The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020

#amItogether

VOLUME 28, NO. 50

OCT. 7, 2020 FRee

The Best News on anna maria island since 1992 astheworldterns. 6

Vote Notes. 3

Pet blessings‌

islander.org

blessed pets

Meetings. 4 HBPd chief provides parking update. 4

RoadWatch. 5 HB shuts down candidate’s complaints. 5 BB adjusts utility plan. 5

Opinions. 6 10-20 YEARS AGO

looking back. 7

longboat faces fine for sewage spill. 8

Happenings announcements. 10

AmE NEWS 11 renourishment rolls on.

12 Tourism tops 2019. 13 Community rallies to minnie’s rescue. 14 art league bypasses winter for springfest. 15

Gathering. 16 BB inks beach patrol contract. 17

More ‌ page 16.

islander Photos: amy V.T. moriarty

County repeals mask mandate, island cities adjust By ryan Paice islander reporter

The county face mask mandate didn’t last long without fines for enforcement.

Manatee County commissioners voted 4-3 Sept. 29 to rescind and repeal the mandate adopted in July that required people to wear face masks inside businesses when they couldn’t maintain at least 6 feet of social distance and allowed for fines to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Commissioners Vanessa Baugh, Priscilla Trace, Stephen Jonsson and Betsy Benac, who previously supported the mandate, voted to rescind the mandate.

Commissioners Carol Whitmore, Misty Servia and Reggie Bellamy opposed the motion.

The vote followed Gov. Ron DeSantis’ decision Sept. 25 to issue an emergency order to enter phase 3 of the state’s reopen-

2020

Streetlife. 18 get in the game. 19

NESTING NOTES: 20

Holmes Beach hopefuls face off in virtual forum

Wading into birdland. 21

By Chrisann allen islander reporter

football, soccer dominate ami sports. 22 Pelagics make a showing. 23

PropertyWatch. 24 CLASSIFIEDS. 24

ISL BIZ:

26

NYT puzzle.

As the weather cools, Holmes Beach is heating up.

The city has the lone contested election on Anna Maria Island.

Requested mail-in ballots are in hand, and the time has arrived for voters to choose among four candidates to fill two commission seats on the dais.

Election Day is Nov. 3.

Mayor Judy Titsworth, elected in 2018, is running uncontested and again will assume the mayoral seat.

ing plan.

Phase 3 lifted several restrictions, allowing restaurants and bars to operate at 100% capacity for the first time since March.

It also stripped local governments of

a sign posted Oct. 2 at the Cortez Bridgegulf drive entrance to Bradenton Beach encourages people to wear face masks to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. islander Photo: ryan Paice

Holmes Beach City Commission candidates — incumbents Pat Morton and Kim Rash, former Commissioner Rick Hurst and newcomer Jayne Christenson — participated Sept. 30 in a League of Women Voters of Manatee County forum via Zoom.

Following candidate introductions, each shared their backgrounds and moderator Alice Newlon, league president, asked several questions, allowing each candidate one minute to answer.

Newlon asked what is required to balance the interests of the residents, businesses and tourists in the city.

Hurst responded that the city must bring stakeholders together in meetings “to come up with sound, out-of-the-box ideas.�

He said the city has established more laws and ordinances through the challenges it faced, rather than speaking with people to find answers. “I think there are better solutions out there than what we’re doing right now,� he

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their ability to fine people for coronavirusrelated violations, including noncompliance with mask mandates.

In April, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued guidance on preventing the spread of the virus, stating that “masks are recommended as a simple barrier to help prevent respiratory droplets from traveling into the air and onto other people when the person wearing the mask coughs, sneezes, talks or raises their voice.

This is called source control.�

The CDC recommendation is based on what scientists know about the role respiratory droplets play in the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 paired with evidence showing masks reduce the spray of droplets when worn over the nose and mouth.

Florida lacks the kind of statewide mandate that exists in 33 other states so, in the summer, with COVID-19 cases spikTurN TO mask mandate, Page 2

said.

Morton said the commission does hear from stakeholders, but sometimes people do not like the responses they receive. “I could not do this by myself,� he said. “I rely on my fellow commissioners, as well as listen to our citizens, business people and visitors for solutions.�

Rash said visitors to the city must be informed they are staying in a residential community and should be apprised of regulations before or upon arrival. “I think the residents are adjusting to what the difference was 20 years ago,� Rash said. “And I think the residents are educating themselves on how to deal with vacation rentals and find balance.�

Christenson also said the issue is “a balancing act between three different types of stakeholders.� “I have a strong business background, which provides me with those tools needed TurN TO HB HOPeFULs, Page 3

Page 2 THE ISLANDER | islander.org OCT. 7, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

The Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge, 110 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, is host for libations and lunch Oct. 2 around the bar. People in Bradenton Beach were required by a county mandate to wear face masks within businesses when social distancing couldn’t be maintained, but the county voted Sept. 29, on the heels of the governor’s Sept. 25 order eliminating the teeth from the mandate, to repeal the order.

Islander Photo: Ryan Paice mask mandate continued from page 1

ing, many local governments implemented mandates, including Manatee County, Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Longboat Key. Assistant county attorney Bill Clague told commissioners that Phase 3 prevented law enforcement officers from effectively enforcing the mandate even though the county had not issued a single fine for violating the mandate.

“Our face coverings resolution imposes mandatory requirements to wear face coverings and imposes fines on individuals who don’t comply,” Clague said.

“Under the executive order, that is no longer enforceable.”

Clague said the county mandate “achieved quite a bit of compliance,” but needed to hold businesses responsible since, under phase 3, the only way to enforce a mask mandate is by trespassing violators.

However, he cited concerns with placing the weight of enforcement on businesses.

“The cleanest and most legally defensible way to handle this now is to repeal the resolution,” Clague added.

Commissioners had conflicting views on the mandate’s effectiveness.

“I don’t think the mandate really made a big difference,” Baugh said in support of repeal. “It’s really up to each individual business as to whether they want to enforce the wearing of masks or not.”

Whitmore argued that face masks were shown to be an effective countermeasure to the coronavirus’ spread, adding that the mandate should be altered, not repealed.

“I know masks make a difference,” said Whitmore, whose career was in nursing. “Masks do work, but I don’t think we can continue with the same ordinance we have today.”

Speakers at the meeting offered mixed takes.

“I just wanted to thank the commission for the mask mandate,” Bob Slicker said. “Scientific studies have shown across the board that masks work… .This is about taking care of people.”

Slicker, general manager of Swordfish Grill in Cortez, said the mandate made it easier for his employees to require mask usage among customers.

County resident Andrea Griffin argued against the

mandate, stating that it violated her rights.

“Our numbers are down. Why keep doing this to county residents?” Griffin asked. “We can govern ourselves. I don’t need someone telling me what’s right for my family.”

“I haven’t worn a mask before. I will not wear a mask going forward. I didn’t wear a mask coming in here. I refuse to wear a mask because it’s not your decision what I do with my body,” she added.

Trace moved to rescind and repeal the mandate.

Baugh seconded the motion, which passed 4-3.

Commissioners also unanimously voted to adopt an advisory proclamation proposed by Benac encouraging people to wear face masks if they can’t maintain social distancing.

“I want to make it clear: the recommendation on masks is not being changed by any medical professional,” Benac said. “They still say we should be wearing them.”

Also, the county requires masks in its facilities, including the libraries and administration buildings, and the county’s state of emergency remains in place.

A face masks order remains to be considered by the Manatee County School District at an Oct. 8 workshop and, possibly, the board’s Oct. 13 meeting.

Island reaction, adjustments Anna Maria Island’s three cities dealt with the recent wave of changes differently.

Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth said Sept. 30 that the city’s mask mandate remains while criticizing the county decision to repeal the mandate.

“It is apparent masks and social distancing are working to protect our citizens from COVID-19,” Titsworth said. “Out of respect for the health care providers and our citizens, the mandate should not have been lifted.”

Holmes Beach’s mask mandate places the responsibility of enforcing the requirement on businesses.

Under phase 3, the only change is the city can’t fine please, see mask mandate, Next Page

Experienced Staff. Commercial/Residential s WWW.MillerElectricFl.com Licensed & Insured, FL State Lic# EC13003233, EC13007205

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

Automatically elected in Holmes Beach, Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach:

Titsworth

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HB HOPeFULs CONTiNued frOm Page 1

to be a successful leader,” she said.

Newlon asked the candidates if they were concerned with the dwindling population of full-time residents in the city.

Morton said when he came to the commission 18 years ago, many investors were buying residential properties and flipping them to vacation rentals.

“A lot of times people are putting the cart before the horse,” he said. “It’s not right if you think of just one idea. You’ve got to really look into the community and consider all things, like the school.” Morton was referring to Anna Maria Elementary School, where

mask mandate CONTiNued frOm Page 2

businesses for failing to enforce the mandate, and there had been no instances of that occurring before the governor’s order.

“Nothing has changed. We still require masks and that businesses continue to enforce mask ordinances,” Titsworth said. “A vaccine still is a long way out and we don’t know at this time if it will be a success.”

In Anna Maria, the mayor retracted the city mandate but laid out a new order.

Mayor Dan Murphy issued an executive order Oct. 2 allowing businesses and special events to require face masks, as well as established trespass requests as the only method to enforce such requirements.

“We view the value of face masks differently than the county commissioners,” Murphy wrote in an Oct. 2 email. “But what they did is their choice.”

When asked if he thought it was a good decision to strip local governments of their ability to levy fines

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less than half the students live on Anna Maria Island.

“We need to maintain the unique character of the community that attracted us here 20 years ago,” Rash said, and suggested the city offer incentives to build family homes instead of vacation rentals.

Christenson said keeping full-time residents should be a top priority for the commission.

“People move here because they want to be part of a community. I think the quality of life for residents is the No. 1 thing we can do on the commission,” she said. “And that means enforcing our ordinances.”

Hurst said he “thinks it’s fairly simple.” He said most people who move to the city visited first and engaging visitors as part of the community could be for coronavirus-related violations, Murphy wrote, “Not in Anna Maria’s case, with our elderly and vulnerable population, but we will adjust as best we can.”

Bradenton Beach never enacted a mask mandate, instead depending on the county’s mandate.

Bradenton Beach Police Lt. John Cosby told city commissioners Oct. 1 that he isn’t concerned with the mandate’s repeal.

Face mask violations weren’t am issue, he said.

“We’ve only had one issue so far, so I’m not that worried about it,” Cosby said, adding that most businesses still have signs requiring mask wearing.

He said a person who refuses to comply with a business requirement could be trespassed and, if they remained on-site or returned to the business they could be arrested.

Mayor John Chappie did not respond to a Sept. 30 email from The Islander.

beneficial long-term. He suggested the city host a communitywide event each month.

“I think if we embrace visitors, make them feel part of the community, make them feel welcome, we become a community ourselves,” he said. “Imagine someone coming here and seeing that kind of thing while they are visiting. They would think to themselves, ‘Wow! This isn’t just a great vacation place, this is a community. We can live here.’”

The candidates answered about 10 questions on city issues, including form of government, parking problems, the city budget and replacing the Anna Maria Island Bridge.

The Zoom session can be viewed on the League of Women Voters of Manatee website at lwvmanatee.org/ videos/ or on its YouTube channel on youtube.com.

Vote

2020

Early voting polls open Oct. 19

The Manatee County Supervisor of Elections will open doors to select mainland polling locations 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, for early in-person voting.

The nearest to Anna Maria Island location for early voting is the Manatee County Utilities office, 4410 66th St. W., Bradenton.

Early voting is daily through Nov. 1.

Polls on election day will be open 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Voter registration for the election, which is Tuesday, Nov. 3, closed Oct. 5.

Meanwhile, a record number of the electorate requested ballots by mail, which can be returned via mail — postage is 70 cents — or dropped off 24/7 at the supervisor of elections office, 600 301 Blvd. W., Suite 108, Bradenton.

For more information, go online to votemanatee. com or call the elections office at 941-741-3823.

Please, send notices and listings for Vote Notes to news@islander.org.

Page 4 THE ISLANDER | islander.org OCT. 7, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Police chief provides permit parking update, fine increase

By Chrisann allen islander reporter

Holmes Beach is ready to embark on a permit parking program.

The city also is considering a rise in parking fines.

At a teleconferenced commission meeting Sept.

22, Police Chief Bill Tokajer updated the mayor and commissioners on the permit program, which offers residents and property owners decals for on-street parking in areas where parking has previously been prohibited.

Tokajer said the permit application is ready and the signs are posted.

Meanwhile, he is working with Citizenserve, the city’s internet documents platform, to get a payment system online by the first week of October.

Commissioners approved a “parking-by-permit-

only zone” in July.

For $15 per vehicle, residents and owners can obtain decals for parking 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in 619 spots removed from city streets when beach parking reopened following an emergency order for coronavirus closures.

Parking in the zone is unlimited 5 p.m.-9 a.m.

The zone was established for a six-month test period, which starts when the program is fully operational.

In July, commissioners also reached consensus to increase parking fines from $50 to $75.

Tokajer said Sept. 22, at the commission’s request, he reviewed the cost for parking fines and quantities of tickets in neighboring cities.

He said in 2018, Holmes Beach police officers issued 1,742 parking tickets. In 2019 officers wrote 1,690 tickets and, in 2020, through August, 2,703 park-

Holmes Beach parking investigation continues

By Chrisann allen islander reporter

Where did all the parking spaces go?

A significant reduction in parking occurred in Holmes Beach as the novel coronavirus crested.

In June, Michael Barfield, a paralegal who consults on the enforcement of open government laws and serves as board president of the Florida American Civil Liberties Union, requested all documents, emails and text messages about parking exchanged between Mayor Judy Titsworth and Police Chief Bill Tokajer.

According to Barfield, the city provided 864 pages of documentation related to parking, but still was lacking some components, including cellphone records for Titsworth and Tokajer, as of Oct. 1.

Barfield requested the records in their “native digital format,” retrieved from devices, but the city provided a hodgepodge of hard-to-read screenshots, that were not clearly time- and date-stamped, he said.

The Islander also reviewed the documents, which included parking surveys, reports and ordinances, as well as emails, invoices and text messages between the chief and mayor, staff, constituents and media.

Barfield’s actions came on the heels of a city meeting, held by Zoom in late April, when city commissioners agreed to Tokajer’s plan to remove more than 1,000 on-street parking spaces without a vote.

In July, following public protest, the city scaled back the restrictions and the commission approved a permit parking program with decals for residents and owners, reinstating 619 of the previously removed spaces.

Barfield said he was contacted by multiple people — some residents of the island, others “concerned citizens of Manatee County.” — when the plan was enacted.

