Bradenton-based Quality Marine Construction pulls up to the damaged Anna Maria City Pier June 24 to begin demolition. The walkway will be rebuilt to the same specifications as the pier’s T-end, which remained standing after last fall’s hurricanes.
Islander Photo: Bonner
Joy RIGHT: A QMC worker oversees demo work June 27. Islander
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
Anna Maria officials might find some middle ground with the owners of the City Pier Grill & Bait Shop.
City commissioners talked June 26 about potential changes to the terms of
a lease agreement with GSM Partners LLC for the T-end space that’s housed the grill.
GSM Partners is comprised of Brian Seymour, the owner of the Pine Avenue General Store; Victor Mattay, owner of Dips Ice Cream; and Nick Graham,
owner of Pine Avenue Bait and Tackle.
The company leased the space on the north side of the T-end after the structure was built to replace the historic pier, which was demolished in 2018 due to damage from Hurricane Irma the year before. They opened in December 2020,
just months after the new pier opened.
Almost five years later, the pier is closed again, having lost stretches of its walkway to Hurricane Milton last October.
While the city plans to rebuild the
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
Acquisition of the closed Gloria Dei Lutheran Church might be off the table for the city of Holmes Beach.
Real estate agent Taylor Rahdert emailed Holmes Beach director of development services Chad Minor June 25 to notify the municipality that the property owner, the Florida-Bahamas Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, rejected the city’s $3 million proposal to purchase the church property.
“The Florida Bahamas Synod Council has reviewed the letter of intent regarding the purchase of Gloria Dei and property. The council has a fi duciary responsibility to sell the property based on the appraisal that represents the value at its best usage. The council is open to further negotiation based on
the appraised value of $9.9 million,” Rahdert wrote.
The Gloria Dei congregation formed in 1959 and the roof has been an island landmark since it was built in 1964.
The church, 6608 Marina Drive, sustained damages last year from hurricanes Helene and Milton and permanently closed its doors following a final service Jan. 18.
Two companies hired by the city appraised the property and set values at $2,100,000-$2,770,000 based on current zoning.
On the other hand, the FloridaBahamas Synod also had the property appraised and determined it to be worth $9.9 million based on highest and best use — if it were redeveloped.
City commissioners voted in May to authorize a $3 million offer to purchase the property but, now that the offer has
What’s in your photo library?
The Islander is collecting entries in its summertime Top Notch contest via email to topnotch@islander.org. The contest includes six weekly front-page winners and one weekly shot will take the grand prize in the contest. There also is a pet photo contest. Go online to islander.org for rules and see page 15 for more details.
been rejected, it’s unclear if there will be another.
Following Rahdert’s email, Mayor Judy Titsworth asked city clerk Stacey Johnston to share the communication with city commissioners.
“Unfortunately, I do not see a path forward on an acquisition at this time,” Titsworth wrote in her June 25 email to Johnston.
Rahdert, an agent with St. Petersburg-based Virtual Realty Inc., did not respond to a June 26 call from The Islander.
The Anna Maria Island Privateers will stage the annual Independence Day Parade Friday, July 4.
The parade will begin at 10 a.m. in Bradenton Beach and motor nearly the full length of the island to Bayfront Park in Anna Maria.
For more about holiday events, go to page 9. For details on holiday closings, go to page 2.
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
Holmes Beach commissioners voted 3-2 June 24 to reject a request from Lynn Tran and Richard Hazen, owners of the Angelinos Sea Lodge, 2818 Ave. E., to reduce a $188,621.40 lien against their property, where a beachfront treehouse once stood.
Commissioners Steve Oelfke, Terry Schaefer and Carol Soustek voted “yes.” Commissioners Dan Diggins and Carol Whitmore voted “no.”
In 2011, the property owners built a treehouse that the city and Florida Department of Environmental Protection found in violation of municipal and state law. Litigation began in 2013, when the owners filed a lawsuit against the city to contest the constitutionality of municipal codes that prohibited the treehouse.
Their lawsuit failed, but a handful of others sprung up in its place — with the property owners ending on the losing side of each one. A court order to demolish the treehouse was issued in February 2024 and the task was completed in August 2024.
The property owners still owe more than $383,000 because of their noncompliance. That includes the $188,621.40 lien, which results from a $50 daily fine for an unpermitted treehouse that ran from July 22, 2015, through August 29, 2024. As of June 26, that also included $195,125 in accumulated fines due to a $125 daily fine that began March 18, 2021, for renting units at Angelinos without a city rental certificate.
The property owners submitted a letter requesting a lien reduction in April, but city commissioners unanimously voted to reject it.
Whitmore called for the property owners to resolve the ongoing vacation rental violation, then submit another request for a lien reduction.
At the June 24 meeting, city attorney Erica Augello said they had yet to resolve the violation and had never stopped renting units at the property.
In the property owner’s latest reduction request, they wrote that they stopped accepting new rental
reservations on June 12 and had removed an online booking engine from their website a few days later. “However, we have a responsibility to honor future reservations already booked and secured with a deposit before June 12,” the request states.
Whitmore said she did not support what the property owners did in the past but wanted the matter to be “over and done with.” She moved to reduce the lien to $80,000 and required its payment in 90 days.
Diggins seconded the motion, stating he wanted to resolve the matter in a compassionate way, but that was where support for Whitmore’s motion ended.
Oelfke said he has sympathy for the property owners but their decisions resulted in a significant cost to the city.
Soustek said, “I cannot support any reduction whatsoever. This is not anger or punishment, this is upholding the letter of the law.”
“We hope that you can continue being a part of our community, but to capriciously reduce our lien at this point in time — when it’s a direct result of your actions, not the city’s — I think would make a mockery of our system and would set an ugly precedent … For those reasons, I cannot support a reduction,” Schaefer said.
Whitmore’s motion failed on a 2-3 vote, with Oelfke, Schaefer and Soustek voting “no.”
Soustek then moved to deny the lien reduction request.
Oelfke seconded the motion, which passed.
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
When thunder roars, go indoors.
That’s the message West Manatee Fire Rescue’s Rodney Kwiatkowski wants people to hear following a June 23 lightning strike in Holmes Beach that sent a man to the hospital emergency room.
According to Kwiatkowski and reports on the incident, lightning struck a cabana near the 68th Street beach access where five people took cover.
WMFR was notified by dispatch at 3:58 p.m. and arrived at the scene by 4:03 p.m. Manatee County Emergency Medical Services also responded. They found the group — all from locations across the state — under a condominium building, where they sought shelter following the strike. All five were conscious, with one person lying down. One person declined medical evaluation.
A man in his 30s was transported to HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton for treatment. Kwiatkowski told The Islander June 26 that he had no update on the treated man’s condition.
The others were evaluated and declined transport to the hospital, but a couple of them sustained burns on their hands, according to Kwiatkowski.
According to lightningmaps.org, the lightning strike was one of many that hit the island around that time.
Witnesses reported seeing other beachgoers evacuate the area as the storm began but these five people remained on the shore, according to Kwiatkowski.
“They were terrified, honestly,” he said of the witnesses. “They were surprised that the people stayed on the beach. Even though they — the witnesses — had evacuated the beach, they’ll never wait as long as they did in the future because of what they saw.”
“It shook them up pretty good — everyone who was involved, everyone who witnessed it,” he added.
Kwiatkowski emphasized a simple message: “There is no safe place outdoors in a thunderstorm. … So, when the thunder roars, you go indoors.”
Modern Chop Happy Hour Light Bite Specials 4-6, lounge only.
Martini Monday: Signature Martinis, $7, plus 1/2 price lite bites -- lounge only.
Tuesday: $3 Tacos and Margaritas 4-9, lounge only.
Wine Down Wednesday, 5O% OFF Wines by the Glass ▼ Live Maine Lobster Thursdays, plus Happy Hour in the lounge all nite.
By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter
Months after hurricanes Helene and Milton battered Bradenton Beach, some businesses remain in recovery mode, but city officials say the comeback battle could have been far worse.
Bradenton Beach police Chief John Cosby, who also serves as the city’s emergency management officer, told The Islander June 26 that it’s not uncommon for a storm-damaged business district to lose more than 40% of the commercial operations.
“We only lost one business,” Cosby said, referring to the Island Creperie on Bridge Street.
Still, many businesses, especially those that front Gulf Drive — including Oma’s Pizza, Island Scoops, Wilder’s Slice of AMI and One Stop Shell Shop — remain closed due to severe damage. Helene’s surge last September pushed water and sand into buildings, destroying equipment and infrastructure.
According to the city building department, permits are in place for all hurricane-affected properties and construction can get underway, if it hasn’t already.
“We got hammered pretty good,” Walter Loos, who operates Island Scoops and Slice of AMI in the 100 block of Gulf Drive North, told The Islander June 26. “We lost everything … we had to bring everything down to the cinder blocks.”
Loos said his storefronts were inundated with up to five feet of sand and the recovery process has involved long delays, government paperwork and building plan revisions.
“We finally just got our permits,” he said. “Contractors have now begun work.”
Those contractors estimated it could be up to eight months before the storefronts are finished.
walkway and reopen the pier by next fall, GSM Partners’ five-year lease for the T-end space that houses the grill will expire Dec. 31.
