Flashback 2024
members of the island-based sand circus, resplendent in their inflatable animal costumes, take in the new year from the chilly waters of the gulf during the 2024 shamrock shiver charity event. this year’s event is an “ice Bucket challenge” due to the posthurricane condition of the beach. the challenge begins at noon Jan. 1 at clancy’s irish Pub, 6218 cortez road W., Bradenton. islander file
robert anderson
the feb. 20, 2024, edition of the islander saw Bob lee, tom atherton, adin shank, steve doyle, tom skoloda and del reese pose for a reenactment photo — circa 1914-15 at what was the horseshoe pits — now the parking lot south of the island Players playhouse. islander file
Photo: Kevin P. cassidy
anna maria island turtle Watch volunteers maureen richmond, danielle Kimberly, robert Brown and executive director Kristen mazzarella gather april 27 at the island’s first 2024 sea turtle nest — located on the white sandy beach on the gulf of mexico in anna maria. islander file
Photo: courtesy Peggy Welch
Flashback 2024: The year in review
compiled by islander staff
Part 1, January-June
Before Hurricane Helene hit Sept. 26, 2024, there were 269 days of Anna Maria Island news, news about ferry launches, mangrove removals, parking garage proposals and consolidation considerations, as well as news about accidental drownings and wrongful deaths, least terns nesting, sea turtles disorienting and more.
Here is a look back at the first half of 2024, when, yes, the federal government’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued this warning: “All the ingredients are in place for an active season.”
JANUARY
> County resets ferry launch : Manatee County in January launched its Gulf Islands Ferry servicing Bradenton and Anna Maria Island, with operations contracted to Clearwater-based Gulf Coast Water Taxi.
> BB seeks to fill empty seat : Bradenton Beach was eyeing an empty chair at the dais. The commission seat was left vacant by Jake Spooner, who resigned in December 2023, less than two months after his reelection.
> Bradenton Beach rejects dockside vacation rental boat : Commissioners snubbed a request to operate a houseboat as a short-term vacation rental at 2399 Ave. A on the bayfront end of 23rd Street North.
> DEP exempts Anna Maria mangrove removal : The removal of mangroves at a canalfront Anna Maria property was cleared by the state. An inspection by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection found the contractor that performed the removal at 111 Gull Drive, Anna Maria, was within the footprint of exempt activity.
> Man found drowned at BB dinghy dock : The Bradenton Beach Police Department responded to an emergency call at the city dinghy dock, 200 Bridge St., after boaters, returning from a fishing trip, discovered a body in the water. The body of Mark Allen Crooks, 63, was found with his right leg caught against a dock piling.
> Anna Maria appoints 2 commissioners: Vacant seats on the Anna Maria City Commission were filled. City
anna maria island since 1992
Holmes Beach commissioner Pat morton speaks feb. 27, 2024, about the crash that left him with injuries as well as support from his community. morton also unveiled a new nickname, “speedbump.” islander file Photo
Photo:
Jan.1 ice BucKet cHallenge
commissioners voted to appoint residents Kathleen Morgan-Johnson and Gary McMullen to the board, which had shrunk to three members following Robert Kingan’s and Deanie Sebring’s departures.
> Holmes Beach commissioner struck by car: A Jan. 25, 2024, crash sent Holmes Beach City Commissioner Pat Morton to the HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton for medical treatment.
FEBRUARY
> BB looks to paid moorings to drown problems: Bradenton Beach officials were entertaining the prospect of establishing a mooring field in a bid to revamp the waterfront. Such a program would require that boaters anchor and pay to tie up at moorings in the area south of the city pier.
> Anna Maria charter review starts off with big questions: The Anna Maria Charter Review Committee wasted no time in asking some major questions. At their first meeting, members discussed the merits of a city manager, decreasing the number of elected commissioners and increasing term lengths for commissioners and the mayor.
> Bradenton Beach ward changes get 1st OK from commission: Bradenton Beach commissioners voted to approve the first reading of an ordinance to modify ward boundaries due to population changes.
> State pitches AMI dissolution: Consolidation was not the only option for Anna Maria Island’s three cities. An information request from the Florida Office of Program Policy and Government Accountability to the city of Bradenton included a fourth option involving dissolution of the island cities.
> Competition begins for HB mayor’s seat : The 2024 election cycle kicked off in Holmes Beach. Michael “Mike” Roth filed the required forms with the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office to run for the mayoral seat held by Judy Titsworth.
> Coast Guard halts search : The U.S. Coast Guard made a chance rescue, finding two stranded Please, see flashback, next Page
Flashback 2024
layla Jane White, 7, touches a live epaulette shark as it swims through a tank display with other marine life Jan. 31, 2024, at the mote marine aquarium during an ame guy Harvey academy of arts and sciences first-grade field trip to city island in sarasota. islander
courtesy sarah sparling
▼ Modern Chop Happy Hour 11:30-6 Light Bite Specials 4-6, lounge only.