So he dug deeper.

He said some documents, including invoices for “no parking” signs and banners, appear to have been ordered before the pandemic.

The Islander also reviewed the invoices produced by the city, which indicated the first round of signs were ordered in late March for the initial closures, then again in late April and May, after the commission gave its nod for the additional reduction.

“It was close enough in time that someone, either the mayor or the chief, used that as an additional reason why,” Barfield said. “But the beaches were closed for a period of time and it just kind of snowballed from there.”

However, the city’s code of ordinances states that as parking engineer, Tokajer could create a plan and enact it with consensus of the commission, which occurred in April.

Additionally, Tokajer stated in April that the mayor previously asked him to review parking and make recommendations. The COVID-19-related closures facilitated the task, he said.

Click! The Islander welcomes news of the milestones in readers’ lives. Send notices — along with contact info — to news@islander.org.

ing tickets were issued.

“The increase this year was because we closed all parking throughout the city and people were rebelling and they received tickets for that,” Tokajer said, in reference to the closure to on-street parking during the summer, when restrictions were tightened to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

In Holmes Beach, a general parking violation incurs a $50 fine, blocking an emergency access leads to a $75 fine and unlawful handicapped or Purple Heart parking triggers a $200 fine.

For general parking fines, Anna Maria charges $50, Bradenton Beach charges $75 and Longboat Key charges $30 but is raising it’s fine to $75 as part of a new ordinance.

Tokajer suggested an ordinance increasing the general fine to $75 and the fine for blocking an emergency access to $100. He also suggested a $200 fraudulent permit fee.

Commissioners reached consensus on Tokajer’s requests and city attorney Patricia Petruff said she would prepare an ordinance for consideration at the next work session, following the meeting at 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 13, conducted via Zoom. Instructions to join the meeting are provided on the city’s website at holmesbeachfl.org.

Meetings

Anna Maria City Oct. 8, 2 p.m., commission.

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

Oct. 22, 6 p.m., commission.

Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941708-6130, cityofannamaria.com.

Bradenton Beach Oct. 7, 9:30 a.m., CRA. Oct. 7, 2 p.m., ScenicWAVES. CANCELED Oct. 8, 9:15 a.m., commission.

Oct. 15, 9:15 a.m., commission.

Oct. 15, 11 a.m., pier team.

Oct. 15, noon, commission.

Oct. 21, 1 p.m., planning and zoning.

Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com.

Holmes Beach Parking signs posted along some Holmes Beach Oct. 7, 10 a.m., parks and beautification. CANstreets, including the north side of 45th street, east of second avenue, were approved with implementa- CELED Oct. 7, 6 p.m., planning. tion of a new permit parking system in July. islander Oct. 13, 6 p.m., commission.

Photo: Chrisann allen But Barfield also is concerned about how the city maintained its records.

“I asked the city for the data in its native format, which they are required by law to produce,” he said.

“And, of course, they couldn’t do that. Because, as we now know, they just allowed people to do this on their private devices.”

The Florida Public Records Law provides that “any records made or received by any public agency in the course of its official business are available for inspection, unless specifically exempted by the Florida Legislature.”

As of Sept. 16, city staff and commissioners were issued new phones with tracking systems so information can be digitally retrieved.

Barfield said the city hired an IT consultant who said the old text messages could not be recovered in their native digital format.

When Barfield asked alternate city attorney Tom Thanus Oct. 1 what efforts were made to retrieve the messages in that format directly from the cellphones — a forensic acquisition — he was told the consultant would look into it and get back to him.

In the meantime, he awaits the phone records.

“Once I receive the phone records, I can make a more informed decision about next steps,” Barfield said. “However, in light of my conversation with Mr. Thanus, I must say that I’m now more concerned. It appears that the city violated the Public Records Act because the requirement to preserve records in their native digital format is expressly set forth in the statute.”

Oct. 21, 10 a.m., code compliance.

Oct. 27, 6 p.m., commission.

Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org.

West Manatee Fire Rescue None announced.

WMFR administration building, 6510 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-761-1555, wmfr.org.

Manatee County Oct. 13, 9 a.m., commission.

Oct. 22, 9 a.m., commission (land).

Oct. 27, 9 a.m., commission.

Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org.

Of interest Oct. 12, 2 p.m., Island Transportation Planning Organization, Bradenton Beach City Hall and via Zoom.

Oct. 19., 9 a.m., Manatee County Tourist Development Council, Bradenton Area Convention Center.

Nov. 3, general election.

About meetings Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach commission meetings are taking place at city hall but also can be attended via Zoom. Holmes Beach commissioners are meeting via Zoom but other meetings are taking place at city hall. Manatee County commission meetings are taking place in person but can be attended via Zoom or watched on cable TV.

OCT. 7, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 5 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

HB candidate shut down on complaints, turns wedding crasher

By Chrisann allen islander reporter

A candidate for the Holmes Beach city commission is on the lookout for code violations.

Jayne Christenson, a candidate on the Nov. 3 municipal ballot, emailed the mayor and city commissioners Sept. 29, as well as code enforcement and Police Chief Bill Tokajer, with her complaint that a donor gave a three-night stay at his property in the 100 block of 48th Street for an Oct. 3 school fundraiser.

The donated rental is in a residential zone that is regulated for a 30-day minimum stay.

“This is the type of activity that is pushing our full-time residents away,” Christenson wrote.

Code enforcement initially agreed to look into the donation but, upon further review by Tokajer and the

city’s legal counsel, the city determined no violation had occurred.

During an Oct. 1 online candidate forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of Manatee County, Christenson referred to the incident, stating she was disappointed the city had no recourse for what appeared to violate vacation rental regulations.

“This one is not following the code, and yet, our enforcement officers and attorneys are sometimes too afraid to push the envelope, because they are afraid of being sued,” she said. “And we can’t be afraid. We need to stand by our codes.”

Tokajer told The Islander Oct. 1 that the outcome was not based on legal concerns, but about maintaining the city ordinances.

“It has nothing to do with a lawsuit,” Tokajer said.

BB prepares to direct utility funding to Gulf Drive South By ryan Paice islander reporter

Bradenton Beach has the money to bury utility lines along sections of Gulf Drive.

But city attorney Ricinda Perry, who city commissioners pegged to coordinate the utility project, told the commission Oct. 1 that they wouldn’t be able to bury Gulf Drive utilities in the north end of the city in time to meet a July 30, 2021, deadline.

The state-funded $2 million project is intended to improve the roadway aesthetically by removing aboveground utility poles and wires, as well as protect utilities from inclement weather by burying them.

The city hired a consultant in September, and early projections estimate the city will finish the project by September 2021, after the state’s funding deadline.

Perry said she asked for an extension of the $2 million appropriation but learned the state isn’t granting extensions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

She said the project would be lengthy because a contractor would be expected to bore for utility lines down each residential street.

Instead, Perry said the city could proceed with burying utilities in sections at the southern end of the city — near the Coquina and Cortez beaches — where there are fewer residential streets.

She asked the city to submit another $2 million appropriation’s request to the state for the utility lines at the north end of Gulf Drive in 2022.

Commissioners voted 4-0 to submit the request to the state, with Commissioner Jan Vosburgh absent with excuse.

There was no public comment.

In other business, commissioners: • Voted 4-0 to add $2,500 to the emergency operations budget to pay public works director Tom Woodard for his work carrying out emergency operations; • Reached consensus to discuss Katie Pierola Park that landscaping and the addition of three benches.

The city’s next regular meeting is scheduled for noon Thursday, Oct. 15, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive S. People can participate via Zoom using directions posted online, at www.cityofbradentonbeach.com.

“It is just what is allowed or not by our ordinance. Our ordinances are very specific and do not speak to an event like that in any manner.”

Later, on Oct. 3, HBPD responded to an anonymous complaint regarding a wedding at the beach near 52nd Street.

According to the police report from the wedding officiant, Christenson approached him on the beach prior to the ceremony and identified herself by name and as a commission candidate and asked if the event had a permit. The wedding official said he told Christenson they did, but she called a complaint to HBPD. Tokajer confirmed the wedding had a permit and it was approved.

“We have signs posted at beach accesses that state weddings cannot be performed without a permit,” he said Oct. 5. “People have been complying and we have not had to shut down any weddings.”

RoadWatch

Eyes on the road

The Florida Department of Transportation and Manatee County posted the following: • Cortez Road and 119th Street West in Cortez: Work to realign the intersection of 119th Street West at Cortez Road/State Road 684 continues. Phase 2 involves construction on the north side of Cortez Road.

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

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

And, a reminder, a fare-free trolley operates daily on Anna Maria Island.

— lisa Neff

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Page 6 THE ISLANDER | islander.org OCT. 7, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Opinion

Our

Where are our winter friends?

Here we go, a few weeks into fall, and it’s time to raise our banner, “Welcome Back, Winter Friends.”

We should be welcoming flocks of Yankee snowbirds to Anna Maria Island, but 2020 is amuck.

The fall migration is facing challenges.

First off, it’s not so cold up north. The fall weather is just starting to cool and the leaves may be turning in the Carolinas, but upper New York and Maine colors aren’t coming along yet this year. It’s too warm.

Another holdup? The election. Folks seem eager to vote at home and with one political party falsely claiming foul play with mail-in voting, we may have voters waiting to cast their ballots at the polls.

And the invisible problem? COVID-19. The pandemic.

New York City is putting some hot spots back into lockdown, while Florida has opened the floodgates.

With Florida in phase 3, there are no restrictions and no protections from the spread of the novel coronavirus for people who feel vulnerable or who don’t trust the government to have our backs.

Everyone is left to fend for themselves when it comes to masks and social distancing.

Businesses that maintain protection for employees and customers by requiring masks have to call for law enforcement as the only recourse to people who insist on risky behavior. And they must sign trespass orders that can — if violated — allow for the person’s arrest if they return to the property. With the governor’s orders, it’s the only tool that remains for businesses to provide a safe environment for customers and maintain trust with their employees.

It’s hard enough to imagine venturing out these days when too often there is obvious bad behavior posted on social media. It doesn’t bode well for people like myself, who are trying to follow the guidelines to protect ourselves and our family members.

We don’t have to look far for examples of bad behavior ... especially with the exposure of our president, who over the weekend was undergoing treatment in the hospital. Royal treatment, mind you.

And the exposure went far and wide at the White House and among the president’s associates.

The only good news, as we learn of more infections among the party cronies: They may be forced to delay a vote on the next Supreme Court justice.

And RBG may get her dying wish.

So welcome back to our winter friends, those who brave these crazy times for their return to paradise.

We’re glad you’re here.

— Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

OCT. 7, 2020 • Vol. 28, No. 50 Publisher and Editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org ▼ Editorial lisa Neff, editor, lisa@islander.org Chrisann allen, chrisann@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org Jack elka, jack@jackelka.com amy V.T. moriarty, amym@islander.org ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org ▼ Contributors 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 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

Opinion

Your

Water quality concerns

This letter is to express my concerns over the poor and apparently still deteriorating conditions of the tidal waters in Bimini Bay. Bimini Bay, for the purpose of this letter, is the network of canals north of the inlet from Tampa Bay at Galati Marina.

My wife and I have lived on the Marina Drive end of the canal on 83rd Street for more than 20 years and, until this spring, we would point out crabs, starfish, schooling mullet and the like to generations of grandchildren.

This year, the spring turbidity never cleared up.

Now, a bright white golf ball on a string disappears from view in less than 2 feet of water.

I have several friends who live on canals farther into the same canal network who say that their water has not cleared for a few years.

Having no means of identifying the cause of the poor water quality I only can make assumptions.

I’ve been considering purchasing one of the “reef boxes” that the Center of Anna Maria Island is promoting and then asking others to do the same, but now I’m afraid the water quality is so bad the aquatic life that they attract would not survive.

I’m asking for input on how this bad situation might be mitigated.

Scott Ricci, Holmes Beach

To say that I love the waters of our area is an understatement. I cherish them. I know many of you do, too.

Preserving lands adjacent to our waterways is an important way to ensure our waters are swimmable, fishable and yes, drinkable when impacting the Manatee and Braden rivers.

These open spaces and natural places help clean up water before it flows into our sources of drinking water and our fishable and swimmable waterways.

While at the pier, we filled our bait well with shrimp and watched them instantly die — unaware there was a red tide bloom.

This would be our first sign of a harmful bloom.

And in the recent years the blooms have been devastating. There seems to be a direct linkage between polluted runoff and the increase in impacts of alga blooms.

While none of your children or grandchildren will experience our beaches as I did as a child, there is still the magic of our white sandy beaches and our wonderful Gulf of Mexico breezes.

The benefits of the passage of this measure far outweigh the low cost to the average homeowner of $29 a year.

Learn more at www.voteforwaterandland.org.

Merrie Lynn Parker, Bradenton

Vote for county ballot measure Have your say I’m writing to encourage islanders to vote for the Manatee County ballot measure, Water Quality Protection, Fish and Wildlife Preservation and Parks ad Valorem Tax and Bonds.

You’ll find it on the fourth page of your ballot.

My family moved to Anna Maria Island in 1948, when I was 3 years old and I attended Anna Maria Elementary School. My husband Chick and I held the lease on the Anna Maria City Pier in the 1970s.

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 (for verification). Email: news@ islander.org. Anonymous letters will not be printed.

Readers also may comment online. And, we have an active Facebook community. To join the conversation, “like” The Islander on Facebook.

OCT. 7, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 7 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Opinion

Your

Glitter, not gold

A city official recently wrote an eloquent soliloquy about the state of our “fine city.”

All stakeholders were “always treated with respect and dignity.”

Please know in advance that the intent of this letter is not to take down the city, but to steer our city in a more positive direction.

If you have attended meetings or experienced issues, you know that “all that glitters is not gold.”

My husband and I have attended hundreds of meetings and these are some observations: • Residents have been encouraged to speak at meetings, but when the Spring Lake residents did so, they were accused of “fear mongering.”

• When the dog park people wanted a master plan to contribute, they were told that they just wanted something to complain about.

• I have seen an official and resident blindsided by being “blocked” after doing what they were told to do by the city.

• The city tore out pavers paid for by residents and when residents expressed that they wanted replacements, they were belittled.

• I have seen a resident blindsided by chastisement in public setting by a longstanding commissioner, and a resident singled out publicly for a disability.

• When trying to find solutions to problems, some were told, ”Stay in your lane.”

The successes touted by the city do not lessen the impacts. Some have been made to feel trivialized with no voice.

Many cities have adopted civility pledges and elect fresher officials who are professionals with a desire to respond to constituents with positive action.