Seymour attended a June 12 city commission meeting to ask the board to authorize Mayor Mark Short to renegotiate the terms of the lease.
Proposed changes
The operators have an option to extend the lease for five years, but Seymour said there are several issues preventing them from locking in that extension.
He proposed several changes:
• Open the pier to the public 24 hours a day, as in the past, so the burden of opening and closing the pier no longer falls to the grill;
• Approve grill signage to match Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium Marine Science Education and Outreach Center’s T-end signage;
• Extend the T-end roof to cover the grill’s seating area;
Loos estimates that equipment replacement will cost roughly $200,000 per location. He also estimated building repairs at $300,000-$400,000.
“And that’s not inclusive of the flood gates,” he said, referring to specialized barriers that seal off doors and storefronts when floodwaters rise. Floodproofing, including these barriers, has become a key feature in many local rebuilding plans.
Cosby said the city also plans to install flood barrier gates, specifically around the public works building, which was heavily impacted during Helene’s surge.
“The folks that had them installed during the storm, they said they got minimal water inside,” Loos said.
Loos said his Gulf Drive properties are being updated to meet modern code: “This is obviously one of the older buildings in Bradenton Beach. So, this is all being brought up to new permit standards. But, once it comes back, it’ll be like a brand new building — so that’s an exciting part about it.”
• Renegotiate the lease for more “equitable” monthly rent, maintenance and utility costs;
• Provide credits for days lost to severe weather events;
• Increase electrical supply to the T-end.
While there was little discussion following Seymour’s presentation, Short later brought the matter back for discussion.
Commission Deputy Chair Gary McMullen, who led the meeting in Commissioner Charlie Salem’s absence, said the grill should be allowed signage to match Mote’s and he agreed with the request to bring more power to the end of the pier.
McMullen also said the grill should not be responsible for opening and closing the pier and supported reopening the pier to the public 24 hours a day.
Commissioners Christopher Arendt and John
While the pizza place will not reopen, he hinted that a new vendor is expected to move into the space, and the ice cream shop will return.
“The ice cream shop has always been an institution for us. It’s been part of our family,” he said. “We were going after … a community place. Especially for the residents … so it wasn’t just purely tourist based.”
Despite the challenges, Loos said business owners are more committed and better prepared now, having learned from the storm.
“I think for everyone … all the businesses on the island, it made us do a deep check on how we do business and helped us all form new relationships,” he said.
With the sand back on the beach and people walking Bridge Street again, Loos said he’s optimistic.
“Ideally, we’d like to be ready for Santa,” Loos quipped about opening by December 2025. “But if not, I’d be happy to welcome 2026 with a re-opening.”
Lynch also supported reopening the pier 24/7. Arendt said many of Seymour’s points were “very valid” but expressed concern about extending the roof. He said he would be OK with extending the roof to the same depth as the Mote side of the T-end, which would allow space for fishing, but he would not approve extending it to the end of the pier.
He added that he wants clarification about a potential drink rail and benches — discussed by Seymour — under the extended roof, since he would not approve closing off the end of the pier to fishers.
Lynch supported extending the roof out to the same depth as the Mote side, but would not approve of closing off space for fishing on the T-end.
The commission took no action.
The commission will meet next at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 10, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.
By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter
The Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier is putting the finishing touches on a restoration at Bradenton Beach’s Historic Bridge Street Pier that followed damage sustained during last fall’s hurricanes.
AMOB owner John Horne, who operates the restaurant under a concession agreement with the city, updated commissioners June 27 about repairs and improvements to the restaurant, 200 Bridge St.
Commissioners had raised concerns over the size of a tiki hut built to replace an aluminum awning destroyed in October 2024 by Hurricane Milton.
At a June 5 city hall meeting, commissioners began the process of closing out the rebuild permit for AMOB. However, questions arose about aspects of the reconstruction project, including the restaurant’s footprint, the replacement of safety railings and other public safety issues.
The new tiki covers more area than the awning but, according to Horne at the June 27 meeting, the footprint of the restaurant’s dining area is smaller.
“We’ve actually decreased it 24 square feet,” Horne told commissioners. “We took the old (railing) down … and replaced it with bollards, and then the planters.”
The outdoor layout includes new planters that delineate public traffic areas from AMOB operations.
Horne said the planters and bollards replaced a metal railing, also destroyed by Milton, to “keep the kids from running and stumbling around. So hopefully this looks a lot better.”
By lisa Neff
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. Construction is underway east of the Cortez Bridge on the north side Cortez Road West along the northern shoulder of 124th Court West, on 127th Street West between Cortez Road West and 126th Street West and on the south side of Cortez Road West between 124th Street West and Avenue A. Work in these areas is expected to continue through the summer. For more, call 941-306-4660, email info@ amiprojects.io or go to amiprojects.io.
75th Street West at Manatee Avenue West: Manatee County is beginning construction on its 75th Street West Improvements Project that will run from 19th Avenue West to Second Avenue West in Bradenton, including the Manatee Avenue intersection. Motorists can expect delays during roadwork. For more information, go to mymanatee.org/75th.
The restaurant addressed other safety concerns, including moving televisions that were low over walkways — posing a risk to people carrying fishing rods.
“They’ve already been moved,” Horne said. “And if we need to lift them more up into the rafters, we can do that as well.”
Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the tiki hut and dining area configuration, allowing the restaurant to close out its permit.
Meanwhile, other hurricane recovery efforts continue at the pier, with repairs to floating and finger docks being completed by Duncan Seawall of Sarasota.
The docks are central to pier access for recreational boaters as well as commercial operations.
The project is supported with county tourist development tax funds.
Manatee County and the city entered an agreement in October 2021 to expand and improve the finger docks.
Last fall, hurricanes Helene and Milton caused significant damage to the finger docks, making restoration necessary to return them to safe working condition.
After funding was approved by the county in the tourist development council budget, repairs were first made to restore ferry service access to the fl oating dock. Now work is underway on the finger docks.
There’s a long road ahead.
Road closures are coming to Bradenton Beach, with a slate of street and beach access repairs following damage from the 2024 hurricanes.
According to a construction schedule shared by police Chief John Cosby, the public works director, and submitted by contractor Cathcart Construction, work will begin July 7 and is expected to continue through Oct. 31.
The city will commence with beach access points along 27th through 23rd Streets North before moving to street reconstruction.
Cosby said the city will relax parking enforcement on certain rights of way to accommodate residents during construction.
The timeline includes:
July : July 7-11, project mobilization; July
14-21, 27th Street North beach access; July 22-24, 26th Street North, beach access; July 25-31, 25th Street North, beach access.
August : Aug. 1-5, 24th Street North, beach access; Aug. 6-11, 23rd Street North, beach access; Aug. 12-13, 23rd Street North, street reconstruction; Aug. 14, 22nd Street North; Aug. 15-19: 11th Street North, Aug. 20-27, 13th Street South, Aug. 28, 12th Street South; Aug. 29-Sept. 18, 11th Street South. September : Sept. 19-29: 10th Street South; Sept. 30-Oct. 3, Ninth Street South.
October: Oct. 6-8, Eighth Street South; Oct. 9-10. Seventh Street South; Oct. 13, Fifth Street South; Oct. 14-16, Second Street North/Church Avenue intersection; Oct. 17, Church Street; Oct. 20-31, final completion.
— Robert Anderson
Fourth of July is a big holiday on Anna Maria Island, let there be no doubt.
Back when we were more of a residential island, you could count on family and friends to descend on the spare bedrooms and couches that run through the three cities. Some folks even camped or parked RVs in residential yards. And nearly everyone who came to visit, had plans to go to the beach and play on the waters — on rafts or in boats.
It’s still true, but now they’re unloading at a vacation rental home with bags of groceries and extended family members in tow.
Some of those islanders who always had “guests” are getting a reprieve. And maybe they’re displaced by the hurricanes and staying in NW Bradenton.
Now they’re the daytrippers, driving to the beach, island hopping to restaurants, bars and boutiques.
No matter how you look at it, it’s one of the years most celebrated holidays — on par with Easter.
One big difference between the celebrations can be found on the beach. Summer brings sea turtles. And shorebirds, too.
We’ve now reached a milestone in the sea turtle nesting season. The nests soon will hatch.
And so we have even more concern.
A 300-pound turtle heading the wrong way on the sand is much easier to spot than the silver-dollar sized hatchlings.
And holes on the beach can swallow and trap the hatchlings more readily.
The momma sea turtles lay their nest and instinct draws them back to the water, leaving the incubation and hatching to Mother Nature.
A little help from humans is sometimes needed to complete the cycle.
That’s where Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch steps in. They hold a permit that allows them to intervene on behalf of the protected species of sea turtles that nest here — loggerheads. There’s also a few green sea turtle nests left to nature on AMI.
And much like the old song reminds us to “tiptoe through the tulips,” we need to be mindful of every step on the sand as we head to the shore.
You may encounter a shorebird nest or a wayward sea turtle hatchling struggling to survive.
