The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

VOLUME

NO. 45

Hey now... Happy Labor Day

SEPT. 1, 2021 FrEE

the Best news on anna maria island Since 1992 astheworldterns. 6 oversight shifts at Piney Point. 2

islander.org

End of traditional summer season arrives Sept. 6

cortez Bridge mediation unproductive. 3

Q&A 090121

HB commission encourages masks, vaccines. 4

Meetings. 4 HB brakes on new golf cart rental businesses. 5

Opinions. 6

10-20 YEARS AGO

Looking back. 7

Save a date. 10

Happenings announcements. 11

ame seeks help. 12

Top Notch Honorable mentions. 12 BB oKs dock replacement. 13 Where’s Tuna Street.

14-15

Gathering. 16

Obituaries. 16 am magistrate upholds fines. 17

Streetlife. 17 Sea turtle success. 18

Beachgoers and umbrellas dot the shoreline of the gulf of mexico aug. 27 at coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. islander Photo: amy V.t. moriarty

5 boaters tossed into Tampa Bay, rescued manatee county Sheriff’s deputy Paul Boos rushes into the churned surf in tampa Bay aug. 26 to assist in the rescue of a group of four of the five boaters who were tossed from their vessel when it capsized near the rod & reel Pier in anna maria. one person managed to swim ashore. for more, see page 3. islander Photo: courtesy mcSo

It’s not easy being (green?) leucistic …

So darn hot. 19 outdoor sports. 20 Hot and humid, the ticket for anglers. 21

TideWatch. 21

ISL BIZ

all-stars on ami. 23

CLASSIFIEDS. 24 PropertyWatch. 26

NYT puzzle. 27

islander Photo: Samara Paice

Law enforcement: Bring patience Labor Day weekend arrives to close out traditional but crowded summer. By amy V.t. moriarty islander reporter

the discovery of a leucistic loggerhead hatchling was a rare and exciting surprise aug. 27 for anna maria island turtle Watch volunteers Hans duerr and Birgit Kremer. they were excavating a hatched nest at coquina Beach and, while it’s not uncommon to find hatchlings still in the clutch, it is uncommon to find a leucistic (aka albino) hatchling. two found hatchlings were placed in a green bucket — hence the tint to the photo — and taken to mote marine Laboratory, where staff took them in for observation. according to ashley ross at mote’s Sea turtle Hospital, the hatchlings are doing well and would likely remain for another day. She said the leucistic hatchling is rare and appears to be healthy.

While many people enjoy time away from work to celebrate Labor Day weekend Sept. 4-6, Anna Maria Island law enforcement officials will be upping staff levels. “Extra officers for extra people,” Manatee County Sheriff’s Sgt. Brett Getman told The Islander Aug. 26. MCSO deputies patrol Anna Maria and they won’t be the only department with an increased holiday presence. Bradenton Beach Police Detective Sgt. Lenard Diaz and Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said their departments will increase staffing for the “end of summer” weekend. “We expect a busy weekend as usual for holidays,” Diaz said. The extra eyes and ears will help law enforcement ensure safety with increased traffic enforcement and “other avenues of issues, like alcohol on the beach” and grilling outside designated areas, Tokajer said. Alcohol is never allowed on the island’s turn to labor day, Page 2

city elections 21

2 cities will host Nov. 2 elections, 1 takes a pass. More, p. 8-9.

Award-Winning Surfside Dining Call For Reservations: (941) 778 - 6444

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Labor Day brings closings

Labor Day will be observed Monday, Sept. 6. The holiday on the first Monday in September was created by the U.S. labor movement and is dedicated to achievements of American workers. Most government offices will be closed, including city halls in Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach. The fare-free island trolley will operate as normal but Manatee County Area Transit buses will not operate other fixed-route services or the Handy Bus service. Residential trash or recycling pickups regularly scheduled for Mondays will be pushed to Tuesdays, and collection services may be pushed back through the week. Manatee County parks, preserves and beaches will be open to the public. labor day continued from page 1

beaches, Diaz said. The MCSO also will have mounted patrols on Coquina and Cortez beaches in Bradenton Beach, Getman said. Only so many vehicles and people can fit on the 7-mile stretch of AMI and law enforcement officials recommend people who want to spend time here during the holiday plan to arrive early and bring patience: Patience for slow moving traffic, patience for finding parking spaces and patience for pedestrians. When it comes to parking, Tokajer said motorists should be sure to park with the flow of traffic and also check parking signs so they “don’t have a parking ticket when they leave.” Diaz cautioned saving parking spaces is illegal and doing so “will result in removal from the beach.” Manatee County Beach Patrol also will have extra staffing on duty throughout the weekend, Chief Joe Westerman told The Islander Aug. 24. Crowd levels this summer have been pretty high on the beaches but everyone has been pretty safe, he said.

Oversight shifts at Piney Point, legal battles loom The focus has shifted, but it’s not over. Day-to-day management and operations at the defunct Piney Point phosphate plant in Manatee County are being transferred Aug. 26 to a courtappointed receiver. The company to assume oversight was not named in an Aug. 26 statement from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, which in early August sued Piney Point’s management, HRK Holdings LLC, over operations at the site. A separate lawsuit over pollution from the plant, filed in federal court by a consortium of conservation groups, named the DEP, the governor and the Manatee County Port Authority as defendants. The legal battles began after the DEP authorized the release of 215 million gallons of wastewater from Piney Point into the Tampa Bay estuary earlier this year. The nutrient-rich wastewater likely contributed to the summer’s red tide outbreak and subsequent fish kills. Stacks of toxic waste that resulted from fertilizer production remain at Piney Point, along with millions of gallons of process wastewater, stormwater and dredged spoil. The focus now is to plan the eventual closure of the site and, until then, avoid further discharges by

Westerman offered tips for beachgoers to enjoy a safe day of sand and surf, including: • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated; • Swim in front of lifeguard towers; • Watch your kids and don’t rely on others to do so; • Swim to your known capabilities and don’t attempt to show off; • “Leave only your footprints” and remove all trash and other items you brought to the beach, knock down all sand sculptures and fill in all holes at the end of

treating ponded wastewater, trucking away wastewater and monitoring rainfall. “DEP will continue performing its stringent regulatory oversight of the facility to ensure the closure of Piney Point,” read a statement from the department. “The priority remains to pursue all available water management tools to ensure safe storage capacities for the remainder of the rainy season.” — Lisa Neff

The south gypsum stack at the defunct Piney Point fertilizer plant in Manatee County. Islander File Photo: Courtesy Jaclyn Lopez/CBD

each beach day. Warning of hidden dangers in the water, Westerman cautioned beachgoers to use caution where waves are concerned. “People may look out and think it’s fun to play in the waves,” Westerman said, but waves can signify rip currents that pose dangers to even strong swimmers. If caught in a rip current, Westerman said swimmers should not try to fight it or swim toward the beach, but must instead “break the grip of the rip” by swimming parallel to the shore.

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SePt. 1, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 3 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Cortez Bridge mediation unproductive, FISH nixed from suit By Kane Kaiman islander reporter

Nobody budged. Anti-megabridge complainants and the Florida Department of Transportation failed to reach a settlement agreement at an Aug. 25 mediation hearing. The impasse means a federal magistrate likely will

Boaters reach shore safely after vessel capsizes Four people were tossed from their pontoon boat Aug. 26 as they motored near the Rod & Reel Pier toward Bean Point at the northern tip of Anna Maria. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Marine Unit and patrol deputies assigned to the Anna Maria substation worked with a U.S. Coast Guard rescue team to pluck the boaters from the surf, Mayor Dan Murphy told The Islander Aug. 26. Of the four aboard the pontoon boat, one was able to swim to shore, according to a U.S. Coast Guard Station Cortez report. The boaters were treated for minor injuries at the scene, MCSO Sgt. Brett Getman said. All were wearing life jackets. When the boat reached the northern tip of the island, the water in Tampa Bay was like a “washing machine.” It tossed the vessel sideways, ejecting the boaters into the water, Getman said. According to the Coast Guard, the boat was towed. The Coast Guard conducted a second marine rescue Aug. 27 after a catamaran was disabled 8 nautical miles from shore in the same area, Chief Petty Officer William Flores told The Islander Aug. 30. The boat suffered damage, began taking on water and made a call for help. A Coast Guard crew towed the boat and its occupant into the bay “for safe anchor,” Flores said. — amy V.t. moriarty

hear and decide the case. The complainants — former Manatee County Commissioner Joe McClash, former County Commissioner and Cortez resident Jane von Hahmann and Cortez residents Linda Molto and Joe Kane — have been challenging the DOT’s decision to replace the 17-foot-clearance Cortez Drawbridge with a 65-footclearance fixed-span bridge since March 2020. The challengers are advocating for a 35-foot-clearance drawbridge and maintain a high bridge — which would require retaining walls extending about 700 feet into Cortez— would destroy the character of the historic fishing community. The DOT maintains a high bridge costs less to build than a drawbridge and is the best use of taxpayer dollars. The bridge fighters argue the DOT made procedural errors in its bridge selection process and hoped the strength of their case would persuade the agency to settle on the 35-foot bridge at mediation. The complainants made a procedural misstep of their own in the days leading up to mediation, filing an amended complaint Aug. 15 that listed the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage, a Cortez nonprofit, as a new party to the suit. U.S. District Court Judge Anthony E. Porcelli in the Middle District of Florida ordered the amended complaint stricken from the record Aug. 19. According to Porcelli’s order, the complainants are first required to submit motions to add parties to the suit. Because motions could be challenged by the DOT, adding to the costs for the complainants, the group decided to file a motion Aug. 20 to forego the steps to add FISH to the suit, McClash said Aug. 27. “We’d rather deal with just one issue in front of the judge instead of two,” McClash said. FISH can legally intervene in the suit later in the process without becoming party to the dispute, he added.

Porcelli granted the late motion Aug. 23. The DOT had not filed a response as of The Islander’s press time Aug. 30. According to McClash, the DOT’s strategy moving forward could include challenging bridge fighter motions and filing a motion to dismiss the case — which could run up legal costs for the complainants and result in a hardship for them.

Q&A 090121

a sign in Holmes Beach cautions drivers that golf carts share the road. islander file Photo

The Islander Poll Last week’s question results:

Have you ever driven a golf cart? 35%. All the time. 21%. No. They’re a nuisance. 3%. No. Too slow. 33%. Yes, but not often. 8%. I’d rather walk.

this week’s question:

Happy Labor Day! Did your work change due to the pandemic? A. No. B. Yes. C. Yes, but back to normal. D. I’m retired! E. Other. To take the poll, go online to islander.org.

