The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Anna Maria Island beaches in top shape for spring season

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Despite widespread damage in the 2024 hurricane season, Anna Maria Island was prepared for spring break visitors to hit the beaches.

Manatee County schools are on break this week, while K-12 districts and colleges elsewhere alternate weeklong breaks into April.

Spring breakers arriving to AMI will find the white sand beaches for which the island is known.

Storm surge and high winds from hurricanes Helene and Milton battered AMI last fall, leaving behind beach erosion, infrastructure challenges and structural damages.

However, officials say recovery efforts brought AMI’s beaches and public spaces back into shape in time for the seasonal tourism surge.

Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, said he expects a strong spring season, which got underway March 14, an early release day for Manatee County public schools, adding a weekend to the official break that started March 17.

“The majority of the short-term rentals are open and most of the beachfront, bayfront restaurants are reopened,” Falcione said, adding it took “lots of hard work from the business owners and from the municipalities that issued the permits and inspections.”

He credited the county natural

resources and public works departments for prioritizing public safety and beach restoration.

“They did hire a company to sweep the entire shoreline in the water to make sure there was no debris left out there from the hurricanes,” Falcione said March 5.

“They also just reopened the final area of Coquina Beach parking lot,” he added. “And added some extra temporary public restrooms.”

County work crews moved in portable restrooms at Coquina while rebuilding two storm-damaged restrooms and repairing a third.

Falcione encouraged spring visitors

to use the Gulf Islands Ferry, a county service that employs two 50-foot open catamarans, each carrying up to 48 passengers. The service operates between the Bradenton Riverwalk and the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach.

“It’s telling the visitors on the island that you can go from Bradenton to north Anna Maria Island to south Anna Maria Island without getting in your car,” Falcione said.

The ferry does not stop in Anna Maria but the county wants to add a stop there with the construction of a new pier. The county also is working on a south Coquina docking site, as well as

a landing in Holmes Beach.

Law enforcement, beach cleanup County and city officials say repairs and cleanup efforts were a priority in preparation for spring crowds.

Bill Logan, county public information officer, said all county beaches are open, with crews maintaining cleanliness.

Meanwhile, local law enforcement increased patrols to manage crowds and ensure public safety.

“We’ve got extra patrols in place and we’re asking people to be responsible,” said Bill Tokajer, Holmes Beach’s police chief. “That means following the rules, being mindful of traffic and keeping the beaches clean.”

Bradenton Beach Chief John Cosby said his team of officers was prepared despite the challenges the storms brought.

“It’s usually (busiest) that week before and after Easter,” Cosby said of the spring season. Easter is April 20.

“Our comeback was phenomenal,” he added. “We had people in Airbnbs three weeks after the storms.”

Falcione emphasized the island’s resiliency and readiness.

“We are beyond the adversity. We are beyond recovery from the hurricanes,” he said. “We’re showcasing to our residents and our target market that, hey, we’re open for business, we’re back to normal and let’s go ahead and do all we can to support the local economy.”

Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992

Jacob Merrifield deployed a drone March 15 at south Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach for a northeast view of Anna Maria Island and the aqua waters that surround the shore, dotted mile after mile with beachgoers.

The Salazars — mom Veronica, left, Leigha ,16, dad Aaron and Blake, 10 — spend family time March 16 building a sandcastle at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. They were visiting the island from Wauchula. Islander

Photo: Robert Anderson

One-man St. Pat’s parade

Bagpiper Emmette atkins of Bradenton works the bellows, playing traditional Irish music March 16 along Marina Drive in holmes Beach.

The parade was canceled, but Eli cotrone, 7, and brother hudson, 8, caught plenty of beads March 16 in holmes Beach while visiting anna Maria Island from Bradenton for spring break.

Islander Photo: Pidge Barreda

The March 16 anna Maria Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade presented by the center of anna Maria Island was canceled due to the threat of incoming inclement weather but that didn’t stop Sara and Derek almay, owners of anna Maria Island Frozen Yogurt & acai shop, 5604B Marina Drive, holmes Beach, from celebrating. The almays brought bagpiper Emmette atkins of Bradenton to play outside their store after the rainout was announced. Islander Photos: robert anderson

Holmes Beach hosts landscaping classes

Holmes Beach will hold two “best practices” seminars for Florida-friendly landscaping.

The classes will be 9 a.m. Thursday, March 20, and 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 1, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

The city will host Michelle Atkinson, environmental horticulture agent with the University of Florida IFAS Extension in Manatee County.

Atkinson’s program aims to provide “unbiased and current information for maintaining FloridaFriendly landscapes,” according to a notice from the city.

For more information, call city hall at 941778-0331.

Permit sought for AM liquor store

By ryan Paice Islander reporter

The city of Anna Maria might soon have a new package liquor store.

Ryan Quigley and Jake Parsons submitted a request March 4 for a special use permit to operate a store selling packaged beer, wine and spirits at 501 Pine Ave. — the former home of the Island Charms jewelry store.

It would be the first package liquor store approved in years.

However, this will be the second time the specific location has been proposed for such a store.

In 2019, city commissioners voted against an amendment to the municipality’s liquor ordinance that would have allowed then-Commissioner Brian Seymour, owner of the Anna Maria General Store at 503 Pine Ave., to operate a package liquor store from an open unit at 501 Pine Ave.

At that time, city code prohibited the sale of liquor for off-premise consumption at establishments within 2,500 feet of churches, such as Roser Memorial Community Church, directly across the street from the proposed liquor store.

The liquor ordinance was amended in 2022 and city code no longer limits liquor sales based on proximity to a church.

Now, the only restriction on location is that an establishment where the sale of alcoholic beverages is proposed cannot be within a half mile of another establishment that was permitted after June 2022 to sell liquor.

The closest existing package liquor store is Bortell’s Lounge, 10002 Gulf Drive, only 0.4 miles away, but Bortell’s was permitted for package liquor sales long before June 2022.

Quigley and Parsons’ special use permit request was set to be discussed at a March 13 city commission meeting but was tabled due to a need for additional information from the applicants.

Commission Chair Charles Salem said the matter would likely be discussed at the board’s next meeting, at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 27, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

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

6908 Manatee Ave. W. Bradenton

941.795.4285

MJefferson@bobscarpet.com Bobscarpetmart.com

No timeline for reopening 34216, 34217 — AM, BB post offices

By ryan Paice Islander reporter

Months after Hurricane Milton completed the 2024 storm season’s devastating double-whammy, two island post offices remain closed.

And there still is no light at the end of the tunnel.

Lecia Hall, the U.S. Postal Service’s strategic communications specialist for the Florida 2 District, which includes Anna Maria Island, wrote in a March 4 email to The Islander that a “final timeline” is not available for reopening the storm-damaged post offices in Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach.

While most of the 303 facilities in Florida 2 District reopened immediately and zero facilities were destroyed, 17 were closed due to storm impacts.

The Anna Maria Post Office, serving 34216 ZIP code at 101B S. Bay Blvd. has been operating from an office trailer at City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., since November.

Anna Maria has long been the only city on the island without home and business mail delivery and no new delivery services have been introduced since last year’s storms.

The Bradenton Beach Post Office — serving 34217 ZIP code customers in Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach — opened in the 1970s at 116 Bridge St., also

County increases ferry service

Passengers can ride the Gulf Islands Ferry five days a week, as the Manatee County service expanded to Wednesdays-Sundays.

The two 50-foot catamarans operate between the downtown Bradenton Riverwalk pier and the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach.

Weather permitting, the boats will depart from Bradenton 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. and from Bradenton Beach 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

For more information and the schedule, go to gulfislandsferry.com.

closed due to storm impacts. Mail services for the two cities since the closure are provided at the Longboat Key Post Office, 560 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key.

Mail delivery services resumed in Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach last October for residences and businesses with mailboxes. Undeliverable mail is held at the temporary alternate site on Longboat Key.

Holmes Beach does not have a U.S. Postal Service office within the city limits, but mail delivery for those with mailboxes also resumed last October.

“The safety and well-being of postal customers and employees is a priority for the Postal Service. The Anna Maria and Bradenton [Beach] Post Offices are both leased facilities, and we are continuing to work with the landlords for each building to quickly resolve all facility-related issues and resume service as soon as possible,” Hall wrote.

She added that reopening the post offices “remains an area of intense focus for local postal leaders.”

People whose mailboxes were destroyed must

contact USPS to put mail on hold until they are repaired.

The Holmes Beach post office in the S&S Plaza at 5354 Gulf Drive is an independent postal unit operated by Mail Etc. on a contract with the U.S. Postal Service. It reopened shortly after Hurricane Milton.

Q&A The Islander poll

This week’s question March 19 is International read to Me Day. Which children’s book would you like to read aloud?

A. “Where the Wild Things Are”

B. “Charlotte’s Web.”

C. “The Hobbit.”

D. “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.”

E. “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.”

To answer the poll and see poll results, go online to islander.org.

To suggest a question, email lisa@islander.org.

▼ Modern Chop Happy Hour 11:30-6 Light Bite Specials 4-6, lounge only.

▲ Martini Monday: Signature Martinis, $7, plus 1/2 price lite bites -- lounge only.

▼ Tuesday: $3 Tacos and Margaritas 4-9, lounge only.

▲ Wine Down Wednesday, 5O% OFF Wines by the Glass

▼ Live Maine Lobster Thursdays, plus Happy Hour all nite in the lounge.

The anna Maria Post Office operates March 7 from a trailer at city Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., as a timeline for reopening the damaged facility across Pine avenue remains unclear. Islander

Photo: Bonner Joy

State offers program to assist in home elevations, improvements

By ryan Paice Islander reporter

The 2024 devastating hurricane season has governments investing in elevating residential properties.

The Florida Division of Emergency Management’s Elevate Florida residential mitigation program began accepting applications in February for up to 75% in federal grant funding toward the cost of certain improvement projects, like structure elevations.

