The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, May. 01, 2024

Mangrove talks center on consolidation.

Q&A 050124

HB business tax to rise.

continues charter conversations.

Looking back.

BB marina seeks city OK.

the date.

What’s up on AMI?

A Bradenton driver was arrested by Holmes Beach police shortly after sunset April 27, charged with leaving the scene of a crash and resisting arrest after he was observed driving erratically, ultimately landing his 2022 Porsche in the canal at 75th Street and Marina Drive. More, page 17. Islander Photo: Courtesy Gary Hickerson

First nest of 2024

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch volunteers and executive director Kristen Mazzarella gather on the beach in Anna Maria April 27 at the site of the first sea turtle nest on Anna Maria Island.

County funds boat ramp design.

Dogs OK in AM park.

continues on center pitch.

staging.

CLASSIFIEDS.

The telltale tracks in the sand left by a loggerhead on its way to its choice for a nesting site and back to the Gulf of Mexico were found in the morning. While AMITW starts monitoring in April for nesting activity and to ensure the beach habitat is safe and dark, sea turtle nesting season officially runs May 1-Oct. 31. In 2023, AMITW marked 404 sea turtle nests, according to Islander archives. The nests produced about 22,875 hatchlings. For more, go to Nesting Notes, page 22. Islander Photo: Courtesy Chuck Anderson

Another

day in court for state v. stilt house

“The Skyway Bridge Disaster,” a documentary film, will premiere May 8 at Holmes Beach City Hall.

Islander to premiere Skyway disaster film

May 9, 1980, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge collapsed and 35 people plunged to their deaths in Tampa Bay.

On Wednesday, May 8, The Islander will host the premiere of a 70-minute documentary, “The Skyway Bridge Disaster: A True Story.”

The doors at Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, will open at 6:30 p.m. Moderator Robert Raiola, a diver who helped recover bodies from the bay, will open the program at 7 p.m.

The documentary tells the story of how, in a squall, the Summit Venture collided with a bridge support column, sending more than 1,200 feet of the bridge into the bay.

“The Skyway Bridge Disaster,” according to its creators, brings viewers “onto the bridge, inside the ship and into the courtroom through the experiences of the people involved.”

The Islander also is organizing a raffle at the premiere of archival photographs taken at the scene of the bridge collapse by the late Gene Page and late editor/photographer for many years at The Islander, Paul Roat.

Seats are $50 in advance and must be paid by May 7. Any seats not reserved will be open seating the night of the event. Proceeds will benefit U.S. Coast Guard Flotilla 81 nonprofit Safe Seas of Florida.

For tickets or more information about the event, call The Islander at 941-778-7978 or email news@islander.org.

To see a trailer go to @SkywayBridgeDisaster on YouTube.

The Guthrie house, built in 2017, stands on pilings in the bay on the right, near the historic Curt Johns net camp, left, as seen April 23 looking west from Cortez toward the setting moon in Bradenton Beach. Story, page 3. Islander Photo: Courtesy Bill Nies

State drops kidnapping, rape charges against Palmetto man

Palmetto resident Rikeem Lang, 31, is a free man after facing down a potential life sentence.

Assistant state attorney Rebecca Degel April 9 filed a notice of no prosecution, dropping three felony charges against Lang, including:

• A first-degree felony — punishable by life — for kidnapping with intent to commit or facilitate commission of a felony;

• A first-degree felony for sexual battery with enhanced circumstances;

• A third-degree felony for domestic battery by strangulation.

Holmes Beach police arrested Lang May 29, 2023. A woman found sleeping in the back seat of Lang’s vehicle said Lang had raped her there.

Lang was arrested and transported to the Manatee County jail. He remained there under $300,000 bond until April 15, when the charges were dropped.

Degel did not respond to an April 23 call from The Islander.

— Ryan Paice

Police Chief Bill Tokajer stands april 23 alongside six Holmes Beach Police Department officers after recognizing them for their service to the community and time served in the city during a city commission meeting. Tokajer, right, stands with Sgt. Tom Fraser, left, Officer Jason Higgins, Officer Christine LaBrache, Sgt. Joshua Betts, Lt. Brian Hall and Sgt. Mike Walker. Islander

Photo: Courtesy HBPD

Streetlife

By Robert anderson and Ryan Paice

Anna Maria

No new reports.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office polices Anna Maria.

Bradenton Beach

No new reports.

The Bradenton Beach Police Department polices

Bradenton Beach.

Cortez

No new reports.

The MCSO polices Cortez.

Holmes Beach

April 15, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, vehicle burglary. A Holmes Beach police officer responded to reports of a vehicle burglary. A complainant said several items were stolen from a parked vehicle. Bradenton police later located the items. The complainant did not want to press charges.

April 20, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, vehicle burglary. An officer responded to reports of a vehicle burglary. The complainant told police her wallet was taken from her parked vehicle. She also said

she was notified by her bank about suspicious activity on her credit cards and wanted to press charges. The officer went to the stores where suspicious transactions were made and logged video footage of a suspect.

April 21, the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, trespass. A church official reported a man entered their Sunday morning services and caused a disruption. The church official said he had warned the subject several times and requested an officer stand by. Later, two officers responded to reports the man again was causing a disruption. The officers supervised as a church representative trespassed the man from the property, but the man refused to leave. An officer grabbed the man’s arm and he fell to the ground and they assisted the man out of the church.

April 22, St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Marchman Act. An officer found a woman lying on a bench at the property. He approached the woman, who was intoxicated and confused, and had no one to pick her up. An officer placed her in protective custody under the Marchman Act and transported her to the HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton.

April 22, 3000 block of Avenue C, suspicious circumstances. An officer responded to reports of suspicious circumstances and met with the complainant, who said she found trash on her vehicle windshield. She said a man also drove up to her property, asked how she liked the trash and called her derogatory names. The complainant provided a description of the man, his vehicle and a license plate number. The officer provided her a case card.

April 24, 5900 block of Marina Drive, suspicious circumstances. An officer found the remains of what appeared to have been a fire in a trash can. The can was destroyed and a nearby wall sustained minor damage. An empty aerosol can was nearby. The officer photographed the damage.

HBPD polices Holmes Beach.

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

Holmes Beach police recognized

‘Hunter’ hearing canceled in developer’s HB DUI case

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Almost a year since Shawn Kaleta, a developer and owner of approximately 1,600 vacation rental units, the Pines Trailer Park, Bradenton Beach Marina and several restaurants, was arrested in Holmes Beach for allegedly driving under the influence, a trial has yet to be scheduled.

However, with medical records now in the state’s hands, the case might see progress.

An April 11 joint stipulation between Kaleta’s cocounsel, Sean Powers of Bradenton-based McNary Powers and assistant state attorney Christine Neilson allows the state to obtain the developer’s medical records for the dates of his arrest.

Kaleta was arrested June 15, 2023, in Holmes Beach on a second-degree misdemeanor for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

He also was charged with a first-degree misdemeanor for allegedly resisting or obstructing a law enforcement officer without violence.

A Holmes Beach police officer observed a vehicle being driven recklessly on East Bay Drive and Manatee Avenue around 11:30 p.m. and conducted a traffic stop, according to a police report.

The driver, Kaleta, displayed signs of impairment, so the officer asked him to do sobriety exercises.

He began the exercises but stopped cooperating partway through and instead requested an attorney.

The officer began to arrest Kaleta for suspected DUI but the developer resisted and refused to comply with verbal commands.

The officer then took Kaleta to the ground and arrested him.

He was transported to the Holmes Beach Police Department, where he refused to provide breath samples, then to the HCA Blake Florida Hospital in Bradenton upon the his request for medical treatment.

At the hospital, Kaleta agreed to have his blood drawn for police but spent “about an hour” in the

bathroom refusing to cooperate with hospital staff.

As a result, neither a blood sample nor formal interview were taken.

The officer transported Kaleta to the Manatee County jail, where he was released June 16 after posting $620 bond.

Despite the resistance at the hospital, the state filed a Sept. 6, 2023, notice to subpoena Kaleta’s emergency medical treatment and hospital medical records.

Kaleta objected to the subpoena Sept. 12, 2023, so a “Hunter” hearing to determine the state’s access to the requested records was scheduled for April 12.

However, the April 11 joint stipulation is an agreement for Kaleta to withdraw his objection in exchange

for the state only seeking Kaleta’s medical records for June 15, 2023, and June 16, 2023.

The “Hunter” hearing was canceled following the stipulation, which also states that, “Nothing in this stipulation shall be deemed an admission of guilt.”

If convicted, punishment for a first-degree misdemeanor includes up to one year in jail, one year of probation and a fine of up to $1,000.

Punishment for a second-degree misdemeanor includes up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.

A pretrial conference hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Monday, July 8, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

Floating Porsche at 75th Street

Ryan Shim, 52, of Bradenton, was arrested by Holmes Beach police shortly after sunset april 27, charged with leaving the scene of a crash and resisting arrest, after he was observed driving erratically, ultimately landing his 2022 Porsche in the canal alongside the public docks at 75th Street and Marina Drive. Shim and a passenger exited the vehicle and Shim attempting to fleaHBPD Officer andrew atkins caught up with him at 72nd Street and, with the help of a bystander, made the arrest. Islander

WWW.BRIDGETENDERINN.ROCKS

Photo: Courtesy Gary Hickerson

HB magistrate approves expansion of nonconforming home

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The expansion of a nonconforming structure in Holmes Beach was given the green light.

Special magistrate Michael Connolly ruled April 23 to approve resident David Calcanis’ request to expand a nonconforming structure at his property, 452 63rd St., along with two staff-recommended conditions.

The property is located in the Seaside Gardens community, where its R-4 residential zoning has resulted in a “series of non-conformities … that impact many of the existing units and their ability to re-construct or improve,” according to a staff report.

Calcanis’ property was built in 1962 and does not meet the city’s later-established requirements for side setbacks and lot coverage, so it is a nonconforming structure.

Under city code, the expansion of nonconforming structures requires special magistrate approval.

Nevertheless, the city has approved expansions for the two properties directly around 452 63rd St.

Calcanis’ requested expansion would enclose exterior common walls of an existing 250-square-foot lanai on the unit’s rear to bring his property in line with the others.

His request included a Feb. 20 letter from Seaside Gardens Civic Association’s president, Thomas Potter, establishing the association had no stance on Calcanis’ proposed expansion as long as it met city code and did not infringe on other SGCA-owned properties.

A staff report noted that the expansion includes the replacement of a previously enclosed area with the same location and dimensions, so the extent to which the property exceeds lot coverage will not be increased.

City staff found Calcanis’ request consistent with the land development code’s criteria for expansion of a nonconforming structure, development patterns in the

Holmes Beach resident David Calcanis asks special magistrate Michael Connolly april 23 to approve his request to expand a nonconforming structure at his property, 452 63rd St. Islander

Photos: Ryan Paice

area, as well as compatible with adjacent land uses. Staff recommended two conditions for approval, including:

The expansion of a nonconforming structure at 452 63rd St., Holmes Beach, was approved april 23 by the city’s special magistrate.

• Calcanis must fi le a permit application to the city for the proposed development within 180 days of approval;

• If a permit is not required, Calcanis must “commence operations” on the expansion within 180 days of approval.

Calcanis agreed to the staff’s proposed recommendations and Connolly approved his expansion request.

The next magistrate hearing will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 28, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

The hearing will be open to the public.

State’s Cortez Road vision gains county support

Manatee County commissioners signed off on a Florida Department of Transportation theme paper.

The commission April 24 voted to support themes in the DOT’s Cortez Road vision plan as the state prepares to write an action plan.

