The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Drift is back
ABOVE: Opening day arrives April 4 for the Drift-In AMI in Bradenton Beach. Hurricanes forced its closure last fall. Then came a long struggle to recover from the damages. The bar opened at 7 a.m. to a line of customers. RIGHT: A full cast of island characters, including members of the Anna Maria Island Privateers, cheer from the new tiki hut at the April 4 reopening of Drift-In AMI. For more, see page 5.
Islander Courtesy Photos
A team checks a seagrass bed in Tampa Bay. Mapping results released by the Southwest Florida Water Management District in late March show that Tampa Bay harbors 31,544 acres of seagrass. Between 2022 and 2024, seagrasses throughout Tampa Bay increased by 5% or 1,407 acres. A goal, according to the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, is for the bay to boast 40,000 acres. The survey showed record high seagrass coverage in Lower Tampa Bay and record lows in Old Tampa Bay. Swiftmud surveys using aerial digital imagery and TBEP monitors for seagrass health with surveys in the water. Sarasota Bay also gained seagreass. For more, go to page 19. Islander Photo: Courtesy TBEP
Ferry fails landing test in Holmes Beach
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
Manatee County’s Gulf Islands Ferry service may be back to square 1 in its search for a port in Holmes Beach.
City Commissioner Dan Diggins, a member of the county’s tourist development council, told The Islander April 1 that an attempt to dock at a boat slip in the Waterline Marina at 5325 Marina Drive failed earlier that day.
The service currently consists of two 49-passenger pontoon catamarans that are operated Wednesday-Sunday between the downtown Bradenton Riverwalk Pier and the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach.
It is set to gain a third, larger and fully enclosed vessel to protect passengers from weather conditions.
The county plans to further expand the ferry service with landings at the Palmetto Estuary Nature Preserve on the north side of the Manatee River and also at South Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach.
The county has also explored plans for a ferry landing in Holmes Beach, but has so far found no viable options.
Rod & Reel preps landside location
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
The Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria remains in ruins but its restaurant soon will be back in business.
Oliver “Oli” Lemke, a German brewer and restaurateur and pier owner since December 2023, told The Islander April 1 that the Rod & Reel Pier Restaurant would reopen in the former storefront of the Old Hamburg Schnitzelhaus in the Anna Maria Island Centre shopping plaza, 3246 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.
The pier was damaged by Hurricane Helene in late September but remained standing until Hurricane Milton wiped all but the pilings off the map on Oct. 9.
Lemke recently revisited the island and saw the pier’s ruins for the first time since Milton. He said it was “kind of depressing.”
However, the German brewer said
PLEASE SEE ROD & REEL PAGE 2
This latest test was to see if a slip owned by local businessman Jake Spooner in the Waterline Marina was a viable landing for the ferry service.
The landing would provide passengers easy access to the city commercial center along Marina Drive and an island trolley stop, as well as
PLEASE SEE FERRY PAGE 3
The entrance to the Rod & Reel Pier, 875 N. Shore Drive, Anna Maria. Hurricanes Helene and Milton destroyed the pier last fall but its owner plans to rebuild. In the meantime, the restaurant will open in a landlocked shopping plaza in Holmes Beach. Islander
Lisa Neff
Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992
Photo:
A Gulf Islands Ferry shuttle approaches the channel to the Waterline Marina in Holmes Beach April 1. Islander Photo: Courtesy Dan Diggins
Holmes Beach, Anna Maria making plans
Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth weighed in with an email April 4 with good news for property owners in the city, a CRS 5 rating and an increase in flood insurance discounts.
The Community Rating System is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages floodplain management practices.
Titsworth said discussions are ongoing for a “possible purchase” of the vacated Gloria Dei church.
“It is very early on.”
She reported the city is in conversation with the church’s real estate agent and attorney and seeking an appraisal. We are also working with Elliott Falcione of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau on meeting the requirements for resort tax funding.
“It is important to me that we are able to save this landmark and have additional green space for the community to use for arts and craft festivals, farmers markets, etc.”
rod & reel conTinued from PAge 1 he plans to rebuild the pier with wooden piles and feature but potentially higher than the old pier .
Lemke said the permitting process for reconstruction was set to begin at “any time.”
“There’s a lot of appointments every day trying to get this thing rolling,” he said.
In the meantime, Lemke is shifting the pier restaurant’s operation back in gear.
“The idea is to, first of all, get the staff back to work. Second, to stay on people’s minds and offer the community the same food, drinks and hospitality as we have been doing for many years. Third, to maybe earn a little money with the new location to help finance the rebuild of the pier,” Lemke said.
That process began with his signature on a fiveyear lease for 3246 E. Bay Drive.
Titsworth also put in a plug in advance of Earth Day for the city’s Clean Water T-shirts, which are available for purchase in the clerk’s office.
Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short noted in his April 4 email to The Islander that the city has kicked off its vacation rental inspection process. The annual inspection process will continue until all registered vacation rental properties have been reviewed.
He encouraged property owners and property management companies to get their inspections scheduled.
He noted the city received applications from three individuals to join the planning and zoning board and the commissioners plan to vote on the applicants at their 10 a.m. meeting April 10.
“I am excited we have received the applications and have the opportunity to fill our our P&Z board.”
Finally, Short noted the city is working out details for a May 26 Memorial Day event. “It should be a great event and more information will be forthcoming.”
— Bonner Joy
Lemke said the lease should cover the pier’s reconstruction timeline and could be renewed if the location performs well.
He has a tentative goal to reopen the restaurant in four-six weeks, according to Lemke.
He said the interior will be outfitted “very much like it used to be on the pier.”
Lemke noted the restaurant was only part of the former operation, with no need to sell bait without the pier or a waterfront location, but he is excited to bring back pier dining.
“We’re going to start with the same crowd that worked at the pier,” he said. “It’s going to be the same menu and same people.”
People can learn more about the pier on its website, rodreelpier.lemke.berlin.
AM treasurer’s future pay remains undetermined
By ryan Paice islander reporter
The city of Anna Maria’s administrative structure is shifting.
And some things might not be figured out until it settles.
Mayor Mark Short told The Islander April 4 that he had yet to determine a salary adjustment for treasurer LeAnne Addy, who had also served as city clerk until the municipality’s recent hire of Amber LaRowe. LaRowe, who has a starting salary of $102,500, was introduced as the new city clerk at a March 27 city commission meeting.
Short said she is off to a great start.
“(LaRowe) brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the city,” he said. “She’s already had some great, valuable input.”
While the transition between Addy and LaRowe is still underway, it has been going smoothly, according to Short.
Part of that transition will be an adjustment to Addy’s salary in keeping with a reduction in duties now that she is no longer clerk.
The city paid Addy $211,560.49 in 2024, according to her W-2 form from the city.
A records request for Addy’s time sheets and overtime hours was not fulfilled by the city before The Islander’s press deadline on April 7.
Short has been conducting an analysis to make the salary adjustment but he has no timeline.
He said he is realigning the city’s organizational chart, as well as employee roles and duties, and would forego adjustments until he has a “clear vision of exactly who is going to be doing what going forward.”
One of the slated realignments Short mentioned will be the addition of a full-time financial assistant.
The city posted the job opening online April 1 and is offering a range of $60,000-$75,000 annual starting salary, according to Indeed.com.
an extra
Titsworth
Pines Trailer Park HOA sues park owner over pending closure
By robert Anderson islander reporter
The Pines Trailer Park in Bradenton Beach is at the center of a legal battle after the landowner moved to evict the residents and close the park.
The Pines Trailer Park Homeowners Association on March 28 sued the park owner, Pines Park Investors LLC, challenging closure notices sent to residents.
The lawsuit filed in the 12th Judicial Circuit alleges the owner of the park violated state law. The complaint also accuses the park owner of issuing improper notices, neglecting maintenance of common areas and failing to provide adequate residential parking.
The HOA is seeking more than $50,000 in damages, along with a court order to stop the closure.
The suit was filed about six months after the park was damaged by hurricanes Helene and Milton. After the 2024 storms, the city eventually told residents they could repair their homes with the proper permits.
However, in January, PPI notified residents of a closure plan, citing hurricane damage, noncurrent lease payments and a coming zoning change.
FerrY conTinued from PAge 1
to Spooner’s property at 5327 Marina Drive, which he is redeveloping into a mini golf course, retail shops, ice cream and candy stores, an arcade and a rooftop restaurant and bar.
However, Diggins said a ferry captain found the channel into the marina too narrow for the fleet’s catamarans to enter for docking at Spooner’s slip.
Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, told The Islander April 1 that the failed trial run will force exploring other options, including incorporation of smaller vessels that would be able to reach the Waterline marina.
Diggins voiced support for the option and has called Spooner’s boat slip an “ideal” landing location in the city.
Issues also arose over a park parking lot, which under the former ownership had been used by residents free of charge. Residents allege a new pay-to-park system does not meet zoning rules, which mandate that each home have an assigned space.
PPI bought the park Aug. 5, 2023, for $16.25 million from The Jackson Partnership LLLP. And a March 5 appraisal valued the park at $16.6 million — much lower than the $75 million asking price that PPI set when it offered to sell the park to residents. The lawsuit argues the asking price was unreasonable.
The lawsuit also highlights a clause in a mortgage agreement from the park purchase that prevents the new owner from changing the zoning or land use until August 2028.
The suit also takes issue with a “right to purchase” offer made by PPI and requiring residents to sign an agreement that strips their protections under state law.
PPI is overseen by developer Shawn Kaleta, who owns multiple properties on Anna Maria Island.
