23 of 29 cats living aboard anchored boat surrendered to county
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
A clowder of seaworthy cats are ready to find new homes.
Manatee County Animal Welfare and the Sheriff’s Offi ce Marine Unit partnered April 16 to remove 23 cats from a vessel anchored near the Kingfish Boat Ramp in Holmes Beach.
Michael Strollo, communications coordinator for the county’s community and veteran services, told The Islander April 24 that multiple residents from the area had called into MCAW and the sheriff’s office to report seeing anywhere from 12-40 unattended cats aboard the vessel.
The agencies jointly responded to the reports by boating to the vessel, where MCAW officers found 29 cats aboard.
There is no state law preventing the housing of cats on marine vessels. However, officers found conditions inside the vessel were unsafe for the cats since it was hot and lacked ventilation, as well as unsanitary due to cat waste littered throughout the interior.
“It’s a sad situation of overcrowding or over-housing of animals,” Strollo said.
MCAW officers also found a note from the cats’ owner, who was not
A Manatee County Animal Welfare officer April 16 enters a vessel anchored near the Kingfish Boat Ramp in Holmes Beach, where 29 cats were found in unhealthy conditions. Of the 29, 23 were surrendered to the county. Islander
Photo: Courtesy MCAW
Holmes Beach extends homeowner nonconformity rebuild deadline
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
Nonconforming property owners in Holmes Beach can take a deep breath.
City commissioners unanimously voted April 22 to adopt an ordinance extending the municipality’s 180-day timeline for rebuilding nonconforming structures to 365 days.
The ordinance also streamlines the process to request one 180-day exten-
Free tree glee
Kris Martinez of Cortez leaves the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce April 22 with her free tree, picked up during a giveaway that celebrated Earth Day. See more “tree glee” on page 11. Islander Photo: Lisa Neff
sion, which will now be handled at the administrative level instead of requiring city commission approval.
Director of development services
Chad Minor said many property owners are still rebuilding homes and businesses damaged in last year’s hurricanes, with delays often due to insurance, engineering and surveying issues.
Some of those properties are nonconforming structures, which means
they were built under former zoning laws and do not conform with current code.
Minor has said the city’s 180-day timeline was unfair to the owners of nonconforming structures, especially in the face of the multiple disasters that occurred last year.
Under that timeline, the municipality had an April 9 deadline to rebuild nonconforming structures damaged by
County continues Seafood Shack site demo
A crew contracted by Manatee County works April 21 on demolition of the Seafood Shack properties, 4110 127th St. W., Cortez, to make way for a public marina. The county purchased the property in late December 2024 to build boat ramps, slips, a retail store and concessions. The site, before the sale and demolition, had included a bait and tackle shop, a marina, two restaurants and more. The last restaurant review for the Seafood Shack on Yelp, from January 2023, read, “Fish tacos were amazing. Spicy chowder was great. Fish and chips were solid. Crab cake was a little disappointing, very thin.” Islander
Photo: Jacob Merrifield
either Hurricane Helene or Milton last year.
The ordinance’s adoption pushes that deadline back to October.
Minor said no nonconforming properties would be prohibited from being rebuilt due to the gap between the April 9 initial deadline and the April 22 adoption date.
“Everyone’s covered,” he said. “No one is in a Catch-22.”
Nesting season, Suzi Fox Day arrive
Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring will mark May Day — the official start of sea turtle nesting season on the island — with a launch party. The event, 3-6 p.m. Thursday, May 1, at Coquina Beach, also celebrates Suzi Fox Day, honoring the memory of AMITW’s longtime executive director, who died in September 2022.
Fox’s obituary in The Islander read in part, “Suzi Fox — the adventurous, compassionate, kind-hearted leader behind the effort to save sea turtles and their habitat on Anna Maria Island for 30 years — died Sept. 30. … Her legacy will be to sea turtles, that they forever have a habitat on Anna Maria Island.” For more about nesting season and Suzi Fox Day, go to page 12. Meanwhile, on the beaches, it’s lights out at night.
— Lisa Neff
Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992
Fox
Municipal matters
Good news from AM, HB
Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short texted The Islander on April 25 from out of town, saying he was at a conference for retired partners from a firm where he used to work.
But he also took time to say the city held a pre-bid meeting April 23 for the demo work that needs to be done for the pier. (See story, page 5.)
“We had 10 contractors attend that meeting which I was very happy to see. Bids are due May 16. We continue our search for a financial accounting person and may be in a position to conduct interviews week after next.
“Otherwise it was a business-as-usual week for the city.”
Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth texted April 25, saying it was “another slow news week.”
Demo days
A demolition crew for Manatee County on April 21 works onsite at the Seafood Shack, 4110 127th St. W., Cortez, to make way for a new public marina.
islander
Photo: Jacob Merrifield
“I read a proclamation for National Arbor Day at a tree planting. The city planted a Jamaican caper at the 34th Street pocket park.”
The mayor also said she asked Jennifer Miller, the city’s clean water committee chair, to represent the city for a “making a difference” presentation for the Islanders 4 Clean Water campaign. “I wasn’t sure I could do both this morning and she is a perfect voice to represent our campaign,” the mayor said.
The city held a tree giveaway as part of its National Arbor Day celebration April 25 (See story, page 11.) and code enforcement took charge. They gave away silver buttonwood, coco plum and seagrape plants.
Also, the city is getting ready to start Phase H of stormwater improvements.
“We have received design drawings for our Gulf Drive resilient stormwater improvements, which will go out to bid shortly,” she said.
— Bonner Joy
Black skimmer colony in Bradenton Beach
Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring announced April 28 that it cordoned off an area in Bradenton Beach where black skimmers began gathering the week beginning April 21.
Skimmers spend their entire lives in coastal areas, usually around sandy beaches and islands, although a few colonies can be found in inland locations with large lakes, particularly in Florida and California.
They nest in areas of open sand, gravel or shell with sparse vegetation or broad mats of wrack, according to AMITW.
If the skimmers nest in the Bradenton Beach location, it will be the first time since 2017 that Anna Maria Island has had a colony of nesting black skimmers. AMITW did not publicize the specific location to avoid attracting photographers and others to the site.
Previous colonies failed due to human interference, according to AMITW.
AMITW said it is important that people stay away from the birds. Since they haven’t settled on a location yet, they may establish a nest site outside of the posted area.
If birds are flushed while establishing a nest site, they might move to a less suitable location.
For more information about nesting shorebirds and seabirds, go to islandturtlewatch.com. People also can call AMITW at 941-301 8434.
Short
Titsworth
A colony of black skimmers began gathering on the shore in Bradenton Beach this month. islander Photo: Courtesy Kathy Doddridge/ AMiTW
Holmes Beach approves $194k for resurfacing, speed tables
By ryan Paice islander reporter
A handful of Holmes Beach roadways are set to receive a makeover — from resurfacing to speed tables.
City commissioners voted 4-1 April 22 to authorize Mayor Judy Titsworth’s execution of a $194,632.70 work order for Bradenton-based Superior Asphalt to resurface seven stretches of roadway and also install three speed tables on Key Royale Drive.
Commissioner Carol Whitmore voted “no” after voicing opposition to the Key Royale speed tables.
The stretches selected for resurfacing include:
• Fifth Avenue, from 50th Street to 52nd Street;
• 39th Street, from Gulf Drive to its eastern end;
• 63rd Street at the boat ramp;
• 71st Street, from Gulf Drive to Holmes Boulevard;
• 78th Street, from Gulf Drive to Palm Drive;
• 84th Street, from Marina Drive to 85th Street;
• Ivanhoe Lane in its entirety.
Public works director and city engineer Sage Kamiya said the project would cover the worst 12 out of 55 segments of roadway identified for resurfacing.
The city’s fiscal 2024-25 budget includes $230,000 for resurfacing work.
“We’re able to do 12 out of those 55 with this funding,” Kamiya said.
On the other hand, three speed tables — which cost about $24,000 of the work order — will be installed in the 500 block of Key Royale Drive, leading up to the bridge.
The speed tables were most recently discussed at an April 8 commission meeting, when Titsworth detailed her own meeting with Key Royale homeowners to talk about speeding concerns on the roadway.
Kamiya said he was exploring the addition of two-three asphalt speed tables on Key Royale Drive to address their concerns.
Nevertheless, Whitmore said she did not remember
the topic coming up. She said she would not support speed tables on Key Royale Drive, as it had been tried unsuccessfully in the past and she hoped to bring the matter back for more discussion.
“I think this is overkill and I think it’s reactionary,” Whitmore said.
Police Chief Bill Tokajer argued otherwise.
“This is not being reactionary, it’s being proactive because we have a problem. We know that there is a speeding problem, we know I can’t have an officer sit out there all day every day,” he said. “This is just a proactive way to keep people doing 25 mph.”
Whitmore moved to approve the task order without the inclusion of the Key Royale speed tables but nobody seconded her motion.
Commissioner Terry Schaefer then moved to approve the proposed task order in its entirety.
Commissioner Carol Soustek seconded the motion, which passed.
Commissioners unanimously voted to approve a
76O6 s. tamiami trail sarasota 941-217-6547 www.elegantoutdoors.com
A diagram shows the city of Holmes Beach’s plans to resurface seven stretches of roadway and install three speed tables on Key royale Drive. islander
Photo: Courtesy City of Holmes Beach
$73,619.10 agreement with Bradenton-based Digging Deep Construction Services to pave Fourth Avenue.
Kamiya said the roadway is one of a few in the city that remains unimproved but has become a hassle to maintain with rock and shell.
“It’s just constantly having to be maintained,” Titsworth said.
He said the neighbors in the area requested the city pave the roadway, so this project was designed to do just that.
The pavement would feature an inch and threequarters of asphalt, topping a six-inch foundation, according to Kamiya.
There was no public comment.
The city commission will meet next at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 13, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.
A livestream of the meeting can be viewed on the city’s website, holmesbeachfl.org.
Save the date
Memorial Day tribute planned
The city of Anna Maria will host a Memorial Day event at 10 a.m. Monday, May 26, at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.
Plans include ceremonial remarks and symphony music.
For more information, call city hall at 941-7086130.
▼ Modern Chop Happy Hour 11:30-6 Light Bite Specials 4-6, lounge only. ▲ Martini Monday: Signature Martinis, $7, plus 1/2 price lite bites -- lounge only. ▼ Tuesday: $3 Tacos and Margaritas 4-9, lounge only. ▲ Wine Down Wednesday, 5O% OFF Wines by the Glass ▼ Live Maine Lobster Thursdays, plus Happy Hour all nite in the lounge.
