The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024
Christmas is celebrated on Bridge Street
Looking much like a Victorian charles dickens’ village of yore, Bridge Street merchants and the city of Bradenton Beach showed their resilience dec. 6, paving Bridge Street with smiles and cheer and the spirit of the season for friends, community members and visitors in the wake of a herculean recover effort after two hurricanes caused widespread destruction on Anna Maria Island. The christmas tree is standing tall at the U.S. Postal Service parking lot, right. See inside for Anna Maria and Holmes Beach plans for the holidays. Islander
Ho! Ho! Ho! Bravo!
Santa claus visits dec. 7 with the White family, dad and fishing guide capt. david and daughters Layla, 8, cameron, 6, and elizabeth or “Lizzy,” almost 3, at the Lester Family Fun day event at the center of Anna Maria Island. You can be sure Santa got long wish lists from the girls and all the kids at the partry, who also enjoyed bounce houses, slides, pony rides, games, entertainment, including the Grinch! and fun activities, thanks to the generosity of Joey Lester. Islander courtesy Photo.
Maya Suzor, 15, performs an Arabesque, a classical ballet pose, in a dec. 8 performance of the Nutcracker Tea Party with the dance Theatre of Bradenton at the center of Anna Maria Island. The dance troupe invited young girls to come meet the ballerinas and get a taste of their efforts. Maya, performed with her sister, Siena, 12. They are the daughters of Jason and Leah Suzor, owners of The Waterfront Restaurant in Anna Maria. Islander Photo: dad
The Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992 islander.org
Photo: Jacob Merrifield
Sand-sifting at Coquina Beach continuing through Christmas
Soon after the Christmas holiday, the beach will make its comeback.
Manatee County officials will be winding down sand-screening and sifting operations at Coquina Beach by the end of the year.
Using sand-sifting machines, county contractors and crews have been able to return tons of sand ton the beaches in Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach while assisting the barrier island communities in their recovery from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
While other municipalities have trucked the debris sand that washed over roads and properties to landfills, these sifting operations also have provided the county with fill for future infrastructure projects, bringing about significant savings. Since the storms hit in September and October, drop-off locations at Coquina Beach have coordinated sifting sand from residents, businesses and island cities.
It is anticipated that the sifting operations will continue through Christmas, but the county is announcing that sand collections and dropoffs will end by midDecember to allow workers to conclude their work and restore Coquina park.
The final deadline for sand deliveries to the Coquina Beach collection site is set for the end of the day on Saturday, Dec. 14.
According to a statement from the county, “to ensure compliance and protect local beaches, it should be emphasized that private entities are not permitted to deposit sand onto public beaches. Sand removed from properties following hauling operations should be properly disposed of in accordance with local regulations and available disposal options.
For information on sand disposal, the county asks that people contact their local public works department or trash hauler for guidance.
Click! The Islander welcomes news of the milestones in readers’ lives. Send notices — along with contact info — to news@islander.org.
3 football fields of debris!
▼ 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.
Manatee county’s sand-sifting operation — screening sand that was washed or blew from the beaches inland across Anna Maria Island — began in November and is continuing through the end of the year. Islander File Photo: Jacob Merrifield
The Holmes Beach city field, typically uesed for festivals and community gatherings, is filled dec. 7 — about three football fields of about 3 feet each — with landscape debris from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, according to Holmes Beach public works. The pile will be mulched and hauled away. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy
Cortez Bridge project continues through spring 2025
Motorists in Cortez and Bradenton Beach may want to be alert to the continuing Cortez Bridge Utility Relocation Project along Cortez Road West through the village of Cortez westward to the Bradenton Beach side of the Cortez Bridge.
According t the weekly update, on Dec. 9 and again on Dec. 16, the contractor will be transporting pipes on the south side of Cortez Road West on the right of way between 119th Street West and Avenue B.
To minimize traffic impacts, the work will be performed between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. Vehicle travel lanes will be open on Cortez Road West, and a detour will be in place for pedestrians and bicyclists. There also will be intermittent flag operations.
Construction and related road closuures and detours are expected to continue through Spring 2025.
For more information, contact Tina Allen, community outreach representative for the project, at 941-306-4660 or info@amiprojects.io.
This December marks a special chapter in the Florida Maritime Museum’s Christmas celebration, as we unite with the Anna Maria Island Privateers to create an extraordinary joint community event.
Following the impact of multiple hurricanes, we also joined forces with the Friends of of the Florida Maritime Museum and the Cortez Village Historical Society for this year’s celebration.
We’re celebrating the holidays and the resilience of our coastal communities.
Since the Privateers’ traditional event couldn’t take place on the island due to storm damage, including sand recovery operations at the beach, the museum is taking advantage of the opportunity to blend holiday traditions for one memorable celebration.
Not only can festival-goers dress up like a pirate for pictures and games at the Privateers’ awesome pirate ship, but the Privateers also have a Christmas gift for each child who attends.