The DOT, focused on the corridor from 301 Boulevard to just east of the Cortez Bridge, is nearly finished with the visioning stage of the project and established four themes to develop an action plan:

• Safe and accessible multimodal opportunities;

• Good multimodal connectivity that provides easier access to destinations;

• Strengthened economic vitality through land use patterns that include a mix of uses and promote shorter trip distances;

• Corridor treatments and land uses that create a sense of place and community identity.

The commissioners, in their vote, agreed the themes are consistent with the county’s general land use and transportation goals.

— Lisa Neff

County funds new boat ramp engineering, design

Manatee County commissioners April 23 authorized an agreement for Peninsula Bay Boat Ramp.

The agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates Inc. allows for spending $2.235 million for the work, which involves planning and designing of the ramp, as well as seeking permits and managing the West Manatee project.

The county wants to establish a new public harbor with seawalls, boat ramp, parking lot, bathroom facilities and drainage improvements at 119th Street West and a canal from the harbor into Palma Sola Bay, as well as a roundabout and roadway from 119th Street West to 115th Street West.

County officials, including natural resources director Charlie Hunsicker, have said such a ramp will relieve pressure on Anna Maria Island’s amenities, as well as alleviate some traffic congestion on the bridges. Federal, state and county permitting will be required.

The Sarasota-based fi rm was the only business earlier this year to submit a bid on the job.

The commission, in approving a list of “consent agenda items,” also OK’d budget amendments in the fiscal 2024-28 capital improvements plan and the 2024 fiscal year budget.

The engineering and planning money will come from infrastructure sales tax revenues.

The total funding, including construction to be completed by November 2030, is estimated at $7.1 million.

— Lisa Neff

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. For the latest, go to amiprojects.io.

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

Did you know?

Travelers can check traffic cameras at many locations, including on the Cortez and Anna Maria Island bridges. Go to fl511.com.

— Lisa Neff

Dogs now allowed in AM park, marijuana plans on deck

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Canines can now join their human buddies in at least one of Anna Maria’s public parks.

City commissioners unanimously voted April 25 to adopt an ordinance allowing people to walk their dogs on leashes at City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., except during certain events.

The city has been working on the ordinance since last October, when the planning and zoning board requested the commission explore allowing dogs at parks.

Municipal code previously prohibited dogs and other domestic animals in all city parks.

Now, dogs still will be prohibited in all municipal parks other than City Pier Park due to their location on beaches and coastal barrier sand dunes.

However, people will be allowed to walk leashed dogs in City Pier Park except during special events on Veterans Day and Memorial Day — city-hosted events that often draw more than 1,000 people — and “any other special events so deemed by the city commission.”

The ordinance also contains a change clarifying that certain domestic animals, including “equine or bovine animals, goat, sheep, chicken or swine,” are prohibited on private property within the city.

There was no public comment.

Commissioner Jonathan Crane moved to adopt the ordinance.

Commissioner Gary McMullen seconded the motion, which passed.

Meanwhile, the city has another potential code change teed up for a final hearing.

Commissioners held a first reading for an ordinance that would grandfather preexisting sales of CBD and hemp products at their April 25 meeting.

Code currently prohibits the growing, processing, distribution and sale of any plants or products derived from the genus cannabis, which includes marijuana and hemp.

The city has been working on potential code changes since February and officials have settled on a proposed ordinance to allow certain preexisting sales to continue.

The proposed ordinance would allow businesses with a location in the city — no mobile vendors — to apply for grandfather status to continue the sale of “product that would otherwise have been prohibited” if it was “regularly sold” as of April 1.

That status would allow businesses cited for city code violations due to CBD and hemp sales, such as North Shore Cafe and Cool Beans AMI, to legally continue those sales.

Businesses that receive grandfather status would not be allowed to increase the volume of such sales.

The city commission will meet next at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 9, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

Directions to attend via Zoom can be found on the city’s website, cityofannamaria.com.

a Woodruff & Sons crew continues sewer replacement work april 23 along Seventh Street South in Bradenton Beach. Starting april 29, as The Islander went to press, work was to shift to installation of sewer pipe across Gulf Drive to Sixth Street South, which was to be closed to traffic. The $7.1 million Manatee County project commenced in January 2023 and is to be completed in the fall. Islander photo: Robert anderson Shifting from 7th to 6th

Stone crab season closes May 2

Florida’s recreational and commercial stone crab seasons will close May 2, with the last day of harvest set for Wednesday, May 1.

The annual season closure is intended to sustain the stone crab population and build resiliency in the fishery in state and federal waters.

Commercially harvested stone crab claws can be possessed and sold during the closed season but only if they have been placed in inventory before May 2

by a licensed wholesale or retail dealer.

Stone crab traps must be removed from the water within five days after the close of the stone crab season.

And stone crab claws cannot be harvested from traps pulled after the season closes.

For more information, go online to myfwc.com/ marine.

— Lisa Neff

Soccer continues on center pitch, KRC golfer scores hole-in-1

By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter

Progressive Cabinetry moved to the top of the standings this week in the adult soccer league at the Center of Anna Maria Island.

Progressive has a 4-1 record, just ahead of second-place Pool America, which is at 3-0-2. Salty Printing holds down third with a 3-2 record, one point ahead of fourth-place Ross Built at 2-1-2. Language Services Associates and Moss Builders are tied for fifth with 2-2-1 records, with Sato Real Estate right behind at 2-3. Diamond Turf at 1-3-1, Beach House Restaurant at 1-4 and Solid Rock Construction at 0-2-3 complete the standings.

Action April 24 saw Pool America and Diamond Turf battle to a 3-3 tie to open the evening. Nate Welch scored two goals and Hakan Toka added a goal for Pool America, which also received six saves from Jessica Reukberg in the draw.

Curtis Bickler, Samuel Romero and Gerarado Urbiola Bolanos each scored one goal for Diamond Turf.

Kevin Roman scored a pair of goals to lead Salty Printing to a 4-0 victory over Beach House in the second game of the night. Tyler Brewer and Erica Nielson each added one goal while Tuna McCracken made seven saves in the shutout victory.

Aaron Frech and Jake Parsons combined to make nine saves to lead Beach House in the loss.

Keith Mahoney scored two goals to help Progressive Cabinetry edge Moss Builders 3-2 in the third game of the night. Junior Martines added a goal and an assist and Tyler Bekkerus made nine saves in the victory.

Kari Stephens and Kali Richardson each scored for Moss Builders, which also received 10 saves from Ryan Moss in the loss.

Ross Built cruised to a 4-1 victory over Sato in the fourth game behind three goals from Helio Gomez. Ted Hurst added a goal and an assist and Dean Hinterstoisser made eight saves in the victory.

Matthew Darak notched the lone goal for Sato, which also received 14 saves from Paul Jennison in the loss.

The closing game saw Solid Rock and Langauge Services battle to a 3-3 tie. Timo Vechio had two goals and an assist to lead Solid Rock, which also received a goal from Jana Whitehead and seven saves from Mark Long in the tie.

Murat Akay, Selena Gonzalez-Salinas and Austin Nutting each scored goals for Language Services, while Steve Oelfke made 10 saves.

Week 4, youth soccer standings

After four weeks of action, the 8-10 division stand-

Hayden Eurice combined to make seven saves in the victory.

The Gitt Team cruised to a 3-0 victory over HSH Design behind a hat trick from Gunnar Maize and seven saves from Kyle Castagna.

Jack Zaccagnino made five saves for HSH Design in the loss.

Key Royale golf news

If you happened to hear a shout of joy ringing out over Key Royale on April 17, it may have come from Brian Hogan, who scored his first career hole-in-one on the 145-yard eighth hole at KRC in Holmes Beach using his nine iron. As tradition calls, Hogan treated the day’s golfers with celebratory drinks at the clubhouse following the round.

ings are tight with Solid Rock Construction on top with a 3-0-1, just ahead of second-place Intuitive Foundation with a 3-1 record. Isola Bella Italian Eatery is holding third place at 1-0-3, just ahead of Am I Coconuts and Emily Moss Design, each with 1-2-1 records. Shady Lady Horticultural Services completes the standings with a 0-4 record.

Moss Builders holds down the top spot in the 11-14 division with a 2-0 record, just ahead of 1-1-1 Solid Rock Construction and Gitt Team at 1-0-1. HSH Designs at 1-2 and 0-2 Westfall’s Lawn Care complete the 11-14 standings.

Action in the 8-10 division kicked off with Intuitive Foundation edging Emily Moss Design 2-1 behind goals from Parker Svoboda and Gunnar Maize, while Sawyer Leibfried made five saves in the victory.

Titus Moss notched the lone goal for Moss Design, which also received nine saves from Miles Moss in the loss.

The second game of the night saw Am I Coconuts earn a 2-0 shutout over Shady Lady. Phoenix Harwood scored both goals for Am I Coconuts in the win.

Simon Messinger paced Shady Lady with seven saves.

The last game of the evening saw Isola Bella and Solid Rock battle to a 0-0 tie. Carson Long made four saves to lead Isola Bella, while Jeremiah Raulerson and Samuel Raulerson combined in goal to make five saves in the draw.

Action in the 11-14 division kicked off April 23 with Solid Rock Construction easing past Westfall’s Lawn Care & Pest Control by a 1-0 score. Alex Guerrero notched the lone goal and Charlie Serra and

ATTENTION RENTAL OWNERS!

In other competition at the club, Joy Coyne carded a plus-5 to win the modified-Stableford system match April 22. Doug Kristensen, Eric Lawson and Ken Nagengast finished in a three-way tie for second place at plus-4.

The women played a nine-hole team scramble April 23 that saw the team of Connie Livanos, Helen Pollock and Sue Wheeler tie the team of Lisa Edmonds, Jenny Huibers, Pauline Lee and Dee Munn with matching 3-over-par 35s.

The week ended April 25 with a team shamble, where two scores from each group are counted and it ended with a tie. The team of Dale Hudson, Jerry Martinek, Greg Shorten and Larry Solberg matched the 2-over-par 66 carded by the team of Dave DuVernay, Scott Mitchell and Marcia and Tim Friessen.

Horseshoe news

Two teams emerged from pool play during April 24 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Tim Sofran walked his way to the winner’s circle with a 24-13 victory over Tom Skoloda and Tom Farrington.

Action April 27 saw Sofran back in the winner’s circle, this time he teamed up with Ron Gagnon. Sofran and Gagnon defeated Farrington and Gary Howcroft 21-16. The victory was the fourth win in a row for Sofran.

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

Tim Sofran, right, walked his way to the winner’s circle at the april 24 games. He then teamed up with Ron Gagnon to win the april 27 games, giving Sofran four consecutive victories. Islander Photo: Courtesy aMI Pitchers

Brian Hogan poses outside the Key Royale clubhouse april 17 on hitting his first holein-one on the 145-yard eighth hole. Islander Photo: Courtesy KRC

Cooler weather extends springtime bite, tarpon staging

By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

Anna Maria Island anglers have been anxiously awaiting May as cooler than normal temperatures extended a springtime bite.

Fishing nearshore structure is resulting in migratory fish — kingfish, bonita and Spanish mackerel.

With water temps hovering in the mid- to upper-70s, these high-speed predators are corralling schools of bait fish around wrecks, reefs and hard-bottom areas.

Free-lining baits such as shiners, threadfin herring and small blue runners are being slashed by the sharp teeth of the streamlined migratory predators.

And if you’re looking for tablefare, don’t hesitate to try some offshore bottom fishing because mangrove snapper, flounder and red grouper are available for the taking. The snapper and flounder are found in depths as shallow as 30 feet, while the red grouper can be found in depths of 50 feet or more.

For those who prefer inshore fishing, spotted seatrout is most abundant. Fishing deep grass fl ats during incoming tides is producing some excellent action on trout. And, on many occasions, there is a mix of other species in the same areas to add variety to the bite. Ladyfish, jack crevalle, mackerel and bluefish are waiting to take your bait.

