By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter
Coast Guard rescues 3 men from flooding vessel
‘It was a fishing trip I’ll never forget.’ — boater Ti Jones
A fishing trip turned into a lifethreatening ordeal June 28 when a mechanical failure nearly sank a boat carrying three people west of Egmont Key, prompting a rescue by U.S. Coast Guard Station Cortez.
“We were about 35 miles offshore when the Coast Guard got to us,” said the vessel owner, Ti Jones of Pinellas Park. “We started taking on water and couldn’t figure out why.”
Jones, who spoke to The Islander July 2, said the trouble began when Jones and his friends, Rodney McDuffy and Tony Montgomery, purchased pinfish bait near Maximo Marina in St. Petersburg and debris from the bait tanks clogged the boat’s live well system.
After a 40-mile run offshore, Jones started to experience problems.
“I noticed that my live well was clogged at one point, so I unclogged it and kept on fishing,” he said. But then the engine began running sluggishly and water began pooling in the stern.
Jones investigated and found water filling the bilge compartment.
“We were pulling water out any way we could — with cups, coffee mugs, a bucket,” he said.
As water got over the boat’s batter-
ies, electronics began to fail.
“The bilge pump stopped working,” he said.
Jones retrieved a firearm from the vessel console and fired five rounds into the air to signal a nearby vessel but the shots went unheard.
Eventually, a boater, identifi ed as
Teen airlifted to hospital after fall from golf cart in Anna Maria
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
A fall from a golf cart left one 15-year-old girl critically injured and in need of emergency transportation off the island.
According to a West Manatee Fire Rescue report provided to The Islander, three units responded around 7:45 p.m. June 30 to the intersection of North Shore Drive and Spring Avenue in Anna Maria.
There, WMFR personnel found a 15-year-old girl on her left side in front of a golf cart, which was undamaged.
The golf cart’s driver told firstresponders that “she was going 5-10 mph when she went to turn and her friend rolled out of the golf cart and fell onto the road,” according to the report.
The 15-year-old was alert and able to answer questions but was “spitting up blood and did not have a patent airway.”
Personnel found the girl had suffered multiple injuries, including road rash and severe trauma to her head and chest from the blunt force of falling out of the moving vehicle, according to the WMFR report.
She was placed on a stretcher and moved to a Manatee County Emergency Medical Services ambulance, where she was sedated and intubated.
The ambulance transported her to a landing zone at City Field near city hall in Holmes Beach, where a crew on an aeromed helicopter equipped with advanced life support assumed treatment.
Aeromed then transported the 15-year-old to Tampa General Hospital for treatment.
The hospital did not provide a status update on the victim’s condition when The Islander called July 4 and July 5.
The fire district report provided no information about where the driver and passenger reside.
flooding the vessel, leaving three people stranded.
Steve Brownlee of Ellenton, spotted the distressed crew and went to assist.
Brownlee loaned the crew a manual bilge pump to bring down the water level and allow them to get underway.
Jones said Brownlee advised him to “push the engine as hard and fast as you can” toward shore, using the forward
momentum of the boat to drain water out of the hull.
“He gave me the best advice — ‘get the boat moving,’” Jones said.
Despite making about 5 miles progress back to shore, the vessel still needed help and USCG Station Cortez
State delivers $1.25M for AM pier
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
The first piece of funding for rebuilding the Anna Maria City Pier walkway is locked in.
The city’s $1.25 million appropriation request to fund the walkway rebuild was included in the state’s new $117.4 billion budget that Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law June 30 — only one day before going into effect.
Hurricanes Helene and Milton destroyed the walkway to the pier’s
T-end last fall and the structure has been closed since then.
The remainder of the walkway was demolished in June so it can be rebuilt to superior specifications — the same used for the T-end, which remains structurally sound.
Mayor Mark Short has expressed hope to rebuild the walkway by fall 2026 but, until now, the city had yet to secure any outside funding toward the projected $6,862,161-$8,955,000 cost.
TURN TO AM PIER, PAGE 4
Former AM Commissioner Woodland dies
Dale Woodland, who served 16 years as an Anna Maria city commissioner, died June 28.
The city issued a statement July 2 that read, in part, “Dale served our community with dedication, integrity, and a true heart for public service. His 16
years on the city commission were marked by his thoughtful leadership and strong commitment to preserving the unique character of Anna Maria.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Dale’s family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. His legacy of service and love for this community will not be forgotten.”
To read The Islander’s obituary, go to page 10.
Crew members from U.S. Coast Guard Station Cortez on June 28 work to pump water from a small boat 35 miles offshore after a malfunctioning live bait well began
Islander
Photo:
Courtesy USCG-Station Cortez
Woodland
Bad news, good news
Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short emailed The Islander July 2 and July 3 with news from the northernmost city on Anna Maria Island.
Short commented on the loss of former Commissioner Dale Woodland, who died June 28. He served 16 years on the commission — 2004-20.
“I briefly served with Dale on the commission. Dale was a well-known fi gure in the city and gave years of service to the city as a commissioner and as an involved citizen. On behalf of the city, we were sorry to hear about Dale’s passing and our condolences go out to his family.”
Short also got some good news.
“Though it’s now ‘old news,’ we did receive confirmation late Monday that the state has included in its fiscal 25/26 budget an appropriation of $1.25M to assist with the rebuild of the city pier.”
He thanked people involved in obtaining the funds, including state Rep. Will Robinson Jr., R-Bradenton, who included the appropriation at the start of the budget process, and state Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton.
He noted that the pier demolition process continues, with signifi cant progress made. While there is some debris to remove underwater, the process is about 75% complete.
Short also said the city is finalizing a request for proposals for the next phase of work, “the most expensive phase, the build-out of the walkway infrastructure. We expect that RFP to be released in the next couple weeks.”
He said the city is going down a separate path to remediate the T-end: “The RFP for that work is being prepared but I don’t yet have a timeline. That process
will dictate what needs to be done regarding the interior of the buildings.”
Both tenants — a restaurant and a marine education center — have assessed their damages but nothing has been removed from the T-end.
Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth texted The Islander July 4 with her comments on that week.
She was looking forward to the first bu dget work session with commissioners on July 8: “I had been finalizing the budget with department heads all week.”
She noted that she was sorry to see the Anna
Maria Island Privateers’ Fourth of July Parade canceled because the city had planned to take part with the islanders4cleanwater boat and two side-by-sides — “golf carts on steroids” — with our new turtle flag and banners, giving away koozies.”
The giveaways will be postponed, maybe until December, when the mayor is planning to celebrate the city’s 75-year anniversary with an event on City Field.
Also, Titsworth said the public works department prepared for a lot of rain over the holiday weekend.
— Bonner Joy
Qualifying ahead on AMI
Election 2025 Roadwatch
Qualifying to run for elected offices opens in August.
Qualifying in Anna Maria will be noon Aug. 18-noon Aug. 29.
Qualifying in Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach will be noon Aug. 25-noon Aug. 29.
The offices up for election in Anna Maria include three commission seats for two-year terms. The seats are held by John Lynch, Charles Salem and Kathleen Morgan.
In Bradenton Beach, there will be three commission seats and the mayoral post up for election. Seats held by Mayor John Chappie and Commissioners Deborah Scaccianoce and Janet E. Vosburgh are up for two-year terms and the seat held by Commissioner Ralph Cole is up for a one-year term due to a prior change in ward numbering and boundaries.
Holmes Beach’s election will include three twoterm commission seats. Steven Oelfke, Terry W. Schaefer and Carol Soustek currently hold the seats. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4.
For more about 2025 municipal elections, go to votemanatee.gov or call the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office at 941-741-3823.
Eyes on the road
By Lisa Neff
Bradenton Beach street, beach access hurricanerelated repairs: The city is making repairs through Oct. 31, including, July 14-21, 27th Street North beach access; July 22-24, 26th Street North, beach access; July 25-31, 25th Street North, beach access.
Cortez Bridge utility relocation project: Pipe installation and related activities are ongoing in preparation for the construction of the new Cortez Bridge, scheduled to begin in 2026. Construction is underway east of the Cortez Bridge on the north side Cortez Road West along the northern shoulder of 124th Court West, on 127th Street West between Cortez Road West and 126th Street West, and on the south side of Cortez Road West between 124th Street West and Avenue A. Work in these areas is expected to continue through the summer. For more, call 941-306-4660, email info@ amiprojects.io or go to amiprojects.io.
75th Street West at Manatee Avenue West : Manatee County construction is underway on its 75th Street West Improvements Project from 19th Avenue West to Second Avenue West, including at the Manatee Avenue intersection. Motorists can expect delays during roadwork. For more information, go to mymanatee.org/75th.
Manatee County School District considers attendance rezones
By Lisa Neff Islander Editor
The School District of Manatee County is seeking public input as it considers new residential attendance zones for the 2026-27 academic year.
“It’s vital for transparency and legitimacy of the process — and the school district needs this valuable community input to make sure we have the best new attendance zones,” district communications specialist Melissa Parker said June 30.
The district published rezoning maps earlier this year to serve as a starting point for refining the boundaries for schools, including Anna Maria Elementary, the island’s only public school, serving kids from VPK to fifth-grade.
A residential attendance zone is a geographical area within which students are assigned to attend a specific school unless a student is making use of school choice options. The district is revisiting the zones to address increasing student enrollment, balance the use of its facilities and accommodate projected residential growth at a time when some schools are at or near capacity.
“We hope this rezoning will last many years,” Parker said, adding that changes in student enrollment and county growth trigger the process.
The district plans to develop new zones based on enrollment trends, capacity of schools, neighborhood integrity, future development and transportation efficiency.
AME, 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, is in the district’s “west area elementary schools,” a group of 19 schools for which three options were presented.
Options 1 and 2 show all of AMI and part of Longboat Key in the AME zone.
Option 3 extends the AME zone to the mainland to include Cortez and pushes east.
All the options proposed would leave AME operating below capacity, but option three increases program capacity.
District notes on the options include:
• Option 1 and 2 advantages: Maintains neighborhood boundaries and natural barriers for travel to fullest extent practicable and allows for school choice options availability for majority of schools.
• Option 1 and 2 considerations: No increase to enrollment at AME.
• Option 3 advantages: Maintains neighborhood boundaries and natural barriers for travel to fullest extent practicable, allows school choice for majority of schools and increases attendance zone for AME.
• Option 3 considerations: Several boundary changes for other schools impact transportation efficiency.
