The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

VOLUME

Think pink in October

NO. 52

OCT. 20, 2021 fREE

the Best news on anna maria island Since 1992 Astheworldterns. 6

Q&A 102021

islander.org

Bayfest returns to Pine Avenue in Anna Maria

dana cohen, lead vocalist for the band Jack’d up, looks from the stage to Privateer, family celebrathe crowd for reaction of life. 4 tion during the 20th HB shuts down resort bar/ annual Bayfest, the lounge. 5 return for the anna maria island chamMeetings. 5 ber of commerce Opinions. 6 after waiting out the pandemic, featuring a classic car show, 10-20 YEARS AGO vendors, food, Looking back. 7 libations and live cortez Bridge reprieve. music Oct. 16 on 8 Pine avenue in anna maria. more Bayfest, am plans Veterans day pages 16-17. events. 9 islander Photo: amber Sigman Happenings HB mayor retains city attorney appointment. 4

What’s up on ami. 10-11

Save the date. 12-13

ame news. 13

Cops & Courts. 14 StreetLife. 14-15 amcP-mote lease on front burner. 17

GoodDeeds. 18

Cortez post office closure entangled in lawsuits By chrisann allen islander reporter

The problem apparently started with a fallen, rusted flagpole. The U.S. Post Office lease for its Cortez facility came to an end earlier this year and the property owner, John Banyas, issued an eviction order through the courthouse. It is apparently the result of a stalemate. The flag pole incident was likely the

get in the game. 19

Gathering. 20 Obituaries. 20 island native pursues de Soto. 21

NESTING NOTES. Single digit. 22

ghost bird goes extinct. 23 Sports news. 24 cooler temps spell great fishing. 25

Isl Biz: 26 Stone crab season takes off. 27

CLASSIFIEDS. 28-29 invite to Paddle. 30

NYT puzzle. 31

Puppy reading 101

catalyst to end the lease for the U.S. Postal facility in Cortez. Customers are saying they have been jilted. “I can’t believe this is happening,” Dale DeSear, a 10-year resident of Cortez said Oct. 15. The Cortez post office, fronting Cortez Road in a strip center at 12112 44th Ave. W., first posted a notice on the door that it would close Oct. 24, but the notice now is that the anna maria elementary third-graders Lillian Palmer and madison campany read Oct. 12 to golden retriever Banyon and Jennifer moor, who attended on behalf of alliance therapy dogs. the visit was a part of the school’s read to dogs program, which started in 2009 to encourage reluctant readers. it became a staple thanks to its popularity among students. more, page 18. islander Photos: ryan Paice

doors will close Oct. 22. A pending lawsuit listed on the Manatee County Clerk of Court website filed by John Banyas, owner of the strip center, against the postal service, has shed some light on the situation. According to court records, another lawsuit was filed July 1, 2020, by Richard C. Kiley against Banyas when Kiley was struck by a rusted flagpole that struck him when it turn tO POST OffiCE, Page 2

HB OKs police funding By ryan Paice islander reporter

Funding for an 18th member of the Holmes Beach Police Department may be thanks to the comments from one officer. Police Officer Michael VanHorn attended the Oct. 12 city commission meeting to introduce a letter he wrote asking commissioners to approve the funding, which was withheld during the 2021-22 municipal budget approval process in September. VanHorn’s letter details a weekend of critical events when the HBPD was short-staffed, leaving only two officers available to patrol, during which he and a partner struggled to detain a large, violent and intoxicated man. He also detailed a case in which police — again short-staffed — found firearms, ammunition and drugs in a hotel room that required backup from the Bradenton Beach police and Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. However, VanHorn was cut short by turn tO HBPD funDing, Page 3

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POST OffiCE cOntinued frOm Page 1

fell outside the post office premises. Kiley is claiming $30,000 in damages. Meanwhile, Banyas is the plaintiff in another suit, this one filed against the U.S. Postal Service due to termination of the lease by the USPS without sufficient notice. The lease expired on July 31. On July 28, Banyas served the USPS with a termination letter, stating the lease would not be renewed. Attempts by The Islander Oct. 11-15 to reach Banyas went unanswered. A text message to The Islander Oct.14 from David Walton, district corporate communications, U.S. Postal Service, said, “The Postal Service has no comment regarding the lease agreement for the Cortez post office since the matter is currently pending in U.S. District Court.” About 1,000 people will be affected by the change, with all Cortez post office boxes scheduled for reloca-

dale deSear, a decade-long resident of cortez, said Oct. 16 as he arrived to collect his mail that he’s concerned about the closing of the post office in cortez, 12112 44th ave. W. islander Photos: chrisann allen

tion to the post office in Palma Sola, 115 75th St. W., Bradenton — 5.6 miles away — an inconvenience for many residents who walk, bike or drive golf carts to the post office for mail collection and other services. “It feels like the same thing that has been happening to the village for years now,” Jane von Hahmann, a Cortez resident and board member of the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage — an organization dedicated to the preservation of Cortez, said Oct. 12. “We just feel jilted once again.” At an Oct. 12 Manatee County Commission meeting, von Hahman requested the commission contact U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Longboat Key, to stop the closure. County Commissioner Carol Whitmore spoke in support and motioned that a letter be sent to Buchanan to reach out to Banyas to preserve the post office, provide liability insurance, “or give us time to find another a historical marker in cortez details the establishment of the post office in 1888. solution,” which was unanimously approved.

the u.S. Post Office in cortez is facing closure due to a dispute over liability insurance and the lease with property owner John Banyas, following an injury when a ﬂagpole on the property fell and struck a customer outside the post office.

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HBPD funding continued from page 1

Commission Chair Jim Kihm as he reached his 3-minute time limit for public comment and was not allowed to finish reading his introduction — which is included in this edition of The Islander on page 3. Despite that, city commissioners voted 3-2 to approve the funding, which was never assigned a specific cost since it was withheld on a last-minute motion, according to city treasurer Lori Hill. Commissioners Kihm, Terry Schaefer and Carol Soustek voted “yes.” Commissioners Jayne Christenson and Kim Rash voted “no.” The funding will allow the HBPD to fill a vacancy created by a series of promotions elevating longtime Detective Sgt. Brian Hall to lieutenant and second-incommand behind Chief Bill Tokajer. Anna Maria Elementary’s school resource officer Josh Fleischer moved up to detective in Hall’s place, and patrol officer Christine LaBranche stepped into the AME-SRO slot. LaBranche began her new position as the school year began in August, while Hall and Fleischer were promoted to their new positions Oct. 1, when the city’s 2021-22 budget went into effect.

Holmes Beach Detective Josh Fleischer, right, accepts his detective badge Oct. 1 from Chief Bill Tokajer. Islander Courtesy Photo

Holmes Beach Police Lt. Brian Hall accepts his promotion and a new badge Oct. 1 from Chief Bill Tokajer. Islander Photo: Courtesy HBPD

pay more before increasing the HBPD budget. Commissioners Carol Soustek and Terry Schaefer agreed the city should be better funded by the county, but argued that the city couldn’t afford to leave a hole in HBPD staffing while negotiating for funding. “Until we get funding, we need to take care of ourselves,” Soustek said. Commissioner Jim Kihm expressed inner turmoil over the matter, stating that he felt like he was “between a rock and a hard place.” He agreed that the county should increase funding for law enforcement, but said VanHorn’s letter provided insight into why the staffing was necessary. He also expressed dismay on learning Lt. Hall is related to the mayor. Schaefer moved to approve the funding request. Soustek seconded the motion and it passed 3-2. The commission will meet next at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 26, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive, with instructions to attend via teleconference online, at holmesbeachfl.org.

While commissioners agreed Sept. 28 to approve the police budget with salary increases for the three, they did not agree on funding to replace LaBranche. A motion to pass the full budget failed 3-2 with Christenson’s and Rash’s dissenting votes. The budget adoption required a supermajority vote. However, com- Last week’s question missioners then omitted the police department funding Are you concerned about rising premium costs for and adopted the budget. flood insurance? The singular budget item for the HBPD required 67%. Yes, I can’t afford. only a simple majority to pass instead of a supermajor14%. Yes, but they need to go up. ity — four of five votes. 12%. No, it’s affordable. Tokajer said at the Oct. 12 meeting that the fund5%. No, cost of paradise. ing would allow the HBPD to maintain it’s current 2%. Other. minimum patrol staffing, which requires a sergeant This week’s question and two officers to be available at all times. What’s your favorite aspect of Halloween? Tokajer said he had not completed the hire, but had A. Costume parties. a candidate vetted for the position. B. Trick-or-treating. But commissioners’ reception to the funding C. Scary movies. request remained mixed on Oct. 12. D. Pumpkin carving. Christenson and Rash argued that much of the city’s E. Leftover candy treats. crime is caused by tourists and Manatee County should To take the poll, go online to islander.org.

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Holmes Beach mayor prevails, retains city attorney appointment By ryan Paice islander reporter

Holmes Beach will have a new city attorney, but it may take time. City commissioners Oct. 12 discussed a proposal from Mayor Judy Titsworth to hire the Clearwater-based Trask Daigneault law firm as a successor to the Bradenton-based Dye, Harrison, Kirkland, Petruff, Pratt and St. Paul law firm and its partner, city attorney Patricia Petruff titsworth Petruff, who has represented the city for three decades, announced her plan in September to step away from her daily routine, including work for the city, to an “of counsel” position in January 2022. augello The move means she will participate on a case-by-case basis with the firm, not day-to-day work, leaving her unavailable to serve as city attorney. She offered in her Sept. 30 resignation letter to transfer her obligations to attorney Thomas Thanas and for the city to continue the contract with her firm. City attorneys in Florida advise municipalities in legal matters, including the creation of code and city procedures, as well as handle some civil cases. In the case of a vacancy for the city charter position, city code allows the mayor to select and appoint

Carol Soustek

the city attorney with commission approval. Titsworth said she selected the Trask Daigneault firm as Petruff’s successor because it has successfully represented the city in special magistrate hearings and Bert Harris lawsuits for five years. She added that Erica Augello, who currently serves as the city’s code compliance attorney, would be the city’s primary legal representation from the Trask Daigneault firm. “They know our code like the back of their hands,” Titsworth said. The agreement would pay the firm $200 per hour for city attorney services, which Titsworth said is a lower cost than many surrounding municipalities pay for the position. Petruff’s has billed the city $150 per hour for its services since 2018. Titsworth said she heard concerns from city officials about a lack of vetting, so she recommended they table her proposed agreement and meet individually with Augello. She said that, after getting to know her, commissioners could revisit the agreement. However, her proposal was met with criticism. Resident Richard Motzer said during public comment that he believed the city did not complete a proper vetting process to select Petruff’s replacement. He called to extend the search to other candidates. “Other cities take their time to make the right decision and I think we should, too,” Motzer said.

Pat Morton

Commission Chair Jim Kihm agreed, saying the city should issue a request for proposals for other candidates to provide a “yardstick” with which to judge Trask Daigneault. He questioned why Titsworth hadn’t followed procedure for hiring new personnel, which often involves issuing an RFP. Petruff reminded the chair that she in not personnel, and not subject to the same requirements as an employee. She said the charter does not require an RFP for her position because, according to the charter, it is filled by mayoral appointment. Kihm, who passed the gavel to Commissioner Carol Soustek, made a motion to issue an RFP for additional city attorney candidates. Commissioner Kim Rash seconded the motion. Commissioners voted 3-2 against the motion. Commissioners Jayne Christenson and Kihm voted “yes.” Commissioners Rash, Terry Schaefer and Carol Soustek voted “no.” Rash did not explain why he voted “no” after previously advocating for the RFP. Titsworth said her proposal would be brought back to the agenda for consideration after commissioners had a chance to individually meet with Augello. The commission will meet next at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 26, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive, with instructions to attend via teleconference available online, at holmesbeachfl.org.

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“Big John” Swager

Please, join us and the family of John Swager 5-7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 25, at Holmes Beach City Field for a celebration of life for “Big John,” “Red Beard,” “Capt. Barbarossa,” a 30-plus-year member and leader of the Anna Maria Island Privateers. Sponsors: The Islander, Holmes Beach and the HBPD, The Privateers, Waste Pro, Gold Coast Eagle Distributing, Billy Rice and TK Grill & BBQ-Traveling Kitchen. 100% of memorial donations to The Privateer “Big John” Swager Scholarship Fund.

