The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Astheworldterns 6 memorial Day salute plans. 3

Q&a 052423 3

Meetings 4

HB responds to boat owner’s allegations. 4

Public safety teams prep for holiday. 5

Opinions 6

10-20 Years ago

Looking back. 7

Shack owners extend sale deadline. 8

Calls echo for parking garage veto. 9

Save the date. 10

AMI Happenings

Up and coming. 11 12-13

amE’s sun-sational year.

Gathering. 14

Milestones 15

Obituaries 15

Where’s Tuna Street? 16-17

NYT puzzle 18

Feds improve storm surge modeling. 19

Streetlife 20

BB committee makes summer plans. 22

RoadWatch 23

Soccer dominates center sports. 24

Silver kings run the beaches. 25

NESTING NOTES 26

Cross about bad crossings. 27

CLASSIFIEDS. 28-28

Isl Biz: 30

fun, fun, fun at aMe field day

anna maria Elementary School kindergartners line up for a sponge race may 19 at field day — an annual tradition of outdoor games and challenges — that allows a break from the classroom routine for the student body, teachers and staff at the end of the school year.

See more, page 12.

farmer swims free

Mote releases turtle after rescue, recovery from red tide

The team from mote marine Laboratory in Sarasota moves a loggerhead sea turtle nicknamed Farmer to the Gulf of mexico at Lido Beach. Farmer was rescued from the shore in Holmes Beach in late February after suffering exposure to red tide and was rehabilitated at mote and released with a celebration may 16. For more on Farmer, go to page 26. Islander Photo: Courtesy mote

safety

measures follow deadly HB crash

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The intersection of Marina and Gulf drives in Holmes Beach was improved and just opened to traffic.

But a recent crash that resulted in the death of one pedestrian and injury to another will result in additional changes.

Police Chief Bill Tokajer told The Islander May 18 that the city was set to adjust traffic lights at the intersection to better protect pedestrians after a motorist struck two women, Deborah Trotter and her mother, Miriam, May 12 in the intersection.

They were taken to HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton, where Deborah Trotter, 65, of Holmes Beach, was treated and released the same day.

Miriam Trotter, 86, visiting from Maryland, suffered critical injuries and died May 17.

The Trotters were using a new crosswalk on Gulf Drive between S&S Plaza and the defunct Wells Fargo building — added during the city center roadway improvement project — and had the right of way when they were struck by a 2018 GMC 2500 driven by Michael Ritchie, 43, of Bradenton.

Police cited Ritchie for “failing to yield

annamaria.com

Islander Photo: Courtesy amE

Sandals are left behind near the crosswalk where miriam Trotter, 86, of maryland, suffered injuries that resulted in her death. Her daughter, Deborah, of Holmes Beach, was injured and released from a local hospital. Islander Photo: HBPD

Police vehicles block the intersection may 12 at marina and Gulf drives, where a motorist driving a pickup collided with two pedestrians crossing the road, according

to

DEADLY CRASH CONTINUED FROm PaGE 1

the right of way to pedestrian at intersection with traffic control device” following the incident.

Tokajer said Ritchie was not charged with any criminal offense as of May 20.

“There was no criminal act,” Tokajer said. “He was not intoxicated. It does not appear he was distracted driving. He didn’t leave the scene.”

“It was not an intentional act. It’s not like he saw them and ran them over,” he added.

Following the incident, Tokajer said the city was set to adjust traffic signals at the intersection to clear up potential confusion over rights of way for vehicular traffic and pedestrians.

“In reviewing it, we see there are things we can do to make it safer,” Tokajer said.

Green arrow signals give motorists the absolute right of way to proceed in the signal’s indicated direction.

However, green light signals — such as those at the intersection — do not provide a motorist the right of way in the case of impeding traffi c or an active pedestrian crossing signal.

At the time of the crash, Ritchie, who was driving southbound on Marina Drive, took a green light to turn left onto Gulf Drive despite the Trotters having entered the marked crosswalk.

Tokajer said lights at the intersection would be adjusted so that when there is a pedestrian crossing signal in use, all lanes which could impact the crosswalk would be presented with red lights for the duration of the crossing signal.

He added that the intersection needs to be resurfaced and restriped as a final step in the city center improvement project, which he hoped would make the crosswalks more pronounced.

Deborah Trotter did not respond to attempts by The Islander to comment on the incident.

Sign of the times

a “for-sale-by-owner” sign hangs in a window of a trailer home in the Pines Trailer Park, 103 Church ave., Bradenton Beach. meanwhile, the trailer park owners have an offer to purchase and the buyers are doing their due diligence. The Jackson Partnership, owners of the park, announced their intention to sell in January for $16 million. In april, negotiations with the homeowner’s association to purchase the land failed, leaving some homeowners in fear of eviction. The attorney for the Jackson Partnership shared some terms of the sale, including a five- to seven-year reprieve for the homeowners. according to residents, most of the HOa board members have resigned their positions but none have agreed to speak on the record with The Islander. Islander

you can peruse The Islander newspaper archive, dating back to its launch in November 1992, at ufdc. ufl.edu.

Commercial fishing industry workers in Cortez share their perspectives in 5 new videos.

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Photo: Robert anderson

Holmes Beach

Police Chief

Bill Tokajer. Islander

Photo: HBPD

Memorial Day, AM centennial tributes set

The city of Anna Maria is preparing a double shot of tributes to cap off May.

Anna Maria’s Memorial Day and Centennial Celebration — a blend of solemn tribute and civic celebration — will be 10 a.m.-noon Monday, May 29, at City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd.

The day will begin with the city’s Memorial Day Patriotic Symphony Salute, which will run about 45 minutes, and honor fallen veterans, attending veterans, active service members and their spouses or significant others.

Davis

An orchestra will perform patriotic music and the military service song of each branch of the U.S. military.

Afterward, the city will host a Centennial Celebration, observing the 100-year anniversary since incorporation in 1923.

The celebration will feature 1920s music, the cutting of an anniversary cake, as well as fun and interesting facts about the city’s early days from the Anna Maria Island Historical Society.

Longtime islander Tom Aposporos will act as master of ceremonies and talk about the city’s creation

Hundreds of people sit in the shadow of draped flags and shade sails may 30, 2022, at City Pier Park for the memorial Day Symphony Salute in anna maria. This year’s salute will be at 10 a.m. monday, may 29. Islander File

and its first mayor, Mitch Davis.

The city of anna maria’s flag to commemorate the municipality’s 100-year anniversary hangs may 18 from light posts along Gulf Drive and Pine avenue, alternating with the american flag.

Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

The city has posted commemorative flags for the event on light posts along Gulf Drive and Pine Avenue, alternating the commemorative flags with U.S. flags. People can purchase a commemorative flag for $58.27 by calling city hall, 941-708-6130, ext. 121.

— Ryan Paice

Holiday notice

Memorial Day closes offices

Most government offices will be closed Monday, May 29, for Memorial Day, a federal holiday for remembrance of those who died in military service to the country.

Most banking institutions and some other businesses will be closed.

The holiday also may disrupt some trash collection schedules, beginning with regular Monday pickups, which are delayed until Tuesday.

Manatee County Area Transit will operate the farefree island trolley, as well as the beach shuttle, but will not operate other fixed routes or Handy Bus services. Also, the holiday will not impact operations at public parks, except the G.T. Bray recreation center in Bradenton will be closed.

Q&a 052423

The Islander poll

Last week’s question

By Lisa Neff

Do you have a “landline” phone at home?

19%. Yes, it’s what I use.

30%. Yes, but it only gets spam calls.

49%. No, not for years.

1%. No, never did.

This week’s question

Are island streets safe for pedestrians and bicyclists?

A. No.

B. Yes, off the main roads.

C. Yes, as safe as anywhere.

D. Yes, better than other places.

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

Photo: Ryan Paice

HB responds to boat owner’s allegations

By Ryan Paice

Islander Reporter

The shipwreck has left the shores of Holmes Beach.

But a dispute over damage to the sailboat lingers.

City officials met May 16 with Michigan resident James Golembiewski, owner of the Lucky Us 2, to discuss his allegations that city staff and police damaged the vessel during its unexpected island visit.

Golembiewski and a friend were on a 400-mile voyage around the Florida peninsula before running into trouble Feb. 11, when the vessel’s sail ripped and a storm forced them to anchor the boat.

After riding out the storm for several hours, the crew called for a rescue and the U.S. Coast Guard found them riding through 6- to 9-foot-high waves and 25-knot sustained winds, and escorted them to shore.

The next morning, the boat was found wrecked on the shore near 78th Street in Holmes Beach with a severed anchor and extensive damage.

The boat remained at the shore until May 9, when Golembiewski used some of the $7,633 raised via a GoFundMe campaign to hire help to free the vessel.

The sailboat was towed to Tarpon Springs for repairs.

Golembiewski previously told The Islander that the city was to blame for some damage to the boat since it washed ashore in February.

He blamed the city for damaging the vessel by stapling paper notices and flyers to the hull.

Golembiewski also said that removal of the vessel’s boom and lines from the mast by the city resulted in the disappearance of a custom boom rest.

Otherwise, the boat was broken into, robbed and vandalized during its time on the shore.

Golembiewski estimated the vessel suffered more

than $10,000 in damages after it crashed on shore.

He was again seeking help to fund repairs for the sailboat with a new GoFundMe campaign, “Help Us Repair ‘Lucky Us 2,’” which launched May 12.

The campaign had raised $100 from one donor as of May 20.

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer told The Islander May 18 that police removed the vessel’s boom and lines due to public safety concerns.

Tokajer said a photo that ran in the March 22 issue of The Islander showing a person on a makeshift swing made from lines on the mast illustrated why the property had to be removed.

“A kid made a swing out of the ropes that hung from the sailboat,” he said. “We cannot allow that. We cannot allow people to be on it. … This is a recipe for disaster.”

Tokajer said the boom was left on the vessel’s deck and it was not the city’s responsibility to ensure it stayed there.

“The owner of the boat showed no responsibility whatsoever in maintaining the boat and the safety of the boat,” Tokajer said. “We did the best we could to watch his vessel, which he was not watching.”

Mayor Judy Titsworth said that message was delivered to Golembiewski at their May 16 meeting.

“You didn’t make it safe … so we had to go in there and make it safe,” Titsworth said. “I’m sorry but you should have had it secured.”

“The city did the best it could and I’m sorry if it wasn’t to your satisfaction,” she added.

She said she apologized but Golembiewski was uncooperative.

Titsworth added that she was unsure of what Golembiewski wanted out of the meeting.

“He never actually said what he wanted,” she said. “It was the weirdest meeting. … We consider the case closed.”

a person watches the sunset march 8 from a makeshift swing, lines hanging from the mast on the crashed sailboat Lucky Us 2 and a skateboard for a seat. Islander Photo: Courtesy Terrence Kerr

Meetings

By Lisa Neff

ANNA MARIA CITY

May 25, 6 p.m., commission.

May 29, 10 a.m., Memorial Day ceremony and city centennial celebration.

June 8, TBD, commission.

June 19, city offices closed.

June 22, TBD, commission.

Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941-708-6130, cityofannamaria.com.

BRADENTON BEACH

June 1, 6 p.m., commission. CANCELED

June 6, 9:30 a.m., CRA.

June 7, 9:30 a.m., CRA. CANCELED

June 7, 10 a.m., special master.

June 7, 1 p.m., P&Z.

June 8, 6 p.m., commission.

June 15, noon, commission.

June 21, 10 a.m., department heads.

June 21, 1 p.m., ScenicWAVES.

Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com.

HOLMES BEACH

May 24, 5 p.m., planning.

June 13, 2 p.m., commission.

June 14, 9 a.m., clean water.

June 14, 5 p.m., planning.

June 27, 5 p.m., commission.

Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org.

WEST MANATEE FIRE RESCUE

None announced.

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

MANATEE COUNTY

May 24, 9 a.m., commission (land use).

June 5, 9 a.m., tourist development council, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

June 6, 9 a.m., commission.

June 7, 9 a.m., commission (budget).

June 12, 9 a.m., commission (budget).

June 13, 9 a.m., commission (budget).

June 14, 9 a.m., commission (work session. County administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org.

