The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, March 22, 2023

astheworldterns 6

hB officials take fight to tallahassee. 2

cortez Bridge challenge dismissed. 3

Q&A 032223 3

scenicWaves focuses on spring cleaning. 4

Meetings 4

BBPd officers honored. 4

Opinions 6

10-20 YeArs Ago

Looking back. 7 table talk: red tide. 8 garden club hosts flower show. 9

red tide? What red tide?

AMI Happenings

save the date. 10-11 announcements. 10-12

springfest’s best. 12 13

Gathering. 14

Obituaries 15

heritage day @amIhs 16

NYT puzzle 16

sandpiper marks 20 years as co-op. 17

finding home field. 18

Cops & Courts 20-21

hB explores code definitions. 22

LBK closing loop on roundabout design. 23

football champ crowned. 24 anglers experience inconsistent bite. 25

TideWatch 25

the bloom! 27

CLASSIFIEDS. 28-28

Isl Biz: 30

PropertyWatch. 30

sunbathers, beach walkers, chairs, umbrellas, canopies, swimmers and volleyball players dot the sand at the manatee Public Beach, 4000 gulf drive, holmes Beach, during the final weekend

of spring break for local students but no signs of red tide. for more on red tide and the efforts to fight the effects of the harmful algal bloom, see page 8. Islander Photo: Jacob merrifield

Heritage day brings in people, Privateers

anna maria Island Privateers roger “hoodat” murphree, left, and ron “candy man” fisher, right, capture, chain and detain anna maria mayor dan murphy march 14 in the old jail outside the anna maria Island historical society museum, 402 Pine ave., anna maria. the Privateers raised $1,336 for amIhs by “ransoming” murphy to the heritage day crowd, as well as to local businesses via phone calls. for more photos, turn to page 16. Islander

Photo: ryan Paice

stranded sailboat remains curiosity

a man watches the sunset march 8 from a swing made with a skateboard seat hung from the rigging of a stranded sailboat, Lucky us 2. the sailboat beached feb. 12 in holmes Beach near 79th street after its crew was rescued by the u.s. coast guard during a storm the night before. the boat owner, michigan resident James golembiewski, launched “help unbeach ‘Lucky us 2’” on the gofundme platform to raise money for the vessel’s removal. he was ordered by the florida fish and Wildlife commission to remove the boat but an appeal awaits a hearing. the money campaign had raised $5,983 toward its $15,000 goal as of march 18. Islander Photo: courtesy terrence Kerr

Holmes Beach officials take fight to Tallahassee

By ryan Paice Islander reporter

Every legislative session introduces new threats to municipal home rule but the city of Holmes Beach has more to lose this year than most.

City officials traveled to Tallahassee March 5 to attend a hearing before the Florida House of Representatives’ Local Administration, Federal Affairs & Special Districts Subcommittee.

Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth, Commissioner Dan Diggins, planning and zoning administrator Chad Minor and city attorney Erica Augello attended and spoke during the hearing.

The HB team traveled to the capital with code compliance supervisor JT Thomas, who drove but did not address the House subcommittee.

The subcommittee discussed House Bill 947, which would authorize Manatee County to bypass local regulations to construct a 36-foot-tall parking garage in Holmes Beach.

The bill — proposed by state Rep. Will Robinson Jr., R-Bradenton, Jan. 12, at a Manatee County Legis-

lative Delegation meeting sparked a fury of debate.

Robinson also proposed a study into Anna Maria Island’s governing structure, questioning the need for three municipalities on the island, but agreed to pull the bill after significant pushback from island officials and residents.

Manatee County Commission Chair Kevin Van Ostenbridge has pushed for the construction of a parking garage at the beach to make up for parking lost when the city regulated street parking in 2020 with a park-by-permit system.

The city prohibited public parking 9 a.m.-5 p.m. for 645 parking spaces along residential roadways and began selling $15 decals to residents and property owners to allow them to park in those spots.

City officials stand by the system, which they argue has improved quality of life in residential areas by reducing litter and noise.

Van Ostenbridge and Robinson argue such a system is unfair to off-island residents visiting the beaches and have pushed the city to return the lost parking spaces.

BB aligns with HB on parking garage opposition

Reluctance gives way to unanimous support.

Bradenton Beach commissioners voted March 16 to authorize Mayor John Chappie to sign a letter drafted by Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth solidifying opposition to a state bill that would allow Manatee County to erect a multilevel parking garage at the Manatee Public Beach.

State Rep. Will Robinson Jr. sponsored the measure with the support of the Manatee County Legislative Delegation and the unanimous support of the Manatee board of county commissioners.

Bradenton Beach Commissioners Ralph Cole and Jacob Spooner expressed a reluctance to make a motion in support of Titsworth’s letter.

“Of course, we want to help out our neighbors. It just puts us in a tight spot.” Spooner said.

But planning and zoning board member John Burns, speaking during public comment, said not signing the letter would allow a precedent.

“That’s the first parking garage if it makes it through,” Burn said. “And it’s a statement that we have no jurisdiction or very limited jurisdiction over the county if they want to do something on any county property.”

After public comment, Spooner motioned to authorize the mayor to sign the letter and Cole seconded the motion, while still voicing his opinion that compromise was his hope on the matter.

The motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Marilyn Maro was absent with excuse.

— robert anderson

The county legislative delegation unanimously supported HB 947 in January and county commissioners voted unanimously Feb. 28 to support it as well.

After Robinson presented his bill to the subcommittee, County Commissioner George Kruse voiced support, saying it would increase enjoyment of the county beach.

“While, as an official in local government, I typically look at preemptions in a tight light, there are instances where the state must interject to rectify issues when a few attempt to supersede the will and enjoyment of the many,” Kruse said.

Titsworth said the county should have gone through the city’s review process to pursue the creation of a parking garage.

“You are being asked today to approve a bill that will entirely circumvent the city’s ability to review, comment and permit a 400,000-square-foot structure at the main gateway of our city,” she said. “There has been zero communication and no submittals made to the city by the county as they promised.”

Titsworth asked the subcommittee to reject the bill.

“Please, allow us the opportunity to have a seat at this table,” Titsworth said. “This is a local government issue. Not for big government.”

Diggins, Minor and Augello also spoke in opposition to the bill.

“This bill is not only a blatant disregard for the values and needs of our community but also a violation of the principles of good governance,” Minor said. “By ignoring the input of our local cities and bypassing the established regulatory processes, this bill is undermining the democratic process and the voices of our community that are directly impacted.”

Augello said city code hasn’t provided for a multilevel parking facility since 1950, but the city has considered such projects and would work with applicants

Lacking comment, Cortez Bridge challengers’ appeal dismissed

By robert anderson Islander reporter

A federal appeal effort has ended for a Cortez group challenging the Florida Department of Transportation’s Cortez-Bradenton Beach megabridge.

The group includes former Manatee County Commissioner Joe McClash and Cortez residents Linda Molto, Joe Kane and Jane Von Hahmann, also a former county commissioner.

They initiated a federal lawsuit challenging a 65-foot fixed-span bridge and proposing instead a mid-level 35-foot drawbridge.

Last August, Judge Anthony Porcelli of the U.S. District Court of Florida had ruled in favor of the DOT’s plan for a new bridge, finding that “while some community members, including plaintiffs, expressed opposition to the adoption of the 65-foot-high fixedbridge alternative, such opposition does not render

Tallahassee contInued from Page 2 proposing such a structure.

She added that the bill lacks specificity and does not address review of such a project by the Florida Department of Transportation, Florida Department of Environmental Protection or the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

“The bill is woefully deficient,” Augello said. “This bill does not allow for public input or public debate on a local issue affecting the local public.”

Diggins said that despite more than 30,000 motorists traveling every day to the city during spring break, city staff was still able to find about 50-100 available parking spots throughout the municipality.

He said the city didn’t have a parking problem but a traffic issue would be worsened by the addition of a parking garage.

Nevertheless, many members of the subcommittee voiced support for the bill, saying it supported the “greater good.”

One member, Rep. Michael Gottlieb, D-Plantation,

FDOT’s decision arbitrary or capricious.”

Porcelli continued, “The administrative record makes clear, FDOT expended great time and effort, including inter-agency collaboration, review of years’ worth of bridge inspection reports, public hearings, and conducting an engineering analysis and environmental studies, in determining whether the 65-foot high-level fixed-bridge alternative would pose any significant impacts.”

The group maintained that the mid-level bridge would not require retaining walls, but the megabridge would have inland walls that peak at 20 feet near some Cortez businesses and extend into the community.

McClash said, “The appeals process terminated with a mediation that was done with FDOT, the attorneys representing DOT and the attorneys representing Jane von Hahmann and myself.”

The mediation, initiated last December, resulted in the DOT providing a scope of services that dealt

said he was “reluctant” to support the bill given its local opposition. He said he looked on Google Maps to get a sense of the area and asked why such a parking facility wasn’t being created on the mainland.

“I wish that both governments would perhaps get together and see if there’s not a more suitable solution to their problem that deals with the congestion and deals with traffic and still allows the same level of access,” Gottlieb said.

Nevertheless, the subcommittee found the bill favorable and forwarded it to the House Regulatory Reform and Economic Development Subcommittee for consideration.

That subcommittee’s reading of the bill had not been scheduled as of March 18.

Titsworth told The Islander March 16 that if the bill became law and the county pursued the creation of a multilevel parking garage, the city would put up a legal challenge, since such a structure would violate its comprehensive plan.

primarily with a flood plain study for the new bridge.

The group consulted Feb. 3 with lawyer Matt Farmer.

“The scope of service report didn’t really provide any new additional facts,” McClash said in a March 20 interview with The Islander.

He said the lack of clarity in the report slowed a response from Farmer.

“The outcome of the mediation was interpreted as a resolution to the appeal by the attorney representing us and, therefore, when the DOT’s scope of services was obtained, we had the opportunity to comment, and that was somehow taken as an agreement to dismiss the appeal,” McClash said.

He said the dismissal was issued March 6. Despite the appeal dismissal, the group still intends to keep up their fight against the megabridge.

“The project still needs a Swiftmud permit,” McClash said, referring to the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

Q&A 032223

The Islander poll

Last week’s question

By Lisa neff

How has AMI changed since your first encounter?

47%. Totally different.

47%. More touristy.

6%. Not too changed.

1%. Still the same. this week’s question March Madness brackets, you say?

A. I’m in.

B. I’m already out.

C. Rooting for underdogs.

D. Betting on a top seed.

E. What’s a bracket?

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

ScenicWAVES focuses on blue projects, green spring

By robert anderson

Islander reporter

The Bradenton Beach ScenicWAVES committee is coordinating environmental initiatives for a green spring.

ScenicWAVES Chair Ingrid McClellan March 15 introduced the topic of a clean water initiative launched by the city of Holmes Beach.

In a letter to the ScenicWAVES group, which is tasked with guiding the city on environmental and beautification issues in Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth invited them to “Take the Plunge and Make a Pledge” to join a campaign educating the public on water quality in and around Anna Maria Island.

Islanders 4 Clean Water is a campaign to bring attention to water quality and deal with such issues as conserving fresh water, reducing the usage of singleuse plastics, using Florida-friendly landscaping, controlling stormwater and wastewater runoff and promoting responsible waterway recreation practices.

The Islanders 4 Clean Water initiative also has sponsorship goals. Holmes Beach is seeking upward of $9,534.73 for Islanders 4 Clean Water-branded merchandise.

ScenicWAVES treasurer Cathy King motioned for the group to split a donation with the city of Bradenton Beach, each paying $75 to cover the cost of a T-shirt design.

Member Shawn Mayers seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

Islanders 4 Clean Water was not the only green topic taken up at the meeting.

Member Bruce Butler spoke about a beach and scenic highway cleanup 8:30 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 10, with volunteers meeting at Coquina Beach.

The Anna Maria Island Moose and Keep Manatee Beautiful are sponsors.

Javier Chavez, owner of Yeetz Official Sunglasses,

Bradenton Beach scenicWaVes members and liaisons discuss a letter from holmes Beach mayor Judy titsworth regarding a clean water campaign during their meeting march 15 at Bradenton Beach city hall. Islander Photos: robert anderson

attended the meeting and said he wanted to help with the cleanup.

“I own a local sunglass brand,” Chavez said. “I’d love to donate sunglasses. We work with Salty Soul FL. They are a local beach cleanup foundation. I’d love to create a partnership here and, in some way, help sponsor this event.”

Salty Soul Foundation is a nonprofit based in Dunedin that specializes in beach cleanups.

Plans for a National Arbor Day celebration Friday, April 29, at Herb Dolan Park, 2501 Ave. A, also was a topic.

ScenicWAVES will plant four pigeon plum trees to provide shade in place of two Australian pine trees felled by Hurricane Ian last fall.

Committee members also will update the city’s Tree City USA recognition sign with a sticker marking 12 years in the program.

The next ScenicWAVES meeting will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 19, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

Meetings

ANNA MARIA CITY

March 23, 6 p.m., commission.

April 13, 2 p.m., commission.

Bradenton Beach

Police officers charles marose, left, and devon straight, right, pose march 16 for a photo with chief John cosby on receiving lifesaving awards at a march 16 city meeting.

Islander Photo: robert anderson

BBPD officers honored with lifesaving awards

All in a day’s work.

Bradenton Beach Police Department Officers Devon Straight and Charles Marose received lifesaving awards March 16 from the city they serve.

Straight and Marose responded Feb. 17 to a call regarding a 62-year-old man who fell on the sidewalk in the 1900 block of Gulf Drive North.

The man was not conscious.

And he was not breathing.

Straight began CPR while Marose prepared an automated external defibrillator, which he administered to the man and then relieved Straight in CPR. The officers also shut down traffic along Gulf

Drive to give West Manatee Fire Rescue and Manatee County Emergency Medical Services a faster and safer route to the scene.

