The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, June. 05, 2024

islander Photo: courtesy mayor John chappie

BB removes palms on DOT protest

By robert anderson islander reporter

A Bradenton Beach landscaping project to spruce up the commercial district wound up in a bit of a tangle.

The $50,000 initiative, approved in april between the Bradenton Beach community redevelopment agency and developer Shawn Kaleta, included hiring M&F landscape of Bradenton to plant 80 coconut palms along Bridge Street, including the Gulf Drive intersection.

However, Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach is a state road and the CRA didn’t get permission for the plantings from the Florida

Department of Transportation.

The CRA, comprising Mayor John Chappie, city commissioners and business owner Ed Chiles, works to promote projects in the district with incremental tax dollars.

The goal of the palm project was to beautify the area but the committee members overlooked the DOT permission.

Chappie, in a May 30 interview with The Islander, said he did not check with the DOT before the plantings but he soon heard from DOT’s District 1 landscape architect Darryl Richard, who is president of and president of the Florida Urban Forestry Council.

Speed cameras coming to AME zone

anna maria elementary school, 4700 gulf drive, will have the added protection of speed cameras and a larger school zone on gulf drive. islander file Photo: Jacob merrifield

By ryan Paice islander reporter

Holmes Beach city officials hope another set of watchful eyes can improve safety at the Anna Maria Elementary campus.

City commissioners unanimously voted May 28 to authorize Mayor Judy Titsworth to execute a piggyback agreement to hire

tennessee-based Blue line solutions llc to install and operate an automated speed enforcement system in the school zone along Gulf Drive.

David Bocchino, Blue Line’s regional sales manager of Florida, attended the meeting to provide a breakdown of the company

Please, see ame, Page 2

Outcry over squatter sparks owner probe

By robert anderson islander reporter

Gilligan’s Island, a spoil island in Anna Maria Sound, is in a sea of uncertainty over its ownership and administration.

Situated on the eastern edge of Anna Maria Sound across from Holmes Beach’s Key Royale and at the southern end of the mouth of the Manatee River, Gilligan’s Island recently gained attention due to a video showing what appeared to be people living in makeshift structures amid scattered debris. The video raised questions about the island’s use and oversight, including what policy if any exists regarding squatters.

Inquiries were initiated by The Islander to various authorities, including the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, manatee county government and the office of the Manatee County Property Appraiser. manatee county public information officer Bill Logan said May 22 that while the West Coast Inland Navigation District has a spoil easement entitling them to deposit dredged material at Gilligan’s Island, the underlying property owner is the state. That same day, Manatee County Property

Commish shakes up county race

By ryan Paice islander reporter

The biggest player in the game just shook up the race for a Manatee County commission seat.

Republican Kevin Van Ostenbridge, who holds the District 3 seat, announced May 31 he was switching to run for the district 7 atlarge seat held by republican George Kruse, who is seeking reelection.

Van ostenbridge Kruse

Van Ostenbridge and Kruse will face off on the Aug. 20 GOP primary ballot.

District 3 covers the western side of the county, including all of Anna Maria island and part of longboat Key, while District 7 is inclusive of Manatee County.

Neither Kruse nor Van Ostenbridge responded to June 3 emails from The

a

Check The Islander archives

Explore the archives of The Islander dating to November 1992 in the UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

and its services.

He said the company conducted a five-day traffic study in January to measure motorists’ speeds throughout three periods: as school opens 7:45-8:45 a.m.; daytime 8:45 a.m.-3 p.m.; as school get out 3-3:45 p.m.

When the school zone traffic lights are flashing during the bookending time periods, its speed zone drops from 25 mph to 15 mph.

Bocchino said Blue Line’s study found that out of about 33,000 motorists passing through the school zone, almost 1,300 were found driving 11 mph or more over the speed limit.

Out of the roughly 1,300 speeders, 305 were driving 15-20 mph over the speed limit and 148 were driving 21 mph or more over the limit.

Bocchino said 327 of the speeding incidents occurred when the school zone’s flashing lights were activated.

BB palms continued from Page 1

Richard said 19 palms on DOT property needed to be uprooted.

“He just let me know we had to get them out of the FDOT right of way,” Chappie said.

Within 24 hours of speaking with richard, crews were removing the palms, the mayor said.

“I am the one. I should’ve checked with FDOT first and i didn’t and i take full responsibility for that,” Chappie said.

The mayor said Alexander palms replaced by coconut palms on the state rights of way were planted by the city more than 10 years ago, also without a DOT permit, and he assumed the new plantings would amount to simple replacements.

“We have a maintenance agreement with FDOT but the bottom line is I should have reached out to the DOT. I should have called Darryl and I should have talked to him but I didn’t and I own that. Nobody else in the city owns that but me,” Chappie said.

Chappie said eight of the 19 palms removed were being kept off-site while 11 palms were transplanted to city property in the district, which is bordered by

He said that after the city approved the contract, Blue Line would begin installing its speed camera infrastructure using existing utility poles along the stretch and begin a 30-day warning period to notify motorists of the changes.

Bocchino said Blue Line’s technology will detect motorists driving 11 mph or more over the speed limit while the school zone’s flashing lights are activated.

Cameras will take a photo of the offending motorist’s license plate, at which point that information will be sent to the company for citation processing.

The contract includes no overhead costs for the installation and operation of the automated speed enforcement system but Blue Line will receive a percentage of any citations it assesses.

“I think it’s a real advancement for this city, quite frankly,” Commission Chair Terry Schaefer said.

chappie maintains the cra-approved project is still good for the commercial district.

Richard, spoke to The Islander May 30 about the project and verified that under state regulations, coconut palms are not allowed on state roads due to safety concerns about visibility and falling fruit and limbs.

“There’s a right tree in the right place and there’s a wrong tree in the wrong place and this was definitely the wrong tree in the wrong place,” Richard said.

An agreement for the maintenance of the coconut palms was made between the city and Kaleta, who pledged to indemnify the city against any potential liabilities arising from the trees, including falling coconuts, according to Chappie.

Kaleta, who plans to harvest the coconuts from the trees for his businesses, also pledged a $10,000 donation toward the planting.

Earlier this year, the city implemented a similar agreement to plant coconut palms at the Anna Maria Oyster Bar at the Historic Bridge Street Pier.

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▼ Live Maine Lobster Thursdays, plus Happy Hour all nite in the lounge.

Cortez Road, Sarasota Bay, Fifth Street South and the Gulf of Mexico.

In the wake

bottlenose dolphin puts on a show may 25 in the wake of capt. Katie tupin’s tour boat. tupin, who charters sightseeing trips in the waters of anna maria island, said the dolphin came to ride the wake as she motored through longboat Pass. islander

Photo: Katie tupin

Construction continues on controversial beachfront home

By ryan Paice islander reporter

Work on a controversial beachfront home in Anna Maria continues to progress.

anna maria-based Gagne construction’s work on Fedora campbell’s new single-family home at 105 Elm Ave. — a previously undeveloped lot — has passed multiple city inspections.

The home was the subject of a “Preserve AMI” opposition campaign in 2021 led by Robert and Wendy Jordan, the previous owners of property at 107 Elm Ave., which is immediately landward of Campbell’s property.

Beyond blocking the Jordans’ view, complaints about campbell’s then-proposed home centered on the home being built seaward of the Coastal Construction Control Line — although the CCCL does not prohibit building, it does regulate structures with higher scrutiny for the beach and dunes — and that it would be built on a lot that lacked access to a public roadway.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection gave its approval for Campbell’s development.

Not long after, city commissioners voted in July 2022 to approve a right-of-way use permit to construct a

ame continued from Page 2

“What’s more important than protecting our young citizens?”

Police Chief Bill Tokajer recommended the agreement, noting that the stretch has had several close calls between motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians in the past — and traffic is only getting worse.

He said that, according to the city’s license plate recognition system, 53,170 motorists entered the city the weekend of may 25-26.

Tokajer added that public works superintendent/ city engineer Sage Kamiya checked the AME school zone and found it was smaller than it should be.

He said the school zone will be extended by 100 feet to the north and 200 feet to the south and Blue Line’s infrastructure would be set up to account for

public access drive connecting Elm Avenue to the lot.

The Jordans sold their property at 107 Elm Ave. to Ohio-based d epalma corporation inc. for $4.15 million in December 2022, and Depalma operates the property as a short-term vacation rental.

Work began at Campbell’s property shortly after the city approved a permit for the construction of a

the new boundaries.

Commissioner Dan Diggins moved to approve the contract and Commissioner Pat Morton seconded the motion, which passed.

Commissioners also unanimously voted to send a proposed ordinance that would allow the city to regulate speed zones with cameras to a second reading.

City attorney Erica Augello said the proposed ordinance was “part and parcel” with Blue Line and required by state law to implement the regulations.

There were no public comments for either item.

The commission will meet next at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 11, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

A livestream of the meeting can be viewed on the city’s website, holmesbeachfl.org.

Work progresses on a three-story home at 105 elm ave., anna maria and a public access drive connecting the property to the roadway in may. islander

new single-family home and driveway in November 2023.

Municipal staff has since conducted several inspections at the property, passing all but one March 12 for stucco work.

By lisa neff

The Islander poll

Last week’s question my summer reading list includes … 16%. Romance. 46%. Mystery-thriller. 10%. Classic.

17%. Bestseller. 11%. Old favorite.

This week’s question i get to ami’s beaches by… A. Foot. B. Pedal bike. C. Trolley. D. Motorized vehicle. To answer the poll, go online to islander.org.

Photo: ryan Paice

By ryan Paice islander reporter

A pair of city commissioners will pursue seats in anna maria but one is hoping to flip his seat.

Commission Chair Mark Short and Commissioner Gary mcmullen filed candidacy forms with the manatee county supervisor of Elections Office ahead of the city’s qualifying period.

The window to qualify with the SEO to run for elected office in anna maria opened June 3 and will close at noon Friday, June 14.

Three positions are up for grabs this fall, including the mayoral post and two city commission seats.

Mayor Dan Murphy announced May 23 that he would allow his term to expire and not run for reelection in November — ending a decade-long run as mayor.

Short, who was appointed in 2019 and reelected without opposition in 2020 and 2022, filed forms may 24 declaring his intent to run for the open mayoral seat.

McMullen was appointed by commissioners in January but his term will expire in December.

He filed forms may 29 with the SEO announcing his intent to run for election to the city commission.

Neither candidate had reported any campaign contributions or expenditures to the SEO as of May 31, according to the SEO’s website, votemanatee.com.

With Short pursuing the mayoral post,, that leaves one available commission seat without a candidate.

The mayor earns a $19,600 annual salary. commissioners receive a $4,800 annual salary. Both offices have two-year terms.

There were 836 registered voters in Anna Maria as of May 31, according to the SEO.

Coquina Beach Market

THE 2024 elections

NEW HOURS

2 vie for HB mayor, 1 of 2 HB commissioners out, 1 seeks reelection

1 seat, 1 candidate in BB

By robert anderson islander reporter

Qualifying for the Nov. 5 election begins June 10 in Bradenton Beach but already one candidate has emerged.

Scott Bear is marked “active” for the Ward 2 commission seat, according to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections.

Bear is a civil engineer originally from Pennsylvania who 12 years ago purchased a home in Bradenton Beach. He moved to the city full-time two years ago and said he chose to run because he wanted to represent the Ward 2 community.

The Ward 2 seat, held by Marilyn Maro, is the only seat up for grabs in the municipal election.

maro was sworn into her seat in 2022 and is serving her fourth two-year term. it is not known whether she will run again.

Bear, speaking in a May 30 interview with The Islander, said he was most interested in the issues of home rule and stormwater resiliency.

“Clearly, we are seeing more storms and more drainage problems,” Bear said. “The city and the island have gone through a lot of changes in the past 12 years since we’ve been here so, just making sure we keep a handle on some of those changes.”

Usually there are two commission seats up for election in the city but, due to ward changes implemented by the city commission in February, incumbent Ralph Cole has had an additional year added to his term in Ward 4.

The window to qualify will open at noon Monday, June 10, and runs through noon Friday, June 14.

Please, see eleCT BB, next Page

10 AM - 2 PM Wed, Jun 5th - Fri, Jun 7th, Sun, Jun 9th

Come and support your local artists and crafters.

Here is what you will find at our Market: jewelry, fresh lemonade, apparel, custom & creative artwork, pet items, metal artwork, stuffed turtles, sunglasses, Celtic jewelry, caps, skin care products, water totes & bags, t -shirts, guacamole, windchimes, bracelets, eco friendly bug spray, aloe vera lotions, jerky, fresh coconut drink, licorice, toys and MORE.

Music 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Mike Sales on Wed Chuck Davis on Fri & Sun

NEW LOCATION: The Coquina Beach Market is located on the very South end of Anna Maria Island. If driving, take the South entrance to the park before the Longboat Pass bridge. If taking the trolley, walk South from the Café to the end of the island.

