The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, May. 15, 2024

Squatters ‘spoil’ island in waterway

By robert anderson islander reporter

Unknown persons have taken up residence on a spoil island in Anna Maria Sound, prompting concerns from mariners and residents and action from authorities.

The previously unoccupied island, located north of the Anna Maria Island Bridge on Manatee Avenue adjacent to the northwest end of Perico Bayou and the Intracoastal Waterway is known locally as “Gilligan’s Island.”

The name for the spit of land in the waterway came from a sitcom that aired on TV in the 1970s.

The series featured the comic adventures of seven people marooned after a three-hour tour.

But this is no sitcom. The island became the source of public outcry after a video surfaced on Facebook showing makeshift structures, furniture, an array of boats and boat parts and detritus scattered across the shoreline.

“I guess squatters and homeless are living on Gilligan’s Island now,” one Facebook member wrote in response to the video.

Another social media commenter said, “So sad. Used to be a sweet place to kayak from the preserve.”

Manatee County sheriff’s information officer Randy Warren in a May 8 interview told the islander the sheriff’s office was aware of the situation but emphasized that enforcement for the possible unlaw-

ful residency falls under the jurisdiction of the state. “Unless there are blatant criminal activities occurring, the state is responsible for addressing issues on the spoil islands within state waters,” he said.

He said the county had alerted the Flor-

island shot May 8 from the icW in anna Maria Sound. islander Photo: courtesy capt. Joey Sweet

ida Department of Environmental Protection about the makeshift residence.

Spoil islands are small land masses formed as a result of the creation of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, a 9 foot-deep-by-100

noah's rockin' ark adventure Musical is presented May 10 in the roser Memorial community church sanctuary with congratulations to the roser youth Performing arts director and cast for a rockin’ musical message of hope!

from left, alex Serra as noah, Brandon Kouri, accompanist, and “the animals.” islander Photos: for more, see page 2. islander Photos: courtesy roser/Bev Shepperson

aBoVe: a May 8 view of gilligan’s island from Kingfish Boat ramp. islander Photo: robert anderson inSet: a campsite at gilligan’s

Presenting Roser youth performers

Anna Maria adopts code grandfathering cannabis sales

By ryan Paice islander reporter

Marijuana won’t be sold in Anna Maria any time soon.

But those businesses with preexisting sales of CBD and hemp will be able to continue in the meantime.

City commissioners unanimously voted May 9 to adopt an ordinance allowing businesses to apply for grandfather status for preexisting sales of CBD and hemp products.

City code 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, following its denial of a mobile CBD vendor from participating in an arts and crafts show and issuance of violations to a pair of local

businesses for selling CBD and/or hemp products.

The newly adopted ordinance allows businesses with a location within the city — not including mobile sales — eligible to receive grandfather status to continue sales of regularly sold products “that would otherwise have been prohibited” under the municipality’s cannabis ban as of April 1.

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

The ordinance also includes language to prevent the sale of synthetic cannabis products, which were not covered under the city’s previous codes.

City attorney Becky Vose said she would return to a future meeting with a resolution that would establish a process for businesses to apply for grandfather status under the ordinance.

She added that the city completed a business impact study required by state law following the pas-

Here's the scoop on “Noah's Rockin' Ark Adventure”

it is a 1950’s musical written by Ken Medema & Mark cabaniss and arranged by ruth elaine Schram. for children. it was directed by craig ramberger, roser artistic director in the church sanctuary to an audience of family and friends May 10 by the roser youth Performing arts. the cast included:

noah: godly and humble alex Serra the rainbowettes (narrators):

Shonda: Wise and witty ariyah carlton rhonda: Witty and wise Sarah ten Haaf flo: goes with the flow elizabeth ten Haaf

Shem: Son of noah Jackson glasscock

Ham: Son of noah Shane Minyoung Japheth: Son of noah Paul ten Haaf the dove: Julia Karakas chorus: Hailey Pemberton, Bea Holton, Star Minyoung, Lainey reed, Jordan tobey, Julia Karakas

dancers: Bea Holton and Hailey Pemberton animals: Jordan Simonetti, owen Serra, Violet Sanger, Keegan Sanger, ava czajkowski, alex czajkowski, asher ten Haaf, James ten Haaf Staff: Brandon Kouri, accompanist and assistant director, glenda Beck, stage manager, emily glasscock, technical director.

noah’s Soda Shoppe specializes in ice cream floats and shakes. and noah is one cool dude in the eyes of god. But noah has learned from god that He’s going to flood the earth and clean the land of its wicked ways… so noah builds a big boat. the local citizens think noah’s mind has melted in his ice cream.

However, you will have to watch the video to learn the outcome.

for more information, contact the church at 941-778-0414, info@roserchurch.com or look for them on facebook @roserchurch.

▼ Modern Chop Happy Hour 11:30-6 Light Bite Specials 4-6, lounge only.

▲ Martini Monday: Signature Martinis, $7, plus 1/2 price lite bites -- lounge only.

▼ Prime Rib Tuesdays, plus $3 Tacos and Margaritas -- 4-9, lounge only.

▲ Wine Down Wednesday, 5O% OFF Wines by the Glass

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

sage of Senate Bill 170 last year.

The study concluded that the new ordinance would result in negligible compliance costs since businesses would only be required to apply for grandfather status, according to Vose.

Commissioner Gary McMullen moved to adopt the ordinance. Commissioner Jonathan Crane seconded the motion, which passed.

There was no public comment.

The commission will meet next at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 23, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

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

SquatterS continued froM Page 1

-foot-wide channel stretching from lower Tampa Bay to Charlotte Harbor, which was developed in 1895 and completed in 1967.

The material dredged from the creation of the waterways was deposited along the edges of the path, forming small islands like Gilligan’s.

Ownership of spoil islands in Manatee County varies, with most under state control, while others are under the jurisdiction of county and federal agencies. The state has management plans for these islands, outlining “best use” designations to ensure their preservation and appropriate utilization.

For instance, leffis Key in Bradenton Beach was once considered a spoil island and then was restored and developed by Manatee County into a preserve.

The Islander reached out to representatives of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for comment but representatives of the DEP said they were unable to respond due to a May 10 tornado near DEP offices in tallahassee.

Meanwhile, concerns linger among residents and law enforcement regarding the safety and welfare of boaters and the environment, and the potential impacts of the unauthorized occupation of the island.

Sounds

HB commissioner still recovering, takes a break

By ryan Paice islander reporter

Holmes Beach City Commissioner Pat Morton is enjoying time with family after a rough start to 2024.

Morton told The Islander May 3 that he was spending time with his sister in West Virginia as he continues to recover from injuries suffered after he was hit by a vehicle in January.

“I’m sitting in my sister’s yard, underneath the trees on a swing.

Enjoying it,” Morton said.

He was struck Jan. 25 by a motorist while walking into work at Ace Hardware, 3352 E. Bay Drive.

The collision left Morton hospitalized with chipped vertebrae, kidney damage and a fractured pelvis.

In late February, the landlords of Morton’s Seaside Gardens apartment asked him to vacate the property by April so it could be placed on the market for sale.

He was faced with scrambling to find a place to live at a time when annual rentals are scarce and rates are at the highest ever seen on Anna Maria Island. And, he faced losing his seat on the commission if he moved out of Holmes Beach.

And then the news got worse.

On March 17, Morton’s wife of 45 years, Gailene, died.

Following his wife’s death, Morton found a rental on Guava Street, maintaining his primary residency within Holmes Beach and his seat on the city commission.

He said May 3 that the move had been completed by late March and he was happy with his new digs.

He left April 19 to visit family in West Virginia and said he had been helping his sister with yardwork but activities remain limited due to his injuries.

Morton said he still struggles with moderate pain in his back and hip but was hoping it would clear up in the next three months, since his doctors estimated a six-month recovery timeline.

“It’s going to take time,” he said. “At least I’m

mobile and able to get around, and come up here, anyways.”

In the meantime, Morton said he heard good news about a potential resolution in his lawsuit against the motorist who struck him. He said he was told his case was “very favorable” and may be resolved in 4-5 months.

Morton said he hoped the suit might allow him to retire and eventually move back to West Virginia. He said he might live with his sister and also build a small house on family-owned property less than a mile from where he was born and raised in Morgantown.

“It’s what you call a full circle,” he added.

A GoFundMe campaign organized by The Islander to raise money on behalf of Morton, titled, “Please, Help! Unexpected Home Care Costs, Expenses,” had raised $8,230 toward a $10,000 goal with 80 donations as of May 7.

People can donate at gofundme.com.

The Islander poll

By Lisa neff

Last week’s question the earth day 2024 theme is “Planet vs. Plastics.” What simple consumer steps do you take to reduce plastic use? 8%. Carry a reusable water bottle. 11%. Bring reusable bags to stores. 0%. Refuse plastic containers and straws. 66%. All or some of the above. 14%. None of the above.

This week’s question What’s your favorite season on aMi?

A. Tourist season.

B. Off-season

C. Sea turtle nesting season.

D. Every season.

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

Diving into the past

robert raiola, retired florida department of transportation senior underwater bridge inspector, identifies veterans and first responders in the audience May 8 before the showing of a documentary about the Sunshine Skyway Bridge disaster. raiola spoke to audience members about his efforts to recover victims during the disaster, prior to the screening of the newly released documentary, “the Skyway Bridge disaster,” hosted by the islander. the documentary was shown at Holmes Beach city Hall, 5801 Marina drive. islander Photos: robert anderson

Morton

Who’s got $50 to park — for 3 hours?

Visitors to Bradenton Beach were taken aback May 4 when a $50 parking fee was posted in what is usually the Pines Trailer Park resident’s parking area.

Pines Trailer Park is at 103 Church Ave., adjacent to the Historic Bridge Street Pier.

There was a sign posted at the lot stating a there was a $50 cash-only fee for a three-hour parking space. The lot is west of the park and behind the Drift In on Bridge Street.

The Pines Trailer Park and the lot were purchased in September 2023 by developer Shawn Kaleta, owner of Pines Park Investors LLC.

But in a text conversation with The Islander May 13, Kaleta directed questions about the Pines parking lot to Sam Negrin of Beach to Bay LLC.

Negrin said the fee for the lot was not the action of Kaleta or Beach to Bay, but may have been the act of some residents or the HOA.

Beach to Bay LLC, which is owned by Kaleta,

recently was approved with stipulations by the city for a series of paid parking lots in the city at 102 Third St. N., 207 Church Ave. and 206 Bay Drive N., for temporary use of residential and commercial lots in the Azure Shores neighborhood as paid parking lots.

Most if not all of Kaleta’s other parking lots are abut $20 for two hours of parking time. And comments about the lots on social media runs along the lines of complaints about the cost.

City building official Darin Cushing addressed the parking issue in a May 9 email to The Islander, saying, “This is already a parking lot, and always has been, so there was no need for this to get a special use permit to do so. They don’t really need permission to charge for parking there, and again, we cannot regulate what can be charged, based on Florida Statute 715.075.”

The Islander reached out to Kaleta’s attorney, Louis Najmy, but there was no reply as of May 13.