Attorney Jeremy Anderson of Anderson, Givens and Fredericks P.A. of Tallahassee, spoke to The
If that option is not viable, the county will turn to exploring Kingfish Boat Ramp, 752 Manatee Ave. W., as a landing spot.
Falcione said the boat ramp would need to be redeveloped for the addition of a dedicated ferry dock.
“You need partners and outside-the-box thinkers to make things happen, so I’m excited that we have both right now,” Falcione said. “We’re going to huddle internally here” and work to “bring that ferry to that part of Anna Maria Island.”
The service also took a trial run at landing at the Coquina Beach South Boat Ramp over the week of April 7, which was a success.
Falcione said he hoped that landing would increase the amount of island hoppers on the ferry since it would
Islander April 4 about the suit.
Anderson said residents of the park are alleging deceptive practices and unfair treatment. He said that despite assurances that the community is “rebuildable,” residents say they were misled about rent policies and the park’s future. Some have surrendered their homes under financial pressure, only for the owner to later announce the park would remain open— contradicting claims of a land-use change after obtaining titles to the units.
The lawsuit was filed March 28, with PPI given 20 days to respond.
“This area,” Anderson said, “is a slice of paradise for many hardworking Americans. For some families, it’s been home for generations, offering access to the beach and a way of life they’ve cherished for decades. They did so under the representation that for the past 55 years, the land was intended for park use. Pines Park Investments assured them there was no intent to change that.”
The Islander reached out to Kaleta’s legal counsel, Louis Najmy of Najmy Thompson PL, April 3 for comment but there was no response.
provide access to the beach.
In addition to the county’s efforts to add ferry landings in Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach, Falcione said it would support the city of Anna Maria’s efforts to rebuild the city pier walkway, which was destroyed in last year’s storms.
While the pier’s old landing area would not accommodate the incoming third vessel, Falcione said the county would push for it to be rebuilt so that it could.
If that does not happen, the county will explore the construction of a dock north of the city pier.
“It’s another really important location for bringing the ferry to Anna Maria Island,” Falcione said.
People can visit gulfislandsferry.com or Bradenton gulfislands.com for more information.
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.
In response to damages caused by hurricanes Helene and Milton, Bradenton Beach commissioners April 3 considered a draft ordinance allowing people to place temporary shelters on residential properties for up to 36 months.
The measure aims to provide displaced homeowners with viable housing options as they rebuild stormdamaged homes.
The ordinance establishes guidelines for the placement and use of temporary shelters in flood hazard areas within the city’s residential districts. It comes after damage from the 2024 storm season left many homes uninhabitable, creating a need for temporary housing solutions.
Key provisions
Under the proposed ordinance, property owners who suffered hurricane damage would apply for a temporary use permit to place a shelter, such as a recreational vehicle or parked trailer, on their land. The city
Fluoridation hearing continued
Manatee County commissioners continued to Tuesday, April 15, a hearing on an ordinance to cease fluoridation of the public water supply.
The meeting, continued without any discussion on the issue from April 1, will begin at 9 a.m. at the county administration building in Bradenton.
A proposed ordinance would “cease adding fluoride to the county’s public water supply,” which is distributed countywide, including on the islands. — lisa neff
also could streamline the permitting process, allowing the building official to expedite approvals without requiring commission review.
According to the draft measure, temporary shelters could only be occupied by the homeowner and their immediate family and could not be leased.
Additionally, all units must remain mobile, with no permanent attachments such as stairs, decks or sheds.
The ordinance sets a timeframe allowing shelters to remain for a maximum of 36 months or until the primary residence is deemed habitable — whichever comes first.
Property owners must demonstrate ongoing efforts to rebuild, as failure to obtain necessary building permits within 60 days would result in permit revocation and removal of the shelter.
Storm preparedness requirements
The ordinance also would include provisions for storm safety. If a tropical storm or hurricane warning is issued, all temporary shelters would need to be removed, dismantled or secured at least 24 hours before an evacuation order or state of emergency takes effect.
Under the proposed ordinance, property owners who fail to comply would face fines and have shelters removed at their expense.
With hurricane recovery still underway, the new measure could offer some the ability to continue to live on the island as their homes are restored.
Due to a technical issue during the April 3 meeting, the draft ordinance will need to be re-heard by the commission in a special meeting set for 9 a.m., Tuesday, April 8, at city hall.
Beryl, Helene, Milton retired
The World Meteorological Organization on April 2 announced it retired the names Beryl, Helene and Milton from the Atlantic hurricane name list due to the deadly and destructive impacts of those storms in 2024. The WMO creates lists of storm names, which are repeated every six years, unless a storm is so deadly that its name is retired. The replacement names on the 2030 list are Brianna, Holly and Miguel. — lisa neff
in the
A home at 1207 gulf drive S., Bradenton Beach, lies shifted on its foundation and crushed Sept. 28, 2024, following Hurricane Helene. A lot of recovery and rebuilding remains in the city, where officials are discussing allowing the use of temporary shelters. islander file
Photo: robert Anderson
Drift-In development passes P&Z, headed to commission
By robert Anderson islander reporter
The Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board unanimously voted April 2 to recommend approval for a major development plan at the Drift-In AMI, 102 Bridge St.
The recommendation cleared the way for a vote by city commissioners Tuesday, April 8.
During the April 2 P&Z hearing, the board addressed a covered outdoor bar built under a permit issued by former city building official Darin Cushing, who was dismissed for bypassing city commission approval and issuing the Drift-In’s permit.
According to city attorney Ricinda Perry, the project should have been classified as a major development, requiring a public hearing and board review due to the size of the proposed structure.
Construction without such a review began at the Drift in December 2024 following damage caused by hurricanes Helene and Milton, which shuttered the business.
As a result of the dispute between the city and Cushing, work was halted and the owner was forced to reapply for permitting and make multiple design changes. Also, Perry was recused from the matter.
The bar remained closed until this spring, reopening only after the city issued a temporary use permit for limited capacity while the project went to public hearing.
Bar owner Derek Williams was represented April 2 by attorney Scott Rudicille of Blalock Walters P.A., who outlined proposed changes.
“The only real changes in terms of what you saw out there before the hurricane and what is there now are the extension of the tiki structure, the addition of a walk-in cooler and the relocation of the dumpster and fencing,” Rudicille said.
He said the Drift also was seeking to streamline an easement to accommodate the tiki hut, which encroaches on the easement for the city sidewalk.
Williams also addressed the P&Z: “I was asking for clarification from the city from the time I bought the property. My objective all along was to find the right way to fix it.”
Robert Lincoln, substituting as city attorney, said the bar building is on one lot while the tiki structure is on a separate parcel and encroaches on the sidewalk easement. He said the city could release that area.
Fred Bartizal, a P&Z member and owner of the nearby Bridgetender Inn & Dockside Bar, voiced his support for the easement change.
“I know that 10 years ago, the city came to everyone when they were putting in sidewalks,” Bartizal said, implying the land originally belonged to the businesses.
P&Z member Dan Morhaus said the changes align with the city’s vision for the Bridge Street corridor.
“If we pull it back and the structure is not within the easement, then it’s a win-win for everybody, as long as it doesn’t infringe on the protocols for Bridge
Street,” he said.
After some deliberation, Morhaus motioned to recommend approval with conditions, which was seconded by Bartizal.
The conditions include:
• City commission approval of an amended sidewalk and landscaping easement for the tiki hut;
• A unity of title joining the two separate lots into
one parcel; • Development must be within the legal stipulations of a major development plan.
The motion passed 5-0, with board member John Burns absent. The board’s unanimous approval sends the issue to the city commission, which will hold a public hearing at 1 p.m., Tuesday, April 8, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.
lefT: drift-in Ami regulars celebrate the reopening of the Bradenton Beach bar April 4. The drift was established in 1925 and is considered by many locals to be an island icon. islander Photos: courtesy derek Williams/ elayne Armaniaco BeloW rigHT: derek Williams and Bradenton Beach resident elayne Armaniaco smile for a selfie at the drift-in bar reopening. islander courtesy Photo
Bradenton Beach considers funding for dock repairs
By robert Anderson islander reporter
The city of Bradenton Beach in partnership with Manatee County is seeking to amend an interlocal agreement to increase funding for a dock repair project at the Historic Bridge Street Pier.
The amendment, discussed in an April 3 city commission meeting, would raise reimbursement from the county to the city to $475,000, including an added $100,000 not subject to Federal Emergency Management Agency or insurance reimbursements.
Under the original agreement, signed in January, the city was allocated up to $375,000 to repair stormrelated damage, including replacing pilings, decking and handrails, repairing the dinghy dock and refurbish-
ing the floating docks on the pier’s south side.
The newly allocated $100,000 would be earmarked for improvements beyond storm repairs, specifically to accommodate a larger, third ferry boat at the pier. Planned enhancements include upgrading and extending the pier’s fire suppression system, adding aluminum gussets for structural reinforcement, installing new mooring piles at the ferry slip and placing additional heavy-duty waste receptacles and benches.
Bradenton Beach city clerk Terri Sanclemente told The Islander April 4 that due to a technical issue with recording at the April 3 meeting, the amendment will need to be reheard by the commission.
A special meeting will be at 9 a.m. Sept. 8, after The Islander went to press.
Plan now for the next holiday!
Is your business ready to make the most of 2025? 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. For ad info, call or text 941778-7978.
members of the Anna maria island Privateers join the party at the drift-in Ami in Bradenton Beach.
Hands off, chill out
If you visit any social media sites online, then you likely know about the brouhaha between two boaters that boiled over in Port Charlotte.
One boat owner was arrested and charged with burglary and assault with battery, but some online are pushing the feud further, saying the wrong boater got arrested.
