The Islander Newspaper E-Edition Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020

#AMitogether

VOLUME 28, NO. 47

SEPT. 16, 2020 fRee

the Best news on anna maria island Since 1992 Astheworldterns watch as taxes rise. 6 grocer snubs face mask mandate. 4

Wildlife Inc. stars on A&E’s ‘Live Rescue’ By ryan Paice islander reporter

island cities act on spending plans. 4-5

Vote 2020. 4 Meetings. 4 Opinions. 6 10-20 YEARS AGO

Looking back. 7

cortez megabridge challengers offer settlement. 8 Bars oK to open. 8 HB planners reorganize.

9

Happenings announcements.

10

AmE NEWS

ame adapts. 11

renourishing Bradenton Beach’s beach. 12

Streetlife. 12 fire district increases assessments. 13 mapping ami. 14-15 center underwater. 16

get in the game. 17

Gathering.

18

HB approves grant. 19 Hatching slows. 20

flocks in the forecast.

21 Youth soccer kicks off.

22 Wait out rainstorms for rewards. 23 CLASSIFIEDS. 24

NYT puzzle.

islander.org

ed Straight of Wildlife inc. caresses a fawn Sept. 9.

A Bradenton Beach wildlife rescue center has cooed, hooted and bleated its way onto your TV. Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center Inc., 2207 Ave. B, and cofounders Ed and Gail Straight appeared on A&E’s “Live Rescue” Aug. 21 and Aug. 22 and they may return to the TV screen.

“Live Rescue” follows first responders, including firefighters, EMTs and wildlife rescuers.

About 653,000 people viewed the Aug. 21 episode and 590,000 viewed the Aug. 22 show, according to Showbuzz Daily.

Ed Straight told The Islander Sept. 9 that the show’s producers visited Wildlife Inc. in early August to film the operation.

“This just happens to be one of the slowest times of the year, so they didn’t get a whole lot,” Straight said. “There wasn’t a lot of drama. So we basically just gave an introduction of the place.”

“Most likely, we’ll be on again when it gets busy,” he continued.

Wildlife Inc. is a nonprofit rescue and rehabilitation facility that is housed in the Straight’s Bradenton Beach home. They were sheltering four tortoises, two coyotes, a handful of fawns, two parrots, a white pelican and several owls, as well as numerous baby squirrels and raccoons, the week of Sept. 7.

Straight estimates the facility cares for about 3,000 rescued PLeaSe, See Wildlife, Page 2

Holmes Beach extends mask mandate to 2021 By chrisann allen islander reporter

Holmes Beach wants people to mask up against the novel coronavirus through the end of 2020.

At a Sept. 10 meeting, commissioners unanimously approved an emergency ordinance extending the city’s face covering mandate until the first regular meeting in 2021, which is at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 12, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

The commission can vote at any time to repeal the order before that date.

Holmes Beach approved an emergency order June 25 mandating face coverings when social distancing cannot be maintained, with exceptions.

Mayor Judy Titsworth signed an executive order Sept. 8 extending the emergency ordinance until Sept. 15.

She said Sept. 10 that she could keep extending the order weekly until the commission is comfortable with the decline in COVID-19 cases. Another option would be for commissioners to approve an emergency ordinance to expire on a date certain.

Commission Chair Jim Kihm, who placed the matter on the agenda, said he favored the emergency ordinance.

“If we do it, we can set it up longer term,” Kihm said. “If coronavirus, by some miracle, goes away, we could always cancel it.”

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gloria creighton, helps customer Jim Stephenson of altamonte Springs Sept.

11 at Home true Value Hardware in the island Shopping center at 5324 marina drive, Holmes Beach. islander Photo: chrisann allen

City attorney Patricia Petruff said she wrote the ordinance with the intent that it be extended 90 days to be close to the end of the year.

Kihm asked for a motion for an emergency ordinance to extend the face covering requirement through Dec. 31.

Commissioner Terry Schaefer suggested the ordinance expire at the first meeting in January 2021, so there is no lapse between the end of the year and the first meeting.

Petruff agreed with Schaefer’s recommendation.

Kihm asked Police Chief Bill Tokajer to weigh in on any enforcement issues and Tokajer said there was one incident where

a person was trespassed from a business for refusing to wear a mask, but no other problems.

“Everybody is doing the right thing and telling people when they go into businesses to mask up,” he said.

The motion to approve the emergency ordinance extending the face covering mandate, expiring Jan. 12, 2021, passed unanimously.

“I think this is a practical approach that takes the onus off the mayor,” Schaefer said.

“If the coast is clear, and lets all hope that is maybe a remote possibility, we can rescind this prior to it’s expiration, if we’re so fortunate.”

Page 2 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Sept. 16, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Screech owls form a lineup Sept. 9 on a perch in their enclosure at Wildlife Inc., where some of the owls reside year-round.

A trio of tortoises walk around their fenced enclosure Sept. 9 in the front yard of Wildlife Inc. at the Bradenton Beach home of Ed and Gail Straight.

Islander Photos: Ryan Paice

Wildlife continued from page 1

animals every year.

Some permanent residents, such as Athena the half-blind great horned owl, attend events to educate people about the animals and to raise awareness.

Straight said Wildlife Inc. signed a one-year deal to appear on “Live Rescue” with the option to extend the contract for a second year. He did not disclose how much the rescue was paid for its appearance.

However, he said Wildlife Inc. stands to benefit most from the show by attracting financial contributions from outside the local community.

Wildlife Inc. is hoping to expand its operation to a larger facility on the mainland.

Straight said the couple has received fan mail from a few viewers.

“It’s really exciting,” Straight said. “It’s a great experience, and my grandson said it was awesome to see us on TV.” Straight isn’t the only one excited by the TV opportunity.

“You are amazing,” New Zealand resident Amanda Goodman commented on a Wildlife Inc. Facebook post announcing the Aug. 21 and Aug. 22 showings. “Thank

A nursery of baby raccoons peer Sept. 9 at the smartphone camera.

you for helping all the animals.”

Sara Eifrid Glaze of Haines City wrote, “Very cool.

My boyfriend thinks the parrot is his spirit animal.”

People can watch “Live Rescue” on A&E 9-11 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays.

People can support Wildlife Inc. by donating directly to the rescue at 2207 Ave. B, Bradenton Beach FL 34217, or with a call to 941-778-6324.

Permanent residents Morgan and Julio, a pair of parrots, relax Sept. 9 in their cage at Wildlife Inc. in Bradenton Beach.

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Sept. 16, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 3 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Island ‘Super Market’ allegedly skirts face mask mandate

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Holmes Beach’s Publix may not be doing its part to uphold the city face mask mandate.

According to two Publix Super Market employees who requested anonymity out of fear of retribution from their employer, corporate policy prohibits staff from removing or reporting individuals who refuse to wear face masks.

“We can’t kick anyone out,” one employee said.

“We can offer a mask, but that’s it.”

The other employee said workers were told not to report people who refuse to wear masks unless they cause a disturbance for other shoppers.

The Islander publisher, Bonner Joy, pointed out two unmasked shoppers at the Beachway Publix, 7310 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

“The manager had just provided a mask to another customer when we spoke and I was told the policy is to advise customers of the rules and offer a mask, but no enforcement of the county mask mandate would be carried out at the store — according to corporate directions,” Joy said. “I found it ironic for a clerk at the entrance to clean carts while people pass through the doors into the store with no mask, putting everyone in the store at risk of possible exposure to COVID-19.”

“I wrote to customer service the same day but, as of Sept. 11, I have no reply,” Joy continued. “I won’t be going back to Publix.”

To slow the spread of the coronavirus, the county and Holmes Beach mandates require people wear masks within businesses — with few exceptions — and places the onus on the businesses.

Establishments that fail to enforce the mandate in Holmes Beach can receive a verbal warning for a first offense, a $250 fine for a second offense and $500 fines for any subsequent offenses.

To date, the city has not issued any businesses citations for offenses or collected any fines.

Publix media relations contact Maria Brous did

People approach Publix Super Market, 3900 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, where enforcement of the city face mask mandate has come into question.

Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

not confirm nor deny the allegations about corporate directives in a Sept.

8 email to The Islander.

“If a customer does not have a mask Smith with them, we will gladly offer them one to wear while shopping in our stores,” Brous wrote. “Our management teams are handling situations as they arise, so I cannot give you a more in-depth perspective.”

“We recognize that there will be exceptions to our mask policy due to age and medical restrictions, and we will handle these on a case-by-case basis,” Brous added in a Sept. 11 email.

Brous did not respond to The Islander’s question asking if an individual not exempt from the mandate but refusing to wear a mask would be removed from a store or reported to local authorities.

Holmes Beach manager Chris Smith declined to comment Sept. 11.

Also, Smith and Brous both denied permission to The Islander to take photographs on Publix property.

“Unfortunately, since the start of the pandemic, to be fair and consistent with all our media partners,

we have not allowed videography/photography in our stores,” Brous wrote.

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said the HBPD wouldn’t act on the allegations until it received a complaint from an individual about mask enforcement.

“If Publix has their own rules that violate the city’s rules, we would handle that on a case-by-case basis should we find that’s the truth,” Tokajer said. “But that’s not something we’d go and discuss with Publix unless this is a problem brought to our attention.”

“My officers can’t be at every business at once,” the chief said. “There are a lot of things going on in the city that require police attention.”

He suggested the police department has had a good relationship with the store’s management team, which he said may handle things differently from the corporate directive.

“We’ve never had a problem that we have discussed with our Publix local management team that they have not addressed immediately,” Tokajer said.

“Their corporate rules and local rules are between Publix and the local management team.”

budget talks

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Anna Maria lowers spending but hikes taxes By ryan Paice islander reporter

Anna Maria is a meeting and a vote away from cementing a budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year.

The second hearing and final reading for the budget and millage ordinances will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive N. And while the total budget amount is lower for the coming year, it still packs a tax hike for property owners.

City commissioners Sept. 10 held a first reading and public hearing for an ordinance establishing a proposed $9,070,607 budget and 2.0500 millage rate, ultimately voting 4-0 on a pair of motions to tentatively approve the figures.

The seat of Commissioner Amy Tripp, who resigned in August to move to North Carolina, remained empty.

The proposed budget would be $1,716,069 less than the current budget, which is inflated with funding for the new Anna Maria City Pier.

With the pier built, the city’s proposed budget for capital outlay projects plummeted from $1,879,989 in the 2019-20 budget to $295,000 for 2020-21.

Salaries and administrative costs take up the largest slice of the city’s projected costs at $1,767,508.

The second- and third-most expensive categories in the proposed budget are public works at $1,288,072 and stormwater improvements with $1,280,847.

The proposed budget for stormwater improvements would mark a $393,477 increase over the budget adopted for the same expenses this year. The increase is largely due to plans to install vertical infiltration trenches in rights of way along Pine Avenue, South Bay Boulevard, Crescent Drive, Magnolia Avenue and Gladiolus Street.

Overall, the proposed budget includes $6,855,788 in expenses and $2,214,819 for reserves.

The largest source of revenue is ad valorem taxes which, at the proposed 2.0500 millage rate, are projected to earn the city $2,607,740.

The proposed millage rate would amount to a tax increase for property owners since the city’s taxable property went from $1,200,147,787 in 2019 to $1,272,068,427 in 2020.

Millage is $1 per $1,000 of assessed property value, so the owner of a $500,000 property would pay $1,025 in ad valorem tax at the proposed 2.0500 millage rate.

At the rollback rate of 1.9599 mills, the rate needed to produce the same revenue as the current year, a $500,000 property would cost its owner $979.95 in ad valorem tax. The rollback rate would produce $2,573,394 in ad valorem revenue — $34,346 less than the proposed rate.

The second-highest source of projected revenue is $1,280,847 for stormwater fees, grants and permits.

The figure is bolstered by a $750,000 grant from the Southwest Florida Water Management District for drainage improvements.

Other notable revenue sources for 2020-21 include $1,182,500 from city licensing, permits and fees, as well as $665,568 in intergovernmental revenues like gas taxes.

There was no public comment.

Anna Maria by the numbers

2020-21 expenses: $9,070,607.

2019-20 budget: $7,859,405.

22019 property value: $1,200,147,787.

2020 property value: $1,272,068,427.

Final budget hearing: 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24.

Holmes Beach by the numbers

Proposed 2020-21 budget: $16,636,011.

2019-20 budget: $17,879,270.

2019 property value: $2,087,301,969.

2020 property value: $2,183,183,526.

Final budget hearing: 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22.

HB tightens belt but increases spending, taxes By chrisann allen islander reporter

Things are looking up for Holmes Beach.

In spite of projected shortfalls due to the economic effects of the novel coronavirus, the city increased taxes for property owners and found the revenue for 2020-21.

Commissioners unanimously voted Sept. 10 during a teleconferenced budget meeting to ratify the 202021 budget, including an ordinance levying ad valorem taxes and adopting the first reading of the budget for the next fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1.

In July, Mayor Judy Titsworth proposed a maximum millage rate of 2.53 mills for the 2020-21 fiscal year, compared with 2.25 in 2019-20.

The increased rate served as a placeholder while the city waited on more precise revenue estimates, according to city treasurer Lori Hill.