A form to share opinions through Aug. 15 is available on the district website at manateeschools.net/page/ proposed-2026-2027-residential-attendance-zones.
The district already has held several meetings and
Summer! Welcome
Maps for west Manatee elementary schools show options for residential attendance zones. TOP LEFT: Option one, TOP RIGHT: Option two.LEFT: Option three. The district expects to adopt rezone maps in October for the 2026-27 academic year. Islander Courtesy Images
a workshop on the maps, which also can be found online at manateeschools.net.
The school board is expected to adopt new attendance zones in October, but they won’t be in place for the 2025-26 year.
Back to school: Aug. 11
School District of Manatee County classes in the 2025-26 academic year will begin Monday, Aug. 11.
The school year begins earlier for teachers and staff, with teacher workdays Aug. 4 and Aug. 6-7 and inservice days Aug. 5 and Aug. 8.
The first break will be Monday, Sept. 1, for Labor Day.
— Lisa Neff
Modern Chop Happy Hour Light Bite Specials 4-6, lounge only.
Martini Monday: Signature Martinis, $7, plus 1/2 price lite bites -- lounge only.
Tuesday: $3 Tacos and Margaritas 4-9, lounge only.
Wine Down Wednesday, 5O% OFF Wines by the Glass
Live Maine Lobster Thursdays, plus Happy Hour in the lounge all nite.
Bids in for AM projects
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
There is some competition for a couple of projects in Anna Maria.
Over the week of June 30, city staff revealed bid responses to two requests for proposals involving holiday decorations and city hall hardening projects.
The holiday decorations RFP was issued in June and called for a contractor to furnish, install, maintain and remove decorations over the winter holiday season.
The RFP calls for specific elements to be included in the decorations, such as:
• Wreaths or similar decorations on all streetlight poles along Gulf Drive, from the city limits to Pine Avenue, as well as along Pine Avenue, from Gulf Drive to Bay Boulevard;
• Lights, decorations and a holiday tree at the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum, 402 Pine Ave.;
• Garlands, wreaths or bows at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, and the city annex, 307 Pine Ave.
Two contractors submitted bids by July 1, including a $38,751 bid from West Palm Beachbased Shellard Lighting Designs LLC and a $47,705.01 bid from Pompano Beach-based Christmas Designers Florida.
The city hall hardening RFP was issued in May and called for a contractor to improve the building for wind and flood protection.
The project will involve the removal of some exterior windows and doors, as well as the installation of a flood barrier system.
It will be funded by a Federal Emergency Management Agency program.
Two contractors submitted bids by July 2, including a $101,383.23 bid from Hialeah Gardens-based Best Home Protection and a $169,962.50 bid from Sebring-based E.O. Koch Construction.
Mayor Mark Short wrote in a July 3 email that the bids would be discussed at a meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 24, at city hall.
Building a July 4th tradition on the beach
A Busciglio Family and Friends Pyramid kids-only pyramid July 4. The Busciglio pyramid photo is keeping the tradition of a July 4 photo going for five generations since 1996 with the only exception being 2020 due to COVID-19. This year’s pyramids shaped up on Oak Avenue in Anna Maria. The pyramid had its largest group of participants in 2005 with 109 family members and friends, all on the beach for a family wedding at the Sandbar Restaurant, and included bride and groom. Beginning in 2022 and this year, the younger generation built a kids-only version. Islander Photo: Courtesy Dina Busciglio Sheridan
The city originally requested $2.5 million in funding from the state to rebuild the walkway but legislators approved half the requested funds in a $117.9 billion budget presented to DeSantis.
The Anna Maria City Pier walkway is gone July 5. Mayor Mark Short says some underwater work remains. Islander Photo: Capt. Scott Moore
While the governor line-item vetoed $567 million from the budget, Anna Maria’s request survived the chopping block. It is the only appropriation approved for an AMI municipality in fiscal 2025-26.
“We want to thank all those involved in assisting the city in successfully receiving this appropriation and, in particular, state Rep. Will Robinson, for including it in his appropriation request at the state of the budget process, and his and state Senator Jim Boyd’s strong support during the budget process,” Short wrote in a July 3 email to The Islander.
The city will be able to access the appropriation funding Oct. 1.
While the state appropriation is the first piece of outside funding that has fallen into place for the city, other pieces might fall into place soon.
Manatee County Tourist Development Council members unanimously voted in June to recommend county commissioners fund up to $2 million in tourist development tax revenue to rebuild the pier walkway.
The city also is seeking reimbursement funding from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency to complete the rebuild.
Short previously said the number “getting kicked around” with FEMA was $4 million in reimbursement funding, but nothing has been confirmed.
Island cities target infrastructure with shares of CDBG funding
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
Federal funds might soon contribute to Anna Maria Island infrastructure improvements.
The island cities will be the recipients of more than $1.4 million of a $252,711,000 Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded to Manatee County.
Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton triggered federal disaster declarations last year for Manatee, making the area eligible for the funding.
The money is intended to be used to rebuild disaster-impacted areas and mitigate against damage from future storms.
At least 70% of the funds must benefit low- and moderate-income residents and a minimum of 15% must be used for public services.
Of the available funds, $125 million — about half of the total pot — is allotted for the infrastructure recovery and resiliency program, according to the county’s action plan.
The program will allow the use of mitigation funds for repair, replacement or improvement of infrastructure, even if it does not have direct ties to last year’s storms.
CDBG-DR funding will be distributed throughout the county via its allocation program, “Lasting Manatee,” in proportion to each municipality’s percentage of the county’s total population.
County commissioners voted in May to divvy up funding based on 2023 population data compiled by
Bradention Beach P&Z
By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter
the U.S. Census Bureau, which found the county had a total population of 441,095.
The city of Anna Maria’s population of 1,008 represents 0.23% of the county’s total, so it is eligible to receive the same percentage of infrastructure recovery and resiliency program funding, or $287,500.
Bradenton Beach has a population of 916 — 0.21% of the county’s total — so it can receive up to $262,500 through the program.
The city of Holmes Beach is the most populated on the island with 3,027 people, or 0.69% of the county’s total population, so $862,500 in infrastructure recovery and resiliency funds will be available.
While the money has yet to make it to municipal coffers, that has not stopped island officials from planning out how their cities can use the funds.
Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short wrote in a July 3 email to The Islander that the city would use funds it will receive from the CDBG-DR to focus on repairing stormwater infrastructure.
Last year’s storms left many of the city’s drainage swales and tide valves — which allow stormwater pipes to drain into the Gulf of Mexico and bay waters without allowing the tide to backup — damaged and nonfunctional.
Short said money allotted from Lasting Manatee would be used to clear and retrench drainage swales, as well as repair damaged tide valves and the underground piping between points.
In May, Bradenton Beach city commissioners discussed a handful of possibilities for use of CDBG-DR funds.
Those possibilities included using the money to fund the undergrounding of electrical lines that remain aboveground, a resiliency and shoreline protection project for Bay Drive, the purchase of a filter system to prevent drainage pipelines from clogging, reconfiguring drainage pipes on Bridge Street, as well as drainage improvement projects on 12th Street North and 24th Street North.
Kamiya said Holmes Beach had two potential focuses for using the CDBG-DR money: the installation of new tide valves throughout the city and a drainage improvement project between 27th and 28th streets.
He said the city identified almost $1 million in work to install tide valves on drainage outflows that could benefi t from them. It plans to use $100,000$200,000 to install tide valves on the most critical outflow pipelines.
The city plans to use its remaining CDBG-DR funding to improve upon a “semblance of a system” that goes out 27th Street North and takes stormwater drainage from Avenues B and C to an outfl ow into Anna Maria Sound, according to Kamiya.
He said the project was not designed yet and would require coordination with the city of Bradenton Beach.
“We are definitely happy to be able to get some funds to help fulfill some of these projects,” Kamiya said. “These things will definitely help us. … It’s definitely welcome funding.”
People can learn more about Lasting Manatee on the county’s website, mymanatee.org.
tables lot coverage, chair election to September
Discussion of changes to Bradenton Beach’s lot coverage and impervious area ordinances will remain on hold until September because the planning and zoning board voted July 2 to table the issue to allow time for more research and ensure full board participation.
The board — chair Bill Morrow, John Burns, Dan Morhaus, Fred Bartizal and Ken McDonough — was short two members July 2, McDonough and Bartizal. The present members voted unanimously to continue the discussion to Sept. 3.
City planner Luis Serna said staff wanted time to review prior discussions, gather documentation and share input.
“This ordinance just sort of dropped,” said Serna, referring to draft Ordinance 23-551, which was introduced in December 2023 to address lot coverage, impervious surfaces, landscaping, pools and stormwater management.
“We had a new city engineer appear, which was a really needed step to provide her input, and then we had staff turnover and the hurricanes. We’d like to just get more input and your direction and recommenda-
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tions before moving forward,” he said.
Burns agreed, calling the pause a “second bite of the apple” allowing for fresh insights from the engineer and the new building official, Bill Palmer.
During discussion July 2, dealing with stormwater management has emerged as a significant concern, with Palmer citing persistent flooding issues in lowlying areas.
He also recommended a review of how the city handles pools, drainage systems and block coverage limits to help mitigate flooding.
Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning board members Bill Morrow, center, and Dan Morhaus, right, listen as John Burns, left, speaks to building official Bill Palmer and city planner Luis Serna during a July 2 meeting at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive North. Islander
Robert Anderson
“Pools are often considered impervious in other jurisdictions,” Palmer said. “I think it’s worth a look at how we handle stormwater on each block and at our current systems and see if we are satisfied with them.”
The discussion also touched on regulations tied to the floodplain management standards, particularly the allowable height of ground floors above the crown of the road or sea level amid rising concerns over sea level rise and storm resiliency.
After some discussion, board members agreed it would be inefficient to proceed without the background materials and input from staff.
The board also decided to table a vote to elect a new chair after Morrow announced he would be stepping down. Members postponed the election until the September meeting.
Photo:
OpinionOur
Old piers,
new piers?
Oh geez. What now?
With July 4 behind us — we now have a summer of hot, stormy weather to look forward to and nothing much to do but complain about it.
Although, there is a large amount of dread among islanders and folks in that zone of flooding and storm damage that last year pushed over AMI and into NW Bradenton and Cortez, we hesitate to talk aloud about the possibility of more storms this year.
After all, hurricane season is just getting started and it runs through November.