ALSO OF INTEREST

Memorial Day is May 29. Most government offices will be closed.

Juneteenth is June 19. Most government offices will be closed.

Independence Day is July 4. Most government offices will be closed.

Please, send notices to calendar@islander.org.

WE ROCK ONLINE

Public safety teams prepare for holiday weekend

By Robert anderson Islander Reporter

Memorial Day weekend for many people means a day — or three — spent in the sun by the shore.

For island first responders, the holiday requires gearing up for three busy days in the sun by the shore.

Bradenton Beach Police Chief John Cosby said the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, which is contracted to provide law enforcement in Anna Maria, will coordinate with Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach police to cover the holiday weekend, which runs May 27-29.

The unofficial launch of summer is expected to bring throngs of people to island beaches, as well as crowds to other amenities — resorts, piers, restaurants — and events, such as Snooks Adams Kids Day in city field May 27 and the Memorial Day Salute and Centennial Celebration May 29 in Anna Maria.

Law enforcement agencies will boost staffing to deal with safety and security on the beaches, as well as traffic congestion on island roads and parking crunches in public lots.

In Bradenton Beach, beachgoers will face reduced parking due to county construction projects underway in the Coquina and Cortez Beach lots.

Work is underway for a gravity sewer line replacement project from Sixth Street South to 13th Street South in Bradenton Beach along Gulf Drive. The $7.1 million project, scheduled to be completed in July 2024, is funded under the Manatee County capital improvement plan.

The north section of the Coquina Beach parking lot also is under construction, reducing available parking during the high-traffic holiday.

Coast Guard to the rescue

The U.S. Coast Guard Cortez Station rescue crews were dispatched may 17 on the water, while a helicopter crew from U.S. Coast Guard Clearwater Station responded to a boat collision in the Gulf of mexico. The chopper flew a boater who suffered a head injury to Tampa General Hospital for medical care. The Coast Guard rescued one person and transported another six people to safety. The St. Petersburg Coast Guard command center had been notified about 5:40 a.m. that a 34-foot commercial fishing vessel with two people aboard and a 23-foot recreational vessel with six boaters collided and both boats were damaged. The cause of the collision was under investigation as of may 18.

Islander

Photo: Courtesy U.S. Coast Guard Station Cortez

The Coquina work includes reconstruction of the lot with pervious asphalt to better direct the flow of stormwater runoff and help filter stormwater pollutants.

The work is close to completion but the lot will not be finished before the holiday weekend.

The extension to the timeline was announced May 17 at a ScenicWAVES meeting by committee chair Ingrid McClellan.

“Coquina public beach north of the concession was projected to be done before Memorial Day; however, it is not feasible,” McClellan read from a report from the county.

Cosby, speaking May 18 with The Islander, had a message about illegal parking along Gulf Drive: “There is no parking on the state right of way.”

The fine for illegally parking in the right of way is $75.

“The biggest thing is people need to just slow down and be patient,” Cosby said. “Be prepared to plan that you are going to have difficulty finding parking, if you find parking at all.”

He also stressed water safety: “Really keep an eye on your family members and yourself. Pay attention to the flags if you are at a manned beach. Those flags are very important to tell you what’s going on in the water.”

West Manatee Fire Rescue Marshall Rodney Kwiatkowski also stressed safety.

“First and foremost, have a designated water watcher when around the water with children,” he said. “If at all possible, swim at beaches with lifeguards on duty, especially with children in your party. Be aware of rip currents. If you are caught in a rip current, do not try and swim directly into shore. Swim parallel to shore.”

Kwiatkowski also advised beachgoers to be cognizant of the heat.

“Stay hydrated and wear plenty of (sunscreen). We run far too many environmental emergency calls that can be prevented,” he advised.

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer told The Islander May 18 that the department “will have extra manpower out, monitoring the beach, monitoring parking.”

“We want everyone to come out and have a familyfriendly time,” the chief said. “Don’t bring alcohol. Don’t bring your grills unless you’re going to be in a designated grill area.”

He reminded people to park correctly to avoid fines.

“It’s important that you park properly. Always parallel park. All four tires have to be off the road. Watch for signs that say no parking or permit parking,” he said.

A parking fine in Holmes Beach is $75 per infraction.

“So if you park on the sidewalk and you are facing the wrong direction, then it’s a $150 fine,” Tokajer warned.

Extra security for the holiday will include Manatee County special response teams and mounted patrols. Lifeguards, which are on duty 365 days a year at Coquina, Cortez and the Manatee beaches, will be on their summer hours — 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

The hours continue through the long Labor Day weekend, the unofficial end of summer.

Did you know?

For daily beach conditions — updated at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. — people can go online to visitbeaches.org and select a beach on the map.

Ready for summer season?

Is your business ready for the summer season on AMI? Improve your odds of success with The Islander’s readers — residents, seasonal visitors and vacationers — looking to shop and dine, as well as indoor and outdoor fun. For advertising info, call or text 941-778-7978.

It’s summertime, and …

While it’s not officially summer — that comes June 21 with the summer solstice — we are staring down on Memorial Day, the unofficial kickoff of summer.

And the kids will have their last day of school May 26, kicking off the long weekend.

It will be a prime beach weekend for nearly everyone — whether it’s a drive to Anna Maria Island to put toes in the sand or a boat ride, a little fishing, or a visit to the new Mote Marine Laboratory Outreach Center at the Anna Maria City Pier.

Plenty of folks will be looking to connect with a grouper sandwich, a cold adult beverage and maybe some entertainment.

You can bet the boat ramps will be packed and plenty of amateurs will be running their motors full throttle through the Intracoastal Waterway. Yahoo.

I noticed on TV May 21 that the WWSB weather predictor was calling for temps this week in the 90s, with that Sunday as the first for the feels-like temperature to hit 100. Add in the humidity, and that could be every day through August.

For good news, there’s only background concentrations — situation normal — for red tide. The beaches and the fishing will be running a plus-10.

My old friend Paul Roat would want me to share the Farmers’ Almanac forecast, and I know it’s one he would enjoy, because it calls for a H-O-T Florida summer. I can’t recall him ever remarking that the temp was “too hot.” He liked to bake and read books.

As for the 2023 Old Farmer’s Almanac:

“Sweltering, triple-digit temperatures and high humidity are expected to settle in across much of the country around the Fourth of July and continue through August. With heat indices figured in, the ‘feels-like’ temperature could be 110 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas, according to the forecast.”

Yep. I’ll be hanging out in the AC. Or maybe I’ll be in the backyard with my GGB (great-granddaughter), pushing her in a pink swing or chilling together in my hammock — or splashing in her kiddie pool.

And maybe I’ll see you at the playground at the Manatee Public Beach — before the construction begins on the county parking garage.

Hopefully, we get that veto from the governor.

Meanwhile, buckle up for the crowds and remember the reason for the long holiday weekend.

Take a moment May 29 to remember all who served our country and sacrificed, all the military men and women going back to the American Civil War, when the holiday began as Decoration Day.

— Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

▼ 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

Jack Elka, jack@jackelka.com

Brook morrison, brook@islander.org

Ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org

▼ Contributors

Karen Riley-Love

Jacob merrifield

Capt. Danny Stasny, fish@islander.org

Nicole Quigley

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(All others: news@islander.org)

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Sustainable living

Congratulations to the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau on the great “Leave No Trace” initiative.

As the BACVB continues to educate visitors, I hope they add the concept of ensuring a sustainable future for residents and our neighborhoods to your commitment to “ensure a sustainable future for the outdoors and the locals.”

We need a sustainable future for our neighborhoods and communities as well.

What a great principle: “Plan ahead and prepare, travel on durable surfaces, dispose of waste properly, leave what you find, minimizing campfire impacts, respect wildlife and be considerate of other visitors.”

Perhaps the BACVB could add minimizing impacts to neighborhoods, respect residents and be considerate of other visitors and the locals.

Margie Motzer, Holmes Beach

Total overreach

I have enjoyed your editorials for many years.

I am so aghast at Manatee County’s total overreach in regards to the parking garage.

I would like to share a few thoughts and questions to give some hope to the island being able to override this intrusion:

• How will garage lights impact sea turtles?

• Will the beach cafe, showers and shops be taken down?

• Does the cafe have any historical value?

• Where will people park during the construction?

Skimming online

Website: islander.org

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State contacts

Florida Governor: Republican Ron DeSantis, 850-717-9337 for staff, flgov.com for email, @GovRonDeSantis via Twitter.

Florida Senate : Republican Jim Boyd, 941742-6445, boyd.jim.web@flsenate.gov, flsenate.gov, @JimBoydFL via Twitter.

Florida House : Republican Rep. William Cloud “Will” Robinson Jr., 941-708-4968, will.robinson@myfl oridahouse.gov, myfl oridahouse.gov, @will_robinsonjr via Twitter.

• What will the flooding potential be from the rain runoff?

• Will any federal environmental laws be broken?

• Will free parking in the lot be replaced with paid parking in the garage?

• Has U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Longboat Key, been asked to view the area?

I hope our precious island will fight with all her might to protect what culture we have left.

Carol Craft, Anna Maria

Cast away a fisher tosses a net from the old anna maria City Pier in 1979. Fishing remains a popular activity on the new pier, where individuals do not need a state license.

Read the Islander archive 24/7

Some years ago, The Islander was invited to take part in a pilot project with the University of Florida George a. Smathers Libraries.

We donated our collection of printed newspapers beginning with the first edition in 1992. It took some time, but it’s all maintained on the library site, searchable by keyword, name or date.

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

We’d love to mail you the news!

Planted on the pier

Two pelicans take a rooftop position on a building at the T-end of the old anna maria City Pier. The photo is dated april 1981. Islander Photos: manatee County Public Library System archives

10&20 years ago

From the May 21, 2003, issue

• Bradenton Beach residents celebrated the city’s 50th anniversary by ringing a bell atop the clock tower donated by Mike Norman and family at the Historic Bridge Street Pier. Installation of the bell was approved by the city commission.

• Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director Larry White told island accommodations representatives he would seek an increase in the resort tax — from 4% to 5%— because of a loss of revenue caused by the closure of the Holiday Inn on Longboat Key.

looking back

• Five students at Anna Maria Elementary School were suspended after an investigation discovered they were imitating gang behavior. Students told the principal they considered their association a “club,” but school district policy was specific about such associations.

From the May 22, 2013, issue

• Bradenton Beach commissioners unanimously voted to terminate the lease of Historic Bridge Street Pier concessionaire Dave Russell, operator of Rotten Ralph’s Restaurant on the pier for the past five years.

• Holmes Beach code enforcement officer Dave Forbes submitted his letter of resignation to Mayor Carmel Monti. Forbes planned to relocate to Ohio.

• Police alleged that a 54-year-old Holmes Beach man stole more than $5,000 while working as a cashier for Jessie’s Island BP.

• The Bridge Street night market was set for a second summer season after Bradenton Beach commissioners unanimously approved the event series.

— Lisa Neff

Print Your Own Memories

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We bring you all the news about three city governments, community happenings, people features and special events … even real estate transactions … everything you need if your “heart is on Anna Maria Island.”

If you don’t live here year-round, use this form to subscribe by (snail) mail for yourself or someone else. (Sorry, we do not suspend mail subscriptions — you get The Islander free while you’re here!)

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Seafood Shack owners extend negotiations on purchase offers

By Robert anderson Islander Reporter

The owners of the Seafood Shack properties extended their timeline as they negotiate for the sale of the Cortez parcel.

Vandyk Properties, a Canadian-based development company, listed the Seafood Shack restaurant, marina and surrounding properties for sale in April, seeking offers starting at $15 million.

Vandyk is a real estate development and investment management company specializing in luxury condominium developments.

A listing by Coldwell Banker on Crexi.com shows the property — a 5.6-acre parcel and submerged land lease — went on the market April 13.

A deadline, or call for offers, was due May 15 but listing agent Elliot Rose told The Islander May 18 that negotiations were extended to May 31.

“Each of the proposed purchasers was given that period of time between the 15th and the 31st to come back with their highest and best proposals,” Rose said. “So we expect to hear back from as many of those who want to come back with their highest and best, and then the owner will deliberate and make a decision as to which one of the proposals will be successful.”