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a.J. croce performs Jan. 26, 2024, at the center of anna maria island, 407 magnolia ave., anna maria, as part of the croce Plays croce 50th anniversary tour. the show marked the third concert in the 2023-24 Bradenton gulf island concert series. islander file Photo: robyn murrell
Photo:
mike Pollard helps marlon Haoui, 8, of Bradenton, the first passenger off the miss anna maria Jan. 14, 2024, at the anna maria city Pier. islander Photo: ryan Paice
Fire in Cortez
fire broke out early on dec. 29 in cortez at a business at 4412 123rd st. W., bordering cortez road, where matthew minnis and Jenny Krohn share a residential home and operate a business, fit to grind, doing boat repairs. the shop where the fire occured operates in an open-air facility under a carport with sheet metal and canvas walls. according to West manatee fire rescue lt. inspector Keith miller, eyewitnesses said the fire started in a car that minnis later told Wmfr was in the shop due to flooding. the building was condemned by the manatee county Building and development services. the fire was called into Wmfr at 7:16 a.m and capt. scott moore, a local fishing guide, captured this photo and a video at 7:29 a.m. look for more online at islander.org.
boaters who had been unable to call for help about 35 miles west of Anna Maria Island in the Gulf of Mexico, where their boat capsized. A third person from the boat was still missing.
> BB disputes developer’s residential parking lots: Bradenton Beach officials were taking a stand on procedure, telling a developer to back up and park his ideas. Officials raised concerns over the emergence of paid parking operations in the city’s historic district that lack permitting, placing developer Shawn Kaleta’s actions under a magnifying glass.
> DOT wrapping up study for BB-LBK bridge : The Florida Department of Transportation was approaching a milestone in its efforts to evaluate the Longboat Pass Bridge. The DOT was finalizing a project development and environment study aimed at evaluating bridge options.
> Jewfish Key homeowners seek separation from LBK: The Jewfish Key Preservation Collective, which acts as a homeowner’s association for property owners on the key, requested disengagement from the municipal boundaries of Longboat Key.
> Georgia murder suspect surrenders in Bradenton Beach: Rodobaldo Portuondo, a 17-year-old from Georgia wanted in connection with a fatal shooting in Savannah, surrendered in Bradenton Beach.
> Tour guides, captains create anti-poaching group: Tour boat captains, meeting in Cortez, organized into a group dedicated to stopping the illegal harvest of marine organisms in Sarasota Bay.
> Garden Club named Anna Maria Citizen of the Year: Anna Maria decided on a winner for its 2023 Citizen(s) of the Year award: the Anna Maria Island Garden Club.
> Ferry service expanded : Manatee County added a fourth day — Thursday — to the Gulf Islands Ferry service operating between downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria Island.
> HB treehouse ‘coming down’: “The saga of the
Flashback 2024
$37,793
Please, see flashback, Page 4
Charity Plunge
While our beaches are healing and may not be ready for us to “TAKE THE PLUNGE”, Our local Children’s Charities still need us!
Please continue to support Clancy’s largest Charity Event of the year! It may look a little different, but we hope the results will be the same! Join us for our “ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE”!
Members of our community who have collected donations to support our local children’s charities will be doused with buckets of Ice Water! That should certainly shiver a few shamrocks! We will continue on by putting the “FUN” into fundraising with the DR. DAVE BAND, door prizes, raffles and silent auction! It’s a great way to start the New Year by making a difference in our community! A good time is certain to be had by all for such good causes! Charities include:
MOTHERS HELPING MOTHERS
To join us in the challenge or donate to these
a sign accusing manatee county commissioner Kevin Van ostenbridge of “lies!” was posted in february 2024 on manatee avenue east of the anna maria island Bridge. the back read, “Vote corrupt KVo out!” but carried no signature identifying who placed the sign. islander file Photo: lisa neff
Johnson House moving pulls onto gulf drive feb. 24, 2024, with ame’s red caboose — a former computer lab and school store bound for a new home at the florida railroad museum in Parrish. islander file Photo: robyn murrell
treehouse is over,” said Judge Edward Nicholas of the 12th Circuit Court. “The treehouse is coming down.” Nicholas ruled on the beachfront treehouse at the Angelinos Sea Lodge, 2818 Ave. E, Holmes Beach.
> Fatal crash prompts legal suit: Deborah Trotter, a woman who was injured and whose mother was killed by a vehicle in 2023 while they were in a crosswalk at Marina and Gulf drives in Holmes Beach, announced a wrongful death suit intended to hold a driver and a construction company accountable.
MARCH
> Holmes Beach approves settlement agreement with developer: The city of Holmes Beach and developer Shawn Kaleta had been at odds for years. But a settlement agreement wiped the slate clean. City commissioners unanimously voted to approve a settlement with Kaleta to resolve his 2022 federal lawsuit against the municipality and all claims involving its alleged “anti-Kaleta policy.”
> Resident rep on Bradenton Beach CRA resigns: David Bell resigned his seat on the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency following a March 6 meeting at city hall. Bell cited dissatisfaction with CRA and city policies.
> Anna Maria hikes rental registration fees : Despite preemptive state legislation on the horizon, the city of Anna Maria increased registration fees for vacation rentals for 2024-25.
> Fire district sued over vacation rental assessments: The first legal challenge against the West Manatee Fire Rescue district’s vacation rental inspection program was launched. Holmes Beach-based C&D Properties of AMI LLC sued, maintaining the district’s new fire assessments violate state law.
> State pushes removal of Cortez stilt house: The Florida Department of Environmental Protection asked a court to compel Raymond “Junior” Guthrie to demolish a stilt house he built just a short distance
3 Please, see flashback, next Page
Flashback 2024
The Finest in Outdoor Furnishings Retail Store and Design Center
tessa doezema, 4, gets her face painted “like a unicorn” feb. 17, 2024, by an artist at the Kids Zone during the cortez commercial fishing festival. the Kids Zone featured an assortment of arts and crafts booths, as well as rides and a marine life touch tank. islander file
robert anderson
Photo:
People shop for “treasure” at the White elephant sale, held feb. 10, 2024, at the episcopal church of the annunciation, 4408 gulf drive, Holmes Beach. islander file Photo: lisa neff
anna maria commissioner gary mcmullen voices criticism march 28, 2024, about the city’s prohibition on cannabis products. islander file Photo: ryan Paice
> Bradenton Beach appoints new commissioner: Bradenton Beach commissioners appointed Deborah Scaccianoce as commissioner for Ward 1. Scaccianoce is a co-owner of Double Deez Chicago Style Hotdogs in Holmes Beach.