On the grounds, visitors can make their own holi-
day crafts, play lawn games and jump around in a bounce house. Inside the Cortez Cultural Center, families can experience a special one-on-one meeting and photo session with the big man himself: Santa!
Kids of all ages can enjoy playing with old-fashioned wooden toys and listening to the Cortez jammers folksy tunes on the porch of the Bratton store.
Thanks to our valued partners and sponsors, who help make Christmas in Cortez shine a little brighter this year: The Bradenton Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, The Anna Maria Islander, the Cortez Village Historical Society, the AMI Privateers and Friends of FMM.
Island cities celebrate
The city of Anna Maria will host a holiday event on two Saturdays, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 14 and Dec. 21, mostly centered at the Historical Museum on Pine Avenue where there will be a display of holiday decorations.
MJefferson@bobscarpet.com
Bobscarpetmart.com
Santa is expected to visit with children 1-3 p.m. Meanwhile, Holmes Beach code compliance supervisor and part-time DJ is planning an outdoor party and a Santa appearance at Holmes Beach Dec. 20. More “next week,” promised Thomas.
Holiday shakeup porch music
While Music on the Porch at the Bratton Store in Cortez normally takes place on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month, the schedule is getting shaken up by the holidays.
Join us for a special jam session on Saturday Dec. 14, during Christmas in Cortez
Music on the Porch will not take place on the fourth Saturday, Dec. 28.
The Florida Maritime Museum is closed for structural rehabilitation until further notice. All programs and events continue as scheduled.
Gulf Islands Ferry service resumes regular schedule
The Gulf Islands Ferry service, an effort-less boat ride between downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria Island, is back on schedule.
“Our barrier island communities are rebounding at a rapid pace, so resuming ferry services to provide easy transportation to the island, was a no brainer,” said Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Tourism Bureau.
Due to impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton to the Anna Maria City Pier — the walkway was demolished — the ferry will run between the day dock in downtown Bradenton and the Historic Bridge Street Pier.
There are plans to engage a new dock on the west side of the Anna Maria City Pier at some point in midDecember 2024.
Service now runs Thursday through Sunday with boats departing the Riverwalk Pier beginning at 7:30 a.m. and continue on the hour until 6:30 p.m. At the Bradenton Beach pier, service starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 9 p.m., with boats leaving on the hour. For more information, visit gulfislandsferry.com or the Bradenton Area Tourism Bureau website
About the Gulf Islands Ferry:
Gathering Gathering is the religion section of The Islander. Submit announcements and photos to news@islander.org.
Launched in January 2024, the ferry service connects downtown Bradenton to Anna Maria Island.
Service Thursdays through Sundays starts at 7:30 a.m. in at Riverwalk Park in downtown Bradenton, with the last boat leaving Anna Maria Island from the Historic Bridge Street Pier at 9 p.m. for Bradenton. Potential ferry riders can call customer service, 941-357-2587, or text 727-200-6487.
Visit gulfislandsferry.com for daily updates.
Kids create birds at an outdoor craft table at the christmas in cortez event in 2021.
Islander File Photo
Maura
Better together!
We islanders do stick together, and now — with storm damage still prominent in our rear-view mirror, it’s more important than ever.
The businesses that have opened post-two-hurricanes, and those yet to come, deserve our support.
I can barely take myself online without wondering what might be available at island stores before I crossing that imaginary line into Amazon world.
It brings to mind what I told my kids one year about 40 or so years ago, as they left home with their hard-earned money from washing cars and mowing neighborhood lawns, and headed to the bus stop to go Christmas shopping on their own...
“Please, don’t go to the mall. There’s nothing there that we want.”
Instead, I directed them to the Sterling Anvil — the main source for islanders of bangles and a custom wave ring that many of us collected on our fingers — and all my favorite island stores.
It worked out perfectly in my favor. (smile)
Yes, I taught my kids to stay local. Pay back. Help others. Giving is more meaningful than receiving. And many years I bought them gifts of art from local artists that ended up on the walls in their homes as they matured, which, of course, is very satisfying.
So make sure you put your mind to island shopping and patronizing islanders before you hit the “pay” button online.
And, yikes, look at that clock!
There are only two weeks of shopping left until Christmas!
Put away the house worries and thoughts of new flooring, windows and a roof and focus on the simple things that make kids happy this time of year.
There are plenty of chances yet this year to see Santa and take in some holiday events.
Maybe you can plan a simple holiday event, whether it’s in the shell of the house or at the beach.
Or … go for a ferry ride. Take a sunset tour with a local guide. Go fishing and put dinner on the table. Ride the trolley from end-to-end with the kids and only hop off for ice cream stops. Meanwhile, if you’re all adults, try that trolley ride with stops for adult beverages and some tasty treats at local bars and restaurants.
Make sure to put the “S’mores” ingredients as well as the fixin’s for sugar cookies with icing and decorations and some popcorn for popping in the pantry.
Gather together and take a vote … what can we do to make Christmas even better for us and others?
Never mind stormy weather. It’s gonna be another beautiful holiday — together.
