County presents options for Anna Maria ferry landing
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
Manatee County’s Gulf Islands
Ferry service is eyeing a return to the city of Anna Maria.
But the route might not be to the city pier.
County officials presented plans May 8 to city commissioners for potential water ferry landing options in the municipality.
The service currently consists of two 49-passenger pontoon boats operated Thursday-Sunday between a downtown Bradenton Riverwalk dock and the
Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach.
The service is set to expand this summer with the addition of a third, larger and enclosed vessel.
The county also has plans to expand the service to South Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach, as well as to Holmes Beach and Palmetto.
The Anna Maria City Pier was a ferry stop but service to the pier ended after Hurricane Milton in October 2024 destroyed the walkway.
While the city is working to rebuild the walkway, it must be rebuilt within
From AMI’s shore to global
streaming
the same footprint, which would not accommodate the new, larger vessel.
So the county has explored options for a new landing in Anna Maria.
Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau director Elliott Falcione, county natural resources director Charlie Hunsicker, as well as principal engineer Thomas Pierro and project manager Morjana Signorin of Boca Raton-based Coastal Protection Engineering presented five options May 8 to city commissioners.
The options, also presented in April to the county tourist development coun-
Derelict vessel removal winds down, hazards remain
By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter
Efforts to remove sunken, wrecked, derelict vessels from Sarasota Bay, following impacts from hurricanes Helen and Milton, are winding down.
High winds and storm surge left some boats submerged or adrift in local waters, creating hazards to navigation and the environment.
For months, state-contracted debris removal firms AshBritt and A-C-T Environmental & Infrastructure have been working to locate and extract stormdamaged vessels.
Bill Logan, Manatee County’s public information outreach manager, said May
8 that AshBritt completed its operations while A-C-T is in the final stages of removal, working out of Coquina South Boat Ramp. The county and state are coordinating on the work..
County environmental program manager Michael Solum told The Islander more than 125 vessels were extracted from county waters following the hurricanes.
The cleanup focused on three classifications of boats: lost vessels that broke free from moorings, abandoned vessels without identifiable owners and derelict vessels that are wrecked or inoperative.
cil, can be broken down into two main ideas for the landing: it could be an addition to the pier or a separate structure adjacent to the Lake La Vista channel to the north.
Two options involve additions to the pier.
One would feature the addition of a structurally independent landing on the north side of a rebuilt pier walkway, near the shoreline side of the T-end.
The other would involve extending the pier with a landing on the offshore side of the T-end.
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PLEASE SEE FERRY STOP, PAGE 2
James Thaggard conducts a rehearsal for “Grace & Glorie” at the Island Players theater in Anna Maria. The show, which runs through May 18, concludes the 76th season. For more, turn to page 11. Islander Courtesy Photo
Filming for “Dark My Light” takes place on Anna Maria Island’s Gulf shore in 2021, when some people still followed precautions for COVID 19. The crew also was on location in Bradenton and St. Pete. The indie picture now is streaming on Amazon Prime and Apple TV. For more, go to page 9. Islander Courtesy Photos
A night scene is filmed on the beach on AMI for “Dark My Light.” The crew was on the island in 2021. The indie picture is now streaming on Amazon Prime and Apple TV.
Municipal matters
AM talks focus on ferry, HB is in ‘hurricane mode’
Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short told The Islander via email May 9 that the city is proud to have the Anna Maria Sheriff’s Unit on its law enforcement team and congratulated them on the recognition they recently received.
Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells recognized the unit May 5 as Deputies of the Month for March. (See page 5 for more.)
“The city is proud to have this team working for us and congratulate them on this recognition,” Short said.
Also, Short said Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, an entity that oversees the Gulf Islands Ferry for Manatee County, and Charlie Hunsicker, director of the county natural resources department, presented May 8 to the commission options for a new water ferry landing in the city.
This was an informational meeting and the commissioners made some inquiries but agreed to take up discussion at a May 22 meeting.
In Holmes Beach, Mayor Judy Titsworth texted with The Islander May 10.
It appears the city is in “hurricane mode.”
