The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024

FEB. 21, 2024 FrEE

VOLUME 32, NO. 18

the best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992

islander.org

AM, HB exploring mangrove protections

astheworldterns 6 benefit for injured commissioner. 3

Q&A 022124 3

2024 elections 4

by Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

bb seeks Ward 1 commissioner. 5

Meetings 5 Opinions 6

10-30 YEARS AGO

Looking back. 7

Hb advances gulf Drive improvements. 8

RoadWatch 9 AboVe: Steve Andorfer of ollie’s World Famous Shrimp Shack serves up a plate of seafood Feb. 17 at the 42nd annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival. the festival celebrates the village fishing heritage. For more, see page 17.

Save the date. 10-11

Happenings What’s up on AMI? 10-12

Scholarships offered. 13

Gathering. 14 GoodDeeds 15 Obituaries 15 Streetlife 18 Illegal fence blocks beach access. 19 County oKs cameras for school zones. 19

Angela Collins, FISH secretary and extension scientist for Florida Sea grant, holds up a gag grouper during her festival “Dock talks” at the Fulford Fish House in Cortez. the talks educate people about local marinelife and the Cortez commercial fisheries. Islander Photos: Robert Anderson

A rash removal of mangroves in Anna Maria might be inspiring change.

Holmes Beach city commissioners reached consensus Feb. 13 to create a “mangrove task force” to monitor mangroves within the municipality and ensure the enforcement of removal and trimming regulations.

The discussion was sparked by the removal last December of about 67 feet of mangroves at 111 Gull Drive, Anna Maria.

Mangroves are protected by state law because they provide environmental benefits, including offering a unique ecosystem for marine life, decreasing land erosion and improving nearshore water quality.

The 1996 Florida Department of Environmental Protection Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act establishes regulations to protect coastal vegetation.

The law sets standards for trimming mangroves and most alterations require DEP permitting.

Nevertheless, the DEP permitted the removal of mangroves at 111 Gull Drive for the construction of a seawall and cleared the work as within the footprint of exempt activity following a Dec. 22, 2023, inspection.

While work at the property remained stalled in lieu of permitting from the city of

tuRN to MangrOVES, PAge 2

BB disputes developer’s residential parking lots

by Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Bradenton Beach officials are taking a stand on procedure, telling a developer to back up and park his ideas.

In a Feb. 15 city comHorseshoe players pitch to past. 20 mission meeting, officials raised concerns over the Anglers anticipate full emergence of paid parking moon. 21 operations in the city’s hispuzzle. 22 toric district that lack perChappie mitting, placing developer Shawn Kaleta’s actions under a magnifying glass.

Stuck on ‘park.’ 23 Building official Darin CLASSIFIEDS. 24-25 Cushing said the city sent notices of violation to Isl Biz: 26 Kaleta for allegedly orchesKaleta trating the unauthorized PropertyWatch 27 establishment of paid parkthe Islander archive, ing lots in various areas zoned for residential dating to November 1992, use. is at the university of The lots in question include: 102 Third St. Florida Digital Newspaper N., 207 Church Ave. and 206 Bay Drive S. Collection: ufdc.ufl.edu.

Lots at bridge Street and gulf Drive are permitted after a Feb. 15 commission vote to be paid parking operations.

Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

NYT

“My thought is they are not even zoned for it,” Mayor John Chappie said. “As much as we want parking lots, we’ve got to follow the rules. I don’t think we have much choice but to have a stop and desist. It’s not legal according to our rules and regulations.”

Chappie said it’s a code enforcement

issue.

City attorney Ricinda Perry responded to Chappie’s concerns: “If there is a use that has not been approved by the city then, yes, it comes in to code enforcement. They can defend why they feel that they are not in viotuRN to bb parking, PAge 2

Page 2 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Feb. 21, 2024 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

MangrOVES CoNtINueD FRoM PAge 1

Anna Maria and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the matter inspired island officials to begin discussions about mangrove regulations and enforcement.

Anna Maria City Commissioner Charlie Salem broached the topic in January, when he called for the city to explore options for reclaiming enforcement of mangrove removal and trimming regulations.

Holmes Beach City Commission Chair Terry Schaefer brought the topic to his city for discussion at the Feb. 13 work session.

Schaefer called into question the DEP’s effectiveness in enforcing mangrove regulations. He said the state has allowed “a number of violations” to go unpunished and said the city may be able to better enforce the state regulations.

“We’re in a better position to minimize any future violations,” Schaefer said.

City attorney Erica Augello said the DEP can delegate the authority to enforce and permit mangrove removals and trimmings to municipalities.

However, the cities cannot change state law, which defines violations and establishes fines and repercussions.

Augello added that state law regulating mangrove removal and trimming has been “eroded” to such a point that it “doesn’t provide any incentives for people to adhere to the law.”

“We don’t have the ability to levy any greater fines.

We don’t have the ability to make any more constraints as far as permitting,” she said. “We must adhere to the statute as written.”

Commissioner Carol Soustek questioned the purpose of taking on enforcement if the laws fail to prevent violations or adequately punish violators.

“Morally, I would like to do this just to protect the mangroves because I know they’re vital,” Soustek said. “I just feel like the bad guys are just going to continue to do it.”

“That’s just the price of doing business,” Commissioner Pat Morton agreed.

Mayor Judy Titsworth proposed the creation of a

task force to monitor mangroves in the city and keep DEP enforcement in check.

She said city staff could meet to discuss options for such a task force and present them at a future meeting.

“We can challenge the DEP if they come in and say, ‘This is OK. This is exempt.’ If we don’t feel it’s exempt, we can challenge it,” she said.

Titsworth also called for changes at the state level to address the “eroded” mangrove regulations and encouraged people to vote for environmentally conscious representatives.

HB commissioners agreed to pursue Titsworth’s recommendation.

Meanwhile, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy told The Islander Feb. 16 that a stop work order remains posted while awaiting city approval for the seawall permit.

The city posted the red tag at the property Dec. 6, 2023, after staff found the contractor, Mason Martin, removed the mangroves while awaiting the permit.

It is unclear when construction at 111 Gull Drive will resume.

City staff reposted the stop work order Dec. 13 on finding the contractor had removed the red tag and resumed work.

Murphy said the city is awaiting a seawall permit from USACE and additional information.

Until then, the red tag will remain.

In the meantime, Salem wants the city commission to revisit the conversation about mangrove regulations and enforcement.

“Even if it doesn’t result in more local regulation of mangrove removal, I think that just based on what happened, I think it’s good to have the discussion so everybody can kind of understand what the rules of the road are,” Salem told The Islander Feb. 15.

Murphy said a discussion about mangrove regulations and enforcement will be an agenda item for a city commission meeting in the “near future.”

Holmes Beach will meet next at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

bb parking CoNtINueD FRoM PAge 1

lation of our code and we can look at it at that time.”

Perry said it was inappropriate for the commission to adjudicate the matter without allowing city staff to address the issue.

She cautioned the commission against making a finding of a violation without having staff bring it to the commission for resolution.

“If you, as the mayor, find that a policy articulated by the commission is in violation then it is your job to ask staff to look into it. We cannot direct staff on how to do it, but we can ask them to look into it,” Perry said.

Cushing informed commissioners that letters of violation went out Feb. 5 and Kaleta responded Feb. 8 by submitting applications to allow after-the-fact parking lots.

Cushing said among the documents Kaleta submitted was an application seeking to convert a Pines Trailer Park resident parking lot at 205 First St. N. into a paid lot.

Kaleta purchased the park, including the parking lot, in September 2023 under the Pines Park Investors LLC for $16,250,000.

Moreover, Kaleta submitted a temporary-use application that was approved Feb.15 for the implementation of a paid-parking lot at the site of the future Bridge Street Resort, namely 101 Bridge St., 105 Bridge St., 219 Gulf Drive S., and 106 Third Street S. The new application allows one large parking lot from the combined property footprints.

The temporary-use permit allows the operation of the parking lot for one year while construction of the resort gets underway.

The 106-rooom resort is the brainchild of Kaleta and former Commissioner Jake Spooner, who owns some of the properties that encompass the resort. Commissioners voted to approve a planned development for construction of the resort in December 2023.

The commission Feb. 15 approved the temporaryuse permit 4-0, finding the use was allowed under the PLeASe, See bb parking, NeXt PAge

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Feb. 21, 2024 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 3 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Benefit for injured HB commissioner launches

bb parking continued from page 1

planned urban development overlay in place for the project.

Cushing spoke to commissioners about the difference between the unpermitted lots and the lot allowed under the PUD. “The big difference with these is, in those zoning designations in the zoning code, parking is listed as a specifically prohibited use in those zoning districts,” Cushing said. “We do need parking, that’s for sure.

But, at the same time, we need to make sure it is done properly and approved via some type of permit.”

Cushing also noted the unpermitted lots are operating in violation of the U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act, which requires at least one ADA accessible parking space for every 25 spaces.

Azure Shores neighborhood resident Evelyn Stob, whose home is situated across the street from one of Kaleta’s paid lots and is bordered to the north by an authorized parking lot established by the Chiles Group for the Beach House Restaurant, addressed commissioners during public comment.

“I’d like you to seriously consider those before you grant any type of additional parking because, I will be honest with you, it depreciates my home’s value,” Stob said.

She also questioned whether Kaleta’s actions set a precedent.

“Can I just start throwing that up in my front yard?” Stob asked. “Maybe I can do paid-for-parking in my additional driveway. I just have one car. I can fit five in my driveway. I can fit three in my front yard. Is everyone going to jump on this bandwagon?

Something for you to consider.”

“It is not a permitted use in that zoning district,” Chappie said. “Code enforcement has been taking the appropriate actions to correct any issues with paid parking on those properties.”

He said there was a course of action the city must follow to correct improper usage.

“It’s the legal process that must be followed and that’s what we are doing,” Chappie said in a Feb. 16

Islander publisher Bonner Joy and Sean Murphy and Susan Timmins, owners of the Doctor’s Office and Doctor’s Garden, will cohost a fundraiser and everyone is welcome 3-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27, for Holmes Beach Commissioner Pat Morton at the Doctor’s Garden, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach.

Plans include a raffle of a variety of fun, drinkable, foodie and specialty baskets. Providing baskets for the raffle are the city of Holmes Beach, HBPD, Waste Pro, Anna Maria Island Privateers, Ace Hardware of Holmes Beach, the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, the cities of Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach and more to come.

Light bites and libations will be served.

and struck him.

Morton was hospitalized, suffering a chipped vertebrae, fractured pelvis and kidney damage.

Now the commissioner, who had been the primary caretaker for his wife, needs help caring for his wife and with living expenses while he’s out of work.

“Pat Morton is always happy and willing to contribute to the community, so if you are able, please, chip in to give him some peace of mind during this stressful time,” Lisa Williams, GoFundMe organizer for The Islander wrote on the fundraising page.

For more, go to “Please, help — Unexpected home care and expenses” on gofundme.com or call The Islander at 941-778-7978.

Q&A 022124

By Lisa Neff

The Islander poll Last week’s question A residential lot operates as a pay-to-park lot Feb. 15 at Bay Drive South and Church Avenue in Bradenton Beach. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

Should Bradenton Beach establish a paid mooring field near the Historic Bridge Street Pier?

45%. Yes 4%. No 15% Maybe

interview with The Islander.

“I think it is important to let the public know our This week’s question code enforcement is following the issue and will be When I think of March, I think of … correcting any issues that are not allowable uses,” he A. Spring blossoms continued.

B. Tourist season As of Feb. 15, the unpermitted paid parking lots C. Basketball championship were still operating.

D. Spring training The next commission meeting will be at 6 p.m.

E. Other Thursday, March 7, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. To answer the poll, go online to islander.org.

10 %

OFF tours & rentals

For

Morton

The Islander also has organized a GoFundMe campaign to help Morton, who was injured in a traffic collision Jan. 25 outside Ace Hardware, 3352 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

Morton was walking to the store, where he is employed, when a motorist in a pickup truck ran a stop sign

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Page 4 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Feb. 21, 2024 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Election 2024

Meet HB’s mayoral challenger

by Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Michael “Mike” Roth is beginning a campaign for Holmes Beach’s mayoral post.

Roth told The Islander Feb. 13 that he felt a “call to action” to get involved with the city by running for mayor in November, only months after his military career is set to end.

The office is currently held by Judy Titsworth, who was elected mayor in 2018 and reelected without opposition in 2020 and 2022. She has told The Islander she plans to run for another two-year term as mayor.

Roth submitted documents to the Roth Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office Jan. 30 to add his name to the Holmes Beach ballot in this year’s municipal election.

Roth grew up in Lakeland and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1989 and has spent 34 years in continuous active service in the Army and the Florida Army National Guard, resulting in his rank as lieutenant colonel and

DOT sets meeting on Longboat Pass bridge

The Florida Department of Transportation will host online and in-person workshops in March to review proposed alternatives for the Longboat Pass Bridge.

A live online workshop will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, with registration required.

An in-person workshop will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday, March 14, at Christ Church, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. The DOT launched the project development and environment study in February 2020 to evaluate options for the draw that spans the pass and connects Bradenton Beach and Longboat Key via State Road 789.

The DOT said materials for the workshops will be released March 5.

More information about the project is at swflroads.com/sr789/longboatkey.

The project manager is Patrick Bateman, who can be reached via email at patrick.bateman@dot. state.fl.us or by phone at 863-519-2792.

Seeking seashells by the seashore Vince “Vinny” Mancuso, visiting Anna Maria from buffalo, New York, reaches down Feb. 7 to pick up a seashell along the shore in Anna Maria. Mancuso was visiting family in the area and decided to take a trip to the beach. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

time as a Green Beret commander.

His military career has included overseas deployments, including five combat deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria, but he has been approved for retirement and expects to conclude his military career by the titsworth end of this month.

Between time in the military, Roth also launched a banking career. He currently works as the West Florida area executive and corporate group manager for City National Bank.

Roth purchased a duplex in the 200 block of 64th Street in Holmes Beach in 2006 as a second home while he and his wife, Casey, lived in Tampa.

He purchased another Holmes Beach property in 2020, this time at 111 75th St., which he and his wife now call their primary address.

Roth still owns his Tampa home, where he claimed a homestead exemption as recently as 2022, as well as the 64th Street duplex, a rental unit that allows hosting family members.

He said others have encouraged him to run for office in the past but he was not ready, due to his careers.

Now that his retirement is approved, Roth said he is looking to become more involved with the city.

Roth recently spoke at a city meeting in opposition to Manatee County’s proposed parking garage at Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, which he said was unnecessary and a “huge waste of money.”

He also voiced concern about the potential consolidation of the island cities, noting his preferred option would be to leave the cities as they are and allow them to coordinate on a limited consolidation of services.

