The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023 publication

tommy decarlo performs Jan. 21, including hits by Boston such as “more than a feeling,” with special guests august Zadra and Jimmy Leahey and a touring band at the center of anna maria island. the center gym was filled with some 500 guests for the manatee county tourist development council-sponsored Bradenton gulf islands concert Series. a break occurred when the center was evacuated for a fire alarm — allegedly set off by the band’s “smoke” machine. islander Photo: Jacob merrifield

Singer tommy decarlo. islander

Photo: Brook morrison

HB readies options for counterattack

By ryan Paice islander reporter

Holmes Beach is mobilizing the troops for a fight after a state representative dropped his bombshell threat on the city.

Mayor Judy Titsworth told The Islander Jan. 18 that the city’s lobbyist, Thomas Hobbs of Tallahassee-based Ramba Consulting Group LLC, is working to get through to state legislators and coordinate with the Florida League of Cities in an attempt to counter the municipality’s potential dissolution.

Such action could become reality if state Rep. Will Robinson Jr., R-Bradenton, follows through on threats made Jan. 12 at a meeting of the 2023 Manatee County Legislative Delegation.

At the meeting, Robinson questioned the number of municipalities needed to govern the island and alluded to a state-ordered consolidation/dissolution of the existing cities.

Robinson motioned to commission an Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability study on Anna Maria Island’s governing structure and to present options to the delegation for the 2024 session.

OPPAGA is a research arm of the Flor-

2 AM commission candidates make their cases

By ryan Paice islander reporter

The contest for an empty Anna Maria commission seat has two candidates.

Charlie Salem and Brian Seymour presented their cases for the position Jan. 19 as a part of the city’s new appointment process.

The pair are vying for the seat vacated by Carol Carter, whose term won’t expire until November 2023, creating a vacancy to be filled by remaining commissioners.

The city previously filled commission vacancies by allowing applicants to introduce themselves with short speeches, then voting to appoint at the same meeting.

However, Mayor Dan Murphy established a new process in an effort to increase public involvement. As a part of the new process, the city asked for questions from

robinson

titsworth

charlie Salem

Brian Seymour

ida Legislature that supports the members by providing data, research and analysis that assist legislative budget and policy deliberations.

The delegation approved Robinson’s motion.

Robinson also introduced a bill to the delegation that would preempt local regulation of parking for state- and county-owned properties.

The bill, if it becomes law, would supersede an ordinance Holmes Beach adopted last August that prohibits multilevel parking facilities within city limits.

The ordinance currently prevents the addition of a parking garage at Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, which County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge has proposed to make up for parking he claims was lost when the city initiated its park-by-permit system.

City officials stand by the system, which they say protects residential quality of life by reducing roadside parking on certain residential streets.

On the other hand, Van Ostenbridge and Robinson argued since the system was established in summer 2020 that it is unfair to off-island residents who visit the beaches.

Titsworth called Robinson’s actions the “biggest

Session 2023

Jan. 27: Deadline for submitting drafts of general bills and joint resolutions for the 2023 Legislature.

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 budgets and new legislation.

— Lisa neff

attack on home rule” she’d seen in recent history and said it left her shocked, considering that after a May 2022 meeting, he left her thinking he understood the city’s plight.

Titsworth also claimed they were part of an effort between Robinson and county officials to eliminate the island governments and local quality-of-life regulations so the state and county could make more money off island rental activity.

“It’s not about parking. It’s never been about parking,” Titsworth said. “They are using the parking to make Holmes Beach look bad — to give us a black eye — and to say, ‘Because of this, we have to take cities back. We don’t need cities. They’re overregulating.’”

“This has been the play for years,” she added. “There’s a whole lot of money to be made on Anna Maria Island.”

In the meantime, Titsworth said the city deployed Hobbs to sway legislators and drum up awareness to the situation.

“We’ve already put him to work and he’s working his hardest to make sure everybody’s aware of what’s happening to our cities,” Titsworth said. “Because if it can happen to us, it can happen to all the other 700 cities in this state.”

Titsworth added that the city also made changes to its website, holmesbeachfl.org, informing people about the situation, providing contact information for state legislators and sample letters to send them to oppose Robinson’s proposals.

She urged residents to use the resources.

“Write to your representatives. They need to get letters and continue to get letters,” Titsworth said.

City staff responds

Police Chief Bill Tokajer and Sage Kamiya, the city engineer and public works superintendent, both expressed support for the existing government and concern about the potential of consolidation.

Following the Jan. 12 meeting of state delegates, Mayor Dan Murphy expressed support for partial consolidation between the three cities, which could

SUNSET CRUISES

involve consolidating services provided by police, public works and building department.

However, Tokajer told The Islander Jan. 18 that partial consolidation, such as combining island police into one agency to cover the three cities, would not work since the agency would be split between the codes of three different municipalities.

“As a police chief, I don’t think it’s the best course of action to answer to multiple different people with different thoughts and ideas as to how they want policing done,” Tokajer said. “I think a police chief should answer to one person, one they have a mutual understanding with.”

He added that, while he was not in favor of consolidating the island governments into one, services like a police agency might only function under one municipality.

Kamiya told The Islander Jan. 20 that he would prefer for things to stay as they are now.

“Obviously, I love working for the city of Holmes Beach and Mayor Judy and would love for that to stay the same,” he said.

Kamiya said consolidation of public works and engineering services across the island cities may be easier than doing so for police. He said some operational processes would need to be made consistent across municipalities to maintain smooth operations, but many are already standardized at the state and federal level.

Nevertheless, he said services such as public works would need to be done regardless of leadership.

“Whatever form of government they think needs to be best, we’ll roll with it,” Kamiya said. “But the infrastructure will still need to be maintained. … You can’t just make that go away.”

Your opinion The Islander welcomes your opinion letters. Email them to news@islander.org.

tokajer

Kamiya

BB adjusting legislative priorities to protect home rule

By robert anderson islander reporter

Bradenton Beach commissioners are amending their list of 2023 legislative priorities to address a state lawmaker’s calls to study island consolidation and usurp home rule.

Bradenton Beach city attorney Ricinda Perry Jan. 19 recommended the update.

State Rep. Will Robinson Jr., at a meeting of the Manatee County Legislative Delegation Jan. 12, announced a bill to preempt Holmes Beach’s regulations of parking for state and county properties, specifically the city’s ordinance prohibiting multilevel parking facilities.

Passage of such legislation would threaten Holmes Beach’s parking garage prohibition but also the height restrictions in place across the island and in cities around the state.

Robinson, R-Bradenton, also called for a statefunded study on whether the island needs three city governments.

At the Jan. 19 commission meeting, Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie said, “I have had a discussion with Rep. Robinson and I voiced my concerns and disappointment and he told me his reasoning, which I disagree with.”

Chappie said Bradenton Beach officials will discuss the matters with Florida League of City representatives and also meet with officials from Holmes Beach and Anna Maria on how to proceed.

The Legislature will convene March 7 in Tallahassee.

“This isn’t really even party politics, to me,” Chappie said. “It’s about the best type of governance that they think would be best for us. Well, who do they think they are?”

He continued, “For the almighty big government up in Tallahassee or D.C. to come down here and tell us what we get to do on our city blocks to help protect the health, safety and welfare concerns of our local

communities is not the way government is supposed to work. Yes, we depend on the state and federal for certain things but we are responsible right here, on the local level for health, safety and welfare. If we need something, we go to our legislators. It’s not what hap-

pened in this case and it’s a sad state of affairs.”

Commissioner Ralph Cole spoke out against consolidation, as well as building parking garages on the island.

“On consolidation, it’s been tried several times. A lot of people come to Anna Maria Island just because of the way it is, the three island cities,” Cole said. “They love this place. What value out of a couple parking garages are you going to get when your beach isn’t really all that big?”

Commissioner Jake Spooner motioned to tentatively approve legislative priorities that address Robinson’s proposed bill preempting home rule and his suggestion for a consolidation study. Commissioner Ralph Cole seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

The city commission was scheduled to meet next for a workshop at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24, after The Islander went to press.

The next regular city commission meeting will be 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

Q&A 012523

The Islander poll

Last week’s question

By Lisa neff

i last saw snow … 57%. This winter. 8%. Last winter. 17%. Couple of years ago. 17%. So long ago I don’t remember. 2%. Never.

This week’s question parking garage at Manatee public Beach?

A. Absolutely. B. Maybe. C. No way.

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

SerVing fuLL menu 3:30-9 pm 7 daYS

Who do they think they are? — Mayor John Chappie on county/state officials.

‘ ’

mayor John chappie speaks Jan. 19 of his disappointment over state rep. Will robinson Jr.’s proposal on consolidation of island municipal governments. islander Photo: robert anderson

Court rules for HB in 2013 treehouse court case

Judge Edward Nicholas of the 12th Judicial Circuit Court ruled Jan. 20 in favor of the city of Holmes Beach regarding a 2013 lawsuit involving a controversial beachfront treehouse, according to attorney Randy Mora of the Clearwater-based Trask-Daigneault law firm on behalf of the city.

The case is based on property owners’ Richard Hazen and Lynn Tran-Hazen’s claim that city code enacting setback restrictions, which prohibit their treehouse, is unconstitutional.

The treehouse — built without permits — first came to light in The Islander newspaper in 2011, when an anonymous complaint about construction on the beach was made to the Holmes Beach building department.

Mora told The Islander Jan. 23 that Nicholas’ ruling may put an end to the case but it did not contain language compelling the treehouse’s removal and is subject to appeals.

“Ultimately, the city has prevailed in the litigation,” Mora said. “The city is evaluating what’s next.”

The ruling may have implications for other cases involving the treehouse, including a 2018 case that had been on hold since last March while the 2013 case was decided, as well as two more cases that are in the appeals process.

the public for applicants to address Jan. 19.

Salem and Seymour answered 24 questions, discussing topics such as planned work on Pine Avenue, Mote Marine Laboratory’s proposed educational outreach center on the T-end of the city pier, as well as the city’s millage rate and core objectives.

Salem moved to Anna Maria with his husband in 2017, then became a board member of the Center of Anna Maria Island in 2019 and a member of the planning and zoning board in 2021 in an effort to become more involved in the community.

Salem said he moved from Washington, D.C., where he most recently worked as Microsoft’s managing director of public policy.

Before that, Salem worked as special counsel in Tallahassee for the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget in 1991 and eventually the chief of staff and legislative director for U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Indiana, in Washington from 1999 to 2010.

Seymour, who has spent 14 years in Anna Maria, owns the Anna Maria General Store, 503 Pine Ave., and co-owns the City Pier Grill and Bait Shop on the new pier.

Seymour also has spent time on the city commission. He was first elected to the board in 2016, became chair in 2018 and served in that role until he resigned for personal reasons in August 2019.

Seymour said he applied for the open seat because he wanted to again become involved and he saw few others with the interest or time to give to the job.

Here’s how the applicants responded to some of the questions.

Bike lanes vs. parallel parking

The question: “As it stands now, there can either be a bike path or parallel parking as part of the Pine Avenue improvements … Which do you support?”

Both candidates asked the same question in response: “Why not both?”

Salem said he did not understand why the city was forced to choose bike lanes or parallel parking and would like to learn more about the project before choosing one or the other.

Seymour said he also preferred both bike lanes and parallel parking but, if he had to immediately choose, he’d keep the parallel parking.

Seymour suggested that if the city kept parallel parking over adding bike lanes, it could extend the multiuse lane along Gulf Drive down Spring Avenue.

Tax rate

The question: “Do you support maintaining the current 2.05 millage rate and would you support increasing or decreasing the current millage rate or leaving it as is?”

Seymour said the city’s 2.05 millage rate was “very fair” as the lowest of the island’s three cities but he would keep his mind open and support lowering

Mayor Judy Titsworth told The Islander Jan. 23 that she was relieved following Nicholas’ order.

“This has been a battle that has gone on way too long. It’s been an extremely costly case,” Titsworth said. “Hopefully, this will be the end.”

Asked what’s next, Titsworth replied by text message, “We can seek an order for removal of the structure.”

Lynn Tran-Hazen responded to a Jan. 23 email from The Islander, saying, “I have not read the ruling to fully understand it or to discuss it.”

— ryan Paice

the treehouse remains on the beachfront at 29th Street in Holmes Beach.

Their destructive ‘proactive approach’

By Holmes Beach mayor Judy titsworth

Cities were founded on the belief that local government understands best the needs of local citizens. The state then determined that cities could legislate themselves. We are currently in a time where the state had giveth and now, with precedent, the state can taketh away.

