The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, July 14, 2021 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

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The Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992

Astheworldterns. 6

Q&A 071421

AM closes in on funding Mote center. 3

Elsa: The hurricane that wasn’t By Amy V.T. Moriarty Islander Reporter

Elsa left Anna Maria Island mostly unscathed. New — also former — The fifth-named tropical storm of the commish seated in AM. 4 season, Elsa was the third to make landfall Meetings. 4 in the United States but not until it reached Taylor County in the northern Gulf Coast Baugh reaches settlement July 7. in records suit. 5 Elsa formed July 1 east of the Lesser law enforcement cracks Antilles as a tropical storm — the earliest down on road safety. 4 recorded fifth-named storm in the Atlantic Basin — and strengthened to hurricane Opinions. 6 status as it progressed northwest toward Hispaniola. Downgraded to a tropical storm after 10-20 YEARS AGO looking back. 7 sweeping across the Dominican Republic and Haiti, Elsa again was a category 1 hurCollapsed balcony prompts home closure. 8 ricane July 6 as it neared Florida’s southern Gulf Coast but then downgraded again to a Coquina parking lot projtropical storm overnight July 7 in the Gulf. ect lagging. 9 Islanders were ready with sandbags, generators, activities and libations to pass the time July 6-7. In Anna Maria, nearly 50 cubic yards Save the date. 10 of sand was used to fill about 2,700 bags, Enter your public works director Dean Jones said July best pics 8. to win Holmes Beach residents bagged about Top Notch. 11 40 cubic yards of sand, public works adminSeagrass fails. 12 istrator Matt McDonough told The Islander July 8. Gathering. 14 As the sun set July 6, cyclone and tornado warnings were issued for Manatee Obituaries. 14 Approaching 100 with finesse. 15

Cops&Courts. 16 Streetlife. 16 NESTING NOTES.

Storm loss to Elsa. 18

Going deep. 19 Sports. 20 Time to target mangrove snapper. 21

ISL BIZ: longevity and launches. 22

AMI TOURISM: 23 Turning up the heat.

PropertyWatch. 23 CLASSIFIEDS. 24 More Elsa pics. 26

NYT puzzle. 27

islander.org

Angie Blunt of Bradenton won the first week of The Islander’s 2021 Top Notch photo contest with this photograph of “Spunky Aunt Thelma” in the shallow shoreline break along the Gulf of Mexico in Holmes Beach. Blunt writes in her entry email, “She gave permission to state her age. She is one amazing lady.” For the record, Thelma Vance is 89. The photographer won an Islander “More-than-a-mullet wrapper” T-shirt and entry into the finals, which offers a grand prize of $100 from The Islander and gift certificates from Islander advertisers.

County by the National Weather Service. But Elsa merely waved as it passed along the coast in the Gulf of Mexico. At the height of the storm locally, the top wind speed at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport was recorded at 54 mph at 10:53 p.m. July 6. A speed within the parameters of a tropical storm and 20 mph below the speed required for hurricane classification. When the winds slowed and rain tapered off early July 7, some island roads were ﬂooded, one tree was down at the entrance to the Martinique North condominiums in Holmes Beach and smaller branches and palm fronds were scattered across roads for public works crews to pick up. “We dodged a bullet on that one,” Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer told The Islander July 7. And people went about business as usual the day after, with some claiming Elsa wasn’t as bad as the thunderstorms that hit the island in the weeks prior. In Cortez, Richard Correa told The Islander, “There was no rocking motion. There was no roaring noise. It just rained.” “It was pretty busy this morning — you could hear the surf roaring over in Bradenton Beach,” said Correa, who lives on a 30-foot sailing scow in Sarasota Bay. In Bradenton Beach, police Lt. John Cosby told The Islander July 8 that a boat

Top Notch

TuRN TO ELSA, PAGE 2

Week 1: Showing spunk

A family plays July 6 in Tampa Bay. Islander Photo: Amy V.T. Moriarty

Treehouse owners open door, HB agrees to mediate By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Two of the three parties in Holmes Beach’s long-running treehouse legal battle are ready to come to the table. Clearwater attorney Randol Mora, representing the city, wrote a letter June 21 to defendants Richard Hazen and Lynn TranHazen, owners of the property at 103 29th St., stating the municipality is open to their mediation request. The case began in 2011, when the property owners built the treehouse in an Australian pine tree beyond the erosion control line and without a permit on their beachfront property. The pair reside at the property and operate four adjacent vacation rental units as Angelinos Sea Lodge. The city found the structure in violation of the municipality’s land development code and moved for its removal in 2013, sparking litigation with the owners. The Hazens have been on the losing end of each ruling of several lawsuits and appeals over the years. As of June 24, three circuit court cases on the treehouse remained open, but Judge Charles Sniffen had yet to issue a ruling on the aforementioned case and hearings have yet to be scheduled for the other two. The U.S. Supreme Court has denied two petitions to review the Hazen’s treehouse failed cases. However, the property owners have accumulated more than $105,000 in code

TuRN TO TREEHOUSE, PAGE 2

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The treehouse at 103 29th St., Holmes Beach. Islander File Photo

TREEHOUSE CONTINuED FROM PAGE 1

Grant Rigney and Mia Summers of Bradenton head home July 7 after taking advantage of waves produced by Elsa at Cortez Beach. Islander Photo: Kelsey Mako ELSA CONTINuED FROM PAGE 1

broke loose from its moorings, but BBPD officers quickly secured it before any damage occurred. While ﬂooding is usually not a positive, it served a positive purpose in Holmes Beach and Anna Maria. McDonough said his crews mapped flooding caused by the storm so they have a better idea of where the city’s drainage infrastructure can be improved. “We kind of used this storm as a test run since it was not that bad,” McDonough said. And in Anna Maria, Jones noted some new areas of ﬂooding to be added to the stormwater mitigation plan. Visiting Anna Maria from Maryland, Molly Bender waded through calf-deep water to reach the beach for the July 7 sunrise. “But there was no sun this morning,” she said. Bradenton residents Larry and Courtney Gaulin

Molly Bender wades through calf-deep water early July 7 to cross North Bay Boulevard at Poinsettia Road in Anna Maria. Bender was visiting the island from Maryland. Islander Photo: Amy V.T. Moriarty

told The Islander they enjoy looking for shells after storms as the waves churn up the Gulf and all kinds wash onto the beach. By midday July 7, the sun was shining, people were splashing in the waters of the Gulf and bays and anglers like Jacob Renfrow were casting their lines at the Anna Maria City Pier. Islander reporters Kane Kaiman, Kelsey Mako and Ryan Paice contributed to this report.

violation fines from the city, which were unpaid as of July 9. The defendants’ June 16 letter asked Sniffen to issue an order forcing the parties to resolve the matter through mediation. Their letter stated the property owners wished “to avoid another legal action” and wanted to “stem the tide of excessive daily fines and stop the unnecessary litigation costs” with mediation. Mora’s letter, filed for the record June 24, states the court-ordered mediation may have been unnecessary. “Had you directed your request for mediation to the city’s litigation counsel, I could and would have given your proposed course of action the consideration it warrants,” Mora wrote. “… The city is amenable to the parties mediating in good faith to consider whether a global settlement arrangement is possible.” “The city also desires to bring closure to this longpending matter,” he added. However, the third litigant involved in the treehouse lawsuits — the Florida Department of Environmental Protection — also would need to sign off for mediation to proceed. Carson Zimmer, the DEP’s assistant general counsel, did not respond to a July 9 call from The Islander.

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Island restaurant owner found dead after search of home By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The body of Perico resident and Island Grill owner Scott St. Blanc, 61, was found by a morning walker July 2 at Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. The Bradenton Police Department and emergency medical services responded to a 911 call from a woman, reporting her observation at a pavilion near the entry to the preserve — saying she saw a man who was deceased.

AM closes in on funding for Mote center at city pier Check off another to-do item for a Mote Marine outreach center on the Anna Maria City Pier. Anna Maria commissioners voted unanimously July 8 to authorize Mayor Dan Murphy to sign an agreement between the city and Manatee County to fund $500,000 of the build-out for the 1,800 squarefoot Mote facility at the T-end of the pier, 100 S. Bay Blvd. The agreement spells out the terms for the tourist tax funding — raised from the 5% bed tax on accommodations of six months or less — for project expenses up to $500,000. Commissioner Mark Short raised concerns about language in the agreement limiting the city’s reimbursement requests to once per three-month period. At the suggestion of Commissioner Jonathan Crane, the commission authorized Murphy to sign the agreement with the stipulation the reimbursement frequency be changed to once per 30 days. Murphy said county commissioners will vote on the agreement in August, when meetings resume after a July hiatus. The next step is to draft a lease between the city and Mote, Murphy said. — Amy V.T. Moriarty

He was identified as St. Blanc by police, but they found no suicide note or signs of trauma and noted the scene did “not appear to be suspicious.” EMS workers pronounced St. Blanc deceased at 7:45 a.m. Police found no security cameras and no witnesses, saying the death had occurred much earlier. However, two BPD officers noted in their reports that they were familiar with St. Blanc. Officer Andres Perez wrote in a supplemental report that he “immediately recognized (St. Blanc) … who I met yesterday during a search warrant.” Officer Jay Gow wrote in his report that “after viewing the subject on scene, it was confirmed that it was indeed Mr. St. Blanc due to working a case with him on 07-01-2021.” A BPD incident/investigation report obtained by The Islander provided some detail into the search warrant served July 1 at St. Blanc’s residence at Perico Apartments, 10955 Bristol Bay Drive, Bradenton — 0.4 miles from where he was found dead. According to the report, an investigation of a “lewd & lascivious” crime originating from a National Center for Missing and Exploited Children complaint made to its CyberTipline by DropBox Inc., an online file sharing service, was passed along to the Bradenton police Feb. 8 from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. The Islander reviewed the report, much of which was redacted, but it named Scott St. Blanc as the subject. The CyberTipline for reporting online crimes against children is maintained by the NCMEC and shared with local law enforcement agencies. “At this time, this is an ongoing investigation,” the BPD report stated. MCSO Det. Carmine Luper, named in the BPD report as the head of the St.Blanc-CyberTip investigation, also signed an affidavit for the arrest of Owen Hagan, who was employed at Island Grill. Hagan, 27, was arrested June 28 by MCSO on 26

counts of possessing child pornography — seconddegree felonies — following a Cybertip investigation — also originating from DropBox Inc. — about his computer uploads. He remained in custody at the Manatee County jail under $650,000 bond as of July 10. Meanwhile, the Island Grill, which was closed by the landlord on learning of St. Blanc’s death, remained shuttered as of July 10. Speaking on behalf of the owners of the property, Darcie Duncan told The Islander July 9, “The restaurant is locked and the owners are waiting on a legal determination” to release the property to whoever is appointed to take over the lease and the business. Members of St. Blanc’s family visited The Islander office July 7 and said they also had a lawyer working on obtaining access to the restaurant.

Q&A 071421

The Islander poll

Last week’s question How concerned are you about structure stability on the Florida coastline? 48%. After Surfside, very concerned. 28%. Somewhat concerned 15%. Not very concerned 2%. Not an issue here 7% Too soon after to say This week’s question Next to Independence Day, what’s your fave July observance? A. Christmas in July B. National Hemp Month C. National Cellphone Courtesy Month D. National Grilling Month To take the poll, go online to islander.org.

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AM seats new, er, experienced commissioner

By Amy V.T. Moriarty Islander Reporter

Doug Copeland is again a city commissioner in Anna Maria. Copeland served 20 years in public office as a planning and zoning board member and with multiple terms on the city commission, including as chair. He chose not to seek reelection in 2020 but when Joe Muscatello resigned June 24, six months before the end of his term, Copeland was the sole applicant to answer the call to fill the vacancy. Copeland said July 8 that he volunteered for the seat because there are important matters coming before the commission before the November city election and his experience eliminates any need for a learning curve when it comes to governing. Commissioners agreed filling the seat was critical in light of important issues, including the budget, which must be finalized in September, before the November election. With a unanimous vote July 8, commissioners appointed Copeland, who said his experience would allow him “on day one to be a fully functioning member of the commission.” One of his first official acts was to motion the denial of a permit request for fireworks on the beach for an August wedding celebration at the Sandbar Restaurant, 100 Spring Ave. Mayor Dan Murphy told the commission that city staff recommended against approving the permit request for a number of reasons, including disruption to nesting sea turtles and shorebirds. The permit request was required for the use of fireworks as part of the celebration, but the wedding ceremony did not require one and could go on as scheduled, Murphy clarified. Commissioners echoed Murphy’s concerns for the ecological impacts and also the precedent it could set for future fireworks permits. Commissioners unanimously approved Copeland’s motion to deny the permit request after a second by Commissioner Jonathan Crane.