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Holmes Beach shuts down bar/lounge at beach resort By ryan Paice islander reporter

A standoff between the city of Holmes Beach and the Bali Hai Beach Resort may have come to an end. It doesn’t come without a price for the resort. City commissioners unanimously voted Oct. 12 to approve the most restrictive of three proposed resolutions presented by city attorney Patricia Petruff to approve a long-sought after site plan for the resort. Bali Hai, 6900 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, opened in 1971 but was purchased by developer Shawn Kaleta in 2019 for about $20 million. He’s since completed extensive renovations, including the addition of an unpermitted spa and bar for guests. The city code enforcement officers issued a stop work order for construction on the property last January due to a lack of permits and an updated site plan. The city then filed a legal complaint in May 2020 centered around the resort’s bar and lounge area, arguing that the resort failed to submit a site plan for change of use and that changes made to the property lacked permits. The resort since filed a site plan detailing the unpermitted modifications and adding the spa and bar/ lounge as accessory uses. After a few public hearings to discuss the city’s requirements, commissioners asked Petruff in September to prepare options for a resolution approving the site plan that would provide different levels of regulation over the resort’s operations. Petruff presented three options at the Oct. 12 meeting, including: • Resolution A, which prohibits live music, special events and the bar/lounge as an accessory use, but allows the spa as an accessory use for hotel guests; • Resolution B, which allows the bar/lounge and spa as accessory uses with stipulations, but prohibits live music and requires the resort to acquire commission approval for special event permits; • Resolution C, which allows live music, up to 10 special events at the venue per year, as well as the bar/ lounge and spa as accessory uses. City planner Bill Brisson recommended commissioners approve resolution B, saying it prohibits live music, which he saw as a problem due to the resort’s close proximity to residential properties, and would require commission approval for special events. He said the option gave the commission discretion to determine which special events could be held at the venue while allowing the addition of the spa and bar/ lounge as accessory uses. Bradenton-based attorney Louis Najmy, representing Bali Hai at the Oct. 12 hearing, said all lounge and spa operations had recently been shut down to show respect for commissioners’ concerns voiced at a Sept. 15 meeting. “I hope this demonstrates some good faith to you,” Najmy said. Najmy asked commissioners to approve resolution C, calling resolutions A and B too restrictive.

Ready for Season? Are you looking forward to the fall-winter season on AMI? You can improve your odds for success and reach The Islander’s readers — residents, seasonal visitors and vacationers — looking for things to do. Shop, dine, events and indoor and outdoor fun. For advertising info, call or text 941-778-7978.

People lounge Oct. 15 in and around the pool at the Bali Hai Beach resort, 6900 gulf drive, Holmes Beach. islander Photo: ryan Paice

“Approving the resolutions that do not allow for the lounge or special events or live music is basically disapproval of the site plan and does not allow the main substance of our goals,” Najmy said. “We believe C is a win-win.” Commissioner Jayne Christenson moved to

Meetings

Anna Maria City

Oct. 25, 2:30 p.m., Reimagine Pine Avenue. Oct. 26, 10 a.m., historic preservation. Oct. 28, 6 p.m., commission. Nov. 17, 2 p.m., commission. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941708-6130, cityofannamaria.com.

approve resolution A, adding stipulations to the resort’s pool operation and background music must end at 8 p.m. instead of 10 p.m., and that housekeeping equipment must be stored inside. Commissioner Kim Rash seconded the motion, which passed 5-0. Bradenton, 941-761-1555, wmfr.org.

Manatee County

Oct. 21, 1:30 p.m., commission (land use). Nov. 4, 9 a.m., commission (land use). County administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee. org. also of interest

Oct. 25, 2 p.m., Island Transportation Planning Organization, Holmes Beach City Hall. Nov. 2, 4 p.m., Manatee County Council of Governments, Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto. Nov. 2, Election Day. Nov. 8, 9:30 a.m., Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization, Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto. Nov. 10, 4 p.m., Palma Sola Scenic Highway Holmes Beach committee, Bradenton public works, 1411 Ninth St. Oct. 20, 10 a.m., code. W., Bradenton. Oct. 26, 5 p.m., commission. Nov. 11, Veterans Day, most government offices Nov. 3, 5 p.m., planning. will be closed. Nov. 18, 10 a.m., code. Nov. 25, Thanksgiving, most government offices Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, will be closed, and also on Nov. 26. 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org. Dec. 13, 9 a.m., Manatee County Tourist Development Council, county administration building. West Manatee Fire Rescue — Lisa Neff None announced. Please, send meeting notices to calendar@ WMFR administration building, 701 63rd St. W., islander.org and news@islander.org.

Bradenton Beach

Oct. 20, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. Oct. 21, noon, commission. Nov. 3, 9:30 a.m., CRA. Nov. 3, 2 p.m., ScenicWAVES. Nov. 4, 6 p.m., commission. Nov. 18, noon, commission. Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com.

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Opinion

Our

Are you feeling jilted?

Maybe you feel left out and alone, or stunned and confused, or maybe you’re wondering what you missed. Imagine getting the news that your mail delivery will stop in 10 days. No more delivery. No mailbox. No solutions — except to drive 5-plus miles and a halfhour or more each way to another postal facility. Well, welcome to Cortez and another hill to climb, mountain to cross, whale to slay, battle to fight. If this tiny little village is not fatigued by it all, imagine that they also don’t know why. Not all lawsuits, especially those that don’t make it to court or don’t involve criminal activity are available to the public. Sometimes lawsuits are settled before they ever get to court. Whatever the dispute is between the U.S. Postal Service and the landlord, the owner of the strip center where the post office has operated for some 50 years or more, they’re not talking. The owner, John Banyas, has made a success of more than a few businesses in Cortez, and maybe there’s more than a little jealousy to go around the village. I think he works hard and I think he’s got a place in his heart for Cortez. He’s also helped a lot of people along his path. I’m guessing — since he’s staying silent — that he’d like to do the right thing for the people in the village, including his own family, who mostly want the post office to stay. Of course, there are plenty of people in Cortez who are saying they’d be happy with home delivery. And maybe that will be the solution. But they still will have to make a trip — either to the post office in Bradenton Beach, about 1.3 miles and a bridge away, or a 3 mile trip to the post office in Coral Way Plaza to buy stamps and send packages. And the man who was injured when the flagpole fell and struck him on the head? He’s seeking damages in a lawsuit. If he’s smart, he won’t talk. But if you listen to the wind, you might think he already got a settlement from the post office. We’re still hoping for a solution. But it’s hard to keep hoping when no one is talking. Most government officials don’t respond. Finally, please, join me in celebrating the life of longtime friend and loyal Privateer John Swager at a gathering at Holmes Beach city field 5-7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 25. And many thanks to Mayor Judy Titsworth, Police Chief Bill Tokajer and the city for facilitating the event. — Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

OCT. 20, 2021 • Vol. 29, No. 52 Publisher, Co-editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org ▼ Editorial editor Lisa neff, lisa@islander.org chrisann allen. chrisann@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Kevin cassidy, kevin@islander.org Jack elka, jack@jackelka.com tomas gomez, tomas@islander.org Kane Kaiman, kane@islander.org ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org ▼ Contributors Karen riley-Love Samara Paice amber Sigman capt. danny Stasny, fish@islander.org ▼ Advertising Director toni Lyon, toni@islander.org ▼ Webmaster Wayne ansell ▼ Office Manager, Lisa Williams info@, accounting@, classifieds@, subscriptions@islander.org ▼ Distribution urbane Bouchet ross roberts Judy Loden Wasco (All others: news@islander.org) ▼

Single copies free. Quantities of five or more: 25 cents each. ©1992-2021 • Editorial, sales and production ofﬁces: 315 58th St., Suite J, Holmes Beach fL 34217 WeBSite: islander.org text or call: 941-778-7978

Your

Opinion

‘Leave those beaches alone’

Many years ago, Aaron Van Ostenbridge would yell and heckle me in the parking lot at the old Island Foods about his issues with beach renourishment. Now comes Kevin Van Ostenbridge, Manatee County District 3 Commissioner, telling islanders, “I will give you beach renourishment if you agree to a parking garage at the public beach.” Van Ostenbridge doesn’t seem to know about the federal authorities that contract with our counties, not him. Will he now try to do a motion to the six other county commissioners to stop the fourth beach renourishment project and ignore all the associated rules within the process and the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the protection of the upland owners — and the tax base — that comes from the added width of sand on the beach? Katie Pierola, Bradenton, former mayor of Bradenton Beach who spearheaded renourishment in 1985. — Katie Pierola, Northwest Bradenton, former mayor of Bradenton Beach

the islander is excluding letters of support and opposition to candidates running for elected office and ballot issues from our letters to the editor page, and instead reserving that space for readers to comment on timely issues of general concern. meanwhile, we offer candidates our discounted government rate to promote their campaigns with advertising — clearly labeled as campaign advertisements. We feel endorsements should be made part of the candidate’s promotion and, thereby, avoiding a titfor-tat among candidates, political committees and their supporters vying for editorial space in the newspaper.

Skimming online …

Web (register for free news alerts) islander.org Facebook @islandernewspaper Twitter @ami_islander Instagram @theislanderami Pinterest @islandernewspaper E-edition For $36 a year, e-edition subscribers have access to the weekly e-edition with page-by-page views of all the news, photos, columns, community announcements and advertisements. And subscribers receive breaking news notices. To subscribe online, visit islander.org. For other subscriber services, call our newspaper office at 941-778-7978.

Our theme, “We’re glad You’re Here,” originated in the 1980s with a restaurant trade group. We hope everyone feels welcome on ami. — the islander

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Detained at DeSoto celebration

10&20 years ago

two people smile through their detention in an anna maria island Privateers’ jail at the annual deSoto celebration held in april 1980, when the Privateers battled the deSoto crew. islander Photos: courtesy manatee county Public Library

In the Oct. 18, 2001, issue

Bridge to the bay Visitors in 1995 walk along a new boardwalk trail in the Leffis Key preserve in Bradenton Beach. the trail provides walking access over tidal pools and among the mangroves at the shore of Sarasota Bay.

The Islander newspaper to mark 30th

The first issue of The Islander published in November 1992 — and we are approaching a milestone anniversary. We invite readers to celebrate with us — to share

remembrances of the island newspaper in 1992 and maybe a photo. Share a note about what you love about The Islander and look for your contribution in the “best news on AMI since 1992.” Share at news@islander.org.

• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approved a $10 million beach renourishment project for Anna Maria Island after more than a year of review, saying the project would start by April 2002. • Island elected officials reacted with little enthusiasm to a proposal by Manatee County Commissioner Joe McClash that the county examine the benefits of adopting a charter form of government. McClash argued a charter government would prevent developments such as a planned 898-unit condominium project on north Perico Island. • Bradenton Beach World War II veteran Jim Kissick rejected a proposal from Manatee County to move a proposed flagpole and veterans memorial from Leffis Key to a nearby location after Audubon Society members complained the flag pole would scare birds in the area. Kissick, who conceived the memorial for Island veterans, said the flag would fly only on special occasions.

In the Oct. 19, 2011, issue

• The commending adjectives flowed in Holmes Beach City Hall as local mayors honored the six friends who rescued a 21-year-old man from the Gulf of Mexico after a bull shark ripped open his leg. • Holmes Beach Mayor Rich Bohnenberger decided to get tough on property owners who converted to vacation rentals and violated city codes. The mayor said efforts to settle complaints “informally” had failed. • Stone crab season opened with crabbers and fish houses that market the crab claws saying the first catches were meager, the lowest in years. — Lisa neff

We’d love to mail you the news!