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Holmes Beach passes resolution encouraging masks, vaccines By ryan Paice islander reporter

Mask up. Get vaxxed. Holmes Beach officials are trying to fight back against the coronavirus pandemic in any possible way. That is, without defying Gov. Ron DeSantis’ May 3 executive order restricting local COVID-19 emergency orders, such as face mask mandates. City commissioners voted 4-0 Aug. 24 to approve a resolution encouraging people to use face masks in public and inside businesses, as well as urging people to get vaccinated to limit the spread of the virus. Commissioner Kim Rash was absent with excuse. The decision came two weeks after the city reimplemented a mask requirement inside city hall, 5801 Marina Drive, regardless of vaccination status. The resolution urges people to wear face coverings in indoor locations open to the public, as well as outdoor spaces where social distancing from others cannot be maintained. The document urges city businesses to encourage the use of masks inside their establishments and implement safety measures to mitigate the virus’ spread. It also encourages people to get vaccinated against the coronavirus and to discuss their issues and any concerns with a health care provider. The resolution does not act as a mandate, allowing businesses to enforce their own policies. However, it does provide backing for police to trespass noncompliant patrons from businesses that wish to require people to wear masks inside. Commissioners took turns expressing support for the resolution and touting the benefits of mask usage and vaccination. “I know there’s a lot of division about this. …So, I’m glad to see that, as a commission, we’re unified in this,” Commission Chair Jim Kihm said. As for city hall’s mask requirement, Mayor Judy Titsworth told The Islander Aug. 26 there had been no issues seeking compliance from staff and visitors. “People have taken it seriously,” Titsworth said. “We all have a comfort zone knowing that everyone

RoadWatch Eyes on the road

The Florida Department of Transportation posted the following notice: • SR 684 Cortez Road at 119th Street: Crews are installing landscaping near the intersection. Occasional shoulder and lane closures may be required. Estimated completion is in October. The contractor is Superior Lawn and Landscaping. For the latest road watch information, go online to swflroads.com or dial 511. To check traffic via road cameras, go to fl511. com. And, a reminder, a fare-free trolley operates daily on Anna Maria Island.

is taking it seriously.” There was no public comment.

By the numbers… The city’s messaging might be needed to increase the number of vaccinated people in the area. Some 11,219,987 Floridians or 52.2% of the state’s total population were fully vaccinated as of Aug. 27, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The total percentage can be misleading, however, since it includes children younger than 12 who are not yet eligible to receive the vaccine. Among Florida residents ages 12 and older, 60% were vaccinated as of Aug. 27, according to the CDC. Manatee County trails behind the state average By ryan Paice islander reporter with 55.3% of its population vaccinated. A new face joined the ranks of the Holmes Beach The county also recorded 3,339 newly confirmed cases of COVID-19 during the week of Aug. 20-26. building department the week beginning Aug. 23. Bradenton resident Sage Kamiya The figure marks the 10th highest number of new became the city engineer Aug. 23, his cases recorded among the state’s 67 counties over the first day on the job. week, despite having the 15th largest population. Kamiya, 47, told The Islander Aug. 26 he has lived in Florida his Vaccinations entire life and graduated from Florida Holmes Beach will host its sixth free vaccination State University in 1996 with a civil event 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 1, at city hall. Kamiya engineering degree. All three vaccines will be available for anyone However, Tallahassee was too far north for him. “I thought it was too cold up there, so I moved back down here,” Kamiya chuckled. Kamiya married his college sweetheart around the same time and they now have three daughters. He also has accumulated 25 years of professional engineering experience. Most recently, Kamiya served as Manatee County public works’ deputy director of traffic management. He previously worked as an engineer for Sarasota County. He said city staff members made him feel welcome and eased his transition, but he was a little overwhelmed by the amount of work the city had in store for him. “I feel a little bit like I’m drinking from a fire hose,” Kamiya said. “There’s a lot more going on than I realized. … Like everything, though, I just have to get the lay of the land.” Kamiya said he is eager to get to know people as he settles in. So far, he said his primary task is learning about and tracking grant opportunities for capital improvements. Otherwise, Kamiya said he likes the outdoors or fixing up his 1951 Chevy pickup truck. “As much as I can, I’d like to do that, but it seems like whenever I have time, I don’t have money, and Get your vax at city hall Sept. 1 whenever I have money, I don’t have time,” he said. Holmes Beach Police chief Bill tokajer, center, “So it’s a slow-going process.” awaits arrivals aug. 4 with florida department

Holmes Beach welcomes new city engineer

of Health employees Jared Shenofsky, left, and meghan murphy, right, to a vaccination event at city hall, 5801 marina drive. the event, previously held outdoors, moved to the commission chambers due to inclement weather. another free vax event is set for outdoors Sept. 1. islander Photo: ryan Paice

Anna Maria City Sept. 9, 5:30 p.m., budget hearing. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941708-6130, cityofannamaria.com. Bradenton Beach Sept. 1, 9:30 a.m., CRA. Sept. 1, 2 p.m., SCENICWaves. CANCELED Sept. 2, 6 p.m., commission. Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com.

2021 city elections Voter registration open until Oct. 4

— Lisa neff

Meetings

eligible, no appointment and no payment is required. Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer, who has helped coordinate the events, told commissioners the city would continue to hold the vaccination events every month until people stop coming. “If you are not yet vaccinated, please, come and get vaccinated,” Tokajer wrote in an Aug. 25 email announcing the event. “If not for you, then for everyone else you care about or come in contact with.” To learn more about vaccination against the coronavirus, go to mymanatee.org.

Manatee County Sept. 2, 9 a.m., commission (land use). Sept. 14, 8:30 a.m., commission. Sept. 14, 6 p.m., commission (budget hearing). County administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee. org.

Also of interest Sept. 6, Labor Day, most government offices will be closed. Sept. 13, 9 a.m., Manatee County Tourist DevelHolmes Beach opment Council, county administration building. Sept. 1, 5 p.m., planning. CANCELED Sept. 13, 2 p.m., Island Transportation Planning Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Organization, Holmes Beach City Hall. 941-708-5800, holmesbeachﬂ.org. — Lisa neff

Register now. Voter registration ahead of Nov. 2 municipal elections closes Monday, Oct. 4. To register in Manatee County, a person must be at least 18, a U.S. citizen, a Florida resident, as well as possess a valid state ID. To register online go to www.votemanatee.com. And for more information about registration, either visit the SOE website or call 941-741-3823.

Request mail-in ballots

Registered voters who want to request mail ballot service can go online to the Manatee County Supervisor of Election’s office at votemanatee.com. Vote by mail ballots cannot be forwarded, with an exception for military service members. Please, send election notes to news@islander.org and calendar@islander.org.

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Holmes Beach halts new golf cart rental businesses By ryan Paice islander reporter

Whoa. Hold up on the golf carts, please. Prospective golf cart and low-speed vehicle rental businesses will have to wait a while before attempting to set up shop in Holmes Beach. City commissioners voted 4-0 Aug. 24 to approve a six-month moratorium on new businesses offering golf cart and LSV rentals within city limits so they can brainstorm new regulations. Commission Kim Rash was absent, but asked to participate via speakerphone. Commissioners voted 3-1 against Rash’s participation, citing concerns with state meeting laws. Commissioner Jayne Christenson favored allowing Rash’s participation and, in an Aug. 25 interview with The Islander, called the vote “something to be concerned about.” In the end, Rash wouldn’t have changed the outcome, which was unanimous for the policy. The moratorium prohibits the “permitting, licensing or approval of the operation” of any new business with golf cart and LSV rentals within city limits until Feb. 1, 2022. The moratorium does not impact businesses established before July 27 or those with pending business license applications. However, a golf cart and LSV rental business established before that date “may not expand its operation and offer more golf carts or other LSVs for rent or use during the moratorium period,” according to the moratorium.

an LSV heads north aug. 26 along gulf drive in Holmes Beach. islander Photo: ryan Paice

The moratorium allows the city time to draft codes to regulate the vehicles, which they claim cause safety and traffic issues on city roads. If registered, LSVs are allowed on roadways with speed limits of 35 mph or less by state statute. The use of golf carts on roadways is prohibited by state law unless a city allows for their operation. Holmes Beach city code allows people to operate golf carts on any streets with a speed limit of 25 mph or lower and requires drivers be licensed. It prohibits golf carts on Manatee Avenue, East Bay Drive and portions of Gulf and Marina drives. The city also requires golf cart drivers and passengers to wear seat belts. With the moratorium in effect, city officials and staff will turn their attention to potential regulations.

Christenson, who proposed the moratorium in July, said she’d seen golf carts and LSVs with too many occupants of debatable age without seat belts. She wanted to require stickers on rental golf carts and LSVs stating the basic rules. “It’s really a safety issue for me,” Christenson said. “They don’t know what the laws are. … I’d rather be proactive and avoid fines.” She suggested the city explore increasing the speed limit of some roads to 36 mph — a change that would prohibit the use of LSVs. Police Chief Bill Tokajer also had suggestions to regulate the vehicles, primarily LSVs, which lack some restrictions the city places on golf cart use. An LSV is a vehicle with a top speed greater than 20 mph, whereas golf carts are incapable of exceeding 20 mph, according to the state. Tokajer told The Islander Aug. 25 that he plans to propose further regulations, including: • Require LSV occupants to wear seat belts; • Limiting the number of LSV occupants; • Prohibiting the use of backward-facing seats on golf carts and LSVs. “There is no protection,” Tokajer said. “If you have the front-facing seats, at least you have a little bit of protection.” HBPD reported two traffic incidents — May 20 and July 23 — with injuries involving golf carts in the past few months. The next commission meeting will be at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

AM to vacation rental owners: Pay ﬁnes or else By amy V.t. moriarty islander reporter

Anna Maria commissioners unanimously passed a resolution Aug. 26 giving vacation rental owners an ultimatum: Pay fines or lose the right to rent your property. The move comes in response to a stack of unpaid citations for ordinance violations related to noise, lighting and trash, among other issues for vacation rental properties in the city. As part of the vacation rental property registration agreement, property owners acknowledge responsibility for ensuring properties comply with ordinances and any fines levied for failure to comply. The new resolution would not impact rental registration fees, city Attorney Becky Vose informed commissioners. She said it “gives the city a hammer to say: Hey! Pay these or you’re not going to be able to use your property as a vacation rental.” Commissioner Jonathan Crane asked what “enforcement mechanisms” are available if an owner continues to rent property after the right is revoked, and Vose replied that the city would start a running fine and take the matter to the special magistrate. If that still doesn’t resolve the issue, Vose said

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she would recommend seeking a court-ordered injunction. CITY OF ANNA MARIA “I don’t anticipate that happening because the ~RULES OF THE ROAD~ fines are not that much typically (when compared) to STATE OF FLORIDA LAWS ARE STRICTLY ENFORCED the kind of money they can make having a vacation ONLY LICENSED DRIVERS may operate this vehicle rental in Anna Maria. So I think this will be effective All passengers must wear SEAT BELTS to collect fines and I don’t think we’ll have to go to Children 5 & under in a CHILD RESTRAINT DEVICE any extreme measures,” Vose said. Do not exceed SEATING CAPACITY of this vehicle Passage of the resolution started a clock that will give rental owners 60 days to pay outstanding fines anna maria’s new golf cart stick-on for rental before the hammer drops. vehicles. islander graphic: courtesy anna maria Vose also presented a draft measure adding a provision for cancelation of a vacation rental registration • Mayor Dan Murphy presented a mock-up of an for unpaid fines and fees. informational stick-on notice with rules of the road for placement on rental vehicles. In other matters • John Englander of the Rising Seas Institute asked • Commissioners unanimously passed a building commissioners to invest $50,000 in his organization regulations ordinance. At the behest of the state, the to develop a plan to mitigate sea level rise. city was required to remove language in the ordinance The next commission meeting will be Thursday, that was in the building code. Sept. 9, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, immediately • Commissioners unanimously adopted a flood following a 5:30 p.m. public hearing and first reading ordinance to reflect changes to the flood plain map of the 2021-22 fiscal budget ordinance. by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The For more information, call the clerk’s office at 941flood plain map was updated Aug. 10 for the first time 708-6130. since 2014.    

