The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Privateers-HBPd launch summer island schools host graduations

59th st., HB, home burns

a WmFR firefighter checks over the structure may 25 at the Veenstra home at 511 59th St., Holmes Beach, after a blaze was extinguished.

Major loss, minor injury

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

West Manatee Fire Rescue firefighters responded around 3:15 p.m. May 25 to a fire at a single-family home at 511 59th St., Holmes Beach.

The fire began as property-owner Kenneth Veenstra was using a heat gun to shrink wrap some towels. The heat gun was left unattended in a second-floor room, according to WMFR.

When Veenstra smelled smoke, he returned to the room to find the fire.

WMFR Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski said the owner tried to extinguish the fire using a garden hose — resulting in

TURN TO BURN, PaGE 2

The atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and continues through Nov. 30, with forecasts calling for a “near-normal” season.

Find forecast coverage and readiness tips throughout this issue, as well as a pullout map for tracking the storm season on page 16.

.com

Islander Photo: Courtesy WmFR

anna maria Elementary fifth-graders gather one last time may 22 in the auditorium at “the little school by the bay.” more, page 12-13. Islander Photo: Courtesy amE

anna maria Island Privateer Brian “marco” Olsen introduces his sidekick, Pollo the chicken, to an audience gathered for storytime at the 69th annual Snooks adams Kids Day. The Privateer event — co-hosted by the Holmes Beach Police Department at city field — started in 1954 when adams, then police chief of Holmes Beach, started a celebration of summer with a Jeep-load of amI kids bound for the beach, a few pounds of hot dogs and refreshments. adams handed over the event to the Privateers in 1980. See more, page 12. Islander Photos: Robert anderson

Off to kindergarten they go! The pre-K class of 2022-23 graduates poses may 25 with teachers at the School for Constructive Play. The private school is housed at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: Courtesy Pam Bertrand

The property at 511 59th St., Holmes Beach, damaged in a May 25 structure fire, is a total loss, according to JT Thomas of the HB Code Compliance Department.

The county appraiser’s website, states the property was purchased in 2010 by Kenneth Veenstra, with a current taxable value of $1,085,555 Islander Photo: Courtesy WMFR

The Veenstras’ pet, Sparky, takes a ride. The dog escaped the fire and ran north to 80th Street, where he was captured and returned to the family by Jayson Clayton, a code compliance officer. Islander

Photo: Courtesy HB Code Enforcement

minor burns to his bare feet — and did not call 911 for help.

Instead, a neighbor called 911 on seeing the flames grow from outside the house.

Kwiatkowski said firefighters arrived to find smoke and fire pouring from the home. He said they quickly extinguished the fire but it caused “major” damage.

“It’s probably a complete loss,” he said. “Probably 80% of the home sustained heavy damage from fire and smoke.”

During the incident, the Veenstra dog escaped the house and ran off.

Holmes Beach code enforcement staff tracked the dog to 80th Street, secured the animal and reunited it with Veenstra.

Following the incident, city code enforcement posted a warning at the property to notify people the home is unsafe to enter.

WMFR offered to connect Veenstra with the American Red Cross for help but the offer was declined. The resident said he planned to stay with family in the area, according to Kwiatkowski.

Kwiatkowski said the fire was not suspicious. The property owner did not have insurance on the home and was not pursuing further investigation.

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BURN CONTINUED FROm PaGE 1

RIGHT: A view of a house fire May 25 on 59th Street in Holmes Beach taken by a neighbor across the canal. Islander Courtesy Photo

Water rescues launch holiday weekend for Coast Guard

The U.S. Coast Guard Station Cortez reported multiple rescues in the 24-hour period that kicked off Memorial Day weekend.

A Station Cortez rescue crew rescued four people from a capsized vessel about 40 miles west of Anna Maria Island, according to a news release.

An emergency locator indicated a radio beacon was activated at approximately 8 a.m. May 27, alerting Coast Guard watchstanders of the situation.

An Air Station Clearwater helicopter acrew and a Station Cortez boat crew launched.

The aircrew located the boat and the Cortez crew plucked the boaters — all wearing life jackets — from the water.

The people were reported in good health and a safety marine information broadcast was being issued for their capsized vessel.

A Station Cortez rescue crew, assisted by West

Manatee Fire Rescue, also saved three people, May 27 at approximately 11 p.m., after their boat took on water and capsized in the vicinity of Woody’s River Roo on the Manatee River.

The river boaters also were wearing life jackets.

“Everyone rescued within the past 24 hours had all the necessary safety equipment aboard for a successful rescue,” said Petty Officer Zachary Smith, Station Cortez.

Coast Guard Cortez and WMFR also responded at about 9 p.m. May 26 to a situation off Bean Point in Anna Maria, where a boat taking on water was beached near the Anna Maria City Pier.

In another incident at about 8:25 p.m. May 26, Coast Guard Cortez and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office assisted an individual who required medical attention from a vessel anchored about a half mile south of Cortez at Cow Key. — Robert anderson

Driver in deadly HB crash contests $166 ticket

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

A crash in Holmes Beach that left one pedestrian dead and another injured might result in few consequences for the motorist involved.

Holmes Beach police issued Michael Ritchie, 43, of Bradenton, a traffic citation May 12 for failing to yield to Deborah and Miriam Trotter. He struck the women with his pickup as they walked in a crosswalk.

The Trotters had entered a new crosswalk with an active pedestrian crossing signal across Gulf Drive between S&S Plaza and the defunct Wells Fargo building and had the right of way when they were struck by the 2018 GMC 2500 driven by Ritchie. Ritchie was turning left from Marina Drive onto Gulf Drive.

Deborah Trotter, 65, of Holmes Beach, was treated at the hospital and released the same day.

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

Ritchie was not arrested and was not charged with any criminal offense.

A crash report said Ritchie said he never saw either pedestrian and “stated he had the green light.”

He was observed rendering aid to the victims when law enforcement arrived at the scene.

The report also said, “Witnesses stated that vehicle#1 did not hit his brakes or attempt to stop before hitting the pedestrians.”

The 12th District Florida State Attorney’s Office told The Islander May 25 that since there was no initial arrest, any investigation would be confidential until potential charges are pursued.

Ritchie, meanwhile, is contesting the $166 citation for “failure to yield right of way to pedestrian at intersection with traffic control device.”

Attorney David Haenel of the Sarasota-based The Law Place filed a plea of not guilty May 22 and requested a trial by county court judge on behalf of his client, Ritchie.

A mandatory traffic infraction hearing will be at 8:30 a.m. June 7, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

Q&a 053123

The Islander poll

Last week’s question

By Lisa Neff

Are island streets safe for pedestrians and bicyclists?

48%. No.

34%. Yes, off the main roads.

12%. Yes, as safe as anywhere.

6%. Yes, better than other places.

This week’s question

Which island city offers the best nightlife?

A. Anna Maria.

B. Holmes Beach.

C. Bradenton Beach.

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

mariners cling to a vessel may 27, awaiting rescue in the Gulf of mexico. Islander

Photo: Coast Guard Cortez

HB magistrate fines repeat vacation rental violator

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

A repeat violation resulted in a hefty fine for one Holmes Beach vacation rental owner.

Special magistrate Michael Connolly found Water’s Place Properties, owner of property at 211 67th St., in repeat violation of city code May 23 by advertising and renting two vacation units at the site for less than seven days.

The property is in the city’s R-2 zone, the city’s two-family residential district, which runs through the center of the municipality from its northern border with Anna Maria to the north side of Manatee Avenue.

City code requires short-term rentals of no less than seven consecutive days in the R-2 zone.

Code compliance supervisor JT Thomas said the city fi rst cited the property owner for an improper length of stay in April 2020, when a three-night stay was booked at one of the units.

The city again cited the property owner in October 2022, when it was advertising for three-night minimum stays at the property.

Thomas said in April the city found advertisements for four-night minimum stays at the property using Harmari, a program that monitors short-term rental postings.

Allen Snyder, title manager of Water’s Place Properties LLC, attended the May 23 hearing and challenged the city claims.

He said advertisements for the vacation units specifically stated there was a seven-night minimum reservation and that potential renters wouldn’t be able to

allen Snyder, title manager of Water’s Place Properties, makes his case may 23 at a special magistrate hearing.

Islander Photos: Ryan Paice Property at 211 67th St., Holmes Beach. Water’s Place Properties LLC, advertised and rented the property for stays of less than seven days.

book shorter stays.

“I challenge anybody here to try to rent my place for less than seven days. It cannot be done,” Snyder said.

Code compliance administrator Kim Charron said the city had already done that and found it could book the property for as few as four days.

Snyder argued that he disabled instant bookings on Airbnb, so any booking requests would go to him for confirmation and he wouldn’t accept stays of less than seven days.

“That’s merely a sales tactic,” he said. “I have no intention of booking someone for less than seven

days.”

City attorney Erica Augello said the property owner repeatedly violated city code and requested Connolly issue a $500 daily fine, running from April 13 until the property complies with code, and a $127.24 administrative fee.

Connolly said he found “overwhelming evidence” against Water’s Place Properties LLC and said it was trying to “game the system.” He approved the city’s requested fines and fees.

The city’s next special magistrate hearing will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 27, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

HB commits to clean water, hires algae removal contractor

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The city of Holmes Beach just got a new tool for cleaning local waterways.

City commissioners unanimously voted May 23 to approve a contract to hire Winter Garden-based Sea & Shoreline LLC for algae removal services on a work order basis.

The item was an early recommendation from the Holmes Beach Clean Water Committee, which pushed for either the purchase of a marine debris harvester vessel or a contractor to collect and dispose of algal mats and fish kills.

Removing the decaying material from the water can reduce foul odors and the water’s nitrogen load.

The CWC recommended the action after large blooms of Lyngbya wollei , also known as “brown gumbo” algae, clogged the surfaces of local canals and left boaters pinching their noses in 2021 and 2022.

The city issued a request for proposals earlier this year for algae removal services and got two bids in response.

Myakka City-based Rick Richards Inc. submitted a $820,500 lump sum bid for the service — even more expensive than a $587,060 bid for the purchase of a

skimmer vessel.

Sea & Shoreline submitted a bid to provide the same services for $5,525 per acre.

The price consists of $70 per hour in labor, $120 per hour for a diver, $400 daily cost for a skiff and $700 per 20 cubic feet per container for disposal expenses.

City engineer Sage Kamiya told The Islander May 25 the contract service would add to the city’s repertoire moving forward.

“It’s another tool in a toolbox for us to make use of services to keep our waters as clean as we can,” Kamiya said.

In the past, the city has had staff coordinate cleanups to address small-scale issues or hired local anglers and boaters to collect, remove and dispose of more problematic algal mats and fish kills.

Now Sea & Shoreline’s services could be the city’s heavy-duty approach to cleaning local waters.

Moving forward, the city can submit work order requests to the contractor, which will provide a quote for the job in response.

Those quotes will go before the city commission for consideration and, if approved, Sea & Shoreline

Meetings

ANNA MARIA CITY

June 8, TBD, commission.

June 19, city offices closed.

will deploy its services.

Spring Lake aeration services

City commissioners also unanimously voted May 23 to approve a revised contract to hire Fort Myersbased Solitude Lake Management LLC for $428 to service Spring Lake’s aeration systems twice over the next year.

An aeration system was first installed at the lake in September 2019 to circulate stagnant waters and infuse the lack with oxygen.

Kamiya said the contract was nearly the same as before, but revised so that the city could expand the deal and install aeration systems in other local waterways.