> Cortez honors village matriarch : A crowd gathered at the Cortez Village Historical Society’s Cortez Cultural Center to honor the late Dr. Mary Frances Fulford Green. During the celebration, a commemorative plaque was mounted on the CCC building as a testament to Green’s dedication to preserving the cultural heritage of the fishing village.
APRIL
> Island governments coordinate taking on mangrove authority: Momentum was building behind the barrier island governments’ combined efforts to protect mangroves as Anna Maria and Holmes Beach officials discussed continuing exploration into seeking delegated authority of mangrove enforcement and regulation from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
> Dogs allowed in AM park: Anna Maria commissioners unanimously voted to adopt an ordinance allowing people to walk their dogs on leashes at City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., except during certain events.
> Jeep accelerates into store: Three people were hospitalized with serious injuries following a motor
Flashback 2024
aBoVe: the center of anna maria island float, with sponsorships from duncan real estate, duffy’s tavern, the doctor’s office and ami dolphin tours, makes its way up marina drive in Holmes Beach march 17, 2024, during the st. Patrick’s day Parade. islander file Photo: robert anderson
Kids in the afterschool program at the center of anna maria island show off vertical oyster projects created march 20, 2024, during a presentation by the Palmetto-based gulf shellfish institute.
david Bell at a march 2024, Brademton Beach cra meeting. He resigned that day.
The calm before the storm
The beginning of 2024 was almost forgotten by me with so much happening after September ... the stoms.
But there was much going on among.
We said good-bye to the caboose that stood for so long at the Anna Maria Elementary School. It served as a learning center, computer lab, school store and more and it provided a learning experience for kids who were seldom introduced to a railroad experience.
Meanwhile, the contentious stilt house erected over the water just off the commercial docks in Cortez was removed. The owner called it a net house but “IMHO,” it was a party spot and had little to nothing to do with fishing. After all, net houses stored nets and did not have kitchens, AC or bathrooms.
The ferry boats got going in January and I can attest to a smooth, fast ride from downtown Bradenton with family, a quick stop at the Anna Maria City Pier and a visit to Bradenton Beach.
It was so popular, a third boat was ordered.
And it will be a kudo for elected officials in 2025 to find a ferry landing in Holmes Beach. But I really hope it will be a destination, not just a dock.
We had fun going “coocoo for coconuts” on Bridge Street — a failed attempt to add more coconut trees to the pathways on the busy street.
We heard the weather gurus warn of an “above normal”storm season ... I guess they got that right!
And another sea turtle season kicked off!
Next week, we’ll wade into the storms. Thankfully, I feel like we’re slowly making a turn to normal.
I wanted to take a moment to remind you about a time many years ago — summer of 1976 — when thencandidate-for-president Jimmy Carter came to Anna Maria Island.
He might be the only candidate — or elected or past president to visit here — and my kids were present to meet him at the community center.
Keep in mind, there were very few voters there to greet, but the kids lined up on the “service line” in the half-court gym as he walked the line and shook hands with them all.
“Hi, I’m going to be your next president” … or, alternately, “Hi, I’m Jimmy Carter, your next president,” he said in his soft voice and kind manner as he greeted each one of the kids.
“Sure, Buddy,” snapped one of the kids. And that got him a big laugh from the future president. It was a moment to remember.
Now we mourn President Jimmy Carter, who in my recollection was a kind soul with a good handshake. — Bonner Joy, news@islander.org
Connections on AMI
Anna Maria: Mayor Mark Short, 941-708-6130, ammayor@cityofannamaria.com.
Bradenton Beach : Mayor John Chappie, 941778-1005, mayor@cityofbradentonbeach.com.
Holmes Beach: Mayor Judy Titsworth, 941-7085800, hbmayor@holmesbeachfl.org.
Skimming online
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santa and the grinch celebrated the holidays dec. 21 with sheriff’s deputy Jared leggett at the ami Historical society on Pine avenue at the city-sponsored holiday event. islander courtesy Photos: city of am/dean Jones
Murphy
Recovering
sean murphy special to the islander
It was the Friday in the middle.
Helene was supposed to just “Walk on By”.
Instead she kicked the bejeezuz out of us.
Helene had filled our bar with a three-foot ooze of bad chocolate milk and greasy sea water.
We bailed, then worked like terriers to clean it up.
We pressure-washed and sanitized, and washed and sanitized, and then did it all again.
The Doctor’s bar did not shine like the Queen of the ball that Friday evening, but she shined, and the whole damn town needed a drink.
People came, and had a cocktail, and then they cried and laughed, and cried and laughed some more. For a couple of hours, we all felt “OK.”
Our magical island was still magical. It would rise from the primordial swamp and be precious once again.
Paradise would come back.
Then the weatherman said “Milton”, and a darkening crept across my mind.
John Milton wrote “Paradise Lost.”
I studied Milton in college English back when people were still writing with pencils.
Professor Varma taught the course.
He was the world’s premier expert on all things Dracula.
Occasionally Varma would disappear for a week to go make a Dracula movie with Vincent Price.
