The Islander Newspaper E-Edition Wednesday, Aug, 27, 2025

Cameras detect speeders

21 through the Anna

where an automated speed enforcement system was recently activated.

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Cameras are now active in the Anna Maria Elementary School speed zone. And early results are concerning Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer.

Tokajer told The Islander Aug. 21 that the automated speed enforcement system in the zone along Gulf Drive triggered 77 warnings for speeding violations over its first week, which began Aug. 11, the first day of school for the 2025-26 school year.

Holmes Beach has a citywide 25-mph speed limit, but the school zone has a 15-mph reduced speed limit Tokajer

when it is active, 7:30 a.m.-8:40 a.m., as school opens, and 2:45 p.m.-3:45 p.m., during student dismissal.

The school zone is active 1:35 p.m.-2:20 p.m. on AME’s early release days.

Each of the 77 motorists who triggered warnings was driving 11 mph or more over the reduced speed limit.

The motorist with the highest speed of the bunch was clocked driving through the school zone at 32 mph, more than double the 15-mph reduced speed limit.

Tokajer said that of the 77 motorists clocked speeding over the first week, 13 were driving vehicles registered to Anna Maria Island residents.

Over two school days in the following week, Aug. 18-19, the automated

Anna Maria P&Z gives nod to paid parking lot on Gulf Drive

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

A new fee-to-park public lot may be coming to Anna Maria.

Planning and zoning board members unanimously voted Aug. 20 to approve a site plan for a parking lot at 9806 Gulf Drive, but the final decision is up to the five city commissioners.

The property is located north of Robinhood Rentals AMI and across Gulf Drive from Ginny’s & Jane E’s Cafe and Gift Store. It is owned through JRHAMI LLC by Bradenton resident Jerry Hynton and is within the city’s residential/office/retail zoning district.

The property has been used by Ginny’s & Jane E’s for several years, but Josh LaRose of Sarasota-based Easy

Parking Group LLC applied for a site plan to make it fee-based parking.

The proposal shows 22 parking spaces, including one accessible space compliant with the U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act

The site plan shows locations for a payment kiosk and six parking management signs with QR codes.

People who park in the lot would be able to pay at the kiosk, via application or text message.

LaRose said the cost of parking in the lot would be $5-$7 per hour and EPG employees would monitor the property for violations.

According to a report prepared by city planner Ashley Austin, city staff

On the job: Ready for Labor Day

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Law enforcement and emergency services will be on the job Labor Day weekend to keep the beaches and roads safe on Anna Maria Island.

Manatee County Beach Patrol

Capt. Marshall Greene said all lifeguard towers at Manatee, Cortez and Coquina public beaches will be staffed with EMT-trained professionals through the Aug. 30-Sept. 1 weekend.

“We’re going to have all of our lifeguard towers open across all three of our beaches,” Greene said. “We also have two basic life support squad units. One will be stationed at Manatee Beach … and then we will also have another BLS squad unit stationed at Tower 9 at Coquina Beach.”

pay attention to flag warnings: “Green means go, water’s good, conditions are good, have fun. Yellow means caution, so slow down. Red means stop. We’ve got some dangerous conditions, pretty much only strong swimmers are the ones that should be entering the water.”

Greene said conditions can vary even along the same beach.

“Be vigilant. The beach that you’re going to, look at the tower at the beach in your vicinity and see what that flag color is and talk to that lifeguard,” he said. “Just know your limitations. If the waters are rough, stay where you can touch.”

Greene also reminded beachgoers to hydrate and eat during their holiday to avoid heat exhaustion.

In Holmes Beach, Police Chief

The captain urged beachgoers to

Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992

Anna Maria Elementary School’s new runners club opens the day Aug. 20 with a first sprint on the bayside of the Holmes Beach campus. Another addition for the 2025-26 school year is a daily 30-minute PE class, according to principal Katie Fradley. “It will be important for students to wear closed-toe shoes with a back each day — tennis shoes are strongly recommended,” she told The Islander. Islander Photo: Courtesy AMI/Facebook

Motorists drive Aug.

Maria Elementary School zone on Gulf Drive,

Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

Up with the sun run

Municipal matters

Newsy week, or no?

Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short initiated his weekly news for The Islander Aug. 22 with an opening remark that there was “more or less a business-as-usual week here at the city.”

He shared a few newsworthy items while working on the municipal budget, planning repairs to the Anna Maria City Pier and pondering the pay scale.

Short said the city planning and zoning commission welcomed a new

member, Don Buswell-Charkow, at its Aug. 20 meeting.

Also at that meeting, P&Z Chair David Haddox was recognized for serving more than 2 1/2 years as a member, as well as for the assistance he provided the city related to waterways management over many years.

Short said Haddox resigned from the P&Z because he is leaving the island.

“We thanked him for all the assistance and involvement he provided to the city for a number of years,” the mayor said.

Short announced the city will be holding its annual Veterans Day parade and ceremony on Nov. 11. Plans

Top Notch

Grand-prize photo: Morning rainbow

Amy L. Waterbury of Bradenton, who won the second week of The Islander’s 2025 Top Notch weekly contest, is now the Top Notch grand-prize winner. Her photo was taken July 16 at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. Waterbury wins $100 from The Islander and gift certificates from Islander advertising partners. Look to the Sept. 3 issue for the winner of the pet photo contest and honorable mentions.

are well underway, he said, “and we look forward to hosting the event again and recognizing our veterans and their families.”

The city also will be taking part in an annual Christmas holiday walk, including a visit from Santa Claus Dec. 12.

Short said there’s more to come on the events.

Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth replied Aug. 23 to The Islander by text, with a note on the winddown to the summer season in the city.

“All departments are doing great and enjoying the slower season,” she said.

Titsworth acknowledged that the past year “was a gut-punch to all … it will probably take longer to bounce back. I am hoping this next season will be successful enough to help everyone get back on their feet.”

— Bonner Joy

Holiday closings

Labor Day brings closings

Labor Day will be observed Monday, Sept. 1. The holiday on the first Monday in September was created by the U.S. labor movement and is dedicated to achievements of American workers.

Most government offices will be closed, including city halls in Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach.

The island trolley will operate as normal but Manatee County Area Transit buses will not operate other fixed-route services.

Residential trash or recycling pickups regularly scheduled for Mondays will be pushed to Tuesdays, and collection services may be pushed back a day through the week.

Manatee County parks, preserves and beaches will be open to the public.

— Lisa Neff

WEEKLONG SALE!

Titsworth

Permit review halts construction project in Bradenton Beach

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Bradenton Beach commissioners upheld the issuance of a stop work order on construction at 106 23rd St. N. after determining the nearly complete building might violate the city’s land development code.

City building official Bill Palmer said the permit issued in April 2024 allowed a second structure on the 4,200-square-foot lot but the approval conflicted with zoning requirements.

“In my opinion, (it is) in violation of our land development code,” he said.

According to Palmer, the property already had a single-family home and he said the addition of an accessory dwelling unit is not allowed.

Palmer also said the new building is 362 square feet — exceeding the city’s 25% accessory structure size limit when compared to the 1,097-square-foot home.

Compounding concerns, Palmer said his office never received elevation certificates or a tie-in survey to confirm compliance with FEMA and city setback rules.

Attorney Scott Rudacille, representing property owner Neal Mores at the Aug. 21 meeting, argued that Mores proceeded in good faith after acquiring the property in 2021. At that time, the lot contained a detached garage with an illegal unit built by a prior owner that former building official Steve Gilbert said must be removed.

According to Rudacille, Mores removed the structure and then worked with Gilbert and an architect to develop plans for a detached building. Those plans were permitted in 2024 by then building official Darin Cushing.

“The property owner thought they were complying,” Rudacille said, adding, “There’s no nefarious intent here.”

He said the project replaced a noncompliant ground-level building with an elevated structure that

ABOVE: A home at the corner of 23rd Street North in Bradenton Beach with an elevated accessory unit. LEFT:

Homeowner Neal Morse. Islander

Photos: Robert Anderson

otherwise “meets all the city’s requirements in terms of setbacks, lot coverage, (and) height.”

Rudacille asked commissioners to recognize that the property owner was proceeding in good faith and invested in a project that was more than 80% complete.

Commissioners raised concerns about the project’s compliance with the code, noting that the 4,200-squarefoot lot is undersized and the new structure functions as a second home rather than an accessory building. Palmer confirmed that, if allowed, the structure would require its own address.

Commissioner Scott Bear also expressed concerns

about how the city could enforce limits on use, such as preventing the unit from being rented or occupied as a dwelling, while Mayor John Chappie warned that allowing the project to continue could set a precedent.

The commission also acknowledged the city’s liability in forcing demolition of a structure that had been permitted and inspected.

After discussion, Bear moved to authorize the removal of the stop work order once the building official receives and approves an under-construction elevation certificate and tie-in survey. Commissioner Debbie Scaccianoce seconded the motion, which passed 5-0.

The motion also requires the owner to assume the risk and financial exposure for additional costs incurred and directed staff and the owner or his agent to prepare a proposed resolution addressing the second structure to be reviewed by the commission in September.

Bradenton Beach brings in new tech Bradenton Beach building official Bill Palmer introduces the department’s new permit technician, Jodie Stack, during an Aug. 21 commission meeting at city hall, 107 gulf Drive N. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

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Tuesday: $3 Tacos and Margaritas 4-9, lounge only.

Wine Down Wednesday, 5O% OFF Wines by the Glass

Live Maine Lobster Thursdays, plus Happy Hour in the lounge all nite.

Contractors complain about Anna Maria building official

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Outsourcing the city of Anna Maria’s building department might not work out.

Three local builders attended an Aug. 14 Anna Maria City Commission meeting to call for the municipality to move on from contracted building official Craig Green of Melbourne Beach-based Joe Payne Inc.

Those builders included Frank Agnelli of Agnelli Pools & Construction and Mason Martin Builders, Dan Gagne of Gagne Construction. and Tyler Lancaster, owner of Elements Pools and Spas.

The city hired JPI earlier this year to provide building department, floodplain management and some engineering services through Sept. 30.

Under the agreement, JPI’s designated building official, Green, is required to spend at least one day a week and an average of 6-8 hours at city hall. Otherwise, the contracted work is completed on a remote basis.

For payment, JPI receives half of the city’s building permit application fees every month of the contract, with a $35,000 guaranteed monthly minimum.

Agnelli sparked the discussion on JPI during general public comment at the Aug. 14 meeting.

He said builders and private providers have experienced “a lot of resistance” since Green stepped in as building official in April.

That resistance has included JPI red-tagging active

jobs, unnecessarily requiring additional permitting, as well as denying permits for private providers to inspect pools.

Agnelli said JPI’s denial of private inspectors could be due to the firm’s “hidden agenda” to increase permit revenues, since using them reduces inspection fees paid to the city.

He added that paying permit fees up front removed any incentive for Green and JPI to issue permits in a timely manner.

Agnelli called for the city to replace JPI with a full-time building official.

“I really want to encourage the city to cancel this contract,” Agnelli said. “I think it’s dangerous, and I feel that a full-time building official would benefit all of us.”

“When I’m digging pools and pools are caving in, these people don’t answer the phone. They don’t come out there and help us. … I really need you guys to look into this and help us out,” he added.

Gagne spoke and seconded Agnelli’s message.

“We love this city,” he said. “We just have a problem right now with the existing building official. It’s just unbearable.”

Lancaster added to the pile.

“We’re just here to play ball. We’re here to play by the rules. But it’s like we just keep getting rules stacked on us that we’re blindsided by,” he said. “We’re here to stay and make this island beautiful, but we need help.”

Maria incumbents file

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Election season is underway in Anna Maria.

And at least two incumbent Anna Maria officials are set to run for reelection as qualifying for three seats in the northend municipality continues.

As of Aug. 22, Commissioners Kathleen Morgan and Charlie Salem had qualified with the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office to retain their commission seats in the November election.

The window to qualify for a seat opened Aug. 18 and will close at noon Friday, Aug. 29.

