The Islander Newspaper E-Edition Wednesday, September, 16, 2026 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

Sept. 16, 2026 THE ISLANDER | islander.org page 1 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Volume 34, No. 47

What’s happening, y’all? See page 8.

Sept. 16, 2026 FREE

islander.org OPINIONS, PAGE 6

LWV hosts HB candidate forum By Ryan paice Islander Reporter

Sundown party heats up Bridge Street ABOVe: patrons stroll the vendor booths Sept. 12 at the Sundown Getdown: endless Summer Afterglow party on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. Hosted by AMI South end, the event featured shopping, music, food and libations. RIGHt: Sisters Kay Davenport, left, and Shelby toast Daiquiri Deck drinks Sept. 12 during the Sundown Getdown party. the pair went to Bridge Street to celebrate Kay’s birthday and Shelby’s recent marriage proposal. Islander photos: Robert Anderson

Fall weather is drawing near and election season is heating up the scene in Holmes Beach. Three city commission candidates — newcomers Mark Hebden and John Azzata and incumbent Carol Whitmore — participated Sept. 8 in an hourlong forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of Manatee County. The LWV is a nonpartisan, nonAzzata profit public policy organization that encourages informed and active participation in government. The candidates are vying for two commission seats that are up for grabs on the Nov. 3 ballot. Azzata is a political newcomer Hebden who was born in Brooklyn, New York, spent 34 years in law enforcement and graduated from the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy. Hebden is a retired architect who has never held public office but served as president 2011-17 of Philadelphiabased architecture firm EwingCole. Whitmore pLeASe, See HB ELECT, pAGe 2

Anna Maria OKs rental activity has created problems. Those problems include rental companies crowd- $436K for pier T-end Holmes Beach is bringing out the big guns to ing the ramp and its dock with vessels, as well as boat address concerns of over-commercialization at King- renters taking up parking with trailer-less vehicles — construction HB seeks help to retain boat ramp access

By Ryan paice Islander Reporter

fish Boat Ramp. Mayor Judy Titsworth and Police Chief Bill Tokajer told The Islander Sept. 10 that they are seeking help from Manatee County and the Florida Department of Transportation to better regulate commercial activity and its effects at Kingfish. The boat ramp is located at 752 Manatee Ave. in Holmes Beach but is owned by the state and operated by the county. City officials discussed the matter during an Aug. 25 commission meettokajer ing, where they expressed concerns that watercraft rentals at Kingfish are limiting recreational access to the public boat ramp. While charter captains have used the boat ramp to pick up and drop off riders for years without issue, Titsworth and Tokajer believe the recent emergence of A man prepares Sept. 9 to launch a personal watercraft at the Kingfish Boat Ramp, 752 Manatee Ave., Holmes Beach. Islander photo: Robert Anderson

leaving few spaces for recreational boaters with boat trailers. “There’s too many people, and now businesses, all going for the small number of boat ramps that we have,” Titsworth said. Tokajer said the overcrowding of the parking lot resulted in days where titsworth boat ramp users were forced to park in the right of way across the street, south of Manatee Avenue. They then crossed the busy roadway without a crosswalk to get to Kingfish. He said such a practice is unsafe, so the city contacted the DOT, which owns the right of way about installing signage to prevent parking there. However, parking across the street is a symptom, not the disease. The real source of the problem is the

By Ryan paice Islander Reporter

A contractor has been chosen to close out the rebuild for the Anna Maria City Pier. City commissioners unanimously voted Sept. 9 to approve a $436,192 contract with Sarasota-based Southern Cross Contracting to complete the last phase of repairs on the pier’s T-end. The pier, 100 S. Bay Blvd., has remained closed since hurricanes Helene and Milton destroyed the walkway and did damage to the T-end in 2024. Tampa Bay Marine finished rebuilding the walkway earlier this summer, but work is needed on the T-end, which has been in disrepair since the storms. Tangerine Group began demolition and remediation work on the T-end — the new walkway was covered with protective matting. Their tasks involved repairing pLeASe, See HB KINGFISH, pAGe 2 the T-end platform, remediating water damage in the buildings and gutting the bathrooms. Mayor Mark Short said the last phase of construction would involve installing two-part “roll-up,” “garage-type door” systems to open the shell of the eastern building that last housed a Mote Marine outreach center. The shell will feature roll-up doors with glass windowpanes and exterior roll-up hurricane-rated shutters, which will be operated separately. Short said the contracted work also would involve repairing the roof, bathrooms and interior walls to get the buildings ready for the tenant, GSM Partners, to set up operations. GSM, which will operate on the pier under the trade name PIERadise, is a partnership between Brian Seymour and brothers Ben and Jason Sato. Seymour, who attended the meeting, said the door systems were not “Miami-Dade-rated” but GSM agreed that they were the “best solution.” pLeASe, See CITY PIER, pAGe 3

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In memoriam A group from West Manatee Fire and Rescue pose before and rest after tackling an exercise to honor fallen first responders at the World trade Center terrorist attack in 2001. Deborah trotter, a resident at Martinique South, shared the 25th anniversary event on Sept. 11 that WMFR organized at the six-story condo, the tallest building on the island. the firefighters climbed the exit stairs multiple times, up and down, in full gear, until they completed the same number of steps that firefighters took on 9/11 in NYC. Islander photos: Deborah trotter

HB KINGFISH CONtINUeD FROM pAGe 1

AM stormwater tax tabled to 2027-28 By Ryan paice Islander Reporter

ing: No, it won’t. He said the city received some pushback from its consultant regarding the implementation of the methodology, so the municipality would continue with its current tax rate by default for next year. “What you paid last year is effectively what you’re going to be paying,” Short said. He said there was not a problem with the methodology itself, but rather with determining how the amounts would be allocated — as in, how much revenue would the different proposed rates garner? “I will tell you, personally, I was very disappointed that we got this word at the last minute,” Short said. Commissioners John Lynch and Christopher Arendt asked if the city was still working to implement its proposed methodology moving forward. “I would hate to see us give up on a better method of assessing that because I think we’re on the right track,” Arendt said. Short assured commissioners that city staff will continue working to implement the new methodology for fiscal 2027-28. “I’m convinced that the path we’ve chosen is the right path,” he said. There was no public comment. Commissioner Gary McMullen moved to adopt the resolution. Lynch seconded the motion, which passed.

HB ELECT CONtINUeD FROM pAGe 1

Our voters are being asked to vote on something that they don’t know the full impact of what they’re voting on. … If it passes, then we’re going to have to make some adjustments to the budget.” Q: Short-term vacation rentals drive the local economy, but pressure permanent residents. What further steps will you take to protect neighborhood integrity? • Azzata: “I’m very familiar with what the issues are with short-term rentals, and thankfully we don’t have that many problems. We have problems with noise on occasion. We have problems with traffic on occasion. We need to educate and enforce the laws on the books … and hopefully that would correct many of the problems that we’re having.” • Hebden: “Manatee County does not need a new ordinance, for example, to address short-term rentals. What they need to do is enforce the current legislation. … It’s the same thing with Holmes Beach. We can be more effective and benefit the residents immediately by enabling and insisting on better enforcement — or consistent enforcement — of the ordinances that we have currently for the city.” • Whitmore: “We have a good code enforcement department.… The county is using some of the things that we do now. … So actually, they are following Holmes Beach’s lead. But I’ve been here my whole life. … I understand the harassment. … Unfortunately, it used to be a quiet town, and the cat’s been let out of the bag.” Q: The tourist taxes generated by Anna Maria Island are a lion’s share of the tourist revenue for Manatee County’s budget. Are there improvements or projects that Holmes Beach could beneﬁt from that you would promote the county to fund? • Whitmore: “Any help that we can get — if we can get more lifeguards, if we can get more help cleaning the beach ends, that would be wonderful. … We need to know that tourist taxes are to promote tourism,

Earlier changes proposed for Anna Maria’s stormwater fees will have to wait. City commissioners unanimously voted Sept. 9 to adopt a resolution approving the municipality’s non-ad valorem assessment tax for stormwater services in fiscal 2026-27. The city’s current stormwater tax is based on a rate of $4 per 100 square feet of property, resulting in a $200 annual stormwater utility fee for a 5,000-square-foot property. Short However, municipal staff has been working since last summer to change how fees are assessed to better reflect each property’s impact on local drainage. A new methodology — charging a base fee dependent on lot size, a second fee based on impervious area, and a third fee for high-density properties — was proposed. An ordinance was prepared to implement the new plan ahead of the new fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1, but a first reading for the ordinance was pulled from the Aug. 13 meeting agenda without explanation. Since then, it has been unclear whether the new tax plan would be ready for fiscal 2026-27. Short provided an answer during the Sept. 9 meetWhitmore has served in local politics for years, beginning with a run from 1991-98 on the Holmes Beach City Commission. She served as mayor from 1998-2006 before joining the Manatee Board of County Commissioners in 2006. Her tenure on the BOCC ended in 2022 and, two years later, she was elected to the city commission. City commissioners receive an $8,210.04 annual salary and serve two-year terms. League president Ruth Harenchar moderated the Zoom-based forum, asking prepared questions and allowing each candidate 1:30 minutes to answer. A video of the forum can be viewed on YouTube, under the title “2026 Holmes Beach Commissioner Candidate Forum.” Here are a few notable questions and answers: Q: Do you support Florida Amendment 3? If it passes, how would you address the signiﬁcant loss of ad valorem revenue and ensure the city can continue funding essential services and the high quality of life, given that Amendment 3 also restricts what ad valorem taxes can fund? • Whitmore: “I say whatever happens, happens. … We work with what the people have decided. … Personally, I want that tax cut because I’m a widow living by myself, but I’m a public servant. I represent however they decide to vote, and I’ll do that, and we’ll all figure it out.” • Azzata: “Personally, I would like it, but it has nothing to do with me. It has to do with us. What benefits all of us. And that’s what I’m about. We need to benefit all of us, not just select groups. So whatever way the amendment goes, I will support and do what’s best for the people.” • Hebden: “It’s hard not to be in favor of reducing taxes and also for being supportive of efficiency of operations of a city and the city services. The thing that bothers me about the amendment is the process.

commercial activity. While commercial uses are not allowed on the property, vendors get around the rule by conducting transactions online, staging on the east side of the bridge, then providing customers with the rented vessels at Kingfish. The Holmes Beach Police Department patrols the boat ramp, but Tokajer said the only existing regulation they could enforce is a 15-minute time limit on vessels docked at the boat ramp — and police cannot always be there to ensure it is followed. Titsworth said she has been in conversations with the county about potentially adopting regulations to better control commercial activity at Kingfish. “We’re going to definitely get a handle on it,” she said. “You can’t really say zero commercial use, but if you only have a certain amount of parking, I would think you’d be able to limit what kind of commercial use is allowed.” Titsworth added that, ideally, she would prohibit all boat rentals at the location. In the meantime, Kingfish isn’t the only place where the city is facing problems with commercialization. Over the past year or two, a few vendors have been popping up along the city’s beaches, selling ice cream and other items from vessels to people in the water — just beyond the city’s regulatory reach, which ends at the shoreline. Titsworth said she had tasked city attorney Randy Mora with researching legal options for how the municipality could regulate that activity. “It’s ugly and it’s out of place,” she said. and that’s the way it’s always been. I remember the previous mayor, Ms. Duffy (Patricia Geyer), going to the county and said, ‘You’re not advertising our islands at all. We want more business.’ Then the floodgates opened, so be careful what you ask for.” • Azzata: “I’ve gone to city staff and asked the attorney to look into a higher authority getting a grant for the three cities together, and hopefully with the pressure from three cities and the higher authority, we can get increased funding from the tourist tax. … We need to get someone to develop a relationship with the county to get us a more favorable distribution so we can do some of these things that we should be entitled to from that tax. … We’re getting too small a portion of the pie.” • Hebden: “It would seem only fair that there would be a number in the legislation that would say that a certain percentage of that revenue has to go back to the cities.… The other island cities should be interested in this, and I believe in the idea of a coordinated effort in terms of funding (stormwater improvements) because there’s no barriers that stops the floodwater from flowing from one island city to the other. So we are literally all in this together.”