You’ll know the fish are present when you frequently get cut off. If so, try switching to a long shank hook to prevent losing fish.

Also, as May arrives, it’s probably time to think of dusting off your tarpon gear. Folks remarking on seeing fish in the passes and around Egmont Key are growing in number. And a rare catch near the docks in Cortez caught on video this past week got some attention on social media.

On my Just Reel Charters, I’m fishing the nearshore and the inshore bites.

For the nearshore stuff, I’m finding mackerel and a few kingfish, as well as numerous mangrove snapper, flounder, Key West grunts. Also, juvenile groupers are in the mix for my anglers, as well as lane snapper.

Fishing structure along the beaches is providing action, especially for large spotted seatrout. Many catches in these areas are being released as they are over the slot of 19 inches.

Black tip sharks in the 6-foot range are abundant along the beaches and are being caught using fresh-cut pieces of mackerel.

Moving to the flats, snook are available, although large numbers have yet to be seen.

Capt. Gary Huffman of Tuna Breath charters says he’s working many days nearshore in the Gulf of Mexico. Migratory fish, including kingfish, bonita, mackerel and jack crevalle, are keeping Huffman busy and his clients worn out from battling so many aggressive fish. Freelining baits in hard bottom areas or over reefs and wrecks is leading to the action for Huffman.

Bottom fishing in these areas is working well with many mangrove, snapper, porgies and Key West grunts being caught, as well as some flounder.

On windier days, when the Gulf is not accessible, Huffman is targeting spotted seatrout throughout the bays. Limits of the popular fish are being caught, as well as other species, such as jack crevalle, mackerel and bluefish.

Huffman also is putting clients on snook and red-

SportsShort

Center offers tennis clinic

The Center of Anna Maria Island will host a women’s tennis clinic at 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 7, and continuing at 9 a.m. Tuesdays.

The cost per week is $45 for members and $55 for nonmembers.

A 90-minute session at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, will include a cardio workout, instruction in singles and doubles tactics and point play.

For more information, call the center at 941-7781908 or go online to centerami.org.

— Lisa Neff

Ryan Kimpton, left and below, and Zac Harris from Nashville,Tennessee, ventured offshore 36 miles to catch permit, and, below, back at the dock, a nice blackfin tuna.

fish while working shallow grass flats, although he says the best inshore bite has been the trout.

Capt. Johnny Mattay of Anna Maria Charters is working oyster bars in Sarasota Bay during the higher stages of the tide. Casting live shiners along the edges and around the bars is yielding large over-slot redfish, as well as a few slot-size fish for the cooler. Snook are lurking around these bars and are devouring baits. Most snook are measuring 22-26 inches.

After fishing the oyster bars, Mattay is moving to slightly deeper water in the bay to target spotted seatrout. The trout are readily taking free-lined shiners for his anglers during swift-moving incoming tides.

Switching gears and fishing in the Gulf of Mexico is resulting in good action for Mattay. In depths of 30-50 feet of water, kingfish, mackerel and bonito are being caught, as well as a few sharks. And, in deeper waters in excess of 100 feet, a variety of fish, including red grouper, snapper, amber jack, blackfin tuna and African pompano are giving anglers a workout.

Capt. David White is finding good shore action while patrolling the beaches of Anna Maria Island. Migratory fish, such as mackerel, kingfish and bonita are being caught during incoming tides. Casting freelined live shiners combined with a long shank hook works well.

While targeting these fish, White is catching plenty of black tip sharks.

Getting up close to the beaches is working to target species like snook, redfish and spotted sea trout. All three are being found within 50 feet of shore. Many of the reds and trout being caught are short, although a few keepers are mixed in. As for the snook, all sizes are taking bait.

Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

Stasny

Jess Hudson, visiting anna Maria Island from Grand Lodge, Michigan, shows off a nice flounder she caught april 20 while fishing with Capt. Danny Stasny of Just Reel Fishing Charters.

Nesting notes

By Masha Dolgoff

FWC tracking nests

Sea turtles have started nesting on Florida beaches, including on Anna Maria Island, where a nest was marked April 27 by Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring.

With still a few days before the May 1 official start of nesting, The Islander spoke April 25 with Simona Ceriani, a scientist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, about what the FWC had observed in terms of early nesting.

“Historically, they start nesting earlier in Southeast Florida, then central east,” Ceriani said, referring to loggerheads, the most common species to nest on AMI. “Then, in the beginning of May, they show up in the Gulf.”

Since February, the FWC had mostly seen leatherback nests on the state’s east coast.

However, a leatherback nest was observed April 24 on Sanibel Island in Southwest Florida.

And now locations are seeing loggerhead nests.

Nesting numbers

From a conservation standpoint, the picture of sea turtle nesting numbers is bigger than what happens in any given year.

Numbers of sea turtle nests have been increasing

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.

Turtle Talks on Tuesdays

aMITW hosts Turtle Talks Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Holmes Beach City Hall, 5701 Marina Drive.

but there are some nuances.

“Green turtle nest numbers have been increasing by 120-fold since 1989. So that’s definitely an exponential increase,” Ceriani said.

Nests counts are used as a proxy for the number of females and do not account for the number of males or total sea turtles.

“We’re only monitoring one tiny segment of the population,” Ceriani said.

Also, nest numbers for loggerheads tell a different story than nest numbers for greens.

Loggerheads have had a less dramatic increase in population from 1989, when the state started collecting data. Also, loggerheads have seen a lot more variation over the years than greens.

Another fact to keep in mind is that it takes 30 years for sea turtles to reach maturity, which is just a “snapshot” in the grander scheme of things, according to Ceriani.

“If suddenly the numbers go down, it’s going to be very difficult to bring them back up,” she said.

Florida’s position

Florida is a global hotspot for loggerheads and crucial for understanding what’s going on with the species.

LEFT: anna Maria Island Turtle Watch volunteers Maureen Richmond, Danielle Kimberly, Robert Brown and executive director Kristen Mazzarella gather april 27 at aMI’s first 2024 sea turtle nest — located in anna Maria. Islander Photo: Courtesy Peggy Welch aBOVE: The turtle watch team gathers around the season’s first nest with a view of tracks in the sand. In 2023, the first nest was staked april 18. Islander Photo: Courtesy Chuck anderson

About 90% of loggerheads in the Northwest Atlantic and 40% of the global population nest in Florida.

“We are the most important single location in the world for that species,” Ceriani said. “The other thing that’s difficult to understand for us is how is it that green turtles are doing so well and use the same beaches as loggerheads.”

Sea turtle nesting season on Anna Maria Island officially runs May 1-Oct. 31.

During the season, we expect female loggerheads and greens, two of the most common species to the island, to come to the beach to lay their eggs.

Incubation of their nests last about 55 days.

Then hatchlings emerge and make their way to the water to begin the 30-year maturation cycle. About 1 in 1,000 survive, according to the FWC.

Helping protect them is an investment into our future with sea turtles.

Key to an acquisition

By Lisa Neff Islander Editor

An appropriations bill passed during the 2024 legislative session but not yet sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis contains $8 million for the proposed government acquisition of Rattlesnake Key.

a map shows Rattlesnake Key, which the state and Manatee County want for a park.

Greenbacks for green Florida

April signing ceremonies bring May spending plans.

By Lisa Neff Neff

Gov. Ron DeSantis continues to ink bills sent to his desk by the Legislature after the 2024 session ended March 8, including a series of measures intended to fund environmental conservation and mitigation efforts in the state.

DeSantis, at a ceremony April 23 in Naples, signed the Florida Red Tide Mitigation and Technology Development Initiative, which removes a sunset provision for the initiative and directs the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to work with Sarasota-based Mote Marine Laboratory to continue to coordinate efforts to innovate technologies to address the impacts of red tide on Florida.

The celebrating shifted north to Redington Shores, where DeSantis April 24 highlighted the approval of $100 million for the Resilient Florida Grant Program to provide grants to strengthen coastal and inland communities against the impacts of flooding.

The program, established in 2021, aims to harden coastal infrastructure and help communities prepare for the impacts of flooding and hurricanes through targeted funding and directives that enhance efforts to protect waterways, coastlines, shores and coral reefs. Since 2021, Florida has awarded 320 grants for vulnerability assessments and for 351 resilience projects.

Senate Bill 7028 also has become law, continuing the My Safe Florida Home Program with $200 million in the upcoming fiscal year.

The program provides homeowners with free wind mitigation inspections and matching grants to reduce insurance premiums and strengthen homes against wind damage.

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis said the funding would provide resiliency grants for 18,000 Floridians, with special priority going to seniors and low-income homeowners.

“Unfortunately, Mother Nature loves our state and it’s not if but when a major storm will take aim at

Boyd

Meanwhile, the sun is setting on a $23 million appropriation approved a couple of years ago for a Rattlesnake Key project that included more acres.

Both appropriations were sought by state Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, who told The Islander April 25 that the current goal is to acquire only the key, which is less property than originally sought by the state.

“Appraisals didn’t match up,” Boyd said of the effort to acquire the larger property area.

Rattlesnake Key lies southwest of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge on Tampa and Terra Ceia bays and for decades the state’s goal has been to protect environmentally sensitive and recreationally attractive acreage in the area.

In 2022, DeSantis signed a budget that included $23 million to acquire more than 1,000 acres to create a state park.

“DEP made an offer to the landowners last year but it was not accepted,” Nikki Clifton, deputy press secretary for the department, wrote in a recent email to The Islander.

Clifton continued, “DEP is continuing to pursue this as well as other projects included on the Florida Forever Priority List to protect Florida’s most critical

Florida,” Patronis said. “Don’t wait to protect your biggest investment from storms — your home.”

The governor also has signed off on $50 million for beach renourishment projects, as well as House Bill 1029, which establishes the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program to provide condominium associations with money to harden infrastructure.

In 2024-25, the fiscal budget will provide $30 million for the pilot program.

Earlier in the month, DeSantis signed legislation providing $100 million for the Florida Wildlife Corridor, established in 2021 and encompassing nearly 18 million acres, including state parks, state forests and family farms.

Also, he approved $1.5 billion for Everglades Restoration and water quality improvements.

The hefty general appropriations act, which contains more money for conservation and resiliency, had yet to be sent to the governor for his consideration as

Islander File Image

natural resources and wildlife.”

But according to Boyd, the initial goal will be to acquire “just the Rattlesnake Key portion” and not the larger project area.

“We took another look at it this year,’ he said, adding, “It’s a beautiful part of our coastline. … It’s a real gem that we ought to preserve forever.”

Manatee County, a partner on the project, has authorized about $2 million to acquire Rattlesnake Key.

Boyd said the county now will play a larger role, responsible for the acquisition of Rattlesnake Key, which would become a county preserve rather than a state park, as initially intended.

“As we looked at it and redefined it,” Boyd said, “it makes sense for it to be a county park.”

And, he added, the effort to acquire more property in the project area can continue.

of April 27.

That big money measure contains $117.46 billion, with a fraction earmarked for environmental projects and programs, among them $528.6 million for Florida Forever and land acquisition, including:

• $100 million for the Division of State Lands;

• $14.3 million for Florida Recreational Development Assistance Grants;

• $400 million for the Grove Land Reservoir in South Florida;

• $3.8 million for Chips Hole and Wakulla Springs;

• $2.5 million for the Wekiva-Ocala Greenway that stretches north from Orlando to the Ocala National Forest;

• $8 million, requested by Sen. Jim Boyd, to acquire Rattlesnake Key in Manatee County.

“It’s a beautiful part of our coastline,” Boyd told The Islander April 25.

Island governments coordinate taking on mangrove authority

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Momentum is building behind the barrier island governments’ combined efforts to protect mangroves.