3 of 2 AM commissioners seek reelection in November

Anna Maria City Commission Chair Carol Carter said July 8 she will seek reelection in November. Commissioner Jonathan Crane said he too will run for another two-year term. But newly appointed commissioner Doug Copeland told The Islander he will not launch a campaign. Copeland said his decision not to run allows someone else the opportunity to step up. The qualifying period for candidates will be Aug. 16-27. For more information, go online to votemanatee.com. — Amy V.T. Moriarty

Meetings

Anna Maria City July 22, 6 p.m., commission. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941708-6130, cityofannamaria.com. Bradenton Beach July 15, noon, commission. CANCELED July 21, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com. Holmes Beach July 14, 6 p.m., planning commission. July 15, 6 p.m., commission. July 21, 10 a.m., code enforcement. July 27, 5 p.m., commission. Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941-708-5800, holmesbeachﬂ.org.

Anna Maria city clerk leAnne Addy, left, administers the oath of office to Doug Copeland July 8. Copeland, who previously served on the city commission, was appointed by unanimous vote of the four seated commissioners to fill the vacancy at the dais. Islander Photo: Amy V.T. Moriarty

In other matters • Commissioners made no changes to the first reading of a draft amendment to an ordinance prohibiting parking in the first five spaces east of the stop sign on Magnolia Avenue at the corner of Gulf Drive. The intent is to prevent vehicles from compacting the stormwater filtration. Commissioners will hold a second public hearing and final vote July 22. • Crane applauded the public works crew for clearing debris and standing water from roadways after Elsa. • Murphy plans to speak with Waste Management regarding future refuse collection during a storm to avoid confusion. • Murphy suggested commissioners consider adding funding to the 2021-22 fiscal year budget for bocce ball and pickleball courts. He also asked the commission to consider any projects before spending workshops begin next month. • Commissioners were impressed by the turnout for a July 1 public hearing on “Reimagining Pine Avenue.” Copeland said it was the best turnout and had the most input of any public hearing in the 25 years he’s been involved with city government. • Commissioner Deanie Sebring expressed concern about the number of bikes she saw on the beach during the Fourth of July weekend. Bikes and other vehicles are prohibited on city beaches and commissioners said they would like to see better enforcement. • Commissioners want more enforcement on the operation of golf carts, specifically ensuring drivers are of legal age and occupants wear seat belts. Commissioners will next meet at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 22, at Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive. For more information, call the clerk’s office at 941708-6130.

Underground race ends

It was a race, but the project to bury utilities in Bradenton Beach reached the finish line. Undergrounding of utilities along Gulf Drive concluded June 30, the date required to receive a $2 million state appropriation. The project involved burying lines to improve resiliency and aesthetics. City commissioners and community redevelopment agency members voted to pay project costs from the appropriation and to seek concession funds from Manatee County to pay an overage. The state funds were expected to cover the total cost but then Florida Power and Light came in at 330% above its projection. Following negotiations, as of June 17, Bradenton Beach owed $811,000 to FPL. While FPL had not reduced its price as of July 1, others had, including Wilco Electrical, which came in at $711,000 despite an original estimate of $870,000. The next step is the conversion process, which is when residential and business lines are connected underground. The procedure is expected to take about 21 days. Then buried utilities and power system will be turned on. — Kelsey Mako

Status quo for BB tows

Bradenton Beach city commissioners voted July 1 to stick with the status quo when it comes to towing services on city property and at the U.S. post office on Bridge Street. The post office is private property but has an agreement allowing the city to tow vehicles from the lot. The city put out a request for proposals in April for a franchise agreement for towing services but there was no response. City attorney Ricinda Perry said she had a conversation prior to July 1 with a tow service she declined to name about operating at the post office and the company had expressed interest in an exchange of services with the city. But commissioners voted July 1 against the franchise agreement, saying towing is a hassle and they want the city to continue collecting money from parking tickets. “Just like that, you’re going to have someone overzealous to tow,” Commissioner Ralph Cole, suggesting vehicles could be towed in situations when ticketing could be more appropriate. The status quo allows the Bradenton Beach Police Department to continue allowing tow companies to respond based on availability. Towing occurs on city property when vehicles are blocking a driveway or access points. — Kelsey Mako

West Manatee Fire Rescue July 20, 6 p.m., commission. WMFR administration building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton, 941-761-1555, wmfr.org. Manatee County Through July 23, summer recess. County administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee. org. Also of interest Aug. 11, 2 p.m., Palma Sola Scenic Highway Corridor Management Entity, Bradenton Public Works, 1411 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Aug. 16, 9 a.m., Manatee County Tourist Development Council, county administration building. — lisa Neff

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

County preps rebuild The South Coquina Boat Ramp, 1465 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, is in need of a fix. Bradenton Beach commissioners unanimously voted July 1 to waive a $15,000 permit fee to reconstruct the ramp. The $1.5 million Manatee County project involves replacing the boat dock, ramp and pilings with a new dock, walkway, seawalls, ramp, pilings and light fixtures. Islander Photo: Kelsey Mako

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Baugh reaches $4,319 settlement in public records lawsuit By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Sarasota paralegal Michael Barfield hopes his civil lawsuit against three Manatee County commissioners was a learning experience for the defendants. Six months after suing County Commissioners James Satcher, Kevin Van Ostenbridge and Vanessa Baugh Dec. 7, 2020, for allegedly violating the Florida Public Records Act, the final defendant — Baugh — agreed to settle June 18 for $4,319. Baugh The agreement states, “Without admitting any liability, the parties recognize that it is in the parties’ best interest to settle the action and all claims between them” in an effort to avoid “greater future costs.” Barfield Barfield’s lawsuit initially pegged Satcher as the lone defendant, then Baugh and Van Ostenbridge were added as co-defendants. The lawsuit claimed the defendants failed to comply with Barfield’s public records requests asking for communications between the trio from the Nov. 3 election date through when he submitted the requests Nov. 20, 2020. The requests came a day after Van Ostenbridge

moved to schedule a discussion about terminating the county administrator, Cheri Coryea, during a Nov. 19, 2020, special meeting without advance notice — an action that Commissioners Reggie Bellamy and Carol Whitmore called “premeditated” and “orchestrated.” Van Ostenbridge’s efforts prevailed in February, when Coryea and the county reached a separation agreement ending her tenure and awarding her $204,000 in compensation. Satcher and Van Ostenbridge agreed in April to settle with Barfield, collectively paying the paralegal $6,000. County commissioners unanimously voted in May to reimburse Satcher and Van Ostenbridge $56,000 to cover their legal fees and settlement costs. Baugh may seek similar taxpayer-funded reimbursement when the board reconvenes July 27. Barfield’s litigation against Baugh was partially focused on a resolution she presented Nov. 19, 2020 — the day Van Ostenbridge motioned to discuss terminating Coryea — without notice. The resolution, which involves meeting protocols and commission actions in certain meetings, passed on a 4-3 vote but weeks after was unanimously rescinded. Baugh originally claimed she wrote the resolution but, during her deposition for the case, she said she received the resolution during a random encounter

with someone in the lobby of the county administrative building before a meeting. She claimed she had no communication with the person before or after the encounter and refused to name the author. Barfield said he hoped county voters would remember Baugh’s deception in future elections. “I think it’s important to the public that they know who is drafting resolutions,” Barfield said. “They would be astounded to think that a random person in the lobby of the county administration building is passing out resolutions and the next day it’s introduced and made law in the county — and then to lie about it.” However, even if his lawsuit doesn’t sway voters, Barfield says legal actions such as his play an important part in holding public officials accountable. The settlement comes after Barfield’s criminal complaint — alleging Baugh’s actions in creating a VIP list for a pop-up vaccine clinic violated state law — was dismissed June 22 by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office’s special investigations division. However, the criminal complaint was not the last measure seeking accountability for Baugh’s VIP vaccine controversy. A complaint about the commissioner’s actions had yet to be heard by the Florida Commission on Ethics as of July 9. Baugh, who was reelected as commissioner in 2020, would be up for reelection in 2024.

Law enforcement cracks down on road safety violations By Amy V.T. Moriarty Islander Reporter

Look both ways before crossing a street. Cross in crosswalks. Walk bikes across a street. Stop at stop signs. Rules ingrained in most people from childhood seem to be forgotten while they’re vacationing, according to island law enforcement. “We always see trends where people — mostly vacationers — are in a vacation mindset” and don’t observe safety precautions they may otherwise, Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said July 7. Such safety violations include pedestrians walking in roadways and crossing streets wherever they happen to be without seeking a crosswalk. It’s an unsafe practice known as “jaywalking” and pedestrians who cross outside a crosswalk face a noncriminal traffic infraction that could result in a fine of $51-$77. And when it comes to use of crosswalks, Tokajer

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said cyclists must walk — not pedal — their bikes across. Holmes Beach has signs posted at most crosswalks instructing riders to walk their bikes and more signs are expected to be installed in the area around Marina and Gulf drives, Tokajer said. Also, a bike traveling on a road is a vehicle in the eyes of the law, Sgt. Brett Getman of the MCSO said July 5. And riding in a bike lane doesn’t exempt cyclists from the rules of the road, including stopping at stop signs and signaling turns, Deputy Jacob Merrill said July 5. Cyclists who fail to brake at stop signs face a $166 citation and three points against their license, Merrill said. And, just as bicycles need to be walked in a crosswalk, golf carts and other vehicles cannot be driven in bike lanes, Tokajer said. Cyclists riding in the opposite direction of the traffic ﬂow is what Bradenton Beach police most commonly deal with when it comes to bike laws, BBPD Detective Sgt. Lenard Diaz said July 7. Riding with the ﬂow of traffic is another law bicyclists must follow the same as when driving a car. Law enforcement officers across the island said they prefer using education to address pedestrian and bicycle safety violations but will issue citations as needed to ensure safety on the roads.

Manatee County Sheriff’s Deputy Jacob Merrill July 5 issues a $166 moving violation ticket to a bicyclist who apparently failed to brake at a stop sign on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria. Islander Photo: Courtesy MCSO-AM

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Opinion

Our

Elsa, the friendly ghost

Hurricane Elsa was kind to us. It appeared during some forecasts to be coming to the Gulf Coast with a vengeance. Most of us, including myself, buckled down, before we hit the hay — one eye open — for the night. I moved potted plants and lawn furniture and most outdoor items from my yard to a secure place on my screened porch, turned on the backyard light and watched some mild rain storms pass as I eyed the weather radar one more time the evening of July 6. For us, on the bottom tip of Tampa Bay, the storm can bring strong bands moving rain across the top — east to west. It’s the good side of a storm coming up the Gulf. The bottom side of the circular motion, with winds pushing hard from west to east, can bring lots and lots of water to the beaches, high surf and, sometimes a surge, rising tides that inundate the bay, canals and waterways and spell trouble for Anna Maria Island. I woke up midway to morning and, not hearing rain pounding or wind whirling in the trees, I thought to myself how eerily quiet it was. I checked my news apps with one eye open and learned Elsa had gone “poof.” It dissipated. It nearly disappeared. I conjured up Casper, the friendly ghost — featured in “There’s Good Boos Tonight” in 1948. Elsa was downgraded and translucent on arrival. Good news. Good news. Now — get ready for a real storm. One with punch. Because it’s bound to happen and you’ve had your one trial run. You need to get serious about storm prep. Buy some bottled water and other storm supplies and renourish your hurricane kit before the items are ﬂying from the shelves. I learned there was a lot to add to my shopping list at the last minute, so I’ll be seeing you in the stores. Be storm ready. And, be ready to do serious inspections on your condos, homes and commercial properties. What we saw happen in Surfside could happen here — considering the less stringent building regulations of the 1970s, when the first — and only — high-rise buildings on AMI slipped past officials. The approval of two six-story condo buildings in the early 1970s was followed on AMI by prohibitions on structures more than three stories tall. I could tell you to check your foundation if your home was built on or near AMI, where the old practice was to plow and pile up trees and any organic materials, pour a concrete slab and build. It’s possible that organic waste has decomposed. New regulations and follow-up inspections are soon coming to an island near you ... I hope. — Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