State Rep. Will Robinson Jr. has stated that the reason for his bill on mandating a parking garage at the public beach is because the city would not budge on the reduction in parking in the city.

On the contrary, the city agreed to the use of AME, the library and city hall for overflow parking. A suggestion also was made for a government purchase of the Bank of America lot for close, safe access to the public beach for overflow parking.

Although county and state leaders choose to lob insults at the city, we historically and continue to be a part of the solution for the county’s failure to plan.

or raising it in the future.

Salem said he supports collecting “the least amount of revenue needed to provide essential services,” adding the tax rate is “appropriate where it is.”

Mote outreach center

The question: “What are your thoughts on the Mote Marine educational outreach center on the City Pier?”

Salem expressed support for the center. He said that while some may be frustrated with the lack of progress on the project, it has the potential to be a “great addition” to the pier.

Seymour, on the other hand, said he is “struggling” with the lack of progress Mote has made since the city reached a lease with Mote to fill the empty T-end building in September 2021.

Nevertheless, Seymour said his business on the pier will be a “great business partner” to Mote if they pull through.

Core objectives

The question: “Today the city’s top three core objectives are paving, stormwater drainage and Pine Ave. Would you agree these should be the top three priorities? Or would you change them and, if so, what would you add or delete?”

Seymour said he would replace Pine Avenue as one of the three core objectives with overall infrastructure improvements, including utilities, due to ongoing struggles with properties losing power in the city.

“I think this island and our city as a whole has a significant problem with utility infrastructure,” Seymour said. “Half a dozen to a dozen times a year, at least in my block … We’re losing power for hours/days.

Salem said he agreed in the most part to the objectives but would add preservation of municipal home rule as one of the three.

Salem said his primary reason for running was to protect the city’s municipal home rule against legislative attacks, including those by Rep. Will Robinson Jr., R-Bradenton, who represents the island in Tallahassee. Robinson has proposed a bill to usurp Holmes Beach’s ban on parking garages and also will request state funding for a study on island consolidation.

“Especially, given the events of the last few days, I’m really concerned about our permanent resident population and the ability of our citizens to be able to govern ourselves,” Salem said. “That’s really why I’m interested in the role.”

There was no public comment throughout the workshop.

Commissioners are paid $4,800 a year.

The commission will vote on its fifth member at its next meeting, at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

Directions to attend via Zoom can be found on the city’s website, cityofannamaria.com.

Robinson has stated the reason for the bill for a study on dissolving the cities is due to declining populations on the island. He even said this is a proactive approach instead of reactive as this will get ahead of the time when there are no longer enough residents to maintain three cities.

What he said is different than what I heard. Being that this study was not initiated by the city leaders and local bills are historically never controversial, I ponder on whether the “proactive approach” our state representatives are taking was generated years ago and whether the intended outcome is the elimination of cities.

You see, when the cities lost their ability to regulate vacation rentals taking over the residential districts, this brought an onslaught of developers from all over the country, gobbling up every beach house in sight.

The market value soared and local citizens were pushed out of their homes and forced to move inland.

The holdouts remain but are subject to a declined quality of life due to noise, trash, nutrient loads in bays, congestion and no longer the ability to know their neighbors.

As mayor, it is my job to support our residents and businesses and to make decisions to maintain and improve the quality of their lives.

Because of these efforts, full-time residents are returning.

I have witnessed the drastic increase in property tax that the county receives by no longer being constrained by homestead caps — $17 million in the past 10 years. Add to that, the Manatee County Tourist Development bed tax sold to the voters lacking foresight. The voters thought the tax would be a good thing, it would bring money to our cities from visitors instead of just property owners. What they didn’t understand is what a cash cow it would become.

The city alone has contributed well over $30 million in bed tax to the coffers since its inception, with little in return. It isn’t because we haven’t asked. It is because the county commission chose to use it elsewhere.

I don’t think it is a coincidence that this is all happening at the same time entire boards of county commissions are being replaced by potential “yes men” for developers. Campaigns are being driven by strategists heavily funded by big developer PAC money.

I believe our state representatives have been taking a “proactive approach” for many years now and it is setting up Florida coastal cities to fail.

titsworth

islander file Photo

Island consolidation revisited

Ideas on consolidation of the Anna Maria Island cities — or consolidating island services or legislation — is nothing new.

Many candidates for office have run as pro- or anticonsolidation candidates in elections past.

Citizen groups have recommended studies and analysis of the pros and cons of consolidation.

Business groups too have asked for feasibility studies into creating uniform regulations for the island.

And The Islander has editorialized on the matter from time to time.

The news staff went into its archives for this sampling of reports on island consolidation:

1989: The Consolidation Consideration Committee met and investigated the concept of the island cities consolidating.

1997: In June, Holmes Beach Mayor Bob VanWagoner suggested the AMI cities begin a consolidation study. He noted the issue was defeated by island voters three times since 1955, when the fi rst consolidation committee met to prepare an island charter.

1999: Anna Maria Mayor Chuck Shumard and Bradenton Beach Mayor Connie Drescher rejected a proposal at an island elected officials meeting by Holmes Beach Commissioner Don Maloney to discuss consolidation of the island cities, calling such talks a waste of time and giving the suggestion a “thumbs-down.”

2005: Elected officials in the island cities agreed to a nonbinding referendum to explore consolidation but on Election Day only Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach held the vote.

2006: Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie and Holmes Beach Mayor Carol Whitmore in March announced they’d move ahead to gather info on consolidation but the talks ended with Anna Maria declining to share the cost of a $25,000 study.

2013: Anna Maria Commissioner Gene Aubry called for a discussion on consolidation — of law enforcement operations. “Everyone resists consolidation, but I propose talking about it,” he said.

ANd The Islander took up the topic as a 2016 April Fools’ joke under the headline, “State orders consolidation of island cities.”

Yes. The satire now appears to have turned back on us.

But the bombasity of one state rep to push a consolidation study by the Florida Legislature is real.

We’re seeing the uprising now. Letters to the editor, petitions, appeals to all manner of elected officials. Stay tuned. We’re “all in” for the fight against those who would deprive the island cities of their unique identities. — Lisa neff and Bonner Joy

Republican against over development

State Rep. Will Robinson: Build the giant parking garage at the Manatee Avenue entrance to Robinson Preserve.

It will be your namesake.

And get your little sidekick Kevin Van Ostenbridge to drive the bus to the public beach all day long. Something useful for once.

Greed is your speed.

John Fara, Anna Maria (Sixty-year island resident, Florida sportsman and Republican against over development.)

Center shares thanks

We are thankful for the generous support from our community as we strive to meet the needs of the Anna Maria Island community of residents, workforce and tourists living, working and recreating in our beautiful island environment.

As the hub of island activity, the center strives to demonstrate and plan for increased sustainability and excellence in all areas of service to our people and to our island’s delicate ecosystem.

The Campaign to Sustain 1.0 energized the center, with 160 community members raising $208,438.

The $75,000 challenge donors included: Tucker Family Foundation, John and Tricia Rice, Chuck and Joey Lester, Bob and Carol Carter, Caroline and Brian Leibfried, the Silver Lining Fund, Paul and Amanda Gordon, Elizabeth Moore and “anonymous.”

Matching gifts from dozens of donors as of Jan. 17 were $133,438.

Thank you again, for helping us, help Anna Maria Island!

Center of AMI board and staff, Anna Maria

Connections, AMI & beyond

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

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

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

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

Governor: Ron DeSantis, 850-717-9337, flgov. com.

Florida Senate: Jim Boyd, 941-742-6445, boyd. jim.web@flsenate.gov, flsenate.gov.

Florida House: State Rep. William Cloud “Will” Robinson, District 71, 941-708-4968, will.robinson@ myfloridahouse.gov, myfloridahouse.gov.

Bridge Street, looking east in the early 1980s, with a view of businesses on the south side, including Siggs restaurant, and on the north side, the Bradenton Beach market, as well as the u.S. Post office, Purple Porpoise liquor store and the drift-in. the corner building on the left was the Wreck bar.

Views from Bridge Street a view of the partially constructed Bradenton Beach Bathhouse taken in 1922 from the city’s commercial center, Bridge Street.

islander Photos: courtesy manatee county Public Library System

10&20 years ago

From the Jan. 22, 2003, issue

• Anna Maria Mayor SueLynn told the Coalition of Barrier Island Elected offi cials she was assured by Manatee County Area Transit officials that quieter engines for the trolley were ordered. The mayor said some residents living along the trolley route complained the diesel engines were too noisy.

• Sandpiper Resort Park Homeowners Association president Gordon Cleland said the Vorbeck family, owners of the property, gave the association another 30 days to purchase the land before it would be sold it to a condominium developer. Cleland said the association had 90% of the required $9.1 million and the Vorbecks agreed to extend their deadline.

• Bradenton Beach commissioners rejected the idea of an islandwide building department proposed by then-Holmes Beach Mayor Carol Whitmore and supported by Anna Maria Mayor SueLynn. Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie said the city’s building department was the “best it’s been for many years.”

From the Jan. 23, 2013, issue

• Anna Maria Mayor SueLynn was urging residents and property owners to attend a commission meeting to discuss ordinances that would tie delegated parking spaces at residences with the number of bedrooms and also examine living-area limits for residences.

• Holmes Beach city commissioners, a majority of whom had been leaning toward imposing a one-pool-per-lot rule in the duplex district, changed their minds and decided to leave well enough alone.

— Lisa neff

Print Your Own Memories

Holmes Beach working on political sign code revisions

By ryan Paice islander reporter

Holmes Beach’s political signage codes might look different by the time the 2023 election season comes around.

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer told The Islander Jan. 18 that city attorney Erica Augello was working on revisions to the city code regarding political signage.

The city’s current code, which prohibits the posting of political signage until 45 days before an election, was deemed defunct by city officials last summer after controversy put it in the spotlight.

Former Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore, a Holmes Beach resident, while campaigning to retain her seat on the county board, removed three campaign signs belonging to her opponent in the Republican primary for the at-large District 6 seat, Jason Bearden.

Whitmore told police she removed the signs because they were posted more than 45 days before

an election in violation of published city code.

Bearden pursued a potential second-degree misdemeanor charge against Whitmore for petit theft until defeating her in the primary election, after which he dropped pursuit of the charge.

Bearden also had complained to the city that its political sign code was unconstitutional, saying the city can not regulate signage differently based on content — leading Augello to review the code and determine changes would be made.

However, the defunct restrictions in the code remained listed in the city’s code of ordinances as of Jan. 21, according to municode.com.

“That is in the hands of our city attorney right now and being rewritten. We have a lot of ordinances in the works, but that’s one of the ordinances that will be rewritten and voted on in the upcoming months,” Tokajer said.

Tokajer said he “would assume” such revisions would be made before the upcoming election season in November.

BB reviews, approves new stormwater plan

By robert anderson islander reporter

Bradenton Beach commissioners agreed their engineering firm mastered the plan for stormwater drainage.

Meeting Jan. 19 at city hall, commissioners reviewed and approved a 39-page master stormwater drainage plan prepared by Colliers Engineering & Design.

The city hired the firm to upgrade the master drainage study, which includes stormwater investigations for areas in the city, as well as recommendations and cost alternatives to correct historical flooding and drainage problems.

A stormwater master plan is a long-term vision document that guides major investment in a city’s stormwater infrastructure to bring about improvements.

The city has been working and reworking its master plan since 1996, when the Southwest Florida Water Management District provided Bradenton Beach with a stormwater inspection report.

The current iteration of the master drainage study, provided by Colliers, replaces a 2006 report from Lynn Townsend and Associates.

The revised plan from Colliers contains recommendations for 37 streets, starting at 26th Street North and continuing south to 13th Street South at the southernmost road in Bradenton Beach.

Building official Steve Gilbert addressed commissioners Jan. 19 and said it would be important to consider sea level rise and climate change as they review the new plan.

And he lamented a shift in funding for surfacewater initiatives.

“Most of the grant money has been moved away from what we call surface-water management initiatives that treat the water and going out to sea level rise and coastal resiliency,” Gilbert said. “On the other hand, when you look at the east side of the island, resiliency is something that we need to be looking at as well.”

“We have not folded any of that into our land development code, “Gilbert added. “The issue is not going to go away. I don’t care what you blame it on. Doesn’t matter what it is. Water levels come up. We have to address it.”

Mayor John Chappie said, “There’s a lot of things that this all connects to and the requirement that we have to do it according to state statutes and federal guidelines.”

Commissioner Jan Vosburgh motioned to approve and adopt the study and she was seconded by Commissioner Jake Spooner. The motion passed unanimously.