Roth said those issues further piqued his interest in running for mayor, and that he is “particularly disappointed” in Titsworth for failing to secure at least one vote against the county parking garage.

“There are areas where we can definitely improve our situation and get a lot stronger, and have better connectivity with the (Manatee Board of County Commissioners),” he said.

The mayor earns a $28,160 annual salary in Holmes Beach.

The window to qualify to run for office in Holmes Beach will open at noon Monday, June 10, and close at noon Friday, June 14.

Qualifying dates set for island candidates

Qualifying for elected offices in the cities on Anna Maria Island begins in June but potential candidates can launch campaigns now.

In Anna Maria, the mayoral seat and two commission seats will be up for election in November.

Qualifying for the two-year terms will be noon Monday, June 3, through noon Friday, June 14.

In Bradenton Beach, two commission seats — Ward 2 and Ward 4 — will be up for election in November.

Qualifying for the two-year terms will run noon Monday, June 10, through noon Friday, June 14.

In Holmes Beach, the mayoral seat and two commission seats will be up in November.

Qualifying will run noon Monday, June 10, through noon, Friday, June 14.

For details on how to qualify and eligibility, go online to votemanatee.com.

AMI Dems to host school board candidate

The Anna Maria Island and West Manatee Democratic Club will host Heather Felton, a candidate for the Manatee County School Board.

The program will be at 11:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 26, at the Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

For more information, email Barbara J. Ehren at barbara.ehren@gmail.com or call the county party office at 941-301-4336.

Reminder: State required changes to vote-by-mail

Voters who’ve cast ballots by mail in Manatee County might want to check the status of their requests with the supervisor of elections office.

For 2024, voters need to renew their vote-by-mail requests with the SEO. The request requires a voter to provide their name, date of birth and either the last four digits of their Social Security number or a valid Florida driver’s license or Florida identification card.

Renewal is a requirement under Senate Bill 90, which passed the Legislature and was signed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2021.

The law “limits the duration of requests for voteby-mail ballots to all elections through the end of the calendar year of the next regularly scheduled general election.”

For more information, go online to votemanatee. com.

Key election dates

• Tuesday, March 19, presidential preference primary.

• Tuesday, Aug. 20, primary election.

• Tuesday, Nov. 5, general election.

— Lisa Neff

Visit islander.org for the best news on AMI.

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Call 941.778.7978 315 58th St., Holmes Beach

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Feb. 21, 2024 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 5 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Meetings

by Lisa Neff

ANNA MARIA CITY Feb. 22, 6 p.m., commission.

March 13, 9 a.m., planning and zoning.

March 14, 2 p.m., commission.

March 28, 6 p.m., commission.

Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941-708-6130, cityofannamaria.com.

BRADENTON BEACH Feb. 21, 1 p.m., ScenicWAVES. Feb. 28, 10 a.m., pier team.

March 6, 9:30 a.m., CRA. March 6, 1 p.m., planning and zoning.

March 7, 6 p.m., commission.

March 20, 1 p.m., ScenicWAVES. March 21, noon, commission.

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

HOLMES BEACH Feb. 27, 10 a.m., code compliance.

Feb. 27, 2 p.m., commission.

March 6, 10 am., parks and beautification.

March 6, 5 p.m., planning.

March 12, 2 p.m., commission.

March 13, 9 a.m., clean water.

March 26, 2 p.m., commission.

Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org.

WEST MANATEE FIRE RESCUE March 19, 6 p.m., commission.

WMFR administration building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton, 941-761-1555, wmfr.org.

MANATEE COUNTY Feb. 27, 9 a.m., commission.

March 5, 9 a.m., commission (work session).

March 7, 9 a.m., commission (land use).

March 12, 9 a.m., commission.

March 19, 9 a.m., commission (work session).

March 21, 9 a.m., commission (land use).

County administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org.

ALSO OF INTEREST March 11, 2 p.m., ITPO, Anna Maria City Hall.

March 14, 9:30 a.m., ManaSota League of Cities, Longboat Key Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. March 25, 9:30 a.m., Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization, Holiday Inn Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, 8009 15th St. E, Sarasota.

March 29 is Good Friday, a Christian holiday. Many government offices will be closed.

Please, send meeting notices to calendar@islander.org and news@islander.org.

You can read it all online at islander.org

BB honors commissioner, seeks successor

by Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

The city of Bradenton Beach ceremoniously honored former Commissioner Jake Spooner Feb. 15, presenting him with a plaque and flowers.

Spooner, a commissioner since 2015, was reelected in 2023 but resigned Dec. 28, 2023, citing the state’s expanded financial disclosure requirements, which now apply to municipal officeholders, as his reason for resigning.

“We wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for the years you have served the city of Bradenton Beach,” Mayor John Chappie said. “You have been a real go-to person for the community. You have been generous to the extreme, not only with your time as a commissioner but as a resident and neighbor to all of us.”

Commissioner Ralph Cole commended Spooner for his integrity and hard work.

“People don’t realize how much money you saved the city,” Cole said. “A lot of good things have come from what Jake has done. I know I will miss having you up here.”

Before departing city hall, Spooner spoke from the podium: “I’d just like to say thank you. It’s really been an honor to serve with all of you. I’ve learned so much. I love this community and I know you guys do, too. Thank you for your time and dedication to this job because I know firsthand what it takes.”

The city’s focus now shifts to selecting a successor for Spooner’s Ward 1 seat.

During the Feb. 15 meeting, commissioners passed a final reading of an ordinance modifying ward boundaries.

Based on recommendations from the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office, the boundaries of Ward 1 and Ward 2 shifted and Ward 3 and Ward 4 flipped to allow sequential numbering from the north to the south end of the city.

Vosburgh motioned to approve the modifications and was seconded by Cole. The motion passed unanimously 4-0.

With the new boundaries, the city made a public declaration of vacancy for the Ward 1 commission seat.

The city charter dictates the commission must propose nominees for a vacant seat from within the ward and then vote to fill the vacancy for the remaining term.

Spooner’s term ends in November 2025.

As of Feb 15, applicants for the vacant seat included: • Debbie Scaccianoce, co-owner of Double Deez Chicago-Style Hotdogs restaurant, who brings experience as a former records manager for Manatee County; • Gary Michniewicz, a former division director for Speedway LLC and former board member for the Knights of Columbus’ juvenile diabetes initiative.

Others interested in applying can contact the city

Jake Spooner, right, holds a plaque and a pickleball-themed bouquet Feb. 15, presented him by bradenton beach Mayor John Chappie and Commissioners Ralph Cole and Jan Vosburgh honoring his service to the city. Spooner resigned his commission seat in December 2023. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

at 941-778-1005 or 107 Gulf Drive N. Applicants must be registered voters who have permanently resided in Bradenton Beach for 12 consecutive calendar months with proof of residency.

A commissioner receives a stipend of $400 a month.

Commissioners agreed on a deadline of 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 13, for applications. Potential candidates will be reviewed by the commission at noon, Thursday, March 21, at city hall.

If a majority decision on a successor is not reached by the commission after two meetings, city clerk Terri Sanclemente will choose a successor by lot from the proposed nominees.

Milestones the Islander welcomes stories about islanders and island life, as well as photographs and notices of the milestones in readers’ lives — weddings, births, anniversaries, travels, obituaries and other events.

Submit your announcements and photographs with captions for publication — along with contact information — to news@islander. org.

Also, visit us on Facebook and join the 13,800-plus friends who “like” the Islander and share their social news.

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Page 6 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Feb. 21, 2024 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Opinion

Our

Mangroves, the last stand

Long before I founded this iteration of The Islander newspaper in November 1992, I knew mangroves.

My friend, life partner and business partner Paul Roat made sure of it.

He introduced me to “walking trees” in the waterways as part of my indoctrination to his carefully constructed lifestyle as a sort of “Travis McGee wannabe.”

He first gave me perspective when we met back in the mid-70s by arranging beach reading of John D. MacDonald’s character books built around McGee — starting, of course, with “The Deep Blue Good-By.” MacDonald lived and wrote on Siesta Key and I felt as though Paul also was improving my outlook on Florida, as the McGee books took me on two-lane roads to small towns and treasures across the state.

But it was McGee’s cynical image of himself, some variation of which appears in every book, as a knight in rusty armor with a broken lance and swaybacked steed, fighting for what he feared were outdated ideals and the protection of old Florida, the mangroves, swamps, sea life and blue waters — that shaped Paul’s views off the world — and he wanted to share them.

I was eager to do so.

And while I’m sure the natural canals that hugged Sarasota Bay along the southern reach of Longboat Key are no longer there, he drove our boat often through that canopy of mangroves that sheltered the narrow canal and we watched with awe as fish teemed in the mangrove legs and birds hovered in the branches.

We explored every secret mangrove tunnel he knew in Sarasota and Tampa bays.

And he branched into meaningful work for a time, helping establish the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, writing reports on the bay health that helped bring grants and protection for mangroves and seagrasses.

Paul is no longer here to instill in us the beauty and importance of mangroves but we carry on, spreading the word and working to protect what remains.

Please, don’t come here to tell us how to do it up north, come here to learn, appreciate and care for the natural Florida that is vital to future generations.

A stand of mangroves on the shore is a beautiful, natural part of life here, and a tunnel of mangroves over a dock, leading to a boat or a bench on the waterway can be so beneficial to the marine-life nursery.

Please, don’t look for ways to destroy man- Consolidation or takeover?

The Islander’s Feb. 14 issue included a report by groves. Look for the ways your Florida lifestyle will Ryan Paice on a state study on potential changes to be improved by surrounding yourself with nature.

I can still hear Paul saying, “Mangroves are your island governance, including, Paice reported, the possibility of dissolving the municipalities, leaving AMI friend.”

— bonner Joy, news@islander.org in unincorporated Manatee County.

People on social media responded: “This sounds like the county working to get revenge on the island cities for beach parking. Nothing else makes any sense. Just build the parking garage FEB. 21, 2024 • Vol. 32, No. 18 at Manatee Public Beach and redo the roads for better traffic flow.” ▼ Publisher, Co-editor — John Smith via Facebook bonner Joy, news@islander.org ▼ Editorial “It was never about parking. It is about removing editor Lisa Neff, lisa@islander.org the building restrictions and allowing out-of-control Robert Anderson, robert@islander.org development and high-rises. The parking debate was Joe bird, editorial cartoonist Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org intended to turn people against the Holmes Beach Masha Dolgoff, masha@islander.org mayor and distract people so they could accomplish Jack elka, jack@jackelka.com this other goal with no one paying attention.

Robyn Murrell, robyn@islander.org — Joy Leggett Murphy via Facebook Ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org ▼ Contributors “The Manatee County Board of Developers thinks Karen Riley-Love AMI stands for About Mighty Incomes. This is about Jacob Merrifield taking over.”

Capt. Danny Stasny, fish@islander.org ▼ Advertising Director — Patty Stean via Facebook

Opinion

Your

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Connections, AMI & beyond

Anna Maria: Mayor Dan Murphy, 941-708-6130, cityofannamaria.com, ammayor@cityofannamaria. com.

Bradenton Beach: Mayor John Chappie, 941778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.org, mayor@cityofbradentonbeach.com.

Holmes Beach: Mayor Judy Titsworth, 941-7085800, holmesbeachfl.org, hbmayor@holmesbeachfl. org.

Manatee County: Republican Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, 941-745-3705, kevin.vanostenbridge@mymanatee.org.

Florida Senate: Republican Jim Boyd, 941-7426445, boyd.jim.web@flsenate.gov, flsenate.gov,.

Florida House: Republican Rep. WilCheck The Islander archives liam Cloud “Will” Robinson Jr., 941-708-4968, Some years ago, The Islander was invited to take will.robinson@myfloridahouse.gov.

Florida Governor: Republican Ron part in a pilot project with the University of Florida DeSantis, 850-717-9337 for staff, flgov.com for George A. Smathers Libraries.

We donated the collection of newspapers begin- email. ning with the first edition in 1992.

It took some time but it’s all maintained on the Your opinion We welcome opinion letters. library site. Look for The Islander in the UofF Florida Please, submit a letter along with a name, address digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu. and phone number to news@islander.org.

Feb. 21, 2024 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 7 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

On the beach A postcard boasts, “one of the best beaches along the gulf shore, bradenton beach on Anna Maria Island, connected with the mainland by a long bridge across Sarasota bay, where 10 miles of white sand beaches, adequate bathing pavilions and facilities for the comfort and convenience of bathers, are available every day of the year.

Here it is never too cold to enjoy a refreshing dip in the delightful water of the gulf of Mexico.” the card is dated to the late 1920s, early ’30s.

10, 20, 30 years ago

From the Feb. 17, 1994, issue

• Fines of $250 per day were imposed by the Holmes Beach code enforcement board on the owners of Island Foods and Citgo for nonpayment of previous false alarm penalties.

• The newspaper front page story encouraged people to visit the IGA in Anna Maria Feb. 23 to wish a happy birthday to Ernie Cagnina, the store owner and a former mayor. Cagnina was about to turn 84.

From the Feb. 18, 2004, issue

A postcard dated 1941 shows people collecting seashells near beachfront homes in bradenton beach.

Islander Photos: Courtesy Manatee County Public Library System A postcard from 1949 shows a barefoot boy on the shore in bradenton beach. the back of the card reads, “Fancy fishing tackle is nonessential here, merely a know-how with ordinary equipment as demonstrated by this native lad. big ones are caught, too, and to land them is an exceptional thrill.”

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• The Florida Department of Community Affairs said it would issue a ruling on whether a planned 898-unit condominium project on Perico Island met a Bradenton comprehensive plan amendment. ManaSota-88 director Glen Compton said a favorable DCA ruling would end the organization’s legal challenge to the project.

• Mote Marine Laboratory of Sarasota reported an outbreak of red tide at Longboat Pass. A Mote scientist said the outbreak was not large and fish kills were minimal.

• Mary Fulford Green, treasurer of the Cortez Historical Society, said redevelopment of homes in Cortez into vacation rentals would be difficult because at least 97 older homes were on the National Registry of Historic Places.

From the Feb. 19, 2014, issue

• Paul M. Roat, 56, a longtime area newsman and former editor of The Islander, died Feb. 15, 2014. He was born and raised in Bradenton Beach and as a lifelong resident of the area, served as a valued source of historical perspective during his tenure as a reporter and editor for two newspapers on Anna Maria Island going back to the 1970s.

— Lisa Neff

Wednesday, Feb 21st, Friday, Feb 23rd & Sunday, Feb 25th 10AM - 4PM

Coquina Beach Market

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NEW LOCATION: The Coquina Beach Market is located on the very South end of Anna Maria Island. If driving, take the South entrance to the park before the Longboat Pass bridge. If taking the trolley, walk South from the Café to the end of the island.