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Opinion

Our

And it isn’t over

Wow. Talk about lucky. Five boaters — likely out for an excursion around the island, or maybe a little fishing — were probably enjoying their day on the water when they encountered rough waters at Bean Point. It was as if someone, somewhere was playing the “Gilligan’s Island” theme song — and the tiny ship was tossed. At least, the outcome was good. They were safe. The boat was towed. The tour ended happily. But that break at the north end, where the Gulf of Mexico meets up with Tampa Bay and the current rushes between the island and the wildlife refuge, Passage Key — that’s a kicker. Small boats beware. Boaters beware. Swimmers, stay away. The current is fierce. We’ve seen it over the years, but one incident comes to mind from Feb. 26, 1994, when the newspaper heard an emergency call at the north end. A group of anglers were headed around Bean Point when a wave hit their 25-foot open fisher. The headline in The Islander read: Anchor pierces boater’s skull. According to one of the men on the boat, “The anchor was secured to a bow cleat and flew off the boat. The line tightened, jerked and smacked (the victim) in the back of the head. He was still seated on the bow chair. … He must have been in shock, cause he said he wasn’t in much pain.” The witness said the 20-pound anchor had stuck in the back of his friend’s head about 2-3 inches on the lower left side of the cranium. The victim, an ex-metropolitan police chief from Washington, D.C., vacationing on the island, survived, but never spoke to us about the ordeal. Over the years, there have been stories of people attempting to swim in the current at the north end — and the stories didn’t have such happy endings. This time — thankfully — a fateful trip for five boaters has a good outcome — and stories to tell. But we’re left waiting for news from the northern Gulf Coast on Hurricane Ida. Our editorial cartoonist, a New Orleans resident, was traveling home Aug. 29 from a vacation with his wife in Hawaii, but got no farther than Dallas. While we know he’s safe, he has much to worry about — a home and tons of computer gear, a job at a TV station and his wife’s restaurant on the west side of Lake Ponchartrain. Please, keep them — and everyone in the storm’s path — in your thoughts. And Happy Labor Day. — Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

SEPT. 1, 2021 • Vol. 29, No. 45 Publisher, Co-editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org ▼ Editorial editor Lisa neff, lisa@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Kevin cassidy, kevin@islander.org Jack elka, jack@jackelka.com Laura fletcher, laura@islander.org Kane Kaiman, kane@islander.org amy V.t. moriarty, amym@islander.org ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org ▼ Contributors Karen riley-Love Samara Paice 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

Thanks to mayor

We are greatly impressed with Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy’s vision and leadership in problem-resolution and regarding golf cart rentals and flooding concerns. For the golf cart issue, there are points related to education and proactive measures that were delineated into four basic but largely encompassing bullets. This was followed by a simple procedure for communicating them to visitors with clear expectations for enforcement. Other commissioners weighed in with additional suggested procedures for boosting support and enforcement of the four basic points. With the flooding issue, there was communication with stakeholders and city staff. This was paired with the support and assurance that the city “will do our best to remediate the impact and make it better.” He accepts responsibility; it’s the city’s “responsibility to ensure this happens.” Richard and Margie Motzer, Holmes Beach

On the fairway, not the ‘highway’

I just saw The Islander poll: Have you ever driven a golf cart? I voted yes, all the time. Every time I play golf, I drive a golf cart. They are wonderful. Not only do they carry your golf clubs but they also provide shade in the heat of the day. If the question was: “Have you driven a golf cart down the middle of State Road 789/Gulf Drive, my answer would have been, “No, too slow.” Rick Bisio, Bradenton Beach

Visit islander.org for the best news on AMI.

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.

Have your say

The Islander accepts original letters of up to 250 words and reserves the right to edit for grammar and length. Letters must include name, address and a phone number (for verification). Email: news@islander.org. Anonymous letters will not be printed. Readers also may comment online. And, we have an active Facebook community. To join the conversation, “like” The Islander on Facebook.

Submit your community news to news@islander.org.

SePt. 1, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 7 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Working a scene

10&20 years ago

members of an island Players cast in January 1976 rehearse a scene from a musical, “the roar of the greasepaint— the Smell of the crowd,” onstage at the community theater in anna maria. islander Photos: courtesy manatee county Public Library System

In the Aug. 30, 2001, issue

Share from your archives

Got old photographs of AMI? Write a recollection and share at news@ islander.org.

• About 100 people attended the first island forum by the Florida Department of Transportation to explain a planned study of the Anna Maria Island Bridge. DOT officials said the study was to examine the structure and integrity of the bridge, as well as feasibility and cost-benefits of either repair, rehabilitation or replacement of the structure. • Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch executive director Suzi Fox said an unusually large number of hatchlings were born with deformed flippers or no flippers. Fox said she would have the sand from the nests analyzed for contaminants and notify other turtle watch organizations. • The West Manatee Fire Rescue commission unanimously voted for an increase of 21% in the 2001-02 budget, rising from $2.836 million to $3.398 million. The budget included a provision for hiring seven new firefighters to meet the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s requirement to always have two firefighters standing by if two others were inside a building.

In the Aug. 31, 2011, issue

Read our archives

Taking the stage Peter ivanov, left, and Peter Strader appear in 1976 in an island Players production in the community theater, 10009 gulf drive, anna maria.

Take a trip back in time in our digital newspaper collection. There’s a complete library of The Islander online at ufdc.ufl.edu.

• The municipal ballot was set in Anna Maria where four people — two incumbents, a former mayor and a newcomer to politics — qualified to run for three commission seats in November. • The medical examiner determined the death of a parasailer was caused by drowning. • Manatee County was conducting a study to determine whether the old pier at Manatee Public Beach prevented erosion, which would make it easier to fund a new pier at the site. — Lisa neff

Don’t Let Anna Maria Island Get Washed Away! SCAN TO WATCH VIDEOS & SEND YOUR MESSAGE

Don’t let a sea of mismanagement by the Florida Department of

Environmental Protection (DEP) allowing construction on currently designated unbuildable lots on Anna Maria Island to wash away our precious dunes forever. Don’t let the tide go out another day without standing up for the protection of our land, vegetation, turtles, sea birds and all of the wildlife indigenous to the pristine beaches of Anna Maria Island, where we live in harmony with AMI nature every day.

We are Anna Maria Island, not Miami Beach!

Remember, we are an island; unlike most other beaches in Florida. We are a narrow strip of sand that needs vegetation to hold it together. AMI is a fragile island. Over development will start washing our AMI out to sea.

On July 20, 2021, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection did not do the right thing! A rogue ruling was made by interim FDEP Secretary Shawn Hamilton. His controversial ruling opens the door to set a new precedent for the over development of AMI. This could start a destructive domino effect to destroy our beloved beaches, dunes, history, wildlife and tradition forever.

Do you own property? This will affect you too!

We’re calling on all of our local elected leaders of the City of Anna Maria and Anna Maria Island. It’s now up to you to Protect and Preserve AMI from all of the over developers wanting to scrape away our dunes and amazing AMI way of life...“Enough Is Enough!”

Visit PreserveAMI.com to learn more, sign our petition and send your message.

PAID FOR BY CITIZENS TO PRESERVE AMI

Page 8 THE ISLANDER | islander.org SePt. 1, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

2021 city elections 2 AM incumbents retain seats, 3rd seat to be decided at dais

When Election Day rolls around Nov. 2, Anna Maria’s 1,027 registered voters can stay home. At the Aug. 27 conclusion of a two-week qualifying period, there were only two confirmed candidates. Incumbent Commissioners Carol Carter and Jonathan Crane will be sworn in for new two-year terms of office after Nov. 11, in accordance with Manatee County election laws that state candidates cannot be sworn carter into office before the second Thursday after Election Day. A third unknown person picked up qualifying materials Aug. 26, Anna Maria City Clerk LeAnne Addy told The Islander, but that person did not return the documents. crane With a third commission seat up for grabs and no candidate vying for the office, Mayor Dan Murphy said the four commissioners will have to appoint a qualified person in November or December. The process leaves the voters with no say. Of the three two-year terms that came up for the odd-year election, one had been held by Joe Muscatello, who resigned June 24. Former Commissioner Doug Copeland was the only applicant for the vacancy and was appointed in July to fill the remainder of Muscatello’s term on the commission. Copeland said he would not run in the election to retain the seat. — amy V.t. moriarty

Place portrait photo here

BB mayoral 2-way race begins, 2 commissioners retained

By Laura fletcher islander reporter

It’s official. When the qualifying period for Bradenton Beach’s 2021 election ended Aug. 27, the mayoral race began. Incumbent John Chappie will face challenger David Galuszka in the Nov. 2 citywide election. Meanwhile, two incumbent commissioners — Jan Vosburgh and Jacob Spooner — qualified and, facing no chappie opposition, are automatically returned to the dais for two-year terms. Chappie has served both the county and city board for much of his 40-year residency in Bradenton Beach. He is seeking his third term in office on this round as mayor. If galuszka reelected, he will term out as mayor in 2023. Chappie was first elected to the Bradenton Beach City Commission in 1997, serving until he was elected mayor in 2001. He term-limited as mayor in 2007 and was elected to the county commission in 2008. In 2011, he resigned the county commission and again won a seat on the city commission. He then termed-out as commissioner and retook the mayor’s seat in 2017. Chappie made plans to talk to The Islander in the coming week about his bid to keep his seat as mayor. Galuszka served with the U.S. Air Force for 20 years before moving to Bradenton Beach in 2019. “I have been a public servant for most of my adult life. Knowing I could be a part of improving the quality of life and making our city a great place to live is motivating,” Galuszka told The Islander in an email Aug. 26. He said the budget, parking, infrastructure, traffic

and permits are among his concerns. “My long-term goal is to ensure our city government does the best in it can for our visitors, businesses and, most important, our citizens to make Bradenton Beach the star of the island,” he said. Galuszka said one of his biggest challenges is his opponent. “He has a respectable background and years of experience in an elected Spooner office,” Galuszka said. “But, as I previously said, he had a first time, too.”

Vosburgh takes another term Vosburgh represents Ward 3 on Vosburgh the city commission. The boundaries east and west include Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, and heading south from Fourth Street North to 10th Street South. Vosburgh has served as a commissioner for nearly nine years. She termed out and then ran again for the office four years later. “I am very patriotic and feel we all need to do our share as citizens of America,” Vosburgh said in an Aug. 25 email to The Islander. Vosburgh said of importance to her are watching spending and keeping taxes low. “Our permanent residences are shrinking every year. What we need is to do everything possible to encourage families, individuals and, of course, retirees to make our community their permanent homes,” she said. Spooner retains Ward 1 Spooner represents Ward 1, which is bordered by the Gulf and bay from Sixth Street North south to 25th Street, where it cuts south between Avenue C and Sarasota Bay to 23rd Street North. Spooner first was elected commissioner in 2015. PLeaSe, See bb Mayor, Page 9

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bb Mayor continued from Page 8

He agreed to an interview with The Islander for the Sept. 8 issue. There were 715 registered voters in Bradenton Beach as of Aug. 4. The deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 2 election is Monday, Oct. 4.