The third available seat this year is held by John Lynch.

Lynch was appointed in January to serve the remainder of Jon Crane’s term and, as such, is the shortest-tenured commissioner on the dais.

While he had yet to qualify with the SEO, Lynch wrote in a Aug. 22 email to The Islander that he was working on qualifying to retain his seat.

Anyone who fails to qualify with the SEO before the Aug. 29 deadline cannot run for office in the Nov. 4 election.

In order to qualify, candidates must pay the SEO a fee of 4% of one year’s salary for the office sought or petition at least 1% of the total number of registered voters as of the last election for the jurisdiction.

LABOR DAY CONTINuED FROM PAgE 1 Tokajer said his department will add officers to enforce alcohol restrictions and parking regulations.

In Anna Maria, Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputies will step up patrols.

Sgt. Brett Getman, who heads up the MCSO- Anna Maria substation, said efforts include water safety, particularly at Bean Point.

The current, he said, “can cause that point to be more like a washing machine out there when the tides are coming and going and people don’t really always heed the warnings. Honestly, I wouldn’t even recommend swimming at Bean Point… .Go south, you know,

Mayor Mark Short said he would like to schedule a meeting between himself, city staff, Payne and local builders so they could “figure out how to move forward in a positive light for everybody.”

“This is not a ‘We’ll deal with this six months down the road’ thing,” Short said. “I know this is a hot topic for a lot of people and we’ll be looking at our calendars to try to get something set up … much, much sooner than later.”

Election 2025

Qualifying arrives on AMI

Qualifying to run for elected offices in Anna Maria began at noon Aug. 18 and continues through noon Aug. 29.

The offices up for election in Anna Maria include three commission seats for two-year terms.

Qualifying in Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach began Aug. 25 and continues through noon Aug. 29.

In Bradenton Beach, there will be three commission seats and the mayoral post up for election.

Holmes Beach’s election will include three twoterm commission seats.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4.

— Lisa Neff

They must then file a candidate oath, statement of candidate and financial disclosure forms with the SEO ahead of deadline.

If the incumbents are the only ones to qualify, they will automatically retain their seats without competition. The election would be canceled.

Anna Maria city commissioners receive a $4,800 annual salary.

Voters will go to the polls 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4.

The city commission will meet next at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive. about 150 yards, out of the high current areas.”

In August, two people drowned in separate incidents at the island’s north end.

Getman also urged adults to take extra precautions for kids.

“Most of the vacation rentals out here have pools and most have kid lifejackets at the house,” he said. “Bring them with you. Put the kids in a lifejacket if they’re not the best swimmer and you’re not sure. That way, at least they’re buoyant, no matter what happens.”

In Bradenton Beach, Police Chief John Cosby said holiday crowds are expected in the Bridge Street commercial district and at the beach.

“Bridge Street is usually very busy for the holidays and, with the long weekend, we are expecting a lot of people to be visiting,” Cosby said. “We’ll be concentrating on that area and also on people staying later at

Salem

Bradenton Beach defends city attorney’s bill, storm response

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

Bradenton Beach commissioners unanimously approved a consent agenda item at their Aug. 21 meeting authorizing $91,050 in payments to city attorney Ricinda Perry for services rendered in November and December 2024 following Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Typically consent agenda items are not discussed but the 5-0 vote came as commissioners pushed back against an editorial by The Islander publisher Bonner Joy in the Aug. 20 issue that raised questions about Perry’s billing, the attorney’s role in the recovery response and the city’s approach to paying legal fees — hourly versus annually.

Hurricane Helene, which made landfall in the Big Bend region Sept. 26, 2024, caused a catastrophic storm surge that emergency management offi cials said left Bradenton Beach 90% to 95% destroyed.

Floodwaters swept across the city, destroying homes and vehicles and burying roadways under sand. Two weeks after Helene, Hurricane Milton delivered more flooding, high winds and further destruction.

The preparation, response and recovery work were around the clock, according to city officials.

Perry, commenting on the costs, said she assisted Police Chief John Cosby and staff in emergency operations, with both she and Cosby working more than 16 hours a day.

“There were days I slept in my car at the police department,” Perry said. “I was just too exhausted … or it was unsafe to go home. I have nothing to hide, and I’m proud of the work that we did, and I stand behind everything that I billed to this city.”

Perry’s standard rate is $220 per hour, but during the storm recovery she worked at a reduced $150 hourly rate for non-attorney tasks. Those costs, she said, go through staff review and FEMA’s reimbursement process.

“FEMA would hopefully, based off of the review

LABOR DAY CONTINuED FROM PAgE 4 the beach because of the holiday.”

Cosby said parking during the holiday could require patience.

“Come early to get your spot and try to be nice to everybody,” he said.

At Manatee Public Beach Aug. 29-30, beachgoers will find West Manatee Fire Rescue firefighters, who will be handing out “Water Watcher” badges to designate an adult in each group as the dedicated observer for their party.

WMFR Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski said the badges ensure accountability.

He also advised, “Swim near the lifeguard stations, keep an eye on the kids and have a good time. I would say let’s keep Labor Day remembered for that — for family and community.”

Is your business ready to make the most of every day? Improve your odds of success with Islander newspaper readers looking to shop and dine, seeking souvenirs and memories, indoor and outdoor fun, and even a place to stay for their next visit. Call or text 941-778-7978.

of our contractor there, will approve all that … so the taxpayers are not exposed to this bill,” said Perry, adding that 87.5% of eligible costs are reimbursed.

Mayor John Chappie called the criticism unfair and insulting.

“Our people stepped to the plate and went through hell to serve our community,” he said.

Chappie noted Perry’s billing history — $123,939 in fiscal 2022, $111,439 in 2023 and $330,420 in 2024, averaging roughly $188,580 per year, or $15,756 per month — and contrasted it with Holmes Beach’s $460,000 annual legal budget, which includes $100,000 for code enforcement.

Other commissioners joined in defense of the billing and storm response.

Commissioner Scott Bear said, “It wasn’t just Ricinda who did work. We had other consultants. Nobody questioned any of the (other) work we had done. They just made it about attorney’s fees,” Bear said. “I was insulted that no one asked a question and wrote an editorial without input from any of the five (commissioners).”

Scaccianoce said, “The lawyers for Anna Maria and Holmes Beach … not one of those attorneys took the time that Mrs. Perry did to slop around in mud and muck in that disaster,” she said.

Cabana conversation ahead

Bradenton Beach commissioners scheduled a work session to discuss regulations for cabana businesses on the beach.

The meeting will be at 9 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. Manatee County and island officials have been discussing commercial activities and the related signage on beaches for much of the summer.

— Robert Anderson

Cosby, a 30-year veteran of the city’s emergency management program who led recovery efforts, observed that the island cities were subject to a 2023 state review by the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability and Bradenton Beach came out of it well.

“This malfeasance and fraud (accusations) that are supposedly going on in the city. We literally … were stripped naked by OPPAGA. And they went through everything. If there were issues, we would have known about it,” Cosby said.

The OPPAGA study was a review on the possible consolidation of Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach. The findings were presented to state legislators in early September 2024. Results of the study were released to the public in January.

found the proposed parking lot consistent with the property’s ROR zoning designation and recommended the site plan’s approval.

A motion in favor of the site plan was seconded and approved.

In other matters

The P&Z board:

• Unanimously voted for a variance to front and side setback requirements for existing structures at 102 Tuna St. and 104 Tuna St.;

• Voted 3-2 for a variance to a 20-foot setback requirement from the centerline of a canal to rebuild a dock on property at 239 Willow Ave. Commissioners David Haddox and Jeff Rodencal voted “no.”

There were no public comments on either item.

The board will meet next at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

A plan for a payto-park lot at 9806 gulf Drive, Anna Maria, across from ginny’s and Jane E’s Cafe, was presented Aug. 20 to the city’s planning and zoning board. Islander Photo: Courtesy City of Anna Maria

Chappie

Cosby

Perry

OpinionOur

Summer drones on

The fall equinox and the first day of autumn will arrive at 2:19 p.m. Sept. 22. The equinox occurs at the same moment worldwide.

I’d like to say, it can’t come soon enough, but it does not necessarily signal lower temps for us on and around Anna Maria Island.

For cool air, you’ll have to wait until OctoberNovember — or Dec. 21 for the start of winter.

According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the winter solstice is the day with the fewest hours of sunlight and the “shortest day” of the year. On reaching the winter solstice, the days begin to grow longer, until the summer solstice — the arrival of summer and the longest day of the year and the really HOT season for us — especially this year.

I recall a year when the weather reporter on one of the Tampa stations said we’d already seen 180 consecutive days of 90 and 90-plus degree days in the Tampa area.

In fact: A major heat event affected Manatee County in summer 1985, with some of the longest stretches of 100-degree-plus days ever recorded here.

This year, on July 27, Tampa’s temperature hit 100 degrees at about 3:10 p.m., according to the National Weather Service — a first in the city’s recorded history, which began in 1890.

Prior to this year’s heatwave, the all-time high was 99 degrees for Tampa on June 26, 2020.

The extreme heat this year is driven by a massive heat dome that is smothering much of the eastern United States, described as the strongest on record for the Southeast in late July.

This heat event is one of the most intense on record for the Tampa Bay area, with the heat index on July 29 soaring to dangerous levels — 119 degrees — according to AccuWeather.

Bob Harrington of ABC 7-Sarasota, said April 3, the weather here was feeling more like August, with a record-high temperature of 92 degrees at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, blowing away the old mark of 88 degrees set in 1928.

Based on NOAA records, 1998 holds the record for the most 100-degree days in Bradenton history.

All this is just to say, yes, it sure is hot.

A heat dome — differing from a heat wave in duration and the stagnant nature of the high-pressure system — is hovering over us, trapping hot air and causing heat index values to soar.

And, maybe, cross your fingers, the dome is steering away storm systems.

And that is our good times weather report.

— Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

Q&A The Islander

poll

Do you get a day off on Labor Day?

A. Yep.

B. Nope.

C. If I chose.

D. Every day is a day off.

To answer the poll and see poll results, go to islander.org.

To suggest a poll question, email lisa@islander.org.

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Explore The Islander archives

Assistance sought on AMI

• Anna Maria Elementary seeks donors to help with landscaping and gardens, including donating mulch. Info: 941-708-5525.

• Anna Maria Island Historical Society, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, seeks donations for restoration and volunteers. Info: 608-444-0084.

• Florida Maritime Museum in Cortez, which is closed for renovations and repairs, seeks a temporary space — a pop-up space — for public exhibits. Info: 941-708-6120.

The Islander was invited in the 1990s to take part in a pilot project with the University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries. We donated the collection of newspapers beginning with the first issue in 1992 and they’re all there for you to explore. Look for The Islander in the UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl. edu.

And, please, consider a digital subscription to Islander.org for your holiday gift-giving. It’s only $36 a year to keep up with all the news about the AMI community, including breaking news and storm alerts.

• Friends of the Island Library seeks volunteers, including for website management and graphic design. Info: 941-778-4255.

• Island Players in Anna Maria seeks volunteers in every area to “come and be part of our family.” Info: 941-920-1362.

• Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center in Bradenton Beach seeks gift cards for supplies. Info: 941-778-6324.

Assistance offered on AMI

• Roser Food Bank welcomes applicants for food assistance, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941-778-0414.

• All Island Denominations offers financial help. Info: 941-778-4769.

Betsy’s big blow

The field at the airport in Holmes Beach is flooded following a strike by Hurricane Betsy in September 1965. The Atlantic hurricane season began June 1 and continues through Nov. 30. Be prepared. Islander Photos: Manatee County Public Library System

“A traffic jam on Anna Maria Island near the Cortez Bridge toll booth after Hurricane Betsy” is the caption for the photo from the Manatee County Public Library System archives. Betsy, an intense and destructive tropical cyclone, brought widespread damage to areas of Florida in September 1965.

