Eighth-generation Cortezian Kira
Taylor gets a hand from Cortez Village Historical Society president Cindy Rodgers as she cuts the ribbon June 14 to open “Mullet Meadow,” a whimsical gnome village, during the Cortez Summer Social at the Cortez Cultural Center, 11655 Cortez Road W., Cortez. Islander
Robert Anderson
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
The Anna Maria City Pier might have a new tenant on the T-end by the time it reopens.
Brian Seymour, a managing member of GSM Partners LLC, the company operating the City Pier Grill & Bait Shop on the pier, asked city commissioners June 12 to authorize Mayor Mark Short to renegotiate the terms of their lease for the T-end space.
GSM Partners is comprised of Seymour, the owner of the Pine Avenue General Store; Victor Mattay, owner of Dips Ice Cream; and Nick Graham, owner of Pine Avenue Bait and Tackle.
The company leased the space on the west side of the T-end after the structure was built to replace the historic pier, which was demolished in 2018 due to damages from Hurricane Irma the year before.
The City Pier Grill & Bait Shop opened in December 2020, only months after the new pier opened.
Almost five years later, the pier is closed again, having lost stretches of its walkway in Hurricane Milton last year.
The city contracted with Bradentonbased Quality Marine Construction Inc., to demolish the remainder of the walkway so it can be rebuilt with superior materials, according to Short.
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
The city of Holmes Beach has plenty of blue waters but not enough green buildings.
City officials are hoping to change that.
Planning commissioners June 4 discussed potential code to incentivize green building, which refers to the practice of creating structures and using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout the life cycle of a building, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Buildings can be certified as green by programs like LEED that assess factors like energy effi ciency, indoor air quality, sustainable building materials and water conservation.
While green buildings produce lower operating costs due to improved energy efficiency, they can be more difficult and expensive to build than those that meet conventional standards.
Chad Minor, director of development services, presented drafted code changes that would encourage property owners building structures of more than 1,000 square feet to pursue green certifi cations by establishing incentives, including:
• Waiving land development, building permit and inspection fees directly related to green building features;
• Expediting municipal permitting;
• Increasing the maximum allowable lot coverage by 10% more than the maximum allowed in the base zoning district.
He said work on the walkway demolition would begin before the end of the month.
Meanwhile, the city is working on financing the construction of a new pier walkway. (See story page 21)
In the meantime, the City Pier Grill & Bait Shop remains closed and its fiveyear lease expires Dec. 31.
While GSM Partners has an option to extend the lease for another five years, Seymour said several issues prevent the company from locking in that extension.
One issue is the unknown reinvestment cost for reopening the grill and bait
shop.
Seymour said with the pier closed and the T-end disconnected from land, it was unclear how much the company would have to spend to get the space operational again.
Another issue is the loss of operating days due to weather.
Over its first four years, the business — which relies on outdoor seating and a walk-up order window — lost on average 104 operating days per year because of inclement weather, according to Seymour.
Seymour said one of the biggest
To receive the city’s incentives for building green, developers or property owners would submit a letter of intent alongside a site plan, then later provide proof of certification from an approved third-party green building/development rating organization.
Planning commissioners supported the concept of incentivizing green building, but had concerns about some of the proposed incentives.
Chair Gale Tedhams said it would not be feasible to expedite permitting or increase allowable lot coverage because certification could only be obtained after construction has been completed.
She said people could submit letters of intent to build green, move forward with expedited permitting and increased
Bradenton Beach will lower flags to half-staff June 20 to honor Doris Marie Silverthorn, a longtime resident, former city clerk and former Islander staff member who died June 2.
Silverthorn was recognized in a city proclamation for her decades of service and connection to AMI.
According to the proclamation, she attended school in Cortez, worked in the office at The Islander and served as city clerk in the 1970s and 1980s. She also worked with the city’s chief of police, her husband Philip Silverthorn, before retiring in 1987.
After retirement, she and Philip moved to Scaly Mountain, North Carolina, where she volunteered for 13 years at the Highlands-Cashiers Hospital.
“Doris Marie Silverthorn was an important part of the city of Bradenton Beach and will be missed by all who knew and loved her,” the proclamation reads.
“She was a really great person — she and her family served the community,” Mayor John Chappie said in a June 11 interview with The Islander. “I am glad we can remember her.”
— Robert Anderson
Juneteenth National Independence Day is Thursday, June 19. Federal offices will be closed for the holiday that marks the arrival of federal troops in Galveston, Texas, to announce the official end of slavery in the state — two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
Also, most local government offices will be closed, including Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach city halls.
Manatee County’s courthouse and the clerk’s office will be closed, but other county government institutions, including the transit service and libraries, will operate as usual.
— Lisa neff
“Hopefully I will be out of the office early this afternoon soon providing you an update early.”
Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short emailed The Islander June 13 — Friday the 13th with a report on “another progress week for various projects we have in process.”
Short said the city got “danger” buoys anchored along the city pier walkway debris to warn boaters. He also said the city was focused on items related to the pier rebuild, including prep for the demolition and remediation of the buildings on the T-end.
At a June 12 commission meeting, there was a presentation from GSM Partners regarding the City Pier Grille lease and some items they would like the
Beach gear is displayed outdoors at a local supermarket June 13, where shovels are priced $4.99. The shovel head appeared to be metal or very hard plastic. It is about 5-6 inches wide. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy
Bill and Jeannie Bystrom of Holmes Beach attend the no Kings protest June 14 on the sidewalk fronting the defunct Big Lots store on Cortez Road in Bradenton. Bill is waving a “Resist” flag, while Jeannie showed her homemade “faux king” sign. Jeannie said there were no confrontations among hundreds of protestors while they were there. “It was a feel-good protest with even bagpipes being played. nice big group of peaceful protestors. Lots of smiling faces.” Islander Photo: Clara Ricker
city to consider in a new agreement.
Short said he had not heard from Mote Marine Laboratory since representatives visited the T-end facility that Mote leases from the city June 4.
“They were out there to evaluate their equipment and assess what they thought they could salvage — like the fish tanks,” Short said.
The commission also held its first reading of an ordinance addressing “garden tools and holes on the beach as part of the island cities’ efforts to align with a similar ordinance at the county-run public beaches.”
Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth texted June 14 to report she and husband Steve made a trip to Litchfield, Illinois, to visit his father, Jack E., before he passed later that day at age 94.
She also mentioned that the city has had no reply from the church about the offer to buy the Gloria Dei property.
— Bonner Joy
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
A challenge to the West Manatee Fire Rescue District’s ability to assess vacation rentals as commercial properties has failed.
12th Circuit Judge Edward Nicholas filed a final summary judgment May 29 in favor of WMFR on both counts and against the plaintiff, Holmes Beachbased C&D Properties of AMI LLC, which is owned by islander Lawrence Chatt, broker for Island Real Estate of Holmes Beach.
In fiscal 2023-24, WMFR launched a rental inspection program that involves inspecting all transient public lodging establishments in the district for compliance with the Florida Fire Prevention Code.
The district includes all of Anna Maria Island and much of west Bradenton.
Alongside WMFR’s implementation of the rental inspection program was a change in fire assessment rates for certain residentially zoned properties, like TPLEs, daycare centers and assisted living facilities.
Vacation rental owners previously paid residential fire assessment rates but are now assessed as commercial properties, which have higher tax rates.
C&D sued in February 2024 to seek declaratory and permanent injunctive relief from enforcement of WMFR’s vacation rental assessments for two condominiums operated as TPLEs in Holmes Beach.
C&D argued that the assessment rate change was an unlawful regulation since Florida Statute 509.032(7) states that “The regulation of public lodging establishments … is preempted to the state.”
WMFR argued that the assessment rate change did not qualify as a regulation since it does not control the existence, duration or frequency of renting TPLEs.
In a May 22 order granting WMFR’s motion for final summary judgment, Nicholas wrote that C&D failed to argue the assessment rate change was a regulation since it did not identify “any control mechanism imposed on its vacation rentals as a result of the
increased rate.”
“For the fire district’s assessment rate to act as a regulation, … it would have to do something to control property owner’s vacation rentals,” he wrote. “Permitting an increased rate to fund increased services benefitting an owner’s property, in proportion to that benefit, simply does not meet the definition of a ‘regulation.’”
Nicholas also wrote that he “would not find that the increased assessment was an action preempted to the state,” even if it could be viewed as a regulation.
“The court finds that the fire district’s rate increase of its assessment imposed on residential properties used as transient public lodging establishments, which includes vacation rentals, is not a regulation that is preempted to the state,” he wrote. “As there is no genuine dispute as to any material fact, the fire district is entitled to final summary judgment in its favor.”
The May 29 final judgment states, “Plaintiff shall
Representing WMFR
WMFR administrator Jalex Leissler, left, and fire inspectors nick Riffe and Lisa Kiernan, right, represented the district June 5 at a joint conference of the 37th Annual Florida Association of Fire and Life Safety educators in Lake Buena Vista. Islander
recover nothing from defendant in this action.”
C&D has until June 28 to appeal the final judgment.
Qualifying to run for elected offices on Anna Maria Island opens in August.
Qualifying in Anna Maria will be noon Aug. 18-noon Aug. 29.
Qualifying in Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach will be noon Aug. 25-noon Aug. 29.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4.
For more about 2025 elections, go to votemanatee. gov or call the elections office at 941-741-3823. — Lisa neff
Modern Chop Happy Hour Light Bite Specials 4-6, lounge only. ▲ Martini Monday: Signature Martinis, $7, plus 1/2 price lite bites -- lounge only.
▼ Tuesday: $3 Tacos and Margaritas 4-9, lounge only.
▲ Wine Down Wednesday, 5O% OFF Wines by the Glass ▼ Live Maine Lobster Thursdays, plus Happy Hour in the lounge all nite.
By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter
Bradenton Beach is rethinking its landscaping, targeting the towering Washingtonian palms at the roundabout for Bridge Street and Gulf Drive.
Mayor John Chappie and police Chief John Cosby floated the idea of a landscape change at a June 5 commission meeting, citing costs and logistical headaches tied to maintaining the tall trees.
“It’s becoming very expensive to trim these a couple times a year,” Chappie said. “It would be nice to get rid of them instead of spending the money we have to spend to trim them.”
The proposal is just the latest in a series of tree swaps in Bradenton Beach. Last year, the city added coconut palms at the roundabout only to be told by the Florida Department of Transportation to pull them out for violating state landscaping rules.
“I won’t make that mistake again,” Chappie said, referring to the coconut palm removal.
The Washingtonians, which can exceed 40 feet in height, were much smaller decades ago when they were planted. According to Cosby, who also is the city’s public works director, their maintenance requires
issues was how the grill and bait shop was put in charge of opening and closing the pier.
