The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, Jan. 05, 2022 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

Volume 30, No. 11

The Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992

Astheworldterns. 6 AM-Mote pier design hits snag. 3

Q&A 010522.

Meetings. 4 Opinions. 6

10-20 years ago

Looking back. 7

Center projects budget $uccess. 8 BB plans pier projects in 2022. 8 HB prioritizes road improvements. 9

Save a date. 10

Plunging into 2022

Moose mermaids welcome 2022

Announcements. 10

Get in the game. 12

Where’s Tuna Street.

16-17

GoodDeeds. 18 AME calendar. 19

Streetlife. 20 Addressing pelican harm on Skyway pier. 21 Catastrophic manatee loss. 21

Resolutions for 2022. 23 A year of sports. 24 Cooler weather, switching fishing tactics. 25

Isl Biz: 26 Island businessman authors memoir. 27

Classifieds. 28

NYT puzzle. 31

Flashback ’21

The year in review

July-December

Gathering. 14

Remembering lives lived in 2021. 15

islander.org

Participants in the Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge — some in costumes — rush Jan. 1 into the Gulf of Mexico. Clancy’s Irish Pub & Grill on Cortez Road in Bradenton sponsors the annual Shamrock plunge on New Year’s Day at Cortez Beach in Bradenton Beach. An after-party took place at the bar. See more from the event, page 13. Islander Photo: Tomas Gomez

Happenings

Obituaries. 14

Jan. 5 2022 FREE

By Lisa Neff Islander Editor

Linda Frank and husband Joe of Bradenton, a Bradenton Beach Moose Lodge member, visited the beach at the lodge Dec. 31, where niece Teresa Haugher and her granddaughter Layla Hurtt, 10, visiting from Kentucky, created their greeting for 2022: a mermaid made of sand and shells collected on the beach and at Siesta Key and Nokomis beaches. Islander Photo: Linda Frank

In a flashback to July 2021, islanders shared hopes for a return to normalcy with the accessibility of the coronavirus vaccine. But then came the spikes associated with the Delta variant of the novel coronavirus, followed near the year’s end by the Omicron variant. Throughout the year, a local artist continued to add ribbons — each representing lives lost — to her COVID-19 memorial. Some island nonprofits canceled events while others adapted pandemic protocols or returned to pre-pandemic operations. Tax dollars and business revenues showed a record year for the island, despite some restrictions on travel and public health concerns. While there were plenty of #AMIparadise posts about white sand beaches and clear blue waters, locals in government, working The lawsuit was emailed to the mayor, on the water and living on the coastline commissioners and city clerk, allowing the raised alarms and expressed environmenholiday weekend to mull it over. tal concerns, especially about pollution and Kaleta owns a number of properties water quality. in the city, including Bali Hai Beachfront The Dec. 29 edition of The Islander Resort, Coconuts Beach Resort, the Islands reviewed the first half of 2021. West Resort, 305 73rd St. and 102 48th St. Now, a look at the second half of the Blaming former Holmes Beach Com- year: missioner Jean Peelen for beginning the animosity in 2012, the lawsuit claims that July Kaleta “no longer feels that he can petition Tropical Storm Elsa prompts states the city, outside of this judicial avenue, and of emergency: Ahead of TS Elsa, local and achieve a fair and just result.” Florida officials declared states of emerThe lawsuit, filed with the U.S. District gency and opened sandbagging stations.

Developer drops NYE bombshell on HB By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Developer Shawn Kaleta dropped a $3.125M bombshell on New Year’s Eve. Attorney Michelle Grantham of the Bradenton-based Najmy Thompson law firm filed a lawsuit against Holmes Beach in federal court Dec. 31 on Kaleta behalf of Kaleta, claiming the city has run a “blackball campaign” against him, resulting in more than $3 million in damages and demanding a jury trial for injunctive relief.

Turn to NYE Bombshell, page 2

Turn to flashback, page 4

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Half-done demo

Milestones

The Islander welcomes stories about islanders and island life, as well as photographs and notices of the milestones in readers’ lives — weddings, births, anniversaries, travels, obituaries and other events. Submit your announcements and photographs with captions for publication — along with contact information — to news@islander.org. Also, visit us on Facebook and join the 13,800plus friends who “like” The Islander and share their social news.

A worker sprays water on the debris from a demolition at 9306 Gulf Drive in Anna Maria Dec. 29 as people pass by with a wagon. The property — owned by UC Properties LLC of Columbia, Missouri — was owned by the Hurst family in 1931 and was considered one of the older houses in the city. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy

For the record

NYE Bombshell continued from page 1

Court of Tampa states, “Even with the multitude of property owners and/or developers doing business in the city and offering nightly short-term rentals, plaintiff alone has become the focus of the city’s attention. The attention that plaintiff has garnered from the city has created a hostile environment filled with animosity toward plaintiff.” The lawsuit claims the city cultivated animosity toward Kaleta, “including making a concerted effort to establish an unofficial group, led by city commissioners, which singles-out plaintiff’s properties, watches those properties, and contacts the city’s code enforcement officials to report alleged code enforcement violations.” The lawsuit alleges the city discriminated against Kaleta and set out to destroy his “business reputation and goodwill,” including: • Stalling development plans at Bali Hai and proCorrection: The surfer pictured on page 1 in the Dec. 29 edition of The Islander was Bryce Tone.

hibiting the business from operating a bar/lounge; • Denying his attorneys’ access to a special magistrate hearing and failing to record it; • Failing to respond to public records requests; • “Arbitrarily and capriciously re-interpreting the city’s code to negatively affect” Kaleta, as well as “overly aggressively” filing and prosecuting code enforcement violations against his properties. The lawsuit further states that the city’s actions resulted in Kaleta losing “business and profits,” customers, property value, as well as suffering “personal humiliation” and “mental anguish and suffering.” The lawsuit claims $3,125,000 in damages as a result of the city’s actions. Mayor Judy Titstworth responded by email to The Islander Jan. 3, stating, ““We will continue to vigorously defend our codes and ordinances and we expect all residents and business owners to abide by them. I am sorry that Mr. Kaleta feels his civil rights have been violated.” A court date had yet to be set for the case as of Jan. 2.

Commenting on behalf of Shawn Kaleta to The Islander by email on Jan. 2, Louis Najmy, principal in the Thompson Najmy law firm, said, “Regardless of perceived (non-violent) culpability of an individual, allowing for commissioners to personally attack an individual at a public Najmy hearing or otherwise, retracting prior written approved usage rights, locking out counsel from representing his or her clients in code hearings, failed prosecution based on insufficient evidence (as determined by a city’s own magistrate), targeting investigations solely at one individual based on personal dislike while failing to apply the same inquest on all others, and failing to respond to public records requests from that same individual are not actions any of us want any of our public governments to allow. Public entities cannot be permitted to be run like private homeowners associations in this regard. The hallmark of our democracy depends on ensuring actions and policies like this are eliminated no matter how small or tight-knit a city is.”

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AM-Mote pier plans hit design snag

People traverse the Anna Maria City Pier walkway Dec. 29. Designs for a Mote Marine Laboratory educational outreach center on the south side of the T-end had not been released as of Dec. 28. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy

integrity of the pier is not impacted,” Murphy wrote. “That process is in the works and when that is comHurry up and wait. pleted and evaluated the plans can move forward.” The empty shell on the Anna Maria City Pier’s He added that he didn’t know when that process T-end will remain empty a little longer. would wrap up, but that he should know more by the Mayor Dan Murphy wrote in a Dec. 28 email to week beginning Jan. 3. The Islander that Mote Marine Laboratory’s designs for an educational outreach center in the 1,800-square-foot … and irregular AMCP closures space on the T-end remains a “work in progress.” Anna Maria resident Brent Van Winkle, who lives The timeline for the outreach center has been less than a half-mile from the Anna Maria City Pier, pushed back several times after the proposal was pre- told The Islander Dec. 29 that he believes the public sented to city commissioners last February. amenity should be more accessible. Early in the process of negotiating a lease with His main criticism: the pier’s hours and their conMote, city officials projected a December 2021-Janu- gruence with the City Pier Grill & Bait Shop hours. ary 2022 opening date. The pier is open 7 a.m.-10 p.m. daily, the same However, by the time Mote penned the 10-year hours as the grill so there is always a “responsible lease with the city for the installation and operation of party on the pier to look after the property,” according the proposed outreach center in September 2021, the to Mayor Dan Murphy. opening date was pushed to March-April 2022. Van Winkle says the hours limit early-morning Difficulties in designing the center could lead to fishing. another change in the timeline. “Why are we denied use of the pier as sightseers, “One outstanding issue is the size and weight of fishermen and locals?” Van Winkle said. “They need a the marine live display tanks. Those have to be evalu- plan B to keep the pier supervised and open longer.” ated by structural engineers to ensure the structural He said the pier closed early twice over the Dec. By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

A shuttle visits the old AMCP in 2018.

Q&A 010522

By Lisa Neff

The Islander poll

Last week’s question Do you want to see a water taxi service AMI? 40%. Yes, a commuter service. 25%. Yes, as a tourism attraction. 29%. No, it will add to overcrowding. 6%. Not sure. 0%. Other. This week’s question Did you break your new year’s resolution? A. Yes. B. No. C. I didn’t make one. To take the poll, go online to islander.org.

prompt access questions

23-26 weekend — for Christmas and for a tornado warning that was canceled by 10 a.m., although the pier remained closed. Murphy said the pier closed on Christmas because the city granted the grill an optional closure for the holiday and the pier did not reopen after it was closed due to “recent inclement weather as a matter of public safety.” Van Winkle said there must be a better way to monitor the pier than relying on grill employees. Murphy said if the city is given notification the grill will be closed, it “would make a concerted effort to have another responsible party on the pier.” He did not share plans to keep the pier open during unexpected short-term closures. — Ryan Paice

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flashback continued from page 1

Worker falls, dies in BB: An investigation began in the death of a 49-year-old man who fell from scaffolding at a residential construction site in Bradenton Beach. DOT plays hardball with Bradenton Beach: Bradenton Beach city attorney Ricinda Perry talked via phone with Florida Department of Transportation officials about the city’s requests for infrastructure improvements related to the proposed high-rise bridge linking the city to the mainland in Cortez. The DOT questioned their appropriateness. Island restaurant employee faces child porn charges: Manatee County sheriff’s deputies arrested a Bradenton resident and Island Grill employee on 26 counts associated with possessing child pornography. Elsa, the hurricane that wasn’t: Islanders were ready with sandbags, generators and libations but Elsa merely waved as it passed the coastline in the Gulf of Mexico. Treehouse owners open door, HB agrees to mediate: Holmes Beach officials and the owners of an illegal “Swiss-family Robinson” treehouse on the beach showed an interest in moving the long-running dispute into mediation. AM seats ‘new’ commissioner: Doug Copeland returned to the dais in Anna Maria, taking a seat on the city commission vacated by Joe Muscatello. State OKs LBK wastewater projects: Plans to improve Longboat Key’s wastewater collection got a lift from the state about a year after a rupture in a sewage line that traversed Sarasota Bay. Stilt-house changes hands, expands: Raymond “Junior” Guthrie confirmed that he transferred ownership of his Sarasota Bay stilt-house to the nonprofit Cortez Core Inc. A court has ordered the structure removed. New principal takes reins at AME: Anna Maria Elementary school welcomed a new principal for the 2021-22 school year. Mike Masiello succeeded Jackie Featherston. County OKs funding to counter red tide: Manatee County commissioners approved $500,000 in tourist tax dollars to counter the impact of red tide, including paying boat captains to remove detritus before it reached shores. HB commissioners push for stricter noise regs: HB commissioners agreed to a first reading on an ordinance allowing police to cite people for “plainly audible” noise at night from a distance of 100 feet.

Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie arrives Nov. 2 to the retired volunteer fire hall to cast his vote. Chappie, on the ballot in the mayoral race, was the first in the city to vote on Election Day. Islander File Photo: Tomas Gomez

Flashback ’21 flow into Tampa Bay. AM commission asked to back clam project: Anna Maria resident and businessman Ed Chiles pitched All Clams on Deck to the city of Anna Maria, asking the commission to invest $50,000 in a clean water project. COVID spikes, govs ramp up: Some local governments ramped up COVID-19 countermeasures as the number of confirmed cases increased to make the largest wave yet in the state. Anna Maria commissioners greenlight Bayfest: The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce received unanimous approval for its signature event, Bayfest, which had not been held on Pine Avenue for two years. Improvements detailed for Kingfish Boat Ramp: Manatee County presented plans to redevelop the Kingfish Boat Ramp in Holmes Beach, including restrooms, paved parking, new launch lanes, docks and seawalls. Judge dismisses HB from treehouse suit: A circuit court judge issued an order dismissing the city of Holmes Beach from one of three lawsuits related to an illegally built treehouse on the beach. HBPD shifts posts, promotes: Three Holmes Beach police officers switched roles as one — Brian Hall — took the spot of second-in-command to the chief. Boaters tossed into bay rescued: Emergency responders rescued boaters tossed into the water after their vessel capsized near Anna Maria’s Rod and Reel Pier. Cortez Bridge mediation unproductive: Antimegabridge complainants and the Florida Department of Transportation failed to reach a settlement agreement during a mediation hearing. The impasse meant a federal magistrate likely would hear the case. HB halts new golf cart rentals: Holmes Beach commissioners voted to approve a moratorium on new businesses offering golf cart and LSV rentals to provide time to brainstorm new regulations.

ting into action their plan to promote John Cosby from lieutenant to police chief. AM increases stormwater, property taxes: Anna Maria commissioners voted to raise stormwater fees and to raise property taxes for the fiscal 2021-22 budget. Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach also raised property taxes for the new budget year. Judge’s ruling prompts refined bridge complaint: Attorneys for those challenging the state plan to build a high, fixed-span bridge to replace the Cortez drawbridge were changing their amended complaint to remove a Cortez village nonprofit from the suit. Anna Maria put vacation-rental owners on notice: An amendment to Anna Maria’s vacation rental ordinance allowed for the cancellation of registrations for unpaid citations, fees or fines. Island Players return to stage: The Island Players returned to the stage after canceling productions in March 2020 due to the pandemic. The first play of the 73rd season was “The Savannah Sipping Society.” ‘Yes’ to Mote pier lease: Anna Maria commissioners voted 4-1 to approve the lease for a Mote Marine Laboratory education center on the Anna Maria City Pier T-end. Commissioner Mark Short voted no.

October HB attorney to step down: Holmes Beach city attorney Patricia Petruff announced plans to step down in January 2022, after three decades at city hall. USPS plans to close Cortez Post Office: The U.S. Postal Service placed a notice on the door to the Cortez August Post Office announcing it would close Oct. 24. That FISH joins activists in fight to halt megabridge: did not happen, as a new lease was negotiated for the The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage voted to site. become the fifth complainant in a federal suit chalIsland voters head to polls: On Nov. 2, voters lenging the state plan to build a high, fixed-span bridge on Anna Maria Island went to the polls to cast ballots connecting Cortez and Bradenton Beach. for city commissioners in Holmes Beach and mayor AME school year begins: Anna Maria Elementary in Bradenton Beach, as well as on referendum quesSchool started classes Aug. 10, with the first bell at tions. 8:25 a.m. The year began with 195 enrolled students Islander marks anniversary: The Islander’s Oct. and a new principal. 27 issue marked a new year. It was Vol. 30, No. 1, Rainfall monitored at Piney Point: The defunct for the newspaper that first published in November Piney Point phosphate fertilizer plant received nearly September 1992. 3 inches of rain Aug. 3 and more rain Aug. 4, raising BB names ‘acting’ chief of police: Bradenton It’s a wrap on a season: Anna Maria Island Turtle concerns again that nutrient-rich wastewater would Beach commissioners authorized an agreement put- Watch and Shorebird Monitoring ended its season on the beach. AMITW marked 422 sea turtle nests and reported that approximately 15,725 hatchlings emerged from 226 nests. BB receives $92K for shoreline resiliency: BraCompiled by Lisa Neff, calendar@islander.org denton Beach received a $92,000 grant from the Florida Anna Maria City Jan. 11, 5 p.m., commission. Department of Environmental Protection for shoreline Jan. 13, 2 p.m., commission. Jan. 12, 5 p.m., planning. resiliency along Bay Drive South, from Bridge Street Jan. 27, 6 p.m., commission. Jan. 19, 10 a.m., code. to Fifth Street South. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, AM reshapes Pine Avenue: Anna Maria commis708-6130, cityofannamaria.com. 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org. sioners reached a consensus on an outline for changes to Pine Avenue, including adding bike paths, crossBradenton Beach Manatee County walks and street lights. Jan. 5, 9:30 a.m., CRA. Jan. 6, 9 a.m., commission (land use). please, see flashback, Next page Jan. 5, 2 p.m., ScenicWAVES. Jan. 11, 8:30 a.m., commission. Jan. 6, 6 p.m., commission. County administration building, 1112 Manatee Find The Islander Jan. 19, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee. dating to NovemBradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., org. ber 1992 online at 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com. the UofF Digital Also of interest Newspaper ColHolmes Beach Jan. 17, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, most govlection at ufdc.ufl. Jan. 5, 10 a.m., parks and beautification. ernment offices will be closed. edu.

Meetings

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flashback continued from page 4

November Voters make choices in HB: Holmes Beach voters decided to gave Commissioners Carol Soustek and Terry Shaefer two more years of service and returned former Commissioner Pat Morton to the dais in the Nov. 2 vote. BB voters reelect Chappie: Bradenton Beach voters reelected John Chappie as mayor. The longtime officeholder defeated challenger David Galuszka with 69.45% of the vote. Voters also decided to keep term limits for Bradenton Beach officials. AM commissioners retain seats: Two Anna Maria commissioners — Carol Carter and Jonathan Crane — faced no opposition on Election Day. A third seat was left vacant, with no candidate in the running. Stamp to salute shark lady: The U.S. Postal Service announced that a Forever stamp in 2022 would honor Eugenie “the Shark Lady” Clark, a pioneering scientist and founding director of Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota. Fall Fest falls short: The AME PTO announced the Fall Festival raised just $956 after expenses. The event was about $8,000 over budget. New AM commissioner selected: Anna Maria commissioners appointed Robert Kingan to succeed Doug Copeland on the commission. Copeland had been appointed earlier in 2021 to take the seat of Joe Muscatello. AM OKs $125K for Pine Ave. engineering: Anna Maria commissioners voted to approve up to $125,000 for design and engineer improvements to advance the “Reimagining Pine Avenue” project. December USPS confirms done deal on post office: The U.S. Postal Service confirmed the village post office in a strip mall on Cortez Road would remain open until July 31, 2026. “The U.S. Postal Service is pleased to announce it has signed a new five-year lease on the Cortez Post Office,” read a statement provided to The Islander Dec. 9 by USPS central Florida spokesman David Walton. Bay dolphins birth a record in 2021: The Chicago Zoological Society’s Sarasota Dolphin Research Program documented 22 dolphin births in 2021 to the long-term bottlenose dolphin community in Sarasota Bay. The number broke the record of 21 set in 2017. Labor Dept. cites companies after fatal fall: A federal investigation into the death of a worker and the injury of another at a construction site in Bradenton Beach resulted in citations and proposed fines. HB water committee sworn: Holmes Beach launched its new advisory board to improve and protect one of Anna Maria Island’s most valuable resources: its waters. 1st mullet run of season begins: Wind and rain brought in by a cold front broke up a lingering stretch of warm, stable weather Dec. 21, prompting schools of mullet in estuarial waters to migrate toward the Gulf of Mexico and fishers to chase them.

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

DOT completes work on Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach They’re packed up and moved out. Final walkthroughs by the Florida Department of Transportation on a project slowing traffic along State Road 789/Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach were completed Christmas week, DOT spokesman Adam Rose told The Islander Dec. 29 In September 2021, the DOT began a project to add permeable pavers to the east sidewalk of SR789/ Gulf Drive from Ninth Street North to the Avenue C intersection to improve drainage and provide natural water absorption. The project ran into several roadblocks. On Oct. 21, construction crews struck a waterline, briefly shutting off utilities to nearby homes, including the residence of Bradenton Beach Commissioner

Flashback ’21 Molly Bender of Maryland wades through calf-deep water early July 7 to cross North Bay Boulevard at Poinsettia Road in Anna Maria after a tropical storm. Islander File Photo: Amy V.T. Moriarty

Ralph Cole. After the installation of pavers in late October, it was determined changes to the sidewalks put them out of compliance with the U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act, which resulted in sections of the finished sidewalk having to be replaced. The work also involved milling and resurfacing from the edge of the travel lane to the pavers. Two walkthroughs with officials from Bradenton Beach and Manatee County were required prior to acceptance of the project. The project cost $135,271. The contractor was AF USA Construction Corporation. — Tomas Gomez

Flashback ’21 BBPD Chief John Cosby is joined by wife Jennifer, right, and daughter Miranda, left, Oct. 9 at city hall. Islander File Photo: Tomas Gomez

Flashback ’21

Ellen Willis of Wesley Chapel is happy to see the Anna Maria Island Privateers Independence Day parade return July 3 after a hiatus for COVID-19. She shared the enthusiasm of her kids, Maggie, 8, Willis, 5, and Lochlan Mazzaro, 5. Islander File Photo

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Opinion

Our

Looking forward to 2022

I don’t know about you, but I say 2022 has got to be better. After all, 22? Who didn’t love being 22? The number makes me think of ballet and a tutu. I loved ballet classes as a child — and especially the costumes. Also, one year about 18 or so years ago, I was on a shopping trip to Hyde Park in Tampa and with two young granddaughters, I made sure to peruse the children’s department at Jacobsen’s, an upscale department store that had shoes “to die for” in just my size. It was fall and Halloween costumes — princess dresses — were prominent. I went for two pink fluffy tulle, satin, faux fur and sparkle dresses, which were a big hit with the girls. Josey spied hers in the closet and ooooohed, “Oh, Abuelita, my pink dress!” — as if she’d been waiting for it all of her many four years. And Jesse, a little younger, wore the “tutu” from her ballet costume every day for about six months. I felt as if I’d made a good choice for once. Yes, tutus were a big hit with my girls. Looking forward, I also prefer to have an even year. Even numbers. I can’t say why. I don’t know. With 2022, we have a few things to look forward to as the year promises improvements. We need improved numbers of COVID-19. I’m hoping the next variant will be milder still and the year will bring fewer and less severe infections, relaxed safeguards and stronger protection from vaccines and other medicines. We’re looking at our website and Facebook presence to reach new islanders and wanna-be islanders. We plan to maintain our grip on the news for all three cities — in spite of a lack of cooperation among some sources. It’s not for lack of trying. We pursue the news for our readers and, for us, the roadblocks — which may be for a variety of reasons — don’t serve the officials or their well-read constituents. We believe in your right to know. We’ll be looking for greater transparency in the coming year, whether it’s on the Mote lease on the AMCP, the phone records of two noncompliant Holmes Beach commissioners or the week-to-week ongoing stalemate in Bradenton Beach. Looking forward, we’ll be closely watching the environmental challenges of climate warming, sea level rise and transportation issues, especially the fight to quash the DOT’s plans for a megabridge to replace the Cortez Bridge. Stay tuned. — Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

Jan. 5, 2022 • Vol. 30, No. 11 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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Your

Opinion

On deck for 2022

We’re asking that you please visit the All Clams On Deck website at allclamsondeck.org and see what we’re trying to accomplish. This initiative will support ecosystem sustainability and resilience. Restoring seagrass meadows and native clam populations will result in improved water quality, reduced algal blooms and healthier habitats that support commercial and recreational fisheries along Florida’s Gulf coast. This initiative will concentrate on restoration initiatives that, over the period of 3-5 years of this pilot effort will provide the research and proof of concept needed to support the use of bivalves for reducing internal nutrient loading strategies. This innovative approach will fund critical science that can be applied to large-scale water quality improvements and inform ongoing efforts to restore and protect estuarine ecosystems. As Nov. 30 marked the end of Manatee Awareness Month, we think it is sobering to note that more than a 1,000 manatees have perished this year — more than twice the number that typically die annually. A big contributor to this year’s mortality event is starvation from lack of sufficient seagrass, which has been declining because of degraded water quality in our estuaries. We also welcome letters and stories from you, which we can include on our website to showcase your experience regarding the health and viability of these waterways for environmental, economic and recreational purposes. The time to act is now. Our coastal waters need our support and our future generations deserve nothing less. Ed Chiles, Barbara Baker, All Clams On Deck

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Have your say

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Correction

The Dec. 22, 2021, issue inaccurately described the legal situation between Hunters Point developers and MHC Cortez Village LLC, the corporate entity for the Cortez Village Marina, as a “lawsuit.” It is a petition. CVM representatives petitioned the court to reverse a Southwest Florida Water Management District decision that provided the developers with permits to build additional docks on a canal at the site.

