The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Businesses gear up for spring break, new chapter

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Local businesses, whether fully recovered or still recovering from 2024 hurricanes, are gearing up to capitalize on the spring tourist season.

And tourist season includes spring break vacations across Florida.

Less than six months after Hurricane Milton’s Oct. 9 landfall, some businesses — like AMI Beach Hut — find themselves back on track and gaining steam, while others continue working toward a return.

Mike DeLeo, an owner of the AMI Beach Hut, 9901 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, told The Islander March 6 that his business had fully recovered from the 2024 storm season.

Like many businesses across the island, AMI Beach Hut — a convenience store with ice cream, alcohol and beach gear — sustained water damage from the storm surges brought by hurricanes Helene and Milton.

However, the owners were luckier than most and only had to close for about a month to complete repairs.

AMI Beach Hut reopened by late October/early November but business was slow up until the end of the year, according to DeLeo.

Then, business surged with Christmas and the new year.

“The first busy day that we had where I was able to be in here and chitchat with customers and see people smile and laugh and just hang out and be in my store was awesome,” DeLeo said. “It’s nice to have that back.”

DeLeo said the busy holiday season was a “good sign of things to come” for the spring and, so far, he’s been right. He said business has continued to gain momentum.

“It’s slowly picking up every day,” he said.

How much more it picks up remains to be seen but DeLeo said that business was already back in line with last year’s numbers.

“We are just as busy through the week as we were last year, which is surprising,” he said. “Everything is back on track. … It’s very hopeful.”

Everything is back on track. … It’s very hopeful.

’

People gather March 4 at the Star Fish Co. dockside restaurant in Cortez. Diner Les Streit of Pittsburgh said, “We’re down here for sun, spring training and shrimp.” The waterfront location suffered damage from hurricanes Helene and Milton last fall but has made a comeback. Islander

Many businesses, like Duncan Real Estate, 5914 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, have yet to fully recover from last year’s storms.

The company represents buyers and sellers of real property on the island, as well as operates a roster of vacation rentals.

Owner Darcie Duncan wrote in a March 6 text message to The Islander that about 65% of those properties had been restored and were back in operation.

The remaining 35% of the company’s properties may not be restored until the summer, according to Duncan.

However, that has not stopped busi-

ness from revving up for spring.

“Our rentals are completely booked for spring break,” Duncan wrote. “We are getting lots of inquiries and bookings for the summer already.”

“Things are looking up and we are very busy. All things considered we are very pleased and the guests have all been so great and excited to return,” she added.

On the less fortunate side of things, some businesses have yet to reopen at all and may miss out on much of the spring break spending.

The Sun and Surf Beach Shop, an apparel and souvenir store in the Island Shopping Center at 5418 Marina Drive,

Starting pitcher, hurricane reliever

Darcie Duncan of AMI and owner of Duncan Real

Estate pauses for a photo with the Pirate Parrot Feb. 23 at LECOM Park in Bradenton, where Duncan tossed the first pitch to open a Pittsburgh Pirates game against the Minnesota Twins. The Pirates recognized Duncan’s hurricane-relief efforts following Helene last fall, including a community Thanksgiving dinner. Regarding her pitch, did she hit the plate?

“Hell yes, I made it over the plate,” Duncan said. Spring training games continue at the park this month. Islander Courtesy Photo

Holmes Beach, falls into that category.

General manager Jennifer Moore told The Islander March 6 that the 4,500-square-foot store took on four feet of water during last year’s storms, causing extensive water damage.

She said water ruined the walls, doors, trim, electrical work and clothing racks.

After months of restoration and cleaning, plenty of work remains, including the electric and drywall.

“It’s been a lot of hard work and sweat and tears,” Moore said. “Our shopping center unfortunately got really hit. … There’s not enough workers and too much work to get done.”

She said the store was aiming to reopen in April, meaning the business will miss much of spring break.

Nevertheless, Moore said they would take their time restoring the shop, do it right and ensure customers could return to a safe environment.

In the meantime, she remains excited to reopen as soon as it is safe and sensible.

“Of course, I wish I would be open next week. … There’s a lot of stuff that still has to happen before we can have shoppers in the store,” Moore said. “When we can open the doors, that’ll be well worth all this work.”

“It’ll be a whole new store. A whole new adventure and chapter,” she added.

Arts, crafts on comeback

March

booth at Springfest in Holmes Beach. Some 34 booths lined 59th Street in Holmes Beach March 8-9 for the 37th annual Springfest arts and crafts show presented by the Anna Maria Island Art League and Blue Ribbon Events.

Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992

Jupiter-based artist Isabel Van Demark works

8 in her Rustica

Islander Photo: Lisa Neff

Photo: Lisa Neff

— Mike DeLeo of AMI Beach Hut in Anna Maria

AM news for the week ending March 9

Mayor Mark Short emailed The Islander March 7 saying the city had a week of miscellaneous items either accomplished or progressing.

• The shade sail at the City Pier Park playground is installed. Early this week, a fence enclosing the playground will be reinstalled and the mulch cleaned up. The city expects the playground to be “open for business” by March 13.

• The city also completed the rebuild of the beach access foot bridge at North Shore Boulevard.

Short wrote, “This is one of our most popular beach access points and residents and visitors can now use it to access the beach at Bean Point.”

• Kaye Lane and Moss Lane were graded and refurbished, providing for smooth travel.

Short also said the city will launch the annual vacation rental registration process within the next week through the city website at cityofannamaria. com. Anna Maria vacation rental properties are required to register through the portal by Tuesday, April 1.

He also noted the next commission meeting will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 13.

Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth emailed The Islander March 7 and declined comment for the week, saying she was on an airplane bound for Vegas.

In her place, Commission Chair Dan Diggins emailed The Islander March 8, saying, “All is quiet on the western front.”

However, in a subsequent phone conversation, Diggins offered to give an update next week on a project he’s been working on.

Stay tuned.

Mayor John Chappie did not respond.

— Bonner Joy

New AM clerk ready for commute from Palmetto

By ryan Paice Islander reporter

St. Pete Beach’s city clerk is ready to take her talents to Anna Maria.

Palmetto resident Amber LaRowe told The Islander March 4 that she is excited to begin as Anna Maria’s next city clerk on March 25 — after a short vacation.

LaRowe has deep connections to Manatee County, with generational roots like her father and grandfather, who lived their whole lives in the county. Likewise, LaRowe was born and raised in the county and has never lived elsewhere.

She began her career in local government 13 years ago as Palmetto’s assistant city clerk.

LaRowe, a mother of three teenagers, currently serves as the St. Pete Beach city clerk, but applied for the same position in Anna Maria with the hope of working closer to home.

“As soon as I saw an opportunity to come back to the county … I took it,” she said. “I’m so excited to be back in public service doing what I love and enjoy in the county I grew up in.”

Q&A

The Islander poll

This week’s question

The bracket reveal for the Ncaa March Madness basketball tournaments is March 18. I’d like to see a voting-based bracket for aMI’s best …

A. Grouper sandwich.

B. Sunset view.

C. Burger.

D. Ice cream flavor.

E. Nonprofit.

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

and Operated. White Glove Delivery Residential and Contract

While the roughly 35-minute commute to St. Pete Beach may be similar to her new commute to Anna Maria, she said her familiarity with the county’s backroads might help her evade some traffic problems.

Mayor Mark Short and Commission Chair Charlie Salem interviewed LaRowe and four other candidates for the position from a list of 19 applicants.