Election 2026

On the calendar

• Vote-by-mail ballots sent, Thursday, Sept. 24. • League of Women Voters of Manatee County ballot measure forum, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 26. • Voter registration deadline, Monday, Oct. 5. • Vote-by-mail ballot request deadline, Thursday, Oct. 22. • Early voting, Monday, Oct. 19-Sunday, Nov. 1. • General election, Tuesday, Nov. 3. For more information, go to votemanatee.gov. — Lisa Neff

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Anna Maria promotes deputy clerk to city clerk post By Ryan paice Islander Reporter

October will bring some changes to Anna Maria City Hall. City commissioners unanimously voted Sept. 9 to appoint Barbara Jeffries as the municipality’s new city clerk, effective Oct. 1. The clerk is a charter position in Anna Maria and requires city commission approval for appointments. Jeffries The position has seen a lot of change in recent years. During Mayor Dan Murphy’s time in office, LeAnne Endres — formerly Addy — served as both

city clerk and treasurer. Months after Mayor Mark Short took office in November 2024, he hired Amber LaRowe to serve as city clerk. However, commissioners voted in August to approve Short’s request to appoint LaRowe as city administrator. She will start in that role as fiscal 2026-27 begins in October. Short requested commissioners appoint Jeffries in LaRowe’s place as clerk during their Sept. 9 meeting. Jeffries was hired by the city in September 2023 to serve as an administrative assistant and has since worked her way to the position of deputy clerk. According to Short, Jeffries has been “effectively

operating” in the capacity of city clerk “for a while now.” Commissioner Gary McMullen “gladly” moved to approve Jeffries’ appointment as city clerk. Commissioner John Lynch “gladly” seconded the motion, which passed. There was no public comment. Jeffries told The Islander Sept. 10 that she has “loved” working at the front desk of city hall, but was excited to begin in her new role as city clerk. “I feel proud and I feel honored that I was appointed,” she said. “On the way up, I’ve worn a lot of different hats. … Now I’m excited because I’ll have a lot more opportunity to kind of shine in the creativity department.”

CITY PIERCONtINUeD FROM pAGe 1

He said they hoped to only use the shutters on rare occasions but could use them as an additional layer of security if there are problems with vandalism or trespassing. Otherwise, Seymour said GSM was “ready to push the button.” “We’re eager for you all to approve this next phase and hopefully the last phase of your responsibility,” he said. “And then turn it over and give us the opportunity to show you what we can do and make something we’re all proud of and get it open.” Seymour added that they were aiming to open in November or early December, so GSM’s contractor would be coordinating with SCC to speed things up by working simultaneously on the T-end after the buildings are readied for setup. Commissioner Gary McMullen moved to approve the contract. Commissioner John Lynch seconded the city’s Old Soldiers & Sailors Veterans Day Ceremony and the Center of Anna Maria Island’s Trunk or Treat, motion, which passed. scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, and 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, respectively; In other matters… • Motions granting requests for a variance and a City commissioners also approved: • A consent agenda that included permits for the site plan for property at 305 Pine Ave.;

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Anglers try their luck Sept. 9 near the base of the Anna Maria City pier, where construction on the t-end heads into the final stage. Islander photo: Robert Anderson

• A first reading for an ordinance that would amend city code to establish a process to seek a variance from regulations under Chapter 90, “Internal Traffic Circulation, Access and Storage.” The commission will meet next at 5:01 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

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$29K OK’d for Coquina mitigation monitoring By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Bradenton Beach commissioners approved another round of environmental monitoring for the Coquina Boat Ramp Access Channel as officials work to fulfill permit requirements and assess hurricane damage to seagrass and mangrove mitigation areas. The commission voted unanimously Sept. 3 to approve a $29,050 proposal from Coastal Engineering Consultants Inc. of Bonita Springs for permit-required 48-month monitoring of the dredged channel and mitigation sites. Mayor John Chappie said the monitoring is not optional and it must move forward while seagrass remains in its growing season. “It is an obligation of the city that this has to be done,” Chappie said. CEC’s Jeremy Herget told commissioners the monitoring stems from the city’s 2021 project to dredge the shallow access channel extending from the South Coquina Boat Ramp north toward the Historic Bridge Street Pier to improve boating navigability. The dredging affected seagrass habitat, requiring the city to compensate for the environmental impacts. The project initially sought to do so through creation of other seagrass areas. However, Herget said there were not enough suitable sites to offset the impacts through seagrass restoration. So the project also used mangrove plantings near the Coquina boat ramp. The monitoring is required under permits from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. City records show the permits included mitigation requirements associated with the dredging. The $925,485 dredging and mitigation project began in 2021 and was funded in part by a $500,000 state appropriation and $300,000 from the West Coast Inland Navigation District, with additional city community redevelopment agency funding. AquaTech Eco Consultants LLC of Tampa began

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mitigation work in April 2021, ahead of dredging by Duncan Seawall, Dock and Boat Lift. The latest monitoring follows hurricanes Helene and Milton, which damaged mitigation areas. Herget said CEC documented conditions before and after the 2024 storms and found erosion, washouts and losses among mangrove plantings. However, surviving mangroves appeared healthy. “I’m optimistic that we’ll see some improvements from last year’s report,” Herget said. The 2026 survey also could help determine whether additional work is necessary to address storm-related losses. Herget said CEC began discussions with the DEP about the damage but those discussions were tabled until this year’s monitoring provides a clearer picture of how the sites are recovering. Meanwhile, city attorney Erica Augello said she is reviewing past agreements and funding arrangements associated with the project. Augello inherited the issue following the 2025 departure of her predecessor, Ricinda Perry, who helped coordinate the original project. Augello said she traced much of the relationship involving the city, CRA and other agencies but had not found documentation connecting every element. “There’s no agreement between the city and the CRA that I could find,” Augello said. She also said a dredging agreement involving the contractor, the city and the CRA apparently was not signed by the city. However, she said, any necessary agreement between the city and CRA potentially could be ratified later. The uncertainty extends to which account will pay CEC’s $29,050 fee. “At this point, the funding will come from the city,” Augello said. The contract will not complete the monitoring obligation. CEC’s proposal covers the 48-month survey and updated report, while permit-required fifth-year monitoring in 2027 is outside the current scope and would require separate authorization.

Streetlife

Island police reports By Robert Anderson and Ryan paice

Streetlife is based on incident reports from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach police departments. Anna Maria No new reports. Bradenton Beach Sept. 5, 11 p.m., 2100 block of Ave. B, fire. The BBPD responded to a fire in a barrel. The homeowner said someone with whom he had issues started the fire. Firefighters were investigating. Sept. 5, Beach House Restaurant, 200 Gulf Drive N., disorderly intoxication. A man accused valet staff of stealing his vehicle after they moved it from a valet lane. The man appeared intoxicated and became aggressive toward police. He was arrested on suspicion of disorderly intoxication and resisting an officer without violence. Sept. 6, Bridge Street, disorderly intoxication. An intoxicated man who said his boat was stolen became aggressive and lunged toward police. The man was treated at HCA Florida Blake Hospital for a dislocated shoulder before being taken to the county jail. Cortez No new reports. Holmes Beach Sept. 3, 6000 block of Gulf Drive, theft. A complainant told the HBPD that a bicycle went missing from a storage unit while he was out of state. Sept. 5, 43rd Street and Gulf Drive, marijuana/ open container. An officer made a traffic stop and found open alcohol cans inside the vehicle, which smelled of marijuana. A search turned up a bag containing less than 20 grams of marijuana. The officer issued citations and court summons. Sept. 6, 3700 block of Gulf Drive, theft. A complainant said two rented electric bikes were stolen. The officer provided a case number to the complainant.

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Mangrove planting structures are visible Sept. 8 in a mitigation area south of the South Coquina Boat Ramp in Bradenton Beach. Mitigation was required for dredging. Islander photo: Robert Anderson

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West Manatee lieutenant deployed to help fight Texas fire By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

All hands on deck! West Manatee Fire Rescue Lt. Cameron Frazier was deployed Aug. 28 on a 14-day assignment to assist firefighters with the Ross Fire in North Texas. The fire started Aug. 24 and became the largest summer wildfire in the state since 2005. While there were no reported fatalities as of Sept. 4, the fire had burned an estimated 90,400 acres across Palo Pinto and Jack counties, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. Firefighters from across the country were deployed to assist with efforts to suppress the wildfire, including Frazier and North River Fire District firefighter Mark Fontana out of Manatee County as part of Florida Emergency Support Team 1101. Frazier and Fontana left for Texas in an NRFD tanker vehicle Aug. 28 and arrived in Fort Worth the next day. According to WMFR fire marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski, Frazier and Fontana began field operations, such as monitoring for spot fires, Aug. 30. The fire was only 26% contained when they were deployed, but the containment percentage had

WMFR Lt. Cameron Frazier, left, and NRFD firefighter Mark Fontana, right, survey a burn area Sept. 2 during their deployment to the Ross Fire in Texas as part of Florida’s mutual aid response. Islander Photo: Courtesy West Manatee Fire Rescue

improved to 38% by Sept. 4. Frazier and Fontana were to continue to assist with fire suppression efforts until their deployment ended Sept. 11. “Major disasters require resources from well beyond the community where they occur,” Kwiat-

Rain, crowds mark Labor Day ’26 on Anna Maria Island By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Labor Day brought crowds, rain and little trouble to Anna Maria Island, where first responders reported a busy but manageable holiday weekend. An estimated 51,000 people visited Holmes Beach over the weekend, down from about 70,000 a year earlier, a decrease of 27%, according to a Sept. 9 estimate from Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer. Tokajer attributed the drop to Tokajer rain, particularly in the evenings and on Labor Day. “Saturday and Sunday, you know, we had a good amount of people out here. It was busy,” he said. HBPD reported no major incidents over the holiday. Cosby Parking violations were among the more common problems in the city. In Bradenton Beach, Police Chief John Cosby characterized the weekend as quieter than other major holiGetman days. BBPD made two disorderly intoxication arrests and shut down a problem party at a rental property, but Cosby reported no DUI arrests or significant problems at the beach or within the city’s commercial district. “Labor Day has always been the quieter of the holidays,” Cosby said.

In Anna Maria, where the city contracts with the Manatee County Sheriff for law enforcement, MCSOAnna Maria Substation Sgt. Brett Getman said deputies reported no significant incidents. “It’s not the busiest of holidays,” Getman said. He added, “And fortunately, this year everyone was well behaved.” On the water, the MCSO marine unit conducted about 100 vessel contacts Sept. 4-7 and issued seven citations involving manatee zones, life jackets and vessel registrations. County public safety personnel also experienced an active but largely uneventful weekend. County public safety communications coordinator Francesca Constantini said Sept. 10 that data collected from Sept. 4-7 showed 273 incidents. Beach patrol responded to 13 medical calls, including 10 minor incidents and three more serious calls involving a heat emergency, respiratory issue and allergic reaction. Beach patrol also responded to reports of four missing children and one missing adult. All five were located. Of 114 preventive actions recorded during the weekend, 28 involved no-swim warnings, 19 involved pier or jetty warnings and 16 were pet-related. Only one water rescue was reported. It occurred Sept. 7 and involved a swimmer at a sandbar near Tower No. 9 at Coquina Beach. “Overall, it was an active but manageable holiday weekend,” Constantini said. “Despite periods of elevated surf and changing conditions, there was only one water rescue across the four days.”

kowski said in an Aug. 28 news release. “Today Florida firefighters are answering the call in Texas; tomorrow it could be Florida that needs assistance. We are proud that (WMFR) has personnel capable of stepping forward when that call comes.”

