The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, February 10, 2021

Volume

No. 16

Happy Valentine’s Day

The Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992 Astheworldterns. 6 BB talks tram ads. 4

Meetings.

4

Sunshine settlement. 13 MCAT masks up. 13 Religion news. 14

GoodDeeds. 14

Anna Maria resident Cathy Tobias reaches out Feb. 4 to touch a ribbon — part of an art installation she has been working on since November 2020. The ribbons represent the more than 27,000 Floridians who died of COVID-19. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Allen

would sink in more to what is really going “When I first started the project, I was on.” surprised at how emotional, yet cathartic it She said she is adding to the installa- was,” she said. tion as the death toll increases. She spends She added, “Every time I tie a ribbon on, several hours a day adding ribbons to the I think, ‘That’s a life.’” memorial.

Turn to memorial, page 3

Cortez Bridge build set for 2026

By Kane Kaiman Islander Reporter

The jury is still out on a future Cortez megabridge.

2nd case of COVID-19 Construction of a 65-foot clearance, reported at AME. 18 fixed span bridge to replace the Cortez draw ‘Super Bowl’ winner. 18 is programmed for 2026-27 in a five-year tentative work plan from the Florida DepartParks committee shares ment of Transportation. love of community. 19 However, a coalition of people who have been fighting the high bridge have taken Streetlife. 20 another step toward a possible compromise on the size of the structure.

AM reviews restrictions on beach ‘toys.’ 21 The DOT announced megabridge construction has been scheduled for 2026-27 in the distribution Jan. 8 of the draft five-year work program to the Sarasota/Manatee MetLovey-dovey day. 23 ropolitan Planning Organization.

The work plan — for July 1, 2021-June Game time on AMI. 24 30, 2026 — provides a snapshot of DOT DisFishing winter bounty. 25 trict 1 funding for road improvements, transportation alternatives and bridge and safety projects. The document requires approval ISL BIZ. 26, 27, 30 by the Florida Legislature and the budget is PropertyWatch. 27 subject to signature by the governor.

Meanwhile, representatives from the Classifieds. 28 DOT and an opposition group that filed a complaint have attended a teleconference puzzle. and agreed to jointly file an amended case management report with the U.S. District

NYT

islander.org

Island memorial created for COVID-19 losses

She had to do something.

“I felt compelled as I watched these The Islander poll. numbers just tick off every day,” Anna Hearing set for Cortez Maria resident Cathy Tobias said Feb. 4 of stilt house. 5 the deaths due to the spread of the novel coronavirus in Florida since March 2020.

RoadWatch. 5 Tobias created a memorial at her home — an art installation of about 27,000 ribbons Opinions. 6 that would stretch about 2.5 football fields in total length — dedicated to Floridians who Looking back. 7 have died in the ongoing pandemic.

Great blue rescue. 8 “I wanted to create an art installation that was meaningful, so I just kept thinking Bradenton Beach seeks about it until I came up with the idea to use new bids for dredge. 8 these ribbons,” she said.

Tobias said she had a tough time dealing Classics on conversation with the enormity of loss and determined the calendar. 10 memorial would be her way to show respect for those who died and the survivors of those losses.

Save a date. 10 Each ribbon represents a life lost.

So, along with help from several other Happenings family members and friends, she started tying Announcements. 11 ribbons in mid-November 2020 to ropes that she attached to her home exterior.

HB planners review “It’s easy to become numb to it and comp plan. 12 not really grasp it,” she said. “So I thought something tangible, physical and visible BB considers final

Gathering

By ChrisAnn Allen Islander Reporter

4

Q&A 021021

Feb. 10, 2021 FREE

Bridge Battle

Court for the Middle District of Florida.

The report, filed Feb. 1, is the first step toward mediation, a legal process in which a third-party helps two groups resolve a dispute.

Former Manatee County Commissioner Joe McClash is spearheading the lawsuit and the group challenging the high, fixed-span bridge. McClash and his allies, including three Cortez residents and three nonprofit groups, engaged the DOT in the legal battle in 2019.

They want to meet the DOT in the middle by compromising on replacing the 17-foot drawbridge with a 35-foot-clearance drawbridge.

“As long as we’re still in this process, we’re hopeful that the right decision will be made to reject the 65-foot bridge,” McClash said Feb 4.

Turn to bridge, page 2

Sweet win at state Isabel Stasny, second row center, with Lakewood Ranch Gymnastics teammates Feb. 7, after they won gold at the Spring Florida USA Level 1-5 Gymnastics State Championship. Isabel, 10, placed first in the all-around for her age group. Her parents are teacher Rebekka and Capt.

Danny Stasny, The Islander’s fishing reporter. Islander Courtesy Photo

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bridge continued from page 1

The DOT has maintained the larger, fixed-span bridge is the best financial investment for taxpayers because it would have a 75-year lifespan and require less maintenance than a smaller bascule bridge.

The current bridge was built by the DOT in the late 1950s. It underwent major repairs in 1996, 2010 and 2015.

Located on Cortez Road, the bridge spans the Intracoastal Waterway between Cortez on the mainland and Bradenton Beach on the island.

The area south of the bridge’s eastern terminus is the Cortez Historic District, a fishing village listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1995.

McClash and company contend the megabridge will permanently damage the historic character of the village.

The group laid out their case in a 47-page complaint filed in U.S. District court March 9, 2020.

One criticism is the high bridge’s terminus. It would extend beyond Sarasota Bay, the terminus of the current bridge, continuing several blocks into Cortez.

“The massive structure will divide an intact community … alter existing traffic patterns, change noise levels from the existing ground roads requiring noise walls,” the complaint said.

The new bridge’s terminus also would impact businesses that would lose a direct connection to the main roadway, the complaint said.

Other grievances include the steep rise and fall of the high bridge, which the plaintiffs said would make crossing difficult for some pedestrians and bicyclists, and increased wave action due to the size of the structure, which could damage waterfront properties.

With inflation, construction costs will be $76 million by 2026, according to DOT spokesman Brian Rick.

Despite opposition from McClash and company, the DOT has been preparing for construction since Oct. 10, 2019, when the department released a project development and environment study and announced

The high Tierra Verde bridge in Pinellas County underwent construction in 2019-20. The DOT maintains a Cortez megabridge is the best financial solution for taxpayers, while a coalition of Cortezians, nonprofit groups and other interested parties say it will destroy the character of the village. Islander Photo: Courtesy Joe McClash

plans to move forward with right-of-way acquisition and bridge design.

At that time, ROW acquisition — the process of acquiring property for the bridge — had a price tag of $8 million with a scheduled completion date of 2025.

Design is ongoing and the DOT will be submitting Phase II plans by about August, Rick wrote in a Feb. 1 email to The Islander.

The design cost is about $7 million.

According to McClash, the DOT is acting irresponsibly by funding the design while facing a legal challenge.

“It would not be a good use of taxpayer dollars to design something that you would then eventually throw out the plans for,” he said.

The DOT formed a bridge aesthetics committee of 11 local citizens who have had three meetings to date.

At a Jan. 20 meeting, the group discussed nine concepts drawn up by DOT consultants, said committee member Jeff Vey, a resident of Bradenton Beach.

They’ve also had preliminary discussions on pier overlooks with historical markers, beautification in the form of concrete molds of native wildlife and colored lighting beneath the bridge.

Of the eight people at the design meeting, none were from the Cortez village side, Vey said.

Not all Cortezians are against the high bridge. One notable example is A.P. Bell Fish Co. owner Karen Bell. She is on the design committee, but missed the January meeting due to illness.

“The lower bridges require the draw to open.

During hurricanes, they usually lock the bridges down to evacuate the island, which I totally understand. But that poses a problem to move our boats to safe ground, because we can’t get through the bridge,” Bell said.

People who want to see what the high bridge will look like should observe the Tierra Verde megabridge in Pinellas County, McClash said.

“It’s almost a perfect example that you can see right now of an existing drawbridge being replaced by a 65-foot bridge,” he said.

McClash said he estimates the process to resolve the dispute in federal court will take at least a year.

“Until that judge rules, then there’s no decision that is final,” he said.

Click! The Islander welcomes news of the milestones

$)004& :063 7"-&/5*/& $36*4& in readers’ lives. Send notices to news@islander.org.

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feb. 10, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 3 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

memorial continued from page 1

The gathering A memorial event is planned for 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, 100 Spring Ave., Anna Maria, on the shore near the Sandbar Restaurant. The installation will be stretched out between people 6 feet apart, socially distanced and wearing masks.

Participants will hold the line of ribbons for about 10-15 minutes “while we remember, honor and memorialize those who have lost their lives to Covid in Florida,” according to a Facebook invite.

Those interested can sign up via Facebook at https:// www.facebook.com/events/1062478827570082/.

COVID-19 Manatee County, island statistics According to metrics provided by the DOH as of Feb. 4, 29,041 people tested positive for the virus in Manatee County since March 1, with 1,282 hospitalizations and 505 fatalities — an increase of 10 deaths in one week.

Of those testing positive, 520 were nonresidents, compared with 518 the week prior.

Cathy Tobias of Anna Maria stands Feb. 4 on her balcony strung with a line of about 27,000 ribbons and As of Feb. 4, 173 people in Holmes Beach, 72 tied to her home as a memorial to Floridians who died of COVID-19. Islander Photos: ChrisAnn Allen people in Bradenton Beach and 52 people in Anna Maria had tested positive for COVID-19 since March 2020 — an increase of 11 cases compared with the Lines of about prior week.

27,000 ribAs of Feb. 4, the state vaccinated 478,236 people bons are tied with both doses of vaccines, up from 273,249 the week to a cord that prior. would extend Between Jan. 30-Feb. 4, 551 new cases of the virus more than two were reported in Manatee County compared with 905 football fields. new cases the prior week.

The COVID-19 Vaccination location sites, including information memorial was to join the vaccination pool, are available online at created by floridahealthcovid19.gov.

Anna Maria Additionally, people can visit vax.mymanatee. resident Cathy org and the county has provided 311 operators to take Tobias. information 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays.

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BB CRA explores shuttle signage, tram advertising

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

More changes are coming to the shuttle service in Bradenton Beach.

Community Redevelopment Agency members voted 6-0 Feb. 3 to pay up to $700 to produce and install signage to advertise the service at nine select tram stops, as well as direct city staff to work with Easy Parking Group owner Joshua La Rose to design the signage.

CRA member Ed Chiles, a local restaurateur, was absent with excuse.

The tram allows people to take advantage of more than 1,000 parking spaces at Coquina and Cortez La Rose beaches and catch a quick ride to Bridge Street and the businesses in the CRA district, where parking is limited. The shuttle service is limited to the CRA district.

When CRA board members met in January, they discussed improving the service by creating a map to identify major stops and asked La Rose to attend monthly meetings to update them on the service.

At the Feb. 3 meeting, La Rose said he created a website at www.oldtowntram.com for people to access tram information, including a route map, operation hours and contacts.

The website also provides information for Easy Parking Group’s tram services on Siesta Key and in Venice.

City attorney Ricinda Perry said she’d contacted three companies about producing signs for the shuttle, but found no interest. She said the CRA could issue a request for proposals to collect bids to complete the A route map for the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency’s tram shuttle can be found online under the Bradenton Beach section of oldtowntram.com.

Meetings

work or it could create temporary signage to advertise the service during its pilot program.

Perry said that if the pilot program proves to be a success, the CRA could consider permanent signage.

BridgeWalk Resort owner Angela Rodocker told CRA members that La Rose’s website should be listed on the signs.

Also, CRA member and City Commissioner Jake Spooner, proposed creating banners for display at the Cortez Road entrance to the city advertising the service, as well as another banner near the beach parking lot.

Mayor John Chappie, a CRA member, made the motion to approve temporary signage and banners.

CRA member Jan Vosburgh, a city commissioner, seconded the motion.

The tram is set to cost the CRA $113,150 over the course of the yearlong pilot program. The CRA’s contract with Easy Parking will expire Nov. 1 but can be extended or terminated at any time.

The tram runs 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday. The service also provides drop-offs for employees who work in the district.

People can request tram pickups by calling 941404-6240 but the pickup service is not guaranteed during peak hours.

Tram ads CRA members reached consensus to allow La Rose and Rodocker to sell advertising space on the tram.

Advertising revenue offset only $900 of the tram’s $8,270 cost for January, resulting in a $7,370 invoice that the CRA unanimously approved.

CRA Chair/City Commissioner Ralph Cole blamed La Rose for the poor advertising results after running the service — and handling ad sales — for more than three months.

He said the CRA had hoped ad revenue would offset a larger chunk of the monthly cost.

Rodocker said La Rose didn’t have enough incentive to sell ad space on the trams. Also, she said some merchants wanted to see if the tram would be successful before buying ads.

La Rose said he had gotten some form of commitment from almost every merchant he reached, but hadn’t closed on several deals. He added that he couldn’t devote more time to selling ad space on the trams, but proposed hiring an employee to do the work for a commission.

However, Rodocker offered to help La Rose contact merchants and sell ad space and La Rose accepted her proposal.

Perry volunteered to work with the pair to facilitate sales.

Billboard ads CRA members also reached consensus to allow Rodocker to advertise the tram service on a billboard she rents on Cortez Road on the mainland.

Rodocker said she would use the billboard to advertise the tram instead of her business so the CRA could test the impact of the advertisement.

“If we could get something out for the month of March quickly, then I would do that on my own dollar in conjunction with the banner so we can really see how this works together,” Rodocker said. “It wouldn’t require the city to do anything.”

“I think we’re missing out on an opportunity to have something for people to see,” she continued.

“You guys have done so much that people don’t know about.”

Palma Sola boat ramp site of dredge work

Manatee County is moving sand near the Palma Sola Boat Ramp along Manatee Avenue/ State Road 64 on the causeway to Perico and Anna Maria islands.

“The work being done is redistributing sand over the near shore, which was piled up to the side when the area was cleared of sand to deepen the launch channel,” county spokesman Nick Azzara told The Islander Feb. 6.

The county closed the boat ramp in January 2019 after assuming responsibility for the amenity from the city of Bradenton, and reopened the ramp last Labor Day after a prolonged closure for improvements.

The more than $50,000 in improvements included removing 185 cubic yards of sand and silt near the ramp, as well as replacing and lowering the adjacent docks.

W., Bradenton, 941-761-1555, wmfr.org.

Anna Maria City Feb. 10, 1:30 p.m., commission (at the city Manatee County pier).

Feb. 16, 9 a.m., commission (work).

Feb. 11, 2 p.m., commission.

Feb. 17, 1:30 p.m., commission.

Feb. 22, 2 p.m., planning and zoning.

The Islander poll Feb. 18, 1:30 a.m., commission (budget).

Feb. 25, 6 p.m., commission.

Last week’s results Feb. 23, 9 a.m., commission.

Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941What’s the best way to get around AMI? Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., 708-6130, cityofannamaria.com.

38%, Fare-free trolley.

Palmetto, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org.

33%, Bike.

Bradenton Beach 14%, Walk.

Of interest Feb. 10, 9:15 a.m., commission.

10%, Car or truck.

Feb. 10, 4 p.m., Palma Sola Scenic Highway CorriFeb. 17, 9:15 a.m., commission.

4%, Other. dor Management Entity, Bradenton Public Works, 1411 Feb. 18, noon, commission.

2%, Scooter.

Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Information: 708-6300.

Feb. 24, 9:15 a.m., commission.

Feb. 15, Presidents Day, most government offices Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., This week’s question are closed.

941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com.

Groundhog Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, Feb. 22, 9:30 a.m., Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization, Bradenton Area Convention meaning six more weeks of winter. Do you care?

Holmes Beach A. Love the cooler weather.

Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto. Information: 941Feb. 23, 6 p.m., commission.

B. Need more winter to prepare for spring.

Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941- 359-5772.

C. Hoping for early spring warmth.

— Lisa Neff 708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org.

D. Winter and spring are both lovely on AMI. Editor’s note: Some meetings may be conducted E. Hey Northerners: Ha, ha! virtually and some in-person and virtual.

West Manatee Fire Rescue F. Other.

Please, send meeting notices to calendar@islander.

Feb. 16, 6 p.m., commission.

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

WMFR administration building, 6510 Third Ave. org and news@islander.org.

Q&A 021021

feb. 10, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 5 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Cortez stilt-house demolition hearing on March docket

By Kane Kaiman Islander Reporter

ues.

What appears to be a derelict boat is moored Feb. 3 to the north side of the house built on pilings in the bay by Raymond “Junior” Guthrie. Islander Photo: Kane Kaiman

Raymond Guthrie Jr.’s stilt-house saga contin-

Judge Edward Nicholas will preside March 1 over a hearing on a motion for a stay of enforcement Guthrie filed Jan. 14.

If granted, the stay would postpone the execution of Nicholas’ final order to remove the structure — built over the water on pilings just off the commercial docks in Cortez. The 12th Judicial Circuit judge’s deadline for demolition was Jan. 24.

Guthrie built the 1,200-square-foot stilt house — complete with electricity and other amenities — in 2017 in Sarasota Bay near the A.P. Bell Fish Co. docks.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection sued Guthrie, alleging he erected the structure without permits on state-owned submerged land. The DEP won its case in 2019. However, thanks in part to court-sanctioned extensions on a June 2020 demolition order, the stilt house remains.

Guthrie asserts the structure is a “net camp.”

“I have never lived there,” he said Feb 3. “It’s always been for a camp. You know, we go out there, work on nets.”

In addition to providing space for net mending, the structure can be useful in other ways, Guthrie said.

“The state’s using it quite a bit when they go and get derelict boats and, before the marina is ready for them, they’ll tie them up there,” Guthrie said. “There’s one out there right now.”

“You know a lot of local people use it. Sometimes they’ll go out there and have a party. Have a barbecue or something like that, but other than that, that’s about all it’s used for,” Guthrie added.

A stay on the demolition order might give Guthrie time to seek legal means of protecting the structure, said Karen Bell, owner of A.P. Bell Fish, Star Fish Co. and a share of Tide Tables Restaurant, all in Cortez.

She has been assisting Guthrie in his legal fight.