“That contract didn’t meet current legal recommendations,” Kamiya said. “There were some things our attorneys wanted to clean up a little bit, and so we essentially rewrote it based off of their advice.”

The commission will meet next at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 13, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

Directions to watch the meeting can be found on the city’s website, holmesbeachfl.org.

By Lisa Neff

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

BRADENTON BEACH

June 1, 6 p.m., commission.

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 15, noon, commission.

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

HOLMES BEACH

June 13, 2 p.m., commission.

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

June 14, 5 p.m., planning.

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

WEST MANATEE FIRE RESCUE

June 20, 6 p.m., commission .

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

MANATEE COUNTY

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

June 7, 3:30 p.m., Palma Sola Scenic Highway Corridor Management Entity, Sarasota/Manatee MPO office, 8100 15th St. E., Sarasota.

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

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

a photo graphic shows how a mural might look on the Island Library, 5701 marina Drive, Holmes Beach. manatee County commissioners are set to consider a request for a mural for the building during their June 6 meeting. The proposal involves the county library system, the Friends of the Island Library, the anna maria Island art League and the Holmes Beach Parks and Beautification Committee. The Friends group would fund the project. The commission meeting will begin at 9 a.m. at the county administration building, 1112 manatee ave. W., Bradenton. Islander Courtesy Photo

Mural proposed for library

Feds forecast ‘near-normal’ hurricane season

By Lisa Neff Islander Editor

Will there be a storm named Whitney?

The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1, with a “near-normal” season of 12-17 named storms, including 5-9 hurricanes in a May 25 forecast from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center.

Whitney would be the 21st named storm of the season.

NOAA forecasters predict 1-4 major hurricanes and their outlook states that the 2023 season “is expected to be less active than recent years, due to competing factors — some that suppress storm development and some that fuel it — driving this year’s overall forecast for a near-normal season.”

Several climate factors figured into NOAA’s forecast, including:

• After three seasons with La Nina present, NOAA scientists see a high potential for El Nino to develop this summer, which can suppress Atlantic hurricane activity;

• Scientists see the potential for an above-normal west African monsoon, which produces African easterly waves and seeds some of the stronger and longerlived Atlantic storms;

• Scientists see warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, which creates more energy to fuel storm development.

With a confidence level of 70%, they see a 30% chance of an above-normal season, a 40% chance of a near-normal season and a 30% chance of a belownormal season.

Tagged to return

Reentry tags for AM

A couple of other forecasts were released this spring:

• AccuWeather predicted an average Atlantic hurricane season for 2023, with 11-15 named storms;

• Colorado State University predicted a slightly below-average season, with 13 named storms.

The 2022 season produced two devastating major hurricanes:

• Fiona, which brought massive flooding to Puerto Rico before causing significant surge, wind and rain impacts in Canada as a post-tropical cyclone;

• Ian, which made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane in southwest Florida, causing more than 150 fatalities and $113 billion in damages.

Whether there is one storm or 21 storms before the

Sandy start to storm a crowd of people fill sandbags Sept. 27, 2022, at a sandbagging area at the corner of Flotilla Drive and 62nd Street in Holmes Beach to prepare for Hurricane Ian. a day later, after an island evacuation, Ian made landfall in Lee County. Islander File

season ends Nov. 30, emergency management officials encourage people to prepare.

“As we saw with Hurricane Ian, it only takes one hurricane to cause widespread devastation and upend lives,” FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell said in a May 25 news release. “So regardless of the number of storms predicted this season, it is critical that everyone understand their risk and heed the warnings of state and local officials.”

Throughout the season, The Islander offers advice and tips to prepare for the season and respond when a storm approaches.

In this issue, turn to the center spread for The Islander’s 2023 storm tracking map — fridge magnets not included.

Check to see that there is new hang tag hanging out in the glove box.

Hope for the best but prepare for the worst.

New hurricane reentry tags are available for Anna Maria residents at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, ahead of the 2023 storm season, which runs June 1-Nov. 30.

Reentry tags allow public safety officials to quickly identify people approved to reenter an impacted area following a catastrophic storm.

Last year’s Anna Maria reentry tags have expired but residents can get new tags for free by bringing proof of residency to city hall, according to city clerk LeAnne Addy.

People can call city hall at 941-708-6130 for more information.

— Ryan Paice

BB issues new tags

Bradenton Beach also is distributing new reentry tags for the hurricane season.

Bradenton Beach Police Chief John Cosby intro-

Ready for summer season?

duced the new tag in April and, as of May 22 about 44 people had gone to city hall for a tag, according to city assistant clerk Christine Watson.

Cosby told The Islander May 26 that any Bradenton Beach resident or business owner seeking to return after an evacuation must have the new tag with a 2023-24 date.

For more information, contact city hall at 941-7781005 or visit 107 Gulf Drive N.

— Robert anderson

250 tags distributed in HB

And Holmes Beach residents and property owners are getting ready for hurricane season.

People acquired 250 new hurricane reentry tags from the Holmes Beach Police Department as of May 24, according to Chief Bill Tokajer.

Tokajer said the HBPD distributed 1,500-2,000 ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Ian last year. People can get new tags by completing a reentry tag form on the city’s website, holmesbeachfl.org, or at the HBPD, 5801 Marina Drive.

After completing the form, residents must bring it to the HBPD along with proof of residency to receive new reentry tags at no cost.

People can contact the HBPD at 941-778-2677 for additional information.

—

Ryan Paice

Bradenton Beach

Police Chief John Cosby shows a sample of the city’s new hurricane tags at an april 6 commission meeting.

Islander File Photo: Robert anderson

Photo: Ryan Paice

That’s a lot of Spam

Whatever you do, don’t sing it to me.

“Spam” was a Monty Python sketch, first televised in 1970. The song and more Spam humor on the show multiplied from there.

But I heard it first from my friends, Paul Roat and Joe Bird. Heaven only knows how or when Spam came up in our conversations, but they never failed to break out in the “Spam” song.

And still, although we wrote and joked about Spam, it just wasn’t my thing. I recall Spam fried rice on the menu at the now-defunct Ato’s Polynesian Restaurant in Anna Maria, which became the Waterfront Restaurant.

But Ato’s is another story for another time.

“Spam” became akin to the chorus of children’s voices at Walt Disney World — the Small World boat ride (read no escape) — where the horror of thousands and thousands of mechanical dolls animate “It’s a Small World” on repeat. Think earworm.

Anyway, both experiences came long before this newspaper launched in November 1992 on the tail of Hurricane Andrew, a powerful and destructive storm that struck the Bahamas, Florida’s southeast coast and Louisiana in August.

Andrew brought revolutionized building codes to Florida in the form of improved roofing standards, mandated impact-resistant windows and hurricane shutters on new buildings.

And while Andrew had little impact on Anna Maria Island, we were not blind to the devastation.

There was a groundswell of local effort to be “storm-ready” among emergency operation centers, city and county governments, fire districts and law enforcement and the media.

By 1993, The Islander had begun to organize a “hurricane” section in the newspaper with all manner of advice on being storm-ready.

And Paul was on top of the task. After serving as a legislative aid to a state representative before taking the editor’s job at The Islander, he had resources and ideas to help islanders prepare for the big one.

In fact, he wrote a “what if” op-ed piece about Hurricane Brillo. What if Brillo scoured Anna Maria Island?

His story-ready tips always included cans of Spam and many rolls of duct tape in the hurricane kit.

Please, peruse the tips and the must-know stormready information in this week’s Islander.

“And, damn it, get ready,” as the late Paul Roat used to say.

— Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

Buses to ferry beachgoers

If Manatee County is considering small-capacity, slow ferry boats to Anna Maria Island to partially address increasing vehicular traffic and parking pressure on the beaches, why would enhanced bus service not be a considered option.

Wouldn’t a fleet of small buses originating from a Bradenton or Cortez depot with a large parking lot — or parking garage — be a better option than ferry boats?

Skimming online

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▼ 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

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(All others: news@islander.org)

It would be challenging to duplicate the efficiency of Disney’s bus fleet but buses must be more effective and efficient than small ferry boats to address traffic and parking concerns.

The buses could be similar in size to the trolleys that complement AMI roadways and nimble enough for the roundabout to serve beaches on the south end.

Lawrence Dudzik, Bradenton

Greed’s ugly head

When I was a commissioner in Bradenton Beach, the commission — with some last-minute support from Mayor John Chappie — passed a controversial building moratorium so we could decide just how far we wanted to go with the developers because we had approved a change in zoning that let someone I thought was a friend quietly work with a developer to push into that old Florida cracker house picket fence historic area near Bridge Street and build a three-story.

As far as I was concerned, it was simply pure greed at work and I warned everyone that what the commission did in allowing the zoning change would come back to haunt us.

And how right I was as I see the turn of events with the Pines Trailer Park today.

Back then, I lived in the park and the fact is the Jackson family has been profiting from the residents

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.

of the park for longer than anyone can remember.

And now it sure looks like greed’s ugly head has risen again as the Jacksons are looking to reap a fantastic $16 million-plus by selling not the park but the parkland the trailers sit upon.

It’s sad when greed ends up hurting people, especially older residents who just can’t afford to move and will probably walk away with practically nothing.

Sad to say but it’s a different Bradenton Beach today than the one I knew way back when I warned everyone what would happen.

Ross Benjamin, Venice

After Alma

The aftermath in Bradenton Beach of Hurricane alma in 1966. alma made landfall near apalachee Bay with winds of 90 mph June 9, 1966 — the earliest U.S. hurricane landfall since a hurricane in may 1825. For news, tracking and emergency updates during hurricane season go to islander.org. another way to stay up to date is to search for hashtags for a storm on social media. additionally, the National Hurricane Center provides updates on Twitter via @ NWSNHC and @NHC_atlantic. Islander Photos: manatee County Public Library System archives

We’d love to mail you the news!

After the 1921 storm an archival photo shows the Cortez village waterfront with smashed fishing and boat houses after the 1921 hurricane. The storm made landfall near Tarpon Springs Oct. 25, 1921. The storm was the first major hurricane to make landfall in the Tampa Bay area since the hurricane of 1848 and the last to date.

looking back

10&20 years ago

From the May 28, 2003, issue

• Holmes Beach police called Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch executive director Suzi Fox to report that beachgoers had left a tent, beer cans and other items on the shore that could impede a nesting sea turtle. Fox said volunteers had found a false crawl nearby and noted it was illegal to leave items on the beach during turtle nesting season.

• The Florida Department of Transportation began a $7.2 million rehabilitation of the Anna Maria Island Bridge that was expected to give the bridge another 10 years of service. Most of the initial work was to replace 19 pile jackets. Electrical and mechanical work also would be done.

• Tidemark Resort developer Nick Easterling said work on the project at the Holmes Beach basin on Marina Drive would begin by mid-June. Easterling, however, acknowledged his company owed $30,000 in back property taxes and had only one week to pay the money to the Manatee County Tax Collector’s office.

From the May 29, 2013, issue

• Anna Maria Commission Chair John Quam announced his resignation, surprising fellow commissioners and others at a city hall meeting.

• The feds were predicting an active hurricane season, forecasting 13-20 named storms.

• A 39-year-old former Holmes Beach resident faced a sentence of 87 months in prison, plus fines and restitution after being convicted of health care fraud and filing a false tax return.

• Six dogs trapped inside a burning home on Palma Sola Boulevard were rescued by firefighters from West Manatee Fire Rescue.

— Lisa Neff

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Boating safety lessons kick off summer

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

National Boating Safety Week was observed May 20-26 but boating safety is requisite year-round when surrounded by water.

