The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

Merry Christmas

VOLUME 30, NO. 9

DEC. 22, 2021 Free

the Best news on anna maria island Since 1992 astheworldterns. 6

Q&A 122221.

islander.org

HO-HO-HO! Santa arrives in a ‘classic’ ride

High hopes for holidays.

Bridge suit enters ﬁnal phase By Kane Kaiman islander reporter

They’re still playing for a draw. Four complainants challenging in federal court the DOT’s decision to replace the 17-foot-clearance Cortez drawbridge with a 65-foot-clearance fixed-span bridge in 2026-27 filed a motion for summary judgment Dec. 1, ushering in the final phase of a lawsuit that began in March 2020.

christmas brings closings. 3 Probable cause found in ‘vaccinegate.’ 4 county seeks workshop with Holmes Beach. 5

Opinions. 6

a holiday jingle.

Bridge Battle

10-20 YEARS AGO

Looking back. 7

tDc wades into ami waters.9

Save a date. 10

Happenings announcements. 10-11

get in the game. 12

Gathering. 14

christmas services.

Obituaries. 14 HB honors 2021’s best.

Where’s Tuna Street.

16-17

ame celebrates before break. 19

Cops & Courts. 20-21

HB commission squabbles. 22

Warming up to 12 days of christmas. 23 Sato blows out opponent for soccer title. 24 fish on move in warm December. 25

Isl Biz: Hot eats,

new pour, big travel. 26

CLASSIFIEDS. 28-29

PropertyWatch. 30

NYT puzzle. 31

Santa’s elf, at the wheel of 1930 ford replica loaded with Santa and precious cargo, steers to the Sandbar restaurant in anna maria Dec. 15 for the 26th Lawton chiles christmas for Kids Party, “a candyland christmas.” the guests, some 60 kids from the rcma child Development center in Palmetto and Bradenton’s branch of the Head Start early rise and Shine program, cheered Santa’s arrival and enjoyed lunch, games and activities, as well as visits with Santa and plenty of gifts. and a merry time was had by all. more, page 13. islander Photo: Dara townsend caudill/islandphotography.org

Bay dolphins birth a record in 2021 Oh baby! The Chicago Zoological Society’s Sarasota Dolphin Research Program documented 22 dolphin births in 2021 to the long-term resident bottlenose dolphin community of Sarasota Bay. The number breaks the record of 21 set in 2017, according to a news release. The newest calf was first observed Dec. 2 with its mother, known to the research community as Squarenotch. Forty-four-year-old Squarenotch has been observed since 1980 and this is her sixth documented calf. “It’s great to see the continuing productivity of the bay’s dolphins and really interesting that it was one of our older females that put us over the top,” Randy Wells said in the news release. He’s the vice president of marine mammal conservation for the Chicago Zoological Society and director of the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program based at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota. Squarenotch was one of 466 dolphins that Wells documented as part of his Ph.D. dissertation, which he completed in 1986. As part of that work, Wells examined the population structure and social units of dolphins in Southwest Florida. His studies further expanded knowledge

fb87, also known as Squarenotch, was born in 1977 and has been observed since 1980. Her sixth documented calf was first seen Dec. 2. Squarenotch is one of the 466 dolphins identified by randy Wells, director of the Sarasota Dolphin research Program, in his Ph.D. research. islander courtesy Photo

of the Sarasota Bay dolphin community, building on research that began in 1970 with the seminal finding that the bay’s dolphins were long-term residents across decades and generations. Today, the bay’s dolphins are the focus of the world’s longest-running study of a

turn to dOlPHinS, Page 5

The complainants — former County Commissioner Joe McClash and Cortez resident Jane von Hahmann, also a former county commissioner, and Cortez residents Linda Molto and Joe Kane — maintain the retaining walls that carry the tall bridge onto Cortez Road — 20-feet tall at their peak — would destroy the character of Cortez, a histurn to bridge, Page 2

Bradenton man drowns in ICW

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Law Enforcement Division is investigating a Dec. 13 boat accident that led to the death of Bradenton resident Scott Harris, 57, in the Intracoastal Waterway near Key Royale in Holmes Beach. Harris and another Bradenton resident, Andrew Wilcznski, 60, were boating around 4:50 p.m. in a small boat when “waves came over the bow and capsized the vessel, causing both subjects to enter the water,” according to an FWC report. A friend of Harris said Wilcznski wore a life vest but Harris did not. “Harris was found floating face down in the water before being pulled out by good Samaritans,” the report states. Manatee County emergency medical services responded and transported both Harris and Wilcznski to Blake Medical Center in Bradenton. Harris died the next day. Wilcznski was discharged from the hospital the same day after receiving medical attention. FWC operations and management consultant Hollie Weathersby wrote in a Dec. 17 email to The Islander that an investigation into the accident could take “a few months.” — ryan Paice

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bridge continued from page 1

toric fishing village at the bridge’s eastern terminus, and advocate instead the construction of a 35-foot drawbridge. In 2019, the agency selected the 65-foot bridge over a mid-level drawbridge replacement and existing drawbridge maintenance alternatives. The 17-page motion — one of the last filings U.S. Magistrate Judge Anthony E. Porcelli will review before deciding the case — outlines the plaintiffs’ argument that during the bridge alternative selection process, the DOT violated the National Environmental Protection Act by “arbitrarily and capriciously” utilizing an inapplicable categorical exclusion to bypass the agency’s obligation to perform studies on the environmental impacts of a high bridge. According to the Code of Federal Regulations, “categorical exclusions are actions that, based on the Federal Highway Administration’s past experience with similar actions, do not involve significant environmental impacts.” They are actions that do not have a significant impact on any natural, cultural, recreational, historic or other resource and do not involve significant air, noise or water-quality impacts. Within the motion, the plaintiffs contend the administrative record — a collection of documents detailing how the DOT came to its decision to build the high bridge — “reflects the failure of defendants to demonstrate that the bridge replacement project qualifies for a categorical exemption.” According to the plaintiffs, the DOT failed to: • Demonstrate that the proposed project does not have a significant impact on a floodplain, which the plaintiffs maintain is a natural resource that has waterquality impact; • Demonstrate past experience with similar projects, per the definition of a categorical exclusion; • Demonstrate that the project does not have a significant impact on cultural and historic resources; • Demonstrate that the project does not have a significant impact on noise levels.

The eastern abutment of the high bridge and the structure’s 20-foot-tall retaining walls would be constructed in a coastal flood zone where wave action — storm surge bouncing off solid structure — is a hazard. The plaintiffs argue the DOT violated the Code of Federal Regulations by failing to conduct a study on the impacts the high bridge would have on the floodplain and maintain the agency was only allowed to select a bridge alternative that impacted the floodplain if it was the “only practicable alternative.” According to the plaintiffs, documentation of the DOT’s experience with similar projects that did not involve significant environmental impacts is not included in the administrative record. At its eastern terminus, the high bridge’s walls would extend inland about 700 feet, dividing Cortez east to west along Cortez Road. The southern half of the 130-year-old fishing village has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1995. The plaintiffs maintain there has been vocal opposition to the construction of the high bridge from the Cortez community and that “the local preference is for a low-level drawbridge.”

According to the motion, the DOT predicted 41 residences near the high bridge would experience traffic noise levels around 66 decibels, the noise abatement threshold for residential areas and, when the DOT conducted the studies, the agency included a noise wall that has not been represented in schematics presented to the public. With the construction of a high bridge, traffic noise levels are expected to increase as high as 4.2 decibels compared to current conditions, the document states. Attorney Ralf Brookes, representing the antimegabridge group, told The Islander via text message Dec. 9 that he expects the DOT to file a response and cross motion for summary judgment by Jan. 10. Thereafter, the parties can file shorter reply briefs within a week of receiving the opposing party’s responses in opposition. “We are hopeful that our motion will be granted. If we win our motion for summary judgment, the case will essentially be over in the federal district court,” Brookes said. The Cortez Bridge project is in the design phase. The megabridge design, a $6.7 million undertaking, began Oct. 2019 and is expected to conclude in the spring of 2025. The 17-footclearance Cortez Bridge, which links Bradenton Beach to Cortez and the mainland, opens for a sailboat passing Nov. 11 in the Intracoastal Waterway. Islander Photo: Kane Kaiman

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Dec. 22, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 3 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Christmas holiday expectations ﬁll business owners with mirth

By Kane Kaiman islander reporter

Santa Claus is coming to town — and so are a lot of paying customers. Island businesspeople in the rental, restaurant, retail and charter fishing sectors are cheerful about customer volume this holiday season. Out of the approximately 110 island homes and condos Wagner Realty rents for Christmas and New Year’s, only three remained available Dec. 14, said property manager Lisa Varano. Most renters intend to celebrate both holidays on the island and booked their stays between June and September. Whereas last year around the holidays Wagner experienced many cancellations due to the pandemic, this year the agency has seen only a handful of cancellations for nonpandemic-related reasons. Varano said she expects the agency’s rentals to be booked solid through Easter. “I’m thinking it’s trending toward normal — or the new normal. But I think it’s a little bit different because most of our winter rentals were booked up without the

chris Dale, owner of the feast restaurant in Holmes Beach, kneels beside a collection of toys for tots donations in early December. the feast has been participating in the charity program for the past several years. islander courtesy Photo

Christmas brings closings

Christmas will be observed Saturday, Dec. 25. Government offices will be closed that day and some will be closed ahead of the holiday, including federal offices on Friday, Dec. 24. Anna Maria and Holmes Beach city halls and Manatee County government will be closed Dec. 23-24. As of Islander press time, Bradenton Beach had not announced its holiday hours. The fare-free island trolley and the Beach Express and Beach ConneXion Shuttle will operate Dec. 25 but other Manatee County Area Transit services will not operate, including fixed-route services and the Handy Bus service on Dec. 25. Also, MCAT’s paid fixed-route and Handy Bus service will end at 3 p.m. Christmas Eve. The island trolley service will end at 7 p.m. Christmas Eve. Manatee County parks, preserves and beaches will be open but the public libraries will be closed for Canadians,” she said. Christmas. Varano speculates that pandemic-related travel requirements deterred Canadians from making annual trips to the area, while Americans who otherwise would have taken cruises and international vacations By Lisa neff are taking refuge on the island. In 2023, she anticipates an influx of Canadian and The Islander poll European visitors, who typically visit the island in the Last week’s question The top reason to shop outdoor markets is: fall but were banned from flying to the United States 41%. Fresh produce. until Nov. 8. 4%. Tasty food. Restaurant owners Brian Mathae and Chris Dale 31%. Unique retail. expect their eateries to be full the week of Christmas 22%. Community. and beyond. 2%. Other. Mathae, owner of Hurricane Hanks in Holmes Beach, said Dec. 14 that December sales numbers were similar to figures from 2020, when the island This week’s question How do you celebrate the new year? exploded with visitors fleeing pandemic restrictions A. At home, with the TV. in other parts of the United States. B. At the bars. However, the fact that the sales numbers do not far C. With dinner and a toast. surpass those from last year leads Mathae to believe the D. I’m working. exponential growth in volume experienced throughout E. Other. 2021 might be leveling off. PLeaSe, See HOlidaY bUSineSS, Page 8 To take the poll, go online to islander.org.