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The Grass Roots, a rock band that charted hits in the 1960s and 1970s, performs July 2 in the gym at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. The concert was the last in the 2021 series of Bradenton Gulf Island Concerts sponsored by the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Sandbar Restaurant. Islander File Photo: Ryan Paice

Roses are left Sept. 11 outside the West Manatee Fire Rescue station in Holmes Beach at a memorial to firefighters who died in the response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Islander File Photo: Lisa Neff

Flashback ’21

AME third-graders Lillian Palmer and Madison Campany read Oct. 12 to golden retriever Banyon and Jennifer Moor, who attended on behalf of Alliance Therapy Dogs. The visit was a part of the school’s Read to Dogs program. Islander File Photo: Ryan Paice

Manatee County Sheriff’s Deputy Paul Boos rushes into the churned surf in Tampa Bay Aug. 26 to assist in the rescue of boaters who were tossed from their vessel when it capsized near the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria. One person managed to swim ashore. Islander File Photo: MCSO

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Isabelle Stillman, Nadia McGlade, Elisabeth ten Haaf, Estella Long, Addie Guess, Madi Darak and Emma Raulerson rehearse in August for CrossPointe Fellowship’s student drama production, “Star Quest, Search for the Stolen Scriptures.” Islander File Photo

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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 Jan. 5, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Center projects successful budget year By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The Center of Anna Maria Island doesn’t plan on losing momentum. The nonprofit finished its last four fiscal years in the black and plans to finish fiscal 2021-22 the same way, according to the center’s budget for the year that began July 1. The center projects to end its budget year with $92.02 in the coffers by June 30. The figure pales in comparison to the $53,492.08 the nonprofit gained over the course of 2020-21. However, the difference is due in large part to the center’s capital improvements budget for this year. The nonprofit’s capital budget added $20,191.32 to its bottom-line last year. This year, the center plans to spend $176,739.28 on capital improvements. More than half of the improvements will be funded by a $40,000 donation from the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation and a $50,000 contribution from the Robert and Katherine Dobkin Intuitive Foundation. The money, restricted for capital uses, will fund new bathrooms with showers on the facility’s second floor and an outdoor heavy-weight workout center. Other planned improvements include $15,000 to remodel the foyer, $5,000 to install new AC and $5,000 for a “phone system or security cameras.” Without its capital budget, the center would finish this year $176,831.30 in the black. It finished last year $33,300.76 in the black without the capital budget. Digging into the numbers, the center projects significant increases in income and expenses. The nonprofit’s spending plan includes $1,583,684.40 in total income — a $511,842.10 increase over last year. The projected increase is driven by: • An anticipated return to pre-pandemic levels of membership resulting in $115,417.95 of additional membership fees;

• $347,926.14 in sponsorships and ticket sales from returning events not held last year, such as the center’s tour of homes and a murder mystery theater presentation; • $38,105.55 in additional registration fees as youth programming participation trends up. Meanwhile, a projected $368,311.56 increase in expenses is attributed to the nonprofit’s attempts to reboot to pre-coronavirus levels of employment and activity. The center projects to spend $68,141.65 more than it did last year on contractors and referee fees, $134,026.83 more for employees and $144,097.74 to fund returning events. The budget does not detail income or expenses for an Aug. 21 benefit for lifetime island resident Aaron Lowman, who suffered a brain aneurysm, Lester Family Fun Day or the 2022 Bradenton Area Gulf Island Concert Series. The numbers reflect the nonprofit’s stellar year almost halfway through 2021-22. The center was $56,675 in the black through November, a $118,421 improvement over the same point last year, according to financial documents from the nonprofit. Additionally, the center’s annual fundraising campaign raised $150,509 through Dec. 21 in response to a $60,000 matching challenge — and it could raise more before its Jan. 14 deadline. People interested in more information can visit the center’s website, centerami.org.

By Tomas Gomez Islander Reporter

Boaters have something to look forward to in 2022. Work on the floating dock at the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach is expected to begin after the spring break crowd subsides in April, according to city attorney Ricinda Perry. In June 2021, Manatee County commissioners approved a funding request from Bradenton Beach to add finger docks to the pier, providing up to $850,000 in matching funds from the Manatee County tourist development tax. Plans include rebuilding a dock for dinghies to access the shore from boats in the anchorage, establishing a water shuttle, providing an access terminal for people arriving and departing by boat, adding signage to direct boaters and constructing finger docks to accommodate up to 27 vessels, including a potential water taxi. Revised project drawings were approved and submitted to engineering after Dec. 20, including requirements under the U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act. Construction materials for the docks are being fabricated to resemble existing decking. In 2019, a 250-foot floating day dock was constructed for use on a first-come, first-served basis. The dock and its expansions are intended to provide better access to the pier, Bridge Street and area shops and restaurants. The 2022 project is being undertaken by Duncan Seawall Dock and Boatlift with engineering plans by Golden Marine Systems LLC.

Flashback ’21

Dana Cohen, lead vocalist for the band Jack’D Up, looks from the stage to the crowd for reaction during the 20th annual Bayfest, Oct. 16 on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria. Islander File Photo: Amber Sigman

BB keeps an eye on pier expansion

Flashback ’21 Kids ride a super slide Oct. 23 during the Fall Festival, put on by the AME PTO at the Center of Anna Maria Island in Anna Maria. Islander File Photo

Two Waste Pro workers hold a box with five stray kittens found Aug. 30 near a dumpster in Holmes Beach. They kittens went to the Island Animal Clinic in Holmes Beach and were adopted. Islander File Photo: HB/JT Thomas

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Jan. 5, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 9 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Holmes Beach approves priority list for DOT improvements By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The city of Holmes Beach’s 2022 wish list for traffic improvements hasn’t changed much in a year. City commissioners unanimously voted Dec. 14 to approve a prioritized list of traffic improvement projects for the Sarasota-Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization to consider for Florida Department of Transportation funding. The list includes, by priority: • A new Anna Maria Island bridge on Manatee Avenue with a bus lane on the shoulder; • An extension for the right turn lane from Manatee Avenue West onto Gulf Drive North; • Complete street improvements along the Gulf Drive corridor from Anna Maria to Bradenton Beach; • A roundabout at Manatee Avenue and East Bay Drive; • A roundabout at Manatee Avenue and Gulf Drive; • Safety improvements along Gulf Drive from Palm/Marina drives to Holmes Boulevard; • A roundabout at the intersection of Gulf Drive and East Bay Drive; • A right turn lane from Marina Drive to Key Royale Drive. The proposed projects are submitted to the MPO, which can then request the DOT consider for its 5-year work program or long-range transportation plan. The top three projects are holdovers from last year and could remain on the list for a while longer. A new fixed span Anna Maria Island Bridge with a 65-foot clearance on Manatee Avenue has been discussed for years. Work to replace the current drawbridge is not scheduled to begin until fiscal 2029 and could take a few years to complete. The current bridge was built in 1957, has undergone six structural repairs since 1978 and has exceeded

its 50-year life span, according to the DOT. The second item, an extended right turn lane from Manatee Avenue West to northbound Gulf Drive, would help reduce traffic congestion caused by a buildup of vehicles entering the island, according to city engineer Sage Kamiya. “It’s almost just like a taper lane — it’s not very long — so we want to extend that so we can get some more people able to make that right turn and not get caught behind folks taking a left or going to the public beach,” Kamiya told The Islander Dec. 22. The third project involves a project development and environment study for “complete street” improvements. “It would be looking at not only improving vehicle traffic, but walking, biking, and other modes of traffic as well,” Kamiya said. “Bike lanes. Sidewalks. Improving it so that there’s multiple modes available

Parking project continues at Coquina Pools of water remain in a construction area at the Coquina Beach parking lot. The parking project is expected to be completed by Oct. 1, 2022, and will improve flood resiliency by installing impervious concrete, pipes and drains. The $3,447,313.77 project is paid for with Manatee County tourism development funds through the bed tax, a 5% tax on accommodations of six months or less. Islander Photo: Tomas Gomez

Drilling begins at Piney Point

Drilling commenced Dec. 22 for the deep injection well to hold the wastewater from the defunct Piney Point phosphate plant. The application for the well construction was filed with the state April 22, only weeks after about 215 million gallons of nutrient-rich wastewater was discharged into the Tampa Bay estuary to avoid a largescale disaster at the site with approval from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Manatee County plans to move the wastewater to the well system and close the site. Processed water from reservoirs contained by phosphogypsum stacks will be treated and then injected into the well. The well is being drilled to a depth of 3,300 feet below land surface by Fort Myers-based Youngquist Brothers Inc. The drilling is expected to last through late 2022. Conservation groups have sued over operations at the site, the discharge of the polluted water into the bay and the construction of the well. — Lisa Neff

— not just by car.” The project would stretch along Gulf Drive for the length of the city. Three of the remaining projects on the list involve PD&E studies for roundabouts. “If and when they get funded as money allows, then we can talk specifics about, well, is it really a roundabout or is it additional lanes or improving the signal?” Kamiya said. “If there’s a preference that comes in that adjusts that a little bit, then we have options, but if we don’t put them on our list there’s no chance to get funding.” The projects were suggested by the Barrier Islands Traffic Study and included in the DOT’s long-range transportation plan. However, there is no timeline for the projects, so Kamiya said the city wanted to push them forward by placing the items on its priority list.

HBPD’s parking boots take a slow path in 2021 By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Flip-flops are a more common sight in Holmes Beach than boots — especially parking boots. Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer told The Islander Dec. 29 that officers deployed parking boots — wheel-locking devices — less than 10 times in 2021, and only on unregistered golf carts. Discussion about the wheel clamps began in November 2020, when the city increased parking fines and instituted a new citation system that would better track repeat offenders. A handful of boots were added to the Holmes Beach Police Department’s tool box at the start of 2021 to incentivize repeat parking violators who failed to pay three citations or more. Each boot, which can be used as often as needed, costs about $70, and costs the offender $50 to remove — plus the past fines.

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Deploying a boot prevents a vehicle from moving until it’s removed, which requires violators pay off their unpaid parking tickets and the boot fee before it’s unlocked. However, Tokajer said such a measure hasn’t been employed on repeat violators — but the department finds it to be a good tool to keep around as a disincentive. So far, the boots were only deployed against unregistered golf carts in violation of city code, which then required the owners to identify themselves to the HBPD for proper enforcement. “Just the knowledge they could get a boot if they don’t pay their tickets and come back and receive another violation. … It’s definitely a useful tool,” Tokajer said. “We are getting more paid tickets now.” People can learn more about the city’s parking rules by grabbing flyers at the HBPD, 5801 Marina Drive, or online at municode.com.

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Island happenings

Page 10 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 5, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Privateers stuff the ship Members of the Anna Maria Island Privateers and the Humane Society of Manatee County partner Dec. 19 to stuff the pirate ship with pet food and other items. They were stationed at a Petco store on Manatee Avenue in west Bradenton. Privateer Valerie “Dallas” Mabry said they collected “much-needed items for the animals that currently reside at the shelter.” Islander Courtesy Photo

Compiled by Lisa Neff, calendar@islander.org.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ON AMI Sunday, Jan. 9 7:30 p.m. — Island Players’ audition for “A Comedy of Tenors,” 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-5755. ONGOING ON AMI Jan. 8-9, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Blue Ribbon Events hosts Anna Maria Art and Craft Show, city field, 5800 block of Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 231-350-8277. Jan. 6-23, Island Players present “Blithe Spirit,” 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-5755. Throughout January, Donna Slawsky’s “Piecing Together a Beautiful Life” exhibit, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694. Throughout January, Darryl Goldman’s “Simple Memories” exhibit, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: islandgallerywest.com, 941-778-6648.

Across the bay Anna Maria Island Privateers ventured north Dec. 18 to join in the Largo Park Christmas Parade, held in Largo. The island privateers joined the Leviathan, Sea Savior and Peg Leg krewes of Pinellas County. Islander Courtesy Photo

AHEAD ON AMI Jan. 13, Friends of the Island Library lecture, Holmes Beach. Jan. 14, Holmes Beach Artwalk, 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. Information: villageofthearts.com. Second and fourth Saturdays, noon-2 p.m., Chickee Hut Jammers session, presented by the Florida Maritime Museum and Cortez Cultural Center, outdoors, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: floridamaritimemuseum.org, fmminfo@manateeclerk.com. “Battles of the Boneless” exhibit, the Bishop Museum of Sci- Saturday, Jan. 8 ence and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Informa10 a.m. — Origami Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, tion: bishopmuseum.org, 941-746-4131. Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. KIDS & FAMILY 2 p.m. — Crafting recycled wallets and T-shirt bags, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341. ON AMI Tuesday, Jan. 11 Friday, Jan. 7 10 a.m.— Family storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, 10 a.m. — Forty Carrots, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-778ONGOING ON AMI 6341. Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m., Anna Maria Movies in the Park, City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130. Send your social news, weddings,

anniversaries, births, travel photos, fishing, sports and event news and photos to news@islander.org. Share the fun.