Once the city determined its income and cut some expenses, including a winning judgment on several Bert Harris lawsuits for which an additional $250,000 would have been allocated, the mayor and treasurer determined the millage rate would be 2.25 for 202021.

It amounts to a tax increase and a 4.61% increase over the rollback rate of 2.1641 mills.

The rollback rate is the millage required to collect the same ad valorem revenue as the previous year.

State law defines a tax increase as anything over the rollback rate.

Millage is $1 per $1,000 of assessed property value. At 2.25 mills, the ad valorem tax on a property valued at $500,000 would be $1,125. At 2.1641 mills, the property tax would be $1,082.05.

Other sources of city revenue include the Southwest Florida Water Management District, the West Coast Inland Navigation District and the half-cent discretionary tax.

In late July, Hill said the mayor trimmed about $140,000 since the budget talks began July 7.

At the Sept. 10 meeting, Hill explained additional changes to commissioners since their previous budget meeting, including: • Gas tax revenue increased by $5,000 over projected; • Sales tax revenue projection increased by $50,000; • State revenue sharing was up $45,000; • Communication service tax estimates decreased by $15,000; • Electric franchise fees were $35,000 less than anticipated; • Federal Emergency Management Agency grant funding for stormwater improvements increased by $100,000; • Fifth-cent tax was $13,000, which was higher than projected; • Half-cent discretionary tax was $75,000, also higher than projected.

Hill said about expenditures, “In the eight years I have been here, this is the lowest year-over-year expenses we have had.”

She said, by tightening the budget, the city was able to set the millage rate and maintain 24.69% in unrestricted reserves, totaling $2,741,513 as recommended by auditors.

Following Hill’s presentation, city commissioners commended her work on the budget and there were no questions or public comment.

“I think they worked really hard to try to not raise the millage rate,” Commissioner Kim Rash said of Titsworth and Hill. “They knew that was the right thing to do for our city.”

Commissioner Terry Schaefer agreed.

“I have no questions. And in my mind that is attributable to the great one-on-one sessions we’ve all had with the mayor and treasurer to answer our questions,” he said. “I feel very good about the outcome. I think it is a very fair budget.”

The final public hearing and vote on the budget ordinances will be at the 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, commission meeting at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

Holmes Beach seeks volunteer board members

Holmes Beach is looking for volunteers.

The Holmes Beach Planning Commission has a volunteer position open for a three-year term.

The planning commission meets the first Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m.

Planning commissioners review and make recommendations to the city commission on proposed land development regulations and land development codes or amendments, as well as the comprehensive plan.

The planning commission is working with LaRue Planning of Fort Myers, the firm hired by the city to help update the plan.

Additionally, the parks and beautification committee has two volunteer spots open, each for two-year terms.

The committee meets the first Wednesday of each month, October-May at 10 a.m.

To apply for either committee, residents can contact the city clerk’s office at 941-708-5800, ext.

221, or email an application request to deputyclerk@holmesbeachfl.org.

Applications must be submitted by Sept. 30.

— chrisann allen

Vote

2020

1st mail ballots out Sept. 18

The Manatee County Supervisor of Elections office was preparing this week to mail the first ballots for the Nov. 3 general election.

The office planned to mail overseas ballots Sept.

18, followed by domestic ballots Sept. 28.

Other dates on the general election calendar: • Voter registration for the Nov. 3 election closes Oct. 5.

• Early in-person voting begins Oct. 19 and ends Nov. 1.

• Polls on election day will open 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

For more information, go online to votemanatee. com or call the elections office at 941-741-3823.

Please, send notices and listings for Vote Notes to news@islander.org.

— Lisa neff

Meetings

Anna Maria City Sept. 21, 2 p.m., planning and zoning.

Sept. 24, 6 p.m., city commission (budget).

Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941-7086130, cityofannamaria.com.

Bradenton Beach Sept. 16, 1 p.m., planning. CANCELED Sept. 17, noon, city commission.

Sept. 22, 9:15 a.m., city commission.

Sept. 29, 9:15 a.m., city commission.

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

Holmes Beach Sept. 16, 10 a.m., code compliance.

Sept. 22, 6 p.m., city commission (budget).

Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org.

West Manatee Fire Rescue None announced.

WMFR administration building, 6510 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-761-1555, wmfr.org.

Manatee County Sept. 21, 6 p.m., commission (budget).

Sept. 29, 9 a.m., commission.

Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org.

Of interest Sept. 21, Sarasota-Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization Board, 9:30 a.m., Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto.

Sept. 23, 2 p.m., Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials, Anna Maria City Hall.

— Lisa neff

Send listings to calendar@islander.org.

SePt. 16, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 5 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Bradenton Beach, CRA adopt 2020-21 spending plans By ryan Paice islander reporter

Bradenton Beach has a budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

And city property owners face a tax increase.

City commissioners voted 4-0 Sept. 10 to adopt a $8,326,959 budget and 2.3329 millage rate for the 2020-21 fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1.

Commissioner Jan Vosburgh was absent with excuse.

The new spending plan is $2,811,698 higher than the current year’s budget, largely due to $4.62 million of state-funded improvement projects, including more underground utilities added to Gulf Drive and improvements to stormwater drainage.

While the city’s spending will increase, revenues are planned to rise to the challenge.

The city projects $8,392,828 in revenue over the next fiscal year, resulting in a $65,869 surplus.

The city’s taxable property value increased from $650,221,930 in 2019 to $691,333,870 in 2020.

Millage is $1 per $1,000 of assessed property value, so the owner of a $500,000 property would pay $1,166.45 in ad valorem tax at 2.3329 mills. The proposed rate is set to earn the city $1,612,812.78.

About the BB CRA

The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency funds capital improvement projects to promote restoration, growth and tourism for the district, which is bordered by Cortez Road, Sarasota Bay, Fifth Street South and the Gulf of Mexico.

The CRA funds the projects with incremental tax revenue collected by Manatee County since 1992, when the area was declared blighted.

The agency includes the mayor, city commissioners and two appointed members, restaurateur Ed Chiles and resident David Bell.

budget talks

The CRA plans call for $1,255,959 in revenue, including $417,970 from the incremental tax collected

by Manatee County, $500,000 in state appropriations for seagrass mitigation and $228,000 granted from the West Coast Inland Navigation District. With around At the rollback rate of 2.2112 mills, the rate needed $1,400,000 set to carry over, the CRA budget tops out to produce the same revenue as the current year, a at $2,655,959 in 2020-21. $500,000 property cost the owner $1,105.60 and result in $1,528,677.45 total ad valorem income for the city. Bradenton Beach by the numbers The city also budgeted $45,241 for the Tingley 2020-21 city budget: $8,326,959.

2019-20 city budget: $5,515,261.

Memorial Library for next year.

Around $406,190 remained in the library bequeath 2020-21 CRA budget: $2,535,197. as of Sept. 8, according to city treasurer Shayne 2019-20 CRA budget: $2,666,019.

2019 assessed property value: $650,221,930.

Thompson.

2020 assessed property value: $691,333,870.

CRA budget A budget also was set for the community redevelopment agency.

CRA members voted 5-0 Sept. 10 to adopt a $2,535,197 budget headlined by a $2,223,500 slate of Eyes on the road capital projects.

CRA members Ed Chiles and Vosburgh were The Florida Department of Transportation and absent with excuse.

Manatee County posted the following: The agency’s spending plan, which is $130,822 • Multiple locations in Bradenton Beach: A county less than this year, includes $675,000 for seagrass pipeline replacement project continues. Impacted areas mitigation and dredging in Sarasota Bay, $400,000 to include Gulf Drive, Bay Drive South, Church Avenue bury utilities along district roadways and $300,000 for and Cortez Road. Expect construction in rights of way finger docks to expand capacity at the Historic Bridge and increased truck traffic.

Street Pier’s floating dock.

• Cortez Road and 119th Street West in Cortez: Other budgeted capital projects include $205,000 Work to realign the intersection of 119th Street West for new Bridge Street streetlights, $53,000 to install a at Cortez Road/State Road 684 continues. Phase 2 boat lift at the pier and $83,500 to fund a pilot program involves a new traffic pattern and shifting construcfor a tram service to transport people between Coquina tion to the north side of Cortez Road. Thru traffic will Beach and Bridge Street. then use the south side of Cortez Road. Also, the two The rest of the budget is rounded out by $294,197 outbound lanes of Harbor Landing Drive will be closed for general expenses, administration, law enforcement, and traffic into Harbor Landings will be detoured to planning and roadways.

127th Street West.

With $1,255,959 in projected revenue and For the latest road watch information, go online to $1,400,000 in funds set to carry over from this year, fl511.com and swflroads.com or dial 511. the CRA projects unbudgeted funds of $120,762.

— Lisa neff

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Page 6 THE ISLANDER | islander.org SePt. 16, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Opinion

Our

Taxing the tax weary ...

A candidate for Holmes Beach city commission is making a good point about who gets what for the tax dollars they pay in Holmes Beach.

You know the old tune: “I pay taxes and I should get what I want from the city.”

But homestead property owners don’t pay anywhere near what rental property owners pay.

Homestead owners only see a maximum of 3% property value increase — paying less tax than rental owners, who pay without discounts of $25-50K and have no cap on valuation.

More rental homes mean more money for the city in something like a reversal of fortunes.

Meanwhile, the county property appraiser raises values every year and city officials pat their backs over keeping the millage the same as the current year, but millage is only a percentage of that rising value.

Maintaining the millage (percentage) rate is not admirable. It’s not even a good thing.

The cities take in more revenue and spend more.

It’s a never-ending cycle on Anna Maria Island.

When home values increase, property owners pay MORE. They should call it what it is ... a tax hike.

Rolling back the millage rate to produce the same revenue as the past year would be admirable.

I tried to simplify this for one elected official like so: If you see a $100 dress and the store offers 10% off, you pay $90. If the next day you go to the store and the discount is still 10% but the dress is marked up to $200, you pay $180.

That’s a price hike regardless of whether it’s a sequin dress or a home in paradise.

The Legislature defined a tax increase — because officials like to claim that by keeping millage the same they haven’t raised taxes, which is just not true.

Here’s another situation to make us leery.

It’s our (formerly) trusted supermarket, quietly withdrawing the protection it finally offered customers from COVID-19 by requiring masks and encouraging social distancing, albeit the city and county both passed laws requiring both safety measures.

Publix management is muzzled but, trust me, corporate does not support the mask mandate.

And here’s another tidbit to ponder.

We feature this week the critters and the great people who rescue and rehabilitate them on Anna Maria Island, Gail and Ed Straight.

Unlike some wildlife organizations, they have a lot of mouths to feed and that takes dough.

Please, help Wildlife Inc. meet their challenges.

— Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

SEPT. 16, 2020 • Vol. 28, No. 47 Publisher and Editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org ▼ Editorial Lisa neff, editor, lisa@islander.org chrisann allen, chrisann@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Kevin cassidy, kevin@islander.org michael dunn, michael@islander.org Jack elka, jack@jackelka.com amy V.t. moriarty, amym@islander.org ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org ▼ Contributors Jesse Brisson Leslie Lake, leslie@islander.org Karen riley-Love capt. danny Stasny, fish@islander.org ▼ Advertising Director toni Lyon, toni@islander.org ▼ Office Staff Lisa Williams, office manager info@, accounting@, classifieds@, subscriptions@islander.org ▼ Distribution urbane Bouchet Judy Loden Wasco ross roberts (All others: news@islander.org) ▼

Single copies free. Quantities of five or more: 25 cents each. ©1992-2020 • Editorial, sales and production offices: 3218 e. Bay drive, Holmes Beach fL 34217 WeBSite: www.islander.org PHone 941-778-7978 toll-free fax 1-866-362-9821

Opinion

Your

Vote in Holmes Beach Early voting is fast approaching.

I recommend Jayne Christenson and Kim Rash for Holmes Beach City Commission.

Rash and Christenson have attended and contributed to commission meetings for years. They are superbly well-informed on diverse Holmes Beach issues.

Rash has served his community in highly visible ways, traveling the streets of Holmes Beach, listening and finding solutions to his neighbors’ problems.

He has donated materials, time and talents to install, build, maintain and plant, as well as clean up our beaches.

As a commissioner, he advocated for the interests of residents while considering the needs of all who live, work and play in Holmes Beach.

I believe he will continue to use his commonsense approach in seeking answers to such issues as funding, traffic, home rule, code compliance and quality of life.

In addition to managing her career, family responsibilities and volunteer activities, Christenson has served on the planning commission and the island

Have your say

The Islander accepts original letters of up to 250 words and reserves the right to edit for grammar and length.

Letters must include name, address and a contact phone number (for verification). Email: news@islander.org. Anonymous letters will not be printed.

Readers also may comment online.

Also, The Islander has an active Facebook community. To join the conversation, “like” The Islander on Facebook.

parking/congestion committee.

She brings intelligence, objectivity, enthusiasm, energy and business acumen to the commission.

She has developed keen insights into ways Holmes Beach government could be more accountable and transparent to its citizens. She is a crusader for residents.

Being a commissioner requires more than sitting on the dais twice a month. One must be a knowledgeable advocate for what is best for the city of Holmes Beach — its present and its future. Holmes Beach needs Kim Rash and Jayne Christenson.