— Robert Anderson

at 103 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach, became a paid parking lot for a day. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

By Lisa Neff

ANNA MARIA CITY

May 23, 6 p.m., commission. City hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941-708-6130, cityofannamaria. com.

BRADENTON BEACH

May 15, 1 p.m., ScenicWAVES.

May 16, noon, commission. CANCELED

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

HOLMES BEACH

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

May 22, 5 p.m., planning.

May 28, 2 p.m., commission.

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

MANATEE COUNTY

May 18, 9 a.m., commission, work session.

May 21, 9 a.m., commission, work session.

May 28, 9 a.m., commission, land use.

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

ALSO OF INTEREST

May 15, 2 p.m., Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials, Anna Maria City Hall. CANCELED.

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.

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

Coquina Beach Market

Wednesday, May 15th Friday, May 17th & Sunday May 19th (10 AM - 4 PM)

Here is what you will find at our Market: jewelry, fresh lemonade, women’s apparel, custom & creative artwork, 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, toys and MORE.

Come and support your local artists and crafters. Music 11 AM - 2 PM by Mike Sales on Wednesday Chuck Davis on Friday & Sunday

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

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

and Glitter Tattoos

SARASOTA GEM

We have been a new and used GEM dealer for 20 years. We welcome our long-time friends and encourage new patrons from Anna Maria Island to shop here!

The Pines Trailer Park parking lot May 4

Complete streets gets green light; study underway

By Lisa Neff Islander Editor

A study into constructing a Complete Streets project to enhance travel for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists has a green light.

The Island Transportation Planning Organization and the Technical Advisory Committee — two offshoots of the Sarasota Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization — were set to meet May 13, after The Islander went to press.

The agendas for this month’s meetings include Florida Department of Transportation reports on the Barrier Islands Complete Streets project, which is in the project development and environment stage.

A memo for the TAC meeting May 13 stated that the DOT launched the study in January to “develop multimodal alternatives to meet the future mobility needs along the main north-south corridor in Anna Maria Island traversing cities of Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach.”

The study areas are Gulf Drive north of the Longboat Pass Bridge to Manatee Avenue — about 3.8 miles — and Gulf Drive from Manatee Avenue to White Avenue — abut 2.2 miles.

The city of Anna Maria opted out of the project.

A preliminary review of crash history for 2018-22 revealed that bicycle and pedestrian crashes along the corridor were almost two times higher than the statewide average, according to the DOT.

Additionally, 46% of the severe crashes for

2018-22 involved a pedestrian or bicyclist and 48% of the crashes along the corridor occurred at intersections.

The PD&E study team currently is performing a safety analysis and plans a safety workshop with key stakeholders, including law enforcement, in July.

Another public workshop will be held in January 2025 to consider alternatives for the corridor and a hearing for the PD&E could be held in August 2025.

The DOT expects to complete the study by early 2026.

Only the PD&E phase of the project is funded in the DOT’s five-year work program.

However, the memo for the TAC meeting stated, “FDOT is actively working to fund future phases in its work program.” Also, the complete streets project is listed in the MPO’s long range transportation plan as cost feasible through construction, with the state road segment funded for construction in 2030 and the second segment funded for construction in 2040.

The study cost is estimated at $1.74 million.

Both the ITPO and the TAC review and discuss presentations before they reach the MPO board, which will meet at 9 a.m. Monday, May 20, at the DoubleTree by Hilton, 8009 15th St. E., Sarasota.

About the project

For more information about the complete streets project, go online to the DOT’s webpage at swflroads. com/project/446681-1.

Leading the way

Longboat Key Mayor Ken Schneier leads a group of town staffers and members of the Florida Department of Transportation May 6 through a newly built crosswalk at Bayfront Park 3970 Royal Road, Longboat Key. The town and DOT participated in a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the installation of the hybrid pedestrian crosswalk, after which the group activated the signal and walked from the bayside park to the beach. Islander Photos: Courtesy Susan Phillips

Plan now for the next holiday!

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

a map shows two segments of the proposed Barrier Island Complete Streets project, which is in a project development and environment stage. Islander Courtesy Image

Election 2024

Island Dems to meet

The Anna Maria Island and West Manatee Democratic Club will gather at 11:30 a.m. Monday, May 20, for the group’s end-of-season meeting.

The meeting at the Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, will include a potluck lunch and a conversation about “looking forward.”

For more information, email Barbara J. Ehren at barbara.ehren@gmail.com or call the county party office at 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.

Also 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

!

Opinion

What’s next?

Let’s see, already in May we’ve welcomed nesting sea turtles and least terns to our shore. We paid respect to those lost in the 1980 Skyway Bridge Disaster and learned what it was like for a diver on the scene of the crash to recover bodies from Tampa Bay.

In late April, we reported a trio of bizarre driving behavior — two people who drove into storefronts and a guy willing to test his Porche on Marina Drive at sunset at speeds of about 70 mph between stunts like donuts and power turns before sliding into a canal and knocking out a boat dock.

Ouch. That’s gonna hurt — you know, like on Father’s Day when everyone wants a good laugh and they ask him to retell that time when Pop drove like a jerk and trashed his sports car.

I keep hearing that age-old question, “What’s the world coming to?”

Well, there’s more. This week one of biggies in national real estate, Redfin, made a claim that Sarasota-Bradenton real estate is overvalued — especially Sarasota — which was quickly followed by a refute from local real estate pros.

We might say the same for Anna Maria Island, where prices have soared, but none so much as the city of Anna Maria. We see only rising prices in the northern-most city — where recently homes on the water have sold for $5.5 million. Sold in Holmes Beach on the water: $2.8 million. Sold in Bradenton Beach: $1.5 million, $2.57 million. And so on.

No wonder there are live-aboard boaters at anchor all around us, but especially in Cortez, where one enterprising person turns near-derelict boats into short-term rentals for $200 a month and up. As long as it floats, eh? If you have tolerance for that lifestyle.

Well, we got one better than that.

One of the Cortez commercial captains noticed a squatter on Gilligan’s Island, the spoil island created when the builders of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway pushed through Tampa and Sarasota bays.

Aside from seeing a lot of garbage on the shoreline, the captain says it’s a large campsite with generators for power and other amenities.

Now, isn’t that something?

A permanent campsite on an island near you. Their multi-million-dollar view looks across the ICW toward the Gulf of Mexico — just like some of you and for a lot less, if not “zero” money and taxes.

And this guy won’t be stressing over an HOA or flood insurance or loss of property.

Well, maybe the state will get to work and evict Mr. Squatter — or there may be a rush to stake claims.

— Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

OpinionYour

The big question

Insofar as the Sunshine Skyway Bridge disaster in May 1980, the big question should be: What did the maritime, federal highway administration and department of transportation learn?

I am a life member of a well-known society of civil engineers.

Skimming online

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MAY 15, 2024 • Vol. 32, No. 30

▼ Publisher, Co-editor

Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

▼ Editorial

Editor Lisa Neff, lisa@islander.org

Robert Anderson, robert@islander.org

Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist

Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org

Masha Dolgoff, masha@islander.org

Jack Elka, jack@jackelka.com

Robyn Murrell, robyn@islander.org

Ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org

▼ Contributors

Karen Riley-Love

Jacob Merrifield

Capt. Danny Stasny, fish@islander.org

▼ Advertising Director

Toni Lyon, toni@islander.org

▼ Webmaster Wayne Ansell

▼ Office Manager, Lisa Williams

info@, accounting@, classifieds@, subscriptions@islander.org

▼ Distribution

Urbane Bouchet

Ross Roberts

This group has reams of literature on bridge safety.

Is any of this being applied?

The administration boasts it’s building back better but where is safety as an aspect of the program?

Judy Loden Wasco

All others: news@islander.org

It seems in our hurry prior to “Build Back Better” to accommodate ever larger cargo ships, the shipyards and docks received all the money for rebuilding larger and larger facilities — but what about the other transportation needs for the roadways that cross these channels?

Does “Build Back Better” help this situation? If not, it should.

We all saw what the solution was for the Skyway — abandonment of an outdated design and obsolete protection for the structure.

Take a look at the I-95 bridge in Baltimore. What do you see? Does it look familiar? Can the FHWA and state DOTs learn from these mistakes?

Robert D. Beaver, Clermont

Rallying for home rule

We are thrilled to report that we had more than 300 people at the Save Florida Home Rule rally May 4 in Holmes Beach.

They heard the facts about what is happening to erode home rule in Florida with the most imminent threat being the consolidation or dissolution of the three AMI cities.

Replacing Kevin Van Ostenbridge on the Manatee

Board of County Commissioners with a strong home rule candidate was a theme among the Democrats, Republicans and NPAs present at the rally, since it was KVO who set the wrecking ball in motion.

Diana Shoemaker came across strongly as the home rule replacement for KVO and had the attention of the many Republicans and NPAs who were there.

As many of you know, we have been collecting letters to deliver to state Rep. Will Robinson Jr., and state Sen. Jim Boyd in support of keeping the island cities intact.

We just need about 100 more to reach 1,000. Our collection deadline is May 18.

For more information, including the letters to sign, email savefloridahomerule@gmail.com.

Thanks for your support.

Erosion of home rule is not just an AMI issue!

Barb Ehren, president, Save Florida Home Rule

Libraries for all

Regarding the Manatee County commission ordering Israel solidarity displays, as reported in The Islander’s May 1 issue: I believe the library should not be used for a political platform to influence the public on thoughts and beliefs.

All are welcome at the library and this solidarity display inhibits people who either support or are in protest of this Israel-Gaza war.

Catherine Karpenko, Bradenton

Looking back

Stage scenes

Island Players volunteers gather offstage at the anna Maria theater in February 1973. The volunteers are not identified in the archives. Recognize them? Email The Islander at news@islander.org.

The cast of an unidentified production assembles onstage at the Island Players theater in anna Maria. The photo is dated February 1973 in the Manatee County Public Library System archives. Islander Photos: Courtesy Manatee County Public Library System

a man — not identified in the archives at the Manatee County Library — works to place flooring at the theater in anna Maria in 1986. Recognize him? Email The Islander at news@islander.org.

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10, 20, 30 years ago

From the May 12, 1994,

issue

• Bradenton Beach instituted a moratorium on constructing new fences to deal with what officials termed a growing walled ambiance in the city.

• An Anna Maria planning commissioner proposed a committee to draft ordinances rather than spend taxpayer money on attorney fees.

From

the May 12, 2004,

issue

• Bradenton Beach commissioners agreed to ask voters whether the city should change their form of municipal government and hire a city manager.

• Karen Bell of Cortez and other partners announced the purchase of the old Sigma fish house in the village for more than $1.8 million.

From the May 14, 2014, issue

• Manatee County Sheriff’s Office investigators with cadaver dogs searched a Bay Boulevard property in Anna Maria but declined to provide details about what they were hoping to find.

• Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch reported the first sea turtle nest of the season on Mother’s Day, as well as the hatchling of a snowy plover egg on the shore in Holmes Beach.

• Manatee County’s medical examiner concluded that an Anna Maria man who died in April after falling from a boat near Egmont Key had drowned.