Short told The Islander March 4 that “(LaRowe) is extremely qualified. … She has significant experience in this role.”

City commissioners voted to approve Short and Salem’s recommendation to hire LaRowe in January. Current city clerk and treasurer LeAnne Addy will retain the clerk role until LaRowe begins, at which point Addy will serve as treasurer. LaRowe’s starting salary will be $102,500 per year, according to a Jan. 22 offer letter to her from Short.

Short told The Islander he was conducting an analysis to determine pay adjustments to match Addy’s slated reduction in duties, but he did not provide a timeline for the study’s completion.

Neither Short nor Addy provided Addy’s current salary despite several requests from Islander publisher Bonner Joy by email, starting Jan. 10 and several more times and by this reporter March 4 and March 7.

As of March 10, the requests had not been fulfilled by the city, although Addy texted The Islander before noon saying she would comply when she was “out of meetings.”

Short said March 10 the requests would be filled later that day.

There was no response by press time, which was noon March 10. Chapter 119 of the Florida statutes states that public record requests must be acknowledged “promptly” and responded to “in good faith.”

LaRowe will wrap up in St. Pete Beach before her vacation and then head to work in Anna Maria.

She said she has been studying the city’s charter and code of ordinances, as well as speaking with Addy, to prepare for the role.

Enjoy an extra 20% OFF all accessories with your furniture purchase.

Larowe

addy

County votes to demolish storm-damaged waterfront landmark

By robert anderson Islander reporter

Manatee County commissioners voted 6-1 March 4 to demolish Annie’s Bait & Tackle, a landmark waterfront destination in Cortez that was hard-hit by hurricanes Helene and Milton last fall.

Annie’s, 4334 127th St. W., was constructed more than 60 years ago and has been operated by Bruce Shearer since 1996 under lease agreements. Shearer, along with community supporters, appealed to county commissioners to find a way to preserve the structure and allow the business to operate.

The county purchased Annie’s from Vandyke Properties in December 2024, along with the Seafood Shack Restaurant, marina and parking lots for $13 million and renamed the property Cortez Marina.

The county’s redevelopment plan includes boat ramps and slips and a concession shop designed to meet safety standards and withstand storms. Plans also include elevated structures and incorporating federal Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant boat lifts and restrooms.

Responding to appeals to preserve the character of the bait and tackle/bar and restaurant operation at Annie’s, the county conducted inspections to reevaluate the structure’s stability and ways for Annie’s to operate while marina construction continued.

However, during a March 4 meeting, deputy county administrator Bryan Parnell presented inspection results showing “catastrophic structural damage, rendering it unsafe for continued use.” The inspections were conducted by a licensed structural engineer, a former county building official and the Florida Department of Emergency Management.

Commissioner Jason Bearden, R-District 6, the only member to vote against demolishing Annie’s, urged commissioners to find a solution that benefited Shearer and the county.

“Let’s quit bouncing around on this and let’s figure out a way to do it and how it can work for everybody,”

he said.

A proposal from Fawley Bryant Architecture for Annie’s continued operation included temporary docks with a food truck, portable restrooms and covered seating with a cost at $145,000-$250,000.

However, county staff and commissioners noted challenges, including a 180-day lease limit for temporary structures and potential disruptions to the new boat ramp and marina.

Shearer, along with several Annie’s supporters, attended the meeting and said the temporary option was “not a viable business” anyway.

Shearer appealed to commissioners to allow him to repair Annie’s, which has been closed since the storms.

Commissioner Tal Siddique, R-District 3, said he sympathized with Shearer’s situation but could not justify the cost of a temporary buildout.

Also, he said county staff determined FEMA regulations mandate the structure be rebuilt to floodplain standards and cautioned funding repairs to a private business with taxpayer dollars.

a view March 3 of annie’s Bait & Tackle, 4334 127th St. W., cortez. The county commission voted March 4 to move forward with demolition of the structure and others at the Seafood Shack site, now cortez Marina. Islander Photo: robert anderson

“The reality is that this is just not something I feel I can support because we’re publicly subsidizing, we’re bailing out a private business, which just runs counter to my principles of how I believe government and private partnerships should operate,” Siddique said.

He motioned to reject the temporary structure option and begin removing buildings at the Cortez Marina site.

In a March 5 interview, Siddique said the county would give Shearer time to remove items and consider donating parts of the structure.

He also said the county will hold workshops on the redevelopment plan, a process that could take two years.

“People do not want something that does not conform to the community, that doesn’t feel like it belongs in Cortez. So, I think we’re going to see likely a twostory elevated structure,” Siddique said.

“My hope is to have a sandwich shop there with some retail as well, and for it to operate like the concession stands on the island,” he said referring to the Manatee and Coquina beach concessions.

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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.

BB hearings for Drift-In tiki bar continued due to noticing error

By robert anderson Islander reporter

They drifted in to city hall March 6 for a Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board hearing for a Drift-In AMI project.

And they drifted out.

The public hearing was continued due to a noticing error, which in turn canceled a city commission hearing scheduled later that day.

The hearings were to address permitting disputes surrounding the construction of a covered outdoor bar at 120 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. The controversy stems from a permit approved by then-city building official Darin Cushing, who was placed on administrative leave Jan. 22 and subsequently ousted from his job.

“There was a technical notice issue that would have prevented the city commission from making a decision on it,” said Robert Lincoln, who sat in as city attorney following city attorney Ricinda Perry’s recusal. “There was an issue that the applicant didn’t put the notice board up on the property.”

Lincoln also said newly hired city staff had not fully reviewed materials to provide an updated report for P&Z and commission members.

Although the public hearings regarding the Drift In’s permitting issues were canceled, owner Derrick Williams addressed commissioners during public comment at the March 6 commission meeting.

“We want to do the right thing and we want to follow the law but the guidance comes from you all,” he said, referring to city commissioners and staff. “The reality is … the risks that I faced and the decision that I made and the speed at which we worked coincide with

the opportunity to have a building official. All permits are submitted now.”

“Everything’s been addressed that, again, your employee (Cushing) told me I didn’t have to do,” Williams added, appealing to commissioners to allow his establishment to reopen.

The bar has been closed since last fall due to damages from hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Construction on the tiki hut began after a December 6 permit was approved by Cushing following hurricanes Helene and Milton, replacing a smaller structure with what the original permit application described as a “custom-built authentic chickee hut with a thatched palm roof.”

“My life is being dictated by this. I know there are also businesses that are open right now that aren’t following all the rules that I do and I am the one being punished.”

Cushing’s approval of the permit for the Drift has been a point of contention for the city. According to the Perry, the project should have been classified as a major development, requiring a public hearing due to concerns over city-owned easements and the size of the proposed structure.

That would negate Cushing’s approval, forcing Williams to apply for new permits and incur costs from construction changes. Perry made this determination during a Jan. 16 city commission meeting but later recused herself from further discussions.

Cushing, who was replaced by former county employee Bill Palmer Feb. 15, has defended his approval of the permit, asserting that it was issued correctly and expressing concerns about external pressure to retract his decision.

The city commission rescheduled its public hearing for April 3, with the P&Z set to reconvene April 2. a new tiki hut at the Drift-In aMI, 120 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach, as seen Feb 28. and, INSET, Derek Williams, right, is surrounded by supporters March 6 at a city meeting where the hearing was postponed. Islander Photos: robert anderson

Contractor plans Seaside Garden demolitions, elevations

By ryan Paice Islander reporter

Every cloud has its silver lining — even when that cloud is a pair of hurricanes that left many island homes damaged or destroyed.