About 90%-95% of unelevated homes on Anna Maria Island took on water and sustained damage during hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024, according to island officials.

Eligible projects can be broken down into four categories, including:

• Structure elevation — physically raising an existing structure;

• Mitigation reconstruction — constructing an improved, elevated building on the same site where an existing building and/or foundation has been demolished or destroyed;

• Acquisition/demolition — voluntarily selling a structure to be demolished and maintained by the local

community as open space. However, the local community must agree to participate.

• Wind Mitigation — reducing the risk of wind damage to structures with alterations to roofs, windows, doors and other vulnerable components. An alternative route for properties that are not sturdy enough to elevate.

Property owners must be U.S. citizens over 18 years old and able to contribute up to 25% of the proposed project cost to be eligible to participate in the program.

Renters are not eligible to participate but are encouraged to share information about the program with property owners.

Properties proposed for a mitigation project must be owned by individuals, not commercial entities such as limited liability companies.

Eligible properties do not need to have experienced flooding or damage to be considered but applications may be prioritized based on history of loss, according to floridadisaster.org.

Besides funding up to 75% in project costs, participation in Elevate Florida also provides property

owners assistance with the permitting, contracting and construction processes.

The DEM estimates a period of one-four months to review an application, then two-three months to clear a project through the Federal Emergency Management Agency for final approval and award.

An approved project will undergo bidding and contracting, assigned by the state, and the property owner’s cost-share will be finalized by contract.

During construction, occupants of a structure will be required to vacate but temporary housing assistance will be provided.

After construction is completed, the DEM estimates a timeline of one-three months before a final inspection to close out the project.

Property owners can apply to participate in the program through the Elevate Florida portal on floridadisaster.org.

They also can expedite the state’s application review process by providing photos of a structure, insurance declarations, elevation certificates, geotechnical reports, flooding and/or high-water mark photos, substantial damage determination letters and more.

Regional transportation board setting project priorities, including on AMI

By Lisa Neff Islander Editor

Anna Maria Island landed eight projects on a priority list pending before the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization, which meets later this month.

Members of the Island Transportation Planning Organization, an advisory board to the MPO, got a peek at the list during a meeting March 10 at Anna Maria City Hall. Members briefly discussed what’s on the list but spent more time talking about what’s not on the list — improvements at the intersection of Gulf Drive and Cortez Road.

“To my count there’s eight projects on the island that are on this list,” said Sage Kamiya, Holmes Beach public works director and city engineer. He’s also a member of the MPO’s technical advisory committee. “That is the good news. Maybe the less than good news is how they fit in the order and how likely they are to get funded and when.”

The proposed priority list, which the MPO board members will consider during their March 31 meeting in Sarasota, includes:

• Construction of a new Anna Maria Island Bridge on Manatee Avenue.

• Construction of a new Cortez Road Bridge.

• Construction of a new Longboat Pass Bridge on Gulf Drive.

• Preliminary engineering for Barrier Island Complete Streets improvements in Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach.

• Preliminary engineering for a roundabout at Gulf Drive and Manatee Avenue in Holmes Beach.

• Preliminary engineering for a roundabout at Manatee Avenue and East Bay Drive in Holmes Beach.

• Preliminary engineering for a roundabout at East Bay and Gulf drives in Holmes Beach.

• Preliminary engineering for a turn-lane extension at Marina and Key Royale drives in Holmes Beach.

The list provides guidance to the Florida Department of Transportation for funding consideration in the next five-year work program, which would be for 2025-26 through 2029-30.

Roadwatch

By Lisa Neff

Eyes on the road

Cortez Bridge utility relocation project: State Road 684/Cortez Road. The Manatee County Public Works Department is relocating a water main and force main Intracoastal crossing. The work requires shoulder, sidewalk and bike lane closures in the area, as well as road detours and flagging operations. For more, contact community outreach representative Tina Allen at 941-306-4660 or info@amiprojects.io. For area road watch information, go online to swflroads.com or dial 511.

Click! The Islander welcomes news of the milestones in readers’ lives … weddings, anniversaries, births and birthdays. Submit your notices and photos to news@ islander.org.

Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie — a member of the ITPO who’s soon to become its chair, succeeding Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short in rotation among the island mayors — called attention to “what’s not on the list.”

He wants safety improvements at the intersection of Gulf Drive and Cortez Road as soon as possible because it’s “right in the middle of the hottest spot on the island” for pedestrian- and bike-related crashes.

MPO executive director Dave Hutchinson said the intersection is “not off the radar” and should be addressed by the complete streets project team.

“It’s scary,” Chappie said of the intersection. He added, “I wish we could get together on trying to tweak some of the smaller things that could help save lives instead of waiting for the grand plan. Because the grand plan is going to be years away.”

Holmes Beach Commissioner Dan Diggins, who subbed for the mayor at the dais, added, “Can we do low-tech stuff like tomorrow?”

One suggestion Diggins offered? Ensuring that pedestrians don’t get a go-ahead to cross the road in front of motorists who have a signal to turn.

Explore The Islander archives

The Islander was invited in the 1990s to take part in a pilot project with the University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries. We donated the collection of newspapers beginning with the first issue in 1992 and they’re all there for you to explore. Look for The Islander in the UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

And, please, consider a digital subscription to Islander.org for your holiday gift-giving. It’s only $36 a year to keep up with all the news about the AMI community, including breaking news and storm alerts.

Bradenton Beach charts course through FEMA reimbursements

By robert anderson Islander reporter

Bradenton Beach officials are navigating the federal reimbursement process while ensuring infrastructure repairs from 2024’s storm damages stay on track.

Police Chief John Cosby, who has served as the city’s emergency manager for more than 30 years, said working through Federal Emergency Management Agency requirements has remained a challenge in recovery from hurricanes Helene and Milton. He said municipalities can run into funding issues as they navigate the reimbursement process. If a municipality hires a contractor without going through a proper bidding process, for example, FEMA might deny reimbursement claims. While an emergency contract can be used initially, a municipality eventually must go out to bid to secure the lowest or best contract for the remainder of the work.

“If there’s issues or if FEMA finds something wrong, they can deobligate the whole project or portions of the project,” Cosby said.

The chief said Bradenton Beach complied with FEMA’s bidding process but initially overlooked marine debris removal in its requests for proposals. However, the city has amended its five-year contracts to qualify for reimbursement.

Mayor John Chappie, speaking to The Islander March 13, also addressed debris removal contracts,

Streetlife

Island police reports

Anna Maria

No new reports

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office polices Anna Maria.

Bradenton Beach

March 7, One Stop Shell Shop, 101 Gulf Drive N., vandalism. A Bradenton Beach police officer was dispatched to deal with vandalism. The business owner reported someone painted “Kaleta Go Away” on plywood that was installed on the storefront for hurricane protection. A case number was issued and an incident report was filed.

The Bradenton Beach Police Department polices Bradenton Beach.

Cortez

No new reports.

The MCSO polices Cortez. Holmes Beach

March 6, 5300 block of Gulf Drive, alcohol. A Holmes Beach police officer found a man sleeping around 4 p.m. on a bus bench. The officer approached the man and found him in possession of an open vodka bottle. The officer woke the man, who was intoxicated and had recently been issued a warning for posses-

assuring that no issues had been raised by FEMA about contractor vetting for Bradenton Beach.

He said FEMA in a recent review had not flagged any specific contractors.

And, Cosby said, the city is in a stable financial position, having secured a $5.5 million line of credit as a precaution.

Recovery costs have been covered through the city’s budget and two state-issued advances on projected FEMA reimbursements totaling $2 million, of which only $1 million has been used.

“The city very early on started tallying debris tickets,” Cosby said. “Once we knew we were getting to

that million-dollar mark, we did a request for a push down from the state.”

Cosby said the city was meticulous in tracking debris removal expenses.

“Our reserves are also strong, well above the recommended threshold for coastal communities,” Cosby added.

The city began working eight years ago to strengthen its reserves following advice from the Florida League of Cities that 35% of the city budget be reserved for emergency preparedness.

He said at the time of the 2024 storm season startup, the city’s reserves were at 45%-48%.

Elections 2025

sion of an open alcohol container in public. The officer issued a court summons.

March 8, 6300 block of Holmes Boulevard, firearm theft. An officer responded to reports of theft from a vehicle. The complainant said his neighbor’s Ring camera captured footage of a man going through his vehicle. The complainant checked his vehicle and found his handgun missing. The officer obtained the video footage and observed a masked person in a hoodie going through the vehicle.

March 9, Holmes Beach Police Department, 5801 Marina Drive, scam. A man reported he got an email from someone he believed to be his neighbor, asking for $500 in gift card numbers for a donation to veterans. The man fulfilled the request but learned after the cards had been used that it was a scam.

March 10, 5300 block of Gulf Drive, domestic battery. An officer responded to reports of a domestic dispute and found a married couple who said they had gotten into an argument the night before. The husband said he locked himself in his study, but the wife used a screwdriver to break in and came at him with the tool. He said he feared for his safety and pushed her. The wife told police she was not attacking her husband with the screwdriver but did hit him with her cane. The

LBK voters OK loan for underwater wastewater line

Longboat Key voters March 11 passed a referendum on borrowing money for a sewer project.

The vote in Manatee County was 92.09% yes, 7.91% no. The vote in Sarasota County was 95.75% yes, 4.25% no.

The “yes” was a vote in favor of taking out a lowinterest loan to replace an underwater wastewater line that carries sewage from LBK to a county treatment facility in Bradenton.

In 2020, a leak in a mainland portion of Longboat Key’s wastewater line resulted in about millions of gallons of sewage polluting mangrove wetlands and Sarasota Bay.

—

Lisa Neff

wife was transported to HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton due to injuries sustained when she was pushed. The officer issued a domestic violence pamphlet and victims’ rights brochure to the husband.

HBPD polices Holmes Beach.