— Lisa Neff

ANNA MARIA ISLAND PRIVATEERS ARE HOSTING THEIR ANNUAL

SNOOKS ADAMS KIDS DAY

SATURDAY MAY 25TH, 2024

10AM TO 2PM

HOLMES BEACH CITY FIELD 5801 MARINA DRIVE

HOLMES BEACH, FL FREE HOT DOGS, PIZZA, AND DRINK S GAMES AND PRIZES

PICTURES WITH PIRATES

Summer cues the fun of boating and boating safety week

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

National Boating Safety Week is right around the corner.

And safe is always better than sorry.

David Haddox, past commander of the Anna Maria Island Sail and Power Squadron and national assistant chairman of basic public education for America’s Boating Club, shared tips May 7 with The Islander about how local boaters could best ensure their safety on the water.

The AMISPS is a unit of ABC, a nonprofit boating organization made up of more than 20,000 members and 300 clubs across the country.

AMISPS is located at 1200 71st St. NW, Bradenton, and is a part of ABC District 22, a group of clubs located on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Haddox has decades of experience in boater safety training as part of the AMISPS and stressed the importance of basics, such as the use of fitted personal floatation devices — lifejackets.

When properly used, lifejackets can prevent users from drowning, the number one cause of boating death.

Of the 636 boating fatalities reported in 2022 nationwide, 75% were caused by drowning and 85% of those who drowned were not using personal floatation devices.

“Virtually all of this is preventable,” Haddox said.

Haddox said it is important to have such measures in place and ready before there are issues, since lifejackets can be difficult to equip in the water.

He recommended adults wear type III inflatable PFDs while boating since they cause little disruption when defl ated, but can be manually infl ated in the water for buoyancy.

Haddox encouraged boat operators to also wear wristbands or lanyards connected to their engines’ cutoff switches to kill the motor if they fall out of the boat and into the water.

Such gear is a requirement for boaters operating vessels under 26-feet-long, as smaller vessels are more likely to take on water and capsize than their larger counterparts.

Haddox said another essential boating safety tip

was for boaters to remain aware of their surroundings at all times, since many accidents involve crashes between vessels.

He recommended posting a passenger as a lookout if more than one person is on a vessel.

In case of an emergency, Haddox encouraged boaters to have a VHF — or “Very High Frequency” — marine radio to call for help in case of cell phone issues.

Additionally, Haddox noted that boaters should ensure their vessels are equipped with a dog line, anchor, radio, flashlight and first-aid kit — none of which are required under state law.

“A lot of people just figure, ‘Well, if I’ve got the required equipment, I’m good to go.’ Well, no. You meet the letter of the law, but you’re not really good to go in terms of comfortable and safe boating,” he said.

Regardless of their knowledge of the basics, Haddox encouraged boaters to pursue official training courses and free vessel safety checks with the AMISPS.

Florida law requires people born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, to complete a state-recognized boating safety course to operate a powerboat of 10 horsepower or more in state waters.

People can sign up for boating safety lessons or

vessel safety checks with the AMISPS by calling 941-447-7845 or visiting its website, usps.org/annamaria.

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

— 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.”

Jeffrey Burns, right, and daughter abigail load up their SEaDOO Switch on return May 8 to the Kingfish Boat Ramp, 752 Manatee ave., Holmes Beach. Islander

Photos: Robert anderson

Tripp and Vicky Wammock pose May 8 at the Kingfish Boat Ramp after returning from an offshore fishing trip.

Anna Maria rejects 4th Pine Avenue improvement bid

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The wait for Pine Avenue pedestrian safety and walkability improvements drags on.

Anna Maria City Commissioners unanimously voted May 9 to reject Sarasota-based C-Squared CGC, Inc.’s $1.4 million bid to complete improvements along Pine Avenue, from south of Gulf Drive to Pine’s intersection with North Shore Drive.

Commissioner Charlie Salem recused himself from the discussion and vote due to his ownership of property on Pine Avenue.

The city budgeted $3,349,634.46 in fiscal 2023-24 to improve Pine, Magnolia and Spring avenues, including $2,698,440 in state appropriations and $283,412.96 from the U.S. American Rescue Plan Act.

The city has now issued four requests for proposals to improve Pine Avenue.

The municipality first issued an RFP in 2022 for bids to install pervious paver sidewalks and enhance crosswalk and lighting along the entirety of Pine Avenue.

C-Squared submitted a $2 million bid to complete the work, which the city projected to cost $1.363 million, and commissioners rejected the bid due to the cost and a lack of competitive bids.

The city issued a second RFP, but narrowed the job to sidewalk improvements in an effort to attract smaller bids.

C-Squared issued a pair of bids, one for pervious brick pavers and another for flex pavers.

The municipality was ready to move forward with contract negotiations, but was derailed by the Florida

Correction

The Islander erred in reporting that Manatee County is responsible for the landscaping and maintenance of medians on Perico Island.

The county reached an interlocal agreement March 27 with the city of Bradenton transferring responsibility of maintenance, signage, trash removal and landscaping along the Palma Sola Causeway, a stretch of Manatee Avenue/State Road 64 on Palma Sola Bay.

However, the causeway does not extend to Perico Island, and the county is not responsible for landscaping and maintenance there.

Nevertheless, the county has renewed its efforts to replace trees and landscaping in a pair of medians on Perico Island despite the Palma Sola Scenic Highway Committee’s previous opposition to the plan.

— Ryan Paice

Department of Transportation — the administrator of state appropriation funds for the project.

The city issued a third RFP in 2023, but C-Squared was once again the only contractor to submit a bid, which was rejected.

The municipality narrowed its fourth RFP, issued earlier this year, to pursue crosswalk and sidewalk improvements along one block of Pine Avenue as a prototype for further upgrades.

C-Squared was yet again the only contractor to respond to the city’s RFP, but its proposed $1.4 million bid dwarfed the $450,000 projected cost, even exceeding the city’s original $1.363 million projected cost to improve all of Pine Avenue.

Mayor Dan Murphy said he asked the contractor to review its bid and lower the price tag, which it did by $56,000.

Nevertheless, Murphy recommended commissioners reject the bid as “it is not a good value proposition.”

He said that, if the commission voted to reject the

People gather May 9 outside of the box office at the Island Players theater, 10009 Gulf Drive, anna Maria, at the intersection of Gulf Drive with Pine avenue, the area selected for a prototype for future improvements along the Pine avenue corridor. Islander Photo: Robert anderson

bid, the city could go even smaller and pursue piecemeal improvements along Pine Avenue — beginning with sidewalks.

“We can do that in pretty short order,” Murphy said. “I’d like to put a focus on local contractors who can do this work. There are a couple that are interested already who’d like to get involved and look at this more on a micro-basis than a macro-basis.”

He added that there are “pieces” of the city’s planned improvements that could be completed by public works staff.

Commissioner Gary McMullen, who has spoken about his desire to expedite Pine Avenue improvements, moved to reject C-Squared’s bid.

Commissioner Jonathan Crane seconded the motion, which passed.

There was no public comment.

The commission will meet next at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 23, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

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

St. Petersburgbased George F. young Inc.’s plans to improve Pine avenue in anna Maria may be used as a prototype.

Islander Graphic: Courtesy anna Maria

Compiled by Lisa Neff, calendar@islander.org

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT OFF AMI

Wednesday, May 15

1 p.m. — Screening “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones,” the Longboat Key Paradise Center for Healthy Living, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-6493.

Monday, May 20

2 p.m. — Digital Sketchbook Studio, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

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.

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

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

Saturdays, 10:30 a.m., art demos, Island Gallery and Studios, 456 Old Main St., Bradenton. Information: 941-778-6648, islandgalleryandstudios.org.

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

SAVE THE DATES

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

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

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

MARKETS & SALES

ONGOING ON AMI

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

On display

“Marsh” by Kathy Lee Patterson, the april featured artist at the artists’ Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive. For more information, call aGaMI at 941-778-6694. Islander Courtesy Photo

KIDS & FAMILY ON AMI

Friday, May 17

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

2:30 p.m. — Under the Sea Tea Party, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Tuesday, May 21

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: 941-7464131.

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 25, Anna Maria Island Privateers Snooks Adams Kids Day, Holmes Beach.

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, Anna Maria.

CLUBS & COMMUNITY ON AMI

Thursday, May 16

10:15 a.m. — Island Morning Book Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

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

Saturday, May 18

6:30 p.m. — Hoop and Flow for Hope mental health awareness event, Manatee Public Beach, Gulf Drive and Manatee Avenue, Holmes Beach. Information: 480-215-6460.

ONGOING ON AMI

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

Second Mondays, 2 p.m., Center of Anna Maria Island Adult Book Club, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-7781908.

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 27, Love It Like a Local Beach Cleanup, Bradenton Beach.

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

Wednesday, May 15

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

2 p.m. — Intro to Butterfly Gardening, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Friday, May 17

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

Wednesday, May 22

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

ONGOING ON AMI

Tuesdays through August, 10 a.m., Anna Maria Island and Shorebird Monitoring Turtle Talks, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: islandturtlewatch.com, info@islandturtlewatch.com, 941-301-8434.

SPORTS & FITNESS ON AMI

Saturday, May 18

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

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: 941747-3031.

OUTDOORS

& NATURE ON AMI

Thursday, May 16

9 a.m. — Seashell shore walk with Manatee County Natural Resources, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941748-4501.

OFF AMI

Saturday, May 18

8 p.m. — Starry Night Astronomy, Robinson Preserve, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923, mymanatee. org.

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

SAVE THE DATES

May 23, De Soto National Memorial hike at Neal Preserve, Perico Island.

May 23, De Soto National Memorial hike at Neal Preserve, Perico Island.

CALENDAR NOTES

KEEP THE DATES

Through Oct. 31, sea turtle nesting season. Lights out! 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.

Privateers plan kids day

Avast, all ye young uns! It’s time to celebrate!

The Anna Maria Island Privateers celebrate summer’s arrival over the holiday weekend with Snooks Adams’ Kids Day.

The nonprofit dedicated to “kids and community” will partner with the Holmes Beach Police Department to host the party 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, May 25, at city field, 5800 block of Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

Privateers will lead children in a series of games and activities.

They also will serve kids a lunch that includes hot dogs, pizza and beverages.

The party is named for the late Snooks Adams, a longtime law enforcement officer and 25-year Holmes Beach police chief, who organized the first kids day. The Privateers assumed responsibility from Adams for hosting the party in the 1980s.

For more information about the Anna Maria Island Privateers, go online to amiprivateers.org or email liaison@amiprivateers.org.

Odd Duck Designs Shop

Wearable T-shirt art by local artist Connie Wolgast. Scan here shop!

Island happenings

Skygazers invited to Robinson

Suncoast Stargazers and the Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department invite people to look up May 18.

Starry Night Astronomy will be 8-10 p.m. Saturday, May 18, at Robinson Preserve in the expansion parking lot at 10299 Ninth Ave. NW, Bradenton.

“Dozens of local astronomers will be set up … with telescopes at the ready,” stated a notice from the county. They are all there to share their view of the night sky and help guests at the event enjoy the experience. “Be sure to bring a sense of wonder and exploration.”

The all-ages event is free to attend.

For more information, call the county at 941-7425923.

Kiwanis meeting Saturdays

The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island gathers at 8:30 a.m. Saturdays at Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

The May 18 meeting will feature remarks by Michelle Bencini of the Women’s Resource Center in Bradenton.