— Bonner Joy, news@islander.org
OpinionYour
Mark your calendars for Dec. 14
Plan now to join forces with Suncoast Waterkeeper, Tampa Bay Waterkeeper, Suncoast Aqua Ventures, Tampa Bay Estuary Program, Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, Sarasota Bay Watch, and Organized Fishermen of Florida for a crucial marine debris cleanup on Saturday, Dec. 14
After the 2024 hurricane season, our waterways and mangroves need YOU to help them recover.
Register via email — info@ suncoastwaterkeeper. org —for meet-up locations.
Plans call for cleanups 8:30 a.m to 12:30 p.m. at Terra Ceia Bay at Tropic Islands and on the Manatee River at Blenker Marina.
Especially needed are kayakers and people with shallow draft boats and shoreline helpers.
For more information, contact executive director Abbey Tryna at executivedirector@suncoastwaterkeeper.org or 239-222-2443.
Wear protective clothing and shoes for shoreline mangrove cleanup.
Connections on AMI
Anna Maria: Mayor Mark Short, 941-708-6130, ammayor@cityofannamaria.com.
Bradenton Beach : Mayor John Chappie, 941778-1005, mayor@cityofbradentonbeach.com.
Holmes Beach: Mayor Judy Titsworth, 941-7085800, hbmayor@holmesbeachfl.org.
Skimming online
Website: islander.org
Facebook: islandernewspaper
Instagram: @theislanderami
News alerts: Register at islander.org
E-edition: Subscribe at islander.org
Explore The Islander archives
The Islander was invited in the 1990s to take
part in a pilot project with the University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries. We donated the collection of newspapers beginning with the first issue in 1992 and they’re all there for you to explore. Look for The Islander in the UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.
And, please, consider a digital subscription to Islander.org for your holiday gift-giving. It’s only $36 a year to keep up with all the news about the AMI community, including breaking news and storm alerts.
Letters to the editor
The Islander welcomes your opinion letters
Please, submit your opinion with name, address and contact phone number to news@islander.org. Only your name and city are published. Letters may be edited for space and style.
A local restaurant prepares for a 1977 christmas party. could be Pete Reynard’s Yacht club Restaurant or Trader Jack’s. Who knows? call or text The Islander, 941778-7978.
Looking forward to Christmas on AMI, 1970s, 80s
Members of the St. Bernard Women’s Guild pose with a quilt being offered at their 1979 christmas bazaar.
Ladies of St. Bernard catholic church, including Florence Tulley of Holmes Beach, center, holding platter, get ready for the 1980 christmas Bazaar.
christmas in July? Yes, the island shopping centers, restaurants and boutiques used to go “all in” for christmas on July 25. Here, Santa takes a break while promoting a christmas sale at S&S Plaza in Holmes Beach. 1977.
Islander courtesy Photos: Manatee county Public Library Historical Image digital collection
HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
COME SEE THE HOLIDAY DISPLAY OF TREE DECORATIONS
HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
COME SEE THE HOLIDAY DISPLAY OF TREE DECORATIONS
When: Saturday, December 14 and December 21 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Where: Gulf Dr., Pine Ave. and South Bay Blvd. City of Anna Maria
When: Saturday, December 14 and December 21 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Special Guest: Santa Claus December 14 & December 21 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Gulf Dr., Pine Ave. and South Bay Blvd. City of Anna Maria
Special Guest: Santa Claus December 14 & December 21 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Anna Maria Historical Museum 404 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, FL 34216
Please come out and support your local businesses for the Holidays.
Anna Maria Historical Museum 404 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, FL 34216
For more details visit: www.cityofannamaria.com
Please come out and support your local businesses for the Holidays.
For more details visit: www.cityofannamaria.com
Roser offers concert of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love
Roser Church in Anna Maria is welcoming everyone to a concert at its Sunday services at 8:30 and 10 a.m. Dec. 15 in the sanctuary.
The musical services will feature the Roser Cantata Choir, Chamber Orchestra and the Roser Youth Performing Arts (RYPA) Choir in “A Concert of Hope, Peace, Joy & Love.”
The Roser Sanctuary is decorated for Christmas and the light from the stained-glass windows play over the pews, setting the stage for the interactive performance.
The concert is a compilation of favorite Christmas Carols sung by the congregation and the Cantata Choir Roser Youth Performing Arts Choir with the Chamber Orchestra and narration by Beth Bernet that emphasizes the prayers of hope, peace, joy and love.
The program includes:
Congregational Hymn – O Come, All Ye Faithful.
PRAYER OF HOPE – The First Noel.
A Carol Celebration – Cantata Choir and Orchestra.
PRAYER OF PEACE – Hark! The Herald Angels
LongboatChapel-ChristmasScheduleofEvents.pdf
Angels’ Carol – Cantata Choir and Orchestra. Congregational Hymn – Away in a Manger. How Quietly – Cantata Choir with RYPA Singers.
Christmas Glory – RYPA Singers.