Rescue services arrived and took over the patient’s care, transporting him to HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton.

Marose checked on the patient’s condition that evening and was told the man was stabilized and should recover.

Surrounded by family and friends who attended the meeting in support, Marose and Straight received lifesaving awards from their chief, John Cosby. — robert anderson

By Lisa neff

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

BRADENTON BEACH

April 5, 11 a.m., CRA.

April 5, 1 p.m., P&Z.

April 6, 6 p.m., commission.

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

HOLMES BEACH

March 28, 10 a.m., code compliance.

March 28, 5 p.m., commission.

April 5, 10 a.m., parks and beautification.

April 5, 5 p.m., planning commission.

April 11, 2 p.m., commission.

April 12, 9 a.m., clean water.

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

WEST MANATEE FIRE RESCUE

None announced.

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

MANATEE COUNTY

March 23, 9 a.m., commission (land use).

March 28, 9 a.m., commission.

March 30, 1:30 p.m., commission (work meeting).

April 11, 9 a.m., commission.

April 18, 9 a.m., commission (work meeting).

County administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org.

ALSO OF INTEREST

March 27, 9:30 a.m., Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization board, Holiday Inn-SRQ, 8009 15th St. E., Sarasota.

Good Friday is April 7. Many government offices will be closed, including at the island cities.

April 12, 3:30 p.m., Palma Sola Scenic Highway Corridor Management Entity, Bradenton Public Works, 1411 Ninth St. W., Bradenton.

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

Javier chavez, owner of Yeetz official sunglasses, speaks march 15 to Bradenton Beach scenicWaVes members about a cleanup initiative in april.

Hello spring!

For a few days last week, it seemed like summer. The days kept getting warmer and warmer.

Then the weekend arrived and we all woke up Sunday morning to winter. Was it snowing? No. But almost. At 50 degrees, I have to resort to wearing socks and a hoodie — indoors. Well, OK, I just don’t like to turn on the heat.

Soon we’ll be back in the 80s — skipping spring to jump right into our usual, summer-like weather. That sounds real good to me.

Meanwhile, the calendar is fast-tracking to Easter, which, by the way, is April 9.

The crescendo of tourism and a successful finale is just around the corner.

While the steady growth of tourism has the potential to increase the flow of cash to shops and restaurants on Anna Maria Island, from Pine Avenue to Holmes Beach and south to Bridge Street, there also are some roadblocks. Literally. The road work in Holmes Beach that started in September (and was slated to wrap up in December) won’t be finished until April — just as the Fat Lady is winding up her song.

Road work on south Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach — between Bridge Street and Coquina Beach — also will be a deterrent to people who want a smooth ride between the cities on our 7-mile-long island.

While we should be capitalizing on a boom in tourism, our success is barricaded, stuck in gridlock.

And don’t think that’s all. There’s also red tide. And by the time we’re breathing clean air and looking at clear aqua waters, the rest of the world is still hearing about the scourge of red tide.

Yes, getting over red tide means getting over the lingering, spreading news — even when it’s gone.

And then there will be more road work and gridlock. Don’t forget, we’ve got the Florida Department of Transportation pressing to replace the island-mainland bridges, first on Cortez Road, then Manatee Avenue.

And you thought traffic was bad now?

A stranger who was looking for directions stopped me the other day and was surprised to hear that I don’t let the traffic or crowds bother me.

It’s all in the perspective, I said.

I told him that everything I came to love on Anna Maria Island is still here and I choose not to let the traffic bother me. I turn up the oldies music on my radio and enjoy the ride, no matter how slow.

He smiled, and gave me a thumbs up.

Turns out, we tune in the same Pandora station.

Yes. Spring has sprung.

— Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

Overflow at public beach

Speaking of the parking issues at Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach: No one on either side has mentioned restroom capacity.

The restrooms are maxed out with the current parking capacity.

Adding more parking will exacerbate the problem without increased restroom capacity.

I believe people would rather have it the way it is than have parking meters and inadequate restrooms.

resentatives to see what amendments could be made.

Islanders need to contact all senators and representatives regarding the traffic and the parking garage and also our concerns regarding the loss of home rule.

As a resident of AMI, I welcome all visitors to come and enjoy what the island has to offer.

We have, however, traffic issues and a 1,500-stall parking garage will only add to the problem.

We need long-term solutions.

Jeff Dentz, Holmes Beach

MARCH 22, 2023 • Vol. 31, No. 22

▼ Publisher, Co-editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

▼ Editorial editor Lisa neff, lisa@islander.org

robert anderson, robert@islander.org

Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist

Kevin cassidy, kevin@islander.org

Jack elka, jack@jackelka.com

Brook morrison, brook@islander.org

ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org

▼ Contributors

Karen riley-Love

Jacob merrifield

samara Paice

capt. danny stasny, fish@islander.org

nicole Quigley

▼ Advertising Director

toni Lyon, toni@islander.org

▼ Webmaster Wayne ansell

▼ Office Manager, Lisa Williams info@, accounting@, classifieds@, subscriptions@islander.org

▼ Distribution

urbane Bouchet

ross roberts

Judy Loden Wasco

(All others: news@islander.org)

Just my opinion.

Henry Herbert, Bradenton

Tallahassee pressure

I attended a town hall meeting in Holmes Beach with Manatee County Commissioner George Kruse.

The main topics were traffic on Anna Maria Island and the proposed parking garage.

Kruse listened but he had made up his mind that a parking garage should be built in Holmes Beach. His solution to reducing traffic is to build a parking garage that would contain 1,500 parking spaces. How does building a 1,500-stall garage reduce traffic to AMI?

Why aren’t county commissioners, state Rep. Will Robinson Jr. and state Sen. Jim Boyd pursuing other options that would allow visitors while reducing traffic as actively as they are pursuing a parking garage?

Why aren’t they moving more quickly to find other solutions, such as off-island parking facilities, shuttle services or other mass transit options?

One also has to wonder if the county commissioners are trying to punish the residents of Holmes Beach for the reduction of 400 parking places.

Kruse stated that Robinson’s parking garage bill — House Bill 947 — was going to be passed. He indicated the only hope for residents is to contact their rep-

AMIHS’ thanks

Anna Maria Island Historical Society held its annual Heritage Day Festival March 14.

It was a big success with great music, food and craft vendors demonstrating their skills throughout our museum campus.

We want to thank all the donors who helped make this annual fundraiser successful.

Our silent auction and raffle were enthusiastically received, thanks to the generous businesses who donated an array of gift cards and merchandise.

The Anna Maria Island Privateers brought fun and excitement by capturing Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy and locking him in our jail to be ransomed by donations to AMIHS from business owners and individuals.

Finally, thanks to all our dedicated volunteers who, as always, worked so hard.

For more than 30 years, AMIHS has been preserving and bringing to life the history of Anna Maria Island. We couldn’t do it without the support of our wonderful island community.

Thank you all.

Nancy Deal and Judy Hildman, AMIHS Heritage Day Festival co-chairs

looking back

Cruising in Bradenton Beach automobiles head south on gulf drive from the intersection with cortez road just west of the cortez Bridge, with the Bridgeport condominiums in the background. the caption for the 1982 photo reads, “auto traffic goes along gulf drive at the busy intersection.”

Islander Photos: courtesy manatee county Public Library archives

10&20 years ago

From the March 19, 2003, issue

• West Manatee Fire Rescue Chief Andy Price told island residents to prepare their disaster kits now rather than wait for storm season. Price said islanders would “have no time to prepare for a biological or chemical threat” and there is no civil defense warning system on the island.

• Sandpiper Resort Homeowners Association president Gordon Cleland said the effort to purchase the 60-year-old mobile home park at 2601 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach, from the Vorbeck family for $9 million was completed and the resort belonged to the association. In January 2002, the Vorbecks announced plans to sell the park.

cars in the sand at the end of Bridge street in Bradenton Beach. the sign on the large building to the right reads, “recreation center” and beyond that building is a service station. the photo is dated 1947.

Islander archive 24/7

Some years ago, The Islander was invited to take part in a pilot project with the University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries. We donated our collection of printed newspapers beginning with the first edition in 1992. It took some time, but it’s all maintained on the library site, searchable by keyword, name or date. Look for The Islander in the UofF digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

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• A 16-year-old from Bradenton died after a traffic crash in Holmes Beach. The police report said he jumped on the hood of a vehicle driven by another Bradenton juvenile, who accelerated the car, then slammed on the brakes, causing Keller to slide off the car and onto the pavement.

From the March 20, 2013, issue

• Holmes Beach Commissioners approved the final reading of a measure amending the city’s ordinance that prohibits farm animals in residential zones. The change allowed up to four chickens per household.

• Holmes Beach Parks and Beautification Committee members agreed that the installation of a fence and gate to create a small dog play area was the committee’s priority.

• Barefoot Tiki Bar topped six other competitors to claim bragging rights over second-place winner Banana Cabana and third-place winner Island Time Bar & Grill in the Bridge Street Market gumbo challenge.

— Lisa neff

Print Your Own Memories

sarasota Bay estuary Program executive director david tomasko, seated, center right, expresses concerns march 17 about triggers for red tide. he said Karenia brevis can assimilate nutrients from natural runoff, dead fish and human-induced sources — wastewater overflows and stormwater runoff. according to a sBeP website director’s note, “nutrient loading models and other research indicate that nitrogen loads to tampa Bay, sarasota Bay, Lemon Bay and charlotte harbor are all about two to three times higher now than they were 80 to 100 years ago.” Islander Photo: robert anderson

State officials review coastal red tide on chopper flyover

Two top state officials March 14 boarded a chopper for a first-hand observation of a persistent red tide bloom in the region.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission acting executive director Thomas Eason and Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Shawn Hamilton participated in a flyover.

A goal was to signal that the state is taking an “allhands-on-deck” approach to red tide and to coordinate with local governments to monitor the situation.

“Red tide blooms can cause significant impacts

to our local communities,” Eason said in a news release.

Hamilton said, “Our coordinated state approach includes getting out to these impacted communities, speaking directly to stakeholders and local leadership and ensuring the state is providing them with the critical assistance they need to enhance response efforts.”

The FWC and DEP said they are closely monitoring the impact of red tide in Manatee, Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota, Pinellas and Pasco counties.

Red tide is naturally occurring and has been docu-

Red tide table talk

Politicians and policymakers, business leaders and conservationists gathered March 17 at a waterfront restaurant on Anna Maria Island to address the plight of repeated red tide blooms in the Gulf.

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Longboat Key, hosted the forum at the Beach House Restaurant in Bradenton Beach, to promote the conversation on red tide and its impact on human health, the economy and marine life,” according to a news release.

Those on the roundtable also discussed government solutions for mitigating harmful algal blooms, including Buchanan’s bill, the Protecting Local Communities from Harmful Algal Blooms Act, which would amend the Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to include harmful algal blooms in the definition of a “major disaster.”

Attendees included Beach House owner Ed Chiles, Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie, Manatee County Commission Chair Kevin Van Ostenbridge and others on the county board, several Longboat Key town commissioners, Holmes Beach Commission Chair Carol Soustek and Commissioner Dan Diggins and Holmes Beach Clean Water Committee Chair Ron Huibers.

— Lisa neff

mented along Florida’s Gulf coast since the 1840s.

In response to the most recent blooms, the DEP signed and executed funding agreements with Lee, Pinellas and Sarasota counties to assist with cleanups, and as a result, more than 45 tons of biological debris has been removed.

Agreements also have been drafted for Manatee, Charlotte, Collier and Pasco counties, and conversations are ongoing with Hillsborough County, according to the DEP.

— Lisa neff

Island gardeners compete, show skills in flower show

holmes Beach resident Liz hager votes march 17 in the “Put your boots on” category in the anna maria Island garden club’s flower show. entries in the category needed to be designed in a boot. attendees received nine tickets to vote for favorite entries in nine categories. Islander Photos: ryan Paice

WMFR pushes for prevention

Bradenton resident claudia carlson shows off her and holmes Beach resident dee obrien’s winning entry for the anna maria Island garden club’s march 17 flower show in the “old mcdonald had a farm” category — which required the incorporation of a straw hat

holmes Beach

resident Zan fuller holds a prize-winning orchid march 17. her win at roser memorial community church in anna maria was in the flower show’s “horticulture” category.

Ready for tourist season?

Is your business ready for the high season on AMI? Improve your odds of success with The Islander’s readers — residents, seasonal visitors and vacationers — looking to shop and dine, as well as indoor and outdoor fun. For advertising info, call or text 941-778-7978.

West manatee fire rescue marshal rodney Kwiatkowski, right, and Wmfr commissioner derrick Warner, left, promote drowning awareness march 4 near the intersection of manatee avenue and gulf drive in holmes Beach. the event was part of Wmfr’s annual campaign to educate people about water dangers and how to prevent drowning. this year, the district recommended people implement a “designated water watcher” program, in which an adult wears a badge signaling that children are near water. Islander Photo: courtesy Wmfr

Don’t touch the blue balloons

Portuguese man-of-war arrive march 14 at Bean Point in anna maria.

Islander

Caution: Steer clear of man-of-war on AMI beaches

Although they are present in the water, the Portuguese man-of-war are not at nuisance levels on public beaches. So Manatee County has not raised purple flag warnings, Manatee County Beach Patrol Lt. Marshall Greene told The Islander March 14.

Green said if people see man-of-war onshore, they should “stay away, do not touch them, even if they are dead, washed up on the beach, they can still hurt you. If you get stung and the tentacles are still on you, do not touch them with your bare hands.”

Greene recommended using the hard edge of a credit card or a piece of cardboard to scrape the tentacles from the skin and also using hot water to combat a sting.