The center is a nonprofit that provides women with support, resources and services.

For more information, call Sandy Haas-Martens at 941-778-1383.

Turtle watch to talk turtles

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring is hosting weekly Turtle Talks through the nesting season.

The group, which monitors island beaches to document and collect data on sea turtle nesting MayOctober, will present Turtle Talks at 10 a.m. Tuesdays at Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

The talks are free to attend.

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

Rangers leading preserve hikes

Rangers at De Soto National Memorial in west Bradenton are leading off-site hikes and taking people through Neal Preserve.

The next guided tours will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 23, and Thursday, June 6 at the preserve, which is on Sarasota Bay, just south of the Anna Maria Island Bridge, 12301 Manatee Ave. W., Perico Island.

A notice said reservations are not required for the 0.3 mile walk but comfortable walking shoes and sunscreen are recommended.

The rangers will talk about the ecosystem and the native people who utilized the area.

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

Shell collectors to stroll shore

The Manatee County Natural Resources Department will host a “Seashell Shore Walk” at 9 a.m. Thursday, May 16, at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach.

A notice from the county invited people to join “a relaxing walk on the beach to search for seashells and learn to identify them.”

Participants also will learn about ethical seashellcollecting methods.

Reservations are required.

For more information, contact Elena Burke at elena.burke@mymanatee.org and 941-742-5923, ext. 6036.

City 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.

Celebrating wind

anna Maria Island Garden Club and Friends of the Island Library members, the families of Tyler Eason and Tyler Lancaster, and Holmes Beach officials pose May 7 at the dedication for the Lyman Whitaker “Double Dancer” sculpture near the trolley stop outside of the Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. The $8,145 sculpture was funded with $6,000 in part by the garden club. The landscaping and plants around the sculpture’s base were donated and installed by Lancaster and Eason. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

Carving up the skate park

Jomar Borges of North Port balances on his skateboard while grinding a rail May 7 at the Holmes Beach Skate Park, 5901 Marina Drive. Borges complimented the park, calling it one of the best in the region. Islander

Sales tax holiday for storm supplies proposed

“Be prepared” is the emergency management mantra for storm season.

But for storm supplies, consumers might wait until June 1 — the start of the Atlantic hurricane season — to take advantage of a proposed sales tax holiday.

As of May 7, Gov. Ron DeSantis had not yet signed the bill establishing the tax holiday on hurricane-related items,

If he does sign the legislation, which is expected, the holiday will be June 1-14.

Another tax holiday on storm supplies would be Aug. 24-Sept. 6.

During both periods, qualifying items related to disaster preparedness would be exempt from sales tax, including flashlights, lanterns, batteries, radios, tarps, coolers and generators.

For more details, go to the Florida Department of Revenue’s website at floridarevenue.com/disasterprep.

— Lisa Neff

Outreach cleanup time

Mote Marine Laboratory & aquarium’s Marine Science Education and Outreach Center manager Felicia Manning and operations assistant Erika Echegaray scrub May 7 the inside of an invertebrate touch tank, where visitors can touch urchins, sea stars and horseshoe crabs. The outreach center is located on the T-end of the

anna Maria City Pier. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

Photo: Ryan Paice

Purple Classified of Venice launches into an ollie May 7 off of a hip — where two transitions meet to create a protruding corner — at the Holmes Beach Skate Park. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

By Robyn Murrell

anna Maria Elementary principal Mike Masiello shows april 18 the start of construction on the school’s new outside learning area, located on the school playground, 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. The school’s Guy Harvey grant is funding the construction of the deck. Islander

Photo: Robyn Murrell

AME-GHF develops marine science pathway

The partnership between the Guy Harvey Foundation and Anna Maria Elementary will cast its net wider, as the program expands to two more schools and throughout the Manatee County school district in the coming years.

Anna Maria Elementary remains the sole elementary school offering the curriculum, but during the 2024-2025 school year, the curriculum will become accessible districtwide.

The focus now is implementation at King Middle and Manatee High schools in Bradenton.

King Middle partnered with the foundation for the 2023-2024 school year, leading to a transformation of its science, technology and art classrooms. Its teachers are currently in training for virtual reality technology and underwater robotics, according to the district.

The curriculum tailored for King, offers AME fifthgraders who move up to King the chance to extend their learning in marine science. Students from Anna Maria and Holmes Beach who graduate from AME, transition to King for middle school.

AME students have enjoyed the partnership with the academy, which received a $3 million grant. As part of the grant requirements, $1 million had to be spent by the end of this year.

AME Principal Mike Masiello told The Islander May 2 that the school is on track to meet the spend-

AME celebrates teachers

aME third-grade teacher Laura Redeker poses May 8 with a bouquet of sunflowers at a Sarasota Florist flower truck during Teacher appreciation Week at the school, 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. The Parent-Teacher Organization hosted events throughout the week to show appreciation for the teachers and staff, including catered lunches from Kiwi Fish and Chips, Cheesecake Cutie, the aMI General Store, Pizza Social and Poppo’s Taqueria. a “Flower Shower” allowed teachers to craft bouquets. PTO Vice President Caroline Leibfried said, “I think flowers are a little extra special. It’s fun to come out and make your bouquet, and it’s a unique way for us to show just how much we appreciate them.” Islander Photo: Robyn Murrell

ATTENTION RENTAL OWNERS!

We meet all your linen and cleaning needs with 5-star service. 18-plus years serving AMI.

Our fleet will pick up/drop off daily.

www.allin1home.com

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 2024-25 for students.

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

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

including microscopes, aquaponic systems, materials for summer camps, Class VR headsets and mobile touch tanks.

ing deadline.

Masiello said that the Florida Department of Education set the deadline and there is no option to extend it.

Thus far, the school has spent funding on fi eld trips, materials and services.

The grant has provided opportunities for every student at AME to visit the Florida Aquarium, where students received behind-the-scenes tours, gaining insights into the careers needed to operate an aquarium.

Over 250 sixth-graders from King Middle School had the chance to visit SeaWorld Orlando. They were treated to a behind-the-scenes tour, where they learned about the animal hospital.

And 20 students enrolled in Marine Science 2 at Manatee High School visited the Mote Marine Aquaculture Facility. They learned about aquaculture in Florida and careers in marine farming.

A portion of the spending also has gone towards developing learning materials.

The Guy Harvey Foundation is developing lesson plans to be implemented across all schools within the pathway.

To date, modules focusing on mangroves and lionfish are being incorporated into the curriculum. Resources and equipment have been purchased,

In addition, Guy Harvey’s artwork is set to be installed at both King Middle and Manatee High this month.

The $3 million grant is on track to be spent by June 2026. Masiello said, “We will continue to focus on using the capital funds to support building and enhancing items like the outside learning area and dock at AME.” He said, “Once those large projects are complete, we will explore additional options to continue the growth of the program with any remaining funds.”

For more information, contact the school at 941708-5525 or go online at www.manateeschools.net/ annamaria

Spring gala raises over $70K

The Anna Maria Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization knows how to party and make it worthwhile.

About 140 people gathered for the spring gala at the Center of Anna Maria Island in Anna Maria, raising more than $70,000 with ticket sales, auctions and raffles at the 1970s-themed catered event.

PTO directors said the money helps where the Manatee County School District budget falls short, such as assisting with tutoring, purchasing recess materials and organizing book competitions.

AME PTO president Jen Serra told The Islander via email May 3 that the success of the gala relied on support from the island community.

“It is 100% the community,” Serra said. “With this being our biggest fundraiser of the year, we love how everyone contributes so much to make it a success.”

For more information or to contribute, contact the PTO at amepto@gmail.com or call the school at 941708-5525.

please!”

like the

By Lisa Neff

Chapel to host blood drive

The Longboat Island Chapel will host a blood drive in its parking lot 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, May 18.

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

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

Annunciation prepares for summer

The Episcopal Church of the Annunciation will shift to a summer schedule later this month.

The schedule, posted on the church website at amiannunciation.org, will begin Sunday, May 26.

The church, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, will celebrate one Holy Eucharist service at 9:15 a.m. Sundays instead of one at 8 a.m. and another at 10:15 a.m.

For more information, call the church at 941-7781638.

Tidings

Saturday, May 18

9 a.m.-1 p.m. — Longboat Island Chapel blood drive, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Info: 941-383-6491.

May 28, Longboat Island Chapel BBQ Demo Party, Longboat Key.

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 meeting.

$2 Gathering

Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive,

Sharing with JOY

Roser readies summer school

Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, is registering kids for its vacation Bible school, which runs June 3-7.

The school meets 5:30-8:30 p.m. and includes a dinner for the kids.

Vacation Bible school is open to children as young as age 4 up to the fifth-grade.

To register, go online to roserchurch.com.

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

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 and fellowship.

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 through May 15, 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 With Us at Our Church Sunday Ser vice 10 : 00 AM Dr. Julia Wharff Piermont, Pastor ’ @ ’ @ Visitors & Residents Welcome

Sue Shinn shares information about her collection of Japanese dolls and her life in Japan following World War II during an april 17 gathering of the Just Older youth group at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine ave., anna Maria. The final club meeting of the season will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 15, and feature a field trip — an outing to Robinson Preserve in west Bradenton and a ride on its new electric tram. For more information or reservations, call the church at 941778-0414. Islander Photo: Courtesy Peggy Nash

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.

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

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

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.

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

$2

GoodDeeds

By Lisa Neff

Assistance sought on AMI

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

• Roser Food Bank seeks donations. Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, administers the pantry supported by All Island Denominations. Info: 941-778-0414.

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

To list services on AMI or a call for help, email lisa@islander.org with details.

Beach event to raise mental health awareness

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

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.

For more information about the event, contact Paige 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.

Obituary

Dolores ‘Gingras’ Flanagan

Dolores “Gingras” Flanagan, 94, of Boston, San Francisco and Holmes Beach died April 21.

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

In 1950, she earned a degree in nursing at Saint Elizabeth School of Nursing, now Boston College. She practiced at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital with the distinction of being a member of the team that performed the first successful human organ transplant and remained at Massachusetts General Brigham for nearly 20 years.

She advanced her practice by accepting a post in Pediatric Neurosurgery at the University of California, San Francisco Graduate School of Medicine, where she remained for two decades.

Her avocation was being of service to humankind and she brought her experience and knowledge to benefit those in most need, whether that in the Townships of South Africa or the Tenderloin District of San Francisco.

Always an explorer and adventure traveler, she traveled nearly 20 countries on five continents, from the Holy Land to Hong Kong to Half Moon

She was a lifelong Boston Red Sox fan and a longtime resident of Holmes Beach. She volunteered for the Women’s Guild of St. Bernard Catholic Church, delivering Meals on Wheels to the homebound of the Island, and was a decorated docent emerita at Mote.

Today we mourn our loss, tomorrow we celebrate a life well-lived.

“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.

Gathering

Gathering is the religion section. Please, send announcements, calendar listings and photos to calendar@islander.org.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 29, at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach.

A memorial Mass was celebrated at her parish, Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, California, on Mother’s Day, May 12.