He said the historic pier was open to the public 24 hours a day, and many people react strongly to being asked to leave — resulting in confrontations between staff and the public.
Other issues include high rent, limitations on equipment due to a lack of electricity pulled to the pier’s T-end, a lack of city-approved signage for the grill and bait shop, a lack of cover over the seating area, as well as a handful of extra costs GSM Partners was never warned about.
Seymour said GSM Partners would like to extend the lease for another five years, with another 15 months on top to make up for the storm-related loss of operations.
However, he asked city officials to consider changes, including:
• Having city code enforcement officers and Manatee County sheriff’s deputies open and close the pier;
• Renegotiating the lease for more “equitable” monthly rent, maintenance and utility costs;
• Providing credits for days lost to weather events, like hurricanes;
• Constructing a hard roof to cover the grill’s seating area;
• Approving signage to match Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium Marine Science Education and Outreach Center’s signage, as well as an electric menu
road closures, rented lifts and overtime police presence, which costs the city $6,000 to $8,000 annually. While Gulf Drive falls under DOT’s umbrella, the city is responsible for maintaining the trees at the roundabout and must follow the state’s native planting regulations for any changes.
board above the order window.
“If we can’t come to some sort of give-and-take between both sides then, you know, it’s not a threat or anything, but it just doesn’t make business sense for us to reinvest and continue on,” Seymour said. “It doesn’t make financial sense to reopen the business under existing conditions.”
Commissioner John Lynch questioned Seymour’s request to credit operating days lost to severe weather.
He said every business accepts risk by operating on the island and asked what reason the city would have to credit lost days.
Seymour said he was not asking for the city to credit every rainy or windy day, only operating days when the grill and bait shop must close due to severe weather.
“I don’t think negotiating in the worst of the worst days, 5-10 days a year, is a big ask,” he said.
Commission Chair Charlie Salem thanked Seymour for his presentation, saying it provided food for thought.
There was no public comment.
The commission will meet next at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 26, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.
Directions to attend the meeting can be found on the city’s website, cityofannamaria.com.
Chappie said he was in touch with DOT landscape architect Daryll Richard to discuss replacing the trees with thatched, cabbage or sabal palms.
Cosby said the goal is to plant trees that city workers can maintain with a ladder and pole saw from the sidewalk.
“Twenty to 30 feet would be perfect,” he said. “I’d like to be able to trim them from the sidewalk. It’s next to impossible to shut that road down.”
Chappie said two Washingtonians were lost to hurricanes. With storm season here, Cosby said the remaining trees pose a risk.
City attorney Ricinda Perry said community redevelopment agency funds should be used for the project and that would require CRA approval.
Cosby mentioned the possibility of combining the work with other changes, such as repairing brick crosswalks and curbing, and pushed for the city to bring in a professional landscape planner.
“We’ve got two water meters already on Bridge Street,” he said. “We just need to extend the (water) line. Nothing is going to grow properly without that.”
Commissioners gave Cosby the OK to gather cost estimates and bring a proposal to the CRA.
lot coverage, then build a structure that fails to meet green certification standards — in effect getting incentives for nothing.
“When it’s built it’s done, even if they said they were going to do something else,” Tedhams said.
She added that city staff should identify certain green certification programs for approval, since different programs have different standards.
Planning commissioners agreed that the only incentive Minor presented that they could move forward was waiving permit and inspection fees for buildings that receive green certification.
Minor said he would do more research on the matter and bring it back for discussion at future planning commission meetings.
After feedback is gathered from the planning commission, any potential ordinance must go before the city commission for two readings before it can be adopted into municipal code.
The planning commission will next at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 9, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.
A livestream of the meeting can be viewed on the city’s website, holmesbeachfl.org.
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
The proposed installation of three speed tables on Key Royale Drive has proven controversial.
Holmes Beach resident Marykate Scott’s public comments at a June 10 Holmes Beach Commission meeting sparked a debate on the dais about the planned traffic-slowing measure.
In April, the commission voted 4-1 to approve a work order that included the installation of three 3-inchhigh speed tables in the 500 block of Key Royale Drive to address longtime concerns about speeding. The speed tables were requested by a group of residents who met with Mayor Judy Titsworth, police Chief Bill Tokajer and city engineer Sage Kamiya.
Commissioner Carol Whitmore voted “no” after voicing opposition to the speed tables, which she said were tried unsuccessfully in the past.
Whitmore is not the only one who opposes the speed tables, which have yet to be installed.
Residents Catharina and Michael Klotz, as well as Jeff Wilkie, emailed Titsworth and city commissioners June 9 to express opposition to the speed tables.
“While a small group of residents near the proposed locations may support the speed tables, the majority of us, who depend on Key Royale Drive as the sole access to our homes, find this measure unnecessary and disruptive,” Catharina Klotz wrote.
“I urge the city to consider alternatives that can address safety and speeding concerns without imposing such a widespread inconvenience,” Michael Klotz wrote.
Wilkie said three speed tables would not address
Island bridges safety project : Through June, the Florida Department of Transportation is installing pedestrian/bicycle detection systems on the Cortez Bridge, Longboat Pass Bridge and Anna Maria Island Bridge. Motorists are advised there will be intermittent sidewalk and lane closures. Motorists also are advised to use caution in the construction zone. For area road watch information, go online to swflroads.com or dial 511.
Cortez Bridge utility relocation project: Pipe installation and related activities are ongoing in preparation for the construction of the new Cortez Bridge, scheduled to begin in 2026. Construction is underway east of the Cortez Bridge on the north side Cortez Road West along the northern shoulder of 124th Court West, on 127th Street West between Cortez Road West and 126th Street West, and on the south side of Cortez Road West between 124th Street West and Avenue A. Work in these areas is expected to continue through summer. For more, call 941-306-4660, email info@ amiprojects.io or go to amiprojects.io.
— Lisa neff
the problem. He called for additional policing in the area.
During the June 10 meeting, Scott said she opposes the speed tables and asked city officials to consider installing temporary speed tables so they could gather feedback.
Titsworth said the city tried a temporary speed table along the stretch of roadway in the past but called it “noisy” and “terrible.”
She said it would be difficult to assess the proposed speed tables by using temporary ones because they did not perform the same.
Titsworth added that she has heard complaints about speeding motorists on Key Royale Drive since she became mayor and the speed tables would finally address those concerns.
“What we have been trying to do isn’t working. So it’s like our hands are sort of tied at this point,” she
drive June 13 on Key Royale Drive in Holmes
The city plans to add three speed tables in the 500 block of the roadway, leading up to the bridge, in an attempt to limit speeding in the area.
said. “We couldn’t ignore it anymore.”
Commissioner Terry Schaefer backed up the planned speed tables as a sort of last resort for addressing speeding concerns.
On the other hand, Whitmore said she was 100% against installing the speed tables and called for the city to gather more public feedback.
“We’ve determined the destiny without a real, true community interaction and approval,” she said. “If the citizens of Key Royale want this, we should do it. … But I don’t think we were really transparent.”
Commissioner Steve Oelfke said similar speed tables on Sixth Avenue were “uncomfortable” to drive over at the 25-mph speed limit and sympathized with concerns.
There was no action taken on the matter.
The city commission will meet next at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 24, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.
Wednesday service has returned to the Gulf Islands Ferry schedule ahead of the July 4 holiday. Manatee County announced the five-day expanded service would launch the week beginning June 18.
Courtesy Image
Two 50-foot catamarans travel between Bradenton’s downtown Riverwalk Pier and the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach, ferrying passengers beginning at 7:30 a.m. from the mainland.
“As Manatee County continues to welcome visitors this summer, the Gulf Islands Ferry is easing the traffic on our roadways,” Manatee County Commissioner Tal Siddique, District 3, said in a June 10 news release.
Weather permitting, the boats will depart from the Riverwalk Pier 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Boats will depart for the return trip from the Bridge Street Pier 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
For more information, the schedule and tickets, go to www.gulfislandsferry.com.
The GIF’s number is 727-200-6487.
— Lisa neff
I protest. I really do.
OK. I did not make it to a No Kings protest.
In fact, I don’t recall ever going to a protest.
I remember people protesting at Southern Illinois University when they learned the large, rambling “library-like” building being built almost off-campus was going to be a million dollar residence for the president of the university.
A compromise was forged for the elderly president to live there two years, until the end of his term, and then the building would be converted to a student center. And that only came about after W. Clement Stone, an insurance mogul, donated stock to make up the cost.
I also remember when women on the campus of the University of Illinois were throwing their bras out of their dorm windows. I thought back then, that’s pretty cool, but I lived in a single-story house in a neighborhood where every home had two-plus kids.
And from then on, I observed many government protests from afar.
I never felt the need to jump in and wave a banner to voice my opinion.
I might, on the other hand, like to protest the summer heat.
I’d probably carry a flag on the beach and fan away the winds and surf if it would help keep hurricanes from our shore.
I still get angry about people dumping litter from their cars and just last week I followed a guy in a golf cart to Publix to ask if he knew he had dumped a blue bottle on the road by the elementary school.
He said “no.” But I saw it tumble out from the driver’s side — and I called the HBPD.
“You can protest to the police,” I said.
I want to protest people throwing litter out of their boats, too. When I lived on the waterway that runs in and out of the Waterline resort and marina, I collected tons of debris, trash and fishing gear from the bay waters.
I also want to protest people who drive golf carts and don’t put seat belts on the kids — and maybe they’re the same people driving boats whose kids wear no safety vest. Pooh to you!
And I’ve called the cops more than once on people who have left their dogs in their vehicle while they shop. Grrrrrrr. What’s wrong with people?
So yes, I admit, I was glad to hear some friends were going to the No Kings rally and I was happy that I could support their effort in the newspaper — my best form of protest for the past 33-plus years.
But, four more years? Oh my.
— Bonner Joy
It was post-Helene by about a week.
I was still washing that fine oily post-Helene grit out of my shoes and ears.
We had opened, but barely. The kitchen was badly damaged. There were not enough BTUs in the kitchen and not much gas in my tank.
Most of the patrons were locals, who were living life as campers. They wore worn-out looks and worn-out clothes and walked on worn-out shoes.
Helene. Until recently it has not had the kind of high-heat searing equipment needed to do a perfect job on a great cut of meat.
We have it now — and an especially perfect rack of fresh domestic lamb.
A perfect Father’s Day....?
A call or a card or a kiss from the kids works for me ... a great steak and a Manhattan. And this weekend at the Doctor’s Office, we’re serving an American Rack of Lamb, or, for just a taste, just one perfect, succulent chop.
And we are not saving any lamb for that overbearing Privileged Tourist sunuvabitch.
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A tourist, right off the plane, who apparently could not get a vacation refund, wandered in out of the disaster zone “like he was walking onto a yacht.” He danced right out of that postcard of what Anna Maria-used-to-be, big trees, brightly colored awnings, flowers, road signs.