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Your

Opinion

Beach permits for Manatee

The idea that Anna Maria Island is self-sufficient is ridiculous. It is subsidized by the rest of us local taxpayers, along with the state and federal government. That tail should not be allowed to wag this dog. Some years ago, before the pandemic gave Holmes Beach the excuse to lock down parking, the complaint featured a diaper left in someone’s yard. The diaper came up again not long ago, followed shortly by the new obsession about island visitors being “uncouth” — this from a New Yorker of all things. I remember years ago, the Holmes Beach police chief saying the problem was not with the Manatee day-trippers but with visitors from other counties, states and countries. Just in case I do not remember that right, it was recently affirmed by the statement regarding parking over Memorial Day weekend: “At the parking lot at AME on Saturday, there were 47 cars parked in the lot. When officers ran the plates of those cars, it was noted that only one was from Manatee County. At Manatee Beach parking lot, there were 335 vehicles parked and less than 10% were from Manatee County.” Setting aside the wholesale invasion of the privacy of visitors, that is good information. The point is the solution between the island and the county is clear: Issue the same permits to all county residents so they can have priority over the other visitors who have little motivation to keep our beloved beaches and neighborhoods tidy. Phil Moore, Bradenton

AME’s purpose

I am distressed about the news of a former school board member’s interest in repurposing Anna Maria Elementary because the island doesn’t need a school. The school is unique to say the least. It is successful in shaping student character and education with

excellent teachers and staff, community support and perfect size for optimum learning. The kids who attend AME receive one of the best elementary educations in the county. We still have a very active school and parents. Parents off the island elect to have their children attend this school because of its “small town” approach to excellent education. The students aren’t little kids in a big pond. They are big fish in a smaller environment that provides academic learning with an emphasis on positive selfconcept, relationships and true interest and adventure in education. I hope the Manatee County School Board sees what a valuable school this is to our education system, our future citizens who attend there and to our community. This school in “paradise” is a gem. Virginia Upshaw, Holmes Beach, retired educator

Curb the parking

I am disappointed in both the city of Holmes Beach and Manatee County’s dispute over beach parking. While there are three cities on the island, all with beach parking restrictions, it appears Manatee County Commissioner Van Ostenbridge is singularly focused on Holmes Beach. I’m not sure why. Holmes Beach parking restrictions are less restrictive than those in the other two cities. Van Ostenbridge seems to think opening up street parking, as well as adding school, library and church parking will address the beach parking problem. It will not. Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth is firm on her position about restricting street parking in residential neighborhoods.

PlEASE, SEE OPINION, PAGE 7

July 14, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 7 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Strolling the sand Beachgoers provide the composition for this postcard dated to 1955. The back of the card reads, “Have visited the Manatee County Public Beach, managed by the Anna Maria Island Kiwanis Club. They have expressed their enjoyment of the snow-white beaches, the constant sunshine and the warm, refreshing blue-green Gulf of Mexico. Will you mention their visit here in your newspaper?”

10&20 years ago

In the July 12, 2001, issue

OPINION CONTINuED FROM PAGE 6

Seems reasonable. My lawyer is smarter than your lawyer, as county administrator Scot Hopes has suggested, is a silly and unproductive step. Meaningful measures to add beach parking capacity must include all three cities, with the county as lead. The county has a few three-plus story parking garages in downtown Bradenton. If Van Ostenbridge is so concerned about adequate beach parking, it is time for him to take the lead and have the county purchase land on Anna Maria Island and construct parking facilities that blend in with island life. Prime property is available at the corner of Manatee Avenue and East Bay Drive. The county tourist council does an excellent job promoting the island beaches and they should recommend constructing parking facilities with amenities. Working together toward a common goal seems more productive than a media spat. Dan Diggins, Holmes Beach

Have your say

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Islander archive 24/7

Some years ago, The Islander was invited to share its archive with the University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries. We donated our collection of printed newspapers beginning with the first edition in 1992. It took some time, but it’s all maintained on the library site, searchable by key word, name or date. Look online for The Islander at ufdc.uﬂ.edu.

We’d love to mail you the news!

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

• The Island Baptist Church board unanimously agreed to ask its congregation to allow Island Middle School to use the facilities and begin classes in August. The school wanted to locate at Loggerhead Junction but the zoning was wrong. • Holmes Beach commissioners agreed to continue a public hearing on the rezoning of two properties at the proposed Tidemark Resort because two commissioners were absent. Commission Chair Rich Bohnenberger said the city did not have a policy on telecommunication attendance. • Anna Maria public works director George McKay said developer Greg Oberhofer of Quality Builders approached him about building singlefamily homes on 3.78 acres of vacant property along South Bay Boulevard that was owned by the Lardas family. Oberhofer said it was too early to present details of the proposed development.

In the July 13, 2011, issue

• Bradenton Beach commissioners — dumping their in-house service — approved an agreement hiring WastePro of Florida to haul away trash. • The rain cut sideways, thunder burst over the Gulf of Mexico and turtle watch’s patrol worried about the dozens of nests on island beaches. • Resort tax collections for June 2011 climbed by nearly 10 percent over June 2010, continuing the good news for local tourism officials and the businesses that cater to visitors. • Anna Maria commissioners voted to have Mayor Mike Selby proceed with the purchase of six vacant lots across from the city pier, possibly to create a park or a parking lot. — lisa Neff

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HB ﬁnds collapsed balcony, home declared unsafe By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

A rotted, fallen balcony at a Holmes Beach residence observed by an inspector got attention in Holmes Beach. JT Thomas, the city’s code compliance supervisor, told The Islander July 4 that while on a June 28 vacation rental inspection at a neighboring building, he observed a collapsed balcony at a nearby residence. Thomas said he tried to investigate but was denied entry by the owner of the property at 4106 Sixth Ave., Virginia Stewart. Thomas called West Manatee Fire Rescue fire marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski, who deemed the situation “life-threatening” and gained emergency access to the building. The three-story building, constructed in 2002, was purchased by Stewart in 2003. Ian Perryman was listed as the owner during construction, but the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s website does not specify the builder. Perryman was the developer of several homes in

the same area, all of similar design, including numerous balconies. The former resident of Bradenton Beach has since moved out of the country. The city failed to fulfill a July 9 public records request from The Islander for any permits issued at the Sixth Avenue address by the press deadline for The Islander. Holmes Beach building official Neal Schwartz, Thomas and Kwiatkowski inspected the home and found the damage — debris from the balcony, including rotted wood and stucco, as well as a concrete railing, had fallen one story to the pool area on the west side of the property. Thomas said nobody was injured by the incident — which he estimated to have occurred in a single drop around June 26 — but the city declared the building unsafe for human occupancy since the balcony collapsed due to structural issues. The city also issued a code violation to the property owner. The building will remain taped off and closed for public safety until Stewart and her contractor and/or

Damage from a collapsed balcony was discovered June 28 by a Holmes Beach code compliance officer. Islander Photo: Courtesy City of Holmes Beach

engineer works with Schwartz to determine what work is needed to ensure structural integrity, according to Thomas. Investigation ongoing in construction-related death in BB He added that if the property owner doesn’t coopAn investigation of a construction-related death in Property Innovations LLC. The construction workers erate, the case could go before the city’s special magistrate. Bradenton Beach continues. were building a home. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Tomas was injured and taken to Blake Medical Administration is investigating the June 23 death of Center in Bradenton. Resources for the storm Abelino Olvera at 203 Bay Drive N., according to city The city had inspected the site for stormwater and building official Steve Gilbert. site maintenance but the owner was using a private Twitter agement: • The National Hurricane ﬂoridadisaster.org. Olvera died after scaffolding at the construction service for building code compliance inspections. Center: @NWSNHC and •FEMA: fema.gov. site broke and the 49-year-old man fell. Asked if the city halted construction following @NHC_Atlantic. • National Hurricane The police investigation closed with a declaration Olvera’s death, Gilbert wrote in an email, “Per Flor• The National Weather Center: nhc.noaa.gov. the incident was a construction accident pending the ida Statute 440, the contractor is required to report Service: @NWS, @ results of a medical examination, Bradenton Beach all construction related accidents and coordinate with NWSTampaBay. In print • The Islander, BradenPolice Detective Sgt. Lenard Diaz said but a federal the Division of Worker’s Compensation as well as On the web ton Herald and Sarasota review continued as of July 8. OSHA.” • County emergency Herald-Tribune. Gilbert said two construction workers, Olvera and The property is owned by an LLC headed by attormanagement: mymanaJose Leon Tomas, 40, were operating under construc- ney Todd Buchanan of Tampa. tee.org. — Kelsey Mako tion permit number RB21-000006, held by Lighthouse • State emergency man-

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July 14, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 9 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Coquina Beach stormwater improvement project lagging By Kelsey Mako Islander Reporter

The Coquina Beach stormwater improvement project is running behind schedule. Construction on subphase 1, near the southern entry to the parking lot, will wrap up this month, according to county strategic affairs manager Ogden Clark. The Manatee County project will reduce ﬂooding during heavy rainfalls and improve access to the beach. Phase 1 was completed in spring 2020. Phase 2, which is divided into four subphases, began in March 2021. Subphase 1 was to be completed by June 26, but that goal wasn’t met. Trees were removed and stormwater improvements, such as pipes and drains, placed. Impervious concrete was poured, curbing placed is set for 4-6 inches. and striping completed the week of June 28. Subphases 2-4 involves the same type of work. Impervious concrete allows water to pass through The project is funded by Manatee County tourist and takes about 14 days to cure, limiting vehicle access development tax money — the county’s share of a 5% and parking during the process. In areas where heavier vehicles drive, the concrete tax on accommodations of six months or less. Clark said any reason for another delay in the projwill be 8 inches thick. In other sections, the concrete

Construction near the south entrance of the Coquina Beach parking lot continues June 22 in Bradenton Beach. Islander Photo: Kelsey Mako

ect would be weather-related and the entire project is on track to be completed in January 2022. American Pipeline Construction is completing the project at a cost of $3,447,313.77. Additional information and updates are online at amiprojects.io.

Bradenton Beach commission passes ﬂoodplain ordinance By Kelsey Mako Islander Reporter

Bradenton Beach commissioners unanimously voted June 15 to adopt an ordinance altering the land development code to provide higher regulatory standards to address ﬂooding. Changes include eliminating two additions to the LDC that were recommended by city staff: • A nonconversion agreement that would have been required to be recorded by property owners on deeds for new and rebuilt homes. • A provision that enclosed areas below the required elevation be limited to 40% of the building footprint. City commissioners worried the new requirements for enclosed areas would take away property rights.

Earlier in June, commissioners discussed increasing freeboard from 2 feet above the base flood elevation to plus 4 feet. The staff recommendation was to increase BFE to plus 3 feet. The BFE is the elevation that floodwater is expected to reach when flooding occurs. Commissioners reached a consensus June 15 to increase freeboard to BFE plus 4 feet, excluding mobile homes, following the staff recommendation. Bradenton Beach participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, as well as the NFIP’s Community Rating System, which helps property owners get discounts on flood insurance. In 2020, the CRS established new minimum prerequisites for communities to maintain class ratings.

Bradenton Beach has a Class 6 rating. If the city does not meet CRS requirements, its rating will decrease. Other concerns from the commission included staff recommendations to eliminate an exemption for new and replacement mobile homes to be installed at 3 feet above the adjacent grade and setbacks from the mean high water line. Commissioners voted June 3 to direct staff to remove language that would eliminate the mobile home exemption, as well as the addition of setbacks for new buildings at a minimum of 50 feet from the Gulf and 25 feet from the bay, as opposed to 50 feet for both. A state review of the ordinance is next.

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Page 10 THE ISLANDER | islander.org July 14, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

The Islander Calendar ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ONGOING ON AMI

Throughout July and August, “Live Colorfully” membership exhibit, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648. AHEAD ON AMI July 24, Anna Maria Island Privateers Christmas in July party, Bradenton Beach. Aug. 1, Island Player auditions for “The Savannah Sipping Society,” Anna Maria. Aug. 5-8, Anna Maria Island Privateers “Return to Tortuga: A Pirate Invasion Weekend,” Anna Maria Island. Sept. 16-26, Island Players’ performance of “The Savannah Sipping Society,” Anna Maria. Oct. 15, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Bayfest kickoff, Anna Maria. Oct. 16, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Bayfest, Anna Maria. ONGOING OFF AMI

Compiled by lisa Neff, email calendar@islander.org.