Tourist council backs Florida Maritime Museum exhibit
By lisa Neff islander Editor
A museum collection from an old Cortez schoolhouse soon could be popping up in a strip mall in Bradenton.
The Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, wants to create a pop-up exhibit in the Cortez Village mall in the 6600 block of Cortez Road while renovations and repairs continue at the permanent museum site, a 1912 schoolhouse in the fishing village.
The Manatee County Tourist Development Council, meeting April 21 at the administration building in Bradenton, unanimously recommended the museum
named by Strollo, that provided contact information and stated that the cats were being cared for.
The owner was contacted and told authorities they were dealing with housing instability but kayaked out to the vessel every day to feed and check on the cats.
Strollo said that after a conversation with MCAW offi cers about the conditions inside the vessel, the owner voluntarily surrendered 23 cats to the county.
The surrendered cats were loaded into pet carriers and transported to Bishop Animal Shelter SPCA, 5718 21st Ave. W., Bradenton, for evaluation, vaccination and preparation for adoption.
Strollo said a couple of the cats needed immediate veterinary care due to flea- and tick-related issues, but the surrendered cats were now healthy, sterilized and available for adoption.
The surrendered cats, ranging in age from 1 to 7 years old, can be adopted at Bishop and Manatee County Cat Town, 216 Sixth Ave. E., Bradenton, the MCAW’s feline-specific shelter.
Strollo said the MCAW also worked with the vessel’s owner to ensure the remaining six cats were healthy and stable. It also has offered to cover the cost of sterilization.
He encouraged people struggling with caring for their pets to contact MCAW.
“We encourage people if they’re overwhelmed to reach out because we really do have incredible resources,” Strollo said. “We have a pet pantry, where
request for $60,000 in tourist development tax revenues for the project.
The recommendation will go to county commissioners for consideration.
Phaedra Dolan, director of historical resources for the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, presented the request.
“We thought out of the box,” she said. “It’ a great way to welcome visitors back.”
Dolan said the museum building suffered damage during hurricanes Helene and Milton last fall but had been closed even before the storms for rehab work.
The repairs and renovations are expected to continue until at least mid-August 2027.
you can pick up food for no cost from our shelters.”
“We understand that surrendering a pet is not an easy decision to make. … But we’re here to help, not to judge,” he added.
People can learn more about adoptable pets up in Manatee County by visiting mymanatee.org/pets or calling 941-742-5933.
So FMM wants “an alternative space to resume visitor engagement while the main museum gallery is closed for rehabilitation.” The space “would ideally be situated in a leasable retail space as close as possible to the Village of Cortez,” according to a proposal.
TDC member Gene Brown, Bradenton’s mayor, made the motion to recommend the project, which received unanimous support.
The next TDC meeting will be 9:30 a.m. Monday, June 16, at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.
Cops & courts
DUI arrest in Holmes Beach
A Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputy arrested Bradenton resident Jose Gonzalez Granados, 22, April 19 on a second-degree misdemeanor for driving under the influence of alcohol.
The arrest began around 1 a.m. with a traffic stop initiated by a Holmes Beach police officer in the 4000 block of Gulf Drive.
Gonzalez Granados displayed signs of impairment and had two open beer cans in the cupholder next to him, according to police.
The officer issued citations for impeding traffic and possessing open alcohol containers in a motor vehicle and called for assistance from the MCSO to conduct a DUI investigation.
An MCSO deputy responded to the scene, arrested Gonzalez Granados for DUI and transported him to the Manatee County jail, where he was released the same day after posting $500 bond.
If convicted, punishment for a second-degree misdemeanor includes up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.
An arraignment will be May 29 in Bradenton.
— ryan
Paice
Streetlife
Island police reports
Anna Maria
No new reports
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office polices Anna Maria.
Bradenton Beach
No new reports.
The Bradenton Beach Police Department polices the city.
Cortez
No new reports.
The MCSO polices the village.
Holmes Beach
April 20, 200 block of 81st Street, suspicious circumstances. A Holmes Beach police officer responded to reports of potential theft and met with the complainant. She said two electric bicycles and a boat motor were missing from inside her home and pointed to an acquaintance she believed might have taken them. She provided the acquaintance’s phone number and said she wanted to press charges. The officer provided a case number and business card.
The Holmes Beach Police Department polices the city.
Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.
Music Lessons: Guitar, Bass Piano, Ukulele, Saxophone and More
A sign introduces russel, a 7-year-old black cat rescued April 16 from a vessel anchored off of Holmes Beach. russel was up for adoption at Manatee County Cat Town, 216 Sixth Ave. E., Bradenton, as of April 23. islander Courtesy Photo
10 contractors attend Anna Maria City Pier pre-bid walkthrough
By ryan Paice islander reporter
The first step in reopening the Anna Maria City Pier is to demolish the remainder of its destroyed walkway.
And there might be quite a few contractors interested in making that happen.
Ten contractors attended an April 23 mandatory pre-bid walkthrough of the damaged pier in response to the city’s request for proposals to demolish the walkway and remove debris, according to Mayor Mark Short.
The pier was left without much of its walkway following last year’s hurricanes, cutting off public access to the T-end, where the Mote Marine Science Education & Outreach Center and the City Pier Grill are housed.
The city hired Tampa-based Kisinger Campo & Associates to inspect the pier and they found that hurricanes Helene and Milton both played a part in the damage.
According to their report, storm surge and intense wave action from the storms may have destabilized the walkway piles, which underwent excessive bending and shear stress, by scouring the seabed and reducing their depth of embedment.
Another factor in the walkway’s destruction was the use of lower-grade materials than the T-end, which went largely unscathed.
While the T-end was built on solid concrete pilings supported by concrete bents, the walkway was built with hollow, spun cast concrete pilings supported by wooden bents, stringers and support beams.
The city aims to remove the remainder of the damaged walkway so a new one — designed and engineered by St. Petersburg-based George F. Young — can be built using solid concrete pilings.
The municipality issued its RFP for demolition of the walkway and debris removal on April 14. The deadline for contractors to submit a proposal is 11 a.m. May 16.
In the meantime, Short said he was “pleasantly surprised” that 10 contractors attended the mandatory
Roadwatch
By lisa Neff
Eyes on the road
Cortez Bridge utility relocation project: State Road 684/Cortez Road. The Manatee County Public Works Department is relocating a water main and force main at the Intracoastal Waterway crossing. The northern shoulder of 124th Court West in Cortez is closed. Also, 127th Street West is closed on the north side of Cortez Road West up to 126th Street West. For more, call 941-306-4660, email info@amiprojects.io or go to amiprojects.io.
Plan now for the next holiday!
Is your business ready to make the most of a new season?
Improve your odds of success with Islander newspaper readers looking to shop and dine, seeking indoor and outdoor fun, and a place to stay for their next visit. Call or text 941-778-7978.
pre-bid walkthrough, and it may be a good sign for competitive bids.
The city will open bids following the May 16 deadline.
Proposals will be discussed in a city commission meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 22, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.
The walkway of the Anna Maria City Pier the morning after Hurricane Milton’s landfall last October. The storm came only weeks after Hurricane Helene and the storms’ combined impacts destroyed large stretches of the walkway. islander File Photo: Courtesy George Kruse
3rd ferry boat due in July, spots sought for expansion
By lisa Neff islander Editor
Manatee County expects delivery of a third ferry boat, a larger vessel than the two pontoon catamarans in operation, in July.
Meanwhile, work continues to identify new landing spots for the service — spots for the new enclosed boat that will operate from Bradenton and for the two smaller boats that will serve as “hoppers.”
The county tourist development council, meeting April 21 in Bradenton, received updates on the service that beginning May 1 will drop its seasonal Wednesday and operate Thursday-Sunday — plus peak holidays — from downtown Bradenton to the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach:
• Elliott Falcione, the executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau who has steered the project since its concept, focused on goals — getting an enclosed boat on the water and increasing landings.
“We need to get the hopper service going up and down that 7-mile island for people that are staying out there,” he said. “Get them out of their cars … and onto that water. That is vital.”
• Operator Trisha Rodriguez of Gulf Coast Water Taxi briefed the council on ridership.
“Since it began in January of last year, to date we’ve had 42,612 passengers,” Rodriquez said. “We think that’s a great number considering our share of challenges, which included those hurricanes that affected everyone so much.”
Hurricane Helene last September and Hurricane Milton in October impacted ferry operations, especially in Anna Maria, where the walkway to the T-end to the City Pier was destroyed, eliminating one of two landings on AMI.
• County natural resources director Charlie Hunsicker discussed environmental factors for new landings, including concerns for seagrass and shell.
Environmental assessments must be completed and permits secured for any projects, Hunsicker said, noting the new boat will weigh about 30 tons, with a
large draft.
“We’re working very hard to find these locations and develop a permit strategy,” he said.
• Sherri Swanson, ecological services division manager for the natural resources department, identified opportunities.
For the Anna Maria landing, which could be operational by August 2027, Swanson said five alternatives exist but the focus currently is on a landing along the north side of the pier and north of the pier that would require a new walkway.
“We’re moving into permitting now,” Swanson said. “We need to first solidify which alternative we would like to move forward.”
In Holmes Beach, the county tested a landing at the Waterline Marina in the City Center and encountered difficulties but there also are challenges at the Kingfish Boat Ramp on Manatee Avenue.
At Coquina, the county is looking at a landing either near Leffis Key, one of the boat ramps or on a commercial dock near the island’s end.
The TDC took no action April 21 regarding the ferry service.
The council’s next meeting will be at 9:30 a.m. Monday, June 16, at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.
Five alternatives for a ferry landing at or near the Anna Maria City Pier. The county is focused on C and D.
And the race is on
The “girls” are staging offshore.
The female sea turtles — mostly loggerheads — that is. They are holding eggs, ready to put them ashore in warm sand to let Mother Nature do its thing.
At an average weight of about 275 pounds, the sea turtles have a large presence on the beach when they lumber ashore, crawling by instinct to a spot in the sand that has the temperature, texture and compaction to their liking.
And once they find their spot, using only their back flippers, they dig a hole about 18-inches deep, where they drop their 100 or so eggs, one by one.
The next step for these large marine reptiles is to cover the nest, camouflaging the pit by covering it with sand and spraying sand about the area to throw off predators looking for a snack of turtle eggs.