Q&A 122221

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Ethics commission ﬁnds probable cause in ‘vaccinegate’ case By ryan Paice islander reporter

The “vaccinegate” scandal involving Manatee County Commissioner Vanessa Baugh is progressing after months of silence. The Florida Commission on Ethics Dec. 3 found probable cause that Baugh violated state ethics by coordinating a pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinic for two affluent ZIP codes in her district and putting herself and four others at the Baugh top of the list, according to a Dec. 8 news release. The release states, “Probable cause was found to believe Ms. Baugh violated the constitutional amendment prohibiting the abuse of office to obtain a disproportionate benefit by placing her own name at the top of Manatee County’s randomly selected list of recipients to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. “In addition, probable cause was found to believe Ms. Baugh misused her position of public resources to assign vaccine distribution priority to serve specific individuals and zip codes, contrary to Manatee County’s COVID-19 vaccination policy.” The release also states, “A finding of probable cause is not a determination that a violation has occurred. Such a determination is made only after a full evidentiary hearing on the allegations.” Background In January, county commissioners voted to establish a lottery system to distribute the then-limited supply of vaccines via random selection from a pool of registered applicants. However, Baugh coordinated a pop-up clinic Feb. 17-19 at Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch that narrowed the pool to registrants residing in the 34202 and 34211 ZIP codes. Baugh lives and owns a business in 34202, which also is predominantly white and has an average median income of over $100,000. At the time, she also emailed public safety director Jacob Saur a list of five names, those of political allies and donors — Robert Keehn, Marie Keehn, Rex Jensen and Lawrence Jensen — as well as her own to ensure they received the vaccine at the clinic. Baugh received a slew of backlash for the clinic, including national media attention, public protests, a dismissed criminal complaint and a failed motion from a county commissioner to unseat her as chair. Now, only the ethics complaint remains and, nine months after its submission to the FCE, it is moving forward. Moving forward FCE clerk Millie Fulford told The Islander Dec. 9 that the ethics case can move forward in two ways

Meetings

Protesters cluster feb. 23 at a corner on manatee avenue outside the manatee county administration building in Bradenton, holding signs and singing chants in protest of county commissioner Vanessa Baugh’s role in coordinating a pop-up clinic reserving about 3,000 coViD-19 vaccinations for two afﬂuent ZiP codes in her district. the protesters mostly called for Baugh to resign from office. islander file Photo: ryan Paice

depending on the respondent. Respondents can work with the state attorney general’s office to create terms for a stipulation of agreement — a sort of settlement between the parties — or they can allow the case to move forward to an evidentiary hearing. There is no time frame for this step in the process, according to Fulford. She added that attorney Elizabeth Miller from the Florida Attorney General’s Office will serve as “advocate,” or the FCE’s prosecutor, if the case goes forward to a hearing. If the FCE board moves forward with a hearing and finds Baugh in violation of state ethics laws, it can recommend several penalties, including impeachment and/or removal from office, suspension, public censure, reprimand and a fine of up to $10,000. There are no criminal penalties for violating the state code of ethics. The FCE’s recommendation would then go to the governor, who coordinated the pop-up clinic with Baugh, for approval via executive order. Fulford said the governor can reject or ignore the FCE’s recommendations. Baugh’s attorney, George Levesque, wrote in a Dec. 9 email to The Islander, “The commission’s decision to find probable cause is not an adjudication of guilt, but simply a decision to allow the matter to proceed to the next phase. It was by no means a unanimous decision, which speaks to the real concerns as to whether any law was violated and the complex nature

‘Probable cause was found to believe Ms. Baugh violated the constitutional amendment prohibiting the abuse of ofﬁce to obtain a disproportionate beneﬁt by placing her own name at the top of Manatee County’s randomly selected list of recipients to receive a COVID-19 vaccination policy.’ of these types of cases.” He continued, “Some commissioners noted the clear political nature of the attacks, expressing significant reservations with moving forward. We look forward to this next phase of the proceedings to bring truth and perspective to the allegation and to demonstrate that Commissioner Baugh did not violate any law and did not violate any of her ethical obligation to her constituents.” Since the matter was discussed during a closed session, The Islander was not able to verify Levesque’s comments. Levesque did not respond to a Dec. 10 email from The Islander asking if Baugh wants to move forward to an evidentiary hearing.

compiled by Lisa neff, calendar@islander.org

Anna Maria City Jan. 13, 2 p.m., commission. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941708-6130, cityofannamaria.com.

West Manatee Fire Rescue None announced. WMFR administration building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton, 941-761-1555, wmfr.org.

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.

Manatee County 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.

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.

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. Please send listings to calendar@islander.org.

Clearing on Cedar draws concerns Severed roots and stumps remain Dec. 9 from the city of anna maria’s removal of plants along a trail from the beach to cedar avenue. anna maria resident Dennis ellsworth emailed mayor Dan murphy nov. 27 asking about the work, which ellsworth said resulted in the removal of australian pine trees, snake plants, sea grapes and immature sabal palms. murphy responded in a nov. 30 email saying the project was not finished and would include the planting of native plants to replace the invasive vegetation. the mayor said the project was to foster the growth of native species in the area. islander Photo: ryan Paice

Dec. 22, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 5 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

County sets workshop date with HB, city postpones for prep By ryan Paice islander reporter

Manatee County and the city of Holmes Beach still don’t see eye-to-eye on island parking. But the two sides will have a formal opportunity to discuss the issue. County commissioners unanimously voted Dec. 14 to schedule an interlocal workshop with Holmes Beach officials for 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022, at the Manatee County Administration Building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. A central issue for the discussion will be the city’s park-by-permit system, implemented in the summer of 2020 to reduce parking along some residential streets during the pandemic when people flooded the beaches — while other beach communities in the state remained closed due to COVID-19. However, soon after becoming elected in November 2020, County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge swore to withhold renourishment funds from Holmes Beach — among a list of punishments — if the city didn’t reverse its parking changes. County commissioners voted in June to deny a $282,910 funding request from the city to reimburse seawall improvements largely due to its parking changes. Van Ostenbridge said Dec. 14 that the county’s interlocal workshop with the town of Longboat Key earlier this month had improved relations between the two governments. So, he proposed the county schedule a similar meeting with Holmes Beach to work out their differ-

ences. “Obviously there’s one big elephant in the room, which is the public’s access to the beaches in Holmes Beach,” Van Ostenbridge said. “That, of course, will be on the agenda.” He added that he emailed city officials about compiling a list of other agenda items they would like to discuss with county commissioners at the workshop. County Commissioner George Kruse agreed on the success of their workshop with Longboat Key and said they should try to meet with every municipality in the county. County Commissioner Carol Whitmore said she is excited for a chance for the two governments to move past their disagreements. “When I was city commissioner and mayor in Holmes Beach, if the county invited me, I would be there,” Whitmore said. “We’ve got to stop this for next year. We’ve got to stop this, or we can’t help Holmes Beach be successful.”

City response Mayor Judy Titsworth relayed the county’s action to city commissioners Dec. 14 and suggested asking the county to delay the workshop in order to prepare for the meeting. She said she would prepare a list of agenda items and asked commissioners to contribute their ideas for future discussion. “We need to go prepared,” Titsworth said. “It’s going to be a really important meeting.” City Commissioner Terry Schaefer suggested that

Sarasota Dolphin research Program staff observe f233’s second calf July 11. Her previous calf was born in 2019 and disappeared that same year. dOlPHinS continueD from Page 1

wild dolphin population. “It’s exciting to document new calves each year as one measure of the health of the bay’s dolphin population and the health of the bay itself,” Wells said. “But the long-term nature of our research allows us to drill deeper and consider the question of why we had a record number of births. It appears that the red tide that reached Sarasota Bay in 2018 may have played a role.” The red tide that entered the bay in the summer of 2018 was unusually strong and lasted through the winter of 2018-19, killing marine life and causing mil-

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he and the other commissioners should meet in January to discuss agenda items for the interlocal workshop and request the county delay the meeting. Schaefer moved to ask the county to postpone the workshop to February. Morton seconded the motion, which unanimously passed. Commission Chair Carol Soustek said the county gave the city too short a notice for the workshop and should understand their request to delay the meeting.

County ofﬁcials name new commission chair

Manatee County Commissioners Dec. 14 unanimously elected District 3 Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge to serve as chair for 2022. The position is handed off every year between county commissioners so each can serve in a leadership role during their time on the dais. Van Ostenbridge, who represents Anna Maria Island and west Manatee, will succeed Vanessa Baugh. Commissioners also named District 1 Commissioner James Satcher as vice chair, at-large Commissioner George Kruse second-vice chair and Carol Whitmore, a former mayor and commissioner from Holmes Beach, third-vice chair for 2022. — ryan Paice

f149’s eighth calf was first observed aug. 23. Her last calf, born in 2017, disappeared that same year. islander courtesy Photos

lions of dollars in losses to coastal economies. During and following the bloom, SDRP researchers caught fewer than half the average number of stingrays than expected during prey fish surveys conducted during the summers of 2019 and 2020. SDRP also found 45% of the females that gave birth to calves in 2021 lost dependent calves during or since the red tide. On average, 31% of Sarasota calves do not survive more than two years, so there were increased losses of calves during the red tide period. “The record number of births is a wonderful story in itself, but thanks to our long-term data, we’re able

to develop hypotheses about some of the factors that may have led to this result, which should lead to a better understanding of what can happen to an animal population when an environmental anomaly occurs,” Wells said. About the program The Sarasota Dolphin Research Program has been operated by the Chicago Zoological Society since 1989. Since 1992, the program has been based at Mote Marine Laboratory. For more information, go online to sarasotadolphin.org.

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Opinion

Our

Singalong holiday jingle

We know there’s reason enough to carry through the holiday season like a Who suffering a stolen holiday — or a lost year. But let’s find joy in the season and look to a new year. In the holiday spirit and keeping a tradition, The Islander offers its 12 days of an Anna Maria Island Christmas. The “12 days” in the original song, with heavy religious symbolism, refers to the days from the first day of Christmas, Dec. 25, to the eve of the epiphany. But sing when you will, merrily and loudly:

The Islander’s 12 Days of Christmas by Lisa neff islander editor

On the first day of Christmas, my true love showed to me a parrot in a palm tree. On the second day of Christmas, my true love showed to me two swimming turtles, and a parrot in a palm tree. On the third day of Christmas, my true love showed to me three wooden piers, two swimming turtles, and a parrot in a palm tree. On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love showed to me four beach cabanas, three wooden piers, two swimming turtles, and a parrot in a palm tree. On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love showed to me five sandy shells, four beach cabanas, three wooden piers, two swimming turtles, and a parrot in a palm tree. On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love showed

DEC. 22, 2021 • Vol. 30, No. 9 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) ▼

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to me six fish a-jumping, five sandy shells, four beach cabanas, three wooden piers, two swimming turtles, and a parrot in a palm tree. On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love showed to me seven rays a-schooling, six fish a-jumping, five sandy shells, four beach cabanas, three wooden piers, two swimming turtles, and a parrot in a palm tree. On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love showed to me eight boats a-sailing, seven rays a-schooling, six fish a-jumping, five sandy shells, four beach cabanas, three wooden piers, two swimming turtles, and a parrot in a palm tree. On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love showed to me nine birds a-skimming, eight boats a-sailing, seven rays a-schooling, six fish a-jumping, five sandy shells, four beach cabanas, three wooden piers, two swimming turtles, and a parrot in a palm tree. On the 10th day of Christmas, my true love showed to me 10 dudes a-surfing,

nine birds a-skimming, eight boats a-sailing, seven rays a-schooling, six fish a-jumping, five sandy shells, four beach cabanas, three wooden piers, two swimming turtles, and a parrot in a palm tree. On the 11th day of Christmas, my true love showed to me 11 dolphins diving, 10 dudes a-surfing, nine birds a-skimming, eight boats a-sailing, seven rays a-schooling, six fish a-jumping, five sandy shells, four beach cabanas, three wooden piers, two swimming turtles, and a parrot in a palm tree. On the 12th day of Christmas, my true love showed to me 12 islanders lounging, 11 dolphins diving, 10 dudes a-surfing, nine birds a-skimming, eight boats a-sailing, seven rays a-schooling, six fish a-jumping, five sandy shells, four beach cabanas, three wooden piers, two swimming turtles, and a parrot in a palm tree. Happy holidays from The Islander crew.

