The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, July 07, 2021 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

VOLUME

JULY 7, 2021 Free

NO. 37

The Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992

Astheworldterns. 6 Worker dies at construction site in BB. 2

Q&A 070721

islander.org

Beads! Patience pays off for young patriots

HB reviews building standards in wake of Surfside tragedy. 3 Pine Avenue study ongoing. 4

Meetings. 4 Opinions. 6 10-20 YEARS AGO

looking back. 7

DoT plays hardball with BB over high bridge. 8 longboat bridge scores lowest rating. 9

Save the date. 10

Happenings Island happenings. 11 BB considers giving voters options. 13

Gathering. 14 Top Notch contest opens. 15

Ellen Willis of Wesley Chapel was happy to see the Anna Maria Island Privateers Independence Day parade return July 3 after a hiatus for CoVID-19. “It was a great time! We were so glad it was back this year. We stay here every July and it is one of the highlights for sure,” she said in a post-parade email to The Islander. She shared the enthusiasm of her kids, top left, waiting in their seats for the parade: Maggie, 8, right, Willis, 5, center, and lochlan Mazzaro, 5, left, also from Wesley Chapel. The trio waited patiently for the Privateers to arrive to 62nd Street on their route from Bradenton Beach to Anna Maria, and they were rewarded by the pirates and other parade participants with plenty of colorful souvenir beads. This year’s parade had more than 100 participants — all rolling in golf carts, on bikes, aboard boats on trailers and truck beds. For more on the parade, see page 12. Islander Courtesy Photos

Parking debate escalates

Island map. 16-17

Islander Staff reports

Island worker faces child porn charges. 18

Streetlife. 18 MCSo: No charges in VIP vaccine scheme. 19 HB hammers out legislative priorities. 21

NESTING NOTES. 22 About the bay. 23 Adult soccer champs crowned. 24 Fishing vs. storms. 25 ISL BIZ.26

County pushes holiday parking expansion in Holmes Beach

CLASSIFIEDS. 28

A sign at the Manatee Avenue entrance to Holmes Beach July 4 advises motorists on Manatee Avenue at the landfall of the Anna Maria Island Bridge that overflow parking is available at Anna Maria Elementary School and the Island library. Both locations are in Holmes Beach. Story, page 5. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy

AMI TOURISM: 30

PropertyWatch. 30

NYT puzzle. 31

TS Elsa prompts states of emergency States of emergency at the Florida and local level were declared ahead of Tropical Storm Elsa, which was impacting Cuba July 5 and threatening Florida. Anna Maria commissioners held an emergency meeting July 2, ahead of the holiday weekend, and by unanimous vote enacted a local state of emergency. The declaration transfers power from the city commission to Mayor Dan Murphy for up to seven days — a term that could be extended if needed. The declaration allows Murphy “to take all actions necessary and appropriate to protect human life and property,” according to the resolution that granted the state of emergency. Despite the federal holiday, Anna Maria public works director Dean Jones said his crews would be on duty July 5. “This is our city, we need to make it safe,” Murphy said about his commitment to do what he must, including if necessary, TuRN To eMerGeNCY, PAGE 2

Storm ready? Eyes on Elsa, page 2. Check islander.org for updates on the storm and through the hurricane season.

Award-Winning Surfside Dining Call For Reservations: (941) 778 - 6444

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Worker falls, dies at construction site in BB

A 49-year-old Arcadia man fell to his death June 23 from scaffolding that collapsed at a residential construction site in Bradenton Beach. Abelino Olvera was declared dead at the scene, 203 Bay Drive N., where he was working as a subcontractor building a house. Olvera and Daniel Jose Leon Tomas, 40, of Bradenton, were working on what Bradenton Beach Police Detective Sgt. Lenard Diaz described as self-made scaffolding when the support structure failed, became detached and gave way. A witness heard a loud cracking noise and looked to see that a wooden platform that Olvera and Tomas had been standing on was aimed upward like a “teetertotter.” The workers fell three stories, according to Diaz’s report. The witness also told Diaz the workers were not harnessed on the scaffold. Tomas was taken by ambulance to Blake Medical Center in Bradenton, where he was treated for “bumps and bruises,” Diaz said June 30. The incident was declared a construction accident and the police investigation closed pending a medical examiner’s findings, Diaz reported. The Islander reached out to Bradenton Beach building official Steve Gilbert July 3 via email regarding permitting and inspections at the construction site and a possible state investigation of the fatality. Gilbert had not responded to Islander questions as of July 5. According to online records, the property is owned by 203 Bay Dr N LLC, which was registered to Todd Buchanan of Tampa in November 2020. Another island official advised The Islander that there would likely be an investigation by a state construction board. — Staff Report

Storm ready? Eyes on Elsa

Elsa is making waves. The first hurricane and the fifth-named tropical storm of the 2021 Atlantic season was threatening to make landfall north of Tampa Bay late July 6 or early July 7, according to forecast models released as The Islander went to press July 5. The National Hurricane Center early July 5 said the tropical storm — which became a hurricane July 2 and then diminished again to a tropical storm July 3 — would bring heavy rain to Cuba and the Cayman Islands. At 5 a.m. July 5, Elsa produced maximum sustained winds of 65 mph and was located about 220 miles southeast of Havana, Cuba. The stormforce winds extended about 70 miles from Elsa’s center. Impact to the Florida Keys was expected later July 5 and overnight while heavy rainfall, flooding, storm surge and high winds were expected to impact the Florida peninsula July 6-7. A tropical storm watch and storm surge watch were in effect for much of the Florida’s west coast, including Manatee County. Forecasts estimated a regional impact of 2-4 inches of rain, 1-3 feet of storm surge and wind with gusts up to 60 mph. Manatee County and Florida emergency management officials encouraged residents to stock up on supplies and review their storm plan.

eMerGeNCY CoNTINuED FRoM PAGE 1

setting a curfew, banning alcohol sales and other protections. The state of emergency also grants Murphy up to $10,000 funding for emergency supplies — boards to cover city building windows and other gear — without commission approval. In Bradenton Beach, commissioners met July 5 to declare a state of emergency. Meanwhile, Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer told The Islander July 2 that he was monitoring the storm, but he did not anticipate a declared state of emergency. Early July 5, sandbaggers were outside city hall preparing for the storm. Manatee County’s state of emergency came July 4 and Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 15 counties, including Manatee. “It’s important for the public to monitor the storm and prepare for a possible tropical storm impacting our area,” said Manatee County Public Safety Director Jacob Saur. “This will largely be a rain event but as the ground is already saturated, trees can easily topple from the winds produced by tropical storms in our area.” County officials said in a statement that they did not anticipate issuing any evacuation orders for Elsa but a special needs shelter would open July 6. Stay tuned to The Islander on Facebook.

Resources for the storm Twitter • The National Hurricane Center: @NWSNHC and @NHC_Atlantic. • The National Weather Service: @NWS, @ NWSTampaBay. On the web • County emergency management: mymanatee.org.

• State emergency management: floridadisaster.org. •FEMA: fema.gov. • National Hurricane Center: nhc.noaa.gov. In print • The Islander, Bradenton Herald and Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

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Holmes Beach reviews standards in wake of Surfside high-rise tragedy

By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

The ripple effect from the partially collapsed condominium tower in Surfside has reached Holmes Beach. C i t y C o m m i s s i o n e r Te r r y Schaefer said July 1 that following the tragedy in Surfside, he spoke with members of the Holmes Beach building department about reviewing inspection standards for multistory buildings. Schaefer “They agreed that we need to be proactive in researching our responsibilities in the community for the safety of those within the buildings,” Schaefer said. First responders have been searching for survivors amid the rubble in Surfside since June 24, when 55 of

A forecast map from the National Hurricane Center shows the “earliest reasonable arrival time” of tropical storm-force winds associated with Elsa. The map was issued July 5, as The Islander went to press. Islander Courtesy Photo

136 units at Champlain Towers South condominiums collapsed. There were 20 people confirmed dead as of July 2, while 126 others remained unaccounted for in the flattened buildings. McGuinness In the days since the collapse, the town has opened an investigation into the cause of the disaster and has discussed changes to its building code, such as reducing a 40-year recertification period, to prevent similar disasters in the future. Holmes Beach’s former building official, James McGuinness, was hired as Surfside’s building official in February and reportedly visited the tower and inspected work on the roof only a day before it collapsed. Surfside’s previous building official, Ross Prieto, has been the target of much of the criticism surrounding the tragedy, since he reportedly signed off on an engineer’s 2018 report noting the building had “major structural damage” but told people the structure was in good condition. Prieto went on administrative leave from his job where he was temporarily assigned to the city of Doral’s building department as a contractor for CAP Government Inc. Schaefer said Holmes Beach building department staff would present their findings about potential code changes at a future commission meeting. “They are doing their research and are to report back to the commission when they’ve gathered accurate information and a determination of what we as a city can do in regard to inspections of multistory buildings,” Schaefer said. Neal Schwartz, Holmes Beach’s current building official, did not respond to July 2 inquiries by phone and email from The Islander.

The Martinique — two six-story residential condos — opened in Holmes Beach in 1972, and was followed by laws to prevent structures over threestories in all three cities. Islander File Photo

Q&A 070721

The Islander poll

Last week’s question When’s the last time you built a sand sculpture? 14%, Within three months. 5%, Past year or so. 11%, 2-5 years ago. 5%, 6-10 years ago. 65%, Ages ago. This week’s question How concerned are you about structures on the Florida coastline? A. After the disaster in Surfside, very concerned. B. Somewhat concerned. C. Not very concerned. D. Not an issue here. E. Too soon after to say. To take the poll, go online to islander.org.

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Feedback mostly positive for AM-Pine Avenue study By Amy V.T. Moriarty Islander Reporter

One thing was made clear at a July 1 public hearing in Anna Maria: Something must be done to alleviate traffic congestion and improve public safety. The hearing was the first of two, possibly three meetings arranged by the city to provide input to traffic engineer Gerry Traverso, vice president of transportation engineering for George F. Young Inc., a St. Petersburg-based civil engineering and surveying company. Traverso began the traffic study in May for the project that will include Magnolia, Spring and Pine avenues, South Bay Boulevard and Gulf Drive between Pine and Magnolia avenues. Though no new options were suggested from an engineering standpoint, Traverso said the hearing went well and some of the issues raised could be addressed through enforcement of ordinances and non-traffic related measures. Barbara Zdravecky, a member of the city’s planning and zoning board, suggested working on solutions with the Manatee County Tourist Development Council, which she said “advertised the hell out of Anna Maria.” Mayor Dan Murphy reminded those gathered that Anna Maria has received more funding from the TDC

in the past five years — about $3 million — than the other two island cities. Bringing the focus back to the issue at the epicenter of the study and hearing, Murphy said, “None of us are happy with the way Pine Avenue works, I don’t think, anyway. None of us, especially during the height of season. It’s a nightmare to go up there.” He referenced conversations he’s had with Manatee County sheriff’s deputies, who provide law enforcement in Anna Maria, that during season there’s an almost circus-like chaos on Pine Avenue. As part of the project, Traverso conducted traffic counts, studied pedestrian movement and its impact on traffic flow, identified sightline issues and spoke with business owners in the project area. Colleen Geller, who owns North Shore Cafe, suggested a possible solution could be to decrease motor vehicle traffic by increasing the use of bikes. If more bike racks were available and vacation rental companies and rental property owners suggested or provided bikes, the alternate means of transportation could become the norm for vacationers. Other options Traverso mentioned include adding speed tables, restricting deliveries for businesses to early morning hours, making Pine and Magnolia avenues one-way streets and expanding the number of bike racks. The one-way street options raised concerns for Spring Avenue residents Lynn French and Sherry Oehler, who said despite signs on their street prohibiting commercial traffic, it already exists. The one-way avenues plan also could mean routing trolley traffic past their homes. Traverso reminded hearing attendees the options mentioned were only some of those being considered. Another option, he said, would be to make no changes. But, he noted, “a do-nothing approach could snowball.” Before presenting options to city commissioners July 29, Traverso wants as much public input as possible. To that end, a website, reimaginingpineavenue. com, was created July 1. Visitors will find an overview

Anna Maria Planning and Zoning Board member Barbara Zdravecky discusses safety concerns from the gallery at a July 1 public hearing for “Reimagining Pine Avenue,” a traffic study that began in May and is due to conclude at the end of July. Islander Photo: Amy V.T. Moriarty

of the project’s scope of work and be able to provide input. The bottom line, according to Traverso: “There is no perfect solution. We have to figure out how to put a 600-pound gorilla in a golf cart.” The next public hearing will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 7. It can be attended in person at city hall or by teleconference. If a third hearing is needed, it will be at 2 p.m. Monday, July 12. Anna Maria City Hall is at 10005 Gulf Drive. For more information, call the clerk’s office at 941708-6130.

