The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024

VOLUME 32, NO. 17

Happy Valentine’s Day

FEB. 14, 2024 Free

The best news on anna maria Island Since 1992 astheworldterns 6 Presidents day closings.

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islander.org

All aboard to Bradenton Beach!

Q&A 021424 3

by ryan Paice Islander reporter

Coast guard halts search for lost boater. 3 County puts library board on hold. 4

Meetings 5 Opinions 6

10-30 YEARS AGO

Looking back. 7

am calls for opposition to state vaca-rental bills. 8

Save the date. 10-11

Happenings What’s up on amI? 10-12 13 Caboose set to depart ame.

Gathering. 14

Travel friends pen children’s book. 15

Obituaries 15 Where’s Tuna Street?

16-17

NYT puzzle. 18 maritime museum undergoing renovations. 20 FISH festival fundraiser set for Feb. 17-18. 21

Cops & Courts 22 Roadwatch 22 anti-poaching meeting in the works. 23 KrC champs, more. 24 Ticket for hookups. 25

With a bite. 27

CLASSIFIEDS. 28-29

Isl Biz: 30

State pitches AMI dissolution

The first ferry to the Historic bridge Street Pier in bradenton beach docks, where a celebration awaited its arrival. Islander Photo: robert anderson

Ferry lands at Bridge Street pier by robert anderson Islander reporter

Manatee County’s Gulf Islands Ferry made waves of the historical variety, landing Feb. 9 for the first time in Bradenton Beach.

The ferry made its inaugural landing at the Historic Bridge Street Pier at 11:30 a.m. and was welcomed by a crowd of onlookers and a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce.

The ferry program, coordinated and marketed by the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and operated by Gulf Coast Water Taxi of Clearwater, represents another step toward enhancing coastal con-

nectivity between the mainland of Manatee County and Anna Maria Island.

The first passenger service between the Bradenton riverfront and the Anna Maria City Pier began last month, followed by expansion Feb. 9 to Bradenton Beach.

After cutting the ceremonial ribbon, Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie expressed his excitement.

“This is a momentous day,” he said.

“We’re really excited about this. It’s another amenity to what is great about Bradenton Beach and our Bridge Street area. To bring people out here so they can enjoy what we get to enjoy every day.”

Terri Kinder, chamber president, said, Turn To FerrY, Page 3

AMI sweethearts share life, work passions by masha dolgoff Islander reporter

Anna Maria Island success stories are sometimes love stories, too.

Here, at this sweetest time of year, are three couples who have left their marks together in the sand and on the books.

Chuck and Dara Caudill of Holmes Beach are a wedding dream team — he gets people moving on the dancefloor with his music and she captures the good vibes in her photography.

Before they combined forces in artistic pursuit and love, they had a meet-cute that is emblematic of Manatee County — who needs a wingman when you have a wing-manatee? And not just any manatee but Snooty, who set a record for being the world’s oldest of his species in captivity.

While Chuck has spent most of his life in Florida, Dara moved from Ohio in 1991 to work as a stockbroker. Her firm organized a fundraiser every year, which is when Snooty and a need for a new tank at what is now the

Looks like consolidation was not the only option for Anna Maria Island’s three cities.

Dissolution is on the table.

A Dec. 15, 2023, information request from the Florida Office of Program Policy and Government Accountability to the city of Bradenton includes a fourth option involving dissolution of the island cities — an option that OPPAGA did not include in its requests to the island cities.

OPPAGA is a research arm of the Florida Legislature that supports lawmakers by providing data, research and analysis that assist budget and policy deliberations.

It has been working since last fall on a study into the potential consolidation of the island municipalities.

The study was proposed by state Rep. Will Robinson Jr., R-Bradenton, and unanimously backed by the Manatee County Legislative Delegation.

Last November, OPPAGA launched the study with information requests to each of the three island cities.

Those requests each included 15 questions, many asking for information and documentation for five fiscal years.

They also included a question seeking narrative responses on the benefits and challenges of three possibilities for the island municipalities’ futures, such as:

Turn To DIssOLUtION, Page 2

Competition begins for HB mayor’s seat by ryan Paice Islander reporter

dara and Chuck Caudill pose before Chuck’s Feb. 2 gig at the ugly grouper in Holmes beach. Islander Photo: masha dolgoff

Bishop Museum of Science and Nature came into the picture. Being a music lover, Dara secured the talent for the fundraiser — she hired Chuck’s duo, the Tropicats.

It took some time for them to officially Turn To sweethearts, Page 8

November may be months away but the 2024 election cycle just kicked off in the city of Holmes Beach.

Michael “Mike” Roth filed the required forms Jan. 30 with the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office to run as a candidate for Holmes Beach’s Titsworth mayoral seat.

The office is held by Judy Titsworth, granddaughter of the city’s namesake John Holmes Sr. Titsworth was originally elected to the city commission in November 2012, where she spent six years before winning the mayor’s office in 2018.

Turn To hB MaYOr, Page 3

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DIssOLUtION ConTInued From Page 1

• All three cities are consolidated into one new city on the island; • Tthree cities are incorporated into Bradenton; • All three cities remain incorporated municipalities on the island and work to consolidate existing services where that makes sense.

The information request Bradenton received about a month after the island cities is similar to those made to the island cities but there were some changes.

Most notably, the Dec. 15, 2023, Bradenton inquiry includes a new proposal for the island municipalities under question 11: “Option 4: All three cities on Anna Maria Island are dissolved and the island becomes part of the unincorporated areas of Manatee County.”

That option would strip the cities of local governments and transfer authority into the hands of the Manatee Board of County Commissioners.

The preceding question in the request, question 10, asked Bradenton, “How, and to what extent, any one or more services provided by the City of Bradenton could be consolidated with one or more of the services currently provided by the cities on Anna Maria Island to result in increased efficiency or savings for residents of the Island.”

Presidents Day observed

Local and county government offices will be closed Monday, Feb. 19, to commemorate Presidents Day. Public schools also will be closed, as will banking institutions and some other businesses.

Also, trash, recycling and yard waste collections may be pushed back a day through the week.

Manatee County Area Transit services, including the island trolley, will operate normal daily routes.

The holiday will not impact operations at public parks, except the G.T. Bray recreation center in Bradenton will be closed.

According to files received in a records request from The Islander that the city completed Jan. 31, Bradenton provided extensive documentation detailing its budget, government and staff structure, services, grants and interlocal agreements.

However, the city did not provide narrative responses to questions 10 and 11.

Instead, the Jan. 5 response from city administrator Rob Perry to OPPAGA states: “As to item numbers 10 through 11, we would welcome your collaboration, recommendations and further discussions on how to approach this task. The information requested is somewhat broad and burdensome on the city’s resources, but we will try to compile.”

OPPAGA senior legislative analyst Michelle Chandrasekhar wrote in a Jan. 22 email to Perry: “We would like to set up a time to discuss the remaining items from the city of Bradenton information request.”

Chandrasekhar provided three potential meeting dates — Jan. 24, Jan. 25 and Jan. 29 — but the files requested from the city do not include follow-up correspondence, so it is unclear if a meeting was held.

Mayor Gene Brown and Perry did not respond to calls Feb. 8 and Feb. 9 from The Islander.

Bradenton neither fulfilled a Feb. 9 records request for correspondence since Jan. 22, nor provided documentation for a meeting before The Islander’s press deadline.

FerrY ConTInued From Page 1

“We’re just really excited for them to have this second stop on Anna Maria Island. It’s going to bring people out here that possibly don’t come because they don’t want to wait in the line of traffic.”

The ferry service, consisting of two 50-foot openair catamarans named Miss Anna Maria and Downtown Duchess, is operating 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Fridays-Sundays between Bradenton and Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach — weather permitting.

Capt. Jeff Peters helmed the inaugural journey to Bradenton Beach.

“It’s our first stop here for the public and we are excited,” he said.

Passengers coming from AMCP to the Bridge Street pier can expect a 30-minute ride, while travelers between downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria can expect a 40-minute one-way trip.

Tickets are $8 per person for a one-way trip.

Each catamaran can accommodate up to 48 passengers and is staffed with two crew members, a captain and a deck hand to assist embarking and disembarking passengers at the docks.

Ferry passenger John O’Grady of Toronto served for 22 years as the chief safety officer of the Toronto Transit Commission and he applauded the county’s efforts at multimodal transit.

bradenton beach mayor John Chappie cuts a ribbon to commemorate the first landing of manatee County’s gulf Islands Ferry at the Historic bridge Street Pier in the southernmost city on amI. The ribbon-cutting ceremony Feb. 9 was hosted by the anna maria Island Chamber of Commerce. Islander Photo: robert anderson

“I think they need more public transit like this in the area,” he said.

He pointed north to the Cortez Bridge. “Look at the bridge, it’s bumper-to-bumper,” he said. “Keep the cars off the island, park somewhere else, catch the ferry. What’s wrong with that?”

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Coast Guard halts search for lost boater, 2 rescued ers or their launch point, but in a Feb. 12 interview with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Officer Forest Rothchild, The Islander confirmed the missing boater is Jose Cruz Ledesma, 60, of Tampa.

The vessel departed from a Maximo Marina boat ramp in St. Petersburg.

Coast Guard reports state that a 28-foot boat overturned and sank and the individuals were found clinging to debris.

Two boaters were rescued by the crew of the

by robert anderson Islander reporter

The U.S. Coast Guard made a chance rescue Feb. 9, finding two stranded boaters who had been unable to call for help about 35 miles west of Anna Maria Island in the Gulf of Mexico, where their boat capsized.

A third person from the boat was missing. The Coast Guard rescued and transported the two people to safety but search efforts for the missing person were halted early Feb. 10 after 11 hours of searching.

The Coast Guard had declined to name the boathB MaYOr ConTInued From Page 1

She ran opposed for reelection in 2020 and 2022, and her current two-year term will expire in November.

Titsworth wrote in a Feb. 9 text message to The Islander that she will run for reelection this fall.

Nevertheless, Roth, a political newcomer to the city, became the first to file to run for the mayor’s office Jan. 30 when he submitted a candidate statement to the SEO and appointed his wife, Casey, as campaign treasurer.

In the documents, Roth lists property at 111 75th St. as his primary address, while the address provided for his wife is for a tampa condo owned by the couple.

According to the Manatee County Property Appraiser, the Roths also own a duplex unit in the 200 block on 64th Street in Holmes Beach.

Homestead exemptions, which allow up to $50,000 to be deducted from the assessed value of a property owner’s primary residence, were claimed during tax year 2022 for both Roth’s properties at 111 75th St., Holmes Beach, and 4811 Bayshore Blvd., #501, Tampa, according to the Hillsborough and Manatee counties tax collectors’ websites.

A homestead exemption has not been claimed at either of the properties for tax year 2023, according to the websites.

Roth did not respond to Feb. 9, Feb. 11 or Feb. 12

calls and emails from The Islander.

The mayor earns a $28,160 annual salary in Holmes Beach.

On the commission side of things, two seats will be up for grabs this fall — and only one incumbent is running.

City Commissioners Dan Diggins and Greg Kerchner’s two-year terms will expire in November.

Diggins wrote in a Feb. 9 text message to The Islander that he plans to seek reelection.

Kerchner, however, will not.

“I’m hoping that a few good candidates want to run next time. These are crazy times for local politics and HB is going to need particularly strong leaderby Lisa neff ship over the next couple of years,” Kerchner wrote in a Feb. 9 text message to The Islander. “But I’d The Islander poll like to travel and do a few other things that would Last week’s question Which team did you like in the Super Bowl? keep me from dedicating the time and energy this job 66%. Kansas City Chiefs deserves.”

34%. San Francisco 49ers “With that being said, I love this city and if my decision to not run would hurt HB in any way, I may This week’s question Should Bradenton Beach establish a paid moorneed to rethink it,” he added. ing field near the Historic Bridge Street Pier?

Commissioners earn an $8,080 annual salary.

A. Yes The window to qualify as a candidate for either B. No mayor or commissioner in Holmes Beach will open at C. Maybe noon Monday, June 10, and close at noon Friday, June To answer the poll, go online to islander.org.

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Coast Guard Cutter Shrike.

Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg public information officer Nicole Groll told The Islander Feb. 10 that survivors told USCG crew members the vessel had taken on water and capsized, forcing them into the water without life jackets or a chance to call for help.

“There was no emergency position-indicating beacon or extra alert. So if the Shrike hadn’t been out there, we wouldn’t have known what was going on.

If they made a radio distress call, we didn’t receive it,” Groll said.

Coast Guard Station Cortez assisted in the search and brought the survivors to awaiting EMS at the village station.

A Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater helicopter was deployed to assist in the search for the third boater.

Groll said the Coast Guard recommends always wearing a life jacket while aboard any seagoing vessel.

“Wearing an inconspicuous life jacket can save a life,” she said.

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Page 4 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Feb. 14, 2024 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Election 2024

County puts library board put on hold

School board candidate to address Dems

by ryan Paice Islander reporter

The Manatee County Library Advisory Board is sidelined while county commissioners search for more “like-minded” applicants.

Library services manager Tammy Parrott emailed applicants earlier this month, stating the board will lack a five-member quorum and subsequently will not meet until March — at the earliest — following a Jan. 23 county commission vote to reopen applications instead of fill seven empty seats on the now ninemember board.

The board is made up of volunteers and meets monthly to discuss library policy and provide recommendations to county commissioners.

The board has consisted of five members for years, including one member from Bradenton, one from Palmetto, one from Anna Maria Island, one from unincorporated Manatee and one at-large.

Three of those members’ terms expired Jan. 31, leaving the board with two members — James Russell from the Parrish/Ellenton area and at-large member Jenny Daugherty — heading into the Jan. 23 meeting.

Commissioners voted last year to add four seats, a decision that expanded the board to nine people.

The four added seats include a slot for a resident from the Lakewood Ranch/Myakka area, a librarian with a Master of Library Science degree, a parent/ guardian of at least one child enrolled in the School District of Manatee County, as well as a parent/guardian of at least one homeschooled child.

The county received 13 applications to fill the seven available seats.

Those included reappointments for Christine Callahan and Patty Ugarte, who represented Bradenton and Palmetto on the board before their terms expired in January.

The Anna Maria Island and West Manatee Democratic Club will host Heather Felton, a candidate for the Manatee County School Board.

The program will be at 11:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 26, at the Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

For more, email Barbara J. Ehren at barbara. ehren@gmail.com or call the party at 941-301-4336.

Also on the calendar At 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, at the Cortez Cultural Center, 11655 Cortez Road W., Cortez, biologist books and a quiet reading space are available Angela Collins with the Florida Sea Grant Program, at the Island Library, 5701 marina drive, Holmes will talk about “The Mighty Mullet.” The program beach, where a Cortez woman reads a novel Feb. 2. involves the CCC, Manatee Democratic EnvironmenIslander Photo: ryan Paice tal Caucus, Cortez Village Historical Society.