Rose declined to identify interested buyers but did say Vandyk had received five offers.

Vandyke declined to pursue future development of the property after realizing incompatibility with

New Mote outreach center gets praise

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

It is all smiles at the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium Marine Science Education and Outreach Center on the Anna Maria City Pier.

Two weeks after opening May 5, the center is drawing unanimous praise from visitors and city officials.

The facility is housed in the 1,800-square-foot building on the south side of the T-end at the pier that juts some 800 feet into Tampa Bay. There, visitors can tap into interactive and live exhibits that carry about 1,000 gallons of recirculating seawater.

Live exhibits include:

• An invertebrate touch tank where people can touch urchins, sea stars, horseshoe crabs and more;

• A mangrove tank displaying the plant’s importance in local marine ecosystems and containing small fish and shrimp;

• A tank with grass, killifish and stone crab;

• A live video stream of water beneath the pier and the sea life that passes by.

Mote communications coordinator Olivia Cameron wrote in a May 18 email to The Islander that the outreach center was averaging about 500 guests per day.

She wrote that Mote has received “tremendous feedback” from guests about the exhibits, with its draw alive exhibit — where drawings can be scanned onto animated sea animals like fish and turtles — as perhaps the most popular.

Patrick Donovan of West Palm Beach told The Islander May 18 that the draw alive exhibit was a favorite of his sons Declan, 5, and Kale, 2, but he’d also participated.

“It’s not just like a kids thing, it’s good for everybody,” Donovan said of the outreach center’s exhibits. “Overall, it’s really cool. Everyone’s really friendly and inviting.”

He said the pier was a perfect spot to visit on the island and he and his family had seen dolphins and manatees from the walkway the day before.

“This is a really good spot,” Donovan said. “It’s nice bringing the kids in, then we can go next door and get some food.”

Carrie Hodges of Bradenton told The Islander May 19 that her kids RJ, 4, and Jackson, 2, also liked the draw alive exhibit the most, with the touch tank as a close second.

“They love it,” Hodges said. “The coloring and putting things up on the screen, they love that and the

their objective to develop luxury condominiums, Rose said.

“There are limitations that Manatee County informally expressed to us if somebody wanted to come in and put some density housing in there. The underlying zoning wouldn’t be very favorable to that, “Rose said.

Currently the Seafood Shack property is zoned for commercial use.

Vandyk bought the property in 2014, including the 650-seat restaurant and banquet hall, 100-slip marina and vacant land for parking. The purchase also

included Annie’s Bait and Tackle Shop, 4334 127th St. W., and a homesite at 4327 127th St. W.

The marina was built in 1971 by Ham Jones, who built the restaurant a year later.

Rose said the highest probability for the property’s future is to remain a restaurant and marina.

“You’ve got an icon there that’s been there for decades and you’ve got momentum and an attraction,” Rose said. “There’s more demand for slips than there are slips. You’ve got all that going for you. You don’t need to reinvent what’s there, just enhance it and you’ll be in the best shape you can be.”

Children and their parents look may 5 into the invertebrate touch

horseshoe crabs, at the mote Outreach Center on the anna maria City Pier. Islander Photo: Courtesy mote touch tank is obviously always a big hit.”

Hodges said it was her first time visiting the outreach center and she thought it was a “great addition” to the pier.

She added that she was happy the exhibits provide an engaging and educational experience promoting healthy sea life.

“I think it’s really important to be involved with marine life and conservation,” Hodges said. “You want to keep the waters clean and keep the animals safe. And education’s where you start.”

Melissa Persaud said she came to the outreach center while on vacation from Philadelphia with her daughter, Evelyn, 4 — a visit to see her parents, who live in the area.

Persaud said she has been to Mote’s main aquarium but it was her first time at the outreach center.

She said her daughter was a big fan.

“She loves it,” Persaud said. “The coloring is amazing. She likes touching the animals. She just likes getting off the beach for a little bit when it’s so warm. … It’s a nice place to visit with the kids.”

Persaud said her only recommendations for

changes would be to add more signage to market the outreach center, which she said was somewhat “hidden” to people who wouldn’t otherwise know it was there.

Anna Maria Commissioner Robert Kingan expressed effusive praise for the outreach center in a May 19 interview with The Islander.

“It’s been a long time in getting here but the effort in the long run was worth it,” Kingan said. “(Mote) has produced a phenomenal product that I think is going to be a very long-term advantage for the city and county.”

He said it was too early to recommend any changes for the center but was excited to see Mote Marine cooperating with the Anna Maria Elementary School and Center of Anna Maria Island on educational programs.

“In Ancient Rome, they had bread and circuses. As far as we’re concerned, on the end of the pier we’ve got burgers and education,” Kingan said. “We’re delighted that it’s there.”

The outreach center opens 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. The pier is at 100 N. Bay Blvd.

tank, containing sea urchins and

The Seafood Shack properties are situated on the north side of the Cortez Bridge on the shore of anna maria Sound in Cortez.

Islander File Photo: Robert anderson

Calls echo for governor to veto HB parking garage bill

By Ryan Paice

Islander Reporter

Calls to veto a bill that would allow Manatee County to build a parking garage in Holmes Beach are building.

A pair of petitions joined letters from the city calling for Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis to veto House Bill 947, which would authorize the county to construct a parking garage in a public park managed by the county within the Holmes Beach limits, such as Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive.

HB 947 was filed by state Rep. Will Robinson Jr., R-Bradenton, and would override a city code that prohibits multilevel parking facilities within municipal limits, allowing the county to construct a garage without permits or approval from the city.

Robinson’s introduction of HB 947 intensified a more than two-year feud between the county and city over parking lost when the city established its park-by-permit system in 2020.

The city prohibited public parking 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in 645 parking spaces along residential roadways and began selling $15 decals to residents and property owners to allow them to park in those spots.

City officials stand by the system, which they argue has improved residential quality of life by reducing roadside parking in residential areas and its side effects, such as litter and noise.

County Commission Chair Kevin Van Ostenbridge and Robinson argue such a system is unfair to offisland residents visiting the beaches and have pushed the city to return the lost parking spaces.

The bill unanimously passed both chambers.

The House of Representatives voted 116-0 April 27 to approve HB 947.

The Senate voted 39-0 May 4 to approve the bill. Republican Jim Boyd, who represents the island, supported the bill from its introduction.

HB 947 was ordered enrolled for presentation to DeSantis but it had not been transmitted to the governor as of May 19.

DeSantis will have 15 days from the date of the bill’s presentation to either sign or veto the proposed legislation.

The bill automatically passes if the governor takes no action within 15 days of its presentation.

The Legislature can override a governor’s veto by achieving a two-thirds vote in each chamber.

It’s unclear when the 15-day clock will begin ticking for HB 947 as there is no state law setting a timeline for a bill’s presentation to the governor.

In the meantime, local opposition to the bill has culminated in two petitions with more than 5,000 combined signatures as of May 20.

A change.org petition, “Veto HB 947 – Say NO to proposed parking garage!” sought 5,000 signatures when it launched May 15.

As of May 20, 3,745 people had signed the petition, according to change.org.

The petition states, “A parking garage will take away from the small charm of our beautiful island. No environmental impact or study to determine the traffic impact has or will be performed. This bill is also an attack on our Home Rule and if not vetoed, it could be the beginning of the end for Anna Maria Island as we know it.”

Another petition, launched May 17 on manateecitizenstakingaction.com, had gathered 1,478 signatures in opposition of the bill as of May 20.

The petition states that a parking garage, such as the $45 million structure proposed by the county, would “violate the community’s goal to maintain a quaint coast community.”

“Governor please veto CS/HB 947 and show your support as you have in the past for not wasting taxpayers money and allowing a city to decide what is best for their constituents,” the petition states.

The petitions join letters from Mayor Judy Titsworth, the city commission and Police Chief Bill Toka-

jer, asking DeSantis to veto HB 947.

The letters express the city’s opposition to HB 947, declare the bill an act of “big government,” question the necessity for additional parking and ask to return the matter back to the local level.

Titsworth told The Islander May 19 that DeSantis hadn’t responded to the city regarding the bill, nor has Robinson, the bill’s sponsor.

“Now that (DeSantis) is reaching for presidential stuff, who knows what’s going to get in front of him anymore,” Titsworth said. “All we can hope for is a veto.”

She added that options to move forward with legal action, based on HB 947’s disregard for the city’s statemandated comprehensive plan, would be presented to the city commission if the bill becomes law.

“It’s a position where I never expected us to be, especially from a Republican-controlled state. I mean, this is such big government. These are decisions being made in Tallahassee on a local bill by legislators that have no idea anything about our city,” Titsworth said. “Never did I expect I’d have to be in battle against something as shortsighted as this.”

People can call DeSantis’ office at 850-717-9337 to reach a representative or email the governor at governorron.desantis@eog.myflorida.com to express their opinions about the bill.

Photo: Ryan Paice

DeSantis

Boyd

Titsworth

Robinson

motorists enter and exit the parking lot may 19 at the manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, where the county hopes to build a parking garage with help from the governor and the Legislature. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

Compiled by Lisa Neff, calendar@islander.org.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ONGOING OFF AMI

Throughout May, Island Gallery and Studios, 456 Old Main St., Bradenton, showcases “It’s All About the Light” by Marie Garafano. Information: 941-778-6648.

Through June 25, “ Tiffany: The Pursuit of Beauty in Nature,” Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-366-5731.

Through Sept. 2, Thursday-Saturday, Laser Light Nights musical shows, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131.

Through Sept. 3, “Eco Engineers” exhibit, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131, bishopscience.org.

Through Sept. 4, “Reclaiming Home: Contemporary Seminole Art,” the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-360-7390, ringling. org.

Through Oct. 15, “Lorna Bieber: Natural World,” the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-360-7390, ringling.org.

“Caught in the Storm: 100 Years of Florida Hurricanes” exhibit, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: floridamaritimemuseum.org.

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

Second and fourth Saturdays, 2-4 p.m., Music on the Porch jam session, presented by the Florida Maritime Museum and Cortez Cultural Center, outdoors, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: floridamaritimemuseum.org, fmminfo@manateeclerk.com.

SAVE THE DATE

June 10, Concert for Peace at the Center of Anna Maria Island, Anna Maria.

Nov. 4, the Bash at the Bishop: A Celestial Affair, Bradenton.

KIDS & FAMILY ON AMI

Saturday, May 27

10 a.m.-2 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Privateers’ Snooks Adams Kids Day, city field, 5800 block of Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-812-2943

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

Third Fridays, Teen Nights, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St.

Island happenings

W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131, bishopscience.org.

Second Saturdays, Quest for kids, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131, bishopscience.org.

SAVE THE DATE

June 10, Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium celebrates World Ocean Day, Sarasota.

July 4, Anna Maria Island Privateers’ Independence Day Parade, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, Anna Maria.

CLUBS & COMMUNITY ON AMI

Thursday, May 25

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

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

Saturday, May 27

10 a.m.-1 p.m. — Annie Silver Community Center potluck lunch and book sale, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 724787-1418.

ONGOING ON AMI

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

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

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.

ONGOING OFF AMI

Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island lunch meeting, Slicker’s Eatery, 12012 Cortez Road W., Cortez. Information: 512-944-4177, amirotary.org.

SAVE THE DATE

June 30, Anna Maria Island Privateers’ Scholarship Night with the Bradenton Marauders, Bradenton.

NATURE, FITNESS & SPORTS

ONGOING ON AMI

AMI Dragon Boat Team-Paddlers from Paradise practices and meetups, various times and locations. Information: 941-462-2626, mrbradway@gmail.com.

Center to host concert to benefit Ukrainian relief fund

The Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island’s foundation and Slicker’s Eatery of Cortez are partnering with the Center of Anna Maria Island to raise money for a Ukrainian relief effort.

The second Concert for Peace will be 3-7 p.m. Saturday, June 10, at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

The all-ages event will include food, drinks, raffles and music by the Eric Von Band and Trevor Bystrom. There is no admission charge but donations are suggested.

Sponsorships for the event $1,000-$300 — are still available.

Proceeds from the concert will go to the Rotary Ukrainian Relief Fund for medical supplies, goods and food for refugees in Poland and Ukraine.