HBPD makes DUI arrest

Holmes Beach police arrested Alicia Sportelli, 38, of Bradenton, Sept. 6 on second-degree misdemeanor charges for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol and refusing to submit to DUI testing. The arrest followed a traffic stop. Sportelli failed field sobriety tests and then refused to provide breath samples for DUI testing, according to a police report. She was taken to the Manatee County jail, where she was released the same day after posting $650 bond. If convicted, punishment for a second-degree misdemeanor includes up to 60 days in jail. An arraignment will be Oct. 13 at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. — Ryan Paice

She said beach conditions varied as the weekend progressed. Elevated surf Sept. 4 resulted in no-swim warnings and additional enforcement at piers. Conditions calmed Sept. 5 and Sept. 6, when crowds peaked, before seas increased Sept. 7 and lightning prompted some beach closures. Public safety figures are compiled through the county’s Peregrine public safety platform and include information from beach patrol, code enforcement, buoys and the Thor Guard lightning detection system. Manatee County beach attendance figures were not available as of Sept. 14.

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page 6 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Sept. 16, 2026 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Opinion

Our

Here comes fall — and season

The fall equinox and the first day of autumn will arrive on Anna Maria Island at 8:04 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Tuesday, Sept. 22. The equinox occurs at the same moment worldwide. It can’t come soon enough for Anna Maria Island, as we sizzle and fizzle in the sometimes record-hot temperatures that linger from summer. So what is an equinox? During an equinox, the sun crosses what the Farmer’s Almanac calls the “celestial equator” — an imaginary extension of Earth’s equator line into space. The equinox occurs when the center of the sun passes through this line. For us, being in the Northern Hemisphere, as the sun crosses the equator from north to south, it is known as the autumnal equinox. When it crosses south to north, it is the vernal equinox. It is the reverse in the Southern Hemisphere. With the autumnal equinox, comes shorter days as the sun continues to rise later and nightfall arrives earlier. This ends with the winter solstice, when the days begin to grow longer. The word “equinox” comes from the Latin aequus, meaning “equal,” and nox, “night.” On the equinox, day and night are roughly equal in length. This will no doubt have your brain leaping forward and wondering, when will daylight saving time end and when will we set the clocks back? Not yet. Not so fast. First of all, store this easy phrase to help you recall how to set your clocks, “spring forward, fall back.” And just maybe, since the House passed a bill July 14 to “lock the clock” and permanently establish yearround DST, we may be able to forget about it all. Calling the bill a bipartisan effort, U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Longboat Key, is urging the Senate to send the bill to the president’s desk. If that happens, and the president signs off, the clocks will stay the same. If the bill isn’t signed, our clocks will again be set back an hour (“fall back”). Sunrise and sunset will be one hour earlier than the day prior and there will be more light in the morning — until the longer days of winter meet the spring equinox and shorter days. So now that the equinox and the time change — or no time change — is clear as a puddle of tidewater, I hope you have a smartwatch to keep you on time. As it unfolds, we look forward to tourism improving, mid-term elections and business growing exponentially. And the El Nino calming the Atlantic. Happy fall, y’all. — Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

SEPT. 16, 2026 • Vol. 34, No. 47 ▼ ▼

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Publisher, editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org Editorial Robert Anderson, robert@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org Jack elka, jack@jackelka.com Lisa Neff, lisa@islander.org Ryan paice, ryan@islander.org Contributors Jacob Merrifield Capt. Danny Stasny, fish@islander.org Advertising Sales Cindy taylor, cindy@islander.org ads@islander.org Office Manager Lisa Williams info@, accounting@, classifieds@, subscriptions@islander.org Distribution Urbane Bouchet Ross Roberts Judy Loden Wasco Webmaster Wayne Ansell All others: info@islander.org

YourOpinion

Cabana rentals in Anna Maria

Anna Maria city commissioners unanimously voted in August to adopt an ordinance establishing new requirements for beach rental businesses to operate on the city’s shores. Now the race is on to secure agreements for beach equipment rental operations in the city of Anna Maria in 2027. Readers responded on The Islander’s social media: What’s the difference between private cabanas and public cabanas? NOTHING AT ALL. Thinking an umbrella is better? Link 4 private umbrellas and you have a cabana. You want a great spot at the beach, get there early! — Jenny Coleman

Digital Islander

Skimming online

Website: islander.org Facebook: islandernewspaper Instagram: @theislanderami NextDoor: page/the-anna-maria-islander/ News alerts: Register at islander.org E-edition: Subscribe at islander.org Archive: ufdc.ufl.edu Submit news, letters: news@islander.org What good do new ordinances do? Isn’t the issue that they failed to enforce the old ones? — Laura McCormick

Won’t be as big of an issue when there’s no free I wish they would ban all commercial cabanas! Six per parking available. block is still a lot when you consider how small the — Pat Pettinger blocks are. That used to be part of the magic of AMI, just beach towels or blankets, umbrellas, kids running Include the boats pulling up between swimmers to around, sand buckets and shovels in hand, teenagers sell food? — Neece Marie throwing the football, open skyline just added with the umbrellas against the beautiful water. Now it’s cabana The Islander Poll after cabana after cabana many of them set up just to advertise and sit empty all day. — Danielle Greene This week’s question

Q&A

Does AMI still have a population of seasonal

It won’t matter if they ban these. The vacationers will residents? simply buy them and bring them themselves. This is A. Yes, many seasonal snowbirds. just a very nice service for people that would like to B. Yes, but fewer than a decade or two ago. make their vacation a little easier. — Cathy Lynn C. Yes, for shorter periods. D. No, rentals mostly weekly now. I don’t see the problem. They are preventing the E. No, too expensive for a season. beach from being overrun with rental equipment and To answer the poll, go to islander.org. protecting the quality of the beach. If you want OBX and Myrtle, go there. — Patrick Oxenham Last week’s question, results Do you remember the events of Sept. 11, 2001?

Letters to the editor

Please, submit your opinion with name, address and contact phone number to news@islander.org.

Yes, very well. 96% No, not really. 3% Yes, but 25 years after, the memory is faded. 1% No, too young or not born. 0%

Sept. 16, 2026 THE ISLANDER | islander.org page 7 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Looking back

the Anna Maria Island tarpons youth football team assembles for a photo. the photo is not dated. Islander photos: Manatee County public Library System archives

10-20-30 years ago

Looking back at three decades of island life, drawn from headlines and stories in The Islander newspaper archived online by the University of Florida library at www.ufdc.ufl.edu.

In the headlines: Sept. 12, 1996

• A tree-cutter toppled an Australian pine tree onto a power pole in Anna Maria, knocking out electricity on Gladiolus Street for seven hours. • Bradenton Beach officials said property owners would see the lowest municipal tax rate on their tax bills in six years. The explanation? Revenue from a 1-cent sales tax. • Anna Maria officials were baffled and residents were holding their noses as a stink permeated the area around South Bay Boulevard and Magnolia Avenue. Samples were tested from Anna Maria Sound and county utility lines.

In the headlines: Sept. 13, 2006

• An earthquake occurred in the Gulf of Mexico about 250 miles west-southwest of Anna Maria Island. The quake generally went unnoticed locally and no waves resulted from the tremor, which registered 6.0 on the Richter scale. • Bradenton Beach commissioners asked the state to look at a proposal for duplexes in the 1400 block of Gulf Drive. City planners recommended the commission reject a request for a large-scale comprehensive plan amendment. • Holmes Beach commissioners were considering replacing the code enforcement board with a special magistrate. • The Anna Maria Island Community Center invited the community to Island Fun Day to kick off the fall sports season.

Jodene Lamoreux, left, and others with the Longboat Key Youth Center show off a collection of football tickets. the tickets are for a Florida Gators vs. California game at tampa Stadium Sept. 13, 1980.

From the Sept. 14, 2016, issue

AMI Strong: 2 years after Helene, Milton

Nearly two years ago, Hurricane Helene, then Milton, devastated Anna Maria Island, Cortez, Longboat Key and many other areas. The Islander invites you to share what you remember from those days in 2024 and after. The water, the wind, the waiting. What you lost, what you saved, what you found afterward. Tell us how your life looks now, and what still carries the mark of that storm. Tell us what stayed the same and what never will return again. Is recovery finished or does it stretch on? What did you learn about your home, your neighbors, yourself? Share your words and your photos to help create a portrait of what the community has lived through and where it stands. Send your story and photos to news@islander.org by Sept. 21. Please include your name, address Islander artist Joe Bird created this editorial cartoon and a phone number or email. in October 2024, following the devastation of Hur— Lisa Neff

ricane Helene. Milton had not yet hit. Islander File Image

Crossing over: A look back

The Florida Department of Transportation will begin constructing a new bridge on Cortez Road between the fishing village and Bradenton Beach later this year. We are looking back at the history of the Cortez Bridge — from the construction of the old wooden bridge to the drawbridge, from the celebration of bridge openings to the debates about new bridges and the island’s character. You can help The Islander build that history by sharing photos and recollections. Email recollections and photos to news@ islander.org. Please include a contact name and phone number. — Lisa Neff

Construction is nearly complete on the Cortez Bridge in 1957. Islander photo: Courtesy Manatee County public Library

• In an effort to quell the tide of Bert Harris claims after enacting vacation rental restrictions, the city of Anna Maria offered 28 resolution offers, including 20 proposed purchases of vacation homes. • The Obama administration sided with environmentalists against the Long Bar Pointe LLP’s plans for a mitigation bank needed to support its Sarasota Bay development. The mitigation, federal agencies determined, would cause environmental harm. — Lisa Neff

The Islander archive dating to 1992 is online at ufdc.uﬂ.edu.

Connections

Anna Maria: Mayor Mark Short; 941-708-6130; 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria FL 34216; cityofannamaria.com. Bradenton Beach: Mayor John Chappie; 941778-1005; 107 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach FL 34217; 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.org. Holmes Beach: Mayor Judy Titsworth; 941-7085800; 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach FL 34217; holmesbeachfl.org. Manatee County: Commissioner Tal Siddique, District 3, tal@mymanatee.org, 941-398-4729. Florida Senate: Sen. Jim Boyd; 941-742-6445; boyd.jim.web@flsenate.gov. Florida House: Rep. William Cloud “Will” Robinson Jr., District 71; 941-708-4968; will.robinson@ myfloridahouse.gov. U.S. House: U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, District 16; 941-747-9081; buchanan.house.gov. U.S. Senate: Ashley Moody, 202-224-3041; moody.senate.gov; and Rick Scott, 813- 225-7040; rickscott.senate.gov.

You can read it all online at islander.org

Island happenings

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Compiled by Lisa Neff, calendar@islander.org ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ON AMI Thursday, Sept. 17 10 a.m. — Island Morning Book Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341, mymanatee. org. Monday, Sept. 21 1 p.m. — Center of Anna Maria Island Book Club, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941-778-1908. ONGOING ON AMI • Tuesdays, 8 a.m., Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island plein air sessions, various locations. Info: www.amiartistsguildgallery.com, 508-265-0408. • Sept. 17-27, Tuesdays-Saturdays, 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m., Island Players’ “Always a Bridesmaid,” 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Info: 941-778-5755. • Throughout September, “Fur, Feathers and Fins” exhibit, Artists’ Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: www. amiartistsguildgallery.com, 941-778-6694.