Dec. 22, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 7 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Holmes Beach commissioner speaks on Kentucky disaster By ryan Paice islander reporter

A Holmes Beach city commissioner and native Kentuckian is asking islanders to support the people of his home state suffering from disaster. Commissioner Kim Rash told The Islander Dec. 17 that he sent money to support victims of a tornado outbreak that ripped across eight states Dec. 10-11 in the South and Midwest, leaving widespread destruction and at least 90 dead. Kentucky was hit hardest of rash the lot, with at least 77 people dead as of Dec. 17, according to the office of Gov. Andy Beshear. Rash, who grew up in Louisville and maintains property in Crestwood, Kentucky, expressed sympathy for people impacted by the tornadoes. “My heart goes out,” he said. “All these people were just devastated.” Rash said he and his wife stayed on the phone with their family throughout the storms to make sure they stayed safe. Luckily for them, he said nobody got hurt

and his property suffered little damage. He added that he donated money to a tornado relief fund organized by the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 502 N. Fifth Ave., La Grange, Kentucky, but encouraged people to support those impacted any way they can. “We wrote our check,” Rash said. “It makes you think about how lucky we are to live the life we have out here in Holmes Beach.” People can support victims of the tornadoes by contributing to the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund at teamwkyrelieffund.ky.gov.

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.

In the Dec. 19, 2001, issue

• In a 4-1 vote, Anna Maria city commissioners approved ordinances granting permitting and zoning for the Anna Maria section of the Manatee County Beach Renourishment Project. Commissioners also voted for an agreement with the county addressing parking, beach access and extension of Anna Maria city limits to include any added beach. • Anna Maria Vice Mayor Tom Skoloda and Mayor Gary Deffenbaugh opened campaign accounts to run for mayor, suggesting a readiness to fight for the top political position. Neither of them had qualified for the 2002 election and, with less than three days remaining to do so, only SueLynn had met qualifying criteria. • After much debate, Anna Maria commissioners approved 14 trolley stops but opted to omit the planned signage by Manatee County Area Transit. The commission approved a stenciled trolley logo for the back sides of benches at the stops.

In the Dec. 20, 2011, issue

merry christmas to you all, from all of us at the islander newspaper, including mister Sharp.

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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• Holmes Beach Commissioner David Zaccagnino asked the Manatee County Tourist Development Council to help address problems created by “the wonderful job it’s been doing” to bring visitors to AMI. • A U.S. Coast Guard crew from Cortez rescued three people from the Gulf of Mexico after their boat capsized in choppy seas. • The Florida Department of Environmental Protection issued a warning and violation report to the owners of a treehouse built without a permit on the beachfront in Holmes Beach. — Lisa neff

The Islander has a new location!

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

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Page 8 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 22, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Hurricane Hanks, 5346 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, is closed Christmas Day but will offer drinks with a seasonal flair on Christmas Eve and Champagne on New Year’s Eve. The restaurant might offer a special on bloody marys and burgers on New Year’s Day “to help people recover,” Mathae said. The Feast, 5406 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, is closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day but will be offering holiday specials on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

HOlidaY bUSineSS continueD from Page 3

“But that could be because this island is just at capacity, right?” he said. Mathae said he expects business to be booming at Hurricane Hanks at least through Easter, especially with the lifting of the international travel ban. Dale, owner of the Feast Restaurant, said Dec. 14 he has already seen some European and Canadian customers come through his eatery’s doors. Around last year’s holidays, the Feast operated at 50% capacity due to the pandemic but didn’t see a dip in sales thanks to high demand for takeout orders. This holiday season, the restaurant is back to full capacity while takeout order volume remains high. Mathae echoed Dale’s sentiments. “The to-go orders still continue more so than they ever were prior to COVID,” Mathae said. “Part of that reality might be that it’s so busy on the island that getting to dine in is very difficult, so a lot of people are happy to just place a to-go order,” he said. While the restaurateurs express their happiness with sales, both lament lingering consequences of the pandemic: high food prices, food scarcity and material shortages. “It’s ridiculous. It’s terrible. Things went through the roof. We’re seeing increases of 30%, even more sometimes,” Dale said. “Around this time of year, generally, lobster meat is around $25 per pound, and now it’s like $45, so it’s

Mermaid stocking stuffers Retailer Deborah Myers, owner of Bridge Street Interiors, a mermaid-themed boutique, said Dec. 14 the Christmas season has been great so far and that Bridge Street shops have seen even heavier foot traffic than last year. The shop, which celebrated its 20-year anniversary in October, has already sold out of ornaments featuring holiday-clad mermaids but many other ornaments adorning the boutique’s seven decorated Christmas capt. David White of anna maria charters, right, and longtime client Bryan Sears of Scituate, massa- trees are still available. Myers said the high customer volume this year chusetts, show off a kingfish caught Dec. 9 offshore might be related to successful Bridge Street promoof Holmes Beach. tions and a surprise effect of the pandemic. “People have found out about our island. Through absolutely insane,” he said. Mathae said scallops have doubled in price over COVID, they literally came to our island because we the last year and that Hurricane Hanks couldn’t source were open, and a lot of those same people are coming back two or three times a year,” she said. some simple items, like oyster crackers.

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Deck the hulls Capt. David White, owner of Anna Maria Charters in Holmes Beach, told The Islander Dec. 14 he’s “booked solid” through February and has only eight days available in March. Around the holidays, about 70% of his customers book several weeks in advance, while the remaining 30% make last-minute reservations. White plans on taking customers out to fish on New Year’s Day and recently booked his first European client of the year, a man from the United Kingdom. Inshore, White is targeting snook, redfish, trout, pompano, sheepshead and black drum — though he said the water hasn’t been sufficiently cold for the latter three species in recent weeks. Offshore, he is targeting amberjack, barracuda, bonita, kingfish, grouper, snapper and tuna. “We’re anticipating a busy season,” White said. “We’re not a secret on this island anymore.”

Piney Point well permitted

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection Dec. 16 issued Manatee County a permit for an underground injection control well for Piney Point’s polluted water. The plan to construct and test the well meets regulations for protection of groundwater resources and the environment “following a thorough review,” according to a DEP news release. The county wants to transfer water from the defunct phosphorous plant to the well and then close down the site. In the spring, the state authorized the release of about 215 million gallons of Piney Point wastewater into Tampa Bay and county groundwater to avoid the collapse of a gypstack at the site near Port Manatee. The release of wastewater prompted concerns about diminished water quality and algal blooms. The concerns proved accurate, as the area experienced long and intense bouts of red tide in the months that followed. Conservation groups have filed two lawsuits over the operation of Piney Point and the plan to use the deep injection well to shutter the site. — Lisa neff

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 to news@islander.org.

Dec. 22, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 9 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Tourist council wades into AMI’s water-related matters By Lisa neff islander editor

Manatee County Tourist Development Council members, gathered on Anna Maria Island Dec. 13, waded into a series of water-related issues. Their meeting, held at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, lasted about 90 minutes and included discussion on water-related tourism, water-related transportation and water-related conservation. TDC member and businessman Ed Chiles offered a summation from an island perspective: Water is everything. “We don’t have anything if we don’t have clean water,” said Chiles, at the forefront of a local campaign to improve water quality by infusing the water with clams. Chiles’ comments followed a presentation to the TDC from Dave Tomasko of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Project on the bay’s health and its importance to the tourism economy. Tomasko said about 20,000 jobs in the county are associated with bay-related activity and property values tend to be higher on the bay than a few miles away. But, he said, the value diminishes with the loss of seagrass and pollution that sickens wildlife and diminishes water quality. On a related issue, Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, said a water taxi service between the island and the Bradenton and Palmetto riverfronts could launch in the spring of 2022. The BACVB backs the taxi as a tourist attraction and a means to remove motor vehicles from overcrowded roads on and to the island. There was no discussion of which entity might provide the taxi service, the cost of fares or the hours of operations. But Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie told the TDC his city is preparing, adding boat slips and expanding a floating dock at the Historic Bridge Street Pier. In other matters at the meeting: • Anne Wittine of Research Data Services deliv-

AMI TOURISM: Endless Season

Dave tomasko, executive director of the Sarasota Bay estuary Program, discusses the importance to tourism of a clean, healthy bay during a meeting of the manatee county tDc. islander Screenshots

ered the state of tourism in the county. “Things are good,” she said and provided statistics for proof. Comparing October 2021 and October 2020, Wittine said room rates, visitation, air travel, economic impact and more increased. Also, a survey of potential travelers found 62% feel safe dining in a restaurant and 73.6% feel safe shopping. About 21.4% said they were not interested in traveling to Florida but that percentage is improved from a previous poll. • Chappie thanked the TDC and the BACVB for supporting initiatives to beautify the city’s commercial

Establishment of water taxi a ‘moving target’

Some roadblocks are preventing the start of a water taxi service connecting Anna Maria Island to the mainland, said one local boat captain. Talks of a water taxi service connecting downtown Sarasota, Bradenton Beach, Bradenton, Palmetto and Anna Maria have been ongoing since 2017 but the timing has never been right, according to Sherman Baldwin of Paradise Boat Tours based in Bradenton Beach. In 2018, his plans to move forward with the service were derailed after a bloom of red tide. While the concept has received a nod from the cities involved, Baldwin sees too many variables to begin services. “There’s still so many unknowns. We’re not in a position to be able to justify a huge seven-figure amount of money for a program that I’m not sure the public will embrace. That may change but I don’t think it will happen yet,” Baldwin told The Islander Dec. 18. While a water taxi might be a welcome tourist attraction, Baldwin says he’s concerned with the viability of a commuter option. He said, “The boat we envision that can do this can satisfy the need to commute — not a fun-ride. A commuter opportunity. It has to be fast, cool in the summer, warm in the winter and dry when it rains.” His plan was to use a twin-engine catamaran that can carry 149 people per trip. Baldwin says anything that travels at less than 25-30 knots isn’t feasible as a commuter option. “There’s nothing in the works right now because we’re waiting to assess the public attitude,” Baldwin said. “We have to see where we are in a few months.” — tomas gomez

chris culhane, executive director of the center of anna maria island, shares remarks during a Dec. 13 meeting of the manatee county tDc.

Bradenton Beach mayor John chappie addresses the tourist development council Dec. 13 at the center of anna maria island.

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district and expand offerings at the city pier. In turn, TDC member Eric Cairns praised Chappie and others in the city for the ongoing “Holidays in Paradise” campaign to light Bridge Street for the season. “Hats off to everybody that was involved in that,” said Cairns. • Manatee County Clerk of Court Angelina Colonneso and county historic resources director Phaedra Dolan previewed a video promoting historical properties and tours. Dolan said about 65% of tourists in Florida participate in a culturally based activity, such as visiting a history museum or historic site. Dolan also said heritage travelers tend to spend more money than leisure travelers. • Nick Azzara introduced himself as the new communications manager for the BACVB. Azzara previously worked as the public information officer for the county and as a news reporter. • Falcione cheered the turnout for the Wailers concert at the center Dec. 11. The ongoing concert series involves the center, TDC, BACVB and sponsors. Falcione said the events raise money for the center, provide entertainment and enhance the quality of life for island residents. “One-hundred percent of the proceeds go to this community center,” he said. The BACVB pays a fee and a portion of ticket sales to a promoter to schedule bands. About 700 people attended the Wailers concert and Falcione estimated 70% were residents. TDC Chair Misty Servia, a county commissioner, missed the meeting because she was stuck in traffic associated with a crash on the Anna Maria Island Bridge. County Commissioner Carol Whitmore of Holmes Beach led the meeting. The next TDC meeting will be at 9 a.m. Monday, Feb. 14, at the county administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. Additional meetings in 2022 will be April 18, June 20, Aug. 15, Oct. 17 and Dec. 12.