ONGOING OFF AMI 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 ON AMI Thursday, Jan. 6 2 p.m. — Sunshine Stitchers, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-

778-6341. Saturday, Jan. 8 10 a.m. — Ask a Master Gardener session, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-778-6341. 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, Paradise Bagels, 3210 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1383. Mondays, 12:30 p.m., Anna Maria Bridge Club, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 205-910-6344, 941-778-0414. Tuesdays, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Farmers Market in the Park, City Pier Park, Pine Avenue and Bay Boulevard, Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130. Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., Mahjong Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-778-6341. Tuesdays, noon, duplicate bridge, Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Fee applies. Information: 703-582-7755. Through March, Friends of the Island Library 40th anniversary celebration, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, and please, see calendar, Page 11

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Island happenings

Jan. 5, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 11 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Anna Maria resumed its Movies in the Park series Dec. 28 and will continue the Tuesday night screenings through March 1. The city is showing family-friendly films in City Pier Park at the corner of Pine Avenue and Bay Boulevard. The films will begin at 6:30 p.m. The schedule includes: • “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” Jan. 11; • “Ugly Dolls,” Jan. 18; Tom Hanks stars as Mister Rogers in “A Beautiful • “Paw Patrol: The Movie,” Jan. 25; Day in the Neighborhood,” to be screened Tuesday, • “Raya and the Last Dragon,” Feb. 1; Jan. 11, at Movies in the Park. Islander Courtesy • “The Kid Who Would Be King,” Feb. 8; Photo • “The Princess Bride,” Feb. 15; • “The Sandlot,” Feb. 22; Players to stage ‘Blithe Spirit’ • “The Greatest Showman,” March 1. For more information, call city hall at 941-708The Island Players will stage “Blithe Spirit” — written by Noël Coward and directed by Jeffrey Steiger 6130. — Jan. 6-23. The comedy’s cast includes Jan Wallace, Mark Kiwanis to shift meetings Shoemaker, Heiko Knipfelberg, Sylvia Marnie, Seva Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island will shift its Anthony, Abbey Deernik and Maggie Carter. meetings from Bradenton Beach to Paradise Bagels in Performances will take place Tuesday-Saturday Holmes Beach. at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. The theater is dark The club will meet Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. at Mondays. Paradise Bagels, 3210 E. Bay Drive, for at least nine Tickets cost $25, with the box office open 9 a.m.-1 months. p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, as well as an hour before The speaker Saturday, Jan. 8, will be Amy Moriperformances. arty, Anna Maria senior administrative assistant, speakMasks are required to attend shows ing on home rule. Moriarty worked as a reporter for For more information about the Island Players, call The Islander. the box office at 941-778-5755. For more information, call Sandy Haas-Martens at 941-778-1383. calendar from page 10

other venues. Information: 941-778-6341.

Jan. 19, Anna Maria Island Garden Club fashion show, Anna AHEAD OFF AMI Maria. February 2022, Friends of the Island Library Book Sale, Anna Feb. 12, Sarasota Bay Watch “Scallopalooza, It’s Clamtastic,” Maria. Sarasota. Feb. 16, Anna Maria Island Historical Society members’ lunplease, see calendar, Page 13 cheon, TBD. 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

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Art-craft show set for city field

The Anna Maria Winter Art and Craft Show will take over city field Jan. 8-9. Hours for the outdoor weekend event will be 10 a.m.-5 p.m. City field is north of Holmes Beach City Hall in the 5800 block of Marina Drive. The organizer, Blue Ribbon Events, will showcase vendors selling paintings, sculptures, jewelry, glasswork, pottery, mixed media and more. The organizer said Blue Ribbon would donate some event proceeds to benefit Roser Memorial Community Church in Anna Maria. For more information, call the organizer at 231350-8277. CUSTOM . HANDCRAFTED . VINTAGE jewelry . beach bags . hats sunglasses . clothing . gifts

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The Friends of the Island Library will launch its lecture and travel series for 2022, beginning with talks in early January. The lectures will be at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, and include speakers discussing a range of topics — from Pirates playing baseball to travelers following a Bourbon trail. The venue — larger than the library meeting room — will allow the group to accommodate more attendees. The lectures — Thursdays at 2 p.m. — will begin with Steve Blass talking about “60 years with the Pittsburgh Pirates.” Blass will speak Jan. 13. Additional topics in the series include talks about bucket-list travels, Bourbon, literacy, guide dogs and manatees. The group supports the Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, with programs and enhancement of the library collection. For more, call the library at 941-778-6341.

UP-CYCLED . REPURPOSED

Anna Maria presents Movies in the Park

Friends lining up lecturers

Page 12 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 5, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Jan. 5, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 13 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Shiver me timbers! The Gulf waters are chilly …

The Gulf of Mexico waters were running about 70 degrees when the participants in the Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge rushed the shoreline. Clancy’s Irish Pub & Grill sponsored the annual plunge, which took place at Cortez Beach in Bradenton Beach. Islander Photos: Tomas Gomez Barry and Ruth Ann Hopkins of Bradenton win best costume at for their Lady Liberty and Uncle Sam costumes. They joined in the Shamrock Shiver to celebrate the new year.

Danny Moore of Clancy’s Irish Pub & Grill counts down the plunge into 2022 on the beach Jan. 1. Since 2009, the Clancy’s plunge has raised more than $300,000 for nonprofits, such as the Blessing Bags Project, Feeding Empty Little Tummies, Healthy Teens Coalition of Manatee County and Nutrition Initiative.

Calendar from page 11

OUTDOORS & SPORTS ONGOING ON AMI AMI Dragon Boat Team—Paddlers from Paradise practices and meetups, various times and locations. Information: 941-462-2626, Paul Devine of Bradenton shows mrbradway@gmail.com. his love for sea turtles in the OFF AMI Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge held Jan. 1 in Bradenton Beach. Saturday, Jan. 8 12:30 p.m. — Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources’ “Tortoise Talk” educational program, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923. 6:30 p.m. — “Seeing Stars” night sky observance, 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.

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Page 14 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 5, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Tidings

Gathering

REGULAR WORSHIP

By Lisa Neff

Handbell class offered

Roser Memorial Community Church is offering a class on playing handbells. Students of any age can join the sessions, which are Thursdays at 4 p.m. in the sanctuary, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. For more information, call the church at 941-7780414.

Seed to feed

LBK church presents concert

Roser to host COVID seminar

Christ Church of Longboat Key will open its winter concert series Sunday, Jan. 9. The church, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, will host soloist Alexa Lowrey in a free performance open to the general public. The concert will be at 2 p.m. For more info, call the church at 941-383-8833.

Obituary

David Albert Mariotti

David Albert Mariotti, 66, of Duette and formerly of Holmes Beach, died Dec. 24, 2021. He was born Feb. 7, 1955, in New Britain, Connecticut. He grew up in Bristol, Connecticut, where he became a well known, much-loved bartender. He later owned a dry cleaning business and moved around in areas with Mariotti warmer climates. Mr. Mariotti discovered Anna Maria Island in December 2001 and made it his home. He was employed nine years as a server at the Rod & Reel Pier. At the same time, he assisted his life partner, Lisa Williams, as The Islander newspaper home delivery carrier before she moved into the office and became office manager. He was part of The Islander family for 20 years. He also relished time at the beach. He was co-founder with Williams and a board member of Moonracer No Kill Animal Rescue and was a loving foster dad to all of the rescued dogs that

Growing in Jesus’ Name

Volunteers pack seeds at Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, supporting the global Hope Seeds missionary project. They are gathering at 9 a.m. Wednesdays in the church fellowship hall. For more information, call the church at 941-778-0414. Islander Courtesy Photo

Roser Church will host a seminar on “managing uncertainty during the coronavirus era.” The program, led by Kathleen Laundy, a semiretired psychologist and family therapist, will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 10, in the chapel, 512 Pine Ave. Anna Maria. A news release said Laundy would address questions associated with living in a pandemic. Reservations are required due to seating limits. For more, go online to roserchurch.com or call the church at 941-778-0414. came through their home. He was always a great supporter and gave all he could to help animals. A celebration of life is being planned for a later date. Memorial donations can be sent to Moonracer No Kill Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 2103, Holmes Beach, FL 34218. Mr. Mariotti is survived by his significant other of 20 years, partner Lisa Williams; his children Joshua, Jake and Carli; mother Virginia, sisters Debbie and husband Bill Paradise and Sandra; nieces and nephews Lisa Hendrick, Jess, Scott and Craig Paradise; aunts Phylllis Krom and Betty Carlson. David also had many cousins. He was a wonderful father figure to Lisa William’s family, including daughter Courtney and husband Brian Strong, sons Brandon Ryan and Nathan Williams, and he enjoyed his relationship with Williams’ sister, Lara Skala. He also was a proud grandfather to Samuel Strong.

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

Watch Our 10:00 AM Service Live:

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. Info: 941-778-1638, amiannunciation.org. Saturdays 4 p.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. Sundays 8 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. 8:30 a.m. — Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414, roserchurch.com. 9 a.m. — CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-0719, crosspointefellowship.church. 9:15 a.m. — Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-779-1912. 9:30 a.m. — Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive. Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1813, gloriadeilutheran.com. 10 a.m. — Roser Church. 10 a.m. — Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian USA, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-9004903, christchurchoflbk.org. 10 a.m. — Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Info: 941-383-6491, longboatislandchapel.org. 10:15 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. 10:30 a.m. — St. Bernard. 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 a.m., Roser Church Hope Seeds packing. 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, 4 p.m., Roser Church handbell class. 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. Save the dates March 2, Ash Wednesday. April 2, Ramadan begins. April 10, Palm Sunday. April 15, Good Friday.

At your service

Obituaries are provided free — a service of your community newspaper. Contact news@islander.org.

You can read it all online at islander.org

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

We Rock online

WINTER CONCERT SERIES CONCERTS ARE FREE • VISITORS & RESIDENTS WELCOME

SUNDAY

•

JANUARY 9, 2022

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2:00 PM

Alexa Lowrey - Soloist Our very own Alexa Lowrey is currently a Junior at NYU Steinhardt pursuing a Bachelor's of Music degree in Vocal Performance Musical Theater. Alexa has been studying voice, performing in musicals, vocal ensembles, and singing as a soloist with orchestras since the 5th grade. Most recently, she performed professionally in four musicals at Cedar Summerstock Theater. Music and the performing arts are her passion – clearly seen through her performances that never cease to charm and delight. Her diverse program will include Broadway, popular and Sacred favorites. 6400 Gulf of Mexico Dr.

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islander.org

SUNDAY WORSHIP • 8:30 AM or 10:00 AM

COMMUNITY CHURCH

IN PERSON in the Sanctuary Nursery • Children’s Church ONLINE � Watch LIVE or LATER

www.RoserChurch.com Text ROSER to 22828 to receive the weekly eBulletin

The CHAPEL is open during office hours for prayer and meditation

Sermon Series by Rev. Dirk Rodgers

Inspired: Life-changing truth in the Story of Daniel

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

Jan. 5, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 15 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Remembrances of lives lived, lost in AMI’s community

The Islander in 2021 helped friends, family and coworkers honor loved ones with remembrances and tributes in obituaries. From notices the newspaper received in 2021, we remember: Mary Jane “Janie” Messina, 85, of Bradenton Beach, died Jan. 2. She lived in the city for 50 years. Anne B. Stapor Francis, 96, died Jan. 6. She lived on AMI from 1947 until 2019. Bailey Robert Williams Sr. died Jan. 7, in Corinth, Mississippi. He lived for many years on AMI. Katy H. Dunn, 98, of Illinois, died Jan. 7. She wintered in Holmes Beach for decades. Bonnie L. Kirby Lalos, 79, died Jan. 14. She lived in Anna Maria, worked at Pete Reynard’s Restaurant and also as a police dispatcher for the Holmes Beach Police Department. Ruth Estelle Williamson, 98, died Jan. 17. She lived on AMI and then in Bradenton. Margaret Jenkins of Anna Maria died in February. She was a member of the garden club, Episcopal Church of the Annunciation and the planning board. Carla Gusovius Atkins, 93, of Anna Maria, died Feb. 3. She loved walking and swimming at the beach, collecting seashells and feeding blue herons. John Frederick Zirzow, 86, of Bradenton and formerly AMI, died Feb. 7. Wallace John “Wally” Cropper, 94, of AMI, died Feb. 8. He enjoyed the beach and the island weather. Lance Gregory Hubschmitt, who entertained at an AMI Chamber of Commerce’s Bayfest celebration, died Feb. 9. C. Melissa Williams, 53, of Perico Island, died Feb. 11. She celebrated life and AMI as a businesswoman, volunteer and arts enthusiast. Thomas D. “Don” Moore, 81, former publisher of another Islander newspaper in the 1970s, who wrote stories along Florida’s west coast as a newspaper reporter and published a book of stories on the Greatest Generation, died Feb. 14. Bob Mitchell, of Anna Maria, died on Valentine’s Day. He was notorious for contacting Northerners amid snowy forecasts, with a boast about AMI life: “Well, it’s not easy…” Shawn Michael Koerber, 33, died Feb. 14. He spent his childhood on AMI and attended AME. Paul L. Keyes, 83, of Longboat Key, died Feb. 15. His love of the water and fishing inspired his purchase and involvement in Keyes Marina. Lisa I. Van Zandt, 64, of New York and formerly Holmes Beach, a friend to many, died Feb. 22. Dale S. de Haan, 86, of AMI, died March 1. He was a specialist on refugees, foreign policy and humanitarian affairs, recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize and worked alongside three Kennedys. Eleanor Adeline Gage Diamond, 91, of Sarasota died March 20. She was a longtime local, having resided on Longboat Key and in Anna Maria. Gary E. Trudelle, 79, of Parrish, died April 2. On AMI, he bartended and managed island restaurants. Frederic G. “Rick” Catlin, 74, of Bradenton, died April 8. He worked as a reporter for The Islander, where he won a number of press awards and helped to present an annual tribute on Veterans Day. Diane Wiseman Linscott, jazz vocalist, artist and wintertime islander, died April 16. Kim Leslie Steenstra of Anna Maria died April 20. She volunteered at AME and coached at the center. Freda Mae Cole died April 27. She had been a longtime resident of Bradenton Beach. Thomas Robert Sprenger, 89, of Holmes Beach, died May 29. Courtney Call, 43, of Holmes Beach, died June 5. She lived and work for years on AMI, including at The Islander, the Anchor Inn and TommyKnockers Saloon. Robin Rhodes, 63, considered by many as the first lady of island theater, died June 19. Her theatrical resume spanned decades and a range of genres. Dr. Jay William Erickson, 86, of Holmes Beach, died June 27. He walked the beaches and sidewalks of AMI daily and did most of his errands by bicycle. Sandy Mattick, formerly of Anna Maria, died July 1. She engaged in island business and local politics for many years.

