Get ready to have your heart melted …
Vinny Esposito was feeling despair in October.
His Italian Kitchen, a market that featured his handmade pizza and pasta dishes and the best of Italy “in the heart of Holmes Beach,” was in total disarray.
The equipment was underwater. The supplies and food stock were going into the trash. There was very little left of the market he loved.
He sank into despair. He didn’t think he could do it.
Then, from nowhere, a family from Ohio arrived to touch his heart and change his mind.
He would reopen after all.
In his words:
Karen and Ryan Crossley and their children, Hannah and Sam, from Ohio, have been visiting Anna
Touched by kindness, Vinny reopens Italian Kitchen — just in time for Christmas
Maria Island for many years and they came often to my restaurant.
Thy came in October and they were so upset and disappointed to find us closed by the hurricanes.
The store was damaged inside by over 2 feet of water and we lost 100% of equipment and food.
Virginia and I were cleaning the store and I was so DONE and upset with it all, realizing the damage and the loss — that I really was giving up. How could I reopen the store? All was lost.
Then the Crossleys called us to say goodbye on Nov. 4, the day they were leaving Anna Maria to go back home to Ohio.
They came by the store and the children gave me an envelope with $419 — the results of selling
lemonade, coffee and donuts on the sidewalk where they stay and a letter saying, “We hope this will help to reopen the store when we come back to AMI.”
I WAS SO MOVED BY THEIR LOVE and the HOPE I saw in their eyes.
I was speechless with tears falling, hugging them and promising them that I WILL be here when they comeback.
I promised we will make pizza together.
We at Vinny’s Italian Kitchen want to say THANK YOU to Karen, Ryan, Hannah and Sam. You inspired us and we love you.
Merry Christmas to you all.
— Chef Vinny
Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992
TOP: Sam and Hannah Crossley raise funds for AMI hurricane victims. TOP RIGHT: Karen, Ryan and Hannah and Sam Crossley with Vinny Esposito. ABOVE: Hanna and Sam with Vinny. Islander Courtesy Photos
The Crossleys with Vincent Esposito.
What’s happening around the island?
Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short reported to The Islander Dec. 20 that for the past week, the city continued to address many ongoing projects, including:
• The inspection process began for both below and above water for the city pier; still scheduled to be completed by the end of December.
• Our emergency permit for the demolition of the parts of the city pier damaged by Milton has been approved by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the city engineering firm will be issuing proposal requests to interested parties for the demo work.
• County crews are nearing completion of the cleanup at Bayfront Park and it is expected to open for Christmas.
• We expect the water ferry service will re-commence soon at a temporary dock provided for that purpose while the city pier remains damaged, but we have no official notice.
• The city was prepared for its second holiday event on Pine Ave Dec. 21 and Santa and his helpers are expected to make an appearance.
The mayor also announced that the city closed off the application process for the open commission seat Dec. 20 and there are two candidates.
He said Dec. 23 that they are Brian Seymour and John Lynch. Seymour is a former commissioner and was a candidate in November for the mayor’s seat. He operates the Anna Maria General Store and was a co-operator of the city pier restaurant before the pier was damaged by the September-October hurricanes.
Short noted that Lynch is a retired executive and has been a resident of Anna Maria the past several years.
In Holmes Beach, Sage Kamiya, superintendent of public works/city engineer reported Dec. 18 that all debris from the storms has been picked up from the roadside and all construction and demolition debris
has been hauled off the island, as well.
All sand has been hauled to Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach for sifting and eventual placement on the beaches. The remaining vegetative debris will be ground down and hauled off the island beginning this week.
There are a few locations with “white goods” remaining that still need to be picked up.
The next steps for public works is continuing repairs. This includes repairing damaged stormwater infrastructure, 14 roadway locations, 10 sidewalk locations, regarding seven swales, beach access cleanup, and continued insurance coordination for over a dozen city property items.
Except for a few items as mentioned above, the public infrastructure in the city is open for guests and residents alike. Public works and our staff are looking forward to getting back to our regular service responsibilities to support our community.
Chad Minor, Holmes Beach director of Development services / Planning and zoning administrator, reported Dec. 18 that the building department continues to receive and process storm-related and non-storrelated permits and inspection requests.
Saturday building department permit hours will continue until the end of the year to assist with recovery efforts.
Minor also said the planning and zoning and code compliance department are to back to normal pre-storm functions.
Kingfish Boat Ramp repairs are being performed by Manatee County.
Mayor Judy Titsworth provided a copy of her state-of-the-city report, which is posted online with “City happenings” for review at islander.org.
There was no response from calls and emails to the Bradenton Beach clerk, Commission Chair Ralph Cole or Mayor John Chappie for a report.
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Holidays result in calendar shuffles, closures
Manatee County government and municipal government offices will be closing for the holidays:
The county will close Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 24, Christmas Day, Wednesday, Dec. 25 and New Year’s Day Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025.
Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short emailed The Islander with holiday hours Dec. 20. He said, “The city will be closed all day Christmas Eve, Dec. 24 and Christmas Day, Dec. 25.
We will close at noon New Years Eve and all day New Year’s Day.” We also will briefly close 11:30 a.m. to 1p.m. Monday, Dec. 30, for the city employee holiday brunch.
City clerk Terri Sanclemente reported that Bradenton Beach will close at 2 p.m. Dec. 23, all day Dec. 24, Dec. 25 and New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, 2025.
Holmes Beach will close Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
There will be no residential garbage or recycling collection on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day. All collections will be one day later for the remainder of the week for each of these holidays. For additional information, visit mymanatee.org/garbage
County parks, preserves and beaches remain open to the public. Manatee County and Buffalo Creek golf courses will be closed Christmas Day.
Manatee County public libraries will close Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
All MCAT buses will stop running at 3 p.m. Christmas Eve. There will be no MCAT fixed route or Handy Bus service on Christmas or New Year’s Day.
The Anna Maria Island Trolley will stop running at 7 p.m. Christmas Eve. The trolley will operate on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays through the Christmas break.
The Gulf Islands Ferry, shuttling people on the water between downtown Bradenton and Bradenton Beach, will run its regular Thursday-Sunday schedule through the holidays.