Well, if you missed it, the scene was ugly. Maybe you’ve seen it before, when one boater shows up to fish a spot they consider their own, only to find another boater beat them there.
It sometimes leads to “words” between the fishers, but, honestly, it’s a big body of water and I’m thinking, move on.
If you’ve seen the crowd of boats and fishers in Boca Grande Pass vying for a hookup with a tarpon, you know there’s a certain amount of etiquette that has to apply when boats and lines in the water are working in a cramped space.
The same has to be true for the Gulf of Mexico, Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay and all the backwaters.
Fishing is not a “no holds barred” sport. Holding a rod in your hand does not make you a gladiator.
Fishing etiquette boils down to respecting other anglers and boaters, the environment and Mother Nature and the fish, being mindful of legal limits, slot sizes and seasons.
Good manners on the water include leaving the area better than you found it — no trash in the water, no line tangled in the brush or branches on the shoreline and no scars on the seagrass beds. Leave no trace.
It’s also about maintaining a safe distance from others, whether anchored to fi sh or underway, and being mindful of your actions. Respect no-wake zones and slow the boat when approaching other anglers at work.
I have to admit, I appreciate the sport fishers who go out for the thrill of the fight. Catch-and-release is what keeps the fisheries thriving, although I have to admit a craving for snook whenever the season opens.
I quit trying to fish a long time ago because I can’t bear to kill the fish. But I appreciate what I can buy at the local fish market. And I do love a good grouper sandwich or grouper prepared just about any way.
And I appreciate my friends Jeannie and Bill Bystrom, Judy Titsworth and their sister Debbie and friend Cheryl and hundreds of others for attending and waving the flag and signs at a “Hands Off” (Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security) peaceful protest on Cortez Road this past weekend.
Kudos to you! Thanks for representing us. — Bonner Joy, news@islander.org
Murphy
Tales of Hurricane Helene
“The Naked City” was a TV detective show in the Sixties. The City was New York. The show started with a narra-
tor saying, “There are 8 million stories in the Naked City. This is one of them.”
Our island does not have 8 million stories about Helene, but we have a bunch.
We should start writing them.
front of your place.
All of that mud and pain are just stories now, and the best way to leave Helene behind us and emerge with dignity will be to write those stories.
Put your story in an envelope and drop it at the Doctor’s Office and Sean will gift you one of our amazing cocktails. Sit in our beautiful garden and sip your cocktail, write your story and set yourself free.
We will put them in a book and if the book wins a prize, we will all go to the ceremony together.
We’ll wear our muddy shoes.
— Sean murphy
▼ 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
▼ Contributors Jacob merrifield Sean murphy
capt. danny Stasny, fish@islander.org
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▼ lisa Williams, info@, accounting@, classifieds@, subscriptions@islander.org
▼ Distribution urbane Bouchet ross roberts Judy loden Wasco
There are stories of the flooding and surviving, such as a man who tied his wife to his waist so he wouldn’t lose her in the waves and rising waters.
Another man brought his bed-bound mother in their van to the top of the Key Royale Bridge to wait out the floodwaters.
▼ Webmaster Wayne Ansell All others: news@islander.org
We all have stories of the immediate shock at the sheer power and breadth of devastation wielded by that 10-foot wave.
Furniture and fences in trees. Rooftops that landed on rooftops. Power poles and road signs sticking out of sand dunes piled high like snow in Buffalo. Dunes littered with carcasses of cars flooded or burning.
My starkest memory is of a woman forlorn, sitting in a lawn chair amid the debris in her yard, clutching a picture frame to her breast and weeping.
Pervading all our stories will be that mud. A fine, greasy, gray mud that smelled like saltwater, poop and diesel fuel. It filled everything everywhere. And it was on you, in your nose and your eyes and between your fingers and toes. And you couldn’t take your shoes off to walk the beach to get away from the mud in the street because there was broken glass scattered through the sand.
You work to find a hauler who can move the furniture and drywall away from your house. They haul it away, and the next morning the pile is there again only different, because some crooked son of a bitch took a thousand dollars from your neighbor to haul away the neighbor’s junk and all the hauler did was dump it in
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.
Letters to the editor
The Islander welcomes your opinion letters
Please, submit your opinion with name, address and contact phone number to news@islander.org. Only your name and city are published.
Letters may be edited for space and style. There is a 250-word limit and anonymous letters will not be published.
Connections on AMI
Anna Maria: Mayor Mark Short, 941-708-6130, ammayor@cityofannamaria.com.
Bradenton Beach : Mayor John Chappie, 941778-1005, mayor@cityofbradentonbeach.com.
Holmes Beach: Mayor Judy Titsworth, 941-7085800, hbmayor@holmesbeachfl.org.
Waves of damage
A trailer park in Bradenton Beach is damaged in 1969 by what is described in the historical archives as a “tornado and tidal wave.”
“An automobile drives through a flooded parking lot at coquina Beach after a tornado and tidal wave hit in 1969. islander Photos: manatee county Public library archives
Connections
Skimming online
Website: islander.org
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Anglers take advantage of a spot over the water on the Bradenton Beach groin in 1978. The groin, known as Three Piers, had been damaged by wave action.
Q&A The Islander poll
10-20-30 years ago
From the April 6, 1995, issue
• The National Weather Service was trying to determine what caused an “unusually high wave” to crest at Anna Maria Island March 25. The NWS was looking for photos of what beachgoers described as a “mini-tidal wave.”
• Allan Bazzy applied for permits to expand the Bradenton Beach Marina. He said he planned to spend more than $1 million to renovate the business south of the Cortez Bridge.
• The Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office expanded to include an office in the Anna Maria Island Centre in Holmes Beach.
From the April 6, 2005, issue
• Manatee County Area Transit reported a recordbreaking day of island trolley use — a Tuesday in the midst of spring break — with 3,027 passengers.
• Federal authorities arrested David Viens, who had been living in Holmes Beach near Anna Maria Elementary School, on conspiracy to distribute marijuana. Viens later moved to California, where he was convicted of killing his wife.
From the April 8, 2015, issue
News alerts: Register at islander.org
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Submit news: news@islander.org
This week’s question
How do you rate this spring season?
A. Busiest ever.
B. Typical.
C. Seems off.
D. Slower than past.
E. Just getting started? Poll survey and results: islander.org.
• Family Vacation Critic, a website specializing in reviews of family-friendly vacation destinations, reported its annual “10 Best Beaches for Families in 2015” and included Manatee Public Beach on the list.
• A contract offered to a potential vendor for a post office operating in Holmes Beach promised an updated mail system but the likely removal of post office boxes.
— 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! Most classes
Class
compiled by lisa neff calendar@islander.org
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ON AMI
Friday, April 11
5-7:30 p.m. — Night Market, Artists’ Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, and other City Center businesses. Info: 941778-6694.
Saturday, April 12
7:30 p.m. — Robby Krieger of the Doors concert, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Info: 941-778-1908, centerami.org.
ONGOING ON AMI
• Throughout April, Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island exhibits work by folded-book artist Jennifer Sharp, Artists’ Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6694.
OFF AMI
Friday, April 11
6-8 p.m. — Music in the Park series with Have Gun Will Travel, Rossi Park, 452 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. Info: 941-301-8445.
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 April, Island Gallery and Studios presents “Sensational Silks” exhibit by Dawn Gerardot, 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: 941-7464131.
• 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
• April 18, April 25, May 2, Music in the Park, Bradenton.
• April 17, Manatee Music Series at G.T. Bray presents Kettle of Fish, Bradenton.
April 19, Savor the Sounds Musical Concert Series with the Easy Street Band, Longboat Key.
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
Thursday, April 10
10 a.m. — Toddler Playdough Fun, Island Library, 5701 Marina
Center plans crawfish boil
The center of Anna maria island puts out a buffet of crawfish and sides may 6, 2023, on the field, 407 magnolia Ave., Anna maria. This year’s cajun crawfish Boil will be 6-9 p.m. Saturday, may 3. Tickets, on sale at centerami.org, start at $50. The menu includes crawfish, corn, potatoes, gumbo, seafood jambalaya, red beans and rice, bread pudding and more. Paul fournier will entertain and the center promises “derby day Shenanigans.” islander file
Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.
ONGOING ON AMI
• Most Fridays, 10 a.m., Forty Carrots, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.
• Most Tuesdays, 10 a.m., Family Storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.
CLUBS & COMMUNITY ON AMI
Wednesday, April 9
6:30 p.m. — Island Time Book Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.
ONGOING ON AMI
• Fridays, 11:30 a.m., bridge, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 314-324-5921.
• Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Anna Maria Island Kiwanis Club, Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. Info: 941-778-1383.
• Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., experienced mahjong Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341. OFF AMI
Thursday, April 10
4 p.m. — Cortez Village Historical Society annual meeting, Cortez Cultural Center, 11655 Cortez Road W., Cortez. Info: cvhs2016@aol.com.
Saturday, April 12
11 a.m-3 p.m. — Cortez Annual Picnic, Fulford Dock at end of 123rd Street West, Cortez. Info: cvhs2016@aol.com.
SAVE THE DATES
• April 18, Center of Anna Maria Island bingo, Anna Maria. LESSONS & LEARNING ON AMI
Wednesday, April 9
10 a.m.-noon — Drawing from Basics to Landscapes, Island
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 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.”
Noon — Saigon 1973-75: Not the Usual War Stories, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.
SPORTS & FITNESS
ONGOING OFF AMI
• Through Sept. 27, various dates, Bradenton Marauders’ minor league baseball, LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-747-3031.
SAVE THE DATES
• May 9, AMI Chamber Golf Tournament, Bradenton. OUTDOORS & NATURE ON AMI
Tuesday, April 15
9 a.m. — Seashell Shore Walk with Manatee County, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach. Info: elena.burke@mymanatee.org.