For two Seaside Gardens duplex units at 432 and 438 63rd St., that silver lining will be the elevation of the rebuilt nonconforming structures.

Pete Dospel, owner of Dospel Construction and co-owner of BlueWave Restorations, told The Islander March 5 that he’s working to demolish, elevate and rebuild the two units over the next several months.

The units took on about four feet of water from hurricanes Helene and Milton last fall, causing extensive damage and near-total losses.

Dospel said the unit at 432 63rd St. was the first property determined by the city to be substantially damaged, meaning the cost of repairs was projected to exceed 50% of the property’s pre-disaster value.

He also is aiming for a substantial damage determination for the unit at 438 63rd St.

Both structures are legally nonconforming, which means they were built and permitted under zoning regulations that do not comply with current codes.

Legally nonconforming properties also come with

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.

restrictions on repairs and reconstruction; usually, they cannot be restored.

However, the Holmes Beach City Commission adopted an ordinance in October 2023 that allows legally nonconforming townhomes in the city’s R-4 zoning district, which encompasses Seaside Gardens, to be rebuilt with certain rules.

Those rules include:

• The reconstructed townhouse unit(s) must meet or exceed current elevation requirements;

• The ground floor must be converted to non-habitable space only usable for parking and storage;

• The number of existing bedrooms, lot coverage or habitable floor area cannot be increased;

• Reconstruction cannot create a new nonconformity, or increase an existing nonconformity.

Demolishing, elevating and rebuilding a property is its own challenge, but navigating insurance claims and permitting processes is another.

That’s where BlueWave comes in.

Dospel said they evaluate insurance claims to elevate structures, submit their own estimates and negoti-

ate for a better payoff.

Progress is made on the interior of 438 63rd St., holmes Beach, where the nonconforming structure will be torn down, elevated and rebuilt within the same footprint. Islander

courtesy Pete Dospel

“(Insurance adjustors) are there to save money and pay out the least amount of money possible,” Dospel said. “Once we come in with our estimates, they basically change their tone because they’re now dealing with someone familiar with the process.”

Dospel said BlueWave secured $280,000 toward the cost of reconstructing the unit at 432 63rd St. by capping out the homeowner’s flood insurance and obtaining a grant through the National Flood Insurance Program’s Increased Cost of Compliance program.

A U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loan rated at 2.8% for 30 years will cover the total balance of the project, according to the contractor.

The discussion of elevating homes in Seaside Gardens was once contentious but Dospel said he has met with several homeowners and faced no resistance to his clients’ plans.

He said the units will rise about 32 feet, leaving roughly 20 feet of wall above the neighboring unit.

“There will be a lot of room for a nice mural,” Dospel joked.

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You deserve a break today

If you recognize the lyric, you’re probably humming the tune to the McDonald’s commercial.

In 1971, McDonald’s launched what became an iconic advertising campaign, “You Deserve a Break Today.”

The slogan, along with its catchy jingle, became synonymous with the fast-food chain and resonated with consumers for years.

It spoke directly to stay-at-home moms, the ones who needed a break from cooking and cleaning in an attempt to convince them that McD’s was not a “greasy spoon.”

It also attempted to convince moms that treating the kids to a McDonalds meal was not a parental failure.

The actual TV commercial featured an all-adult male crew, happily cleaning the grill, sweeping floors and singing and dancing their way to a group leap over the counter.

Barry Manilow — at the start of his musical career — wrote and sang the jingle for “You Deserve a Break Today,” one of his first of many jingle credits.

That “Break Today” commercial gave me a little relief when I couldn’t imagine what to cook or where to take my kids, who by 1971 were experiencing what I called “restaurant training.”

There was one time I recall that my son failed our outing to a pancake house, where he banged the table, demanding food, and I told him, “It’s back to McDonalds for you, little buddy.”

So all this is to warn you about spring break.

Your break, if you’re visiting Anna Maria Island, may come with some challenges. There may be traffic or lines at restaurants and ice cream counters.

You may have to wait a few minutes for service but you can take precautions.

Leave the car at home and hop on the free trolley to run about on the island. Or take a bicycle ride, but ride safely and share the road properly.

The ferry is a fun, inexpensive way to enjoy an hour or so on the water and check out the waterfront scenery, combined with either a walk around downtown Bradenton — where an abundance of good restaurants and cocktails await — or Bradenton Beach, where you can relax or play at a variety of fun locations, including mini golf, a candy shop where fudge is made or partake of food and libations with rooftop, bayfront and 360-degree waterfront views.

Yes! Let’s get up and get away.

It’s spring break for islanders, too.

Take yourself on a staycation and enjoy it all.

— Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

Murphy

Travel writers

I came to the island back in the olden days. Before the big houses. Before the island was “ruined” by all that money.

It was near idyllic — even the politics was perfect.

One city mayor ran the burger joint, another owned the grocery store and the third city mayor was the TV repairman.

Some of the streets were sand. Everyone knew our children’s names.

And then, inevitably, the world found us.

Then it came to me.

After Helene trashed everything, my wife and I moved to the mainland.

We had a little house and it had a little garden. To make up for losing the canal view, we hung a bird feeder. We received a host of beautiful, winged visitors.

We also got a boatload of squirrels stealing food from the bird feeder.

Squirrels are rats with pretty tails.

The squirrels drove off some of the birds, so I resolved to drive off the squirrels.

▼ Publisher, editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

Editor Lisa Neff, lisa@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

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I can’t help feeling a little guilt.

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All others: news@islander.org MARCH 12, 2025 • Vol. 33, No. 20

It was the travel writers. When a travel writer picks the setting for their travel piece, they need a location that is both beautiful and has at least one decent eatery. The island was the perfect place and the Beach Bistro — which I owned for 33 years — was the eatery.

We were featured in The Boston Globe and then Toronto’s Globe and Mail and then the London Daily Mail and then The New York Times, and then every two-bit berg with a weekly rag.

After each of those features, I felt a twinge.

Uh-oh. Everyone will find us.

And then everyone did.

The island is still a beautiful place to live.

The cute little homes for two are now monoliths for 15.

And the travel writers are still seeking us out.

Last week I was interviewed by a freelancer aiming an article at Garden & Gun, a fairly popular, glossy, well-produced publication, a kind of Homes & Garden for southern gun and truck lovers.

I obliged the interview for the same reason I obliged those interviews of years ago.

We would sell more grouper and cocktails.

At the time of the interview, I was perplexed. How did the Doctor’s Office draw the attention of a Garden & Gun writer? We certainly have a beautiful garden and the writer loved the food and cocktails, but where did the gun come in?

I Amazoned myself a small caliber BB gun, which online experts assured me would not hurt the squirrels.

I was certain I wouldn’t hurt the squirrels because I knew I couldn’t shoot straight enough to hit the little bastards.

Apparently, my BB gun drew the attention of Garden & Gun!

My interview with Garden & Gun left me with an old sense of unease.

What if, like the Times interviews, it drew droves of undesirable guests?

What if all kinds of folks with guns started showing up at the Doctor’s Garden?

And how the hell did Garden & Gun find out about my BB gun?

— 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.

In fine tune a kindergarten class at anna Maria Elementary in holmes Beach makes some music. The photo in the library archives is dated November 1977. Islander Photos: courtesy Manatee county Public Library historical Image collection

holmes Beach Police chief “Snooks” adams shows the interior workings of a regina music box at his home. adams was an island legend — an early law enforcement officer and originator of a spring celebration that became Snooks adams Kids Day.