Short
Kamiya
Cortez Bridge project running into spring 2025
Motorists in Cortez and Bradenton Beach may want to be alert to the continuing Cortez Bridge Utility Relocation Project along Cortez Road West through the village of Cortez westward to the Bradenton Beach side of the Cortez Bridge.
According the weekly update, on Dec. 9 and again on Dec. 16, the contractor would be transporting pipes on the south side of Cortez Road West on the right of way between 119th Street West and Avenue B.
As of Dec. 23, the contractor had completed “pulling the main water pipe.”
Tina Allen, community outreach representative for the project, reported Dec. 23 that work would be suspended for the holidays, resuming Jan. 6.
Also, Allen confirmed that there was no impact to the project from a crash Dec. 18 on the bridge that damaged the pedestrian barrier.
Construction and related closuures and detours are expected to continue through Spring 2025. For more information, contact Allen at 941-306-4660 or info@amiprojects.io.
State representative calls for annual meeting
State Rep. Will Robinson, House District 71, R-Bradenton, announced a meeting of the Manatee County Legislative Delegation for all agencies of local government will be held 8:30 a.m.-noon Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, at the Bradenton City Hall, council chambers, 101 Old Main St., Bradenton.
Interested parties who would like to be on the agenda are asked to email Ashley Roberts-Ledo at ashley.roberts-ledo@myfloridahouse.gov, no later than noon Friday, Jan. 3, 2025.
Robinson announced that any proposed local bills must be presented at the delegation meeting. All local bill documentation must be electronically delivered to his office no later than noon Jan. 3.
Local bill policy guidelines can be found at www.myfloridahouse.gov.
Help us raise our 2025 targe of $40,000!
$37,79
Two photos, left, and below, taken dec. 18 by the contractor, show the ongoing cortez Bridge Utility Relocation Project from the cortez landing area on the east side of the cortez Bridge and below, the Bradenton Beach landing area. Islander courtesy Photos
Charity Plunge
While our beaches are healing and may not be ready for us to “TAKE THE PLUNGE”, Our local Children’s Charities still need us!
Please continue to support Clancy’s largest Charity Event of the year! It may look a little different, but we hope the results will be the same! Join us for our “ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE”!
Members of our community who have collected donations to support our local children’s charities will be doused with buckets of Ice Water! That should certainly shiver a few shamrocks! We will continue on by putting the “FUN” into fundraising with the DR. DAVE BAND, door prizes, raffles and silent auction! It’s a great way to start the New Year by making a difference in our community! A good time is certain to be had by all for such good causes! Charities include:
HEALTHY TEENS
TAKE STOCK IN CHILDREN
MOTHERS HELPING MOTHERS
To join us in the challenge or donate to these 501(c)(3) organizations, please call
Gloria Dei church announces permanent closure in January
Not all island churches are thriving in the midst of repairs from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church announced on its website that it will close mid-January and, as yet, there is no word on the future of the church, the building or the property.
Sometimes while looking forward, it’s good to keep an eye on the rear-view mirror.
What came before can be enlightening in some respects.
The Christian Science Church at 6300 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach held its final service in December 2003. Its sale and demolition made way for two streets of three-story duplex-style condos.
The congregation, which had become small, and the value of the church property, which had grown large, justified the sale.
It’s sad to think that after all the troubles in the world from Sept. 11, 2001, to now, including economic struggles that resulted in the sale of homes by many islanders, that we have come to a point where a church can not maintain its assets in the community.
The Gloria Dei congregation formed in February 1959 and the roof has been an island landmark since it was built in 1964. It is a beautiful structure inside and out — an asset to the community.
In 2016, the church sought a rezone of a small area on the outside edge of the church parking lot that the church deemed suitable for two homes.
The church attorney told the city then, “We are here to save the church.”
Without knowing the financial ins and outs of a religious institution, it’s hard to know what brought the church to its point of need.
At that juncture, after the church carved away that small portion of land, apparently, it did not suffice.
Sometimes the future is unclear.
Hopefully the church and local visionaries can find a path forward that preserves the building.
To bring you up to date on the other churches on
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‘A community for all.’
AMI, we checked websites.
Roser Church is active and the sanctuary is open, but the fellowship hall and chapel suffered damages and the repairs are ongoing.
at 9:15 a.m in the Chapel of the Good Shepherd at Christ Episcopal Church in Bradenton.
They extend a “HUGE Thank You” to Rev. Michael Brady and the members of Christ Episcopal Church for allowing them to hold services there while repairing the damages from Hurricane Helene.
Christmas Eve, the service at Chapel of the Good Shepherd will start with Christmas carols at 4:30 p.m. with the service to follow 5 p.m.
Christmas Day, they will celebrate the Holy Eucharist with Good Shepherd at 10 a.m.
Harvey Memorial Community Church’s pastor, the Rev. Steve King, shared the “good news:”
“Behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will be for all people; for today, in the city of David, there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
This was the message of the angel to the shepherds on that first Christmas so long ago, and the words that still thrill our hearts and touch our spirit as we gather for worship each week over 2000 years later!
It truly is ‘the Good News!’”
King announced they would gather for their Christmas Eve Service at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24, at their own sanctuary at Harvey Memorial Community Church where the floors are sanded but not finished and seating will be in chairs instead of pews — “there is something beautiful and right about being back in our own ‘spiritual home’ for Christmas Eve!
King thanked the members, as well as everyone else for their gifts and donations for the renovations.
Finally, he said, “The greatest good news of all is that we will celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
With a grateful heart — Pastor Steve. — Bonner Joy
The same is true at St. Bernard Catholic Church with Mass continuing in the sanctuary and repairs ongoing due to flooding in the parish hall.
It appears Crosspointe Fellowship in Anna Maria is still serving its congregation, and there was a minimum of damage at the church, according to the Rev. Ed Moss.
According to the Episcopal Church of Annunciation website, they are celebrating Sunday services
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Gloria Dei Luteran Church, Dec. 20. Islander
Photo: Bonner Joy
Harvey Church sustained damage to the interior and exterior from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. But “Good news:” the church was expected to reopen for Christmas service. Islander Courtesy Photo
About Emkey
The center is excited to announce chris emkey is the new fitness and wellness director, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the community.