Dr. Varma looked like Dracula. He was gray — all of him — except for twin bright white streaks flaming through his hairline like grandpa on the Munsters.
Varma dressed like Dracula. A dark gray, pinstripe undertaker’s tuxedo with tails, and a black bowtie. All of it cloaked with one of those old-fashioned billowing
black professor capes. And he floated around campus like one of Harry Potter’s dementors.
Dr. Varma not only loved Dracula, he loved John Milton. We studied Milton’s Paradise Lost for a long month.
Paradise Lost casts Satan as the rebel in heaven.
“Better to rule in hell than serve in heaven.”
He led his dark angels against God in “dubious battle.”
God kicked his ass, and for Satan, Paradise was Lost.
That post-Helene Friday evening when the Weather Man said, “Milton,” there was a clenching in my nether regions.
Varma, Dracula and Satan all came creeping back.
We had just fought “in dubious battle” to recover from Helene and now God was going to kick our ass again with Milton.
Paradise would be lost.
But apparently, us islanders can take an ass-kicking.
We have climbed through the wreckage and loaded up the dumpsters, and hosed and pressure-washed and sanitized again and again.
With patience and polishing, Anna Maria Island, our little gem, is already starting to glisten again.
And, of course, we have palm trees, blue skies, white sand and the Gulf of Mexico.
Any shivering Northerner that does not come back this winter is a damn fool.
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 as well as an outdoor “garden” dining area with entertainment — when the weather permits.
vehicle crash in Holmes Beach. A woman driving a Jeep crashed through the south-facing window of Gypsea Tides Beach Boutique, 5602 Marina Drive, and into the boutique before smashing the shared wall with Reed Fitness & Physical Therapy.
> Principal change coming to AME in 2024-25: At an Anna Maria Elementary School Advisory Council meeting, it was announced that principal Mike Masiello would retire in May.
> Tourist council recommends 3rd ferry boat: “We’re gonna need a bigger boat,” echoed April 15, 2024, in the Manatee County commission chambers in Bradenton. The county tourist development council, the board that advises the commission on tourismrelated funding and projects, was recommending the Gulf Islands Ferry service between Bradenton and Anna Maria Island that launched in January with two
Flashback 2024
custom boats needed a third boat.
> TDC seeks 6th penny for bed tax : Another penny under the pillow? The Manatee County Tourist Development Council unanimously agreed to recommend adding a sixth cent to the resort tax.
> BB public works director takes new post : Longtime Bradenton Beach public works director Tom Woodard was bound for Bedford, Virginia, and a new job.
> Sea turtle patrols launch for 2024: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring hit the beaches April 15, 2024, conducting the first Anna Maria Island patrols of the nesting season.
> Fence blocking disputed beach path to come down: The blockade of a disputed beach access path
Back to School? Time for a checkup!
Jamie Lawson O.D., Kenneth Lawson O.D. 5632 26th St. W., Bradenton 941.751.4668, BayshoreEyeCare.net
at the west end of 78th Street in Holmes Beach was headed for change. City planning and zoning administrator Chad Minor wrote in an email to The Islander that part of an illegally built fence on property at 99 78th St. and 101 78th St. was to be removed ASAP.
> HB homeowners sue tour company: Holmes Beach residents Roger and Irene Alvarez filed a lawsuit against Bradenton-based Fun Florida Tours seeking more than $50,000 in damages and an injunction to prohibit the company from, among other things, entering Sportsmans Harbor.
> BB CRA greenlights Bridge Street coconuts project: The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency voted to enhance Bridge Street with more than 80 coconut palms among the street’s landscape easements.
> Cortez captains seek assistance in clearing derelict vessels : Cortez captains were appealing to Manatee County and the state to keep their home waters safe and navigable. Effective derelict and atrisk vessel policing programs in Sarasota, Bradenton
Tiki & Kitty’s
Tiki and Kitty are leading the way to their favorite shops and boutiques to find unique vintage accents and decor for your 2025 home.
Blessed and Distressed is a tastefully designed store — so inviting you’ll want to pull up a chair — with collectibles and work by local artists at Palma Sola Square, around the corner from Winn-Dixie. It offers vintage, upcycled, shabby chic and artsy vendors. You won’t be disappointed.
T&K love Cat’s Meow, an 8,000 square-foot marketplace! Their vendors offer coastal, cottage, beach, antique, boho, midcentury modern and other home decor styles. They also offer vintage to fine jewelry and vintage albums.
You might want to lace up your skates, as this large, former skating rink has plenty to offer bargain hunters and anyone seeking antiques and unique decor. You don’t want to miss this collection.
We’ll definitely make a stop next door at Blue
Flamingo, home to hip and trendy upcycled and repurposed goods, furniture and decor, garden features, candles, jewelry and work by local artisans. They also offer Dixie Belle paints.
We promise, you will find treasures aplenty.
Scavengers Marketplace has plenty of vendors to capture your wallet at the Palmetto store, 2100 U.S. 301. There’s always something new to entice you among the vendors’ eclectic collections.
Scavengers also carries Fusion Paints. The Vintage Vine Market is a favorite for Tiki and Kitty, who love the fine vintage wares and items with a whimsical twist at this store in historic Old Manatee along the newest section of the Bradenton Riverwalk. The location in the 1910 building oozes charm. And they take select consignments by appointment.
And don’t forget, tell people you meet along the way, “The Islander sent me.”
flashback continued from Page 9 Beach and Palmetto are pushing boat owners to Cortez, an unincorporated area of Manatee County.
