The Islander Newspaper E-Edition Wednesday, June. 03, 2020

5th-grade promotion. 12

Storm tracker pullout. 16-17

Call for candidates. 5 astheworldterns hurry into hurricane season. 6

#aMitogether

VOLUME 28, NO. 32

JUNE 3, 2020 FRee

Anna Maria spars with pier tenant. 3 Masks encouraged as CoVId-19 numbers rise. 4 Island cities lag in census reporting. 4

Meetings. 4 Opinions. 6 10-20 YEARS AGO

Looking back. 7

RoadWatch. 8 MPo asks for traffic advice. 8

Happenings Community announcements, activities. 10-11

AmE NEWS

goodbye to 43-year island teacher. 13 A love story: 50 years of dolphin tracking. 14

Gathering.

18

Obituaries. 19 GoodDeeds. 19 Streetlife. 20 High-speed chase ends in crash, arrest. 20 Bradenton Beach businesses capitalize on relaxed regs. 22 Law enforcement heeds coronavirus. 23

NESTING NOTES. Sea turtle nesting accelerates. 24

Blinded by the light. 25

The Best news on Anna Maria Island Since 1992

Rentals bring traffic, restaurant patrons; bars remain closed

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Is Anna Maria Island nearing a new normal?

Between public beaches, hair salons, fitness centers, restaurants and retailers, much of island life is returning after closures due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Manatee County’s vacation rentals opened May 21, taking last-minute reservations for a busy Memorial Day weekend under a safety plan that prohibits reservations from international travelers or people from U.S. COVID-19 hotspots. The plan — posted at mymanatee.org — also requires a 24-hour wait after guests check out before accepting check-ins.

Island officials had mixed reactions to opening the vacation rentals.

Anna Maria Commissioner Jonathan Crane said he was “very disappointed” in Gov. Ron DeSantis and county commissioners for reopening the rentals.

“Hopefully, it didn’t result in any more cases and deaths,” Crane said. “In two weeks, we’ll see what havoc will wreak from reopening vacation rentals.”

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy, in a May 28 email to The Islander, said he is concerned with enforcement.

“It presents some issues which would be very difficult for the city or county to enforce,” he said. “While the current plan is at a minimum a workable one, we are still evaluating and developing feedback.”

Murphy told city commissioners during a May 28 telemeeting that he was drafting a letter to the county on how to adjust the plan for better enforcement.

Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth said she preferred the safety recommendations made by the state’s Reopen Florida Task Force, but she did not detail which aspects of the task force plan she preferred

A worker pressure cleans May 28 at the drift In, 120 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach.

The bar remained closed due to the coronavirus.

Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

over the county’s.

Despite concerns, the officials said that reopening short-term rentals had yet to cause significant issues.

Anna Maria experienced a “perfect storm” of congestion and overcrowding over Memorial Day weekend, the mayor said, but he attributed the hectic weekend more to beach closures on the east coast and the elimination of parking in Holmes Beach.

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer told The Islander May 29 that he noticed an uptick in traffic the day after vacation rentals reopened.

Thus far, traffic was the only downside in reopening the vacation homes, he said.

“But we won’t know if it brings any infection our way for some time, so it’s too soon to tell if it will cause an uptick in the spread of the virus,” he added.

Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie did not respond to The Islander.

Bars and nightclubs While many businesses have reopened under the first phase of Florida’s plan for recovery, bars remained shuttered.

Anna Maria pier to open for fishing, sightseeing

Soccer rolls into 2nd season. 26 Stone crab season draws to close. 26 finicky fish advice. 27

PropertyWatch. 28 CLASSIFIEDS. 28

NYT puzzle. 31

#AMItogether

islander.org

Lainie Cuva captures the sun rising May 24 and a boater in the foreground at the Anna Maria City Pier. The 800-foot pier will open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. three days a week, starting June 19, for sightseers and fishing — within social distancing limits. See story, page 3.

DeSantis closed bars and nightclubs March 17 to counter the spread of the novel coronavirus, when less than 200 people had tested positive for the virus in Florida.

Joe Cuervo, owner of the Drift In, 120 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach, and another bar and liquor store on Cortez Road in Bradenton, tuned into DeSantis’ May 29 news PLeASe, See Reopen, PAge 3

Anna Maria vacationer injured in hit-and-run

Gustavo Lauria waved to passersby for help, despite his injured arm.

Lauria, 51, of Key Biscayne, had been struck by a vehicle at 9:12 p.m. May 21 while walking in the 300 block of North Bay Boulevard in Anna Maria, according to a traffic crash report from the Florida Highway Patrol.

The motorist in the southbound red sedan that struck Lauria did not stop.

Neither did passersby in at least three vehicles.

Now Lauria, who was hospitalized and underwent surgery, is seeking witnesses and asking Islander readers to assist with finding the motorist.

“If anyone knows someone who lives in the area who may have details, may have witnessed the accident, may have seen a red sedan speeding at the time and made note of it … missing a right mirror, I would appreciate any information,” Lauria wrote to The Islander.

Lauria, in his statement to the newspaper, described himself as a “family man” who was born in Argentina, became a U.S. citizen many years ago and built his life “around the world of information technology.”

He and his family chose Anna Maria Island as a place to enjoy “a little sunshine on these gray COVID-19 days.”

Lauria had taken in a sunset May 21 and was walking home, along the right shoulder of southbound North Bay Boulevard when he was struck by a vehicle.

The FHP said there were no skid marks

PLeASe, See Hit-and-Run, PAge 3

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Anna Maria spars with pier tenant over lease termination

By ChrisAnn Allen Islander Reporter

The new Anna Maria City Pier is almost open, but loose ends linger with regard to the tenant.

Anna Maria commissioners May 28, during a teleconferenced meeting, unanimously approved a motion allowing the city attorney to negotiate a settlement to end the lease with Mario Schoenfelder, pier tenant since May 2000.

According to the lease, Schoenfelder’s tenancy ends Dec. 15. However, rent was abated after the city closed the pier due to damages from Hurricane Irma in September 2017.

The pier was demolished and construction on a new pier began in 2018.

When lease negotiations between Mayor Dan Murphy and Schoenfelder ran aground in January, the

city issued a request for proposals for the restaurant and bait shop tenant on the T-end of the pier.

In May, the city commission approved a bid for the restaurant from Mike Ross, co-owner of the Ugly Grouper restaurant in Holmes Beach.

Murphy is in the first phase of lease negotiations with Ross and reported to commissioners May 28 that meetings between himself and Ugly Grouper representatives have gone well, and a buildout of the restaurant could be forthcoming.

However, in a March 27 letter to Murphy, Schoenfelder’s attorney, Lori Dorman, wrote that the city did not meet the lease requirement to maintain casualty insurance for the pier and must restore it to its condition prior to Hurricane Irma.

A May 15 response from city attorney Becky Vose indicated that Dorman told Vose and Murphy

Workers put finishing touches May 28 on the new Anna Maria City Pier, 101 Bay Blvd. The pier is set for a soft opening June 19. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Allen

in an April 15 conference call that Schoenfelder was interested in reopening until the new tenant takes over, which Vose wrote, “came as a shock.” She said the city was unaware Schoenfelder had plans to reopen.

Vose also wrote that the city “was able to design, obtain permits and construct the replacement pier utilizing its own funds, rather than waiting for third party insurance proceeds to pay for such work.”

Dorman responded May 21 that the city’s “failure to maintain insurance on the pier delayed reconstruction.”

Her letter also stated that construction delays incurred $130,000 in losses for her client.

She wrote that Schoenfelder could possibly reopen after the restoration and buildout is complete in September for about three months — until a new tenant takes over.

Or the lease could be terminated by the city with a payment to Schoenfelder of $65,000.

“Never once was the pier construction held up as a result of not having funding,” Murphy said May 28, adding the city had to secure permits from 22 agencies, during which time the city obtained pier funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the state and the county tourist development tax fund.

Murphy said the city could pay Schoenfelder $65,000, could authorize Vose to conduct settlement negotiations or could proceed with the buildout and let Schoenfelder return and pay $5,000 rent per month until the lease expires.

Murphy said the Ugly Grouper was OK with any choice the city made in the matter.

The mayor recommended letting Vose work on a settlement.

Commissioners agreed and unanimously approved a motion made by Muscatello for the city attorney to begin settlement negotiations.

“We’ve got a new concessionaire, we’re ready to negotiate with them,” Commissioner Jonathan Crane said. “Let’s just get this behind us.”

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June 3, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 3 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Pier to open June 19 to fishers, sightseers, not diners

By ChrisAnn Allen Islander Reporter

Very soon, a lazy stroll on the pier in Anna Maria will be a reality.

But don’t get the tastebuds worked up just yet.

During their May 28 teleconference meeting, Anna Maria commissioners reached consensus on Mayor Dan Murphy’s recommendation to open the new Anna Maria City Pier, 101 Bay Blvd., for “visitors, sightseeing and fishing” starting Friday, June 19.

The 8 a.m.-5 p.m. operating hours will be limited to three days a week, Friday-Sunday.

The restrooms will open, but there will be no restaurant or bait shop.

Murphy said the city should employ two off-duty Manatee County sheriff’s deputies to monitor visitors when it’s open — one on shore and the other on the pier — at a cost of $45 an hour per deputy.

Commissioners approved the security plan as part of the May 28 consent agenda.

“Social distancing would be required,” Murphy reopen continued from page 1

conference hoping to hear the governor announce when he could reopen.

But DeSantis did not address the selective closure.

Liquor establishments that serve more alcohol than food are licensed separately from restaurants with bars that serve more than 50% food. Phase 1 prohibited seating at restaurant bars, but phase 2 allows bar/counter seating with social distancing.

“He’s reopened just about everything else, including restaurants,” Cuervo said. “They can serve drinks and open up to 50%. What difference is it whether they order a hamburger or order a beer?”

Cuervo said his losses across two locations is about $400,000.

“I can’t go on like this. It’s going to bankrupt me and all these other bars out here,” Cuervo said. “We’re talking now about getting an attorney and seeing what

said, adding signs to that effect would be posted on the pier.

He said alcohol would not be allowed on the pier, but people could bring coolers while fishing.

The new pier was built to replace the pier that opened in 1911 but closed after damages from Hurricane Irma in September 2017.

Construction on the new pier started in 2018.

Murphy said inspections, including electrical and fire, would be finalized the week of June 8.

Commissioner Mark Short asked why the pier opening is limited to three days a week.

Murphy cited security costs and interference during the restaurant buildout.

Commissioner Joe Muscatello said the city should extend the pier hours if the “soft opening” goes well.

The mayor agreed and suggested revisiting the days/hours 30-45 days after the opening.

City officials hope to finalize the lease with Ugly Grouper and for them to open the restaurant and bait shop in late 2020 or early 2021.

Hit-and-Run continued from page 1

found.

“I am instantly in the air, not knowing how I am going to land and, when I do, I am looking at the sky, feeling numb,” he said.

He felt pain — “a lot of it.” And he could see bone protruding from the skin near his elbow.

“A right side mirror is on the ground on the road, a few steps from me,” he continued. “The car that hit me is still going, it is not stopping.”

Lauria stood and waved with his uninjured arm at a passing motorist, who kept going, and then a second motorist and a third.

“They just pass next to me without even paying attention,” he said of the six people in a golf cart.

The driver in a fourth vehicle stopped to assist and called for law enforcement and paramedics.

Lauria spent five days recovering at Blake Medical Center from “multiple concussions, a big hematoma, an open fracture and a baseball-sized clot,” he said.

As of June 1, he was resting in Anna Maria but still recovering — from his physical injuries, being a victim of a crime and being ignored by the roadside.

The FHP report said the case lacks informtion, but it “will be reopened if further leads arise.”

we can do about it.”

“It’s just so unfair,” he added. “The bills keep coming, and I have no money coming in. Not a How to help nickel.”

Gustavo Lauria can be reached by email at lauriaSean Murphy, owner of two restaurants and a bar, gustavo@gmail.com.

Beach Bistro and Eat Here and the Doctor’s Office, a craft cocktail bar, all in Holmes Beach, said he also disagrees with DeSantis’ handling of the situation for bars and nightclubs.

“I don’t think (DeSantis) is motivated by fairness,” Murphy said. “I think he’s treating all bars as if they were all the same, and I think he’s treating bars and food operations as if they are substantially different.”

“There’s no substantial difference between a bar This red mirror — possibly from a 1990s and a restaurant,” Murphy continued. “There’s no Toyota or Nissan sedan — was recovered from reason why a bar should be closed and a restaurant Gustavo Lauria’s hit-and-run in Anna Maria. should be opened.”

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Masks encouraged as COVID-19 numbers continue to rise

By ChrisAnn Allen Islander Reporter

Islanders are hoping to keep COVID-19 numbers low as visitors return.

And more people wearing protective face masks could be the answer.

As of May 29, two people on the island were known to have tested positive — one in Bradenton Beach and in Holmes Beach — but well past the quarantine period.

With more testing, the percentage of positive numbers in the county continued to drop May 29, when there were 1,000 positive residents and seven nonresidents in Manatee County, according to the Florida Department of Health.

“Nonresidents” are people who test positive in Florida but reside in another state.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, wearing a face covering is one of the best ways people can prevent the spread.

“CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, such as grocery stores, pharmacies and gas stations,” the agency website states.

At a May 26 teleconferenced Holmes Beach City Commission meeting, Chair Jim Kihm proposed the mayor issue a citywide mandate on face coverings in public, with some exceptions.

But Mayor Judy Titsworth, lacking consensus from the commission, took no action.

A sign at the Manatee Avenue entrance to the city of Holmes Beach reminds passersby in vehicles to “wear a mask” when social distancing is not possible. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Allen

Kihm said while on a recent shopping trip to Publix in Holmes Beach, he counted three of about 40 customers wearing masks.

“I was appalled by the number of people not wearing masks and their lack of concern for others,” he said.

Kihm read a portion of The Islander editorial by newspaper publisher/editor Bonner Joy in the May 27 issue of newspaper into the record.

Joy stated concerns about people not wearing masks in public and sightings of license plates in the Publix parking lot from states considered COVID-19 hotspots, where people are prohibited from renting, according to the state’s emergency orders.

Kihm stated the median age of the population of Holmes Beach is over 65 and he listed other Florida counties and cities that have approved a face covering mandate, including Broward, Palm Beach and MiamiDade counties and the cities of Hollywood, Miramar, Miami, Boca Raton and Delray Beach.

Commissioners and Mayor Judy Titsworth agreed with Kihm that more people should wear masks. Each related their experiences at island businesses where they saw most people — likely visitors, they each said — not wearing face coverings.

However, citing concerns with private property and enforcement, the mayor and commissioners did not support Kihm’s motion.

County commissioners considered a similar mandate on face coverings earlier in May, but decided enforcement would be a challenge.

When emailed by The Islander about the county’s stance on wearing masks in public, Jacob Saur, the county’s public safety director wrote that the county was distributing information to people and businesses encouraging the use of face coverings.

The county is “continuing to put out the message that masks are an effective way to limit the spread of COVID-19 when social distancing cannot be achieved, such as indoors and common areas,” Saur wrote May 27.

He added that face coverings are recommended by the CDC, as well as the DOH. Kihm has said he will pass along his research on how other cities are promoting masks for the mayor and city attorney to review.

“The virus is still in the community,” Kihm said May 26. “Whether we’re reopening our cities, beaches and parking areas, the virus is still there.”

Bureau seeks to boost 2020 census response The U.S. Census Bureau’s early tally of 2020 questionnaires shows Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach outpacing responses from Anna Maria.

The self-response rate — the percentage of people in a community who completed a census questionnaire on their own — is 32.1% in Holmes Beach.

In Bradenton Beach, the rate is 22.1%.

And, in Anna Maria, the rate is 7.2%.

Manatee County’s self-response rate is 54.4% and Florida’s is 57.6%.

In the 2020 census, the bureau seeks to count every

person living in the United States and five U.S. territories — and where every individual was living April 1.

In March, ahead of Census Day, the bureau sent invitations to complete the census online, over the phone or by mail.

In mid-April, the bureau mailed paper questionnaires to addresses of households that had not responded online or by phone.

Islander reporter/photographer ChrisAnn Allen and The bureau planned to dispatch field workers to go son Aiden esformes don masks for an outing at the door to door in late April, but delayed the work due to beach in Holmes Beach. the outbreak of COVID-19. The field operations were resumed later in May. on the government calendar Workers, following public health guidelines, are placing invitation packets at front doors in locations July 1, 6 p.m., planning commission.

Anna Maria City where the majority of households do not receive mail July 7, 9 a.m., city commission.

Through noon June 12, candidate qualifying. at home. In Anna Maria, there is no door-to-door mail Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941June 11, 10 a.m., city commission. delivery.

708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org.

June 19, 2 p.m., planning and zoning.

The field operation is known as “Update Leave” Note: City hall is closed. For details on meeting June 25, 6 p.m., city commission. and about 5% of households in the United States are Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941- participation, call 941-708-5800. expected to be counted in the effort.

708-6130, cityofannamaria.com.

Households that receive the invitation packets are Note: City hall is closed until further notice. For Manatee County encouraged to respond promptly using the ID included June 3, 1:30 p.m., commission (budget). details on meeting participation, call 941-708-6130. in the questionnaire.