Please keep this in mind as you head to the polls.

Margie Motzer, Holmes Beach

Kids say vote clean water

We are kids who love and care about nature.

Have you heard about the Manatee County land acquisition referendum?

This referendum would add an additional 0.15 mill property tax that would be used to buy and conserve land. That’s about $29 per average home per year.

The land that would be saved with this money would filter pollution, helping to keep the bay healthy.

This land would also provide us with clean drinking water — let’s hope we don’t sacrifice that.

Why is this important to us kids? It is important because our future depends on adults protecting the resources we will need. If you don’t protect land, then our future is bleak. And because in 40 years we want to bring our kids here. We don’t want to show them a dirty polluted bay and the land paved over, devoid of the beautiful forests and meadows that once covered it; we want to show them the wilderness, we want to show them the wondrous world of nature you adults have witnessed.

If you want to help ensure that we have a future filled with the wonders of nature, vote for land and water in Manatee County.

Florida Kids for Clean Water, including Brice Claypoole, 12, and Coco Claypoole, 10, of Longboat Key, with an assist from mom Ali, as well as Dalton Jordan, 9; Mason Jordan, 13; Kaitlyn Cagno, 13; Jaden Cagno, 10; Ashley Aular, 11; Brianna Aular, 9; Sophia Riesen, 16; Addison Riesen, 11; Elizabeth Brooker, 6; Anne Brooker, 4; Daniel Rogers, 9; David Rogers, 12; Amber Rogers, 8; Abby Rogers, 13; Douglas Hanna, 14; Robert Hanna, 12; Madi Hanna, 6; Landon Vaccaro, 14; Ian Hughbanks, 9; Elliott Benson, 13; Maxwell Knight, 12; Khora Knight, 7; Logan Knight, 5; Yemaya Mauri; Nico Vieco, 12; Lola Besaw, 11; Belia Besaw, 13; Evan Sellers, 11; Colin Sellers, 8; Miguel Yepez, 9; and Aurelia Yepez, 7

Islander newspaper

10&20 years ago

Stories in the Oct. 4, 2000, issue of The Islander reported:

• Anna Maria resident Greg LaPensee, 18, survived more than five hours in the water at the Anna Maria Island Bridge when the car he was driving struck the bridge curb, became airborne and plunged into the water. The incident occurred at 1 a.m., but was not reported until 6 a.m. The bridgetender on duty said he did not hear a crash.

LaPensee did not remember getting out of the vehicle, which was 7 feet under water, but did recall clinging to the bridge pilings as he made his way to shore.

• Anna Maria commissioners approved Bob Welch as the building official. Prior to accepting the Anna Maria job, Welch was a construction coordinator for Manatee County.

From the Oct. 6, 2010, issue

• Manatee County Commissioner Joe McClash voted against seeking help to dredge Longboat Pass because he said the proposal falsely conveyed a safety risk to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

• Manatee County commissioners voted to purchase five diesel-fueled buses for the fare-free island trolley system.

• Anna Maria named Tom Turner the city’s Citizen of the Year for his service on the Anna Maria Historical Park Committee and the city planning and zoning board, as well as other efforts.

• Holmes Beach commissioners voted for a site plan allowing for the construction of a new, stand-alone Walgreens at the intersection of Gulf and East Bay drives.

— lisa Neff

E

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Page 8 THE ISLANDER | islander.org OCT. 7, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Longboat Key faces $240k fine for sewage spill By lisa Neff islander editor

The penalties go beyond monetary fines.

Longboat Key also faces a state order to replace its sewer pipeline.

Town officials at press time were reviewing the proposed order from the state setting forth penalties for spilling millions of gallons of sewage in a mangrove wetland about 350 feet from Sarasota Bay. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection said Sept. 28 that the town should either pay a $262,652 fine or create an environmental enhancement project of greater value.

The spill from the town’s only wastewater pipeline began June 17 on the mainland and continued until June 30, when crews cleared a path through the mangroves on undeveloped land at Long Bar Pointe to make repairs. Developer Carlos Beruff owns the land where the spill occurred.

A town consultant estimated 11 million gallons of raw sewage spilled from the pipeline, but the town maintains there was minimal impact on the bay and “nature” handled the cleanup.

a deP map indicates the location of a break in June in a wastewater pipeline from longboat Key across sarasota Bay to the mainland in unincorporated manatee County. a county sanitary sewer and water reclamation facility is east of the spill. islander file image

A DEP estimate put the spill at 17 million gallons and the earliest estimate, provided by the environmental group Suncoast Waterkeeper, put the leak at 26 million gallons.

In its proposed order, the DEP said the town violated state rules by: • Failing to maintain equipment; • Discharging wastewater without authorization;

Flipping for 50 a dolphin, documented as part of the sarasota dolphin research Program, catches a mullet. The program’s origins date to Oct. 3, 1970, when two male bottlenose dolphins were tagged in Palma sola Bay. That event was the start of the Chicago Zoological society’s sarasota dolphin research Program, which conducts the longestrunning study of a wild dolphin population anywhere in the world. islander Photos: Courtesy mote marine laboratory One of the dolphins monitored in the sarasota dolphin research Program, which turns 50 years old this month. The program, started by dr. Blair irvine and today led by dr. randall Wells, was the first to document the year-round residency of populations of bottlenose dolphins in coastal waters. “What has developed over the decades is certainly beyond anything we could have imagined when we first started tagging dolphins,” Wells said in a statement released by mote marine laboratory, where the Chicago Zoological society program is based.

• Failing to obtain permission to alter mangroves; • Failing to secure approval for dredge-and-fill activities.

As a result, the DEP said the town must pay the state $242,652.50 in a settlement or off-set the amount by implementing an in-kind environmental enhancement project valued at $362,476.75.

Also, per the order, the town must submit a sewer overflow response plan that includes procedures for sampling discharged wastewater.

The DEP proposal also requires LBK to: • Off-set the impact of the pollution by purchasing 0.3 saltwater forested mitigation credits from the Nature Coast Mitigation Bank; • Remove any fill material and return the site of damaged and cleared mangroves at the spill to “pre-fill conditions” as part of a mangrove restoration action; • Submit a plan, including start and completion dates, to install a new force main; • File permits for any impacts to wetlands, mangroves or waters with installing a new pipeline.

As to replacement of the decades’ old wastewater line that partly runs across the bottom of Sarasota Bay, Longboat Key town manager Tom Harmer said the project was in the works before the spill, with town officials and consultants working on engineering and permitting.

“We have asked them to work with the permitting agencies on an expedited process,” Harmer said. “We do not have a timeline yet on when we will be able to receive the required approvals. Once the permit and conditions are determined, we will be able to finalize the plans, funding and schedule for construction of the pipeline.”

He added, “The town’s plan is to move forward as soon as practical.”

The deadline is Oct. 23 for the town to sign and return the proposed order to the state, DEP public information manager Shannon Herbon said Oct. 1.

However, the town could reject the state’s settlement and seek a hearing.

Harmer told The Islander Oct. 1 that the town will follow up before the deadline with the DEP to discuss the order.

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

OCT. 7, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 9 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Island happenings

Page 10 THE ISLANDER | islander.org OCT. 7, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Privateers ask: ‘Who is Jack Sparrow?’ Johnny depp and Orlando Bloom are the stars in “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.� The anna maria island Privateers will hold a virtual trivia contest — and fundraiser — at 7 p.m. monday, Oct. 26. The category will be the “Black Pearl� movie. The contest will be conducted via Zoom and the cost to participate is $20-$25.

The prize-winner will receive an amazon gift card. for more information, go on facebook to annamariaislandprivateers. islander Photo: Courtesy Walt disney Pictures

Community Cal

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ONGOING ON AMI

Through October, Pat O’Neill’s “The Beauty of Acrylics� exhibit, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648.

AHEAD OFF AMI Dec. 4-6, Bradenton Blues Fest, Bradenton.

Jan. 5, 2021, Florida Maritime Museum reopens, Cortez.

AHEAD VIRTUAL Oct. 26, Anna Maria Island Privateers Virtual Trivia Fundraiser, socialevents123.com.

FAMILY ONGOING OFF AMI Through Jan. 3, 2021, “Water’s Extreme Journey� exhibit, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton.

Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131, bishopscience.org.

ONGOING VIRTUAL Manatee Libraries celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in September and October. Information: mymanatee.org/library.

AHEAD ON AMI

Chamber cancels Trail of Treats due to pandemic

A Halloween tradition on Anna Maria Island — the Trail of Treats — will not take place this month.

In September, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released guidelines for risks related to Halloween celebrations and recommended avoiding higher risk activities, such as traditional trick-ortreating, trunk-or-treating and indoor costume parties and haunted houses.

Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce president Terri Kinder said in a statement Sept. 30, “After conferring with the school and looking over the responses from our members to our survey, it has been determined that the Trail of Treats for 2020 will not be held in consideration for the health and safety of the children, their parents and our local businesses.� “We hope to make it a great event next year!� she added.

With the Trail of Treats, the chamber has partnered with island businesses that supply the treats to create a safe manner for families to celebrate Halloween.

Year after year, kids have gathered outside the chamber office in Holmes Beach for a costume contest and then embarked on the Trail of Treats, visiting businesses to collect candy and other goodies.

For more information, call the chamber office at 941-778-1541.

TIVE

Oct. 30, Trail of Treats, islandwide. CANCELED Dec. 4, holiday walk and tree-lighting, Holmes Beach. TENTA-

Dec. 11, holiday walk, Anna Maria. TENTATIVE Dec. 12, Christmas on Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach. TENTATIVE

COMMUNITY ON AMI Saturday, Oct. 10 9 a.m. — Keep Manatee Beautiful International Coastal Cleanup, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

ONGOING ON AMI Tuesdays into May, Anna Maria Farmers Market, City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria.

AHEAD ON AMI Jan. 1, 2021, Anna Maria Island Privateers launch 50th anniversary celebration.

RECREATION Paul fiedler, 4, is in character for his law enforcement duties Oct. 31, 2014, at the anna maria island Chamber of Commerce costume judging during a past Trail of Treats. This year’s event will not take place. islander file Photo

AHEAD OFF AMI Oct. 23, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament, Bradenton. SOLD OUT

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Saturday, Oct. 31, Halloween.

Sunday, Nov. 1, daylight saving time ends.

Tuesday, Nov. 3, general election.

Wednesday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day. Thursday, Nov. 26, Thanksgiving.

GET LISTED POST IN THE CALENDAR Send announcements for The Islander’s 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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OCT. 7, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 11 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

County school board to reevaluate restrictions Among the agenda items for the Manatee County School District board workshop set for 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, is the level of novel coronavirus-related restrictions in schools.

A report submitted in advance of that workshop states that “superintendent Cynthia Saunders will present the results of the Family Back to School Opinion Poll and will discuss recommendations for the second quarter of the 2020-2021 school year.”

Many events that traditionally take place in the early part of the school year — school pictures and PTO fundraising events — were put on hold or can-

Hold that pose, no date set for school pictures

The time-honored tradition of school pictures is on hold in the Manatee County School District.

Anna Maria Elementary principal Jackie Featherston said schools await direction from the district regarding the process by which school photos can be taken.

“Once we are allowed to have them taken, we will invite our e-learners to participate,” she said.

Featherston said she anticipates “an update on any changes as they relate to COVID-19 restrictions” after Oct. 12, a districtwide record day for teachers when there is no class for students.

Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

For more information, call the school at 941-7085525.

celed as a result of restrictions against nonstudents and nonstaff on school premises.

Anna Maria Elementary principal Jackie Featherston said Sept. 30 that administrators expected an update to the restrictions after the board meets at 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13.

The agenda for the Oct. 13 meeting will be posted about seven days prior and it is anticipated the results of the Oct. 8 workshop will come up at the meeting.

Both the Oct. 8 workshop and Oct. 13 meeting will be held at the School Support Center board room, 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

For more information or to sign up to speak, go online to manateeschools.net.

AmE NEWS

2020-21 school calendar

• Friday, Oct. 9, end of quarter.

• Monday, Oct. 12, record day, no school.

• Tuesday, Oct. 13, 5:45 p.m., school board meeting, 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

• Tuesday, Oct. 27, 5:45 p.m. school board meeting, 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

• Wednesday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day, no school.

• Nov. 23-27, Thanksgiving break.

• Friday, Dec. 18, end of first semester.

Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

For more information, call the school at 941-708-5525.

Blessings donations of pet supplies collected Oct. 3 as part of the annual pet blessing at gloria dei lutheran Church this year are going to the nonprofit moonracer No Kill animal rescue, according to the rev. doug Kings. moonracer is based at The islander newspaper office in Holmes Beach, where owner lisa Williams is office manager. islander Photo: amy V.T. moriarty

GoodDeeds

Assistance sought from AMI

• The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce collects food donations for a Manatee County Food Drive through October. Information: 941-778-1541.

• Keep Manatee Beautiful seeks volunteers for its anti-litter efforts. Information: 941-795-8272.

• Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals.

Information: 941-345-2441.

• The Roser Food Bank seeks donations. Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, administers the pantry, supported by All Island Denominations. Information: 941-778-0414.

By Amy V.T. Moriarty, amym@islander.org

AME PTO election stalled by tech glitch

The Anna Maria Elementary Parent Teacher Organization conducted an online election in Septemberearly October for its 2020-21 slate of officers.

But the results are still not known.

Following two weeks of online voting, the outcome was due Oct. 2. However, Janae Rudacille, outgoing vice president and election facilitator for Election Buddy, an online platform, said Oct. 2 in an email to The Islander that there was a glitch in the “write-in spot on the ballot.”

Rudacille said the online voting details, including the name of the write-in candidate, are unknown.

She said she hopes to have the winners announced

by Oct. 6, after press time for The Islander.

The PTO has arranged to have AME principal Jackie Featherston swear in the new board within days of learning the results.

Due to Manatee County School District novel coronavirus-related restrictions, this year’s election was held online and the swearing in will be virtual.

Voting was open to all members of the AME PTO, Nicole Plummer said.

PTO meetings also will be held virtually, using Zoom, as “allowed by principal Featherston and the school board,” Plummer said.

The announcement for the next PTO meeting is delayed until the election is finalized.

The 2020-21 slate included Nicole Plummer for president; Alana Fleischer for vice president; Kari Kennedy for secretary, and Lauren Wickersham and Brook Morrison as co-treasurers.

For more information, go to the PTO website at amepto.org or contact Rudacile at 941-730-8298.

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

A Hair Day Salon & Spa

Assistance offered on AMI

• The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce offers free face masks. Information:941-778-1541.

• Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee offers produce at select locations. Information: 941-747-4655.