Islander courtesy Photo
The Center of Anna Maria Island is welcoming a new staff member to the ranks: Chris Emkey. He’s originally from Pennsylvania. His background includes:
• Worked with athletes of all levels — from children as young as 7 to Olympic junior boxers and gold medalists.
• As a Division 1 tennis player, Chris excelled at No. 1 singles and doubles, later competing on the ITF circuit post-college.
• He successfully developed a 72,000 sf integrated wellness and sports performance center. This facility offered clinical and functional testing, sports performance spaces, indoor tennis courts and traditional fitness training for athletes and the general population.
• Emkay also facilitated the sale of the performance facility to the YMCA, spearheading its acquisition and integration.
• Following this success, he developed a second location focused on functional testing, training and
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Plan now for the next holiday!
Is your business ready to make the most of a new season?
Improve your odds of success with Islander newspaper readers looking to shop and dine, seeking indoor and outdoor fun, and a place to stay for their next visit. Call or text 941-778-7978.
Easton sparkles, sparks center audience
LeFT: Singer/actress Sheena easton entertains dec. 14 at the center of Anna Maria Island. According to center executive director chris culhane, “Bella and Sheena stunned the crowd with their vocals, kicking off our sixth annual concert series at the center. Locals and visitors alike were given an incredible night of entertainment and a much-needed break from their Hurricane restoration work.” Tickets are on sale online — centerami.org/concerts — for the next show in the concert series on Jan. 11, the Wailers. BeLOW: The show opener, Bella Garland, is an up-and-coming Nashville singer/songwriter. Islander courtesy Photos
A poster announces the Bradenton Gulf Islands concert Series for 2024-25, sponsored by the Bradenton Area convention and Visitors Bureau.
Next up on the schedule: the famous Reggae band, The Wailers, Jan. 11.
specialized equipment, including boxing rings and UFC cages.
• His leadership experience includes guiding a team of doctors and staff to ensure optimal performance environments for general population clients and elite athletes.
His global impact includes conducting performance management workshops and certifications across the United States and abroad.
“He brings his expertise and passion for fitness and wellness to the community center team. We look forward to the incredible programs and innovations he will lead,” said executive director Chris Culhane.
“Welcome aboard, Chris.”
Explore The Islander archives
The Islander was invited in the 1990s to take part in a pilot project with the University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries. We donated the collection of newspapers beginning with the first issue in 1992 and they’re all there for you to explore. Look for The Islander in the UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.
And, please, consider a digital subscription to Islander.org for your holiday gift-giving. It’s only $36 a year to keep up with all the news about the AMI community, including breaking news and storm alerts.
Singalong holiday jingle
We know there’s reason enough to carry through the holiday season like a Who suffering a stolen holiday — or a battle with two hurricanes.
But let’s find joy in the season and look to a new year.
In the holiday spirit and keeping a tradition, The Islander offers its 12 days of an Anna Maria Island Christmas.
The “12 days” in the original song, with heavy religious symbolism, refers to the days from the first day of Christmas, Dec. 25, to the eve of the epiphany. But sing when you will, merrily and loudly:
The Islander’s 12 Days of Christmas
by Lisa Neff Islander editor
On the first day of Christmas, my true love showed to me a parrot in a palm tree.
On the second day of Christmas, my true love showed to me two swimming turtles, and a parrot in a palm tree.
On the third day of Christmas, my true love showed to me three wooden piers, two swimming turtles, and a parrot in a palm tree.
On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love showed to me four beach cabanas, three wooden piers, two swimming turtles, and a parrot in a palm tree.
On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love showed to me five sandy shells, four beach cabanas, three wooden piers, two swimming turtles, and a parrot in a palm tree.
On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love showed
to me six fish a-jumping, five sandy shells, four beach cabanas, three wooden piers, two swimming turtles, and a parrot in a palm tree.
▼ Publisher, editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org
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On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love showed to me seven rays a-schooling, six fish a-jumping, five sandy shells, four beach cabanas, three wooden piers, two swimming turtles, and a parrot in a palm tree.
On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love showed to me eight boats a-sailing, seven rays a-schooling, six fish a-jumping, five sandy shells, four beach cabanas, three wooden piers, two swimming turtles, and a parrot in a palm tree.
nine birds a-skimming, eight boats a-sailing, seven rays a-schooling, six fish a-jumping, five sandy shells, four beach cabanas, three wooden piers, two swimming turtles, and a parrot in a palm tree.
nine birds a-skimming, eight boats a-sailing, seven rays a-schooling, six fish a-jumping, five sandy shells, four beach cabanas, three wooden piers, two swimming turtles, and a parrot in a palm tree.
a-surfing,
On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love showed to me
On the 11th day of Christmas, my true love showed to me 11 dolphins diving, 10 dudes a-surfing, nine birds a-skimming, eight boats a-sailing, seven rays a-schooling, six fish a-jumping, five sandy shells, four beach cabanas, three wooden piers, two swimming turtles, and a parrot in a palm tree.
On the 10th day of Christmas, my true love showed to me 10 dudes a-surfing,
On the 12th day of Christmas, my true love showed to me 12 islanders lounging, 11 dolphins diving, 10 dudes a-surfing, nine birds a-skimming, eight boats a-sailing, seven rays a-schooling, six fish a-jumping, five sandy shells, four beach cabanas, three wooden piers, two swimming turtles, and a parrot in a palm tree.
Happy holidays from The Islander crew.
my true love showed to me
Murphy
Happy Easter, Merry Christmas
Christmas was always something of a hard sell on Anna Maria in my family.
My kids were skeptical.
Santa did not look good in short pants and those reindeer were going to have a tough time slogging that sleigh across the sand.
My son thought the UPS guy was Santa Claus. We went along.
This year, on this island, a celebration of Easter, of rising from the dead, makes for a great pairing with Christmas.
Granted the Easter Bunny and his little chickens have their own credibility problems, but a celebration of rebirth is what we need right now
Let’s put some chocolate chickens under the tree.