AM public works tackles drainage hot spots

Rain, rain go away. Anna Maria public works crews began June 25 to answer residents’ pleas. HB city clerk accepts FACC presidency Crews started digging an infiltration trench in Holmes Beach City Commissioners Jayne Christen- the 200 block of Magnolia Avenue and laying pipe son, left, and Jim Kihm pose June 28 alongside city to improve stormwater drainage in the area behind clerk Stacey Johnston and her husband, Jeff, after Ginny’s and Jane E’s Cafe and Gift Store, public works Johnston became president of the Florida Associadirector Dean Jones said July 1. tion of City Clerks during an annual meeting at the The crews finished Magnolia and moved to the luminary Hotel in Fort Myers. Johnston will serve a area of Fern Street at North Shore Drive June 28, one-year term as FACC president. Islander Courtesy where the project is more in-depth. It was ongoing by Photo week’s end, Jones said.

Meetings

Anna Maria City July 8, 2 p.m., commission. July 22, 6 p.m., commission. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941708-6130, cityofannamaria.com. Bradenton Beach July 7, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. July 7, 2 p.m., ScenicWAVES. July 15, noon, commission. CANCELED July 21, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com. Holmes Beach July 13, 9 a.m., commission. July 14, 6 p.m., planning commission. July 15, 6 p.m., commission. July 21, 10 a.m., code enforcement. July 27, 2:45 p.m., commission. Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941-708-5800, holmesbeachﬂ.org.

Work at a third site — Gladiolus Street and Alamanda Road — had not started by the time The Islander went to press July 5, and Jones said the startup was to be determined. The projects were last-minute additions to the public works project after city commissioners unanimously voted June 24 to use some of the $740,000 the city will receive from the American Rescue Plan to fund the work. Because the supplies and equipment were on hand, work began quickly. — Amy V.T. Moriarty

Holmes Beach appoints 2 to planning commission West Manatee Fire Rescue None announced. WMFR administration building, 6510 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-761-1555, wmfr.org. Manatee County Through July 23, summer recess. County administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee. org. Also of interest Aug. 11, 2 p.m., Palma Sola Scenic Highway Corridor Management Entity, Bradenton Public Works, 1411 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Aug. 16, 9 a.m., Manatee County Tourist Development Council, county administration building. — lisa Neff

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

A new face is joining the Holmes Beach planning commission. City commissioners reached consensus June 22 to appoint Lisa Pierce to a three-year term as an alternate member on the planning commission. Pierce’s appointment fills an alternate position created when Richard Brown stepped up to fill the full-time seat vacated by Barbara Hines’ resignation. Brown’s term will expire July 1, 2024. Commissioners also unanimously reached consensus to reappoint Jim McIntyre to a threeyear term. — Ryan Paice

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The Islander welcomes news of the milestones in readers’ lives — weddings, anniversaries, travels and other events. Send notices to news@islander.org.

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County snubs city, opens 2 parking lots in Holmes Beach By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Hopes shouldn’t be high for a diplomatic resolution to Manatee County’s feud with Holmes Beach over the city’s streetside parking limitations. County administrator Scott Hopes and Doug Wagner, deputy superintendent of the county’s school board, signed a facilities usage agreement July 1 opening the Anna Maria Elementary School’s parking lot for the July 4 weekend in an effort to increase parking on Anna Maria Island. The county also opened parking at the Island Library to the public, Hopes even while the library was open. However, the agreement for the school parking lot was made without coordinating with the city, which has maintained the importance of last year’s parking changes despite the county’s criticism. The city implemented a park-byVan ostenpermit system last summer to reduce bridge parking along some residential streets when many other beaches in the state remained closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The system calls for $15 decals for residents and property owners to park a vehicle in one of 645 spots 9 a.m.-5 p.m. where the city prohibited public parking. Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer told The Islander July 2 that during a June 7 meeting between himself, Mayor Judy Titsworth, County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge and county administrator Scott Hopes, he and Titsworth agreed they “would work with them if they decided to open up the school’s parking lot” but there were stipulations, including an application to the city for a temporary use permit. Neither heard further from the county and no TUP had been applied for, so on June 30 Tokajer emailed county public works director Chad Butzow, asking for further direction. “We have not heard anything about the use of school lot for July 4th weekend,” Tokajer wrote. Butzow forwarded the email to Hopes, who emailed Tokajer the same day: “I have not personally made any arrangements for the lot at this time.” But Hopes emailed Titsworth and Tokajer the next day — July 1 — informing them the county reached an agreement with the school district to open the school parking lot and, the library lot also would open. Tokajer responded the same day on behalf of Titsworth, who was on vacation, agreeing, but again requesting the TUP application — as well as trash receptacles, port-a-potties and staff to assist people crossing Gulf Drive and to enforce city code. He added, however, “The library is not opened for parking as it violates (the) lease and the city is not authorized to allow change of use.” He said that any violation would be cause to deny future requests. Hopes responded the same day, “Sorry, apparently

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our attorneys have a different opinion on both, and apparently the city has no jurisdiction over a public school’s parking lot in Florida.” Titsworth responded July 2 by maintaining a special use permit is required to open school parking to Titsworth the public, noting the county’s double standard — requiring the city to obtain a permit for a vaccine clinic at the county-run Manatee Public Beach. The school is owned by the school district. “All I needed to assist you was a Tokajer special use permit. This would be a similar agreement that was required of the city when we asked the county if we could use the public beach parking lot for a vaccine pop-up. We complied with your policies,” she wrote. Hopes responded with an email the same day that downplayed the city’s concerns — “it appears you are trying to solve a problem that does not exist” — and claimed there were no issues with opening school parking for Memorial Day weekend. After a few emails between the two, County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge joined the fray with an email decrying the city’s requests, claiming its concerns were fabrications and asking for a formal request from the city to assist in such issues.

“Don’t use rhetoric like this and fabricate hypothetical safety issues as road blocks to keep people from coming to Holmes Beach,” Van Ostenbridge wrote. “AMI is not a private island and the beaches in your city are a public asset. Everyone who lives in Holmes Beach knew the beach was a public attraction when they bought their property. Tourists are a part of island life.” The agreement between the county and school board states that county staff will maintain the AME parking lot by repairing any damage sustained and removing any trash or debris left over the weekend. Tokajer expressed doubt that the county would fulfill its end of the agreement. “They’re not going to do anything different than what they did last time … They’re not there to help out Manatee County. They’re only there to hold this over the city of Holmes Beach trying to force their hand,” Tokajer said. “They had plenty of time to orchestrate this properly and work with the city, but they decided not to.” He added that during Memorial Day weekend, when the county opened the AME parking lot, he learned from a visit to the lot that only one out of 47 vehicles parked there were registered to county residents. Tokajer said that the city would avoid conflict for now, but if the city wants to push back in the future, it may choose to argue the issue in court.

Sinking Bridge St. pavers to be replaced Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency members unanimously voted July 1 to replace sinking crosswalks on Bridge Street with stamped pavement. Pavers placed by Classic Brick in 2020 allegedly were not properly compacted and are sinking in four crosswalks on the busy roadway. Stamped pavement is a decorative product made to look like brick or stone by creating an impression in the pavement. The crosswalks will be completed by C Squared Cert Contractors at a cost of $57,000, city attorney Ricinda Perry said. There is potential to fund the crosswalks through a Manatee County concession fund — a pool of concession fees that exceed the lease payment paid by the contractor at the county beaches — that could qualify as pedestrian improvements, Perry added. The concession funds are subject to approval by the three cities. The CRA funds tourism, restoration and growth projects in the historic Bridge Street district. Other bids were $34,000 for asphalt crosswalks, $50,000-$113,000 for stamped pavement crosswalks, $50,000 for raised crosswalks and $66,900 for stamped Dips are visible June 30 in a crosswalk on Bridge Street, where heavy vehicles are impacting the and raised crosswalks. — Kelsey Mako

pavers. Islander Photo: Kelsey Mako

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Opinion

Our

Grab your end of the rope …

So we have ourselves a tug-of-war. City vs. county. It appears the only way the city of Holmes Beach can get along with county officials is to concede. It’s all about parking. Or is it? Two county officials — administrator Scott Hopes and Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge — are pushing the city to open the parking that was restricted after the pandemic lockdown. The beaches, boat ramps and many public facilities were restricted or closed during the lockdown by statewide orders. When the beaches opened, Holmes Beach reserved 645 parking spaces for residents and property owners between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. That’s 645 spaces among the 1,906 streetside parking spaces in the city. Meanwhile, and please, ssssh!, don’t tell them, but Anna Maria restricts its beach access streets to parking on only one-side of the street. And, heaven forbid, the county learns that Bradenton Beach restricts nearly all street parking. Holmes Beach is the skinny guy on the beach getting sand kicked in his face by the bully — the county. But Mayor Judy Titsworth and Police Chief Bill Tokajer are beefing up resistance. They’re preparing to do battle — if necessary — to protect the city, its residents and the beaches. And, as for those “overflow” parking lots that Hopes insisted on opening to beachgoers from mainland addresses — well, a casual observation around 2:30 p.m. July 3 found no cars parked at the school, and only a few vehicles parked at the library, and the library was open. A blinking roadside sign at the Holmes Beach landing on Manatee Avenue for the Anna Maria Island Bridge signaled — “Overflow parking at school and library” — but did little to push beachgoers there. So the battle will likely go on. Flaring on popular beachgoing holidays, like Labor Day. And maybe by September, the county will surrender to the island cities’ right to home rule. Or not. As for the July 4 holiday, maybe a little rain here and there kept crowds to a minimum but everywhere I looked, there was room for everyone, including along the route for the Anna Maria Island Privateers 50th Anniversary Fourth of July Parade. It felt like one of the biggest, longest-ever parades and, as Privateer president Kim “Syren” Boyd humbly said, it was “PERFECT.” Perfect too, was the naming of a grand marshal, the first ever for the Privateers. Longtime Privateer John Swager was tapped for the honor and they couldn’t have honored a more deserving person. — Bonner Joy, news@islander.org

JULY 7, 2021 • Vol. 29, No. 37 Publisher, Co-editor Bonner Joy, news@islander.org ▼ Editorial Editor lisa Neff, lisa@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org Jack Elka, jack@jackelka.com Kane Kaiman, kane@islander.org Kelsey Mako, kelsey@islander.org Amy V.T. Moriarty, amym@islander.org Ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org ▼ Contributors Johann Bertram Karen Riley-love Capt. Danny Stasny, fish@islander.org ▼ Advertising Director Toni lyon, toni@islander.org ▼ Webmaster Wayne Ansell ▼ Office Manager, lisa Williams info@, accounting@, classifieds@, subscriptions@islander.org ▼ Distribution urbane Bouchet Ross Roberts Judy loden Wasco (All others: news@islander.org) ▼

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Your

Opinion

Too gracious

I believe the Anna Maria Island Privateers were being too gracious with the recent interference by CrossPointe Fellowship of the Fourth of July parade. They had to change the date to July 3. The Privateers have been doing this parade for decades. I’m sure July 4 has fallen on a Sunday many times. Maybe the church should remove “Fellowship” from its name. Lawrence Wilhelm, residency not provided

Saying goodbye

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Island Players’ actress extraordinaire and our friend, Robin Rhodes. I first met Robin when I played opposite her as her secretary, Ms. Shotgraven, in “The Solid Gold Cadillac.” Robin played Mrs. Partridge, a timid old lady who started out owning 10 shares in a corporation but ended up running the whole company. She played it amazingly well and I was awestruck by her incredible theatrical talent. In a conversation, I once told her how much I admired her and that I felt she was such a great actress that she could have been on Broadway. Her response was that then she wouldn’t have been able to live on Anna Maria Island! This was a place she truly loved. Several years later, we were cast together as prison inmates in “Delval Divas.” It was a much bigger role than I had ever played and Robin spent a lot of her own time helping me through it. I’ll be forever grateful for having known her and will always remember her daz-

Skimming online …

Web (register for free news alerts) islander.org Facebook @islandernewspaper Twitter @ami_islander Instagram @theislanderami Pinterest @islandernewspaper E-edition For $36 a year or $99 for a lifetime, e-edition subscribers have access to the weekly e-edition with page-by-page views of all the news, photos, columns, community announcements and advertisements. And they get breaking news notices. To subscribe online, visit islander.org. For other subscriber services, call our newspaper office at 941-778-7978. zling smile, her amazing talent and her kind nature. Many thanks to The Islander for honoring Robin with such a wonderful tribute in the June 30 issue. She would have been pleased to be so fondly remembered by us all. Diane Phinney, Island Players

Have your say

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Share from your archives

Got old photographs of AMI? Write a recollection and share at news@ islander.org.