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Page 8 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Oct. 20, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Judge gives anti-megabridge group 7 days for legal rebuttal By Kane Kaiman islander reporter

There’s a Cortez Bridge court retort due this week. The Florida Department of Transportation filed a motion in federal court Sept. 29 to dismiss aspects of an amended complaint filed Sept. 15 by four individuals challenging the agency’s decision to replace the 17-foot-clearance Cortez drawbridge with a 65-footclearance fixed-span bridge in 2026-27. The filing is among the recent developments in a legal battle stretching back to March 2020, when former County Commissioner Joe McClash, Cortez resident Jane von Hahmann, also a former county commissioner, and Cortez residents Linda Molto and Joe Kane lodged their initial complaint with the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida. On Oct. 13, Judge Anthony E. Porcelli granted the complainants — who advocate for the construction of a 35-foot drawbridge replacement — seven additional days to craft a response to the motion. Ralf Brookes, an attorney representing the megabridge fighters, told the Islander in an Oct. 15 text message the group is discussing its strategy but declined to comment any further. In the amended complaint, the anti-megabridge group asserts that when the DOT was deciding between replacement bridge alternatives, the agency violated the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 by improperly utilizing a categorical exclusion. The exclusion allowed the agency to select the high bridge alternative without conducting a more detailed evaluation of the impacts the 65-foot bridge would have on the natural and human environment. According to the DOT’s Sept. 29 motion, “while the amended complaint provides a myriad of differ-

traffic approaches the bascule section at the midpoint of the 17-footclearance cortez drawbridge Oct. 6. islander Photo: Sherri Kaiman

ent bases for the plaintiffs’ single claim that the DOT violated NEPA, many of the bases alleged fail to state a cause of action for which relief can be granted.” Included among the “bases” the DOT asserts are flawed in the motion is the claim that the agency failed to meet the criteria for utilizing the categorical exclusion because it did not include examples of “past experience” with bridge replacement projects to show the high bridge would not involve significant environmental impacts — the DOT asserts it was not required by law to do so. The agency also refutes the claims that, according to NEPA, the court can order the DOT to proceed with construction of the 35-foot drawbridge and that the agency’s decision to build the high bridge was “highly controversial” because of the number of

Sunshine lawsuit drags on in Bradenton Beach By tomas gomez islander reporter

A Sunshine lawsuit in Bradenton Beach still isn’t fully concluded. A ruling in July 2019 by Judge Edward Nicholas of the 12th Judicial Circuit declared that former planning and zoning board members Reed Mapes, John Metz, Patty Shay, Bill Vincent, as well as former Scenic WAVES Committee members Tjet Martin and Rose Vincent violated the Florida Governmentin-the-Sunshine Law in 2017 when discussing city affairs in emails and at meetings of the now-defunct grass-roots organization Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton Beach. The Sunshine law requires state, county and municipal meetings and records to be open to the public. Filed in August 2017 by former Mayor Jack Clarke and joined by the city, the case ended with Metz and Martin settling with the city for a $350,000 joint payment. Shay, as well as Bill and Rose Vin-

cent settled and each paid $500. One defendant remains — Mapes, who has been ordered to pay a share of the city’s attorney fees plus prejudgment interest — $19,760. Mapes requested April 1 that Nicholas delay collection until the 2nd District Court of Appeals rendered its opinion. Despite the request, the 12th Circuit Court ordered May 14 that Reed pay the attorney fees, providing a fact information sheet for submission to the court — a financial disclosure form typically used to assess the assets and income of debtors. City attorney Ricinda Perry told the mayor and commissioners June 3 that the city could acquire judgment fees from a trust account belonging to Mapes. The commission then voted to seek an accountant to assist in collecting the judgment against Mapes at a cost not to exceed $1,000. Perry was out of the office Oct. 14 when contacted for comment the status of the accountant and Mapes did not respond to calls or emails Oct. 15.

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negative public comments the department received during the selection process. The Cortez Bridge spans the Intracoastal Waterway and connects Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island to the historic fishing village of Cortez on the mainland. High bridge schematics call for the construction of retaining walls that would be 20-feet-tall at their peak and would extend into Cortez about 700 feet, dividing the community along Cortez Road. Of the 1,229 people who responded to DOT surveys during the agency’s bridge selection process, approximately 70% expressed support for rehabilitating the existing drawbridge or building a 35-foot drawbridge — which would not require the construction of inland retaining walls.

Third annual holiday boat parade will launch Dec. 4

The third annual Bradenton Beach Holiday Boat Parade is on the calendar and set to sail Dec. 4. Boat owners are invited to show off their holiday spirit and illuminated vessels in a parade along the Intercoastal Waterway. The participating boats will assemble and depart from the south end of Jewfish Key, traveling along the Longboat Pass Bridge, through the ICW to the Cortez Bridge and back south past the Historic Bridge Street Pier. The event will begin at 6 p.m. and is expected to take 60 to 90 minutes. Cash prizes will be awarded in multiple categories, including “best lighting” and “most holiday spirit.” Spectators can watch from Longboat Pass Bridge and from the Bradenton Beach city pier. The parade will be the grand finale to the merchant’s Christmas on Bridge Street event. The final sponsorships are awaiting confirmation, organizer Mike Bazzy said Oct.15. Signup will be online at boat-parade.com. — tomas gomez

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Oct. 20, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 9 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

AM sets date for next Reimagine Pine Avenue public hearing

The next step in “reimagining” Pine Avenue has been set. City commissioners will meet at 2:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 25, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, to discuss potential safety and traffic improvements for the commercial strip. The city is continuing to hold public hearings to discuss the matter, including results from traffic engineer Gerry Traverso of St. Petersburgbased George F. Young, Inc. contracted in May for $50,274 to conduct a study and propose improvement options. The commission previously nixed one-way traffic on Pine Avenue and of the remaining two alternatives, one would add buffered bike lanes in both directions of travel on Pine Avenue, provide a continuous sidewalk for pedestrians and alleviate sightline issues by shifting parking from the roadway closer to storefronts. The other alternative would create sidewalks on both sides of Pine Avenue, add 8-foot-wide two-way bike lanes on one side of the road and increase the number of pedestrian crosswalks. Traverso promised to address parking, crosswalks and drainage in his plans. An agenda for the Oct. 25 hearing was not available as of Oct. 16. People can attend the meeting at city hall or via teleconference, with instructions available at cityofannamaria.com.

Veterans Day celebration set to return to Anna Maria By ryan Paice islander reporter

Anna Maria’s Old Soldiers and Sailors Veterans Day Parade will again step off on Pine Avenue. City commissioners unanimously voted Oct. 14 to approve a consent agenda that included a special event permit and waiver of fee for the event, which was canceled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The event will begin at 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, before moving along Spring and Pine avenues to City Pier Park, 101 N. Bay Blvd., for a ceremony hosted by the city. The parade will include at least three local high school marching bands, a U.S. Marine Corps honor guard to present colors, the Anna Maria Island Privateers and their float/boat, the Skullywag, kids from the Center of Anna Maria Island, as well as representatives

of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. Mayor Dan Murphy said the ceremony would include a 100-year-old World War II veteran leading the pledge of allegiance to the U.S. flag, patriotic music, and a special tribute to veterans by service branch and their spouses. He added that some state politicians may attend, including Florida Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton. Murphy said the event is a good opportunity for city officials to meet constituents and promote a sense of community. Parade participants must arrive at city hall by noon for staging, according to the parade application, which is available at cityofannamaria.com. Applications must be completed and submitted by Nov. 4 to deputy clerk Debbie Haynes, via email at depclerk@cityofannamaria.com. the Southeast High School marching band performs in the 2018 Old Soldiers and Sailors Veteran’s day Parade on Pine avenue in anna maria. islander Photo: Jack elka

— ryan Paice

Milestones

The Islander welcomes photographs and notices of milestones. Submit announcements and photographs to news@islander.org.

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Island happenings

Page 10 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Oct. 20, 2021 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Mana

Audubon plans Bean Point, Perico outings

The Manatee Audubon Society is following the flocks to the point. The group’s fall-winter schedule of outings and activities begins with birdwatching at Anna Maria’s Bean Point at Sunday, Nov. 7. Participants will meet at about 6:30 a.m. at Bayfront Park, 316 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, and carpool to Bean Point for a hike and birdwatching. The calendar also includes a December outing at Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W., Perico Island. Participants will meet at the preserve at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 11. Other outings include birdwatching and hikes Dec. 1, Jan. 5, Feb. 2, March 2 and April 13 at Emerson Point Preserve in Palmetto; Jan. 15 at Cockroach Bay Preserve in Ruskin; Jan. 16 at Robinson Preserve North in Bradenton; Jan. 26 at Terra Ceia Preserve State Park on Terra Ceia; Feb. 7 at Coker Prairie Tract in Myakka City; Feb. 12 at Tom Bennett Park in Bradenton; Feb. 19 at Perico Preserve on Perico Island; March 11 at Crowley Preserve in Myakka; March 14 at the Celery Fields in Sarasota; April 20 at Fort De Soto Park in Pinellas County; April 22 at Leffis Key Preserve in Bradenton Beach; and April 23 at Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach. The season will conclude April 29-May 1 with a field trip to St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge and Tall Timbers Research Station in Wakulla County. Contact persons vary for each outing. So for more information, go online to manateeaudubon. org.

Sale time in Anna Maria

anna maria farmer’s market opens to a crowd of people at city Pier Park, 103 n. Bay Blvd., anna maria,. the city-run market will operate 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. tuesdays through may 10, 2022. islander Photos: ryan Paice

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Island happenings

Oct. 20, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 11 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Island Gallery West plans to take patrons for a “Walk on the Wild Side” in November, featuring artist Jody Goldman and also the return of “ArtWalk” to Holmes Beach. The pandemic disrupted a year of activities in the Holmes Beach city center, but artist groups anchored in the central business district plan a return of the monthly Friday night walks. The details are still being decided but IGW plans a reception with Goldman and other artists in the coop gallery 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12. Other exhibit and event plans for the fall-winter season include: • December, all-members holiday show, “Good Things Come in Small Packages,” with a reception 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10. • January, featured artist Darryl Goldman, “Simple Memories,” with a reception 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 14, 2022. • February, featured artist Joanna Karpay, “For the Birds,” with a reception 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11. • March, featured artist Sue Elliott, “Wonderful World,” with a reception 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, March 11. • April, featured artist Pat O’Neil, “Art from the Heart,” with a reception 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, April 8. Featured artists later in 2022 include Janet Flickinger, Sharon Woefling, Donna Grossman, Terri Westbrook, Shirley Rush-Dean, Charlotte Sorsen and Marg Williamson. IGW is at 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the gallery at 941-7786648.

Welcome back to the playhouse. The Island Players will cycle through 2021-22 with four more productions after launching the 73rd season in September with “The Savannah Sipping Society.” The next performance will be “Same Time, Next Year,” written by Bernard Slade, directed by Kelly Wynn Woodland and set for the stage Nov. 4-14. Actors in the romantic comedy include Nancy Denton and Mark Woodland portraying Doris and George, who have an affair and decide to reunite annually at an inn to celebrate the anniversary of their onenight stand. The box office will open Monday, Oct. 25. The rest of the lineup includes: • “Blithe Spirit,” written by Noël Coward, directed by Jeffrey Steiger and set for the stage Jan. 6-23, 2022; • “A Comedy of Tenors,” written by Ken Ludwig, directed by Preston Boyd and set for the stage March 3-20, 2022; • “The Psychic,” written by Sam Bobrick, directed by James Thaggard and set for the stage May 5-15, 2022. Performances take place Tuesday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. The theater is dark Mondays. Tickets cost $25. Masks are required to attend shows. Audition dates include “Blithe Spirit,” Sunday, Nov. 7; “A Comedy of Tenors,” Sunday, Jan. 9; and “The Psychic,” Sunday, March 13. Auditions take place at 7:30 p.m. at the theater, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Scripts are available at the Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information about the Island Players, call the box office at 941-778-5755.

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Cortez groups cast for pickers, decorators, sales

Dreaming about deals on fishing gear? An anchor or an oar for your home decor? The annual Cortez Nautical Flea Market will be 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, Oct. 23, at the Florida Maritime Museum. Shoppers will find fishing gear, boating supplies, antiques, crusty gear and other nautical-themed items for home and backyard decor. The flea market is hosted by the museum and the Cortez Cultural Center, which also will be presenting an arts and crafts fair 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the center property on the FISH Preserve. The museum is at 4415 119th St. W. The cultural center is 11655 Cortez Road W. but an access exists at the museum property. For more information about the cultural center, contact Kaye Bell at 941-538-0945 or email cvhs2016@aol.com. For more information about the museum, go online to floridamaritimemuseum.org, or call 941708-6120

Cortez to celebrate crabs

Cortez celebrates a seasonal delicacy with the annual Stone Crab Festival, which will take place on the waterfront in the fishing village 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 13-14. The Swordfish Grill and Tiki Bar, 4628 119th St. W., Cortez, will host the event, presenting musical entertainment and, of course, “stone crab, stone crab and more stone crab.” For more information, call the restaurant at 941798-2035. CUSTOM . HANDCRAFTED . VINTAGE jewelry . beach bags . hats sunglasses . clothing . gifts

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Visit islander.org for the best news on AMI.

Island Players bring stage presence to 2021-22 season

UP-CYCLED . REPURPOSED

‘Walk on the Wild Side’ opens fall-winter at IGW

Page 12 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Oct. 20, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

The Islander Calendar

compiled by Lisa neff, calendar@islander.org.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

mation: ﬂoridamaritimemuseum.org, fmminfo@manateeclerk.com. “Battles of the Boneless” exhibit, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. InformaON AMI tion: bishopmuseum.org, 941-746-4131. Through August 2022, “Seeing the Invisible” augmented reality Thursday, Oct. 21 exhibit, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. 10:15 a.m. — Island Library Book Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, Fee applies. Information: selby.org, 941-366-5731. Through Jan. 16, 2022, “Prints, Ceramics and Glass from 941-778-6341. Japan,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore ONGOING ON AMI Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: ringling.org, 941-3595700. Throughout October, “Feathers” exhibit featuring work by Jim Wheeler, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: islandgallerywest.com, 941-778-6648. Throughout October, “Art on 10 x 10 Cradleboard” exhibit, Artists’ Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: amiartistsguildgallery.com, 941-778-6694.