Photo: robert anderson

Island happenings

April 29, De Soto Grand Parade, Bradenton.

compiled by Lisa neff, calendar@islander.org.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

THIS WEEK ON AMI

Wednesday, March 22

10 a.m. — Creative Aging: Watercolor painting, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Friday, March 24 2 p.m. — Rock Garden Rock Painting presented by the Friends of the Island Library, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Saturday, March 25

10 a.m.-2 p.m. — Annie Silver Community Center book sale and potluck lunch, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 413-441-6823.

ONGOING ON AMI

Through March 26, Island Players present “The 39 Steps,” 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-7785755.

Throughout March, Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island’s exhibit featuring watercolors by Sharon Tarras, Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694.

Second Fridays through April, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Art Walk and Shop Stroll, Gulf and Marina drives, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694.

Tuesdays through May 9, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Anna Maria Farmers Market, City Pier Park, North Bay Boulevard and Pine Avenue, Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130.

ONGOING OFF AMI

“Caught in the Storm: 100 Years of Florida Hurricanes” exhibit, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: floridamaritimemuseum.org.

Through March 26, “True Nature: Rodin and the Age of Impressionism” exhibit Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg. Fee applies. Information: 941-896-2667.

Through May 28, “Gods and Lovers: Painting and Sculpture from India,” the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-360-7390, ringling.org.

Fridays through May 5, 6 p.m., Music in the Park, Riverwalk Mosaic Amphitheater, 606 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. Information: 941- 301-8445.

First Fridays, 6-9:30 p.m., Village of the Arts First Fridays Artwalk, 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Information: villageofthearts.com.

Saturdays through May, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Bradenton Public Market, Old Main Street, Bradenton. Information: 941-932-9439.

Second and fourth Saturdays, 2-4 p.m., Music on the Porch jam session, presented by the Florida Maritime Museum and Cortez Cultural Center, outdoors, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information:

Rock, paint, garden the friends of the Island Library will present a program on painting rocks at 2 p.m. friday, march 24, at the library, 5701 marina drive, holmes Beach. the plan is to paint enough rocks to create a rock garden outside the library. for more information, call the library at 941-778-6341 or go online to mymanatee.org/library. Islander Photo: Lisa neff

floridamaritimemuseum.org, fmminfo@manateeclerk.com.

SAVE THE DATE

April 22, Main Street Live’s Spring Fling, Bradenton. Dec. 1-2, Bradenton Blues Fest, Bradenton.

KIDS & FAMILY

Wednesday, March 22

ON AMI

6 p.m. — Bishop Museum of Science and Nature workshop, “Paleontology and Fossils,” the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Info: 941-778-1908.

Friday, March 24

10 a.m. — 40 Carrots parenting and young children, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786341.

Monday, March 27

6 p.m. — “Secret World of Bats!” program with the Florida Bat Conservancy and presented by the Friends of the Island Library, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941778-6341.

Tuesday, March 28 10 a.m. — Family Storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

ONGOING OFF AMI

First Wednesdays, “SOAR in 4” family night, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131, bishopscience.org.

Through May 21, Mote Marine Aquarium’s “Voyage to the Deep” exhibit, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-388-4441.

SAVE THE DATE

April 15, Desoto National Memorial’s “Landing,” Bradenton.

A Hair Day Salon & Spa

CLUBS & COMMUNITY ON AMI

Thursday, March 23

10:30 a.m. — “Our Solar System” with the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-1908.

2 p.m. — Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Saturday, March 25

9 a.m. — CPR training by West Manatee Fire Rescue, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786341.

ONGOING ON AMI

Most Wednesdays, 1 p.m., mahjong club beginners, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786341.

Second Wednesdays, noon, Off Stage Ladies meeting and luncheon, various locations. Fee applies. Information:” 941-9322798.

Thursdays, 6 p.m., Annie Silver Community Center bingo games, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 413-4416823.

Most Fridays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong club experienced players, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941778-6341.

Fridays, noon, bridge, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 314-324-5921.

Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-778-1383.

Tuesdays, noon, duplicate bridge, Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 703582-7755.

ONGOING OFF AMI

Second Fridays, 1 p.m., Parkinson’s Combined Support Group, Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-6493.

Mondays, 1 p.m., Thinking Out Loud discussions, the Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Information: 941-3836493.

Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island lunch meeting, Slicker’s Eatery, 12012 Cortez Road W., Cortez. Information: 512-944-4177, amirotary.org.

Second Tuesdays, 4 p.m., Cortez Village Historical Society meetings, Cortez Cultural Center, 11655 Cortez Road W., Cortez. Information: 941-840-0590, cortezvillagehistoricalsociety.org.

SAVE THE DATE

April 1, Center of Anna Maria Island beach cleanup, Anna

Music Lessons: Guitar, Piano, Ukulele, Saxophone and Drum

Used & Consigned Musical Instruments

Open JAM 1st Wednesdays

941.896.9089 playitagainjams.com 8208 Cortez Road W., Ste.5, Bradenton

Kiwanis to meet

The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island is meeting Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. at Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

The programming Saturday, March 25, will include remarks by Anne LeBaron, CEO of Take Stock in Children Manatee.

The organization’s mission is to provide “scholarships, mentors and hope for deserving students to achieve success in college and life.”

Also, the Kiwanis Club is organizing its annual Easter sunrise service — April 9 — at the Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach.

For more information, call Sandy Haas-Martens at 941-778-1383.

Cortez.

April 17, Anna Maria Island and West Manatee Democratic Club meeting, Holmes Beach.

April 21, Anna Maria Island Garden Club lunch and meeting, Anna Maria.

OUTDOORS & SPORTS

ONGOING ON AMI

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

OFF AMI

Island happenings

Set to stargaze

amateur astronomers set up their telescopes for a “starry night astronomy” event in february at the robinson Preserve expansion. Islander Photo: Lisa neff

Bishop Museum series continues at center

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature continues a workshop series through the tourist season at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

The series includes family-oriented workshops and adult programs.

Saturday, March 25

9 a.m. — Plant Walk with Reasoner Brothers Nursery, Robinson Preserve expansion, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW., Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923.

10 a.m. — Litter Cleanup, Robinson Preserve expansion, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW., Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923.

8 p.m. — Starry Night Astronomy, Robinson Preserve expansion, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW., Bradenton. Information: 941-7425923.

ONGOING OFF AMI

Through March 28 — Pittsburgh Pirates spring training games, various times, various dates, LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: pirates/com/springtraining.

Saturdays, 9 a.m., Robinson Runners run, walk stroll, Robinson Preserve NEST, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW., Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923, crystal.scherer@mymanatee.org, mymanatee.org.

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

SAVE THE DATE

April 7, Bradenton Marauders home opener, Bradenton.

GOOD TO KNOW

KEEP THE DATES

April 1, April Fool’s Day.

April 9, Easter.

April 15, Tax Day.

April 22, Earth Day.

May 5, Cinco de Mayo.

May 14, Mother’s Day.

May 20, Armed Forces Day.

May 29, Memorial Day.

June 1, Atlantic hurricane season begins. Get listed! Send listings to calendar@islander.org. Click!

The Islander welcomes news of the milestones in readers’ lives. Send notices — along with contact info — to news@islander.org.

Still calling games at Annie Silver terry Byrd of Bradenton pays Jan. 19 for his bingo cards at the annie silver community center, 103 23rd st. n., Bradenton Beach. Bingo continues through the month at the center on thursdays at 6 p.m. for details, call 413-441-6823. Islander Photo: robert anderson

the next “starry night astronomy” will be 8-10 p.m. saturday, march 25, in the preserve parking lot, 10299 ninth ave. nW, Bradenton. an announcement invited people to “learn how to identify heavenly bodies and how you can stargaze at home, too.” for more about the event, go online to robinsonastronomy.eventbrite.com. for information about robinson Preserve, call the manatee county Parks and natural resources department at 941-7425923.

All-ages programs take place at 6 p.m. on designated Wednesdays and adult-oriented programs take place at 10:30 a.m. on designated Thursdays.

Topics include

• For families or children: “Paleontology and Fossils” March 22, “Capturing Science” April 5, “How we Build” April 19 and “Florida’s Native Wildlife and Adaptation” May 3.

• For adults: “Our Solar System” March 23, “Capturing Science” March 30, “How we Build” April 6 and “Florida’s Native Wildlife and Adaptations” April 20.

For more information, call the center at 941-7781908.

Annie Silver center hosts book sale, potluck lunch

The Annie Silver Community Center will host a potluck lunch and book sale Saturday, March 25.

The activities will be 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the neighborhood center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach.

Everyone is welcome.

For more information, call 413-441-6823.

Springfest honors

area artist Jay canterbury shows his “Best in show” ribbon from the springfest fine arts and crafts festival presented march 18-19 at city field in holmes by the anna maria Island art League. Jessica tilley and Laura Victore judged the show. Jimmy chasey and Kent Webb (pictured below) received ribbons for “award of distinction” and Kelly Williamson, Jean murray and michael oeretle received “award of merit” honors. Islander courtesy Photos

Cortez fishing festival nets $110K in profits

By robert anderson Islander reporter

FISH netted some bucks in February.

Florida Institute of Saltwater Heritage treasurer Jane von Hahmann said March 7 the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival made a net profit of just over $100,000.

Comparably, the 2022 festival produced a net income of $119,174.13, while 2020 netted $60,000.

This year’s event was Feb. 18-19 and marked the 41st year for the festival.

Von Hahmann estimated attendance over two days at 14,500 people.

Kent Webb grins after receiving an “award of distinction” at amIaL’s springfest fine arts and crafts festival in holmes Beach.

Compared to other years, eventgoers spent more money per person, with high sales of event T-shirts and beer, the treasurer reported at a meeting of the FISH board March 6 at Fishermen’s Hall in Cortez.

Also, the group’s expenses were lower due to the festival location on the southeast side of the village.

FISH celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Starfish Co. market and restaurant and moved the festival back to 46th Avenue West in front of the business where it was previously staged.

Jimmy chasey wins an “award of distinction” at the springfest fine arts and crafts festival march 18-19 at city field in holmes Beach. the festival is a fundraiser for the anna maria Island arts League’s scholarships and other programs.

Movie night at the museum

People take in a movie march 10 at the florida maritime museum in cortez. rain pushed moviegoers and the “movie under the stars” event indoors. It was the last movie night on the museum’s 2022-23 season calendar. Islander

Photo: courtesy carla favorite

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Island happenings i.wed

MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT

Chuck Caudill Entertainment Beach weddings and events. DJ, live guitar and more from an experienced island professional. 941-778-5676 • www.chuckcaudill.com

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Gulf Drive Band

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“Our expenses at that end of the village are lower. It’s not as big so it doesn’t require as much law enforcement,” von Hahmann said.

Von Hahmann said this year’s location also had three access roads and therefore fewer emergency medical services were required on-site.

Von Hahmaan, in a March 7 interview with The Islander, said $26,000 of festival proceeds would go to mortgages for Fishermen’s Hall and the Lemasters property, which the group purchased in 2016 and added to the FISH Preserve.

The FISH preserve is a 95-acre parcel owned by the group purchased as part of a FISH-led initiative to buffer the fishing village from development and protect estuary along the Cortez coastline.

“We do have some big capital items that need to be dealt with that we’re working on. Some dock repairs down by the trap yard and things like that,” von Hahmaan added.

In other news, FISH set Monday, April 17, as the date the membership will hold board elections.

“All of the board members who are up for election this year are seeking reelection,” von Hahmann said.

One seat, however, is vacant after board member Karen Carpenter moved away last month.

“We are working one member short,” von Hahmann said. “But we do have a member, a longtime family here in the village. Allen Garner’s, son Alex has said he’s interested in being on the board.”

Garner helped found FISH in the early 1990s and developed a master plan for the preserve. He was president of FISH for many years.

“Right now, we have one for every seat but I guess if somebody wanted to give us a call, we would welcome anybody else who might be interested in getting on the board,” von Hahmaan said.

About FISH

FISH is a volunteer-run nonprofit that manages several properties in Cortez, including a 98-acre preserve, a boat shop, Fishermen’s Hall, the old Cortez fire house and a net camp in Sarasota Bay. The nonprofit formed in 1991 and is dedicated to the preservation of the commercial fishing folklife in Cortez.

Spring break on AMI comes, goes

AmE NEWS

By Brook morrison

AME set to ‘flip’ out

With spring break ended, Anna Maria Elementary students and staff are ready to finish the year strong.

“Academically our kids continue to move through the fourth-quarter curriculum in preparation to take the final state progress monitoring assessments in May,” AME principal Mike Masiello told The Islander March 16.

Students also will be working on more marine science lessons connected to the Guy Harvey Academy of Arts and Sciences, including an estuary study and instruction on “flippers.”

The AME-based academy is a collaboration involving the Guy Harvey Foundation and the School District of Manatee County. The inaugural program launched for the 2022-23 school year.

Lexi Baugher, left, mary tess Bolognone, asher Patel, Vincent gollamundi, media specialist Lynne mcdonough, alex serra and Lily guth.

Deanie and ‘Dolly’ in the room

anna maria commissioner deanie sebring reads march 13 from her book, “skip & deanie’s flying Bike trip: anna maria Island,” at the center of anna maria Island, 407 magnolia ave., anna maria. sebring’s reading helped to mark the center’s celebration of national reading month and kick off the dolly Parton Imagination Library book-gifting program on amI. the program provides children age 5 and under with a free book. for more information, call the center at 941-778-1908. Islander Photo: courtesy cofamI

elissa Birkholz, right, of minnesota, takes a photo march 7 of daughters Brynn, 9, held by dad donovan, and Zoe, 6, outside amoB on the historic Bridge street Pier. Islander Photo: robert anderson

Read on

fifth-graders and their media specialist pose march 10 during the Battle of the Books reading incentive program. Islander Photo: courtesy ame

AME Calendar

• Tuesday, March 28, second-grade play, 6:30 p.m., auditorium; PTO-hosted dinner by Pizza Social, 5 p.m., cafeteria.