Read our archives

AME in AM An aerial photograph shows the island’s elementary school in June 1948, when the school was located in Anna Maria at the current site of the community center. Australian pine trees surround the school. Islander Photos: Manatee County Public library System

Take a trip back in time in our digital newspaper collection. There’s a complete library of The Islander online at ufdc.ufl.edu.

10&20 years ago

In the July 5, 2001, issue

• Holmes Beach residents Lance Spotts and Dan and Tina Howe hired attorney Dan Lobeck to oppose the proposed Tidemark Resort, claiming the rezoning and special exception approved by the city commission were inconsistent with the comprehensive plan. Tidemark developer Nick Easterling planned a 45-unit resort-condominium, marina and restaurant on the site of the former Pete Reynard’s/Marina Bay Restaurant. • Anna Maria commissioners in a 3-2 vote denied a variance request from Susan Negele to build on property she owned at 103 Elm St., although the planning and zoning board had unanimously recommended the commission approve the request. Attorney Bill Moore, representing Negele, told commissioners they would sue the city.

In the July 6, 2011, issue

• Federal and state investigators were looking into the death of a South Carolina man who had joined his family for an evening of parasailing. • The president of the Key Royale Club estimated $485,000 was embezzled from the members-only club in Holmes Beach while the Holmes Beach Police Department confirmed a financialbased investigation was underway. • Brothers Johnathan and Andy Hillstrand of the Discovery Channel’s “Deadliest Catch” appeared at the Holmes Beach Walgreens store to sign autographs and promote their Time Bandit vodka. • Bradenton Beach commissioners voted unanimously to sink a policy requiring boaters on extended stays in the city mooring field to register at city hall.

Sugar white sand The postcard from John Hinde Curteich Inc. circa 2001 features an aerial view of Bradenton Beach. The back of the card reads, “Bradenton Beach, Florida. located on Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach has miles of white sandy beaches.”

— lisa Neff

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DOT plays hardball with Bradenton Beach over high bridge By Kane Kaiman Islander Reporter

They’re establishing the strike zone. Bradenton Beach city attorney Ricinda Perry teleconferenced with Florida Department of Transportation representatives June 29 to discuss the city’s settlement requests related to the agency’s plans to replace the 17-foot-clearance Cortez drawbridge with a 65-footclearance fixed-span structure in 2026-27. “I will tell you that the tone has changed in the negotiations,” Perry said at a July 1 city commission meeting. Perry conferenced with DOT attorneys for the first time April 16 and was asked to provide pricing for several requests, including: • Undergrounding utilities on streets near the megabridge, most of which are outside the project’s boundaries; • Constructing a sidewalk between the Beach House Restaurant and the Gulf Drive Cafe on State Road 789; • Making modifications to the multi-use path that runs alongside Bridgeport condominiums and under the bridge. Perry said DOT representatives had indicated prior to the June 29 meeting the requests were feasible. In mid-June, she sent the agency a six-page document outlining the scope and cost for the requested undergrounding and a partial report for the sidewalk construction. The city estimated the projects would cost the DOT about $4.8 million. At the June 29 meeting, DOT attorneys told Perry there was no immediately available funding for the requests. “The only way they can fund our request is to find alternative funding or fund it under the bridge itself,” Perry said. “If they’re funding it under the bridge itself, they have to see a clear nexus that the bridge is causing the problems we’re asking them to solve.”

Place portrait photo here

Traffic pauses on the Cortez Bridge June 9 as the bascule rises to allow a sailboat to make its way through the opening on the Intracoastal Waterway. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy

DOT attorneys said they were unsure the undergrounding project would meet the “clear nexus” requirement — a standard that had never been mentioned before, Perry told The Islander July 2. At the meeting, commissioners reached a consensus to direct Perry to scale down the undergrounding request, prepare arguments that demonstrate how each request relates to problems created by the proposed high bridge and continue negotiations with the DOT. Four complainants — former County Commissioners Joe McClash and Jane von Hahmann, who resides in Cortez, Linda Molto and Joe Kane, also Cortez residents — are challenging the DOT’s decision to build the high bridge in federal court. They argue that the bridge would destroy the character of Cortez and advocate for replacement with a 35-foot-clearance drawbridge. Von Hahmann spoke before the Bradenton Beach Commission March 4, entreating the city to join the suit. On March 18, city commissioners unanimously

voted to direct Perry to coordinate with outside counsel on joining the suit and allocated up to $15,000 for legal costs. In April, the commissioners reduced the allocation, and Perry began negotiations with the DOT. At the July 1 commission meeting, Commissioner Jan Vosburgh asked if continuing talks with the DOT precluded the city from joining the lawsuit. “Not necessarily,” Perry said. “I explained to them that the fact that they’re not even entertaining these points that we had worked very hard to compile — the information they wanted — was troublesome. And that, perhaps, this is forcing the city’s hand into the lawsuit.” “And that’s where (the DOT attorneys) came back and started to hammer down on how strong their case was, that they believe they will be upheld. And then they told me that they would fight the city as needed to prevent us from joining the lawsuit,” she said. According to the timeline laid out by the court, Bradenton Beach has until Aug. 15 to join the suit.

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July 7, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 9 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Longboat bridge scores lowest of AMI’s 3 main bridges By Kane Kaiman Islander Reporter

Bottle baby Volunteer Gale Tedhams June 20 feeds a resident fawn at Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center in Bradenton Beach. The center, operated by Ed and Gail Straight at their Avenue B home, is caring for nine fawns, as well as baby bunnies, raccoons, opossums, owls and a variety of songbirds and seabirds. Since 1987, the nonprofit has helped thousands of animals. For more information about Wildlife Inc., call 941-778-6324 Islander Photo: Courtesy Brenda Basiley

Bad report card; needs more study. The Longboat Pass Bridge — the subject of a Florida Department of Transportation project development and environment study into alternative structures — underwent inspection Feb. 26 and received a sufficiency rating of 43 out of a possible 100 points. The DOT uses sufficiency ratings to evaluate bridges. The metric is based on three factors: • Structural adequacy and safety; • Serviceability and functional obsolescence; • Essentiality for public use. The bridge — which spans Longboat Pass and connects Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island to Longboat Key — is one of three draws on Anna Maria Island built in the late 1950s. All three drawbridges require routine maintenance and minor repairs throughout the year, according to DOT communications specialist Brian Rick. Bridge upkeep projects include maintenance to electrical and mechanical components and minor repairs to steel deck grating, concrete components and spot painting. The last major Longboat Pass Bridge repair project took place in 2019 and included deck repairs, concrete superstructure and substructure repairs, steel painting and electrical, mechanical and ground stabilization and protection. The Cortez Bridge — which spans the Intracoastal Waterway and connects Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island and Cortez on the mainland — has a sufficiency rating of 46.3. It underwent routine maintenance in mid-June. The Anna Maria Island Bridge — which spans Anna Maria Sound and connects Bradenton on the mainland to Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island — has a sufficiency rating of 59.8. The Longboat Pass PD&E study, which began January 2020, will result in a recommended replace-

The longboat Pass Bridge opens April 12 for a sailboat. Islander Photo: Kane Kaiman

ment structure or a “no-build” recommendation, meaning the DOT would continue to maintain the current bridge. Previous PD&E studies for the Cortez Bridge and Anna Maria Island Bridge resulted in recommendations for 65-foot-clearance fixed-span replacements. The DOT plans to build the Cortez high bridge in 2026-27. Construction has not been scheduled for the Anna Maria Island high bridge.

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Page 10 THE ISLANDER | islander.org July 7, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

The Islander Calendar

Compiled by lisa Neff, email calendar@islander.org.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ing, in-person at Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton 5923. Beach, and via Zoom. Information: 941-920-2505. Saturdays, 9 a.m., Saturday Mornings at the NEST nature activities and talks, Robinson Preserve expansion, 840 99th St. NW, OUTDOORS & ONGOING ON AMI Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923, ecoevents@mymanatee. SPORTS org. Throughout July and August, “Live Colorfully” membership exhibit, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. InforONGOING OFF AMI GOOD TO KNOW mation: 941-778-6648. Through the summer, Bradenton Marauders baseball, LECOM KEEP THE DATES Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941AHEAD ON AMI Monday, Sept. 6, Labor Day. 747-3031, bradentonmarauders.com. July 24, Anna Maria Island Privateers Christmas in July party, Tuesday, Sept. 7, autumnal equinox. Saturdays, 9 a.m., Robinson Runners, Robinson Preserve Bradenton Beach. expansion, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-742Aug. 1, Island Player auditions for “The Savannah Sipping Society,” Anna Maria. Aug. 5-8, Anna Maria Island Privateers “Return to Tortuga: A Pirate Invasion Weekend,” Anna Maria Island. Sept. 16-26, Island Players’ performance of “The Savannah Sipping Society,” Anna Maria. Oct. 15, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Bayfest kickoff, Anna Maria. Oct. 16, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Bayfest, Anna Maria. Nov. 4-14, Island Players’ Same Time, Next Year,” Anna Maria. ONGOING OFF AMI Through Sept. 26, “Skyway 20/21: A Contemporary Collaboration,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-359-5700. July 10-Sept. 26, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ “We Dream A World, African American Landscape Painters of Mid-Century Florida, The Highwaymen,” 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-366-5731. Second and fourth Saturdays, 2-4 p.m., Soupy and his Band, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: cvhs2016@aol.com. AHEAD OFF AMI

New perspectives The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island invites browsers to see renovations in the Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. The nonprofit in the Island Shopping Center invested in new paint, raised ceilings, more space, enhanced wall surfaces and spot-lighting to showcase member artists’ paintings, photographs, stained glass, jewelry, mosaics and sculptures, as well as posters and greeting cards. For more information, call the gallery at 941-778-6694. Islander Photo: Courtesy AGAMI

Parkgoers ﬁnd routine returning to county preserves

Nov. 13, Anna Maria Island Privateers Black Tie Fundraising Gala to beneﬁt the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County, • Rise and Shine Yoga, 10:30 a.m. Sundays, July From sunrise to moonrise, the Manatee County Bradenton. Parks and Natural Resources Department offers adven- 11, July 18 and July 25, when Brandy Gray of Mom-

KIDS & FAMILY AHEAD ON AMI

July 23, Island Players/Center of Anna Maria Island drama camp performances, Anna Maria.

CLUBS & COMMUNITY ONGOING ON AMI Saturdays, July 10, July 24, Aug. 14 and Aug. 28, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island breakfast and meeting, Gulf Drive Cafe, 900 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-7781383. Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island lunch meet-

ture and routine at local preserves. The following recurring events take place at the Robinson Preserve Expansion, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton: • Robinson Runners, 7 a.m. Saturdays, July 10, July 17, July 24 and July 31, when people will run or stroll along 1.6-mile and 3.2-mile routes beginning at the NEST. Reservations are not required. For more information, call 941-742-5923, ext. 6047. • Saturday Mornings at the NEST, 9 a.m. Saturdays, July 17, July 24 and July 31, when people gather for a nature hike and special programs. Reservations are not required. For more information, email ecoevents@mymanatee.org.