He wore a new Lorenzo Vitali shirt and Gabbiano sunglasses.
Perfect wise virgins that had done everything they were ever told to do, never questioned, and blossomed like green bay trees. Privileged.
I approached.
He announces: “You’re Sean ... I want the rack of lamb.”
Me, “Me too.”
“I want rack of lamb. If I can’t get it here I’m going to the Bistro!”
Me, “Bring a skillet... and a shovel.”
Helene had gutted the Bistro and the road there was piled with sand drifts and it remained so.
He was now demanding rack of lamb, insisting to the point of being angry.
He apparently did not like people telling him he couldn’t have stuff.
I had Helene PTSD. I was too beat to care.
In that post-storm world, it was vaguely exhilarating to see someone with enough juice to get excited about anything other than mud and drywall.
The Doctor’s kitchen had been swept out by
— Sean Murphy
Sean Murphy is proprietor of the Doctor’s Office and the Doctor’s Garden, a craft cocktail bar with fine dining in an intimate setting in Holmes Beach, as well as an outdoor “garden” dining area with entertainment — when weather and the heat permits.
Big beautiful bales, not
The big beautiful clean bales of hay on Cortez Beach are so much prettier and nicer to look at than those filthy dirty pine trees.
Not to mention the shade they provide.
Should be a good environment for the habitat to return to also, including rats.
Just what Bradenton Beach needs more of! Hope it doesn’t happen again, but let’s see if it helps abate any storm surge.
Rand Lance, Cortez
The Islander welcomes your opinion letters Please, submit your opinion with name, address and contact phone number to news@islander.org. Only your name and city are published.
Sand and sun
Area beaches attract sunbathers and swimmers on sunny ’70s days. The photos are dated to the mid-1970s.
Share your summer beach photos — and plan to gather other Top notch images — in The Islander’s annual photo contest. See the rules for the Top notch contest at islander.org. Islander
Photos: Manatee County Public Library archives
Skimming online
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This week’s question
What do you call that big blue body of water to the west of AMI?
A. Gulf of Mexico.
B. Gulf of America.
C. The Gulf.
D. The ocean.
To answer the poll and see poll results, go to islander.org.
From the June 15, 1995, issue
• The Holmes Beach City Council approved two resolutions — one requesting the U.S. Department of Transportation conduct a major study of all area bridges and another calling for a study creating a fourlane Gulf Drive and “twin-span” bridges.
• The Holmes Beach City Council unanimously voted to deny a resident’s request to keep a pet pig at her home. The city said the resident must find a new home for Frances Bacon.
From the June 15, 2005, issue
• Mote Marine Laboratory and officials with the state of Florida reported an outbreak of red tide throughout Southwest Florida but especially in Palma Sola Bay. Weather forecasts warned of winds intensifying the impact onshore.
• Members of the Florida Institute of Saltwater Heritage, caretakers of the FISH Preserve in Cortez, reported repeated problems with people dumping waste on the site. People were driving into the preserve and illegally dumping truckloads of debris and garbage.
• The all-island blood drive benefiting local charities brought in more than $23,000 with 278 donors. The blood drive, which halted in 2014, raised money for Wildlife Rescue, Anna Maria Island Community Center, Anna Maria Island Privateers and the West Manatee Fire Rescue Auxiliary.
From the June 17, 2015, issue
• City attorney Ricinda Perry informed Bradenton Beach’s new mayor that she felt the past city clerk was given powers and responsibilities beyond that of a typical city clerk and the duties should change.
• Anna Maria dispatched a new team of 12 code enforcement officers to tackle parking problems in the city.
— Lisa neff
Compiled by Lisa neff calendar@islander.org
ONGOING ON AMI
• Throughout June, Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island exhibits “Up and Away,” Artists’ Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6694.
ONGOING OFF AMI
• Throughout June, Island Gallery and Studios presents “Harmony: Lines, Shapes and Color,” 456 Old Main St., Bradenton. Info: 941-778-6648.
• Through July 30, “Art from the Heart: Connectivity,” The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Info: 941-3595700.
• Through Aug. 3, “Robert Rauschenberg: A Centennial Celebration,” The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Info: 941-359-5700.
• Through Jan. 11, Yoshida Hiroshi: Journeys through Light,” The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Info: 941-359-5700.
• Thursday-Saturday, through Aug. 30, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature Laser Light Nights, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-746-4131.
• Through Aug. 31, “Life on the Edge” exhibit, the Bishop Museum of Science, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-746-4131.
• First Fridays, 6-9:30 p.m., Village of the Arts First Fridays Artwalk, 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Info: villageofthearts.com.
• Second and fourth Saturdays, 2-4 p.m., Florida Maritime Museum’s Music on the Porch, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Info: 941-708-6120.
MARKETS & SALES
ONGOING ON AMI
• Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays through June 29, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Coquina Beach Market, South Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach. Info: 041-840-0789.
ON AMI
Wednesday, June 18
10 a.m. — STEAM Day, Island Time Book Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.
ONGOING ON AMI
• Most Fridays, 10 a.m., Forty Carrots, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.
• Most Tuesdays, 10 a.m., Family storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.
SAVE THE DATES
• July 4, Anna Maria Island Privateers Fourth of July Parade, islandwide.
• July 4, Bradenton/Palmetto Fourth of July fireworks, Manatee Riverfront.
• Aug. 1, Manatee County Sports and Leisure Services’ Family Fun Night, Bradenton.
CLUBS & COMMUNITY ON AMI
Thursday, June 19
1 p.m. — Sunshine Stitchers, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.
ONGOING ON AMI
• Most Fridays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.
• Most Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., experienced mahjong, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.
SAVE THE DATES
• July 12, Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Bradenton Beach.
• Aug. 9, Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Bradenton Beach.
• Sept. 6, Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Bradenton Beach.
• Nov. 8, Friends of Manatee County Animal Welfare Friendsgiving, Palmetto.
& LEARNING ON AMI
Friday, June 20
2 p.m. — Library Learning: Frogs, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.
City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive. Info: 941-301-8434, islandturtlewatch. com.
SAVE THE DATES
• June 28, Florida Maritime Museum’s Protecting Family Treasures program, Cortez.
SPORTS & FITNESS
ONGOING OFF AMI
• Through Sept. 7, various dates, Bradenton Marauders minor league baseball, LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-747-3031.
SAVE THE DATES
• July 3, Bradenton Marauders Independence Day Celebration, Bradenton.
• July 12, Run Manatee Coquina Beach 5K, Bradenton Beach.
• July 12, Bradenton Marauders Pride Night, Bradenton.
• Sept. 6, Bradenton Marauders Fan Appreciation Night, Bradenton.
OFF AMI
Wednesday, June 18
9 a.m. — Manatee County Natural Resources’ Tide Trekkers paddle cleanup, Perico Bayou kayak launch, Perico Island. Info: shelpy.reece@mymanatee.org.
Monday, June 23
8:30 a.m., Sea Turtle Conservancy sea turtle release, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach. Tentative. Info: conserveturtles.org.
ONGOING OFF AMI
• Saturdays through July, 6:45 a.m., Longboat Key Turtle Watch turtle walks, beach access, 4795 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat. Info: www.lbkturtlewatch.com.
SAVE THE DATES
• June 26, Manatee County Natural Resources’ Frog Watch, Perico Island.
KEEP THE DATES
• Sea turtle nesting season continues. Lights out.
• Atlantic hurricane season continues. Be prepared.
• Through June, Pride Month.
• June 19, Juneteenth.
• June 20, summer solstice.
ONGOING ON AMI
• Mondays, through August, Sea Turtle Tracks and Shorebird Facts with Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch, 10 a.m., Holmes Beach
• July 4, Independence Day.
• Aug. 11, back to school.
• Sept. 1, Labor Day.
Tiki and Kitty are leading the way to their favorite shops and boutiques to find unique vintage accents and decor for your home.
T&K love Cat’s Meow, an 8,000 square-foot marketplace! Their vendors offer coastal, cottage, beach, antique, boho, midcentury modern and other home decor styles. They also offer vintage to fine jewelry and vintage albums.
You might want to lace up your skates, as this large, former skating rink has plenty to offer bargain hunters and anyone seeking antiques and unique decor. You don’t want to miss this collection.
We’ll definitely make a stop next door at Blue
Miss us? WE MISS YOU AMI!
Stop by at our other locations:
Scavengers Marketplace SRQ
1175 N Washington Blvd
Scavengers Palmetto 2100 US Hwy 301
Flamingo, home to hip and trendy upcycled and repurposed goods, furniture and decor, garden features, candles, jewelry and work by local artisans. They also offer Dixie Belle paints.
Your place for fun, funky quirky!
Local Artisans. Upcycled, Vintage Furniture, Decor, Artwork
Dixie Belle Paint, Fun Gifts & More! Featuring “The Sea Hagg” collection. theblueflamingo.biz
They now have three large buildings of quirky, coastal, artisan, whimsy, florals and vintage treasures — including the Sea Hagg and Gathering Place. Scavengers Marketplace has plenty of vendors to capture your wallet at the Palmetto store, 2100 U.S. 301. There’s always something new to entice you among the vendors’ eclectic collections.
FYI: Scavengers also carries Fusion Paints. The Vintage Vine Market is a fave for Tiki and Kitty, who love the fine vintage wares and items with a whimsical twist at this store in historic Old Manatee along the newest section of the Bradenton Riverwalk. The location in the 1910 building oozes charm. And they take select consignments by appointment. And don’t forget, tell people you meet along the way, “The Islander sent me.”
Manatee County commissioners earlier this month accepted a donation of $11,177 from the Friends of the Island Library.
The volunteer group that supports the Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, donated the money to cover the cost of installing new flooring in the meeting room, according to a county memo.
The funds cover removal of carpeting, materials and installation.
The Center of Anna Maria Island will host a workshop Wednesday, June 25, introducing students to Reiki and yoga integration.
The program will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.
Carly Burdick, a Reiki master and restorative yoga instructor, will lead the workshop, which is free to attend.
A center news release said, “This introductory session will explore the basics of Reiki, a gentle Japanese healing technique that promotes relaxation, balance and stress relief. … The workshop will conclude with a calming guided meditation and an opportunity to personally experience Reiki energy healing.”
Registration is not required.
For more information, go to centerami.org or call 941-778-1908.
The Anna Maria Island Privateers are registering entrants in the annual July 4 parade.
To enter the all-wheels parade, which runs nearly the length of the island, go online to amiprivateers. memberlodge.org.
The entry fee is $25.
The parade will begin at 10 a.m. on the holiday.
For more information, call Privateer Kim “Syren” Boyd at 931-639-0986.