10-20-30 years ago

From the Aug. 24, 1995, issue

• Two state agencies engaged in a dispute over the disposal of construction rubble at the Seven Mile Reef west of Anna Maria Island without a permit in 1993.

• The Anna Maria Fire Control District estimated that a monthlong closure of the Cortez Bridge would cost it about $17,000 for temporary firefighters to work 24-hour shifts.

• A small tornado touched down on Alamanda Street in Anna Maria and damaged the roof of the Rod & Reel Pier. Power outages also were reported on AMI because of the thunderstorm.

From the Aug. 24, 2005, issue

• Holmes Beach commissioners started a review of a complicated study of canals showing some bottom land that was deeded to the city and also bottom land possessed by adjacent property owners. The study identified numerous docks that did not meet code.

• Officials announced the new Anna Maria Elementary School would be completed by the end of November 2005 and open in January 2006.

• The West Manatee Fire Rescue District approved a fiscal budget that would increase assessments to the maximum allowed under state law. The operating budget for 2005-06 was $4.57 million and the base assessments for homes increased 6%.

From the Aug. 26, 2015, issue

• A long-awaited cell tower went operational in the city of Anna Maria, improving communications for cellphone users, especially Verizon customers who went from one-bar to five-bar signals.

• Holmes Beach began work to institute lower speed limits — 25 mph — in the city.

— Lisa Neff

BE PREPARED THIS HURRICANE SEASON. SHOP LOCAL. SUPPORT ISLANDER ADVERTISERS.

Stocking up for storms

Checklist for shopping, packing and stockpiling for hurricane

season

Must have H20 and more

❒ Water in small bottles for drinking.

❒ Water in gallon containers for cleaning up.

❒ Bottled beverages.

❒ Instant coffee.

For the ‘kitchen’

❒ Nonperishable foods.

❒ Can opener.

❒ Cooking pot or pan.

❒ Utensils.

❒ Plates.

❒ Grill.

❒ Grill tools.

❒ Self-starting charcoal.

❒ Sterno.

❒ Matches.

❒ Aluminum foil.

❒ Plastic bags.

Health and hygiene

❒ Prescriptions.

❒ Insect repellent.

❒ Sunscreen.

❒ Toiletries.

❒ Toilet paper.

❒ Adhesive bandages.

❒ Handwipes.

❒ Tweezers.

❒ Thermometer.

❒ Latex gloves.

Ready to wear

❒ Changes of clothing.

❒ Glasses.

❒ Boots.

❒ Rain jacket.

❒ Umbrella.

❒ Face masks.

Records and papers

❒ Birth certificates.

❒ Marriage certificates.

❒ Passports.

❒ Social security cards.

❒ Wills.

❒ Insurance documents.

❒ Account numbers.

❒ Irreplaceable photographs.

❒ Water-tight box.

Toolbox

❒ Wrench.

❒ Hammer.

❒ Pliers.

❒ Scissors.

❒ Assorted nails.

❒ Dust mask.

❒ Pocket knife.

❒ Flashlights.

❒ Signal flare.

❒ Extension cords.

❒ Hatchet.

❒ Work gloves.

❒ Trash bags.

❒ Tarp.

❒ Duct tape.

411 and 911

❒ Battery-powered radio.

❒ Earbuds.

❒ Batteries.

❒ Whistle.

❒ Smartphone and power bank.

❒ Solar chargers.

❒ Road maps.

❒ Cash.

❒ Gasoline — full tanks.

❒ Propane tank.

Cleaning

and clearing

Comfort and convenience

❒ Sleeping bag.

❒ Blankets.

❒ Lawn chairs.

❒ Games.

❒ Toys.

❒ Reading materials.

❒ Paper.

❒ Pencil.

❒ Candles.

❒ Lanterns.

❒ Disinfectant.

❒ Chlorine bleach.

❒ Medicine dropper.

❒ Plastic bucket with lid.

❒ Mop and broom.

❒ Rags.

Pet friendly

❒ Kennel.

❒ Medications.

❒ Cat litter box.

❒ Vaccination certificates.

❒ Food.

❒ Treats.

❒ Leash.

❒ Pet pick-up bags.

Also need

`

Compiled by Lisa Neff, calendar@islander.org

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ONGOING ON AMI

• Throughout August, Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island exhibit, Artists’ Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941778-6694, amiartistsguildgallery.com.

• Most third Mondays, 1 p.m., Center of Anna Maria Island Book Club, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941-778-1908, centerami.org.

ONGOING OFF AMI

• Throughout August, Island Gallery and Studios exhibit, 456 Old Main St., Bradenton. Info: 941-778-6648, islandgallerywest. artspan.com.

• Thursday-Saturday, through Aug. 30, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature Laser Light Nights, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-746-4131, bishopscience.org.

• Through Aug. 31, “Life on the Edge” exhibit, the Bishop Museum of Science, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-746-4131, bishopscience.org.

• Through Jan. 11, “Yoshida Hiroshi: Journeys through Light,” The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies except Mondays. Info: 941-359-5700, ringling.org.

• First Fridays, 6-9:30 p.m., Village of the Arts First Fridays Artwalk, 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Info: villageofthearts.com.

• Second and fourth Saturdays, 2-4 p.m., Florida Maritime Museum’s Music on the Porch, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Info: 941-708-6120, floridamaritimemuseum.org.

SAVE THE DATES

• Sept. 18-28, Island Players’ “Janus,” Anna Maria.

• Oct. 18, Bayfest, Anna Maria.

• Nov. 8, Nov. 10, Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota Rhinestone Cowboys and National Heroes concert, Bradenton.

• Nov. 13-23, Island Players’ “Doublewide, Texas Christmas,” Anna Maria.

• Nov. 16, Island Players’ “Murder by Misadventure” auditions, Anna Maria.

• Dec. 13, Dec. 15, Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota A Christmas Carol Concert, Bradenton.

• Dec. 31, Bradenton Alive New Year’s Eve Celebration, Bradenton.

• Jan. 8-25, Island Players’ “Murder by Misadventure,” Anna Maria.

• Jan. 18, Island Players “The Second Time Around” auditions, Anna Maria.

• March 12-29, Island Players’ “The Second Time Around,” Anna Maria.

• March 15, Island Players’ “The Outsider” auditions, Anna Maria.

• May 7-17, Island Players “The Outsider,” Anna Maria. KIDS & FAMILY

Tuesday, Sept. 2

10 a.m. — Art Leaves Monthly Kids’ Challenge, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341. ONGOING ON

• Most Fridays, 10 a.m., Forty Carrots, Island Library, 5701

Winner winner — last year

Joey Newhall, wearing a winner’s crown, holds his awards, a bowling pin trophy and a 12-pack of Coors Light, Sept. 14, 2024, after posting the best score, 199, among male bowlers at the ’24 Center of AMI greg

ment. Islander File

Island happenings

Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341, mymanatee. org.

• Most Tuesdays, 10 a.m., Family Storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.

SAVE THE DATES

• Oct. 31, Halloween Celebration, Bradenton.

• Dec. 5, Winter Wonderland, Bradenton. CLUBS & COMMUNITY ON AMI

Wednesday, Sept. 3

6:30 p.m. — Town Hall with Manatee County Commissioner Tal Siddique, District 3, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341, mymanatee.org.

ONGOING ON AMI

• Most Fridays and Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341, mymanatee.org.

SAVE THE DATES

• Sept. 6, Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Bradenton Beach.

• Sept. 11, 911 Tribute, Bradenton.

• Nov. 1, League of Women Voters of Manatee County Unite and Rise for Democracy, Bradenton.

• Nov. 8, Friends of Manatee County Animal Welfare Friendsgiving, Palmetto.

PUBLIC MARKETS

SAVE THE DATES

• Oct. 4-May 30, 2026, Bradenton Public Market, Bradenton. Oct. 4, UF/IFAS Manatee County Plant Sale, Palmetto. LESSONS & LEARNING ON AMI

Wednesday, Sept. 3

2 p.m. — 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution program, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941778-6341, mymanatee.org.

Center bowling for a cause

Center of Anna Maria Island supporters will have their chance to roll for a cause at the Memorial Greg LaPensee Bowling Tournament set for Saturday, Sept. 6, at Bowlero Bradenton.

The tournament, presented by LaPensee Plumbing, will bring together community members for an evening of friendly competition and fundraising.

Check-in will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Cortez Road venue, with bowling action scheduled at 6-8 p.m., followed by awards and raffle drawings.

The event serves two purposes: fostering community connections while supporting the center’s mission to provide programs and services for people of all ages across AMI.

Standard lanes accommodating six players are available for $350.

People can secure their spots by contacting the center at 941-778-1908 or emailing info@centerami. org.

ONGOING ON AMI

• Mondays through August, Sea Turtle Tracks and Shorebird Facts with Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch, 10 a.m., Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive. Info: 941-301-8434, islandturtlewatch. com.

SPORTS & FITNESS

ONGOING OFF AMI

• Through Sept. 7, various dates, Bradenton Marauders baseball, LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-747-3031, milb.com/bradenton.

SAVE THE DATES

• Sept. 6, Bradenton Marauders Fan Appreciation Night, Bradenton.

• Sept. 6, Center of Anna Maria Island LaPensee Bowling Tournament, Bradenton.

OUTDOORS & NATURE

ONGOING OFF AMI

• Saturdays, 9 a.m., Manatee County Natural Resources Department’s Saturday Mornings at the NEST, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Info: 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org.

SAVE THE DATES

• Nov. 8, Kringles & Kayaks benefit, Bradenton.

CALENDAR NOTES

KEEP THE DATES

• Through Oct. 31, Sea turtle nesting season continues. •Through Nov. 30, Atlantic hurricane season continues.

• Sept. 1, Labor Day.

• Oct. 13, Columbus Day.

• Oct. 13, Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

• Oct.31, Halloween.

• Nov. 11, Veterans Day.

• Nov. 27, Thanksgiving.

• Dec. 25, Christmas.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

GET LISTED!

Send listings to calendar@islander.org.

LaPensee Bowling Tourna-

Photo

Island Players opens its season with “Janus,” • Sept. 18-28 in Anna Maria.

AME PTO seeks community partners

The Anna Maria Elementary Parent Teacher Organization seeks community partners to help fund its programming and needs through the school year.

A notice from the PTO read, “This will be our only ask for your support this school year” and, they added, a contribution is tax deductible.

In the community partner program, the PTO is selling promotional opportunities to sponsors, including banners in the parking loop at the Holmes Beach campus and on school T-shirts. For more information, go online to amepto.org, email amepto@gmail.com or call the school at 941-708-5525.

The grassy area on the bayside of the Anna Maria Elementary campus, 4700 gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, provides a cushioned terrain for the school’s

running club. The bayside also

Gathering By Lisa Neff

Musical duo to perform at Roser services

Roser Memorial Community Church will welcome the musical duo Ned & Becky for a special performance Sunday, Aug. 31.

The New York-based performers Edward Joseph and Rebecca Ray Costigan will lead congregational singing during worship services at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. that day at Roser, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

For more information, call the church offi ce at 941-778-0414.

Roser hosts morning devotionals on Tuesdays

Roser Memorial Community Church will host a morning devotional Tuesdays in the chapel through October.

The series, “Praying Through the Psalms: A Morning Devotional with Pastor Dirk,” will launch at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3, in the chapel, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

A notice said, “The Psalms include an extraordinary collection of prayers, songs and meditations. They cover an entire range of human emotion: praise, joy, despair, anger, frustration and everything in between. Through this vivid tapestry one truth constantly reappears — God will always lead us forward in our journey from despair to praise as we engage with Him through prayer.”

For more information, call the church at 941-7780414.

Gathering is The Islander’s religion section. Please, send announcements, listings and photos to news@islander.org.

Community center finishes 2024-25 fiscal year $79K in the black

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The Center of Anna Maria Island’s fiscal year 2024-25 was a rollercoaster of a year.

Fortunately for the nonprofit, that coaster had enough high points to land it in the black by the end of the July-June year.