Dave Haddox, commander of the Anna Maria Island Sail and Power Squadron, is taking time with The Islander May 25 to help local boaters ensure a safe time.

Haddox said he’s been involved in water safety training for decades and the squadron’s five instructors have about 150 years of boating experience in total.

The squadron is a unit of America’s Boating Club, a nonprofit organization made up of more than 20,000 members and 300 clubs across the country.

The squadron is a part of ABC District 22, a group of clubs located near Florida’s Gulf Coast, with a facility at 1200 71st St. NW, Bradenton.

According to U.S. Coast Guard data for 2021, the most recent stats available, Florida led the nation that year with 723 boating accidents, 61 boating fatalities and 451 injuries.

The state also led the country in boating damages, totaling more than $13 million — more than double the $6.3 million in damage from the next highest state, California.

Haddox said many of Florida’s boating accidents can be attributed to boaters focusing on other things, such as fishing, or a transient population that might not have boating experience before renting marine vessels.

Many boating accidents involve people who had prior boating experience, but never attended an official safety training course, according to Haddox.

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

Haddox encouraged people to pursue a training course, as well as a vessel safety check, with the squadron, but offered island boaters some advice about safe boating practices.

Foremost, he stressed boaters should wear personal floatation devices — a life jacket — if “anything

looks like it could go south.”

A life jacket can keep people afloat and prevent drowning, the most common cause of death in boating.

Haddox said boaters also should check the weather regularly, at least every couple of hours, due to the state’s fickle weather patterns that can shift from sunny one minute to a downpour the next.

He said another key is a boating companion to act as a lookout for other vessels or issues, as well as being competent in boating safety practices.

“We encourage families to take these classes together, so everyone has this basic information,” Haddox said. “Having more than one person who knows what to do in an emergency situation is really important.”

In the case of an emergency, Haddox said boaters should have a VHF marine radio to call for help in case their cellphones are damaged or lack a signal.

He added that wearing a wristband or lanyard connected to the engine cutoff switch — a new requirement for boaters operating vessels under 26-feet-long — is important in case a boater falls into the water.

By killing the vessel’s engine, boaters limit how far a vessel can go without someone aboard, as well as prevent a boat from circling back on top of them and injury from their boats’ propellers.

There is still plenty to learn about boating, however.

Haddox said other important things to know are how to use navigational markers, horn signals, vessel fire extinguishers, as well as how your boat’s power systems work.

He also stressed the importance of boaters, especially new boaters or those renting vessels, understanding the safety equipment their vessels have or may need.

Haddox said the squadron provides free vessel safety checks, where an instructor inspects a boater’s vessel and familiarizes the boater with the vessel’s safety equipment and features.

People can sign up for boating safety lessons or vessel safety checks with the AMI SPS by calling 941447-7845.

Tiki & Kitty’s

And here comes summer. Tiki and Kitty are heating up their shopping plans, looking for a day or two to make a round of visits to the best shops.

They’re starting at Blue Flamingo, home to hip and trendy upcycled and repurposed goods, furniture and decor, garden features, candles, jewelry and work by local artisans. Blue Flamingo also offers Dixie Belle paints.

Cat’s Meow has 7,700 square feet of vintage, unique and repurposed items. You may want to lace up your skates, as this large, former skating rink has plenty to offer bargain, antique, unique hunters. Plus, there’s a mancave and a cool clothing boutique. You don’t want to miss this vast collection of vendors.

Blessed and Distressed is a tastefully designed store — so inviting, you’ll want to pull up a chair — with collectibles and work by local artists at Palma Sola Square, around the corner from Winn-Dixie. It offers 30-plus vintage, upcycled, shabby chic and

Miss us? WE MISS YOU AMI!

Stop by at our other locations:

Scavengers Marketplace SRQ

1175 N Washington Blvd

Scavengers Palmetto

2100 US Hwy 301

Boaters: Brace against wind, waves

When a tropical storm or hurricane threatens Anna Maria Island, boat owners and operators must be concerned about more than their homes and families. Some tips for boaters include:

• If your plan calls for a move, relocate at least 48 hours before a storm is forecast to strike.

• Experts recommend having at least two storm anchors, with extra long nylon line and chain.

• Make sure fuel tanks are full, filters are clean and batteries are charged.

• Remove or secure deck gear, portable gear, radio antennas and dinghies. Make sure hatches, ports, doors, lazarettes and the rudder are secure.

• Canals might be a good choice for storing a boat in a storm. However, east-west canals can bring disaster when a hurricane approaches from the east. If a boat breaks loose, a domino effect can result in a pileup.

• The best offshore mooring to ride out a storm is in the center of a canal or river where double the number of mooring lines can be secured.

• Do not raft vessels together.

• If a vessel must remain dockside, heavy-duty fender boards should be used.

• Do not stay aboard a vessel during a storm. a sailboat is lodged against the Cortez Bridge Sept. 29, 2022, in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. Islander

File Photo

Adventures in Shopping … Antiques, Art-Tiques and Chic Boutiques!

artsy vendors. You won’t be disappointed. Scavengers Marketplace invites you to visit its many vendors at the Palmetto store, 2100 U.S. 301, where a portion of your purchase benefits Moonracer No Kill Pet Rescue — our favorite pet rescue group. Founder Lisa Williams leads the rescue efforts and also works at The Islander as office manager.

FYI: Scavengers also carries Fusion Paints. New this week is The Vintage Vine Market,

offering fine vintage wares and more with a flair of whimsy in historic Old Manatee along the newest section of the Bradenton Riverwalk. The location in the 1910 building oozes charm — high ceilings, exposed brick and tons of natural light and greenery. We take select consignments of art, furniture, jewelry, clothing and decor by appointment. And don’t forget, tell people you meet along the way, “The Islander sent me.”

Wed-Sat 10-5

Palma Sola Square

Winn Dixie Plaza 615 59th St. W. Bradenton 941-896-8800

Dru Love, Owner Dru@bdVintage.com FUSION

HURRICANE PROTECTION

HURRICANE PROTECTION

calendar@islander.org.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ONGOING OFF AMI

Throughout June, Artists’ Guild Gallery’s “Junes and Spoons and Ferris Wheels” exhibit, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694.

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.

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

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

KIDS & FAMILY ON AMI

Friday, June 2 10 a.m. — Forty Carrots, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Island happenings

Saturday, June 3

10 a.m. — Movie screening, “DC League of Super-Pets,” Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Tuesday, June 6

10 a.m. — Family story time, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786341.

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. 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

Thursday, June 1

ON AMI

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

ONGOING ON AMI

Saturday — June 24, July 29, Aug. 26 in the summer — 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-7781383.

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 20, Center of Anna Maria Island Blood Drive, Anna Maria.

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

SPORTS & GAMES

ONGOING ON AMI

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

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.

ONGOING OFF AMI

Through Sept. 3, Bradenton Marauders baseball, LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941747-3031.

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.

OUTDOORS & NATURE

ONGOING ON AMI

Fourth Wednesdays through August, 7 a.m., Manatee Audubon Society “Birds and Breakfast at Bean Point,” Bean Point boardwalk near North Shore and North Bay Boulevard. Information: 941-5927622.

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

SAVE THE DATE

June 12, Sunset Tai Chi at the NEST, Bradenton.

GOOD TO KNOW

KEEP THE DATES

June 1, Atlantic hurricane season begins.

June 14, Flag Day.

June 18, Father’s Day.

June 19, Juneteenth.

June 21, summer solstice.

July 4, Independence Day.

Sept. 4, Labor Day.

GET LISTED

Send calendar listings and Island Happenings notices 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

Compiled by Lisa Neff,

Island happenings

Coming soon: ‘DC League of SuperPets’ at the library

The Island Library, 5701 marina Drive, Holmes Beach, will host a morning movie — “DC League of Super-Pets,” Saturday, June 3. a viewing of the animated film will begin at 10 a.m. For more information, call the library at 941-778-6341. Islander

Library encourages ‘All Together Now’ on reading

The Island Library will launch its summer reading program, “All Together Now,” June 1.

The library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, participates in the Manatee County Public Library Systems’ annual program, which this year runs through July 31 and celebrates the national “All Together Now” theme.

The library encourages all ages of kids — from infants to high school teens — to participate.

Participating children will earn a new “brag tag” for every four hours that they read up to 20 hours.

At the 20 hour-mark, they win a book and entry into their library grand-prize drawing for their age.

The Island Library will launch the summer campaign at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 3, by bringing together families for a morning screening of “DC League of Super-Pets.”

A movie to promote reading?

Yes, the animated film is based on the DC Comics superhero team, Legion of Super-Pets.

The library also continues to promote an early literacy program, “1000 Books Before Kindergarten.”

Kids ages 0-5 can win prizes for reading books as they work toward the goal of reading books.

For more information, call the library at 941-7786341.

AMI Kiwanis club sets summer schedule

The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island set its schedule for the summer.

The club will meet at 8:30 a.m. at Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., on the following Saturdays: June 24, July 29 and Aug. 26.

The club will resume its weekly meetings Sept. 9.

People interested in addressing the club are encouraged to contact Sandy Haas-Martens at 941778-1383.

June Presswood, 9 months, “reads” a little picture book.

Photo: Bonner Joy/great-grandmother

Mote marks World Ocean Day

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium will mark World Ocean Day with a celebration 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, June 10.

The celebration will be in the courtyard on City Island, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota.

An announcement said, “Guests can enjoy oceanthemed games, educational displays, live music, visits with authors, interaction with Mote’s mascots, face painting and more.

Admission to Mote Aquarium is required to attend the celebration.

World Ocean Day is an internationally observed day annually on June 8 to rally to “engage the public, inform policymakers and unite the world to protect and restore our shared ocean and create a stable climate.”

For more information about the Mote event, go online to mote.org or call 941-388-4441.

For more about World Ocean Day, go online to worldoceanday.org.

Center’s summer camp begins June 5

The Center of Anna Maria Island will launch its summer camp series June 5.

The center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, offers camps for kids kindergarten to fifth-grade and also camps for kids sixth- to ninth-grades, as well as specialty camps.

“Summer My Way” camp for K-5 kids will be 8 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays.

“Adventure Time” camp for older kids will be Tuesdays and Thursdays 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Specialty camps — tennis, cooking, sailing and more —will be Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

Fees vary depending on the camp and the week.

For more information, call the center at 941778-1908.

Blood drive set for center

The Center of Anna Maria Island will host a blood drive 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 20, in partnership with the OneBlood donation center of Tampa Bay.

Donors will receive a $20 gift card, longsleeve T-shirt, day pass to the center and wellness checkup.

Appointments can be made online at oneblood. org using the sponsor code #14076.

The center is at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

For more information, call the center at 941778-1908.

Odd Duck Designs Shop

Courtesy Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures

Islander

Kids and counselors celebrate the start of summer activities during the first week of 2022 day camp at the Center of anna maria Island. The center is registering kids now for the 2023 summer camp sessions. Islander File Photo

school plaque. Islander

AmE NEWS

Congrats AME class of ’23

That’s a wrap!

Anna Maria Elementary’s auditorium filled May 22 with relatives and friends to celebrate fifth-grade achievements.

Principal Mike Masiello looked back at a positive school year and encouraged the class of 2023 to work hard in middle school.

Fifth-grade teachers Stephanie Davis and Sandra

spoke about the AME family and thanked their students and parents for a special class of kids.

During the program, fifth-graders received the Presidential Silver and Gold certificates.

Gold certificates received straight A’s.

Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island member Judy Rup announced the Service Above Self Award to Charlee Maize, who will have her name added to a plaque in the media room and receive $100.