• The Roser Food Bank welcomes applicants who live and/or work on Anna Maria Island for food assistance, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

Information: 941-778-0414.

• All Island Denominations offers monetary help, including relief for unemployed people. For information or to apply, call 941-725-2433.

Send listings to calendar@islander.org.

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Page 12 THE ISLANDER | islander.org OCT. 7, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Renourishment rolls toward Cortez, Coquina beaches

a sand separator and four bulldozers — part of a $17 million beach renourishment project — work in concert, pushing sand to eroded beaches on ami. The project, which started July 8 near 77th street in Holmes Beach, will terminate at longboat Pass. “it’s moving according to plan, barring unforeseeable weather impacts, and the scheduled completion remains end of October or beginning of November,” david ruderman, communications representative with the u.s. army Corps of engineers, a funding source for the project, wrote The islander sept.

29. for more about beach renourishment, go to Page 20 for Nesting Notes. equipment for a $17 million beach renourishment project lines the shore sept. 29 at the gulf drive Cafe, 900 gulf drive N., Bradenton Beach. Prerenourishment: “We had barely enough space to lay out a towel when the tide was high,” Brittany Jenkins, gulf drive Cafe bartender said sept. 29.

“We are definitely looking forward to the wider beach.” The new sand will add about 250 feet seaward of the existing beach. islander Photos: Chrisann allen

Beyond the shorebirds, two barges can be seen sept. 29 from the beach near 11th street North in Bradenton Beach. sand is mined from an offshore borrow area via the distant dredge, while the closer vessel boosts the sand in the pipeline to the beach. !"#$%&'(%)*+,-%./%*01*,"*23*%"2%,*-"4*2#"+5%,*6.4*5"278%4*-"72%+24%3.2-#,93#".28 5*#%9-%4*-"72%+%6.,*%:*+9#"/95%+24%/923#".2+5%-1+3*%/.,%).9,%5"/*-#)5*

!,((*@AB4C*'"*.+0%-2(%*)"2/*+"1D(&1%#',/)*-%.&:#*+"#.2(','&"#E

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!"#$%#&%#'()*("+,'%-*'"*.%/$%*'0%*+"112#&'&%.*"3*4##,*5,/&,6*7"(1%.* 8%,+06*8/,-%#'"#*8%,+06*9"#:;",'*<%)6*!"/'%=*,#-*>?*8/,-%#'"#

OCT. 7, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 13 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

August tourist tax collection tops 2019 count By lisa Neff islander editor

Tourist tax revenue in the dog days of August didn’t go to the dogs.

Tax revenue for the month — collected by the government in September and reported Oct. 1 — totaled $1,185,704.

In August 2019, the tax revenue was $909,638, resulting in an increase of 30.33% in August 2020.

Tax revenues for August 2020 also topped numbers for the month going back to at least 2014.

The tax is the 5% collected on accommodation rentals of six months or less.

The revenues began to rise in June after four months of decline when the state eased “safer-athome” restrictions and lifted the ban on short-term vacation rentals.

Some recent history: • Tourist tax revenue in July was $1,398,555, the highest for the month in at least the past seven years.

• Tourist tax revenue in June was $1,443,183,

Business is up island local Jane matthews-dunn has her nails manicured Oct. 3

by Tonya Tran at Zen Nails & spa at the anna maria island Centre shopping plaza, 3224 e. Bay drive, Holmes Beach. salon owner Hieu Tran reported his business’ numbers were up in august over the same month in 2019. islander Photo: amy V.T. moriarty

down 12.69 from June 2019.

• In May, the revenue totaled $558,014, down from $1,093,869 in May 2019.

• In April, overnight stays generated $449,904 in bed taxes, down 69.81% from April 2019.

• In March, overnight stays grossed about $1.78 million in bed taxes, down 34.59% from March 2019.

Tourist tax collections About 31% of the August tax collected, $367,568, august 2014: $632,532 was generated in Holmes Beach, according to the Manaugust 2015: $741,437 atee County Tax Collector’s report. august 2016: $677,613 The tax collected from Anna Maria accommodaaugust 2017: $782,698 tions was $208,962, about 17.62% of the total. august 2018: $792,685 Bradenton Beach produced about 5.74% of the tax august 2019: $909,638 collected — $68,056. august 2020: $1,185,575 Some more numbers for August: source: manatee County Tax Collector • Unincorporated Manatee County, $338,545, 28.55%; The state collection fee or commission on the tax is • Bradenton, $90,035, 7.59%; 3%, so the net collection for the Manatee County Tour• Longboat Key, $108,679, 9.16%; ist Development Council in August was $1,150,007.

• Palmetto, $4,014, 0.34%.

The numbers showed $13,970,530 collected between the beginning of the fiscal year, Oct. 1, 2019, and Aug. 31.

The tax revenues must be used to boost and develop tourism, including funding for the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Bradenton Area Convention Center and tourism-related entities, such as Realize Bradenton and the Pittsburgh Pirates, as well as supporting projects, such as island beach renourishment and some funding for construction of the new Anna Maria City Pier.

The TDC recommends a budget, which is decided by the county commission.

The September numbers will be released in early November and the August numbers will be discussed at the next Manatee County Tourist Development Council meeting, set for 9 a.m. Monday, Oct. 19, at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto.

Laura, Rick and Tori

AMI TOURISM: Endless Season

Elect Rick Hurst for Holmes Beach Commissioner

★★★★★ My Roadmap to a Stronger Future for Holmes Beach — Rick Hurst

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Validate our storm-water mitigation and other resiliency plans.

Challenge every department’s budget through a deep review of all processes and policies to shed any waste.

Involve additional stakeholders and leverage technology to find smarter ways to manage visitors. This endless cycle of more laws, more fines, more signs littering our city, more code enforcement is clearly not working and is wasting our tax dollars.

★ ★

Seek input from residents outside the “inner circle.”

Instill a sense of community.

For more info or to discuss the city’s future, email Rick Hurst, electrickhurst@gmail.com. Political advertisement paid for and approved by Rick Hurst for Holmes Beach Commissioner.

Page 14 THE ISLANDER | islander.org OCT. 7, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Mighty community rallies to rescue tiny island business By amy V.T. moriarty islander reporter

Social media has helped one Holmes Beach restaurant keep the lights on through the novel coronavirus pandemic.

“All I did was go on Facebook and invite people in,” said Minnie’s Beach Cafe owner Kathy Smart.

Minnie’s, 5360 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, is the longest continuously running breakfast restaurant on the island, she said.

“I thought a few extra people would come,” Smart said about her Facebook post reminding people the restaurant is open and in need of customers to keep it that way through hard times brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.

Then donations started coming in, along with large takeout orders and requests for large denomination gift certificates, said Smart.

She said an envelope with $100 began arriving weekly in the mail. Aside from the “P.O. Box,” Smart said there was no return address and no note. So rather than handwrite a thank-you card, she thanked the anonymous donor on Facebook, calling them Mr. or Ms. P.O. Box. That’s just one of the many examples of generosity and love the island community heaped on Minnie’s that

a Tampa Bay Times story by sue Carlton that published sept. 5 helped bring attention to minnie’s Beach Cafe — and patrons took it to heart. islander screenshot

Kathy smart takes a phone order Oct. 3 at minnie’s Beach Cafe as wife/chef mary doub, above, looks out from the kitchen.

They co-own the cafe where an uptick in takeout orders helped keep them afloat amid the state-ordered closure to curb the coronavirus.

brought tears of appreciation to her eyes, said Smart.

“We should change the name to Mary, Kathy and the people of the island,” said Smart, referring to her wife, business partner and cook Mary Doub. “They got us through August. We would not have made it through without them.”

Like many island businesses, Smart said, Minnie’s relies on money made in the early part of the year to carry them through slower summer months before snowbird season returns in October.

minnie’s regulars Todd and missy severson, left, and their daughter ali Pullen, of Bradenton, enjoy a late morning al fresco meal Oct. 3. islander Photos: amy V.T. moriarty

Smart said it was important to her and the rest of the Minnie’s crew to remain open through the “saferat-home” trial in the spring by serving takeout, smiles and free lunches.

Minnie’s has offered free meals for years to island youth during extended school breaks.

So when kids were home instead of at school in the spring and families were losing income due to pandemic-related shutdowns, Minnie’s was providing 40-50 meals per week for kids.

Still, business was so slow the small staff set up puzzles to work on between takeout orders. In addition to puzzles, Smart set up a couple of sewing machines to make face masks.

She said when restaurants resumed in-restaurant dining with reduced occupancy in May, she removed six tables to allow for more space between diners. Also, the popular community table was limited to guests who were in the same party.

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Sept. 25 that Florida was moving into phase 3 of the state’s reopening plan, allowing restaurants to resume 100% occupancy.

But Smart said she is “not putting more tables in until it’s safe” and, in a Sept. 29 Facebook post, she reached out again, this time to other island eateries, and learned many were not resuming full-capacity dining room operations.

Minnie’s is open 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday.

The decision to open an hour later and close an hour earlier than the restaurant’s pre-pandemic schedule allows them to serve all items on the breakfast and lunch menu all day, Smart said.

Good to know they can keep the takeout and table service — and the community-feeling — going.

To read a Sept. 5 Tampa Bay Times story by Sue Carlton that helped to get things going, search online for “minnies” at tampabay.com.

For more information, go to.minniesbeachcafe. com or www.facebook.com/justgreatfood or call Minnie’s at 941-778-4140.

j

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OCT. 7, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 15 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Center drops $46K in 2 months, future fundraising uncertain By ryan Paice islander reporter

The Center of Anna Maria Island is already under performing two months into its 2020-21 fiscal year.

But the situation still looks better than last year.

The nonprofit has lost $46,856 over the first two months of the fiscal year, which began July 1, including $34,370 in July and $12,486 in August, according to financial documents discussed at the Sept. 28 board of director’s meeting.

Despite the negative start, the nonprofit has raised more than twice this year than it did over the same stretch last year, when it lost $97,567.

The difference between this year and last can be partially attributed to a $8,217 increase in revenues, but the biggest deficit is $42,494 in operating expenses.

The cuts — a $25,136 decrease in program costs — are due to suspended programs during limitations to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Another major difference from last year is the center’s increased fundraising revenue. Last year, the nonprofit fundraised $31,661 over its first two months, but this year the coffers increased to $58,145 over the same period, boosted this year by $18,000 from the Zerby Trust; $13,000 from the Kessler Distribution, and a $9,800 grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s Green Initiative.

Meanwhile, the fate of the center’s postponed Bradenton Gulf Island Concert Series — as well as several other annual fundraising events — remains uncertain.

The Grass Roots concert scheduled for March 19 was postponed until Dec. 3 due to the pandemic.

However, the plans to restart the series this year may be foregone.

“We have currently not budgeted to have any events to take place at this time,” executive director Chris Culhane wrote in an Oct. 1 email to The Islander. “The Sandbar’s Gulf Island Concert Series, murder mystery, tour of homes, Lester Family Fun Day and all events

Youth soccer players practice sept. 30 at the Center of anna maria island, 407 magnolia ave., anna maria. islander Courtesy Photo: Center of anna maria island

will only occur when we feel that we can safely adhere to CDC guidelines and event participants and staff can participate in a controlled and safe environment.”

Culhane said the center would lose about $100,000 without the fundraising events, so “we will need to implement alternative fundraising methods to make up the shortfall.”

He did not offer alternative fundraisers.

He added that the center will continue to prac-

tice safety measures established earlier this year to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, such as taking the temperatures of staff and guests, wearing masks when unable to social distance and wiping down equipment.

“We will continue to monitor the current COVID situation and make decisions about our upcoming events based on the most recent COVID data,” Culhane wrote.

Art league looks to spring for annual festival The Anna Maria Island Art League will not hold the juried Winterfest arts exhibit in Holmes Beach this year and instead is focused on organizing a springtime event.

For years, the nonprofit hosted Winterfest in Holmes Beach city field in the 5800 block of Marina Drive but AMIAL did not hold Winterfest last December and will not hold the event this year.

The coronavirus pandemic is not the reason,

according to an emailed statement Sept. 25 from AMIAL that said Winterfest coincided with too many other events.

“We are putting all our energy and resources into Springfest, which we find is a great time for an art festival,” the statement read.

Springfest is set for March 13-14, 2021.

For more information, call AMIAL at 941-7782099 or email artleagueami@gmail.com.

Tiki & Kitty’s Let’s go shopping!

Tiki and Kitty are psyched about the beginning of fall and a touch of cooler weather as they make their shopping rounds. We hope you’re staying safe (and wearing a mask in the shops).

The Cat’s Meow, which showcases 25-plus fulltime vendors, is combining in October with Blue Flamingo for an outdoor market 9-4 on two Saturdays, Oct. 10 and Oct. 24.

There will be plenty of great vendors, plus the shops will be open for business.

Cat’s Meow has 7,700-square-feet of vintage, unique and repurposed items. Plus, there’s a mancave and a clothing boutique offering something for every taste and style. Be sure to stop by the market, say “Hey” and peruse the amazing assortment of fun and funky finds.

Blue Flamingo eagerly awaits you with upcycled and repurposed goods, renewed furniture and decor, from antique cameras to garden features, as well as fresh candle scents, jewelry, trinkets and work by local artisans. They also offer Dixie Belle paints.

Blessed and Distressed is a tastefully designed

Your place for fun, funky Great work from Local Artisans Upcycled, Repurposed, Vintage Dixie Belle Paint, Fun Gifts & More! theblueflamingo.biz

quirky!

store — so inviting, you’ll want to stay and visit — filled with collectibles and work by local artists at Palma Sola Square, around the corner from WinnDixie. It offers 30-plus vendors and artists, including vintage, upcycled, shabby chic, fanciful frocks and local crafts and art. You won’t be disappointed.

You Never Know Thrift has everything you could want: clothes, kitchen utensils, small appliances, furniture, DVDs and autographed sports memorabilia. The inventory is constantly changing. So keep going back.

You never know what you will find.

Scavengers Marketplace welcomes you to

shop at the Island Shopping Center in Holmes Beach. They carry a line of Fusion Paints.

Purchases at the store benefit Moonracer No Kill Pet Rescue — our most favorite pet rescue group, which is based at The Islander. Founder Lisa Williams is office manager and, along with board member/ Islander sales rep Toni Lyon, they lead the effort.

And don’t forget, tell people you meet along the way, “The Islander sent me.”

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5402 Marina Dr. Holmes Beach 941-900-1552

Page 16 THE ISLANDER | islander.org OCT. 7, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Gathering

St. Bernard to add service

St. Bernard Catholic Church will add to its worship schedule in October.