For more information, visit the organizing page on Facebook at @forukraineami.

OFF AMI

Thursday, May 25

10 a.m. — Green Explorers: Explore the Shore snorkeling program, Neal Preserve, 12301 Manatee Ave. W., Perico Island. Information: 941-742-5923, ext. 6034.

Saturday, May 27

8:30 p.m. — Starry Night Astronomy Night, Robinson Preserve Expansion, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-7425923, mymanatee.org.

ONGOING OFF AMI

Through Sept. 3, Bradenton Marauders baseball, LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-7473031.

Saturdays, 7 a.m., Robinson Runners run, walk stroll, Robinson Preserve NEST, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW., Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923, crystal.scherer@mymanatee.org, mymanatee.org.

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

SAVE THE DATE

Oct. 7, Florida Maritime Museum Cortez Nautical Flea Market, Cortez.

GOOD TO KNOW

KEEP THE DATES

May 29, Memorial Day.

June 1, Atlantic hurricane season begins.

July 4, Independence Day.

Get listed! Send listings to calendar@islander.org.

Holistic wellness center and spa

Now offering yoga and meditation in the ambiance of a healing Himalayan salt wall.

Massage Therapy | Acupuncture | Yoga

2219 Gulf Drive N | Bradenton Beach 941.778.8400 | www.alunawellness.com

Island happenings

Phil Jensen’s canvas photograph, “along the Shore,” will be displayed at the artists’ Guild Gallery, 5414 marina Drive, Holmes Beach, throughout June, part of a window exhibit. Islander Courtesy Image

Artists’ Guild Gallery to open window on beach

The Artists’ Guild Gallery is several blocks from the beachfront but passersby in the Holmes Beach shopping plaza will see scenes of the shore.

The gallery operated by the nonprofit Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island will feature a window exhibit featuring kids and the beach.

A news release said, “When you visit the AGAMI gallery in June, you’ll be delighted by the window display of art themed ‘Junes and Spoons and Ferris Wheels’ — art depicting kids on the beach and beach scenes.”

The window display will feature watercolors, acrylics, mosaics, stained glass and three-dimensional works.

The gallery is at 5414 Marina Drive. For more info, call the gallery at 941-778-6694.

midge Stark Bovino’s acrylic painting, “Selfie at Sunset,” will be featured at the artists’ Guild Gallery.

Huzzah for independence

anna maria Island Privateers member Terry “Cookie” Rapert addresses Bradenton Beach City Commissioners at their may 18 meeting about preparations for the annual Privateers Fourth of July Parade. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 4, at the north entrance to Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach and roll north on amI, ending at City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., anna maria.

Commissioner Ralph Cole motioned to approve the special event and was seconded by Commissioner Jake Spooner. The motion passed unanimously. For details on joining the parade, go online to amiprivateers.wildapricot.org. Islander Photo: Robert anderson

Center offers lifesaving CPR certification class

The Center of Anna Maria Island will host a class in CPR certification at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 2. The class will be led by an American Heart Association instructor and result in a two-year certification.

A news release said, “Learn how to save a life and keep everyone around you safe through this important class.”

The cost is $90 for members and $100 for nonmembers.

Registration is required by Thursday, May 25. For more information, go to centerami.org or call 941-778-1908.

Odd Duck Designs Shop

Annie Silver Community Center hosts book sale, lunch

The Annie Silver Community Center will host a potluck lunch and book sale Saturday, May 27.

The activities will be 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the neighborhood center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach.

For more information, call Dianne Coates at 724787-1418.

Privateers plan kids day

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” is partnering with the Holmes Beach Police Department to host the event.

The activities will be Saturday, May 27, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at city field, 5800 block of Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

Privateers will lead children in a series of games and activities, including a treasure hunt.

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

A notice on social media invited “the bigger kids” who want to enjoy lunch to make a donation.

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 days.

The Privateers assumed responsibility from Adams for hosting the party in the 1980s.

For more information, call Jennifer Mais at 941812-2943 or email liaison@amiprivateers.org

Save the date at LECOM Park

The Anna Maria Island Privateers will return to Bradenton’s LECOM Park Friday, June 30, for an annual scholarship awards.

The event coincides with a Bradenton Marauders’ ballgame against the Clearwater Threshers.

The game will begin at 6:30 p.m.

The park is at 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton.

For more information, including ticket details, call he Privateers at 941-812-2943 or email liaison@ amiprivateers.org

Kinders party onstage in PJs

anna maria Elementary kindergartners sing and dance may 16 during the final class performance of the 2022-23 school year in the school auditorium. The play also marked the last production for kindergarten teacher Kelly Crawford and art and drama teacher Gary Wooten, who are retiring at the end of the school year.

Islander Photo: Courtesy amE

AME

day fun, fun, fun

Third-grade students of “our little school by the bay” toss water balloons may 19 at amE Field day.

Islander Photo: Courtesy amE

amE students cool off with a spray from a water hose may 19 during field day. Islander

Photo: Courtesy Danielle Sebring

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Fourth-grader TJ Hagey competes in a sponge race may 19 during amE’s annual fun day, field day. Islander

Photo: Courtesy Danielle Sebring

anna maria Elementary fourth-graders TJ Hagey, left, Beau Canup and Christopher Calles-Deleon take a break in the shade between field day activities may 19 at the Holmes Beach school. Islander

Photo: Courtesy Danielle Sebring

AME principal reflects on a sun-sational year

With the sun shining bright and the laughter of children filling the air, the end of the school year brings a mix of emotions for students and staff at Anna Maria Elementary.

As students and staff were saying farewell to retiring staff — Lynne McDonough, Gary Wooten, Kelly Crawford and Ivory Graham — principal Mike Masiello reflected upon a great year and extended warm wishes for a fantastic summer ahead.

“We thank them all for their years of service educating children and wish them all the best

AmE NEWS

By Brook morrison

in retirement,” Masiello wrote May 17 in an e-mail to The Islander.

“As we approach the end of this school year, I want to thank our parents, teachers, staff, community and students for a successful year,” he added.

Teachers taught the state’s BEST standards to students in the kindergarten-fifth-grade school, 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, and have finished the last of three progress monitoring assessments.

The 2022-23 school year also brought the launch of the Guy Harvey Academy of Arts and Science.

The program, which provides instruction on whale sharks, starfish, mangroves and animal adaptations of fl ippers to help reinforce English language arts, science, math and visual arts standards, will feature four new units of study on marine science during the 2023-24 school year.

Learning at the little school by the bay also will continue this summer, as AME will host field trips for students from Title 1 schools in the School District of Manatee County for marine science studies.

“This will be a great experience for them to learn about our marine environment and conservation,” the

principal said.

In 2022-23, Masiello said it was exciting to return to the extracurricular activities that “make AME an amazing school.” Many school activities were canceled in 2021-22 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“Our PTO was very active this school year hosting many events and fundraisers from the fall festival to the spring gala,” he observed.

With the school year ending for students May 26 and the new year set to begin in August, Masiello saluted summer.

“The entire staff at Anna Maria Elementary wish all of our families a safe and restful summer vacation and we look forward to welcoming all of our upcoming kindergarten students, new students and voluntary pre-kindergarten students next school year,” he said.

Happy summer!

AME Calendar

• Friday, May 26, last day of school for students.

• Thursday, Aug. 10, first day of new school year for students.

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

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

Fifth-grader Penny Payne speaks to Guy Harvey Dec. 2, 2022, at the launch of the Guy Harvey academy at amE about her conservation efforts.

“I’m part of a group called ‘The Four Directions’ and we make sure to pick up plastic on the shore of anna maria Island,” Penny said. Islander File Photo: Brook morrison

By Lisa Neff

Roser commissions new Stephen Ministers

Roser Memorial Community Church May 14 commissioned new Stephen’s Ministers to “provide a high level of Christian care to hurting people in our church and community,” according to a news release.

The ministry offers a way to organize, equip and supervise a team of congregation members — Stephen Ministers — to provide “Christ-centered care” to people dealing with life difficulties.

This summer, Roser’s Stephen Ministry will offer a GriefShare program.

The program will be 1-2 p.m. Wednesdays beginning June 7 and continuing through Aug. 30.

“GriefShare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences,” read the news release.

A workbook for the 13-week program costs $25.

To register, call the church at 941-778-0414 or go online to roserchurch.com.

ON AMI

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

Worship: Sundays, 9 a.m.

Ongoing: Wednesdays, 7 a.m., men’s Bible meeting; Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m., Youth Summer activities; Fridays, 10 a.m. women’s Bible meeting.

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

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

Ongoing: Wednesdays, 8 a.m., men’s meeting; Mondays, 1 p.m., book group.

Roser Church

“...a beautiful place to explore your faith...”

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

Worship: Sundays, 9:30 a.m.

Ongoing: Sundays, 10:15 a.m., coffee and fellowship. 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: Wednesdays, 2:45 p.m., June 7, June 21, July 21, Aug. 9, Golfing for God, Bradenton; first and third Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m., Just Older Youth group. St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-4769, stbernardcc.org, office@stbernardcc. org.

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

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

OFF AMI

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

choflbk.org.

Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.

New Stephen ministers, including Dick and Betty Gilmore at the center, pray during a service may 14 at Roser memorial Community Church, 512 Pine ave., anna maria, Islander Photo: Courtesy Robert Glasscock

The CHAPEL is open during office hours for prayer and meditation 941-778-0414 • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria • FOLLOW us on Facebook @RoserChurch

Ongoing: Wednesdays, 10 a.m., Women’s Bible Study; Mondays, 9 a.m., Men’s Bible Study.

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

Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.

Ongoing: Wednesdays, 10 a.m., Bible study.

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

Worship: Fridays, Shabbat, 5:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.

SPECIAL DATES & EVENTS

June 5-9, vacation Bible school, Roser Church.

June 19-22, vacation Bible school, CrossPointe. GET LISTED, CHANGE LISTINGS

Seasons change and so do schedules. Please, send listings and/or changes in worship calendars and other events to calendar@ islander.org.

Gathering is the religion page for The Islander. Send notices to calendar@islander.org. Please, include a phone number for publication.

Tidings Compiled by Lisa Neff

FREE ... The Islander newspaper is FREE at Publix Holmes Beach. Just stop by the customer service desk, hold out your hand and say, “Islander, please!” And maybe remind staff you’d like the serve-yourself community news returned to the lobby.

The guild’s top grad Brice Carlton, a graduating senior at Parrish Community High School in Parrish, is the winner of a 2023 scholarship from the artists’ Guild of anna maria Island. Brice, a playwright, actor, director, novelist and filmmaker, plans to attend State College of Florida in the fall and then Florida State University to study and pursue a career in the arts. aGamI is a nonprofit based in Holmes Beach that promotes arts education and scholarship, as well as operates an art gallery, 5414 marina Drive. For more, call the gallery at 941-778-6694. Islander Courtesy Photo

In his honor

The life of Hugh G. Holmes, 94, who died may 8, was celebrated by family — 90 with two more on the way — along with many friends and local officials at a service may 17 at Roser memorial Community Church, 512 Pine ave., anna maria. Holmes was honored the day of the service at the West manatee Fire Rescue Station 3 in Holmes Beach, where a flag was draped from the ladder truck in tribute, and at Holmes Beach City Hall, where the flag flew at half-staff in honor of his service to the city, where years ago he served on the city council. Islander

Photos: Bonner Joy

Loretta Jo Tupin

Loretta Jo Tupin, 68, of Bradenton, died May 15.

She was born Dec. 11, 1954, in Kansas City, Missouri.

Her family moved to Bradenton Beach in the early 1960s, where she became the core of a large, loving family.

Mrs. Tupin was a nurse, but was mostly known as a passionate restaurateur, always providing delicious meals and going out of her way to make people smile. She filled places like the Cortez Cafe and Loretta’s Kitchen with a contagious family spirit.

Throughout her life, she loved her furbabies, but she will be remembered most for her gardening.

A graveside service was held May 22 at the Historic Palma Sola Cemetery, 8604 Ninth Ave. NW, Bradenton. A celebration of life will be announced at a later time on Facebook.