Library system hosts all-ages contests for card designs

Break out the crayons. Wet the brushes. The Manatee County Public Library System is holding a contest, inviting patrons to design new library cards. The contest is open to county residents and conducted in three age categories — youth up to age 10, teens 11-17 and adults. Library staff will judge the entries and determine the winners in each age group based on creativity, design and support for the message “Your Learning Connection.” Some rules: Artwork must be original, previously unpublished and free of copyright restrictions. For an application and a design template, go to mymanatee.org/library. ‘Live Colorfully’ at IGW Submissions can be dropped off at libraries or Pottery by Debra Ridgdill is featured in the members’ exhibit at Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, emailed to danielle.dankenbring@mymanatee.org. The deadline to enter — one per person — is July Holmes Beach. For more information, call the gallery 31. at 941-778-6648. Islander Courtesy Photo For more information, call the Island Library at 941-778-6341. AHEAD ON AMI

Through Sept. 26, “Skyway 20/21: A Contemporary Collaboration,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-359-5700. July 22, Island Library clay crafting, Holmes Beach. Through Sept. 26, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ “We Dream July 23, Island Players/Center of Anna Maria Island drama A World, African American Landscape Painters of Mid-Century Florcamp ida, The Highwaymen,” 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. Fee applies. performances, Anna Maria. Information: 941-366-5731. July 27, Island Library family story time, Holmes Beach. Second and fourth Saturdays, 2-4 p.m., Soupy and his Band, Florida Maritime Museum outdoors, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. InforCLUBS & mation: cvhs2016@aol.com. COMMUNITY AHEAD OFF AMI

ON AMI

Nov. 13, Anna Maria Island Privateers Black Tie Fundraising Thursday, July 15 Gala to beneﬁt the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County, 2 p.m. — Knit and crochet club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Bradenton. Drive, Holmes Beach. Registration: mymanatee.org/library. Information: 941-778-6341. KIDS & FAMILY ON AMI

ONGOING ON AMI

Saturdays, Aug. 14 and Aug. 28, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Tuesday, July 20 Anna Maria Island breakfast and meeting, Gulf Drive Cafe, 900 Gulf 10 a.m. — Family story time, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-778-1383. Holmes Beach. Registration: mymanatee.org/library. Information: Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island lunch meet941-778-6341. ing, in-person at Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton

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

AME Calendar • Tuesday, Aug. 3, teachers and staff back to school. • Tuesday, Aug. 10, ﬁrst day of school. For more information, call AME at 941-708-5525.

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FISH board welcomes new member, discusses mortgages By Kane Kaiman Islander Reporter

Young blood. Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage leadership met July 5 at Fishermen’s Hall in Cortez to welcome a new member to their board and discuss mortgage refinancing options. Capt. Lance Plowman — owner of Florida Fishing Fleet, a charter fishing business in Cortez — became the latest addition to the nonprofit’s board, filling a seat vacated by Herman Kruegle. Kruegle, who had served on the board for several years, resigned due to family obligations. The board has seen several changes in the past year. Former treasurer Michael Northfield died in September 2020 and, in early 2021, three board members resigned. The departures prompted FISH leadership to reduce the board from 15 to 11 members in April. At 33, Plowman is the board’s youngest member. “I want to keep the organization going; it’s a good thing. We need to get some more young guys and girls in there to take over for the people that will be falling out,” Plowman said July 6. Plowman — who fishes commercially in the winter — said he’s dedicated to carrying out the organization’s mission: maintaining Cortez’s commercial

FISH treasurer Jane von Hahmann, right, and Capt. lance Plowman are all smiles July 5 at Fishermen’s Hall in Cortez after a unanimous vote to induct Plowman to the organization’s board. Islander Photo: Kane Kaiman

fishing legacy. “It’s about preserving the historical fishing village. It seems like, from every direction, we’re trying to get taken out. If I can slow that down a little bit, we’ll see if we can get keep it going,” Plowman said. Following Plowman’s induction, the board discussed refinancing the mortgages on two FISH holdings: the former Church of God property and the “doughnut hole” plot — land in the center of the 100acre FISH preserve the organization acquired separately in 2016.

The former Church of God property includes Fishermen’s Hall, 4515 124th St. W., a house and a concrete structure used for storage and office space. The organization rents out Fishermen’s Hall for weddings and other events, as well as the house. FISH treasurer Jane von Hahmann said July 6 the organization’s next steps are to review the number of payments left on the existing mortgages while exploring the possibility of refinancing for lower monthly payments and interest rates through several lenders.

Enter The Islander’s Top Notch photo contest Check page 1. The Islander’s Top Notch contest is underway. The contest celebrates what still is known as the “Kodak moment,” despite Kodak’s downfall in the switch from film to digital technology. Look to noon this Friday for the next deadline. The contest includes six weekly front-page winners. Each will claim an Islander “More than a mullet wrapper” T-shirt.

Top Notch

One weekly shot will take the grand prize in the contest, earning the photographer a cash prize from The Islander and certificates from local merchants. A pet photo winner will be announced in the final week. Look online for complete rules and details. Please, note, each original JPG must be included in a single email with the name of the photographer; date the photo was taken; location and description; names of recognizable people; and the address and phone number of the photographer. More rules — published online at www.islander. org — must be observed. — Bonner Joy

Color, shadow class A detail of a watercolor by Anne Abgott, who will teach an online class at 10 a.m. Monday, July 19, for the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island. The artist will talk about composition, color and technique. Enrollment is $56. For more information, call the Guild Gallery at 941-778-6694 or go online to www. amiartistsguildgallery.com. Islander Courtesy Photo

Stars and stripes salute: Penny Frick was a Top Notch contest winner in 2009.

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Page 12 THE ISLANDER | islander.org July 14, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Gulf Council meeting a net loss for commercial ﬁshers

because the new recreational landings data also indicated recreational fishers were catching red grouper more quickly than fishery managers previously believed. “The commercial guys lose a bunch of quota and private recreational anglers are going to lose seasons. Granted, we get more quota, more pounds, but I don’t care what the pounds are, I care about how long my season is,” Hubbard said. “I wish we could improve private recreational data without trying to take fish from other sectors,” he said. “And the commercial guys, I understand where they’re coming from, because they live and breathe and die by their quota.” Bell and Hubbard anticipate any final red grouper reallocation will be challenged in federal court. On March 3, 2017, a U.S. district court vacated a previous Gulf Council amendment that would have reallocated 2.5% of the commercial red snapper to the recreational sector. “The commercial fishermen sued and won. The court said they cannot reallocate an accountable, sustainable fishery to a sector that is not accountable,” Hubbard said.

By Kane Kaiman Islander Reporter

The price of a grouper sandwich may rise. At a June 28 meeting in Key West, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council voted 12-5 to reduce the red grouper commercial quota from 76% to 59.3% through an amendment to the reef fishery management plan. If executed by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Amendment 53: Red Grouper Recalibration and Reallocation would go into effect in Bell 2022. At the meeting, Karen Bell, owner of A.P. Bell Fish Co. in Cortez, spoke against the amendment, along with dozens of other stakeholders in the commercial fishing sector. Bell, who served on the Gulf Council from 200006, said reducing commercial allocation will hurt fish houses, fishers, processors and consumers. “It’s expensive to run a longline boat. I certainly can’t say to one of the boats that catches 6,000 pounds, ‘OK, you can only go for 3,000 pounds.’ So do I get rid of some of the boats?” Bell said. Processors, some of which supply grocery chains, purchased more fish during the pandemic, filling the void left by restaurants, she said. Processors and reopened restaurants now compete to buy fish and the situation will worsen in 2022 if commercial fishers see a reduction in their catch limit. If the red grouper supply is reduced, consumers will contend with rising prices, Bell said. Amendment 53 is based on new recreational data collection methods that indicated recreational fishers were catching more red grouper than previously thought. While the commercial sector reports its landings through the trip ticket system, which requires commercial fishers to weigh their catch, recreational fishers do so through less-precise methods, such as mail-in surveys. “Why everyone’s really upset is because the commercial side is like, ‘Look, we are accountable,’” Bell said. “Every single pound we land goes through the state trip ticket system and federal allocation quota. So, you’re giving allocation to an uncontrolled group.” Coastal Conservation Association Florida — a nonprofit recreational fisher advocacy group — wrote in an article on its website that passing Amendment 53 was an opportunity for the Gulf Council to use the best scientific data available to establish sector allocations. “In our eyes, it’s not really giving us or taking away from them by any means. We’re not trying to take away from them, but we wanted to make sure that we had our fair share of what we have been catching

Keith Miller and sons Greydon, left, and Blake show off a 62-pound black grouper July 6 at A.P. Bell Fish Co. in Cortez. Greydon caught the fish during a three-day trip that took the trio 84 miles into the Gulf of Mexico, where they also caught red grouper and red snapper. Keith is a full-time lieutenant inspector with the West Manatee Fire Rescue District who took up fishing part-time to help his sons learn to run a business. Islander Photo: Courtesy Seth Miller

here in the state of Florida over the years,” said Trip Auckeman, CCA Florida director of advocacy. If catch limit changes are not made, Auckeman said July 8, recreational fishers could see a shortened red grouper season and more stringent limits, since the new data collection methods indicate they are catching more than their current allocation. The data also indicates that the red grouper population is bigger than fishery managers estimated, meaning, when the total allocation is increased, commercial fishers will be able to catch the same number of red grouper they do today for years to come, Auckeman said. However, the red grouper reallocation will take place before the total allocation is increased, leading to insolvency for some commercial fishers, said Dylan Hubbard, owner of Hubbard’s Marina in Madeira Beach. Hubbard, a fourth-generation charter captain, said Amendment 53 was “a lose-lose for everybody,”

Algae responsible for ailing seagrass in BB project

In a battle between algae and seagrass, algae is winning. Seagrass is dying at one of three sites where it was planted in Sarasota Bay as part of a Bradenton Beach mitigation effort, AquaTech Eco Consultants owner Beau Williams told The Islander July 8. Seagrass is being planted to mitigate the impact of a Bradenton Beach dredging project, an effort by the city to improve navigation in a bayside boating channel. Drift algae, naturally occurring, drifts into depressions and, according to Williams, there is a depression at the site where the seagrass is dying. An engineering firm, Coastal Engineering Consultants, is responsible for finding the correct elevation for the fill so dredging sites can avoid such depressions, Williams added. “It just happens sometimes,” Williams said, referring to the dying seagrass. Coastal Engineering recommended placing a fence around the seagrass to block algae, said Williams, who would prefer to place more fill in the area to eliminate the depression. And AquaTech will need to replant the dying seagrass. Meanwhile, dredge work by Duncan Seawall, Dock and Boat Lift continues on the project, estimated at a total cost of $925,485. — Kelsey Mako

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PEOPLE FOR PRESERVE AMI Greed is allowing this fragile habitat to be destroyed. - Janet K. I love our Island and little city that is so far…unspoiled and one of the very few places that have turtles returning, birds laying, coyote’s living…sea grasses flourishing and no commercial high rises. - Doris S.

I’ve gone here every year of my life, my family has a house on the island, and would like to see the island preserved. ABSOLUTELY NO HIGH RISES!!! - Matt R.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND LEAVE IT ALONE IT IS PERFECT JUST THE WAY IT IS!!!! - Susie C.

I want to preserve Anna Maria Island, and all of its wildlife. - Amber S.

It’s the right thing to do. - Mark S.

I love Anna Maria Island as it is. Let’s not ruin wildlife and vegetation. - Emily G.

“...Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.” - ALBERT EINSTEIN - Karen N.

I love AMI and I don’t want the beaches and dunes to be taken over by more housing. No building past the coastal line that has been enforced for years!! - Juliann B.

My family first moved to Miami in the 1920’s and I have wonderful pictures from that time. Please preserve the uniqueness of this island and old Florida! - Jan C.

I love Anna Maria!!! - Laura G.

I’m signing because I love beaches, and I’m supporting my friend. - Renee W.

Please preserve this beautiful beach - Michelle A.

Preserve the island - Sarah R. I would hate to see Anna Maria Island turn into another tourist trap. Preserve AMI! - Patrick C.

Fight for the protection of beaches, islands, oceans, waterfronts, dunes, and any place near water sources as the lives of everyone and everything on this planet depends on it. Save Anna Maria Island!! - Darby S.

SCAN TO WATCH VIDEO & SEND YOUR MESSAGE

Even a small rain sees the island flooded. We cannot let a bureaucratic error put our homes, as well as the dunes and wildlife nesting areas of Anna Maria further at risk by an inability to own up to a mistake. - David M. JUSTICE FOR WE THE PEOPLE. SAVE AND PRESERVE OUR PRECIOUS NATURE AND ANNA MARIA ISLAND - Doria W. As a native Floridian and advocate for our oceans and sea life, it is my duty to protect the islands and coastlines from the overcrowding of humans that produce more waste and garbage that pollute our oceans. - Sabrina S. I want all AMI lovers to know about a Rogue FDEP decision that was ruled on june 7, 2021 and it will ruin our dunes forever!! - Wendy J.