Sons of the American Revolution certificates for good citizenship, habits and patriotism went to Alexa Baugher and Holton Sebastian.

Congratulations class of 2023!

— Brook morrison

Snooks Adams Kids Day

aiden avalone, 7, of Parrish, takes on a swashbuckler at the annual Snooks adams Kids Day in Holmes Beach.

amE principal mike masiello opens a Hawaiian-themed ceremony may 22 and recognizes the successful 2022-23 school year. Islander Photo: Courtesy Stephanie Davis

amE fifth-grader Landon Reuter stands with art and drama teacher Gary Wooten may 22 during graduation. Wooten retired at the end of the school year after 23 years as an educator at amE. Islander

Photo: Courtesy Sherri Bologonone

mac Halley, 5, commands the wheel of the anna maria Island Privateers’ ship, the Skullywag, with big brother Zach, 8, and Privateer Kevin “Squeegee” avalone during Snooks adams Kids Day at Holmes Beach city field. Founded in 1971, the anna maria Island Privateers is an organization with a mission to develop and support activities for the betterment of local youth and community.

FaR LEFT: Naomi Headley, 4, of Bradenton, raises her sword may 27 in salute to Snooks adams Kids Day alongside anna maria Island Privateer Kelly “moulin” Sparkman at the annual celebration at Holmes Beach city field.

LEFT: Nine-month-old maverick of Holmes Beach shows off his pirate regalia in the arms of his mom, mackenzie Fortenberry, during the annual anna maria Island Privateers’ Snooks adams Kids Day in Holmes Beach. The event featured pirate-themed games, prizes and lunch for children. It was hosted by the Holmes Beach Police Department. Islander Photos: Robert anderson

Fischer

RIGHT: Violet Sanger, 4, hugs teacher Gracie Lewis at her School for Constructive Play graduation ceremony with family and friends in the sanctuary at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Holmes Beach, where the school is housed. Islander Courtesy Photo: SFCP/Pam Bertrand

amE fifth-grader Charlee maize smiles may 22 with the Rotary Club of anna maria Island Service above Self award. Charlee was awarded $100 and her name will be added to a

Photo: Courtesy amE

a group of amE fifth-graders gather may 23 while celebrating their elevation to sixth-grade at the Beach House Restaurant. The students will be entering middle school in the fall — off the island. Islander Photos: Courtesy amE

AME grads say ‘aloha’ at beachfront lunch

anna maria Elementary fifth-graders and teachers Stephanie Davis and Sandra Fischer pose in the sand with the Gulf of mexico for a backdrop may 23 at the Beach House Restaurant, 200 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach, where they celebrated the students’ time at the elementary school and the end of the school year.

anna maria Elementary fifth-grade student Vincent Gollamundi and mom

Nenita Daguinotas smile may 23 during a final class lunch to celebrate graduation. Vincent was the last of the three Gollamundi siblings to attend amE.

By Brook morrison

By Lisa Neff

Roser to host Bible school

Roser Memorial Community Church will host vacation Bible school Monday-Friday June 5-9.

Hours will be 5:30-8:30 p.m. and include dinner.

Bible school is open to kids age 4 through the fifth-grade.

An announcement read, “VBS kids sing catchy songs, play teamwork-building games, make and devour yummy treats, experience one-of-a-kind adventures, collect buddies and test out sciency-fun gizmos.”

Roser is at 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

For more information, go online to roserchurch. com or call the church office at 941-778-0414.

GDL plans summer reading

The Rev. Doug Kings, pastor at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, will lead book discussions this summer, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 19.

The discussion group will focus on “Hidden Heart of the Cosmos: Humanity and the New Story” by physicist Brian Swimme.

Gloria Dei is at 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

For more, call the church at 941-778-1813.

St. B: Hold the stuff

The group that organizes the rummage sales at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach, is on summer break.

A bulletin announcement said, “Please hold all donations until the end of September, when collections will resume.”

Life to the fullest

Kathleen Tripp, a Tidewell Hospice patient in Bradenton who’s living with stage 4 breast cancer, takes flight may 19 on a parasail with a companion from Concierge amI, which helped arrange Tripp’s island-based adventure. Tripp, who moved to the area about nine months ago, was asked by a member of her hospice care team if she had a wish that could be fulfilled through the Tidewell Foundation Wishes Fund. To go parasailing, she replied. “you only live once,” Tripp said. “you think you are going to live forever and when you find out you are not you have to make some decisions.”

RoserChurch.com

Tidings

ON AMI

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

Worship: Sundays, 9 a.m., followed by life group.

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 breakfast.

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

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

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

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

Worship: Sundays, 9:15 a.m.

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

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

Ongoing: Wednesdays, 2:45 p.m., June 7, June 21, July 21, Aug. 9, Golfing for God, Bradenton; Wednesdays through Aug. 30, 1 p.m., GriefShare; Tuesdays, 2 p.m., women’s book study. St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes

a vacation Bible school class engages in an activity at Roser memorial Community Church, 512 Pine ave., anna maria. For 2023, Roser will host Roser memorial Community Church will host vacation Bible school monday-Friday June 5-9. Islander Courtesy Photo

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, christchurchoflbk.org.

Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.

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

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

Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.

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.

Kathleen Tripp stands may 19 with ashley Johnson, her social worker at Tidewell Hospice. Through the Tidewell Foundation Wishes Fund, Tripp, who is living with stage 4 breast cancer, took a parasailing flight with Bradenton Beach-based yolo adventures, which gifted the anna maria Island flyover to Tripp. Tripp said she is grateful to fulfill her wish.

Islander

Photos: Courtesy Tidewell Foundation

SUNDAY WORSHIP

8:30 AM in the Chapel

10:00 AM in the Sanctuary

Nursery • Children’s Church

ONLINE � Watch LIVE or LATER RoserChurch.com

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

The CHAPEL is open during office hours for prayer and meditation

Compiled by Lisa Neff

Lou Carson

Lou Carson, 58, of Holmes Beach, died May 2. She was born Nov. 25, 1964.

GoodDeeds

Assistance sought on AMI

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

Carson

She worked at Moore’s Stone Crab Restaurant on Longboat Key for years before it closed and most recently worked three years at the Ugly Grouper. She was featured in the newspaper a few years ago for her garden. She was loved and will be missed many.

A celebration of life was held May 7.

She is survived by her partner of more than 17 years, Ralph Schambers; mother Katherine Hajek; sister Joanna Williamson; children Shawna, Jean Paul and Morgan Hebert; grandchildren Isabell, Kendall, Chloe, Emilie, Morgan Hebert II and Lucas Gutherz.

Robert A. Gryboski

Dr. Robert A. Gryboski, surgeon, of Holmes Beach, and formerly of New Britain and Farmington, Connecticut, died May 17 following a long and valiant battle with ALS.

He was born in 1939 in New Britain to Boleslaw and Marie (Ostroski) Gryboski and attended local schools during his childhood. He eventually earned a scholarship to Avon Old Farms preparatory school by winning a Hartford County writing competition initiated by the school’s founder, Theodate Pope Riddle. He credited his time at Avon Old Farms for giving him the education, values and confidence that shaped the rest of his life.

He received his bachelor’s degree in English literature from Yale University in 1961 and remained in New Haven to attend Yale Medical School, where he graduated in 1965. He then served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War as chief medical officer aboard the USS Estes, and then as medical officer at Oak Knoll Naval Hospital in Oakland, California.

Dr. Gryboski moved to Boston in 1969 to complete his three-year residency at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and in 1972 returned to his hometown of New Britain to practice otolaryngology until his retirement in 2012.

In his younger years, he was an avid runner. He was a devoted Red Sox fan, rarely missing an opportunity to watch a game in his retirement. Recently, his passion for literature and writing led to the completion and publication of his autobiography and also “Me and Shakespeare,” his personal interpretation of 12 plays.

Most of all, he was a devoted father, who loved nothing more than spending time with his kids and their friends, who were always welcome at his Farmington house and affectionately referred to him as “The Doc.”

Celebrations of life are planned in the coming months in Holmes Beach and New Britain. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to the ALS Association via als.org to help combat the disease. Online condolences may be made at brownandsonsfuneral.com.

Dr. Gryboski is survived by his children Elena

• 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.

Lasker and husband David of Atlanta, Robert Jr. and ReRe Corcoran of Palm Beach Gardens, Melanie Marshall and husband Jon of Natick, Massachusetts, and David and Heather Peterson of Holmes Beach; granddaughter Charlie; grandsons Mick and Billy; his first wife and mother of his children, Bonnie Meyer of Oakland, California; three nephews and their wives and children. He also is survived by Jack the Cat.

Miriam Victoria Trotter

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: 941778-0414.

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

— Lisa Neff

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

Good deeds, needs after a storm

After a storm strikes, people in disaster zones can find help and people outside the zones can lend aid using the following resources:

• Florida’s official volunteer portal at volunteerflorida.org.

• National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster website at www.nvoad.org.

• Before collecting supplies to donate, people should connect with organizations in an affected area to identify what is needed, how much is needed and when it is needed.

• Donating cash can be the best way to help after a disaster.

People can find ways to donate at www.volunteerflorida.org/donatefdf or text DISASTER to 20222.

Trotter

Miriam Victoria Trotter (nee Lopez DeArmas), 86, of Parkville, Maryland, died May 17 due to a tragic accident while vacationing on Anna Maria Island. She was born in Cuba and immigrated to her beloved United States with her parents and siblings in 1945. She attended college and later met her husband-to be, Harry, while living and working in Miami. They married in 1956 and relocated to Maryland to care for Harry’s younger brother, mother and grandmother.

Mrs. Trotter was a proud civil servant of 47 years with the U.S. Veterans Administration — now Veterans Affairs — and the Department of Defense, where she received many outstanding service awards. Upon her retirement, she enjoyed long cruises, her second home on the beach in Ocean City, Maryland, social hours and Ambassador Activities at Oak Crest Village.

She was deeply loved by her family and chosen family of friends and was always the first person to help another in need. Her untimely and tragic death leaves many broken hearts.

Visitation will be June 2 at the Schimunek Funeral Home in Nottingham, Maryland. A funeral Mass will be celebrated June 3 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Nottingham. A celebration of life will be held at

• After a storm, turn to The Islander’s social media and website — islander.org — for local connections.

Oak Crest Chapel at a later date. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105; or to Oak Crest Benevolent Care Fund, Office of Philanthropy, 8800 Walther Blvd., Parkville, Maryland 21234. Condolences may be shared at schimunekfuneralhomenottingham.com.

Mrs. Trotter is survived by daughter Deborah and her wife Michele of Holmes Beach; brother Charlie Lopez and wife Donna; brother-in-law of John and wife Rose; aunt Emma Tirador; and a host of extended family, friends and her beloved Oak Crest community.

Gryboski

Please,

storm ready? resources for the 2023 hurricane season —

When buzz begins about a storm brewing, weatherwatchers increasingly turn to social media — especially Twitter — for news, tracking and emergency updates.

One way to stay up to date is to search for hashtags for a storm — #TSarlene or #HurricaneHarold — on social media.

additionally, the National Hurricane Center provides updates on Twitter via @NWSNHC and @NHC_atlantic.

The National Weather Service informs via @NWS and, for local info, via @NWSTampaBay.

On the web, islanders can bookmark: manatee County Emergency management: mymanatee.org.

Florida Division of Emergency management: floridadisaster.org.

FEma: fema.gov.

National Flood Insurance Program: floodsmart. gov.