June 4, 9 a.m., commission (Bradenton Area ConIn December, the bureau will deliver apportionvention Center).

Bradenton Beach ment counts to Congress and the president.

June 16, 9 a.m., commission (convention June 3, 9 a.m., CIP. CANCELED — Lisa neff center).

June 3, 9:30 a.m., CRA. June 17, 1:30 p.m., commission.

June 3, 2 p.m., Scenic WAVES. CANCELED By the numbers June 23, 9 a.m., commission (convention June 4, 6 p.m., city commission. center).

In 2010, the census set the population in June 8-12, candidate qualifying.

June 24, 9 a.m., commission (convention Anna Maria at 1,503, down 17.1% from 1,814 in June 9, 10 a.m., city commission.

2000.

June 11, 1 p.m., department heads. CANCELED center).

Administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., The 2010 census count was 1,171 in BradenJune 17, 1 p.m., planning and zoning.

Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org. ton Beach, down 10.6% from 1,482 in 2000.

June 18, 11 a.m., pier team. CANCELED Note: County buildings are closed. For details on The 2010 count in Holmes Beach — 3,836 — June 18, noon, city commission. meeting participation, call 941-748-4501. was down 22.8% from 4,966 in 2000.

June 23, 10 a.m., city commission.

For more information about the census, go Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Of interest online to census.gov.

941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com.

June 15, 9 a.m., Manatee County Tourist DevelopNote: City hall is closed. For details on meeting ment Council, Holmes Beach City Hall. participation, call 941-778-1005.

Socializing: The Islander has an active July 4 is Independence Day, most government Facebook community of more than 14,234 “likes.” operations are closed.

Holmes Beach To join the conversation, become a fan of “The Aug. 18, Florida’s primary elections.

June 3, 6 p.m., planning. CANCELED Islander” on Facebook. We provide a direct link to Sept. 7 is Labor Day, most government operations our page from www.islander.org, where we have June 8-12, candidate qualifying. are closed.

June 9, 6 p.m., city commission. more than 3,500 registered readers. The Islander also Nov. 3, general election.

June 17, 10 a.m., code enforcement. has an active Twitter feed, where alert readers can — Lisa neff June 23, 6 p.m., city commission. comment.

Meetings

June 3, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 5 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Qualifying starts, deadlines loom for island’s city elections Qualifying opens for AM election, 1 of 3 joins race

1 BB commissioner seeks reelection, 1 unsure

HB incumbents pledge to run again in November

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

By ChrisAnn Allen Islander Reporter

Two city commission seats and the mayoral post are up for grabs in Anna Maria.

The window for qualifying to run in the election opened June 1, as The Islander went to press, and closes at noon Friday, June 12.

To qualify, candidates must submit paperwork and fees to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office, 600 301 Blvd. W., BraTripp denton.

Only one of the three incumbents had committed to run as of May 28.

Commissioner Amy Tripp plans to seek reelection on the Nov. 3 ballot. She was elected to her first full two-year term in 2018 after being appointed to complete the remainder of Commissioner Nancy Yetter’s term earlier that year.

Mayor Dan Murphy did not respond to a May 27 email from The Islander. He previously said he was undecided.

Commissioner Mark Short also did not respond to a May 28 email from The Islander. Short was appointed in September 2019 to complete the remainder of Commissioner Brian Seymour’s term.

No candidates had submitted paperwork or qualification fees as of May 28, according to the SOE. The mayor earns $19,400 annually, while commissioners are paid $4,800 a year. The election assessment fee is $196 for the mayor’s seat and $48 for a commission seat.

Anna Maria has 1,045 registered voters.

For more information, visit the SOE website at votemanatee.com.

At least one of two Bradenton Beach commissioners wants to keep the job.

Commissioner Ralph Cole told The Islander May 28 that he will seek reelection as Ward 4 commissioner on the Nov. 3 city ballot. Cole picked up qualification forms from the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office the same day.

Cole He was elected to the commission in 2015 and lost his bid for reelection in 2017. However, the commission appointed him to complete the remainder of the John Chappie’s vacated commission term after won the mayor’s seat in the same election.

Ward 4 is bordered by Sarasota Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, Cortez Road and the southern property line of Runaway Bay condominiums and Lacosta condominiums near 17th Street North.

The other city commission seat up for election is held by Marilyn Maro in Ward 2. She did not respond to a call May 28 from The Islander.

Ward 2 is bordered by Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, with Canasta Drive, Avenue C, 24th Street North and 25th Street North forming the northern border. Ward 2 is bordered to the south by Ward 4’s northern border.

Maro began as a commissioner in 2016, when she won a card draw over Anne Leister after a deadlock in the commission-appointed seat. If she runs and wins reelection, she will serve her third and final consecutive term as commissioner due to the city’s term limits.

The qualifying window for Bradenton Beach’s election will open at noon Monday, June 8, and close at noon Friday, June 12.

Commissioners are paid $400 a month, and the election assessment fee for commission candidates is $48, which must be paid from a campaign bank account.

There are 739 registered voters in the city.

VoteNotes 2020

Register now for primary

A waving flag and signs point the way to the polling location in Bradenton Beach. Islander file Photo

#AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether #AMItogether

Voter registration in advance of the August primary continues through July 20.

The deadline to request a mail-in-ballot for the Aug. 18 primary is Aug. 8.

As of May 27, Manatee County had 258,681 registered voters, including 111,241 Republicans and 80,175 Democrats.

The general election will be Nov. 3.

For more details, as well as information about voting by mail, go online to votemanatee.com.

— Lisa neff

Holmes Beach voters will see the mayoral post and two commission seats open on the city ballot Nov. 3.

The incumbents are running, but will there be challengers?

The qualifying period for candidates will start at noon Monday, June 8, and end at noon Friday, June 12.

Mayor Judy Titsworth and Commissioners Pat Morton and Kim Rash Titsworth confirmed they will seek reelection.

The mayor serves a two-year term and is paid $26,000 annually, plus $520 per year based on cost of living adjustments.

Commissioners also serve twoyear terms and each receives a $7,690 Morton annual stipend, with $130 added for COL. Commission candidates must be registered Manatee County voters who have lived in Holmes Beach for one year as of the qualifying date.

The qualifying fee for mayor is Rash $240, and for commission candidates is $60, or 1% of the salary, and signatures from 15 registered Holmes Beach voters in the last general election at a cost of 10 cents per signature.

Additionally, if a candidate completes an undue burden affidavit form and obtains 15 petition signatures, the fee will be eliminated.

Candidates must appoint a campaign treasurer and open a campaign bank account in order to pay fees.

As of May 28, there were 2,803 registered voters in Holmes Beach.

The path to elected office

Prospective candidates for city commission seats or a mayoral post in the cities on Anna Maria Island are required to: • File a candidate oath; • File a statement of candidacy; • File financial disclosure forms; • Pay a qualifying fee or present certification of petition signatures equal to 1% of the voters as of the last election for the municipality.

Prospective candidates can pick up an election packet with the required forms and guidelines for complying with the elections regulations at their city hall or the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office, 600 301 Blvd. W., Bradenton.

Qualifying paperwork must be submitted to the SOE by the stated deadline.

Go to votemanatee.com for more info.

Page 6 THE ISLANDER | islander.org June 3, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Opinion

Our

Words can’t describe …

What a dire situation we find ourselves in this week and last in the United States.

And, no, it’s not the wrath of Mother Nature at the onset of hurricane season.

It’s overwhelming sadness for George Floyd’s family and his African American brothers and sisters.

I grew up in the midst of racism. And to my dismay, in several visits in recent years to see family in Virginia, I could witness the deep scars of racism and continued evidence of segregation.

While in school, mostly in Illinois, I knew no boundaries with black students. I knew they weren’t treated equally by others, but that wasn’t me. For me, long before Bob Marley sang, “One love, one heart,” I was dedicated to the concept of one people.

My mother would say ridiculous things, like “the South will rise again.” But I said, “Hell no.”

Now we are seeing an uprising.

I hope it ends, but I also want to see all people treated equally. I want to see changes in how law enforcement reacts with “deadly force” in situations that clearly call for tempered behavior — such as a kid who steals a car, runs from police and is shot dead. Or a man who knowingly or not, passes a counterfeit $20 bill and ends up dead in the street under the knee of a vindictive police officer with a backlog of complaints to go with his attitude.

Maybe when this settles down, a law enforcement officer with three complaints will be fired without his or her pension or benefits.

It’s time we tempered aggression on all sides.

And that brings me to the sad news this past week from Anna Maria, which is where Gustavo Lauria found himself with his family on an extended vacation from his home in Key Biscayne.

And that’s not to say there’s an absence of bad behavior on Anna Maria Island.

But when you consider Lauria was hit by a car near Bayfront Park at about 9 p.m. and three other cars of people — one a golf cart — drove by as he laid in the street, trying to wave with one arm broken for help from the passersby — well, I thought my heart would break while he told me the situation over the phone.

My mind was racing, wondering how people on such a beautiful island, a place we dare call paradise, could have so little humanity.

I hope one of you has information to help solve his hit-and-run and put the motorist who struck him in jail Thanks for tot lot — to give justice and peace of mind to Lauria.

I know there are many of us who would like to Meanwhile, I kept thinking to myself...

I. CAN’T. BREATHE. thank Holmes Beach Commissioner Kim Rash for — Bonner Joy securing the fencing, as well as donating his time and equipment to install the fencing at the “tot lot” in city field.

The fence is attractive and has added a real touch of class to our city field.

JUNE 3, 2020 • Vol. 28, No. 32 Thank you to the commissioner for going above ▼ Publisher and Editor and beyond for the Holmes Beach community.

Bonner Joy, news@islander.org Renee Ferguson, Holmes Beach ▼ Editorial

Opinion

Your

Lisa neff, editor, lisa@islander.org ChrisAnn Allen, chrisann@islander.org Sandy Ambrogi, sandy@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org Michael dunn, michael@islander.org Jack elka, jack@jackelka.com Brook Morrison, brook@islander.org Ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org ▼ Contributors Arthur Brice, arthur@islander.org Sarah Brice, sarah@islander.org Jesse Brisson Leslie Lake, leslie@islander.org Karen Riley-Love Capt. danny Stasny, fish@islander.org ▼ Advertising Director Toni Lyon, toni@islander.org ▼ Office Staff Lisa Williams, office manager Vicki McIntyre, office assistant, reader advocate info@, accounting@, classifieds@, subscriptions@islander.org ▼ Distribution urbane Bouchet Judy Loden Wasco Ross Roberts (All others: news@islander.org)

Single copies free. Quantities of five or more: 25 cents each. ©1992-2020 • Editorial, sales and production offices: 3218 e. Bay drive, Holmes Beach fL 34217 WeBSITe: www.islander.org PHone 941-778-7978 toll-free fax 1-866-362-9821

Mask up

To all the people I saw in the island Publix May 17: Shame on most of you.

It is not too much to ask that you wear a mask to protect yourself but, more importantly, to protect the rest of us.

Distancing guidelines were not adhered to and I can’t understand why Publix allows this.

Our health is paramount.

We cannot get back to some sort of normalcy unless we all do our part.

As for Publix: Please, require that your shoppers wear a mask. You may save a life — even yours or someone you love.

Clifford Rieser, Bradenton

Letters to the editor

The Islander accepts original letters of up to 250 words and reserves the right to edit for grammar and length.

Letters must include name, address and a contact phone number.

Email: news@islander.org.

Anonymous letters will not be printed.

Connections, cities to capitols

Anna Maria: Mayor Dan Murphy; 941-708-6130; 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria FL 34216; cityofannamaria.com; ammayor@cityofannamaria.com.

Bradenton Beach: Mayor John Chappie; 941778-1005; 107 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach FL 34217; 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.org; mayor@cityofbradentonbeach.com.

Holmes Beach: Mayor Judy Titsworth; 941-7085800; 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach FL 34217; holmesbeachfl.org (offline); hbmayor@holmesbeachfl. org.

Manatee County: County Commissioner Stephen R. Jonsson, District 3; steve.jonsson@mymanatee.org; 941-748-4501; 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton FL 34205; mymanatee.org.

Governor: Gov. Ron DeSantis, 850-717-9337; 400 S. Monroe St., Tallahassee FL 32399-0001; flgov. com.

Florida Senate: Sen. Bill Galvano; 941-741-3401; Suite 201, 1023 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton; flsenate. gov.

Florida House: State Rep. William Cloud “Will” Robinson, District 71; 941-708-4968; Suite 100, 717 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton; myfloridahouse.gov.

U.S. Senate: U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, 202-2243041; 284 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510; rubio.senate.gov.

U.S. Sen. Rick Scott: 813- 225-7040; Suite 421, 801 N. Florida Ave., Tampa; rickscott.senate.gov.

U.S. House: U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, District 16; 941-747-9081; Suite 305, 1051 Manatee Ave, W., Bradenton FL 34205; buchanan.house.gov.

President: President Donald Trump, 202-4561111; 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington DC 20500; whitehouse.gov.

June 3, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 7 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Tracking speed Holmes Beach Police Chief Snooks Adams uses a radar gun to track vehicle speeds. The photo, taken at the city field adjacent to the police department and city hall, is dated february 1971.

Islander Photos: Manatee County Public Library System digital Collection

From the archives Police reporting

From the May 31, 2000, issue

• Anna Maria commissioners awarded Mario Schoenfelder, owner of the Rod & Reel Pier, a 10-year lease to operate the city pier and restaurant. Schoenfelder was the only bidder who offered to repair the restaurant at his expense, relieving the city of the estimated $200,000 cost. The agreement called for $5,000-a-month lease payments to the city with a 10% increase every two years. The pier had been closed since October 1999, after the former tenant declined to renew the lease.

• Manatee County Commissioner Joe McClash proposed the county look into obtaining a federal grant to start the dormant island trolley project.

The trolley idea came up in 1998 but was rejected by the county and the island cities because the four entities would have had to split the estimated $1.27 million start-up costs and the $500,000 to $600,000-per-year operating costs.

From the June 2, 2010, issue

The caption in the library archives says the photo was taken at the “Anna Maria Police Station” in September 1980. The officer’s nametag identifies her as Rose M. Quin, who later went to work for Waste Management locally as a consultant with government entities.

• Anna Maria commissioners voted 3-2 to deny a Pine Avenue Restoration plan for 308 Pine Ave. The vote was the first on a PAR project following a change in site-plan procedures for the city.

• A developer pitched a proposal for the Anna Maria Historic Green Village on Pine Avenue to a crowd gathered at the Anna Maria Island Community Center. The proposal involved preserving older structures, using green technology and tools and creating new businesses.

• Anna Maria Elementary fifth-graders preparing for their final days at the island school performed the play “I Need a Vacation” for staff and families.

— Lisa neff

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Holmes Beach bans e-scooters, bike-shares, exempts scooter cars

By ChrisAnn Allen Islander Reporter

Following more than a year of consideration, Holmes Beach settled on regulations for alternative transportation modes.

During a telemeeting May 26, Holmes Beach commissioners unanimously approved the final reading and adoption of an ordinance regulating bikeand scooter-shares, as well as renting and operating motorized scooters, Segways and scooter cars

branded as ScootCoupes.

The ordinance prohibits: A ScootCoupe is an open-air, three-wheeled vehi• Online or app-based rental of point-to-point cle powered by a 49cc engine, not available for rent “micro-mobility devices,” including e-scooters and in Holmes Beach, but offered by a business in Anna bike-shares; Maria.

• Rental of motorized scooters; The new ordinance also bans megacycles from • Rental of scooter cars; rental or operation in the city.

• Rental and operation of megacycles; A “megacycle” is a four-wheeled, pedal-powered • Businesses offering bicycle sharing; vehicle that can hold 5-15 people and typically does • Motorized devices on sidewalks; not exceed 15 mph.

• Operation of motorized scooters and mopeds in bike lanes.

The ordinance also includes regulatory powers for the city regarding the rental of 49cc scooters, claimants from bringing such claims mopeds and Segways. against cities throughout the state.

Segways and electric bicycles are not available In January, Nicholas granted for rent in the city — except Segway tours — but a motion for summary judgment people are permitted to operate their own vehicles. against the plaintiffs by the city.

Larger scooters, such as the 49cc Vespas, are However, according to Florida allowed on city streets, but are not allowed on bike nicholas statutes, the governmental entity is lanes and sidewalks, according to state law. entitled to costs and fees if it prevails in the action and the court determines that the property owner did not accept a bona fide settlement MPO asks for traffic advice Completing a 3-5 minute survey could shave some offer.

Nicholas said the city did not provide the plain- minutes off a commute in the future.

The Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning tiffs with such an offer.

The judge said the statute required that additional Organization wants the public to share transportation step and he did not see evidence the city engaged in priorities — including identifying problematic locations on their drives — in the “Drive The Future” a settlement attempt.

“This, clearly, is a big risk of public funds and survey at https://publicinput.com/K420.

The survey is open through July 1. effort when, at no cost to the city, it could have acted Information from respondents will be used to set in good faith. And, as stated by the judge, given a bona fide settlement offer and attempted to settle by, priorities and define which programs and projects will among other lesser things, permanently grandfather- be submitted to state and federal transportation departing in these homes when the claims were made,” ments for funding.