Follow us on Face Book and receive daily vendor roster, weather cancellations or marked closure days. www.coquinabeachmarket.org 941 -840-0789 https://www.facebook.com/CoquinaBeachMarket

By ryan Paice islander reporter

Election season is heating up in Holmes Beach before the city’s qualification window even opens.

three candidates had filed forms with the manatee county supervisor of Elections Office as of may 31, including incumbent mayor Judy titsworth, mayoral challenger Michael “mike” roth and incumbent commissioner Dan Diggins.

The city’s qualification period will begin at noon Monday, June 10, and end at noon Friday, June 14.

The mayoral post and two city commission seats will be determined in the Nov. 5 general election. All city elections are nonpartisan.

Titsworth, the granddaughter of the city’s namesake, John Holmes Sr., was elected as mayor in 2018 and reelected without opposition in 2020 and 2022.

she filed candidacy forms may 28 with the SEO announcing her intent to run for reelection.

However, this year, titsworth will face competition.

roth, a political newcomer to the city, filed forms with the SEO in January to declare his intent to run for the mayor’s office.

On the other hand, there is a lack of competition so far for two commission seats. diggins filed candidacy forms may 29 to run for reelection but Commissioner Greg Kerchner will not seek reelection.

titsworth

diggins

Election qualifying

candidates must be registered to vote and permanently reside in the city for 12 calendar months prior to the date of qualifying.

BB city commissioners earn $400 a month. Bradenton Beach had 592 registered voters as of May 31, according to the supervisor of elections.

eleCT HB continued from Page 4

None of the candidates had reported any contributions or expenses to the SEO as of May 31, according to its website, votemanatee.com.

A Holmes Beach mayor earns a $28,160 annual salary.

Commissioners receive an $8,080 annual salary. Both offices have two-year terms. there were 2,440 registered voters in Holmes Beach as of May 31, according to the SEO.

sQUaTTeR continued from Page 1

appraiser’s office mapping specialist marta pokaradi wrote to The Islander that Gilligan’s Island had been missed in previous assessments but, she said, the parcel would be added to the tax roll for 2024 and assessed to the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund of the State of Florida.

County PAO mapping director Mylai Tison also responded to Islander emails May 22, saying, “Said parcel falls within the unincorporated municipal service taxing unit ad valorem district boundary. Based on the ad valorem district, that area should be Manatee county sheriff’s Office jurisdiction, but i recommend contacting them to verify that. It appears this may have been a shallow bank that became an island, which would explain why it has not been on the tax roll and now that we have been made aware of it, it has been added.”

Tison said for the county to absorb the island parcel, the land would need to be conveyed by the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund of the State of Florida to Manatee County.

Created in 1855, the TIITF is charged with the acquisition, administration, management, control, supervision, conservation, protection and disposition of state-owned lands.

The division’s role goes beyond the acquisition of lands for protection. it provides oversight for the management of activities on more than 12 million acres of public lands, including lakes, rivers and islands.

a screen capture of the manatee county Property appraiser website map shows an aerial view of anna maria sound with gilligan’s island circled in black — ami to the west, Perico south and east, manatee avenue south.

Page 4 Plan now for the next holiday!

Is your business ready to make the most of 2024? Improve your odds of success with Islander newspaper readers looking to shop and dine, seeking indoor and outdoor fun, and a place to stay for their next visit. For ad info, call or text 941778-7978.

With the exception of the residency requirements, qualifying rules and terms for the three cities are the same.

To qualify with the SEO, candidates must open an official campaign bank account, appoint a treasurer and file a designation of campaign depository form before accepting contributions or spending money. then a candidate must file a statement of candidacy with the sEO within 10 days of filing the financial forms.

Finally, candidates must pay a filing fee of 4% of one year’s salary of the office sought or present certification of petition signatures equal to 1% of the voters from the municipality’s last general election. Municipal candidates who cannot pay the fee to qualify can file an affidavit of undue burden, stating they are unable to pay the election assessment fee for that offi ce, according to sEO chief deputy sharon stief. it must be signed by the candidate and notarized.

If prospective candidates fail to qualify with the SEO before the end of the qualifying window, they cannot run in the Nov. 5 general election.

All city elections and the election for the West manatee Fire rescue district commission are nonpartisan races.

the deadline to register to vote in the general election Nov. 5 is Monday, Oct. 7.

For more information, go online to the sEO website at votemanatee.com.

According to Florida Statute 253.12. (2), “The title to all sovereignty tidal and submerged bottom lands, including all islands, sandbars, shallow banks, and small islands made by the process of dredging any channel by the U.S. Government and similar or other islands, sandbars, and shallow banks located in the navigable waters, and including all coastal and intracoastal waters of the state is vested in the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund.”

The Islander reached out to the WCIND by phone and to the Florida Division of State Lands Bureau by email May 30 for more information.

State Lands Bureau survey and mapping chief Scott Woolam, in a May 31 email, said the matter is under review.

Election 2024

Voter registration continues for primary

Voter registration is open for the August primary election in Manatee County.

The deadline to register ahead of the primary is Monday, July 22.

For more information, go to votemanatee.com. Also on the calendar

• through June 14, candidate qualifying in anna Maria.

• June 10-14, candidate qualifying in Bradenton Beach.

• June 10-14, candidate qualifying in Holmes Beach.

• July 22, registration closes for primary.

• July 30, 5:30 p.m., manatee chamber of commerce Meet the Primary Candidates night.

• tuesday, aug. 20, primary election.

• tuesday, Nov. 5, general election. — lisa neff

Meetings

By lisa neff

June 13, 2 p.m., commission. 10005 Gulf Drive, 941-708-6130, cityofannamaria.com.

BRADENTON BEACH

June 5, 9:30 a.m., CRA.

June 5, 1 p.m., planning and zoning.

June 6, 6 p.m., commission. 107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com.

HOLMES BEACH

June 5, 5 p.m., planning.

June 11, 2 p.m., commission.

June 12, 9 a.m. clean water.

5801 Marina Drive, 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org.

WEST MANATEE FIRE RESCUE

June 18, 6 p.m., commission.

701 63rd St. W., Bradenton, 941-761-1555, wmfr.org.

MANATEE COUNTY

June 11, 9 a.m., commission.

June 10, 9 a.m., tourist development council, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee. org.

ALSO OF INTEREST

June 19, Juneteenth, most government offices will be closed. July 4, Independence Day, most government offices will be closed.

Sept. 2, Labor Day, most government offices will be closed. Send listings to calendar@islander.org.

ANNA MARIA CITY

islander Photo: courtesy mcPao

Consider this

You thought going to the polls to vote was the American way.

And it is. But, oh boy, have we ever steered from the path of elections past.

Once upon a time, in what I’d like to call another life — before I launched The Islander (Bystander) newspaper in 1992, i was involved in political campaigns, strategizing and advertising.

It fell into my lap, by virtue of a partner who served as an aide to a state representative. But I sharpened my pencil and learned all I could about smart campaigning to help a number of candidates succeed on the ballot.

But that was then. A different era of politics.

Back then a campaign could rely on a handshake because, back then, a handshake meant something.

When a candidate told you their beliefs and made promises about how they could help you, your city or your county or people’s lives, you could bank on it.

Now I’m really proud to say that when it comes to local politics, it still can be true. Honesty and sincerity prevail more so in a community where residents appreciate their way of life and their government.

But it’s not always so.

We saw an era in Bradenton Beach where the mayor controlled everything and everything happened behind closed doors. Sometimes for a price.

We saw a person elected in Anna Maria who flipped his pre-campaign promises and went after the mayor and the city with a vengeance — even threatening to contribute to a lawsuit to force developers to tear down new buildings on Pine Avenue.

He was recalled from office, the first such recall anyone at the state elections office could remember since the 1970s.

We had a pretty wacky mayor in Holmes Beach for a term and he managed to block, squirm or side-step almost every attempt to reveal his misdeeds.

Those are just the highlights, of course, but I believe most people who run for office in the cities on Anna Maria Island do so with a sincere purpose and a sense of duty to their community.

Your Opinion

It may not always be the liking of the free press — the Fourth Estate — but the officeholders mostly have the best intentions.

So what does that mean? Well, whether you’re voting for a local race, the county commissioner who will serve our district, or president — be sure to value your vote. and if you’re considering running for office, jump in.

Do your homework and cast your vote for your values today and into the future.

— Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

Opinion

Polluted Palma Sola

i am not surprised by the findings on bacterial pollution in Palma Sola Bay by Suncoast Waterkeeper.

We see the poop floating to our docks every day.

We see the piles of it on the beach every day.

We see the dead seagrass bordering the eastern side of the bay where the horses trample.

We see the repeated reports of high bacteria counts.

Skimming online

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About water quality

▼ Publisher, Co-editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

▼ Editorial editor lisa neff, lisa@islander.org robert anderson, robert@islander.org

Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist

Kevin cassidy, kevin@islander.org

masha dolgoff, masha@islander.org

Jack elka, jack@jackelka.com robyn murrell, robyn@islander.org ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org

▼ Contributors

Karen riley-love

Jacob merrifield

capt. danny stasny, fish@islander.org

▼ Advertising Director

toni lyon, toni@islander.org

▼ Webmaster Wayne ansell

▼ Office Manager, lisa Williams info@, accounting@, classifieds@, subscriptions@islander.org

▼ Distribution

urbane Bouchet ross roberts

We never allow our children and guests to swim in the water.

We do not see the frequent visits by the manatees or dolphins we once saw.

Judy loden Wasco

All others: news@islander.org

They — the horse tour companies — have taken over and ruined a beautiful and safe public beach. This is an environmental catastrophe enabled by our local governments.

I pity the families who do not live on the bay but come for a peaceful day on the beach, not knowing what lurks in the water.

shame on our elected officials.

Clif Gaus, Bradenton

Streetside parking

Memorial Day weekend parking!

Need for a parking garage?

Bob Patten, Anna Maria

I love horses. Floating road apples, not so much. Will pending tighter regulations require Palma sola Bay riders to be warned by the horse rental operators of dangerous e-coli levels before customers pay and venture into the bay?

The danger is the same for swimming, wading or riding in e-coli waters. E-coli signage could be posted by the designated causeway area for horse trailer parking to encourage compliance.

All riders would like to know conditions before they saddle up, especially parents of little riders. meanwhile, relentless development will fuel nitrogen loading in our river and bays. Skimming brown gumbo algae mats could benefit the island cities but also Cortez and other landside communities. and rather than full-time staff, if charter captains were previously hired for spot cleanups, they could be hired on an as-needed basis to operate the skimmer. it appears this skimmer would be unique equipment to the area and other communities may be interested in paying for this service when needed, which would defray the cost of purchase and maintenance. the skimmer’s immediate and long-term benefits are certain but the benefits to all should require costs to be shared by all. Hope the accountants figure it out.

Lawrence Dudzik, Bradenton

Looking back

Ready and recovery officials at the manatee county emergency operations center plan for Hurricane andrew, a compact but powerful and destructive category 5 atlantic hurricane that struck the Bahamas, florida and louisiana in august 1992. islander Photos: courtesy manatee county Public library system

When a storm approaches, turn to the islander’s social media and www.islander.org/hurricanes/.

a gas line forms on manatee avenue in Bradenton ahead of Hurricane andrew in 1992. the storm caused major damage in the Bahamas and louisiana but the greatest impact was felt in south florida, where the storm made landfall as a category 5 hurricane with wind speeds as high as 165 mph.

the aftermath of Hurricane alma in Bradenton Beach in June 1966. alma was a rare June major hurricane. it was the earliest atlantic hurricane in the calendar year in 15 years, as well as the earliest continental u.s. hurricane strike since 1825.

We’d love to mail you the news!

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We bring you all the news about three city governments, community happenings, people features and special events … even real estate transactions … everything you need if your “heart is on Anna Maria Island.” if you don’t live here year-round, use this form to subscribe by snail mail for yourself or someone else. Sorry, we do not suspend mail subscriptions — you get The Islander free while you’re here!

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10, 20, 30 years ago

From the June 2, 1994, issue

• plans for improvements to Gulf drive in Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach, including adding roundabouts near Coquina and Manatee Public beaches, were shared during an island forum.

• the forecast for the 1994 atlantic hurricane season was for an “above average” season with 10 named storms, including two major hurricanes.

From the June 2, 2004, issue

• tom chipain sold the Gulf drive cafe in Bradenton Beach to the property owner, Wendy Kokolis, for an undisclosed amount. “It’s good for everybody,” Chipain said.

• republican Gov. Jeb Bush signed a budget bill that included $163,000 for improvements to an old Cortez schoolhouse that now houses the Florida maritime museum in the fishing village.

From the June 4, 2014, issue

• the anna maria island community center faced potential closure over the summer due to lack of funds. the nonprofit’s executive director said the center was down to its last dollar.

• Bradenton Beach resident tjet martin declared her candidacy for city commission and created a stir. martin’s life-partner, Bill shearon, already had a seat at the dais in the commission chambers. He was mayor.

— lisa neff

Read the archives

Look for The Islander in the UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

SARASOTA GEM

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the anna maria island Privateers want you! the pirates are looking for new blood to join them in their pursuit of good deeds for kids and community. call maryann “maz” Zala at 941 6508673 or Valerie “dallas” mabry, 941 896-0797.