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.

10-20-30 years ago

From the March 9, 1995, issue

• A trio of bands and more than 100 artists were booked for the Anna Maria Island Art League’s Springfest celebration in Holmes Beach.

• The season of island Little League opened with a parade of players followed by exhibition games.

• Anna Maria commissioners refused a request from Save Anna Maria Inc. to help fund a fight against a high, fixed-span bridge on Manatee Avenue.

From the March 9, 2005, issue

• The concession operating at Manatee Public Beach was seven months into a remodeling project that was only expected to last two months. The project was initiated by Manatee County, which closed the cafe building for the work.

• Local tourism officials were reporting that “high season” had arrived and the Florida Department of Transportation was announcing plans to do immediate repair work on Cortez Road.

From the March 11, 2015, issue

• Bradenton Beach was going to court to evict Roland Pena, owner of the Cast-n-Cage Restaurant, from the Historic Bridge Street Pier for failure to make a timely rent payment.

• Holmes Beach police Chief Bill Tokajer announced a campaign of “education and enforcement” during the spring season and following the removal of a speed cushion on Key Royale Drive.

• Manatee County announced plans to replace three groins at Cortez Beach with new erosion control structures and decks. The groins, the county said, had fallen into disrepair.

— Lisa Neff

Interested in Learning a New Skill?

Take a hands-on class to explore traditional folk art and maritime skills like how to create mosaics, dye fabrics with indigo, paint with a fish, and so much more!

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Most classes are intended for adult learners Class prices vary.

compiled by Lisa Neff calendar@islander.org

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

AMI

Wednesday, March 12

6:30 p.m. — Island Time Book Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.

Friday, March 14

5-7:30 p.m. — Night Market in Holmes Beach City Center, Marina and Gulf drives. Info: 778-6694.

Saturday, March 15

Noon — South Shore authors book signing, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.

Tuesday, March 18

5 p.m. — Roser Church Concert Series with The Humdingers, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941-778-0414.

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

Saturday, March 15

5:30 p.m. — Savor the Sands concert series with the Dr. Dave Band, Town Center Green, 600 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Fee applies. Info: 941-383-2466, longboatkeychamber.com.

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.

• 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.

• March 13-30, Island Players’ “Death by Design,” 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Fee applies. Info: 941-778-5755.

• 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 18, “America at a Crossroads: The Guitar and

St. Pat’s parade March 16

The Center of Anna Maria Island’s St. Patrick’s Day will be 4-6 p.m. Sunday, March 16. The route will run from Holmes Beach City Hall, 5802 Marina Drive, north on Marina to Palm Drive and then Gulf Drive into Anna Maria. The route goes right on Pine Avenue, right on Tarpon Street, left on Magnolia Avenue to conclude at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave.

Participants will line up at 2 p.m. near city hall.

For more, go to centerami.org or call 941-7781908.

a Changing Nation,” the Bishop, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-746-4131.

SAVE THE DATES

• March 21-22, Palmetto Blues Fest, Palmetto.

• March 24, Bradenton Gulf Islands Concert Series continues, the Moody Blues’ John Lodge, 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.

KIDS & FAMILY ON AMI

Friday, March 14

10 a.m. — Forty Carrots/Partners in Play, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341. Saturday, March 15

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

3:30 p.m. — Family Game Night, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.

Sunday, March 16

4 p.m. — Center of Anna Maria Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade,

Marina, Palm and Gulf drives, Pine Avenue, Tarpon Street and Magnolia Avenue. Info: 941-778-1908.

Tuesday, March 18

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

Tuesday, March 18

8 a.m. — Manatee Bridging the Gap Fishing Tournament, Green Bridge, Palmetto. Info: 941-721-2000, ext. 6115.

CLUBS

& COMMUNITY ON AMI

Thursday, March 6

1 p.m. — Sunshine Stitchers, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.

Friday, March 14

6-8 p.m. — Center of Anna Maria Island Bingo Night, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941-778-1908.

Tuesday, March 18

10 a.m.-2 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Historical Society Heritage Day Festival, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941-778-0492.

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.

LESSONS

& LEARNING ON AMI

Thursday, March 13

Noon — Creative writing workshop, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.

OUTDOORS & NATURE ON AMI

Tuesday, March 18

9 a.m. — Seashell Shore Walk, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach. Info: elena.burke@mymanatee.org, 941-742-5923. OFF AMI

Thursday, March 13

9 a.m. — Indigenous Heritage Tour, Neal Preserve, 12301

Tiki & Kitty’s

Tiki and Kitty are leading the way to their favorite shops and boutiques to find unique vintage accents and decor for your 2025 home.

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

You might want to lace up your skates, as this large, former skating rink has plenty to offer bargain hunters and anyone seeking antiques and unique decor. You don’t want to miss this collection.

We’ll definitely make a stop next door at Blue

Flamingo, home to hip and trendy upcycled and repurposed goods, furniture and decor, garden features, candles, jewelry and work by local artisans. They also offer Dixie Belle paints.

We promise, you will find treasures aplenty. Scavengers Marketplace has plenty of vendors to capture your wallet at the Palmetto store, 2100 U.S. 301. There’s always something new to entice you among the vendors’ eclectic collections.

FYI: Scavengers also carries Fusion Paints. The Vintage Vine Market is a favorite for Tiki and Kitty, who love the fine vintage wares and items with a whimsical twist at this store in historic Old Manatee along the newest section of the Bradenton Riverwalk. The location in the 1910 building oozes charm. And they take select consignments by appointment.

And don’t forget, tell people you meet along the way, “The Islander sent me.”

‘Death by Design’ to open

The Island Players will stage “Death by Design” March 13-30 at the Anna Maria theater, 10009 Gulf Drive.

The play, written by Ron Urbinati, is described as a comic blend of Noel Coward and Agatha Christie.

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 and an hour before showtime.

For more information, call the box office at 941-778-5755 or go to theislandplayers.org.

Guild hosts open house

The Artists’ Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, will host a reception with photographer Stephanie Leaver, the month’s featured artist, 5-7:30 p.m. Friday, March 14.

The reception takes place during AGAMI’s Friday Night Market, which includes refreshments, tours of the gallery and live art demonstrations.

For more information, call 941-778-6694.

Manatee Ave. W., Perico Island. Reservations required. Info: sara. alvarezcollazo@mymanatee.org, 941-742-5923. Tuesday, March 18

7:30 p.m. — Frogwatch, Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W., Perico Island. Info: emily.laughlin@mymanatee.org, 941-7425923.

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.

Concert stages set for season

The Bradenton Gulf Islands Concert Series continues with bass player John Lodge of the Moody Blues performing Monday, March 24, at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

The show will celebrate the band’s “Days of Future Passed” album.

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the show will begin at 7:30 p.m.

The series will continue with The Infamous Stringdusters Saturday, April 5, and Robby Krieger of The Doors Saturday, April 12.

For more information, including ticket details, go to centerami.org.

Roser Memorial Community Church’s concert series also continues with The Humdingers barbershop quartet performing at 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, in the sanctuary, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

For more about the free-will offering show, go to roserchurch.org or call 941-778-0414.

The Savor the Sounds Musical Concert Series continues on Longboat Key with a performance by the Dr. Dave Band at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, March 15.

Tim Michael McCaig will open at 4:30 p.m.

McCaig also will open the show Saturday, April 19, with the Easy Street Band headlining.

General admission is $25.

Concertgoers are invited to bring lawn chairs and picnic baskets and food trucks will be at the site.