Over the week of April 22, Anna Maria and Holmes Beach officials discussed the municipalities’ continuing exploration into seeking delegated authority of mangrove enforcement and regulation from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Mangroves provide environmental benefits, such as offering a unique ecosystem for marine life, decreasing land erosion and improving nearshore water quality.

The DEP oversees mangrove enforcement under the 1996 Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act, which sets standards for removing and trimming mangroves.

However, the removal of more than 100 feet of shoreline mangrove fringe last December at 111 Gull Drive, Anna Maria, sparked questions as to whether island governments could better preserve mangroves by seeking delegated authority from the DEP.

Officials from Anna Maria Island’s three municipalities and the town of Longboat Key agreed at an April 17 Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials meeting to explore cooperative efforts to enforce and regulate mangrove alterations.

Anna Maria building department manager Dean Jones, who attended the CBIEO meeting, reported April 25 to the city commission with his findings.

Jones said cases like 111 Gull Drive will continue to happen until the city and other island governments achieve local control over mangroves by receiving delegated authority from the DEP.

Only seven local governments across the state have been delegated such authority, including Miami-Dade, Broward, Hillsborough, Pinellas and Sarasota counties, as well as the town of Juniper Island and the city of Sanibel.

Only one of those governments — Sarasota County — still actively enforces and regulates mangrove alterations instead of the DEP, according to Jones.

He said the discovery was “disheartening” and he did not know the reason why six of the seven governments granted authority over mangroves had abandoned their oversight efforts.

Nevertheless, Jones said state regulation represented a “floor” for mangrove protections since governments granted delegated authority over the vegetation can impose stricter standards and more demanding procedural requirements for alterations outside of riparian mangrove fringe areas.

He said he had begun working with staff from across the island cities — including Bradenton Beach building official Darin Cushing, Holmes Beach planning and zoning administrator Chad Minor and Longboat Key building director Allen Parsons — to explore potential coordinated efforts to seek delegated authority.

Jones added that the governments could establish interlocal agreements to pool resources, unify mangrove regulations throughout the municipalities, as well as set protocol for identifying and intercepting potential violations.

“We don’t have to let what happened at Gull happen again,” he said. “We can have some control over it. … We can make a difference.”

The DEP permitted the mangrove approval at 111 Gulf Drive because it is on a man-made waterway, not a natural shoreline.

During public comment at the April 25 meeting, resident Wayne Patterson spoke in support of the city’s efforts to better preserve mangroves on the island. He asked if the municipality had any remedies in response to what happened at 111 Gull Drive.

Mayor Dan Murphy said the city had no remedies for that case since the mangrove removal work was done with permitting from the DEP, but was trying to preclude such a thing from happening again.

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book

Anna Maria resident Wayne Patterson voices encouragement April 25 for Anna Maria and the other barrier island cities’ efforts to enforce and regulate mangroves. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

He added that if the island cities could not agree to cooperate, Anna Maria would move forward in pursuing action on its own.

“We need to get something done,” Murphy said. Holmes Beach officials also discussed mangroves at the city commission’s April 23 work session.

Minor said he has contacted the DEP to ask a representative to visit the city to provide guidance and training on mangrove enforcement and regulations, but nothing was in the books yet.

“They are understaffed, overworked … they just don’t have a lot of resources to provide a lot of help,” he said.

Despite that, Minor said he was unsure how much governments with delegated authority over mangroves could do over the state’s regulatory floor.

Commissioner Dan Diggins said the island municipalities’ potential coordinated efforts to protect mangroves could be one of the first examples of consolidated services the state has been calling for on Anna Maria Island.

Commission Chair Terry Schaefer said local governments could better oversee mangroves than the state and encouraged the city to move forward coordinating with the other island governments to tackle the issue.

“We’re local. We’re watching,” Schaefer said. “We’ve seen too many egregious acts.”

DEP demolition order for Cortez stilt house set for May hearing

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

One Cortez structure is caught in a legal net cast by the state.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection continues to seek enforcement of a 2019 ruling against Raymond Guthrie Jr. with the aim of demolishing a stilt house he built on pilings in 2017 in Sarasota Bay off Cortez.

The DEP learned of the house on the water from Islander reporting in 2017. There had been no applications for permits to build the house — which Guthrie claimed as a historic net camp — but containing modern amenities, like a kitchen, bathroom and air conditioning.

The legal battle began in 2018 when the DEP sued Guthrie, known locally as Junior. The DEP said Guthrie built the house on pilings in the bay without permission on sovereign state submerged lands.

Q&A 050124

By Lisa Neff

The Islander poll

Last week’s question

Arbor Day was April 26. When’s the last time you planted a tree?

40%. This past year.

27%. In the past 10 years.

23%. Some time ago.

10%. Never.

This week’s question

Island officials might take a greater role in protecting mangroves. What do you think?

A. Yes, do it.

B. The state protection is sufficient.

C. Why just mangroves?

D. Property owners should decide mangroves’ fate.

To answer the poll, go online to islander.org.

A judgment Feb. 25, 2019, went in the DEP’s favor, instructing Guthrie to dismantle the structure.

However, from Feb. 21, 2021, to Aug. 2, 2023, the DEP took no action for prosection, according to online court records.

So on May 4, 2023, 12th Circuit Judge Edward Nicholas granted the defense’s motion and dismissed the case, citing the DEP’s failure to prosecute.

But the DEP continued pursuing Nicholas’ order to remove the stilt house, and, in November 2023, the case was reopened based on the DEP’s claim it did not receive proper notification of court deadlines.

During a November 2023 hearing, the court recommended the DEP and Guthrie resolve the dispute within 120 days.

Cortez business owner Karen Bell, also a board member of the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage, has worked to stop the removal of the structure, which she and Guthrie maintain is a net camp with historic value.

Net camps were used to clean, dry and store cotton nets. Their usage declined with the use of monofilament nets, according to the Cortez- based Florida Maritime Museum website.

“We’ve had support from the community, and we’ve had support from, at one time, the county commission,” Bell said. “The county wrote a letter, years and years ago, saying they wanted to see this iconic structure remain.”

“I would bet you that 95% of Manatee County wants that left there but yet state employees have decided they are not negotiating and there’s no middle ground,” Bell continued.

Bell said Guthrie made three attempts to resolve the dispute with the DEP but the state declined them.

In a March 28 motion, Cameron Polomski, assistant general counsel for the DEP, asked the court to “impose appropriate sanctions, including but not limited to the incarceration in the county jail for no more than six months or until the defendant purges the con-

tempt by completing the removal of the structure or any remedy this court deems just.”

Guthrie’s attorney, Robert Schermer, responded. He wrote that the DEP is “anxious and demanding that this structure be removed, despite photographic evidence and sworn testimony that a structure existed in that spot since the 1950s.”

Schermer said the state did nothing to enforce any law regarding the structure until 2018.

A case management conference is set for Wednesday, May 1.

The Islander reached out to the DEP by email April 23 and April 25 but, as of Islander press time April 29, there was no response.

The Islander also reached out to Guthrie, who declined comment April 25.

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

Raymond “Junior” Guthrie and Karen Bell await a February 2019 court hearing at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton. Islander File Photo

HB moving forward on business tax increase

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

It may be more expensive to do business next year in Holmes Beach.

City commissioners reached consensus April 23 to send to a first reading a proposed ordinance that would increase the municipality’s business tax receipts by 5%.

The city issues business tax receipts annually Oct. 1-Sept. 30 and businesses must apply for renewal every year.

State law allows municipalities to raise business tax receipts by up to 5% every two years.

City clerk Stacey Johnston said the municipality had not touched its business taxes until 2012, but it has implemented a 5% increase every two years since.

The city last increased the business tax in 2022, resulting in about $40,000 in tax revenue in fiscal 2023-24, according to Johnston.

Any potential increase would become effective Oct. 1, when fiscal 2024-25 will begin.

Johnston said there have been attempts in the Legislature over recent years to cap the tax receipts, so the city may want to consider increasing business taxes while it still can.

She added that city commissioners also might want to consider adding new tax categories, such as for miniature golf courses.

The city has different fees for different categories of businesses by ordinance.

However, the fees will be removed from the ordinance and placed into a resolution — something the city has done in recent years to make its fines and fees easier to adjust since resolutions only require one reading and ordinances go through two public hearings, two readings and votes.

The resolution will be read the same date as the proposed ordinance’s second reading so they are adopted together.

City attorney Erica Augello said a state law — SB

170, which Gov. Ron DeSantis signed last year — requires the municipality to present a business impact statement to go along with the proposed ordinance.

Nevertheless, Augello noted that this next increase, which will result in a roughly $10 hike in business tax receipt payments for businesses taxed at the city’s top rate, was nominal.

There was no public comment.

In other matters…

City commissioners also:

• Unanimously voted to approve a $142,230 addendum to the city’s contract with Sarasotabased C-Squared CGC Inc. to use remaining grant funds to increase stormwater improvement treatment areas;

• Unanimously voted to adopt an ordinance revising city code regarding accessory structures;

• Unanimously voted to adopt an ordinance revising code regarding walls and fences.

The commission will meet next at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 14, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

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

Meetings By Lisa Neff

ANNA MARIA CITY

May 9, 2 p.m., commission.

May 23, 6 p.m., commission.

10005 Gulf Drive, 941-708-6130, cityofannamaria.com.

BRADENTON BEACH

May 1, 9:30 a.m., CRA.

May 1, 1 p.m., planning and zoning.

May 2, 6 p.m., commission.

May 15, 1 p.m., ScenicWAVES.

May 16, noon, commission.

107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com.

HOLMES BEACH

May 1, 10 a.m., parks and beautification.

May 1, 5 p.m., planning.

May 8, 9 a.m., clean water committee.

May 14, 2 p.m., commission.

May 17, 11:30 a.m., police pension.

May 22, 5 p.m., planning.

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

WEST MANATEE FIRE RESCUE

May 21, 6 p.m., commission.

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

MANATEE COUNTY

May 2, 9 a.m., commission, land use.

May 14, 9 a.m., commission.

1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee. org.

ALSO OF INTEREST

May 13, 2 p.m., Island Transportation Planning Organization, Anna Maria City Hall.

May 20, 9 a.m., Sarasota/Manatee MPO, Doubletree by Hilton, 8009 15th St. E., Sarasota.

May 27, Memorial Day, most government offices will be closed, as will The Islander.

Coquina Beach Market

Wednesday, May 1 st

Friday, May 3 rd

10AM - 4PM

CLOSED SUNDAY May 5

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

Here is what you will find at our Market: jewelry, candles, fresh lemonade, women’s apparel, custom & creative artwork, freezedried candy, fresh baked goods, pet items, home décor, 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, pearl jewelry, toys and MORE.

Music 11AM - 2PM Wed (Mike Sales) Fri (Chuck Davis)

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.

SARASOTA GEM

AM commissioners continue charter conversations

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The city of Anna Maria is getting closer to offering voters some potential charter changes on its November ballot.

City commissioners discussed April 26 a handful of proposed charter amendments, including a mission statement about preserving municipal home rule, a 37-foot-tall limit for structures and a requirement for a unanimous vote to convey or lease city property.

The city must review its charter, which is akin to a constitution, every five years by appointing a board of volunteers to review the document and present potential amendments.

This year’s committee completed its review in March and presented the board’s seven proposed changes to the city commission in April.

The CRC’s proposed amendments to add a mission statement establishing municipal home rule as a protected value received some scrutiny from commissioners.

While commissioners generally agreed with the message, they also expressed concern about the statement’s wording that the city would “ensure” the preservation of home rule.

Commission Chair Mark Short, who served on the city’s 2019 CRC, suggested rewording the statement to avoid liability and adding a “however” statement to clarify that the city is limited in its ability to protect home rule.