5 qualify for 3 HB commission seats, chairman drops out By ryan Paice islander reporter

Five people are set to run for three Holmes Beach City Commission seats heading into the island’s election season. However, one of three incumbent commissioners who previously told The Islander they planned to run for reelection won’t be in the race. Commission Chair Jim Kihm announced in an Aug. 27 email that he would not seek reelection to a third two-year term. He gave no reason. Kihm first was elected in 2017 and has served as commission chair since 2018. He also serves as the city’s legislative liaison and chair of the ManaSota League of Cities. “I have enjoyed serving the people of Holmes Beach over the past four Schaefer years and I feel that I am leaving the city in good hands as I finish out the rest of my current term,” Kihm wrote. “I would like to thank all the voters for putting their trust in me and electing me to serve them. I have made every effort to serve to the best of my Soustek ability.” His term will end with the Nov. 2 election. Kihm’s announcement came just hours before the qualifying window closed. Commissioners Terry Schaefer ferguson

and Carol Soustek had qualified for reelection before the deadline with the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office, as well as political newcomer, Renee Ferguson. So did former Commissioners Pat Morton and John Monetti — at the wire — shortly before noon Aug. monetti 27. Soustek, who serves as the commission’s vice chair, was appointed in 2014 to complete the unexpired term of Commissioner David Zaccagnino — who lost a bid for mayor. She was reelected to her first full morton two-year term in November 2015 and has been reelected every two years since. “This will by my fifth time running for the office and I feel I have a very good handle on our needs and wants,” Soustek wrote in her candidate statement.

Schaefer was elected to a two-year term on the commission in November 2019. He serves as the commission’s liaison to the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, the Center of Anna Maria Island, Anna Maria Elementary School and the city’s police pension board. Morton, a 27-year resident of Holmes Beach, was first elected to the commission in 2003 and served 17 years before losing his seat in the 2020 election. Monetti, a 16-year resident of the city, was first elected to the city’s planning commission in 2002, where he spent four years before mounting a successful campaign for a city commission seat in 2006. He served on the city commission for six years before losing his seat in the 2012 election. Ferguson, an 11-year resident, has not served the city in any official capacity, but frequently airs her concerns at city meetings. There were 2,768 registered voters in Holmes Beach as of Aug. 27, according to the SOE.

HB commissioners remove board member By ryan Paice islander reporter

The Holmes Beach Planning Commission is seeking a new member after one member’s removal. City commissioners voted 4-0 Aug. 24 to approve the planning commission’s recommendation to remove alternate board member Drew Hyman for failing to meet attendance requirements. City Commissioner Kim Rash was absent with excuse. Hyman was appointed Feb. 23 by city commissioners but only attended one meeting in April. He missed all others without excuse, according to city clerk Stacey Johnston. When Johnston contacted Hyman about his attendance in July, the alternate board member informed her he was in Pennsylvania May-October

every year and would not attend meetings during that time. Board rules specify planning commissioners cannot miss three consecutive meetings or five meetings over 12 months without their position becoming subject to forfeiture. If a commissioner fails to meet attendance requirements, board policy requires the commission to vote to determine if that person should be removed — which the planning commission voted to do earlier this month. City Commissioner Carol Soustek said it wouldn’t be fair to allow Hyman to remain on the board because his lack of attendance limited the board’s ability to reach quorum at its meetings. “We need to find dedicated people even if they’re hard to find,” she said. There was no public comment.

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The Islander Calendar ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ONGOING ON AMI

Throughout September, “Live Colorfully” membership exhibit, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648. Through Sept. 1, Island Players season ticket sales. Information: 941-778-5755. AHEAD ON AMI Sept. 16-26, Island Players’ performance of “The Savannah Sipping Society,” Anna Maria. Oct. 15, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Bayfest kickoff, Anna Maria. Oct. 16, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Bayfest, Anna Maria. Nov. 4-14, Island Players’ Same Time, Next Year,” Anna Maria. Nov. 13, Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra’s “Symphony on the Sand,” Bradenton Beach. ONGOING OFF AMI Second and fourth Saturdays, 2-4 p.m., Music on the Porch jam session, presented by the Cortez Cultural Center and Florida Maritime Museum, outdoors, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: cvhs2016@aol.com. Sept. 6-12, EcoPerformance Week with activities, performances, ﬁlms and more, John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-359-5700. Through Sept. 26, “Skyway 20/21: A Contemporary Collaboration,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-359-5700. Through Sept. 26, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ “We Dream A World, African American Landscape Painters of Mid-Century Florida, The Highwaymen,” 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-366-5731. Sept. 25-August 2022, “Augmented Reality” exhibit, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-366-5731. Through Oct. 10, “Women in Print” exhibit, John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-359-5700. Through Jan. 16, 2022, “Prints, Ceramics and Glass from Japan,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-359-5700.

Attention seasonal planners Submit listings for season preview

Local groups preparing for 2021-22 season are encouraged to send their events calendars to The Islander, which is preparing for its preview of the season. Please, email events calendars, as well as notices of regular meetings and photographs, to calendar@islander.org and news@islander.org. And please, remember to include a contact name and phone number that can be published. lecture and demo, Cortez. Oct. 15, Ringling’s Noche Cubano Dance Party, Sarasota. Oct. 23, Florida Maritime Museum/Cortez Cultural Center Cortez Nautical Flea Market, Cortez. Nov. 13, Anna Maria Island Privateers Black Tie Fundraising Gala to benefit the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County, Bradenton.

KIDS & FAMILY ON AMI Tuesday, Sept. 7 10 a.m. — Family story time, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Registration: mymanatee.org/library. Information: 941-7786341.

compiled by Lisa neff, email calendar@islander.org. ONGOING ON AMI Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island lunch meeting, in-person at Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, and via Zoom. Information: 941-920-2505. AHEAD ON AMI Sept. 11, Bradenton Beach Moose Lodge Coastal Cleanup, Bradenton Beach. 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. 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: 941-383-6493. AHEAD OFF AMI Sept. 26, Suncoast Waterkeeper’s Brunch for the Bay 2021, Sarasota.

OUTDOORS & SPORTS AHEAD ON AMI

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.

Sept. 17, Seashell Shore Walk, Bradenton Beach. Sept. 18, International Coastal Cleanup, Bradenton Beach. ONGOING OFF AMI

Into September, Bradenton Marauders baseball, LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-747-3031, bradentonmarauders.com. AHEAD OFF AMI Saturdays, 8 a.m., Robinson Runners running club, Robinson Preserve Dec. 4, Florida Maritime Museum’s Christmas in Cortez, expansion, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923, Cortez. ext. 6047. CLUBS & Saturdays, 9 a.m., Saturday Mornings at the NEST nature exploration, Robinson Preserve expansion, 840 99th St. NW, BraCOMMUNITY denton. Information: 941-742-5923, ext. 6047. ON AMI AHEAD OFF AMI Thursday, Sept. 2 Sept. 11, Seeing Stars skygazing program, Robinson Preserve 2 p.m. — Sunshine Stitchers, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Registration: mymanatee.org/library. Information: expansion, Bradenton. Sept. 14, Tortoise Talk educational program, Robinson Pre941-778-6341. AHEAD OFF AMI serve, Bradenton. PLeaSe, See CalENdar, neXt Page Sept. 11, Florida Maritime Museum “American Scrimshaw”

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Island happenings

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during ecoperformance Week in September, the ringling will show “Waste Land,” an award-winning film about the world’s largest landfill in Brazil. the film will screen at 6:30 p.m. friday, Sept. 10. islander courtesy Photo

Ecology+artistry = Ecoperformance

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art will in Rio de Janeiro, at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10. host performances, lectures, panel discussions and film The Ringling is at 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. screenings during Ecoperformance Week Sept. 6-12. Fees apply. The events schedule includes a showing of “Waste For a schedule or more information, go online to Land,” a documentary about the world’s largest landfill ringling.org or call 941-359-5700.

Theater season tickets on sale Anna Maria Island Privateers Two on an aisle, please. offer BOGO on gala tickets The Island Players will sell season tickets for the next series of community theater onstage in Anna Maria through Wednesday, Sept. 1. Tickets for the theaters’s 73rd season are $110 and include seats to the five plays in the 2021-22 lineup, including “The Savannah Sipping Society,” Sept. 16-26; “Same Time, Next Year,” Nov. 4-14; “Blythe Spirit,” Jan. 6-23; “A Comedy of Tenors,” March 3-20; and “The Psychic,” May 5-15. Showtime will be 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. The box office will open for sales of single performance tickets Tuesday, Sept. 7. For more information, call Peg Faarup at 941-7787374. CalENdar from Page 10

GOOD TO KNOW KEEP THE DATES Monday, Sept. 6, Labor Day. Tuesday, Sept. 7, autumnal equinox. Saturday, Sept. 11, Patriot Day/911 Remembrance Day. Sunday, Sept. 12, Grandparent’s Day. Sunday, Oct. 31, Halloween. Sunday, Nov. 7, daylight saving time ends. Thursday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day. Tuesday, Dec. 21, winter solstice. Saturday, Dec. 25, Christmas Day.

The gala is “black tie” but black eye patches also are appropriate. The Anna Maria Island Privateers are selling tickets to the 50th anniversary Black Tie Gala, set to take place Saturday, Nov. 13, at IMG Academy Gulf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Parkway, Bradenton. The evening will include an opportunity to meet past scholarship recipients, including Fox 12 news reporter Kimberly Kuizon, who grew up on Anna Maria Island and will serve as the gala emcee. The gala also will feature high school students performing as a quintet, a disc jockey, dancing, dinner, drinks and auctions of goods and services, including “sportscaster of the day” on a talk radio station. Tickets — $150 each with a buy one, get one offer through Sept. 30 — can be purchased at amiprivateers. org, with a portion of the money raised benefiting the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County. Sponsorships also are available by contacting Privateer Kelly “Mullan” Sparkman at flowergirlkelly@ yahoo.com.

Get listed

Send announcements for The Islander’s calendar to calendar@islander.org. The deadline for listings is the Wednesday before the publication date. Please include the date, time, location and description of the event, as well as a phone number for publication.

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Parks calendar set for Sept.

From sunrise to moonrise, the Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department offers adventure and routine events at local preserves. The following recurring events take place at the Robinson Preserve Expansion, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton: • Robinson Runners, 8 a.m. Saturdays, when people will run or stroll along 1.6-mile and 3.2mile routes beginning at the NEST. Reservations are not required. For more information, call 941742-5923, ext. 6047. • Saturday Mornings at the NEST, 9 a.m. Saturdays, when people gather for a nature hike and special programs. Reservations are not required. For more information, email ecoevents@mymanatee.org. Other events include: • Seeing Stars, 8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 11, stargazers are invited to gather for the astronomy event in the parking lot of the Robinson Preserve expansion. For more, call 941-742-5923. • Tortoise Talk, 8 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 14, Robinson Preserve North, 1704 99th St. NW, Bradenton, where people will learn about the gopher tortoise’s lifestyle. Reservations are not required. For more, email coral.bass@mymanatee.org. • Seashell Shore Walk, 9 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach, where people will comb the shore for seashells and learn about ethical collection methods. Reservations are required. For more, email elena.burke@mymanatee.org or call 941-742-5923, ext. 6036. • International Coastal Cleanup, 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, Coquina Beach and Leffis Key in Bradenton Beach, where people will gather to collect trash and recyclables. For more information, call 941-742-5923. For other activities and events, go online to mymanatee.org and navigate under the “government” tab to parks and natural resources. — Lisa neff

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AME Calendar

Big men on campus

AmE NEWS

• Sept. 6, Labor Day, no school. • Sept. 13, PTO membership meeting. • Oct. 7, end of quarter. • Oct. 8, record day, no school. • Nov. 11, Veterans Day, no school. • Nov. 22-26, Thanksgiving break. anna maria elementary is at 4700 gulf drive, Holmes Beach. for more information, call 941-708-5525.

