed copy of the gold record. When Vrinios moved to Bradenton in 2004, he brought his heirloom copper kettles and marble slab and looked for a venue to keep his family’s candymaking legacy alive. He connected with Fudge Factory-owner Benjamin Kaminecki eight years ago at Kaminecki’s store on Siesta Key and the rest is history — almost. The Fudge Factory moved from Siesta Key to Bridge Street in May. Year-round, the shop offers treats made from scratch, including small-batch fudge, chocolate-covered bacon, truffles and 30 flavors of homemade ice cream. Vrinios and company can fill custom orders of 50 or more in 12 colors and 12 flavors, including traditional peppermint, cinnamon, root beer and orange. For more information on the candy canes or the shop, visit the Fudge Factory Anna Maria Island on Facebook or call 941-281-2501.

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HB sends off retiring city attorney with ‘Patty’ party, party cooler Holmes Beach officials and employees gather Dec. 7 at the Doctor’s Office Garden, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, recognizing the service of city attorney Patricia Petruff at a retirement party. RIGHT: HBPD officers present a YeTI cooler, a gift from the city, to city attorney Patricia Petruff at a party celebrating her retirement. Petruff, who has represented the city for three decades, stepped down at her firm to a position “of counsel.” Islander Photos: Ryan Paice Manatee county commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, right, representing Anna Maria Island and west Manatee, listens to remarks during the Manatee chamber of commerce’s Dec. 9 “Pancakes and Politics” meeting. commission chair Vanessa Baugh, center, and chamber vice president Kim Dalglish, left, also listen.

Q&A 121521

The Islander poll

By Lisa Neff

Last week’s question For Anna Maria Island, rising sea level is: 35%. An issue to address now. 6%. A concern in 20 years. 21%. Not a concern. 38%. A problem we needed to address 10 years ago. This week’s question The top reason to shop outdoor markets is: A. Fresh produce. B. Tasty food. C. Unique retail. D. Community. E. Other. To take the poll, go online to islander.org.

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AM shares federal funds with some charities, excludes center

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The city of Anna Maria is dishing out federal relief funds to nonprofits that struggled due to the coronavirus pandemic. But the Center of Anna Maria Island didn’t qualify. City commissioners unanimously voted Dec. 9 to fund three nonprofits with $4,367.05 of the $740,432 the city will receive from the U.S. American Rescue Plan Act. Funding includes: • $826.09 to the Anna Maria Island Historical Society; • $1,701.60 to the Anna Maria Island Garden Club; • $1,839.36 to the Island Players. The ARPA, a $1.9 trillion federal stimulus bill, was signed into law in March by President Joe Biden and includes $350 billion in pandemic relief funding for lower governments such as states, counties and municipalities. Manatee County is projected to receive $78.2 mil-

lion from the bill. Island municipalities will get $3,087,896, including Anna Maria’s $740,432, Bradenton Beach’s $537,464 and Holmes Beach’s $1.81 million. Commissioners agreed earlier this year to use some of their ARPA money to fund up to 24% of losses nonprofits experienced due to the pandemic in fiscal 2020-21. The city chose the percentage based on the proportion of ARPA funds it will receive in relation to the total funds sent to island municipalities, hoping the other island cities also chip in a share to support the local nonprofits. As of Dec. 9, the cities of Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach had not discussed their spending plans. Anna Maria’s ARPA redistribution discussion also initially included up to $16,260 for the center, which requested $67,750 — the largest from four nonprofits. Commissioners discussed redistributing ARPA funds in November and agreed to wait until December for the city to audit the requests.

Mayor Dan Murphy said Dec. 9 that the audit showed the center did not lose money in 2020-21 and, therefore, did not qualify for relief funding. “Through good management practices, they actually prospered somewhat,” Murphy said. Despite a drop in operating revenues, the center finished its 2020-21 fiscal year $53,492 in the black, mostly from an increase in fundraising. The center’s success also is continuing. The center was $50,262 in the black through September, according to the latest financial documents released by the nonprofit. Commissioner Mark Short, who serves on the center’s financial board, said the nonprofit’s request was based on the loss in operating revenues not its bottom line. He added that the center did an “admirable job” limiting spending. The city will distribute ARPA funds to the other three nonprofits over two years, finishing in 2022-23. Commissioner Robert Kingan moved to approve funding for the three nonprofits. Commissioner Jonathan Crane seconded the motion, which passed.

USPS conﬁrms ‘done’ deal on Cortez Post Ofﬁce

USPS’s insurance coverage were rejected. An agreement was done after the USPS consented It’s official: The Cortez Post Office is staying to include Banyas in its insurance coverage, according put. to Banyas. The U.S. Postal Service confirmed the post office The USPS declined to state the specifics of the at 12112 44th Ave. W., Cortez, will remain open at least agreement. until July 31, 2026. “The U.S. Postal Service is pleased to announce it has signed a new five-year lease on the Cortez Post Office,” read a statement provided to The Islander Dec. 9 by USPS central Florida spokesman David Walton. “The Postal Service values its place in the communities we serve at our post offices, stations and branches throughout the nation,” Walton wrote. The post office’s fate was uncertain after a dispute —mostly about liability — between the building owner, John Banyas, and the USPS had prompted Banyas to not renew the lease. Notice was given July 28 by Banyas that the post office would have to vacate. The office continued to operate as a holdover tenant after the previous lease’s expiration, which led Banyas to file for the USPS’s eviction Sept. 21. What prompted the dispute? In 2020, a flagpole in the post office parking lot fell and injured Richard C. Kiley. Banyas maintains the injury was the result of USPS’s failure to maintain A notice posted at the cortez Post Office in its equipment and a violation of the terms of the lease. October announced a closure. Subsequent requests from Banyas to be included in By Tomas Gomez Islander Reporter

Meetings

Anna Maria City None announced. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941708-6130, cityofannamaria.com. Bradenton Beach Jan. 5, 9:30 a.m., CRA. Jan. 5, 2 p.m., ScenicWAVES. Jan. 6, 6 p.m., commission. Jan. 19, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. Jan. 20, noon, commission. Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com. Holmes Beach Jan. 5, 10 a.m., parks and beautification. Jan. 11, 5 p.m., commission. Jan. 12, 5 p.m., planning. Jan. 19, 10 a.m., code. Jan. 25, commission. Jan. 27, 11:30 a.m., police pension board. Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941-708-5800, holmesbeachﬂ.org. West Manatee Fire Rescue

Anna Maria city clerk LeAnne Addy, left, swears in new city commissioner Robert Kingan to serve a two-year term on the dais at a Dec. 9 organizational meeting. commissioners appointed Kingan in November to fill an absence from this year’s election. commissioners carol carter and Jonathan crane also were sworn into a fifth and second twoyear terms respectively on being unopposed in the election. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

Anna Maria welcomes new commissioner, names ofﬁcers None announced. WMFR administration building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton, 941-761-1555, wmfr.org. Manatee County Dec. 15, 1 p.m., commission (work session). Dec. 16, 2 p.m., commission (land use). Jan. 4, 9 a.m., commission (work session). Jan. 6, 9 a.m., commission (land use). Jan. 11, 8:30 a.m., commission. Jan. 29, 9 a.m., commission. County administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee. org. Also of interest 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. Jan. 17, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, most government offices will be closed. — Lisa Neff

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

The Anna Maria City Commission welcomed back two members and added a new one. City clerk LeAnne Addy swore in incumbents Carol Carter and Jonathan Crane at a Dec. 9 organizational meeting, as well as newcomer Robert Kingan, who was appointed to the commission in November. Carter and Crane were unopposed in this year’s election and will serve their fifth and second consecutive two-year terms on the dais, respectively. Kingan, on the other hand, was unanimously appointed by commissioners in November to fill a third seat left open when Commissioner Doug Copeland chose not to seek reelection after serving the remainder of former Commissioner Joe Muscatello’s term. After the swearing-in, commissioners made quick work of naming officers. Commissioner Mark Short nominated Carter to return as chairperson, and Deanie Sebring seconded the nomination. Without a competing nomination, Carter retained her seat as chair without a vote. Sebring then nominated Short to serve as the commission’s deputy chair. Kingan seconded the nomination, which also passed without another nominee. — Ryan Paice

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30-plus ‘interact’ at Holmes Beach comp plan forum By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The Holmes Beach planning commission’s public forum did not disappoint. Planning commission chair Greg Kerchner told The Islander Dec. 9 that he was “very happy” with the community’s turnout and participation at the forum after several months of planning for the event. “I think it was great,” Kerchner said. “The interaction and the feedback we got was all positive.” Comp plans were initiated by the state in 1989 to determine community goals and aspirations regarding development, as well as guide future legislation. The city’s 110-page comp plan contains 10 elements, including future land use, housing and infrastructure. The city hired Fort Myers-based consultants LaRue Planning in January 2020 to help revise the plan. After two years, the review is almost done. But before finalizing their recommendations to the city commission, planning commissioners called for a forum to collect public input Despite some concerns about turnout, the forum drew about 30 attendees, along with Mayor Judy Titsworth and city Commissioner Terry Schaefer. Kerchner and Jim LaRue from LaRue Planning introduced themselves and the comp plan before breaking into round-robin discussion groups, rotating every 20 minutes between stations. Stations included: • City planner Bill Brisson: Future land use; • Planning Commissioner Richard Brown: Infrastructure and property rights;

Holmes Beach planning commissioner James McIntire heads the largest group of forumgoers Dec. 8 in a discussion on proposed changes to the transportation and housing sections of the city comprehensive plan. Islander Photos: Ryan Paice

• Kerchner: Intergovernmental coordination and public school facilities; • Planning Commissioner Dana Krupa: Capital improvements; • Planning Commissioner James McIntire: Transportation and housing; • Planning Commissioner Gale Tedhams: Coastal management and conservation, recreation and open space. The housing/transportation and coastal management/recreation stations drew the most attention, with most attendees splitting between the two. The intergovernmental coordination and public school facilities station, on the other hand, attracted the least attention — even failing to draw an attendee in the first 20-minute round.