The family is asking for even the smallest of donations to help with funeral expenses. Condolences and more information are online at brownandsonsfuneral. com

Mrs. Tupin is survived by her husband, David; children Stevie, Misty and Christy; sisters Anne, Vicki and Jeanie; grandchildren Amanda, Jeffrey, Crystal, Marissa and Sara; great-grandchildren, Kinley, Oliver, Ansley, Jhett, Theo and Prince; and her companion, Daisy Dog.

The U.S. flag at the Bradenton Beach Police Department building flies at half-staff may 11 to honor the late John Shaughnessy, who served the city as mayor and commissioner. Shaughnessy died may 4. Islander Photo: Robert anderson

Photos by Holmes Beach mayor Judy Titsworth, daughter of the late Hugh Holmes, from her vehicle as the family processional escorted mr. Holmes to the Historic Palma Sola Cemetery in Bradenton.

above and right, WmFR and the HBPD salute from the roadside with a flag flying and vehicle lights flashing in honor of Hugh G. Holmes.

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Bradenton Beach commission reviews multiple roof quotes

By Robert anderson Islander Reporter

It’s time for new roofs on several city-owned buildings in Bradenton Beach.

Commissioners, meeting May 18 at city hall, approved three motions to replace and repair roofing on municipal buildings.

The roofs at the Tingley Library, 111 Second St. N., and the public works building, 403 Highland Ave., need replacement due to age and wind damage sustained from Hurrricane Ian, which made landfall Sept. 28, 2022, in Lee County.

Also, the roof on the main building at the Historic Bridge Street Pier, 200 Bridge St., where Anna Maria Oyster Bar is a long-term tenant, needs repairs where an old wooden sign was anchored.

Last fall, the Florida League of Cities, the city’s insurer, had a contractor tarp Ian-damaged properties — the library, public works and police department buildings — to guard against water damage.

The police department had sustained the worst damage in Ian, with water intrusion in the ceiling, but that property was repaired by last December.

Commissioners reviewed a quote May 18 from Sutter Roofing of Sarasota, which listed costs for shingle and metal roof replacements at the public works and library buildings.

A shingle roof replacement for both the library and public works buildings was priced at $23,881.87, while metal roof replacements were priced at $50,527.26.

Mayor John Chappie said two other quotes were pending.

Commissioners agreed to prepare a motion to contract with a licensed company for new roofs on the library and public works buildings not to exceed $51,000 per roof contingent upon receipt of three bids. The vote was 3-0 in favor.

Commissioners Marlyn Maro and Jan Vosburgh were absent with excuses.

Commissioners also agreed to prepare a motion to contract with a licensed contractor for repairs to the AMOB roof with work not to exceed $4,000 contingent upon receipt of three bids. The vote was 3-0 in favor.

Commissioner Ralph Cole then motioned to approve the roof replacements and repairs to the city buildings and it was seconded by Commissioner Jake Spooner. The vote was 3-0 in favor.

Funding will come from the facilities budget for repair and maintenance.

On another matter, commissioners heard from Christopher Culhane, executive director of the Center of Anna Maria Island, and center board chairman David Zaccagnino, who asked for contributions on behalf of the center in Anna Maria, as well as the Annie Silver Community Center in Bradenton Beach.

“Annie Silver, what an organization,” Culhane said. “You guys are lucky to have it. We, over the past two years, have stepped up our time there with our staffing. They are a small organization and their board is very small. So we have committed over the past 18 months to help them in whatever that looks like. Potlucks, bingo nights and we’ve always done the Senior Adventures.”

The Tingley Library, 111 Second Street N.., Bradenton Beach, is due for a new roof.

BELOW: The roof needs repair on the anna maria Oyster Bar at the city-owned Historic Bridge Street Pier, 200 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach.

Islander Photos: Robert anderson

Answers: page 28

Senior Adventures was an activity that began at Annie Silver under a volunteer organizer, providing inexpensive day trips and transportation.

Culhane said the Center of Anna Maria Island intends to continue its partnership with the Annie Silver center.

Mayor John Chappie said the city would be interested in supporting the work of both centers but a review of the city’s budget would be needed before making a decision.

“We are in the early stages of our budgetary process and this is something we need to look at seriously as to our municipal contributions. We’ll see,” said Chappie.

The next commission meeting will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 1, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

Feds improve storm surge modeling ahead of hurricane season

The federal government early in May — a month ahead of the Atlantic storm season — upgraded its modeling for storm surge associated with tropical storms and hurricanes.

Storm surge is the abnormal rise of water generated by a storm, over and above the predicted astronomical tide. The rise in water can cause extreme flooding in coastal areas.

The fed’s upgrade includes new capabilities intended to help forecasters better understand the risk of storm surge, such as:

• The ability to run the model simultaneously for two storms;

• Improved model calculations of friction over different types of land surfaces, which helps more accurately compute the extent of water inundation along a coast.

“We are seeing a sharp increase in catastrophic storm surge impacts in our coastal communities,” Ken Graham, director of the National Weather Service said in a news release. “Our new capabilities to effectively and accurately model and forecast storm surge is critical to upholding the NWS mission of protection of life and property.”

The fi rst version of the modeling was released in 2008 by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Meteorological Development Laboratory, following significant impacts of storm surge on communities along the Outer Banks of North Carolina and southeast Virginia following Hurricane Isabel in 2003.

The modeling is run in advance of hurricanes that might impact the Atlantic and Gulf coasts and now, with the upgraded system, also Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1-Nov. 30.

NOAA is expected to release its forecast for the 2023 season at a news conference May 25.

— Lisa Neff

Damage caused by storm surge along the Sanibel Causeway during Hurricane Ian in September 2022. The federal government announced improved modeling for predicting storm surge. To see predictions when there is activity in the region, go to the National Hurricane Center’s website at www.nhc.noaa.gov.

Islander Photo Getty Images / NOaa

Sales tax holiday on storm supplies needs final OK

Be prepared.

And be cost-conscious.

But wait for the governor’s signature?

Florida lawmakers traditionally create a tax holiday, giving consumers a break on purchases for storm supplies, including flashlights, lanterns, batteries, radios, tarps, coolers and generators.

The Legislature passed House Bill 7076 providing for two such holidays in 2023 — May 27-June 9 and Aug. 26-Sept. 8.

However, as of The Islander’s press time, the bill had not been transmitted to Gov. Ron DeSantis for his consideration.

If the bill becomes law, the Florida Department of Revenue will post details on its website at floridarevenue.com/disasterprep.

— Lisa Neff

Storm season resources

Twitter

• National Hurricane Center: @NWSNHC, @NHC_atlantic.

• National Weather Service: @NWS, @NWSTampaBay

Emergency management

• County: mymanatee.org.

• State: floridadisaster.org.

• Federal: fema.gov., nhc.noaa.gov

News

• The Islander: islander.org

• Bradenton Herald: bradenton.com

• Herald-Tribune: heraldtribune.com

Streetlife Staff reports Cops & Courts

Island police reports

Anna Maria

May 14, 875 N. Shore Drive, Rod & Reel Pier, trespassing. A Manatee County sheriff’s deputy responded to a report of trespassing. A pier manager called deputies to trespass three people. Deputies trespassed the individuals and an incident report was filed. A case number also was assigned.

The MCSO polices Anna Maria.

Bradenton Beach

No new reports.

The Bradenton Beach Police Department polices the city.

Cortez

No new reports.

The MCSO polices Cortez.

Holmes Beach

May 9, Publix Super Market, 3900 E. Bay Drive, petit theft. An officer from the Holmes Beach Police Department responded to reports of shoplifting. The officer met with the manager, who said he had video evidence of a man repeatedly taking items from the store. The manager wanted to press charges and provided security camera footage, receipts for the stolen items and a written affidavit. Two HBPD officers found the suspect at the beach. He denied the allegations but was trespassed from the beach. The officer filed a capias request to the state attorney’s office for charges.

May 9, HBPD, 5801 Marina Drive, city hall, complaint. A woman entered the HBPD to report she’d paid a contractor to complete work on her home but nothing was done. An offi cer called the contractor, who did not answer, and referred the case to the city code compliance department.

May 9, 100 block of White Avenue, assisting law enforcement. The license plate for a motorist highlighted as potentially suicidal by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office was pinged by the HBPD’s recognition system. An officer located the motorist, who was taken into custody under the Baker Act and transported to Centerstone Behavioral Hospital in Bradenton.

May 10, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, camping. An officer was patrolling the park after hours when he found a man sleeping on a picnic table. The officer woke the man, then issued a city code citation and trespass warning. The man left without issue.

May 11, 100 block of 50th Street, domestic battery. An officer responded to reports of potential battery and found a person outside a home who said there

had been a disturbance. The officer saw people inside and on a second-floor patio, so he called them outside. They complied. The officer spoke to a woman who said a man at the house was drunk and had grabbed his wife by the neck before others subdued him. The wife confirmed the man grabbed her but she did not want to press charges or complete a sworn statement. The officer arrested the man and transported him to the Manatee County jail.

May 12, D-Coy Ducks, 5410 Marina Drive, trespass warning. An offi cer responded to reports of a disturbance and spoke with a bartender, who said a woman grabbed his arm and wanted her and her two friends trespassed. The officer approached the women and issued a trespass warning. They left without issue.

May 13, Haley’s Motel, 8102 Gulf Drive, domestic battery. Two officers responded to reports of a domestic disturbance. The caller said a woman asked him to call 911. The officers located the couple at their motel room. The man was intoxicated and uncooperative. The woman said the man was drunk and verbally and physically abusive. She provided a sworn statement. The officers arrested the man and transported him the Manatee County jail.

May 15, HBPD, 5801 Marina Drive, city hall, missing property. A man entered the HBPD to report his briefcase went missing after a Lyft driver took him home from the airport the night before. The man said he’d contacted the airport, which told him security camera footage showed him leaving with the briefcase. The man contacted the Lyft driver, as well as the company’s customer service department but “had no further information.” The man provided the Lyft driver’s information to an officer.

HBPD polices Holmes Beach.

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

Island watch

In an emergency, call 911.

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

2019 Cortez hit-and-run retrial set for September

By Robert anderson Islander Reporter

A man accused of aggravated battery and leaving the scene of a crash in Cortez in 2019 will face a new trial in September.

David Nichols, 59, of Bradenton, is scheduled to go to trial Sept. 5, a date set earlier this month.

Nichols, arrested in November 2019, is accused of hitting and dragging Fred Gilliland of Cortez underneath his vehicle for nearly a block in the area of 101st Street West in Cortez.

Gilliland, known in Cortez as “Fat Freddy,” lost his right arm and sustained injuries to his spleen, a lacerated liver, rib fractures, a collapsed lung and facial lacerations.

He has been increasingly doing well and active in Cortez.

Jurors in a December 2022 trial were deadlocked, resulting in a mistrial on both counts.

In a criminal case, if a jury cannot agree on a verdict on one or more counts, the court may declare a mistrial, triggering a retrial.

Since Oct. 15, 2022, Nichols has been in custody at the Manatee County jail after being denied reinstatement of $150,000 bond stemming from an Oct. 14, 2022, citation for allegedly driving with a suspended license. The citation was a violation of the conditions of his pretrial release.

Manatee County Clerk’s Office records show that his trial attorney, Colleen M. Glenn, withdrew from the case in March due to the defendant’s inability to pay.

Nichols is now represented by Allanah McClintock in the public defender’s office for the 12th Judicial Circuit.

If convicted, Nichols faces a mandatory prison sentence with a maximum penalty of 15 years.

The trial is set for 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

Milestones

We welcome stories about islanders and island life, as well as photographs and notices of the milestones in readers’ lives. Submit announcements and photographs — along with contact information — to news@islander.org.

Center names new development director

The Center of Anna Maria Island May 19 announced the hiring of a new development director — and they promoted from within.

The center promoted Jillian Ptak to development director to succeed Jim McDaniel, who recently retired after two years in the role.

Ptak

Ptak has worked more than two years as the center’s director of customer service.

She and her family — husband Jimmy and daughter Jade — are active members of the center.

And Ptak is a Florida native who graduated from Manatee High School in Bradenton and then State College of Florida, majoring in business.

For more than 20 years she’s worked in retail management and customer service.