Florida DEP awards $3.2 million for Mote water quality studies

sarasota-based mote marine laboratory & aquarium, in collaboration with commercial and academic partners, received $3.2 million in state grants to fund three projects focused on preventing blue-green algal blooms and testing water quality technologies that reduce nutrient pollution levels.

the Florida department of Environmental protection grants fund projects that evaluate and implement “innovative technologies and solutions to combat algal blooms and nutrient enrichment, restore and preserve Florida water bodies and implement water quality treatment technologies,” according to a May 28 news release.

Florida’s beaches and waterways have been severely impacted by toxic algae. Harmful algal blooms occur when algae — simple organisms that live in the sea and freshwater — grow out of control while producing toxic or harmful effects on people, fish, shellfish, marine mammals and birds.

the projects will look at mitigation and prevention techniques of cyanobacteria or blue-green algae, microscopic organisms found naturally in fresh, brackish and marine water.

One, for example, will involve investigating the use of a aquastream cyto-Bot, an autonomous floating

Islander.

Following Van Ostenbridge’s announcement, Manatee County Republican Executive Committee Chair April Culbreath redirected her campaign to run for the District 3 commission seat, dropping her run for District 7.

Culbreath began working in law enforcement in 1997, when she became a sheriff’s deputy. she eventually served as a crimes against children detective.

She entered politics in 2016 when she began volunteering for the republican Party and has since served in county republican leadership positions.

Culbreath will run for a seat also sought by Tal Siddique, a Republican, on the primary ballot. the winner will face diana shoemaker, a democrat, in the general election.

Shoemaker was president and chief executive officer of manatee Habitat for Humanity for 12 years before becoming executive director of the Elders action Network, a nonprofit that works to improve

aBoVe: algae boats and bots. mote marine laboratory & aquarium received state grants to test technology that might prevent or reduce blue-green algal blooms. rigHt: cynthia Heil, director of mote’s red tide institute, at work in a lab. Heil is working on projects aimed at preventing blue-green algal blooms. islander Photos: courtesy mote marine laboratory & aquarium

cyanobacterial collector that removes cyanobacteria from waterways.

The Aquastream has advantages against traditional mitigation techniques because it does not introduce chemicals or organisms into the water and it removes

social and environmental justice. Siddique has worked for the U.S. air Force, u.s. department of Homeland security and the u.s. department of Veteran Affairs. He also is the founder and president of the activist group Speak Out Manatee.

So far, Shoemaker and Siddique lead Culbreath in contributions and expenditures.

shoemaker reported $25,767 in monetary contributions and $232.60 of in-kind contributions, as well as $10,591.05 in expenditures as of June 1, according to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office.

Siddique had raised $26,933 and $1,611.30 of in-kind contributions, and had spent $13,749.24 as of June 1.

culbreath had raised $19,993 and $5,000 of inkind contributions as of June 1.

On the other hand, she has only spent $911.19. county commissioners earn a $98,743 annual salary and serve four-year terms.

the window to qualify to run for a county office will open at noon Monday, June 10, and close at noon Friday, June 14.

toxins from the environment, according to Mote. another project will involve using a natural nontoxic product intended to reduce cyanobacterial cells and toxins.

— lisa neff

To qualify with the SEO, candidates must open an official campaign bank account, appoint a treasurer and file a designation of campaign depository form before accepting contributions or using expenses. a candidate must fi le a statement of candidacy with the sEO within 10 days of filing the financial forms.

Finally, candidates must pay a filing fee of 4% of one year’s salary of the offi ce sought or present certification of petition signatures equal to 1% of the voters from the district in the last general election. If prospective candidates fail to qualify with the SEO before the end of the qualifying window, they cannot run in the upcoming Nov. 5 election. The deadline to register to vote in the Aug. 20 primary is July 22.

luca sato, 3, defends the stairs on the skullywag may 25 while taking part in snooks adams Kids day, presented by the anna maria island Privateers in partnership with the Holmes Beach Police department at city field. the next island event presented by the anna maria island Privateers will be the annual fourth of July Parade through Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach and anna maria.

COmmIsH

shoemaker

siddique

anna maria island Privateers want you! the pirates are looking

culbreath

Privateers usher in summer with Snooks Adams Kids Day

Pirates and kids enjoy a splash on a hot saturday — may 25 — at city field in Holmes Beach during snooks adams Kids day — presented by the Holmes Beach Police department and the anna maria island Privateers. islander Photos: Karen riley-love some of the line dancers — patrons and Privateers — get a

UPHOLSTERY by Nora HAS MOVED! & FABRICS by Nora

Jack sparrow, aka, maverick fortenberry, 21 months, reaches for treasure may 25 at the Holmes Beach Police department tent at snooks adams Kids day.

compiled by lisa neff, calendar@islander.org

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ONGOING OFF AMI

Throughout June, Island Gallery and Studios “Walk on the Wildside” exhibit featuring Jody Goldman’s paintings, 456 Old Main St., Bradenton. Information: 941-778-6648.

• Through June 23, “Mountains of the Mind: Scholars’ Rocks from China and Beyond” exhibit, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-360-7390.

• Through June 30, “Yayoi Kusama: A Letter to Georgia O’Keeffe,” Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-366-5731.

• Through Aug. 15, “To the Moon: Snoopy Soars with NASA,” the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131.

• June 7-Aug. 16, Ringling College of Art and Design Galleries “Jack Dowd: Last Call” installation, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Information: 941-359-7563.

• Through Aug. 31, Thursday-Saturday, 7 p.m., 9 p.m., Laser Light Nights, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131.

• Through Oct. 20, “Reimagining Nature: Dali’s Floral Fantasies,” the Dali Museum, 1 Dali Boulevard St., St. Petersburg. Fee applies. Information: 727823-3767, thedali.org.

• First Fridays, 6-9:30 p.m., Village of the Arts First Fridays Artwalk, 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Information: villageofthearts.com.

• Saturdays, 10:30 a.m., art demos, Island Gallery and Studios, 456 Old Main St., Bradenton. Information: 941778-6648, islandgalleryandstudios.org.

• Second and fourth Saturdays, 2 p.m., Music on the Porch jam session, presented by the Florida Maritime Museum and Cortez Cultural Center, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: floridamaritimemuseum.org.

SAVE THE DATES

Sept. 19-29, Island Players’ “Crimes of the Heart,” Anna Maria.

Nov. 14-24, Island Players’ “A Doublewide, Texas Christmas,” Anna Maria.

MARKETS & SALES

ONGOING ON AMI

• Most Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Coquina Beach Market, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941840-0789, coquinabeachmarket.org.

About AI on an alien planet the island time Book club will meet at the island library, 5701 marina drive, Holmes Beach, at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 12, to discuss martha Wells’ sci-fi novella “all systems red.” the novella is the first in a series about a cyborg designed to protect humans on a research mission. for more information, call the library at 941-778-6341. islander courtesy Photo

ONGOING OFF AMI

• Second Saturdays through Aug. 10, 8 a.m.-noon, Summer Mini-Markets, Old Main Street, Bradenton. Information: realizebradenton.com, 941-301-8445.

SAVE THE DATES

July 18, Bridge Street Merchants’ Sun Down Get Down, Bradenton Beach.

KIDS & FAMILY ON AMI

Thursday, June 6

10 a.m. — Comic book writing, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Friday, June 7

10 a.m. — Forty Carrots, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Tuesday, June 11

10 a.m. — Family storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

2 p.m. — Musical Motion, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Wednesday, June 12

10 a.m. — Let’s Recycle!, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

ONGOING OFF AMI

• First Wednesdays, SOAR in 4 family night, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131.

• Third Fridays, Teen Nights, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131. Second Saturdays, Quest for Kids, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131.

CLUBS & COMMUNITY ON AMI

Thursday, June 6

1 p.m. — Sunshine Stitchers, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive,

Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Wednesday, June 12

10 a.m.-4 p.m. — OneBlood donations, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. 6:30 p.m. — Island Time Book Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

ONGOING ON AMI

• Most Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-778-1383.

• Second Mondays, 2 p.m., Center of Anna Maria Island Adult Book Club, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-1908.

LESSONS & LEARNING

ON AMI

Thursday, June 6 10 a.m.-noon — Tech Help, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

ONGOING ON AMI

• Tuesdays through August, 10 a.m., Anna Maria Island and Shorebird Monitoring Turtle Tracks and Shorebird Facts, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Note: Time change to noon June 25. Information: islandturtlewatch.com, info@ islandturtlewatch.com, 941-301-8434.

SPORTS & FITNESS

ONGOING ON AMI

• Most Fridays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong club experienced players, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941778-6341.

• Mondays, 10 a.m., morning yoga, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

• Most Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m.., mahjong club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. OFF AMI

Monday, June 10

6:30 p.m. — Sunset Tai Chi at the NEST, Robinson Preserve, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923, mymanatee.org.

ONGOING OFF AMI

Through Sept. 1, Bradenton Marauders home games, LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Fee apples. Information: 941-7473031.

Island happenings

Pirates back in the ballpark

anna maria island Privateer Brian “marco” olsen comes out of his windup on the first pitch of crewe night at a June 30, 2023, Bradenton marauders game at lecom Park. the marauders will host the Privateers for crewe night at 6 p.m. friday, June 21. during the evening, the Privateers will present their 2024 scholarships. also, the marauders will take on the lakeland flying tigers. tickets cost $15 and include a marauders hat and soft-drink voucher. for tickets, go to fevo-enterprise.com/crewenight621. for information about the Privateers, call 941-5385170. islander file Photo

Game night at Robinson

Manatee County Natural Resources Department will host a Summer Game Night at Robinson Preserve South.

People are invited to drop in for “an evening of tabletop gaming fun” at 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 7. Players also are asked to bring a favorite game. the event will be at the NEst at robinson preserve south, 840 99th st. NW, Bradenton.

For more information, call the natural resources department at 941-742-5923.

LBK center hosts matinees

The Longboat Key Paradise Center for Healthy living is hosting movie matinees at 1 p.m. Wednesdays, June 5 and June 19, at 1 p.m. the center, 546 Bay isles road, longboat Key, will screen “Ticket to Paradise” starring Julia Roberts and George Clooney June 5, offering fresh popcorn and free admission.

The June 19 feature will be “Miss Juneteenth,” starring Nicole Beharie and Alexis Chikaeze.

For more information, call the center at 941-3836493.

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

De Soto rangers lead hike

The rangers at the De Soto National Memorial in Bradenton will lead a field trip to perico island.

The rangers will conduct a nature and history walk at Neal Preserve, 12301 Manatee Ave. W., at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 6.

The tour will encompass 0.3 miles in the county preserve, a significant site where Native american culture existed and that now includes reconstructed burial mounds — the originals were excavated in the 1930s by the Smithsonian.

For more information, call the national memorial at 941-792-0458.

Summer reading contest launches at island library

The Manatee County Public Library System’s Summer Learning Program for kids up to age 17 is underway, including at the Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

The theme is “Adventure Begins at Your Library.”

During the campaign, library adventurers can read for at least 20 hours or more through July 31 to win prizes.

Also, the central library in downtown Bradenton and branches will hold a series of events.

Events this month at the Island Library include:

• thursday, June 6, 10 a.m., comic book writing lessons;

• Wednesday, June 12, 10 a.m., let’s recycle with manatee county;

• thursday, June 13, 10 a.m., Jiggleman comedy performance;

• Friday, June 14, 2 p.m., rock garden painting;

• thursday, June 20, 10 a.m., Bits N pieces performing “The Adventures of Robin Hood” puppet show;

• Wednesday, June 26, 10 a.m., candy-making;

• thursday, June 27, 10 a.m., Great space adventure.

Registration is required for events.

For more information, call the Island Branch at 941-778-6341.

World Ocean Day ahead

A celebration for World Ocean Day will be observed 9 a.m.-noon saturday, June 8, at robinson preserve south, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton.

Manatee County Natural Resources will set up ocean-themed activities and educational stations at what the department described as a “fun-filled, family friendly” event.

For more information, call the natural resources department at 941-742-5923.

OUTDOORS & NATURE

OFF AMI

Wednesday, June 5

8 a.m. — Tree planting maintenance volunteer event, Robinson Preserve, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-7425923, mymanatee.org.

Thursday, June 6

10 a.m. — Fort De Soto National Memorial hike, Neal Preserve, 12301 Manatee Ave. W., Perico Island. Information: 941-7920458.

Friday, June 7

6:30 p.m. Summer Game Nights at the Nest, Robinson Preserve, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923, mymanatee.org.

Saturday, June 8

9 a.m.-noon — World Ocean Day Celebration, Robinson Preserve, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923, mymanatee.org.

ONGOING OFF AMI

• Saturdays, 9 a.m., Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923, mymanatee.org.

CALENDAR NOTES

KEEP THE DATES

Through Oct. 31, sea turtle nesting season. Lights out! Through Nov. 30, Atlantic hurricane season. Be prepared! June 14, Flag Day.

June 16, Father’s Day. June 19, Juneteenth.

June 20, summer solstice.

July 4, Independence Day. Sept. 2, Labor Day.

GET LISTED!