Compiled by Lisa neff
A woodblock print, ink and color on paper sheet, is from Japanese artist Yoshida Hiroshi’s “europe” series. The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, is featuring Hiroshi’s work in the exhibit “Journeys through Light.” The show will run June 21-Jan. 11, 2026. Hiroshi, who died in 1950, became known for his evocative renderings of light, mist and glowing color. For more, information, call 941-359-5700. Islander Image: Courtesy Ringling/Charles and Robyn Citrin
William Wysock of Coconut Creek works on his laptop June 11 at Tingley Memorial Library, 111 Second St. n., Bradenton Beach. The city-operated library reopened June 3 after months of closure following the 2024 hurricanes. The library is open 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 10 a.m.-noon Saturdays. Volunteer applications are being accepted. For more information, call the library at 941-779-1208. Islander
Photos: Robert Anderson
By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter
Manatee County Commissioner Tal Siddique hosted a meeting June 10 at Bradenton Beach City Hall on the county’s vision to build a marina and boat ramp at the former Seafood Shack parcel in Cortez.
The property — once home to the Seafood Shack restaurant and Annie’s Bait and Tackle — was purchased by the county in 2024 for $13 million and will be redeveloped.
“I’m very aware of the fact that we spent $13 million telling people it would be a boat ramp, so they’re expecting a boat ramp,” Siddique said.
But many residents near the property voiced concern about potential negative impacts — traffic congestion, limited parking and increased noise.
Several attendees said Cortez Road West already is overwhelmed on weekends and a new ramp will worsen the situation.
Cortez business owner Karen Bell voiced support for a public ramp but supported the idea of limiting trailer parking and the number of boat slips to reduce crowding.
Throughout the meeting, Siddique took notes and stressed the importance of putting residential needs first.
“We need to work our way backwards,” he said. “Start with the community that will be impacted. … Figure out the roads, the traffic impact and then we figure out what goes on the site.”
Siddique said county public works staff will develop design concepts to keep boat ramp traffic off residential roads.
He also said the county is tracking issues such as poor drainage, outdated infrastructure and a lack of sidewalks in the area.
“We’re doing a vulnerability assessment … looking at roads, stormwater systems, sidewalks, lift stations,” he said. “Anything that comes here will definitely make improvements to those.”
Siddique also said the project must reflect Cortez’s heritage.
“Most important thing is, does this belong in Cortez?” he said. “The goal is not to make everyone happy. I think the goal is to make sure we do something that belongs in Cortez.”
Sisters Camila, 5, and Sofia Martinez, 2, enjoy a slice of cake together after the unveiling of “Mullet Meadow,” a newly constructed fishergnome village, during the Cortez Village Historical Society’s Summer Social on June 14.
Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Taylor Cope, 33, of Casselberry, June 7 on a seconddegree misdemeanor charge for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.
A Holmes Beach police officer stopped a motorist who accelerated into an island median in the 3800 block of East Bay Drive and briefly went airborne around 1:24 a.m.
The driver, Cope, appeared to be intoxicated and a dui investigation took place. Cope failed field sobriety exercises and refused to
Attendees at the opening of the “Mullet Meadow” June 14 at the Cortez Cultural Center relax and converse under tents. Contributor Cindy Rodgers told attendees, “In a place that is already rich in maritime heritage, we have added a touch of whimsy and wonder.” She called the village “a tribute to creativity, community and the enduring spirit of Cortez’s fishing legacy.” Islander
provide breath samples.
He was arrested and transported to the Manatee County jail, where he was released the same day after posting $500 bond.
If convicted, punishment for a second-degree misdemeanor includes up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.
An arraignment will be at 8:55 a.m. Thursday, July 17, at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton.
— Ryan Paice
Island police reports
Anna Maria
No new reports.
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office polices the city.
Bradenton Beach
June 6, 500 block of Gulf Drive, burglary. A complainant said a man in a ski mask attempted to break into a vehicle. The man fled on a bicycle but a suspect was apprehended by Bradenton Beach police officers. He was arrested and taken to the Manatee County jail in Palmetto for alleged attempted burglary to a conveyance.
The BBPD polices the city.
Cortez
No new reports.
The MCSO polices the village.
Holmes Beach
June 4, 200 block of North Harbor Drive, marijuana. A Holmes Beach police officer responded to reports of a suspicious vehicle and found a pickup truck with three juveniles in the back, parked with the tires on a roadway, a violation of city code. The officer also smelled the odor of marijuana and found a burnt marijuana cigarette and a plastic container with 6.7 grams of marijuana. The officer contacted the juveniles’ guardians.
June 7, Prime Vacation Rentals, 303 56th St., recovered firearm. A firearm was found in an empty vacation rental property. An officer contacted a previous lodger, who admitted to forgetting to pack his firearm.
June 7, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, domestic battery. An officer responded to reports of a man hitting a woman in the face at the beach. The couple denied anything physical happened and declined treatment. Two witnesses completed written affidavits stating they saw the man head-butt the woman.
June 8, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, grand theft. A woman said a pair of cellphones and $200 was stolen from her backpack while she was at a bus stop. She said a man came up to her and rummaged through her bag. She said she confronted the man, who jumped on a trolley. The officer drove the woman to the causeway, where she pointed to a man she claimed went through her bag. The officer searched the man but did not find the items.
June 9, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, trespass. A woman who locked herself in the public bathroom was causing a disturbance. An officer knocked on the bathroom door and heard the woman inside screaming incoherently. Maintenance staff provided a key, allowing the officer to enter and trespass the woman from the property.
June 11, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, suspicious vehicle. Two officers responded to reports of a suspicious vehicle and found it with its lights on and a person asleep inside. The officers woke the driver, who was lethargic and unresponsive. EMS transported the man to the HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton. Inside the vehicle, officers found a plastic bag containing a white powdery substance. The officers field-tested the substance, but the results were inconclusive.
HBPD polices Holmes Beach. Streetlife is based on law enforcement reports.
By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter
Bradenton Beach commissioners, gearing up for a busy Independence Day holiday, voted June 5 to declare a local state of emergency July 4-6, granting police Chief John Cosby expanded authority to ensure public safety by allowing increased staffing, overtime pay and operational flexibility.
“It’s not that there’s anything wrong but we’re trying to be proactive,” Cosby said during the meeting. “I need to be able to put people on call and pay out some extra overtime and there are some requirements in our emergency ordinance that I would like to activate.”
Cosby elaborated in a June 11 interview: “When you say emergency declaration some people freak out. But that’s not the intent. There are policies within the city’s employee manual that can only be enacted if the commission declares a state of emergency.”
Under the emergency ordinance, officials can take “whatever prudent action is necessary to ensure the
Holmes Beach police arrested Bradenton resident Casey Adt, 32, June 3 on a second-degree misdemeanor charge for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.
An officer stopped a motorist, later identified as Adt, without a functioning license plate lights around 2:39 a.m. in the 3000 block of Avenue C. Also, the plate was expired.
Adt appeared to be intoxicated and refused to listen to the officer’s commands, so when backup arrived, the officers had him exit the vehicle and placed him in handcuffs, according to a report.
Adt refused to perform field sobriety exercises.
The officers arrested him and at the Holmes Beach Police Department he registered breath samples with results of 0.117 and 0.119 grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath. The state’s legal blood alcohol level limit for driving under the influence is 0.08.
An officer transported Adt to the Manatee County jail, where he was released the same day after posting $500 bond.
If convicted, punishment for a second-degree misdemeanor includes up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.
An arraignment will be at 8:55 a.m. Tuesday, July 15, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
— Ryan Paice
health, safety and welfare of the community.”
Cosby said the primary concern is the strain that crowds place on services, including parking enforcement. During past holidays, officers encountered people parking illegally and willing to pay a $75 ticket.
“For many people, the current $75 citation is still cheaper than paying rates in pay-to-park lots, when free parking runs out at the beaches,” the chief said. “Some of the paid lots have raised the parking fee on holidays to $25 per hour and people say, ‘Why should I pay $25 an hour when you are only going to give me a ticket for $75?’”
During the holiday weekend, Manatee County, Bradenton Beach police and code enforcement will focus on issuing citations for illegal parking, as well as deal with other issues.
“I know these holidays are extremely rough on your guys,” Mayor John Chappie said during the meeting. “If there’s anything we can do to help you and your police officers we will do that.”
After the holiday, city offi cials are expected to revisit the fine structure, including a $100 fine.
Holmes Beach police arrested Bradenton resident Denzel Cuevas, 19, June 10 in connection with a robbery with a deadly weapon, a first-degree felony in Florida.
The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office identified Cuevas as a person of interest in a June 10 robbery of a convenience store on Honore Avenue in Sarasota.
The suspect was described by a witness and said to be carrying an AR-15 rifle. He allegedly demanded money from the cashier, then fled the scene.
The SCSO issued a warrant for Cuevas’ arrest in connection to the robbery.
A Holmes Beach police officer found Cuevas driving on the island later the same day and conducted a traffic stop.
Cuevas was arrested and transported to the Manatee County jail, where he was released June 13.
If charged and convicted, punishment for a firstdegree felony includes up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
— Ryan Paice
By Lisa Neff
The Cortez Church of Christ is registering students for its vacation Bible school program, which will be held at the beach.
Classes for “Dive into God’s World” will be 10-11:30 a.m. Monday-Wednesday, June 23-25, on Anna Maria Island. The location will be provided with a registration email.
A notice said, “What to Expect: Bible stories under the sun, beach games and water play, fun crafts, worship, songs and skits.”
The church is at 12011 45th Ave. W., Cortez. For more information, call 941-209-0081.
John B. Cagnina, 81, of Holmes Beach, died May 31.
He was born Sept. 16, 1943, in Tampa to the late Ignazio E. and Josephine Cagnina.
He was a lifelong Floridian whose life was marked by his faith, integrity and love for family, friends and community.
He grew up on Anna Maria Island and spent his childhood years fishing, working at his family’s IGA store, playing baseball and football and enjoying the freedoms of living on a relatively undeveloped island. The tranquility of beach life suited him and Anna Maria Island remained his lifelong home.
Following graduation from the University of Florida with a degree in business administration, he proudly served in the Florida Army National Guard for six years. His professional journey included work as a sales representative with the Kellogg Co., a stockbroker with Francis I. duPont & Co. and opening a citrus company.
After four years in the citrus business, he pursued his interest in real estate finance, becoming a licensed mortgage broker and founding Southeast Independent Mortgage Co., where he spent the majority of his working career.
An avid reader, Mr. Cagnina enjoyed reading financial, historical and political publications. He enjoyed time with family and friends, vacationing in Montana and New England, watching sports and cheering his beloved Gators.
He will be remembered as a man of integrity, quiet strength and unwavering devotion to those he loved. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the
Roser Memorial Community Church invites people to join “a journey from mourning to joy.”