AHEAD OFF AMI Nov. 13, Anna Maria Island Privateers Black Tie Fundraising Gala to benefit the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County, Bradenton. Dec. 3-5, Bradenton Blues Fest, Bradenton.

AHEAD ON AMI

KIDS & FAMILY

Nov. 12, Anna Maria Island Historical Society Ice Cream Social, Anna Maria. Nov. 4-14, Island Players’ “Same Time, Next Year,” Anna Maria. Nov. 17, Island Players audition for “Blithe Spirit,” Anna Maria. Dec. 4, Christmas on Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach. Dec. 10, Holiday Walk of Treasures open houses and Holiday Carols in the Park, Anna Maria.

ON AMI

OFF AMI Thursday, Oct. 21 1 p.m. — “When the Beat Drops” film screening, The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: ringling. org, 941-359-5700. Thursday, Oct. 21 6:30 p.m. — “Paris is Burning” film screening, Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: ringling. org, 941-359-5700. Friday, Oct. 22 6:30 p.m. — “Death Becomes Her” film screening, Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: ringling.org, 941-359-5700. Saturday, Oct. 23 8 a.m.-noon — Cortez Nautical Flea Market, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: 941-708-6120. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. — Cortez Cultural Center Arts and Crafts Fair, 11655 Cortez Road W., Cortez. Information: 941-538-0945. ONGOING OFF AMI

Friday, Oct. 22 10 a.m. — 40 Carrots Partners in Play, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-778-6341. Tuesday, Oct. 26 10 a.m.— Family storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-7786341. AHEAD ON AMI Nov. 6, Center of Anna Maria Island teen babysitting class, Anna Maria. Dec. 28, ﬁrst Movies in the Park of the season, Anna Maria. ONGOING OFF AMI First Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m., “Soar in 4 Family Night, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: soarin4.org, 941-746-4131. Saturdays and Sundays, 3 p.m., Tales Under the Tree, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: bishop.org, 941-746-4131. AHEAD OFF AMI

Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-7786341. Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Gulf Drive Cafe, 900 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-778-1383. Tuesdays, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Farmers Market in the Park, City Pier Park, Pine Avenue and Bay Boulevard, Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130. Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m. — Mahjong Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-778-6341. AHEAD ON AMI Nov. 11, Veterans Day Parade on Pine and recognition ceremony, Anna Maria. Nov. 6, Keep Manatee Beautiful’s Manatee Public Beach cleanup, Holmes Beach. Nov. 17, Anna Maria Island Garden Club Plant Sale, Anna Maria. Dec. 4, Keep Manatee Beautiful’s Coquina Beach cleanup, Bradenton Beach. OFF AMI Wednesday, Oct. 20 10 a.m. — Lecture, “Florida and the Dawning of the Space Age,” the Paradise Center of Longboat Key, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Fee applies. Information: theparadisecenter.org, 941383-6493. ONGOING OFF AMI Wednesdays, 3 p.m., the Longboat Key Paradise Center for Healthy Living “Grieve Not Alone: Peer Support Group,” 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Information: theparadisecenter.org, 941-383-6493. Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island lunch meeting, Compass Hotel by Margaritaville, 12324 Manatee Ave. W., Perico Island. Second Tuesdays at 5 p.m. Information: 941-9202505. Second Tuesdays through May, Off Stage Ladies luncheon, Pier 22, 1200 First Ave. W., Bradenton. Information: 941-9322798. AHEAD OFF AMI

Nov. 12-13, Manatee River Garden Club Flower Show, BraOct. 29, Pumpkin Carving Extravaganza, Bradenton. denton. Dec. 4, Florida Maritime Museum’s Christmas in Cortez, Cortez. OUTDOORS

CLUBS & COMMUNITY

& SPORTS

ON AMI First Fridays, 6-9:30 p.m., Village of the Arts First Fridays ArtThursday, Oct. 21 ON AMI walk, 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Informa9 a.m. — Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources’ Seation: villageofthearts.com. Wednesday, Oct. 20 shell Shore Walk for beachcombers, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Bradenton Farmers Market, Main 11:30 a.m. — Anna Maria Island Garden Club meeting, Roser Beach. Information: 941-742-5923. Street, downtown Bradenton. Information: realizebradenton.com, Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Informa941-301-8445. tion: 941-920-5929. PLeaSe, See CALEnDAR, neXt Page Second and fourth Saturdays, noon-2 p.m., Chickee Hut ONGOING ON AMI Jammers session, presented by the Florida Maritime Museum and Cortez Cultural Center, outdoors, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. InforFridays, 11:30 a.m., Mahjong Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina

Join us for OPEN HOUSE 9-2 Friday Oct. 22 and 8-noon Saturday Oct. 23 Located at Sunny Shores off Cortez Road Turn north from Cortez Road into Sunny Shores at 115th Street West, turn left at first STOP sign.

11703 40th Ave. W. • Bradenton 941-794-1226

Oct. 20, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 13 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

ONGOING ON AMI AMI Dragon Boat Team—Paddlers From Paradise practices and meetups, various times and locations. Information: 941-4622626, mrbradway@gmail.com. AHEAD ON AMI Nov. 7, Manatee County Audubon Society ﬁeld trip to Bean Point, Anna Maria. OFF AMI Thursday, Oct. 21 6 p.m. — Teen Nature Night at the NEST with a program on sea turtles, Robinson Preserve Expansion, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923. Saturday, Oct. 23 9 a.m. — Master Gardener Tour of Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W., Perico Island. Information: 941-742-5923. members of the anna maria Parent teacher Organization meet with Principal michael masiello Oct. 11 to discuss preparations for the fall festival, which is set to return Oct. 23 after two years of cancellations. ONGOING OFF AMI islander Photo: ryan Paice Saturdays, 8 a.m., Robinson Runners running club, Robinson Preserve expansion, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Information: cation form. mymanatee.org, 941-742-5923, ext. 6047. The form also encourages sponsors hosting their Saturdays, 9 a.m., Saturday Mornings at the NEST nature own booths to provide cotton candy or a pumpkin exploration, Robinson Preserve expansion, 840 99th St. NW, BraBy ryan Paice patch. denton. Information: mymanatee.org, 941-742-5923, ext. 6047. Kennedy said she ordered two banners for display at Saturdays once a month, Manatee County Audubon Society the school and at the Kingfish Boat Ramp at the entrance workday, Felts Preserve, 4600 24th Ave. E., Palmetto. Information: of the city. She added that flyers would be sent home manateeaudubon.org, zholmes003@gmail.com.

AmE NEWS AME-PTO ready, set, spooked for Fall Festival

Anna Maria Elementary School’s Fall Festival and Parade is only days away after two years on hiatus. AHEAD OFF AMI And members of the school’s parent teacher orgaOct. 28, Wildlife Spotlight on Bats, Bradenton. nization are working hard behind the scenes to make Dec. 11, Manatee County Audubon Society ﬁeld trip to Perico it happen. Preserve, Perico Island. AME-PTO members met Oct. 11 to discuss plans for the carnival-themed event, which was canceled last GOOD TO KNOW year due to the coronavirus pandemic. KEEP THE DATES PTO treasurer Kari Kennedy, who is organizing the festival, attended the meeting via Zoom and said that Sunday, Oct. 31, Halloween. many aspects of the event were set to go, but they were Tuesday, Nov. 2, Election Day. still looking for sponsors with less than two weeks to Sunday, Nov. 7, daylight saving time ends. go. Thursday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day. The event will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, Tuesday, Dec. 21, winter solstice. with a class parade led by Holmes Beach Police Chief Saturday, Dec. 25, Christmas Day. Bill Tokajer launching from City Pier Park, 101 N. Bay Friday, Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve. Blvd., Anna Maria, and ending at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., also in Anna Maria. At the center, volunteers will name a pair of students from each class as costume contest winners. The winners will receive prizes donated from the Cheesecake Cutie & Café in Holmes Beach, the contest sponsor. The festival will then open for both indoor and outdoor activities, including craft and game booths hosted by the AME classrooms, music and food and refreshments. Activities will include a 120-foot “Super Slide,” a bungee trampoline, hayride, climbing rock wall, an obstacle challenge and bounce house, as well as several photo booths, according to the PTO sponsorship appli-

with students and mailed to help spread the word. PTO president Nicole Plummer said she also would promote the event on the Anna Maria Elementary Fall Festival Facebook page, as well as online at amepto. org. She said she would use the pages to announce a sale date for wristbands for games and activities. Kennedy said Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, would help with overflow by providing parking for parade- and festivalgoers. The event will end around 8 p.m. and is projected to draw around 1,000 people, according to the PTO application. People can learn more by calling AME at 941-7085525 or inquire about sponsoring festival activities at amepto.org.

AME Calendar

• Oct. 23, 4-8 p.m., AME-PTO Fall Festival at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. • Nov. 8, 3:30 p.m., PTO second-quarter general membership meeting. • Nov. 11, Veterans Day, no school. • Nov. 18, 3:45 p.m., SAC virtual meeting. • Nov. 22-26, Thanksgiving holiday, no school. For more information, call the school at 941-7085525.

i.wed

The Islander Wedding Directory

Style, color and charity anna maria elementary fifth-grader italia geils, 10, left, and fourth-grader charlee maize, 9, look over some of the beaded bracelets added Oct. 13 to a display at cheesecake cutie and cafe, 3324 e. Bay drive, Holmes Beach. italia made the bracelets and is donating a portion of her proceeds to the school, according to her mother, Jennifer geils, store owner. islander Photo: courtesy mom

ACCOMMODATIONS

PHOTOGRAPHY

Bungalow Beach Resort DIRECTLY ON THE BEACH! Classic 1930s island-style resort. 800.779.3601 bungalow@bungalowbeach.com www.bungalowbeach.com

Island Photography Beautiful and creative photography to treasure for a lifetime. Dara Caudill • 941-778-5676 islandphotography.org

MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT Gulf Drive Band The Best! Classic Dance Tunes Musical Entertainment DJ for Weddings, Receptions. Call: 941.778.0173. gulfdriveband@gmail.com

WEDDING PLANNER AMI Beach Weddings Destination Beach Wedding Experts. AMIBeachWeddings.com love@amibeachweddings.com

TO BE INCLUDED IN IWED, CONTACT ISLANDER SALES DIRECTOR TONI LYON, 941.928.8735 OR toni@islander.org

Page 14 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Oct. 20, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Cops & Courts

Staff reports

Holmes Beach police seeks charges against resident for theft By ryan Paice islander reporter

Holmes Beach police filed for a third-degree felony charge Oct. 6 for repeated petit theft against Brian Murphy, 42, of Holmes Beach, the son of Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy, An officer first responded to the Time Saver Liquor Store, 5353 Gulf Drive, where the owner and manager told him they have video showing Brian Murphy stealing money and liquor from the store on multiple occasions in September. They told the officer that Murphy, who had been terminated from the job in September, also allowed customers of the store to take items without paying, according to the HBPD report. The officer issued a victim’s rights pamphlet to

Englewood man arrested for DUI in Holmes Beach

Holmes Beach police arrested Englewood resident Thomas Wisdom Jr., 47, Oct. 11 on a seconddegree misdemeanor for driving under the influence of drugs. An officer, who saw a motorist swerving and speeding, used a radar gun to clock the vehicle at 56 mph in a 35-mph zone, then conducted a traffic stop. The officer spoke with the motorist, identified as Wisdom, who had apparently spilled food in his lap and was acting strangely, according to the police report. The officer had Wisdom perform field sobriety exercises, which he failed. Wisdom was arrested and transported to the HBPD for processing, where he provided two breath samples that returned negative results for alcohol. Wisdom also provided urine samples for testing and told officers he had consumed prescribed medication before driving. The officer later transported Wisdom to the Manatee County jail, where he was released Oct. 12 after posting a $120 bail bond. The charge carries punishments that include fines and up to nine months in prison for a first conviction. An arraignment will be at 8:55 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. — ryan Paice

the owner and submitted a capias request to the office of the state’s attorney for a third-degree felony charge for petit theft — which would usually garner a seconddegree misdemeanor charge — against Murphy due to his prior criminal history. According to state law, “a person who commits petit theft and who has previously been convicted two or more times of theft commits a felony of the third degree.” Murphy was most recently arrested Jan. 13 for second-degree misdemeanor petit theft, to which he pled no contest. He received six months of probation and 35 hours of volunteer service. Conviction on a third-degree felony is punishable with up to five years in prison, five years of probation and a $5,000 fine.