Send listings to calendar@islander.org.

and Glitter Tattoos need a good laugh? visit the NEW emerson quillin signature store. humor, art, gifts NEW LOCATION: HB Post Office, 5354 Gulf Drive• emersonshumor.com

attendees stand may 27 as Bishop michael garrison from the episcopal church of the annunciation in Holmes Beach leads an invocation to open anna maria’s memorial day symphony salute at city Pier Park, 103 n. Bay Blvd.

the

and

during a

anna maria city staff presents yellow roses may 27 to veterans’ spouses and significant others, recognized during the memorial day symphony salute for their supportive efforts.

the Palmetto High school Junior rotc marches may 27 into city Pier Park in anna maria to present colors during the city’s annual memorial day event. the program included a performance by the anna maria island concert chorus and orchestra, prayer, honors for veterans and their significant others, remarks and more. islander

city staff stands may 27 as mayor dan murphy recognizes their efforts in putting together the memorial day symphony salute.

Photos: ryan Paice

maestro leonard murphy, right, conducts

anna maria island concert chorus

orchestra may 27

performance at anna maria’s memorial day symphony salute.

Gathering

By lisa neff

Roser plans Golfing for God

Roser Memorial Community Church is registering participants for its summer “Golfing for God” series.

Golf outings will be at 2:45 p.m. Wednesdays, June 5, July 17, aug. 7 and sept. 18, at imG academy, 4350 El Conquistador Parkway, Bradenton, according to a notice on the church website.

After the sport, there’s Bible study and supper at 5:30 p.m.

For more information, including costs, go online to roserchurch.com or call the church office at 941778-0414.

Roser hosts tech night

Roser Memorial Community Church is inviting “behind the scenes” types to a tech night at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 12.

the church is seeking volunteers to help in techrelated roles, including operating cameras, a soundboard and livestreaming services.

The evening will include a tour of the tech booth at the church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

For more information, call the church at 941-7780414.

Obituaries

Dolores Flanagan

dolores “dee” Flanagan, 94, of Bradenton, formerly of Holmes Beach, died April 21.

She was born in Ashland, New Hampshire, the daughter of Clifford Edward Gingras and Gertrude (Sullivan) Gingras.

Her life was marked by adventure, curiosity and service.

she raised her family in medfield, massachusetts, Bradenton and san Francisco before retiring to Bradenton to be closer to her children and grandchildren.

She earned a nursing degree in 1950 and began her nursing career at the height of the polio epidemic, and subsequently spent years as a nurse in academic settings.

GoodDeeds

By lisa neff

Assistance offered on AMI

• roser Food Bank welcomes applicants who live, work or attend school on Anna Maria Island for food assistance, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. info: 941-778-0414.

• aid offers financial help to those who live on the island, go to church on the island, attend school on the island and work on the island. info: 941-725-2433.

Assistance sought on AMI

• Wildlife inc. rescue and rehabilitation in Bradenton Beach seeks help tending to injured and sick animals. info: 941-778-6342.

• roser Food Bank seeks donations. roser memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, administers the pantry supported by all island denominations. info: 941-778-0414.

Tidings compiled by

lisa neff

THIS WEEK

Wednesday, June 5

2:45 p.m. — Roser Church’s Golfing for God golf, Bible study and dinner, IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Parkway, Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-0414.

Wednesday, June 12

5:30 p.m. — Tech Night, Roser Church. 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414.

SAVE THE DATES

June 7, Temple Beth Israel Shabbat Dinner, Longboat Key. June 17-21, CrossPointe Fellowship vacation Bible school, Holmes Beach.

Feb. 25-26, 2025, Christ Church of Longboat Key Men’s Retreat, TBD.

April 2-3, 2025, Christ Church of Longboat Key Women’s Retreat, TBD.

ONGOING ON AMI

CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-0719.

Worship: Sundays, 9 a.m.

Ongoing: Wednesdays, 7 a.m., men’s Bible meeting; Fridays, 10 a.m. women’s Bible meeting.

Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-1638, amiannunciation.org.

Worship: Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.; Sundays, 9:15 a.m.

Ongoing: Most Wednesdays, 8 a.m., men’s breakfast; Mondays, 1 p.m., book club.

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive. Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-1813, gloriadeilutheran.com.

Worship: Sundays, 9:30 a.m., followed by coffee and fellowship.

She volunteered with Manatee County Head Start and the Manatee County Health Department and served on the Diocese of Venice Council of Catholic Women. She was a docent at Mote Marine Laboratories for over 20 years.

Mrs. Flanagan also was active in the Sarasota County Shell Club, Meals on Wheels, St. Vincent De Paul, Manatee County Knitters and Crocheters Guild, Senior Friends and other charities.

She had a passion for baseball and was a fan of the Boston Red Sox and San Francisco Giants.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Monday, July 8, at Ss. Peter and Paul the Apostles Church, Bradenton. Memorial donations may be made to Mote at mote.org/support/donate

Mrs. Flanagan is survived by her children, Paul and wife Susan, James, Robert, Dolores, Mark G. and wife donna, Kevin p.; grandchildren isaac, Brendan and wife Johnna, Shane and wife Catherine, Meghan and husband Matt Wenner), Mark, Kevin, Samantha, Alexis, Tommy, Matthew Flanagan, Avie Hamilton and husband tyler; great-grandchildren stella and Ned Hamilton, anne Wenner, and penny Flanagan; and many treasured nieces and nephews.

Dr. Lee Hoyt Miller

Lee Hoyt Miller, M.D., 87, of Cortez, died Feb. 26.

He was born Nov. 16, 1936, in Danville, Illinois, to G.L. Hoyt and LaVerne M. Miller. Soon thereafter, the family moved to Indianapolis, where he met the love of his life, Katheryn A. Wilkens. They married June 20, 1959.

Dr. Hoyt graduated in 1959 from Wabash College and, in 1963, from indiana university school of medicine. He completed his residency in family medicine at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, and joined Drs. dan mclaren and Hal Williams in their practice, dev-

Worship With Us at Our Church Sunday Ser vice 10 : 00 AM Dr. Julia Wharff Piermont, Pastor

Ongoing: First Sundays, food bank collections; Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m., women’s social gathering.

Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-779-1912.

Worship: Sundays, 9:15 a.m.

Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414, roserchurch.com.

Worship: Sundays, 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m.

Ongoing: Tuesdays, 2 p.m., women’s book study.

St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-4769, stbernardcc.org, office@stbernardcc. org.

Worship: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.; Saturdays, 4 p.m.; Sundays, 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.

Ongoing: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m., rosary; Wednesdays, 7:30 a.m.; Rosary on the Beach at Manatee Public Beach; Saturdays, 3 p.m., confession.

ONGOING OFF AMI

Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian USA, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Info: 941-900-4903, christchurchoflbk.org.

Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.

Ongoing: Wednesdays, 10 a.m., women’s Bible study; Mondays, 9 a.m., men’s Bible study.

Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Info: 941-383-6491, longboatislandchapel.org.

Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.

Ongoing: Mondays, 4 p.m., choir practice.

Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Info: 941-383-3428.

Worship: Fridays, Shabbat, 5:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. GET LISTED, CHANGE LISTINGS

Please, send notices of changes to schedules for worship and other events during the summer to calendar@islander.org

ington Family Physicians.

Dr. Hoyt later formed Castleton Family Physicians with his partners. He was a staff officer at community Hospitals of indianapolis, where he also served as clinical director of the Family Practice Residency Program. He was a member of the Indianapolis Medical Society, Indiana State Medical Association, Indiana Academy of Family Physicians, American Medical Association and was a Fellow in the American Academy of Family Physicians.

He was a veteran of the Indiana National Guard, 38th medical Battalion, and served as a medical officer during the Vietnam War.

He and his wife retired in 2001 and began wintering in cortez, before becoming full-time residents.

Dr. Hoyt returned to work at IMG Sports Academy at Bradenton.

His avocation was music and he led a jazz band, The Sea Notes, which performed locally.

He was a member of Harvey memorial community Church in Bradenton Beach, where he sang in the choir and served as deacon, trustee and chairman of the board. He also was a member of the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach.

A service and celebration of life will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 15, at Harvey Memorial Community Church, 208 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospitals in care of Murat Shriners, 510 N. New Jersey street, indianapolis iN 46204, or to Harvey Church, 300 Church Ave. Bradenton Beach Fl 34217.

dr. Hoyt is survived by his loving wife, Kathy; their children, Gregory Hoyt and wife laura of crawfordsville, Indiana, Julie Ann and husband John Phelps of cortez; Kristen lynn Ward, m.d., and husband curt of Empire, michigan; seven grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

On to summer break, then kindergarten ame voluntary pre-kindergarten graduates take the stage may 23 with teachers erin Bobo and Krista czajkowski during a year-end ceremony at the school, 4700 gulf drive, Holmes Beach.

voluntary pre-kindergarten teacher

Cortez bakery recreates 1984 wedding cake

By robyn murrell islander reporter

Michelle and Dennis Suzano took bites of sweet memories may 25 at their 40th wedding anniversary party.

their daughter, Bri suzano, pastry chef and coowner of Breezy Bakery, 11904 cortez road W., unit a, cortez, surprised them with a replica of their 1984 wedding cake.

The cake was revealed at their anniversary party May 25 at Fishermen’s Hall in Cortez.

The couple met in a math class at Manatee Community College in Bradenton and have been together ever since.

To honor their anniversary, Bri Suzano and her business partner, Travis Roy, unveiled the replica of the cake from the may 27, 1984, wedding.

Bri told The Islander May 26 via Meta’s Messenger that creating the cake took about 12 hours over two days.

“On the night it was revealed, my mom cried and my dad teared up,” she said.

“Some of the elements aren’t made anymore and I wound up buying pieces and sawing them apart to put them back together to create the same look in the photo,” Bri added.

The cake topper was from the original wedding cake.

The bottom tier was a traditional white wedding cake, the second tier a devil’s food chocolate, the third tier a tropical carrot cake with pineapple and coconut and the top tier a Key lime cake with strawberry but-

“Anna Maria Island,” a pictorial history book of the island by Bonner Joy, is available for $20 at the islander office, 315 58th st., Holmes Beach. call or text 941-778-7978 for hours or purchase at islander.org. Joy is publisher of the islander.

tercream filling.

at the school for constructive Play in Holmes Beach, students Zella Hrnak, left, and liam uribola pose may 23 with a “class of 2037” sign.

Trio celebrates milestones amaura gunter, 5, stands may 23 in the old anna maria “jail” at the anna maria island Historical society museum may 23 with 18-year-old twin brothers Branden, left, and Brayden to celebrate her VPK graduation at ame while her brothers celebrated graduating from Bayshore High. islander Photos: courtesy Betty “mom” garthright

“The cakes are pretty close in resemblance but ours tastes way better,” Bri said.

To those interested in Breezy Bakery creating a cake replica, Bri advised providing 2-4 week’s notice. For more information, contact Breezy Bakery at 941900-1011 or breezybakery.com.

amaura gunter, 5, and twin brothers Branden and Brayden, 18, hold graduation signs may 23 on their way to the beach.

Photos show michelle and dennis suzano’s 1984 wedding cake and also an anniversary cake made by their daughter, Bri suzano, pastry chef and coowner of Breezy Bakery in cortez.

Bri suzano and travis roy pose may 22 behind a case of baked goods at their shop. islander Photo: robyn murrell

sfcP

Katie Holmes-Hrnak, left, smiles may 23 and holds hands with graduate skye gupta.

Short-term vacation rental bill lingers in Tallahassee

By Mitch Maley Special from The Bradenton Times

Senate Bill 280, a measure passed in this year’s legislative session, has yet to become law. In fact, it had not been sent to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for consideration as of May 29.

In 2011, Florida lawmakers passed legislation prohibiting local governments from creating ordinances that would restrict vacation rentals.

As apps like Airbnb and VRBO exploded, communities pushed back.

In 2014, lawmakers answered by amending the law but giving local governments purview only on matters like noise, trash and parking.

SB 280 further reduces the scope of local authority. It would allow local governments to charge a “reasonable fee” to register the property and issue fines of up to $500 for noncompliance.

Local governments could suspend a property owner’s registration for violations of an ordinance that is not specific to vacation rentals but only if there have been five or more violations on five separate days during a 60-day period.

Registration could be suspended for up to 60 days for one or more violations on five separate days during a 30-day period and up to 90 days for one or more violations after two prior suspensions.

SB 280 would require the vacation rentals to state and comply with a maximum overnight occupancy not exceeding either two persons per bedroom plus an additional two persons in one common area or more than two persons per bedroom if there is at least 50 square feet per person, plus an additional two persons in one common area.

The bill requires that a responsible party capable of responding to complaints or emergencies be available by telephone 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and respond by 9 a.m. the following day. The bill was one of the closest votes of this year’s session, passing the Florida Senate 27-13 and the Florida House 60-51.

Businesses like Airbnb, large-scale vacation home rental owners, vacation rental operators and real estate brokers have lobbied to limit local ordinances, arguing that vacation rentals are an important part of the economy and that limitations infringe on property rights.

Local governments, however, complain they are the ones who have to deal with the fallout from having an increased number of vacation renters in close proximity to local residents. The vacation rental craze has also put increased pressure on local housing inventories as homes that were zoned for single-family residences are increasingly purchased for short-term rental investments.