“Jillian believes in the center’s mission and wants to have a bigger part in where it’s going,” read a news release from the nonprofit, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. “She’s excited to use her expertise in cultivating relationships to help grow the organization’s development efforts. She is extremely honored to be chosen to lead the center’s effort.”

The release also stated, “We offer our greatest thanks to Jim for all he brought to the center and look forward to Jillian stepping in to continue his amazing work.”

The center said in the release that it worked with a consulting firm, Creative Consulting Associates of Sarasota, to fill the position.

GoodDeeds

Assistance sought on AMI

• Wildlife Inc. rescue and rehabilitation in Bradenton Beach seeks help tending to injured animals.

Information: 941-778-6342.

• Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals, as well as assist with technology. Info: 941-3452441.

• 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.

Nicholas Raffe, left, and Page Larson, right, take their oaths of office may 17 as new West manatee Fire Rescue hires. Raffe will work as an administrative assistant involved in WmFR’s new vacation rental inspection program. Larson will work as a finance clerk for the district, which includes anna maria Island. Islander Photo: Ryan

Paice

Assistance offered on AMI

• Roser Food Bank welcomes applicants who live and/or work 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: 941-7252433.

— Lisa Neff GoodDeeds notices: To list an organization’s aid services on AMI or a call for aid, email lisa@ islander.org with details.

Holmes Beach Police Sgt. Tom Fraser, left, and Chief Bill Tokajer show off a plaque may 18 with nameplates for the manatee County Hundred Club’s Law Enforcement Officers of the year since 1999, including Fraser’s as winner of the 2023 award. In January, Fraser assisted in resuscitating manatee County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Brett Getman, who suffered a heart attack while at the anna maria substation. In april, Fraser helped save another life when he used the Heimlich maneuver on a choking man at a Cracker Barrel restaurant in Bradenton. Islander Courtesy Photo

Milestones

The Islander welcomes stories about islanders and island life, as well as photographs and notices of the milestones in readers’ lives — weddings, births, anniversaries, travels, obituaries and other events.

Submit your announcements and photographs with captions for publication — along with contact information — to news@islander.org.

A L o n g b o a t K e y L a n d m a r k

Harry's features a wide variety of craft cocktails, an extensive wine selection paired with coastal cuisine

HARRY'S CLOSING MAY 15TH REOPENING JUNE 15TH

HBPD lifesaver named countywide ‘Officer of the Year’

Ready

Multitasking in the pass

Capt. Evan Soudijn

of Prime Time Fishing

Charters steers his boat with one hand may 17 while dipping a net for pass crabs with the other at Longboat Key Pass. Pass crabs are a favorite bait for migrating tarpon, which are beginning to show up in passes and in the nearshore waters along local beaches. Islander Photo:

BB ScenicWAVES makes summer plans

By Robert anderson Islander Reporter

Bradenton Beach ScenicWAVES members made summertime plans during a mid-spring meeting.

The group began a May 17 meeting at city hall recapping the National Arbor Day celebration held April 28. ScenicWAVES, an advisory committee to the city commission, coordinated tree plantings at Herb Dolan Park, 2501 Avenue A N.

The committee planted four pigeon plums, replacing two Australian pine trees felled by Hurricane Ian in September 2022.

ScenicWAVES members also reviewed donations for Islanders 4 Clean Water, a Holmes Beach-administered campaign focused on:

• Conserving fresh water;

• Reducing the usage of single-use plastics,;

• Using Florida-friendly landscaping;

• Controlling stormwater and wastewater runoff;

• Promoting responsible waterway recreation.

ScenicWAVES collected funds from members for a $75 donation that was matched by the city commission.

Ingrid McClellan, who chairs the committee, said the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, her employer, contributed $1,000.

Members also reviewed a plan to refresh components of the city’s scenic bicycle route.

The committee hopes to encourage cyclists to follow the bike route north along Gulf Drive, east on Fifth Street South, then north on Bay Drive South under the Cortez Bridge to reconnect with Gulf Drive.

McClellan plans to reach out to Anna Maria officials for a template of that city’s bike-route brochure to create a similar guide for Bradenton Beach.

A design for a brochure should be ready for review in July, she said.

The committee also is working on obtaining a grant to improve wildlife education signage at beach accesses from 22nd Street North to 12th Street North.

The committee had pursued a transfer of funding awarded by the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program to the Palma Sola Scenic Highway to Bradenton Beach’s project but the SBEP denied the request.

McClellan said the denial was due to a lack of detail in the application concerning community engagement and ScenicWAVES has since reached out to Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, Mote Marine Laboratory and Save Our Seabirds for letters of support, with results not expected until July.

Members canceled their June meeting and will next meet at 1 p.m., Wednesday, July 19, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

Robert anderson

for foot traffic

a footbridge and lights — newly added — at the event space may 17 at Coquina Beach will allow access between the vendor markets and other events and the beach parking lots. manatee County workers laid the foundation for the space in January. The marketplace, as envisioned by the county, will have more than 80 spots for vendors. Islander Photo: Robert anderson

RoadWatch

Eyes on the road

• City center in Holmes Beach: Holmes Beach contractor crews continue working near the intersection of Gulf and Marina drives on infrastructure improvements. Traffic patterns can change. For the latest, check the city’s page on Facebook.

Also, Manatee County is working on a force main project. The contractor the week beginning May 15 was performing excavation activities south of Gulf Drive. For the latest, go to amiprojects.io.

• Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach : Manatee County is relocating and replacing sewer lines. The contractor the week beginning May 15 was preparing the area on the west side of Gulf Drive South between 11th Street South and 13th Street South for installation of the main line. Public parking along the west side of Gulf Drive South between Sixth Street South and 10th Street South reopened. Public parking along the west side of Gulf Drive South between 10th Street South and 13th Street South is closed. For the latest, go to amiprojects.io.

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

— Lisa Neff

Did you know?

Before departing for a destination, travelers can check online for live traffi c video from cameras at many locations around Anna Maria Island, including on the Cortez and Anna Maria Island bridges.

To check the traffic situation via road cameras, go to fl511.com.

Gov. signs golf cart bill

Gov. Ron DeSantis May 11 signed legislation changing which teens can drive golf carts.

House Bill 949, which will take effect July 1, prohibits a person under 18 years of age from operating a golf cart on public roadways without a driver’s license or learner’s permit. Drivers also must carry a government-issued photo ID.

Current Florida law allows for a 14-year-old to drive a golf cart, which is defined as “a motor vehicle that is designed and manufactured for operation on a golf course for sporting or recreational purposes and that is not capable of exceeding speeds of 20 mph.”

— Lisa Neff

County to vote on temporary BB parking permits

By Robert anderson Islander Reporter

Manatee County commissioners were to consider permit-parking for residents in neighborhoods between Sixth Street South to 13th Street South as they are impacted by a county project — sewer system relocation — limiting access to their homes.

The measure authorizing permit-parking at Cortez Beach for Bradenton Beach residents is on the county commission’s May 23 agenda.

The meeting at the administration building in Bradenton was set for after The Islander went to press this week.

The resolution as proposed to the board of county commissioners would temporarily designate spaces along Gulf Drive at Cortez Beach as permit-only parking for residents unable to reach their driveways as construction crews replace and connect sewer lines.

In a May 18 email, county strategic affairs manager Ogden Clark said side-street construction would first begin on 11th Street South.

The amount of spaces utilized for residential parking would vary based on the number of residences and residents on each street.

Allotments include:

• 13th Street South, 28 permit-parking spaces;

• 12th Street South, 46 spaces;

• 11th Street South, 62 spaces;

• 10th Street South, 43 spaces;

• Ninth Street South, 43 spaces;

• Eighth Street South 57 spaces;

• Seventh Street South, 44 spaces;

• Sixth Street South, 30 spaces.

The resolution also would allow Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and Bradenton Beach Police Department personnel to take enforcement action against vehicles improperly parked in permit-only spaces.

The sewer project already is underway, with contractor Woodruff & Sons staging machinery and components in some areas of the Cortez Beach parking

lot.

The utilization of the spaces will shift from contractor staging to residential parking when construction work shifts into the neighborhoods on the east side of Gulf Drive.

The project involves digging trenches along Gulf Drive and the replacement of gravity sewer lines from Sixth Street South to 13th Street South. The work, which began in January, is scheduled to be completed in July 2024.

A gravity sewer is a conduit utilizing the energy resulting from a difference in elevation to remove unwanted water or sewage.

County, LBK officials plan project review

Manatee County and Longboat Key commissioners were due to review a series of project plans during a meeting May 25.

An agenda for the meeting — 2 p.m. Thursday at the county administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton — includes the following topics:

• Plans for a roundabout at Gulf of Mexico Drive and Broadway Street;

• Issues regarding public transit on Longboat Key;

• Leasing Whitney Plaza space for a library and community center;

• An update on the water taxi service between Bradenton, Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach;

• Dredging at Greer Island;

• Beach maintenance.

In addition to attending the meeting in person, people can follow the work session online at mymanatee.org/mga.

— Lisa Neff

don’t forget …

You can read it all online at islander.org

Soccer dominates center sports, golf and horseshoes play on

By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter

They’re all in for soccer at the community center.

Cassidy

Two semifinal games in the adult soccer league playoffs May 18 at the Center of Anna Maria Island paired No. 8 seed Moss Builders and No. 5 Pool America and No. 7 seed Vintage Beach in a matchup with No. 3 Sandbar Restaurant.

The first match was a tight contest that saw Pool America hold off another upset bid by Moss Builders to advance to the championship on a 2-1 victory. Nate Welch and Lucas Wilson each scored a goal for Pool America, which also received six saves from Robb Marshall to help preserve the victory.

Moss Builders Brian Leibfried scored and David Moss had seven saves in the loss.

The second semifinal match saw Vintage Beach continue a run of upset victories with a 6-3 win over the Sandbar Restaurant. Danny Free scored a pair of goals to lead the Vintage Beach offense, which also received a goal and an assist from Joey Hutchinson and Lindsey Styka. Darrin Wash and Cody Wright each chipped in with a goal and PJ Smargisso finished with eight saves in goal.

Daniel Anderson scored a pair of goals and Jake Parsons scored one for Sandbar, which also received an assist from Aaron Frech and six saves from goalie Jessica Ruekberg.

The championship match is set for 7 p.m. Thursday, May 25, at the center pitch.

Stay tuned to The Islander for the results.

Youth soccer playoffs kick off

The six-team 8-10 division soccer league at the center kicked off first-round playoff action with No. 1 seed Cheesecake Cutie and No. 2 seed Sato Real Estate watching from the sidelines with byes into the semifinals.

No. 3 Westfall’s Lawn Care & Pest Control took on No. 6 Am I Coconuts in the first game and Westfall came away with a solid 4-1 victory. Wesley Bekkerus, Madeline Kimmons, Maggie Niedzwick and Callin Westfall each scored and Kason Price added seven saves in the victory.

TJ Hagey notched the lone goal for Am I Coconuts, which also received 10 saves from goalie Andre Harwood.

The second game saw No. 5 Island Real Estate

outlast No. 4 Solid Rock Construction to win in a penalty-kick shootout. The teams battled to a 1-1 tie in regulation on goals from Matthew Darak for Solid Rock and Preston LaPensee for Island Real Estate.

In the penalty-kick shootout, Elijah Roadman was the lone Solid Rock player to convert on his spot kick, while Owen Mahoney and Jordy Perez converted for Island Real Estate, giving them a 3-2 victory.

Westfall’s was to take on Sato May 22, while IRE was to square off against Cheesecake Cutie. The winners were to meet for the championship match at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 23, after The Islander went to press.

Final seedings were set for the 11-14 division playoffs after factoring the results of the last regular-season games. No. 1 seed went to Gulf Drive Cafe after a 4-3 victory May 16 over No. 4 seed Shady Lady Horticultural Services. Theo Aupelle scored two goals and Kegan McGlade and Jayden Sparks each scored goals to lead Gulf Drive Cafe.

Jesse Zaccagnino scored three goals for Shady Lady, which also received an assist from Ryk Kesten and six saves from Jack Zaccagnino in the loss.

The second match of the night saw No. 3 HSH Designs defeat No. 2 seed Moss Builders 5-3, thanks to a hat trick from Cecelia Kroth and a goal each from Sterling Holiday and Krosby Lamison.