The church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, will host its GriefShare program on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. June 18-Sept. 10.
A church notice described GriefShare as “a friendly group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences while in a safe and confidential environment. You don’t have to go
through the grieving process alone.”
The group is led by “caring people who have experienced grief and want to help you through the difficult days ahead.”
The program includes 13 Christ-centered, biblically based sessions.
A workbook costs $20.
For more information, call the church at 941-7780414.
The volunteers at the Roser Thrift Shop changed shifts.
The shop, across from the church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, is on summer hours — 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday this month.
Also, merchandise in the store will be on a 50%off sale.
The all-volunteer shop will close in July and August, reopening Sept. 9.
For more information about shopping or volunteering, go to roserchurch.com or call the church office at 941-778-0414.
Gathering
memories he helped create.
He was preceded in death by his son, John Michael Cagnina.
A celebration of life will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 26, at Ginny’s and Jane E’s Cafe in Anna Maria. Memorial donations may be made to the Center of Anna Maria Island, P.O. Box 253, Anna Maria, FL 34216.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Cagnina is survived by his wife, Carol Gilley; sister Carmen and husband Bill Shea; sister-in-law Dorothy Surette; aunt Josie Pollock; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Ronald Tutewiler of Holmes Beach died June 3.
He was born May 6, 1937, in Battle Creek, Michigan, to George “Jack” and Thela Tutewiler.
He graduated in 1955 from Battle Creek Central High School, where he played the trombone in the band and jazz band. As a young man he enjoyed driving stock cars at Galesburg Speedway. He worked at Michigan Bell Telephone for 34 1/2 years, taking an early retirement in 1990. After a couple years of finishing projects at the house on Crooked Lake, he worked part-time for a few years at Barry County Telephone.
He married Gail Foster in 1980 at Richland Covenant Church in Richland, Michigan, and they lived at Crooked Lake in Delton for more than 17 years. He loved to fish for bluegill off his dock, cruise the lake in his pontoon boat and entertain his many friends and family. He fell in love with golden retrievers when a coworker gave him a 7-year-old golden named Paulo. Paulo was the first of five golden retrievers they would have.
In 1994, Ron and Gail started spending winters at their condo on Anna Maria Island. He enjoyed riding his bike all over the island, to Longboat Key and St. Armands Circle. They went to amusement parks, were members of Mote Marine and enjoyed entertaining many family and friends on their Florida vacations.
He and Gail later sold the Crooked Lake home and moved to a more permanent home in North Beach Village in Holmes Beach. He loved to walk the beach for hours and walk his dogs. They spent summers at Sandy Pines in Dorr, Michigan, for five years, then rented cottages closer to family and, in 2010, bought a condo in Richland, Michigan. In Florida, after 30-plus years on Anna Maria Island, they moved to a home in NW Bradenton. They joined Roser Memorial Community Church in Anna Maria and held season tickets at the Island Players for over 30 years.
Even after 35 years in Florida, Ron was an avid Michigan sports fan, especially rooting for the Detroit Red Wings, but he followed them all.
Visitation was at the Winkel Funeral Home in Otsego, where a funeral service officiated by Pastor Ray Brown was to be held June 13. Burial was to follow at Mountain Home Cemetery in Otsego. A memorial service will be held at Roser in the fall. Contributions in memory of Mr. Tutewiler may be directed to Roser Church, P.O. Box 247, Anna Maria, FL 34216, or to the Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid-Florida.
Messages of condolence may be posted at www. winkelfuneralhome.com.
Mr. Tutewiler is survived by wife Gail; four children from a previous marriage to Shirley Barnes, Ronda Ernsberger of Delton, Michigan, Kathy Williams of Battle Creek, Terri and husband Carl Linsley of Battle Creek, and Greg wife Tammy of Ceresco, Michigan; 13 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
The city of Holmes Beach’s public works department has some new hands on deck this summer.
Erynn Jasparro of Holmes Beach and Jennifer Harris of St. Petersburg spoke June 12 to The Islander about their internships in the public works department.
Jasparro will be a junior this fall at the University of South Florida and is studying industrial engineering.
Harris is an environmental studies major who will be going into her senior year at Eckerd College in the fall.
Harris said she hopes to help improve the environment and save endangered animals by working in conservation or coastal management.
She said the internship involved using tools like the Geographic Information System — a computer system for compiling and visualizing geographic data — which was valuable experience for her career.
Jasparro said she hopes to learn as much as she can from the experience by shadowing public works director/city engineer Sage Kamiya and parks and recreation coordinator Matt McDonough.
She said meeting with contractors, assisting with projects and using the GIS is experience that she hopes will help her narrow down what she wants to do in the broad field of engineering moving forward.
Jasparro added that, as a resident, she’s happy to learn more about the city she lives in through the internship.
Both interns said they have been welcomed by city officials and staff with open arms.
“From the first day I got here, everybody has been so incredibly welcoming,” Jasparro said. “You can always ask questions. … Everybody is very intertwined and very easy to work with, and it’s just been a great experience overall.”
Harris said she was nervous at the start but Kamiya and McDonough helped make her time with public works easy — despite the occasionally long commute
By Lisa Neff
• All Island Denominations accepts financial donations at P.O. Box 814, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Info: 941-778-4769.
• The Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra seeks volunteers, donors and a venue space. Info: info@amicco.org.
• The Anna Maria Island Historical Society, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, seeks donations for restoration and volunteers. Info: 608-444-0084.
• The Anna Maria Island Privateers seeks a covered building and/or land for the Skullywag, sleigh and other items. Info: amiprivateers.org.
• The Florida Maritime Museum in Cortez, which is closed for renovations and repairs, seeks a temporary space — a pop-up space — for public exhibits. Info: 941-708-6120.
• The Friends of the Island Library seeks volunteers, including for website management and graphic design. Info: 941-778-4255.
• The Island Players in Anna Maria seeks volunteers in every area to “come and be part of our family.” Info: 941-920-1362.
from St. Pete.
“They were never intimidating or anything like that. They are super welcoming and super supportive,” Harris said. “They are always wanting to help in any way they can.”
“I’m really happy to be here and I’m really enjoying my time so far here,” she added.
“To be here and to be a part of building a community back up after such a severe time for them has been really rewarding,” Jasparro said. “We’re so thankful to just be a part of all of this, gain a lot of experience from it and be able to give back to the residents and the community that we really appreciate.”
Both interns began working for the city in May and will continue their work through early- to midAugust.
Summer break
Vic and Kathy Caserta of Holmes Beach packed their hometown news before traveling to Portugal. Kathy Caserta on June 8 wrote to The Islander, “Here we are on the Douro River in Porto, Portugal.” The Douro is the largest river of the Iberian Peninsula by discharge. It’s also home to the Port wine region. Islanders can share their travel photos at news@islander.org. Islander
Courtesy Photo
Look online for news about The Islander’s Top Notch Photo Contest! Starting up in July! Scour your snapshots from the past year for fun, family photos, wacky pet pics and primo scenes of Anna Maria Island … and prepare to take your prize! islander.org
“Anna Maria Island,” a pictorial history book of the island by Bonner Joy, is available for $20 at Island Mail & Print, 3230 e. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. Or purchase at islander.org. Joy is publisher of The Islander.
• Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center in Bradenton Beach seeks gift cards for supplies. Info: 941-778-6324.
• Roser Food Bank welcomes applicants for food assistance, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941-778-0414.
• AID offers financial help. Info: 941-778-4769. Email listings to lisa@islander.org.
Donna Loupus recently joined the Bradenton Beach ScenicWAVES Partnership Committee.
The city commission on June 5 approved her application to the committee tasked with advising the city on the Gulf Drive designated scenic highway and citywide beautification projects.
“I’ve been looking for something to volunteer for that would interest me,” Loupus, a city resident, said of her decision to apply for ScenicWAVES. “Since I’m a member of the community and walk around here all the time and see things that could be improved, it was probably a good cause for me.”
Loupus, born in Philadelphia, spent 20 years in North Carolina, where she earned a nursing degree, before relocating to Atlanta, where she worked at Emory University Hospital while completing a master’s degree in adult health nursing.
Loupus also worked as a clinical nurse specialist at an acute care rehabilitation facility in Atlanta for more than a decade before retiring.
After a few years in Orlando, she settled in Bradenton Beach, where she has lived for more than three years.
Loupus also volunteers at the Tingley Memorial Library in Bradenton Beach.
She said she is looking forward to her first meeting and getting to know the committee members.
— Robert Anderson
Back to School? Time for a checkup! Kids are welcome @ BeC!
Lawson O.D., Kenneth Lawson O.D. 5632 26th St. W., Bradenton 941.751.4668, BayshoreEyeCare.net
By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter
No. 8 seed Duncan Real Estate, which had to win a play-in game just to qualify for the eight-team playoff, completed a surprising run June 12 with a 3-2 golden-goal victory over No. 6 Sato Real Estate to take the adult soccer league championship at the Center of Anna Maria Island.
The two teams battled to a 2-2 tie through regulation in the championship match in Anna Maria. Dean Hinterstoisser scored a pair of goals for Sato, which also received an assist from Jamal Duzgun and eight saves from Ben Sato.
Cody Wright and Jasmine Muldoon each scored a goal for Duncan in regulation and Danny Free finished with two assists. Goalie Steve Oelfke also was a factor, finishing with 10 saves to preserve the tie before Joey Hutchinson came through with the game-winning goal in suddendeath overtime.
Adult basketball season ends, playoffs loom
The adult basketball season at the center came to a close June 12 with five regular-season games and playoff seedings.
The top six seeds automatically qualify for quarterfinal matches. The bottom four seeds have to “play” their way into the round. Play-in games get started Wednesday, June 18, with No. 7 Salty Printing taking on No. 10 Edible Cookie Dough at 7 p.m., followed by No. 8 Slicker’s Eatery taking on No. 9 Primetime Lending at 8 p.m.
Quarterfinal action tips off June 19 at 6 p.m. with No. 3 Luxury Services matching up against No. 6, followed by a 7 p.m. matchup between No. 4 seed Solid Rock Construction and No. 5 Bradenton Home Inspections. The 8 p.m. match has No. 1 seed Moss Builders playing the winner of the Slicker’s Eatery vs.
Primetime Lending play-in game, while the last match of the night has No. 2 Slim’s Place taking on the Salty Printing vs. Edible Cookie Dough winner.
Action June 12 got started with Solid Rock defeating Slicker’s 21-14, 22-17, 19-21 behind 19 points from Karri Stephens and 18 points from Mark Long.
Zack Price carried the load for Slicker’s Eatery, finishing with 47 points in the loss.