So remember, protect the environment that brought you here. Lights out! No fireworks! No vehicles! No hole digging! Remove all beach gear at night! And if you see a problem, especially sea turtles heading away from shore, call AMITW at 941-301-8434.
And please, leave only footprints.
— Bonner Joy
You just had to ask
Lots of people ask me ... When is the Beach Bistro going to reopen?
Maybe they don’t know wife Susan and I sold it three years ago, before Hurricane Helene gutted it and tossed it into the Gulf of Mexico.
For us, it was a polished diamond, a work of art. As a work of art, it will never reopen.
It can’t be “rebuilt” because it wasn’t built, it was crafted — one fork and one gifted person at a time.
American beef — “Where we believe the beer belongs in the cowboys.”
We dressed beautiful plates with exquisite sauces, gravies and butters.
I wept the night I left. I was stepping away from the beautiful and flawless dance that was the Beach Bistro.
I wept again the night I visited it after the storm. My life’s work was a beautiful sandcastle at the edge of the sea, and the sea came and swept it away.
When will Beach Bistro open again?
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It won all the prizes. It was in the Florida Trend Golden Spoon “Hall Of Fame,” named a “Top Restaurant in Florida,” for a generation.
Never. Never as it was — a gem — the coolest, smoothest-running restaurant in my world or any other.
How to start rebuilding it?
All others: news@islander.org
It was invited to the James Beard House — twice. It reigned as Florida’s entry in ZAGAT’s Top Restaurants in America. It was 11th in America in ZAGAT’s five-star rankings.
And it was more than all of those things.
It was magical.
We had a guiding premise — “If you always strive for perfection, you will achieve a high degree of excellence a good part of the time.” It was always about striving.
It even had its own ghost.
Much of the physical building was originally crafted in the dead of night, with the ghost. We had to prep food during the day and perform dinner in the evening. Midnight construction also was less encumbered by permits.
We crafted the best staff in the world, the same way we crafted the physical space. One player at a time, searching for perfection and excellence.
The staff was hot — hot shots, all-stars. Recruited by me but cross-trained by each other — every hour, every day, for nearly 40 years.
That best staff shopped to find the best stuff — real Gulf grouper and Gulf shrimp, Colorado lamb — not the frozen skinny stuff from down under. Prime American beef, and only the top 1% is graded prime.
Start at midnight, the bewitching hour. Don’t disturb the ghost. Pick a corner and a plank of teak and rebuild it one plank, one fantastic sous chef at a time.
And good luck getting the permits.
— Sean Murphy
Sean Murphy is proprietor of the Doctor’s Office and the Doctor’s garden, a craft cocktail bar with fine dining in an intimate setting in Holmes Beach, as well as an outdoor “garden” dining area with entertainment — when weather and the heat permits.
The Islander welcomes your opinion letters Please, submit your opinion with name, address and contact phone number to news@islander.org. Only your name and city are published.
Pelican’s perch
A pelican rests on a piling in 1998 at the Rod & Reel Pier, which was on the bayside until last fall, when it was destroyed by Hurricane Milton. Brown pelicans were once facing extinction, primarily due to the effects of DDt. the bird was removed from the federal endangered species list in 2009. Islander
Photos: Manatee County Public library archives
Skimming online
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This week’s question
Place speed tables on Key Royale in Holmes Beach?
A. Definitely needed.
B. No, conduct speed traps.
C. Survey the community.
D. Hmm, are golfers and residents speeding?
To answer the poll and see poll results, go online to islander.org.
From the June 29, 1995, issue
• The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office was deputizing a Holmes Beach police officer to expand the city’s policing into the Gulf of Mexico. The county had a 100-yard no-wake zone in the Gulf.
• Manatee County received a $24,000 grant to remove five abandoned boats off Anna Maria Island and Cortez shorelines, including a 55-foot cruiser named Florida Girl.
From the June 29, 2005, issue
• Page One headline: “Center clears 1st hurdle for expansion.” The story: The Anna Maria Island Community Center received approval from the Anna Maria Planning and Zoning Board for a vacation and variances needed to expand the facility on Magnolia.
• Longboat Key launched a beach renourishment project using sand from off the north end of AMI. The project involved rebuilding and nourishing about nine miles of the shoreline on Longboat Key.
• The Island Players were selling tickets and readying for summer performances of “Much Ado About Nothing,” part of the group’s Shakespeare in the offseason series. Wherefore art thou summer theater?
From the July 1, 2015, issue
• Island law enforcement officers were looking for two people who vandalized a shorebird nesting area and five sea turtle nests. The vandals killed two black skimmer chicks and injured a third chick.
• A Bradenton contractor was sentenced to 364 days in jail — to be followed by 14 years on probation — for taking money from the city of Holmes Beach for work they did not perform.
• Cindy Thompson resigned as executive director of the center. At the same director’s meeting, the board named Kristen Lessig as the managing director.
— lisa Neff
ONGOING ON AMI
• Throughout July, Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island exhibit, Artists’ Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941778-6694.
ONGOING OFF AMI
• Throughout July, Island Gallery and Studios exhibit, 456 Old Main St., Bradenton. Info: 941-778-6648.
• Through July 30, “Art from the Heart: Connectivity,” The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Info: 941-359-5700.
• Through Aug. 3, “Robert Rauschenberg: A Centennial Celebration,” The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies except Mondays. Info: 941-359-5700.
• Through Aug. 9, “Circus Spectacular 2025,” The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies except Mondays. Info: 941-359-5700.
• 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.
• Through Aug. 31, “Life on the Edge” exhibit, the Bishop Museum of Science, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-746-4131.
• Through Jan. 11, Yoshida Hiroshi: Journeys through Light,” The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies except Mondays. Info: 941-359-5700.
• 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.
SAVE THE DATES
Oct. 18, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s Bayfest, Anna Maria.
Wednesday, July 2
10 a.m. — Teddy bear workshop, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.
Friday, July 4
10 a.m. — Anna Maria Island Privateers Fourth of July Parade, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach and Anna Maria along Gulf, Marina and Palm drives, Pine Avenue and Bay Boulevard. Info: 931-6390986.
ONGOING ON AMI
• Most Fridays, 10 a.m., Forty Carrots, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.
• Most Tuesdays, 10 a.m., Family Storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.
OFF AMI
Friday, July 4
10 a.m. — Freedom Fest, Bicentennial Park on Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Info: 941-383-2466.
5 p.m.-9 p.m. — Fourth Fest, Riverside Park, 899 Riverside Drive, Palmetto. Info: 941-723-4570.
5 p.m.-9 p.m. — Bradenton Alive 4th of July Celebration, Rossi Park on the Riverwalk, 444 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. Info: 941-932-9400.
9 p.m. — July 4 fireworks, Bradenton and Palmetto riverfront. Info: 941-932-9400, 941-723-4570.
SAVE THE DATES
• Aug. 1, Manatee County Sports and Leisure Services’ Family Fun Night, Bradenton.
• Oct. 31, Bradenton Alive Halloween Celebration, Bradenton.
• Dec. 5, Realize Bradenton’s Winter Wonderland, Bradenton.
ONGOING ON AMI
• Most Fridays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.
• Most Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.
SAVE THE DATES
• July 12, Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Bradenton Beach.
• July 26, Keep Manatee Beautiful sea oats planting, Bradenton Beach.
• Aug. 9, Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Bradenton Beach.
• Sept. 6, Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Bradenton Beach.
• Nov. 8, Friends of Manatee County Animal Welfare Friendsgiving, Palmetto.
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.
SAVE THE DATES
• July 12, Run Manatee Coquina Beach 5K, Bradenton Beach.
• July 12, Bradenton Marauders Pride Night, Bradenton.
• Sept. 6, Bradenton Marauders Fan Appreciation Night, Bradenton.
& NATURE
ONGOING OFF AMI
• Saturdays through July, 6:45 a.m., Longboat Key Turtle Watch walks, beach access, 4795 Gulf of Mexico Drive, LBK. Info: www. lbkturtlewatch.com.
KEEP THE DATES
• Sea turtle nesting season continues. Lights out.
• Atlantic hurricane season continues. Be prepared.
• July 4, Independence Day.
• Aug. 11, back to school.
• Sept. 1, Labor Day.
ANNOUNCEMENTS GET LISTED!
Send listings to calendar@islander.org. Please include a contact name and a phone number, as well as event details.
Tiki and Kitty are leading the way to their favorite shops and boutiques to find unique vintage accents and decor for your home.
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 albums.
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.
We’ll definitely make a stop next door at Blue
Miss us? WE MISS YOU AMI!
Stop by at our other locations:
Scavengers Marketplace SRQ 1175 N Washington Blvd
Scavengers Palmetto
Flamingo, home to hip and trendy upcycled and repurposed goods, furniture and decor, garden features, candles, jewelry and work by local artisans. They also offer Dixie Belle paints.
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
They now have three large buildings of quirky, coastal, artisan, whimsy, florals and vintage treasures — including the Sea Hagg and Gathering Place.
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 fave 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.”
July 4 parade, fireworks, festivals
Time for the pursuit of happiness and a celebration of life and liberty.
An all-American holiday will be celebrated on Anna Maria Island on Friday with the Anna Maria Island Privateers’ Independence Day Parade and Water Fight.