The females must leave their clutch to incubate on its own, returning to the water by instinct, following the twinkle of light reflected by the moon on the water’s surface to guide them back to their habitat in the Gulf of Mexico.
Meanwhile, the male sea turtles never leave the water.
These brave females are left to do the “labor” and preserve the species by sending about 100 hatchlings per nest to the Gulf waters to begin the life cycle.
And here’s where we can help.
LIGHTS OUT AT NIGHT! Quiet on the beach. Remove all obstructions. Do not interfere.
That’s right. These female sea turtles need a clear, quiet, dark beach to perform the task of maneuvering on unfamiliar land, nesting and returning to the water — and the hatchlings are the same.
And they have a record year to follow, in spite of two hurricanes. AMI Turtle Watch reported 685 total nests, 835 false crawls and 302 hatched nests producing 20,554 hatchlings with 17 nests still on the beaches after the storms.
If you’re lucky enough to witness a nesting event or the hatchlings bubbling up through the sand to the surface and waddling to the water —you know.
It’s a thrilling moment. A privilege to be part of Mother Nature’s plan.
Just seeing the deep breaths of the mother turtle as she reenters the water at the shoreline, dips and swims away is, for many, a once in a lifetime experience.
But thanks to my friend, the late Suzi Fox, and her efforts for AMITW to preserve sea turtles and their habitat, it’s a moment you may also enjoy.
Mother Nature’s race is on and we’re the winners. (See more, page 12.)
— Bonner Joy, news@islander.org
Murphy
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When you are from Nova Scotia, tourists here don’t ask you about our great hockey players like MacKinnon and Crosby.
They also don’t ask about Oak Island
the world’s best and fastest and most beautiful schooner, the Bluenose.
No, they ask about Oak Island.
Oak Island is the biggest fool’s gold story in the history of silliness. It even has its own TV show.
Oak Island is a tiny speck in the ocean off Nova Scotia where “fools-from-away” have spent a fortune digging to find Blackbeard’s Treasure.
Nova Scotians know that the only treasure in the hole is the millions spent digging the hole.
My Uncle George started the whole thing.
The myth of the great money pit has been traced back to the Fo’c’sle Tavern in Chester, Nova Scotia, across the bay from Oak Island. The Fo’c’sle was one of Uncle George’s drinking-and-lying hangouts. He loved the fries — a staple for any beer-drinking Irishman.
So George was entertaining some of the local boys with his tales.
He noticed some “plastic paddys” — phony Irish sporting those heavy, ugly tweed caps — were eavesdropping on the conversation.
The aging imp began to boast in stage whispers that his forbearers had a map putting Blackbeard’s fabulous lost treasure under the biggest tree on Oak Island.
The eavesdroppers were New York “yachtsmen” gathered in Chester for the sailing races.
Everyone knows that there are more fools with money in New York than anywhere on the planet.
The fools bought George’s map and the whole Blackbeard story.
They spent a gazillion bucks on equipment and started digging.
And digging and spending, and digging and spending.
God knows how many years later, they are still digging and spending and bailing water out of that big hole.
Someone needs to tell them George was just kidding.
Of course, this could never happen on Anna Maria Island.
Uncle George had an elevated taste in bars and would only frequent the Doctor’s Office or Duffy’s. Neither bar has fries, although the Doctor’s Office does offer free potato chips.
In any case, those digging fools could never get started on Anna Maria Island.
They’d never get a permit.
Everybody knows you can’t get permits for anything on Anna Maria Island.
— Sean Murphy
Sean Murphy is proprietor of the Doctor’s Office and the Doctor’s Garden, a craft cocktail bar with fine dining in an intimate setting in Holmes Beach as well as an outdoor “garden” dining area with entertainment — when weather permits.
FYI: You can’t get a permit or fries at the Doctor’s Office, but the newly reassembled chef staff that made Beach Bistro famous is preparing exceptional beef and seafood specialties for Doc’s patrons — including the world’s best bouillabaisse.
Bring your Hurricane Helene stories to the Doctor’s Office and Doc’s Garden and the staff will treat you to one of our amazing painkillers.
— Murph
The Islander archive dating to 1992 is online at ufdc.ufl.edu.
OpinionYour
Thanks from Kiwanis
The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island would like to thank our churches that took part in our 60th Annual Easter Sunrise Service. We would not be able to provide this event without them.
The attendance was more than 1,500 and the weather didn’t disappoint.
Thank you to: the AMI Beach Cafe for the location, Chuck Caudill for providing the sound system, Morgan Bryant for her lovely voice, the city of Holmes Beach, along with its public works and its police department for helping with parking, Manatee County and The Islander newspaper for their coverage.
We had our membership and their families, our SCF Key Club and members from other Kiwanis clubs helping to make Easter special for everyone.
Lastly, a huge thank you to the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, which awarded our club an Island Trolley Grant to help defray expenses. With this and the generosity of those who attended, we will be able to share the net proceeds with the churches and for Kiwanis’ various programs for children.
We look forward to seeing everyone next year for our 61st Easter Sunrise Service.
Sandra K. Haas-Martens, secretary, Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island
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In storage
Specimen storage at Mote Marine laboratory in Sarasota in 1979. Mote opened an educational center May 5, 2023, on the Anna Maria City Pier in Anna Maria. The pier and Mote’s center are closed due to hurricane damages last fall. islander Photo: Courtesy Manatee County Public library Systems
Q&A
The Islander poll
This week’s question
To me, “May Day” means?
A. Commemoration of labor’s struggles.
B. Celebration of spring.
C. Sea turtle season begins.
D. One month to hurricane season.
E. A distress call.
To answer go to islander.org.
10-20-30 years ago
From the April 27, 1995, issue
• The Florida Department of Environmental Protection announced its intent to issue a permit to the Florida Department of Transportation to construct a high, fixed-span bridge to serve as the island-mainland connection on Manatee Avenue.
• The DEP vetoed a proposal to allow private turtle hatcheries on Anna Maria Island but allowed Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch director Chuck Shumard discretion in relocating nests on the beach out of concern for “public traffic.”
• Bradenton Beach began working to improve the Historic Bridge Street Pier with the federal government paying the bulk of the $344,000 cost.
From the April 27, 2005, issue
• Volunteers with the Clearwater Audubon Society staked off an area near Bean Point in Anna Maria to keep beachgoers at a distance from nesting least terns.
• Bradenton Beach officials said they were confi dent the Historic Bridge Street Pier would “open soon.” Safety concerns, including wobbly railings and non-ADA compliant restrooms forced the pier’s closure in early March 2005.
From the April 29, 2015, issue
• A topping off ceremony completed the raising of a 162-foot cell tower at Anna Maria City Hall. The event marked the conclusion of four years of contract negotiations, opinion surveys and city meetings.
• West Manatee Fire Rescue announced a changeof-command ceremony was planned for retiring Chief Andy Price to transfer command to deputy Chief Tom Sousa.
— lisa Neff
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ON AMI
Saturday, May 3
2 p.m. — Paper crafting, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.
6-9 p.m. — Cajun Crawfish Boil, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. Info: hello@centerami. org, 941-778-1908.
ONGOING ON AMI
• Throughout May, Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island exhibits “Fur Babies,” Artists’ Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6694.
OFF AMI
Friday, May 2
6-8 p.m. — Music in the Park series with 90 Surge, Rossi Park, 452 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. Info: 941-301-8445.
7 p.m. — Kansas, The Outlaws concert, Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto. Fee applies. Info: 941778-1908, centerami.org.
ONGOING OFF AMI
• Through May, Island Gallery and Studios presents “Florida Inspired Jewelry Creations” by Carol Farkas. 456 Old Main St., Bradenton. Info: 941-778-6648.
• Through May, Island Gallery and Studios presents “Wildlife and Animals” by Judy Goldman, 456 Old Main St., Bradenton. Info: 941-778-6648.
• Through May 4, “American Farmer,” the Bishop, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-7464131.
• Various Mondays through May 12, Ringling by the Bay! performances, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Info: 941-359-5700.
• Through May 18, “America at a Crossroads: The Guitar and a Changing Nation,” the Bishop, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-746-4131.
• Through June 29, “George Harrison: A Gardener’s Life,” Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. Fee applies. Info: 941-366-5731.
• First Fridays, 6-9:30 p.m., Village of the Arts First Fridays Artwalk, 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Info: villageofthearts.com.
• Second and fourth Saturdays, 2-4 p.m., Florida Maritime Museum’s Music on the Porch, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Info: 941-708-6120.
• Second Saturdays, 10:30 a.m., Island Gallery and Studios art demo, 456 Old Main St., Bradenton. Info: 941-778-6648.
• Last Saturdays, 10:30 a.m., Island Gallery and Studios critique corner, 456 Old Main St., Bradenton. Info: 941-778-6648.
SAVE THE DATES
• May 8-18, Island Players’ “Grace & Glorie,” Anna Maria.
• May 8, The Cove’s “Window to You: A Coastal View” exhibit opening, Bradenton Beach.
• May 10, Palma Sola Botanical Park Garden Party: Evening Under the Stars, Bradenton.
• May 14, Off Stage Ladies meeting and lunch, Holmes Beach.
• May 15, Manatee Music Series at G.T. Bray presents MonkeyFinger, Bradenton.
• May 16, Center of Anna Maria Island senior outing, Selby Gardens, Sarasota.
• May 30, Center of Anna Maria Island senior outing, Hard Rock Casino, Tampa.
MARKETS & SALES
ONGOING ON AMI
• Most Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Coquina Beach Market, South Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach. Info: 041-840-0789.
• Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Anna Maria Community Market, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941-778-1908.
Saturday, May 3
8 a.m.-noon — Master Gardener Volunteer Spring Plant Sale,
At the guild’s gallery
Carolann Garafola’s painting “Snooty at the Bishop Museum” is on display at the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria island in May as part of the “Fur Babies” exhibit. Other members will be displaying their work incorporating an animal theme. The gallery is at 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. islander Courtesy Photo
Manatee County Extension Service, 1303 17th St. W., Palmetto. ONGOING OFF AMI
• Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Bradenton Public Market, Main Street. Info: 941-301-8445.
KIDS & FAMILY
ONGOING ON AMI
• Most Fridays, 10 a.m., Forty Carrots, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.
• Most Tuesdays, 10 a.m., Family Storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.
SAVE THE DATES
• May 31-Aug. 1, Manatee County Library System’s Summer Reading Program, Holmes Beach.