• Thursday, April 6, walk-a-thon.

• Friday, April 7, record day, no school.

• Tuesday, April 25, first-grade play, 6:30 p.m., auditorium; PTO dinner TBD, 5 p.m., cafeteria.

• May 2-3, kindergarten to fifth-grade English language arts state assessments.

• May 9-10, fifth-grade science assessment.

• Saturday, May 13, Spring Gala.

• Friday, May 26, last day for students.

Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

For more, call the school at 941-708-5525.

AME families having a ball anna maria elementary students, parents and staff pose march 5 at holmes Beach city field in the 5800 block of marina drive. “We had an awesome pickup kickball game,” ame administrator sheila Zinks told the Islander. Islander Photo: courtesy ame

ame

Photo op in Bradenton Beach

By Lisa neff

Soup supper at Annunciation

The Episcopal Church of the Annunciation is holding its traditional Lenten program Wednesday nights.

A notice in the church bulletin said the evenings begin with the Way of the Cross at 5:30 p.m., followed by a “simple soup supper” at 6 p.m. and a program at 6:30 p.m.

The church is at 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

For more information, call the church at 941-7781638.

GDL collects pajamas

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church is collecting new pajamas in a drive to benefit the Manatee County Safe Children’s Coalition.

The collection will benefi t kids entering foster care.

A notice on the church website said, “Sizes for older kids and teens are especially needed.”

Donations — to be blessed Sunday, March 26 — can be left in the narthex or brought to the office during business hours.

Gloria Dei is at 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

For more information, call 941-778-1813.

… and installs 2023 council

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church recently installed its congregation council for 2023, including: Alice Longworth, president; John Harder, vice president; Pat Vanderstouw, secretary; Rudy Marohl, treasurer; and members Susan Bonser, Donnis Casey, Sandy DeLaet and Ken Hauck.

Gathering is the religion page for The Islander. Send notices to calendar@islander.org. Please, include a phone number for publication. The Islander will publish information for Holy Week March 29 and April 5.

Roser Women’s Guild offers college scholarships

The Roser Women’s Guild is offering scholarships for the 2023-24 school year.

Proceeds from the guild’s Roser Thrift Store — 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, across the street from Roser Memorial Community Church — fund the scholarships and more.

The guild said the deadline for applications is Friday, May 26.

Applications and details are online at roserchurch. com, including:

• Part-time students enrolling in 6-11 credit hours for undergraduate courses could earn $375 per semester; while full-time undergraduate students with 12 credit hours or more could earn $750 per semester;

• Scholarships would be limited to $1,500 per year for four years of undergraduate courses.

• Scholarships are paid to the student’s school for tuition, books, supplies and fees.

• Scholars must maintain a 2.75 cumulative point

Tidings

ON AMI

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

Worship: Sundays, 9 a.m.

Ongoing: Wednesdays, 7 a.m., men’s Bible meeting; Wednesdays, 6 p.m., supper; Wednesdays, Night Blast, 6:45 p.m.; Fridays, 10 a.m. women’s Bible meeting.

Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-1638, amiannunciation.org.

Worship: Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.; Sundays, 8 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.

Ongoing: Wednesdays, 8 a.m., men’s meeting; Mondays, 1 p.m., book group.

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

Worship: Sundays, 9:30 a.m.

Ongoing: Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m., social gathering, Manatee Public Beach; Sundays, 10:15 a.m., coffee and fellowship.

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

Worship: Sundays, 9:15 a.m.

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

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

Ongoing: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m., Roser Robics; Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Roser Thrift Store; Wednesdays, 6:15 p.m., Youth Performing Arts, first and third Wednesdays, 11: 30 a.m., Just Older Youth group

average.

For more info, call the church at 941-778-0414.

programs with brown-bag lunch; Thursdays, 5:30 p.m., Roser Ringers rehearsal; 7 p.m., Thursdays, choir rehearsal; Sundays, 8:30 a.m., adult Sunday school and coffee and conversation sessions. St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-4769, stbernardcc.org, office@stbernardcc.org.

Worship: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.; Saturdays, 4 p.m.; Sundays, 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.

Ongoing: Mondays-Fridays, 8 a.m., rosary; Wednesdays, 7:30 a.m., Rosary on the Beach at Manatee Public Beach; second Thursdays, women’s guild luncheons; Saturdays, 3 p.m., confession.

OFF AMI

Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian USA, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Info: 941-900-4903, christchurchoflbk.org.

Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.

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

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

Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.

Ongoing: Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Lord’s Warehouse Thrift Shop; Wednesdays, 10 a.m., Bible study; Mondays, 4 p.m., choir rehearsal.

Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Info: 941-383-3428.

Worship: Fridays, Shabbat, 5:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.

Ongoing: Fridays, 6:45 p.m., choir call.

SPECIAL DATES & EVENTS

March 22-April 21, Ramadan.

Sunday, April 2, Palm Sunday.

Wednesday, April 5, Passover.

Friday, April 7, Good Friday.

Sunday, April 9, Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island Easter Sunrise Service, Manatee Public Beach, Holmes Beach.

Sunday, April 9, Easter Sunday.

Please, send notices to calendar@islander.org and news@islander.org.

Sunday

r

I N T HE S HADOWS

Joyce Karp, left, Peggy nash and sharon skladany volunteer in the roser thrift store operated by the roser Women’s guild in a building at the rear of the parking lot across at the church in the 500 block of Pine avenue, anna maria. Islander courtesy Photo

Obituary

John L. McDonald Jr.

Retired Naval Lt. Cmdr. John L. McDonald Jr., known to many as “Mac,” 89, of Bradenton and Cannon Falls, Minnesota, died peacefully Jan. 17 at his Cannon Falls home.

He was born Jan. 31, 1933, in Cortez, the son of John Sr. and Mamie “Ruth” (Bonnell) McDonald.

He graduated in 1951 from Manatee County High School in Bradenton and then served with the U.S. Navy during the Korean and Vietnam wars, retiring after 25 years.

He married Rosalie Wachtler Jan. 4, 1958, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Mendota, Minnesota.

While living in Florida, he was a founding member of the Florida Maritime Museum and the Cortez Village Cultural Center.

A lifelong land and sea conservationist, he converted fields to a tree farm, planting conifer, walnut and oak trees, giving shade for future generations. He was a lifelong learner with sustained interest, curiosity and the innovative ideas of self and others.

A celebration of life for Mr. McDonald, including a seafood dinner will be at 5 p.m. Monday, April 24, at the Cortez docks at the Star Fish Co. in Cortez. A Mass of Christian burial will be held in Cannon Falls, with internment with military honors at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Cortez Village Historical Society, 1655 Cortez Road W., P.O. Box 663, Cortez, FL 34215. Arrangements were by Lundberg Funeral Home, Cannon Falls. Online condolences may be directed to lundbergfuneral.com

At your service

Obituaries are offered as a community service to residents and families of residents, both past and present, as well as to those people with ties to the island. Submit to news@islander.org. Obituaries are provided free — a service of your community newspaper. Paid obituaries can be discussed with advertising consultant Toni Lyon at 941-778-7978.

Former islanders win ‘Spirit Manatee’ honor

The Manatee Community Foundation will present five “Spirit Manatee” awards, including an award to former islanders Carol and Bob Carter.

In late 2022, the Carters moved from Anna Maria, where Carol Carter had served as a city commissioner and both Carters engaged in other civic and community affairs supporting causes on and off AMI.

The Carters — nominated by Meals on Wheels PLUS and the Center on Anna Maria Island —will receive the Mary E. Parker Lifetime Spirit Award.

The foundation will present awards at the 2023 Spirit of Manatee Awards Luncheon, “an annual celebration of people who make Manatee County a special place to live and work through their giving.”

The luncheon will be at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 29, at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto.

Tickets to the awards luncheon are $125.

The foundation’s mission is to connect “the charitable interests of donors with needs in the community,” according to its website.

For more information, go to manateecf.org.

Mr. McDonald is survived by his wife of 65 years, Rosalie “Robin”; children Kathleen McDonald of Red Wing, Minnesota, Susan McDonald-Conroy and husband Kevin of Trempealeau, Wisconsin, Cynthia Sutherland and husband Todd of Windsor, Colorado, and John J. and wife Amy of Wanamingo, Minnesota; grandchildren Dan, Ellen and Jen Conroy, Clifton, Eve and Hugh Sutherland, McKayla, Kiara and Tyson Johnston; sisters Jane Treglown of Port St. Joe and Joyce Davis and husband Leslie “Sonny” of Morehead City, North Carolina; and many nieces and nephews.

GoodDeeds

Assistance sought on AMI

• Island Players seeks volunteers to serve as house managers and join the backstage crew at the Anna Maria playhouse. Info: president@theislandplayers. org.

• Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals, as well as assist with technology. Info: 941-345-2441.

• Roser Food Bank seeks donations. Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, administers the pantry, supported by All Island Denominations. Info: 941-778-0414.

Sprucing up the Seaside

aaron drake paints a stanchion march 5 at one of seaside gardens civic association’s two entrances at 62nd and 63rd streets in holmes Beach. drake was one of several seaside gardens property owners who volunteered to refurbish and landscape the stanchions as a part of an effort to beautify the neighborhood. those efforts also involved flying and illuminating a new american flag in the community. Islander Photo: courtesy david Barstow

GoodDeeds Does your group offer island-centric services? Does your group need volunteers or other help? Email calendar@ islanderorg.

Assistance offered on AMI

• Roser Food Bank welcomes applicants who live and/or work on Anna Maria Island for food assistance, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941778-0414.

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

— Lisa neff

THE 39 STEPS

BY PATRICK BARLOW

DIRECTED BY HEIKO KNIPFELBERG

CO-PRODUCED BY LAPENSEE PLUMBING POOLS AIR

March 9-26

Get ready for non-stop laughs in this zany adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic thriller. Four actors play more than 150 characters as our hero and heroine race across England and Scotland to stop an international gang of dangerous spies.

SHOWTIMES: 7:30 PM Tuesday-Saturday

2 PM Sunday Matinees

d TICKETS: $25 i

Box office: 9-1, Monday-Saturday and 1 hour before curtain

Online tickets: $27

theislandplayers.org

941.778.5755

10009 Gulf Drive at Pine Avenue, Anna Maria

mcdonald

Historical society celebrates AMI heritage with annual party

People walk from Pine avenue march 14 into the heritage day celebration at the anna maria Island historical society museum, 402 Pine ave., anna maria. Islander Photos: ryan Paice the anna maria string Band performs “mr. sandman” march 14 for people attending heritage day at the amIhs museum.

JOHN-CLARKE LEVIN /

BY WILL SHORTZ

Bradenton artist corin finnie, of cove gallery & Boutique, 104 Bridge st., Bradenton Beach, demonstrates her painting technique march 14 in her tent at the heritage day celebration.

members of the anna

gather march 14 outside the old jail — a popular photo op for visitors — during heritage day.

maria Island Privateers

Sandpiper Resort to mark 20 years as co-op community

By robert anderson Islander reporter

Sandpiper Resort residents will flock to the clubhouse and bayfront March 24 to celebrate becoming a co-op community 20 years ago.

The anniversary arrives as another Bradenton Beach community, the Pines Trailer Park, works to purchase the land they lease for their mobile homes.

A cooperative mobile home park or co-op is a type of nonprofit corporation owned solely by the homeowners for the benefit of residents.

A co-op is formed as the park land is purchased by the homeowners and the land transitions from a landlease company to a nonprofit owned by homeowner shareholders.

Sandpiper is at 2601 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach, across Gulf Drive from the Gulf of Mexico on the west side and on the bayfront on the east side.

Jolene Bell Makowesky, organizer of the Sandpiper celebration, said the festivities will begin at 10 a.m., Friday, March 24, at the resort with the premiere of a historical perspective video and the serving of mimosas. The video includes interviews with current and former residents of Sandpiper.

Makowesky said scrapbooks and photo albums also will be on display at the community clubhouse and a beach-themed meal from Mission BBQ will be served on the bayfront in the park.

She said more than 240 people were expected to attend the closed-invite event, including dinner, dancing and live music by Brigid’s Cross.

Sandpiper currently has 120 shareholders and 46 homeowners.

Property manager Tracy Moon explained some of the inner workings of the co-op in a March 16 interview with The Islander: “In the co-op formed at Sandpiper, homeowners pay lot rent and the shareholders pay a monthly maintenance fee.

“Back in 2003, when we became a co-op, the owner of the park decided that he wanted to sell and, according to statutes, the homeowners had first right of refusal. There were 193 at that time. Now we currently have 166.”

Moon added, at the time of the sale, “the share prices ranged from $52,000-$72,000 depending on lot size and location. Out of the original homeowners, only 66 were able to come together to front the money.”

Sandpiper was established in 1939 and its history is part of the island’s history.

But the 20-year anniversary is a milestone.

Moon said, “Historically resident-owned communities typically don’t make it past the first three years. Being at our 20 mark and where we are at, these guys are ready to party.”

Moon said she’d been in contact with some residents at the Pines Trailer Park, 103 Church Ave., after the ownership announced its intent to sell.

“I told them I will do everything I can to help them out,” Moon said. “I just sympathize with them. I want them to be able to purchase their homes.”

The Pines owner is Jackson Partnership LLLP of Bradenton, which announced Jan. 25 its intention to sell for $16 million the land upon which the 87 homes sit.