City attorney Becky Vose said Short’s recommended addition made the proposed amendment “more realistic.”

Another proposed amendment might not make it to this year’s ballot.

Commissioner Jonathan Crane called the CRC’s proposed amendment to require a unanimous commission vote to lease or convey city-owned property for a term of five years or more “undemocratic.”

Crane said people voted into office represent the electorate and should not be hamstrung by such a restriction, even if the current commission disagrees with their positions. He added that they should leave such votes to a simple majority as the city does now.

Commissioners Gary McMullen and Kathleen Morgan-Johnson agreed.

Commissioners also agreed to remove listed exemptions from the CRC’s proposed charter amendment to establish a 37-foot-tall height limit for structures within city limits.

Instead, applications for such exemptions would go before city commissioners for consideration and approval.

Short said he hoped the commissioners would use their discussion as food for thought and seek feedback from constituents before returning at a later date to further discuss the committee’s proposed changes.

If approved by commissioners, proposed amendments — other than the potential removal of gendered language since it does not qualify as a substantive change — will be added to general election ballots to be voted on as initiatives by the city’s electorate.

The commission will meet next at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 9, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

Directions to attend via Zoom can be found on the city’s website, cityofannamaria.com.

County commission orders Israeli solidarity displays

Manatee County’s libraries will host displays showing solidarity with Israel.

The displays, including at the Island Library, will be placed at the direction of the board of county commissioners, which voted 6-0 April 23 to express its solidarity with the nation.

Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, R-District 3, who represents the island and other parts of west Manatee, proposed the displays.

He asked that the county administrator oversee displays in the county admin building and libraries, with

Plan now for the next holiday!

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each including a “message of solidarity” with the Israeli people, an Israeli flag and photographs of hostages taken Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas militants stormed from the blockaded Gaza Strip into Israeli towns, killing hundreds and kidnapping more than 200.

Israel responded to the attacks with airstrikes on Gaza. The war, the deadliest of five Israel-Gaza conflicts, continues.

The commission did not provide a timeline for placement of the displays.

— Lisa Neff

Election 2024

Home rule rally set

Advocates of home rule authority on Anna Maria Island plan a rally at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 4, at city field in the 5800 block of Marina Drive in Holmes Beach.

Organizers will share information about home rule, as well as “what is going on with home rule in Tallahassee behind the scenes” and what people can do to “save AMI,” according to a news release.

Home rule is local self-government.

In Florida, home rule is protected in the state constitution, which reads, “Municipalities shall have governmental, corporate and proprietary powers to enable them to conduct municipal government, perform municipal functions and render municipal services, and may exercise power for municipal purposes except as otherwise provided by law.”

For more information, email savefloridahomerule@gmail.com, go to the Save Florida Home Rule page on Facebook or call 941-301-4336.

Voter registration continues

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.

Send vote-by-mail requests

Voters who want to request a vote by mail ballot or who need to renew their requests for the 2024 election cycle, can go online to www.votemanatee.gov or call the elections office at 941-741-3823.

A vote by mail request requires a voter to provide their name, date of birth and either the last four digits of their Social Security number or a valid Florida driver’s license or Florida identification card.

Renewing a vote-by-mail request for the 2024 cycle became a requirement under Senate Bill 90, which passed the Legislature and was signed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2021.

The law “limits the duration of requests for voteby-mail ballots to all elections through the end of the calendar year of the next regularly scheduled general election.”

On the calendar

• June 3-14, 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.

• Tuesday, Aug. 20, primary election.

• Tuesday, Nov. 5, general election.

— Lisa Neff

Anna Maria Commission Chair Mark Short leads the commission’s April 25 discussion on this year’s proposed charter amendments. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

Hey now, lights out!

We want every beachfront homeowner, condoowner, business owner and beach visitors to know it’s time to turn out the lights.

May 1 is the “official” beginning for marine turtle nesting, although we already have a first nest on Anna Maria Island.

According to the National Marine Fisheries Service, the loggerhead turtle has been listed as “threatened” throughout its range since 1978 and its status has not changed.

Here’s a brief list of impacts to marine turtles:

• Artifi cial lighting can cause disorientation or misorientation of adults and hatchlings. Turtles are attracted to light, ignoring or coming out of the water to go toward an artificial light source increases their chances of death or injury.

• Repeated mechanical raking of nesting beaches by heavy machinery can result in compact sand and causes tire ruts that might hinder or trap hatchlings. This applies to Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach, but Anna Maria maintains a natural beach. Also, the rack line is valuable to shorebirds and beach critters, so what are you waiting for?

• There is a serious threat, with increased nighttime beach use, of disturbing nesting females.

• The placement of physical objects on a beach can hamper or deter nesting, as well as hatchlings’ emergence and trek to the water.

• Non-native beach vegetation can lead to increased erosion and destruction of a nesting habitat. Trees shading a nesting beach can change sand temperatures, which affects the eggs and can alter a natural sex ratio of hatchlings.

• Loggerhead turtles eat a variety of debris, such as plastic bags, balloons and Styrofoam and the effects can be deadly.

• Propeller and collision injuries are common.

• Marina and dock development can cause foraging habitat to be destroyed or damaged.

It’s up to you. You decide whether helping to alleviate or lessen these impacts merits your consideration — and if you do, you’ll be on your way to helping marine turtles survive and their habitat to flourish.

As you can see, the least you can do is turn out beachfront lights and shield windows that face the beach, pull chairs landward of the dune line and collect garbage left on the beach — yours and that of others.

It’s the least you can do.

Now, if you’ve got a spare moment, how about tickets to the Skyway Bridge documentary? Call 941778-7978.

— Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

Treehouse timeline

Unbelievable.

My first Islander clipping goes back over 10 years.

I wonder how that demolition permit application is coming along.

I bet very, very slowly.

Garry Metcalf, Bradenton

Skimming online

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Editor’s note: The dispute over a beachfront treehouse in Holmes Beach dates to November 2011.

Connections, AMI & beyond

Anna Maria: Mayor Dan Murphy, 941-708-6130, cityofannamaria.com, ammayor@cityofannamaria. com.

Judy Loden Wasco All others: news@islander.org

Bradenton Beach : Mayor John Chappie, 941778-1005, mayor@cityofbradentonbeach.com.

Holmes Beach: Mayor Judy Titsworth, 941-7085800, hbmayor@holmesbeachfl.org.

Manatee County : Republican Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, 941-745-3705, kevin.vanostenbridge@mymanatee.org.

Florida Senate: Republican Jim Boyd, 941-7426445, boyd.jim.web@flsenate.gov.

Florida House : Republican William Cloud “Will” Robinson Jr., 941-708-4968, will.robinson@myfloridahouse.gov.

Florida Governor : Republican Ron DeSantis, 850-717-9337, flgov.com.

U.S. House : Republican Vern Buchanan, 941951-6643, rep.vern.buchanan@mail.house.gov.

U.S. Senate: Republican Marco Rubio, 305-5964224; Republican Rick Scott, 786-501-7141.

President: Democrat Joe Biden, 202-456-1111, whitehouse.gov/contact.

We welcome letters to the editor.

Submit your comments — 250 words or less to news@islander.org.

Letters must include a name and a phone number for verifi cation and a city of residency for publication.

Longer letters will be edited for space limitations.

Our theme, “We’re Glad You’re Here,” originated in the 1980s with a restaurant trade group. We hope everyone feels welcome on AMI. — The Islander

Putting Cortez on the map

An aerial photo — the date range is 1935-50 — shows the fishing village of Cortez looking north from Anna Maria Sound over land to the Palma Sola Bay.

A plat map shows the fishing village of Cortez in 1938. The village — bounded by Cortez Road, 119th Street West, Sarasota Bay and 124th Street Court West — is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which was established in a federal preservation act to designate properties of historical significance.

Looking back

Check The Islander archives

Some years ago, The Islander was invited to take part in a pilot project with the University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries. We donated the collection of newspapers beginning with the first issue in 1992. Look for The Islander in the UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

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.”

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10, 20, 30 years ago

From the April 28, 1994, issue

• Bradenton Beach’s building department cited Mayor Katie Pierola and husband Gil for allegedly violating city land use rules pertaining to a beachfront concession operated by Ralph Cole at the Catalina Beach Resort on Gulf Drive.

• A road construction crew was at work on a new roundabout at Bridge Street and Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach — the first and still the only roundabout on the island.

• Ato’s Restaurant on Bay Boulevard in Anna Maria was ordered by the city to cease serving food because it lacked licensing.

From the April 28, 2004, issue

• A Holmes Beach resident whose son drowned in a sandpile registered a complaint at city hall over a pile of dredged sand at city field, where children played.

• Proposed funding for a Key Royale Bridge in Holmes Beach was pulled from a regional planning budget. The Florida Department of Transportation said replacement wasn’t urgent.

From the April 30, 2014, issue

• The Bradenton Beach Police Department said it found no evidence to support a claim of a criminal act at city hall, alleged because ELRA Inc. — corporate entity for the Beach House Restaurant — attorney Robert Lincoln possessed photographs of city personnel records obtained from a public works employee rather than through records requests.

• Anna Maria commissioners voted to remove almost any opportunities to place sandwich board signs outside businesses citing sign pollution and sidewalk hazards.

— Lisa Neff

CHARGE BY PHONE 941.778.7978

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A photo dated 1905-15 shows the “Guthrie Dock” before its destruction from the Hurricane of 1921. Islander Photos: Courtesy Manatee County Public Library

BB marina seeks bar permits, licensing, approvals

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

The operator of a new bar at the Bradenton Beach Marina that was shut down in March for lack of permitting is working to get proper approvals in place.

The Bradenton Beach Marina posted on its Facebook page March 25 that the business, 402 Church St., was opening a bar at a dry storage building at the marina, which is owned by developer Shawn Kaleta.

The next day, building official Darin Cushing issued a cease-and-desist order.

Cushing told The Islander April 18 that the review process is in motion for permitting.

“We got an application in, just a couple days ago. I went down there with (the applicant’s) design professional and got the ball rolling,” he said.

Cushing said on April 17 the city building department and the West Manatee Fire Rescue had reviewed the marina’s submitted plans and sent feedback to Kaleta’s people.

“They are in the process, but they don’t have any-

A new bar added at the Bradenton Beach Marina raised concerns among city staff on learning it was built without permits. It is now in the application process. Islander Photo: Courtesy Bradenton Beach

thing for approval yet,” Cushing said.

Meanwhile, the city’s community redevelopment agency members voted April 3 to advance plans for a trail leading south from the Cortez Bridge through the commercial district along the bay to the marina, where the new bar would be in line with plans to convert the marina to an amphitheater and a driveway for food trucks.

Cushing said he had signed the application for the marina’s full liquor license — beer, wine and spirits, package and on-site consumption — but the health department also would need to sign off on it before it could go before the state for consideration.

Cushing wants to remind business owners to make sure they seek permits and application approvals before moving forward on projects and that he is ready to assist.

“I have a fully open door, anytime somebody wants to come in with an idea for a project, come talk to me ahead of time. Do it that way, then you apply and get approval and then you do the work,” Cushing said.

A view April 24 of the Anna Maria Oyster Bar at the Historic Bridge Street Pier, 200 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach, that’s undergoing a “Pier Cheer” revitalization proposed by owner John Horne. Islander

Photo: Robert Anderson

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Bradenton Beach offi cials April 24 reviewed a checklist for revitalization of the Historic Bridge Street Pier by restaurant concessionaire John Horne.

Tropical transformation

New coconut palms adorn the roundabout April 24 at Bridge Street and Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach. The landscaping was approved April 3 by the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency and is being planted and maintained in partnership with developer Shawn Kaleta. Islander Photos: Robert Anderson

Mayor John Chappie, Commissioner Debra Scaccianoce, public works director Tom Woodard and police Chief John Cosby attended the pier team meeting at city hall.