Kerchner said that while planning commissioners were satisfied with public feedback, it was not possible to break it down into bullet points immediately due to the round-robin format that divided discussions. He said LaRue would compile feedback gathered at each of the stations for discussion when the planning commission resumes its review. “They’ll put it together and, based on what they’re seeing, they’ll either recommend some changes or leave it up to us,” Kerchner said. “By February, we hope to be ready to pass our completed recommendations for the comp plan to the city commission.” The planning commission will meet next at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 12, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. The meeting is open to the public with masks recommended.

FPL prohibits city holiday decorations on power poles

So much for holiday spirit. Holmes Beach public works manager Matt McDonough told The Islander Dec. 8 that Florida Power & Light prohibited the city from placing holiday decorations on its street poles for the first time since he began working at the city. “I don’t know entirely why,” McDonough said. “They told us about two years ago that they were changing their policy.” He said FPL did not detail its explanation for the policy change but he believed it involved liability. FPL senior communication specialist George BenHolmes Beach planning commissioner Gale Tednett wrote in a Dec. 10 email to The Islander, “FPL’s hams leads a group Dec. 8 in discussing the planholiday decoration policy was updated to help ensure ning commission’s proposed changes to the coastal all our customers, and those installing the decoramanagement and recreation sections of the city tions, can enjoy the holidays safely and with reliable comprehensive plan. power.”

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.

He said decorations without lights are preferred to reduce risks from installing and removing the fixtures. However, illuminated decorations are allowed on FPL equipment if connected to a metered source. Bennett also wrote: “We work with all cities to ensure holiday decorations remain a tradition while providing safe and reliable service.” Bennett did not respond to a Dec. 10 email from The Islander regarding permission for the city of Holmes Beach to place decorations on FPL poles. Despite the roadblock, McDonough said the city placed added holiday decorations in the city. He said the city decorated its own poles and palm trees and powered the lights with generators or solarpowered batteries. — Ryan Paice

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Opinion

Our

It’s a lot like Christmas

It seems like Anna Maria Island is bursting at the seams with Christmas. The enthusiasm is high. There were so many “don’t miss” events in the past two weeks. So maybe like us at The Islander, you and your camera were spinning. Santa and his elves were very busy. Very. Busy. And then there was the out-and-out over-the-top enthusiasm of a candymaker who called to beckon us to watch him at work. Peter Vrinios makes candy canes and he is passionate about his work. As he spoke to me over the phone, he talked of his past, his family, his history and how he came to Florida. He was zealous in describing how his grandfather came to the United States from Greece and opened a confectionery store in Illinois. Finally, squeezing in a question, I inquired about the store location and learned it was in Champaign. Small world. I lived in Champaign when my daughter was born and I’ve always found a little delight in telling people Kendra was “born in Champagne.” Well, Champaign. Burnham Hospital, to be exact. We chatted enthusiastically about Champaign, REO Speedwagon and Katsinas restaurant, Irving Azoff, the train station … and his candy store. It was fun to look back in time. But looking forward, I want to applaud Peter’s enthusiasm and dedication to what could be a lost art if not for his dedication to the craft of candymaking. And I thank him for his love and passion for his past. He’s one of the greatest elves I know. He puts a smile on Christmas. And that smile is needed to restart and rekindle what was lost during the long 18-month struggle of the coronavirus pandemic. There’s plenty of time between now and Christmas to shop, carol, dine, share recipes, bake, decorate, trim the tree and wrap. Wrap. Wrap. And we hope the bulk of your shopping and dining will be in the small mom-and-pop shops and restaurants. We all need the boost after the past year-plus. And Christmas is just a beginning. We’re looking at a BIG holiday, but even bigger tourism for our winter-spring season. So if you need to boost your tolerance for traffic and lines at the grocery store, just tap the relax button and remember WHY you came here. Everyone comes to love Anna Maria Island — especially for the holidays. It’s a candy cane sort of celebration. Christmas greetings to all y’all. — Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

DEC. 15, 2021 • Vol. 30, No. 8 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

Trip hazards

I’ve been a Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach resident for many years and enjoy reading your paper. I’m also a retired police officer who loves the island and enjoys biking and running to stay in shape. Recent sidewalk construction along Gulf Drive has created a hazard. The new pavers, designed to allow water to penetrate quickly, along with stone and crushed shell, have made sidewalks unsafe, creating trip hazards. In some places, people in wheelchairs, as well as walkers and runners, must move from sidewalks into the bike lane to get by. I’m no longer able to run on the sidewalk, as I have tripped numerous times and recently twisted my ankle. Due to uneven surfaces and poor lighting, what was the safest place for pedestrians is now a threat of personal injury. Would you please take a look at this concern. I know with your help we can get this fixed before someone gets seriously hurt. Bob Gurskis, Anna Maria Island

Skimming online …

Web (register for free news alerts) islander.org Facebook @islandernewspaper Twitter @ami_islander Instagram @theislanderami Pinterest @islandernewspaper E-edition For $36 a year, e-edition subscribers have access to the weekly e-edition with page-by-page views of all the news, photos, columns, community announcements and advertisements. And subscribers receive breaking news notices. To subscribe online, visit islander.org. For other subscriber services, call our newspaper office at 941-778-7978.

Privateers party pleasantries

The Anna Maria Island Privateers would like to say thank you to the businesses and individuals who supported us for the Drift-In Christmas Scholarship Fundraiser held Dec 4. Because of your support, we raised $3,900 for our scholarship program. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Privateer Mary “Xena” Lehrman, treasurer and event chair

Our theme, “We’re Glad You’re Here,” originated in

Letters must include name, address and a contact the 1980s with a restaurant trade group. We hope everyone feels welcome on AMI. — The Islander phone number. Email: news@islander.org.

Dec. 15, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 7 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Looking back

Table service

Islander archive 24/7

A dinner meeting takes place at Roser Memorial community church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. The photo is dated October 1980.

The Islander archive can be found at the University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries. Our collection of newspapers there begins with the first edition in 1992. Look online for The Islander at the UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

We’d love to mail you the news!

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

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

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Old-school aerial A view of Anna Maria’s Pine Avenue looking toward the Gulf of Mexico from the Angler’s Inn Hotel near the bayfront. The photo is dated 1924 and a notation refers to “Pine Street.” Islander Photos: courtesy Manatee county Public Library System

10&20 years ago

In the Dec. 12, 2001, issue

• SMRT architect Ernest Dreher and Manatee County School District project director Larry Roemer surveyed teachers and staff at Anna Maria Elementary School to find out their choice of renovations or new construction. Most people favored new construction, including tearing down the auditorium and building a cafetorium. • Manatee County applied for a permit for beach renourishment in Anna Maria, although the city had not passed ordinances required to move the project forward. County ecosystems administrator Charlie Hunsicker said the applications were sent “in anticipation” of the required ordinances. • Anna Maria Commissioner John Michaels said he would not run for mayor. Mayor Gary Deffenbaugh and Vice Mayor Tom Skoloda picked up candidate packets but did not declare their intentions. SueLynn already declared her candidacy.

In the Dec. 13, 2011, issue

• A 65-year-old Sarasota woman died after being struck by an SUV while crossing Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach. No citations were issued to the driver. Law enforcement said the motorist reached the crosswalk as the pedestrian stepped into the road. • Holmes Beach and Anna Maria officials continued to here an outcry from residents about problems associated with a boom in vacation rentals in their neighborhoods. • Holmes Beach asked the owner of property at 103 29th St. to provide a survey for a nearly completed “Swiss Family Robinson-style” tree house on the beachfront at a residence/resort. The tree house was not permitted. — 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!

Office hours 9-3 Monday, closed Tuesday, noon-4 Wednesday-Friday and by appointment. Plus, there’s a mail slot in the door.

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Page 8 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 15, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

“cocktails and candy canes” won a $200 prize for most enthusiastic vessel in the Dec. 4 lighted boat parade organized by the Bradenton Beach Marina as part of Bridge Street merchants’ “Holidays in Paradise.” Islander Photo: courtesy Heather Horn

Winners in lighted boat parade

Two boating parties returned from the third annual Bradenton Beach Holiday Lighted Boat Parade with $200 and certificates. The award for best decorated vessel in the Dec. 4 parade went to Jon Kent and Lexi Fiscina. The boat was decked out in red, white and blue lights and carried a lighted American flag at the stern. “It was a blast,” Kent, of Bradenton, owner of Protection Property Watch and a former islander, told The Islander Dec. 8. “I was really happy to be able to be a part

of this in my hometown … going down to Bridge Street and seeing more people than I’ve ever seen there. It was really cool.” Heather Horn’s and Marc Foerstemann’s boat, “Cocktails and Candy Canes,” won most enthusiastic vessel. Parade organizer and Bradenton Beach Marina owner Mike Bazzy said the parade saw the largest number of vessels — 21 — and the largest turnout of people — 6,000-8,000 — in its history. — Tomas Gomez

Bradenton Beach continues to value Tree City USA program By Tomas Gomez Islander Reporter

Over a decade of recognition earned. Bradenton Beach officials expect to continue as an Arbor Day Foundation Tree City USA for the 11th consecutive year. The designation is awarded to cities that commit to meeting four standards: • Hosting a tree board or department. • Adopting and enforcing a tree ordinance. • Maintaining a community forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita. • Proclaiming and hosting a National Arbor Day observance. The city’s ScenicWAVES committee meets the standards of a tree board or department. The committee handles beautification, promoting awareness of the citywide tree canopy and providing landscaping education programs. Tree protections exist in chapter six of the city’s land development code. Also, $6,425.90 was spent on horticulture in 2021, including pruning and managing the city’s landscape. The expenditures amount to $5.35 per capita. Additionally, a National Arbor Day proclamation was issued April 30. Included in the application from the city to the foundation was information about four sabal palms planted in Katie Pierola Sunset Park at 2212 Gulf Drive N., donated by the Anna Maria Island Garden

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

The Arbor Day Foundation provided Bradenton Beach with signs to place in locations around the city commemorating its designation as a Tree city USA. Islander Photo: Tomas Gomez

City USA again. We’ve received recertification since 2011. A prime reason why is the roundabout at Bridge Street and Gulf Drive The vitality, economy and aesthetics have been improved because of the return of trees since the removal of our palm trees five years ago,” McClellan told The Islander Dec. 8. In 2015, 24 trees were removed as part of renovations on Bridge Street. The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, which oversees projects in the historic district, spent $17,060 replanting 38 trees on Bridge Street in 2020, including Spanish stoppers and various palms. “They missed the trees,” McClellan said. “After the trees were removed, people observed a negative impact on Bridge Street. We brought them back.” Holmes Beach also is recognized as a Tree City USA.