Nancy R. Deal, Holmes Beach Editor’s note: The Islander welcomes letters about local issues and candidates in the 2020 general election. The last publication date for letters related to campaigns will be Oct. 21. The deadline for the last week of election opinion letters is Oct. 16.

Skimming online …

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SePt. 16, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 7 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

From the archives

10&20 years ago

From the Sept. 15, 2000, issue

• Rotten Ralph’s owner Ralph Russell of Anna Maria was hailed as a hero by the Irish Sunday Mirror for pulling a toddler from a burning car that crashed into another vehicle in Ireland, where he was on holiday with his wife. Four other people were killed. Russell forced open the hatchback as it caught fire and freed the baby.

• Holmes Beach City Commissioner Roger Lutz proposed a nonbinding referendum on island consolidation be put to voters of all three island cities. Lutz said the purpose was to find out if voters were interested in a centralized government.

• Tempers flared at an Anna Maria commission budget hearing after Mayor Gary Deffenbaugh said public comment would be taken only after commissioners concluded their discussion. Several people walked out of the hearing.

Addressing the commission Ken fox, addresses the anna maria city commission in June 1977. fox later ran for a commission seat.

From the Sept. 15, 2010, issue

… taking an oath James Zerby takes the oath as mayor of Holmes Beach. the photo is dated march 1976. islander Photos: manatee county Public Library System

• Anna Maria voters recalled Commissioner Harry Stoltzfus, deciding to remove him from office 362-331. Voters on the same ballot also elected Gene Aubry to complete the remainder of Stoltzfus’ term.

• A motorcycle parade came from the mainland to Bradenton Beach for the Sept. 11 Remembrance Ride. The parade began at Bayshore High School and ended at Coquina Beach.

• The disappearance of a former islander who was living in California became a homicide investigation. For nearly a year, the disappearance of Dawn Marie Viens in Lomita, California, was investigated as a missing person case.

— Lisa neff

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Page 8 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Sept. 16, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Cortez megabridge challengers offer settlement to DOT

By Lisa Neff complaint, the impacts to Cortez” of a high bridge.

Islander Editor A new and taller drawbridge, meanwhile, “would Bridge Opponents of the planned megabridge on Cortez maintain the historical ambiance of the village of Battle Cortez,” fit the location, provide access when closed Road extended a 35-foot olive branch to the Florida Department of Transportation.

The DOT has not grasped the offer from the concerned citizens, who have legal challenges to the DOT plans pending in state and federal courts. The citizens’ proposal, in the form of a settlement offer, would swap the DOT’s 65-foot-clearance fixed span for a 35-footclearance drawbridge.

Joe McClash, at the forefront of the challenge to the megabridge between Cortez and Bradenton Beach, said the offer was presented July 21 to a DOT attorney as part of a filing in the U.S. District Court in Tampa.

The challengers also have a filing pending before the Florida 2nd District Court of Appeal prompted by the DOT’s October 2019 release of a project development and environment study.

The study recommended a 65-foot fixed bridge to replace the 17-foot-clearance drawbridge built six decades ago. A DOT announcement Oct. 10 said “design is now underway and right of way is funded in fiscal years 2021, 2024 and 2025.”

The DOT, which also sought to build — and withdrew — a high bridge in the 1980s, maintains the current bridge is obsolete.

By the end of 2019, McClash, a former Manatee County commissioner, along with Cortezians Joe Kane, Linda Molto and former county commissioner Jane von Hahmann had petitioned the DOT for an administrative hearing, listing 25 objections to the DOT recommendation.

Their objections include arguments the high span

will negatively impact business, harm the environment and destroy the character of the Cortez fishing village, a federal historic district since 1995.

The DOT rejected the petition for a hearing, saying it lacks jurisdiction as the state agency is acting for the federal government on the bridge project.

The rejection nudged the challengers to file with the state appeals court in February and also in federal court in March.

“The four challengers refused to accept the decision they believe is inconsistent with Florida statutes and federal rules that govern the process,” read a statement released to The Islander Sept. 10 by Kane, McClash, Molto and von Hahmann.

They cited a state law providing citizens an opportunity to challenge government actions.

The challengers now are offering a settlement that states in part: “The 35-foot bascule (draw) bridge would provide the relief plaintiffs seek” and thus they “would no longer object to the replacement bridge or bring subsequent challenge to any of the permits required for construction.”

The offer, presented to the DOT in late July, included photographs of the DOT bridge in Tierra Verde in Pinellas County to show “the validity of the

A settlement offer proposing the DOT build a 35-foot-clearance drawbridge in place of a fixed-span bridge spanning the Intracoastal Waterway on Cortez Road includes the image of a new and old bridge at Tierra Verde in Pinellas County. Islander Courtesy Photo

No takers for Bridge Street streetlight project

The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency must wait for permanent Bridge Street lighting.

The CRA issued a request for proposals to replace the strip’s streetlights in August, but no contractors submitted bids by Sept. 9, the advertised reveal date.

CRA members have had their sights set on replacing Bridge Street’s solar-powered light poles with LED-powered streetlights since finishing the underground utility lines and removing Florida Power & Light’s utility poles along the roadway.

However, without a response to its RFP — as well as a 6-8-month streetlight manufacturing backlog— the CRA may have to wait until 2021.

In the meantime, the CRA is set to pay Care Electric no more than $3,825 to move up to five solarpowered streetlights from First Street North to Bridge Street as a temporary solution.

City attorney Ricinda Perry, who has coordinated the project, did not respond to a Sept. 9 call from The Islander.

— Ryan Paice

Looking west from Cortez at the Cortez Bridge.

Islander Photo: Lisa Neff

State lifts bar restriction, but no impacts to AMI

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

DOT seeks Cortez Bridge design committee members The Florida Department of Transportation is recruiting for a committee to help design a proposed megabridge between Cortez and Bradenton Beach.

The proposed 65-foot-clearance fixed-span bridge, recommended last October by the DOT, would replace the drawbridge on Cortez Road/State Road 684.

to 78% of boat traffic and access to all boats with the bascule open, according to the challengers.

“Another advantage of the 35-foot bridge — it is not as steep, allowing better use by pedestrians and bikers,” the challengers stated.

McClash told The Islander Sept. 10 that he’s “waiting for administrative record, for which FDOT indicated would be the time to discuss the case and possible settlement.”

Construction of a the DOT-proposed new bridge would cost an estimated $70 million and wouldn’t be completed for at least 10 years.

The DOT did not respond to questions from The Islander as of press time Sept. 14.

To read more about the Cortez Bridge, visit islander.org and search Cortez Bridge. To review the DOT project, go online to www.cortezbridge.com.

Florida’s standalone bars no longer were prohibited Sept. 14 from selling alcoholic beverages for onpremise consumption.

But the state’s lifting of the prohibition didn’t change anything on Anna Maria Island.

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation issued an emergency order Sept.

10 allowing bars to resume selling alcohol for on-site consumption by Sept. 14 if they comply with phase 2 of the state recovery plan.

The DBPR had issued a restriction for on-premises consumption at bars June 26 to slow the spread of the coronavirus but amended it July 1 to allow bars licensed to sell food to sell alcoholic beverages.

So all but one of six island bars acquired food service licenses and retained beverage service.

The bar that didn’t reopen, The Doctor’s Office, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, already had a food service license and was permitted to resume selling alcohol for on-premises consumption.

However, owner Sean Murphy has said the bar will offer takeout only through another Murphy-owned property, Eat Here, a restaurant at 5315 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, until he sees significant improvement halting the spread of coronavirus.

Murphy’s third Holmes Beach property, Beach Bistro, at 66th Street on the beach, is undergoing renovations that include a new AC and air filtration system and he has suggested it may open in mid-October.

Under the new state directive, bars must operate at 50% seating capacity, provide bar service only to seated patrons and apply appropriate social distancing for outdoor seating and service.

Spokesman Brian Rick told The Islander the DOT seeks to establish a 10-12 member committee. The design process is expected to cost $6.2 million.

“We have reached out to several people in the community,” Rick said, including Cortez businesspeople Karen Bell and Joe Rogers, Bradenton Beach businessman Mike Bazzy, Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie and Bradenton Beach resident Connie Morrow.

“We are still at an early stage in this process,” Rick said of the committee formation.

He said the DOT would recruit members in an email blast, calling out to local businesspeople and with announcements at transportation meetings.

The Island Transportation Planning Organization was set to meet in Bradenton Beach Sept. 14, as The Islander went to press.

The Sarasota-Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization will meet at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 21 at the convention center in Palmetto.

The Cortez drawbridge underwent major repairs in 1996, 2010 and 2015 and has outlived its lifespan, according to the DOT. But the proposed replacement faces opposition in Cortez village and legal challenges brought by community and environmental advocates.

The DOT also is studying options for the Longboat Pass Bridge connecting Longboat Key and Bradenton Beach and is pursuing a planned replacement — already approved and still in the design phase — for the Anna Maria Island Bridge with a 65-foot-clearance On the web People can read the DBPR’s emergency order on fixed-span structure. its website at www.myfloridalicense.com.

— Lisa Neff

SePt. 16, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 9 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Holmes Beach planners reorganize, discuss comp plan By chrisann allen islander reporter

The Holmes Beach Planning Commission had a lot of ground to cover.

Commissioners met Sept. 9 for the first time since March due to concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The meeting started with organizational matters, including swearing in three reappointed members — Greg Kerchner, Dana Krupa and second alternate Gale Tedhams.

In July, city commissioners unanimously approved the reappointments.

All three terms will expire July 1, 2023.

Following the swearing-in, city clerk Stacey Johnston told commissioners that Chair Scott Boyd submitted a letter of resignation Sept. 8 to Mayor Judy Titsworth.

Boyd wrote he and his wife plan to sell their home and leave Anna Maria Island.

Johnston then asked for nominations for chair and vice chair. Planning Commissioner Jim McIntire nominated Greg Kerchner as chair. He accepted the nomination and was unanimously approved by the commission.

Dan Krupa nominated himself for vice chair, which also was unanimously approved.

Once organizational matters were resolved, planning commissioners heard a presentation from Jim LaRue, owner of LaRue Planning and Management of Fort Myers, and Ben Smith, LaRue’s director of planning.

In January, city commissioners selected the firm to work with the planning commission to revise the city’s comprehensive plan.

A comp plan, mandated by the state since 1989, is the guiding document for municipalities and county governments.

Clerk, planner join Holmes Beach cristin carter, left, recently hired by Holmes Beach as deputy clerk, and austen dole, newly hired assistant planner, pose Sept. 9 following introductions by city clerk Stacey Johnston to planning commission members during a meeting at city hall, 5801 marina drive. islander Photo: chrisann allen

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

Holmes Beach Planning commissioners greg Kerchner, dana Krupa and second alternate planner gale tedhams are sworn in Sept. 9 by city clerk Stacey Johnston during a meeting at city hall, 5801 marina drive. islander Photos: chrisann allen

The meeting was the second in a series of joint sessions with LaRue and planners to discuss how to proceed with the new plan.

LaRue and the planning commission also are depending on public input for the revision.

Previously, LaRue said information would be gathered and distributed via various means, including online surveys, flyers, interviews and public meetings.

At the Sept. 9 meeting, LaRue reviewed the progress, noting COVID-19 could change plans for public involvement and asked Smith to provide an update.

“It is important now to think about what is likely to occur in the next few months,” Smith said. “Will restrictions related to COVID-19 continue? It seems likely that they will.”

He said the group must consider how to move forward with public participation without large in-person workshops.

He said an online survey, which will be linked to the city’s and LaRue’s website, was created and can be shared with the public. Smith also said he got a quote for printed flyers to be distributed to a list of addresses from the Manatee County Tax Appraiser’s office. The flyers would let people know they can take the survey

and sign up for email notifications about comp plan meetings and developments through LaRue’s website at larueplanning.com.

The planning commission reached consensus on the flyers. Johnston said she would check with city treasurer Lori Hill on how the $2,500 cost should be covered as it was outside the budget for the project.

Smith also asked planning commissioners for consensus for Metro Forecasting Models LLC of Bonita Springs to proceed with modeling for growth, density changes, population and future land use, including vacation rental data.

Planning commissioners directed Smith to move forward with Metro Forecasting models’ study, which was included in the cost of the contract with LaRue Planning.

Smith said, at the next meeting, he would review shortcomings of the current comp plan and provide remedies.

In the meantime, planning commissioners would continue to provide the city clerk with lists of stakeholders, including residents, business owners and nonprofit organizations.

The planning commission will next meet at 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 7, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

Bill Brisson, left, Holmes Beach city planner, Ben Smith, director of planning for Larue Planning and management of fort myers, the firm chosen to help update the city’s comprehensive plan, and Jim Larue, owner of Larue Planning, converse Sept. 9 before a meeting at city hall, 5801 marina drive.

Island happenings

Page 10 THE ISLANDER | islander.org SePt. 16, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Community Cal ARTS

ONGOING ON AMI Through Sept. 30, Jane Keeling’s “Peaceful Places” exhibit, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648.

VIRTUAL Tuesday, Sept. 22 Noon — Classics Up Close book discussion via Zoom, Manatee County Public Library System. Information: molly.saunders@ mymanatee.org.