The concerts will be at the Town Center Green, 600 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key.

The humdingers, a national award-winning barbershop quartet that includes tight four-part harmony, soft-shoe tap and comedic bits, will perform at 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, at roser Memorial community church in anna Maria. Islander courtesy Photo

For more information, go to longboatkeychamber. com or call 941-383-2466.

Also on the calendar: The Palmetto Blues Festival will be Friday-Saturday, March 21-22, at the Palmetto Marriott Resort and Spa, 600 U.S. Highway 41, Palmetto. The lineup — tickets are on eventbrite.com — includes Memphis Rub, The Petty Experience, Charlie Morris Band, Doug Deming, Annika Chambers and Paul DesLauriers and Trey Wanvig.

The festival will be followed in April with the Sunset Series featuring Shantel Norman, Scream Machine, Southbound 74 and Crossfire Creek.

For more, call 941-304-3115.

live guitar and more from an experienced island professional. 941-778-5676 • www.chuckcaudill.com Gulf Drive Band The Best! Classic Danceable Tunes Musical Entertainment DJ for Weddings, Receptions. Call: 941-778-0173. email: gulfdriveband@gmail.com TO BE INCLUDED IN IWED, CONTACT ISLANDER SALES DIRECTOR TONI LYON 941.928.8735 OR toni@islander.org

BE INCLUDED IN IWED, CONTACT ISLANDER “AD-VISER” DEBBIE TUCKER AT 941-778-7978 OR DEBBIE@ISLANDER.ORG

Gathering

Guild meeting at St. B

By Lisa Neff

The St. Bernard Women’s Guild will hold a meeting at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 13.

A notice said desserts and beverages will be provided for the brown-bag diners.

Plans include a “basket bonanza” drawing and the election of officers for the next term.

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

For more information, call 941-778-4769.

Roser cooking up breakfast

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 the age of 5.

The Guild Thrift Shop also will be open.

For more information, call 941-778-0414.

Assistance offered on AMI

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

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

Assistance sought on AMI

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

Email listings to lisa@islander.org.

The Manatee Community Foundation will host its annual Spirit of Manatee celebration of philanthropy and community impact.

Traditionally recognizing individuals and organizations dedicated to giving back, the luncheon will spotlight those who demonstrated exceptional leadership and resilience during a challenging year. Among the many honorees are some with ties

to Anna Maria Island and Cortez, including Darcie Duncan of Duncan Real Estate, Chris Culhane of the Center of Anna Maria Island and Karen Bell of Star Fish Co,

The celebration will be at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 13, at the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa, 600 US Highway 41, Palmetto. For more, go to manateecf.org.

GoodDeeds

By Lisa

For the pantry

The Kiwanis club of anna Maria Island foundation contributed $1,000 to the food bank program based at roser Memorial community church in anna Maria. The presentation, taking place March 1 at Bradenton Beach city hall during a Kiwanis club meeting, involved foundation secretary/ treasurer Sandy haas-Martens, left, roser representative Sharon Wisniewski and foundation VP Darrel Shinn. Islander courtesy Photo

Kiwanis club meeting Saturday mornings in BB

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

Meetings this month will be March 15, March 22 and March 29.

The March 22 meeting will feature remarks by

Obituaries

Delores ‘Dee’ Pastorius

Delores “Dee” Steichen Pastorius, 87, of Bradenton, died Feb. 22.

She was born Feb. 14, 1938, in St Paul, Minnesota, where she attended St. Agnus school and graduated from Washington High School, which is where she met the love of her life, Maynard.

Pastorius

She retired from Buckbee Mears Co. in St. Paul. She also was a lifelong artist and avid gardener.

Her realized her dream to retire early, move to Florida and take art classes. She took classes at the Art Center of Longboat Key. She was a member of the Florida Watercolor and Florida Suncoast Watercolor societies and was juried into many art shows at the Art Center Manatee and others. She won dozens of awards and her art is in personal collections around the world. She was a member and displaying artist at Island Gallery West and the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island.

She also was a member of the Manatee Garden Club and shared her yard on the garden tour. The couple belonged to the Anna Maria Island Privateers.

Savannah Byers, youth librarian at the Island Library in Holms Beach.

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

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

She hosted Goddess parties on the beach and was creative in everything that she did. Through all her activities she made many friends, including one who summed her up like so, “She was always such a spunky, funny, interesting, creative and talented woman.”

A celebration of life will be 1-4 p.m. Sunday, March 23, at the Manatee Garden Club, 3120 First. Ave W., Bradenton.

A second celebration of life and memorial service will be at Mueller Bies Funeral home, Roseville, Minnesota, June 12.

The family offered a special thank you to Moffitt Cancer Center and Tidewell Hospice for their exceptional care.

Mrs. Pastorius is survived by her husband of 68 years Maynard; daughter Jody and husband Tom Tschida; son Todd and wife Dee-Dee; daughter-in-law Kathy Pastorius; siblings Phyllis Byerly, Tom Steichen and Bill Steichen; grandchildren Angel and husband Jeff Colonna, Krystle LeTourneau, Cassandra and husband Andrew Johnson, Nick, Blake Hatlestad, Stephanie, Michelle and husband Shaun Lapinski, and Rocky Tschida; many great and great-great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and her parrot Big Red.

Neff

Nautical needs, maritime goods

Shoppers check out the offerings March 8 at the cortez Nautical Flea Market at the Florida Maritime Museum. Vendors sold fishing and boating gear, arts and crafts and more. The museum, 4415 119th St. W., cortez, is celebrating Manatee county heritage Month with events and classes. For more information, call 941-708-6120. Islander

Springfest’s street show

artists’ booths line 59th Street in holmes Beach March 8 for the 37th annual Springfest fine arts and crafts show presented by the anna Maria Island art League and Blue ribbon Events.

The two-day event featured a juried art show, as well as a youth exhibit. Islander

Museum celebrates heritage

The Anna Maria Island Historical Society invites people to its museum and museum grounds 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, for the annual Heritage Day Festival.

Manatee County organizations celebrate Heritage Month in March and AMIHS, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, has traditionally hosted an event.

A news release said a highlight would be an invasion by the Anna Maria Island Privateers.

The event also will feature tours of the restored museum, arts and crafts, kids’ games, music, raffles, a silent auction and sales of Settlers Bread and other baked goods.

For more information, call the historical society at 941-778-0492.

Learn at Cortez folk school

The Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum is registering students for a variety of classes this spring.

Programs include lessons on painting with a fish and making sea salt scrubs, pine needle baskets and buoys.

Classes are at the museum grounds, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez.

For more info, including enrollment costs, call the museum at 941-708-6120. To enroll, go to www.floridamaritimemuseum.org.

Photo: Lisa Neff

Photo: Lisa Neff

Football seedings set, playoffs dominate center sports scene

By Kevin P. cassidy Islander reporter

Playoff action is underway in the 11-13 division of the youth flag football league at the Center of Anna Maria Island.

cassidy

The action kicked off March 3 with Sandhoff Construction holding off Jiffy Lube by a 19-13 score. David Evans had a huge game for Sandhoff, throwing for a touchdown, running for another and adding a TD catch. Marcus Quinn added a touchdown pass and an extra point and Oliver McCallister completed the scoring with a touchdown catch. Luke VanDuinen threw a TD pass to Lucas Signor and added a rushing TD to lead Jiffy Lube, which also received an extra-point catch from Braelyn Curtis in the loss.