This has been particularly difficult in popular tourist destinations. Increased demand drives up the prices of single-family homes and rental properties for longterm renters, many of whom work in these communities’ service economies.

Hotels also have argued in favor of increased regulation, noting that vacation rentals are not subjected to the same level of expensive regulatory requirements, giving their owners an unfair advantage in the marketplace.

Editor’s note: This report first appeared on thebradentontimes.com, a digital news outlet. It is republished with permission.

Anna Maria recognizes National Boating Safety Week

David Haddox, past commander of the Anna Maria Island Sail and Power Squadron and national assistant chairman of basic public education for America’s Boating Club, reminds boaters May 23 to wear lifejackets, take a boating safety class and get a vessel safety check. Haddox’s words of wisdom followed Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy’s reading of a proclamation recognizing May 18-24 as national Safe Boating Week. Murphy presented the proclamation to Haddox in his role with the ABC and AMISPS. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

516 KUMQUAT DRIVE, ANNA MARIA

A perfectly curated waterfront pool home with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths a 50-foot dock with a Golden boat lift capacity of 14,000 lbs. and a swingstopper. No bridges to open water. Generator and solar panels plus elevator to all floors.

104 77TH ST, HOLMES BEACH

Built of solid block with solid concrete foundation pillars that are buried well into the ground below, this 2-bedroom, 2-bath home is merely 100 feet from the beach access. The oversized garage can park at least four vehicles. Zoned for weekly rentals and no street-side parking.

County seeks federal grant to expand ferry service with 3rd boat

By Lisa neff Islander editor

Manatee County is shopping for another ferry.

The county is seeking a $3.4 million federal grant to expand its ferry service between the Bradenton riverfront and Anna Maria Island.

The board of county commissioners May 28 authorized their chair and county staff to submit a proposal for a grant under the ferry passenger program administered by the Federal Transit Authority, which is under the Department of Transportation.

The money would be used to add to the service by putting an enclosed ferry on the water.

Currently the county service runs two open-air boats Thursday-Sunday between downtown Bradenton and the Anna Maria City Pier and the Historic Bridge Street Pier on the island.

The county tourist development council has proposed putting a third boat — enclosed to protect passengers from the elements — on the water.

The expansion would involve the construction, delivery, trial and launch of a 60-foot ferry.

The total cost would be $4 million, with the county’s share at 15% or $600,000 and the federal investment at 85% or $3.4 million.

The FTA in April announced $316 million available for fiscal year 2024 under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to improve and expand ferry services,

Blood donors called to library

The Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, will host a blood drive with OneBlood 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, June 12.

The blood drive will be in the library parking lot.

Appointments are not needed.

OneBlood, on its website at oneblood.org, said there is an increased need for type O and type O-negative donations.

For more, call the library at 941-778-6341.

including $51 million for a passenger ferry program, $49 million for electric or low-emissions programs and a$216 million for rural programs.

The ferry boats are operated under a contract with Gulf Coast Water Taxi based in Clearwater.

The Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau launched the service earlier this year with funding from tourist development tax revenues and plans for Manatee County Area Transit to assume oversight.

Volunteers called to Robinson

Manatee County Natural Resources Department is seeking volunteers to help with tree maintenance 8-10 a.m. Wednesday, June 5, at Robinson Preserve South, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton.

Volunteers will remove pole stakes and ribbons marking newer trees.

Students who participate in the program could earn service hours.

Registration is required at events.humantix.com.

For more, email Matthew Tschirgi at matthew. tschirgi@mymanatee.com.

For more about events, call 941-742-5923.

About the Gulf Islands Ferry

The city-to-sand ferry service runs 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Thursday-Sunday from the riverfront in Bradenton to the Anna Maria City Pier and the Historic Bridge Street Pier. Updates can be found at gulfcoastwatertaxi.

County seeks 2 for tourist development council

Manatee County is accepting applications for two seats — reserved for elected officeholders — on the tourist development council.

The seats currently are held by Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown and Palmetto Mayor Shirley Groover Bryant.

Their TDC terms expire this month and their mayoral terms expire this fall.

Brown is seeking reelection while Groover Bryant is not running again.

Both terms would be for four years.

The TDC makes recommendations to the board of county commissioners on using tourist development tax revenues and planning to boost tourism.

One seat is set aside for an elected official in Bradenton. The second seat is reserved for any other elected municipal official.

Applications, which can be found at mymanatee.org/advisory_boards, are due by Friday, June 7.

The TDC usually meets the third Monday of most months and the next meeting will be at 9:30 a.m. Monday, June 10, at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. For more information, contact Leanne Keeling of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau by email at leanne.keeling@bacvb. com or by calling 941-729-9177, ext. 3944.

— Lisa neff

A map shows the ferry route. Islander Courtesy Image

Cops & Courts Streetlife

By Robert Anderson and Ryan Paice

Man convicted for drug possession in Holmes Beach

Chase Tanner, 32, of Bradenton will finish a 120day jail sentence June 20, following a conviction for a third-degree felony for possession of fentanyl, a controlled substance about 50 times more potent than heroin.

Tanner also was found guilty of a first-degree misdemeanor for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Holmes Beach police arrested Tanner last August after finding him and another individual on the beach near 77th Street around 4 a.m.

Tanner was arrested for possessing a piece of aluminum foil and a hypodermic syringe, as well as pieces of foil with burnt residue and a baggie containing fentanyl near him.

He faced up to six years in prison, six years of probation and fines totaling up to $6,000 for his two charges, ultimately his no contest plea may have earned him a lighter sentence.

Circuit Judge Stephen Mathew Whyte ruled Feb. 27 to find Tanner guilty of the two charges. Whyte sentenced him to serve 120 days in county jail, with six days credited for time served incarcerated ahead of conviction.

Whyte also suspended Tanner’s driver’s license for six months.

— Ryan Paice

Teens, parents cautioned during ‘Deadliest Days’

Florida law enforcement agencies along with the AAA club are calling attention to another season — the “100 Deadliest Days for Teen Drivers,” which began with Memorial Day weekend and continues through Labor Day weekend.

Nearly half of teen driver-related deaths occur during this period, according to federal statistics and the number of fatal crashes has increased 10% since 2019.

In Florida in 2023, teens were involved in nearly 20,000 crashes over the summer, including 68 fatal crashes that resulted in 83 deaths.

Safe-driving advocates remind teens to buckle up, heed speed limits and especially put away the smartphone, as distraction is a factor in six out of 10 teen crashes.

Island police reports

Anna Maria

May 22, 600 block of North Bay Boulevard, fraud. A complainant reported to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office the theft of $800 in connection to an apartment listing on Facebook. The complainant said she sent $200 in “application fees” and another $600 for a deposit to hold an apartment until a move-in date. She said she never viewed the apartment in person and a lease-agreement was never drafted.

May 27, 200 block of Pine Avenue, trespass. An MCSO deputy responded to a complainant of trespassing. The complainant said a person was swimming in their pool. The deputy arrived but the person had left on foot. The deputy filed an incident report and assigned a case number.

The MCSO polices Anna Maria.

Bradenton

May 24, 6300 block of Cortez Road West in Bradenton, assisting law enforcement. Two Holmes Beach police offi cers responded to provide aid following reports of an officer shot and for help locating an atlarge suspect. The officers helped form a perimeter, before shifting north after reports that the suspect had been located. An officer found the suspect and assisted other law enforcement officers in arresting the man, who had a handgun.

Bradenton Beach

No new reports.

The BBPD polices Bradenton Beach. Cortez

No new reports.

The MCSO polices Cortez.

Holmes Beach

May 22, 500 block of 65th Street, resisting police. An officer responded to reports of a suspicious circumstance involving someone banging on a window. The officer found a man, outside a house, who said his kid was inside the home and he was trying to enter. The officer issued verbal commands and the man approached the officer aggressively. The man refused to comply with orders to get on the ground and the officer tased him and put him in handcuffs. Manatee County Emergency Medical Services checked on the man, who was arrested and transported to the Manatee County jail.

May 23, 100 block of 52nd Street, criminal mischief/vandalism. An officer responded to reports of a vandalized vehicle. The complainant told police he noticed damage to his rental after parking at a beach access. The damage included multiple scratch marks.

The officer provided the complainant with a victim’s rights brochure and a case number. The officer also called the rental agency.

May 25, 400 block of 80th Street, domestic battery. An officer responded to requests for police and found the complainant, who had multiple scratches on his face, neck and shoulder area. The man alleged that his wife attacked him. The officers spoke with the wife, who said she struck her husband in self-defense. The woman was arrested and transported to the Manatee County jail.

May 25, 5600 block of Marina Drive, recovered missing person. An officer responded to reports of an endangered missing person in the area. The offi cer found a motorist who matched a description. After confirming his identity as the missing person, the officer called the Longboat Key Police Department and the man was released into the custody of an LBKPD officer for transportation to his family.

May 26, Beach Bistro, 6600 Gulf Drive, property damage. An officer responded to reports of damage to a vehicle in the parking lot. The officer spoke to valet employees, who said a man carting beach equipment scratched a vehicle bumper. The officer spoke to the man, who was not aware he had damaged the vehicle. Both he and the vehicle’s owner requested information reports regarding the incident.

May 28, D.Coy Ducks, 5410 Marina Drive, Marchman Act. Two officers responded to reports of an unconscious woman behind the bar. They woke the woman, who was intoxicated and began vomiting. EMS responded to the scene and transported the woman to HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton.

Holmes Beach Police Department polices Holmes Beach.

Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

Island watch

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

1st responders reflect on Memorial Day weekend

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Memorial Day weekend brought a flood of visitors to Anna Maria Island but law enforcement officials reported success in managing the influx.

“Most of the problems were loud noise complaints and parking was definitely an issue,” Bradenton Beach’s police chief, John Cosby, said in a May 28 interview. “We wrote right around 200 parking citations.”

Cosby said the tickets for the holiday May 25-27 were for “flagrant violations” — parking in the rights of way or in marked “no parking” areas, as well as incorrectly parking in designated spaces at boat ramps.

Police in Bradenton Beach responded to numerous minor traffic crashes, most of them in bumperto-bumper traffic involving motorists following too closely.

The police department’s marine unit also responded to calls that personal watercraft operators were driving into swim areas.

The key to successful policing over the holiday relied on collaboration between the Holmes Beach Police Department, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and code enforcement, Cosby said.

In Holmes Beach, police Chief Bill Tokajer said officers faced a similarly busy but successful holiday weekend, saying what few problems Holmes Beach law enforcement experienced were handled quickly and without arrest.

“There were between 10-12 skirmishes among motorists fighting over parking spaces,” Tokajer said. “We took care of that as fast as we could.”

He said arguments over spaces were prompted by the number of vehicles on the island May 25-27.

“Numbers of vehicles just entering the island for just the weekend was 53,170,” Tokajer said. He said the total number of vehicles counted by license plate readers, including local traffic, was 91,432 vehicles.

Tokajer estimated that the wait time for vehicles entering the island after 9 a.m. from Manatee Avenue was more than an hour through most of the weekend.

Motorists drive May 28 on a one-lane stretch of Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach where a detour was set up for Tampa-based Sun Civil LLC’s work on stormwater improvements across Gulf Drive at the intersection with 52nd Street. Meanwhile, the city announced May 29 on Facebook that drainage repairs, replacements and upgrades would be completed June 3-July 2 on Marina Drive between 74th and 85th streets. Work will be completed 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

.896.6245

He added that the city received 8-10 calls from trolley drivers reporting people using stops for loading and unloading.

A May 28 email from Manatee County Sheriff’s Office public information officer Randy Warren indicated the department, which provides law enforcement in Anna Maria, encountered a range of incidents over the weekend.

Warren said county marine units assisted a swimmer at Passage Key, responded to a personal watercraft crash at Jewfish Key and handled a complaint about boats in swim zones at the beaches.

“There were 68 warnings issued by marine deputies,” Warren said. “We did not participate in a boatingunder-the-influence operation this weekend.”

Warren said despite heavy traffic, no arrests were reported and he credited MCSO deputies and the added presence of the mounted patrol and special response team units for keeping the peace.

County public information officer Bill Logan said the ferry service helped alleviate traffic congestion. The ferry provides access to Anna Maria Island from downtown Bradenton.

“We had 1,194 riders over Memorial Day weekend,” Logan said of the ferry service.

RoadWatch

Eyes on the road

• South Bradenton Beach: Manatee County is working on sewer lines on side streets off Gulf Drive South. Motorists can expect closures of some side streets, including Sixth Street South through early June. Paving on Sixth Street South and Seventh Street South is expected later in June, along with road restoration on Gulf Drive. Go to amiprojects.io.

• City center in Holmes Beach: Manatee County’s work on a force main project on Holmes Boulevard, Marina Drive and some side streets continues. Go to amiprojects.io.

Also, through July 2, stormwater maintenance and upgrades crossing Marina Drive from 85th to 74th streets might impact roadway traffic and disturb rights of way. Work will be 7 a.m.-7 p.m. For more information, email lsherwood@holmesbeachfl.org or call Holmes Beach City Hall at 941-708-5800.