An initial offer from the Pines HOA was rejected by the Jackson Partnership LLLP, according to residents who asked not to be named.

Moon said, “The people are what make a place like this what it is. They know that they are lucky to have found paradise disguised as a trailer park.”

Tiki & Kitty’s

Tiki and Kitty are ready to hit the road and do some spring shopping at their favorite thrifts and boutiques.

Blue Flamingo is 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.

Cat’s Meow has 7,700 square feet of vintage, unique and repurposed items. You may want to lace up your skates, as this large (former) skating rink has plenty to offer bargain, antique, unique hunters. Plus, there’s a mancave and a cool clothing boutique. You

Miss us? WE MISS YOU AMI!

Stop by at our other locations:

Scavengers Marketplace SRQ

1175 N Washington Blvd

Scavengers Palmetto

2100 US Hwy 301

don’t want to miss this vast collection of vendors.

Blessed and Distressed is a tastefully designed store — so inviting, you’ll want to pull up a chair — with collectibles and work by local artists. The store is at Palma Sola Square, around the corner from WinnDixie. It offers 30-plus vintage, upcycled, shabby chic and artsy vendors. You won’t be disappointed.

Scavengers Marketplace invites you to visit its many vendors at the Palmetto store, 2100 U.S. 301, where a portion of your purchase benefits Moonracer No Kill Pet Rescue — our favorite pet rescue group. Founder Lisa Williams leads the rescue efforts and also works at The Islander as office manager.

FYI: Scavengers also carries Fusion Paints.

Your place for fun, funky quirky! Great

sandpiper resort, 2601 gulf drive n., Bradenton Beach, will be the site of a celebration march 24, when people mark the 20th anniversary of the park becoming a co-op. Islander Photo: robert anderson the sandpiper resort, in the 1970s. the park occupies the northernmost part of the island’s southernmost city. the homeowners will mark a 20-year anniversary this month of forming a co-op to buy the land in the park. Islander file

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

Photo

a new home arrives at the sandpiper resort in Bradenton Beach in october 2015. the park this month will mark 20 years of being a co-op community. Islander file Photo

Finding the home field

By Brook morrison Islander reporter

Brook Morrison: So Dad, the editor of The Islander, Lisa Neff, suggested we sit down for a father-daughter interview about how playing America’s favorite pastime helped our family find their paradise island and I’ve got a lot of questions.

Jim Morrison: OK. Well, I don’t know any Pirate player who wasn’t excited to get to be in spring training at Anna Maria Island.

Brook: Makes sense. Let’s start at the very beginning of when you were bit by the baseball bug.

Jim Morrison: The baseball bug started early. My mom played catch with me most often. I would beg her to play catch and I played on the Temple Terrace Little League team for a few years. One day in seventhgrade, we were out shopping and ran into a coach and stopped to talk. Later that day, she told me coach said I was too small to play sports and should quit because I was so small for my age.

Brook: How did that make you feel?

Jim Morrison: You know, the comment stuck with me but I didn’t give it much thought because my dad encouraged us to listen to ourselves and eventually, I managed a full scholarship to Georgia Southern.

The Pirates tried to draft me in 1971 but I didn’t sign because the contract was low and kept playing college ball, when, in 1974, I made the best decision to date: I married your mom … and also signed with the Philadelphia Phillies and started playing winter ball in the off-season in South America because it was pretty good extra money at the time.

Brook: Where?

Jim Morrison: In 1975, I played A-ball in Puerto Rico and then in Santo Domingo in 1976 under Jim Bunning — great guy and hall of famer — and in ’78 and ’79 I played winter ball in Maracaibo, Venezuela, and then was traded to the Chicago White Sox, where I still remember my first rack of baby back ribs and you were a little squirt.

Brook: That’s weird considering I’m only 35. LOL. Some of my first memories are in Chicago … running around with neighborhood kids. You must have thought you’d be there a while because you and mom bought a house, no?

Jim Morrison: Yep, and we had spring training near AMI in Sarasota, which was the best of both worlds.

Brook: So what was the trade to the Pirates like?

Jim Morrison: I was shocked when it happened because it was unexpected. It was 1982, me and Wayne Nordhagen had our bags packed waiting to leave for a flight to Oakland when the phone rang and the other line said, “Thank you so much for everything you’ve done for the Sox but you’ve been traded to the Pirates and have 72 hours to get there.”

Brook: That must have been surreal.

Jim Morrison: It absolutely was.

Brook: And for Mom to pack up the house with two kids and start fresh in a new city like Pittsburgh. I vaguely remember living in a hotel for a few months.

Jim Morrison: Your mom’s a saint. Thankfully, it worked out great and the Pirates were the most happygo-lucky team I ever played on. …

Brook: So when did we head to AMI?

Jim Morrison: During the first year of spring training we lived off of 43rd Street in Holmes Beach next to fellow Pittsburgh Pirates player Don Robinson and his wife Rhonda while a group of players waited for houses to be built in a new development at the time called Perico Island.

Brook: I remember those days making new friends and living the life of Riley.

Jim Morrison: It was fun to be on the island and I’d go fishing in our off-time with Milt May, Bruce Kison and Mike Quade. I remember Hal Chasey took me on my first cast-netting experience and I caught one mullet (laughs).

Brook: Do you remember when you and Milt took the kids fishing and you gave me a mullet eyeball? So gross, yet fascinating.

You were always joking around, having fun and making us laugh. I used to ask other kids which team their dad played for because as a kid I thought everyone’s dad played baseball!

You and Mom encouraged a sense of quiet confi-

Jim morrison holding Lucky, an Italian greyhound, and daughter Brook at home in west Bradenton feb. 27, as spring training was just getting underway in florida.

Islander Photo: courtesy Kiki Pelletier

Jim morrison, wife nan and kids, James, left, and Brook at three rivers stadium — 1985.

dence in me and my brother and sisters. It wasn’t until I was an adult that I started to process how growing up an MLB kid was not the norm.

The message you ingrained in me as a kid was definitely the Golden Rule and to treat others with respect and kindness.

Jim Morrison: That mentality came from my dad who loved people so much he would give anyone the shirt off his back. My mom too. …

Brook: So tell me when you decided to retire from baseball and move to Florida permanently.

Jim Morrison: Well, in 1988 I was emotionally roasted. I remember playing for the Braves and seeing the Pirates manager Jim Leyland on the field and telling him I’d love to go back to the Pirates. And Leyland said we should talk. And then shortly after that convo, his father passed and I felt it was inappropriate to pursue it and resigned.

Brook: Maybe people don’t quit often enough.

Jim Morrison: It wasn’t easy. A senior baseball league opened and I started playing for them. Then during that time one of the managers connected me to a head-hunter for baseball in Milan, Italy, and we spent 1989 in Italy traveling and eating pasta and listening to your brother’s “jokes.”

Brook: That was unforgettable and molto bene but what happened when we got back?

Jim Morrison: Flipped some houses and bought a hotel in Port Charlotte before getting a phone call asking if I wanted to return to baseball in 2000 working with the Phillies minor leagues.

Brook: How long have you worked for the Rays?

Brook morrison at bat with the help of her father, Jim morrison, at three rivers stadium during the Pittsburgh Pirates’ family day in 1985. Islander Photo: courtesy nan morrison

Players in paradise

The 2023 season of spring training at LECOM Park marked the 100th year of baseball in Bradenton and the 55th season for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Over the years, many Major Leaguers found temporary homes on Anna Maria Island and some settled with their families on the island.

This spring, The Islander invited readers to share recollections of Major League encounters.

And we close the spring-training season with Islander reporter Brook Morrison’s interview with her dad, a former MLB player, about family, baseball and finding home.

We think it’s a home run of a piece. We hope you agree.

— Lisa neff

Jim Morrison: Since 2006, when I started as a minor league manager and currently a minor league infield instructor for the young Latin American players and extended players.

Brook: Well, at 70 years young, you’re giving it a good go, Dad. It was just five years ago when you had a major accident while headed to a Rays meeting and Mom called me in London saying we almost lost you.

I remember talking to you that day and making a private decision to spend more time with family and reconnect, so I brought Oliver to Anna Maria Island in 2019 and we ended up staying and connecting with the island community. It wasn’t easy and I’m still adjusting but you’re worth moving countries for, Dad, and it’s a gift for Oliver to grow up with family.

Of course, you’re one piece of the puzzle — Mom, James, Sarah and Molly, their spouses, niece and nephews are worth it, too.

You have given me the gift of adventure, unconditional love, knowledge that there is a whole wide world out there to explore and the wisdom to treat people equally (and a reminder not to trust boys).

Ha ha. Thank you. I love you so very much.

Jim: You’re my favorite daughter. Ha. Just kidding. I love you all the same.

Brook: See you at the beach, Dad.

Catch a game?

The Pittsburgh Pirates close spring training at LECOM Park in Bradenton Tuesday, March 28, with a game against the Minnesota Twins. Call the box office at 941-747-3031.

Cops & Courts

HBPD recovers stolen vehicle, 2 arrested

By ryan Paice Islander reporter

Holmes Beach police arrested Bradenton residents Aaron Brown, 27, and Melissa Harbor, 27, March 8 on third-degree felony charges for grand theft of a motor vehicle.

Brown also was charged with a second-degree misdemeanor for driving with a suspended license.

Harbor was additionally charged with three thirddegree felonies for possession of crystal methamphet-

Bradenton man faces trial

By robert anderson Islander reporter

Levi Oxendine of Bradenton was set to stand trial March 23 on charges stemming from his 2022 arrest for burglary.

Bradenton Beach Police Officer Eric Hill was on his way to work March 30, 2022, when he observed a man, later identified as Oxendine, 23, riding a bike and balancing a second bike on his handlebars on Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach.

Hill suspected the bikes were stolen and attempted to stop the cyclist, who dumped the extra bike and tried to pedal away.

After a chase, Hill apprehended Oxendine and impounded both bicycles, which he learned had been reported stolen by the owners. The combined value of the bikes was estimated at $3,600.

Oxendine was arrested and charged with seconddegree burglary to an occupied structure, first-degree obstruction without violence and possession of drug paraphernalia.

In Florida, burglary of an occupied structure is a second-degree felony and, if convicted, punishable by up to 15 years in prison, 15 years on probation and a $10,000 fine.

Resisting without violence and possession of drug paraphernalia are a first-degree misdemeanors, punishable by 12 months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Oxendine’s trial before Judge Fredrick P. Mercurio is set to begin at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, March 23, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

amine, a controlled substance.

On March 8, two officers located a motorist pinged by the city’s license plate recognition system for driving a reportedly stolen vehicle.

The HBPD officers conducted a traffic stop and found three people in the vehicle, including Brown behind the wheel and Harbor in the front passenger seat.

Brown and Harbor said they believed the vehicle belonged to a third passenger, Bradenton resident Darrell Phillip, who they said had been driving earlier.

An officer filed a capias request for charges for grand theft of a motor vehicle and providing false identification to law enforcement against Phillip to the state attorney’s office.

Streetlife staff reports

Island police reports

Anna Maria

March 8, 500 block, North Shore Drive, burglary. A Manatee County sheriff’s deputy responded to a call concerning the theft of a handicap placard from a vehicle. The deputy filed a case number.

March 8, 100 block of Cedar Avenue, burglary. An MCSO deputy responded to a call concerning the theft of a metal detector. A rental business reported the theft after tenants left the detector outside for pickup. The deputy filed a case number.

March 9, 200 block, Oak Avenue, trespass. MCSO deputies responded to a call concerning man who entered onto a lanai after coming from the canal behind a home. The deputies trespassed the man and advised he would face arrest should he return.

The MCSO polices Anna Maria. Bradenton Beach

March 11, 1007 Gulf Drive N., Summer Sands condos, vandalism. MCSO deputies responded to a call concerning vandalism. The caller said six young people broke in, accessed the docks and vandalized a fire extinguisher in the pool area. The caller said the intruders left on foot. An incident report was filed.

The Bradenton Beach Police Department polices Bradenton Beach.

The officers searched the vehicle and found a small bag and two black latex gloves containing a crystallike substance that later tested positive for methamphetamine.

The officers arrested Brown and Harbor and transported them to the Manatee County jail.

Brown was released March 10 on a $5,120 bond. Harbor remained in custody under a $2,500 bond as of March 17.

If convicted, punishment for a third-degree felony includes up to five years in prison, five years of probation and a $5,000 fine.

Punishment for a second-degree misdemeanor includes up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.

Legal representatives for Brown and Harbor filed not guilty pleas March 13 on behalf of their clients.

An arraignment for Brown and Harbor will be at 9 a.m. Friday, April 14, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

Cortez

No new reports.

The MCSO polices Cortez.

Holmes Beach

March 8, 200 block of 85th Street, property damage. A man entered the Holmes Beach Police Department to report that work on a neighbor’s property resulted in paint on his car. An officer advised it was a civil matter and told the man to speak with the property owner and/or contractor involved.

March 9, 3900 block of Gulf Drive, speeding. An officer clocked a motorist driving 72 mph in a 35-mph zone and conducted a traffic stop. The officer issued the driver a citation for criminal speed.

March 11, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, obstruction of law enforcement without violence. An officer saw a motorist with an improper tag and conducted a traffic stop. The driver was a female juvenile, who was not wearing a seat belt, failed to provide registration, proof of insurance and identification. HBPD reported she exited the vehicle against the officer’s directions and refused to comply with verbal commands. The officer transported her to the HBPD for processing, issued a court summons and submitted a probable cause affidavit for a juvenile referral for resisting an officer without violence. The driver was

Look for the BLUE market at

. 51st & Manatee 5104 Manatee Ave W . Bradenton . 941.896.6245

of the island by Bonner Joy, publisher of the Islander newspaper, is available at the Islander office, 315 58th st., holmes Beach.