She noted that early May brought hurricane preparedness week and staff is involved in FEMA training and attending hurricane conferences.
She said she and some staff members also will be attending a resiliency conference.
Meanwhile, the city will sponsor a Memorial Day Beach Cleanup 8:30-10:30 a.m. Friday, May 30, with a check-in for volunteers to grab cleanup gear and some swag — islanders4clean water hats, T-shirts and shades — at the 52nd Street Beach Access.
Titsworth also said the city will host a hurricane preparedness “town hall” in June.
— Bonner Joy
ferry stop continued froM Page 1
Both landings would feature dock structures with double gangways and wave attenuators to limit the impact of choppy surf on docking vessels.
The other three options consist of different lengths of a structure to the north of the pier that would feature the same dock structure and wave attenuator — only extended into deep enough waters by a passenger walkway separate from the pier.
That group of options also involves extending the jetty into Tampa Bay along the Lake La Vista inlet, as well as basin and channel dredging.
Signorin said numerical modeling showed higher wave exposure for a city pier addition on the offshore side of the T-end and the longest of the three separate structure options, so those two options have been excluded from consideration.
Pierro also said of the remaining options, two were best for a ferry landing: the landing on the north side of a rebuilt pier walkway or the second-longest of the three separate structure options.
He said the landing on the shoreside of the T-end would require fewer components, no dredging and would not impede the view on the offshore side. The cost is projected to be about $600,000.
Pierro added that the preferred separate structure option was far enough out into the water that it would require less dredging than the nearshore option, which is projected to cost about $1,210,000.
Commissioner John Lynch asked what kind of impact the third ferry would have on the number of people the service can ship to the area.
Falcione said the service carries almost 400 people to the island daily but lost 46 operating days due to inclement weather in 2024.
However, he said the enclosed vessel is projected to reduce the lost days by about 70% and could transport 40,000-50,000 passengers annually “when we’re running on all cylinders.”
Lynch questioned if the landing area can support such a large increase in ferry passengers.
During public comment, City Pier Grill and Bait Shop owner Brian Seymour said he’s not in support of any landing option separate from the pier because it might take away from pier traffic.
Falcione said he also hoped to bring the ferry service back to the pier, which he said the county will support rebuilding.
The commission will meet next at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 22, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.
an illustration depicts five potential options presented May 8 to anna Maria city commissioners for a landing to accommodate the gulf islands ferry service in the city. the county narrowed down c and d as its two preferred options. islander image: courtesy Manatee county
New lawsuit filed ahead of anniversary of HB crash
By ryan Paice islander reporter
A second lawsuit has been filed ahead of the anniversary of a fatal crash in Holmes Beach.
Holmes Beach resident Deborah Trotter fi led a lawsuit May 7 against six defendants, including the city, seeking more than $100,000 in damages for injuries she sustained in a May 12, 2023, crash.
On that day two years ago, Bradenton resident Michael Ritchie drove a pickup truck through a crosswalk at the intersection of Gulf and Marina drives, where Trotter and her mother, Miriam, were walking.
Ritchie’s vehicle crashed into the Trotters and left Miriam, who was 86, with irreversible brain damage. She never regained consciousness and died May 17, 2023. Deborah Trotter’s injuries included partial hearing loss, tinnitus and a permanent soft spot on her skull.
The Trotters received indication from a pedestrian crossing signal to cross Gulf Drive and Ritchie, turning left from Marina, had a green light.
Ritchie did not receive criminal charges for the crash, but was issued a traffic citation for failing to yield to the Trotters.
Deborah Trotter filed a wrongful death suit in December 2023 seeking more than $100,000 in damages from Ritchie and Sarasota-based C-Squared CGC Inc., the company hired by the city to complete its city center improvement project, which included work at the intersection where the crash occurred.
The lawsuit was later expanded to include two
Streetlife
Island police reports
Anna Maria
No new reports
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office polices Anna Maria.
Bradenton Beach
May 4, 2100 block of Avenue C, battery. A woman told Bradenton Beach police she picked up her mother and her mother’s boyfriend at a bar. During the ride home, the boyfriend hit her mother, bruising and cutting her arm. Police arrested the man, who was taken
more defendants: Ritchie’s Bradenton-based Anna Maria Landscaping & Home Services LLC and Sarasota-based B&E Signal & Lighting Inc.