Almost There – Narrator, Cantata Choir and Orchestra.
PRAYER OF JOY – Away in a Manger.
Congregational Hymn – O Little Town of Bethlehem.
PRAYER OF LOVE – Candlelight Carol – The day of joy returns, Father in Heaven, and crowns another year with peace and goodwill. Help us rightly to remember the birth of Jesus that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and
Christmas in the Garden 2024
Opening Night
Swiss Alphorn, Ursula Abplanalp
Island Breeze with Greg and Steve
Brian Gurl Trio
Piano, Violin, Cello
Lido Beach Commodores
Jazz Ensemble
Boris & Sax
Saxophone Artist
Sarasota Academy of the Arts Chorus
Bryan Egan, Director
Roser church christmas cantata is performed in december 2023. This year’s event will be performed at 8:30 and 10 a.m. dec. 15 in the sanctuary. Islander courtesy Photo
John Patti Dec. 16
Steel Pan Artist
Fort Lonesome Dec. 19
Featuring Robbie Ahlbrandt, Country Western Singer
Alyssa Adamson, Soprano & Stephen Fancher, Piano Dec. 20 Pine View Elementary School Chorus
New Year’s Eve Dec. 31
The Voice of Solid Gold, John Rinell
Complimentary Heavy Appetizers
(This evening’s entertainment will begins at 4:30-6:30 pm)
Donations Appreciated!
Christmas Eve Communion & Candlelight Service 5 pm Tuesday, Dec. 24
the worship of the wise men. Close the doors of hate and open the doors of love all over the world.
A Concert of Hope, Peace, Joy & Love is directed and compiled by Craig Ramberger, Roser director of music ministries, who is assisted by associate director of music ministries, Brandon Kouri.
There are 26 singers, and 11 instrumentalists, 16 RYPA shepherds, ages 5 to age 14, and two narrators. READ MORE: RoserChurch.com/a-concert-of-hopepeace-joy-love
A notice from Bev Shepperson, Roser communication specialist, suggests worshippers arrive early to the first service for the best seats!
Annual Roser Bethlehem Walk organizes
Churchgoers and guests can join an annual tradition this month at Roser Church, the Bethlehem Walk.
To begin the journey, guests, who are encouraged to don period attire, will gather at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, outdoors at the entryway to the church sanctuary. They will walk to Bethlehem (one block in Anna Maria) with Mary, Joseph and some animal guests (llama, donkeys, goats) in search of shelter.
The Bethlehem Walk is exciting for all ages — from the littlest angels to the wisest men.
While walking, the group sings Christmas carols, and back at the church they celebrate the birth of Jesus with cookies and refreshments.
Costumes are available in the Narthex to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis, create your own or come as you are. Please, bring a flashlight!
Cookie donations are gratefully accepted and can be dropped off on Sunday morning.
For more information, call the church offi ce at 941-778-0414. The church is at 512 Pine Ave.
Sing.
Obituaries
Peter D. Lund
Peter D. Lund, 72, of St. Paul, Minnesota, and Holmes Beach died Nov. 22.
He was born April 27, 1952, to William and MaryLee Lund.
Lund
He received his undergraduate degree from St. John’s University in Collegeville and an MBA from the University of Minnesota.
Mr. Lund had a long and storied career in the trucking industry, most recently as president of Power Brake and Equipment of St. Paul.
He played rugby for the St. Paul Pigs, golfed at Town & Country Club and the Key Royale Club, skied throughout the mountains of Colorado, and cheered on the Minnesota Twins during his retirement gig in guest services.
A celebration of life will be held next spring. Memorial contributions can be made to the Peter D. Lund Scholarship Fund at St. Thomas Academy in Mendota Heights, MN.
Mr. Lund is survived by son William, siblings Susan, Sally, Sandra and Heinie and special friend Anne B. Mies.
Don Madden
Don Madden, known as the island barber, of Bradenton and formerly of Holmes Beach, died Oct. 17. He was born May 29, 1934, in Flint, Michigan.
Mr. Madden and his wife and partner, Patsy Welch, ran the Holmes Beach Barbershop for 50 years and continued working until May 2024. Don loved and cherished his nine
siblings, nieces, nephews and their children. He was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great grandfather and friend.
A celebration of life will be held 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29, at a newly announced location, Coquina Beach, North Pavilion, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach.
Mr. Madden is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Patsy Welch, sister Ruth Gala and husband Dean; daughters Kelly Madden Warne and husband Graham and Delynn Moldenhauer Soloman; grandchildren Rachael Warne James and husband Bryan and Hannah and Liam Warne; and great-grandchildren Jensen and Katie James.
Charles Shook
The Rev. Charles “Charlie” Shook, 96, died Nov. 27.
He was a lifelong preacher and teacher who grew up in Maryland but spent his lengthy retirement years in Florida.
Rev. Shook served churches in Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio and Florida during his professional life. He also taught at the Boston University School of Theology, where he had earned his doctorate degree. He was married to Kathrine Olewiler 40 years and they were parents to four children, Karen Steve,
WE TWEET TOO
Cyndia and Jeff.