The parade will begin at 10 a.m. at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach, with participants due to arrive for staging at 9:30 a.m.
The parade will travel north on Gulf Drive.
In Holmes Beach, the parade will travel on Gulf, East Bay, Marina and Palm drives.
In Anna Maria, the parade will travel on Gulf Drive, then Pine Avenue east to Bay Boulevard, ending at Bayfront Park.
For more information about the island parade, go online to amiprivateers.org or call Privateer Kim “Syren” Boyd at 931-639-0986.
Off-island fireworks and more
Celebrations also are planned on Longboat Key and on the mainland, including:
• The Bradenton Marauders will celebrate the holiday Thursday, July 3, at LECOM Park.
The team, decked out in “patriotic jerseys,” will take on the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels in a baseball game.
After the game, the team will celebrate Independence Day with a fireworks display.
Tickets are $16-$30.
The game will begin at 6:30 p.m.
For tickets, go to www.milb.com/bradenton and for more information call 941-747-3031.
• Longboat Key’s 22nd annual Freedom Fest will begin at 9 a.m. July 4 at Bicentennial Park on Bay Isles Road.
Plans include a parade into the park, games, music, food and drink and a butterfly release.
For more information, call the Longboat Key
Chamber of Commerce at 941-383-2466.
• On July 4, fireworks will begin after dark along the riverfront in Bradenton and Palmetto with the show originating from the Green Bridge at about 9 p.m.
Beginning at 5 p.m., the city of Palmetto will host Fourth Fest at Riverside Park, 801 Riverside Drive, featuring music by DJ James Thomas, Music Royale and the Eric Von Band, as well a kids’ activity zone, a
Compiled by lisa Neff
Island Gallery and Studios this month showcases the work of Debbie Snow in “Everyday Moments.”
Snow studied art education at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, graduating in 1983, and then she taught art for 38 years.
Today, she has a studio in Bradenton and works on painting, photography, stained glass and ceramics.
About her work in this month’s exhibit at IGS, 456 Old Main St., Bradenton, Snow said, “Painting has always been a love of mine. Being able to take everyday moments and create a piece that will last forever. Whether it be in the whimsy of a plate of doughnuts or making sure a bouquet of flowers will live on forever.”
For more information about IGS, call 941-7786648 or go to islandgalleryandstudios.org.
food court and a beer garden.
For more information, call the city at 941-7234570.
Also beginning at 5 p.m., Bradenton will host the Fourth of July Independence Day Celebration at Rossi Park on the Riverwalk, featuring music by Phoenix 5 and 22N, food vendors, a kids’ zone and more.
For more, go to cityofbradenton.com.
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
Despite this past year’s hardships, the Center of Anna Maria Island was aligned to finish fiscal 2024-25 in the black.
According to the nonprofit’s latest financial report, it was $132,651 in the black through April, with only two months until the July 1 fiscal year end.
From an operations basis, the center had run up a $347,531 deficit through April.
Executive director Christopher Culhane wrote in a June 19 email to The Islander that the nonprofit was “fortunate” for a 2.8% increase in program revenue over fiscal 2023-24 despite a loss of more than $75,000 as a result of last year’s hurricanes.
However, that increase cannot make up for a 3.4% rise in program costs and an 11.6% climb in general and administrative expenses, resulting in the operations deficit.
What turned the tides into the black for the center’s fiscal 2024-25 is its fundraising success.
The nonprofit had raised $1,294,830 in total fundraising revenue through April — a $409,566 increase over what it raised through the same point last year.
With $632,264 in fundraising costs, the center made $662,567 in fundraising income. That amounts to an 84.5% increase from the $359,194 in fundraising income it recorded through last April.
Culhane thanked the island community, which he wrote “stepped up to support the many losses incurred from the hurricanes.”
Between the $347,531 loss from operations and $662,567 gain from fundraising, the nonprofit had $315,035 in net ordinary income through April. That gets whittled down to $132,651 in net income after
working in $182,384 in capital expenses.
Culhane wrote that the numbers would continue to change as the center completed other capital improvements — such as roof and scoreboard repairs, field and facility maintenance, as well as new fencing.
Nevertheless, he added that the nonprofit is “awaiting approximately $100,000 in capital income or sponsorship income that should help defer these upcoming projects.”
In the meantime, the center received a $12,500 grant from the Service Club of Manatee County to support its 2025 Summer Camp Scholarship Program.
The SCMC is a “united group of women whose sole purpose is to support children who reside in Manatee County,” according to its website, manateeserviceclub.com.
The scholarship program provides financial assistance to children whose families face economic hardship so they can participate in the nonprofit’s camps.
The camps began the week of June 2.
Some of the specialty camps lined up for this summer include archery, basketball, ceramics, cooking, fishing, jewelry making, skimboarding, volleyball and yoga.
The Summer My Way camp is designed for kids in K-fifth-grade, or ages 5-12, and runs 8 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays through Aug. 1 — excluding July 4.
The Adventure Time Teen Summer Camp is designed for children headed into sixth- through ninthgrades and features “adventure” trips on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter
Bradenton Beach building official Bill Palmer presented a report to commissioners June 27 that identified violations at two paid parking lots — the Pines lot at 205 First St. N. and the lot at 101 Bridge Street — and called for corrective actions.
The lots, owned by developer Shawn Kaleta, came under scrutiny after the owner applied to renew temporary use permits for the parking operations.
Palmer said both lots lack compliance with Florida statutes, Florida building codes and Bradenton Beach’s land development code. Issues include improper or missing handicap signage, lack of stormwater drainage plans and absent or insufficient trash receptacles.
Palmer noted that existing Americans with Disabilities Act signage lacks required verbiage and fails to meet dimension requirements. “Florida statute requires signage that clearly states a valid permit is required. Many of these just have a wheelchair logo or vague wording,” Palmer said.
He added that walking routes from the spaces to destinations must be paved and level. “None of the parking lots have accessible routes made of hard surface like asphalt or concrete,” he said.
Responding to Palmer’s report, Commissioner Scott Bear referred to an April discussion regarding the Pines lot.
“The applicant stood here and told us that they were going to allocate a certain number of spaces to the
drinking hangouts / Marine crustacean
100 Film studio with a tower logo that beeped out ‘‘V for Victory’’ during W.W. II
101 Like some bikes / Sunken, as the eyes
104 In all honesty
105 Burst forth
107 Mud
108 Issa of ‘‘American
Pines residents,” Bear said, referring to people living in the Pines Trailer Park.
“Every one of the spaces in that parking lot is listed as paid parking,” he said. “There’s no additional signage saying, ‘Reserved for Pines residents.’”
He continued, “So I would think they need to have additional signage out there saying these are first reserved for the Pines residents or, if not, I have a problem with them saying that was what they were going to do to get their temporary permit.”
Agreeing with Bear, Commissioner Debbie Scaccianoce called for enforcement.
“I think they’re skirting the issue and they’re just hoping that nobody notices,” Scaccianoce added. “I PleASe, See Parking, Next PAge
Answers: page 22
Anna Maria
June 21, 400 block of Magnolia Avenue, fraud. A complainant reported to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office that money was removed from their bank account without consent. An incident report was filed.
The MCSO polices the city.
Police BB 070225 RA
Bradenton Beach
June 13, 1300 block of Gulf Drive South, Cortez Beach, warrant. A Bradenton Beach police officer observed a vehicle parked at Cortez Beach after hours. The vehicle tag was associated with a warrant for driving without a license. The officer contacted the driver, who could not furnish a state ID or license. The man was arrested and transported to Manatee County jail in Palmetto.
The BBPD polices the city.
Cortez
No new reports.
The MCSO polices the village.
Holmes Beach
June 16, 100 block of 52nd Street, juvenile complaint/false ID/obstruction. Two Holmes Beach police offi cers responded to reports of juveniles drinking alcohol on the beach. The officers arrived to find a juvenile with two empty alcoholic beverage cans. The juvenile provided a false name, then tried to flee. The officers arrested the juvenile and searched him to find eight more empty cans in a backpack. The officer confirmed the juvenile’s real identity and contacted his parents before transporting him to the Manatee County juvenile detention center.
June 17, 4400 block of Gulf Drive, grand theft. An officer responded to a report from a woman who said two e-bikes were stolen overnight.
June 20, 3200 block of East Bay Drive, petit theft. An officer responded to reports of shoplifting and found a man matching the description of a suspect. As the officer approached, the man dropped a backpack containing bottles of alcoholic beverages and admitted to taking them. The retailer wanted to press charges, as well as trespass him. The officer arrested the man and transported him to the Manatee County jail.
HBPD polices Holmes Beach.
Streetlife is based on law enforcement reports.
Island watch In an emergency, call 911. To report information, call the MCSO Anna Maria substation, 941-708-8899; Bradenton Beach police, 941-778-6311; or Holmes Beach police, 941-708-5804.
really think the city needs to make sure that they are in compliance not only with the Bridge Street one but also the Pines lot.”
Mayor John Chappie emphasized consistent enforcement: “This is all about making sure everybody in the city is following the same rules.”