Ritchie’s company was included since he was driving a work vehicle.
B&E is a subcontractor hired by C-Square for traffic signalization work.
The wrongful death suit was set to go to trail May 12 but was removed from the docket in April. Instead, a case management conference was held May 2.
Trotter’s latest lawsuit demands another jury trial to seek damages for “significant permanent injury” from the same four defendants as the wrongful death suit and two more: the city of Holmes Beach and Tampa-based Vibengineering Inc., hired by the city for engineering, planning and design work for the city center project, including traffic signalization and sequencing.
The new complaint argues both defendants had a “non-delegable duty to exercise reasonable care” during the city center project, which they breached by “creating an unreasonably dangerous condition that exposed both pedestrians and motorists in close proximity to its construction project.”
The lawsuit includes negligence claims against every defendant but Anna Maria Landscaping & Home Services, which is facing a claim of vicarious liability.
An electronic summons was sent the same day to each defendant, who will have 20 days to respond. Failure to respond within that time can result in a default judgment.
There were no events scheduled for the case as of May 9.
to the Manatee County jail in Palmetto.
May 5, 100 block of Gulf Drive South, theft. A complainant reported his wallet stolen and a credit card used at a nearby gas station. An incident report was filed.
The Bradenton Beach Police Department polices Bradenton Beach. Cortez
No new reports.
The MCSO polices the village. Holmes Beach
April 30, 5300 block of Holmes Boulevard, arrest warrant. A police officer found a man who had been issued summons for trespassing after warning. The officer conducted a check and found a warrant for the man. The officer arrested the man.
Cops & courts
Vehicle theft leads to arrest
Holmes Beach police arrested St. Petersburg resident Brandon Rhodes, 34, May 1 on two third-degree felonies for fleeing to elude law enforcement and theft of a motor vehicle.
Rhodes also was charged with a second-degree misdemeanor for knowingly driving on a suspended license.
A Holmes Beach police officer responded around 5 p.m. to reports of a stolen car at Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, and spoke with the vehicle’s owner, who had an Apple AirTag on his keys, which enabled him to track the vehicle as it headed south on Gulf Drive.
The officer contacted the Longboat Key Police Department about the stolen vehicle and they responded they had located the motorist and were in pursuit.
The vehicle came to a stop around the 4300 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive on Longboat Key, where Holmes Beach police brought the vehicle’s owner, who filed a complaint.
The officers arrested Rhodes, who was transported to the Manatee County jail, where he remained in custody as of May 7 under a $5,150 bond.
Punishment for a third-degree felony charge can include up to five years in prison.
Punishment for a second-degree misdemeanor can include up to 60 days in jail.
An arraignment will be at 9 a.m. Friday, June 13, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
— ryan Paice
May 1, Cedar Cove Resort, 2710 Gulf Drive N., fraud. A resort owner said a patron failed to pay the full price of her room. Multiple attempts to contact the customer were unsuccessful. The owner provided a copy of the patron’s passport, which was given at check-in in lieu of her driver’s license. The offi cer submitted a capias request.
The Holmes Beach Police Department polices the city.
Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.
HBPD makes arrest for habitual traffic offenses
Holmes Beach police arrested Anna Maria resident Trevor Nathaniel Coleman, 38, May 1 on a third-degree felony charge as a habitual offender for driving with a suspended license.
An officer stopped a motorist pinged by the city’s license plate recognition system for multiple traffic violations and arrested him.
Coleman was transported to the Manatee County jail and released May 2. If convicted, punishment for a third-degree felony charge includes up to five years in prison, five years of probation and a fine of up to $5,000.
An arraignment will be at 9 a.m. Friday, June 13, at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton.
— ryan Paice
LBK, county officials navigate infrastructure issues
By robert anderson islander reporter
From stalled roundabouts to hurricane-impacted shorelines, Longboat Key officials presented Manatee County leaders with a list of long-range infrastructure concerns May 7.