In September we got drowned by Helene, then in October we were whipped by Milton. We’ve all spent two months rising from a morass of water and mud and then crawling over the piles of drywall and mattresses.
We deserve to celebrate, a “rising.”
The good news is that much of the rising has been accomplished.
The beaches and Gulf waters are as beautiful as they have ever been, and there’s no problem finding a place to park.
I wish there were long lines at the restaurants and bars, but there aren’t any.
“Walking in” as a preferred method of attending an eating place is in style again. You can almost always find an empty bar stool.
A gazillion years ago, I ran an ad for the Beach Bistro in The Islander at the end of tourist season. It portrayed a group of bistro waiters waving to a flock of geese flying in V-formation.
The caption read, “They’re gone. You can come out now.”
The less-than-subtle implication was that the snowbirds had flown, and there were available tables in our dining room.
Invariably, I received hate mail damning me for not being grateful for the tourists. But if it wasn’t for them, my kids would have starved on the beach.
To our northern friends and neighbors on the mainland, that ad is true again. They are gone. You can come out now.
To my island neighbors — rise like its Easter. Get out of the house. Sure, you’re exhausted, but it is time to put away the Cheetos and get off the couch — if it is not already out in the yard. Go for a drink. Bring a neighbor Get over it.
And for Chrissake turn on the damn lights at night. Neither Santa nor the Easter Bunny are going to be able to find the island unless we turn the lights back on. Happy Easter. Be nice.
— Sean Murphy
The Holmes Beach police officers and code compliance staff surround Santa dec. 20 at the city’s first-ever party for kids. code officer Nate Brown, back row left, Lt.Brian Hall, detective Josh Fleischer, front from left, code compliance chief JT Thomas with his grandson Miles Martin, 3, Santa, school resource officer christine La Branche and building department administrator Kim cherron. All kids received a gift from Santa — Thomas reported that “at least 150 kids attended” the party in the park adjacent to city hall. Islander
Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth, left, looks over the toys for give-away with staff and volunteers at the dec. 20 kids’ Santa Party. Islander courtesy Photo
Join us for a great time and a great cause!
Photo: Bonner Joy
Gathering
Annual Bethlehem Walk celebrated at Roser
From the setting of the sun to the rising of the moon, the 2024 Bethlehem Walk was glorious!
A crowd gathered Dec. 15 at Roser Memorial Community Church to join the journey to Bethlehem (a walk around one city block in Anna Maria) with Mary, Joseph and their animals in search of shelter — traveling from “inn” to “inn” (local businesses) and singing Christmas carols.
But the innkeepers had no room for Joseph and Mary, who was anticipating the birth of her child.
Returning at the stable (the church), the Bethlehem Walk participants celebrated the birth of Baby Jesus as the Wisemen brought their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
The celebration included refreshments and fellowship.
— Bev Shepperson, Roser communications specialist
The Behlehem Walk cast: Joseph, Charlie Serra Mary, Charlotte Becker Baby Jesus, Baby May Wiseman with Gold, Alex Serra Wiseman with Frankincense, Holton Sebastian Wise person with Myrrh Innkeeper at the General Store, Alexandria Ward Innkeeper at Sunset Villas, Mary Horton Innkeeper at a Spring Ave home, Sherry Oehler
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The donkey, Renvo
The pony, Philly
The pig, Pretzel
The Llama, Kujo
The goat, Snuggles
Angel with the llama, Jordan Toney
The wisemen and the angel: Alex Serra, left, Lila Sebastian, Holton Sebastian
“Anna Maria Island,” a pictorial history book of the island by Bonner Joy is available from The Islander online
Island Mail & Print, 3230
Bay Drive, HB. Joy is publisher of The Islander newspaper. She launched the newspaper in 1992. She
Innkeeper at Sato R.E., Linda Taylor Gianiotes Brittany Bailey and mom Debbie, the caretakers of the animal cast:
Bethlehem Walk event organizers, Glenda Beck and Beth Bernet with the Philly, the Pony
The Bethlehem Walk, Dec. 15. Mary holds baby Jesus (Charlotte Becker and Baby May), as Joseph (Charlie Serra) and the Wisemen greet Mary after the birth of Jesus. Islander Courtesy Photos: Bev Shepperson
ABOVE LEFT: Wisemen and angel, portrayed by Alex Serra, left, Lila Sebastian and Holton Sebastian. ABOVE: Innkeeper Sherry Oehler poses on Spring Avenue with Mary, portrayed by Charlotte Becker, and the donkey Renvo.
Adult soccer crowns winter champs, horseshoers pitch gift
By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander reporter
Playoff action in the adult soccer league at the Center of Anna Maria Island resumed Dec. 18 after rains delayed the Dec. 12 games.
And we have a winner!
No. 1 seed Solid Rock Construction eliminated No. 9 seed Gulf Drive Cafe by a 4-2 score. Keith Mahoney paced Solid Rock with three goals and an assist. Erica Nielsen chipped in with one goal while Raul Loera helped close out the victory with 10 saves.
Tyler Brewer had a goal and an assist and Daniel Fritz added a goal to lead Gulf Drive Cafe in the loss.
No. 2 seed Ross Built easily dispatched No. 10 Sato Real Estate by a 4-1 margin behind three goals and an assist from Kevin Roman, and Mack Heitchue added a goal. Zacharieah Anabtawi chipped in with an assist while Jack Gibson came through with 11 saves in the victory to advance to the semifinals.
Semifinal action Dec. 19 saw Ross Built and Moss Builders battle to a 2-2 tie in regulation before Ross prevailed in a penalty-kick shootout. Roman and Heitchue each had a goal and an assist to lead Ross Built, which also received six saves from Jack Gibson in the victory.
Lexi Bellamy and Greg Moss each scored a goal to lead Moss, which received 10 saves from Ryan Moss in the loss.
Solid Rock Construction eliminated Bubble Binz 3-1 behind a goal and an assist from Keith Mahoney and a goal each from Julio Cantu and Jacek
Czajkowski. Leo Gonzalez added an assist and Alex Landy came through with nine saves in the victory.
Landon Ellis notched the lone goal for Bubble Binz which also received 10 saves from goalie Zach Long in the loss.