For more, call the CCC at 941-840-0590.

Despite what Parrott called “the most robust — Lisa neff applicant pool” she has seen during her time with the Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, attending county, commissioners voted 6-1 to reopen the applicathe meeting via speakerphone, said he was “not partion process.

Commissioner George Kruse cast the dissenting ticularly satisfied with the applicants.”

“I don’t see many individuals on this list who are vote.

The other commissioners voiced concerns both like-minded with this board,” Ostenbridge said.

He motioned to reopen applications in an effort to about a lack of applicants for some seats, as well as attract applicants that would be more “in line” with the the quality of applicants.

Commissioner Amanda Ballard, who led the county commission.

Parrott wrote in her Feb. 1 email to applicants that expansion of the advisory board, said she was disappointed the county only received one application each she aimed to return to the commission with applicafor two seats for parents of schooled and homeschooled tions by its March 12 meeting.

If commissioners vote to appoint at least three children.

The county received at least two applications applicants, the board will reach its five-member from people volunteering to serve in three other quorum and potentially meet in March, according to seats, including four applicants seeking to represent Parrott.

Nancy Deal and Cory Wright, two of four applithe island, three from the Lakewood Ranch/Myakka area and two from librarians with Master of Library cants for the island seat, expressed frustration with the PLeaSe, See LIBrarY BOarD, neXT Page Science degrees.

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Anna Maria discusses Pine Avenue options, grant by ryan Paice Islander reporter

The city of Anna Maria’s plans to “reimagine” Pine Avenue might be closer to reality.

Mayor Dan Murphy told city commissioners Feb. 8 that the Florida Department of Transportation approved the plans to improve a block-long prototype for changes to Pine Avenue.

The city budgeted $3,349,634.46 in fiscal 2023-24 to improve Pine, Magnolia and Spring avenues by installing pervious paver meandering sidewalks, as well as adding and enhancing crosswalks and street lighting.

That funding includes $2,698,440 in state appropriations, administered through the DOT, as well as $283,412.96 from the U.S. American Rescue Plan Act. The city has issued three requests for proposals for the improvements along Pine Avenue but only one bidder — Sarasota-based C-Squared CGC — responded to each.

In the hopes of attracting more bidders, city commissioners decided to fold the improvements along Magnolia and Spring avenues into its plans for Pine Avenue.

However, Murphy proposed last November to move forward with a block-long prototype project on Pine Avenue as it continues to hammer out its plans LIBrarY BOarD ConTInued From Page 4

commission vote to table their applications.

Deal told The Islander Feb. 2 that she wanted to join the board because she is a devout reader who believes reading and maintaining an educated populace are essential parts of a healthy democracy.

She called for Ostenbridge to define what he meant by “like-minded.”

“I don’t understand what kind of vetting the board of county commissioners did to draw their conclusion,” Deal said. “What is it they want? These are experienced, educated people.”

She said the county was discouraging participation in government.

“Here, you’ve got people willing to make that commitment,” Deal said. “The message it’s sending to citizens is, ‘We don’t care what you think.’”

“The only mindedness that I think elected officials and appointed officials should have is open-mindedness,” she added.

Wright called the commission’s vote a “farce” in a Feb. 1 interview with The Islander. She said she knew her application would be denied when she wrote that she wanted to serve as “a link between the library and the diverse community it serves.”

“The whole thing is political theater. It’s very discouraging,” Wright said. “They want conservatives. … They only want an echo chamber.”

She also expressed doubt that her voice would be heard on the board if she were appointed.

“They don’t listen,” Wright said. “What’s the point

Grant agreement City commissioners unanimously voted to approve a grant agreement with the DOT to use $1,410,000 of state appropriation funds for crosswalk, sidewalk and signage improvements.

“The intent of this project is to add three elevated mid-block crossings with sidewalk connections, proper signage and in-pavement flashing lights to improve safety in the main artery of the city. Additionally, the funds will be used to add permeable sidewalks within the city’s main artery corridor on both Magnolia Avenue and Spring Avenue to improve accommodations for bicyclists and pedestrians,” the agreement reads.

State funding will pay a large portion of the $1,762,500 total estimated cost, leaving the city to pay $352,500.

Murphy said the grant agreement served as “seed money” and allowed the city to pursue broad improvements across the three corridors.

He said the next step is to gather details and public feedback about what improvements they would like to see on Magnolia and Spring avenues.

“This, coupled with what we do on Pine Avenue, has potential for great improvements to this city in terms of walkability, bikeability, transportation and improving safety,” Murphy said.

McMullen moved to authorize Murphy to sign the grant agreement.

Commissioner Jonathan Crane seconded the in anybody wasting their time by being on a board motion, which passed. when the commissioners absolutely refuse to listen to There was no public comment. them? … I suspect their goal is to eliminate all these boards and frustrate the community to the point that

by Lisa neff they stop getting involved.”

Kruse told The Islander Feb. 1 that he was ANNA MARIA CITY impressed with the applicant pool.

Feb. 22, 6 p.m., commission.

“One seat literally has to be held by somebody Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941-708-6130, cityowho is a librarian and who holds a Master in Library fannamaria.com.

Science. That is super specific. And we had three BRADENTON BEACH applicants that fit that description. I didn’t think there were three applicants in Manatee County that fit that Feb. 15, noon, commission. description.

Feb. 21, 1 p.m., ScenicWAVES. “We may have gotten them all. And to look at Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, three people who have that level of experience and cityofbradentonbeach.com. education, who are willing to come in — knowing HOLMES BEACH their voices most likely aren’t going to be heard by this board — and willing to take their time on a monthly Feb. 14, 9 a.m., clean water ad hoc. basis … is an amazing opportunity,” Kruse said. “And Feb. 16, 11:30 a.m., police pension. to say, ‘I don’t really like this pool of applicants.’ Like, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941-708-5800, where are you going to go find a Master of Library Sci- holmesbeachfl.org. ence librarian to be the fourth option? You’re not.”

WEST MANATEE FIRE RESCUE Nevertheless, Kruse said Wright was correct in assuming the board’s voices might go unheard unless Feb. 20, 6 p.m., commission. constructed as the county commission’s echo chamWMFR administration building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton, ber.

941-761-1555, wmfr.org.

“We don’t listen to these advisory boards,” he said.

OF INTEREST “They have very limited say in terms of giving guidFeb. 19, Presidents Day, most government offices will be ance to our board and we don’t seem to take them very closed. seriously.”

for Magnolia and Spring avenues.

The prototype will narrow the project to Pine Avenue between Gulf Drive and North Shore Drive, based on St. Petersburg-based George F. Young Inc.’s previously discussed plans for the corridor.

George F. Young traffic engineer Gerry Traverso, who designed the city’s initial plans for Pine Avenue, estimated the stretch of improvements would cost around $450,000, according to Murphy.

Murphy said Feb. 8 that with the DOT’s approval, he will present to commissioners options for consideration, including: • Doing nothing; • Issuing a request for proposals for bidders to complete the prototype project; • Hiring the city’s full-time engineer, Sarasotabased Infrastructure Solution Services, to complete the project without issuing an RFP. Murphy said the city has asked ISS about its interest in handling such a project, as well as an estimate for how much it would cost.

He said he is not a fan of the first option, since he believes Pine Avenue needs improvements.

“We need to do something,” Murphy said.

Commissioner Gary McMullen said he wanted to move forward with the project sooner than later.

Commission Chair Mark Short agreed, adding that a deadline for spending some of the funds is in December.

Meetings

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Page 6 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Feb. 14, 2024 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Opinion

Our

Say it ain’t so

Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Back in January, we put out warning signs.

Jan. 24 editorial on point: “… In view of the threat from the state to either consolidate or unincorporate the island’s three cities, there could —read: big could — be an opportunity for developers.

While extrapolating can be dangerous, we — those of us who want to maintain our cities — should consider the implications, the worst case scenario for Anna Maria Island, when it comes to mounting a defense to the threat posed by the state Legislature.”

From Jan. 10: “When Holmes Beach passed a resolution to prohibit parking garages, the county enlisted the state to overrule the city.

And the state went big — proposing a study to consolidate (read that ‘abolish’) the island cities.

And, yes, they can do that. They wield the sword of power over our small municipal governments.

And the real threat is the loss of our cities.

Once we’re part of unincorporated Manatee County, there will be no vacation rental rules or regulations on lengths of stay. We won’t have a local police force, code enforcement or a public works team.

We won’t have a representative on county boards or the metropolitan planning organization.

We’ll fall into limbo with Cortez, Duette and Parrish, where county taxes are lower, but county services are limited.”

The repetition here is to remind you of the consequences we face with regard to state Rep. Will Robinson’s consolidation-dissolution plan.

IMHO, it’s quite serious.

The state Legislature already is addressing laws to preempt municipal and county vacation regulations.

They’re priming their assault with large donations to their campaign relection funds and the Republican state committee — where donation limits don’t exist.

The end result will be lower taxes for vacation rental owners — who do not qualify for homestead exemptions on their vacation homes — thanks to a significantly lower tax rate for Manatee County.

It will be a bonanza of riches for multi-vacation homeowners and an obliteration of regulations for neighbors and neighborhoods that are crowded with Intervene to stop fatalities large, multi-bedroom short-term rentals.

Perhaps it was intentional but the Feb. 7 issue with This is a two train head-on collision waiting to happen and we need to lend support to the cities to your editorial “Seriously! slow down!” also contained the article “Transportation planners set ‘zero’ goal for fight dissolution with all the might they can muster.

We’re gonna need a miracle. (Or a bigger boat!) fatalities.”

Both dealt with traffic fatalities on AMI. Unfortu— bonner Joy, news@islander.org nately, it’s clear that without further intervention such fatalities are likely to continue.

Gulf and Marina drives in Holmes Beach, the site of a pedestrian fatality last year, is still a problem area.

Though it has new sidewalks and markings, they are FEB. 14, 2024 • Vol. 32, No. 17 confusing. Most drivers do not stop before making ▼ Publisher, Co-editor a right on red from Gulf onto Marina Drive. A sign bonner Joy, news@islander.org warning them to do so would help. ▼ Editorial editor Lisa neff, lisa@islander.org Flashing pedestrian crosswalk signs alerting cars robert anderson, robert@islander.org to stop work only if cars stop, which they often don’t Joe bird, editorial cartoonist do. I’ve had direct eye contact with a driver while in Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org the crosswalk and they just continued through. Regular masha dolgoff, masha@islander.org Jack elka, jack@jackelka.com police presence and citations might help get drivers’ robyn murrell, robyn@islander.org attention. ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org And while new sidewalks continue from the Gulf ▼ Contributors Karen riley-Love and Marina intersection north into Anna Maria, they Jacob merrifield vary in size and simply disappear around Palmetto Capt. danny Stasny, fish@islander.org Avenue, and cars are allowed to park where the side▼ Advertising Director Toni Lyon, toni@islander.org walk should have been. ▼ Webmaster Wayne ansell The corner of Magnolia Avenue and Gulf Drive ▼ Office Manager, Lisa Williams in Anna Maria is dangerous, especially for bicyclists info@, accounting@, classifieds@, forced onto Gulf Drive. subscriptions@islander.org ▼ Distribution A first step would be eliminating parking wherurbane bouchet ever there is no sidewalk. The second would be a new ross roberts sidewalk!

Judy Loden Wasco All others: news@islander.org Joseph P. Petito, Holmes Beach

Opinion

Your

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Connections, AMI & beyond

Anna Maria: Mayor Dan Murphy, 941-708-6130, cityofannamaria.com, ammayor@cityofannamaria. com.

Bradenton Beach: Mayor John Chappie, 941778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.org, mayor@cityofbradentonbeach.com.

Holmes Beach: Mayor Judy Titsworth, 941-7085800, holmesbeachfl.org, hbmayor@holmesbeachfl. org.

Manatee County: Republican Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, 941-745-3705, kevin.vanostenbridge@mymanatee.org.

Florida Senate: Republican Jim Boyd, 941-7426445, boyd.jim.web@flsenate.gov, flsenate.gov,.

Florida House: Republican Rep. William Cloud “Will” Robinson Jr., 941-708-4968, will.robinson@myfloridahouse.gov.

Florida Governor: Republican Ron DeSantis, 850-717-9337 for staff, flgov.com for email.

Sending letters We welcome letters to the editor. Submit comments along with a name, city of residence and phone number to news@islander.org. Please, keep letters to less than 200 words.

Feb. 14, 2024 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 7 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Checking in a postcard from 1970 shows resort 66, 6600 gulf drive, Holmes beach — “anna maria Island’s newest motel. go shelling on our white sand beaches. all airconditioned and electrical heated motel rooms and efficiencies. Color TV. daily maid service.”

10, 20, 30 years ago

From the Feb. 10, 1994, issue

Catching rays a postcard from 1968 shows sunbathers at manatee Public beach, 4000 gulf drive, Holmes beach. at the time, the building contained a rooftop deck ringed with a railing.

Islander Photos: Courtesy manatee County Public Library System

Cashing out a postcard from 1963 shows “The Island bank” in Holmes beach, which opened at 5327 gulf drive in 1961. The card reads, “Visit us in our new modern quarters on beautiful anna maria Island in the heart of the ‘Suncoast.’ regular checking accounts. Safe deposit boxes. Special checking accounts. drive-in window. Saving accounts. after-hour depository. Loans of all types. many other services available. Xmas club. ample parking.” The bank ownership changed multiple times and the most recent operation was by Wells Fargo, beginning in 2010. a second story was added to the building, which is now owned by Jake Spooner, a former bradenton beach commissioner.

We’d love to mail you the news!

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We bring you all the news about three city governments, community happenings, people features and special events … even real estate transactions … everything you need if your “heart is on Anna Maria Island.”

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• Anna Maria voters reelected Mayor Ray Simches, who faced George McKay in the winter election. Voters also elected Chuck Shumard, Max Znika and Doug Wolfe to the city commission.

• Novelist, naturalist — and former CIA agent — Peter Matthiessen visited Cortez following a speech at New College in Sarasota in which he called the fishing village “one of the last nonplastic places left in Florida.”

From the Feb. 11, 2004, issue

• Bradenton Beach police arrested Kim Bean, 46, for killing his girlfriend, 56-year-old Carol Freeman. BBPD said Bean confessed during an interrogation. Bean was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison.

• Manatee County’s eco-systems manager, Charlie Hunsicker, said a survey of beaches found a renourishment resulted in significant amounts of beach added, particularly in Anna Maria.

• Bradenton Beach code enforcement officer Dawn Betts resigned, stating she was leaving “due to a lack of management support, company structure and low morale among staff.”

From the Feb. 12, 2014, issue

• Sarasota attorney Robert Lincoln, on behalf of ELRA Inc., filed a suit alleging Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon overstepped his authority and had a conflict of interest in ongoing litigation to terminate a joint development agreement with ELRA, the corporate entity of the Beach House Restaurant.