The goal with the discussion at the joint meeting was to advance efforts that ease traffic, secure funding and strengthen coastal resilience.
A look at the issues raised:
• Northend roundabout: A plan for a roundabout at Broadway Street and Gulf of Mexico Drive on Longboat was put on hold last year but revived in March after the state agreed to lead the project, paving the way to $4.8 million in federal funds.
The latest cost estimate is $5.1 million, with shared funding among the Florida Department of Transportation, the county, LBK and the Sarasota-Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization.
Longboat Key assistant manager Isaac Brownman said the town is working with the DOT to develop the roundabout but remains responsible for certain design and utility upgrades, including landscaping and sewer improvements in the fiscal year 2026-27 budget.
• The Longboat Pass Bridge: A DOT review to select a bridge option at Longboat Pass continues.
The drawbridge, built in 1957, faces functional obsolescence and needs either replacement or rehab. Alternatives include a low-level bascule bridge at 23 feet, a mid-level bascule bridge at 36 feet and a fixedspan bridge at 78 feet.
“From the town’s perspective, at 78 feet of vertical clearance, the town believes that the fixed-span bridge is too large and out of scale with the character of the surrounding area.” Brownman said. “At 23 feet and 36 feet, the town prefers the low option but would accept the mid-range option if needed.”
• Bradenton Beach congestion: The DOT is moving forward with replacing the drawbridge on Cortez Road between Cortez and Bradenton Beach with a 65-foot fixed-span bridge.
However, Brownman said a new bridge won’t solve congestion and portions of the Gulf Drive corridor still will need upgrades.
“We are simply pointing out that there are multiple sources of friction on this corridor as you go from Cortez Road south,” Brownman said.
He suggested, for example, converting 90-degree
Sheriff’s AM Unit receives honors
Manatee county sheriff’s deputies from the island unit May 5 hold plaques for deputies of the Month in March. Honorees for going beyond the call of duty during the hurricanes include deputy Michael Lesselroth, deputy James Mcdermott Jr., deputy Matt daugherty, deputy adam resnick, deputy Joanne Parkinson, Sgt. Brett getman and deputy edward aleppo. islander
Photo: courtesy McSo
BB gets a pass on legislative drive to phase out CRAs
A bill aimed at phasing out Florida’s community redevelopment agencies did not pass the Legislature.
Bradenton Beach has a CRA that raises funds for the revitalization and improvement of its main commercial district and city officials were concerned about a legislative threat.
Senate Bill 1242 proposed major changes to the redevelopment framework, including prohibiting the creation of new CRA’s after July 1, 2025, and barring existing agencies from launching new projects or issuing new debt after Oct. 1, 2025.
The bill also called for most CRAs to be terminated by Sept. 30, 2045, with exceptions for those with outstanding bond obligations.
The legislation advanced through the Senate’s
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community affairs and judiciary committees before reaching the Senate floor, where it was deferred and ultimately left unresolved.
Bradenton Beach CRA Chair Scott Bear, a city commissioner, said he was relieved by the outcome.
“It would have had a significant impact,” Bear said May 8. “Had it passed, it would have affected not only Bradenton Beach but CRA’s throughout the state.”
He added that the bill’s failure to advance gives the city the opportunity to continue pursuing long-planned projects.
“We’re thankful to be able to go back and prioritize the initiatives we’ve been working toward for years,” Bear said.
— robert anderson
parking spaces at Cortez Beach to 45-degree angle spaces to prevent motorists from backing onto Gulf Drive. Additionally, town staff recommended one-way entry and exit points along segments of Gulf Drive.
Brownman also raised concerns about traffic congestion at Coquina Beach. A video shown during the meeting depicted motorists exiting the beach parking lots and merging into northbound traffic, creating a bottleneck for motorists attempting to cross the Longboat Pass Bridge into Bradenton Beach.
County Commissioner Tal Siddique, R-District 3, cited a need for broader solutions to reduce traffic. “We have to think a little bit differently about how we get people to the island,” he said. “We just purchased the Cortez Marina property and I have said publicly that we need to have a water taxi route there to take you to Bridge Street in 10 minutes or less as opposed to more than an hour from downtown Bradenton.”