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Page 14 THE ISLANDER | islander.org July 14, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Tidings worship calendar

Gathering

SPECIAL EVENTS Through July 15, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church New Shoe Drive, 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1813. REGULAR WORSHIP

Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-4769. Thursdays 9:30 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1638. Gloria Dei Lutheran Church invites islanders to Saturdays 4 p.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. lace up for a cause. The church, 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, is Sundays

Gloria Dei collects shoes for Manatee school kids

collecting new shoes for Project Heart through Thursday, July 15. Project Heart is a Manatee County schools program provides “students living in housing transition with support and resources to enroll, attend and succeed in school.” Islanders can drop off new shoes for kids of all ages — including teens — at the church 9 a.m.-3 p.m. For more information, call the church office at 941-778-1813 or email the church at office@gloriadeilutheran.com.

GoodDeeds

Horne

infectious.

SAVE THE DATES

Assistance sought on AMI

• Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals. Information: 941-345-2441. • The Roser Food Bank seeks donations. Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, administers the pantry, supported by All Island Denominations. Information: 941778-0414. • The Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department seeks “self-guided volunteers” to clean trails and beaches, Ann Horne Virginia Ann Horne, 79, died July take photos and other tasks. Info: michelle.leahy@mymanatee.org 18, 2020. or 941-742-5923. She was born in 1940.

Obituaries

Virginia

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. 9 a.m. — CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-0719. 9:15 a.m. — Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-779-1912. 9:45 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. 9:30 a.m. — Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive. Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1813. 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. 10 a.m. — Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-6491. 10:30 a.m. — St. Bernard. 10:45 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation.

Sept. 6-7, Rosh Hashanah. Sept. 13, Yom Kippur.

Assistance offered on AMI

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

She was a child from Maine, a She is survived by her brother, Roger Burke Jr.; mother from Wisconsin, a resident children Stacey Horne Hansen and Bradley; grandchilof Anna Maria Island and a friend to dren Virginia (Ginger) Hansen, Chloe Hansen, Sydnie all. Her joy for living and good cheer was and Mackenzie.

Her family and dear friends, both near and far, meant the world to her. She would want people to celebrate her life not mourn her passing. She would want people to remember her smiling, laughing and dancing her way through her beautiful life. As the year closes on her death, she’s honored with treasured happy memories.

Remembering Sandy Mattick Sandy Mattick campaigns for a seat on the Anna Maria Commission on Election Day in November 2010. Ms. Mattick, engaged in the island business community and Anna Maria politics for many years, died July 1. A celebration of her life took place July 10 on the beach at the Sandbar Restaurant in Anna Maria. Islander File Photo

Milestones

5 generations pile on for the 4th The Busciglio family and friends gather on the beach near Oak Avenue July 4 for their annual “pyramid” photo. The pyramid features five generations of islanders and the photo is a tradition since 1996 — missed only in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Islander Photo: Courtesy Dina Busciglio Sheridan

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 & meditation

Essential

Growing in Jesus’ Name

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

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

WWII veteran faces 99 with ﬁnesse

pany was chosen by lottery” to go fight in the Battle of the Bulge, Schwaeger said. He was selected in the second lottery, but by the conclusion of additional training, “the Bulge was no longer urgent.” Eventually, Schwaeger’s unit headed back to the United States with a plan to proceed on to the Pacific Theater. But Schwaeger’s ship docked in New York Aug. 15, 1945, which turned out to be VJ-Day or Victory over Japan Day. The Army kept Schwaeger stationed at a U.S. base before discharging him a year later to civilian life.

By Amy V.T. Moriarty Islander Reporter

With a twinkle in his eye and energy to spare, Bob Schwaeger will be 100 years young Aug. 9. But the World War II U.S. Army veteran doesn’t let age stand in his way. Schwaeger was born in Vienna, Austria, where his father owned a metals business. Customers were in the countryside and his city-based family was considered upper-class. In fact, the white touring car with red leather interior his father owned was one of the only privately owned cars in Vienna, Schwaeger told The Islander June 22. The family were proud Austrians who attended midnight Mass at Christmas to hear the music. But they were Jews. And by 1938, Schwaeger’s father saw the writing on the walls as neighbors donned the brown shirt of the Nazi Party and anti-Semitism went on the rise. Escape to Switzerland wasn’t an option, as Jewish refugees caught by the Swiss were returned to their home country, which was a death sentence. The elder Schwaeger applied for U.S. quota numbers for himself, his wife and 16-year-old son and was put on a list. He also bribed a Mexican embassy official to issue three visas for the family and, with $21 between them, the three sailed from Hamburg, Germany, to Tampico, Mexico. But they learned upon arrival that “the visas weren’t worth the paper they were printed on,” Schwaeger recalled. Unable to disembark in Mexico, the family and 18 other refugees remained aboard the ship, awaiting — and fearing — a return voyage to Germany. The ship’s captain understood the situation for the refugees and, when they docked in Cuba, he helped them find allies to convince President Fulgencio Batista to allow them to stay. They had help from a Jewish aid group until Schwaeger’s sister, who had emigrated to Detroit, got the family’s quota numbers issued by signing affidavits that the family would not be a burden on the U.S. government. Knowing only the word “OK” in English, Schwaeger found a factory job. “No one looked at hours, we were just happy to have the work,” Schwaeger said. At the end of each week, the teenager turned over $7 of his $8 weekly income to his mother. With the other dollar, he learned valuable lessons: English and the importance of saving. Friday evenings, he went to the cinema for “plate night,” where for 25 cents he had four hours of entertainment, received a free plate and learned English. He went to the movies again Saturday after work for another quarter to continue his English “lessons”

Milestones

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

World War II vet Bob Schwaeger stands in his Bradenton home June 22. Schwaeger will turn 100 Aug. 9. Islander Photo: Amy V.T. Moriarty

and attended night school three times a week. “Not learning English wasn’t even a considered option,” he said. Every week, Schwaeger banked 40 cents, keeping track of his savings in a passbook and thrilled to grow the balance. After about a year and a half, Schwaeger got a job working for Dodge and a substantial pay increase. A world at war The United States joined WWII in December 1941 and, in 1943, Schwaeger was drafted into the Army and sent to basic training in Cheyenne, Wyoming. His sweetheart, a fiery redhead named Shirley, joined him there for a week after he completed training and the couple was married before the private departed for training in Oregon with the 555th Quartermaster Rail Company. From Oregon it was on to New York and then Torquay on England’s southwestern coast, where his unit was attached to the 5th Engineers Special Brigade to train as part of the D-Day landings. Schwaeger’s unit, assigned as expeditionary forces, landed at Omaha Beach along the German-occupied coast of Normandy, France. “Omaha Beach was a disaster,” Schwaeger recalled. “It was littered with corpses.” As D-Day became D+1, D+2, D+3 and beyond, Schwaeger recalled his unit being tasked with clearing the beach — collecting ammunition and removing bodies — before spending months in a hedgerow, awaiting a move to Cherbourg, France. But “then was the Bulge and 10% of each com-

Civilian life Schwaeger returned to work in Detroit’s auto industry, eventually owning United Paint Services, selling paint and supplies to manufacturers and shops. As his family grew to include two daughters and a son, Schwaeger somehow found time to join a social club that had him rubbing elbows with Detroit muckety-mucks and Michigan politicians at Wednesday card games. And, because it was Detroit, there was a mafia presence at the club, too, Schwaeger recalled. “I love this country. If anyone tells you you can’t be successful, they’re wrong. I came in 1939 with no language and $21 between three of us and we were able to live fairly well,” Schwaeger said. In 1979, Schwaeger retired and he and Shirley moved to Bradenton. An avid golfer and card player, Schwaeger joined the Bradenton Country Club, eventually serving on its board of directors, and bought a house across the street to be close to the center of their social life. He and Shirley found a routine that included Friday night dinners at the Waterfront in Anna Maria, and “because I like white tablecloths,” breakfast at Harry’s Continental Kitchens on Longboat Key on Saturdays. He’s even been tapped a few times to be the grand marshal of the Beach Bistro St. Patrick’s Day Parade. But life hasn’t been sunshine and roses for Schwaeger, whose son died five years ago. And whose wife died three years ago of Leukemia. A woman who cared for Shirley in her waning days continues to care for Schwaeger — or, more accurately, tries to keep up with him, she joked June 22. Schwaeger uses a walker but isn’t dependent on it and still drives a car. Though retired for more than three decades, Schwaeger still has “a fire in my belly” and spends 6-8 hours each day in his home office on day-trading and financial consulting work. He loves that “my children have become my friends,” and he still travels with them. As he nears the century mark, Schwaeger said one of the most important pieces of advice he can give people is to create a savings plan. It doesn’t have to be a lot but, he said, getting in the habit of setting aside money each week leads to financial discipline. “Saving is the key,” Schwaeger said. “It’s not what you make, it’s what you have left at the end of the year.”

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Cops & Courts

Staff reports

Bradenton man charged with assault in road rage incident By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Holmes Beach police officers filed a capias request July 5 for a third-degree felony charge against Bradenton resident Johnny Richardson, 26, for aggravated assault. He allegedly attempted to hit another vehicle while driving. HBPD also filed a capias request — a request for a court order to arrest someone based on certain charges — for a first-degree misdemeanor charge against Richardson for possessing under 20 grams of marijuana. The incident July 5 began when a motorist approached two HBPD officers to report the driver of a silver Mazda tried to hit the vehicle carrying a family of four while driving southbound on Gulf Drive. One officer stayed with the witnesses, who said the Mazda cut off their vehicle while passing on the left — nearly hitting them and the vehicle in front of them — and forced them to stop by parking in the road. The witnesses said that the Mazda’s driver, later identified as Richardson, exited his vehicle with his arms outstretched, as if aiming a handgun. Richardson then reentered his vehicle and drove away but not before the witnesses got a photo of his

license plate. The witnesses provided the photo as evidence and written affidavits, stating they would like to press charges. The other officer tracked Richardson’s vehicle to Cortez, where he conducted a traffic stop, waited for backup, then searched the vehicle for firearms. The officers did not find a gun but did find 2.7 grams of marijuana inside the vehicle. When officers tried to detain Richardson, he became “extremely uncooperative and emotional, advising he could not breathe.” So they called emergency medical services, according to the HBPD report. EMS deemed that Richardson’s behavior was due to the inﬂuence of drugs and he was transported to Blake Medical Center in Bradenton for treatment under the Marchman Act. Medical staff also provided Richardson with medication that “incapacitated” him, so the officers were unable to get an interview at the time. Since no firearm was found in Richardson’s vehicle, the officers submitted the capias requests to the state attorney’s office. They also issued Richardson a court summons for driving without a license and a citation for having no proof of insurance.

Tampa man arrested at Passage Key for lewd behavior Manatee County sheriff’s deputies arrested Tampa resident Joseph Traugott, 62, June 26 on two counts of “lewd or lascivious exhibition … upon a child less than 16 years of age,” a second-degree felony charge. A person reported to the MCSO that she saw

HBPD ﬁnds missing man

Holmes Beach police officers located an 88-yearold man around 2:30 a.m. July 8 — one day after the man was classified as “missing and endangered.” The man, who suffers from dementia, went missing July 7. He was thought to be driving a silver Honda, leading police to ask the public for help locating him, according to a July 8 report from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. “Thank you to the Holmes Beach Police Department and the public for their assistance in returning (the man) home safely,” the HCSO report states. — Ryan Paice

Traugott — who was reportedly seated on the beach on the south side of Passage Key wearing a mesh thong — remove his clothing and masturbate in front of her two juvenile nieces. Passage Key is a national wildlife refuge that people are prohibited from visiting — other than wading in the waters around the small island. The complainant said she screamed at Traugott to stop when she saw what he was doing, which caused the man to run down the beach. MCSO marine units arrested the man and brought him to the Kingfish Boat Ramp in Holmes Beach. Deputies then transported Traugott to the Manatee County jail, where he was released the next day after posting a $15,000 bond. An arraignment will be at 9 a.m. Friday, July 23, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. — Ryan Paice