The church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach, will add a 10:30 a.m. Mass on Sundays, beginning Oct. 18.

The church has celebrated an 8:30 a.m. Mass throughout the summer.

Mass also is held at 8:30 a.m. Monday-Friday and 4 p.m. Saturday and parishioners can find Diocese of Venice services streaming online and on cable TV, with Roser offers online prayer details at venice.org/tvmass.

For more information, call the church office at Roser Memorial Community Church invites people to join a Zoom-based prayer group Tuesdays at 7 p.m. 941-778-4769. and Wednesdays at 10 a.m.

An announcement said training to use the Zoom Gathering teleconference platform, widely used for other activiGathering is the religion page for The Islander. ties during the pandemic, is available.

Please, send announcements, photographs and For more information, go online to roserchurch. calendar listings for the page to news@islander.org, com or call the church office at 941-228-5660. as well as calendar@islander.org.

Pet blessings…

Tidings

REGULAR WORSHIP

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

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

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

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

8:30 a.m. — Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414.

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 Church.

Please, see tIdInGs, NexT Page

blessed pets

From the cover … island guests Bambi, right, and her human, erica ewing, in the front seat, along with lola and her human, Becky ewing, drive by gloria dei lutheran Church, 6608 marina drive, Holmes Beach Oct. 3 for blessings, before heading home the next day to sidney, Ohio.

Chewy, 15, accepts blessings Oct. 3 from gloria dei lutheran Church pastor doug Kings.

Chewy and his human, lori Hill, Holmes Beach city treasurer, are locals who annually attend the event, which is in its 10th year.

far lefT: The rev. doug Kings offers blessings Oct. 3 to Jake, left, Teddy, right, and Buddy, hiding in the rear, in their owner’s vehicle. This year’s event was a drive-thru of sorts in an effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Kings said the event commemorates st. francis of assisi, the patron saint of animals, recognizing and thanking pets for the role they play in the lives of humans. lefT: island local Willow, an 8-year-old coton de Tulear, receives the blessing of the rev. doug Kings Oct. 3: “gracious Creator, bless Willow today with your love and protections. fill his life with fun and adventure, calm his anxieties and heal him of any ailments, and give him a long and happy life.” islander Photos: amy V.T. moriarty

SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM

Growing in Jesus’ Name

BUSINESS INSURANCE SAVINGS • Property • General & Liquor Liability • Workers’ Compensation • Equipment • Auto • Umbrella • Payroll

Sunday Service 10:00 AM

Please Register to Attend • Masks Required

In the SANCTUARY and ONLINE Go to www.RoserChurch.com Click WORSHIP-SIGNUP , WATCH LIVE or WATCH LATER Text ROSER to 22828 to receive the weekly eBulletin.

The CHAPEL is open during office hours for prayer & meditation.

941-778-0414 • info@RoserChurch.com • LIKE us on Facebook @RoserChurch

Worship With Us at Our Church 941-900-4903 The Rev. Dr. Norman Pritchard SERMON:

Visitors & Residents Welcome Watch our 10:00 AM service live: www.bit.ly/cclbksermons

or www.christchurchlbk.org (follow YouTube link)

6400 Gulf of Mexico Dr.

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941.383.8833 (office)

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PERSONAL INSURANCE SAVINGS • Home / Condo • Wind / Flood • Auto / Golf Cart • Boat • Motorcycle • Umbrella • Life

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OCT. 7, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 17 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Island police chiefs respond to use-of-force recommendations

By Chrisann allen islander reporter

Use-of-force policies are under scrutiny.

And law enforcement on Anna Maria Island is ahead of the game.

In September, the Florida Police Chiefs Association in Tallahassee released a report with recommendations on use of force and related issues in the wake of the George Floyd killing.

On May 25, Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, died in Minneapolis after police Officer Derek Chauvin, who is white, knelt on Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes while Floyd was handcuffed and pinned, lying face down on the street.

The FPCA report recommends the ban of chokeholds and vascular neck restraints except when use of deadly Tokajer force is necessitated by the actions of the suspect.

“This is a high bar only crossed when an officer must protect themselves or others from what is reasonably believed to be a threat of death speciale or serious bodily harm,” the report states.

Additionally, the report recommends: • Verbal warnings before shooting, when feasible; • Comprehensive reporting when force is used, including reporting when an officer points a firearm at someone, even if it is not discharged; Also, the report states it is an officer’s duty to intervene to prevent or stop another officer’s excessive use of force.

According to Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer, the HBPD has operated under the standards outlined in the report since he was hired in 2014.

“We have always used minimal force,” Tokajer said.

He said the HBPD logs all uses of force, recording 21 instances in seven years.

“None of them involved any serious injuries,” TIDINGS CONTiNued frOm Page 16 10:30 a.m. — CrossPointe Fellowship.

ONLINE WORSHIP Christ Church of Longboat Key, christchurchlbk.org.

CrossPointe Fellowship, Facebook.

Catholic Diocese of Venice, Spectrum cable TV. Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, Facebook.

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Facebook.

Tokajer said. “Mostly it was just pointing a firearm during an aggravated assault, no discharge.”

He added that Taser deployment as an additional use of force is reported among the occurrences.

Bradenton Beach Police Chief Sam Speciale did not provide a log, but said he expects officers to use minimal force and the department documents all uses of force.

“We don’t use a chokehold unless deadly force is warranted,” he said.

In 2017, BBPD Officer Eric Hill shot Douglas Schofield, 45, of Palmetto, in the midsection, after Schofield threatened Hill and other law enforcement officers with a knife and a survivalist hatchet, allegedly saying, “Which one of you wants to die tonight,” and then moving aggressively in Hill’s direction.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigation determined that Hill responded appropriately and said it planned to show a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office video of the incident — recorded via the MCSO helicopter unit — for training.

When asked by The Islander if a BBPD officer would step in upon seeing another officer using excessive force, Speciale responded, “Absolutely. I have no doubt. They’ve never had to do it, but I know they would do it even with someone from another agency

if they had to.”

MCSO deputies, who police Anna Maria, attend agency specific and in-service training including a use of force simulator, active shooter and ground-fighting tactics, per FDLE requirements.

The sheriff’s office also uses a formal complaint system, through which civilians can file complaints against employees for such actions as use of excessive force, harassment and any unlawful conduct.

“A proper relationship fostered by confidence and trust between the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of Manatee County, is essential to effective law enforcement,” the MCSO website states.

Additionally, Randy Warren, public information officer for the MCSO, said neck restraints are a prohibited practice.

“Neck restraint is NOT an authorized technique, and NOT a part of MCSO training or practices,” Warren wrote The Islander Sept. 29. “De-escalation is taught throughout training, and is a daily practice as deputies respond to nearly 1,000 calls per day in Manatee County.”

Read the report The Florida Police Chiefs Association report can be viewed at fpca.com.

BB agrees to beach patrol contract with county Policing miles of sand, sweaty beachgoers and an influx of motorists isn’t a cheap task.

Bradenton Beach city commissioners voted 4-0 Oct. 1 to approve an interlocal agreement with Manatee County to pay the Bradenton Beach Police Department $125,648.04 per year to patrol and provide law enforcement for the Cortez and Coquina beaches.

The county maintains the beaches, but for years has had an agreement with Bradenton Beach to pay its police department for patrols.

However, the city sought a new deal because the county’s pay — $94,236 per year — failed to keep up with the cost of services.

In the new deal, which began Oct. 1 with the new Harvey Memorial Community Church, Facebook.

Longboat Island Chapel, longboatislandchapel.org.

Roser Church, roserchurch.com.

EVENTS Wednesdays 6:15 p.m. — Wednesday supper, CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-0719.

6:45 p.m. — Wednesday Night Blast, CrossPointe.

Thursdays 9:30 a.m. — Women’s fellowship class, CrossPointe Fellowship, Holmes Beach.

Saturdays 9 a.m.-noon, Lord’s Warehouse thrift store, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941383-6491.

Tuesdays 10:30 a.m. — Book discussion group, Gloria Dei Lutheran

fiscal year, the county will pay $31,412.04 more per year for the same services and provide the BBPD with a utility all-terrain vehicle for patrols.

The agreement also features an annual pay increase based on the consumer price index.

The deal requires the BBPD to station 1-2 patrols on the beaches 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in the winter and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. during other seasons.

City attorney Ricinda Perry said the city asked for $120,000 per year and a 3% increase for the cost of living, but Mayor John Chappie negotiated a better deal with county administrator Cheri Coryea.

There was no public comment.

— ryan Paice

Church, Zoom-based. Information: gdlami18@gmail.com.

SAVE THE DATES Nov. 1, All Saints Day. Nov. 2, All Souls Day. Dec. 10-18, Hanukkah.

Dec. 25, Christmas.

About obituaries

Obituaries are offered as a community service to residents and families of residents, both past and present, as well as to those people with ties to the island. Submit to news@islander.org. Obituaries are free.

Paid obituaries can be discussed with advertising consultant Toni Lyon at 941-778-7978.

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Page 18 THE ISLANDER | islander.org OCT. 7, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Depression strengthens to Tropical Storm Delta The National Hurricane Center was tracking Tropical Storm Delta as The Islander went to press Oct. 5.

The storm had strengthened from a depression and was expected to build intensity over the next few days, the NHC said in a mid-morning advisory.

At 8 a.m. Oct. 5, Delta was about 270 miles southeast of Grand Cayman with maximum sustained winds of 40 miles per hour and moving west-northwest at about 9 miles per hour.

A hurricane watch was in effect for two Cuban provinces and a storm warning was in effect for the

Streetlife

staff reports

Island police reports

Anna Maria Sept. 27, 300 block of Tarpon Street, recovered weapon. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office received a report that a guest in an Airbnb lodging left his gun behind in the accommodation. A deputy obtained access to the home to recover the gun and return the weapon to the owner.

The MCSO polices Anna Maria.

Bradenton Beach Sept. 24, Anna Maria Island Inn, 2218 Gulf Drive N., larceny. A couple that stayed at the inn called the Bradenton Beach Police Department to report they forgot a credit card in their room and it was being used without their permission. The caller stated that the card activity began after an employee asked for information in order to mail the card back.

Sept. 27, 1300 block of Gulf Drive North, larceny.

A patrolling BBPD officer spotted a man who said someone entered his vehicle — which he thought was locked — while he was working and took a suitcase containing documents, including his Social Security card. The officer found no prints or signs of forced entry, so he gave the man a victim’s rights pamphlet and a case number.

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Cayman Islands and Cuba’s La Havana.

Delta was expected to move away from Jamaica later Oct. 5 and move near or over the Cayman Islands later that night.

Delta was forecast to move into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico later Oct. 6 or early Oct. 7.

The National Hurricane Center was keyed in early on Oct. 5 to Tropical storm delta. The graphic shows forecast wind speed probabilities for the storm. islander Courtesy image

Sept. 29, Drift In, 120 Bridge St., domestic disturbance. A BBPD officer responded to a call from the Holmes Beach Police Department regarding a domestic disturbance that began in Bradenton Beach. Upon arrival, the officer found a woman who said her husband found her with another man at the bar and began yelling at them before she left on the Island Monkey Bus. The husband followed the bus, yelling from his vehicle, before it stopped at the HBPD. The two were told to remain separated for the night.

BBPD polices Bradenton Beach.

Cortez No new reports.

MCSO polices Cortez.

Holmes Beach Sept. 23, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, warrant. While on beach patrol, a Holmes Beach police officer observed a person lying on a picnic table. The officer determined there was a warrant for the individual in Manatee County. The person was transported to the Manatee County jail.

Sept. 24, Jessie’s Island Store, 5424 Marina Drive, trespass. An HBPD officer responded to a verbal disturbance. The store manager told a customer to wear a face mask upon entering the store and the customer refused. The person was issued a one-year trespass notice from the store.

Sept. 24, Bali Hai Beach Resort, 6900 Gulf Drive, burglary. A person reported $250 missing from a locked hotel room. The resort provided the HBPD with a list of housekeepers on duty.

Sept. 26, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, alcohol. An officer was called to the public beach for a fight and possible overdose. Upon arrival, the officer determined the subject was intoxicated but conscious.

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The officer observed a bottle of alcohol next to the individual, who was cited for alcohol on the beach.

Sept. 27, 200 block of 65th Street, noise. An officer was dispatched to a rental for a noise complaint. The officer could hear yelling two houses away from the origin of the complaint. The tenant where the noise originated was cited.

Sept. 27, 100 block of 52nd Street, information.

An officer was dispatched to a fight in progress over a beach access parking spot. One person said the other person pulled a vehicle into a spot and tried to hit him with the car while he was standing in the space, holding the spot for a family member. The dispute was resolved and no charges were filed.

Sept. 27, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, disturbance. An officer observed three people in a verbal altercation. One person said another scratched and hit him. Witnesses stated the injuries were selfinflicted. The injured person was transported to the hospital and the other two people left the beach.

Sept. 27, The Ugly Grouper, 5704 Marina Drive, trespass warning. A restaurant manager contacted the HBPD about a person who allegedly was trying to start a fight with another customer. An officer arrived and trespassed the person who was instigating the argument from the property.

Sept. 28, Bali Hai Beach Resort, 6900 Gulf Drive, theft. A person reported a firearm missing from a room.

HBPD officers spoke with an employee, who admitted to stealing the firearm and led officers to where it was hidden. The firearm was returned and the gun owner did not press charges.

HBPD polices Holmes Beach.

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

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nesting notes

By ChrisAnn Allen

Shorebirds flock to AMI, sea turtles abandon nesting

As sea turtle nesting season on Anna Maria Island wraps up, shorebirds are going wild.

Twelve of 349 sea turtle nests remain as of Sept. 30 in an Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch â&#x20AC;&#x153;nurseryâ&#x20AC;? on the beach near White Avenue and Peppertree Lane â&#x20AC;&#x201D; near the Anna Maria/Holmes Beach boundary â&#x20AC;&#x201D; according to AMITW executive allen director Suzi Fox. The nesting and hatching season officially ends Oct. 31.

As of Sept. 30, 19,256 hatchlings had emerged from the relocated nests and crawled to the Gulf of Mexico.

Hundreds of loggerhead nests and one green sea turtle nest laid in Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach since season started in late April were relocated to Anna Maria due to the ongoing $17 million beach renourishment project, which includes pumping sand from offshore to renourish eroded beaches.

Following Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission protocol, the nests were moved so they would not be destroyed by the project and the hatch rate has been good, Fox said Sept. 30.