Robin Rhodes in a dress rehearsal for “Lend Me a Tenor” at the Island Players theater in 2011. Islander File Photo: Big John “Redbeard” Swager smiles from under a Lisa Neff canopy at a Thieves Market, where he served his Texas-style barbecue. Islander File Photo: Lisa Neff

Flashback ’21

the beach lifestyle and decided to make the move. Harry G. Kinnan, 80, of Bradenton, died Nov. 8. He served on the school board, representing an area that included AMI. Graeme Edge, 80, of Bradenton, died Nov. 11. The Moody Blues drummer was a familiar AMI face. George Michael Glaser, 78, formerly of AMI, died Nov. 13. He operated a sightseeing boat. Eugene Robert Malinowski, 85, formerly of Bradenton, died Nov. 24 in Teaneck, New Jersey. Lisa Ann Kautzman Baker, 60, of Holmes Beach, died Nov. 27. She loved her volunteer work at Southeastern Guide Dogs. John “Jack” R. Harrison, 92, of Bradenton, died Dec. 10. He played bridge on AMI and was a member of the SOBs — the Sons of the Beach Club. Gregory James LaPensee, 39, of Bradenton, died Dec. 14. On graduating high school, he immediately went to work in the family business, LaPensee Plumbing Inc. of Holmes Beach. David Albert Mariotti, 66, of Duette, died Dec. 24. He was part of The Islander family, partner of office manager Lisa Williams.

Clarke Darrell Williams, 84, of Bradenton, died July 18 He was in real estate sales and investments, including on AMI. Andrew Joseph “Skip” Coyne III of Sarasota died July 18. He was an environmental activist and devotee of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch. Virginia Ann Horne, 79, died July 18. She was a child of Maine and a resident of Anna Maria. Wade William LaDue of Holmes Beach, died July 20. Dr. Robert LaMastro, 84, of Perico Island, died July 30. Richard E Stomp, 90, formerly of AMI, died Aug. 2. Brett Steven “Bigs” Fortenberry, 59, of Holmes Beach died Aug. 2. He owned his own business, Stem to Stern Boat Care, and was known on the island as a favorite Domino’s Pizza driver for more than 30 Click! The Islander welcomes news of the milestones years. in readers’ lives. Send notices to news@islander.org. William “Gene” Page III, 80, of Bradenton, died Aug. 15. He was a dedicated photojournalist, including with The Islander. Vincent Mercadante, 90, of Anna Maria, died Aug. 21. He loved the island community, working the election polls and helping people start businesses. Carmen C. Manali, 96, of Anna Maria, died Aug. 24. In 1963, she and her husband moved to AMI with their children, later opening Anthony’s Restaurant. Blythe Spirit Theodore H. “Ted” Geeraerts, 72, of Holmes #Z /PFM $PXBSE Beach, died Sept. 6. He was a business owner, member %JSFDUFE CZ +FGGSFZ 4UFJHFS of the Holmes Beach police pension board, and loved $P 1SPEVDFE CZ %VODBO 3FBM &TUBUF a good laugh. +BO Shirley Vam Ostenbridge-Esposito, 71, formerly 4LFQUJDBM $IBSMFT $POEPNJOF JOWJUFT UIF FDDFO of AMI, died Sept. 23. She loved growing up on the USJD .BEBNF "SDBUJD UP IJT IPNF GPS B T¹BODF island and won a “teen queen” contest at the center. 4PPO BGUFS IF JT IBVOUFE CZ UIF TQJSJU PG IJT m STU Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. “Bud” Freeman, XJGF &MWJSB XIP UVSOT IJT MJGF JOUP B TIBNCMFT BT of Longboat Key and formerly of Bradenton Beach, TIF IJMBSJPVTMZ UPSNFOUT IJT TFDPOE XJGF 3VUI died Oct. 3. .BEDBQ $PNFEZ William “Bill” Miller died Oct. 5. He lived in t Cortez for almost 60 years and worked all over AMI 6QSPBSJPVT 1MBZ when he was an air conditioning and refrigeration busi t ness owner. 'VMM PG 8BSNUI *OUFMMJHFODF BOE 8JU “Big” John “Red Beard” Swager, 58, died Oct. /&8 &7&/*/( 4)085*.& 6. He was the consummate icon for the Anna Maria 1. 5VFTEBZ 4BUVSEBZ Island Privateers, fulfilling the mission to serve kids 1. 4VOEBZ .BUJOFFT and community. 5FNQT UBLFO VQPO BENJUUBODF BOE NBTLT SFRVJSFE Vincent Ujcic, 97, of Holmes Beach, died Oct. 15. He swam in the Gulf every day into his 90s. d 5*$,&54 i Nellie Mildred Bergstrom, 97, of Holmes Beach, 5IF #PY 0Gm DF .POEBZ 4BUVSEBZ BOE IPVS CFGPSF QFSGPSNBODFT died Oct. 22. She golfed at the Key Royale Club into her 90s. Charles John “Duke” Horvath, 91, of Bradenton Beach, died Oct. 28. He worked for the Manatee " $PNFEZ PG 5FOPST +BO Q N County Sheriff’s Office and ran Duke’s Island Taxi. %JSFDUPS 1SFTUPO #PZE James Patrick O’Neill, 76, formerly of AMI, died 3VO EBUFT .BSDI .BSDI Oct. 30. He was a sough-after charter fishing guide in 8F SFDPNNFOE BMM BDUPST CF the 1980s. WBDDJOBUFE GPS $PWJE QSJPS UP BVEJUJPOT Peter T. Barreda, 60, died Nov. 6. He was founder of the Cortez Kitchen in the fishing village. UIFJTMBOEQMBZFST PSH t Richard Linn Hosterman Jr., 75, of Holmes (VMG %SJWF BU 1JOF "WFOVF "OOB .BSJB "EEJUJPOBM QBSLJOH $SPTTQPJOUF 'FMMPXTIJQ Beach, died Nov. 8. Vacationing here, he grew to love

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Page 16 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 5, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Page 18 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 5, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Pantry continues with community support By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Local support will keep food on the tables of some islanders heading into the new year. The volunteer-run Roser Food Pantry, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, raised enough money from donations to continue its sponsored food recipient program for another six months, according to Roser financial administrator Matt Meehan. The program allows people to seek food assistance after receiving sponsorship from an island church. Recipients receive $100-$150 Publix gift cards

Art show to help pantry

Roser Food Pantry will collect donations SaturdaySunday, Jan. 8-9, at the Anna Maria Winter Art and Craft Show. The show will be 10 a.m.-5 p.m. in city field, 5800 block of Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Organizers said an undisclosed flat fee would be donated to Roser Memorial Community Church in Anna Maria. Also, people who bring nonperishable food items will receive a chance to win art at the event. For more, call the organizer at 231-350-8277.

Milestones

every month for around three months before sponsors must approve more benefits. The program was boosted by $30,000 in December 2020 from the Mayors Feed the Hungry program, using federal pandemic relief money, but was at risk of cancellation due to dwindling funds. Meehan told The Islander Dec. 29 the lack of resources led the pantry to cut the program’s monthly output in half, from about $8,000 to $4,000, earlier this year. While output won’t return to previous levels, the program will continue. “They’re usually very generous Thanksgiving, December, Christmas time of year, but this year was above and beyond previous years,” he said, referring to donors. “I suppose they saw the articles in the papers.” Meehan said there were many who needed support, such as those with medical conditions preventing them from earning an income, priced out of the cost of living, or caring for others at personal cost. “Just like everywhere, it seems idyllic on the surface a lot of times, but there are people out here. … These people exist everywhere, and they need help.” Meehan said. “That’s why we’re here and it’s something that we’re glad we can do — that we’ve reached some of these people and can help them.” “We’ll be supporting them as long as there is funding,” he added. People can donate by visiting roserchurch.com/ give, calling 941-778-0414 or delivering nonperishable items to the church weekdays 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Compiled by Lisa Neff

Assistance sought and delivered on AMI

• The Island Players seeks volunteers for the theater, including house managers, backstage and prop crews, web experts and actors. Info: 508 965-5665. • Ministry of Presence Inc. seeks medications and monetary donations to aid earthquake victims in Haiti, donations to The Islander, 315 58th St., Holmes Beach, or mail to MoP, P.O. Box 770, Oneco, FL 34264. • Senior Adventurers group seeks events coordinators and a van driver for Friday outings. Information: 941-447-5076 • Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals. Information: 941-345-2441. • Keep Manatee Beautiful seeks volunteers for cleanups and other efforts. Info: 941-795-8272. • The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce and a number of local businesses are collecting donations for the Toys for Tots holiday campaign. Information: 941-778-1541.

Assistance offered

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

Flashback ’21

Anniversary outing Vic and Kathy Caserta of Holmes Beach celebrate 45 years together at the Chart House on Longboat Key, where they received recognition from the staff. Islander Courtesy Photo

GoodDeeds

The Rev. Dirk W. Rodgers baptizes Jake Chandler Gordon, 1, of Germantown, Tennessee, in the chapel at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. His family joined in the ceremony July 28. Jake’s sister, Anna Maria, was baptized at the church, and his parents, Brittney and Anthony, married in the chapel. Islander File Photo

Flashback ’21

Anna Maria parking changes become official

Changes to the city of Anna Maria’s “alternate side of street parking” code will go into effect Monday, Jan. 17. The changes will shift parking along 11 roadways, including Coconut Avenue, Elm Avenue, Fern Street, Fir Avenue, Gladiolus Street, Jacaranda Road, Palm Avenue, Palmetto Avenue, Magnolia Avenue, Newton Lane and Sycamore Avenue. A notice posted to the city’s website, cityofannamaria.com, reads, “These changes affect only certain areas of these streets, and parking is allowed only where signage permits. Always park in the direction of the flow of traffic with all tires off the pavement.” People can learn more about the changes at municode.com/fl/anna_maria, or call city hall at 941-708-6130 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday. — Ryan Paice

Flashback ’21 The crowd at the CrossPointe Fellowship Halloween Trunk or Treat event meanders through the candy lane in the parking lot in late October. Games and other Halloween foolery entertained adults and kids alike. Islander File Photo: Courtesy Sue Stephens

Bradenton Beach resident and U.S. Navy veteran Bill Sanderson plays bagpipes Nov. 11 while leading the Fourth Assault Amphibian Battalion honor guard from Tampa down Pine Avenue during the city of Anna Maria’s Old Soldiers and Sailors Veterans Day Parade Nov. 11. Islander File Photo: Ryan Paice

Jan. 5, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 19 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

AmE NEWS

AME Calendar

By Ryan Paice

Flashback ’21

• 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. • Feb. 21, Presidents Day, no school. • March 7, 3:30 p.m., PTO board meeting. Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the school at 941-708-5525.