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Island happenings

Page 10 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 22, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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. 1, Clancy’s Shamrock Shiver Plunge, Bradenton Beach. 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. ONGOING OFF AMI First Fridays, 6-9:30 p.m., Village of the Arts First Fridays Artwalk, 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. InformaArtists host holiday art walk tion: villageofthearts.com. Local artists anne abgott, left, marzena okula and husband arthur, Karen deLeon Stuart and Leslie robSaturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Bradenton Farmers Market, Main bins and husband David, await guests Dec. 10 for the Holmes Beach Holiday art Walk at the artists’ guild Street, downtown Bradenton. Information: realizebradenton.com, of anna maria island, 5414 marina Drive. islander Photo: ryan Paice 941-301-8445. Second and fourth Saturdays, noon-2 p.m., Chickee Hut Kids sit for Jammers session, presented by the Florida Maritime Museum and storytime Cortez Cultural Center, outdoors, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. InforYouth services librarmation: ﬂoridamaritimemuseum.org, fmminfo@manateeclerk.com. ian Stephanie Katz “Battles of the Boneless” exhibit, the Bishop Museum of Scileads storytime Dec. ence and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Informa14 in front of a room of tion: bishopmuseum.org, 941-746-4131. children and family at Through Jan. 16, 2022, “Prints, Ceramics and Glass from the island Library, 5701 Japan,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore marina Drive, Holmes Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: ringling.org, 941-359Beach. Storytime 5700. usually takes place at Through August 2022, “Seeing the Invisible” augmented reality 10 a.m. tuesdays at exhibit, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. the library. a special Fee applies. Information: selby.org, 941-366-5731. storytime with Santa PLeaSe, See Calendar, Page 11 was planned at 9 a.m. tuesday, Dec. 14, after the islander went to “Anna Maria Island,” press. islander Photo: a signed pictorial history ryan Paice book of the island by Bonner Joy, is available for $20 at the islander office, 315 58th St., Submit your social news to news@islander. Holmes Beach, or by org. Please, include the time, date and location mail. Visit islander.org or for events, as well as contact information. and, call 941-778-7978. $20 thanks for sharing! plus postage, if mailed.

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Island happenings

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

KIDS & FAMILY ON AMI Tuesday, Dec. 28 10 a.m.— Family storytime with Santa, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-778-6341. ONGOING ON AMI Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m., Anna Maria Movies in the Park, City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130. ONGOING OFF AMI

new Year’s celebrants splash Jan. 1 into the gulf of mexico for the 13th annual Shamrock Shiver. the charity event hosted by clancy’s irish Sports Pub, 6218 cortez road W., Bradenton, has raised more than $306,104 over the years. islander file Photo

First Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m., “Soar in 4 Family Night, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: soarin4.org, 941-746-4131. Saturdays and Sundays, 3 p.m., Tales Under the Tree, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: bishop.org, 941-746-4131.

CLUBS & COMMUNITY

Clancy’s invites Shamrock Shiver plunge participants

Anna Maria will resume its Movies in the Park series. The city will screen films Tuesday nights at City Pier Park at the corner of Pine Avenue and Bay Boulevard beginning Dec. 28 and continuing through February 2022. The films will begin at 6:30 p.m. As of Islander press time, the city had not released titles of films to be screened. For more information, call city hall at 941708-6130.

Bridge club to resume play

Arrange the chairs and shuffle the decks. The Anna Maria Bridge Club will resume play at Roser Memorial Community Church in 2022. The club will play Mondays at 12:30 p.m. beginning Jan. 3. The church is at 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. For more information, call Peggy Kyzer at 205910-6344.

AM collects nominations for citizen of the year

Anna Maria is seeking nominations for its 2021 Distinguished Citizen of the Year award. People can nominate a resident or entity that has “existed in the city of Anna Maria for at least two years” by completing a form available online at cityofannamaria.com. Nomination forms for 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.

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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 PLeaSe, See Calendar, Page 13 CUSTOM . HANDCRAFTED . VINTAGE jewelry . beach bags . hats sunglasses . clothing . gifts

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and music featuring the Dr. Dave Band at the restaurant/pub, 6218 Cortez Road, Bradenton. The fundraiser will benefit local nonprofit organizations, including the Blessing Bags Project, Feeding Empty Little Tummies, Healthy Teens Coalition of Manatee County and Nutrition Initiative. Since 2009, the Shamrock Shiver has raised more than $306,104. With the 2021 plunge, the Shamrock Shiver raised $32,604. The first plunge raised $14,000. To plunge, pledge or make a donation, contact Clancy’s at 941-794-2481, ext. 2.

UP-CYCLED . REPURPOSED

Clancy’s Irish Pub will launch 2022 with its traditional Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge. The event will be Saturday, Jan. 1, on the beach between Fourth Street South and 12th Street South in Bradenton Beach. An announcement for the event stated, “As so many of our Florida neighborhoods go through rough times, determined members of the Bradenton community are taking the plunge to help less fortunate children of Manatee County.” After the plunge, the activity shifts away from the beach. Clancy’s will host a post-plunge party with door prizes

Page 12 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 22, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Merry Christmas to all!

During the Lawton Chiles Christmas for Kids Party at Anna Maria’s Sandbar Restaurant Dec. 15, elves entertain and Santa gives gifts and hugs to kids from RCMA Child Development Center in Palmetto and Bradenton’s Head Start Early Rise and Shine program. Islander Photos: Dara Townsend Caudill/islandphotography.org

WEDNESDAYS ARE BACK! Calendar from page 11 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-778-6341. AHEAD ON AMI January 2022, Anna Maria Bridge Club, Anna Maria. February 2022, Friends of the Island Library Book Sale, Anna Maria. 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 meeting, Compass Hotel by Margaritaville, 12324 Manatee Ave. W., Perico Island. Second Tuesdays at 5 p.m. Information: 941-9202505.

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OUTDOORS & SPORTS ONGOING ON AMI AMI Dragon Boat Team—Paddlers from Paradise practices and meetups, various times and locations. Information: 941-462-2626, mrbradway@gmail.com. OFF AMI Tuesday, Dec. 28 10 a.m. — Wonder Walk nature tour, Robinson Preserve expansion, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Information: mymanatee.org, 941-742-5923. ONGOING OFF AMI Saturdays, 8 a.m., Robinson Runners running club, Robinson Preserve expansion, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Information: mymanatee.org, 941-742-5923, ext. 6047. Saturdays, 9 a.m., Saturday Mornings at the NEST nature exploration, Robinson Preserve expansion, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Information: mymanatee.org, 941-742-5923, ext. 6047. Saturdays once a month, Manatee County Audubon Society workday, Felts Preserve, 4600 24th Ave. E., Palmetto. Information: manateeaudubon.org, zholmes003@gmail.com. AHEAD OFF AMI Feb. 12, Bradenton Area River Regatta, Bradenton and Palmetto riverfronts.

GOOD TO KNOW KEEP THE DATES Saturday, Dec. 25, Christmas Day. Friday, Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve. Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022, New Year’s Day. Monday, Jan. 17, Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Tuesday, Feb. 1, Groundhog Day. Monday, Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day. Monday, Feb. 21, Presidents Day.

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Page 14 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 22, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Gathering

an indoor children’s service takes place at roser memorial community church on christmas eve. this year the friday, Dec. 24, children’s service will be outdoors, beginning at 4 p.m. at the church, 512 Pine ave., anna maria. the service will include carols and a nativity pageant. a candelight service, with the roser ringers handbell choir, will be at 6:30 p.m. islander courtesy Photo

By Lisa neff

Island churches welcome faithful for Christmas services

Oh come, all ye faithful. Anna Maria Island churches will host services for the Christmas holidays. Christmas Eve is Friday, Dec. 24, and Christmas Day is Saturday, Dec. 25. CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, will hold a service at 7 p.m. Christmas Eve that includes carols sung by candlelight. The Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, will host four holiday offerings — Christmas Eve services at 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. and a Christmas Day service at 9 a.m. Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, will hold worship services at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Christmas Eve. Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church St. N., Bradenton Beach, will hold a Christmas Eve service at 6:30 p.m. St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach, will offer a Children’s Mass at 4 p.m. Christmas Eve, as well as a Christmas Vigil Mass at 7 p.m. On Christmas Day, there will be two Masses — 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. At Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, there are two worship services planned on Christmas Eve — an outdoor children’s service at 4 p.m. and a concert-service at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. Also, Christ Church of Longboat Key, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, will hold a candlelight service at 5:30 p.m. Christmas Eve. Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, will host two services on Christmas Eve, one at 5 p.m. and one at 7 p.m. The early service is for families, with a special message to children. The 7 p.m. service is a candlelight service.

Tidings

ONGOING EVENTS 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. Special events Through Jan. 2, 2022, dusk, Longboat Island Chapel holiday celebrations.

REGULAR WORSHIP

Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-4769, stbernardcc.com. Thursdays 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 SAVE THE DATES Ave., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-779-1912. Dec. 24, Christmas Eve. 9:30 a.m. — Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive. Dec. 25, Christmas Day. Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1813, gloriadeilutheran.com. Please, send notices to calendar@islander.org. 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. John “Jack” R. Harrison, 92, of Bradenton, died org. Dec. 10. 10:15 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. He was born May 20, 1929, to Leo 10:30 a.m. — St. Bernard.

Obituary

John ‘Jack’ R. Harrison

Gathering is the religion page for The Islander. We welcome news from places of worship, as well as calendar listings. Email news@islander.org.

WE TWEET TOO @ami_islander

Growing in Jesus’ Name

CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE Join Us on Friday, December 24th - 5:30 PM Masks Are Recommended Watch the Christmas Eve Service Live: www.bit.ly/cclbksermons or www.christchurchlbk.org (follow YouTube link)

DECEMBER 26TH SUNDAY SERVICE Worship With Us at Our Church - 10:00 AM Masks Are Recommended

The Rev. Dr. Norman Pritchard Ms. Gillian LeFevre - Preaching Mr. David Tagliarini - Guest Flutist Watch Our 10:00 AM Service Live: www.bit.ly/cclbksermons or www.christchurchlbk.org (follow YouTube link)

Visitors & Residents Welcome 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive

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and Henrietta in Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan. He attended Wayne University in Detroit and graduated from the University of Detroit Law School. After several years in private pracHarrison tice, he was employed by the Federal Aviation Agency as an enforcement trial attorney. His career included assignments with the FAA and U.S. Department of Justice in California, Oklahoma, and PLeaSe, See ObiTUarY, neXt Page

Christmas Eve at Roser Rediscover why Christmas truly matters!

4:00 PM

OUTDOORS

6:30 PM

SANCTUARY

Nativity Pageant Kids are invited to participate and receive a gift Bring lawn chairs! Traditional Service featuring a candlelight concert by the Roser Ringers handbell choir In person or watch online!

Sunday, Dec. 26 8:30 & 10:00 AM A Messenger of Hope In the Sanctuary or watch online!

WWW.

CHURCH.com

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

Dec. 22, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 15 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Holmes Beach names citizen, employee, partner of the year By ryan Paice islander reporter

Thanksgiving has passed but Holmes Beach officials are feeling thankful as the holiday season continues. Mayor Judy Titsworth expressed gratitude on behalf of the city Dec. 14 by presenting awards to the municipality’s citizen, employee and community partnership recipients for 2021.