MAY
> New AME principal named: Katie Fradley of Bradenton was set to go from Gecko to Dolphin. Willis Elementary’s vice principal for 2023-24 was named Anna Maria Elementary’s principal for 2024-25.
> Feds forecast above-normal season: The federal government’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration was forecasting 17-25 named storms for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. Of those, eight to 13 were forecast to become hurricanes, including four to seven major hurricanes. “All the ingredients are in place for an active season,” said National Weather Service director Ken Graham.
> Developer prevails in canal dock dispute: An appellate court determination affi rmed that Cortez Road Investments and Finance Inc. had the right to proceed with dock construction along a canal at Hunters Point in Cortez.
> County OKs $2.9M for parking garages : Manatee County commissioners approved a budget amendment designating $2.925 million toward preliminary design services for three proposed parking garages, including one at Manatee Public Beach.
> PS Bay bacteria linked to horses: Water quality testing linked horses to pollution in north Palma Sola Bay. Testing by the nonprofi t environmental monitoring group Suncoast Waterkeeper showed elevated levels of enterococci bacteria in north Palma Sola Bay and DNA testing links the bacteria to horse waste.
Islander archive? Look online at ufdc.ufl.edu.
Flashback 2024
> AMITW discovers least tern colony : Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring verified a nesting least tern colony on Anna Maria Island.
> Squatters ‘spoil’ island in waterway: People were taking up residence on a spoil island in Anna Maria Sound, prompting concerns from mariners and residents and action from authorities.
> New ‘offi cial’ fi nancial disclosure requirements suspended: Elected officials’ concerns about financial disclosure requirements were quelled as filing of Form 6 was suspended following a temporary injunction ordered by a U.S. District Court judge.
> Jewfish Key group withdraws petition: Jewfish Key residents withdrew a petition to withdraw from the town of Longboat Key. The action resulted in the cancellation of a public hearing for the potential deannexation of the key.
JUNE
> Speed cameras coming to AME school zone: Holmes Beach commissioners unanimously voted to authorize Mayor Judy Titsworth to execute a piggyback agreement to hire Tennessee-based Blue Line Solutions LLC to install and operate an automated speed enforcement system in the school zone along Gulf Drive.
> BB removes palms on DOT protest: A $50,000
initiative, approved between the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency and developer Shawn Kaleta, involved planting 80 coconut palms along Bridge Street, including the Gulf Drive intersection. However, Gulf Drive is a state road and the CRA didn’t get permission for the plantings from the Florida Department of Transportation.
> Construction continues on controversial beachfront home: Work on a controversial beachfront home in Anna Maria continued. Anna Maria-based Gagne Construction’s work on Fedora Campbell’s new single-family home at 105 Elm Ave. — a previously undeveloped lot — passed inspections.
> Disorientated sea turtle killed: A loggerhead sea turtle disoriented, crawling onto Gulf Drive South in Bradenton Beach, where it was struck and killed by a vehicle. The incident occurred in the 1600 block of the state road near Coquina Beach.
> 3rd ferry gets nod: Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director Elliott Falcione asked for and received an OK from county commissioners to spend $3 million in tourist development tax money to build a third boat, enclosed for passengers, to add to the Gulf Islands Ferry fleet.
> Boat captains see evidence of continuing poaching: Tour boat captains, who had organized into a group dedicated to stopping the illegal harvest of marine organisms in Sarasota Bay, reported evidence of more poaching.
FLASHBACK: To be continued, Jan. 8, 2025.
ACCOMMM
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TO BE INCLUDED IN IWED, CONTACT ISLANDER “AD-VISER” DEBBIE TUCKER AT 941-778-7978 OR DEBBIE@ISLANDER.ORG
Roser gives thanks
More than 800 people attended one of three unique Christmas celebrations at Roser Memorial Community Church on Christmas Eve.
The church thanks to everyone who participated and celebrated Dec. 24!
The weather was perfect for the 4 p.m. outdoor service, featuring a Nativity pageant in which all children were invited to participate. On arrival, they checked in and chose costumes.
During the scripture reading and singing of Christmas carols, the actors were called to the stable to greet the baby in the manger based on the characters they were representing: Mary and Joseph, the animals, angels, shepherds and wisemen.
At the indoor events, attendees of the 7 and 9 p.m. candlelight services each received a candle. At the end of each service, during the singing of “Silent Night,” the lights were turned down and the candles of those on the center aisle were lit. The light was passed down the rows throughout the sanctuary, symbolizing the spreading of the Light of Christ.
At the first service, the audience enjoyed music by the Chancel Choir and Roser Ringer’s Handbell Choir. These services were streamed live online and can be viewed on the Roser Church YouTube Channel at youtube.com/c/RoserChurch.
— Bev Hunsberger, roser communications specialist
roser church christmas eve service with bell ringers on stage, chancel choir in the loft, craig ramberger, director of music ministries leading and Brandon Kouri, associate director of music ministries, on the organ.
rigHt: christmas eve service with lighted candles in the roser sanctuary. islander Photos: Bev Hunsberger
aBoVe:
Tops in sports 2024
By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter
Another year has passed by on and around Anna Maria Island. After over 30 years of writing this column, the events and dates kind of run together, though the events of this year will remain branded in my brain for the rest of my life.
I first like to recognize the “bread and butter” of my weekly sports column. Topping the list is the sports program — both adult and youth — at the Center of Anna Maria Island. Due to the recurring nature of their revolving sports schedules, it’s difficult to pick out any individual youth or adult team title that stands out as a sports story of the year. However, I wouldn’t have a whole lot to write about if it weren’t for the efforts of Tyler Bekkerus, Tuna McCracken and the rest of the staff at the center.