Palmer confirmed that exemptions were requested for the Bridge Street lot due to its “temporary” designation but he said he gave some pushback. “To me, temporary means 90 to 180 days,” Palmer said. “That lot isn’t going to see development for a year or more.”
The Bridge Street lot was approved for a tem-
promoted West Manatee Fire Rescue District leadership bookend Max Pollock, third from the left, Crystal Bercot, fourth from the left, and William thomas, fifth from the left, after their June 24 promotion to first-class firefighters. Islander
Photo: Courtesy WMFR
20 years of service
Holmes Beach
Police Department
left, during a city commission meeting. Islander
A Sarasota resident is being investigated for the possible theft of a low-speed vehicle and driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
As of Islander press time June 30, charges were not filed.
According to a Holmes Beach police report, an officer found a damaged LSV outside Holmes Beach Automotive Service, 5333 Gulf Drive, and a 25-yearold man, who showed signs of impairment, walking away from the vehicle.
On the LSV seat, the officer found a cellphone displaying the man’s photo.
porary use permit while awaiting development of a 106-room resort.
Bear also said it’s important all paid parking lots in the city are being scrutinized in a similar manner.
Palmer committed to inspecting additional lots and updating commissioners.
Sam Negrin, spokesperson for Beach to Bay LLC., which oversees operations for both lots, told The Islander June 27 that efforts to satisfy compliancewould begin June 30
“We are starting on all parking lot fixes on Monday,” Negrin wrote in a text.
About the Pines lot, Negrin stated: “Residents can
The man allegedly admitted to driving the LSV but failed to explain the damage.
Meanwhile, a couple of people approached the officer and said they rented the LSV but did not know how it had been moved or it sustained damage.
The offi cer transported the man to the Holmes Beach Police Department, where he refused to perform field sobriety exercises or provide a breath sample for a DUI investigation.
The officer released the man so he could review surveillance footage from the property.
— Ryan Paice
park there free of charge as long as they provide us their license plate number.”
By Lisa Neff
St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach, issued a call for volunteers.
“Some of our regulars have moved away or have passed on or are gone for the summer,” the church said in a posted notice. “Please consider volunteering.”
The church seeks Eucharistic ministers, lectors, ushers and alter servers during Mass.
The church also said, “Sacristans have more training and help set up before Mass and clean up after. Once trained, you can volunteer for one or more Masses each weekend or weekday.”
For more information, call the church offi ce at 941-778-4769.
The Longboat Island Chapel houses a “medical gifting closet” to store equipment that can be loaned to people in need.
“Wheelchairs, rollators, transporters, shower chairs, bedside commodes and canes are always in high demand. We also have crutches, knee scooters, walkers, bed rails and other miscellaneous items that are donated,” according to a church notice.
The number to call to ask about equipment or make donations is 941-383-6491.
The chapel is at 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key.
Christ Church of Longboat Key, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, began demolition work June 25 on the manse deck and patio, which also functions as a roof, according to a bulletin.
“It will be a noisy, messy job and, depending on how much rain we get, the end-date is unclear,” the June 24 notice read.
In addition, the church said the Galilee House would be without power for a day for electrical work.
The work prompted the closure of the church office until July 7.
For more information, go online to christchurchoflbk.org.
the
Keep Manatee Beautiful is calling for 300 volunteers to join its largest-ever sea oats planting and sand dune restoration effort.
The event will begin at 7 a.m. Saturday, July 26, at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach.
KMB wants to plant 12,000 sea oats before the peak of hurricane season to restore and fortify the dunes along Anna Maria Island’s coastline.
Volunteers will meet in the beach parking lot near the southern tip of the island.
• All Island Denominations accepts financial donations at P.O. Box 814, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Info: 941-778-4769.
• The Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra seeks volunteers, donors and a venue space. Info: info@amicco.org.
• The Anna Maria Island Historical Society, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, seeks donations for restoration
Elizabeth “Betty” Blair (Corney) Speare, 89, of Canton, Ohio, and formerly of Anna Maria Island, died June 7.
She was born May 11, 1936, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Arthur and Phoebe (Tyler) Corney of Anna Maria Island. Her family relocated to Maplewood, New Jersey, where she grew up and was a devoted alumna of Columbia High School and Duke University. She was a proud member of Mensa.
After graduating from college, she settled in Des Moines, Iowa, then to Overland Park, Kansas, and on to Windsor and Clinton, Connecticut, before finally moving on to her happy place of Anna Maria Island.
She enjoyed collecting sea glass, seashells and assorted treasures on walks on the beach. She had a creative and artistic mind and could always be found
to
Volunteers plant sea oats June 23 along Coquina Beach. KMB executive director Jennifer Hoffman told the Islander June 25 that the event was held to smooth out any kinks in the process ahead of the big July planting, where KMB aims to plant 12,000 sea oats. One of those kinks was spacing. Hoffman said sea oats for planting would be positioned ahead of time so volunteers allow sufficient space between plants. Islander Photo: Courtesy Jennifer Hoffman
Tools and plants will be provided but volunteers should wear closed-toe shoes and bring water, sunscreen and gloves.
Community members, civic groups, businesses and student organizations are encouraged to participate and service hours can be provided to those who need documentation.
For more information, go to www.manateebeautiful.com.
— lisa Neff and volunteers. Info: 608-444-0084.
• Roser Food Bank welcomes applicants for food assistance, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941-778-0414.
• AID offers financial help. Info: 941-778-4769. Email listings to lisa@islander.org.
reading historical fiction books or the latest New Yorker magazine, doodling in sketchbooks or sitting at her sewing machine, mending well-loved clothing. She loved baking, especially preparing the famous English muffin bread for the Anna Maria Island Historical Society.
Services will be July 12 at the Gillooly Funeral Home in Norwood, Massachusetts. Friends are invited to wear blue in honor of her favorite color.
Mrs. Speare is survived by her children, Robert Kreps and wife Nancy of Longmont, Colorado, Nancy Ealy and husband Deke of Charlottesville, Virginia; and Carolyn Ball and husband Kevin of Walpole, Massachusetts; grandchildren Robert Kreps and wife Trish, Jennifer Kreps, Tyler and Sean Ealy; and Emily, Casey, and Sarah Ball; brother Dr. Robert T. Corney and wife Libby of Nashville, Tennessee and their children, niece Susan and nephew Bob and wife Shannon.
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
The city of Anna Maria has adopted an increase in parking violation fines.
But that might not be the only change coming to the city code.
City commissioners unanimously voted June 26 to adopt a resolution amending parking violation fines from $50 to $75 for standard violations and from $225 to $250 for unauthorized parking in a designated handicap space.
Commissioner Charlie Salem was absent with excuse.
Mayor Mark Short said the resolution brought the city’s parking violation fines in line with the other two island cities.
Commission Deputy Chair Gary McMullen, who led the meeting in Salem’s absence, said he supported increasing the fines for parking violations. He said he had heard of many people blowing off the city’s lower fines as if they were acceptable fees for beach parking.
The commission also held first readings and votes for two proposed ordinances, including one that would require criminal background checks for new municipal employees and “as otherwise deemed appropriate on an individual basis” by the mayor.
The other proposed ordinance would allow signs to cover up to 80% of the total window area and add a definition for murals.
City code currently prohibits any signs that cover more than 20% of a window, so the ordinance’s adoption would provide a significant increase in allowable signage.
While the ordinance would allow signs to cover up to 80% of a window, it would require a 6-inch vertical strip of each window to remain uncovered and unob-
structed for visibility purposes.
City attorney Becky Vose said that a visibility strip was requested by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office so deputies could assess a situation inside a building before entering.
The proposed ordinance also would define a mural as “a painting or other work of art executed directly on a wall which does not represent a product, business or service.”
The ordinance was reviewed June 18 and recom-
mended for commission approval by the city’s planning and zoning board.
Commissioners unanimously voted to approve the first readings of both ordinances.
There was no public comment and a second reading and vote is required to enact the new ordinances.
The commission will meet next at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 10, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.
Directions to attend the meeting via Zoom can be found on the city’s website, cityofannamaria.com.
Penny Frick’s photo at the Anna Maria City Pier is a top Notch weekly winner from 2014. MIDDle: terry Marstolf’s 2023 photo, taken bayside in Holmes Beach in 2023, is a contest winner. RIgHt: Dana guess of Bradenton wins the third week of the Islander’s six-week 2022 top Notch photo contest with this photograph of kids celebrating July 4 at sunset near 73rd Street in Holmes Beach. What’s on your “camera roll”? Islander File Photos
The Islander’s Top Notch contest begins anew. The contest celebrates what still is known as the “Kodak moment,” despite Kodak’s downfall in the shift from film to digital technology.
The Kodak moment celebrates “on the spot” photography — unplanned and unstaged — but capturing a memorable moment.
Look to Friday, July 13, for the first deadline. The contest includes six weekly front-page winners. Each will claim an Islander “More than a mullet
“Anna Maria Island,” a pictorial history book of the island by Bonner Joy, is available for $20 at Island Mail & Print, 3230 e. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. Or purchase at islander.org. Joy is publisher of the Islander.
wrapper” T-shirt.