Despite struggles caused by hurricanes Helene and Milton last fall, the center finished fiscal 2024-25 $79,022 in the black, according to a financial report.

The fiscal year ended June 30.

It marks the second consecutive fiscal year in which the center has finished with a financial surplus.

Fiscal 2022-23 ended $257,887 in the red.

For fi scal 2024-25, the nonprofi t fi nished with $410,033 in total program income, which is similar to the $412,761 recorded the year prior.

Those numbers stayed consistent despite last year’s storms, which resulted in only $10,988.05 in total program income over September and October 2024. The monthly average for total program income was $34,169.39.

While program income stayed steady, the center spent $69,622 more on general and administrative expenses — a 9.1% increase over the previous year.

Fundraising proved to be the backbone of the center’s success in fiscal 2024-25. The nonprofit recorded $1,453,775 in total fundraising revenue, a $362,056 or 33.2% increase over the prior year, thanks in large part

to two colossal months.

Last October, in the leadup to the Rock ‘N’ Support Benefit Concert in November, the center collected $576,121.33 in total fundraising revenue.

Last December, when it hosted the 22nd Annual Lester Family Fun Day and began selling tickets for the Bradenton Gulf Islands Concert Series, the nonprofit collected $385,470.83 in total fundraising revenue.

The $961,592.16 raised over those two months equals more than 88% of the $1,091,719 in total program income it raised over the entirety of fiscal 2023-24.

Due to the strong fundraising numbers, the center finished the year with $262,919 in net ordinary income.

Factoring in $183,896 of capital expenses brings that number to $79,022 in net income for 2024-25.

In an Aug. 22 email to The Islander, executive director Christopher Culhane credited the community for the nonprofit’s success.

“We were fortunate to finish this fiscal year over $79K in the black, despite a significant revenue loss from the hurricanes, thanks to the generous support from the community,” he wrote.

Culhane wrote that the center was now “playing catchup” on a litany of capital repairs resulting from last year’s storms, including field maintenance and fencing, outdoor scoreboard and roof repairs.

Ned & Becky perform at Roser Memorial Community Church. Another performance at the church will be Sunday, Aug. 31. Islander Courtesy Photo

Kids show off art they made of their faces during their first week in the Center of Anna Maria Island’s Beyond the Classroom after-school program, which began the week of Aug. 11. Islander Photos: Courtesy CofAMI

A collection of faces crafted over the week of Aug. 11 by kids in the community center’s after-school program.

Beyond the Classroom kids fill out informative sheets about themselves during the first week of the program.

Streetlife

Island police reports

Anna Maria

No new reports.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office provides law enforcement to the city.

Bradenton Beach

Aug. 17, 118 Bridge St., Sports Lounge, assault. Bradenton Beach police were dispatched to a fight. A man who appeared intoxicated was sitting on the street curb. Witnesses said he had been grabbing people by the throat and when security removed the man from the bar, a handgun fell from his waistband. The man was carrying 20 grams of marijuana and firearm ammunition. The officer placed the man under arrest and transported him to Manatee County jail in Palmetto, where he was charged with assault and cannabis possession.

The Bradenton Beach Police Department polices the city.

Cortez

No new reports.

The MCSO polices Cortez.

Holmes Beach

Aug. 12, Palma Sola Causeway Boat Ramp, 9500 Manatee Ave. W., assisting law enforcement. Two Holmes Beach Police Department officers responded with a marine unit to the boat ramp at the request of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. They transported two MCSO deputies from the ramp to a vessel anchored nearby. The deputies arrested two subjects on the vessel and the Holmes Beach police officers transported the deputies and detainees back to the ramp.

The HBPD polices the city.

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

SPEEDERS CONTINuED FROM PAgE 1

camera system detected another 60 speeding violations in the active school zone, according to Tokajer.

He said the camera system’s early results have been “enlightening,” especially over the first week, which saw an increased first responder presence in the zone.

Over that week, three police vehicles, two fi re engines and an ambulance were positioned at the school with their emergency lights flashing mornings and afternoons while the school zone was active.

“And we still had 77 people that were going 11 mph over or higher,” Tokajer said. “Which is just crazy to think that, even with all that police and first responder presence, we still had that many speeders.”

So far, the only repercussions have been warnings.

However, that is set to change soon.

Tokajer said the automated camera system would stop issuing warnings and begin issuing $100 violations for speeding on Wednesday, Sept. 10.

Violations are sent via mail to the registered owners of the vehicles caught speeding.

He added that there is no excuse for motorists not to be aware of the 15-mph reduced speed limit since they must pass multiple signs with flashing lights and the posted speed.

Tokajer said he remained hopeful that the automated system’s issuance of violations will curb speeding.

“We’re hoping that, once the citations start going out, that changes behavior,” Tokajer said. “We’re only doing it during the time when there’s activity, not for the entirety of the day. … We’re not doing it as a money grab. We’re doing it to protect the children that are going to this elementary school.”

Cops & Courts

Holmes Beach man accused of burglary at Anna Maria store

A 24-year-old man is facing a felony charge for allegedly smashing the glass door of the Anna Maria General Store.

According to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, deputies from the Anna Maria substation responded around 5:35 a.m. Aug. 18 to 503 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, where a large rock had been thrown through the door.

Deputies found no one inside but surveillance video led law enforcement to identify a suspect and a “be on the lookout” alert was issued.

At 6:55 a.m., Holmes Beach Police Department Officer Christine Labranche detained a man, Leonardo Tilelli, who matched the suspect’s description walking east on the Anna Maria Island Bridge, while on her way to work.

According to police reports, Tilelli confessed to

the burglary and items of evidentiary value were recovered during the arrest.

Damage at the store was estimated at $2,500 and about seven food-related items, their value totaling $42, were taken, according to the MCSO.

“This successful outcome reflects the strong partnership between MSO and HBPD and greatly benefits both the business community and the residents we serve,” Sgt. Brett Getman, who heads the MCSO city substation, wrote in an Aug. 19 email to The Islander.

Manatee Clerk of the Circuit Court records show Tilelli faces a charge of felony third-degree burglary of an unoccupied structure. His arraignment is scheduled for 9 a.m. Oct. 3 at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton.

— Robert Anderson

Bradenton man attempts to pick handcuff lock after arrest

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Holmes Beach police arrested Bradenton resident Brendon Prudhomme, 37, Aug. 16 on three criminal charges, including two felonies and a misdemeanor.

Those charges include:

• A second-degree felony for attempted escape from police custody;

• A third-degree felony for possession of a concealed handcuff key while in police custody;

• A second-degree misdemeanor for disorderly intoxication causing public disturbance.

An officer driving in the 3200 block of East Bay Drive near a trolley stop around 8 p.m. observed a verbal altercation involving Prudhomme, who the officer recognized from past interactions.

The offi cer activated his emergency lights and separated the involved parties.

A man and woman at the scene told the officer that Prudhomme had a knife and sparked the altercation by yelling “unnecessary and provoking statements” at them, according to a police report.

However, they did not want to press charges and left the scene.

Roadwatch

Cortez Bridge utility relocation project: Pipe installation and related activities are ongoing in preparation for the construction of the new Cortez Bridge, scheduled to begin in 2026. Dewatering pipes and hoses are being installed along the south side of Cortez. Construction is expected to continue through next spring 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday. Info: 941306-4660, info@amiprojects.io, amiprojects.io.

Bradenton Beach street, beach access repairs: Through Oct. 31, Bradenton Beach is making hurricane-related improvements and repairs. Info: BBPD’s Facebook page.

75th Street West at Manatee Avenue West : Manatee County is working on its 75th Street West Improvements Project from 19th Avenue West to Second Avenue West, including at the Manatee Avenue intersection. Motorists can expect delays during roadwork. Info: mymanatee.org/75th.

— Lisa Neff

Island watch In an emergency, call 911. To report information, call MCSO-AM, 941-708-8899; BBPD, 941-778-6311; or HBPD, 941-708-5804.

The officer spoke with Prudhomme, who appeared to be impaired. He also was on supervised pretrial release and was not allowed to possess any weapons.

Prudhomme admitted he had a knife, which a backup officer found nearby.

The officers arrested Prudhomme for violating his supervised release conditions and for disorderly intoxication.

When police searched him and his backpack, they found four more knives.

Prudhomme was transported for processing to the Holmes Beach Police Department, where he was handcuffed to a bench.

While an officer was typing the arrest report, he heard something metallic fall near Prudhomme. When he checked to see what had caused the sound, he found a nail scraper with a sharp edge.

The officer examined the handcuffs securing Prudhomme and found several new scrape marks near the keyhole, where he allegedly tried to open the cuffs.

Prudhomme was transported to the Manatee County jail, where he remained as of Aug. 20 under a $10,500 bond.

If convicted, punishment for a second-degree felony charge includes up to 15 years in prison, 15 years of probation and a fine of up to $10,000.

Punishment for a third-degree felony includes up to five years in prison, five years of probation and a fine of up to $5,000.

Punishment for a second-degree misdemeanor includes up to 60 days, six months of probation and a fine of up to $500.

An arraignment will be at 9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 3, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

County wetlands vote canceled amid suspension fears

By Mitch Maley

The Bradenton Times

Manatee County Commission Chair George Kruse on Aug. 19 directed staff to cancel the Aug. 21 land use meeting in a defensive move to protect commissioners from what is increasingly appears to be a plan to use the vote as a political tool to remove commissioners from office.

In fall 2023, a previous board effectively eliminated the county’s wetland protection policies, despite local waterways having recently suffered a series of destructive algal blooms and despite the science on the importance of adequate wetland buffers being well established.

The following year, voters flipped the board, ousting every commissioner who was up for reelection and had voted to remove the protections. The new board, dominated by commissioners who had vowed to restore the old wetland policies, reversed a policy that severely weakened the urban service boundary and pursue the full collection of developer impact fees, set about doing so.

Meanwhile, the Legislature passed SB 180, a broad emergency management bill that included vague language regarding “burdensome” changes to rules in the wake of a destructive hurricane season. Developers argued that SB 180 impeded the commission’s ability to enact this and just about every other change it intended to make.

Talk of Gov. Ron DeSantis suspending commissioners who voted for the bill if it passed and appointing developer-approved replacements — perhaps even some of the commissioners who had been defeated in 2024 — began circulating.

As the meeting approached, a text campaign from an unidentified group urged residents to call Kruse and demand that he and other commissioners “stand up for our wetlands,” using language that sounded suspiciously like attack ads directed at grassroots candidates last year.

Commissioners began to consider that a plan was afoot to bait them into voting for the amendment, only so that a stay might be granted, while a new board got to work undoing the changes the current board has been able to make.

“We don’t have to be incorrect,” said Kruse. “All Tallahassee has to do is have the implication of believing they’re correct and they can suspend us. The

governor can’t remove anyone from office; they can suspend us from office. Being removed is from the state Senate, which doesn’t meet for months. Once a majority is suspended from office, then they have the right to temporarily replace (them). So, here’s my concern, and I’ll lay it out ahead of Thursday. Here’s the timeline ... You vote in favor of this, and it goes to court, great, that’s the best-case scenario we knew.

“However, the day after we make this motion on Thursday, (on) Friday, the frequent flier developer attorneys are going to go across the street and file a lawsuit. They probably already wrote it because this was noticed. The minute they file the lawsuit, those notices get stayed, meaning the wetlands stay where they are, the 2.1.2.8 stays in our comprehensive plan until those lawsuits, which are going to take over a year, get resolved. That’s our best-case scenario. We’ve proven a point, and the comp plan stays the same.

“Our worst-case scenario is we vote that through and they attempt to suspend people from office, even if it’s frivolous. People say, that’s not going to happen. They literally just threatened to remove all of the city of Key West (city council). They literally just threat-

ened to remove all of the city of Fort Myers (city council) and, just two weeks ago, they literally threatened to remove all of Orange County, a massive county, its county commission, seven people.”

Kruse said that rather than attempting a vote, he was going to exercise his right to direct staff to cancel the land use meeting.