• July 4, Anna Maria Island Privateers Fourth of July Parade, islandwide.
CLUBS
&
COMMUNITY
ON AMI
Thursday, May 1
1 p.m. — Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341. Friday, May 2
10 a.m.-4 p.m. — OneBlood blood drive, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.
ONGOING ON AMI
• Most Fridays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.
• Most Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Anna Maria Island Kiwanis Club, Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. Info: 941-730-0016. Summer schedule begins in June
• Most Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., experienced mahjong Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.
SAVE THE DATES
• May 10, Letter Carriers Food Drive, islandwide.
• May 26, Memorial Day observance, Anna Maria. LESSONS & LEARNING ON AMI
Wednesday, April 30
10 a.m. — Creative Aging: Landscapes, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.
ATTENTION RENTAL OWNERS! We meet all your linen and cleaning needs with 5-star service. 18-plus years serving AMI. Our fleet will pick up/drop off daily.
2-3 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch program, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341. Saturday, May 3
Noon — “Don’t Keep Your Secrets” seminar with former islander/author Jean Peelen, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.
ONGOING ON AMI
• Mondays, through August, Sea Turtle Tracks and Shorebird Facts with Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive. Info: 941-301-8434, islandturtlewatch.com.
SPORTS & FITNESS
ONGOING OFF AMI
• Through Sept. 27, various dates, Bradenton Marauders’ minor league baseball, LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Margaritaville Night with Compass Hotels by Margaritaville is May 31. Fee applies. Info: 941-747-3031.
SAVE THE DATES
• May 9, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament, Bradenton.
OUTDOORS
& NATURE ON AMI
Thursday, May 1
3-6 p.m. — Suzi Fox Day/Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch Sea Turtle Nesting Season Kickoff Party, Coquina Beach, Lifeguard Tower No. 9, Bradenton Beach. Info: 941-301-8434, islandturtlewatch.com.
ONGOING OFF AMI
• Saturdays, 9 a.m., Manatee County Natural Resources’ Saturday Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Info: 941-748-4501.
SAVE THE DATES
• June 23, Sea Turtle Conservancy/Tour de Turtles sea turtle release, Bradenton Beach. TENTATIVE
CALENDAR NOTES
KEEP THE DATES
• May 1, sea turtle nesting season begins.
• May 11, Mother’s Day.
• May 17, Armed Forces Day.
• May 26, Memorial Day.
• June 1, Atlantic hurricane season begins.
• June 14, Flag Day.
• June 15, Father’s Day.
• June 19, Juneteenth.
• June 20, summer solstice.
• July 4, Independence Day.
ANNOUNCEMENTS GET LISTED!
Send listings to calendar@islander.org.
Submit your social news, weddings, anniversaries, births, travel photos, fishing, sports and event news and photos to news@islander.org. SHARE THE FUN.
A painting by Judy Goldman, one of two featured artists in May at island Gallery and Studios, 456 Old Main St., Bradenton. islander Courtesy Photo
Island happenings
2 exhibits in May at IGS
Island Gallery and Studios will present two featured artists in May — “Florida Inspired Jewelry Creations” is by Carol Farkas and “Wildlife and Animals” is by Judy Goldman.
Farkas has been designing jewelry for more than 30 years. She said she draws inspiration from shells, crystal beads and antique pieces, often repurposing them into fresh works.
Goldman, with a love for animals and wildlife, will display her paintings of exotic and domestic animals from worldly travels.
The gallery is at 456 Old Main St., Bradenton. For more information, go to islandgalleryandstudios.org or call 941-778-6648.s
Cove calls for artists
Cove Gallery & Boutique in Bradenton Beach is opening a “big tiny art show” in May and is calling for artists to participate.
Artists can submit artwork of any medium but it must be 8x8. The fee is $15 per entry.
The opening of “A Window to You: A Coastal View” will be 5-8 p.m. Thursday, May 8, and the exhibit will continue for a month.
The Cove is at 104 Bridge St. For more, go to ilovecove.com or call 941-4059227.
Off Stage Ladies to lunch
The Off Stage Ladies, an auxiliary of the Island Players, will meet for lunch at 11:45 a.m. Wednesday, May 14, at The Feast, 5406 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.
Island Players director James Thaggard will be the guest speaker, talking about “Grace & Glorie,” the May production at the Anna Maria theater.
The cost to join the group is $30.
People interested in joining Off Stage Ladies can contact Roe Duncan at 941-932-2798.
Crawfish boil on calendar
Let the good times roll. The Center of Anna Maria Island’s Cajun Crawfish Boil will be 6-9 p.m. Saturday, May 3.
Tickets, on sale at centerami.org, start at $50.
The center is at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. For more information, call the center at 941-7781908.
Concert series concludes Realize Bradenton’s Music in the Park concert series concludes May 2 with 90 Surge.
The free concert will be 6-8 p.m. Friday at the Riverwalk Pavilion at Rossi Park, 452 Third Ave. W. For more information, call 941-301-8445 or go on Facebook to @realizebradenton.
Kansas, Outlaws at convention center
Carry on.
The Center of Anna Maria Island is selling tickets for a Friday, May 2, concert at the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto featuring two bands — Kansas and the Outlaws.
Kansas formed in 1973 and gained prominence through the 1970s and 1980s with hits like “Carry On Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind.”
The Outlaws, a Southern rock band, formed in Tampa in 1972 and became known for hits like “Green Grass and High Tides,” “There Goes Another Love Song” and “Ghost Riders (In the Sky).”
Doors at the convention center, 1 Haben Blvd., will open at 6 p.m. and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m.
For more information, go to centerami.org/concerts or call 941-778-1908.
Players to stage season finale
The Island Players will close their season with playwright Tom Ziegler’s “Grace & Glorie.”
The play will open Thursday, May 8.
Actors in the cast include Jennifer Kwiatkowski as Glorie and Nancy Denton as Grace.
James Thaggard is directing the show, which is coproduced by the Ugly Grouper in Holmes Beach.
The theater group described the plot: “Grace is a feisty 90-year-old who has retreated to her mountain cabin in Virginia. Gloria is a transplanted New Yorker (with a Harvard MBA) and a novice hospice volunteer. Their cultures clash until the two women learn they have more in common than they ever could imagine.”
The play will run through May 18, with performances at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. The theater is dark Mondays.
Tickets are on sale at the box office 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Saturday and an hour before showtime.
The theater is at 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. For more information, call the box office at 941778-5755 or go online to theislandplayers.org.
Kiwanis meeting Saturdays
The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island gathers at 8:30 a.m. Saturdays at Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.
The speaker lineup includes Emily Lane from Habitat for Humanity May 3 and chiropractor Ron Gilbert May 17.
For more information, call Sandy Haas-Martens at 941-730-0016.
Gathering
By Lisa Neff
Chapel booking Greece trip
The Longboat Island Chapel has openings for a fall trip to Greece and Turkey.
The 12-day, 10-night trip costs $5,295 per person based on double-occupancy.
Trip dates for “Greece & Turkey: Ancient EchoesHighlights of St. Paul’s Footsteps” are Oct. 2-13.
The flight will depart from Tampa International Airport.
For more information, email Val Evanko at val. evanko@gmail.com.
Roser to host High on Jesus speaker in May
Roser Memorial Community Church will host a guest speaker during 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. worship services Sunday, May 18 and Sunday, May 25.
Inspirational speaker Justin Halas, who runs a life change program called High on Jesus and is the executive director of the nonprofit Hand Up to Victory, will address churchgoers.
Halas’ work involves offering people coming out of jail or off the street who are struggling with addictions “a hand up out of their situation.”
The church is at 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.
For more information, call Roser at 941-7780414.
Gathering Gathering is the religion section of The Islander. Submit announcements and photos to news@islander.org.
Obituary
Thomas H. Schmidtetter
Thomas H. Schmidtetter, 98, of Anna Maria, died March 16.
He was drafted into the U.S. Army and upon graduating from Phillipsburg High School in New Jersey, he was sent to Fort Bragg for basic training, and then on to France, south of Paris, where he was assigned to the 601st Field Artillery Battalion. He joined the unit in Peira Cava, in the Maritime Alps, where they operated with pack mules carrying 75mm Howitzers.
The battalion was eventually stationed in Obersalzberg, Germany, living in SS barracks below Hitler’s bombed-out Eagle’s Nest when the war in Europe ended in May 1945.
After the war, his thirst for knowledge led him to enroll in evening and night classes in subjects ranging from English and philosophy to computer programming.
His early talent in drafting led to work with the New York Central Railroad, drawing track and signal layouts. He later became a heavy equipment mechanic and then service manager at a facility in Vestal, New York. Eventually, he moved to Florida and joined the Central Florida Caterpillar dealership, where he established its first oil analysis lab for heavy equipment. As technical services department manager, he was responsible for warranty operations, service training, oil testing, and technical communication with the factory.
GoodDeeds
Postal carriers plan food drive
Island postal workers are joining the annual National Association of Letter Carriers “Stamp Out Hunger” Food Drive.
The nationwide collection — set this year for Saturday, May 10 — is the largest one-day food drive in the country. People leave donations at their mailboxes for letter carriers to collect, as well as drop off nonperishable food items at post offices, including the contract post office at 5354 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.
Brian Andrews, who is coordinating the drive for the Bradenton Beach Post Office, which is operating since Hurricane Helene at the Longboat Key Post Offi ce, encouraged participation in a notice to The Islander: “This time of year, the food bank shelves are emptying from the holiday donations they receive. This happens every year. More importantly, this past year has been an extremely tough one for everyone on the island. It’s been a long process and people are starting to get back on their feet. … We know this is a tough year for donations but we are hoping that those who can, will donate for those who can’t.”
For more information, contact a local post office.
GoodDeeds Submit announcements and photos to news@islander.org.
Assistance offered on AMI
• Roser Food Bank welcomes applicants for food assistance, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941-778-0414.
• AID offers financial help. Info: 941-7784769.
Assistance sought on AMI
• All Island Denominations accepts fi nancial donations at P.O. Box 814, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Info: 941-778-4769.
• The Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra seeks volunteers, donors and a venue space. Info: info@amicco.org.
He married Mary Lou Schmidtetter and raised their three sons in Endicott, New York, enjoying summer vacations at the Jersey Shore.
Later in life, he built a home in Anna Maria, reflecting his love of the water. He enjoyed woodworking, home design, restoring his 1964 1/2 Ford Mustang and reading. He and wife Sylvia shared a passion for travel, often retracing the footsteps of his wartime service.