The championship match was truly a battle of two halves. Solid Rock Construction jumped out to a 2-0 halftime lead, getting a goal and an assist from Mahoney and a goal from Erica Nielsen.
Horseshoes action
Adult Soccer Champs
Jack gibson, James Noblett, andrew ross, greg ross, mack Heitchue, Jacke Ross, Kevin Roman, Sydney Cornell, and Zacharieah Anabtawi pose on the pitch Dec. 19 on winning the Center of anna maria Island adult soccer league title. Islander courtesy
Photo: CofAMI
Before horseshoe action got going Dec. 18 at the Anna Maria City Hall pits, the pitchers carried on a long-standing tradition of giving with a $600 donation to Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee.
Amy Towerey was there to accept for MoW. Afterwards, the team of Bob Heiger and Adin Shank posted the lone 3-0 record in pool play and were the day’s outright champs.
Action Dec. 21 saw Tom Farrington defeat Tom Skoloda and Adin Shank 21-6 to earn the day’s bragging rights.
The second half was all Ross Built as they battled back to claim a 3-2, come-from-behind victory. Heitchue and Roman both finished with a goal and an assist while Anabtawi added a goal. Jack Gibson helped seal the victory for Ross Built with 10 saves in the victory.
Raul Loera had 12 saves to lead Solid Rock Construction in the loss.
Play gets underway at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m. followed by random team selection.
There is no charge to play.
Key Royale news
The Key Royale women took over the Holmes Beach golf course De. 17 for their weekly nine-hole individual-low-net match, this week in two flights. Helen Pollock fired a 2-under-par 30 to earn a onestroke victory in Flight A. Pam Lowry was alone in second place with a 1-under-par 31, while Jana Samuels took third place with an even-par 32.
Jan Turner took the top spot in Flight B with a 2-over-par 34, one stroke ahead of second-place finisher Laney Davis. Gloria LaDue was alone in third place with a 4-over-par 36.
Sue Wheeler had a chip-in on the first hole to round out golf highlights for the day.
Cleanup on the water results in tons of debris
A marine debris cleanup sponsored by numerous environmental organizations Dec. 14.
Participating groups included Suncoast Waterkeeper, Scoast Aqua Ventures, Sarasota Bay and Tampa Bay estuary programs, Tampa Bay Waterkeeper, Organized Fishermen of Florida and Sarasota Bay Watch.
Blenker Marina volunteers work clean the shoreline at the marina Dec. 14 of debris left behind by two recent hurricanes. The marina is at 2504 88th St. Court NW in Bradenton. Islander Courtesy Photo: Sheila Scolaro/Tampa Bay Estuary Program
LEFT: Jay Disbrow hands $600 to Meals On Wheels Plus of manatee representative amy Towery along with other members of the Anna Maria pitchers. Islander Courtesy Photo: AMI Pitchers
The volunteers focused on the mangrove shoreline near the De Soto National Memorial and Terra Ceia Bay.
According to Samantha Wassmer, marketing and communications specialist for Suncoast Waterkeeper, the volunteers produced results, including:
At the Blenker Marina, De Soto National Park and Emerson Point location in Northwest Bradenton, there were 50 volunteers working from six kayaks and five boats, who collected 4,280 pounds — enough to fill a 20-yard dumpster.
The Tropic Isles location at Terra Ceia Bay had 46 volunteers who collected 3,180 pounds, producing an overflow pile a full 16-yard dumpster.
Red tide alert remains active at 3 local beaches
Christopher Tittel, communication director for the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County said Dec. 20 in an email to The Islander that a health alert for red tide in island waters remains active.
Red tide remains in the Gulf of Mexico at the 10th Street South Pier and at Coquina Beach South Boat Ramp, 1465 Gulf Drive S., both in Bradenton Beach.
A notice posted Nov. 15 for Tampa Bay near the former Rod & Reel Pier, 875 N. Shore Drive, Anna Maria, also remains in effect as of Dec. 20.
DOH-Manatee is asking visitors to the affected areas to take the following precautions:
• Do not wade or swim around red tide. Red tide can cause skin irritation, rashes and burning/sore eyes.
• Wash your skin and clothing if you believe you’ve had contact with red tide, especially if your skin is easily irritated.
• Keep animals out of areas with red tide and away from sea life and dead marine life.
No.
ItEMS FoR SaLE
TWO TRAILER TIRES: FT-78, 14 inches, tires fair, excellent rims. $20. 513-604-0385.
RACK: METAL FOUR-tier, $20. 941-9202494.
ANTIQUE PARTNER DESK: All wood, $500. Inquire at The Islander. 941-778-7978.
FREEBIE ItEMS FoR SaLE
Individuals may place one free ad with up to three items, each priced $100 or less, 15 words or less. free, one week. email classifieds@islander.org. (limited time offer).
annoUnCEMEntS
caNDLeLIgHT cHrISTmaS eVe service at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 24. Harvey Memorial Community Church, 208 Church Ave. Bradenton Beach. The first service in our little church since hurricane Helene! Join us for this very special service!
tRanSPoRtatIon
GOLF CART RENTALS: Fun for residents and tourists! 212-941-2402. www.GolfCartrentalamI.com.
BoatS & BoatIng
HAVE A BOAT and wanna catch more fish, better bait or learn the water? 50-year local fisherman, your boat, my knowledge. Captain Chris, 941-896-2915.
SUNCOAST BOTTOM PAINTING: Professional bottom painting. m obile. c all 941704-9382.
caPTaIN for HIre and boat caretaker services: If you need help with your boat on or off the water, call Captain Dan. USCG, retired. 772-486-8085.
BoatS & BoatIng ContinuedW
WELCOME ABOARD JOYFISH Charters for private fishing, sunset cruises, and dolphin watching. Check out joyfishcharters.com or follow us on facebook. call to reserve, 941840-3181.
2017 YamaHa 242LTD boat for sale. one owner, well-maintained, on lift since new. 217-825-6575.
HELP WantED
BEACH MARKET VENDOR looking for set-up person. Three days a week. Pick up and carry merchandise from storage, set up tents and displays. at end of day, tear down tents and displays and return merchandise to storage. Work hours, 8-10 a.m. and 2-4 p.m. $100/day. 941-209-0497. Email everythingjustbeachy@gmail.com
HIrINg SomeoNe To deliver, set up and tear down inflatable equipment on the island. Paid on a per job basis. Perfect for retired, high school or college students. Text ,913558-9598.