One weekly shot will take the grand prize in the contest, earning the photographer a $100 prize from The Islander and certificates from local merchants.
July 4 holiday pics are encouraged, as well as the memorable moments from the past year back to Jan. 1, 2024.
There also is a pet photo contest for weekly submissions and a winner announced in the final week.
Look online this week for complete rules and details.
Please, note, each original JPG must be included in a single email to topnotch@islander.org with the name of the photographer, date the photo was taken, location and description, names of recognizable people and the address and phone number of the photographer.
All rules at islander.org must be observed.
No exceptions.
— Bonner Joy
Tennis instructor Cody Wright, with more than 15 years coaching experience at elite levels of the sport, will lead the Center of anna maria Island’s future ace’s Tennis Program in july. Islander Courtesy Photo
attempted putts counted in tabulating a team’s final score. The team of Chuck Patrick, Charlie Porter and Terry Schaefer combined on a 5-over-par 37 to win the day’s proceedings.
system match June 23. Ken Nagengast grabbed clubhouse bragging rights after carding a plus-2 to earn a 1-point victory over Joe Coyne, Chuck Patrick and Earl Ritchie, who all tied for second at plus-1.
The women played a nine-hole individual-low-net match June 24. Sue Wheeler fired a 1-over-33 to take first place by a stroke over Jana Samuels, who was alone in second place.
Members played a nine-hole scramble with all
Two teams emerged from pool play during the June 25 horseshoe competition at the Anna Maria City hall pits and settled things in a playoff. The team of Tom Farrington and Bob Hawks cruised to a 26-8 victory over Tim Sofran.
Farrington stayed perfect for the week after posting the only 3-0 record in pool play during the June 28 games.
The action gets started at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Anna Maria pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by random team selection.
There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome.
The Center of Anna Maria Island is hosting children ages 6-12 for the Future Ace’s Tennis Program, which focuses on athletic and tennis development.
Instructor Cody Wright will help students build agility, coordination and foundational skills, according to a news release from the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.
The center said Wright’s career highlights include coaching at the Grand Slam level and four years as a coach at the IMG Academy in Bradenton. Wright also cofounded Inspiration Academy in Bradenton.
Classes will be 9-9:45 a.m. Wednesdays on the outdoor courts at the center. Summer dates include July 9, July 16, July 23 and July 30.
Single class are drop-in rates are $40 for members, $45 for nonmembers. The cost to register for four sessions is $120 for members, $135 for nonmembers.
Children should bring a tennis racquet if they have one, along with a water bottle, sunscreen, a hat and sneakers.
The registration deadline is the Thursday prior to the drop-in class or session start date.
The Center of Anna Maria Island will coordinate a youth golf clinic this month, with sessions set for the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach.
The clinic will be Wednesdays July 9, July 16 and July 23, with students departing from the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, at about 9 a.m.
Instruction from local golfers will include putting, chipping and driving.
Equipment will be provided if needed.
After the golf lessons, students will have lunch — burgers, hot dogs, chips, water and soda.
The cost per class is $55 for members and $65 for nonmembers.
For more information on classes and clinics, call the center at 941-778-1908 or email youthprograms@ centerami.org.
— lisa Neff
By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander reporter
Inshore fishing around Anna Maria Island remains quite good despite water temperatures averaging the mid- to upper-80s.
Fishing early morning tides is producing good action on spotted seatrout and catch-and-release snook.
Targeting the trout over deep grass flats produces the best action and anglers also might encounter other species, such as ladyfish, jack crevalle and Spanish mackerel, adding variety to the bite.
Moving to shallow water on the flats to target catch-and-release snook is yielding good action as long as the tide is moving and the water temps aren’t too high.
Try fishing first thing in the morning to achieve the best results because water temps should be slightly cooler before the sun gets a chance to heat up the flats.
You might find some redfish in the mix if you’re fishing the right spots.
Tarpon fi shing is also an option while fi shing inshore. And who wouldn’t like to check that off the bucket list?
Again, early morning tides are a good bet but the evening outgoing tides are where it’s at for the silver kings. Although we are nearing the end of the tarpon season, there are some good groups of fish hanging around the passes along the beaches.
Stock up with plenty of live crabs and threadfin herring for bait and be prepared to do some searching, but once you find the fish, you should be able to get a bite as these fish aren’t seeing as much pressure as they were during the peak season a few weeks ago. Evening, outgoing tides should produce the best action, especially when using live crabs for bait.
Lastly, as we approach the Fourth of July weekend, make sure to pack plenty of patience as the boat traffic out there is going to be hard to avoid.
Watch out for recreational boaters, as many are inexperienced, leaving it up to you to make sure everyone on your vessel is safe and out of harm’s way. Watch out for high traffic areas and try to fish early to beat the crowds.
On my Just Reel charters I am seeing limits of spotted seatrout being caught daily. A mix of silver trout, Spanish mackerel, ladyfi sh and jack crevalle adds a nice mix to the bite.
On many mornings, I’m seeing small sandbar sharks and some blacktips invading the trout spots, resulting in some exciting action. Clients are reeling in trout that are bitten in half on the way to the boat. The small sharks are entertaining to catch and release after a limit of trout is in the cooler.
Fishing the passes is producing action on catchand-release snook, as well as mangrove snapper. I’m even seeing a redfish mixed in every once in a while.
Capt. David White is in pursuit of tarpon on most of his charters, although he’s managing to slip in a few backcountry charters as well.
The tarpon bite is quite good, according to White, especially during the early evening outgoing tides. On one particular evening, he hooked 10 fish, which is more than ample for most sport fishers.
Most catches occur when using live crabs as bait, although live or dead threadfin herring can work.
While fi lling in the calendar with backcountry trips, White says there’s plenty of action on spotted seatrout, as well as redfish for a chance to load the cooler and he’s finding catch-and-release snook are giving anglers their share of action.
angler rick richards, top, and garrett alday wrangle a tarpon june 28 with a 43-inch girth for the overall win in the 92nd Sarasota Tarpon Tournament. The 43-incher, caught during the general fishing, qualified richards for the two-day fish off, which he won. He fished with Capt. Carson Wooton.
rylee little is home in Palmetto from college in West Palm and she’s showing off her june 26 catch, a 15-pound permit, which was released. little and her charter group were guided to the fish — and many more — by Capt. Brady Nelson of anna maria Charters.
On the calmer days, White is venturing to the artificial reefs where his anglers are able to successfully target mangrove snapper and permit.
Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.
By Lisa Neff
elementary Class lessons from AMITW, AME
Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, during the 2024-25 academic year, invited teachers and students at Anna Maria Elementary School in Holmes Beach to compose questions about sea turtles, shorebirds and AMITW’s work on the beaches. This summer, the Islander is sharing AME’s questions and AMITW’s answers.
Nicole O’Neill’s fourth-grade class: What species of sea turtles are endangered?
AMITW: All species of sea turtles are listed as endangered somewhere in the world but in other places they may be listed as threatened.
The Kemp’s ridley is the rarest sea turtle in the world and is listed as critically endangered, this is the highest ranking, which means they are in the most danger of going extinct.
Endangered is the next ranking and threatened is below that.
The city of Holmes Beach is hosting Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring for weekly talks about sea turtle and shorebird nesting.
Sea Turtle Tracks and Shorebird Facts talks continue most Mondays at 10 a.m. through August at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.
For more information, call turtle watch at 941-3018434 or go to islandturtlewatch.com.
Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring reported June 27 that “nesting numbers are looking good.”
The nesting numbers for loggerheads are similar to nests recorded in 2022 and 2023 at this point in the season but AMITW expects this year to surpass a record of 12 green turtle nests.
Meanwhile, the turtle watch team is anticipating the arrival of hatchlings in the next few weeks.
They’ve also been finding tracks showing sea turtles nesting in unusual places. One turtle, for example, traversed a seawall and silt fencing at a construction site and another nested underneath a chair next to a fire pit.
AMITW, in a notice June 27, said, “If you notice a sea turtle nest on your property, we could use your help! Please, make sure that people staying at the house are aware that the nest site is protected and follow our turtle-friendly tips of keeping the area clean, dark and flat.
AMITW is a nonprofit focused on collecting data on threatened or endangered sea turtles. The organization also collects data on shorebirds. Nesting data is required by renourishment contracts and AMITW is compensated by the county for its service.
Winnie’s send-off
a crowd gathers june 23 at the Coquina Beach shoreline to cheer on Winnie, a tagged loggerhead sea turtle returning to the gulf after nesting. The event was part of the Sea Turtle Conservancy’s Tour de Turtles, a research initiative conducted in local partnership with anna maria Island Turtle Watch a Shorebird monitoring and with sponsorship from Hurricane Hanks. The public release took place after Winnie nested at Coquina Beach. Islander Photos: robert anderson
Spectators crowd around as turtle watch volunteers prepare to release Winnie, a loggerhead sea turtle, during a Tour de Turtles event june 23 at Coquina Beach. The turtle, after nesting, was outfitted with a satellite tracking device to help scientists learn more about sea turtle migration patterns. The Sea Turtle Conservancy’s Tour de Turtles with Winnie begins aug. 1.