Now, shorebirds are enjoying the bounty of fresh food provided by the new sand, pumped in from offshore borrow areas. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shorebirds, including royal terns, sandwich terns, all wading bird species, our local laughing gulls and the black skimmers that will stay and winter with us, are really enjoying treats from the new sand,â&#x20AC;? Fox said Sept. 30. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We also have been watching a banded group of American oystercatchers along the shoreline.â&#x20AC;?

AMITW includes shorebird monitoring.

She added that colorful ruddy turnstones, which usually would be heading to the Bahamas for winter, have flocked to the island in larger numbers this year and might stay longer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We suspect the ruddys were not able to return to

shorebirds of various species flock sept. 29 to a makeshift peninsula of sand in the wake of a beach renourishment project on the shore in the 1100 block of gulf drive in Bradenton Beach. islander Photo: Chrisann allen a ruddy turnstone stands at the shorelineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edge in anna maria in august. The species usually migrates to the Bahamas for the winter, but might stay longer this year due to shoreline damage from Hurricane dorian in 2019, according to suzi fox, anna maria island Turtle Watch and shorebird monitoring executive director. islander Photo: Kathy doddridge

their local Bahama shoreline this year because of Hurricane Dorianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hit last summer,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They seem to have relocated here and are loving the nourishment project.â&#x20AC;?

Fox also said the fencing around the renourishment project allows the birds to move more freely, without human interference. And the equipment poses no threat. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People were worried that the loud machinery might frighten the birds,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But it is quite the opposite.â&#x20AC;?

To report sick, injured, entangled or dead sea

turtles or shorebirds contact the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.

For more information on nesting season, contact AMITW executive director Suzi Fox at suzifox@ gmail.com or 941-778-5638.

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OCT. 7, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 21 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

By Lisa Neff

Wading into a bird survey

From one year to the next, scientists in Florida wade into the issue of whether our wading bird populations are in decline, recovery or status quo.

A key survey is the South Florida Wading Bird Report, conducted annually, with the 2019 survey released in September.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District produces the report with support from Florida Atlantic University, Florida Audubon and others that measure nesting Neff success in the southern part of the state, especially across the Everglades.

Surveys recorded 37,303 nests for wading birds in the 2019 nesting season — “a relatively modest nesting effort compared to recent years,” according to the report.

The total is 72% of the 10-year average for the annual number of nests, which is 51,867, and almost 3.7 times smaller than the banner year reported in 2018, which yielded 138,834 nests.

Most species exhibited moderately or slightly reduced nesting activity in 2019 relative to 10-year averages: • White ibis, 21,667 nests, 27% decrease com-

a wood stork is a species of wading birds that scientists are monitoring in florida. a survey for 2019 released by the southwest florida Water management showed a 50% decrease in the number of wood stork nests when compared to a 10-year average. islander Courtesy Photo

increased over the past 20 years, frequently meeting restoration targets.”

The northern boundary of the survey area doesn’t reach Anna Maria Island, but the report contains lessons, concerns and cautions for us and the rest of the southwest Florida coastline.

For example, sea level rise played a role in reducing the numbers of successfully nesting roseate spoonbills, a species that depends on specific water levels to gather enough prey for their voracious chicks.

Also, wading bird numbers vary from year to year based on the availability of prey, which is heavily influenced by rainfall — the amounts, the times and the places.

In assessing the 2019 nesting season for wading birds, Audubon said a dry December heralded the start of a difficult 2019. Then heavy rainfall in early 2019 inundated nesting areas and spread out prey and successfully feeding chicks became nearly impossible for early nesters, including wood storks, spoonbills and great egrets.

Some other lessons for us in the report: • Loss of wetlands to development reduced the prey nesting wading birds needed to feed chicks; • Improving the flow of water improved habitat for nesting wading birds; • Increased funding for removing invasive exotic species helped to maintain and expand critical wading bird habitat; • Efforts to restore habitat for wading birds can be highly successful along the coast.

In the 2019 report, 42% of all nests found were in coastal areas, a region where scientists have worked to restore nesting for years. Five to 10 years ago, as little as 10% of all nests were found in these areas.

“We know that our restoration projects are actively benefitting wading birds and the environment, and we expect long-term improvement as additional restoration efforts are completed,” said Mark Cook, lead editor of the wading bird report for Swiftmud.

pared to the 10-year average; • Great egret, 3,487 nests, 64% decrease; • Wood stork, 1,488 nests, 50% decrease; • Roseate spoonbill, 472 nests, 8% decrease; • Tricolored heron, 1,453 nests, 5% decrease; • Snowy egret, 3,500 nests, 22% decrease.

“The success of the 2018 season moved the needle considerably in most measures, the 2019 season was comparatively disappointing,” Audubon stated in its assessment.

“It is important, however, in large-scale restoration efforts to consider long-term trends. LongMote activates animal hotline term data reveal that several nesting responses have Sarasota-based Mote Marine Laboratory and improved over the past 20 years, and the numbers Aquarium has activated a 24/7 hotline for reporting of white ibis, wood stork and great egret nests have distressed, injured or deceased sea turtles, manatees, dolphins or whales in the Sarasota/Manatee region.

The new number is 888-345-2335.

Cleanup continues Oct. 10 at Manatee Public Beach Mote’s stranding investigations program responds The 2020 International Coastal Cleanup con- Maria Island Moose Lodge, 110 Gulf Drive. S., to reports of distressed, injured or deceased sea turtles, cludes this month on Anna Maria Island with cam- Bradenton Beach, are hosting shoreline cleanups manatees, dolphins and whales in Sarasota and Manapaigns Saturdays, Oct. 10 and Oct. 17. at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17. tee counties.

A cleanup, coordinated by Keep Manatee KMB is coordinating the countywide cleanup Mote asks people to call the hotline and not Beautiful, will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at effort, taking place over weeks instead of a weekend attempt to assist any distressed or injured animal on Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes due to coronavirus precautions. their own.

Beach.

For more information, contact KMB at keep@ The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation ComAlso, the Women of the Moose at the Anna manateebeautiful.com or 941-795-8272. mission also operates a hotline at 888-404-3922.

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Page 22 THE ISLANDER | islander.org OCT. 7, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Center football, soccer dominate AMI sports scene

By Kevin P. Cassidy islander reporter

The standings are still pretty tight after three weeks of action in the kids fall soccer league at the Center of Anna Maria Island.

The 8-10 division has Beach Bums and Progressive Cabinetry sharing first place with matching 2-0-1 records, just ahead of second place Moss Builders, which stands at 1-1-1. HSH Designs follows at 1-2, Cassidy while Miz & Hiz Biz is 0-3-1.

The 11-14 division has Tidy MD on top at 3-0-1 with Gulf Drive Cafe at 2-0-2. Ugly Grouper at 1-2-1 and 0-4 Slim’s Place follow.

Action Sept. 29 for the 8-10s saw Beach Bums edge Moss Builders by a 1-0 score behind a goal and all-around play from Hayden Eurice. Ryan Cyrus had four saves in goal to help preserve the victory.

Austin Guess and Xane Flores teamed for three saves in the loss.

The second match of the night saw Progressive Cabinetry outscore Miz & Hiz Biz 3-1 behind a pair of goals from Jack McCarthy. Jesse Zaccagnino added a goal, Cammie Rudacille chipped in with an assist and Jack Zaccagnino made six saves in the victory.

Nixon Connor scored the lone goal for Miz & Hiz Biz while Liam Nunez and Bam Gartman combined on nine saves in the loss.

Action in the 11-14 division opened up with Tidy MD cruising past Slim’s Place on a 3-1 score behind a strong all-around game from Victor Albrecht. Albrecht had a hat trick and made three saves in goal, while Frankie Coleman added an assist for the victory.

Maddison Ferrari notched the lone goal for Slim’s,

which also received a save and an assist from Elek Brisson in the loss.

The final match of the night saw 11-14 division Ugly Grouper and Gulf Drive Cafe battle to a scoreless tie. Evan Taluci and Dennis Gallagher combined on eight saves for the Cafe, while Benjamin Young notched eight saves for the Groupers.

Adult soccer completes second week of action After two weeks of action in the fall adult soccer league at the center, Slim’s Place is alone at the top of the standings with a 2-0 record. Right on its heels with matching 1-0-1 records are Signature Granite and Blalock Walters. They are followed by a trio of 1-1 teams: Solid Rock Construction, Sato Real Estate and Ugly Grouper. Skinny’s and Progressive Cabinetry round out the standings with 0-2 records.

The action kicked off Sept. 30 with Slim’s Place rolling to a 7-3 victory over Solid Rock Construction on a hat trick from Brent Moss and two goals and an assist from Kevin Roman. Nick Bouchard added a goal and an assist and John Coleman added a goal.

Neil Fellowes scored a pair of goals to lead Solid Rock, which also received a goal from Connor Bystrom and eight saves from Mark Long in the loss.

The second adult match of the night saw Signature Granite and Blalock Walters battle to a 6-6 tie. Signature Granite’s Zach Lieb led all players with five goals, while Zoran Kolega added a goal and an assist. Steve Oelfke helped preserve the tie with five saves in goal.

Murap Akay scored two goals to lead Blalock Walters, which also received a goal each from Damir Glavan, Matt Staggs and Tyler Brewer. Jason Sato made three saves in goal.

Sato then outscored Skinny’s Place 9-6 behind four goals from Raul Loria and three goals from Jessica 3 lucky diners win Bolts swag Williams. John Haggarty and Trevor Fair each scored Island restaurateur Sean Murphy put out some goals and Rico Beisert made nine saves between the swag — autographed gear — for a raffle in advance pipes in the victory. of the Stanley Cup finals for three lucky fans.

The first prize, a jersey signed “by the friendly giant and superstar goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy” was won by Henry Lawrence. You may recognize his name from a 13-season career with the Oakland/LA Raiders.

Prize No. 2, a hat signed by Stanley Cup finals MVP defenseman Victor Hedman, was won by Debbie Mercier.

The final prize, a hat signed by Stanley Cup Finals leading scorer Brayden Point went to Eric Bell.

Murphy loves the patrons of his three Holmes Beach eateries — Eat Here, Doctor’s Office and Beach Bistro — and he loves the Tampa Bay Lightning NHL team.

He showed his love for both by sponsoring the Bolts swag was offered as prizes in a raffle held by raffle during the NHL hockey finals, with prizes sean murphy during the stanley Cup finals. Windonated by his pal, Bolts CEO Steve Griggs. ners were announced Oct. 1. The signed jersey was The raffle winners were announced Oct. 1. donated by lightning CeO steve griggs. islander — Amy V.T. Moriarty Courtesy Photo

City of Holmes Beach 5801 Marina Drive

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Keep your vehicle tuned to reduce oil use.

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Collect all used oil in containers with tight-fitting lids. Do not mix different engine fluids.

• NEVER dispose of oil or other engine fluids in storm drains, on the ground or in ditches and swales.

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If you see evidence of an illegal discharge, call Holmes Beach Public Works, 941-708-5768, or Code Compliance, 941-778-0331.

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Kevin Bell and Jonathan Aragon scored two goals each for Skinny’s, which also received goals from Katie Christianson and AJ Colagiovanni. Garret Richelieu came through with six saves in the loss.

Ugly Grouper closed out the Sept. 30 action with a 7-3 beat down of Progressive Cabinetry behind a hat trick from Ben Sato and a goal and three assists from Chris Scott. Nate Welch and Eliza Faillace completed the scoring, while Robb Marshall came through with 11 saves in the victory.

Progressive Cabinetry was led by two goals from Daniel Adan and a goal each from Andrew Sullivan and Keith Mahoney in the loss.

Flag football season progresses The adult flag football league at the Center of Anna Maria Island completed its third week and only one team remains undefeated. Solid Rock Construction is holding first place at 3-0, just ahead of Sandbar and Slim’s Place, which both boast 2-1 records. Ugly Grouper is 1-1 followed by Moss Builders, Beach Bums and Progressive Cabinetry, all at 1-2. Gulfview Windows and Doors falls in last with an 0-2 record.

The action Oct. 1 kicked off with Progressive Cabinetry cruising to a 45-20 victory over Gulfview Windows and Doors behind five touchdown passes from Brandon Kull and one from Wendell Williamson.

The duo connected with Donnie Dietch twice, while Kull, Brandin Holcomb and Cam Winston each added a touchdown catch. Winston also added to the scoring with a pick-six interception return for a touchdown.

Jason Sato threw four touchdown passes, including two to Matt Briley to lead Gulfview Windows and Doors, which also received touchdowns from Jordan Demers and an unnamed player in the loss.

Sandbar outlasted Moss 31-30 behind a huge game from Chase Richardson, who threw for a pair of TDs and ran for two. Anthony Mannino finished with two TDs, a 2-point conversion and an extra point.

Moss Builders was led in the loss by Ryan and Jon Moss who combined to throw five touchdown passes with Ryan Moss on the receiving end for a TD. Cole Carter finished with a pair of TDs, while James Roadman and Zack Long each added a touchdown catch.

Slim’s Place rode a defense that had three interceptions, including two by Connor Haughey that he turned into pick sixes for a 19-12 victory over Ugly Grouper.

Keith McQuillen connected with Haughey for a touchdown pass and Luis Campos added an extra point to complete the scoring for Slim’s in the victory.

Ugly Grouper was led in the loss by TDs from Ray Gardner and Octavious Cole.

Solid Rock hammered Beach Bums 40-20 behind three TD passes and a run for a TD by Tim Shaughnessy and a touchdown pass from his dad, Mike Shaughnessy. Cody Smith finished with three touchdown receptions in the victory, while Bri Roberts and Kari Stephens both finished with touchdown catches.

Matthew Manger threw for a score and ran for a score to lead Beach Bums, which also received a touchdown catch from Dina DeJesus and a pick six from Jaret Rojas in the loss.

OCT. 7, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 23 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Pelagics make a showing, live bait, artificials produce hookups

By Capt. danny stasny islander reporter

Recent cold fronts have heated up fall fishing.

During the past week’s cold fronts, we saw both inshore and offshore species becoming active.

Throughout the inshore waters of Tampa Bay, Spanish mackerel are making a presence, along with a variety of other migratory fish, including jack crevalle, ladyfish, blue runners and bluefish. stasny Using light spinning tackle for such bites can be entertaining.

All of those species readily take a bait and they all fight well for their size. They are attracted to live bait and artificials, which makes them attainable to all anglers.

For those who chose lures, I suggest jigs and spoons. Small jigs in white, pink or chartreuse will get the job done. As for spoons, anything silver should do the trick.

On the flats of Tampa Bay, popular catch-andrelease species — snook, redfish and spotted seatrout — are apparent and hungry.

Casting a free-lined shiner over the shallow flats is resulting in a bite from snook and redfish. For the trout, deeper grass flats are best.