“anna Maria island,” a pictorial history book

Bradenton man arrested by HBPD for DUI

Holmes Beach police arrested Bradenton resident Travis Tepfer, 51, March 13 on a second-degree misdemeanor for driving under the influence of alcohol.

An officer saw a motorist fail to stop at the traffic signal at the intersection of Gulf Drive and East Bay Drive and conducted a traffic stop.

The officer spoke to the driver, identified as Tepfer, who had glassy eyes and admitted to drinking earlier that day.

The officer asked Tepfer to perform field sobriety exercises, which he refused, and the officer arrested him for DUI.

Tepfer also refused to provide breath samples.

The officer transported Tepfer to the Manatee County jail, where he was released March 14 after posting $120 bond.

Attorney Andrew Pouget, of the Bradenton-based Fowler Law Group, filed a plea of not guilty March 16 on behalf of Tepfer.

If convicted, punishment for a second-degree misdemeanor charge includes up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.

An arraignment will be at 8:55 a.m. Thursday, April 13, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

— ryan Paice

sTreeTlife from Page 20

released to her mother.

March 13, CVS, 611 Manatee Ave., assisting law enforcement. An officer heard an MCSO report that a missing endangered person’s vehicle was heading west based on information from a license plate reader in Bradenton. The vehicle soon after was pinged by the HBPD license plate recognition system. Two officers located the vehicle and found the missing person, who cooperated with police. An officer contacted the MCSO, which sent a deputy to pick up the man.

SERVING

Sarasota man sentenced to prison for battery

By ryan Paice Islander reporter

The case is closed for one of two men arrested in connection with a beating last year outside the Anna Maria Elementary School.

Judge Stephen “Matt” Whyte of the 12th Judicial Circuit ruled March 2, finding Cameron Evans, 19, of Sarasota, guilty of a second-degree felony for aggravated battery with great bodily harm.

The sentence stems from a March 23, 2022, attack on Evan Purcell, 41, of Holmes Beach, outside Anna Maria Elementary, 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Purcell was hospitalized with serious injuries.

Whyte sentenced Evans, who pleaded no contest to the charge, to 36 months in the Florida Department of Corrections system.

The sentence includes credit for 322 days of time served, with release eligible in April 2025.

The sentence also includes a year of community control —a program in which Evans will be confined to his home unless attending an allowed activity, such as work or school — and six years of probation.

Additionally, the sentence subjects Evans to mental health and substance abuse evaluation and treatment, completion of an anger management course and 100 hours of public service.

The attack occurred when Purcell was walking his

March 14, HBPD, 5801 Marina Drive, fraud. A woman entered the HBPD to report potential fraud so she could get a police report for her bank. She said there had been a $1,200 withdrawal made from her account without her permission. An officer provided a case number.

HBPD polices Holmes Beach.

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

dog with his 10-year-old niece and saw a group of young adults vandalizing the school, according to a Holmes Beach Police Department report.

When Purcell asked the group to leave the school grounds, they became aggressive. He drew a pocketknife but they beat him unconsciousness.

Purcell’s niece ran to a residence where 911 was called.

Purcell was transported to HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton.

The HBPD identifi ed Evans, Palmetto resident John Bartholow, 18, and an unnamed juvenile as suspects connected to the incident using video footage from the scene and witness testimony. All three were arrested within a month.

Evans has been in jail since April 14, 2022, resulting in credit for time served.

Evans’ sentence also prohibits him from contacting Purcell or Purcell’s niece.

Bartholow remained in custody at the Manatee County jail under a $13,500 bond as of March 16.

He also is facing a third-degree felony charge for criminal mischief as a result of a Jan. 23, 2022, incident that also included Evans.

Bartholow has pleaded not guilty to all pending charges and is set for a case management hearing March 29, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

A case management hearing for the burglary case will be at 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 26, at the judicial center.

Bartholow remained in custody at the Manatee County jail under a $13,500 bond as of March 16.

Lawyers for Evans and Bartholow have not responded to The Islander’s inquiries about their cases.

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AM contractor wraps up 2022-23 paving plans early

Anna Maria made short work of this year’s paving improvement plans.

Bradenton-based Superior Asphalt wrapped up the city’s 2022-23 paving improvements in November 2022, according to city clerk LeAnne Addy.

The city budgeted $798,752.98 for the work, which was split between plans A and B.

Plan A included 400-500 blocks of Spring Avenue; and the 100-300 blocks of Tarpon Street, Oak Avenue, Loquat, Kumquat, South and Los Cedros drives, Bayview Place, Newton Lane and more.

Plan B included Hardin, Mangrove and Maple avenues, roadways initially scheduled for improvement next year but were deteriorating.

The improvements were funded with $566,113 in state fuel tax revenue and $219,139.98 in ad valorem tax revenue.

the Bradenton Beach

house gets a new roof march 16. the roof was damaged last september during hurricane Ian. the storm caused $24,476 in damages to the BBPd building. the city’s insurance paid for repairs, with the city’s deductible reimbursed by fema. Islander Photo: robert anderson

Addy wrote in a March 17 email to The Islander that since plans A and B were completed early, the city was evaluating opportunities for additional paving improvements before the end of the fiscal year in September.

— ryan Paice

Causeway changes

proposed holmes Beach commissioner dan diggins, left, speaks march 13 to the Island transportation Planning organization members — the three island mayors — about adding turn lanes to the Palma sola scenic highway on manatee avenue so people can turn left without holding up traffic. diggins also proposed adding crosswalks and another restroom facility along the causeway to better accommodate people. sarasota/manatee metropolitan Planning organization planning manager ryan Brown, right, said he would bring diggins’ suggestions to the florida department of transportation, which manages the causeway as part of the florida scenic highways Program. Islander Photo: ryan Paice

Holmes Beach set to clear confusion, explore new code definitions

By ryan Paice Islander reporter

Holmes Beach wants to clear up any confusion around a couple of terms that came up in recent discussions.

City commissioners reached consensus March 14 to move forward with a draft ordinance to establish definitions for automobile dealers, warehousing and cannabis products.

Chad Minor, the city’s planning and zoning administrator, told commissioners the city passed an

ordinance last year prohibiting new automobile rental establishments but didn’t provide definitions for such establishments or for warehousing.

The lack of such definitions muddied the waters of a Feb. 28 discussion regarding a special exception request from The Toy Barn to warehouse rental golf carts in a property at 3008 Ave. C.

Minor said the ordinance also would provide an alternative definition for cannabis.

He said city code currently prohibited all products derived from cannabis, even legal products such as

hemp and CBD goods.

Minor said code enforcement hadn’t known such products were prohibited and several businesses in the city were selling them.

So staff wanted to change the definition to avoid an “enforcement issue.”

He said an ordinance would be brought to the commission for consideration, then go before the planning commission for a recommendation, then back to the city commission for a second reading.

There was no public comment.

The commission will meet next at 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 28, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

To attend via Zoom go to holmesbeachfl.org.

police station

Eyes on the road

• Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach : Manatee County is relocating and replacing sewer lines in Bradenton Beach along Gulf Drive from Sixth Street South to 13th Street South. Motorists can expect a detour and traffic delays. For more information, go online to amiprojects.io.

• Gulf and Marina drives in Holmes Beach : Holmes Beach contractor crews continue working near the intersection of Gulf and Marina drives on new amenities. There are marked detours and closures at Marina and Gulf drives in the city center. Traffic patterns can change. For the latest, check the city’s page on Facebook.

• Holmes Boulevard in Holmes Beach: Manatee County is working on a force main project near Holmes Boulevard, which can result in some traffic delays and congestion. As of March 15, the contractor had completed most construction activities between 68th and 54th streets and was focused on installing pipeline along 58th Street between Holmes Boulevard and Marina Drive, according to amiprojects.io.

Longboat Key roundabout design nears completion

By robert anderson Islander reporter

Engineers are nearing completion for the design of a north end roundabout on Longboat Key but the funding circle still needs closure.

Longboat Key is working with Manatee County and the Florida Department of Transportation to design a roundabout at the intersection of Gulf of Mexico Drive and Broadway Street.

The roundabout would calm traffic to allow safer pedestrian crossings, provide more convenient leftturns from Broadway onto Gulf of Mexico Drive and create a gateway to Longboat Key, according to Longboat Key public works director Isaac Brownman.

The town began the design phase in October 2021.

“The town is nearing 100% roadway design completion,” Brownman wrote in an email to The Islander March 8. “The Florida Department of Transportation has agreed in principle to a funding arrangement that would contribute a little more than $1.6 million towards

construction and Manatee County would help administer the contract. Any overage beyond that amount would be the responsibility of the town or another entity outside of FDOT.”

The county last year approved transfers from reserves in the transportation trust fund to the highway capital projects fund to fund design and permitting costs for the roundabout.

An interlocal agreement between the county and the town states it will fund and reimburse Longboat Key 50% of the design costs or $150,000, whichever is less.

Brownman said construction might not happen until after 2025.

“Because of the nature of how FDOT funding gets programmed, the construction funding will most likely become part of the FDOT Work Program sometime around the state fiscal year 2025,” he wrote.

The DOT develops and refines the five-year work program annually to allocate funds for priority transportation projects.

the intersection of gulf of mexico drive and Broadway street on Longboat Key could become a roundabout.

Islander

Photo: robert anderson

traffic crawls through the intersection of marina and gulf drives as work continues on the holmes Beach city center project. Islander

Photo: Jacob merrifield

Unbeaten Luxury Services takes football championship

By Kevin P. cassidy Islander reporter

Another season of adult flag football at the Center of Anna Maria Island is in the books.

The championship game played between No. 1 seed Luxury Services and No. 3 seed Solid Rock Construction came out with a solid win and an undefeated season for Luxury Services.

Luxury Services held on for an exciting 32-26 victory over Solid Rock Construction behind five touchdown passes from quarterback Chase Richardson. Richardson’s favorite target was Jonathan Soultatos, who finished with an incredible 15 receptions, including three that went for TDs.

cassidy

Dustin Tomcho and Tim Holly both added touchdown catches, while Soultatos completed the scoring

SportsShort

Birdie’s place

gabe Bragg, 12, of Perico Island, takes in some batting practice feb. 27 on the baseball diamond at holmes Beach city field in the 5800 block of marina drive. the ballfield is named for the late george r. “Birdie” tebbetts, a major League baseball player, manager, scout and front office exec who lived on amI. tebbetts died in march 1999. gabe plays rec baseball on the seniors’ team based at Bradenton’s g.t. Bray Park and travel baseball for a marucci franchise club team, Knights Knation. Islander

Photo: courtesy abigail Bragg

with a two-point conversion. Tomcho also contributed in the victory to the defensive side of the ball with an interception, while Richardson finished with two flag pulls and Jasmine Muldoon with one.

Dominick Otteni threw four touchdown passes for Solid Rock, which also received 11 catches, including three for TDs form Corey Jacques. Tuna McCracken added a TD grab and Tyler Brewer completed the scoring with a pair of extra points. Tuna McCracken had seven flag pulls and Hannah McCracken came up with four flag pulls in the Solid Rock defense.

Horseshoe news

Two teams emerged from pool play during horseshoe action on the Ides of March and settled things in the knockout stage. The team of Bob Mason and Bob Hawks jumped out to an early lead and never took their feet off the gas as they cruised to a 24-7 victory over Norm Langeland and Tim Sofran for the bragging rights.

2023 spring adult flag football champions — Luxury services’ chase richardson, tim holly, Jasmine muldoon, Jonathan soultatos and dustin tomcho — pose for a photo after completing an unbeaten season to win at the center of anna maria Island. not Pictured: ramon guerrero

IV, sequiel martinez and frankie romo. Islander

Photo: courtesy cofamI

It was another two-team affair during March 18 horseshoe action and, much like the March 15 result, there was another blowout victory. The team of Tom Farrington and Rick Martinez turned in a dominating 24-0 victory over Bob Brown and Steve Kriebel to win the day’s championship.

Play gets underway at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Anna Maria pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m. followed by random team selection. There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome.

Golf news

It was a full week of golf at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach, starting with the men’s modifiedStableford system match March 13.

Bruce Christenson earned clubhouse bragging rights with a plus-6, topping the trio of second-place finishers Steve Drum, Art McMillan and Rich Salzburg, who all finished at plus-4. Larry Davis and Bill

Bob mason and Bob hawks are march 15 horseshoe champions while tom farrington and rick martinez were victorious march 18 at the anna maria city hall pits.

Islander Photo: courtesy amI Pitchers

State invites anglers to catch a memory

Go fish. Catch a memory.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is encouraging anglers to catch a Florida memory and hook a prize.

The program encourages participants to learn about recreational fishing opportunities by enticing them to target saltwater species and rewarding them with prizes.

Anglers can earn recognition in different ways, including:

• Life List, a list of 70 species of saltwater

fish that challenges an angler to catch over their lifetime;

• Reel Big Fish, recognizes anglers for catches that meet or exceed a minimum length for 30 saltwater species;

• Grand Slams, nine challenges to catch three specified fish species in 24 hours;

• Triple Threat Club, when anglers are awarded for catching a Grand Slam and a Reel Big Fish and qualifying for the Life List 10-Fish Club.

For more info, go online to catchafloridamemory.com or call the FWC at 850-487-0554.

PLease, see sPOrTs, next Page

Wild weather in March leaves anglers an inconsistent bite

By capt. danny stasny Islander reporter

After experiencing a warm February, anglers received a reality check this month as two cold fronts brought strong winds, choppy surf and chilly waters.

stasny

Water temps dropped more than 10 degrees in a couple of days and the consistency of the bite — if you risked going out in a boat — suffered to say the least.