“Fairies at Sunset” by Xi Guo is featured in the Florida Watercolor Society show at the Herrig Center for the Arts, 888 third Ave. W., Bradenton, through Oct. 9. For more information, go to herrigcenter.org. Islander Courtesy photo

‘Bridesmaids’ opens 78th season at Island Players

Book clubs turn pages across Anna Maria Island

The Island Players opens the 78th season with Readers, mark your calendars. Several area book “Always a Bridesmaid,” a comedy by Jones, Hope clubs meet in September, and each welcomes newcomand Wooten about friendship built to outlast anything ers. a wedding can throw at it. Florida Author Book Club: The Mike Lusk directs the show, co-produced by Off club discusses “Their Eyes Were Stage Ladies, running Sept. 17-27. Watching God” by Zora Neale HurCurtain Tuesdays-Saturdays is 7:30 p.m., with ston at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. doors opening at 7 p.m., at The Island Players Theater, 24, at Tingley Memorial Library, 111 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Sunday is a 2 p.m. Second St. N., Bradenton Beach. For matinee. more information or to register, call tingley topic Tickets are $28 for adults and $18 for students, 941-779-1208 or email bradentonavailable at theislandplayers.org. beachlibrary@gmail.com. Tickets also can be purchased by calling 941-778Island Morning Book Club: The 5755 or at the box office 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Saturgroup meets at 10:15 a.m. the third day and an hour before curtain. Thursday of each month at the Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive. This KIDS & FAMILY Morning read month’s pick is “Calamity Club” by Kathryn Stockett, set in DepressionON AMI era Mississippi. Book club picks are Saturday, Sept. 19 available at the front desk. Call the 11 a.m. — Touch-a-Truck, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, library at 941- 778-6341 for more Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341, mymanatee.org. information. Island Time Book Club: The ONGOING ON AMI group meets the second Wednesday Island time • Most Fridays, 10 a.m., Forty Carrots, Island Library, 5701 of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Island Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341, mymanatee. Library. The September meeting org. already took place. So the next meet• Most Tuesdays, 10 a.m., Family Storytime, Island Library, ing will be Oct. 14, with a discus5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341. sion on Marjan Kamali’s “The Lion Women of Tehran.” SAVE THE DATES Center of Anna Maria Island Center book • Oct. 10, AME Dolphin Dash, Holmes Beach. Book Club: The free, open club meets • Oct. 31, Halloween Spooktacular, Bradenton Beach. at 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21, at 407 Magnolia Ave., • Nov. 21, Christmas on Bridge Street kickoff, Bradenton Anna Maria, to discuss SW Hubbard’s “Another Man’s Beach. Treasure.” For more info, call 941-778-1908. • Nov. 28, Holidays in Paradise, Bradenton Beach. • Dec. 5, Holidays in Paradise, Bradenton Beach. • Dec. 5, Winter Wonderland, Bradenton.

mymanatee.org. • First and second Tuesdays, noon, Beach House Restaurant, 200 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Info: amirotary.org. ONGOING OFF AMI

ONGOING OFF AMI • First Fridays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Village of the Arts Art Walk, around 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Also, Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Info: villageofthearts.org. • Second and fourth Saturdays, 2-4 p.m., Florida Maritime Museum’s Music on the Porch, Cortez Cultural Center, 11655 Cortez Road W., Cortez. Info: 941-708-6120, floridamaritimemuseum. org. the Anna Maria Island privateers will lead a charity • Through September, “Art in the Park” exhibit, Palma Sola ride Sept. 19, beginning at the AMI Moose Lodge in Botanical Park, 9800 17th Ave. NW, Bradenton. Info: palmasolabp. Bradenton Beach. Islander File photo org, 941-761-2866. • Through Oct. 9, Florida Watercolor Society exhibit, Herrig CLUBS & COMMUNITY Center for the Arts, 888 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. Info: 941-746ON AMI 2862, herrigcenter.org. Thursday, Sept. 17 SAVE THE DATES 1 p.m. — Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Library, • Sept. 24, Tingley Memorial Library’s Florida Author Book Club, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341, mymanatee. Bradenton Beach. org. • Oct. 15-Nov. 1, “Carrie the Musical,” Bradenton. Friday, Sept. 18 • Oct. 18, the Pops Orchestra of Bradenton & Sarasota/Palma 5:30-7:30 p.m. — Community Clothes Swap, Center of Anna Sola Botanical Gardens’ Groovin’ in the Gardens, Bradenton. Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941-778-1908. • Oct. 22-Nov. 1, “Dear Evan Hansen,” Bradenton. Saturday, Sept. 19 • Oct. 23, Library Foundation of Manatee County Booked for 11 a.m. — Anna Maria Island Privateers’ Charity Ride, Anna Lunch event with author James Patterson, Palmetto. Maria Island Moose Lodge, 110 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. • Nov. 12-22, Island Players’ “Silent Sky,” Anna Maria. Info: 941-725-4033. • Nov. 16, Jan. 11, March 8, Island Players auditions, Anna ONGOING ON AMI Maria. • Dec. 3-13, “Anastasia,” Bradenton. • Most Fridays and Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong, Island • Jan. 14-24, “The Da Vinci Code,” Bradenton. Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341, • Jan. 7-24, Island Players’ “Prescription for Murder,” Anna Maria. • Jan. 21-31, “Come From Away,” Bradenton. Nonprofit organizers, event planners and public• Feb. 18-28, “Appropriate,” Bradenton. ity volunteers: We want to hear from you! • April 8-18, “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” Bradenton. Planning a fundraiser, festival, concert, class, • March 4-21, Island Players’ “’Til Beth Do Us Part,” Anna meeting, community gathering or other event for Maria. the 2026-27 season? Put it on the island calendar. • March 4-14, “Alice by Heart,” Bradenton. The Islander welcomes seasonal calendars and • April 22-May 2, “Guys and Dolls,” Bradenton. announcements for events and activities on and • May 6-16, Island Players’ “Social Security,” Anna Maria.

• Wednesdays, 2 p.m., bingo, Longboat Key Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Info: 941-383-6493. SAVE THE DATES • Oct. 10, Cortez Village Historical Society Cortez Coffee, Cortez. • Nov. 1, Suncoast Waterkeeper Brunch for the Bay beneﬁt, Longboat Key. MARKETS & COMMUNITY SALES ONGOING ON AMI • Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Roser Guild Thrift Store, 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941-778-0414. • Tuesdays, Thursdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Shepherd’s Closet Thrift Store, Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-1638. SAVE THE DATES • Sept. 27-May 30, Mixon Farms Market, Bradenton. • October-May, Saturdays, Realize Bradenton’s Bradenton Public Market, Bradenton. • Oct. 2, Coquina Beach Market returns, Bradenton Beach. • Nov. 14, Roser Church Holiday Market, Anna Maria. • Dec. 5, Blue Ribbon Events’ Mistletoe Market, Anna Maria. • Jan. 17-18, Blue Ribbon Events’ Anna Maria Winter Art and Craft Show, Holmes Beach. • Feb. 27-28, Blue Ribbon Events’ Springfest, Holmes

Call for seasonal calendars, notices

around Anna Maria Island. Regular meeting notices, special events, fundraisers, community programs and other happenings are all welcome for consideration in The Islander events calendar and on The Islander happenings page. Email calendar@islander.org. — Lisa Neff

Island happenings

Sept. 16, 2026 THE ISLANDER | islander.org page 9 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Fairies, telescopes light up Robinson Preserve Robinson Preserve turns into fairyland and a star deck this month, with two family programs set for the same Saturday. The Fairy Festival will be 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Mosaic NEST at Robinson Preserve, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Kids ages 2-10 can build fairy homes, craft nature crowns and hike the trails, with storytime and other activities rounding out the morning.

Fairy attire is encouraged. Beach. That evening, Starry Night Astronomy takes over • April 3-4, Blue Ribbon Events’ Coquina Beach Spring Art and the Robinson Preserve Expansion parking lot 8-10 Craft Show, Bradenton Beach. p.m. SPORTS & FITNESS Local astronomers with Suncoast Stargazers will set up telescopes and share a look at the night sky and SAVE THE DATES tips on stargazing at home. • Oct. 16, Center of Anna Maria Island’s Foster Yates III MemoThe program is open to all ages. rial Golf Tournament, Bradenton. For more information, call 941-748-4501. • Feb. 19, Pittsburgh Pirates spring training season opens, Bradenton. OUTDOORS & NATURE OFF AMI Wednesday, Sept. 16 6:50 a.m. — Manatee County Natural Resources’ AM Risers, Robinson Preserve, South Parking Lot, Manatee Avenue, Bradenton. Info: 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org. Saturday, Sept. 19 9 a.m.-noon — Manatee County Natural Resources’ Fairy Festival, Robinson Preserve at the NEST, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Info: 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org. 8 p.m. — Manatee County Natural Resources’ Starry Night Astronomy, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Info: 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org. Wednesday, Sept. 23 6:50 a.m. — Manatee County Natural Resources’ AM Risers, Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave., Perico Island. Info: 941-7484501, mymanatee.org. ONGOING OFF AMI

Here’s the scoop: Safety is sweet Anna Maria elementary fifth-grade teacher Nicole O’Neill, left, and SteM teacher Christian Davis, back left, accompany the fifth-grade safety patrol and their families Sept. 4 to Holy Cow Ice Cream, 3234 e. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. Holy Cow owner Chet Zarzycki and his daughter, Melinda Zarzycki-Harris, right, treated the group to ice cream in recognition of their commitment to helping keep AMe and its students safe. Islander photos: Courtesy AMe

Searching for the Islander archive? Peruse the past online at ufdc.uﬂ.edu.

WE LIKE LIKES

• Thursdays, 2 p.m., Manatee County Natural Resources Department’s Tortoise Talk, the NEST, Robinson Preserve, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Info: 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org. • Fridays, 10 a.m., Manatee County Natural Resources Department’s Yoga at the NEST, Robinson Preserve, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Info: 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org. • Saturdays, 9 a.m., Manatee County Natural Resources Department’s Saturday Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Info: 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org. SAVE THE DATES • Sept. 24, Coquina Beach Morning Shells and Shorelines Walk, Bradenton Beach. • Sept. 28, Center of Anna Maria Island Full Moon Women’s Circle, Anna Maria. • Sept. 30, AM Risers, Neal Preserve, Perico Island. CALENDAR NOTES MARK THE DATES • Through Oct. 31, sea turtle nesting season. • Through Nov. 30, hurricane season. ANNOUNCEMENTS GET LISTED!

facebook.com/ Islandernewspaper

Send listings to calendar@islander.org.

Page 10 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Sept. 16, 2026 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Swimming in turtles AMe first-grader Shore Davis finds himself surrounded by a bale of sea turtles during an Islanders 4 Clean Water campaign education day. Islander photos: Courtesy AMe

AMeVpK students Arthur Goodman, left, and Cove Knowle select sea turtle keychains as their classmates look on. the turtles were provided through the Islanders 4 Clean Water community education initiative sponsored by the city of Holmes Beach.