Commissioner Tal Siddique moved to appeal, and Commissioner Bob McCann seconded the motion for discussion. Siddique said that the public deserved to have input and that canceling a meeting out of fear of a potential outcome was a dangerous precedent to set. The county attorney later advised that the meeting would have to be opened by staff so that public comment could be taken, but commissioners would not be required to attend.

Both the appeal and its second were withdrawn, and the meeting was adjourned.

Editor’s note: The report, published with permission and edited for length, appeared first at thebradentontimes.com. The Bradenton Times is a digital publication founded in 2008 by former Manatee County Commissioner Joe McClash.

After the storms: Stories of loss, recovery, revitalization

Nearly a year ago, Hurricane Helene struck Anna Maria Island, destroying buildings, disrupting lives and damaging businesses. Soon after, Hurricane Milton delivered another devastating blow to AMI.

As we approach the anniversary of these lifechanging storms, The Islander invites readers to share their recollections — not just of the hurricanes, but of the days that followed, the losses endured and the

recovery that continues.

Where were you then? Where are you now?

We want to read your stories of resilience, rebuilding and the community spirit that has defined Anna Maria Island’s journey back from the storms.

Share your words and images with The Islander at news@islander.org. Help The Islander chronicle this chapter in our history — one story at a time.

A drone camera captures damages on the Cortez waterfront from Hurricane Milton. Islander File Photo: Jacob Merrifield

West Manatee Fire Rescue explores BB property purchase

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The West Manatee Fire Rescue District may be laying the foundation for a future station in Bradenton Beach.

WMFR commissioners voted 4-1 Aug. 19 on a motion to direct staff to prepare a potential $1 million contract for the purchase of property in the city.

Commissioner Larry Jennis voted “no.”

In addition to its administrative headquarters at 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton, the fire district has three stations:

• Station 1 at 407 67th St. W., Bradenton;

• Station 2 at 10350 Cortez Road W., Bradenton;

• Station 3 at 6001 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

Anna Maria Island’s southernmost city has been without a fire station since the Anna Maria and West Side fi re districts merged into WMFR in 2000 and decommissioned the Bradenton Beach Fire Hall at 201 Second St. N.

However, in the wake of the devastation wrought by hurricanes Helene and Milton last year, that might change.

“An opportunity has been presented to us. I can’t go into full detail into where and what it is, but there is a property in Bradenton Beach that was potentially offered to us,” Chief Ben Rigney said to open the Aug. 19 discussion. “So I would like to seek guidance and direction to work with the chairman and legal counsel to potentially bring back a contract not to exceed $1 million for the purchase of a property in Bradenton

Cops & Courts

Bradenton man with priors arrested for shoplifting

Holmes Beach police arrested Bradenton resident Thomas Carter, 46, Aug. 17 on a third-degree felony for alleged petit theft with two or more convictions.

An officer was approached around 5:57 p.m. by a Publix manager who said a man attempted to steal $29 of items from the store and left the area on foot.

Police searched the area for the man and found him in a nearby parking lot.

The man was identified as Carter and the manager confirmed he was the person who attempted to steal from the store.

Carter told police “he was trying to commit a crime to go to jail because he needed to help people there,” according to a police report.

An officer arrested Carter, trespassed him from the Publix store and transported him to the Manatee County jail. He remained in custody as of Aug. 20 under a $2,500 bond.

If convicted, punishments for a third-degree felony charge includes up to five years in prison, five years of probation and a fine of up to $5,000.

An arraignment will be at 9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 3, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

— Ryan Paice

Beach.”

Commissioner Dana Tindall, who worked for the Bradenton Fire Department before her time with WMFR, said her former department had functions at the old Bradenton Beach Fire Hall and it was “heartbreaking” to see it decommissioned.

She said that, if the district has an opportunity to secure property in the city that could become another station, they could not let it go to waste.

“The potential for it is great,” Tindall said.

Commissioner Billy Burke said Bradenton Beach was an ideal location for a fourth station since heavy island traffic can slow the district’s response to the city from Station 2 and Station 3.

“There are days where we just can’t get there,” Commissioner Derrick Warner agreed.

On the other hand, Jennis questioned the necessity of another island station. He said Station 3 has a low call volume and provides solid response times.

“To take on the expense of buying and renovating and maintaining and insuring and staffi ng … I think we have to have a pretty clear operational need,” Jennis said. “And, unless I’m missing something, I don’t see that operational need.”

Commissioner Robert Bennett said purchasing such a property may be a bit ahead of the district’s timeline for growth, but another island station would be needed in the future.

He added that a potential $1 million deal would be “a heck of a bargain” compared to the cost of similar

property in 5-10 years.

“I would like to move ahead with it because it may not be exactly what we need now … but it’s a good price and it’s a good fit for us down the road,” Bennett said.

Tindall motioned to prepare a contract for the potential purchase. Her motion was seconded and approved.

Budget moves on to 2nd reading

In the meantime, the district’s spending plan for fiscal 2025-26, which begins Oct. 1, is moving forward.

Commissioners held a first reading and public hearing for a $16,683,907 proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year during the Aug. 19 meeting.

The proposed spending plan includes $13,194,092 in total estimated revenues and $3,489,815 for the budgeted use of impact and reserve funds.

On the expenditure side of the spending plan, $11,149,049 was budgeted for personnel expenses, $3,438,000 for capital outlay and $2,096,857 for operating expenses.

The district also included $6,671,953 in total reserve funds for the upcoming fiscal year.

The WMFR commission will hold a second and potentially final public hearing for the proposed budget during its next meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, at the district’s administrative headquarters, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton.

need a good laugh? visit the NEW emerson quillin signature store. humor, art, gifts. now offering pet portraits. HB Post Office, 5354 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. emersonshumor.com

The old fire hall, 201 Second St. N., Bradenton Beach, went out of service in 2000. WMFR is exploring a potential purchase of an unidentified property for a future firehouse in Bradenton Beach. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

Center expands adult soccer; golf, horseshoes dodge rain

By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter

With two weeks left in the regular season of adult flag football, the Center of Anna Maria Island is deep into planning the youth and adult fall soccer season. Meanwhile, the battle is tight for the top four adult flag football seeds and a bye into the second round playoffs.

Solid Rock Electrical at 6-1, Salty Printing at 6-2, Solid Rock Construction at 5-1 and 5-2 Slim’s Place are in prime position to earn that bye. Coaster Continent at 4-3 and 3-3 Moss Builders are still in position to earn a first-round bye, but they need some help from the teams in front of them.

Bubble Binz, G.I. Bins and Cortez Pump & Sprinkler follow with 3-4 records, while Edible Cookie Dough Cafe and Reel Coastal Properties are both 0-7.

Action for the week kicked off Aug. 22 with Solid Rock Electrical hanging on for a 26-20 victory over Slim’s Place. Cruz Rodriguez threw four touchdown passes, including two to Evelyn Long to lead Solid Rock Electrical, which also received TD catches from Christian Hampton and Jesse Skipper.

Chase Richardson threw three touchdown passes to lead Slim’s Place, which also received touchdown catches from Jaden Grant, Connor Ludwig and Jacob Nelson in the loss.

Salty Printing outscored Coast Continent 33-30 in the second game of the night behind three TD passes and a TD catch from quarterback Miguel Rodriguez. Corey Von Borstel had a TD pass and a TD reception, while Logan Heath finished with two TD catches in the victory.

Matt Manger threw for three scores and ran for another for Coaster Continent offense, which also received TDs from Dina DeJesus, Steven Pavina and Karri Stephens in the loss.

G.I. Bins cruised to a 42-12 victory over Edible Cookie Dough Cafe in the third game of the night. Steve Wolfe threw five TD passes and added a TD catch for G.I. Bins. Joey Vigel and Christian Mcpherson both had a pair of touchdown catches, while Sir Williams added a TD pass in the victory.

Dallas Buchholtz threw touchdown passes to Jacob Ferda and Mike McCance for the Dough Cafe in the loss.

The fourth game of the evening saw Solid Rock Construction double up to a final score of 36-18 versus Moss Builders behind four TD passes and a TD run from quarterback Tuna McCracken. Kevin Roman had two TD catches, while David Daigle and Jonathan Geller each added a TD catch to the win.

Ray Gardner threw three TD passes, including two to Anthony Mannino and one to James Roadman in the loss.

The final game of the evening wasn’t a game, as

3-0 record in pool play at the Aug. 20 horseshoe games at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Islander

Cortez Pump & Sprinkler was handed a forfeit victory after Bubble Binz was unable to field a team.

The action continues Aug. 29 with five regular season games at Palma Sola Park in Bradenton while the community center field is settling from a makeover, including new sod.

Key Royale golf news

There was a full week of golf action at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach, starting with the men’s weekly modified-Stableford system match Aug. 18. Quentin Talbert grabbed clubhouse bragging rights for the day after carding a plus-5 to earn a two-point victory over Earl Ritchie and Rich Salzburg, who finished in a tie for second place.

The women played a nine-hole, individual-lownet match Aug. 19. Jana Samuels took first place with an even-par 32, two strokes better than second-place

Cassidy

Brooks Nelson and tom Farrington pose with the AMI Pitchers trophy for posting the only

Photo: Courtesy AMI Pitchers

County seeks $275K grant for Cortez shoreline project

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners Aug. 19 unanimously approved an application to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for a $275,000 Resilient Florida planning grant.

The money would fund the design and permitting of a storm resiliency project at Sunny Shores Park, 11704 36th Ave. W., Cortez, where green infrastructure and a hybrid living shoreline system would be installed to buffer storm surge, reduce erosion and enhance natural flood protection.

Sunny Shores and neighboring Cortez village were among some of the county’s hardest hit areas during the 2024 hurricane season, when consecutive strikes from hurricanes Helene and Milton brought surge flooding and wind damage.

sports FRoM PAge 16

finisher Helen Pollock. Sue Wheeler was alone in third place after firing a 6-over-par 38.

Members were back on the course Aug. 21 for a nine-hole scramble. The team of Jim Bailey, Bill Shuman and Ron Vandeman combined on a 2-underpar 30 to grab first place, while the team of Mike Clements, Warren Stevens and Quentin Talbert finished a stroke back in second place.

Horseshoe action

Horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall pits last week was short and sweet.

Action Aug. 20 saw Brooks Nelson and Tom Farrington post the only 3-0 record in pool play to claim the day’s outright champs.

The result was similar during the Aug. 23 games as Tim Sofran and Tom Betty had the lone perfect record in pool play to win the day’s championship.

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

It’s free to play and everyone is welcome.

Last chance

Registration for the 18-plus fall soccer season at the center was Tuesday, Aug. 26.

The league is splitting into two divisions for players ages 18-plus and 35-plus. Eighteen-plus players will participate in evaluations at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, followed by a team draft at the community center.

The 18-plus season will kick off on Thursday, Sept. 18, with matches held Thursday evenings. Match times will be determined based on the number of participants.

The second division of older players have until Sept. 2 to register to play with the first game, which is

The motion to approve the application was made by Commissioner Mike Rahn, seconded by Commissioner Amanda Ballard and passed by a 7-0 vote without discussion.

In other funding related news, county grant division manager Michele Davis informed commissioners the County Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program had entered the proposalgathering stage.

“I just wanted to make sure everybody knew that the CDBG-DR RFP is out right now,” Davis told commissioners. “It was advertised on July 25. We received 127 questions, answers were posted on Aug. 15 and proposals are due Sept. 4.”

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded the county $252.7 million in Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery

Center sports field work in progress

funding in January to aid long-term recovery following damage from the 2024 hurricanes.

The funds are part of a $12 billion national appropriation by Congress to assist communities impacted by major natural disasters and are administered by HUD.

Eligible uses of funds include infrastructure improvements, housing rehabilitation, public services and economic development, if they benefit low- and moderate-income persons.