NOW HIRING HANDYMAN: Full-time professional services. $18 an hour and up, based on experience. Call JayPros, 941962-2874.
REPORTER WANTED: Full- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience required. Apply via email with letter of interest to news@islander.org.
KIDS FoR HIRE
KIDS FOR HIRE ads are FREE for up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work. Ads must be placed in person at The Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach.
HEaLtH CaRE
SeaSoNaL reTIreD rN available to assist with your family or your needs, 20 years’ experience. For more information please, call 973-819-2824.
SERVICES
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.
P re SSU re W a SHIN g , PaV er sealing, driveway, roof, fence, pool area. also, window cleaning. Licensed and insured. 941-5653931.
BICYCLE REPAIRS: Just4Fun at 5358 Gulf Drive can do most any bicycle repair at a reasonable cost. Pick-up and delivery available. 941-896-7884.
I SL a ND er arc HIV e. Uof f f lorida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.
FrEE!
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.
SERVICES ContinuedW
API’S DRYWALL REPAIR: I look forward to servicing your drywall repair needs. call 941524-8067 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 928-587-1309. www.gse.codes
SARASOTA PAINTING: INTERIOR/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 941-447-7737 or email to mrfort5001@gmail. com We are available 24/7.
LOOK NO MORE! Residential, vacation rental and commercial cleaning. give us a call, 941-250-8548.
LOOKING FOR SOMEONE who needs me: Clean, house-sit. I can cook, make sandwiches. I can do anything you can do but better! I can run to the grocery store for you. I can walk pets or go out to lunch with you. Looking for a part-time job caregiving companion, I am your right arm! I love people and I love helping others. I have references and I’m reliable and dependable. my name is Dena Gray a.k.a. Sparkles! 941-704-9948.
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 941-4049163.
IS YoUr PooL deck, driveway, or garage floor looking worn out and dated? Bring them back to life with our top-tier resurfacing services! Services offered: Pool deck resurfacing, Slip-resistant, cool-to-the-touch finishes that enhance safety and aesthetics. Driveway resurfacing, durable surfaces that stand up to heavy traffic and harsh weather. Garage floor resurfacing, easy-to-clean, stain-resistant surfaces that look great and perform even better. Don’t wait! Transform your spaces today with our trusted resurfacing services. contact us now for a free consultation and estimate. Call U Plus Me LLC at 727-6235050 or visit u-plus-me.com
WINDOW CLEANING: DOWNEAST Window Cleaning, 207-852-6163.
a I r P orT SHUTTL e QU a LITY transportation, 10 years by Lewber. 352-339-3478.
BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS JD’s Window cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-920-3840.
BEACH SERVICE air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. c ommercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. Serving Manatee County and the Island since 1987. For dependable, honest and personalized service, call Bill Eller, 941-7207411. residential, call Nate, 941-524-2248. cac184228.
SERVICES ContinuedW
CLEAN TECH MOBILE Detailing. At your location. Cars, boats, RVs. Call or text Billie for an appointment. 941-592-3482.
LaWn & gaRDEn
coNNIe’S LaNDScaPINg INc. residential and commercial. full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-713-1965.
COLLINS LANDSCAPE LIGHTING: Outdoor lighting, landscaping, irrigation services and maintenance. 941-279-9947. mJc24373@ gmail.com
NOW HAULING STORM trash. Shell delivered and spread. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, topsoil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, or “shell phone” 941-7200770.
HoME IMPRoVEMEnt
VAN-GO PAINTING residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper. Island references. Bill, 941-795-5100. www.vangopainting.net.
grIffIN’S Home ImProVemeNTS Inc. Handyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. Insured and licensed. 941-722-8792.
LANE’S SCREENING SERVICES: Replace your window, door or lanai screens. many screen options available. retired veteran serving our community! Free estimates, call 941-705-5293.
LOOKING FOR ANY home improvement?
JRCC Home Improvement, handyman service can get the job done. Please, contact us at 413-246-2410. We would love to help.
TILE-TILE-TILE: All variations of ceramic tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship, prompt, reliable, many Island references. call Robert, 941-726-3077.
DONALD PERKINS PAINTING LLC. Interior/exterior/pressure washing. Island references. dperkinspaint@hotmail.com. 941705-7096.
gorILLa DrYWaLL rePaIr LLc. Let’s solve your drywall problems together. Give us a call at 941-286-0607.
MASSEY CONTRACTING: PROVIDING quality roofing services on all jobs, big or small. Giving honest, hassle-free quotes at a great price. Call Jon to schedule your free estimate, 727-477-5313. Lic#CCC1332486.
caLL HYDro cLeaN. full-service pressure washing, sealing. Pavers, travertine and natural stone. Window washing too, up to three stories. call Jacob, 941-920-2094.
ISLAND HANDYMAN: I live here, work here, value your referral. Refinish, paint. Just ask. JayPros. Licensed/insured. References. Call Jay, 941-962-2874.
REntaLS
ANNA MARIA GULF beachfront vacation rentals. One- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941778-3143.
REntaLS ContinuedW
AVAILABLE NOW AND season: 1BR/1BA, seven-night minimum. carlesvacationrentals. com. Special rates are available. 941-8071405.
2BR/1BA ANNUAL LEASE: Electric/ac/heat all included. $2,975/month. Looking for 1 or 2 quiet adults with no pets or smoking. Steps to Gulf. Owner-occupied duplex. Owner, 508496-8480. williamshomes@yahoo.com
MAY 2025 AVAILABLE: Snowbird special! Perico Island patio home, single floor, high ceilings, 3BR/2BA, privacy wall/gate, twocar garage. Call or text Alison, 859-7716423. www.pericoislandrental.com
AVAILABLE JANUARY: FOR rent Anna Maria Island condo. November to November availability. Great value. Beautiful upgraded first floor 2BR/2BR. Incredible water view. Excellent rental terms. Owner/renter. Call/email for pics, 570-239-0431. marketreps@aol.com.