People also can mark transportation needs by locaLouis Najmy, a principle with the Najmy Thompson firm in Bradenton, representing the plaintiffs, said tion at https://publicinput.com/R083.

“We are in the final steps of the long-range transMay 29. “The judge determined the city failed to even portation plan process, which means the public’s attempt to do this.”

The Bert Harris suits were prompted when the opinion is more crucial than ever,” David Hutchinson, city changed its ordinance to limit the number of MPO executive director, said in a news release. “The occupants and informed the owners that they must MPO has received many comments from the public about transportation projects and priorities. This is comply with the new regulations.

The owners, properties and their complaints your opportunity to tell us about your priorities, share your opinions and identify what’s important to you are: • AMI Breeze, 209 54th St., reduction of 20 to 16 before the plan is complete.”

The plan, which must be updated every five years occupants.

• Coral Escape of Holmes Beach, 132 50th St., and look ahead 20 years, will cover all transportation modes — roads, bicycles, pedestrians, trails, transit, reduction of 14 to 12 occupants.

• Mojito Splash, 304 65th St., reduction of 12 to parking, railroads and airports.

— Lisa neff 10 occupants.

Bert Harris fees, costs denied for Holmes Beach

By ChrisAnn Allen Islander Reporter

They say it’s not over ’til the fat lady sings.

A motion for legal fees sought by the city of Holmes Beach has been denied.

In a May 28 telephonic hearing, 12th Circuit Court Judge Ed Nicholas denied the city’s motion for attorneys’ fees and costs filed against the owners of three vacation rental properties in Bert J. Harris Jr. Private Property Rights Act cases.

The city argued that the plaintiffs should pay the city’s fees — nearly $250,000 — to dissuade other

Anna Maria to open city hall

Anna Maria City Hall will open to the public June 8.

City commissioners reached consensus May 28 to reopen city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, with a full staff and regular business hours — 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Mayor Dan Murphy said members of the public would be required to wear masks and adhere to social distancing guidelines during encounters with staff. He also suggested sanitizing city buildings twice a day.

Also, the city will hold it’s first in-person commission meeting in more than two months at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 11, at City Pier Park, on the southwest corner of South Bay Boulevard and Pine Avenue.

Murphy said the outdoor venue will provide enough space for people to social distance.

City halls in Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach were to remain closed the week of June 1 and both cities will continue to hold virtual meetings until further notice.

— Ryan Paice

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RoadWatch

Eyes on the road

The Florida Department of Transportation and Manatee County posted the following notices: • State Road 684/Cortez Road at the Cortez Bridge: Crews will be working on the bridge. Motorists can expect intermittent east and westbound lane closures 9 p.m.-4 a.m. through Thursday, June 4.

• State Road 64/Manatee Avenue over Perico Bayou and Palma Sola Bay: Crews are working on the bridges. Motorists can expect lane closures 7 p.m.-6 a.m. Completion will be in the fall.

• Multiple locations in Bradenton Beach: A county pipeline replacement project continues. Impacted areas include Bay Drive South, Bridge Street, Church Avenue and Cortez Road. Expect construction in rights of way and increased truck traffic.

• Cortez Road and 119th Street West in Cortez: Work to realign the intersection of 119th Street West on Cortez Road/State Road 684 continues. Drivers can expect lane closures on Cortez Road from 123rd Street West to 86th Street West 10 p.m.-6 a.m. and on the south side of 119th Street West during the same period.

Pedestrians can expect sidewalk closures.

For the latest road watch information, go online to fl511.com and swflroads.com or dial 511.

— Lisa neff

www. islander.org

June 3, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 9 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Island happenings

Page 10 THE ISLANDER | islander.org June 3, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Back at the Bishop The Bishop Museum of Science and nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton, planned to reopen Wednesday, June 3, after closing due to the CoVId-19 outbreak. The museum will observe limited hours — 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Wednesday-Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday, as well as specific entry times for visitors to minimize capacity. The museum also will restrict traffic flow to one direction.

Programming and activities will continue to take place on facebook or Zoom. for more information, contact the museum at bishopscience.org or 941-746-4131.

Mote Marine Aquarium to welcome guests June 5 Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium will reopen Friday, June 5, with controlled capacity and timed entry.

The aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, had closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The aquarium will require face coverings for visitors over 5 years old and Mote personnel will wear CDC-recommended masks. Guests who arrive without masks will be provided disposable masks.

The aquarium also plans to limit capacity by issuing timed tickets, which restrict when guests can enter, as well as adhere to social distancing standards.

Transactions at the aquarium — in the gift shop and at the diner — will be cashless.

And touch exhibits — such as the hurricane simulator — will be closed.

For more information, call Mote at 941-388-4441 or go online to mote.org.

Island Library offers curbside checkout

The latest drive-thru on Anna Maria Island offers books, not burgers.

The Island Library building, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, remains closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic but the library never ceased operations, providing patrons with a variety of digital services.

Now the library — and others in the Manatee County system — is offering curbside pickup.

The service is part of a phased reopening, which involves opening buildings June 9.

Patrons, using the online system, can request materials.

Once materials are collected, patrons will receive notifications via text, email or phone to make appointments for “grab and go.”

For more information, go online to mymanatee.org or call the library at 941-778-6341.

Ringling museum reopens

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art reopened May 27.

The museum, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, closed March 17 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We look forward to welcoming members and visitors back to the museum and our beautiful grounds,” Steven High, the museum’s executive director, said in a news release. “We have been very busy preparing the museum and grounds and have made the appropriate — Lisa neff modifications to ensure the safest experience for our guests.”

The museum said its health and safety precautions include: • Increased sanitization and cleaning; Bradenton.

ARTS & • Limited occupancy in buildings and on tours.

ENTERTAINMENT SPORTS & • Contactless ticket purchasing and no cash sales.

OUTDOORS LOOKING AHEAD ON AMI Also, the museum stated “strong encouragement” Oct. 17, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Bayfest, LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI that visitors practice proper social distancing, hygiene Anna Maria.

Oct. 23, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Golf Tourna- and hand cleaning.

The museum news release did not mention wearment, Bradenton.

LOOKING AHEAD OFF AMI ing face masks.

June 16-July 31, ArtCenter Manatee all-media juried exhibit, GOOD TO KNOW For more information, go online to ringling.org or call 941-359-5700.

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Sunday, Nov. 1, daylight saving time ends.

Tuesday, Nov. 3, general election.

GET LISTED ADD LISTINGS IN THE CALENDAR Send announcements for The Islander calendar to calendar@ islander.org.

The deadline for listings is the Wednesday before the publication date.

Please include the date, time, location and description of the event, as well as a phone number for publication.

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Island preschool vows safeguards for students, staff

By Brook Morrison Islander Reporter

The School for Constructive Play reopened earlier in May with a new set of standards due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“As excited as we are to see our staff, kids and parents again after the quarantine break, life at School for Constructive Play is a new normal,” owner Pam Bertrand said of the preschool housed at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Holmes Beach.

The school, which opened May 11, implemented The Center of Anna Maria Island is registering players for kickball and soccer leagues that will begin this month.

Center kicks off summer

The Center of Anna Maria Island is kicking off the summer season with adult kickball and soccer leagues.

The kickball league is co-ed, with games played Mondays nights, beginning June 15.

Registration will end June 12.

Teams will consist of 8-12 players, with a captain managing each team.

The team entry fee is $400 and includes sponsorship.

The center also is registering players for its co-ed soccer league, which will play Thursday nights, beginning June 18.

Registration is required by June 11.

The cost for members is $10.

The cost for nonmembers is $96.

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

To register, call 941-778-1908, ext. 209.

precautions to ensure a safer environment for kids and staff.

Children are met by a teacher and have their temperatures taken before they enter a classroom.

If their temperature is healthy, the children can “give their parents a great big hug goodbye and go inside,” Bertrand said.

Parents are instructed to wait outside to limit exposure.

Class sizes are smaller, allowing nine students per teacher per classroom.

Classes remain separated and students do not mingle.

Regular hand washing is encouraged, hand sanitizer is being used and a mixture of beach, water and Lysol are being used to clean toys and surfaces.

“We are so grateful and happy to be open and to get to see our kids every day, so keeping them healthy is our top priority so that can continue,” Bertrand said.

Some students are moving on from SCP to elementary school, including Easton Nock, 5.

“I love my school so much and I will miss my school so much,” he said.

Adding, “Look out kindergarten at AME, here I come.”

Privateers: Covid-19 prompts July 4 parade cancellation A red, white and blue spectacle that’s been an Anna Maria Island tradition for years will not take place this summer.

The Anna Maria Island Privateers recently announced the nonprofit will not stage the annual July 4 parade.

“It is with very heavy hearts, the Privateers must announce the cancellation of the 4th of July Parade for 2020, due to COVID-19,” the group announced.

“We are looking forward to next year, celebrating our 50th anniversary, as well as the independence and freedom of our great country on July 4, 2021.”

The announcement referred to continued wishes for “safety and good health during this challenging time.”

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Another Independence Day tradition, the annual fireworks display over the Manatee River in Palmetto and Bradenton were rescheduled for Labor Day, which is Sept. 7.

The Sandbar restaurant, which traditionally presents a July 4 fireworks display in Anna Maria, had not announced plans for this year as of May 29.

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AME 5th-graders celebrated in send-off to middle school They’re moving on up.

Anna Maria Elementary’s car loop was packed with fifth-graders saying goodbye to teachers and collecting awards for their achievements.

It was a new sort of graduation for AME. For AME’s class of 2020, the academic year interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic ended without tradition but still with ceremony and the elevation to middle school.

“I love recognizing these very special students for their hard work, especially during this very unusual last quarter,” said fifth-grade teacher Mary Miller.

Academic awards for speech, science, math and perfect attendance followed, along with the presidential gold and silver awards for top grades.

Holmes Beach Police Officer Josh Fleischer, the school resource officer, distributed Drug Abuse Resistance Education completion certificates to fifth-graders, who made DARE posters to promote their lessons on drug abuse and bullying.

Student Madeline Lessig was recognized for

AmE NEWS

By Brook Morrison, brook@islander.org

being top media helper by media specialist Lynne McDonough.

Fifth-grade students on “special teams” — the recycling green team, safety patrol, office runners, peace pole, Kiwanis-Kids and USA flag teams — received certificates for their achievements.

Fifth-grader Lenie Nedra said she was going to celebrate after the parade with friends at the beach.

“It was fun to see my teachers, but also a bit sad,” said Lenie, who will attend King Middle School in the fall.

She also said she was happy to reconnect with school friends, as students went on spring break and then began homeschooling for the remainder of the academic year.

“We have the best community,” she said.

Signs congratulating AMe fifth-graders line the lawn near the car loop May 28. Islander Photo: Brook Morrison

AMe fifth-grader Lenie nebra poses by the family SuV after the drive-thru ceremony that ended the 2019-20 school year. Islander Photo: Courtesy Alexandra nebra

AMe guidance counselor Susan Tabicman, left, librarian Lynne Mcdonough, Pe teacher Terri Ruise, administrator Tammy Haley and enrichment teacher Tami Mitchell say their goodbyes to fifth-graders May 28. Islander Photo: Brook Morrison

AME student returns from Germany for island internship

January is dark and cold in Germany.

Rae Hayo, Which is why Karlotta Hamann, 14, a former Anna who works Maria Elementary student from Germany, decided it from Wagner was a no-brainer to spend her winter break interning Realty’s with Wagner Realty under the mentorship of Realtor Longboat Rae Hayo.

Key office, Karlotta, a student with aspirations, has always stands with been interested in real estate. intern Karlotta Her parents are friends and clients of Hayo’s who Hamann. took the opportunity to show Karlotta the life of a Hayo has Florida real estate agent during her break. known “Karlotta is an intelligent young lady with a kind Karlotta, 14, heart and outgoing personality and having the opporsince she was tunity to mentor her meant the world to me,” said a kindergarten Hayo. student at She went on to describe what skills Karlotta Anna Maria learned during her January internship: “She learned elementary the process of a real estate transaction. We went on School. calls together and she discovered the importance of Islander Courfollow-through when working with clients.” tesy Photo In Germany, students are given the choice to intern or go on a class trip during winter break and Karlotta estate, Hayo gave Karlotta a glimpse into a possible did not hesitate to choose the place she knew best when career choice. she attended the “little school by the bay.”

“We had fun,” Hayo said.

With more than 20 years of experience in real — Brook Morrison

Anna Maria elementary fifth-grader olivia Inda prepares to ride through the school car loop May 28, during a drive-thru promotion celebration. Islander Photo: Brook Morrison

Principal Jackie featherston greets fifthgraders May 28, as students paraded in cars, saying goodbye.

Islander Photo: Brook Morrison

June 3, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 13 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Surprise parade sends off 43-year AME teacher The time came this week to “make way.”

The parking lot of St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach, was filled by 10 a.m.

May 29 with people decorating their vehicles in advance of a surprise parade for retiring Anna Maria Elementary teacher Toni Lashway.

“She was sometimes strict, but I loved having her as a teacher in first-grade,” said AME third-grader Jackson Kennedy.

Lashway and her husband, Wayne, moved to Florida from New York in 1977.

The same year, they drove around Anna Maria Island. Lashway remembered making note of AME and telling her husband to “look at that cute little school on the bay that looks like a motel.”

The next day, she returned to AME to drop off her resume and principal James Kronus hired her on the spot.

She substituted on and off for 10 years and taught preschool, special needs children, visually impaired chil-

dren, kindergarten and fourth-grade — all before being hired full-time in 1987.

The Lashways lived on Longboat Key for more than 30 years and raised their two children, Ryan and Kelsey, who both attended AME. “It is with sadness in my heart that I say goodbye to all my friends, students, parents, coworkers, volunteers and community members on Anna Maria Island but, after 43 years of teaching, the time has come to retire and make way for some new teachers to begin their journey,” Lashway said May 28 in an announcement to coworkers.

She said her experiences at AME were too innumerable to describe, “truly from birth to death, tragedies and miracles, this community of generous and devoted human beings has gone above and beyond every time we asked for help and support.”

After thanking “everyone,” she closed her retirement letter by saying she would look back on her career with “pride, happiness and joy” in her heart.

AME talent show takes the virtual stage

Toni Lashway shows off an orchid May 22, a gift to mark her last day in the classroom after 43 years at AMe. Islander Photo: Courtesy AMe

They’re stars on YouTube.

Anna Maria Elementary kindergartner Olivia Sholey made her first singing performance in another first — the 2020 AME virtual talent show.

The annual show — previously staged in the school auditorium — was streamed on YouTube May 28 and Olivia performed a Taylor Swift song.

The talent show was set to take place April 3 but was canceled due to the outbreak of COVID-19.

Organizer Jeannine Inda then asked parents if their children might want to appear in a virtual show.

Most parents took the idea and ran with it, submitting videos of their kids displaying various talents.

“Never having done something like this before, I had

to learn a new skill to put the video together, but it was a fun one that we can always look back on and remember,” said Inda.

“It was fantastic,” AME parent Leah Loudermilk Reeve said of the show, which won online praise from the AME community.

“I’m so happy I persevered and gave AME kids a chance to have fun performing for their community,” Inda told The Islander May 29.

“It was so well received, I think I’ll submit it to the Cannes Film Festival this year,” she added, with a laugh.

To view this year’s talent, visit https://youtube/ bYh3OFHBdqA.

Holmes Beach approves new adopt-a-spot agreement

Holmes Beach has refined its process for people to adopt small parks and traffic islands in the city.

At their May 26 telemeeting, city commissioners unanimously approved an updated agreement from the parks committee for residents, organizations or businesses to enhance public rights of way and open spaces with landscaping or other improvements, including ongoing maintenance.

When the contract was discussed at a May 12 meeting, parks committee chair Mary Lange, who presented the new contract to the commission, said the goal is to encourage volunteers.

The previous contract form was approved April Holmes Beach is seeking sponsors for adopt-a-spot areas, 2019, but the committee agreed it was complicated including the park near the boat ramp at 6398 Marina Way. and discouraged volunteering, according to Lange.

Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Allen At the May 26 meeting, city attorney Patricia Petruff said the city’s insurance includes volunteers, on the spot 72 hours before work commences. She also damage.

People can complete the contract at the city which had been questioned, but she revised the con- included a “hold harmless” agreement, stating that one tract to state that adoptees must list people working party would not hold another party liable for risk or clerk’s office. — ChrisAnn Allen

Visit www.islander.org for the best news on AMI.

Times are tough for pets, too.

It’s especially true for rescues and foster pets waiting for a family and a home during the safer-at-home orders.

Please, join us and help wherever you can with adoption, food or funding. … or reach out to our partners at Moonracer No Kill Pet Rescue, Moonraceranimalrescue.com, 941-345-2441.

Dropoff: The Islander, AMI Centre (by Walgreens) 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

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COMMON HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS CONSIDERED HAZARDOUS: HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS, FUNGICIDES, INSECTICIDES, HERBICIDES, MOTOR OIL, ACID LEAD BATTERIES, PROPANE CYLINDERS, POOL CHEMICALS, OIL and LATEX-BASED PAINT and GASOLINE. IMPROPER DISPOSAL can cause a fire or release toxic fumes, pose a health risk for collection and contaminate the water supply and the environment.

The Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program allows residents of Holmes Beach to safely dispose of products like these for free 9 am-3 pm every third Saturday at the Lena Road Landfill, located south of State Road 64, 1 mile east of I-75 at 3333 Lena Road, Bradenton.

For other locations, dates and times, call Manatee County Solid Waste at 941-798-6761 or go online to www.mymanatee.org/hhw or www.mymanatee.org/escrap.

Page 14 THE ISLANDER | islander.org June 3, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

A love story, 50 years of dolphin tracking in Sarasota Bay Part 2

By Cheryl nordby Schmidt Special to The Islander

A small army of staff members, students, and trained volunteers of the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, along with scientists and veterinarians from around the world, were planning a May capture-release dolphin health assessment.

Then COVID-19 hit and the assessment was canceled.

The assessments have been performed periodically since 1984 and involve several days examining about 10% of the bottlenose dolphins in Wells Sarasota Bay. The mammals are encircled by a net, brought on board an examination boat, checked by a veterinarian and then released.

Since 1989, most dolphins have also had an ultrasound examination.

“It would have been great to follow up on how the dolphins are recovering from the last red tide but we couldn’t have 150 colleagues and trainees gather in one spot to do it,” said Randy Wells, director of the SDRP, which is observing its 50th anniversary and is operated by the Chicago Zoological Society.

“We have had several large research projects delayed, canceled, or postponed until 2021” because of the pandemic, Wells said.

“While this has provided much-needed time to work on analyzing and writing up existing data, it has come at a cost, as expected research funds are not available to us, adversely impacting our annual budget,” he added.

With adjustments, the program was able to conduct monthly dolphin surveys in April and May. Dolphins are photographed, identified and their location and behavior recorded. Observations of identifiable locally resident dolphins have been a key part of the program since 1970 and are vital to its success and worldwide acclaim.

The program’s interns have been “sent home’’ and no volunteer are being used, Wells said. But staff members — socially distanced on boats, wearing protective gear and operating only unshared equipment — got the work done and will keep the surveys going.

Red tides have been one of the biggest threats to Sarasota Bay dolphins over the years and with each catastrophic event, the researchers learn more about the animals and their interactions with the ecosystem.

One new research project that utilizes underwater listening stations gave the scientists a new data flow to study during the red tide that lasted from the summer of 2018 until January 2019.

“Right now, we have 10 of these stations around the bay,” Wells said, and plan to have more. “We were

Sarasota Bay dolphin Tricia is featured on the cover of an annual summary of the Sarasota dolphin Research Program for the Chicago Zoological Society.

Save the date

Tricia, a Sarasota Bay dolphin born in 2000, jumps for a fish in September 2019. The photograph was taken at an entrance to Palma Sola Bay. SdRP researchers have recorded sightings of Tricia 823 times since July 2000. Islander Courtesy Photo

able to document the normal biological and humancaused noise levels, then the decline of the noise during red tide and now we are able to document it coming back to life.”

Coastal residents may assume a red tide is over once there are no fish carcasses on the beach, Wells said, but “what really came home to us was that there weren’t any more carcasses on the beach because most everything was dead or had left.”

The underwater noise had stopped. What had been a cacophony of sounds from fish and invertebrates, such as snapping shrimp, had ceased.

“It is clear why it takes a while for life in the bay to recover,” Wells said. “It does come back; it has been resilient. It came back pretty quickly after the last red tide.”

Each red tide has a different impact on the dolphins. In the 2018-19 event, at least four dolphins died from the toxins.

After a 2005-06 severe red tide, no Sarasota dolphins died from the toxins, but 2% of the population died from ingesting fishing gear. The fish they prey on had been decimated, leaving them to hunt for food in dangerous places.

This is one reason much of SDRP’s work includes education and outreach efforts to anglers, recreational boaters, boat rental companies and ecotour operators.

Kim Bassos-Hull, a senior biologist and research

Mark the calendar for Oct. 3, when a public symposium highlighting discoveries and contributions through research with Sarasota Bay’s bottlenose dolphins will be held to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Chicago Zoological Society’s Sarasota Dolphin Research Program.

Presentations will be noon-5 p.m. at the Harry Sudakoff Conference Center, New College of Florida, Sarasota.

A question-answer session, with wine and cheese, will follow. associate who has worked with the program for 30 of its 50 years, is involved in a Florida-wide effort to better understand the increase in human interactions with dolphins and work to reduce its impact.

Entanglements in fishing line and injuries to animals have gone up and the best way to save dolphins is by educating humans, she said.

“People in the boats should be respecting the dolphins while they’re fishing and boating. Give them their space. Be a good neighbor,” Bassos-Hull said.

Even after years of education efforts including recorded public service announcements on YouTube and signs on the water cautioning boaters to not feed dolphins, Wells said, “It’s hard to know how much of a difference it makes, but we get a great deal of positive feedback.”

All they can do is keep at it. And they will.

“One of the most important things we have learned over the past 50 years is that these dolphins are truly our neighbors. They live here for many decades and have lived here across many generations. What happens in our shared neighborhood affects us all,” Wells said.

“The dolphins breathe the same air, swim in the same water, and catch and eat the same fish as we do,’’ he added, “What happens to the health of our shared ecosystem affects both dolphins and people. This gives us all the more reason to care about them, beyond the fact that they continue to be fascinating animals.”

A map shows the home range and sightings of fB54, a 49-year-old female dolphin, the oldest of educating the public about safely interacting with wild dolphins is one of the primary goals of the Sarasota the known Sarasota Bay population. She was first identified in 1975. There are 170 resident dolphins in dolphin Research Program. director Randy Wells often speaks to audiences about dolphin conservation efforts. Islander Courtesy Photo the bay, spanning as many as five generations.

June 3, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 15 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

County: Get ready for storm season

By Lisa neff Islander editor

Don’t wait to be caught in the cone of uncertainty.

Manatee County emergency management chief Steve Litschauer and public information officer Nick Azzara stressed the message May 28, as they conducted an annual tradition in an untraditional way.

They paired up to conduct the county’s “media day” for the Atlantic hurricane season on a Zoom call rather than at the emergency operations center in east Bradenton.

“It only takes one storm — the one that is headed toward us” — to deliver disaster, so be prepared, Litschauer said of the season that runs now through Nov. 30.

Preparations involve organizing papers, maintaining and securing personal property, confirming insurance and restocking home supplies.

Azzara emphasized stocking up now to take advantage of the tax-free holiday that ends June 4 and to avoid finding empty shelves when a storm materializes.

“You’ll beat the rush,” he said.

Preparations also should involve making multiple plans for sheltering in a hurricane during the COVID19 pandemic.

Depending on the nature of the storm and the age of their home, some people might shelter in place.

“Seventy percent of the homes in Manatee County can withstand strong winds,” Azzara said.

“It’s so important to know about the construction of your home,” said Litschauer, referring people to a resource, mymanatee.org/information, where they can find information about their property, as well as

flood zone, evacuation level, commission district and more.

Another resource, mymanatee.org/emergencyinfo, provides information about sandbagging stations and public shelters, which emergency officials say should be “last resort” destinations.

Capacity at shelters will be reduced so people can physically distance while providing secure cover for evacuees in a storm.

But, Azzara stressed, there are no guarantees people will be protected from the virus.

“You are putting yourself at risk,” he said.

“The shelter, this year with COVID, is really a refuge of last resort,” Litschauer added.

Storm tracking

2020 Atlantic hurricane season Turn to the centerspread for a pull-out tracking map.

The county recommends people make plans to stay with friends and family or arrange for lodging at hotels or vacation rentals.

“Drive tens of miles instead of 100s of miles,” Azzara said. “Look within the community or not too far outside.”

Storm names: Short, distinctive, cyclical Hurricane Hanna might materialize this year, but never Hazel, who was retired in 1954.

Atlantic tropical storms are named from lists — six lists, maintained and updated by an international committee of the World Meteorological Organization and used in a six-year rotation.

The first lists originated with the NHC in 1953 and, at the time, featured only women’s names.

Men’s names were introduced in 1979 and now alternate with women’s names on the lists.

The assigned names are short and distinctive, and using them is quicker and less subject to error than the use of latitude-longitude identification methods for storms.

These advantages are especially important in exchanging detailed storm information between hundreds of widely scattered stations, coastal bases and ships at sea, according to the National Hurricane

Center.

If a storm forms in the offseason, it will take the next name from the list based on the current calendar date. For example, if a tropical cyclone formed Dec. 28, it would take the name from the previous season’s list of names. If a storm forms in April, it would be named from the upcoming season’s list of names.

In the event more than 21 tropical cyclones occur in the Atlantic basin in a season, additional storms will take names from the Greek alphabet — Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and so on.

The only time there is a change in the names is if a storm proves so deadly or costly that the future use of its name for a different storm would be insensitive.

The decision to strike a name from a list is made by the WMO committee, which also creates a new name.

— Lisa neff

Get tagged for return trip to island after evacuation The hurricane season is open. So check to see that the hang tag is still hanging out in the glove box.

Island residents need to register and obtain re-entry tags to return after an evacuation.

Each of the three city halls distributes a tag — one per residence to applicants with photo identification and proof of residency.

Anna Maria residents seeking information about tags can call city hall at 941-708-6130.

In Holmes Beach, call the police department at 941-708-5807.

In Bradenton Beach, call city hall at 941-7781005.

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer, right, coordinates reentry at 2:30 p.m.

Sept. 11, 2017, with a Bradenton police officer following the evacuation for Hurricane Irma. Islander file Photo: Michael Stahr

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Page 18 THE ISLANDER | islander.org June 3, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Gathering

Annunciation invites worship

The Episcopal Church of the Annunciation resumed in-person worship services but on an invitation basis.

Additionally, the church, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, continues to stream services via Facebook during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The church is following guidelines established by the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida, according to the Rev. Matthew Grunfeld.

The guidelines include observing 6-foot physical distancing and the wearing of masks is expected, Grunfeld said in a May 28 email to The Islander.

The church, which had closed early in the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, began with services limited to 10 people in mid-May. Attendance was expanded May 31 to 25% of the occupancy limit set by West Manatee Fire Rescue.

Because of limited space, people must either complete a Google Document or call the church office at 941-778-1638 to request an invitation to attend a 9:30 a.m. Sunday or Thursday service.

Also, Grunfeld said, “while we will no longer be singing in our liturgy, we are offering Holy Communion.”

Gloria Dei continues online

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church will continue its online programming, services and activities through the summer.

The church, like many houses of worship, closed buildings to the public and began streaming services with the outbreak of the novel coronarvirus.

The church will continue online operations, including livestreaming the 9:30 a.m. Sunday worship on Gloria Dei’s Facebook page.

“We have decided to continue to do worship and most other activities online-only through the summer,” the Rev. Doug Kings said May 28 in an email to The Islander. “We will reassess the situation sometime in August.”

For more information, call the church at 941-7781813 or go online to www.gloriadeilutheran.com.

Called to church emily Crowell rings a bell to signal the start of a worship service at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. emily is the daughter of the Rev. neil Crowell, an associate pastor at the church, which resumed in-person worship at 10 a.m. Sundays. Islander Courtesy Photos

Tidings

Called to help Charles Wade, the facilities administrator at Roser Memorial Community Church, checks the ribbons to promote social distancing at the Roser food Pantry.

The pantry remains open to assist island residents in need. for information about accessing the pantry or donating, call the church at 941-778-0414.

REGULAR WORSHIP

ONLINE WORSHIP

Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-4769.

Thursday 9:30 a.m. — Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1638.

Saturday 4 p.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church.

Sunday 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church.

9:30 a.m. — CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-0719.

9:30 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation.

10 a.m. — Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414.

10:30 a.m. — CrossPointe Fellowship.

Sunday 9:30 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, Facebook.

9:30 a.m. — Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Facebook.

10 a.m. — Roser Church, roserchurch.com.

10 a.m. — Longboat Island Chapel, longboatislandchapel. org.

10 a.m. — Christ Church of Longboat Key, christchurchlbk. org.

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in the sanctuary! www.RoserChurch.com Click WORSHIP-SIGNUP to �eview th� �ocia� distancin� guideline� an� �eserv� you� �ea�. I� yo� prefe� t� �ta� hom�, please WATCH LIVE and join the chat on YouTube

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ONGOING Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. — Private prayer, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

Sunday 10:30 a.m. — Life groups, CrossPointe Fellowship.

SAVE THE DATES

Gathering

Please, send listings for the religion page, including a contact name and phone number, to news@ islander.org and calendar@islander.org.

Sept. 18-20, Rosh Hashanah.

Sept. 27-28, Yom Kippur Nov. 1, All Saints Day. Nov. 2, All Souls Day. Dec. 10-18, Hanukkah.

Dec. 25, Christmas.

Please, send notices to calendar@islander.org and news@ islander.org.

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June 3, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 19 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Obituaries

Betty Graves Holmes

The positions took him and his family to Allendale, New Jersey, and eventually to Holmes Beach, where he lived for 42 years.

He belonged to St. Bernard Catholic Church and the Key Royale Club.

In addition to playing bridge, golfing, boating and cheering on his Cubs and Bears, he enjoyed volunteering in the Junior Achievement Program at Anna Maria Elementary and his 15 years of dedicated service with the DeSoto National Memorial Park.

A Mass at St. Bernard will be scheduled. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

Please add to the bottom, Arrangements are under the care of Shannon Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be made at www.shannonfuneralhomes.com, Mr. Ksiazek is survived by his wife of 61 years, Markie; daughters Anne and son-in-law Steve Phillips of Vancouver, Washington, and Nancy and spouse Chris McNamara of Bradenton; nieces and nephews Joan Fry (Pat, Zack, Hannah) of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Barbara Wittmer and spouse Mike, Debra Voliva and spouse Ed, Laura Anderson and spouse Tim and RJ Klodnicki and spouse Emily all of Bradenton.

ment Store and then at Macy’s in menswear.

He retired from there in 1994.

Mr. Manion was a life member of the Knights of Columbus Pavia Council at St. Mary’s Church in Bethel. His grandfather, John Halpin, was a member of the building committee of the old St Mary’s and he was a member of the building committee for the newer church. He also was a church usher for many years.

In 2014, he and his wife moved to Anna Maria, where he was a parishioner of St. Bernard Catholic Church in Holmes Beach.

A Mass was celebrated May 29, at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach.

Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Donations may be made in his honor to Tidewell Hospice Inc. 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238. Condolences may be made to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.

Mr. Manion is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary; son Anthony F. III and wife Svetlana of Moscow, Russia; grandchildren Angela Margaret, Anthony IV and spouse Tosha, and Taicia and spouse Taya all of Moscow; cousins Cynthia Halpin Istvan of Trumbull, Connecticut, Mary Ellen Sanford of Redding Ridge, Connecticut, and Richard Smith of Weston, Connecticut.

Betty Graves Holmes, 97, of Holmes Beach and Randolph, Illinois, died May 2 in Bradenton.

She was born July 12, 1922 in Randolph to Samuel Stillman Graves and Clara Mae Myers Graves and had four sisters.

She married U.S. Army Sfc. Sgt. First Class John Edward Holmes Jr. Holmes and had four children.

The couple moved after World War II to Holmes Beach, where she remained.

She was an avid gardener, woman of faith, animal lover and a cherished member of the island community.

She attended Brown University and worked for the Pentagon as a stenographer.

She met John Holmes Jr. — the city of Holmes Beach is named for his father — at a USO dance and the rest was history.

She will be greatly missed.

A private service will be held at Skyway Memorial Gardens. A Celebration of Life is being planned for Anthony F. ‘Tony’ Manion Anthony F. “Tony” Manion, 89, of Anna Maria, sometime in the fall. Arrangements were by Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory. Condolences may and formerly of Bethel, Connecticut, died May 21 at Tidewell Hospice of Lakewood Ranch. be made to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.

The son of Anthony Sr. and Mary Mrs. Holmes is survived by daughter Patricia and (Halpin), he was born March 2, 1931, her partner Mark Bradow; sons John Edward III and in Danbury, Connecticut.

William and wife Tip; grandchildren Jameson and wife Assistance offered He lived and grew up in Bethel, Dr. Holly Vicars, Sara Holmes and husband Jerry SalThese groups offer help: graduating from Bethel High School vatierra, Jackson and wife Marion and Patra; great• The Roser Food Bank offers staples, Roser in 1948. grandchildren Kalei Vicars, Hannah Vicars, Pablo He served in the U.S. Air Force Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941Salvatierra, Oscar Salvatierra, Luca Salvatierra and Manion 778-0414. during the Korean War. Arlo Salvatierra; and brother-in-law Hugh Sr. and wife • CrossPointe Fellowship offers help dealing with After his discharge in 1953, he enrolled in the UniJean and their family. the COVID-19 outbreak, including grocery shopping versity of Bridgeport and was employed for several and deliveries. Information: 941-778-0719. years by Dursi Motors in Danbury.