GoodDeeds

compiled by Lisa neff

Call to action: Support the Roser Food Pantry

Without further ado, here are this year’s winners: Titsworth announced the 2021 Louie Strickland Citizen of the Year award — named after a late resident who was much loved and supportive of the community — belonged to resident Deb Sneddon for her role in coordinating community events. “On Waste Services Day, posters were made for all trash cans stating how the workers were being celebrated and thanking them for all they do for the community,” Titsworth said while presenting a plaque to Sneddon. Titsworth said Sneddon also organized events to thank local law enforcement, as well as a Halloween event that raised money for the Hope Family Services, an organization focused on helping victims of domestic violence. Sneddon called the award “truly an honor” in a Dec. 15 email to The Islander. “I have been inspired to be active in HB by those many people who come together to contribute to this special community,” Sneddon wrote. “I maintain that our most meaningful impact comes when we keep involved with those nearest, respect all ideas and

The volunteer-run Roser Food Pantry, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, seeks donations to feed island residents and employees this holiday season. Money will be used to support the pantry’s Sponsored Food Recipient Program, which allows people to seek food assistance after receiving approval from a sponsor — an island church. Recipients receive $100-$150 Publix gift cards every month for around three months before sponsors must approve another round of assistance. The benefits make a difference, based on testimonials collected by pantry volunteers: • “The card allowed me to eat without having to ask for help, which saves your dignity somewhat. It’s funny but I prayed to the Lord for help and then tried to turn it down. … It has truly been a blessing and I will surely miss it when the program ends but am so thankful you let me be a participant. God bless and, please, thank everyone involved.” • “She was in tears thankful for the gift cards she has been receiving for groceries. She is on a fixed income and cannot drive. Receiving the gift cards has made a tremendous difference in her life and she wanted to make sure we knew how thankful she is.” People can donate to the food pantry by visiting roserchurch.com/give, calling 941-778-0414 or delivering unopened, nonperishable food items to the Holmes Beach code compliance administrator Kim church Mondays-Fridays 9 a.m.-3 p.m. charron, left, smiles on receipt Dec. 14 of a plaque People also can call 941-778-0414 for assistance. naming her the city’s employee of the Year from — ryan Paice

ObiTUarY from Page 14

Washington, D.C. In 1979, he was appointed director of aviation safety. He retired in 1982 and returned to private practice as an aviation accident trial attorney and regulatory consultant, retiring in 1991. He married Barbara Anne Beddow in 1952 in Grosse Pointe. In 1991, they relocated to Florida, settling in Bradenton at the Perico Bay Club. Together they enjoyed sailing, flying, bridge, traveling and visiting in many foreign countries. He played bridge at several venues on Anna Maria Island and was a proud member of the SOBs — the Sons of the Beach Club — a card-carrying group

At your service

mayor Judy titsworth. islander Photos: ryan Paice

formed by the late Snooks Adams, former police chief in Holmes Beach. Also, he served on the boards of the Perico Bay Club Master Association and the Waterside Homeowners’ Association. Plans for a celebration have not been determined. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; children Nancy and husband James Sandison of Severna Park, Maryland, Janet and husband Don Baugh of Annapolis, Maryland; John Jr. of Arnold, Maryland, Ann Nelson of Atlanta, and Steven of Accokeek, Maryland; grandchildren Erica Baugh of Chester, Maryland, Julia Baugh and husband Anthony Smith of Annapolis, Maryland; and Grace Davis Nelson of Atlanta.

Obituaries are offered as a community service to residents and families of residents, as well as to those people with ties to the island. Submit to news@islander.org. Obituaries are provided free — a service of your community newspaper. For a paid obituary, contact advertising director Toni Lyon at 941-778-7978.

“Anna Maria Island,” a signed pictorial history book of the island by Bonner Joy, is available for $20 at the islander office, 315 58th St., Holmes Beach, or by mail. Visit islander.org or call 941778-7978. $20 plus postage.

Holmes Beach resident Deb Sneddon, left, shows off a plaque naming her as the city’s Louie Strickland citizen of the Year presented to her Dec. 14 by mayor Judy titsworth.

act collectively in making a positive difference for each other and our natural environment when and how we are able. I see this happening in all kinds of ways by lots of people in this place that I proudly call home.” “A very heartfelt thank you for recognizing Mr. Strickland’s legacy of embracing civic involvement and acknowledging citizenship as any effort to keep our community safe, connected and relevant,” she added. Titsworth presented the 2021 Employee of the Year award to code compliance administrator Kim Charron for her jack-of-all-trades work for the city, according to Titsworth. “She pretty much does whatever anybody needs,” Titsworth said. “She’s the first one up to bat to say, ‘I’ve got this. It’s handled.’” “She is the best asset we have,” James “JT” Thomas, the city’s code compliance supervisor, said of Charron. Charron told The Islander Dec. 15 that she was hired by the city in December 2019 and was introduced to the job by enforcing orders relating to the coronavirus pandemic. She said she has appreciated her time in the city and was shocked by the award. “It’s an amazing group of people. I truly feel really lucky to be here,” Charron said. “I’m honored.” The city also named the Hagan Family Foundation as its Community Partner of the Year. Although no one was present to accept for the HFF, Titsworth sang praise for the foundation, which she said contributed $56,000 to build new dugouts and purchase new exercise equipment at city field. “I thank them again for keeping Holmes Beach as one of their loves,” she said. The Hagan Family Foundation also won last year’s award for its contributions to the city’s parks. Titsworth also recognized several former committee members for their work, including former parks and beautification committee members Susan Anderson, Carol Hatz, Allyson Giles and Donna Ryan, as well as former planning commissioner Barbara Hines, who stepped down in August.

Page 16 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 22, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Page 18 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 22, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

12 days of Fishmas By Kathryn Birren Special to the islander

Lighting the Pine Avenue way the lights and other holiday decorations at the anna maria general Store, 503 Pine ave., earned top marks Dec. 11 in the commercial category of the city’s third annual Bright Holiday Lights contest. the business tied for first with Beach Bums, 427 Pine ave., in last year’s competition. residents carol and Larry craft won the contest’s residential category for the third consecutive year. the anna maria general Store showed off awards received in 2020 and 2021 on facebook. islander courtesy Photos

Annie Silver center brings back bingo, dinners

The Annie Silver Community Center’s new leadership will begin the new year with old traditions. Returning to form after the Sept. 30 retirement of president Linda Yarger, the center will continue hosting bingo games and Friday dinners at the center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. The Silver center became a community gathering place in Bradenton Beach in the 1920s. Dinners will be 5-7 p.m. the last Friday of the month, beginning Jan. 28 and continuing through March.

Bingo will be 6 p.m. Thursdays, starting Jan. 13 and running through March 25. Jim Hassett, acting president of the center, said he expects members to hold officer elections at the next meeting. “It’s been hard to get people but we should be OK. The current charter requires four officers plus three board members,” he said. Hassett is expected to fill the presidency with Donna Kirkpatrick as vice president. Judy Pruitt is expected to be secretary and Dianne Coates will take

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me a fishing boat to fish upon the sea. On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me two electric reels. On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me three greenhorn crew. On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me four giant tuna. On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me five golden tile. On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me six nets of fish. On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me seven crew that’s picking. On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me eight vats of mackerel. On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me nine dolphins jumping. On the 10th day of Christmas my true love gave to me 10 days of fishing. On the 11th day of Christmas my true love gave to me 11 sharks a swimming. On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me a 12-day vacation. the post of treasurer. Board members seeking reelection include Yarger, Peg Miller and Kaye Bell. The next meeting of Annie Silver members will be 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 10, at the center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. — tomas gomez

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

Click! The Islander welcomes news of the milestones in readers’ lives. Send notices — along with contact info — to news@islander.org.

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Dec. 22, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 19 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

AmE NEWS By ryan Paice

School choice enrollment continues for 2022-23

Book fair brings holiday spirit to AME Kay Kay Hardy reads “the night Before christmas” by clement clarke moore Dec. 8 to ame’s first-grade teacher maggie VanWormer’s class during the school’s weeklong book fair. Hardy’s children attended ame in the past. islander Photo: courtesy nicole Plummer

The School District of Manatee County’s open enrollment period began Dec. 1. Parents have until Friday, Dec. 31, to apply to send their children to another K-12 public school in 2022-23 rather than their zoned school. Parents interested in applying for school choice for 2022-23 must enroll via the district’s FOCUS portal and link their account with their child’s to access an application form. School choice applications for the current school year are closed. Due to capacity limitations, winning school choice applications are selected by lottery in January, with results emailed to applicants in February. Students enrolled in school choice next year will not be eligible for bus transportation, with few exceptions. Instead, transportation of students to and from school is the responsibility of parents or guardians. Anna Maria Elementary, Anna Maria Island’s only public school, relies on school choice to fill its classrooms. According to principal Michael Masiello, 44% of the school’s student body chose to enroll at the school over their zoned schools. People can learn more about school choice enrollment or sign up for a FOCUS account online, at manateeschools.net/schoolchoice.

AME Calendar

ame book fair volunteers angela Phillips, left, Jen Serra, nicole Plummer and Kay Kay Hardy don holiday gear Dec. 6 at the fair. islander Photo: courtesy nicole Plummer

ame fifth-graders browse goods Dec. 9 during the last day of the school’s weeklong book fair amid decorations for the holiday season. islander Photo: ryan Paice

• 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. 7, 3:30 p.m., PTO board meeting. • Feb. 19, 8 a.m., Dolphin Dash 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run. • Feb. 21, Presidents Day, no school. • March 7, 3:30 p.m., PTO board meeting. • March 11, record day, no school. • March 14-18, spring break. Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the school at 941-708-5525.

aBoVe: ame fifth-graders dress as reindeer and speak to the audience Dec. 14 during their play, “north Pole musical.” BeLoW: elves snap along to “Santa’s Job is a Snap” Dec. 14 during ame’s fifth-grade holiday stage production.

Christmas takes the stage with 5th-grade play anna maria elementary fifth-graders don costumes to portray Santa claus, elves, reindeer and christmas toys Dec. 14 in their play, “north Pole musical.” each grade level performs a play during the school year at ame. this year, performances are not open to the public and there is no community dinner prior to productions due to the coronavirus pandemic. islander Photos: ryan Paice

Page 20 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 22, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Cops & Courts

Staff reports

Anna Maria resident faces fraud, prescription charges Sarasota police arrested Dr. Michael Dattoli, 64, of Anna Maria, for allegedly obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, criminal use of personal identification information and false and fraudulent insurance claims. Police arrested Dattoli, a Sarasota-based physician, Dec. 16. The investigation dates back more than a year. In August, Sarasota police spoke with investigators with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Pharmaceutical Diversion Unit regarding a prescription fraud case that happened in 2019 and 2020 involving Dattoli. Investigators with SCSO said two pharmacies involved were in the city. Prescriptions for Diazepam, a controlled substance, were filled three times in the city under Dattoli’s wife’s name, according to a Dec. 16 news release from SPD. In September, Sarasota officers obtained copies of multiple prescriptions from several pharmacies that were phoned into the pharmacy in 2020 by the Dattoli Cancer Center. The prescriptions were filled and picked up the

same day in 2020 by Dattoli, who provided his driver’s license as identification, according to SPD. A victim of the alleged fraud, who worked at the cancer center, told SPD that during a check of his Florida prescription drug controlled substance database in September, he noticed several fraudulent prescriptions written in 2020. Three of the prescriptions were written to Dattoli’s wife but the complainant said he never saw her as a patient. In October, SPD officers interviewed Dattoli’s wife, who, according to the department, said she had never been a patient at the center, advised the prescription was not hers and that she had never taken the medications in question. In November, SPD subpoenaed bank records that matched accounts belonging to Dattoli, with the same address as the Dattoli Cancer Center and the same social security number as Dattoli. The records showed the same dates, total purchase price and stores where fraudulent prescriptions were filled, picked up and purchased by Dattoli. Earlier this month, SPD subpoenaed documentation from the Florida Blue insurance company that showed Dattoli was a policyholder with them and his wife was a dependent for the policy. In the paperwork from Florida Blue, the alleged fraudulent prescriptions for Diazepam in June 2020,

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August 2020 and October 2020 for Dattoli’s wife were listed as being submitted. Dattoli faces charges of three counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, three counts of criminal use of personal identification information and three counts of insurance fraud. He was taken to the Sarasota County Jail Dec. 16. The jail webpage was offline Dec. 20 and Dattoli’s status could not be determined. A first appearance in court was set for Jan. 21. The SPD said the case is ongoing and detectives believe there may be additional victims. SPD asked people with information related to the case to contact its narcotics unit at 941-263-6009 or contact Crime Stoppers at 941-366-TIPS or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com. — Lisa neff

Sex offender registers in Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach

A 40-year-old male sex offender registered Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria addresses Dec. 7 and Dec. 15. The man registered a temporary address in the 400 block of Magnolia Avenue in Anna Maria and a residence on a transient boat moored near Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. He was convicted in February 2014 of lewd or lascivious molestation of a minor. The FDLE registry showed other sex offenders in the area as of Dec. 14: • A 60-year-old male offender in the 4200 block of 129th Street West in Cortez. • A 63-year-old male offender in the 100 block of Ninth Street North in Bradenton Beach. Florida law requires sex offenders to register permanent and temporary addresses with the sheriff of the county of their residence, including transient locations, unless otherwise ordered by a court. — tomas gomez

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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.