WifeSOUL Yoga will lead a yoga class. Reservations are recommended and there is a fee. For more information, email ecoevents@mymanatee.org or call 941742-5923, ext. 6042. Other events in preserves this month include: • Wildlife Spotlight: Mangroves, 9 a.m. Thursday, July 8, Leffis Key at Coquina Bayside, Bradenton Beach, where people will take a nature hike to learn about mangroves and the habitat they help to create for fish, crabs and more. Reservations are recommended. For more information, email elena.burke@mymanatee. org or call 941-742-5923, ext. 6036. • Seashell Shore Walk, 9 a.m. Thursday, July 15, PlEASE, SEE preserves, NEXT PAGE

Kiwanis to meet

The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island set its schedule for the summer. The club will meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Gulf Drive Cafe, 900 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach, on the following Saturdays: July 10, July 24, Aug. 14 and Aug. 28. For more information, call Sandy Haas-Martens at 941-778-1383.

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‘Soupy’ Davis, Cortez jammers back for Cortez performances By Kane Kaiman Islander Reporter

Soup’s on. After a 15-month break, Capt. Arnold “Soupy” Davis and other musicians are jamming again in Cortez. The sessions, which began June 12, take place the second and fourth Saturday of each month 2-4 p.m. outside at the Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W, Cortez. Admission is free and musicians of all skill levels are encouraged to jam with the group. Davis, a 94-year-old Bradenton resident, has deep musical and fishing ties to Cortez. Born in Parker, he began playing the fiddle at age 9. Like his father, he learned to play by ear. In 1938, when fish sold for 5 cents each, around age 12, he spent his summer fishing and selling his catch. When school was in session, Davis attended classes during the day and played in a band at night. In the 1950s, Davis began fishing off the Florida Panhandle in the summer and Cortez in the winter. He married and moved to Bradenton in 1963. Over the years, Davis became a fixture in the Cortez community, captaining a boat for the A.P. Bell

Capt. Arnold “Soupy” Davis performs in 2019 on the porch of the historic Bratton Store at the Florida Maritime Museum. Islander Photo: Courtesy Richard Correa

Fish Co. for more than two decades and playing at jam sessions, birthday parties, weddings, picnics and the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival. “Soupy was always around, and he would play for anybody who asked,” said Kaye Bell, jam session

‘Beautiful’ afternoon Tom Hanks portrays Mister Rogers in “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” which the Paradise Center will screen at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 15. The film “Green Book” will be shown at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 29. Admission to the matinees is free for members and $10 for guests. The center also offers fitness classes — free for members or $10 for guests. The center is at 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. For more information, call 941-383-6493 and to RSVP email paradisecenterrsvp@gmail.com.

Get listed Send announcements for The Islander’s calendar to calendar@islander.org. The deadline for listings is the Wednesday before the publication date. Please include the date, time, location and description of the event, as well as a phone number for publication.

preserves from page 10

Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach, where people will comb the shore for seashells and learn about ethical collection methods. Reservations are required. For more information, email elena.burke@mymanatee. org or call 941-742-5923, ext. 6036. • Tortoise Talk, 8 a.m. Tuesday, July 20, Robinson Preserve North, 1704 99th St. NW, Bradenton, where people will learn about the gopher tortoise’s lifestyle. Reservations are not required. For more information, email coral.bass@mymanatee.org.

organizer and president of the Cortez Village Historical Society. Thor Olsen, a guitarist who moved from Maryland to Palmetto in 2011, met Davis at a jam session at the Florida Maritime Museum about nine years ago and has been playing with him ever since. “It’s just a gift to know such a guy,” Olsen said. “He has such a wealth of knowledge. He’s a former fishing captain, he still has his old 105-foot wooden boat. I mean, the guy’s amazing.” Davis, Olsen and several other musicians jammed June 12 for an audience of about a dozen people. “It’s a continuation of the community from long ago,” when either fishing was slow or the weather was bad, Bell said of the event. Cortez and its people often turned to music to cure their black days. Davis and Olsen said they hoped banjo, harmonica and drummers would attend sessions to round out the ensemble, which plays a range of Americana music in a low-pressure atmosphere. “It’s very low key. We have guys that struggle to play, and we have guys that were semi-pro at one time. No pressure, no criticism. It’s just a good time,” Olsen said. According to Davis, music is a great way to forget your troubles. “Playing the fiddle has been a lifesaver for me,” Davis said. “Sometimes when things are going all wrong, when I feel disheartened, I can come in and pick up the fiddle and start playing, and I have to forget all that other stuff.” The Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., also hosted the jam sessions before the pandemic. The next jam session will be July 10. For more information, call 941-538-0945 or email cortezbell@tampabay.rr.com.

• Robinson Full Moon Paddle, 7:30 p.m. Robinson Preserve North, where paddlers will go out at low tide to watch the sunset from a sandbar and then return under the light of a full moon. Paddlers must have their own kayaks or canoes, as well as safety gear. Reservations are required. For more information, email ecoevents@mymanatee.org. For other activities and events, go online to mymanatee.org and navigate under the “government” tab to parks and natural resources.

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Privateers July 3 parade brings on the holiday

lEFT: The Privateers ride the Skullywag into “downtown” Holmes Beach. ABoVE: John Swager rides in the 50th anniversary parade. He was honored as the first-ever Anna Maria Island Privateers 4th of July Parade grand marshal.

Islander Photos: Bonner Joy

The Franchi family of Tampa take in the parade on their way home from a vacation on AMI. They parked the car and the young boys collected parade booty at the corner of Gulf and Marina drives in Holmes Beach. ABoVE: Commissioner Jim Kihm targets a bead throw toward the camera. RIGHT: Holmes Beach Chief of Police Bill Tokajer, riding with his wife, Thea, hands out u.S. flags on the parade route. The flag handout was sponsored by The Islander.

John Swager prepares to ride in the July 3 parade with the honor of grand marshal. He was honored for his many years of service and leadership to the nonprofit organization that serves kids and community. Islander Photo: Courtesy AMIP

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Bradenton Beach considers options for city buildings, voters By Kelsey Mako Islander Reporter

Bradenton Beach public works director Tom Woodard describes July 1 the issues with maintaining municipal buildings. Islander Photo: Kelsey Mako

Education is key. Bradenton Beach city commissioners reached consensus July 1 to gather information on options for municipal buildings, aiming to educate residents on the problems and possible solutions they face in dealing with the city’s aging buildings. Commissioners had debated posing a question to voters in the November election asking for support to sell or rebuild city hall, the Tingley Memorial Library and the police and public works buildings. But the board decided instead to focus on an effort to educate residents on the status of city buildings. City hall is a one-story building that faces the Gulf of Mexico at 107 Gulf Drive. Tingley Memorial Library is an elevated building behind city hall and the Bradenton Beach police and public works buildings are off Highland Avenue. “They don’t see beyond the paint. They don’t look underneath anything,” Commissioner Marilyn Maro said July 1, referring to residents who don’t want to see municipal buildings change. “They have to see more than what they’re seeing.” At city hall, there is evidence of spalling concrete from exposure to salt air, public works director Tom

Woodard said. Woodard compared city hall’s spalling concrete to the building that collapsed June 24 in Surfside, saying, “What happened to that building is what we’re seeing in this building.” He said the city’s buildings have been patched and repaired many times and the public works building, built in 1970, has termite damage. Islander The estimated cost to evaluate the buildings is archive 24/7 about $15,000-$20,000, Woodard said, and repairs T h e I s l a n d e r i s would be costly. pleased to be included in the University of Florida George A. Smathers

Libraries. We donated our collection of printed newspapers beginning with the first edition in 1992. It took some time, but it’s all maintained on the library site, searchable by key word, name or date. Look online for Islander at the UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.

“I don’t need an engineer to tell me this building is falling apart,” he said, referring to city hall. Commissioners plan to hire a firm to provide options for city buildings, and distribute information to the public. Commissioners also plan to hold public meetings to discuss building options and they may ask voters to weigh in on the November 2022 ballot. Mayor John Chappie, Woodard and Gilbert plan to bring options to a commission meeting in September or October.

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Gathering

Tidings worship calendar

Music rehearsals resume at Roser Church

Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, resumed chancel choir rehearsals earlier this month. Rehearsals are at 7 p.m. Thursdays in the sanctuary. The church also resumed rehearsals for the Roser Ringers, which are at 5:30 p.m. Thursdays in the sanctuary, and is seeking musicians to perform. For more information, call the church office at 941-778-0414 or contact music ministries director Craig Ramberger at craig@roserchurch.com.

Ave., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-779-1912. 9:45 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. SPECIAL EVENTS 9:30 a.m. — Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive. Through July 15, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9:30 a.m. Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1813. Sunday, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church New Shoe Drive, 6608 Marina 10 a.m. — Roser Church. Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1813. 10 a.m. — Christ Church of Longboat Key Presbyterian USA, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-900REGULAR WORSHIP 4903. Monday-Friday 10 a.m. — Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-6491. Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-4769. 10:30 a.m. — St. Bernard. Thursdays 10:45 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. 9:30 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf SAVE THE DATES Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-1638. Saturdays Sept. 6-7, Rosh Hashanah. 4 p.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. Sept. 13, Yom Kippur. Sundays 8 a.m. — Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. Gathering 8:30 a.m. — St. Bernard Catholic Church. Gathering is the religion page for The Islander. 8:30 a.m. — Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine We welcome news from local places of worship, Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. as well as photos and calendar listings. 9 a.m. — CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Please, submit to news@islander.org. Beach. Information: 941-778-0719. 9:15 a.m. — Harvey Memorial Community Church, 300 Church

‘Mr. Gollamudi goes to Tallahassee’ By Kane Kaiman Islander Reporter

Mock government is no joke. Destin Gollamudi — a Manatee High School student and Holmes Beach resident — attended the Florida American Legion Boys State at Florida State University in Tallahassee the week beginning June 20. At Boys State events — annual civics lessons facilitated by the American Legion — attendees build a mock state government from the city level up. Attendance is selective and participants must secure a sponsor from their local post. Notable alumni include Neil Armstrong, Bill Clinton, Michael Jordan and Bruce Springsteen. Destin, who will be a senior in the fall, received a sponsorship from the American Legion Kirby Stewart Post 24 in Bradenton on the back of a strong resume. The 17-year-old maintains a competitive GPA while logging community service hours through Key Club at Manatee High, tutoring students in math and working at the island Publix Super Market. A 10th-grade personal finance class inspired Destin to save his pennies and build financial literacy. He enjoys books by finance personality Dave Ramsey and recently purchased a car. Though not old enough to vote, Destin is an active political participant. He volunteered at a polling station during the 2020 presidential election and said he consumes news from multiple perspectives to develop informed opinions. Having a political identity is important for young people, he said. “We’re going to vote soon. And I feel like you should know what you stand for and what you believe in,” he said. At Boys State, Destin and 351 other teens built governments, ran for office and listened to guest lecturers, including Gov. Ron DeSantis. Destin said Boys State increased his knowledge of the political system. “I learned a lot more about how Florida works in terms of the judiciary, the executive branch and the legislative branch, he said. Destin’s parents, Devan and Nenita Gollamudi, watched the program’s awards ceremony from home on Facebook.

Assistance sought on AMI

• Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals. Information: 941-345-2441. • The Roser Food Bank seeks donations. Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, administers the pantry, supported by All Island Denominations. Information: 941-778-0414. • The Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department seeks “self-guided volunteers” to clean trails and beaches, take photos and other tasks. Info: michelle. leahy@mymanatee.org or 941-742-5923.

Assistance offered on AMI

• The Roser Food Bank welcomes applicants who live and/or work on Anna Maria Island for food assistance, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. • AID offers help to those who live on the island, go to church on the island, attend school on the island “When his name got called, I was like jumping for joy,” said Nenita Gollamudi, a photographer for The and work on the island. Information: 941-725-2433. — lisa Neff Islander. “I was so proud.” Please, send listings to calendar@islander.org. Mom admires her son’s work ethic and is amazed by his fiscal responsibility. In the early stages of the Boys State program, Obituaries in The Islander when the boys were selecting city officials, Destin was Obituaries are offered as a community service to elected city clerk of “Sardinha Falls.” residents and families of residents, both past and presDuring his brief campaign, Destin gave a winning ent, as well as to those with ties to AMI. Submit obituarspeech. The theme? Responsibility. ies to news@islander.org. Islander obituaries are free. Destin Gollamudi, right, flanked by Boys State counselor Justin Homburg, displays the plaque presented to him as speaker pro tempore of the assembly at an awards ceremony June 25 in Tallahassee. Islander Courtesy Photo

Milestones

The Islander welcomes stories about islanders and island life, as well as photographs and notices of the milestones in readers’ lives — weddings, births, anniversaries, travels, obituaries and other events. Submit your announcements and photographs with captions for publication — along with contact information — to news@islander.org.

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The Grass Roots take center stage

The Grass Roots, a rock band that charted hits in the 1960s and 1970s, performs July 2 in the gym at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. The concert was the last in the 2021 series of Bradenton Gulf Island Concerts sponsored by the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Sandbar Restaurant. Islander Photos: Ryan Paice

People applaud Paisley Craze and special guest performer Donnie Iris, leading their rendition of his 1996 hit “love Is like a Rock” July 2 at the Center of Anna Maria Island.

Tiny tumblers

Instructor Bree Schlereth assists Reagan Shuck, 4.

Former All-American gymnast Bree Schlereth leads her Tiny Tots Tumbling class through a warm up June 14 at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Tumblers include Williabel Welch, 4, left, lumi Welch, 2, Drew Schlereth, 4, Bayla lance, 4, Sonny Howle, 4, and Reagan Shuck, 4. Islander Photos: Anne yarbrough/anneyarbroughphotography.com

Top Notch

New photo contest launches July 14, enter now 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 switch from film to digital technology. Look to July 9 for the first deadline, including your July 4 holiday photos. The contest includes six weekly front-page winners. Each will claim an Islander “More than a mullet wrapper” T-shirt. One weekly shot will take the grand prize in the contest, earning the photographer a cash prize from The Islander and certificates from local merchants.

A pet photo winner will be 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 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. More rules — published online at www.islander. org — must be observed.

Stars and stripes salute: Penny Frick was a Top Notch contest winner in 2009.

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Cops & Courts

Staff reports

Grand jury lacks evidence for homicide ruling By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

After a drawn out investigation into the death of Sheena Morris in Bradenton Beach 12 years ago, a grand jury has eliminated the possibility of homicide. Manatee County grand jurors found that evidence from the case was “insufficient to establish that the death of Sheena Morris was a homicide,” according to a May 14 news release from 12th Judicial Circuit State Attorney Ed Brodsky. Morris, 22, from Tampa, was found hanging by a dog leash from a shower in her room in the BridgeWalk Resort in Bradenton Beach on New Year’s Day 2009. She was born in Syracuse, New York, where she lived for 18 years before moving to Tampa. Her parents, Kelly and Kevin Osborn, described her as a happy and “bubbly” young woman. Bradenton Beach Police Detective Sgt. Lenard Diaz was first to determine Morris’ death was a suicide. Morris had been involved earlier Jan. 1, 2009, in a physical altercation with her boyfriend, Joe Genoese, who has denied any part in her death and has never been charged in connection with her death.

Streetlife

Staff reports

Island police reports

Anna Maria June 26, 400 block of Magnolia Avenue, noise. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office dispatched a deputy at 10:25 p.m. for a complaint of loud noise. The deputy issued a citation for violation of the noise ordinance. The MCSO polices Anna Maria. Bradenton Beach June 27, BridgeWalk Resort, 100 Bridge St., trespass. Bradenton Beach police officers responded to a complaint of a person sleeping under the elevated building. The officers issued a trespass warning barring the person from the property for a year. The BBPD polices Bradenton Beach. Cortez No new reports. The MCSO polices Cortez. Holmes Beach

Genoese had an alibi for the time of death. Several investigations into the case were opened at the behest of Morris’ parents, who have refused to accept Diaz’s conclusion and maintain their daughter was murdered. They have repeatedly pressed to reopen the case and created a website to share their perspective. They also mounted a media campaign to reopen the case and appeared on the Dr. Phil TV show. In January 2020, Brodsky handed the case over to the Florida Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution. The office then handed the case off to a grand jury, which ruled out homicide after hearing from experts involved in the case and Morris’ family members. “I am disappointed and exhausted from the last 12 years. It was a long-fought battle to have Sheena’s case heard. It is my opinion that the ‘evidence is insufficient’ because the Bradenton Beach Police Department failed to do their jobs 12 years ago,” Kelly Osborn wrote May 17 on her Facebook page titled “Justice 4 Sheena.” “I would like to thank Ed Brodsky for turning the case over to the office of statewide prosecution and for Cass Castillo’s hard work. I would like to thank the jurors for their hard work as well,” Osborn wrote. June 25, Island Vacation Properties, 3001 Gulf Drive, criminal mischief. An officer from the Holmes Beach Police Department met with a representative who said a business sign was damaged. There were no witnesses or security cameras. The officer took photos of the damage. June 26, 5000 block of Fifth Avenue, trespassing. Officers responded to calls from a man who found a stranger in a relative’s bathroom. The officers couldn’t find the suspect but the witness identified him as a “transient.” The officer collected a witness statement and planned to file a capias request. June 27, 5600 block of Gulf Drive, domestic battery. An officer responded to reports of domestic violence and found a man trying to leave the scene. A woman said she and her husband argued and he hit her during a struggle. The officer arrested the man and transported him to the Manatee County jail. June 27, 8000 block of Marina Isles Lane, missing person. The HBPD received a call from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office about a missing juvenile whose phone had pinged in Holmes Beach. Officers found the juvenile and transported her to the station, where her

CUSTOM

Island restaurant employee faces child porn charges Manatee County sheriff’s deputies arrested Bradenton resident Owen Hagan June 28 in Palmetto on a bench warrant for violating probation and ended up charging him with 26 counts of child pornography possession, a second-degree felony. Hagan, 27, an employee at the Island Grill in Holmes Beach, violated his probation by missing a May 20 court hearing on a first-degree misdemeanor charge of causing property damage while driving under the influence last year, according to a MCSO probable cause affidavit. However, 23 pages of the 40-page bench warrant was redacted and a second probable cause affidavit for the child porn charges was unavailable since it involves an ongoing investigation, according to MCSO public record coordinator Lenell Houser. Deputies took Hagan to the Manatee County jail, where he remained in custody under a $250,000 bond as of July 2. An arraignment will be at 9 a.m. Friday, July 23, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. Sentences for second-degree felony convictions include up to 15 years in prison, 15 years of probation and a $10,000 fine. — Ryan Paice

mother picked her up. June 28, 6300 block of Holmes Boulevard, burglary. Officers responded to reports of a burglary, with one officer finding the caller and a witness while others searched for the suspect. The caller said he saw a man stealing a television. The thief dropped the TV when confronted and ran away. The officers recovered security footage and fingerprints at the property. June 28, 500 block of 74th Street, noise and assault/battery of law enforcement officer. An officer responded to a call about a noisy tenant. The officer could hear loud music and talking from a large party on the property and called for backup. He issued a citation to the tenant, who got angry and began to “verbally attack” the officers before getting aggressive with a family member. Officers separated them, handcuffed the man and transported him to jail. HBPD polices Holmes Beach. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

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Chiefly business Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer shows off the hometown news June 28 at the Florida Police Chiefs Association’s 69th annual Summer Training Conference and Exposition in Hollywood, where he attended leadership and training seminars alongside police chiefs from across the state. Islander Photo: Courtesy Bradenton Police Chief Melanie Bevan

July 7, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 19 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Investigators: No charges for county commissioner’s VIP vaccine scheme By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Manatee County Commission Chair Vanessa Baugh won’t face criminal charges for a vaccines-forVIPs controversy. But a complaint remains before the Florida Commission on Ethics. The Manatee County sheriff’s special investigations division released a report June 22 detailing an investigation into criminal charges Baugh allegedly committed when organizing Baugh a COVID-19 pop-up vaccine clinic in Lakewood Ranch. “After nearly four months, numerous interviews and a review of hundreds of documents, investigators concluded that none of Baugh’s actions rose to the level of a crime,” MCSO public information officer Randy Warren wrote June 28 in a news release. County commissioners established a lottery system in January to distribute vaccines to eligible people via random selection from a pool of registered applicants. However, Baugh organized a pop-up clinic at Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch — in her county district — that failed to adhere to the system and narrowed the lottery pool to registrants residing in 34202 and 34211 ZIP codes. Baugh also emailed public safety director Jacob Saur a list of five names, including those of four political allies and donors — Robert Keehn, Marie Keehn, Rex Jensen and Lawrence Jenson — as well as her own to ensure they received vaccines at the clinic. Her actions drew the ire of many, resulting in a protest outside the county administration building and a failed motion by some of her peers to unseat her as commission chair, as well as criminal and ethical complaints. Sarasota paralegal Michael Barfield filed a criminal complaint Feb. 23 alleging Baugh committed three

Protesters gather Feb. 23 at a corner on Manatee Avenue outside the county administration building in Bradenton, holding signs and singing chants in protest of County Commissioner Vanessa Baugh’s role in coordinating a clinic reserving about 3,000 vaccinations for two affluent ZIP codes in her district. Islander File Photo: Ryan Paice

violations of her position as a county official, including: • Misuse of public position; • Official misconduct; • Misuse of confidential information. The sheriff’s special investigations division’s report dismissed the first charge as an ethical violation instead of a criminal act “and therefore not enforceable under the scope of this investigation nor the purview of the (MCSO).” In regard to the second charge, the report states that “evidence obtained during the course of this investigation clearly indicates (Baugh) … knowingly and intentionally attempted to obtain a benefit for herself and others.” However, it also states that she did not destroy or falsify records involved in the incident nor alter the

original pool as the limited pool for the clinic was based off of the existing county-wide pool. Thus, the report found “no underlying felony exists to substantiate the indictment of official misconduct.” The report’s dismissal of the third charge is largely based on the lack of valuables changing hands. “This investigation has uncovered no evidence demonstrative of Baugh receiving any tangible benefit, pecuniary or otherwise, for either restricting the registrant pool for the PSC vaccination event to the two zip codes within her district or for the creation of the ‘VIP List,’” it states. Whereas the report notes that Baugh’s actions may have been an attempt to “curry political favor” with Jensen, Gov. Ron DeSantis and her constituents, it states the practice “may present certain ethical issues” but does not warrant criminal indictment. The report concludes, “Since statutory ethics violations do not fall within the purview of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, this investigative report will be promptly forwarded to the Florida Commission on Ethics per their request.” Palmetto attorney Jennifer Hamey filed an ethics complaint Feb. 23 — the same day as Barfield’s criminal complaint — but the ethics commission had not addressed the complaint as of July 2. Barfield told The Islander July 1 that he disagreed with the dismissal of the criminal charges but said the ethics commission would begin reviewing the case since the criminal investigation had ended. “I think the report clearly indicates that Commissioner Baugh has very difficult troubles ahead with the ethics commission,” Barfield said. “I look forward to seeing the outcome of that inquiry.” “The conclusions reached by the sheriff’s department are far from vindication for Commissioner Baugh’s actions and, in my view, are more of an indictment on her credibility,” he added. Baugh did not respond to a June 30 email from The Islander.

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION AT RISK? KNOW YOUR RESPONSIBILITY! A new court rule changes who is responsible for protecting confidential information. Documents filed with the Clerk of the Court MUST be accompanied by a Notice identifying the confidential information and its precise location within each document.