The second matchup of the night saw Primetime Lending hold on for a 16-15, 14-22, 16-15 victory over Coaster Continent. Cory Banks led Primetime Lending with 20 points and Octavious Cole added 14 points in the victory.
AJ Poole’s 25 points paced Coaster Continent, which also received 23 points from Olvin Izquierdo in the loss.
Luxury Services took two-out-of-three from Edible Cookie Dough Cafe behind the duo of Wes Jackson and Chase Richardson. Jackson finished with 31 points and Richardson scored 27 points to lead Luxury Ser-
Duncan Real Estate 2025 adult spring soccer champions
tim Holly, samuel Romero, Joey Hutchinson, steve Oelfke, Cody Wright, Jasmine Muldoon, Danny Free, scott Cooper and Figo alvaro celebrate their championship in the adult soccer league at
vices to a 23-18, 12-21, 23-20 victory.
Dallas Buchholtz paced Edible Cookie Dough Cafe with 25 points, while Meagan Mitchell finished with 16 points in the loss.
Slim’s Place showed why they’re among the top seeds with a 21-8, 20-17, 22-13 victory over Salty Printing in the fourth series of the night.
Jacob Munoz scored 19 points to lead Slim’s Place, which also received 17 points from Michael Lidge and 13 points from Corey Jacques in the victory.
Joey Vigil’s 29 points paced Salty Printing, which also received 8 points from Andy Szabo in the loss. The last match of the night saw Moss Builders ease past Bradenton Home Inspections 16,14, 15-21 and 22-20. Connor Morse paced Moss with 27 points in the three games, while Greg Moss added 15 points in the victory.
Tommy Gish was a one-man scoring machine for Bradenton Home Inspections, finishing with 42 points
The Run Manatee series will come to Coquina Beach Saturday, July 12, for a 5K race.
Manatee County announced the Run Manatee 5K Series in February, saying the “family-friendly series of running events” are “designed to combine fitness, community fun and the unique charm of Manatee County’s diverse locations.”
The first race took place in April at Tom Bennett Park in Bradenton.
The Coquina Beach 5K run/walk will be presented by Run With Purpose Nutrition and include a scenic route along the Bradenton Beach asphalt trail.
The race — sold out with a waiting list — will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Bradenton Beach venue.
Ray Gardner of Prosper Bradenton will lead a warmup and Rachael Croll of Salty Buddha will provide a yoga cooldown.
The public is invited to the warmup and cooldown, as well as to visit wellness and food vendors.
A third race will take place at Rye Preserve in Parrish in November.
Go to runsignup.com/race/fl/bradentonbeach/runmanateecoquinabeach for more information.
To contact the county sports and leisure services, call 941-742-5923.
— lisa neff
Audubon Florida reported this week that a flamingo banded in Tampa Bay after 2023’s Hurricane Idalia was found in a breeding colony on Mexico’s Yucatan this spring.
The flamingo was banded US02 in Tampa Bay and Audubon scientists said the bird and others were carried to the area by Idalia, possibly from Mexico.
Now US02 is in Mexico.
Audubon reported, “Until this sighting in the breeding colony in Mexico, the fate of that individual bird was unknown after it left Tampa Bay.”
Audubon said other Idalia flamingoes stayed in Florida, based on a February 2024 survey.
— lisa neff
sports FROM Page 16 in the loss.
Key Royale golf news
Rain put a damper on the ladies’ regular Tuesday morning golf action at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach, but the men managed to play their weekly modified-Stableford system match on June 9. The quartet of winners, Mike Clements, John Kolojeski, Bill MacMillan and Chuck Patrick, all carded plus-2s to share clubhouse bragging rights for the day.
There was no reporting available for horseshoes by press time for The Islander this week.
Little Italy in the of Anna Maria Island. ❤
& DINNER
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
Manatee County’s codes for beach etiquette may soon be reflected across Anna Maria Island in one way or another.
Over the week ending June 13, Anna Maria and Holmes Beach both held readings for ordinances that would mirror county code involving holes dug on the beach and the tools people use to dig them.
The county prohibits both metal shovels and holes deeper than a foot on its beaches, but its code only covers the county’s public beaches, such as Manatee Public Beach.
County officials attended a May 20 Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials meeting to request the three island cities mirror county code so they could have a consistent approach in trying to limit beach holes, which can be dangerous for beachgoers and nesting sea turtles.
Holmes Beach was the first to do so, as city commissioners voted unanimously June 10 to adopt an ordinance fulfilling the county’s request.
Meanwhile, in Anna Maria the discussion began June 12 with a first reading for a proposed ordinance that would adopt the county’s prohibition on deep holes and shovels on the beach.
While the proposed ordinance presented to Anna Maria commissioners prohibited holes at least two feet deeper than the surrounding grade, Commissioner Charlie Salem pointed out the discrepancy between that and the county’s prohibition of holes dug more
than one foot.
The commission reached a consensus to revise the proposed ordinance to match county code.
During public comment, resident Jeff Rodencal said the ordinance would prohibit everybody, including city staff, from using shovels or gardening tools to fill in holes found on the beach.
He suggested working in considerations for the use of such tools for filling holes.
Commissioner Christopher Arendt said he gardens in his backyard, which borders the beach. He recommended the city adjust the language to acknowledge the rights of homeowners to use gardening tools on their property.
Vose said she would come up with language to address Rodencal’s and Arendt’s concerns ahead of the ordinance’s final reading and vote.
Commissioners unanimously voted to move the ordinance forward to a second reading.
The commission will meet next at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 26, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.
Bradenton Beach city commissioners discussed an ordinance mirroring county code at a June 5 meeting.
City attorney Ricinda Perry said existing city regulations prohibit digging on the beach and any county fines could be enforced through the municipality’s civil citation process.
City officials are expected to revisit the matter during the next commission meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 3, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.
Cooper laporta, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, left, and lincoln Farr, of statesville, north Carolina, right, vacationing with their families, dig a shallow hole June 13 at the shoreline in Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: Robert anderson
By Capt. Danny stasny Islander Reporter
Anna Maria Island anglers are becoming proficient in watching the weather and dodging storms as rainfall and thunderstorms pop up daily over our waters.
Despite all the running around and rerouting, anglers are finding success fishing inshore and offshore.
Inshore fishing for spotted seatrout remains the most consistent bite available for another week. You might notice a high volume of smaller trout throughout our region, most likely due to the full moon triggering the larger fish to move into the Gulf to spawn. Nonetheless, there is plenty of action to be had.
Catch-and-release snook fishing is a good bet if you know where to look. Many of our area’s snook are preparing to spawn and will be staying in waters where bait is readily available as they need to fatten up before it’s time to get down to business. Good opportunities for linesiders should present themselves in the passes and along the Gulf beaches as we work toward July.
You might find some reds mixed in, too, but the real action will be on the flats where schools of reds should be starting to appear.
And, if you’re looking for the fishing experience of a lifetime, you still have a few weeks to hunt and hookup with a tarpon. The fish should be on their long trek back from their offshore spawn during the full moon. And when they return, you can bet they’ll be hungry.
Moving offshore, American red snapper seem to be a hot topic. Although the limits are stringent, there’s plenty of other fish out there to make the lengthy offshore trip worthwhile. Limits of red grouper, mangrove snapper and yellowtail snapper are attainable, which can fill the cooler quickly if you’re on the right numbers.
Just remember, while you’re offshore, try to avoid the sharks and keep a keen eye on the sky as pop-up storms can be intense.
On my Just Reel charters, I’m seeing plenty of spotted seatrout daily. Limits are being caught on most charters, although on the tail end of the full moon, I’m noticing a larger mix of smaller fish, which means we have to work harder for our limit of slot-size fish.
Catch-and-release snook fishing is heating up, especially along the beaches and passes. There’s also a mix of migratory fish, such as jack crevalle, ladyfish and Spanish mackerel on the deeper grass flats
Jacob Merrifield, Islander photographer, took a chance to go hunting on the water, targeting his first tarpon June 11. although he didn’t get his fish to the boat, Robbie angel of Bradenton wrangled an 80-pounder and Merrifield shot his trophy photo.
in Tampa Bay, which provides good action as well as excellent shark bait.
Black tip and sandbar sharks are frequent along the beaches and in western Tampa Bay, which can provide some great rod-bending action for any anglers wishing to test their strength.
Capt. David White says he’s spending most of his time on patrol for tarpon and his early morning sunrise trips are yielding quite a few hookups and the same applies for the evening outgoing tides.
Fishing inshore for trout and catch-and-release snook also is providing action for White’s sportfishers when on break from tarpon fishing.
Redfish also are an option on the inshore trips and fishing structure in the Gulf is getting good for mangrove snapper reports White.
Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.
BelOW: Jacob Merrifield gets a jump from his tarpon, but, he said, “I fought my fish for 20 minutes and got it next to the boat. the captain went to grab it so we could get a photo and it went wild, spit the hook and booked!”
By lisa neff
Karenia brevis, was detected at background concentrations in Southwest Florida the week ending June 15. The red tide organism was observed at background concentrations in Manatee and Charlotte counties. For more, go to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission site at myfwc.com/research/ redtide/statewide/.
By Lisa Neff
On your marks, get ready, wait.
The Sea Turtle Conservancy plans to outfit a loggerhead with a tracking device early Monday, June 23, for its annual Tour de Turtles, but for race-watchers the official competition doesn’t begin until Friday, Aug. 1.
Of course, while we’re waiting for the Tour de Turtles marathon officially to get underway in August, AMI’s entry will just go on doing what adult female loggerheads do — swimming, nesting and such.
The Gainesville-based Sea Turtle Conservancy launched the Tour de Turtles in 2008 to gather scientifi c information about sea turtles using satellite telemetry and also to inform the public about the atrisk marine animals, their nesting activity and habitat conservation.
STC partners with organizations and sponsors — including Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring and Hurricane Hanks on AMI — to conduct the Tour de Turtles and track the migration of four species from nesting beaches to foraging grounds.
There are two marathons each year. One, which began June 16, features leatherbacks. The second, which starts Aug. 1 and continues for three months after, will feature loggerheads and other sea turtles, but not leatherbacks.
The small, low-wattage trackers that get attached to the turtles transmit codes that allow researchers to determine the latitude and longitude coordinates for the location of the turtle, the number of dives taken during the past 24 hours, the duration of the most recent dive and the water temperature.
Using computer mapping programs, or by handplotting the location data, researchers can then visually see the turtles’ location, the route they traveled and
a female loggerhead sea turtle crawls to the gulf after being outfitted with a tracking device for the 2019 tour de turtles. Islander File Photo
The Sea Turtle Conservancy, in collaboration with AMITW, plans a public release of a sea turtle at 8:30 a.m. Monday, June 23, at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach.
People should arrive early to get a look at the turtle, which will be held after nesting overnight on the beach, tagged and released.