He added that the DOT is finalizing a Cortez Corridor Vision and Action Plan that will contain transportation recommendations to ease traffic.
“The reality is that we are going to have thousands of cars coming because of developments,” Siddique said. “So we have to think beyond just cars.”
Beach recovery: In hurricanes Helene and Milton, Longboat Key lost more than 407,300 cubic yards of sand from its beaches. There also was erosion occurring prior to the storms.
To replace the sand lost to the hurricanes would cost $16.2 million. To complete a larger renourishment, including replacing sand lost to erosion before the storms, would cost $24.8 million.
Town manager Howard Tipton said, “We’ve seen the benefits of a well-maintained beach. They take the energy of the storm. The beach did its job. However, our reserves in terms of the sand that is left means that as we go into the next few storm seasons, we are certainly much more exposed than we have been in past years.”
The town wants federal funding to help pay the cost.
Roadwatch
By Lisa neff
Eyes on the road
Cortez Bridge utility relocation project: State Road 684/Cortez Road. The Manatee County Public Works Department is relocating a water main and force main at the Intracoastal Waterway crossing. The work requires shoulder, sidewalk and bike lane closures in the area, as well as road detours and flagging operations. Through early summer, the contractor will be installing pipe between the north and south sides of Cortez Road on the eastern and western sides of Cortez Bridge. The northern shoulder of 124th Court West in Cortez is closed. Also, 127th Street West is closed on the north side of Cortez Road West up to 126th Street West. For more, call 941-306-4660, email info@ amiprojects.io or go to amiprojects.io.
Now offeri Ng Perma NeNt Jewelry !
OpinionOur
Overheard
In the past week, where we saw little to no rain and some warm days that nearly hit 90 degrees, I overheard a few conversations about some expected rain this week.
Oddly enough, these people were worried the island might flood again — as in the 2024 hurricanes that inundated ground-level structures on the island with 3 feet of water.
OK. I’m no weatherperson or rainmaker, but I think I can stick my neck out and say that it will take a hurricane hitting the island — again — to see the sort of flooding we had last September.
I know some low-lying older homes get water indoors with some strong rain events but we’re not expecting that kind of weather.
But I have to say, there has been a record amount of chatter among islanders about the demise of Euphemia Haye on Longboat Key.
The restaurant was abruptly closed in late-April and a handwritten sign appeared on the door stating, “We are closed this evening. We apologize for any inconvenience. Thank you.”
And that was that.
A staff member posted a GoFundMe page to help employees and rumors circulated about unpaid bills and taxes — but I know of no one who spoke to the owner.
The property owners and former restaurant operators, Ray and D’Arcy Arpke, are apparently waiting to find out the status of the restaurant and the options for the future.
For many people, it’s like the death of a friend. Meanwhile, the much-loved and feted Beach Bistro in Holmes Beach remains boarded and gutted.
The staff has dispersed to other dining establishments, many of them hooking up with former owner Sean Murphy at the Doctor’s Office, where the menu just keeps growing.
We can also begin looking forward to the Blue Marlin reopening on Bridge Street. A sneak preview of the interior reveals lots of changes and new features in the dining room and bar and you can anticipate some great seafood on the menu.
With the exceptions of the Anna Maria City Pier, Rod & Reel and the Beach Bistro, the dining scene on Anna Maria is nearly back to “normal.”
We’re always going to go through changes but the essence of Anna Maria Island, the community and the “old Florida” ambiance, well, that’s our mainstay. And it’s May! The best of all months on AMI. Visit the beach. Dine out. Enjoy the best. — Bonner Joy, news@islander.org
Murphy
Grandmothers’ Day
I always called my grandmother “Nana.”
So did my 45 cousins and 20 aunts and uncles and everybody who lived on Deadman’s Cove.
She was everyone’s Nana.
She was also a mother to me.
My mother was Nana’s youngest daughter.
Mom had five children. She lost her mind after the third.
Reney: “Florrie you have to get yourself one of those big child psychology books.”
Florrie, eternally hopeful: “Do you really think that could help?”