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

Plan now for the next holiday!

Is your business ready to make the most of a new season?

Improve your odds of success with Islander newspaper readers looking to shop and dine, seeking indoor and outdoor fun, and a place to stay for their next visit. Call or text 941-778-7978.

!

chappie

Bradenton Beach Police chief John cosby addresses the city commission Feb. 20 about FEMa matters. Islander Photo: robert anderson

Ah, spring …

Spring officially arrives March 20.

And over the weekend, at least for me, before yet another cold front arrived, there was the smell of spring — and beach weather — in the air.

For me, it’s the smell of Hawaiian Tropic and the blend of many other sunscreen products that wafts in the air as you approach the beach. You can easily get a whiff of it from your vehicle as you pass the beaches on Anna Maria Island.

Many years past, my kids and I spent much of our free time on the beaches in Key West — mostly at the southermost point.

That beach provided us with a unique sensory experience.

There was a man selling ice cones from a threewheel bicycle with a cooler attached to the front that he rode on the street. Among the dozens of flavors of syrup was coconut.

It turned out coconut was the perfect fl avor to mimic the sweet eau de beach that floated in the breeze.

It tasted every bit as good as the beach smelled and we were hooked. So satisfying … I often wish I could recreate that experience but, of course, it was a combination of ingredients that seldom align and the kids and I have aged on and life has given us a few curves and very little time for the beach.

But spring will be here March 20.

We would traditionally celebrate spring’s arrival on March 21, but astronomers now say spring starts on March 20 in North America.

Factoid: In 2024, the spring equinox fell on March 19 — the earliest first day of spring in 128 years!

For us, spring is a welcome sign of renewal amidst the gray and brown landscape that was left behind by two hurricanes last fall.

There’s a huge banyan tree in my side yard that is yearning for spring and sprinkles of rain. It was left totally bare of leaves by the storms, but now I can see buds of green across most of the tall, wide, strong branches and I’m hopeful the rest of the tree will come along.

It’s not such good news for an old oak tree on the other side of the yard. Fingers crossed.

It might be a trope of Anna Maria Island. Some people and places came back quickly after the storm. Others are taking longer. And still some may not return.

I have my fingers crossed that the salty breeze and the aroma of sunscreen will call them back.

And the island will spring forth as before. — Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

Murphy

The St. Paddy’s Parade

My family birthed the island’s St Patrick’s Day Parade 25 years ago.

It began the way all great things Irish begin — on a bar stool.

The bar was the Beach Bistro Bar.

“Tomorrow is St Paddy’s. Lets’ have a parade.”

Carole Whitmore was the mayor. “I can get the permit. “

Paul Sharff was the bagman for the Republican Party. “I’ll get horses from the sheriff’s posse.”

We were off and running.

in that moment we were going to have a goddamn elephant in our parade.

For the next 15 years, Judy strutted and danced in the parade right into the hearts of islanders.

In her wake, camels, llamas, goats, dancing dogs and a plethora of ponies and horses paraded.

One year Judy’s keeper, Mr. Bones, was not well and we got a huge, foul-tempered replacement elephant.

My friend Fred helped organize the parade. One year it was one minute before showtime, our 40-piece bagpipe band and the new grumpy elephant were missing.

▼ Publisher, editor

Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

▼ Editorial Robert Anderson, robert@islander.org

Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org

Jack Elka, jack@jackelka.com

Lisa Neff, lisa@islander.org Ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org

▼ Contributors

Jacob Merrifield

Capt. Danny Stasny, fish@islander.org

▼ Advertising Sales

Ingrid McClellan, ingrid.theislander@gmail.com ads@islander.org

▼ Lisa Williams info@, accounting@, classifieds@, subscriptions@islander.org

▼ Distribution

Urbane Bouchet

Ross Roberts

Judy Loden Wasco

▼ Webmaster Wayne Ansell

The first parade left from the Bistro at four o’clock.

I moaned to Fred, “We’ve managed to lose a huge elephant and 40 guys in skirts.”

All others: news@islander.org

We were four Holmes Beach cop cars, three horses and an old green trailer carrying my kids and a passel of their friends, all painted green and dressed as leprechauns. The only music was from an old boom box belting out, “When Irish Eyes....”

That first parade was the best. No one knew we were coming. People came out of their homes perplexed, and then their faces lit with big smiles.

We hosted the parade for 20 years. It gathered in dimension over time. A half-dozen school bands, five piper bands, Irish dancers, families on their own floats, a gazillion balloons, acres of happy children and an elephant.

Judy the Circus elephant was always the star.

Folks asked, an elephant...?

Susan and I were being brow-beaten in a deprecating interview at the James Beard House in New York, where they believe culinary art in America stops at the Jersey tunnel.

The house matron, Mildred, was to decide whether the Bistro was worthy to celebrate a performance dinner at America’s culinary temple. Incidentally, our parade was mentioned in the press packet.

Mildred disdained, “In our town on Long Island, we have an elephant in our St. Patrick’s Day Parade.” Aargh.

Susan said my face turned to stone and she knew

A minute later the crowd in front of Duffy’s parted like the Green Sea, and out marched the bagpipe band with the grumpy elephant.

The elephant was sober.

We ceased hosting the parade after its 20th year. Mostly I miss the three minutes when I was directing the disparate pieces out of chaos and forming them into a grand parade as I imagined I was Mickey Mouse in that scene from “Fantasia” with all the buckets and brooms.

I am grateful for all the smiles on all those shining faces.

All the best creations are born on a bar stool.

— Sean Murphy

Sean Murphy is proprietor of the Doctor’s Office and the Doctor’s Garden, a craft cocktail bar with fine dining in an intimate setting in Holmes Beach as well as an outdoor “garden” dining area with entertainment — when weather permits.

Island honors

charlotte Long takes the oath of office for holmes Beach mayor during a ceremony in March 1978. Police chief Snook adams is standing to the rear, left. Islander Photos: courtesy Manatee county Public Library historical Image collection

10-20-30 years

ago

From the March 16, 1995, issue

• Former Anna Maria Mayor Ray Simches died at age 74 after a battle with colon cancer. He served six years as mayor. A service was at Roser Memorial Community Church and city hall closed for the day.

• Holmes Beach voters reelected Luke Courtney and Billie Martini and also elected Don Maloney to their city council. Eight people ran for three seats.

From the March 16, 2005, issue

• The Historic Bridge Street Pier was closed following an inspection that found 17 safety problems, including guardrails that gave way when pushed.

• Anna Maria commissioners were working on outdoor dining and entertainment regulations and not in agreement on whether to allow outdoor amplified music.

From the March 18, 2015, issue

• Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy ordered city building official Bob Welch to issue a building permit that had been held up since Sept. 19, 2014, ending a six-month lawsuit against the city by the developers of a Spring Avenue property.

• Coquina Beach’s sand was ranked fifth best in the world in a Conde Nast Traveler’s readers’ choice awards for “top island beaches for perfect sand.”

• Moratorium talks were ongoing in Holmes Beach on two stop-work measures for builders that were aimed at slowing down a proliferation of vacation rental homes.

— Lisa Neff

The Islander is archived online by the University of Florida library at ufdc.ufl.edu.

and

Bradenton Beach Mayor Dick connick introduces “candidates Night” for people campaigning for city council seats in November 1977.

anna Maria’s first mayor, harvey G. Meyer, joins the vice mayor, robert Moses, at the dais. The photo in the archives is not dated but Meyer was serving as mayor in the 1950s.

compiled by Lisa Neff, calendar@islander.org

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ON AMI

Friday, March 21

Noon-1:30 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Garden Club Flower Show, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 937-2069673.

ONGOING ON AMI

• Throughout March, Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island exhibits Stephanie Leaver’s photography work, Artists’ Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6694.

OFF AMI

Friday, March 21

5-9 p.m. — Palmetto Blues Fest with Memphis Rub and the Petty Experience, Palmetto Marriott Resort and Spa, 600 U.S. Highway 41, Palmetto. Fee applies. Info: eventbrite.com, 941-3043115.

Saturday, March 22

1-9 p.m. — Palmetto Blues Fest with Trey Wanvig, Palmetto Marriott Resort and Spa, 600 U.S. Highway 41, Palmetto. Fee applies. Info: eventbrite.com, 941-304-3115.

ONGOING OFF AMI

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

• Second and fourth Saturdays, 2-4 p.m., Florida Maritime Museum’s Music on the Porch, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Info: 941-708-6120.

• Second Saturdays, 10:30 a.m., Island Gallery and Studios art demo, 456 Old Main St., Bradenton. Info: 941-778-6648.

• Last Saturdays, 10:30 am., Island Gallery and Studios critique corner, 456 Old Main St., Bradenton. Info: 941-778-6648.

• Through March 30, Island Players’ “Death by Design,” 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Fee applies. Info: 941-778-5755.

• Through March 31, Shona Stone Sculpting with resident artist Brighton Tendayi, Palma Sola Botanical Park, EnnYe Gallery, 9800 17th Ave. NW, Bradenton. Info: 941-761-2866.

• Throughout March, Island Gallery and Studios’ “Florida Living” exhibit featuring Darryl Goldman’s art, 456 Old Main St., Bradenton. Info: 941-778-6648.

• Through May 4, “American Farmer,” the Bishop, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-746-

• Various Mondays through May 12, Ringling by the Bay! performances, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Info: 941-359-5700.

• Through May 18, “America at a Crossroads: The Guitar and a Changing Nation,” the Bishop, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-746-4131.

• Through June 29, “George Harrison: A Gardener’s Life,” Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. Fee applies. Info: 941-366-5731.

SAVE THE DATES

• April 4, April 11, April 18, April 25, Sunset Series, Palmetto.

• April 5, Bam!Fest Bradenton Art and Music Festival, Bradenton.

• April 5, Bradenton Gulf Islands Concert Series continues, the Infamous Stringdusters, Anna Maria.