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315 58th St. • Holmes Beach FL 34217

Page 8 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Feb. 21, 2024 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

HB approves design contract for $2M Gulf Drive improvements

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Long-awaited plans to improve a stretch of Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach are moving forward.

But the project might not turn out the way some city officials had hoped.

City commissioners reached consensus Feb. 13 to authorize Mayor Judy Titsworth to sign a $247,200 agreement with South Dakota-based RESPEC Co. to conduct a Sea Level Impact Projection study and design improvements for the area of Gulf Drive from Holmes Boulevard to Palm Drive.

State law requires the city to file a SLIP study with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for approval before construction can begin.

Work cannot begin until at least 30 days after the DEP approves and publishes such a study.

The work will consist of sea level rise mitigation improvements, such as potentially raising the roadway and installing and/or upgrading stormwater drainage trenches in rights of way in the project area.

The project will be funded with $1,064,900 through the DEP’s Resilient Florida Program.

The city will match about $1,000,000 in project costs with funding from the municipality’s stormwater budget and some of its remaining U.S. American Rescue Plan Act funds.

However, city engineer Sage Kamiya told The Islander Feb. 15 that the combined funds might not pay for city officials’ wishes to improve safety along Gulf Drive.

“Depending on how far that money goes, we may not be able to do some safety things without some additional funds,” Kamiya said. “The hope was we could really get the best bang for our buck by adding some tourism tax funds to do the safety component to it.”

A bicyclist pedals Feb. 14 along Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach on a stretch of roadway that lacks a bike lane or multiuse path. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

The city has twice applied for funding through the Manatee County Tourist Development Council to improve bicyclist and pedestrian safety along the roadway but its requests have yet to make it through the TDC or the county commission.

Such improvements could include multiuse paths along the stretch to provide a safe way for bikers and pedestrians to travel along it, according to Kamiya.

Kamiya said he hoped to return to the TDC in April to request safety enhancements.

Without TDC funding, the city might be able to fund some sidewalk improvements but not the desired multiuse paths, according to Kamiya.

Mayor Judy Titsworth said at the city’s Feb. 13 meeting that if the city could not secure safety improvements for the corridor, it might need to explore making

the stretch into a shared road with bikers.

State law allows the implementation of sharrow markings on roadways, which permit bikers to use vehicular travel lanes to improve safety in lieu of dedicated bike lanes.

“There has to be some solution and all we can do is continue to ask away,” Titsworth said.

RESPEC is projected to complete the design and permitting process by Jan. 31, 2025, then begin the bidding process by Feb. 28, 2025, according to the contract.

There was no public comment.

The city commission will meet next at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

Directions to attend the meeting via Zoom can be found on the city’s website, holmesbeachfl.org.

BB continues mooring talks, waterfront boundary expansion

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Bradenton Beach officials continue to explore the possibility of establishing a pay-to-anchor mooring field in collaboration with the Bradenton Beach Marina.

If approved, the city would shift from managing its anchorage, spanning from the southern end of the Cortez Bridge to Eighth Street South, bordered by the Intracoastal Waterway channel to the east and the Bradenton Beach shoreline to the west.

Currently the city jurisdiction extends 500 feet outside the anchorage area but commissioners are discussing expanding the boundaries to include the entire waterfront of Bradenton Beach east to the border of the waterway.

City attorney Ricinda Perry said during a Feb. 15 commission meeting that a work session is needed for staff to discuss potential regulatory changes, the mooring field concept and the possibility of expanding boundaries.

Perry listed concerns about starting a mooring field without first addressing the boundaries.

“Will those vessels drift into other parts of the city where regulations can’t be put into place or enforcement can’t be made available as easily since they are not within municipal boundaries?” she asked.

Since 2013, the city police department, in collaboBoats crash into the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach after breaking anchor in a storm.

Islander File Photo

Bradenton Beach Police Chief John Cosby speaks to the mayor and commissioners Feb. 15 about potential changes in the municipal boundaries of the city’s anchorage area during a meeting at city hall. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

ration with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, has patrolled and removed derelict vessels from Sarasota Bay. They have removed more than 73 derelict or problem vessels from the bay over 11 years.

Mayor John Chappie said the removal program, spearheaded by Police Chief John Cosby, is a model marine patrol plan studied by other communities.

Now the city is revisiting the idea that dates at least to the 1990s of creating a mooring field.

Perry earlier this year said she was approached by a representative from the Bradenton Beach Marina who proposed a partnership to establish and manage a pay-to-anchor mooring field. The marina would serve as the dockmaster and provide a pump-out station and other boater services.

The marina, 402 Church St. N., came under the ownership of developer Shawn Kaleta in 2023, as did the Pines Trailer Park to the north of the pier. Kaleta, with Jake Spooner, a former commissioner, also is developing a 106-room resort at Bridge Street and Gulf Drive.

Commissioner Ralph Cole suggested the city bring in an agent from the marina during a work meeting to discuss mooring field services.

Commissioner Jan Vosburgh expressed concerns that the introduction of a mooring field might push those unwilling to pay for anchorage to the south.

“We already know what’s going to happen,” Vosburgh said. “I think we have to think about the residents, not just Bridge Street. We have to think about those residents living farther south.”

“If we do the boundary expansion,” Cosby said.

“Our area would go from 500 feet out all the way to the Intracoastal, which would wrap all those boats that you are talking about into our ability to enforce. Our code would then take over and we would have the ability to go out and enforce it.”

Chappie said the city missed a window in the 2024 legislative session for presenting a boundary expansion request but the city could coordinate for 2025.

He also backed a work meeting.

“It would give an opportunity to have a work meeting where we not only make decisions, but we can allow public comment if we want to at a work meeting,” Chappie said.

The next scheduled commission meeting — not the mooring field work meeting — will be at 6 p.m., Thursday, March 7, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

Feb. 21, 2024 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 9 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Motorists alerted to traffic shifts on Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach Through early March, traffic routes will change along Gulf Drive South between Seventh and Ninth streets south in Bradenton Beach.

North and south travel on Gulf Drive South in the area of Cortez Beach will be shifted west to accommodate construction on a sewer replacement project administered by Manatee County.

A county contractor is installing gravity sewer pipes across Gulf Drive South at Eighth Street South and along the east side of Gulf Drive South. Pipe installation across Gulf Drive at Tenth Street South also is underway. The work is expected to continue through early April.

Additionally, through late March or early April, Eighth Street South will be closed to traffic to facilitate the installation of sewer pipes and lateral connections at residential properties.

Resident parking is being provided on the west side of Gulf Drive South, with shuttles from the parking to homes.

Construction materials are staged Feb. 13 along Cortez beach in bradenton beach as part of an ongoing sewer replacement project. the $7.1 million project, which commenced in January 2023, involves replacing sewer lines from Sixth Street South to 13th Street South. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

The $7.1 million project, which commenced in January 2023, involves replacing sewer lines from Sixth Street South to13th Street South. Woodruff & Sons, the county’s contractor, is overseeing the project, to be completed in the fall.

— Robert Anderson

Committee works to spiff up scenic highway

Away with the debris and detritus.

That’s a goal of the entity that monitors the Palma Sola Scenic Highway, which stretches on Manatee Avenue from 75th Street West in Bradenton to the Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach, as well as south to the Bradenton Beach city line.

The Palma Sola Scenic Highway Corridor Management Entity met Feb. 14 at Bradenton Public Works for a quarterly meeting, which focused on maintaining the “scenic” along Manatee Avenue.

The group, meeting in person and via Zoom, resumed a conversation about keeping the causeway clear of prohibited signs, raised concerns about water quality in Palma Sola Bay, noted the start of a state project, development and environment study for a “complete streets” project on State Road 789

on Saturday, March 23, to benefit the Friends of the Florida Maritime Museum

in Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach and referenced the completion of a 2023-24 action plan that describes efforts to beautify the drive and improve amenities.

Within the next month, for example, debris and plant material that washed up during 2023 stormy weather and a king tide will be removed, according to committee member Ingrid McClellan.

Also, sidewalk work is to be completed in the next couple of weeks at the Kingfish Boat Ramp in Holmes Beach.

Still being planned is the replacement of some bollards along causeway beaches.

The next meeting will be at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, at Bradenton Public Works, 1411 Ninth St. W. — Lisa Neff

A graphic from Manatee County shows areas under construction in bradenton beach. Islander Photo: Courtesy Manatee County

RoadWatch

Eyes on the road

• City center in Holmes Beach: Manatee County’s work on a force main project on Holmes Boulevard, Marina Drive and side streets continues and traffic patterns can change. For the latest, go to amiprojects.io.

• Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach: Manatee County is working on sewer lines along Gulf Drive South. Motorists can expect lane shifts on Gulf Drive and the closure of Eighth Street South. For the latest, go to amiprojects.io.

For road info, go o swflroads.com or dial 511.

— Lisa Neff

Island happenings

Page 10 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Feb. 21, 2024 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Supper time Annie Silver Community Center vice president Donna Kirkpatrick takes a serving tray from diner Pam Maciejewski of Richmond, Virginia, during the center’s Jan. 24 community supper. Maciejewski said this was her second time at the center for a community supper. the next supper will be 5-7 p.m., Feb. 21, at the center, 103 23rd St. N., bradenton beach. Islander Photos: Robert Anderson

Compiled by Lisa Neff, calendar@islander.org

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ON AMI Friday, Feb. 23 2 p.m. — Rock garden painting, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Saturday, Feb. 24 11 a.m.-9 p.m. — AMI Moose Pig Roast, Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge No. 2188, 110 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-4110.

Wednesday, Feb. 28 11:30 a.m. — Anna Maria Island Garden Club Fashion Show, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: marykate@marykatescott.com, amigardenclub. com.

That’s a bingo!

Mark Swift of Holmes beach hands his winning bingo card to center vice president Donna Kirkpatrick for verification. Swift called out the first “bingo!” on the first night of bingo this season earlier this year. Swift said he and his wife, Jean, right, have been going to bingo nights for years. bingo is played thursday nights at the center, where players also will find volunteer-made refreshments for sale.

ONGOING ON AMI Throughout February, Barbara Truemper-Green exhibit, Artists’ Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941778-6694.

Throughout March, Carolann Garafola exhibit, Artists’ Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786694.

ONGOING OFF AMI Throughout February, “Nature’s Palette” by Janet Flickinger, Island Gallery and Studios, 456 Old Main St., Bradenton. Information: 941-778-6648.

Through April 28, “Dali and the Impressionists,” the Dali Museum, 1 Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg. Fee applies. Information: 727-823-3767.

Through April 28, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature’s “Bird Photographer of the Year,” 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131.

Through June 23, “Mountains of the Mind: Scholars’ Rocks from China and Beyond” exhibit, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-360-7390.

Through June 30, “Yayoi Kusama: A Letter to Georgia O’Keeffe,” Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-366-5731.

First Fridays, 6-9:30 p.m., Village of the Arts First Fridays Artwalk, 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Information: villageofthearts.com.

Saturdays, 10:30 a.m., art demos, Island Gallery and Studios, 456 Old Main St., Bradenton. Information: 941-778-6648, islandgalleryandstudios.org.

Second and fourth Saturdays, 2 p.m., Music on the Porch jam session, presented by the Florida Maritime Museum and Cortez Cultural Center, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: floridamaritimemuseum.org.

840-0789, coquinabeachmarket.org.

Second Fridays through spring, 5-7:30 p.m., Holmes Beach Night Market, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694.

Tuesdays, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Anna Maria Farmers Market, City Pier Park, Pine Avenue and Bay Boulevard. Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130.

ONGOING OFF AMI Saturdays through May 7, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Bradenton Market, Old Main Street, Bradenton. Information: 941-301-8445.

SAVE THE DATE

March 2-3, The Invitational, Holmes Beach.

March 8-9, Feed the Peeps Arts and Crafts Market, Anna SAVE THE DATE Maria.

March 23, Cortez Nautical Flea Market, Cortez.

March 1-2, Center of Anna Maria Island’s Murder-Mystery March 23, Spring Plant Sale, Palmetto. dinner theater, Anna Maria.

April 6-7, Coquina Beach Spring Arts and Crafts Market, BraMarch 7-24, Island Players’ “Communicating Doors,” Anna denton Beach.

Maria.

March 14-16, Friends of the Island Library Jewelry Sale, March 10, Island Players’ “The Woman in Black” auditions, Holmes Beach.

Anna Maria.

March 10, Longboat Key Paradise Center for Healthy Living’s KIDS & FAMILY Celebrate on the Circle fundraiser, St. Armands Circle.

March 22-April 26, Music in the Park, Bradenton.

ON AMI

MARKETS & SALES

Friday, Feb. 23 10 a.m. — 40 Carrots parenting program, Island Library, 5701 ONGOING ON AMI Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Most Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Coquina Tuesday, Feb. 27 10 a.m. — Family storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Beach Market, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-

Holistic wellness center and spa

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

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

941.778.8400 | www.alunawellness.com

60+ ARTISTS Open 10-6, Tues-Sat JEWELRY 5351 Gulf Drive WALL ART Holmes Beach HOME DECOR 941-242-5794 FURNITURE and a whole lot more!

Island happenings

Feb. 21, 2024 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 11 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

In the rhythm Rosemarie Kovaleski, rear, and Joe and Marie gray take in a Feb. 15 talk by dancerchoreographer Marcus Alford as he points to a dance-related book he consultated on with the authors. Alford also talked about his work for industrial clients, such as IbM, at the Friends of the Island Library travel and Lecture Series in the fellowship hall at Roser Church, Anna Maria. Islander Photo: Masha Dolgoff

Lecture series concluding with former congressman’s talk The Friends of the Island Library will conclude its annual lecture and travel series Thursday, Feb. 22, with former U.S. Rep. Thomas Reynolds, R-New York, talking about elections, politics and the federal government.

Reynolds served in Congress 1999-2009. Now Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

he’s a senior policy adviser with the D.C.-based Public Policy & Regulation Group.

The program will begin at 2 p.m. at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

For more, go online to friendsoftheislandlibrary. org or call the Island Library at 941-778-6341.

SAVE THE DATE

ONGOING OFF AMI

Feb. 29, Anna Maria Island Historical Society Membership Third Fridays, Teen Nights, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. Luncheon, Anna Maria.

March 9, Center of Anna Maria Island Beach Cleanup, Anna W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131.

Second Saturdays, Quest for Kids, the Bishop Museum, 201 Maria.

10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131.

SAVE THE DATE March 17, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Holmes Beach and Anna Maria.

CLUBS & COMMUNITY ON AMI

LESSONS & LEARNING ON AMI

Send listings to calendar@islander.org.

serve, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW, Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-742-5923, mymanatee.org.

ONGOING OFF AMI Mondays, 1 p.m., Longboat Key Paradise Center for Healthy Living Thinking Out Loud discussions, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-6493.

SPORTS & GAMES ONGOING ON AMI Most Wednesdays, 1 p.m., mahjong club beginners, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786341.

Thursdays, 6 p.m., through March 28, Annie Silver Community Center bingo, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941224-1973.

Fridays, noon, bridge, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 314-324-5921.

Most Fridays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong club experienced players, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941778-6341.

Mondays, 10 a.m., morning yoga, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

SAVE THE DATE March 8, Center of Anna Maria Island Bingo Bonanza, Anna Maria.

OUTDOORS & NATURE

Wednesday, Feb. 21 ONGOING OFF AMI 10:30 a.m. — Hands Only CPR for Seniors, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. InformaSaturdays, 9 a.m., Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve, tion: 941-778-1908.

10299 Ninth Ave. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923, mymanatee.org.

ONGOING ON AMI

Thursday, Feb. 22 Thursdays through Feb. 22, 2 p.m., Friends of the Island Library 1 p.m. — Sunshine Stitchers, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Lecture and Travel Series, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-6341.

ONGOING ON AMI OFF AMI Most Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Wednesday, Feb. 21 1 p.m. — “Nature Art: Botanical Illustration,” Robinson PreBeach. Information: 941-778-1383.

Most Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-718-5583.

Music Lessons: Guitar, Bass Piano, ONGOING OFF AMI Ukulele, Saxophone and More Third Thursdays, 6:30 p.m., through April, Manatee Audubon Society meetings, First United Methodist Church of Palmetto, 330 11th Ave. W., Palmetto. Information: manateeaudubon@gmail.com, 941-729-2222.

Send listings to calendar@islander.org

Used & Consigned Musical Instruments Open JAM 1st Wednesdays

941.896.9089

playitagainjams.com 8208 Cortez Road W., Ste.5, Bradenton

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED.

CALENDAR NOTES KEEP THE DATES March 10, daylight saving time begins.

March 17, St. Patrick’s Day.

A Hair Day Salon & Spa NEW YEAR, NEW YOU! Cut/style with Cindy AND mani/pedi with Marilena!

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Special $92.70 (Reg $103) Relieve stress with a massage by Shelly!

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Odd Duck Designs Shop Wearable T-shirt art by local artist Connie Wolgast.

Scan here to shop! etsy.com/shop/OddDuckDesignsShop 941-224-1897

need a good laugh? visit the NEW emerson quillin signature store. humor, art, gifts NEW LOCATION: HB Post Office, 5354 Gulf Drive• emersonshumor.com

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Island happenings

Page 12 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Feb. 21, 2024 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Art league seeks Springfest artists, vendors

The Anna Maria Island Art League is lining up artists and vendors to fill the grassy grounds of Holmes Beach City Field in March.

The nonprofit’s annual Springfest juried art show will be 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, March 16, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, March 17, at the park in the 5800 block of Marina Drive.

AMIAL is accepting applications for people interested in participating in the juried art show.

Details on how to apply are at zapplication. org.

Also, AMIAL is booking vendors for the event.

For more details, including costs, email artleagueami@gmail.com, go online to www. islandartleague.org or call 941-778-2099.

Box office opens for ‘Doors’ Guess Who is at the center?

Carl Dixon will take the stage at the Center of Anna Maria Island Friday, Feb. 23, when the guess Who Alumni perform a concert. tickets start at $59 at centerami.org. Islander Courtesy Photo

Kiwanis meeting Saturdays

The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island gathers at 8:30 a.m. Saturdays at Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. At the Feb. 24 meeting, the club will hear from Take Stock in Children Manatee CEO Ann Colonna and student Brayan Hernandez.

Take Stock is nonprofit that helps “low-income youth escape the cycle of poverty through education.”

The March 2 meeting will include remarks by Cornelia Zanetti of All Island Denominations.

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

The Island Players’ presentation of Alan Ayckbourn’s “Communicating Doors” will open Thursday, March 7, and continue through Sunday, March 24.

Preston Boyd is directing the island production, with a cast that includes Jennifer Kwiatkowski, Rock Kopp, Joseph Smith, Dan Coppinger, Kathi Faulkner and Morgan Powis.

Performances will be 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. boyd The theater, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, is dark Monday.

The box office, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, will open Monday, Feb. 26, for in-person and phone ticket sales. Hours will be 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Saturday and an hour before showtime.

Tickets also can be purchased at theislandplayers. org.

For more information, call the box office at 941778-5755.

Tiki & Kitty’s

It’s time you took a road trip with Tiki and Kitty to their favorite shops and boutiques in search of decor and bargains galore. Make this your year to have fun while undergoing retail therapy.

It’s your duty!

We’ll definitely make a stop at Blue 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.

We promise you will find treasures aplenty.

T&K love Cat’s Meow, an 8,000 square-foot marketplace! Their vendors offer coastal, cottage, beach, antique, boho, mid-century modern and other home decor styles. They also offer vintage to fine jewelry and vintage albums.

You may want to lace up your skates, as this large, former skating rink has plenty to offer bargain, antique, unique hunters. You don’t want to miss this vast collection of vendors.

Blessed and Distressed is a tastefully designed store — so inviting, you’ll want to pull up a chair — with collectibles and work by local artists at Palma Sola Square, around the corner from Winn-Dixie. It offers 30-plus vintage, upcycled, shabby chic and artsy vendors. You won’t be disappointed.

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.

Stop by at our other locations:

The Center of Anna Maria Island’s annual murdermystery nights are set for the stage Friday-Saturday, March 1-2.

A notice from the center said Brianna Roberts wrote the play with her mother, Beth Shaughnessy.

The cast includes Brianna and husband Caleb Roberts, her dad, Mike Shaughnessy, Clay Spangler, Chris Scott, Jessica Patel, Ray Gardner and Leah and Don Purvis.

Tickets to “American Cover: Take Me Down to Paradise City” March 1 are $50. The evening will include a cash bar, light dinner and theater.

Tickets March 2 are $100 or $800 for a table of eight. The evening will include a cash bar, dinner and theater.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the event will begin at 6:45 p.m.

Sponsorships also are available.

The center is at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

For more information, call the center at 941-7781908 or go online to centerami.org.

AMIHS sets lunch date

The Anna Maria Island Historical Society is planning to honor the past and plate a lunch.

The nonprofit will hold its annual luncheon and meeting at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 29.

The event will be held outdoors on the historical society’s museum grounds, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, including a catered lunch.

For more information, call the AMIHS museum at 941-778-0492.

Garden club to show fashions

The Anna Maria Island Garden Club will present its annual fashion show at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28, at the Center of Anna Maria Island.

Proceeds from the show go toward island beautification projects.

And those who attend — $40 tickets went on sale earlier this month at amigardenclub.com — “will be treated to island-style glamour, delicious cuisine and a charitable atmosphere.”

The garden club’s email is info@amigardenclub. com and its phone number is 941-405-3534.

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

FYI: Scavengers also carries Fusion Paints.

The Vintage Vine Market is a favorite 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.”

Wed-Sat 10-5 Palma Sola Square Winn Dixie Plaza

615 59th St. W. Bradenton 941-896-8800

4HUR 3AT 0RIVATE SHOPPING BY APPT TH 3T % \ "RADENTON .7 CORNER TH -ANATEE !VE

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Center invites dining sleuths

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Scavengers Marketplace SRQ 1175 N Washington Blvd Scavengers Palmetto 2100 US Hwy 301

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Feb. 21, 2024 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 13 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Showcasing STEM skills Anna Maria elementary fourth- and fifth-graders Fabian Cianciarelli, left, Asher Patel, Dylan Sato, Sawyer Leibfried, Luke Willing and Jacob Winstead pose Feb. 13 at a robotics competition held at the bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben blvd., Palmetto.

Islander Photos: Courtesy AMe/Pidge barreda

Scholarships offered on AMI

Players and Privateers invite college-bound students to apply for 2024.

The Anna Maria Island Privateers, a nonprofit that raises money for scholarships with a variety of community events, will accept applications until Friday, March 1.

To qualify, a student must be a Manatee County resident who can demonstrate positive community involvement. Applicants either must be graduating seniors or enrolled in a post-secondary institution.

The applications are online at amiprivateers.org.

Scholarships usually are presented in late June or early July.

For more information, go to amiprivateers.org or contact the scholarship committee chair Valerie “Dallas” Mabry at 941-896-0797 or scholarships@ amiprivateers.org.

The Island Players board of directors will award four $2,000 scholarships this year to graduating high school seniors in the county who “have demonstrated excellence to develop these talents at an even higher level of education.”

Applications can be found at theislandplayers. com.

The deadline to apply is Friday, March 15.

People with questions can email scholarshipcommittee@theislandplayers.org.

For other information about the community theater group, people can call the box office at 941-7785755.

— Lisa Neff

AME Calendar • Thursday, Feb. 22, 6:30 p.m., third-grade performance, auditorium.

• Friday, March 1, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Princess Ball, auditorium.

• Wednesday, March 6, 1:50 p.m., early release.

• Friday, March 8, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Boys Night Out, auditorium.

• Monday, March 11, PTO Walk-A-Thon, playground.

• Thursday, March 14, end of third quarter.

• Friday, March 15, record day, no school.

• Monday, March 25-29, spring break, no school.

• Thursday, April 18, student advisory council meeting, Guy Harvey Room.

• Saturday, April 27, PTO Spring Gala fundraiser, the Center of Anna Maria Island, Anna Maria.

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

For more information, call the school at 941-708-5525.

AME students take honors AMe fourth- and fifth-graders giuliana bankert, back row, left, grace eason, Kellan oelfke, Aria thomas; grayson Hinckle, front row, left, with Leo tyler and Asher Patel pose Feb. 3 with their awards and honorable mentions in life, physical and earth science at the School District of Manatee County’s SteM competition at Manatee technical College in bradenton. Karolina Veselik, not pictured, also earned an honorable mention.

American flags lowered Feb. 14 to remember Parkland shooting victims the American flag flies at half-staff Feb. 14 for Marjory Stoneman Douglas Remembrance Day, honoring the 17 lives lost during a Feb. 14, 2018, mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. Seventeen other people were injured that day. efforts are underway to create a memorial to the victims. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

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941-778-5676 • www.chuckcaudill.com Gulf Drive Band The Best! Classic Danceable Tunes Musical Entertainment DJ for Weddings, Receptions.

Call: 941-778-0173. email: gulfdriveband@gmail.com

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Page 14 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Feb. 21, 2024 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Gathering

by Lisa Neff

Sex-trafficking forum set

Six houses of worship on Longboat Key collaborated to organize a forum on sex-trafficking, which will be at 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at Christ Church of Longboat Key. A notice read, “This is not a fundraiser; it is an awareness raiser” and said trafficking is “happening on Longboat Key and other barrier islands.”

There is no charge to attend the forum, at which people will hear from law enforcement, as well as a survivor’s story.

The church is at 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. For more information, call 941-383-8833 or email info@christchurchoflbk.org.

Sale days ahead

3 Heath brothers will perform a concert at 6 p.m.

Sunday, March 3, at Harvey Memorial Community Church, 208 Church Ave., bradenton beach.

Islander Courtesy Photo

Tidings

Compiled by Lisa Neff

THIS WEEK

Friday, Feb. 23 9 a.m.-1 p.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church rummage sale, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-4769.

Saturday, Feb. 24 9 a.m.-noon — St. Bernard Catholic Church rummage sale, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-4769.

9 a.m. — Christ Church of Longboat Key forum on sex trafficking awareness program, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-8833.

8-11 a.m. Roser Church Pancake Breakfast, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-0414.

Sunday, Feb. 25 8 a.m.-noon — St. Bernard Pancake Breakfast, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-4769.

days, 6 p.m., Wednesday Night Blast supper and 6:30 p.m., Wednesday Night Blast; Fridays, 10 a.m. women’s Bible meeting.

Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-1638, amiannunciation.org.

Worship: Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.; Sundays, 8 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.

Ongoing: Most Wednesdays, 8 a.m., men’s breakfast; Mondays, 1 p.m., book club.

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive. Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-1813, gloriadeilutheran.com.

Worship: Sundays, 9:30 a.m., followed by coffee and fellowship.

Ongoing: First Sundays, food bank collections; Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m., women’s social gathering.

Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-779-1912.

Worship: Sundays, 9:15 a.m.

Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414, roserchurch.com.

Worship: Sundays, 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m.

Ongoing: Tuesdays, Thursdays, 9:30 a.m., RoserRobics; Tuesdays, 2 p.m., women’s book study; first and third Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m., Just Older Youth group; Wednesdays through April 17, 1 p.m., GriefShare; select Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m., Mom’s Cafe; Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m., Holy Yoga.

St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-4769, stbernardcc.org, office@stbernardcc. org.

Worship: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.; Saturdays, 4 p.m.; Sundays, 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.

Ongoing: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m., rosary; Wednesdays, 7:30 a.m.; Rosary on the Beach at Manatee Public Beach; Saturdays, 3 p.m., confession.

St. Bernard Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach, will host a two-day rummage sale in its activity center.

On Friday, Feb. 23, sale hours will be 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

ONGOING OFF AMI On Saturday, Feb. 24, sale hours will be 9 a.m.noon.

Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian USA, 6400 SAVE THE DATE Shoppers will find household goods, collectibles, Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Info: 941-900-4903, christchurMarch 3, 6 p.m., Harvey Memorial Community Church Concert books, clothing and accessories, tools and more. choflbk.org. with 3 Heath Brothers.

For more information, call 941-778-4769.

Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.

Harvey ushers in harmony

Harvey Memorial Community Church, 208 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach, will host a concert at 6 p.m.

Sunday, March 3.

Harvey will welcome the 3 Heath Brothers — Nicholas, Clayton and Christian Heath — an awardwinning group of brothers known for their “powerful vocals and a capella arrangements.”

The group’s website, 3heathbrothers.com, said, “You won’t want to miss their tight harmony, passion for God and youthful energy.”

For more information, call the church at 941-7791912.

Growing in Jesus’ Name

March 10, Roser Memorial Community Church Mission Fest, Ongoing: Wednesdays, 10 a.m., women’s Bible study; MonAnna Maria. days, 9 a.m., men’s Bible study; Tuesdays, 1:30 p.m., bridge club.

March 14, Roser Guild Thrift Shop Fashion Show and LunLongboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat cheon, Anna Maria.

Key. Info: 941-383-6491, longboatislandchapel.org.

March 14, St. Bernard Women’s Guild Luncheon, Holmes Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.

Beach.

Ongoing: Mondays, 4 p.m., choir practice.

March 23, Roser Church Pancake Breakfast, Anna Maria.

Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Info: March 24-30, Holy Week.

941-383-3428.

March 31, Easter.

Worship: Fridays, Shabbat, 5:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.

ONGOING ON AMI GET LISTED. UPDATE LISTINGS CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

Send notices for Gathering to calendar@islander.org.

Info: 941-778-0719, crosspointefellowship.church.

Worship: Sundays, 9 a.m.

Ongoing: Wednesdays, 7 a.m., men’s Bible meeting; Wednes-

Worship With Us at Our Church Sunday Service 10:00 AM Dr. Julia Wharff Piermont, Pastor

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Breakfast hour arrives

Roser Memorial Community Church volunteers will serve a pancake breakfast Saturday, Feb. 24, and St. Bernard Catholic Church volunteers also will serve breakfast Sunday, Feb. 25.

At Roser, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, breakfast will be served 8-11 a.m.

For $8, diners will find offerings of pancakes, sausage, applesauce, biscuits and gravy, juice and coffee or tea. Children under age 5 can eat free.

Also, the church’s thrift shop will be open 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

The next day at St. Bernard, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach, the breakfast is prepared by the Holy Name Society.

Hours will be 8 a.m.-noon and the menu includes coffee, juice, scrambled

Roser Church

Roser Church advertises its Feb. 24 breakfast meal deal.

Islander Courtesy Photo

eggs, sausage and all-you-can-eat pancakes.

The cost is $10.

For more information about Roser’s breakfast or to volunteer, call 941-7780414.

For more information about the St. B breakfast or to volunteer, call 941778-4769.

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Sign up to receive the eBulletin at RoserChurch.com/contact-us The CHAPEL is open during office hours for prayer and meditation 941-778-0414 • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria • FOLLOW us on Facebook @RoserChurch

Feb. 21, 2024 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 15 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Island scavenger hunt benefits cancer research

Scott Viehman, the uncle of Grace Irwin, takes a knee Feb. 17 to review scavenger hunt participants’ answers to three riddles — needed to receive a list of 50 locations to search for across the island. The Grace Irwin Memorial Fund’s 1st annual “Hunt for the Cure” began at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, where attendees split into groups for a scavenger hunt. The fund was created to raise awareness and support childhood cancer research in honor of Grace, who was diagnosed with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma in December 2022 and died at the age of 9 in July 2023. Islander Photos: Ryan Paice

GoodDeeds

By Lisa Neff

Assistance offered on AMI

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

Info: 941-778-0414.

• AID offers financial help to those who live on the island, go to church on the island, attend school on the island and work on the island. Info: 941-725-2433.

Assistance sought on AMI

• The Annie Silver Community Center seeks volunteers for activities and events, including bakers for desserts served at dinners and bingo. Info: 724-7871418.

• The Anna Maria Island Art League seeks volunteers for the Springfest Fine Arts Festival March 16-17 in Holmes Beach. Info: 419-450-4824.

• The Island Players, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, seeks volunteers for the 75th season of shows.

Info: theislandplayers.org, 941-941 778-5755.

• The Anna Maria Island Historical Society, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, seeks volunteer docents and bakers. Info: 941-778-0492, amihs.org.

• The Friends of the Island Library welcomes members to support the island branch, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341, friendsoftheislandlibrary.org.

• Wildlife Inc. rescue and rehabilitation in Bradenton Beach seeks help tending to injured animals. Info: 941-778-6342.

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

— Lisa Neff

To list services on AMI or a call for help, email lisa@islander.org with details.

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 newsrack returned to the lobby.

Adrian Griffin sings “Amazing Grace” Feb. 17, during the Grace Irwin Memorial Fund’s 1st annual “Hunt for the Cure” at the Center of Anna Maria Island in Anna Maria.

Obituaries

Christine Lucienne Farmer

Christine Lucienne Farmer, of Bradenton, died Feb. 9.

She was born on Sept. 13, 1963, in Montreal, Canada, and lived in Canada until the age of 10, when she moved to Anna Maria Island with her family.

It was on Anna Maria Island where she developed a life-long love for nature and watching sunsets at her beloved beach. She enjoyed working in non-profit and public service capacities and often volunteered to serve her community. A devoted mother and grandmother, she was passionate and committed to her family and the friends she loved so dearly.

She is especially remembered as having created a welcoming home and was thoughtful to include special Farmer details about each person she encountered. She was a faithful follower of Christ and instilled a love for God in her children and grandchildren.

A service will be held at 5:15 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 24, beachside on 77th Street. A reception and afterlife celebration will follow at Paddy Wagon Irish Pub, 6690 Cortez Road W., Bradenton. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.

Donations may be made to Take Stock in Children, classy.org/give/392218/#!/donation/checkout or the Center of Anna Maria Island at centerami.org/donate.

Condolences may be made at brownandsonsfuneral. com.

Mrs. Farmer is survived by her daughters, Chelsea Solomon and husband Todd and Madison Artman and husband Tony, both of Charleston, South Carolina; grandchildren Magnolia and Tucker Solomon and Andie Kate Artman; mother Fleurette Boutin; and her siblings, Janice, Patti Magee and husband Bruce, Natalie and husband Robert all of Ottawa, Canada, and Michel Dubois and wife Debi of Bradenton; nieces and nephews Corey Burns, Kelly Magee, Jonathan Burns, Scott Magee, Jessica Boyett, Genevieve Gosselin and Mathieu Gosselin.

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George F. Oliver Jr.

George F. Oliver Jr., 79, died Jan. 26.

He grew up on a farm in Olivet, Michigan.

For many years, he and his wife, Kay, owned the Sweet Spoon restaurant in Holmes Beach — where Hurricane Hanks is today.

Mr. Oliver worked for the Michigan State Lottery and retired from Office Depot.

He frequented the Palmetto Moose Lodge and the American Legion.

Services will be March 16 in Oliver Jr. Battle Creek, Michigan.

Mr. Oliver is survived by his children Patricia, Jeffrey and wife Tonia, Barbara and husband Gregory Pennock-Smith, and Thomas Pennock; 16 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and brother David and wife Rhonda.

John Luther Rudacille

John Luther Rudacille, 80, of Holmes Beach, died Feb. 11.

He was born in Lynchburg, Virginia, and moved to Manatee County in 1970 from Perarisburg, Virginia.

He retired after 30 years, having dedicated his career to teaching children and as a band director in Manatee County at Bradenton Middle, Sugg Middle and King Middle schools.

There will be a celebration of life at a later date. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory is in charge of Rudacille arrangements. Condolences may be made to brownandsonsfuneral.com.

Memorial donations may be made to The American Lung Association at action.lung.org/site/Donation2, the Center of Anna Maria Island at centerami. org and the band program at King Middle School, 600 75th St. NW, Bradenton, (941) 798-6820.

Mr. Rudacille is survived by his wife, Chris; sons Scott and wife Janae and Mark, of Bradenton; brother Stephen and wife Gayle of Valrico; sister Mildred and husband Roy Reynolds of Richmond, Virginia; grandchildren Cale and Camden; and ex-wife, Susan Varnadore.

Page 16 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Feb. 21, 2024 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Musician channels hurricane’s passing into EP

the decision to disconnect from city life and play the tiki bar scene.

“Miss Hucklebuck” the third track, has a bluesy vibe and is about relationships while on tour.

“I grew up listening to the Allman Brothers Band and to be down on that island, in the area where some of that energy was, I wanted to try and write something a little more Southern sounding,” Ashdown said.

“That island is full of dreamers,” Ashdown said of AMI. “I’ve been coming down there for years and every time I go down there, I end up writing something. I take my guitar to the island and the island gives me a song.”

by Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Musician Dave “dashdown” Ashdown found more than he bargained for when he hunkered down for his first hurricane in the Cortez area last year. He found creative inspiration.

Ashdown called the time spent during Hurricane Idalia, “One of those rare moments where everything makes sense in the flow and the riffs as well as the lyrics come to you at the same time. Beamed in.”

Ashdown, who hails from Chicago, said he usually visits the area at least once a year but not during hurricane season, which runs May-November.

“It’s the first time I’ve ever been down there for hurricane season. I hadn’t planned on staying but it turned out I wanted to make sure the house was OK,” he said.

He and fellow musician Tristan Forgus found themselves locked in a house Aug. 28-30, awaiting Idalia’s passage in the Gulf of Mexico as a category 3 storm about 100 miles off Anna Maria Island.

During their lockdown, instead of worrying about the storm, the two men got to work making music.

“We had a blast just catching up on old times and he kind of helped me massage these new songs,” Ashdown said.

The music was written in Cortez but recorded later.

“The wind was too loud to record,” he said.

The songs are about moving from Chicago, resetting life and changing of pace on the Gulf coast.

Ashdown’s 3-track EP is titled “Can’t Get Too High or Low,” which is the name of the first track. “‘Can’t Get Too High or Low’ was a real-time revelation about the daily struggle for balance,” he Find Ashdown’s said. “I just decided to go down there and chill out and music on Spotify, that’s what that song is about.”

Soundcloud, YouTube The second track, “Hurricane Honeys,” is about eP advance, Apple anna maria island

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Music and dashdownchicago.com.

Musician Dave Ashdown and his guitar at the beach on Anna Maria Island.

During Idalia, Ashdown worked on tunes for an eP. The music was written in Cortez and recorded later. Islander Photo: Courtesy Todd Kuna, visiting from barrington, Illinois, winds Dave Ashdown up for a chance to ring the bell Feb. 17 at the strongman game during the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival. This year’s festival theme was, “Cortez Commercial Fishing, It’s A Way of Life.”

Correction

&

Information published with a photo from the A.J. Croce concert at the Center of Anna Maria Island and published in the Jan. 31 issue of The Islander contained incorrect information about concertgoer Marylee Mull of Bradenton. Mull held an A.J. Croce postcard and wore a T-shirt from Croce’s Restaurant in San Diego.

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Feb. 21, 2024 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 17 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Cortez, it’s a fine way of life

Volunteers from the Manatee School for the Arts Key Club serve strawberry shortcake with the Cortez Village Historical Society Feb. 17 during the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival. One volunteer, Isabelle Mix, whose face was painted with strawberries, said, “We do volunteer work. It helps us get hours for scholarships, as well as helps the community.” She said CVHS president Cynthia Rogers reached out for volunteers.

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Rain prompted FISH to cancel Feb.18. Islander Photos: Robert Anderson Volunteers from the Organized Fishermen of Florida group help kids craft jellyfish from paper plates and yarn at the “Minnow Zone” during the 42nd annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival. OFF is a fishers’ advocacy group and members pitched in this year with a kids’ activity table.

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Page 18 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Feb. 21, 2024 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

DUI convict violates probation with another DUI

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Easement vacation passes 1st reading Property at 117 Peppertree Lane, Anna Maria, where the city approved vacation of an easement in 2003 but never finalized the documentation. An ordinance to vacate the easement was presented Feb. 8 to city commissioners for a first reading.

Commissioners will hold a final reading at 6 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 22, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

Streetlife

Island police reports

Anna Maria Feb. 7, 500 block of Seagull Way, larceny. A Manatee County sheriff’s deputy responded to a call concerning the theft of a kayak from a residence. The deputy assigned a case number and issued an incident report.

The MCSO polices Anna Maria.

Bradenton Beach No new reports.

The Bradenton Beach Police Department polices Bradenton Beach.

Cortez No new reports.

The MCSO polices Cortez.

Raymond Cox, 50, of Riner, Virginia, was behind bars for his fifth driving under the influence arrest — before he had finished probation for his fourth DUI conviction.

Holmes Beach police arrested Cox in March 2021 after stopping him for driving recklessly and speeding.

Cox then failed to perform field sobriety exercises.

Meanwhile, police searched his vehicle and found an unlicensed firearm and a bag of marijuana.

Later, while the man was detained at the Holmes Beach Police Department, officers found a missing handcuff key in his pocket.

Cox was arrested and charged with four felonies and a misdemeanor.

DUIs are generally classified as second-degree misdemeanors, but Cox was arrested on the same charge in December 2001, April 2009 and May 2013, and was charged with a third-degree felony for his fourth DUI violation.

Holmes Beach Feb. 8, 300 block of 57th Street, domestic battery.

A Holmes Beach police officer responded to reports of a domestic disturbance and arrived to find a man leaving the property. The man said he and his wife were drinking and arguing. He said she slapped him and threw items at him but he did not want to press charges.

The officer arrested the woman, who requested medical treatment. Manatee County Emergency Medical Services transported her to HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton. After she was cleared at the hospital, she was taken to the Manatee County jail.

Feb. 9, 400 block of 39th Street, camping/arrest warrant. An officer conducted a building check at a construction site and found a man and woman sleeping. The officer issued citations and court summons for violating the camping ordinance. The woman was released but there was an arrest warrant for the man,

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Cox also was charged with: • A second-degree felony for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon; • A third-degree felony for possessing and concealing a handcuff key.

• A third-degree felony for possessing a concealed weapon; • A first-degree misdemeanor for possessing less than 20 grams of marijuana.

The state attorney’s office dropped the concealed weapon charge in April 2021.

Cox pleaded no contest Feb. 17, 2022, to the remaining four charges and was sentenced to a oneyear, two-month and 12-day prison sentence, with 343 days credited for the time he spent incarcerated ahead of the conviction.

Cox also was sentenced to serve 24 months of probation, which he began following his release from prison later that year.

Cox was set to finish probation this May but was arrested Jan. 2 in Pulaski County, Virginia, for his fifth DUI and placed in jail without bond.

He appealed the lack of a bond, but a bond was again denied at a Jan. 17 hearing.

On Jan. 29, the court issued an arrest warrant for violating probation and extradition papers to bring Cox to Manatee County.

Cox remained in the Virginia jail without bond as of Feb. 12.

who was arrested and transported to the jail.

Feb. 9, Holmes Beach Code Enforcement, 5903 Marina Drive, damaged property. An officer responded to reports of a damaged city vehicle and spoke with a code enforcement staff.

Feb. 10, 100 block of 52nd Street, gunfire. An officer was in the parking lot at the Holmes Beach Police Department and heard gunshots. He and another officer searched the area around the Island Shopping Center. They heard two more gunshots and checked a nearby beach access with assistance from the MCSO and BBPD. HBPD polices Holmes Beach.

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

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Feb. 21, 2024 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 19 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Fence blocking disputed Holmes Beach access illegally built

by Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

A fence blocking a disputed beach access path at the west end of 78th Street in Holmes Beach might need to tumble.

Planning and zoning administrator Chad Minor wrote in a Feb. 13 email to The Islander that the fence at Travis Resmondo’s property at 99 and 101 78th St. was built outside the scope of a permit.

Resmondo first blocked what used to be a public beach access path along the north side of his property in April 2022, claiming it as private property.

His blockade included ropes and bollards, plants, and signage across the entrance from the roadway.

Property owners Linda Carmon and 107 78th Street Investments LLC sued Resmondo, Michael Fronk and Oceana Condominiums to reopen the path in May 2022, but there have been no developments in the court case since June 2023.