Moving offshore, reports of pelagic species — kingfish, cobia, amberjack and blackfin tuna — are more frequent.

These species can be taken on live baits or artificials. Live bait presentations work best, but lures, such as top-water poppers, attract bites, too. Bottom fishing with bait while offshore is producing a bite, especially on yellowtail and mangrove snapper. Red and gag grouper also are being caught.

On my Southernaire charters, I’m seeing vast numbers of spotted seatrout on the hook. On some of the deeper grass flats, I’m seeing 20-30 trout caught in one area. Most of the fish are keeper-size, which is encouraging to see if the FWC is ever to open the species up

Spot on Nick Crowell of atlanta shows off a 28-inch redfish caught and released sept. 29 while fishing inshore near anna maria island with Capt. danny stasny of southernaire fishing Charters.

for harvest again.

Targeting catch-and-release snook along the mangrove shorelines is productive, with most catches 20-30 inches.

Catch-and-release redfish are coming to the boat in basically the same manner as the snook and schooling redfish are available if you know where to look.

Fishing structure in Tampa Bay is a good bet as I’m seeing as many Spanish mackerel as one person would want to catch. The bite is quick and abundant.

Mixed in with the macks are jacks, ladyfish, bluefish and some tasty keeper-size mangrove snapper.

Capt. Warren Girle is finding good action over the deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay. He’s drifting and casting live shiners as bait, leading his clients to a variety of species, including bluefish, jack crevalle, mangrove snapper and catch-and-release spotted seatrout.

While on this bite, Girle is putting anglers on limits

friends from longboat Key and sarasota — Chris and Bryan goodwin, Brenda moore-Terihay, ron shields, marc Pommainville and stacey allerton — fished Oct. 4 in sarasota Bay with Capt.

Warren girle. The group used shiners for bait and caught numerous mackerel. The highlight after catching dinner was a 6-foot hammerhead, caught by Pommainville and then released.

Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

AM

HIGH

PM

HIGH

Oct 7 Oct 8 Oct 9 Oct 10 Oct 11 Oct 12 Oct 13 Oct 14

2:23a 3:02a 3:52a 5:02a 6:39a 8:18a 9:37a 10:42a

2.6 2.6 2.5 2.4 2.3 2.4 2.4 2.5

5:28p — — 10:26p 10:34p 10:50p 11:07p 11:25p

1.7 — — 1.8 1.9 1.9 2.0 2.1

AM

10:09a 11:16a 12:33p 1:48p 12:35a 2:22a 3:28a 4:20a

LOW

0.4 0.4 0.4 0.3 1.7 1.6 1.3 1.0

PM

LOW

8:19p 1.6 — — — — — — 2:52p 0.3 3:46p 0.3 4:31p 0.3 5:11p 0.5

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

Fishing Charters Capt. Warren Girle

Moon

3rd

INSHORE RE Redfish Snook

O OFFSHORE SSnapper G Grouper

LIGHT G TACKLE C • FLY Over 30 years experience in local waters • USCG Licensed Full / Half Day Trips • 941.387.8383 (H) • 941.232.8636 (C) www.captainwarren.com Facebook: Captain Warren

Licensed

of mangrove snapper.

Moving into Tampa Bay, Girle is working structure and producing great action on Spanish mackerel. He says a bite is occurring on just about every bait cast into the water.

On shallow grass flats, Girle is casting top-water plugs on a jig head to target catch-and-release snook and redfish. He reports both species are responding nicely.

Capt. Jason Stock is catching blackfin tuna while working the offshore waters in the Gulf of Mexico. The tunas are being caught while free-lining live baits for yellowtail snapper. As for the snapper, near limits are being caught.

Pelagic species — amberjack, kingfish and cobia and even a sailfish — are coming to the boat while offshore.

As we experience more cold fronts, the bite on the pelagics will get better and better, Stock predicts.

Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says despite rough waters due to windy weather, the fishing is quite good on the north end of Anna Maria Island.

Pier fishers using live shrimp are catching black drum, flounder and mangrove snapper.

Catch-and-release species — snook and redfish — also are being hooked.

Pier fishers working with heavy tackle rigged with large baits fished on the bottom are hooking into some blacktip sharks and an occasional tarpon.

Lastly, artificials such as small white jigs are working on some of the macks, ladyfish and blue runners.

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

Southernaire Fishing Charters

Page 24 THE ISLANDER | islander.org OCT. 7, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

I S L A N D E R C L A S S I F I E D S ITEMS FOR SALE TWO KaYaKs: $185 for both. 941-518-1216.

HaWaiiaN uKelele, $30. Torch lamp, 7-foot, free! Text gene, 705-2757.

Car rOOf raCK: easy install, black, like new, $100, 941-920-2494.

large sale: 8 a.m.-noon, saturday, Oct. 10.

517 58th st., Holmes Beach.

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)

LOST & FOUND

Sandy’s Lawn Service Inc. ESTABLISHED IN 1983

Residential & Commercial Full-service lawn maintenance.

Landscaping ~ Cleanups Hauling ~ Tree Trimming.

missiNg CaT: lOsT avenue C and 28th street, Holmes Beach. flamepoint siamese, white, microchipped, friendly, named simon. 386-2142342, 407-267-5342.

PETS

LICENSED & INSURED

941.792.5600

HelP resCued PeTs! Volunteer, foster, computer help needed! moonracer animal rescue. email: moonraceranimalrescue@gmail.com.

Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Specialist Replacement Doors and Windows

TRANSPORTATION

Andrew Chennault

2019 eZgO TxT l6 express 72V 6-seater golf cart. White with beige interior, ready to be streetready. lift kit installed. $9,000. Basically new.

203-247-6405.

FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED Island References Lic#CBC056755

RDI CONSTRUCTION INC.

CBC 1253471

HelP WaNTed: Hard WOrKers for small family-friendly restaurant. front and back of house needed. inquire in person at Pizza social, 308 Pine ave., anna maria.

GARAGE SALES

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

Residential & Condo Renovations Kitchens • Bath • Design Service Carpentry • Flooring • Painting Commercial & Residential

References available • 941-720-7519

AdoptA-Pet

BimiNi BaY sailiNg: small sailboat rentals and instruction. day. Week. month. sunfish, laser, Windrider 17 and Precision 15. Call Brian at 941685-1400.

PropertyWatch By Johann Bertram

Island real estate transactions

sPONsOred BY

ANSWERS TO OCT. 7 PUZZLE T D E R N J U M T Y A B E T O N C T E R O F O N I L T H E A U T A N I N G G O U N G A R A G O G I K E

BOATS & BOATING

2004 PrOliNe 22-foot walk-around Cuddy. 2009 suzuki 250-hp. 813-240-2697.

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.

P F F R A B L I T I A S I E P A R I T S A T E P I C O M N O L O P A T T R I N E F O R S E S W S I T F Y S L I E S L S M O L I I T C S T A S N

CaregiVer frOm BuffalO, NY, looking for caregiving position in Bradenton, anna maria. 716-803-3591.

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.

sHiP’s WHeel TaBle: Capt. J. lindroth original masterpiece of inlaid wood and brass. 19-inches tall, 45-inch diameter. $1,500. also, related pieces. marinateal@gmail.com.

L O G O S U R P D I E T E E U N D I S H B R O D A D R E R A N S P M O C I T S O X T I E R E N D O F R U L E T L I V E O P I O P E N F E W E A R S E

HELP WANTED

WaNTed: YOur Old cellphone for recycling. deliver to The islander, 3218 e. Bay drive, Holmes Beach.

TeN-sPeed BiKe: good condition $50. 941356-1456.

Paradise Improvements

ANNOUNCEMENTS

R U E S

T R U C E O P A L

I N S T A

P E T E R I A V R L A O F R K I I C W A I N

O G L R O O E L L I C V A E T

S H A I T A L P E G L R O N E I C I N L L I C I E G L O V S E N E M D A R M E S E A L T O S E E N E D A R D G A L E E C O L E S T O E S K T O F L A A O L A L L D I N I L E V T U S E

L I E D E T E C T O R

L A G O S

A L I E N

S I L L

A S P

B S I L X Y

217 Willow Ave., Anna Maria, 2,993 heated sf on 11,099 sf lot, 4BR, 4/1BA, two-car garage, plus one-car garage, canalfront with pool, built in 2020.

Sold 09/30/20 by Sandy Bella LLC for $2,900,000; list $2,995,000.

505 S. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 3,202 heated sqft on 7,300 sf lot, 5BR, 5Bath, two one-car garages, canalfront with pool, built in 2014. Sold 05/07/20 by Christine Rev Trust for $1,562,000; List $1,625,000.

110 11th St. S., Bradenton Beach, 2,674 heated sf on 5,001 sf Lot, 6BR, 4Bath, two-car garage, pool, built in 2017. Sold 09/30/2020 by 110 11th Street LLC for $1,400,000; List $1,495,000.

129 52nd St., Holmes Beach, 2,756 sf on 10,000 sf lot, 4BR, 4BA, two two-car garages, pool, built in 2013. Sold 09/23/2020 by Brooks for $1,275,000; list $1,339,000.

304 61st St., unit A, Holmes Beach, 1,853 sf on 4,545 sf Lot, 3BR, 3BA, two one-car garages, pool, built in 2016. Sold 09/23/2020 by Gulf Coast Development & Services LLC for $1,058,000; list $1,150,000.

622 Emerald Lane, Holmes Beach, 1,950 sf on 11,543 sf Lot, 3BR, 3BA, two-car garage, canalfront with pool, built in 1969. Sold 09/30/2020 by Callaghan for $825,000; list $839,000.

208 83rd St., Holmes Beach, 2,495 sf on 8,999 sf lot, 3BR, 3BA, pool, built in 1956. Sold 09/25/20 by Cooper for $760,000; LiSt. $795,000.

310 64th St., unit B, Holmes Beach, 1,725 sf, 2BR, 2BA, pool, built in 1980. Sold 09/28/20 by Parsons for $725,000; list $749,000.

223 84th St., Holmes Beach, Holmes Beach, 2,692

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 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. We service VrBO and airbnb. licensed and insured. 941744-7983.

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.

BaYsHOre HOme WaTCH (accredited service): Providing certified professional weekly home checks. Peace of mind while you’re away. 941-920-5597. Bonded/insured.

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.

Premium CleaNiNg serViCes for premium clientele. 941-216-8238. a clean space is a healthy space!

V’s sQueaKY-CleaN Cleaning. residential, vacation rentals, move in and out cleans! as well as commercial. Honest, dependable, hardworking. Call Virginia today for a free estimate! 941250-8548.

sf on 12,320 sf lot, 3BR, 2BA, garage, pool, built in 1985. Sold 09/30/20 by Pritchard for $715,000; list $729,000.

5300 Gulf Drive, unit 305, Holmes Beach, 1,516 sqft, 3BR, 2BA, beachfront with pool, built in 1971. Sold 09/29/20 by Bredeweg for $650,000; list $700,000.

234 Gladiolus St., Anna Maria, 1,196 sf on 7,501 sf lot, 2BR, 2BA, one-car garage, built in 1971. Sold 09/29/20 by Cesare for $645,000; list $679,900.

4002 Sixth Ave., Holmes Beach, 3,116 sf on 6,499 sf lot, 3BR, 3BA, one-car garage, pool, built in 2000. Sold 09/25/20 by Simonye for $615,000; list $669,000.

4255 Gulf Drive, unit 110, Holmes Beach, 1,865 sqft, 3BR, 3BA, garage, pool, built in 1981. Sold 09/24/20 by Kratcha for $520,000; list $568,900.

1801 Gulf Drive N., unit 108, Bradenton Beach, 771 sqft, 1BR, 1BA, pool, built in 1978. Sold 09/23/20 for $271,000; list $279,900.

Johann Bertram, Realtor, can be reached at Michael Saunders & Co., 941-779-3856.

OCT. 7, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 25 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

RESIDENTIAL-BUSINESS CLEANING by Jessie.

10-plus years experience. Top-brand cleaning products. Honest, mature, trustworthy. References from long-term clients. I work alone so no “crew” in your home. I have bimonthly openings.

Text or leave a message at 941-526-9900.

ISLAND HANDYMAN: I live here, work here, value your referral. Refinish, paint. Just ask. JayPros.

Licensed/insured. References. Call Jay, 941-9622874.

WINTER SEASON RENTAL availabilities. Threemonth minimum. $2,800-$3,600/month. Call for details. Anna Maria Realty Inc., 941-778-2259.

BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS JD’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach.

I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-9203840.

OUTDOOR KITCHENS, STAMPED concrete, acid stained concrete! Let us create your outdoor space! RTM Solutions LLC. GC#1526400. Jason Searcy. 615-9341793.

BEACH SERVICE air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. Commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. Serving Manatee County and the Island since 1987. For dependable, honest and personalized service, call Bill Eller, 941-795-7411. CAC184228.

RENTALS FIRST FLOOR, SPACIOUS 3BR/2BA. Classy, 2020 total renovation. Beautiful, quiet Westbay Point & Moorings. Monthly, FloridaRentalbyOwners.com. #1590. Also, #1106, 2BR/2BA, gorgeous bay views. Monthly. Kayaks and bikes included.

Call Sue, 207-944-6097.

LAWN & GARDEN CONNIE’S LANDSCAPING INC. Residential and commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured.

941-778-5294.

SEASONAL RENTAL: 2BR/2BA, Ground floor, three-month minimum, large, heated pool, laundry facilities. 941-363-1227.

LARRY’S BACK! SHELL delivered and spread. $55/yard. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, topsoil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, “shell phone” 941-7200770.

WESTBAY COVE, 2BR/2BA waterfront unit for rent. November, $4,200. January, $ 5000. April $5,000. 973-208-0020.

VACATION BEACH CONDO: 2BR/1BA. Pool, fishing pier. $3,500/month. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

LANDSCAPING: DEPENDABLE, HARDWORKING. We go above and beyond. We are very professional. Call 941-226-3320.

PALMA SOLA TOWNHOUSE: 2BR/2.5BA. Off season, September through December, $800/ week. Call for availability and seasonal rates.

Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

HOME IMPROVEMENT VAN-GO PAINTING residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper. Island references. Bill, 941-795-5100. www.vangopainting.net.

2BR/2BA CONDO FOR rent: Pinebrook / Ironwood golf course community. Available December 2020 - May 2021, $2,400/month plus taxes.

Fully furnished, first-floor unit, both bathrooms completely remodeled in 2020. Master bedroom has queen bed, guest room has two twin beds.