IT IS NOW YOUR RESPONSIBILITY…to comply with the notice requirements in Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420(d)(2). The Rule in part states, "In civil cases, the Clerk of the Court shall not be required to designate and maintain information as confidential unless the filer follows the notice procedures..." Fla. Rule of Jud. Admin. 2.420(d)(1)(c). The Court’s Opinion in part states, “… the Clerk of Court does not have an independent responsibility to identify and designate information as confidential. Instead that is the sole responsibility of the filer.” No. SC20-1765

To learn more, please visit your Manatee Manate ee and Sarasota County Clerk of the the Circuit Court websites.

www.ManateeClerk.com

www.SarasotaClerk.com

Page 20 THE ISLANDER | islander.org July 7, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

HB approves putting land swap deal to voters in November By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Holmes Beach residents will decide at least one question in the November election. City commissioners voted 4-1 June 22 to approve a second and final reading of an ordinance placing a referendum question on the Nov. 2 ballot, allowing the city’s electorate to determine the outcome of a proposed land swap at 104 34th St. Commissioner Jayne Christenson voted “no,” citing concerns with the value of the proposed swap. Property owners Jonathan and Jessica Cooper proposed in May to exchange a 2,911-square-foot chunk of beachfront land along the erosion control line and a $10,000 donation toward an environmental project in exchange for a 2,500-square-foot section of city-owned right of way between the property and the beach. The swap would reshape the property, allowing the owners to build a new home to replace the existing structure, which encroaches on the city’s land. City code requires that ordinances vacating or changing the uses of direct and indirect beach access must be approved by a supermajority — four of five — commissioners and a referendum vote. The deadline is Aug. 27 to submit the ballot question to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections. The ordinance includes language for the ballot question: “Should the city vacate 2500 square feet of

Voters will decide a proposed land swap in a ballot question in the Nov. 2 election. The owners of 104 34th St., Holmes Beach, propose exchanging the 2,911-square-foot trapezoid of land west of the main parcel and $10,000 toward environmental projects for a 2,500-square-foot easement from the city. Islander Photo: Manatee County Property Appraiser

right of way that bisects property located at 104 34th Street … and convey and transfer such 2500 square feet to the bisected property owner in exchange for the city’s receipt of 2911 square feet of beachfront property from the property owner along with other considerations as set forth in ordinance #2021-14.” Christenson said the value of the land and proposed donation pale in comparison to the value of the

HB subscribes to meeting management programs By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter

Holmes Beach is taking steps to modernize. City commissioners unanimously voted July 1 to approve a subscription agreement with Ontario-based eScribe Software LTD for a package of meeting management programs that would automate certain staff functions and improve remote access to public meetings. The package includes: • Program aids for annotating minutes, coordinating meetings and creating agendas; • An online portal allowing people to remotely attend meetings and browse meeting materials; • Closed captions for live-streamed meetings and expediting the online publication of materials. Escribe also provides new recording equipment, including a camera in the commission chambers. The camera and software will replace the current recording system, BIS Digital, but will function in accordance with Zoom to provide public access.

The subscription agreement will cost the city $19,700 for the first year of services and $4,700 for implementation. The subscription cost will increase by 5% every subsequent year, so the city will pay $20,685 and $21,719 for services in its second and third years. Blair MacDonald, an eScribe territory manager, said a central benefit of the package would be automating staff responsibilities — such as annotating minutes and creating agendas — to free up time for city clerk Stacey Johnston. Planning commissioner Gale Tedhams said during public comment that she supported moving forward with the agreement since improving remote access could help increase public participation. “Let’s make it as easy as possible,” Tedhams said. Commissioner Carol Soustek moved to approve the agreement. Commissioner Jayne Christenson seconded the motion, which passed.

right of way. “Is this good for Holmes Beach? And is this good for our residents?” Christenson asked. “I think to be doing nothing would be better. … Right now, it’s fine the way it is.” “I just don’t know if we need to give one landowner a huge landfall,” she added. Venice attorney Maggie Mooney, representing the property owners, said the state attorney general deemed it “inappropriate” for municipalities to value land within easements since they are meant for public uses. Commissioner Terry Schaefer said the city would benefit by eliminating the encroachment, leaving a contiguous connection of city-owned land. Rash, who voted against the ordinance May 24, supported putting the question before voters. “When I campaigned, I thought the residents should have a say on important issues,” Rash said. “I’d be a hypocrite if I said one thing that way and said another thing tonight, and I’m not a hypocrite. … So, I think we ought to let the voters decide on this.” Schaefer moved to approve the ordinance and Commissioner Carol Soustek seconded. There was no public comment.

Holmes Beach approves $43K paving project Some Holmes Beach intersections soon will have new coats of asphalt. City commissioners unanimously voted July 1 to authorize Commission Chair Jim Kihm to sign a $43,177.50 contract with Bradenton-based Superior Asphalt to pave 1.5-inches of new asphalt at several intersections. Kihm is vice mayor. The project includes intersections at: • Second Avenue and 47th, 48th, 49th and 50th Street; • 67th Street and Gulf Drive; • 4913 Gulf Drive condo entrance; • 52nd Street and Holmes Boulevard; • Dundee Lane and Key Royale Drive; • 62nd Street and Marina Drive; • Sixth Avenue and 34th Street. Commissioner Kim Rash moved to approve the contract and Commissioner Terry Schaefer seconded the motion. There was no public comment. — Ryan Paice

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WMFR takes ﬁre practice in Holmes Beach

HB hammers out 2022 legislative priorities

Holmes Beach is gearing up to oppose another year of challenges against municipal home rule over vacation rental regulations. City commissioners workshopped June 22 to compile a list of legislative priorities for 2022, including: • Opposing “limitations on local governmental authority to regulate vacation rentals” and supporting repeal of state preemptions; Soustek • Supporting a funding source for water and air quality mitigation projects; • Supporting the expanded use of tourist taxes for public safety services and infrastructure repair and maintenance for municipalities where “substantial portions of a county’s tourist taxes are collected.” The list is unchanged from 2021 except for the lEFT: West Manatee Fire Rescue title. firefighters practice forcible entry and However, Commissioner Carol Soustek said they search-and-rescue drills June 24 at 101 should revise the list to ask that legislators not “attack” 48th St., Holmes Beach. Whitehead Construction allowed WMFR to use the municipal home rule every session. Kihm said he would craft language for commission property for training. ABoVE: Smoke consideration. pours from the property. Islander The city has two lobbyists, Tampa-based attorney Photos: Courtesy WMFR Dean Mead and Tallahassee-based attorney David Ramba. Commissioners will discuss renewing the lobbyists’ contracts later this year. Contract negotiations for BB drainage survey fail The next legislative session will begin Tuesday, Bradenton Beach said farewell to Land and Water The survey will involve reviewing work by LTA Jan. 11, 2022, unless a special session is called. Engineering Sciences. Engineers and engineering a plan for specified areas — Ryan Paice Bradenton Beach commissioners voted July 1 to within the city’s $2.7 million appropriation and timehave the city’s second-choice bidder for a master drain- line. age survey, Utility Consultants of Florida, complete the City attorney Ricinda Perry was directed June 17 “Past experience is a pretty good indication of project following failed negotiations with first-choice to negotiate a contract with LWES, but, according to what future experience is going to be,” Commissioner LWES. Perry, LWES did not agree to the process. Jan Vosburgh said. Commissioners passed another motion to work Perry suggested authorizing LWEC to complete a The deadline to complete the engineering work is with the third-choice bidder, Madrid Engineering portion of the assignment, but commissioners opted to July 30. Group, if negotiations fail with UCF. move on. — Kelsey Mako

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Page 22 THE ISLANDER | islander.org July 7, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Least Terns hatch on AMI

Nesting notes By Kelsey Mako

Nesting numbers below average

Anna Maria Island has chicks! Eggs in a least tern colony on the island hatched June 29, according to Kathy Doddridge, a volunteer with Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, the nonprofit that collects data on sea turtle and shorebird nests. There were 150 birds and about 50 nests in the colony as of June 29, Doddridge said. The location was withheld from the press for the birds’ safety. To protect the birds, wooden pallets were added nearby so chicks can hide from predators, and Manatee County Audubon plans to place shorebird stewards on the beach over the weekends in July, Doddridge said. “The key is to educate residents and visitors on the need to protect the habitat, keep dogs and cats off the beach and no fireworks,” she added. Least terns are an endangered species. For more information, go online to islandturtleA least tern chick sits June 29 with its parent. watch.com or manateeaudubon.org.

The number of sea turtle nests on Anna Maria Island is running below average this season. There were 235 sea turtle nests on the island as of June 28, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring executive director Suzi Fox said. The 20-year average for the first two months of the season is 259. Nesting season runs May 1-Oct. 31, with eggs laid May-August and hatchlings emerging July-October. — Kelsey Mako AMITW monitors and collects data throughout the season. In 2020, there were 237 nests on the island two months into season. However, nests in the city of Anna Maria, which makes up 2.5 miles of 9 miles of AMI habitat, were not counted last year due to the coronavirus pandemic and a beach renourishment project. The lower number of nests this season is not the lowest number recorded in the past 20 years. There were as few as 47 nests recorded for an entire season in the 1980s, Fox said. Nesting also is below average statewide. “The last week is the first time that I have felt warmth in the air in the morning,” Fox said, suggesting temperatures are a factor. Meanwhile, the number of false crawls is above average on AMI. In the past, the number of false crawls was similar to the number of nests, varying by about 10. But as of June 28, there were 283 false crawls recorded. “That’s significant,” Fox said. She added that the number of false crawls was larger in each of the three sections of beach monitored on the island. As of June 27, the area from the Longboat Key had 109 nests and 129 false craws and the bayside of Bridge to Manatee Public Beach had 108 nests and 130 the island had seven nests and 14 false crawls. false crawls, Manatee Public Beach to Poinsettia Road Fox suggested false crawls are higher because there are more people on the beaches. “We have 30 people in a house compared to two to four like we used to have. There’s just a lot more Mako

As of July 4, AMITW had identified 273 nests and 325 false crawls on the island.

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July 7, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 23 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

By Lisa Neff

About the bay

I like to play a game called “Before My Time.” The game involves a lot of imagination and at least a little knowledge. Round one might require imagining jalopies bouncing across the old wooden bridge from Cortez to Bradenton Beach. In another round, I might wonder what it was like to place a meat order at the old IGA when it was an old IGA. More research would go into the Neff game when imagining when Cubans created fish camps on the shores of Sarasota Bay or indigenous peoples harvested shellfish from the bay. For this, I suggest reading the draft of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program’s comprehensive conservation and management plan, posted in June to the SBEP’s website at sarasotabay.org. This column is the first in a series on the 208-page document. The various updates of the plan — from the first in 1995 to versions in 2010, 2014 and now 2021 — focus on science with a passion for the bay, curiosity about history and care for writing. You’ll get a flavor in the 2021 draft: “The bay’s iconic beauty, abundant fish and shellfish, and charismatic birds, dolphins, manatees and sea turtles attracted and sustained residents from early indigenous peoples

to Cuban fishers, to post World War II couples and their Baby Boomer kids.” The plan is a science-based, community-driven blueprint to protect and restore the bay, examining water quality, watershed habitats, fish and wildlife, community role in protecting the bay and, to begin,

Do’s, don’ts for nesting season

A timeline for Sarasota Bay

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recommends people follow these guidelines for sea turtle safety: • DO turn off or adjust lighting along the beachfront to prevent nesting sea turtles from becoming disoriented and moving toward the glow of light on land, instead of natural light reflecting on the surface of the water. • DON’T use ﬂashlights or camera ﬂashes on the beach at night. They can distract nesting sea turtles and cause them to return to the water. • DO clear the way at the end of the day. Nesting female sea turtles can become trapped, confused or impeded by gear left on the beach at night. Call code enforcement to report unattended property or large holes on the beach. City of Anna Maria — 941-708-6130, ext. 139. City of Bradenton Beach — 941-778-1005, ext. 280. City of Holmes Beach — 941-708-5800, ext. 247. Report sick, injured, entangled or dead sea turtles to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline, at 1-888-404-3922, #FWC or *FWC on a cellphone or text Tip@MyFWC.com.