Flashback ’21 AME kindergartner Ariyah Carlton, 6, finds her groove Aug. 5 during Back-to-School Night. Islander File Photo: Ryan Paice RIGHT: AME-PTO president Nicole Plummer, front, takes a selfie July 13 with school resource officer Josh Fleischer, left, and, clockwise, teacher representative Kelly Crawford, PTO secretary Kari Kennedy, principal Mike Masiello, and teacher representative Gary Wooten at a planning meeting at AME. Islander File Photo: PTO/Nicole Plummer

WEDNESDAYS ARE BACK! Bus attendant Susan Nye, left, and Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer, right, help Anna Maria Elementary School students off their bus Aug. 10 for the first day of the 2021-22 school year. Islander File Photo: Ryan Paice

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Page 20 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 5, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Streetlife

Staff reports

Island police reports

Anna Maria Dec. 28, 700 block of North Shore Drive, theft. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office received a report that an Amazon delivery package valued at $20 was stolen from a residential porch. A case number was assigned. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office polices Anna Maria. Bradenton Beach Dec. 27, 1325 Gulf Drive N., Tortuga Inn, property damage. A woman drove her vehicle through fencing and hit structural poles. She exhibited signs of impairment, which she attributed to withdrawal from medication. A Bradenton Beach Police officer contacted emergency medical services. Dec. 27, 111 Gulf Drive S., Island Time Bar, criminal mischief. A former employee allegedly spraypainted doors, signs, menus and an elevator control panel, causing $300 in damages. A capias warrant was submitted but no arrest had been reported by press time

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

Arrest made in car burglary for The Islander. Dec. 29, 111 Gulf Drive S., Island Time Bar, trespass warning. A former employee was in the bathroom, yelling and creating a disturbance. BBPD escorted the man from the bar and issued a trespass warning. The Bradenton Beach Police Department patrols Bradenton Beach. Cortez Dec. 24, 12160 Cortez Road W., Bradenton Boat Club marina, theft. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office opened an investigation into the overnight theft of fishing gear — valued at $5,000 — from a boat stored at the marina. The MCSO polices Cortez. Holmes Beach Dec. 22, Regions Bank building, 3900 Sixth Avenue, camping. A Holmes Beach police officer responded to reports of a suspicious person and found a man sleeping on a bench. The officer woke the man, who said he went to the beach before drinking alcohol and falling asleep. The officer issued a court summons for violating the city’s camping ordinance. The man left without issue. Holmes Beach Police Department polices Holmes Beach. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

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By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Holmes Beach police arrested resident Michael Wallen, 33, Dec. 23 for allegedly burglarizing a vehicle. Officers responded to a call from a Bradenton resident who said he saw a man going through his vehicle. He said confronted the man and had him pinned down. Officers found the caller and the man he was holding, later identified as Wallen, and handcuffed the suspect. An officer searched Wallen and found $4 allegedly taken from the vehicle. An officer arrested Wallen and transported him to the Manatee County jail, where he was released Dec. 27 after posting $5,000 bond. Burglary of a conveyance is a third-degree felony but if the person also commits assault or battery in the process of committing the initial crime, they can be charged with a first-degree felony. Wallen faces the first-degree felony charge. If convicted, a first-degree felony charge is punishable by up to 30 years in prison, 30 years of probation and a $10,000 fine. However, the charge is listed as life felony on the Manatee County Clerk of Court’s website, records. manateeclerk.com. A life felony is punishable by life in prison without the possibility of parole, or lifetime probation and a $15,000 fine. An arraignment will be at 9 a.m. Friday, Jan. 14, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

Island watch In an emergency, call 911. To report info, call the MCSO Anna Maria substation, 941-708-8899; Bradenton Beach police, 941-778-6311; Holmes Beach police, 941-708-5804.

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Skyway pier agencies taking steps to address pelican harm By Kane Kaiman Islander Reporter

They’re untangling the problem. Winter is peak pelican-hooking season at the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, other agencies and conservation groups are taking steps to address and mitigate the problem. During the colder months, an influx of migratory seabirds enter the region, more fishers utilize the piers — the world’s longest — and aquatic bird prey becomes scarce. These conditions increase the likelihood pelicans are entangled in fishers’ lines at the park — two piers that previously formed the approaches to the old Skyway bridge on the north and south sides of the mouth of Tampa Bay. The South Skyway Fishing Pier in Palmetto, site of

HB man arrested for DUI By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Holmes Beach police officers arrested resident Cory Tester, 49, Dec. 24 on a second-degree misdemeanor for driving under the influence of alcohol. An officer saw a motorist run a red light at the intersection of Gulf and Marina drives, nearly resulting in a collision with two other vehicles. The officer conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle that he saw run the light and spoke with the driver, who failed to produce a license or registration. The officer called for backup to conduct a DUI investigation. Another officer spoke with Tester, identified as the driver, and observed bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and a smell of alcohol. The officer asked Tester to complete field sobriety tests, but Tester refused. The officer then arrested him for DUI based on existing evidence and transported him to the Holmes Beach Police Department. There, Tester reportedly urinated on himself multiple times, became aggressive and refused to provide breath samples for blood-alcohol testing. An officer transported Tester to the Manatee County jail, where he was released Dec. 28 after posting $500 bond. If convicted, a second-degree misdemeanor is punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. An arraignment will be at 8:55 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 25, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

the majority of bird entanglements, is 1.5 miles long, while the north pier in St. Petersburg is a half-mile long. Rescuers have reported untangling 20-40 birds a day during the winter season on the south pier. A full-time paid rescuer has been stationed on the pier since February and DEP press secretary Alexandra Kuchta told The Islander in an email Dec. 15 that the agency has partnered with Pier Associates, DEP’s concessionaire at the park, to hire a second full-time rescuer in January 2022. The new rescuer will put in a 40-hour week, working Monday-Friday from about 8 a.m.-5 p.m. After Friends of the Pelicans, a bird rescue group led by Jeanette Edwards, who lives near Anna Maria Island, shined a national spotlight on the issue in February by claiming pelicans had been intentionally scalped on the pier, the DEP took steps to curtail bird-fisher interactions and make the pier safer for seabirds. Though a 417-hour, 45-day FWC investigation found no evidence of intentional harm and concluded natural causes, such as pelicans diving into structure, were likely to blame for the “scalpings,” the number of entangled birds rescue groups saved each day prompted the DEP to enact several measures, including: • The addition of a full-time park ranger; • The addition of a full-time paid bird rescuer; • The discontinuation of the sale of Sabiki fishing rigs at the pier concession; • The implementation of a three-rod limit on anglers; • The installation of cameras, lighting and educational signage at the piers. The pelican controversy also prompted the formation of the Hooked Pelican Working Group, a coalition of approximately 20 federal and state agencies and conservation groups, including Friends of the Pelicans, led by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The group met June 18 and Nov. 29-Dec. 1 to discuss regulatory policy, identify bird rescue research areas and ensure volunteer bird rescue training was consistent throughout the southwest region of the state. Pancakes and pelicans During a Q&A portion of Pancakes and Politics — a Dec. 9 legislative preview hosted by the Manatee Chamber of Commerce at IMG Academy Golf Club — Manatee County Commissioner Misty Servia, who the county board tasked with addressing the pelican

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Liz Vreeland, a bird rescuer at the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park, works to untangle a juvenile pelican at the South Skyway Pier Dec. 5. Islander Photo Courtesy Sky Eyes Education

problem at the county level earlier this year, asked the local legislative delegation if they could secure state funding for a full-time rescuer on the South Skyway Fishing Pier. State Rep. William “Will” Robinson Jr. of District 71, R-Bradenton, responded that he was unaware the entanglement problem had not been addressed by the FWC and DEP and said he would work on the problem in Tallahassee. Servia told The Islander Dec. 16 she was prompted to raise the issue by Friends of the Pelicans, a group she corresponds with regularly, and said she has been working on the issue with Pinellas County and state officials and legislators, as well as the DEP and DOT. Servia said she believed the current rescuer works part-time — though the DEP and rescuer have said

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Page 22 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 5, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Flashback ’21

Audubon volunteers complete bird count By Lisa Neff Islander Editor

Volunteers in the Bradenton Circle tallied a record number of species during their Christmas Bird Count, part of the National Audubon counting campaign. Coordinator Kathy Doddridge reported 153 species and 38,047 individual birds counted Dec. 18 in the circle, which includes Perico Island and large parts of west Manatee County. The numbers for 2020 were 158 species and a record 52,836 individual birds. The number of species reported in 2019 was 150 and the number of birds, 31,644. There were 64 participants. Doddridge told The Islander, “With continued good weather in the northern United States, we saw very low numbers of migrating birds, such as ducks, tree swallows, American robins and American goldfinches. Even vulture and fish crow numbers were down and bald eagle numbers were lower by 36%.” Doddridge reported seeing higher numbers of American wigeons, hooded mergansers and reddish egrets. “Shorebirds saw an increase, especially American oystercatchers, yellowlegs, sandpipers and short-billed dowitchers,” Doddridge said, adding that counters also saw more ospreys, red-tailed hawks and Eastern bluebirds than in 2020. The Bradenton Circle count is part of the National Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count, one of the longest-running wildlife surveys, with citizens collecting data used to assess the health of bird populations and guide conservation actions. Nationwide, the CBC was being conducted through Jan. 5, after beginning Dec. 14. The Fort De Soto Christmas Bird Count Circle, including the north part of Anna Maria Island, as well as the coastal waters extending into Tampa Bay and the Gulf, was set for early January. For more information, go to audubon.org.

Sea turtle hatchlings make their imprint in the sand as they scramble Aug. 2 to the Gulf of Mexico after being released by AMITW volunteers near the Moose Lodge in Bradenton Beach. The nest was disturbed by people and these hatchlings remained behind after the clutch of loggerheads crawled out or were carried to the Gulf. Islander File Photo: Samara Paice

the individual works full-time — and was not aware Pier Associates, the DEP’s concessionaire at the park, intended to hire a second full-time rescuer in January. Rescuers work daytime hours, which Servia said may not be sufficient. “Since the pier is open 24/7, I think the problem exists 24/7. I don’t know if the answer is maybe to close for a period in the evening or not. I really don’t know what the right solution is,” Servia said. “I just know that if you had fewer people fishing in the evening, or no people fishing, you wouldn’t have the birds being hooked at that time. But I also realize

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that fishermen like to fish there at night, because it’s a really good spot. So, I think we need to take everyone’s interests into account and just find a solution to helping the birds,” she said. Servia said she did not know how many birds were entangled at night nor has she been to the pier recently, but reiterated that she speaks to Friends of the Pelicans regularly. “We’ve got to do something to reduce the number of incidents. Ideally, I’d like to see a task force or some focus brought to this problem and coming up with solutions that are going to work,” she said. The commissioner said she was not aware of the Hooked Pelican Working Group. “They may have mentioned it to me; I’m just not involved with them. Manatee County is taking forward a resolution next month to support the efforts of Friends of the Pelicans. And we hope that Pinellas County will then follow up and do the same” she said. Servia said she was not aware of the details or results of the investigation into the Friends of the Pelicans’ “scalping” claims, which raised the animus of fisher groups on the pier that felt they’d been smeared by the group and media. “All that Manatee County is supporting is a solution to helping the birds. That’s all. And the Friends of the Pelicans has been a lead agency in trying to do the same,” she said.

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A record number of Florida manatees died in 2021, more than half of the fatalities due to starvation from loss of seagrass, according to Save the Manatees Club. From Jan. 1-Dec. 17, 1,075 manatees died, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The number of deaths is more than double the average annual death rate over five years — 592 — and represents 12% of all manatees estimated to be in Florida waters. The FWC reported 28 manatee deaths in Manatee County in 2021, 19 deaths in Sarasota County, 59 in Pinellas and 40 in Hillsborough. Along with the Center for Biological Diversity, Defenders of Wildlife and Earthjustice, the club filed Dec. 20 a notice of an intent to sue the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for failing to protect manatees from water pollution. The groups maintain a mass die-off in the Indian River Lagoon on the east coast of Florida was caused by pollution-fueled algae blooms that killed thousands of acres of seagrass — a staple of the manatee diet. Federal and state agencies declared the deaths an “unusual mortality event” and responded with a wintertime plan to feed lettuce to manatees. Manatees were first listed as federally endangered in 1967 and downlisted to threatened in 2017.

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Jan. 5, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 23 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Flashback ’21 By Lisa Neff

Enviro-lutions for 2022

Behind my home, where the speed limit is 25 mph, motorists rush past at about 35 mph. Many of them are cutting through on their way to the beach or a boat ramp and trying to avoid traffic congestion on primary roads. What’s with the rush to recreation? Is R&R still a thing? So many of us seem to hurry all the time — hurry to travel, work, read, visit, eat, exercise, sleep. Neff Have you noticed how a 12-word text seems to take too long to read? “Lunch is over,” I say to my wife as I finish my taco in a few bites and head back to my MacBook to work on this column. My first resolution in 2022 is to work at slowing my pace to what old-timers here call “island time.” And I can accomplish this with some environmentally minded approaches, including less time in the car and on my electronics. Also, I’d like to spend time tending a garden and

Sharknadoes?