Bradenton Beach building official Steve gilbert addresses the city commission Jan. 19. islander

Photo: robert anderson

Tiki & Kitty’s

Tiki and Kitty are ready to leap into shopping season. It’s time, after a cold front, for retail therapy at our favorite thrifts and boutiques.

Cat’s Meow has 7,700 square feet of vintage, unique and repurposed items. You may want to lace up your skates, as this large vintage skating rink has plenty to offer bargain, antique, unique hunters. Plus, there’s a mancave and a cool clothing boutique. You don’t want to miss this vast collection of vendors.

Blue Flamingo is home to hip and trendy upcycled and repurposed goods, furniture and decor, garden features, candles, jewelry and work by local

artisans. They also offer Dixie Belle paints.

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

Scavengers Marketplace regrets the store in Holmes Beach closed. Please visit the Palmetto store, 2100 U.S. 301, where a portion of your purchase benefits Moonracer No Kill Pet Rescue — our favorite pet rescue group. Founder Lisa Williams leads the rescue efforts and also works at The Islander as office manager.

FYI: Scavengers also carries Fusion Paints.

three campaign signs for Jason Bearden, elected to the manatee county commission’s district 6 seat in november, were held at the Holmes Beach code enforcement office in June 2022 after then-county commissioner carol Whitmore, who was running against Bearden, pulled the signs. islander file

Photo: ryan Paice

BB pushes back on waste hauling hike

By robert anderson islander reporter

Bradenton Beach commissioners voted Jan. 20 against a full rate increase for waste services from Waste Pro.

Bob ten Haaf, divisional vice president of Waste Pro, had asked commissioners to allow a change in the service contract with the company.

Waste Pro bases its calculations for service on the consumer price index, a measurement of changes in the retail prices of a constant marketbasket of goods and services. The CPI, issued monthly by the U.S. Labor Department, is computed by comparing the cost of the marketbasket at a fixed time with its cost at subsequent or prior intervals.

“We are respectfully requesting to adjust our rates to reflect the full CPI of 8.72% this year,” ten Haaf said. “Due to the 3.5% cap in place on our current agreement, we are heading down an unsustainable path.”

Ten Haaf said when Waste Pro’s agreement with Bradenton Beach was put into place in 2016, the cap was in line with market conditions, as the CPI had not risen above 5% in 40 years.

According to ten Haaf, that metric is no longer the case in today’s market.

The company has been servicing Bradenton Beach for more than 11 years and the current contract expires in May 2025.

Ten Haaf cited employee and operating expenses, fuel costs and a continued decline in recycling commodity markets as the impetus behind the rate adjustment.

Bradenton Beach residents currently pay $20.03 monthly. Waste Pro’s proposed increase would raise

residential waste fees to $21.08 and residential sidedoor service would increase to $34.16.

Commissioner Jake Spooner responded to the request with concern: “My point of view is we signed this contract to protect our citizens from a big increase in CPI. We put the 3.5% in there specifically for if this situation happened, so that at 8.72% our citizens were protected.”

Spooner motioned to allow a CPI increase of 6.11.

The motion was seconded by Commissioner Jan Vosburgh and passed unanimously.

The Islander, via email, asked ten Haaf how Waste Pro would proceed following the commission vote. As of Jan. 21, there was no response.

Waste Pro also did not respond to a question about its formula for service rates.

Meetings

Anna Maria City

Jan. 26, 6 p.m., commission.

Feb. 9, 2 p.m., commission.

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

Bradenton Beach

Feb. 1, 9:30 a.m., CRA.

Feb. 1, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. Feb. 2, 6 p.m., commission.

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

Holmes Beach

Jan. 26, 11:30 a.m., police pension.

Feb. 1, 10 a.m., parks and beautification.

Feb. 5, planning commission.

Feb. 8, 9 a.m., clean water.

Feb. 14, 2 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

Jan. 31, 9 a.m., commission.

commissioner Jake Spooner proposes a negotiated rate for Waste Pro service during a Jan. 19 meeting. islander

Photo: robert anderson

… and HB appears amenable to hauler’s rate hike

By ryan Paice islander reporter

It seems like nothing is immune to economic inflation.

Bob ten Haaf, Waste Pro divisional vice president of Southwest Florida, attended a Jan. 17 Holmes Beach City Commission meeting to request an 8.72% increase for waste collection services.

The increase would exceed the approved 3.5% annual consumer price index adjustment established in ordinance 15-06, which grants Waste Pro an exclusive franchise for waste collection in the city.

The city passed the ordinance in April 2015 and later contracted Waste Pro to provide waste collection services for up to 10 years, ending in June 2025.

Ten Haaf wrote in a Dec. 8 letter to Mayor Judy Titsworth that the requested 5.22% increase in service price over the 3.5% annual CPI adjustment was “due to the continued rising costs of labor and equipment to continue to provide the superior level of service that is enjoyed by the city.”

With the increased rates, the new monthly residen-

tial waste collection rate would increase from $20.03 to $21.08, while the new monthly residential side-door collection rate would be $34.16 to $35.94.

Ten Haaf’s letter states that commercial waste collection rates will be “reflective of the increased percentages” but “actual prices will vary depending on container size and frequency.”

“We’re simply asking for help,” ten Haaf told commissioners. “We hope our commitment to service will be recognized by the city.”

“Your request is, I think, in line with what we know is going on in the economy at this time and the difficulties many companies are facing,” Commission Chair Carol Soustek said. “So I see no problem with the rate change.”

Commissioner Pat Morton, the commission’s liaison to Waste Pro, praised the contractor’s work and expressed support for the requested rate hike.

City commissioners reached consensus to move the rate increase forward with a resolution approving the rate hike set to go before them for consideration Tuesday, Jan. 24.

Feb. 2, 9 a.m., commission (land use).

Feb. 7, 9 a.m., commission.

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

Also of interest

Feb. 7, 2 p.m., Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials, Bradenton Beach City Hall.

Feb. 7, 4 p.m., Manatee County Council of Governments, county administration building.

Send notices to calendar@islander.org.

Pancakes, politics and biz on menu for chamber event

Please, pass the syrup but not that bill.

The Manatee Chamber of Commerce’s annual Pancakes and Politics forum will be Monday, Feb. 27, at IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador, Bradenton.

Invited speakers include Republican Sens. Jim Boyd and Joe Gruters and Republican Reps. Mike Beltran, James Buchanan, Tommy Gregory, Will Robinson Jr. and Fiona McFarland.

Boyd and Robinson represent the island in the Legislature.

The cost to attend the event — sponsored by Spectrum and Keiser University — is $30 for members, $45 for guests, and reservations are required.

For more information, call the chamber at 941748-4842.

Ready for snowbird season?

Is your business ready for the high season on AMI? Improve your odds of success with The Islander’s readers — residents, seasonal visitors and vacationers — looking to shop and dine, as well as indoor and outdoor fun. For advertising info, call or text 941-778-7978.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ON AMI

Thursday, Jan. 26

2 p.m. — Friends of the Island Library Travel and Lecture Series, Marcus Alford’s talk on ancient Egypt, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941-778-6341.

ONGOING ON AMI

Through Jan. 29, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Island Players present “The Odd Couple,” 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-5755.

Throughout January, Artists’ Guild Gallery exhibits Judy Vazquez’s mosaics, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694.

Throughout January, Dawn Gerardot’s “Sensational Silks” exhibit, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: islandgallerywest.com, 941-778-6648.

Throughout February, Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island’s “Paint the Town” celebration, various venues. Information: 941-7786694.

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.

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

Tuesdays through March 7, 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.

ONGOING AROUND AMI

Mondays in January, 6 p.m., Mote Lecture Series, Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-388-4441.

Island happenings

Bridge club to resume play

Arrange the chairs and shuffle the decks.

The Anna Maria Bridge Club will resume play in the fellowship hall at Roser Memorial Community Church in February.

The club will play Fridays at 12 p.m., with players arriving by 11:45 a.m.

The church is at 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

For more information, call Kathleen Geist-Eskew at 314-324-5921.

Annie Silver serving supper

The Annie Silver Community Center will host its first community supper of the season — a barbecue with a choice of chicken or ribs plus sides for $10. Bigg Dogg BBQ is preparing the dinner.

The date will be Wednesday, Jan. 25, with food served 5-7 p.m.

For more information, call Jim Hassett at 413441-6823.

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

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. 10-11, Center of Anna Maria Island’s Murder Mystery Dinner, Anna Maria.

Feb. 12, Paradise Center’s “Dancing Through the Decades!, Longboat Key.

Feb. 18-19, Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, Cortez.

Feb. 18, Pittsburgh Pirates Block Party, Bradenton.

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

KIDS & FAMILY

ON AMI

Friday, Jan. 27

10 a.m. — 40 Carrots, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-7786341.

Tuesday, Jan. 31

10 a.m. — Storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-778-6341.

Wednesday, Feb. 1

10:30 a.m. — Bishop Museum of Science and Nature workshop on “Manatees and their Environment,” Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-1908.

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.

CLUBS & COMMUNITY

ON AMI

Wednesday, Jan. 25

5-7 p.m. — Annie Silver Community Center dinner, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Fee applies. Information: 413-441-6823.

Thursday, Jan. 26

3:30 p.m. — Senior Adventures dinner outing to St. Armands Circle, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-1908.

10 a.m. — Seaside Quilters, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941778-6341.

2 p.m. — Sunshine Stitchers, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941778-6341.

Friday, Jan. 27

2 p.m. — Generations: After Holocaust Bureau speaker Rifka Glatz, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-778-6341.

Saturday, Jan. 28

9 a.m. — CPR class by West Manatee Fire Rescue, Generations: After Holocaust Bureau speaker Rifka Glatz, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Reservations required. Information: mymanatee.org/library, 941-778-6341.

ONGOING ON AMI

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: mymanatee.org/library, 941-778-6341.

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.

Most Wednesdays, 1 p.m., mahjong club beginners, Island

Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: mymanatee. org/library, 941-778-6341.

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

AROUND AMI

Tuesday, Jan. 24

9:30 a.m. — Fitfest at the Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-6493.

ONGOING AROUND AMI

Second Fridays, 1 p.m., Parkinson’s Combined Support Group, the 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

Feb. 3, Center of Anna Maria Island bingo, Anna Maria. Feb. 8, Anna Maria Island Garden Club fashion show, Anna Maria.

Feb. 9, Anna Maria Island and West Manatee Democratic Club meeting, Holmes Beach.

Feb. 11, Center of Anna Maria Island cleanup, Anna Maria. Feb. 17, AMI Garden Club lunch and meeting, Anna Maria.

OUTDOORS & SPORTS

ONGOING ON AMI

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

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

AROUND AMI

Saturday, Jan. 28

9 a.m.-noon — Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Flamingo Cay Paddle, Perico Bayou kayak launch, 329 108th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Reservations required. Information: parks. mymanatee.org, 941-742-5923.

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Starry Night Astronomy Night, Robinson Preserve Expansion, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW., Bradenton. Information: robinsonastronomy.eventbrite.com Sunday, Jan. 29

9:30-11:30 a.m. — New Paddler Day for dragon boat racing, Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. Information: 941-358-7275.

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. 11, River Regatta, Bradenton. 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

Jan. 27, International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Feb. 2, Groundhog Day. Feb. 12, Super Bowl Sunday. Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day. Feb. 20, Presidents Day. Feb. 21, Fat Tuesday. Get listed!

Send listings to calendar@islander.org.

Pairings celebrated in exhibit at Island Gallery West

In a month for valentines, Island Gallery West celebrates couples, exhibiting “It Takes Two.”

The February show will feature work by painter Karen Beach of Bradenton.

An announcement from IGW said, “The exhibit’s theme pays homage to the Valentine’s Day month, with a focus on two — paintings paired by subject matter or by color or paintings featuring two of some of her favorite people, places and things. Visit the gallery in February

reflect on the many interpretations and combinations of two.”

The gallery offers two opportunities to meet the artist, including during the Art Walk reception 5:307:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10, as well as 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15.

IGW is at 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call 941-778-6648.

Party to benefit LBK center

Calling the cool, hip, groovy and grunge.

The Paradise Center on Longboat Key will celebrate generational differences in fashion and song at its Dancing Through the Decades gala.

The fundraiser will be Sunday, Feb. 12.

An invite to all said, “Grab your poodle skirt, hippie beads, Spandex pants — whatever attire got you through your very favorite decade — because the Paradise Center is turning back the hands of time.”

The event will feature live music, appetizers and cocktails, as well as a silent auction and raffles.

Tickets are $80-$100 and can be purchased at the paradisecenter.org.

The center is at 546 Bay Isles Road. For more information, call the center at 941383-6493.

Painter Karen Beach’s work will be featured throughout february at island gallery West, 5368 gulf drive, Holmes Beach, in the exhibit “it takes two.” islander courtesy Photo

and

Island happenings

Bingo starts up at Silver Center

Center hosts ‘Women of the American Songbook’

“Ac-cent-tchu-ate the positive” at the center.

The Great American Songbook and legendary female performers will be celebrated Thursday, Feb. 9, at the Center of Anna Maria Island.

The program, “OLLI Presents: Women of the American Songbook with Sandra Moulin,” will begin at 10:30 a.m.

An announcement invited people to “come listen to the stories of … legendary performers whose voices showcase the female version of the ‘old standards,” including Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland, Doris Day and Rosemary Clooney.

Moulin will lecture, perform and lead a singalong at the community center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

The cost to attend is $20 for members, $25 for nonmembers, with registration required by Thursday, Feb. 2.

CPR lessons offered

The center will host training in administering first aid and CPR to infants and other children at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1.

This class is designed to make people more comfortable and confident about caring for the youngest, as aid techniques are different than those used for older kids or adults.

The cost to attend is $25 for members and $35 for nonmembers and registration is required by Thursday, Jan. 26.

Chef leads Italian food class

The ingredients for a new center culinary class include travel talk, cooking, tasting and a screening of a docuseries featuring actor Stanley Tucci’s travels.

“Italian Culinary Tours with Chef Robert Gaglio” takes place Wednesdays at 6 p.m. Feb. 1-March 29. Gaglio, owner/chef at Italian Culinary Tours, will lead the class and be joined by personal chef Bruno Wu.

The Feb. 1 program will focus on Naples and the Amalfi Coast and include a demonstration on making involtini di melanzane — eggplant — and other courses, as well as an opera singer performing Neapolitan songs.

amy and Bob Wallace are all smiles Jan. 19 at the first bingo event of 2023 at annie Silver community center, 103 23rd St. n., Bradenton Beach. and why not? Bob hit a winning bingo combination and took home a prize.

Session 2, Feb. 15, will focus on Milan and a tasting of risotto.

Other sessions will focus on Bologna, Rome, Tuscany and Sicily.

Registration and a fee for the first session is required by Wednesday, Jan. 25.

There is a fee to attend.

… and tickets go on sale for 2 nights of murder-mystery

The center is selling tickets to its annual murdermystery, where the ticketed solve the crime over adult beverages and dinner.

The center plans two adults-only evenings — a sneak peek Friday, Feb. 10, and a Saturday show, Feb. 11. Tickets Feb. 10 are $35 and include a cash bar and the show. Doors will open at 6:15 p.m.

Tickets Feb. 11 are $85 and include dinner, a cash bar, raffles and a costume contest. The center also is selling table seating — $600 for eight people. Doors will open at 6 p.m.

The adult theme centers on a circus, as an announcement heralds, “The BJ Whorenum and Dingling Brothers Circus Present: Murder Mystery.”

Sponsorships are available.

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

To buy tickets, sign up or get more information on classes and events, call the center at 941-778-1908.

Jim Hassett explains bingo rules to patrons Jan. 19 at the annie Silver community center in Bradenton Beach.

islander Photos: robert anderson

Bingo is open to the public, with games played thursdays through the season, starting at 6 p.m. refreshments are available. everyone is invited and membership is not required. for more information, call the center at 413-441-6823.

By Brook morrison

AME innovator wins 1st place at STEM fair

Anna Maria Elementary fifth-grade student Alex Serra took first place districtwide for physical science at the Manatee County School District STEM Fair for his project on the effects of different types of wood on weight-bearing capacity.

Alex’s project asked, “How does the type of wood affect the amount of weight it holds in kilograms?”

He investigated the strength and durability of various types of wood commonly used in construction.

According to Alex, the project was inspired by a moment in his family’s workshop when he was looking for something to do.

AME Calendar

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

• Tuesday, Feb. 21, third-grade play, 6:30 p.m., auditorium; PTO dinner TBD, 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.

• Saturday, April 1, Spring Gala.

• 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., cafeteria.

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

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

Share good school work

The Islander welcomes your photographs and notices of school milestones, academic achievements and other accolades. Submit notices and photographs to news@islander.org.

“I found this book and it told me to use a certain type of wood. So I wondered what it would be like if I did it another way and would it work?” Alex texted

The Islander Jan. 14.

The results of the experiment showed that oak had the highest weight-bearing capacity of the three woods he tested,

The fair is an annual event that aims to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics education among students.

The competition provides students with an opportunity to showcase their talents and interests in STEM subjects

encourages them to pursue careers in STEM fields.

Congratulations to Alex and props to his fi fth-

AME teachers dissect echinoderms

Anna Maria Elementary teachers are seeing stars.

They’re incorporating a new lesson plan into the Guy Harvey Academy curriculum, one that combines marine biology — dissecting sea stars — with lessons on the importance of preserving ocean ecosystems. The teachers, who have received training in dissection techniques, will lead their classes in the examination of the fascinating creatures, highlighting the unique features of sea stars and their role in the oceanic food chain.

Brittany devlin, manatee county School district Stem co-director, stands with ame student alex Serra, who won first place districtwide among fifth-graders for physical science Jan. 14 during an awards ceremony at the Bishop museum of Science and nature in Bradenton. islander Photo: courtesy Jen Serra

proving his hypothesis correct.

and

Alex’s project is a great example of how students can use their knowledge and creativity to make a realworld impact.

grade teacher, Stephanie Davis.

ame first-grade teacher margaret Van Wormer dissects sea stars Jan. 18 during teacher training for guy Harvey academy curriculum about sea stars. islander Photo: courtesy ame

By

Gently-used donations welcome at Annunciation

The Episcopal Church of the Annunciation will collect “gently-used treasures” for a rummage sale beginning Monday, Feb. 6.

The rummage sale date is Saturday, Feb. 11, at the church, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

For more information, call the church at 941-7781638.

‘Terrific Tuesdays’ at COTA

The Episcopal Church of the Annunciation is holding “Terrific Tuesday” programs, with a theme for each Tuesday of the month.

The first Tuesday is open mic night at 6 p.m.; second Tuesday, trivia at 6 p.m.; third Tuesday, game night at 5 p.m.; and fourth Tuesday, artistry and history at 5 p.m.

Annunciation is at 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

For more information, call the church at 941-7781638.

Breakfast served at St. B

Rise, praise and feast.

St. Bernard Catholic Church’s Holy Name Society will serve pancakes in the parish hall 7:30 a.m.-noon. Sunday, Jan. 29.

Children under 12 will eat for free. Others are asked for a $10 donation.

The menu includes pancakes, sausage, eggs, juice and coffee.

St. Bernard Church is at 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach.

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

Brandon Kouri plays the piano in the sanctuary at roser church in anna maria. He’ll be leading piano lessons at the church over a 10-week period. islander courtesy Photo

Tidings

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.

Cypress Brass opens Roser concert series

Roser Memorial Community Church will launch its concert series with a Tuesday, Jan. 31, performance by Cypress Brass.

An announcement said, “You’re going to hear a wide range of music, from the Baroque to contemporary music, from New Orleans jazz to Broadway, to music by the Beatles.”

The brass quintet includes Ronald Romm and Aaron Romm, trumpet; Andrew Warfield, horn; Brad Williams, trombone; and Aaron Tindall, tuba.

They will perform 5-6:15 p.m. in the sanctuary, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

After the show, Roser will serve refreshments. There will be no admission charge but free-will offerings will be collected.

In February, the church will host Eddie Tobin and in March the series will feature Ring Sarasota.

For more information, go to roserchurch.com or call 941-778-0414.

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. 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.

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 With Us At Our Church Sunday Ser vice 10:00 AM

The Rev. Dr. Nor man Pritchard

Men’s Bible Study: Monday @ 9:00

Women’s Bible Study: Wednesday @ 10:00

Visitors & Residents Welcome Watch Our 10: 00 AM Ser vice Live: www bit ly/cclbksermons or www christchurchof lbk org (follow YouTube link)

PLeaSe, See tIDInGS, neXt Page

Lisa neff

compiled by Lisa neff

Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church Ave.,

trumpeter ronald romm is a member of the cypress Brass band, performing tuesday, Jan. 31, at roser church, 512 Pine ave., anna maria. islander courtesy Photo

Roser Church offers handbell, piano lessons

Roser Church is offering lessons in playing handbells and the piano.

A beginner’s handbell class — for adults and kids — will be 4-6 p.m. Thursdays at the church, 512 Pine Ave. Anna Maria.

Craig Ramberger, Roser’s director of music ministries, will lead the class, which is free to attend.

Roser also will host associate director of music ministries Brandon Kouri teaching piano for ages 13 and older for 10 weeks beginning Wednesday, Jan. 25.

The cost to enroll is $200.

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

Island Library observes Holocaust Remembrance Day

The Island Library will commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day Friday, Jan. 27.

The library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, will host survivor Rifka Glatz, a Hungarian Jew, who will discuss her rescue on the Kastner Train, also known as Kasztner’s Train.

The “train” consisted of 35 cattle wagons that left Budapest on June 30, 1944, during Nazi Germany’s occupation of Hungary, carrying more than 1,600 Jews temporarily to Bergen-Belsen and then to safety in Switzerland.

The program will be 2-3 p.m.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day is observed annually on the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp to honor the 6 million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and millions of other victims of Nazism.

For more, call the library at 941-778-6341.

— Lisa neff

Worship: Fridays, Shabbat, 5:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. Ongoing: Fridays, 6:45 p.m., choir call.

SPECIAL DATES & EVENTS

Through Jan. 27, weekdays, Roser Church January Series of Calvin University.

Jan. 29, St. Bernard Catholic Church pancake breakfast. Feb. 2, St. Bernard Women’s Guild fashion show.

Feb. 11, Annunciation’s White Elephant sale.

Feb. 18, 8 a.m.-11 a.m., Roser Church Pancake Breakfast. Feb. 19, Temple Beth Israel gala dinner, 5:30 p.m., Michael’s on East, Sarasota.

Feb. 24-25, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., St. Bernard Rummage Sale. March 18, 8 a.m.-11 a.m., Roser Church Pancake Breakfast. Please, send notices to calendar@islander.org

Obituaries

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.

BY NEIL SIMON DIRECTED BY PRESTON BOYD

• Roser Food Bank welcomes applicants who live and/or work on Anna Maria Island for food assistance, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941778-0414.

• AID offers financial help to those who either live on the island, go to church on the island, attend school on the island or work on the island. Info: 941-7252433.

Library Friends host ancient Egypt lecture

The Friends of the Island Library will continue its lecture and travel series Thursday, Jan. 26, hosting Marcus Alford talking about ancient Egypt — everyday life, the gods, the tombs, the temples.

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

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

Salvation Army rep to address AMI Kiwanis Club

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, Jan. 28, will feature remarks by Salvation Army Major Juan Guadalupe.

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

Flocking together

more than 150 residents of the Bradenton tropical Palms mobile home park, 2310 14th St. W., enjoy a day in the sun Jan. 9, during a group picnic at coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. Karen Simon, who lives in the park, said the group rents a pavilion at the beach every year to welcome seasonal residents — snowbirds — back to florida. islander

Assistance sought on AMI

• Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals, as well as assist with technology. Information: 941-3452441.

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

Photo: robert anderson

Cortez photo contest for fest

Sometimes the big catch in Cortez comes from the viewer’s eye and not a net.

The historic fi shing village is a photographer’s paradise.

So the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island partnered with the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage to hold a photo contest for the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, set for Feb. 18-19 in the village.

In the call to artists, AGAMI said, “Photographers are asked to share their images of Cortez village.”

Five awards will be presented in each of three age categories.

Electronic submissions must be made by 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, to prosportpic@gmail.com.

AGAMI photographer Peter Russell will judge the contest.

Printed photographs for display at the festival must be dropped off 10 a.m.-noon Friday, Feb. 17, at A.P. Bell Fish Co., 4600 124th St. W., Cortez.

For more information about the contest, contact Carolann Garafola at 908-922-1973 or carolanngarafola1@gmail.com.

“the

The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island will “Paint the Town” in February with a series of demonstrations and other activities.

The monthlong celebration, in cooperation with the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, includes:

• Artist demos at the Artists’ Guild Gallery at 11 a.m. Wednesday-Saturday;

• Paint arounds, where five artists collaborate on

five paintings, 3-5 p.m. Fridays;

• Kid activities, 3 p.m. Fridays;

Artists’ Guild fills February calendar ‘Paint the town’ activities planned at gallery and beyond

• Participation in the city center Art Walk Friday, Feb. 10;

• Plein aire artists outings, 9 a.m. Tuesdays. The gallery is at 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

For more information, call the gallery at 941-7786694.

nighttime on the water in cortez. the artists’ guild of anna maria island and florida institute for Saltwater Heritage are partnering on a photo contest coinciding with the cortez commercial fishing festival in the village in february. islander

Manatee County Area Transit: Island Trolley

In-stock, at a superstore near you don’t pay high prices to hawkers at flea markets or on social media. Walmart Supercenter, 5315 cortez road W., Bradenton, offers the anna maria island-opoly game at the “everyday low price” of $19.98. the game was found Jan. 18 on an end-cap near the checkout area in large quantities. islander

Photo: Bonner Joy

courtesy Photo

graham

caisson” by artists’ guild of anna maria island member Wendell graham. islander courtesy Photos

artists’ guild of anna maria island member Wendell graham received second-place honors for her “the caisson” in the florida Watercolor Society 2023 online Show. the painting and other work by graham are exhibited at the artists’ guild gallery, 5414 marina drive, Holmes Beach.

a paint-around at the artists’ guild gallery in Holmes Beach in 2019. the gallery will be the site of a series of paint arounds in february, part of agami’s “Paint the town” campaign. islander file Photo: Bonner Joy

She’s game for doing good

By robert anderson islander reporter

Deal her in for wildlife rescues.

Wildlife Inc. volunteer Kellie Edland wants folks to play a game and save some animals.

Edland created a card game, Critter Rescue, she markets online to promote and raise money for Wildlife Education & Rehabilitation Center in Bradenton Beach.

Wildlife Inc., founded and operated by Gail and Ed Straight, is Manatee County’s only licensed bird, mammal and reptile wildlife rehabilitation facility. The Straights run the rescue from their home at 2207 Avenue B.

Edland, who was born and raised in Sweden, moved to Florida in 2019 and she’s volunteered at Wildlife Inc. since her arrival.

“I’ve always loved animals,” Edland said. “I started to volunteer there the year I came down here. So I did that almost immediately. I love Ed and Gail.”

Edland, a self-professed card and board game enthusiast, said she came up with the idea of a card game based on the animals at the rescue and the methods used in their rehabilitation.

All animals depicted on the cards are critters that have been treated at Wildlife Inc..

“Each player has six different animal cards and each animal card has an ailment card,” Edland said. “They can be an orphan, they can be injured, and so on. You have a game deck that you play cards from to get cures for your animals and to get more points.”

Wildlife Inc. volunteer develops Critter Rescue fundraiser

The rescuer with the happiest and healthiest animals at the end of the game wins.

Edland said she tried to make the game appealing for kids and adults.

So far sales have generated $302.50 for Wildlife Inc.

Gamers can play Critter Rescue at Table Talk, 3999 Cortez Road W., Bradenton.

And they can purchase the game for $25 from Edland’s Etsy shop at www.etsy.com/shop/charitablemagpie.

Critter Rescue also is available at the Beach Shop, 11904 Cortez Road W., Cortez, and the Market Boutique & Events, 6650 Cortez Road W., Bradenton.

Some of the playing cards in Kellie edland’s critter rescue card game, created to benefit Wildlife inc. in Bradenton Beach.

Wildlife Inc.

On the mend … a white pelican, found weak and unable to stand Jan. 7 at the Bradenton Beach marina, was suffering effects of red tide. gale tedhams, a Wildlife inc. volunteer, said they propped up the bird’s head with a pillow while it was laying down. a loss of feathers also had caregivers at the rescue in Bradenton Beach worried. But now the pelican has a steady diet and the problem has subsided. although, not yet flying, as of Jan. 17 it was walking around, feisty and due to be released when it’s ready to fly. islander

Prize-winning ‘portrait’

island gallery West painter Jody goldman of Palmetto is a third-place winner in an art contest focused on the plight of endangered species and their habitats. the endangered fine art & Photography contest is a global, juried art exhibition that raised nearly $10,000 to be donated to the center for great apes. igW is at 5368 gulf drive, Holmes Beach. for more information, call 941-778-6648. islander courtesy Photo

Bayside launch

chad

Photo: courtesy gale tedhams/Wildlife inc.

How to help and get help

to assist Bradenton Beach-based Wildlife inc. in its mission, go online to wildlifeinc.org, call 941-778-6324 or write to Wildlife inc. P.o. Box 1449, anna maria, fL 34216. People also can call 941-778-6324 for wildlife-related emergencies.

Into the wild blue a pair of paragliders fly dec. 28, 2022, over the waters near the anna maria city Pier. islander

Photo: ryan Paice

Wildlife inc. volunteer Kellie edland poses with a card game she developed while working with animals at the Bradenton Beach rescue center. She created the game to raise money and awareness for the nonprofit’s mission. islander Photos: courtesy Kellie edland

Walters, right, helps launch a kayak and paddler/son Joss Jan. 17 near the South coquina Boat ramp in Bradenton Beach. islander Photo: robert anderson

WMFR presents 2022 district awards

West manatee fire rescue rookie firefighter/medic crystal tucciarone, center, Jan. 17 holds the district’s 2022 Soteria award, which she received for advancing mental health awareness among firefighters. Wmfr administrative battalion chief Jay Johnson, left, fire marshal rodney Kwiatkowski, battalion chief ryan moore and fire chief Ben rigney, stand alongside tucciarone.

former Wmfr commission chair Larry Jennis, right, holds a plaque Jan. 17 presented by commission chair robert Bennett, left, for “leadership and dedication” to the district.

Wmfr firefighter/ medic John Balzer smiles Jan. 17 alongside chief Ben rigney, on receiving the district’s 2022 meritorious Service award, recognizing outstanding performance.

Wmfr Lt. darren Vollmer, center, stands Jan. 17 with district staff, who recognized the retiring lieutenant for 26 years of service.

islander.org

islander Photos: ryan Paice

Wmfr Lt. John Stump, right, smiles Jan. 17 on receiving a trophy and plaque recognizing him as the fire district’s 2022 officer of the Year.

Left: Wmfr firefighter/medic david miller, center, flanked by battalion chief tyler macdonald and chief Ben rigney, holds a trophy Jan. 17 recognizing him as the fire district’s 2022 rookie of the Year.

West Manatee honors firefighters, officers

It might be 2023 but it’s not too late to recognize last year’s top performers.

The West Manatee Fire Rescue district administration presented annual awards Jan. 17 to district staff to celebrate their efforts over 2022.

WMFR Commission Chair Robert Bennett awarded former Chair Larry Jennis with a plaque recognizing him for leading the board 2021-22.

District staff also recognized Lt. Darren Vollmer, who is set to retire this year after 26 years of service.

Annual awards for 2022 included:

• Officer of the year: Lt. John Stump;

• Firefighter of the year: Christopher O’Kelly;

Streetlife Staff reports Island police reports

Anna Maria

No new reports.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office polices Anna Maria.

Bradenton Beach

Dec. 30, 107 Seventh Street N., Wicked Cantina, petit larceny. Bradenton Beach police officers responded to a call concerning the theft of money from a backpack belonging to an employee. Surveillance showed a coworker removing items from the backpack. A capias warrant was issued.

Jan. 14, 300 block of Gulf Drive South, Baker Act. A BBPD officer observed a vehicle moving at a slow rate of speed and missing a tire. The officer initiated a traffic stop and observed the driver showed signs of memory impairment. A family member was contacted and the driver was taken to HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton under the Baker Act, the Florida Mental Health Act of 1971 that allows the involuntary institutionalization and examination of an individual likely to harm themselves or others.

The Bradenton Beach Police Department polices

• Rookie of the year: David Miller;

• Soteria award: Crystal Tucciarone;

• Meritorious service award: John Balzer.

WMFR administration also presented career and length of service awards, including:

• 25 years: Julie Kichar and Christopher O’Kelly;

• 10 years: Jerrod Apple and Capt. Derek Bill;

• 1 year: Gabriel Gonzalez, William Thomas and Crystal Tucciarone.

The WMFR commission will meet next at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, at district headquarters, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton.

— ryan Paice

Bradenton Beach. Cortez

No new reports.

The MCSO polices Cortez. Holmes Beach

Jan. 9, 8100 block of Palm Drive, found property. An officer from the Holmes Beach Police Department responded to reports of luggage left on a sidewalk for several hours. The officer searched the luggage and found an airport tag with a name. The officer placed the luggage in storage.

Jan. 9, 6100 block of Marina Drive, theft. An Island Realty employee called the HBPD to report that an individual hacked his email and then wired more than $18,000.

Jan. 11, Marina Drive, suspended license/paraphernalia. An officer located a motorist pinged by HBPD’s license plate recognition system and conducted a traffic stop. The officer issued a court summons. The officer also searched the vehicle and found two glass pipes, which he confiscated.

Jan. 12, Anchor Inn, 3007 Gulf Drive, disorderly intoxication/obstruction without violence. Two officers responded to reports of a disturbance. The officers found a man yelling into an open window. When the

man saw the officers, “he yelled to the two people next to him that the cops are here and to run,” according to a report. An officer chased the man, who eventually allowed himself to be handcuffed. The man, who was intoxicated and uncooperative, was arrested and transported to the Manatee County jail.

Jan. 15, 6000 block of Marina Drive, Baker Act.

Two officers responded to reports of a suspicious person on the beach and arrived to find a man yelling at traffic and bystanders. The man’s relative said he was having mental health issues. The officers tried to speak with the young man but he ran into traffic, so they handcuffed and detained him under the Baker Act. Manatee County Emergency Medical Services transported the man to HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton for treatment.

Jan. 16, 400 block of 80th Street, welfare check. An officer was dispatched for a welfare check in response to a caller’s report that her children had called her crying. The officer found a man and his two kids. The officer spoke with the kids, who said their father was yelling at them and they asked to go back to their mother. The officer spoke with the man, who said he and his ex-wife were going through a divorce and the kids were not taking it well. The officer filed a report to the Florida abuse hotline. The officer responded again to a second welfare check involving the same parties later that day and found one of the children was emotional but otherwise in order.

Jan. 17, 3800 block of East Bay Drive, marijuana/ paraphernalia. An officer clocked a motorist driving 45 mph in a 25-mph zone and conducted a traffic stop. While speaking to the driver, the officer smelled marijuana from inside the vehicle. The officer searched the vehicle and found a plastic bag containing 10.8 grams of marijuana and a metal grinder with marijuana residue inside, which he confiscated and placed in evidence. The officer issued the driver a court summons and a warning for speeding.

HBPD polices Holmes Beach.

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

DOT-Cortez bridge meeting rekindles business’ concerns

By robert anderson islander reporter

Some Cortez business owners are expressing renewed concern over the replacement of Cortez Bridge and the impact construction might have on their establishments.

The Florida Department of Transportation will hold an information meeting on its plans for a new bridge 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31, at Kirkwood Presbyterian Church, 6101 Cortez Road, Bradenton.

The DOT says the 65-foot span bridge will allow greater clearance for large vessels and require less maintenance due to the lack of moving parts typical in a bascule bridge.

But there are detractors.

A group of four people legally challenging the DOT’s choice to build the fixed-span bridge consists of Joe McClash, Linda Molto, Joe Kane and Jane von Hahmann. Molto and Von Hahmann live in Cortez and both von Hahmann and McClash are former county commissioners. They initiated a lawsuit seeking a midlevel 35-foot drawbridge instead and a federal appeal brief is due in February.

The group maintains a mid-level bridge would not require retaining walls while the megabridge would include inland walls that peak at 20 feet near Cortez

businesses on the Intracoastal Waterway — including Tide Tables Restaurant, Annie’s Bait Shop and the Seafood Shack — and extend eastward into the community 700 feet along Cortez Road.

The estimated start of construction is in 2026 and business owners along Cortez Road were unsettled by the DOT’s latest meeting notice.

Dave Stubbers, owner of Beach’N Bikes, 4221 129th St. W., Cortez, voiced concerns about the scope of construction and that his bike rental business would be at the foot of the proposed ramp for the big bridge.

“It will basically isolate Cortez. What it’s going to

Jeffrey o’connell, owner of Bunny & Pirates Bazaar, 12404 cortez road W., cortez, has been in business in the area for more than five years and has concerns about the impact of bridge construction. islander Photo: robert anderson

dave Stubbers, left, and partner Brandon casemiro, right, of Beach’n Bikes rental store, 4221 129th St. W., cortez, are not in favor of the proposed bridge.

islander Photo: robert anderson

do for business around here, I can’t imagine,” Stubbers said.

“The biggest thing is I’ve been here 42 years. You’re going to have this super bridge going nowhere,” he added.

Jeffrey O’Connell, owner of Bunny & Pirates in Cortez, said the bridge might block off his business.

“Even the traffic now, once those people are two hours to get out to the beach, by the time they’re right here, they are like ‘We are not pulling in there.’ If you build a gigantic bridge in front of my business, it’s going to affect me and probably not for the better,” O’Connell said.

At the Jan. 31 forum, the DOT staff will display project materials, answer questions and take comments.

The DOT also will present the information and take comments on the web at www.swflroads.com/ project/430204-2 through Feb. 10.

a graphic shows the footprint of the proposed 65-foot mega-bridge and the scope of the ramp needed to accommodate the structure. islander Photo: courtesy dot

Slow for sewer work

chad Wakeman, left, of Woodruff & Sons inc., the contractor for the county’s gravity sewer replacement project, listens Jan. 12 as Bradenton Beach resident John Burns asks questions about the construction process. the project area is along the gulf drive corridor from Sixth Street South to 13th Street South. the work — set to begin this week — will impact traffic in the south part of the city and require staging at cortez Beach. for more information, go to https://amiprojects.io. islander

robert anderson

Ready for season’s overflow

Workers from Woodruff & Sons Jan. 17 measure the placement of bollards for an overflow parking area next to the south coquina parking lot at coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. the overflow lot will contain 140 new spaces. meanwhile, manatee county announced via facebook Jan. 20 that the south parking lot is completed and open for use. the county posted, “thinking of going to the beach this weekend? there are now more places to park with the opening of the coquina South Parking (near the concession building).” the work was completed by Woodruff & Sons after the project stalled due to the loss of the original contractor. construction on the south lot began in april 2019. islander

RoadWatch

Eyes on the road

• Holmes Beach contractor crews continue work near the intersection of Gulf and Marina drives to include new amenities, resulting in marked detours and closures at Marina and Gulf drives in the city center, with traffic patterns subject to change. For the latest, check the city’s page on Facebook.

• The Manatee County utilities department is working on a force main project along Holmes Boulevard, which can result in some road closures, 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

Photo:

Photo: robert anderson

Clean water committee presents 1st-year update

By ryan Paice islander reporter

The city of Holmes Beach’s newest board, the Clean Water Committee, reported a productive first year.

And hopes are high for a second year.

CWC Chair Ron Huibers Jan. 12 updated city commissioners on the board’s progress and how efforts in improving water quality may develop.

The city in 2021 established the CWC, an advisory board focused on coordinating community activity, philanthropy and government action to improve water quality on Anna Maria Island.

The CWC met for the first time Dec. 15, 2021, and, over the 12 public meetings since, developed a mission, objectives and priorities, heard from speakers on issues, conducted testing and provided recommendations for remediation.

Huibers said a main accomplishment was getting feedback from experts on water quality, including Sarasota Bay Estuary Program director Dave Tomasko, Sarasota Waterkeepers chair Rusty Chinnis and John Bowden and Angela Collins from the University of Florida.

Huibers said it is important to develop a network of experts so the CWC doesn’t retread in others’ steps, as well as to combine the fragmented efforts of the different water quality organizations into one.

In the CWC’s second year, Huibers said he’d like to organize a common agenda with the other organizations and experts to take widespread action.

“There’s a lot of moving pieces and we’re starting to see activity but we need to be much more coordinated,” Huibers said. “We got to get rolling all in the same direction.”

Additionally, city action on CWC recommendations proposed in May 2022 may come to fruition this year.

The CWC’s recommendations include:

• Purchase a marine debris harvester vessel or hire a contractor with equipment to collect and dispose of

Milestones

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

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

algal mats and fish kills to reduce the water’s nitrogen load and odors;

• Test Cape Coral-based Ecological Laboratories’ product, Microbe-Lift, a bacteria that breaks down algae and reduces nitrates;

• Develop community outreach initiatives to educate people about how they can protect local waters and prevent further environmental damage.

Huibers told The Islander Jan. 14 that the city is set to issue two requests for proposals to address the CWC’s fi rst recommendation by the end of the month.

One RFP would be to seek quotes for the purchase of a harvester vessel, while the other would seek quotes from contractors who could provide marine debris removal services when needed.

And Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth said the city has applied for a state grant to test MicrobeLift and would know by “early spring” if they would receive the money.

As for the third recommendation, Huibers praised the city passing an ordinance prohibiting smoking on the beach and the use of single-use plastic straws, as well as a resolution encouraging local residents and businesses to reduce the use of single-use plastics.

Huibers said he is “really encouraged” by the city’s efforts to address the CWC recommendations.

City officials also expressed encouragement.

“We are just one small community. But it has to start somewhere, folks,” Commissioner Terry Schaefer said. “I look up and down the coast and I don’t see anybody who is doing what we’re doing to initiate the

subject in regard to clean water.”

“I think the first year was a study. And now we have a much stronger platform to move forward with,” he added.

Commissioners Jan. 12 unanimously voted to fill three empty CWC seats with appointees, including Bradenton resident Larry Grossman and Holmes Beach residents Marty Hicks and Jennifer Miller.

Huibers told The Islander he’s excited to work with the new board members.

In other matters…

Holmes Beach commissioners Jan. 12 also:

• Unanimously voted for a resolution opposing preemption of local legislative efforts to address the proliferation of single-use plastics and encouraging residents and businesses to reduce the use of such products;

• Unanimously voted to ratify the execution of a contract to purchase properties at 3004 Ave. A and 3005 Ave. B, near Grassy Point Preserve, for $50,000;

• Unanimously voted to ratify the execution of a contract to purchase property at 3002 Ave. B, near Grassy Point Preserve, for $20,000;

• Unanimously voted to approve a resolution allowing the city to participate in the 2023 Manatee County Council of Governments meetings.

The city commission was to meet next at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24, at city hall.

Directions to attend city meetings via Zoom can be found at holmesbeachfl.org.

— ryan Paice

Holmes Beach clean Water committee members look on Jan. 13 as city clerk Stacey Johnston swears in Holmes Beach resident marty Hicks, Bradenton resident Larry grossman and Holmes Beach resident Jennifer miller as new cWc members. islander Photo: courtesy michelle Lowe

BB mayor, commission consider dissolution of ScenicWAVES

By robert anderson islander reporter

Bradenton Beach commissioners’ discussion Jan. 19 about appointing a new ScenicWAVES member ended in a discussion about whether the committee is needed.

The agenda for the Jan. 19 commission meeting at city hall included a vote on the appointment of Bradenton resident Bruce Butler as a member of ScenicWAVES but commissioners found themselves discussing the low number of members and the recent accomplishments of the board.

ScenicWAVES is an advisory committee tasked with guiding commissioners on beautification, improvements along Gulf Drive, a state-designated scenic highway in the city, and also waterfront improvements and protection.

“I’m asking, what do we actually get out of it?”

Commissioner Ralph Cole said. “If someone could explain to me, maybe I’m not seeing it but, I haven’t seen a whole lot that we’ve gotten out of it lately, that we can’t do ourselves up here as a board. Then we’re

Movies in the Park continues with ‘Gallipoli’

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 “Gallipoli,” showing Jan. 31.

The 1981 Australian war drama was directed by Peter Weir and features Mel Gibson.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their blankets, chairs and snacks.

For more information, call the city at 941-7086130.

Click! We welcome news of the milestones in readers’ lives. Send notices to news@islander.org.

not liable for any sunshine violations for a committee.”

He continued, “I’d like to define what they actually do and what are their goals and what are we going to use them for, because right now, I just don’t see us getting a whole lot out of it. I would like to see the whole committee defined and really look at it because when it started it had a really good purpose for the scenic highway.”

Mayor John Chappie said, “ScenicWAVES was started a number of years ago and what you’re talking about is also something that other communities have struggled with over the years, that have scenic highways in their communities.”

“I think a better question is, do we need them now?” asked Commissioner Jan Vosburgh. “We needed them before but are they being really productive to help Bradenton Beach or can we eliminate ScenicWAVES?”

“Well, that’s a good question,” Chappie responded. “Each year they have done several projects and contribute to the enhancement of the byway to help it look

better. They keep eyes on the signs.”

City attorney Ricinda Perry suggested Chappie include a segment in his mayor’s report dedicated to a study of ScenicWAVES and its viability.

After the discussion, Commissioner Jake Spooner motioned to approve Bruce Butler as a new member of ScenicWAVES and was seconded by Jan Vosburgh. The motion passed unanimously.

About ScenicWaves

Bradenton Beach ScenicWaVeS is an advisory committee representing the Bradenton Beach Scenic Highway corridor management entity for the florida department of transportation designated Scenic Highway Program and the entity for the Waterfronts florida Partnership Program. ScenicWaVeS also serves as the tree and landscaping advisory committee to promote awareness of the citywide tree canopy and landscaping education programs.

Prepping for the day

Bridge tender inn & dockside Bar employee Krista Pinkham preps and cleans menus for the day’s business Jan. 17 at an outdoor boat/table at the waterfront restaurant, 135 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. islander Photo: robert anderson

NEW CHEF NEW MENU

FROM AWARD-WINNING CHEF THOMAS VILLETTO

The Beach House is proud to announce Thomas Villetto as our new Executive Chef. Chef Thomas has worked for multiple Michelin Star chefs and creates fresh Mediterranean flavors with local ingredients.

Come explore the foods you know & love hand-crafted to a whole new level!

Football takes ‘center stage,’ plus KRC golf, AM horseshoes

By Kevin P. cassidy islander reporter

Flag football is leading sports on the field at the Center of Anna Maria Island.

each added a TD to complete the scoring in the victory.

Braxton Anderson, Tanner Miller and Turner Worth in the victory.

After two weeks of action in the adult flag football league at the center, only two undefeated teams remained. The Briley Mortgage Team and Luxury Services sport 2-0 records, followed by the Banks Home Leading Team, Moss Builders, Gulf Drive Cafe and Solid Rock Construction, all at 1-1, while Sandbar Restaurant and Ugly Grouper are 0-2.

Ryan Moss threw four touchdown passes for the Moss offense. Zachary Long added two TD catches for Moss Builders, which also received TDs from Evelyn Long and James Roadman in the loss.

Youth flag football season officially kicks off

The dress rehearsals are over and the games now go in the record book in the youth league at the center.

Finally, Pineapple Market Place cruised to a 41-21 victory over Intentional Resilient Intuitive behind Jack Mattick, who finished with three rushing TDs and a touchdown pass. Peyton Hovda also had a big game, finishing with two TD passes, a touchdown reception and three quarterback sacks in the victory.

cassidy

Action Jan. 19 kicked off with Solid Rock Construction cruising to a 48-28 victory over Sandbar behind six touchdown passes from Dominic Otteni, three of them caught by Tuna McCracken. McCracken added a rushing touchdown for Solid Rock, which also received two TDs from Tyler Brewer and one from Travis Bates in the victory.

Matt Manger threw for two touchdowns and ran for another to carry Sandbar, which also received touchdown catches from Bradley Coleman, Derrik Daniels and Zachary Routh in the loss.

The Briley Mortgage Team rolled to a 33-18 victory over the Banks Home Leading Team thanks to five TD passes from Matt Briley. Alonzo Lemus led the receiving corps with two TDs, while Connor Haughey, Brandin Holcomb and Karri Stephens each finished with a touchdown in the victory.

The Banks Home Leading team received three touchdown passes from Jeremy Cruz Rodriguez to Shawn Balvin, Julia King and Reuben Young in the loss.

Gulf Drive Cafe rolled over Ugly Grouper by a 40-12 score in the third game of the evening. James Herrholtz threw three TD passes and Anthony Mannino added two TD passes and a rushing TD to lead Gulf Drive. Cole Carter led the receivers with three touchdown receptions, while Jacob Ferda finished with one touchdown in the victory.

Zachary Blakeney threw a touchdown pass to Limarcus Waller, who also added an interception return for a touchdown for Ugly Grouper in the loss.

Luxury Services outscored Moss Builders 48-27 in the last game of the night behind six touchdown passes and a rushing touchdown from Chase Richardson. Sequil Marintez was Richardson’s favorite target, finishing with seven catches including four for TDs. Frankie Romo, Jonathan Soutatos and Dustin Tomcho

Action in the 8-10 flag football division kicked off Jan. 16 with Solid Rock Construction obliterating SynLawn 50-6 behind five touchdown passes from Kyle Mims. Turner Worth had four TDs — two rushing and two receiving — to lead Solid Rock, which also received rushing and receiving touchdowns from Matthew Darak. Samuel Raulerson and Elijah Roadman completed the scoring with touchdown grabs in the victory.

Oliver McCallister’s rushing touchdown was the lone score for SynLawn, which also received an interception on defense from Nolan Anderson in the loss.

The second game of the evening saw Moss Builders cruise past Cloud Pest Control 39-0 behind three TD passes from Aidan Guess, including two to Miles Moss. Luke Willing added a TD catch, while Willing and Guess both added defensive TDs in the victory.

Next up at the center, Brandon Sato threw for two touchdowns and ran for two touchdowns to lead Sato Real Estate to a 44-13 victory over AMI Coconuts. Brother Dylan Sato had a pair of touchdown receptions to go along with an interception return for a TD. Kellen Reed finished with two TD catches and Camden Rudacille added another interception return for a TD in the victory.

Preston LaPensee ran for a score and threw a touchdown pass to Josiah Figueroa for AMI Coconuts, which also received a passing touchdown from Matthew Perkins in the loss.

The last 8-10 division game of the night saw Island Real Estate outscore Westfall’s Lawn Care & Pest Control by a 32-12 score. Steven Sheehan led the way with two interception returns for TDs on defense, while Charlee Maize and Gunnar Maize both ran for TDs. Sawyer Leibfried threw a touchdown pass to Riley Karecki to complete the scoring in the victory.

Callin Westfall ran for a touchdown and Carter Hey added an interception for a TD for Westfall.

Action in the 11-13 division kicked off Jan. 17 with Sandhoff Construction edging Storage Building Company 15-6. Charlie Rogers threw touchdowns to Colten Shook and Kade Eslich added a safety and a defensive touchdown in the victory.

Landon Snyder threw a touchdown pass to Rowen Benford to lead Storage Building in the loss.

The second game of the evening saw Solid Rock Construction earn a dominating 44-10 victory over Chick-Fil-A behind three touchdown passes and a rushing touchdown from Carter Eurice. Hayden Eurice, Audrey Guess and Austin Guess had touchdown receptions in the victory.

Chase Signor connected with Ryk Kesten for Chick-Fil-A in the loss.

Moss Builders earned an easy 26-2 victory over Shady Lady Horticultural Services in the third 11-13 game. Mason Moss threw two TD passes and ran for another to lead Moss, which also received a touchdown pass from Bam Gartman and touchdown catches from

Charlie Neri threw touchdowns to Madi Darak and Kegan McGlade, who also added an interception return for a touchdown in the loss.

Horseshoe news

Four teams emerged from pool play with 3-0 records and settled things in a playoff during Jan. 18 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall pits.

The first semifinal saw Bob Lee and Jerry Disbrow edge Steve Doyle and Rod Bussey 21-18, while Bob Heiger and Tom Farrington obliterated Neal Hennessey and Bob Hawks by a 22-1 score. Heiger and Farrington stayed hot and cruised to a 21-14 victory over Lee and Disbrow to earn the day’s bragging rights.

In another four-team affair Jan. 21, Dom Livedoti and Bussey defeated Bob Rowley 21-11 in the first semifinal, while Adin Shank and Bob Palmer outlasted Doyle and Tom Skoloda 23-15 on the strength of three double ringers from Palmer. It was all Livedoti and Bussey in the finals as they cruised to a 22-3 victory.

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.

KrC news

The highlight of the past week at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach was the annual men’s President’s Cup tournament, which had 50 participants.

Eric Lawson grabbed clubhouse bragging rights for the year with 36 points, one point ahead of secondplace finisher Tim Friessen. Robert Kingan, Wayne Pattersno, Greg Shorten and Larry Solberg — all tied for third with 34 points.

Golf continued Jan. 16 with the men’s weekly modified-Stableford system match. Steve Vasbinder had a huge day, firing a plus-7 — seven points above his average. Bruce Christensen was two points back in second place at plus-5, while John Kolojeski at plus-4 and Mike Cusato at plus-3 rounded out the top four.

The women played a nine-hole individual-low-net match in three flights Jan. 17. Leigh Brittain and Nina Sparren both fired 1-under- par 31s to tie for first in Flight A.

Roxanne Koche’s 4-under-par 28 was the low-net round of the day — good for first place in Flight B. Judy Menchek fired a 3-under-par 29 to take first place in Flight C by two strokes.

Other highlights were chipins by Marcia Friessen, Debbie Milder and Billie Jean Pinson.

Members competed in a scramble/shamble combo Jan. 19. The team of Laura Bernstein, Bob Blaser, Tony Donnelly and Laura Purcell matched the evenpar 50 carded by Chris Arendt, Dean Christensen, Tim Donnar and Ron Pfaff for a tie for first place.

By capt. danny Stasny islander reporter

Anna Maria Island anglers are venturing into the Gulf of Mexico to find a consistent bite.

Fishing structure from along the beaches to around 9-10 miles out seems to be producing the best action, as cool water temperatures have slowed the bite in the backwaters of the Intracoastal Waterway and surrounding bays.

Using live shrimp as bait on a bottom rig works well in the Gulf, although finding structure is crucial. Find the wrecks, reefs, ledges or hard-bottom areas because an angler needs something down there to attract and hold fish in targetable quantities.

Most catches in these areas are mangrove snapper, sheepshead and Key West grunts. The species typically will be found in the shallower areas. But, if you venture beyond, you can add hogfish, porgies, red and gag grouper and triggerfish to the list.

For those willing to venture more than 10 miles in the Gulf, the outcomes are endless as to what you’ll find. Amberjack, African pompano and blackfin tuna are coming to the boat, as well as red grouper and mangrove snapper.

Now if you’re solely a backwater angler, don’t feel left out. Fishing docks with live shrimp is yielding sheepshead, black drum and redfish. You may need to be patient, as the bite is slightly slower than the bite in the Gulf.

Fishing for pompano with jigs in the passes also is a good bet, plus there’s a chance you’ll hook into jacks and ladyfish to add variety to the bite.

On my Just Reel charters, most days are being spent in the Gulf of Mexico. Light breezes and calm waters are a great recipe to get out and fish the reefs and ledges. In these areas, I’m seeing a variety of fish being caught, including sheepshead, mangrove snapper, Key West grunts and hogfish. Triggerfish are in the mix, as well as plenty of juvenile red grouper.

On the windier days when I’m confi ned to the backwater, my clients are catching redfish, black drum and sheepshead.

Capt. David White says he’s catching numerous red grouper while working offshore over ledges and hard bottom in the Gulf of Mexico. He’s putting clients on mangrove snapper and hogfish on live shrimp. For the red grouper bite, a variety of bait is working.

TideWatch

By Lisa neff

Red tide bloom lingers

The red tide organism, Karenia brevis , was detected in Southwest Florida and in one sample on the East Coast during the week ending Jan. 22.

K. brevis was at background to medium concentrations in or offshore of Manatee County and nearby in background to low concentrations in Pinellas County and very low to medium concentrations in or offshore of Sarasota County.

Reports of fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were received from Manatee, Pinellas, Sarasota and Collier counties.

Respiratory irritation suspected to be related to red tide was reported via the Beach Conditions Reporting System in Manatee, Pinellas and Sarasota counties.

For more information, go online to myfwc.com.

Live baits such as pinfi sh are a good bet, although frozen bait such as sardines also work and it’s easier to acquire.

Moving inshore, White is finding live shrimp is working best when targeting black drum, sheepshead and redfish.

Capt. Jason Stock says fishing offshore in the Gulf of Mexico is producing some great action, especially for those ready to spend a full day on the water. Fullday trips allow for more distance in the Gulf — which yields species such as African pompano and blackfin tuna. For the pomps, bottom fishing and deep jigging works well. As for the tuna, trolling plugs over wrecks is working, and also is yielding bonito. Another species to add to the list is amberjack, which are being found over wrecks and springs.

On Stock’s half-day trips, anglers are enjoying the

gabe Bragg, 12, of Perico island, shows off a snook he caught and released Jan. 12 from shore at the Palma Sola causeway. gabe and his family fish there multiple times a week. the snook was caught using a 3-inch gulp shrimp on a 3/8-ounce doublebarbed jig head.

Paula Steptoe, left, Stevie goode, John Steptoe, annie Buckland and Kenny tsindides, all visiting from London, fished the nearshore waters Jan. 19 and brought back a variety of fish — mangrove snapper, spotted seatrout and sheepshead — for a fish fry. they used shrimp as bait. they were guided by capt. Warren girle.

hookups with amberjack as well as mangrove snapper, Key West grunts, porgies and hogfish — and you can bet on plenty of smaller red grouper in the mix.

Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says sheepshead are most prevalent. Pier fishers using live shrimp as bait are finding success when targeting the fish. Fiddler crabs as bait are working too, and are a great alternative when the sheepies are finicky.

Other catches at the pier in recent weeks include mangrove snapper and black drum.

Capt. Warren Girle is catching a variety of species while working the passes and inlets that lead to the Gulf of Mexico. Using live shrimp as bait is leading to catches of sheepshead, mangrove snapper and redfish for Girle’s anglers. All these species are being caught where structure exists.

Other species such as jack crevalle and bluefish are being caught in the passes, although structure being present is not crucial, as casting baits into open water works fine here, too.

Lastly, Girle reports spotted seatrout are being caught on the deeper grass flats in Sarasota Bay.

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

alexandria

cramer, visiting from montrose, michigan, shows off a respectable wintertime sheepshead — her first — caught Jan. 19 on a live shrimp in tampa Bay with capt. david White of anna maria charters while on her first charter fishing trip.

HB recognizes Florida Arbor Day

Easy riders

tyler Hiatt, left, of Sioux falls, South dakota, with uncle aaron, father Jon and brothers caleb and Lucas pause their dec. 28 holiday e-bike ride from their vacation home in Bradenton. “i can’t think of a better way to wrap up 2022 and kick off 2023 than e-biking with the fam on ami and looking forward to more memories on the island for years to come,” Jon Hiatt said. islander Photo: courtesy Stephanie Hiatt

Sarasota park hosts ‘new paddler day’

Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota is the site of a “new paddlers day,” an introduction to racing dragon boats, canoes, kayaks and more.

The event will be Sunday, Jan. 29.

An announcement at nathanbendersonpark.org said, “Whether you’re interested in recreational paddling or you want to be competitive, we have a place for you — and we want to continue building our all-cancer-survivors and our NPD Veterans dragon boat teams.”

Rookies will start on land with training, get outfi tted with life jackets and paddles and then have on-the-water orientation.

Local Rickard Jensen, who has been involved in coordinating military veterans paddling at the park, encouraged a big turnout from the island.

“Whatever your interest, we WILL have a seat in the boat for you,” Jensen wrote in a message to The Islander.

Hours posted on the website are 9:30-11:30 a.m.

The park is at 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota.

To reserve a spot, go to the website.

For more information about Nathan Benderson, call the park at 941-358-7275.

For more information about the island connection, call Jensen at 575-749-9211.

Also, there is an island-based team of dragon boat paddlers — AMI Dragon Boat Team-Paddlers from Paradise.

For more information about the team, contact Melinda Bradway at 941-462-2626 or mrbradway@gmail.com.

— Lisa neff

Islander archive 24/7

The Islander is a partner with the University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries.

Look for The Islander in the stacks at the UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

And it’s available 24/7.

Holmes Beach city commissioner dan diggins reads a proclamation Jan. 20 recognizing florida arbor day alongside

planted earlier that day by public works employees at Spring Lake Park,

Holmes Blvd. city staff planted 12 red

saplings in city parks throughout the city to celebrate the occasion.

trees were planted at Spring Lake Park. islander Photo: ryan Paice

BY MICHAEL SCHLOSSBERG / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ

By Lisa Neff

Saturday morning chores

Saturday mornings are for chores.

I grew up with Saturday morning chores but was allowed to do them after Saturday morning cartoons, the best of any other generation, with “HR Pufnstuf,” “The Osmonds,” “Josie and the Pussycats in Outer Space” and “The Brady Kids.”

I still keep the Saturday chores tradition: Change sheets. Clean the floors. Wash the laundry. Rearrange the bedroom.

Escrap collection Jan. 28

Team hustle a team of workers hand off cans of paints and other materials for disposal during the 2018 e-Scrap and Hazardous Waste collection at coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. the annual event provides locals with the opportunity to dispose of household hazardous waste, as well as unwanted electronics. islander file

silver and gold in those electronics.

But most importantly, we’re getting dangerous materials out of the “traditional” waste stream.

