VOLUME 32, NO. 3
Honoring Veterans Nov. 11
NOV. 8, 2023 FREE
The Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992
state initiates AMI gov’t study
Astheworldterns 6 veterans Day observances. 3
Q&A 110823 3 Meetings 5
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
Election news. 5
Opinions 6
10-20 YeArs Ago
Looking back. 7
Annual tourist tax tops $30M. 8 DoT requires LBK roundabout redo. 9
Save the date. 10-11
AMI Happenings What’s up on AMI? 11-12 New shuttle service launches on AMI. 13
Gathering. 14 Good spirits. 15
Where’s Tuna Street?
16-17
Don’t wait for ‘Later Life.’ 18 on the Trail of Treats. 19 Dust up over county road project. 20
Streetlife. 20 Judge rules for developer in canal dispute. 21
Get in the Game. 23 Playoffs at center. 24 Changing targets. 25 HB oKs Seaside changes. 26
NYT puzzle. 26 oh, otis! 27 Tour de Turtles ends. 27
CLASSIFIEDS. 28-29
Isl Biz: 30
islander.org
‘Field’ trip to Game 5 of the World Series Islander Mark Melancon and son Jack, 9, walk onto Chase Field in Phoenix Nov. 1 for batting practice before Game 5 of the World Series between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Texas Rangers. Mark Melancon was sidelined with a shoulder injury and wasn’t able to pitch for the Diamondbacks in the series. The Rangers clinched the series 4-1 that night. Jack missed a few days of class at Anna Maria Elementary, where he’s in the fourth-grade, in exchange for some lifelong memories. Islander Courtesy Photo
A state study that could steer the fate of Anna Maria Island’s governance is underway. P.K. Jameson of the Florida Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability wrote Oct. 31 to the three island mayors announcing that OPPAGA is studying the potential consolidation of the three municipalities. “As directed by the Legislature, the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability is reviewing the potential benefits of consolidating municipal services and government structures for Anna Maria Island,” Jameson wrote. “OPPAGA expects to begin this review immediately.” OPPAGA is a research arm of the Legislature that supports the lawmakers by providing data, research and analysis to assist them in budget and policy deliberations. State Rep. Will Robinson Jr., R-BraTURN To CONSOLIDATION, PAGE 2
Public checks in en masse for 1st BB resort hearing By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter
The gallery at a Nov. 1 hearing on a future development on Bradenton Beach’s Bridge Street overflowed city chambers into the parking lot. The city planning and zoning board convened the hearing on a rezone of 1.61 acres on Bridge Street for a 106-room resort proposed by Shawn Kaleta, City Commissioner Jake Spooner and partners. Kaleta is a developer with multiple holdings and Spooner is a city commissioner and business owner. The proposed project promises to transform the city’s commercial district and attendance at the first public hearing on the resort demonstrated civic interest and exposed People crowd into the Bradenton Beach chambers for a Nov. 1 planning and zoning opposition. The commission chambers exceeded board hearing on a proposed 106-room hotel with resort amenities on Bridge Street. TURN To RESORT HEARING, PAGE 4
The hearing was continued to Monday, Nov. 13. Islander Photos: Robert Anderson
FISH shines bright — 23 years in the making Karen Bell, along with members of the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage, the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, and Manatee County and state of Florida representatives cut a ceremonial ribbon Nov. 3 to celebrate the completion of restorative efforts to the FISH Preserve. FISH began efforts to return the parcel to its natural state in 2000. More, page 22. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson