The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023

State rep agrees, consolidating cities off the table … but HB parking remains a thorn

by Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Anna Maria Island’s three cities will be spared from state-led consolidation — at least, for now.

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said Feb. 9 that state Rep. Will Robinson Jr., R-Bradenton, agreed to kill a bill he proposed in January for a study into island governance that could have led to the consolidation or dissolution of the AMI municipalities.

Robinson proposed the study at a Jan. 12 Manatee County Legislative Delegation meeting, when he questioned the number of municipalities needed to govern the island.

He motioned to commission an Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability study on AMI’s governing structure and to present options to the delegation for the 2024 legislative session.

OPPAGA is a research arm of the Legislature that provides data, research and analysis to assist in budgeting and policy deliberations.

The delegation unanimously approved Robinson’s motion.

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy announces at a Feb. 9 city meeting that state Rep. Will Robinson Jr. has agreed to back off his proposal to explore consolidating the island’s three municipalities. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

Robinson also proposed a bill that would preempt Holmes Beach regulation of parking for state and county properties. The bill would override a city ordinance that prohib-

Vacation rental violation by former Holmes Beach commissioner resurfaces

by Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Some familiar questions are resurfacing for former Holmes Beach Commissioner Jayne Christenson.

City code compliance supervisor JT Thomas told The Islander Feb. 8 that Harmari, a program the city uses to monitor short-term rental postings, detected a listing of Christenson’s property at 132 49th St. as a one-bedroom unit for rent.

Christenson has faced questions surrounding her residency since she first campaigned for a commission seat in 2020, when people asked about her use of her Holmes Beach property — where she claimed she resided — as a vacation rental.

Due to her qualification for a homestead exemption, Christenson, who co-owns the property with her mother, Sally Owen, can only rent the home for up to 30 days a year.

Christenson previously attempted to certify her single-family home in Holmes Beach as a duplex in order to establish a rental unit but city code requires vacation units be rented out in their entirety — not as a unit or bedroom within the dwelling.

Christenson’s property was found in vio-

lation of city code for advertising and renting a portion of the property as a vacation rental in December 2021.

In that instance, she claimed a “verbiage” error in an online advertisement as a one-bedroom vacation unit, and came into compliance within a week of the violation being posted.

Thomas said that since Christenson had previously been found in violation, the new listing would go “straight to a special magistrate” for a finding of fact about the unit’s use.

“There’s a lot of stuff going wrong with that particular unit,” Thomas said. “That unit is not a duplex. … If she wants to rent her house, she has to rent her house — the whole thing.”

“You can’t have your cake and eat it, too,” he added.

Thomas said he investigated the unit after Harmari detected the listing and found renters who claimed they had been allowed to stay there for free.

He said code compliance staff would keep an eye on potential rental activity at the property over the next month.

Thomas said the rental matter would be

its multilevel parking facilities within city limits.

Robinson’s actions sparked an outcry from elected officials and islanders, who called his proposals attacks on municipal home rule.

Murphy organized a Jan. 30 meeting between Robinson, state Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, and the island mayors to resolve the issues that was closed to the public.

Murphy also visited Tallahassee Feb. 6-8 to meet with legislators, including Robinson and Boyd, which is how he learned the consolidation study would be dropped.

Nevertheless, the mayor said legislators want the island mayors to have formal discussions about limited consolidation between themselves.

Murphy then met Feb. 9 with Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie and Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth to discuss potential plans moving forward for consolidating some services.

“What’s the low-hanging fruit?” Murphy said. “What can we do with the idea of saving taxpayer money?”

The island mayors plan to meet every two-three weeks for discussions, depending on availability, and report to their city

Go FISH!

by Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Cortez is putting out the bait for the 41st annual fishing festival.

The Cortez-based Florida Institute of Saltwater Heritage puts the FISH in the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, which will be Feb. 18-19 in the village.

Folks at the volunteer nonprofit run by a 12-member board of directors, say they are ready to open the gates, feed crowds and raise money for FISH work.

FISH manages several properties in the village, including a 98-acre preserve, a boat shop, Fishermen’s Hall and the old Cortez volunteer fire station. The nonprofit formed in 1991 and is dedicated to the promotion, education and preservation of Cortez and Florida’s commercial fishing and other traditional maritime cultures.

Their major fundraiser is the festival, which draws tens of thousands to the oldest working fishing village in the state to celebrate the fishing way of life and the bounty of the local fishery.

The festival celebrates the village’s fishing heritage with music, nautical arts

TURN TO FISH, PAGe 3

OFF THE TABLE CONTINUeD FROM PAGe 1 commissions about potential actions, according to Murphy.

“I think it’s a good formula. I felt comfortable that my fellow mayors would give it a fair and honest shot to get it done — and to get it done thoughtfully,” Murphy said.

He said the mayors had yet to identify services the cities could consolidate and did not want to concern staffs by prematurely discussing such options.

“I am very pleased that the delegation has decided to move away from the consolidation study of our cities,” Titsworth wrote in a Feb. 10 email to The Islander. “They would like us to keep an open mind to determine if there are some services that could benefit the three cities if these services were consolidated and we have agreed to work together on this determination.”

“I’m pleased, of course, that Will Robinson and Jim Boyd are working with the island cities to come up with a positive solution,” Chappie told The Islander Feb. 10. “There is opportunity in this. … We’re already off and running on our discussions and I look forward to moving in a positive direction for everybody.”

“There’s always room for improvement and I’m sure we’re going to come up with some good solutions,” he added.

Session 2023

March 3: Deadline for filing final drafts of general bills and joint resolutions.

March 7: First day of session — the 91st since statehood.

April 25: Last day for regularly scheduled committee meetings.

May 5: Last day of regular session — if the Legislature completes its work in 60 days.

July 1: Start of the new year for state government, including new budgets and new legislation.

— Lisa Neff

Not so lucky cruise

Island parking

On the other hand, Murphy said Robinson had not agreed to drop his proposed parking preemption bill — but that it also was not an issue for Anna Maria.

“That’s an issue between Holmes Beach and the state,” he said.

The matter stems from the city’s implementation of a park-by-permit system in 2020 that included the removal of about 500 streetside spaces along residential streets in an effort to protect quality of life.

Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, who was elected in November 2020 and now serves as chair, has threatened to withhold beach renourishment funding from the city if the municipality did not reverse course.

Van Ostenbridge also proposed the construction of a multilevel parking facility at the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, to make up for the lost parking.

However, Holmes Beach commissioners adopted an ordinance prohibiting multilevel parking facilities, effectively curbing the proposal.

Susan Timmins said Feb. 12 was “a more exciting beach walk than usual.”

She watched that morning as a sailboat, Lucky Us 2, came ashore in the stormy surf and beached onshore — no sailors in sight — in the 79th-80th block of the Gulf of Mexico. Then along came a kite surfer, cartwheeling his/her way northward in the wind and surf. Islander Photo: Courtesy Susan Timmins

Robinson’s proposed parking preemption bill could nullify the city ordinance.

Titsworth wrote that the city is working with churches, including the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation and St. Bernard Catholic Church, to recoup the parking-by-permit lost spaces.

“Although they were not available before, this additional parking, along with the parking at the school, city hall and Hancock Bank comes very close to replacing the 480 spaces that Holmes Beach had to remove from residential streets due to safety and public health concerns,” Titsworth wrote.

Regardless, Titsworth urged state leaders to consider an off-island parking garage with a shuttle to and from the beaches, or submit plans for a parking garage for the city’s consideration.

“I am hopeful that this information will be taken into consideration prior to representative Robinson moving forward on the bill for mandating a parking garage in our city and giving the authority of the county to permit and develop their lands without consideration of the codes and ordinances of the city,” Titsworth wrote.

and crafts, children’s activities, dock talks, environmental exhibits and local seafood.

FISH treasurer Jane von Hahmann told The Islander Feb. 10, “It’s our only fundraiser for the whole year. We work really hard to raise enough money to pay every bill we have for the year. It basically covers our overhead and pays for anything we need to do on the preserve.”

FISH’s annual overhead is $55,000 and the group hopes to realize at least that much from the festival, she said.

Von Hahmann credited the volunteer base for the festival’s success year after year.

“This year we have 197 unique volunteers,” she said, adding that they’ve lined up 40 arts and crafts vendors, as well as 16 food vendors.

Unique this year is the location for the festival, which honors the 100th anniversary of the Starfi sh Co. Market.

Starfish Co. was founded by Judge Mills in the 1920s and was purchased by Gaylord Garner in the 1950s. Garner’s son took over the business when he died in the 1980s. Star began as a wholesale seafood market, began selling retail seafood in the 1960s.

Karen Bell purchased the company and the waterfront property in 1996 and the establishment

2023 Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival

began restaurant operations, serving customers on the docks.

The festivities will return to their past, at the west end of the village in front of Starfish Co., 12306 46th Ave. W.

The festival theme — “Cortez Kind” — is a nod to the personality of Cortez. A news release said Cortez is “one of a kind, because there is no other place like this on Earth.”

Von Hahmann said people will enjoy this year’s event.

Former Holmes beach Commissioner Jayne Christenson’s property at 132 49th St., Holmes beach, was improperly advertised as a vacation rental, according to city code compliance supervisor JT Thomas. Islander

VIOLATION CONTINUeD FROM PAGe 1

brought before the city’s magistrate at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 28, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

Christenson did not respond to a Feb. 9 email from The Islander.

“It’s back in the old location, we are celebrating Star’s 100th birthday, we have a funny fisherman’s fashion show and a photo competition that will be shown inside of A.P. Bell,” she said.

Admission will be $5 for adults and children under 12 are free.

For more festival details, including entertainment, parking and park-and-ride info, go to Island Happenings, page 12.

Presidents Day closes offices

Local and county government offices will be closed Monday, Feb. 20, to commemorate Presidents Day.

Public schools also will be closed, as will banking institutions and some other businesses.

Also, trash, recycling and yard waste collections may be pushed back a day through the week.

Manatee County Area Transit services, including the fare-free island trolley and the Longboat Key shuttle, will operate normal daily routes.

The holiday will not impact operations outdoors at public parks.

Q&A 021523

The Islander poll

Last week’s question

by Lisa Neff

Are you concerned about books in Florida classroom libraries getting covered up or removed?

77%. Yes.

19%. No.

4%. Not sure.

This week’s question

Ballplayers are arriving for spring training, as ballgames will begin within weeks.

A. I’m a season ticketholder.

B. I’ll catch several games.

C. Want to get to a game.

D. Not really interested.

To answer the poll, go online to islander.org.

Photo: Ryan Paice

Road projects add up to continuing traffic congestion in BB

by Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Construction congestion is here to stay in Bradenton Beach.

Bradenton Beach is facing multiple infrastructure projects headed by Manatee County and the Florida Department of Transportation that could impede traffic flow for years to come.

A county gravity sewer line replacement project, a DOT Complete Streets initiative and a DOT Cortez Bridge replacement project are on the calendar starting now and running through 2028.

Underway now: A Manatee County capital improvements project to replace a gravity sewer line is staging along Gulf Drive South, with contractor Woodruff & Sons utilizing Cortez Beach parking for machinery and components over the next several months.

The construction will impact traffic on Gulf Drive South through Bradenton Beach for 18-24 months.

The county began the work in January, with plans to replace sewer lines from Sixth Street South to 13th Street South. The work, which requires detour lanes for north- and southbound traffic through Cortez Beach, is scheduled to be completed in July 2024.

Parking may become an issue for beachgoers.

Bradenton Beach Police Chief John Cosby also voiced concern for those who live on the side streets.

“They are not going to have access to their road,” he said. “My concern is for the elderly or handicapped

who live along those roads. It’s going to be quite a trek.”

Cosby said the trenching along Gulf Drive and down the side streets most likely will occur in March or April.

“We’ve had some discussion about trams and some other things,” the chief said.

He said he plans to have officers do a door-to-door on the impacted streets so we can plan accordingly to help them get to and from their residences.

Complete Streets

DOT project manager Patrick Bateman, in a Feb. 10 interview with The Islander, said the process for the state’s Complete Streets program in Bradenton Beach will continue for six years, although the first years will focus on a PD&E study and design.

A PD&E study assists the DOT in determining the location, as well as the social, economic and environmental impacts of the project.

Bateman said actual roadway construction likely will begin in 2027-28 but no dates are set.

The federally funded program will be a redesign for improved access to sidewalks and bicycle lanes, providing paved shoulders, multiuse paths, bus lanes, transit stops and crossings, medians, signals and curbs.

Cortez Bridge

Bradenton Beach also will be impacted when the DOT begins the replacement of the Cortez Bridge in

late 2025 with a 65-foot-clearance fixed-span bridge.

The project includes the bridge and approaches from State Road 789/Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach to 123rd Street West in Cortez, about 0.9 mile.

The design is expected to be completed by mid2025, followed by construction by late 2025, according to the DOT’s five-year work program. Construction is expected to cost $76,998,790, and funding already has the governor’s OK.

Bradenton Beach Area Merchants president Sherman Baldwin, in a Feb. 11 interview with The Islander, said, “My gut reaction is that the disruption is scary as a businessman. It could slow business down during the periods of the heaviest construction and obstruction for access to the infrastructure but it comes with the absolute realization that this has to happen.”

Baldwin said he felt the businesses and residents of Bradenton Beach would embrace the changes brought on by the various projects.

“We’re going to do what we can to mitigate the long-term fears that we all have. This is all something that has a degree of inevitability,” Baldwin said.

“Time and change are coming and we’re going to have to embrace it as best we can because it’s coming no matter what,” he continued.

Baldwin also said he felt now be the time for local and county governments to implement alternative forms of mass transit to the island cities.

“Ultimately, alternative forms of transportation will have to be addressed.” Baldwin said.

Phase 3-R lot construction

An aerial view of the north Coquina beach parking lot Feb. 8 shows the scope of work being undertaken by Manatee County. The project is funded by a $5 million allocation of county tourist development tax revenues — resort tax funds. Work is in the final stages in the county’s parking improvement plan for the island’s largest public beach. While 197 parking spaces in the north lot are closed during the remodel, 583 spaces within Coquina park are ready for use. County strategic affairs manager Ogden Clark said the project’s expected completion date is late April. Islander Photo: Jacob Merrifield

Meetings

Anna Maria City

by Lisa Neff

Feb. 21, 9 a.m., planning and zoning.

Feb. 23, 6 p.m., commission.

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

Bradenton Beach

Feb. 15, 10 a.m., department heads.

Feb. 15, 1 p.m., ScenicWAVES.

Feb. 16, noon, commission.

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

Holmes Beach

Feb. 21, 2:30 p.m., code compliance.

Feb. 28, 5 p.m., commission.

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

West Manatee Fire Rescue

Feb. 21, 6 p.m., commission.

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

Manatee County

Feb. 16, 1:30 p.m., commission (land use).

Feb. 21, 9 a.m., commission.

Feb. 28, 9 a.m., commission.

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

Also of interest

Feb. 20, Presidents Day, most government offices will be closed.

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

Backing off

On the heels of the threats made by state Rep. Will Robinson Jr. Jan. 12 with the goal to consolidate or dissolve the island cities, apparently the uproar of voices (read, voters) had the desired impact.

I’d like to think we made a difference. Many of our readers responded to Robinson’s threats with letters objecting to his attempts at a hostile takeover.

Most notable among their comments was the question, “How dare you?”

Will Robinson may have grown up in Bradenton, but he sure underestimated the groundswell that rose when he sought to dissolve the island cities.

Watch out, Will, because people live in these cities and they love their island and are willing to fiercely defend it from a takeover.

So thank you, alert readers (as columnist Dave Barry of Miami referred to his correspondents) and thank you to the city officials who worked diligently to convince our state legislators to take their consolidation, dissolution study off the table.

Thank you especially to our mayors.

We still haven’t heard from Robinson — no response from him or his office. And state Sen. Jim Boyd has maintained silence.

We’ll remain vigilant.

And we will pursue the terms for the compromise, to negotiate some shared services, and one area we see to start that process is public works. There’s no need for three of everything. IE ... a street cleaner!

And we’ll follow up on Robinson’s demand that Holmes Beach provide solutions for more public parking — a problem the city doesn’t own alone.

Meanwhile, a former Holmes Beach city commissioner is tempting fate by again attempting to offer vacationers a portion of her beach house, the residence she claimed while serving the city. She fought to keep her address private — but that too was a loss for her.

Of course, since her run for office began, we doubted she lived with her husband, son and mother — co-owner — in the 48th Street house, mostly because she maintained a residence in Bradenton, but also because she tried to split the home into a duplex and was denied and then listed a bed and bath in the home on a vacation rental website. And now, she lists the home available for only two guests. And, the property appraiser still shows a homestead exemption for the beach house in its online records.

So where does she live? She doesn’t answer. And while I would be disinclined to believe her, I can assure you, we’re not backing off.

— bonner Joy, news@islander.org

Deal with traffic, not parking

To state Rep. Will Robinson Jr.: I strongly oppose efforts to undermine home rule on AMI. Your proposal to override parking restrictions to build a garage and your proposed municipal consolidation/dissolution will change AMI forever and do nothing to solve problems you claim exist.

AMI’s governments understand what you do not — that AMI does not have a parking problem; it has a traffic problem. Studies show that more than 30,000 vehicles access AMI on weekends and that number continues to grow.

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Urbane bouchet

Ross Roberts

Judy Loden Wasco (All others: news@islander.org)

Finding room for 400 more cars will have no long-term benefit. To paraphrase the famous “Field of Dreams” line, if you build it, more of them will come.

A garage will encourage more visitors to the island, thereby increasing the number of cars on the island and making the already significant traffic issues worse.

There still will not be enough parking available.

When your proposed four-story ramp is continuously full and your constituents complain — as you claim they are doing now — what will you then propose? Four more stories?

Any solution needs to involve off-island lots with dedicated shuttles. Shuttle transportation should also be required in all housing development plans.

Your proposal to eliminate or consolidate the three island cities is a solution seeking a problem.

When I came to AMI nine years ago, I was surprised there were three cities on the island but I’ve come to understand why this makes sense.

Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria each have unique personalities and unique issues.

All three are viable and financially secure cities. Their leaders have made AMI a desirable place for its

E-edition

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citizens, part-year residents and vacationers.

Ironically, your proposals would take authority away from the people who have made AMI so desirable. If it makes sense to consolidate services, such consolidations should be determined by those affected — the residents of the island — not the county or state Legislature.

Michael Pysno, Holmes Beach

Attacking what’s special

I strongly oppose efforts to do away with home rule on Anna Maria Island. The three cities are unique, which adds to the appeal of the island, and deserve to rule themselves according to their specific needs.

In addition, the proposal to override local parking restrictions to build a parking garage will do nothing to solve the “parking” problem and will do much to

Springtime tradition

A baseball clinic takes place in March 1977 at Pirate City in bradenton, as spring training season got underway. This year marks 100 years of spring training in bradenton and 55 years of the Pittsburgh Pirates playing as the home team.

10&20 years ago

From the Feb. 12, 2003, issue

• Anna Maria voters approved a charter that removed the mayor as a voting member of the commission and made them the city administrator. Voters also added a fifth seat on the commission.

• Bradenton Beach commissioners voted to ask the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization to study traffic patterns and accident rates at Gulf Drive and Cortez Road. The MPO executive director said the study could give the city options to redesign the intersection.

LETTERS FROM PAGe 6

Islander Photo: Courtesy Manatee County Public Library archives worsen the actual problem, traffic.

There is a finite amount of space on the island and allowing more cars to park will worsen conditions.

Any long-term solution should maintain the character of the island and involve off-site parking with shuttles. There will never be enough parking for every resident of Manatee County, nor should there be.

It is suspicious of the representative’s true motives that he failed to consult with AMI officials before acting on his proposals. How ironic and sad — and infuriating — it would be if his proposed changes eliminated the very things that make the island appealing.

I have witnessed the gradual worsening of conditions on the island in the nine years we have been coming here.

The first year we were here, I was struck by the pristine condition of the beach. It felt “holy” to me, like

a very special place; I never saw a piece of trash.

I now see trash on the beach constantly. There seems to be a lack of a sense of ownership when people are here for just a few hours. It would benefit the island to maintain the combination of renters, owners and visitors and not turn the place over to those who seek to make money above all else.

I am a property owner and part-year resident of Holmes Beach.

I did not buy property as an investment or to be a landlord. I own property here because of the island’s unique, old-Florida character and combination of residents, part-time residents and vacationers.

The representative’s proposals would lay waste to what makes AMI special. I ask him: Do not submit these bills in the forthcoming legislative session.

Debra Pysno, Holmes Beach

• Firefighters with West Manatee Fire Rescue responded to a fire at Anna Maria Elementary School after several teachers and students reported smelling smoke in their classroom. The firefighters shut off the school’s electric service and inspected the AC system with electricians.

From the Feb. 13, 2013, issue

• Representatives of Bon Eau Enterprises of Sarasota were engaged in discussions with Anna Maria building official Bob Welch about Bimini Cove, a development that would be built where the defunct Villa Rosa subdivision was planned.

• The Bradenton Beach Historic Bridge Street pier reconstruction project began to advance after months of delays. The city decided to send out a request for proposals after insurance-related obstacles ended negotiations with Sago and Sago engineering.

— Lisa Neff

The Islander welcomes your opinion letters. Letters may be edited for length and style. Please limit the word count to 250 words or less. Submit your opinion along with a name, address and phone number to news@islander.org.

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Print Your Own Memories

BB puts brakes on food truck operations

by Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Bradenton Beach commissioners are putting the brakes on food truck operations within city limits until they draft some rules.

Commissioners Feb. 16 will hold a second hearing and final vote on an ordinance enacting a moratorium on food trucks. They also will hold a public hearing on the moratorium.

They held a first reading of the ordinance Feb. 2.

Last September, the commission proposed allowing food trucks in commercially zoned areas of the city, excluding Bridge Street.

The commission is dealing with food trucks due to passage in 2020 of House Bill 1193, which prohibits local governments from requiring registration, permits or associated fees for food trucks and similar mobile businesses.

Florida counties and municipalities can regulate the businesses through zoning but the law states they cannot ban mobile vendors.

City attorney Ricinda Perry says she and city staff are working on proposed regulations and sites, which fi rst must be presented to the planning and zoning board in March.

That prompted commission discussion on enacting

a 90-day moratorium on food trucks.

The ordinance reads, in part: “the City Commission finds and declares a need to temporarily prohibit the issuance of any authorizations, permits or franchises pertaining to mobile food dispensing vehicles, the use of, or the operation of mobile food dispensing vehicles… to allow an opportunity for the city to develop regulations, standards and locations for such uses in the city.”

The next commission meeting will be at noon Thursday, Feb. 16, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

Driving food trucks

The Florida Legislature in 2020 passed — and Gov. Ron DeSantis signed — a broad bill intended to reform occupational licensing in the state.

In part, House Bill 1193 prohibits municipalities from banning food trucks or requiring food truck operators to get an additional local license in order to vend.

Two years earlier, a public interest law firm representing food truck operators filed a federal suit seeking to overturn restrictions on food trucks in Fort Pierce.

— Lisa Neff

Historical society seeks tourist development funds

The Manatee County Tourist Development Council was set to consider a funding request for a $72,000 “capacity-building project” by the Anna Maria Island Historical Society at its February meeting.

The TDC was to meet Feb. 13, as The Islander went to press, in Bradenton.

Materials for a funding request said the historical society wanted the TDC’s help to take its “beloved and volunteer-managed museum into the next century.”

The museum in Anna Maria receives about 10,000 visitors a year.

The historical society has an annual budget of

Movies

about $40,000 but wants to develop a plan to generate income and guarantee continued operations independent of donations and “based more on concrete revenues generated by membership, admission fees and other strategic planning.”

In September 2022, the AMIHS board voted to invest $10,000 in the capacity-building project.

The organization is asking the TDC for the rest of the project cost — $62,000.

The next TDC meeting will be at 9 a.m. Monday, April 24, at the county building in Bradenton.

— Lisa Neff

Friday, February 24th 7:15pm AT THE MARITIME Presents

Expanding

The floating dock at the Historic bridge Street Pier in bradenton beach is causing city officials some frustration. In view of difficulties with permitting the dock through the U.S. Army Corps of engineers, the bradenton beach Community Redevelopment Agency decided during a Feb. 1 meeting to authorize city attorney Ricinda Perry to move ahead on a contract with Duncan Seawall to install new finger docks — those not related to the Army Corps permit — extending southward from the dock. Construction is expected to commence in March. Islander

We will begin the night with a short flick from “Eating Out: The Hunt for Sustainable Seafood,” which gives an insider look on local clam farming

Sponsers:

ART FOR EVERYONE THE ENTIRE MONTH OF FEBRUARY!

Artist Demos: 11 to 1 Wednesday to Saturday

Gallery Competitions: Vote for your favorites!

Paint Around: 5 artists collaborate on 5 paintings. 3 to 5 Fridays

Kid Fun: Papier-maché - 3 to 5 Fridays

Art Walk: Featuring AMI scenes - 5 to 7:30 Friday, Feb. 10

Plein Aire Artists: 9 to Noon Tuesdays, Locations TBD

AMI ArtistsGuildGallery.com

Island Shopping Center, 5414 Marina Drive

Photo: Robert Anderson

pier access

Anna Maria adds food truck restrictions, limits operations

by Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Anna Maria has another line of defense against food truck operations within city limits.

City commissioners voted 4-1 Feb. 9 to adopt an amended resolution establishing additional regulations for food trucks following passage of an ordinance allowing such operations.

Commissioners amended the resolution to remove a proposed stipulation that would have required food trucks to provide temporary seating for patrons during their business hours.

Commission Chair Mark Short, who said he suggested the stipulation, voted “no.”

The city’s measures come in response to state law — House Bill 1193 passed in 2020 — that preempts local governments from prohibiting food truck operations throughout the jurisdiction.

The law also prohibits local governments from requiring a license or permit, as well as registration, to operate.

Anna Maria adopted an ordinance in January permitting food trucks to operate on cooperating private properties in the municipality’s Commercial-1 zoning district.

The C-1 district is the city’s only purely commercial zone and applies to a small handful of properties, including Galati Yachts, 900 S. Bay Blvd., the Sandbar Restaurant, 100 Spring Ave., and the Bayview Commercial Plaza at 523 Pine Ave.

The ordinance also allows the city to establish additional regulations via resolution.

City attorney Becky Vose presented the resolution with nine stipulations, including:

• Every food truck must be a motorized vehicle with a valid tag; no trailer may operate as a food truck;

• No food truck may be longer than 18 feet;

• No more than one food truck shall be located on any one tax parcel;

• No more than one vendor may operate out of one food truck;

• No food truck shall be permitted to operate before

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sunrise or after sunset;

• Every food truck must provide trash bins and recycle bins and properly dispose of trash and recyclables off-site at the end of each day;

• Every food truck shall provide temporary seating for patrons during hours of operation;

• All food trucks shall comply with any and all state, county and city regulations/laws regarding the operation of food trucks.

Commissioner Charlie Salem said the eighth stipulation, requiring food trucks to provide temporary seating, might encourage such operations “to bring more to the table than we’d want.”

Commissioner Robert Kingan agreed, calling the stipulation “onerous” and “unreasonable.”

Short said he recommended the stipulation to keep patrons and any potential litter produced by the operation within a certain area but was not “wed” to the idea.

Resident Dave Haddox voiced concern about temporary seating and tables that a food truck may provide, which he said may be unsafe for regular use.

Resident Lisa Bagwell asked if the city had considered the potential noise issues related to food trucks.

Mayor Dan Murphy said the city’s existing noise ordinance would apply to food truck operations and any violations would be cited.

The commission will meet next at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

Directions to attend via Zoom can be found at cityofannamaria.com.

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Ready for snowbird season?

Anna Maria resident Dave Haddox addresses the commission Feb. 9 about the city’s proposed regulations for food truck operations. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

Compiled by Lisa Neff, calendar@islander.org.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ON AMI

Thursday, Feb. 16

10:15 a.m. — Island Morning Book Club, Ernest Hemingway’s “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

2 p.m. — Friends of the Island Library Travel and Lecture Series, with Karen and Chuck Anderson from Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring discussing “A Day in the Life of a Sea Turtle Volunteer,” Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-6341.

ONGOING ON AMI

Throughout February, Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island’s “Paint the Town” celebration, Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, and other locales. Information: 941-778-6694.

Throughout February, Karen Beach’s “It Takes Two” watercolor exhibit, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: islandgallerywest.com, 941-778-6648.

Second Fridays through April, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Art Walk and Shop Stroll, Gulf and Marina drives, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648, 941-778-6694.

Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m., Anna Maria Movies in the Park, City Pier Park, North Bay Boulevard and Pine Avenue, Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130.

Tuesdays through May 9, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Anna Maria Farmers Market, City Pier Park, North Bay Boulevard and Pine Avenue, Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130.

AROUND AMI

Saturday, Feb. 18 10 a.m.-6 p.m. — Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, along the waterfront between 123rd Street West and 124th Street West, Cortez. Fee applies. Information: fishcortez.org.

Sunday, Feb. 19 10 a.m.-6 p.m. — Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, along the waterfront between 123rd Street West and 124th Street West, Cortez. Fee applies. Information: fishcortez.org.

ONGOING AROUND AMI

“Caught in the Storm: 100 Years of Florida Hurricanes” exhibit, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: floridamaritimemuseum.org.

Through March 26, “True Nature: Rodin and the Age of Impressionism” exhibit Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg. Fee applies. Information: 941-896-2667.

Through May 28, “Gods and Lovers: Painting and Sculpture from India,” the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-360-7390, ringling.org.

Island happenings

Movies in the Park screening: ‘Encanto’

Anna Maria continues its Movies in the Park series Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. at City Pier Park, 103 N. bay blvd. Next on the calendar is “encanto,” showing Feb. 21. The animated Disney film tells the story of the Madrigals, a family living hidden in the mountains of Colombia in a charmed place called the encanto. For more, call the city at 941-708-6130. Islander Courtesy Photo

Tuesday, Feb. 21

Kiwanis to meet

The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island is meeting Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. at Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. The program Saturday, Feb. 18, will feature remarks by Bob Wolf, author and Kiwanis member.

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

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 through May, 9 a.m-2 p.m., Bradenton Public Market, Old Main Street, Bradenton. Information: 941-932-9439.

Second and fourth Saturdays, 2-4 p.m., Music on the Porch jam session, presented by the Florida Maritime Museum and Cortez Cultural Center, outdoors, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: floridamaritimemuseum.org, fmminfo@manateeclerk.com.

SAVE THE DATE

Feb. 24, Florida Maritime Museum’s screening of “Through the Tunnel” and “Eating Out: The Hunt for Sustainable Seafood,” Cortez.

Feb. 25, Bradenton Gulf Islands Concert Series at the Center of Anna Maria Island presents Grand Funk Railroad, Anna Maria.

March 4-5, Invitational at Holmes Beach/Anna Maria, Holmes Beach.

March 9-26, Island Players’ “The 39 Steps,” Anna Maria.

March 12, Island Players’ “How the Other Half Lives” auditions, Anna Maria.

March 18-19, Anna Maria Island Art League’s Springfest, Holmes Beach.

March 21, Bradenton Gulf Islands Concert Series at the Center of Anna Maria Island presents The Orchestra, Anna Maria.

KIDS & FAMILY

ON AMI

Wednesday, Feb. 15

6 p.m. — Bishop Museum of Science and nature workshop for families, “The Scientific Process,” Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-1908.

Thursday, Feb. 16

5:45 p.m. — Family movie night, “Scoob!,” Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Friday, Feb. 17

10 a.m. — Forty Carrots, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Saturday, Feb. 18

1 p.m. — Teen Art Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

10 a.m. — Family storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

ONGOING AROUND AMI

First Wednesdays, “SOAR in 4” family night, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131, bishopscience.org.

Through March 18, “Towers of Tomorrow with LEGO Bricks,” the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131, bishopscience.org.

SAVE THE DATE

March 10, Center of Anna Maria Island Bingo Bonanza, Anna Maria.

March 12, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Holmes Beach and Anna Maria.

March 18, Desoto National Memorial’s “Five Centuries of Florida History,” Bradenton.

April 15, Desoto National Memorial’s “Landing,” Bradenton.

April 29, De Soto Grand Parade, Bradenton.

CLUBS & COMMUNITY ON AMI

Thursday, Feb. 16

10:30 a.m. — Bishop Museum of Science and Nature Workshop Series for adults at the Center of Anna Maria Island, “Paleontology and Fossils,” 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-1908.

2 p.m. — Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Friday, Feb. 17

11:30 a.m. — Anna Maria Island Garden Club meeting and luncheon, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 781-983-1937.

Saturday, Feb. 18

11 a.m. — Meditation session, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Wednesday, Feb. 22

6 p.m. — Town hall meeting, Manatee County Commissioner George Kruse, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

ONGOING ON AMI

Most Wednesdays, 1 p.m., mahjong club beginners, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786341.

Second Wednesdays, noon, Off Stage Ladies meeting and luncheon, various locations. Fee applies. Information:” 941-9322798.

Thursdays, 6 p.m., Anne Silver Community Center bingo games, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Fee applies. Information: 413-441-6823.

Most Fridays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong club experienced players, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-

778-6341.

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

Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-778-1383.

Tuesdays, noon, duplicate bridge, Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 703582-7755.

ONGOING AROUND AMI

Second Fridays, 1 p.m., Parkinson’s Combined Support Group, Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-6493.

Mondays, 1 p.m., Thinking Out Loud discussions, the Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Information: 941-3836493.

Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island lunch meeting, Slicker’s Eatery, 12012 Cortez Road W., Cortez. Information: 512-944-4177, amirotary.org.

Second Tuesdays, 4 p.m., Cortez Village Historical Society meetings, Cortez Cultural Center, 11655 Cortez Road W., Cortez. Information: 941-840-0590, cortezvillagehistoricalsociety.org.

SAVE THE DATE

March 9-11, Friends of the Island Library jewelry sale, Holmes Beach.

March 11, Center of Anna Maria Island beach cleanup, Anna Maria.

March 17, Anna Maria Island Garden Club flower show, Anna Maria.

March 25, Clint Hurdle’s Hot Stove Dinner to benefit PraderWilli Syndrome Association, Holmes Beach.

April 1, Center of Anna Maria Island beach cleanup, Anna Maria.

April 16, Cortez Village Historical Society Village Picnic, Cortez.

April 21, Anna Maria Island Garden Club lunch and meeting, Anna Maria.

OUTDOORS & SPORTS

ON AMI

Thursday, Feb. 16

9 a.m. — Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources’ Seashell Shore Walk, Coquina Beach South, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-742-5923.

Saturday, Feb. 18

10:30 a.m. — Manatee County Hike with a Librarian, Leffis Key Preserve, 2351 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-748-5555.

ONGOING ON AMI

AMI Dragon Boat Team-Paddlers from Paradise practices and meetups, various times and locations. Information: 941-462-2626, mrbradway@gmail.com.

AROUND AMI

Saturday, Feb. 18

7 a.m.-noon — Manatee County FitFest, Robinson Preserve

Odd Duck Designs Shop

Turtle talk at Friends’ event

The Friends of the Island Library will continue their lecture and travel series Thursday, Feb. 16, hosting Karen and Chuck Anderson of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring.

The Andersons will talk about “a day in the life of a sea turtle volunteer,” including how and why AMITW volunteers survey the beaches, excavate nests and compile data relative to beach renourishment for the county and the state.

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

For more information, go online to friendsoftheislandlibrary.org or call the Island Library at 941- 7786341.

NEST, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW., Bradenton. Information: 941-7425923.

8:30 a.m. — Manatee County Audubon Society birding tour, Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W., Perico Island. Information: peaceandpaint53@gmail.com.

5-9 p.m. — Pittsburgh Pirates Block Party, Old Main Street, Bradenton. Information: 941-747-3031.

ONGOING AROUND AMI

Saturdays, 9 a.m., Robinson Runners run, walk stroll, Robinson Preserve NEST, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW., Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923, crystal.scherer@mymanatee.org, mymanatee.org.

Saturdays, 9 a.m., Mornings at the NEST, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW., Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923, mymanatee.org.

SAVE THE DATE

Feb. 25-March 28, Pittsburgh Pirates spring training season, Bradenton.

March 12, Skyway 10K, Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

April 7, Bradenton Marauders home opener, Bradenton.

GOOD TO KNOW

KEEP THE DATES

Feb. 20, Presidents Day.

Feb. 21, Fat Tuesday.

March 8, International Women’s Day.

March 12, daylight saving time.

March 13-17, Manatee County School District’s spring break.

March 17, St., Patrick’s Day.

March 20, Vernal Equinox.

April 1, April Fool’s Day.

April 9, Easter.

April 15, Tax Day.

April 22, Earth Day. Get listed! Send listings to calendar@islander.org.

“Anna Maria Island,” a signed pictorial history book of the island by bonner Joy, is available for $20 at The Islander office, 315 58th St., Holmes beach, or by mail. Visit islander.org or call 941-778-7978. $20 plus postage, if applicable.

“Mischief” and other art by Cosette Kosiba is at Island Gallery West in Holmes beach as part of a “guest artists in the gallery” program. Other guests: Debra Rhoads, Gail Curry and Lynn Coppinger. Islander Courtesy Photo

Grand Funk bound for AMI

Come on, come on, do the loco-motion.

Grand Funk Railroad is bound for Anna Maria Island

Feb. 25.

The Center of Anna Maria Island, in cooperation with the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Manatee County Tourist Development Council, will host the American rock band in an outdoor concert.

The band — on a 50th-anniversary tour in 2023 — is known for original tunes and covers — including “The Loco-Motion,” “We’re an American Band,” “Some Kind of Wonderful” and “I’m Your Captain.”

Gates will open at 6 p.m. An opening act takes the stage at 7 p.m. and the headliner goes on at 8 p.m.

The concert series will continue March 21 with The Orchestra, featuring former members of the Electric Light Orchestra.

Tickets can be purchased at the center 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday and online.

For more details, go online to www.centerami. org/events or call the center at 941-778-1908.

need a good laugh? visit the NEW emerson quillin signature store. humor, art,

gifts NEW LOCATION: HB Post Office, 5354 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach • emersonshumor.com

Gallery guests

Island happenings

Murder, she wrote! Mystery returns to community center

FISH to ‘Party with a Purpose’ in Cortez

For four decades, the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage has brought crowds to Cortez village to “party with a purpose.”

Hey sports fans

Pull out the scrapbooks and gather up the recollections because two anniversaries are on the calendar. The Pittsburgh Pirates return this month for spring training and they’ll be marking their 55th season in bradenton. Also, the 2023 season will mark the 100th year of professional baseball in bradenton.

Share memories of Major Leaguers and their presence on AMI. email lisa@islander.org.

The White Egret

FISH will host the 41st annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, set for Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 18-19, near the waterfront in the village’s west end in front of Starfish Co. Market and Restaurant and A.P. Bell Fish Co. between 123rd Street West and 124th Street West.

FISH’s purpose for the two-day party? To raise awareness about the value of working waterfronts in Florida and to raise money for the nonprofit’s missions, including the preservation of conservation land on the east side of the village — a buffer to development.

The 2023 theme for the volunteer-driven fest is “Cortez Kind” — “We like to think of the Cortez kind as “one of a kind,” because there truly is no other place like this on Earth,” read a news release from FISH. “The uniqueness and grit of the community is evident as soon as you step foot into the village, which continues to thrive in the face of storms — actual and proverbial — with hurricanes, regulations, red tides, pollution, development, foreign competition, even a global pandemic.”

Festival plans include musical performances, arts and crafts sales, maritime demonstrations, dock talks, raffles and food and beverage sales.

The entertainment lineup includes:

Saturday, Feb. 18: the Shanty Singers, 10 a.m.; Doug Deming and the Jewel Tones, 11:30 a.m.; fishermen’s fashion show, 1 p.m.; Eric Von Band, 2 p.m.; and Koko Ray, 4:30 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 19: Soupy Davis and the Band, 10:30 a.m.; fishermen’s fashion show, noon; Manatee River Blue Grass, 12:30 p.m.; Karen and Jimmy Band, 2:30 p.m. and Jason Harmon, 4:30 p.m.

Admission to the festival is $5 for those over 12.

Parking in Cortez is limited and FISH offered these details for festivalgoers:

• The Boy Scouts of America, in partnership with FISH, will offer on-site parking at the FISH Preserve a block east of the village, off Cortez Road, for a $5 donation.

From the lot, volunteers will provide transportation via golf carts to the festival entrance.

• Manatee County Area Transit offers fare-free bus service from Coquina Beach on Gulf Drive South in Bradenton Beach and G.T. Bray Park at the 59th Street West entrance in Bradenton.

• The Monkey Bus shuttle service — fueled by tips — will move festivalgoers between the event and off-site parking at Cortez Road Baptist Church, 411 100th St. W., Bradenton.

For more, go to fishcortez.org.

— Lisa Neff

eric Von of the eric Von band jams out at the 2022 Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival. The festival — and eric Von — returns to the village Feb. 18-19. Islander File Photo

Characters in the Center of Anna Maria Island’s 2023 murder-mystery dinner theater production look on in shock Feb. 10 from the stage, after Gonzo Alonzo, played by Ray Gardner, dies of mysterious cause. The play was written by brianna Roberts, with help from her mother, beth Shaughnessy. Roberts also directed the circus-themed mystery. Islander

Photo: Ryan Paice

AME Calendar

• Monday, Feb. 20, Presidents Day, no school.

• Tuesday, Feb. 21, third-grade play, 6:30 p.m., auditorium; PTO dinner with Pizza Social, 5 p.m., cafeteria.

• Friday, Feb. 24, Princess Ball, 5:30-7 p.m., auditorium.

• Wednesday, March 1, picture day.

• Friday, March 10, record day, no school.

• March 13-17, spring break, no school.

• Tuesday, March 28, second-grade play, 6:30 p.m., auditorium; PTO dinner TBD, 5 p.m., cafeteria.

• Thursday, April 6, walk-a-thon.

• Friday, April 7, record day, no school.

• Tuesday, April 25, first-grade play, 6:30 p.m., auditorium; PTO dinner TBD, 5 p.m.

• Saturday, May 13, spring gala.

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

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

AmE NEWS

by brook Morrison

AME-PTO jazzed about gala

While Anna Maria Elementary students are focused on reading, writing and testing, their parents are focusing on razzle-dazzle.

“We have been mostly testing the last two weeks,” principal Mike Masiello said Feb. 8, referring to scholastic activities.

Meanwhile, AME-PTO vice president Tammy Collins-Kerr arranged two committee meetings Feb. 10 to kick the razzle-dazzle spring gala details in gear.

“I’m working on official flyers and sponsorship opportunities,” Collins-Ker wrote in an email to The Islander Feb. 8.

The “Old Hollywood”-themed gala will take place at the IMG Academy ballroom in Bradenton May 13 and proceeds will support AME’s partnership in the Guy Harvey Academy of Arts and Sciences.

So a focus is lining up sponsors and gala sponsorship opportunities are numerous for businesses, as well as for AME families and supporters.

Eventgoers, for example, can sponsor table packages, tiered according to locations in the ballroom, with swag bags, door prizes and raffle tickets, plus auction paddles and a Hollywood gold star of fame.

And because all AME students are stars, the gala also offers supporters the ability to purchase rising stars for their AME student and a friend for $25 and to see the stars glisten from the ceiling — and take them home as a keepsake.

Dauber in hand

AMe fifth-grader Charlee Maize, left, checks her bingo cards at the Feb. 3 games at the Center of Anna Maria Island. The next bingo night is March 10. Islander

For AME-PTO supporters who want to share their talents, Collins-Kerr is looking for entertainers inspired by Hollywood legends, such as Liza Minnelli, Charlie Chaplin, Ginger Rogers, Fred Astaire, Dean Martin and Elvis.

For more information about getting involved or becoming a sponsor, visit the AME-PTO website at amepto.org.

Photo: brook Morrison

Gathering by Lisa Neff

Christ Church hosts concerts, dinner and show

The Winter Concert Series at Christ Church of Longboat Key will continue Sunday, Feb. 19, with a performance by the Cleveland Celtic Ensemble.

The final concert will be Sunday, March 5, featuring Todd Donovan and Dale Williams.

Ash Wednesday services signal start of Lent

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, will observe Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent Feb. 22 with a 9 a.m. service.

The Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, will hold its Ash Wednesday services at noon and 7 p.m.

At St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach, Ash Wednesday Mass will be at 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.

At Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, the Ash Wednesday service will begin in the chapel at noon.

Palm Sunday will be observed April 2; Good Friday, April 7 and Easter Sunday, April 9.

ON AMI

CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-0719, crosspointefellowship.church, @CrossPointeFellowship.

Worship: Sundays, 9 a.m.

Ongoing: Wednesdays, 7 a.m., men’s Bible meeting; Wednesdays, 6 p.m., supper; Wednesdays, Night Blast, 6:45 p.m.; Fridays, 10 a.m. women’s Bible meeting.

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

Worship: Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.; Sundays, 8 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. except Feb. 26, with one service at 9:15 a.m.

Ongoing: Wednesdays, 8 a.m., men’s meeting; Mondays, 1 p.m., book group; Tuesdays, 6 p.m. first and second, 5 p.m. third and fourth, Terrific Tuesdays.

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

Worship: Sundays, 9:30 a.m.

Ongoing: Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m., social gathering, Manatee Public Beach; Sundays, 10:15 a.m., coffee and fellowship.

Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church Ave.,

Growing

Worship

Concerts at the church, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, will begin at 2 p.m. There is no admission fee.

Also, the church’s second annual Ceilidh Dinner and Show will be 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, in the fellowship hall.

The cost to attend is $40 and reservations are required.

For more information, call the church at 941383-8833.

Roser hosts piano concert

The Roser Concert Series continues at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, with a performance by Eddie Tobin at the piano.

A free-will offering will be collected to support the series.

Tobin accompanied the Forester Sisters and Brenda Lee and served as music director and pianist with Engelbert Humperdinck.

At the concert, he’ll perform jazz, blues, standards, ragtime, classical, pop, calypso and country.

The final concert will be Sunday, March 19, featuring Ring Sarasota, a Sarasota-based handbell ensemble.

Roser Church is at 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

For more information, call the church at 941778-0414.

Longboat Island chapel collecting school supplies

At the Longboat Island Chapel charitable outreach committee’s social hour Feb. 28, attendees are asked to bring appetizers to share and school supplies to donate.

The Tuesday event will be 5-7 p.m. in the fellowship hall, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key.

For more, call the chapel at 941-383-6491.

St. Bernard Catholic Church rummage sale dates set

Looking for odds-and-ends for the kitchen or an addition to the clothes closet?

Look to St. Bernard Catholic Church, which will hold a two-day rummage sale Feb. 24-25.

The sale will feature a variety of items but especially a large assortment of clothes, according to Mary Manion, an organizer.

“We have had a tremendous amount of donations,” Manion said, adding that clothing offered at

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, @roserchurch.

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

Ongoing: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m., Roser Robics; Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Roser Thrift Store; Wednesdays, 6:15 p.m., Youth Performing Arts, first and third Wednesdays, 11: 30 a.m., Just Older Youth group programs with brown-bag lunch; Thursdays, 5:30 p.m., Roser Ringers rehearsal; 7 p.m., Thursdays, choir rehearsal; Sundays, 8:30 a.m., adult Sunday school and coffee and conversation sessions. St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-4769, stbernardcc.org, office@stbernardcc.

Sunday Ser vice 10 : 00 AM

The Rev. Dr. Norman Pritchard

Watch Our 10:00 AM Ser vice Li ve: / www.christchurchof ( k

W INTER C O N CERT S ERIES

•

SUNDAY

the sale will be in “excellent condition.”

She said shoppers also will find kitchen items, including “a lot of dishes,” as well as some home medical equipment, including a mobility scooter.

The sale will take place 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 24-25, at the church hall, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach.

For more information, call the church office at 941-778-4769.

org.

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

Ongoing: Mondays-Fridays, 8 a.m., rosary; Wednesdays, 7:30 a.m., Rosary on the Beach at Manatee Public Beach; second Thursdays, women’s guild luncheons; Saturdays, 3 p.m., confession.

OFF AMI

Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian USA, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Info: 941-900-4903, christchurchoflbk.org, @CCLBK.

Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.

Ongoing: Wednesdays, 10 a.m., Women’s Bible Study; Mondays, 9 a.m., Men’s Bible Study.

PLeASe, See TIDINGS, NeXT PAGe

Roser Church

“...a beautiful place to explore your faith...”

SUNDAY WORSHIP

8:30 AM & 10:00 AM

IN PERSON � in the Sanctuary Nursery • Children’s Church ONLINE � Watch LIVE or LATER RoserChurch.com

Text ROSER to 22828 to receive the weekly eBulletin

The CHAPEL is open during office hours for prayer and meditation 941-778-0414 • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria • FOLLOW us on Facebook @RoserChurch

Roser Concert Series Eddie Tobin

Worked with the Forester Sisters, Kenny Rogers, Brenda Lee, & Engelbert Humperdinck.

Featuring:

Tidings Compiled by Lisa Neff

Marilyn ‘Meo’ Diane Fox McIntosh

Marilyn “Meo” Diane Fox McIntosh, 80, formerly of Anna Maria Island, died surrounded by her loving family at her Bradenton home Jan. 27.

She was born April 27, 1942, in Fulton, New York, to Barbara Jean Scudder and Floyd Gerald Fox, the eldest of three children. She was a descendant of immigrants who sailed to North America on the Mayflower in 1620, and American Revolutionary War hero Nathan Hale also was among her ancestors.

She graduated from Fulton High School and Oswego State University.

On Dec. 26, 1962, she married Donald Craig McIntosh of Tampa. The couple moved to Anna Maria Island in 1968 with their sons, Scott and Brett.

Before retiring in 1993, Meo endeared herself to many as a teacher in local schools, including Bradenton, Palma Sola, Ballard, and Anna Maria elementary schools. She co-owned A Classic Shop in Bradenton, a woman’s boutique specializing in business attire.

She was a breast cancer survivor.

She enjoyed traveling to France, Italy, Scandinavia, Canada, Alaska and to Bend, Oregon. She was an avid birdwatcher and she loved animals.

Honoring her wishes, there will be no service. Memorial donations may be made to a favorite pet or wildlife charity in her name, or to Tidewell Hospice.

Alan Hardy Prather

Alan Hardy Prather, esquire, 74, died Feb. 5. He was born Jan. 28, 1949, in Gainesville to the late Hardy and Freda Prather.

Annie Silver fills board seats, names officers

by Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Annie Silver Community Center’s membership held its board election Feb. 4.

Bruce Butler and Wally Sinn of Bradenton were elected during the meeting to help lead the center at 103 23rd Street N., Bradenton Beach.

Butler, who moved in the past year to Bradenton from Cincinnati, has said he wants to expand services and upgrade technology at Annie Silver.

Sinn, a seasonal resident, said he and his wife Carol have been attending community center events for the better part of four years.

They are from Ohio and reside January-May in Bradenton.

“We really enjoy it, love the people,” Sinn said. “Hopefully we’ll grow a little bit. We’re always looking for new members.”

“When we come down to Florida, Annie Silver and AMI are one of Carol’s and my favorite spots and

bradenton resident Wally Sinn pauses for a photo Feb. 4 at the Annie Silver Community Center on being elected to the center’s board of directors.

bradenton resident bruce butler was elected Feb. 4 to the Annie Silver Community Center board.

Islander Photos: Courtesy Peg Miller

it’s where we spend most of our time,” he continued. The community center has been in operation since 1952, after the election of the center’s first president, Floyd Myers.

The center was formed to provide a meeting place and promote goodwill in the Bradenton Beach community.

Annie Silver, whose vision for center that bears her name, wanted it to be owned by the community for bingo games, book club meetings, garden shows and shared suppers.

The board also includes returning members: president Jim Hassett, vice president Donna Kirkpatrick, treasurer Dianne Coates and secretary Judy Pruitt.

Peg Miller, who has worked with the center for several years, did not return to the board.

People can join the center for $5 a year.

The next board meeting will be at 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, at the center, 103 23rd Street N. Contact Hassett at 413-441-6823 for more information.

Raised in Florida and North Carolina, he earned a bachelor’s degree at High Point College. Upon graduation, he was commissioned in the U.S. Marine Corps and admitted to the University of Florida College of Law. He was a true Gator! After graduation from UofF, he served four years as a military JAG officer before returning to Florida and commencing a private law practice.

Mr. Prather served the fi rm of Porges, Hamlin, Knowles & Hawk, P.A., in an “of counsel” capacity. He was board certified in city, county and local government law and was appointed to the City, County & Local Government Law Certification Committee from 1998 to 2004 and again 2009-15, leaving as chair.

25, at Christ Episcopal Church, 4030 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, with a reception to follow in the parish hall. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Prather

He has represented government entities in one capacity or another, including Manatee County, the cities of Bradenton, Bradenton Beach and Palmetto, as well as the Manatee County School Board and various special districts and corporations.

At your service

Obituaries are offered as a community service to residents and families of residents, both past and present, as well as to those people with ties to the island. Submit to news@islander.org. Obituaries are provided free — a service of your community newspaper.

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

TIDINGS FROM PAGe 14

Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Info: 941-383-6491, longboatislandchapel.org, @longboatislandchapel.

Worship: Sundays, 10 a.m.

Ongoing: Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Lord’s Warehouse Thrift Shop; Wednesdays, 10 a.m., Bible study; Mondays, 4 p.m., choir rehearsal.

Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Info: 941-383-3428.

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

Ongoing: Fridays, 6:45 p.m., choir call.

SPECIAL DATES & EVENTS

Through March 1, Wednesdays, 10 a.m. or 2 p.m., Roser Church’s “In the Hebrew Scriptures” program.

Feb. 18, 8 a.m.-11 a.m., Roser Church Pancake Breakfast.

Feb. 19, 4 p.m., Roser Church’s Eddie Tobin concert.

Feb. 19, Temple Beth Israel gala dinner, 5:30 p.m., Michael’s on East, Sarasota.

Feb. 22, Ash Wednesday.

Feb. 24-25, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., St. Bernard Rummage Sale.

He was a member of the Florida Bar Association, the Manatee County Bar Association and the U. S. Supreme Court. It was at his first job in Manatee County that he met his wife, Beverly. They have been happily married for 37 years. He proudly became father to Beverly’s three children.

He attended Christ Episcopal Church, served on the vestry and participated as a reader/chalice bearer and chancellor.

A funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb.

Special thanks from the family go to the ICU and hospice staff of HCA Florida Blake Hospital for their care. Memorial donations may be made to Christ Episcopal Church or the Salvation Army. Condolences may be made at brownandsonsfuneral.com

Mr. Prather is survived by wife Beverly; sister Robyn Spangler and family; daughter Jennifer and husband Mike Taylor; sons Ben and wife Jenny Sabo and Nathan and wife Jen Sabo; grandchildren Christian Taylor, Kayleigh Sabo, Isabel Taylor, Chase Thornton, Orin Taylor, Christian Sabo, Amelia Sabo and Grady Sabo; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

McIntosh

As fresh as it gets …

Styling by the garden muse

Cory Wright walks the runway Feb. 8 in jewelry and a dress from Nomad Collection, Anna Maria, during the Anna Maria Island Garden Club Fashion Show at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Islander

Photos: Ryan Paice

Super winner

LeFT: Jason Gargiule pauses Feb. 8 while modeling with bentley for AMI beach & Dog Supply Co., Anna Maria.

RIGHT: Adrian Griffin Feb. 8 takes the hand of her daughter, Carolina, as they model motherdaughter Lily Pulitzer dresses for Island Cabana, Anna Maria, in the AMI Garden Club Fashion Show.

Garden club to meet

Anna Maria Island Garden Club members will gather at 11:45 a.m. Friday, Feb. 17, for a general meeting and luncheon.

The meeting will be at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

For more information about the garden club, call Charlotte Noyes at 781-983-1937.

The Islander guess-the-score winner in the Feb. 12 Super bowl Contest is bob Stephens of bradenton! His score guess: Chiefs 31, eagles 27. Call The Islander, 941-7787978, to claim your prize!

CHIEFS 38, EAGLES 35

Enjoy

Guests at the Feb. 8 garden club fashion show raise their glasses for a toast as the festivities begin. The event benefitted the Anna Maria Island Garden Club, which is raising money for to purchase wind sculptures.

Cops & Courts

Local woman serving 10 years for abuse of dead body

Michelle Haney, 51, is serving a prison sentence for abuse of a dead human body.

Haney, whose address on court documents was listed as general delivery in Anna Maria, pleaded no contest to the second-degree felony and Feb. 6 she was moved to the Florida Women’s Reception Center in Ocala.

She was arrested Dec. 9, 2020, on North Bay Boulevard in Anna Maria, accused of disposing of human body parts in a garbage can at a former residence in Bradenton.

A Manatee County Sheriff’s Offi ce report said when Haney moved from an apartment in September 2020, she asked a neighbor to keep a garbage can containing personal belongings until she settled.

Two weeks later, the neighbor looked into the can because of a bad odor. Under blankets and clothes, the neighbor found trash bags containing body parts.

The MCSO said Haney then confessed that in July 2020 she arrived to her apartment to find the man with whom she was living, Jon Leonard, dead. She covered the body in a bedspread and placed it in the closet for three weeks, when she moved the body to the garbage can.

The MCSO said Haney collected Leonard’s government benefits check for months.

12th Circuit Judge Frederick P. Mercurio issued an order in December finding Haney guilty and placing her in the custody of the Florida Department of Corrections for a 10-year term, with credit for 729 days already served in incarceration.

Haney also was sentenced to pay more than $800 in fees and earlier this month the state filed a motion for restitution.

Her current release date is Feb. 1, 2031.

— Lisa Neff

Island watch

In an emergency, call 911.

To report information, call the MCSO Anna Maria substation, 941-7088899; Bradenton Beach police, 941-778-6311; or Holmes Beach police, 941-708-5804.

Largo police revisit cold case with ties to BB

It’s a cold, cold case.

But the Largo Police Department turned to Twitter Feb. 7 to appeal for help on the 1994 case with an island twist.

James Woodard was 43 in 1994 when he went missing.

Largo police began their investigation into his whereabouts in the fall of 1994, after Woodard’s family became worried, saying they had no contact with him for months.

Investigators followed a trail of clues that led from his last date at work in Pinellas County — April 29, 1994, to his last known whereabouts — the Tropic Isle Motel, now the Anna Maria Island Inn, 2200 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach.

Woodard checked out of the motel May 13, 1994, according to information in LPD’s “Cold Case Spotlight.”

He was driving a 1993 Mazda in the spring of 1994 and records indicate he purchased a .380 caliber handgun shortly before he went missing.

Investigators with the LPD in Pinellas County said there has been no further known activity involving Woodard since that day he left the motel.

People with information are asked to call Largo Police Detective Colin Bolton of the Investigative Services Division at 727-586-7480.

— Robert Anderson

The Largo Police Department posted a call for help on a “cold case” to its social media accounts, including on Twitter.

Streetlife Staff reports Island police reports

Anna Maria

No new reports.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office polices Anna Maria.

Bradenton Beach

No new reports.

The Bradenton Beach Police Department polices Bradenton Beach.

Cortez

No new reports.

The MCSO polices Cortez.

Holmes Beach

Jan. 31, 4500 block of Gulf Drive, no license. An officer saw a motorist on a scooter proceed through a red light and was following when the scooter driver illegally passed another vehicle on the right by driving into the bicycle lane. The officer tried to conduct a traffic stop but the scotter driver kept going until coming to a stop in a parking lot. The officer detained

the driver for fleeing law enforcement. The driver did not have a motorcycle endorsement, and the officer issued a criminal traffic citation and three uniform traffic citations for running a red light, driving in a bike lane and failing to stop for an emergency vehicle.

Feb. 1, 200 block of 52nd Street, burning/burying. An officer saw a small camp-style fire in a city park and spoke to a man who said he started the fire for warmth. The officer extinguished the fire and issued the man a notice to appear before the city’s special magistrate.

Feb. 2, 5000 block of Gulf Drive, fraud. An officer responded to reports of a telephone scam. The officer interviewed a man who said he paid $496 and provided personal information in a fraud attempt. The officer advised the man to cancel his credit cards and freeze his credit. The man provided a sworn statement.

Feb. 6, Publix Super Market, 3900 E. Bay Drive, open alcohol container. Two officers responded to reports of people drinking alcohol outside the store. The officers found two men with an open bottle of alcohol who told the officers that they’d been drinking. The officers issued a court summons to the man with the bottle and supervised as a Publix manager issued a trespass warning to the pair.

HBPD polices Holmes Beach.

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

Islander Screenshot

AM preservation board reviews ‘appropriate’ remodel

by Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

How far is too far?

Anna Maria’s historic preservation board will try to answer that question Feb. 15 for ongoing construction on a property at 302 Gulf Blvd. that was designated as historic.

The property is owned by Harry and Dominque Hostetler and was designated by the board as a historic property, one of four “Gulf Beach Cottages” built in the early 1910s that had retained much of its original design.

The city designation is an official recognition of historical signifi cance that may help a property owner acquire grants or tax incentives for preserving or repairing their structures.

The board, which was created in 2017 to help preserve the city’s historic properties, unanimously voted in September 2022 to approve a certificate of appropriateness for proposed modifications to the property.

The modifications included further enclosing the inset front porch by about four feet, adding new French doors and a Juliet balcony to the facade, changing two rear windows and replacing existing windows with hurricane-rated windows that replicate the original style.

City planner Ashley Austin told members of the historic preservation board at their Feb. 10 meeting that last December city staff discovered the property’s entire roof had been removed as part of the work.

She said such work went beyond the approved certificate of appropriateness and a stop work order was issued in December.

Austin recommended rescinding the property’s historical designation due to the unspecified work.

However, board members concluded that the construction might not disqualify the property from the historic designation and unanimously voted not to rescind its designation pending the approval of a new certificate of appropriateness including the previously unspecified work.

A historic property at 302 Gulf blvd., Anna Maria, remained under construction Feb. 10, exceeding a certificate of appropriateness from the city’s historic preservation board. Islander

The board will discuss a new certificate of appropriateness at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

Directions to attend can be found at cityofannamaria.com.

On the cover!

Magazines on the newsstand don’t always make news for The Islander, but ..... bUT, the name sure got this islander’s eye Feb. 3 at the Publix checkout. Garth brooks — “American Icon” — and wife Trisha Yearwood — a Food Network star — purchased the old Layby Resort in Holmes beach, owned by the Norfolk-Southern Railroad since it was built in 1963, in October 2019 and, from all accounts, remodeling is still underway. Keep your eyes peeled for star power. Islander Photo: bonner Joy

COME TRY HARRY'S NEW CREATIVE LIBATION MENU!

Harry's features a wide variety of craft cocktails, award-winning drinks, an extensive wine selection paired with coastal cuisine

Cindy Dunham-Tozer took the reins of Holmes beach treasurer beginning Feb. 6 following the retirement of Lori Hill. Dunham-Tozer told The Islander Feb. 8 that her time in Holmes beach has been “great” and she’s excited to be working for the city. She’s from Michigan, where she worked in manufacturing and for the Fruitport Charter Township. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

Photo: Ryan Paice

New treasurer heading up finances in HB

Palma Sola scenic highway entity aims to add restrooms

by Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Visitors on the south side of the Palma Sola Scenic Highway must dodge traffic when they dart for the bathrooms on the north side.

So Palma Sola Scenic Highway Corridor Management Entity vice chair Ingrid McClellan said Feb. 8 she has been in contact with the Bradenton public works department about adding portable restrooms on the south side of the scenic highway.

The entity is a committee of Bradenton, Manatee County, Holmes Beach and nonprofit representatives that monitor, protect, beautify and promote the statedesignated scenic highway along Manatee Avenue/ State Road 64 from 75th Street West in Bradenton to East Bay Drive in Holmes Beach.

McClellan proposed last August adding crosswalks with lighted signage and lowering the speed limit near restrooms along the north side of the causeway to allow people to more safely cross the busy roadway.

However, the right of way along the south side of the highway is owned by the Florida Department of Transportation and maintained by Bradenton.

The CME contacted the DOT about McClellan’s proposal but and the state determined crosswalks and associated signage would present too significant an impediment to traffic flow.

However, McClellan said Bradenton public works staff were receptive to the idea of stationing portable restrooms along the south side of the highway.

Public restrooms at Palma Sola Causeway Park on the north side of the Palma Sola Scenic Highway. Scenic Highway Corridor Management entity members want to add restrooms to the south side of the roadway so people don’t have to cross traffic. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

She said the restrooms would need to be locked at night to prevent people from sleeping in them, but was in favor of adding portable restrooms.

McClellan said she could seek quotes for such restrooms and determine the cost of maintenance, so the choices could be presented to the Bradenton City Council for consideration.

The CME reached consensus to approve McClel-

Regional planners set ‘zero’ fatalities target for 2023

Regional transportation planners set a target of zero fatalities in Sarasota and Manatee counties for 2023.

But an estimate shows the number of deaths on area roads likely will exceed 120.

The Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization board met Jan. 23 in Venice and adopted safety targets to meet a federal mandate.

The board, after hearing what several members characterized as a “sobering report” on crash trends, unanimously voted to set goals of zero fatalities and zero serious injury crashes even though the data indicates deaths and injuries are rising at rates that exceed the rate of population growth.

“There’s no penalty in going to zero,” MPO planning manager Ryan Brown said. “We’re really looking at it as a way to bring more recognition to the problem.”

An MPO report indicted 80 fatalities in 2014, 139 in 2016, 126 in 2018, 126 in 2020 and an estimated 122 in 2022.

There were an estimated 880 serious injuries in

2022.

Board members mentioned four reasons for rising rates of fatalities and injuries:

• Speeding;

• Distracted driving;

• Drivers new to the area and unfamiliar with the road system and rules;

• Reluctance to wear seat belts.

“That trend is growing,” said L.K. Nandam, District 1 secretary for the Florida Department of Transportation. “Almost 36 percent of fatal crashes are associated with folks not wearing seat belts.”

Next the MPO staff will draft proposals and recommendations to improve safety on area roads.

A report shared Jan. 23 identified more than 50 high crash intersections and road segments in the Sarasota/Manatee region and said funds could be sought for safety improvements, including on Gulf Drive from 58th Street to Holmes Boulevard in Holmes Beach and on North Bay Boulevard from Pine Avenue to Poinsettia Road in Anna Maria.

— Lisa Neff

lan’s proposal to seek quotes for portable restrooms on the south side of the roadway.

The CME will meet next at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 12, at the Bradenton public works department, 1411 Ninth St. W., Bradenton.

People can email infoscenicmanatee@gmail.com for directions to attend the meeting via Zoom.

RoadWatch

Eyes on the road

• Manatee County is relocating and replacing sewer lines in Bradenton Beach along Gulf Drive from Sixth Street South to 13th Street South. Motorists can expect traffic delays. For more information, go online to amiprojects.io.

• A Holmes Beach contractor continues working near the intersection of Gulf and Marina drives on new amenities, requiring detours and closures at Marina in the city center. Traffic patterns can change. For the latest, check the city’s page on Facebook.

• Manatee County is working on a force main project along Holmes Boulevard, which can result in some traffic delays and congestion. For more information, go online to amiprojects.io.

For area road watch information, go online to swflroads.com or dial 511.

— Lisa Neff

Gumbozilla

Andre’s Famous Gumbo Made-Fresh Daily Breakfast & Lunch Sandwiches & Salads

Pressed Cubans . Chicken Salad . Soup du Jour

Dog food, household items, cold beverages, beer, wine, cigs. FRIENDLY SERVICE!

Look for the BLUE market at the light 51st & Manatee 5104 Manatee Ave W . Bradenton . 941.896.6245

HB reports no issues enforcing plastic straw prohibition

by Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The city of Holmes Beach’s efforts to encourage eco-friendly products have been well-received by businesses.

JT Thomas, the city’s code compliance supervisor, told The Islander Jan. 31 that there have been no issues enforcing an ordinance adopted in October 2022 prohibiting the distribution and sale of marine-nonbiodegradable beverage straws in an effort to protect sea life that can be harmed by litter.

Plastic straws are one of the most common types of single-use plastics — plastic products generally used once and then disposed. Straws are small enough to become lodged in sea turtles’ noses or ingested by sea turtles and other marine life.

State law preempts local municipalities from regulating single-use plastic or foam other than straws, and the city moved forward with the prohibition to cover its bases.

The city also adopted a resolution Jan. 12 opposing preemption of local legislative efforts to address proliferation of single-use plastics and encouraging local residents and businesses to reduce the use of such products.

Thomas told The Islander about 75% of the city’s restaurants and businesses already were using biodegradable straws and other eco-friendly materials before the prohibition was adopted, easing the transition.

Code compliance staff visited every restaurant in the city after the prohibition passed and “not one” refused to comply with the prohibition, according to Thomas.

“When it comes to anything about the beach or environment … all the businesses in Holmes Beach are on board with doing the right thing,” Thomas said. “They want to be on the right side of history.”

Businesses with nonbiodegradable straws have been allowed to exhaust their stored inventory before transitioning to biodegradable products.

Thomas said any violators would be warned and given an opportunity to correct an offense. If a violation persisted, the case could be brought before the city’s special magistrate.

“But I don’t think we’ll have any problems,” Thomas said.

He said while businesses were on the same page, the city was creating a campaign to educate the public about the harmful effects of bringing nonbiodegradable straws to the beach.

The campaign will include signage at beach access points and a video featuring public works administrator Matt McDonough and Thomas.

“We want everybody to get on board and help us get rid of plastic straws,” Thomas said.

Shawn Culhane of the Ugly Grouper, 5704 Marina Drive, told The Islander Feb. 1 that the restaurant has been using Miami-based Greenprint natural agave straws for a few months.

Culhane said the restaurant had used paper straws

that deteriorated too quickly in cold drinks, resulting in customer complaints, but the agave straws work well.

He said he hadn’t received a single complaint about the biodegradable straws, so the restaurant had 20,000 in storage and plans to continue using them.

Culhane said the restaurant goes through several thousands of straws per month, so he was happy to ensure waste wouldn’t harm the local environment.

“I grew up out here on the island,” Culhane said. “I care about the island and the people that come here, so we try not to trash it.”

Christofer Dale, co-owner of The Feast Restaurant, 5406 Marina Drive, told The Islander Feb. 2 his restaurant also is using agave straws and hadn’t received a complaint about them.

Dale said that in addition to using agave straws, the restaurant has used eco-friendly products such as recyclable carryout boxes and paper straws for several years.

“I’ve lived here my whole life, so I want to see the beaches stay nice,” Dale said. “We’re definitely trying to do our part.”

Palmetto resident Gloria Pruitt, left, drinks her beverage Feb. 1 through a biodegradable agave straw while dining with husband Jerry at the Ugly Grouper, 5704 Marina Drive, Holmes beach. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

Thomas

KRC crowns men’s, women’s champs, challenges in football

by Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter

After the Super Bowl in the NFL, some look to fall for more ball, but football plays on in Anna Maria.

The bell curve is evident in the standings of the adult fl ag football league at the Center of Anna Maria Island, where Luxury Services leads the way with a 5-0 record followed by Moss Builders at 4-1. Three teams —

receiving touchdown, while also adding two interceptions on defense, including one he returned for a TD. Jack Mattick added a TD pass and a pair of TD runs, while Kaleb Romagnino completed the scoring with a pick-six.

Charlie Rogers paced Sandhoff Construction with two touchdown passes and a pick-six on defense, while Van Havell and Luke VanDuinen each finished with TD grabs in the loss.

Briley Mortgage, Banks Home Leading and Sold Rock Construction —are 3-2, while Gulf Drive Cafe and Sandbar Restaurant at 1-4 and Ugly Grouper at 0-5 complete the standings. Not a perfect bell curve, but pretty darn close.

Cassidy

Action last week got started Feb. 9 with Luxury Services squaring off against Briley Mortgage. Depending on one’s perspective, the first half was a dominant display of defense or that both offenses struggled.

Luxury Services finally broke through at the 11-minute mark when Chase Richardson threw one up and Sequiel Marintez somehow came down with the ball for a touchdown, despite tight coverage by Alonzo Lemus. From that point on, Luxury Services had its way, opening up an 18-0 halftime lead on the way to a 38-12 romp.

Richardson finished with four TD passes and an interception return for a TD. Jonathan Soutatos ran for one TD and added two TD grabs in the victory.

Quarterback Matt Briley ran for two TDs for Briley Mortgage in the loss.

The second game of the evening saw Solid Rock Construction cruise past Ugly Grouper by a 36-0 score, while the last game saw Banks Home Leading outscore Gulf Drive Cafe 42-22.

The game of the week had to be the 8 p.m. matchup between Moss and the Sandbar. Moss Builders held on for a 58-55 victory behind fi ve TD passes and one rushing TD from quarterback Ryan Moss. Moss connected with Brandon Rolland for three TDs and an extra point and Greg Moss and Peggy Smith for touchdown catches.

Matt Manger paced Sandbar Restaurant with seven TD passes, including five to Christian Hampton and one each to Bradley Coleman and Zachary Routh in the loss.

Youth flag football heats up

Three teams in each division of the youth flag football league at the center have jumped out in front and appear to be the main contenders for a championship.

Sato Real Estate at 4-0, Solid Rock Construction and Westfall’s Lawn Care & Pest Control at 3-1 top the standings in the 8-10 division. Island Real Estate and AMI Coconuts follow with 2-2 records with Moss Builders and Cloud Pest Control right behind at 1-3. SynLawn completes the standings at 0-4.

Pineapple Market Place tops the 11-13 standings with 3-1 Moss Builders and Solid Rock Construction right behind. Shady Lady Horticultural Services holds down fourth place ahead of Sandhoff Construction, Storage Building Company, Intentional Resilient Intuitive and Chick-Fil-A, all 1-3.

Action for the 8-10s kicked off Feb. 6 with AMI Coconuts cruising to a 34-12 victory over Cloud Pest Control, while later in the evening Westfall’s Lawn Care earned a 35-0 shutout victory over SynLawn. The last game of the evening saw first-place Sato outscore Island Real Estate 26-7.

The game of the week in the 8-10 division had to be Solid Rock’s 26-21 victory over Moss Builders. Solid Rock Quarterback Kyle Mims threw four TD passes, including two to Elijah Roadman, with TD grabs from Matthew Darak and Isaac Roadman in the victory.

Aidan Guess ran for a score and threw for two touchdowns for Moss Builders, which also received TDs from Jedi Smith and Luke Willing in the loss.

Action in the 11-13 division Feb. 7 produced four blowouts, starting with Solid Rock shutting out Shady Lady 26-0, followed by a 24-0 shutout victory by Moss Builders over Intentional Resilient Intuitive. The last game of the night saw Chick-Fil-A earn its first victory, a 26-8 triumph over Storage Building Company.

In the evening of blowouts, Pineapple Market Place’s 41-22 victory over Sandhoff Construction was the 11-13 game of the week. Peyton Hovda had a strong all-around game, finishing with one rushing and

Football action continues Feb. 13 for the 8-10s and 11-13s on Feb. 14, kicking off both nights at 6 p.m. at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

From the pits

Horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall pits Feb. 8 was short and sweet as Steve Doyle and Rod Bussey posted the lone perfect record in pool play and were the day’s outright champs.

Three teams advanced to the knockout stage during Feb. 11 action with Bob Palmer and Bob Baker drawing the lucky bye into the finals. Bussey and Rick Martinez advanced to the finals with a 23-3 dismantling of Bob Hawks and Bob Rowley.

In a final that saw seven double-ringers, Bussey and Martinez cruised into the winner’s circle with a 23-3 victory over Palmer-Baker, while allowing Bussey to remain perfect for the week.

Play gets underway at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Anna Maria pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by random team selection.

There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome.

PLeASe, See SPORTS, NeXT PAGe

erick Lawson and Debi Wohlers are 2023 Key Royale Club champions. Rounds were played Feb. 1 and Feb. 8. Islander Photo: Courtesy KRC

Luxury Services defender Sequiel Marintez breaks up a pass intended for brandin Holcomb of briley Mortgage during Feb. 9 flag football action. Islander Photo: Kevin P. Cassidy

Winter’s targetable species vary as much as temps

by Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

With temperatures ranging from the mid 40s to the mid 80s, trying to figure out what to target from one day to the next has anglers’ heads spinning.

With days in the 80s, some anglers are hooking up live shiners as bait to target snook, redfish and trout on the flats. Although using shiners in February isn’t common, it’s not also not new.

Most action is occurring during afternoon tides, when the shallow waters over the flats have warmed for the day.

That said, if you’re fishing the normal tides, you’ll need to switch tactics.

For the snook, it’s best to go later in the day.

For trout, drifting and jigging with soft plastics is working well. It seems as if getting the jig down on the bottom, in front of the trout, will trigger a strike.

For the redfish, casting live shrimp in sandy potholes or around docks seems preferable during the cooler morning hours.

If after a string of warm days, a front arrives to bring temperatures down to the 40s to our area, causing drastic sudden drops in water temperatures, that changes everything. The snook you were catching, won’t be eating, and even the trout may shut down for a day or two until the conditions level off. As for the reds, they can be fairly tolerant of colder water, although a sudden change might trigger lockjaw for them, too.

If you just have to go fishing during a cold front, no matter what, it’s best to stock up on live shrimp and target sheepshead and black drum. They don’t mind cooler water temps and will feed through a front.

On my Just Reel charters, I am working the flats of Sarasota Bay on the good days — when the air temp is warm and the wind is calm — where drifting and jigging with soft plastics is working well for spotted seatrout. On some mornings, I’m seeing 20-30 fish

SPORTS FROM PAGe 24

Key Royale news

The Key Royale Club saw action for the annual club championship Feb. 1 and Feb. 8. Playing 36 holes of total stroke-play golf, Eric Lawson retained the men’s club championship with a 6-over-par 134. Gary Risner was alone in second at 10-over-par 138, while Tim Donnar was another two strokes back in third place.

Debi Wohlers won the women’s title at 163, three strokes ahead of second-place finisher Linda Dorsey.

Jenny Huibers took third place at 170.

Jim Hitchen carded a plus-6 to win the men’s weekly modified-Stableford system match Feb. 6. Art McMillan was one point back in second, while Doug Albrecht and Terry Schaefer tied for third at plus-3.

The women played their weekly nine-hole individual-low-net match Feb. 7 in two fl ights. Hellen Pollock lapped the fi eld with a 4-under-par 28 for low-net round of the day and first-place in Flight A. Sue Wheeler and Roxanne Koche tied for second at 1-under-par 31.

Sue Christenson’s 2-under-par 30 gave her a onestroke victory in Flight B over second-place finisher

Gabe bragg, 12, shows off a nice juvenile spotted seatrout he caught with a straight tail 1/4-ounce jighead and released Feb. 8 while fishing the shoreline at the south Palma Sola Causeway.

caught on a jig and sizes are 12-20 inches, most in the 15-inch range.

Targeting redfi sh and sheepshead is producing some action on live shrimp as bait. Most reds being caught are 15-22 inches — but some fish exceeding 30 inches are being caught by lucky anglers.

As for the sheepies, fish in the 2-pound range are the norm.

Capt. David White is spending his days working inshore and nearshore. On nearshore structure, hogfish are the highlight. Dropping live shrimp on a bottom rig in depths of 40-50 feet of water is yielding hogfish and the usual suspects — Key West grunts, porgies and snappers.

Moving toward shore, White is using shiners as bait, which is yielding good results on snook in the afternoons. Spotted seatrout also are responding to the shiners during afternoon tides.

Marti Clark.

Huibers had a birdie on the third hole and Koche and Christenson both had chipins on their rounds.

The week ended Feb. 9 with a nine-hole shamble with two scores tallied from each group.

The team of Brian Comer, Larry Davis, Wayne Patterson and Mike Riddick combined on a 1-under-par 63 to earn clubhouse bragging rights for the day. Tony Donnelly, Joe Ireland, Brett Lance and Ron Vandeman were one stroke back in second, ahead of third-pace finishers John Cassese, Clint Hurdle, Art McMillan and Deb Richardson.

Capt. Jason Stock is happy to say the African pompano bite is the showcase on his recent charters. Fishing depths of 80-120 feet is leading to numerous catches, with some in the 25-pound range.

Targeting amberjack also is keeping Stock and his clients entertained. Casting live bait or surface plugs in areas where these fish are present is leading to instant hookups, and some drawn out battles on heavy spinning gear.

For those looking to bring home dinner, Stock is putting them to work on bottom fish, resulting in many tasty species. Red grouper is top of the list, with a mix of vermilion and lane snapper to round out the menu.

Capt. Warren Girl is finding action while covering the flats of Sarasota Bay. By drifting and jigging with soft plastics, Girle is putting clients on good numbers of spotted seatrout. A mix of slot-fish and fish slightly under-slot are making up the bite.

While targeting trout, Girle is hooking into numerous ladyfish, which are quite entertaining on medium spinning tackle.

Switching over to pompano jigs is producing a bite, too, from the sandy potholes throughout the deeper grass flats. At times, tipping the jigs with shrimp is leading to more action.

On windier days, Girle is patrolling docks for sheepshead, redfish and black drum. Live shrimp on a knocker rig is working in these scenarios.

Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says there are so many visitors on the pier, it’s hard to look over the side to see what’s swimming below. Every once in a while, there’s a break in the action when Malfese says he can count the growing numbers of sheepshead.

Pier fishers using live shrimp are catching sheepshead with frequency, although Malfese anticipates the bite will get even better in the weeks to come. While targeting sheepshead with live shrimp, bait pier fishers also are hooking into black drum.

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

TideWatch

by Lisa Neff

Red tide bloom diminishes

The red tide organism, Karenia brevis , was detected — to lesser degrees — in Southwest Florida during the week ending Feb. 12.

In Southwest Florida, K. brevis was observed at background to low concentrations in Manatee County, very low concentrations in Pinellas County, and background to medium concentrations in Sarasota County.

There were no reports of red-tide related fish kills or respiratory irritation from Manatee.

For more information, go online to myfwc.com/ research/redtide/.

Stasny

BY RICH KATZ / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ

No.

By Lisa Neff

Appraisal time

Manatee County is in the market for conservation land.

And county staff, committee members and commissioners have specific ideas of where and what they want to acquire, based on recommendations made Feb. 7 at a workshop at the administration building in Bradenton.

The board of county commissioners gave their staff direction to proceed with work that could lead to the acquisition of three properties, all reviewed and recommended after voters in 2020 established a 0.15 property tax and authorized the issuance of up to $50 million in bonds to buy and protect water resources, preserve marine life and wildlife habitat and provide parks.

The properties include:

• Terra Ceia Addition, 90 acres situated south of Seaport Manatee and adjacent to Terra Ceia State Park that’s ideal for hiking and biking, according to county environmental lands program manager Debra Woithe.

• Gospel Crusade, 38 acres situated upriver from Fort Hamer that’s ideal for hiking, fishing, camping and paddling.

• Gospel Crusade East, 25 acres situated upriver from Fort Hamer that’s ideal for hiking, paddling, fishing and picnicking.

Charlie Hunsicker, director of the county parks and natural resources department, told commissioners the property owners are willing to sell.

He also said the county could partner on the projects to make use of state funds.

At the workshop, there also was mention of two other properties — including a “high priority” property

identified as the 1,816-acre “Parrish Farms Preserve” and a “medium priority” property identifi ed as the 31-acre “Perico Bayou.”

The Parrish property includes abundant wildlife, including 17 species of “greatest conservation need.”

The Perico property would be ideal for hiking and its purchase would complete Perico Preserve, as well as avoid the threat of an easement through the preserve for a residence.

Hunsicker said the acquisition of the Perico property was under evaluation by the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

Another “medium-priority” property to watch as the county continues its work to acquire conservation lands is the 38-acre “Anderson Property” along the Manatee River near Robinson Preserve.

The Anderson Property, which would be ideal for hiking and paddling, also is under evaluation by Swiftmud.

All the properties mentioned are on a list of 74 properties presented to the 17-member environmental land management and acquisition committee, which

A map shows existing parks and protected conservation land, as well as Manatee County property nominated as environmentally significant for acquisition. Islander Courtesy Image

was tasked with recommending land acquisitions after the passage of the Conservation and Parks Projects Referendum.

The Perico Bayou and Anderson properties are the two nominees on the ELMAC list closest to Anna Maria Island.

From nomination to closing the deal

Manatee County created a process for nominating, reviewing and acquiring environmentally important properties that begins with nominations from owners, organizations, staff or interested citizens.

County staff reviews the nominations and makes preliminary determinations.

If there is interest, the county then determines whether owners are willing to sell.

Subsequent stages include site visits, reviews by the Manatee County Environmental Land Management and Acquisition Committee, recommendations to the county commission, property appraisals, negotiations, contracts and closing.

— Lisa Neff

MLS #A4556997

    

T-Shirts $10 @ The Islander, 315 58th St., HB.

Neff

ITEMS FOR SALE

ART QUILT bOOKS: Fifteen for $20 each. 941782-8381 after 2 p.m.

NORDIC TRACK TReADMILL Commercial x22i: Model # NTL29019.0. excellent condition, two years old, length, 5 feet, 10 inches, width, 3 feet, 4 inches. $2,000. 901-5698685.

RAbbIT HAbITAT: “Full Cheeks.” New, in box, split-level. 8 sf. $85. 941-704-5800.

NeW bIKe: NeVeR used top-rated rust-resistant. Priority Coast 26-inch, 3-speed cruiser bike. Pix/reviews available. Value $750. Make offer. 917-626-8884.

CHANDeLIeR MeTAL LIKe-new, $20, chairs, black, soft cushion $15/each and office chair, white, $15. 941-920-2494.

Sandy’s Lawn Service Inc.

Paradise Improvements 941.792.5600

AdoptA-Pet

Oh, those eyes!

Bella is an 8-year-old mixed-breed lovebug!

She’s neutered and has all vaccinations — ready to meet her new family! Call Lisa Williams at 941-3452441 or visit The Islander office in Holmes Beach. And for more about pet adoption, visit moonraceranimalrescue.com.

SPONSOReD bY

ANSWERS TO FEB. 15 PUZZLE

ITEMS FOR SALE Continued

SIDe TAbLeS: bROWN with glass top. 2/$25. 941-920-2494.

ANTIQUe PARTNeR DeSK: All wood, $500. Inquire at The Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes beach. 941-778-7978.

VICTORIAN bAbY CARRIAGe: Wood/wicker, great photo or theater prop. benefits Moonracer Animal Rescue. For photos: moonraceranimalrescue@gmail.com.

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

Individuals may place one free ad with up to three items, each priced $100 or less, 15 words or less. FRee, one week, must be submitted online. email classifieds@islander.org, fax tollfree 1-866-362-9821. (limited time offer)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

bRIDGe AT ROSeR Church on Pine Avenue, Anna Maria. Fridays starting in February. Call 314-324-5921, if interested.

WANT TO bUY old surveyors’ transit or level on wooden tripod. George, 941-387-0457.

eSTATe/MOVING SALe: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 17-18. Two king bedroom sets, wicker living room set with sleeper sofa, glass dining room table (6 chairs), rattan breakfast set with round glass table, kitchen appliances, boat items, more! 519 Loquat Drive, Anna Maria.

HUGe MULTIFAMILY DOWNSIZING sale: 9 a.m.-? Friday and Saturday, Feb. 17-18. All seasonal items marked down. Old bottles and some other collectibles, Avon, budweiser and miscellaneous steins, racing glasses, Tiar ware and books. Solid wood office furniture and supplies. Clothes, household items, deco, kitchen and bakeware items. some outdoor furniture. Many miscellaneous items. 10115 bud Rhoden Road, Palmetto.

PETS

HeLP ReSCUeD PeTS! Volunteer, foster, computer help needed! Moonracer Animal Rescue. email: moonraceranimalrescue@gmail.com.

TRANSPORTATION

GOLF CART ReNTALS: Fun for residents and tourists! www.GolfCartRentalAMI.com.

BOATS & BOATING

HAVe A bOAT and wanna catch more fish, better bait or learn the water? 50-year local fisherman, your boat, my knowledge. Captain Chris, 941-896-2915.

SUNCOAST bOTTOM PAINTING: Professional bottom painting. Mobile. Call 941-704-9382.

HELP WANTED

NOW HIRING HANDYMAN: Full-time professional services. $15 an hour and up, based on experience. Call JayPros, 941-962-2874.

PART/TIMe bOOKKeePeR: Local remodeling company. Quickbooks expert, construction experience helpful. email resume to jobs@ coastalife.com

RePORTeR WANTeD: Full- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience required. Apply via email with letter of interest to news@ islander.org.

LOOKING FOR AN eARLY bIRD? You can read Wednesday’s classifieds on Tuesday at islander.org. And it’s FRee!

KIDS FOR HIRE

NeeD AN ADULT night out? Call Maty’s babysitting Services. I’m 16, love kids and have lots of experience. References upon request. 618-977-9630.

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.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

bUSINeSS OPPORTUNITY: 30-year successful island business, owner ready to sell for health reasons. Secure lease. Serious inquiries: biz Op, P.O. box 145, Anna Maria FL 34216.

HEALTH CARE

PRIVATe DUTY: 25 YeARS of experience. The abilities and skills for any medical position. Please, contact 941-567-8499.

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. 941-565-3931.

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, 941592-4969.

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

PROFeSSIONAL WINDOW CLeANING: Residential, commercial, Free estimates. “We want to earn your business!” 207-852-6163.

MARK SCAPeROTTA PReSSURe washing: Houses, roofs, pool cages, decks, docks, driveways mobile homes … anything. Sarasota and Manatee County since 2004. 941544-1066. www.markscaperottapressurewashing.com

HANGIN’ ON AMI: We hang artwork, mirrors, TVs, etc. Furniture assembly, island lightscapes and security, landscape lighting and home security installation. Quality service by island residents. Free quotes. 941-720-3126. hanginonami@gmail.com

AIRPORT RIDeS: SARASOTA, St. Pete, Tampa. Call/text, Vita, 941-376-7555.

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, residential, repair and/or replacement. Serving Manatee County and the Island since 1987. For dependable, honest and personalized service, call bill eller, 941-7957411. CAC184228.

GARAGE & Estate SALES

LAWN & GARDEN

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

bARNeS LAWN AND Landscape LLC. Design and installation, lawn and landscape services, tree trimming, mulch, rock and shell. 941-7051444. Jr98@barneslawnandlandscape.com.

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

SeARAY SPRINKLeR SeRVICeS. Repairs, additions, drip, sprinkler head/timer adjustments. 941-920-0775.

SHeLL DeLIVeReD AND spread. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, topsoil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, “shell phone” 941-720-0770.

MP LAWN MAINTeNANCe now accepting new clients. Call Dante, 941-730-9199.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

VAN-GO PAINTING residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper. Island references. bill, 941-795-5100. www. vangopainting.net.

TILe -TILe -TILe. All variations of ceramic tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship, prompt, reliable, many Island references. Call Neil, 941-726-3077.

GRIFFIN’S HOMe IMPROVeMeNTS Inc. Handyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. Insured and licensed. 941-722-8792.

bLINDS, SHUTTeRS, SHADeS: Motorization. 30 years on AMI. Call Keith barnett, barnett blinds, 941-730-0516.

ISLAND HANDYMAN: I live here, work here, value your referral. Refinish, paint. Just ask. JayPros. Licensed/insured. References. Call Jay, 941-962-2874.

HANDYMAN AND PAINTING. No job too small. Most jobs just right. Call Richard Kloss. 941-204-1162.

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.

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.

SARASOTA INTeRIOR PAINTING: We specialize in high-end properties. We love to paint! Owner operated. Fully insured/ licensed. call or text Don, 941-900-9398. Instagram: SarasotaInteriorPainting.

DONALD PeRKINS’ AbRACADAbRA Painting LLC. Interior/exterior. 30 years of experience. 941-705-7096.

SOUTHWeST HOMe IMPROVeMeNT: Michigan builder, quality work guaranteed. Affordable, timely, within budget. Call Mike’s cell: 1-616-204-8822.

RENTALS

ANNA MARIA GULF beachfront vacation rentals. One- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941-7783143.

2bR/2bA CONDOMINIUM ACROSS street from Holmes beach, pool, hot tub, garage. Available Feb. 4-18. $1,800. 901-331-1845.

PeRICO ISLAND PATIO home for rent. 3bR/2bA. two-car garage, fully renovated. 30-day minimum. Privacy fence/gate, two miles to AMI. #bluerockingchair instagram/fb. 859-771-6423.

GULF VIeW HOUSe: Huge back porch, just steps to beach: Rare annual (minimum seven months) 2-3bR/2bA, bradenton beach. $2,750/ month + utilities. First, last, security deposit, $1,500. Call 941-778-1098 or 212-658-1984. Please email your info to LHb747@gmail. com

CONDO FOR ReNT: June through October. 3bR/2bA. Perico bay Club. Two-month minimum. Community pool and hot tub. One mile from Anna Maria Island. Call Dave at 856-4957200 for details.

beAUTIFULLY FURNISHeD, ANNUAL rental in beach Harbor Club, Longboat Key. 2bR/2bA with views of the bay, laundry and condo amenities include pool, grill, with both bay and beach access. $200 application required. $3,800 month plus first and last month’s rent and $1,000 deposit. Call Mike Norman Realty, 941-778-6696. 3101 Gulf Drive, Holmes beach, FL 34217.

SeASONAL ReNTAL: AVAILAbLe AprilDecember. Across from bay, 2 miles from beaches, fully furnished, laundry, all utilities. 941-773-1552.

MARCH CANCeLLATION! 3bR/2.5bA elevated home across the street from the beach on the north end of Anna Maria. Month of March, $6,200 plus fees. Green Real estate, 941-778-0455.

2024 SeASONAL ReNTAL: Just one block from the beach, Single-story 2bR/2bA, screened patio, private backyard. No smoking/no pets. Holmes beach. Call 813-8334926.

ANNUAL: 1,800sf, 3bR/2bA double carport. Five minutes to beaches. $2,200/month plus utilities. 440-813-8217.

REAL ESTATE

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.”

FOR SALe: 1/4 ACRe waterfront lot: Dock and boat lift. 2520 Riverside Drive, east bradenton. 917-860-1917.

FRee STANDING PATIO home villa. 2bR/2bA updated, low fees, in west bradenton. $304,500. Real estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

We’re glad they’re here

The Islander newspaper joins the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce in welcoming new members to its roster in January, including:

Joe Roosen and Derek Rundquist of St. Croix Spotless, serving Anna Maria Island and surrounding area, 715-441-1352; Don Hubiak of Sarasota Interior Painting, 941-900-0939; Liu Yang of NY Foot & Body, Bradenton, 863-546-5518; Barbie Gummin of Total Life Care, 941-795-8525; Double Deez restaurant, Holmes Beach, 941-251-5595; Mademoiselle Paris restaurant, Anna Maria, 941-226-0708; and Blue Ribbon Events, 231-350-8277.

Echo, can you hear me?

Donna evans, director of donation development for Goodwill Manasota, shows off the echo Dot she won Feb. 9 in a business-card drawing at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s mixer and lunch at Avocado’s Cocina Mexicana & bar in bradenton. The next mixer on the chamber calendar will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, to “Meet the Chamber’s Directors,” at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Islander Photo: Toni Lyon

Shore Thing’s shoreline celebration

In partnership with the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, Shore Thing Tiki Cruises celebrates the launch of its second charter boat with a Feb. 2 ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Pub on Longboat Key. Attending are Susanne Arbanas, left,

chamber board member; Rick and Adrienne Cardinale and Frank Galati, Shore Thing owners; bill Romberger, bev Kilpatrick and Dan Alderson, chamber board members; and Shore Thing Tiki Cruises’ family members and crew. Islander Photo: Courtesy AMICofC

LINDA 941-224-1392 KELLY 941-720-9586 linda.erb2010@gmail.com kelly.erb2010@gmail.com

Lucky to be shopping

Howluckyami & Friends held a ribbon-cutting Feb. 8 for its new store in the Island Shopping Center, 5402 Marina Drive, Holmes beach, with store vendors and participants from the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, including Angela Albrecht, left, of Anna Maria Island Wines; Christine Aaron of AMI Guy and AMI Gal; Christine Olson, Carol birrell and Dale Ann Miller, all of howluckyami; Holmes beach Commissioner Carol Soustek; Jane Sperlazzi of howluckyami; and bev Kilpatrick of the chamber board. Islander Courtesy Photo: AMICofC