By By Ryan Ryan Paice Paice

Manatee school district orders masks in class

The Manatee County School District’s face mask mandate is set. And it’s staying in place for at least two months. School board members voted 3-2 Aug. 24 to extend the districtwide mandate — which was set to expire the next day — through Friday, Oct. 29, to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Board members Mary Foreman, the Rev. James Golden and Charlie Kennedy voted to approve the extension. Board members Chat Choate and Gina Messenger voted “no.” The mandate still includes an opt-out clause allowing parents to complete a form to allow their children to avoid wearing face coverings for any reason. Kennedy proposed implementing a stricter mask policy through Oct. 1 that would replace the universal opt-out with limited opt-outs for medical and personal reasons. However, his proposal drew criticism from people commenting and other board members during the nearly 5-hour-long discussion and it failed to reach a vote. The extension of the mandate came as the district’s number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 climbed.

Top Notch

Holmes Beach Police chief Bill tokajer and officer Josh fleischer greet ame students on their first day, aug. 10. islander Photo: ryan Paice

The district marked 108 newly confirmed cases among students and employees Aug. 26, bringing the total since the school year began Aug. 10 to 1,464, according to manateeschools.net. Since the start of the year, four students at Anna Maria Elementary School have tested positive as of Aug. 26 . No employees have tested positive. AME principal Michael Masiello wrote in an Aug. 27 email to The Islander that about 50% of the student body’s parents opted out of the district’s mask mandate. On Aug. 27, a circuit judge in Leon County said the state law that banned school boards from implementing mask mandates failed to “pass constitutional muster.” The governor said the state would appeal.

AME seeks advisory council volunteers

People hoping to join Anna Maria Elementary School’s advisory council only have a couple of days to apply. AME is accepting applications for nominees to join the school advisory council through Friday, Sept. 3. Council members can represent one of three groups — parents, teachers or support personnel. Applicants must submit forms to the AME office, 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, or email them to principal Michael Masiello at masiellm@manateeschools. net by the end of the Sept. 3 school day. The SAC will virtually meet at 3:45 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 23, to appoint officers and discuss the school improvement plan for 2021-22. SAC application forms and directions to attend the meeting can be found on manateeschools.net. The format of future meetings will be dependent on the coronavirus pandemic.

Honorable mentions

Brush up

Pelican place

Hand in hand

Bayside colors

ashley azzata of merrick, new York, wins an honorable mention in the islander’s top notch photo contest for this image, shot in June outside a Holmes Beach shop. islander courtesy Photos

Kathy Vitale of Holmes Beach wins an honorable mention in the top notch contest for her “one of these is not like the other” photo, taken near the entrance to Holmes Beach in January.

catie ruffini mcgrath of Lake mary ended a visit to anna maria in midJuly with sunset and the taking of a top notch photo of children on the beach near Pine avenue.

Bill mcfadden of monroe, connecticut, wins an honorable mention in the top notch contest for this photo, shot near the anna maria city Pier in march.

UPHOLSTERY by Nora has moved! & Fabrics

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BB approves homeowner’s storm-damaged dock replacement By amy V.t. moriarty islander reporter

Bradenton Beach commissioners unanimously approved replacement of a private dock at 402 Bay Drive S. Commissioners voted Aug. 19 after learning how the dock was damaged by a tropical storm last September. City planner Louis Cerna said the planning and zoning board recommended the dock’s approval in June. Lifelong Lakeland residents Gail and Arie Kroon retired and bought their slice of paradise in September 2020, the same month a storm swept through the

Gulf of Mexico. The couple drove to AMI to check for damage, Gail Kroon told commissioners Aug. 19. The house was not damaged but they found “a humongous sailboat on top of our dock,” Kroon said. The boat owner had purchased the vessel a few days earlier and the boat was not registered or insured. Kroon said she and her husband paid to remove the boat and when they found the dock damaged beyond repair, began the city permit process to replace the structure. Commissioners granted the Kroons their permit with the caveat they follow the limitations stipulated by the P&Z. The stipulations state the dock must not extend

farther than 105 feet into Sarasota Bay, as measured from the eastern right of way line on Bay Drive South, lighting must be aimed downward and not reflect off the surface in compliance with regulations for sea turtle safety and all city ordinances must be adhered to throughout the building process. The permitting for the structure was before city planners and commissioners because it extends across a stretch of city right of way near a stand of mangroves. Construction of any structure that crosses city property must have commission approval and, even though the Kroons sought to replace what previously existed, they still needed approval. a damaged private boat dock extends into Sarasota Bay aug. 19 at 402 Bay drive S., Bradenton Beach. islander Photo: amy V.t. moriarty

Bye, bye old boat … the Holmes Beach Police department put its marine patrol boat, pictured behind city hall, in service about 30 years ago, according to chief Bill tokajer. tokajer announced at an aug. 24 city meeting that the West coast inland Water district awarded HBPd a $215,000 grant to purchase a new vessel for waterway patrols. islander Photo: courtesy HBPd !"#$%&'(%)*+,-%./%*01*,"*23*%"2%,*-"4*2#"+5%,*6.4*5"278%4*-"72%+24%3.2-#,93#".28 5*#%9-%4*-"72%+%6.,*%:*+9#"/95%+24%/923#".2+5%-1+3*%/.,%).9,%5"/*-#)5*

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Page 16 THE ISLANDER | islander.org SePt. 1, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Gathering

Flying at half-staff

8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. 8:30 a.m. — Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. 9 a.m. — CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-0719. 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, The Big Red Bus will roll up to Roser Memorial 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-900Community Church at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 12. 4903. The church will host a blood drive with OneBlood 10 a.m. — Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, before and after Sunday worship. The drive will be Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-6491. 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. 10:30 a.m. — St. Bernard.

Roser hosts blood drive

Donors will receive goodies, including a T-shirt, ONGOING EVENTS socks and a $20 gift card. Donors also will receive a wellness checkup that Wednesdays, 6:45 p.m., CrossPointe Fellowship Wednesday includes screening for blood pressure, temperature, Night Blast. iron count and cholesterol. Thursdays, 7 p.m., Roser Church chancel choir rehearsals. To make an appointment, go online to www. SAVE THE DATES oneblooddonor.org, enter the sponsor code #37502 and the sponsor name, Roser Memorial Community Sept. 6-7, Rosh Hashanah. Church. Sept. 15, Yom Kippur. Masks are required for blood donors. Oct. 9, ECA potluck supper. For more information, call the church office at Nov. 6, Roser Church Holiday Craft Fair. 941- 778-0414. Nov. 28, Hanukkah begins.

Tidings

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.

REGULAR WORSHIP

the u.S. flag flies at half-staff aug. 28 outside roser memorial community church in anna maria. the president ordered flags at half-staff “as a mark of respect for the u.S. service members and other victims killed in the terrorist attack” in afghanistan. Photographer maralia clark took the image and sent it with a note, “Just thought i would share this image i took at roser church at sunrise on aug 28, it spoke to my heart with all what is going on in the world.”

Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-4769. Thursdays 9:30 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1638. Gathering is the religion page for The Islander. Saturdays • Ministry of Presence Inc. seeks medications, Please, send announcements, photographs and including pain relievers such as aspirin and Tylenol 4 p.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. calendar listings for the page to news@islander.org, and antibiotics — and monetary donations to aid earthSundays as well as calendar@islander.org. 8 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. quake victims in Haiti. Drop donations at The Islander,

Gathering

Obituary

Carmen C. Manali

Carmen C. Manali, 96, of Anna Maria, died at home Aug. 24, surrounded by family. She was born March 2, 1925, in Tampa to Alfonso and Angelina Caltagirone. She married the love of her life, Tony, and they were together for 70 years. In her early years, she worked as manali a clerk for a judge in Tampa. After marriage, she worked at Charlie’s Market, the family business in Ybor City. In 1963, she and her husband moved to Anna Maria with three children, later opening Anthony’s Restaurant at the corner of Pine Avenue and Gulf Drive. The couple loved being part of the community and enjoyed all the outdoor activities the island offered. She took pleasure in bragging to her northern friends how far into December she was able to go swimming. She was beautiful inside and out — a born fashionista — known for her matching outfits, jewelry, purses and shoes — all topped with a million-dollar smile. Full of energy, she often was referred to as the Energizer Bunny. Mrs. Manali is remembered for her fairness, kindness, diplomacy, generosity, insightfulness and compassionate heart.

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 & meditation

Assistance sought on AMI

Of all her qualities, strength, grit and spunk will be her legacy. She was a Tampa Bay sports fan who enjoyed the Buccaneers, Rays and Lightning teams. In 2016, her interests included politics and she found pleasure in the 2020 election results. The family thanks the staff and doctors at Bradenton Dialysis Center, as well as Tidewell Hospice, Pat Webster of St. Bernard Catholic Church and her caregivers, especially Nenita Daguinotas, Lisa Bennett and Christina Tolomei. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7, at Brown & Sons Funeral Home, 604 43rd St., Bradenton. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 8, at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach, followed by a reception at the Sandbar Restaurant in Anna Maria. Interment will be Sept. 9 at L’Unione Italiana Cemetery, 2520 E. 24th Ave., Tampa, with a reception following at the Italian Club, 1731 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa. Masks are respectfully required for attendees. Mrs. Manali is survived by her children, Angela Calabro, Nancy Leonardo, Anthony and wife JoAnn; grandchildren Christina Tolomei and husband Andres, Lisa Bennett and husband Jason, Marc, Lori, Tony Calabro and wife Colleen, Angela Leonardo and Anna Maria Leonardo; and great grandchildren Isabella, Ella, Sofia, Ashton, Luca, Mila and Jack.

SUNDAY WORSHIP • 8:30 AM or 10:00 AM

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GoodDeeds

315 58th St., Suite J, Holmes Beach, mail to MoP, P.O. Box 770, Oneco, FL 34264, or visit the MoP page on gofundme. • Senior Adventurers group seeks events coordinators and a van driver for Friday outings. Information: 941-447-5076 • Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks 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.

Assistance offered on AMI

• The Roser Food Bank welcomes applicants who live and/or work on Anna Maria Island for food assistance, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. • AID offers help to those who live on the island, go to church on the island, attend school on the island and work on the island. Information: 941-725-2433. — Lisa neff

About obituaries

Obituaries are offered as a community service to residents and families of residents, both past and present, as well as to those people with ties to the island. You may submit a standard obituary and photo to news@islander.org. Obituaries are free.