In the meantime, Resmondo hired Bradentonbased Tom Sanger Pool and Spa to install a swimming pool with a 1,321-square-foot travertine deck.

The pool and deck amount to a beachside expansion for the residence at 101 78th St., expanding on the formerly vacant lot directly to the west.

As a part of that work, Resmondo also had a fence built along the northern and southern property lines and westward on 99 78th St. The fencing encloses several dozen feet of an easement where the beach access path had been located, further blocking any access from the roadway.

However, the fence might not stay for long.

Minor wrote that an April 28, 2023, pool permit application included plans for a fence at the property, located directly around the roughly 57-by 37-foot deck

— not westward of the decking and to the northern and southern property lines as built.

The city issued the permit June 26, 2023.

But code compliance staff found Feb. 5 “the fence location was not installed per the approved permit,” according to Minor.

“For right now, the fence was illegally installed without the proper permitting,” code compliance supervisor JT Thomas told The Islander Feb. 14.

Thomas said city staff contacted the property owner and contractor to notify them of the violation.

Sanger submitted a permit revision to the city Feb. 9 to encompass the fence. He included a survey of Resmondo’s property following the changes, with a line marking where the fence stands.

That request has gone back to Minor for review. If he denies it, code compliance staff will provide Resmondo with a notice of violation and allow 7-10 days to remove the fence, according to Thomas.

A survey submitted Feb. 9 to the city to revise a previously approved pool permit for property at 99 and 101 78th St., Holmes beach, in order to retrospectively permit a fence built along the green line.

The original pool permit instead included plans for a fence around the pool decking, which is shaded gray in the blueprints.

County approves speed cameras in school zones

by Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Speeders beware.

Manatee County commissioners voted 6-1 Feb. 13 to approve an agreement with Maryland-based RedSpeed to install and maintain speed cameras in school zones throughout the county. Commissioner George Kruse voted “no.”

The agreement is allowed under House Bill 657, signed into law last April and authorizing counties and municipalities to enforce speed limits in school zones using detection systems, such as cameras.

The cameras will photograph motorists traveling more than 10 mph over the posted school zone speed limits during certain hours.

Motorists caught exceeding the speed limit will be mailed $100 citations.

Warning signs will be installed to inform motorists about the speed cameras and when they are active.

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer told The Islander Feb. 15 it is unclear whether speed cameras would be installed at every school zone in the county, including Anna Maria Elementary, 4700 Gulf Drive.

Tokajer said St. Petersburg-based Blue Line Solutions recently conducted a study in the AME zone and found more than 1,300 speeding violations during school hours over five days using a speed detector.

He added that he had not been contacted by RedSpeed or the county about when or if the cameras would be installed in the AME school zone.

Volunteers prepare valentines A group of holiday-minded volunteers craft valentines for first responders at Fifty Three Fifty The Pourhouse, 5346 Gulf Drive, Holmes beach. The group spokeswoman, Deb Sneddon, told The Islander Feb. 14 that the restaurant offered them space to work on the cards. Islander Photo: Courtesy Deb Sneddon

Volunteers spread valentines bradenton beach Police Officer eric Hill accepts valentines from Deb Sneddon of Holmes beach and Allison Howard of bradenton. Sneddon and Howard and friends keep a tradition of presenting first responders with holiday-themed gifts. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

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Page 20 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Feb. 21, 2024 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Horseshoe players — now and then — top week in sports on AMI

by Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter

It was a busier than usual week of horseshoes at the city of Anna Maria pits.

The regular players, the AMI Pitchers, welcomed the pitchers from Tri-Par Estates in Sarasota Feb. 12 to the island pits. With the score tied at 11 matches each, Tri-Par Estates won seven of the final 10 matches to earn an 18-14 victory over the AMI PitchCassidy ers in the inaugural meeting between the two groups.

The regular Feb. 14 games saw several of the AMI Pitchers dressed in long pants, collared-and-starched white shirts, black ties and bowlers and straw hats for a reenactment of a 1914-15 photo of islanders pitching very close to the present-day pits.

While there to take a photo, I wound up participating in the games, and a random drawing for partners paired me with Gerson “Jersey” Fernandes.

I apologized to my partner for my lack of pitching skills and then promptly lost our first match 21-19 to Steve Doyle and Bob Baker. We then got smoked 21-7 and 21-1 in our next two games.

Two teams managed perfect records in pool play and met in the finals, where the team of Tom Farrington and Bob Mason defeated Adin Shank and Ron Gagnon 21-17.

The week of horseshoes at the AM pits concluded Feb. 17 with Tim Sofran and Bob Rowley earning bragging rights for the day with a 21-13 victory over Farrington and Ron Hooper.

Dale Hudson celebrates his 95th birthday Feb. 15 at the Key Royale Club in Holmes beach.

Islander Courtesy Photo: KRC

FIRST IN 1902

In 1902, Buffalo Forge heating company worker Willis Haviland Carrier was tasked with finding a solution to prevent humidity at a Brooklyn printing company. The humid air made the paper expand and contract, which caused illustrations to be printed out of alignment. Carrier developed a system that used pistons to pump air over chilled coils and fan it out into the factory, cooling and dehumidifying the space.

bob Lee, Tom Atherton, Adin Shank, Steve Doyle, Tom Skoloda and Del Reese pose for a reenactment of a photo taken in 1914-15 at what is now the city parking lot just south of the Island Players theater.

Islander Photo: Kevin P. Cassidy

Dapper in 2024 Kevin Cassidy’s adult and youth flag football reports are posted online this week at islander.org.

Dapper in 1914

Play gets underway at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Sat- Judy Menchek was alone in third with a 3-over-par urdays at the Anna Maria pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 35. a.m., followed by random team selection.

Marty Clark had a chipin on the fifth hole, while There is no charge to play and everyone is wel- Susan Van Orsdale did the same on the sixth hole. come.

Members were back on the course Feb. 15 for a nine-hole scramble, that saw the team of Dan HazeKey Royale golf news wski, Jack Lowry and Eric and Monica Lawson match Golf action at Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach the 4-under-par 28 carded by Tim and Marcia Friessen, got started Feb. 12 with the men’s modified-Stableford Bruce Christenson and Blake Ress for a tie for first match. place.

Tom Solosky finished plus-5, a point ahead of Following play on the course, members celebrated Nelson Eagle, Jack Lowry and Joe Tynan, who tied the 95th birthday of Dale Hudson with cake and for second. Tony Bettis, Bob Paine, Fred Miller, Ken refreshments.

Nagengast and Larry Solberg carded plus-3 for third The longtime golfer, club member since 1980, place. didn’t get the win on his day, but he did help his team The women played their weekly nine-hole individ- to an even-par finish. ual-low-net match in two flights Feb. 13. Linda Dorsey fired a 1-under-par 31 to grab first place in Flight A, a stroke ahead of second-place finisher Terry Taylor.

Pam Lowry and Jana Samuels tied for third place at 1-over-par 33.

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Feb. 21, 2024 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 21 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Anglers anticipate full moon, arrival of sheepshead

by Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

Anna Maria Island anglers who like to target sheepshead hope to see a strong arrival of the popular fish in the weeks to come.

With a full moon on Feb. 24, anticipation is high that we will see a volume of sheepshead similar to past years.

The past few weeks, sheepshead were being caught but they seem less Stasny abundant compared to prior years, which has some anglers wondering: Where are they?

Spots that are good indicators of how many fish are present in our waters include the Rod & Reel Pier, the Anna Maria City Pier and the Historic Bridge Street Pier, but they have yet to see the masses of sheepies.

It’s possible herds of sheepies are still in deeper waters in the Gulf although, from personal experience, I haven’t seen the numbers yet.

Areas such as the 1-mile and 3-mile reefs should have respectable numbers of fish present but the bite at those locations has been mediocre at best. The same applies to around Egmont Key and its artificial reefs.

There are a few around, but hardly in targetable numbers.

Although this causes some anxiety among those of us who love catching, cooking and eating sheepshead, I’m not going to ring the alarm, not yet.

I’ve seen several seasons where the sheepshead bite came late and lasted into the middle or end of March. Maybe that’s what’s happening this year. Only time will tell.

So don’t lose hope and don’t give up on the hunt.

Stay vigilant and, with a little luck, we should see the arrival of sheepshead in the next few weeks.

On my own Just Reel charters, I am venturing into

Mike Gallerno, fishing Anna Maria Island from Windsor, Ontario, shows off a colorful male hogfish he caught Feb. 16 in about 50 feet of water in the Gulf of Mexico on a live shrimp. He was guided to the fish

by Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters.

the Gulf of Mexico on days when the seas are calm. In depths of 40-50 feet, I’m finding plenty of action while working structure such as ledges and reefs. Mangrove snapper, Key West grunts and porgies are the most predominant catches, with the most rewarding catches being hogfish.

I’m also seeing a few sheepies out there, as well as a variety of grouper including red, gag and scamp.

Moving inshore, spotted seatrout are showing in the bays on some of the deeper sand holes on the edges of the grass flats.

Casting live shrimp into the holes is yielding plenty of trout, as well as some welcome guests, like pompano. Fishing rocks and docks is yielding black drum, redfish and sheepies, with an occasional flounder being reeled up. Live shrimp are working best as bait and, as long as the cold fronts keep coming, I expect shrimp will be the bait of choice for the next few weeks.

Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says fishing at the north end has been slightly challenging. Deter-

Pirates spring training begins

The Pittsburgh Pirates will open their spring training season at Bradenton’s LECOM park Sunday, Feb. 25, with a 1:05 p.m. game against the Baltimore Orioles.

The park is at 1611 Ninth St. W. A highlight during the short season is “Alumni Autographs,” when a former Bucco will sign autographs on the concourse in right field.

The “Alumni Autographs” lineup will include: • Neil Walker, Feb. 25; • Milt May, March 3; • Mike Bielecki, March 10; • Rob Mackowiak, March 16; Grace DiIorio, visiting Anna Maria Island from Castle • Steve Blass, March 17; Pines, Colorado, shows off her Feb. 16 catch, a Key • Jack Wilson, March 23; West grunt caught a few miles offshore with Capt.

• Matt Capps, March 24.

David White of Anna Maria Charters. Capt. White For more information, go online to pirates.com/ said, “Her family are longtime clients and I’m grate- springtraining or call the ballpark at 941-747-3031. ful they trust me with their family!”

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mined anglers using live shrimp as bait are hooking into sheepshead, as well as black drum and redfish around the pier pilings.

In the coming weeks, especially around the full moon on Feb. 24, pier anglers are anticipating the arrival of sheepshead in Tampa Bay as they prepare for their spawn. When this occurs, hundreds of sheepshead can be seen in the waters that surround the Rod & Reel and many are vulnerable to anglers using shrimp, sand fleas or fiddler crabs as bait.

So hang in there, as the bite should improve.

Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters says that on the few days a week when the wind isn’t blowing 20 knots, he’s venturing into the Gulf of Mexico with clients to target hogfish and mangrove snapper.

Both species are responding to live shrimp as bait.

White says he’s finding the best action in depths of 50-70 feet of water, where, mixed in with the targets, are plenty of grunts, porgies and numerous varieties of grouper.

On windier days, White is working inshore, targeting sheepshead and redfish. The bite is predominantly sheepies with some reds mixed in. Again, live shrimp as bait works well. Lastly, over the deeper grass flats, White has anglers jigging with fresh-cut pieces of shrimp added, which is resulting in some pompano.

Capt. Johnny Mattay, also running guided fishing trips for Anna Maria Charters, says the backcountry bite is beginning to fire off. Of course, the bite is occurring on the warmest days, between cold fronts.

Using live shiners as bait is resulting in catches of snook, redfish and spotted seatrout for Mattay’s clients.

Also, while inshore, Mattay has his anglers casting jigs along the sandy beaches of Anna Maria Island, which is attracting sheepshead and pompano. The addition of fresh-cut shrimp to the jig is imperative when targeting the sheepies and it also doesn’t hurt for the pompano.

Moving into the Gulf of Mexico, Mattay is bottom fishing, which is yielding his clients some nice fish for the cooler — hogfish, mangrove snapper, sheepshead, porgies and grunts.

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

Page 22 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Feb. 21, 2024 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

HB’s LPGA champ opens Bradenton tournament

2 Perico Island tennis players reach finals at Grand Prix

by Mark “Scoop” Malinowski Special to The Islander

RELEASE DATE: 2/11/2024

New York Times Sunday Magazine Crossword

She brings a touch of class with her bag of clubs.

Three-time U.S. Women’s Open champion and Holmes Beach resident Hollis Stacy hit the ceremonial first tee shot on opening day of the $1,750,000 Feb. 1-4 LPGA Drive On Championship at the Bradenton Country Club.

The 18-time LPGA Tour winner and member of the BCC was thrilled to see the first major professional golf tournament in the Bradenton area in decades.

“It’s special. I love the LPGA,” said Hollis. “It’s nice that they’re Malinowski coming to a place that wants them and that is treating them well. To have it televised is wonderful. I’m happy for the players. I’m happy for the club. I’m happy for the members.”

As a member of the LPGA Golf Hall of Fame, Hollis also had an additional ambassadorial role to play on the final Sunday — to honor a new hall of famer.

Had Lydia Ko won the Drive On Championship, the victory would have automatically qualified her for induction. But the 26-year- old Ko, who has won 20 LPGA titles, was defeated in a sudden death playoff on the second hole by Bradenton native Nelly Korda, who pocketed $262,500 for her triumph.

It was the ninth LPGA title victory for Korda. Ko, who won $160,000, still needs a title to become a hall of famer. Hollis was left without an honoree.

But Hollis shared some of her favorite golf memories with The Islander.

Greatest Golf Moment: “When I was playing golf in Stockbridge, Georgia, My daddy (Jack) was following me. He could barely walk — he had gotten a war injury. And he followed me on the back nine. And I birdied six of the last nine holes to win the tournament (in 1977).”

Funny Golf Memory: “One time I was playing in a tournament in Los Angeles. And I was losing my composure. I was three over par. Then in the back of the green on No. 9 — (there was Darrell George) ‘Dash’ Crofts from Seals and Crofts, and I saw him.

Ah, that’s just truly amazing. And I forgot about why I was so mad. And then I shot 31.”

Most unique experience: “Just on tour in golf…

I played a pro-am and there was this man just dying to get my picture and autograph. And it was really early

At the Level 5 Open Larry Turville West Coast Super Senior Grand Prix tennis tournament held Jan. 28-Feb. 3 at G.T. Bray Park in Bradenton, two Perico Island residents reached the championship finals.

James Elder advanced to the 70s division consolation back draw final, but was defeated by Tom Lughu 61, 62.

“The precision and accuracy of his backhand caused problems for my backhand,” said Elder.

Mark Malinowski played the 55s main draw final vs Felipe Alarcon, losing 61, 63 in a two-hour marathon.

“Felipe is a wizard with a racquet. No matter where I put the ball on the court he almost always seems to counter with a better shot. I have to hit two or three perfect shots to win a point. He’s a special talent,” Malinowski said after the match.

Both Elder and Malinowski train at Perico Bay Club and both will play the St. Petersburg Super Senior Grand Prix tournament, set to begin Feb. 25.

The GT Bray SSGP tournament generated 52 entries for age group divisions ranging from 55s to 85s, in both singles and doubles.

— Mark Malinowski

Three-time U.S. Women’s Open champion and Holmes beach resident Hollis Stacy hits the ceremonial first tee shot on opening day of the LPGA Drive On Championship at the bradenton Country Club. Islander Photo: Courtesy LPGA

in the morning. And I said, OK, get a grip … go over there, make his day. So I smiled. He took his picture.

“That was in 1975.

“So 2001, my brother got an email: Are you related to Thomas Laird in Savannah? That was my grandmother, my mom’s maiden name. So the guy that took the picture was the brother of the pilot of my uncle’s plane that crashed in the Pacific and the whole crew was executed in New Guinea. And he had the picture of him, of me, smiling for him.”

So the lesson is: “Always be kind to those who wish your picture or autograph. That’s an amazing story… always take the time to sign the autograph.”

Scoop Malinowski created his Biofile feature in 1992. For more, go online to mrbiofile.com.

Jim elder of Perico Island plays the finals at the West Coast SSGP tennis tournament Feb. 3 at G.T. bray Park in bradenton. Islander Photo: elena Frolia

No. 0204

HAMMER TIME

BY NATHAN HASEGAWA / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ Nathan Hasegawa, of Oakland, Calif., is a junior at Harvey Mudd College majoring in mathematics. This is his second crossword for The Times. His first was in 2021, during his senior year in high school, when every student had to pursue a yearlong project and Nathan’s was to get a crossword published here. This follow-up, which has a multifaceted theme, was two years in the making (on and off ). — W.S.

AC R O S S

1 Toy on a racetrack 8 Soccer star who has won a record eight Ballon d’Or awards 13 Like ‘‘t,’’ ‘‘k’’ and ‘‘p,’’ in phonetics 20 What Hemingway claimed he did to the ending of ‘‘A Farewell to Arms’’ 39 times 21 Dartmouth and Penn, e.g.

22 Fled 23 Mnemonic start 24 Actor Leary 25 Flowerlike sea creature 26 Massive victory . . . or a high score in 113-Across?

29 Really enjoys oneself 31 Doofuses 34 Wetland 35 Objections 36 Be part of an uprising 37 Lowercase letter that resembles an ‘‘n’’ 39 Las Vegas resort with a music-inspired name 41 But 42 Resort amenity 45 Medical procedure, for short 46 Overabundance 47 Vodka drink, informally 49 Tremble Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more Answers: than 4,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords page 24 ($39.95 a year).

52 Contaminating trace 101 Ellipsis element 104 Aviator’s maneuver 53 Chemical-solution in a crosswind strength landing 54 ‘‘Yeshiva boy’’ played

by Barbra Streisand 108 Proportional 109 ‘‘The Last Supper,’’ 55 Author who penned for one the line ‘‘Sometimes the smallest things 111 Spot on an take up the most afternoon schedule? room in your heart’’ 112 Doofuses 56 Climate issue 113 Game represented addressed in the visually in this Montreal Protocol puzzle 58 Approach something 116 Talks like Tom Waits with gusto 117 Justice Kagan 60 What’s the matter?

118 Try for a seat in the 61 Sunder Capitol 62 Shapes of many 119 Fifth-century pope carrot slices dubbed ‘‘the Great’’ 64 Currency worth a 120 Constant nuisance little more than 121 Like some postage dollars and parking spaces 66 Spreadsheet 122 Fish whose juveniles command can climb walls 67 Spot for a loft 68 Muesli bit DOWN 70 Make a pile, perhaps 1 Many prom attendees: 72 Rentable Abbr. transportation 2 Niihau neckwear options 3 Symbol of wisdom 76 Fracas 4 Lock 78 Music’s Little ____ 5 Mountebank 83 Used TurboTax, say 6 ‘‘Nice work, little 84 Journalist’s accessory fella!’’

86 Knuckle-headed act? 7 Dreamy state 87 Biblical man who lost 8 Skirts that go below his birthright the knee 88 2017 musical retelling 9 Giant slalom at the of the stories of Olympics, e.g.

Henry VIII’s wives 10 Choir director’s 89 Symbol for torque, in command physics 11 Tremor 91 Many a viral post 12 Put out 92 Point of no return?

13 Make perfect, maybe 95 Ace 14 Frustrating highway 98 Coast driver

15 Short tennis session 16 Gregor ____, Franz Kafka character 17 ____ Jima 18 Small band transport 19 Image at the top of the pyramid on the back of a dollar bill 27 ‘‘____ la vista, baby!’’

28 Insertion mark 29 Put on a pedestal, say 30 Jennifer of ‘‘The Morning Show’’ 32 ‘‘White Noise’’ author Don 33 What a shock!

34 11,111 vis-à-vis 123,454,321 38 Swear (to) 40 Tweak, say 42 Ejects forcefully 43 Primitive camera feature 44 Like a winner of a mountain marathon, in two senses 46 First name of Julius Caesar 48 Unrefined mined find 50 Finish line for the first stage of the first 67 Honey Tour 69 Verb sometimes de France abbreviated to its 51 Giant name in central letter Giants history 52 Cinemax competitor 71 Prefix with tourist or hotel 57 It’s facedown on a 72 Series finale poker table 73 Counterfactual 58 Negroni spirit starters, 59 [I’m SO mad!] in logic 60 Cotton fabric often 74 Karachi-based carrier used 75 Certain urban in bandages nightlife 63 Hosp. areas 76 Military hiding spot 65 Gondola propeller

77 Place that’s cramped and squalid 79 Something a presidential candidate often wins 80 Gray, say 81 Part of a hoop 82 It may be repeated after ‘‘fiddle’’ 84 Oregon-based athletic brand 85 Podium 88 Items in a hardware store bin

90 Acting as one 93 Capital in the Himalayas 94 Company originally known as Control Video Corp.

96 Shelley’s ‘‘____ to the West Wind’’ 97 Converges on 98 Source of a sleeper hit, perhaps 99 ____ Holmes, Netflix character played by Millie Bobby Brown

100 Pitkin County ski town 101 Old Venetian money 102 Give a keynote, say 103 Performer with lions 105 Cotton fabric often used in hosiery 106 Urge 107 Some dinero 109 Part of a lion 110 Ear piece 114 Bottom line?

115 Container component

Feb. 21, 2024 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 23 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Plans show a threestory parking garage at Manatee Public beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes beach, opposed by city officials but allowed for due to the passage of House bill 947 in the 2023 state legislative session. Islander File Photo: Courtesy Manatee County

By Lisa Neff

Stuck on ‘park’

Come stand with me on a Saturday morning at the corner of 75th Street West and Manatee Avenue in Bradenton as motorists move along toward the causeway, Perico and Anna Maria islands.

Each car might have one or two passengers.

In the line of traffic, you’ll eventually see a big blue bus that’s free to Neff ride and bound for the beach.

The motorists in the traffic jam, if they aren’t thinking about the inattentive driver ahead or the aggressive driver behind, might be ruminating on parking.

Is Manatee Public Beach full?

Is my secret space taken?

Is that developer guy really charging $16 an hour for a non-beachfront parking space?

Meanwhile, the bus passengers can enjoy all the distractions they desire. They can space out on the view of horses in Palma Sola Bay, complete their Wordle for the day, get some emails out of the way, read a book or write one, stream a show or play a podcast.

Bus passengers also might ruminate on parking and congestion.

Why aren’t more people on the bus?

Where are those drivers going to park?

Did they ever hear of “carbon footprint” or “climate change”?

Is that Manatee County commission really going to build a parking garage at the beach, which will encourage even more traffic?

Doesn’t the county know that in many other locales, the government and its private partners are reimagining parking?

Yes, that’s right, bus passengers can be enviroconscious and wise to projects to reduce rather than increase parking.

Just about everyone I know on AMI has spent some time this past year building their arguments against the county commission’s attempt to conquer the island by building a parking garage, destroying building height limits, maybe even destroying the city governments.

For my arguments against the garage, I keep going back to my environmental concerns with the coun-

ty’s unimaginative, car-centric concept that a parking garage is needed to solve the problem of beach access.

In just the past month, I’ve read several research papers about: • The heat island effect of replacing natural surfaces — like the shell-sand lots at the beaches — with concrete or asphalt.

• The flood risks associated with building parking garages and also large solid-surface lots.

• Municipalities changing zoning regulations to reduce or remove their minimum parking limits and institute parking maximums.

• Communities removing parking spaces to promote transportation alternatives, make better use of their land and get more cars off the road.

The idea, at the most basic, is that we can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by reducing parking and encouraging the use of transit or other modes of transportation, such as ride-sharing, bicycling or walking.

One need not dive deep into research studies to find argument support. The National League of Cities published a 31-page action guide on “Reimagining Parking” that deals with structured parking, as well as on-street and off-street parking.

From the executive summary: “Parking has become a contentious topic in local infrastructure development as momentum grows in many places for more walk-

able, transit-oriented, and bicycle-friendly options while others prefer to maintain car-centric roads for travel within their cities, towns and villages.

“As more economic, environmental, social and health benefits of widening the spectrum of transportation options become known, local leaders have a responsibility to re-evaluate their parking footprint and consider how to best prioritize their residents’ wellbeing.”

My takeaways from the guide: • The economic costs of creating parking are high — building a single parking spot in a garage can cost $23,000-$36,000.

• High car traffic in parking garages correlates with noise pollution — engines starting, doors slamming, vehicle alarms sounding.

• By reimagining parking, communities can redirect investments to improvements for walking, bicycling, electric mobility and ride-share accessibility.

• Investing in mobility hubs can promote an assortment of transportation modes and uses, which can improve transportation access and decrease congestion.

In the conclusion, the guide calls for “brave creativity” to find solutions beyond “car-only parking development.”

Something to think about on the next long, slow drive.

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There’s no on-street parking, which makes for a quiet and peaceful beach house that’s all yours to enjoy.

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Page 24 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Feb. 21, 2024 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

HELP WANTED Continued

GOLF GRIP/CLUB repair tools with toolbox.

Added bonus box of grips. $75/offer 941704-4332.

Individuals may place one free ad with up to three items, each priced $100 or less, 15 words or less. FREE, one week, must be submitted online. Email classifieds@islander. org. (limited time offer).

A/C INSTALLER: CHANGE outs experienced. High work ethical standards a must.

Year-round work, no layoffs, benefits. West Coast Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. 941-778-9622.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SEEKING CANDIDATE INTERESTED in sales of health and wellness, high-technology equipment. Excellent commission, training.

Residual income potential. Full or part-time.

Retirees welcomed to respond. Call or text.

724-290-9800.

OLIVE OIL FROM my farm in Greece. Olive oil is from olive fruit, not from seeds. Wine bottle size (750ml), $19. Delivered to your AMI address. 203-942-8399.

NO STAIRS TO front door: Selling oneyear-old electric lift. Trust-t-lift holds 7,000 pounds. $5,000, new, asking $2,500. Call 941-896-6411.

CERAMIC BOWL AND pitcher: 14 by 12 inches, $45, peacock painting on silk, nice frame, $50. 570-704-8486.

WILTON CAST IRON swivel base vice. Fiveinch jaw, 414 inch-drop, $25. Vintage 50s metal toolbox, weighs 25 pounds. 20 by 10 by 12-inches, $25. Bill, 724-986-0314.

WHITE VINYL ABOVE-ground pool ladder.

Excellent condition, $49. White aluminum screen door, $49. 941-778-5542.

More ads = more readers in The Islander.

Sandy’s Lawn Service Inc. ESTABLISHED IN 1983

Residential & Commercial Full-service lawn maintenance.

Landscaping ~ Cleanups Hauling ~ Tree Trimming.

LICENSED & INSURED

Paradise Improvements 941.792.5600 Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Specialist Replacement Doors and Windows

Andrew Chennault

CBC 1253471

FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED Island References Lic#CBC056755

RDI CONSTRUCTION INC. Residential & Condo Renovations Kitchens • Bath • Design Service Carpentry • Flooring • Painting Commercial & Residential

References available • 941-720-7519

BRIDGE PLAY AT Roser Hall: Noon on Fridays. Call 314-324-5921.

GARAGE SALES GREAT BARGAINS: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Friday, Feb 23 and 9 a.m. - noon Saturday, Feb.24.

Saint Bernard Catholic will hold a two-day rummage sale. The sale features great prices on household goods, collectibles, books, tools, jewelry, clothing, accessories and other items. For questions, call 941-7784769 or 941-545-7492. 248 South Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach.

HUGE DOWNSIZING SALE: 9 a.m.-? Friday and Saturday, Feb. 23-24. All Christmas and Easter items discounted. Old collectible bottles and many other types of collectibles, some antiques. Some furniture, other holiday and household items plus too many miscellaneous items to mention. 10115 Bud Rhoden Road, Palmetto.

TRANSPORTATION GOLF CART RENTALS: Fun for residents and tourists! 212-941-2402. www.GolfCartRentalAMI.com.

2009 CLUB CAR: Customized, street legal. $4,200. Call 813-685-5530.

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. Mobile. Call 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.

FUN AND FISH: Skiff rental. 24-foot Carolina skiff. Live bait and fishing equipment included upon request. Call 941-704-9382.

HELP WANTED ADD THE SEA Swimwear in Holmes Beach seeks part-time retail associate. Flexible hours. Please, call 941-254-7938. or mn20@ sbcglobal.net.

ANSWERS TO feb. 14 PUZZLE

AMI TURTLE WATCH OFFICE ASSISTANT. 20 hours/week. Work from home in vicinity of AMI. Scheduling, inventory, purchasing, data entry, website. Local travel required. Email director@islandturtlewatch.com.

SMUGGLER’S COVE/GULF Stream beach resort: Receptionist/activity person needed.

Three days during the week and Saturday, 30-36 hours per week. Please, call 941-7792804 for more details.

A/C SERVICE TECH: Seasoned, able to work well with others. Input is appreciated, hard work is rewarded, salary negotiable. 40-plus hour work week, paid holidays and vacations. West Coast Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. 941-778-9622.

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 with over 20 years’ experience can assist with your family members or yourself, can provide care and skilled needs. Please, contact me for further inquiries at 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.

PRESSURE WASHING, PAVER 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.

COMPANION/HOMEMAKER: Honest and reliable offering help with running errands, grocery shopping, house sitting, pet and plant care, light cooking/cleaning, transportation. References available and licensed.