• The Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria reopened for business Feb. 7 after four months of closure due to an electrical fire.

— Lisa neff

Page 8 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Feb. 14, 2024 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

sweethearts continued from page 1

start dating.

“She comes out and walks the beach a lot and I’d see her,” Chuck said Feb. 2.

The fifth time was the charm for their relationship.

“I called him, and I was at work, and I said ‘Are you in for raising funds?’ We had a different fundraiser every year,” Dara said.

When Chuck responded, “Oh yeah, it’s my annual chance to flirt with you!” she put him on hold and shared the flirtation with coworkers.

That hold didn’t last long.

Throughout their relationship, they developed their own language to help each other out in their pursuits.

Sometimes, the now-married duo said, all they need is a look across a room for Chuck to know how to time out a music set or come out with a second lens to provide backup shots for Dara’s photography.

What they enjoy most about their work is making lasting friendships with couples getting married under the strumming of Chuck’s guitar and the clicks of Dara’s camera, and then see those marriages evolve into families and children.

With such a love story of their own, it isn’t surprising they help others make memories.

Sean Murphy and Susan Timmons Feb. 6 pose in The Doctor’s Office garden in Holmes Beach.

Islander Photo: Masha Dolgoff

voice says, ‘This is the best man, were you planning to come to the wedding?’”

By the time Charlie arrived to the wedding, the sun had gone down.

“Fortunately,” he said, “they had discovered Jack Daniels and the power of the margarita. So when I got there, everybody was mellow.”

In 2003, friends and family gathered to hear Charlie’s deeply resonant voice, a desirable fixture of the many weddings he presided over, performing a selfwritten song, “When Love Comes Your Way,” for his own bride.

The Rev. Charlie Shook and wife Louis Finley Shook Jan. 29 at their home in Casa Del Rey park in Bradenton. Islander Photo: Masha Dolgoff

The Shooks spread love The Rev. Charlie Shook and Lois Finley Shook cut a recognizable silhouette against the sunset.

Over many years on Anna Maria Island, the married couple has been involved in a stunning amount of beach weddings.

They met while Charlie was serving in a church in Cincinnati and moved later to southwest Florida, where he eventually settled at Longboat Island Chapel on Longboat Key and earned the title of minister emeritus.

It wasn’t until Charlie’s retirement, though, that they really became busy.

“I was a minister over all those years and all the churches I served over 40 years, I may have had 500 weddings,” Charlie said Jan. 29. “Then I come down here, retired, looking for things to do, and in the space of two and a half years I had 2,500!”

When asked how many of those she helped out with, Lois said with a laugh, “Oh, about 2,500.”

“Usually, I just got him there,” said Lois, widely known on AMI as the owner of the former Mama Lo’s By the Sea ice cream shop in Anna Maria.

They reminisced on the certain amount of freespiritedness that accompanied officiating the destination weddings, which added color to their lives.

They recalled onne afternoon when Charlie got carried away reciprocating Lois’ role as his assistant working as a waffle cone wrapper at Mama Lo’s.

Charlie remembered, “The phone rings and the

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Murphy-Timmins feed our love For Holmes Beach residents Sean Murphy and Susan Timmins, arriving on the balmy shores of Anna Maria Island 45 years ago was the aperitif that set off the taste of success for their award-winning restaurants and enduring life partnership.

Originally from the Canadian province of Nova Scotia, they met on a romantic sailing ship called the Bluenose.

Perhaps the wind that filled its sails was a sign of adventures to come, as a southward breeze of wanderlust then took them to Central America, after which they lived in New Orleans.

“Restaurants were a natural thing to work in,” Susan said Jan. 26 about the variety of service jobs they held during their backpacking and traveling days.

They found their latest destination when they followed friends from New Orleans to Longboat Key. Here on AMI, working on a shoestring budget, they opened the Beach Bistro in Holmes Beach, which quickly earned awards and a Zagat-rating.

Improvisation was characteristic of their early approach to getting their project off the ground.

“I don’t consider myself in the food and beverage business. I’m in the theater business,” Sean said. “All the world’s a play and all the men and women merely players.”

With the sunset as their backcloth, the two rotated roles from night to night. One evening he would maitre d’ and she’d work the room and they’d switched.

Eventually, Susan started focusing more on desserts, having grown up baking with her mom and her grandmother, and on bookkeeping, because it allowed her to spend more time at home with their children.

Sean maintained a presence in the restaurant, where he continued perfecting the art of customer service as an offering of escapism and entertainment.

As writers of their own destiny, perhaps it isn’t surprising that their current establishment, The Doctor’s Office, sprang from an anecdote involving Susan pleading for Sean to go to a real doctor after an incident with brake fluid and an old car.

Sean saw potential in the little building and the adjacent garden space he visited that day to get his injury checked out, which would blossom into the lively spot it is today.

Although Susan is less involved with the new venture than she was with the bistro, the entrepreneurial pair continue to follow a winning formula, finding ways to delight those around them with a graceful and the exquisite experience, as if, like when they had arrived all those years back, they are seeing it for the first time.

Submit your social news, weddings, anniversaries, births, travel photos and event news to news@islander.org.

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“Anna Maria Island,” a pictorial history book of the island by Bonner Joy, is available for $20 at The Islander office, 315 58th St., Holmes Beach. Call or text 941-778-7978 for hours or purchase at islander.org. Joy is publisher of The Islander.

Feb. 14, 2024 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 9 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Anna Maria calls for opposition to rental preemption bills

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

This year’s big vacation rental preemption bill has made it through the Florida Senate.

And Anna Maria officials are calling for a stop — or, at the very least, changes — to the legislation before its companion bill passes through the House.

Mayor Dan Murphy said Feb. 8 that the city is lobbying against Senate Bill 280 and its companion, House Bill 1537, and called for public support to oppose the “ugly” bills, that would preempt vacation rental regulations to the state.

SB 280, “Vacation Rentals,” was filed by Sen. Nick DiCeglie, R-St. Petersburg, last November. The Senate voted 27-13 on Feb. 1 to pass an amended version of the bill.

Of the 13 votes in opposition to the bill, Democrats cast 10 and Republicans accounted for three nay votes.

In the meantime, HB 1537, which was sponsored

by Rep. Philip “Griff” Griffitts Jr., R-Panama City, passed through the House’s Regulatory Reform & Economic Development subcommittee Feb. 1 on a 10-4 vote and one amendment.

That bill is now in the House Commerce Committee.

While HB 1537 needs to pass through the full chamber, the final bills also must match before they can head to the governor’s office for a signature into law.

If the final versions of the bills fail to match, then they cannot become state law.

According to city attorney Becky Vose, the bills would have wide-ranging negative impacts, including: • The elimination of local government’s ability to conduct annual rental inspections for compliance with the Florida Building Code and the Florida Fire and Life Safety Codes. Inspections only would be allowed upon initial application for registration or when a reg-

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy speaks Feb. 8 about SB 280 and its companion measure, HB 1537, which would preempt vacation rental regulation to the state.

Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

istration is changed; • Cap the cost of vacation rental registration fees at $150, as well as $50 for renewal fees; • Eliminate local government’s ability to require rental agreements and postings at rental units to inform guests about local regulations.

SB 280, as it was originally written, would have removed practical limits on occupancy at vacation rentals by allowing local governments to set occupancy caps only based on undefined “sleeping arrangements.”

However, amendments to the bill allow for two occupants for one common area, as well as two occupants per bedroom — or more if there is at least 50 square feet per person.

While the amendment brings the bill more in line with the city’s occupancy limit — which is two occupants at base with another two occupants for every bedroom larger than 100 square feet — Vose said other provisions make such regulations “practically impossible” to enforce.

“It’s smoke and mirrors,” she said.

In the meantime, Murphy said the city has taken a “twofold” approach in its efforts to counter the bills.

Murphy said the city’s lobbyist, Matthew Blair of the Tallahassee-based Corcoran Partners, is working to stop the bills.

The lobbyist met multiple times with Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, and was set to meet with House Commerce Committee Chair Bob Rommel, R-Naples.

Murphy said that Blair also is pushing for amendments that would grandfather in the city’s vacation rental regulations.

On the other hand, the city is using its website, homerulefl.com, to coordinate email campaigns in opposition to the bills.

The city-owned and operated website provides information to visitors about the legislative session and facilitates correspondence with state officials.

Murphy said the website facilitated the delivery of more than 24,000 emails expressing opposition to the bills since Jan. 17 but had not achieved the “penetration” he had been hoping it would.

He said he was crafting another email campaign, with a “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it” theme, and called for subscribers and members of the public to use the website and support the city’s cause.

“The more emails we can get sent, the better,” Murphy said. “We’re not sitting back. We’re not letting this happen.”

“We just can’t roll over,” he added.

Commission Chair Mark Short expressed disappointment with the Florida League of Cities’ lack of pushback against the rental preemption bills.

Short said the League of Cities now opposes the bills, but has taken no real action to stop them from passing.

“They’re saying on paper, ‘We oppose it,’ but there’s no action behind those words,” he said.

The legislative session began Jan. 9 and will end Friday, March 8.

Island happenings

Page 10 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Feb. 14, 2024 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Center concert tickets on sale Moose plans pig roast Compiled by Lisa neff, calendar@islander.org

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ON AMI Wednesday, Feb. 14 6:30 p.m. — Island Time Book Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Thursday, Feb. 15 10:15 a.m. — Island Morning Book Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

ONGOING ON AMI Throughout February, Barbara Truemper-Green exhibit, Artists’ Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941778-6694.

OFF AMI Friday, Feb. 16 7:15 p.m. — Bradenton Area River Regatta’s Sky Elements Drone Light Show and Sweet Fleet national Fleetwood Mac tribute band, Bradenton and Riverwalk. Information: bradentonarearegatta. com.

ONGOING OFF AMI Throughout February, “Nature’s Palette” by Janet Flickinger, Island Gallery and Studios, 456 Old Main St., Bradenton. Information: 941-778-6648.

Through April 28, “Dali and the Impressionists,” the Dali Museum, 1 Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg. Fee applies. Information: 727-823-3767.

Through April 28, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature’s “Bird Photographer of the Year,” 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131.

Through June 23, “Mountains of the Mind: Scholars’ Rocks from China and Beyond” exhibit, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-360-7390.

Through June 30, “Yayoi Kusama: A Letter to Georgia O’Keeffe,” Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 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. Information: villageofthearts.com.

Saturdays, 10:30 a.m., art demos, Island Gallery and Studios, 456 Old Main St., Bradenton. Information: 941-778-6648, islandgalleryandstudios.org.

The center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, will host the Guess Who Alumni in concert Friday, Feb. 23.

The band will play Guess Who hits, including “American Woman,” “No Sugar Tonight,” “Clap for The Wolfman,” “Laughing,” “Hand Me Down World,” and “Share the Land.”

The lineup includes Carl Dixon, Bill Wallace, Laurie MacKenzie and Mark Santer with special guest Matt Young. Dixon was lead singer for the Guess Who for eight years, 1997-2000 and 2003-08.

Tickets start at $59.

Doors open at 6 p.m., with an opening act at 7 p.m. and the headliner at 8 p.m.

For more about tickets, go online to centerami. org.

For more about the center, call the center at 941778-1908.

The Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge No. 2188 invites the public to its fifth annual AMI Moose Pig Roast 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24.

Seating times will be noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Jimmy’s Pig Out BBQ of Bradenton will cater the dinner and SandBarSoul and Ted Stevens and the DooShots will perform music.

Tickets are $16.95 Reservations are required.

The lodge is at 110 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach.

For more information, call the Moose at 941-7784110.

‘Scallopalooza’ on calendar

Sarasota Bay Watch will hold its annual “Scallopalooza” to support hard-shell clam restoration in Sarasota Bay at 5:45 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota, 1000 Blvd. of the Arts, Sarasota.

The nonprofit Sarasota Bay Watch has deployed Senior Adventures taking millions of clams in bay waters to filter and clean water, Skyway journey reducing the level of nutrients in Sarasota Bay. The Senior Adventures group at the Center of The SBW gala will feature a happy hour, dinner, Anna Maria Island is crossing the Sunshine Skyway presentations, entertainment and a silent auction.

Bridge for a destination this month.

For details on tickets or SBW, go to sarasotabayThe group will travel Thursday, Feb. 22, to Mazza- watch.org or call 941-232-2363. ro’s Italian Market, a St. Petersburg destination known SAVE THE DATE for its cheeses, olives, deli sandwiches, entrees and bakery items, handmade pastas and wine selections.

March 2-3, The Invitational, Holmes Beach.

The bus will depart the center at 9:30 a.m. The March 23, Cortez Nautical Flea Market, Cortez. group will be at the market 10:15 a.m.-1 p.m.

March 23, Spring Plant Sale, Palmetto.

The bus fare is $5.

KIDS & FAMILY For reservations and more information, call the center at 941-778-1908.

ON AMI

Feb. 28, Anna Maria Island Garden Club Fashion Show, Anna Maria.

March 1-2, Center of Anna Maria Island’s Murder-Mystery dinner theater, Anna Maria.

March 7-24, Island Players’ “Communicating Doors,” Anna Maria.

March 10, Island Players’ “The Woman in Black” auditions, Anna Maria.

March 10, Longboat Key Paradise Center for Healthy Living’s Celebrate on the Circle fundraiser, St. Armands Circle.

March 22-April 26, Music in the Park, Bradenton.

March 23, Center of Anna Maria Island’s Wine Tasting.

March 26, Anna Maria Island Historical Society Heritage Festival, Anna Maria.

Friday, Feb. 16 10 a.m. — 40 Carrots parenting program, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Saturday, Feb. 17 11 a.m. — 1st annual Grace Irwin Memorial Fund “Hunt for the Cure” scavenger hunt, Center of Anna Maria Island. Fee applies.

Information: 941-778-1908.

Tuesday, Feb. 20 10 a.m. — Family storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

OFF AMI

Saturday, Feb. 17 10 a.m.-6 p.m. — Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, west end waterfront and between 123 Street West and 124th Street West, SAVE THE DATE MARKETS & SALES Cortez. Fee applies. Information: fishcortez.org.

Feb. 23, Center of Anna Maria Island/Bradenton Area ConvenONGOING ON AMI Sunday, Feb. 18 tion and Visitors Bureau Guess Who Alumni concert, Anna Maria.

10 a.m.-6 p.m. — Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, west Most Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Coquina Feb. 24, Sarasota Bay Watch Scallopalooza, Sarasota. end waterfront and between 123 Street West and 124th Street West, Beach Market, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941Cortez. Fee applies. Information: fishcortez.org.

840-0789, coquinabeachmarket.org.

Second Fridays through spring, 5-7:30 p.m., Holmes Beach ONGOING OFF AMI Night Market, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694.

First Wednesdays, SOAR in 4 family night, the Bishop Museum, Tuesdays, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Anna Maria Farmers Market, City Pier Park, Pine Avenue and Bay Boulevard. Anna Maria. Information: 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-7464131.