A private interment service was held April 24 at Sarasota National Cemetery.
Grand marshal on Manatee Darcie Duncan, recognized for her good works following hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024, is the grand marshal in the De Soto Heritage Festival’s grand parade, which was April 26 on Manatee Avenue in Bradenton. islander
Blood drive at library
The Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, will host a blood drive with OneBlood 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, May 2
The blood drive will be in the parking lot.
Appointments are not needed.
OneBlood, on its website at oneblood.org, said there is an increased need for type O and type O-negative donations.
For more, call the library at 941-778-6341.
Waterkeeper training Mangrove Rangers
Suncoast Waterkeeper will hold two training sessions for its Mangrove Rangers volunteer program.
The nonprofit is organizing teams to map mangroves in the area and needs volunteers who can pilot drones, captain boats, manage data and spot mangroves.
Training will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, May 3, and 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 6.
For more information or to sign up, go to suncoastwaterkeeper.org/mangrove_rangers.
For information about Suncoast Waterkeeper, call 239-222-2443.
• The Anna Maria Island Historical Society, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, seeks donations for restoration and volunteers. Info: 608-444-0084.
• The Anna Maria Island Privateers seeks a building and/or land with covered parking for the Skullywag, its sleigh and other items. Info: amiprivateers.org.
• The Island Players in Anna Maria seeks volunteers in every area to “come and be part of our family.” Info: 941-920-1362.
• Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center Inc., in Bradenton Beach seeks gift cards for supplies. Info: 941-778-6324.
Email listings for GoodDeeds to lisa@islander. org.
Mr. Schmidtetter is survived by Sylvia, his wife of 49 years; sons Wayne of Tampa and William of North Port; stepchildren Linda Seifried and Savannah; Cheryl and husband Don Roberts of Sarasota, and David Hill of California; and 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Photo: Courtesy Capt. Scott Moore
Celebrating Arbor Day, growing Anna Maria Island’s canopy
Anna Maria officials and staff, alongside representatives from Keep Manatee Beautiful, Anna Maria island Garden Club and Florida Forest Service, hold a Tree City USA flag April 25 before they finish planting a black olive tree at Villa rosa Park, 311 S. Bay Blvd., to celebrate National Arbor Day. islander
Cathy King, a volunteer with the Bradenton Beach ScenicWAVES Committee, awaits the noon rush on the first day of a three-day tree giveaway at the Anna Maria island Chamber of Commerce office in Holmes Beach.
Courtesy Shawn Mayers
The Center of Anna Maria island gym is transformed and filled with guests — families and friends of AME — for A Night in Paradise, the AME PTO’s spring gala, which was April 26. islander Courtesy Photo
A National Arbor Day celebration takes place April 26 at the Annie Silver Community Center in Bradenton Beach, where Bruce Butler, left, cooks a picnic lunch. Standing beside a newly planted sabal palm are Tim roedeker, from left, Peg Miller, County Forester richard larson, Morgan rothe and Gordon rothe. The local arbor day celebrations involved Keep Manatee Beautiful, the Florida Forest Service, municipalities, as well as civic and community groups. islander Photo: ingrid McClellan
PTO creates ‘A Night in Paradise’ A highlight of the school year for parents, educators and other Anna Maria Elementary enthusiasts is the PTO’s annual spring gala. A Night in Paradise was held April 26 at the Center of Anna Maria island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. The evening included dinner, dancing, socializing and bidding on live and silent auction items.
Free trees for Earth Day
lEFT: People line up outside the chamber office April 22 for the opening of a tree giveaway that lasted three days. islander Photos: lisa Neff
Senior awarded $2k scholarship Anna Maria island Historical Society vice president Elizabeth Hager, left, presents AMiHS’s scholarship for $2,000 April 24 to Holmes Beach resident Torianne Hurst, a senior at Manatee High School who plans to study computer science at the University of Colorado in Denver in the fall. The scholarship is awarded to island residents and employees who are high school seniors planning to seek higher education. The program has awarded over $30,000 since 1998. islander Courtesy Photo
Photo:
Nesting notes
Suzi Fox Day arrives
By Lisa Neff
There’s a lot you’ll want to know about mama turtles, Suzi Fox informed me on our introduction to one another in 2006.
Fox schooled me on “a lot” over the years, as I covered Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, the nonprofit she mothered, nurtured, guided over many years.
Fox, who died in 2022, was the longtime director of AMITW. She’d teach anyone she encountered about mama sea turtles and hatchlings. She led seminars, talks, walks to inform people of all ages about sea turtles.
And she’d be on the beach at any time of day or night on behalf of nesting sea turtles, the incubating eggs and hatchlings.
She was the sea turtle’s protector, monitor, advocate and records keeper. She was their mama.
Mother’s Day seems an appropriate day to honor Fox. But so too is May 1, the official start of sea turtle nesting season, and that’s what AMITW has planned.
The nonprofit, which has been monitoring the beaches every morning since April 15 for signs of nesting activity, plans to mark Suzi Fox Day with the inaugural Sea Turtle Nesting Season Kickoff Party.
The May 1 event will be 3-6 p.m. at Coquina Beach Lifeguard Tower #9 in Bradenton Beach.
“We will be kicking off sea turtle nesting season and celebrating Suzi with an educational booth, games and activities for kids, free amber light bulbs and free outreach materials for AMI residents to hand out to their guests over the summer,” AMITW executive director Kristen Mazzarella told The Islander April 23. “Most of our volunteers will be there to celebrate and educate anyone who stops by. We also will have music by Mike Sales.”
Turtle watch also will present Sea Turtle Tracks and Shorebird Facts talks Mondays at 10 a.m. starting May 5 at Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive.
During Fox’s tenure, AMITW also conducted turtle talks, usually on the beach following the morning patrols.
“I believe Suzi’s legacy is the people she educated about sea turtles on Anna Maria Island,” Mazzarella said. “She touched the lives of so many with her outreach and those people learned a lot from her and remember the experiences with fondness such that they are advocates for sea turtles now and are teaching others how to conserve and protect them.”
Mote releases 2 turtles rehabbed, recovered from red tide
Suzi Fox addresses a group of children on mama sea turtles and hatchlings. Fox, who died in 2022, is celebrated with Suzi Fox Day on May 1. islander File Photos
The Islander invited people via its social media accounts to share remembrances and friends, neighbors, colleagues and family responded:
“Thank y’all for still doing this for my nana,” wrote Ashley Norfleet.
• “She was awesome,” said Cathy Lynn Forcino.
• “Such a Turtle Treasure!!!” wrote Peggy Dean.
• Such an island legend,” said Tammy Paskarnis.
• “I miss her,” said Kathy Doddridge. “Suzi gave the best hugs!!”
Mazzarella and Fox knew each other and were colleagues or, as Mazzarella described it, they “had sister jobs — she at AMITW and me at Mote since 2008.”
“We would consult with each other on turtle patrol — the good and the bad — and also get together as friends from time to time to just enjoy each other’s company.”
Like Doddridge, a volunteer for AMITW, Mazzarella mentioned Fox’s hugs.
Fox, she said, was “always a good listener, gave helpful suggestions, encouragement, advice and always with a smile and great hugs!”
Did you know?
Sea turtles are federally protected by the Endan-
AMiTW is a nonprofit that collects data on threatened or endangered sea turtles, as well as shorebirds. For more information, call 941-301-8434 or go to islandturtlewatch.com.
gered Species Act and by state and local laws. People who see a sea turtle in distress on Anna Maria Island can call AMITW at 941-301-8434 or FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922. For more information, go to www.islandturtlewatch.com.
A promotion calls people to celebrate Suzi Fox Day on May 1 at Coquina Beach.
A crew with the Sea Turtle rehabilitation Hospital at Sarasota-based Mote Marine laboratory & Aquarium carries “Grimm” toward the water of lido Beach April 23. “Grimm” and another sea turtle, “Monique,” were released after rehab from sickness likely caused by red tide toxins. islander Photos: Courtesy Hayley rutger/Mote Marine laboratory
“Monique” swims into the Gulf. “Monique” crawled on the beach into the surf while another rehabbed turtle, “Grimm,” was lowered into the waves by a Mote team. “Monique” was rescued in March from South Siesta Key’s Turtle Beach while “Grimm” was found floating in water and rescued Feb. 16.
Photo: Angie Blunt
lEFT: Suzi Fox, who died in 2022, stands by her ATV on the beach where she monitored and cared for sea turtles for nearly three decades. ABOVE: Suzi Fox at the wheel of
“Monique” is examined after arriving to Mote’s rehabilitation hospital. red tide, caused by a naturally occurring microscopic alga — Karenia brevis — can produce toxins harmful to marine life.
Along comes May to heat up temps and angling action inshore
By Capt. Danny Stasny islander reporter
As we wrap up April and slide into May, inshore fishing around Anna Maria Island is really heating up, just like the temperatures.
With water temps finally reaching 78-80 degrees, inshore fish such as snook, redfish and spotted seatrout are finding their comfort zone. It’s apparent to fishers by the way they are biting.
Stasny
Live bait is quickly being devoured when cast around mangrove shorelines, oyster bars and shallow grass flats with sandy potholes.
Snook and redfish are lurking on the shallows and have one thing on their minds — feeding.
Now is the time to get out before the temperatures rise, putting a damper on flats fishing.
Spotted seatrout are following suit with most action coming from deeper grass flats in Tampa Bay south to Sarasota Bay. As the trout migrate toward the beaches to spawn, they can be found in the passes and along the Gulf beaches where structure exists. Don’t forget the slot-limit of 15-19 inches on trout includes one fish over the slot per person unless you’re in a boat, where it is only one fish over the slot per boat.
Don’t make the mistake of keeping more than your limit of trout as the fine can be a hefty one.
And since we’re speaking about rules, set a reminder that snook season ends May 1, which should give a needed break to all the fish of 28-33 inches.
Moving to the nearshore and offshore action, reports of red grouper being caught are frequent. Both live and frozen baits are yielding plenty of bites in depths of 100 feet or more.
Mangrove snapper are being caught while fishing offshore, as well as around nearshore structure inside 9 miles. If you’re fishing the artificial reefs, keep your eyes peeled for kingfish and cobia as they begin their move throughout our region.
many fish over 20 inches being caught. There are still plenty of slot-size fish measuring 15-19 inches to put in the cooler for dinner, while the larger “gator” trout are providing great photo opportunities before the release.