Meanwhile, the kids go back to school Aug. 11, cutting short our summer stay-cation and Florida instate vacation seasons.
The sea turtles are smashing records for numbers of nests — both loggerheads and greens — and with nesting ongoing, hatching season is just getting underway. If you haven’t done it yet, try spending a late night on the beach, eyeing the shoreline for a nester.
If you’re lucky, you’ll have an experience that you could never buy at Disney or on Broadway.
You might also want to visit the spot on the Tampa Bay shoreline that once thrived with people, the Anna Maria City Pier.
It’s gone. Thanks to hurricanes in 2024, just the T-end stands, off in the distance, closed, damaged and unaccessible to pedestrians.
We were looking this past week to 2010 when we celebrated the pier centennial, and we ran a sales campaign for inscribed planks on the walkway.
It helped pay for replacing the walkway and the tenant bore responsibility for replacing the stringers and pilings.
Then, boom. A storm caused sufficient damage for the insurance company to deem it a loss and the entire walkway was replaced, although it wasn’t the walkway that was damaged — and was replaced with government funding and tourist tax dollars. It opened in June 2020 under COVID-19 restrictions.
While all the begging is going on to replace the pier walkway in 2025, do you wonder why we don’t sell inscribed planks and “pave” the way with public dollars and memories?
Do you wonder why we’re investing so much to replace a pier that resembles what the early settlers of Anna Maria designed in 1910-11?
It seems to me we should have a state-of-the-art pier with shops, a restaurant and bar, a ferry service and parking shuttle and 24/7 fishing to go with the world’s best sunrises and sunsets. We should be looking forward.
— Bonner Joy, news@islander.org
Murphy
Look at that duck run
There have been families who have made major contributions to our community for a generation — the Hagens and the Lesters are among the more well known. One family
that has made quiet contributions is the Tuckers.
The Tucker family owns the Maple Leaf Duck Co.
Maple Leaf Ducks are one of my favorite products. They are always of “ best” quality.
But my pathway to discovering Maple Leaf was fraught with peril.
We later discovered an old Buddy Hackett chicken joke that was told regularly by Ronald Reagan. We have adapted it from chicken to duck and I’ve told it for years in honor of Terry Tucker.
The joke:
Sean was driving along a country road in Wisconsin.
He saw that a duck that was running along the road next to him and was keeping up with his car.
He accelerated to 40. The duck kept up.
He pushed it to 50, and still the duck stayed with him.
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I had just started up a restaurant and was determined to serve great duck.
For the first few months, we struggled. We found only tough ducks.
All others: info@islander.org
We finally stumbled on Maple Leaf and my “tough duck “ nightmares went away.
Their ducks were tender and juicy.
I have loved Maple Leaf ducks for 40 years.
I have also learned that if you call them “duckling” you can charge more.
My introduction to Terry Tucker was uniquely inspiring.
I was visiting tables and asking patrons how they were enjoying dinner.
At one table, a tall gentlemen stood and asked graciously, “Excuse me, sir, are you the owner?”
This question gave me pause. The answer can mean trouble. I cautiously replied in the affirmative.
The gentlemen said, “Well sir, I believe that this is the best duckling that I have ever had.”
Me, much flattered and relieved, “That is great news, but frankly most of the credit belongs to Maple Leaf Duck Farms, because they produce the very best ducks that I can find.”
He realized that the duck had three legs. The duck finally took a burst of speed, cut across in front of his car and tore down a country lane. Astounded, Sean turned his car, went back, and followed the duck down the lane.
At the end of the lane, he discovered Terry Tucker standing in the roadway.
He asked.
“Terry, did you see a really fast duck with three legs run through here?”
Terry Tucker replied, “Yup, that’s one of my ducks. We developed a three-legged duck for a couple who had company over. With three legs it can serve three people.”
Sean asked, “Do they taste good?”
Terry, “We don’t know. We can’t catch them.”
The joke became a favorite of Reagan’s, and sometimes I find myself wishing we had old Ronald back. Meanwhile, I am thankful for the Tuckers and their ducks.
— Sean Murphy
Sean Murphy is proprietor of the Doctor’s Office and the Doctor’s Garden, a craft cocktail bar with fine dining in an intimate setting in Holmes Beach.
The gentlemen responded, “Well sir, my name is Terry Tucker, and I own Maple Leaf Duck Farms.”
A magic moment.
Since then, I have been a big fan of Maple Leaf Ducks and the Tuckers.
Your opinion
About angel Annie
I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the love and kindness you’ve always shown to me and to my beautiful golden retriever, Annie, whose presence in our lives was nothing short of golden in every way.
My angel Annie passed away recently, and the ache of that loss is heavy.
She was more than a pet — Annie was joy in motion, a tail-wagging bundle of comfort, laughter and unconditional love.
And I know she wasn’t just special to me. You always welcomed Annie and I with open arms and that bond you shared with us meant the world.
Thank you for every pet, every cuddle, every treat given with a smile.
Thank you for understanding what Annie meant to me — and for holding space for both of us in your hearts.
Knowing that her life was surrounded by such warmth is a comfort I’ll carry with me forever.
Grief may linger, but so will the love. I’m grateful beyond words for your friendship and for the way we got to love such a wonderful soul — together.
With love and a heavy but grateful heart.
Karen Zimmerman, Holmes Beach
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Q&A The Islander poll
Last time seeing a dolphin…
A. This week.
B. This past month.
C. This year.
D. Been a while.
E. Never.
To answer the poll and see poll results, go to islander.org.
10-20-30 years ago
From the July 6, 1995, issue
• The Florida Department of Transportation planned to launch a $3 million repair project on the Cortez Bridge in August that included replacing engines that raised the drawbridge.
• Island parents petitioned the city of Holmes Beach for basketball courts and improvements to the baseball diamond at City Field to accommodate a Babe Ruth League.
• Bradenton Beach officials were discussing increases for occupational licenses to conduct business in the city.
From the July 6, 2005, issue
• Holmes Beach commissioners agreed to having the three island mayors draft language for a nonbinding referendum on exploring the consolidation of island governments and services.
• The Holmes Beach Planning Commission voted to recommend the city commission grandfather licensed short-term rental properties in single-family and medium-density neighborhoods. “We’re only talking about 23 properties,” said chair Sue Normand.
• The island Publix Super Market began hosting a wine and cheese reception on Thursdays as a thankyou to regular customers.
From the July 8, 2015, issue
• Up to $18,000 was raised by July 6, 2015, to help find and prosecute the perpetrators of an attack on wildlife on the beach that damaged sea turtle nests and killed three black skimmers.
• More than 82 percent of the homeowners’ insurance policies written by Citizens Property Insurance Corp. in coastal Manatee were to decrease, according to information provided by the state-created alternative insurance company.
— Lisa Neff
Karen Zimmerman and “angel Annie.” Islander Courtesy Photo
Lifeguards stand at a platform outlook at the Manatee Public Beach. The photos are not dated and the lifeguards were not identified. Islander Photos: Courtesy Manatee County Public Library System
American Red Cross volunteers gather in 1926 for a life-saving class at a pavilion in Bradenton Beach.
Rescue ready
Lifeguards at Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach ride in a department Jeep.
Compiled by Lisa Neff, calendar@islander.org
Wednesday, July 9
6:30 p.m. — Island Time Book Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.
ONGOING ON AMI
• Throughout July, Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island exhibit, Artists’ Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941778-6694.
ONGOING OFF AMI
• Throughout July, Island Gallery and Studios exhibit, 456 Old Main St., Bradenton. Info: 941-778-6648.
• Through July 30, “Art from the Heart: Connectivity,” The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Info: 941-359-5700.
• Through Aug. 3, “Robert Rauschenberg: A Centennial Celebration,” The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies except Mondays. Info: 941-359-5700.
• Through Aug. 9, “Circus Spectacular 2025,” The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies except Mondays. Info: 941-359-5700.
• Thursday-Saturday, through Aug. 30, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature Laser Light Nights, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-746-4131.
• Through Aug. 31, “Life on the Edge” exhibit, the Bishop Museum of Science, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-746-4131.
• Through Jan. 11, Yoshida Hiroshi: Journeys through Light,” The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies except Mondays. Info: 941-359-5700.
• First Fridays, 6-9:30 p.m., Village of the Arts First Fridays Artwalk, 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Info: villageofthearts.com.
• Second and fourth Saturdays, 2-4 p.m., Florida Maritime Museum’s Music on the Porch, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Info: 941-708-6120.
SAVE THE DATES
• July 28, Center of Anna Maria Island Book Club meeting, Anna Maria.
• Oct. 18, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s Bayfest, Anna Maria.
DEVINE DESIGN
Center hosts book group
Start turning the pages.
The Center of Anna Maria Island book club will meet at 1 p.m. Monday, July 28, at the community center.
The club will discuss Alison Espach’s novel “Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance,” named a best book of 2022 by NPR and the Chicago Tribune and described by the publisher, Henry Holt and Co., as a dazzlingly unconventional love story.
The center is at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.
For more information, call the center at 941-7781908.
KIDS & FAMILY ON AMI
Thursday, July 10
10 a.m. — Puppet show, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.
Saturday, July 12
3 p.m. — Family game night, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.
Wednesday, July 16
10 a.m. — STEAM Day, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.
ONGOING ON AMI
• Most Fridays, 10 a.m., Forty Carrots, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.
• Most Tuesdays, 10 a.m., Family Storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.
SAVE THE DATES
• Aug. 1, Manatee County Sports and Leisure Services’ Family Fun Night, Bradenton.
CLUBS & COMMUNITY ON AMI
Saturday, July 12
8:30 a.m. — Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Info: 941-730-001
ONGOING ON AMI
• Most Fridays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.
• Most Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong, Island Library, 5701
Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.
SAVE THE DATES
• July 26, Keep Manatee Beautiful sea oats planting, Bradenton Beach.
LESSONS
& LEARNING
ONGOING ON AMI
• Mondays through August, Sea Turtle Tracks and Shorebird Facts with Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch, 10 a.m., Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive. Info: 941-301-8434, islandturtlewatch. com.
SPORTS & FITNESS ON AMI
Saturday, July 12
5:30 p.m. — Run Manatee 5K Race and festival, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach. Info: 941-742-5923.
ONGOING OFF AMI
• Through Sept. 7, various dates, Bradenton Marauders baseball, LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-747-3031.
SAVE THE DATES
• Sept. 6, Bradenton Marauders Fan Appreciation Night, Bradenton.