The same basically holds true for Key Royale Club golf news and the Anna Maria horseshoe news. Week after week, Tom Nelson from KRC and Jay Disbrow from the AMI Pitchers send in their results.
To be sure, there are noteworthy events that stick out at Key Royale Club and the Anna Maria City Hall pits. In the Feb. 13 edition, Debbie Wohlers and Eric Lawson both won the club championship. Lawson won for the fourth consecutive year, while Wohlers took her win for the ninth time in 10 years.
The March 19 edition of the Islander highlighted Pam Lowry winning the ladies’ senior club champion-
a gaggle of Sato Real Estate and Better on Bikes players converge June 8 on the Sato goal during 5-7 division indoor soccer action at the Center of anna Maria Island. Islander Photo: Kevin P. Cassidy
ship, while Gary Risner won the men’s senior championship.
Last, but not least, Brian Hogan had his first career hole-in-one April 17, appearing in the April 30 edi-
nick Yatros, island resident, poses May 3 with St. Stephen’s Episcopal School athletic director Lenny Paoletti and his trophy, the Mandy Stoll Studentathlete-of-the-Year award, at the school awards banquet. Islander Photo: Courtesy Gy Yatros
tion.
As for the horseshoe pitchers, their reenactment of a 1914-1915 photo of horseshoe players pitching very close to where the present-day pits are at Anna Maria City Hall was a standout moment.
The year ended with the pitchers making their annual donation to Meals On Wheels Plus of Manatee County prior to their regularly scheduled competition.
In between those events, the horseshoe pitchers enjoyed a lot of great competition, camaraderie and fun. Judging from the results last year, if you want a trip to the winner’s circle, you should hope to be randomly paired with either Tom Farrington or Tim Sofran. Farrington was on a first-place team 29 times, while Sofran was right behind with 26 victories.
Other highlights of the year include the Jan. 30 edition, where we reported on Perico Island resident Mark Malinowski, who came oh so close to representing Florida for the National 4.5 40 and over singles tournament.
Playing Jan. 20 at the Hunter’s Green Country Club, Malinowski won his first two matches against Driss Ouazzani of Heathrow, FL, 4-2, 4-2 and Andres Merchan from Clearwater, FL 4-1, 4-0. In his third round-robin match, Malinowski held six match points, but could not convert and ended up falling to Miami’s Marcio Moran 2-4, 4-2, 8-10.
The April 2 Islander highlighted the accomplishments of Doug Herr, who lives in the same condo complex as longtime ironman athlete Sandy Meleney, who has graced this column multiple times and connected me with Herr.
Herr participated in the Jackpot Ultras in Las Vegas over the Feb. 15-17 weekend in a 100-mile race. A 100-mile ultra race has a time limit of 30 hours and Herr completed the 100-mile-long course in 26:52 hours and his “buckle” award.
Another of the year’s highlights appeared in the May 14 edition when longtime area resident Nick Yatros was awarded the St. Stephen’s Episcopal School’s Mandy Stoll Student-Athlete-of-the-Year award during the school’s May 3 awards banquet.
Nick took part in multiple sports at St. Stephen’s, including basketball, cross country and track, all while
Cassidy
maintaining a 4.0+ grade point average, which earned him a place on the “Head of School List.” He earned the most valuable player award in basketball and was honored to be selected for the Manatee/Sarasota allstar basketball team.
Nick also qualified for the track and field state championships in the 4x400 and 4x800 events. He was headed in the fall to Emory Oxford University in Georgia, where he planned to play basketball and study finance and computer science.
Another longtime area resident who has graced these pages many times is distance runner, Mickey Hooke.
Hooke recently finished up his 11-month season May 25 at the Summer Heat 5K in Thonotosassa. Hooke finished in 10th place overall with a time of 23:29. That was good enough to be the grandmaster winner, who also set two course records in the grandmaster and senior grandmaster divisions.
Hooke persevered through a difficult year, dealing with a foot injury along with other ailments that limited his training. Despite that, Hooke had one overall victory, eight top five finishes in 10 races, while also setting 14 individual records.
However, with all of those fantastic achievements, storm season is the season that dominated the headlines.
It all started in Aug. with heavy rains from Tropical Storm Debby, which turned into Hurricane Debby —delaying and canceling several scheduled sporting events.
Of course, looking back, that was nothing because by late September the islands got washed out by Hurricane Helene, followed 10 days later by Hurricane Milton, which blew through west Florida.
What’s this have to do with sports you ask? We’re back to my bread-and-butter. With all “regular” activities shut down, the community center was transformed from a hub of sports activities to a publisher’s clear-
ing house for food, water, cleaning supplies and services for hurricane victims on the island. Many props to executive director Chris Culhane and his staff and all the locals who volunteered to help neighbors in need.
Though a lot of progress has been made in digging out from these storms, a lot of the island, its residents and business owners are still in cleanup mode and it may be years before it gets back to “normal”.
Happy New Year to my readers and here’s to a better 2025 for Manatee County and Florida.