National Hurricane Center: nhc.noaa.gov. Weather Underground: wunderground.com/

hurricane.

The Islander: islander.org.

TV resources

Local television will report breaking news and updates in the event of a storm and Bay News 9 provides 24-hour news. The Weather Channel covers a broader area.

In print

The Islander has contingency plans to continue publishing through a storm, as do local daily newspapers, including the Bradenton Herald and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

“Is your home well protected this hurricane season?”

Categorizing ’canes, 1-5 intensity

U.S. forecasters use the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale for categorizing hurricanes. Damage rises by a factor of four for every category increase.

Category 1

• Wind: 74-95 mph.

• Surge: 4-5 feet.

• Effects: No real damage to building structures. Damage primarily to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery and trees. Also, some coastal flooding and minor pier damage.

Category 2

• Wind: 96-110 mph.

• Surge: 6-8 feet.

• Effects: Some roofing material, door and window damage. Considerable damage to vegetation, mobile homes. Flooding damages piers and small craft in unprotected moorings may break its moorings.

Category 3

• Wind: 111-130 mph.

• Surge: 9-12 feet.

• Effects: Some structural damage to small residences and utility buildings, with a minor amount of curtain-wall failures. Destruction of mobile homes. Flooding near the coast destroys smaller structures with larger structures damaged by floating debris. Terrain may be flooded well inland.

Evacuating from home to shelter

Got a friend with a mainland condo or spare bedroom outside the flood zone offering shelter?

Want to build up some big points on the hotel rewards card?

Emergency management officials encourage residents to consider options other than a public shelter, including hotels or stays with family or friends out of the evacuation zone.

In the event the public shelter is the only option, turn to local media for notice of openings.

Manatee County’s shelter roster, updated as needed at mymanatee.org, includes:

• Braden River Middle School, 6215 River Club Blvd., Bradenton.

• Braden River High School, 6545 State Road 70 E., Bradenton.

• Buffalo Creek Middle School, 7320 69th St. E., Palmetto.

• Daughtrey Elementary School, 515 63rd Ave. E., Bradenton.

• Freedom Elementary School, 9515 State Road 64 E., Bradenton.

• Gullett Elementary School, 12125 44th Ave. E., Bradenton.

• Haile Middle School, 9501 State Road 64 E., Bradenton.

• Harvey Elementary, 8610 115th Ave. E., Parrish.

• Jain Middle School, 12205 44th Ave. E., Bradenton.

• Johnson K-8, 2121 26th Ave. E., Bradenton.

• Kinnan Elementary School, 3415 Tallevast Road, Sarasota.

• Lee Middle School, 4000 53rd Ave. W., Bradenton.

• Manatee High School, 902 33rd St. Court W., Bradenton.

• McNeal Elementary School, 6325 Lorraine Road, Bradenton.

• Miller Elementary School, 601 43rd St. W., Bradenton.

• Mills Elementary School, 7200 69th St. E., Palmetto.

• Myakka City Elementary School, 37205 Manatee Ave., Myakka City.

After the storm, the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, is a designated poststorm emergency shelter, serving as a shelter during re-entry after an island evacuation.

SID SIVAKUMAR / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ

Category 4

• Wind: 131-155 mph.

• Surge: 13-18 feet.

• Effects: Extensive curtain-wall failures with some complete roof failure. Significant erosion of beach areas. Terrain flooded well inland.

Category 5

• Wind: 155 mph and more.

• Surge: 18 feet and more.

• Effects: Complete roof failure and building failures. Flooding causes major damage to lower floors of all structures near the shoreline. Massive evacuation of residential areas may be required.

Pet-friendly planner

Got Skip the dog chipped?

Got a kennel for Fennel the cat?

Now is the time to include pets in disaster plans. Some recommendations:

• Immunize pets;

• Microchip animals.

• Pack a kit that includes an ID collar and rabies license tag, leashes, water and food bowls, medications, food for two weeks, bags for waste disposal, toys and comfort items.

• Pets should have secure carriers or collapsible kennels. Carriers should be large enough for pets to stand comfortably and turn around.

• Throughout an evacuation, pets need calm. Keep as close to their routine as possible.

• Try to shelter with friends or relatives when sheltering with pets.

• If a readiness plan involves staying in a motel or other lodging, determine in advance what brands welcome pets. A resource is www.petswelcome.com.

• After a storm passes, take precautions if allowing pets outdoors. Familiar scents and sights may be altered or gone, disorienting the animal. Additionally, debris, insects, wildlife and water may present hazards.

• If you lose a pet, go searching ASAP.

Answers: page 28

Stocking up for storms

Checklist for shopping, packing and stockpiling for the hurricane season must have H20 and more

❒ Water in small bottles for drinking.

❒ Water in gallon containers for cleaning up.

❒ Bottled beverages.

❒ Instant coffee.

For the ‘kitchen’

❒ Nonperishable foods.

❒ Can opener.

❒ Cooking pot or pan.

❒ Utensils.

❒ Plates.

❒ Grill.

❒ Grill tools.

❒ Self-starting charcoal.

❒ Sterno.

❒ Matches.

❒ Aluminum foil.

❒ Plastic bags.

Health and hygiene

❒ Prescriptions.

❒ Insect repellent.

❒ Sunscreen.

❒ Toiletries.

❒ Toilet paper.

❒ Adhesive bandages.

❒ Handwipes.

❒ Tweezers.

❒ Thermometer.

❒ Latex gloves.

Ready to wear

❒ Changes of clothing.

❒ Glasses.

❒ Boots.

❒ Rain jacket.

❒ Umbrella.

❒ Face masks.

Records and papers

❒ Birth certificates. Marriage certificates. Passports.

Social security cards. Wills.

411 and 911

❒ Battery-powered radio.

❒ Earbuds.

❒ Batteries.

❒ Whistle.

❒ Smartphone and power bank.

❒ Solar battery charger.

Account numbers.

Insurance documents. Account numbers.

Irreplaceable photographs. Water-tight box.

Wrench. Hammer.

❒ Pliers.

❒ Scissors.

❒ Assorted nails.

❒ Dust mask.

❒ Pocket knife.

❒ Flashlights.

❒ Signal flare.

❒ Extension cords.

❒ Hatchet.

❒ Work gloves.

❒ Trash bags.

❒ Tarp.

❒ Duct tape.

Comfort and convenience

❒ Sleeping bag.

❒ Blankets.

❒ Lawn chairs.

❒ Games.

❒ Toys.

❒ Reading materials.

❒ Paper.

❒ Pencil.

❒ Candles.

❒ Lanterns.

❒ Road maps.

❒ Cash.

❒ Gasoline — full tanks.

❒ Propane tank.

Cleaning and clearing

❒ Disinfectant.

❒ Chlorine bleach.

❒ Medicine dropper.

❒ Plastic bucket with lid.

❒ Rags.

Pet friendly

❒ Kennel.

❒ Medications.

❒ Cat litter box.

❒ Vaccination certificates.

❒ Food.

❒ Treats.

❒ Leash.

❒ Pet pick-up bags.

my special needs

Cops & Courts

Swiftmud approves order in Cortez dock dispute

By Robert anderson Islander Reporter

The Southwest Florida Water Management District approved May 23 a final order allowing the issuance of a developer’s permit and cementing the developer’s claim to the Hunter Point canal.

Swiftmud announced the decision during a May 23 governing board meeting in Tampa.

Marshall Gobuty, president of Cortez Road Investments and Finance, which is the developer of Hunters Point Resort & Marina at 12531 Gulf Breeze Terrace in Cortez, spoke May 26 with The Islander.

Streetlife Staff reports

Island police reports

Anna Maria

May 17, 800 block of North Shore Drive, larceny. A Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a call concerning the theft of bicycles. A complainant said rented bikes were taken overnight from outside their accommodations. Deputies assigned a case number and filed an incident report.

May 20, 400 block of Magnolia Drive, noise. An MCSO deputy responded at 12:39 a.m. to a call about loud noise. A complainant said people at a home in the area were playing loud music and shouting. Deputies located the property and issued a citation for violation of the city noise ordinance.

The MCSO polices Anna Maria.

“This was a victory for the environment and the manatees when the Southwest Florida Water Management District approved the permit for docks at the Hunters Point project,” he said.

Hunters Point is a development of 86 zero-energy homes that self-generate and store electrical power on the north side of Cortez Road in west Manatee County.

In 2021, MHC Cortez Village LLC, which owns the neighboring Cortez Village Marina, petitioned the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings asking for the revocation of a Swiftmud permit allowing Cortez Road Investments to construct 49 dock slips along a

Bradenton Beach

No new reports

The Bradenton Beach Police Department polices Bradenton Beach.

Cortez

May 23, 4103 129th St. W., Smugglers Landing, vandalism. An MCSO deputy responded to a complaint regarding vandalism. The deputy logged the vandalism and issued a case number.

The MCSO polices Cortez.

Holmes Beach

May 17, 3900 block of Fourth Avenue, arrest warrant. An officer from the Holmes Beach Police Department found a man sleeping on a public bench. The officer identified the man and found an arrest warrant out of Charlotte County for him. The officer arrested the man and transported him to the Manatee County jail.

May 20, Skinny’s Place, 3901 Gulf Drive, hit and run. Multiple officers responded to reports of a hit-andrun crash. One officer found a motorist with a vehicle matching the description of the offender’s vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. The officer issued the driver a citation for leaving the scene of the incident and had the vehicle towed.

The HBPD polices Holmes Beach.

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

canal belonging to Hunters Point.

The petition alleged the docks would increase boat traffic, impair canal traffic by narrowing navigable portions of the canal, negatively affect marina customers’ safety, limit the size of the vessels that can use the canal and negatively impact the profit-ability and ongoing operations at the Cortez Village Marina, 12160 Cortez Road.

Gobuty’s legal team maintained the docks as proposed were in compliance with all local, state and federal rules and regulations and MHC’s petition lacked merit.

Administrative Judge J. Bruce Culpepper in March recommended Swiftmud issue a permit for the Hunters Point docks, finding that MHC failed to prove the docks would be contrary to the public interest or negatively impact navigation.

Swiftmud moved to issue the permit.

Gobuty said Hunters Point includes safety protections to minimize impacts to manatees from inexperienced boaters from the MHC Cortez Marina, which he noted is utilizing the Hunters Point canal without authorization.

“Thanks to the wisdom of the administrative law judge and Swiftmud, MHC’s Marina’s inexperienced boaters, who trespass in the Hunters Point canal, will have to follow Hunters Point canal safety plans,” Gobuty said. “We are also happy that the environmental leaders who have been following this case’s progress can be confident that the manatees and the environment will be given the most care possible by having the trespassing marina customers slow down and pay attention to our friends in the canal.”

MHC Cortez did not respond to a May 26 request for comment from The Islander.

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.

Court dismisses DEP case of house built over state water

By Robert anderson Islander Reporter

A legal battle started in 2018 with a civil suit filed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection against the builder of a house built over the water in Cortez was dismissed May 4.

Raymond Guthrie Jr. built the house that sits on pilings in the nearshore waters of the fishing village without permits or approvals.

He maintained throughout a dispute with the state that it was a net camp, which in years past were used to clean, dry and store cotton nets. Such camps declined when fi shers began using synthetic materials more resistant to rot, according to the Cortez-based Florida Maritime Museum website.

In 2018, the DEP contended Guthrie built the structure without permission on sovereign state submerged lands and sought to have it removed.

Guthrie, however, maintained his family previously had a net camp in the location and the structure was protected under the 1921 Butler Act, which awards title of submerged lands to adjoining waterfront property owners who can show a history of making improvements on the submerged lands.