Adam Edward Ksiazek • All Island Denominations offers monetary help, He married Mary A. Stannard of Winsted, Conincluding relief for unemployed people. Information: Adam Edward Ksiazek, 88, of Holmes Beach, necticut, June 28, 1958, and the couple settled on Mil941-725-2433. died May 17 at home surrounded by his wife Marga- waukee Avenue in Bethel in 1960. ret “Markie,” daughter Nancy and dear friend Chris He was in sales most of his life, first with car dealMcNamara. erships and later he was employed by Read’s Depart- Volunteers sought He was the youngest of three siblings, born Aug. These organizations need your help: 30, 1931, in Chicago, to Josephine and Adam.

• Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to At your service He graduated from Pullman Technical High School offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals.

Obituaries are offered as a community service in Chicago, then enrolled in WisconInformation: 941-345-2441. in The Islander newspaper to residents and family of sin State College.

• The Roser Food Bank needs donations. Roser residents, both past and present, as well as to those He was drafted in 1953 to serve Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna people with ties to the island. Submit to news@ in the U.S. Army Intelligence Corps Maria, administers the pantry, supported by All Island islander.org. Islander obituaries, including photo, during the Korean War as an aerial Denominations. Information: 941-778-0414. are free. photographer.

Send listings for Good Deeds to calendar@ Paid obituaries can be discussed with advertisKsiazek Upon his discharge in 1955, he islander.org and news@islander.org. ing consultant Toni Lyon at 941-778-7978. transferred to the University of Illinois and graduated with his bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering in 1956.

He then worked at US Steel, followed by Gary Sheet and Tin Mill in Gary, Indiana.

In 1958, he married his sweetheart of six years.

He took pride in raising a family while also attending the University of Chicago and, in 1965, he received his master’s degree in business.

Over the course of his career he was production manager for Avon Products, vice president of operations for Duveen Soap Company, plant manager for Black Prince Distillery and manager of production, as need a good laugh? visit the emerson quillin signature store. humor, art, gifts well as the box, glass and plastics plants at Tropicana, 317 Pine Ave., Anna Maria | www.emersonshumor.com until his retirement in 1990.

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Page 20 THE ISLANDER | islander.org June 3, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

High-speed island chase ends in mainland crash, grand theft auto arrest

By ChrisAnn Allen Islander Reporter

A 37-year-old Gibsonton man led police on a highspeed chase that started in Holmes Beach, headed north to Anna Maria and then again through Holmes Beach before it ended in a crash in downtown Bradenton.

Holmes Beach police arrested Travis Riley May 23 after the city’s license plate reader system alerted an officer to a 1999 Jeep Cherokee as it entered the city westbound on Manatee Avenue West.

The vehicle was flagged because it had been reported stolen.

Castro However, the arrest took place on First Street East in Bradenton following a chase that took HBPD across the Anna Maria Island Bridge to the mainland.

Police clocked Riley’s speed at 80-90 mph at various points during the chase.

Riley Juan Luna Castro, 22, of Riverview, Riley’s passenger, was arrested and transported to the Manatee County jail, where he was charged with

Streetlife

Staff reports

Island police reports

Anna Maria May 23, 400 block of South Bay Boulevard, fraud.

The complaint told the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office that someone used a credit card without authorization. The card was used to secure a vacation rental registration in Bradenton. The credit card company flagged the transaction, locked the account and issued a new card to the complainant.

May 26, 200 block of Fir Avenue, trespass. The MCSO received a complaint about a “car full” of eight people who trespassed on a neighbor’s property.

May 27, 100 block of Cedar Avenue, burglary.

The MCSO responded to a vacation rental, where the management said someone broke in overnight. The complainant said the property had been cleaned for new guests, but someone entered and apparently stayed overnight. A window and door were found opened and candles were burned.

May 27, 100 block of Pine Avenue, disturbance.

The complainant, who was trying to enter her private driveway, said she had a confrontation with a woman who had blocked access to her property and threatened

·S YOUR COMFORT ZONE? WHERE

trespass to a conveyance. He claimed he did not know the car was stolen and had tried to jump out when Riley hit a utility pole in Anna Maria.

The HBPD arrested Riley for grand theft auto and fleeing to elude police officers.

The chase began at 8:37 a.m. after HBPD Sgt. Tom Fraser was alerted to the stolen vehicle. He advised the other HBPD units and they started following the vehicle in the 5500 block of Marina Drive. Upon activating police lights and sirens, the driver of the Jeep, heading north to Anna Maria, sped up.

“It was like something out of a movie,” Joe Hutchinson, a Holmes Beach resident, said May 28 of the pursuit. Hutchinson saw the chase just after leaving Ginny’s and Jane E’s Cafe and Coastal Store, 9807 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, and called the business owner to warn people to get off the sidewalk.

“I had just been over there and there were people everywhere,” Hutchinson said. “It is a miracle no one was hurt.”

According to police reports, when the vehicle crossed into Anna Maria at 90 mph, the HBPD notified deputies at the Manatee County Sheriff’s OfficeAnna Maria substation and stopped the pursuit out of concern for public safety.

When the vehicle crossed back into Holmes Beach, Fraser and officer Christine LaBranche were northbound near the 7300 block of Marina Drive. They

U-turned to follow Riley as he drove south, then turned east on Manatee Avenue to cross the bridge.

Jess Mineo and her wife Kim were stopped at the intersection of Manatee Avenue West and East Bay Drive headed east on Manatee Avenue when Riley and the police vehicles passed them at a red light.

“The whole car shook as they passed between us and the median on the right,” Jess Mineo said.

“The Jeep blew past us before we even heard the police sirens,” Kim Mineo added.

The chase came to a crashing halt in downtown Bradenton when Riley hit a curb on First Street East, then came to a rest after striking a post near the 100 block of Fifth Avenue East.

Both men exited the vehicle with their hands up and were arrested by the HBPD. Riley told police his girlfriend let him borrow the car then “set him up” by reporting it stolen.

The vehicle owner contacted the HBPD May 23 and said she only knew Riley as an acquaintance. She said she was with him the day before, and claimed he had been using methamphetamine and had sexually assaulted her. She also said he is a “higher up” in the Aryan Nation organization in Hillsborough County.

She was advised to file a report with Hillsborough County authorities.

Riley is scheduled to appear at the Manatee County courthouse June 16.

to hit her car with a beach chair.

Anna Maria is policed by the MCSO. Bradenton Beach May 21, Cortez Beach, larceny. An officer from the Bradenton Beach Police Department responded to reports of a theft at Cortez Beach, where he met with two people who said bags containing their belongings — two wallets, a cellphone and $120 — were stolen while they were swimming. No suspect was found.

BBPD polices Bradenton Beach.

Cortez May 28, Tide Tables Restaurant and Marina, 12507 Cortez Road W., trespass. A Manatee County sheriff’s deputy responded to a trespassing complaint at Tide Tables, where the restaurant owner said a man urinated in the parking lot and frequently used the business free Wi-Fi. The deputy identified the suspect in a nearby vessel and issued a trespass warning.

MCSO polices Cortez.

packing to leave when he did not know the property was rented. The renter claimed she paid to rent the property for a week. Affidavits were taken from the renter and owner and the Holmes Beach Police Department was investigating.

May 21, 100 block of 49th Street, fraud. A man reported someone accessed his personal information and wrote several checks from his account. The incident was under investigation.

May 21, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, theft. Three people reported their cellphones stolen from their spot on the beach.

May 21, 400 block of 63rd Street, information. A vacation rental owner contacted the HBPD to report a fraudulent online post offering his rental.

May 22, 3600 block of Gulf Drive, alcohol. While writing parking tickets at a beach access, an officer was alerted to a man drinking alcohol on the beach. The alcohol was dumped and the man was cited.

May 22, 6300 block of Marina Drive, battery on law enforcement officer. While on patrol, an officer was dispatched to assist Manatee County sheriff’s deputies with a traffic stop on a vehicle with seven juveniles who were cited for alcohol and marijuana possession.

A female juvenile pushed an HBPD officer. She was arrested and taken to Manatee Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Bradenton. The other juveniles were released to their parents.

May 23, 500 block of Manatee Avenue West, traf-

Holmes Beach May 20, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, lost property. A woman reported her license plate missing from her vehicle parked at the beach lot.

May 20, 600 block of Manatee Avenue West, Act. Officers found a man, conscious but unresponsive, on a bench. EMS was called and the man was transported to Blake Medical Center in Bradenton.

May 21, 300 block of 58th Street, fraud. A property owner arrived at his vacation rental and found visitors

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June 3, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 21 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Bradenton woman allegedly injured HBPD officer, arrested for 3rd DUI

By Leslie Lake Islander Reporter

A Bradenton woman, accused in a 2018 drunk driving crash in which a Holmes Beach police officer was injured, again has been arrested for DUI. Bradenton police reported that at about 10 p.m. May 11, Chase Purtill, 43, was observed driving eastbound on Manatee Avenue West near Ninth Street West in Bradenton.

Police stopped her and officers observed an odor of alcohol emanated Purtill from Purtill, as well as open containers of alcohol in the console. Purtill denied having anything to drink and said the alcoholic beverages belonged to a friend, according to police reports.

Police said Purtill was unsteady on her feet and refused officers’ requests that she perform a field sobriety test, as well as a breath test.

She was arrested for DUI third offense and refusal to submit to a breath test after prior refusal.

Purtill was previously arrested for driving under the influence Jan. 8, 2019, and June 9, 2018, for DUI after crashing a 2003 Lincoln Navigator into two Holmes Beach police trucks east of the Anna Maria Island Bridge.

With emergency lights flashing, the HBPD officers had been conducting a traffic stop on the shoulder of STREETLIFE ConTInued fRoM PAge 20

fic. An officer received a license plate reader hit on a vehicle. Upon stopping the female motorist, the officer determined she did not have her license and it was suspended. The woman was given a notice to appear and arranged transportation for herself and the vehicle.

May 23, 800 block of Manatee Avenue West, traffic. An officer observed a vehicle drifting into oncoming traffic with a broken taillight. Upon apprehending the male motorist, the officer performed a field sobriety test, which the man did not pass. Another officer searched the vehicle and found an open container of alcohol. The man was arrested and transported to the Manatee County jail, where he passed a breath sample test and was released with citations for open container, failure to stay in his lane and a broken taillight.

May 23, 5800 block of Marina Drive, traffic. The LPR system notified an officer of a suspended license.

Upon stopping the motorist, the officer also found the male driver did not have proof of insurance. He was cited, his license plate was seized and he was released.

The vehicle was parked for later removal.

May 23, 600 block of Manatee Avenue West, traffic. An officer was alerted to a hit from the LPR system. Upon apprehending the male motorist, the officer found he did not have his license, which was suspended. He was issued a notice to appear and his passenger drove the vehicle from the scene.

May 23, 800 block of Manatee Avenue West, marijuana. An officer observed a vehicle with a loose plate traveling 45 mph in a zone of 35 mph. Upon stopping the male motorist, the officer smelled marijuana. The driver produced a 4-gram bag of marijuana, which was confiscated. He was given a notice to appear for possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana and released.

May 24, 100 block of 52nd Street, fraud. A woman responded to an online ad for a vacation rental, paid a deposit and then the renter dropped communication.

The listing was flagged for removal and the police department was investigating.

May 25, 4200 block of Gulf Drive, burglary. While

Manatee Avenue on Perico Island.

Purtill’s SUV rear-ended one of the HBPD vehicles, which then crashed into the second HBPD vehicle. Officer Alan Bores was in the driver’s seat of his vehicle and Officer Josh Betts was walking toward his vehicle when the crash occurred.

Bores, who reported experiencing pain after the crash, was transported to Blake Medical Center in Bradenton for examination.

An HBPD 2014 F-150 was totaled in the crash.

At the scene, Bradenton police reported Purtill showed signs of impairment and refused to perform roadside and breath tests.

Her DUI case, still pending, is scheduled for a jury trial in December.

Purtill, also is a defendant in a lawsuit filed July 24, 2018, by Bores against her and her Bradenton Beach employer at the time, the Drift In on Bridge Street.

Tampa attorney Paul B. Catania filed the suit, which seeks damages for Bores due to the injuries he sustained in the accident, as well as lost wages and the

capacity to earn wages.

Bores, the suit claims, sustained “severe, continuing and permanent injuries including a significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function… (and) significant and permanent scarring and disfigurement.”

“Her past preventable reckless action has taken away the health, livelihood and lifelong career of a great man who was doing no more than protecting the public he served in a job he loved,” Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said May 27.

The Bores suit seeks damages from the Drift In of Manatee Inc. based on Florida liability laws.

In the May 11 case, Purtill’s bond was set at $620.

She posted bond May 12, and on May 15, pleaded not guilty and requested a jury trial.

She is scheduled to be arraigned on June 11 at Manatee County Judicial Center.

“This will make the fourth known time Chase Purtill has endangered the lives of the people around her with reckless disregard,” Tokajer said. “It’s a miracle no one was injured in the latest incident.”

Bradenton Beach man arrested for lewd behavior at beach Manatee County sheriff’s deputies arrested Gary Ligett, 67, May 26 on a second-degree felony charge for alleged lewd and lascivious behavior on Coquina Beach.

A family first observed and reported Ligett, of Bradenton Beach, “touching himself in an inappropriate manner” with his hands in his shorts while watching Ligett teenage girls and other beachgoers May 6 at Coquina Beach, according to an MCSO report.

County code enforcement officers on the beach were notified of Ligett’s behavior and contacted the

Bradenton Beach Police Department. When police arrived, they trespassed Ligett, and ordered him to leave.

He also was advised that he would be arrested if he returned to the area within a year, according to a BBPD report.

Soon after, MCSO opened an investigation and an arrest warrant was issued May 21 and deputies took Ligett into custody May 26.

Ligett was booked into the Manatee County jail May 26. He was released on a $120 bond the same day.

A court date was not set as of May 28.

— Ryan Paice

Sarasota man arrested for DUI in Holmes Beach A Sarasota man was arrested May 24 for driving under the influence of alcohol in Holmes Beach.

Christopher Howington, 53, was arrested at 1:39 a.m. in the Manatee Public Beach parking lot, 4000 Gulf Drive, by a Holmes Beach police officer.

According to the HBPD report, the officer observed the motorist, run the flashing red light at the intersection of Gulf Drive and Manatee Avenue.

The officer stopped the driver and Hepner reported Howington smelled of alcohol and his speech was slurred.

on patrol, an officer was notified by another officer to assist in a search for two males on bicycles that evaded him when he tried to stop them. The officers found an adult male and a juvenile male loading the bikes into the bed of a truck. Upon searching the vehicles, officers found marijuana, a pipe, a gun and numerous credit cards and purses. The male suspect showed the officer where the bikes were stolen from and they were returned to the owners, as well as a wallet, stolen from a nearby vehicle. The juvenile was released and the man was arrested and transported to the county jail.

May 25, 5400 block of Gulf Drive, possession of a controlled substance. An officer received an LPR alert for a driver with a suspended license. While checking the motorist’s information, the officer spotted a

The officer conducted a field sobriety test, which Howington failed. He refused to provide a breath sample.

Howington was cited for failing to stop at the flashing red light and arrested for DUI. He was transported to the Manatee County jail and released the next day on a $120 bond.

— ChrisAnn Allen

Grant buys MCSO masks

Manatee County is receiving a U.S. Justice Department grant to deal with the coronavirus pandemic, including money for masks for the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

The grant — $350,894 over two years — is to prevent, prepare for and respond to the virus.

The MCSO will use $160,000 to purchase supplies and equipment, including masks for deputies who police Anna Maria. small bag of white powder in the man’s passport. Upon searching the man, the officer found two more bags of white powder and several pills. The white powder tested positive for cocaine. The man was arrested and transported to the county jail.

HBPD polices Holmes Beach.

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

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Page 22 THE ISLANDER | islander.org June 3, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Cortez man seeks more time to remove house built over water

By Leslie Lake Islander reporter

A clock is ticking on the court-ordered June 3 deadline for Raymond Guthrie Jr. to remove a nonpermitted net camp in Sarasota Bay. Guthrie, in February, lost a legal battle with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection that spanned three years and sought to save a 1,200 square foot building he built over the water on stilts near Cortez.

In February, 12th Circuit Court Judge Edward Nicholas ordered that the structure be removed and, if removed by June 3, the DEP would waive $6,500 in civil penalties, as well as other costs.

Guthrie filed May 6 asking for an extension during the COVID-19 safer-at-home orders, saying it was “difficult if not impossible” to meet the deadline.

Guthrie stated he intends to remove the structure but did not offer a date to accomplish the order.

DEP attorney Marianna Sakisyan in mid-May asked the court to deny Guthrie’s motion but agreed to allow Guthrie an additional 30 days — until July 3 — to remove the structure without additional penalties.

If not removed by July 3, according to the DEP’s motion, the DEP will seek a contempt order against Guthrie.

The legal dispute began in June 2017, when the DEP discovered the structure, built without permits, and determined the submerged land under the stilt house was owned by the state.

Raymond “Junior” Guthrie built this house over the water in 2017 near the A.P. Bell Fish Company’s docks in Sarasota Bay. Guthrie lost his court fight with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to have the land and house grandfathered as a net camp. Islander File Photo

Guthrie built the structure with a metal roof, air conditioning and other amenities February 2017-May 2017.