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.
SAVE THE DATES
• April 22, Manatee County Earth Day Paddle in Neal Preserve, Perico Island.
• April 28, Manatee County Audubon Leffis Key tour, Bradenton Beach.
CALENDAR NOTES
KEEP THE DATES
• April 20, Easter Sunday.
• April 22, Earth Day.
• April 25, National Arbor Day.
• May 1, sea turtle nesting season begins.
• May 26, Memorial Day.
Island happenings
Easy Street on Longboat Key
The Savor the Sounds Musical Concert Series continues on Longboat Key with a performance by the Easy Street Band at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, April 19.
Tim Michael McCaig will open at 4:30 p.m.
General admission is $25.
Concertgoers are invited to bring lawn chairs and picnic baskets but food trucks also will be onsite at the Town Center Green, 600 Bay Isles Road.
For more information, go to longboatkeychamber. com or call 941-383-2466.
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.
April plans include a board meeting, preparations for the sunrise Easter service and also a talk by Anne LeBaron of Take Stock in Children Manatee on April 26.
For more information, call Sandy Haas-Martens at 941-778-1383.
Send listings to calendar@islander.org.
Kansas, the Outlaws booked
The Center of Anna Maria Island is selling tickets for a Friday, May 2, concert at the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto featuring two bands — Kansas and the Outlaws.
Doors at the convention center, 1 Haben Blvd., will open at 6 p.m.
Also, Robby Krieger of the Doors will be in concert Saturday, April 12, at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. The concert was postponed from Feb. 8.
For more, go to centerami.org/concerts or call 941778-1908.
Shell collectors to stroll shore
The Manatee County Natural Resources Department will host a Seashell Shore Walk at 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 15, at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach near Longboat Pass.
A notice invited people to join “a relaxing walk on the beach to search for seashells and learn to identify them.”
For reservations, email Elena Burke at elena. burke@mymanatee.org. For more information, call 941-742-5923.
Chuck Caudill Entertainment Beach weddings and events. DJ, live guitar and more from an experienced island professional. 941-778-5676 • www.chuckcaudill.com
Pine Ave., Anna Maria 941-896-3167
Drive Band The Best! Classic Danceable Tunes Musical Entertainment DJ for Weddings, Receptions. Call: 941-778-0173. email: gulfdriveband@gmail.com
Cops & courts
Bradenton man arrested for habitual traffic
offense
Holmes Beach police arrested Bradenton resident Jonathan Anasis, 37, March 29 on a third-degree felony charge for allegedly driving with a suspended license as a habitual offender.
Anasis was transported to the Manatee County jail, where he was released the same day after posting $2,500 bond.
If convicted, punishment for a third-degree felony include up to five years in prison, five years of probation and a fine of up to $5,000.
An arraignment will be at 9 a.m. Friday, May 16, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
— ryan Paice
Stolen credit card arrest in HB
HBPD arrested Sarasota resident Bonny Graham, 67, March 29 on a third-degree felony for unlawful possession of a credit or debit card, as well as a misdemeanor for trespassing after receiving a warning.
An officer found Graham at the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, where he had been trespassed within the past year. The officer arrested Graham, searched him and found a pair of debit cards bearing someone else’s name.
Graham was transported to the Manatee County jail, where he remained in custody as of April 3.
An arraignment will be at 9 a.m. Friday, May 16, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
— ryan Paice
Bradenton man arrested for fake license plate
Holmes Beach police arrested Bradenton resident Julian Bandalos, 31, March 25 on a third-degree felony charge for possession of a counterfeit license plate.
Bandalos was also charged with a first-degree misdemeanor for resisting a law enforcement officer without violence and a second-degree misdemeanor for using an unassigned license plate.
The man was transported to the Manatee County jail, where he was released March 26 after posting $3,150 bond.
An arraignment will be at 9 a.m. Friday, May 9, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
— ryan Paice
Woman arrested for meth
Holmes Beach police arrested Bradenton resident Nancy Goins, 38, March 31 on a third-degree felony charge for possession of methamphetamine, a controlled substance.
An officer found Goins in a fetal position on the Anna Maria Island Bridge with a bag of goods from Dollar Tree, 3260 E. Bay Drive. Police confirmed a theft from the store and arrested Goins, who was in possession of a bag containing 1.1 grams of a substance that field-tested positive for meth.
Goins was transported to the Manatee County jail, where she remained in custody as of April 4.
An arraignment will be at 9 a.m. Friday, May 16, at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton.
— ryan Paice
Grand theft arrest made
Holmes Beach police arrested North Port resident James Mikluscak, 46, March 30 on third-degree felonies for grand theft of a motor vehicle and fleeing to elude law enforcement.
He also was charged with first-degree misdemeanors for resisting police without violence, reckless driving with property damage and driving under the influence with property damage. A second-degree misdemeanor for leaving the scene of a crash with property damage brings the total charges to six.
An officer found Mikluscak driving circles on the embankment near Manatee Avenue, by the base of the Anna Maria Island Bridge around 2 a.m.
The officer activated emergency lights and ordered him to stop but Mikluscak instead drove into Anna Maria Sound. When his vehicle became submerged, he exited into the water.
The Holmes Beach Police Department and U.S. Coast Guard Station Cortez deployed boats to follow Mikluscak in the water. After about 70 minutes, Mikluscak allowed police to pull him onto a boat.
He was arrested and transported to the HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton, where he told police that he was on methamphetamine.
The vehicle he drove into the water turned out not to be his and had been reported stolen.
Mikluscak was transported March 31 to the Manatee County jail, where he remained in custody under $21,500 bond as of April 4.
An arraignment will be at 9 a.m. May 16, at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton.
— ryan Paice
Streetlife
compiled by robert Anderson and ryan Paice
Island police reports
Anna Maria
No new reports.
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office polices Anna Maria Bradenton Beach
No new reports.
The Bradenton Beach Police Department polices Bradenton Beach. Cortez
No new reports.
The MCSO polices Cortez.
Holmes Beach
March 25, 100 block of 48th Street, recovered firearm. A Holmes Beach police officer responded to reports of a firearm found inside a bag at a vacation rental property. The officer retrieved the bag and firearm and placed them in storage. The owner of the fire-
Drug arrest follows traffic stop
Bradenton Beach police arrested Sarasota resident Brook Weigant, 52, on multiple drug charges after a routine traffic stop March 21.
Offi cers arrested Weigant in the 2400 block of Avenue C. He’s accused of driving with a revoked license and his car contained bags of cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as drug paraphernalia and handwritten notes referencing drug sales.
Weigant was transported to the Manatee County jail on third-degree felony charges of possession of counterfeit tags, possession of controlled substances without a prescription and possession of cocaine and a second-degree misdemeanor charge for driving with a revoked license.
The charges, if convicted, can result in sentences ranging from 60 days to five years.
Weigant’s arraignment will be at 9 a.m., May 2, at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton.
— robert Anderson
arm later called the Holmes Beach Police Department and verified his bag’s contents. His wife retrieved the items the next day.
March 27, Gaunt Inc., 3011 Gulf Drive, suspicious circumstances. An officer responded to reports of possible criminal mischief and met with the complainant. They said a man had been sleeping outside the business. When he woke up, he started kicking the business’ sign, damaging it and two nearby landscaping light fixtures.
March 27, 400 block of 71st Street, stolen bike. A woman reported a rented bike was stolen. She said the bike was left unsecured outside. The rental company was contacted.
HBPD polices Holmes Beach.
Streetlife is based on incident reports, court documents and narratives from local law enforcement.
HBPD makes DUI arrest
A Manatee County sheriff’s deputy arrested Dade City resident Thomas Prince, 52, March 27 on a second-degree misdemeanor for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.
A Holmes Beach police officer found Prince in a parked vehicle at the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, and observed signs of impairment.
He called dispatch to request an MCSO deputy, who handled the DUI investigation, arrested Prince and transported him to the Manatee County correctional facility, where he was released March 28 after posting $500 bond.
If convicted, punishment for a second-degree misdemeanor include up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.
An arraignment will be at 8:55 a.m. Tuesday, May 6, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
— ryan Paice
Crime, safety hot lunch topics
The Manatee Tiger Bay Club will host a lunchtime conversation on law enforcement at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, April 24, at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton.
The speaker roster includes two police chiefs — William Tokajer from Holmes Beach and Melanie Bevan from Bradenton — as well as Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells and a representative from the Palmetto Police Department.
Their topic will be “crime and public safety, school safety and community engagement.”
The cost to attend is $35 for members, $45 for their guests.
Online registration will close Monday, April 21.
The club’s stated mission is “to present exciting, stimulating and thought-provoking programs with topics ranging from political, social, local, state to national issues.”
For more, go to www.manateetigerbay.org.
— lisa neff
Holmes Beach police chief William Tokajer will join a panel discussion on crimeand safety
April 24. islander file
Photo
By Lisa Neff
Passover Seder planned
Temple Beth Israel will hold its community Passover Seder at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, April 12.
Michaels on East of Sarasota will cater the event, which costs $90 per person for those 13 and older.
Temple Beth Israel is at 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key.
For more information, call 941-383-3428.
Beach sunrise service set
The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island is preparing to host its sunrise service on Easter Sunday.
The event will begin about 6:30 a.m. Sunday, April 20, at Manatee Public Beach at the west end of Manatee Avenue in Holmes Beach.
About 1,200-2,000 people typically attend the service.
The Rev. Phillip Schweda of St. Bernard Catholic Church will deliver the sermon.
The Rev. Dirk Rodgers of Roser Memorial Community Church will deliver the offertory and benediction.
The Rev. Stephen King of Harvey Memorial Church will read from the Scriptures.
Belinda Strickland of the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation will deliver the invocation.
The service also will feature “inspirational Easter music” by Morgan Bryant.
The beach offers public parking. Additionally, the fare-free island trolley begins operations at about 6 a.m.
The Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe will open at 6:30 a.m.
Sunrise is forecast at 7:01 a.m.
Attendees may want to bring a flashlight or a cellphone with a flashlight app, as well as blankets or chairs.
An offertory will be collected to benefi t island churches, the Kiwanis club and its scholarship program.
For more information, including the program on the day of the service, go to amikiwanis.com.
Island churches mark start of Holy Week
Island churches will mark the start of the Holy Week on Palm Sunday, which is Sunday, April 13.
Observances will be at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria; CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach; St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach; and Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church St. N., Bradenton Beach.
Also, on Longboat Key, worship services will be at Christ Church and Longboat Island Chapel.
CrossPointe: 9 a.m. Palm Sunday, April 13; 6:30 p.m. April 14, April 15, April 17, Passion Week; 6:30 p.m. Good Friday, April 18; 9 a.m. April 20, Easter Sunday.
Harvey: 9:15 a.m. Easter Sunday.
Roser: 8:30 and 10 a.m. Palm Sunday; 7 p.m. Maundy Thursday, April 17; noon Good Friday; 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. Easter Sunday.
St. Bernard: 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. Palm Sunday; 7 p.m. Holy Thursday; 3 p.m. Good Friday; 8:30 p.m. Easter Vigil, April 19; 7 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and noon Easter Sunday.
Longboat Island Chapel services: 10 a.m. Palm Sunday, 6 p.m. Good Friday, 7 a.m. in the garden and 10 a.m. in the sanctuary Easter Sunday.
The Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, as of Islander press time, was not open due to hurricane damages and its membership was worshipping at Chapel of the Good Shepherd at Christ Episcopal Church in Bradenton.
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church on Marina Drive in Holmes Beach suffered hurricane damage and closed in January.
GoodDeeds
By lisa neff
Chamber hosts tree giveaway
The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will host a three-day tree giveaway to celebrate National Arbor Day and commemorate Earth Day.
The giveaway at the chamber office, 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, will be noon-4 p.m. Tuesday, April 22; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, April 23; and 9 a.m.-noon Thursday, April 24.
The giveaway will be first come, first served.
Offerings include Bahama strongbark, Florida thatch palm, green buttonwood, gumbo limbo, Jamaican dogwood, sea grape and silver buttonwood.
Sponsors include the chamber, Florida Forest Service and Keep Manatee Beautiful.
For more info, call 941-778-1541.
Palm Sunday, April 13 • 8:30 & 10:00 AM Featuring the Roser Cantata Choir, Roser Ringers Handbell Choir, Roser Youth Performing Arts Choir and Chamber Orchestra A Cantata by Mary
Aid for AID
reps from the Kiwanis club of Anna maria island foundation donate $1,000 to All island denominations during a program march 29 at Bradenton Beach city Hall, where the Kiwanis group holds weekly meetings. celebrating the donation are Kiwanis VP Patricia Webster, foundation secretary/treasurer Sandy Hass-martens, Aid rep Kathy Brown, foundation president lynn Kruse and foundation VP darrel Shinn. islander courtesy Photo
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 macroalgae 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 sought on AMI
• Anna Maria Island Historical Society in Anna Maria, seeks donations for restoration and volunteers. Info: 608-444-0084.
• Anna Maria Island Privateers seeks a space for the Skullywag. Info: amiprivateers.org.
7:00 PM • APRIL 17 MAUNDY THURSDAY
Communion NOON • APRIL 18 GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE and Foot Washing Ceremony (optional) EASTER
Obituaries
Emily Anne Smith
Emily Anne Smith, 85, of Holmes Beach, died March 29.
She was born April 18, 1940, in Atlanta, where she was raised and where she began her career in architec-
Ms. Smith spent more than 30 years living and working on Anna Maria Island, where she designed hundreds of properties. Her very first project was the museum at the Anna Maria Island Historical Society’s compound in Anna Maria.
She was one of the driving forces behind the revitalization of Bridge Street, including her design of the iconic clock tower. In 2001, Ms. Smith and others organized the annual Christmas Prelude, which was held under the clock tower on Thanksgiving evening. It was enjoyed by the community as a way to gather in music and fellowship to ring in the holidays.
Her numerous awards and recognition can be viewed on her website, emilyannesmithdesigns.com.
Services will be private. Memorial gifts may be made to Wildlife Inc., 2207 Ave. B, Bradenton Beach FL 34217.
Ms. Smith is survived by her partner, Lea Ann Bessonette, many loving friends, and several nieces and nephews, including Karen Prader and Ricky Smith.
Emily Anne Smith designed the clock tower at the Bridge Street Historic Pier in Bradenton Beach and provided a cohesive design and a handbook for future plans in the historic district of the city.
WE LIKE LIKES
Transportation board sets regional priorities
The Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization board March 31 adopted a priority list that includes building bridges and designing roundabouts for Anna Maria Island.
The priority list includes:
• Construction of a new Anna Maria Island Bridge on Manatee Avenue, which has funding.
• Construction of a new Cortez Road Bridge on Cortez Road, which has funding.
• Engineering for a Longboat Pass Bridge on Gulf Drive, which has funding.
• 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
Carol Rose Williams
Carol Rose Williams, 88, of Bradenton and formerly of Anna Maria Island, died March 3.
She was born Nov. 8, 1936, in Bloomington, Illinois. She moved to Manatee County in 1975 from Champaign, Illinois. She was a real estate broker and partner in a successful real estate firm on Anna Maria Island. She enjoyed reading books, morning walks and water aerobics with her “section 12” friends.
Beach.
Another project on the list of interest to motorists traveling north from Bradenton is the preliminary engineering for a new bridge between Bradenton and Palmetto.
And, for island motorists traveling south to Longboat Key, construction of a roundabout at Broadway Street and Gulf of Mexico Drive is a priority.
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.
The board vote followed a discussion focused mostly on road projects proposed for conservation land in North Port in south Sarasota County.
The motion to adopt the priority list removed those projects, as well as boosted placement of a roundabout project in Sarasota.
— Lisa Neff
Roadwatch
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.
Through early summer, the contractor will be installing pipe between the north and south sides of Cortez Road on the eastern and western sides of Cortez Bridge.
A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 23, at Brown and Sons Funeral Homes 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd St. W., Bradenton. Memorial donations may be made to your local SPCA. Condolences may be made at brownandsonsfuneral.com.
Mrs. Williams is survived by her daughter, Tonia, of Gulfport; son Steven and wife Marifrances of Santa Maria, California; and several nieces and nephews. Williams
The northern shoulder of 124th Court West in Cortez is closed. Also, beginning April 21, 127th Street West will be closed on the north side of Cortez Road West up to 126th Street West.
For more, call 941-306-4660, email info@amiprojects.io or go to amiprojects.io.
For area road watch information, go online to swflroads.com or dial 511.
— Lisa Neff
Smith
Golf, horseshoes top week in sports on AMI
By Kevin P. Cassidy islander reporter
On Feb. 18, 40 men began play in the club’s 2025 individual handicap match-play tournament with 38, 18-hole matches played over five weeks at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach.
The final match was played March 18 with Bob McSparren squaring off against Bob Rowley for the championship.
Cassidy
Rowley held on for a 3-and-2 victory — up three holes with only two left to play to claim the trophy.
Regular golf action saw the men play their weekly modified-Stableford system match March 31.
Kevin Breheny took first place with a plus-7, two points ahead of second-place finishers Jim Hitchen and Bob Rowley, who tied for second place. Rob Perkins was alone in third place at plus-4.
The women played a nine-hole, individual low-net match in three flights April 1.
Louise Clemens, Linda Dorsey and Margrit Layh finished in a three-way tie for first place at 1-under-par 31. Sue Porterfield took second place with an even-par 32, while Debra DuVernay was another shot back in third place.
Jana Samuels fired a 5-under-par 27 to win Flight B by three shots over second-place finisher Judy Christensen. Carol Patterson took third place with a 1-underpar 31.
Terry Westby fired the low-net round of the day, finishing at the top of Flight C with a 6-under-par 26. Annette Hall took second place with a 3-under-par 29,
FREE!
The Islander newspaper is FREE at Publix Holmes Beach. Just stop by the customer service desk, hold out your hand and say, “Islander, please!” And maybe remind staff you’d like the serve-yourself community news returned to the lobby.
while Susan Christenson finished in third place with a 2-under-par 30.
Golf action at the club wrapped up April 3 with members playing a nine-hole scramble.
The team of Tony Bettis, Debra DuVernay, Lance Elson and Jenny Huibers combined on a 6-under-par 26 to earn clubhouse bragging rights for the day. The team of David Julian, Rod Hammonds and Al Waal took second place with a 4-under-par 28.
on April 5 to post the only 3-0 record in pool play and win the day’s proceedings
Horseshoes action
Two teams advanced to the knockout stage with 3-0 pool-play records and settled things in the final at the April 2 horseshoe games at the Anna Maria City Hall pits.
The team of Norm Good and Tim Sofran were too good, jumping out to an early lead and holding on for a 23-3 victory over Steve Kriebel and Gersey Fernandes to earn the day’s bragging rights.
The action April 5 was short and sweet.
The team of Bill Balbally and Bob Heiger posted the lone 3-0 record during pool play and were the day’s outright champs.
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 and everyone is welcome.
Center sports
There were no reports provided by the Center of Anna Maria Island for last week’s sports programs.