Club, the Florida Forest Service, Keep Manatee Beautiful and Modern Woodmen of America. Each entity donated $250 for the purchase. The city planted four trees, pruned 200 and removed zero in the past year. The recognition has not been formally approved by the Arbor Day Foundation but the reapproval is all but certain as the city has held to the same standards that saw it approved in the past. Official recognition is expected in January, according to ScenicWAVES chair Ingrid McClellan. “We are excited and pleased to have achieved Tree

About ScenicWAVES ScenicWAVES is an advisory committee that represents the Bradenton Beach scenic highway corridor for the Florida Department of Transportation as part of the Designated Scenic Highway Program and the Waterfronts Florida Partnership Program. The committee also promotes awareness of the citywide tree canopy and landscaping education programs. The committee met Dec. 8 at city hall for the first time since August. The next meeting will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 5, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

Anna Maria provides timeline for Lake LaVista dredge Maintenance dredging for the channel entryway to Lake LaVista is set for January. Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy announced Dec. 9 that Clearwater-based Gator Dredging would begin work on the project during the week of Jan. 12, 2022. The work will last about three-four weeks. The city regularly dredges the channel due to sand and silt flowing from the bay that interferes with navigation by boats. City commissioners approved $250,000 to dredge the lake during 2021-22 budget discussions earlier this

year. Murphy said work should pose minimal interruptions in the channel’s flow but there may be some delays. He added that the city will notify property owners along the lake and its canals about the dredging before work begins. People with questions or concerns can contact public works manager Dean Jones, who will supervise the project, at 941-708-6130, ext. 131, or at ampublic2@cityofannamaria.com. — Ryan Paice

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Dec. 15, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 9 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Privateers bring Christmas cheer to Anna Maria Island

The Anna Maria Island Privateers greet parade spectators Dec. 11 from their boat/float, the Skullywag, in Holmes Beach. The annual parade traveled from Bradenton Beach to Anna Maria, playing music, tossing beads and celebrating Christmas. Islander Photo: Courtesy AMIP

Santa meets with James Bristow, 3, and sister Windsor, 6, of West Palm to hear their Christmas wish list at the Privateers party for kids after the parade at Anna Maria City Pier Park.

Roser Memorial Community Church joins the Privateer procession with friends and music on their float. FAR RIGHT: Having a change of heart, the Grinch joins friends in the Privateer Christmas Parade, taking the wheel of an LSV, tossing candy and beads to children. Santa follows the holiday island procession from end-to-end in his sleigh, greeting parade viewers. Santa has been visiting and participating in the Privateers events on Anna Maria Island for 25 years, especially to hear gift requests from the island’s children.

Anna Maria Island Paddlers from Paradise paddle their way north on Marina Drive in a festive LSV.

Islander Photos: Tomas Gomez

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Island happenings

Page 10 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 15, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Santa to show for story time

Santa Claus enjoys a good story, especially those with a Christmas theme. So Santa and an elf will join children and their caregivers for the next “family story time” at the Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. The event will be at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 21. After the visit with Santa, children will participate in gingerbread crafting. For more information, call the library at 941778-6341.

Night lights The Palma Sola Botanical Park will hold the “Winter Nights Under the Lights” 6-9 p.m. Dec. 16-19. People are invited to walk around the park to see the holiday lights, as well as visit with vendors selling sweet treats and hot beverages. The park is at 9800 17th Ave. NW, Bradenton. For more information, call the park at 941-761-2866. Islander courtesy Photo

Democratic club to meet

The Anna Maria Island and West Manatee Democratic Club will meet at 11:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 20, at a pavilion at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. Club members will celebrate the holiday season with a $15 “blue donkey” gift exchange — like a white elephant exchange but “donkey” aligns with the Democratic theme. Masks will be required, as well as COVID-19 vaccination cards. Attendees also can bring their lunch, if desired. For more information, contact Barbara Beckwith at bbeckwith02@gmail.com.

Library group planning for 40th anniversary

The Friends of the Island Library will celebrate a Holmes Beach. 40-year relationship in 2022. For now, the group is seeking support, including The group is organizing a series of fundraisers and from business sponsors and donors. other events beginning in January to mark its 40-year For more, call the library at 941-778-6341 or go friendship with the Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, online to friendsoftheislandlibrary.org.

Kiwanis celebrates holidays

Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island members will share Christmas cheer — and exchange ornaments — during their Saturday, Dec. 18, meeting. The club meets at 8:30 a.m. Saturdays at the Gulf Drive Cafe, 900 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. 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.

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‘Clamtastic’ crowd A crowd turns out for Sarasota Bay Watch’s “Scallopalooza, It’s clamtastic!” The 12th annual “Scallopalooza” gala to support hard-shell clam restoration in Sarasota Bay will be Saturday, Feb. 12, at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota, 1000 Blvd. of the Arts, Sarasota. In 2021, the nonprofit released more than 825,000 clams in the bay. For details on tickets, go to sarasotabaywatch.org or call Ronda Ryan at 941-232-2363. Islander courtesy Photo

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Island happenings

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

compiled by Lisa Neff, calendar@islander.org.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ONGOING ON AMI Throughout December, “Good Things Come in Small Packages” holiday art, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: islandgallerywest.com, 941-778-6648. Throughout December, artist-crafted Christmas ornaments exhibit, Artists’ Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694. AHEAD ON AMI Jan. 13, ﬁrst Friends of the Island Library 2022 lecture, Holmes Beach. Jan. 22, Center of Anna Maria Island concert with Lou Gramm, Anna Maria.

Adults and children await a visit with Santa claus Dec. 10 at “Santa Stops Here” at city Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. The line stretched onto the sidewalk on Pine Avenue, where businesses hosted crowds and christmas cheer as well. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

Milestone

Blow out 94 candles? ‘Piece of cake!’

Submit your social news to news@islander. org. Please, include the time, date and location for events, as well as contact information. And, thanks for sharing!

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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.

KIDS & FAMILY ON AMI Friday, Dec. 17 10 a.m. — Forty Carrots, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-7786341. PLeASe, See CALENDAR, PAGe 12 CUSTOM . HANDCRAFTED . VINTAGE jewelry . beach bags . hats sunglasses . clothing . gifts

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Ron Arbanas celebrates 94 years with friends and family, pizza and antipasto, wine and other refreshments, and a layered vanilla and chocolate cake after hours Dec. 9 at Ginny’s and Jane’s cafe and coastal Store. The party was arranged by daughter Susanne Arbanas, also known as the director of contagious enthusiasm. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy

ONGOING OFF AMI

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Page 12 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 15, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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FROM PAGe 11 Tuesday, Dec. 21 9 a.m.— Family storytime with Santa, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-778-6341. AHEAD ON AMI Dec. 28, ﬁrst “Movies in the Park” of the season, Anna Maria. ONGOING OFF AMI Dec. 16-19, 6-9 p.m., “Winter Nights Under the Lights,” Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Ave. NW., Bradenton. Information: 941-761-2866.

CLUBS & COMMUNITY ON AMI Thursday, Dec. 16 10:15 a.m. — Book Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-7786341. 2 p.m. — Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/ library, 941-778-6341. Saturday, Dec. 18 11 a.m. — Meditation session, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-7786341. Monday, Dec. 20 11:30 a.m. — Anna Maria Island and West Manatee Democratic Club meeting, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach. Information: bbeckwith02@gmail.com.

AME 4th-, 5th-graders blossom in STEM fair Anna Maria elementary fifth-graders Tom Bartos, left, and Lily Plummer, second-to-right, stand Dec. 9 with fourth-graders Bennet Hopper, second-to-left, and Lexi Baugher, right, after being named winners of the school’s STeM fair. Fourth- and fifth-graders participate in the fair to demonstrate their knowledge of science, technology, engineering and math. Bartos studied the effects of propellers on boat speeds. Plummer experimented on the effects of substances on the melting of ice. Hopper researched the relationship between apple decomposition and environmental conditions. Baugher tested if the color of a Skittle impacts the time it takes to dissolve in water. Islander Photo: courtesy AMe/Pidge Barreda

AmE NEWS By Ryan Paice

ONGOING ON AMI Fridays, 11:30 a.m., Mahjong Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-7786341. 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. AHEAD ON AMI February 2022, Friends of the Island Library Book Sale, Anna Maria.

AMe Garden club members weed flower beds Dec. 4 at the school, add new plants and mulch.

Wishes to fulfill The Islander’s Wish Book 2021 is available online at islander. org. The Wish Book contains lists of needs — and wants — for local nonprofits on Anna Maria Island. Please, help us make their wishes come true.

