MARCH 30, 2022 FRee
VOLUME 30, NO. 23
the Best news on anna Maria island Since 1992
Astheworldterns. 6 amusement park? 3
Q&A 033022.
3
Permitting begins for aM beachfront lot. 4
2022 elections
4
no clams for clams in anna Maria. 5
Meetings. 4 Opinions. 6
10-20 YEARS AGO
Looking back. 7
fines levied in hB code cases. 8 coquina parking project delayed. 9
Save the date. 10-11
Happenings community events. 10-11 groovin’ at community center. 12
islander.org
Islander attacked outside AME after hours By ryan Paice islander reporter
Holmes Beach police are investigating the “brutal” attack that resulted in hospitalization for Evan Purcell, 41, by a group of young people March 23 on the Anna Maria Elementary campus, 4700 Gulf Drive, according to Chief Bill Tokajer. Purcell was walking his dogs on school property with his 10-year-old niece at about 9 p.m. March 23 when he saw the group “drinking and possibly vandalizing the school,” according to a news release from the Holmes Beach Police Department. When Purcell suggested that breaking glass bottles on the school property was harmful, they reportedly became aggressive and approached him. “The victim was in fear for his safety and pulled out a pocketknife to scare off the group,” the release states. “Several of the males in the group attacked the victim knocking him to the ground. The victim was hit in the head with a wooden object — possibly a skateboard. He was punched and
kicked repeatedly in the face and head while he was on the ground until he was unconscious.” Purcell was found unconscious and transported to HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton for “serious injuries” sustained at the scene. He was in stable condition as of March 25, according to HBPD. Tokajer said police identified some suspects and people of interest who left the scene in a white Kia Sportage, a vehicle identified by the city’s license plate recognition system, and HBPD was hoping to quickly resolve the matter. Tokajer said video from the school was used to help identify the suspects, but it was not available to the public since it is part of the ongoing investigation. Another of Purcell’s nieces, Peyton, posted on Facebook March 24 about the incident. “Last night around 8:30 p.m. (Evan) holmes Beach Police chief Bill tokajer was jumped and almost beaten to death by addresses media March 25 at a news a group of boys and two female bystanders,” conference on the campus of anna Maria turn to AMe AttACK, Page 2
No shushing on ‘Library Day’
Gathering. 14
ukrainian conflict stirs harrowing memories. 15
Obituaries. 15 Where’s Tuna Street.
16-17
hB molds plans for golf carts. 18
Cops & Courts 20-21 Strange sightings. 23 Krc tees up for title. 24 fish reheat after chill. 25
Isl Biz: 26-27 artist wows beachgoers. 27
CLASSIFIEDS. 28-29
MarketWatch. 30
NYT puzzle. 31
Questions remain for tenants, owner of condemned home By ryan Paice islander reporter
aMe news. 13
clearing the ‘hurdle.’ 19
elementary. islander Photo: Bonner Joy
aBoVe: holmes Beach Mayor Judy titsworth, who recalled visiting the library as young islander, reads a proclamation March 23 in celebration of island Branch Library day. titsworth joined the island Library staff and friends of the island Library for a 40th anniversary party at the branch, 5701 Marina drive, holmes Beach. islander Photos: Lisa neff Left: aileen Valdes, supervisor of the island Library, applauds during the 40th anniversary party, held March 23 at the library, 5701 Marina drive. More photos, page 15.
Code violations at a condemned property in Holmes Beach soon might be solved by demolition. But questions about the former occupants remain unanswered. Code compliance supervisor JT Thomas told The Islander March 25 that the property owner of the multifamily building at 2809 Ave. E was expected Kaleta to apply for a permit to demo the structure, which was deemed a hazard to the public and its inhabitants. Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer and city staff condemned the building March 18 after they received an anonymous complaint about the property and discovered a litany of structural hazards following an inspection, including: • A partially collapsed balcony; • Dilapidated stairs at the front and back of the building; • Missing wall panels; • A deteriorating central structural beam. The property is owned by developer Shawn Kaleta and Beach to Bay Investments, of which Kaleta is title president,
turn to questions, Page 2