A traditional paddle out was held at sunrise Monday, May 13, off San Clemente Pier, California. Memorial donations may be made to “The Every Child Fund,” at Boston Children’s Hospital Trust, Boston, online at Giving.Childrenhospital.org, Mote Marine Laboratory Youth STEM Education at Mote.org and the Women’s Guild of St Bernard Catholic Church.

Mrs. Flanagan is survived by sons, James Michael and Robert Gingras, both of Boston; as well as a host of beloved family, friends and loved ones.

Dee Flanagan poses with her Mote Marine Laboratory award at her beach in Holmes Beach.

Patricia Webster of the Kiwanis Club of anna Maria Island scholarship committee, left, joins scholar Tracy Troung, Tracy’s mother amy and committee member Claudette Welch for an awards presentation May 4 at Bradenton Beach City Hall. Tracy, a State College of Florida Key Club member, received

a $1,000 scholarship funded by Sue LaMastro in memory of her husband, Dr. Bob LaMastro, a longtime Kiwanis member. Islander Courtesy Photos

LEFT: Patricia Webster, left, of the Kiwanis club scholarship committee joins Jaden Klusacek, Jaden’s parents Mark and Sandy and scholarship committee member Claudette Welch for an awards presentation. Jaden, a State College of Florida Key Club member, received a $1,000 scholarship from the club.

Volunteers sought for cleanup

Organizers of the annual Love it Like a Local Beach Cleanup are seeking volunteers.

The Monday, May 27,, event on Anna Maria Island involves the Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and Keep Manatee Beautiful.

Volunteers will gather at Coquina Beach at 9 a.m. for the Memorial Day good deed.

Registration will open at 8:30 a.m. in the South Coquina Beach parking lot.

Snacks will be offered 11 a.m.-noon.

Also, the first 100 volunteers to sign up will receive a commemorative rash guard.

Registration is online at eventbrite.com. Search for “Love it Like a Local Memorial Day Cleanup.”

Russell ‘Buzz’ W. Van Horn

Russell “Buzz” W. Van Horn of Bradenton died April 23. He was an affectionate, dedicated, hard-working man. He graduated from South Williamsport in 1954.

He spent his life working at Bethlehem Steel and retired to Bradenton, where he worked at Pirate City for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

He loved his family, sports and all the people he came across in his life. He enjoyed going to ball games and playing pool at the local pubs. He will be greatly missed by many!

He is survived by his children, Christy McPherson, Russell Jr., Terry Lynn, five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Van Horne

Cops & Courts

Guilty ruling withheld for man charged with possession

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Port Charlotte resident Troy Lantz, 52, will be on probation through August 2025 but a guilty ruling will not be on his record.

Lantz was arrested July 2 after a Holmes Beach police officer saw him drive through a flashing red traffic light without stopping at the intersection of Gulf Drive and Manatee Avenue.

The officer stopped Lantz, who appeared intoxicated, and saw him try to hide a plastic bag containing a white substance. The substance later tested positive as cocaine.

The officer attempted to arrest Lantz, but did not handcuff him until backup arrived due to physical resistance.

Lantz was charged with a third-degree felony for possession of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance, and a first-degree misdemeanor for resisting or obstructing police without violence.

While conviction for third-degree felonies can result in up to five years in prison, five years of probation and a fine of up to $5,000, Lantz will not face the full extent of those punishments.

He pleaded no contest to the third-degree felony and fi rst-degree misdemeanor charges at a Feb. 21 hearing.

Judge Frederick Mercurio of the 12th Circuit Court ruled during the same hearing to withhold adjudication — when sanctions are ordered without issuing a formal conviction for a crime — for the two charges against Lantz.

Mercurio also ruled to place Lantz on probation for 18 months, required him to complete 50 hours of community service and a substance abuse evaluation.

Streetlife

By

robert anderson and ryan Paice

Island police reports

Anna Maria

May 6, 800 block of North Shore Drive, The Rod and Reel Resort, property damage. A Manatee County Sheriff’s deputy responded to a complaint of property damage at the Rod and Reel Resort. A complainant stated that a boat had been tied up to the resort fence, inadvertently causing damage. The owner of the boat cooperated and agreed to pay for damages. The deputy generated an incident report at the manager’s request.

The MCSO polices Anna Maria.

Bradenton Beach

May 4, 200 Gulf Drive S., underage drinking. A Bradenton Beach police officer was dispatched to a complaint of underage drinking at Cortez Beach. The officer located the youths and confirmed the presence of alcohol in a cooler. The youths turned over the cooler to the officer, who contacted their parents and filed an incident report.

May 5, 200 block of Gulf Drive north, warrant arrest. A BBPD officer, during a routine traffic stop

a Woodruff & Sons crew begins sewer replacement work May 6 along Sixth Street South in Bradenton Beach. a May 3 announcement from Manatee County said Sixth Street South will be closed to traffic as the contractor installs new gravity sewer pipe and lateral connections. People impacted by street closures can use parking shuttles, 8 a.m.-7 p.m Monday through friday, from the parking area provided at Cortez Beach. The $7.1 million Manatee County project, which commenced in January 2023, is expected to be completed in the fall. Islander Photo: robert anderson

found that the driver of the vehicle had an outstanding warrant for drug equipment possession. The motorist was arrested and transported to the Manatee County jail in Palmetto.

May 6, 2650 Gulf Drive S., vandalism. A Manatee County sheriff’s deputy was dispatched to a complaint of vandalism at the Coquina Beach Cafe. The cafe manager told the deputy that an unknown individual had shot the cafe’s glass windows with a BB gun overnight. The deputy filed an incident report.

May 6, 100 block Eighth Street S., property damage. A BBPD officer was dispatched to a complaint of a runaway boat in the Intracoastal Waterway off Eighth Street South. The officer observed a skiff with no one aboard going in circles. The vessel then struck a nearby dock, damaging the structure and pinning itself long enough for 1st responders to board and shut off the engine. The dock owner was contacted and given a case number. From the hull identification numbers the officers were able to trace the skiff to its owner to a live aboard vessel PLeaSe, See strEEtLiFE, NeXT Page

MEMORIES NEVER TASTED SO

in the waters of Cortez. The skiff owner alleged the vessel was stolen. The officer took a stolen vessel report for further investigation.

May 6, 2650 Gulf Drive S., property damage. A BBPD officer was dispatched to a complaint of overnight property damage at the Coquina Beach Cafe. The cafe manager showed the officer security camera footage showing two youths attempting to force open the service window of the cafe. When their attempts proved unsuccessful, the suspects left the area. The video was taken into evidence for review by a BBPD detective. The matter remains under investigation.

The BBPD polices Bradenton Beach. Cortez

May 8, 200 block of 45th Avenue West, stolen vehicle. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office took a report of a stolen vehicle in Cortez. The complainant said the vehicle had been sold without her permission. An incident report was filed and the vehicle was entered into the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Crime Information Center. The matter is pending further investigation.

The MCSO polices Cortez. Holmes Beach

May 1, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, assistance. A Holmes Beach police officer responded to reports of a man with memory loss. He found a code enforcement offi cer, who handed over a fi rearm he said he had taken from the man. The officer spoke to the man, who believed it was 2004. The officer called Manatee County Emergency Medical Services. After EMTs evaluated the man, they determined he had an altered mental state and transported him to the HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton. The officer placed the man’s firearm in storage.

May 1, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, trespass. An offi cer found a seemingly unoccupied vehicle parked in the lot around 11 p.m., after the park’s hours, and began to issue a parking citation, when a woman exited the vehicle and began yelling at the officer. The officer issued the parking citation and trespassed the woman from the property. The woman returned to the property later the same night, and the officer issued her a court summons.

May 2, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, burglary/fraud/petit theft. A man entered the Holmes Beach Police Department, saying his bag had been stolen from an unlocked vehicle while parked at the beach. He also provided evidence of multiple transactions involving his credit cards, which were in the stolen bag. An officer responded to the location of one

explore The Islander at the Uoff florida newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

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.

For area road watch information, go online to swflroads.com or dial 511

— Lisa Neff

of the transactions and recovered video footage of a man completing the transaction.

May 2, 600 block of Concord Lane, grand theft. A man called the HBPD to report that pool equipment had been stolen from his property while he was out of town. An officer found electrical lines were cut and PVC tubing sawed through. The officer searched the area for security cameras to no avail.

May 2, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, trespass. An officer responded to reports of a trespasser at the beach cafe. He met with a manager, who pointed out a man and said he had caused a disturbance. The manager said the man had been asked to leave but refused to cooperate. The officer trespassed the man, who left without issue.

May 6, 200 block of Harbor Drive, domestic battery. An offi cer responded to reports of a domestic disturbance and arrived to hear yelling coming from inside a property. The officer could see a man behaving in an agitated manner through a glass door, so he entered and detained him in handcuffs. The subject told police a verbal argument had occurred between he and his father, but the dispute escalated and became physical. The father told police his son pushed and struck him, but did not want to press charges. The offi cer arrested the son, who was transported to the Manatee County jail. The officer reported the incident to the Florida Department of Children & Families abuse hotline.

May 7, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, trespass. An officer responded to reports of an intoxicated woman causing a disturbance and refusing to leave. The officer spoke to an employee who said the woman was denied entry to a restroom at the park and told to leave since it was after hours. The officer found the woman and supervised as the employee trespassed her from the property. The woman left without issue.

HBPD polices Holmes Beach.

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

Old path meets new

freshly paved asphalt is visible along a portion of a multiuse trail at Cortez Beach in Bradenton Beach. The 8-foot-wide paved trail, which begins at the south end of the Coquina Beach parking lot and runs 1.5 miles north to Cortez Beach near fifth Street South, is undergoing a $1.3 million makeover by Manatee County. County public information officer Bill Logan, in a May 6 email, told The Islander that the trail had been completed from Longboat Pass to Tenth Street in Cortez Beach with the remainder to be completed by the end of this month. Islander Photo: robert anderson

AM installs 3rd wind sculpture

a “Double Dancer” wind sculpture, made by Utahbased artist Lyman Whitaker, spins in the wind May 7 near the base of the anna Maria City Pier. The city of anna Maria purchased the sculpture for $6,500 in March and installed it by May 2. Two other Whitaker-made wind sculptures — partly funded with $6,000 from the anna Maria Island garden Club — were installed last March at City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd. Islander Photo: ryan Paice

BB CRA digs into Bridge Street irrigation needs

By robert anderson Islander reporter

Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency members deliberated May 2 on landscape irrigation challenges along Bridge Street.

City attorney Ricinda Perry told the CRA board — the mayor, commissioners and appointee Ed Chiles — that it is important to install an irrigation system for newly planted coconut palms in city easements.

The $50,000 landscaping project was approved by the city April 3 and has involved planting more than 80 of the palms in easements along Bridge Street. M&F Landscape of Bradenton administered the work.

Perry said the city rented a 20,000-gallon water truck at a cost of $3,500 for three weeks to ensure the survival of the palms.

An irrigation line is proposed for the landscaping, but the water meters needed for the project first must be approved by the county.

Perry said if there are delays in the approval process, a short-term solution for watering the palms is needed.

Commissioner Ralph Cole suggested public works crews could mount 50-gallon drums on utility vehicles for mobile watering.