OUTDOORS & NATURE OFF AMI
Friday, July 11
10 a.m. — Manatee County Natural Resources Department’s Yoga at the NEST, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Info: 941-7484501.
Monday, July 14
6:30 p.m. — Manatee County Natural Resources Department’s Sunset Tai Chi at the NEST, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Info: 941748-4501.
ONGOING OFF AMI
• Saturdays through July, 6:45 a.m., Longboat Key Turtle Watch walks, beach access, 4795 Gulf of Mexico Drive, LBK. Info: www. lbkturtlewatch.com.
• Saturdays, 9 a.m., Manatee County Natural Resources Department’s Saturday Mornings at the NEST, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Info: 941-748-4501.
SAVE THE DATES
• July 15, FrogWatch at Perico Preserve, Perico Island.
• July 17, Robinson Preserve trail cleanup, Bradenton.
• July 19, solar observing at the NEST, Bradenton.
• July 22, Robinson Preserve oyster restoration, Bradenton.
• July 22, Coquina Beach Seashell Shore Walk, Bradenton Beach.
CALENDAR NOTES
KEEP THE DATES
• Sea turtle nesting season continues. Lights out.
• Atlantic hurricane season continues. Be prepared.
• Aug. 11, back to school.
• Sept. 1, Labor Day.
ASSISTANCE SOUGHT ON AMI
• All Island Denominations accepts financial donations at P.O. Box 814, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Info: 941-778-4769.
• The Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra seeks volunteers. Info: info@amicco.org.
• The Anna Maria Island Historical Society, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, seeks donations for restoration and volunteers. Info: 608-444-0084.
• The Anna Maria Island Privateers seeks a covered building and/or land for the Skullywag, sleigh and other items. Info: amiprivateers.org.
• The Friends of the Island Library seeks volunteers, including for website management and graphic design. Info: 941-778-4255.
• Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center seeks gift cards for supplies. Info: 941-778-6324.
ASSISTANCE OFFERED ON AMI
• Roser Food Bank welcomes applicants, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941-7780414.
Camp cycles into 2nd month
The Center of Anna Maria Island is in its second month of summer camp offerings, with options based on interest and ages, including:
• Summer My Way for kindergarten to fifth-graders: The offerings include camps focused on sports, discovery and more.
• Adventure Time Camp for sixth- to ninth-graders: The camp includes outings, including bowling, Dave & Buster and more, as well as activities at the center.
• Specialty camps and workshops: Camps include programs on golf, paddleboarding, kayaking, basketball, yoga, ceramics, fishing, photography, archery and glitter tattoos.
For more information, call the center at 941-7781908 or email youthprograms@centerami.org.
Kiwanis to meet
The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island will gather at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, July 12, at Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.
The club meets monthly in the summer, with meetings also planned for Aug. 9 and Sept. 6.
For more information, call Sandy Haas-Martens at 941-730-0016.
Coquina Beach 5K ahead
The Run Manatee series will come to Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach Saturday, July 12, for a 5K race.
Manatee County announced the Run Manatee 5K Series in February, saying the “family-friendly series of running events” are “designed to combine fitness, community fun and the unique charm of Manatee County’s diverse locations.”
The first race took place in April at Tom Bennett Park in Bradenton.
The Coquina Beach 5K run/walk will be presented by Run With Purpose Nutrition and include a scenic route along the asphalt trail. The race will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Bradenton Beach venue.
Registration for the race was full as of The Islander’s press time. However, there was a waiting list.
Also, organizers were encouraging the public to attend and participate in the festivities, including a warmup and a yoga cooldown, as well as visiting with wellness and food and beverage providers.
A November race is set for Rye Preserve.
To contact the county sports and leisure services, call 941-742-5923.
Laser Light Nights continue
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature continues Laser Light Nights through August.
The shows feature laser displays set to music, including Pink Floyd, Outkast, Elton John, Motown, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Journey, Foo Fighters and U2.
The shows will run Thursday through Saturday evenings. Tickets are $15 per person, with refreshments available for purchase.
The Bishop is at 201 10th St. W. in Bradenton For more, call 941-746-4131.
Summer action
Island happenings
Kids enjoy field activities during the fourth week of summer camp at the Center
Compiled by Lisa Neff
Top Notch
The Islander’s Top Notch contest begins anew.
The contest celebrates what still is known as the “Kodak moment,” despite Kodak’s downfall in the shift from film to digital technology.
The Kodak moment celebrates “on the spot” photography — unplanned and unstaged — but capturing a memorable moment.
Look to Friday, July 13, for the first deadline.
The contest includes six weekly front-page winners. Each will claim an Islander “More than a mullet wrapper” T-shirt.
One weekly shot will take the grand prize in the contest, earning the photographer a $100 prize from The Islander and certificates from local merchants.
There also is a pet photo contest for weekly sub-
missions and a winner announced in the final week. Look online this week for rules.
Please, note, each original JPG must be included in a single email to topnotch@islander.org with:
• Photographer’s name;
• Date the photo was taken (must be since Jan. 1, 2024;
• Location of the photo;
• Description of the photo;
• Names of recognizable people in the photo;
• An address and phone number for the photographer.
All rules at islander.org must be observed. No exceptions.
— Bonner Joy
Manatee Chamber of Commerce Member
of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.
Summer campers work together as a team in a tug-of-war contest at the center. Islander Courtesy Photos
Campers in the community center’s summer program prepare to take a leap at TreeUmph! outdoor park in east Manatee, which features climbing, suspension bridges and zip-line adventures.
Gathering
By Lisa Neff
Medical equipment closet housed at chapel
The Longboat Island Chapel houses a “medical gifting closet” to store equipment that can be loaned to people in need.
“Wheelchairs, rollators, transporters, shower chairs, bedside commodes and canes are always in high demand. We also have crutches, knee scooters, walkers, bed rails and other miscellaneous items that are donated,” according to a church notice.
The number to call to ask about equipment or make donations is 941-383-6491.
The chapel is at 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key.
Obituary
Dale Atkinson Woodland, 76, of Anna Maria,
He was born Oct. 8, 1948, in New Brunswick, Canada, to Maxwell L. and Marguerite Woodland. He told family members that becoming a U.S. citizen was one of the greatest moments of his life.
His family immigrated to Anna Maria when Dale was a child. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida.
His father, Maxwell, served Anna Maria as mayor 1959-62 and Dale followed his example, serving the city as commissioner for eight consecutive terms, from 2004 to 2020.
He also was owner of Woodland Quality Pools. He attended Roser Memorial Community Church in Anna Maria.
He loved God, his family, America, Anna Maria and life in general. Some of his favorite hangout spots were the Rod & Reel Pier, Bean Point, the Anna Maria City Pier, Bortell’s Lounge, Slim’s Place and the General Store, all in Anna Maria.
The family plans to announce a service in Anna Maria, sometime this fall.
He is survived by a son, daughter-in-law and many grandchildren.
Roser Guild honors scholars
The Roser Guild Scholarship Committee June 25 announced the recipients of the 2025-26 Guild Scholarships, including three new scholars.
The full-time college students receive $1,000 per semester, paid directly to their schools.
If a student maintains a 2.75 grade point, the scholarship is renewed for four years.
Proceeds from the Guild Thrift Shop across from Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, benefit the scholarship fund.
The new scholars are:
• Alexis Roberts, who plans to study nursing at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. She graduated from Manatee High School.
• Alyssa Sparks, who plans to study health sciences at State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota in Bradenton. She graduated from Manatee High School.
• Courtney Ziemer, who plans to study education at State College of Florida. She graduated from Parrish
answered the call.
“When our boat crew arrived on scene, the vessel’s stern was sitting low in the water and the bilge was almost completely full,” Petty Officer 3rd Class Kendrick Cannick, a boatswain’s mate at Coast Guard Station Cortez, said in a July 3 email.
Coast Guard crews boarded the vessel with a portable pump but even that malfunctioned initially. After repairs, crews dewatered the boat, leaving about 4 inches of water onboard.
The Coast Guard then escorted the men and the vessel back to St. Petersburg.
Cannick urged all boaters to check bilge pumps before trips and to carry an emergency position indicating radio beacon.
“Activating an EPIRB provides the Coast Guard with the vessel’s precise GPS location, which could help save your life,” Cannick said.
No injuries were reported.
“I’m just grateful to be back on dry land,” Jones said. “Steve saved our lives and the Coast Guard was amazing. Everybody stepped up.”
“It was a fishing trip I’ll never forget,” he said. “But … I’d rather forget it.”
Gathering
Community High School.
Ziemer
The guild also renewed scholarships for Bryanna Sparks. attending University of Central Florida, majoring in biology; Kelly Skubick, attending University of South Florida, majoring in health science; Hannah Ferguson, attending University of South Florida, majoring in entrepreneurship and innovations; Tory Ziemer, attending University of South Florida-Sarasota, majoring in marine biology; Tres Maddox, attending State College of Florida; Isabella Degenhard, attending Stetson University, studying law; Matthew MacGregor, attending New College of Florida to study law.
For more information, call the church at 941-7780414.
Woodward attends a 2011 political rally at The Islander office.
BB man arrested for DUI
A Florida Highway Patrol offi cer arrested Bradenton Beach resident Joseph Leister, 21, June 29 on a second-degree misdemeanor for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.
Holmes Beach police first responded around 7:53 p.m. to reports of a man passed out in a parked vehicle with the motor running at the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive.
The first officer to arrive found Leister unconscious behind the wheel and an open case of beer on the floor on the passenger side. The officer tried to wake Leister, but the man did not come to until the officer applied a sternum rub.
An FHP officer called to the scene asked Leister to perform field sobriety exercises, which he failed. The FHP officer arrested Leister and transported him to the Manatee County jail, where he refused to provide a breath sample. He was released the next day after posting $500 bond.
If convicted, punishment for a second-degree misdemeanor includes up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.
An arraignment will be at 8:55 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
— Ryan Paice
Roberts Sparks
Woodland
Dale Woodward watches a storm come in at the historic Anna Maria City Pier in 2004. Islander File Photo
Anna Maria Commissioner Dale Woodland, seated beside Doug Copeland, poses a question in March 2016 during a meeting a city hall. Islander File Photo
Dale A. Woodland
died June 28.
Dale
Islander File Photo
Streetlife
Island police reports
Anna Maria
June 30, 800 block of Jacaranda Road, burglary. A Manatee County sheriff’s deputy responded to a call concerning a break-in. The complainant arrived at a rental property to find a door open and the unit appeared to have been used overnight.