3BR/2BA furnished condo in Pine Bay Forest, minutes from AMI. Walk to shopping/ grocery, bus and restaurants. Washer and dryer, small pet-friendly. Pool, hot tub, sauna, tennis/pickleball court. $3,200/month. Utilities included. association approval required. Three-month minimum lease, available February 1, 2025. 617-803-4659.
reTIreD mIcHIgaN coUPLe wants one bedroom rental for late January, february, March. View preferred. References! Call/text, 231-218-7173.
BEAUTIFUL RENOVATED SUNNY condo for rent. Perico Bay club, minutes from AMI beaches. Annual starting Jan. 25. 2B/2BA, pool, hot tub, tennis, gym, security gate, parking. $2,500/month. Call 952-818-4685.
ANNUAL RENTAL: HOLMES Beach. Three minutes to the beach, newly renovated house, 2,100 sf, 3BR/3BA. Two-car garage. $5,950/ monthly. 514-730-4825. kondiloveroutis@ gmail.com
MINUTES TO BEACHES! 2BR/2BA condo, water and cable included, pool, washer/dryer, $1,795/month, annual, 941-713-6743.
HoUSe for reNT in cortez. annual 2BR/1BA unfurnished. $2,000 a month, water and lights included. First and last. $500 security. 941-794-2556.
LaST mINUTe caNceLLaTIoN for upcoming season! 2BR/2BA Gulffront condo at Tiffany Place, January, february. (two-week minimum). 4BR/2BA home, one block to the beach in the City of Anna Maria, January, February. 5BR/5BA Gulffront home, February, (weekly available). 3BR/2BA canalfront home, January, February (monthly minimum). 2BR/2BA condo, Sunbow Bay, March. Call green real estate, 941-778-0455. ken@ greenreal.com
REaL EStatE
WINNIe mcHaLe, reaLTor, 941-5046146. Dalton Wade Real Estate. You need an aggressive and experienced Realtor in today’s market! Selling island homes, Sarasota and Bradenton areas. Multi-milliondollar producer! “Selling Homes - Making Dreams Come True.”
2BR/2BA HOME for sale. 3,000 sfur. 1,100 sf garage. Steps to beach. $1,449,000. 941518-6329.
OFF ISLAND: NORTHWEST Shaw’s Point location. 3BR/2BA, two-car garage, pool home. High and dry and untouched by any storm. $670,000. Lisa Varano, Wagner Realty, 941-730-9060 or 941-751-0670.
WE BEAT THE bank with possible owner finance. Westside villa, 2BR/2BA plus den and two-car garage. No flood zone. $389,000. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.
commercIaL SPace for SaLe in Palm Condo. 12x25-foot office suite. Street frontage. One allocated parking space. Shared client parking. $120,000. Call 941-7302606.
What’s new?
By Bonner Joy
There’s plenty of “new” news around Anna Maria Island, which is abuzz with reopenings.
Just this past week Ginny’s and Jane E’s Cafe in Anna Maria in the old IGA store reopened after replacing all the old wood floors — they had buckled and popped up from the water that flowed through the cafe, bakery and vendor shops.
Oh, and the roof peeled off, too, but everything is ship-shape now, in time for holiday gatherings over freshly baked goods and Christmas shopping.
In Holmes Beach, chef/owner Vinny Esposito texted Dec. 22 to say he would be open beginning Dec. 23. He’s ready to get behind the stove after a long cleanup, restocking and restoring Vinny’s Italian Kitchen at the corner of Gulf Drive and Holmes Boulevard.
Sean Murphy has made weekly improvements to the Doctor’s Office and the outdoor dining area, the Doctor’s Garden, with tons of new plants and heaters to ward off the chill.
He said he would be re-introducing his bistrofamous bouliabaisse this week, so check the aroma in the air around the kitchen in the 5300 block of Holmes Boulevard. He’s already added his “lobstercargot” and other original bistro fare to the food menu.
Debris Removal, Flood Cut, Full Demolition, Complete Restoration, Insurance Estimates.
We can restore your property from landscaping to the roof!
We are locals helping locals since 1999!
This holiday season, we want to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude for your continued trust throughout the year. We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for our families and our business.
We wish you and yours a joyful, peaceful holiday season and a Merry Christmas.
Thank you for being a valued part of our journey! — The Grooms Motors Family
be closed Christmas and New Years’ Day.
Just across the street from the Doc’s Office, D.Coy Ducks reopened in the Island Shopping Center Friday night, Dec. 21, to welcome back the “Island Rats,” as their following is known on Facebook.
Small Town Creamery is awaiting some repairs by the landlords’s contractor. Owner Dennis Miller says he’s hoping to reopen in January.
And owner/chef Christopher Dale is working diligently on reviving the Feast in the same center, where up until Dec. 20, the stores were looking pretty dark.
Dale said they’re putting in booth seating, bringing back lunch service as well as dinner and, saving the best for last, he announced they will reopen with full liquor service.
Only the Original Sand Dollar Gift Shop had reopened earlier for Black Friday in the Island Shopping Center and then was joined by Pizanno’s Pizza. However, AMI Mediterranean Xpress, next door, is awaiting equipment and will be a while longer.
Minnie’s Beach Cafe, across the street in S&S Plaza finally had a reopening after what seemed like a a gazillion missed startups from storm damage.
Thankfully, after two-plus years of shutdowns due to a city center road and storm-drain project and a county force main project that ran into numerous untimely delays, which were compounded by roof, sidewalk and fascia work by the landlord at S&S Plaza, they are open.
Yes! OPEN!
And the storefront and new sign look great. We couldn’t be happier for the Minnie “girls” and the rest of the shops, including Hurricane Hanks and the Pour House.
Also to come, the week of Christmas — the bistro chef’s pot roast.
And the menu of craft cocktails is equally enticing. How about an original Mai Tai, for example, or a smokey old-fashioned cocktail?