Mayor John Chappie, however, said there is a need to assess the water requirements of all the trees along Bridge Street.

Business owner Ed Chiles motioned for Chappie and Cole to determine the best watering solution for Bridge Street landscaping.

The motion, seconded by Chappie, passed unanimously with a vote of 5-0.

The landscaping project is a private-public partnership involving the city and developer Shawn Kaleta.

The city planted the palms and per agreement with Kaleta, his business operations will trim the trees, as well as harvest any coconuts.

Chappie told The Islander May 2 that the city is responsible for the ongoing watering of the trees.

The CRA also discussed and approved the installation of solar lighting at the intersection of Gulf Drive and Bridge Street.

Chappie motioned to approve installation of the lighting and was seconded by Commissioner Jan Vosburgh. The motion passed 5-0. Commissioner Marilyn Maro did not vote and was absent with excuse.

The CRA members, the mayor, commissioners and Chiles. The CRA are absent one member.

The next CRA meeting will be at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 5, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

Out of time

a cabin cruiser awaits demolition May 3 at the Palma Sola Boat ramp, 9100 Manatee ave. W. Crews from american Compliance Technology of Tampa and emergency Marine recovery of Sarasota were on hand to demolish the derelict cruiser. a member of the crew said the vessel had been recovered from shallow water near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Manatee County allowed use of the ramp to assist in project. Islander Photo: robert anderson

2 HB stormwater improvement phases on horizon

By ryan Paice Islander reporter

Stormwater drainage infrastructure is set for improvement in two areas of Holmes Beach.

City engineer and public works superintendent Sage Kamiya presented a quarterly capital improvements update May 1 to the municipality’s planning commission.

Kamiya highlighted a handful of improvement projects, including the recent completion of stormwa-

Charter changes proposed to Anna Maria officials

By ryan Paice Islander reporter

A set of proposed amendments to Anna Maria’s city charter must now undergo commission consideration.

Chris Arendt, chair of this year’s Charter Review Committee, presented the board’s proposed charter amendments April 11 to city commissioners.

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

In addition to general cleanup and removal of gendered terms in the document, this year’s proposed charter amendments include:

• The creation of a vision statement within the charter to establish municipal home rule as a protected value of the city;

• Revising a section to establish a 37-foot-tall height limit measured from the crown of the road to the highest point of structures within city limits, with some exemptions;

• Revising sections regarding qualifications for city officials to require that commissioners to maintain residence within the city throughout their terms of office as mayors are required to do;

• Revising a section on procedure to require special meetings to be called by the mayor, city commission chair or a majority of commissioners, instead of allowing any commissioner to call for one;

• Revising a section on ordinances to require a unanimous vote by sitting city commissioners to convey and lease city-owned property for a term of five years or more;

• Adding a formal definition for “officer.”

Some commissioners, including Jonathan Crane expressed concern with the CRC’s proposed change on special meetings since it would allow a rogue commissioner to dictate such votes.

Commissioners Kathleen Morgan-Johnson and Gary McMullen argued the city should require a supermajority vote.

There was no public comment.

ter improvements.

The projects are a continuation of the city’s ongoing stormwater drainage improvements, which involve the installation of stormwater infiltration trenches.

The trenches use a French drain design and are filled with small rocks and filtration mesh, which filter nutrients, sediment and other pollutants out of stormwater before it reaches perforated outflow pipelines at the bottom.

Two of the phases were the first of the city’s drainage improvement projects to feature the use of sod surfaces for the trenches, which have been topped with gravel in the past.

Sarasota-based C-Squared CGC, Inc., reached substantial completion on two phases earlier this year.

However, the contractor finished work on the phase along Gulf Drive, from 69th Street to 76th Street under budget, allowing the city to expand the scope of the project with a $142,230 addendum for additional drainage improvements using remaining grant funds.

The next phases in the city’s drainage improvement work are contracted to Bradenton-based Woodruff & Sons for $411,640.43.

Phase G(a) will involve the installation of drainage trenches along 77th, 78th and 79th streets between Gulf and Marina drives.

Phase G(b) will feature the installation of trenches along roadways between Avenue B, Avenue C, 27th Street and 28th Street.

Work will be funded by the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

Woodruff & Sons will begin work on phases G(a) and G(b) within the next few weeks, according to Kamiya.

The planning commission will meet next at 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 22, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

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

“There is no love sincerer than the love of food.” — G.B. Shaw

Kamiya

Plans for the city of Holmes Beach’s stormwater improvement phase g(a) include the installation of drainage trenches along 77th, 78th and 79th streets between gulf and Marina drives, while phase g(b) will involve new infiltration trenches along roadways between avenue B, avenue C, 27th Street and 28th Street. Islander Photo: Courtesy City of Holmes Beach

Rescue, plus tow to Cortez

a U.S. Coast guard-Station Cortez rescue boat tows a disabled sailboat and its three occupants May 9 through Longboat Pass. Coast guard crews responded to a mayday call from the sailing vessel Tatiana, which had become disabled in bad weather conditions, 2 miles west of Longboat Key. Station Cortez safely transported the boaters and their vessel to its station with no injuries reported. Islander

Photo: Courtesy Capt. Joey Sweet

Soccer pushes on at center, KRC news, horseshoe action

By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander reporter

With two weeks left in the 8-10 division of the Center of Anna Maria Island soccer league’s season, Intuitive Foundation and Solid Rock Construction are locked in a battle for the top seed for the quickly approaching playoffs.

Intuitive Foundation currently holds a slim lead with a 5-1 record and 15 points. Sold Rock Construction is right behind at 4-0-2 and 14 points. The two teams won’t meet in the remaining season, but Solid Rock holds the head-to-head tiebreaker if Intuitive Foundation were to tie one of their two remaining games.

Am I Coconuts at 2-3-1 and 1-1-4 Isola Bella Italian Eatery follow with seven points each. Emily Moss Designs at 1-4-1 and Shady Lady Horticultural Services at 1-5 complete the 8-10 division standings.

Action in the 8-10 division kicked off May 7 with Intuitive Foundation cruising to a 7-0 victory over Am I Coconuts behind four goals from Parker Svoboda and two goals and two assists from Gunnar Maize. Bailey Shenbaum added a goal, while Silas Whitehead and Sawyer Leibfried combined on 11 saves in the win.

Owen Serra came through with three saves for Am I Coconuts in the loss.

Isola Bella Italian Eatery and Solid Rock Construction battled to a scoreless draw in the second 8-10 division game of the evening. Carson Long kept Isola Bella in the game with six saves, while Solid Rock goalie Elijah Roadman came through with five saves in the tie.

The third 8-10 division match of the night saw Shady Lady ease past Emily Moss Designs by a 3-2 score. Leo Tyler led the way for Shady Lady with a pair of goals in the victory, while Joseph Caballero added a goal and Easton Knock made five saves.

Aden Mould and Titus Moss scored a goal each for Moss Designs, which also received eight saves from Miles Moss in the loss.

Moss Builders continues to lead the 11-14 division with a 3-0 record and 12 points, five points ahead of Gitt Team at 2-0-1. Solid Rock Construction holds down third with a 1-2-1 record, just ahead of 1-2 HSH Designs. Westfall’s Lawn Care & Pest Control completes the standings with an 0-3 record.

Action kicked off May 7 with Gitt Team cruising to a 4-1 victory over Westfall’s Lawn Care behind two goals and an assist from Gunnar Maize. Dominik Zupa and Chase Castagna each added single goals, while Kyle Castagna came through with eight saves in the victory.

Callin Westfall notched the lone goal for Westfall’s Lawn Care, which also received seven saves from Austin Guess in the loss.

Moss Builders demolished Solid Rock 7-0 behind a hat trick from Tristan Hagey and two goals from Renan Kesten. Mason Moss added a goal and three assists and Theo Aupelle finished with a goal. Thomas Holly earned the shutout victory with six saves.

Charlie Serra had seven saves for Solid Rock, which also received a pair of saves from Hayden Eurice in the loss.

Adult soccer continues

With two weeks remaining in the adult soccer league at the center, the standings are tight at the top with three teams within a victory of overtaking the top seed.

Progressive Cabinetry holds a slim lead with a 5-1-1 record, just ahead of Pool America and Ross Built, which have matching 4-1-2 records. Salty Printing holds down fourth with a 4-3 record, just ahead of fifth place Moss Builders at 3-3-1. Sato Real Estate follows with a 3-4 record, just in front of Language Services Associates, while Beach House at 2-5 and Solid Rock Construction at 1-3-3 are tied with six points. Diamond Turf completes the standings with a 1-5-1 record.

Action at the pitch got started May 9 with Beach House taking a 3-1 victory over Moss Builders behind two goals from Danny Free and nine saves from Aaron Frech.

Ryan Moss notched the lone goal and made seven saves to lead Moss Builders in the loss.

Pool America outscored Sato Real Estate 5-3 behind four goals from Cody Wright and six saves from Jessica Reukberg.

Alex Landy scored two goals for Sato, which also received a goal from Zacharieah Anabtawi.

Helio Gomez and Ted Hurst scored two goals each to lead Ross Built to a 5-1 victory over Diamond Turf. Dean Hinterstoisser finished with 12 saves.

Gerardo Urbiola Bolanos scored a goal for Diamond Turf, which also received six saves from Yuri Pereira in the loss.

Salty Printing cruised to a 5-2 victory over Language Services Associates behind two goals each from Kevin Roman and Tyler Brewer. Tuna McCracken helped preserve the victory with eight saves.

Murat Akay and Ethan Hampton scored a goal each and Steve Oelfke made nine saves in the loss.

Progressive Cabinetry showed why it’s on top of the standings with a 7-3 victory over Solid Rock Construction. Keith Mahoney with three goals and Osvaldo Cabello with two goals paced Progressive, which also received seven saves from Tyler Bekkerus.

James Noblett scored a pair of goals for Solid Rock, which also received a goal from Jana Whitehead and eight saves from Mark Long in the loss.

The gitt Team’s Dominik Zupa carries the ball towards the goal May 7 as Westfall’s Lawn Care defender Kyleigh Hood gives chase during 11-14 division soccer action at the Center of anna Maria Island. Islander

Key Royale news

Golf action at Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach got started May 6 with the men’s nine-hole modifiedStableford system match. John Kolojeski found himself on top of a crowded leader board with a score of plus-6 to edge second-place finisher Warren Stevens by one point.

The women had the course to themselves May 7 for a nine-hole individual-low-net match in two flights. Margrit Layh grabbed first place in Flight A with a 2-under-par 30, a stroke ahead of Roxanne Koche.

Connie Livanos took the top spot in Flight B with a 1-over-par 33, a stroke ahead of second-place finishers Ann Klein and Janet Razze.

Jean Holmes had a chip in on the fourth hole, while Layh had a chip in on the fifth hole.

The week culiminated with a nine-hole scramble on May 9 that saw the team of Tom Nelson, Blake Ress, Larry Solberg and Quentin Talbert carding a 3-under-par 29 to earn clubhouse bragging rights for the day.