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Dec. 22, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 21 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Streetlife

Staff reports

Island police reports

Anna Maria Nov. 13, Anna Maria City Pier, 100 N. Bay Blvd., theft. Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report from a Bradenton resident that a fishing reel valued at $60 was stolen and his fishing rod was thrown in a pier garbage can. The MCSO reported there are “multiple cameras” on the pier and management was providing footage for review. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office polices Anna Maria. Bradenton Beach Dec. 10, 100 Block of 12th Street North, burglary. The Bradenton Beach Police Department arrested two people who were occupying a residence without permission while the owners were away. When the owners returned, a man fled the home and returned in a vehicle to pick up a woman. An officer pulled up behind the car and stopped the occupants. The woman admitted to occupying the home for two weeks, where jewelry and clothes were reported taken. May 25, Historic Bridge Street Pier, 200 Bridge St., battery, obstruction. The BBPD arrived to the Historic Bridge Street Pier on reports of a fight at the Bridge Tender Inn. Two men allegedly were involved and they rushed onto a boat. Officers followed on a police boat and questioned them. One man yelled at officers during questioning and was pepper-sprayed. Two of four men were arrested, one for misdemeanor battery and the other for misdemeanor obstruction. BBPD patrols Bradenton Beach. Cortez No new reports. MCSO polices Cortez. Holmes Beach Dec. 9, 5300 block of Gulf Drive, suspended license. A Holmes Beach police officer saw a motorist driving with a paper tag so he conducted a traffic stop. The driver did not have U.S. identification. The officer identified the man after obtaining a thumbprint and searching databases and issued a court summons. Dec. 9, Dollar Tree, 3260 E. Bay Drive, Marchman Act. An officer responded to reports of a public disturbance and found a man who said he had taken methamphetamine. The officer detained the man under the Marchman Act and transported him to Centerstone Behavioral Hospital in Bradenton for treatment. Dec. 11, White Sands Beach Resort, 6504 Gulf Drive, stolen bicycle. An officer responded to reports of a stolen bicycle and found a man who said his unsecured bike had gone missing overnight. The officer recovered surveillance video showing a man taking the bike at around 4 a.m. Dec. 11, 700 block of Manatee Avenue, suspended license. An officer saw a motorist driving at night without lights. The officer conducted a traffic stop and spoke with the driver, who said his license was suspended. The license plate was registered to a different vehicle, so the officer confiscated the tag. The officer

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State bumps up charges in child porn case By ryan Paice islander reporter

Prosecutors didn’t just throw the book at former Island Grill employee Owen Hagan. They added weight on their second toss. Assistant State Attorney Casey Cahall of the 12th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office filed a memorandum Nov. 29 with the Manatee County Clerk of Court enhancing 26 third-degree felony charges for possession of child pornography against Hagan, 27, of Bradenton, into second-degree felonies. Cahall wrote that the charges were supposed to be filed as second-degree felonies but, “due to system input from the clerk,” they were filed instead as thirddegree felonies. The correction adds weight to the stack of charges against Hagan, who Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested in June following an investigation into suspicious activity on his personal computer. The investigation began in February, when DropBox Inc. reported suspicious computer uploads to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s CyberTipline, which then reported the tip to the MCSO. Detectives used an IP address associated with the suspect’s DropBox Inc. user account to subpoena the individual’s internet and email providers for more information, which helped them identify Hagan as the user.

Police contacted Hagan March 17 at his mother’s home, where he was living, and confiscated his phone for forensic analysis. A digital forensics program, Cellebrite Reader, found Hagan had accessed DropBox Inc. at several points matching the reported uploads, searched the internet multiple times for child pornography and visited websites known to contain the material. The program reportedly recovered 11 images and 15 videos from Hagan’s phone that authorities claim include depictions of sexual conduct by a child. MCSO deputies arrested Hagan June 29 and booked him into the Manatee County jail, where he remained under a $650,000 bond as of Dec. 16. Judge Frederick Mercurio of the 12th Judicial Circuit ordered Nov. 29 that if Hagan posted bond, he was to be enrolled in Manatee County’s supervised pretrial release services program with several stipulations. However, senior probation officer Sue Uscanga filed a document Dec. 2 noting Hagan would not be screened for the program due to the charges against him. If convicted, potential sentences for second-degree felonies include up to 15 years of prison or probation and a fine of up to $10,000 for each charge. A case management hearing is set for 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

Bradenton woman arrested for meth in Holmes Beach

Holmes Beach police arrested Bradenton resident Margaret Hagan, 40, Dec. 9 on a third-degree felony for possession of methamphetamine. Hagan also was charged with a first-degree misdemeanor for possessing paraphernalia. An officer saw a motorist park at Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, but the motorist left when

issued citations and a court summons to the driver and then had the vehicle towed. Dec. 12, 100 block of 38th Street, no license. An officer saw a motorist drive through an intersection without stopping at a flashing red light. The officer conducted a traffic stop and spoke with the driver, who did not have U.S. identification or a license. The officer issued citations and a court summons. The driver called a family member to remove the vehicle. HBPD polices Holmes Beach. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

he drove by. So the officer followed the vehicle and ran its tag through law enforcement databases, finding that Hagan, the registered owner, had a suspended license. The officer conducted a traffic stop, issued a citation to Hagan and asked to search the vehicle, which she allowed. The officer found a glass pipe, bags of marijuana and a white powder suspected to be meth. The substance field-tested positive for methamphetamine, at which time the officer arrested Hagan and transported her to the Manatee County jail. She was released the same day after posting $2,000 bond. If convicted, the charge carries a $5,000 fine, up to five years in prison and five years of probation. An arraignment will be at 9 a.m. Friday, Jan. 7, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. — ryan Paice

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Page 22 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 22, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Holmes Beach clashes over seating, civility, code of conduct By ryan Paice islander reporter

The “Code of Core Values for Civility and Ethics” introduced by Soustek includes maintaining integrity, upholding ethics and improving stewardship by prohibiting some attire and denying food at the dais. The code states in its stewardship clause, “While in the commission chambers, clothing with slogans or words, political or otherwise, shall not be worn. No food is allowed in the chambers. The smell, noise or transfer to documents when eating food can be disruptive. Drinks will be allowed by the city commission and staff but, when not in use, the container needs to be capped securely and not placed on the dais.” The code requires acceptance by signature. Soustek said the code would serve as a guideline for commissioners and remind them of their mission as public officials. “I wanted this on here so we start off the new year very clean, with a clear understanding of rules,” Soustek said. “We can move forward and make great progress. But last year I saw us going backwards.” “I don’t want people to start laughing at my commission. I want people to respect our commission,” she added. Morton and Schaefer voiced support for the code, even suggesting it should apply to all city employees T-Shirts $10 @ The Islander, 315 58th St., HB.

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since they also represent the municipality. Christenson called the rules for attire inappropriate and asked that they be removed from the document. She also proposed adding bullet points removed from the original code, which was adopted from a statement in use in Dunedin. Rash, wearing a shirt with the message “GOOD GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS RESIDENTS,” said the stewardship clause and its rules of attire violate the First Amendment by depriving freedom of speech and expression. He said his shirts are not “destructive or vulgar” and the rule was aimed at “silencing certain commissioners.” City attorney Patricia Petruff, also seated at the dais, said she was unprepared to determine the legality of dress codes but believed it would be fine to implement for city officials. Soustek called Rash’s shirts inappropriate, saying it creates a perception that he is the only person on the dais representing the citizens, when all five were elected to serve the city. “Everyone up here is for them,” Soustek said. Christenson said, “Not true.” Rash moved to adopt the city of Dunedin’s code instead of the revised code as presented by Soustek. Christenson seconded the motion, which failed 2-3 with Christenson and Rash as the only “yes” votes. Schaefer then moved to approve Soustek’s code.

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Holmes Beach elected officials were at odds before their Dec. 14 meeting even began. Less than 10 minutes before the meeting was gaveled to order, Mayor Judy Titsworth, Commission Chair Carol Soustek and Commissioner Jayne Christenson were sparring over the new chair’s seating arrangements. Previously, Commission Chair Jim Kihm, no longer on the board, was seated with the mayor and city attorney to his right and other commissioners — Soustek, Kim Rash, Terry Schaefer and Christenson — to his left. Soustek rearranged the seating, putting herself in Kihm’s seat, with Schaefer, Rash, Pat Morton and Christenson in order to her left. However, upon entering the commission chamber, according to Titsworth, Christenson approached the dais and moved her placard from its assigned position and placed it next to Rash’s seat. Christenson told Titsworth, “I’m not a child,” followed by a retort from Titsworth, “Then act like it.” Christenson demanded Soustek share her reasoning behind the new seating arrangement. Soustek responded, “Because you and Mr. Rash get into some stuff ... and, if it takes splitting two people apart to stop rumors, that’s what I’m going to do.” The spat ended with Titsworth’s comment, “This is going to be a long year.” Soustek told The Islander Dec. 16 that she “hates” putting her foot down, but hopes she sent a message. “I can try to work with people but, I’ll be honest with you, I really don’t have tolerance for stupidity,” Soustek said. “I’m hoping that the message was sent that we don’t need to go there anymore.” Christenson did not respond to a Dec. 17 call and message left by The Islander. But seating wasn’t the only sparring topic at the meeting, as Christenson and Rash found issue with Soustek’s new rules of conduct.