RIGHT: Tom Farrington, left, and Bob Rowley ended the year in the winner’s circle Dec. 28 on winning the day’s final 24 to 17 over Bob Mason and Tim Sofran. Farrington ended the match in style with a double-ringer for the win. Islander Courtesy Photo: aMI
Pitchers
aBOVE: Solid Rock air Conditioning receiver Van Havell reaches high Feb. 27 in an attempt to snag this pass from teammate Hayden Eurice during 11-14 division flag football action at the Center of anna Maria Island. Islander Photo: Kevin P. Cassidy
Westfall’s Lawn Care player Rusty Dilley heads the ball during 11-14 division soccer action May 7 at the Center of anna Maria Island. Islander
Photo: Kevin P. Cassidy
a local surfer ducks into a wave brought on by the two hurricanes that hit the west coast of Florida in SeptemberOctober. Islander Photo: Courtesy Sean Breslin
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anTIQUE PaRTnER DESK: all wood, $500. Inquire at The Islander. 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).
TRANSPORTATION
GOLF C a RT RE n Ta LS: Fun for residents and tourists! 212-941-2402. www.GolfCartRentalaMI.com.
BOATS & BOATING
HaVE a BOaT and wanna catch more fish, better bait or learn the water? 50-year local fisherman, your boat, my knowledge. Captain Chris, 941-896-2915.
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I SL an DER a RCHIVE UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.
“Anna Maria Island,” a signed pictorial history book of the island by Bonner Joy, is available for $20 at Island Mail & Print, 3230 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, or by mail. Visit islander.org or call 941-778-7978. $20 plus postage, if mail order.
BOATS & BOATING
Continued
CaPTaIn FOR HIRE and boat caretaker services: If you need help with your boat on or off the water, call Captain Dan. USCG, retired. 772-486-8085.
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.
2017 YaMaHa 242LTD boat for sale. One owner, well-maintained, on lift since new. 217-825-6575.
HELP WANTED
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nOW HIRInG HanDYMan: Full-time professional services. $18 an hour and up, based on experience. Call JayPros, 941962-2874.
REPORTER Wan TED: Full- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience required. a pply 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 in person at The Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach.
HEALTH CARE
SEaSOnaL RETIRED Rn available to assist with your family or your needs, 20 years’ experience. For more information please, call 973-819-2824.
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SERVICES Continued
aPI’S DRYWaLL REPaIR: I look forward to servicing your drywall repair needs. Call 941524-8067 to schedule an appointment.
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OUR SERVICES: CLEanInG, home repairs, tile, concrete, remodeling, decks, steps, flooring, water drainage solutions, rental 24-hour services. Hurricane shutters and pre-storm service. n ew, low-cost generator and insulation (starts and runs on propane when power off). no permits needed. Islander, over 40 years here! Call 941-4049163.
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WInDOW CLEanInG: DOWnEaST Window Cleaning, 207-852-6163.
aIRPORT SHUTTLE: QUaLITY transportation, 10 years by Lewber. 352-339-3478.
BUSI n ESS-TO-BUSI n ESS JD’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-920-3840.
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.
BE a CH 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, 941-7207411. Residential, call nate, 941-524-2248. CaC184228.
SERVICES Continued
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.
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nOW HaULInG STORM trash. Shell delivered and spread. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, topsoil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, or “shell phone” 941-7200770.
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 Robert, 941-726-3077.
DOnaLD PERKInS PaInTInG LLC. Interior/exterior/pressure washing. Island references. dperkinspaint@hotmail.com. 941705-7096.
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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.
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LOOKInG FOR an EaRLY BIRD? You can read Wednesday’s classifieds on Tuesday at islander.org. and it’s FREE!
RENTALS
anna MaRIa GULF beachfront vacation rentals. One- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941778-3143.
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3BR/2Ba furnished condo in Pine Bay Forest, minutes from aMI. Walk to shopping/ grocery, bus and restaurants. Washer and dryer, small pet-friendly. Pool, hot tub, sauna, tennis/pickleball court. $3,200/month. Utilities included. association approval required. Three-month minimum lease, available February 1, 2025. 617-803-4659.
BEaUTIFUL REnOVaTED SUnnY condo for rent. Perico Bay club, minutes from aMI beaches. annual starting Jan. 25. 2B/2Ba, pool, hot tub, tennis, gym, security gate, parking. $2,500/month. Call 952-818-4685.
annUaL REnTaL: HOLMES Beach. Three minutes to the beach, newly renovated house, 2,100 sf, 3BR/3Ba. Two-car garage. $5,950/ monthly. 514-730-4825. kondiloveroutis@ gmail.com
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LaST MInUTE CanCELLaTIOn for upcoming season! 2BR/2Ba Gulffront condo at Tiffany Place, January, February. (two-week minimum). 4BR/2Ba home, one block to the beach in the City of anna Maria, January, February. 5BR/5Ba Gulffront home, February, (weekly available). 3BR/2Ba canalfront home, January, February (monthly minimum). 2BR/2Ba condo, Sunbow Bay, March. Call Green Real Estate, 941-778-0455. ken@ greenreal.com
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REAL ESTATE
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The Islander offers the best results for your classified advertising dollar. We really work for you! Submit your ad no later than noon Monday on the website, islander.org. For Monday holidays, the deadline is Friday.
Clear water presents opportunity to see underwater changes
By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter
With a lack of substantial rainfall and cooler water temperatures, anglers are experiencing crystal-clear water conditions much of the inshore waters surrounding Anna Maria Island.
This presents a great opportunity to get out on the boat and do some exploring — to get reacquainted with the bottom terrain in our local waters after the hurricanes — and take notes of what you find.
On my recent excursions on the water, I’m spending a lot of time up in the tower just cruising slowly over my fishing grounds critically examining the bottom, looking for new areas of structure, new potholes or anything else fishy (pun intended) that might make me more productive while guiding and fishing.