On Saturday, Jan. 28, I’ll add another chore to the schedule — haul a broken speaker and old computer parts to Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach, where Manatee County will hold its annual Household Hazardous Waste and Electronic Scrap collection.

Manatee County will collect household hazardous waste and electronics 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28.

neff

Hours will be 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and traditionally when the collection opens there’s a long line of vehicles ready to roll from station to station — assembly-line style.

The drop-off will be one of the morning’s easiest chores because I’ll be sitting in the car, catching the Gulf breeze, radio tuned to WUSF and hot coffee in the cupholder while crews clear out the trunk of the electronics and anything else I collect over the next several days.

Just as there are rules regarding what people can throw in the garbage and what people can place in recycle bins — you know there are rules, right? — there are rules about what can be dropped off at the collection site.

You can recognize the household hazardous waste because the labels read “poison,” “danger,” “warning” or “caution.”

HHW includes aerosols, gasoline, antifreeze, cleaning compounds, diesel fuel, fertilizers, varnish, fluorescent bulbs, fungicides, motor oil, paint, propane tanks and batteries.

HHW also includes herbicides but hopefully you stopped buying them years ago.

And what’s e-scrap? Broken or misfit consumer

The collection will be at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach.

For more info, call Manatee County at 941798-6761 or go online to www.mymanatee.org/ escrap.

electronic equipment, which likely contains lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic and other materials that can be hazardous to the environment if not recycled or disposed of properly.

E-scrap items include battery chargers, cellphones, cords, circuit boards, fax machines, gaming devices, central processing units, keyboards, microwaves, printers, radios, TVs, monitors and more.

Some of the items collected Jan. 28 will be repurposed, refurbished or recycled, including those mined for their precious metals — there might be palladium,

At the 2022 collection, a supervisor on the work team took 10 minutes to show me the stations and give me the Gospel of Electronics Stewardship.

My notes say:

• Worldwide, we generate 40 million tons of electronic waste each year and only about 20% is properly collected and recycled;

• Smartphones are a goldmine, a million smartphones can yield 75 pounds of gold, 772 pounds of silver, 33 pounds of palladium and more than 35,000 pounds of copper;

• Electronics should never go to the landfill, where their lead, mercury, cadmium and chromium seep into soil and water;

• And never transport household hazardous waste materials in the front seat of your vehicle.

Yep, pop the trunk, load it up and see you at the beach.

Photo: Lisa neff

ITEMS FOR SALE

free aLuminum Ladder: 18-foot. text to 727-742-3480. if it’s not picked up in 48 hours, it will go to the next person.

cHandeLier metaL LiKe-new, $20, chairs, black, soft cushion $15/each and office chair, white, $15. 941-920-2494.

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.

antiQue office cHairS: Perfect for eclectic dining set. circa 1950 from anna maria city Hall. inquire at the islander newspaper, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

ITEMS FOR SALE Continued

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 toll-free 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 SALES

eState SaLe: 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. friday, Jan. 27 and 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 29. 110 49th St., Holmes Beach. (Parking is on the side where there are signs that say “Permit Parking” only). Longtime Holmes Beach resident. Sofa/loveseat, oriental rugs, dining room set, breakfront, bar stools, Bose radio, coffee, end and sofa tables, telescope, drafting table, queen beds, two large curios, Victorian fainting chair, wingback and Windsor chairs, period Queen anne lowboy and three highboys. two-drawer drop-leaf stand, bench bookcases, watercolors, listed artists, silverplate seashells, collection of clocks, brass candlesticks, bells and lamps, stressless chairs and ottoman, cut glass, Waterford, Lladro, woodenware including boxes, books. china including noritake, Shenandoah, Villeroy and Boch Botanica and Horchow. Wicker settee and chairs, garden statuary, bird bath, refrigerator, kitchenware, baskets, fi le cabinets, nice linens and men’s clothing, decorative accessories, router, table and router, some tools, and much more. a nice sale! Sale conducted by Palma Sola Sales. numbers given out at 8 a.m.

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.

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. 941-5653931.

BicYcLe rePairS: Just4fun at 5358 gulf drive can do most any bicycle repair at a reasonable cost. Pick-up and delivery available. 941-896-7884.

comPanion/HomemaKer: Honest and reliable offering help with running errands, grocery shopping, house sitting, pet and plant care, light cooking/cleaning, transportation. references available and licensed. call Sherri, 941-592-4969.

aPi’S drYWaLL rePair: i look forward to servicing your drywall repair needs. call 941524-8067 to schedule an appointment. HandYman or cLeaning services: affordable rates. fred, 941-356-1456.

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.

PETS

HeLP reScued PetS! Volunteer, foster, computer help needed! moonracer animal rescue. email: moonraceranimalrescue@ gmail.com.

TRANSPORTATION

ProfeSSionaL WindoW cLeaning: residential, commercial, free estimates. “We want to earn your business!” 207-852-6163.

goLf

BOATS & BOATING

HaVe a Boat and wanna catch more fish, better bait or learn the water? 50-year local fisherman, your boat, my knowledge. captain chris, 941-896-2915.

SuncoaSt Bottom Painting: Professional bottom painting. mobile. call 941704-9382.

HELP WANTED

noW Hiring HandYman: full-time professional services. $15 an hour and up, based on experience. call JayPros, 941962-2874.

rePorter Wanted: full- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience required. apply via email with letter of interest to news@islander.org.

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.

the islander website is your source for essential news. check it out: islander.org.

SERVICES Continued

VoLunteer gardener. WiLL cut grass, weed or plant flowers for those who need help. text, 331-330-0563.

BuSineSS-to-BuSineSS Jd’s Window cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. i make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-920-3840.

BeacH SerVice air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. Serving manatee county and the island since 1987. for dependable, honest and personalized service, call Bill eller, 941-795-7411. cac184228.

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. 941-705-1444. 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.

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.

HOME IMPROVEMENT Continued

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 or home: 941-896-5770.

RENTALS

anna maria guLf beachfront vacation rentals. one- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941778-3143.

SmaLL eXecutiVe office available. approximately 550 sf. gulf drive exposure. Water and electric included, $850/month. $500 deposit. 5386 gulf drive, Suite 101, Holmes Beach. 941-746-8666.

SeaSonaL: 4Br/2Ba, pool, large sunroom, garage, laundry, $10,000/month. Walk to beach or cross street to beach. 3Br/2Ba sunroom, porch, garage, washer and dryer. $12,000/month. call 347-510-8417.

StePS to BeacH: rare, authentic annual 3Br/2Ba gulf view house! Bradenton Beach. $3,250/month. first, last, security deposit, $1,500. Seven-month minimum. no pets. call 941-778-1098 or 212-658-1984.

SeaSonaL rentaL: 3Br and 4Br/2Ba, sunroom, swimming pool garage, laundry. $9,000/month. call 347-510-7417.

2Br/2Ba condominium acroSS street from Holmes Beach, pool, hot tub, garage. available feb. 4-18. $1,800. 901-3311845.

4Br/2Ba: PooL, Sunroom, garage, laundry. good location, 7808 third ave., W. Bradenton. call or text, 703-587-4675.

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.

Wanted: room to rent. $1,000 maximum. one female. 941-773-8162.

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.”

REAL ESTATE Continued

for SaLe: 6616 Heritage Lane, West Bradenton. 3Br/2Ba, two-car garage. 2014 roof, multiple upgrades. Pool-worthy large back yard. open house: 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28. Suzanne Wilson, Broker coastal Properties realty. call/text, 941962-0971.

isl biz

Signs of things to come

Things are looking up on Anna Maria Island. At least, if you look up because, as you make your way around the community, you’ll see signs of businesses on track to open soon.

First in the ranks, La Creperie, north of Walgreens in the Anna Maria Island Centre shopping plaza at 3216 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, looks to be inching closer to opening from a Jan. 10 glance in the windows.

The crepe and coffee shop has long been in the making — since a short-lived scooter/golf cart rental store vacated almost two years ago.

At C&S Plaza in Holmes Beach, where the Egret’s Landing furniture store at 5602 Marina Drive left a large vacancy in September 2022, a bevy of stores are divvying up the space.

Some old-timers might recall years ago when the space was known as the “Arcade” with wrought-iron gates and an assortment of businesses.

That was followed by a Ginny’s and Jane E’s antique and used furniture that kept expanding until — it closed and focused on the IGA location in Anna Maria.

Now comes ice cream, a clothing, accessories and temp tattoo boutique, and a workout and fitness studio.

—

BizCal compiled by Lisa neff THIS WEEK

Thursday, Jan. 26

5 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Trolley Grant Awards and Business Card Exchange, Seafood Shack, Cortez. Fee applies. Info: 941-778-1541.

SAVE THE DATE

Feb. 2, 5 p.m., Manatee Chamber 60th Annual Dinner, Bradenton Area Convention Center, Palmetto. Info: 941-748-3411.

Feb. 27, 7:30 a.m., Manatee Chamber Pancakes and Politics, IMG Academy Golf Club, Bradenton. Info: 941-748-3411. Fees generally apply and reservations are required.

‘Upp and upp’

On Gasparilla Island, within the quaint and tony village of Boca Grande, there is a little marina, now a museum, called Whidden’s, that pretty much sums up the changes longtime residents have seen.

It’s all captured in a sign that’s surely older than dirt —but then Whidden’s is older than dirt, so the sign is just old. It’s on the outside wall over the crab bait cooler and says, “Boca Grande es on the upp an upp.”

The sign welcomes visitors to “ncorporate” and invites everyone to “rest in our hall. Sears Robuck and air conditioning for your comfort.”

— Bonner Joy

MarketWatch

Median listing home price: $3.7 million, trending up 48.1% year-over-year. Median sold home price: $2.2 million. Listings: 60 properties, $699,000-$12.8 million.

Bradenton Beach

Median listing home price: $679,000, trending down 24.5% year-over-year. Median sold home price: $1.2 million. Listings: 38 properties, $295,000-$8.5 million.

Holmes Beach

Median listing: $1.7 million, up 28.6% year-over-year. Median sold: $977,000. Listings: 96 properties, $250,000-$10 million.

Source: Realtor.com

By Lisa neff

Anna Maria

Shoppers pass La creperie — still preparing to open in January — in the anna maria island centre shopping plaza on east Bay drive in Holmes Beach.

islander Photo: Bonner Joy

Who knows, maybe there will be more shops in the new arcade.

Bonner Joy

Business news Does your business celebrate achievements? Submit your info to news@ islander.org.

Swordfish grill and tiki, 4628 119th St. W., cortez, warms up the outdoor dining area with a heater on a recent cool night. a rancho — tiki-style roof structure — was completed Jan. 12 at Swordfish, giving outdoor diners relief from the sun and rain. islander Photo: courtesy Swordfish grill

New topping

Bill Helensmith, u.S. navy vet and Holmes Beach resident, looks over a new tiki-style roof on his Jan. 14 lunch visit to the Swordfish grill in cortez. the restaurant also replaced the seawall and added a walk-around sidewalk to the waterfront.

Cortez restaurant upgrades, adds old-style “rancho”

By roque Pastorius Special to the islander

There’s plenty of respect for history in Cortez.

In the mid-1700s, when Cuban fishermen came to the Cortez area to work the waters, they worked with the Florida Native Indian tribes. They built ranchos — thatched-roof structures — to live in while fishing the local waters for about six months a year.

The rancho fishers preferred net fishing and, to preserve their fish for transport back to Cuba, they would salt the fish and then head south before Lent, when the demand for fish was greatest. Later they used wet wells to transport live fish.

The only remaining rancho structure in Cortez is at the Cortez Cultural Center.

When Swordfish Grill and Tiki, 4628 119th St. W., Cortez, sought to add cover to its outdoor dining area, some area residents said they should build a structure that respects the fishing way of life in Cortez.

A historical preservation board then unanimously voted in favor of a rancho structure for the back deck at Swordfish Grill.

The Rancho — 55 by 50 feet and reaching about 32 feet tall — was built by a Boca Raton company starting Dec. 16, 2022, and, even with 10 days off for the holidays, was completed Jan. 12.

At the same time, the seawall was being repaired on the canal between Swordfish, Cortez Kitchen and along the Cortez Seafood and Killer Bait docks. A total of 700 feet of seawall work was completed by owner John Banyas and his family and crew.

It’s a great improvement to the docking capabilities at the businesses there.

Cortez is the oldest active fishing village in the state of Florida.

By carol Bernard

islander

Photo: roque Pastorius

frosty oasis, gypsea tides and reed fitness & Physical therapy/crossfit anna maria are poised to open at c&S Plaza, 5600 marina drive, Holmes Beach. islander Photos: Lisa neff