Coastal cleanup campaign

FAMILY VIRTUAL

Keep manatee Beautiful volunteers, along with members of the ami Paddlers from Paradise dragon boat team and Holmes Beach residents, clean up Sept. 8 in Holmes Beach. about 16 people collected nearly 130 pounds of trash after the Labor day weekend. islander Photo: courtesy Keep manatee Beautiful

Ready for race day the Pace center for girls manatee runs the annual Lucky ducky race for Pace Saturday, Sept. 19. due to coVid-19 restrictions, the event will be streamed online. as of islander press time, the race time was not announced. Supporters can adopt a duck for $5. for more details, go online to www.duckrace.com/manatee/adopt.

Left: Susan Lythgoe and Karen martin of Bradenton collect trash at coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. Photographer Jill newman reported: they love their beach and work hard to keep it clean — and i thought they deserved a shout out. islander courtesy Photo

5% OFF Summer Special 12 MONTHS SAME AS CASH

GoodDeeds

Assistance offered on AMI Call Greg Cobb. Project Manager / Island Resident Cell 941.999.0620

$"31&5t5*-&

8"5&31300' 7*/:- 800%

Complete Sales & Service 718 23rd Ave. W. Bradenton 941.747.2904 gregc@aaflooring.net www.aaflooring.net

Saturday, Sept. 19 3 p.m. — Teen Game Time via Zoom, Manatee County Public Library System. Information: molly.saunders@mymanatee.org.

COMMUNITY ON AMI Saturday, Sept. 19 9 a.m. — Keep Manatee Beautiful International Coastal Cleanup, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-7958272.

VIRTUAL Saturday, Sept. 19 9 a.m. — Pace Center for Girls Lucky Ducky Race, www.duckrace.com/manatee/adopt. Information: 941-751-4566.

AHEAD ON AMI Oct. 10, Manatee Public Beach International Coastal Cleanup, Holmes Beach.

RECREATION OFF AMI Saturday, Sept. 19 9 a.m. — Mornings at the NEST all-ages nature activities, Robinson Preserve expansion, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW, Bradenton.

Information: ecoevents@mymanatee.org.

ONGOING VIRTUAL Through Sept. 30, Manatee County Parks and Recreation Preserve Photo Scavenger Hunt. Information: coral.bass@mymanatee. org.

AHEAD OFF AMI

• The Roser Food Bank welcomes applicants Sept. 24, Nature Night kayaking for National Estuaries Week, who live and/or work on Anna Maria Island for food Bradenton. assistance, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

Information: 941-778-0414.

GOOD TO KNOW • All Island Denominations offers monetary help, SAVE THE DATES including relief for unemployed people. For information or to apply, call 941-725-2433.

Assistance sought

Saturday, Oct. 31, Halloween.

Sunday, Nov. 1, daylight saving time ends.

Tuesday, Nov. 3, general election.

Wednesday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day. Thursday, Nov. 26, Thanksgiving.

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

Information: 941-345-2441.

GET LISTED • The Roser Food Bank seeks donations. Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna POST IN THE CALENDAR Maria, administers the pantry, supported by All Island Send announcements for The Islander’s calendar to calendar@ Denominations. Information: 941-778-0414. islander.org.

The deadline for listings is the Wednesday before the Send listings to calendar@islander.org.

— Lisa neff

Holistic wellness center and spa

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

Massage Therapy | Acupuncture | Yoga 2219 Gulf Drive N | Bradenton Beach

941.778.8400 | www.alunawellness.com

publication date. Please include the date, time, location and description of the event, as well as a phone number for publication.

SePt. 16, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 11 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

AME principal: students, teachers, staff adapt to new school model 21.

School achievement has added meaning in 2020-

Wearing masks and implementing extra sanitizing conditions in accordance with policies set forth by the Manatee County School District and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the added duties of teachers and staff this year, said Anna Maria Elementary principal Jackie Featherston.

AME’s enrollment this year is 202 students, including 54 e-learners, Featherston said Sept. 10.

The overall number is a slight decrease from last year’s enrollment because of a larger 2019-20 fifthgrade class moving to middle school this year. featherston Also, the enrollment is slightly higher than the 190 students AME staff had expected.

School choice students remain at about 50%.

Due to the pandemic, the academic year began with most students attending classes at the school building but some enrolled in e-learning.

With a larger number of third-graders choosing e-learning, Featherston noted that the grade level is the only one with separate teachers for in-school and at-home lessons.

For the other grades, there were not enough e-learners to assign dedicated teachers, meaning most educators are teaching many lessons twice.

The teacher contract stipulates that each teacher may choose whether to pre-record a lesson for e-learners or record lessons live, simultaneously teaching students attending in-school sessions.

Resource teacher Beth McIntosh, who works with students with individual education plans to supplement their broader studies, said she needed specialized technology training to work with e-learners.

Of her 10 students, McIntosh said half are e-learners. However, she cannot pre-record her work for those students, as they require individualized instruction and

‘

Our teachers are like rock stars right now. They have all really stepped up to the plate to support our kids and parents. — AME principal Jackie Featherston

’

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

direct interaction.

Still, tech-savvy parents have made it possible to provide the individual attention at-home students need.

Featherston said she anticipates the number of students attending in-person classes to increase in the second quarter, as parents’ confidence in the school’s ability to maintain a virus-free environment strengthens.

At the end of the quarter, parents can change their student’s enrollment to e-learning, brick-and-mortar or a hybrid of both. AME has no students enrolled in the hybrid model.

Paraprofessionals and teachers for specialty subjects are collaborating to support teachers in the classroom as they are spending “many, many more hours working on their lesson plans and teaching,� said Featherston. “Our teachers are like rock stars right now,� she continued, “They have all really stepped up to the plate to support our kids and parents.�

In addition to requiring masks and/or face shields in school, social distancing mandates require 6 feet of separation and the use of desk shields.

The barriers and adjustments disrupted the cooperative-structure teaching used to boost student engagement, Featherston said.

In the past, desks were grouped into threes and

Prepping for Peace Day

fours and teachers instructed students within the groups to work together and discuss their lessons.

The cooperative-structure model of teaching more than fostered student engagement, Featherston said.

It helped students learn to work as a team, providing skills they will rely on in their adult lives.

The new distancing requirements may cause some delays in students refining those skills, but Featherston does not worry there will be long-term impacts.

When vaccines become available and the virus can be better managed, she expects a return to the cooperative structure.

Guidance counselor Susan Tabicman said younger children especially tend to be more physical in their interaction with one another, and often use hugs, pats on the back or hand-holding to comfort a child who seems to be having a hard time.

Social distances prevent that kind of physical connection, so students rely on “using their words� to provide comfort, Tabicman said.

E-learning also may impact social development, according to McIntosh, but she said many parents make up for the loss of student interaction with other activities. “I really thought it was going to be more stressful coming back. Don’t get me wrong, it’s stressful ‌ but it’s so inspiring to us to see these kids adapt,â€? she said.

Featherston and Tabicman credit parents with preparing students for the new school year.

As a result, Tabicman said, “our kindergarten kids have just done a terrific job adapting. We’ve had no crying from the kindergarten students. Normally there’s crying. Everyone really feels safe and cared for here.�

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

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

We’re offering care and learning for students age 6 weeks-12 years.

Our mission is to provide each child with the foundation and tools to be successful. Our purpose is to nurture, engage and guide your child's developmental stages through the first years of his or her life.

WE’RE ACCEPTING STUDENTS 6 WEEKS-12 YEARS. s -EALS PROVIDED s 3TRUCTURED CLASSROOMS s 6IDEO MONITORING s /PEN GYM ENRICHMENT s $AILY UPDATES VIA "RIGHTWHEEL

ND 3T 7 "RADENTON 941-900-1022 or 001tmlc@gmail.com

fifth-grade students at anna maria elementary rehearse a ag processional Sept. 9 for the annual Peace day celebration. due to the pandemic, components of this year’s event are being recorded for a video presentation. Students will view the video in school monday, Sept. 21, and it will be available to view on the school’s website at manateeschools.net/annamaria. islander Photo: courtesy Susan tabicman/ame

TERRA’S Handmade Sterling Jewelry Open noon-4, Tues-Sat

Or Shop Facebook: Terra’s Handmade Jewelry and Gifts.

714 43rd St. W • Bradenton

941.779.5350

Page 12 THE ISLANDER | islander.org SePt. 16, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Streetlife

Staff reports

Island police reports

Night heron patrol a heron watches in the wake Sept. 9 as a bulldozer smooths sand pumped onto the beach for a $17 million renourishment project that began July 8 near 77th Street in Holmes Beach. the ongoing project is planned to run through october when it reaches the terminus at Longboat Pass. With the narrowest stretches of beach on the island, Bradenton Beach will take longer to renourish — with more sand, labor and equipment than the northern areas in Holmes Beach.

a second barge, added the week of aug. 10 to boost the sand dredged by another vessel to shore for a massive renourishment project, is anchored Sept. 9 in the gulf of mexico, west of 52nd Street in Holmes Beach. the booster recently moved closer to provide more force through longer runs of pipe, providing sand to the 2100 block of gulf drive and south.

two bulldozers work through the night Sept. 9, leveling sand pumped onto the beach in the 2100 block of gulf drive. the ongoing $17 million beach renourishment project is planned to run through october when it reaches the terminus at Longboat Pass. islander Photos: chrisann allen

Anna Maria Sept. 4, 100 block of Tern Drive, noise. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office dispatched a deputy to a report of a loud party. The deputy did not hear any loud noise, but still informed a renter of the noise ordinance.

Sept. 6, 700 block of Holly Road, noise. The MCSO dispatched a deputy after receiving a 2:30 a.m. complaint about noise. From the driveway, the deputy heard people conversing by the pool and minimal noise. Still, the deputy said, the renters were apologetic and went indoors.

Sept. 6, 101 Bay Blvd., Anna Maria City Pier, missing person. The MCSO received a report at about 3:25 p.m. that a 50-year-old man was missing and possibly had jumped in the water. The man was found at about 5 p.m. sitting near the base of the pier.

The MCSO polices Anna Maria.

Bradenton Beach Sept. 9, Coquina Beach, 1800 Gulf Drive S., larceny. A man called the Bradenton Beach Police Department to report his wallet and shorts were stolen while he was at the beach. A BBPD officer issued a case number.

BBPD polices Bradenton Beach.

Cortez No new reports.

MCSO polices Cortez.

Holmes Beach Sept. 3, Ace Hardware, 3352 E. Bay Drive, trespass. A person appeared unconscious in a chair outside the store. A Holmes Beach police officer roused the person, who appeared intoxicated, and notified emergency medical services. The officer issued a trespass warning and EMS took custody of the individual.

Sept. 3, Island Trader, 5336 Gulf Drive, information. The bank notified the store of a modified $5 bill in the store deposit. Apparently, a person paid for a purchase with a $5 bill changed to look like a $50 bill.

Sept. 5, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, marijuana. An officer observed a motorist pull into a handicapped parking space with children not wearing seat belts. Upon checking if the vehicle had a handicap placard, the officer noticed the smell of burning marijuana. The driver claimed to have borrowed the placard and handed over a bag containing marijuana.

The officer cited the motorist for parking in a handicap spot and possession of marijuana.

Sept. 6, 200 block of 65th Street, noise. An officer was called to a vacation rental on a noise complaint.

A decibel reading determined excess noise. Also, the officer determined 15 people were staying at the house.

HBPD cited the renter for noise and occupancy violations and the property manager evicted the occuPLeaSe, See STReeTlife, neXt Page

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You can read it all online at www.islander.org

SePt. 16, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 13 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Fire district increases assessments, spending for 2020-21 By ryan Paice islander reporter

The West Manatee Fire Rescue district’s budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year is in the books.

WMFR commissioners voted 4-1 Sept. 8 to adopt a $9,410,362 budget for the next fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1.

Commissioner Al Robinson voted “no,” citing his concerns with plans for funding a new administration building.

Behind $6,427,671.81 for wages and benefits, the next largest expense is $1,451,000 to build the administrative headquarters at 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton.

Hall Architects designed the 3,879-square-foot building to withstand hurricane-force wind, contain nine offices and a conference room and serve as an operations center during emergencies.

The lot was purchased in September 2019 for $295,000.

The construction will be funded with $1,675,000 from reserves gained by selling the previous administration building.

Robinson said the district was misusing taxpayer money by choosing not to purchase a cheaper, suitable property, which he identified.

“We’re building a $2 million building for nine offices, when we’re in a building right now that’s adequate,” Robinson said. “We have lost our minds and we’re spending the taxpayers’ money.”

budget talks

To help cover remaining costs, WMFR voted in May to increase next year’s assessment by 2.6%.

The district’s current residential rates include a $190.57 base rate, as well as an additional $0.1124 for every square foot over 1,000 square feet. The owner of a 2,000-square-foot home was assessed $302.97 this year.

With the 2.6% increase, the base rate for resiFiscal year 2019-20 2020-21 dential buildings will be $195.53, with an additional Taxes $7,332,294 $7,529,795 $0.1153 for every square foot over 1,000. Residential Total revenues $8,739,828 $9,410,362 property owners with a 2,000-square-foot home will pay $310.85.