• April 11, AGAMI Paint Arounds and City Center Night Markets, Holmes Beach.

• April 11, April 18, April 25, May 2, Music in the Park series, Bradenton.

• April 12, Bradenton Gulf Islands Concert Series continues, Robby Krieger of The Doors, Anna Maria.

• May 8-18, Island Players’ “Grace & Glorie,” Anna Maria.

MARKETS & SALES

ONGOING ON AMI

• Most Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Coquina Beach Market, South Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach. Info: 041-840-0789.

• Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Anna Maria Community Market, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941-778-1908.

ONGOING OFF AMI

• Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Bradenton Public Market, Main Street. Info: 941-301-8445.

Tickets on sale for John Lodge concert

Tickets are on sale for the Bradenton Gulf Islands concert Series show featuring John Lodge, bass guitarist, vocalist and songwriter for The Moody Blues. The concert will be Monday, March 24, at the center of anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia ave., anna Maria. For ticket details and more information, go to centerami.org/concerts. Islander courtesy Photo

KIDS

& FAMILY ON AMI

Saturday, March 22

3:30 p.m. — Family movie night, “Cat in the Hat,” Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341. Tuesday, March 25

11:30 a.m. — Family Storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341. Friday, March 28

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

CLUBS

& COMMUNITY ON AMI

Wednesday, March 19

5-7 p.m. — Annie Silver Community Center Fish Fry, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Fee applies. Info: 401-525-0525.

ONGOING ON AMI

• Thursdays, 6 p.m., Annie Silver Community Center Bingo night, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Info: 941-224-1973.

• Fridays, 11:30 a.m., bridge, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 314-324-5921.

• Fridays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.

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

• Tuesdays, mahjong Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.

SAVE THE DATES

• March 28, Cortez Coffee Social, Cortez.

• March 29, native plant volunteer day, Cortez.

• April 10, Cortez Village Historical Society annual meeting, Cortez.

• April 5, Organized Fishermen of Florida cleanup, Cortez.

• April 12, Cortez Annual Picnic, Cortez.

• April 18, Center of Anna Maria Island bingo night, Anna Maria.

LESSONS & LEARNING ON AMI

Wednesday, March 19 10-11 a.m. — Health screenings, Island Library, 5701 Marina

ATTENTION RENTAL OWNERS! We meet all your linen and cleaning needs with 5-star service. 18-plus years serving AMI. Our fleet will pick up/drop off daily.

Murder-mystery stagebound

The Center of Anna Maria Island will set the table for dinner and the stage for murder March 28-29.

The 16th Annual Murder Mystery dinner and theater “features a spine-chilling Halloween-themed play, a delicious dinner, a cash bar and a costume contest,” according to a news release from the center.

The event will be Friday, March 28, and Saturday, March 29.

Each evening will feature a different ending to a mystery written and directed by Brianna Roberts and starring Don and Leah Purvis, Ray Gardner, Jessica Patel, Mike Shaughnessy, Chris Scott, Clay Spangler, Caleb Roberts and Brianna Roberts.

Tickets March 28 are $50 per person and include dinner from Anna Maria’s Pizza Social, a show, a costume contest and a cash bar.

Tickets March 29 cost $100 and include dinner from Poppo’s Taqueria, a show, a cash bar and a costume contest.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and close at 6:40 p.m.

For more information, go to centerami.org or call 941-778-1908.

Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.

11 a.m. — Medicare info, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.

SPORTS & FITNESS

ONGOING ON AMI

• Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m., Holy Yoga, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941- 761-2866.

Friday, March 21

6 p.m. — Twilight 5K/10K Race, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Info: 941-737-2316.

SAVE THE DATES

• April 4-Sept. 27, Bradenton Marauders’ minor league baseball, Bradenton.

• May 9, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament, Bradenton.

OUTDOORS

& NATURE

ONGOING OFF AMI

• Fourth Thursdays through April, 6 p.m., Manatee County Natural Resources’ Nature Nights at the NEST, Robinson Preserve, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Info: 941-748-4501.

• Saturdays, 9 a.m., Manatee County Natural Resources’ Saturday Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Info: 941-748-4501.

CALENDAR NOTES

KEEP THE DATES

• Throughout March, Women’s History Month.

• March 17, St. Patrick’s Day.

• March 22, World Water Day.

ANNOUNCEMENTS GET

LISTED!

Send listings to calendar@islander.org.

Island happenings

Springfest honors artists

Local artist Jay Canterbury won the Best of Show ribbon at Springfest, the fine arts and crafts show March 8-9 in Holmes Beach.

The festival, traditionally presented by the Anna Maria Island Art League, involved a partnership this year with Blue Ribbon Events.

Canterbury, a photographer, also has won the prize at other AMIAL festivals.

Awards of distinction went to Jimmy Chadsey, photography; and Martin Finlinski, painting.

Awards of merit went to Richard Hyker, glass; Kelly Willamson, pottery; and Isabelle VanDermark, fiber.

Awards also were presented to Manatee County students who entered the Young at Art contest.

Annie Silver serving supper

The Annie Silver Community Center extended a dinner invite.

The center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach, will serve a fish-and-chips dinner 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, March 19.

The Manatee Avenue Market/Gumbozilla in Bradenton is preparing the meal — fish, fries and slaw — while volunteers are preparing desserts and beverages.

The suggested donation is $15 per meal.

For more information, call Cheryl Grossi at 401525-0525.

Kiwanis meeting Saturdays

The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island gathers at 8:30 a.m. Saturdays at Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

The March 22 meeting will feature remarks by Savanah Byers, youth librarian at the Island Library in Holmes Beach.

Cornelia Zanetti of All Denominations will be the featured speaker March 29.

For more, call Sandy Haas-Martens at 941-7781383.

Marilyn Marigold, left, president of the anna Maria Island art League, Springfest judge Jean Murray, aMIaL board member Katy Demick and judge Jane Lewis visit the Young at art Exhibit during the fine arts and crafts show March 8 in holmes Beach. Islander

Garden club to stage flower show at Roser Church

The Anna Maria Island Garden Club’s annual Flower Show will be noon-1:30 p.m. Friday, March 21.

The event will be in the fellowship hall at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

This year’s show theme will be “Broadway Lights” and arrangements will be placed in categories inspired by Broadway productions — “Wicked,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “South Pacific.”

The show is open to the public with free admission and attendees can vote for favorite designs, as well as bid on arrangements to take home.

For more, call Ginger Huhn at 937-206-9673.

Kindergarten roundup at AME

Anna Maria Elementary will hold its annual Kindergarten Roundup 5-6:30 p.m. for kids and their caretakers to visit the campus Thursday, March 27. The event will include welcome remarks and then group tours with school staff, as well as hands-on activities.

AME is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the school at 941-7085525, ext. 0.

PTO seeks gala donations

The Anna Maria Island PTO is organizing its annual spring gala, Night in Paradise, and seeks donations from local businesses for raffle baskets and auctions.

The gala is set for 6-10 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

For more information, call 941-708-5525.

Photo: Lisa Neff

Gathering

By Lisa Neff

LBK church serves dinner

Christ Church of Longboat Key will host a Wednesday Night Dinner at 5 p.m. March 19.

Mission BBQ will serve the meal, which costs $20 per person.

Nick Lande, “The Honest Magician,” will entertain.

The church is at 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key.

For more, call the office at 941-383-8833.

Pancake breakfast planned

Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, will hold a pancake breakfast 8-11 a.m. Saturday, March 29.

A $10 breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, applesauce, biscuits and gravy, juice and coffee or tea. There is no charge for children under age 5. For more information, call 941-778-0414.

Obituaries

Gary Budnick

Gary Budnick, 79, of Holmes Beach, died March 1.

He was born April 17, 1945, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, to Walter and Helen (Grega) Budnick.

He spent his youth in Stratford, Connecticutt and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts. After high school he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was proud to achieve the rank of chief petty officer during his 20-year Naval career.

He married his wife of 61 years, Sandra and they had four children. The family moved back to Connecticut, where Mr. Budnick became a vocational education teacher, teaching electronics.

On retiring from teaching, he and Sandi moved to Anna Maria Island in 2000 for the warm weather, boating and fishing and he opened what became a successful appliance repair business.

He loved family time and pool parties for the grandkids.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 22, with interment in the memorial garden to follow at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach.

Mr. Budnick is survived by wife Sandi; son Brian and wife Julie and granddaughter Jayden; daughter Deb Blomgren and husband John, grandson LJ and wife Gina and great-grandson Jack.

GoodDeeds

By Lisa Neff

Cortez cleanup April 5

The Organized Fishermen of Florida is organizing a cleanup.

The volunteer day will be Saturday, April 5, in Cortez.

Volunteers will meet at the Swordfish Grill and Tiki, 4628 119th St. W., and work from about 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

To participate, contact the Cortez chapter at 941290-3426.

Seagrass sighters sought

Will you survey for seagrass in Sarasota Bay?

The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program is seeking citizen scientists to participate in “Eyes on Seagrass,” a campaign to survey seagrass beds for April 14-30.

“Eye on Seagrass” volunteers will monitor by snorkeling in an assigned area, estimating the coverage of seagrass and macro algae and collecting samples.

For more info, go online to sarasotabay.org.

Assistance offered on AMI

• Roser Food Bank welcomes applicants who live, work or attend school on Anna Maria Island for food assistance, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941-778-0414.