In other 11-13 playoff action, Moss Builders cruised to a 39-18 victory over Shady Lady Horticultural Services and Solid Rock Construction held off Salty Printing 27-19. The last match saw Sato Real Estate cruise past Poppo’s Taqueria 21-7.

Playoff action was set to resume March 10 — after press time for The Islander — with Moss Builders taking on Sandhoff Construction and Solid Rock Construction battling Sato. Both games kick off at 6:45 p.m.

Playoffs in the 8-10 division got started March 4 with Fish Guy Aquarium Services eliminating Solid Rock Construction in the first game, followed by Moss Builders blowing out Diamond Turf 31-13 behind five TD passes by Miles Moss. Wesley Bekkerus had four TD catches and Owen Mahoney added a TD grab to lead Moss in the victory.

Sebastian Buser threw two TD passes to Jordan Steele for Diamond Turf in the loss.

First-round playoff action in the 14-17 division got started March 3 with HSH Design defeating Reel Coastal Properties 25-14 and Cortez Florida Vacations holding off Solid Rock Air Conditioning 19-13 behind three TD passes from Ryker Keift. Colton Shook had a pair of TD grabs and Gregory Jordan added a TD to lead Cortez Florida Vacations in the win.

Grant Tolson threw a touchdown pass to Emma Raulerson and Ryk Kesten ran for a TD for Solid Rock Construction in the loss.

Adult seedings finalized, playoffs loom

The seedings are set in the adult flag football league at the Center of Anna Maria Island.

Moss Builders locked up the No. 1 seed with a perfect 10-0 record. Gulf Drive Cafe took second place with an 8-2 record, holding off third-place Floridian Mortgage, which also finished with an 8-2 record. Moss Air earned the No. 4 seed with a 7-3 record followed by Coaster Continent and Slicker’s Eatery, which both finished with a 5-5 record.

Ross Built and Solid Rock Construction took the No. 8 and No. 9 seeds with 4-6 records with MI-Box at 10th seed with a 3-7 record. Reel Coastal Properties at 1-9 and Slim’s Place at 0-10 complete the standings.

Action last week kicked off March 6 with Moss Air cruising past MI-Box 33-20 followed by Moss Builders defeating Gulf Drive Cafe 34-19. The third game saw Floridian Mortgage crush Slim’s Place 31-12 followed by Coaster Continent outscoring Slicker’s Eatery 39-25. The last game of the night saw Ross

Jiffy Lube defender Luke VanDuinen makes a flag pull on Sandhoff construction player David Evans March 3 in 11-13 division flag football action at the center of anna Maria Island. Islander

Photo: Kevin P. cassidy

Built roll to a 39019 victory over Reel Coastal Properties.

Key Royale golf news

There was a full week of golf at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach starting March 3 with the men’s weekly modified-Stableford system match.

Bill Shuman grabbed clubhouse bragging rights for the day with a score of plus-4, a point ahead of second place finishers Bob Blaser and Brian Comer.

The women played a nine-hole scramble March 4 that saw the team of Margrit Layh, Marilyn Manzer, Sue Porter and Terry Westby combine on a 1-under-par 31 to win the day’s proceedings.

Members played a Scramble/Ramble combo match March 6, playing to a par of 64. The team of Tom Darrish, John Hackinson, Dom Livedoti and Rob Perkins took first place with a pedestrian 2-over-par 66.

Horseshoes action

Horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall pits March 5 saw two teams advance to the knockout stage. Bob Hawks and Bob Lee defeated Del Reese 21-13 in the championship match.

Action March 8 saw Tom Skoloda and John Poccynek earn the day’s bragging rights with a 21-3 victory over Gersey Fernandes.

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.

For more sports, go online to islander.org.

By Lisa Neff

Tabulating turtle nests

Monitors on some southern Florida beaches are watching for sea turtle nesting activity while the state is closing the books on the 2024 nesting season.

The Florida Index Nesting Beach Survey data recently released by the fish and wildlife conservation commission showed for 2024:

• Green turtles: 14,308, lower in 2024 but 2023 set a record.

• Loggerheads: 110,122, which the state characterized as “a solid season.”

• Leatherbacks: 1,799, deemed “another good year — and record-breaking on the Gulf Coast.”

• Kemp’s Ridleys: 34, a new record.

From the East Coast, the state reported 93,566 loggerhead nests, 14,024 green nests and 1,781 leatherback nests counted at core nesting beaches.

From the Gulf coast, the state reported 16,556 loggerhead nests, 284 green nests and 18 leatherback nests.

The numbers do not represent total nests in 2024 because they are collected from a subset of the state’s beaches not every beach on the 8,436-mile coastline.

Several hurricanes — Debby, Helene and Milton — impacted the 2024 season, including on Anna Maria Island. The Islander’s last “Nesting notes” report for Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring was published a week before Hurricane Helene hit Sept. 26.

At the time, AMITW reported 685 total nests for the year, 835 false crawls and 302 hatched nests pro-

Spring break begins March 17

The School District of Manatee County’s spring break for 2025 will begin Monday, March 17, and continue through Friday, March 21.

But students also will see an early release Friday, March 14. Early release hours will be 1:50 p.m. for grade schools, 2:40 p.m. for middle schools and 1 p.m. for high schools.

For more information, go to manateeschools.net.

Tour de Turtles design contest

Before the Sea Turtle conservancy launches its Tour de Turtles swimming contest this summer, the nonprofit is calling on artists to compete in a contest to create the design for the 2025 T-shirts. To enter, send designs to lexie@conserveturtles.org by Friday, april 11. The island regularly has an “entry” in the Tour de Turtles. Islander Image: courtesy audrey Wetzel

ducing 20,554 hatchlings. There were 17 nests still on the beaches, according to the unofficial data last fall.

These days, turtle watch is prepping for the 2025 season, which traditionally runs May 1-Oct. 31 but begins earlier for monitoring teams.

“We will be back on the beach on April 14,” AMITW executive director Kristen Mazzarella said March 4, regarding safety for sea turtles

AMITW already has been conducting shorebird surveys on the beach.

This time of year and continuing through the summer, many shorebird and seabird species nest directly on beaches, camouflaging their eggs in the sand, while wading birds such as herons will nest on mangrove islands.

For Northwest and Southwest Florida, breeding season is Feb. 15-Sept. 1 while it is March 1-Sept. 1 for the Northeast and North Central. South Florida is more varied, with the season starting either Feb. 1, March 1 or April 1.

Some cautions for beachgoers during the long shorebird breeding season:

• Never enter areas posted with shorebird/seabird signs.

AMIHS offers scholarships

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

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

For more information, call AMIHS at 941-7780492. For forms, go to amihs.org.

And so does community center’s camp

Students will become campers Monday, March 17, with the start of the Spring Break Camp at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

Camp hours are 8 am.-6 p.m. for kids in grades kindergarten through fifthgrade.

Registration is required by Thursday, March 13.

Activities will include collaging, moviemaking, nature photography and an outing to Chuck E. Cheese.

The center also will host a Skim and Surf camp at 9 a.m. March 17-20, a basketball camp at 1 p.m. and a skateboard camp at 2 p.m. that week. For more information, call 941-778-1908 or go to centerami.org.

Bingo night at the center

The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, will host a bingo night at the center Friday, March 14.

The evening, 6-8 p.m., will include games, refreshments and prizes.

The last bingo night of the season will be April 18. For more information, call the center at 941-778-1908.

TideWatch

By Lisa Neff

Red tide found in area waters

The red tide organism, Karenia brevis , was detected in 46 samples from Florida’s Gulf coast the week ending March 9 but bloom concentrations were not observed.