Personnel $6,253,910 $6,427,671 The district assesses commercial buildings at a Maintenance $144,000 $180,000 different rate, including a $473.62 base rate and an Capital Outlay $1,215,594 $1,631,000 additional $0.2051 for every square foot over 1,000.

Debt Service $226,148 $226,148 The owner of a 2,000-square-foot commercial space Total Expenses $8,739,828 $9,410,362 would have paid $678.72 in the current fiscal year.

Under the new rates, the commercial base rate for Source: West manatee fire rescue district assessments increases to $485.94, with an additional $0.2104 for every square foot over 1,000. The owner Commissioner Larry Jennis argued that the prop- of a 2,000-square-foot commercial space now will pay erty Robinson suggested buying isn’t suitable for the $696.37 in assessment costs. headquarters because it lacks parking and a staging There was no public comment. area and would need to be modified to withstand hurricane-force winds.

Milestones “It just didn’t fit our needs,” Jennis said.

The Islander welcomes photographs and Most of the district’s budgeted expenses will be notices of milestones. Submit announcements covered by $7,519,795 collected from tax assessments and photographs to news@islander.org. in 2020-21.

WMFR by the numbers

In the saddle by the shore the manatee county Sheriff’s office expanded its Labor day beach patrol to include officers on horseback — deputies Kevin Vreeland and Joseph maggio — at coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. an expanded patrol is typical for holiday weekends.

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Patrolling the pier Sheriff’s deputies James fiore, left, and george molina patrol Sept. 7 near the entrance to the anna maria city Pier, 101 Bay Blvd. the mcSo increased its presence Sept. 5-7 for the Labor day holiday. islander Photos: courtesy mcSo STREETLIFE continued from Page 12

pants.

Sept. 6, 2800 block of Avenue E, firing weapon.

A person complained that someone fired a weapon outside a residence. HBPD officers, assisted by the MCSO, determined a person shot five rounds from a rifle out of the rear of a vacation rental property.

The individual was arrested and taken to the Manatee County jail.

HBPD polices Holmes Beach.

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

Island watch: In an emergency, call 911.

To report information, call the MCSO Anna Maria substation, 941708-8899; Bradenton Beach police, 941778-6311; or Holmes Beach police, 941708-5804.

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Page 16 THE ISLANDER | islander.org SePt. 16, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Center starts new fiscal year $34K underwater By ryan Paice islander reporter

The Center of Anna Maria Island didn’t start the 2020-21 fiscal year on a high note.

But the situation wasn’t as bad as the prior year.

The center lost $34,370 in July — the first month of the nonprofit’s 2020-21 fiscal year — according to financial documents posted at www.centerami.org.

The figure marks an $11,834 improvement over last year’s loss of $46,204 over the same period.

The impact of the coronavirus can be seen in diminished program revenues compared to last year.

The center collected $41,113 in program revenue in July 2019, but only $17,669 this year — a 57% decrease.

The center cut program costs by 47% to minimize

Players compete for the soccer ball Sept. 8 at the center of anna maria island as the nonprofit’s youth soccer league starts a new season. Participants are not required to wear face masks during the games. islander courtesy Photo

losses, spending $19,218 to fund programs this July, compared to $35,948 last year.

The center made $5,165 from programs such as fitness classes and youth camps in July 2019. This July, programs cost the nonprofit $1,549.

On the bright side, the center saw a 362% increase in fundraising revenue this year. The nonprofit raised $7,195 in July 2019 but $33,216 over the same period this year.

After accounting for $17,127 in fundraising costs, the center’s fundraising efforts netted $16,089.

Despite an overall 10% cut to expenses, the nonprofit’s general and administrative costs increased from $39,305 in July 2019 to $48,911 this year.

Meanwhile, the center’s operations have continued to chug along despite the coronavirus.

Executive director Chris Culhane wrote in a Sept.

10 email to The Islander that the nonprofit was “operating with the same classes and class participation as last year at this time.”

He wrote that 18 people participated in the center’s Pilates/yoga class that day, with another 11 people in the nonprofit’s “Gutts and Butts” class.

Fitness class participants must socially distance.

However, neither the nonprofit nor the city of Anna Maria’s mask mandate requires participants to wear face masks.

Neither social distancing nor face masks are required in the center’s sports leagues.

Culhane wrote that the nonprofit’s youth soccer league had 107 participants when play began the week of Sept. 7. The adult flag football and soccer leagues had more than 60 and 80 participants, respectively.

Culhane added that the center would begin offering dance and karate for youths in the coming month.

Center CPR class foregoes masks, social distancing

The center’s social media displayed photos Sept.

9 of people in a CPR class at the facility.

None of the participants were wearing face masks in the photos and the participants appeared to be within 6 feet of each other.

The images were no longer displayed on Facebook as of Sept. 11 but still appeared on the center’s Instagram account.

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy wrote in a Sept.

10 email to The Islander that “the city could not take action” regarding the photos.

The city’s mask mandate requires face coverings in indoor locations other than within one’s residence and it carries a $50 fine for violations.

The mandate exempts “persons while exercising and social distancing at fitness centers,” socially distant office workers, people dining at a restaurant, as well as people with some health conditions.

Murphy wrote that the city could not determine if the class participants were exempt or if they were within 6 feet of one another due to “a matter of the perspective in the picture.”

He also wrote, “Generally, the city will not cite people for any violations based upon a ‘Facebook photo.’ There is too much of a chance for photo tampering and Facebook lacks serious credibility.”

Murphy added: “There may be other extenuating circumstances” that may have exempted the class participants from the mask mandate.

— ryan Paice

!"#$%&'()(*+,-&.%+%(-&,"/+,& 012,#/&$"%#/(& .34536738&9-&:;:;& !

The Federal Emergency Management Agency and Florida Division of Emergency Management have received the following application for Federal grant funding. Final notice is hereby given of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) consideration to provide funding in the form of Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

Funds will be provided in accordance with Section 404 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, Public Law 93-288, as amended.

Under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), federal actions must be reviewed and evaluated for feasible alternatives and for social, economic, historic, environmental, legal, and safety considerations. Under Executive Order (EO) 11988 and EO 11990 FEMA is required to consider alternatives to and to provide public notice of any proposed actions in or affecting floodplains or wetlands. EO 12898 also requires FEMA to provide the opportunity for public participation in the planning process and to consider potential impacts to minority or low-income populations.

Funding for the proposed project will be conditional upon compliance with all applicable federal, tribal, state and local laws, regulations, floodplain standards, permit requirements and conditions.

instagram shows a post from the center of anna maria island featuring participants in a cPr class. islander Screenshot

Applicant:

City of Holmes Beach Project Title:

HMGP-4337- 214-R City of Holmes Beach, Gulf Drive/Marina Drive, Drainage Location of Proposed Work: The area affected by this project consists of work in the rights of way of Gulf Drive from 52nd Street North to

the 5300 block of Gulf Dr., and Marina Drive from Gulf Drive to 56th Street.

Proposed Work and Purpose: As part of the City’s ongoing Capital Improvement Program for Stormwater; the City’s Contractor, will be installing stormwater filtration/percolation systems along and within the City’s rights of way in the open and/or grassed areas adjacent to the edge of asphalt. Existing drainage inlets and pipes will be repaired/replaced/modified as many of the pipes are failing at the joints.

Project Alternatives: The alternatives to the project that have been and will be considered are 1) the no action alternative and 2) Elevating the corridor and install conventional gutter, pipe and conveyance systems into retention ponds. These alternatives to the proposed project are not viable because under Alternative 1) repetitive flooding is not alleviated and the needs of the community would not be served; and Alternative 2) There is no available land for retention ponds and conventional systems won’t address sea level rise.

Comment Period: Comments are solicited from the public; local, state or federal agencies; and other interested parties in order to consider and evaluate the impacts of the proposed project. The comments should be made in writing and addressed to the Florida Division of Emergency Management, Bureau of Recovery and Mitigation, 2555 Shumard Oak Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-2100. These are due within 30 days of this notice. The State will forward comments to applicable regulatory agencies as needed. Interested persons may submit comments, obtain more detailed information about the proposed action, or request a copy of the findings by contacting: Judy Titsworth, Mayor City of Holmes Beach

(941) (708-5800) HBMayor@HolmesBeachFL.org

Cary Helmuth, State Lead Environmental Specialist Florida Division of Emergency Management

(850) 815-4514 Cary.Helmuth@em.myflorida.com

Racking up a city-owned bike rack outside the drift in, 120 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. the cra members Sept. 2 directed city attorney ricinda Perry to continue researching types of bike racks and potential locations for them along Bridge Street. islander Photo: ryan Paice

Call & confirm!

The Islander suggests readers check for cancellations or rescheduled activities due to safety measures to deal with COVID-19.

JON SYRE OF BRADENTON BEACH

ROLLOVER

SePt. 16, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 17 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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PICK THE WINNERS â&#x20AC;˘ WIN $50 â&#x20AC;˘ The Islander pays $50 to the person with the most correct game-winning predictions. Collect prize in person at 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, or by mail. â&#x20AC;˘ Entries must be mailed or hand-delivered to the newspaper office and arrive by 4 p.m. FRIDAY every week. â&#x20AC;˘ A winner will be drawn from tying entries. The decision of The Islander football judge is final. â&#x20AC;˘ All entries must be submitted on the published form. Entries must be hand-written original. Must include name, address and phone number. â&#x20AC;˘ All advertisers must be listed to be eligible to win.

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Your name ___________________________________ Address/City _____________________________________________ Phone _________________________ Mail or deliver by 4 p.m. FRIDAY to The Islander â&#x20AC;˘ 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach FL 34217 â&#x20AC;˘ INFO: 941-778-7978

Page 18 THE ISLANDER | islander.org SePt. 16, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Tidings

Gathering

Roser readies Golfing for God

Roser Memorial Community Church has resumed its Golfing for God outings, with the next event set for Friday, Sept. 18, at IMG Academy Golf Club in Bradenton.

The church, in partnership with IMG, will offer a round of golf, dinner and Bible study.

An announcement said dinner would be limited to 16 people due to health precautions during the coronavirus pandemic.

The outing will begin with nine holes of golf at 2:45 p.m.

Dinner will be at 5:30 p.m. at the club.

For costs, additional information and reservations, contact the church office via email at info@ roserchurch.com.

IMG is at 4350 El Conquistador Pkwy., Bradenton.

ship, Holmes Beach.

Saturdays 9 a.m.-noon, Lord’s Warehouse thrift store, Longboat Island EVENTS Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941Wednesdays 383-6491.

6:15 p.m. — Wednesday supper, CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Tuesdays Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-0719.

10:30 a.m. — Book discussion group, Gloria Dei Lutheran 6:45 p.m. — Wednesday Night Blast, CrossPointe Fellowship, Church, Zoom-based. Information: gdlami18@gmail.com.

Holmes Beach.

REGULAR WORSHIP Thursdays 9:30 a.m. — Women’s fellowship class, CrossPointe Fellow- 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. — Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1638.

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

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

8:30 a.m. — Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414.

9:30 a.m. — CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-0719.

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

10 a.m. — Roser Church.

10:30 a.m. — CrossPointe Fellowship.

ONLINE WORSHIP Christ Church of Longboat Key, christchurchlbk.org.

CrossPointe Fellowship, Facebook.

Catholic Diocese of Venice, Spectrum cable TV. Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, Facebook.

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Facebook.

Harvey Memorial Community Church, Facebook.

Longboat Island Chapel, longboatislandchapel.org.

Roser Church, roserchurch.com.

Gathering

Please, send announcements, photographs and calendar listings for the religion page to news@ islander.org and calendar@islander.org.

Please, include a contact name and phone number, as well as announcement details.

the rev. neil crowell, pastor of roser memorial community church, and his daughter, emily, attend roser’s golfing for god event at img academy golf club in Bradenton. islander courtesy Photo

Milestones

Obituaries

New to the krewe

At your service

the anna maria island Privateers welcome Valerie mabry, left, carmella odriscoll and Jenn Schrader as members of the organization that works for kids and community. the women recently received “red shirt” status and took oaths to uphold Privateers’ bylaws. for information about joining, go online to amiprivateers. memberlodge.org. islander courtesy Photo

Obituaries are offered as a community service in The Islander newspaper to residents and family of residents, both past and present, as well as to those people with ties to the island. Submit to news@ islander.org. Islander obituaries, including photo, are free.

Paid obituaries can be discussed with advertising consultant Toni Lyon at 941-778-7978.

Islander archive 24/7 need a good laugh? visit the emerson quillin signature store. humor, art, gifts 317 Pine Ave., Anna Maria | www.emersonshumor.com

You can read it all online at islander.org!

Some years ago, The Islander was invited to take part in a pilot project with the University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries.

We donated our collection of printed newspapers beginning with the first edition in 1992 and now the archive is maintained on the library site, searchable by key word, name or date.

Look online for Islander in the UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

Growing in Jesus’ Name

SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM

The Rev. Dr. Norman Pritchard

In the SANCTUARY and ONLINE Go to www.RoserChurch.com Click WORSHIP-SIGNUP , WATCH LIVE or WATCH LATER Text ROSER to 22828 to receive the weekly eBulletin.