And the “Doctor” is back to his orignal hours, opening seven days a week at 5 p.m. — except they’ll
Directly across Gulf Drive, at the site of the former Island Bank/Wells Fargo, former Bradenton Beach Commissioner Jake Spooner won approval last week and a go-ahead for his Holmes Beach project, a minigolf adventure, arcade, ice cream shop, candy store and, on the roof, a bar and restaurant — similar to his Bridge Street properties in Bradenton Beach.
We hope work gets underway in earnest to improve the main “downtown” intersection.
Who doesn’t wish for the return of the bustle in the HB downtown?
Benjamin Quillin mixes craft cocktails Dec. 20 at the Doctor’s Office. In the foreground, a Polar Espresso martini awaits delivery to a guest. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy
Grab a rod, hit the beaches for good fishing results
By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander reporter
Anna Maria Island anglers wishing to get out and do some fishing over the Christmas break are finding good results from casting jigs and live shrimp along the Gulf beaches.
A variety of catches are available this time of year and they can be caught with some of the most basic rigs or lures, making beach fishing a great option if you don’t have a boat.
Plus, with both fishing piers on the north end of the island being out of operation, options for casting a line in Tampa Bay are fewer than normal.
Fishing the Gulf beaches can be satisfying as there is not a lot of planning or dedication involved in a walk on the beach to cast a line.
Plus, the tranquility of being on the beach in the early morning before the crowds and splashing kids arrive can be worth the effort.
As far as gear is concerned, a medium-light spinning rod and reel is ideal for most species you will encounter. Combine this with a pompano jig, leader material and a pair of pliers for plucking hooks out of the fish’s mouth and you should be in good shape.
Fishing with only artifi cials along the beaches enables an angler to be quite stealthy, which allows for a casual, relaxing experience. You won’t have to worry about lugging a bunch of gear to the beach. It’s a leisurely walk with your rod and then a stop to cast your line. Those who take the matter more seriously may carry a small bait bucket with live or frozen shrimp to tip their jigs for an added advantage.
And, of course, if you plan on keeping some fish, make sure to being a tape measure to check that you’re harvesting legal-sized fish and don’t forget to keep a 5-gallon bucket handy to hold your catch.
You’ll also need to keep an eye on the great blue herons that will most likely be hanging around for a look in your bucket. They’ll try to eat your bait and possibly even your catch if you’re not careful.
And speaking of catches, you may encounter species such as ladyfish, jack crevalle, black drum, pompano, sheepshead and spotted seatrout while fishing the beaches. With this list of species, you can bet on being busy.
You’ll have to do your homework to figure out which areas of the beaches are most productive, but
just getting out on the beach and walking along the shore is a great way to figure it out. The biggest decision will be whether to walk north or south.
Finally, keep your eyes peeled for fishy situations. Shorebirds diving on bait is a great indicator that predator fish are in the area. Also look for structure — rocks, piers or jetties — as these areas typically hold fish.
So if you have time over the holidays, break out for a stroll on the beach with your fishing rod. Merry Christmas.
On my own Just Reel charters, I’m finding plenty of spotted seatrout throughout the grass flats and channel edges of Sarasota Bay. Casting live free-lined shrimp with the addition of a split shot to the rig is working to attract trout to the hook. Soft plastics on a jig head also are a good bet when the trout are spread throughout the flat. Drifting and jigging is quite effective in these scenarios. In areas around docks and rocky channel edges, redfish and sheepshead are being caught on live shrimp and you can expect an occasional flounder or mangrove snapper.
Lastly, on calm days, the nearshore bite is quite good for hogfish, mangrove snapper and Key West grunts. There’s also plenty of juvenile grouper in between other bites.
Capt. Johnny Mattay is finding plenty of action for his charter clients while working nearshore ledges, reefs and other structure in the Gulf of Mexico. He says, using live shrimp combined with a knocker rig is resulting in numerous species, including mangrove
some days, Mattay’s anglers are hooking into catchand-release gag grouper in the 30-inch range.
Moving inshore, Mattay says there are plenty of spotted seatrout on the deeper grass flats. Live shrimp under a cork or fresh-cut pieces on a jig head are working to catch all sizes of trout. Finally, casting live shrimp around rocks and docks results in redfish and a few sheepshead for Mattay’s clients.
Capt. David White reports putting his anglers on plenty of redfi sh while working the inshore waters from Tampa Bay southward to Sarasota Bay. Using live shrimp as bait is working best to target these fish, especially while fishing around docks, canals and oyster bars.
Casting live shrimp along the Gulf beaches is resulting in redfish for White’s anglers, particularly during the higher stages of the tide when these fish are up along the beach foraging for crabs and other crustaceans.
While targeting reds along the beaches, White says he’s encountering black drum and sheepshead, which adds some variety to the bite for his anglers.
Targeting spotted seatrout on the deeper grass flats of Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay is going well, too. Small jigs tipped with shrimp and whole live shrimp under a cork are resulting in trout of all sizes with some being over 20 inches.
White also is spotting adyfish, jacks and even a stray pompano prowling the deeper flats where they are readily taking offerings of live shrimp.
Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to
Capt. David White reports his long-time client, craig Sabatino, a regular visitor from Philadelphia, caught this over-slot redfish Dec. 11 on a live shrimp. The fish was released.
Dee Munn Brings �� Years of Real Estate Expertise to Michael Saunders & Company
We are thrilled to welcome Dee Munn to Michael Saunders & Company�
A full�time Holmes Beach resident and Anna Maria Island property owner for over �� years� Dee combines her �� years of real estate expertise with a true passion for the island� Known for her calm demeanor and skill in navigating complex transactions� Dee is passionate about helping clients find their dream homes�
Outside of real estate� Dee is deeply involved in the community� supporting local organizations and enjoying the coastal lifestyle�
Welcome� Dee!
Walking the beaches, watching sunsets, kayaking the sparkling waterways and fishing are ways of life here, and there are opportunities for buyers in all price ranges to indulge in the ultimate island lifestyle. From beachfront homes and bayside properties to quaint condos, Michael Saunders & Company will help you find your slice of paradise.
For nearly 50 years, Michael Saunders & Company has been the leader in luxury home sales on the Gulf Coast. Locally owned and globally connected, we are Anna Maria Island’s most trusted real estate brand.
Call us today!
Nowhere but here.