But don’t worry. Warm weather and better fishing is inevitable as we finally turn the calendar over to spring and the approach to April. Things will get right again as long as we continue to dodge red tide and other water quality hazards.

As for fishing in the wind and cooler weather, keep in mind the fish may be harder to find and the fish you do find may not be aggressive. All that’s OK. Just be patient and accept the cards you’re dealt.

Spotted seatrout are the most consistent bite on the flats. If you’re free-lining shiners for trout on deep flats and not getting bites, add a split shot to the rig to get your bait closer to the bottom. Sometimes during sudden temperature drops, trout become lazy and won’t chase the bait unless it’s in front of their face.

As for snook, you may want to wait for the sun to warm up, when later in the day the waters on the shallow flats have reached their highest temp. Typically, that’s when you’ll find your best snook bite.

For redfish, working around docks and seawalls as well as mangrove edges where oysters are present is a good bet. Live shrimp or shiners will work as bait for these fish.

On less windy days, venturing offshore is advantageous. Reports of many “prime plate” species are coming in, including yellowtail snapper, red grouper, amberjack, permit and African pompano. The offshore bite can be quite good in March. So if you find calmer days, seize the moment and get out there.

On my Just Reel charters, I’m finding the most action for my clients by targeting spotted seatrout. Deep grass flats where clean water and swift tides are present are productive and free-lining live shiners or adding a split shot to the rig is yielding days of 20 or more trout on the hook.

Snook fishing on the flats also is going well, although finding large clusters of fish is challenging. Moving the boat frequently helps to attain an increas-

sPOrTs from Page 24

Sweeney were another point back in third place.

The women played a team scramble March 14 with Debbie DuVarnay, Jana Samuels and Sue Wheeler combining on a 1-over-par 33 to earn a one-stroke victory over the team of Terry Taylor, Pauline Lee, Julia Fay, and Lisa Edmunds. Nina McSparren, Sue Pierce, Leigh Brittain and Linda Dorsey were another stroke back in third.

The week culminated at the club with a combination scramble/shamble March 16 playing on a modified par-50 course.

The team of Mike Gillie, Gary Risner, Peter Solleveld and Terry Tarras took first place with a 1-under-par 49, while Debbie and Dave Richardson, Earl Ritchie and Al Waal matched the even-par 50 carded by Bob Rowley, Larry Solberg and Quentin Talbert in a tie for second place.

tim White shows off a 42-pound cobia caught march 5 on a live pinfish in the gulf of mexico 25 miles off of anna maria Island. White’s fishing buddy, brother andrew, says cobia is a delicious food fish and this one was brought home for dinner. Islander Photo: andrew White

ing number of hookups.

Lastly, I’m finding redfish around docks and on shallow flats while targeting snook.

Capt. Warren Girle says he’s finding good action while working the deeper grass flats of Sarasota Bay. By drifting and jigging, Girle is finding spotted seatrout scattered throughout the flats. Some trout are being caught within the slot of 15-19 inches, while he reports many more fist measure 13 to 14 inches. Also while jigging, Girle is putting clients on ladyfish and jack crevalle, as well as pompano here and there.

Using live shrimp as bait on the shallower grass flats is resulting in numerous hookups with snook — most are 20-28 inches. Girle says the higher stages of

TideWatch

Red tide lingers along coast

The red tide organism, Karenia brevis, was detected in Southwest Florida during the week ending March 19.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported K. brevis was observed at low to high concentrations in Manatee County, as well as background to high concentrations in and offshore of Pinellas County and background to high concentrations in and offshore of Sarasota County.

From Manatee County, there were reports of fish kills and respiratory irritation related to red tide.

Red tide, which is naturally occurring, is patchy. People might experience respiratory irritation at one location but not another just blocks away.

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

the tide are working best.

Capt. Jason Stock says African pompano are the highlight for another week while working his charters offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. The large predators are being caught on live baits and jigs. Yellowtail snapper also are being caught while offshore. Live baits — on a bottom rig or free-lined into a chum slick — are working nicely.

When fishing around wrecks, Stock is trolling lipped plugs for consistent action on blackfin tuna. When concentrations of tuna turn up over a wreck, Stock is anchoring and chumming for them — enabling his anglers to free-line live baits to the high-speed fish.

Moving over the reefs, Stock is finding a variety of hungry, eager species, including amberjack, permit and goliath grouper.

Back closer to home, Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier at the north end of Anna Maria on Tampa Bay, says the sheepshead bite is happening. But the bite may be thinning out soon. Live shrimp as bait are working well to catch these striped, tasty fish, although live fiddler crabs or sandfleas are good bait options, too.

The arrival of whiting has many of the regular anglers who fish the pier excited. These tasty little fish are readily being caught on live shrimp. Casting the baits away from the pier is working best, but Malfese says, don’t forget to add some weight to your rig as the whiting like to feed on the bottom.

Lastly, an occasional snook is being caught by pier anglers using live pinfish and shrimp as bait.

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

mark stellini of Longboat Key shows off a nice snook, caught on live bait and released nearshore march 17 along with some spotted seatrout. stellini was guided by capt. Warren girle.

BB CRA gets updates on 2 trails, beach parking situation

By robert anderson

Islander reporter

Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie gave an update on changes for the jitney trail, multiuse trail and Cortez Beach parking lot during a March 1 meeting of the city’s community redevelopment agency.

In 2019, the CRA finalized an interlocal agreement with Manatee County allowing the agency to reconfigure a section of Coquina Beach, as well as parking along Gulf Drive at Cortez Beach, to accommodate a path for a tram service — the so-called jitney trail.

“As you know, we did the presentation several years ago with the county commission,” Chappie said. “They were excited about the whole thing.”

Now, Chappie said, the city is waiting for County Commission Chair Kevin Van Ostenbridge, who represents District 3, including the island, to extend an invitation to meet in Bradenton Beach and discuss the trail progress.

“We’re going to be walking the whole area, including the Cortez Beach area, so we should have more updates as to where we are with that,” Chappie said.

“Now that they are putting the parking lot back together, they’d like to do some of the work that

reflects what we’d like to have done in that area,” he continued.

Construction-related activity is taking place at Coquina and Cortez beach parking lots. Coquina parking is in the final stage of a remodel and some Cortez Beach parking is being utilized to stage machinery and materials for a county sewer replacement.

But plans at those sites also include improvements for the jitney trail, as well as the county-maintained

multiuse trail.

members of the Bradenton Beach community redevelopment agency and city attorney ricinda Perry meet march 1 to discuss projects. Islander

The multiuse trail runs the length of the beaches from Cortez Beach at the north end to Longboat Pass at the south.

The jitney trail serves a tram service, privately operated under a contract with the CRA, moving people between the beach parking lots and the commercial district at Bridge Street.

Chappie said the county plans to rework the jitney trail so the tram is not impeded by traffic.

And about the multiuse trail, the mayor said, “The county is also getting ready … to spend $1.8 million on the resurfacing of the existing multiuse trail. They are basically going to remove all the base material and put in the new trail.”

There is no date for when the work might begin on the 1.47-mile trail.

The next CRA meeting will be at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 5, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

About the CRA

The Bradenton Beach CRA funds capital improvement projects to promote restoration, growth and tourism in the district.

People play pickleball march 1 on the public courts at the holmes Beach city field, between 59th street, flotilla drive and 62nd street, while others watch and wait their turn to play. Islander

The district, bordered by Cortez Road, Sarasota Bay, Fifth Street South and the Gulf of Mexico, was deemed blighted in 1992, allowing for incremental tax revenue to promote restoration and growth, including tourism.

Photo: robert anderson

Players pack pickleball courts in HB

Photo: ryan Paice

By Lisa Neff

The bloom!

Fade in.

Exterior — space.

Planet Earth grows small.

The African and North American continents can be seen and the blue Atlantic Ocean between them. Shifting clouds part to reveal …

A vast brown mass blanketing the ocean water, monster-like in size — the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt!

of South Florida, Florida Atlantic University, NASA, the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration and others.

Scientists found the factors in bloom formation included winters with large seed populations from previous blooms, nutrient discharges in the winter from West Africa, nutrient discharges in the spring or summer from the Amazon River.

Some of the international news reporting that the 2023 Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt is approaching the “U.S. coast” and the “Florida coast” might leave folks on the Manatee County coast confused.

There’s more than one U.S. coast. There’s more than one Florida coast. There’s more than one Gulf coast.

And the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt isn’t likely to impact Florida’s West Coast.

neff

I don’t usually think of the horrorsci-fi genre when I read international news but “The Blob” came to mind as I read The Guardian’s March 7 report headlined, “The creeping threat of the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt.”

The subhead, in part, read, “Visible from space, an explosion of harmful seaweed now stretches like a sea monster across the ocean.”

Sargassum blooms are not new developments.

Christopher Columbus was credited with the first written account of sargassum, journaling in 1492 that the Santa Maria became becalmed with sister ships for three days as sailors feared becoming entangled in seaweed and then dragged to the ocean floor.

Jules Verne, in his novel “Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea,” wrote that the Nautilus submarine was approaching “a perfect meadow, a close carpet of seaweed, fucus, and tropical berries, so thick and so compact that the stem of a vessel could hardly tear its way through it. And Captain Nemo, not wishing to entangle his crew in this herbaceous mass, kept some yards beneath the surface of the waves.”

Such a “perfect meadow” provides habitat for fish, sea turtles and other marine life. Sea turtle enthusiasts know the oft-repeated story of how loggerhead hatchlings dig themselves out of their sandy nests, crawl to the water and swim, swim, swim in search of the weed line — sargassum.

But since at least 2011, the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt has become the Earth’s largest seaweed bloom, fueled by climate change and water pollution,

sargassum collects on the shoreline in cancun in 2015. Blankets of sargassum can pose threats in the water and on land but, in the open ocean, sargassum can provide a rich habitat and nourisment for marine life. Islander Photo: courtesy michael owen

and it can wreak havoc, posing threats to marine life, human health and coastal economies.

Satellite imagery from NASA shows major blooms of the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt year after year since 2011 except 2013.

According to one NASA report, “Before 2011, most of the free-floating sargassum in the ocean was primarily found in patches around the Gulf of Mexico and Sargasso Sea,” which is on the western edge of the central Atlantic Ocean.

Then in 2011, sargassum blooms started to explode, documented by researchers at the University

“The major impacts would be restricted to the Keys and Southeast Florida — roughly Key Largo to Fort Pierce. Surface currents, which move the sargassum, don’t usually favor movement onto the west coast of Florida,” assistant research professor Brian Barnes of USF told The Islander March 15. “There also may be some impacts in the Panhandle and westward.”

Asked what kind of impact sargassum has had on our area in the past, Barnes answered: “Not a ton that I know of. Sargassum does come ashore in the region but not in the amounts that cause concern — in other words, related to the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt.”

Still, environmentalists have cause for concern, as the sargassum blankets in shallow water or on the shoreline can impede small sea turtle hatchlings.

Commercial fishers whose livelihoods depend on the health of seas have cause for concern.

Tourism leaders have cause for concern, especially in some countries in the Caribbean where piles of the brown, rotting seaweed — it smells like rotten eggs — on the beach can turn people away or worse, make them sick.

So don’t fade out on the issues just because “The Bloom” isn’t coming soon to your beach.

JUST

TO

Beautifully updated 4BR/3BA canal home with pool on north end of AMI. $2,357,000. Call Lynn today for your

      

ITEMS FOR SALE

sLeeP numBer Queen mattress like-new, custom pillowtop cover, $399. 941-5040526.

PanInnI maKer: cuIsInart, stainlesssteel, like new, $45. 941-920-2494.

chaIr: BLacK, soft cushion $15/ each and office chair, white, $10. side tables, brown with glass top. 2/$20. 941920-2494.

needLe art BooKs: nice variety. 18 at $20. 941-782-8381(after noon).

WhIte dInette set: six chairs, good condition. $225 or best offer. 570-704-8486.

antIQue Partner desK: all wood, $500. Inquire at the Islander office, 315 58th st. suite J, holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

Sandy’s Lawn Service Inc.

Paradise Improvements

941.792.5600

RDI CONSTRUCTION INC.

AdoptA-Pet

Oh, those eyes!

Bella is an 8-year-old mixed-breed lovebug! She’s neutered and has all vaccinations — ready to meet her new family! Call Lisa Williams at 941-3452441 or visit The Islander office in Holmes Beach. And for more about pet adoption, visit moonraceranimalrescue.com.

sPonsored BY

ANSWERS TO MARCH 22 PUZZLE

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

Individuals may place one free ad with up to three items, each priced $100 or less, 15 words or less. free, one week, must be submitted online. email classifieds@islander. org, fax toll-free 1-866-362-9821. (limited time offer)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

do You haVe old books that you no longer want/need that are taking up space? I’m looking for books for school project. happy to pick up. text or call Kaitlyn at 305-6328101.

ESTATE SALES

WonderfuL estate saLe: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. friday and saturday, march 24-25. antiques, collectibles and cool stuff. 515 70th st., holmes Beach. numbers go out at 8 a.m.

GARAGE SALES

moVIng saLe: 9 a.m.-1p.m. friday and saturday, march 31 and april 1. selling contents of two units: Kitchen appliances, couches, chairs, kitchen tables and twin mattress. hot water heater, bedroom dressers, tVs, all kitchen dishes and contents, miscellaneous items. 2812 ave. e, holmes Beach. more information, 410-310-2832.

huge garage saLe: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. thursday and friday, march 23-24. everything to furnish a home. men and women golf clubs and apparel. small and large appliances. tools. We have it all, stop by! 505 Bayview drive, anna maria.

PETS

heLP rescued Pets! Volunteer, foster, computer help needed! moonracer animal rescue. email: moonraceranimalrescue@ gmail.com.