A year after the project began, on Feb. 6, 2018, the DEP sued Guthrie.

Karen Bell of A.P. Bell Fish Co. filed a motion May 4, 2018, seeking to help Guthrie by intervening in the case by claiming the fish company owned the land under the stilt house.

The motion also claimed the net camp has historical significance. Commercial fishers used net houses or camps to store, dry and mend nets from the late1800s into the 20th century. The practice ended with

the advent of monofilament nets in 1938.

When Nicholas entered a summary judgment Feb. 25, 2019, in favor of the DEP, he stayed its execution pending the outcome of Bell’s motion.

But Bell withdrew her motion in January and Nicholas enforced the February judgment that followed the settlement agreement between the DEP, the board of trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund and Bell.

Guthrie is a multi-generational commercial fisherman, known in Cortez as “Junior,” with many legends tied to his name in drug smuggling, fast boats and scoffing at the law.

Bradenton Beach businesses capitalize on relaxed outdoor regs that the restaurant’s street-level service area gave them a small boost.

“That limited inside seating really takes a toll, so having the option to open up and have a little more freedom with the outside space works really well,” she said.

Mitchell said, on weekends, the space provides overflow seating.

She said the restaurant has struggled under the pandemic, as the shutdown came only two weeks after a March 6 grand opening. However, business has improved over the past couple of weeks, she said.

Bradenton Beach’s policy allowing expanded outdoor seating will continue until DeSantis lifts Executive Order 20-112 or any subsequent orders that increase occupancy for the businesses.

Businesses can apply for the outdoor variance via the city website at www.cityofbradentonbeach.com.

There is no application fee.

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Some Bradenton Beach businesses have found relief from state capacity limits during the coronavirus pandemic by expanding outdoors.

The city commission approved permits for five of six businesses that applied for expanding outdoors as of May 29, including the Anna Maria Oyster Bar, the Daiquiri Deck, Wicked Cantina, Island Creperie and Bridge Tender Inn. The city denied an application from Tommy Knockers, 111 Seventh Street N., because Gov. Ron DeSantis has yet to reopen bars and nightclubs that were ordered to shutter March 17 to combat the spread of the virus.

In May, DeSantis allowed restaurants and retailers to reopen, but with capacity limits to prevent overcrowding and encourage social distancing.

City commissioners hoped allowing the use of outdoor areas would help restaurants and retailers hamstrung by the state’s capacity limit drum up business.

John Horne, owner of the Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the city pier at 200 Bridge St., told The Islander May 29 that the policy had achieved the commission’s goal.

“We can only have 50% inside, and there are still a lot of guests who are uncomfortable sitting inside a restaurant,” Horne said. “So it has certainly helped because it’s hard to be profitable at 50%.”

Horne said AMOB had averaged 60%-80% of the daily revenue over the same period last year, but adding outdoor dining has helped boost their sales.

AMOB added three outdoor tables along the south side of the restaurant to seat six more people. Horne Customers find shade May 28 in the Bridge Tender Inn’s tented dining area, which Bradenton Beach permitted to help the business succeed during the COVID-19 limits on restaurants. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

A waiter serves a couple May 16 on the outdoor deck at the Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach.

said the tables have become prime real estate for customers who want a view of Sarasota Bay. “It has certainly been a huge help,” Horne said.

“Customers have said they wished we had these seats a long time ago. They’re absolutely loving it.”

Samantha Mitchell, general manager of the Daiquiri Deck, 107 Bridge St., told The Islander May 29

AM building code revisions set for June reveal Anna Maria’s building codes are up for a makeover.

City planner Chad Minor will propose changes to the building code at a city commission meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 25.

Minor told commissioners May 28 that the possible changes include adjustments to the construction review board, alcoholic beverage regulations and the rights-of-way ordinance.

Commissioner Jonathan Crane, during the telemeeting, said he was excited when the city created the review board, but it failed to get off the ground because its members also had to be on the planning and zoning board.

“I’m glad to see it is being revitalized,” Crane said.

Minor said he and building official Luke Curtis were around two-thirds done with drafting code language for the proposed revisions.

When they complete their draft, city attorney Becky Vose will review the suggested changes.

“We have a pretty good code,” Minor said. “We’re not tearing everything down.”

Minor said people with suggestions about code changes can call the building department at 941-7086130 or email ambldg@cityofannamaria.com.

— Ryan Paice

June 3, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 23 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Parking locked down, law enforcement heeds coronavirus

By ChrisAnn Allen Islander Reporter

State and local officials are working on ways to balance public safety with reopening.

The health and safety of law enforcement officers also must be prioritized as beaches and businesses reopen on Anna Maria Island.

As of May 28, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office reported one employee tested positive for coronavirus, according to Randy Warren, MCSO public information officer. He said several other employees were isolated for exposure after contact with people outside of work who tested positive.

Warren also said that since the start of the pandemic, deputies were equipped with hand sanitizer, masks and gloves and use personal protective equipment according to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines when in contact with the public.

They also keep a distance from other MCSO employees.

“Our deputies are asking questions when making arrests and with people they are coming into close proximity with,” Warren said. “We are taking temperatures at the beginning of each shift to ensure employees are not symptomatic before entering our various facilities.”

MCSO deputies who patrol county beaches — Coquina and Cortez beaches in Bradenton Beach, Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach and Bayfront Park in Anna Maria — have added responsibilities to ensure people maintain social distancing of 6 feet and gather in groups no larger than 10 people.

Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach police officers also are following CDC guidelines and wearing PPE in some situations.

After being closed for nearly two months, parking was fully opened at the county-run beaches before the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

People social distance May 23 on the beach at Bayfront Park, 316 n.

Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, where the Anna Maria City Pier stands out in the background.

Manatee County Sheriff’s deputies patrol the countymaintained park.

Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Allen

Most beach-access parking in Anna Maria remained closed and the city raised its parking fine from $35 to $100 under a temporary emergency order.

Holmes Beach continued closure of all beach access, on-street and right-of-way parking, with plans to reopen with fewer than 2,000 spots about midJune.

The city had been considering eliminating most right-of-way and beach-access parking to reduce daytripper overflow into neighborhoods and used the COVID-19 closure to determine which spaces to keep closed after reopening, according to Holmes Beach Chief Bill Tokajer.

At a May 28 teleconferenced city meeting, Sgt. Brett Getman of the MCSO-Anna Maria substation, told the mayor and commissioners that many people from neighboring counties with closed or restricted beaches visited the island Memorial Day weekend, but there were no issues with parking or compliance.

Getman commended Mayor Dan Murphy for the parking ticket increase and additional temporary

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“no parking” signs as a way to manage the surplus of motorists and vehicles.

“Obviously, with the right-of-way parking being closed in Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach, I think the mayor has done a really good job in trying to curb that aspect of the beachgoers coming up to Anna Maria,” Getman said.

Tokajer said May 28 that the city opted to keep its parking closed because new COVID-19 cases still were reported daily in the county, even though the percentage of positive cases had dropped.

He said social distancing was not feasible at the public beach when the parking lot was full. But with all other public parking closed, it has not been a concern for the city.

“We kept our parking closed because we felt the county opened too soon,” Tokajer said. “So, for the sake of our visitors, which we now have much more of, our residents and law enforcement, we are doing what we can to promote awareness, create a safe environment and stop the spread.”

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Page 24 THE ISLANDER | islander.org June 3, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Human-made sea turtle nests, dug by AMITW volunteers and marked with stakes and pink ribbons, line the dunes along the beach north of Peppertree Lane in Anna Maria.

The eggs were relocated from clutches laid in Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach due to an anticipated beach renourishment project. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Allen

nesting notes

By ChrisAnn Allen

Sea turtle nesting accelerates on Anna Maria Island

As temperatures start to climb, sea turtles get busy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They are reptiles, so everything is temperature driven,â&#x20AC;? Suzi Fox, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird executive director, said May 28.

AMITW reported 60 loggerhead nests as of May 28 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; up from 34 Allen nests a week prior â&#x20AC;&#x201D; on beaches within the Manatee County beach renourishment project zone, which extends from 78th Street in Holmes Beach south to Longboat Pass.

The locations of nests on Anna Maria beaches north of the project are recorded, but AMITW volunteers are not marking those nests and will not track hatchlings, as they will with the relocated nests.

Fox said she has been approached by people walking north-end beaches who noticed tractor-like tracks leading to nests and asked why they were not marked. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People think we missed something,â&#x20AC;? Fox said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I just have to explain it is being documented in a different way.â&#x20AC;?

AMITW performs duties under a contract with Manatee County to document nesting and hatching data for the state related to beach renourishment â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and the nonprofit is compensated for the work.

And since nesting season picked up, Fox and her AMITW volunteers have had their hands full moving nests out of the renourishment area and into safer areas of the beach.

The organization transitioned this year from an army of volunteers walking the beach each morning, to a core group that canvases the beach by ATV and rapidly relocates the eggs from nests found in the renourishment area to nests dug by volunteers along the dunes north of Peppertree Lane in Anna Maria. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work any better,â&#x20AC;? Fox said of the process. She said she plans to continue conducting

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nesting surveys by ATV for future seasons, as it has worked well so far this year.

She said traveling the beach by ATV limits interactions with the public, but with concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus, she is encouraging distance. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Most people we see are practicing social distancing just fine,â&#x20AC;? Fox said, adding she tells people to visit the AMITW website at islandturtlewatch.com and she can be reached by phone at 941-778-5638 or via email at suzilfox@gmail.com.

However, she is concerned with people keeping a safe distance from shorebirds, which are arriving to nest among the dunes on island beaches.

Fox said black skimmers congregated in several spots but had not yet nested. She cautioned that people should keep their distance as any human interactions could prove disruptive.

Additionally, she said five adult sea turtles disoriented, traveling north or south along the beach instead of nesting.

People, objects and bright lights can distract the female sea turtles, which only leave the water to nest.

Fox said, in one instance, volunteers found where a sea turtle had dug a deep egg cavity, but abandoned it for a location higher in the dunes, likely because someone was walking nearby. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are a lot of people on the beach right now,â&#x20AC;?

Fox said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And we know they are excited. But they need to understand that wildlife needs distance, too.â&#x20AC;?

Beachgoers and boaters can report sick, injured, entangled or dead sea turtles and birds or other wildlife to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-4043922, #FWC or *FWC on a cellphone or text tip@ myfwc.com.

Mikayla Woodard, AMITW intern, left, stakes a loggerhead nest on the beach in 2018 next to a bench at 67th Street in Holmes Beach, as AMITW executive director, Suzi fox, observes. According to fox, based on the tracks in the sand, the sea turtle collided with the bench, but continued to lay its eggs.

Islander file Photo: ChrisAnn Silver esformes

Holmes Beach, AMITW, mull beach bench request

Holmes Beach residents want more seating to watch as the sun sets on the beach.

But Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, as well as the police chief, have concerns about benches that could be placed too close to the shoreline, which could interfere with nesting sea turtles.

During a Holmes Beach teleconferenced city meeting May 26, resident Jayne Christenson asked commissioners to add more benches at beach accesses.

Commissioners supported the request, but Police Chief Bill Tokajer said he is concerned because, in the past, beachfront benches were found to be safety hazards for nesting sea turtles and their hatchlings and had to be moved landward or moved off the beach.

Tokajer told The Islander May 28 that he was meeting with Suzi Fox, AMITW executive director, and they are working up a plan for benches. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; ChrisAnn Allen

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June 3, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 25 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

By Lisa Neff

Blinded by the light

I’ve got music — album and song titles, lyrics and liner notes — on my mind.

Friend and Islander newspaper colleague Lisa Williams invited me in late May to take part in one of the social media hits of the COVID-19 season — the 10-album/10-day challenge.

I gave so much consideration to my choices — I needed 90 days for 90 influential albums — that I’m thinking in song titles as I read the research papers I collected for this column.

I’m thinking, “Mr. Moonlight” and “When the Lights Go Down.”

I’m hearing, “Blinded by the Light.” neff There was a time on Anna Maria Island when being outdoors before sunrise or after sunset meant darkness. A decade or so ago, taking a walk on the beach on a moonless night, I couldn’t see a yard ahead of me.

But now, headlights, streetlights, porch lights and business lights invade the night and early morning and we won’t win any prizes for “dark skies.”

There was a time when skyglow threatened from the mainland, but step outside at 10 p.m. on Anna Maria Island and look up and around.

Skyglow is a lot closer than you think.

Skyglow is here.

And light pollution can harm wildlife, with the best-known threat on the island being sea turtles, which can be disoriented by artificial light and die.

Light pollution also threatens our health.

Consider two recent studies on the problem.

In one study, researchers found light pollution suppresses the production of melatonin.

Melatonin synchronizes the day-night rhythm in humans and other animals, adjusting the circadian clocks of cells, tissues and organs and regulating other seasonal processes, such as reproduction.

Researchers from the Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries in Germany led an international team examining data on the impact of light pollution on melatonin formation in humans and vertebrates.

In vertebrates, differences in light levels are detected by photoreceptors. At high light levels, melatonin production is suppressed. In darkness, melatonin is produced.

The researchers found that even the low-light

Too darn hot: graphs from Climate Central, an independent organization of scientists and journalists, show increases in average summer temps for the region from 1970 to 2019. new research from Climate Central shows that summers in the united States are getting hotter. Islander Courtesy Images

intensities of skyglow can suppress melatonin production for some vertebrate classes, including fish, rodents and humans.

“There are no studies on melatonin and light pollution in reptiles and amphibians and no long-term studies at all,” the lead scientist on the study, Franz Hoelker, said in a statement.

Also, he said, “The impacts on human health are not fully understood.”

Another study, published earlier this spring by researchers at Utah State University, examined how sensory pollutants — light and noise — impact wildlife, revealing negative consequences for imperiled species.

“From a conservation biology point of view, we don’t know how to mitigate the effects of sensory pollution if we don’t know what the pathway of harm is,” said scientist Neil Carter.

The study included a look at New York City’s annual 9/11 tribute, which coincides with a massive migration of birds from northern regions to wintering grounds. Because birds use celestial cues during their migration, the 44 spotlights that form two pillars of light in the memorial can attract up to 15,000 birds in a single night.

Carter said birds fly in circles inside the beams until morning, often dying from exhaustion and colliManatee County Mosquito Control is not investigating complaints about “domestic mosquitoes” at personal properties due to concerns about the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Domestic mosquitoes are the insects seen during the daytime, according to a statement on the district’s website at manateemosquito.com.

“We are continuing to treat all of Manatee County

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Light pollution can mimic natural stimuli with deadly results, including by disorienting birds, insects and sea turtles that rely on moonlight for direction.

And doesn’t that crash your calliope to the ground?

So, please bring on the dark.

As for the album challenge: If you haven’t played, don’t feel left out. It’ll reach you soon enough.

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Page 26 THE ISLANDER | islander.org June 3, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Adult soccer rolls into 2nd season at center

By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter

Action kicked off May 27 outdoors on the pitch for the “indoor” adult soccer playoffs at the Center of Anna Maria Island.

The indoor season went on hold when the coronavirus pandemic shut down the center, but matches have resumed outdoors.

The evening matches began with No. 5 seed Sato Real Estate posting a 4-3 victory over No. 4 Ross Built.

Sean Flynn scored a pair of goals to lead Sato, which also received a goal from Ben Sato and a goal and 15 saves from Josh Sato in the victory.

Connor Bystrom scored twice to lead Ross Built, which also received a goal from Murat Akay and 12 saves from Max Gazzo in the loss.

The second game of the evening saw No. 6 Gulfview Windows and Doors earn a 7-5 upset victory over No. 3 Pool America behind four goals from Keith Mahoney and two goals from Raul Loera. Ryan Moss added a goal and an assist, while Brandin Holcomb came up with 12 saves in the victory.

Chris Scott scored a hat trick and Chris Klotz added two goals to lead Pool America, which also received an assist in the loss from Gerardo Urbiola and 11 saves from Jason Sato.

The semifinals will kick off at 6:45 p.m. Thursday, June 4, with No. 2 Slim’s Place taking on Sato, followed by undefeated Duncan Real Estate vs. Gulfview Windows and Doors. The winning teams will return to the pitch at 9 p.m. for the championship match.

A new season of adult soccer will start June 18 with Thursday night games. Players must register by June 11. The cost is $10 for center members and $96 for nonmembers. Players can register at centerami.org or in person at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

Adults resume flag football season Adult flag football hit the reset button at the center,

mirroring the proposed restarts being floated by the National Hockey League and the National Basketball Association with a jump into the playoffs!

Quarterfinal action restarted May 28 with No. 4 seed Firkins Automotive rolling to a 56-18 victory over No. 5 Slim’s Place behind four touchdown passes from Jason Sato and a touchdown pass and touchdown reception by both Chase Richardson and Cory Banks.

Matt Briley also had a big game, catching two touchdown passes, scoring a pair of extra points and adding three pick-sixes. Kevin Roman and McKenna Ainger both added touchdown catches to complete the scoring in the rout.

Matteo Ferris led Slim’s Place with a pair of touchdown passes, while Tim Shaughnessy added one.

Caleb Roberts, Ben Sato and Bri Roberts each caught touchdown passes in the loss.