The MCSO polices the city.
Bradenton Beach
June 27, 600 block of Gulf Drive North, possession. A Bradenton Beach Police Department officer observed a vehicle traveling without headlights after dark and conducted a traffic stop. An odor of marijuana led to a search, resulting in the seizure of 18 grams of marijuana, a marijuana cigarette, a glass pipe and eight oxycodone pills. The owner of the vehicle had an active warrant, was arrested and transported to the Manatee County jail in Palmetto.
The Bradenton Beach Police Department polices the city.
Cortez
June 29, 4000 block of 123rd Street West, vandalism. An MCSO deputy responded to a call concerning vandalism to a vehicle.
The MCSO polices the village.
Holmes Beach
June 24, 4000 block of Gulf Drive, road rage. A man called the Holmes Beach Police Department and reported another motorist, who had been tailgating, passed him in a no-passing zone and began brake-checking him. The man said the brake-checking resulted in a collision that damaged his vehicle. He said the other motorist approached him, at which point he pulled a firearm. The other motorist got in his vehicle and left, but called 911. That motorist said the original complainant rear-ended him twice, drove next to him in a bike lane and aimed a gun at him. A Holmes Beach police officer issued the case number to both parties.
June 25, Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, check fraud. An officer met with the church’s treasurer, who said someone signed into the church’s bank account and cashed checks for $14,000 and $22,000. One check was made out to Paul Williams on June 9 and the other was made out to Clifford Vidrine on June 11.
June 25, 3000 block of Avenue C, assisting law enforcement. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office sent the HBPD a be-on-look-out alert regarding a man wanted on an arrest warrant. An officer located the man’s vehicle at a residence, found a man matching the description, arrested him and transported him to the Manatee County jail.
The HBPD polices the city.
Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.
New Florida law targets derelict vessels
By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter
A new state law is in effect, intended to reduce derelict and at-risk vessels on Florida’s waterways by giving marine law enforcement stronger tools.
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 164 into law June 19 and the measure took effect July 1.
The law addresses the growing problem of derelict vessels — boats that are abandoned, damaged or no longer seaworthy — which can threaten marine life, public safety, navigation and property.
Some changes under the new law:
• A vessel title serves as presumed proof of ownership, making it clearer who is responsible for a boat;
• Boat owners must complete an “Effective Means of Propulsion” evaluation if law enforcement suspects a vessel can’t safely operate under its own power;
• A vessel can be declared a public nuisance if the owner receives three citations for at-risk conditions within 24 months;
• Law enforcement can issue noncriminal citations by mail for violations such as expired registration or unauthorized long-term anchoring;
• Funds earmarked for removing derelict vessels can be used to prevent vessels from becoming derelict or to remove nuisance boats;
• Penalties increased for repeat offenders, with charges from first-degree misdemeanors to seconddegree felonies for multiple derelict vessel offenses;
• Living aboard a vessel that’s been declared derelict is prohibited and carries a fi rst-degree misdemeanor charge.
Additional anchoring regulations will go into force in 2026, including an annual electronic permit for vessels anchoring long-term. Fines will start at $100 for a first offense and rise to $500 for repeat violations. Owners who receive three violations in two years could see their vessels declared public nuisances and removed, similar to derelict boats.
Capt. Travis Franklin, who oversees the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s derelict vessel removal and prevention program, described the law as a step forward.
“We have seen increasing success in our efforts to combat the ongoing derelict vessel problem in Flori-
A 31-foot derelict vessel is raised May 28 from underneath Bradenton Beach’s Historic Bridge Street Pier. The vessel was discovered underneath another derelict boat that sank during Hurricane Milton in October 2024. Islander
da’s waters,” Franklin said in a June 27 news release. “This new legislation enhances our efforts to not only remove derelict vessels but also prevent at-risk vessels from becoming derelict.”
According to FWC’s derelict vessel mapping tool, there are more than 900 vessels under investigation in state waters — including 40 in Manatee County.
Among the local agencies reviewing the new law is the Bradenton Beach Police Department, which launched its vessel removal program in 2004 with a grant from the West Coast Inland Navigation District.
BBPD Chief John Cosby said the department “welcomes any additional tools that help us address derelict or at-risk vessels in our waters.”
BBPD marine patrol Officer Eric Hill, who has policed the waters off Bradenton Beach for more than two decades, emphasized the importance of balancing enforcement with compassion.
“I have really tried to work with (boat owners) before I start issuing paper,” Hill said. “In other words, if I’m getting to the point where I’m writing you a prederelict citation — or if it does become derelict — I’ve already had enough contact with you and have done everything but ask ‘pretty please with a cherry on top’ before we get to that point.”
Hill said many boaters comply or at least try to work toward compliance.
“And as long as you’re trying, I’ll work with you. But certain people just kind of blow it off and ignore it, and that’s where we’ve got to kind of kick it up and enforce the law,” he said.
Hill also touched on the expense to taxpayers.
“The last boat that we lifted that was up against the city pier was $21,000 for a 31-foot boat,” Hill said. “When these things go down, you’re the one paying for it. Ultimately, where do we get our money from? The people.”
Under Florida law, leaving a vessel in derelict condition remains a crime and abandoning a vessel in state waters can result in penalties for the owner, including up to five years in jail or a $5,000 fine. It also is a crime to take an abandoned vessel without first getting a title.
Photo: Robert Anderson
Cosby
Nesting notes
By Lisa Neff
It’s hatch time
Anna Maria Island beaches contain more than 400 sea turtle nests while two early nests hatched out on July 3.
Yes, it’s hatch time for this year’s sea turtle nesting season.
Loggerheads, the sea turtle species most common for AMI, create a pit in the sand to deposit about 100 eggs — each one about the size of a golf ball. Each nest, wider at the bottom and narrower at the top, will reach a depth of around 21 inches.
The female turtle will camoufl age the nest and return to the Gulf, leaving the clutch to incubate for about 60 days.
Hatchlings emerge from the nest, usually at night, in what’s called a boil.
They’ll use a temporary, sharp egg tooth called a caruncle to break the shell. This process can take several days.
Once most of the hatchlings in the clutch have broken free from their shells, a surge of oxygen demand in the chamber triggers a collective, synchronized effort to reach the surface.
After erupting onto the sand, they’ll orient toward the brightest, most open horizon and crawl to the surf.
Understanding these natural behaviors can help humans protect the vulnerable hatchlings, as only one in 1,000 hatchlings will survive to adulthood.
The risks begin immediately after their emergence from the eggs.
How can beachgoers and waterfront residents help?
There are several ways, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring:
• Before heading home each day, dispose of or recycle all trash. Food scraps attract predators, such as raccoons and crows, which can prey on sea turtle
hatchlings, as well as shorebird eggs and chicks.
• Fill in human-made holes in the sand, which could trap turtles.
• Remove all toys, beach gear and furniture from the sand. Obstacles on the beach can entrap sea turtles.
• Fishing line can be deadly to sea turtles, waterbirds and other wildlife, so be sure to dispose of it properly.
• Turn off lights visible on the beach or close curtains and blinds after dark to ensure nesting turtles and hatchlings do not become disoriented. Lighting can misdirect and disturb sea turtles, leading them away from the Gulf and toward potential danger.
• Keep pets at home or on a short leash and far away from wildlife. Pets are prohibited on island beaches.
About AMITW
AMITW is a nonprofit focused on collecting data on AMI’s nesting sea turtles. The organization also collects data on shorebirds. Nesting data is required by beach renourishment contracts. The data also is used by state and federal agencies to monitor populations.
Hatchlings leave tracks July 3 on emerging from an early nest on Anna Maria Island. As of July 4, two nests had hatched and both were described by AMITW as “good hatches that appeared to go directly to the water.” Islander Courtesy Photo
It’s elementary
Class lessons from AMITW, AME
Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, during the 2024-25 academic year, invited teachers and students at Anna Maria Elementary School in Holmes Beach to compose questions about sea turtles, shorebirds and AMITW’s work on the beaches. This summer, the Islander is sharing AME’s questions and AMITW’s answers.
Teacher Stephanie Davis’ fifth-grade class: What do you call a group of sea turtles?
AMITW: A group of sea turtles is called a bale. Also, a nest of sea turtle eggs is called a clutch.
Talking turtles
The city of Holmes Beach is hosting Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring for weekly talks about sea turtle and shorebird nesting.
Sea Turtle Tracks and Shorebird Facts talks continue most Mondays at 10 a.m. through August at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.
For more information, call turtle watch at 941-3018434 or go to www.islandturtlewatch.com.
of
As
July 4, AMITW reported 408 nests, 689 false crawls, 23 disorientations and two hatched nests.
Increased fresh water changes fishing patterns in backcountry
By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter
After days of intermittent rain combined with heavy thunderstorms, Anna Maria Island anglers are anxious to get back on the water without looking over their shoulder to watch the horizon for storms.
With a more stable weather pattern in our near future, you can bet there will be some homework to be done before heading out on the water because fishing patterns will have changed due to vast amount of freshwater released into our backcountry waters, especially around the Manatee River.
Stasny
Snook and redfish should be lingering along mangrove shorelines in the mouth of the river as they move within the tolerable amounts of salinity needed to forage.
Spotted seatrout will follow suit and should be found close to the beaches, where deep grass flats and clean Gulf waters create a refuge for them and the food they crave, including shiners, pinfish and other small fish and invertebrates.
Other species, including ladyfish, mackerel and jack crevalle, should be found in these areas, especially if bait schools are present.
This being said, plan accordingly and be ready to adjust your pattern to find the bite you desire.
Moving into the Gulf of Mexico, waters with an acceptable degree of clarity should be welcoming anglers fishing reefs, wrecks and hard bottom areas.
Mangrove snapper are beginning to gather in these areas and numbers should increase as we approach the
Sarah Matranga shows off a big speckled trout she caught on a July 3 family fishing trip with Capt. Will
are providing limits of fish in these depths, as well as yellowtail and mangrove snapper. Finally, migrating species such as blackfin tuna are being found around the deeper wrecks.
On my Just Reel charters, catch-and-release snook fishing is proving to be good in a variety of areas. As we settle into summer, many snook are migrating to the Gulf beaches to spawn, which can provide excellent catch-and-release action for anglers who wish to sight cast to fish. Large numbers are staging in the passes to feed prior to venturing out front to the beaches to spawn, which makes them quite targetable.