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

Fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were reported from Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Collier and Monroe. Respiratory irritation was reported in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Collier and Monroe counties.

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

• Keep pets off the beaches.

• Keep cats indoors and do not feed stray cats.

• Dispose of trash to keep predators away.

• Do not fly kites near where birds nest.

• When birds are aggravated, you are too close.

For sea turtle monitors, the season can begin as early as February in some parts of the state.

The state’s first sea turtle nest — made by a leatherback — was documented Feb. 4 in Martin County.

Clean water petition circulates

Suncoast Waterkeeper is circulating an online petition calling on Manatee County commissioners to “take immediate action to improve stormwater quality and resilience. We urge you to establish a stormwater utility and implement fair, equitable fees for landowners to ensure responsible and effective stormwater management.”

The nonprofi t, in its petition campaign, states, ”Every other municipality in our region has taken this step — it’s time for Manatee County to do the same.”

The island cities, for example, collect stormwater fees to help fund improvements.

To read the petition, go to https://scwk.good.do/ manateecostormwater/stormwater_petition/.

Neff

ITEMS FOR SALE

SPO rTS T ra DING car DS available. PG a , chicago Bears, Pete rose. Twenty-five centstwo dollars each. Inquire Bill. 724-986-0314.

rac K: METa L FOU r -tier, $20. 941-9202494.

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, anna Maria. 11:30 a.m. TO 2:30 p.m. call 314-324-5921 for details.

PETS

MISSING caT: hOLMES BEach. Male, cinnamon. Don’t attempt to catch, do feed. If seen, call Mel, 941-592-2551.

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.

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.

lawn maintenance. Landscaping ~ Cleanups Hauling ~ Tree Trimming.

BOATS & BOATING Continued

SUNcOaST BOTTOM PaINTING: Professional bottom painting. Mobile. call 941-704-9382.

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, sixfoot, one-inch headroom, enclosed head, propane stove and more. $21,750. 727-4794919.

24-FOOT Wa LK-around cabin. Polar. Best offer. Depth recorder, radar, ship-to-shore radio available. Sleeps two. Tandem trailer. call 813215-1727 (leave message).

HELP WANTED

NOW hIrING: ThE White Egret. We are seeking someone creative to fill a part-time position at our boutiques! Flexible days but weekend availability required. We are also looking for a handyman on an as-needed basis. Please inquire in person or call, 941-7783782.

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

r EPO rTE r Wa NTED: a pply 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. Email classifieds@islander.org

HEALTH CARE

SEaSONaL rETIrED rN available to assist with your family or your needs, 20 years’ experience. For more information, please, call 973819-2824.

SERVICES

IS YOU r h OME 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.

c LE a NING: VacaTION, c ONST r U c TION, 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.

BI c Y c LE r EPa I r S: Just4Fun at 5358 Gulf Drive can do most any bicycle repair at a reasonable cost. Pick-up and delivery available. 941-896-7884.

a PI’S D rYWa LL r EPa I r : I look forward to servicing your drywall repair needs. call 941524-8067 to schedule an appointment.

P c O r TE ch 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: c all or text Don, 941-900-9398. Free estimates. Fully insured, twenty years’ experience.

SERVICES

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, 941250-8548.

OU r SE rVI c ES: c LE a NING, home repairs, tile, concrete, remodeling, decks, steps, flooring, water drainage solutions, rental 24-hour services. h urricane 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.

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.

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

BE ach SE r VI c E air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. For dependable, honest and personalized service, call Bill Eller, 941-7207411. r esidential, 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

c ONNIE’S L a NDS ca PING IN c r esidential and commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-713-1965.

c OLLINS L a NDS ca PE LIG h TING: Outdoor lighting, landscaping, irrigation services and maintenance. 941-279-9947. MJ c 24373@ gmail.com

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Va N-GO Pa INTING residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper. Island references. Bill, 941-795-5100. www. vangopainting.net.

G r IFFIN’S h OME IMP r OVEMENTS Inc. h andyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. Insured and licensed. 941-722-8792.

HOME IMPROVEMENT Continued

LaNE’S ScrEENING SErVIcES: replace your window, door or lanai screens. Many screen options available. retired veteran serving our community! Free estimates, call 941-7055293.

LOOKING FO r a NY 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.

DON a LD PE r KINS Pa INTING LL c . 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.

MaSSEY cONTracTING: PrOVIDING quality roofing services on all jobs, big or small. Giving honest, hassle-free quotes at a great price. c all Jon to schedule your free estimate, 727-477-5313. Lic#ccc1332486.

caLL hYDrO cLEaN. Full-service pressure washing, sealing. Pavers, travertine and natural stone. Window washing too, up to three stories. call Jacob, 941-920-2094.

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.

ISLaND haNDYMaN: I live here, work here, value your referral. refinish, paint. Just ask. JayPros. Licensed/insured. references. call Jay, 941-962-2874.

RENTALS

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

aVa IL a BLE NOW a ND season: 1B r /1B a , seven-night minimum. carlesvacationrentals. co m Special rates are available. 941-8071405.

M aY 2025 aVa IL a BLE: Snowbird special! Perico Island patio home, single floor, high ceilings, 3Br/2Ba, privacy wall/gate, two-car garage. c all or text a lison, 859-771-6423. www.pericoislandrental.com

Place ads online at islander.org

aVa IL a BLE M arch 1 FO r rent: a nna Maria Island condo. Seasonal and annual rental availability. Great value. Beautiful upgraded first floor 2B r /2B r . Incredible water view. Excellent rental terms. Owner/ renter. c all/email for pics, 570-239-0431. marketreps@aol.com

r ENTa L: M arch , a P r IL, May. 1B r /1B a condo, second floor, all inclusive. West Bradenton. 941-962-0971.

FO r S a LE O r lease: Downtown Bradenton, west end of the riverwalk, a dynamic 55-plus walk-a-bout community. 2B r/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. Fourmonth minimum. Phil, 941-725-1043.

2026 SEaSONaL rENTaL: Just one block from the beach, Single-story 2Br/2Ba private residence, screened patio. No smoking/no pets. December-april. 64th Street, holmes Beach. call 813-833-4926.

SIX-MONT h r ENTa L: a vailable 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.

BE a UTIFUL PEr I c O B aY c LUB c ONDO! 2B r /2B a 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, 941-356-1456.

UMBrELLa BEach rESOrT timeshare for rent. Week #40, October 4-11, 2025. Sleeps six, pool, spa, In the center of all the action, Skinny’s, Surf Shop, Public Beach and cafe, Publix two blocks, $1750. or purchase, reserved week included. Private seller, clear warranty deed $4,000. contact Mike, 269501-7437.

REAL ESTATE

O r S a LE BY owner: Perico Bay c lub. 2Br/2Ba villa, enclosed garage, lake view. Gated community, guard. completely renovated, turnkey. Minutes to beaches. rental opportunities. call Bob, 732-673-4684.

REAL ESTATE

WINNIE M cha LE, r E a LTO r , 941-504-6146. 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 homesMaking Dreams come True.”

MULTIPLE hOMES IN 55-plus lot rent park for sale in Bradenton. Some fully furnished under $20,000. c all Kathryn with Integrity Mobile home Sales. 407-674-0220.

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. c all Sharon for more details, 269-330-1884.