ONGOING OFF AMI 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 MAKE A WISH COME TRUE meeting, Compass Hotel by Margaritaville, 12324 Manatee Ave. AND A HOLIDAY MERRY W., Perico Island. Second Tuesdays at 5 p.m. Information: 941-9202505. org, 941-742-5923 AHEAD OFF AMI

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

ONGOING OFF AMI

Feb. 12, Sarasota Bay Watch “Scallopalooza, It’s Clamtastic,” Saturdays, 8 a.m., Robinson Runners running club, RobinSarasota. son Preserve expansion, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Information: mymanatee.org, 941-742-5923, ext. 6047. OUTDOORS & Saturdays, 9 a.m., Saturday Mornings at the NEST nature SPORTS exploration, Robinson Preserve expansion, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Information: mymanatee.org, 941-742-5923, ext. 6047. ONGOING ON AMI Saturdays once a month, Manatee County Audubon Society AMI Dragon Boat Team—Paddlers from Paradise practices and workday, Felts Preserve, 4600 24th Ave. E., Palmetto. Information: meetups, various times and locations. Information: 941-462-2626, manateeaudubon.org, zholmes003@gmail.com. mrbradway@gmail.com. AHEAD OFF AMI OFF AMI Feb. 12, River Regatta, Bradenton and Palmetto riverfronts. Thursday, Dec. 16 GOOD TO KNOW 5:15 p.m. — Sunset Shutter Stroll, Robinson Preserve expansion, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Information: mymanatee.org, KEEP THE DATES 941-742-5923. Tuesday, Dec. 21, winter solstice. Saturday, Dec. 18 Saturday, Dec. 25, Christmas Day. 10 a.m. — Families Flock Together crafting, Robinson Preserve Friday, Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve. expansion, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Information: mymanatee.

AME Garden Club gathers to mulch Anna Maria elementary first-grade teacher Maggie VanWormer’s Garden club meets Dec. 4 to tend to flower beds at the school, 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Islander Photos: courtesy Nicole Plummer

AME Calendar

• Dec. 16, third-grade ﬁeld trip to Manatee High School to see “The Nutcracker.” • Dec. 21, end of semester. • Dec. 22-31, winter holiday break. • Jan. 6, students return. • Jan. 10, 3:30 p.m., PTO board meeting. • Jan. 17, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, no school. • Feb. 2, early release day. • Feb. 21, Presidents Day, no school. Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the school at 941-708-5525.

PLEASE, TAKE NOTE!

The Islander has moved! The “best news on AMI” has purchased and relocated to a condo ofﬁce at 315 58th St., Holmes Beach. We’re now across from HB City Hall and behind the Ugly Grouper. Same owner, staff, phone, email. New digs. The island’s best news for 29 years! 941.778.7978 news@islander.org

Page 14 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 15, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Gathering

Support the pantry

The Roser Food Pantry, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, seeks cash donations to feed residents and employees this holiday season. The money is used to support the Sponsored Food Recipient Program, which allows people to seek food assistance after receiving approval from an island church. Recipients receive monthly $100-$150 Publix gift cards for around three months before applying again for assistance. The benefits make a difference, based on testimonials collected at the pantry: • “I am a 74-year-old widow. I work two jobs part-time. I live in my home with my daughter (who) has cancer and is unable to work. …Your gift of Publix (gift cards) is appreciated more than I can say. We are not eligible for food stamps. Thanks to all who donate to this incredible card. You are in my prayers.” • “Thanks to all involved in the food card and pantry operation. The times are such that a helping hand is needed and very much appreciated. I’ve been able to be more healthy with enough in my budget for fruits and vegetables. Thanks to all involved for the help that means so much.” People can donate to the pantry by visiting roserchurch.com/giv or calling 941-778-0414. People also can find assistance by calling 941-7780414.

By Lisa Neff

Roser hosts Christmas show

Roser Memorial Community Church will host a choir and chamber orchestra Sunday, Dec. 19, for the traditional Christmas Cantata. “Sing Joy to All the World” will be presented during worship services at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. in the church sanctuary, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Roser’s director of music ministries, Craig Ramberger, is directing the program, with narration from Beth Bernet and David Haddox. The performances will feature a 29-voice choir and a chamber orchestra that includes associate director of craig Ramberger, direcmusic ministries Brandon Kouri on piano. For more information, call the church at 941-778- tor of music ministries at Roser church and 0414.

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.

Tidings

Brandon Kouri, associate director, will participate in christmas cantata. RIGHT: Beth Bernet is the narrator. Islander Photos: courtesy Peggy Nash

— Ryan Paice

GoodDeeds

10:15 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. 10:30 a.m. — St. Bernard.

REGULAR WORSHIP

ONGOING EVENTS

Mondays-Fridays 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-4769, stbernardcc.com. Thursday 9:30 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1638, amiannunciation. org. Saturdays 4 p.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. Sundays 8 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. 8:30 a.m. — Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414, 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. 10 a.m. — Roser Church. 10 a.m. — Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian USA, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-9004903, christchurchoﬂbk.org. 10 a.m. — Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-6491, longboatislandchapel. org.

Wednesdays, 7:15 a.m., St. Bernard Rosary on the Beach, Manatee Public Beach, Holmes Beach. 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, 9:30 a.m., Gloria Dei social gathering, Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, Holmes Beach. Wednesdays, 6:45 p.m., CrossPointe Fellowship Wednesday Night Blast. Thursdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Roser Thrift Shop sales. Thursdays, 7 p.m., Roser Church chancel choir rehearsals. Thursdays, 9:30 a.m., Roser Church Roser Robics ﬁtness. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Roser Thrift Shop sales. Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m., Roser Church Roser Robics ﬁtness.

CHURCH

SPECIAL EVENTS

Assistance sought and delivered on AMI

• The Island Players seeks volunteers for the theater, including house managers, backstage and prop crews, web experts and actors. Info: 508 965-5665. • Ministry of Presence Inc. seeks medications and monetary donations to aid earthquake victims in Haiti, donations to The Islander, 315 58th St., 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. • Keep Manatee Beautiful seeks volunteers for cleanups and other efforts. Info: 941-795-8272. • 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.

Through Jan. 2, 2022, dusk, Longboat Island Chapel holiday celebrations. Dec. 15, 7 p.m., CrossPointe Fellowship Christmas concert. • The Roser Food Bank welcomes applicants Dec. 19, 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m., Roser Christmas Cantata. who live and/or work on Anna Maria Island for food Dec. 20, 9 a.m., hanging of the greens, Annunciation. assistance, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

Assistance offered

SAVE THE DATES Dec. 24, Christmas Eve. Dec. 25, Christmas Day. Please, send notices to calendar@islander.org.

SUN DEC 19 8:30 & 10:00 AM

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Sing

compiled by Lisa Neff

A Christmas Celebration

to all the

BY LLOYD LARSON

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.

Privateers seek gift donations for families

The Anna Maria Island Privateers want to make Christmas extra special for local families in need this year. In addition to helping individual families, the group is assisting families at Hope Family Services, which operates a “store” set up so families can shop free of charge for necessities. The Privateers invite people to support the campaign by shopping from their Amazon wish list — https://amzn.to/3cmmpDd — as purchases automatically will be sent to the nonprofit for donations.

Growing in Jesus’ Name

Presented by the CANTATA CHOIR and CHAMBER ORCHESTRA IN PERSON in the Sanctuary • ONLINE watch LIVE or LATER Arrive early -or- come to the ﬁrst service for the best seats!

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

www.RoserChurch.com

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

Text ROSER to 22828 to receive the weekly eBulletin 941-778-0414 • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria • FOLLOW us on Facebook @RoserChurch

Worship With Us at Our Church

6400 Gulf of Mexico Dr.

•

941.383.8833 (oﬃce)

•

www.christchurchlbk.org

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

Tourist council to convene at community center

The Manatee County Tourist Development Council was set to convene Dec. 13 in Anna Maria. The meeting was to take place at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, as The Islander went to press. The TDC is partnering with the center on a concert series that launched Dec. 11 with a performance by the Wailers reggae band. The agenda for the TDC meeting included a presentation on the “state of tourism” in the county from Anne Wittine of Research Data Services. Wittine provided a report to TDC members before the meeting that showed an increase of 16.5% in the estimated number of visitors to Manatee in September compared with September 2020. The estimated number of visitors from Florida decreased 9% but visitors from the Southeast increased 31.7%, Northeast, 105.6%, Midwest, 74.2% and “markets of opportunity” 109.5%. While September’s percentage of visitors from Florida declined compared with last year, Florida travelers still made up the largest number of tourists. Comparing September to September 2020, room nights were up 13.7%, direct expenses increased 27.2%, total economic impact increased 27.2% and tourist tax collections increased 25.2%. Occupancy and room rates also increased. In other business, the TDC was to: • Hear from Manatee County Clerk of Court Angelina Colonneso and the clerk’s historical resources director, Phaedra Dolan, about county historic properties. • Hear from Dave Tomasko, executive director of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program. The next meeting will be at 9 a.m. Monday, Feb. 14, at the county administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. — Lisa Neff

Privateers seek to stuff the ‘Skullywag’ for pets

The Wailers play the Center of AMI on center field. Islander Photos: Courtesy CofAMI/Facebook

Sandbar to host Chiles Christmas for Kids Party The 26th Lawton Chiles Christmas for Kids Party will take place Dec. 15 at the Sandbar. The party did not take place in 2020 due to the pandemic. This year’s party, “A Candyland Christmas,” will be 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in the restaurant pavilion, 100 Spring Ave., Anna Maria. The party is not open to the public. Instead, the party supports RCMA Child Development Center in Palmetto and Bradenton’s branch of the Head Start Early Rise and Shine program. Organizers expect 60 children to attend the celebration, which includes games and activities — face painting and ornament-making — as well as visits with costumed characters and Santa. The children who meet Santa will go home with gifts — an outfit, pair of shoes and a toy — to open on Christmas. Also, the restaurant, owned by islander Ed Chiles, will serve lunch.