HB commissioners meet Dec. 14 for the first official gathering since naming carol Soustek chair. Soustek’s seating order sparked a disagreement prior to the gavel call to come to order. islander Photo: ryan Paice

Dec. 22, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 23 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

a chart for Sarasota shows the change in average temperature from 1969-70 to 2020-21 during the 12 days of christmas — Dec. 25-Jan. 5. islander images/courtesy climate central

By Lisa Neff

Warming up to 12 days of Christmas

Christmas in the Neff household usually meant we decked ourselves in new sweaters. One could guess my interests by the Christmas sweater I received from the parents — K2 and Obermeyer ski sweaters for the junior high student who loved the slopes, an import from Ireland for the high schooler obsessed with U2, a fair-trade knit for the college activist, neff an import from Scandinavia for the grown-up discovering some roots. I expect to find another sweater under the tree this Christmas but perhaps my parents should create a new tradition of gifting me a Christmas T-shirt. Our local forecast for Dec. 25 calls for clear skies, sunshine and warm temperatures, which will delight the nieces and nephews wanting to build sandsculptures in Florida instead of snowpeople in Wisconsin. We’re certain to make merry over the warm holiday weekend but some trends here and across the United States also cause concern. Climate Central, an organization of scientists and researchers focused on the impacts of climate change, recently released an analysis of temperature data from 246 locations across the country for the 12 days of Christmas — Dec. 25-Jan. 5. They looked at data from 1969-70 to 2020-21 and found: • 97% of the stations saw an increase in average temperature for the 12-day period since 1969. • Warming exceeded 1 degree Fahrenheit for 94% of the locations, 3 degrees for 75% of the locations and 5 degrees for 37% of locations. • Temperatures have climbed from coast to coast. The locations that warmed the most include Reno, Nevada, 9.5 degrees; Burlington, Vermont, 9.1 degrees; Milwaukee, 8.6 degrees; Helena, Montana, 8.5 degrees; and Waterloo, Iowa, 8.4 degrees. • In Florida, 10 stations reported increases in average temperatures during the 12 days of Christmas, including Fort Myers, 2.9 degrees; Jacksonville and

Orlando, 1.5 degrees; Miami and West Palm Beach, 3.3 degrees; Panama City, 4.2 degrees; Pensacola, 2.3 degrees; Sarasota, 3.6 degrees; Tallahassee, 2.4 degrees; and Tampa, 3.8 degrees. With a warmer climate, more winter precipitation likely will fall as rain rather than snow in many parts of the country. The historical probability of a white Christmas — at least 1 inch of snow accumulation on Dec. 25 — is now slimmer for much of the contiguous United States based on a federal analysis of the most recent climate normals. The consequences of our warmer winters? Well, a warming winter season will threaten some holiday traditions. There’s a connection between the shrinking snowpack, wildfires, record-breaking heatwaves, scorched Christmas tree farms in the Pacific Northwest, reduced tree supplies and heat-stunted seedlings. Also, above-freezing days threaten cold-weather

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Page 24 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 22, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Sato wins blows out for soccer title, center sports on break By Kevin P. cassidy islander reporter

the center of anna maria island adult soccer champions Sato real estate. Daniel anderson, Shawn markham, amy ivin, ryan Hogan, Josh Sato, thomas magotic, Will Kretzman, greg ross and Benjamin Sato show off their championship cups after recording a 9-0 blowout victory Dec. 16 in the championship game over the git team. islander Photo: courtesy cofami

Going into the 2021 fall adult soccer league championship game Dec. 16, The Gitt Team, seeded No. 6, was a decided underdog to top seed Sato Real Estate. Also, Gitt was missing two prominent players, including their regular goalie for the first half. This makes a recipe for match disaster. We call it a rout. cassidy That recipe was followed to precision. Sato jumped out to an early lead on a pair of goals from Daniel Anderson and Will Kretzman and never looked back, taking a 5-0 lead into the half. The second half was more of the same on the way to a 9-0 blowout. Kretzman finished with a hat trick, while Anderson finished with two goals and an assist. Shawn Markham and Amy Ivin chipped in two goals each, while Josh Sato and Thomas Magotic each had an assist. Goalie Ben Sato, who wasn’t tested much in pitching a shutout, finished with three saves in the victory. The Gitt Team was led by Daniel Hampton, Tim Hurst and Alex Monzon, who combined in the loss on nine saves. Sports are on hold until after the break for schools, when youth flag football games kick off Jan. 11.

The first semifinal saw Steve Hooper and Tim Sofran eliminate Adin Shank and Jay Disbrow by a 21-16 score, while Tom Farrington and Gary Howcroft took out Steve Doyle 21-9. Trailing 20-14, Hooper and Sofran scored 10 points on their final two throws to earn a sweet 24-20, come-from-behind victory over Farrington and Howcroft, taking the day’s championship. Two teams advanced to the finals after posting 3-0 pool play records during the Dec. 18 games. Bob Palmer walked his way to the winner’s circle with an impressive 22-7 victory over Bob Mason and Rod Bussey. Horseshoe news Play gets underway at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Four teams emerged from pool play during the Dec. 15 horseshoe games at the city of Anna Maria Saturdays at the Anna Maria pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by random team selection. pits and battled for the day’s supremacy. Before the action at the pits on Dec. 15, the island horseshoe players pitched in and presented a $610 donation to frank casaine meals on Wheels Plus of manatee county, carrying on a longstanding tradition of the group. islander Photo: courtesy ami Horseshoe Pitchers

There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome. Key Royale golf news Golf action at the Key Royale Club got started Dec. 13 with the men playing their weekly nine-hole modified-Stableford system match. The team of Dale Hudson, Peter Solleveld, Terry Tarras and Joe Tynan combined on a plus-6 to win the team quota-points title. Tom Solosky earned individual honors with a score of plus-6, a point ahead of Greg Shorten. The women took their turn on the course Dec. 14 for their regular nine-hole individual-low-net match in three flights. Jenny Huibers fired a 3-under-par 29 to grab first place in Flight A, just ahead of second-place finisher Helen Pollock, who finished at 2-under-par 30. Pam Lowry took third with a 1-under-par 31. Laurie Hicks carded a 1-under-par 31 to take first place in Flight B, one stroke ahead of second-place finisher Janet Razze, who was at even-par 32. Margrit Layh was another shot back in third place. Flight C saw Terry Westby and Jackie Gorski finish in a tie for first at 1-over-par 33. Sally York was another stroke back in third. The club members participated in a nine-hole scramble Dec. 16 that saw the team of Ken Butler, Joe Maheu and Terry Schaefer combine on a 3-underpar 29 to earn clubhouse bragging rights for the day. The team of Joe Cassese, John Cassese, Larry Davis and John Purcell took second place at 2-under-par 30, while Cate Foy, Marty Hicks, Jack Lowry and Laura Purcell were another stroke back in third place.

USF to map coastal areas with remote-controlled vessel University of South Florida marine scientists in early December launched their first field mission in Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico to test a new approach to mapping shallow coastal areas. The areas are the most vulnerable to coastal changes and storm events but the hardest to survey, according to USF researchers, who are using new tech and tools to generate high-resolution maps. The tools include the remote operation of a 16-foot, solar-powered surface vessel outfitted with acoustic sensors, laser-based sensors mounted on an airplane and also satellite-derived imagery. The target areas in Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico exhibit an array of conditions with differences in depth, water clarity, boat traffic and habitat types. The resulting maps could be used to improve storm surge modeling and prediction, maritime safety, fisheries management and more. — Lisa neff

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Dec. 22, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 25 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Warm Dec. prompts fish migration from winter haunts By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

Fishing the inshore waters around Anna Maria Island may require a little persistence to accomplish a successful day on the water. Finding concentrations of fish is attainable, although you may find yourself covering a vast amount of water to achieve this goal. Don’t be discouraged. December typically can be a tranStasny sitional month in our area and winter only started Dec. 21. We experienced some early cold fronts in late October and it looked as if winter fishing was shaping up early and nicely. But now, with several weeks of warmer weather, the pattern has changed. Fish that were settling into their winter-time haunts are moving back on the flats to feed. Triggered by warmer waters, these fish are spread out over large areas, which can make it challenging to locate them. When this occurs, we need to cover a wide area to find a bite — and the best method is artificials. Using lures enables anglers to drift and cast across a broad area instead of sitting at anchor in one spot and fishing with live bait. On some flats, you may be able to drift for several hundred yards. This greatly increases your chances of finding the fish. If you find a concentration of fish, then you may want to drop anchor and fish more thoroughly in that smaller area. That’s when this method pays off. It may be a sandy pothole, a creek mouth or a channel where you find a school of fish. And soon a flurry of bites occurs and you’re in the action. There are a variety of lures to use in these situations. I found the best for me is soft plastics on a jig head. Most species we target on the flats will take a soft plastic. Redfish, snook and especially spotted sea trout will react positively to these lures. Another method, especially when targeting trout, is to use a top-water plug. The MirrOlure 84 MR is a favorite of mine. The Rapala Skitterwalk is also a good choice. These lures are slightly larger and capable of being cast long distances. This comes in handy when you’re trying to cover a large area of water. And the

Michael Schaffer shows off his catch/release trout as Frank Buzan casts toward shore using shrimp. Both men are from Longboat Key and were guided by Capt. Warren Girle.

Bob Cusick, a new resident of Parrish, shows off a keeper gag grouper caught Dec. 17 on a live pinfish in Tampa Bay while on a charter fishing trip with Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters. The fish fillets went on the menu and in the skillet at The Waterfront Restaurant in Anna Maria.

sheer excitement you’ll feel when a large trout blasts your lure on the surface is unforgettable. Not only will the fish be hooked but you’ll be hooked, too. And finally, subsurface lures, such as lipped plugs or twitch baits, also can be effective. The Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow is a fine plug to use. This lure catches just about everything. And as far as twitch baits are concerned, the MirrOlure MirrOdine can be deadly when targeting fish on grass flats with depths of 5-6 feet. So, when fishing is challenging in December, don’t hesitate to pull out the artificials and try your luck. Do some drifts over your favorite flats and cover some water to increase your chances of locating the fish. If you’re persistent, you can be rewarded with an excellent day’s fishing, while others are struggling to find a bite. On my Just Reel charters, I’m seeing plenty of spotted seatrout. Finding the right area is key to finding schools of fish but, once found, we’re averaging 20-30 trout in a morning charter. And snook and redfish are on the flats, too. Live shiners free-lined over shallow flats is working best. Lastly, drifting and jigging with shrimp-tipped jigs is yielding pompano for my clients. Capt. David White is enjoying a consistent bite on snook and redfish. With a lack of cold fronts and water temps back in the low 70s, this bite is keeping White’s clients busy. Free-lines live shiners are working nicely to attract both species to the hook. Live shiners are attracting mangrove snapper and fishing structures — reefs and wrecks in Tampa Bay — is yielding the best results for these fish. Switching tactics and drifting over deeper grass flats with shrimp-tipped jigs is proving to be effective for pompano. While targeting the pompano, White is encountering schools of jack crevalle — with jacks averaging 10 pounds. They’re adding some great excitement to the day’s experience. Capt. Jason Stock is finding a mixed bag of a species while working offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, where big American red snapper are being caught in depths of 100 feet or more. Bottom fishing with live pinfish is resulting in numerous hookups for Stock’s clients on these aggressive snappers. Gag grouper also are being caught in the same fashion. Mangrove snapper are being found in slightly shallower waters and are responding to live shiners as bait, according to Stock.

Migratory species are being caught frequently. Kingfish, cobia and amberjack are the predominant bite. Stock is most excited to hook up an amberjack on surface plugs. Skipping these lures across the surface of the water and seeing them get crushed by a large amberjack is a sight anglers will cherish for quite some time. And then the battle ensues. Numerous dragscreaming runs and a fight to the bitter end is what is in store for the angler holding the rod. Capt. Warren Girle is finding success while fishing hard-bottom areas and ledges in the Gulf of Mexico. Using live shrimp as bait on a bottom rig is allowing Girle and his clients to see a variety of species being reeled up — mangrove snapper, Key West grunts, juvenile grouper and some hogfish. While venturing in the Gulf waters, Girle is seeing an occasional tripletail around floating debris — a good bet for the supper table. Moving inshore, Girle is focusing on pompano. Drifting and jigging over deep grass areas is yielding some hookups on these sought-after fish. Lastly, fishing in shallow grass areas is producing some snook and redfish for Girle’s clients. Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says determined anglers are being rewarded with catches of redfish, black drum and a few snook. This bite is occurring for anglers using live shrimp as bait. Using a bottom rig to keep the shrimp under the pier and on the sandy bottom among the pilings is working best. Malfese says he’s seeing a fair number of sheepshead showing up, although the wintertime fish seem to be eluding the hook. Other catches at the island’s northern-most pier include mangrove snapper, jack crevalle and ladyfish. Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

HIGH

Dec 22 3:45p 1.2 — Dec 23 12:45a 2.1 4:10p Dec 24 1:38a 2.0 4:39p Dec 25 2:41a 1.8 5:11p Dec 26 3:58a 1.6 5:44p Dec 27 5:31a 1.4 6:19p Dec 28 7:15a 1.2 6:55p Dec 29 8:56a 1.2 7:33p

HIGH

— 8:05a 1.2 8:44a 1.3 9:26a 1.4 10:11a 1.5 10:57a 1.7 11:43a 1.9 1:02a 2.1 2:10a

LOW

1.1 1.1 1.0 0.8 0.6 — 0.5 0.8

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

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. .