Did you know?

Traffic cameras at the Anna Maria Island and Cortez bridges, mainland intersections on Manatee Avenue and Cortez Road and other locations are at smarttrafficinfo.org and mymanatee.org.

— Lisa neff

“There is no love sincerer than the

— G.B. Shaw

Tokajer Warren Cosby

Holmes Beach roadwork slows traffic

Fire district moves forward with fire assessment hike

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Owning property in the West Manatee Fire Rescue District is set to get more expensive next year. Fire district commissioners unanimously voted May 21 to adopt a resolution for a preliminary assessment roll for fiscal 2024-25, which begins Oct. 1, that features a proposed 7.4% increase in fire assessment rates.

The district will hold a public hearing for the adoption of a final assessment roll during the budget process later this summer. So the rate hike has yet to be cemented.

However, the adoption of the preliminary assessment roll allows district staff to move forward with planning for such a rate hike for the upcoming fiscal year.

The proposed increase comes a year after the district raised rates by 4% and began assessing transient public lodging establishments under its commercial rates instead of residential rates.

The district’s current rates include a $219.94 residential base rate and a $0.1297 additional charge for every square foot more than 1,000, as well as a $546.61 commercial base rate with a $0.2367 additional charge per square foot more than $1,000.

With the current rates, residential property owners pay $349.63 for a 2,000-square-foot home and $479.32 for a 3,000-square-foot home.

Commercial property owners — including TPLE owners — pay $783.32 for a 2,000-square-foot building and $1,020.02 for a 3,000-square-foot building.

The district’s proposed rates for fiscal 2024-25 would include a $236.22 residential base rate and a

$0.1393 additional charge for every square foot more than 1,000, as well as a $587.06 commercial base rate with a $0.2542 additional charge per square foot more than 1,000.

Under the new rates, residential property owners will pay $375.52 for a 2,000-square-foot home and $514.82 for a 3,000-square-foot home.

Commercial property owners will pay $841.26 for a 2,000-square-foot building and $1,095.46 for a 3,000-square-foot building.

There was no public comment.

Commissioner Billy Burke moved to adopt the resolution.

Commissioner Robert Bennett seconded the motion, which passed.

The WMFR commission will meet next at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 18, at the district’s administrative headquarters, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton.

Directions to attend via Zoom can be found on the district’s website, wmfr.org.

West Manatee approves $15K bonus for fire chief

Christmas came early for West Manatee Fire Rescue Chief Ben Rigney.

WMFR District commissioners unanimously voted May 21 to approve a one-time $15,000 bonus for Rigney to make his salary more competitive with other fire chiefs in the state.

Commission Chair Derrick Warner said WMFR staff completed salary comparisons and found chiefs in other districts made “substantially” more than Rigney. He praised Rigney’s work as chief and proposed the bonus to bring his pay in line.

Rigney was hired as chief in 2019 to succeed Tom Sousa.

His contract began with a $115,000 annual salary and increased by 3% every year until October 2021, when it was raised to $140,000.

He has received a 3% salary increase each year since, and a 15% bump for completing the National Fire Academy’s executive fire officer program.

There was no public comment.

The commission will meet next at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 18, at the administrative headquarters, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton.

— Ryan Paice

2 fire commissioners file for reelection

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Two West Manatee Fire Rescue commission seats are up for grabs this fall. And incumbents want them back.

The district includes all of Anna Maria Island, Cortez and areas of the west side of unincorporated Manatee County.

Commissioners Robert Bennett and Larry Jennis have filed paperwork with the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office declaring their intent to run for reelection in the Nov. 5 general election.

The district’s qualifi cation period will begin at noon Monday, June 10, and end at noon Friday, June 14.

WMFR’s fire commission consists of five at-large representatives who reside in the district. The district election is nonpartisan.

Current commissioners include Larry Jennis in Seat 1, Derrick Warner in Seat 2, Billy Burke in Seat 3, David Bishop in Seat 4 and Robert Bennett in Seat 5.

Bennett’s and Jennis’ terms will expire this November, while the other three commissioners’ terms expire

Rigney

Settlement reached over crashed car discharges

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

An April 27 motor vehicle crash left behind damage and discharges in Holmes Beach.

But the city will recoup money for some of the associated costs.

City attorney Erica Augello announced May 28 that the municipality reached a $2,000 settlement with Bradenton resident Ryan Shim, 52, who was charged with illegal discharges into a waterway.

According to a report, Shim was identified by a witness as the driver of a 2022 Porsche 911 that he crashed through a street sign and into a canal near the intersection of Marina Drive and 75th Street.

The crash destroyed a public boat dock and resulted in damages to Shim’s vehicle, which was submerged in water and had to be lifted out.

Holmes Beach police arrested Shim, who was found fleeing the scene but denied driving the vehicle.

He was transported to the Manatee County jail, where he was released April 28 after posting $650 bond.

in November 2026.

Both commissioners filed forms with the SEO announcing their intentions to seek reelection and were the only two to do so as of May 31.

Neither candidate had reported any contributions or expenditures, according to the SEO’s website, votemanatee.com.

WMFR commissioners receive a $6,000 annual salary and four-year terms.

To qualify with the SEO, candidates must open an official campaign bank account, appoint a treasurer and file a designation of campaign depository form before accepting contributions or expending funds.

A candidate must then file a statement of candidacy with the SEO within 10 days of filing the financial forms.

Finally, nonpartisan candidates must pay a filing fee of 4% of one year’s salary of the office sought, or present certification of petition signatures equal to 1% of the voters from the district’s last general election.

If prospective candidates fail to qualify with the SEO before the end of the qualifying window, they cannot run in the upcoming Nov. 5 election.

The deadline to register to vote in the election is Monday, Oct. 7.

Shim is facing criminal charges for the crash, including a first-degree misdemeanor for reckless driving with property damage or injuries, a first-degree misdemeanor for resisting a law enforcement officer without violence, as well as a second-degree misdemeanor for leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage.

The crash also resulted in gas and oil discharges into the municipal canal — a violation of city code.

Code compliance supervisor JT Thomas presented the violation at a May 28 special magistrate hearing, where he displayed photos of the crash.

Thomas and public works superintendent Sage Kamiya also testified to seeing and smelling the vehicle’s discharges into the waterway.

However, Attorney Eric Reisinger, from Sarasota-based Reisinger Law Firm, objected to the city’s claims. He said the photos were not enough to prove the alleged discharges or that they were caused by Shim’s vehicle.

Augello said that since special magistrate hearings are quasijudicial proceedings, the standards for evidence were different from those in court. She said the city’s evidence was sufficient to prove Shim’s vehicle caused the discharges.

Thomas recommended magistrate Michael Connolly issue a one-time $2,500 fine for irreversible and irreparable damages, as well as $127.24 in administrative costs.

During arguments, Augello called Shim to testify about the crash but Reisinger said his client would not speak about the incident while there were pending criminal charges against him.

Reisinger argued there was no way for the city to

Ryan Shim was found in violation of Holmes Beach city code May 28 for damages to city docks resulting from an April 27 crash into of his 2022 Porsche into a local canal. Islander File Photo: Gary Hickerson

prove Shim was driving the vehicle when it crashed or that the vehicle was even registered to his client.

Augello called for a recess to obtain a Holmes Beach Police Department report about the crash. The recess was approved but the parties reached a settlement before the item could be revisited.

Augello told The Islander the agreement involved the city dropping its code violation case against Shim in exchange for a $2,000 fine.

Other cases…

Three other code compliance cases were brought before Connolly, who:

• Found a violation against John and Bonita Chevalier for work done without a permit at 311 68th St. and ordered for them to apply for an after-the-fact city permit by June 11;

• Found a violation against Knight, KR for overgrowth and weeds at 6406 Holmes Blvd. and ordered the property owner to mow and clean the lot within seven days, as well as pay $127.24 in administrative costs;

• Found a violation against JC Realty Group Florida LLC for overgrowth and weeds at 305 59th St., and ordered the owner to mow and clean the lot within seven days, as well as pay $127.24 in administrative costs;

The city’s next magistrate hearing will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 25, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

Center crowns youth soccer champs, adult soccer in playoffs

By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter

The Intuitive Foundation polished off a fantastic season — only one loss — with a win over No. 2 seed Solid Rock Construction 3-0 May 28 in the 8-10 youth division championship game in the Center of Anna Maria Island soccer league.

The game was a closely contested affair, with the only first-half goal coming in the sixth minute when Gunnar Maize ran onto a cross from Parker Svoboda and split the defense before firing a shot inside the far post.

Up to that point, Intuitive Foundation was controlling the flow of the game, but the goal woke Solid Rock Construction and they got good scoring chances from Samuel Raulerson and Lucas Urbiola. However, Intuitive Foundation goalie Sawyer Leibfried was up to the task.

The second half was back and forth before Maize came through again. He iced the victory with a pair of late goals to give Intuitive Foundation an insurmountable 3-0 lead.

Maize’s hat trick paced Intuitive Foundation’s offense, which also received two assists from Svoboda. Leibfried made eight saves while defenders Alexander Czajkowski, Bailey Shenbaum, Silas Whitehead, Henry Liebfried and Caroline Svoboda were stout in their second consecutive shutout victory.

The 11-14 division championship game culminated a string of upsets May 21 by No. 5 Westfall’s Lawn Care & Pest Control, starting with a 4-0 victory over No. 4 Solid Rock Construction in the first round of the playoffs.

They followed that victory up with a 2-1 win May 22 over No. 1 seed Moss Builders, setting the stage for a 2-1 victory over No. 3 HSH Designs in the May 28 championship game.

Lucas Signor and Ryk Kesten each scored goals to lead Westfall’s Lawn Care, while Declan Lee finished with an assist. Austin guess helped preserve the victory with nine saves in goal.

Beau Canup notched the HSH Design goal, while Jack Zaccagnino finished with nine saves in the loss.

Adult soccer playoffs begin

The adult soccer league playoffs at the community center got going May 29 with a pair of “play in” games, starting with Solid Rock Construction cruising to a 5-0 victory over Language Services Associates. The second match of the night saw Beach House Restaurant stay alive with a 4-3 victory over Diamond Turf.

Quarterfinal action kicked off May 30 with No. 3 seed Salty Printing cruising to a 3-1 victory over No. 6 Moss Builders behind goals from Rex Kesten, Erica Neilsen and Kevin Roman, who also had an assist.

No. 9 Beach House behind two goals from Juan Vega and a goal from Nate Welch. Brandon Rolland added a pair of assists and Jessica Reukberg came through with five saves in the victory.

Matthew Skaggs and Tarasita Kellerbauer scored a goal each for Beach House, which also received six saves from PJ Smargisso in the loss.

The last match of the night saw No. 2 Progressive Cabinetry cruise to a 6-3 victory over No. 10 Solid Rock. Junior Martines scored two goals and Raul Loera added a goal and three assists to lead Progressive, which also received goals from Osvaldo Cabello, Leo Gonzalez and Keith Mahoney in the victory.

James Noblett scored two goals and Enrique Claderas scored a goal, while Mark Long had seven saves in the loss.

Tuna McCracken helped preserve the victory with an incredible 17 saves.

Danny Anderson notched the lone goal for Moss, which also received 14 saves and an assist from goalie Ryan Moss.

No. 4 Ross Built stayed alive with a 3-1 victory over No. 5 Sato Real Estate in the second match of the night. Helio Gomez, Ted Hurst and Jake Ross each scored goals, while Max Gazzo made eight saves in the victory.

Alex Landy scored the lone goal for Sato, which also received seven saves from Paul Jennison in the loss.

No. 1 Pool America held on for a 3-2 victory over

Semifinal action gets started at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 6, with Pool America squaring off against Ross Built followed by Progressive Cabinetry taking on Salty Printing. The championship match between the victors of the June 6 semifinal matchups will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 13, at the center.

Key Royale golf news

Sixty-two golfers played in the annual Memorial Day Tournament at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach in a combination scramble/shamble format. The team of Jenny and Ron Huibers and Tom Nelson combined on a 2-under-par 44 to earn bragging rights.

The team of Jim Bailey, Dale Miller, Terry Schaefer and Chas Smith were in second place with an even-par 46.

Other winners included Judy Menchek who won the women’s putting contest, while Rod Hammonds won for the guys. Jenny Huibers and Dan Turner won their long-drive contests. And Debbie Warnock knocked it closest-to-the-pin on hole number eight, while John Hackinson did the same for the men.

Following the event, members enjoyed burgers and dogs, salads, watermelon and dessert served on the KRC patio along with their favorite beverages.

The women played a nine-hole individual-low-net match May 28 in two flights that saw Roxanne Koche card a 4-under-par 28 for the low-net round of the day and first place in Flight A. Jana Samuels was two shots back in second, while Phyllis Roe was alone in third with an even-par 32.

Terry Westby fired a 2-under-par 30 to earn a three-shot victory in Flight B over second-place finisher Janet Razze, while Sue Christenson was another stroke back in third place.