“If (Nicholas) signs the stay, then we’re going to prepare to go before the state Legislature and seek either a long-term lease or some kind of local ordinance

Raymond Guthrie Jr. sits with Karen Bell of Cortez at a February 2019 hearing at the Manatee County courthouse. Islander File Photo

#AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether

similar to Lee County, Pinellas County, Indian River County. All those counties that have made allowances for their similar historic structures over the water to stay,” Bell said.

Historic net camps were crude buildings erected in the early 19th century over the water that stored fishing nets and other gear. They were a common sight off the coast of Cortez into the 1960s, but fell out of use in the 1970s with the advent of nets, which, unlike cotton nets, could be stored anywhere, including on the boats.

Cotton fishing nets had to be offloaded after a catch, rinsed with fresh water, dried and stored where they were protected from the weather.

“I know that our local delegation was supportive, and I went and spoke before them on Jan. 6. They said that they just didn’t have the authority to overrule a judge’s ruling. But they said they would certainly help us if we could get the stay in place,” Bell said.

But the DEP is not planning to wait for the March hearing to take legal action with regard to Guthrie’s failure to adhere to the Jan. 24 deadline.

“The department will be filing a second motion for contempt in the coming weeks,” Shannon Herbon, DEP public information manager, wrote in a Feb. 2

email to The Islander.

The DEP filed its first motion for contempt in July 2020, when Guthrie failed to remove the stilt house by a June 3 deadline, which the department extended 30 days.

At an October hearing, the state did not find Guthrie in contempt. Had they done so, Guthrie could have faced jail time and monetary penalties, including civil penalties up to $10,000 per day while the structure remained, $6,500 in other penalties and the cost of DEP attorney fees.

According to Guthrie, the pilings that support the structure have been in his family for three generations.

“This is the third time I’ve built it in my lifetime,” he said.

He said the first two structures, one of which was used to raise clams, were wiped out in storms.

However, the state established its ownership of the submerged land beneath the camp in court.

“Well I don’t know how you can say you own it or don’t own it. But I know we owned the pilings and everything, the material of course we owned, we bought,” Guthrie said. “But, I mean, it was just a known thing back in the day, every family there had a camp.”

Eyes on the road

Presidents Day closes offices

RoadWatch

The Florida Department of Transportation and Manatee County posted the following: • Cortez Road and 119th Street West in Cortez: Work to realign the intersection of 119th Street West at Cortez Road/State Road 684 continues. Phase 2 continues.

For the latest road watch information, go online to swflroads.com or dial 511.

For road cameras, go to fl511.com.

And, a reminder, a fare-free trolley operates daily on Anna Maria Island.

— Lisa Neff

Most government offices will be closed Monday, Feb. 15, to commemorate Presidents Day. Public schools also will be closed, as will banking institutions and some other businesses.

In addition, trash, recycling and yard waste collections services may be pushed back a day through the week.

Manatee County Area Transit services, including the fare-free island trolley and the Longboat Key shuttle, will operate normal daily routes.

The holiday will not impact operations at local preserves.

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Opinion

Our

Ribbons and remembrances

Take a ribbon in your hand.

Cup the ribbon, play with the ribbon.

A friend to the newspaper once offered this instruction while explaining the symbolism of the red ribbons worn in remembrance of those who died of HIV/ AIDS. Kiss the ribbon, he said.

And then think of the ribbon as a life lost and remember the coworker who is gone, the relative who has died, the spouse who has passed.

The first red ribbons were created in the early 1990s by people at “ribbon bees,” gatherings of artists, their friends and supporters who cut, folded and pinned ribbons to share at memorial services and distribute at other events.

We’re reminded of the Red Ribbon Project as we prepare for a ribbon memorial on Anna Maria Island to remember and honor Floridians who died of COVID-19.

Like the Red Ribbon Project, the island memorial was created during a crisis and born of compassion.

Reporter ChrisAnn Allen reports in this issue of The Islander on how Cathy Tobias of Anna Maria came to create a memorial at her home to the more than 27,000 people in Florida who since last March have died of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

“I felt compelled as I watched these numbers just tick off every day,” Tobias said.

She felt compelled to act, creating with the help of others a colorful, vibrant art installation of ribbons that could stretch about 2.5 football fields in length.

Each ribbon represents a life lived and a life lost.

And the memorial continues to grow, as Tobias spends several hours a day adding ribbons because each day brings new fatalities despite the promise of vaccines.

The art installation will be the centerpiece of a memorial event planned for 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, on the beach near the Sandbar Restaurant, 100 Spring Ave., Anna Maria.

Those who attend — wearing face masks and observing social distancing protocols — will be asked to hold the line of ribbons for about 10-15 minutes to remember, honor and memorialize the people who’ve died during the pandemic.

And those who lost a loved one to the virus are invited to bring a marker to write their name on a ribbon.

Take a ribbon in your hand.

— Lisa Neff, editor

Feb 10, 2021 • Vol. 29, No. 16 ▼ ▼

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Publisher and Co-editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org Editorial Editor Lisa Neff, lisa@islander.org ChrisAnn Allen, chrisann@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org Jack Elka, jack@jackelka.com Kane Kaiman, kane@islander.org Amy V.T. Moriarty, amym@islander.org Ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org Contributors Johann Bertram Karen Riley-Love Capt. Danny Stasny, fish@islander.org Advertising Director Toni Lyon, toni@islander.org Webmaster Wayne Ansell Office Manager, Lisa Williams info@, accounting@, classifieds@, subscriptions@islander.org Distribution Urbane Bouchet Ross Roberts Judy Loden Wasco

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Opinion

Your

No win with vaccine lottery

Editor’s note: The following letter was addressed to Manatee County officials and shared with The Islander.

I am an 80-year-old resident of Manatee County since 2007 and I have underlying conditions that make COVID-19 a definite threat to my life.

I am urging you to switch over to the state’s vaccine registration system and abandon your 65-andolder “lottery.”

Contrary to the statement of county spokesman Nick Azzara that it would cause confusion, enrolling in a system that would give us an indication of where we are in line and when we might be vaccinated is what we want, need and deserve.

There are more than 130,000 65-plus people in the Manatee lottery. We have no idea when we might be selected — it could be weeks, months or even over a year.

The vaccine lottery is a sham, which tells us nothing and hides the truth. Anyone can do the math and see that if you continue at the appalling rate of 250 vaccinations per day, it will take 520 days to vaccinate all 130,000 of those registered now.

Even if you manage to triple the rate to 750 vaccinations per day, it will take a five and a half months to vaccinate the population in the lottery.

Although I have no evidence whatsoever that this is happening, the lottery system could easily be misused such that it is not really a lottery but a way to select specific individuals to be vaccinated. There is no visibility into how it works, the selection process, etc.

If you persist in using the lottery, you should disclose who developed the system and assure us it cannot be compromised.

What safeguards do you have in place to assure the integrity of your lottery?

It is past time to give residents a fair and transparent system to register for the COVID-19 vaccine, as is being done everywhere else throughout the United States.

Lastly, it is long overdue for you to make yourselves heard in Tallahassee and get us our fair share of the vaccines being distributed.

Florida is not providing a fair allocation.

We, your constituents, deserve better and we need your help.

Pete Gross, Holmes Beach

Courtesy on the court

I would like to thank Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth and the other city officials for their efforts to replace the city bocci ball court.

As one of the “old guys” who enjoy the court, I know I speak for all of us.

COVID-19 has delayed our game day but we will be playing soon.

Raymond Noyes, Holmes Beach

Our theme, “We’re Glad You’re Here,” originated in the 1980s with a restaurant trade group. We hope everyone feels welcome on AMI. — The Islander

feb. 10, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 7 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

From the archives

10&20 years ago

In the Feb. 7, 2001, issue:

A postcard from the 1960s shows the docks in Cortez village. The back of the card reads, “One of the important commercial fishing centers on the West Coast of Florida.” The village became Cortez in 1888, when a post office was established and the name was changed from Hunter’s Point to avoid confusion with another Hunter’s Point in the state. Islander Photos: Courtesy Manatee County Public Library System

Postcards from paradise A postcard dated 1925-30 in the Manatee County Public Library collection depicts visitors and their automobiles in Bradenton Beach — originally known as Cortez Beach and a tourist destination in the early 20th century. In the late 1920s, city officials began using “Bradenton Beach” to differentiate the location from the village of Cortez.

• John Michaels and Linda Cramer were elected to the Anna Maria City Commission.

Michaels led seven candidates for two seats with 268 votes. Cramer tallied 239 votes in a five-vote win over Jason Cimino, who had 234. That was eight more than Chuck Webb, who had 231. Of the city’s 1,641 registered voters, 693 votes were cast.

• Clearwater attorney Patrick Maguire was chosen to mediate a dispute between Bradenton and the Concerned Citizens of Manatee over amendments to the comprehensive land-use plan allowing the city council to approve an 898-unit condominium project on north Perico Island. The CCM challenged the legality of the amendments in a lawsuit.

In the Feb. 9, 2011, issue:

• The cross at the top of Roser Memorial Community Church was damaged in an attempt to return it to the steeple top following installation of a new roof.

• The floating dock attached to the Historic Bridge Street Pier suffered minor damage in rough seas during a winter storm. City officials suggested replacing some aluminum components with galvanized steel.

• Two Anna Maria property owners waited nearly seven years for the rezoning of six lots they owned at the corner of Pine Avenue and Bay Boulevard — from commercial to residentialoffice-residential. The city commission voted for the zoning change Jan. 27, 2011 — two days after a bank filed a foreclosure notice on the property.

— Lisa Neff

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A great blue’s rescue

By Anne Yarbrough Special to The Islander

A rescue happened on the beach at 68th street in Holmes Beach at about 5:30 p.m. Jan. 27, as a heavy sea fog rolled into shore.

A group of us were gathering for a photo session and we noticed a young angler at the shoreline who accidentally hooked a great blue heron.

Since I had my camera ready for pregnancy photos of my local island friends, Brett and Shanell Lance, I recorded the events — the group effort to capture the bird, comfort the bird and free the bird from the hook.

Brett Lance helped with the rescue and he told me: “I grew up on the island and us locals have always looked after the marine birds and other wildlife. Ninety percent of the time it’s a tourist who gets a bird tangled and they have no clue what to do, they panic and cut the line. But, it’s important to get all the line and hook cut away.

“As a kid, David White would show me how to grab bats under the Key Royale bridge and working at the Rod & Reel Pier for half my life, Jimmy Malfese and I have released countless pelicans. I like to use a towel to comfort them and by staying calm yourself, Brett Lance covers the heron with a towel, swooping it up in his arms, calming it the whole time with gentle they know you’re there to help out!” words and soft cooing. Islander Photos: Anne Yarbrough Photography/anneyarbroughphotography.com

Bradenton Beach CRA seeks new round of dredge bids

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Who’s up for another round?

Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency members voted 6-0 on three motions Feb. 3 to scrap the first round of bids for a dredge and seagrass mitigation project and seek another round of bids after adjusting the scope.

CRA member Ed Chiles, a local restaurateur, was absent with excuse.

The CRA received $500,000 in state appropria-

Place portrait photo here

tions — as well as $300,000 from the West Coast Inland Navigation District — for dredging the channel and the associated seagrass mitigation along the city’s bayfront from the South Coquina Boat Ramp, 1465 Gulf Drive S., to the Historic Bridge Street Pier, 200 Bridge St..

The CRA also plans to spend up to $175,000 from its funds to complete the project.

However, they may fall short on funds. The CRA received six bids for the dredging portion of the project and two for the seagrass mitigation, but no combi-

nation of bids for the two phases came in under the CRA’s $975,000 budget.

Bids for the proposed dredge include: • $382,743 from Pompano Beach-based Ahtna Marine and Construction Co.; • $598,000 from West Palm Beach-based Arbor Tree & Land Inc.; • $347,000 from Chesterfield, Missouri-based Energy Resources Inc.; • $399,576 from Key Colony Beach-based LPS please, see BB CRA, next page

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One of the group that was fishing the shoreline carefully cut away a thick circle of fishing line from the bird’s ankle, probably from previous encounters — and extracted the fresh hook.

Brett Lance places the heron down in the sand, pulls the beach towel and watches as the bird takes flight.

BB CRA continued from page 8

Contracting; • $377,400 from Winter Garden-based Sea & Shoreline; • $360,000 from Clearwater-based Gator Dredging; Bids for the proposed seagrass mitigation include: • $896,228 from Ahtna Marine and Construction Co.; • $691,301 from Sea & Shoreline.

The lowest-cost combination from the first round of bids would be Energy Resources Inc.’s $347,000 dredge bid and Sea & Shoreline’s $691,301 seagrass mitigation bid — totaling $1,123,301.

City attorney Ricinda Perry, who helped create the RFPs, said the first-round RFP included mitigation work on a piece of Manatee County land, which inflated the cost.

Perry said that if the CRA removed that work, a

second round of bids could produce prices more in line dredging work to begin in June. All work must be comwith their $975,000 budget. pleted by the end of the year to receive the $500,000 The CRA members agreed. in state appropriations allocated to the project.

“I say we just throw out these flawed bids and see what happens,” Mayor John Chappie, a CRA member, said. “We can’t afford to lose this $500,000.”

About the CRA The CRA was set to issue a second RFP Feb. 9, The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopafter The Islander’s deadline. They planned to collect ment Agency funds capital improvement projects bids for a week before opening and announcing them to promote restoration, growth and tourism for Feb. 16. the district, which is bordered by Cortez Road, The CRA then will hold a special meeting at 9:30 Sarasota Bay, Fifth Street South and the Gulf of a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, to discuss the second round of Mexico. bids and potentially select companies and proceed to The CRA funds the projects with incremental negotiate. tax revenue collected by Manatee County since Perry said city staff would “try its best” to present 1992, when the area was declared blighted. negotiated contracts by the CRA’s next regular meeting The agency includes the mayor, city commisat 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 3, at city hall, 107 Gulf sioners and two appointed members, restaurateur Drive N. Ed Chiles and resident David Bell.

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The Islander Calendar ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ON AMI

Saturday, Feb. 13 10 a.m.-5 p.m. — Arts and crafts fair to benefit the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra, city field, 5800 block of Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 352-344-0657.

Sunday, Feb. 14 10 a.m.-4 p.m. — Arts and crafts fair to benefit the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra, city field, 5800 block of Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 352-344-0657.

ONGOING ON AMI Throughout February, “Coastal Dreams” paintings by Jamie Fugardi, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648.

Throughout February, Artists’ Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, exhibits work by watercolorist Sue Lynn Cotton.

Information: 941-778-6694.

AHEAD ON AMI

Compiled by Lisa Neff Email calendar@islander.org.

Classics on library’s conversation calendar

The Manatee County The Manatee County Public Library Services Public Library System continues to offer many book club programs via offers a book club focused Zoom or other online platforms, including “Clason the classics. Next on sics Up Close.” the reading list? Betty The book club “meets” the fourth Tuesday of the Smith’s “A Tree Grows month at noon, with registration made by emailing in Brooklyn,” about an Mary Frueh at mary.frueh@mymanatee.org. impoverished but aspiraThe calendar includes: tional girl and her family in • Tuesday, Feb. 23, “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” Brooklyn during the early

by Betty Smith; 20th century. Islander • Tuesday, March 23, “Jane Eyre: An AutobiogPhoto: Courtesy Harper raphy” by Emily Bronte; • Tuesday, April 27, “One Day in the Life of Ivan Hunter” by Carson McCullers.

Denisovich” by Aleksandr Isaevich Solzhenitsyn; For more, go online to mymanatee.org/library or • Tuesday, May 25, “The Red Badge of Cour- contact the island branch at 941-778-6341. age” by Stephen Crane; The branch, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, • Tuesday, June 22, “The Heart is a Lonely remains open to the public.

Anna Maria’s Movies in the Park continues into March

Anna Maria continues to screen films Tuesday • “Dolittle” March 2; March 13-14, Anna Maria Island Art League Springfest, Holmes nights at City Pier Park at the corner of Pine Avenue • “Trolls World Tour” March 9.

Beach. and Bay Boulevard.

To curb the spread of the coronavirus, Anna Maria May 1, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Beach’n The films begin at 6:30 p.m. requires face masks, as well as social distancing at park Food Truck Festival, Holmes Beach.

Virtual Wednesday, Feb. 10 7 p.m. — “Angola on the Manatee River” program via Zoom, The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131.

ONGOING OFF AMI Through April 11, “For Real This Time,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies.

Information: 941-359-5700.

Feb-14-May 16, “Frans Hals: Detecting a Decade,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota.

Fee applies. Information: 941-359-5700.

Feb. 14-May 16, “Larry Rivers: Boston Massacre from the Ringling collection,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-359-5700.

Through June 27, “Kabuki Modern,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-359-5700.

The schedule includes: • “A Dog’s Journey” Feb. 16; • “Abominable” Feb. 23;

events.

For more information, call city hall at 941-7086130.

AHEAD OFF AMI April 29-May 3, Sarasota-Manatee Originals Forks and Corks Food and Wine Festival, various locations.

COMMUNITY & CLUBS ONGOING ON AMI

March 20, Anna Maria Island Privateers Thieves Market, Bradenton.

OUTDOORS & SPORTS AHEAD ON AMI April 10, Anna Maria Island Privateers Whitey Horton Putt Putt Golf Tournament, Bradenton Beach.

Thursdays, 5-8 p.m., Thursdays in Paradise art, shopping and entertainment, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941AHEAD OFF AMI 896-2222.

Feb. 19, Coquina Beach Seashell Shore Walk, Bradenton Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island breakBeach. fast and meeting, Gulf Drive Cafe, 900 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton March 5-7, July 26-32, American Cornhole Organization world Beach. Information: 941-778-1383. competition, various locations.

Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island lunch meetMay 14, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Golf Touring, in-person at Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton nament, Bradenton.

Beach, and via Zoom. Information: 941-920-2505.

KIDS & FAMILY Tuesdays into May, Anna Maria Farmers Market, City Pier Park, OFF AMI 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130.

ONGOING ON AMI Saturday, Feb. 13 6 p.m. — Moonlight Tower Walk, Robinson Preserve, 1704 Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m., Movies in the Park, City Pier Park, 103 ONGOING OFF AMI 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923, ext. 6036.