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The party originated with Chiles’ parents — the late Gov. Lawton Chiles and the late first lady Rhea Chiles. “Their legacy lives on, inspiring employees across all the Chiles Group entities,” a news release stated. “Staff is involved in the planning and execution of the day, as well as shopping for and wrapping the gifts.” The Chiles Group is still accepting financial contributions to assist with the party and support the nonprofits. Contributions can be made by check — payable to Dine on Pine Inc. with a notation for the Lawton Chiles Christmas for Kids Party — that can be mailed to P.O. Box 1478 Anna Maria, FL 34216. For more information, call the Sandbar at 941-7780444.

The Anna Maria Island Privateers invite their petappreciative public to “Stuff the Skullywag.” The nonprofit’s float-boat will be parked Sunday, Dec. 19, outside the Petco, 6757 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, for the collection of “critically needed items for the fur babies currently residing at the Humane Society of Manatee County shelter.” The donation drive will be noon-2 p.m. The Privateers hope to collect food, toys, treats, cleaning supplies for cats and dogs, as well as litter and waste bags. For more info, contact Mary “Xena” Lehrman at maryml67@ gmail.com or the Petco at 941-7921295.

Page 16 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 15, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Anna Maria calls for citizen of the year nominations

They’re looking for the finest. Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy announced Dec. 9 that the city is seeking nominations for its 2021 Distinguished Citizen of the Year award. People can nominate a resident — or entity — who has been in the city of Anna Maria for at least two years by completing a form available online at cityofannamaria.com. The form asks people to name their nominee and list two-three reasons why they believe their selection should win the award. Carl Augostini and Lynn Brennan both received the award in 2020, marking two years in a row with two winners. Augostini was honored for rebuilding bicycles to donate to islanders, as well as repairing neighbors’ golf carts and scooters without compensation. Brennan, the former president of the Anna Maria Island Historical Society, received the honor for her volunteer work in the city. Bob Carter, husband of Commissioner Carol Carter, and Dick York won the award in 2019. Nomination forms for this year’s award must be completed and returned to city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, by 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 14, 2022, or sent via email to amclerk@cityofannamaria.com. — Ryan Paice

AM proclaims ‘Farm-City Week’ Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy, left, proclaims Nov. 8-20 as Farm-city Week Dec. 9 to Manatee county Farm Bureau board member Ralph Garrison. Farmcity Week is an annual tradition among the county’s municipalities to foster a relationship between urban and rural areas and promote local agriculture and aquaculture. This year’s theme, “Agriculture: Pathways to Preservation,” is meant to honor efforts to preserve agricultural “land and heritage.” Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

Flags lowered to half-staff to honor former U.S. senate leader The American flag at Holmes Beach city Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, is lowered to half-mast Dec. 5-9 on President Joe Biden’s nationwide order to honor the late U.S. Sen. Robert Joseph Dole, who died Dec. 5 at 98. The cities of Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach also lowered their flags in accordance with the presidential order. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

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

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 news to news@islander.org.

GIVING GIFTS THAT KEEP ON GIVING

Available in-store or order online at ChilesGroup.cardfoundry.com

The holidays are a time synonymous with giving. Watching loved ones unwrap their gifts on Christmas morning has been the catalyst to increasing toy and retail sales VLQFH 1RUPDQ 5RFNZHOO ¿UVW SXW EUXVK WR canvas. Searching for the perfect present for everyone on your list, and anticipating what’s waiting under your tree, is a highlight of the season. What started as a simple, kind JHVWXUH KDV EHFRPH PRUH GL൶FXOW LQ DQ online society. With shorter attention spans and access to so much through the click of a button, we’re always chasing the perfect gift ,W¶V DOVR QRW JUHDW IRU RXU ODQG¿OOV DOO ¿OOLQJ XS ZLWK WR\V FORWKLQJ DQG ³VWX൵´ that quickly became out of date. It’s not hard to see why giving experiences instead of things has steadily grown in popularity. The giver gets to see the look of joy on the receiver’s face not just when they open it, but also when they put it to use. Experiential giving has been a big mission for The Chiles Group, whose focus on sustainability has inspired their Retail team to develop gift options that provide more memories and less waste. While the gift card may seem like D EODVp RSWLRQ DW ¿UVW JODQFH LW FDQ EH D great way to provide a magical moment for friends or family. The key is putting more thought into the place of use. If the card represents something meaningful to them, like a place they could relive a special moment in time – it becomes the most precious thing you could give. It’s even better when you can maximize your investment with a great deal. The Chiles Group has put together a VSHFLDO R൵HU IRU WKHLU UHVWDXUDQWV ZKHUH \RX

get a $20 kickback for every $100 gift card purchased. The Sandbar, The Beach House, and Mar Vista all have wonderfully loyal patrons who come year after year from all over the world – so receiving this gift card acknowledges a history and gives them something to look forward to on their next trip to the area. Providing treats that can be shared at a gathering or used to create an extraordinary occasion also makes for a great sustainable gift option. Food memories are stronger than most other kinds because senses of smell, taste, sight, sound, and touch are combined while eating, making traditions around food and holidays universal. Anna Maria Bake House is a great option that sells whole pies made by hand with local ingredients. Gamble Creek Farms has also assembled thoughtful gift baskets in various price ranges for sale at their Farm Market. These baskets feature unique products from local vendors, including dried pasta, specialty olive oils and vinegars (pictured), cheeses, spices, and more.

Showing love and gratitude is part of what makes this season special, but it’s easy to get caught up in the more, more, more mentality. Try to stay in the moment this year and give them, too! Content provided by: The Chiles Group

Dec. 15, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 17 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Streetlife

Crash victim remains critical, DUI investigation ongoing

Staff reports

Island police reports

Anna Maria Dec. 2, beach near Tuna Street, disturbance. The Manatee County Area Sheriff’s Office dispatched a deputy to a complaint about people riding a motorized bike on the beach and a verbal disturbance that developed. The MCSO report said, “Both parties educated.” The Manatee County Sheriff’s Ofﬁce polices Anna Maria. Bradenton Beach No new reports. Cortez The BBPD patrols Bradenton Beach. Cortez No new reports. The MCSO polices Cortez. Holmes Beach Dec. 3, Martinique North Condominium, 5300 Gulf Drive, fraud. A Holmes Beach police officer responded to reports of fraud. He spoke with a woman who said she was scammed out of $400 by someone pretending over email to be her friend. The officer advised her to share the scammer’s email among her contacts. Dec. 5, 500 block of 74th Street, domestic battery. An officer was dispatched in reference to a suspicious incident and found a woman who witnessed a domestic dispute in a passing vehicle. The officer found and stopped the vehicle, whose driver had several “bloody, abrasions” on his arm and neck. The man said his girlfriend, who was no longer in the vehicle, attacked him while he was driving after the pair left a party. He said he did not want to pursue charges. The officer met with the woman, who had no visible injuries, and arrested her for domestic battery on determining she was the primary aggressor. The officer transported her to Manatee County jail. Dec. 6, 500 block of Manatee Avenue, warrant arrest. An officer saw a motorist make an illegal turn. The officer conducted a traffic stop and spoke with the driver, the subject of an arrest warrant. The officer arrested the man, transported him to Manatee County jail and had his vehicle towed. Dec. 7, 400 block of 74th Street, trespassing. An officer responded to reports of trespassing and found a woman who said she was picking up her daughter, alleging her daughter’s guardian — the homeowner

Island watch

In an emergency, call 911. To report information, call the MCSO Anna Maria substation, 941-7088899; Bradenton Beach police, 941-778-6311; or Holmes Beach police, 941-708-5804.

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The Holmes Beach Police Department’s investigation into a Nov. 29 traffic collision may take a few weeks to bear results. HBPD Lt. Brian Hall told The Islander Dec. 8 that it could be three to four weeks before the results of a blood test to determine if Ellenton resident Michael Fitzgerald was under the influence of drugs or alcohol when his vehicle crashed into a golf cart on Palm Drive. Fitzgerald, a delivery driver for a medical marijuana dispensary, crossed the Palm Drive centerline and struck a golf cart head-on that was being driven by Anna Maria resident, Jana Samuels, 79. The crash ejected Samuels from her vehicle, leaving her in critical condition. She remained in an intensive care unit at Blake Medical Center in

Bradenton as of Dec. 9. Anna Maria City Commissioner Carol Carter asked people Dec. 9 to include Samuels in their thoughts and prayers. “She is recuperating very slowly, as I understand, in the hospital, and has had to undergo numerous surgeries,” Carter said. “I’m sure it will be a long recovery based on the injuries she sustained.” Fitzgerald was not arrested, but was cited for careless driving and he also was transported to Blake for treatment. At the hospital, he allowed medical personnel to complete a request from law enforcement for a blood sample for drug-and-alcohol testing. HBPD noted in their reporting that Fitzgerald displayed “signs of impairment.” The blood sample was sent to a Florida Department of Law Enforcement lab for testing.