Fishing along the beaches in the Gulf of Mexico is yielding action on Spanish mackerel although that bite is day to day as the fish seem to be on the move.
Capt. Johnny Mattay says inshore fishing is great right now, especially for snook. Snook season is coming to an end and Mattay says he’s happy to close out the season with plenty of daily catches, including quite a few slot-size keepers.
Mattay is working snook in a variety of places, from Gulf beaches all the way into the back bays and around the mangroves and oyster bars.
Redfish action is strong, with large examples in the 40-inch range as well as slot fish 18-27 inches. To put clients on the reds, Mattay is fishing mangrove shorelines and oyster bars during the high tides.
Spotted seatrout also are biting well for Mattay. He’s finding steady action on most deeper grass flats while using live shiners as bait, which yields countless fish over 20 inches and plenty in the slot of 15-19 inches.
Moving offshore, red grouper and snapper are rounding out the bite and bottom fi shing with live shiners or pinfish works well, says Mattay.
Finally, Mattay says using surface poppers is producing action, especially on kingfish and cobia.
On my Just Reel charters, I’m enjoying the inshore bite as snook are cooperating nicely during the last stage of the moon in April.
I’m seeing a pretty decent linesider bite with several keeper fish being caught, as well as the normal 20-26 inch fish filling the gaps for sport fishers.
Redfish are mixed in with the snook bite, which is quite entertaining and adds variety to the catch. Most reds are measuring 22-27 inches, while a few shorties are being returned to the water.
Spotted seatrout are the most prominent bite, with
Capt. David White is catching plenty of inshore species on his charters while fishing throughout Tampa Bay and southward into Sarasota Bay. He reports that casting live shiners throughout the shallow back country is leading to good numbers of snook in all sizes.
Redfish also are being caught in the same areas with numerous slot-size fish taken by White’s clients on most days. Mangrove shorelines, oyster bars and high tides are the perfect recipe, according to White, as he is excited to get out there and catch some fish.
Deeper grass flats are providing plenty of action for spotted seatrout, with many upper-slot fish being caught by White’s charter fishers. In the mix are jacks and ladyfish to round out the bite.
While fishing nearshore in the Gulf of Mexico, White is finding kingfish and a few cobia for his anglers. The kings are more consistent, while the cobia bite is random. He says live shiners are attracting the kings, while a juicy pinfish is working on the cobia. And don’t forget, we roll out the red carpet for some visiting tarpon in May.
Get ready for the silver kings.
Send photos and fish tales to fish@islander.org.
“Fisherman” Phil Bell, right, proud grandpa from the los Angeles area, stands next to grandson Surya Bell-Chakrabarti as he shows off his first redfish, caught April 18 on a guided fishing trip with Capt. Danny Stasny of Just reel Fishing Charters.
Soccer rules at community center, golf at KRC,
By Kevin P. Cassidy islander reporter
During three weeks of action in the 8-10 division of the youth soccer league at the Center of Anna Maria Island, the competition has been keen.
Beach Bums and Moss Builders share the top spot in the standings with matching 2-0-1 records, just ahead of Solid Rock Construction at 1-0-2. The Fish Guy Aquarium Services holds down fourth place with a 1-2 record, while Adrian Griffin Interiors at 0-1-2 and 0-3 Shady Lady Horticultural Services complete the standings.
Action for the 8-10s April 22 saw Beach Bums cruise past Shady Lady 5-1 behind three goals from Louis Bacon and two goals from Parker Svoboda.
The second game of the night saw Adrian Griffin Interiors and Solid Rock Construction battle to a 0-0 tie. Deacon Bekkerus came through with seven saves for Adrian Griffin, while Elijah Roadman made six saves for Solid Rock.
Owen Mahoney scored the lone goal to lead Moss Builders to a 1-0 victory over the Fish Guy in the last 8-10 game of the night.
The 11-13 division standings have La Creperie running away with first place on a 4-0 record. Solid Rock Construction and Westfall’s Lawn Care and Pest Control are tied for second with 2-2 records, while AMI Outfi tters completes the standings with a 0-4 record.
Action in the 11-13 division April 22 kicked off with Westfall’s Lawn Care edging AMI Outfitters 3-2 behind two goals from Callin Westfall and one goal from Braylen Briggs.
Lucas Signor and Jasmine Sparks notched the goals for AMI Outfitters in the loss.
Renan Kesten scored four goals for La Creperie on the way to a 6-3 victory over Solid Rock Construction
in the second 11-13 division game of the night. Gunnar Maize added a pair of goals in the victory.
Maggie Niedzwick scored two goals and Turner Worth had one for Solid Rock in the loss.
The 14-17 division standings are perfectly balanced with the Gitt Team-Keller Williams on the Water leading the way with a 4-0 record with Better On Bikes right behind at 3-1. Moss Builders holds down third place at 1-3, while HSH Design is 0-4.
Better On Bikes opened the 14-17 action April 22 with a 6-0 victory over HSH Design behind three goals each from Renan Kesten and Callin Westfall.
Kyle Castagna made six saves for HSH Design in the loss.
The last l4-17 division game of the evening saw Gitt Team outscore Moss Builders 7-5 behind fi ve goals from Jesse Zaccagnino and two goals from Ryk Kesten.
Turner Worth scored three goals and Mason Moss added two goals for Moss Builders in the loss.
Adult soccer action continues at center
Moss Builders is on top of the standings in the adult soccer league at the community center at 4-1, just ahead of 3-0-2 Florida Impact Windows and 3-1-1 Hampton Painting. Language Services Associates is close behind at 2-1-2, just ahead of Pool America at 2-2-1. Ross Built, Bubble Binz and Sato Real Estate all follow at 2-3 while Duncan Real Estate at 1-2-2 and 0-5 Slicker’s Eatery complete the standings.
Action April 24 opened with Duncan Real Estate rolling to a 9-3 victory over Sato behind five goals from Danny Free and three goals from Cody Wright. Pool America and Language Services Associates battled to a 4-4 tie in the second game of the evening. Lucas Wilson scored three goals and Hugo Gallegos added one to lead Pool America.
Tyler Brewer, Helio Gomez, Alex Villanueva and Erica Nielson each scored a goal for Language Services Associates in the draw.
Moss Builders cruised to a 6-2 victory over Slicker’s Eatery with three goals from Zachariah Anabtawi. Julio Cantu, Greg Moss and James Roadman each added a goal for the win.
Chaz Heller notched the lone goals for Slicker’s Eatery in the loss.
Selinz Gonzalez-Salinas scored the game’s lone goal to lead Florida Impact Windows to a 1-0 victory over Bubble Binz in the fourth game of the night. The last game of the night saw Hampton Painting and Ross Built battle to a 4-4 tie. Ethan Hampton and PlEASE SEE SPORTS PAGE 17
instagram.com/daiquirideck twitter.com/daiquirideck
Cassidy
Tim Sofran, left, teamed up with Billy Silver April 26 at the Anna Maria city hall horseshoe competition and came out on top after a three-team playoff. islander
Photo: Courtesy AMI Pitchers
By Lisa Neff
Tampa Bay region residents are exposed to unhealthy levels of ozone smog, according to the “State of the Air” report released April 23 by the American Lung Association.
The report found that nearly half of the U.S. population lives in areas with unhealthy levels of air pollution.
The report — the 26th annual from the lung association — uses a grading system to chart levels of ozone pollution, also known as smog, and particle pollution, also known as soot.
Ozone smog and particle pollution are widespread and can impact anyone’s health. Both pollutants can cause premature death and serious health effects, including asthma, heart attacks and strokes, preterm births and impaired cognitive functioning later in life.
Particle pollution also can cause lung cancer.
“This air pollution is a threat to human health at every stage of life,” Ashley Lyerly, senior director of advocacy at the Lung Association in Florida, said in a news release. “We urge Florida policymakers to take action to improve our air quality and we are calling on everyone to support the incredibly important work of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Without EPA staff and programs, Floridians won’t know what’s in the air they’re breathing, and efforts to clean up air pollution will be undone.”
For ground-level ozone pollution, the Tampa Bay region received a C grade, the same grade as in 2024. The region is the 115th worst out of 228 areas in the national rankings.
For short-term spikes in particle pollution, the region scored a B, the same as in 2024, and it comes in at 177th worst out of 223.
For a year-round average level of particle pollution, the region received a passing grade, the same as in 2024.
The report contains some county level analysis. Manatee County received an A grade for ozone
Catch and release
Holmes Beach police Officer Jason Higgins holds a green iguana April 23. The animal was caught near the home of City Commissioner Carol Soustek, who reported its presence in her backyard. The iguana was released into the Grassy Pointe Preserve, 3021 Ave. C, a protected wetland area. Islander Photo: Courtesy JT Thomas
smog but the county does not have any monitors for particle pollution, according to the lung association.
Sarasota County received an A grade for ozone smog and a B for particle pollution,
The report is based on data from air quality monitors managed by state, local and tribal authorities across the United States. In Florida, only 35 out of 67 counties could be graded for at least one measure of air quality, underscoring a need for more monitors.
Elsewhere in the state: Ozone and daily particle pollution worsened slightly in the Jacksonville metro area. In the Miami metro area, there were improved levels of year-round particle pollution but worsened levels of ozone smog. Both ozone and daily particle pollution worsened slightly in the Orlando metro area. Meanwhile, in Tallahassee area, air quality remained unchanged and “ranked among the cleanest in the nation for ozone pollution.”
At a national level, the report found that 46% of the U.S. population lives in an area that received a fail-
ing grade for at least one measure of air pollution.
The report also found that a person of color is more than twice as likely as a white individual to live in a community with a failing grade on all three pollution measures.
Did you know?
The federal Clean Air Act requires the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to set health-based limits, called National Ambient Air Quality Standards, for six outdoor air pollutants: particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and lead.
Since the Clean Air Act was passed in 1970, the combined emissions of the pollutants have fallen by 78%.
Ficus tree buzzing with bees Christ Skardoutos, a hobby beekeeper and Bradenton mortgage broker, on April 23 visited a site on the S-curve in the 4000 block of Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach where a contractor worked to remove a ficus tree. The tree, which was leaning and presented a safety hazard, has a large hive burrowed in the base of the trunk and “is over my expertise,” according to Skardoutos. He said it would be difficult and require other resources to reach the queen, and the hive can’t be relocated without the queen. Islander Photo: Christ Skardoutos
Neff
SRQ breaks records
In March, 597,796 passengers traveled through Sarasota Bradenton International Airport compared to 553,521 passengers in March 2024.