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

SUNDAY WORSHIP

8:30 & 10:00 AM IN THE SANCTUARY

• Program for children and youth ONLINE � Watch LIVE or LATER on YouTube.com/@RoserChurch RoserChurch.com

• News & Notes for coming events RoserChurch.com/contact-us

• Contact staff (the office is closed)

• Sign up to receive the eBulletin

Family praise

The Kramers gospel group — Ben Wolfe, rachael Kramer, Maria Kramer and Scott Kramer — performs March 2 at harvey Memorial community church, 208 church ave., Bradenton Beach. concertgoer Janie ashworth, a church member, said, “This incredibly talented family is a true blessing to so many as they travel across the country sharing God’s word.” Islander

Photo: courtesy Mark Bennett

Hearts of gold

a Gold Star plaque presented March 3 to the roser Mission Team is displayed by pastor Dirk rodgers, left, Vanessa Oney, Barbara Dohner, Gail Swain and Mike Oney. Mike Kiel from Florida Sheriffs Youth ranches and Manatee county Sheriff rick Wells presented the plaque in appreciation for total donations of more than $50,000 from the church. Islander courtesy Photo

Foundation awards disaster recovery funds

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County Foundation awarded $650,000 through its Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund to 21 human services organizations to assist with continued recovery from the 2024 hurricane season. The awards, announced Feb. 6, included support for the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, which “pivoted to take on childcare responsibilities when the sole childcare provider on the island was destroyed by Hurricane Helene,” according to a news release. A grant provided fence repair that allows outside play. Also, the Roser Food Pantry operated at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, was one of several pantries to receive grants.

For more about the foundation, go to cfsarasota.org or call 941-955-3000.

Assistance sought on AMI

• All Island Denominations accepts financial donations at P.O. Box 814, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Info: 941-778-4769.

• The Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra seeks volunteers, donors and a venue space. Info: info@amicco.org.

• The Anna Maria Island Historical Society, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, seeks donations for restoration and volunteers for the Heritage Day Festival. Info: 608-444-0084.

• The Anna Maria Island Privateers seek a covered building and/or land for the Skullywag, sleigh and other items. Info: amiprivateers.org.

• The Island Players seeks volunteers in every area to “come and be part of our family.” Info: 941-9201362.

• Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center in Bradenton Beach seeks gift cards for supplies. Info: 941-778-6324, wildlifeinc.org.

— Lisa Neff

Email listings to lisa@islander.org.

“Anna Maria Island,” a pictorial history book of the island by Bonner Joy, is available for $20 at Island Mail & Print, 3230 E. Bay Drive, holmes Beach. Or purchase at islander.org. Joy is publisher of The Islander.

Budnick

Delightful ‘Death’

By Lisa Neff Islander Editor

“Spot on,” a theatergoer said of the actors’ accents in “Death by Design,” onstage at the Island Players theater in Anna Maria through March 30.

“Amusing,” another said of the performances on opening night, which was March 13 in a sold-out theater.

“Sharp,” another said of the dialogue.

The audience assessments mean the Island Players delivered as director Preston Boyd promised. He said in his notes in the playbill and onstage before the curtain opened to expect a play combining the witty style of Noël Coward with the intricate plotting of Agatha Christie.

He said to expect plot twists, quirky characters and an untraditional whodunnit in the comedy, written by Rob Urbinati.

Well, the cast and crew came through to exceed expectations. “Death by Design” is a blend of comedy and mystery with sophisticated dialogue but not lacking in pratfalls and other antics that might remind clued-in murder-mystery fans of “Clue,” the movie in which six guests arrive to a mansion for dinner and mystery.

“Death by Design” is set in 1932 in the living room of an English manor, the country home of playwright Edward Bennett (James Thaggard) and his wife, actress Sorel Bennett (Valerie Lipscomb).

The Bennetts employ a chauffeur, Jack (Travis Cornwell), and an Irish maid, Bridgit (Kristin Mazzitelli), who is anything but subservient to the Bennetts and their houseguests.

The Bennetts, who’ve retreated to the country from

Bob Slicker of Slicker’s Eatery in cortez volunteers March 15 as auctioneer for “Boots & Bling,” the fourth annual gala “for the love of children” by the Service club of Manatee county at Veterans hall at the county fairgrounds in Palmetto, as Jennifer Scott of the Service club looks on. Proceeds of the auction event were to benefit local children’s charities. Islander courtesy Photo

London after a theatrical failure and a marital spat, welcome a Bohemian dancer, Victoria Van Roth (Ruth Shaulis); a nearsighted ingenue, Alice (Victoria Raybourn); a conservative politician, Walter Pearce (Jack Watts); and a fiery socialist, Eric (Jeffrey Steiger), who is said to be escaped from an asylum but more often than the others offers reason.

Act 1 is packed with humor but builds with tension. Walter Pearce is mocked by the playwright, teased by the actress, growled at by the maid, taunted by the leftist. No one likes him. In fact, people so despise the conservative bore they want him dead.

And so, Act 1 ends with Walter Pearce lying unresponsive on a couch and Act 2 involves Bridgit working through “the crime.” Was it one of the Bennetts with a touch of poison? The scorned Alice with a pistol? The mad Eric with a knife? The zany dancer with a scarf? Or maybe it was …

No spoilers here except to say theatergoers will

Historical society offers scholarship award

The Anna Maria Island Historical Society will collect applications for its 2025/26 scholarship until Monday, March 31.

The application process is open to Manatee County high school seniors who plan on attending a college, university, trade or vocational school or students already in enrolled in such schools.

Applicants must be either a resident of an Anna Maria Island city or be employed by an island business.

Applications must be mailed to P.O. Box 4315, Anna Maria FL 34216.

For more information, call AMIHS at 941-7780492.

For entry forms, go to amihs.org.

cast members work through a dress rehearsal for “Death by Design,” which opened March 13 at the Island Players theater in anna Maria and continues through March 30. The play originally was set to be staged in March 2020 but was canceled due to the pandemic. Islander courtesy Photos

‘Death by Design’

The Island Players continues the run for “Death by Design” through March 30 at the Anna Maria theater, 10009 Gulf Drive.

Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. The theater is dark Monday. The box office is open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. MondayFriday during the run and an hour before showtime. For more info, call the box office at 941-7785755 or go online to theislandplayers.org.

be delighted with “Death by Design,” charmingly portrayed by the cast and smartly directed by Boyd with a skilled artistic and production staff, including stage manager Priscilla Boyd, set designer Jan Van Wart, sound designer Mike Lusk, costume designer Pamela Hopkins and lighting designer Ethan Vail.

Scholarship apps due at community center

The Center of Anna Maria Island is accepting applications from high school seniors seeking the John van Zandt Scholarship, which offers tuition assistance for young people planning a career that requires certification, licensing or apprenticeship.

Up to $5,000 is awarded annually.

Applications are due by Thursday, April 1. For more, go to centerami.org or call 941-7781908.

Cortez fishers hope feds reshape Gulf fishery quota system

By robert anderson Islander reporter

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council recommended in early 2024 an amendment to commercial reef fishing quotas, intended to relieve pressure on working commercial fishers from investor speculation.

The council advises the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association and operates under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation Act, which governs fisheries management in federal waters and mandates annual catch limits.

For commercial fishers in waterfront communities such as Cortez, most reef species, including red snapper, grouper and tilefish, fall under the individual fishing quota system, designed to stabilize the industry and allot quota shares, granting a percentage of a total allowable catch. The shares convert into annual allocations.

Draft Amendment 59 to the Fishery Management Plan for reef fish proposes changes to participation requirements for individual fishing quota programs by placing shares in the hands of those operating permits rather than leasing them.

Each year, federal fi sheries managers establish catch limits for various species, then management measures are implemented to ensure each sector remains within its limits.

In the commercial sector, many snapper, grouper and tilefish species are managed under the IFQ program under which fishers hold shares, or percentages, of the total commercial quota. These shares entitle the owner to a proportional allocation of fish each year, which fluctuates based on the overall catch limit. While shares grant a permanent right to a percentage of the fishery, allocations are the specific poundage assigned annually.

According to Emily Muehlstein, council public information officer, the IFQ program was implemented in 1995 for red snapper and expanded in 2010 to include grouper and tilefish.

reef species, such as the red grouper held by commercial fisher Briana Gagnier, are at the heart of proposed changes to a federal quota system. Islander

Photo: courtesy Briana Gagnier

She said early participants needed an active commercial permit but that requirement expired for red snapper in 2012 and for grouper and tilefish in 2015, enabling investors to acquire and trade quotas.

As a result, many working fishers face increased costs to acquire quota, while non-fi shing investors profit from leasing shares.

Karen Bell, owner of Cortez’s A.P. Bell Fish Co., an active fish processing facility, said March 11 that leasing quotas reduces profi tability for fi shers and vessel owners.

For example, Bell said because her operation has not historically caught much red snapper, she has a small quota and must lease additional allocations from others.

Moon over AMI

She said the “share lords” who lease large quotas drive up costs for commercial operators and add to consumer prices.

Bell said she is in favor of an overhaul of the IFQ program.

“You know, what these guys do isn’t easy,” Bell said referring to commercial fishing crews. “So some of them (non-working investors) sitting behind that computer probably need to start thinking about that. I’m surprised how greedy they are.”

Bell said she’s worried that without a change to the program, fishing crews might begin to drop off due to a loss of income. “There will be fewer and fewer of them. Who’s going to catch that quota for them then, you know?”

Briana Gagnier, a commercial fisher who lives in Holmes Beach and hires out to various commercial boats in the Gulf of Mexico, said she supports the proposed amendment.

Gagnier said commercial fishers receive significantly lower pay for their catch compared to high market prices and the expense of operating a boat along with the cost of high-priced allotment leases. It creates a losing proposition for commercial crews.

“Before we even leave the dock, it’s usually like $8,000 in expenses just to go fish,” Gagnier said. Such expenses include fuel, bait, ice and tackle.

“In order to even get expenses on a smaller boat, you’ve got to catch 700-800 pounds of fish, depending on what kind of fish, and things like that, but you have to catch almost 1,000 pounds just to get all the expenses covered,” she said.

“I don’t think that the quota owner of that 2,000 pounds who just sat on the couch, watching football all weekend, deserves 60% of the profit,” Gagnier said of non-fishing shareholders.

Muehlstein said the council plans to take fi nal action on the draft amendment in August.