Members were back on the course May 30 for a nine-hole scramble. The team of Bruce Christenson, Rod Hammonds, Ron Huibers and Jana Samuels matched the 2-under-par 30 carded by Ron Buck, Ken Nagengast and Ron Vandeman for a tie for first place.

Horseshoe news

There was an exciting finish to the May 29 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. The team of Gary Howcroft and Tim Sofran were trailing 12-0 in their final match of pool play, but they rallied for the victory to remain the lone undefeated team and earn the day’s bragging rights.

Action June 1 saw two teams advance to the knockout stage with undefeated records. The team of Herb Schutt and Tom Farrington cruised into the winner’s circle with a 21-1 victory over Steve Augustine and Dave Truman.

Play gets underway at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Anna Maria pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by random team selection.

There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome.

Cassidy

Intuitive Foundation’s Silas Whitehead dribbles away from Solid Rock Construction defender Lucas urbiola during the May 28 8-10 division championship game at the Center of Anna Maria Island. Islander Photo: Kevin P. Cassidy

Ron Huibers, left, Tom nelson and Jenny Huibers display u.S. flags at the finish of the May 27 Memorial Day Tournament and a winning 2-under-par 44 at the Key Royale Club.

New moon, aggressive tides to heat up AMI fishing action

By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

After a week or so of mediocre tides due to the half moon, Anna Maria Island anglers are looking forward to the new moon tides the first week of June.

With extreme high tides peaking in the mid-afternoon, followed by aggressive outgoing tides stretching into the evening, tarpon anglers are anticipating some great action while drifting and casting live crabs as bait.

As tarpon stage in the passes, they’re on the feed during the outgoing tides because strong currents wash thousands of small blue and pass crabs into the Gulf of Mexico. The silver dollar-sized crabs are a delicacy for tarpon and are easily preyed upon as they swim along the surface of the water hitching a ride on the tide.

Anglers can catch the crabs for bait with a longhandled dip net by nosing the boat inside the current and waiting for the crabs to drift by. Once a couple of dozen crabs are caught, it’s time to fish.

And you can start fishing in the same areas where you caught your bait.

Once baited up, anglers are casting into the current as the boat drifts out of the pass toward the Gulf. Once a drift is completed, it’s time to pull out of the lineup, motor back to the beginning of the drift and start again.

When fishing is good and the tarpon are biting, getting a bite every couple of drifts is attainable.

Determination, patience and keeping a bait in the water are factors in finding success.

And once a fish is hooked, it’s game on. The battle runs anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the skill of the angler and the attitude of the fish.

Some fish just don’t want to give in, while others will come to the boat after a couple of jumps. Once the fight is over and the fish is released, it’s time to bait up and do it all over again — if you dare.

If tarpon fishing isn’t your thing, you should see some good flats fishing during the new moon tides. The outgoing tides should have the snook on the feed, especially in the passes and around the beaches.

Live free-lined shiners are the go-to bait, although a variety of artificials will work, too. Casting small jigs, lipped plugs or soft plastics to snook can be deadly during a swift outgoing tide.

So be prepared to nearly get the rod ripped out of your hands. If you hook into a big linesider, remember, snook season is closed. So handle with care as we want these fish to live to be caught another day.

On the legal side, make a note that the harvest of gray triggerfish and greater amberjack is closed through July 31 and snook season is closed until Sept. 1.

On my Just Reel charters, I am seeing plenty of spotted seatrout being caught over deeper grass flats in Tampa Bay. Free-lined live shiners are quickly being devoured by hungry trout. If the trout aren’t quick enough to snatch the bait, other predators — including Spanish mackerel, ladyfish, jack crevalle and silver trout — will take it.

Sand sharks are present in these areas, resulting in a handful of hooked fish being bitten in half as they are being reeled in, adding a thrill as well as a sense of urgency to bring your fish to the boat.

Snook fishing is heating up with numerous fish

Capt. David White, left, and David Iadarola of Denver take time for a trophy photo May 28 with a 100-pound tarpon they hooked on a live crab from the beach.

being hooked in the passes as well as on the flats.

Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters is suffering from tarpon fever. He is taking charters on dedicated patrol, scanning the waters for a fish to roll or even a flash from a silver king.

During incoming tides, White is using live threadfin herring as bait, which seems to be attracting the most action and quite a few morning hookups.

During the evening outgoing tides, White is switching to live crabs as bait and it’s working. He reports that drifting the passes and casting live crabs is attracting numerous fish to the hook, with some of the silver kings reaching 150 pounds.

White says he’s had no trouble with sharks attacking his hooked tarpon and he hopes to keep it that way.

Capt. Johnny Mattay also of Anna Maria Charters, is putting in time with clients offshore in the Gulf of

Mexico, catching larger mangrove snapper. Using live shiners as bait combined with a bottom rig, Mattay is seeing mangrove snapper running 8-10 pounds. Red grouper are present too, readily taking the live bait.

After bottom fi shing, Mattay is switching over to flat-lining baits on the surface, which is yielding explosive action on amberjack. The reef donkeys are quickly scarfing cast baits.

Moving inshore, Mattay is hunting snook and redfish on the shallow grass flats during the high stages of the tide, where he’s finding casting free-lined live shiners against mangrove shorelines works best.

Spotted trout are being caught while inshore fishing, although they are located slightly deeper on flats in depths of 6-8 feet.

Lastly, Mattay and crew are chasing tarpon along the beaches when the seas are calm and clear. Send photos to fish@islander.org.

Capt. David White sent a few photos our way that he says “capture why we enjoy this profession and the annual tarpon migration so much.” The angler is Drew Philips of Anna Maria. the photo was captured May 30 by ellis Ward of Johnson City, Tennessee. See more, online at islander.org. Islander Courtesy Photo

Stasny

Nesting notes

By Masha Dolgoff

100 and counting

More than 100 sea turtle nests were staked on AMI during the first full month of nesting season.

During the season, which began May 1 and continues through Oct. 31, female sea turtles come to the shores of Anna Maria Island to lay their eggs and, later, hatchlings will emerge from the nests to make their way to the Gulf.

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring hosted another lecture May 28 as part of its Turtle Tracks and Shorebird Facts series at Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, and shared the number of nests on the island.

Karen Anderson, stranding coordinator for AMITW and speaker, said 119 nests had been marked on Anna Maria Island as of May 28. By May 31, the number was 138.

Anderson also talked about the characteristics of the most common sea turtle species nesting on AMI.

“The loggerhead is the most common turtle we see here on the island,” she said. “Their jaws are so big because of what they eat.”

Loggerheads feed on crustaceans such as crabs and lobsters and powerful jaws allow them to crunch their prey.

“The green turtle has a smaller head but it can get larger in weight,” Anderson said.

While loggerheads weigh 200-300 pounds, green sea turtles weigh 300-400 pounds.

Green sea turtles are “true vegetarians,” according to Anderson, as they only eat seagrass, algae and other vegetation, except for jellyfish, which all sea turtles

consume.

Anderson also talked about shorebirds, including a colony of least terns nesting in Bradenton Beach.

“We have three protected species that nest on this island: black skimmers, snowy plovers and least terns. As of this morning, we still had 16 nests of least terns in Bradenton Beach at the 27th Street access,” Anderson said.

Shorebirds nest March-August.

They make shallow holes in the sand where they deposit their eggs.

“We’re very protective of our shorebirds because

About AMITW

AMITW is a nonprofit focused on collecting data on threatened or endangered sea turtles. The organization also collects data on shorebirds. nesting data is required by beach renourishment contracts and AMITW is compensated by the county for its service.

Overnight sea turtle tracks are observed leading to and from the sea oats and dune the morning of May 30 at Anna Maria’s Bean Point. Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch came upon them soon after and declared a loggerhead left the tracks and a nest. Islander

they don’t nest here every single year,” Anderson said.

People can protect shorebirds and sea turtle nests by keeping pets indoors and avoiding posted areas.

AMITW’s talks are Tuesdays through August, typically at 10 a.m. but the session will start at noon June 25.

The content of the lecture is repeating, aimed at educating the public about sea turtle nesting season.

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This inviting vacation investment property is located just steps away from the sandy shores of Anna Maria Island’s world renowned beaches. With its prime location near trolley stops, ice cream shops and a variety of local restaurants, breathtaking views, and impeccable design, this luxury retreat promises treasured family times and a lucrative return on investment It is certainly a standout choice in the realm of exclusive Anna Maria Island vacation properties

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cing

As of May 31, AMITW reported 138 nests and 160 false crawls documented on AMI beaches.

Photo: Jacob Merrifield

By Lisa Neff

Research roundup

For more than 50 years, the National Hurricane Center has communicated the risk of damage from a hurricane with labels, from a Category 1 with wind speeds of 74-95 mph to a Category 5 with wind speeds of 158 mph or greater.

Is there now a need for a Category 6 due to increasing ocean temperatures contributing to more intense and destructive hurricanes?

In research published earlier this year in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal, climate scientists Michael Wehner of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California and James Kossin of the First Street Foundation in New York introduced a hypothetical Category 6 to the Saffir-Simpson Wind Scale for storms with wind speeds greater than 192 mph.

“Our motivation is to reconsider how the openendedness of the Saffi r-Simpson Scale can lead to underestimation of risk and, in particular, how this underestimation becomes increasingly problematic in a warming world,” Wehner said.

The scientists said anthropogenic global warming has increased surface ocean and tropospheric air temperatures in regions where hurricanes form, providing additional heat energy for storm intensification.

The team performed a historical data analysis of hurricanes from 1980 to 2021 and they found fi ve storms that would have been classified as Category 6 with wind speeds of 192 mph or more.

All five hurricanes occurred in the last nine years of record.

“Our results are not meant to propose changes to this scale but rather to raise awareness that the windhazard risk from storms presently designated as Category 5 has increased and will continue to increase under climate change,” Kossin said in a news release.

Other storm-related research results of interest:

• Two studies based on data from 2009 to 2018 show renters living along the East and Gulf coasts face rent increases, higher eviction rates and a lack of affordable housing in the aftermath of a hurricane.

Researchers analyzed how the frequency and intensity of hurricanes corresponds to changes in rent and housing affordability. They found that median rents rise in the year following more intense hurricanes due

to declines in housing availability. Their results also suggest the occurrence of a hurricane in any given year reduces affordable housing.

Renters also have less access to post-disaster government aid programs.

• Researchers from the University of CaliforniaIrvine, Stanford University and the University of California-Los Angeles surveyed Texas and Florida residents about hurricanes five times between 2017 and 2022, a period that included strikes by hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Michael.

People were asked about their perceived risk from hurricanes and adaptation activities, including assembling an emergency supply kit, installing hurricane shutters, developing and practicing an emergency plan and purchasing flood insurance.

The researchers found that perception of personal risk dramatically declined as time passed after hurricanes.

• A new analysis from the National Hurricane Center compared Hurricanes Charley in 2004 and Ian in 2022 and examined why tropical cyclone size — or wind radii — matters.

Charley and Ian were Category 4 hurricanes and their eyes made landfall within a few miles of one

another, with sustained winds up to 150 mph.

However, the damage cost was about 4.5 times higher in Ian and the death toll in Ian was more than 10 times higher.

“With such similarities between Hurricanes Charley and Ian, why was the overall footprint of the impacts and hazards so different?” the researchers asked.

Tropical-storm-force winds from Ian were much larger than those of Charley. Both systems had similar peak winds at landfall but the hurricane-force winds in Ian extended out more than 20 nautical miles from Charley’s, impacting more than double the coastal area of Charley.

The larger area of strong winds in Ian was a major factor in why the storm surge was much worse in Ian, according to the NHC. And Ian’s surge swarmed many more miles of coastline than Charley’s.

“Wind radii (storm size) is just as important, if not more important in some cases, as intensity,” wrote the researchers, who noted that people tend to focus on track and intensity rather than size.

Where, if a storm is threatening, can you find predictions on size, track and intensity?

The NHC’s forecasts are at www.nhc.noaa.gov.

Resources for hurricane season

Social media

The National Hurricane Center is on X at @ NWSNHC. The National Weather Service is at @ NWS and, for local info, @NWSTampaBay. A favorite Facebook follow: chief meteorologist Denis Phillips at @denisphillipsweatherman.

Websites

Manatee County Emergency Management: mymanatee.org.

Florida Emergency Management: floridadisaster. org.

National Hurricane Center: nhc.noaa.gov. FPL outages: www.fplmaps.com.

Media resources

TV: Bay News 9, The Weather Channel. Print and digital: The Islander, Islander.org. Radio: WUSF 89.7, NWR KHB32 162.550.

Apps

PulsePoint, CodeRed, MyHurricaneTracker, The Weather Channel, Weather Underground.

neff

Infrared satellite images of Hurricane Ian, left, and Hurricane Charley just prior to their Florida landfalls. Islander Images: Courtesy university of Wisconsin/ nOAA

ITEMS FOR SALE

DI n I n G TABL e : LARG e 102 by 42-inches with leaves and six high-back cane chairs. Cabernet by Drexal. excellent. $1,000. northwest Bradenton, 941-798-3842.

BOSu HOMe GYM, $35, exercise ball, $25, side tables, round, glass top, 2/$19, black chairs, soft leather 2/$20. 941-920-2494.