Cassidy

PLeaSe, See spOrts, NeXT Page

Photo: Kevin P. Cassidy

Westfall’s Lawn Care player rusty Dilley takes a header May 7 during 11-14 division soccer action on the center pitch. Islander Photo: Kevin P. Cassidy

Plenty to target while waiting for full swing on tarpon season

By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander reporter

As Anna Maria Island anglers anticipate tarpon season, they’re finding themselves with some idle time on their hands. The mass schools of silver kings have yet to make an appearance.

Resident fish are beginning to show in their usual staging areas as they prepare to meet up with the migratory fish that are moving up the coast as we speak.

Areas such as the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and the north side of Egmont Key are a couple of the staging areas worth checking out if you just can’t wait for the big show of kings.

Anglers who are patiently awaiting to patrol the beaches and encounters with schools of 50 fish or more are finding themselves in the backcountry and the Gulf, passing the time before the main event occurs.

In the backcountry, spotted seatrout are the most reliable catch. Fishing deep grass during incoming tides can result in mornings of 20-30 trout, not to mention encounters with bluefish, jack crevalle and ladyfish — which are also present in search of a meal.

If you find patches of grass holding only smaller trout, try moving around as you may come across a nearby school of larger ones, which can yield a limit of fish in no time.

On the shallow flats, snook and redfish are options, although the consensus among the angling community is that we are not seeing the snook numbers we should be seeing this time of year. Doing your homework could result in finding some smaller groups of fish to target. You may not hook up 30 or 40 juvenile snook, but you might catch a few quality slot-size fish.

Catching redfish is also kind of hit or miss. The reds are being found in a variety of places from oyster bars and mangroves in the backcountry to the clear, Gulf waters along the beaches and passes. Nearshore and offshore action are also choices to be considered while waiting for the tarpon bite to heat up.

Other migratory fish, such as kingfish, bonita, cobia and Spanish mackerel, are being caught within a couple of miles of the beaches. And with the migratory fish come sharks, so carry some bigger gear if that’s something you’re into.

Horseshoe news

May 8 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall pits saw two teams post 3-0 pool-play records as the team of Tom Farrington and John Porcynek defeated Steve Doyle 21-18 after Porcynek clinched the win with a game-ending double-ringer.

There were no perfect records during the May 11 games, but three teams earned 2-1 records and settled things in a playoff. The lucky bye into the finals went to Steve Kriebel and Billy Silver, who watched as Bob Hawks eliminated Gary Howcroft and Farrington 21-10. In the championship match, Hawks stayed hot and cruised to a 23-6 victory over Kriebel and Silver to take the day’s championship.

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.

Offshore red grouper and mangrove snapper are prowling the ledges and hard-bottom areas. Pinfish for the grouper are the bait of choice, but scale down in size to live shiners for the snapper.

There’s plenty of good fishing to be had prior to the tarpon run — if you have time to go hunting.

On my Just Reel charters, I’m finding great action fishing the deep grass flats of Tampa Bay. Free-lined live shiners are quickly being struck by hungry spotted seatrout as they prepare to spawn. Mixed in are macks, jacks, ladyfish, bluefish and small blacktip and sandbar sharks, which is the perfect recipe for a continuous bite. On some days, it’s every bait.

Targeting snook and redfish in the backcountry is OK, but it’s requiring patience. Most snook catches are 20-26 inches while the redfish seem to be falling within the slot of 18-27 inches. Swift tides are producing the best action for these species.

On calmer days, I’m fishing in the Gulf around ledges and hard bottom which is leading to flounder, mangrove snapper, lane snapper and Key West grunts — perfect fish fry fixins.

Capt. Johnny Mattay is working offshore around reefs, wrecks and hard-bottom areas, where using live shiners and live pinfish as bait combined with a bottom rig is leading to a variety of species. In depths of around 100 feet, Mattay is putting anglers on plenty of large red grouper with pinfish as bait.

Fishing over wrecks and reefs with shiners as bait is luring respectable-size mangrove snapper as well as lane snapper. Also, while fishing over wrecks, Mattay is hooking into blackfin tuna. These are being taken while using free-lined live shiners. Some amberjack is also taking interest.

Moving inshore, Mattay agrees, spotted trout are the most consistent catch. While targeting the trout, macks and jack crevalle are being caught on the deeper grass flats, where good tidal flow exists.

He added that targeting snook and redfish on the shallower grass flats is going well especially in areas where oyster bars exist.

Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters says

the offshore bite is going well over hard-bottom areas. Red grouper are being cooperative and he’s frequently putting clients of the limits. Using live pinfish as bait is working best, especially for the larger groupers.

Switching to live shiners as bait is resulting in plenty of mangrove snapper and lane snapper on White’s trips.

Fishing around offshore wrecks also is providing action for White’s charters. Pelagics such as blackfin tuna and amberjack are the usual suspects in these areas and they’re breaking the surface to devour a freelined shiner.

As for inshore, White says he’s finding numerous sharks for clients, including an abundance of blacktip sharks for sight-casting. Using fresh-cut chunks of mackerel and bonita works best for the sharks measuring 4-6 feet in length.

For guests who want fish for dinner, White is working the deep grass flats for spotted seatrout. Mixed in with the trout are large Spanish mackerel, which also are finding their way into the cooler.

Capt. Warren Girle is working the flats of Sarasota Bay for snook and trout. Although snook are catchand-release, Girle says his clients find enjoyment from hooking numerous linesiders on a charter. Free-lining live shiners around mangrove shorelines is attracting snook of 20-26 inches, although fish up to 30 inches are taking the bait, too.

Targeting spotted seatrout on the deeper flats of the bay is adding to the inshore action. Slot-size trout 15-19 inches are frequently being caught as well as some smaller and larger fish.

Fishing in the Gulf of Mexico — when the seas are calm —is yielding action for Girle on migratory fish — bonita, kingfish and mackerel. Girle also noted that there are many blacktip sharks mixed in, which adds a slight edge to getting the fish to the boat quick — before they are bitten in half.

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

Stasny

spOrts froM Page 20

Paul Leighton, left, of Bradenton and brother Norman from Limerick, Maine, show off red grouper they caught May 8 while on a charter fishing trip with Capt. Johnny Mattay of anna Maria Charters.

Jesse ferguson of Bradenton and daughter adina, 5, show off a nice bluefish they caught May 7 while fishing along the beaches of anna Maria Island.

nesting notes

By Masha Dolgoff

Turtle Talks underway

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring hosted its first of the new nesting season lecture in a series called “Turtle Tracks and Shorebird Facts” May 7 at Holmes Beach City Hall.

The series will take place 10-11 a.m. every Tuesday, May through August, except for May 28 and June 25, when the presentations will start at noon.

The talks are aimed at educating the public about sea turtles, their habitat and nesting season and how people can be good beach stewards. About 20 people attended the first session.

Female sea turtle come to the shores of Anna Maria Island to lay their eggs from May 1-Oct. 31. The first nest was already found in Holmes Beach on May 1. As of May 10, there were six nests and four false crawls found to date in 2024.

The last time AMITW hosted turtle talks was 2018-19, according to sea turtle stranding coordina-

tor Karen Anderson, who was the speaker. The lectures were interrupted for a few years by the pandemic and have just resumed this year.

In addition to beach etiquette, Anderson introduced the audience to AMITW’s procedures for monitoring the beach and tracking sea turtle nests.

She talked about how sea turtle tracks, which turtle watch uses to identify a “crawl” in the sand, potentially leading to a nest, vary between different species and even individual turtles within that species.

“Just like with humans, everyone has a different footprint, a different gait,” Anderson said, showing

Least tern colony in residence

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring has verified a nesting least tern colony on Anna Maria Island.

Four nests and 10 individual birds comprise the colony as of May 6. It is the first least tern colony observed by the organization since 2021.

Least terns are a state and federally protected species, and previous colonies on Anna Maria Island have failed due to the presence of cats and crows, which are predators of least terns.

Volunteers will be attending the site, which has been posted with signs to alert beachgoers to avoid the nesting area over the next several weeks, as it takes least terns eggs about 21 days to hatch.

People can help by respecting posted areas — do not tread in the nest area — keeping pets away, and keeping the beach clear of litter, especially food scraps which attract predators of least terns.

aMITW stranding coordinator Karen anderson presents the first turtle talk of the season May 7, while Hollis Hatfield embodies “Journey the sea turtle” at Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive. about 20 people gathered in the city chamber to learn more about sea turtles. Islander Photo: Masha Dolgoff

three pictures of loggerhead crawls.

She said loggerheads leave alternating flipper prints in the sand while green sea turtles use their limbs simultaneously to propel themselves forward, leaving symmetrical tracks.

Anderson also described the process of creating a nest for sea turtles.

“They make a vase-shaped chamber… with just two rear flippers,” Anderson said. “They also core it out so it’s amazingly smooth on the inside.”

After camouflaging the nest by covering it with sand, the eggs then incubate, absorbing nutrients from a yolk sack. When they hatch, the turtles make their way up and out of the nest as a group. A depression forms in the sand and the sand begins to “boil” and they start emerging

Anderson talked about disorientation of sea turtles, which is a major threat to the survival of nesters and hatchlings. It can be caused by predators, but frequently results from human interference; light pollution, noise, and obstacles left out on the beach, such as beach chairs, can all cause disorientation.

Once the new hatchlings reach the water, they swim continuously for three to six days before they reach a floating patch of sargassum, a weed line. There, they find the nutrients and camouflage to be able to grow.

People can help not only by keeping the beach clear of man-made debris, but also by avoiding using single-use plastic, especially plastic bags, which look like a meal of jellyfish to sea turtles and other marine animals.

“You can be a beach hero,” Anderson said.

a least tern sits on its nest on anna Maria Island. Islander Photo: aMITW/Kathy Doddridge

By Lisa Neff

Class notes

In a milestone week — I’ll turn 60 this week — I find myself back in school, studying texts, completing homework, reviewing notes with fellows and fearing I’m forgetting more than I’m learning.

I’ve enrolled in a specialized program, the Terra.do Learning for Action course that’s sent more than 1,000 alumni on their way to help find climate solutions.

I didn’t know what to expect when I applied for the fellowship but I’m approaching my fourth week and in the online school groove.

The course involves learning basic scientific knowledge about the climate and climate change, looking at the big picture and looking close to home.

So I’ve been thinking a lot about home and climate change and wondering how often Sandscript readers think about home and climate change.

In fact, Sandscript readers can help me with my next assignment — and it wouldn’t be cheating.

My assignment is to examine the importance of local context by answering the following about my community, which is Anna Maria Island:

• Describe the demographics of AMI. What is the geographic scope?

• What do people on AMI think about climate change? What fraction of people are worried?

• Where do people on AMI learn about climate change?

• How often do people on AMI talk about climate change?

• Are there impacts of climate change that already

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

Turtle Talks are held Tuesdays at 10 a.m. at Holmes Beach City Hall, 5701 Marina Drive.

are affecting the behavior and actions of people on AMI?

I’ve surveyed a dozen or so people on the questions, but I’d welcome readers thoughts at lisa@ islander.org.

I’ll share some notes from my early lessons in the Learning for Action course:

• Human activities have increased the concentrations of greenhouse gases to levels unseen in the past 3 million years;

• We are releasing much more carbon than is being stored, chiefly by burning fossil fuels, as well as through agriculture and deforestation;

• Global warming will stop when we get carbon emissions to zero or net zero. Whatever warming has occurred up until that point will be diffi cult to reverse.