N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130.

First Fridays, 10 a.m., Parkinson’s Support Group, Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Information: 941-926AHEAD OFF AMI AHEAD ON AMI 6413.

Feb. 24, Neal Preserve Coastal Cleanup, Perico Island in BraMarch 6, Anna Maria Island Historical Society Heritage Day, denton.

Anna Maria.

AHEAD OFF AMI Feb. 25, Wildlife Spotlight stroll, Robinson Preserve Expansion, Feb. 20, Anna Maria Island Privateers Thieves Market, Braplease, see calendar, next page denton.

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Island happenings

feb. 10, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 11 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Compiled by Lisa Neff Email calendar@islander.org.

Takeout from the Drift

Tom Sexton displays the basket — valued at $225 — he won at the Anna Maria Island Privateers party held Jan. 30 at the Drift In in Bradenton Beach. The Privateers raised more than $2,000 for the nonprofit’s college scholarship treasure chest with the party, which featured a potluck dinner and music by Dos Mac. Islander Photos: Courtesy Tim “Hammer” Thompson calendar continued from page 10

Privateer Tim “Hammer” Thompson, left, announces John “Baitman” Maguire, right, won the “Lotto Board” at the nonprofit’s party at the Drift In, 120 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. Maguire won $100 cash and $300 in scratch-off lottery tickets.

The Anna Maria Island Privateers are celebrating a 50th anniversary with “Golden Jubilee” year.

Privateers’ February market date set for G.T. Bray

The Anna Maria Island Privateers will continue a additional dates of March 20 and April 17.

Bradenton. series of Thieves Markets with an event Saturday, Feb. Vendors typically sell treasures and junk, including Feb. 26, Sunset Paddle, Robinson Preserve, Bradenton. household goods, art, sports equipment and more, as Feb. 27, Master Gardener Tour, Perico Preserve, Perico Island 20, at G.T. Bray Park.

The market will be 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at the county well as produce and other food items. in Bradenton.

GOOD TO KNOW SAVE THE DATES Sunday, Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day. Monday, Feb. 15, Presidents Day. Sunday, March 14, daylight saving time begins.

Wednesday, March 17, St. Patrick’s Day.

park, 5502 33rd Ave. Drive W., Bradenton.

Also, the Privateers serve barbecue, hot dogs and The event raises money for the Privateers’ “kids corn on the cob. and community” mission as the nonprofit marks its For more, contact Kim “Syren” Boyd at 931-63950th anniversary.

0986 3664 or go to amiprivateers.memberlodge.org.

The vendor fee is $50 per market dates, which are select Saturdays through the spring, including the A Hair Day Salon & Spa

Kiwanis to meet Feb. 13

The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island will gather Saturday, Feb. 13, for a board meeting.

POST IN THE CALENDAR The meeting will be at 8:30 a.m. at the Gulf Drive Send announcements for The Islander’s calendar to calendar@ Cafe, 900 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. islander.org. The deadline for listings is the Wednesday before the Due to the pandemic, face masks are required publication date. Please include the date, time, location and descrip- when attendees are not eating or drinking during the tion of the event, as well as a phone number for publication. club’s meeting.

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

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VALENTINE SPECIALS! Need a massage?

Book 2 massages with Shelley, get 3rd massage 25% OFF. Book a hot stone or deep tissue massage by Feb. 13, get 25% OFF. Valentine’s salon special: You get a box of candy for your sweetheart with purchase of a $100 gift certificate!

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Page 12 THE ISLANDER | islander.org feb. 10, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Holmes Beach planners pursue review of comp plan

By ChrisAnn Allen Islander Reporter

Holmes Beach planning commissioners are going deep.

At a Feb. 3 meeting, the planning commission continued a series of meetings with contractor LaRue Planning and Management of Fort Myers to revise the city’s comprehensive plan, a project that likely will extend to 2022 as the city redefines its future.

A comp plan determines community goals for growth and defines transportation, utilities, land use, recreation and housing policy and regulations.

During the meeting, planners heard from Ben Smith, LaRue director of planning, on population forecasting.

Smith shared information from David Farmer, a civil engineer subcontracted for the project by LaRue. Farmer attended via Zoom for discussion on population growth and development through 2085.

“The way that land uses are structured, you are pretty much going to reach buildout well before that,” Smith said.

Farmer said Feb. 3 he has been evaluating the difference between full-time residents, seasonal residents and day-trippers.

He said the city’s population was about 5,000 people in 2000 and decreased to fewer than 4,000 people in 2010, following the 2007-10 recession.

Farmer said the 2020 census should provide new demographics, but home vacancy rates are low, with the population averaging close to 5,000 residents.

And, during periods of high tourist volume, including holidays, the population doubles.

“The bottom line is I think your population is ranging between 4,000 in the slowest parts of the summer to as much as 8,000 in the peak season,” Farmer said.

“That’s people living on the island, staying on the island.”

He added that the “daytime population” creates a fluctuation and there was an increase of 50% from 2015-19.

Farmer also said he relied on resort tax data to determine population, but this was difficult without knowing how many people were staying in each room and how many rooms were being rented.

“We can track the traditional resorts, but Airbnb and those sorts of things become very difficult to track, and my hunch is not all of them are probably reporting to the state for sales taxes and such,” he said. “I don’t know that, but it is just a hunch.”

Planning Commissioner Gale Tedhams asked if Farmer was able to count bedrooms versus dwelling units.

He said that could not be monitored with previous census data.

Tedhams said the city issues rental licenses and the firm might want to use that information to track

People gather Feb. 3 at Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, to work on an update to the city’s comprehensive plan. The meeting also was held electronically.

Gale Tedhams, Holmes Beach planning commissioner, raises her hand Feb. 3 to speak during a discussion on the comprehensive plan. Islander Photos: ChrisAnn Allen

seasonal versus permanent residents and visitors.

“We should be able to get a good number on that, knowing how many licensed houses are rentals and how many are not, based on total dwelling units we have,” she said.

City planner Bill Brisson said there are about 1,800 rentals on the island and the census is not an accurate way to determine daily population.

“We have a very big contingent of vacation rentals,” he said, adding that people started building “monster homes” with 6-10 bedrooms, although limits were

enacted in 2012.

“Now they are limited to two people per bedroom,” he said. “Now, we all know that they cheat, but they are only allowed to rent out at two people per bedroom.

But the day-trippers are in the thousands.”

Brisson said he and Farmer could discuss accuracy on occupancy rate data before the next meeting.

The planning commission will continue the review, including how population projections and development affect the city, at its next meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 3, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

Roadside attraction A boat is beached Feb. 2 on the south side of the Palma Sola Causeway on Manatee Avenue. The vessel was anchored on the north side of the causeway until a storm pushed it to its current location. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission likely will have the boat removed from the area by the end of February, according to an email Capt.

Brian L. Thiers sent to The Islander Feb. 6. Islander Photo: Kane Kaiman

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feb. 10, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 13 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Bradenton Beach considers final Sunshine settlement

By Ryan Paice The Islander

One last settlement could signal the end to Bradenton Beach’s Sunshine lawsuit against city residents.

City attorney Ricinda Perry told city commissioners Feb. 4 that defendant Reed Mapes rejected the city’s $100,000 settlement offer, instead proposing to pay $5,000 to end litigation.

Mapes is the only defendant of Mapes six who hasn’t settled with the city in the case over Sunshine Law violations they committed in 2017 as members of the city’s planning and zoning board and Scenic WAVES Committee when discussing city issues by email and in person at meetings for the now-defunct grass-roots group Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton Beach.

The Sunshine Law is a series of regulations

intended to guarantee open meetings and public access to government records.

Defendants John Metz and Tjet Martin settled with the city for a $350,000 joint settlement, while Patricia Shay, Bill and Rose Vincent each settled their cases at $500.

The settlements include an agreement from the defendants not to pursue an appeal against a ruling from Judge Edward Nicholas of the 12th Judicial Circuit Court that required Metz, Martin and Mapes to reimburse $369,498 of the city’s legal fees.

However, Nicholas’ ruling did not include almost $100,000 in attorney’s fees for Perry, who also worked on the case — so the city was seeking a $100,000 settlement from Mapes to make up for those lost funds.

Commissioner Jake Spooner proposed a $50,000 settlement offer to split the difference in an effort to move forward.

“I could live with splitting it with him,” Spooner

said. “I know we want to get this behind us, so it’d be more than fair to say, ‘Look, we already spent $100,000, so we’ll split the difference with you and leave this behind us.”

“We need to just settle it and get it over with,” Commissioner Ralph Cole agreed. “It’s gone on way too long.”

Mayor John Chappie proposed setting a 48-hour timeline for Mapes to respond.

“In my opinion, what Mr. Mapes is doing to the community that he allegedly cared for shows his true colors,” Chappie said. “The taxpayers are footing the bill.”

Mapes moved from city after the suit was filed.

Commissioners reached consensus to propose a $50,000 counteroffer, and gave Mapes 48 hours to respond.

As of The Islander press time Feb. 8, Mapes’ response was not known.

MCAT fleet masks up after federal mandate

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

A safety measure went into effect Feb. 1 on Manatee County Area Transit’s fare-free Anna Maria Island trolleys.

President Joe Biden signed an executive order Jan. 21 mandating travelers wear face masks on certain modes of public transportation, including rideshare programs such as Uber, and buses such as the island trolleys, the private Island Beach Monkey buses and even on the trams in Bradenton Beach’s pilot shuttle program.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an order Jan. 29 in support of Biden’s order that established guidelines for implementing the mandate.

The CDC’s order specifies that operators of public transportation systems must require everyone on board to wear a mask “for the duration of their travel.”

Transit system operators also must employ “best efforts,” including: • Only boarding people wearing face masks; • Educating passengers about the mandate; • Monitoring systems “for anyone who is not wearing a mask and seek compliance from such persons;” • Disembarking noncompliant people at the “earliest opportunity.”

People exempt from the order include children under 2 years old and people who cannot safely wear a mask due to a disability defined by the U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act. The order also exempts people “for whom wearing a mask would create a risk to the workplace health, safety or job duty as determined by the relevant workplace safety guideline or federal regulations.”

“The CDC’s order focuses on transit because it brings people in close contact with one another,” the order summary reads. “Furthermore, the CDC believes that any state or territory without sufficient mask wearing requirements for transportations systems within its jurisdiction has not taken adequate measures.”

The island trolleys, as well as MCAT’s services as a whole, had not required passengers to wear face masks at any point since the pandemic began early last year.

MCAT’s strategic affairs manager Ogden Clark wrote in a Feb. 3 email to The Islander that the federal mask mandate applies to MCAT services, including the trolleys.

MCAT is using signage at transit stations and on buses and trolleys to educate people about the mandate and encourage compliance.

“We’re not enforcers, our role is to promote compliance through cooperation,” Clark wrote. “To date, this has not been an issue and (we) feel that with an added awareness about the benefits of wearing masks, compliance will continue.”

Face masks act as a barrier to prevent the spray of respiratory droplets — which play a large role in the spread of the virus — from reaching others.

Click! The Islander welcomes news of the

milestones in readers’ lives. Send notices — along with contact info — to news@islander.org.

We tweet too

5414 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach, Fl

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The mask mandate joins several measures MCAT implemented to limit the virus’ spread, such as installing hand sanitizers onboard its fleet, sanitizing buses daily and cleaning facilities twice a week.

Clark said MCAT services hadn’t been significantly impacted by the pandemic.

“The few number of COVID cases we’ve experienced among the MCAT team have been asymptomatic and addressed quickly by having those patients quarantine for a period,” he wrote. “None of our limited staff cases have resulted in any service changes or staffing constraints.”

Transit riders can contact the department at 941749-7116 or go to www.mymanatee.org.

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Congratulation to the Award Winners

Best of Show: Kathy Simon-McDonald The Chalk Artist XI First Place: Janet Razze Anna Maria Mermaid Second Place: LuAnne Widergren In for Repairs Third Place: Suzanna Spann The Last Set Excellence in Photography: Cathy Tobias Raised Fist in Solidarity Excellence in Photography: Karri Krumlauf Reflections Merit Award: Donna Durr Sophia Merit Award: Robert Johnson Sunset on the Gulf Merit Award: Robert Rubeck Sailors Warning Merit Award: Gwen Kodad Young Methuselah Honorable Mention: Donna Slawsky I Wish I Had a River Honorable Mention: Cheryl Jorgensen Bath Time Honorable Mention: Deanna Masterson We Laughed We Cried Honorable Mention: Sandi Norwicki Blowin’ in the Wind

Page 14 THE ISLANDER | islander.org feb. 10, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Gathering

Virtual Mission Fest set for Valentine’s Day at Roser

Roser Memorial Community Church will mark Valentine’s Day with a mission fest adjusted to meet pandemic precautions.

Roser, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, traditionally welcomes representatives from nonprofits and charities for its mission fest but instead will screen a video montage during services at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 14.

“All of the missions supported by Roser have been asked to submit a short video,” a news release stated.

“We will hear from ordinary people that give of their time and talents to serve as missionaries around the globe from Anna Maria to Africa.”

Churchgoers must wear face masks and practice social distancing during the services, which will feature music.

Roser also offers online viewership.

For more information, go online to roserchurch. com or call 941-778-0414.

Tidings

Ash Wednesday arrives Feb. 17 The Rev. Neil Crowell preaches on Ash Wednesday in 2019 at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Roser will observe Ash Wednesday this year at noon Wednesday, Feb. 17 — online and in the church sanctuary. Crowell will lead “reflection, prayer, worship and repentance” as the Lenten season begins, according to a church announcement. The service will include music. Masks and social distancing are required for in-person worship. For more information, contact the church at 941-778-0414 or go to roserchurch.com. Islander Photos: Courtesy Roser Church

Donate on Valentine’s Day at Roser The OneBlood bus will roll into Anna Maria Sunday, Feb. 14, for a visit to Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Blood donors wearing masks are welcome 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. They’ll receive a gift card, “lounger pants” and a wellness checkup that includes screening for COVID-19 antibodies, blood pressure, iron count and cholesterol. To register, go online to oneblooddonor.org and use the code #37502.

Worship and events calendar

REGULAR WORSHIP Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-4769.

Thursdays 9:30 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1638.

Saturdays 4 p.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church.

Sundays 8 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation.

8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church.

8:30 a.m. — Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine 6:45 p.m. — Wednesday Night Blast, CrossPointe.

Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414.

Thursdays 9 a.m. — CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes 9:30 a.m. — RoserRobics fitness, Roser Church.

Beach. Information: 941-778-0719.

Mondays 9:30 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation.

9 a.m. — Men’s Bible study, Christ Church, via Zoom.

10 a.m. — Roser Church.

Tuesdays 10 a.m. — Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian USA, 9:30 a.m. — RoserRobics fitness, Roser Church.

6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-900SPECIAL EVENTS 4903.

9 a.m. — Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Saturday, Feb. 13, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Roser thrift shop yard sale.

Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-6491.

Sunday, Feb. 14, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Roser blood drive.

10:30 a.m. — St. Bernard.

SAVE THE DATES 10:45 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation.

11 a.m. — Longboat Island Chapel.

Wednesday, Feb. 17, Ash Wednesday.

Thursday, Feb. 25, Purim.

ONLINE WORSHIP OFFERED Monday, March 15, Eastern Orthodox Lent.

Christ Church of Longboat Key, christchurchlbk.org.

Wednesday, March 17, St. Patrick’s Day. CrossPointe Fellowship, crosspointefellowship.church.

Saturday, March 27, Passover.

Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, amiannunciation.org.

Sunday, March 28, Palm Sunday.

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, gloriadeilutheran.com.

Friday, April 2, Good Friday.

Harvey Memorial Community Church, Facebook.

Saturday, April 4, Easter.

Longboat Island Chapel, longboatislandchapel.org.

Please, send notices to calendar@islander.org.

Roser Church, roserchurch.com.

ONGOING EVENTS Wednesdays 10 a.m. — Women’s Bible study, Christ Church.

6:15 p.m. — Wednesday supper, CrossPointe.

COMMUNITY CHURCH

Essential Truths WHO IS JESUS?

A moral teacher? A religious leader? A savior?

Gathering is the religion page for

The Islander. Please, send announcements, photographs and calendar listings to calendar@ islander.org.

SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 AM or 10:00 AM

Assistance sought on AMI

• Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals.

Information: 941-345-2441.

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

• The Anna Maria Island Historical Society, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, seeks volunteers, including docents for the museum. Information: 941-778-0492.

Assistance offered on AMI

• The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce offers free face masks. Information: 941-778-1541.

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

Information: 941-778-0414.

• All Island Denominations offers help to those who live on the island, go to church on the island, attend school on the island and work on the island.

Information: 941-725-2433.

— Lisa Neff

Send listings to lisa@islander.org.

Growing in Jesus’ Name

In the SANCTUARY and ONLINE Go to www.RoserChurch.com Click WORSHIP-SIGNUP , WATCH LIVE or WATCH LATER

Worship With Us at Our Church Sunday Service 10:00 AM Please Register to Attend • Masks Required

941-900-4903 The Rev. Dr. Norman Pritchard Visitors & Residents Welcome Watch our 10:00 AM service live: www.bit.ly/cclbksermons or www.christchurchlbk.org (follow YouTube link)

Text ROSER to 22828 to receive the weekly eBulletin.

The CHAPEL is open during office hours for prayer & meditation.

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

COME HEAR THE STORY!

GoodDeeds

6400 Gulf of Mexico Dr.

•

941.383.8833 (office)

•

www.christchurchlbk.org

feb. 10, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 15 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

FISH Boatworks readies sailboat for sale, seeks volunteers

By Kane Kaiman Islander Reporter

Sailboat lovers, keep your eyes peeled.

The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage, a nonprofit that works to preserve the commercial fishing legacy in Cortez, will sell a renovated sailboat to help offset lost revenue due to the cancellation of the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival.

FISH has raffled a boat at every festival since 2016. This season’s online sale is one of several fundraising efforts the group has been considering.

FISH Boatworks manager Joe Egolf has nearly finished renovating the 14-foot Penobscot sailboat after several months of sanding, painting and varnishing the vessel. The asking price will be around $6,000.