Spotted seatrout are being found on most deeper grass flats, although they’re slightly smaller than normal. I’m putting anglers on the larger trout, although plenty of smaller ones are mixed in along with mackerel and jack crevalle for variety.
Finally, I’m seeing small schools of mangrove snapper gathering on the flats and around docks in the back water which is a promising site that mangrove snapper season is getting near.
Capt. David White is working inshore, where he can keep an eye on the sky for pop-up thunderstorms.
While inshore, White is catching redfish with regularity. Targeting reds along the Gulf beaches results in large examples, with many being over maximum slot of 27-inches. Mangrove shoreline are also yielding redfish. In these areas the size is 20-24 inches.
July 10 full moon and the weeks leading up to the next full moon on Aug. 9.
The arrival of hatch bait is also a factor in this bite, which hopefully we will see sooner than later.
For those venturing to depths of 100 feet or more, American red snapper season is in effect and producing daily limits for anglers willing to go deep. Red grouper
Fishing deeper grass flats is producing action for White. Spotted seatrout and mackerel are frequently being caught with a mix of ladyfish and jack crevalle.
Finally, White is fi nding tarpon along the Gulf beaches and in the passes. Live crabs and threaded herring as bait are resulting in fish 80-120 pounds with one whopper this week estimated at 200 pounds.
Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.
Heather Howard, daughter of retired fishing guide Mark Howard and wife Dot, shows off a small tarpon she hooked up and released during the July 3 guided fishing trip with Capt. Will Osborne.
TideWatch
By Lisa Neff
Red tide not reported
Red tide was not reported in any samples from the state of Florida the week ending July 5.
For more information, go to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission site at myfwc.com/ research/redtide/statewide/.
GoodDeeds
By Lisa Neff
Volunteers to plant sea oats
Keep Manatee Beautiful seeks volunteers to join a sea oat planting and dune restoration effort at 7 a.m. Saturday, July 26, at Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach.
Volunteers will meet in the Coquina parking lot near the southern tip of the island.
Tools and plants will be provided but volunteers should wear closed-toe shoes and bring water, sunscreen and gloves.
For more info, go to manateebeautiful.com.
Dot Howard shows off a redfish she caught July 3 on a backwater charter with Capt. Will Osborne with her daughters and husband Mark. Islander Photos: Mark Howard
Osborne.
Indoor soccer back on center court, golf, horseshoes resist rain
By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter
After three weeks of action in the kids’ indoor soccer league at the Center of Anna Maria Island, Revive Nutrition is on top of the 8-10 division with a 2-0-1 record, just ahead of Moss Builders with a 1-1-1 record. Diamond Turf and Mi-Box complete the 8-10 standings with matching 1-2 records.
Westfall Lawn Care and Pest Control is topping the 11-14 division with a perfect 3-0 record, just ahead of second-place Poppos Taqueria, which has a 2-1 record. AMI Outfitters holds down third place with a 1-2 record in the 11-14s, while Jiffy Lube is still in search of a victory at 0-3.
Action on the indoor pitch — the center gym — in the 8-10 division last week kicked off July 1 with Mi-Box taking on Moss Builders. Mi-Box came into the game looking for its first victory and they got it. The final score was 7-5, thanks to six goals and an assist from Leo Burns and 30 saves from goalie Everett Hood. Heidi Bannick chipped in with a goal, while Jordan Autry and David McGlade each has an assist in the victory.
Alex Benitez led Moss Builders with three goals, while Jensen Hay added a goal and an assist. Grady Niedzwick added one goal and Titus Moss finished with 20 saves in the loss.
The second 8-10 match of the evening saw Revive Nutrition cruise to a 6-3 victory over Diamond Turf behind five goals from Parker Svoboda and 12 saves from Koen Klodnicki. Beau Thomas added one goal and Jackson Griffin finished with an assist and four
Key Royale golf news
Stormy weather June 30 put a damper on some of the action on the Key Royale Club golf course in Holmes Beach last week.
However, the course dried out enough for the ladies to play a nine-hole individual-low-net match July 1. Jana Samuels and Terry Westby both carded 1-underpar 31s to finish in a tie for first place. Helen Pollock was alone in second with a 2-over-par 34, while Anne Klein was another two strokes back in third place.
Members played a scramble/shamble July 3 on a modified course that played to a par of 43. The team of Jenelle and Mike Clements, Scott Mitchell and Gary Risner combined to shoot an even-par 43 to win the day’s proceedings. The team of Ron Buck, Charlie Porter, Jana Samuels and Bill Shuman matched the 1-over-par 44 carded by the team of John Hackinson, Jim Hill, Earl Ritchie and Rich Salzburg to finish in a tie for second place.
Horseshoes action
Two teams emerged from pool play and settled things in a playoff during July 2 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Bob Hawks and Tom Farrington cruised to the winner’s circle with a dominating 21-6 victory over Tim Sofran and Steve Kriebel.
saves in goal.
Rafael Price led Diamond Turf with two goals, while Lucas Urbiola added an assist and 14 saves in goal. Ruthie Ball added a goal and Beauen Kolb finished with 11 saves in the loss.
Action in the 11-14 division kicked off June 30 with Westfall’s Lawn Care & Pest Control cruising to a 5-1 victory over AMI Outfitters. Callin Westfall led the way with a hat trick, while Kyle Castagna came through with 20 saves between the pipes. Ashton Bennett completed the scoring for Westfall’s with two goals and an assist.
Grayson Cohen notched the lone goal for AMI Outfitters, which also received a combined 20 saves in the loss from Jordan Tobey and Colton DeBarry.
The second match of the night saw Poppos Taqueria blow out Jiffy Lube by a 9-2 score. Gunnar Maize led Poppos with three goals, while Chandler McRae, Maggie Niedzwick and Parker Svoboda each scored twice. Chasem Weber finished with 15 saves to help preserve the victory.
Hudson West scored both goals for Jiffy Lube, which also received 10 saves from Nolan Anderson and five saves each from Jack Carroll and Aiden Kester in the loss.
Action July 5 packed a little more drama. The team of Bob Heiger and Tim Sofran found themselves locked in an 18-18 tie with Kriebel and Farrington. Sofran stepped up and ended the match with a double ringer to earn the day’s bragging rights.
The action gets started at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Anna Maria City Hall pits, where warmups begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by random team selection for all players.
There is no charge to play.
The Islander newspaper is FREE at Publix Holmes Beach. Just stop by the customer service desk, hold out your hand and say, “Islander, please!” And maybe remind staff you’d like the serve-yourself community news returned to the lobby.
Cassidy
lEFT: Bob Heiger and Tim Sofran take the win at the july 5 horseshoe games at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Islander Photo: Courtesy AMI Pitchers
Mi-Box player leo Burns and Moss Builders’ jensen Hay battle for the ball july 1 during 8-10 division indoor soccer action at the Center of Anna Maria Island. Islander Photo: Kevin P. Cassidy
A community center summer camper, left, paddles june 25 to keep up with instructor Andrew Fortenberry as campers take part in kayak and paddleboard classes. Islander Courtesy Photo
By Lisa Neff
At the water’s edge
’Tis the season for The Islander to be inundated with pleas for people to pick up their trash from the beaches and keep their garbage out of the water.
I’ve surveyed our letters on the issue. Though we see far more people on AMI during the spring’s high season, it seems we either have more litterbugs in the summer — or more stuff for them to toss around.
I’m curious about your thoughts on why that is and on solutions.
I believe the answer goes beyond adding more or larger trash bins at beach access points. We need to focus on reducing or eliminating the items that most often become litter.
The item I see most frequently — half-buried in the sand, tumbling down the shore, caught in sea oats or crammed full of garbage beside a trash can — is the
Resources for hurricane season
One way to stay up to date is to search for hashtags for a storm — like #TSAndrea or #HurricaneBarry — on social media.
Additionally, the National Hurricane Center provides updates on X via @NWSNHC and @NHC_Atlantic.
The National Weather Service informs via @NWS and, for local info, via @NWSTampaBay.
A favorite Facebook follow: ABC Action News chief meteorologist Denis Phillips at @denisphillipsweatherman.
Government websites to bookmark include: Manatee County: mymanatee.org.
Florida: floridadisaster.org.
Federal: fema.gov.
For news: islander.org.
— lisa Neff
single-use plastic bag.
Twelve states and about 500 U.S. municipalities have enacted restrictions on these bags, but Florida went in the opposite direction. A 2008 preemption law in Florida bans municipalities from placing restrictions on single-use plastic bags.
What’s the rationale for the preemption? The harms associated with plastic bags are numerous, including:
• Persist in the environment for hundreds of years, breaking down and contaminating soil and water.
• Clog storm drains and waterways, contributing to flooding and pollution.
• Resemble food sources, leading to ingestion by sea turtles, marine mammals, and seabirds.
• Entangle birds and other wildlife.
• Jam up recycling machinery.
• Break down into microplastics, entering drinking water and food sources.
A new study in the journal Science by researchers Anna Papp of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Kimberly Oremus of the University of Delaware analyzed the effectiveness of bans and fees in reducing shoreline plastic litter.
Papp and Oremus reviewed crowdsourced data from more than 45,000 shoreline cleanups at lakes, rivers, and beaches, alongside 611 local and statelevel plastic bag regulations enacted between 2017 and 2023.
They found that plastic bag policies led to a 25%–47% reduction in the proportion of plastic bags among total litter at shorelines, compared to areas without such regulations.
Beachgoers gather on the shore july 2 in the early evening in Anna Maria near the Sandbar Restaurant.
Notably, consumer fees appeared to have the largest impact.
Complete bans also reduced litter while partial bans — such as those allowing thicker “reusable” plastic bags — were the least effective.
Another key finding: the longer a policy had been in place, the greater the reduction in plastic litter.
The biggest reductions occurred in places with the worst plastic bag pollution to begin with, suggesting these policies are most effective where the problem is most severe.
Papp and Oremus also suggested the policies might reduce wildlife entanglement by 30–37%.
As a control, the researchers analyzed data on bottles and straws and found no similar decline, suggesting that plastic bag policies — not general trends — accounted for the improvements.
Big blue body of water
The Islander polled readers in late June, asking via islander.org: What do you call that big blue body of water to the west.
A majority said they call it the Gulf of Mexico.
The results went:
53%, Gulf of Mexico.
26%, Gulf of America.
21%, the Gulf.