Nov. 27.
1n 2003, Rev. Shook married Lois Finley, known on Anna Maria Island for many years as operator of a confection and ice cream shop and as “Mama Lo.” Her two children, Scott and Susan also became part of Shook’s family.
Rev. Shook’s major interests were religion, music, literature and sports, and he was fascinated by games and puzzles.
Rev. Shook and Lois became active members of the Longboat Island Chapel on Longboat Key, where he taught and preached.
The family asks that memorial donations be made to the Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key FL 34228.
The chapel will host his memorial service at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15.
The Rev. charile Shook died
Center soccer shifts to championship season
By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander reporter
The Center of Anna Maria is shifting gears, from regular soccer season to the up-charged championship season.
Final seedings were set after the completion of the regular season in the center’s adult soccer league following action Dec. 5.
Solid Rock Construction remains in first place with an impressive 8-0-1 record followed by Ross Built and Pool America in the second and third spots with 6-3 records.
Bubble Binz nailed down the No. 4 seed with a 5-3-1 record, just ahead of No. 5 AMI Dolphin Tours. Moss Builders finished 3-4-2 to earn the last automatic spot in the playoffs as the No. 6 seed.
Language Services Associates earned the No. 7 seed with a 2-4-3 record and will play No. 10 Sato Real Estate, which finished 1-7-1, in the first play-in game at 7 p.m. Dec. 11. No. 8 Hampton Painting (2-5-2) takes on No. 9 Gulf Drive Cafe (1-6-2) in the 8 p.m. game.
Quarterfinal action will kick off Dec. 12 with No. 3 Pool America squaring off against No. 6 Moss Builders at 6 p.m., followed by No. 4 Bubble Binz taking on No. 5 AMI Dolphin Tours at 7.
No. 1 Solid Rock Construction will take on the winner of the Hampton vs. Gulf Drive game at 8 p.m. while No. 2 Pool America takes on the winner of the Language Services vs. Sato match at 9 p.m.
Action Dec. 5 saw Gulf Drive Cafe and Sato battle to a 5-5 tie. Helio Gomez scored three goals to lead Gulf Drive Cafe, which received a goal each from Ian
Benjamin Sato and Jonathan Stern each scored two goals for Sato, which also received a goal from Juan Vega and six saves from Marcello Rubio in the tie.
Moss Builders and Language Services battled to a 3-3 tie in the second game of the night. Stephen Adair, Erica Nielsen and Greg Moss each scored for Moss Builders while Ryan Moss finished with 10 saves.
Tom farrington and Adin Shank pose with the weekly winner’s trophy after earning a 21-19, come-from-behind victory over Dom Livedoti and Steve Kriebel during Dec. 4 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria city Hall pits. Islander courtesy
which also received a goal from Ethan Hampton and eight saves from Steve Oelfke in the loss.
Robert Fellowes, Damir Glavan, Selena GonzalezSalinas and Cody Wright each scored goals to lead AMI Dolphin Tours to a 4-2 victory over Pool America. Goalie Tyler Bekkerus came through with eight saves to help secure the victory.
Eduardo Schlueter and Lucas Wilson each scored a goal for Pool America, which also received five saves from Olaf Krause in the loss.
James Rodriguez, Juan Rodriguez and Jana Whitehead each notched a goal for Language Services, which also received eight saves from Julian Bejarano.
Bubble Binz edged Hampton Painting by a 4-3 score behind two goals from Evelyn Long and a goal each from Matthew Staggs and Nate Welch.
Daniel Hampton scored two goals for Hampton,
The last match of the evening saw Solid Rock Construction outscore Ross Built 7-6 behind two goals each from Julio Cantu and Alex Landy. Jake Czajkowski, Raul Loera and Keith Mahoney each added a goal, while Jackson Long made five saves in the victory.
Godfrey and Eliza Faillace, while Tuna McCracken finished with seven saves.
cassidy
Photo: AMI Pitchers
Big trophy catch
Owen Baylis, 9, visiting anna maria Island from miami, shows off a 29-inch snook he caught near shore Dec. 5 on a shiner while on a guided fishing trip with family and capt. Jarrod McKenzie. The fish was released after the trophy photo. Islander courtesy Photo
Jake Ross and Greg Ross each scored a pair of goals for Ross Built, which also received a goal each from Mack Heitchue and Kevin Roman in the loss.
Horseshoe action
Horseshoe action Dec. 4 saw two teams advance to the knockout stage after posting 3-0 records in pool play. Tom Farrington and Adin Shank teamed up for a 21-19 come-from-behind victory over Dom Livedoti and Steve Kriebel.
Action Dec. 7 saw Tim Sofran post the lone 3-0 pool play record to become the day’s outright champ.
Play gets underway 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.
Golf news
It was another slow week for golf at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach, but the action was underway for the ladies, which once again mustered the lone group challenge in the cold weather.
The women played a nine-hole individual-low-net match Dec. 3 that saw Jana Samuels fire an even-par 32 to grab first place for the day. Helen Pollock was alone in second place with a 1-over-par 33, while Pam Lowry took third place with a 4-over-par 36.
ANTIQUE PARTNER DESK: All wood, $500. Inquire at The Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.
FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE
Individuals may place one free ad with up to three items, each priced $100 or less, 15 words or less. FREE, one week, must be submitted online. email classifieds@islander. org. (limited time offer).
GARAGE SALES
“YART” SALE: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. a rt sale meets yard sale. m ulti-artist studio clean-out. Get your local shopping done. fine art, new, used and unique treasures, pet portraits, refreshments, furniture, art supplies, kids, something for everyone! Manatee and 79th St. W., Bradenton.
TRANSPORTATION
GOLF CART RENTALS: Fun for residents and tourists! 212-941-2402. www.golfcartrentalamI.com
BOATS & BOATING
HAVE A BOAT and wanna catch more fish, better bait or learn the water? 50-year local fisherman, your boat, my knowledge. Captain Chris, 941-896-2915.
SUNCOAST BOTTOM PAINTING: Professional bottom painting. m obile. c all 941704-9382.
BOATS & BOATING Continued
CAPTAIN FOR HIRE and boat caretaker services: If you need help with your boat on or off the water, call Captain Dan. USCG, retired. 772-486-8085.
WELCOME ABOARD JOYFISH Charters for private fishing, sunset cruises, and dolphin watching. Check out joyfishcharters.com or follow us on Facebook. Call to reserve, 941840-3181.
2017 YAMAHA 242LTD boat for sale. One owner, well-maintained, on lift since new. 217-825-6575.
HELP WANTED
NOW HIRING HANDYMAN: Full-time professional services. $18 an hour and up, based on experience. c all JayPros, 941962-2874.
REPORTER WANTED: Full- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience required. Apply via email with letter of interest to news@islander.org.
KIDS FOR HIRE
KIDS FOR HIRE ads are FREE for up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work. Ads must be placed in person at The Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach.
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. 941-5653931.
BICYCLE REPAIRS: Just4Fun at 5358 Gulf Drive can do most any bicycle repair at a reasonable cost. Pick-up and delivery available. 941-896-7884.
API’S DRYWALL REPAIR: I look forward to servicing your drywall repair needs. call 941524-8067 to schedule an appointment.
PC OR TECH issues? Not sure where to start? With years of experience, I’ll come to you with reliable solutions. Contact Gavin at 928-587-1309. www.gse.codes
SARASOTA PAINTING: INTERIOR/exterior/ cabinets: Call or text Don, 941-900-9398. Free estimates. Fully insured, twenty years’ experience.
LOOKING FOR AN EARLY BIRD? You can read Wednesday’s classifieds on Tuesday at islander.org. And it’s FREE!
SERVICES Continued
RIDEEASY 247 YOUR professional, reliable and courteous car service to airports and events since 2015. You can reach us via text 941-447-7737 or email to mrfort5001@gmail. com We are available 24/7.
LOOK NO MORE! Residential, vacation rental and commercial cleaning. give us a call, 941-250-8548.
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! 941-704-9948.
OUR SERVICES: CLEANING, home repairs, tile, concrete, remodeling, decks, steps, flooring, water drainage solutions, rental 24-hour services. Hurricane shutters and pre-storm service. New, low-cost generator and insulation (starts and runs on propane when power off). No permits needed. Islander, over 40 years here! Call 941-4049163.
IS YOUR POOL deck, driveway, or garage floor looking worn out and dated? Bring them back to life with our top-tier resurfacing services! Services offered: Pool deck resurfacing, Slip-resistant, cool-to-the-touch finishes that enhance safety and aesthetics. Driveway resurfacing, durable surfaces that stand up to heavy traffic and harsh weather. Garage floor resurfacing, easy-to-clean, stain-resistant surfaces that look great and perform even better. Don’t wait! Transform your spaces today with our trusted resurfacing services. contact us now for a free consultation and estimate. Call U Plus Me LLC at 727-6235050 or visit u-plus-me.com
AIRPORT SHUTTLE: QUALITY transportation, 10 years by Lewber. 352-339-3478.
BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS JD’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-920-3840.
BEACH SERVICE air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. c ommercial 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. cac184228.
CLEAN TECH MOBILE Detailing. At your location. Cars, boats, RVs. Call or text Billie for an appointment. 941-592-3482. More ads = more readers in The Islander.
LAWN & GARDEN
CONNIE’S LANDSCAPING INC. Residential and commercial. full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-713-1965.
NOW HAULING STORM trash. Shell delivered and spread. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, topsoil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, or “shell phone” 941-7200770.
GRIFFIN’S HOME IMPROVEMENTS Inc. Handyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. Insured and licensed. 941-722-8792.
LANE’S SCREENING SERVICES: Replace your window, door or lanai screens. many screen options available. r etired veteran serving our community! Free estimates, call 941-705-5293.