In May 2018, A.P. Bell Fish Co. and its owner, Karen Bell, filed suit against the DEP claiming rights to the net camp and the submerged lands.

Guthrie’s “net camp” includes a kitchen, bedroom, water and a generator for electricity and AC.

A.P. Bell operates on land just north of the stilt

house and Bell asserted a structure had been in place since the early 1900s.

A five-year legal tussle ensued.

In February, 12th Judicial Circuit Judge Edward Nicholas notified parties involved that no filings had been submitted to the court in more than a year and that the case would be dismissed if no stay of judgment was issued or approved in 60 days.

Nicholas signed a notice of dismissal May 4. Bell, who sits on the board of the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage, told The Islander May 24 that many net houses still exist in Florida nearshore

The house built by Raymond Guthrie Jr. on pilings in Sarasota Bay is adjacent to commercial docks on the Cortez waterfront. a civil suit filed in 2018 by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection against the builder was dismissed may 4. Islander Photo: Courtesy Facebook/ Keep the Camp

waters.

“There are two still existing in Cortez. There used to be 20 plus. There’s a couple in Key Biscayne. There’s a few off Fort Myers and there’s one off Honeymoon Island,” she said.

Bell said some of the structures were offered protection through Florida historical programs.

“They are really unique to us. It’s honestly one of the most iconic structures in the community.”

The Islander reached out to Guthrie and the DEP for comment May 26 but as of press time there was no response from either party.

Wildlife rehabilitator gets rehabilitated

Bradenton Beach resident and wildlife rescuer Ed Straight has been in the hospital for a prolonged period this spring.

Wife Gail told The Islander that her husband went to Manatee Memorial Hospital in Bradenton April 30, after complaints of difficulty breathing. Doctors determined Straight would need a heart valve replacement and also put the former city commissioner and sheriff’s deputy through a course of dialysis, as testing showed his kidneys were not working as well as they should.

Ed Straight, former Bradenton Beach commissioner and local wildlife rescuer, smiles from his hospital bed as he recovers during a prolonged stay. Islander

Straight was on the mend, as of May 26, going through rehabilitation to recover his strength after the valve replacement surgery.

“All the volunteers both present and past are so thankful he is doing better,” Wildlife Inc. volunteer Krista Carpenter said May 26. “He and Gail are not just our founders but both our friends and extended family.”

The Straights run the nonprofit Wildlife Inc. out of their home in Bradenton Beach.

Ed Straight also has been active in local politics, including serving as a city commissioner. Well-wishers can contact Straight via Facebook at wildlifeinc and by mail at P.O. Box 1449, Anna Maria, FL 34216.

— Robert anderson

Harry's features a wide variety of craft cocktails, an extensive wine selection paired with coastal cuisine Breakfast | Brunch | Lunch | Dinner

Photo: Courtesy Gail Straight

Transportation planners seek solutions for safer streets

By Lisa Neff Islander Editor

Regional transportation planners won’t hit their target of zero fatalities in Sarasota and Manatee counties in 2023.

The new year’s goal was missed — as the planners expected — in the first months on the calendar.

The Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization board set the goal Jan. 23 in Venice, adopting safety targets to meet a federal mandate.

The board discussed safety again during its May 22 meeting in Sarasota, reviewing with MPO and Florida Department of Transportation staff some statistics, as well as discussing education initiatives and other ways to promote safety and prevent deaths as they pursue a “Destination Zero” action plan.

For January and February, the MPO reported 4,092 crashes in Sarasota and Manatee counties, with 16 fatalities and 130 serious injuries.

The MPO reported eight bicyclist or pedestrian fatalities in the first two months of the year and 33 serious injuries.

A five-year average for Sarasota-Manatee is 21,113 crashes per year, 125 fatalities, 1,107 serious injuries, 40 bicyclist or pedestrian fatalities and 137 serious bicyclist or pedestrian injuries.

“It’s the drivers that really have to carry the weight of acting properly along these roadways,” DOT planner Wayne Gaither told the board.

It’s also important for pedestrians and bicyclists to know how to use safety features, including crosswalks and bike lanes, said Wenonah Venter of the MPO.

Venter said the MPO this spring began working on proposals and recommendations for an educational campaign to promote safety and reduce casualties.

In other matters at the May 22 meeting:

• MPO executive director David Hutchinson said the organization is reviewing census numbers for population apportionment.

“We do not anticipate any changes,” he said.

• Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, District 3, raised questions about the role of the Palma Sola Scenic Highway Corridor Management Entity, which advises on beautification efforts on Manatee Avenue from 75th Street West in Bradenton to East Bay Drive in Holmes Beach.

Van Ostenbridge said the committee had slowed the county’s efforts to landscape and beautify medians on Manatee Avenue.

The commissioner said it seemed the committee was taking on the role of policymaker and he planned to raise concerns at a county board meeting. Manatee County Commissioner Vanessa Baugh said she’d welcome that move.

• The MPO board endorsed two proposed additions to the SUN Trail network, one in Sarasota County and another in Manatee County.

The SUN Trail is a statewide system of paved trail corridors for bicyclists and pedestrians.

The Manatee alignment — recommended based on data analysis, public surveys and several meetings with advisory groups — would close a trail gap between downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria Island.

From AMI, a nonmotorized trail runs east along Manatee Avenue and the Palma Sola Causeway to end at 75th Street West in Bradenton.

The expansion — the MPO’s top choice of five

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a map shows a proposed addition to the SUN Trail system. The Sarasota/manatee metropolitan Planning Organization board voted unanimously may 22 to support the alignment, which would expand a nonmotorized trail from the Palma Sola Causeway to downtown Bradenton. Islander Graphic: Courtesy mPO

alternatives — would begin at the intersection of Manatee Avenue and 75th Street West and head south along Village Green Parkway, then east along 11th Avenue West to 51st Street West.

The route then would shift north on 51st Street West, turn east on Ninth Avenue West and on to Ballard Park Drive to 17th Street West, then east on Eighth Avenue West and north on 15th Street West to First Avenue West, where it would connect with the Riverwalk.

Franco Saraceno of Kittelson & Associates consulting in Tampa said the goals with a trail expansion include increased safety for pedestrians and bicyclists and access to public transit, as well as accommodating a variety of “user groups.”

Bradenton Vice Mayor Jayne Kocher said she was glad to see the proposed route shift away from Manatee Avenue for safety reasons.

The next MPO meeting will be at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 18, at the Holiday Inn, 8009 15th St. E., Sarasota.

About the MPO

MPOs provide a process for local governments to coordinate with the Florida Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration. The Sarasota/Manatee MPO is governed by a 17-member apportioned board. The island cities are represented on the board by the chair of the Island Transportation Planning Organization, currently Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth.

Anna Maria shoots down Florida DOT road study

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Anna Maria wants the Florida Department of Transportation to keep its hands off the section of Gulf Drive that runs through the city.

City commissioners unanimously voted May 25 to opt out of a DOT-led $1.5 million islandwide Gulf Drive/State Road 789 corridor study that would have

RoadWatch

Eyes on the road

• Anna Maria Island Bridge on Manatee Avenue: Crews will perform maintenance 9 p.m.-5 a.m. Thursday, June 8, on the bridge. The Florida Department of Transportation advises motorists to find an alternate route as traffic will be reduced to one lane with flagging operations.

• City center in Holmes Beach: A Holmes Beach contractor continues work 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 in the city center area. On May 23, the county reported, “The contractor is currently performing activities near Holmes Boulevard. For the latest, go to amiprojects.io.

• Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach : Manatee County is relocating and replacing sewer lines along the west side of Gulf Drive from Sixth Street South to 11th Street South. Public parking along the west side of Gulf 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 was 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 cameras at many locations around AMI, including on the Cortez and Anna Maria Island Bridges. To check the traffic situation via road cameras, go to fl511.com.

impacted the roadway, which is owned and maintained by the municipality within city limits.

The project development and environment study for “complete street improvements” along Gulf Drive was first presented to island officials at an Island Transportation Planning Organization meeting in May.

DOT engineer Craig Fox said the study, planned for Gulf Drive from Anna Maria to Bradenton Beach, was projected to begin in November and take up to two years.

The study was requested by the cities of Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach and could be used to pursue funding to implement any improvements proposed in the study.

A 46-page scope of services document for the DOT study lists its two primary objectives:

• Reduce flooding;

• Implement recommendations in the Barrier Island Traffic Study, which began in 2016 and finished in 2020.

While the state owns and maintains Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach, the state trans-

ferred ownership and maintenance of Anna Maria’s section of the roadway to the city in the early 1970s. That allows the city to opt out of the study, an idea Commissioner Robert Kingan proposed.

“I really don’t see why we’d do this,” Kingan said. “We own the road. So I don’t see any reason why we should have this.”

Commission Chair Mark Short said he was concerned the study might result in changes that could be opposed by the city. He added that the city’s portion of Gulf Drive has already seen improvements and is not in immediate need of additional changes.

“I’m not fond of this project,” Short said.

“I don’t like it,” Commissioner Jonathan Crane said.

Kingan moved to deny participation in the study. Crane seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

The commission will meet next at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 8, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

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

HB workers accept recognition

Holmes Beach public works staff stand may 23 with mayor Judy Titsworth, third from the left, on her may 21 reading of a declaration of National Public Works Week.

don’t

forget

You can read it all online at islander.org

Islander Photo: Holmes Beach

Center crowns soccer champions in 2 kid, 1 adult divisions

By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter

The youth soccer season at the Center of Anna Maria Island came to an close with championship matches played May 23 in the 11-14 and 8-10 age divisions.

The 8-10 title game was a 2-0 back-and-forth battle that saw No. 5 seed Island Real Estate fall to No. 3 Westfall’s Lawn Care & Pest Control.

Both teams had good scoring chances early in the game but goalies Kason Price of Westfall and Mason Moss for Island Real Estate managed to keep a clean sheet.

That is until the 12th minute, when Callin Westfall fired in a long-range shot that eluded IRE goalie Mason Moss, giving Westfall a 1-0 lead. Wesley Bekkerus added a second-half goal to ice the game, while Price came through with 10 saves in the victory.

Other members of the championship team, which was coached by Tyler Brewer, are Ruby Kesten, Madeline Simmons, Maggie Niedzwick, Mia Ross, Jordan Steele, Parker Svoboda, Jordan Tobey and Polea Vacek.

Westfall’s Lawn Care advanced to the finals by defeating No. 2 Sato Real Estate 2-0 behind goals from Wesley Bekkerus and Callin Westfall. Island Real Estate advanced to the title game thanks to a 1-0 upset of No. 1 Cheesecake Cutie. Colton Sullivan notched the game winner for IRE, while Miles Moss made four saves in the victory.

The 11-14 division championship also was played May 23, with No. 1 seed Gulf Drive Cafe taking on No. 3 HSH Designs. Gulf Drive Cafe lived up to its No. 1 seeding with a 3-1 victory behind a hat trick from Luke Dellinger and five saves in goal from Cyrus Ryan.

Other members of coach Matt Darak’s championship team are Theo Aupelle, Gabriel Bodnar, McKenna Darak, Josiah MacDonald, Kegan McGlade and siblings Jasmine and Jayden Sparks.

Gulf Drive Cafe advanced to the championship game on a 6-3 win over Shady Lady Horticultural Services thanks to three goals from Theo Aupelle, two goals from Dellenger and a goal from McGlade. Ryan made five saves in goal to help preserve the win.