941-708-6130.

Third Fridays, Teen Nights, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. ONGOING OFF AMI W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131.

Second Saturdays, Quest for Kids, the Bishop Museum, 201 Saturdays through May 7, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Bradenton Market, 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131.

Old Main Street, Bradenton. Information: 941-301-8445.

Holistic wellness center and spa

Now offering yoga and meditation in the ambiance of a healing Himalayan salt wall.

Massage Therapy | Acupuncture | Yoga 2219 Gulf Drive N | Bradenton Beach

941.778.8400 | www.alunawellness.com

60+ ARTISTS Open 10-6, Tues-Sat JEWELRY 5351 Gulf Drive WALL ART Holmes Beach HOME DECOR 941-242-5794 FURNITURE and a whole lot more!

Island happenings

Feb. 14, 2024 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 11 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Garden club to stage fashion show at community center

Jason gargiule models in 2023 on the runway with dog bentley during anna maria Island garden Club’ fashion show.

Islander File Photo: ryan Paice

The Anna Maria Island Garden Club will present its annual fashion show at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28, at the Center of Anna Maria Island.

The show’s theme is “The AMIs” and a notice from the club said organizers promise “an unforgettable celebration of island fashion from local retailers and community spirit.”

Proceeds from the show go toward island beautification projects.

And those who attend — $40 tickets went on sale earlier this month at amigardenclub.com — “will be treated to island-style glamour, delicious cuisine and a charitable atmosphere.”

The garden club’s email is info@amigardenclub. com and calls can be made to 941-405-3534.

Send listings to calendar@islander.org OFF AMI Thursday, Feb. 15 10 a.m. — “Maritime Heritage of Manatee County: The Mighty Mullet” program, Cortez Cultural Center, 1165 Cortez Road W., Cortez. Information: 941-840-0590.

6 p.m. — Natural Resources Career Night, Robinson Preserve, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923, mymanatee.org.

Wednesday, Feb. 21 1 p.m. — “Nature Art: Botanical Illustration,” Robinson Preserve, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW, Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-742-5923, mymanatee.org.

SPORTS & GAMES

Friends lecture series continues with ‘Dancing!!!!’ talk The Friends of the Island Library continues its annual lecture and travel series Thursday, Feb. 15, with Marcus Alford talking about “Dancing!!!!”

Alford, who relocated from Atlanta to Bradenton, choreographed, taught and toured with the Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago for a decade.

He’s also served on the faculty of major dance organizations.

During the program, Alford will demonstrate dance

technique, which the Friends promise will be “a very energetic presentation.”

The program will begin at 2 p.m. at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

The series will continue Thursdays at 2 p.m. at the church through Feb. 22.

For more information, go online to friendsoftheislandlibrary.org or call the Island Library at 941-7786341.

SAVE THE DATE

LESSONS & LEARNING

March 17, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Holmes Beach and Anna Maria.

ONGOING ON AMI Most Wednesdays, 1 p.m., mahjong club beginners, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786341.

Thursdays, 6 p.m., Jan. 18-March 28, Annie Silver Community Center bingo, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941224-1973.

Most Fridays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong club experienced players, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941778-6341..

OFF AMI

Saturday, Feb. 17 8 a.m.-6 p.m. — Bradenton Area River Regatta, Green Bridge across the Manatee River, Bradenton and Palmetto riverfronts. InforCLUBS & Friday, Feb. 16 mation: bradentonarearegatta.com.

COMMUNITY 2 p.m. — “Early Settlers of Anna maria Island” program, Island 6-9 p.m. — Pittsburgh Pirates Block Party, Old Main Street, Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778ON AMI Bradenton. Information: cityofbradenton.com.

6341.

Thursday, Feb. 15 Wednesday, Feb. 21 SAVE THE DATE 1 p.m. — Sunshine Stitchers, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, 10:30 a.m. — Hands Only CPR for Seniors, Center of Anna Feb. 24, Pittsburgh Pirates spring training opens, Bradenton.

Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. InformaMarch 8, Center of Anna Maria Island Bingo Bonanza, Anna tion: 941-778-1908.

ONGOING ON AMI Maria.

ONGOING ON AMI Most Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island OUTDOORS & meeting, Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Thursdays through Feb. 22, 2 p.m., Friends of the Island Library NATURE Beach. Information: 941-778-1383.

Lecture and Travel Series, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 ONGOING OFF AMI Most Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island meet- Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-6341. ing, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. InforSaturdays, 9 a.m., Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve, mation: 941-718-5583.

10299 Ninth Ave. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923, ON AMI

Visit islander.org for the best news on AMI.

ONGOING OFF AMI Third Thursdays, 6:30 p.m., through April, Manatee Audubon Society meetings, First United Methodist Church of Palmetto, 330 11th Ave. W., Palmetto. Information: manateeaudubon@gmail.com, 941-729-2222.

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED.

mymanatee.org.

CALENDAR NOTES KEEP THE DATES Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day. Feb. 15, Susan B. Anthony Day. Feb. 19, Presidents Day. March 10, daylight saving time begins.

".* +&8&-3:

SAVE THE DATE Feb. 22, Center of Anna Maria Senior Adventures outing to Mazzaro’s Italian Market, Anna Maria.

Feb. 24, Anna Maria Moose Lodge No. 2188 fifth annual AMI Moose Pig Roast, 110 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Fee applies.

Information: 941-778-4110.

Feb. 29, Anna Maria Island Historical Society Membership Luncheon, Anna Maria.

March 9, Center of Anna Maria Island Beach Cleanup, Anna Maria.

March 22, Annie Silver Community Center community suppers, Bradenton Beach.

March 23, 10th annual Hot Stove Dinner, Bradenton.

(FOVJOF EJBNPOET 'FBUVSJOH DBSBU CMVF EJBNPOE SJOH TUBSUJOH BU LU BOLMFUT PWFS TUFSMJOH TJMWFS TUBSU JOH BU 03 PXO B QJFDF PG IJTUPSZ GSPN UIF "UPDIB 4IJQXSFDL GPVOE PGG UIF DPBTU PG ,FZ 8FTU

Send listings to calendar@islander.org.

Odd Duck Designs Shop Wearable T-shirt art by local artist Connie Wolgast.

Scan here to shop! etsy.com/shop/OddDuckDesignsShop 941-224-1897

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Island happenings

Page 12 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Feb. 14, 2024 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Winning night People gather Feb. 9 in the gym at the Center of anna maria Island in anna maria for the first bingo night of the season, on bingo nights, the center offers games, refreshments and prizes 6-8 p.m. bingo cards cost $1. The next games will be Friday, march 8. For more information, call the center at 941-7781908. Islander Courtesy Photo

Center serving up murder-mystery theater The center is seeking dining-chair detectives.

The Center of Anna Maria Island’s annual murdermystery nights will take place Friday-Saturday, March 1-2.

Tickets to “American Cover: Take Me Down to Paradise City” March 1 are $50. The evening will include a cash bar and theater.

Tickets March 2 are $100 or $800 for a table of

Milestones

eight. The evening will include a cash bar, dinner and theater.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the event will begin at 6:45 p.m.

The center is at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

For more information, call the center at 941-7781908 or go online to centerami.org.

Scholarships offered on AMI

Players and Privateers invite college-bound students to apply for 2024.

The Anna Maria Island Privateers, a nonprofit “for kids and community” that raises money for college scholarships with a series of events, will accept applications until Friday, March 1.

To qualify, a student must be a Manatee County resident who can demonstrate positive community involvement. Applicants either must be graduating seniors or enrolled in a post-secondary institution.

The applications are online at amiprivateers.org.

Scholarships usually are presented in late June or early July.

For more information, go to amiprivateers.org or contact the scholarship committee chair Valerie “Dallas” Mabry at 941-896-0797 or scholarships@ amiprivateers.org.

The Island Players board of directors will award four $2,000 scholarships this year to graduating high school seniors in the county who “have demonstrated excellence to develop these talents at an even higher level of education.”

Applications can be found at theislandplayers. org.

The deadline to apply is Friday, March 15.

People with questions can email scholarshipcommittee@theislandplayers.org.

For other information about the community theater group, people can call the box office at 941-7785755.

Center hosts scavenger hunt, benefit

The first annual Grace Irwin Memorial Fund’s The Islander welcomes stories about islanders and island life. Submit your announcements and photographs with captions for publication — along with “Hunt for the Cure” involves a scavenger hunt across the island to raise money for the Children’s Cancer contact information — to news@islander.org.

Research Fund.

The event also celebrates the life of Grace Kathryn CASTNER Irwin, who died July 23, 2023, at the age of 9. She had CASTNER been diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor — rhabdomyosarcoma — in December 2022.

The scavenger hunt will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, and conclude at the center.

"Thank you to the Castner Staff for a great The event will include teams following clues to job on our last purchase for our home!

We have been using Castner & Castner fi nd specific locations on AMI, as well as a silent aucFurniture for over ten years and have been tion, 50/50 raffle, entertainment and food and beverage very satisfied with the service before, during and after the sale." vendors.

Maureen & Ernie Organizers arranged for the Manatee Community Foundation to collect money from the event.

For more information or to support the effort, go online to gracememorialfund.com or call the center at grace Kathryn Irwin. www.castnerandcastner.com 941-795-1297 5210 Cortez Rd. W. Bradenton, FL 941-778-1908.

Islander Courtesy Photo

&

LUXURY FURNISHINGS, DESIGN & INTERIORS

$100

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WINNER! Brian Liebfried

Congrats to Brian and the Chiefs!

See you next season!

Feb. 14, 2024 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 13 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

by robyn murrell

The caboose sits unused Feb. 8 at anna maria elementary, 4700 gulf drive, Holmes beach. The railroad car will be removed Feb. 24 and replaced with a garden.

Islander Photo: robyn murrell

Little red caboose

Anna Maria Elementary will bid farewell to its little red Caboose after 36 years.

The Tropicana railroad car, which sits on a piece of track placed in 1987, will retire to the Florida Railroad Museum, 12210 83rd St. E., Parrish, later this month.

The history of how the caboose came to be is a tale of community, relationships and a desire to lead students into the technological future with computers.

Principal Mike Masiello said a former AME student who became a parent of students, Joan Pettigrew, read about CSX Transportation discontinuing cabooses and, with the support of others in the community, got the school administration to approve the relocation of a railroad car to the school.

The caboose arrived to AME with the help of Lou Merucci, the father of two AME students, who acquired a crane and flatbed truck to move the caboose to the island.

Some remember seeing the caboose crossing the Anna Maria Island Bridge, an unusual sight, and students at the school observed as it rolled onto the school grounds, according to Islander archives.

Similarly, the caboose will be removed Feb. 24 by crane and flatbed truck and taken to Parrish to become a new exhibit at the museum.

Billie Coles, to whom the caboose is dedicated, was a curriculum specialist at AME from 1988-92.

Coles’ efforts led to the caboose becoming a computer lab, which was influential in getting parents involved in students’ computer education.

Chris Culhane, executive director of the Center of Anna Maria Island and also a member of the AME School Advisory Committee, told other SAC members Jan. 25 that he was a student when the caboose was

installed.

And he recalled using one of the first computer models in the train car.

Over the years, the caboose also functioned as a speech classroom and a school supply store.

According to Islander archives, Anna Maria Island Historical Society members met in 2006 at Holmes Beach City Hall to discuss plans to transform the train car into an island school museum, but the project did not come to fruition.

Masiello said Jan. 25 that the caboose had deteriorated beyond the ability to bring it back. There is

WE TWEET TOO @ami_islander

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rust and sharp metal on the car and window glazing contains asbestos.

The removal of the caboose — which still displays a plaque dedicated to Coles — is tentatively set for 9 a.m.

In the caboose’s place, AME will create a garden — to be dedicated to Coles.

School achievements

The Islander welcomes notices of achievements. Email news@islander.org.

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Page 14 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Feb. 14, 2024 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Gathering

Feed the Peeps art show gathers pantry donations artist bettine godwin sets up her easel with the help of husband Pat Feb. 9 at roser memorial Church, 512 Pine ave., anna maria, where patrons got acquainted with artists and learned about the inspiration for their work. Islander Photos: masha dolgoff

by Lisa neff

Christ Church sets concert

The “Love is in the Air” concert will take place 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18, as part of the Winter Concert Series at Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian USA. A notice said the performers — Johanna Davis and Joseph Ryan — are “famous for their beloved Valentine’s Day program.”

For more, call the church, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, at 941-383-8833.

Tidings

Compiled by Lisa neff

adrian Fernandez helps Stephanie mcdavis try on a pair of his cousin’s earring creations. The show featured a variety of craftsmanship, such as accessories and gourmet products, in addition to artwork.

THIS WEEK

Wednesday, Feb. 14 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m. — Ash Wednesday service, St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-4769.

9:30 a.m. — Ash Wednesday service, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive. Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-1813.

10 a.m. — Ash Wednesday service, Christ Church of Longboat Key, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Info: 941-9004903.

Noon — Ash Wednesday service, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414.

Noon and 7 p.m. — Ash Wednesday service, Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-7781638.

Sunday, Feb. 18 2 p.m. — Winter Concert Series show, “Love in the Air,” Christ Church of Longboat Key, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Info: 941-900-4903.

mary mcalerr fills out a raffle ticket to place in a cup next to the item she hopes to receive. The raffle produced donations for the roser Food Pantry during the Feed the Peeps arts and crafts show Feb. 9.

SAVE THE DATE Feb. 23-24, St. Bernard Catholic Church rummage sale, Holmes Beach.

PLeaSe, See tIDINGs, neXT Page

A SH WEDNESDAY SERVICE • February 14th • 10:00 AM Growing in Jesus’ Name

Worship With Us at Our Church Sunday Service 10:00 AM Dr. Julia Wharff Piermont, Pastor

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WINTER CONCERT SERIES

Tickled about pickles and more Linda Hipes of Perico Island shows off a box Feb. 10 that once contained jars of the “special recipe” pickles at the White elephant Sale at the episcopal Church of the annunciation, 4408 gulf drive, Holmes beach.

Volunteers make and sell the pickles for the sale, as well as provide other sale items and baked goods. Hipes said a line formed for the opening of the sale at 9 a.m. and the pickles sold out in 30 minutes. Islander Photos: Lisa neff

CONCERTS ARE FREE • VISITORS & RESIDENTS WELCOME

SUNDAY • FEBRUARY 18, 2024 • 2:00 PM

People shop for “treasure” at the Feb. 10 White elephant Sale at the episcopal Church of the annunciation, 4408 gulf drive, Holmes beach.