The second game of the evening saw Capt. Sky Cruises land a 32-14 victory over Rays Ramblings behind three touchdown passes and a touchdown run from Connor Haughy. Domenick Otteni caught two TD passes, while Brandin Holcomb added one. Otteni also added a pick six to complete the victory.

Danny Murphy threw a pair of touchdown passes to Chad Woods to lead Rays Ramblings in the loss.

The third game of the night saw No. 1 seed Moss Builders score a forfeit victory over Ugly Grouper, which was unable to field a team.

The final matchup saw Lancaster Designs earn a 21-8 victory over Beach Bums behind the all-around play of Brandon Kull and Cameron Kawcak. Kull threw two touchdown passes and added a receiving touchdown, while Kawcak finished with a touchdown pass and a touchdown reception. Mike Gillum completed the scoring in the victory with a touchdown reception and an extra point.

Beach Bums was led by Jaret Rojas, who connected with Cooper Rosier for a touchdown, while Kemo Harris made an extra-point reception in the loss.

Ross Built’s Murat Akay takes on Sato Real Estate defender Oliver Petereit during first-round playoff action in the adult soccer league at the Center of Anna Maria Island. Islander Photo: Kevin P. Cassidy

The action will continue June 11, when No. 3 seed Lancaster Designs takes on No. 4 Firkins Automotive, followed by No. 1 Moss Builders facing off against No. 7 Capt. Sky Cruises.

The winner of those games will meet in the championship game at 8:30 p.m.

Horseshoe news Bob Heiger and Tim Sofran posted the lone 3-0 record in pool play, negating any need for playoffs during May 27 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City hall horseshoe pits.

Two teams emerged from pool play during May 30 action. The team of Jerry Disbrow and Heiger fell behind Sofran 11-3 before Disbrow and Heiger turned on the heat, scoring 18 straight points and back-to-back double ringers to end the game with a 21-11 advantage and the day’s bragging rights.

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.

Stone crab season draws to close, bringing success for some crabbers

By ChrisAnn Allen Islander Reporter

Stone crab season crawled to an end May 15.

“It went fine until coronavirus,” Karen Bell, owner of A.P. Bell Fish Co. and Starfish restaurant and market, said May 20. “But at that point the major part of our season had already slacked off, so it didn’t really hurt us.”

By the end of season, retail cost was more than $20 per pound for jumbo, $18 for large and $12 for medium-sized claws, according to Bell. She said wholesale was about $2 less per pound.

Stone crab claws are harvested seasonally — Oct. 15-May 15 — so they have a chance to regenerate, as only the claws are removed.

The first claws of the 2019 stone crab season were

harvested Oct. 15, 2019.

In late October, colossal claws were costing $42 per pound, jumbo claws were selling for $36 per pound and large ones were selling for $28 per pound at the Cortez Bait & Seafood Fish Market, 12110 Cortez Road W., Cortez.

Initial costs were high due to a slow start to season, according to James “Wyre” Lee, market owner.

Lee said he stopped carrying the claws in March because the quality did not match the cost.

“You’ve got to minimize your losses,” he said.

Joe Oelker, owner of Cortez Kitchen restaurant, 4528 119th St. W., Cortez, also said he kept purchasing low because he wasn’t selling many claws in season.

“Northerners come down, they eat them once and that was it, because it’s expensive,” Oelker said. “It

was OK, but it wasn’t like it used to be.”

The Florida Keys had a banner haul in March and April, then boats were shut down due to the virus spread, Bell said. Prices for stone crab in the Keys plummeted by about 50%.

However, Bell said the amount of crab produced matched what she could sell in Cortez.

Where’s the fish?

James “Wyre” Lee, operator of the Cortez Bait & Seafood Fish Market on Cortez Road shows off stone crab claws Oct. 16, 2019, at the beginning of season. Islander File Photo

Always fishin’ for news.

Capt. Rick Gross fished with Tom and Dianne Collins May 10. They combined for a double hookup, pictured, and reeled in a mixed bag for the day, including both catch-and-release spotted seatrout and snook and some take-home mangrove snapper and a Spanish mackerel.

www.islander.org

June 3, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 27 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Finicky fish advice: Carry assorted baits for hookups

By Capt. danny Stasny Islander Reporter

Tarpon are the main attraction in the water surrounding Anna Maria Island for yet another week.

And plenty of anglers are suffering from tarpon fever after spending hours — even days — on the water attempting to get a hookup.

There are large schools of the silver king cruising the beaches of Anna Maria Island and Egmont and Stasny Longboat keys.

There also are fish gathering in the passes.

But tarpon can be finicky, so carrying an assortment of bait is good advice.

Typically, pass crabs and threadfin herring are enough to get the job done, but sometimes you need to mix it up a little. Casting pinfish or chunks of ladyfish can attract a hookup — especially if the tarpon isn’t dialed in on crabs or threadfins.

Whatever the bait, it’s a thrill of a lifetime and well worth the work for the lifetime trophy photo.

Meanwhile, fishing the flats of Tampa Bay is producing good action. Catch-and-release snook are feeding during swift moving tides, and don’t be surprised to hook into a catch-and-release redfish while targeting snook, as both forage in the same areas.

Completing the catch-and-release trifecta, deep grass areas hold good numbers of seatrout. Finding good water is key to getting the bite. Areas where water is murky or stagnant will not hold fish. Clear, moving water over deep grass is best.

As far as offshore fishing goes, migratory fish — amberjack and blackfin tuna — are the week’s highlight. Casting live baits over structure attracts the highspeed fish to bite, while bottom fishing is good for red grouper, yellow tail and mangrove snapper.

On my Southernaire charters, I’m finding good action inshore. Catch-and-release snook are accommodating as long as the tide is moving, with most hookups happening around mangrove edges and oyster bars.

Fish 20-30 inches are the norm. Targeting catch-andrelease spotted seatrout is a lot of fun for my sportfishing clients. Working deep grass areas is resulting in many trout 18-20 inches. Mixed in are big Spanish mackerel, ladyfish and jack crevalle.

Capt. Warren Girle is spending most of his days in the tarpon hunt, seeking schools of fish running along the beaches of Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. Once a school is located, he approaches with his trolling motors to get within casting range with a pass crab or live threadfin thrown into the school. This is resulting in catches in the 100-pound range. Some are

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Southernaire Fishing Charters

gary Loughlin of Sarasota holds onto his tarpon catch May 17 for a photo. He hooked the sparkler on a pass crab while on a charter fishing trip with Capt.

Warren girle.

smaller. Some are bigger.

When not targeting tarpon, Girle is working the flats of Sarasota Bay. Catch-and-release seatrout are coming to the hook over deep grass areas south of Long Bar. Mixed in on this bite are ladyfish, bluefish and a few Spanish mackerel. Fishing shallower flats is resulting in some catch-and-release snook and a few catch-and-release redfish for the sportfishers.

Capt. Aaron Lowman is putting his clients on a good catch-and-release snook bite around the stronger moving tides. Free-lining live shiners gets the linesiders to bite. According to Lowman, humming heavily is key to getting these fish to fire off — so carrying an ample amount of bait is crucial. While targeting the snook, a few catch-and-release redfish are being caught, too. Catch-and-release spotted seatrout are being caught in good numbers over deep grass flats.

Again, swift moving tides are probably the best indicator for producing the bite.

Fishing artificial reefs and wrecks also is producing action for Lowman. Spanish mackerel are present in these areas as well, as are mangrove snapper.

Capt. Jason Stock says tarpon fishing is better by the day, as we progress through the season — and many large sharks are showing up for the bite, too.

When not targeting tarpon, Stock is working offshore, where amberjack are in season and responding to surface poppers, as well as live bait. The blackfin tuna bite is still happening, although Stock warns that as a water temps rise, the fish will be moving farther offshore. The sharks are dialed in on these fish, too, and wreaking havoc. The predators also are causing the tuna to move. Lastly, bottom fishing for snapper is going well, and mutton and yellowtail are the top

catches this week for the cooler.

Capt. David White is getting as much tarpon time as he can, but still finding time for some offshore fishing, where he’s putting anglers on plenty of amberjack and some African pompano. Bottom fishing for red grouper and mangrove and yellowtail snappers is producing good action. For bait, live pinfish and shiners are working, as well as frozen sardines. Moving inshore, tarpon are the main attraction with frequent catches of silver kings weighing 80-100 pounds.

Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier is happy to see the pier open and the fishing is quite good. Pier fishers using live or frozen shrimp as bait are catching an assortment of species. On the frozen shrimp, black drum and flounder are responding nicely. Catch-andrelease redfish are being caught by anglers soaking frozen shrimp on the bottom. And the live shrimp fishers are hooking into some catch-and-release snook, as well as a few mackerel and blue runners.

Lastly, live and frozen shrimp is attracting some mangrove snapper to hookup with the coolers.

Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

Fishing Charters

CAPT. AARON LOWMAN

Capt. Warren Girle

Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

AM

HIGH

PM

HIGH

June 3 June 4 June 5 June 6 June 7 June 8 June 9 June 10

10:25a 10:44a 11:05a 12:07a 1:08a 2:09a 3:16a 1:32p

1.8 1.9 2.1 1.9 1.7 1.6 1.4 2.7

9:52p 11:03p — 11:28a 11:54a 12:24p 12:56p —

2.0 1.9 — 2.3 2.5 2.7 2.8 —

AM

LOW

3:31a 0.0 4:14a 0.2 4:51a 0.5 5:21a 0.7 5:47a 0.9 6:07a 1.1 6:23a 1.2 9:47p -0.4

PM

LOW

3:46p 4:42p 5:33p 6:22p 7:12p 8:01p 8:53p —

0.8 0.4 0.1 -0.2 -0.4 -0.5 -0.5 —

Moon

Full

AM City Pier tides; Cortez high tides 7 minutes later — lows 1:06 later

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Page 28 THE ISLANDER | islander.org June 3, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BOATS & BOATING

WHITE WICKER DESK, glass top, two drawers, Height, 31 inches, length, 40 inches, width, 20 inches, $40. 941-795-4851. No text.

WANTED: WORKOUT DVDs and retired but working XBox, Wii units with games. Deliver to The Islander, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

FOR SALE: DOUBLE recliner, brown, $65, white couch, $100. 941-778-5542, 941-778-3920.

WANTED: YOUR OLD cellphone for recycling.

Deliver to The Islander, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

BIMINI BAY SAILING: Small sailboat rentals and instruction. Day. Week. Month. Sunfish, Laser, Windrider 17 and Precision 15. Call Brian at 941685-1400.

ANTIQUE PARTNER DESK: All wood, $1,000.

See at The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

AERIAL PHOTOS of Anna Maria Island. View and purchase online: www.jackelka.com.

ANTIQUE WOOD OFFICE chairs: Perfect for eclectic dining set. Circa 1950 from Anna Maria City Hall. Call 941-778-7978.

FREE GUN LOCK courtesy of Project Childsafe, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Holmes Beach Police Department. Pick up at The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. Don’t be sorry, be safe.

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE Individuals may place one free ad with up to three items, each priced $100 or less, 15 words or less.

FREE, one week, must be submitted online. Email classifieds@islander.org, fax toll-free 1-866-3629821. (limited time offer)

ESTATE SALES ESTATE SALE: 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, June 5.

405 80th St., Holmes Beach. Sofas in C sectional, dining room set, king and queen beds, dressers, lamps, mirror, collectibles, including Barbie dolls.

Costume jewelry, desks, wicker chairs, vacuum, patio, including teak table and chairs, plants, prints, etagere, kitchen linens and tools. You must wear a mask to enter. Pics at: estateslaes.net.

Sale conducted by Palma Sola Sales.

Sandy’s Lawn Service Inc. ESTABLISHED IN 1983

Residential & Commercial Full-service lawn maintenance.

Landscaping ~ Cleanups Hauling ~ Tree Trimming.

LICENSED & INSURED

Paradise Improvements

LOST AND FOUND

941.792.5600

LOST IN THE water at Bungalow Resort, a gold-and-adiantum ring. Sentimental. Reward. e mail cohenakos@aol.com.

Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Specialist Replacement Doors and Windows

Andrew Chennault

FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED Island References Lic#CBC056755

PETS

CBC 1253471

RDI CONSTRUCTION INC.

HELP RESCUED PETS! Volunteer, foster, computer help needed! Moonracer Animal Rescue.

Email: moonraceranimalrescue@gmail.com.

Residential & Condo Renovations Kitchens • Bath • Design Service Carpentry • Flooring • Painting Commercial & Residential

TRANSPORTATION

References available • 941-720-7519

2014 EZ-GO GOLF cart: Three-rows seats, gas, custom wheels. Candy apple red. $7,950. 813781-7562.

AdoptA-Pet

2018 CLUB CAR: President stretch, six passenger (three rows with rear flip seat). Gas, high speed gears, licensed and street ready. Garaged, used six months. $8,000. 941-209-8690.

Honey is 5 years old.

She is up to date with vaccinations, spayed and looking for a loving family.

To meet this sweetie, call Lisa Williams at 941-345-2441 or visit The Islander office in Holmes Beach.

For more about pet adoption or to adopt Honey, visit moonraceranimalrescue.com.

NISSAN XTERRA SE: 2003 V6. Newer tires, wellmaintained, perfect for active tradesman. $2,450.

941-224-4697.

PropertyWatch

ANSWERS TO JUNE 3 PUZZLE

A R K A N S A S

T H E V A U L T

P I N E T R E E

O U T S

S U S H I

E R N I E

Z A M F I R

E Q U I N E

P U Z Z L E

A R N O A T C I G S S E W E N E B E T X A T S T R E C I A S O N L O R D A N E R D R G E L E C U R P O M A I L I N Z L E D Z E R A T E S E S

A P A R T

N A R R A T K I O V P E S S B U E S U S R E R X E H H U A R P L

C R E A T I N E

D A L I A N C O N G A

H I T T I N G T H E P A N I C B U T T O N

O C T E T

H O O T I E N I E L S E N S

V Y I O E S D F B A C O N U S S P S P E S E S T D P N A I G U B O L E S T B T H E E A T R G A G A S O N

S P L U R G E S

P L A N T O I L S

S I S T U A N T B E L R O S T H S T

E A S T E R N A U S T R A L I A

M E N U

By Jesse Brisson

5616 Guava St., Holmes Beach, a 1,426 sfla / 1,500 sfur 3bed/2bath duplex built in 1952 on a 10,918 sq ft lot was sold 05/07/20, Davis Properties AMI LLC to Cochrane for $989,000.

125 49th St., Holmes Beach, a 3,641 sfla / 3,700 sfur 4bed/3bath duplex with pool built in 1960 on a 10,000 sq ft lot was sold 05/05/20, Fraser Development LLC to Piccninni for $950,000.

241 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach, a 1,568 sfla O3bed/2bath/2car pool home built in 1996 on a 6983 sq R ft lot was sold 05/01/20, Frazer to Parks for $735,000; Dlist $749,000.

E 2210 Ave. B, Bradenton Beach, a 2,022 sfla R 4bed/2bath home built in 1959 on a 5,000 sq ft lot S was sold 04/30/20, Whitney to DeVries for $655,000; Dlist $650,000.

5300 Gulf Drive, Unit 103, Martinique North, E NHolmes Beach, a 1,169 sfla 3bed/2bath/1car GulfS front condo with shared pool built in 1971 was sold 05/04/20, Denney to Thomasson for $650,000; list $699,999.

A 501 Gulf Drive N., Unit 305, Bridgeport, BradenN ton Beach, a 1,128 sfla / 1,198 sfur 2bed/2bath condo S with shared pool built in 1982 was sold 05/07/20, W E Flynn to Kelly for $345,000; list $370,000.

Jesse Brisson, broker/associate at Keller Williams R on the Water, can be reached at 941-713-4755.

E

E N T I R E

D E E M E D

T A H O E

E V I L S

I D I T A R O D

Z E R O Z E R O R

FISHING LoCAL fISHIng guIde for hire. Wanna catch more fish, have better bait, learn the local waters? Your boat, my knowledge. Call nelly, 40 years local fishing experience. 941896-2915.

HELP WANTED RELIABLE WORKERS WANTED for demolition company. Up to $20/hour. Transportation needed.

Call Larry, 941-807 5686.

HouSeKeePeR: 9 a.m. to? SoMe weekends. Laundry help, flexible hours. Must speak english and have own car. non-smoking property. Part-time to 30 hours per week.

Call Tom, 941-778-5405.

ReTAIL SToRe eMPLoYee needed for pack-and-ship company. Customer service is key. Basic computer knowledge added bonus. geography and world knowledge added bonus. Keystroke typing and tech savvy knowledge a must for working various office equipment. Willing to work within Covid-19 guidelines. driven, confident and consistently timely and regular. Please, contact frank @ 941-778-1911.

REPORTER WANTED: Full- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience required. Apply via email with letter of interest to news@islander. org.

KIDS FOR HIRE KIDS FOR HIRE ads are FREE for up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work.

Ads must be placed in person at The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

SERVICES

Island real estate transactions

SPonSoRed BY

WANTED: DOCK SPACE/boat lift/boat slip to rent or buy for 23-foot boat on Anna Maria Island. 203247-6405.

u fLY I drive your car anywhere in the uSA. Airport runs, anywhere. office, 941-4476389. 941-545-6688.