The county program involves issuing a request for proposals, a formal solicitation inviting organizations or contractors to submit competitive bids for how they would deliver projects or services, a review of proposals and scoring using criteria such as community benefit, cost-effectiveness and compliance with federal guidelines.

Center athletic field renewed

set for Sept. 17. The division will play on Wednesday nights throughout the fall.

Registration fees are $20 for members and $130 for nonmembers in the 18-plus division. The fee drops to $100 for nonmembers in the 35-plus division — although it’s free for players who also take part in the 18-plus division.

Registration for the youth season is closed, with matches beginning Monday, Sept. 15.

For more information, drop into the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, visit centerami.org or call 941-778-1908.

More games to play

There’s more than soccer at the community center to challenge athletes, as the nonprofit gears up for fall with more sports leagues.

Athletes ages 5-7 have an opportunity to step up to the plate with the Youth T-Ball program, designed to

introduce children to America’s pastime through skillbuilding drills and fun, instructional games.

The season will kick off Sept. 20 with Saturday morning games at 10 a.m.

Registration will close Monday, Sept. 1, with costs set at $10 for center members and $100 for nonmembers.

Others might find their game in the Adult 3v3 Basketball League, launching Sept. 18 with Thursday night competition.

The league operates on a “bring your own team” format, requiring five players per squad and a designated team captain.

Registration will close Aug. 29. The cost is $20 for members and $100 for nonmembers.

For more information, contact center sports manager Tuna McCracken at sports@centerami.org or 941778-1908.

— lisa Neff

A field of new sod takes root at the center’s sports field Aug. 19, five days after it was planted as part of facility-wide maintenance project by the nonprofit.

Grab your gear for holiday opening: Snook season kicks in Sept. 1

By Capt. Danny stasny Islander Reporter

Anna Maria Island anglers are chomping at the bit to get out on the water for a very special occasion.

That’s right, Labor Day, Sept. 1, is opening day for snook season in Manatee County waters.

And being that opening day falls on a holiday, I’m sure many of you snook addicts out there have already made plans to hit the water.

I imagine many of you have been pre-fishing to find your favorite snook spots that are holding keeper-size fish.

It’s like being a shepherd tending the flock — except you plan on doing more than harvesting the wool.

Snook fishing is taken seriously among the island locals, who also are quite protective of it. So make sure you’re not intruding on them while they’re trying to get a bite.

To catch a keeper snook is worthy of bragging rights and also a snook dinner that evening.

Whether baked, grilled, blackened or fried, snook rates among the best of the backcountry species when it comes to tablefare, although the true allure of snook is the chase.

Snook can be a finicky fish at times, especially the big ones, and as we see more and more pressure on the water, fewer numbers of these large slot-size fish are available as targets.

A combination of fishing pressure, loss of habitat and pesky dolphins has made catching a keeper snook a challenge worthy of the saltiest of anglers.

This being said, many anglers practice catch-andrelease when snook fishing whether the season is open or not, which helps ensure future stocks of the game fish.

Snook inhabit a variety of areas throughout their lives, which requires the angler to pay attention to the surroundings.

Many snook like to inhabit mangrove shorelines, where grass flats and good tidal flow exist, although depending on the time of year, snook can be found in many other areas, including along the beaches, in canals, under docks and bridges, in the passes and even at the artificial reefs.

With such a variety of locations, you might think they’re easy to find, but that’s not always the case. Doing your homework and having an understanding of the fish and their habits is in your best interest.

And once you find them, you still have to get them to bite, which isn’t easy at times.

A good start is to target them during swift moving tides, which seems a trigger for them to feed.

As for the choice of bait, some anglers catch them

on live bait, some catch them on artificials and some just get them by mistake. Snook are opportunistic feeders, which can lead to a slip up here and there, but most of the time they’re quite canny when reading the menu.

On the flats, live shiners, pinfish and shrimp are good choices. In the passes or around piers, bridges and jetties, snook are known to take larger baits, like ladyfish, mullet and lizard fish.

While in the shallows, artificials, such as soft plastics on a jighead, plugs and top-water plugs are important assets in the tackle box. If you’re fishing bridges and jetties large, lipped plugs like the Rapala CD-18 will get the job done.

And some folks utilize the combination of live bait and artificials — a “troll-rite” jig head with the addition of a jumbo-size shrimp. This technique is deadly when fi shing around the piers. But no matter what method is chosen, it is still up to the snook to take the

For snook season, the sarasota Bay region includes the northern coastal boundary at state Road 64 in Manatee County and extends south near the Venice Municipal Airport in sarasota County. the region includes all waters of Palma sola Bay, Phillippi Creek, Cow Pen slough Canal and Curry Creek. the region does not include the waters of the Braden and Manatee rivers. snook season in the region is closed Dec. 1 to the end of February, and May -Aug. 31. the slot limit is not less than 28 inches or more than 33 inches in total length. the bag limit is one fish per person per day. Islander Courtesy Image

Roman Rakowski, 10, of sweet Valley, Pennsylvania, shows off a 26-inch snook he caught and released Aug. 20 while fishing with his dad, Dave. they were guided to the fish by Capt. Danny stasny of Just Reel Fishing Charters.

bait, so be prepared and well-armed with a variety of offerings.

Finally, I guess we should go over the rules. Snook season is open Sept. 1 and ends Dec. 1. It then reopens on March 1 and closes May 1. Snook must be a minimum of 28 inches, with a maximum of 33 inches in total length. The bag limit is one per person per day.

Meanwhile, on my Just Reel charters, mangrove snapper are the most reliable catch although spotted seatrout are not far behind.

For the snapper, live shiners on a weighted snapper hook are quickly being devoured mid-water column over wrecks, reefs and rock bottoms. In many instances, the snapper can be seen frolicking in the chum before they are fed a bait with a hook in it. Limits are attainable on most outings.

As for the spotted seatrout, deep grass flats are holding plenty of trout. Some trial and error is required as some schools inhabiting the flats contain smaller examples measuring 12-14 inches, while other flats are holding fish 16-18 inches. In both scenarios, there are quite a few mackerel and ladyfish mixed in, which adds variety to the bite.

Small blacktip and sandbar sharks are present, leading to drag-screaming battles before they abruptly cut through the leader.

Finally, snook fishing around mangrove shorelines and in the passes is resulting in quality hookups.

Capt. David White says mangrove snapper are the highlight throughout the inshore waters.

Limits of snapper are being caught by White’s clients on most days while deploying hatch bait combined with a small circle hook and light fluorocarbon leader.

On some days when they’re deep, the addition of some weight is required. Other days, when the snapper are on the surface, a simple flat line will suffice.

Spotted seatrout are following suit with the snapper as limits of these popular flat fish are frequently being caught. Free-lined live shiners are getting the bite going.

White is preparing for snook season by patrolling some of his favorite spots and he says good numbers of snook are taking the bait pre-season. He also says he’s encountering some redfish to take home sin areas where he’s targeting snook.

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

stasny

Nesting notes

By Lisa Neff

1sts, lasts and more

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring in the week ending Aug. 22 reported the first known hatch of a sea turtle nest at Emerson Point Preserve in Palmetto.

AMITW also announced it was holding its last Turtle Talks and Shorebird Facts program of the season at Holmes Beach City Hall on Aug. 25, as The Islander went to press.

“Exciting news,” AMITW executive director Kristen Mazzarella told The Islander Aug. 22.

She said the Emerson Point nest, monitored daily by Manatee County staff and excavated by AMITW, contained 98 eggs and 81 of them hatched.

In other nesting news, AMITW said the 22,311 hatchlings to emerge from AMI nests fi ve months into the season outnumbered the total produced last year — 20,633 — and come close to the season total in 2023 — 22,713.

“And the season is not over yet,” said Mazzarella. “We still have 224 nests remaining on the beach.” Nesting season continues through Oct. 31. Until then, lights out.

As of Aug. 22, AMItW reported 541 sea turtle nests, 828 false crawls, 314 hatched nests, 22,311 hatchlings produced, 30 adult disorientations and 118 hatchling disorientations.

Tracking Winnie’s swim

RIgHt: A tracking map shows Winnie, Anna Maria Island’s entry in the 2025 tour de turtles, sponsored by Hurricane Hanks and presented by the sea turtle Conservancy, has traveled about 134 miles in the science-focused migration marathon. the loggerhead, in fourth place out of 12 sea turtles, was tagged with a satellite tracker June 23 at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. the tour de turtles began Aug. 1 and continues through oct. 31. For more, go to tourdeturtles.org. Islander screenshot

Tiki & Kitty’s

Tiki and Kitty are leading the way to their favorite “COOL” shops and boutiques to find unique vintage accents, home decor and special treasures.

Miss us? WE MISS YOU AMI!

Stop by at our other locations:

Scavengers Marketplace SRQ

1175 N Washington Blvd

Scavengers Palmetto

2100 US Hwy 301

T&K love Cat’s Meow, an 8,000 square-foot marketplace! Their vendors offer coastal, cottage, beach, antique, boho, midcentury modern and other home decor styles. They also offer vintage to fine jewelry and vintage vinyl records.

You might want to lace up your skates, as this large, former skating rink has plenty to offer bargain hunters and anyone seeking antiques and unique decor.

You don’t want to miss this collection.

Across the street from Cat’s Meow, there’s Blue Flamingo, another “must stop,” boasting three large buildings of quirky, whimsy, florals and vintage treasures and nauticals, hip and trendy upcycled and repurposed goods, furniture and decor, garden features, candles, jewelry and work by local artisans, as well as Dixie Belle paints.

You’ll also find a new collection from the Gather-

Your place for fun, funky quirky!

Local Artisans. Upcycled, Vintage Furniture, Decor, Artwork Dixie Belle Paint, Fun Gifts & More! Featuring “The Sea Hagg” collection. theblueflamingo.biz

Adventures in Shopping … Antiques, Art-Tiques and Chic Boutiques!

ing Place and classy nautical furnishings from the Sea Hagg, formerly in Cortez.

We promise, you will find treasures aplenty. Scavengers Marketplace has plenty of vendors to capture your wallet at the Palmetto store, 2100 U.S. 301. There’s always something new to entice you among the vendors’ eclectic collections.

FYI: Scavengers also carries Fusion Paints.

The Vintage Vine Market is a favorite for Tiki and Kitty, who love the fine vintage wares and items with a whimsical twist at this store in historic Old Manatee along the newest section of the Bradenton Riverwalk. The location in the 1910 building oozes charm. And they take select consignments by appointment.

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

AMItW draws a crowd as they release five green sea turtle hatchlings found in a nest during an excavation. Islander

Photo: Courtesy Cindy Hodge

leFt: AMItW’s Kristen Mazzarella and Peggy Welch excavate the first sea turtle nest ever recorded at emerson Point Preserve in Palmetto. they reported 81 of 98 eggs hatched. Islander Photo: Courtesy Cindy Hodge

By Lisa Neff

Another Florida anniversary

I came for work and found a bit of paradise.

I came to reside on Anna Maria Island on Labor Day weekend in 2005, driving down from Chicago with my wife in a Saturn loaded with three cats, a bucket of aquarium fish and some assorted items too precious for transport in the moving van.

We left Chicago the morning after Hurricane Katrina made landfall, and, at my farewell party two nights before, more than a few people had asked why we wanted to move to Florida — a Gulf state where we’d have to deal with hurricanes and virulently anti-gay politicians, some of them holding even higher office now.

The hurricanes left us alone — for a while.

And we found community and warmth on AMI despite the politics of the state.

Over the years, we came to consider ourselves Floridians and those friends who questioned the move even came to visit.

Now, 20 years after the move, I’ve lived in Manatee County longer than any other county in my 60 years.

Each year, on Labor Day weekend, when others were marking the end of summer, my wife and I have marked our “Florida anniversary” by repeating the arrival activities of that first day on AMI.

On past anniversaries, we walked on the beach, arriving via the access that’s just steps from our old apartment.

But will we do so this year?