Renan Kesten scored two goals and Dominick Zupa scored one to lead Shady Lady, which also received four saves from Colton Kranz in the loss.

HSH Designs advanced to the finals by holding on for a 3-2 win over Moss Builders. After battling to a 2-2 tie through regulation on two goals from Mason

Moss and a goal each from Cecelia Kroth and Sterling Holiday, the game went to penalty kicks.

Krosby Lamison, Kroth, Holiday and Briahna Robertson all made their spot kicks, while Callin Westfall was the lone Moss player to convert a penalty kick.

Pool America takes adult soccer title

The upset-filled adult soccer playoffs at the center came to a close May 25 with No. 5 seed Pool America taking on No. 7 Vintage Beach.

Pool America prevailed in a tight 4-3 contest

TideWatch

By Lisa Neff

Red tide not detected

The red tide organism, Karenia brevis, was not detected in Manatee County for the week ending May 28.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported K. brevis was observed at background to low concentrations in Sarasota County.

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

Island Real Estate’s Colton Sullivan goes high may 23, an attempt to volley into the corner, against Westfall’s Lawn Care & Pest Control in the 8-10 division championship game at the Center of anna maria Island.

Islander Photos: Kevin P. Cassidy

behind a pair of goals from Christopher Klotz and a goal each from Sam Parker and Nate Welch. Dean Hinterstoisser added an assist and Robb Marshall made seven saves in the victory.

Other members of Pool America are Jamie Hutchinson, Maxim Pancheko, Juan Carlos Perez, William Romberger, Eduardo Schlueter and Lucas Wilson.

Danny Free scored three goals for Vintage Beach, which also received an assist from Joey Hutchinson and eight saves from PJ Smargisso.

Key Royale golf news

Golf action at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach got started May 22 with the men playing their weekly modified-Stableford match over nine holes.

Mike Cusato earned clubhouse bragging rights after on a plus-5 for a one-point victory over Bill MacMillan and Bill Shuman, who tied for second place. Larry Solberg was alone in third at plus-3.

The women took over the course May 23 for their weekly nine-hole individual-low-net match. Connie Livanos fired a 3-under-par 29 to take first place for the day. Roxanne Koche and Betsy Meyer tied for second place at 1-under-par 31, while Judy Mencheck came in third with a 1-over-par 33.

Members were on the course May 25 for a team scramble/shamble combo that played to a par 64. The team of Jim Bailey, Bob O’Brien, Jerry Martinek and Blake Ress combined on a 5-under-par 59 to earn first place honors. The team of Jack Lowry, Dave and Deb Richardson and Warren Stevens took second with a 3-under-par 61.

Tarpon handling guidelines

Tarpon is an iconic saltwater fish. When handled properly, the large fish are more likely to survive and evade predators.

Follow these guidelines to ensure tarpon remains a strong and viable fishery:

Tarpon over 40 inches must remain in the water unless a tag is used. Keep tarpon, especially the gills, in as much water as possible. Tarpon tags can only be used to harvest potential state record or IGFa record-sized tarpon. Taxidermy mounts are made from length and girth measurements and a photo. and don’t tow a tarpon unless it is necessary to revive it. If you must tow, go as slow as possible while moving water over the gills.

Want to learn more? Search FWC tarpon.

Anna Maria Island Tides

Cassidy

Westfall’s Lawn Care defender Ruby Kesten and Island Real Estate’s Preston LaPensee battle may 23 for a 50-50 ball during the 8-10 division championship game at the Center of anna maria Island. Islander Photo: Kevin P. Cassidy

Poincianas, lovebugs and tarpon – spring busts out in Florida

By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

It’s happening again. The poinciana trees are in bloom and their red and orange flowers are creating a radiant display.

The lovebugs are around, splattered on vehicle windshields and grills.

And, if you’re a fisher in west central Florida, you know what that those developments signal.

That’s right.

It’s late spring and it’s tarpon time.

Respectable numbers of fish migrating along the coast are gathering along our beaches as they meet up with resident stocks in preparation of their annual offshore trip to spawn.

Finding the fish is fairly easy for the trained eye, especially with the clear water conditions we are experiencing. The barrier islands — Longboat Key, Anna Maria and Egmont Key — are being visited by tarpon and also hordes of fishers hoping to catch the fish of a lifetime.

It’s wise to get out early to beat the heat and the crowds when targeting the large prehistoric-like fish.

Casting baits such as threadfin herring and pass crabs is advantageous, although other baits — pinfish, shad and dead baits — will work.

Live baiting is the favored way to target the silver kings, although anchoring and chumming with dead baits — despite not being as challenging — can be effective.

Most catches range 50-100 pounds, although hooking up a fish nearing 180 pounds or larger can occur. So the use of large spinning tackle with heavy braided line is preferred, especially when casting baits to schooling fish.

For those lacking enthusiasm for tarpon fishing, the back country waters of Tampa Bay and its adjacent bays are producing plenty of action.

Catch-and-release snook fishing is in full force as the fish school up in preparation for their spawning season and spotted seatrout are quite abundant. Fishing deeper grass flats is working well when targeting trout and you also might find trout along the beaches if you know where to look.

Other inshore species — jack crevalle, Spanish mackerel and ladyfish — are being caught. Again, deep grass flats are a good place to search, while macks can be found around artificial reefs or wrecks.

Lastly, numerous sharks of all sizes and species are being seen along the beaches and in the shallows of the bays. Blacktip sharks are the most common but don’t rule out encounters with bull sharks and hammerheads.

On my Just Reel charters, I’m seeing plenty of catch-and-release snook action. On some mornings, 25 or more snook are being reeled to the boat. Most catches are 20-26 inches, although some slot-size fish of 28-33 inches are in the mix.

Spotted sea trout are frequent hookups for my clients, who are finding free-lining shiners over deep grass is working best. Keeper-size fish — 15-19 inches — are being caught and the fish fry is on.

Lastly sight-casting chunk baits to sharks along the shallows and sandbars is exciting for saltwater anglers, as hungry blacktip and sandbar sharks are quickly devouring our offerings.

mic Gordon, front, and Tom Sabo, hold the gaff on a 110-pound tarpon, hooked on a crab for bait. Both men came from Ohio “on a serious mission to catch a tarpon,” according to charter fishing guide Capt. Warren Girle, who also reports the silver king was safely released after the trophy photo.

Capt. David White is spending most of his days taking challengers tarpon hunting along the beaches of Anna Maria Island. Casting threadfin herring to schooling tarpon is working well in 10-20 feet of water. Using live crabs as bait is producing the best action, especially when working the passes around Longboat Key and Bean Point.

On days when he’s not targeting tarpon, White is inshore fishing for variety, including snook and redfish are along the sandy shorelines. Casting live free-lined shiners is working best for the snook. For the reds, crabs and shrimp are a good bet, but shiners are working, too. Schools of jack crevalle are present in the same areas and are being employed for shark bait. White says blacktips and sandbar sharks are the most apparent.

Lastly, working around wrecks and reefs is yielding some Spanish mackerel and a few mangrove snapper.

Sydney Neville at the Rod & Reel Pier says she’s seeing snook on the hook by anglers using live shrimp as bait. The use of live pinfish as bait also is working on the snook with casts under or around the edges of the pier resulting in the most action.

With the arrival of hatch bait at the pier, anglers are seeing passing schools of mackerel stopping for a quick snack. Casting small silver spoons and speck rigs is attracting the toothy fish to the hook.

Also, some tasty mangrove snapper are starting to show up at the pier and are taking live shrimp as bait.

Capt. Warren Girle is patrolling the beaches of Longboat Key and Anna Maria Island for tarpon. Beginning at daybreak, Girle is slowly motoring along

the coastal waters in the Gulf in search of schooling tarpon. Once located, he’s quietly getting the boat in position — stealth is key to a silver king catch — to have his clients cast to the fish. Live crabs as bait are working nicely to entice the large tarpon to bite, but threadfin herring also are working. M

Girle says most catches are 60-100 pounds.

On days when he’s not hunting tarpon, Girle is spending time in Sarasota Bay, where he’s fi nding action on the top inshore trio, snook, redfish and spotted seatrout.

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

Will Stonelake, visiting from Baltimore, shows off his night-fishing catch — an “evening tarpon” that ate a live crab may 23 off of anna maria while hunting with his longtime charter guide, Capt. David White. The fish was released after the trophy photo.

Tarpon handling guidelines

Do not drag tarpon over the gunnel of a boat. Use a dehooking tool. Tarpon smaller than 40 inches should be supported horizontally when removed from the water. Do not fish tarpon when large, predatory sharks are nearby feeding. If sharks show up, move to another location.

Stasny

Capt. Mike Greig

Justin

Wildlife rescuers save ensnared I-75 osprey

By Robert anderson Islander Reporter

Rescuers with three wildlife agencies saved an osprey that became entangled in plastic mesh on its nesting tower.

Bradenton Beach-based Wildlife Inc. received multiple calls May 19 about an osprey dangling on plastic debris from a nest in a tower along Interstate 75 in Parrish — near exit 229.

Wildlife Inc. founder Gail Straight called Kevin

Green-ing the beach

The anna maria Island Turtle Watch team reports a green sea turtle nest on an island beach during the week ending may 28. “Green turtles tend to nest on amI during odd years, so we’re hoping to get more,” amITW executive director Kristen mazzarella wrote may 27 in an email to The Islander.

By June 4, mazzarella said amITW expects to have documented 100 sea turtle nests. Nesting season continues through October. Islander

Photos: Courtesy amITW

Crawl tracks show the movement of a nesting green sea turtle on the beach on anna maria Island. most nests on the island are made by loggerheads. “Notice that the (green turtle) tracks are parallel, while loggerhead tracks are alternating,” amITW executive director Kristen mazzarella told The Islander may 27 via email.

Barton of the Peace River Wildlife Center to locate the bird, which was found tangled in black plastic construction fencing, according to Wildlife Inc. volunteer Krista Carpenter.

Barton climbed a 70-foot-high tower and freed the bird by removing some of the plastic caught in its talons but the bird broke free of Barton’s grasp and flew away with some plastic still attached.

Carpenter said there was concern the osprey would not be able to feed.

“Ospreys 100% rely on their talons and their wings to be able to grab their food,” she said in a May 24 interview with The Islander.

Later that day, Wildlife Inc. received calls about an osprey with black plastic on its talons in the parking lot of a Publix store.

Justin Matthews of Matthews Wildlife Rescue was at Wildlife Inc. when the calls came in, as he was dropping off another injured bird.

He volunteered to search for the osprey and, once he located and captured the bird, he delivered it to Wildlife Inc.

After finding no injury and confirming the bird could fly, it was taken to its nesting site and released.

“It was the best possible scenario for that bird. It was one lucky thing after another,” Carpenter said. “Everybody working together for the benefit of wildlife can make good things happen.”

About Wildlife Inc.

Wildlife Inc. Education & Rehabilitation Center, founded by Gail and Ed Straight in 1987, is the county’s only licensed bird, mammal and reptile wildlife rehabilitation facility.

The Straights rescue and house more than 3,000 animals a year at the facility, in their home and in their backyard at 2207 Ave. B, Bradenton Beach. Many types of animals find their way to the facility, including foxes, owls, deer and ospreys.

To learn more about Wildlife Inc. go online to wildlifeinc.org or call 941-778-6324

matthews of matthews Wildlife Rescue holds an osprey may 19 after the bird’s rescue from entanglement along the I-75 corridor. Islander Photo: Courtesy Wildlife Inc.