0%, the ocean.
Neff
Islander
Photo: lisa Neff
A great day for Moose
Bradenton Beach Moose Lodge administrator Byron Dalton Sr. sent a message to “members and friends” on Independence Day:
“July 4, 2025, is a great day in our lodge history!”
He said phase 3 of a reconstruction plan following damage from hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024 was complete.
“We have officially opened the dining room for service! … much sooner than we had originally planned,” he wrote.
Dalton said a few minor things remain to accomplish would not interfere with a “dining and relaxing experience in either the social quarters, the dining room or the second floor.” The patio remains closed due to storm debris.
He said an entry from the beach would open this week and the parking lot would follow it is restriped, equipped with bumpies and easier ways to get in and out.
Dalton wrote, “There have been so many people involved with getting our Moose Home back up and running. This includes all of your prayers, good wishes and donations.”
“We certainly want to THANK YOU, the members that “hung in there and stuck with us” and paid your dues while the rebuilding was going on!”
— Bonner joy
Gallery hosts gala reopening
It’s a small, small world
East of 75th
The Seaflower mixed-use development underway on Cortez Road west of 75th Street West in Bradenton will include a number of commercial operations. According to Leslie Wells Realty, the development will include a Publix Super Market, Portillo’s sandwich shop, xxxPot Belly, Ace Hardware, Whataburger, Panda Express Chinese Kitchen, Dutch Bros. coffee, Bonefish Grill, as well as a microbrewery, hotel, pavilion and a public green.
lery was
with
and guests at an AMI
and
“I know you.…” Becoming friends at a bar isn’t uncommon, especially when people find they have something in common. jeannette Morris, left, jackie Donahue, Nancy Haller and Chris Ponto, sister-in-law to Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short, met july 1 for light bites and beverages at enRich Bistro in Bradenton and learned it was “ladies night,” with reduced menu and drink prices on Tuesdays in the bar room, where they recognized Islander publisher Bonner joy and called her over for a chat. Islander Photo: Bonner joy
By lisa Neff
Thursday, July 10
11:30 a.m. — Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce luncheon, Slicker’s Eatery, 12012 Cortez Road W., Cortez. Fee applies. Info: 941-778-1541, terri@amichamber.org.
SAVE THE DATE
• July 24, 5 p.m., AMI Chamber business card exchange, Slicker’s Eatery, Cortez.
• Aug. 21, 4 p.m., Manatee Chamber Small Business of the Year Awards, Palmetto.
• Oct. 18, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., AMI Chamber Bayfest, Anna Maria. Send listings to calendar@islander.org.
MIKE NORMAN REALTY
For professional real estate needs, call a TRUE ISLAND NATIVE, born and raised on AMI, selling the “Island Dream” for over 25 years, right here with her family.
The Guild Gal-
filled
Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island members
Chamber of Commerce business mixer
reopening of the gallery june 26. Islander Courtesy Photo
For more information, check out the Leslie Wells Realty page on Facebook. — lisa Neff
May tourist tax tops record $2.5 million
By lisa Neff Islander Editor
Manatee County pulled in $2,520,129 in resort tax revenue in May — a record for the month.
The May 2025 figure topped last year’s recordsetting May by 16.09%.
However, the tax rate also increased since then. The bed tax or tourist development tax is a 6% levy on accommodation rentals of six months or less. The rate was raised a percentage point in January, following a voter referendum in November.
May collections have been on an upward march since the fi rst year of the pandemic in 2020, when the dollars plummeted by half from May 2019’s $1,093,870 to $558,014 in 2020.
The county has grossed $21,880,570 in resort tax revenue from October 2024 to May 31, according to the Manatee County Tax Collector’s office, which released the latest numbers July 1.
The step-back picture for 2024-25 is that the tourist development tax revenues have been inconsistent, in part due to damages to accommodation properties by tropical storm Debby and hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024.
Unincorporated Manatee County was the highest-grossing region in May, bringing in $917,906 or 36.42% of the total.
Holmes Beach brought in $620,642 or 24,63%.
No appeal of ruling for vacation rental program
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
The time for appeals has passed and the West Manatee Fire Rescue District is ready to break its silence.
The district issued a news release July 2 regarding Circuit Judge Edward Nicholas’ May 29 ruling in favor of WMFR over the plaintiff, Holmes Beachbased C&D Properties of AMI, owned by Larry Chatt, broker at Island Real Estate.
“The court’s decision affirms our commitment to ensuring all assessments are fair and equitable for all property owners in the district,” WMFR Fire Chief Ben Rigney stated in the release.
In fiscal 2023-24, WMFR launched its vacation rental inspection program, which involves inspecting transient public lodging establishments in the district for compliance with the Florida Fire Prevention Code.
To fund the program, the district began assessing vacation rentals as commercial properties, which have higher tax rates than residential properties.
C&D, the owner of two condominiums operated as TPLEs in Holmes Beach, filed a lawsuit in February 2024 arguing that WMFR’s fire assessment rate change was unlawful.
However, Nicholas ruled in favor of the fire district and denied the company’s requested injunctive relief.
C&D had until June 28 to appeal but did not do so.
WMFR’s July 2 news release states that the FFPC requires elevated life safety standards, inspections and enforcement for short-term rentals compared to traditional single-family residential properties, so the assessment change was done to more equitably apportion costs.
“The fire commission has never opposed shortterm vacation rentals within the district,” Rigney stated. “The fire commission believes that property owners have the right to choose how they use their homes. However, if they opt to operate a vacation rental, they should bear the additional costs for the inspections and life safety enforcement required by the Florida Fire Prevention Code.”
... The Islander newspaper is FREE at Publix Holmes Beach. Just stop by the customer service desk, hold out your hand and say, “Islander, please!” And maybe remind staff you’d like the serve-yourself community news returned to the lobby.
The
Anna Maria grossed $406,297 or 16.12% and Bradenton Beach accommodations generated $93,365 or 3.7%.
MarketWatch
By lisa Neff
Anna Maria
Median listing home price: $2.9 million, trending flat year-over-year.
Median sold home price: $2 million.
Listings: 105 properties.
Bradenton Beach
Median listing home price: $1.1 million, trending down -8.4% year-over-year.
Median sold home price: $689,000.
Listings: 86 properties.
Holmes Beach
Median listing home price: $1.4 million, trending down 16.3% year-over-year.
Median sold home price: $875,000.
Listings: 180 properties.
Source: Realtor.com
Business news Celebrate achievements? Maybe you’re new in business? Perhaps you’re expanding? Or reopened after recovering from the storms? Email tips to news@islander.org.
$2,520,129
Source: Manatee County Tax Collector
More May statistics:
• Longboat Key generated $201,416 or 7.99%;
• Bradenton generated $234,349 or 9.3%;
• Palmetto generated $46,344 or 1.84%.
The tax collector receives a 3% administrative fee, putting the county’s net revenue for May at $29,623,898.
The Manatee County Tourist Development Council advises the county commission on how to spend the bed tax revenue, which by law must go to boosting tourism.
TDT money supports the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and also goes to the Bradenton Area Convention Center, Realize Bradenton and the Pittsburgh Pirates.
TDT money also is used to renourish beaches, as well as for special projects, including the ferry service between the island and downtown Bradenton.
June data will be released in early August.
The next TDC meeting will be at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 18, at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.
Our theme, “We’re Glad you’re Here,” originated in the 1980s with a restaurant trade group. We hope everyone feels welcome on AMI. — The Islander
Gulf Islands Ferry stops in August 2024 in Anna Maria. Tourist tax revenue supports the service, which operates between downtown Bradenton and Bradenton Beach. Islander File Photo: Bonner joy
I S L A N D E R C L A S
ITEMS FOR SALE
STuDIO APARTMENT FuRNISHINGS: For sale, nightstands, bar stools, upholstered bench, dresser. 970-556-0596.
TERVIS TuMBlERS: FIVE new, clear, $20. 24 oz. (2) and 16 oz. (3). 941-761-1393, no text.
l A-Z-BO y REC l INERS/ROCKERS. Two, $75 each. Medium, blue small print, medium, brown. 941-792-7442.
ANTIQ u E PARTNER DESK: All wood, $500. Inquire at 941-778-7978.
FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE
Individuals may place one free ad with up to three items, each priced $100 or less, 15 words or less. FREE, one week, must be submitted online. Email classifieds@islander.org. (limited time offer).
ANNOUNCEMENTS
THE ISlANDER ClASSIFIED ad deadline is now 11 a.m. on Mondays. classifieds@islander.org.
TRANSPORTATION
GO l F CART RENTA l S: Fun for residents and tourists! 941-213-5730. www.annamariacartrentals.com
BOATS & BOATING
HAVE A BOAT and wanna catch more fish, better bait or learn the water? 50-year local fisherman, your boat, my knowledge. Captain Chris, 941-896-2915.
SuNCOAST BOTTOM PAINTING: Professional bottom painting. Mobile. Call 941-704-9382.
CAPTAIN FOR HIRE and boat caretaker services: If you need help with your boat on or off the water, call Captain Dan. uSCG, retired. 772486-8085.
MORE ADS = more readers in The Islander.
& INSURED
BOATS & BOATING Continued
WElCOME ABOARD jOyFISH Charters for private fishing, sunset cruises, and dolphin watching. Check out joyfishcharters.com or follow us on Facebook. Call to reserve, 941840-3181.
FOR SAlE: 35 Bristol sailboat, yanmar diesel, new shaft, cutless, log, prop and bottom job, 2024. $12,000. located on Holmes Beach ready to sail. Bill, 302-494-4096.
HELP WANTED
ROSER CH u RCH SEEKS part-time Assistant Facilities Administrator to cover Friday to Sunday and special events. Read the job description RoserChurch.com/job-opportunity
NOW HIRING HAND y MAN: Full-time professional services. $18 an hour and up, based on experience. Call jayPros, 941-962-2874.
REPORTER WANTED: Full- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience required. Apply via email with letter of interest to news@islander. org.
KIDS FOR HIRE
KIDS FOR HIRE ads are FREE for up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work. Ads must be placed by email, send to classifieds@islander.org.
SERVICES
IS yOuR HOME or office in need of some cleaning? Well, I’m your girl! local, reliable, professional! Please, give me a call or text, 941-773 -0461.
ClEANING: VACATION, CONSTRuCTION, residential, commercial and windows. licensed and insured. 941-756-4570.