The last time I drove past the Gulf Drive apartment, it remained vacant, still needing repair from hurricane damage, and friends’ homes nearby still await demoli-

Anna Maria reviewing grand tree ordinance

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Changes could be coming for grand trees in Anna Maria.

At their Aug. 14 meeting, city commissioners discussed a proposed ordinance that would revise municipal code to change the definition of a grand tree.

The code currently defines a grand tree as a tree with an 8-inch or greater diameter at 4.5 feet above ground level, excluding ficus and Australian pine trees.

The removal of grand trees is prohibited unless “the location of the grand tree renders the lot or parcel as non-buildable, the grand tree is a hazard or severely diseased, or denial of the removal of the grand tree will result in extreme hardship for the property owner, as determined by the city commission at a quasi-judicial hearing.”

The proposed ordinance would change the measurement of grand trees from an 8-inch to 32-inch diameter, as well as add palm trees and any tree determined to be invasive by the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences to the list of species excluded from the city’s tree protections.

The UF/IFAS relies on the Florida Invasive Species Council’s plant list, which includes a number of trees. Invasive trees on the list include Australian pine,

tion, damaged beyond repair by Helene’s surge.

On past anniversaries, we walked to the post office and then stopped at the nearby ice cream shop, followed by a visit to the best destination on the island after the beach — the Anna Maria City Pier.

But this year?

The last time I drove past, the post office was operating from a trailer in City Pier Park and the pier’s T-end was inaccessible because the walkway was destroyed — all due to last year’s storms.

On past anniversaries, we walked across Gulf Drive for dinner at a waterfront restaurant that has recovered from the hurricanes of 2024 but is changed — under new ownership with a different menu and appeal.

The Anna Maria Island I moved to in 2005 is not the island that exists today, and I can’t pretend otherwise.

There’ve been many, many changes besides the wreckage and upheaval caused by Helene and then Milton, but the most significant is the demolition of duplexes and cottages to make way for supersized vacation rentals, displacing the island workers and snowbirds who helped create AMI’s hometown feel.

What do you think? Have developers and investors taken more homes and hometown feel than the

red sandalwood, mimosa, orchid and trumpet trees — among many others.

The proposed ordinance also would scrap the requirement for a quasi-judicial hearing.

Mayor Mark Short said there had been changes at the state level regarding grand trees, so staff evaluated the city code and proposed changes to align with the state.

However, city attorney Becky Vose said it was not necessary to follow state statute. She said commissioners could make their own list of invasive trees, which then would be excluded from grand tree protections.

Commissioners Christopher Arendt and Gary McMullen commented about potentially removing Australian pine trees from the city’s list.

Commission Chair Charlie Salem said he wanted to learn more about why the city excluded Australian pine and ficus trees, as well as why the measurement for grand trees was set at 8 inches.

During public comment, former Commissioner Brian Seymour — who served on the board when the grand tree ordinance was last amended — said developers at the time were clear-cutting properties.

Salem pushed the proposed ordinance back for further discussion during the next meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

hurricanes?

Thankfully, despite a slow year for The Islander newspaper, I’m still here for work.

Do I still have a bit of paradise?

The answer is qualified yes — when I gather with the island family we created over two decades and when my wife and I step onto that “wow” beach on the shore of the Gulf of Mexico.

On the beach near the Sycamore Avenue overlook, Connie and I saw our first AMI sunset, learned to identify the island’s shorebirds, flew kites with visiting nieces and nephews, watched coquinas wiggle into the sand and frigates fly in from the Gulf, followed a run of rays up the coast, read Florida authors into the afternoon, sipped refreshments from red Solo cups, observed a sea turtle nest excavation with the legendary Suzi Fox, cheered manatees in the shallows and bathed in the Florida sunshine.

Yes, all is not lost.

After the storms: Stories of loss, recovery, revitalization

Nearly a year ago, Hurricane Helene struck Anna Maria Island, destroying buildings, disrupting lives and damaging businesses. Soon after, Hurricane Milton delivered another devastating blow to AMI.

As we approach the anniversary of these lifechanging storms, The Islander invites readers to share their recollections — not just of the hurricanes, but of the days that followed, the losses endured and the recovery that continues.

Where were you then? Where are you now?

We want to read your stories of resilience, rebuilding and the community spirit that has defined Anna Maria Island’s journey back from the storms.

        

Share your words and images with The Islander at news@islander.org

Help The Islander chronicle this pivotal chapter in our history — one story at a time.

The Island Experts Since 1972

Neff

County tourist council gets trends, data updates

The overall occupancy rate for Manatee County tourist accommodations was 69.7% in June, while the average daily rate for accommodations was $321.38.

The data comes from Downs & St. Germain, the research firm for the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Isiah Lewis, the firm’s director of client relations, presented numbers and trends to the county tourist development council during an Aug. 18 meeting at the Center of Anna Maria Island in Anna Maria.

For hotel rooms, the occupancy rate in June was 72.1% and the average daily rate was $153.

For vacation rentals, the occupancy rate was 67.5% and the average daily rate was $482.

The number of visitors for the first month of the summer was estimated at 114,500, with their direct expenditures estimated at $160,423,700 and room nights totaling 232,900.

The average length of stay for a party in June was 5.9 days and the average party size was 2.9 people.

Lewis did not compare or contrast the numbers to past data because this was the firm’s first numbers report to the TDC.

Lewis also discussed general tourism trends:

• More travelers say they’re opting for shorter, budget-conscious trips;

• International sentiment toward traveling to the United States is down in major markets;

• International travel to the United States will fall by 15.2% in 2025.

However, BACVB executive director Elliott Falcione told the TDC that the German and U.K. markets are resilient and “we are staying the course.”

— lisa Neff

Biz award nominees sought

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce is collecting recommendations for its business of the year awards.

To be a successful nominee, a business must have been in operation at least three years and a member of the chamber for at least one year.

Businesses that previously won the award are eligible to win again if they fit another award category. Categories include small, medium, large and nonprofit business.

Nominations must be submitted by Sept. 3. The top nominees in each category will be selected for in-person interviews on Monday, Oct. 27.

The award winners will be announced at a chamber party in November.

For more information, call the chamber at 941778-1541.

—

lisa Neff

IslBiz calendar

By lisa Neff

THIS WEEK

Thursday, Aug. 28

5-7 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce business card exchange and ribbon cutting, Kern & Gilder Construction, 1878 59th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: amichamber.org, 941-778-1541.

SAVE THE DATES

• Sept. 4, 3 p.m., Manatee chamber’s local government seminar, Bradenton.

• Oct. 18, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., AMI Chamber Bayfest, Anna Maria. Send listings to calendar@islander.org.

You can explore the Islander archive at the uofFlorida digital newspaper collection at ufdc. ufl.edu.

launch of the gulf Islands Ferry, which currently has two stops — the

downtown Bradenton and the Historic

street

Development Council, meeting Aug. 18 at the Center of Anna

unanimously voted to recommend county commissioners allocate up to $750,000 in tourist tax revenue for capital projects to support the ferry service. About $228,000 would go to the design and permitting work for a standalone docking structure alongside the Anna Maria City Pier while other funds would be to improve the Bradenton stop and develop other launch sites, including a stop at the Palmetto estuary Preserve near the Bradenton Area Convention Center. Islander File Photo

Bradenton Beach maps out revitalization efforts

By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter

The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency approved a plan Aug. 21 for short-term projects before the holiday season while also mapping out improvements for the coming decades.

The CRA, created in 1992 and reauthorized in 2018, reinvests tax-increment revenue into infrastructure, beautification and redevelopment within its boundaries. The district stretches from the north side of Cortez Road to Fifth Street South, from Sarasota Bay to the gulf of Mexico, and includes Bridge Street, the pier and the anchorage area.

During the meeting, the CRA, which consists of the mayor and city commissioners, voted unanimously to allocate $50,000 for upgrades ahead of Christmas on Bridge Street festivities. Upgrades include landscaping, painting, decorative banners, hanging baskets, new bike racks and more trash receptacles.

Another priority is hiring a dedicated public works employee to maintain the district.

Police Chief John Cosby, who also serves as the city’s public works director, said he would move forward with filling the post in the new budget year, which begins Oct. 1.

“Having that employee on staff to spot burnt-out lights, handle paint touchups, address small repairs and deal with issues as they come up means the CRA area gets attention without overburdening the city’s public works department, which still has to maintain the rest of the city,” Cosby said.

Commissioner Ralph Cole also floated the idea of planting salt- and drought-tolerant grass in select locations along Bridge Street to cool walkways, sup-

AMI chamber seeks board candidates

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce is taking nominations for its board of directors, as four seats are up for reelection for 2026-28 terms. Who can be nominated?

A chamber notice said, “A nominee must be a member in good standing.”

The deadline to file nomination forms is Thursday, Sept. 4.

For more, go to amichamber.org or call 941-7781541.

— lisa Neff

Looking tasty

Bob slicker, proud roaster and proprietor of slicker’s eatery, looks over his cooking progress in a smoker/ roaster box with help from a curious, hungry little fellow. slicker hosted an “old Fashion Pig Roast” Aug. 16 under a tent at the restaurant, 12012 Cortez Road W., Cortez, with live music from Foolish Relics. Check slicker’s eatery on Facebook for events, including music. Islander Photo: Jack elka

port stormwater absorption and make the area pet friendly.

Long term, the CRA is centered on undergrounding utilities, a project delayed by last year’s hurricanes. City attorney Ricinda Perry has estimated the remaining utility work in the district could cost $2 million.

The board directed staff to update cost estimates and explore bonding or grant funding to cover the expense.

The board also authorized issuing a request for proposals for planning services to unify the CRA’s design theme, refine streetscape standards and coordinate future projects, such as sidewalks, drainage, irrigation, lighting and entryway signage.

A

Bradenton Riverwalk Pier near

Bridge

Pier in Bradenton Beach. the Manatee County tourist

Maria Island in Anna Maria,

Bridge street is at the center of the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency commercial district. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

ITEMS FOR SALE

OFFICE CHAIRS: BLACK. Two, like-new, $35 each. 941-920-2494.

ANTIQUE PARTNER DESK: All wood, $500. Inquire at 941-778-7978.

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

Individuals may place one free ad with up to three items, each priced $100 or less, 15 words or less. FREE, one week, must be submitted online. Email classifieds@islander.org. (limited time offer).

ANNOUNCEMENTS

EARLY DEADLINE! THE Islander office will be closed Monday, Sept. 1, to observe Labor Day. The classified ad deadline for the Sept. 3 newspaper will be noon Friday, Aug. 29.

TRANSPORTATION

GOLF CART RENTALS: Fun for residents and tourists! 941-213-5730. www.annamariacartrentals.com

BOATS & BOATING

HAVe A BoAt and wanna catch more fish, better bait or learn the water? 50-year local fisherman, your boat, my knowledge. Captain Chris, 941-896-2915.

SUNCOAST BOTTOM PAINTING: Professional bottom painting. Mobile. Call 941-704-9382.

CAPTAIN FOR HIRE and boat caretaker services: If you need help with your boat on or off the water, call Captain Dan. USCG, retired. 772486-8085.

WelCoMe ABoARD JoYFIsH Charters for private fishing, sunset cruises, and dolphin watching. Check out joyfishcharters.com or follow us on Facebook. Call to reserve, 941840-3181.

Sandy’s Lawn Service Inc.

ESTABLISHED IN 1983 Residential & Commercial Full-service lawn maintenance. Landscaping ~ Cleanups Hauling ~ Tree Trimming. LICENSED & INSURED

Paradise Improvements

RDI

941.792.5600 Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Specialist Replacement Doors and Windows Andrew Chennault FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED Island References Lic#CBC056755

CONSTRUCTION INC.

Residential & Condo Renovations Kitchens • Bath • Design Ser vice Carpentr y • Flooring • Painting Commercial & Residential

References available • 941-720-7519

BOATS & BOATING Continued

25-FT C-Hawk, 2023 300-HP Yamaha, tower and trolling motors. $84,000/offers, 941-720-2472.