Islander archive 24/7
Some years ago, The Islander was invited to take part in a pilot project with the University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries. We donated our collection of newspapers beginning with the first edition in 1992. Now it’s all maintained on the library site, searchable by key word, name or date. Look for The Islander in the stacks at the UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.
Bill Galbally and Bob Heiger teamed up
during horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. islander Photo: Courtesy of AMi Pitchers
Bob rowley poses at the practice green at the Key royale Club on winning the club’s 2025 individual Handicap Match-Play Tournament. islander Photo: Courtesy of KrC.
Kailani Stewart, 13, mom Ali Stewart and Ozzie Stewart, 10, pose at the “Welcome” sign in Holmes Beach just west of the Kingfish Boat ramp, for a fun souvenir. They visited AMi in March from Manchester, Missouri. islander Photos: Grandmother Janie Ashworth
Vacation tradition
hazardous waste and electronic scrap drop off event, which began the day before. islander Photo: City of Holmes Beach
County advances move to reverse wetland buffers
From The Bradenton Times
Manatee County commissioners April 3 approved the transmittal of a comprehensive plan text amendment that would reverse a prior commission’s previous action and reinstate the county’s wetland protection buffer requirements.
A previous comp plan amendment approved in 2023 reduced local provisions to mirror state minimum requirements.
Manatee County environmental planning section manager Kara Koenig presented the item April 3 and summarized the staff report to commissioners.
The presentation inspired some commissioners to question whether the board should consider discussing more protective wetland provisions for consideration in the future.
Prior to the 2023 action to reduce local wetland protection requirements, Manatee County’s land development regulations required a 30-foot wetland buffer for development adjacent to isolated wetlands and 50-foot buffers for development within watershed protection overlays or adjacent to Outstanding Florida Waterways or flowing waters.
The state standards are less protective, with a 25-foot average and 15-foot minimum requirement, and 50-foot buffers required adjacent to Outstanding Florida Waterways. State provisions also provide, in certain instances, that a zero-foot wetland buffer may be required if impacts to the wetland areas by development are offset through mitigation.
The ordinance approved for transmittal to the state would reinstate the county’s previously existing requirements and rescind the action taken in 2023 that deferred local wetland protection requirements to the lesser state standards.
Commissioners voted 5-1 to approve the transmittal with Commissioner Mike Rahn voting in opposition and Commissioner George Kruse absent.
The transmittal sends the text to the state for review. Once the state returns the review, an adoption hearing will be scheduled.
Editor’s note: The report, published with permission, appeared fi rst at thebradentontimes.com. The Bradenton Times is a digital publication founded by former County Commissioner Joe McClash in 2008.
Ozzie Stewart ogles Florida artifacts in a booth at the Coquina Market at Coquina Beach.
The trio enjoys coconut water while checking out the vendors at the Coquina Market.
Once, future king of local waters — the kingfish — returns
By Capt. Danny Stasny islander reporter
With Gulf waters reaching consistent temperatures in the mid-70s, you can bet Anna Maria Island anglers have one thing on their minds — kingfish.
The springtime migration of the tackle-busting mackerel is occurring in the nearshore waters just west of Anna Maria Island, triggering anglers to prep the boat and experience some excellent action on medium-heavy spinning gear.
King mackerel, unlike their smaller cousins, can grow to extreme sizes, reaching 100 pounds. Most catches will average 15-30 pounds but you never know when the big one will take your bait.
Known for their speed and fighting power, kingfish are among the most popular fish to catch in our area. They can be caught in a variety of ways on live and artificial baits. Free-lining large, live shiners or threadfin herring is the most popular, although trolling lipped plugs also is effective.
Being one of the most sought-after bites, you would think they must be super good on the plate but the meat is strong in flavor and best suited for a smoker.
After the hookup and landing, many anglers will bleed the fish to pull some of the strong flavor out of the meat. Even with doing this, kings are still strong, so people turn to the smoker for a tasty fish dip. Due to their size, be prepared to have plenty of samples for friends and family. And don’t forget, if you’re harvest-
ing kingfish, the limit in state waters is 24 inches to the fork of the tail and the angler may possess three fish per day.
On a side note, don’t forget we are all on the water together. Losing your temper with another angler can have some negative repercussions. It’s always best to keep your composure while fishing so you don’t end up being an internet sensation like the captain to the south of us.
As our population keeps growing in Manatee County, our inshore waters can seem crowded, especially by inexperienced boaters.
I understand this like anyone else whose been fishing these waters for many years. We’ve all lost our tempers at one point or another in the heat of the moment, but taking things to extremes is never a good idea. And, with everyone carrying a video camera in their pocket, you have to be careful with what you do or say as I can guarantee it’ll be documented. So,
Patricia Petruff, front center, partner Debi Visel, left rear, Capt. Peter robinson, right, and friends enjoy a night April 1 at Slicker’s Eatery in Cortez after a day of fishing. Slicker’s staff cooked their catch. Petruff was highbidder for a fish-and-dine package at a 2023 Anna Maria island Turtle Watch event at Hurricane Hank’s in Holmes Beach and finally was able to cash in on the prize. islander
Courtesy Photo
try to use patience on the water as the boat traffic and volume of people on our local waters is only going to increase — especially on holidays.
On my own Just Reel Charters, I’m patrolling the inshore waters of Sarasota Bay northward to Tampa Bay with my clients and spotted seatrout are dominating the bite. In fact, the trout bite this year is one of the best I’ve seen in a while. Trout of all sizes are being reeled to the boat with lucky anglers hooking into fish up to 24 inches.
Snook fishing is shaping up as the water temperatures rise. Casting baits along mangroves and oyster bars is resulting in some good rallies. I’m also seeing redfi sh being caught while targeting snook, adding variety to the bite.
Debi Visel shows off a snook she hooked and released April 1 while fishing with Capt. Peter robinson.
Capt. David White says he’s finding plenty of action while fishing the inshore waters of Tampa Bay. He says Spanish mackerel are making a good showing on deeper grass flats as well as shallower wrecks and reefs. He’s also reporting spotted seatrout are being found in good numbers while fishing the deeper grass areas, and redfish are making themselves available to anglers on the shallower flats.
Moving into the Gulf, White is working the bait schools to put clients on kingfish and bonito. Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.
By lisa Neff
No red tide and no fish kills were reported from Southwest Florida the week ending April 7. For more information, go to the Florida Fish and
Commission site at myfwc. com/research/redtide/statewide/.
Pat Petruff shows off a nice trout she caught April 1 on a fishing trip with Capt. Peter robinson.
Bay surveys show strengths in seagrass
Between 2022 and 2024, seagrass in Sarasota Bay increased by 1,912 acres or 19%, according to the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program.
SBEP recently announced the results of seagrass mapping in the bay conducted by the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
SBEP said the majority of the increase occurred in the open waters of upper Sarasota Bay — from the Ringling Causeway up to Manatee Avenue — but every part of the bay had increases.
Palma Sola Bay, for example, added 39 acres.
The 19% increase across the bay is the second biggest increase seen in more than 30 years, according to SBEP executive director David Tomasko.
“And,” he said in his notes on the mapping, “while we are still 12% below the peak coverage we had in 2016, we now have 36% more seagrass than we had 36 years ago, in 1988.”
The benefit of the increase?
“Well, the Smithsonian Institute, which has had a research lab along Florida’s Indian River Lagoon for at least 40 years, concluded that the average acre of seagrass can support approximately 40,000 fish,” Tomasko said. “Multiply 1,912 acres of new seagrass by 40,000 fish per acre and you can come up with a defensible conclusion that we’ve added enough seagrass habitat to support more than 75 million fish.”
Mapping results from Swiftmud also showed that Tampa Bay harbors 31,544 acres of seagrass and that between 2022 and 2024, seagrasses increased by 5% or 1,407 acres.
— lisa Neff
Fishing
tip! If you hook a bird: Reel, remove and release!
Seagrass increases in Tampa Bay Seagrass sampling takes place in Tampa Bay. Mapping results released March 26 by the Southwest Florida Water Management District show that Tampa Bay harbors 31,544 acres of seagrass. Between 2022 and 2024, seagrasses increased by 5% or 1,407 acres. The Tampa Bay Estuary Program, in a news release, said, “These results mark positive progress toward achieving the overall recovery goal of 40,000 acres.” islander Photo: Courtesy TBEP
Holmes Beach holds landscaping workshop
Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth introduces herself April 1 to attendees of the city’s second landscaping best practices workshop in two weeks. About 20 people attended the workshop, according to code compliance supervisor JT Thomas. islander
Photo: JT Thomas
Share in Earth Day
Earth Day is celebrated April 22. The Islander invites readers of all ages to share how they commemorate Earth Day. Please email photos, art or essays — 250 words or less — to news@islander.org by Wednesday, April 16. Please, include a name and city of residence for publication.
By Lisa Neff
Milton: 1 of the strongest
The National Hurricane Center on March 31 released its final report on Milton, characterized as “one of the strongest hurricanes of record in the Atlantic basin, reaching category 5 intensity.”
The first paragraph of the 72-page analysis states, “After an unusual eastward track across the Gulf of America, it made landfall on the west coast of the Florida peninsula as a category 3 hurricane, causing major damage in the Sarasota and Tampa Bay areas.”
The report contains a synoptic history, stats on winds, storm surge, rainfall, flooding, tornadoes, casualties and damages, as well as a critique of warnings.
One measurement in the report was taken from Holmes Beach, recording maximum sustained winds of 73 knots and maximum wind gusts of 92 knots about 8:21 p.m. Oct. 9.