:ŽŚĂŶŶĂ & Joseph

Michael Stewart Accompanist :ŽŚĂŶŶĂ ĂǀŝƐ ĂŶĚ :ŽƐĞƉŚ ZLJĂŶ͕ ŵĞŵďĞƌƐ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƌĞŶŽǁŶĞĚ Qol Quartet ĂƌĞ ĨĂŵŽƵƐ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞŝƌ ďĞůŽǀĞĚ sĂůĞŶƟŶĞ͛Ɛ ĂLJ ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵ͕ ͞>ŽǀĞ ŝƐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŝƌ͘͟ dŚĞ ŚŝŐŚůLJ ĂĐĐůĂŝŵĞĚ ĚƵŽ ŽĨ ƉƌŽĨĞƐƐŝŽŶĂů ƐŝŶŐĞƌƐ ďƌŝŶŐ ƚŚĞŝƌ ŵŽƐƚ ŚĞĂƌƚǁĂƌŵŝŶŐ ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵ ƚŽ &ůŽƌŝĚĂ ĂƵĚŝĞŶĐĞƐ͘ /ŶĚŝǀŝĚƵĂůůLJ͕ ƚŚĞƐĞ ŵƵƐŝĐŝĂŶƐ ŚĂǀĞ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĞĚ ŽƉĞƌĂƟĐ ƌŽůĞƐ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŶĐĞƌƚƐ ŝŶƚĞƌŶĂƟŽŶĂůůLJ ƚŽ ŐƌĞĂƚ ĂĐĐůĂŝŵ͘ :ŽŚĂŶŶĂ ĂŶĚ :ŽƐĞƉŚ ĂƌĞ ŽŶĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŵŽƐƚ ƐŽƵŐŚƚͲĂŌĞƌ ĐŚĂŵďĞƌ ĚƵŽƐ ŝŶ &ůŽƌŝĚĂ͘ zŽƵ ĚŽŶ͛ƚ ǁĂŶƚ ƚŽ ŵŝƐƐ ƚŚŝƐ ŽŶĐĞͲŝŶͲĂͲƐĞĂƐŽŶ ŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƚLJ ĨŽƌ ĂŶ ƵŶĨŽƌŐĞƩĂďůĞ ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵ͊ 6400 Gulf of Mexico Dr. • 941.383.8833 ;ŽĸĐĞͿ • ǁǁǁ͘ĐŚƌŝƐƚĐŚƵƌĐŚŽŇďŬ͘ŽƌŐ

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“...a beautiful place to explore your faith...”

SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 AM & 10:00 AM

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RoserChurch.com

Sign up to receive the eBulletin at RoserChurch.com/contact-us The CHAPEL is open during office hours for prayer and meditation 941-778-0414 • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria • FOLLOW us on Facebook @RoserChurch

Feb. 14, 2024 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 15 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Traveling friends pen children’s book, promote conservation by robert anderson Islander reporter

Two friends who traded their coconuts for khakis and went on safari to Africa came back with a passion and a determination to share their story.

Pam Marck and Ellie Fernands of Perico Island have penned a children’s book, “Jamani’s Lucky Day: Searching for Endangered Gorillas,” which follows the adventures of a resourceful girl, Jamani, as she embarks on a journey up a volcano in Rwanda in search of endangered mountain gorillas.

Drawing from their experiences, Marck and Fernands crafted a tale that follows Jamani and a pair of colorful American grandmothers on an adventure fraught with challenges.

Fernands said the character of Jamani is an anagram of their daughters’ names.

“We both have daughters and want our girls to have girl power and have their voices heard,” Fernands said. “So we created the character of this little girl.

She’s a real tiger of a kid who overcomes all of these obstacles.”

Marck and Fernands found common ground in their love for travel and animals. With similar backgrounds in public education, they created a semifictional story based on a journey to Africa.

Venturing first to Tanzania and then to the Virunga Mountain range in Rwanda, the pair immersed themselves in the landscapes and biodiversity of the region.

It was during their visit to Volcanoes National Park in

Obituaries

Elwood ‘Tom’ Albert Yarger

Marck said the park is the home of the Karisoke Research Center, the legacy of primatologist Dian Fossey, who entered the jungles in 1967 to study and protect the gorillas.

Fossey dedicated her life to the conservation of gorillas and was interred on the grounds of the institute after her death in 1985.

Moved by the plight of the mountain gorilla, Marck and Fernands said they are donating profits from the sale of their book to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund to protect the gorillas, promote public education and help communities that surround gorilla habitat.

Marck said the book is entertaining and factual.

“We have added lots of facts about gorillas into the book. We’ll be doing more of the education part and maybe that will lead to more profits that we will be excited to send to them,” Marck said.

“My hope is that we can get this book into schools because the themes of the book are diversity, education, equity, girl power and conservation,” Fernands said. “Our theme for conservation is that extinction of animals is not an option.”

Traveling friends and authors Pam marck and ellie People interested in obtaining a copy of the book Fernands pose with their new book, “Jamani.” can attend a book signing 11 a.m.-2p.m. Monday, Feb. Islander Photo: bonner Joy 19, at Ginny’s and Jane E’s Cafe and Coastal Store, 9807 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, Rwanda that they were captivated by the mountain The book also is available in softcover on Amazon gorillas, whose survival is threatened by habitat loss and a hardcover deluxe edition can be purchased at and poaching. www.jamanisluckyday.com.

LBK chapel collecting supplies for Daughtrey

GoodDeeds

by Lisa neff

The Longboat Island Chapel is collecting school Assistance offered on AMI supplies as part of a monthly outreach effort.

• Roser Food Bank welcomes applicants who live, Donors can drop off pencils, erasures, pens, crayons, markers, pocket folders, paper and note pads at work or attend school on Anna Maria Island for food the chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, assistance, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. to benefit Blanche H. Daughtrey Elementary School. Info: 941-778-0414.

For more information, call the chapel at 941-3836491.

Assistance sought on AMI

Elwood “Tom” Albert Yarger died July 9, 2023, in Bradenton.

Friends are invited to a celebration of life for Mr. Yarger 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach.

• The Annie Silver Community Center seeks volHe was born in Sandborn, Pennsylvania, to Albert tIDINGs ConTInued From Page 14 Feb. 24, Sex Trafficking Awareness program, Christ Church, unteers for activities and events, including bakers for and Avanel Yarger, and grew up in that area, where desserts served at dinners and bingo. Info: 724-787he owned and operated a gas and auto-repair service Longboat Key. Feb. 24, Roser Church Pancake Breakfast, Anna Maria.

1418. station for many years, before moving to Bradenton Feb. 25, Episcopal Church of the Annunciation annual meeting • The Anna Maria Island Art League seeks volunBeach in 1985. He also worked and retired from Manateers for the Springfest Fine Arts Festival March 16-17 tee County government in 2002. He was recognized as and brunch, Holmes Beach.

Feb. 25, Temple Beth Israel anniversary gala, Sarasota. in Holmes Beach. Info: 419-450-4824.

Manatee County Employee of the Month in September Feb. 25, St. Bernard Pancake Breakfast, Holmes Beach.

• The Island Players, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna 1998 and was presented with a Manatee County HeroMarch 24-30, Holy Week.

Maria, seeks volunteers for the 75th season of shows. ism Award in 2000.

March 31, Easter.

Info: theislandplayers.org, 941-941 778-5755.

He loved collecting coins and attending antique and coin shows to support his hobby.

Mr. Yarger is survived by his beloved wife Linda; Worship With Us at Our Church Growing in Jesus’ Name son Tom and wife Debi; grandchildren Jessica and husSunday Service 10:00 AM band Austin and Alec and wife Ivey; great-grandchilDr. Julia Wharff Piermont, Pastor dren Isla and Lando; brother Dennis and wife Bernice; DĞŶ’Ɛ ŝďůĞ ^ƚƵĚLJ͗ DŽŶĚĂLJ @ ϵ͗ϬϬ and sister Carol and husband Ernie.

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SUNDAY • FEBRUARY 25, 2024 10:00 AM Sunday Service

Featuring Bagpipes, Tartan Banners, Procession & Drums

WE TWEET TOO Featuring The Lion Rampant Pipe Band VISITORS & RESIDENTS WELCOME • EVENT & PARKING ARE FREE

@ami_islander

6400 Gulf of Mexico Dr. • 941.383.8833 ;ŽĸĐĞͿ • ǁǁǁ͘ĐŚƌŝƐƚĐŚƵƌĐŚŽŇďŬ͘ŽƌŐ

Page 16 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Feb. 14, 2024 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Page 18 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Feb. 14, 2024 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Holmes Beach plans park improvements, sculpture additions

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

One of Holmes Beach’s “pocket” parks is set for a makeover.

City engineer and public works superintendent Sage Kamiya told parks and beautification committee members Feb. 7 that the city received a $2,645 grant from the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program to improve Magnolia Park.

Magnolia Park, 3707 Sixth Ave., has faced some issues in recent history.

Kamiya said some plants in the park have been struggling, especially along the north side, while the south side — which he said is the least conducive for plantings — remains largely empty.

The SBEP grant funds $2,645 of a $4,820.28 project to add new educational signage and benches, extend existing walkways, as well as replace soil and ground coverage — including goldenrod, milkweed, blue flag iris and swamp sunflowers — for the struggling patch on the south side.

The city will pay the remaining $2,175.28.

Kamiya said a concrete walkway would be extended in a semi-circle along the empty south side.

On the other side, the walkway would be looped off to complete a circle through the middle of the park.

He said the city would maintain the park’s existing memorials and coffee plants, but plants needed to be

City engineer and public works superintendent Sage Kamiya, center, leads the Feb. 7 Holmes Beach Parks and Beautification Committee meeting at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

revitalized with new soil and ground coverage.

“We definitely want to spruce it up and hopefully that will help maintain it,” Kamiya said.

Additionally, the project will involve the addition of two new benches and about 10 signs to educate people about plants and wildlife in the park.

P&B member Debbie Hall said benches would be appreciated by visitors, including Publix and Walgreens employees looking for a peaceful place to sit

RELEASE DATE: 2/11/2024

New York Times Sunday Magazine Crossword

Magnolia Park, 3707 Sixth Ave., Holmes Beach.

Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

and eat during their breaks.

There was no public comment.

Meanwhile, a long-awaited wind sculpture was installed late last year on Marina Drive near the Island Library, but is not functioning, according to Kamiya.

The $8,145 “Double Dancer” wind sculpture was commissioned by the Anna Maria Island Garden Club from Utah-based artist Lyman Whitaker and was largely funded with $6,000 from the club, as part of an effort to beautify the island cities..

The sculpture was installed but so far has not lived up to its name.

Kamiya said Whitaker’s gallery would send new parts to improve the sculpture’s movement.

Garden club member Shawn Mayers then discussed plans for landscaping and lighting around the base of the sculpture to “embrace and highlight” it, to include saw palmetto, dwarf Fakahatchee and muhly grass, milkweed and beach sunflower.

P&B members unanimously supported Mayers’ plans.

However, Kamiya said there were some “hiccups” the city would need to work through, such as getting permission and providing irrigation with the county — which leases the property.

He said he would bring it back for discussion at the next P&B meeting, which will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 6, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

The meetings are open to the public.

No. 0204

HAMMER TIME

BY NATHAN HASEGAWA / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ Nathan Hasegawa, of Oakland, Calif., is a junior at Harvey Mudd College majoring in mathematics. This is his second crossword for The Times. His first was in 2021, during his senior year in high school, when every student had to pursue a yearlong project and Nathan’s was to get a crossword published here. This follow-up, which has a multifaceted theme, was two years in the making (on and off ). — W.S.

AC R O S S

1 Toy on a racetrack 8 Soccer star who has won a record eight Ballon d’Or awards 13 Like ‘‘t,’’ ‘‘k’’ and ‘‘p,’’ in phonetics 20 What Hemingway claimed he did to the ending of ‘‘A Farewell to Arms’’ 39 times 21 Dartmouth and Penn, e.g.

22 Fled 23 Mnemonic start 24 Actor Leary 25 Flowerlike sea creature 26 Massive victory . . . or a high score in 113-Across?

29 Really enjoys oneself 31 Doofuses 34 Wetland 35 Objections 36 Be part of an uprising 37 Lowercase letter that resembles an ‘‘n’’ 39 Las Vegas resort with a music-inspired name 41 But 42 Resort amenity 45 Medical procedure, for short 46 Overabundance 47 Vodka drink, informally 49 Tremble Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more Answers: than 4,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords page 28 ($39.95 a year).

52 Contaminating trace 101 Ellipsis element 104 Aviator’s maneuver 53 Chemical-solution in a crosswind strength landing 54 ‘‘Yeshiva boy’’ played

by Barbra Streisand 108 Proportional 109 ‘‘The Last Supper,’’ 55 Author who penned for one the line ‘‘Sometimes the smallest things 111 Spot on an take up the most afternoon schedule? room in your heart’’ 112 Doofuses 56 Climate issue 113 Game represented addressed in the visually in this Montreal Protocol puzzle 58 Approach something 116 Talks like Tom Waits with gusto 117 Justice Kagan 60 What’s the matter?

118 Try for a seat in the 61 Sunder Capitol 62 Shapes of many 119 Fifth-century pope carrot slices dubbed ‘‘the Great’’ 64 Currency worth a 120 Constant nuisance little more than 121 Like some postage dollars and parking spaces 66 Spreadsheet 122 Fish whose juveniles command can climb walls 67 Spot for a loft 68 Muesli bit DOWN 70 Make a pile, perhaps 1 Many prom attendees: 72 Rentable Abbr. transportation 2 Niihau neckwear options 3 Symbol of wisdom 76 Fracas 4 Lock 78 Music’s Little ____ 5 Mountebank 83 Used TurboTax, say 6 ‘‘Nice work, little 84 Journalist’s accessory fella!’’

86 Knuckle-headed act? 7 Dreamy state 87 Biblical man who lost 8 Skirts that go below his birthright the knee 88 2017 musical retelling 9 Giant slalom at the of the stories of Olympics, e.g.

Henry VIII’s wives 10 Choir director’s 89 Symbol for torque, in command physics 11 Tremor 91 Many a viral post 12 Put out 92 Point of no return?

13 Make perfect, maybe 95 Ace 14 Frustrating highway 98 Coast driver

15 Short tennis session 16 Gregor ____, Franz Kafka character 17 ____ Jima 18 Small band transport 19 Image at the top of the pyramid on the back of a dollar bill 27 ‘‘____ la vista, baby!’’

28 Insertion mark 29 Put on a pedestal, say 30 Jennifer of ‘‘The Morning Show’’ 32 ‘‘White Noise’’ author Don 33 What a shock!