By Lisa Neff

Speaking of storm season

Ever wonder how broadcast reporters — on TV or radio — get their pronunciations correct and consistent?

How do they know to say “KEE’-yeev” for Kyiv and “klor-PEER’-ih-fahs” for chlorpyrifos?

Because they use a guide, an app, an Associated Press directory for pronunciations.

Here’s The Islander’s guide to pronouncing the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season storm names like a Weather Channel pro:

• Arlene (ar-LEEN)

Neff

• Bret (bret)

• Cindy (SIN-dee)

hurricane season, journalists traditionally work stories about storm forecasts and preparations. But folks also can go directly to government agencies producing the forecasts and, as the season continues, track the storms.

Here’s The Islander’s guide to terms and acronyms you’ll come across during the hurricane season:

a National Oceanic atmospheric administration satellite captures Hurricane Ian on landfall Sept. 28, 2022, on the barrier island of Cayo Costa in southwest Florida. Islander Courtesy Photo

hurricane eye in miles per hour or knots.

• Don (dahn)

• Emily (EH-mih-lee)

• Franklin )FRANK-lin)

• Gert (gert)

• Harold (HAIR-uld)

• Idalia (ee-DAL-ya)

• Jose (ho-ZAY)

• Katia (KAH-tyah)

• Lee (lee)

• Margot (MAR-go)

• Nigel (NY-juhl)

• Ophelia (o-FEEL-ya)

• Philippe (fee-LEEP)

• Rina (REE-nuh)

• Sean (shawn)

• Tammy (TAM-ee)

• Vince (vinss)

• Whitney (WHIT-nee)

Ever wonder how general assignment reporters know when to refer to a warm-core tropical cyclone in which the minimum sustained surface wind is 74 mph or more as a hurricane, typhoon or cyclone?

We turn to our AP Stylebooks: Hurricanes are spawned east of the international date line. Typhoons develop west of the line. Tropical cyclones are known as cyclones in the Indian Ocean and Australia.

This time of year, with the arrival of the Atlantic

The manatee County Emergency management Center is staffed Sept. 30, 2022 — two days after Ian’s landfall in Lee County.

The EOC is a central location for the coordination and control of emergency preparedness and response.

• Category: Hurricanes are classified in terms of intensity, from Category 1 to Category 5, with 5 being the most intense.

• Coastal flood warning: A warning to expect significant wind-forced flooding along low-lying coastal areas.

• Coastal fl ood watch : An alert to expect significant wind-forced flooding along low-lying coastal areas.

• Cone of uncertainty: The tracking model that shows the probable path of the storm center but not the size of the storm.

• EOC : The emergency operations center that serves as a central location for the coordination and control of all emergency preparedness and response activities.

• Evacuation time: The lead-time that a populated coastal jurisdiction must have to relocate residents of vulnerable areas from an approaching hurricane.

• Eye: The relatively calm area near the center of the hurricane, where winds are light, and the sky is often partly covered by clouds.

• Eye landfall: The point in time when the eye, or physical center of the hurricane, reaches the coastline from the hurricane’s approach over water.

• Flood warning: Indicates the expected severity of flooding, as well as where and when the flooding will occur.

• Forward speed: The rate of movement of the

• Gale warning : Is defi ned as sustained winds within the range of 39-54 miles an hour (34-47 knots), either predicted or occurring. Gale warnings generally are not issued during tropical cyclone situations.

• Hurricane: The term for when winds reach a constant speed of 74 mph or more. These winds blow in a large spiral around a relatively calm center of extremely low pressure known as the eye of the hurricane.

• Hurricane advisory: A notice describing the present and forecast position and intensity of the storm.

• Hurricane track: The line of movement of the eye through an area.

• Hurricane warning: An alert added to a hurricane advisory to expect hurricane conditions within 24 hours.

• Hurricane watch: An alert added to a hurricane advisory covering a specified area and duration. A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions are a real possibility; it does not mean they are imminent.

• Public shelter : Generally, a public school or other such structure designated by county officials as a place of refuge.

Tropical cyclone : Low-pressure systems that include thunderstorms and rotate counterclockwise.

• Tropical depression: A tropical cyclone with winds of 38 mph or less.

Tropical storm: A tropical cyclone with winds of 39-73 mph.

• SLOSH : A computerized model — sea, lake and overland surges from hurricanes — which can estimate the overland tidal surge heights and winds that result from hypothetical hurricanes with selected characteristics in pressure, size, forward speed, track and winds.

• Storm surge: The forceful dome of wind-driven waters sweeping along the coastline near where the eye makes landfall or passes close to the coast.

Pre-season storm

The National Hurricane Center announced May 11 that hurricane specialists determined an area of low pressure that formed off the northeastern U.S. coast in mid-January should be designated as a subtropical storm. The subtropical storm is now the first cyclone of 2023.

Islander File Photo

ITEMS FOR SALE

RaCHaEL Ray NEW, in box, red stoneware, 24 oz. olive oil Evoo bottle. $20. 941-7760034.

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.

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

Paradise Improvements 941.792.5600

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

ANSWERS TO MAY 31 PUZZLE

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)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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 up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work. ads must be placed in person at The Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach.

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

SERVICES

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

CLEaNING: VaCaTION, CONSTRUCTION, residential, commercial and windows. Licensed and insured. 941-756-4570.

PRESSURE 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.

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.

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

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

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

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

aNNUaL RENTaL: 1BR/1Ba available July 1. No pets. Close to beach. $1,800/month. First, last, security. 941-807-1405.

TOT a LL y RE m ODELED, a NNU a L rental. Ground-level, parking adjacent, 2BR/1.5 Ba plus sofa bed. Washer and dryer, in 55-plus community located on anna maria Island. Beach is 300 steps away, bay is 200 steps away. Fire pit at bay. Heated pool and library in park. $3,200/month, includes all utilities and WIFI. No pets and no smoking. Enjoy life on a nna m aria Island. Call Tim, 507-382-8880.

SE a SON a L RENTa L: HOL m ES Beach. One-room studio. Large bathroom, kitchen, bed alcove. Private patio and parking. Dec. 15- a pril 15. No pets, no smoking. Total, $8,400. 908-914-1182.

REAL

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.”

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.

and it’s FREE!

By Lisa Neff

Optimizing an ordinance

Manatee County commissioners voted 6-0 May 22 to adopt a new ordinance intended to streamline programming and partnerships financed with tourist development taxes.

Commissioner James Satcher was absent with excuse from the meeting at the administration building in Bradenton.

The new ordinance replaces one adopted in November 2011 and amended many times since.

Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, said it was the many repeat amendments — preceded by public hearings — that prompted drafting of the new ordinance.

Falcione said every proposed new partnership on a project or program eligible to receive tourist development tax money required a hearing and amendment under the old ordinance— both cost time and money.

The new ordinance does not require the hearing or amendment process on new partnerships but funding proposals still will go before the county tourist development council for a recommendation and then the county commission for final consideration.

The TDC, which is scheduled to meet at 9 a.m. Monday, June 5, at the Center of Anna Maria Island,

voted in February to recommend the commission’s adoption of the ordinance.

Ready for season?

The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce will host its 21st annual Disaster Preparedness Seminar at 3:15 p.m. Thursday, June 1, at the Longboat Key Club, 3000 Harbourside Drive, Longboat Key.

The seminar will feature a keynote talk by Kevin Guthrie, director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, as well as remarks by John Lai, president and CEO of the Sanibel-Captiva Chamber of Commerce; Steve Litschauer, emergency management chief for Manatee County; Ed McCrane, emergency management chief for Sarasota County; and Bob Harrigan, meteorologist for ABC-7 News.

Admission is free.

For more information, call the chamber at 941383-2466.

Change of ownership

Tahini Beach Cafe, 103 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach, has come under new ownership, according to the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce.

Kim Nasser is operating the restaurant, with a menu influenced by the flavors of Greece, Turkey and Lebanon, including gyros, falafel, shawarma and baklava.

The restaurant also caters to diners following vegetarian and vegan lifestyles.

Hours are 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

For more information, call the restaurant at 941251-4022 or go online to tahinibeachcafe.com.

Breakfast call

AMI Chamber members will gather for breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, June 1, at Mademoiselle Paris, 9906 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria.

Menu options include tartine gourmand, a smoked salmon and avocado sandwich, or a ham-and-cheese or bacon-and-egg croissant.

The cost to attend is $15 for members, $25 for nonmembers.

For reservations, call the chamber at 941-778-1541 or email becky@amichamber.org.

Seeking vendors

The organizers of an October festival in the village of Cortez already are booking vendors.

The annual Nautical Flea Market and Arts and Crafts Fair presented by the Cortez Village Historical Society and the Florida Maritime Museum will offer creatives an opportunity to retail their merchandise.

For more information, go online to floridamaritimemuseum.org and cortezvillagehistoricalsociety.org or call the museum at 941-708-6120.

Island restaurant ordered to pay damages, $60K in back wages

By Robert anderson Islander Reporter

The U.S. Department of Labor recovered $60,065 in back wages and damages for a former employee of Wicked Cantina in Bradenton Beach.

A consent agreement from the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida in Tampa, issued March 3 and announced by the DOL in May, also forbids the employer from future violations of the federal Family and Medical Leave Act, which requires covered employers to provide employees with job-protected, unpaid leave for qualified medical and family reasons.

Wicked Taco Inc., owned by Mike Dolan, operates the restaurant at 101 Seventh Street N.

According to the Labor Department, the restaurant required an employee to return to work March 1, 2020, the same day as they were discharged from a hospital,

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— Lisa Neff

WE ROCK ONLINE

despite a doctor’s order not to return to work until March 4, 2020.

The day of their hospital release, the employee had gone to the restaurant to provide the doctor’s orders to the general manager, according to the DOL.

The manager, however, instructed the employee to work anyway.

Less than a week later, March 6, 2020, Wicked Cantina’s general manager terminated the employee, allegedly for excessive tardiness and spreading rumors among coworkers about the management.

Investigators with the Labor’s Department’s wage and hour division determined the restaurant failed to inform the worker of their right and ability to use protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

“When dealing with a health concern, no worker should be forced to fear losing their job while facing one of life’s difficult challenges,” wage and hour division district director Nicolas Ratmiroff said in a news release.

Ratmiroff continued, “The costly consequences for Wicked Cantina’s illegal actions are clear reminders for other employers that retaliating against workers for invoking their protected rights is no way to do business.”

BizCal

By Lisa Neff

Thursday, June 1 7:30 a.m. — Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce breakfast program, Mademoiselle Paris, 9906 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-1541.

SAVE

June 8, 11:30 a.m., AMI Chamber lunch, Mademoiselle Paris, 9906 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-7781541. Send calendar listings to calendar@islander.org.

Jake Baker, vice president of Wicked Cantina’s corporate affairs, told The Islander May 25, “As a small business our goal is to take care of every employee. When you are up against the federal government, your hands are tied. They come at you and its extortion.” Baker said Wicked Cantina has implemented new training.

“We now have in place a new FMLA training procedure that walks employees through their rights and everything they need to know,” Baker said. “It’s an online program that tracks everything and ensures that employees know what they need to know. Even though we have had our employee and manager handbooks, we now have a secondary procedure of them watching a video and signing off on it.”

In fiscal 2022, the wage and hour division investigated 780 complaints under the Family and Medical Leave Act and recovered more than $870,000 in back wages for significant violations.

Wicked Cantina, 101 Seventh St. N., Bradenton Beach, was ordered to pay back wages and restitution to a former employee following a U.S. Department of Labor investigation. Islander

Photo: Robert anderson