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

941-778-0414 • info@RoserChurch.com • LIKE us on Facebook @RoserChurch

Worship With Us Via Livestream Sundays at 10 a.m.

www.bit.ly/cclbksermons or www.christchurchlbk.org (follow YouTube link) Due to Coronavirus concerns, Sunday church services will be livestreamed until further notice.

6400 Gulf of Mexico Dr.

•

941.383.8833 (office)

•

www.christchurchlbk.org

SePt. 16, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 19 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Holmes Beach commission approves resiliency grant By chrisann allen islander reporter

Holmes Beach wants to build resiliency against sea level rise in vulnerable areas of the city.

Commissioners unanimously voted Sept. 10 during a teleconferenced city commission meeting to authorize Mayor Judy Titsworth to sign a contract for a grant application for the “coastal partnership initiative” through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s coastal management program.

Local governments of counties and municipalities required to include a coastal element in their comprehensive plans are eligible for the grant.

The grant would provide $9,000, to be matched by the city, for design and permitting of a project that would provide a “coastal shelf” to serve as a natural barrier against higher-than-usual tides, as well as provide a “migratory shelf” for mangroves and other aquatic vegetation to grow as sea levels rise.

The coastal shelf would be installed in the right of way on Avenue B, starting at 28th Street and continuing 300 feet north. Exotic species, including Australian pines, would be removed, and a vegetated shelf, varying in height from 1-4 feet, would be installed.

“This pilot project will provide the opportunity to explore the various options and permitting requirements for protecting the community, as well as provide a migration area for aquatic species that are becoming threatened by the rising tides,” city engineer Lynn Burnett wrote in the grant proposal.

The commission unanimously voted to authorize the mayor to sign the grant application.

In other matters, commissioners unanimously

a coastal shelf, supporting mangroves and other native aquatic species, could be installed in the right of way on avenue B, starting at 28th Street and continuing 300 feet north, possibly connecting to the stretch of avenue B south of 29th Street in Holmes Beach pictured here. islander Photo: chrisann allen

voted to authorize the mayor to sign an agreement with Superior Asphalt of Oneco to repave the parking lot at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

The agreement piggybacked on Superior Asphalt’s contract with Manatee County and totaled $28,434.60.

Mayor Judy Titsworth said Sept. 10 that funds were available for the project through parks for this fiscal year.

The commission unanimously approved a motion to for Titsworth to sign the contract.

The next commission meeting will be at 6 p.m. New tool for gopher tortoise sightings Tuesday, Sept. 22, by teleconference. Instructions to the florida fish and Wildlife conservation comjoin will be provided at holmesbeachfl.org. mission has a new interactive web application to

replace a retired smartphone app used to report sightings of gopher tortoises. to report a sighting The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Com- impact the health of humans, producing brevetoxins or notify the fWc of a sick, injured or dead tortoise, mission recently awarded $200,000 to University of that mix in the air, which results in breathing difficul- go online to myfwc.com/gophertortoise. the gopher Florida scientists to lay the framework for a portable ties for people, as well as chest pain, nausea, skin and tortoise is a protected, keystone species that occurs in all 67 florida counties. islander Screenshot device to measure air toxins from red tide outbreaks. eye irritation.

Researchers plan to build devices to detect red tide toxins

Red tides are regularly occurring events in the Gulf of Mexico, documented for more than a century. However, data indicate the prevalence might be increasing due to climate change and an increase in nutrients.

Red tide events can cause death to marine life and

Milestones:

The Islander welcomes photographs and notices of milestones. Please, submit announcements and photographs to news@islander.org. Also, please, include a contact phone number.

“The end result in developing this methodology is to help the coastal residents, tourists and businesses have a better understanding of the potential exposure to aerosolized toxins in the areas they live, do business or plan to visit,” said H. Dail Laughinghouse IV, an assistant professor of applied phycology — the scientific study of algae — with the University of Florida.

— Lisa neff

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Page 20 THE ISLANDER | islander.org SePt. 16, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Nesting notes

By ChrisAnn Allen

Hatching activity slows, turtle watch looks ahead to lighting

Sea turtle nesting season and the hatches that follow are winding down.

So Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird monitoring is planning for 2021.

As of Sept. 8, 52 of 349 nests laid this season remained to hatch in a â&#x20AC;&#x153;nurseryâ&#x20AC;? on the beach near White Avenue and Peppertree Lane, near the allen Anna Maria/Holmes Beach boundary.

Nests laid in Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach since season began with the first nest in late April have been relocated to Anna Maria due to the ongoing $17 million beach renourishment project. The sand replenishment started near 77th Street in Holmes Beach July 8 and will continue south to Longboat Pass through the end of October, paralleling sea turtle season.

In August, a private security light atop a tall pole in Holmes Beach near the nursery caused hatchlings from 65 nests to disorient and travel away from the Gulf of Mexico.

Artificial light visible at a sea turtleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eye level can draw them away from the Gulf of Mexico, increasing the chances of death by predation, dehydration or exhaustion.

The city contacted the property owner and worked with Florida Power and Light to fix the problem, and the light was turned off.

However, Suzi Fox, AMITW executive director, said Sept. 8, since turtle watch started keeping records in 1992 that is the highest number of nests to disorient.

In 2019, 59 nests had disorientations and there were 50 in 2018.

Left: Bill Booher, amitW volunteer, goes shoulder-deep in a nest Sept. 1. rigHt: two sea turtle hatchlings scamper Sept. 1 to the gulf of mexico. turtle watch uncovered the hatchlings during a nest excavation and released them to the gulf of mexico. islander Photos: courtesy amitW

Fox must submit reports for each nest â&#x20AC;&#x201D; hours of paperwork â&#x20AC;&#x201D; to be shared with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Manatee County.

She also said the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, a major funding source for the renourishment project, was concerned about the lighting issue.

The Corps and county must ensure wildlife is not disrupted by the renourishment or by changes to the environment caused by the project. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hours of time for us to document this, on top of the hours of time FWC must spend reviewing it,â&#x20AC;?

Fox said.

And, Fox added, that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t account for the loss to the sea turtle population.

Fox plans to address lighting before a new season starts May 1, 2021, when nests will remain wherever the female turtles deposit them, as opposed to this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s relocations.

She said the sand on the beach will be 3 feet higher in some areas, which mean lights previously not visible to turtles might now be seen.

Properties along the beachfront â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and in some cases beyond it â&#x20AC;&#x201D; must be compliant with FWC standards for turtle-friendly lighting.

So Fox will be conducting a preseason lighting inspection, then another May 1, 2021, contracted by the Corps and the county, to determine what has changed since the renourishment project and what lights must be brought into compliance. Code compliance in each city also will conduct lighting inspections. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our inspections better match up,â&#x20AC;? Fox said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Any lights that are not compliant must be corrected when season starts. Everybody must be accountable.â&#x20AC;?

To report sick, injured, entangled or dead sea turtles or shorebirds contact the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.

For more information on nesting season, contact AMITW executive director Suzi Fox at suzifox@ gmail.com or 941-778-5638.

as of Sept 13: 349 nests and 450 false crawls in the renourishment area, 248 hatched nests.

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the florida fish and Wildlife conservation commission recommends people follow these guidelines for sea turtle safety: â&#x20AC;˘ DO turn off or adjust lighting along the beachfront to prevent nesting sea turtles from becoming disoriented and moving toward the glow of light on land, instead of natural light reďŹ&#x201A;ecting on the surface of the water. indoor lights should be turned off, with curtains closed after dark, and outdoor lighting should be turtle-friendly bulbs. use fixtures low to the ground and shielded from view at the shoreline. â&#x20AC;˘ DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T use ďŹ&#x201A;ashlights or camera ďŹ&#x201A;ashes on the beach at night. they can distract nesting sea turtles and cause them to return to the water. â&#x20AC;˘ DO clear the way at the end of the day. Nesting female sea turtles can become trapped, confused or impeded by gear left on the beach at night. remove

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Holes trap turtles and can injure people. call code enforcement to report unattended property or large holes on the beach. city of anna maria code enforcement â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 941-7086130, ext. 139 or ext. 129. city of Bradenton Beach code enforcement â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 941-778-1005, ext. 280. city of Holmes Beach code enforcement â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 941708-5800, ext. 247. report sick, injured, entangled or dead sea turtles to the fWc Wildlife alert Hotline, at 1-888-404-3922, #fWc or *fWc on a cellphone or text tip@myfWc. com. for more information on island nesting, contact Suzi fox at suzifox@gmail.com or 941-778-5638.

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SePt. 16, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 21 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

a graphic on Birdcast shows the florida migration forecast for Sept. 11. islander Screenshot

By Lisa Neff

Flocks in the forecast

The island forecast for Sept. 11 included “hot and humid,” a 70% chance of rain and 10,000 migrating birds.

Yes, that’s correct, there are forecasts for bird migrations.

With earlier sunsets and cooler temps in the fall, we see a massive, prolonged southern migration — purple martins on route to Sarasota’s Celery Fields, white pelicans settling neff on Sarasota Bay, American robins amassing in our Florida privets, vultures hunting on the Palma Sola Causeway and many more species.

Reading online forecasts can’t compare with witnessing the arrival of migrating birds, but the forecasts make for most interesting studies ahead of the most intense migration periods.

Colorado State University and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology collaborated to offer the most citizenfriendly migration forecast at birdcast.info. migratory american white pelicans join the residential brown pelicans in the waters surrounding the commercial docks in the village of cortez, a perfect location to witness the fall and spring migrations. islander file Photo: Bonner Joy

BirdCast contains scientific reports, calls to action, news, migration maps and migration forecasts.

The forecasts show predicted nocturnal migration and the migration maps show real-time analysis of intensities of nocturnal bird movement, as detected by the U.S. weather surveillance radar network.

Cornell and CSU provide the forecasts to further science, stoke enthusiasm for birds and birding and to protect birds and encourage “lights out,” especially along flyways.

We’re familiar on Anna Maria Island with “lights out” for sea turtle nesting season, which runs MayOctober, but the message should be shared and heeded

year-round to protect other wildlife.

An estimated 80% of birds in North America migrate at night, when light pollution can be distracting, disorienting and deadly for birds.

We’ve known about the negative effects of artificial light for many decades.

In 90 minutes Sept. 12, 1937, 576 birds died when they hit the Washington Monument in the U.S. capital, according to CSU’s Aeroeco Lab. Eighty years later, 400 birds died in a collision with a high-rise in Galveston, Texas.

Those were single incidents.

Annually, about a billion birds die from building collisions due in part to artificial light and many more birds lose their way or experience other disruptions to their natural lives.

So when the forecast maps light up with migration activity, we should go lights out for the birds.

BirdCast conveniently offers geographically based “lights out” alerts about expected or estimated migration intensities and promoting darker skies.

The alerts come with reminders: “Check your local patch, listen out your window and look to the skies to seek out those migrants that have arrived or are passing through your area.”

People can subscribe on birdcast.info or follow @ DrBirdcast’s account on Twitter, which Sept. 10 contained exuberant tweets about 10,000 American redstarts over New Jersey, flash-frozen songbirds falling from the sky in Colorado and veery calls raining from the night sky in Maine.

Soon, very soon, the chirps and tweets will include our area, because the extended forecast shows the fall migration is about to erupt.

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Page 22 THE ISLANDER | islander.org SePt. 16, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Youth soccer kicks off, adults benched by storm, power outage Kevin P. cassidy islander reporter

The Fall youth soccer season at the Center of Anna Maria Island kicked off Sept. 8.

The action included four games in two age divisions. The 8-10 division boasts five teams, while the 11-14 division has four teams. The 8-10 division will play a five-game regular season followed by playoffs starting Oct. 20, while the 11-14 division will play six cassidy games in the buildup to the Oct. 20 playoff matches.

The pitch saw action from 8-10 division teams HSH Designs and Beach Bums. The Bums prevailed by a 2-0 margin behind a goal each from Tomas Bartos and Oliver Tirpak. Goalie Cyrus Ryan helped preserve the victory with five saves.

Savannah Coba and Brady Thompson were strong for HSH Designs, which received three saves from Estella Long in the loss.

The second 8-10 division match saw Moss Builders cruise to a 4-0 victory over Miz & Hiz Biz behind a hat trick from Dylan Sato and a goal from Mason Moss. Silas Dewitt added an assist and Xane Flores contributed four saves.

Bam Gartman and Liam Nunez combined on five saves to lead Miz & Hiz Biz in the loss.

The 11-14 division kicked off next with Tidy MD edging Slim’s Place 3-2 behind two goals from Victor Albrecht and a goal from Jayden Sparks. Frankie Coleman added a pair of assists and Emma Raulerson made three saves in the victory.

Elek Brisson scored a pair of goals to lead Slim’s Place, which also received a combined five saves from goalies Asa Brisson and Mya Ferrari in the loss.

Youth soccer action continues Sept. 15 with four matches, and kicking off at 6 p.m.

Adult soccer league on delay A power outage and heavy rains put a damper on the adult championship game at the Center of Anna Maria Island.

The outage on championship night, Sept. 10, finally put hopes for the championship match between No. 2 seed Sato Real Estate and top seed Beach Bums

Bradenton Beach to explore towing franchise By ryan Paice islander reporter

Illegal parking has been a long-standing issue in Bradenton Beach.

The issue can get worse when a “rogue towing situation” is added into the mix.