SOFA: ASHL e Y. P u RCHAS e D in August, brand new, just wanted something else. $600. Contact 860-836-2495.

ABOVe-GROunD POOL cover: 24-foot, in package, warranty. $49 or best offer. 941778-5542.

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

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Anna Maria Island Privateers want you! The pirates are looking for new blood to join them in their pursuit of good deeds for kids and community. Call MaryAnn “Maz” Zala at 941 650-8673 or Valerie “Dallas” Mabry, 941 896-0797.

GARAGE SALES

LOST BRAC e L e T: May 10. $100 reward. Sterling silver cuff, gemstones. Sunset between Cedar Avenue beach access to shoreline. 727-687-0977.

TRANSPORTATION

GOLF CART R en TALS: Fun for residents and tourists! 212-941-2402. www.GolfCartRentalAMI.com.

BOATS & BOATING

HAVe A BOAT and wanna catch more fish, better bait or learn the water? 50-year local fisherman, your boat, my knowledge. Captain Chris, 941-896-2915.

S un COAST BOTTOM PAI n TI n G: Professional bottom painting. Mobile. Call 941704-9382.

CAPTAIn FOR HIRe and boat caretaker services: If you need help with your boat on or off the water, call Captain Dan. u SCG, retired. 772-486-8085.

WeLCOMe ABOARD JOYFISH Charters for private fishing, sunset cruises, and dolphin watching. Check out joyfishcharters.com or follow us on Facebook. Call to reserve, 941840-3181.

HELP WANTED

nOW HIRInG HAnDYMAn: Full-time professional services. $18 an hour and up, based on experience. Call JayPros, 941962-2874.

R e PORT e R WA n T e D: Full- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience required. Apply via email with letter of interest to news@islander.org.

KIDS FOR HIRE

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

IS YOuR HOMe or office in need of some cleaning? Well, I’m your girl! Local, reliable, professional! Please, give me a call or text, 941-773 -0461.

CLeAnInG: VACATIOn, COnSTRuCTIOn, residential, commercial and windows. Licensed and insured. 941-756-4570.

I SLA n D e R ARCHIV e. u ofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

SERVICES Continued

PR e SS u R e WASHI n G, PAV e R sealing, driveway, roof, fence, pool area. Also, window cleaning. Licensed and insured. 941-5653931.

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

API’S DRYWALL RePAIR: I look forward to servicing your drywall repair needs. Call 941524-8067 to schedule an appointment.

CL e A n T e CH MOBIL e Detailing. At your location. Cars, boats, RVs. Call or text Billie for an appointment. 941-592-3482.

PC OR T e CH issues? n ot sure where to start? With years of experience, I’ll come to you with reliable solutions. Contact Gavin at 928-587-1309. www.gse.codes.

PAInTInG: InTeRIOR/eXTeRIOR: Sarasota interior painting. Call or text Don, 941-9009398. We are the best high-end painting! Just ask our AMI clients! I’m the owner and the painter. Free estimates. Fully insured licensed business.

u PLuS Me LLC: Provides quality coatings for pool decks, driveways, garage floors, patios. Don’t miss out on our pro-polishing services, concrete, terrazzo, travertine. 727623-5050.

AFFORDABLe PReSSuRe WASHInG and vacation cleaning service. 941-356-1456.

RIDeeASY 247 YOuR professional, reliable and courteous car service to airports and events since 2015. You can reach us via text 941-447-7737 or email to mrfort5001@gmail. com We are available 24/7.

LOOK n O MOR e ! Residential, vacation rental and commercial cleaning. Give us a call, 941-250-8548.

LOOKInG FOR SOMeOne who needs me: Clean, house-sit. I can cook, make sandwiches. I can do anything you can do but better! I can run to the grocery store for you. I can walk pets or go out to lunch with you. Looking for a part-time job caregiving companion, I am your right arm! I love people and I love helping others. I have references and I’m reliable and dependable. My name is Dena Gray a.k.a. Sparkles! 941-704-9948.

B u SI ne SS-TO-B u SI ne SS JD’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-920-3840.

B e ACH S e RVIC e air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. Commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. Serving Manatee County and the Island since 1987. For dependable, honest and personalized service, call Bill eller, 941-720-7411. CAC184228.

LAWN & GARDEN

COnnIe’S LAnDSCAPInG InC. Residential and commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-778-5294.

COLLInS LAnDSCAPe LIGHTInG: Outdoor lighting, landscaping, irrigation services and maintenance. 941-279-9947. MJC24373@ gmail.com.

SHeLL DeLIVeReD AnD spread. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, topsoil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, or “shell phone” 941-720-0770.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

VAn-GO PAInTInG residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper. Island references. Bill, 941-795-5100. www.vangopainting.net.

GRIFFIn’S HOMe IMPROVeMenTS Inc. Handyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. Insured and licensed. 941-722-8792.

ISLAnD HAnDYMAn: I live here, work here, value your referral. Refinish, paint. Just ask. JayPros. Licensed/insured. References. Call Jay, 941-962-2874.

LAne’S SCReenInG SeRVICeS: Replace your window, door or lanai screens. Many screen options available. Retired veteran serving our community! Free estimates, call 941-705-5293.

LOOKInG FOR AnY home improvement? JRCC Home Improvement, handyman service can get the job done. Please, contact us at 413-246-2410. We would love to help.

TILe-TILe-TILe: LVT vinyl flooring, all variations of porcelain and ceramic tile supplied and installed. Total bathroom remodels. Many Mt. Vernon references. Licensed and insured. Operations manager, 941-2269671.

DOnALD PeRKInS PAInTInG LLC. Interior/exterior/pressure washing. Island references. dperkinspaint@hotmail.com. 941705-7096.

CALL HYDRO CLeAn. Full-service pressure washing, sealing. Pavers, travertine and natural stone. Window washing too, up to three stories. Call Jacob, 941-920-2094.

RENTALS

AnnA MARIA GuLF beachfront vacation rentals. One- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941778-3143.

PeRICO ISLAnD PATIO home for rent. 3BR/2BA, 30-day minimum. Privacy fence/ gate, two miles to AMI. Call or text, 859-7716423. http://pericoislandrental.com/

AVAILABLe nOW AnD season: 1BR/1BA, seven-night minimum. carlesvacationrentals. com. Special rates are available. 941-8071405.

AnnuAL RenTAL: VILLA home in Perico Bay Club, Bradenton. Gated and 24-hour security. 2BR/2BA, updated. updated kitchen, screened deck and two-car garage. unfurnished. Text 908-875-0299 for information. More ads = more readers in The Islander.

RENTALS Continued

SeASOnAL OR AnnuAL rental: 55-plus, friendly community, bottom floor. Sleeps four, 1.5BA. Beach access. $3,400/month. 847-769-9080.

FOR RenT: MAY to December. Anna Maria Island condo. Great value, beautiful upgraded 2BR/2BR. Incredible water view. Pool, tennis, walk to beach. Private carport. excellent rental terms. Owner/ renter. Call/email for pictures, 570-239-0431. marketreps@aol.com

2BR/2BA HOLMeS BeACH. Westbay Point. Second-floor, furnished condo, beautiful bay views. no pets, no smoking. Six months, $2,850/month. 941-778-2824.

HOLMeS BeACH 2BR/2BA elevated furnished duplex with one-car garage. no pets, no smoking. Six months, $2,850/month plus utilities. 941-778-2824.

FOR RenT: HOLMeS Beach 2BR/2/BA ground-level. Five-minute walk to beach, quiet area. no animals, one parking spot. Available June, July, August. Summer rate, $2,300/month plus tax. Please, text or email for more information. Louann Lehto, +1 403512-2350. dlehto@telus.net

FLAMInGO BY THe Bay condo for rent on Palma Sola Bay. Second floor with a view. 1BR/1BA with boat dock. Annual rental, $1,800/month. 941-224-0836.

PeRICO BAY CLuB deluxe villa. 2BR/2BA, garage, turnkey furnished. $3,000 monthly. Real estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

SeASOnAL RenTAL: Bradenton 55-plus community. Large 2BR/2BA condo on bay, exceptional views. elevator and five minutes to bridge. no smoking, no pets. $4,650/month. Three-month minimum. Photos at https://barbaragillespie.wixsite. com/47872024. 732-748-0759

SeASOnAL RenTAL In Holmes Beach available January-April 2025. elevated townhouse 2BR/1.5BA. Three-month minimum. $4,100/ month plus tax, fees. Call Anna Maria Realty, 941-778-2259 or email dina@annamariareal. com

JAnuARY OnLY: 2BR/1BA. Close to Cortez Village, 2 miles to beach. Quiet neighborhood but close to great restaurant and shopping, across from Sarasota Bay. 941-773-1552.

JuLY RenTAL: HOLMeS Beach. 2BR/2BA bayside condo. Pool, tennis, pickleball, beautifully updated. Call Julie at 312-8353054 or email shellpointhaven@gmail. com for photos and details.

WInnIe MCHALe, ReALTOR, 941-5046146. Dalton Wade Real estate. You need an aggressive and experienced Realtor in today’s market! Selling island homes, Sarasota and Bradenton areas. Multi-milliondollar producer! “Selling Homes - Making Dreams Come True.”

2BR/2BA HOMe for sale. 3,000 sfur. 1,100 sf garage. Steps to beach. $1,449,000. 941518-6329.

COnDO FOR SALe or lease. 2BR/2BA at the west end of Bradenton Riverwalk. Downtown walk-a-bout community features library, performing art center, creative art center and galleries. Shoppes, fine and casual dining. $280,000. Florida Suncoast Real estate, Geri Kenyon, 941-725-4374.

AFFORDABLe 2BR/2BA VILLA near beach. Completely upgraded. $285,000. Real estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

LOOKInG FOR An eARLY BIRD? You can read Wednesday’s classifieds on Tuesday at islander.org. And it’s FRee!

By Robyn Murrell

Feast on this …

The Feast restaurant has been a staple in Holmes Beach for 15 years.

Owners Christopher and Joseph Dale are just finishing touching up and spiffing up the restaurant, 5406 Marina Drive. Their last upgrade was in 2019.

After a few months of preparation and with the help of a decorator, the restaurant has a new look in the dining room, complete with fresh paint and wallpaper and new chairs, tables, lighting and artwork.

The Dale brothers have plans to do more interior work but decided not to disrupt business during the busy spring season.

Christopher told The Islander May 8, “May is a little bit quieter but, as soon as school gets out, it’s back to being busy again, so this is a good time to finish up, the next couple of weeks.”

And the tables are set and awaiting guests.

The restaurant is known for seafood but also is a go-to place for steak, pasta, pizza and burgers.

Christopher Dale said summer menu features that are must-tries include all-you-can-eat snow crab legs, scallops with bacon bourbon jam, ribeye surf and turf, shrimp and lobster with spicy Cajun cream sauce and wagyu lasagna.

For more information call, The Feast at 941-7785092 or go online to thefeastrestaurantami.com

Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce members emily Chonay, left, of Manatee Digital Marketing; Beth Bowman and John Sheerin of Coquina Concierge; Karen LaPensee of LaPensee Plumbing Pools Air; Cheryl Hindle and Brenda Contreras of Island Real estate Vacations; and Joann Baker of united Community Bank; gather for breakfast in April at the Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe at the Manatee Beach. Call the chamber at 941-778-1541 to join the June 6 breakfast gathering at Mademoiselle Paris in Anna Maria. Islander Photo: Courtesy AMICofC/Ingrid McClellan

Join the ‘members-only’ club

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce opened a members-only Facebook group in May.

“We felt this would be another way for them to communicate so we can have a cohesive business community,” chamber president Terri Kinder told The Islander via phone May 29.

Kinder said to join, people must answer questions about their affiliated business, which will be crossreferenced with the chamber’s database.

Also, not all employees of a member business can join, only primary business pages and upper management will have access to the group.

As of May 29, the group had 62 members.

For more information, call the chamber at 941778-1541, email info@amichamber.org or go online to annamariaislandchamber.org.

PropertyWatch

By Carol Bernard

Island real estate

242 Lakeview Drive, Anna Maria, 1286 sq ft 2BR/2BA home on a 10,498 sq ft lot built in 1978 sold April 15 by Rysal Ent LLC to 242 Lakeview LLC for $1,700,000, list price $1,950,000.

304 N. Shore Drive, Anna Maria, 3400 sq ft 4BR/5BA pool home on a 10,001 sq ft lot built in 2021 sold April 12 by Osmida LLC to NSBH LLC for $3,750,000, list price $3,950,000.

803 N. Shore Drive, Anna Maria, 4,993 sq ft 4BR/5BA pool home on a 35,249 sq ft lot built in 1992 sold April 15 by Miller to Brown for $7,000,000, list price $8,250,000.

Compiled by Island Real Estate staff. IRE can be reached at 941-778-6066, islandreal.com.

— Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce breakfast, Mademoiselle Paris, 9906 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-1541, ingrid@amichamber.org.

June 11 4-5:30 p.m. — AMI

Restaurant manager Christian O’Brian points May 8 to new artwork in The Feast restaurant in the Island Shopping Center, 5406 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: Robyn Murrell