A crowd remains on the beach into the early evening Sept. 5 near the Sycamore Avenue access in Anna Maria. Holiday crowds lingered past sunset on Sunday and began to reassemble on the beach early on Monday, Labor Day. Islander File Photo: Lisa Neff

growing my own food and less time racing down the grocery aisles, masked against the virus, frowning over scarcity. My next enviro-lution for 2022? To generate less waste by reducing purchases of packaged and processed foods, repairing household items, mending clothes and avoiding single-use plastics. I’d like to spend more time cooking meals than ordering takeout that comes wrapped, then packaged, then bagged allegedly for my convenience. Next on my new year, new me list? Buying local when I make purchases to invest in the community and benefit the environment. There are many pluses to buying local, which reduces “food

Looking up in 2022, astronomical events at a glance dar:

Flashback ’21

Bill Zoller of Bradenton captured two waterspouts spinning over the Gulf of Mexico July 25 just after sunset at “about 8:30 or so at the 74th Street access” in Holmes Beach” he wrote to The Islander. “I’m a Bradenton native, so I’ve seen these over the years.” Islander File Photo

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miles,” congestion, sprawl, pollution and habitat loss while keeping communities unique and creating good jobs. Another goal in 2022 is to get outdoors daily to experience and enjoy nature. I’d like to explore more of the local preserves, especially by kayak at Grassy Point in Holmes Beach. I’d like to see 365 sunrises and sunsets. I’d like to see that green flash. And I’d like to build a knowledge of what I’m seeing in the night sky in what I hope will be a happier, healthier, greener year for all. Here’s to 2022!

Some highlights on the 2022 astronomical calen-

March, trio of planets, when Mars, Saturn and Venus appear close before sunrise the last weeks of March. April 21-23, Lyrids meteor shower, with 20-40 meteors per hour. May 6-7, Eta Aquarids meteor shower, with up to 60 meteors at its peak. May 15-16, total lunar eclipse, when the moon turns red and observers across the United States can see the moon pass through the Earth’s shadow. June 14, supermoon, the Strawberry Moon, the first of three supermoons, when the moon appears bigger and brighter than other full moons. It is named by Native American tribes for the strawberry harvest in North America. June 24, planets align, when Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn can be seen without scopes and align before sunrise.

July 13, supermoon, the Buck Moon — so named because a buck’s antlers are in full growth in June — the second of three 2022 supermoons. July 28-29, Delta Aquarids meteor shower, producing 20 meteors per hour. Aug. 12, supermoon, the Sturgeon Moon, the third of three supermoons — named for a native fish. Aug. 12-13, Perseid meteor shower, with 50-100 shooting stars an hour. Oct. 20-21, Orionids meteor shower, with 20 meteors per hour. Nov. 8, total lunar eclipse, the second of the year but not likely visible on the East Coast. Dec. 8, Mars opposition, when Mars is opposite the sun from the perspective of the Earth and shines bright in the sky. Dec. 13-14, Geminid meteor shower, with 30-40 meteors per hour. Source: NASA SkyCal, accuweather.com, seasky. org, the Farmer’s Almanac.

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A year of sports, champions in review By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter

Another year has passed and I must say, I’m not going to mourn the passing of 2021. Here’s hoping 2022 is better. Locally, the sports scene over the past year dealt with more rainouts and delays to the sports schedules than I can remember in recent years. Climate change anyone? Cassidy I’d like to thank my regular contributors: Tom Nelson for the Key Royale Club, Jay Disbrow from the AMI horseshoe pitchers and my main sources of game play, Connor Haughey, Tyler Brewer and Chris Culhane of the Center of Anna Maria Island. Here’s my month-by-month recap of the highlights in sports for the first half of 2021. January is typically a rather slow month as the winter sports leagues are getting started at the Center of Anna Maria Island. The adult soccer league kicked off Jan. 13, while the adults also began another season of flag football Jan. 14. Jan. 19 saw the start of the youth flag football at the center. One other January highlight came form the AMI horseshoe pitchers, who renewed a friendly rivalry with Bradenton’s Trailer Estates horseshoe group. The locals earned a comfortable 13-11 victory over Trailer Estates. February saw the sports leagues compete at the center and we reported on the Key Royale annual men’s club championship, played over 36 holes Feb. 3 and Feb. 10. It was the first time in six years the club named a new men’s champ. Eric Lawson forged an even-par 128 to end Gary Risner’s reign with an 11-stroke victory. Betsy Meyer and Bill MacMillan were crowned mixed-couple’s champs Feb. 27 at the Key Royale Club. Erick Lawson won his second title at Key Royale Club, outlasting Art McMillan Feb. 17 to win the 2021 men’s handicap match-play championship. In March, the AMI horseshoe pitchers squared off against Trailer Estates for a second challenge. The second matchup March 1 saw our locals cruise to a

Flashback ’21 Tim Sofran threw nine consecutive ringers during Oct. 20 action to tie the record held by Bob Palmer. Islander File Photo: Courtesy AMI Pitchers

17-7 victory. The March 16 issue highlighted the crowning of two champions in the youth flag football league at the center. Moss Builders captured the 8-10 division title March 9, while Root Logix took home the 11-13 division championship. The annual Ron Pepka Memorial Horseshoe tournament on March 13 saw the team of Tom Skoloda and Bob Brown defeat Bob Palmer and Bob Hawks to earn the title. The event honors the late Ron Pepka, who was the horseshoe group’s organizer for many years. Action in March came to an end with champions crowned in adult flag football, adult soccer and golf. Beach Bums outlasted Ugly Grouper 31-27 in the adult flag football championship match March 25 to win title behind three touchdown passes from Matt Briley.

Sato Real Estate defeated Blalock Walters 4-3 for the soccer title in extra time behind two goals each from Amy Ivin and Will Kretzman. April was all about golf with tennis and soccer news sprinkled in near the end of the month. Debi Wohlers won her seventh consecutive Key Royale Club women’s championship March 17. Wohlers edged Jenny Huibers on the last hole to earn the title. In April, we reported on the first Key Royale Club member-member tournament April 2. Five teams went to a three-hole playoff with Dave Richardson and Gary Risner winning the title on the last playoff hole. Pam Lowry was crowned the Key Royale Club nine-hole, match-play champion in a tournament that began March 17 with 16 golfers. Lowry outlasted Laura Purcell in the final match April 14. Bradenton Beach resident Mark Malinowski brought home a win in the Next Generation Tennis Academy Open UTR 7.5-and-under rating, played April 17-18 at Longwood Run. He defeated John Owen Studdiford 6-2, 7-6 (7-5) in a duel that lasted more than three hours. Rui Fernandes and some of the local Manatee Area Youth Soccer Organization Magic players — including Thomas Heckler and David Thompson — put on a free soccer clinic May 5 at the center. About 30 kids ages 7-14 took part. The same month saw Rod Bussey win his fourth consecutive victory in the AMI horseshoe competition at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Brett Lance carded his first career hole-in-one May 12 on the 138-yard eighth hole using a nine iron. June opened with two champs crowned in the youth soccer league. Bridge Tender Inn won the 8-10 division on June 1 with a 2-1 victory over Beach Bums behind two goals from Logan Stevens. Four goals from Jack Mattick led AMI Bath Time to a 6-3 victory over Blalock Walters for the 11-14 division crown. A Memorial Day scramble at the Key Royale Club saw the team of Lori and Marty Hicks, Jackie Gorski and Brian Comer combine on a score of 22.75 for first place. Following the golf action, the Key Royale Club military veterans were honored and recognized for their service to their country. Next week, the rest of 2021.

Flashback ’21 The Tampa Bay Lightning won its second consecutive Stanley Cup July 7. Coach Jon Cooper brought the cup to his home base, AMI, July 10 for a trip to some local venues: Beach Bistro in Holmes Beach, where patrons dined with Stanley; The Drift In in Bradenton Beach, where the bar went wild and Maverick Johnson grabbed a selfie; and D. Coy Ducks Tavern in Holmes Beach, where Alexander Kuizon of Holmes Beach posed for a photo. Islander File Photos

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Jan. 5, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 25 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

New year, cooler weather, switch tactics for fishing success By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

Those lucky enough to fish around Anna Maria Island over the Christmas holiday can attest that the water temps and warm weather more resembled the springtime bite than winter fishing. And winter officially began Dec. 21. Many anglers using live shiners as bait were catching respectable Stasny numbers of snook, redfish and trout. And those using live shrimp as bait enjoyed a variety of inshore species, including pompano, permit, sheepshead and black drum. Experiencing this kind of action during the last week of December is uncommon but definitely welcome by anglers. Now with the arrival of January, the cold fronts are reaching south to chill the weather and the water. This will cool the fishing — or at least alter the methods we employ to catch fish. Live shiners as bait will go by the wayside if we see consistent cold weather, and live shrimp will be the mainstay for the remainder of the winter season. Targeted species may change slightly, too. Species that enjoy shrimp include sheepshead, redfish, black drum and pompano. This could be a welcome change from targeting snook and trout on the flats for most of the year. And, instead of fishing the flats, you may find yourself fishing different territories to find a bite. Fishing residential docks and canals can be productive during the winter. Deeper areas, such as channel edges or structure, such as reefs and wrecks, can be good places to hunt for fish. And, finally, you’ll need to do some homework to figure out the wintertime pattern. Changing tactics and bait and adapting locations are all factors that need to be observed. On my Just Reel charters, I’m finding an early sheepshead bite the most accommodating for clients. Casting live shrimp on a 1/2-ounce knocker rig along sandy shorelines where deeper water is close by works nicely. Most sheepies are weighing 2 pounds although some are reaching 5 pounds. In these areas, I am also finding black drum, redfish and a few pompano, which adds to the bite. Capt. Warren Girle is working nearshore structure in the Gulf of Mexico on days when the winds are light and the seas are calm. In depths of 35-55 feet of water, Girle is finding a variety of species, including

Tony Niewijk of Anna Maria shows off one of numerous redfish caught Dec. 20 during a morning fishing trip with Capt. Warren Girle. Niewijk used shrimp for bait while working the inshore waters of Sarasota Bay.

mangrove snapper, Key West grunts and some hogfish. And these species are taking live shrimp as bait. Using a knocker rig consisting of a 3/4-ounce sinker and a circle hook works best to keep the shrimp on the bottom around the ledges and other structure. On windier days, Girle is working inshore on the flats of Sarasota Bay. He’s finding schooling redfish during the negative tide stages. Casting live shrimp into sandy potholes where redfish lurk is proving successful for Girle’s clients. Also, Girle’s anglers are hooking spotted seatrout and some snook. Capt. David White is taking clients to an inshore bite, hooking into redfish and snook with live shiners as bait, and his game plan is leading to excellent action. Casting shiners along mangrove shorelines is resulting in many hookups on the snook. The redfish are being caught in similar fashion, although White’s success improves on oyster bars and mangrove shorelines. White really knows his stuff and he’s especially adapt at guiding fly fishers to numerous species — jack crevalle, bluefish, permit and redfish. He reports that chumming with live shiners is helpful to get the fish feeding between casts. Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says the pier is flooded with visiting anglers anxious to wet a line and

try their luck. With anglers lined up shoulder to shoulder, just walking along the deck at the T-end can be challenging. And with all those lines in the water, you can bet something is going to take a hook. Pier fishers using live shrimp as bait are having luck on a variety of fish, including mangrove snapper, sheepshead, black drum and some redfish. An occasional snook also is being caught by diligent fishers and, anglers using artificials — jigs or silver spoons — are enjoying action, especially on jack crevalle and ladyfish. See you in the new year! Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

Jan 5 Jan 6 Jan 7 Jan 8 Jan 9 Jan10 Jan11 Jan12

12:13a 1:10a 2:12a 3:24a 4:52a 6:39a 8:33a 10:15a

HIGH

2.4 2.1 1.8 1.5 1.2 1.0 1.0 1.0

3:49p 4:07p 4:30p 4:57p 5:29p 6:05p 6:43p 7:22p

HIGH

1.1 8:14a 1.2 8:55a 1.3 9:33a 1.4 10:10a 1.6 10:46a 1.7 12:21a 1.8 1:35a 1.9 2:38a

LOW

-0.8 6:37p -0.5 8:01p -0.2 9:28p 0.1 10:56p 0.3 — 0.3 11:22a 0.0 11:58a -0.2 12:34p

LOW

1.0 0.9 0.7 0.5 — 0.6 0.8 0.9

Moon

1st

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

Flashback ’21

Tops in Top Notch

Bike Werks is a bike shop on wheels coming to you by appointment to tune up your bikes on the spot. 301.532.2679 | bikewerks.com

Bill Shafer of Anna Maria won the Top Notch photo contest grand prize of $100 from The Islander and gift certificates from advertisers with this image, taken at the Anna Maria City Pier. The judging was by Islander staff. Islander File Photo

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Page 26 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 5, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

isl

biz

By Kane Kaiman

Still coming, punch cards, 4G issues

Wouldn’t miss it for the world They’ll get here when they get here. Inclement weather and a labor shortage caused by a spike in COVID-19 cases led to a slew of flight delays and cancellations across the country over the Christmas weekend that continued the week beginning Dec. 26 — but at least one island rental agency isn’t seeing customers bow out of their Kaiman holiday rental agreements. “We haven’t seen much of an impact due to canceled flights. If anything, it just affects their reservation by a day or two, because they’ll usually get it on the next flight available,” Wagner Realty property manager Stephanie Rainey said Dec. 29. Over the Christmas weekend, Wagner Realty’s island office, 2217 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach, did not experience any full rental cancellations, Rainey said. Island Real Estate owner Larry Chatt said Dec. 29 he was unsure if his agency at 6101 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, experienced any full cancellations but that the week beginning Dec. 27 was strong in terms of bookings volume.