City commissioners voted 4-0 Sept. 3 to direct city attorney Ricinda Perry to research and prepare methods for franchising an exclusive towing service for municipal parking lots, as well for the U.S. post office parking lot on Bridge Street.

Commissioner Jan Vosburgh was absent with excuse.

Perry said she received calls reporting improper practices, including trucks towing vehicles without a request or hauling vehicles to the North Coquina Boat Ramp for a makeshift impound.

Police Lt. John Cosby verified the reports.

A franchise service would have exclusive rights to tow vehicles from public parking lots, as well as at the post office, where the city has an agreement for public parking after regular post office hours.

Perry said the city needed to issue a request for proposals to choose a towing company.

Commissioner Jake Spooner approved.

“I know a lot of people won’t return to a place where they feel like they were treated in a bad way,” Spooner said. “I feel like, in these situations, we need a very professional and orderly company that can take care of these situations.”

Commissioner Ralph Cole made the motion.

Spooner seconded the motion.

There was no public comment.

HSH designs’ Brady thompson clears the ball on defense during Sept. 8 youth soccer action at the center of anna maria island. islander Photos: Kevin P. cassidy

out of reach.

Sato Real Estate advanced to the championship with a 5-2 victory over Moss Builders behind a hat trick from Connor Bystrom and a goal each from Josh Sato and Hakan Toka. Murap Akay added an assist and Steve Oelfke made seven saves in the victory.

Daniel Anderson and Ryan Moss each scored a goal to lead Moss Builders, which also received an assist from Brent Moss and 10 saves from Zach Long.

Beach Bums cruised into the finals with a 10-5 victory over Vintage Beach behind a hat trick from Amy Ivin and two goals each from Connor Haughey, Yuri Pereira and Kevin Roman. Robert Fellowes, Neil Fellowes and Haughey added assists to the victory, while Andrew Sullivan and Haughey combined on 10 saves.

Joey Hutchinson scored three goals and Sean Flynn added two goals to lead Vintage Beach, which received 12 saves from Josh Bernet and Winston Romberger in the loss.

The match was not on the center’s online calendar as of press time Sept. 14.

Key Royale golf news Forty-eight golfers celebrated Labor Day by teeing it up for a step-aside-scramble at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach.

First-place honors went to the team of Ann and John Hackinson, Lori Waggoner and Debi Wohlers with a handicapped score of 22.75. Second place went to the team of Mike Clements, Steve Donnella and Deb and Dave Richardson with a score of 24.87.

The longest-drive competition for the women went to Karen Mitchell, while Steve Vasbinder grabbed the men’s title. Debi Wohlers took closest-to-the-pin for the ladies and Steve Donnella delivered for the men.

After the golf, 60 or so members and guests celebrated the day with awards, lunch and libations.

The women were on the course Sept. 8 for a ninehole individual-low-net match that saw Ann Hackinson fire a 5-under-par 27 to grab first place by one stroke over Terry Westby.

The men played a nine-hole scramble Sept. 10 with a twist — only three clubs could be used. The team of Mike Clements, Bill MacMillan and Jerry Martinek finished in a tie for first place with the team of Mike Cusato, Fred Miller and Ken Nagengast on matching 3-under-par 29s.

Horseshoe news Three teams emerged from pool play with 2-1 records and settled things in the playoffs at the Sept.

9 games at the Anna Maria City hall horseshoe pits.

Tim Sofran and Bob Heiger drew the lucky bye into the final and watched as Jerry Disbrow and Neil Hennessey defeated Gary Howcroft 21-13 to advance to the finals. Sofran and Heiger cruised to the winner’s circle with a 21-9 victory over Disbrow and Hennessey.

Sofran and Heiger teamed up again for the Sept.

12 games and forged the lone 3-0 record during pool play to earn the day’s outright championship.

Play gets underway at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Warmups Beach Bums’ Jazzy Sparks and HSH designs ila begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by random team selectyler battle for the ball as Jackson rosas and Bosan tion. duytschaver wait for a chance at the ball during There is no charge to play and everyone is welSept. 8 youth soccer action. come.

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SePt. 16, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 23 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Wait out rainstorms to be rewarded with hookups, dinner By capt. danny Stasny islander reporter

If you’re planning a backcountry fishing trip in the waters surrounding Anna Maria Island this month, you’ll want to bring a raincoat.

A pair of slickers might come in handy, too.

With frequent pop-up thunderstorms, you never know when you’re going to get wet. And it seems the storms pop up right when the bite is Stasny getting good. Most showers are brief, with some lasting 10-15 minutes. As long as there’s no lightning and your bilge pumps are functioning, you should be good to wait out the storm on the water.

Those willing to wait are being rewarded with a respectable number of catch-and-release snook, redfish and spotted seatrout. Early morning tides seem to work best, especially when fishing the shallow waters around mangroves and oyster bars. Free-lining live shiners and pinfish works well.

For those who like more of a challenge, top-water plugs and soft plastics will attract the fish’s attention.

If you’re carrying top-water plugs in your tackle box, don’t hesitate to take a few casts over the deeper grass flats for spotted seatrout. Trout love to blast baits on the surface and, if you’re skilled at “walking the dog,” you might trick one into a taste. There’s other species on the deeper grass flats, too, including ladyfish and jack crevalle — both likely to crash a top-water lure.

Live bait fishing over the deep grass likely will result in a more consistent hook-up-to-cast ratio and, if you’re lucky, you might catch your limit of mangrove snapper between trout bites.

Fishing structure is usually the best plan when searching for snapper, but when they are on the deep grass, they tend to take baits fairly frequently as they are there to feed.

Also, speaking of structure, the snapper are available for the taking in these areas. Mixed in are Spanish mackerel and many jack crevalle. Artificial reefs, wrecks and rock piles should hold the fish until the

Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

AM

Sept 16 Sept 17 Sept 18 Sept 19 Sept 20 Sept 21 Sept 22 Sept 23

12:28a 12:45a 1:04a 1:26a 1:52a 2:23a 3:00a 3:45a

HIGH

PM

HIGH

1.9 11:38a 2.0 12:31p 2.1 1:24p 2.2 2:19p 2.4 3:20p 2.6 4:34p 2.7 6:24p 2.7 —

2.8 2.8 2.7 2.5 2.2 1.9 1.7 —

AM

5:09a 5:57a 6:45a 7:37a 8:32a 9:35a 10:47a 12:10p

LOW

1.2 0.9 0.6 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3

PM

LOW

Moon

6:31p 0.3 7:04p 0.5 NEW 7:36p 0.7 8:04p 1.0 8:30p 1.3 8:52p 1.5 9:04p 1.6 — —

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

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mike Halkyard shows off one of many hard-fighting bonita caught Sept. 1 a few miles out in the gulf on a family fishing trip with capt. aaron Lowman. Halkyard caught this one on a lure, but plenty of fish took a live shiner. Lowman said he also guided the Halkyard family “to a bunch of catch-and-release snook and seatrout” and some Spanish mackerel and mangrove snapper that went in the cooler for dinner.

new moon.

On my Southernaire charters, I’m seeing numerous catch-and-release spotted seatrout coming to the hook. Mornings of 30-40 trout hookups are occurring — keeping my anglers busy. Mixed in are ladyfish, jack crevalle, bluefish and Spanish mackerel.

Catch-and-release snook fishing also is quite good.

Fishing swift moving tides is key to getting a good bite from a linesider, and I’m also seeing a few redfish mixed in while targeting the snook.

Capt. Warren Girle is finding action for his anglers around the artificial reefs in the Gulf of Mexico. In depths of 30 feet, Girle is chumming with dead shiners, inspiring the mangrove snapper to feed. Free-lining a shiner in the chum results in limits of snappers. Most catches are 15 inches, but snapper up to 20 inches are taking the hook.

Other catches while fishing structure in the Gulf include Spanish mackerel and bonito.

Moving inshore to the shallow grass flats, Girle is putting clients on some catch-and-release action on snook and redfish. Both are responding to free-lined live shiners cast over shallow grass flats — anywhere mangroves and oyster bars exist.

Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says catchand-release snook are being hooked daily by anglers visiting the pier. Pier fishers using live shrimp or other live bait — pinfish and shiners — are hooking into snook 20-30 inches.

Catch-and-release redfish are being caught simi-

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larly, although less frequently than the linesiders.

For anglers looking to bring home dinner, mangrove snapper and flounder are on the menu. Limits of keeper snapper — five fish of minimum 10-inches per angler — are attainable.

As for flounder, the pier fishers don’t scoff at fish 18-22 inches. On days when the bait schools are present, casting artificials such as jigs and spoons is attracting an occasional jack crevalle or ladyfish. Lucky anglers are hooking into some Spanish mackerel — nice to add to a snapper limit.

Capt. David White is working offshore with his clients on the red grouper catch. According to White, red grouper are feeding heavily and taking every bait presented to them.

Along with the red grouper, White is finding yellowtail snapper accommodating. Again, every bait is being eaten.

Moving inshore, White is targeting catch-andrelease species — snook, redfish and juvenile tarpon.

While inshore, White’s clients are hooking into plenty of Spanish mackerel and mangrove snapper for their coolers.

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

INSHORE RE Redfish Snook

O OFFSHORE SSnapper G Grouper

LIGHT G TACKLE C • FLY Over 30 years experience in local waters • USCG Licensed Full / Half Day Trips • 941.387.8383 (H) • 941.232.8636 (C) www.captainwarren.com Facebook: Captain Warren

Licensed

Page 24 THE ISLANDER | islander.org SePt. 16, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

I S L A N D E R C L A S S I F I E D S ITEMS FOR SALE

ANNOUNCEMENTS

HELP WANTED

CAR ROOF RACK: Easy to install, $100, oil paintings, framed, $25. 941-920-2494.

WANTED: WORKOUT DVDs and retired but working XBox, Wii units with games for Ministry of Presence for kids and teens in Haiti. Deliver to The Islander, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

BEACH RESORT SEEKING part-time groundskeeper for small AMI property. Primary handyman skills would be a “PLUS” for job position.

Email your contact information along with personal description of experience with landscaping duties and/or related exterior maintenance work to beckyjhardy1@msn.com for consideration in this drug-free workplace.

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.

WANTED: YOUR OLD cellphone for recycling.

Deliver to The Islander, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

ANTIQUE PARTNER DESK: All wood, $1,000.

See at The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

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.

ANTIQUE OFFICE chairs: Circa 1950 from Anna Maria City Hall. The Islander newspaper, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

GARAGE SALES

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

YARD/ESTATE SALE: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24. Tools, household items, fishing gear, furniture and lots more! 127 50th St, Holmes Beach.

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 1-866-3629821. (limited time offer)

PETS

Sandy’s Lawn Service Inc. ESTABLISHED IN 1983

Residential & Commercial Full-service lawn maintenance.

Landscaping ~ Cleanups Hauling ~ Tree Trimming.

HELP RESCUED PETS! Volunteer, foster, computer help needed! Moonracer Animal Rescue.

Email: moonraceranimalrescue@gmail.com.

TRANSPORTATION

LICENSED & INSURED

Paradise Improvements

941.792.5600

Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Specialist Replacement Doors and Windows

BOATS & BOATING

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

WANTED: GENERAL MANAGER. Will train.

Inquire in person at Vinny’s Italian Kitchen, 5337 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

GUARDIAN SECURITY AGENCY: Full-and parttime positions. Competitive pay and benefits. Reliable transportation and smartphone. 727-8737400. gsa-fla.com/apply.

HAIRSTYLIST, BARBER AND nail tech wanted at friendly, clean salon on Longboat Key. COVID safe. Contact Tina at Tina’s Beauty Salon at 941383-5877.

LooKing for an earLY Bird? You can read Wednesday’s classifieds on tuesday at www.islander.org. and it’s free!

SPonSored BY

ANSWERS TO SEPT. 16 PUZZLE

J E S S I C A

M U S I C M A N

O N E S M A L L T H I N G

T H R I V E S

A I R F A R E

S P A D E S

P G I E E C P O K A N O N A G A E L R A I S M N O D O E R B U T T B B A A Y F E R L A A G T E

O T T A U N E W S N H A O S T H E A U R A R C R Y P T E M P R B D E Y V E S S S L E H T O R N A F F T O D O R C S J S I A T E R F L Y E N L A O R D O R R A W A K E N C E I D E E R E E A R S S N T S

LOOKING TO PURCHASE a boat dock, 25 to 36 feet in Anna Maria. Please call or text with any opportunities. 267-664-4544.

HELP WANTED

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.

H O L E

BIMINI BAY SAILING: Small sailboat rentals and instruction. Day. Week. Month. Sunfish, Laser, Windrider 17 and Precision 15. Call Brian at 941685-1400.

2004 PROLINE 22-foot walk-around, cuddy. 2009 Suzuki 250-hp. 813-240-2697.

AdoptA-Pet

S T A B

FOR SALE: 2009 CLUB car precedent electric two seater. New battery with charger, tires and brakes. 941-778-2821. $4,900 or best offer.