“Cindy’s Gig,” the Penobscot, was named after its previous owner, Cindy Partridge. She donated the boat in 2010 to FISH. The vessel was built in 2002 by her husband, A.F. Partridge.

Lucas Boatworks appraised the vessel in July 2010. The Penobscot is seaworthy and in fine condition, the appraisal said.

Marine architect Arch Davis designed the Penobscot 14 in the early 1990s. The model is popular in the niche sailboat market.

“There are people that like a particular model of Jaguar or something and the rest of us don’t even know about it, but they’re crazy about it. That’s what these Penobscots are,” Egolf said.

FISH has not yet established the website for the

FISH Boatworks manager Joe Egolf poses Feb. 2 with the Penobscot 14 sailboat he spent several months renovating. The boat will go up for sale online in the next few weeks, as FISH seeks new sources of revenue after canceling the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival due to the pandemic. FISH has raffled a boat at the February event for the past five years. Islander Photos: Kane Kaiman

boat sale, but inquiries about the boat can be made through the FISH website, cortez-fish.org, or by calling Jane von Hahmann at 941-794-0043.

Most of the boats FISH has raffled were donated and renovated by volunteers at the boatworks, a maritime workshop and boatyard, 11655 Cortez Road, at the intersection with 116th Street West in Cortez.

The works are open Tuesdays and Thursdays from around 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

FISH members can bring their boats into the works — where there is access to water, electricity and many tools — for cleaning and maintenance.

Egolf has been working on boats for more than six decades. He moved to Cortez from Connecticut in 2000 and became the boatworks manager three years ago. The Penobscot will be the third boat he’s renovated for FISH. Egolf typically works with four or five other volunteers on boatworks projects, such as building roofs to shelter equipment from the elements, and he’s looking to expand the team.

“There are so many things that could be done here,” said Egolf, adding he could use eight volunteers

A 1957 Lyman sits inside the boatworks facility Feb 2. There are several classic boats on the property, as well as pontoon and fishing boats. Members of FISH are allowed to bring boats to the shop to do cleaning and maintenance at no charge. They also can volunteer or visit with the workers.

Anna Maria seeks new parking deal with Roser Church Anna Maria soon may have a few more spaces to use for public parking.

City commissioners reached consensus Jan. 28 to pursue a new agreement with Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., for public parking spaces at the church’s food pantry.

In exchange, Roser will be allowed to continue the use of city-owned property near the intersection of Pine Avenue and Tarpon Street for church parking during services.

Mayor Dan Murphy said he’d discussed the propo-

sition with Roser’s pastor, who expressed an openness to the idea and promised to present it to the church executive board for consideration.

Commissioner Mark Short requested the city set an end date for the agreement.

Commissioners agreed to seek a 10-year term for the agreement that would automatically renew unless either party backed out.

There was no public comment.

— Ryan Paice

Send your fishing, birding, sea turtle news and photos to news@islander.org.

Share the fun.

$2

The Penobscot 14 is a well-known design in the sailboating world. Arch Davis, the boat’s architect, named the vessel after the Penobscot River, a waterway in Maine. Boatbuilders typically buy Davis’ designs and materials on his website and build the boats from scratch.

a day.

The boatworks also is a place where handy people tackle pet projects.

“It’s pretty wide open to anyone that wants to come down there and call it their mancave. That’s what it is for me,” Egolf said. “If a guy wants to come down and say, ‘I want to use this saw and build a magazine rack for my house,’ or something, that’s fine with me.”

John Powell, a painter with 40 years of experience originally from Bowling Green, Kentucky, has been volunteering at the shop for about a week. He likes the atmosphere.

“I just enjoy the camaraderie of the people here,” Powell said. “They’re concerned with getting every little detail right. It’s just good people.”

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Page 16 THE ISLANDER | islander.org feb. 10, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Resort plan under review, concerns linger in Holmes Beach

By ChrisAnn Allen Islander Reporter

Following nearly a year of revisions, a plan is under review.

During a Jan. 26 work session, assistant planner Austen Dole presented information about an updated site plan for the Bali Hai Beachfront Resort and Spa, 6900 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

Developer Shawn Kaleta purchased the Bali Hai, built in 1971, in February 2019 for about $20 million.

Since then, the structure has undergone renovation, including development of a small snack bar and liquor bar near the pool area, which triggered a violation due to alleged change of use.

The resort includes four buildings for guests and a two-story building that contains a multi-use room on the first level and the former owner’s apartment on the second level, as well as a small building used as a laundry facility.

The city issued a notice of violation March 9, 2019, for an unpermitted sandwich board sign in front of the resort advertising a bar/lounge in a multi-use room, previously used for storage. It appeared to city code compliance the space was changed to a lounge and signage without a business tax receipt and signs in the right of way are not allowed in the city.

Previously, Louis Najmy of the Najmy Thompson law firm in Bradenton, representing Bali Hai, said the owner’s intention was to create a lounge for guests, not the public, and the lounge was allowed use as previous owners had for their guests.

However, city planner Bill Brisson said Jan. 26 there is no evidence a bar or lounge existed in that space, so it would require a new site plan as a change of use.

“They are still contending they have the right to have one because they had it in the past,” Brisson said Jan. 26. “We disagree with that vehemently.”

Dole said Jan. 26 that amplified music, outside dining and events, such as weddings, were possible uses and concerns for the lounge and pool area.

By September 2020, violations included no approved site plan, work done without permits and alcohol sales without an approved site plan, as well as the interior demolition and conversion of a residential unit to offices without a permit.

The second-level area, previously used as an apartment — a nonconforming use that had been grandfathered — was vacant for more than 180 days. According to the city’s land development code, this triggers requirements for a separate site plan application.

ABOVE LEFT: The snack bar and lounge space at the Bali Hai Beachfront Resort and Spa, 6900 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, remains unoccupied Jan. 28, as the city determines approval of a new site plan for the resort. ABOVE RIGHT: A sign Jan. 28 on the door to the snack bar and lounge at the resort. Islander Photos: ChrisAnn Allen

The resort is within the A-1 zoning district, which allows for nightly rentals and accessory uses as a gift shop, bar and restaurant as long as it is secondary to the operation of the hotel or motel.

According to city code, anything larger than a single-family home or duplex in the A-1 district requires a site plan if it involves a new use and evaluation of parking based on number of seats at the lounge.

The resort comprises 42 units for guests and 61 parking spaces, though only 47 parking spaces are required per city codes.

However, the resort was grandfathered into that zone and, according to Brisson, the resort is nonconforming as it exceeds density requirements.

And events, or visitors to the lounge or an unpermitted “spa” — an area formerly used as a laundry room that contains two massage tables — could increase density.

In a Jan. 21 memo to commissioners and staff, building official Neal Schwartz stated that the secondlevel space above the multi-use area must be permitted separately from work done to the main buildings as it also would be a change of use.

Dole Jan. 26 said concerns with the site plan include a change of use of the laundry room to include a spa, conversion of the multi-use room to a bar/lounge area and the demolition of the area formerly used as an apartment on the second floor of the smaller building.

Code compliance further found that work was

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done to the second-level apartment after a stop work order was issued.

Dole said staff recommended stopping use of the lounge and spa until permits are obtained and that access to those areas only be allowed through the lobby, so people not staying at the resort cannot access the businesses.

Commissioner Jayne Christenson asked if the lounge was still in use.

Erica Augello, an attorney with the Trask Daigneault law firm of Clearwater, who represents the city for code issues, said code compliance officers witnessed the lounge still in use and court proceedings were in place to stop the practice.

Brisson said the lounge and spa are permitted accessory uses, but require a site plan. And the commission must determine stipulations.

Mayor, commission response Commissioner Carol Soustek suggested that amenities, including spa services and food/beverages at the lounge, be limited to a hotel charge account, preventing people who are not guests as patrons.

Commissioner Terry Schaefer said that since the city is working with the resort to come into compliance, it would be helpful for staff to provide an update at the next meeting about what was accomplished and what may remain a concern.

Brisson responded that he and Dole would assemble commission recommendations, which the city attorney would review. Then the plan would come before please, see resort, next page

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Bungalow Beach Resort DIRECTLY ON THE BEACH! Classic 1930s island-style resort.

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Island Photography Beautiful and creative photography to treasure for a lifetime.

Dara Caudill • 941-778-5676 islandphotography.org

MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT Gulf Drive Band The Best! Classic Dance Tunes Musical Entertainment DJ for Weddings, Receptions.

Call: 941.778.0173. gulfdriveband@gmail.com

WEDDING PLANNER AMI Beach Weddings Destination Beach Wedding Experts.

AMIBeachWeddings.com love@amibeachweddings.com

TO BE INCLUDED IN IWED, CONTACT ISLANDER SALES DIRECTOR TONI LYON, 941.928.8735 OR toni@islander.org

Holistic wellness center and spa

Now offering yoga and meditation in the ambiance of a healing Himalayan salt wall.

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feb. 10, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 17 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Paver work delayed in Bradenton Beach district It’ll be a little longer before stacks of leftover pervious pavers are removed from a handful of parking spaces at the Bradenton Beach public works department.

The city’s community redevelopment agency members reached consensus Feb. 3 to delay installing pavers in the parking areas near Lou Barolo Park, at the intersection of Highland Avenue and Fourth Street North, and the public works department.

The CRA purchased the bricks last year to improve drainage and aesthetics on Bridge Street and a public parking area on First Street North.

The remaining pavers are stacked outdoors at the public works department. resort continued from page 16

the commission to approve or deny as a resolution.

Commission Chair Jim Kihm and Commissioners Kim Rash and Jayne Christenson said they support staff recommendations.

Christenson suggested, since it is a beach resort, the commission should consider stipulations for weddings and events in lieu of a strict veto but also said bar and spa operations must be stopped until the property is in compliance.

The commission reached consensus to consider a list of staff recommendations and specifications for the resort’s plan at a work session following a meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive, and via Zoom, with instructions on the city website at holmesbeachfl.org.

“This applicant is a repeat offender,” Mayor Judy Titsworth said. “We want him to be successful, but we want him to play by the same rules everybody else plays by. So whatever you can do to help us reinforce it is what’s really important at not only getting this done, but getting it done expeditiously.”

So CRA members voted in January to spend up to $70,000 to use them to repair damaged pavers on Bridge Street and also install at Lou Barolo Park and at public works.

However, city attorney Ricinda Perry, who is coordinating the project, told the CRA board that its budget was tight due to the higher-than-expected cost of dredging a local channel and mitigating seagrasses.

Perry said the CRA might not be able to afford to cover the other areas with pavers if their stock ran dry and they needed to purchase additional bricks, so she asked for direction from the CRA board on how to proceed.

Mayor John Chappie, a CRA member, suggested they finish repairing pavers on Bridge Street before setting new pavers.

He said they should know more about what they could afford by then, after the CRA receives a new round of bids for the dredge operation and seagrass mitigation project.

“Let’s just wait and figure things out before we move forward with this,” Chappie said. “We don’t have to do anything right now.”

A woman walks June 4, 2020, on the paver sideCRA members agreed to postpone the paver place- walk, installed by the CRA for aesthetics and to ment for two or three weeks. improve stormwater drainage on Bridge Street.

— Ryan Paice

Islander File Photo: Ryan Paice

BB commission set to explore noise ordinance Changes may be coming to Bradenton Beach’s noise ordinance.

City commissioners reached consensus Feb. 4 to hold a workshop with staff and heads of the Bradenton Beach Police Department to discuss changes in an effort to address a rising number of noise complaints.

“We can come back and develop a real ordinance that satisfies the needs of our residents,” Mayor John Chappie said.

City attorney Ricinda Perry said loud noise from construction equipment also can be a problem in the city and suggested also regulating that issue.

— Ryan Paice

Tiki & Kitty’s Let’s go shopping!

Tiki and Kitty are shopping pros with a keen eye for style and value, and they know you enjoy shopping small, local and vintage, too!

Cat’s Meow has 7,700-square-feet of vintage, unique and repurposed items. Plus, there’s a mancave and a clothing boutique offering something for every taste and style. Be sure to stop by the market, say “Hey” and peruse the amazing assortment of fun and funky finds.

Blue Flamingo eagerly awaits you with upcycled and repurposed goods, renewed furniture and decor, from antique cameras to garden features, as well as fresh candle scents, jewelry, trinkets and work by

local artisans. They also offer Dixie Belle paints.

Blessed and Distressed is a tastefully designed store — so inviting, you’ll want to stay and visit — filled with collectibles and work by local artists at Palma Sola Square, around the corner from WinnDixie. It offers 30-plus vendors and artists, including vintage, upcycled, shabby chic, fanciful frocks and local crafts and art. You won’t be disappointed.

You Never Know Thrift has everything you could want: clothes, kitchen utensils, small appliances, furniture, DVDs and autographed sports memorabilia. The inventory is constantly changing. So keep going back.

You never know what you will find.

Scavengers Marketplace welcomes you

You Never Know Thrift

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

to peruse the goodies for a good cause at the Island Shopping Center in Holmes Beach.

Purchases at the store benefit Moonracer No Kill Pet Rescue — our favorite pet rescue group, which is based at The Islander. Founder Lisa Williams is office manager and, along with board member/ Islander sales rep Toni Lyon, they lead the rescue efforts. FYI: the marketplace also carries Fusion Paints.

And don’t forget, tell people you meet along the way, “The Islander sent me.”

Your place for fun, funky

quirky!

Great work from Local Artisans Upcycled, Repurposed, Vintage Dixie Belle Paint, Fun Gifts & More! theblueflamingo.biz

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30 + VENDORS & LOCAL ARTISTS Wed-Sat 10-5 Thur 10-6 615 59th St. W. Bradenton

941-896-8800

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4307 26th St. W. Bradenton 941.782.8883

Indoor market with 15 vendors & artisans Vintage, Unique & Shabby Chic Furniture Coastal, Nautical & Rustic Home Décor Antiques & Collectibles Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm Sunday 12-5pm Fri-Sat 10am-7pm Sunday 12pm-5pm Island Shopping Center

5402 Marina Dr. Holmes Beach 941-900-1552

Page 18 THE ISLANDER | islander.org feb. 10, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

2nd case of COVID-19 reported at island elementary A student at Anna Maria Elementary tested positive for the novel coronavirus at the end of January.

The student is the second at the Holmes Beach school to test positive for the virus since March 2020.

The first student tested positive last November.

Four other students with direct exposure to the second student were to quarantine at home for 10 days in accordance with Manatee County School District policy, principal Jackie Featherston said Feb. 2, during a phone interview with The Islander.

Provided they didn’t test positive, the quarantined students were able to return Feb. 8 to their classrooms, where pandemic rules — mandatory face masks and social distancing — remain in place.

In the two weeks leading up to that second positive case, Featherston said she noticed a 12% increase in student absences.

The number of daily absences “is about double what it normally is,” Featherston said.

The increase was attributed by Featherston to precautions taken when someone in a household is exposed to a person who tests positive for the virus.

Students exposed to a household member who tests positive should quarantine and remain isolated from the household member for 10 days, Featherston said.

If a student cannot isolate within the home, they must quarantine for 20 days, she said.

A look at the numbers Since the Jan. 6 start of the second semester, 204 positive cases have been reported among students and staff in the district.

AME Calendar

• Through Friday, Feb. 12, benchmark assessments, grades 3-5.

• Monday, Feb. 15, Presidents Day, no school.

• Tuesday, Feb. 23, 5:45 p.m., Manatee County School Board meeting, 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

• Tuesday, March 9, 5:45 p.m., school board meeting, 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

• Thursday, March 11, end of third quarter.

• Friday, March 12, record day, no school.

• March 15-19, spring break.

• Monday, March 22, beginning of fourth quarter.

• Thursday, May 27, last day of school.

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

For more information, call the school at 941708-5525.

Academic achievements

The Islander welcomes announcements of scholastic achievements. Share honors, stories and photographs by emailing news@islander.org.

By Amy V.T. Moriarty, amym@islander.org

In the first semester there were a total of 419 reported positive cases.

As part of a 90-day review of pandemic-related policies, the school board was expected to discuss the number of positive cases Feb. 9, after The Islander went to press.

For more information about COVID-19, go online to www.manateeschools.net.

Staff vaccinations begin As part of a partnership between the school district and Manatee County Rural Health, district employees over age 65 could be vaccinated beginning Feb. 1.

At AME, STEM teacher Jacqueline Jordan was first to get a first dose of the Moderna vaccine.

“It was very easy to get it,” Jordan said Feb. 2 in a phone interview with The Islander.

The longest wait for Jordan was the hour she sat in her vehicle because she arrived to the clinic an hour early.

But from the start of her 9:20 a.m. appointment

until she was headed to her vehicle was about 20 minutes.

Jordan’s husband has a compromised immune system, which has been a concern for her being exposed to students at AME. She said she was thrilled to be the first at AME to be vaccinated and looked forward to her second dose in about 30 days.

Art teacher Gary Wooten was scheduled to get his vaccine Feb. 2, but did not return a call to The Islander Feb. 3.

The district is working with state and county public health departments to vaccinate staff, but there was no timeline for when employees under 65 might receive shots, Michael Barber said Feb. 3 in a phone call with The Islander. Barber is district director of communications, family and community engagement.

The vaccines Jordan and Wooten received were in a batch sent to MCR Health and reserved for those employees, Barber said.

The district learned of the vaccine availability the last week of January and coordinated with eligible employees, Barber said.

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

For more information, call the school at 941-7085525.

On your mark, get set, field day at AME is a go

Anna Maria Elementary students For more information, go to the PTO website at will take the field. www.amepto.org or @amepto on Facebook.

“If nothing changes between Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, now and May, there will be a field Holmes Beach. day,” principal Jackie Featherston For more information, call the school at 941-708announced Feb. 1 at a Zoom-based 5525.

Parent-Teacher Organization meetFeatherston ing.

The Manatee County School District approved plans for a day of outdoor fun and student/staff athletic-based competitions, including sack races and tugof-war challenges.

The event is tentatively scheduled for Friday, May 21, the last Friday of the academic year.

Other AME announcements Students at AME are being kept busy, working on making valentines for the school bulletin boards, art teacher Gary Wooten said.