The report puts landfall for Milton at Siesta Key about 8:30 p.m. Oct. 9 as a cat 3 hurricane.
Maximum storm surge inundation of 4-6 feet occurred near the landfall location, from Longboat Key to Venice. A water level sensor on Longboat Key measured 5.04 feet above “mean higher high water” with significant waves on top. North of landfall, a sharp gradient in surge occurred, including in Tampa Bay.
The maximum reported storm total rainfall was 20.40 inches, recorded near St. Pete.
Milton also caused 45 known tornadoes on land, as well as a tornadic waterspout over Lake Okeechobee.
Fifteen direct deaths and 27 indirect deaths were associated with Milton and damage in the United States was estimated at $34.3 billion, almost exclusively in Florida.
The NHC said damage estimates were complicated because Hurricane Helene had hit many of the same areas less than two weeks before Milton.
2025 forecast: above-average season
Colorado State University hurricane researchers predicted an above-average Atlantic hurricane season in their initial 2025 forecast, released April 3.
CSU’s Department of Atmospheric Science team cites above-average subtropical eastern Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea surface temperatures as a primary factor for their prediction of nine hurricanes in 2025.
CSU says much warmer spring waters in the eastern subtropical Atlantic tend to force a weaker subtropical high and associated weaker winds blowing across the tropical Atlantic. The conditions likely will lead to
An image shows storm surge associated with Hurricane Milton. The storm made landfall Oct. 9 at Siesta Key as a category 3 hurricane, producing winds and surge on the Gulf coast. islander Courtesy image
a continuation of above-average water temperatures across most of the tropical Atlantic for the peak of the 2025 hurricane season.
A warm Atlantic favors an above-average season, since a hurricane’s fuel source is warm ocean water. Additionally, a warm Atlantic leads to lower atmospheric pressure and a more unstable atmosphere. Both conditions favor hurricane formation.
Given the hurricane-favorable signal of a warm Atlantic plus the unlikelihood of El Nino, the CSU forecast team is predicting an above-normal season.
Specifically, CSU predicted: 17 named storms June 1-Nov. 30. Of those, nine will become hurricanes and four will reach major hurricane strength with sustained winds of 111 miles per hour or greater.
“So far, the 2025 hurricane season is exhibiting characteristics similar to 1996, 1999, 2006, 2008, 2011 and 2017,” Phil Klotzbach, a senior research scientist at CSU and lead author of the forecast report, said in a news release.
— lisa Neff
Wreckage from Hurricane Milton, which made landfall Oct. 9, 2024, at Siesta Key and caused widespread damage on AMi less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene’s devastation. islander File Photo
County appoints members to environmental committee
Manatee County commissioners on April 1 appointed five people to the advisory Environmental Lands Management and Acquisitions Committee. Four commissioners appointed someone from their district:
• District 1 Commissioner Carol Ann Felts appointed Charles Richards of Myakka City. On his application, Richards said he is in the environmental restoration industry.
• District 3 Commissioner Tal Siddique appointed Kyle Fisher, a Bradenton resident and civil engineer. “I believe strongly in giving back to the community and I believe my background makes me uniquely suited to participate on this board,” Fisher said in his application.
DIRECT BEACH VIEWS from this recently updated, turn-key furnished 2/2 unit in the Gulf-to-Bay complex of “Summer Sands.” Watch the sunsets without having to leave your home! This elevated complex is located just across the street from the beach with spectacular views of the Gulf of America AND extends to the Intracoastal Waterway on the bay side. “Summer Sands” offers a private, heated pool, Jacuzzi and a scenic dock on the bay for residents and owners. $1,100,000.
• District 5 Commissioner Bob McCann appointed
PlEASE, SEE ENVIRO COMMITTEE, NEXT PAGE
Neff
Hurricane Milton 58
Figure 6. Analyzed storm surge inundation (feet above ground level) along the coast of Florida from Hurricane Milton. Milton ’s track is overlaid (black line).
Wedding expo at Coquina Manatee County recently announced the Coquina Beach Wedding Expo is 5-8 p.m. Sunday, April 27.
The notice for the Bradenton Beach event read, “Join us at Coquina Beach for an enchanting opportunity to envision your dream ceremony on the sand and a stunning reception at the Coquina South event space. Wedding parties and planners are invited to experience the venue at its most picturesque hour (sunset), learn the process of booking a wedding on county property and connect with local photographers, officiants and other wedding professionals.”
For more information, contact Manatee County Sports and Leisure Services at 941-742-5923.
Business news
Does your business celebrate achievements? Maybe you’re new in business or your staff deserves kudos. Submit your info to news@islander.org.
Eric DiSilvestro of Lakewood Ranch, a supply chain consultant with a business in Illinois.
• District 7 Commissioner George Kruse appointed Alyssa Gay of Bradenton, an entrepreneur who volunteers for All Florida, a nonprofit focused on “wild Florida.”
A fifth person, Merri Lynn Parker, was named to take a seat reserved for a representative from an environmental organization. Parker, a Bradenton resident and retired educator, is involved with multiple groups, including Suncoast Waterkeeper and the Manatee Fish and Game Association. “I am passionate about conserving land for natural spaces to protect water resources, wildlife and its habitat,” she said in her application.
ELMAC, comprised of 17 members serving threeyear terms, makes recommendations to county commissioners on land acquisition and management issues, including recreational planning and programming of public lands.
ELMAC also serves as the tree advisory board. — lisa Neff
Feb. tourist tax tops 2024
The shortest month delivered bigger dollars for tourism, showing a rebound from the 2024 storms.
The Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office April 1 released February collection numbers for the tourist development or bed tax — the 6% tax collected on overnight accommodations of six months or less.
The month generated $3,536,640 in tax revenues. The amount is 7.48% higher than the $3,290,496 collected in February 2024.
It’s necessary to note that in 2024, the tourist tax was 5%, not 6%. Still, tourism improved over the months immediately following hurricanes Helene and Milton last fall.
Holmes Beach topped collections on Anna Maria Island in February, generating $691,143, about 19.54% of the countywide total. In February 2024, the tax collected was $713,049.
Anna Maria accounted for about 15.66% of collections, bringing in $554,017. In 2024, the amount for February was $384,275.
In Bradenton Beach, the February tax collected was $79,180 or 2.24% of the total.
Some other numbers for February:
• Unincorporated Manatee County generated $1,519,270 or 42.95%.
• Bradenton generated $334,432 or 9.45%;
• Longboat Key generated $262,703 or 7.43%;
• Palmetto, which now boasts a Marriott resort, generated $96,473, which was 2.73% of the total. In February 2024, the amount was $9,828 or 0.3% of the countywide total.
The collection fee or commission on the tax is 3%,
Source: Manatee County Tax Collector
so the net collection in February was $3,431,101
For the first five months of the 2024-25 fiscal year, the gross tourist tax totaled $10,676,981. For the same period in 2023-24, the amount was $11,353,369.
February’s collection is the first month this fiscal year to show an increase over 2024. October 2024 was down 8.98%, November was down 17.71%, December was down 16.6% and January was down 4.47%.
State law requires the revenues be used to boost tourism. In Manatee, money is used to fund the convention and visitors bureau, as well as projects such as beach renourishment and the water taxi.
The Manatee County Tourist Development Council recommends how to spend the money to the county commission.
The March numbers will be released in early May.
— lisa Neff
Thursday, April 10
11:30 a.m. — AMI Chamber of Commerce luncheon, Mean Deans Local Kitchen, 6059 26th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. RSVP. Info: 941-778-1541.
SAVE THE DATES
• April 24, AMI Chamber business card exchange, Anna Maria Island Historical Society, Anna Maria.
• May 1, Manatee Chamber of Commerce Spring Expo, Bradenton Area Convention Center, Palmetto.
• May 8, AMI Chamber luncheon, Pesto Bistro, Bistro.
• May 9, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament, IMG Academy Golf Club, Bradenton.
• May 22, AMI Chamber business card exchange, SunMed, Cortez.
Send listings to calendar@islander.org.
You can move right into this TURNKEY FURNISHED, WATERFRONT, 2BR, 2BA Condo with covered parking! Nestled along the banks of the Manatee River this River Oaks condominium at 1600 First Ave. W., Unit 102, is recently remodeled and tastefully furnished, featuring an open floor plan that is PERFECT for entertaining family and friends. Stainless-steel Bosch appliances, quartz countertops, hurricane/ impact-resistant windows and sliders PLUS an enclosed lanai. CONVENIENTLY located in the heart of downtown Bradenton where shopping, dining and cultural events are all just a stone’s throw away! Don’t let this opportunity slip by… CALL TODAY!
Kathy Nunnally McCann Broker Associate
ENVIRO COMMITTEE FrOM PAGE 20
Jim Gentile lines up a putt at the 2019 AMi Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament. This year’s event will be May 9 and registration is underway. For more, call the chamber at 941-778-1541. islander
File Photo
Fore the chamber
ITEMS FOR SALE
ENlArGEMENT OF AN original front page from 1958 featuring Harr y Varley, who founded the islander in 1951, as “The Woeful Knight and the Wilful Dragon by r onald Mc l eod, a national commercial artist who lived on the island. Photo available. Make offer. 941-626-3926.
THrEE GAllONS UNOPENED Sherwin Williams white paint. interior satin. Was $135, just bought last week, now, $80. 941-778-6854.
ANT i QUE PA r TNE r 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).
ESTATE SALES
ESTATE SAlE: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, April 13. Outdoor furniture, TVs, dressers, king bed, dining table, lamps, home goods! 608 Gladstone lane Holmes Beach.
GARAGE SALES
GA r AGE/ESTATE SA l E: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 11-12. 530 68th St., Holmes Beach.