There will be public hearings before the amendment is finalized, which requires approval from NOAA and the secretary of commerce.

Angie’s abstract angles

wife

her

March 13 as she

and adjusted settings for her

of the

from the beach. The full blood moon — named for the red tinge caused by a total lunar eclipse — passed into Earth’s shadow in the early morning March 14. This was the first total lunar eclipse since November 2022 and it will be the only lunar eclipse visible from the United States this year. Selenophiles — moon lovers — will have to wait until March 2026 to see the next total lunar eclipse.

Islander Photo: angie Blunt

Islander Photo: angie Blunt

Doug Blunt captured

angie

angled under

camera

capture

moon

Islander Photo: Doug Blunt

Windy, chilly days, cloudy water create obstacles for anglers

By capt. Danny Stasny Islander reporter

With more windy days than calm days in March, Anna Maria Island anglers are taking what they can get to have a day of fishing.

With the combination of cold fronts and variable winds exceeding 20 mph on many days, anglers are trying to find any sort of consistency on the water.

The good days on the water while inshore fishing can be quite good while other days are challenging. Finding clear, clean water is the first step to finding the bite.

Stasny

In many instances this past week, I found the clearer the water the better the bite. Spotted seatrout are a good indicator. In areas where many trout were present during clear conditions, a change in water clarity diminished the bite considerably, leaving me to think the fish moved. In many cases I was right. Finding clear water typically proved the point as the trout bite would again improve.

Water temperature also plays a factor and the frequency of cold fronts is keeping the water temps low. This is a factor while snook fishing. A few weeks back, I was seeing water temps up to 74 degrees and, let me tell you, the snook came out of the woodwork. Several days of excellent snook fishing occurred and then another cold front appeared. And, as water temps dropped to the lower 60s, the snook bite diminished to mediocre.

So I guess what we’re looking at here is a need for consistency to bring things back to order. And probably after this front we are experiencing they will.

March is known for being a month when the weather can go either way and this March has been cool and windy. But April is around the corner and considerably good fishing days will be here soon. So hang in there and brave the wind.

On my Just Reel charters, I’m finding spotted seatrout to be the most consistent action. Depending on wind and tide, I’m finding trout in a variety of areas. Deeper grass flats in 6-8 feet of water are holding good numbers of fish measuring 14-22 inches. In these areas, there are more fish on the smaller range of the slot. On shallower flats, I’m seeing a consistently greater number of larger fish. In fact, on some days it’s hard

Layla White, 8, shows off one of the many keepersized spotted seatrout she caught March 9 while fishing with dad,

Bay, says Wildman. Outgoing tides and live shiners as bait are the recipe for success for Wildman. Add a “fishy”-looking mangrove shoreline and you’re in business.

Capt. Johnny Mattay says he’s seeing steady action on snook while fishing mangrove shorelines with live shiners as bait. Casting shiners against the trees during high stages of the tide and into the outgoing is resulting in some good rallies on linesiders.

Redfish are being caught on either live pinfish or shiners. Some redfish are mixed in with the snook bite while others are solitary around rocks and docks.

Lastly, spotted seatrout are cooperating for Mattay while fishing deep grass flats or shallower flats where sandy potholes exist. Both live shiners and artificials are working for the trout. For the artificials, Mattay likes using a 1/4-punce or 3/8-ounce jig head combined with a MirrOlure Lil John soft plastic.

Capt. David White is fi nding plenty of spotted seatrout throughout his travels in Tampa Bay. Freelining live shiners over deep grass areas yields not only trout but plenty of ladyfish and some Spanish mackerel.

Moving to the shallower fl ats White is fi nding good action on snook and redfish. Both are responding to live shiners as bait, especially when fishing around mangrove shorelines, oyster bars and canals.

to catch a slot-size fish because everything is too big.

Casting free-lined live shiners over the shallows is working well, while over the deeper flats an addition of a split shot is making a difference in catching a few or catching a lot.

Snook fishing on the flats is going well. It seems the later in the day and the higher the tide the better the snook bite. As for redfish, I’m seeing them mixed in with the snook in most areas.

Capt. West Wildman says although it’s been quite windy, he’s experiencing some of the best inshore fishing he’s seen in a while. In areas with clean, clear water, Wildman is catching limits of spotted seatrout. Casting live shiners over flats in Tampa Bay with depths of 5-6 feet is yielding the best action.

Wildman reports he is doing well on catching snook as he is catching at least one keeper per morning, and if you are a snook fisherman, you know that’s not bad. Plenty of snook 20-26 inches are being caught.

Redfish are being found while fishing in Sarasota

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

TideWatch

Red tide ‘very’ low locally

The red tide organism, Karenia brevis , was detected in 16 samples from Florida’s Gulf coast the week ending March 16 but bloom concentrations were not observed.

K. brevis was observed at background to very low concentrations offshore of Manatee County, background concentrations in Pinellas County, background to low concentrations in Hillsborough County and background and very low concentrations in Charlotte County.

Fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were reported from Sarasota County. Respiratory irritation was not reported.

For more information, go to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission site at myfwc.com/ research/redtide/statewide/.

— Lisa Neff

John Linhart and son holden, 10, visiting from Leon, Iowa, show off snook and a redfish March 12, while on a fishing trip with capt. David White. The fish were released.

capt. David White, who took a busman’s holiday. White said they released all the fish, adding, “The trout population is as healthy as I’ve seen it in quite a few years.”

Youth football season ends, KRC senior champs named

By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander reporter

Another youth flag football season has ended with champions crowned at the Center of Anna Maria Island.

Semifinal action took place March 10 and the following night the winners in three divisions met for their championship games.

Adrian Griffin Interiors cruised to the 8-10 division title with a pair of blowout wins. They opened their playoff run with a 38-0 victory over the Fish Guy Aquarium Services team and followed that victory with a 25-6 win over Moss Builders.

Jackson Griffin had a huge game with a pair of touchdown catches to go along with two interception returns for touchdowns. Grayson Hinckle threw for two TDs and Mason Stein completed the scoring with an extra-point catch in the victory.

Miles Moss threw a TD pass to Owen Mahoney to lead Moss Builders in the loss.

Moss Builders romped to the 11-13 title with a 35-7 thumping of Sato Real Estate behind a strong game from Mason Moss. Moss threw for two touchdowns, while also rushing for three TDs. Austin Guess was also stout, finishing with a receiving touchdown, two extra points, six flag pulls and two sacks, including one for a safety. Parker Svoboda completed the scoring with a touchdown grab in the victory.

Sato Real Estate saw a touchdown pass and extra point pass from Brandon Sato to Brantley Kobialka.

Moss Builders cruised to a 34-12 victory over Sandhoff Construction in the first semifinal game,

while Sato advanced to the title game with a 34-19 victory over Solid Rock Air Conditioning in the second semifinal.

HSH Design edged Solid Rock Electrical 19-7 to win the 14-17 division behind a pair of TD passes from Jack Mattick to Frankie Coleman. Mattick also added three interceptions on defense, while Sterling Holiday had an interception return for a TD and an extra point to complete the scoring for HSH Designs.

Victor Albrecht threw a TD pass and an extra point to Kegan McGlade for Solid Rock in the loss.

Mattick threw six TD passes to lead HSH Design to a 39-34 victory over Moss Builders in the first semi-

John Soler, Bob Rowley and Doug Dorsey flank champion Tom Nelson, second from left, following the completion of the Key Royale Club senior player’s scratch tournament March 12. Islander Photo: Courtesy KRC

final match, while Solid Rock Electrical advanced with a 19-14 victory over Cortez Florida Vacations in the other semifinal game.

Adult flag football playoffs kick off Playoff action in the adult flag football league at the center kicked off March 13 with three “play-in” games. The top five seeds are automatically in the playoffs while the sixth through 11th seeds have to “play” their way in.

The action got started with No. 6 seed, Slicker’s Eatery, cruising to a 48-7 victory over No. 11 seed Slim’s Place behind six touchdown passes from Dominick Otteni, including three to David Lopez. Brandon Rolland added a pair of touchdown catches while Donte Filletti and Jana Wilder each added one in the victory.

Richard Fosmore threw a TD pass to Matt Stein and an extra-point pass to Steve Oelfke for Slim’s. The second game of the night saw No. 7 seed Ross Built outscore No. 10 seed Reel Coastal Properties 52-31 behind four TD passes and a TD run from PLEaSE SEE SPORTS PaGE 18

cassidy

By Lisa Neff

Warming spring days

We changed our clocks.

We’re changing the sheets in the spare bedroom for guests.

We’re filling out March Madness brackets.

We’re traveling in off-hours on AMI to avoid traffic jams.

And we’re not seeing the robins so populous just a couple of weeks ago.

Must be springtime.

My spring passion is baseball and I remember well showing up on the diamond for afterschool practice after a long winter. It was mid-March in Waukegan, Illinois, and I was wearing a winter coat as well as knit gloves under my fielder’s mitt.

I shivered too much to shout, “Aye batter,” and I actually looked forward to running wind sprints because they caused a warm burn in my chest.

I practiced hard despite the cold like I knew my Cubs were practicing in spring training down in Scottsdale, Arizona, but I remember wishing for warmer March days all for my own benefit.

Selfish me. Now I know to be concerned with the data from Climate Central finding that meteorological spring has warmed across the United States since 1970, the first year I played ball.

Students for sea turtles

Students from Gil Burlew’s advanced manufacturing class at Manatee Technical College donate their time to laser-cut more than 300 “adopt-a-nest” plaques for anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, the nonprofit that surveys beaches spring and summer to document nesting sea turtles. AMITW executive director Kristen Mazzarella said, “The support from the local community is essential to AMITW’s conservation efforts.” For more information about AMITW, go to www.islandturtlewatch.com. For more about MTC, go to www.manateetech. edu. Islander Courtesy Photo

The science-focused nonprofit analyzed 55 years of data for March-May and found spring has warmed in 234 of the 241 U.S. cities by 2.4 degrees Fahrenheit on average.

Climate Central, using open access data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, also found:

• Unusually warm spring days happen more often.

• Average spring temperatures warmed by 3 degrees or more in 71 cities.

• Four out of every five cities experienced at least one more week of warmer-than-normal spring days than in the 1970s.

• Spring has warmed the most across the South.

• Top spring warming locations included Reno, Nevada, 6.8; El Paso, Texas, 6.4; Las Vegas, 6.1; Tucson, Arizona, 5.8; Albany, Georgia, 5.3; Chattanooga, Tennessee, 5.3; and Phoenix, 5.3.

• The cities with the largest increase in warmer-

than-normal spring days since 1970 included El Paso, 39 more days; Tampa, 37 more days; Reno, 36 more days; Tucson, 35 more days; and Albany, 33 more days.

Locally, our spring days above normal increased by 29.

Climate Central found the average spring temperature Manatee County warmed 2.8 degrees. For Sarasota County, it was 2.2 degrees and, for Pinellas, 3.6.

The impacts of a warmer spring can include droughts and water stress, extensions of pollen and pest seasons, increased wildlife risks, disruption of animal cycles and to habitats, ocean heat waves, coral bleaching, diminished air quality and more.

And guess what: We’re not seeing more warm spring days because Little Leaguers up north wished for them.

National warming trends reflect global warming caused by heat-trapping pollution mainly from burning fossil fuels.

Climate Central graphics show spring warming for Sarasota and the continental United States. Spring has warmed the

3.4 degrees in

2.7

2.5

Neff

most across the South. Spring warmed

the Southwest,

in the South and

in the Southeast. Islander Courtesy Images

ITEMS FOR SALE

GE PROFILE ELECTRIC range and over-the-stove microwave. White. Excellent condition. Text, 941962-0971.

TERVIS TUMBLERS, FOUR. New. 1-24 ounce, 2-16 ounce, 1-12 ounce. $20. 941-761-1393, (no text).

RACK: METAL FOUR-tier, $20. 941-920-2494.

ANTIQUE PARTNER DESK: All wood, $500. Inquire at 941-778-7978.

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BRIDGE GAMES ON Fridays at The Center on Magnolia Street, Anna Maria. 11:30 a.m. TO 2:30 p.m. Call 314-324-5921 for details.

HEARTFELT THANKS TO Jesus, Mary and St. Jude for prayers answered. G and RH.

GARAGE SALES

GARAGE SALE: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 22. Household items, tools, books, miscellaneous. 621 Key Royale Drive, Holmes Beach.

TRANSPORTATION

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

BOATS & BOATING

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

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

CAPTAIN FOR HIRE and boat caretaker services: If you need help with your boat on or off the water, call Captain Dan. USCG, retired. 772-486-8085.

Sandy’s Lawn Service Inc.

Landscaping ~ Cleanups Hauling ~ Tree Trimming. LICENSED & INSURED

BOATS & BOATING Continued

WELCOME ABOARD JOYFISH Charters for private fishing, sunset cruises, and dolphin watching. Check out joyfishcharters.com or follow us on Facebook. Call to reserve, 941840-3181.

1989 COM-PAC 27MK/II SAILBOAT: Very good condition, no storm damage, new bottom paint and Genoa, recent autopilot and charger, six-foot, oneinch headroom, enclosed head, propane stove and more. $21,750. 727-479-4919.

FANTASEA BOAT DETAILING: We bring marina quality care to your boat! Free estimates, customized care packages available. Call 941-243-3225 or email Beth@Fantaseaboatdetailing.com

HELP WANTED

NOW HIRING HANDYMAN: Full-time professional services. $18 an hour and up, based on experience. call JayPros, 941-962-2874.

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

KIDS FOR HIRE

KIDS FOR HIRE ads are FREE for up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work. Ads must be placed in person at The Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach.

HEALTH CARE

SEASONAL RETIRED RN available to assist with your family or your needs, 20 years’ experience. For more information, please, call 973-819-2824.

SERVICES

IS YOUR HOME or office in need of some cleaning? Well, I’m your girl! Local, reliable, professional! Please, give me a call or text, 941-773-0461.

CLEANING: VACATION, CONSTRUCTION, residential, commercial and windows. Licensed and insured. 941-756-4570.

PRESSURE WASHING, PAVER sealing, driveway, roof, fence, pool area. Also, window cleaning. Licensed and insured. 941-565-3931.

BICYCLE REPAIRS: Just4Fun at 5358 Gulf Drive can do most any bicycle repair at a reasonable cost. Pick-up and delivery available. 941-896-7884.

API’S DRYWALL REPAIR: I look forward to servicing your drywall repair needs. Call 941-524-8067 to schedule an appointment.

PC OR TECH issues? Not sure where to start? With years of experience, I’ll come to you with reliable solutions. Contact Gavin at 928-587-1309. www.gse.codes

SARASOTA PAINTING: INTERIOR/exterior/ cabinets: Call or text Don, 941-900-9398. Free estimates. Fully insured, twenty years’ experience.

RIDEEASY 247 YOUR professional, reliable and courteous car service to airports and events since 2015. You can reach us via text 941-447-7737 or email to mrfort5001@gmail. com We are available 24/7.

LOOK NO MORE! Residential, vacation rental and commercial cleaning. Give us a call, 941-2508548.

OUR SERVICES: CLEANING, home repairs, tile, concrete, remodeling, decks, steps, flooring, water drainage solutions, rental 24-hour services. Hurricane shutters and pre-storm service. New, low-cost generator and insulation (starts and runs on propane when power off). No permits needed. Islander, over 40 years here! Call 941-404-9163. More ads = more readers in The Islander.

SERVICES Continued

IS YOUR POOL deck, driveway, or garage floor looking worn out and dated? Bring them back to life with our top-tier resurfacing services! Services offered: Pool deck resurfacing, Slip-resistant, cool-to-the-touch finishes that enhance safety and aesthetics. Driveway resurfacing, durable surfaces that stand up to heavy traffic and harsh weather. Garage floor resurfacing, easy-to-clean, stain-resistant surfaces that look great and perform even better. Don’t wait! Transform your spaces today with our trusted resurfacing services. Contact us now for a free consultation and estimate. Call U Plus Me LLC at 727-6235050 or visit u-plus-me.com

WINDOW CLEANING: DOWNEAST Window Cleaning, 207-852-6163.

AIRPORT SHUTTLE: QUALITY transportation, 10 years by Lewber. 352-339-3478.

IN-HOME SUPPORT: 26-plusyears’ experience. Tammy Roberts, 941-580-4440.

ACHAUFFER4U FOR TRANSPORTATION anywhere in Florida. Properly insured and over 40 years in Bradenton. Dennis, 941812-5930.

ONECALL CLEANUP. Junk removal, water damage, and more. Fast, reliable service. Call, 941-5441260.

BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS JD’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-920-3840.

BEACH SERVICE air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. Commercial and residential service, repair and/ or replacement. Serving Manatee County and the Island since 1987. For dependable, honest and personalized service, call Bill Eller, 941-720-7411. Residential, call Nate, 941-524-2248. cac184228.

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

LAWN & GARDEN

cONNIE’S L aNDS caPING IN c residential and commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941713-1965.

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

NOW HAULING STORM trash. Shell delivered and spread. hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, topsoil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, or “shell phone” 941-7200770.

LOOKING FOR AN EARLY BIRD? You can read Wednesday’s classifieds on Tuesday at islander.org. And it’s FREE!

HOME IMPROVEMENT

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

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

LANE’S SCREENING SERVICES: Replace your window, door or lanai screens. Many screen options available. Retired veteran serving our community! Free estimates, call 941-705-5293.

LOOKING FOR ANY home improvement?

JRCC Home Improvement, handyman service can get the job done. Please, contact us at 413-246-2410. We would love to help.

TILE-TILE-TILE: All variations of ceramic tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship, prompt, reliable, many Island references. Call Ashdown Flooring, 941-726-3077.

DONALD PERKINS PAINTING LLC. Interior/exterior/pressure washing. Island references. dperkinspaint@hotmail.com. 941705-7096.

GO r ILL a D rYWa LL r EPa I r LL c . Let’s solve your drywall problems together. Give us a call at 941-286-0607.

QUEEN BEE PAINTING: “We Do It Royally.” Interior/exterior painting and pressure washing, pool decks, garage floors, cabinets, popcorn ceiling and wallpaper removal, drywall, door and trim install and repair, window cleaning. Sheryl, 864-884-3380.

CALL HYDRO CLEAN. Full-service pressure washing, sealing. Pavers, travertine and natural stone. Window washing too, up to three stories. Call Jacob, 941-920-2094.

ISLAND HANDYMAN: I live here, work here, value your referral. Refinish, paint. Just ask. JayPros. Licensed/insured. References. Call Jay, 941-9622874.

RENTALS

ANNA MARIA GULF beachfront vacation rentals. One- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941-778-3143.

AVAILABLE NOW AND season: 1BR/1BA, sevennight minimum. carlesvacationrentals.com Special rates are available. 941-807-1405.

MAY 2025 AVAILABLE: Snowbird special! Perico Island patio home, single floor, high ceilings, 3BR/2BA, privacy wall/gate, two-car garage. Call or text Alison, 859-771-6423. www.pericoislandrental.com

GROUND-FLOORMONTHLY rental: Open months April to December. Gorgeous water view, 2BR/2BA, Modern amazing kitchen, carport. Call/email for pics, 570-239-0431. marketreps@aol.com

RENTAL: MARCH, APRIL, May. 1BR/1BA condo, second floor, all inclusive. West Bradenton. 941962-0971.

FOR SALE OR lease: Downtown Bradenton, west end of the Riverwalk, a dynamic 55-plus walk-a-bout community. 2BR/2BA has panoramic views of Manatee River and Marina. Geri Kenyon, 941-725-4374. Florida Suncoast real Estate.