Also, the student-led Kiwanis K-Kids service club for fifth-graders is holding an in-school fundraiser, selling Valentine’s Day candy grams that will be monitored for safe handling, Wooten said.

In other news, Wooten said he applied $757.65 from a December Art to Remember fundraiser to purchase new speakers and an amplifier for the music room.

Meanwhile, PTO president Nicole Plummer said an annual golf tournament was canceled in accordance with school district policy prohibiting gatherings for school-related events, fundraisers included.

The next PTO meeting will be at 4 p.m. Monday, April 5, via Zoom.

Matthew Winsper gets a head start in the sack race during the 2019 Field Day at AME. The endof-school tradition was canceled in 2020 due to pandemic restrictions. Islander File Photo

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feb. 10, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 19 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Holmes Beach parks committee shares love of community

By ChrisAnn Allen Islander Reporter

Sometimes a little love is all it takes.

The Holmes Beach Parks and Beautification Committee has been showing commitment to the community through enhancement of public areas.

The board has been promoting public participation — an adopt-a-spot program for residents, organizations or businesses to enhance public rights of way and open spaces with landscaping or other improvements, including ongoing maintenance.

As of the committee’s Feb. 3 meeting, only three of 20 spots were left to be adopted.

The open spots include: • Fourth Avenue and 39th Street; • The Magnolia pedestrian parkway; • 37th Street between Fifth Avenue and Gulf Drive.

People interested in adopting a spot can pick up an application at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

Committee chair Mary Lange was inspired to add a Valentine’s Day heart-shaped bed of flowering plants at the corner of Marina and Key Royale drives.

“I’ve always loved gardening,” Lange said. “It has just been a lot of fun to adopt this spot and beautify it, for the love of the island.”

In other matters, Lange provided an update Feb. 3 on a proposal for a community garden for city-owned land abutting Grassy Point Preserve, a designated nature preserve at the north end of Avenue C near 30th

Mary Lange, Holmes Beach Parks and Beautification Committee chair, poses Feb. 4 next to a heartshaped flower garden she planted for Valentine’s Day on a plot she maintains near the intersection of Marina and Key Royale drives. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Allen

‘Chalk’ one up The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island named Kathy Simon-McDonald’s “The Chalk Artist XI” the best in show in “Art Unleashed,” an online exhibition at amiartistsguildgallery.com.

The guild operates a gallery in Holmes Beach but is holding the show online due to the pandemic. Other honors: Janet Razze, “Anna Maria Mermaid,” first place; LuAnne Widergren, “In for Repairs,” second place; Suzanna Spann, “The Last Set,” third place; and excellence in photography for Cathy Tobias’ “Raised Fist in Solidarity” and Karri Krumlauf’s “Reflections.” Merit awards and honorable mentions also were announced. Viewers are invited to vote online for the people’s choice award. Islander Courtesy Photo

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Lange said she met with Eran Wasserman, the city’s director of development services; Matt McDonough, city public works administrator; and Mack Lessig, community gardens program assistant for the University of Florida IFAS extension in Manatee County, to evaluate the proposed area for the garden.

She said she would be meeting again with McDonough and Lessig at a community garden at Ballard Park along Wares Creek, 1740 Ballard Park Drive, Bradenton, to get ideas for the island project.

Lange said, with help of an Anna Maria Garden Club member, an organization of which she also is a member, a survey was conducted to gauge interest in community gardening in Holmes Beach.

Results showed people were interested in volunteering but only three expressed a desire for a plot.

“I think it might be because they all have their own yards and gardens,” Lange said. “But I certainly think there would be enough interest in the community, especially for those that do not have their own space to plant a garden.”

She said, pending commission approval of an updated application, people could start planting in September.

Commissioner Carol Soustek, liaison to the parks committee, suggested posting an announcement to the city website inviting people to participate, once approved.

Committee members agreed to send edits to the application to the city clerk to be prepared for submission to the city commission following review by the city attorney.

“I think we have time on our side,” Lange said.

The next parks and beautification committee meeting will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 3, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive, or by teleconference, with instructions on the meeting agenda posted to the city website at holmesbeachfl.org.

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MCSO arrests 2 in connection with bike thefts

By Ryan Paice The Islander

Detectives from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office arrested Caleb Hatfield, 29, and Levi Oxendine, 21, Feb. 2 for allegedly stealing bicycles across Manatee and Sarasota counties to resell.

Hatfield was connected to the theft of a Bradenton Beach resident’s bicycle last December and had an active arrest warrant for selling stolen property.

Detectives called Hideaway Storage, 8400 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, on a tip that Hatfield was holding the stolen bikes in a storage unit, according to an MCSO news release. An employee said the suspect was on-site during the call, so the detectives set out to investigate.

Upon arrival, they found Hatfield and Oxendine, who had outstanding warrants for “violation of drug court,” and arrested both men.

Bikes were observed outside the storage unit. Law enforcement cited this as probable cause to obtain a search warrant for the unit.

Several stolen bicycles were recovered and detectives from the Sarasota, Bradenton and Holmes Beach police departments “were also present during the search warrant and recovered items from their open cases.”

Hatfield remained in custody at the Manatee County jail as of Feb. 3 with a $15,000 bond.

Oxendive also remained in custody as of Feb. 3, but his bond was not set.

The MCSO holds recovered property for 90 days before disposing, donating or selling unclaimed items,

Streetlife

Staff reports

Island police reports

Anna Maria Jan. 27, 100 block of Mangrove Avenue, disturbance. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint of a loud disturbance. The deputy determined the noise came from a group celebrating a 13-year-old’s birthday and advised the group of the noise ordinance.

Feb. 4, 100 block of Hammock Road, noise. The MCSO dispatched a deputy regarding a complaint about construction work before 10 a.m. The deputy issued a verbal warning about the noise ordinance.

according to MCSO public information specialist Melissa Conway.

Conway said the MCSO would call the people who reported bikes stolen that were recovered to let them know they were available for retrieval at the District 1 Office, 600 301 Blvd. W., Bradenton.

People who don’t receive a call but suspect their stolen property may have been recovered can check with the MCSO’s property and evidence department by calling 941-747-3011, ext. 1130.

The department is open to the public Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., and Fridays 9 a.m.-noon. It is closed weekends and Wednesdays.

People must make appointments with the department by phone to retrieve property.

Bradenton man arrested for drugs in Holmes Beach

A Bradenton man was arrested Jan. 27 in Holmes Beach for drug possession.

Leroy Sheppard, 40, was arrested at 11:49 p.m. in the 5100 block of Gulf Drive by a Holmes Beach police officer.

According to the HBPD report, the officer observed Sheppard driving in foggy conditions without headlights.

The officer stopped the motorist and saw a burnt marijuana cigarette and smelled the substance. When asked to provide a medical marijuana card, Sheppard showed the officer an expired card.

Upon searching the vehicle, the officer found a bag containing 1.8 grams of methamphetamine/MDMA. Sheppard was issued a citation for possession of a controlled substance, a third-degree felony, and cited The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office polices Anna Maria.

Bradenton Beach Jan. 27, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., larceny. An officer from the Bradenton Beach Police Department arrived at Coquina Beach in response to reports of a woman yelling out for law enforcement.

She told an officer her vehicle was broken into and several items were missing. The officer issued the woman a case card.

Jan. 29, Intracoastal Waterway, derelict vessel.

$2 @

The Islander 3218 E. Bay Drive, HB.

Thanks — from chief to former commissioner Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer presents former City Commissioner Pat Morton — the longest-seated city official after 17 years of service — with a plaque for his “support and dedication to the police department” during his time as a commissioner. Islander Courtesy Photo: HBPD

for less than 20 grams of marijuana, a first-degree misdemeanor.

He was transported to the Manatee County jail and released that day on $2,000 bail.

Sheppard’s arraignment was set for Feb. 19.

— ChrisAnn Allen

A BBPD officer found a vessel in the anchorage that appeared abandoned. The officer tried to contact the registered owner but the attempts failed.

Jan. 31, North Coquina Boat Ramp, 1507 Gulf Drive S., trespass warning. A BBPD officer arrived to North Coquina Boat Ramp to respond to a potential theft and found a man who claimed another man stole tools from a boat. The man returned the tools and said he believed the boat was derelict. The officer issued the man a trespass warning and he left without issue.

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Holmes Beach Jan. 26, Seaside Laundromat, Island Shopping Center, 5400B Marina Drive, trespass. The busiplease, see Streetlife, next page

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Anna Maria commissioners consider restrictions on beach ‘toys’

By Amy V.T. Moriarty Islander Reporter

Anna Maria lawmakers are working toward an ordinance that would prohibit hoverboards and Onewheels on city beaches.

“We’re not trying to kill a good time. We’re trying to keep it safe,” Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said Feb. 3 about planned restrictions on hoverboards and Onewheels, as well as skateboards and scooters.

The draft ordinance would ban the use of such toys and mobility devices on beaches.

It states, “No person shall operate a bicycle, motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, motor vehicle, hoverboard, skateboard, trailer or any other device with one or more wheels on any beaches or any coastal barrier dunes located within the city limits, except for small hand-pulled wagons, or walkers or wheelchairs for the mobility impaired.”

The ordinance also would restrict operations in city parks: “No person shall operate a motorcycle, motordrive cycle, motor vehicle, hoverboard, skateboard, trailer, or any other device with one or more wheels in any parks located within the city limits, except for bicycles, small hand-pulled wagons, or walkers or wheelchairs for the mobility impaired.”

Streetlife continued from page 20

ness owners claimed employee theft. The terminated employee was issued a trespass warning.

Jan. 27, 5500 block of Marina Drive, noise. A Holmes Beach police officer responded to a noise complaint at a vacation rental property. The officer took a decibel reading from the road, which registered excessive noise, and issued a citation.

Jan. 28, 200 block of 71st Street, fraud. A person reported to the HBPD that someone called and said an online account was compromised. The caller told the person to purchase a $500 gift card and provide him with the information to remove the charges.

Jan. 30, 5600 block of Gulf Drive, fraud. A person arrived at a rental property and found it had been rented to someone else.

Jan. 30, 600 block of Manatee Avenue West, theft.

A person claimed three unlocked vehicles were rifled through overnight. Golf shoes were stolen.

Jan. 31, 5600 block of Guava Street, noise. Upon arrival at a vacation rental property, an officer observed noise from an amplified speaker. The renter was cited.

Feb. 2, 5000 block of Gulf Drive, traffic. An officer on patrol saw a vehicle with a license plate obscured by a Trump flag. The tag was expired and the vehicle was not registered. The motorist was issued a summons to appear and the vehicle was towed.

HBPD polices Holmes Beach.

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

SEAFOOD

The current ordinance prohibits vehicles, including bicycles, on beaches.

The catalyst for the new ordinance is a concern for safety, Murphy said.

“We go to the beach for serenity,” he told The Islander Feb. 3.

People using wheeled recreational vehicles and “cutting” in between those soaking up sun, playing in the water or enjoying the peace of a day at the beach can create dangerous situations, according to the mayor.

City officials also want to ban the use of the hoverboards and Onewheels within city limits.

Hoverboards are a motor-assisted, self-balancing boards suspended over two wheels, which the manufacturer, Hoverboards.com, markets as “best suited for indoor/outdoor use over smooth surfaces.”

Onewheels are like motorized skateboards with a large wheel in the center rather than four self-propelled wheels. They are marketed for use on- and off-pavement with a range of 6-18 miles and top speeds of 19 mph.

Both are operated by the rider, who stands and leans to control speed and direction.

City attorney Becky Vose is drafting the ordinance, which required revisions after a Jan. 28 city commission meeting.

Vose was unavailable to speak with The Islander

Feb. 4.

State law — statute 316.2068 — deals with the use of such devices and reads in part “A county or municipality may prohibit the operation of electric personal assistive mobility devices on any road, street, or bicycle path under its jurisdiction if the governing body of the county or municipality determines that such a prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety.”

The law states the devices may be operated: • On a road where the posted speed limit is 25 mph or less; • On a marked bicycle path; • On any street where bicycles are permitted; • At an intersection with a posted speed limit of more than 25 mph; • On a sidewalk, if the person operating the device yields the right-of-way to pedestrians.

A driver’s license is not needed to operate mobility devices, such as a hoverboard or Onewheels.

Children under the age of 16 who use them must wear a bicycle helmet.

The draft ordinance is similar to one adopted in 2020 banning the devices on the Anna Maria City Pier.

“The beach is meant for slow relaxation. That’s our brand,” Murphy said.

The next city commission meeting is scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11.

To the T-end People stroll Feb. 5 along the boardwalk of the Anna Maria City Pier, 100 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. The city will hold a meeting at the pier at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, to discuss options for using a vacant building on the T-end of the structure that opened in 2020. A grill and bait shop already exist on the T-end, along with restrooms and other amenities. The city built the new pier to replace the historic pier, which was damaged by Hurricane Irma and then demolished. Islander Photo: Amy V.T. Moriarty

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Anna Maria planners workshop mangrove protection measure

By Amy V.T. Moriarty Islander Reporter

An Anna Maria board is working to get an ordinance on the books protecting mangroves.

Without a quorum present Jan. 25, the planning and zoning board members transitioned from a regular meeting to a workshop.

The three members in attendance — in person and by phone — and city planner Chad Minor worked to craft a draft ordinance for mangrove protections.

There are state protections regarding mangroves but because the protections are not in a city ordinance “a lot of people don’t know,” Minor said.

Language in the draft would require property

Water quality concerns at 4 off-island sites An environmental group raised concerns about water quality at four off-island sites where testing was conducted in late January.

Suncoast Waterkeeper, which monitors water quality in Manatee and Sarasota counties, tested samples Jan. 26 to check “compliance with regulations and bring awareness of water quality for recreation and healthy environmental conditions for wildlife,” according to Feb. 2 news release.

SW looks for enterococci, bacteria indicating the presence of fecal material from warm blooded animals.

SW found excessive amounts of enterococci at one site in Sarasota County, the Centennial Park Boat Ramp.

SW’s testing also showed enterococci counts exceeding 70 colony forming unit per 100 milliliters at four sites — Palma Sola Creek beneath Palma Sola Boulevard and Portosueno Park, both in west Bradenton; Bayfront Park on Longboat Key; and Seabreeze Point on Terra Ceia Bay. For more information, go online to suncoastwaterkeeper.org.

Bay grant deadline March 1

The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program is accepting applications for grants — up to $4,000 — for projects to restore habitat and water quality in the bay region.

The SBEP invited nonprofits, schools, civic organizations, businesses, neighborhood and homeowner associations in Sarasota and Manatee counties to apply.

“Applications from organizations that have never received a Sarasota Bay Partners Grant or have not received one in the past three years are especially encouraged,” read a news release.

SBEP is one of 28 national estuary programs.

The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. March 1.

For more information about the grants, contact Darcy Young at SBEP at darcy@sarasotabay.org or 941-955-8085.

Applications are online at sarasotabay.org.

owners to show proof of written permission from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to cut mangroves.

Mangroves grow in coastal brackish water. With tangled roots above ground, mangroves form thickets that stabilize coastal ecosystems, preventing erosion and absorbing storm surge.

Mayor Dan Murphy, in the gallery for the meeting, suggested setting a fine for violations.

The board also discussed a permitting process for construction to ensure builders adhere to protections and don’t rip out mangroves to improve sightlines or install seawalls.

To that end, board members began considering penalties to ensure builder compliance.

Tour boat owner defends refueling practices

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The debate continues in Bradenton Beach over Paradise Boat Tours’ refueling practices at the South Coquina Boat Ramp.

City commissioners reached consensus Feb. 4 to direct city attorney Ricinda Perry to contact assistant county attorney William Clague for more information about the issue, as well as clarification regarding jurisdiction over the property.

The boat ramp is owned and maintained by Manatee County, but an interlocal agreement with the county allows the city use as a staging area and a launch point for marine construction projects.

County environmental program manager Alan Lai Hipp contacted the city asking for its stance on commercial vessels refueling at the public dock due to the agreement.

City commissioners held an unscheduled discussion Jan. 21 and reached consensus to express opposition to the practice.

Baldwin previously told The Islander that he did not attend the city meeting because the item was not included on an agenda.

However, Mayor John Chappie said Feb. 4 the city scheduled that day’s discussion — the commission’s second debate on the issue — upon Baldwin’s request.

Baldwin told commissioners at the Feb. 4 meeting that he spent around $12,000 to modify a truck to haul fuel from land-based gas stations — which is typically cheaper than marina fuel — and safely fuel his company’s vessels from the boat ramp’s dredge dock.

“I want to make sure you understand: This is not like some huge offloading of toxic chemicals into this barge sloppily,” Baldwin said. “It’s not really something that should be overly concerning. …We take so much time to make sure we’re good stewards of our environment.”

He added that his company’s vessels use regular gasoline, whereas many marinas sell only non-ethanol fuels.

Chappie expressed concern that allowing Baldwin to refuel his commercial vessels on public property may “open the floodgates” for others to do the same.

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One idea involves increasing penalties for violations, beginning with a fine and escalating to a “stop work” order or denial of a certificate of occupancy.

Minor said March is the earliest a draft ordinance would go to city commissioners.

After a first reading by the commission, the P&Z would hold a public hearing and possibly revise the draft to again present to city commissioners.

“The final product is worth it, but it takes a long time to get there,” Minor said.

The planning and zoning board will meet at 2 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 22, at city hall and via teleconference.

Anna Maria City Hall is at 10005 Gulf Drive.

For more information, call the city at 941-7086130.

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Paradise Boat Tours owner Sherman Baldwin tells Bradenton Beach commissioners Feb. 4 about his refueling operation. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

“This is not for general public use or businesses to use like that on a regular basis,” Chappie said. “This isn’t going to become a regular commercial activity down here. This isn’t going to be a RaceTrac.”

“I don’t like the idea,” he added. “It’s risky.”

“This isn’t going to open up a Wild West of fueling at the boat docks,” Baldwin said. “This is a unique circumstance. …If it were going to be a RaceTrac it already would have been because there was no regulation against it.”

Commissioner Jan Vosburgh said she hopes they could reach a compromise that wouldn’t negatively impact Baldwin’s business.