TRANSPORTATION

goLf cart rentaLs: fun for residents and tourists! www.golfcartrentalamI.com.

tWo 2022 150cc Wolf scooters. Less than 200 miles on each. $1,600 each. 219-8510024.

gem 2020 golf cart/e4. mileage 258 /white. garage-kept, perfect condition. $17,000. text, 910-988-6883.

BOATS & BOATING

haVe a Boat and wanna catch more fish, better bait or learn the water? 50-year local fisherman, your boat, my knowledge. captain chris, 941-896-2915.

suncoast Bottom PaIntIng: Professional bottom painting. mobile. call 941704-9382.

tWo 8-foot sit-in kayaks with paddles, excellent condition, make an offer, 203-668-5012.

HELP WANTED

home maIntenance: 8 hours weekly, $20 hour. sweep, clean outdoor furniture, vacuum pool, rake, wash windows, pick up debris, etc. call dan, 941-713-1586.

IsLander archIVe. uoff florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

HELP WANTED Continued

LooKIng to JoIn a stable and well-established kitchen crew? euphemia haye restaurant, an award-winning fine dining restaurant on Longboat Key, is hiring folks to work in the kitchen. full or part-time positions available. evenings. Pay depends on experience but is competitive. We are an equal opportunity employer. euphemia haye restaurant, 5540 gulf of mexico drive, Longboat Key, 941-383-3633.

noW hIrIng handYman: full-time professional services. $15 an hour and up, based on experience. call JayPros, 941962-2874.

rePorter Wanted: full- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience required. apply via email with letter of interest to news@islander.org.

KIDS FOR HIRE

need an aduLt night out? call maty’s Babysitting services. I’m 16, love kids and have lots of experience. references upon request. 618-977-9630.

KIds for hIre ads are free for up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work. ads must be placed in person at the Islander office, 315 58th st. suite J, holmes Beach.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

BusIness oPPortunItY: 30-year successful island business, owner ready to sell for health reasons. secure lease. serious inquiries: Biz op, P.o. Box 145, anna maria fL 34216.

SERVICES

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

cLeanIng: VacatIon, constructIon, residential, commercial and windows. Licensed and insured. 941-756-4570.

Pressure WashIng, PaVer sealing, driveway, roof, fence, pool area. also, window cleaning. Licensed and insured. 941-5653931.

BIcYcLe rePaIrs: Just4fun at 5358 gulf drive can do most any bicycle repair at a reasonable cost. Pick-up and delivery available. 941-896-7884.

comPanIon/homemaKer: honest and reliable offering help with running errands, grocery shopping, house sitting, pet and plant care, light cooking/cleaning, transportation. references available and licensed. call sherri, 941-592-4969.

aPI’s drYWaLL rePaIr: I look forward to servicing your drywall repair needs. call 941524-8067 to schedule an appointment.

ProfessIonaL WIndoW cLeanIng: residential, commercial, free estimates. “We want to earn your business!” 207-852-6163.

aIrPort rIdes: sarasota, st. Pete, tampa. call/text, Vita, 941-376-7555.

ParadIse Pet care: Pet specialist. Walking, sitting, vet visits. training and love. Jason, 908-720-1688.

ads = more readers in the Islander.

SERVICES Continued

hang I n ’ on am I: We hang artwork, mirrors, tVs, etc. furniture assembly. Local references available. 941-720-3126.

IsLand LIghtscaPes & securItY: Landscape lighting and home security installation. Quality service by Island residents. 941-7203126.

B us I ness - to -B us I ness J d ’s Window cleaning looking for storefront jobs in holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-920-3840.

c L ean tech mo BIL e d etailing. a t your location. cars, boats, rVs. call or text Billie for an appointment. 941-592-3482.

LAWN & GARDEN

connIe’s LandscaPIng Inc residential and commercial. full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-778-5294.

B arnes L a W n and Landscape LL c design and installation, lawn and landscape services, tree trimming, mulch, rock and shell. 941-705-1444. Jr98@barneslawnandlandscape.com.

coLLIns LandscaPe LIghtIng: outdoor lighting, landscaping, irrigation services and maintenance. 941-279-9947. mJc24373@ gmail.com.

searaY sPrInKLer serVIces repairs, additions, drip, sprinkler head/timer adjustments. 941-920-0775.

she LL de LIV ered and spread. h auling all kinds of gravel, mulch, topsoil with free estimates. call Larry at 941-795-7775, “shell phone” 941-720-0770.

mP LaWn maIntenance now accepting new clients. call dante, 941-730-9199. mp@ mplawnmaintenance.com.

Je BLacKWood gardener: ornamental horticulture expert. c are of trees, shrubs, vines, flowers, 25 year’s experience, excellent references, estate trained. u s n avy veteran. 941-718-9087.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Van-go PaIntIng residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper. Island references. Bill, 941-795-5100. www.vangopainting.net.

tILe -tILe -tILe all variations of ceramic tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship, prompt, reliable, many Island references. call neil, 941-726-3077.

gr I ff I n ’ s home I m P ro V ements Inc. h andyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. Insured and licensed. 941-722-8792.

BLInds, shutters, shades: motorization. 30 years on am I. c all Keith Barnett, Barnett Blinds, 941-730-0516.

IsLand handYman: I live here, work here, value your referral. refinish, paint. Just ask. JayPros. Licensed/insured. references. call Jay, 941-962-2874.

LooKIng for an earLY BIrd? read the classifieds on tuesday at islander.org.

HOME IMPROVEMENT Continued

hand Y man and Pa I nt I ng n o job too small. m ost jobs just right. c all r ichard Kloss. 941-204-1162.

screenIng serVIces: replace your old or ripped window, door or porch screens. many screen types available. retired veteran here to serve our community! free estimates, call Lane, 941-705-5293.

caLL hYdro cLean full-service pressure washing, sealing. Pavers, travertine and natural stone. Window washing too, up to three stories. call Jacob, 941-920-2094.

sarasota I nter I or Pa I nt I ng : We specialize in high-end properties. We love to paint! o wner operated. f ully insured/ licensed. call or text don, 941-900-9398. Instagram: sarasotaInteriorPainting.

southWest home ImProVement: michigan builder, quality work guaranteed. affordable, timely, within budget. call mike’s cell: 1-616-204-8822.

RENTALS

anna mar I a gu L f beachfront vacation rentals. one- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941778-3143.

P er I co I s L and Pat I o home for rent. 3Br/2Ba. two-car garage, fully renovated. 30-day minimum. Privacy fence/gate, two miles to amI. #bluerockingchair instagram/ fb. 859-771-6423.

condo for rent: June through october. 3Br/2Ba Perico Bay club. two-month minimum. community pool and hot tub. one mile from anna maria Island. call dave at 856495-7200 for details.

seasona L renta L: aVa IL a BL e a prild ecember. a cross from bay, 2 miles from beaches, fully furnished, laundry, all utilities. 941-773-1552.

Waterfront annuaL rentaL on anna maria Island. 2Br/2Ba, pool, boat lift, twocar garage, completely renovated. $7,300 per month, pets o K. a vailable a pril 20. call 941-704-7336

annuaL rentaL: uPdated 2Br/2Ba ten minutes to holmes Beach. $2,200/month. no pets/no smoking. 6407 first ave. W., Bradenton. 941-792-6493.

Wanted to rent: garage to store antique car april through november. call John, 941730-1085.

3Br/2Ba Large house: Lanai, carports, laundry. Island, beaches close. $2,200/ month. 440-813-8217.

easter renta L aVa IL a BL e a pril 1-8. Beautiful anna maria north shore. 5Br/4Ba private pool. www.annamaria.travel 855326-6262,

month LY seasona L renta L: 55-plus community. Beach across street. 2Br/2Ba $6,500/month. 941-226-4008. a must see!

easter WeeK VacatIon: 2Br/2Ba, pool, boat slip, updated. $1,400/week. real estate mart, 941-356-1456. IsLander archIVe. ufdc.ufl.edu.

REAL ESTATE

WI nn I e mcha L e , rea Ltor , 941-5046146. rosebay International realty Inc. You need an aggressive and experienced realtor in today’s market! selling island homes, sarasota and Bradenton areas. multi-milliondollar producer! “ s elling h omes - m aking dreams come true.”

for saLe: famLY compound possibilities. Panoramic views on private golf course. classic 3B r/2B a, pool, half-acre lot. Petfriendly, has dog run. $765,000. additional half-acre available. real estate mart, 941356-1456.

m I nutes to s I esta Key, s arasota. upgraded 2Br/2Ba condo. 55-plus community. Low fees. $265,000. real estate mart, 941-356-1456.

Making the mainland move Island Gallery West is making the move to Old Main.

The co-op art gallery that operated for three decades in the S&S Plaza at 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, closed March 10 to prepare for a move to 456 Old Main St., Bradenton.

The gallery announced on its social media, “Downtown Bradenton! We are so excited for new opportunities in this thriving and vibrant part of town.”

In November 2022, IGW won the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s Large Business of the Year award.

For more information, call IGW at 941-778-6648 or go online to islandgallerywest.com.

Call for nominations

The Manatee Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for its Business of the Year awards, with applications due by April 21.

“This is your time to nominate a local small business and/or nonprofit organization and help them receive the recognition they deserve,” read a call for entries.

The chamber will present honors during the 43rd Annual Small Business of the Year Awards in June.

Mike Norman Realty

www.mikenormanrealty.com

For nomination forms, go to www.manateechamber.com.

For more information, call the chamber at 941748-3411.

Flights in February

Before cruising to AMI, many travelers touch down at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.

PropertyWatch carol

Island real estate sales

Bernard

505 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, a 2,923 sq ft 4BR/4BA pool home on a 8,625 sq ft lot built in 2003 sold 2/22/2023 by Werdann to Desmet for $4,100,000, list price $4,899,900.

1801 Gulf Drive, #234, Bradenton Beach, a 691 sq ft 1BR/1BA Runaway Bay condo built in 1978 sold 2/17/2023 by Tabarelli to Larosa for $430,000, list price $465,000.

2514 Ave. C, Bradenton Beach, a 3,108 sq ft 7BR/7BA pool home on a 9,000 sq ft lot built in 2021 sold 2/17/2023 by AMI Partners II to 2514 Ave C LLC by $5,300,000, list price $5,400,000.

Coming ‘soon’

coming “soon” to the mainland intersection at 75th street West and manatee avenue in Bradenton where an albertsons grocery store once stood. trader Joe’s? Whole foods? no. the site will house a satellite emergency medical facility for manatee memorial hospital — manatee er at Palma sola. the er will expand access to 24-hour emergency care in northwest Bradenton. another er center opened this month in Bayshore gardens at 5506 14th st. W., Bradenton. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy

How many travelers?

Some numbers for February:

• 393,807 passengers traveled through SRQ, a 16% increase over February 2022 and the most passengers for February in the airport’s history.

The 12-month activity thru February 2023 totaled 3,976,376 passengers, a 13% increase compared to 3,519,721 passengers for the 12 months through February 2022.

453 62nd St., Holmes Beach, a 769 sq ft 3BR/1BA villa on a 1,359 sq ft lot built in 1963 sold 2/24/2023 by Chamberlain to RNP LLC for $310,000, list price $359,000.

451 62nd St., Holmes Beach, a 832 sq ft 2BR/1BA villa on a 1,359 sq ft lot built in 1963 sold 2/21/2023 by 451 62nd Land Trust to Black for $430,000, list price $449,900.

310 Clark Drive, Holmes Beach, a 2,463 sq ft 4BR/4BA pool home on a 7,196 sq ft lot built in 2009 sold 2/22/2023 by Bardwell to Woodworth for $2,240,000, list price $2,295,000.

Compiled by Island Real Estate. IRE professionals can be reached at 941-778-6066, islandreal.com.

Does your business celebrate achievements? Maybe you’re new in business? Maybe your staff deserves kudos? Submit your info to news@islander. org.

Once Upon A Beach

Thinking about what is best for your rental property? If so, choose QUALITY over quantity, and get in touch with us!

Waterfront lesson

Palmetto artist cory Wright, right, instructs Julie Lewis of new hampshire march 14 in painting at Bean Point in anna maria. Wright, whose artwork is displayed at cove gallery & Boutique, 104 Bridge st., Bradenton Beach, offers lessons in oil and acrylic painting, with booking information at coreywrightart.com. Islander

Art in the window orlando-based artist Jessica fonseca paints windows for the Back alley treasures & Bar, 108 Bridge st., Bradenton Beach. fonseca, a mural and window painter, operates m Lynn creative, which specializes in seasonal art. Islander Photo: robert anderson

BizCal compiled by Lisa neff THIS WEEK

THURSDAY, MARCH 23

5-7 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce business-card exchange with refreshments, light bites and scholarship awards, LaPensee Plumbing, 401 Manatee Ave., Holmes Beach. $5 members, $10 nonmembers. Information: 941-778-1541.

SAVE THE DATES

May 12, 11:30 a.m., AMI Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament, IMG Academy Golf Club, Bradenton.

Your Next Chapter Begins Here!

517 67th Street Holmes

Ordering off the agenda

Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board board members Ken mcdonough, left, and dan morhaus and city building inspector steve gilbert discuss march 1 a draft ordinance to the land development code dealing with setbacks for open air dining. to advance changes to the Ldc, the P&Z held a second public hearing. the P&Z voted unanimously to recommend the city commission adopt the ordinance. Islander

Don’t wait another day to start living the Anna Maria Island lifestyle of your dreams! This home is absolutely perfect and ready for you to move in! Beautifully appointed, offered furnished with a stunning pool, spa and two boat lifts Direct access to Tampa Bay and the Gulf. Your next chapter begins here. Call me to learn more!

Photo: robert anderson

Photo: robert anderson