Horne was not at the meeting.

Chappie provided an overview of recent work by the “Pier Cheer” team, including plantings near the pier parking lot and redesign of a fence separating AMOB from the neighboring Pines Trailer Park. The fence now has a crab-trap facade.

A new dumpster cover was installed and a fridge from the baitand-tackle center was removed.

Woodard also reported on the pier infrastructure, noting missing floats along the finger docks, a project estimated to cost $5,000.

He also announced new signage for a dedicated dock slip for the county ferry service.

Chappie expressed satisfaction with the revitalization, emphasizing the concerted effort to fulfill improvement objectives.

“All in all, they are following through and trying to get all the improvements done,” he said referring to Horne’s team.

DAY SYMPHONY

MONDAY, MAY 27 10:00

Chappie Horne

Conceptual artwork depicts future plans at the Bradenton Beach Marina for an amphitheater and food truck service area as part of a bridge-to-bay trail project. Islander Photo: Courtesy Bradenton Beach

20-year BB public works director resigns, changing horizons

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Bradenton Beach public works director Tom Woodard is embarking on a new chapter in his career.

Woodard April 22 formally announced his decision to take a position as the public works director for Bedford, Virginia. The town announced the hire date April 15.

Woodard reflected on his 20-year career with Bradenton Beach in an April 23 interview with The Islander.

He assumed his role with the city in 2004 following the retirement of project-program manager Dorothy Poindexter. Woodard, at the time, had been working for Manatee County as a traffic management supervisor.

Under Woodard’s leadership, Bradenton Beach saw advancements in infrastructure and maintenance initiatives, including the rebuilding of the Historic Bridge Street Pier, multiple Bridge Street improvements and a disaster preparedness and hurricane cleanup program that resulted in a more than 90% reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency after Hurricanes Irma and Ian.

“The amount of information that I have learned here is immeasurable,” Woodard said. He spoke about his relationship with police Chief John Cosby and their work together on disaster response.

“Cosby’s knowledge is undisputed. The man just knows so much and he taught me a bunch,” Woodard said.

“What I am proud of is our disaster preparedness, our team. I am very proud of that,” he added. “And I believe it will carry on.”

Cosby April 24 said, “Even FEMA is amazed when

they come here and they see how quick and together things are here.”

“We’ve worked together for 20 years,” Cosby said referring to Woodard. “Nobody in this city, especially department heads, does one job. It’s going to be difficult to fill that position.”

Woodard said his decision for the move occurred on a personal level.

“This has nothing to do with any of the OPPAGA things going on, nothing with the city of Bradenton Beach—everything is great here. This is strictly a personal issue with myself and my family,” Woodard said of his decision to move on. OPPAGA is a research arm of the Florida Legislature that is studying the possible consolidation or dissolution of the island cities.

“We are not 100% happy with the way things are going in Florida and we are looking for a change,” he said. “I’m 55. I have been here my entire life, born and raised and I wanted to do something different. It’s going to be a change for me. It’s definitely completely different than Florida.”

He said he and his wife also want to be closer to family.

Woodard, who described himself as a humble person, said he attributed the success of the Bradenton Beach public works program to his team.

“The whole crew I have is people that I hired and it

Then-city building official Steve Gilbert, left, and public works director Tom Woodard talk Aug. 2, 2017, at the day dock at the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach. The city had closed the dock due to damage brought on by Tropical Storm Emily.

Islander File Photo

has just worked out great,” he said, referring to a staff of five. “If I ever looked good, it’s because they made me look good. They are the ones out there doing it.”

Cosby said the city will work to update the public works director job description and issue a notice for candidates. He will conduct interviews along with Mayor John Chappie and city clerk Terri Sanclemente.

Chappie expressed gratitude for Woodard’s work.

“Tom has been here for about 20 years now and the institutional knowledge that he has — it’s going to be extremely difficult to replace him,” Chappie said. “And, as important to me, is the trustworthiness and confidence that I have in him. Tom has always been very good about getting things done in the city.”

Cosby and Chappie pointed to Woodard’s efforts to cross-train and educate his staff as a balm to Woodard’s departure.

“The public works department has a confi dent, well-oiled machine there. They have training. They know what their daily duties are and they have the equipment,” Chappie said.

The city had not received a resignation letter from Woodard as of April 25, he said his last day with Bradenton Beach will be May 28.

His new position in Bedford will begin June 3.

Tiki & Kitty’s

Tiki and Kitty are leading the way to their favorite shops and boutiques for a spring fling.

T&K love Cat’s Meow, an 8,000 square-foot marketplace! Their vendors offer coastal, cottage, beach, antique, boho, midcentury modern and other home decor styles. They also offer vintage to fine jewelry and vintage albums.

You might want to lace up your skates, as this large, former skating rink has plenty to offer bargain hunters and anyone seeking antiques and unique decor. You don’t want to miss this collection.

We’ll definitely make a stop next door at Blue Flamingo , home to hip and trendy upcycled and repurposed goods, furniture and decor, garden features, candles, jewelry and work by local artisans. They also offer Dixie Belle paints.

We promise you will find treasures aplenty.

Blessed and Distressed is a tastefully designed store — so inviting, you’ll want to pull up a chair

other locations:

— with collectibles and work by local artists at Palma Sola Square, around the corner from Winn-Dixie. It offers 30-plus vintage, upcycled, shabby chic and artsy vendors. You won’t be disappointed.

Scavengers Marketplace has plenty of vendors to capture your wallet at the Palmetto store, 2100 U.S. 301. There’s always something new to entice you among the vendors’ eclectic collections.

FYI: Scavengers also carries Fusion Paints.

The Vintage Vine Market is a favorite for Tiki and Kitty, who love the fine vintage wares and items with a whimsical twist at this store in historic Old Manatee along the newest section of the Bradenton Riverwalk. The location in the 1910 building oozes charm. And they take select consignments by appointment.

And don’t forget, tell people you meet along the way, “The Islander sent me.”

Woodard

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ON AMI

Friday, May 3

2 p.m. — Paper crafting, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Saturday, May 4

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

ONGOING ON AMI

May 2-12, Island Players’ “The Woman in Black,” 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-5755, theislandplayers.org.

ONGOING OFF AMI

Through May, “Harmony: Lines, Shapes and Color” photography exhibit by David Tejada, Island Gallery and Studios, 456 Old Main St., Bradenton. Information: 941-778-6648, islandgalleryandstudios.com.

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.

Cleanups on calendar

The Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge #2188 in partnership with Keep Manatee Beautiful will host a coastal cleanup 8:30-11 a.m. Saturday, May 4, in Bradenton Beach.

The lodge will provide volunteers with water and doughnuts.

For more information, call the Moose at 941778-4110.

The Center of Anna Maria Island also will coordinate a beach cleanup May 4.

Volunteers will meet at 9 a.m. at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, and walk to the beach.

For more info, call the center at 941-7781908.

Additional island cleanups take place after summer holidays.

Beach Market, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941840-0789, coquinabeachmarket.org.

Tuesdays, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. through May 7, Anna Maria Farmers Market, City Pier Park, Pine Avenue and Bay Boulevard. Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130.

ONGOING OFF AMI

Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Bradenton Market, Old Main Street, Bradenton. Information: 941-301-8445.

KIDS & FAMILY ON AMI

CLUBS & COMMUNITY

ON AMI

Wednesday, May 1

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

Thursday, May 2

1 p.m. — Sunshine Stitchers, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Saturday, May 4

8:30 a.m. — Spring Beach Cleanup, Coquina Beach to the Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge, 110 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, in partnership with the Moose and Keep Manatee Beautiful. Information: 941-778-4110.

9 a.m. — Center of Anna Maria Island Beach Cleanup, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-1908.

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: 941-7781383.

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

Most Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-718-5583.

SAVE THE DATES

May 18, “Hoop for Hope”

beach event, Holmes Beach.

Through June 30, “Yayoi Kusama: A Letter to Georgia O’Keeffe,” Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941366-5731.

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

Second and fourth Saturdays, 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

May 10, Theater in the Park, Bradenton. May 10, Sidewalk Astronomy at the Bishop, Bradenton. May 16, Manatee Music Series concert with Paul Fournier, Bradenton.

May 23-Aug. 31, The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature Laser Light Nights, Bradenton.

MARKETS & SALES

ONGOING ON AMI

Most Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Coquina

Friday, May 3

10 a.m. — 40 Carrots, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Tuesday, May 7

10 a.m. — Family storytime, 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.

SAVE THE DATES

May 18, Bradentown’s Birthday Bash at the Market, Bradenton.

June 3-Aug. 2, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature Science Camp, Bradenton.

June 3-Aug. 2, Center of Anna Maria Island Summer Camps,

May 28, Keep Manatee

Beautiful/Holmes Beach Beach

Cleanup, Holmes Beach.

June 4, Keep Manatee Beautiful Palma Sola Causeway Park Cleanup, Bradenton.

LESSONS & LEARNING

ON AMI

Saturday, May 4

10 a.m.-1 p.m. — Ask A Master Gardener, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Wednesday, May 8

10 a.m. — Kickstart Creative Writing, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

ONGOING

Tuesdays through August, 10 a.m., Anna Maria Island and Shorebird Monitoring Turtle Talks, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: islandturtlewatch.com, info@islandturtlewatch. PLEASE, SEE CALENDAR

PAGE

A Hair Day Salon & Spa

Compiled by Lisa Neff, calendar@islander.org

Turtle watch to talk turtles

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring will resume weekly Turtle Talks for 2024 on May 7.

The group, which monitors island beaches to document and collect data on sea turtle nesting May-October, will present Turtle Talks at 10 a.m. Tuesdays at Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive. The talks are open to the public and free to attend.

For more, go to islandturtlewatch.com, email info@islandturtlewatch.com or call 941-301-8434.

Island happenings

Grisham on deck

The Island Time Book Club will meet at the Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 1, to discuss John Grisham’s “Camino Island.” A USA Today reviewer called the 2018 mystery-thriller “sheer catnip.” For more information, call the library at 941-778-6341.

Islander Courtesy Photo

‘The Woman in Black’ to open

The Island Players’ presentation of “The Woman in Black” will open Thursday, May 2, and continue through Sunday, May 12.

Performances will be 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sundays. The theater, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, is dark Monday.

The box office, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, is open for ticket sales 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Saturday and an hour before showtime.

Tickets also can be purchased at theislandplayers. org.

For more information, call the box office at 941778-5755.

Bishop brings back Laser Light Nights

Send listings to calendar@islander.org

com, 941-301-8434.

SPORTS & GAMES

ONGOING ON AMI

Most Wednesdays, 1 p.m., mahjong club beginners, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786341.

Fridays, noon, bridge, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 314-324-5921.

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.

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

OUTDOORS & NATURE

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!

May 1, May Day.

May 5, Cinco de Mayo.

May 12, Mother’s Day.

May 27, Memorial Day.

June 1-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.

Patrons will be tripping to “the Dark Side of the Moon” and going beyond “the Yellow Brick Road.”

Laser Light Nights — featuring music by Pink Floyd, Elton John, Led Zeppelin and other “favorite artists” — are returning to the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in Bradenton.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights May 23-Aug.

31, the museum will host laser light shows to music. Tickets cost $15.

Refreshments will be sold at the museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton.

For more information about the concert series, go online to bishopscience.org or call the museum at 941746-4131.

Springfest honors artists

Wendy Thurlow won Best in Show at the Anna Maria Island Art League’s Springfest, held in midMarch at city field in Holmes Beach.

Jay Canterbury and Ken Orton received awards of distinction and Petty Shepard, Jean Murry and Mike and Suzy Ivanck received awards of merit.