Growing in Jesus’ Name

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

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941-778-0414 • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria • FOLLOW us on Facebook @RoserChurch

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SePt. 1, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 17 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Special magistrate upholds ﬁnes in Anna Maria By amy V.t. moriarty islander reporter

Anna Maria special magistrate Gerald Buhr ordered fines in 10 of 11 cases heard Aug. 26. Buhr presided at Anna Maria City Hall over eight parking violation hearings. He reduced fines for one, upheld fines in six and in a case against Michael Ritchie, owner of Anna Maria Landscaping, dismissed all fines after finding it was “not practicable” for Ritchie to park a trailer in a manner compliant with the city ordinance. Ritchie was issued a parking ticket June 22 after a code enforcement officer found an unhitched trailer registered to his business parked more than halfway on the street. Anna Maria’s parking ordinance requires vehicles be parked with all tires off the road. Ritchie said when he arrived to work, the vehicle he was using to tow the trailer “broke down” before he could park. So the vehicle was separated from the trailer and towed for repair. Ritchie said he tried to move the “2,000-pound trailer” but ultimately left it in place until he could return a few hours later with another vehicle. In another case, Buhr reduced a fine to $190. The offender said her vehicle was parked illegally because it was overheating and needed to cool off before she could add water to the radiator. She said there was nowhere else to park. And although a $50 parking ticket and $15 late fee in another case were paid Aug. 12, Buhr ordered the

recipient to pay a $150 administration fee because the case was on the docket for a hearing. Continuing to crack down on repeat offenders of the city’s noise ordinance, Buhr ordered the owner of 422 Magnolia Ave. to pay two outstanding $35 fines incurred by vacation renters as well as a $150 administrative fee. Buhr also ordered the property owner be listed as a repeat offender. When a property is cited for a noise ordinance violation three or more times within 12 months, the magistrate can deem the property a nuisance. Future violations then carry higher penalties, code enforcement manager Debbie Haynes said. In the 422 Magnolia case, however, the city did not ask Buhr to deem the property a nuisance because ownership had changed during the 12-month timeline. One of the citations was issued before the latest purchase. Two other cases against vacation rental property owners resulted in $150 fines for failure to comply with vacation rental registration renewal requirements, including identifying parking areas at properties, paying registration fees and a safety inspection. The property owners complied after receiving notices of the hearing and before the Aug. 26 hearing. As requested by Haynes, Buhr ordered the owners be classified as repeat offenders, which carries a higher fine for future violations. The next special magistrate hearing will be at 9 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 30, at Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

Bradenton man arrested for fentanyl possession in HB By ryan Paice islander reporter

Holmes Beach police officers Aug. 19 arrested Bradenton resident James Long, 50, on a third-degree felony charge for possessing fentanyl. Long also was charged with a first-degree misdemeanor for driving with a suspended license and a second-degree misdemeanor for attaching an improper license plate to his vehicle. The Holmes Beach Police Department first received an alert from its license plate recognition system for a vehicle with suspicious tags. Two officers stopped the motorist, Long, along Gulf Drive.

Long told the officers the license plate was his wife’s, which he was using because his vehicle was not registered. He added that he didn’t have a license because his was suspended. The officers arrested Long and searched the vehicle, finding two pill bottles with bags containing a white powdery residue that Long said was fentanyl, a synthetic narcotic. The officers transported Long to the Manatee County jail, where he was released Aug. 20 after posting $2,120 bond. An arraignment will be at 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 10, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. A third-degree felony charge carries a maximum sentence of up to five years, a fine of up to $5,000 and up to five years probation.

Streetlife

Staff reports

Island police reports

Anna Maria No new reports. The MCSO polices Anna Maria. Bradenton Beach No new reports. The BBPD polices Bradenton Beach. Cortez No new reports. The MCSO polices Cortez. Holmes Beach Aug. 21, Dunkin Donuts, 3302 E. Bay Drive, trespass. A Holmes Beach police officer saw a manager approach a man loitering outside the restaurant and wave the officer over for help. The manager asked the officer to trespass the man, so he issued a warning. Aug. 21, Publix Super Market, 3900 E. Bay Drive, trespass. An officer responded to reports of a man refusing to leave the property and found a man charging his phone outside. The officer issued a trespass warning to the man at a manager’s request. Aug. 22, 100 block of 79th Street, marijuana. An officer stopped a vehicle that alerted as potentially stolen. The driver clarified that the vehicle wasn’t stolen but had no registration or license plate, and that he attached a fake tag. The officer also found marijuana gummies while searching the vehicle and issued citations. HBPD polices Holmes Beach. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

Woman arrested for DUI in HB

Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Elaine Hasara, 58, of Bradenton, Aug. 19 on a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence. A Holmes Beach police officer stopped a motorist driving recklessly at the Manatee Public Beach. The driver, Hasara, had an open bottle of alcohol nearby and appeared intoxicated. The officer called the MCSO to complete a DUI investigation and transport Hasara to the Bradenton Police Department, where she registered 0.220 and 0.232 grams of ethanol per liter of blood in two breath tests. The legal limit is 0.08 in Florida. An arraignment will be at 8:55 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 21, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. — ryan Paice

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Nesting notes By Samara Paice

Turtle hatches continue with success on AMI

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers are reporting successful sea turtle hatches continue. While there were no new nests discovered on Anna Maria Island for more than a week as of Aug 25, there were many successful nest excavations. Excavations to count hatched and unhatched eggs occur three days after nests hatch. The statistics are sent to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. It can take several days for hatchlings to dig out of their nest, occasionally one or more getting left behind. These hatchlings are taken from the nest by volunteers during the excavation, evaluated and released to the Gulf of Mexico. If they are not healthy enough for release, they are sent to Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota. AMITW volunteers Hans Duerr and Birgit Kremer on Aug. 25 excavated a loggerhead nest they had dedicated as a memorial to Skip Coyne, a volunteer who died in July. As Duerr and Kremer worked, AMITW executive director Suzi Fox looked on. Fox and Coyne, who met some 11 years ago through turtle watch, were life partners. The nest yielded 100 hatched eggs, 43 unhatched eggs and one live turtle. This is considered a successful hatch, particularly since hatchling tracks from three days prior still were visible and led to the water. The live turtle was released to the Gulf of Mexico as a group of beachgoers watched, including the Alano

amitW volunteer Linda o’neal stands in a hole found aug 22 near 2600 gulf drive north in Bradenton Beach. islander Photo courtesy: Kathy doddridge the alano boys from indiana peek into a bucket holding a loggerhead hatchling excavated from a nest aug. 25 in Bradenton Beach. islander Photo: Samara Paice

family visiting from Indiana. The Alano boys, Felipe and Rafael, were engrossed in the tracks left by the tiny sea turtles in the sand, and then the live turtle when Fox let them peer into the bucket before its release. In other news, AMITW volunteers Kathy Doddridge and Linda O’Neal discovered a human-made hole measuring 16 feet in length and more than 4 feet deep Aug 22 near 2600 Gulf Drive North in Bradenton Beach. O’Neal is 5 feet 4 inches tall, and the hole was big enough to “swallow” her up. Hatchlings would not be able to get out of such a hole and could die of dehydration while trying to reach the Gulf of Mexico. The volunteers stressed the importance of filling holes on the beach to give endangered or threatened sea turtles a path to the water. About AMITW AMITW is a nonprofit 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 Suzi Fox, executive director, at 941-232-1405.

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By Lisa Neff

‘Extreme’ labor

After I wanted to be an architect like Mike Brady in “The Brady Bunch” and before I wanted to be a journalist like Bob Woodward at the Washington Post, I wanted to be a forest ranger. I don’t know how I got the inspiration but I was interested enough in the career path to subscribe to a mailorder course for junior rangers. Each week, a package containing a lesson and quiz arrived. I graded myself, so I sometimes cheated and neff always earned an A grade. I remember a lesson on identifying animal poop and perhaps that’s when my interest shifted. Still, on just about any visit to a Manatee County preserve or a Florida state park, I find myself daydreaming about an idyllic life as a ranger, a fire lookout, a campground manager, a trail guide. Then I swat a mosquito, wipe sweat off my neck and think about the extreme effort involved in outdoor work, especially in Florida, where “hot summer” is redundant. The health risks outdoor workers face is real and with climate change, the health risks and threats to job security only will grow. In August, the nonprofit Union of Concerned Scientists released a report, “Too Hot to Work,” an assessment of the threats climate change poses to outdoor workers. The conclusion in the report: As climate change brings one record-heat decade after another, outdoor workers increasingly will have to choose between risking their lives to go to work or their livelihoods to stay safe. Already, outdoor workers have up to 35 times the risk of dying from heat exposure than those in the general population. The impacts of heat on health depend on many factors but the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends employers implement precautions when the heat index exceeds 90 degrees

a chart from climate central shows streaks of days when temperatures exceeded 90 degrees in the region. extreme heat can tax health, especially with prolonged exposure and less time for the body to recover at night.

Fahrenheit. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention further recommends reducing work schedules as “adjusted temperatures” rise to 100-108 degrees. Above 108 degrees, outdoor work should be canceled or rescheduled because the risks to health are so grave. The Union of Concerned Scientists’ analysis found that by midcentury, given slow or no action to reduce global heat-trapping emissions, the increased intensity, frequency and geographic extent of extreme heat would cause a three- to fourfold increase in the exposure of outdoor workers to days with a heat index — or “feels like” temperature — above 100 degrees, the point at which the CDC recommends work hours begin to be reduced. So outdoor workers will have their health more at risk but they could lose income as a result of extreme

a chart from climate central shows the temperatures at which health and safety threats arise due to heat. climate central is a nonprofit composed of scientists and science journalists.

heat. About 9.2% of outdoor workers annually experience a week with a heat index above 100 degrees. By midcentury, the estimate grows to 57%. Also by midcentury, about 18.2% of outdoor workers annually could experience a month with a heat index above 100 degrees. The analysis estimates about a fifth of U.S. workers have outdoor occupations. The focus in the report is on public safety, construction, transportation, agriculture and parks but that seems narrow, overlooking those cleaning pools, maintaining resort grounds, repairing golf carts and boats, tending bar and serving meals. So this Labor Day, if fortunate enough to celebrate a day off from your labors with an island outing, give consideration and kindness to the first responders, the servers, the caretakers keeping you happy, safe and comfortable.