TRANSPORTATION
GO l F CA rT r ENTA l S: Fun for residents and tourists! 212-941-2402. www.GolfCartrentalAMi com
2020 STrEET lEGAl Club Car Precedent: lithium Batteries, ViN: FlA 109662, 25 MPH, excellent condition, used only on AM i & K r C golf course. Kept in Holmes Beach carport, full service completed September, 2024. Original price, $12,200, asking $5,500. 941-773-4809.
More ads = more readers in The islander.
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, 941896-2915.
SUNCOAST BOTTOM PAiNTiNG: Professional bottom painting. Mobile. Call 941-704-9382.
CAPTA i N FO r H ir E and boat caretaker services: if you need help with your boat on or off the water, call Captain Dan. USCG, retired. 772486-8085.
WElCOME ABOArD JOYFiSH Charters for private fishing, sunset cruises, and dolphin watching. Check out joyfishcharters.com or follow us on Facebook. Call to reserve, 941-840-3181.
2003 BOSTON WHAlEr 130 Sport, with Bimini and trailer. Great condition, needs motor. $5,200. 609-231-9564.
24-FOOT POlAr walk-around cutty. All reasonable offers will be considered. radar included. Can be seen at Crosspointe Fellowship. Call Dick Alvarez, 813-215-1727.
HELP WANTED
iSlAND YOGA SPACE is seeking quality teachers for beach yoga on AMi. Starting immediately, competitive pay. Call or text 941-224-0292.
NOW H iri NG HANDYMAN: Full-time professional services. $18 an hour and up, based on experience. Call JayPros, 941-962-2874.
KIDS FOR HIRE
KiDS FOr HirE ads are FrEE for up to three weeks for island youths under 16 looking for work. Email ads to 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 973-8192824.
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. 941-8967884.
APi’S DrYWAll rEPAir: i look forward to servicing your drywall repair needs. Call 941-5248067 to schedule an appointment.
PC O r 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 941-4477737 or email to mrfort5001@gmail.com We are available 24/7.
iS l ANDE r A r CH i VE . UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.
SERVICES Continued
l OOK NO MO r E! r esidential, vacation rental and commercial cleaning. Give us a call, 941250-8548.
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 941404-9163.
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 727-623-5050 or visit u-plus-me.com
GOT DirTY WiNDOWS? Free estimates/insured. Five-star customer service rating. “We want to earn your business. Downeast Window Cleaning, 207-852-6163.
AirPOrT SHUTTlE: QUAliTY transportation, 10 years by lewber. 352-339-3478.
lOOKiNG FOr SOMEONE who needs me: Clean, house-sit. i can cook, make sandwiches. i can do anything you can do but better! i can run to the grocery store for you. i can walk pets or go out to lunch with you. looking for a part-time job caregiving companion, i am your right arm! i love people and i love helping others. i have references and i’m reliable and dependable. My name is Dena Gray a.k.a. Sparkles! 941-524-2234.
i N-HOME SUPPO r T: 26-plus years’ experience. Tammy r oberts, 941-580-4440.
ACHAUFFEr4U FOr TrANSPOrTATiON anywhere in Florida. Properly insured and over 40 years in Bradenton. Dennis, 941-812-5930.
ONECA ll C l EANUP. Junk removal, water damage, and more. Fast, reliable service. Call, 941-544-1260.
AFFOrDABlE PrESSUrE ClEANiNG, painting or maid service. 941-356-1456.
NEED A riDE to the airports? Service to Tampa, St. Pete or SrQ. Call Gary at 863-409-5875
BUSiNESS-TO-BUSiNESS JD’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. i make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-9203840.
BEACH SErViCE air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. Commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. Serving Manatee County and the i sland since 1987. For dependable, honest and personalized service, call Bill Eller, 941-720-7411. residential, call Nate, 941-5242248. CAC184228.
ClEAN TECH MOBilE Detailing. At your location. Cars, boats, rVs. Call or text Billie for an appointment. references. 941-592-3482.
More ads = more readers in The islander. lOOKiNG FOr AN EArlY BirD? You can read Wednesday’s classifieds on Tuesday at islander.org. And it’s FrEE!
LAWN & GARDEN
CONNiE’S lANDSCAPiNG iNC. residential and commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! insured. 941-713-1965.
NOW HAUliNG STOrM trash. Shell delivered and spread. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, topsoil with free estimates. Call larry at 941795-7775, or “shell phone” 941-720-0770.
GriFFiN’S HOME iMPrOVEMENTS inc. Handyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. i nsured and licensed. 941-722-8792.
lANE’S SCrEENiNG SErViCES: replace your window, door or lanai screens. Many screen options available. r etired 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 413-2462410. 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. 941-705-7096.
GO rill A D rYWA ll r EPA ir ll C. l et’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, 864884-3380.
CA ll HYD r O C l EAN. 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 i sland patio home, single floor, high ceilings, 3Br/2BA, privacy wall/gate, two-car garage. Call or text Alison, 859-771-6423. www.pericoislandrental.com
GOrGEOUS WATErFrONT FirST-floor condo: 2Br/2BA, carport. Available June to December or monthly. Call/email for pics, 570-239-0431. marketreps@aol.com
RENTALS Continued
FOr SAlE Or lease: Downtown Bradenton, west end of the riverwalk, a dynamic 55-plus walk-about community. 2Br/2BA has panoramic views of Manatee river and Marina. Geri Kenyon, 941725-4374. Florida Suncoast real Estate.
2026 WATE r F r ONT V ill A: 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.
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.
BEAUT i FU l PE ri CO BAY C l UB CONDO! 2Br/2BA second floor unit. Seasonal, $4,750/ month. Annual, $2,500/month. Call 941-7781979 for more details.
MiNUTES TO BEACHES! 2Br/2BA condo, water and cable included, pool, washer/dryer, $1,795/ month, annual, 941-713-6743.
ANNUA l rENTAl: HOlMES Beach. 2B r/2BA Close to beach, one parking space. Washer and dryer on site. Available May 1. $2,000/month. Also have a furnished unit, 2B r /2BA. Available month-to-month May 1. Both units completely renovated. Contact Paul, 519-807-9426. Pkelly333333@hotmail.com dlehto@telus.net jkrouse@shaw.ca
AVA il AB l E NOW! ANNUA l 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.
WESTBAY COVE ON Anna Maria: This is a 2Br/2BA waterfront unit for rent for $10,500 in April and $9,500 in May. Call, 973-208-0020. prs@auaus.net.
ANNUAl CONDO: Bradenton Beach. 1Br, furnished, all utilities, cable, and WiFi included, small resort, big pool, one block to beach. Six months minimum, $2,500 per month. 941-704-7525.
ANNA MAriA 3Br/1BA historic cottage: Halfblock to Gulf beach and one block to Pine Avenue shopping and restaurants. Available April 4 through May, 2025. Weekly or monthly. Home phone, 941-778-8456, cell, 941-704-1015. Terryaposporos@gmail.com
WATErFrONT 2Br/2BA FirST-floor condo for rent. May/June. Additional months considered. Two pools, tennis, one block from beach, shopping. Call or text Kathy, 973-219-0335. Sorry, no pets.
FU llY FU r N i SHED r EMODE l ED 1B r /1BA l anai in Meadowcroft with tennis, pickleball, pool, clubhouse. 941-580-7665.
REAL ESTATE
W i NN i E MCHA l E, r EA 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. Call Kathryn with integrity Mobile Home Sales. 407-674-0220.
UMB r E ll A BEACH r ESO rT Timeshare for sale. Sleeps six, pool, spa. in the center of the action, Skinny’s, Surf Shop, public beach and cafe. Publix Market, tw o blocks. Deeded. $3,000. Contact Mike, 269-501-7437.
REAL ESTATE
GrEAT ViEW: PE ri CO Bay Club. 2B r/2BA, first floor direct bay view. Garage, New air, water heater, tile roof, renovated, like-new everywhere flooring, cabinets, countertops. inside and outside newly painted. Very desirable, great value. Guard-gated community. Minutes to beach. 1153 Edgewater Circle, Bradenton. $495,000. lew, 352-339-3478.
WATErFrONT 3Br/2BA MANUFACTUrED home with ample parking for boat/rV and two cars. Screened-in lanai for enjoying sunsets. Steps away from Parrott Cove Marina and free boat launch. Sunny Shores beach nearby and easy walk or bike ride to Anna Maria island. Awaiting new owner to complete drywall and decorative flooring. You own the land. Sunny Shores, a friendly community with voluntary homeowners’ association that provides access to club house and park amenities. ideal vacation home or rental property. Asking price, $299,000. Call 847-436-0938 for more information or tour of home.
2Br/2BA MOBilE HOME in established 55-plus landowned community. High and dry, 20 minutes from AMi Move-in ready. New central air. Oversized lot, covered parking. Search up: 718 50th Ave. Drive W., Bradenton. Call or text Dan, 941-224-4913.
1Br/1BA TrAilEr: PArTiAllY remodeled at Sandpiper r esort. $120,000. One minute to beach and intracoastal. 831-212-2606.
BrADENTON BEACH: AVENUE B vacant lot for sale. 50x100 lot. Backs up to Avenue A with partial water views. Call 201-315-2785.
WEST BrADENTON 3Br/2BA, two-car garage. Very private caged pool area, also private side yard for boat/rV storage, play yard or dog run. Brand new roof, no HOA, not flood zone. Minutes to beach. $479,000. real Estate Mart, 941-356-1546.
COMME r C i A l SPACE FO r SA l E in Palm Condo. 12x25-foot office suite. Street frontage. One allocated parking space. Shared client parking. $120,000. Call 941-730-2606.