The release location could change, depending on nesting activity. The date also could change, depending on nesting activity and the weather.
To check the status, search for “public sea turtle release” on Facebook or go to Sea Turtle Conservancy or AMITW pages.
how fast they are swimming.
The tour winners are the sea turtles that swim the greatest distance — the most miles — and there’s also fan-favorite or people’s choice awards.
Who will be rooting for the home team?
More information
For more information about the Sea Turtle Conservancy and its Tour de Turtles, go to tourdeturtles. org.
Class lessons from AMITW, AME
Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, during the 2024-25 academic year, invited teachers and students at Anna Maria Elementary School in Holmes Beach to compose questions about sea turtles, shorebirds and AMITW’s work on the beaches. Over the next couple of months, The Islander will share AME questions and AMITW answers.
Nicole Ditzel’s third-grade class: How long can a sea turtle stay underwater (and hold its breath)? AMITW: When resting, sea turtles can hold their breath for several hours.
However, when they are active, they must come up for air every 5-7 minutes.
The city of Holmes Beach will host Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring for weekly talks about sea turtle and shorebird nesting.
Sea Turtle Tracks and Shorebird Facts talks continue most Mondays at 10 a.m. through August at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.
For more information, call turtle watch at 941301-8434 or go to www.islandturtlewatch.com.
About AMITW
AMITW is a nonprofit focused on collecting data on threatened or endangered sea turtles. The organization also collects data on shorebirds. Nesting data is required by renourishment contracts and AMITW is compensated by the county for its service.
as of June 13, aMItW reported a total of 209 nests — 207 loggerhead and two green — plus 357 false crawls and 17 disorientations.
By Lisa Neff
I’ve taken more than a few strolls in my pajamas in late-night efforts to see something special in the sky — most recently the full Strawberry moon.
Sometimes, from my tree-sheltered place on the mainland, I can get no more than a glimpse of the moon and I miss my nights in Anna Maria, where the beach was dark, with a wide, clear view of the sky. Make the most of your days on AMI, but also make the most of the nights.
To help, with thanks to NASA, the Planetary Society and SeaSky.org, here’s a guide for the rest of the year:
June
• June 20: Summer solstice.
• June 25: New moon, the best time of the month to observe galaxies and star clusters.
July
• July 4: Mercury at greatest elongation, which is the best time to view the planet. Look low in the western sky after sunset.
• July 10: Full Buck moon.
• July 24: New moon.
• July 28-29: The Southern Delta Aquariids meteor shower peaks. Because the moon will be only slightly illuminated, it should not interfere with viewing the shower.
August
• Aug. 9: Full Sturgeon moon.
• Aug. 12-13: The Perseids meteor shower peaks. The moon will be almost full, making it difficult to see the meteors.
• Aug. 23: New moon.
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Call Marianne Norman-Ellis (941) 685-3393
• Sept. 7: Full Harvest moon.
• Sept. 7-8: You’ll hear about a total lunar eclipse but not likely to see a total eclipse, which will be visible in its entirety from most of Asia, Russia, Australia and eastern Africa.
• Sept. 21: New moon.
• Sept. 21: Partial solar eclipse, which will be visible in New Zealand, Antarctica and the south Pacific Ocean.
• Sept. 21: Saturn at opposition. Saturn will be at its brightest and most visible of the entire year.
• Sept. 22: Fall equinox.
• Sept. 23: Neptune at opposition. Neptune will be at its brightest and most visible of the entire year.
October
• Oct. 7: Full Blood moon, which will be a supermoon.
• Oct. 21: New moon.
• Oct. 21: The Orionids meteor shower peaks
geon moon will rise aug. 9. Islander File
during a new moon. So expect excellent viewing.
November
• Nov. 5: Full Beaver moon, which will be a supermoon.
• Nov. 17-18: The Leonids meteor shower peaks and the light of the moon, which will be a crescent, should not interfere with viewing.
• Nov. 20: New moon.
• Nov. 21: Uranus at opposition. Uranus will be at its brightest and most visible of the entire year. December
• Dec. 4: Full cold moon, which will be a supermoon.
• Dec. 13-14: The Geminids meteor shower peaks. The moon will be about one-third illuminated, reducing visibility.
• Dec. 20: New moon.
• Dec. 21: Winter solstice.
• Dec. 21-22: The Ursids meteor shower peaks. The moon will be a barely illuminated crescent.
The Manatee County Natural Resources Department will present a FrogWatch program at 8:45 p.m. Thursday, June 26, at Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W., Perico Island.
“We will talk about frog monitoring then split into groups and monitor different ponds for frog calls!” read a notice from the department.
The county has launched a citizen-science program to contribute information to a national FrogWatch USA database.
What is FrogWatch USA?
• A frog and toad volunteer monitoring program with over 10 years of data.
• An opportunity for volunteers to get involved in their community to collect and report information
The first day of Summer will be Friday, June 20. Make sure you hydrate and come see us to get your vehicle ready for your summer plans.
about wetlands and frog and toad populations.
• A nationwide program where participants learn and practice science and develop a closer relationship with their natural environment.
FrogWatch says: Frogs and toads are important — and in trouble! … Many previously abundant populations have experienced dramatic population declines — in the US and around the world. It is essential that we understand the scope, scale and cause of these declines.”
Registration for the event is required.
For more information, contact Emily Laughlin at emily.laughlin@mymanatee.org.
The natural resources department can be reached at 941-748-4501.
Saunders & Co. celebration
Until all businesses are open, the “village” that is Anna Maria Island doesn’t feel complete.
But in recent weeks, several businesses in Holmes Beach opened their doors.
On June 8, Michael Saunders & Co. founder and CEO Michael Saunders, son and president Drayton Saunders and branch office broker/manager Tammy Nordling opened the Holmes Beach office to cheers from guests, agents and staff.
Michael Saunders recalled as a teen going in an old “jalopy” to a dance at the teen center — now serving all ages at the Center of Anna Maria Island — but there was a mishap and, as they turned a corner from Gulf to Marina Drive, the jalopy door opened and she fell out.
All was well, of course, but Saunders holds dear her memories of Anna Maria Island, where she officially resumed operations at 6000 Marina Drive.
Renovations required a new concrete slab and interior reconstruction and the updated space features a fresh, modern coastal design with artwork that brings the beach and the Gulf indoors.
Drayton Saunders emphasized in a chat under a party tent amid guests sipping libations and enjoying meals from the Maine Line food truck that AMI properties continue to attract people seeking to become part of the community.
For more information about Saunders & Co. and its affiliations with Forbes Global Properties, Mayfair International Realty, LeadingRE and Luxury Portfolio International, contact Nordling at 941-896-9981.
— Bonner Joy
To Moose Lodge members and friends, administrator Byron Dalton reached out in a June 7 email, offering “a quick update.”
As most of are aware, the parking lot is closed for construction in the dining room and installation of hurricane shutters, he wrote.
“Construction is going very well and we believe ahead of schedule, considering the amount of damage. The guesstimate for completion is approximately ‘Augustish’ or sooner,” he continued.
Dalton also said the Florida Department of Transportation will clear drains in front of the lodge — and “Lake EDDY” will be drained.
— Bonner Joy
the Michael saunders real estate team, including founder Michael saunders and branch office manager tammy nordling, gathers June 8 for a celebration at the newly reopened, redesigned office in Holmes Beach. leFt: Michael saunders talks old times on aMI with guests at the June 8 reopening for her branch office. Islander Photos: Bonner Joy
Felica Goett, owner of island-based Blooms by the Beach, returned from the 2025 Sunshine Cup Competition in Orlando with a second-place award.
By lisa neff
• June 26, 5-7 p.m., Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce business card exchange, Artists’ Guild Gallery, Holmes Beach.
• July 8, 8 a.m., AMI Chamber breakfast, Compass Hotel, Perico Island.
• July 19, 11:30 a.m., AMI Chamber luncheon, Slicker’s Eatery, Cortez.
• Oct. 18, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., AMI Chamber Bayfest, Anna Maria. Send listings to calendar@islander.org.
The Manatee County Tourist Development Council was to meet June 16 and consider a funding request from the city of Anna Maria to help repair the stormdamaged city pier.
The meeting was to take place at the Center of Anna Maria Island in Anna Maria, as The Islander went to press.
The agenda for the gathering of the advisory board to the county commission included consideration of a request for tourist development tax money for Anna Maria City Pier work.
Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short was scheduled to make the presentation and request $3.1 million from the county for construction costs through December and an additional $4.9 million for costs in 2026.
Hurricanes Helene and Milton damaged the pier, including destroying the walkway to the T-end. The structure has been closed since late September.
While working on plans to reopen the pier, the city and the county also have been working to resume the service of the Gulf Islands Ferry at the pier that ended with the hurricane damages.
Details included in the TDC’s agenda materials showed the following estimates for the pier work:
• Inspections, permitting, design: $347,661$400,000.
• Demolition: $239,500-$275,000.
• Construction, including pilings, bents, stringers, plus permit fees: $4.7 million-$6.17 million.
• Repairs to the T-end from a barge: $250,000$400,000.
• Repairs to the T-end, including deck, buildings, roofing, lighting and electrical: $400,000-$500,000.
• Repairs to pavilion: $75,000-$100,000.
Total estimated cost: $6,862,161-$8,955,000.
— lisa neff
Goett also placed fourth in the tablescape competition held June 6 and hosted by the FSFA InternationalFlorida State Florists’ Association.
Twelve floral designers participated in the competition.
“Additionally, and even more exciting, Felica tested and successfully passed the FSMD test,” FSFA executive director Robert Tucker told The Islander June 12. “She has earned the accreditation FSMD-Florida State Master Designer, which she may now use.”
FSFA International has served the floral community for 104 years, cultivating relationships, promoting industry interests and fostering solidarity.
Blooms by the Beach, on its website, describes itself as the “home of original design, creative whimsy and community!” and the island’s “premiere florist.” Blooms by the Beach is at 2501 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach.
For information about the business, go to bloomsbythebeach.com or call 941-778-2555.
— lisa neff
stuDIO aPaRtMent FuRnIsHIngs: For sale, nightstands, bar stools, upholstered bench, dresser. 970-556-0596.
ant IQ ue Pa Rtne R D es K: a ll wood, $500. Inquire at 941-778-7978.
Individuals may place one free ad with up to three items, each priced $100 or less, 15 words or less. FR ee , one week, must be submitted online. email classifieds@islander.org. (limited time offer).
neW BeaCH sHOP: stop by our new store 3-9 p.m. daily. everything’s Just Beachy. affordable beach apparel and accessories for the whole family. Mention this ad for $5 off $20 or above purchase. 119 Bridge street, Island Plaza, suite 230 (upstairs).
gOlF CaRt Rentals: Fun for residents and tourists! 941-213-5730. www.annamariacartrentals.com
gOlF CaRt: 2023 Bintelli luxury golf cart. sixpassenger, street legal, lithium battery, fully loaded, under 900 miles, burgundy, sound bar, leD undercarriage lighting, garage-kept. $10,900. 630-768-2054.