HELP WANTED

ROSER CHURCH SEEKS part-time Assistant Facilities Administrator to cover Friday to Sunday and special events. Read the job description RoserChurch.com/job-opportunity

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 by email, send to classifieds@islander.org.

SERVICES

IS YOUR HOME or office in need of some cleaning? Well, I’m your girl! Local, reliable, professional! Please, give me a call or text, 941-773 -0461.

CLEANING: VACATION, CONSTRUCTION, residential, commercial and windows. Licensed and insured. 941-756-4570.

PRESSURE WASHING, PAVER sealing, driveway, roof, fence, pool area. Also, window cleaning. Licensed and insured. 941-565-3931.

BICYCLE REPAIRS: Just4Fun at 5358 Gulf Drive can do most any bicycle repair at a reasonable cost. Pick-up and delivery available. 941-8967884.

API’S DRYWALL REPAIR: I look forward to servicing your drywall repair needs. Call 941-5248067 to schedule an appointment.

PC o R te CH issues? Not sure where to start? With years of experience, I’ll come to you with reliable solutions. Contact gavin at 928-587-1309. www.gse.codes

sARAsotA PAINtINg: INteRIoR/exterior/ cabinets: Call or text Don, 941-900-9398. Free estimates. Fully insured, twenty years’ experience.

RIDeeAsY 247 YouR professional, reliable and courteous car service to airports and events since 2015. You can reach us via text 941-447-7737 or email to mrfort5001@gmail. com We are available 24/7.

LOOK NO MORE! Residential, vacation rental and commercial cleaning. Give us a call, 941250-8548.

Is YouR Pool deck, driveway, or garage floor looking worn out and dated? Bring them back to life with our top-tier resurfacing services! s ervices offered: Pool deck resurfacing, slip-resistant, cool-to-the-touch finishes that enhance safety and aesthetics. Driveway resurfacing, durable surfaces that stand up to heavy traffic and harsh weather. garage floor resurfacing, easy-to-clean, stain-resistant surfaces that look great and perform even better. Don’t wait! transform your spaces today with our trusted resurfacing services. Contact us now for a free consultation and estimate. Call u Plus Me llC at 727-6235050 or visit u-plus-me.com

e AR lY D e AD l IN e : t he Islander will be closed to observe labor Day, Monday, sept 1. the classified ad deadline for the sept. 3 newspaper will be noon Friday, Aug. 29.

SERVICES Continued

OUR SERVICES: CLEANING, home repairs, tile, concrete, remodeling, decks, steps, flooring, water drainage solutions, rental 24-hour services. Hurricane shutters and pre-storm service. New, low-cost generator and insulation (starts and runs on propane when power off). No permits needed. Islander, over 40 years here! Call 941-404-9163.

got DIRt Y WIND o W s ? Free estimates/ insured. Five-star customer service rating. “We want to earn your business. Downeast Window Cleaning, 207-852-6163.

AIRPoRt sHuttle: QuAlItY transportation, 10 years by lewber. 352-339-3478.

looKINg FoR soMeoNe who needs me: Clean, house-sit. I can cook, make sandwiches. I can do anything you can do but better! I can run to the grocery store for you. I can walk pets or go out to lunch with you. looking for a part-time job caregiving companion, I am your right arm! I love people and I love helping others. I have references and I’m reliable and dependable. My name is Dena gray a.k.a. sparkles! 941-524-2234.

IN-HOME SUPPORT: 26-plus years’ experience. Tammy Roberts, 941-580-4440.

ACHA u FF e R4 u F o R t RAN s P o RtAt I o N anywhere in Florida. Properly insured and over 40 years in Bradenton. Dennis, 941812-5930.

ONECALL CLEANUP. Junk removal, water damage, and more. Fast, reliable service. Call, 941-544-1260.

H o M e WAt CH e R: WH e N you can’t be at home, I’ll watch your home and send video of my inspection. I’m a state Certified Residential Appraiser with background check. 317-997-4056.

AFFORDABLE PRESSURE WASHING and small job painting. 941-356-1456.

AMI AIRPoRt sHuttle guy: We pick up from tampa, st. Petersburg and sarasota airports. up to seven passengers with luggage Reliable, licensed and friendly transportation to and from Anna Maria Island. AMIshuttle. com. 941-500-3388.

CLEANING SERVICES: Ten-plus years’ experience. Professional, prompt with a flexible schedule. Contact Jessica, 941-900-8051.

H ouse - s I tt IN g o N Anna Maria Island. Responsible retired man available to care for your home and pets. I’ll provide peace of mind while you’re away. excellent references. Call or text, 570-439-2323.

LOCAL ISLAND PET sitter: Take care of your pet(s) including walks and playtime. 24/7. Call Dave, 513-967-0009.

BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS JD’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-9203840.

BEACH SERVICE air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. Commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. Serving Manatee County and the Island since 1987. For dependable, honest and personalized service, call Bill Eller, 941-720-7411. Residential, call Nate, 941524-2248. CAC184228.

SERVICES Continued

CLEAN TECH MOBILE Detailing. At your location. Cars, boats, RVs. Call or text Billie for an appointment. 941-592-3482.

EARLY DEADLINE! THE Islander office will be closed Monday, Sept. 1, to observe Labor Day. The classified ad deadline for the Sept. 3 newspaper will be noon Friday, Aug. 29.

LAWN & GARDEN

CONNIE’S LANDSCAPING INC. Residential and commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-713-1965.

COLLINS LANDSCAPE LIGHTING: Outdoor lighting, landscaping, irrigation services and maintenance. 941-279-9947. MJC24373@ gmail.com

sHell DelIVeReD AND spread. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, topsoil with free estimates. Call larry at 941-795-7775, or “shell phone” 941-720-0770.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

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

g RIFFIN’ s H o M e IMPR o V e M e N ts Inc. Handyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. Insured and licensed. 941-722-8792.

LANE’S SCREENING SERVICES: Replace your window, door or lanai screens. Many screen options available. Retired veteran serving our community! Free estimates, call 941-705-5293.

loo KIN g F o R ANY home improvement? JRCC Home Improvement, handyman service can get the job done. Please, contact us at 413-246-2410. We would love to help.

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

D o NA l D P e RKIN s PAIN t IN g ll C. Interior/exterior/pressure washing. Island references. dperkinspaint@hotmail.com. 941705-7096.

go RI ll A DRYWA ll R e PAIR ll C. l et’s solve your drywall problems together. give us a call at 941-286-0607.

tetI tIle: 40 years’ experience in Delaware, now on AMI and surrounds. t ile, marble, murals. Free estimates. Call John teti, 302983-5774.

t R ue to N e PAIN t IN g : Painting, power washing, epoxy floors. 941-224-4020.

CAll HYDRo CleAN. Full-service pressure washing, sealing. Pavers, travertine and natural stone. Window washing too, up to three stories. Call Jacob, 941-920-2094.

Isl AND e R ARCHIV e. u ofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

HOME IMPROVEMENT Continued

ISLAND HANDYMAN: I live here, work here, value your referral. Refinish, paint. Just ask. JayPros. Licensed/insured. References. Call Jay, 941-962-2874.

RENTALS

ANNA MARIA GULF beachfront vacation rentals. One- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941-778-3143.

AVAILABLE NOW AND season: 1BR/1BA, sevennight minimum. carlesvacationrentals.com Special rates are available. 941-807-1405.

PERICO ISLAND PATIO home: 3BR/2BA, privacy wall/gate, two-car garage, single floor, high ceilings, screened lanai. Call or text Alison, 859771-6423.

2026 SEASONAL RENTAL: Just one block from the beach, Single-story 2BR/2BA private residence, screened patio. No smoking/no pets. December-April. 64th Street, Holmes Beach. Call 813-833-4926.

CENTRAL HOLMES BEACH, 3BR/2BA completely remodeled, walk to beach, school, trolley, shopping. Annual, $2,595/month. 941-7136743.

AVAI l AB le N o W! ANN u A l rental. Beautiful, bright renovated condo 2BR/2BA, one floor. Perico Bay Club, pool, hot tub, tennis, pickle ball, covered parking. $2,500/month. Call 612-802-8357.

ANNuAl ReNtAl: 1BR/1BA Recently renovated, quiet street in Holmes Beach. steps to a public beach access in Holmes Beach. $2,200/ month. First, last and security. 941-807-1405.

STUNNING FURNISHED Top-level direct ocean view. 2BR/2BA. Annual or seasonal, available starting Aug.15. Holmes Beach, direct beach access. Owner-operated. Contact 201-3176922.

ANNUAL RENTALS AVAILABLE: Bradenton Beach, 2BR/1BA furnished cottage, $1,800/ month, 2BR/2BA furnished home, $2,400/ month. Off Island: Perico Isle, 3BR/2BA unfurnished pool home, $3,500/month. Hidden Lake, 3BR/2BA furnished condo, $3,100/month. All require application, first, last and security. Wagner Realty, 941-778-2246.

SNOW BIRD SPECIAL: Discount for multiple months. 2BR/2BA, second floor condo in Holmes Beach. Pool, tennis/pickleball, in-unit laundry, WiFi, screened lanai, covered parking. Available 2025/26 season beginning December 2025. Beautiful, bayside seating area. Pool/ beach toys, bikes included. Call Jack, 312-8352323 for more information/photos.

FuRNIsHeD 1BR CoNDo: Annual or seasonal. Clubhouse, pool, carport, gym, second floor on 18-hole golf course. Close to beaches and shopping. 4460 Ironwood Circle Bradenton. Call 607-343-6001.

AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER: 2BR/1BA. Great location on Sarasota Bay, quiet street, lined with palm trees. Near Cortez village. Newly remodeled. Rent by the month, $5,500, January, February or March or weekly rest of year. Call for details or photos, 941-773-1552.

HOLMES BEACH WESTBAY Cove condo. Second floor, 2BR/2BA, large lanai with bay view and one block to Gulf beach. Pools, tennis, pickleball. December-March, $3,800/ month, January-March, $4,000/month. 941-7788456. terryaposporos@gmail.com

DUPLEX: 2409 AVE B. Rental, 2BR/2BA. Washer, dryer. Just steps to beach, park and pickle ball court. Month to three months. Cheryl, 419-6104062.

REAL ESTATE

WINNI e MCHA le , R e A lto R, 941-5046146. Dalton Wade Real estate. You need an aggressive and experienced Realtor in today’s market! selling island homes, sarasota and Bradenton areas. Multi-milliondollar producer! “ s elling Homes - Making Dreams Come true.”

2BR/2BA C o ND o IN Mt. Vernon for sale. Fully furnished, on lake with view of sarasota Bay. Clubhouse, pool, workout room, and hot tub. Minutes to beaches and shopping. Asking $370,000. Call s haron, 941-7305645.

LOCATION-PLUS HOMES: All minutes to beach and shopping. Palm Gardens, 3BR/2BA, two-car garage, caged pool and RV/boat storage. $467,000. Tanglewood Gardens, upgraded 3BR/2BA, two-car garage, community pool and courts, $550,000. Northwest Bradenton custom-built 2BR/2BA, two-car garage, community pool, spa, boat docks, $795,000. Longboat Key northern village, brand-new home coming soon. 3BR/2BA, two-car garage, water view, $1,600,000. Call Fred at Real Estate Mart, 941356-1456.

BEACH FIXER: 1BR/BA trailer: Partially remodeled in Bradenton Beach. $108,500. One-minute walk to beach/bay. 831-212-2606.

EARLY DEADLINE! THE Islander office will be closed Monday, Sept. 1, to observe Labor Day. The classified ad deadline for the Sept. 3 newspaper will be noon Friday, Aug. 29.

ANNA

ANNA

Scan to explore all Anna Maria Island listings!

Jeff & Jennifer

Andrew & Brooke Doucett

Betsy Hagan

Joe McCall

Chelsea Oelker

Kathy Harman

Dee Munn

Scott Toland

George Myers

Suzy Korinek

Amy Ward

Hannah Hillyard