Ellenton man arrested for DUI in Holmes Beach By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Holmes Beach police arrested Ellenton resident Cameron Mathews, 23, Dec. 2 on a second-degree misdemeanor for driving under the influence of alcohol. Two officers responded to reports about a suspicious circumstance involving a man passed out behind the wheel of a vehicle. The officers located the vehicle outside the Anchor Inn, 3007 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, and saw a man, later identified as Mathews, asleep in the passenger seat. The man was covered in vomit and smelled of alcohol. The driver-side floorboard also was covered in vomit. The vehicle was running with the keys in the ignition when located but Mathews removed them after officers woke him, according to the police report. The officers contacted the caller, who arrived and — abuses her. The girl’s guardian told the officer the woman was not invited and requested she be trespassed. The officer spoke with the juvenile, who said she did not contact her mother to pick her up. The officer trespassed the woman, who left without an issue. Dec. 7, 300 block of 57th Street, domestic disturbance. Two officers responded to reports of a disturbance and found the couple involved. The officers spoke with both parties and determined the conflict was verbal and did not violate a protection order between the pair. The officers advised the pair to contact an attorney to drop the protection order. HBPD polices Holmes Beach. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

confirmed that Mathews was the subject of her call and provided a written statement. The officers asked Mathews to perform field sobriety exercises, which he failed. Police arrested Mathews and transported him to the HBPD for processing, where he registered 0.142 and 0.133 grams of ethanol per deciliter of blood in two blood/alcohol level tests. Florida’s legal blood/alcohol content limit for driving under the influence is 0.08. An officer later transported Mathews to the Manatee County jail, where he was released Dec. 3 after posting a $120 bail bond. The charge carries varying punishments, including fines and up to nine months in prison for a first conviction. Mathews’ arraignment will be at 8:55 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

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Page 18 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 15, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

HB clean water committee set to launch Dec. 15 By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The city of Holmes Beach’s long-awaited Clean Water Committee has the members. And now it has a meeting date. The committee was set to meet for the first time at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive, more than a year after the group was first conceptualized. The city commission — at the behest of Commissioner Terry Schaefer — began discussing the committee last November and put out a call for applications in March. Commissioners had approved seven applications for the group, including: • Anna Maria businessman and Mote Marine Laboratory board member Robert Carter; • Holmes Beach resident and retired naval officer Jeffrey Drinkard; • Holmes Beach resident and food service administrator Nancy Flynn; • Holmes Beach resident and National Marine Manufacturers Association board member Ron Huibers; • Anna Maria resident John Kolojeski, who is the former deputy general counsel and chief of litigation for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Pesticides, Toxic Substances and Solid Waste Management; • Palmetto resident and Center of Anna Maria Island director of development Jim McDaniel; • Holmes Beach resident, former West Manatee Fire District commissioner and retired entrepreneur Scott Ricci. The committee will act as an advisory board for the city commission and will be focused on projects and policies for improving and protecting local water quality. The first meeting will include swearing-in ceremonies to induct board members, selection of officers and discussion of meeting dates. The meeting will be open to the public, with masks recommended.

State seeks dismissal of Piney Point suit

kills; • The threat of catastrophic failure of its impoundments and/or stack system; • The site’s failing liners; • Violations of groundwater-quality standards and evidence that dangerous levels of pollution have migrated into the aquifer; • The choice of a high-risk wastewater disposal method called deep-injection well to store hazardous waste. Since the initial court filing, the DEP has finalized its agreement with a court-appointed receiver to manage the closure of the site. Also, last month the DEP presented Manatee County with a notice of the state’s intent to permit the underground injection control well. State senators and representatives addressed Piney Point Dec. 9, during the Manatee Chamber of Commerce annual “Pancakes and Politics” breakfast program on the legislative session. At the gathering at the IMG Academy Golf Club in Bradenton, state Rep. Will Robinson, R-Bradenton, said they’re working on the final chapter for Piney Point after failures on multiple levels over the years and then the 2021 “catastrophe.” But conservation groups also have taken legal action over the county-state solution — the plan to well the toxic wastewater.

By Lisa Neff Islander editor

Gov. Ron DeSantis wants a court to kick out conservationists’ complaint over operations at the defunct Piney Point phosphate plant. DeSantis filed the motion to dismiss Dec. 3, claiming the lawsuit in U.S. District Court is moot because the state is moving to close the site. The motion states, “The relief plaintiffs seek — and more — is encompassed by the relief the court-appointed receiver is already charged with providing.” But the case should go forward, according to representatives for the conservation groups, including the Center for Biological Diversity, Tampa Bay Waterkeeper, Suncoast Waterkeeper, ManaSota-88 and Our Children’s Earth Foundation. The groups went to court June 24 with the lawsuit, prompted by the state-sanctioned release of 215 million gallons of pollutants from the plant site into Tampa Bay and Manatee County groundwater. The lawsuit alleges Piney Point is an ongoing threat to public health and the environment due to: • The discharge of toxic wastewater into Tampa Bay, which experienced harmful algae blooms and fish

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Pier visitors emerge Dec. 7 from a fog enveloping the Anna Maria city Pier’s T-end. Fog season in Florida is DecemberFebruary. Islander Photo: Lisa Neff

By Lisa Neff

Cutting through the fog

We stood at the entrance to the Anna Maria City Pier boardwalk, looking east but unable to see the T-end through the thick morning fog. We couldn’t see the structure ahead but the water under the pier was clear to the sandy bottom, where dozens of starfish appeared at rest. “The fog comes/on little cat feet,” my mom said. “Who wrote that? It’s the first poem I ever memorized.” She couldn’t recall the author. Neff I couldn’t recall ever hearing the lines but having grown up in Illinois, I should have recognized them, and having lived in Chicago, I should have known the author. Carl Sandburg, editor for the Chicago Daily News and the poet who wrote so powerfully about the city of big shoulders, also wrote “Fog”: The fog comes on little cat feet It sits looking over harbor and city on silent haunches and then moves on. A silent fog came in on Anna Maria Island most mornings last week. And the fog moved on by late morning, pushed out by the warming rays of sunshine and temperatures that rose to the 80s. The Tampa Bay region sees about 133 foggy days

per year, more than the average 121 cloudy days. Our fog typically is a wintertime development, with a season that runs December-February. Fog basically is water droplets suspended in the air at the Earth’s surface but there are many types of fog, as well as degrees of fog density. The National Weather Service offers some unpoetic explanations and definitions: • Radiation fog forms at night when heat absorbed by the Earth’s surface during the day is radiated into space. As the surface continues to cool, provided a deep enough layer of moist air is present near the ground, the humidity will reach 100% and fog forms. Radiation fog can vary in depth from 3 feet to about 1,000 feet and usually remains stationary. • Advection fog looks like radiation fog and also is the result of condensation. However, the condensation with advection fog is caused by the horizontal movement of warm moist air over a cold surface, such as snow or water.

Advection fog can sometimes be distinguished from radiation fog by its motion along the ground. It tends to dissipate quickly as the sun comes up. • Sea fog is advection fog caused by the transport of moist air over a colder body of water. Such fog occurs here over the Gulf of Mexico, the bays and the Manatee River and can move into land areas. • Evaporation-mixing fog forms when water vapor is added to the air by evaporation and the moist air mixes with cooler, drier air. Two common types of this fog are steam fog, formed when cold air mixes with warm moist air over the water, and frontal fog, formed when warm raindrops evaporate into a cooler drier air near the ground. Now there’s at least one type of fog we shouldn’t expect to see over local waters or land at any time of year. Ice fog, also known as frost flakes or frozen fog, contains ice crystals and is found in the polar and Arctic regions. Just imagine what might be seen in such a chilly Partnerships aim to protect manatees after deadly year fog: polar bears, ice boulders, a driver in a flashy red State and federal officials expanded efforts to The partnerships involve establishing a station at sleigh pulled by reindeer taking flight. address manatee deaths with approval of a feeding FPL’s Cape Canaveral Clean Energy Center in Breprogram. vard County to support operations already underway, Florida manatees — downlisted from endangered including manatee rescues, carcass recovery, and How to help to threatened — died in record-breaking numbers in health assessments. People can help with manatee conservation 2021, especially on the state’s Atlantic coast. The partnerships also involve a trial feeding proby reporting injured, distressed or dead manatees A state survey in 2016 indicated about 8,000 mana- gram intended to reduce manatee mortality and reduce to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404tees lived in Florida’s waters. In 2021, more than 1,000 the number of animals in need of rescue. 3922. manatees died. Shannon Estenoz, assistant secretary for fish and Also, boaters will find manatees easier to The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Florida Fish wildlife and parks with the U.S. Department of Interior, spot if they wear polarized sunglasses and keep a and Wildlife Conservation Commission in cooperation said in a news release, “It is critical we help manatees lookout for signs of manatees such as the circular with Florida Power & Light Company announced Dec. in the short term with actions that are compatible with “footprints” they trace on the water’s surface or 8 an effort to address what is being called an “unusual their long-term well-being and resilience.” their snouts sticking up out the water. — Lisa Neff manatee mortality event” due to starvation associated with the loss of seagrass and poor water quality in the Indian River Lagoon.