RELEASE DATE: 9/13/2026

New York Times Sunday Magazine Crossword

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60 Chilean poet 110 Actress Falco with four Emmys who served as a Communist senator 112 Sugary secretion 61 Four to two, e.g. 114 BEA ARTHUR 64 Friar with a famous 118 MARLON BRANDO ‘‘razor’’ 122 Submitted by the deadline 68 Turns on the waterworks 123 B.L.T. or P.B.J., cutesily 69 Ones making periodic 124 Musician/actress appearances ... or Haim the link between the capitalized clues and 125 Syllable of censure 25 Chef Hussain of ‘‘The their answers 126 Instants Great British Bake 73 2024’s ‘‘Joker: ____ à 127 High-protein bean Off’’ fame Deux’’ 128 Big name in truck 26 Discount Chinese 74 Alfresco area rentals e-tailer 75 ‘‘Everything cool 28 Jumbo shrimp between us?’’ DOWN 29 Ben & Jerry’s 76 Poorly nourished 1 God, to Bob Marley alternative 78 Fill at a fill-up 2 ‘‘____ you done?’’ 31 Pink-slips 80 ____ card 3 Musical comedy that 33 NORMAN REEDUS was 1968’s highest81 Rite Aid rival grossing film 37 GREG KINNEAR 84 CHRISTIAN SLATER 4 Caustic 40 Conditions of 89 City on the Illinois 5 Bootlegger’s concern equilibrium River 6 Like 666, popularly 41 Historian’s division 92 Grumpy grimace 7 Band that’s big in 42 Undying? 93 Discontinued Swedish Japan? cars 43 Offer illegally, as 8 Disoriented tickets 96 Inauthentic 9 Administered, as a 45 Publicly proclaim 97 ‘‘Catch-22’’ topic drug 46 Scatters messily 100 Join, as two metal 10 Potentialities surfaces 48 MORGAN FREEMAN 11 Something found under 55 Class for some recent 102 ISABELLA ROSSELLINI a top arrivals, for short 104 KEVIN KLINE 12 Wriggler in a stream 56 Kind of green 13 ‘‘____ fugit’’ 107 Erté’s style, 59 Chemist Lilly informally 14 Star’s opposite Online subscriptions: Today’s 108 Canadian fuel brand 15 Stout figure? Answers: puzzle and more than 4,000 16 Supreme Egyptian past puzzles, page 18 nytimes.com/ 109 All-vowel musical god refrain crosswords ($39.95 a year). AC R O S S

1 ‘‘Aladdin’’ villain 6 ‘‘It’s yours!’’ 10 Sarcastic ‘‘Sure’’ 14 Heat setting, in brief? 17 Dutch Caribbean isle 18 Explosive sound 20 Lacking constraints 22 MARTIN SHEEN 24 LIAM NEESON

18 Inuit watercraft 19 Office messages 21 Like some mattresses and offers 23 Mineral that makes cosmetics shimmer 27 Remove an identifier from, as on Instagram 29 Clear 30 Shoulder press targets, to trainers 32 Hit a ____ 34 Where a flock may gather 35 Beginning on 36 Attach with a needle and thread 38 Unused 39 Extreme happiness 44 Double-breasted pieces of menswear 47 Trigger 49 Like Scrooge McDuck 50 Right-hand page of a book 51 Made muffs 52 John ____ Day (California 67 Christmas presence? 83 Turn someone down commemoration) 69 Sushi bar serving 85 Unshared numbers 53 Citrus refreshments 70 Jazz great Fitzgerald 86 Hostile manner, 54 ‘‘N.Y. State of Mind’’ 71 Along with ‘‘CODA’’ informally rapper and ‘‘Argo,’’ the only 87 Actor and disability 57 1994 Costner title role other four-letter Best activist Christopher Picture winner 58 Diva’s time to shine 88 Like some liquors 72 Give gratis 61 ‘‘Dune’’ genre 90 Org. regulating air 73 Shakespearean shout 62 Mary or Elizabeth quality 63 Towering creature in 77 That’s the spirit! 91 ‘‘You sure about ‘‘The Two Towers’’ 79 Strike defier that?’’ 65 Sound in a cornfield 81 Part of an intersection 66 Half brother of Apollo 82 Barolos e Brunellos

94 Periods of 730 days

95 Withdraw from a 111 Fad toy of 1996 union 113 Snowboarder’s 97 Teensy amount transport 98 Feathered fliers 115 Often-illegal turn, 99 Shoe brand named for slangily an antelope 116 Cinephile’s cable 100 Hybrid tennis choice bottoms 117 Boars and bulls 101 Second tries 119 Comedian Sedaris 103 El Pollo ____ (chicken chain) 120 I, to Augustus 105 Creditor’s claim 121 Smudge or smear, 106 Turkish money say

page 12 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Sept. 16, 2026 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Holmes Beach approves 1st reading for 2026-27 budget By Ryan paice Islander Reporter

Budget season is nearing an end in Holmes Beach. City commissioners unanimously voted Sept. 9 on motions to approve first readings for ordinances to adopt a $17,982,312 budget and set a 1.8740 millage rate for fiscal 2026-27, which begins Oct. 1. The millage rate is the amount per $1,000 of property value used to calculate property taxes. The proposed rate of 1.8740 mills is a decrease from the current 1.99 millage rate, but more than the titsworth 1.7520 rollback rate, which would have garnered the same ad valorem tax revenue as the city collected this year. The proposed millage rate is lower than this year’s but would still result in $6,760,508 in tax revenue — a $592,802 increase — due to a Schaefer $483,851,296 increase in property values in the city over the past year. The owner of a property appraised at $1,000,000 would pay $1,874 under the proposed millage, 6.96% more than the $1,752 they would pay under the roll-

back rate. The adoption of anything more than the rollback rate would reflect a tax hike. On the budget side of things, the proposed spending plan for fiscal 2026-27 is somewhat unconventional. The budget includes $17,982,312 in total revenues and $16,664,691 in total expenditures — a difference of $1,317,621. That discrepancy is due to a $1,500,000 federal appropriation for stormwater improvements along Marina Drive, between 56th and 61st streets. The city will receive that funding in the latter half of fiscal 2026-27 and patel will spend most of it the following year, so the excess revenue will be carried forward into fiscal 2027-28. During the hearing, city commissioners agreed to increase the public works department’s $25,000 contingency fund to $100,000 using reserves but disagreed on funding for the Islanders 4 Clean Water program. The proposed budget includes $25,000 for the program, a combination of $15,000 in city funding and $10,000 in donations that will be carried forward. Commissioner Jessica Patel said that was “over-

Bradenton Beach adopts budget with tax increase By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Bradenton Beach commissioners finalized a $6.58 million fiscal year 2026-27 budget Sept. 9, maintaining the city’s property tax rate while increasing spending for employee compensation, infrastructure and storm preparedness. The commission voted 4-0 at city hall to adopt the budget and set the millage rate at 2.3329 mills, which is unchanged from fiscal year 2025-26. A mill is $1 for every $1,000 of taxable property value. Commissioner Robert Talham was absent with excuse. There was no commission discussion or public comment before the votes. The millage rate is 16.84% above the city’s 1.9966mill rollback rate. Under Florida’s Truth in Millage law, a rate above the rollback rate is considered a tax increase because it generates additional revenue from increased taxable property values. The budget includes $6,575,382 in expenditures, up $1.55 million, or 30.74%, from $5,029,211 in fiscal year 2025-26. The spending plan includes increased compensation for police officers as well as a 5% pay increase for most city employees.

Scott Bear presides over the Bradenton Beach CRA budget hearing Sept. 9. Islander photo: Robert Anderson

Local governments are finalizing their annual budgets for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1. Property tax bills based on millage rates for those budgets will go out later this year. A look at the calendar: • Sept. 18, deadline to file a petition with the value adjustment board challenging assessments. • Oct. 10, taxing authorities finalize millage rates for the year. • Nov. 1, the county tax collector mails bills. Early payment in November brings a 4% discount. Other discounts: 3% in December, 2% in January, 1% in February. • April 1, unpaid taxes become delinquent and interest starts to accrue. — Lisa Neff

kill” and proposed lowering the amount of city funding to the program. Mayor Judy Titsworth and Commissioner Terry Schaefer disagreed. They argued that it was a small price to pay for such an educational program. Commissioner Dan Diggins moved to approve the first reading of the budget, amended to increase the public works contingency fund. Schaefer seconded the motion, which passed. There was no public comment. The second and potentially final public hearing for the budget and millage rate will be at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

BB CRA finalizes budget By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

The police department budget increased from $2.13 million to $2.22 million, while building and planning increased from $531,860 to $617,435. Major expenditures include $1 million for stormwater flood-prevention, $75,000 for a replacement police vehicle, $11,426 for police radio upgrades and $50,000 toward replacement of the city hall roof. The new fiscal year will begin Oct. 1.

Fire district adopts $19M budget despite meeting issues

ers unanimously voted Sept. 8 on motions to adopt a $19,181,707 budget for fiscal 2026-27. A Zoom troll crashed the meeting. But a budget is The meeting marked the commission’s last before in the books anyway. the upcoming fiscal year begins Oct. 1. West Manatee Fire Rescue District commissionThe district has allowed for remote participation in its public meetings via Zoom since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. While there have been some technical issues with Zoom access over the years, the district found itself on the receiving end of its first “Zoom-bombing” during its Sept. 8 meeting. After staff presented the district’s proposed 2026-27 budget, the hearing was opened for public comment. Nobody commented, but when district commissioners went to vote on the budget’s adoption, loud, low-quality music started playing over the Zoom call. Shortly after, Zoom access to the meeting was closed. Since remote access was not restored for the remainder of the meeting, anybody attending via Zoom was unable to participate. Fire marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski wrote in a Sept. 9 text message to The Islander that “the disruption may be associated with a group known as ‘UN Thugs need a good laugh? visit the NEW Gateway,’ which reportedly utilizes a Discord server emerson quillin signature store. humor, art, gifts. HB Post Office, 5354 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach to locate public virtual meetings for the purpose of ask about our personal and pet portraits! ‘Zoom-bombing.’” By Ryan paice Islander Reporter

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Property tax calendar

tURN tO WEST MANATEE, NeXt pAGe

Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency members finalized a $2.74 million spending plan Sept. 9 that more than doubles funding for capital projects and includes $1.3 million to complete the undergrounding of electric utilities throughout the redevelopment district. The CRA members — comprising the city commissioners — voted 4-0 at city hall to adopt the 2026-27 budget, which begins Oct. 1. Commissioner Robert Talham was absent with excuse. There was no public comment or discussion before the vote. Overall spending increased $1.28 million or 88.4% from $1.45 million in the current fiscal year. Capital spending rose from $1.085 million to $2.41 million, or about 122%. In the largest project, $1.3 million was allocated for the third and final phase of underground electric utility work in the district bounded by the bay, the Gulf of Mexico, Cortez Road and Fifth Street South. Another $600,000 was earmarked for enhancements, including Americans with Disabilities Act improvements, landscaping, lighting and irrigation, while $400,000 was budgeted for improvements, including bike racks, trash cans, pavers and projects with the Southwest Florida Water Management District. The budget also includes $100,000 for community beautification grants and $10,000 for a gateway sign. Other than the capital projects, the budget provides $156,255 for general CRA operations, $134,420 for police services, $20,000 for streets and roads, $12,000 for administration and $3,000 for planning. The city’s approved 2026-27 property tax rate is set for a tax increase at 2.3329 mills, 16.84% above the rollback rate of 1.9966 mills. The CRA uses tax-increment financing to fund infrastructure and other improvements within the redevelopment district. Funding comes in part from Manatee County and Bradenton Beach property tax revenue generated by increases in taxable property values within the district.

Sept. 16, 2026 THE ISLANDER | islander.org page 13 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Gathering

By Lisa Neff

Shepherd’s Closet reopens

Shepherd’s Closet thrift shop at the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation reopens for the season this month, with organizers promising deals to match the shorter days ahead. The shop, 4408 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach, has been closed for the summer. Doors will open again Tuesday, Sept. 22. The thrift shop’s hours will be 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. For more information, call the church office at 941-778-1638 or visit amiannunciation.org.

RoadWatch Eyes on the road

Stay informed before heading out with weekly updates on island-related roadwork, traffic impacts and free trolley service. 56th Street and Marina Drive, Holmes Beach: Construction tied to stormwater improvements requires a closure at the intersection and detours until the end of the month. Construction will be 7 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays. Info: www.holmesbeachfl.org, 941-708-5800. Cortez Bridge and Cortez Road, Cortez: Street closures are in effect at Central Avenue, 125th Court West, 124th Street Court West and 124th Street West, with traffic barriers extending just before 123rd Street Court West. The project is to be completed this fall. Bridge construction is set to begin in November. Info: amiprojects.io, 941-306-4660. 75th Street West at Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton: Construction is ongoing along 75th Street West near Manatee Avenue West as crews continue with Manatee County roadway improvements. Activities include relocating utility lines along the north side of the corridor and installing drainage systems. Construction is Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Info: mymanatee.org/75th.

Trolley around AMI

New to the crew Capt. paul Hopkins, left, and his son, Nicholas Hopkins, right, stand together Sept. 8 after the younger Hopkins was sworn in as one of WMFR’s new hires. WEST MANATEE CONtINUeD FROM pAGe 12

“At this time, there is no indication that the individuals involved are associated with or reside within the (WMFR) district,” he wrote. Kwiatkowski added that the incident was reported to Zoom and district staff was reviewing security and meeting management options to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Despite the disruption, the budget was adopted with a unanimous vote. It includes $14,811,488 in total expenditures, with $12,200,726 in personnel expenses and $2,185,762 in operating expenses. The remaining $425,000 will be used for capital outlay. The budget also features $4,370,219 in reserve funds.

GoodDeeds

Hayden taylor shakes hands Sept. 8 with West Manatee Fire Rescue commissioners after getting sworn in as a new hire. Islander photo: Courtesy West Manatee Fire Rescue

A majority of the spending plan will be funded with $13,853,795 in tax assessment revenue, which will be bolstered by a 7.9% increase in fire assessment rates. WMFR’s next commission meeting will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, at the district’s administrative headquarters, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton. Directions to attend via Zoom can be found on the district’s website, wmfr.org.

Maria, FL 34216, accepts financial donations. Info: GoodDeeds connects neighbors with neighbors, 941-778-0414. matching people who need assistance with those ready • Anna Maria Island Historical Society, 402 Pine to give time, donations and support across the island Ave., Anna Maria, seeks volunteers. Info: 608-444communities. 0084. • Anna Maria Island Privateers seeks a covered Peanut Butter Challenge ongoing building. Info: amiprivateers.org. The 14th annual Peanut Butter Challenge is under• Cortez Village Historical Society, 11655 Cortez way, with the Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Road W., seeks volunteers. Info: cvhs2016@aol. Holmes Beach, serving as an AMI collection point. com. The drive, led by University of Florida/IFAS • Friends of the Island Library, 5701 Marina Extension and Florida A&M University Cooperative Drive, Holmes Beach, seeks volunteers. Info: 941Extension, runs through Oct. 31. 778-6341. People are asked to donate unopened jars of peanut • Island Players, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, butter, any size, to stock local food banks and the seeks volunteers. Info: 941-920-1362. Bishop Animal Shelter in Bradenton. • Tingley Memorial Library, 111 Second St. N., For more information, call 941-722-4524. Bradenton Beach, seeks volunteers. Info: 941-7791208.

Manatee County Area Transit’s island trolley operates most days 6 a.m.-10:45 p.m. between Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach and the Anna Maria City Pier in Anna Maria. Riders will find buses to the mainland at the Coquina and Manatee Public beach hubs. There is no fare on MCAT. For more, go to mymana- Offer help on AMI tee.org/mcat. • Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, seeks volunteers for Bayfest, set for Saturday, Oct. 17, in Anna Maria. Info: You can read it all 941-778-1541. online at islander.org • All Island Denominations, P.O. Box 814, Anna Private Practice • Convenient to Island • Accepts Most Insurances

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Page 14 THE ISLANDER | islander.org SePt. 16, 2026 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

It’s a wrap for summer football, Labor Day golf scramble By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter

The 2026 summer flag football season at the Center of Anna Maria Island came to a close with semifinal and championship games played Sept. 10-11. No. 2 seed Luxury Services cruised to the championship on a 34-14 victory over No. 1 Fish Guy Aquarium Services behind three touchdown passes and two rushing touchdowns from quarterback Chase Richardson. Two of the touchdown passes went to Deny Dennis, while Travis Bates grabbed the other touchdown catch. Karri Stephens had a big day on Cassidy defense, finishing with a team-high seven flag pulls to go along with a sack that resulted in a safety and an interception. Miguel Rodriguez threw a pair of touchdown passes for the Fish Guy, which also received TDs from Tim Holly and Jaylen Rodriguez in the loss. The Fish Guy advanced to the championship game by defeating Pavina Bros. Window Cleaning 23-13 in the Sept. 10 semifinal. In that game, Miguel Rodriguez threw a pair of touchdown passes and Tim Holly threw for a score and added a touchdown catch. Connor Ludwig and Jaylen Rodriguez each added a touchdown catch to complete the scoring in the victory. Steven Pavina and Dallas Buchholtz each threw a TD pass and Christian McPherson and Luke Naeher both had TD catches in the loss. Luxury Services cruised into the championship game with a 33-13 victory over Fishing with Salty. In that game, Chase Richardson threw for two scores and ran for two scores, adding an interception return for a TD to lead Luxury Services, which also received TD catches from Connor Morse and Deny Dennis. Dominick Otteni threw touchdown passes to Brandon Rolland and Jonathan Soultatos for Fishing with Salty in the loss at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

2026 summer flag football champs Luxury Services players Chase Richardson, Nic Pelagio, travis Bates, Karri Stephens, Connor Morse, Haley Larsson and Deny Dennis celebrate their 34-14 Sept. 11 victory over the Fish Guy Aquarium Services. Islander Photo: Courtesy CofAMI

son won the long-drive contests, while Mike Cusato took the prize for closest-to-the-pin. The women played a nine-hole individual-low-net match Sept. 8 that saw Sue Wheeler ﬁre a 2-over-par 34, earning bragging rights for the day. Rene Chapman was a stroke back in second while Mary Ann Latham was in third with a 4-over-par 36. Members played a nine-hole scramble Sept. 10 to close out the week of organized golf. Ron Buck, Ron Vandeman and Steve Vasbinder combined on a 2-under-par 30 to win the challenge.

a 21-15 victory over Farrington and Howcroft in a matchup of two 3-0 teams. Play gets underway at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Anna Maria City Hall pits, 10005 Gulf Drive. Warm-ups begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by random team selection. There are no fees and all are welcome.

Horseshoe news Two teams emerged from pool play and settled things in a playoff Sept. 9 during horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Tom Farrington and Gersey Fernandes easily dispatched Tim Sofran and Gary Howcroft 23-5 to win the day’s bragging rights. The Sept. 12 games saw Fernandes back in the mix, this time teaming up with Billy Silver to earn

Key Royale golf news Members of the Key Royale Club, 700 Key Royale Drive, Holmes Beach, celebrated Labor Day with a nine-hole scramble Sept. 7. Cecil Harrelson, Dennis Kitterman, Ryan May and Kat Wilson combined on a 3-under-par 29 to win the day’s championship. The team of Jana Samuels, Warren Stevens, Joe Coyne and Leo Burke ﬁnished a stroke back in second. Rene Chapman, Bill Shuman and Dave Richard-

ABOVe: Gersey Fernandes, left, and Billy Silver show off winning smiles at the Sept. 12 horseshoe games at the Anna Maria City Hall horseshoe pits. Islander Photo: Courtesy AMI Pitchers LeFt: Kat Wilson, Cecil Harrelson, Dennis Kitterman and Ryan May are winners of the Sept. 7 Key Royale Club Labor Day Scramble. Islander Photo: Courtesy KRC

New run club set to launch at Robinson Preserve

The J Way Run Club will hold its ﬁrst — and free — meetup at 7 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Robinson Preserve’s Manatee Avenue entrance parking lot. Founder Josey Presswood started the club to bring runners and walkers together, no matter their age or pace, over 3 miles of trail. Participants will meet and stretch at 7 a.m. in the parking lot. The walk/run will begin at 7:30 a.m. For more information, contact Presswood at 941-398-3125 or info@thejwayllc.com.

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Send your sports news and pics to news@islander.org.

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SePt. 16, 2026 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 15 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

2 weeks remain in season to hook a keeper gag grouper By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

With the gag grouper season dwindling to just a couple of more weeks, you can bet Anna Maria Island anglers are focused on getting out in the Gulf of Mexico in search of action. Fishing depths of 80-100 feet seems to be the best bet, although some catches are occurring in shallower waters. With such a short season, the fish are receiving a lot of pressure. So venturing farther and to remote areas is advantageous. Stasny Most of the inshore and nearshore areas commonly fished may be void of keeper-size gags at this point. So persistence and luck might be big factors in getting a hookup. Getting out deeper, to some of your “secret numbers.” could yield better results. Moving inshore, mangrove snapper are apparent on the reefs, wrecks and any other structure in Tampa Bay south to Sarasota Bay. In fact, many anglers are erel, jack crevalle, ladyfish and spotted seatrout. finding snapper on the grass flats and along the manWhether you’re live bait fishing or using artificials, grove shoreline where deeper water exists. you should be able to get a bite if you find the bait Fishing bait schools in the bays is yielding good schools. action on a variety of species, including Spanish mackAnd, if you find these schools in the Gulf of Mexico within a mile of shore, there should be blacktip and spinner sharks on the prowl, too. Targeting redfish and snook along the mangroves is another option, although the warm water can make the bites slightly challenging. It’s best to fish higher stages of the tide where water flow is maximized to achieve the best bite. Capt. David White is spending plenty of time with charter fishers who want to target gag grouper. Fishing nearshore and offshore in the Gulf is yielding limits of gags 24-30 inches with some larger examples in the mix. Live pinfish are the bait of choice, although frozen bait like sardines are attracting attention from the gags. Trolling also is proving effective over artificial reefs and wrecks.

Vacationing on, about AMI?

Visiting Anna Maria Island? We’d love to see the island through your eyes. The Islander invites vacationers to share vacation photos taken at local restaurants, shops, beaches and favorite hangouts across Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach and Cortez. Your snapshots help capture the energy of our community and support David Seagle of Bradenton shows off his limit of gag the small businesses that make the island special. grouper. He caught the fish about 3 miles offshore Send photos to news@islander.org with names of of Anna Maria Island Sept. 10 on a guided fishing people pictured, location, date the photo was taken and trip with Capt. David White. a contact name, phone number and email.

Capt. David White’s Sept. 11 charter guests pose for a photo at the dock. From left, Justin tramble of tampa Bay Waterkeeper; White’s fiancee, Julie Bocox; Holly Gregory of Bay News 9; White; and state Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton. Boyd chartered the trip to look over the terra Ceia Preserve with White.

Moving inshore, White is taking his clients to good action on redfish. Schooling reds are being located on shallow flats in Sarasota Bay, with most catches being over the slot limit of 27 inches. Meanwhile, spotted seatrout are being found across the deeper flats with a mix of Spanish mackerel and ladyfish added to the catch. Targeting sharks along the beaches is filling the gaps with a taste of rod-bending action for White. Capt. Johnny Mattay is making the most of the gag grouper season by spending his days offshore in the Gulf. Using live and frozen baits is leading to quick limits of gags for his anglers as they work the structure in depths of 80-100 feet. Mangrove snapper are abundant in the same areas. Moving out deeper, Mattay is excited to see good bites on red grouper, amberjack and American red snapper, which are frequently being reeled up from the depths. Meanwhile, the time spent offshore is going well for Mattay and his clients, who are finding ferocious blackfin tuna, mahi and big jacks striking their freelined baits.

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Page 16 THE ISLANDER | islander.org SePt. 16, 2026 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

By Lisa Neff

Second-hand swap

I grew up with hand-me-downs, a neighbor’s bellbottoms, my brother’s sweaters, a friend’s ski jacket. And I’ve shopped thrift stores since junior high for hoodies, T-shirts, Levi’s blue jeans and flannels. I’m not thrifty. I just don’t like anything to look too new. And, as I’ve aged, I’ve grown to appreciate the environmental benefits of second-hand fashion. So I’m intrigued by the Community Clothes Swap set for 5:30-7:30 p.m. Neff Friday, Sept. 18, at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. My twentysomething niece attended a swap in St. Pete earlier this year, arriving with a handful of gently worn clothes to give away and leaving with a handful of second-hand clothes to wear. Swaps can keep clothes in circulation and discourage some new purchases. You know, we discard a lot of textiles. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in March updated its data on textile waste, estimating that 17 million tons of textiles enter municipal waste streams annually. About 2.5 million tons get recycled. Some 11.3 million tons go to landfills, where textiles can take a long time to break down and landfill conditions can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Two-thirds of textile waste consists of apparel and footwear.