Reney. “Hell, yeah. Get yourself one of those big psychology books and just beat the shit out of him with it.”
Wisdom and tea were abundant at Nana’s table. I can’t imagine a better way to celebrate any Mothers’ Day gathering, than drinking tea in a beautiful garden.
The Doctor’s Office has that garden and every day we celebrate with “Low Tea.”
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When Mom was exhausted from all the diapers and bottles, I was shipped off to Nana’s, where I was cared for like a young prince by Nana and a fleet of aunts.
Low Tea has nice teacups and teapots, little sandwiches with the crusts cut off and sweet things.
All others: info@islander.org
All of the aunts lived on the cove within a stone’s throw of Nana’s house.
At Nana’s table in the garden there was always company and there was always room for me.
And there was always tea.
I loved sitting at Nana’s table.
It was a rich fount of wisdom on all things.
Most mornings around the teacups, my Aunt Florrie would be in tears.
Her son Stephen was a hellion and something of a bully.
He was bigger than most of the cousins and was forever taking other kids’ toys and candy, pushing them down and hitting them.
Because I was a couple of years his senior, our peer system of justice required that I be a policeman and discipline him.
One morning, Nana, Aunt Florrie and Aunt Reney and I were drinking tea and nibbling biscuits.
Reney had been a little wild in her youth. She married a Protestant and so she had the best sense of humor of all the aunts.
This week at the Doc’s Office, we are entertaining all those marvelous mothers who had to celebrate alone on Mothers’ Day because their wretched and ungrateful children abandoned them.
Mothers can enjoy Low Tea at the Doctor’s Office, in the Garden or the Garden Tea Room with a teapot of rum or gin, little sandwiches and accoutrements.
We care even if your damn children do not.
Advisory: We are NOT serving tea.
— Sean Murphy
Sean Murphy is proprietor of the doctor’s office and the doctor’s garden, a craft cocktail bar with fine dining in an intimate setting in Holmes Beach as well as an outdoor “garden” dining area with entertainment — when weather permits.
I had just returned to the table after going outside to discipline Stephen — again.
Aunt Florrie had her head in her hands.
“I just don’t know what I am going to do with that boy.”
Reminder: We are compiling islander stories from the 2024 hurricanes. Please, bring your Hurricane Helene stories to the Doctor’s Office and Doc’s Garden and the staff will treat you to one of our amazing painkillers.
— Murph
Point being …
People stroll the walkway at Bean Point at the northern-most tip of anna Maria island in 1983. Bean Point is named for early homesteader george emerson Bean.
aBoVe: david and mom Sally Mazur on the beach at Bean Point in anna Maria in 1983. they were visiting the island from Wisconsin. rigHt: a marker is placed in anna Maria’s Bayfront Park for “Bean’s Point.” the photo is not dated. the plaque refers to george emerson Bean as the island’s “first modern-day pioneer.” islander Photos: Manatee county Public Library archives
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Q&A
The Islander poll
This week’s question Plan to travel this summer?
A. Yes, definitely.
B. Maybe.
C. I wish.
D. Thinking about a staycation.
To answer the poll and see poll results, go to islander.org. To suggest a poll question, email lisa@ islander.org.
storm avengers 2025
Reserve now for prime space in The Islanderʼs 33rd annual hurricane edition. This special section will publish May 28, including vital information about storm preparedness and island evacuation planning.
Distribution includes Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach city halls, West Manatee Fire Rescue stations, libraries, Anna Maria, Longboat Key and Manatee chambers of commerce and many businesses where our special "storm-ready" edition is a must-have guide for family, pets, home and boat.
Don’t delay. Advertising space is limited. Please, note: Last year's advertisers have first right of refusal on their premium positions.
Plan ahead! Call the Islander, 941.778.7978.
10-20-30 years ago
From the May 11, 1995, issue
• Holmes Beach Mayor Rich Bohnenberger pursued additional marine patrol from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
• The Florida Department of Environmental Protection published a notice of its intent to issue a permit to the Florida Department of Transportation to build a high, fixed-span bridge connecting Anna Maria and Perico islands on Manatee Avenue.