Callin Westfall scored two goals and Lucas Signor added one for Moss Builders.

Playoff action in the 11-14 division was set for May 22 at the center with Gulf Drive Cafe taking on Shady Lady followed by Moss Builders battling HSH Designs.

Key Royale golf news

Golf action at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach got started May 15 with the weekly men’s modified-Stableford system match. Chas Smith scored a plus-6 to earn a 2-point win over John Kolojeski, who was alone in second place. Jim Bailey, Chuck Patrick

Pool america’s Christopher Klotz turns from the defensive pressure applied by moss Builder’s Nicola manni during may 18 semifinal action in the adult soccer league at the Center of anna maria Island. Islander

and Ron Vandeman tied for third place at plus-3.

The women played their regular nine-hole individual-low-net match May 16 in two flights. Jenny Huibers and Sue Pierce tied for the top spot in Flight A at 1-under-par 31, two strokes ahead of secondplace finishers Margrit Layh, Betsy Meyer and Sue Wheeler.

Laurie Hicks fired a 4-under-par 28 to win first place in Flight B. Jackie Gorski took second with a 2-underp-par 30, while Meredith Slavin and Susan VanOrsdel tied for third at 3-over-par 35.

Horseshoe news

The action was short and sweet May 17 at the Anna Maria City Hall horseshoe pits. Bob Heiger and Rod Bussey posted the lone 3-0 record during pool play and were the day’s outright champs.

Two teams emerged from pool play during May 20 action and settled things in a playoff. Billy Silver and Rick Martinez took an early lead and held on for a 23-12 victory over Bob Hawks and Tom Farrington to win the day’s proceedings.

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.

TideWatch

Red tide lingers

By Lisa Neff

The red tide organism, Karenia brevis , was detected in Southwest Florida during the week ending May 21.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported K. brevis was observed at background concentrations in Manatee County, background to very low concentrations in and offshore of Pinellas County and background to medium concentrations in Sarasota County.

There were no reports of fish kills or respiratory irritation for Manatee.

For more information, go online to myfwc.com/ research/redtide/statewide/.

Anna Maria Island Tides

Photo: Kevin P. Cassidy

Silver kings run the beaches, other catches still taking bait

By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

Fishing around Anna Maria Island is quite good, especially with the arrival of tarpon on their migration along the coast in preparation to spawn.

Many anglers are dedicating all the fishing time they can get to target the elusive fish.

Patrolling the beaches and passes is most favorable for an encounter with the prehistoric monsters, although many fish can be found in Tampa and Sarasota bay waters.

A variety of baits are being used to entice the silver kings to the hook, including pass crabs, threadfin herring, large shiners, pinfish and shad. And although live bait is preferred, don’t be astonished to see anglers using dead baits, as tarpon can be scavengers.

For gear, oversized spinning tackle is the most popular. The largest spinning reel packed with a few hundred yards of heavy braided line combined with an 8- or 9-foot heavy-action spinning rod is ideal. Add 8 feet of some 60-pound fluorocarbon with a 6/0 circle hook at the terminal end and you’re in business.

As it is early in the tarpon season, large numbers of fish have yet to appear, but we’re getting reports of fish from New Pass to Egmont Key. The numbers should increase as we approach the full moon in June, which usually is when the most fish are present.

So if you haven’t dusted off your tarpon gear, it’s time. Put some fresh line on the spool and make sure your reels are functioning, as very soon they will be put to the ultimate test — a fight to land a silver king.

On my Just Reel charters, I’m seeing impressive snook catches. Morning tallies among anglers range 20-30 fish being caught and released.

I’m also seeing redfish when targeting snook, which adds variety to the bite.

Lastly, spotted seatrout are being added to the cooler by anglers targeting a fish dinner.

Sydney Neville at the Rod & Reel Pier says while tending bar and making sure her guests don’t go thirsty, she’s seeing a variety of species being caught. Mangrove snapper are being coaxed into biting by anglers using live shrimp as bait.

Dropping shrimp under the pier on a weighted rig works best and other species — redfish, sheepshead and snook — also are taking the bait.

Pier fishers using artificials such as jigs and spoons are hooking up with macks and jacks when bait schools are present. Casting a speck rig around the edges of the bait schools also is yielding a bite.

Lastly, Neville notes that’s she’s seeing schools of

Capt. Warren Girle

a nice wahoo they caught may 19 while trolling 50 miles offshore. The fish was 71 inches long with a 31-inch girth and weighed 86 pounds.

Capt. Warren Girle is on the water in search of tarpon. Fishing along the beaches of Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key is resulting in hookups. For bait, Girle is using live pass crabs and live threadfin herring. Although early in the season, Girle says he’s seeing respectable numbers of fish roaming up and down the shoreline. Most catches are 70-80 pounds, with larger fish are being caught by lucky anglers.

Capt. David White is enjoying inshore fishing around Anna Maria Island and Tampa Bay. While fishing deep grass flats, White is seeing many Spanish mackerel and spotted seatrout being caught, with both species responding to live shiners as bait. Freelining the baits or adding a split shot to get the bait close to the bottom is working well to get a bite.

In shallower areas, White is targeting redfish and catch-and-release snook. Again, baiting shiners produces the best action. Fishing mangrove shorelines is favorable, although White is also finding both species on the beaches where good tidal flow exists.

For anglers hoping to catch a big fish, White is leading them to action on blacktip sharks. Chunk bait, such as fresh-cut mackerel or jack crevalle, is tempting the sharks to bite the hook.

Lastly, with tarpon season upon us, White is getting ready to focus his days chasing silver.

And to wrap up the week, Capt. Scott Moore called May 20 to comment on the tarpon bite, which he called “finicky.” Adding, “there’s more bait now than I’ve ever seen in out waters,” and he got his captain’s license in 1979.

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

Stasny

Capt. Mike Greig 941-778-1404

Geno “mean Gene” Lynn of Bradenton shows off a 31-inch snook he caught and released may 15 while fishing with Capt. Danny Stasny of Just Reel Fishing.

Capt. max Robinson, right, and dad, mike, of Bradenton, show off

Turtle rescues return to Gulf

Two loggerhead sea turtles — nicknamed Lilly and Farmer — returned May 16 to the Gulf of Mexico by way of Lido Beach.

Both turtles were released by Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital in Sarasota after recovering from red tide toxins.

Lilly was found floating on the south end of Naples Bay and transported March 30 to Mote.

Farmer was found washed ashore in Holmes Beach and transferred to Mote Feb. 21.

Both sea turtles displayed symptoms of red tide toxicity.

Lilly began receiving injectable antibiotics and subcutaneous fluids until symptoms improved.

Farmer suffered from extreme lethargy and received subcutaneous fluids daily to help flush out toxins until Mote’s team noticed an improvement in the turtle’s behavior and appetite, according to a May 16 news release from Mote.

“We are super excited to see them go,” said Lynne Byrd, Mote’s rehabilitation and medical care manager.

“Without the help and intervention of a facility like Mote, these animals wouldn’t be alive and we wouldn’t be enjoying this happy experience,” Byrd added.

People who see a stranded or dead sea turtle, dolphin or whale within Sarasota or Manatee county waters can call Mote’s stranding investigations program, a 24-hour response service, at 941-988-0212.

People who see a stranded or dead manatee in state waters or a stranded or dead sea turtle, dolphin or whale outside Sarasota or Manatee counties, can call the state’s wildlife hotline at 888-404-3922.

— Lisa Neff

Farmer, a loggerhead sea turtle, is readied for a return to the Gulf of mexico after suffering exposure to red tide.

Farmer was rescued from the shore in Holmes Beach in late February. Islander Photos: Courtesy mote marine Laboratory

The name says it all. Fourth generation Holmes family. Give Jackson a call for your professional painting needs.

Farmer swims free in the waters at Lido Beach on being released may 16. The sea turtle was rescued and rehabilitated after washing ashore in Holmes Beach in February.

By Lisa Neff

Cross about bad crossings

We can find many benefits to walking on AMI. Walking is a way to build neighborhoods and boost small-town commerce— it’s a lot easier to say “howdy neighbor” and stop in a shop on foot compared to wheels.

Walking also is one of the healthiest ways to move about, as well as a tool for improving mental fitness.

Walking is the most affordable way to move about, as well as the most environmentally friendly way to move about.

Neff

And how fortunate are we to be able to do our walking in paradise?

Well, for pedestrians, Florida is one of the most inhospitable states in the nation along with New Mexico, South Carolina and Mississippi.

And I, for one, feel motorists’ hostility toward walkers in Manatee County, including on AMI, and I routinely see evidence of distracted driving.

I’ve had close calls as motorists rush to make a turn despite pedestrians in a crosswalk in Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and, to a lesser degree, Bradenton Beach.

I hustle to cross a street and motorists still have honked at me to “move” when I’m walking across Marina Drive from the Island Library toward Jessie’s Island Store in Holmes Beach.

I’ve seen and heard motorists slam on the brakes and skid into the crosswalk at Gulf Drive and Magnolia Avenue in Anna Maria.

I’ve seen motorists edge through a turn from Gulf Drive to Pine Avenue before I can finish crossing.

Once, a motorist came so close to hitting me at Gulf and Pine that I put my hands on the hood of his truck.

At the same intersection several years ago, a motorist ran into my wife. He turned right from Gulf onto Pine and hit her in the crosswalk. She rolled across the hood of his truck and fell on the roadway while he kept going, never found for a citation or an apology.

Connie got rattled and suffered some bruises.

Others on AMI have suffered so much more, most recently May 12, at the intersection of Gulf and Marina drives in Holmes Beach’s city center.

A man driving a pickup truck struck two women, fatally injuring one. The pedestrians were using the crosswalk to cross Gulf Drive from S&S Plaza toward the northeast corner with Marina Drive.

Afterward, many walkers took to social media to share their negative experiences, especially with motorists failing to yield at crosswalks, as well as swerving into bike lanes.

“Drivers. They act like they own the roads,” posted one islander.

And you know what, drivers do not own the roads.

I think the first lesson I learned in driver’s ed was

Introductions all around Kristen mazzarella, the new executive director for anna maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird monitoring, makes her introduction may 18 during a Bradenton Beach City Commission meeting. mazzarella, who has a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s in marine biology, spent the past 15 years working as a senior biologist for mote marine Laboratory in Sarasota. She thanked commissioners for dedicating may 1 as Suzi Fox Day to commemorate the life of the longtime turtle watch executive director who died Sept. 31, 2022. “I hope to keep up the conservation efforts, the educational outreach efforts, that Suzi has done in the past,” mazzarella said. “I look forward to working with you all as well as the other municipalities here on the island.” Islander Photo:

Robert anderson

Florida turtle grants support science, education efforts

About $490,000 in grant money will help drive sea turtle research and conservation in Florida in 2023-24.

Earlier this spring, the Sea Turtle Grants Program awarded funding to 30 projects benefiting sea turtle conservation in the state.

The funding comes from sales of a specialty license plate. Sales also provide the primary source of funding for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Marine Turtle Protection Program.

One grant — dollar amounts were not available as of Islander press time — will help Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota study the bacterial dynamics of dermatitis in green turtles on the Gulf coast.

Another grant will go to Florida Atlantic Uni-

“share the road.”

“Share the road.” It’s a slogan for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

“Share the road.” It’s a campaign for a specialty license plate promoting bicycle safety in Florida.

“Share the road” seems key to life on AMI. The island is not suburbia, where sprawl requires all to travel by car. For decades now, local governments have been improving infrastructure to make communities more pedestrian friendly.

When kids are on the trail of treats at Halloween, the fear should come from scary costumes not anticipating a walk across Marina Drive.

When an art walk event is happening during high season, people should feel confident they can safely get from one venue to the next.

The cities have added safety enhancements and corrected infrastructure but if we are serious about maintaining the neighborly feel of walkable AMI, how do we correct sometimes hostile, sometimes neglectful motorists?

versity’s study on “swimming kinematics” to understand how young sea turtles disperse to offshore nursery areas and address a longstanding data gap in the knowledge of how neonate sea turtles contend with currents.

Awards also will support the purchase of new endoscopy equipment at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, acoustic monitoring research at Florida State University and research at the Sea Turtle Conservancy.