“Sherman’s part of our family,” Vosburgh said.

“Are we going to destroy his business? Shouldn’t we do everything we can to help his business? Especially given the circumstances.”

“Just understand now: I’m not asking for permission, you’re just making something up after seven years to prohibit it,” Baldwin said. “I have not been doing a prohibited activity for the last seven years. I have been following every regulation that anyone has wanted to throw at me.”

Perry said the interlocal agreement prohibits any contractor the city hires from using the dock — including Paradise Boat Tours — but didn’t give the city any jurisdiction over regulating Baldwin’s usage. She said they should seek clarification from the county about what is needed from the city.

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By Lisa Neff

Lovey-dovey day

Birds do it.

Birds fall in love, or so goes the popular song by Cole Porter, and so says the poem by Geoffrey Chaucer that proceeded “Let’s Do It (Let’s Fall in Love)” by about 550 years.

Chaucer wrote “Parlement of Foules” — “Parliament of Fowls” — in 1382 to honor the anniversary of King Richard II of England and Anne of Bohemia.

An excerpt from the poem of 699 Neff lines: For this was on Saint Valentine’s Day When every bird comes there to choose his match (Of every kind that men may think of!), And that so huge a noise they began to make That earth and air and tree and every lake Was so full, that not easily was there space For me to stand — so full was all the place.

The poem is the first record associating Valentine’s Day with romantic love and it takes inspiration from amorous birds.

There’s an old belief — based on the ancient practice of ornithomancy — that the first bird a single person sees or hears on Valentine’s Day represents a soul mate, symbolizes a life partner.

The practice also has led to the beliefs that goldfinches represent wealth, blackbirds symbolize kindness and nuthatches epitomize knowledge.

So pay attention to the birds you see Feb. 14.

That day, you might even consider joining the 24th annual Great Backyard Bird Count.

“Birds are everywhere and can be counted in backyards, neighborhoods, suburban parks, wild areas and cities,” says David Bonter, co-director of the Center for Engagement in Science and Nature at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in Ithaca, New York. “Scientists need the eyes of the world to collect information about where the birds are.”

The GBBC, coordinated by the Cornell Lab, National Audubon Society and Birds Canada, occurs Feb. 12-15, with people around the world counting the birds they see for at least 15 minutes on one or more days and entering their checklists using either the Merlin Bird ID app or the eBird online platform.

The data gathered in the GBBC and other survey projects can reveal changes in the numbers and distri-

Egrets in a nest. The Great Backyard Bird Count takes place Feb. 12-15, coinciding with Valentine’s Day. Islander Courtesy Photo

bution of wild birds over time.

In last year’s count, birdwatchers set records: • 268,674 estimated participants in 194 countries; • 27,270,156 birds counted; • 6,942 species identified; “Why not try something new? If you’re an experienced birder, set yourself a challenge to see how many new birders you can get interested in counting on their own patch,” says Steven Price of Birds Canada. “If you are just beginning to learn about the birds in your yard, see if you can identify three new birds — or five new birds or 10 new birds.”

Who knows? Maybe you’ll see a lovebird — or a goldfinch, depending on your heart’s desire.

Palma Sola Botanical Park plans spring plant sale

The Palma Sola Botanical Park will host its Spring Plants & More Sale 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, March 13.

Vendors will sell plants, as well as pottery, textiles, jewelry and other arts and crafts outdoors.

Vendors also will sell treats and lunch items and the park will host musical entertainers.

Attendees can experience “a lovely day in the park wandering among the vendors and greeting old and new friends,” a news release said.

Organizers “encouraged” social distancing and face masks.

The park is at 9800 17th Ave. NW, Bradenton.

For more information, call the park at 941-7612866 or email palmasolabp@aol.com.

SERVING GOURMET ICE CREAM SINCE 1984

❊ Truly Homemade Ice Cream

(yes, we really make it ourselves)

❊ Voted Best Ice Cream ❊ Open 7 Days a Week www.tylersicecream.com Cortez & 119th 941-794-5333

Longboat Center Shops 941-383-6935

Staying safe Great Backyard Bird Count organizers ask that participants watch birds safely in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. This means following public health and safety protocols, avoiding large gatherings, wearing face masks and staying at least 6 feet from people outside your household.

To learn more about how to take part in the count, go online to birdcount.org.

For the birds

The Manatee County Audubon Society is registering students for its annual bird ID course, which will feature online instruction and two outings.

Field trips are being organized for two Saturdays, Feb. 20 and Feb. 27.

Audubon also is conducting Zoom-based classes at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15; Wednesday, Feb. 17; Monday, Feb. 22; and Wednesday, Feb. 24.

The cost to enroll is $40 per person, in addition to acquiring membership in the group, which is $25 per household.

For more information, contact Steve Black at 941-376-0110 or sblack4823@gmail.com or Mike Barnes at 586-246-4105 or ncndmike@comcast. net.

½-Ê

Little Italy in the ❤ of Anna Maria Island.

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

Open Tuesday-Saturday 11-7 5337 Gulf Drive ~ at the corner of Holmes Boulevard and Gulf Drive

941-896-9754

Page 24 THE ISLANDER | islander.org feb. 10, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Game time on AMI

Mark Long made seven saves in the loss.

Sato Real Estate and Burton Brick & Tile battled to a 2-2 tie in the second match of the night. Will Kretzman and Race Arande scored a goal each for Sato while Zach Lieb and Katie Christianson scored for Burton.

Allied cruised to an 8-3 victory over Jiffy Lube in the night’s third match behind a hat trick from Zach Reda and two goals each from Clancy Vaughn and Aaron French.

Erick Pullen, Gerrardo Urbiola and the ageless Lyn Clarke each notched goals for Jiffy Lube in the loss.

The last match of the evening saw Blalock Walters double up on The Gitt Team by a 6-3 score. Chris Scott did most of the damage with five goals. Matt Staggs notched the remaining score and Kevi Mulcahy made nine saves in the victory.

Tanner Zellmar score d two goals and Robert Fellowes notched one to lead The Gitt Team in the loss.

By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter

Leading up to Super Bowl Sunday, there was plenty of action on the field at the Center of Anna Maria Island in Anna Maria.

Three weeks into the Center of Anna Maria Island’s adult flag football season, two teams remain unbeaten — Beach Bums and Ugly Grouper. Both are 3-0, tied for first place in the standings.

Slim’s Place and Solid Rock ConCassidy struction are both a game back at 2-1, followed by Moss Builders and Sandbar Restaurant at 1-2. Mi-Box and Salty Printing complete the standings at 0-3.

Action Feb. 4 kicked off with Solid Rock Construction destroying Mi-Box by a 47-15 score. Jon Moss and Connor Haughey combined on seven touchdown passes, including two receiving catches from Moss. Evelyn Long and Zack Long had touchdown catches, while Jesse Skipper completed the scoring with a touchdown grab.

Matthew Manger threw for two scores to lead Mi-Box in the loss, Ugly Grouper remained unbeaten with a 43-31 victory over Moss Builders behind four TD passes from Brandon Kull, who also added a rushing touchdown and a pair of interceptions. Cam Winston added a touchdown pass, while also finishing with two receiving scores on a game-high six catches. Octavious Cole, Jaret Rojas and Anthony Mark completed the scoring with touchdown catches in the victory.

Ryan Moss’ five touchdown passes, including three to Cole Carter, paced Moss Builders in the loss.

Beach Bums rode an opportunistic defense to a 26-12 victory over Sandbar Restaurant in the third game of the evening. Matt Briley threw for two scores and Anthony Mannino ran for a TD and added a pair of touchdown receptions, but the real daggers in the victory were the pick-sixes turned in by Briley and Kemo Harris.

Matteo Ferris ran for a pair of TDs to lead Sandbar in the loss.

Slim’s Place outscored Salty Printing 38-19 behind a huge game from JB Shuck. Shuck threw four touchdown passes on offense and came through with two pick-sixes on defense to lead Slim’s, which also received a pair of TD receptions from Tim Holly and

Connor Haughey of Solid Rock Construction goes high for an extra point pass from quarterback Jon Moss during football action Feb. 4 at the Center of Anna Maria Island. Islander Photo: Kevin P. Cassidy

Cruz Rodriguez in the victory.

Salty Printing was led in the loss by quarterback Tim Shaughnessy, who threw three touchdown passes, including two to sister Brianna Roberts.

Adult soccer resumes After three weeks of action and a one-week shutdown for field maintenance, the standings are pretty tight in the adult soccer league at the center.

Burton Brick & Tile and Sato Real Estate are tied in the top spot with matching 2-0-1 records, a point ahead of Blalock Walters and Allied, both at 2-1. Servis First Bank and The Gitt Team follow with 1-2 records, while Jiffy Lube and Slim’s Place are 0-2-1.

Action on the pitch Feb. 3 got started with Servis First Bank cruising past Slim’s Place by a 6-2 score behind a hat trick from Ugur Durmaz and a pair of goals from Jake Ross. Gregg Ross and Johnny Perussi had a goal each to complete the scoring for Servis.

Aaron Parkin scored both Slim’s Place goals and

Pirates plan to play spring-training ball at LECOM Park The Pittsburgh Pirates plan to bring baseball to LECOM Park for a 2021 spring training season beginning in late February.

The Major League Baseball team announced Feb. 1 it was taking steps to return to their Southern home for the 2021 season.

The team’s 2020 spring training season was cut short with the onset of the novel coronavirus pandemic in the United States and the team’s minor league Bradenton Marauders did not play for fans.

A news release said the Pirates plan to host fans at LECOM Park at 25% capacity.

Tickets are being sold at pirates.com and in the MLB Ballpark App in pairs or groups of four, with

seating arranged for parties to maintain social distancing of 6 feet.

The team plans to play 17 games at LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton, starting Sunday, Feb. 28.

Attendees must wear face coverings in the park unless actively eating and drinking.

The season is set to start on time after the Major League Baseball Players Association Feb. 2 rejected a proposal by MLB for a delay.

For more information go online to pirates.com/ springtraining or call the LECOM box office at 941747-3031.

Youth football continues The youth flag football league at the center was back on the field for its third week of action and a bevy of games played Feb. 2.

The action got started in the 8-10 division with Moss Builders cruising to a 28-13 victory over Ray’s Ramblings behind Mason Moss, who ran for two touchdowns and connected with McKenna Darek on a score. Turner Worth completed the Moss scoring with a pick-six.

Carter Hey and Drew Buky both had touchdown runs to lead Ray’s Ramblings in the loss.

Tidy MD edged Cloud Pest Control 20-12 behind three touchdown passes from Ronan Robertson, including two to Hayden Eurice and one to Kade Eslich.

Charlie Neri connected with Lucas Signor for a TD and Noah Rigney ran for a score to lead Cloud Pest Control in the loss.

Coastline Contractors outscored Shady Lady 20-13 behind a huge game from Reef Marin, who threw for a TD, ran for another and added a pick-six and a 2-point conversion in the victory.

Shady Lady was led by Cayson Travis’ two touchdown passes to Jackson Kennedy and Bam Gartman in the loss.

Action in the 11-13 division got started with Root Logix cruising to a 32-7 victory over Ugly Grouper, that saw Payton Harlan throw TDs to Luke Winsper, Hunter Wingate and Gabrielle Gilbert, while Harrison Schenerlein and Carter Cantrell added pick-sixes to the route.

Ashton Hovda had a rushing touchdown to lead Ugly Grouper, which also received an extra point from Aidan Gannon in the loss.

The second 11-13 division game of the night saw Detwiler’s Farm Market and Poppo’s Taqueria battle to an 18-18 tie.

Victor Albrecht threw TDs to Angelina Albrecht, Kieran Cloutier and Ewen Cloutier to lead the Detwiler’s scoring effort.

Poppo’s Taqueria was led by two rushing touchdowns and a touchdown pass from TJ Eckert, while Rowan Benford added a touchdown reception.

The last game of the night in the 11-13 division saw Gulf Drive Cafe edge The Gitt Team 21-19 please, see sports, next page

— Lisa Neff

The new Jack Elka 2021 calendar is available at The Islander office in the Anna Maria Island Centre shopping plaza in Holmes Beach. Also available by mail order at islander.org.

AMI Centre, 3218 E. Bay Drive, HB

Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

Feb 10 Feb 11 Feb 12 Feb 13 Feb 14 Feb 15 Feb 16 Feb 17

AM

1:10p 1:19p 1:28p 12:03a 12:46a 1:30a 2:18a 3:13a

HIGH

PM

1.2 10:31p 1.2 11:19p 1.2 ­— 2.0 1:38p 1.8 1:51p 1.6 2:09p 1.4 2:32p 1.2 3:00p

HIGH

AM

2.2 2.1 — 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7

5:33a 6:07a 6:37a 7:04a 7:29a 7:53a 8:17a 8:40a

LOW

PM

-0.8 4:04p -0.7 4:59p -0.6 5:48p -0.4 6:34p -0.2 7:20p 0.0 8:09p 0.2 9:03p 0.4 10:06p

LOW

Moon

1.0 0.8 New 0.7 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1

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

We rock online islander.org

feb. 10, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 25 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Plan fishing trips around wind, chill factors for best hookups

By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

With numerous days of strong winds and rough seas, many Anna Maria Island anglers are anxious to get back on the water. Of course, weather is the key factor.

As the winds subside and the waters clear up, fishers are again venturing out — in spite of the chill in the air — on the water to try their luck.

In these scenarios, you’ll want to find areas where the water quality and Stasny temperatures are good, and residential canals are a great place to start.

The cement seawalls of a residential canal can store heat from the sun, which can raise the water temperature. Even if it’s just a couple of degrees, this can be enough to make the fish comfortable enough to eat.

Most species that inhibit these areas during the coldest of days will show interest in live shrimp offerings. Sheepshead, black drum and catch-and-release redfish will readily take a shrimp. And, if it’s warm enough, you’ll find catch-and-release snook will get in on the action.

In deeper canals, there’s a good bet you’ll find catch-and-release spotted seatrout taking refuge from the cold.

Now, if canal fishing isn’t your forte, you can venture onto the flats. The key to this fishing in the winter is finding areas where the habitat is ideal for the fish you’re hunting. Creek mouths where slightly warmer water is draining into the bay are a good bet.

Areas where the bottom is black mud seem to hold fish, maybe due to the darker bottom generating some heat once it is warmed by the sun. Also, areas that are sheltered from the wind, such as the lee side of a mangrove island can hold fish.

Once you’ve committed, regardless where you’re fishing, you’ll want to remember to slow down your presentation. Soaking a live shrimp on the bottom is ideal. A stationary bait is much easier for these fish to eat. They become opportunistic as they try to conserve energy to stay warm. The same applies if you’re using artificials. Just slow down your retrieve. Soft plastics on a jig head are ideal for this type of fishing. Small,

Jon Leydon, visiting Anna Maria Island from Boston, shows off a nice backwater redfish caught Feb. 4 on a live pilchard.

Leydon was guided to the fish by Capt.

David White of Anna Maria Charters.

subtle twitches of the jig as opposed to an aggressive snap of the rod will yield more action.

Lastly, your best approach may be to just wait until the weather warms.

And, as we Floridians know, our cold fronts generally last for a few days and then the temperature goes back into the 70s.

Utilize those cold, windy days to frequent your local tackle shop or just spend some time going through your gear to be ready to fish when the weather warms.

Capt. Jason Stock is finding plenty of action on the offshore ledges and other structures in the Gulf of Mexico. Using live shrimp as bait is producing mangrove snapper, porgies, hogfish and Key West grunts.

On the windier days, which have been plentiful recently, Stock is remaining inshore, fishing the negative tides and producing great action, especially when wading. Casting soft plastics into sandy potholes is luring catch-and-release snook and redfish from their

sports continued from page 24

behind three touchdown passes from Zane Logan to JM Feeney. Jack McCarthy added a 2-point conversion and Audrey Guess had an extra point to complete the victory.

Tommy Baugher ran for three touchdowns to lead The Gitt Team, which also received an extra point from Landon Snyder in the loss.

In the three-team 14-17 division, the action kicked off with Grooms Auto cruising to a 29-14 victory behind four touchdown passes from Jayse Berzowski.

Berzowski connected with Justin Cook on two scores, while Travis Bates and Shawn Balvin each finished with TDs. Anthony Nguyen threw touchdown passes to Aiden Templeton and Evan Christianson in the loss.

The final 14-17 game of the night saw Ugly Grouper edge Grooms Auto 47-45 behind a huge game from Ian Godfrey, who had three touchdown passes to Noah Costello and ran for a score, while adding two picksixes on defense.

Berzowski paced Grooms with a receiving touchdown and five TD passes, including four to Balvin, who finished with two touchdown passes. Bates added a pair of touchdown catches for Grooms Auto in the loss.

Horseshoe news Two teams emerged from pool play with 3-0 records and battled for the day’s championship during Feb. 3 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City hall pits.

Norm Good and Bob Lee showed they were too good for Tom Farrington and Del Reese as they cruised to a 21-10 victory to earn the day’s bragging rights.

The games were short and sweet for Bob Palmer, who won the Feb. 6 games with the lone 3-0 record in pool play.

Play gets underway at 9 a.m. every Wednesday and Saturday at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by random team selection.

There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome.

Golf news Cold and rainy weather limited the golf action last

hiding places to have a taste. In deeper areas of the flats, Stock is finding pompano and jack crevalle to keep his clients busy.

Capt. Aaron Lowman is working charters inshore for a variety of species. Casting live shrimp in residential canals is yielding catches of flounder, black drum, sheepshead for the cooler and catch-and-release redfish. Live shrimp as bait are attracting these fish to the hook.

On days when it’s calm enough to get in the Gulf of Mexico, Lowman is fishing in depths of 30-50 feet of water, dropping baits around structure — reefs, wrecks and ledges — and producing mangrove snapper, hogfish, sheepshead and porgies.

Capt. David White is working inshore during the strong winds. While inshore, White is finding sheltered areas to fish, such as residential canals and docks. In these areas, live shrimp as bait is putting White and his clients on catches of sheepshead and catch-and-release species, such as snook and redfish.

Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says despite the strong winds and cold weather, pier fishers are venturing to the pier to try to catch some fish. Fishers using live shrimp or live fiddler crabs are finding success on sheepshead, as well as black drum and a few catch-and-release redfish. On these colder days, patience is a virtue. Although the bite may slow a little, determination can go a long way.

Send photos to fish@islander.org. week on the Key Royale Club course in Holmes Beach to the men playing a nine-hole scramble Feb. 4.

The team of Marcia and Tim Friessen, John Kolojeski and Joe Tynan combined on a 4-under-par 28 to earn clubhouse bragging rights for the week.

The team of Jana Samuels, Bob O’Brien and Tom Nelson fired a 3-under-par 29 to finish alone in second place.

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

Southernaire Fishing Charters

Licensed

Page 26 THE ISLANDER | islander.org feb. 10, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

isl

find a quick replacement to fill her position.

The Islander checked in with chamber president Terri Kinder Feb. 2 and learned that Wade has left for Arizona. Her last day with the chamMitchell ber was Feb. 3.

Though Wade’s time at the chamAmy V.T. Moriarty ber was barely longer than one of Elizabeth Taylor’s Working the jobs market marriages, Kinder said, “We’ve enjoyed having her here.”

Chamber says hello, goodbye For more information, go to annamariaislandGina Wade started her new job as an administrative assistant at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Com- chamber.org or call 941-778-1541.

Mainsail announces new sales director merce in late December.

Mainsail Corporate Housing welcomed Melissa But by late January, the chamber was hoping to Mitchell Feb. 3 as director of sales.

MIKE NORMAN REALTY The company is based in Tampa and offers furEST. 1978 nished apartment homes throughout the United States, including at the Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club, Autograph Collection, 5325 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

“We couldn’t be more pleased about Melissa’s experience and the value she will bring to the Mainsail family,” company vice president Sarah Everhart said in a news release. “Melissa’s role will support the account executive team and lead our sales efforts, expanding Mainsail’s market share.”

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to join such a well-respected, expert hospitality company to conANNA MARIA 3/3 WATERFRONT tribute to the next phase of growth and expansion,” ZONED RESIDENTIAL/OFFICE/RETAIL Mitchell said in the release. “Mainsail’s deep comPanoramic views of the water from this spacious 3BR/3BA home in the heart of Anna Maria on Pine Avenue. Easy boatmitment to its clients, guests, and employees strongly ing access to the Gulf and Tampa Bay. 4,000 sf, 12-by-40-foot align with my personal and professional ethos. I am dock, cathedral ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Lake LaVista. AC, water heaters and kitchen appliances honored and excited to join the Mainsail family.” recently replaced. Two single-car garages. ROR zoning allows Resort-style beach days minus the resort nightly rentals and future opportunities. $1,975,000 The beach is awesome!

But schlepping your stuff across the sand? Not awesome.

That’s where Audrey McLoughlin and Tiffany Adell come in.

During a summer beach day with their families, the sisters-in-law knew there had to be a better way to enjoy the gear and furnishings they needed for a day on the shore without the work of bringing it to the water’s edge themselves.

PANORAMIC BEACH VIEWS Gorgeous, unobstructed

By October 2020, they’d launched Beach Suites views of the Gulf and beach from this spectacular 3BR/3BA on the island to provide “everything you need, so you home across the street from a beachfront park that can never be built upon — allowing for beautiful views that will never just have to walk out to the beach,” McLoughlin said be taken away! Open floor plan, 10-foot ceilings throughout, Feb. 4. spacious beach-side porches and private heated “cocktail” pool. City allows for 1-7 night minimum for vacation rentals In addition to providing luxury beach setups, lunch to maximize income. Selling “turn-key” furnished to continue delivery from local restaurants is included. as a vacation rental. $1,775,000 “We want you to do the least amount of work for the day,” Adell said.

biz

BEACH FRONT CONDO Exceptional views of the beach and Gulf from this updated 2BR/2BA unit in the “Anna Maria Island Club.” Updated kitchen with solid-surface counters, wooden cabinetry and breakfast bar. Complex offers a secured entrance, covered parking, an elevator and a huge, beachfront heated pool complete with sun-loungers and a hot tub. Selling “turn-key” furnished to continue as a vacation rental. $845,000

I’M A LIFELONG NATIVE OF AMI. I’m straightforward, down to earth, and proud to be at Michael Saunders & Co., where we hold ourselves to a higher standard of service and ethics.

— Johann Bertram, Realtor

They say they’re having a successful winter season with no problem staying booked on weekends.

As spring warms up, McLoughlin and Adell said they look forward to visitors using their services during the week, too.

And what about those Pinterest-worthy setups?

Where do they get the towels, beach pillows, baskets and other items?

Island shops, of course!

Both women live on the island and think it’s important to shop local and supply Beach Suites with items purchased on the island.

McLoughlin and Adell said they make regular shopping trips to find their gear and furnishings: Towels are from the Conch Shop at Pineapple Junction, 425 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. A pair of rattan chairs and some other items were finds at the Original Sand Dollar, 5302 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

Sounds like a fun day at work!

Better than a fun day at work though would be a fun day on an island beach, especially if someone else sets up the spot and cleans up at day’s end.

Got business news? Contact Amy Moriarty at amym@islander.org or call 941-778-7978.

Beach Suites provides the setup on the sand. Islander Courtesy Photo

BizCal

AMI Chamber

Thursday, Feb. 11 11:30 a.m. — Member luncheon, Pesto Bistro and Wine Bar, 8799 Cortez Road, Bradenton.

Save the dates Feb. 25, business card exchange, Center of Anna Maria Island, Anna Maria.

March 6, scholarship application deadline, Holmes Beach.

May 1, Beach ’n Food Truck Festival, Holmes Beach.

May 14, golf tournament, Bradenton.

Fees may apply for events.

For more information, contact the chamber at 941-778-1541.

Mike Norman Realty INC OFFERING THE BEST SELECTION OF SALES & RENTALS ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND SINCE 1978

6000 Marina Drive, Suite 113, Holmes Beach

www.mikenormanrealty.com 31o1 Gulf Drive, Hholmes Beach 800-367-1617 | 941-778-6696

941.779.3856 or JohannBertram@ michaelsaunders.com





BAYFRONT CONDO Spectacular views of Sarasota Bay in this updated 2BR/2BA end unit in Sunbow Bay. Complex offers elevator, heated pool, tennis and scenic pier on the Intracoastal Waterway. Conveniently located in center of AMI with views of both bridges. Updated bathrooms and new flooring throughout. $415,000

Mike Norman Realty INC

800-367-1617 941-778-6696 31O1 GULF DR HOLMES BEACH www.mikenormanrealty.com sales@mikenormanrealty.com

compiled bY LISA NEFF

We tweet too

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

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@ami_islander

feb. 10, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 27 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

PropertyWatch By Johann Bertram

Real estate transactions

3601 E. Bay Drive, unit 201, Holmes Beach, Sandy Pointe, a 1,035 sfla, 2 bed/2 bath condo built in 1986 sold 01/15/21 by Dettloff to Vic Assets LLC for $305,000; list $320,000.

522 Pine Ave., unit 5B, Anna Maria, The Bayou, a 822 sfla, 2 bed/1 bath canalfront condo built in 1972 sold 01/01/21 by Barris to Pinto for $373,000; list $379,000.

1000 Gulf Drive N., unit 5, Bradenton Beach, Beach House Resort, a 450 sfla, 1 bed/1 bath beachfront condo built in 1983 sold 01/04/21 by Neely to Thomas for $395,000; list $420,000.

2915 Ave. E, unit 2, Starfish Beach, a 722 sfla/722 sfur, 2 bed/2 bath condo built in 1967 sold 01/15/21

by Ogg to Chiorello for $515,000; list $515,000.

2310 Gulf Drive N., unit 104, Bradenton Beach, Shell Cove, a 651 sfla/651 sfur, 2 bed/1 bath beachfront condo built in 1973 sold 01/07/21 by Conley to Ratschkowsky for $520,000; list $552,000.

2312 Gulf Drive N., unit 102, Bradenton Beach, Sunset Terrace, a 1,180 sfla/1,340 sfur, 2 bed/2 bath beachfront condo built in 1982 sold 01/15/21 by Hotline Group Limited to Capital District Realty LLC for $695,000; list $699,999.

912 N. Shore Drive, Anna Maria, a 1,332 sfla/1,644 sfur, 2 bed/1 bath home built in 1965 on a 3,700 sqft lot sold 01/06/21 by Clark to SPE #105 LLC for $700,000; list $799,000.

304 60th St., unit B, Holmes Beach, a 1,294 sfla, 3 bed/2 bath pool condo built in 2016 sold 01/11/21

by Oammon to Collado for $815,000; list $849,000.

313 58th St., unit A, Holmes Beach, a 1,474 sfla/2,332 sfur, 4 bed/3 bath pool home built in 2015 on a 4,500 sqft lot sold 12/31/20 by 9148-2471 Quebec Inc. to Teter for $967,500; list $995,000.

213 70th St., Holmes Beach, a 1,494 sfla/2,178 sfur, 3 bed/2 bath pool home built in 1959 on a 9,180

Business news

Planning new services? New in business? Celebrating achievements? Staff deserves kudos?

Submit to news@islander.org. Please, remember to include a contact number and name.

Chantelle Lewin

Broker Associate Licensed since 1983

PGA to highlight AMI in broadcast Turn up the spotlight.

Several locations around Anna Maria Island are on a list of hot spots provided by the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau to the NBC network.

NBC and its affiliate Golf Channel will broadcast the PGA World Golf Championships Tournament Feb. 25-28 from the Concession Golf Club, 7700 Lindrick Lane, Bradenton.

The Manatee County Tourist Development Council voted Feb. 1 to invest $250,000 of tourist tax proceeds to sponsor the tournament.

BACVB executive director Elliott Falcione said the investment would be matched by Visit Sarasota, Sarasota County’s counterpart to the BACVB. “It’ll bring the best PGA players in the world,” Falcione said in his presentation to members of the TDC at the meeting at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto.

The 72 players will be announced by PGA officials later this month.

The tournament, moved to Manatee County from Mexico due to the coronavirus pandemic, will be the first major PGA tournament in Manatee County, Falcione said.

In addition to bringing tourism to the area, the tournament will boost efforts to brand the county as a world-caliber sports location, he said.

The tournament will be broadcast in 120 countries to more than 800 million households.

Also, Falcione said he expects as many as two months of “marketplace media impressions for the Bradenton-Sarasota area,” and live shots from the sqft lot sold 01/15/21 by 213 70th LLC to Webb for $1,010,000; list $1,079,000.

811 Jacaranda Road, Anna Maria, a 2,864 sfla, 4 bed/3 bath/2-car pool home built in 1979 on a 5,001 sqft lot sold 01/08/21 by Belden to Jax In The Bean LLC for $1,130,000; list $1,199,000.

Johann Bertram, Realtor at Michael Saunders & Co., AMI office, can be reached at 941-779-3856.

The Islander 3218 E. Bay Drive, HB.

Chantelle

Winners!

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Responsive website, online booking, travel insurance, safe credit card processing, 24/7 inquiry responder and key-less check-in.

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island and other hot spots will be broadcast throughout the tournament.

The Concession is a private course designed by Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin in honor of their tiewin of the 1969 Ryder Cup after Nicklaus conceded a putt to Jacklin. Known in golfing lore as “the concession,” it is widely considered one of the greatest acts of sportsmanship.

The two World Golf Hall of Fame members and longtime friends shared the design collaboration — the only course in the world with both Nicklaus’ and Jacklin’s imprint — including 400-plus courses to Nicklaus’ credit and seven for Jacklin.

The club, owned by Bruce Cassidy Sr., opened in 2006.

Falcione said the area also will first host the American Cornhole Organization Majors in March at the convention center in Palmetto, followed by the ACO Worlds at the center in July.

Also, the Olympic trials for rowing will be held in late February at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota.

$2 @

When it comes to buying or selling your home, Please, CALL ME FIRST! LISTING INVENTORY IS LOW! Let my 30-plus years of experience work for you.

—

Tony Jacklin, left, and Jack Nicklaus address an audience and the media at an announcement in 2010 at The Concession. Islander File Photo: Bonner Joy

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Get in touch with us and check out our favorable conditions for renting and managing your rental.

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Markus Siegler Owner/Broker

Ranked top Realtor in customer satisfaction. 51 sales with $20M-plus sold 2020.

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Page 28 THE ISLANDER | islander.org feb. 10, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

I S L A N D E R C L A S S I F I E D S ITEMS FOR SALE

ITEMS FOR Sale continued

BOATS & BOATING

ALUMINUM GARAGE DOOR: Complete, six by five feet, complete. Excellent condition, $100. 941-778-3920.

SHIP’S WHEEL TABLE: Capt. J. Lindroth original masterpiece of inlaid wood and brass. 19-inches tall, 45-inch diameter. $1,500. Also, related pieces. marinateal@ gmail.com.

BIMINI BAY SAILING: Small sailboat rentals and instruction. Day. Week. Month. Sunfish, Laser, Windrider 17 and Precision 15. Call Brian at 941-685-1400.

MAYTAG GAS DRYER: $99, gas grill, $30, glass-top coffee table, $40. 941-356-1456.

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

FOR SALE: KNEE-scooter with basket, $50.

219-776-0325.

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)

SOFA AND LOVESEAT, $300. Quilted multicolor floral, excellent condition, no signs of wear. 704-472-7284.

CAR ROOF RACK: Easy install, black, $60, Christmas wreath with bow, $5, stainlesssteel pressure cooker, $20. 941-920-2494.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

NON-STICK PANS: Green, 8-10-12-inch, $30, concrete pavers all sizes, 75 cents. Keyboards, $10, mouse $5, USB cable, $5. 941920-2494.

Sandy’s Lawn Service Inc. ESTABLISHED IN 1983

Residential & Commercial Full-service lawn maintenance.

Landscaping ~ Cleanups Hauling ~ Tree Trimming.

LICENSED & INSURED

Paradise Improvements

941.792.5600

Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Specialist Replacement Doors and Windows

Andrew Chennault

FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED Island References Lic#CBC056755 CBC 1253471

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

References available • 941-720-7519

AdoptA-Pet

ROSER THRIFT SHOP yard sale: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Feb.13.

Lots of stuff, including clothes and jewelry.

Please wear mask, keep distance, follow rules. 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, across from Roser Chapel.

LOST & FOUND LOST: DIAMOND RING. Reward. If found, please, call 941-779-0654.

ANSWERS TO Feb. 10 PUZZLE

E L A N

C R A Y O N

S C R E E N W R I T E R S

S A L A L O L I F B T H A I A B E M A R

H I B A R A N U M I D S R I N G E U B S B A B Y T O N I H I S K A S U N C H N O N S P K E S U W H O P P E A S E A L A P S M I L K Y W A D A S E T O F A E S A V E R U J A Y S R L I N E U T E S G A S

WANTED: YOUR OLD cellphone for recycling. Deliver to The Islander, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

GARAGE SALES

Sponsored by

O R E L S E

THE CITY OF Anna Maria is accepting sealed bids for the following items beginning on Feb. 8, 2021: 1995 Bush Chipper. VIN: D00531. Located: city hall parking lot. The sealed bids must be submitted to the City Clerk no later than Feb. 18, 2021, to the following address: City of Anna Maria Attn: City Clerk, 10005 Gulf Drive, PO Box 779, Anna Maria, FL 34216. All sealed bids are due no later than Feb. 18, 2021, at 1 p.m. The award will go to the highest bidder. Any questions, please contact the Anna Maria city clerk at 941-705-6130.

FREE GUN LOCK courtesy of Project Childsafe, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Holmes Beach Police Department. Pick up at The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. Don’t be sorry, be safe.

Honey is 5 years old.

She is up to date with vaccinations, spayed and looking for a loving family.

To meet this sweetie, call Lisa Williams at 941-345-2441 or visit The Islander office in Holmes Beach.

For more about pet adoption or to adopt Honey, visit moonraceranimalrescue.com.

T A N K U P

NOTICE IS HEREBY given that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Brezza Marina Designs intends to register the said name with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, Tallahassee. Student Success Initiatives dba Brezza Marina Designs. 521 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, FL 34216.

A S P E R

W I S E D

C H O R U S

A N G R I L A Y C T S S P E M A A K O S

Y E P

C F S O T H S U E R E S N D L Y E A E S S P S C E A F S T A S C A A Y D P E E R S S I N L O

B R A I N

T A T E R R A R A

M A D L I B T I L E R B R A Y

M A P R G E

W M D I N C K U M R A E R K Y E A F O U R E D Y W A R T O T T S

PETS

O B E Y E R S

R A T T R A P

G M S

F A N T A S Y S E R I E S

C O Y E S T

K U R T

A L L E G E

C L O S E T

S P Y

HELP RESCUED PETS! Volunteer, foster, computer help needed! Moonracer Animal Rescue. Email: moonraceranimalrescue@ gmail.com.

TRANSPORTATION 2017 BUICK LACROSSE, 3.6L V6 engine, FWD, premium package with adaptive cruise control, automatic parking assist, pedestrian detection, Bose surround sound, 10,760 miles. Excellent condition. $24,000. 484467-0487.

GOLF CART: GEM. 5,500 miles, garage kept.

New battery, four-seater. $3,500. Holmes Beach. 727-481-1138.

JAMES@CORTEZ DIVING company. Local dockside service, 941-792-7595.

1993 26-FOOT BAYLINER deck boat. 2002 Mercury outboard Optimax motor. 225-hp, two Bimini tops, life jackets included. No trailer. $6,500 or best offer. 941-447-2198.

INTERESTED IN PURCHASING or leasing dock space on AMI. Text me at 248-8841156.

HELP WANTED MANAGEMENT LEADER POSITION needed for small business on Anna Maria Island.

Excellent customer relationship skills most important for job position. Knowledge of INTUIT software (QuickBooks) desired with experience in business computer competency expected. Email a resume listing your qualifications to include contact information to shelnron@tampabay.rr.com. Interviews will be scheduled via phone call.

BUBBLES LINENS IS hiring a bilingual secretary. 30-40 hours per week. Send resume bubbleslinensinc@gmail.com.