Suncoast Loaded Cannon owner Steve Milligan holds East Bradenton Loyalty Cards Dec. 29 in his distillery, 3115 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Bradenton. Islander Courtesy Photo: Joe Koshes

Get carded Show your loyalty. Suncoast Loaded Cannon, Manatee County’s first distillery and the only multi-spirit distillery in the region, has teamed up with two businesses on an East Bradenton Loyalty Card. When customers spend $10 or more at Loaded Cannon, Big Top Brewers Collective or 3 Car Garage Brewery, they receive a punch on the card. With six punches — two at each establishment — cardholders earn a free beer or mixed drink. The cards — which feature the slogan “Beer. Bourbon. BBQ. Repeat.” — are the brainchild of Loaded Cannon owner Steve Milligan. DAILY/WEEKLY/MONTHLY SCHEDULED SERVICE

2ESIDENTIAL #OMMERCIAL 6ACATION (OME #LEANING s #LEANING -AINTENANCE s 0REMIUM ,INENS s (OME 3ITTING 4RUSTED LICENSED BONDED INSURED 3ERVICING THE ISLANDS FOR YEARS &!-),9 /7.%$ !.$ /0%2!4%$

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

The businesses are located within a mile of one another and Milligan said the promotion is about local establishments working together. Loaded Cannon, 3115 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Suite 110, Bradenton, offers 31 flavors of spirits and hosts tours. The distillery, which has won several awards since it opened in 2019, was named “2021 Best Flavoured Vodka Distillery” in North America by LUXlife magazine, a premium lifestyle publication. For more information, visit loadedcannondistillery. com or call 941-900-1482. Who broke the dang internet?! Spotty internet service led Island Eats owner Mike Payne to shut down his food-delivery business from Dec. 27 to the evening of Dec. 30, when the matter appeared to be resolved. As of Jan. 2, Island Eats was up and running without issue. “It seems like there’s a 3G, 4G issue. We can’t use our apps or anything like that. It’s been going on since Christmas. Multiple services: AT&T, Verizon, all that stuff,” Payne said Dec. 30, before systems returned to normal. Whereas brick-and-mortar businesses can utilize Wi-Fi, Payne’s drivers rely on LTE to access mobile apps, such as Google Maps. Meanwhile, Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer told The Islander HBPD also experienced problems, including numerous “failed” calls. One Facebook commenter suggested an influx of tourists using internet services was to blame for the spottiness but Payne said he was unsure what was causing the problem. “I have no idea, but I would literally pay to find out. Because this is crushing me,” he said. Payne contacted Verizon, which reported no issues with coverage. He founded Island Eats in 2017. The service only operates on the island and delivers food for approximately 20 restaurants throughout the year, including the Feast, the Waterfront, Poppo’s Taqueria and Freckled Fin Irish Pub. For more, visit the IslandEats AMI Facebook page. To place an order, visit islandeats.net or download the service’s phone app. And as always… …Got biz news? Contact Kane Kaiman at kane@ islander.org or call The Islander at 941-778-7978.

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Jan. 5, 2022 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 27 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Island businessman shares inspiration, affirmations in memoir By Nicole Quigley Guest Writer

John Munn ordered a nonalcoholic beer on the porch at a local pub and looked up with a ready smile and gentle eyes—the markings of a peaceful demeanor that didn’t always come easy. The native Welshman, now a local islander, recently published his memoir, “Empty with Everything (A Memoir): Life Affirming Stories Reminding Us That We Each Have the Inner Power to Transcend Anything.” The book published on Amazon.com as an e-book in November and in paperback Dec. 10. In the book, the international businessman, husband and father of nine shares his life journey and the events that paved the way to what he describes as a “spiritual awakening.” The awakening came when he was in his 30s and in the thick of building his career. He left school when he was 16 years-old and launched a career in real estate in England. “In my mid-30s with a young family, in my outer world, I was well on my way to achieving everything. Beautiful wife, children, fabulous home. My own business. Nice cars. But I had a hole inside of me that was just enormous. And I couldn’t articulate that or process that. I didn’t have the tools to process that,” Munn said. “I felt like I’d been climbing a sheer rock face. And (at the top) it was a flat, barren desert of nothingness in front of me and it stretches as far as I can ese. And the image leaves me stunned. What was all that battle for?” Munn said. He turned to his longtime doctor and shared how he was feeling for one of the first times in his life. His doctor told him he might be depressed. The title of the book, “Empty with Everything,” is inspired by what Munn learned in this moment in life. It was the start of a new journey. And a book. “Very much the current that runs through it all is one of self-empowerment. It’s very much written from the heart,” Munn said. “Through all of our conditioning — family, school, social — it’s like we’ve got a backpack and we put one thing after the other into this backpack of life and pick it up and carry it around. We’re carrying junk and weight that doesn’t serve us. A big part of the process is we throw those house bricks away. And when we get really close to the process, we get to put the backpack on altogether,” Munn said. “How do you talk to you. Are you kind, gentle, affirming? Your inner dialogue is so, so important,” he said. “I was building a business, determined, with a young family. But when I look back, I would beat the heck out of myself to achieve. ...We end up in a very mistaken way wanting to achieve so much and work-

BizCal

John Munn with his memoir, “Empty with Everything (A Memoir): Life Affirming Stories Reminding Us That We Each Have the Inner Power to Transcend Anything.” Islander Photo: Nicole Quigley

ing our darnedest and being our own worst critic — an unkind critic. Sometimes that little ego voice inside of us can be cruel to us,” Munn said. That message is resonating, starting with Munn’s TikTok account — @itsjohnmunn — with nearly 54,000 followers and videos, including excerpts from his book, viewed more than 4 million times. He started the account in June with the help of his son, Charlie, who also helped with the book launch. Munn said he fell in love with Florida while vacationing with family and moved his family to the United States in 2001, commuting for work between Orlando and London for 13 years. Eventually, he become a U.S. citizen. He and his wife, Dee, live on the island, where they enjoy being a part of the local community. Munn is a former board member for the Center of Anna Maria Island.

He said the book is particularly timely — about the importance of community and connectivity. Munn, who also serves as a life coach, is intent on building a community and network of individuals. He understands the importance of support: “I lost one of my sons, very unexpectedly a few days after his 30th birthday.” Munn discusses this loss in the book: “We are not meant to bury our children. Surely there is no loss compared to losing your child. Somehow the world has gone awry in that awful moment. And yet our children came to show us, they themselves were the gift. They lit up our life, with a love so deep, so bright, that it will fill up our hearts forever. Although I didn’t know your stay with me was to be so short, I know in my heart, that I will see you again. I will see your smile, I will touch your face, and in that holy instant, our time apart will disappear.” “My dearest wish is it will stand as a message of hope and encouragement. …If you can still yourself and ground yourself, you have it within you to transcend these challenges,” Munn said. Munn welcomes people to join his Facebook group: A little light on the island. Islander Nicole Quigley is the author of the awardwinning young adult novel, “Like Moonlight at Low Tide,” set on Anna Maria Island.

Flashback ’21 Flashback ’21

compiled bY KANE KAIMAN

AMI Chamber This week

Thursday, Jan. 6 7:30-9 a.m. — Member breakfast, Blueberries Cafe and Wine, 5337 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Save the date Jan. 13, member lunch, Bonefish Grill, Bradenton. Jan. 27, Trolley Grant Awards presentation and business card exchange, the Seafood Shack, Cortez. Fees may apply for events. RSVP for the networking events by contacting the chamber at 941-778-1541 or info@amichamber.org.

Other events Save the date Jan. 12, Longboat Key Chamber Business After Hours, Chubby’s Lounge, Longboat Key. Jan. 18, Longboat Key Chamber Business Before the Bell, Turtle Coffee Bar, Longboat Key. Fees may apply for events. For more LBK Chamber information, visit longboatkeychamber. com or call 941-383-2466.

Bortell’s Lounge owner Steve Rose hoists an “80 wide” blue marlin fishing rod Aug. 20 behind the bar at his Anna Maria establishment, which reopened in the summer. Islander File Photo

Flashback ’21

A pair of handymen work Sept. 22 on improvements to the facia at the Sand Dollar Gift Shop, 5302 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Islander File Photo: Ryan Paice

Actors Tom Lipinski, left, Keesha Sharp and Albert Jones relax with the hometown news in the Beach Bistro dining room in Holmes Beach. They were shooting “Dark My Light.” Islander File Photo: Bonner Joy

Page 28 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Jan. 5, 2022 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

PETS

SERVICES Continued

37-INCH SOLID wood round drop-leaf table. Mid 20th century. Refinished. Excellent condition, $300. 941-778-0807

HELP RESCUED PETS! Volunteer, foster, computer help needed! Moonracer Animal Rescue. Email: moonraceranimalrescue@ gmail.com.

NANNY, BABY/PETSITTING, cleaning, organizing, errands, assistance. 20 years’ experience. Reliable and trustworthy, local. 805570-1415.

HELP WANTED

BICYCLE REPAIRS: Just4Fun at 5358 Gulf Drive can do most any bicycle repair at a reasonable cost. Pick-up and delivery available. 941-896-7884.

NEW, TWIN MATTRESS, $100, cruiser bike, helmet, seven gears, $50, chandelier, brown metal, bulbs included, $20. 941-920-2494.

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

ANTIQUE BABY CARRIAGE: Wood and wicker. Proceeds benefit Moonracer Animal Rescue. Email for photos: moonraceranimalrescue@gmail.com.

KIDS FOR HIRE

ANTIQUE PARTNER DESK: All wood, $500. Inquire at The Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

DEPENDABLE, RESPONSIBLE, FUN babysitter for hire. 13 years old, island local. Available in June. 941-526-9090.

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.

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.

Sandy’s Lawn Service Inc. ESTABLISHED IN 1983

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

Paradise Improvements

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Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Specialist Replacement Doors and Windows

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

HEALTH CARE

AdoptA-Pet

EXPERIENCED CNA FOR hire! 1. Skilled. 2. Respite. 3. Long-term 4. Home health. I have 22 years in the medical field, I love what I do, serving the elderly. Contact information: 941-580-4440. tee0123@yahoo.com.

CONNIE’S LANDSCAPING INC. Residential and commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-778-5294.

NEED A RIDE to airports? Tampa $65, St. Pete, $55, Sarasota, $30. Gary, 863-4095875. gvoness80@gmail.com.

CLEANING: VACATION, CONSTRUCTION, residential, commercial and windows. Licensed and insured. 941-744-7983.

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.

BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS JD’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-920-3840. BEACH SERVICE air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. Commercial, residential service, repair, replacement. Serving Manatee County and the Island since 1987. For dependable, honest and personalized service, call Bill Eller, 941-795-7411. CAC184228.

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.

Bobby needs YOU!

THOMAS JOHNSTON DBA: Just Bikes LLC in Manatee County. 415-309-9604.

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

References available • 941-720-7519

COMPANION/HOMEMAKER: Honest and reliable offering help with running errands, grocery shopping, house sitting, pet and plant care, light cooking/cleaning, transportation. References available and licensed. Call Sherri, 941-592-4969.

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.

LAWN & GARDEN

BARNES LAWN AND Landscape LLC. Design and installation, lawn and landscape services, tree trimming, mulch, rock and shell. 941-705-1444. Jr98@barneslawnandlandscape.com. COLLINS LANDSCAPE LIGHTING: Outdoor lighting, landscaping, irrigation services and maintenance. 941-920-0253. MJC24373@gmail.com. SEARAY SPRINKLER SERVICES. Repairs, additions, drip, sprinkler head/timer adjustments. 941-920-0775. HOME IMPROVEMENT VAN-GO PAINTING residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper. Island references. Bill, 941-795-5100. www.vangopainting.net. LOOKING FOR AN EARLY BIRD? You can read Wednesday’s classifieds on Tuesday at islander.org. And it’s FREE!