L C E R E C I H A O S A E O R Y S N S P C G A M T S E E Y A O T S K C A L F E M O V E R A E C A T E L D O B E L L I A R Y A T A P E E T H T U E S E E E F F E C T F E D O R S R T A E E W I P N T H E W O R D I T S W I O R T A A S R E P S N E

PropertyWatch By Jesse Brisson

O D I E

N E T S

S T R E A M E R

C E N S O R S

T R E L L I S

S A D D E N

On vacation…

p rof e s s ion a l

PHOTOGRAPHY VIDEO Advertising Real Estate Resorts Restaurants Web/Social Media

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 u fLY i drive your car anywhere in the uSa. airport runs, anywhere. office, 941-4476389. 941-545-6688.

NEED A RIDE to airports? Tampa $65, St. Pete, $55, Sarasota, $30. Gary, 863-409-5875. gvoness80@gmail.com.

CLEANING: VACATION, CONSTRUCTION, residential, commercial and windows. We service VRBO and Airbnb. Licensed and insured. 941744-7983.

PRESSURE WASHING, PAVER sealing, driveway, roof, fence, pool area. Also, window cleaning.

Licensed and insured. 941-565-3931.

I DON’T CUT corners, I clean corners. Professional, friendly cleaning service since 1999. 941779-6638. Leave message.

BaYSHore Home WatcH (accredited service): Providing certified professional weekly home checks. Peace of mind while you’re away. 941-920-5597. Bonded/insured.

KLean moVeS: BeSt movers in ami. Small moves, long distance and local deliveries. no job too big or too small. Senior discounts.

941-877-6580. ask for reggie. Kleanmoves. com.

Premium cLeaning SerViceS for premium clientele. 941-216-8238. a clean space is a healthy space!

PIANO LESSONS AT your home, mine, or online.

Music will flourish! Scholarships available. Call/ text: 941-518-9973.

V’S SQUEAKY CLEAN Cleaning: Residential, vacation rentals, commercial cleaning. Honest, hard working and dependable! Supplies included.

Call today! 941-250-8548.

BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS JD’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach.

I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-9203840. BOXBOXBOX

Save time and effort: Place classified ads online at 941-778-2711 islander.org

Sept. 16, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 25 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

IS YOUR CHILD doing virtual learning here on the island, or nearby? I can work with a pod (3-5 students) or a single student. I have 17 years of teaching experience, Master’s Degree and a love of teaching! I have my current professional teaching license for FL. I live on the island and I can come to your home or I can teach a pod here, my home. I have passed level 2 background check, and I can provide references. Ms. Kat, 270-7792812.

BLINDS, SHUTTERS, SHADES: Motorization. 30 years on AMI. Call Keith Barnett, Barnett Blinds, 941-730-0516.

ANNUAL WANTED ON Anna Maria or Holmes Beach. Updated preferred and pet friendly. 214854-6496.

ISLAND HANDYMAN: I live here, work here, value your referral. Refinish, paint. Just ask. JayPros.

Licensed/insured. References. Call Jay, 941-9622874.

ANNUAL RENTAL: 2BR/1BA. $1,400/month includes utilities. One block from Palma Sola bay.

941-795-0306.

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.

OUTDOOR KITCHENS, STAMPED concrete, acid-stained concrete! Let us create your outdoor space! RTM Solutions LLC. GC#1526400. Jason Searcy. 615-9341793.

R.A. GONZALEZ CONSTRUCTION: Re-roof and leak specialist. Residential/hotels/commercial.

Repairs, shingles, tile, metal, flat. Quick response.

Quality work at reasonable rates. References.

Insured/license #CCC1330056. Call Bryan at 727-277-9502.

RENTALS

LAWN & GARDEN 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.

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.

FIRST FLOOR, SPACIOUS 3BR/2BA. Classy, 2020 total renovation. Beautiful, quiet Westbay Point & Moorings. Monthly, FloridaRentalbyOwners.com. #1590. Also, #1106, 2BR/2BA, gorgeous bay views. Monthly. Kayaks and bikes included.

Call Sue, 207-944-6097.

SEASONAL RENTAL: 2BR/2BA, Ground floor, three-month minimum, large, heated pool, laundry facilities. 941-363-1227.

GULF AND BAY view with minute walk to beach.

2BR/1.5BA, minimum three-month lease. No smoking, no pets. $3,500 per month. Photos available. Cooper.michelle@gmail.com. 941-2251446.

WESTBAY COVE, 2BR/2BA waterfront unit for rent. November, $4,200. January, $5,000. April $5,000. 973-208-0020.

ANNUAL RENTAL AT Village Green: Oversized villa with two-car garage, 2BR/2BA, full appliances, unfurnished, very clean. Recent updates include plantation shutters, air conditioning, newer paint and large heated pool. Over 55, no pets/smokers, First, last plus security, $1,795 monthly. Available Nov. 1. Please, call Jim, 781-603-2861.

CLASSIFIED AD ORDER

g ____________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ .or___________ r e d n a l w.is___________ w ____________ ___________ ___________ ___________ a___________ ___________ w t e n i l n o ds___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ____________ ___________ ___________ a d e fi i lass___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ c e c ____________ ___________ a l 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) _________

_________

_________

REAL ESTATE BRADENTON BEACH BUNGALOW one block to beach, two blocks to bay and Herb Dolan Park.

5,000 sf lot, fenced back yard. $495,000. For sale by owner. Contact Michelle, 941-778-5737.

The Islander offers the best results for your classified advertising dollar. We really work for you! Submit your ad no later than noon Monday on the website, www.islander.org. For Monday holidays, the deadline is Friday.

Island Limousine and Airport Transportation

Prompt, Courteous Service U New Vehicles 941.779.0043

,IVERY )NSUREDs !IRPORT 0ERMITTED

HURRICANE

Windows & Doors 941-730-5045 WEATHERSIDE LLC

LIC#CBC1253145

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, 941-7957411. CAC184228.

HANDYMAN AND PAINTING. No job too small.

Most jobs just right. Call Richard Kloss. 941-2041162.

BEAUTIFUL WESTBAY POINT & Moorings fall offering. 2BR/2BA condo, spectacular Tampa Bay views. Restrictions apply. $2,100/month. 941-7782824.

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

$YDLODEOH $We AMI CENTRE, 3218 E. BAY DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH 941 778-7978 • WWW.ISLANDER.ORG

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 26 THE ISLANDER | islander.org SePt. 16, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Place classified ads online at www.islander.org

Stay home if you can and communicate with us online at #AMItogether and www.islander.org.

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

MIKE NORMAN REALTY

2501 Gulf Drive, Ste 102, Bradenton Beach

EST. 1978

DREAM CONDO Everything is new in this direct Gulffront dream condo!

Sweeping views all the way to Bean Point! Huge swiming pool on the Gulf, covered parking, storage, elevator and much more. Well maintained complex. Come see all that Anna Maria Island Club has to offer. $769,000.

For professional real estate sales, call a true island native, born and raised on Anna Maria Island.

Marianne Norman-Ellis.

941.778.6696

SURF SIDE New 4bed/4.5 bath/2car pool home with partial Gulf views, rooftop sundeck, incredible pool and spa area.

This amazing home was built with the details in mind, and the rental potential is through the roof. Call today.

941.713.4755

Jesse Brisson, Broker Associate, GRI 941-713-4755, jbrisson@kw.com

Mike Norman Realty

When it comes to buying or selling your home, Please, CALL ME FIRST! Let my 30-plus years of experience work for you.

Chantelle Lewin

Broker Associate Licensed since 1983

—

all real estate advertising herein is subject to the fair Housing act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination familial status includes children under age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. this newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. to complain of discrimination, call Hud toll-free at 1-800-669-9777 or for the hearing impaired, call 0-800-543-8294.

You can read it all online at www.islander.org

 

Chantelle

941.713.1449

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



WWW.CHANTELLELEWIN.COM

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

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LOCALLY KNOWN� GLOBALLY CONNECTED� SINCE �����

BAY PALMS ��� ��th Street Victoria Sperounes ������������ A������� ����������

NORTH POINT HARBOUR ��� N Point Drive Hannah Hillyard ������������ A������� ����������

HOLMES BEACH �� ��nd Street Hannah Hillyard ������������ A������� ����������

WELLS ��� N Shore Drive Ken Kavanaugh� Jr & Margo Love Story ������������ A������� ����������

EDGEWATER WALK ON HARBOUR ISLE ��� Saint Lucia Drive ��� Kathy Harman ������������ A������� ����������

VILLAS OF HOLMES BEACH ��� ��nd Street � Kathy Harman ������������ A������� ��������

MAINSAIL BEACH INN ��� ��th Street �� Kristi Berger & Deborah Capobianco ������������ A������� ��������

MARINA WALK ON HARBOUR ISLE ��� Aruba Circle ��� Hannah Hillyard & George Myers ������������ A������� ��������

TIDY ISLAND �� Tidy Island Boulevard Kathy Marshall ������������ A������� ��������

EDGEWATER WALK ON HARBOUR ISLE ��� Compass Point Drive ��� Betsy Hagen & Laura Rulon ������������ A������� ��������

BRIDGEPORT ��� Gulf Drive N ��� Kristi Berger & Deborah Capobianco ������������ A������� ��������

OSPREY LANDING ����� ��th Avenue E Laura Rulon ������������ A������� ��������

WILDEWOOD SPRINGS ��� Oakview Drive ��� Deborah Capobianco & Kristi Berger ������������ A������� ��������

MIRROR LAKE ���� ��th Avenue W ���� Kristi Berger & Deborah Capobianco ������������ A������� ��������

RIVERSIDE POINT ���� ��th Court E Tyler Hardy ������������ A������� ��������

NEW CONSTRUCTION

MSC MORTGAGE | MSC TITLE | MS&C COMMERCIAL NEW HOMES & CONDOMINIUMS

������������ | MICHAELSAUNDERS�COM

RELEASE DATE: 9/13/2020

New York Times Sunday Magazine Crossword

Sept. 16, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 27 No. 0906 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

ALL AFLUTTER

1

BY OLIVIA MITRA FRAMKE / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ Olivia Mitra Framke, of Jersey City, N.J., is an academic adviser at the New Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College of Performing Arts in Manhattan. She describes herself as a flutist, dog lover and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;all-around gaming nerdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; (video games, board games, role-playing games, you name it). This is her seventh crossword for The Times, including her third Sunday. Like her previous Sunday puzzles, this one has a visual element. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; W.S.

44 Actress Susan of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Partridge Familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 1 Selling point?

45 Soleus muscle locale 5 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;____ Catch â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Em Allâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; (PokĂŠmon theme 48 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC; â&#x20AC;Ś you get the ideaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; song) 50 Course for a nonAnglophone, for 10 Gastric malady short 15 Word aptly found in 51 Keebler crew â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;price controlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 53 Worker who might 19 Nobel laureate check all the boxes?

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67 Bound for 34 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Ciao!â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 69 Log 35 Magical resource 71 Prefix with -sphere in Magic: The 72 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;You got it!â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Gathering 74 Goblinlike creatures 36 Pianistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pace 75 Practical joke 37 Sounds of disapproval 76 Anesthetic of old 39 7/ 77 Tick off 40 Duds 78 Pop singer known for wearing faceOnline subscriptions: Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s covering wigs puzzle and more Answers: 79 When â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Laverne and than 4,000 past puzzles, page 24 nytimes.com/crosswords Shirleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; ran for most ($39.95 a year). of its run: Abbr.

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102 Period 103 Computer data structure 105 Up 107 Ready to crash 109 & 113 End of the definition 117 Assessment: Abbr.

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2

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1 Wild guess 2 One of 42 on a Connect Four board 3 Start of a definition of the 81-Across 4 Bakerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s container 5 Creature that can lick its own eyes 6 Half of O.H.M.S. 7 After-dinner offering 8 Like â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Waiting for Godotâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 9 Convinced 10 Blue 11 Dupes, in a way 12 Stand-up comic Margaret 13 Wyatt, Morgan and Virgil of the Wild West 14 Rolls-____ 15 Some college assignments 16 Middle of the definition 17 Comics dog who walks on two feet 18 N.B.A. team with black-and-white uniforms 25 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m listening ... â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 28 Wild Asian equines 31 Break out 35 1957 Broadway hit starring Robert Preston, with â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Theâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 38 Twitch.tv user 39 Rabbit in a red dress

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41 Noted 1836 battle site 42 Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re parked at national parks 43 Mate for life?

45 Cereal that changes the color of the milk 46 Director DuVernay 47 Clear a path for 49 Bleeps 52 Toy on a grooved track 53 Help to settle 57 Another name for Cupid

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58 The last of the Pillars of Islam 61 Seeing red?

65 Not on time for 68 Temporarily adopt, as a pet 70 Pot 73 Tulsa sch.

76 Canceling key 82 Timetable abbr.

83 Traditional Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day gift 84 Croft of Tomb Raider 85 Tiny terriers

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128 Eight-bit gaming console, for short

8

86 N.Y.C. summer hrs.

87 Black suit 88 Does really well 89 Going rate?

94 Return to a theme, as in a symphony 95 Vine support 96 Bring down 98 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Ciao!â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 101 Response to a puppy video, maybe 104 Middle black key in a group of three, on a piano

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105 Some laptops 106 Sci-fi moon 108 John Wayne, by birth 110 Current fashion 111 Paradise 112 Tidy 114 On an airplane, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s filled with nitrogen rather than air 115 Assumed part of some addresses 116 Those: Sp.

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