Kristen mazzarella of amITW stands with Dan evans of the Sea Turtle Conservancy following the june 23 release of Winnie, a loggerhead tagged as part of the Tour de Turtles initiative at Coquina Beach. The tracking project helps researchers better understand sea turtle behavior and supports long-term conservation.
Where’s Winnie?
The Tour de Turtles officiallybegins aug. 1 but Winnie can still be tracked at tourdeturtles.org. People also can see maps for other sea turtles.
makes the
amITW
as a guide.
By Lisa Neff
We have much to think about this Fourth of July, a day commemorating the Continental Congress’ formal adoption of the Declaration of Independence, which proclaimed the colonies independent from a king’s rule.
The early celebrations commemorating independence included concerts, parades, fireworks and double rations of rum, according to my old civics textbook. And Americans stopped celebrating the king’s birthday with a parade once they started holding mock funerals for the monarch on the Fourth of July.
However you celebrate the holiday this long weekend, take some time to go back and read the Declaration of Independence. I did a couple of days ago and was surprised at what I’d forgotten, overlooked and misremembered in the sometimes lofty, sometimes sharp argument for natural law and the inherent rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
In today’s world, with pollution, environmental degradation and the risks of climate change, these founding principles take on new urgency and meaning.
The declaration’s assertion that governments derive “their just powers from the consent of the governed” is about the fundamental compact between citizens and our government to protect what matters most, including the environment.
The unalienable right to life?
Let’s think about the air pollution that contributes to premature deaths, about manufactured microplastics circulating in bloodstreams, about extreme weather
The responsibility to ensure our actions don’t deprive others of their rights?
It’s our duty to deal with hard questions about consumption, energy choices, conservation and the impact we have in our communities and on the natural world.
The people’s government shouldn’t be trashing environmental regulations and shrinking from treaties. Our government shouldn’t be hiding risks, interfering with research, banning scientific communications and sheltering polluting corporations.
The declaration we’re celebrating this week calls
Mote advances seagrass initiative mote marine laboratory announced in june it’s advancing an initiative aimed at restoring seagrass. Two years ago, the state established the Seagrass restoration Technology Development Initiative and mote is leading the effort to develop, test and implement “innovative, effective, cost-efficient and environmentally sustainable technologies and approaches for restoring coastal seagrass ecosystems.” Islander Courtesy Photos
Seagrass-related research at mote, which in a june 19 news release, stated it serves as the lead administrative component to achieve the goals of a seagrass restoration initiative, including the creation of a 10-year florida Seagrass restoration Plan.
out those who promote and practice injustice as enemies.
Today, we’re still striving for justice, which we can’t have if some bear disproportionate environmental burdens while others enjoy clean air, clean water and healthy neighborhoods. The freedom to breathe clean air and drink safe water should be as fundamental as freedom of speech or religion.
The declaration includes “the pursuit of Happiness” and this we do hold dear. How do we pursue happiness? How do we flourish? We treasure our natural world, we protect our resources, we value environmental security and stability.
The Declaration of Independence was a notice to a monarch and a call to action for the people.
Read it. Think about it.
Did you know?
Benjamin Franklin was the first to chart the Gulf Stream, which flows from the Gulf through the Straits of Florida and up the eastern United States and across the Atlantic toward Europe. Franklin published a Gulf Stream map in 1769, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
It takes a flock
White Egret owners Barb and John Jaegers wrote The Islander recently to express thanks for volunteers associated with One10Youth, a group that arrived in June to help the retailer recover from damages caused by hurricanes Helene and Milton.
“We were gifted a large blessing, more than we could’ve anticipated,” the owners of the Egret, 10006 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, wrote. “Our hearts are overflowing as we give a huge thank-you to the One10Youth group from the Mandarin United Methodist Church in Jacksonville, which came to AMI with a mission to help with disaster recovery.”
The Jaegers said the volunteers “through the sweat, motivation and the mission of getting our inventory transported back to our store” worked on an assembly line for hours.
Mandarin United Methodist Church youth director Paula Coker-Jones told The Islander June 20 that the volunteers helped on AMI June 8-13 as part of the group’s summer mission: “We had 37 volunteers. This included seven adults and 30 youth from sixth-grade to recent grads of high school.”
Coker-Jones grew up in Bradenton and worked on AMI in the early 1990s. She said, “When we saw that the island was hit by both storms, we wanted to come in and help the best way we could.”
The group had previously volunteered for disaster recovery efforts in Port Charlotte and Fort Myers.
“These are our future stars of America,” the Jaegers said.
For more about One10Youth, go to one10youth. com. To reach White Egret, call 941-778-3782.
— lisa Neff
People don’t expect a fine dining, white-cloth restaurant to be showing sports in the bar but the folks at enRich Bistro had to do it.
Owner/chef Rich Knowles’ brother Philip made it to No. 1 on the leaderboard in Round 2 of the Detroit Rocket Classic, which was broadcast on CBS TV.
Knowles raced out of the kitchen at the tail end of the June 27 happy hour to turn the bar TV from CBS to ESPN sports highlights and there it was: The No. 5 highlight was a shot of the day’s final leaderboard with Philip Knowles in the top slot.
So enRich, 5239 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, was scrambling to put together a watch party.
Tuesday, July 8
By lisa Neff
THIS WEEK
8 a.m. — AMI Chamber breakfast, Compass Hotel Anna Maria Sound., Perico Island. Fee applies. Info: 941-778-1541, terri@amichamber.org. SAVE THE DATE
• July 10, 11:30 a.m., AMI Chamber lunch, Slicker’s Eatery, Cortez.
Send listings to calendar@islander.org.
Philip Knowles slipped during Round 3 and for the final round was at -11 as the leaders hit -19 and -17s on June 29, as The Islander was going to press. So you’ll have to check online for results.
The Knowles have had a big family in Manatee County since the early 1900s, with plenty of island history and we’re proud to see Philip Knowles hit his mark on the links.
Star Fish Restaurant in Cortez hardly needs to gather more awards and recognition to seal its spot at the top of the list of many casual seafood restaurants on and around Anna Maria Island.
Yet, here it is — named to another list of top seafood spots statewide by the Family Destinations Guide, a kid-friendly guide with vacation ideas for families.
It’s the “No-Fuss Seafood Spots In Florida That Serve The Best Seafood You’ll Ever Taste,” published June 28 by David Reeve, who proclaims, “Old Florida still exists.”
Reeve wrote, “Star Fish Company serves seafood so fresh it practically jumps onto your plate.
“Their grouper sandwich is the stuff of legend — a generous portion of locally caught grouper, lightly breaded and fried to golden perfection.
“The smoked mullet spread offers a taste of Old Florida that’s getting harder to find — smoky, rich, and deeply satisfying.”
And the empire grows. From Star and A.P. Bell Fish House and a partnership in Tide Tables, Bell has enlisted friends to reopen the Boiler Room, 5600 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
But don’t confuse the Boiler Room with Bell’s much-awarded skills at fresh grouper and grits.
You can expect a casual, no-fuss atmosphere but the menu at this watering hole is definitely pub grub, including the specialty of the former owner, Philly cheesesteak sandwiches.
Bob Slicker, proprietor of Slicker’s Eatery, is looking at a long hot summer and planning an after-theFourth of July-hullaballoo on July 5 — and we jumped in to help.
Sorry to spill the beans but Slicker made no secret of his recovery from kidney stones during and after the hurricanes and he’s just out of the hospital again more recently from another round of treatment.
Not one to be kept down, he’s making plans while recovering at home.
He’s got a big tent for the parking lot, 12012 Cortez Road W., Cortez, and will be serving beer, grilled food items and presenting some awesome music by Mario Williams and his band, who are touring while on summer break from college in Tennessee.
Williams played a solo gig at Slicker’s in March and, thanks to dad Travis’ Pittsburgh Pirates connections, he brought his own crowd of Pirates and Bradenton Marauders and friends.
damages caused by hurricanes Helene and milton in 2024. Islander Courtesy Photo
There will be something for everyone at this outdoor party in Cortez.
The restaurant will serve its regular menu indoors — I found the cheeseburger to be one of the best around — while others rave about the shrimp Gambitto.
See you there?
I’m remiss in getting around to the Blue Marlin since its reopening this month on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach — to rave reviews, I might add.
Sarasota Herald-Tribune writer Wade Tatangelo praised Adam Ellis and his team at the Blue Marlin, calling it “one of the best seafood restaurants in Sarasota-Manatee.”
The Blue Marlin took on some 3 feet of water and sand from the 2024 hurricanes but managed to save the essence of the “cozy, coastal-chic atmosphere” and its memorabilia.
Tatangelo also wrote, “The soul of the Blue Marlin remains unchanged — with a focus on high-quality, locally sourced seafood, largely coming from … Cortez.”
The report included a quote from Ellis, “We’re going to do it simpler, Same great food and service, just a little more refined. More comfort, more cocktails.”
Meanwhile, live music has returned to the outdoor Trap Yard.
Ellis also was quoted as saying, “We’re reinventing things just a little, not too much. It’s still the Blue Marlin people love.”