LOOKING FOR ANY home improvement? JRCC Home Improvement, handyman service can get the job done. Please, contact us at 413-246-2410. We would love to help.
TILE-TILE-TILE: All variations of ceramic tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship, prompt, reliable, many Island references. call robert, 941-726-3077.
DONALD PERKINS PAINTING LLC. Interior/exterior/pressure washing. Island references. dperkinspaint@hotmail.com. 941705-7096.
GORILLA DRYWALL REPAIR LLC. Let’s solve your drywall problems together. Give us a call at 941-286-0607.
MASSEY CONTRACTING: PROVIDING quality roofing services on all jobs, big or small. Giving honest, hassle-free quotes at a great price. Call Jon to schedule your free estimate, 727-477-5313. Lic#CCC1332486.
HOME IMPROVEMENT Continued
CALL HYDRO CLEAN. Full-service pressure washing, sealing. Pavers, travertine and natural stone. Window washing too, up to three stories. call Jacob, 941-920-2094.
ISLAND HANDYMAN: I live here, work here, value your referral. Refinish, paint. Just ask. JayPros. Licensed/insured. References. Call Jay, 941-962-2874.
RENTALS
ANNA MARIA GULF beachfront vacation rentals. One- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941778-3143.
AVAILABLE NOW AND season: 1BR/1BA, seven-night minimum. carlesvacationrentals. com Special rates are available. 941-8071405.
2BR/1BA ANNUAL LEASE: Electric/ac/heat all included. $2,975/month. Looking for 1 or 2 quiet adults with no pets or smoking. Steps to Gulf. Owner-occupied duplex. Owner, 508496-8480. williamshomes@yahoo.com
MAY 2025 AVAILABLE: Snowbird special! Perico Island patio home, single floor, high ceilings, 3BR/2BA, privacy wall/gate, twocar garage. Call or text Alison, 859-7716423. www.pericoislandrental.com
AVAILABLE JANUARY: FOR rent Anna Maria Island condo. November to November availability. Great value. Beautiful upgraded first floor 2BR/2BR. Incredible water view. Excellent rental terms. Owner/renter. Call/email for pics, 570-239-0431. marketreps@aol.com
3BR/2BA furnished condo in Pine Bay Forest, minutes from AMI. Walk to shopping/ grocery, bus and restaurants. Washer and dryer, small pet-friendly. Pool, hot tub, sauna, tennis/pickleball court. $3,200/month. Utilities included. association approval required. Three-month minimum lease, available February 1, 2025. 617-803-4659.
RETIRED MICHIGAN COUPLE wants one bedroom rental for late January, february, March. View preferred. References! Call/text, 231-218-7173.
I SLANDER ARCHIVE UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.
RENTALS Continued
BEAUTIFUL RENOVATED SUNNY condo for rent. Perico Bay club, minutes from AMI beaches. Annual starting Jan. 25. 2B/2BA, pool, hot tub, tennis, gym, security gate, parking. $2,500/month. Call 952-818-4685.
REAL ESTATE
WINNIE MCHALE, REALTOR, 941-5046146. Dalton Wade Real Estate. You need an aggressive and experienced r ealtor in today’s market! Selling island homes, Sarasota and Bradenton areas. Multi-milliondollar producer! “Selling Homes - Making Dreams Come True.”
2BR/2BA HOME for sale. 3,000 sfur. 1,100 sf garage. Steps to beach. $1,449,000. 941518-6329.
OFF ISLAND: NORTHWEST Shaw’s Point location. 3BR/2BA, two-car garage, pool home. High and dry and untouched by any storm. $670,000. Lisa Varano, Wagner Realty, 941-730-9060 or 941-751-0670.
CONDO FOR SALE or lease. Bradenton, 1400 Barcarrotta Blvd. Manatee downtown, Manatee Riverwalk. Details and appointments. Geri Kenyon 941725-4374. Florida Suncoast Real Estate.
commercIaL SPace for SaLe in Palm Condo. 12x25-foot office suite. Street frontage. Shared client parking. $120,000. Call 941-730-2606.
By Bonner Joy
Best news for diners
The best news to pour into The Islander this week through the email port, is that the Waterfront Restaurant in Anna Maria has reopened.
The restaurant that was once resurrected from a fire in 2004 that left little more than the fireplace and chimney, has cleared away the damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton and reimagined some of its interior to improve service and customer comfort.
“Lovingly restored,” is the key ingredient at the much-loved Waterfront for owners Jason and Leah Suzor.
And, yes, the aquarium has been retained.
Also, the menu has all the favorites and some new enticing specials — as per usual.
November 2004 — a look through the window at what remained after a fire at the Waterfront Restaurant on Tampa Bay in Anna Maria. Islander File
Photo
And the bar was busy Dec. 7 when I visited in the late afternoon, buzzing with conversations among locals and visitors while enjoying libations and food.