HOUSEKEEPER: PART-TIME at Haley’s Motel. Must have own transportation and speak English. Prior experience required.

Haley’s is a non-smoking property. 941-7785405.

AMI CAR WASH/detailer. Looking for experienced detailer willing to be available seven days as needed. 941-527-6266. Holmes Beach.

REPORTER WANTED: Full- to part-time.

Print media, newspaper experience required.

Apply via email with letter of interest to news@islander.org.

KIDS FOR HIRE KIDS FOR HIRE ads are FREE for up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work. Ads must be placed in person at The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

SERVICES NEED A RIDE to airports? Tampa $65, St. Pete, $55, Sarasota, $30. Gary, 863-4095875. gvoness80@gmail.com.

I DON’T CUT corners, I clean corners. Professional, friendly cleaning service since 1999. 941-779-6638. Leave message.

BICYCLE REPAIRS. JUST4FUN at 5358 Gulf Drive. Can do all types of bicycle repairs. Flat tires to new builds. We pick up and deliver.

Quick response and reasonably priced. 941896-7884.

BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS JD’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean.

941-920-3840.

BEACH SERVICE air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. Commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. Serving Manatee County and the Island since 1987. For dependable, honest and personalized service, call Bill Eller, 941-795-7411.

CAC184228.

feb. 10, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 29 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

I S L A N D E R C L A S S I F I E D S SERVICES continued

HOME IMPROVEMENT continued

RENTALS continued

RESIDENTIAL-BUSINESS CLEANING by Jessie. 10-plus years experience. Top-brand cleaning products. Honest, mature, trustworthy. References from long-term clients. I work alone so no “crew” in your home. I have bimonthly openings. Text or leave a message at 941-526-9900.

PRESTIGE SERVICES OF Sarasota: Custom interior and exterior painting, polyaspartic epoxy floor applications for garage, pool and more. Polished and decorative concrete, paver sealing and IPE hardwood refinishing.

Reliable, quality work, reasonable prices. ‘A’ rating on Angie’s List. Call Jeff, 941-3560444.

VACATION RENTAL: 2BR/1BA, steps to Gulf beaches. Heated pool, fishing pier. 90-day rental, $3,000/month. Real Estate Mart, 941356-1456.

SOUTHWEST HOME IMPROVEMENT: Michigan builder, quality work guaranteed. Affordable, timely, within budget. Call Mike, cell, 1-616-204-8822, home, 941-896-5770.

HOLMES BEACH: 2BR/2BA Sweet condo.

Available May only. Gorgeous bay views, quiet. FloridaRentalbyOwners.com. #1106.

207-944-6097.

CONNIE’S LANDSCAPING INC. Residential and commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-778-5294.

LARRY’S BACK! SHELL delivered and spread. $55/yard. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, topsoil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, “shell phone” 941-7200770.

SEARAY SPRINKLER SERVICES. Repairs, additions, drip, sprinkler head/timer adjustments. Office, 941-518-6326. Cell, 720-2991661.

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.

GRIFFIN’S HOME IMPROVEMENTS Inc. Handyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. Insured and licensed. 941-722-8792.

BLINDS, SHUTTERS, SHADES: Motorization. 30 years on AMI. Call 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.

HANDYMAN AND PAINTING. No job too small. Most jobs just right. Call Richard Kloss. 941-204-1162.

REAL ESTATE 40-YEAR PAINTER from Kentucky. Hourly rate guaranteed savings over contractor price. Neat, dependable, equipped, insured. Highly productive. A+ rated by Better Business Bureau for 40 years. 502817-6786. aapressurewash.com.

RENTALS SEASONAL RENTAL: 2BR/2BA, Ground floor, three-month minimum, large, heated pool, laundry facilities. No pets. 941-3631227.

COZY COTTAGE: SANDPIPER Resort.

55-plus. 1.5-minute walk to beach or bay, near pool. 1BR/1BA, washer/dryer. For sale or rent. Call 941-251-4767, leave message.

MARCH/APRIL AVAILABLE 2BR. Waterfront townhouse across from Robinson Preserve, heated pool, Internet, no pets. $3,250/month.

Call 941-798-3842.

SEASONAL: 2BR ISLAND condo, Gulf view, beach, pool, fishing, laundry, Three-month minimum, No pets. $3,000/month. 941-7207519. 941-798-3842.

ANNA MARIA GULF beachfront vacation rentals. One- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941778-3143.

GULF AND BAY views with minute walk to beach. 2BR/1.5BA, minimum three-month lease. No smoking, no pets. $3,000 per month. Photos available. Cooper.michelle@ gmail.com. 941-225-1446, 941-960-8848.

You can read it all online at www.islander.org

CLASSIFIED AD ORDER rg ____________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ander.o___________ e at n i l n o ds

ww.isl

w

____________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________

da

ifie s s a l c lace

____________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________

P

____________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ CLASSIFIED RATES: Minimum $12 for up to 15 WORDS. 16-30 words: $20. 31-45 words: $40.

BOX ad: additional $4. (Phone number is a "word.")

The deadline is NOON Monday every week for Wednesday’s paper.

Run issue date(s) _________

_________

_________

FOR SALE BY owner: 4BR/3.5BA, pool, Holmes Beach, west of Gulf Drive. 1.5 blocks from beach. $1,398,000. 724-263-6390.

MY BUYERS AND sellers have money. Call me direct for your real estate needs. Fred T. Flis. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

FOR SALE: FIRST floor, just beautifully renovated, three-bedroom condo, lush Westbay Point & Moorings. Turnkey, tastefully furnished and decorated. $520,000. 6500 Flotilla Drive #171, Holmes Beach. See in Zillow. Kenschmidt12@gmail.com.

$YDLODEOH $We 3218 E. BAY DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH 941.778.7978 • WWW.ISLANDER.ORG

Landscape Design Lawn Care Cleanups Stone Paths Licensed and Insured

HURRICANE

Windows & Doors 941-730-5045 WEATHERSIDE LLC

LIC#CBC1253145

LAWN & GARDEN

HOLMES BEACH ANNUAL: Nice unfurnished, elevated 2BR/2BA. Garage, lanai, quiet area. $1,800/month, yearly. 970-3311042.

Bed: A bargain!

King, Queen, Full & Twin, pre-owned from $30 new/used.

941-922-5271 www.sleepking.net

AMI TAXI

professional, metered, on-call, gps, cards accepted www.amitaxi.com • amitaxi4u@gmail.com holmes beach, bradenton beach, anna maria

941-447-8372 airports • shops • dining

IMPROVE YOUR CURB APPEAL! Horticultural Design Services | Landscape Construction Landscape Maintenance | Irrigation Installation & Repair Brick & Stone Pavers | Walls, Gates, Fences | Tree Trimming Low Volt Outdoor Lighting Repair & Installation

_________ or TFN start date: ______________

Amt. pd _________________ Date _____________ Ck. No.� _________ Cash � _______ By _________

d � u No.

_____________________________________________________

Name shown on card: ____________________________________________card exp. date ______ / ______ House no. or P.O. box no. on cc bill ________________________Billing address zip code ________________ Your e-mail for renewal reminder: ____________________________________________________________

Web site: www.islander.org 3218 E. Bay Drive Holmes Beach FL 34217

E-mail: classifieds@islander.org Fax toll free: 1-866-362-9821 Phone: 941-778-7978

FOR MORE INFO 941.704.9025 ShadyLadyFL.com OUR BEST PRACTICES PROMISE IS APPLIED TO RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE.

317924

Credit card payment: �

Page 30 THE ISLANDER | islander.org feb. 10, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Manatee tourism rallies, tax revenue continues to rise

By Amy V.T. Moriarty Islander Reporter

Tourism is back on track.

Traveler origins and continued tax revenue increases point to economic recovery, but travel industry research experts say the season ahead is shrouded in mystery.

Representing the 5% tax charged on rentals of six months or less collected by the government in December 2020 and reported Feb. 1 by the Manatee County Tax Collector, the month’s revenue totaled $1,411,742, a 3.65% improvement over December 2019’s $1,362,039.

After months of in-state travelers accounting for the majority of stays on the island, Anne Wittine of Research Data Services Inc., pointed to a near even percentage of visitors from out-of-state in December as a sign of economic recovery.

In-state travelers accounted for 51% of visitors in December, while those from out-of-state accounted for 49%.

For several months after initial “safer-at-home” orders in Florida and other states were lifted, Wittine’s research indicated visitors were eager to plan vacations but many became hesitant to carry out their plans as the pandemic continued.

To promote economic recovery, the state’s tourism marketing company, Visit Florida, targeted Floridians with ad campaigns.

Now, for the first time since March, Wittine’s research shows an influx of travelers from out-of-state on the island and nearby.

Wittine presented her research Feb. 1 at the Manatee County Tourist Development Council meeting at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto.

But, Wittine said, because of shorter-than-traditional reservation windows, no one can put a finger on how the winter-spring season will go.

Many people are booking short-term stays within

Islander Graphic

AMI Tourism: Endless Season

December tourist tax revenues December 2014: $847,703 December 2015: $967,909 December 2016: $1,036,775 December 2017: $1,139,445 December 2018: $1,177,172 December 2019: $1,362,039 December 2020: $1,411,742 Source: Manatee County Tax Collector

seven days of travel, according to Wittine.

But more are beginning to book 8-15 days in advance of travel, pointing to lengthening reservation windows, she added.

Compared to the more than 30-day advanced bookings typical for island accommodations, those windows are still fairly narrow, Wittine said, leaving short-term vacation operators scratching their heads as they look to what is traditionally the busiest time of year.

Wittine also pointed to a blip in traveler confidence in December, when her survey identified “a huge decrease” in people “green-light ready” to book travel.

Those numbers rebounded in January, she said.

A concern identified by several people surveyed, who Wittine said assume everything is closed, as may be the case in another state or country where they live.

A “safer-at-home” order enacted in Florida in March 2020 to help control spread of the novel coronavirus resulted in a steep decline in travel, tax revenue and tourism businesses — including vacation

rentals.

Beginning in May and through the summer, Gov. Ron DeSantis eased and then lifted all state restrictions to encourage a return to business.

Using social media and other means of advertising to show travelers from out of state that Florida is open for business is a key factor in economic recovery, Wittine said.

Of the $682,458 collected by the island’s three cities in December, the Manatee County Tax Collector’s report shows $397,913, or 28.18%, was collected in Holmes Beach.

Anna Maria accommodations generated $196,332, or 13.91%, and the $88,213 collected from Bradenton Beach was 6.25% of the total.

Some more numbers for December: • Unincorporated Manatee County, $499,195, 35.36%; • Bradenton, $117,603, 8.33%; • Longboat Key, $107,445, 7.61%; • Palmetto, $5,131, 0.36%.

December yielded a net collection of $1,369,477 after the state’s 3% commission.

The January numbers will be released in early March and both February and March’s numbers will be discussed at the next TDC meeting, set for 9 a.m.

Monday, April 19, at the convention center in Palmetto.

About the TDC

The TDC makes recommendations to the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners regarding the operation of projects in the tourist development plan and how tourist development tax revenue may be spent.

The council includes Manatee County Commissioner Misty Servia as chair, Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown, Palmetto Mayor Shirley Groover Bryant, Vernon DeSear, Ed Chiles, Eric Cairns, Jack Rynerson, Jiten Patel and Rahul Patel.

WATERLINE VILLAS & MARINA OWN A PIECE OF PARADISE BUILT BY MAINSAIL LODGING & DEVELOPMENT, WATERLINE HAS DISTINGUISHED ITSELF AS A PREMIER DESTINATION ON FLORIDA’S WEST COAST AND OFFERS THE BENEFITS OF RESORT AMENITIES. SPECTACULAR SERVICE AND A TIMELESS, CLASSIC DESIGN. THIS MEANS YOU CAN EXPERIENCE THE DREAM OF OWNING A HOME ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND WITHOUT THE WORRY ASSOCIATED WITH MANAGEMENT, MAINTENANCE AND UPKEEP.

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5325 MARINA DRIVE. HOLMES BEACH, FL 34217

WATERLINERESORT.COM/ REAL-ESTATE/

RELEASE DATE: 2/7/2021

New York Times Sunday Magazine Crossword

feb. 10, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 31 No. 0131 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

SUGAR, SUGAR

1

BY LUCY HOWARD AND ROSS TRUDEAU / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ

51 ‘‘____ Brockovich’’ 1 Onetime Sony rival 52 Quick drive 8 Off-color 53 Elusive legend 12 Maker of the X6 and 54 Business for Sanders Z4 supporters?

15 Doctors Without 57 Holiday dish served Borders, e.g.: Abbr. with sour cream or applesauce 18 Deep secret 19 ‘‘____ Dead?’’ (Mark 60 Links grp.

Twain play) 62 Hard to handle, in a way 20 Quickly learn one’s lesson?

64 Hunky-dory 21 Startling sound 66 Response to an order 22 Bookworms call dad? 67 Burger King 24 South Beach and bingefest?

Paleo, for two 71 Alma mater for Spike 26 Swiss painter Paul Lee and Donald Glover, for short 27 Company whose business is picking 72 Logical connector up?

73 With the greatest of 28 Seedy area? ____ 29 Big Apple media inits. 74 ____ golf 30 Depletes, with ‘‘up’’ 75 Sloped-roof support 31 A young Justice 77 Govt. org. with a Ginsburg chuckles? forerunner known as the Black Chamber 36 Signature item 37 Singer Watson, a.k.a. 79 Race units Tones and I, with 81 Dinner-table the 2019 hit ‘‘Dance expander Monkey’’ 83 Hops-drying oven 38 Apt name for a lawyer 84 Supernova in our 39 False accusation, galaxy? informally 90 Follower of word or 40 Fancy Feast potato alternative 93 ‘‘Gimme ____’’ 43 One ‘‘R’’ in R&R 94 ____-cat 46 Hoarse 95 Numerous 47 Do core exercises all 97 Symbols in Twitter day, every day? handles Online subscriptions: Today’s 99 Like ____ of sunshine puzzle and more 100 Anatomical pouch Answers: than 4,000 past puzzles, 103 When E.M.T.s bring nytimes.com/crosswords page 28 ($39.95 a year). home the bacon?

108 ‘‘I mean . . . ’’ 109 A/C spec 110 Members of the crow family 111 Heavier alternative to a foil 112 Guthrie who performed at Woodstock 113 Cutting edge?

115 Some astronomy Ph.D.s?

119 Longtime Japanese P.M. who stepped down in 2020 120 ‘‘Runnin’ ’’ team of N.C.A.A. Division I college basketball 121 Comparable (to) 122 Disciple 123 Tarnish 124 Really good time 125 Capital near the North Sea 126 Prepares (for) DOWN

1 Prepare for a road trip, perhaps 2 End of a threat 3 Nora Ephron and Sofia Coppola, for two 4 The land down under?

5 Walk-____ 6 Prickly covering of a seed 7 ‘‘____ the only one?’’

8 Beatles title woman 9 ‘‘____ your request . . . ’’ 10 Feature of a classical Greek drama 11 ‘‘You betcha!’’

3

4

5

6

7

8

18

Lucy Howard, of Austin, Tex., teaches therapeutic yoga and does internet marketing. She made her first puzzle as an icebreaker for her wedding last year. Ross Trudeau, of Cambridge, Mass., works for a K-12 education nonprofit. They met online last summer.

Ross says, “We quickly bonded over our mutual love of crosswords and rock climbing.” They spent many hours together on Zoom making this puzzle. This is Ross’s 37th puzzle for The Times. It is Lucy’s debut. — W.S.

AC RO SS

2

12 ‘‘The ____ — is wider than the Sky’’ (start of an Emily Dickinson poem) 13 Bit of fill-in-the-blanks fun 14 Subject of intl. treaties 15 Compliant sorts 16 Squalid digs 17 Sports team V.I.P.s 20 Corporate money managers, for short 23 Ancient Egyptians 25 Result of a breast pocket mishap, maybe 28 Ally of the Brat Pack 31 Common baking pear 32 Sacred cross in ancient Egypt 33 Chance to go 34 Preserve, in a way 35 Only Stratego piece with a letter on it 37 Sardine container 41 Studmuffin 42 Absorb, as sauce with bread 44 Give extra consideration, with ‘‘on’’ 45 Idaho, e.g., in dialect 47 Color marker 48 Got hip, with ‘‘up’’ 49 How a door might be slammed 50 Subcontractor in a bathroom remodel 51 Gusto 55 One may be nominated for a Hugo Award 56 Least forward

10

11

12

19

22 26

36

47

58

66

67

72

73 77

78 84

91

59

61

62

63

81 86

87

97 104

83

98

89

105

99 106

110

100

107

111

102

112

114

115

116

119

120

121

122

123

124

125

126

76 Eponym of the Detroit Lions field 78 Any Olympian, once 80 Drops an f-bomb, say 82 False fronts 85 Promises, promises!

86 Takes steps 87 ____ avis 88 Coarse farm sound 89 Dangerous move on a busy highway 90 ‘‘Blueberries for ____’’ (kid-lit classic)

101

108

113

58 Palindromic farm animal 59 ‘‘We ____ Overcome’’ 61 Stubborn sorts 63 It helps in passing 65 Rocker Cobain 68 Japan’s street food mecca 69 Diarist who documented the Great Plague of London 70 Gets lost

88

94

96

103

65

76

82

93

56

71 75

80

55 64

70

85

109

54

74

92

46 50

69

79

95

45

53 60

68

44

49

52

57

35

39 43

48

51

17

29 34

38 42

16

25

33

41

15 21

28

32

37 40

14

24

27 31

13

20

23

30

90

9

117

118

91 Legendary password stealer

106 When high school seniors often visit the colleges that 92 Higher, as ambitions accepted them 96 Build-your-own Tex- 107 Like binary questions Mex dish 108 Volt-amperes 98 Does a dog trick 113 Attention hog, maybe 101 Declare 114 Galoot 102 Where hangers hang 115 Portrait seen on 104 They go wherever renminbi bills the wind blows 116 Car-sticker fig.

105 They can be batted 117 ‘‘Roses ____ red . . . ’’ 118 Nonsense and rolled

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