• Second-hand use produced 26% to 42% lower climate and energy impacts per use while water scarcity impacts fell 35% to 53% and freshwater eutrophication impacts fell 42% to 53%. • Buying second-hand rather than new reduced impacts per wear by 25% to 53% across the four garments. The research focused on secondhand sales, which still have environmental impact, including from collection, sorting, packing and transport of items. A community swap can eliminate or reduce those impacts. There’s no commercial shipping or warehousing in the exchange and the clothes move from one person to another. What’s in the closet? the center will host a clothing And the benefits grow when people choose clothswap Sept. 18. Islander Courtesy Photo ing they will keep and wear. Clothing swaps aren’t intended to be another outlet And the amount of that waste has been rising. for overconsumption. They’re a way to reduce new The U.S. Government Accountability Office, in a purchases and get more wear and tear out of what December 2024 report, found that from 2000 to 2018 already exists. domestic textile waste increased by 50% despite opporNow, to find and swap for a nice madras jacket. tunities to donate, repair, repurpose and resell clothing. The report linked the increase in part to the rise of fast fashion. Clothes swap offers a fresh Another 2024 study, published in the Journal of take on fall cleaning Circular Economy under the title “Do We Save the Clear out the closet and find something newEnvironment by Buying Second-Hand Clothes?” to-you at the Community Clothes Swap, set for looked at the impacts of selling new clothing versus 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, at the Center of selling second-hand clothing on climate change, energy Anna Maria Island. demand, water scarcity and freshwater eutrophication. Participants can bring clean, gently used clothSpecifically, the life-cycle assessment examined the ing, shoes, accessories and small home decor items collection, sorting, resale, transport, washing and endthey no longer need, then browse the collection of-life of a T-shirt, a dress, a sweater and a pair of and swap for new treasures. pants. The event aims to give unwanted items a Some findings: second life while reducing waste and connecting • Reuse ranks above recycling in the circular community members. economy hierarchy because it preserves the garment The center is at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna as a garment. Recycling would require reprocessing Maria. or remanufacturing. For more information, call 941-778-1908. • Manufacturing accounted for at least 72% of a garment’s total impact.

Nesting notes

A leucistic loggerhead hatchling partially emerges from its eggshell. AMItW found the hatchling during a nest excavation the week of Sept. 5-11. If the hatchling survives and fully emerges from its egg, it will be released, according to AMItW’s Sept. 11 report. Islander Photo: Courtesy AMItW/Kristen Mazzarella

By Lisa Neff

Disorientations continue

Five months into the season, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring’s data show nesting has produced 15,873 hatchlings. AMITW had inventoried 283 nests on the island as of Sept. 11, and another 75 nests had yet to hatch in a season that will conclude around Oct. 31. “We continue to monitor for new nests and also check every posted nest for hatch or disturbances,” AMITW executive director Kristen Mazzarella said. “We are currently monitoring the beach for our regular patrols, as well as the active beach nourishment project at Coquina Beach.” AMITW also is monitoring disorientations. From Sept. 5-11, 33% of the nests that hatched had disorientations. “Unfortunately, 38 disoriented hatchlings from three nests were found dead in the road,” Mazzarella said. So far this season, 79 hatches involved disorientations for an estimated 2,293-5,210 hatchling disorientations. Some 222 hatchlings have been found dead.

The disorientation rate is highest in Bradenton Beach, at 47%, followed by 35% in Holmes Beach and 5% in Anna Maria. “AMITW continues to report all disorientations to the local code enforcement and we’ve contacted 10 properties with lights that may cause disorientations to explain to them the problem and ask to help them ﬁnd a turtle-friendly solution so we can reduce the number of disorientations in the ﬁnal few weeks of the season,” Mazzarella said. She added, “We really appreciate the response we have gotten to our requests and the help we have had from renters and visitors. To all these properties, AMITW wants to give a huge thank you! There are 75 nests left on the beach that have a better chance of making it to the water because of You.” People can call AMITW’s 24-hour hotline at 941301-8434 if they encounter a disoriented turtle.

About AMITW

By the numbers As of Sept. 11, AMItW reported 459 sea turtle nests, 567 false crawls, 224 hatched nests and 15,873 hatchlings.

AMITW is a nonprofit focused on collecting data on threatened or endangered sea turtles. The organization also collects data on shorebirds. Nesting data is required by beach renourishment contracts and AMITW is compensated by the county. For more information, call AMITW at 941301-8434

Krysta’s travels As of Sept. 10, Krysta, the loggerhead tagged with a satellite tracker in late June at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach, was in 10th place of 11 sea turtles in the Sea turtle Conservancy’s tour de turtles marathon. Krysta is sponsored in the marathon by Hurricane Hanks Grill and Bar in Holmes Beach. Krysta had logged 594 miles since being tagged and 172 miles since the marathon began Aug. 2. to follow the marathon, which continues through Oct. 31, go to tourdeturtles.org. there also is an StC turtle tracker app. Islander Screenshot

SePt. 16, 2026 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 17 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

isl

Fire & Stone Pizza, 10519 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, remains closed Sept. 5. Owners Radka Watson-Ross and Peter Ross are working to restore the restaurant. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

biz Chamber hosts sunrise breakfast Oct. 1

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will gather at Harry’s Grill for a Sunrise Breakfast, set for 8-9:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 1. The menu includes a choice of pancakes served with bacon or sausage, bacon or sausage with eggs, yogurt with blueberries, breakfast tacos or breakfast burritos. The cost is $15 for members and $25 for prospective members. Diners are asked to bring a rafﬂe prize bearing their company name. Reservations with a menu selection are due Tuesday, Sept. 29, by emailing memberservices@amichamber.org, calling 941-778-1541 or registering online at annamariaislandchamber.org. Harry’s Grill is at 9903 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. — Lisa Neff

Bayfest volunteers needed

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce is calling for volunteers to help run the 25th annual Bayfest, set for Anna Maria’s Pine Avenue on Saturday, Oct. 17. Volunteer roles include event setup and breakdown, welcome and information services, vendor assistance, parking and wayﬁnding, event operations, merchandise sales and stage and entertainment support. Volunteers will receive a commemorative T-shirt and refreshments during their shift, chamber organizers said, along with the chance to meet new people and support the community. To sign up, go to https://bit.ly/4feZN7D. For more, call the chamber at 941-778-1541. — Lisa Neff

IslBizCal

THIS WEEK

Thursday, Sept. 17 5-7 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce business card exchange, Freckled Fin, 5337 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Fee applies. Info: memberservices@amichamber.org, 941-778-1541. SAVE THE DATES • Oct. 1, AMI Chamber breakfast social, Harry’s Grill, Anna Maria. • Oct. 8, AMI Chamber lunch social, Toasted Mango, Holmes Beach. • Oct. 17, AMI Chamber Bayfest, Pine Avenue, Anna Maria. • Oct. 22, AMI Chamber business card exchange, Shore Thing Tiki Cruises, Bradenton Beach. Send listings to calendar@islander.org. — Lisa Neff

Business news Celebrate achievements? New in business? Expanding? Reopened after recovering? Email news@islander.org.

941.896.3406, or 941.900.8941 after hours

ONLY LAUNDROMAT ON AMI • Open 24/7 • House accounts welcome • Wash & Fold Service 8-5, Monday-Saturday • Pickup and Delivery • Washer/Dryer Broken? We can Help! 5400 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach

Island Shopping Center @ Holmes Blvd.

Fire & Stone owners move toward reopening By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

After years of sitting shuttered, Fire & Stone Pizza might be getting closer to ﬁring up its ovens. Owners Radka Watson-Ross and Peter Ross said Sept. 10 that they regained access to the restaurant property, 10519 Cortez Road W., Bradenton. Now they can take steps toward restoring the building amid settlement discussions with Manatee County. The activity comes after a yearslong dispute with the county. In February 2024, Watson-Ross, Ross and Capalbo’s House of Pizza Restaurant Inc. sued the county, challenging its actions related to a permitting dispute and its determination that the building was unsafe. The restaurant formerly operated under Radka Watson-Ross’ ownership as Capalbo’s. Peter Ross said a potential settlement was being Back at the bistro negotiated. Pete Dospel of Dospel Construction, left, and “There’s ﬁnally a hope,” Ross said. And the settlement talks have allowed the owners Beach Bistro co-owner Shawn Kaleta pause during a review of the remodeled dining room, bar and to return to the property, Ross added. The owners can now hire a general contractor and kitchen. Dospel did the work to bring the much-achave engineering drawings prepared to determine what claimed restaurant back after the 2024 hurricanes. Kaleta and co-owner Louis Najmy, a Bradenton work is necessary. For now, vegetation is being cleared from the prop- attorney, are looking forward to welcoming the community Sept. 24 for an open house and a Sept. 25 erty and work will continue on the parking lot. The building’s interior appears to have survived opening for patrons at the Gulffront restaurant, 6600 the extended closure and the 2024 hurricanes, Ross Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy said. However, the restaurant’s utilities remain disconnected. So the owners will not know the extent of necessary repairs until power, water, sewer and gas service Submit your business updates, are restored. sports and social events to Fire & Stone was established in December 2012, news@islander.org. according to state records. Ross said he and Radka hope a settlement and Share the news. permitting process can be completed by year’s end, DĂŶǇ ŽĨ ŽƵƌ ŚŽŵĞƐ ǁĞƌĞ ĚĂŵĂŐĞĚ ĚƵƌŝŶŐ but there is no reopening date set. ƚŚĞ ŚƵƌƌŝĐĂŶĞƐ͘ ZĞƉĂŝƌƐ ĂƌĞ ŶŽǁ ďĞŝŶŐ ŵĂĚĞ ĂŶĚ “We feel like we deserve to be back in business COMFƚŽ ORƉƌŽƚĞĐƚ T ZONƚŚĞŝƌ and serve people again,” Watson-Ross said. ·S YOU ŚŽŵĞŽǁŶĞƌƐ ďĞ R ĂǁĂƌĞ HEREƐŚŽƵůĚ E? Ăŝƌ W Manatee County did not respond to a request for ĐŽŶĚŝƚŝŽŶŝŶŐ ƐǇƐƚĞŵƐ͘ DĂŶǇ ƚŝŵĞƐ͕ ƚŚĞ Ăŝƌ ĐŽŶĚŝƚŝŽŶŝŶŐ ŝƐ comment as of Sept. 14.

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ďĞŝŶŐ ƌƵŶ ďǇ ĐĂƌƉĞŶƚĞƌƐ͕ ĚƌǇǁĂůůĞƌƐ͕ ĞƚĐ͘ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞŝƌ Look online for the ĐŽŵĨŽƌƚ͘ Ğ ƐƵƌĞ ǇŽƵƌ ĐŽŶƚƌĂĐƚŽƌ ŝƐ ĨŝůƚĞƌŝŶŐ ǇŽƵƌ Ăŝƌ Islander at the UofFŚĂŶĚůĞƌ ǁĞůů͘ Ğ ƐƵƌĞ ƚŚĞǇ ĂƌĞ ĚŽƵďůĞ ĨŝůƚĞƌŝŶŐ ǇŽƵƌ Florida newspaper ƐǇƐƚĞŵ ĂŶĚ ĐŚĂŶŐŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ĨŝůƚĞƌ ŽĨƚĞŶ ƚŽ ƉƌŽƚĞĐƚ ǇŽƵƌ collection at ĞǀĂƉŽƌĂƚŽƌ ĐŽŝů ĨƌŽŵ ĐŽŶƐƚƌƵĐƚŝŽŶ ĚĞďƌŝƐ ĚĂŵĂŐĞ͘ ufdc.ufl.edu. ^ƚĂŶĚĂƌĚ Ăŝƌ ĨŝůƚĞƌƐ ĂƌĞ ŶŽƚ ĚĞŶƐĞ ĞŶŽƵŐŚ ƚŽ ƉƌŽƚĞĐƚ ĨƌŽŵ MIKE NORMAN REALTY ŝŵƉĂĐƚŝŽŶ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĐŽŝůƐ͘ EST. 1978

For professional real estate needs, call a TRUE ISLAND NATIVE, born and raised on AMI, selling the “Island Dream” for over 25 years, right here with her family.