Streetlife

Staff reports

Anna Maria July 1, 700 block of Holly Road, noise. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office dispatched a deputy at 10:42 p.m. for a complaint of loud music. The deputy heard the music and issued a citation for violation of the noise ordinance. July 3, 800 block of North Shore Drive, noise. The MCSO dispatched a deputy at 12:04 a.m. for a complaint of loud music and voices. The deputy issued a citation for violation of the noise ordinance. July 3, 300 block of North Bay Boulevard, noise. The MCSO dispatched a deputy at 1:09 a.m. for a complaint of loud music and talking. The deputy issued a citation for violation of the noise ordinance. July 4, 400 block of Hibiscus Road, noise. The MCSO dispatched a deputy at 12:25 a.m. in response to a complaint of a “super loud party.” The deputy issued a citation for violation of the noise ordinance. July 4, 700 block of North Bay Boulevard, noise. The MCSO dispatched a deputy at 2:52 a.m. for a complaint of loud music. The deputy issued a citation for violation of the noise ordinance. July 5, 400 block of Hibiscus Road, noise. The MCSO responded to a 12:28 a.m. complaint of loud partiers. The deputy issued a citation for violation of the noise ordinance. The MCSO polices Anna Maria. Bradenton Beach No new reports. The BBPD polices Bradenton Beach. Cortez No new reports. The MCSO polices Cortez. Holmes Beach July 1, Anna Maria Island Centre, 3260 E. Bay Drive, trespassing. An officer from the Holmes Beach Police Department saw a man who had been trespassed from the center within the past year. The officer confirmed the man’s identity and issued court summons. July 5, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Marchman Act. A woman approached an officer and said she had taken molly with friends before getting lost. The officer found the woman’s friends, who were intoxicated, and contacted emergency medical services to transport them to the Blake Medical Center in Bradenton under the Marchman Act. HBPD polices Holmes Beach. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

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Law enforcement: A family-oriented 4th celebrated on AMI By Amy V.T. Moriarty Islander Reporter

Law enforcement officials reported the Fourth of July holiday weekend brought packed beaches and a festive vibe. “Everybody was very respectful and well-behaved,” Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer told The Islander July 7. Law enforcement in the island cities responded to complaints about fireworks, but no fireworks-related citations were issued and no related arrests made. Complaints of verbal altercations over parking spaces kept police in Bradenton Beach busiest through the July 3-5 weekend, Bradenton Beach Police Detective Sgt. Lenard Diaz said July 7. Saving parking spaces is illegal but that didn’t stop people from doing it anyway, Diaz said. “It’s really starting to become an issue,” Diaz said. Police prevented altercations from getting heated and no one was arrested. People were mostly cooperative with police. Diaz said there were two instances when children were separated from their families on the beach but were reunited within minutes. Otherwise, he said, the beaches were packed but people were respectful and

having a good time. Teams of two from the Manatee County sheriff’s mounted patrol unit were at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach during the weekend, MCSO public information officer Randy Warren told The Islander July 8. The deputies didn’t spot any issues but their presence is as much for public relations as law enforcement, Warren said. “It’s not always writing a ticket or citation or breaking things up … it’s about answering questions and positive interactions with the public. And people love the horses,” Warren said.

MCSO marine units were on the waters during the weekend but had no calls for rescues or critical incidents, Warren said. That’s not to say the marine unit wasn’t busy, he said, as they performed boat safety checks and ensured “compliance through education.” In Anna Maria, noise complaints kept deputies busy, MCSO Sgt. Brett Getman said July 5. Five noise ordinance violations were issued by deputies July 3-5, according to MCSO records. Otherwise, Getman said, everyone seemed to just enjoy the extended holiday weekend.

Wrong-way driver arrested for DUI in Cortez A 62-year-old Bradenton man was arrested June 30 for intoxicated driving when two breath tests yielded results of more than 11 times the legal limit. Daniel Flanagan attracted law enforcement’s attention at 12:18 a.m. when a Bradenton Beach police officer noticed a van traveling at high speed without headlights on the wrong side of Cortez Road West. The officer had to “reach speeds of approximately 100 miles per hour” to catch and stop the vehicle headed east over the bridge into Cortez, according to

the arrest report. A Manatee County sheriff’s deputy dispatched to the scene had Flanagan perform two breath tests with results of 0.93 for both. The legal limit is 0.08. Flanagan was arrested for DUI and issued two traffic citations. He was taken to the Manatee County jail, where he was held overnight. Flanagan will be arraigned Tuesday, Aug. 3, at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton. — Amy V.T. Moriarty

Children from a summer camp pose July 8 alongside a firetruck and crew from West Manatee Fire Rescue’s Station 1 at 407 67th St W., Bradenton. during a field trip to learn about fire safety. Islander Photo: Courtesy WMFR

Ready to serve? HBPD seeks new ofﬁcer

The Holmes Beach Police Department is looking to fill its ranks. HBPD Chief Bill Tokajer told The Islander July 7 that he is looking for an officer to succeed Jordan Sullivan, who left to pursue other interests. According to a July 7 post on HBPD’s Facebook page, the starting salary for the full-time position is $49,000, along with health benefits, a pension and a take-home police vehicle. “We’re looking for the best candidate who qualifies for the position,” Tokajer said. People interested in applying can email detective@ holmesbeach.org. or call 941-708-5804. — Ryan Paice

Field day with ﬁreﬁghters

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Your place for fun, funky

antique cameras to garden features, candles, jewelry and work by local artisans. They also offer Dixie Belle paints. Blessed and Distressed is a tastefully designed store — so inviting, you’ll want to stay and visit — filled with collectibles and work by local artists at Palma Sola Square, around the corner from WinnDixie. It offers 30-plus vendors and artists, including vintage, upcycled, shabby chic, fanciful frocks and

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Page 18 THE ISLANDER | islander.org July 14, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

1st nest hatches

Nesting notes By Kelsey Mako

Elsa passes AMI, takes out nests

Elsa took a toll on Anna Maria Island’s sea turtle nests as the storm passed July 6-7 in the Gulf of

Mako

Mexico. Turtle nests on AMI faced destructive waves, according to the Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring team. AMITW is a nonprofit that collects data on sea turtle and shorebird nesting habits. After the storm — which moved up the Gulf of Mexico as a category 1 hurricane but was downgraded to a tropical storm as it passed the island overnight July 7— AMITW volunteer Pete Gross reported 53 nests were washed away by waves and 131 nests were washed over by waves. Gross said nests that were washed over likely will hatch. A fraction of the nests that were washed away also will hatch. Additionally, some sea turtle eggs were found rolling in the surf, said executive director of AMITW Suzi Fox. The eggs found in the surf will not hatch, as they

The high tide from Elsa reaches a turtle nest on Coquina Beach July 7, the morning after the tropical storm passed AMI. Islander Photo: Kelsey Mako

are water permeable. “Once they roll to the water, the likelihood of them hatching is zero,” Fox said. She added that anyone who finds sea turtle eggs in the water should bury them in a hand-sized hole in the dunes, as they improve vegetation growth. A sea turtle nest contains about 100 eggs, Gross said. So 53 lost nests could mean as many as 5,000 eggs that won’t hatch. But, Gross said, “It’s pretty typical for a storm like this.” Nesting season runs May 1-Oct. 31. Compara-

Big beach holiday, no trouble for nesting No big booms? No disturbed nesting on the beaches. Fireworks were not a problem for nesting sea turtles or shorebirds during the July 4 holiday weekend. Bradenton Beach police officer Eric Hill said there were a few complaints about private fireworks but no complaints about turtle nests being disturbed. Hill also said there were fewer issues with fireworks July 3-5 than in the past, possibly because there was no public firework display to bring night-time

crowds to the beach. “It’s not like it usually is when they have the fireworks out here,” Hill said. Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch’s executive director, Suzi Fox, added that there were no signs of fireworks impacting shorebird nests. “I think people are being better,” Fox said. For more information on AMITW, go to islandturtlewatch.com or call Fox at 941-778-5638. — Kelsey Mako

It’s hatch time! The first sea turtle hatchlings of the season for Anna Maria Island entered the Gulf of Mexico July 6 from a nest near 74th Street in Holmes Beach. Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteer Bob Haynes was first on the scene of the hatched nest. Nesting season runs May 1-Oct. 31, and nests typically start hatching July-October. The nest was to be excavated July 9, AMITW volunteer Pete Gross said. Excavating involves removing eggs from the nest and determining the number hatched, nonhatched and pipped eggs. A pipped egg is an egg that contains a turtle — living or dead. Those that contain live sea turtles are left in the clutch with the assumption the sea turtles will emerge. After excavating a nest, volunteers rebury the remains. — Kelsey Mako tively, storm season in Florida runs June 1-Nov. 30. To prepare for the storm, AMITW volunteers pounded nest markers deeper into the sand and removed adoption plaques. Bradenton Beach code enforcement officer Ronald Peterson said he went out July 6 to make sure beach gear was removed from the shore. Asked if he had concerns before the storm, Peterson said, “This is my first time being out on the beach during a tropical storm or hurricane, so I’m not sure what to expect. I’ve never seen the island ﬂood.” Fox said AMITW did not move or remove nests. They let nature take its course. She said the beach nourishment project completed in 2020 was effective, noting the tide was high but receded quickly. “It’s doing what it should do after renourishment,” she said. Neither Manatee County parks and natural resources director Charlie Hunsicker nor county information outreach manager Nicholas Azzara were available July 8 and they did not respond to emails with Islander questions about beach erosion in the storm. Fox asked people who sees hatchling tracks in an unmarked area to contact AMITW at 941-778-5638. s "RADENTON S "EST ,OCAL %ATS FROM BY 4RIPADVISOR s 6OTED "EST 'ERMAN 2ESTAURANT IN "RADENTON s 3TARS OF ON &ACEBOOK

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July 14, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 19 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Stick ’em

By Lisa Neff

Going beneath the surface

Scanning the surface of Sarasota Bay, people see dolphins, pelicans and pleasure boaters. Those who go below the surface and dive into the research, find the hazards to dolphins, other marine life, human life and bay life. The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program earlier this summer published a draft document examining the status of Sarasota Bay and listing actions to protect and preserve the local waters. Neff A goal is to improve water quality, as well as the quantity and distribution of freshwater flow in the estuary. You might be aware of the causes of damage, or at least some of them: • Excess nutrients; • Harmful algal blooms; • High bacteria levels; • Low dissolved oxygen concentrations; • Increased sediment loads from excess runoff; • Toxins; • Microplastics; • Alteration of natural hydrology. The list goes on but I can narrow it to a single threat: humans. About the only blame we don’t need to shoulder is fecal waste from wildlife. We’re responsible for wastewater, pet waste and fertilizer runoff that contributes to excess nutrients. We’re responsible for the microplastics emerging as a pollution of concern, the spasms and bursts of development that alter freshwater flow and we must answer for the climate change causing rising seas and fluctuating precipitation patterns. We’re responsible for broken infrastructure, population growth and emissions. We focus a lot on nutrient pollution in watersheds and bays, but don’t just look to power plants or Piney Point. Airborne nitrogen compounds — nitrogen oxides

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s 2021-22 decals for manatees and sea turtles are waterproof and available for $5 donation that supports research, rescue and management efforts in the state. local tax collector’s offices make them available. They also can be requested online. For more information, go to myfwc.com/get-involved. Islander Courtesy Images

and ammonia — are a significant source of nutrient pollution in the bay from stormwater or groundwater but also as gas, dust and rainwater. Mobile sources of nitrogen oxides — cars, boats and yard equipment — create emissions close to the ground, contributing four times more nitrogen deposition to the local watershed than regional power plants releasing nitrogen from stacks. According to the SBEP report, CO2 emissions in the Sarasota-Bradenton metro area are up 61% since 1990. SBEP’s plan details the destruction and damage to the bay but also notes progress in recovery and charts corrective actions. The action plan includes: • Supporting monitoring of water quality; • Strategizing to surpass water quality standards; • Improving hydrology for more natural ﬂows; • Reducing pollutants from stormwaters and wastewaters; • Reducing atmospheric nitrogen deposition; • Supporting measures to better understand, monitor and reduce harmful algal blooms. As of July 8, more than 80 projects were planned to improve water quality in the Greater Sarasota Bay Estuarine System. Additionally, Manatee County is working with the Southwest Florida Water Management District to use federal RESTORE ACT funds to develop watershed management plans and SBEP is advocating for small, green infrastructure practices to reduce polluted stormwater and wastewater from reaching the bay. Such practices include better managing rainfall, one of our most abundant natural resources, by planting and preserving canopy trees to intercept rain before it

hits the ground, using rain barrels and cisterns, creating rain gardens to improve evaporation and percolation into the ground and establishing stormwater parks. The objectives and ideas outlined in SBEP’s plan motivate. We’re responsible for damage in the bay. And we’re also responsible for the recovery. On the web The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program’s conservation and management plan is at sarasotabay.org.

Holmes Beach creating Clean Water Committee

Holmes Beach continues to accept applications for its Clean Water Committee. The city opened the application period in March for 5-7 commission-based appointments to the CWC. The committee will act as an advisory board for the city commission, focusing on coordinating community activity and philanthropy to improve water quality on Anna Maria Island. Members are not required to be Holmes Beach residents. The committee’s meeting schedule would be determined by board members at the CWC’s first meeting. Applications, available on the city’s website, holmesbeachﬂ.org, can be returned to city hall, 5801 Marina Drive, or emailed to deputyclerk@ holmesbeachﬂ.org.