For more information about the annual event or the organization, contact AMIAL at 941-524-5769 or go online to www.islandartleague.org.

Odd Duck Designs Shop

Market call A crowd April 23 fills City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, for the city’s Farmers Market, which runs 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays — but only through May 7. Islander

Anna Maria to salute veterans

The city of Anna Maria will hold its annual Memorial Day observance at 10 a.m. Monday, May 27, at City Pier Park at Pine Avenue and Bay Boulevard.

The Memorial Day Symphony will feature the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra and a salute to veterans.

For more information, call the city at 941-7086130.

need a good laugh? visit the NEW emerson quillin signature store.

NEW LOCATION: HB Post Office, 5354 Gulf Drive, Holmes

Photo: Ryan Paice

National Arbor Day celebrated islandwide

Holmes Beach digital and media strategist Matt McDonough, left, Commissioner Carol Soustek, Keep Manatee Beautiful executive director Jennifer Hoffman, Florida Forest Service forester Caroline Ritchey and Modern Woodman of America representative Bob McDuffie, right, hold shovels April 26 near a new D.D. Blanchard Magnolia tree planted north of city field to celebrate National Arbor Day. Soustek also presented a proclamation recognizing the holiday. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

Anna Maria Commission Chair Mark Short, left, is joined by Ingrid McClellan of the Palma Sola Scenic Highway Committee and the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, Garden Club members and the city’s public works crew as he presents a proclamation April 26 recognizing National Arbor Day alongside one of two buttonwood trees the city planted at Villa Rosa Park, 311 S. Bay Blvd., to celebrate the holiday.

Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

Peg Miller, center, cuts a ribbon April 26 commemorating the Bradenton Beach National Arbor Day celebration at the Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. John Campora of the Anna Maria Island Chamber, left, Jennifer Hoffman of Keep Manatee Beautiful, Caroline Ritchey of the Florida Forestry Service, Mayor John Chappie, ScenicWAVES secretary Cathy King, ScenicWAVES vice chair Ingrid McClellan, Anna Maria Island Garden Club members Mike Tyrrell, Anna Maria Commissioner Kathleen Morgan-Johnson and Renitia Bertoluzzi, ScenicWAVES member Shawn Meyer and Kate Demick of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce were on hand for the event. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

address, phone #

Dolphin discussion

Scientist Katy Holmes leads students April 23 in listening to dolphin whistles. Bottlenose dolphins recognize whistles as names and can recognize themselves and others of their species. During the STEM class, students also learned about the 170 bottlenose dolphins that have lived in and around Sarasota Bay for 50 years. Islander Photo: Robyn Murrell

Aiden Suppicich, a 10th-grader at Lakewood Ranch High School, shows off his artwork created using a linoleum block print technique and the basket of art supplies received from the art league. Aiden won third-place in the high school category during Springfest in March.

AMIAL honors young talent

The 36th annual Springfest featured 100 student artists who submitted work in the “Young at Art” competition organized by the Anna Maria Island Art League.

And the festival, held March 16-17 in Holmes Beach, sent some students home with baskets and ribbons, including Berkely Brown, a 12th-grader at Lakewood Ranch High School, who won first-place in the high school category.

Aiden Suppicich, a 10th-grader at Lakewood Ranch High, placed third in the same category.

Their artwork was displayed at Paradise Bagels, Cafe & Catering, 3210 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. Also in the high school category, Laura DeRoisia, a student at Bradenton Christian School, placed second.

In the kindergarten through third-grade category, Marlie Brocks of Freedom Elementary won first, Kinlee King from Myakka Elementary won second and Eliott Gaskin from Rowlett won third.

In the fourth- through sixth-grade category, Danni Hammond from Myakka Elementary School won first, Solara Vang from Johnson K-8 won second and Skylan N from Mills Elementary School placed third.

In the seventh- through eighth- grade category, Delilah Parmle from Rowlett Middle won first, Madison Walker from Dr. Mona Jain Middle took second and Quintin Wildgoos from Lee Middle placed third.

For more information, contact AMIAL at 941-5245769 or go online to www.islandartleague.org.

— Robyn Murrell

Seeing SeaWorld

Anna Maria Elementary Guy Harvey Academy of Arts and Science’s fifthgrade class takes a field trip April 15 to SeaWorld Orlando. Student Camden Rudacille, left, teacher Stephanie Davis, Guy Harvey Foundation CEO Jessica Harvey, students Jacob Winstead, Tristan Hagey, Cooper Pitkin, Jacob Clay Goebel, along with district science/math coordinator Susan Smucker and student Bea Gray, are all smiles during the visit to the theme park. Islander Photo: Courtesy Janae Rudacille

AME Calendar

• Friday, May 17, field day.

• Monday, May 20, fifth-grade luncheon, Beach House Waterfront Restaurant, 200 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach.

• Tuesday, May 21, fifth-grade graduation.

• May 22-23, 1:50 p.m., early dismissal.

• Friday, May 24, 1:50 p.m., last day for students.

• Tuesday, May 28, last day for staff.

• Monday, Aug. 12, first day of 2024-25 for students.

Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

For more information, call the school at 941-708-5525.

School

Honoring Earth Day at School for Constructive Play School for Constructive Play voluntary prekindergarten teacher Katie Holmes poses with students on Earth Day. They showed their support for the Holmes Beach Islanders 4 Clean Water campaign by wearing T-shirts. Islander Photo: Courtesy Barbara Burgess

Berkely Brown, a senior at Lakewood Ranch High School, with her sculpture “Hand-eye Coordination.” Brown won first-place in the high school category at the 36th annual Springfest presented by the Anna Maria Island Art League in March. Islander Courtesy Photos

By Lisa Neff

Gloria Dei collects for pantry

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church is striving to stock local food pantries and invites people to drop off nonperishable food items for its “First Sunday Food Collection” May 5.

“As you are shopping or cleaning out your pantry, consider what you could contribute. Nonperishable items of any type or quantity are welcome but there is an increased need for cream soups, cereal and canned fruit,” the church encouraged in its recent bulletin.

Gloria Dei is at 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

For more information, call the church at 941-7781813.

LBK chapel rallies for daycare

The charitable outreach committee at Longboat Island Chapel is collecting donations this month for the Riverview High School Cyesis Program, which provides a daycare service for student parents.

“Feel free to drop off items in Shook Fellowship Hall by the community chest. They really appreciate diapers!” the chapel stated in its newsletter.

The chapel is at 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key.

For more information, call the chapel at 941-3836491.

Roser readies kids’ musical

Roser Memorial Community Church will present a kid cast in the Noah’s Rockin’ Ark Adventure Musical at 7 p.m. Friday, May 10.

The Roser Youth Performing Arts will present the musical written by Ken Medema and Mark Cabaniss and arranged by Ruth Elaine Schram.

“Bring the family and enjoy the day on beautiful Anna Maria Island,” read a notice from the church.

Roser is at 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

For more information call the church at 941-7780414, email info@roserchurch.com or go to roserchurch.com.

Roser’s Margo Kingsley and Sandra Marines, a migrant advocate for the School District of Manatee County, fill a wagon with school supplies. The Roser Women’s Guild packed 77 bags with supplies for migrant students. The guild supports 20 charities, as well as awards 10 college scholarships. Islander Photos: Peggy Nash

Tidings

THIS WEEK

Thursday, May 2

11 a.m.-1 p.m. — Christ Church of Longboat Key observes the National Day of Prayer, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key.

Info: 941-900-4903.

Sunday, May 5

10:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church First Communion Mass, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-4769.

SAVE THE DATES

May 11, Episcopal Church of the Annunciation author presentation, Holmes Beach.

June 3-7, Roser Church vacation Bible school, Anna Maria.

June 17-21, CrossPointe Fellowship vacation Bible school, Holmes Beach.

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; Wednesdays through May 15, 6 p.m., Wednesday Night Blast supper and 6:30 p.m., Wednesday Night Blast; Fridays, 10 a.m. women’s Bible

Ser vice 10 : 00 AM Dr. Julia Wharff Piermont, Pastor

Guild at work

Donna Pope, left, and Mary Baldovini lead a packing line April 9 at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. The Roser Women’s Guild held an “indoor picnic” and members followed lunch by filling 77 bags with school supplies for migrant children in Manatee County.

meeting.

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

Worship: Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.; Sundays, 8 a.m. and 10:15 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.

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; first and third Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m., Just Older Youth group; select Wednesdays through May 22, 9:30 a.m., Mom’s Cafe.

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.; Sun-

Roser Church

SUNDAY WORSHIP

8:30 AM & 10:00 AM IN PERSON � in the Sanctuary Nursery • Children’s Church ONLINE � Watch LIVE or LATER RoserChurch.com

Sign up to receive the eBulletin at RoserChurch.com/contact-us

Church

Longboat Key invites you to T HE NATIO NAL DAY OF P RAYER

Thursday, May 2nd, 2024

Visit any time between 11:00 AM & 1:00 PM

Mother’s Day. Flowers for all Ladies • Meet the cast Reception Bring Mom! Bring the family. Everyone is invited!

Compiled by Lisa Neff

GoodDeeds

By Lisa Neff

Assistance sought on AMI

• Save the date: The annual Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is Saturday, May 11, when U.S. Postal Service employees collect nonperishables for food banks at post offices, as well as from residents’ mailboxes. Info: nalc.org.

• The Islander seeks donations on behalf of Holmes Beach Commissioner Pat Morton, injured when struck by a truck while walking to his workplace. Information: “Please help — Unexpected Medical and Care Costs” on gofundme.com.

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

• The Island Players, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, seeks volunteers. Info: theislandplayers.org, 941-941 778-5755.

• The Anna Maria Island Historical Society, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, seeks volunteer docents. Info: 941-778-0492, amihs.org.

• The Friends of the Island Library welcomes members to support the island branch, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341, friendsoftheislandlibrary.org.

• 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.

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.

— Lisa Neff

Get listed To list services on Anna Maria Island or a call for help, email lisa@islander.org with details.

TIDINGS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

days, 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; Tuesdays, 1:30 p.m., bridge club.

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

Send listings to calendar@islander.org.

“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.

Kiwanis club aids AID

All Island Denominations president Cornelia Zanetti, seated, accepts a $1,000 donation to the church group April 13 from the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island Foundation. Standing behind Zanetti at Bradenton Beach City Hall, where the club meets most Saturday mornings, are incoming club president Patricia Webster, foundation secretary/treasurer Sandy HaasMartens and foundation vice president Darrel Shinn. Islander Courtesy Photo

Dive into Reading recruiting mentors for June sessions

The annual Dive into Reading initiative will launch in June and mentors are needed at various mainland locations.

The literacy campaign’s purpose is to prevent the “summer slide” between academic years by connecting kids with mentors to practice reading.

The program began in 2017 with one restaurant

location — Anna Maria Oyster Bar in Ellenton — and participating rising third-grade students from two elementary schools.

Other restaurants have joined AMOB in hosting kids for reading sessions and breakfasts.

To become a mentor or find locations, go online to www.oysterbar.net/dive-into-reading/.

For more information about student literacy, call the Suncoast Campaign for Grade Level Reading at 941-952-1413.

Beach event to raise mental health awareness

Hoop and Flow for Hope, set for Saturday, May 18, will raise awareness of mental health issues.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, observed since 1949 with a variety of events and educational campaigns.

A goal of the local event is to raise awareness and instill hope by fostering positivity and community through hula hooping and yoga, according to organizer

Obituary

Otto Jorgensen

Otto Jorgensen, 96, a well-known longtime resident of Anna Maria Island, died Feb. 12.

Mr. Jorgensen and his wife Judy lived in the oldest house on Anna Maria Island, which he purchased more than 40 years ago.