34 11,111 vis-à-vis 123,454,321 38 Swear (to) 40 Tweak, say 42 Ejects forcefully 43 Primitive camera feature 44 Like a winner of a mountain marathon, in two senses 46 First name of Julius Caesar 48 Unrefined mined find 50 Finish line for the first stage of the first 67 Honey Tour 69 Verb sometimes de France abbreviated to its 51 Giant name in central letter Giants history 52 Cinemax competitor 71 Prefix with tourist or hotel 57 It’s facedown on a 72 Series finale poker table 73 Counterfactual 58 Negroni spirit starters, 59 [I’m SO mad!] in logic 60 Cotton fabric often 74 Karachi-based carrier used 75 Certain urban in bandages nightlife 63 Hosp. areas 76 Military hiding spot 65 Gondola propeller

77 Place that’s cramped and squalid 79 Something a presidential candidate often wins 80 Gray, say 81 Part of a hoop 82 It may be repeated after ‘‘fiddle’’ 84 Oregon-based athletic brand 85 Podium 88 Items in a hardware store bin

90 Acting as one 93 Capital in the Himalayas 94 Company originally known as Control Video Corp.

96 Shelley’s ‘‘____ to the West Wind’’ 97 Converges on 98 Source of a sleeper hit, perhaps 99 ____ Holmes, Netflix character played by Millie Bobby Brown

100 Pitkin County ski town 101 Old Venetian money 102 Give a keynote, say 103 Performer with lions 105 Cotton fabric often used in hosiery 106 Urge 107 Some dinero 109 Part of a lion 110 Ear piece 114 Bottom line?

115 Container component

Feb. 14, 2024 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 19 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Maritime museum undergoes renovations, continues programs by robert anderson Islander reporter

The Florida Maritime Museum in Cortez is closed for renovations but the closure didn’t stop the museum from scheduling a season of events.

The museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, preserves and celebrates the maritime history of the village.

Inside, visitors were able to explore exhibits showcasing the maritime heritage of Florida’s Gulf Coast, including boat models, historic photographs and artifacts of the area’s seafaring past.

Now the main building is undergoing renovations and the FMM is offering alternative experiences.

“The project is really a structural rehabilitation,” museum supervisor Tori Chasey said in a Feb. 1 interShe said renovations include a new roof, as well view with The Islander. “The building started out as as exposing and reinforcing the original brick walls. the Cortez schoolhouse in 1912 and it does need more “In some ways, we’ve got more outreach opporthan just cosmetic work.” tunities because the museum is closed,” said Chasey.

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The Florida maritime museum’s main building, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, is closed for renovations.

However, the museum grounds are open and Fmm continues to offer classes and other events. Islander Photo: robert anderson

“Hopefully it will make the building strong and safe for the next 100 years,” Meanwhile, “Music on the Porch,” a celebration of folk music in an open jam session, takes place the second and fourth Saturdays of each month 2-4 p.m. outside the museum-adjacent Bratton Store building.

The store also provides classroom space for folk school programs on mosaic-building, nautical chart reading, pasta-making and use of Key limes in cooking. Registration and more details are on the museum website.

Other plans this season include the Cortez Nautical Flea Market at 9 a.m., Friday, March 23, when salvage aficionados will peruse vendor booths on the grounds.

In addition, the market will feature nautical arts & crafts and food items.

The main museum building is scheduled to reopen this summer.

For more information, go online to floridamaritimemuseum.org or call the museum at 941-7086120.

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Feb. 14, 2024 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 21 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

FISH receives anonymous $50k, pursues conservation grants by robert anderson Islander reporter

A nonprofit dedicated to preserving the history and cultural heritage of Cortez recently received an anonymous $50,000 donation.

Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage treasurer Jane von Hahmann shared the news Feb. 5 during a meeting at Fishermen’s Hall, 4515 124th St. W., Cortez.

Von Hahmann said the money is earmarked to pay mortgages on FISH properties, specifically the FISH Preserve and Fishermen’s Hall.

Von Hahmann said FISH also is talking with the Barancik Foundation of Sarasota about a $165,000 grant to construct bridges, paths, a picnic area and a kiosk in the preserve, 4404 116th St. W. The 95-acre preserve is on the east side of the historic fishing village and has undergone environmental restorative efforts, including renewal of aquatic habitat, planting of native species, creation of waterway connections and the removal of exotic vegetation.

The Barancik Foundation is known for its philanthropic support of education, humanitarian causes, arts, culture, environment and medical endeavors.

In addition to discussing FISH’s plans during the meeting, Cindy Rogers, a FISH board member and president of the Cortez Cultural Center, said the center is seeking a $10,000 Bay Estuary Program grant to address nutrient runoff into the estuary and engage the public in conservation efforts.

The center, located within the FISH Preserve at

11655 Cortez Road, focuses on preserving “old Florida” history and the stories of Cortez’s founding families.

In other matters, tour boat operator Capt. Joey Sweet asked to be placed on a meeting agenda to address shellfish poaching in Sarasota Bay. According to Sweet, poachers are focused on edible shellfish, causing a significant loss in the number of whelks, clams, pen shells, sea urchins and

other bottom-dwelling marine life in local waters.

FISH will hear from Sweet at its next meeting at 7 p.m., Monday, March 4, at Fishermen’s Hall, 4515 124th St. W., Cortez.

Meanwhile, FISH was preparing for the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 17-18 in the village area around Starfish Co. Market and Restaurant and A.P. Bell Fish Co.

FISH to hold Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival Feb. 17-18

Folks on one of the state’s last working waterfront’s will be working overtime Feb. 17-18.

The Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival will be 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 17-18, on the waterfront on the west side of the village in front of A.P. Bell Fish Co. and Starfish Co. Market and Restaurant.

The festival, a fundraiser presented by the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage, celebrates the village’s maritime and cultural history.

The 2024 theme, “It’s a Way of Life,” points to the uniqueness and grit in the fishing village.

The two-day event features musical performances, arts and crafts vendors, children’s activities, educational talks, visits to the Florida Maritime Museum grounds, the FISH Preserve and the Cortez Cultural Center and lots of fish and seafood dishes.

The entertainment lineup includes the Shanty Singers, Doug Deming & the Jewel Tones, Eric Von Band and the Karen & Jimmy Band Feb. 17;

the Music on the Porch Gang, Billy Rice Band and Jason Haram Feb. 18.

Admission is $5, with kids under 12 entering for free.

Parking: The Boy Scouts in partnership with FISH will offer on-site parking at the preserve, which is a block east of the village off Cortez Road, for a $5 donation. Bus and golf cart transportation to the festival entrance at 123rd St. Court W. will be provided.

Festivalgoers also can catch free bus service from parking lots at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach or G.T. Bray Park in Bradenton.

Parking also is available at the Cortez Road Baptist Church, 4411 100th St. W., Bradenton, where festivalgoers can catch a free shuttle to the event.

For more information about the festival, go online to fishcortez.org.

— Lisa neff

Nightlife arrives to Holmes Beach city center Carolann garafola paints a pelican outside the artists’ guild gallery, in the Island Shopping Center Feb. 9 during the Holmes beach night market. The next market in the city center will be 5-7 p.m. Friday, march 8.

Milestones The Islander welcomes stories about islanders and island life, as well as photographs and notices of the milestones in readers’ lives — weddings, births, anniversaries, travels, obituaries and other events.

Submit your announcements and photographs with captions for publication — along with contact information — to news@islander.org.

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Cops & Courts

Streetlife

Holmes Beach police arrested Zachary Haughey, 29, of Bradenton, Feb. 3 on a second-degree misdemeanor for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.

Haughey also was charged with a first-degree misdemeanor for allegedly refusing to submit to a blood/ alcohol level test with a prior suspension for refusing to submit to DUI testing in 2015.

An officer saw a motorist traveling at a high speed southbound on Gulf Drive around 4:22 a.m. and, after using a radar to clock the motorist driving 50 mph in a 35-mph zone, he pursued and stopped the driver.

The officer, who saw a half-full beer bottle in the vehicle, asked Haughey to perform field sobriety exercises, which he failed.

The officer arrested Haughey and transported him to the Holmes Beach Police Department, where he refused to complete breath or blood/alcohol-level testing.

The officer transported Haughey to the Manatee County jail, where he was released the same day after posting $1,250 bond.

If convicted, punishment for a first-degree misdemeanor includes up to one year in jail, one year of probation and a fine of up to $1,000.

Punishment for a second-degree misdemeanor includes up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.

An arraignment will be at 8:55 a.m. Thursday, March 7, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

Anna Maria No new reports.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office polices Anna Maria.

Bradenton Beach No new reports.

The Bradenton Beach Police Department polices Bradenton Beach.

Cortez Feb. 6 4000 block of 123rd Street West, trespass.

An MCSO deputy responded to a call concerning a person using private docks to transport clients for a taxi service. The person was trespassed from using the docks, an incident report was filed and a case number assigned.

The MCSO polices Cortez.

Holmes Beach Feb. 1, 6500 block of Marina Drive, abandoned vehicle. A Holmes Beach police officer responded to reports of an abandoned vehicle. The drive-side front wheel of the vehicle appeared to be damaged, leaving Eyes on the road the vehicle inoperable. The vehicle was towed.

Feb. 5, Mobil, 3015 Gulf Drive, drug parapher• City center in Holmes Beach: Manatee County’s nalia. An officer saw a vehicle parked behind the gas work on a force main project on Holmes Boulevard, station around 10:21 p.m. The officer parked at the Marina Drive and side streets continues and traffic patterns can change. For the latest, go to amiprojects.io.

• Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach: Manatee Island watch County is working on sewer lines along Gulf Drive In an emergency, call 911. To report info, call South. Beginning Feb. 19, motorists can expect lane the MCSO Anna Maria, 941-708-8899; Bradenton shifts on Gulf Drive and the closure of Eighth Street Beach police, 941-778-6311; Holmes Beach police, South. This week, motorists can expect to find work 941-708-5804. on the west sise of Gulf Drive at 10th Street South. For the latest, go to amiprojects.io.

HBPD makes DUI arrest

— ryan Paice

Island police reports

front of the store and made his way around the building to speak with the driver, but the vehicle was gone.

Another officer found the motorist on Marina Drive and conducted a traffic stop. The officers spoke with the driver, a juvenile, who said he had been listening to music behind the gas station. The officers asked to search the vehicle and the driver produced a pipe containing marijuana residue. The officers detained the driver, searched the vehicle and found two bongs and rolling papers, as well as a vaporizer. The officers confiscated the paraphernalia and contacted the juvenile’s family. The juvenile left in his grandfather’s custody after an officer informed him that a juvenile referral for possession of drug paraphernalia would be filed with the state attorney’s office.

HBPD polices Holmes Beach.

Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

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Tour boat guides plan followup meeting on bay poaching by robert anderson Islander reporter

Tour boat captains took another step in their battle against illegal harvesting of sea life in Sarasota Bay. The captains set another meeting for 1 p.m., Saturday, Feb 24, at Fishermen’s Hall, 4515 124th St. W., Cortez, to discuss the issue with law enforcement agents and members of the waterfront community.

Katie Tupin of Captain Katie Scarlett Boat Tours in Cortez, Joey Sweet of Sweet Sunsets and Dolphin Tours based in Anna Maria,. Bruce Adamo of Passage Key Dolphin Tours in Anna Maria and Matt and Beth Wright of Island Time Boat Tours in Holmes Beach have been working since 2022 to thwart poaching.

Sweet, who organized the group’s first meeting back in October, also coordinated the Feb. 24 meeting, which he said will continue efforts to create a “neighborhood watch for the water.”

The captains say poachers are targeting edible shellfish in the bay, causing a noticeable decline in whelks, clams, pen shells, sea urchins and other bottom-dwelling marine life.

Tour boat captains began their watch for poachers after discovering a mound of empty fighting conch shells on a sandbar in Sarasota Bay in the spring of 2022. The animals had been removed from their shells in disregard for state and local bag-limit regulations.

The incident put many of the guides on alert.

Evidence collected by the group over the past year was submitted to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, resulting in 20 citations issued to 11 people since July 3, 2023.

However, poachers continue to operate with impunity, often disappearing before law enforcement can intervene, according to the tour boat captains.

Sweet said Feb. 7 that he invited the Manatee County Marine Patrol, the FWC and U.S. Coast Guard to attend Feb. 24.

“This is not a political agenda,” he said. “This is about our bay and, if we could get a nucleus group of passionate people, we’d have a lot of things we could do to move the issue forward.”

Fence built over disputed beach access

a fence blocks the entrance of a former beach access path Feb. 7 at the end of 78th Street in Holmes beach, where resident Travis resmondo previously installed bollards, ropes, plants and signage to block the path. resmondo, owner of property at 99, 100 and 101 78th St., first blocked the path in april

2022 and claimed it as private property. Linda Carmon and 107 78th Street Investments LLC filed a lawsuit against resmondo, michael Front and oceana Condominiums to reopen the path in may 2022 but there have been no developments in the case since June 2023. a records request to the city regarding permitting for the fence, which was built over the past year to the property lines at resmondo’s vacant 99 78th St. lot, was not fulfilled by The Islander’s Feb. 9 press deadline. Islander Photo: ryan Paice

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Page 24 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Feb. 14, 2024 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

KRC scratch champs, flag football posts mid-season results

by Kevin P. Cassidy Islander reporter

The Key Royale Club concluded 36 holes of scratch golf Feb. 7, crowning the men’s and women’s champions for the year.

On the women’s side, Debbie Wohlers won the club championship for the ninth time in 10 years with a score of 164, edging out second-place finisher Linda Dorsey by one stroke.

Jenny Huibers ended up with a thirdCassidy place finish.

In the men’s division, Eric Lawson captured the club championship for the fourth year in a row with an even-par 128 over 36 holes. Jim Goff took second place, followed by Gary Risner in third.

At the Center of Anna Maria Island, two teams remain undefeated at the halfway point of the youth flag football league. Moss Builders is 4-0, one game ahead of Adrian Griffin Interiors, Cheesecake Cutie and Sato Real Estate in the 8-10 division standings.

Am I Coconuts, Beach House Restaurant and Solid Rock Construction follow at 1-3, while Chick-Fil-A completes the standings at 0-4.

Moss Builders sits atop the 11-14 division standings with a 4-0 record. Solid Rock Air Conditioning and Solid Rock Electrical hold down second place at 3-1, while Progressive Cabinetry and Shady Lady Horticultural Services are tied with 2-2 records. HSH Designs and Wings N Things follow at 1-3 and Freckled Fin completes the standings at 0-4.

Action in the 11-14 division Feb. 6 saw Solid Rock Electrical outscore Shady Lady 34-21 behind four touchdown passes and a touchdown reception from Charlie Serra. Serra’s favorite target was Dominik Zupa, who finished with three TD grabs. Cayson Travis finished with one TD pass and one TD reception, while Elijah Casciani added two extra points in the victory.

Keegan McGlade led Shady Lady with two TD runs, while Jake Buckle connected with Henry Dugan

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on a touchdown pass in the loss.

Mason Moss threw for a TD, ran for a touchdown and added a pick-six on defense to lead Moss Builders to a 45-20 victory over Freckled Fin in the second game of the night. Austin Guess added a pair of TD passes and a touchdown run for Moss Builders, which also received two touchdown grabs from Turner Worth and one from Ryan Boender in the victory.

Kyle Mims threw three TD passes, including two to Kason Price to lead the Freckled Fin offense. Luke Van Duinen added a touchdown reception and a twopoint conversion in the loss.