2026 WATERFRONT VILLA: Seasonal rental. Minutes to beach. 1,312 sf, open floor plan on 89 acres of paradise. $4,400/month. Four-month minimum. Phil, 941-725-1043.

RENTALS Continued

2026 SEASONAL RENTAL: Just one block from the beach, Single-story 2BR/2BA private residence, screened patio. No smoking/no pets. DecemberApril. 64th Street, Holmes Beach. Call 813-8334926.

SIX-MONTH RENTAL: Available May-November, 2025. Peaceful, spacious first-floor 3BR/2BA condo with fabulous pool view, two king suites, one block to beach, two pools, (one heated), tennis/pickle ball courts, two assigned covered parking, cable/ internet. $2,750/month, no taxes. Non-smoking/no pets. Local owner (video). 563-370-2900. Holmes Beach.

BEAUTIFUL PERICO BAY CLUB CONDO! 2BR/2BA second floor unit. Seasonal, $4,750/month. Annual, $2,500/month. Call 941-778-1979 for more details.

GROUND-FLOOR VILLA in west Bradenton, no flood zone. 2BR/2BA plus den and two-car garage. Heated community pool and spa. Boat and RV storage lot. $2,100/month. Real Estate Mart, 941-3561456.

MINUTES TO BEACHES! 2BR/2BA condo, water and cable included, pool, washer/dryer, $1,795/ month, annual, 941-713-6743.

FOR RENT: HOLMES Beach. 2BR/2BA bungalow, half-duplex. Short walk to beach. Quiet and private area, no stairs. Washer and dryer, would prefer year-round tenant, month-to-month negotiable. Prefer no animals. Available May 1. $2,000/ month, includes utilities. Contact Paul, 519-8079426. Pkelly333333@hotmail.com dlehto@telus. net jkrouse@shaw.ca

AVAILABLE NOW! ANNUAL rental. Beautiful, bright renovated condo 2BR/2BA, one floor. Perico Bay Club, pool, hot tub, tennis, pickle ball, covered parking. $2,500/ month. Call 612-802-8357.

REAL ESTATE

WINNIE M cha LE, r E a LTO r , 941-5046146. Dalton Wade real Estate. You need an aggressive and experienced Realtor in today’s market! Selling island homes, Sarasota and Bradenton areas. Multi-million-dollar producer! “Selling Homes - Making Dreams Come True.”

MULTIPLE HOMES IN 55-plus lot rent park for sale in Bradenton. Some fully furnished under $20,000. Call Kathryn with Integrity Mobile Home Sales. 407674-0220.

FOR SALE BY owner: Perico Bay Club. 2BR/2BA villa, enclosed garage, lake view. Gated community, guard. Completely renovated, turnkey. Minutes to beaches. Rental opportunities. Call Bob, 732-673-4684.

NORTHWEST BRADENTON CUSTOM-built home with Mediterranean flair. 2BR/2BA, two-car garage. Community pool, spa, clubhouse on bay. No flood zone. Great alternative to island condos. $795,000. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

OPEN HOUSE: 3-5 P.M. Sunday, March 24. 3BR/2.5BA canalfront home on large corner lot. New roof and large composite deck. Elevate or finish! $1,025,000. 501 65th St., Holmes Beach. Gail Tutewiler, Island Real Estate, 941-705-0227.

UMBRELLA BEACH RESORT Timeshare for sale. Sleeps six, pool, spa. In the center of the action, Skinny’s, Surf Shop, public beach and cafe. Publix Market, two blocks. Deeded. $3,000. Contact Mike, 269-501-7437.

PARK MODELTRAILER: Priced to sell! 1994 Hyline 34-foot, two bump outs, living room and bedroom. 8x10-foot shed. Turnkey, furnished and ready to move in. Located in Sarasota Bay RV Park, Bradenton, Fl. This fun community is a 55-plus park designed for snowbirds. Maximum stay is six months. No sub-leasing, no VRBOs, no AirB&Bs or any rentals. No dogs. Check out sarabayrvpark.com for more details on this fun-filled community. Lot fees are paid to July 1st with 3-plus months of unused time that is included in the price. $34,900. Call Sharon for more details, 269-330-1884.

OPEN HOUSE: 3-5 p.m. Friday, March 22. Spacious 1BR/1BA condo. Beautifully updated and furnished. Great location in bayfront building, 2 blocks to beach, across from grocery, restaurants, shops. Move in ready! $475,000. 3805 East Bay Drive, #301, Holmes Beach. Gail Tutewiler, Island real Estate, 941-705-0227

Grants boost small business

The Glazer family, owners of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, on March 4 donated funding to 95 local businesses throughout the regions impacted by 2024 hurricanes as part of the Glazer Family Small Business Fund.

The fund provided grants to businesses that have been heavily affected by hurricanes Helene and Milton.

“Throughout this process, we have continued to be moved by the strength of this community and all that it’s endured in the last year,” said Buccaneers owner/ chairman Darcie Glazer Kassewitz.

Round one beneficiaries included some AMI businesses, such as AMI Beach Weddings, Drift-In AMI and the Center of Anna Maria Island.

— Lisa Neff

Miguel Rodriguez. Corey Vonborstel also had a huge game, finishing with three TD passes and two receiving TDs on offense, while also contributing a pair of interceptions on defense. Tyler Bond finished with three TD receptions and Jake Ross added two TD catches to the win.

Zacharieah Anabtawi had two TD passes and a rushing TD to lead Reel Coastal Properties, which also received a TD pass and a rushing TD from Sequiel Marintez. Ramon Guerrero IV added a pair of TD catches and Ben Jones had one.

The final game of the night saw No. 9 seed MI-Box hold on for a 45-32 victory over No. 8 seed Solid Rock Construction. Matt Briley threw four TD passes and ran for another score, while also adding a TD catch to lead MI-Box, which also received a touchdown pass and reception from Silas Banyas. Christian Hampton added a pair of TD catches while Larry Gaulin chipped in a touchdown grab.

Tuna McCracken had four rushing TDs and a TD catch to lead Solid Rock Construction, which also received a TD pass from Tyler Bekkerus in the loss.

Key Royale golf news

Key Royale Club held its annual senior player’s

Cortez Road community develops, details released

aerial view shows details for SeaFlower, a master-planned community in west Bradenton, with a range of single-family homes designed by Cardel Homes, David Weekley Homes, Issa Homes and Pulte Homes. A March 13 news release said the new residences in SeaFlower “will boast a palette of whites complimented by warm coastal accents, with inviting front porches and Florida-friendly landscaping.” They’ll also be built to the latest hurricane standards. The PR material also stated the homes have “convenient access to the vibrant downtowns of Bradenton, Longboat Key and Sarasota, and the pristine beaches on Anna Maria Island.” Pricing was announced from $400s to over $1.2M. Islander Courtesy Photo

scratch tournament March 3 and March 12. Pam Lowry won the women’s event on the 19th hole in a suddendeath playoff over Jana Samuels. Brenda Solleveld was alone in third with a 99.

The men’s tournament was divided into divisions: senior for ages 70-79 and super seniors for those 80 and over.

Tom Nelson won the senior division with a 77, one stroke better than Bob Rowley. Doug Dorsey and John Soler tied for third place with 80s.

Greg Shorten fired a 75 to win the super seniors division, while Jim Hitchen and Quentin Talbert tied for second at 78.

Champs HSH Design, 14-17 Division

Jaxson Kagin, Jack Mattick, Frankie Coleman, Sterling Holiday, Chase Castagna, Kyle Castagna, Konnor Oelfke and coach Kris Castagna. Islander Photo: Courtesy cofaMI

final game in pool play, giving him the only undefeated record and a trip to the winner’s circle.

The March 15 games saw Norm Langeland and Steve Hooper team up to forge the lone 3-0 pool-play record giving them bragging rights for the day.

Play gets started at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by random team selection. There is no charge to play.

Lisa Neff

Horseshoes action

Horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall pits March 12 looked like it was going to be a four-team affair, but Tim Sofran threw a double ringer to win his

CLOCKWISE: Hannah, 14, and Sam Crossley, 11, of Ohio, learn the Italian art of making pizza dough March 3 from chef/owner Vinny Esposito of Vinny’s Italian Kitchen in Holmes Beach. Sam puts toppings on his pizza as Hannah awaits a turn in Vinny’s kitchen. Sam puts his pizza in the brick pizza oven with the help of Vinny. Hannah and Vinny display her handmade pizza. Islander Courtesy Photos

Chef’s

special: Slice of fun for Ohio kids

A couple of kids got their reward for helping an island business that needed a boost after the 2024 hurricanes.

Back in October, Karen and Ryan Crossley and their children, Hannah, 14, and Sam, 11, snowbirds from Ohio, visited Vinny’s Italian Kitchen in Holmes Beach and saw chef/owner Vinny Esposito feeling despair.

His business, a market that features his handmade pizza and pasta dishes and the “best of Italy in the heart of Holmes Beach,” was in disarray.

The equipment had been underwater. The supplies and food stock were trash. There was little left of the market he loved.

But two kids from Ohio arrived to touch his heart and changed his mind.

He would reopen after all.

The Crossley kids sponsored a lemonade stand and

gave the proceeds — $419 — to Esposito to help him with his restoration.

Esposito said there were tears and much hugging and a promise, “I will be here when they come back.”

Esposito promised they would make pizza together.

The Crossleys returned in March and touched base with Esposito and, sure enough, the market was open and he was ready for their visit.

He put together an afternoon of pizza-making March 3 for the kids. But they didn’t just make pizza — they learned how to make pizza with Esposito helping them every step of the way.

It was a great reward for all — and great pizza, according to dad, Ryan Crossley.

And for chef Vinny, “promise made, promise kept.”

— Bonner Joy

ANNA