NEED A RIDE to airports? Tampa $65, St. Pete, $55, Sarasota, $30. Gary, 863-409-5875. gvoness80@gmail.com.

CLEANING: VACATION, CONSTRUCTION, residential, commercial and windows. Licensed and insured. 941-744-7983.

PRESSURE WASHING, PAVER sealing, driveway, roof, fence, pool area. Also, window cleaning.

Licensed and insured. 941-565-3931.

I DON’T CUT corners, I clean corners. Professional, friendly cleaning service since 1999. 941779-6638. Leave message.

MoRe BAng foR YouR BuCK? I t ’s a n old saying, but it’s true when it comes to The Islander. Look for more bang at islander.org.

Place classified ads online at www.islander.org

June 3, 2020 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

RENTALS Continued

BAYSHORE HOME WATCH (accredited service): Providing certified professional weekly home checks. Peace of mind while you’re away. 941-920-5597. Bonded/insured.

BLINDS, SHUTTERS, SHADES: Motorization. 30 years on AMI. Call Keith Barnett, Barnett Blinds, 941-730-0516.

4BR/2BA WITH POOL and large sunroom, garage, walk to first bay beach. 703-587-4675.

BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS JD’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach.

I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-9203840.

LAWN & GARDEN CONNIE’S LANDSCAPING INC. Residential and commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured.

941-778-5294.

LARRY’S BACK! SHELL delivered and spread. $55/yard. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, topsoil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941795-7775, “shell phone” 941-720-0770.

HOLLANDS PAINT, DRYWALL and handyman services: Interior/exterior paint, drywall repair, wall/ceiling textures, stucco repair, pressure washing. Over 25 years’ experience. All work guaranteed. References. Licensed/insured.

Call Dee, 256-337-5395 RE-ROOF AND LEAK specialist. Residential/ hotels/commercial. Repairs, shingles, tile, metal, flat. Quick response. Quality work at reasonable rates. References. Insured/licensed. #CCC1330056. Call Bryan at 727-277-9502.

RENTALS

iÜÊ ÃÌÀÕVÌ ÊUÊ,i `i } Ê* >ÃiÃÊ vÊ* Õ L }Ê,i«> ÀÊEÊ-iÀÛ Vi {£ ÇÇn Î Ó{ÊÊ ÀÊ {£ ÇÇn {{È£ÊUÊxxän Ê >À >Ê À Ûi]Ê iÃÊ i>V

WANTED PET-FRIENDLY annual rental on Anna Maria Island. Prefer updated and spacious, at least 2BR/2BA or more. Wanting to start lease beginning of July/August. 214-854-6496.

ANNUAL 2BR/2BA CONDO on second floor with bay views. Pool, tennis, cable and water included. $1,750/month. Island Vacation Properties, 941778-1000.

ANNUAL 2BR/2BA DUPLEX off Cortez. 3.5 miles to beach. Fenced yard, washer and dryer hookups, covered parking, non-smoking, pet friendly. $1,100/month. 941-721-8480. MondayFriday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., or email mehall@nclaimsadjusters.com.

CLASSIFIED AD ORDER

.org r e d n a l w.is___________ w ____________ ___________ ___________ ___________ a___________ ___________ w t e n i l n o ds___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ____________ ___________ ___________ a d e fi i lass___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ c e c ____________ ___________ a l P

____________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________

CLASSIFIED RATES: Minimum $12 for up to 15 WORDS. 16-30 words: $20. 31-45 words: $40.

BOX ad: additional $4. (Phone number is a "word.")

The deadline is NOON Monday every week for Wednesday’s paper.

Run issue date(s) _________

_________

_________

IMMACULATE PERICO ISLAND condo for sale.

Remodeled 2BR/2BA, 1,240 sf, quiet, private second floor with water views from balcony, kitchen and one bedroom. Storage. Decorator’s dream, bathrooms, granite, custom window treatments. All stainless-steel appliances. Full size washer and dryer. $260,000. 719-632-4800.

RENTAL MANAGEMENT AVAILABLE at discounted fees. 30 years’ local experience. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

GRIFFIN’S HOME IMPROVEMENTS Inc. Handyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. Insured and licensed. 941-722-8792.

COZY COTTAGE: SANDPIPER Resort, Bradenton Beach. Perfect for a 55-plus. Newly remodeled, turnkey, great deck. Close to beach, pool and bay. 1BR/1BA, washer and dryer. $115,000.

May do yearly rental. 941-251-4767, leave number on machine.

CHRISTIE’S PLUMBING

HOLMES BEACH: 2BR/2BA BEAUTIFULLY furnished, garage. Six-month availability. $1,750/ month, plus utilities. No smoking, no pets. 941778-2824.

TILE -TILE -TILE. All variations of ceramic tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship, prompt, reliable, many Island references. Call Neil, 941-726-3077.

REAL ESTATE

TWO ISLAND CONDOS available for rent: 2BR/2BA or 3BR/3BA. Call 262-705-0909 for information.

CORNERSTONE OUTDOORS: LANDSCAPE, installs, tree trimming, full-service lawn maintenance, cleanups, pressure washing. 941-2841568.

VAN-GO PAINTING residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper. Island references. Bill, 941-795-5100. www.vangopainting.net.

PRICE REDUCTION: JUNE/July/August.

Updated 2BR/1BA half-duplex with beautiful pool and hot tub. Great location close to beach shops restaurants. $1,200/weekly. www.palmperch.com. palmperch@gmail.com. Eileen, 732-492-6946.

Family Owned and Operated since 1975

Residential -iÀÛ Vi #CFC1426596

HOME WATCH: COTTAGE Watch & Services LLC. Scott Carpenter, Veteran USN- A.H.I.T. Certified home inspector. Licensed/insured contractor/realtor. Rates starting as low as $25. 941-780-7004.

HANDYMAN AND PAINTING. No job too small.

Most jobs just right. Call Richard Kloss. 941-2041162.

HOLMES BEACH: 2BR/2BA beautifully furnished, garage. Six-month availability. $1,750/month plus utilities. No smoking, no pets. 941-778-2824.

Landscape Design Lawn Care Cleanups Stone Paths Licensed and Insured

Island Limousine and Airport Transportation

Prompt, Courteous Service U New Vehicles 941.779.0043

,IVERY )NSUREDs !IRPORT 0ERMITTED

HURRICANE

Windows & Doors 941-730-5045 WEATHERSIDE LLC

LIC#CBC1253145

KLEAN MOVES: BEST movers in AMI. Small moves, long distance and local deliveries. No job too big or too small. Senior discounts.

941-877-6580. Ask for Reggie. KleanMoves. com.

ISLAND HANDYMAN: I live here, work here, value your referral. Refinish, paint. Just ask. JayPros.

Licensed/insured. References. Call Jay, 941-9622874.

Bed: A bargain!

King, Queen, Full & Twin, pre-owned from $30 new/used.

941-922-5271 www.sleepking.net

IMPROVE YOUR CURB APPEAL! Horticultural Design Services | Landscape Construction Landscape Maintenance | Irrigation Installation & Repair Brick & Stone Pavers | Walls, Gates, Fences | Tree Trimming Low Volt Outdoor Lighting Repair & Installation

_________ or TFN start date: ______________

Amt. pd _________________ Date _____________ Ck. No.� _________ Cash � _______ By _________

d � u No.

_____________________________________________________

Name shown on card: ____________________________________________card exp. date ______ / ______ House no. or P.O. box no. on cc bill ________________________Billing address zip code ________________ Your e-mail for renewal reminder: ____________________________________________________________

Web site: www.islander.org 3218 E. Bay Drive Holmes Beach FL 34217

E-mail: classifieds@islander.org Fax toll free: 1-866-362-9821 Phone: 941-778-7978

FOR MORE INFO 941.704.9025 ShadyLadyFL.com OUR BEST PRACTICES PROMISE IS APPLIED TO RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE.

317924

Credit card payment: �

Page 30 THE ISLANDER | islander.org June 3, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Bortell’s treats construction crew to local lunch

ToP LefT: A Shoreline Builders crew working at Bortell’s Lounge, 10002 gulf drive, Anna Maria, pauses for a photo May 21 with Marci Wilhelm, who co-owns the landmark business with husband Steve Rose. Bortell’s closed in 2018 and, following the makeover, is expected to reopen in the summer. Wilhelm said Rose was keeping the plans for the bar’s launch “under wraps.” Islander Courtesy Photos ToP Right: Members of the Shoreline crew renovating Bortell’s Lounge select from a lunch buffet May 21 that co-owner Marci Wilhelm, right, had catered by the Anna Maria general Store, 503 Pine Ave., to support local business.

LefT: Marci Wilhelm, left, co-owner of Bortell’s Lounge, poses May 21 with Brian Seymour, owner of the Anna Maria general Store, where the deli prepared the lunch for the Bortell’s construction crew.

Mike Norman Realty INC

2501 Gulf Drive, Ste 102, Bradenton Beach

DREAM CONDO Everything is new in this direct Gulffront dream condo!

Sweeping views all the way to Bean Point! Huge swiming pool on the Gulf, covered parking, storage, elevator and much more. Well maintained complex. Come see all that Anna Maria Island Club has to offer. $769,000.

OFFERING THE BEST SELECTION OF SALES & RENTALS ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND SINCE 1978

Diana Sinisi Diana Sinisi

Salty Real Estate Estate Salty Mermaid Mermaid Real 5306 Blvd 5306 Holmes Holmes Blvd Holmes FL 34217 34217 Holmes Beach, Beach, FL

Callme, me,your yourlocal localrealtor, realtor, Call forbuying, buying,selling, selling, or or for investing. investing.

941-564-0035 941-564-0035 Whatmatters matterstoto you, you, What matters to me. matters to me.

www.mikenormanrealty.com 31o1 Gulf Drive, Hholmes Beach 800-367-1617 | 941-778-6696

WE ROCK ONLINE

SURF SIDE New 4bed/4.5 bath/2car pool home with partial Gulf views, rooftop sundeck, incredible pool and spa area.

This amazing home was built with the details in mind, and the rental potential is through the roof. Call today.

941.713.4755

Jesse Brisson, Broker Associate, GRI 941-713-4755, jbrisson@kw.com



   

dianas@saltymermaidami.com dianas@saltymermaidami.com www.saltymermaid.com      



Your Home. My Priority.

islander.org

  



FOR SALE: 2202 Avenue B, Bradenton Beach. 6 Bed/4 Bath: $999,000.

Runaway Bay #220, 1801 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach: $339,000.

WE LIKE LIKES

Chantelle Lewin

Broker Associate Licensed since 1983

941.713.1449 MIRABELLA VILLA 2BR/2BA plus den, private, gated community.

MLS4465412 $378,800.

Lisa Marie Allen | PROUD SALES AGENT @ WAGNER REALTY 941.720.6674 or LMAllenRealtor@gmail.com

WWW.CHANTELLELEWIN.COM

ÓÓ£ÇÊ Õ vÊ À ÛiÊUÊ À>`i Ì Ê i>V

facebook.com/ Islandernewspaper

RELEASE DATE: 5/31/2020

New York Times Sunday Magazine Crossword

June 3, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 31 No. 0524 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

WIDE-OPEN SPACES

1

BY BYRON WALDEN / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ Byron Walden is a math and computer science professor at Santa Clara University, “currently on sabbatical at the exotic location of my dining-room table.” He picked up his love of crosswords from his grandmother and father and is now passing it along to his 8-year-old son. This puzzle is themeless. It features longer, sometimes more challenging vocabulary than usual, with only 122 answers (versus the standard 140). — W.S.

AC RO SS

1 How some stock shares are sold 6 Caesar-salad ingredient 13 Big name in swimwear 19 African grazer 20 Yalitza ____, bestactress nominee for 2018’s ‘‘Roma’’ 21 Woodworking machine 22 R. J. Reynolds product that once sponsored ‘‘The Dick Van Dyke Show’’ 24 Had legs, so to speak 25 Flying class?

26 Like some leaves and knives 27 Blast 28 ‘‘The Confessions of ____ Turner’’ (1967 Pulitzer-winning novel) 29 Scrapped 30 One who might say, ‘‘Your money’s no good here’’?

31 Overwhelming favorite 33 Roofing material 34 Dyes that can be used as pH indicators 35 Echo voice Online subscriptions: Today’s

puzzle and more Answers: than 4,000 past puzzles, page 28 nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year).

36 Eponym of Aqaba’s airport 38 Editorial reversal 39 Simmering sites 41 On the schedule 45 Chef’s creation 47 Crosses one’s fingers 49 Sophisticated 50 Subjects of four famous violin concertos by Vivaldi 52 Can’t take 54 Body part that’s also a Hebrew letter 55 Christ, to Christians 56 Flavorful 57 Colts, maybe 59 Sch. on Chesapeake Bay 60 Interstellar clouds 62 Fundamental dispositions 63 With 55-Down, inning enders 65 Pourable art material 66 Creature seen basking on the shores of the Galápagos 67 Superman co-creator Jerry 69 Sports icon with the autobiography ‘‘Faster Than Lightning’’ 71 Entertainer Minnelli 75 Bitcoin and the like 77 47th U.S. vice president

78 Comic actor whose wife left him to marry their neighbor Frank Sinatra 81 Airer of the gospel music reality competition ‘‘Sunday Best’’ 82 Classic Chevrolets 84 Eaglelike 85 One with a small but devoted fan base 87 AAA service 88 Restrained from biting 89 Places of intense scrutiny 90 Entertainment on a diner place mat, maybe 91 Alka-Seltzer tablet, for one 92 Early omnivore 94 Returning after curfew, say 95 Substance used to preserve the Declaration of Independence 96 Apt rhyme for ‘‘bore’’ 97 ____ Pieces 98 Has in mind 99 Mary I or Elizabeth I DOWN

1 Major tributary of the Mississippi 2 Gymnastics event for both men and women 3 The ____ State, nickname for Maine

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4 Targets of formicide 5 Mythical flier 6 Isolated 7 Account 8 Popular performanceenhancing supplement for athletes 9 Freaking out 10 Good-size wedding band 11 Competed 12 Rockyesque interjections 13 Spends extravagantly 14 Some biodiesel sources 15 Victorian home?

16 Whole 17 Judged 18 Things taken while waiting 20 Representative 23 ‘‘Capeesh’’ 27 Whiffs 29 Org. for lightweights 30 End-of-level challenges in video games 32 Items in 18” x 18” x 1¾” boxes 34 Like the hands in the Allstate logo 36 Keystone ____ 37 ____ & the Blowfish 39 What sneers express 40 Popular dating app 42 Lake drained by the Truckee River 43 Iniquities 44 Places of iniquity

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46 Spanish ‘‘that’’ 48 State capital on the Mississippi 50 Word with roll or bar 51 Muppet wearing a horizontally striped shirt 52 Chinese port city on Korea Bay 53 Occupy, as a booth 55 See 63-Across 56 English county that’s home to Brighton

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79

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58 Weather-map symbol 61 Butter, in Burgundy 62 Doctors Without Borders and others, in brief 64 Having a low neckline, as a dress 66 ‘‘Gotta split’’ 68 Group of 18th-century thinkers that included Voltaire and Rousseau 70 Numbers of concern to showrunners

72 The ‘‘Last Great Race 82 Some skilled workers in ‘‘Brave New on Earth’’ World’’ 73 Love match?

83 Lead-in to while 74 Respondent 85 Party line?

76 South African money 86 Former North Carolina senator Kay 77 Slo-____ fuse ____ 78 Pan flute musician in 89 Let fly iconic commercials 90 Clickable list of the 1980s 92 W.W. II general ____ 79 Like a jackass Arnold 80 Your current 93 Clock setting on the occupation?

Big Island: Abbr.

Visit WWW.ISLANDER.ORG for the best news on Anna Maria Island.

New Price!

Totally renovated 1BD/1BA bungalow in Seaside Gardens! Coastal kitchen, freeflowing living area opens to waterfront paver patio and boat dock! $419,000

Price Adjustment!

Waterfront Magnolia Manor Villa in Perico Isle. Rarely available end unit with 2 bedrooms and a den plus a 2-car attached garage! $314,900

What a Find!

Waterfront 3BD/2BA home in Key Royale!

Boat dock & lift, pool, sun deck, fully equipped kitchen w/ granite counters, & so much more! $894,900.

Resort-Style Living!

2BD/2BA updated condo with a great view, waterfront community, close to Anna Maria Island! $249,000

Maintenance-Free Island Living!

2BD/2BA turnkey furnished condo! Enjoy maintenance free living with steps to the beach. Heated pool and private garage parking! $370,000

Village Green Pool Home!

Remarkable pool home in West Bradenton! 3BD/2BA, heated pool/spa, 2-car garage and new AC in 2019! $335,000

Key Royale Pool Home!

Key Royale 4BD/2.5BA updated oversized ranch! Metal roof, hurricane windows and interior updates. Heated pool, dock with 2 lifts. $1,199,000

Cabana Beach Home on AMI! 5BD with den, fully furnished pool home, just a very short stroll to Anna Maria’s sunsets! Wonderful full-time residence or vacation rental investment. $1,499,000

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