A map shows the Greater Sarasota Bay Estuarine System, formed by a necklace of barrier islands to the west, the mainland of Manatee and Sarasota counties to the east, Anna Maria Sound to the north and the Venice inlet to the south. Island Courtesy Image

1000s: Indigenous people inhabit the area. Shell middens still shape estuary shorelines. 1800s: Cubans establish fish camps on the bayshore, trading mainly in mullet and mullet roe. Late 1800s: Dredging of the Intracoastal Waterway begins in Sarasota Bay, leading to the creation of many dredge-spoil islands. Early to mid-1900s: Large-scale land reclamation projects drain thousands of acres of freshwater marsh across the state and coastal development intensifies. 1972: Congress passes the federal Clean Water Act. 1972: Florida’s Wilson-Grizzle Act requires wastewater treatment plants discharging to southwest Florida estuaries, including Sarasota Bay, to upgrade their

an introduction to the greater Sarasota Bay estuarine system. Estuaries — partially enclosed coastal waterbodies where saltwater from the ocean mixes with freshwater from rivers and creeks — provide habitat for 80% of fish and shellfish. They’re vital to ecosystems and economies. The greater Sarasota Bay Estuarine System is a 50-mile long coastal lagoon and its interconnected Gulf waters, bays and tidal creeks link a mosaic of habitats — seagrass meadows, hardbottom, oyster reefs, beaches and salty and fresh wetlands. But the bay, altered by urban and agricultural development, shows signs of stress — wastewater and stormwater pollutants, waterway alterations and disruptions, introduction of invasive and nuisance species, overharvesting and climate change. I’ll be looking at these stress factors in the weeks ahead, along with examining how SBEP hopes to advance a community vision for the bay that includes “abundant seagrass meadows teeming with fish and shellfish, well-developed oyster reefs filtering water and providing essential habitat for fish and birds, living vegetated coastal wetlands and shorelines filtering runoff and protecting the coast, a mosaic of uplands, freshwater wetlands and tidal creeks … and unimpeded vegetated dunes and sandy shorelines along Gulf beaches.” While I like to play “Before My Time,” it’s also vital to engage at this time for “after my time.” About the SBEP Sarasota Bay was named an estuary of national significance by the U.S. Congress in 1989. The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, dedicated to protecting and restoring the bay, is one of 28 such programs in the United States and a member of the Association of National Estuary Programs. standards or divert 100% to reclaimed use. 1982: Florida’s stormwater rule goes into effect, requiring municipal stormwater systems to manage nutrients. 1989: The Environmental Protection Agency recognizes Sarasota Bay as an “estuary of national significance.” 2008: Seagrass acreage surpasses the restoration target. 2011: Nutrient criteria is established for area bays, setting limits to protect Sarasota and Manatee waterways from nutrient over-enrichment. 2018: The last regular, permitted wastewater discharge into the bay — from the Siesta Key Water Reclamation plant — is removed. — lisa Neff

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Page 24 THE ISLANDER | islander.org July 7, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Center crowns adult soccer champs, kids soccer moves indoors By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter

A rain delay didn’t deter the top remaining seed from grabbing the crown at the adult soccer league playoffs at the Center of Anna Maria Island. CABB won both of its matches in the run for the championship. The action kicked off July 1 with No. 3 seed Flynn Law taking on No. 2 CABB in the first semifinal match. CABB showed how it stayed undefeated during the season with a convincing 7-2 victory over Flynn Law behind two goals each from Lindsey Styka and Timo Vechio. Greg Moss, Kali Richardson and Luca Vechio each scored for CABB, which also received eight saves from Connor Haughey in the victory. Eric Pullen notched a pair of goals in the loss to lead Flynn Law, which also received 10 saves from Mark Long. The second semifinal match at the center pitch saw No. 8 Salty Printing continue its improbable playoff run with a 4-3 victory over Slim’s Place behind a hat trick from Kevin Roman and a goal and an assist from Gerardo Urbiola. Matt Marshall helped preserve the Salty victory with seven saves in goal. Keith Mahoney scored three goals and Raul Loria added an assist to lead Slim’s, which also received nine saves from goalie Steve Oelfke in the loss. The final championship match saw Salty Printing’s run come to an end, but they did not go quietly into the night. CABB earned a hard-fought 3-2 victory to complete an undefeated season. Luca Vechio paced CABB with a goal and an assist, while Austin Nutting and Timo Vechio each

added a goal. Lindsey Styka chipped in with an assist and Connor Haughey made seven saves to help preserve the victory. Gerardo Urbiola had a goal and an assist and Jessica Williams chipped in a goal to lead Salty Printing, which also received 13 saves from goalie Matt Marshall in the loss.

Summer calls for indoor soccer The heat of the summer has driven the young soccer players at the center into the gym for another season of indoor matches. The division for ages 8-11 season will run until July 27 with championships set for Aug. 3. The 4-5, 6-7 and 12-14 age groups will gather for a clinic, followed by random team selection and scrimmages. Indoor soccer is a fast-paced, generally high-scoring affair with end-to-end action that brings the crowd to the gym. Action in the 8-11 division kicked off June 29 with Beach Bums taking on Moss Builders. Moss held on for a 3-1 victory behind two goals from Mason Moss and a goal from Jack Schneider. Austin Guess helped preserve the victory with 10 saves in goal. Dylan Sato notched the lone goal for Beach Bums on an assist from Turner Worth in the loss, while Cyrus Ryan and Brandon Sato combined on 10 saves. The second match of the evening saw Shady Lady outscore Solid Rock Construction by a 5-3 score behind three goals from Jesse Zaccagnino and a goal each from Elizabeth Ten Haaf and Sterling Holiday. Holiday also teamed up with Jack Zaccagnino in goal for 15 saves.

Long-awaited dock additions move forward

McKenna Darak scored two goals and Madi Darak added a goal to lead Solid Rock, which also received a combined 19 saves from Liam Nunez and Isaac Roadman in the loss. KRC news Golf action at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach got started June 28 with the men playing their weekly modified-Stableford match. Ron Huibers carded an impressive score of plus-7 to take first place, edging second-place finisher Mike Cusato by a point. The women dominated June 29 with their regular nine-hole individual-low-net match in two flights. Sue Wheeler fired a 4-under-par 28 to capture first place in Flight A, a stroke ahead of second-place finisher Roxanne Koche. Jenny Huibers, who had a chipin on No. four, finished alone in third at even-par 32. Flight B saw Peggy Clauhs, Jody Meleeny and Marilyn Niewijk finish in a three-way tie for first place at one over par. Janet Razze was alone in third after carding a 2-over-par 34. There was no golf action July 1 due to rain.

The floating dock at the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach has a couple of visitors June 30. The dock will be extended and will include the addition of finger docks for transient boaters. Bradenton Beach city commissioners unanimously approved the work at the city pier July 1 to include planning and permitting support for the floating dock expansion and the finger docks, with engineering by ESA, an environmental consulting firm, and engineering on the boat lifts by Duncan Seawall, Dock and Boat Lift. The pier project is being funded with a 50-50 match from tourist tax money that was approved by the county commission from the tourist development council budget. Islander Photo: Kelsey Mako Southernaire Fishing Charters

CABB team members Connor Haughey, Greg Moss, Austin Nutting, Lindsey Styka, Tim Robertson, Kali Richardson, Luca Vechio and Timo Vechio pose on winning the adult soccer league championship July 1 at the Center of Anna Maria Island. Islander Photo: Courtesy CofAMI

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At the pits Two teams managed 3-0 records in pool play and settled things in the finals during June 30 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Gary Howcroft walked his way to the winner’s circle after cruising to a 23-6 victory over Bob Heiger and Steve Doyle. Horseshoe action July 3 was short and sweet as Jerry Disbrow and Bill Silver teamed up to forge the lone 3-0 record during pool play, outright earning the 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. There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome.

Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

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

1:19a 10:38a 11:15a 11:54a 3:43a 3:55a 4:12a 4:34a

HIGH

1.5 2.6 2.7 2.7 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.6

10:04a — — — 12:35p 1:21p 2:10p 3:05p

HIGH

2.5 — — — 2.7 2.7 2.6 2.4

3:10a 6:49p 7:25p 7:59p 5:35a 6:35a 7:37a 8:45a

LOW

1.4 6:11p -0.2 — -0.3 — -0.3 — 1.4 8:34p 1.4 9:09p 1.3 9:46p 1.2 10:24p

LOW

Moon

-0.1 — — — New -0.2 -0.2 0.0 0.1

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

July 7, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 25 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Smart anglers keep one eye on local radar, avoid pop-up storms By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter

Fishing around Anna Maria Island remains steady, although dodging frequent thunderstorms is putting fishing trips into toss-ups. Mornings are frequently clear of rain, providing windows to get out and do some fishing. Afternoon fishing is slightly different, as large thunderstorms move west after building over the inland. These storms can be intense, so keep Stasny a watchful eye on the horizon. Inshore fishing during the morning hours is providing action on a variety of species. Catch-and-release snook fishing is still going strong. Areas where clean, clear water exists — as well as good tidal flow — seems to be producing the best action. Mangrove shorelines and oyster bars are a good environment to fish. Spotted seatrout are cooperating nicely during moving tides. Deeper grass flats in 3-7 feet of water are holding the greatest concentrations of trout. Mangrove snapper are beginning to show in the bay waters on the deeper grass, which is a welcome sight. It’s always a bonus to add some snapper to the cooler when you’re trout fishing. And, if you don’t find the snapper on the flats, try fishing any structure in Tampa Bay — wrecks and artificial reefs are great places to start. Bridges are a hot spot for the snapper. Moving offshore, reports of American red snapper are gaining frequency. Limits of these aggressive snappers are being caught without much effort. Of course, traveling out to depths of 100 feet or more requires some effort — and a bit of fuel. But, it’s worth it when you sit down to a dinner of red snapper. On my charters, I’m seeing plenty of catch-andrelease snook coming to the boat, with most 20-30 inches. I’m also seeing some redfish with the linesiders. Spotted seatrout are quite abundant on the flats — with limits caught daily and many more released. And, finally, the mangrove snapper are showing on the flats among the trout. This adds some variety to the cooler. Capt. Jason Stock is working both inshore and offshore due to the inconsistent weather patterns. On days when the weather is favorable to fish offshore in

TideWatch

Red tide remains in region

In Southwest Florida, a bloom of the red tide organism persists. For the week ending July 4, K. brevis was detected in 114 samples, with bloom concentrations observed in four samples from Manatee County. K. brevis was observed at background to medium concentrations in Manatee, background to high concentrations in and offshore of Pinellas County, background to high concentrations in Hillsborough County, background to medium concentrations in Sarasota County and background to low concentrations in Lee County. Fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were reported in Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties and respiratory irritation suspected to be related to red tide was reported in Pinellas and Sarasota counties. For more information, go online to myfwc.com/ research/redtide.

Charles Alexander of Bradenton shows off his catch, an American red snapper and a gag grouper, both caught on pinfish in 156 feet of water on a July 1 offshore charter fishing trip with Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters.

the Gulf of Mexico, limits of American red snapper are being caught. Also while offshore, Stock’s clients are reeling up plenty of red grouper. Nearshore action is keeping Stock’s clients entertained. Goliath grouper are in the spotlight here. These large groupers — although catch-and-release — are quite a thrill to catch. And they make for great trophy photos. On days when offshore fishing is impossible due to strong winds, thunderstorms or both Stock is staying inside Tampa Bay targeting tarpon and juvenile permit. Capt. David White is concentrating his efforts in Tampa Bay due to weather. Most guides are holding off on trips into the Gulf of Mexico. But fishing structure in Tampa Bay is proving to be quite good for mangrove snapper. Using small shiners as bait is leading White to limits of these tasty fish. While targeting the snapper, White is seeing some Spanish mackerel among the structure in Tampa Bay. Moving to shallower water, White is finding some

spotted seatrout over grass flats in 3-6 feet of water. Free-lining live shiners or shiners under a popping cork is proving to work well when targeting these fish. Lastly, catch-and-release snook action along the mangrove shorelines is rounding out the inshore bite for White. Capt. Warren Girle is finding plenty of action for his clients in Sarasota Bay. The most abundant bite is occurring while targeting spotted seatrout over the grass flats in Sarasota Bay. Numerous slot- and overslot trout are being caught. While targeting the trout, Girle’s clients also are hooking Spanish mackerel, jack crevalle and blue fish. These species add fun to the bite as they are fierce fighters when introduced to a hook. Catch-and-release fishing for snook and redfish is quite good for Girle. Mangrove shorelines where oyster bars exist are host to both of these species. Girle’s clients are hooking into plenty of snook and reds. Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says mangrove snapper is the most frequent catch for pier fishers using live shrimp as bait. During slower parts of the tide, freelining shrimp under the pier with a small split-shot is working well. As the tide increases, anglers are adding more weight to the rig to keep the shrimp toward the bottom. While doing this, they are hooking into numerous catch-and-release snook as well as a few flounder. If live bait fishing isn’t your thing, you can try using small jigs or silver spoons to catch Spanish mackerel. Casting these lures out from the pier and quickly retrieving them is resulting in some reel-stopping hits and drag-screaming action. You also can expect to hook into ladyfish and jack crevalle using this method. And there’s good news for Capt. Aaron Lowman, who is being treated at UF Health Neuromedicine Hospital in Gainesville. “Aaron’s condition is still very critical but the team at UF Health is working 24/7 to move Aaron’s recovery forward. However, the situation is very complex and there are steps forward and backward every day. Thanks to everyone for all of your positive, optimistic thoughts and prayers for Aaron’s recovery and return to his family,” Bill (Dad) Lowman. We’re pushing for you, Aaron. Send high-resolution photos and ﬁshing reports to ﬁsh@islander.org.