PRESSuRE WASHING, PAVER sealing, driveway, roof, fence, pool area. Also, window cleaning. licensed and insured. 941-565-3931.
BICyClE REPAIRS: just4Fun at 5358 Gulf Drive can do most any bicycle repair at a reasonable cost. Pick-up and delivery available. 941-8967884.
API’S DRyWAll REPAIR: I look forward to servicing your drywall repair needs. Call 941-5248067 to schedule an appointment.
PC OR TECH issues? Not sure where to start? With years of experience, I’ll come to you with reliable solutions. Contact Gavin at 928-587-1309. www.gse.codes
SARASOTA PAINTING: INTERIOR/exterior/ cabinets: Call or text Don, 941-900-9398. Free estimates. Fully insured, twenty years’ experience.
RIDEEASy 247 yOuR professional, reliable and courteous car service to airports and events since 2015. you can reach us via text 941-447-7737 or email to mrfort5001@gmail. com We are available 24/7.
l OOK NO MORE! Residential, vacation rental and commercial cleaning. Give us a call, 941250-8548.
OuR SERVICES: ClEANING, home repairs, tile, concrete, remodeling, decks, steps, flooring, water drainage solutions, rental 24-hour services. Hurricane shutters and pre-storm service. New, low-cost generator and insulation (starts and runs on propane when power off). No permits needed. Islander, over 40 years here! Call 941404-9163.
I S l ANDER ARCHIVE u ofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.
SERVICES Continued
IS yOuR POOl deck, driveway, or garage floor looking worn out and dated? Bring them back to life with our top-tier resurfacing services! Services offered: Pool deck resurfacing, Slip-resistant, cool-to-the-touch finishes that enhance safety and aesthetics. Driveway resurfacing, durable surfaces that stand up to heavy traffic and harsh weather. Garage floor resurfacing, easy-to-clean, stain-resistant surfaces that look great and perform even better. Don’t wait! Transform your spaces today with our trusted resurfacing services. Contact us now for a free consultation and estimate. Call u Plus Me llC at 727-6235050 or visit u-plus-me.com
GOT DIRT y WINDOWS? Free estimates/ insured. Five-star customer service rating. “We want to earn your business. Downeast Window Cleaning, 207-852-6163.
AIRPORT SHuTTlE: QuAlITy transportation, 10 years by lewber. 352-339-3478.
lOOKING FOR SOMEONE who needs me: Clean, house-sit. I can cook, make sandwiches. I can do anything you can do but better! I can run to the grocery store for you. I can walk pets or go out to lunch with you. looking for a part-time job caregiving companion, I am your right arm! I love people and I love helping others. I have references and I’m reliable and dependable. My name is Dena Gray a.k.a. Sparkles! 941-524-2234.
IN-HOME S u PPORT: 26-plus years’ experience. Tammy Roberts, 941-580-4440.
ACHA u FFER4 u FOR TRANSPORTATION anywhere in Florida. Properly insured and over 40 years in Bradenton. Dennis, 941812-5930.
ONECA ll C l EAN u P. j unk removal, water damage, and more. Fast, reliable service. Call, 941-544-1260.
NEED A RIDE to the airports? Service to Tampa, St. Pete or SRQ. Call Gary at 863-409-5875.
HOME WATCHER: WHEN you can’t be at home, I’ll watch your home and send video of my inspection. I’m a State Certified Residential Appraiser with background check. 317-997-4056.
AFFORDABlE PRESSuRE WASHING and small job painting. 941-356-1456.
AMI AIRPORT SHuTTlE Guy: We pick up from Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota airports. up to seven passengers with luggage Reliable, licensed and friendly transportation to and from Anna Maria Island. AMIShuttle. com. 941-500-3388.
ClEANING SERVICES: Ten-plus years’ experience. Professional, prompt with a flexible schedule. Contact jessica, 941-900-8051.
NON-TOXIC ClEANING services for your home/ business! Evenings/weekends. Reliable and detailed. lauren, 770-864-2940.
SKI ll ED HAND y MAN, 63, retired. Expert repairs, plumbing, electrical, odd jobs. Ties to island. Quality guaranteed. 704-5607254.
SERVICES Continued
BuSINESS-TO-BuSINESS jD’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-9203840.
BEACH SERVICE air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. Commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. Serving Manatee County and the Island since 1987. For dependable, honest and personalized service, call Bill Eller, 941-720-7411. Residential, call Nate, 941-5242248. CAC184228.
ClEAN TECH MOBIlE Detailing. At your location. Cars, boats, RVs. Call or text Billie for an appointment. 941-592-3482.
LAWN & GARDEN
CONNIE’S lANDSCAPING INC. Residential and commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-713-1965.
COllINS lANDSCAPE lIGHTING: Outdoor lighting, landscaping, irrigation services and maintenance. 941-279-9947. MjC24373@gmail.com
SHEll DElIVERED AND spread. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, topsoil with free estimates. Call larry at 941-795-7775, or “shell phone” 941-720-0770.
HOME IMPROVEMENT
VAN-GO PAINTING residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper. Island references. Bill, 941-795-5100. www.vangopainting.net.
GRIFFIN’S HOME IMPROVEMENTS Inc. Handyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. Insured and licensed. 941-722-8792.
lANE’S SCREENING SERVICES: Replace your window, door or lanai screens. Many screen options available. Retired veteran serving our community! Free estimates, call 941-705-5293.
lOOKING FOR ANy home improvement? jRCC Home Improvement, handyman service can get the job done. Please, contact us at 413-246-2410. We would love to help.
TIlE-TIlE-TIlE: All variations of ceramic tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship, prompt, reliable, many Island references. Call Ashdown Flooring, 941-726-3077.
DONAlD PERKINS PAINTING llC. Interior/exterior/pressure washing. Island references. dperkinspaint@hotmail.com. 941705-7096.
GORIllA DRyWAll REPAIR llC. let’s solve your drywall problems together. Give us a call at 941-286-0607.
QuEEN BEE PAINTING: “We Do It Royally.” Interior/exterior painting and pressure washing, pool decks, garage floors, cabinets, popcorn ceiling and wallpaper removal, drywall, door and trim install and repair, window cleaning. Sheryl, 864-884-3380.
TETI TIlE: 40 years’ experience in Delaware, now on AMI and surrounds. Tile, marble, murals. Free estimates. Call john Teti, 302983-5774.
TRuE TONE PAINTING: Painting, power washing, epoxy floors. 941-224-4020.
HOME IMPROVEMENT Continued
CAll HyDRO ClEAN. Full-service pressure washing, sealing. Pavers, travertine and natural stone. Window washing too, up to three stories. Call jacob, 941-920-2094.
ISlAND HANDyMAN: I live here, work here, value your referral. Refinish, paint. just ask. jayPros. licensed/insured. References. Call jay, 941-9622874.
RENTALS
ANNA MARIA GulF beachfront vacation rentals. One- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941-778-3143.
AVAIlABlE NOW AND season: 1BR/1BA, sevennight minimum. carlesvacationrentals.com. Special rates are available. 941-807-1405.
PERICO ISlAND PATIO home: 3BR/2BA, privacy wall/gate, two-car garage, single floor, high ceilings, screened lanai. Call or text Alison, 859-7716423.
2026 SEASONAl RENTAl: just one block from the beach, Single-story 2BR/2BA private residence, screened patio. No smoking/no pets. December-April. 64th Street, Holmes Beach. Call 813-833-4926.
CENTRAl HOlMES BEACH, 3BR/2BA completely remodeled, walk to beach, school, trolley, shopping. Annual, $2,595/month. 941-7136743.
AVAIlABlE NOW! ANNuAl rental. Beautiful, bright renovated condo 2BR/2BA, one floor. Perico Bay Club, pool, hot tub, tennis, pickle ball, covered parking. $2,500/ month. Call 612-802-8357.
ANNuAl RENTAl: 1BR/1BA Recently renovated, quiet street in Holmes Beach. Steps to a public beach access in Holmes Beach. $2,200/month. First, last and security. 941807-1405.
2BR/2BA SECOND FlOOR condo with pool available in Holmes Beach. Available for 2025/26 season beginning November 2025. Call jack, 312-835-2323 for more details and link to site with pictures and details.
HOlMES BEACH WESTBAy Cove condo. Second floor, 2BR/2BA, large lanai with bay view and one block to Gulf. Pools, tennis, pickleball. December - March, $3,800/month. january - March, $4,000/ month. 941-778-8456. terryaposporos@gmail. com.
REAL ESTATE
WINNIE MCHAlE, REAlTOR, 941-5046146. Dalton Wade Real Estate. you need an aggressive and experienced Realtor in today’s market! Selling island homes, Sarasota and Bradenton areas. Multi-milliondollar producer! “Selling Homes - Making Dreams Come True.”
WEST BRADENTON: 3BR/2BA, two-car garage. Peace and quiet in middle of town, in bird sanctuary. Features modern updates in lush, tropical setting. Minutes to beach and shopping. $550,000. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.
REAL ESTATE Continued
WATERFRONT 3BR/2BA MANuFACTuRED home with ample parking for boat/RV and two cars. Screened-in lanai for enjoying sunsets. Steps away from Parrott Cove Marina and free boat launch. Sunny Shores beach nearby and easy walk or bike ride to Anna Maria Island. Awaiting new owner to complete drywall and decorative fl ooring. you own the land. Sunny Shores, a friendly community with voluntary homeowners’ association that provides access to clubhouse and park amenities. Ideal vacation home or rental property. Asking price, $250,000. Call 847-436-0938 for more information or tour of home.
BEAuTIFul POOl HOME in west Bradenton. 3BR/2BA, two-car garage. Private side yard for boat, RV or dog run. Private caged pool with covered area. $469,000. Real Estate Mart, 941356-1456.
lONGBOAT KEy, NORTH end village. Brand-new home to be built. 3BR/2BA with view. Fred at Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.
NORTHWEST BRADENTON: Minutes to beach and Robinson Preserve. Custom-built hacienda, 2BR/2BA, two-car garage. Community pool, spa, clubhouse and boat docks. $795,000. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.
RETIREMENT FIXER: 1BR/BA TRAIlER: Partially remodeled. Bradenton Beach, $99,999. One minute walk to beach/bay. 831-212-2606.
The Islander newspaper is FREE at Publix Holmes Beach. Just stop by the customer service desk, hold out your hand and say, “Islander, please!” And maybe remind staff you’d like the serve-yourself community news returned to the lobby.