They sold it four years ago to Jon Cooper, head coach of the Tampa Bay Lighting hockey team, and moved to Freedom Village.

While on the island, he worked at the hardware and lumber store. He also reupholstered furniture and operated a shop.

He had a strong Danish accent and a charming personality. Although 22 years older than his wife, she preceded him in death by one year. They had no children together and enjoyed 35 wonderful years of matrimony.

At your service

Obituaries are offered as a community service to residents and families of residents, both past and present, as well as to those people with ties to the island. Submit to news@islander.org. Obituaries are provided free — a service of your community newspaper. Paid obituaries can be discussed with advertising consultant Toni Lyon at 941-778-7978.

Paige Phelps.

The event will be 6:30-8 p.m. at the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, near where the AMI drum circle gathers.

There will be 20 hoops available for use.

A suggested “love offering” of $20 will help support Sunrise Hope at sunrisehope.org.

For more information about the event, contact Phelps at 480-215-6460 or im.mindful222@gmail. com.

For more information about mental health issues, go to the National Alliance of Mental Illness’ site at www.nami.org.

Also, to find support, text or chat with a helpline 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday or call or text 988 24/7.

— Lisa Neff

Postal carriers plan food drive

Island postal workers hope to receive some special deliveries this month, during the annual National Association of Letter Carriers “Stamp Out Hunger” Food Drive.

The nationwide collection — set this year for Saturday, May 11 — is the largest one-day food drive in the country. People leave donations at their mailboxes for letter carriers to collect, as well as drop off nonperishable food items at their post offices.

Brian Andrews, who is coordinating the drive for the Bradenton Beach Post Office, encouraged participation in a notice to The Islander: “We’re excited to be able to do this, especially with so many families struggling with inflation and food insecurity.”

Andrews also shared a joint message from the staff at the facility: “This is the time of year when the food pantries start to run very low from their holiday donations. Please, help restock their shelves.”

For more information, call the Bradenton Beach Post Office at 941-779-0069 or go online to www.nalc. org/community-service/food-drive.

— Lisa Neff

Jorgensen

ITEMS FOR SALE

WII FIT PLUS balance board. Complete in original box. Must be synchronized with Wii console to operate. $30. William, 724-9860314.

KayaK SHELL FOR sale. 14.5-foot Scupper Pro. $100. 941-730-4097.

Wa LNUT WOOD FURNITURE set. Queen bed, great condition, $500. Baers display cabinets, top glass doors, $200 each. Luxury pool lounge chair, $75. 941-330-5225.

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

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. FREE, one week, must be submitted online. Email classifieds@islander. org. (limited time offer).

GARAGE SALES

MOVING S a LE: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 3-4. Many household items, home decor, different holiday items, craft supplies, old bottles, Coke, Pepsi, M & M, Hershey items. shot glasses, steins, collectibles, etc. Some auto items, tool kits, antiques, house and office furniture, office supplies. Too many miscellaneous items to mention. Lots of bargain sales. 10115 Bud Rhoden Road, Palmetto.

TRANSPORTATION

GOLF C a RT RENTa LS: Fun for residents and tourists! 212-941-2402. www.GolfCartRentalaMI.com.

2006 CLUB CaR street-legal golf cart. Sixpassenger, red and white, upgraded, $2,550. 612-790-0960.

ELECTRIC BIKE, DayMaK Wildgoose fattire bike. 2018 model, used very little, battery range down to about six miles. $500. Text or call, 616-490-3814.

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.

SUNCO a ST BOTTOM Pa INTING: 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. USCG, retired. 772-486-8085.

21-FOOT CUDDy CaBIN with 225 Evinrude and trailer, $15,000. Call Captain Fred, 941356-1456.

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.

P a RT-TIME DOCKM a STER position available. 8-10 hours per week. Dock On The Bay Marina. Contact 941-3136496.

COMMERCIaL PaINTERS NEEDED. Minimum three years’ experience and valid driver license. Call weekdays 8am-4pm, 941-7464452.

NOW HIRING HaNDyMaN: Full-time professional services. $18 an hour and up, based on experience. Call JayPros, 941962-2874.

REPORTER Wa NTED: Full- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience required. a pply 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.

LOOKING FOR aN EaRLy BIRD? you can read Wednesday’s classifieds on Tuesday at islander.org. and it’s FREE!

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.

PRESSURE W a SHING, PaVER 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.

CLE a N TECH MOBILE Detailing. a t your location. Cars, boats, RVs. Call or text Billie for an appointment. 941-592-3482.

PC OR TECH issues? Not 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.

PRIVaTE CaREGIVER: DO you need help with groceries, doctors’ appointments, cleaning, care for pet, care for elderly or companion. I am looking for a part-time job. I have references and very experienced. I have integrity and I can help you and your loved ones with anything! Sparkles, 941-704-9948.

aFFORDaBLE PRESSURE WaSHING and vacation cleaning service. 941-356-1456.

GORILL a DRy Wa LL REPa IR LLC. Let’s solve your drywall problems together. Give us a call at 941-286-0607.

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.

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.

The Islander website offers essential news for residents and visitors. Check it out: islander.org.

SERVICES

Continued

WIND MITIGaTION and four-point inspection package. Licensed, insured, references available. Call 941-518-6329.

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

BE a CH SERVICE 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.

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.

SCREENING SERVICES: Replace your old or ripped window, door or porch screens. Many screen types available. Retired veteran here to serve our community! Free estimates, call Lane, 941-705-5293.

LOOKING FOR a N y home improvement?

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

BMF INTERIORS: HOME repairs and more, no job too small. 786-318-8585.

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.

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

a NN a M a RI a GULF beachfront vacation rentals. One- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941778-3143.

PERICO ISL a ND PaTIO home for rent. 3BR/2Ba, 30-day minimum. Privacy fence/ gate, two miles to a MI. Now leasing May through December, 2024. $4,500/month. Call or text, 859-771-6423. http://pericoislandrental.com/

RENTALS Continued

aVa IL a BLE NOW a ND season: 1BR/1B a , seven-night minimum. carlesvacationrentals. com Special rates are available. 941-8071405.

aNNUaL RENTaL. 2/BR1B a duplex. Near Cortez village. Nice quiet area across from bay. Two miles to beach. Full kitchen, in-unit laundry room. Shed. Patio. $1,850/month includes water and WI-FI tv. 941-773-1552.

aNNUaL RENTaL: VILLa home in Perico Bay Club, Bradenton. Gated and 24-hour security. 2BR/2B a , updated. Updated kitchen, screened deck and two-car garage. Unfurnished. Text 908-875-0299 for information.

SE a SON a L OR a NNU a L rental: 55-plus, friendly community, bottom floor. Sleeps four, 1.5Ba. Beach access. $3,400/month. 847-769-9080.

MONTHLy RENTa L aVa IL a BLE June 11 through December. furnished, all utilities. Off Cortez Road, 2 miles from beach, across from bay. Quiet, friendly neighborhood. $2,400/month. 941-773-1552. Locally owned.

FOR RENT: M ay to December. a nna 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

a NNU a L RENTa L: JUST minutes to a nna Maria Island. 3BR/1.5Ba. $2,300 a month. Two-car garage. No pets/smoking. 104 55th St., W. Bradenton. Text to 941-773-6544.

PERICO Bay CLUB villa: Upgraded 2BR/2Ba garage villa. Off-season rate, $3,000/month. Flexible lease. Real Estate Mart, 941-3561456.

2BR/2Ba HOLMES BEaCH. Westbay Point. Second-floor, furnished condo, beautiful bay views. No pets, no smoking. Six months, $3,150/month. 847-530-8833.

HOLMES BE a CH 2BR/2B a elevated furnished duplex with one-car garage. No pets, no smoking. Six months, $2,850/month plus utilities. 941-778-2824.

REAL ESTATE

WINNIE MCH a LE, RE a LTOR, 941-5046146. Rosebay International Realty Inc. 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.”

COaSTaL LUXURy: 4BR/4.5Ba, pool, sold turnkey furnished for immediate move-in. Meticulously maintained, never rented, includes golf cart and electric beach wagon for island exploration! an absolute must-see! Call 941-685-6850 or email Team@HuntBrothersRealty.com for more info.

RENTALS

Continued

HOLMES BEaCH HOUSE: Beach lifestyle, 3BR/2B a . Enjoy a chef’s kitchen, fenced yard, pool and screened porch complete the beach lifestyle. Oversized garage. Minutes from Gulf beaches. $1,599,900. Beth Beckert Call or text, 941-720-3676. Sarasota Global Realty.

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

a FFORD a BLE CONDO: 2BR/2B a nicely furnished, located minutes to beach in bird sanctuary. Heated pool and spa. $299,000. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

PaRaDISE FOUND aT an affordable price. Upgraded 2BR/2B a turnkey furnished. Heated pool and spa. Pickleball and tennis. $299,000 or make offer. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

CONDO FOR S a LE or lease. 2BR/2B a 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.

MORE BaNG FOR yOUR BUCK? It’s an old saying, but it’s still true when it comes to The Islander. Look for more online at islander. org.

By Robyn Murrell

Scholarships awarded

Manatee High School senior

anna Wright of Holmes Beach, left, poses with anna Maria Island Historical Society president Elizabeth Hager and board member Sue George of april 25 to accept a $2,000 scholarship. The awards ceremony took place during the anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce business card exchange at the museum, 402 Pine ave., anna Maria. Manatee High School senior Bryanna Sparks also received an aMIHS scholarship but did not attend the ceremony.

TSaint Stephen’s Episcopal School senior Nicholas yatros of anna Maria, left, poses april 25 with anna Maria Island Historical Society president Elizabeth Hager and board member Sue George as he accepts his scholarship. Islander Photos: Courtesy aMICofC

THIS WEEK

Thursday, May 2

8-9:30 a.m. —Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce sunrise breakfast at Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Fee applies. Information: 941-778 1541.

SAVE THE DATES

May 9, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., AMI chamber luncheon, Anna Maria Oyster Bar, 200 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach.

May 10, 12:30 p.m., AMI chamber golf tournament, IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Parkway, Bradenton. Send calendar listings to robyn@islander.org.

Rupprecht, right, poses april 25 with anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce board member and scholarship chair Karen LaPensee, center, and board member Joann Baker, left. Nathan received a scholarship from the chamber during the business mixer at the anna Maria Island Historical Society.

RE/MAX brings in $2 billion in sales

RE/MaX alliance group broker owner

Ron Travis, left, of anna Maria Island, and group president Peter Crowley pose april 22 with an award for more than $2 billion generated in sales in 2023. The firm last year also closed nearly 4,000 transactions. The group has 350 agents and 12 offices in the region for work in residential and commercial real estate. For more information, call 941-954-545 or go online to www. alliancegroupfl.com. Islander Photo: Courtesy Drew Winchester

KEY ROYALE BAYFRONT

Enjoy open water views of the bay from this 3BR/2.5BA home on deep water with a boat dock. Open floorplan, panoramic water views, spacious screened lanai and in-ground pool. Watch marine life, boats and the opening of the bridge from the comforts of this beautiful, waterfront home. Key Royale offers a 9-hole golf course, restaurant and bar with club mem

bership. $3,300,000

Call Marianne Norman-Ellis (941) 685-3393

Southeast High School senior Nathan

Direct: 941.713.5458

Email:

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.

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.

Impeccably maintained from the landscaping to the roof, which is new as of November 2022. A list of upgrades, all completed in the past few years, is available upon request. Mid-island home in Holmes Beach with two bedrooms, a den and bath with room for a pool and a beautiful garden to enjoy the tranquility.

Duplex weekly rental property, each unit having its own entire floor with front balconies to take in the seaside sites and glorious sunsets, as well as balconies on the back. Five bedrooms and four baths and an oversized owner’s area on the ground floor is a must-see.