Fishing tourney weigh-in set for BB pier Bradenton Beach city commissioners unanimously voted July 1 to allow the Anna Maria Oyster Bar at the Historic Bridge Street Pier to hold a fishing tournament July 10 and waive a $400 application fee. The second annual Florida West Coast Bottom Brawl fishing tournament is open to 150 entries — fishing teams — and Horne said it will benefit AMOB’s Dive into Reading program, which aims to improve children’s reading levels during summer break. The Bottom Brawl invitational tournament launched in 2019 with 150 entries. It is associated with the Hernando De Soto Historical Society. A statement on the 2021 tournament website says, “The tournament will be benefitting the Conquistador Historical Foundation and the many charities that they support.” Horne said anglers will report to the AMOB parking lot 3-9 p.m. Saturday. But the website says inshore fishers must be in line to be weighed at noon

July 10. Offshore fishers must report to the weigh-in by 5 p.m. July 10. According to the tournament website, registration is ongoing through July 8, when a captain’s meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the AMOB on the pier. At least one team member must attend the meeting. Teams pay $250 for the inshore tourney and $325 for offshore teams. A top prize of $1,000 is offered per division and other cash and prizes vary. Mayor John Chappie expressed concerns about the number of pier parking spaces that would be eliminated to stage the event and that the application was late. Lynn Horne of AMOB said parking was not an issue when the 2019 event was last held. Commissioner Jake Spooner suggested expediting the application for convenience and seeing if event tents could be placed on the pier instead of in the parking lot for future tournaments. — Kelsey Mako

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THIS WEEK Thursday, July 8 7:30 a.m. — Sunrise breakfast, Cheesecake Cuties and Cafe, 3324 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach. Save the dates July 22, Business card exchange, Live Naturally, Holmes Beach. Oct. 15, Bayfest Kickoff, Anna Maria City Pier Park. Oct. 16, Bayfest, Pine Avenue, Anna Maria. Fees may apply for events. For more information, contact the chamber at 941-778-1541.

Amy V.T. Moriarty

New business ventures top July news

Come sail away AMI Yacht Adventures took to the open waters July 1, offering guests upscale cruises on a 47-foot yacht —two-hour sunset tours and special events. Owner Julie Stacy said July 1 they’ve teamed up with Blade & Tine for catering. The goal is to offer “a little more private, a little more concierge” expeMoriarty rience befitting a fine yacht. We’re looking for the people that want a private event,” Stacy said. Whether two people want to act out the parts of Mr. and Mrs. Thurston Howell III, minus the “Gilligan’s Island” stranding, or an intimate group wants to celebrate life on the open water, AMI Yacht Adventures is ready to take on the tour, Stacy said. “We love the waters of Anna Maria, Tampa Bay, there’s so much out there and so much to see,” Stacy said. Stacy’s business partner is her life partner, husband Craig, who is the business development guru. Their captain, Justin Wainscott, served 22 years in the U.S. Coast Guard — finishing his career as the officer in charge of Coast Guard Station Cortez 201618 — so he knows a thing or two hundred about boating. And when Stacy refers to her husband as the business development guy, she means it.

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Pam Fortenberry, left, Susanne Arbanas, Karen Place and Brett Fortenberry, converse over dinner June 30 at The Porch, 9707 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy

It seems Craig Stacy and Wainscott met by chance one day while docked at Safe Harbor Marina on Perico Island. They struck up a friendship and the rest, as they say, is history. To our new friends at AMI Yacht Adventures, we wish fair winds and following seas. For more information, go online to amiyacht.com or call 330-696-1163. The Porch is the place Whether to be seen or to take in a culinary experience, The Porch is grabbing kudos that hint of a top dining destination. The new restaurant is in a 1913-built Anna Maria cottage, renovated top to bottom, including the stone fireplace. Paul and Tammy Foster, owners of Ginny’s and Jane E’s Cafe and Gift Store, and co-proprietors, son

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Residential/Commercial MONTHLY BIN-CLEANING SERVICE

Restaurant remains closed

One Holmes Beach restaurant is calling it quits for the summer. Eat Here, 5315 Gulf Drive, closed June 16 to take “a little time off to refresh & rejuvenate our space,” according to the restaurant’s Facebook page. This marks another extended closure for the restaurant, which never fully reopened after the COVID-19 Murphy shutdowns in 2020 and was forced by the city to close Feb. 24-April 10 due to unpermitted renovations within the plaza by the owner of the building. The restaurant’s Facebook post also stated, “Stay tuned to our social media for updates on our reopening date!” Owner Sean Murphy wrote in a July 2 email to The Islander that the restaurant would remain closed for summer and reopen in the fall. “Eat Here was closed because of the landlord’s action for some fifty days during the height of restaurant season. On reopening the Eat Here operation was handicapped by loss of employees related to the closure and the loss of business,” Murphy wrote. He added that he has “commenced legal action” against the owner, WJ Keel Holdings, and Southern Cross Construction, the contractor that carried out the work that caused the city to close Eat Here. — Ryan Paice

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Joshua Foster and wife Brianna, hosted a preview for select guests June 30 and July 1 and, by all accounts, the food and service proved exceptional. The restaurant, 9707 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, was set to open over the July 4 weekend, but don’t rush out the door. Reservations are required at this small cottage cafe. For more information, go to theporchami.com or call 941-782-8683. Bon appétit.

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Don’t forget! You can read it all online at islander.org

July 7, 2021 THE ISLANDER | islander.org Page 27 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Megabridge looms over Cortez waterfront restaurants By Kane Kaiman Islander Reporter

High anxiety. Three well-known Cortez eateries on the Intracoastal Waterway may one day be in the shadow of a 65-foot-tall bridge. At least two of those operators are worried about what the structure could do to their bottom line. The Florida Department of Transportation plans to replace the 17-foot-clearance Cortez drawbridge — which spans the Intracoastal Waterway and connects Cortez on the mainland to Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island — with a 65-foot-clearance fixed-span bridge in 2026-27. For Annie’s Bait and Tackle Shop, Seafood Shack Marina Bar and Grill and Tide Tables Restaurant and Marina — Cortez businesses on the Intracoastal Waterway that currently enjoy direct access to Cortez Road — this would mean diminished roadside visibility, obscured access and construction headaches. At the point where it would intersect with the businesses, the bridge would be 30-40 feet high. Based on megabridge mock-ups, it’s unlikely Annie’s Bait and Tackle — which sits tight to the current bridge’s northern border — would be visible to motorists on Cortez Road or the high bridge. The Seafood Shack, about 300 feet to the north of Annie’s, and Tide Tables, about 200 feet to the south of the current bridge, would stand a better chance of being seen by megabridge motorists. The bridge walls would extend into Cortez about 700 feet, forcing motorists destined for the businesses to use an access road that would stem from the north side of Cortez Road — near what is now 124th Court West — and loop back underneath the bridge — near what is now 127th Street West and Avenue B. It’s unclear how northbound pedestrians would access Tide Tables since the Cortez Mobile Home Park at its eastern and southern borders is private property. According to Bruce Shearer, 26-year owner of Annie’s, bridge construction would be the first disruption to his business. After the bridge is built, it would take prospective customers a few years to acclimate to using the access road, he said. In addition to offering bait, tackle and boat gasoline, Annie’s doubles as a bar and grill. Half of Shearer’s business comes from tourists, who likely would miss the shop behind the mega-

Chantelle Lewin

Broker Associate Licensed since 1983

Annie’s Bait and Tackler owner Bruce Shearer, center behind bar, his daughter Anna, right, and Donald Jones and Brenda Wiersema, vacationers from Illinois, chat June 21 as the visitors wait for hamburgers. Islander Photo: Kane Kaiman

bridge’s walls. “Tourists have a hard enough time finding us as it is,” he said. Joe Rogers, chief operating officer of the Seafood Shack, said his primary concern is the construction period. “I think once it’s done, it will be OK, but for however many years it’s under construction, it’s going to be a nightmare,” he said. “They did construction on the right of way over by (Tyler’s Homemade Ice Cream), and it took eight months and it was a nightmare for those businesses,” Rogers said. “And that was just work on the shoulder. Imagine putting up a bridge.” Rogers said drop-in tourists — first-time visitors who see the Seafood Shack from the current bridge or turn onto 127th Street W. to wait out heavy traffic — make up about a third of the restaurant’s business. “By them making it more difficult to reach us, you’re not going to get that, ‘let’s just take a quick right and whip in for a frosty beverage and a nice sandwich,’” he said. Both Shearer and Rogers agree the current bridge should be replaced but they advocate for the construction of a taller drawbridge that would not require a looping access road. Tide Tables is owned by Bobby and Gwen Woodson and Karen Bell. Bobby Woodson and Bell are members of the Cortez Bridge Aesthetics Committee — an 11-member

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body of local resident-volunteers working with the DOT to select ornamental features for the high bridge. Bell, who also owns A.P. Bell Fish Co. in Cortez, could not be reached for comment. Since the current drawbridge does not open during evacuation events — which can prevent Bell’s taller fishing boats from reaching safe harbor — she has expressed support for construction of the high bridge. At the final megabridge design committee meeting May 27, Woodson, who declined to comment for this story, expressed concerns about tall delivery trucks passing beneath the bridge and turning around in the confines of the Tide Tables parking lot. Tide Tables leases its parking lot from the state and, at the meeting, Woodson also expressed a desire to lease additional public land for parking in the area that would be created beneath the high bridge. Four complainants, headed by former County Commissioner Joe McClash, are opposing the DOT’s decision to build the megabridge, but Shearer believes the outcome of the federal lawsuit is a foregone conclusion. “When the DOT decides to do something, it’s a done deal,” he said. “If your house is in the way, sorry about your bad luck. We’ll take that, too.”

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Page 28 THE ISLANDER | islander.org July 7, 2021 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

HELP WANTED Continued

EDGERS: CoNCRETE for walkways, garden, 50 cents, car roof rack, $45, chandelier, metal, hardware, $50. 941-920-2494.

WANTED: WoRKouT DVDs and retired but working XBox, Wii units with games for Ministry of Presence for kids and teens in Haiti. Deliver to The Islander, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach.

lBK CHuRCH NEEDS an individual to run PowerPoint and microphones for Sunday service, 9:15 to 11:15 a.m. Great weekend income. Call 941-383-0468.

KEyBoARDS AND MouSE, $10, coffeemaker, Cuisinart, twelve-cup, black, $15. 941-920-2494.

WANTED: youR olD cellphone for recycling. Deliver to The Islander, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach.

ANTIQuE PARTNER DESK: All wood, $500. Inquire at The Islander, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.

FREE GuN loCK courtesy of Project Childsafe, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Holmes Beach Police Department. Pick up at The Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. Don’t be sorry, be safe.

ANTIQuE oFFICE CHAIRS: Circa 1950 from Anna Maria City Hall. Inquire at The Islander, 315 58th St., Holmes Beach. FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE

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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)

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Honey is 5 years old. She is up to date with vaccinations, spayed and looking for a loving family. To meet this sweetie, call Lisa Williams at 941-345-2441 or visit The Islander ofﬁce in Holmes Beach. For more about pet adoption or to adopt Honey, visit moonraceranimalrescue.com.

For professional real estate sales, call a true island native, born and raised on Anna Maria Island. Marianne Norman-Ellis. 941.778.6696

BEST RESTAuRANT IN the area paying the best wages. openings for phone receptionist, host staff, waiters and bartenders. Please, send your resume to chris@beachbistro.com or apply in person at the Beach Bistro, 6600 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. 941281-5595. 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 DEPENDABlE, RESPoNSIBlE, FuN babysitter for hire. 13 years old, island local. Available in June. 941-526-9090. KIDS FoR HIRE ads are FREE for up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work. Ads must be placed in person at The Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. SERVICES NEED A RIDE to airports? Tampa $65, St. Pete, $55, Sarasota, $30. Gary, 863-4095875. gvoness80@gmail.com. IS youR HoME or office in need of some spring cleaning? Well, I’m your girl! local, reliable, professional! Please, give me a call or text, 941-773 -0461. looKING FoR A housecleaner? look no further. Sand & Sea Cleaning is the team for you. 941-226-2773.

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

6000 Marina Drive, Suite 113, Holmes Beach

Mike Norman Realty

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