The passenger count represented an increase of 8% from the year prior and was the highest number of passengers per month in the history of SRQ.
During the first quarter of 2025, SRQ experienced 1.1% in growth in passenger traffic compared to the same period in 2024.
“It is exciting to see the airport break an all-time passenger record for the most passengers served in a month,” Rick Piccolo, SRQ president and CEO, said in an April 15 news release. “The recent opening of our new five-gate Concourse A in January, along with the introduction of nine new nonstop destinations this year, is contributing to a recovery in passenger growth following a minor setback due to Hurricane Milton.”
SRQ serves 11 airlines offering 68 nonstop destinations.
For more information, go to flysrq.com.
— lisa Neff
Manatee expo ahead
The Manatee Chamber of Commerce Spring Expo 2025 will be 4-7 p.m. Thursday, May 1, at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto.
The chamber says the expo is all about “connecting, shopping and growing our local community by showcasing fantastic businesses and organizations here in Manatee County.”
Plans include complimentary light bites provided by local restaurants and caterers.
For more, call the chamber at 941-748-3411.
Paint, pottery studio opens
An art studio held its grand opening April 17 in Holmes Beach’s City Center and quickly announced a series of events to bring people to “Distractions On The Island.”
Distractions on the Island is in Suite 800, 5306 Holmes Blvd., situated between the Freckled Fin and the Doctor’s Office.
Owner Silena Hammond, in an April 24 email to The Islander, invited people into to the studio for several events, including a couple of mom-themed activities to celebrate Mother’s Day:
• Toddler Storytime and Ceramics Painting is on Saturday, May 3; Mommy and Me: A Pottery Painting Tea Party is on Sunday, May 4; Mother’s Day Mimosa and Memories is Saturday and Sunday, May 10-11; Bad Moms: Potty Mouth Pottery Painting is Thursday, May 15.
The studio is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday-Saturday.
Walk-ins are welcome but some events require registration.
Another Distractions operates in High Point, North Carolina.
For more information, visit www.distractionsartstudio.com or call 941-348-0818.
— lisa Neff
Cruising in London, marketing Manatee
Holmes Beach resident Leigh Terrafranca shared with The Islander a photo friends took of a taxi wrapped in an advertisement for “Real. Authentic. Florida.” and promoting “Bradenton, Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key.” “Our london friends were surprised to see a Florida taxi outside a hotel in Mayfair recently. When they got the camera out, they realized it was an advert inviting Brits to visit our very own Anna Maria Island,” Terrafranca wrote in an April 19 email. Islander Courtesy Photo
AMI chamber plans IMG day
The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s 26th annual Golf Tournament benefiting the scholarship fund will be at 12:30 p.m. Friday, May 9, at the IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Parkway, Bradenton.
Registration is $650 per foursome or $170 per individual golfer while dinner alone is $50.
Sponsorships are $150-$2,000.
For more, call the chamber at 941-778-1541.
BizCal
By Lisa Neff
THIS WEEK
Thursday, May 1
8-9:30 a.m. — Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting, AMI Beach Cafe, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Fee applies. Info: 941-778-1541, terri@amichamber. org.
4-7 p.m. — Manatee Chamber of Commerce Spring Expo, Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto. Info: 941-748-3411.
SAVE THE DATES
• May 8, 11:30 a.m., AMI Chamber luncheon, Pesto Bistro, Bradenton.
• May 9, 12:30 p.m., Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament, IMG Academy Golf Club, Bradenton.
• May 22, 5-7 p.m., AMI Chamber business card exchange, Send listings to calendar@islander.org.
The Island Experts Since 1972
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.
$2 @ The Islander, 315 58th St., Holmes Beach.
Entrepreneurs learn to give back
Parker Svoboda, 10, left, Ruby Kesten, 11, and Parker’s sister, Caroline, 7, front, learned about entrepreneurs this year during class at their co-op Down by the Bay Homeschool on Anna Maria Island and in Bradenton. They started a 3D printing business called Print Wizards, with items made by the kids and sold at La Creperie restaurant in the Anna Maria Island Centre shopping plaza in Holmes Beach and just recently restocked the shelves — but hurry in. Print Wizards is a hot seller. The kids donated a portion of their proceeds to the Center of Anna Maria island, where they compete on the LaCreperie soccer team.
— Brooke “Mom” Svoboda
Key Royale golf news
After a couple of weeks of tournaments at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach, the schedule settled into regular offseason matches.
The men played their weekly modified-Stableford system match April 21 with Ron Vandeman carding a plus-6 to earn clubhouse bragging rights by one point over Dave DuVernay. Gary Razze and Greg Shorten finished in a tie for second place at plus-4.
Judy Christensen fired a 7-under-par 25 to cruise to victory in Flight A during the women’s individuallow-net match April 21. Nina McSparren was alone in second at 2-under-par 30, while Terry Taylor and Sue Wheeler tied for third at 1-under-par 31.
Jan Turner carded a 5-under-par 27 to earn a three-shot victory in Flight B over Sue Christenson and Gloria LaDue, who tied for second. Billie Jean Pinson was alone in third place at 1-under-par 31.
The week of golf concluded with members playing a combo scramble/shamble to a modified course, playing to a par 50. The team of Bob O’Brien, Gary
Razze and Greg Shorten combined on a 2-under-par 48 to earn clubhouse bragging rights for the day. The team of Bob Blaser, Janelle Clements, Eric Lawson and Chuck Patrick tied the team of Brian Comer, Dale Miller, Scott Mitchell and Blake Ress to finish in a tie for second place.
Horseshoe action
Two teams advanced to the knockout stage during April 23 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. The team of Tim Sofran and Tom Farrington cruised to a 22-10 victory over Bob Lee and Tom Skoloda to win the day’s championship.
Sofran was back in the mix April 26, this time teamed up with Billy Silver. Sofran and Silver eliminated Farrington and Steve Kriebel 23-3 in the semifinal and followed up with a 23-4 victory over Lee to earn the day’s top spot.
Play gets under way at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by random team selection.
There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome.
Paddlers return to paradise
Three of these paddlers — Brenda Basiley, front right, Laurie Burton Graham, third seat on left, and Melinda Bradway, fifth row, right seat — are former members of AMI Paddlers from Paradise who moved from Anna Maria Island. They came together for a dragon boat camp hosted by Alkame Dragon Boat Services April 13-19 on Florida’s Space Coast. Paddlers from Paradise disbanded after Hurricane Idalia in August 2023 brought flooding to the home of the team’s coaches, Craig and Melinda Bradway, who now live in Connecticut. Burton Graham lives on Amelia Island, having made the move shortly after Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. Basiley lives in Indian Harbour Beach. She moved shortly after Hurricane Ian in 2022. The hurricanes took them in different directions but their love for paddling brought them together. As these three former AMI Paddlers from Paradise like to say, “One, two, three, four, leave your troubles on the shore.” Islander Courtesy Photo
You can read it all online at islander.org
Jorge Hernandez each scored two goals for Hampton Painting.
ITEMS FOR SALE
DOT X380 WHITE motorcycle helmets. Bug shields. One small, new. One large, slightly used. $50/both. Bill, 724-986-0314.
THREE GALLONS UNOPENED Sherwin Williams white paint. Interior satin. Was $135, just bought last week, now, $75. 941-778-6854.
FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE
Individuals may place one free ad with up to three items, each priced $100 or less, 15 words or less. FREE, one week, must be submitted online. Email classifieds@islander.org. (limited time offer).
ESTATE SALES
ESTATE SALE: 9:30 a.m.- 2 p.m. Friday, May 2. 108 Pelican Drive, Anna Maria. Roll-top desk, wicker chairs and chest, china cabinet, miniature grandfather clock, queen and king beds, bench, Featherweight sewing machine, painted desk and chair, painting and prints, bookcase, lamps, TV, S/plate, Portugal set of china, decorative and beach accessories, four rattan bar stools, costume jewelry, books, china and crystal, shells, concrete statues, canoe, some kitchenware, and more. Trailer, collectibles, some tools. Sale conducted by Palma Sola Sales. Numbers given out at 8 a.m.
TRANSPORTATION
GOLF CART RENTALS: Fun for residents and tourists! 212-941-2402. www.GolfCartRentalAMI. com
BOATS & BOATING
HAVE A BOAT and wanna catch more fish, better bait or learn the water? 50-year local fisherman, your boat, my knowledge. Captain Chris, 941896-2915.
SUNCOAST BOTTOM PAINTING: Professional bottom painting. Mobile. Call 941-704-9382.
CAPTAIN FOR HIRE and boat caretaker services: If you need help with your boat on or off the water, call Captain Dan. USCG, retired. 772486-8085.
~ Cleanups Hauling ~ Tree Trimming. LICENSED & INSURED
Improvements 941.792.5600 Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Specialist Replacement Doors and Windows Andrew Chennault FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED Island References Lic#CBC056755
& Condo Renovations Kitchens • Bath • Design Ser vice Carpentr y • Flooring • Painting Commercial &
BOATS & BOATING Continued
WELCOME ABOARD JOYFISH Charters for private fishing, sunset cruises, and dolphin watching. Check out joyfishcharters.co m or follow us on Facebook. Call to reserve, 941840-3181.
2007 SEA RAY 240 Sundeck. On a lift, AMI. Brand new Mercury 6.2 engine with 20 hours use. No hurricane damage. Extended swim platform. Boat runs good and is in good shape. $19,999. Price firm. Can send photos. 410365-9028.
HELP WANTED
BREAKFAST/LUNCH LINE cook: Apply Wednesday through Saturday, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.at Minnie’s Beach Cafe, 5360 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. 941-962-1687.
NOW HIRING HANDYMAN: Full-time professional services. $18 an hour and up, based on experience. Call JayPros, 941-962-2874.
REPORTER WANTED: Full- to part-time. Newspaper experience required. Apply via email with letter of interest to news@islander.org.
SERVICES
IS YOUR HOME or office in need of some cleaning? Well, I’m your girl! Local, reliable, professional! Please, give me a call or text, 941-773 -0461.
CLEANING: VACATION, CONSTRUCTION, residential, commercial and windows. licensed and insured. 941-756-4570.
PRESSURE WASHING, PAVER sealing, driveway, roof, fence, pool area. Also, window cleaning. Licensed and insured. 941-565-3931.