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Key Royale golfers skirt rain, horseshoers beat storms to pits By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter

Thirty Key Royale Club members and guests played an Independence Day scramble July 3 and the team of Jeff and Sherry Drinkard and Dave and Kerry Sears won the day’s bragging rights. Playing with the Ambrose handicap scoring system, the foursome combined on a net score of 9-under-par 23. Second place went to the Cassidy team of Dave and Debi Richardson, Jana Samuels and Steve Vasbinder, who combined to finish at 8-under-par 24. Other notable achievements of the day at the KRC in Holmes Beach included celebrations for the winners of the long-drive contest, Debi Wohlers and John Hackinson. Vasbinder won closest-to-the-pin on the eighth hole, while Tom Nelson, who reports the scores for the KRC, Chris Nelson, Bill Shuman and Bill DeMenna won the closest-to-the-pin team contest on the fifth hole. Fifty or so members and guests then celebrated with a traditional Independence Day cookout at the

Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

July 14 July 15 July 16 July 17 July 18 July 19 July 20 July 21

HIGH

4:34a 5:03a 5:35a 6:12a 6:53a 7:39a 8:28a 9:20a

1.6 3:05p 1.7 4:08p 1.9 5:22p 2.1 6:55p 2.3 8:51p 2.5 10:55p 2.7 — 2.8 —

2.4 2.2 1.9 1.7 1.5 1.4 — —

LOW

8:45a 1.2 10:24p 0.1 9:59a 1.1 11:04p 0.4 11:20a 0.9 11:43p 0.6 12:47p 0.7 — — 12:20a 0.9 2:13p 0.4 12:56a 1.2 3:31p 0.1 1:27a 1.3 4:39p -0.1 5:37p -0.3 — —

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

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Moon

1st

clubhouse. The men were back on the course July 5 for their weekly modified-Stableford system match. Herb Clauhs, Chuck Patrick and Terry Schaefer carded plus-2s to finish in a three-way tie at the top of the board. Rain from Tropical Storm Elsa put a damper on golf July 6 for the women, but the course had sufficiently dried out July 8 for the regular weekly scramble. The team of Nelson, Shuman and Mike Riddick matched the 4-under-par 28 carded by Ken Butler, Scott Mitchell, Chuck Patrick and Deb Richardson resulting in a tie for first place.

Horseshoe news Tropical Storm Elsa moved out of the area just in time for the Anna Maria horseshoers to get in their July 7 match. With Bob Heiger, the last unbeaten team trailing 16-0, it appeared the guys were headed for a multiteam playoff of all the one-loss teams. Heiger had other plans as he scored 21 of the next 23 points to earn an improbable 21-18 come-frombehind victory and finish as the lone unbeaten team. Heiger earned his bragging rights. Action July 10 saw Dom Livedoti make a triumphant return to the pits, teaming up with Jerry Disbrow to forge the lone undefeated record and the day’s outright championship. Play gets underway at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by random team selection. There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome.

Dave Sears, right, offers to buy drinks at the clubhouse on winning the July 3 Independence Day team scramble with Jeff and Sherry Drinkard and Kerry Sears at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach. They put together a net score of 9-under-par 23. Islander Photo: Courtesy KRC

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July 14, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 21 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Elsa passes gently in Gulf, time to target mangrove snapper By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

Now that Anna Maria Island has dodged another bullet — this one being Tropical Storm Elsa — it’s time to get back to the water and really do some fishing. It’ll probably take a few days for the waters to settle and become clear, which can make fishing a challenge, but with a little know-how and some luck, you should be able to find success. Stasny In July, we typically start seeing a showing of mangrove snapper in Tampa Bay. These hungry snapper show up around rock piles, reefs, piers, pilings, bridges, boat wrecks and even on the deeper grass ﬂats of the bay, gorging themselves on the vast schools of hatch bait — Spanish sardines, scaled sardines, shiners and glass minnows. The average size of “bay” snapper is around 15 inches but — with a daily limit of five fish per person — they are a favorite among anglers on the hunt for a fish dinner. The minimum size on mangrove snapper is a mere 10 inches, but most captains release the smaller fish with the hope of bigger ones to come. You can catch the snapper using various baits. Small shiners or hatch baits seem to be consistently best, although carrying live shrimp is smart. At times these snapper can get finicky. Combine these baits with 20-pound ﬂuorocarbon leader — or less if you can stand it — and a small circle hook and you’re off to a good start. If you’re bottom fishing, add some weight to the rig and try your luck. Stealth is key as the snapper tend to be quite smart. Chumming for them is a good way to coax them into making a mistake — and taking your hook. In these scenarios, the light leader and small hook will prove their worth. And, once hooked, the snappers put up quite a fight on light to medium spinning tackle. In fact, it’s quite surprising how hard they fight for their size. So, if you’re itching to get out on the water and catch dinner, you may want to rig up and try snapper fishing in Tampa Bay. Capt. Warren Girle is finding plenty of action for his anglers while working the waters of Sarasota Bay.

TideWatch

Hunter Miller, Craig Miller and Mason Stahl, all visiting from Ohio, reeled in a trout dinner while fishing inshore with shiners for bait. They were guided to the fish by Capt. Warren Girle.

Free-lining live shiners or fishing them under a cork, is resulting in a variety of species. Spotted seatrout — the targeted fish — are coming to client hooks regularly, as well as numerous Spanish mackerel, bluefish and jack crevalle. Mangrove snapper also are being caught in this fashion. As a bonus this past week, Girle had a large cobia appear next to the boat while his angler was reeling up a snapper. Reacting quickly, he presented a bait to the cobia, which it quickly consumed. After quite a time with the fish on the line, it was brought boatside, where it was dehooked and released. Girl estimated the brown bomber at 40 pounds. Moving to the ﬂats, Girle is finding a bite while fishing close to mangrove shorelines, where catchand-release snook and redfish are both being caught in decent numbers. Capt. David White was working inshore for the most part this past week — thanks to the churn from Elsa. He found mangrove snapper frequenting structure, which is making them targetable during slower stages of the tide. Catch-and-release snook fishing is

producing action for the sport fishers along the mangrove shorelines of Tampa Bay. A few redfish are being found in these areas as well. Fishing along the beaches around Egmont and Passage keys at the north end of AMI are other spots for action. White is enjoying watching his clients hook into hefty blacktip sharks in the clear waters in the Gulf of Mexico. On days when White was able to run offshore, his clients were hooking into plenty of red grouper and American red snapper. Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier is thankful that Elsa was mild and left no damage at the pier. After the storm passed in the Gulf, anglers were finding plenty of mangrove snapper to eat their offerings of life shrimp as bait. Catch-and-release snook fishing is going strong for pier fishers using larger baits — pinfish and mojarras. Lastly, mackerel and jack crevalle are being hooked by anglers pitching silver spoons or small pink jigs. Send high-resolution photos and ﬁshing reports to ﬁsh@islander.org.

Red tide remains in region

In Southwest Florida, a bloom of the red tide organism persists. For the week ending July 11, K. brevis concentrations was observed in 34 samples. The red tide organism was observed at background to medium concentrations in Manatee County, as well as background to high concentrations in and offshore of Pinellas County, background to high concentrations in Hillsborough County, background to medium concentrations in Sarasota County, low concentrations in Charlotte County and background concentrations in Lee County. Fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were reported in Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. Respiratory irritation suspected to be related to red tide was reported in Pinellas and Sarasota counties. For more information, go online to myfwc.com/ research/redtide.

‘Great’ ping Brunswick, a great white shark measuring 8 feet 9 inches and weighing 431.54 pounds, sent OCEARCH Shark Trackers a ping July 7 from the Atlantic Ocean near New Jersey/Delaware. The sub-adult male shark was tagged Feb. 26, 2019, near Hilton Head, South Carolina, and tracked more than 17,287 miles over 518 days. Brunswick’s travel log includes a ping March 20 in the Gulf of Mexico off Bradenton Beach. Islander Screenshot: ocearch.org

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isl

Rise and shine Claire Heckle, left, the banquet manager at IMG Academy Golf Club in Bradenton, and John Campora of Edward Jones, 3226 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, enjoy breakfast July 8 at an Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce networking event. The event was at Cheesecake Cuties and Cafe, 3324 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. The next chamber event will be at 5 p.m. Thursday, July 22, at live Naturally, 5337 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: Toni lyon

biz

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Longevity and launches

A real-life fairy tale If you’ve read the Brothers Grimm fairy tale about the lion and the frog, you know it’s about love. It’s fitting as the namesake for the Lucky Frog Restaurant, 4625 Cortez Road W., Bradenton. Simone Kaufer, who owns the restaurant with her husband, Uwe, said everything at the Lucky Frog is done with love — love for their German heritage, love for their customers, love for their food. The dishes are prepared from Moriarty scratch by Uwe, a chef for more than 40 years, Simone told The Islander July 7. And the dishes are named for characters and locations in the restaurant’s namesake fairy tale — including the Beautiful Princess, a beef goulash with spaetzle; the Golden Palace, a Vienna-style schnitzel; and the Queen’s Wish, apple strudel with vanilla sauce and whipped cream. In September, the Lucky Frog will celebrate seven years in business — and, as we all know, seven is a lucky number in fairy tales. Whether you’re raising a stein to wish Prost, Prosit or Zum Wohl, the Kaufers want to welcome you to the Lucky Frog — 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday. More information is available online at lucky-frog. com or by calling 941-795-2132. My paddle’s keen and bright Tom McFarland knows a thing or two about local waterways. He’s been running kayak excursions for more than 10 years from his SeaLife Kayak Adventures

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business on Lido Key. Now he’s and teamed up with island entrepreneur Amy Tobin to bring KayakAMI to the AMI waters. The two launched their tours at the beginning of July for as few as four paddlers or, with some planning, as many as 35, Tobin told The Islander July 7. Most tours push off from the waterway behind the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. But they also launch in Bimini Bay in Anna Maria, Robinson Preserve on Perico Island and Emerson Point Preserve in Palmetto. “Kayaking is so easy you don’t have to be athletic,” Tobin said. Tours typically last two hours, longer bookings can be arranged and the outings include talks on island history and lore, as well as marine ﬂora and fauna education, Tobin said. McFarland said people who want to join their tours in their own kayaks receive reduced rates. They also offer a full refund as part of their weather guarantee, he said. More information is available online at kayakami. com or by calling 941-302-4593. Beach cleanup It takes teamwork to keep the island’s sugar sand beaches pristine. The folks at AMI Locals, 9801 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, are welcoming people to join their team at 4 p.m. Friday, July 30, for a beach cleanup party, including party favors: T-shirts and a post-cleanup social gathering. Along with Locals Realty, the real estate side of the AMI Locals vacation rental business, they’ll be joined by friends at Acqua Aveda Salon, Spa and Store, Anna Maria Island Inn and Bali Hai Beach Resort. The cleanup will launch at Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, with volunteers working their way north to the 48th Street beach access. Or, with more help, the cleanup may extend north, AMI Locals director of marketing Sarah Evans said July 6. Her guest list is open for RSVPs. More information is available at facebook.com/ AMILOCALS or at marketing@amilocals.com. DAILY/WEEKLY/MONTHLY SCHEDULED SERVICE

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Tickling the ivories Are you ready to throw back to the days of piano bars and sultry singers and a jazzy blues vibe? 88 Live Piano Bar, 6640 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, is under new ownership and in the process of obtaining a liquor license and installing a kitchen so guests can enjoy cocktails, food and live music. New owner Sherry Elliot told The Islander July 8 that food and alcohol service will begin by the end of July. And 88 Live isn’t just about tickling the ivories, as the bar will have monthly comedy shows beginning Saturday, July 31. Another monthly feature will begin noon Sunday, Aug. 29: Get ready for 88’s drag queen bingo brunch, featuring “endless bloody Marys and mimosas.” In the meantime, 88 Live is open 5-11 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday and 5 p.m.-midnight Friday and Saturday. There is a $5 entertainment fee for the Dueling Pianos shows on Fridays and Saturdays but otherwise no cover charge. More information is available online at gotonight. com or by calling 941-900-1133. Best of the best Know a business or nonprofit deserving of accolades and recognition as the best? Tell the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, which is accepting nominations for 2022 Small Business of the Year awards. Award categories include: Small for businesses with 1-5 employees; medium with 6-14 employees; large for companies with more than 15 employees; and nonprofit. Nominations are due by Oct. 4 and businesses can self-nominate. The awards ceremony will be Nov. 19 at a membership gala at the IMG Academy Golf Club in Bradenton. Now for the fine print: To be eligible for nomination, a company or nonprofit must be in business at least three years and be a chamber member in good standing for at least one year. For more information, go to annamariaislandchamber.org or call the office at 941-778-1541. Got biz news? Contact Amy Moriarty at amym@ islander.org or call 941-778-7978.