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-0.5 6:14p -0.5 7:26p -0.3 8:49p -0.2 10:17p 0.0 11:44p 0.3 — 0.3 12:27p -0.1 1:08p

Licensed

Moon

3rd

Page 26 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 22, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

isl

biz

By Kane Kaiman

Hot eats, COP trip, new pour

Delivery David beats Goliaths Minnesota native Mike Payne stepped into the Anna Maria Island food delivery vacuum in 2017. Heavy traffic, drawbridges and the occasional parade had been too much for delivery giants DoorDash and Grubhub to overcome. One by one, restaurants opted out of their services, which often delivered cold food to agitated customers. Sensing an opportunity, Payne quit his job at the Mosaic Co. and founded Kaiman Island Eats Delivery Service. His endeavor — which only carries food from one island location to another — made its first delivery July 5, 2018, but it wasn’t until the pandemic that things really took off, Payne said Dec. 15. Restaurants with limited capacity clamored to partner with Island Eats and customers, many of them elderly and weary of dining in public learned to use the service’s website and app. “And then once they found out, ‘Oh, man, this is convenient’ — we don’t have to do any of the twohour waits during peak times; we’re typically faster than sitting in the restaurant — it seemed to stick,” Payne said. Today, Island Eats partners with about 20 restaurants throughout the year, including the Feast, Waterfront, Poppo’s Taqueria and Freckled Fin Irish Pub. Payne also said he’s considering a franchise on Siesta Key. “I’d like to thank all my vendors,” he said. “None of this is possible without people agreeing to those ideas, when I first started, and agreeing to take a guy in that’s not Uber or DoorDash.”

GOT STINK?

island eats founder mike Payne picks up the service’s 22,915th delivery Dec. 15 at the Waterfront restaurant in anna maria. islander courtesy Photo

To place an order, visit islandeats.net or download the service’s mobile phone app. Mr. Chiles goes to Scotland Ed Chiles — owner of the Chiles Group of businesses, comprising the Sandbar and Beach House restaurants on the island, Mar Vista on Longboat Key, an organic farm and an art studio — attended COP26 in Glasgow Nov. 8-9. COPs — Conferences of the Parties — are global climate summits staged by the United Nations. COP26 was significant: It was the first opportunity for countries that had joined the Paris Agreement in 2015 to update plans to reduce carbon emissions and limit global heating to 1.5 degrees Celsius. At the summit, India made last-minute revisions to the “Glasgow climate pact,” changing the requirement that countries phase out coal to a requirement that they “phase down” the fossil fuel. “I think we were all disappointed in the results of the conference — they watered down the coal language — but I learned a lot,” Chiles said. “I’ve never

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been to one of those things before and it was very interesting.” “I saw the scope and intensity of people chasing sustainability. I saw a lot of innovation. I saw a lot of youths demanding action. And I saw that there is big action towards paying for environmental services: carbon credits, nutrient mitigation credits, ecosystem credits. All of that is in the works and I want to be part of developing them,” he said. Chiles, a member of the Manatee County Tourist Development Council, has long dedicated himself to sustainable tourism efforts. His restaurants feature sustainably sourced food and waste produced in their kitchens is composted at his organic farms. From 2005-12, Chiles and his partners and other developers utilized green construction and technology to transform Pine Avenue in Anna Maria into the “greenest little Main Street in America.” Chiles recently founded All Clams On Deck, which implements seagrass and clam restoration projects in Tampa and Sarasota bays and Charlotte Harbor. Morning brew, evenings, too Hurricane Hanks owner Brian Mathae is converting the former Island Coffee Haus at S&S Plaza into Fifty Three Fifty — The PourHouse, a coffee, beer and wine bar that will serve customers all day long. “We want to continue to develop the menu offerings so people can have not just an early morning there, but they can have an afternoon, late afternoon, evening,” Mathae said Dec. 14. “Whether they’re looking for something sweet, coffee and dessert in the evening, or something savory and a glass of wine, that’s what we want to offer,” he said. Depending on the renovation schedule, the eatery, just a couple of doors up from Hanks at 5350 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, could open as soon as Feb. 1. Mathae, who has sampled food all over the world, aims to bring his tastes to the PourHouse, including a blueberry balsamic goat cheese dip, a Malibu flatbread and a cowboy salad bowl. “I hope our menu resonates with our guests; we’re going to put it out there and we’re going to keep going until we are everyone’s favorite,” he said. And as always… …Got biz news? Contact Kane Kaiman at kane@ islander.org or call The Islander office at 941-7787978.

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

Dec. 22, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 27 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Lawsuit, supplies delay Cortez net-zero housing developer By Kane Kaiman Islander Reporter

The finish line for a Cortez developer is a moving target. The end date for the first phase of construction at Hunters Point development in Cortez — which includes 86 net-zero energy homes on an approximately 19-acre parcel fronting Cortez Road near the Intracoastal Waterway — has been set back about a year, according to developer Marshall Gobuty. Gobuty, founder of Pearl Homes Developments, told The Islander Dec. 10 his goal is to complete phase one by early 2023. The original timeline for completing the first leg of the project was March 2022, but housing industry supply-and-demand headaches and a lawsuit have impeded progress. Recent demands for labor have created worker shortages and shifted scheduling and jobsite leverage from developers to subcontractors, Gobuty said. Meanwhile, demand for building materials, such as sewer pipes and windows, has skyrocketed, leading to scarcity, long lead times and higher prices. Gobuty said the disjointed fashion in which materials arrive impacts subcontractor availability and is pushing him to change plans on the fly. Workers are simultaneously installing infrastructure and preparing home sites, with the footer for the first house poured Dec. 8. Construction on a row of homes near the western edge of the site is on hold pending the outcome of a lawsuit. In June, Hunters Point developers secured an environmental resource permit from the Southwest Florida Water Management District to build docks on a canal at the site. However, on July 30, MHC Cortez Village LLC, the corporate entity for the Cortez Village Marina, which uses the same canal as Hunter’s Point to access Sarasota Bay, filed a petition in administrative court

ANNA MARIA ISLAND �� Mangrove Avenue � Beds �/� Baths �� Sq� Ft� Hannah Hillyard & George Myers �� A��

Pearl Homes founder Marshall Gobuty poses Dec. 9 at the 18.73-acre Hunters Point development site in Cortez. Islander Photo: Kane Kaiman

home increase at closing. Buyers have laid down earnest money for 76 of the 86 homes scheduled for construction, while the remaining 10 are being withheld from the market, Gobuty said. Thanks to solar panels, a battery-storage system and other eco-friendly technology, the single-family, threestory homes will produce more electricity than they use and comprise the world’s first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design net-zero community. The U.S. Green Building Council issues LEED zero carbon certifications to buildings that operate with net-zero carbon emissions — either avoided or offset — over 12 months. “Our whole mission is about sustainability and changing. And as much as you hear on TV, you know, ‘we’re going to be net zero by this date’ — this community, these homes, when the owners move in, they will generate more power than they’ll consume,” Gobuty said. Though the homes will be capable of generating power independently, they will be linked to Florida’s power grid and homeowners will be required to purchase electricity from Florida Power & Light until the utility company changes its policies to allow them to use the energy on their own batteries directly. Credits FP&L issues for the energy produced by the houses’ solar panels and fees the utility pays to use the houses’ batteries for energy storage will offset homeowners’ initial electricity costs. Gobuty’s goal is to complete the three phases of the project — which could include a hotel, condominiums or an apartment complex to the south of the homes — by 2024.

requesting the permit be revoked. MHC Cortez Village contends the docks would hinder navigation on the canal, while Hunters Point representatives maintain the docks, which would extend into the canal about 4 feet, are designed to be minimally intrusive and meet all necessary legal specifications. According to a Pearl Homes e-letter sent to home buyers Dec. 6, the final hearing on the petition will likely be March 2022, but could be delayed until SepBusiness news tember 2022 or beyond. The letter, which describes how supply-and-dePlanning new services? New in business? Celebratmand issues and the lawsuit are causing construction ing achievements? Staff deserves kudos? delays and exposing Pearl Homes to higher building Submit to news@islander.org. Please, remember to costs, informs buyers they could see the price of their include a contact number and name.

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Page 28 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Dec. 22, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

ITEMS FOR SALE Continued

HELP WANTED Continued

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 office cHairS: Perfect for eclectic dining set. circa 1950 from anna maria city Hall. inquire at the islander newspaper, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

neW, tWin mattreSS, $100, cruiser bike, helmet, seven gears, $50, Paperbacks, 50 cents, hardcovers, $1, 941-920-2494.

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

aDminiStratiVe aSSiStant: cHriSt church of Longboat Key seeks a part-time administrative assistant to be its primary office presence with communication, secretarial, and clerical duties. interpersonal skills, ease with computers and word processing programs required. reliability, ﬂexibility and integrity are highly valued. compensation $25 to $30 per hour. Qualifications to info@ christchurchoﬂbk.org.

inDiViDuaLS maY PLace one free ad with up to three items, each priced $100 or less, 15 words or less. free, one week, must be submitted online. email classifieds@islander. org. (limited time offer)

cHanDeLier, BroWn metaL, bulbs included, $20. 941-920-2494. antiQue BaBY carriage: Wood and wicker. Proceeds benefit moonracer animal rescue. email for photos: moonraceranimalrescue@gmail.com.

ANNOUNCEMENTS WanteD: WorKout DVDs and retired but working XBox, Wii units with games for ministry of Presence for kids and teens in Haiti. Deliver to the islander, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach.

antiQue Partner DeSK: all wood, $500. inquire at the islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

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free gun LocK courtesy of Project childsafe, florida fish and Wildlife conservation commission and Holmes Beach Police Department. Pick up at the islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. Don’t be sorry, be safe. PETS HeLP reScueD PetS! Volunteer, foster, computer help needed! moonracer animal rescue. email: moonraceranimalrescue@ gmail.com. HELP WANTED

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AdoptA-Pet Bobby needs YOU!

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. 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.

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

rePorter WanteD: full- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience required. apply via email with letter of interest to news@islander.org. KIDS FOR HIRE DePenDaBLe, reSPonSiBLe, fun babysitter for hire. 13 years old, island local. available in June. 941-526-9090. KiDS for Hire ads are free for up to three weeks for island youths under 16 looking for work. ads must be placed in person at the islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. 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. SERVICES neeD a riDe to airports? tampa $65, St. Pete, $55, Sarasota, $30. gary, 863-4095875. gvoness80@gmail.com. iS Your Home or office in need of some cleaning? Well, i’m your girl! Local, reliable, professional! Please, give me a call or text, 941-773 -0461. cLeaning: Vacation, conStruction, residential, commercial and windows. Licensed and insured. 941-744-7983. PreSSure WaSHing, PaVer sealing, driveway, roof, fence, pool area. also, window cleaning. Licensed and insured. 941-5653931. iSLanD PHoto SHootS WitH gemma. family, children, engagement, commercial. instagram: @silvernestphoto. 805-5701415.

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