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"" t SERVING LUNCH AND DINNER TAKE-OUT ONLY UÊ*Ài«>Ài`Ê i> ÃÊv ÀÊ/> iÊ"ÕÌ° UÊ À V "Ûi Ê* ââ>ÊUÊ i ÊUÊ Ã«ÀiÃÃ ÊUÊ7 i UÊ ÀiÃ Ê > i`Ê `Ã]Ê Ài>`ÊEÊ*>ÃÌÀ iÃ

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Page 20 THE ISLANDER | islander.org SePt. 1, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Rain subsides somewhat, allowing outdoor sports to play on By Kevin P. cassidy islander reporter

The big kids are back on the gridiron. After six weeks of action including a rainout, Catalyst is on top of the standings in the adult flag football league at the Center of Anna Maria Island with a 5-0 record, just ahead of We the Best Lenders at 4-1. Ray’s Ramblings, TBT and Sandbar Restaurant follow at 3-2. Cortez Deep Sea Fishing holds down sixth place, while cassidy Beach Bums and TMT are searching for a victory. Action Aug. 26 kicked off with TBT getting a forfeit victory over Cortez Deep Sea Fishing, while the second game saw We The Best Lenders cruise to a 42-0 victory over TMT behind two touchdown passes and two rushing touchdowns from Chase Richardson. Dom Otteni chipped in with one passing and one receiving touchdown, while Jonathan Soultatos finished with two receiving touchdowns and a pair of 2-point conversions in the victory. The third game of the night saw undefeated Catalyst hold on for a 31-25 victory over Ray’s Ramblings behind five touchdown passes from Jon Moss, including two each to Greg Moss and Brent Moss. Zach Long added a touchdown grab and an extra point to complete the scoring for Catalyst.

tBt tries a little razzle-dazzle with Zach routh throwing back to Brandon Kull as cortez deep Sea fishing defender tyler Brewer closes in aug. 26 at the center of anna maria island. Southernaire Fishing Charters

tBt quarterback Brandon Kull looks for an open receiver during adult ﬂag football action aug. 26 against cortez deep Sea fishing at the center of anna maria island. islander Photo: courtesy cofami

Ryan Moss paced Ray’s Ramblings with three TD passes and a pick six on defense. Jesse Griffin had a pair of touchdown receptions for Ray’s Ramblings, which also received a receiving TD from Kari Stephens in the loss. Sandbar defeated Beach Bums 33-27 in the final game of the night behind a pair of touchdown passes from Anthony Mannino, who also had a pick six. Matt Manger added a TD pass and two TD receptions while Derrick Carey chipped in with a pick six. JB Shuck led the Beach Bums offense with two passing TDs and a receiving TD, while Cruz Rodriguez finished the night with three receiving TDs. In the gym It’s back to the gym for some AC and basketball. After two weeks of adult basketball action at the center, Paddy Wagon and Beach Bums are on top of the league standings with matching 2-0 records. Slim’s Place is right behind at 1-0, followed by 1-1 Solid Rock Construction. Moss Builders at 0-1 and Sandbar Restaurant and Blue Lagoon, both 0-2, round out the standings. Action Aug. 23 got started with Paddy Wagon cruising to a 47-27 victory over Blue Lagoon behind 19 points from Andy Shown and 10 points from Jeremi King. Kevin Roman scored 12 points and Tim Joyner added nine points to lead Blue Lagoon in the loss. The second game of the evening saw Beach Bums outlast Moss Builders 44-39 behind the one-two scoring punch of Austin Young and Carlton Bennett. Young finished with 18 points and Bennett put up 10 to lead Beach Bums, which also received eight points from Chuy Ayvar in the victory. Moss Builders was led by JB Shuck’s 14 points and 13 points from Jordan DeMers.

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Solid Rock Construction outscored Sandbar Restaurant 62-53 thanks to 18 points each from Dom Otteni and Jaemaal Newon, while JJ Friszman chipped in with 11 points for Solid Rock in the victory. Josh Parrish scored 14 points to lead Sandbar, which also received 12 points each from Austin Henderson and Matt Manger in the loss. On the links For the first time in weeks, there was a full slate of golf action at Key Royale Club, starting with the men’s modified-Stableford system match Aug. 23. Fred Miller grabbed clubhouse bragging rights with a plus-3 to edge the threesome of Art McMillan, Jerry Martinek and Dave Richardson, who finished in a tie for second at plus-2. The women played a nine-hole individual-low-net match Aug. 24 in two flights. Helen Pollock’s 1-underpar 31 gave her a four-shot victory in Flight A over Ellen Boin and Karen Wynn. Janet Razze fired an even-par 32 to grab first place in Flight B by one stroke over Terry Westby. Peggi Clauhs and Fran Barford finished in a tie for third place at 5-over-par 37. At the pits Jerry Disbrow and Norm Good forged the lone 3-0 record during Aug. 25 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall pits and were the day’s outright champs. The Aug. 28 games saw Steve Doyle rally for a 23-20, come-from-behind victory in his final game in pool play to record the lone 3-0 record and earn the day’s championship. Play gets underway at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by random team selection. There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome.

Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

HIGH

LOW

Sept 1 Sept 2 Sept 3 Sept 4 Sept 5 Sept 6 Sept 7 Sept 8

7:01a 8:18a 12:30a 12:41a 12:52a 1:01a 1:13a 1:28a

2.4 2.5 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.9 2.0

— — 9:27a 10:24a 11:13a 12:00p 12:45p 1:33p

— — 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.7 2.7

3:40p 4:33p 3:03a 4:02a 4:49a 5:32a 6:14a 6:58a

0.4 0.2 1.7 1.6 1.4 1.2 1.0 0.8

LOW

Moon

— — — — 5:16p 0.2 5:53p 0.2 6:26p 0.2 6:57p 0.3 7:26p 0.5 New 7:55p 0.7

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

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Sept. 1, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 21 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Hot and humid — just the ticket for good action on the water By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

If you enjoy hot humid weather to go with your fishing adventures, now is a good time to get out on the water around Anna Maria Island. Bring a cooler full of water or your drink of choice, as you must hydrate to beat the heat all day. Fishing in Tampa Bay for catchand-release species — snook, redfish and trout— is quite good. Actually, the trout bite is better than good, it’s Stasny excellent. Spotted seatrout 10-24 inches are being caught frequently over deep grass flats during strong outgoing tides. Free-lining live shiners is proving deadly for the trout, although I’m seeing plenty take small pinfish as offerings, too. Catch-and-release redfish are being caught frequently by casting baits along the edges of mangrove shorelines where good tidal flow exists. These reds are being caught in all sizes, ranging 15-30 inches. Catch-and-release snook are following suit, although they were a little tough during the August full moon. Now that the full moon has waned, you’ll see linesiders responding as expected to live shiners as bait. They can’t resist them. Although recreational harvest for snook opened Sept. 1 statewide, waters from Pinellas/Hillsborough counties — including Tampa Bay — south to Collier County’s Gordon Pass are excluded from this opening due to impact from red tide. Snook, redfish and spotted seatrout remain catch-and-release only in all Florida waters of Manatee County north of State Road 64 until Oct. 11. For more information visit myfwc.com. Moving offshore mahi-mahi — or Dorado or dolphin fish — often are being caught. In fact, good numbers of these fish are making a showing, which is encouraging considering we don’t see them as often in the Gulf of Mexico as they do in the Atlantic Ocean. Another migratory fish being caught offshore is blackfin tuna — good for sushi fans. Bottom fishing offshore also is resulting in many yellowtail and mangrove snapper, as well as some red grouper. On my charters, I’m seeing a lot of catch-andrelease trout taking the hook. Most catches are 18-22 inches, with smaller and bigger ones in the mix. Catch-and-release snook fishing is going well for my sportfishing clients. Most catches are occurring in the first few hours of daylight, during good tidal flow, and the catch-and-release redfish are mixed in with the

TideWatch

Summer sizzler This big bull shark — “big around as a 55-gallon drum” — is being wrangled to the boat for release by Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters. White said it was probably drawn to his bait by the numerous hookups with tarpon — a favored snack for a big “gladiator” like this one.

snook bite. For those who want a fish dinner, I’m seeing mangrove snapper being caught throughout the day while working the flats. On some days, I’m putting a couple of limits in the cooler and on other days only a few. Capt. Warren Girle is finding schooling catch-andrelease redfish in Sarasota Bay. This is a good indicator the waters of Sarasota Bay are healing after being stricken by red tide. Also while in the bay, Girle is finding some spotted seatrout, ladyfish and jack crevalle. These species are being found over deeper grass flats, where large bait schools are present — and it’s easy enough to find these bait schools, just look for diving shorebirds. Lastly, Girle is finding some mangrove snapper and juvenile grouper while fishing nearshore structure in the Gulf of Mexico. Capt. David White is mostly spending his days fishing offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, where bottom fishing in depths of 100 feet is offering the best action

Patchy red tide bloom remains

A patchy bloom of the red tide organism, Karenia brevis, persists along Florida’s Gulf Coast, where K. brevis was detected in bloom concentrations exceeding 100,000 cells per liter offshore of Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee counties. K. brevis was observed at background to medium concentrations in and offshore of Manatee County, as well as background to high concentrations in and offshore of Pinellas, background to high concentrations in and offshore of Sarasota, very low to high concentrations in and offshore of Charlotte, background to high concentrations in and offshore

of Lee and very low concentrations offshore of Collier County. K. brevis also was detected in Northwest Florida. Fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were reported along and/or offshore in Manatee, Citrus, Hernando, Pinellas, Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee counties. Respiratory irritation suspected to be related to red tide was reported in Manatee, Hernando, Pinellas, Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee counties. For more information, go online to myfwc.com/ research/redtide.

for White’s clients. On these trips, White is putting anglers on catches of red grouper, yellowtail snapper and catch-and-release American red snapper. Also, while in these depths, White is seeing numerous mahimahi. Casting free-lined surface baits on medium spinning tackle is keeping White’s clients busy reeling in these colorful fish. Moving inshore, White is finding plenty of redfish and snook to satisfy the sport fishers. Capt. Jason Stock says he’s enjoying a good blackfin tuna catch while fishing offshore wrecks in the Gulf of Mexico. While targeting the blackfins over the wrecks, Stock is spotting many schools of mahimahi. The tuna are averaging 15-20 pounds, while the mahi are in the 10-pound range. After free-lining baits for the tuna and mahi, Stock is switching to bottom fishing, which is quite productive. Yellowtail and mangrove snapper are the primary catches for Stock’s anglers. Finally, moving inshore, Stock is targeting large catch-and-release redfish in Tampa Bay, where some of the reds are reaching 40 inches in length. Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says fishing is quite good this week at the northernmost pier. Anglers there are using live shrimp on a knocker rig to hook numerous mangrove snapper. Most of these snapper are 10-12 inches, but if you can catch your limit of five fish, you’re on your way to a nice fish fry. Catch-and-release redfish are being caught on the shrimp-knocker rig combo. Most of these catches are falling in the slot of 18-27 inches. Using larger baits — pinfish, mojarras and ladyfish — is attracting some hefty-size catch-and-release snook.

Fishing tip! If you hook a bird, remember: Reel, remove, release!

Licensed

Page 22 THE ISLANDER | islander.org SePt. 1, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Health department: Bayfront Park again safe for swimming By amy V.t. moriarty islander reporter

A chef in St. Petersburg, Ricketts said he was spending his day off at the beach with his 3-year-old daughter, Arriah, because she had been begging him to do so for weeks. Ricketts said even if he had known about the advisory, he would have brought Arriah to the park because “once the county says it’s safe, it’s safe.” Melanie Llewellyn and her twin 10-year-old daughters visiting the island from upstate New York also were enjoying the day at Bayfront Park Aug. 26. Llewellyn said they arrived for vacation Aug. 22

and were unaware of the advisory but glad they hadn’t tried to go to the park sooner. “I don’t know that we would have still come down here today if we knew about the bacteria warning, even though they said it’s safe today, I would have probably wanted to wait an extra day or two just to be safe,” Llewellyn said. “But we are here now and having fun so we won’t rush off.” For information about Florida’s Healthy Beaches monitoring program, call the health department at 941714-7593 or go online to www.floridahealth.gov.