Taylor Escobar, marketing coordinator for “Oysters Rock Hospitality,” the corporate arm of the Anna Maria Oyster Bars and Café L’Europe, shared some December happenings with us.
The group is announcing the Café L’Europe is being reimagined as the Café on St. Armands, a Mediterranean-inspired dining experience.
I have mixed emotions about the change, having been a fan and friend of the original cafe and its owners, where my chef friend from Illinois was hired as chef in the mid-70s and soon-after mentored my son, starting when he was barely 16.
We had some wonderful times and incredible meals there over the years, but it appears the times are changing.
Escobar also announced that through their Shuckin’ Good Cause initiative, they’ve distributed $195,000 in hurricane relief grants to local hospitality workers.
We also learned this week that the Beach Bistro in Holmes Beach, which had substantial damage from Hurricane Helene’s high surf washing through the dining room, kitchen and bar, has plans to reopen in March 2025, according to Louis Najmy, attorney and co-owner with Shawn Kaleta.
In Bradenton Beach, Marianne Ellis said that with the Nov. 16 wedding of son Marlin and his bride Brianna, she and husband Adam are turning their focus to restoration at Blue Marlin on Bridge Street. They, too, are looking at a spring reopening.
The Waterfront Restaurant on S. Bay Boulevard in anna maria, across from the Anna maria city Pier and Tampa Bay, was bustling Dec. 7.
BELOW: The fireplace in the Waterfront dining room wasn’t burning Dec. 7 but the aquarium in the bar room had a full house of colorful fish. Islander
... The Islander newspaper is FrEE at Publix Holmes Beach. Just stop by the customer service desk, hold out your hand and say, “Islander, please!” And maybe remind staff you’d like the serve-yourself community news returned to the lobby.
Photos: Bonner Joy
Inshore fishing action stays hot despite frequent cold fronts
By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander reporter
As we settle in for winter, you can bet your bait that the inshore fishing patterns are going to change.
Switching over to live shrimp as bait is probably in your best interest as shrimp will work for most of the inshore species that we target throughout the Anna Maria Island waters.
The main suspects — snook, redfish and trout — will readily take an offering of live shrimp, especially when water temps drop into the mid to lower 60s.
Carrying a few live shiners on the warmer days between cold fronts isn’t a bad idea, although live shrimp will become a go-to bait for the winter months ahead. Plus, using live shrimp opens the door to a variety of species, such as black drum, pompano and especially sheepshead, so there’s no reason to be discouraged over the use of live shrimp.
Yes, fishing with shiners is exciting, but as the fish prefer a slower target when the waters cool, live shrimp is what you want.
The same applies while fishing nearshore structure in the Gulf of Mexico. While live shiners are like candy for grouper and snapper, substituting live shrimp will get the job done.
A lot of fish out there — mangrove snapper, Key West, grunts and porgies — prefer live shrimp as the water temps drop. And best of all, hogfish will take a live shrimp when it crosses their nose.
If you’re venturing well offshore in depths of 100 feet or more, don’t hesitate to break out the frozen bait. Sardines and squid are adequate for catching
most bottom dwellers out there, including groupers and snappers.
On my Just Reel charters, I’m finding plenty of inshore action on live shrimp. Redfish seem to be the most receptive to the shrimp around rocks, docks and oyster beds. Spotted seatrout are still taking shrimp on the tip of a small jig. As for the snook, the cooler water temps have shut them down temporarily, although in between the fronts they should be targetable.
I’ve found a few areas where the sheepshead are schooling — barely legal, but that should change in the coming weeks. Nearshore fishing around ledges is resulting in mangrove snapper, Key West grunts, porgies and hogfish here and there. There’s also plenty of juvenile grouper to fill the cooler.
ross marcus and Mitch Swart, visiting anna maria Island from Willmar, minnesota, show off their catch, a pair of upper-slot redfish. The pair fished Dec. 4 — a very chilly day — and caught the redfish using live shrimp as bait while on a guided fishing trip with Capt. David White.
bait, which adds some species to his “hit list” — sheepshead, pompano and black drum.
White is putting his charter fishing clients of redfish and trout as the cooler waters have not affected them as drastically as the snook.
On warmer days, between the fronts, White says he’ll still target snook, but he is waiting for the ideal conditions — and so are the fish.
Capt. Johnny Mattay is working nearshore structure which is resulting in a variety of species for his charter clients. Using live shrimp as bait is leading to catches of mangrove and yellowtail snapper as well as some hogfish and Key West grunts.
Capt. David White says before the cold front, fishing the flats was exceptional for snook, redfish and spotted seatrout. Using live shiners as bait was attracting all three species and in great quantities, too.
Now that the cold front has passed, White is switching tactics, which means using live shrimp for
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As the cold front settles in, Mattay plans on spending more days on the nearshore action until temperatures get warm enough to fish inshore again. On the warmer days, Mattay is putting anglers on redfish and spotted seatrout in Tampa Bay as well as a few pompano. Again, live shrimp as bait is working well.
Send high-resolution catch photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.
Stasny
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