Streetlife

Staff reports

Island police reports

Anna Maria No new reports. Anna Maria is policed by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. Bradenton Beach Oct. 9, Tropic Isle Inn, 101 22nd St. N., noise. A Bradenton Beach police officer responded just before midnight to calls about a party outside the hotel, but heard no noise coming from the reported room. The officer found what was left of a party and informed a man in the pool area of the city’s noise ordinance. The Bradenton Beach Police Department polices Bradenton Beach. Cortez No new reports. Cortez is policed by the MCSO. Holmes Beach Oct. 7, 7200 block of Holmes Boulevard, harassment. A Holmes Beach police officer responded to calls about harassment. The resident told the officer that a motorist drove by shouting a derogatory message at her. The resident provided camera footage from the home’s Ring camera. Oct. 9, 600 block of Gulf Drive, silver alert. The HBPD received a call from the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office about a silver alert for a missing person whose phone was pinged in Holmes Beach. Officers searched and found the motorist, a senior man, who was con-

on November 2

HB police ofﬁcer puts stafﬁng needs in perspective

The following is the introduction read Oct. 12 by Holmes Beach Police Officer Michael VanHorn to city commissioners during public comment. It includes some excerpts from a longer letter delivered to the mayor and commissioners Oct. 12 for the public record. The full text of his seven-page letter appears online at islander.org in a pdf file with the HBPD budget story. Honorable Mayor Titsworth and Holmes Beach Commissioners: Thank you for hearing me. My name is Michael VanHorn and I have served the city of Holmes Beach as a police officer for three and a half years. I come here tonight to address you of my own volition on my own time. I am not a resident of the city and none of my fellow officers live here, but that does not negate our concern for the citizens of Holmes Beach. I strongly deny the current narrative that Chief Tokajer and the department do not support the residents, and I fear this may stem from the ongoing debate over noise complaints. I am not dismissing the residents’ concerns. When circumstances warrant action, I will continue to do so, because it is the right thing to do. When circumstances of excessive drinking, fights, loud music or the response of the subject dictates a citation, they receive one. I also take the step when warranted to contact the agency if the offender is a vacation renter to facilitate eviction. This can tie up time and manpower, but it’s the right thing to do. Also, I feel a letter from one of your residents claiming the police budget is exorbitant deserves some perspective from an employee with first-hand knowledge. I want to briefly speak on the weekend of Sept. 25-26, when an unavoidable staffing shortage resulted in just two of us working, and me changing my shift to assist with staffing. I am not complaining. It is what we do at HBPD. The weekend started with a call of a drunk subject chasing children on the beach. This resulted in the suspect PLeaSe, See LETTER, neXt Page

fused about where he was and what time it was. The officers transported him to the HBPD, where family arrived to take him home. Oct. 9, 5200 block of Gulf Drive, vehicle theft. An officer responded to a call about a theft and found a woman who said the license tag was missing from her vehicle. The woman completed a sworn statement and the officer also contacted a potential witness for information. Oct. 11, The Ugly Grouper, 5704 Marina Drive, property damage. An officer responded to reports of a vehicular crash from a family who said a golf cart that parked next to them dented their vehicle. The golf cart occupants said they had not hit the vehicle and there were no witnesses or camera footage. The complaint was filed as property damage. HBPD polices Holmes Beach. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

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Cosby is new Bradenton Beach police chief By tomas gomez islander reporter

John Cosby became the new chief of police for Bradenton Beach Oct. 11, replacing former Chief Sam Speciale, who retired after 35 years of duty. Cosby has been acting chief since early September when Speciale decided to use his accrued vacation time prior to his official retirement on Oct. 9. Cosby began his career in law enforcement in Bradenton Beach at age 23 and has been policing the city for 33 years. His responsibilities include overseeing the day-today operations of the Bradenton Beach Police Department. The new chief says he’s emphasizing quality-ofLETTER frOm Page 14

who was heavily intoxicated 6 feet 280 lbs of muscle, violent and combative taken into custody after being sprayed with mace to attempt compliance that was unsuccessful, then requiring a common peroneal disruption technique utilized to bring him to the ground for handcuffing. He was checked out medically for his safety and cleared. This suspect is charged with child abuse to a 9-year-old boy, resisting law enforcement with violence and other charges. To lodge this suspect at the jail required my partner to transport the suspect to the Port Jail which is at least an hour-long task, leaving just me and my Sgt. However, my Shift Sgt who was very sick stayed on duty to make sure I had backup with two officers in the city. My Sgt followed isolation protocols working until my partner Ofc was back on the Island, that is dedication! I worked an 18hr shift to maintain at least two officers in the city. Mayor, I believe you are now aware of the assaulttype pistol, loaded with 5.7mm rounds, one chambered and ready to fire, and over 130 rounds of “armor piercing rounds” at the suspects disposal. There also was narcotics in the form of suspected crack cocaine and in the amount that would indicate for delivery in the city. This incident took several hours just to work at the scene, and many more hours processing the evidence legally and per HBPD policies and procedures. While working this case several calls for service came into dispatch requiring us to respond as this is our job. We diligently performed our duties. A frantic call at 0305hrs from the hotel staff stating the suspects who had abandoned the room were locked

life issues. “Noise, parking, traffic. I’m also looking forward to working with the other two cities to hopefully maintain some kind of ordinance about golf carts,” Cosby told The Islander. The Holmes Beach City Commission has proposed limits on golf carts and an attempt to enact an islandwide policy to streamline standards and enforcement may be in the cards. Cosby hopes to propose his own suggestions and collaborate with the city for safer roads. While Cosby has been on the force just two years fewer than the previous chief, he has plans to stay on the job. “I can’t say I’ll be around 20 years from now, but out by staff prior, had somehow entered the room. I could sense the fear in the female manager’s voice, who was hiding in the hotel’s storage area giving me the information on the suspects who she knew had possessed guns and narcotics. Both of us working responded within 2 minutes as we were at the PD again attempting to complete processing and packaging evidence. We were fortunate to have backup from BBPD and MCSO, who responded as quickly as possible from their jurisdictions. This situation was very fluid and dangerous as there were unknown movements and three suspects in different locations. We knew of the assault-type pistol that we seized, but we learned another weapon was hidden in a kitchen drawer where it was located and seized. There are several more incidents for this weekend that I have presented in a full letter for the record, but I could not shorten the time to read it to three minutes. I ask that you distribute it to the commissioners and enter it in the public record. The letter explains why I feel strongly that we need your support and the city’s support to fulfill our patrol roster. I appreciate your time and I welcome any questions you may have, especially regarding my written letter. — michael VanHorn

$2 @

The Islander 315 58th St., HB.

chief John cosby is joined by wife Jennifer, right, and daughter miranda, left, Oct. 9 at city hall. islander Photo: tomas gomez

retirement isn’t on my mind just yet. I’m hoping to get things done with the city and look forward to continuing my work,” he said. His new title comes with a salary of $114,507 plus benefits, as outlined in the city employee handbook, as well as a starting bonus of $5,000 – $2,500 from the city’s community redevelopment agency and $2,500 from the city budget. “The transition has required a tremendous amount of additional time which he ought to capture in way of compensation,” city attorney Ricinda Perry said during a CRA meeting Oct. 6. “I can personally attest that I’ve seen him wear half a dozen hats.” The sentiment was echoed by CRA board member, businessman Ed Chiles. “It’s been a privilege to have someone high-up who supports what the CRA does and throws themselves into the work we do,” said Chiles. Both the CRA and the city commission voted unanimously to approve the added compensation.

RE-ELECT / ,,9

- , >>> " -Ê Ê " -- " I have served on the commission for the past two years, gaining valuable insight and knowledge of our city's operation and numerous functions. With the knowledge and insight into each department’s role, budget and management, I feel conﬁdent that I can continue to evaluate each issue before us by applying a “test-of-reasonableness” approach to decision-making. My 35-year banking background, business management experience, organizational work and knowledge of island life for the past 25 years has provided a solid foundation for my assessment of our city’s challenges and opportunities now and into the future. I am a staunch supporter of HOME RULE and have consistently supported that right against the encroaching efforts of Manatee County and State government. I will continue to be an objective and positive steward of our unique and wonderful community. I will always be available to listen to your concerns and suggestions. PLEASE, VOTE FOR ME, TERRY SCHAEFER, NOV. 2. UÊÓxÊ9i>ÀÃÊ Ê ° °£° UÊÊ£xÊ9i>ÀÃÊ Õ / iÊ,iÃ `i Ì UÊ,iÌ Ài`Ê > Ê ° °"° UÊÊ i` V>Ìi`ÊÌ Êv> ÞÊ> `ÊÊ V Õ ÌÞÊÃiÀÛ Vi UÊÊ i` V>Ìi`ÊÌ Ê iÃÊ i>V ]Ê ÌÃÊ ÛiÀ > ViÊ> `Ê ÌÃÊ ÕÌÕÀi UÊÊ Ì >Ìi`ÊÌ iÊVÀi>Ì Ê vÊÌ iÊÊ 7 / ,Ê+1 /9Ê " //

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✓VO TE SCHAE FE R E XPE RIE N CE D , WILLING AND PR E PARE D T O SERVE

/ ,,9 7- , J ° " ÊU Ê { £ °Ç Ç °£ Ó Ç Ó PAID FOR AND APPROVED BY TERRY SCHAEFER FOR HOLMES BEACH COMMISSION

Page 16 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Oct. 20, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Bayfest

brings sunshine, classic cars, music & dancing, arts &crafts, food & drink, islanders & visitors to Pine Avenue.

Dave Shade, left, and wife Jude of Los Gatos, Calif., check out local artists and vendors Oct. 16 at Bayfest on Pine Avenue during their vacation to Anna Maria Island. “You’ve got the best beach in the world right here,” Dave said. Islander Photos: Amber Sigman

Mike Sales, emcee for the day at the 20th annual Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Bayfest, entertains the crowd on Pine Avenue.

Michael Harkey, left, and Jeff Shafer, both visiting AMI from Oklahoma, check under the hood on a 1949 Hudson during the classic car show that lined Pine Avenue with classic and antique cars for Bayfest.

ABOVE, Renee Kirkley delivers a message for the Anna Maria Island Privateers at their Bayfest booth. The Privateers sold tickets to their 50th Anniversary Gala, as well as T-shirts and buttons. Islander Photo: Courtesy AMICofC

RIGHT: Vivian Rose, 4, of Anna Maria Island, peers through the window into the backseat of the 1949 Hudson at the Bayfest car show.

LEFT: Handmade macrame products by Casey Phillips of Cozy Sunday Vibes in Bradenton. CENTER: John White, left, of Bradenton, and Cindy Phillips of Holmes Beach check out Pine Avenue during Bayfest. ABOVE: Susanne Arbanas, AMI Concierge Services, welcomes Bayfest patrons to her booth.

Oct. 20, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 17 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Young & old!

Shirl Hannigan and Brandy Walker, both residents of anna maria island, dance Oct. 16 to rock covers performed by Jack’d up, a Sarasota-based band playing on stage at Bayfest. debbie crowe and michael dechellis dance the sun down at the daylong Bayfest on Pine avenue Oct. 16. the event was a fundraiser for the anna maria island chamber of commerce.

tiara Pacheco of Bradenton dances with her 7-month-old daughter, camilla Sanchez, along with people gathered for live music on the Bayfest stage on Pine avenue. islander Photos: amber Sigman

ANNA MARIA

WANTS YOU! Vincent gollamundi, 9, of Holmes Beach, creates waves of bubbles Oct. 15 on the bayfront at the anna maria city Pier while on break from a visit to Bayfest. islander Photo: nemita “mom” daguinotas

Anna Maria OKs pier lease By chrisann allen islander reporter

Anna Maria’s pier plans have moved to the front burner. And Mote Marine Laboratory is included. “I’m thrilled that Mote is working with Anna Maria to create this educational center,” Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore said Oct. 15. “This is exactly what we need on the island.” In September, Anna Maria commissioners agreed to a lease for a Mote’s outreach center at the city pier. At their Oct. 12 meeting, the Manatee board of commissioners approved $500,000 in resort tax funding from the Tourist Development Council budget. Mayor Dan Murphy has worked out the dollars and details with Mote CEO Michael Crosby and Kevin Cooper, Mote’s vice president of communications and strategic initiatives, for the

1,800 square-foot building at the T-end of the pier that will house the center. During the city commission meeting Oct. 14, Murphy said the next step, following review by city staff, will be a presentation of the plans and approval by the commissioners. “If the plans are denied, the deal is off with Mote,” Murphy said during the meeting, adding that if Mote is not willing to provide drywall and air-conditioning for the space, the deal might not coalesce. “The purpose here is checks and balances,” he said. A date to begin the buildout on the pier at 100 S. Bay Blvd. is not established, but the mayor said he would be meeting with Mote representatives within the next two weeks. “We are excited to work on this opportunity,” Murphy told the Islander Oct. 14. “This will be a wonderful benefit for our community and visitors.”