Call Sherri, 941-592-4969.

API’S DRYWALL REPAIR: I look forward to servicing your drywall repair needs. Call 941524-8067 to schedule an appointment.

CLEAN TECH MOBILE Detailing. At your location. Cars, boats, RVs. Call or text Billie for an appointment. 941-592-3482.

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.

PAINTING: INTERIOR/EXTERIOR: Sarasota interior painting. Call or text Don, 941-9009398. We are the best high-end painting!

Just ask our AMI clients! I’m the owner and the painter. Free estimates. Fully insured licensed business.

Feb. 21, 2024 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 25 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

I S L A N D E R C L A S S I F I E D S SERVICES Continued

RENTALS

REAL ESTATE

U PLUS ME LLC: Provides quality coatings for pool decks, driveways, garage floors, patios. Don’t miss out on our pro polishing services, concrete, terrazzo, travertine. 727623-5050.

ANNA MARIA GULF beachfront vacation rentals. One- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941778-3143.

WINNIE MCHALE, REALTOR, 941-5046146. Rosebay International Realty Inc. 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.”

HANDYMAN: ISLAND BASED. Looking for small jobs the other guys turn down. Call 616-304-4187, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

PRIVATE CAREGIVER: DO You need help with groceries, doctors’ appointments, cleaning, care for pet, care for elderly or companion. I am looking for a part-time job. I have references and very experienced. I have integrity and I can help you and your loved ones with anything! Sparkles, 941-704-9948.

BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS JD’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean.

941-920-3840.

BEACH SERVICE air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. Commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. Serving Manatee County and the Island since 1987. For dependable, honest and personalized service, call Bill Eller, 941-720-7411.

CAC184228.

LAWN & GARDEN CONNIE’S LANDSCAPING INC. Residential and commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-778-5294.

COLLINS LANDSCAPE LIGHTING: Outdoor lighting, landscaping, irrigation services and maintenance. 941-279-9947. MJC24373@ gmail.com.

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.

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

JayPros. Licensed/insured. References. Call Jay, 941-962-2874.

SCREENING SERVICES: Replace your old or ripped window, door or porch screens. Many screen types available. Retired veteran here to serve our community! Free estimates, call Lane, 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.

SOUTHWEST HOME IMPROVEMENT: Michigan builder, quality work guaranteed. Affordable, timely, within budget. Call Mike’s cell, 1-616-204-8822.

BMF INTERIORS: HOME repairs and more, no job too small. 786-318-8585.

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.

PERICO ISLAND PATIO home for rent.

3BR/2BA, 30-day minimum. Privacy fence/ gate, two miles to AMI. Now leasing May through December, 2024. Call or text, 859771-6423.

AVAILABLE NOW AND season: 1BR/1BA, seven-night minimum. carlesvacationrentals. com. Special rates are available. 941-8071405.

ACROSS FROM BAY, Two miles to Anna Maria. 2BR/1BA fully furnished. Available April. All utilities, washer/dryer. $3,900 month. Family owned. 941-7731552.

AVAILABLE ANNUAL RENTAL: 3BR/2BA raised duplex in Holmes Beach. Great location. $4,000 per month. Phone, 941-7784410 or 941-518-1018.

SEASONAL OR ANNUAL: Fur nished 2BR/1.5BA, bottom floor unit. Beach access and two pools. 55-plus. 5400 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. 847-769-9080.

ANNUAL RENTAL: KEY Royale: 2BR/2BA, two-car garage, boat lift. Canal home $6,500/ month. Phone, 813-624-2664.

WEST BRADENTON CONDO: resort lifestyle, ground-floor 2BR//2BA. Garage. 6.5 miles, 14 minutes from Gulf beaches. $264,900. Call or text, 941-7254374.

FOR SALE BY owner: North end Anna Maria.

3BR/3BA, canal home, two-car detached garage, fireplace, boat dock, quiet dead-end street. 941-345-7429.

WILDWOOD SPRINGS CONDO: Updated and turnkey furnished. Heated pool and spa. Minutes to beach. $329,000. Call Fred, Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

NEED REAL ESTATE help? Buy, sell, property management, rentals. Call Fred Flis. 35 years local experience. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

Place classified ads online at islander.org

RARE OPPORTUNITY TO rent all-inclusive executive office space in Holmes Beach.

Great frontage and advertisement visibility.

Great for realtors, contractors, accountants, lawyers, etc. Electric and water included. Two offices available. Suite 101, approximately 200 sf. $700/month $500 deposit. Suite 106, approximately 400 sf. $750/month. $500 deposit. 5386 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

Contact Bill at 941-746-8666.

PERICO BAY CLUB: Deluxe villa. 2BR/2BA and garage. Off-season rate starting April.

Also, January 2025 available. Call for rates and times. Real Estate Mart, 941-3561456.

ANNUAL RENTAL: 3BR/2BA, PARKING for three cars. $3,200/month. Bradenton Beach.

402-421-1999.

LOCK IN SIX-month rental: Available November 2024 – May 2025. Spacious first floor 3BR/2BA with double carport under condo.

Sleeps six. Cable and Internet provided. One block to Manatee Public Beach. Heated pool and pickleball/tennis court. $5,300/month, no additional taxes. 563-370-2900 for video link. Holmes Beach.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND: 55-plus community in Bradenton Beach. Totally remodeled 2BR/1.5BA, ground-level cottage with adjacent parking. Stacked ​washer and dryer, three air/heat ​mini split​s. ​Heated pool on site​. Pickleball courts one block away. ​Gulf is 300 steps and bay, 200 steps from your porch. Rent includes all utilities and WIFI. Annual rent $2,500/month. Six-month rent is $4,000/month. No smoking and no pets.

Call Tim, 507-382-8880.

Place classified ads online at islander.org

Landscape Design Lawn Care Cleanups Stone Paths Licensed and Insured

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Page 26 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Feb. 21, 2024 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

isl

Michael Zeppi, left, owner of Anthony’s Heating, Cooling and electronics, speaks Feb.15 with installation manager Jake Wilson before crews depart the facility, 1614 20th St. e., Palmetto. Islander Photo: Robyn Murrell

biz

by Robyn Murrell

36 years and counting

What does it take to see a family business through a crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic?

One might ask Anna Maria resident and HVAC business-owner Michael Zeppi.

Anthony’s Heating, Cooling and Electric, a business started by Zeppi’s father, Anthony, in 1988, will celebrate its 36th anniversary in March.

“We were an essential business during COVID. Everyone was shut down but people were spending more time at home, realizing their air conditioner was too expensive to run during the day or that their home office isn’t as cool,” Zeppi told The Islander Feb. 15.

“Indoor air quality was an important issue.”

Over the years, Zeppi said he has assembled a host of technicians and administrative staff who don’t just sell customers AC units, they provide solutions.

“My pool heater doesn’t work. Well, we fixed that, too,” said Zeppi.

T hinking about what

is best for your rental property? If so, choose QUALITY over quantity, and get in touch with us!

Anthony’s focuses on taking care of smaller maintenance issues so they don’t become large — expensive — issues. As their motto states, “You don’t need anything new until we say you do.”

A maintenance package with Anthony’s can include 24-hour service priority, no overtime changes, filter and thermostat battery replacement, discounts and more.

“It’s a great experience for clients. Our clients love our technicians and our maintenance package allows our technicians and clients to build a relationship.”

Anthony’s previously had an office on Anna Maria Island but the building owner chose to sell the property.

“So I opted out. At the same time, we were on the

Mike Norman Realty INC

island, probably two to three trucks every day between Anna Maria and Longboat Key,” Zeppi said.

Their service area includes south Hillsborough, south Pinellas, Manatee and Sarasota counties.

“We have a great team in place. And it’s just a matter of keeping the ball rolling,” Zeppi said.

For more information, contact Anthony’s at 941269-3592 or go to anthonysairconditioning.com.

Drum roll, please

Star Fish Co. Market and Dockside Restaurant in Cortez made the list of “USA Today’s Best Restaurants of the Year 2024.”

USA Today, in a Feb. 15 report, listed restaurants in the country that its network of journalists dubbed PLeASe, See BIZ STAR FISH, NeXT PAGe

MIKE NORMAN REALTY EST. 1978

OFFERING THE BEST SELECTION OF SALES & RENTALS ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND SINCE 1978 3340 E. Bay Drive, HB Office 941 462 4016

EXCLUSIVE

LUXURY

VACATION HOMES

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

Once Upon A Beach VACATION RENTALS - 941.584.5844

PERSONALIZED CARE & ATTENTION EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE ONE-OF-A-KIND EXPERIENCE LOCAL EXPERT TEAM & CONCIERGE

WE CARE ABOUT EACH HOME AS OUR OWN AND EACH GUEST AS IF THEY WERE FAMILY

KEY ROYALE BAYFRONT Exceptional, open water views of the bay from this superior-built home in Key Royale. Located on deep, open water with a boat dock, this gorgeous home has been meticulously maintained, offers three bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 10-foot ceilings throughout and a well thought, open floorplan. Panoramic water views from the living, dining, kitchen, master bedroom and pool lanai. The spacious primary suite offers private access to the pool and lanai, a walk-in closet, wall of closets, an ensuite bath with deep soaking tub, large walk-in shower, dual sink vanity, and a private w.c. room with bidet. The kitchen offers stainless appliances, a gas range, dual ovens, a breakfast bar, wooden cabinetry, solid surface counters and a large walk-in pantry.

The spacious screened lanai offers additional living and entertaining space around the inground pool. Enjoy the privacy this home provides with mature, tropical landscaping, large coconut palms and a huge, delicious mango tree. Watch marine life, boats passing and the opening of the bridge from the comforts of this beautiful, waterfront home. Key Royale offers a nine-hole golf course, restaurant and bar with membership. $3,575,000 Call Marianne Norman-Ellis (941) 685-3393

Mike Norman Realty INC @ONCEUPONABEACHAMI

ONCEUPONABEACHAMI.COM

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

Feb. 21, 2024 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 27 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Welcome to AMI chamber

The Islander newspaper joins the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce in welcoming new members to the nonprofit’s roster in January, including: • Nick Bender of Professional Yacht Sales International, 843-8552302.

• Joseph Palacio of Prominent Title Agency, Bradenton, 941-201-5946.

• Luis Diaz of Spectrum Business, serving West Bradenton, 813-523-9628.

• Tommy Bragg of Florida Blue Adventures, exploring AMI’s coastal waters, 941-720-7176.

• Lisa Henderson of Henderson Boat Rentals, 941447-7130.

• Eleonora Raso of Sophia’s Fine Italian Cuisine, 5315 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 941-780-2848.

• Ricardo A. Infanzon of Back2Back Airport/ Shuttle Services, text 941-586-7076.

For more, call the chamber at 941-778-1541 or go online to annamariaislandchamber.org.

PropertyWatch by Carol bernard

Island real estate

212 Chilson Ave., Anna Maria, a 2,330 sq ft 3BR/3BA home on a 10,359 sq ft lot built in 1991 sold 1/24/2024 by Hicks Trust to Agostine for $2,305,762, list price $2,399,000.

104 29th St., #1, Holmes Beach, a 1,616 sq ft 3BR/3BA home on a 5,365 sq ft lot built in 1971 sold on 12/26/2023 by Anderson to Burkhart for $1,100,000, list price $1,200,000.

5705 Carissa St., #A/B, Holmes Beach, a 1,658 sq ft 4BR/4BA pool home on a 5,218 sq ft lot built in 1985 sold 1/29/2024 by Finney Trust to Kierpaul for $1,735,000, list price $1,795,000.

305 Clark Drive, #305, Holmes Beach, a 2,229 sq ft 3BR/4BA pool home on a 6,085 sq ft lot built in 2016 sold 1/26/2024 by Gibson to Schacht Trust for $1,900,000, list price $2,085,000.

110 48th St, Holmes Beach, a 3,321 sq ft 4BR/5BA pool home on a 10,001 sq ft lot built in 2019 sold 12/22/2023 by Klein to Forcier Trust for $3,900,000, list price $4,200,000.

661 Key Royale Drive, Holmes Beach, a 3,388 — bonner Joy sq ft 4BR/4BA pool home on a 15,002 sq ft lot built in 2018 sold 1/26/2024 by Austermiller to Aristeo for BIZ STAR FISH FROM PAGe 26 $7,500,000, list price $8,950,000. the best in their communities.

Compiled by Island Real Estate staff. Island Real The list, according to USA Today, includes “buzzy Estate can be reached at 941-778-6066, islandreal.

Instagram-worthy spots backed by award-winning com. chefs, tried-and-true small-town standbys, and pantheons of fine dining worthy of foodies pilgrimages.”

One spot on the list is Star Fish, owned by thirdgeneration Cortezian Karen Bell.

Star Fish, 12306 46th Ave. W., Cortez, offers diners a waterfront view paired with local seafood items, such as Florida pompano, grouper tacos and peel-and-eat 2024 Restaurants of the Year list,” Bell said Feb. 15.

“It’s always such an honor to be recognized for what shrimp.

Bell also owns A.P. Bell Fish Co., a fishing fleet Star does every day, preparing Florida’s great seafood and fish processing facility her family established in for our visitors.”

For more information, call Star Fish at 941-794the 1940s.

“We are thrilled to be included on USA Today’s 1243 or go to starfishcompany.com.

“Own Your Piece of PARADISE” Beachfront 2/2 Completely Updated Condo Located in rarely available SUN PLAZA WEST New PRICE! Price! NOW NEW - NOW$849,9OO $895,000

‘Amore’ on Bridge Street Maurizio Pinto, originally from Naples, Italy, and a co-owner of Pane e Amore Italian Deli, serves a cappuccino Feb. 15 at the family-owned eatery, 119 bridge St., Unit 130, bradenton beach. The shop sells breakfast items, lasagna bolognese, pastries and more. For more information, call 941-310-3068.

Islander Photo: Robyn Murrell

BizCal by Robyn Murrell THIS WEEK Thursday, Feb. 22 5-7 p.m.—Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce business card exchange and meet the directors, 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Fees apply. Information: 941-778-1541, info@annamariaislandchamber.org.

SAVE THE DATES March 7, 8-9:30 a.m., Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce breakfast, Cortez Cafe, 12108 Cortez Road W., Cortez.

March 14, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce luncheon, Isola Bella Italian Eatery, 5904 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

Send calendar listings to robyn@islander.org.

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Licensed since 1983

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C

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Lynn Zemmer 941.730.1294 941.730.1294 I Lynn@Edgewaterami.com www.EdgewaterRealEstateInc.com

Shellie Young, PA, MCNS, IARP, CLHMS Million Dollar Guild Premier Sotheby’s International Realty Servicing Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key & Waterfront Properties

Page 28 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Feb. 21, 2024 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................