BICYCLE REPAIRS: Just4Fun at 5358 Gulf Drive can do most any bicycle repair at a reasonable cost. Pick-up and delivery available. 941-8967884.
API’S DRYWALL REPAIR: I look forward to servicing your drywall repair needs. Call 941-5248067 to schedule an appointment.
PC OR TECH issues? Not sure where to start? With years of experience, I’ll come to you with reliable solutions. Contact Gavin at 928-5871309. www.gse.codes
SARASOTA PAINTING: INTERIOR/exterior/cabinets: Call or text Don, 941-900-9398. Free estimates. Fully insured, twenty years’ experience.
RIDEEASY 247 YOUR professional, reliable and courteous car service to airports and events since 2015. You can reach us via text 941-4477737 or email to mrfort5001@gmail.com We are available 24/7.
LOOK NO MORE! Residential, vacation rental and commercial cleaning. Give us a call, 941250-8548.
OUR SERVICES: CLEANING, home repairs, tile, concrete, remodeling, decks, steps, flooring, water drainage solutions, rental 24-hour services. Hurricane shutters and pre-storm service. New, low-cost generator and insulation (starts and runs on propane when power off). No permits needed. Islander, over 40 years here! Call 941404-9163.
GOT DIRTY WINDOWS? Free estimates/insured. Five-star customer service rating. “We want to earn your business. Downeast Window Cleaning, 207-852-6163.
AIRPORT SHUTTLE: QUALITY transportation, 10 years by Lewber. 352-339-3478.
SERVICES
IS YOUR POOL deck, driveway, or garage floor looking worn out and dated? Bring them back to life with our top-tier resurfacing services! Services offered: Pool deck resurfacing, Slip-resistant, cool-to-the-touch finishes that enhance safety and aesthetics. Driveway resurfacing, durable surfaces that stand up to heavy traffic and harsh weather. Garage floor resurfacing, easy-to-clean, stain-resistant surfaces that look great and perform even better. Don’t wait! Transform your spaces today with our trusted resurfacing services. Contact us now for a free consultation and estimate. Call U Plus Me LLC at 727-623-5050 or visit u-plus-me.com
LOOKING FOR SOMEONE who needs me: Clean, house-sit. I can cook, make sandwiches. I can do anything you can do but better! I can run to the grocery store for you. I can walk pets or go out to lunch with you. Looking for a part-time job caregiving companion, I am your right arm! I love people and I love helping others. I have references and I’m reliable and dependable. My name is Dena Gray a.k.a. Sparkles! 941-524-2234.
IN-HOME SUPPORT: 26-plus years’ experience. Tammy Roberts, 941-580-4440.
ACHAUFFER4U FOR TRANSPORTATION anywhere in Florida. Properly insured and over 40 years in Bradenton. Dennis, 941-812-5930.
ONECALL CLEANUP. Junk removal, water damage, and more. Fast, reliable service. Call, 941-544-1260.
AFFORDABLE PRESSURE CLEANING, painting or maid service. 941-356-1456.
NEED A RIDE to the airports? Service to Tampa, St. Pete or SRQ. Call Gary at 863-409-5875.
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.
BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS JD’s Window Cleaning seeks 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, 941-5242248. CAC184228.
CLEAN TECH MOBILE Detailing. At your location. Cars, boats, RVs. Call or text Billie for an appointment. 941-592-3482.
LAWN & GARDEN
CONNIE’S LANDSCAPING INC. Residential and commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-713-1965.
COLLINS LANDSCAPE LIGHTING: Outdoor lighting, landscaping, irrigation services and maintenance. 941-279-9947. MJC24373@gmail.com
NOW HAULING STORM trash. Shell delivered and spread. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, topsoil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-7957775, 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. 941-7228792.
I S L A N D E
HOME IMPROVEMENT
LANE’S SCREENING SERVICES: Replace your window, door or lanai screens. Many screen options available. Retired veteran serving our community! Free estimates, call 941-705-5293.
LOOKING FOR ANY home improvement? JRCC Home Improvement, handyman service can get the job done. Please, contact us at 413-2462410. We would love to help.
TILE-TILE-TILE: All variations of ceramic tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship, prompt, reliable, many Island references. Call Ashdown Flooring, 941-726-3077.
DONALD PERKINS PAINTING LLC. Interior/exterior/pressure washing. Island references. dperkinspaint@hotmail.com. 941-705-7096.
GORILLA DRYWALL REPAIR LLC. Let’s solve your drywall problems together. Give us a call at 941-286-0607.
QUEEN BEE PAINTING: “We Do It Royally.” Interior/exterior painting and pressure washing, pool decks, garage floors, cabinets, popcorn ceiling and wallpaper removal, drywall, door and trim install and repair, window cleaning. Sheryl, 864884-3380.
TETI TILE: 40 years’ experience in Delaware, now on AMI and surrounds. Tile, marble, murals. Free estimates. Call John Teti, 302-983-5774.
TRUE TONE PAINTING: Painting, power washing, epoxy floors. 941-224-4020.
CALL HYDRO CLEAN. Full-service pressure washing, sealing. Pavers, travertine and natural stone. Window washing too, up to three stories. Call Jacob, 941-920-2094.
ISLAND HANDYMAN: I live here, work here, value your referral. Refinish, paint. Just ask. JayPros. Licensed/insured. References. Call Jay, 941-9622874.
RENTALS
ANNA MARIA GULF beachfront vacation rentals. One- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941-778-3143.
AVAILABLE NOW AND season: 1BR/1BA, sevennight minimum. carlesvacationrentals.com Special rates are available. 941-807-1405.
MAY 2025 AVAILABLE: Snowbird special! Perico Island patio home, single floor, high ceilings, 3BR/2BA, privacy wall/gate, two-car garage. Call or text Alison, 859-771-6423. www.pericoislandrental.com
2026 SEASONAL RENTAL: Just one block from the beach, Single-story 2BR/2BA private residence, screened patio. No smoking/no pets. December-April. 64th Street, Holmes Beach. Call 813-833-4926.
MINUTES TO BEACHES! 2BR/2BA condo, water and cable included, pool, washer/dryer, $1,795/ month, annual, 941-713-6743.
ANNUAL RENTAL: HOLMES Beach. 2BR/2BA Close to beach, one parking space. Washer and dryer on site. Available May 1. $2,000/month. Also have a furnished unit, 2BR/2BA. Available month-to-month May 1. Both units completely renovated. Contact Paul, 519-807-9426. Pkelly333333@hotmail.co m dlehto@telus.ne t jkrouse@shaw.ca
AVAILABLE NOW! ANNUAL rental. Beautiful, bright renovated condo 2BR/2BA, one floor. Perico Bay Club, pool, hot tub, tennis, pickle ball, covered parking. $2,500/ month. Call 612-802-8357.
ANNUAL CONDO: Bradenton Beach. 1BR, furnished, all utilities, cable, WIFI included, small resort, big pool, one block to beach. Six months minimum, $2,500 per month. 941-704-7525.
RENTALS
WATERFRONT 2BR/2BA FIRST-floor condo for rent. May/June. Additional months considered. Two pools, tennis, one block from beach, shopping. Call or text Kathy, 973-219-0335. Sorry, no pets.
FULLY FURNISHED REMODELED 1BR/1BA Lanai in Meadowcroft with tennis, pickleball, pool, clubhouse. 941-580-7665.
ANNUAL RENTAL! ISLAND condo on Flotilla Drive in Holmes Beach available June 1. 2BR/2BA, second floor up. Maximum four occupancy. Sorry, no pets. Completely renovated and furnished! Two parking spaces, one covered. Complex offers pool and tennis courts. $2,750/month. Application with background check required. Call Carol with Island Real Estate, 941-345-1300.
2BR/2BA SECOND-FLOOR condo with pool available in Holmes Beach. Available for 2025/26 season beginning November 2025. Call Jack, 312-835-2323 for more details and link to site with pictures and details.
AVAILABLE BY OWNER: 2025-26 winter season. 1.5 blocks to Gulf. 3BR/2BR, carport and patio. All new, updated. Plantation shutters, must see. Special price for six months-plus. 941-5652373.
2026 SEASONAL RENTAL: Waterfront villa, two miles to Bradenton Beach. Six-month availability. Eloquently furnished, located on 90 acres of paradise. $4,600/month. Phil, 941-725-1043.
REAL ESTATE
WINNIE MCHALE, REALTOR, 941-504-6146. Dalton Wade real Estate. You need an aggressive and experienced Realtor in today’s market! Selling island homes, Sarasota and Bradenton areas. Multi-million-dollar producer! “Selling HomesMaking Dreams Come True.”
MULTIPLE HOMES IN 55-plus lot rent park for sale in Bradenton. Some fully furnished under $20,000. Call Kathryn with Integrity Mobile Home Sales. 407-674-0220.
GREAT VIEW: PERICO Bay Club. 2BR/2BA, first floor direct bay view. Garage, New air, water heater, tile roof, renovated, like-new everywhere flooring, cabinets, countertops. Inside and outside newly painted. Very desirable, great value. Guard-gated community. Minutes to beach. 1153 Edgewater Circle, Bradenton. $495,000. Lew, 352-339-3478.
1BR/1BA TRAILER: PARTIALLY remodeled at Sandpiper r esort. $120,000. One minute to beach and Intracoastal. 831-212-2606.
COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR SALE in Palm Condo. 12x25-foot office suite. Street frontage. One allocated parking space. Shared client parking. $120,000. Call 941-730-2606.
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WATERFRONT 3BR/2BA MANUFACTURED home with ample parking for boat/RV and two cars. Screened-in lanai for enjoying sunsets. Steps away from Parrott Cove Marina and free boat launch. Sunny Shores beach nearby and easy walk or bike ride to Anna Maria Island. Awaiting new owner to complete drywall and decorative flooring. You own the land. Sunny Shores, a friendly community with voluntary homeowners’ association that provides access to club house and park amenities. Ideal vacation home or rental property. Asking price, $299,000. Call 847-436-0938 for more information or tour of home.
2BR/2BA MOBILE HOME in established 55-plus land-owned community. High and dry, 20 minutes from AMi. Move-in ready. New central air. Oversized lot, covered parking. $79,900. Search up: 718 50th Ave. Drive W., Bradenton. Call or text Dan, 941-224-4914.
LOOKING FOR AN EARLY BIRD? You can read Wednesday’s classifieds on Tuesday at islander.org. And it’s FREE!