HaVe a BOat and wanna catch more fish, better bait or learn the water? 50-year local fisherman, your boat, my knowledge. Captain Chris, 941896-2915.
sunCOast BOttOM PaIntIng: Professional bottom painting. Mobile. Call 941-704-9382.
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C a P ta I n FOR HIR e and boat caretaker services: If you need help with your boat on or off the water, call Captain Dan. usCg, retired. 772486-8085.
WelCOMe aBOaRD JOYFIsH Charters for private fishing, sunset cruises, and dolphin watching. Check out joyfishcharters.com or follow us on Facebook. Call to reserve, 941-840-3181.
FOR sale: 35 Bristol sailboat, Yanmar diesel, new shaft, cutless, log, prop and bottom job, 2024. $12,000. located on Holmes Beach ready to sail. Bill, 302-494-4096.
RO se R CH u RCH see K s part-time a ssistant Facilities a dministrator to cover Friday to s unday and special events. Read the job description RoserChurch.com/job-opportunity
n OW HIRI ng H an DYM an : Full-time professional services. $18 an hour and up, based on experience. Call JayPros, 941-962-2874.
RePORteR WanteD: Full- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience required. apply with letter of interest to news@islander.org.
KIDs FOR HIRe ads are FRee for up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work. a ds must be placed in person at t he Islander office, 315 58th s t. s uite J, Holmes Beach.
Is YOuR HOMe or office in need of some cleaning? Well, I’m your girl! local, reliable, professional! Please, give me a call or text, 941-773 -0461.
CleanIng: VaCatIOn, COnstRuCtIOn, residential, commercial and windows. licensed and insured. 941-756-4570.
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BICYCle RePaIRs: Just4Fun at 5358 gulf Drive can do most any bicycle repair at a reasonable cost. Pick-up and delivery available. 941-8967884.
aPI’s DRYWall RePaIR: I look forward to servicing your drywall repair needs. Call 941-5248067 to schedule an appointment.
PC OR teCH issues? not sure where to start? With years of experience, I’ll come to you with reliable solutions. Contact gavin at 928-5871309. www.gse.codes
sa R as O ta Pa I nt I ng : I nte RIOR/exterior/ cabinets: Call or text Don, 941-900-9398. Free estimates. Fully insured, twenty years’ experience.
RIDeeasY 247 YOuR professional, reliable and courteous car service to airports and events since 2015. You can reach us via text 941-4477737 or email to mrfort5001@gmail.com We are available 24/7.
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OuR seRVICes: CleanIng, home repairs, tile, concrete, remodeling, decks, steps, flooring, water drainage solutions, rental 24-hour services. Hurricane shutters and pre-storm service. new, low-cost generator and insulation (starts and runs on propane when power off). no permits needed. Islander, over 40 years here! Call
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aIRPORt sHuttle: QualItY transportation, 10 years by lewber. 352-339-3478.
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O ne C all C leanu P. Junk removal, water damage, and more. Fast, reliable service. Call, 941-544-1260.
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HOM e W at CH e R: WH en you can’t be at home, I’ll watch your home and send video of my inspection. I’m a state Certified Residential a ppraiser with background check. 317-9974056.
aFFORDaBle PRessuRe WasHIng and small job painting. 941-356-1456.
a MI a IRPOR t s H uttle g uy: We pick up from tampa, st. Petersburg and sarasota airports. u p to seven passengers with luggage Reliable, licensed and friendly transportation to and from anna Maria Island. aMIshuttle.com. 941-500-3388.
CleanIng seRVICes: ten-plus years’ experience. Professional, prompt with a flexible schedule. Contact Jessica, 941-900-8051.
BusIness-tO-BusIness JD’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-9203840.
BeaCH seRVICe air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. Commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. s erving Manatee County and the Island since 1987. For dependable, honest and personalized service, call Bill eller, 941-720-7411. Residential, call nate, 941524-2248. CaC184228.
Clean teCH MOBIle Detailing. at your location. Cars, boats, RVs. Call or text Billie for an appointment. 941-592-3482.
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CO ll I ns lan D s C a P e l I g H t I ng : Outdoor lighting, landscaping, irrigation services and maintenance. 941-279-9947. MJC24373@ gmail.com
s H ell D el IV e R e D an D spread. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, topsoil with free estimates. Call l arry at 941-795-7775, or “shell phone” 941-720-0770.
Van - g O Pa I nt I ng residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper. Island references. Bill, 941-795-5100. www. vangopainting.net.
gRIFFIn’s HOMe IMPROVeMents Inc. Handyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. Insured and licensed. 941-7228792.
lane’s sCReenIng seRVICes: Replace your window, door or lanai screens. Many screen options available. Retired veteran serving our community! Free estimates, call 941-7055293.
lOOKIng FOR anY home improvement? JRCC Home Improvement, handyman service can get the job done. Please, contact us at 413-2462410. We would love to help.
t I le - t I le - t I le : a ll variations of ceramic tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship, prompt, reliable, many Island references. Call ashdown Flooring, 941-726-3077.
DO nal D P e RKI ns Pa I nt I ng ll C. Interior/ exterior/pressure washing. Island references. dperkinspaint@hotmail.com. 941-705-7096.
gORIlla DRYWall RePaIR llC. let’s solve your drywall problems together. give us a call at 941-286-0607.
Queen Bee PaIntIng: “We Do It Royally.” Interior/exterior painting and pressure washing, pool decks, garage floors, cabinets, popcorn ceiling and wallpaper removal, drywall, door and trim install and repair, window cleaning. sheryl, 864884-3380.
tet I t I le : 40 years’ experience in Delaware, now on aMI and surrounds. tile, marble, murals. Free estimates. Call John teti, 302-983-5774.
tRue tOne PaIntIng: Painting, power washing, epoxy floors. 941-224-4020.
C all HYDRO C lean . Full-service pressure washing, sealing. Pavers, travertine and natural stone. Window washing too, up to three stories. Call Jacob, 941-920-2094.
I slan D H an DYM an : I live here, work here, value your referral. Refinish, paint. Just ask. JayPros. l icensed/insured. References. Call Jay, 941-962-2874.
anna MaRIa gulF beachfront vacation rentals. One- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941-778-3143.
aVaIlaBle nOW anD season: 1BR/1Ba, sevennight minimum. carlesvacationrentals.com special rates are available. 941-807-1405.
Islan D e R a RCHIV e. u ofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.
PeRICO IslanD PatIO home: 3BR/2Ba, privacy wall/gate, two-car garage, single floor, high ceilings, screened lanai. Call or text alison, 859771-6423.
2026 seasOnal Rental: Just one block from the beach, single-story 2BR/2Ba private residence, screened patio. n o smoking/no pets. December- a pril. 64th s treet, Holmes Beach. Call 813-833-4926.
C ent R al HO l M es B ea CH, 3BR/2B a completely remodeled, walk to beach, school, trolley, shopping. annual, $2,595/month. 941-7136743.
a V a I la B le n OW! annual rental. Beautiful, bright renovated condo 2BR/2Ba, one floor. Perico Bay Club, pool, hot tub, tennis, pickle ball, covered parking. $2,500/ month. Call 612-802-8357.
PeRICO BaY CluB 2BR/2Ba condo for rent. a nnual, $2,500/month or seasonal, $4,500/ month. Call our office, 941-778-1979 for more information.
R a R e annual R ental in Holmes Beach! 2BR/1Ba close to the beach access. $2,975/ month. Call the office for more information, 941778-1979.
annual R ental : 1BR/1B a Recently renovated, quiet street in Holmes Beach. steps to a public beach access in Holmes Beach. $2,200/ month. First, last and security. 941-807-1405.
2BR/1.5B a u PD ate D WI t H washer/dryer. $2,300 month. 406 71st st. B, Holmes Beach. 2BR/1B a house with garage, $1,750 month. 12016 45th ave. Cortez Village. Mike norman Realty, 941-778-6696.
VaCatIOn tOWnHOuse: 2BR/2Ba includes boat dock, pool, convenient location. $900/ weekly. Real estate Mart, 941-356-1456.
WI nn I e MCH ale , R ealt OR, 941-5046146. Dalton Wade Real estate. You need an aggressive and experienced Realtor in today’s market! s elling island homes, s arasota and Bradenton areas. Multi-million-dollar producer! “selling Homes - Making Dreams Come true.”
Wate RFRO nt 3BR/2B a M anu Fa C tu R e D home with ample parking for boat/RV and two cars. s creened-in lanai for enjoying sunsets. steps away from Parrott Cove Marina and free boat launch. sunny shores beach nearby and easy walk or bike ride to a nna Maria Island. awaiting new owner to complete drywall and decorative flooring. You own the land. sunny s hores, a friendly community with voluntary homeowners’ association that provides access to clubhouse and park amenities. Ideal vacation home or rental property. asking price, $250,000. Call 847-436-0938 for more information or tour of home.
laRge VaCant lOt on north end. 132 Crescent ave, anna Maria. 7,700 sf lot cleared and ready for your plans/builder. Close proximity to Pine avenue shops and beaches. Optional HOa ($200 annually) gives dock access for kayak/ fishing. upper floors of new build and skydeck would have water views of l ake l avista and tampa Bay/ s kyway bridge. $1,175,000. Call 630-863-3845.
1BR/1Ba tRaIleR: PaRtIallY remodeled at s andpiper Resort. $114,500. One minute to beach and Intracoastal. 888-322-7078.
lOOKIng FOR an eaRlY BIRD? You can read Wednesday’s classifieds on tuesday at islander. org. and it’s FRee!
COnDO FOR sale in a friendly 55-plus community at Heritage Village West, 66th st. Circle West on Cortez Road in Bradenton. 2BR/2Ba, 1,044 sf, laundry room with washer and dryer, two lanais, ceiling fans, close parking, clubhouse and pool. $180,000. 941-718-0046.
West BRaDentOn: 3BR/3Ba, two-car garage. Features very private caged pool, private side yard for RV or boat storage, dog run or play yard. Brand new $25,000 roof, no HO a fees. $479,900 or best offer. Real estate Mart, 941356-1456.
lOngBOat KeY nORtH end village. Coming soon. Brand new 3BR/2B a home to be built. Call Fred for information. Real estate Mart, 941356-1456.
The Islander newspaper is FrEE at Publix Holmes Beach. Just stop by the customer service desk, hold out your hand and say, “Islander, please!” And maybe remind staff you’d like the serve-yourself community news returned to the lobby.