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Adult soccer narrows to 2, horseshoes ‘short and sweet’ By Kevin P. cassidy Islander Reporter

Who’s on first? The Gitt Team at No. 6 continued a surprising playoff run by defeating second-seed Servis First Bank 3-0 during adult soccer semifinal action Dec. 9 on the pitch at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Daniel Aden scored a pair of cassidy goals to lead Gitt, which also received a goal from Keith Mahoney and four saves from goalie Raul Loera. The second match of the evening saw No. 1 Sato Real Estate live up to its seeding by cruising to a 5-1 victory over No. 5 seed Emily Moss Designs. Will Kretzman scored two goals for Sato, which also received a goal each from Daniel Anderson, Amy Ivin and Shawn Markham. Ben Sato made three saves to help preserve the victory. Sato will take on the Gitt Team to determine the champion in the adult soccer league at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16, at the center. An all-star match will follow the championship at 8 p.m. Horseshoe news Horseshoe action Dec. 8 at the Anna Maria City Hall pits was short and sweet as Gary Howcroft and Hank Huyghe posted the lone 3-0 record in pool play and were the day’s outright champs. The proceedings were a bit more convoluted during the Dec. 11 games, when five teams posted 3-0 records in pool play. The team of Bob Palmer and Steve Kriebel earned the first-round bye and watched as Steve Doyle and Bob Baker cruised to a 25-16 victory over Tom Farrington and Tim Sofran. The second match saw Bob Rowley and Howcroft advance with a 23-17 victory over Bob Mason. Rowley and Howcroft drew the bye into the finals and watched Palmer and Kriebel eliminate Doyle and Baker 21-3. Palmer and Kriebel stayed hot in the final

with the men playing their weekly modified-Stableford system match. Steve Pfeil grabbed individual clubhouse bragging rights with a plus-5, a point ahead of secondplace finishers Bill DiMenna and Jim Hitchen. DiMenna also was part of the first-place team with Ron Buck, Marty Hicks and Dale Hudson that combined on a plus-4. The women played their regular nine-hole individual-low-net match Dec. 7 in three flights. Brenda Solleveld fired a 4-under-par 28 for the low-net round of the day and first place in Flight A. Linda Dorsey came in second with a 1-under-par 31, while Phyllis Roe and Carol Patterson tied at 1-overpar 33 — good for third place. Susan Van Orsdel carded a 2-under-par 30 to grab first place in Flight B by two strokes over second-place finisher Sandy Soler. Pam Alvord and Jan Turner tied for third with matching 2-over-par 34s. Glorida LaDue and Laney Davis tied for third place in Flight C with matching 4-over-par 36s. Sue Christenson and Marilyn Niewijk tied for second at 5-over-par 37. Key Royale golfers Dec. 9 saw a nine-hole shamble with two scores from each foursome counted. The team of Joe Cassese, John Cassese, John Purcell and Art Smith combined to win the challenge on a 4-under-par 60. The team of Mike Gillie, Dale Hudson, Peter Lund and Joe Tynan matched the 2-under-par Islander Luca Sabbia races to the ball for his U-8 62 carded by Herb Clauhs, Brian Comer, Buddy Foy cross country Mortgage team during Dec. 11 action and Debi Richardson for a tie for second place. in the MAYSO fall soccer season finale. Islander Photo: Kevin P. cassidy

and held on for a 21-16 victory over Rowley and Howcroft to earn bragging rights for the day. Play gets underway at 9 a.m. Wednesday and Saturday at the pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by random team selection. There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome. KRC golf news Golf action at Key Royale Club got started Dec. 6

Gary Howcroft and Hank Huyghe teamed up to win the day’s championship after posting the lone 3-0 record during Dec. 8 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria city hall pits. Islander Photo: courtesy AMI Pitchers

About mullet season

Thonas, center, of Sato Real estate, zig-zags to split the emily Moss Designs defenders in the Dec. 9 semifinal match. Sato held its No. 1 seed, defeating Moss 5-1 to advance to the championship match with kickoff at 7 p.m. on the center pitch Dec. 16. Islander Photo: courtesy cofAMI/Tyler Brewer

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 announcements and photos with captions to news@islander.org.

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Fishers often count on mullet cash to sweeten their Christmas shopping. Typically the annual winter mullet run in the Gulf of Mexico off Florida’s coast, including the barrier islands, occurs between late December to February. Falling water temperatures can signal the start of the spawning trek. Cold fronts with northwesterly winds and a dropping barometric pressure trigger mullet migration from canals, backwater and shallows in large schools to spawn in the Gulf of Mexico. Catching the mullet before they spawn is the fishers’ goal. State law prohibits spearing fish and limits gear to two cast nets, no longer than 14 feet, and two beach or haul seines per vessel. Hook-and-line fishing is allowed, but mullet are not attracted to bait. — Lisa Neff

Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

Dec 15 Dec 16 Dec 17 Dec 18 Dec 19 Dec 20 Dec 21 Dec 22

10:53a 11:52a 12:47p 1:38p 10:43p 11:19p 11:59p 3:45p

HIGH

LOW

1.3 8:53p 1.3 9:17p 1.3 9:43p 1.3 10:11p 2.3 — 2.3 — 2.3 — 1.2 —

2.1 2.2 2.3 2.3 — — — —

3:49a 4:30a 5:07a 5:43a 6:17a 6:52a 7:27a 8:05a

-0.2 -0.4 -0.5 -0.6 -0.6 -0.6 -0.6 -0.5

LOW

2:35p 1.0 3:00p 1.1 3:20p 1.2 3:37p 1.2 — — — — — — 6:14p 1.1

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

Moon

Full

Dec. 15, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 21 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Warm weather, good fishing persist, take caution in fog By capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

With numerous days of warm weather, fishers are enjoying great conditions on the water. And with the warm air by day and cool water at night, the fog rolls in overnight and early morning, so take care out there. Although we’re in the middle of December, temperatures are reaching the high 70s to mid-80s in the afterStasny noons, which is allowing a window of opportunity to achieve some good inshore fishing before winter. Using live shiners as bait is working well on the flats for snook and spotted seatrout. Water temperatures have remained in the high 60s, so these fish are responding to live shiner offerings as they try to pack on a little extra weight to make it through the cooler months to come. If you’re just burned out on snook and trout fishing, there are other options available. Pompano seem to be showing up in decent numbers and fishing along the beaches and in and the passes with jigs tipped with fresh-cut shrimp is yielding near limit of these tasty fish. If you don’t find them in these areas, you can always drift the deeper grass flats, where you may find pompano foraging on small shrimp and other crustaceans. While you’re on the flats, you’re likely to stumble across other species — spotted sea trout, jack crevalle, ladyfish and bluefish. Although these fish may not be your intended target, they do add a nice variety to the bite, which can be quite satisfying when the pompano are few and far between. If you’re carrying some shrimp in the boat, it’s always worth casting a few baits under some of your favorite residential docks. Redfish, sheepshead and black drum tend to frequent these areas during the winter months. And, if you’re lucky, you may encoun-

’Twas the night before mullet season By Kathryn Birren Special to The Islander

Mullet time

’Twas the night before mullet season when

all through the village not a husband was home there was no one around. The nets were all hung by the fisherman with care in hopes that the mullet run soon would be there. My crew in their slickers and new boots and

ter flounder on your hook. Lastly, with the frequent dense fog — if you’re on the boat — make sure to take the proper safety precautions to avoid any unwanted mishaps. Make sure your compass is working properly, as you never know when your electronics such as your GPS could fail. Also, make sure to carry a couple of sound devices — a whistle and an airhorn. Both of these items can help you avoid a collision. And finally, go slow out there if you can’t see where you’re going. Boats don’t have brakes. Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier reports pier fishers have required determination this past week to find a bite. But anglers using live shrimp as bait are catching black drum, sheepshead and redfish. No real rallies are occurring, although there are fish coming to the deck.

Casting live shrimp under the pier on a bottom rig is working the best. While fishing this technique, pier fishers are hooking into an occasional snook, as well as mangrove snapper. Capt. David White is enjoying the snook bite in Tampa Bay. As long as the weather remains warm, the snook are responding to live shiners as bait for his charters. Fishing deeper edges along mangrove shorelines or areas where docks and seawalls exist, is leading White’s clients to success on snook. Meanwhile, fishing reefs, wrecks and rockpiles in Tampa Bay is producing more action and something for the coolers on White’s charters. Limits of mangrove snapper are being caught in these areas as well as some keeper-size gag grouper. Send high-resolution photos and ﬁshing reports to ﬁsh@islander.org. Nick Striegel and son cody, along with family member Darren Hunter, all from Iowa, fished offshore Dec. 9 and caught numerous species using shrimp for bait. They showed off a few of their keepers, which included redfish, hog snapper, mangrove snapper, Key West grunts and flounder at the dock, where some white pelicans were awaiting a meal. They were guided to the fish by capt. Warren Girle.

caps took a few moments to take a quick nap. When out on gulf there roared such a sound, like thunder the fish, they showered all around, away to our nets we flew like a flash, tore open the box lid threw the net, splash. The moon shone the silver of each jumping fish, I knew at that moment I was getting my wish. When what to my wondering eyes should appear, my buddy, his boat and his fishing gear. The skinny, tall captain driving so quick I knew in a moment it was my buddy, Nick. More rapid than eagles his crew they all came and he whistled and shouted and called them by name. Now Bird Dog, now Jimmy, Skinny and Boe, on Judd, now on Psycho, on Bones and Joe. Grab the ends of the net, to the water now go, dash away, dash away, dash away throw. The slickers they bought and the boots they had worn, became covered in fish scales, soaked clothes became torn. The great nets were sinking the corks all around, the weight of the fish was taking it down. The captains they shouted, to their crews gave a shout and away they all pulled and got the net out. They spoke but few words while they cleared all

the fish, that night on the water they got their great wish. In pulling the last of the net in the boat, they knew they were loaded almost too much to float. We started the engines, we eased our way back. Our great load of mullet took hours to pack. The crew sprang to their trucks, to their friends gave a shout, the fish scales they flew as they headed on out. But I heard them exclaim as they drove out of sight, “That was the best mullet fishing night of my life!” Editor’s note: Kathryn Birren wrote the poem in December 2015, while living and working on a boat with her husband. She had moved from New Jersey to the Florida Keys and in Marathon met her husband, Ronald, who grew up in Cortez. She now resides in Hernando Beach and her ﬁshing poetry can be found on her Facebook page, Creative Commercial Fishing Tales.