ŽŶ͛ƚ ůĞƚ ƚŚŝƐ ŚĂƉƉĞŶ ƚŽ ǇŽƵ͊

Marianne Norman-Ellis SALES ASSOCIATE

941.778.6696 | 941.685.3393

Mike Norman Realty

Page 18 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Sept. 16, 2026 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

I S L A N D E R C L A S S I F I E D S ITEMS FOR SALE

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SERVICES

FOR SALE: ONE 10-foot sit-in kayak, one kayak paddle, two kayak seats, two waterproof life vests, total, $300. 703-927-8732.

COLLECTOR BUYING COINS: Gold and silver. Free appraisals. Call John, 352-2155200.

BEAUTIFUL ROUND GLASS-top table. Sits four people. $100. Inquiries at 727-2524681.

LOOKING FOR FRANK from Island Print? He’s available by call or text 941-704-8108. Email frankhtc.fw@gmail. com.

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.

BLACK AND RED roll suitcases, $20 each, black handbag, carry on, $25. 941-9202494. ANTIQUE PARTNER DESK: All wood, $500. Inquire at 941-778-7978.

GOLF CART RENTALS: Fun for residents and tourists! 941-213-5730. www.annamariacartrentals.com .

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

BOATS & BOATING

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).

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

Islander archive. UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

SUNCOAST BOTTOM PAINTING: Professional bottom painting. Mobile. Call 941-7049382.

Place classified ads by 11 a.m. Monday online at islander.org Sandy’s Lawn Service Inc. ESTABLISHED IN 1983

Residential & Commercial Full-service lawn maintenance. Landscaping ~ Cleanups Hauling ~ Tree Trimming. LICENSED & INSURED

Paradise Improvements 941.792.5600 Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Specialist Replacement Doors and Windows

Andrew Chennault

FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED Island References Lic#CBC056755 CBC 1253471

TRANSPORTATION

RDI CONSTRUCTION INC. Residential & Condo Renovations Kitchens • Bath • Design Service Carpentry • Flooring • Painting Commercial & Residential

References available • 941-720-7519

We like likes f acebook.com/ Islandernewspaper

ANSWERS TO Sept. 16 PUZZLE

CAPTAIN FOR HIRE and boat caretaker services: If you need help with your boat on or off the water, call Captain Dan. USCG, retired. 772-486-8085. WELCOME ABOARD JOYFISH Charters for private fishing, sunset cruises, and dolphin watching. Check out joyfishcharters.com or follow us on Facebook. Call to reserve, 941840-3181. EXPLORE ANNA MARIA Island from the water! Rent a premium pontoon or tritoon and spend the day discovering sandbars, dolphins, islands and beautiful local waters. 941-932-3700. https://manateeriverwatersports.com/ami-boat-rentals. HELP WANTED THE ISLANDER IS looking for a sales rep. We’ve got 34 years of experience and results to share. Email news@islander.org. REPORTER WANTED: Full- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience required. Apply via email with letter of interest to news@islander.org. KIDS FOR HIRE KIDS FOR HIRE ads are FREE for up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work. Ads must be placed by email, send to classifieds@islander.org. BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY SUCCESSFUL FOOD BUSINESS for sale, loaded with potential. In Holmes Beach. No brokers. Call 941-773-6957. SPEND A LITTLE, gain a lot! Ads in the Islander can sell real estate, or fill a rental. We’re known as the best real estate deal on AMI. classifieds@islander.org

CLEANING: VACATION, CONSTRUCTION, residential, commercial and windows. Licensed and insured. 941-756-4570. PRESSURE WASHING, PAVER sealing, driveway, roof, fence, pool area. Also, window cleaning. Licensed and insured. 941-5653931. BICYCLE REPAIRS: Just4Fun at 5358 Gulf Drive can do most any bicycle repair at a reasonable cost. Pick-up and delivery available. 941-896-7884. API’S DRYWALL REPAIR: I look forward to servicing your drywall repair needs. Call 941524-8067 to schedule an appointment. SARASOTA PAINTING: INTERIOR/exterior/ cabinets: Call or text Don, 941-900-9398. Free estimates. Fully insured, twenty years’ experience. RIDEEASY 247 YOUR professional, reliable and courteous car service to airports and events since 2015. You can reach us via text 941-447-7737 or email to mrfort5001@gmail. com. We are available 24/7. LOOK NO MORE! Residential, vacation rental and commercial cleaning. Give us a call, 941-250-8548. IS YOUR POOL deck, driveway, or garage floor looking worn out and dated? Bring them back to life with our top-tier resurfacing services! Services offered: Pool deck resurfacing, Slip-resistant, cool-to-the-touch finishes that enhance safety and aesthetics. Driveway resurfacing, durable surfaces that stand up to heavy traffic and harsh weather. Garage floor resurfacing, easy-to-clean, stain-resistant surfaces that look great and perform even better. Don’t wait! Transform your spaces today with our trusted resurfacing services. Contact us now for a free consultation and estimate. Call U Plus Me LLC at 727-6235050 or visit u-plus-me.com. GOT DIRTY WINDOWS? Free estimates/ insured. Five-star customer service rating. “We want to earn your business. Downeast Window Cleaning, 207-852-6163. 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! 941-465-7005.

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 serveyourself community newspaper returned to the lobby.

SePt. 16, 2026 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 19 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

I S L A N D E R C L A S S I F I E D S SERVICES Continued

HOME IMPROVEMENT Continued

RENTALS Continued

ACHAUFFeR4U FOR tRANSPORtAtION anywhere in Florida. Properly insured and over 40 years in Bradenton. Dennis, 941812-5930.

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

1BR/1BA ANNUAL: HOLMES Beach. 400plus sf walk-in closet, pantry, full kitchen, complete remodeled 2025. $2,100 monthly. 518-435-5589.

ONECALL CLEANUP. Junk removal, water damage, and more. Fast, reliable service. Call, 941-544-1260.

GORILLA DRYWALL RePAIR LLC. Let’s solve your drywall problems together. Give us a call at 941-286-0607.

HOMe WAtCHeR: WHeN you can’t be at home, I’ll watch your home and send video of my inspection. I’m a State Certified Residential Appraiser with background check. 317-997-4056. AMI AIRPORt SHUttLe Guy: We pick up from tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota airports. Up to seven passengers with luggage Reliable, Licensed and friendly transportation to and from Anna Maria Island. AMIShuttle. com. 941-500-3388. CLEANING SERVICES: Ten-plus years’ experience. Professional, prompt with a ﬂexible schedule. Contact Jessica, 941-900-8051. BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS JD’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-920-3840. BEACH SERVICE air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. Commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. Serving Manatee County and the Island since 1987. For dependable, honest and personalized service, call Bill Eller, 941-720-7411. Residential, call Nate, 941-524-2248. CAC184228. CLEAN TECH MOBILE Detailing. At your location. Cars, boats, RVs. Call or text Billie for an appointment. 941-592-3482. LAWN & GARDEN COLLINS LANDSCAPE LIGHTING: Outdoor lighting, landscaping, irrigation services and maintenance. 941-279-9947. MJC24373@ gmail.com. SHeLL DeLIVeReD AND spread. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, topsoil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, or “shell phone” 941-720-0770. HOME IMPROVEMENT VAN-GO PAINTING residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper. Island references. Bill, 941-795-5100. www. vangopainting.net. GRIFFIN’S HOMe IMPROVeMeNtS Inc. Handyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. Insured and licensed. 941-722-8792. TILE-TILE-TILE: All variations of ceramic tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship, prompt, reliable, many Island references. Call Ashdown Flooring, 941-726-3077. ISLANDeR ARCHIVe. UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

don’t forget… you can read it all online at islander.org

TRUE TONE PAINTING: Painting, power washing, epoxy ﬂoors. 941-224-4020. CUSTOM REMODELING: REPAIRS, painting. Fair, honest and dependable. Call Mike 678-523-9955, general contractor, permits. CALL HYDRO CLEAN. Full-service pressure washing, sealing. Pavers, travertine and natural stone. Window washing too, up to three stories. Call Jacob, 941-920-2094. ISLAND HANDYMAN: I live here, work here, value your referral. Refinish, paint. Just ask. JayPros. Licensed/insured. References. Call Jay, 941-962-2874. RENTALS ANNA MARIA GULF beachfront vacation rentals. One- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941778-3143. AVAILABLE NOW AND season: 1BR/1BA, seven-night minimum. carlesvacationrentals. com. Special rates are available. 941-8071405. PERICO ISLAND PATIO home: 3BR/2BA, privacy wall/gate, two-car garage, single ﬂoor, high ceilings, screened lanai. Call or text Alison, 859-771-6423. ANNUAL RENTALS AVAILABLE: Off Island: One Particular Harbour, 3BR/3BA furnished condo. Lagoon views, covered parking. Country Club-style living, $5,000/month. Hidden Lake, 3BR/2BA furnished lakefront condo, $3,000/month. Other long-term furnished rentals are available. All areas. Applications, first, last and security required for all annual and long-term rentals. Call Wagner Realty, 941-778-2246.

ANNUAL ReNtAL: 1BR/1BA duplex. One block from beach. $1,900/month. 941-7789378. ANNUAL 2BR/1BA: 50 yards from beach, newly remodeled, new appliances. First, last, deposit. 941-726-6597. REAL ESTATE WINNIe MCHALe, ReALtOR, 941-5046146. Dalton Wade Real estate. You need an aggressive and experienced Realtor in today’s market! Selling island homes, Sarasota and Bradenton areas. Multi-milliondollar producer! “Selling Homes - Making Dreams Come true.” BRADeNtON CONDO FOR sale: Newly updated, fully furnished, 2BR/2BA 1,100 sf. Carport, patio, pool and docking available. $205,000. Call 941-704-9432. REAL ESTATE: SELLING or buying. Let me help you be competitive with my negotiable fees. 35 years’ experience. Fred Flis, Real Estate Mart owner. Call or text 941-3561456.

Place classified ads online by 11 am mondays at islander.org 100 Pine Ave. beach access… 8:30 a.m. Sat. & Sun. $15 Pre-Registration ThriveYogaFit.com | 646-791-4301

HOLMeS BeACH WAteRFRONt: 2BR/2BA first floor condo for rent monthly. two pools, tennis/pickleball, walk to the beach and to shop. Call Kathy, 973-219-0335. Discount for multiple months. WE STILL HAVE December, 2026 available. Paradise Bay single family home located on the bay. Great location. weekly or for the month. 941-773-1552. 2BR/2BA FULLY FURNISHeD first floor condo, West Bradenton, near the Seaflower Plaza. Short drive to AMI. 55-plus community. No smokers, no pets. Pool, hot tub, clubhouse. Annual or seasonal. Call or text, 412-519-6584.

Place classified ads by 11 am mondays online at islander.org

VISITORS MAY BE LOOKING FOR YOU ! Help ’em out! Call 941.778.7978 to get results for your $$$.

The “BEST NEWS” since 1992

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Page 20 THE ISLANDER | islander.org SePt. 16, 2026 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

We’re Local. We’re Global.

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Amy Ward

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Hannah Hillyard

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Scott Toland

Suzy Korinek

George Myers

Connect with a local. ��.8�6.��8� �� Marina Drive �� Holmes Beach� FL �� michaelsaunders�com