NO rT h WEST B ra DENTON c USTOM-built home with Mediterranean flair. 2Br/2Ba, twocar garage. community pool, spa, clubhouse on bay. No flood zone. Great alternative to island condos. $795,000. r eal Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

c OMME rc I a L SPac E FO r S a LE in Palm condo. 12x25-foot office suite. Street frontage. One allocated parking space. Shared client parking. $120,000. call 941-730-2606.

Great springtime bite, top conditions between cold fronts

By capt. Danny Stasny Islander reporter

Anna Maria Island anglers are experiencing a great springtime bite between winter’s lingering cold fronts.

On calm, warm days, anglers fishing the flats are finding success while targeting snook, redfish and trout, all taking offerings of live shiners as bait.

For the snook and redfish, fishing along mangrove islands and oyster bars during higher stages of the tide is resulting in the most consistent bite. Many slot-size snook and redfish are being reported.

Targeting spotted seatrout is going well as it seems just about every grass flat from the mouth of Tampa Bay south to Sarasota Bay is holding trout. It may take a little searching to find the size you want, as some areas are holding fish 12-14 inches while others are holding fish over 20 inches. You’ll need to find where the 15- to 19-inchers are lurking if you want to have trout for dinner.

For those who like to use live shrimp as bait, we should see some sheepshead showing around structure in the bays and the Gulf. Don’t rule out catching pompano, whiting and black drum while baiting with shrimp along the beaches.

On my Just Reel charters, I’m seeing plenty of action on spotted seatrout. Casting live shiners on deep and shallow flats is leading to limits of trout 15-19 inches, as well as a bunch of over-slot trout.

On some days, getting a limit of slot-size fish in the boat has it trials, due to all the over-slot trout lurking

Senna reese likes taking a break from classes at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, to come down to anna Maria Island and catch gator trout with capt. Danny Stasny of Just reel Fishing charters. This one was caught March 1 and measured 23 inches.

around right now.

Snook fishing is going good on warmer days during higher stages of the tide. Casting live shiners over shallow flats is leading to good rallies and my anglers have hit on a couple of keepers.

Capt. Wes Wildman says inshore fi shing is as good as it gets between cold fronts. On warmer, less windy days, Wildman says he’s doing well targeting spotted seatrout. Casting live shiners over grass flats is resulting in limits of trout along with plenty that are above the upper slot of 19 inches, which must be released.

Wildman is targeting snook while they’re in season. Since opening day March 1, keeper-size fish are being caught by his clients and, again, live shiners are working best as bait.

Wildman also is finding keeper-size redfish around mangrove islands and oyster bars.

Capt. David White says since opening day of snook season, he’s been putting clients on quite a few slotsize fish. Fishing around mangrove shorelines with live shiners is resulting in good snook action, and afternoon high tides are producing the greatest yield.

Spotted seatrout and redfish are being caught frequently during the higher stages of the tides, according to White. For the trout, deeper grass flats hold good numbers. And as for the redfish, mangroves, docks and oyster bars are good places to hunt.

Finally, White is finding numerous pompano while jigging along the Gulf beaches. Tipping jigs with shrimp is enticing the pompano to bite more frequently, says White.

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

Fishing festival nets $97,200

By robert anderson Islander reporter

The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage netted $97,200 with the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival Feb. 15-16 in the village.

FISH treasurer Jane von Hahmann announced March 3 financial figures for the weekend event that drew about 10,000 visitors to Cortez. The festival grossed $272,650, with $175,499 in expenses.

This was FISH’s first large-scale event in Cortez since hurricanes Helene and Milton hit last fall. Fittingly the theme of the festival was “Swamped but never sunk.”

Von Hahmann said the turnout was lower than in 2023 by about 2,000 people.

However, she said in a Feb. 26 text to the newspaper, “There were several hours on Saturday that were really packed. It was a good festival and much needed for morale.”

The festival is a major fundraiser for FISH, supporting the organization’s efforts to preserve Cortez’s maritime heritage and maintain the 98-acre FISH Preserve along Sarasota Bay.

Revenue helps fund conservation projects, educational programs and infrastructure improvements.

Festival revenues vary, often times depending on the weather. In 2022, the fest netted $88,959 and in 2023 the fest raised $131,920. In 2024, the festival was cut to one day due to rain and raised $43,000.

Each year, the event showcases the village’s commercial fishing industry with fresh seafood, live music, marine education and arts and crafts vendors.

During a March 3 meeting, FISH board members allocated $10,000 of festival earnings to Organized Fishermen of Florida, an organization founded to represent commercial fishing interests at the state level.

Kids fishing tournament set

Manatee Bridging the Gap will present a fishing tournament 8 a.m.-noon Tuesday, March 18, on the Green Bridge spanning the Manatee River between Bradenton and Palmetto.

The tournament is open to kids ages 10-17. Participants receive T-shirts, training, fishing gear.

Awards will be presented for longest, smallest and most fish.

For more information, call 941-737-0612.

Manatee County tourist tax collections dipping down for January ’25

By Lisa Neff Islander Editor

At AMI check-in desks and cash registers in midMarch, the focus is on springing into a new season — spring break.

But the Manatee County Tax Collector’s office is still tallying up winter receipts for tourist dollars.

The tax collector March 3 released January 2025 collection numbers for the tourist development tax or bed tax — the 6% collected on accommodations of six months or less.

The fourth month of the 2024-25 fiscal year generated $2,528,447 in tourist development taxes in the county.

The amount is 4% less than the $2.6 million collected in January 2024, and those revenues were 7.39% less than the income earned in January 2023.

And for every month this fiscal year, which began Oct. 1, 2024, the tourist tax revenues were less than

AMI TOURISM:

total indicates, as the tax increased a percentage point that month from 5% to 6% following a November referendum. Also, Palmetto’s collections in January increased about $45,000 over January 2024 with the opening of a new Marriott hotel.

Endless Season

January tourist tax collections

January 2021: $1,797,602

January 2022: $2,671,152

January 2023: $2,857,809

January 2024: $2,646,679

January 2025: $2,528,447

Source: Manatee county Tax collector

the 2024 collections as the county continued to recover from the damages and disruptions caused by hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton but revenues were the lowest in November and December.

Holmes Beach topped collections on Anna Maria Island in January, generating $419,285 or 16.58% of the countywide total.

Anna Maria accounted for 9.85% of the collections, bringing in $249,016, and Bradenton Beach generated $68,450 or 2.71% of the total.

Other numbers for January:

• Unincorporated Manatee County generated $1,292,437 or 51.11% of the total.

• Bradenton generated $252,811 or 10% of the total.

• Longboat Key generated $195,235 or 7.72%.

• Palmetto generated $51,360 or 2.03%.

The collection fee or commission on the tax is 3%, so the net collection in January was $2,452,736.

The collections in January were off more than the

DEVINE DESIGN

The state requires the county to use the resort tax revenues to boost and develop tourism. Local tourist tax revenue goes to the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Bradenton Area Convention Center, Realize Bradenton, the Pittsburgh Pirates and other projects and services, such as beach renourishment and the new ferry.

The county tourist development council recommends how to spend the money to the county commission, which sets the annual spending budget.

The tax collector will release February numbers in early April.

The TDC’s next meeting will be at 9 a.m. Monday, April 21, at the county administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

• May 1, Manatee Chamber of Commerce Spring Expo, Bradenton Area Convention Center, Palmetto.

• May 9, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament, IMG Academy Golf Club, Bradenton. Send listings to calendar@islander.org.

You can explore The Islander archive at the UofFlorida digital newspaper collection at ufdc. ufl.edu.

ANNA