For more, go online to https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/sea-turtle/plate/.

— Lisa Neff

By the numbers

From Jan. 1-May 11, Manatee County law enforcement agencies responded to 2,432 vehicle crashes, including 68 involving pedestrians and 60 involving bicycles.

Crashes in the county resulted in 1,710 injuries and 19 fatalities, including one bicycle fatality and eight pedestrian deaths.

Statewide, for the same period, law enforcement agencies responded to 138,278 crashes resulting in 88,603 injuries and 1,187 deaths, including 77 bicycle fatalities and 268 pedestrian deaths.

— Lisa Neff

ITEMS FOR SALE

FaUX FIREPLaCE: $49 or best offer. 941778-5542.

PaNINNI maKER: CUISINaRT, stainlesssteel, like new, $45. 941-920-2494.

CHaIR: BLaCK, SOFT cushion $15/ each and office chair, white, $10. Side tables, brown with glass top. 2/$20. 941920-2494.

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, fax toll-free 1-866-362-9821. (limited time offer)

Sandy’s Lawn Service Inc.

Paradise Improvements 941.792.5600

RDI CONSTRUCTION INC.

References

AdoptA-Pet

Oh, those eyes!

Bella is an 8-year-old mixed-breed lovebug!

She’s neutered and has all vaccinations — ready to meet her new family! Call Lisa Williams at 941-3452441 or visit The Islander office in Holmes Beach. And for more about pet adoption, visit moonraceranimalrescue.com.

SPONSORED By

• 941-720-7519

ANNOUNCEMENTS

EaRLy DEaDLINE! THE Islander office will be closed monday, may 29, to observe memorial Day. The classified ad deadline for the may 31 newspaper will be 2 p.m. Friday, may 26.

SPECIaLIZING IN BaCHELORETTE parties. Call michael Sue Scott. Intuitive reader. 941726-1234. www.michaelsuescott.com

PETS

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

TRANSPORTATION

GOLF CaRT RENTaLS: Fun for residents and tourists! www.GolfCartRentalamI.com.

BOATS & BOATING

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

SUNCOaST BOTTOm PaINTING: Professional bottom painting. mobile. Call 941704-9382.

FISHING

FUN aND FISH: Skiff rental. 24-foot Carolina skiff. Live bait and fi shing equipment included upon request. Call 941-704-9382.

HELP WANTED

HVaC OPEN POSITIONS: Service tech, installer, apprentice. apply at West Coast air Conditioning, 5437 Gulf Drive, #4, or call 941-778-9622.

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

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

KIDS FOR HIRE

NEED aN aDULT night out? Call maty’s Babysitting Services. I’m 16, love kids and have lots of experience. References upon request. 618-977-9630.

KIDS FOR HIRE ads are FREE 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.

ANSWERS TO MAY 24 PUZZLE

SERVICES

BEaCH 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, 941-795-7411. CaC184228.

SERVICES Continued

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 WaSHING, 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.

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

aPI’S DRyWaLL REPaIR: I look forward to servicing your drywall repair needs. Call 941524-8067 to schedule an appointment.

PROFESSIONaL WINDOW CLEaNING: Residential, commercial, free estimates. “We want to earn your business!” 207-8526163.

aIRPORT RIDES: SaRaSOTa, St. Pete, Tampa. Call/text, Vita, 941-376-7555.

PaRaDISE PET CaRE: Pet specialist. Walking, sitting, vet visits. Training and love. Jason, 908-720-1688.

HaNGIN’ ON amI: We hang artwork, mirrors, TVs, etc. Furniture assembly. Local references available. 941-720-3126.

ISLaND LIGHTSCaPES & SECURITy: Landscape lighting and home security installation. Quality service by Island residents. 941-7203126.

PROFESSIONaL CaR SERVICE to all local airports. 24/7, 365. Eamonn, 941-4477737.

EXTRa HELP aT home or on vacation. organization, cleaning, sitting, errands. very competent. Gemma, 805-570-1415.

RaINy Day aT the beach? Sunburned? Have fun inside. Tarot card reading for individuals or groups. Phone or video by St. Louis’ top psychic, CBS radio’s #1 fortune teller. as seen on mTV and Nickelodeon. $50 for 15 minutes. Call or text, Julia GordonBramer, 314-517-0158.

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

CLEaN TECH mOBILE Detailing. at your location. Cars, boats, RVs. Call or text Billie for an appointment. 941-592-3482.

Place

classified ads online

LAWN & GARDEN

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

B a RNES L a WN a ND Landscape LLC. Design and installation, lawn and landscape services, tree trimming, mulch, rock and shell. 941-705-1444. Jr98@barneslawnandlandscape.com.

COLLINS LaNDSCaPE LIGHTING: Outdoor lighting, landscaping, irrigation services and maintenance. 941-279-9947. mJC24373@ gmail.com.

SEaRay SPRINKLER SERVICES. Repairs, additions, drip, sprinkler head/timer adjustments. 941-920-0775.

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

mP LaWN maINTENaNCE now accepting new clients. Call Dante, 941-730-9199. mp@ mplawnmaintenance.com

EaRLy DEaDLINE! THE Islander office will be closed m onday, m ay 29, to observe memorial Day. The classified ad deadline for the may 31 newspaper will be 2 p.m. Friday, may 26.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

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

TILE -TILE -TILE. all variations of ceramic tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship, prompt, reliable, many Island references. Call Neil, 941-726-3077.

GRIFFIN’S HO m E I m PROVE m ENTS 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.

H a ND yma N a ND Pa INTING. No job too small. m ost jobs just right. Call Richard Kloss. 941-204-1162.

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.

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.

S a R a SOTa INTERIOR Pa INTING: We specialize in high-end properties. We love to paint! Owner operated. Fully insured/ licensed. Call or text Don, 941-900-9398. Instagram: SarasotaInteriorPainting.

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.

RENTALS

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

PERICO ISL a ND PaTIO home for rent. 3BR/2Ba. two-car garage, fully renovated. 30-day minimum. Privacy fence/gate, two miles to am I. available July 1- December 25, 2023. #bluerockingchair instagram/fb. 859-771-6423.

BE a UTIFULLy FURNISHED, a NNU a L rental in Beach Harbor Club, Longboat Key. 2BR/2Ba with views of the bay, laundry and condo amenities include pool, grill, with both bay and beach access. $200 application required. $3,800 month plus first and last month’s rent and $1,000 deposit. Call mike Norman Realty, 941-778-6696. 3101 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217.

HOL m ES BE a CH annual rental available now. Fully furnished. 3BR/2B a elevated duplex. $4,000 per month plus utilities. Contact us at 941-778-4410 for more details.

FOR LEaSE: 2BR/2Ba condo available yearly. 55-plus community, ground floor, carport, pool clubhouse and golf available. No pets. $2,200 per month plus security. 440-7243126.

OFF-SEaSON RaTE: 90-180 days flexible. 2BR/2Ba Wildwood Springs. $1,800/month. Turnkey furnished. Real Estate mart, 941356-1456.

R a RE CO mm ERCI a L OFFICE space for lease, 101 S. Bay Blvd., Suite B2, 900 sf. above amI post office with great visibility, five exterior sign spaces, newly renovated, can come furnished, rent includes utilities, $4,500 per month, two-year lease minimum. Call Lisa, 941-799-1766.

LONG-TER m RENTa L: Furnished six months-plus. New upscale, modern home with mother-in-law suite in amazing Palma Sola. 3BR/3Ba, two kitchens and two living areas, two patios, .30 acres. Three miles from anna maria Island. $5,600 per month, lawn maintenance and trash removal included. available July 1. No pets. 813-362-5881.

BEaCH LIFE! aNNUaL rental! 55-plus park, 1BR/1Ba. Beach just across the street. Furnished, pool, parking. $1,635/month, Vetting done by the office. No pets. 831-212-2606.

REAL ESTATE

WINNIE m CH a LE, RE a LTOR, 941-5046146. Rosebay International Realty Inc. you need an aggressive and experienced Realtor in today’s market! Selling island homes, Sarasota and Bradenton areas. multi-milliondollar producer! “Selling Homes - m aking Dreams Come True.”

Islander archive 24/7

The Islander is a partner Florida George A. Smathers Libraries. Look for The Islander in the stacks at the UofF Florida digital newspaper collec tion at ufdc.ufl.edu. And it’s avail able 24/7.

REAL ESTATE Continued

CLaSSIC FIXER-UPPER home. Private golf course, panoramic views. Half-plus acre. Caged pool, minutes to beaches. $719,000. Real Estate mart, 941-345-1456.

EaRLy DEaDLINE! THE Islander office will be closed m onday, m ay 29, to observe memorial Day. The classified ad deadline for the may 31 newspaper will be 2 p.m. Friday, may 26.

ENJOy your memorial Day holiday, y’all.

By Lisa Neff

Making the honor society

The Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee recently presented its Florida Realtors Honor Society award to Florida Suncoast Real Estate agents Brooke Mailloux, a first-year recipient, and Debi Reynolds, a three-year recipient.

The association also honored Florida Suncoast’s owners, Sherry and Barry Grooms.

Sherry Grooms is a 16-year recipient of the award and Barry Grooms, who grew up on AMI and also owns Grooms Motors and Automotive, 5608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, is a 14-year recipient.

They earned custom lapel pins and recognition that they’ve helped “forge a business partnership with the Florida Association of Realtors through dedication on a local, state and national level.”

Barry Grooms, in a May 16 news release, said “This accomplishment is just one way to be connected in the industry but also to get the cutting-edge training, education and real estate industry information, that will build our business.

He continued, “Higher education is one-way Realtors develop the skill sets to meet greater customer demands for professionalism in our industry.”

Florida Suncoast is at 417 12th St. W., Suit 120, Bradenton. For more, go to buythesuncoast.com or call 941-213-9400.

TBD by the TDC

The Manatee County Tourist Development Council is set to meet Monday, June 5, at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

As of The Islander’s press time, an agenda for the 9 a.m. meeting was not released.

The TDC, an advisory board consisting of elected officials and appointed representatives from the tourism industry, is tasked with recommending tourism projects and funding priorities to the county commission.

Additional meetings this year will be Monday, Aug. 21, at the center; Monday, Oct. 16, at the county administration building in Bradenton; and Monday, Dec. 4, again at the center.

For more information, contact the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau at 941-729-9177.

Chamber builds roster

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce added to its membership roster in May, welcoming the following to the group:

Mary Pops-In home health help, owned by Mary Knott; JSAN Corp. of Bradenton, construction, owned by Stephanie and Joseph Santaguida; and GI Bins cleaning service of Bradenton Beach, owned by Marcy and Ryan Pfahler.

The chamber is at 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

Flying SRQ

The Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority reported 451,036 passengers traveled through the SarasotaBradenton International Airport in April.

In April 2022, 386,013 passengers traveled through the airport that services the region.

The increase of 17% is the highest number of passengers for the month of April.

For the first four months of the calendar year, the authority reported an increase of 18% in passenger traffic over the same period in 2022.

“We continue to see strong growth in the number of flights, destinations and passengers using SRQ,” said airport CEO and president Rick Piccolo. “With our peak travel months behind us, we are now focused on completing several multimillion-dollar construction projects to better accommodate increased demand.”

For more about the airport, go online to www. flysrq.com.

BizCal

Thursday, May 25

By Lisa Neff THIS

WEEK

5-7 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce business-card exchange with the Anna Maria Island Privateers and Starwheel Websites, chamber office, 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-1541.

Tuesday, May 30

4:30-6:30 p.m. — Manatee Chamber of Commerce Politics & Pints, Oscura, 816 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton. Fee applies. Reservations required. Information: 941-748-3411. Send listings to calendar@islander.org.

Does your business celebrate achievements? Maybe you’re new in business or your staff deserves kudos. Submit your info to news@ islander.org.

MIKE NORMAN REALTY EST. 1978

Once Upon A Beach

For professional real estate sales, call a true island native, born and raised on Anna Maria Island. Marianne Norman-Ellis. 941.778.6696

Mike Norman Realty

Thinking about what is best for your rental property? If so, choose QUALITY over quantity, and get in touch with us!