We checked in with the city of Holmes Beach to see if there was any earnest effort to revive the Beach Bistro, the award-winning fine dining spot at the Resort 66 on the beach.
The primary owners, Shawn Kaleta and Louis Najmy, are mum on any news.
Yes, the city reported, some permits have been issued.
Some of the former staff — and they have spread like the wind to other restaurants and endeavors — were chatting online about the failure to revive the restaurant and it seems many have no intention to return.
And isn’t a restaurant built on kitchen and service staff as much as the food and drink it serves?
We’ll hope for the best, of course, but one of my regular sources for news says it might be a better moneymaker as a “Sweetberries,” with a service window on the beach.
Well, that would mean selling a lot of cones and shakes at a high price — much like Sean Murphy did with lamb and bouillabaisse, minus the service window.
— Bonner joy
look online for news about the islander’s top notch Photo contest! starting up in July! scour your snapshots from the past year for fun, family photos, wacky pet pics and primo scenes of anna Maria island … and prepare to take your prize! islander.org
STuDIo aParTmeNT furNISHINgS: for sale, nightstands, bar stools, upholstered bench, dresser. 970-556-0596.
maSSage TaBle, $75. 321-408-6148.
aNTIQue ParTNer DeSK: all wood, $500. Inquire at 941-778-7978.
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).
golf CarT reNTalS: fun for residents and tourists! 941-213-5730. www.annamariacartrentals.com
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. 772-486-8085.
WelCome aBoarD joyfISH Charters for private fishing, sunset cruises, and dolphin watching. Check out joyfishcharters.com or follow us on facebook. Call to reserve, 941840-3181.
I S la ND er ar CHIV e. u of f f lorida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.
for Sale: 35 Bristol sailboat, yanmar diesel, new shaft, cutless, log, prop and bottom job, 2024. $12,000. l ocated on Holmes Beach ready to sail. Bill, 302-494-4096.
ro S er CH ur CH S ee KS part-time a ssistant f acilities a dministrator to cover f riday to Sunday and special events. read the job description r oserChurch.com/job-opportunity
NoW HIrINg HaNDymaN: full-time professional services. $18 an hour and up, based on experience. Call jayPros, 941-962-2874.
re P or T er W a NT e D: f ull- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience required. apply via email with letter of interest to news@ islander.org.
KIDS for HIre ads are free for up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work. a ds must be placed in person at The Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite j, Holmes Beach.
IS your H ome or office in need of some cleaning? Well, I’m your girl! l ocal, reliable, professional! Please, give me a call or text, 941-773 -0461.
C lea NIN g : Va C aTI o N, C o NST ru CTI o N, 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.
BIC y C le re Pa I r S: j ust4 f un at 5358 g ulf Drive can do most any bicycle repair at a reasonable cost. Pick-up and delivery available. 941-896-7884.
a PI’S D ry Wall re Pa I r : I look forward to servicing your drywall repair needs. Call 941524-8067 to schedule an appointment.
PC or T e 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.
our S erVIC e S: C lea NIN g , 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.
aIrPorT SHuTTle: QualITy transportation, 10 years by lewber. 352-339-3478.
more aDS = more readers in The Islander.
IS your Pool deck, driveway, or garage floor looking worn out and dated? Bring them back to life with our top-tier resurfacing services! Services offered: Pool deck resurfacing, Slip-resistant, cool-to-the-touch finishes that enhance safety and aesthetics. Driveway resurfacing, durable surfaces that stand up to heavy traffic and harsh weather. garage floor resurfacing, easy-to-clean, stain-resistant surfaces that look great and perform even better. Don’t wait! Transform your spaces today with our trusted resurfacing services. Contact us now for a free consultation and estimate. Call u Plus me llC at 727-6235050 or visit u-plus-me.com
go T DI rT y WIND o WS? f ree estimates/ insured. five-star customer service rating. “We want to earn your business. Downeast Window Cleaning, 207-852-6163.
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-H ome S u PP or T: 26-plus years’ experience. Tammy r oberts, 941-580-4440.
a CH auffer 4 u for T ra NSP orTaTI o N anywhere in f lorida. Properly insured and over 40 years in Bradenton. Dennis, 941812-5930.
o N e C all C lea N u P. j unk removal, water damage, and more. fast, reliable service. Call, 941-544-1260.
NeeD a rIDe to the airports? Service to Tampa, St. Pete or SrQ. Call gary at 863-409-5875.
H ome WaTCH er : 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 a ppraiser with background check. 317-997-4056.
affor D a B le P re SS ure Wa SHIN g 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.
N o N-T o XIC C lea NIN g services for your home/business! evenings/weekends. reliable and detailed. lauren, 770-864-2940.
B u SIN e SS-T o -B u SIN e SS j D’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-920-3840.
CleaN TeCH moBIle Detailing. at your location. Cars, boats, rVs. Call or text Billie for an appointment. 941-592-3482.
I S la ND er ar CHIV e. u of f f lorida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.
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 e ller, 941-720-7411. r esidential, call Nate, 941-524-2248. CaC184228.
C o NNI e ’S la NDSC a PIN g INC. r esidential and commercial. f ull-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-713-1965.
C oll INS la NDSC a P e l I g HTIN g : o utdoor lighting, landscaping, irrigation services and maintenance. 941-279-9947. mj C24373@ 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.
Va N- go Pa INTIN g residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper. Island references. Bill, 941-795-5100. www. vangopainting.net.
gr I ff IN’S H ome I m P ro V eme NTS 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! f ree estimates, call 941-7055293.
loo KIN g for a N y 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 N al D P er KINS Pa INTIN g ll C. Interior/exterior/pressure washing. Island references. dperkinspaint@hotmail.com. 941705-7096.
gor I lla D ry Wall re Pa I r ll C. l et’s solve your drywall problems together. give us a call at 941-286-0607.
QueeN Bee PaINTINg: “We Do It royally.” Interior/exterior painting and pressure washing, pool decks, garage floors, cabinets, popcorn ceiling and wallpaper removal, drywall, door and trim install and repair, window cleaning. Sheryl, 864-884-3380.
TeTI TIle: 40 years’ experience in Delaware, now on am I and surrounds. Tile, marble, murals. free estimates. Call john Teti, 302983-5774.
True ToNe PaINTINg: 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.
ISlaND HaNDymaN: I live here, work here, value your referral. refinish, paint. just ask. jayPros. licensed/insured. references. Call jay, 941-962-2874.
aNNa marIa gulf beachfront vacation rentals. o ne- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941-7783143.
aVa I la B le N o W a ND season: 1B r /1B a , seven-night minimum. carlesvacationrentals. co m Special rates are available. 941-8071405.
PerICo ISlaND PaTIo home: 3Br/2Ba, privacy wall/gate, two-car garage, single floor, high ceilings, screened lanai. Call or text alison, 859-771-6423.
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. 941713-6743.
a V a I la B le N o W! a NN ual 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. 941807-1405.
2B r /2B a S e C o ND floor condo with pool available in Holmes Beach. available for 2025/26 season beginning November 2025. Call jack, 312-835-2323 for more details and link to site with pictures and details.
WINNI e m CH ale , realT or , 941-5046146. Dalton Wade real estate. you need an aggressive and experienced r ealtor in today’s market! Selling island homes, Sarasota and Bradenton areas. m ulti-milliondollar producer! “Selling Homes - m aking Dreams Come True.”
WaT erfro NT 3B r /2B a ma N ufa CT ure D home with ample parking for boat/rV and two cars. Screened-in lanai for enjoying sunsets. Steps away from Parrott Cove marina and free boat launch. Sunny Shores beach nearby and easy walk or bike ride to anna maria Island. awaiting new owner to complete drywall and decorative flooring. you own the land. Sunny Shores, a friendly community with voluntary homeowners’ association that provides access to clubhouse and park amenities. Ideal vacation home or rental property. a sking price, $250,000. Call 847-436-0938 for more information or tour of home.
looKINg for aN early BIrD? you can read Wednesday’s classifieds on Tuesday at islander.org. and it’s free!
oPeN HouSe: 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. friday, july 4. 3Br/3Ba gulffront. 5200 gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Noranne Hutcheson, 941-932-0738. re/maX alliance.
fIXer 1Br/Ba TraIler: Partially remodeled in Bradenton Beach, amI. $107,500. one minute to beach and Intracoastal. 941-356-1456.
W e ST B ra D e NT o N: 3B r /2B a , two-car garage. Peace and quiet in middle of town, in bird sanctuary. features modern updates in lush, tropical setting. minutes to beach and shopping. $550,000. real estate mart, 941356-1456.
BeauTIful Pool Home in west Bradenton. 3Br/2Ba, two-car garage. Private side yard for boat, rV or dog run. Private caged pool with covered area. $469,000. real estate mart, 941-356-1456.
loNgBoaT Key, NorTH end village. Brandnew home to be built. 3Br/2Ba with view. fred at real estate mart, 941-356-1456.
N or THW e ST B ra D e NT o N: m inutes to beach and robinson Preserve. Custom-built hacienda, 2B r /2B a , two-car garage. Community pool, spa, clubhouse and boat docks. $795,000. real estate mart, 941-356-1456.