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

July 14, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 23 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Summer tourism turns up the heat for AMI businesses By Amy V.T Moriarty Islander Reporter

Summer on Anna Maria Island is H-O-T! Nearly two months into the season and the thermometer isn’t the only thing rising as business owners experience a record-setting summer. The last time summer business was as brisk was in 2015, said Marlene Masson, the general manager at Anna Maria Island Resorts LLC, which manages Tortuga Beach Resorts and Tradewinds Resort in Bradenton Beach. She spoke with The Islander June 23. Booking windows have grown wider, with people making reservations further in advance rather than a week or two leading up to a stay, which was the case last summer, when short-term rentals resumed bookings after COVID-19 safer-at-home orders were lifted in the state. When it comes to whole-house vacation rentals, many bookings are within two weeks of an intended stay, said Sara Evans, the marketing and social media coordinator for AMI Locals, the vacation rental arm of Locals Realty, 9801 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. For the smaller properties, Evans said, “Guests are being more spontaneous in deciding to get away.” Also, she said more visitors can easily arrange travel to AMI due to the expansion of airlines and ﬂights at Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport. In February, Southwest Airlines began servicing SRQ,

PropertyWatch By Johann Bertram

Island real estate sales

238 Oak Ave, Anna Maria, a 2,531 sfla, 4 bed / 4.5 bath / 2-car canalfront pool home built in 2019 on a 11,099 sqft lot sold 05/26/21 by Munn to Dobby MMH LLC for $3,350,000; list $3,350,000. 1301 Bay Drive N., unit 7B, Bradenton Beach, Bay Watch, a 1,079 sfla / 1,211 sfur, 2 bed / 2 bath condo built in 1982 sold 05/27/21 by Heath to Kaminski for $500,000; list $499,000. 526 Key Royale Drive, Holmes Beach, a 1,718 sfla, 3 bed / 2 bath / 2-car canalfront pool home built in 1957 on a 11,800 sqft lot sold 05/27/21 by MT Anville Properties LLC to Clemens for $1,300,000; list $1,299,000. 215 Gladiolus St., Anna Maria, a 2,800 sfla, 4 bed / 4.5 bath / 3-car canalfront pool home built in 2021 on a 8,638 sqft lot sold 05/27/21by Dobby MMH LLC to Lejuez for $3,100,000; list $3,195,000. 6700 Gulf Drive, unit 15, Holmes Beach, Gulf Place, a 1,553 sfla / 1,702 sfur, 3 bed / 2 bath condo built in 1976 sold 05/28/21 by Combee Properties LTD to Sandy Beach Vacay LLC for $1,150,000; list $1,150,000. 4915 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, a 6,601 sfla / 6,601 sfur, 3 bed / 2.5 bath canalfront pool home built in 1988 on a 26,027 sqft lot sold 05/28/21 by Bayplas 1 INC to Vicari Holdings LLC for $2,875,000; list $3,200,000.

AMI TOURISM: Endless Season

which Evans said has been a major factor in bookings. More of the airlines servicing SRQ have extended their traditional seasonal service and added more flights to the Midwest and Central Atlantic region. “The number of people coming to the island this year has been consistent,” Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce president Terri Kinder said June 23. There wasn’t the usual post-Easter slowdown and island businesses are booked. The convenience of the added flights has had a strong impact on the number of tourists flocking to the island, according to what Anne Wittine of Research Data Services Inc. told the Manatee County Tourist Development Council June 21. And the tourists truly are flocking to the island, said Anna Maria Concierge Services owner Susanne

Arbanas. The island is “definitely busier than other summers. People are coming from everywhere in the U.S. now,” Arbanas told The Islander June 23. Bookings for golf cart rentals and area tours are selling out quickly, she said. “People are just eager to spend money,” Arbanas said. And, she said, after a stressful year cooped up in homes, people are seeking relaxation, pampering and as many outdoor activities as they can get. KayakAMI owners Tom McFarland and Amy Tobin launched their business at the beginning of July and Tobin said “business is already beyond busy.” “It’s been an extraordinary year. And after red tide and then COVID, it’s so needed,” Tobin said, pointing to two major interruptions to island commerce in recent years. The area is so busy, some restaurants — including The Freckled Fin, 5337 Gulf Drive N., Holmes Beach, and Tide Tables, 12507 Cortez Road W., Cortez — are experiencing staffing shortages in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic and are temporarily closed one day each week to allow time off. While business owners are glad for the income in this year of financial recovery, Arbanas said many are wondering if business will level off or if the seemingly “endless season” will be the new normal. Based on reporting from Research Data Services Inc. to the TDC that European and Canadian travel is set to resume in the coming months, it seems an ongoing “high season” is the new normal, at least for now.

128 49th St., unit 3, Holmes Beach, a 3,400 sfla / 5,000 sfur, 4 bed / 4 and 2 half bath pool home built in 2020 on a 10,001 sqft lot sold 05/28/21 by Rorentals LLC to MJ Realty LLC for $3,200,000; list $3,100,000. COMPILED BY AMY V.T. MORIARTY 209 Willow Ave., Anna Maria, a 4,149 sfla, 5 bed / 5.5 bath canalfront pool home currently under construcAMI Chamber tion on a 10,655 sqft lot sold 05/28/21 by Willow 3 LLC SAVE THE DATE to Haller for $4,500,000; list $4,595,000. 6700 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, 980 sfla, 2 bed July 22, Business card exchange, Live Naturally, Holmes / 2 bath pool half duplex built in 1970 on a 7,952 sqft Beach. lot sold 06/01/21 by Wilson to Mazzaro for $849,000; Oct. 15-16, Bayfest, Anna Maria City Pier Park, Anna Maria. list $849,000. Fees may apply for events. 113 Pelican Drive, Anna Maria, a 1,008 sfla, 2 bed / For more information, contact the chamber at 941-778-1541. 2 bath canalfront pool home built in 1971 on a 9,100 sqft Other events lot sold 06/01/21 by Johnston to Johnson for $1,320,000; list $1,350,000. SAVE THE DATE 210 75th St., Holmes Beach, a 2,665 sfla / 3,518, 4 July 28, Manatee Chamber of Commerce seminar, “Florida’s bed / 4.5 bath / 2-car pool home built in 2015 on a 7,200 New Minimum Wage: Issues to Avoid and Opportunities to Consqft lot sold 06/02/21 by BRLE LLC to HNR Rental sider,” chamber office, 222 10th St. W., Bradenton. LLC for $2,600,000; list $2,600,000. Fees may apply for events. Johann Bertram, sales associate at Michael SaunFor more information, contact the chamber at 941-748-4842 ders & Co., AMI, can be reached at 941-779-3856.

BizCal

ext. 122.

MORGAN LEWIS REALTY

413 Pine Ave. Anna Maria

You can read it all online at islander.org MIKE NORMAN REALTY EST. 1978

Decades of island experience … Buying! Selling! Building! Consulting! Call Mark, 941-518-6329 morganlewisrealty@gmail.com BK620023 Mark Kimball CGC58092

Mike Norman Realty INC OFFERING THE BEST SELECTION OF SALES & RENTALS ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND SINCE 1978

I’M A LIFELONG NATIVE OF AMI. I’m straightforward, down to earth, and proud to be at Michael Saunders & Co., where we hold ourselves to a higher standard of service and ethics. — Johann Bertram, Realtor

6000 Marina Drive, Suite 113, Holmes Beach

www.mikenormanrealty.com 31o1 Gulf Drive, Hholmes Beach 800-367-1617 | 941-778-6696

941.779.3856 or JohannBertram@ michaelsaunders.com

JUST 4 HOUSES TO THE BEACH

Premier location in the City of Anna Maria on the corner of Elm and Gulf Drive. Oversized 102-by-105-foot lot with current duplex structure and large pool. Loads of future potential! $2,999,000

Mike Norman Realty INC

800-367-1617 941-778-6696 31O1 GULF DR HOLMES BEACH www.mikenormanrealty.com sales@mikenormanrealty.com

Page 24 THE ISLANDER | islander.org July 14, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

HELP WANTED Continued

ANTIQuE PARTNER DESK: All wood, $1,000. Inquire at The Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

WANTED: WORKOuT DVDs and retired but working XBox, Wii units with games for Ministry of Presence for kids and teens in Haiti. Deliver to The Islander, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach.

SuN AND SuRF Beach Shop is now hiring a full/ part-time sales associate. Please bring resume in or email sunandsurfjenn@aol.com.

ANTIQuE OFFICE CHAIRS: Perfect for eclectic dining set. Circa 1950 from Anna Maria City Hall. Inquire at The Islander newspaper, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

WANTED: yOuR OlD cellphone for recycling. Deliver to The Islander, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach.

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

FREE GuN lOCK courtesy of Project Childsafe, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Holmes Beach Police Department. Pick up at The Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. Don’t be sorry, be safe.

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

PETS

THE ISlANDER OFFERS the best results for your classified advertising dollar. We really work for you! Submit your ad no later than noon Monday on the website, islander. org. For Monday holidays, the deadline is Friday.

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

TRANSPORTATION

ESTABLISHED IN 1983

WANTED: GOOD, RElIABlE used car. Island resident. 941-383-0337 (home phone, no texts.) Private seller, please.

LICENSED & INSURED

1997 HARlEy-DAVIDSON Heritage Springer softtail motorcycle. Excellent condition, $13,900. 941-761-8761.

Sandy’s Lawn Service Inc. Residential & Commercial Full-service lawn maintenance. Landscaping ~ Cleanups Hauling ~ Tree Trimming.

Paradise Improvements

941.792.5600

Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Specialist Replacement Doors and Windows

Andrew Chennault

FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED Island References Lic#CBC056755 CBC 1253471

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

References available • 941-720-7519

AdoptA-Pet

HELP WANTED lBK CHuRCH NEEDS an individual to run PowerPoint and microphones for Sunday service, 9:15 to 11:15 a.m. Great weekend income. Call 941-383-0468.

BEST RESTAuRANT IN the area paying the best wages. Openings for phone receptionist, host staff, waiters and bartenders. Please, send your resume to chris@beachbistro.com or apply in person at the Beach Bistro, 6600 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. 941281-5595. ElDER CARE NEEDED. On north end of island. Full or part-time. Watching elderly woman, meal prep, light cleaning. Client is ambulatory. Call or text, 217-549-9240.

Honey is 5 years old. She is up to date with vaccinations, spayed and looking for a loving family. To meet this sweetie, call Lisa Williams at 941-345-2441 or visit The Islander ofﬁce in Holmes Beach. For more about pet adoption or to adopt Honey, visit moonraceranimalrescue.com.

HElP WANTED: lANDSCAPE installation help. Quick raises, bonuses, working outdoors. Contact Drew, 941-301-8366.

PLACE CLASSIFIED ADS ONLINE AT ISLANDER.ORG

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

KIDS FOR HIRE DEPENDABlE, RESPONSIBlE, FuN babysitter for hire. 13 years old, island local. Available in June. 941-526-9090. KIDS FOR HIRE ads are FREE for up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work. Ads must be placed in person at The Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach.

SERVICES NEED A RIDE to airports? Tampa $65, St. Pete, $55, Sarasota, $30. Gary, 863-409-5875. gvoness80@gmail.com. IS yOuR HOME or office in need of some spring cleaning? Well, I’m your girl! local, reliable, professional! Please, give me a call or text, 941-773 -0461. lOOKING FOR A housecleaner? look no further. Sand & Sea Cleaning is the team for you. 941-226-2773. ClEANING: VACATION, CONSTRuCTION, residential, commercial and windows. licensed and insured. 941-744-7983. PRESSuRE WASHING, PAVER sealing, driveway, roof, fence, pool area. Also, window cleaning. licensed and insured. 941-565-3931. ISlAND PHOTOSHOOTS WITH Gemma. Family, children, engagement, commercial. Instagram: @ silvernestphoto. 805-570-1415. NANNy, BABy/PETSITTING, cleaning, organizing, errands, assistance. 20 years’ experience. Reliable and trustworthy, local. 805-570-1415. BuSINESS-TO-BuSINESS JD’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-9203840.

MORE BANG FOR yOuR BuCK? It’s an old saying, but it’s still true when it comes to The Islander. look for “more online” at islander. org and sign up for news and storm alerts. DON’T FORGET! The Islander newspaper office moved to 315 58th St., Holmes Beach.