Plus, it’s quite mesmerizing to just cruise slowly across the water, peering into another world, studying it and how things in the water develop.
Noticing changes in the terrain is also helpful as I’ve noticed several areas I fish have changed quite a
bit since Hurricanes Helene and Milton pushed past us in late September/mid-October respectively, bringing their storm surge and hurricane winds. Whether it’s sandbars that have reformed or small rock piles or wrecks that are now covered up with sand or grass flats that are no longer grassy, all of these things will aid in the future when it comes to finding fish and learning their patterns.
Finding new places to fish also can be rewarding as I’ve frequently found areas where rock piles or ledges are exposed more than they used to be — resulting in new areas for fish to congregate.
And with all of these factors in place, it’s advantageous to seize the moment when the waters are as clear as they are now to do some homework that could possibly pay off in the future.
And, if nothing else, it’s nice just get some quiet time on the boat and take an introspective look into the waters we love so much.
On my Just Reel charters, I’m finding good action for my anglers along the Gulf beaches with live shrimp as bait. As the Gulf waters are very clear, sight-casting to fish is an option and, to be honest, it is really entertaining. There’s nothing better than the views of stalking a fish in clear water, casting a bait to it, and then watching it eat the bait and get hooked.
In the shallows along the beaches, I’m doing just that for species such as redfish, black drum, sheepshead and bonnethead sharks. The sharks are probably the easiest to draw to the hook for a bite, but it’s also thrilling to catch a nice redfish or fat sheepshead.
In slightly deeper waters in the Gulf, I’m seeing quite a few whiting being caught, as well as pompano and ladyfish.
After fishing along the beaches, I’m moving into
the grass flats of Sarasota Bay, where drifting and jigging with soft plastics is producing good action on spotted seatrout. It seems many of the trout are on the smaller size — measuring 14-16 inches — although some larger examples are mixed in for determined anglers willing to cover a lot of water.
On calm days, venturing into the Gulf of Mexico to fish structure is yielding a variety of fish for my clients, including mangrove snapper, hogfish, sheepshead, Key West grunts and porgies.
Capt. David White reports he’s working some days inshore throughout the waters of Tampa Bay southward to Sarasota Bay, where redfish are frequently being caught while working a variety of places — mangrove shorelines and residential docks and even along the Gulf beaches. White says casting live shrimp is working best to catch these redfish and, he says, sizes are varying, depending on the location.
While targeting the reds, White is finding black drum and sheepshead mixed in with the bite.
On calmer days, White is venturing into the Gulf to fish around structure, such as artificial reefs, wrecks and ledges. In these areas, live shrimp as bait is attracting a variety of species, including hogfish, sheepshead and plenty of Key West grunts. White says there are also a blend of snappers included in the bite — lane, mangrove and yellowtail.
Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.
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Stasny
Wyatt Gorsline, 9, visiting anna Maria Island with family from Columbus, Ohio, shows off his excitement as he shows off a healthy male hogfish he caught Dec. 26 on a live shrimp about 7 miles offshore of anna Maria on a guided fishing trip with Capt. David White.
Robert Gorsline of Columbus, Ohio, shows off an undersized tripletail caught on the fly on the same day as son, Wyatt’s catch (above).
Chamber mixer
isl biz
By Bonner Joy
The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce announced last week the Gulf Drive Cafe, 900 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach, will host the January chamber breakfast mixer.
The sun will rise that morning at 7:22 a.m. but not to worry, the chamber breakfast will begin shortly after with coffee and conversation.
The “Sunrise Breakfast” event kicks off Jan. 7 at 8 a.m. at the cafe and wraps up at 9:30 a.m. after a hearty breakfast — choices are the “Eye Opener,” with two eggs any style, choice of sausage links or patties, bacon or Canadian bacon, toast, English muffin or buttermilk biscuit and a choice of potato casserole, steelcut oatmear, cheese grits or fresh pineapple; Biscuits and gravy; or French toast.
Chamber members and guests — prospective members — make introductions to themselves and their business at the event.
For reservations, email amber@amichamber.org with your menu selection or call 941-778-1541 by Friday, Jan. 3.
The cost for members is $15, and non-members pay $25.
Manatee Unitarian Universalist Fellowship pastor, the Rev. Fred Hammond and Becky Smith, fellowship board president, present $30,000 from the Unitarian Universalist association Disaster Fund to Jim Comkowycz, vice president of Kim’s Krew, left, and Melissa Seus,
Kim’s Krew discovers, miracles do happen right, president of Kim’s Krew. The organization’s food pantry on Cortez Road was destroyed by flooding and a roof collapse that resulted from Hurricane Milton. Kim’s Krew delivers to it’s clients, who are mostly homebound and also may have special dietary needs. The new pantry at 1836 14th St. W., in downtown Bradenton, is expected to open in early January 2025. Comkowycz commented, “We’ve been waiting for a miracle.” Islander Courtesy Photo
Don’t forget!
Tie a string to your finger, mark your calendar, set an alert on your cellphone — whatever you must do to remind yourself — of important events to come.
First on the calendar, at noon Jan. 1, Clancy’s Irish Pub Shamrock Shiver — at Clancy’s this year due to the condition of the beach where enthusiastic fundrais-
ers took the plunge in the past. This year is an “Ice Bucket Challenge!”
Next up, the Coquina Beach Market returns Friday, Jan. 3 and Sunday Jan. 5, and subsequent weeks through October on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Lastly, the Island Players opens its next production at the little playhouse in Anna Maria on Jan. 9. Box office: 941-778-5755.