OLD SOLDIERS AND SAILORS

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For More Info: Visit: www.CityOfAnnaMaria.Com Call: (941) 708-6130 Ext. 121 Email: VetsParade@CityOfAnnaMaria.com

Page 18 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Oct. 20, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

A canine learning adventure begins... anna maria elementary media specialist Lynne mcdonough, left, speaks Oct. 14 to students before assigning groups to read with dogs from alliance therapy dogs. islander Photos: ryan Paice

anna maria elementary thirdgraders Lillian Palmer, left, and madison campany introduce themselves Oct. 12 to therapy dogs nick and Zinnia and Susan mitchell from alliance therapy dogs. the visit was a part of the school’s read to dogs program, which started in 2009 to encourage reluctant readers and became a weekly staple due to its popularity among students.

GoodDeeds

ame third-graders Shane Bradley and daphne elmore read Oct. 14 to charlene doll and her yellow lab, ellie, from alliance therapy dogs in the school library/media center. By Lisa neff

Assistance sought on AMI

• The Island Players seeks volunteers for the theater, including house managers, backstage and prop crews, website experts and actors. Information: 508 965-5665. • Ministry of Presence Inc. seeks medications and monetary donations to aid earthquake victims in Haiti, donations to The Islander, 315 58th St., Suite J, Holmes Beach, or mail to MoP, P.O. Box 770, Oneco, FL 34264. • Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce seeks volunteers and sponsors for Bayfest in Anna Maria Oct. 15-16, as well as greeters in the chamber office. Information: 941-778-1541. • Senior Adventurers group seeks events coordinators and a van driver for Friday outings. Information: 941447-5076 • Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks

VISITORS MAY BE LOOKING FOR YOU ! Help ’em out! Call 941.778.7978 to get the best results for your ad dollars.

THE “BEST NEWS” SINCE 1992 islander .org

volunteers to offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals. Information: 941-345-2441. • The Roser Food Bank seeks donations. Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, administers the pantry, supported by All Island Denominations. Information: 941-778-0414. • Keep Manatee Beautiful seeks volunteers for cleanups and other efforts. Information: 941-7958272.

Drive, chip, putt for pets

An island-based pet rescue is inviting golfers to hit a drive for dogs, putt for pets. Moonracer No Kill Animal Rescue will present its annual golf tournament Saturday, Oct. 23, at Terra Ceia Bay Golf & Tennis Club in Palmetto. The “Golf Goes to the Dogs!” Tournament begins with registration at 7:30 a.m. Participation is $85 per golfer and includes green fees, a cart, lunch, drink tickets and awards. Assistance offered on AMI Non-golfers also can attend the event at the club, • The Roser Food Bank 2802 Terra Ceia Bay Blvd., Palmetto. welcomes applicants who live The lunch-only cost is $30 per person, including and/or work on Anna Maria drink tickets and use of club amenities — the swimIsland for food assistance, ming pool, tennis courts, fitness center and dock. Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. InformaPrize opportunities include a closest-to-the-pin tion: 941-778-0414. • AID offers help to those who live on the island, contest and two hole-in-one rewards — a $1,000 go to church on the island, attend school on the island American Express gift card and an eight-person stay and work on the island. Information: 941-725-2433. at an Anna Maria Island vacation rental that’s valued at $5,000. — Lisa Neff Registration is online at dixongives.com/moonracer. For more information, contact Toni Lyon at 941928-8735 or tlyonami@gmail.com.

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Oct. 20, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 19 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Page 20 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Oct. 20, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Tidings

Gathering

Saturdays 4 p.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. REGULAR WORSHIP Sundays 8 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, 8:30 a.m. — Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-4769. Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. Thursdays 9 a.m. — CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes 9:30 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Beach. Information: 941-778-0719. Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1638. 9:15 a.m. — Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-779-1912. 9:45 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. 9:30 a.m. — Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive. Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1813. 10 a.m. — Roser Church. 10 a.m. — Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian USA, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-9004903. 10 a.m. — Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-6491. 10:30 a.m. — St. Bernard.

Flexing in the fellowship hall

ONGOING EVENTS Wednesdays, 6:45 p.m., CrossPointe Fellowship Wednesday Night Blast. Thursdays, 7 p.m., Roser Church chancel choir rehearsals. Thursdays, 9:30 a.m., Roser Church Roser Robics ﬁtness. Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m., Roser Church Roser Robics ﬁtness. SAVE THE DATES

Fair.

Ann Bodger leads a Roser Robics fitness class in the fellowship hall at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. The public is invited to join the chair-based classes, which are 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Walk-ins are welcome and face coverings due to the pandemic are recommended at the donation-based class. For more information, go online to roserchurch.com/roser-robics or call the church office at 941-778-0414. Islander Courtesy Photo

Obituary

R.S. ‘Bud’ Freeman

Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. “Bud” Freeman of Longboat Key and formerly of Bradenton Beach, died Oct. 3. He devoted his life to community and military service. As a teenager he patrolled the local beaches searching for invaders from German submarines. He knew very early he would pursue aviation and at age 16 earned his pilot’s license. He enlisted in the U.S. Marines to begin his military career, and once a Marine he was always a Marine. freeman Using the discipline and motivation of the Corps to advance to the U.S. Air Force, where he was commissioned as an officer. At age 21, he became the youngest to ever command a B-29 Superfortress. He earned decorations, including the Air Medal for service that included

Korea, Bay of Pigs and the Republic of Vietnam. He attained the pinnacle of a flying career as an Air Commando Instructor Pilot. After the Air Force, he flew for Florida Airlines, BLM Firefighting in Alaska and 15 years as chief pilot for Mote Marine Laboratory, where he again patrolled the local beaches, allowing scientists to observe manatees and sea turtles. At age 84, he decided to stop flying, completing an accident-free 68-year career. As a master aviator, he loved America, family and flying. A very quiet professional, he wished only two things of others: 1. Do your own thinking. 2. Never waste a day of Freedom. Lastly, he lived the Air Commando motto: “Any time, Any Place.” He never failed to answer the call. Mr. Freeman was the devoted husband of Vera Hope Freeman for 74 years and father of Mark and Michael. A private military graveside ceremony at Sarasota

SUNDAY WORSHIP • 8:30 AM or 10:00 AM

COMMUNITY CHURCH • Sermon Series by Rev. Dirk Rodgers IN PERSON in the Sanctuary Nursery • Children’s Church

Oct. 30, ECA potluck supper. Nov. 6, Roser Memorial Community Church Holiday Craft Nov. 28, Hanukkah begins. Dec. 4, ECA Holly Berry Bazaar. Dec. 6, Hanukkah ends. Dec. 12, Roser Church blood drive. Dec. 24, Christmas Eve. Dec. 25, Christmas Day. Please, send notices to calendar@islander.org.

National Cemetery will honor him. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 26th Street Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations to support the families of his lost “brothers in arms” can be made to the Air Commando Association by email to melissa@aircommando.org or a call to 850-581-0099. Condolences may be made online at brownandsonsfuneral.com.

At your service

Obituaries are offered as a community service to residents and families of residents, as well as to those people with ties to the island. Submit to news@islander.org. Obituaries are provided free — a service of your community newspaper. For a paid obituary, contact advertising director Toni Lyon at 941-778-7978.

Growing in Jesus’ Name

Worship With Us at Our Church Sunday Service 10:00 AM The Rev. Dr. Norman Pritchard Masks Are Optional Visitors & Residents Welcome Watch Our 10:00 AM Service Live:

ONLINE � Watch LIVE or LATER

www.RoserChurch.com Text ROSER to 22828 to receive the weekly eBulletin

The CHAPEL is open during office hours for prayer and meditation

NEXT What God has in store for us.

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Oct. 20, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 21 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Island son pursues de Soto in Spain By Kane Kaiman islander reporter

A conquistador’s paper trail is yielding treasure. In August, Holmes Beach native Morgan Greig won the 2021 Leland Hawes Graduate Student Essay Prize in Florida Studies. Greig is pursuing a master’s degree at the University of South Florida-St. Petersburg and researched two years for his winning paper — “Finding Soto: A social examination of the Hernando de Soto expedition of conquest to Florida, 1538-1543.” A panel of scholars deemed the essay — which sheds new light on the expedition’s participants and raises questions about the proper use of Hernando de Soto’s name — superior to other papers submitted by masters and doctoral students from across the USF system. As an undergraduate under the tutelage of Professor J. Michael Francis, Greig took up paleography — the deciphering of historical manuscripts — and learned to read 16th century Spanish documents. After completing the course, the Manatee High School graduate joined Francis and other students on three research trips to Spain, where Greig dug through archival material for information on Spanish colonialism in Florida. On Sept. 22, Greig left for a fourth USF-sponsored trip to Spain to gather material for his master’s thesis on de Soto’s expedition, which he aims to finish in the

spring. Greig’s approximately 40-page prize-winning essay — which will be published in this year’s edition of Tampa Bay History — will serve as one chapter of his thesis. In the essay, he seeks to provide a ground-breaking social analysis of the men, women and children that journeyed with de Soto to Florida in 1539. Through licenses, petitions, letters and court documents, Greig identifies 10 female members of the party and nearly 20 of African descent — five of which were not slaves. “There were five free black conquistadors that journeyed to Florida in 1539. I do not remember reading that anywhere in history books in school, and I grew up where the expedition supposedly landed,” Greig said in an Oct. 13 email to The Islander. In the paper, Greig also confronts naming mishaps related to the Spanish conqueror. The letters “F” and “H” were interchangeable in 16th century Spain, and, in most of the documents Greig reviewed, de Soto spells his first name “Fernando.” Greig also calls into question the way Englishspeakers refer to the conquistador when using his last name alone. In Spanish, the preposition particle “de” often is used to disambiguate a surname. Greig maintains this is the case with de Soto, who he argues should simply be referred to as “Soto.” Discovering information about Soto and his expedition has been a thrilling experience for Greig, who said he will continue the project if he is accepted into a doctorate program. “If you are lucky enough that whatever you’re looking for has survived almost 500 years, having potentially crossed the ocean a time or two, and you are able to locate it in the endless mountains of paper-

uSf graduate student morgan greig, winner of an essay prize for a paper about Hernando de Soto, stands Oct. 14 in the Historical archive of Jerez de los caballeros in Jerez de los caballeros, Spain. islander courtesy Photo

work in the archive, the feeling is unbelievable,” he said. “It is truly like uncovering treasure.”

Holmes Beach native morgan greig, who won an essay prize for a paper about Hernando de Soto, stands Oct. 14 in front of the Historical archive of Jerez de los caballeros in Spain. islander courtesy Photo

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Page 22 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Oct. 20, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

amitW volunteer Bill Booher and Kathy doddridge excavate a green turtle nest Oct. 9 at coquina Beach near Lifeguard tower 9 on gulf drive South in Bradenton Beach. islander Photo: Samara Paice

nesting notes By Samara Paice

AMITW reports all nests accounted for or hatched

It’s the tail end of a survival tale. The end of the sea turtle nesting season has arrivedfor the Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers. AMITW identified 421 sea turtle nests since May and all have hatched or been accounted for, with some unhatched. As the May – October season nears its end, executive director Suzi Fox looks back on what worked and what AMITW may need to adopt next year. It ran really well this year, according to Fox, even with a limited number of volunteers as compared to prior years. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission requested Fox address the other state marine turtle permit holders about the island program. Fox said she will restart the educational Turtle Talks and head back to schools to resume education on sea turtles in the near future. But before that happens, the last of the nests will be excavated, and stakes and plaques removed. The plaques will be sent to donors that adopted the nests and supplies will go back in storage until next season. One of those last nests was excavated by AMITW volunteer Bill Booher Oct. 9 at Coquina Beach near

Correction An Oct. 13 photo in The Islander stated that AMITW volunteer Bill Booher was excavating a green sea turtle nest Oct. 9. The photo was of AMITW volunteer Bill Booher, but he was excavating a loggerhead nest Oct. 9 at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. We apologize for the mixup.