Carter Eurice threw three touchdown passes, ran for two scores and added a pick-six to lead Solid Rock Air Conditioning to a 38-24 victory over Progressive Cabinetry in the third game of the evening. Hayden Eurice, Van Havell and Lilian Price each added touchdown catches in the victory.

Kellen Hunt threw four touchdown passes, including three to Jack McCarthy for Progressive Cabinetry in the loss.

Ryk Kesten had a huge game to lead Wings N Things to a 35-12 victory over HSH Designs. Kesten ran for a score and caught a TD pass, while also adding two interceptions, both of which he took to the house.

Renan Kesten added two touchdown passes for Wings N Things, which also received a touchdown catch from Callin Westfall in the victory.

Tanner Miller threw one TD pass to Kaleb Romagnino, who also added two interceptions including a pick-six for HSH Designs in the loss.

Action in the 8-10 division kicked off Feb. 5 with Adrian Griffin Interior shellacking Beach House Restaurant 39-6. Silas DeWitt ran for two TDs, threw one TD pass and caught a TD pass to lead Griffin, which also received a pair of rushing touchdowns from Jackson Griffin. Jordan Steele finished with a TD pass and a TD reception in the victory.

Leo Tyler’s rushing touchdown paced the Beach House offense in the loss.

The second 8-10 division game of the evening saw Moss Builders edge Cheesecake Cutie 19-12. Braylen Briggs ran for a TD and added a pick-six on defense to lead Moss Builders, which also received a touchdown pass from Cannon Ott to Oliver McCallister in the win.

Sawyer Leibfried threw a TD pass to Andre Harwood and Gunnar Maize added a rushing TD for Cheesecake Cutie in the loss.

Brandon Sato threw three touchdown passes to Grayson Cohen and added a rushing touchdown of his own to lead Sato to a 30-6 victory over Solid Rock Construction. Silas Whitehead completed the scoring for Sato with an interception he took to the house.

Matthew Darak ran for the lone touchdown scored

by Solid Rock Construction in the loss.

Am I Coconuts edged Chick-fil-A 7-6 in the final 8-10 game. Paul ten Haaf threw a TD pass to Gabriel Spann and Sawyer Casciani added the all-important extra point in the victory.

Nolan Anderson connected with Henly Page for a Chick-fil-A touchdown in the loss.

After four weeks of action in the adult flag football league at the community center, three teams are tied atop the standings. Floridian Mortgage, Sandbar Restaurant and Solid Rock Construction are all 3-1, just ahead of Moss Builders, Salty Printing and Slim’s Place at 2-2. Gulf Drive Cafe follows at 1-3, while Edible Cookie Dough Cafe completes the standings at 0-4.

Action Feb. 8 saw Solid Rock Construction earn a 21-14 victory over the Cookie Cafe behind three TD passes from Dominick Otteni.

The second game of the night saw Slim’s Place outscore Moss Builders 32-23 behind four TD passes and a TD run from Anthony Mannino.

The final game of the night saw Floridian Mortgage crush Gulf Drive Cafe 54-22 behind three touchdown passes each from Cody Allen and Chase Richardson.

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Heading west in the Gulf is the ticket for hookups

by Capt. danny Stasny Islander reporter

Constant cold fronts and strong winds are limiting the days on the water for fishing, but Anna Maria Island anglers are finding success on calmer days when the winds are light and out of the east.

On such days, venturing into the Gulf of Mexico is the ticket.

Fishing structures such as ledges, reefs and wrecks in depths of 20-60 Stasny feet puts fish in the box, as well as action on catch-and-release species.

Hogfish are the highlight when fishing nearshore structure in February. They’re responding to live shrimp, sand fleas and fiddler crabs as bait.

While targeting the hogs, you can expect to encounter a variety of other reef species, including Key West grunts, porgies, sheepshead, mangrove snapper, yellowtail snapper and many juvenile red and gag grouper.

Carry an ample amount of bait with you because, if you’re in the right spot, you should get a bite on every drop.

On the breezy days when the Gulf is unattainable, spending time on the inland waters offers its share of action, too. Pompano, whiting and black drum can be found up and down the Gulf beaches. Try casting live shrimp into the surf to get in on the action. You also might encounter sheepshead, jack crevalle and lady fish.

On the flats in Tampa Bay south to Sarasota Bay, the spotted seatrout bite is shaping up. The best plan of sPOrts From Page 24

ing thanks to five TD passes from Tuna McCracken.

Horseshoe news On Jan. 29, the Anna Maria Island pitchers ventured over to Bradenton to take on their crosstown rivals, the Trailer Estates horseshoe pitchers.

The AMI team jumped out to an early lead and held on for an 18-10 victory.

During regular horseshoe action Feb. 7 at the Anna Maria City Hall pits, four teams advanced to the knockout stage. In the first semifinal, Tim Sofran and Bob Bake earned a 21-0 shutout victory over Bob Lee and Steve Doyle, while Gene Bobeldyk and Del Reese advanced with a 21-18 victory over Tom Farrington and Bob Heiger. Sofran and Baker stayed hot in the finals for a 21-2 victory over Bobeldyk and Reese and the day’s bragging rights.

Three teams advanced to the playoffs during the Feb. 10 games. The team of Bob Mason and Dom Livedoti drew the bye and watched as Ron Hooper and Bill Silver advanced with a 23-10 victory over Sofran and Todd Jensene. Mason and Livedoti took advantage of the free pass to the finals as they cruised to a 25-9 victory over Hooper and Jensen.

Play gets underway at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Anna Maria pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by random team selection.

There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome.

Fishing tip! If you hook a bird, remember: Reel, remove, release!

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attack for trout is to drift and cast soft plastics on a jig head. This way you cover a lot of area, which increases your chances of finding a school. Once you’re on them, you can set anchor and thoroughly work the area.

Also, on the windiest days, you can take refuge in the canals. Casting live shrimp along seawalls and near docks where the fish warm up can muster up a bite. Typically, redfish, sheepshead and black drum frequent these areas, turning an otherwise difficult day of fishing into a worthwhile adventure.

On my Just Reel charters, I’m finding a variety of fish while working the inland waters. Sheepshead, black drum and redfish are the most predominant while working structure such as rocks and docks. I’m also picking up sheepshead and whiting along the Gulf beaches mixed with an occasional pompano or permit.

Venturing into the backcountry is resulting in spotted seatrout. The fish are being found over deep grass flats quickly devouring free-lined shrimp.

Also, heading into the Gulf on calmer days is yielding results on mangrove snapper, sheepshead, porgies, Key West grunts and a few hogfish.

Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says he’s seeing a lot of wind and choppy surf, which can make fishing challenging from the pier. Determined anglers using live shrimp as bait are catching fish around the pilings, with most being sheepshead. Catching a daily limit of eight sheepshead has yet to be seen, but, Malfese says it’s only a matter of time until the large schools of spawning fish arrive at the pier to nibble on the barnacle-encrusted pilings.

Anglers using live shrimp also are hooking into

an occasional black drum or redfish, which can turn a mediocre day of fishing into success. Malfese said pier anglers should try bouncing jigs tipped with shrimp, as there should be some pompano in the vicinity.

Capt. Johnny Mattay of Anna Maria Charters is working nearshore and offshore structure in the Gulf on calmer days, when mangrove snapper are readily being caught, as well as hogfish. At depths of 50 feet, Mattay’s clients are hooking into porgies, Key West grunts and sheepshead as well as snapper and hogs.

Moving out to depths of 80-100 feet, Mattay says the red grouper bite is decent, with some large mangrove snapper in the mix. For the grouper, pinfish and frozen sardines are working as bait. For all species mentioned, Mattay is setting up his clients with a knocker rig or hog balls for rigging.

Moving inshore, pompano are being caught on live shrimp. Mixed in are black drum, sheepshead, whiting and jack crevalle.

Also, Mattay is throwing the cast net to catch shiners for bait on the warmer days, when the use of shiners can attract snook to the hook.

Capt. David White, also working Anna Maria Charters, is fishing nearshore and offshore structure when the Gulf of Mexico provides calm seas. Live shrimp for bait is resulting in a variety of species on the hook form depths of 50-70 feet.

A hogfish catch is targeted, among the numerous other inhabitants of the ledges and hard bottom which exist within 10 miles of the beach. White says porgies, Key West grunts and mangrove snapper are prevalent in these areas, as are sheepshead.

Speaking of sheepshead, White says he’s having better results targeting them in shallower depths of 30-50 feet and, in some instances, schools of sheepies are being found in even shallower water along the KRC regular action Back at the Key Royale Club, regular golf action beaches.

Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to included the men’s weekly modified Stableford-system match Feb. 5. Bill Sweeney earned clubhouse bragging fish@islander.org. rights with a plus-2, a point ahead of second-place finishers Herb Clauhs, Tim Friesen and Bill MacMillan.

The women had the course to themselves Feb. 6 for a nine-hole individual-low-net match in two flights.

Linda Dorsey and Brenda Solleveld both carded 3-over-par 35s to tie for first place in Flight A. Peggy Clauhs took first place in Flight B with a 2-over-par 34, while Roxanned Koche at 4-over-par 36 and Jan Turner at 5-over-par 37 took second and third place respectively.

Members played a nine-hole shamble Feb. 8 that ended in a three-way tie for first place at 1-over-par 65 between teams of Tom Nelson, Peter Solleveld, Shady Lady defender Jake buckle makes a flag Tom Solosky and Leight Brattain; Cliff Lanning, Dale pull Feb. 6 on Solid rock player dominik Zupa.

Miller, Scott Mitchell and Kevin Breheny; and Warren Islander Photo: Kevin P. Cassidy Stevens, Nub Turner and Tom Young.

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Page 26 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Feb. 14, 2024 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

SportsShorts

Racing, rallying on Manatee Riverfront Feb. 17

Baseball fans and boat racing enthusiasts will be crowding Bradenton’s waterfront Saturday, Feb. 17, for a double header — the Bradenton Area River Regatta and the Pittsburgh Pirates Block Party.

Meanwhile, motorists seeking to cross the Manatee River need to know that the Green Bridge will be closed to motorists.

The regatta activities — musical performances, food vending and more — will run 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on the Bradenton and Palmetto riverfronts, with powerboat racing on the river and viewing on the Green Bridge.

The block party will be 6-9 p.m. on Old Main Street. Plans include games, musical performances, food vendors and opportunities to get autographs from the Major League Baseball players who open their spring training season this month.

For more information, go online to cityofbradenton.com or call 941-932-9400.

Go team go The tick tick tick tick boom cheerleading team at the Center of anna maria Island rallies players and fans Feb. 5 during halftime at a youth flag football game. Their coaches include brooke Svoboda, erica Palmer and morgan blackburn. “Cheerleading teaches kids to approach all things in life with a positive attitude and a determination to do everything to the best of their ability no matter what the situation,” said Svoboda. Islander Courtesy Photos

Marauders set promo games

The Bradenton Marauders return to LECOM Park in Bradenton for a 14th season this spring and they plan to keep some fanfavorites. The promotional schedule for the Single A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates includes: • Paws & Claws, when people bring their pups to the game and enjoy discounts on a certain alcoholic beverage, on May 3, May 25, June 7, July 26 and Aug. 16.

• Cope de la Diversion, when the team plays as the Bradenton Barbanegras and pays tribute to Latino and Hispanic communities, on April 21, June 8, Sept. 1.

• Thirsty Thursdays, when fans can purchase $2 beers, sodas and hot dogs.

• Fireworks nights, when celebrations include a pyrotechnic show, on April 6, May 4, July 3, July 27, Aug. 31.

The Marauders’ home opener against the Clearwater Threshers will be at 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 5.

LECOM is at 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton.

For more information, go online to bradentonmauraders.com or call 941-747-3031.

Cheerleaders Leela briggs, left, Josie arcuri, melania brannock, miaJean roberts, Vivi Cordell, gracie Fetzek, Violet Sanger, mina messinger, ellie Fetzek, etta Hopkins and Cynthia Funderburk join coach morgan blackburn in posing Feb. 5 at the Center of anna maria Island.

Hey baseball fans

Pull out the scrapbooks and gather up the recollections.

The Pittsburgh Pirates return this month for spring training in Bradenton.

The Islander invites you to share your memories of spring training days at the ballpark and the presence of ballplayers on the island.

Please, send emails with recollections and photos to news@islander.org.

$2 @ The Islander, 315 58th St., HB.

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Feb. 14, 2024 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 27 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Loving ‘life on Earth’

By Lisa Neff

With a bite

Ah, the joys of a Sunday walk in Robinson Preserve.

The laughter of kids playing in the NEST platform as tall as the trees.

The giggles of birdwatchers observing a ground dove in the grasses.

The patter of running shoes on the neff footbridges.

And the “pop,” “pop,” “pop” of hunters’ gunfire.

Statewide, it’s open season on gray squirrels, quail, bobcats, otters, rabbits, hogs, raccoons, coyotes and possums.

Oh, and what do you know? People still can hunt crows until Feb. 18 and snipe season runs up to Feb. 15.

At the preserve, the word that’s circulating is that ducks somewhere just beyond the park boundaries are the hunters’ targets.

So it is an odd feeling to look through binoculars to admire ducks on the water in Robinson Preserve as gunfire reverberates from the south, just beyond the park’s boundaries.

I have family members who go deer hunting. They say they eat what they kill — a claim I can’t imagine an otter hunter makes — but I still don’t get the sport.

From the youngest age, we’re taught that when we go into nature to leave only footprints, to do no harm.

So how does going into wildlife’s habitat — on the

Plants and animals display an array of amorous exploits that make human love lives seem simple.

There are hermaphroditic snails that square off in a duel during courtship, plants that produce fruit for animals that no longer exist, wasps with a singular and fatal attraction to figs, crabs that would rather form an ally than anemone and rodents that settle down with their one true volemate.

For Valentine’s Day, the Florida Museum of Natural History at the University of Florida in Gainesville offered five digital cards featuring the artwork of Nicholas Bezio and celebrating a “love for life on Earth.”

In a pinch for a last-minute card?

Download the natural history cards at www. floridamuseum.ufl.edu/science and tell your special someone, “You’re my volemate.” water or on the land — to kill wildlife fit the deal?

Speaking of the nonsensical, I heard a news anchor the other day refer to “shark-infested waters.”

I guess he missed the meme getting some love from eco-nerds on Instagram: “Saying ‘shark-infested waters’ is like saying ‘human-infested’ houses.”

The anchor was introducing a report on the 2023 updates to the University of Florida’s International Shark Attack File, “a scientific database of global shark attacks.”

The database now contains details for “69 unprovoked bites in 2023,” higher than the five-year average of 63 attacks a year but consistent with long-term trends, according to a news release from the Florida Museum of Natural History on the UF campus in Gainesville.

About 52% of the incidents were in the United States and Florida saw more shark bites than any other state, with 16.