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carl Armbruster, owner of Bike Werks, a mobile bicycle maintenance company, is ready to make repairs Dec. 9 at his bike-shop-onwheels. Islander courtesy Photo

biz

By Kane Kaiman

Bikes, breakfast, menus

Welcome the new spokes-person Bike Werks owner Carl Armbruster is ready to bring his bike shop to you this winter. The mobile shop, which offers everything from flat tire repair to complete tune-ups, is operating on the island and in Bradenton and surrounding areas December-February. Armbruster founded Bike Werks in Maryland, where it operates yearround. The Werks offers customers sevKaiman eral benefits over brick-and-mortar shops that typically command higher prices, Armbruster said Dec. 8, Another advantage is a more personalized experience. “If the customer has a question for me, the mechanic, they can ask me, and if I have a question for them when I’m working on their bike, I can ask them,” Armbruster said. “We’re willing to turn it into a teaching experience. If they want to know, ‘How do I fix a flat, anyway?’ I’ll take five minutes to show them what to do,” he said. Appointments begin with an assessment of the bike. Next, Armbruster, a certified builder and Shimano certified mechanic, quotes a price. For more information, visit bikewerks.com To make an appointment, call 301-532-2679. Pop out of bed And pop on over to Poppo’s for breakfast. The build-your-own taco chain is now offering the most important meal of the day at its original store, the island location at 212 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Poppo’s Taqueria prides itself on top-quality fare made from scratch with locally-sourced, whole foods and the chain is excited to apply that philosophy to a breakfast menu, said Maddie Oldenburg, the restaurant’s director of communications. Poppo’s now offers breakfast burritos, bowls and tacos 8-11 a.m. and its standard build-your-own options 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. The Anna Maria Poppo’s, established in 2013 by developer Mike Coleman and his family, is the chain’s flagship location.

In August, they opened their eighth Poppo’s in Tampa. For more information, visit poppostaqueria.com. All day, every day Anna Maria Oyster Bar, a four-restaurant chain, has gone back to its roots by implementing an all-day menu at its mainland locations, owner John Horne said Dec. 10. The consolidated menu launched Dec. 7. Fresh grouper, fish and chips, shrimp, scallops and other customer favorites remain on the menu, while new additions, like the Pier Poke Bowl, are included. The revamped menu is advantageous for several reasons, Horne said. Kitchen staff can be trained on the menu more quickly and it allows for rapid changes — an important quality in a business environment where food shortages and rising prices force restaurateurs to stay on their toes.

From a customer perspective, the simplicity of the new broadsheet menu makes the ordering process easier, he said. Future menu changes might include the addition of smaller portion options or doing away with paper menus all together in favor of virtual menus, Horne said. For more information, visit oysterbar.net. Adkins transformations Adkins Building & Construction, based in west Bradenton, is behind the scenes, getting three island locations into shape: • Graze Street AMI, a charcuterie restaurant in the Anna Maria Island Centre shopping plaza that is on target to open in January; • The PourHouse at S&S Plaza, a beer and coffee bar that Hurricane Hanks owner Brian Mathae plans to open as soon as Jan. 1. • The Chiles Group hired Adkins for a redo of the Anna Maria post office plaza. For more about Adkins, call 941-896-3012. Got biz news?… Contact Kane Kaiman at kane@ islander.org or call The Islander at 941-778-7978.

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AMI Chamber THIS WEEK

capt. Isander Santiago of Bay2Bay Tours — which features a Sunshine Skyway Bridge night tour — smiles for a photo Dec. 9 at the Anna Maria Island chamber luncheon at the Ugly Grouper in Holmes Beach. About 20 chamber members attended the event. Islander Photo: Toni Lyon DAILY/WEEKLY/MONTHLY SCHEDULED SERVICE

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Other events THIS WEEK Thursday, Dec. 16 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. — Longboat Key Chamber Networking@ Noon luncheon, Zota Beach Resort, 4711 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Fee applies. Information: 941-383-2466.

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

Dec. 15, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 23 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Manatee chamber serves up pancakes, politics at forum By Lisa Neff Islander editor

Please, pass the syrup. And, chamber members also requested passage of legislation dealing with protecting water quality, changing legislative districts, increasing affordable housing, attracting workers and improving infrastructure. The Manatee Chamber of Commerce held its annual “Pancakes and Politics” breakfast program Dec. 9 at IMG Academy Golf Club in Bradenton. The forum brought together chamber members to connect with state lawmakers ahead of the 2022 session that begins next month in Tallahassee. The morning meal menu included pancakes and pastries, fruit, bacon and eggs, OJ and coffee. The morning agenda included remarks by Republican state Sens. Jim Boyd and Joe Gruters and Reps. Will Robinson and Tommy Gregory, with introductions from Casey Welch of the chamber’s legislative committee. The lawmakers said they’ll be focused on budgets and maps, with redistricting a first priority. Another focus for the delegation will be assisting with the closure of the defunct Piney Point phosphorous plant. In April, the state sanctioned the release of polluted water from Piney Point into Tampa Bay in an effort to avoid a larger disaster in the area. Now the county and state want to close the site by building a deep well to hold the wastewater. Robinson said closing Piney Point must be a top priority. He also said the Legislature must face challenges dealing with water quality and infrastructure. After remarks, the lawmakers heard questions from the audience on a range of issues. County Commissioner Misty Servia asked for state help in protecting brown pelicans at the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park, where she said birds are being

a r ia Anna M

The dining room at IMG Academy Golf club in Bradenton is filled Dec. 9 with about 180 guests for the Manatee chamber of commerce’s annual “Pancakes and Politics” breakfast meeting ahead of the 2022 legislative session in Tallahassee. After the session, in March, the chamber will host “Pints and Politics.” Islander Photos: Lisa Neff

entangled in fishing line or caught on hooks. Robinson promised to look into the matter. Others asked the delegation about partisan school board elections, voting restrictions, gun rights, home rule and open government. Lawmakers responded with support for partisan school board elections, advancing a constitutional amendment on carrying concealed weapons, prohibiting local governments from banning sales of ammunition and guns and weakening the state’s Sunshine Law that was enacted to provide access to governmental proceedings at the state and local levels. Gregory said the Sunshine Law is crushing the ability of local elected officials to do their jobs. “I hope we continue to peel back that regulation,” he said. Boyd said the law impedes government work and “I would like to see some changes.” If there are changes, they might be discussed at the next legislative forum organized by the chamber — “Pints and Politics,” set for post-session at a date to be determined in March.

State Rep. Will Robinson, R-Bradenton, addresses an audience of about 180 guests at the Manatee chamber of commerce annual “Pancakes and Politics” assembly Dec. 9 at the IMG Academy Golf club in Bradenton. Seated are state Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, and state Rep. Tommy Gregory, R-Sarasota. Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, not pictured, also attended.

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Page 24 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 15, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

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LeXINGTON SOFA: 96-inch. Oatmeal color, made in USA. $400 or best offer. 941-7780807.

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FOR SALe: BRAND new complete set of white/navy blue pontoon vinyl seats. Located in cortez. $200. SMS only: 804-241-2537.

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NOTIce OF PUBLIc SALe: Morland Marine gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell this vessel: 1995 Wellcraft 238c. Hin # WeLFFB60K495 on Dec. 17, 2021, commencing 10 a.m. at 2123 University Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34243, pursuant to Subsection 328.17, Florida Statutes. Morland Marine reserves the right to accept or reject any/ or all bids.

eUPHeMIA HAYe ReSTAURANT: Longboat Key. Join our fun, creative and award-winning kitchen team. We have several positions available depending on experience. We look forward to training the right people! Full-time, evening and weekend shifts. To apply, call 941-383-3633, or email officeadmin@euphemiahaye.com. We are an equal Opportunity employer.

WANTeD: 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.

eUPHeMIA HAYe ReSTAURANT: Longboat Key. Long-established, fine dining restaurant is hiring an assistant for their award-winning Dessert Room. This position blends front-ofhouse and back-of-house duties and would be an ideal job for those wanting to gain a better understanding of a fine dining establishment as a whole. To apply, call 941-3833633 or email officeadmin@euphemiahaye. com.

FOR SALe IRIDIUM 9555 handset satellite phone. complete with strap-on bag, chargers, ear plugs, etc. Price firm at $200, cash only. 804-241-2537. ANTIQUe BABY cARRIAGe: Wood and wicker. Proceeds benefit Moonracer Animal Rescue. email for photos: moonraceranimalrescue@gmail.com. ANTIQUe PARTNeR DeSK: All wood, $500. Inquire at The Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978. ANTIQUe OFFIce cHAIRS: 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.

FRee GUN LOcK courtesy of Project childsafe, Florida Fish and Wildlife and Holmes Beach Police Department. Pick up at The Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. Don’t be sorry, be safe.

Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Specialist Replacement Doors and Windows

GARAGE SALES

eXPeRIeNceD cOMMeRcIAL PAINTeRS needed. Valid driver license preferred. competitive rates and paid vacation time. contact JcM Painting Florida Inc. weekdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 941-746-4452.

Andrew Chennault

GARAGe SALe: 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 17-18. Various household items and furniture. Portion of proceeds to Wildlife Inc., 508 56th St., Holmes Beach.

RePORTeR WANTeD: Full- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience required. Apply via email with letter of interest to news@islander.org.

GARAGe/eSTATe cOLLecTIBLe sale: 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 13-14 and Dec. 20-21. Waterford crystal, much more. Annie Silver community center. 103 23rd St. N. and Avenue c. Bradenton Beach.

KIDS FOR HIRE

LICENSED & INSURED

Paradise Improvements

941.792.5600

FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED Island References Lic#CBC056755

RDI CONSTRUCTION INC.

CBC 1253471

WANTeD: YOUR OLD cellphone for recycling. Deliver to The Islander, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach.

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

References available • 941-720-7519

AdoptA-Pet

PETS HeLP ReScUeD PeTS! Volunteer, foster, computer help needed! Moonracer Animal Rescue. email: moonraceranimalrescue@ gmail.com.

Benson wants a forever home!

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.

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.

DePeNDABLe, ReSPONSIBLe, FUN babysitter for hire. 13 years old, island local. Available in June. 941-526-9090. KIDS FOR HIRe ads are FRee for up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work. Ads must be placed in person at The Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. HEALTH CARE 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. LOOKING FOR AN eARLY BIRD? You can read Wednesday’s classifieds on Tuesday at islander.org. And it’s FRee!