Lifeguard Tower 9 on Gulf Drive South in Bradenton Beach. The green turtle nest yielded 83 hatched eggs and one unhatched egg. In other news, Holmes Beach resident Vic Caserta discovered a dead adult loggerhead Oct. 7 on the beach while jogging near 28th Street in Holmes Beach. Caserta forwarded his photos to Dr. James Powell with the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, who concurred with his assessment that the turtle had likely been struck by a propeller in the Gulf of Mexico. There are five to 10 sick, injured or dead adult sea turtles reported statewide to the FWC on a weekly basis, according to FWC media contact Carlisle Jones. About AMITW AMITW is a nonprofit, permitted by the state and focused on collecting data on sea turtles which are listed as threatened or endangered in Florida, depending on the species. For more information, go online to islandturtlewatch.com or call executive director Suzi Fox at 941232-1405.

Holmes Beach resident Vic caserta discovered a severed adult loggerhead near 28th Street in Holmes Beach Oct. 7 and notified amitW and clearwater marina aquarium. islander Photo: Vic caserta

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Oct. 20, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 23 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

a museum specimen of the ivory-billed woodpecker. the u.S. fish and Wildlife Service proposes removing the bird and 22 other species from the federal endangered Species act due to extinction. islander courtesy Photo/illustration

video, and misidentification. In the days when the ivory-billed swooped down from a long-leaf pine to awe onlookers, the woodpecker was known as the “Lord God bird.” It became the “ghost bird” after it went missing from North America. And now it’s a “gone bird.” There’s a hard lesson for the dreamers and the developers in the declared demise of the ivory-billed woodpecker: Human activity can drive species to decline and extinction. Efforts to conserve species before their declines become irreversible are vital.

By Lisa Neff

Ghost bird goes extinct

The ghost bird officially is extinct. A video in 2005 suggesting the ivory-billed woodpecker was in a swamp in Arkansas inspired legions of bird-enthusiasts to believe. We hoped for a comeback story but there is no comeback for America’s largest woodpecker and 22 other species declared extinct in late September by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The FWS, in a notice Sept. 29, neff said, “Based on rigorous reviews of the best available science for each of these species, the service has determined these species are extinct and thus no longer require listing under the ESA. “The purpose of the ESA is to protect and recover imperiled species and the ecosystems upon which they depend. For the species proposed for delisting today, the protections of the ESA came too late.” Eight species of freshwater mussels once found in healthy streams and rivers in the Southeast also are gone, as is the San Marcos gambusia, a freshwater fish once found in Texas, the Scioto madtom fish once found in Ohio and 11 species once found in Hawaii and the Pacific Islands. The Bachman’s warbler that flew over Florida during its migration is gone. And the ivory-billed woodpecker that once thrived in Florida is gone.

as of Oct. 17, all nests identified by amitW and about 15,725 hatchlings were accounted for — thanks to “Stat guy” Pete gross.

Some people might shrug off the news. After all, multiple generations grew up without knowing of the ivory-billed woodpecker. To those people, I’d say, “Imagine if the Florida manatee was declared extinct, the Florida panther, the American alligator, the loggerhead sea turtle, the monarch butterfly, even the honeybee.” The demise of the ivory-billed woodpecker tells us such extinctions really could happen, that the animals we see nesting on the beach, swimming in the Gulf, flying overhead might be gone someday. The ivory-billed was listed as endangered in 1967 but the last commonly agreed upon sighting was in April 1944 on the Singer Tract in northeast Louisiana. Deforestation and development destroyed the bird’s habitat but still, people hoped, listened and looked for the species throughout the second half of the 20th century and the first decades of the 21st. The survey efforts here and in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Alabama resulted in rumored sightings, blurry

an audubon illustration of the Bachman’s warbler, one of 23 species the u.S. fWS proposes removing from the endangered Species act due to extinction.

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Page 24 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Oct. 20, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Action on the pitch, the boards, the links and at the pits By Kevin P. cassidy islander reporter

There’s plenty of action to report from AMI. First-round playoff action in the 8-10 division of the fall soccer league at the Center of Anna Maria Island kicked off Oct. 12 with the No. 6 Gitt Team scoring an upset victory over fourth-seed Shady Lady in a game decided by penalty kicks. After battling to a 1-1 tie in regulation play, the game was decided in a shootout. Colin Bankert, who scored the Gitt Team’s cassidy lone goal in regulation and Matthew Winsper both converted their spot kicks, but the players from Shady Lady failed to convert. The Gitt Team now advances to the Oct. 19 semifinals to play third-seed Solid Rock Construction. The second quarterfinal match of the night saw No. 4 seed Beach Bums slip past No. 5 Tidy MD 4-3 behind two goals each from Brandon Sato and Dylan Sato. Kason Davis helped preserve the victory with six saves in goal. Jesse Zaccagnino scored two goals to lead Tidy MD, which also received a goal from Kirra Quinby and six saves from Conrad Elmore in the loss. Beach Bums now has its sites on No. 1 seed Moss Builders for an Oct. 19 semifinal match. The regular season came to an end in the 11-14 division Oct. 12 with Miz and Hiz Biz clinching the No. 1 spot with a 4-0-1 record thanks to a 4-3 victory over No. 2 seed Blalock Walters. Cecelia Kroth led the way with three goals and an assist, while Jackson Pakbaz added a pair of goals and Stephen Wilson completed the victory with a goal. Andrew Graham, Jayden Sparks and Savannah Coba each scored for Blalock Walters in the loss. The last match of the night saw HSH Designs win by forfeit after Anna Maria Island Wines came up short on players. Semifinal action kicks off at 6:45 p.m. Oct. 19 with Miz and Hiz Biz taking on AMI Wines, followed by Blalock Walters taking on HSH Designs, with all eyes on advancing to the championship game, set for Oct. 26 at the center pitch. Basketball quarterﬁnals Meanwhile, in the gym at the center, the adult basketball league moved into win-or-go-home mode with quarterfinal action Oct. 11. No. 1 seed Moss Builders benefitted from a firstround bye and awaits an Oct. 18 semifinal opponent. The first game saw No. 2 seed Paddy Wagon dispatch No. 7 seed Blue Lagoon by a 37-25 score behind 14 points from Jay Terry and 9 points from Trey Yarn. Kari Hawkins led Blue Lagoon with 11 points, while Trey Joyner added 8 points in the loss. The second game of the evening saw No. 4 seed Solid Rock Construction cruise past No. 5 Slim’s Place by a 72-57 score. Dom Otteni scored 22 points to lead SRC, which also received 12 points from JJ Friszman and 11 points from Jaemaal Newson in the victory. AJ Colagiovanni scored 25 points to lead Slim’s Place, which also received 15 points from Chris Hampton in the loss. The last game of the night saw No. 3 Beach Bums eliminate sixth-seed Sandbar Restaurant by a 50-49 margin. Austin Young scored 13 points and Chuy Ayvar added 10 to lead Beach Bums, which also received 9

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nixon connor controls the ball for Solid rock construction Oct. 12 as moss Builders takes a win 4-1 over at the center pitch in anna maria. islander Photo: crystal tribley

The women played a nine-hole individual-low-net match Oct. 12 in two flights. Jana Samuels’ even-par 32 was good for first place in Flight A. Ellen Boin took second at 3-over-par 35, while Wohlers was another stroke back in third. Janet Razze fired a 1-under-par 31 for the low-net round of the day and first place in Flight B. Hicks took second at 2-over-par 34, while Carol Duncan and Jackie Gorski tied for third at 5-over-par 37. The week of golf culminated Oct. 14 in a nine-hole shamble, counting the two best scores from a foursome. First place went to the team of Ken Nagengast, Chuck Patrick and Terry Tarras with an even-par 64. The team of Ken Butler, Gary Duncan, Terry Schaefer and Quentin Talbert were two shots back in second place. Key royale club Oktoberfest Scramble winners marty Hicks, debi Wohlers, terry tarras and Laurie Hicks pose Oct. 8 after their winning round. islander Photo: courtesy Krc

points from Carlton Bennett in the victory. Austin Henderson scored 19 points for Sandbar, which also received 11 points from Chase Richardson in the loss.

Key Royale celebrates October Sixty golfers participated in an Oktoberfest scramble Oct. 8 at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach. Taking first place was the foursome of Laurie and Marty Hicks, Terry Tarras and Debi Wohlers, who combined on a 4-under-par 28, a stroke ahead of second-place finishers, Nelson Eagle, Monica and Eric Lawson and Andi Saia. Third place went to the team of Alice and Doug Kristensen, Bill Ryskamp and Steve Vasbinder with a 1-under-par 31. To noone’s surprise, the long-drive contest for the women went to Debi Wohlers with Charlie Porter driving the win for the men. Closest-to-the pin went to Ron Vandeman and Wohlers, who completed a trifecta with a win in the proximity contest. Longest first putt on the second hole was won by Saia with a putt of 8 feet 3 inches. Following golf, libations were enjoyed in the clubhouse. Club members are now looking forward to Oct. 30 for the Spookey Halloween Scramble. Regular action at the club included the men’s modified-Stableford match Oct. 11. Fred Miller lapped the field with a plus-5, 2 points ahead of second-place finishers Gary Razze and Marty Hicks. The trio of Peter tim Sofran, left, and gary Howcroft celebrate their Lund, Mike Pritchett and Blake Ress tied for third at Oct. 13 horseshoe win at the anna maria city Hall Pits. islander Photo: courtesy anna maria Pitchers plus-2.

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Oct. 20, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 25 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Cooler weather leads to hot inshore, offshore fishing action By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

Cool breezes, calm waters and cooler temperatures overnight and in the mornings are making fishing quite pleasurable for those venturing out to work their magic in the waters surrounding Anna Maria Island. The mild conditions are a welcome site among anglers working our local waters in mid-October, and the fish seem to be enjoying the change, too. Stasny On the grass flats of Tampa Bay south to Sarasota Bay, snook, redfish and spotted seatrout are feeding freely on the vast amounts of bait present in the shallows. Casting live shiners for bait is providing the action in these areas. Morning outgoing tides seem to be the best times to target the flats species. On some flats, all three species are being caught. Casting close to the mangrove bushes is resulting in snook and redfish, while casting away from the bushes is resulting in spotted seatrout. When casting for the trout on deeper flats, Spanish mackerel and jack crevalle also are showing up to take the hook. Those wishing to specifically target the macks and jacks are anchoring in deeper water around structure — reefs and wrecks. Mangrove snapper are present in these areas, which is resulting in limits of these tasty fish for the cooler. Moving offshore, pelagic species are the highlight. Reports that cobia, blackfin tuna and mahi mahi are frequent is encouraging offshore anglers to run the boat out into the Gulf and venture past the sight of land. There are mangrove and yellowtail snapper deep offshore waiting, where hard bottom or other structure exists. On my Just Reel fishing charters, I’m seeing many spotted seatrout being caught. Free-lining live shiners is resulting in catches of 30-40 trout in a half-day charter. Deep grass flats are holding these fish as well as a macks, jack crevalle and mangrove snapper. On the shallower flats, I’m finding snook and redfish quite accommodating for my clients. Most of the catches are just under-slot, measuring 22-26 inches. As for the reds, most catches are over-slot, exceeding

TideWatch

Red tide persists locally

A patchy bloom of the red tide organism, Karenia brevis, persists along Florida’s Gulf Coast. K. brevis was observed in bloom concentrations (100,000 cells per liter), including very low to very high concentrations in10 samples inshore and offshore in Manatee County, 13 samples inshore and offshore of Pinellas County, 30 in Sarasota County and one in Charlotte County. Fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were reported in or Manatee, Pinellas, Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee counties. Respiratory irritation suspected to be related to red tide was reported in Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota and Charlotte counties. For more information, go online to myfwc.com/ research/redtide. — Lisa Neff

Matt Buckhanan of Cincinnati shows off an oversized redfish Oct. 15 that ate a pilchard on his hook. Buckhanan was guided by Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters.

the 27-inch maximum size limit. Don’t forget that flounder are now prohibited from harvest with a seasonal closure that started Oct. 15, running through Nov. 30. When back in season, the size limit for flounder will be 14 inches total length with the daily bag limit of five per person. Also bear in mind that lane snapper is closed in federal waters to both commercial and recreational anglers Oct. 18-Dec. 31. And finally we are enjoying a harvest of snook, redfish and seatrout with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s approval Oct. 15 of new rules. The harvest area is limited to Tampa Bay, north of the Anna Maria Island Bridge. Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says redfish and snook are the most frequent catch this week at the northernmost pier. Pier fishers using live shrimp as bait are finding the reds most accommodating. Most of these reds are over the 27-inch limit, so bring a stout rod. As for the snook, shrimp is working as bait for the smaller linesiders — up to 26 inches. To target larger fish, try using live pinfish or ladyfish. Mangrove snapper are being caught frequently by anglers at the pier using live shrimp as bait. While targeting the snapper, a few black drum are taking the hook. Those anglers opting to use artificials are finding silver spoons and small jigs are attracting attention. Spanish mackerel, jack crevalle and ladyfish can’t resist these lures. Barry Jones at the Anna Maria City Pier, a little south of the R&R in Tampa Bay, reports Spanish mackerel measuring 12-26 inches are being caught by anglers using live shiners as bait. Jones adds that lures — silver spoons and Gotcha plugs —are working well for the macks. Those using live shrimp as bait are hooking into mangrove snapper ranging 8-14 inches. Other species being caught on shrimp include jack crevalle, pinfish and some cowfish. Capt. Jason Stock, back from vacation, is catching a variety of migratory fish while working the offshore waters on his full-day charters. With the extra time a full-day charter allows, Stock is able to run well offshore into waters that are less frequented by anglers. In these areas, cobia, blackfin tuna, mahi and some tripletail are coming to the boat. Anchoring over structure is working well, especially for mangrove and yellowtail snapper. To hook these fish, Stock is using

a jig head baited with a shiner, and most hookups are occurring mid-depth — between the water surface and the bottom. Capt. David White is working inshore in south Tampa Bay to Sarasota Bay, where fishing the flats is proving to be quite productive for White and his anglers. Many snook are being caught along the mangrove shorelines that form the eastern shoreline of Tampa Bay. Redfish are being found in the same areas, while structure is producing action from mangrove snapper and macks, adding variety to the bite. Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

Aidan Schutte, 13, from Gardner, Kansas, got a morning workout on this 30-inch red while fishing with Capt. Danny Stasny of Just Reel Fishing.

Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

Oct 20 Oct21 Oct22 Oct23 Oct24 Oct25 Oct26 Oct27

1:05p 12:03a 12:20a 12:42a 1:08a 1:38a 2:14a 2:58a

HIGH

2.1 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.4

— 1:45p 2:26p 3:12p 4:11p — — —

HIGH

— 6:23a 2.0 6:57a 1.9 7:32a 1.7 8:09a 1.6 8:51a — 9:40a — 10:38a — 11:44a

LOW

0.4 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2

6:10p 6:26p 6:41p 6:55p 7:07p — — —

LOW

AM City Pier tides; Cortez high tides 7 minutes later — lows 1:06 later

Licensed

Moon

1.1 Full 1.3 1.4 1.4 1.5 — — —

Page 26 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Oct. 20, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

isl

biz

By Kane Kaiman

Scuba, treasures, calendars

A new island dive “What you see down there is not what you see every day,” Patrick McGinnis, an owner of Florida Underwater Sports, said Oct. 14. The diving outfit, 5352 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, new to Anna Maria Island in July, will offer charters starting Nov. 1. Dive sites will include wrecks, such as Doc’s Barge and Fin Barge, Kaiman and other artificial structures as well as reefs and ledges in the Gulf of Mexico. In addition to charters, the company offers scuba equipment and training. Patrick McGinnis, one of five owners, said the group opened the island location to better serve the many divers living on the island and in Bradenton and surrounding areas. McGinnis said scuba is a unique way to interact with nature. “It’s just a totally different appreciation for nature and how the earth is and how beautiful it is,” he said. For more information, visit floridaunderwatersports.com or call 941-200-0660. Mermaid sanctuary turns 20 Bridge Street Interiors will hold a 20-year anniversary celebration, offering complimentary beverages and an artwork raffle 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 28. The boutique store and “mermaid haven,” 114 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach, is known for its jewelry,

BEN AND KAREN COOPER TAXES & ACCOUNTING

florida underwater Sports staff swim with a goliath grouper Oct. 8 at fin Barge, a wreck about 20 miles west of anna maria island. islander Photo: chris Sutherland

clothing, home goods and sundry items, many of which are mermaid-themed. Deborah Myers, who owns the store with husband Matt, said Oct. 12 the couple has adapted to a changing island over the past 20 years. While the Myers’s still engage in interior design, they’ve leaned into the retail side of their business more heavily as the number of vacation rental properties on the island has increased. Myers said she’s thankful for the many repeat customers that have contributed to the boutique’s longevity. “We’re just blessed that we’ve been able to be here this long. It’s been a wonderful adventure,” she said. To contact the Myers’s at their store, call 941-7821130. Something to treasure In addition to an extensive collection of traditional and nautical fine jewelry, Bridge Street Jewelers carries “Atocha coins” — silver and gold pieces recovered

"ANK 2ECONCILIATIONS s 0REPARING &INANCIALS #ALCULATING 0AYROLLS s (OMEOWNER !SSOCIATIONS )NDIVIDUAL #ORPORATE 4AX 2ETURNS 4401 MANATEE AVE. W., BRADENTON NEXT TO REGIONS BANK 941-795-7048 Office benacooper@aol.com

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from the shipwreck of the Nuestra Senora de Atocha, a Spanish treasure galleon that sank in a hurricane near the Florida Keys in 1622. “They’re definitely a draw. We get a lot of foot traffic from them,” jeweler Clark Brent said Oct. 13. The story of the coins’ discovery is as dramatic as the sinking of the ship that carried them. From 1969-85, treasure hunter Mel Fisher and his ships and team searched the ocean floor for the Atocha. Along the way, Fisher faced financial and legal troubles and suffered the death of one of his sons and a daughter-in-law in a tragedy at sea when their treasure hunting boat capsized. Fisher died in 1998, but his business, Mel Fisher’s Treasures, continues to salvage coins and other artifacts from the wreck. Bridge Street Jewelers, 129 Bridge St., has sold hundreds of the coins over the past 13 years, but they’re becoming increasingly rare, Brent said — so get your doubloons while supplies last. For more information on Bridge Street Jewelers, visit bridgestreetjewelers.com or call 941-896-7800. Keeping island time The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce annual calendar is back by popular demand. The 2022 calendar’s graphics — island beach scenes, sunsets and more — are the winners from a September photograph contest that drew more than 160 entries. People interested in purchasing a calendar can visit the chamber, 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, PLeaSe, See iSL BiZ, Page 27

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360199-1

Same location for 47 years!

*Terms of Offer: Submit your rebate ONLINE ONLY at NAPARebates.com and enter code: NAPAAUTOCARE. Submit with the installation receipt, showing the qualifying NAPA® part numbers circled. Must claim online by 05/15/21. Receipt must be dated during promotion period of 03/01/21 through 04/30/21 to be eligible for this offer. Offer may not be combined with any other offer or applied toward warranty service or replacement parts. Group or organization request will not be honored. Dealers, distributors and other resellers are not eligible for this offer. Use of multiple addresses or PO Boxes to obtain additional reward is fraud and may result in prosecution. Employees of participating stores and dealers, and their immediate families are not eligible for this offer. This offer is only valid to US residents. Limit one (1) rebate per receipt or two (2) per household/address. Cards are issued by Bank of America, N.A. pursuant to a license from Visa®Inc. These cards are not credit cards and expire six (6) months from issue and have no value after that date. These cards may be used for purchases at merchants that accept Visa® debit cards. These cards may be subject to fees and certain restrictions on use. See your cardholder agreement and associated materials for details. Void where prohibited. Vendor is not responsible for non-delivered mail due to inaccurate address supplied nor for misprints or typographical errors. By submitting this rebate, you have read and agree to the rebate terms and requirements of this offer.

5608 MARINA DR., HOLMES BEACH, 34217

(NEXT TO DOMINOS PIZZA) 941-896-7898 • GROOMSAUTO.COM

Don’t forget! You can read it all online at islander.org

Oct. 20, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 27 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

BizCal

Crabby times

COMPILED BY KANE KAIMAN

there’s a season for everything, so they say, and it’s stone crab season for some lucky people. the crabbers in cortez put their traps out earlier this month, with Oct. 15 being the first day of harvest, and the crabs were cooperative. the cortez Seafood market at 12110 cortez road in cortez had claws fresh from the boat, priced at $30 for large and $35 for jumbos. islander Photo: James “Wyre” Lee, cortez market

AMI Chamber THIS WEEK thursday, Oct. 14 11:30 a.m. — member luncheon, Slicker’s eatery, 12012 cortez road W., Bradenton. friday, Oct. 15 5 p.m.-8 p.m. — Bayfest Kick-off, city Pier Park, 101 n. Bay Blvd., anna maria. Saturday, Oct. 16 10 a.m.-9 p.m. — Bayfest, Pine avenue, anna maria. SAVE THE DATES Oct. 28, business card exchange, hosted by the anna maria island Privateers at Slicker’s eatery, cortez. nov. 4, anna maria island concierge Services ribbon-cutting, anna maria. Fees may apply for events. RSVP for the networking events by contacting the chamber at 941-778-1541 or info@amichamber.org. SAVE THE DATES

Catch your own

Oct. 28, Longboat Key chamber of commerce Business, Bats & Boos!, La norma, Longboat Key. nov. 4, manatee chamber of commerce Business at the Ballpark expo, LecOm Park, Bradenton. Fees may apply for events. For more LBK Chamber information, visit longboatkeychamber. com or call 941-383-2466. For more Manatee Chamber information, visit manateechamber.com or call 941-748-3411. iSL BiZ frOm Page 26

or visit annamariaislandchamber.org/product/annamaria-island-2022-calendar/. In person, the calendar sells for $12.95 at the chamber office, while online purchases are $16.95. For more information, visit annamariaislandchamber.org or call 941-778-1541. And as always … Got biz news? Contact Kane Kaiman at kane@islander.org or call The Islander office at 941-778-7978.

You can read it all online at islander.org

Chantelle Lewin

Broker Associate Licensed since 1983

dot griffith Howard catches mark Howard, a former guide fisherman, on board their boat as he prepares to harvest the claws from a stone crab. Howard pulled his personal traps Oct. 15, opening day of stone crab season, and wound up with a nice haul of claws for dinner. the florida fish and Wildlife conservation commission regulates stone crabs, allowing five traps per recreational crabber and the harvest of claws that are a minimum 2 2/8 inches, measured elbow to tip. recreational crabbers are required to complete a no-cost recreational stone crab trap registration before using traps. more information can be found at myfwc.com. islander courtesy Photo

When it comes to buying or selling your home, Please, CALL ME FIRST! LISTING INVENTORY IS LOW! Let my 30-plus years of experience work for you.

—

Chantelle

941.713.1449

WWW.CHANTELLELEWIN.COM

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Page 28 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Oct. 20, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

I S L A N D E R C L A S S I F I E D S ITEMS FOR SALE

ITEMS FOR SALE Continued

HELP WANTED Continued

fiVe tHree-WHeeL bikes, $99 each, golf cart tires, $15. four for $50. Older motobecane, women’s, $20. Bicycle Jim, 413-4416823.

antiQue Office cHairS: Perfect for eclectic dining set. circa 1950 from anna maria city Hall. inquire at the islander newspaper, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

fuLL-time LaBOrer to accept, catalog, and deliver materials, assist with projects, and site clean-up. reliable, dL. Send resume to info@coastalife.com

dining taBLe and chairs, 42-inch round, 64-inches long with leaf, cream color, $60. 704-472-7284.

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)

StacKaBLe frigidaire WaSHer and dryer. from Seaside condo. $100 each. 941778-5542 or 941-778-3920. VanitY/BatHrOOm LigHt: three globes, brushed nickel, 24 by 8.5 inches. Like new. $30. 941-761-1393, no text.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

antiQue BaBY carriage: Wood and wicker. Proceeds benefit moonracer animal rescue. email for photos: moonraceranimalrescue@gmail.com.

in memOriam: in loving memory of tom demott. artist, musician, poet and athlete who passed away on Oct. 23, 2018. He is sadly missed by family and many friends in new York and anna maria.

Sandy’s Lawn Service Inc. ESTABLISHED IN 1983

Residential & Commercial Full-service lawn maintenance. Landscaping ~ Cleanups Hauling ~ Tree Trimming. LICENSED & INSURED

Paradise Improvements

941.792.5600

Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Specialist Replacement Doors and Windows

Andrew Chennault

FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED Island References Lic#CBC056755 CBC 1253471

RDI CONSTRUCTION INC. Residential & Condo Renovations Kitchens • Bath • Design Service Carpentry • Flooring • Painting Commercial & Residential

AdoptA-Pet

HELP WANTED WaterfrOnt reStaurant HeLP wanted: Back of house: Looking for experienced line cooks and support staff, offering competitive wages. front of house: Looking for host, hostess day and evening shift, full and parttime. apply in person any day before noon or 2-4 p.m. address: 111 S. Bay Blvd., anna maria.