After a six-day “No Swim” advisory issued by the health department, the waters at Bayfront Park were declared safe Aug. 26. Routine tests of water at the park Aug. 16 and Aug. 18 indicated elevated levels of the enterococci bacteria, posing increased risk of infectious disease or rash to humans. A media release from Christopher Tittel Aug. 26 declared “bacteria counts have dropped to acceptable levels and the public can once again recreate in the waters.” Tittel is communications director for the Safety tips for AMI’s most popular real estate: the beach Florida Department of Health in Manatee County. Summer’s ending but the time is still right for Mark Ricketts, of Parrish, said Aug. 26 he was not some summertime warnings. aware of the Aug. 20 advisory. Labor Day marks an unofficial end to summer but in September, AMI still has warmer water, crowded beaches, afternoon storms and changes in behavior for animals on the shore and in the water. So a series of cautions: • Although red tide is at low levels near Anna Maria Island, state officials caution beachgoers to avoid swimming in areas with dead fish and warned those with respiratory illnesses to use caution. • Stingrays frequent the waters around AMI. The rays are not aggressive but they are defensive, equipped with a venomous barb near the base of their tail. People entering shallow water should do the “stingray shuffle,” lightly sliding or shuffling their feet — one at a time — to push the sand forward. Why shuffle? To give the stingray time to swim away. If stung by a ray, use hot water to flush the wound and soak it as soon as possible. • Look for warning flags at the lifeguard stands. arriah ricketts, 3, and her father mark splash in Two red flags: Water closed. the tampa Bay waters aug. 26 at Bayfront Park on Red flag: High hazard, high surf, strong currents. marine rescue staff — lifeguards — at coquina north Shore drive in anna maria. Health officials Yellow flag: Medium hazard. Beach in Bradenton Beach and the manatee Public lifted a “no Swim” advisory at the park aug. 26. Green flag: Low hazard, calm conditions. Beach in Holmes Beach ﬂy warning ﬂags from the islander Photo: amy V.t. moriarty Purple flag: Dangerous marine life. lifeguard stands, notifying beachgoers of water con• Rip currents are responsible for a majority of ditions. islander courtesy image drowning deaths in Florida. The best safety measure is to swim where lifeguards are on duty. If you are not a strong swimmer, go only knee deep CARPET, UPHOLSTERY & TILE CLEANING ODOR CONTROL • AREA RUG SPECIALIST into water. If caught in a rip current, try to relax and do not QUALITY THAT MATTERS WITH swim against the current. Instead, try to tread water A HIGHER STANDARD OF CLEAN. and float while calling for help. If help is not available, DRIES IN HOURS, NOT DAYS! SATISFACTION GUARANTEED Monthly Garbage Bin Cleaning swim parallel to the shore until released from the curCall Fat Cat now! 941-778-2882 Specializing in Vacation Rentals rent and then swim toward shore, letting the waves do Serving the community since 1992 941-778-0020 the work. • The nesting season continues for sea turtles. www.BinsBeClean.com Beachgoers should respect nesting habitat, maintain a distance from wildlife and keep the shoreline Residential/Commercial clear of litter. Also, remove beach gear at sunset and MONTHLY BIN-CLEANING SERVICE cover any holes on the beach.

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

SePt. 1, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 23 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

isl

four-time Major League Baseball All-Star — installed his job. The subject of Melancon’s other vocation came up near the end of the project, when Wold mentioned he’d worked for the Dallas Mavericks. “And he said, ‘Well, I’m in Major League Baseball.’ And I said, ‘Who do you work for?’ And he goes, ‘The Braves, the Red Sox, the Cardinals, the Astros,’” Wold said. Melancon, who pitches for the San Diego Padres took the mound in the July 13 All-Star game. He also led the National League in saves in 2015. And he’s no slouch when it comes to installing artificial turf, Wold said. “He was very good. And he finished exactly when he said he would,” he said. Like a true closer, Melancon, who has a home in Holmes Beach, returned after the job was complete to ensure customer satisfaction. “He came over with his parents in their golf cart, and we chatted with them for a while. It was very nice,” Wold said. For more information, visit diamondqualityturf. com or call 941-413-2496.

biz

By Kane Kaiman

Some biz surprises

Amazing Greysen Karaoke can be revealing — sometimes in a good way. Owner Rick Hurst and his patrons at the Freckled Fin Irish Pub, 5337 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, got a surprise when bartender Greysen Newberry took the mic at a Monday karaoke session in March. “It was definitely out of the ordinary, as far as how good she was,” Kaiman Hurst said Aug. 23. Newberry, who began working at the bar in December 2020, hadn’t told anyone she was a classically trained vocalist. “Since then, we’ve been hounding her to play,” Hurst said. On May 4, Newberry, who taught herself to play guitar and other instruments growing up in Virginia, did a one-hour set at the Freckled Fin, a bar that features professional music acts most nights. The week of Aug. 15-21, she sang along with popular Freckled Fin performers Steve Arvey and Eric Von. A YouTube video of her Aug. 15 rendition of “Tennessee Whiskey” with Arvey has made the rounds on social media. The 23-year-old, who is working toward a degree

MORGAN LEWIS REALTY

413 Pine Ave. Anna Maria

Decades of island experience … Buying! Selling! Building! Consulting!

freckled fin bartender and up-and-coming entertainer greysen newberry performs may 4 at the irish pub where she works at 5337 gulf drive, Holmes Beach. islander courtesy Photo

in wealth management, said Aug. 23 that while financial planning is her likely career path, the opportunity to tell stories and make an emotional impact through music is what draws her to the stage. With work and school, Newberry said she’s unsure how regularly she’ll be performing at the Freckled Fin but confirmed another set would be on the schedule sometime soon. For more information, visit freckledfin.com or call 941-251-3930. Doing an all-star job Diamond Turf, 3230 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, an artificial grass landscaping design and installation company, does professional work. Just ask Chris Wold, a Texas native who hired the company to install a dog run in December 2020 at his Holmes Beach vacation home. Unbeknownst to Wold at the beginning of the project, his installer was a real pro — a pro baseball player. Yep. Diamond Turf founder Mark Melancon — a

Call Mark, 941-518-6329

$2 @

morganlewisrealty@gmail.com

The Islander

BK620023 Mark Kimball CGC58092

315 58th St., HB.

WE LIKE LIKES facebook.com/ Islandernewspaper

MIKE NORMAN REALTY EST. 1978

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

Mike Norman Realty

Chantelle Lewin

mark melancon, mLB player and turf seller.

Welcome We join the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce in welcoming six new members in August: Breezy Bakery of Cortez; Simply Organized serving Manatee and Sarasota counties; Hola Sunshine Graphic Design serving Bradenton, Anna Maria Island and Sarasota; Bay2Bay Tours serving Anna Maria Island; Florida Underwater Sports of Holmes Beach and Florida Beauty and Bridal serving the Tampa Bay and Sarasota areas. For more information, go to annamariaislandchamber.org or call 941-778-1541. And as always… …Got biz news? Contact Kane Kaiman at kane@ islander.org or call the ofﬁce at 941-778-7978.

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.

Broker Associate Licensed since 1983

—

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Page 24 THE ISLANDER | islander.org SePt. 1, 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

eLectronic LocK for front door. Vacation rentals, $150-$190. orinocomarketing@outlook. com.

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.

actiVitY director-driVer sought for senior’s at the annie Silver community center and center of anna maria island. Seeking volunteer senior activity director and van driver for friday outings. contact Peg miller, 941-447-5076 or pm3h@ yahoo.com.

cHandeLier: BroWn metaL, hardware, $45, dell keyboards, $10, two bar stools, black/ brown leather seat, stainless-steel, $45, 941920-2494. for SaLe: Large antique, ornate, wood-framed picture of child with dog, $35. northwest Bradenton. 941-565-0836. antiQue BaBY carriage: Wood and wicker. Proceeds benefit moonracer animal rescue. email for photos: moonraceranimalrescue@ gmail.com. antiQue Partner deSK: all wood, $500. inquire at the islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

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

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

References available • 941-720-7519

AdoptA-Pet

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 tollfree 1-866-362-9821. (limited time offer)

ANNOUNCEMENTS couPon: SaVe $5 on the only patented sandless beach blanket. Bring this coupon to the Beach Hut across from ginny’s and Jane e’s cafe on gulf drive, anna maria. call 855-686Sand or go to https://sandlessblanket.com for home delivery. tooK a Bad fall and need inexpensive postsurgery/rehab equipment. 785-341-9662. Wanted: WorKout dVds and retired but working XBox, Wii units with games for ministry of Presence for kids and teens in Haiti. deliver to the islander, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. Wanted: Your oLd cellphone for recycling. deliver to the islander, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. free gun LocK courtesy of Project childsafe, florida fish and Wildlife conservation commission and Holmes Beach Police department. Pick up at the islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. don’t be sorry, be safe.

LOST & FOUND LoSt goLd Wedding band. Beer can island, south of first rock groin shallows. reward. 941504-0526.

PETS

Bobby is a 3-monthold male pup and he’s as precious as can be! He’s looking for a loving family. To meet this cutie, call Lisa Williams at 941-345-2441 or visit The Islander ofﬁce in Holmes Beach. For more about pet adoption or to adopt Bobby, visit moonraceranimalrescue.com.

HeLP reScued PetS! Volunteer, foster, computer help needed! moonracer animal rescue. email: moonraceranimalrescue@gmail.com.

HELP WANTED fuLL-time LaBorer to accept, catalog, and deliver materials, assist with projects, and site clean-up. reliable, dL. Send resume to info@ coastalife.com a/c SerVice tecH: experience required. must have own tools. full-time with benefits. drug free Workplace. West coast ac, 941-778-9622.

BoutiQue career oPPortunitY on anna maria island. full-time positions available. experienced salesperson position starting at $18. Please, email karsen@islandcabana.com.

diVe SHoP retaiL associate position. We’re hiring a full-time long-term employee who loves diving and is ready to learn all about the dive industry! ami@ﬂoridaunderwatersports.com. 941-200-0660. rePorter Wanted: full- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience required. apply via email with letter of interest to news@islander. org.

KIDS FOR HIRE dePendaBLe, reSPonSiBLe, fun babysitter for hire. 13 years old, island local. available in June. 941-526-9090. KidS for Hire ads are free for up to three weeks for island youths under 16 looking for work. ads must be placed in person at the islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach.

SERVICES need a ride to airports? tampa $65, St. Pete, $55, Sarasota, $30. gary, 863-409-5875. gvoness80@gmail.com. iS Your Home or office in need of some cleaning? Well, i’m your girl! Local, reliable, professional! Please, call or text, 941-773 -0461. cLeaning: Vacation, conStruction, residential, commercial and windows. Licensed and insured. 941-744-7983. PreSSure WaSHing, PaVer sealing, driveway, roof, fence, pool area. also, window cleaning. Licensed and insured. 941-565-3931. iSLand PHotoSHootS WitH gemma. family, children, engagement, commercial. instagram: @ silvernestphoto. 805-570-1415. nannY, BaBY/PetSitting, cleaning, organizing, errands, assistance. 20 years’ experience. reliable and trustworthy, local. 805-570-1415.

the islander is essential news. check out the website, islander.org.