On-site amenities within walking distance include: 18-hole golf course, tennis, clubhouse, swimming pool, sauna, shuffleboard and 160 acres to stroll, jog, or bike. No smoking and no pets.

This unit comes with a covered parking space.

Under carport Application and background check required. Contact Karen, 401-932-3402 or galipeaukl21@gmail.com.

TILE -TILE -TILE. All variations of ceramic tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship, prompt, reliable, many Island references. Call Neil, 941-726-3077.

GRIFFIN’S HOME IMPROVEMENTS Inc. Handyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. Insured and licensed. 941-722-8792.

BLINDS, SHUTTERS, SHADES: Motorization. 30 years on AMI. Call Keith Barnett, Barnett Blinds, 941-730-0516.

LOOKING FOR AN EARLY BIRD? Read the classifieds Tuesday at www.islander.org.

CLASSIFIED AD ORDER

.org r e d n a l

is

____________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________

ww. w t a e lin

on

____________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________

ds a d e fi i class

____________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________

Place

____________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ 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) _________

_________

_________

TOTALLY RENEWED HOUSE: Annual rental.

2BR/2BA, two-car garage. No pets, no smoking.

Ten minutes to Holmes Beach. $1,600/month.

941-792-6993.

RENTAL IN HOLMES Beach. One room condo with large bathroom, kitchen and bed alcove. Private parking and patio. Available Dec. 15-April 15, 2021. No pets. $1,800/month. 908-914-1182.

REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE SERVICES: Buy-sell-managementrentals at discount rates. Call me direct, Fred T. Flis, Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.

COZY COTTAGE: SANDPIPER Resort. 55-plus.

1.5-minute walk to beach or bay, near pool.

1BR/1BA, washer/dryer. For sale or rent. Call 941-251-4767, leave message.

Landscape Design Lawn Care Cleanups Stone Paths Licensed and Insured

HURRICANE

Windows & Doors 941-730-5045 WEATHERSIDE LLC

LIC#CBC1253145

HANDYMAN AND PAINTING. No job too small.

Most jobs just right. Call Richard Kloss. 941-2041162.

STEPS TO BEACH 1BR/1BA, totally renovated. March, April availability. Floridarentalbyowners.com#2097. Call Pat, 732-673-5462.

Bed: A bargain!

King, Queen, Full & Twin, pre-owned from $30 new/used.

941-922-5271 www.sleepking.net

AMI TAXI

professional, metered, on-call, gps, cards accepted www.amitaxi.com • amitaxi4u@gmail.com holmes beach, bradenton beach, anna maria

941-447-8372 airports • shops • dining

You can read it all online at www.islander.org $YDLODEOH $We 3218 E. BAY DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH 941.778.7978 • WWW.ISLANDER.ORG

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 26 THE ISLANDER | islander.org OCT. 7, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

isl

biz

Amy V.T. Moriarty

Holmes Beach eateries ‘ready’ for service

Island diners soon will be able to make reservations at one of the top-rated restaurants in Florida.

Beach Bistro, 6600 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, is taking reservations for seating on the beachfront and indoors starting at 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22.

The restaurant has been closed or offering only takeout items since March.

Since closing due to the novel coronavirus, owner Sean Murphy and his team have made improvements to the restaurant and, most significant is a new HVACsanitation system, according to a Sept. 24 newsletter from Murphy.

The Doctor’s Office, a craft cocktail bar with food service, will reopen at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, and staff will begin taking reservations at noon Thursday, Oct. 8, according to the news release.

Both Doctor’s Office, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, and Beach Bistro will initially be open starting at 5 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays.

In November, both will open seven days a week.

Murphy’s third island eatery, Eat Here, 5315 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, will continue to offer a menu of

MIKE NORMAN REALTY EST. 1978

G N I END

P

takeout-only 5-9 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays.

A date when the restaurant will resume in-person dining has not yet been determined, according to Murphy.

Reservations for the Beach Bistro and Doctor’s Office can be made calling 941-778-6444.

Takeout from Eat Here can be ordered at 941-7780411.

New to chamber office

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s newest employee is hoping to bring community members together. She joined the chamber staff in August.

Islanders may recognize Laura Micciche from Vinny’s Italian micciche Kitchen in Holmes Beach, where she worked for her uncle, Vinny Esposito.

Micciche has a background in event planning, but the pandemic mostly brought that industry to a halt, which led her to consider a new path.

That is when she came across a job opening at the chamber and, with her love of connecting people, she said the job seemed the perfect fit.

“This community is a very supportive one and I want to be able to enhance that by connecting people together that may not ordinarily meet,” Micciche said Sept. 29.

Micciche credits her “first real job” in the New York fashion industry for her strong work ethic. She said the job “really put me out there, meeting tons of

Mike Norman Realty INC OFFERING THE BEST SELECTION OF SALES & RENTALS ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND SINCE 1978

people … relating to and connecting people.”

Micciche and her husband, Michael, had been living in Key West but felt vulnerable after Hurricane Irma in 2017.

Having visited Esposito and falling in love with the area, the New Jersey native said they knew it was the place they would next call home.

Her husband developed a renovation business and the couple, their 9-year-old chiweenie, Ella, a Chihuahua -dachshund mix, quickly felt at home, she said.

Fore! Calling tee sponsors

Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce is looking for sponsors and business vendors for its annual golf tournament Friday, Oct. 23.

Available tee and green sponsorships include an opportunity for companies to be represented with a sign posted on the golf course at a tee or green.

The cost to sponsor a green is $50 and sponsors pay $100 for a tee.

Opportunities also are available for vendors to set up tents on the course to promote their business for $150-$175.

All foursomes are sold out.

The 18-hole tournament will be played at IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Parkway, Bradenton, with shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. and concluding with a banquet, prize raffles and awards.

For more information, visit the chamber website at www.annamariaislandchamber.org or call the chamber at 941-778-1541.

I’M A LIFELONG NATIVE OF AMI. I’m straightforward, down to earth, and proud to be at Michael Saunders & Co., where we hold ourselves to a higher standard of service and ethics.

— Johann Bertram, Realtor

6000 Marina Drive, Suite 113, Holmes Beach STEPS TO BEACH Wonderful 3BR/2BA ground-level “condo” in a three-unit complex. Beautifully furnished with established rentals. Beach access is directly across the street.

Outdoor patio, Mexican tile flooring throughout and gorgeous beach views. $515,000

G N I D N

PE

www.mikenormanrealty.com 31o1 Gulf Drive, Hholmes Beach 800-367-1617 | 941-778-6696

WE ROCK ONLINE

 

BEACH & BAY just a short walk from this newly updated 2BR/2BA with partial views of the Intracoastal Waterway.

Stainless appliances, custom kitchen cabinets, granite and breakfast bar. Great open floor plan. Private, covered deck, garage and carport. Public park just steps away to launch kayaks and paddleboards. New AC June 2020. Selling “turnkey” furnished with tasteful decor. $549,000

     





islander.org

GORGEOUS DIRECT BEACH VIEWS Unobstructed views of the Gulf from this spectacular 3BR/3BT home.

Spacious, beach-side porches and small, heated “cocktail” pool. Open floor plan, 10-foot ceilings throughout, kitchen with stainless appliances, solid surface counters, wooden cabinetry and a dumb-waiter. 1-7 night vacation rentals to maximize income. $1,845,000

941.779.3856 or JohannBertram@ michaelsaunders.com

Chantelle Lewin

Broker Associate Licensed since 1983

 

When it comes to buying or selling your home, Please, CALL ME FIRST! LISTING INVENTORY IS LOW! Let my 30-plus years of experience work for you.

—

Chantelle

941.713.1449

Mike Norman Realty INC

800-367-1617 941-778-6696 31O1 GULF DR HOLMES BEACH www.mikenormanrealty.com sales@mikenormanrealty.com

WE LIKE LIKES

WWW.CHANTELLELEWIN.COM

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RELEASE DATE: 10/4/2020

New York Times Sunday Magazine Crossword

OCT. 7, 2020 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 27 No. 0927 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

WORD LADDDERS

1

BY SAM TRABUCCO / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ

49 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Agreedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 1 Something blurred to 53 Philosopher who avoid trademark tutored Nero infringement 55 Message made with 5 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Well, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cutout letters, stereotypically ridiculous!â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 9 One method of coffee- 57 Chowder ingredient making 60 Game in which each player starts with a 13 Fully intends to score of 501 18 Reason for people to 61 West Bank grp. hide 62 Social-media avatar, 20 Bit of ancient text for short 21 Home of Roma 65 Thing given as a 22 Expert on nutrition concession 23 Bantering remark 66 Castle defense 24 Feature of Captain 67 Nobel winner Ahab Morrison 25 Many M.I.T. grads: 68 One who has a lot to Abbr. offer?

26 End of many a name 71 Yellow variety of on the periodic table quartz 28 Doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hand 73 Norse troublemaker covering 76 Spotted 30 Tokyo, before it was 77 Fenway team, Tokyo familiarly 31 Not wanted 78 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;However hard I try 34 Pop star Grande, to . . . â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; fans 81 Child-care expert 35 French movie LeShan theaters 82 Parts of ziggurats 37 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Ki-i-i-i-ndaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 85 Twin of Jacob in the 38 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on!â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Bible 41 Black-market, say 86 Lifetime-achievement ceremonies, e.g.

43 Occasion for male bonding, in modern 91 Bequeaths lingo 93 Difference between 46 Pressing need when dark and light, in on the go? a way 48 Part of a media-sales 95 Bacterium in some raw meat team, informally 96 Center of a cobbler Online subscriptions: Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 99 Clorox cleanser puzzle and more Answers: 101 Leaves alone than 4,000 past puzzles, page 24 nytimes.com/crosswords 102 Uses a modern ($39.95 a year). engine

106 Kenanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s partner on an old sitcom 107 The â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; of B.L.M. 108 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Geaux Tigers!â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; sch.

110 Love of money, per I Timothy 6:10 113 Brand of nail polish 114 Appeasing 117 School closing?

118 One of the former Big Three information services, along with CompuServe and Prodigy 119 Words from a present giver 121 Sweetheart, in Rome 123 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;That oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mine!â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 128 Word often confused with â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;leastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 129 Frenzied 130 Sweet Mexican dessert 131 Backsides, to Brits 132 Certain sneak 133 Caesarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s accusation 134 Like a fox DOWN

1 Counterculture drug, for short 2 Geneva accord?

3 Newbie 4 Chose 5 Bit of butter 6 Govt. org. with the motto â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Fidelity, Bravery, Integrityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 7 Dramatic touches 8 Comedian Judy 9 Nickname for basketball star Julius Erving 10 Is sorry about

3

4

18

Sam Trabucco is an American cryptocurrency trader based in Hong Kong. When heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not working, he enjoys playing board and card games, especially Magic: The Gathering and poker. Sam says one of his top priorities as a crossword constructor is to make his puzzle relatable to younger solvers. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I want this hobby to remain relevant forever!â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; This is his 25th puzzle for The Times. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; W.S.

AC RO SS

2

11 Photo-sharing app, familiarly 12 14th-century king of Aragon 13 Written using an outline 14 Witch 15 Basketball star nicknamed â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Answerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 16 Kind of test with unproven accuracy 17 Largest city of Nigeria 19 Word ladder, Part 1 21 Big milestone for a start-up 27 Slangy â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I messed upâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 29 Word ladder, Part 2 31 Old food-label std.

32 Where an auto racer retires?

33 Enjoyed home cooking, say 36 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I Love Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; duo ____ Pop 37 Letter-shaped beam 39 When repeated, king of Siamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s refrain in â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The King and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 40 Result of peace talks 42 Some smartphones 44 Oppressive ruler 45 Lacking + or â&#x20AC;&#x201C;, electrically 47 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;____ and Janisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; (comic) 50 Whirlybirds 51 Ă&#x201C;scarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 52 Gas thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lighter than air 54 Nile danger 56 Fire in â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Jane Eyre,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; e.g.

58 Like most lions 59 Mrs., abroad

5

6

7

8

9

19

11

12

13

20

22 26

31

32

37

27

33

43

44

45 49

55

50

51

71

57

58

83

84

91

73

107

120

87

103 110

111

116

117

118

121

122

104

123

129

130

131

132

133

77 Start of some Quebec place names: Abbr.

79 French filmmaker Jacques 80 Celebrity chef Eddie 83 Way to go 84 Hot-cocoa brand 87 Sublease 88 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Be sharp!â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 89 Frequent tabloid cover subject 90 Spot for a houseplant 92 Letters on a Cardinalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cap

90

126

127

100

102 109

89

95 99

115

88

94

128

63 Word ladder, Part 3 64 Subsided 66 á&#x192;Ś á&#x192;Śá&#x192;Śá&#x192;Ś and á&#x192;Śá&#x192;Śá&#x192;Śá&#x192;Śá&#x192;Ś, say 69 Where to find some cliffhangers?

70 Unpopular legislation of 1773 71 N.F.L. referee, at the start of overtime 72 ____ Valley (San Francisco area) 74 Gem thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a name 75 New Zealander

76

98

108 114

75

86

101

113

74

70

81

93 97

65 69

80

85

96

60 64

68

79

92

54

59

63

72 78

36

47

67

77

17

42

53

62

66

16

30 35

41

52

56 61

82

40

46

48

29 34

39

15

24 28

38

14

21

23 25

119

10

105

106

124

112

125

94 Greenpeace or the W.W.F., for short 97 Word ladder, Part 4 98 Optimistic assertion 100 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;____ Beso,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Paul Anka hit 103 Prospectorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s find 104 Start streaming, e.g.

105 Internet meme with grammatically incorrect captions 107 Shower scrubber 109 Eel, on a sushi menu 111 Word ladder, Part 5

134

112 Prospectorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; finds 115 Mel of baseball 116 Understand, informally 120 Clarifying word on a school-reunion name tag 122 Tinder bio info 124 Amazon worker 125 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Kill Billâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; co-star Lucy 126 Jazz composer Beiderbecke 127 Like a fox

Visit WWW.ISLANDER.ORG for the best news on Anna Maria Island.

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Waterfront Home!

Charming waterfront 3BD/3BA home with pool, new landscaping and travertine, dock with boat lift, plenty of parking and weekly rentals allowed! $1,475,000

No Detail Overlooked!

Step into this income-producing 4BD/5.5BA home in the heart of AMI. Walk to beach, shops. Spend all day by the pool in the backyard oasis! $1,750,000

Steps to the Beach Spacious 1BD/1BA first-floor, end-unit condo just steps to the beach! 55+, turnkey, covered carport and 2 pools in the heart of Holmes Beach. $305,000

Page 28 THE ISLANDER | islander.org OCT. 7, 2020 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................