• There is a substantial difference between no increase in emissions and zero or net-zero emissions. No increase in emissions would mean we were continuing to emit about 40 GtCO2 per year, which means CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere would continue to increase and climate change would get worse.

sandscript 051524 ln a graphic shared in a Terra.do class on climate change succinctly gets a message across. Islander Courtesy Image

• We already are seeing far-ranging global impacts from climate change, including temperature increase, ocean warming, sea-level rise and glaciers melting;

• Sea-level rise will continue even after we hit net-zero emissions;

• Actions that prioritize emission reductions now are more impactful than reducing emissions tomorrow or 10 years from now;

• The goal in the Paris climate agreement was to limit global heating to 1.5C above preindustrial levels but that target is under threat. In the first 10 months of 2023, global heating was already running at 1.4C;

• The world would need to reduce carbon emissions by 8% each year between now and 2034 to maintain a 50% chance of staying below 1.5?°C of warming.

So what do people in on AMI think about climate change? Are you worried?

• How often do you talk about climate change?

• Are there impacts of climate change affecting the behavior and actions of people on Anna Maria Island?

Let’s have a conversation.

Email me at lisa@islander.org.

Tennis challenger improves in Sarasota

Stefan Kozlov, 26, of Fort Lauderdale, along with his Perico Island coach Mark Malinowski, improved his Sarasota Open ATP Challenger quarterfinal result the previous week with a semifinal run April 20 at the Tallahassee ATP Challenger tennis tournament.

With a wildcard entry in to the main draw, Kozlov lost the first set April 15 to Gerard Campana Lee of Korea, but found his A-game and prevailed 46 63 60.

In the second round April 17, Kozlov faced 32-year old American Tennys Sandgren, who defeated him in the Sarasota QF 61 64. This time with a new game plan and pre-match routine, Kozlov beat Sandgren in the featured evening match on stadium court, 62 67 61. Sandgren has won an ATP World Tour singles title and

twice reached the QF at the Australian Open. Also of note, Sandgren had beaten Kozlov in all of their last three matches.

Kozlov followed his victory over Sandgen with a quarterfinal win April 19 versus Oliver Crawford of Great Britain, 62 62.

He then lost a tough, physical semifi nal match April 20 to Mitchell Krueger of Dallas, 36 63 16.

Last week Kozlov played the April 22-28 Savannah ATP Challenger but was defeated on stadium court by Switzerland’s Alexander Ritschard 36 57.

Kozlov earned an overall 7-3 singles record in Sarasota, Tallahasse and Savannah. Next stop Asia, then back to the states and Little Rock May 27.

— Mark Malinowski

Neff

ITEMS FOR SALE

FLOOR JOIST HaNGERS: 2-by-8-inch. 50 cents each. 941-778-5542.

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).

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

TRANSPORTATION

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

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.

aNNa MaRIa RESIDENT looking to hire a real gardener to maintain plants for summer months. Contact Chuck Bode at 410-3659028.

SMUGGLER’S COVE/GULF Stream Beach Resort activity person needed. Four days during the week, 20-24 hours per week. Please, call 941-779-2804 for more details.

NOW HIRING H a ND y M a N: 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.

I SL a NDER a RCHIVE UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

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.

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.

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.

LAWN & GARDEN

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

COLLINS LaNDSCaPE LIGHTING: Outdoor lighting, landscaping, irrigation services and maintenance. 941-279-9947. MJC24373@ gmail.com.

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT

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

GRIFFIN’S HOME IMPROVEMENTS Inc.

Handyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. Insured and licensed. 941-722-8792.

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

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 aNy home improvement?

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

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

aNNa MaRIa GULF beachfront vacation rentals. One- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941778-3143.

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

aVaILaBLE NOW aND season: 1BR/1Ba, seven-night minimum. carlesvacationrentals. com. Special rates are available. 941-8071405.

aNNUaL RENTaL: VILLa home in Perico Bay Club, Bradenton. Gated and 24-hour security. 2BR/2Ba, updated. Updated kitchen, screened deck and two-car garage. Unfurnished. Text 908-875-0299 for information. More ads = more readers in The Islander.

RENTALS Continued

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

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

2BR/2Ba HOLMES BEaCH. Westbay Point. Second-floor, furnished condo, beautiful bay views. No pets, no smoking. Six months, $2,850/month. 941-778-2824.

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

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

FLaMINGO By THE Bay condo for rent on Palma Sola Bay. Second floor with a view. 1BR/1Ba with boat dock. annual rental, $1,800/month. 941-224-0836.

PERICO Bay CLUB deluxe villa. 2BR/2Ba, garage, turnkey furnished. $3,000 monthly. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

REAL ESTATE

WINNIE MCHaLE, REaLTOR, 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.

aFFORDaBLE 2BR/2Ba VILLa near beach. Completely upgraded. $285,000. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

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

HOLMES BEaCH HOUSE: Beach lifestyle, 3BR/2Ba. 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.

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

OPEN HOUSE: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, May 19. Ground-floor updated condo in gulf to bay community. $409,900. 611 Gulf Dr. N. #a15, Bradenton Beach. Gail Tutewiler, Island Real Estate, 941-705-0227.

By Robyn Murrell

Beach market looks for trolley stop

After a successful spring season filled with live music and shopping, the Coquina Market will go quiet for summer, but manager Dottie Deerwester has plans for its return.

Deerwester told The Islander May 7 that the market will close for JulySeptember and resume operations in October.

She plans to diversify vendors for the fall, adding to have produce, local honey and popcorn vendors.

In addition, there will be changes to the market’s hours: Effective June 1, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

The market at 1800 Gulf Drive S. Bradenton Beach is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. most Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

TThe market boasted 75 vendors at the height of spring season, Deerwester said but with the end of the season, many vendors will be returning north for the summer.

With an eye on future seasons, Deerwester hopes to improve access to the market with a trolley stop at South Coquina.

Jim and Jeanne Rieland, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, visited the market May 8 to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary.

They rode the trolley to the market with plans to shop at Beach Sand Babe Jewelry and to meet artist Shanell Lance. Jeanne has been following the business on Facebook and was eager to meet the artist.

Although they enjoyed the shaded walk from the trolley stop to the market along the blacktop, they agreed, it was a workout. Jeanne added, “You guys need to get the trolley to come right to this location.”

“We’ve asked for it. Vendors have asked for it. And I think it’s a natural stop because it will bring people on the trolley down to us and back up to the cafe for lunch. I was told right now, it is not going to happen. So I’ll keep pushing for next year.” Deewester said.

The market has nearly 50 vendors selling jewelry, clothes, sunglasses, skincare and bread.

Peggy Harrity, 71, of Maine visited the market May 1 with wife Judy Graham, who was trying on an anklet at Beach Sand Babe Jewelry said. “I’m buying a couple of anklets that are absolutely unique. And I just love trinkets,” Graham said.

Beach Sand Babe is owned by Brett and Shanell Lance and based on Anna Maria Island.

Shanell collects items from the beach and crafts them into jewelry she makes in a home studio.

Maria Island. Marianne NormanEllis, sales associate.

For more information, contact Coquina Beach Market at 941-840-0789 or go online at www.coquinabeachmarket.org.

BizCal

By Robyn Murrell

SAVE THE DATES

May 23, 5-7 p.m., Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce business card exchange with Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, Timber Creek Golf Course, 4550 Timber Lane, Bradenton.

June 6, 8-9:30 a.m., AMI chamber breakfast, Mademoiselle Paris, 9906 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. June 13, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., AMI chamber business luncheon, Westminster Manor, 1700 21st Ave. W., Bradenton. June 27, 5-7 p.m., AMI chamber business card exchange, Turning Tides, 6672 Cortez Road W., Bradenton. Send business calendar listings to robyn@islander.org.

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

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 membership.

ROYALE BAYFRONT

Peggy Harrity of Maine, left, with her wife, Judy Graham, is fitted May 1 for an anklet by Beach Sand Babe Jewelry co-owner Shanell Lance at the Coquina Beach Market in Bradenton Beach. Islander Photo: Robyn Murrell

Deerwester

PropertyWatch

By Carol Bernard

Island real estate

1800 Gulf Drive, #115, Bradenton Beach, a 952 sq ft 2BR/2BA La Costa condo built in 1979 sold 3/28/2024 by Wall to AMI Condo LLC for $842,000, list price $864,900.

303 22nd St., Bradenton Beach, a 1,852 sq ft 3BR/3BA home on a 5,001 sq ft lot built in 1950 sold 4/4/2024 by Burchette to Erfe for $1,075,000, list price $1,150,000.

2105 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach, a 1,001 sq ft 2BR/1BA home on a 5,225 sq ft lot built in 1935 sold 4/8/2024 by Caniglio to Coastal Sands Inv LLC for $1,500,000, list price $1,999,000.

2116 Ave. A, Bradenton Beach, a 2,838 sq ft 5BR/4BA pool home on a 5,001 sq ft lot built in2013 sold 4/5/2024 by Moland Buyer LLC to Green Media Ventures LLC for $2,570,000, list price $2,699,000.

3701 E. Bay Drive, #4, Holmes Beach, a 2,200 sq ft 4BR/3BA Sunbow Bay condo built in 1977 sold 4/2/2024 by Rose Trust to Roddy Trust for $600,000, list price $625,000.

5400 Gulf Drive, #32, Holmes Beach, a 1,188 sq ft 2BR/2BA condo in 5400 Gulf Drive Apts built in 1969 sold 4/3/2024 by Tipping to Reuss Trust for $910,000, list price $955,000.

3016 Ave. C, Holmes Beach, a 2,438 sq ft Commercial Property on a 5,001 sq ft lot built in 1979 sold 4/5/2024 by Moon Holdings to Mona Lisa AMI LLC for $1,000,000, list price $1,299,000.

511 59th St., Holmes Beach, a 1,692 sq ft 3BR/3BA pool home on a 12,075 sq ft lot built in 1983 sold 3/29/2024 by Veenstra to Batica for $1,175,000, list price $1,195,000.

733 Key Royale Drive, Holmes Beach, a 3,024 sq ft 4BR/4BA home on a 9,191 sq ft lot built in 1990 sold 3/25/2024 by McClenahan to Mulshine for $3,600,000, list price $3,995,000.

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

AMOB serves chamber luncheon

John Horne, CEO of Oysters Rock Hospitality, the parent company of anna Maria Oyster Bar, displays lunch items served May 9 at the anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce lunch “mixer.” The event took place at the Oyster Bar on Bridge Street Pier, 200 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. In 1995, Horne took over the first aMOB on the city pier in anna Maria. He now operates five restaurants in the area and has plans to open a sixth in North Port. Islander Photo: Robyn Murrell

a truck carrying a Target sign is parked March 26 where the retail giant plans to open in Beachway Plaza at 7350 Manatee ave. W., Bradenton. Meanwhile, two other signs went up on the exterior of the building confirming that wine and spirits will be sold and a CVS pharmacy will be housed. However, as of Islander press time, Target’s corporate press office in Minneapolis did not provide a “targeted” opening date. Islander Photo: Lisa Neff

Signaling progress