The shark research program looks into all reports of bites on humans by sharks but focuses on what are defined as “unprovoked attacks,” instances when a

a Valentine’s day card shared by the Florida museum of natural History in gainesville features artwork by nicholas bezio and celebrates “life on earth.”

Islander Courtesy Image: FmnH

shark, in its habitat, attacks without human provocation.

Most of these incidents involve test bites, which occur when a shark misidentifies a human as preferred prey.

The research team also tallied up 22 attacks that involved human provocation, mostly spearfishing.

Hmm. Imagine if ducks could bite their hunters.

For the record according to myfwc.com, waterfowl hunting is permitted on private property with landowner permission and on any water body that has public access — public boat landing/launch. Some public water bodies may be closed for specific reasons, such as being in a park or an area where the discharge of firearms is prohibited. manatee County told The Islander Feb. 9 that hunting is not allowed at robinson.

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Page 28 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Feb. 14, 2024 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

HELP WANTED Continued

GOLF GRIP/CLUB repair tools with toolbox.

Added bonus box of grips. $75/offer 941-7044332.

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).

SEEKING SOMEONE PROFICIENT with Quickbooks Online. I own a small business and have used Quickbooks desktop for years, I want to convert to Quickbooks online for 2024. I need some help to guide me through the program. I live on the island, anybody out there willing to teach an old dog some new tricks? Contact Tim, cell 863-5813252, email tim@loadrunnertrailers.com.

OLIVE OIL FROM my farm in Greece. Olive oil is from olive fruit, not from seeds. Wine bottle size (750ml), $19. Delivered to your AMI address. 203-942-8399.

DINACRAFT 16-INCH purple bicycle with detachable training wheels, excellent condition, ridden a few times. $20. 614-946-5070.

WILTON CAST IRON swivel base vice. Fiveinch jaw, 414 inch-drop, $25. Vintage 1950s metal toolbox, weighs 25 pounds. 20 by 10 by 12 inches, $25. Bill, 724-986-0314.

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ANTIQUE PARTNER DESK: All wood, $500.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS BRIDGE PLAY AT Roser Hall: Noon on Fridays.

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GARAGE SALES HOLMES BEACH KEY Royale neighborhood 12th annual yard sale event! 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17. Follow Key Royale Drive to multiple canal homes with top-notch goods!

AMAZING SALE: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16. Furniture, sofas, fishing gear, golf clubs, bedding, housewares and much more. 505 Bayview Drive, Holmes Beach.

TRANSPORTATION GOLF CART RENTALS: Fun for residents and tourists! 212-941-2402. www.GolfCartRentalAMI.com.

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CAPTAIN FOR HIRE and boat caretaker services: If you need help with your boat on or off the water, call Captain Dan. USCG, retired.

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UNCLAIMED PROPERTY:1996 Hake Yachts 25-foot sailboat #HZK25448L596. If interested, claim on or before Feb. 9, 2024 at 6110 17th St., East, Bradenton, FL 34203. 941-301-1524.

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HELP WANTED ADD THE SEA Swimwear in Holmes Beach seeks part-time retail associate. Flexible hours. Please, call 941-254-7938. or mn20@ sbcglobal.net.

SMUGGLER’S COVE/GULF Stream beach resort: Receptionist/activity person needed.

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AMI TURTLE WATCH OFFICE ASSISTANT. 20 hours/week. Work from home in vicinity of AMI. Scheduling, inventory, purchasing, data entry, website. Local travel required. Email director@ islandturtlewatch.com.

SEEKING CANDIDATE INTERESTED in sales of health and wellness, high-technology equipment. Excellent commission, training. Residual income potential. Full or part-time. Retirees welcomed to respond. Call or text. 724-2909800.

NOW HIRING HANDYMAN: Full-time professional services. $18 an hour and up, based on experience. Call JayPros, 941-962-2874.

KIDS FOR HIRE KIDS FOR HIRE ads are FREE for up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work. Ads must be placed in person at The Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach.

HEALTH CARE SEASONAL: RETIRED RN with over 20 years’ experience can assist with your family members or yourself, can provide care and skilled needs. Please, contact me for further inquiries at 973-819-2824.

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.

941-896-7884.

COMPANION/HOMEMAKER: Honest and reliable offering help with running errands, grocery shopping, house sitting, pet and plant care, light cooking/cleaning, transportation. References available and licensed. Call Sherri, 941592-4969.

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.

PAINTING: INTERIOR/EXTERIOR: Sarasota interior painting. Call or text Don, 941-9009398. We are the best high-end painting!

Just ask our AMI clients! I’m the owner and the painter. Free estimates. Fully insured licensed business.

Feb. 14, 2024 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 29 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT Continued

REAL ESTATE

CLean TeCH mobILe detailing. at your location. Cars, boats, rVs. Call or text billie for an appointment. 941-592-3482.

grIFFIn’S Home ImProVemenTS Inc. Handyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. Insured and licensed. 941-722-8792.

WInnIe mCHaLe, reaLTor, 941-5046146. rosebay International realty Inc. You need an aggressive and experienced realtor in today’s market! Selling island homes, Sarasota and bradenton areas. multi-milliondollar producer! “Selling Homes - making dreams Come True.”

u PLuS me LLC: Provides quality coatings for pool decks, driveways, garage floors, patios. don’t miss out on our pro polishing services, concrete, terrazzo, travertine. 727-623-5050.

HandYman: ISLand baSed. Looking for small jobs the other guys turn down. Call 616304-4187, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

PrIVaTe CaregIVer: do You need help with groceries, doctors’ appointments, cleaning, care for pet, care for elderly or companion. I am looking for a part-time job. I have references and very experienced. I have integrity and I can help you and your loved ones with anything! Sparkles, 941-704-9948. buSIneSS-To-buSIneSS Jd’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean.

941-920-3840. beaCH SerVICe air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. Commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. Serving manatee County and the Island since 1987. For dependable, honest and personalized service, call bill eller, 941-720-7411. CaC184228.

LAWN & GARDEN ConnIe’S LandSCaPIng InC. residential and commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-778-5294.

CoLLInS LandSCaPe LIgHTIng: outdoor lighting, landscaping, irrigation services and maintenance. 941-279-9947. mJC24373@ gmail.com.

HOME IMPROVEMENT Van-go PaInTIng residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper.

Island references. bill, 941-795-5100. www. vangopainting.net.

ISLand HandYman: I live here, work here, value your referral. refinish, paint. Just ask.

JayPros. Licensed/insured. references. Call Jay, 941-962-2874.

SCreenIng SerVICeS: replace your old or ripped window, door or porch screens. many screen types available. retired veteran here to serve our community! Free estimates, call Lane, 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.

SouTHWeST Home ImProVemenT: michigan builder, quality work guaranteed. affordable, timely, within budget. Call mike’s cell, 1-616-204-8822. bmF InTerIorS: Home repairs and more, no job too small. 786-318-8585.

CaLL HYdro CLean. Full-service pressure washing, sealing. Window washing too, up to three stories. Call Jacob, 941-920-2094.

$100

25 Chiefs 22 49ers

WINNER! Brian Liebfried

For SaLe bY owner: north end anna maria.

3br/3ba, canal home, two-car detached garage, fireplace, boat dock, quiet dead-end street. 941-345-7429.

WILdWood SPrIngS Condo: updated and turnkey furnished. Heated pool and spa. minutes to beach. $329,000. Call Fred, real estate mart, 941-356-1456. need reaL eSTaTe help? buy, sell, property management, rentals. Call Fred Flis. 35 years local experience. real estate mart, 941-3561456.

Landscape Design Lawn Care Cleanups Stone Paths

anna marIa guLF beachfront vacation rentals. one- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941-7783143.

Licensed and Insured

PerICo ISLand PaTIo home for rent. 3br/2ba, 30-day minimum. Privacy fence/gate, two miles to amI. now leasing may through december, 2024. Call or text, 859-771-6423. aVaILabLe noW and season: 1br/1ba, sevennight minimum. carlesvacationrentals.com. Special rates are available. 941-807-1405. aCroSS From baY, Two miles to anna maria. 2br/1ba fully furnished. available February and march. all utilities, washer/dryer. $3,900 month. Family owned. 941-773-1552.

SeaSonaL or annuaL: Furnished 2br/1.5ba, bottom floor unit. beach access and two pools. 55-plus. 5400 gulf drive, Holmes beach. 847-769-9080. annuaL renTaL: KeY royale: 2br/2ba, two-car garage, boat lift. Canal home $6,500/ month. Phone, 813-624-2664. rare oPPorTunITY To rent all-inclusive executive office space in Holmes beach. great frontage and advertisement visibility. great for realtors, contractors, accountants, lawyers, etc. electric and water included. Two offices available. Suite 101, approximately 200 sf. $700/month, $500 deposit. Suite 106, approximately 400 sf. $750/ month. $500 deposit. 5386 gulf drive, Holmes beach. Contact bill at 941-746-8666.

Congrats to Brian and the Chiefs!

See you next season!

PIneS TraILer ParK: 4 Church ave. and bridge Street, bradenton beach. Inspected, insured. $167,500. may be used as rental. 402223-8068.

RENTALS

aVaILabLe annuaL renTaL: 3br/2ba raised duplex in Holmes beach. great location. $4,000 per month. Phone, 941-778-4410 or 941-518-1018.

Prize

WeST bradenTon Condo: resort lifestyle, ground-floor 2br//2ba. garage. 6.5 miles, 14 minutes from gulf beaches. $264,900.

Call or text, 941-725-4374.

PerICo baY CLub: deluxe villa. 2br/2ba and garage. off-season rate starting april. also, January 2025 available. Call for rates and times. real estate mart, 941-356-1456. annuaL renTaL: 3br/2ba, ParKIng for three cars. $3,200/month. bradenton beach.

402-421-1999.

Rick Turner

✯ Top Notch ✯ Transportation ✯ Taxi Service s !-) TO 321 .......$40 ✓2EGULAR (OURS s !-) TO 4AMPA....$80 ✓8, !DD s !-) TO 0)% .........$70 ✓!LL ,UXURY #ARS s !-) TO 0'$ .......$80 ✓.EVER ,ATE /6%2 42)03 WWW 4OPNOTCHTRANSPORTATIONSERVICE COM

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Page 30 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Feb. 14, 2024 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

isl

At the Fin Freckled Fin Irish Pub general manager Steve Shannon joins anna maria Island Chamber of Commerce president Terri Kinder Feb. 8 in welcoming guests for a chamber mixer and luncheon at the pub, 5337 gulf drive, Holmes beach. Islander Photo: robyn murrell

biz

by robyn murrell

Pine breakfast window opens

If Ginny’s and Jane E’s’ Cafe found its way to hearts through stomachs with breakfast sandwiches, cinnamon rolls and hot coffee, then Bagels on Pine, 425 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, is seconds.

Paul and Tammy Foster, owners of Ginny’s & Jane E’s Cafe, 9807 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, opened Bagels on Pine Jan. 27.

Previously, the space at the Pineapple Marketplace property housed the Waffle Press.

The menu boasts bagels and spreads, including a pineapple cream cheese spread; an open-faced loxavocado bagel with smoked salmon, onions, tomatoes and capers on avocado; and an open-faced strawberry-avocado bagel with avocado, goat cheese, sliced strawberries and balsamic glaze.

The shop also offers smoothies, acai bowls, coffee and espresso.

“Customers’ favorites have been the traditional sandwich with egg and cheese. You can add any meat to that. Also, Anna Maria has avocado and tomato on it,” assistant manager Liz Dwyer said Feb. 6.

They plan to expand the menu to include, salads, soups and other items.

The shop is open daily 7 a.m.-2 p.m. They do not yet have a phone number or website.

bagels on Pine assistant manager Liz dwyer brings an order to the pickup window Feb. 6 at the shop in the Pineapple marketplace, 425 Pine ave., anna maria. Islander Photo: robyn murrell

MIKE NORMAN REALTY EST. 1978

For professional real estate sales, call a true island native, born and raised on Anna Maria Island.

Marianne NormanEllis, sales associate.

941.778.6696 941.685.3393

Mike Norman Realty EXCLUSIVE

LUXURY

VACATION HOMES

BizCal by robyn murrell THIS WEEK Jackie estes, proprietress of Paradise bagel Cafe in the anna maria Island Centre shopping plaza in Holmes beach, was surprised Jan. 30 when TV reality star “dog the bounty Hunter” stopped by the cafe. duane “dog” Chapman had breakfast and shared with the staff that he was visiting amI on a home search. Islander Courtesy Photo

Once Upon A Beach VACATION RENTALS - 941.584.5844

PERSONALIZED CARE & ATTENTION EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE ONE-OF-A-KIND EXPERIENCE LOCAL EXPERT TEAM & CONCIERGE

Thursday, Feb. 15 5-9 p.m. — Manatee Chamber of Commerce annual dinner and awards, Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto. Information: 941-748-4842, ext. 121, email kimd@manateechamber.com.

SAVE THE DATES Feb. 22, 5-7 p.m., Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce business card exchange and meet the directors, 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

March 7, 8-9:30 a.m., Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce breakfast, Cortez Cafe, 12108 Cortez Road, Cortez.

March 14, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce luncheon, Isola Bella Italian Eatery, 5904 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

Send listings to news@islander.org.

T hinking about what

is best for your rental property? If so, choose QUALITY over quantity, and get in touch with us!

WE CARE ABOUT EACH HOME AS OUR OWN AND EACH GUEST AS IF THEY WERE FAMILY

@ONCEUPONABEACHAMI

ONCEUPONABEACHAMI.COM

3340 E. Bay Drive, HB Office +1 941 462 4016

Feb. 14, 2024 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 31 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

HOLMES BEACH ��� Bayview Drive � Beds � Baths � ����� SF Hannah Hillyard & George Myers ������������ A������� � ����������

HOLMES BEACH ��� White Avenue � Beds � � Baths � ����� SF Hannah Hillyard & George Myers ������������ � A������� � ����������

ANNA MARIA ISLAND ��� N Point Drive � Beds � � Baths � ����� SF Hannah Hillyard & George Myers ������������ � A������� � ����������

ANNA MARIA ISLAND ��� ��th Street � Beds � �/� Baths � ����� SF Amy Ward ������������ � A������� � ����������

BRADENTON ��� Saint Lucia Drive ��� � Beds � � Baths � ����� SF Betsy Hagen & Laura Rulon ������������ � A������� � ����������

BRADENTON ��� Compass Point Drive ��� � Beds � � Baths � ����� SF Betsy Hagen & Laura Rulon ������������ � A������� � ��������

BRADENTON BEACH ���� Gulf Drive N ��� � Beds � �/� Baths � ����� SF Kathy Harman ������������ � A������� � ��������

ANNA MARIA ISLAND ��� N Shore Drive � � Beds � Baths � ����� SF Hannah Hillyard & George Myers ������������ � A������� � ����������

Page 32 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Feb. 14, 2024 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................