From the May 11, 2005, issue
“Standoff ends peacefully.” A standoff in Bradenton Beach between police officers and a man who threatened to shoot ended when he surrendered without a struggle. The incident took place at the Sandpiper Mobile Resort.
• Bradenton Beach planners presented a proposal for improvements along Gulf Drive, including adding sidewalks that would serve as bike paths, as well as additional beach access points, flashing indicators at crosswalks and at least one trolley stop.
From the May 13, 2015, issue
• A circuit judge ruled that the city of Bradenton Beach could evict the Cast-n-Cage Restaurant from the Historic Bridge Street Pier for failure to pay rent.
• A Holmes Beach property owner faced charges of trespassing and criminal mischief after destroying 6,200 cubic feet of sea grape trees along the beach to improve a duplex view.
• The contract post office in Holmes Beach secured authorization to continue leasing post office boxes. The U.S. Postal Service had indicated an intention to discontinue box service.
— Lisa neff
The Islander is archived at www.ufdc.ufl.edu.
YOUR EXPERTISE!
Bishop brings back Laser Light Nights concerts
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in Bradenton is reviving its popular Laser Light Nights for summer 2025. The shows will feature synchronized laser displays set to music from legendary artists, including Pink Floyd, the Beatles, Green Day and Taylor Swift.
The shows will run Thursday through Saturday evenings May 23-Aug. 30.
Tickets are $15 per person, with refreshments available for purchase on-site.
Located at 201 10th St. W. in Bradenton, the Bishop Museum invites visitors to experience the immersive audiovisual spectacle.
For more information, visit bishopscience.org or call 941-746-4131.
Kiwanis meeting Saturdays
The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island gathers at 8:30 a.m. Saturdays at Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.
The club will go on a summer schedule, with fewer monthly meetings, in June.
The speaker lineup in May includes chiropractor Ron Gilbert May 17, Misty Ritch from Big Dreams Through Small Steps May 24 and Amy Towery of Meals on Wheels May 31.
For more information, call Sandy Haas-Martens at 941-730-0016.
Off Stage Ladies to lunch
The Off Stage Ladies, an auxiliary of the Island Players, will meet for lunch at 11:45 a.m. Wednesday, May 14, at The Feast, 5406 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.
Island Players director James Thaggard will be the guest speaker, talking about “Grace & Glorie,” the May production at the Anna Maria theater.
The group meets the second Wednesday of the month through May.
The cost to join the group is $30.
People interested in joining Off Stage Ladies can contact Roe Duncan at 941-932-2798.
Anna Maria Island Privateers registering for July 4 parade
The Anna Maria Island Privateers are registering entries for the annual July 4 parade.
To enter the all-wheels parade, which runs nearly the length of the island, go online to amiprivateers. memberlodge.org.
The entry fee will be $25. A notice on the registration form reads, “In the past, the Privateers have not charged a fee to participate in this parade. However, due to rising expenses, the Privateers will be asking for a small entry fee. This fee will be put towards our mission of ‘Pirates for kids and community,’”
The parade will begin at 10 a.m. on the holiday, which this year falls on Friday.
For more information, call Privateer Kim “Syren” Boyd at 931-639-0986.
Island happenings
Island-filmed thriller debuts on streaming platforms
“Dark My Light,” an indie fi lm shot in part on Anna Maria Island, is streaming on two subscriptionbased platforms — Amazon Prime and Apple TV.
The film has been screened at a couple of festivals, including in Brazil and Chattanooga, Tennessee, but it might not get a screening locally until the fall, when creators hope to present a watch party on AMI.
The sci-fi thriller was shot on the island, as well as in Bradenton and St. Pete, in 2021.
IMDB, considered the largest online resource for movies, says this about “Dark My Light:” “Mitchell Morse’s investigation into a serial killer in a sleepy beach town is complicated by a severed foot on the beach, his fracturing relationship with his wife and his own slipping sanity.”
Writer-director Neal Dhand, in a May 7 email, said, “We shot on 16mm, which is pretty rare these days in the digital era. You might recognize some of
center of anna Maria island executive director chris culhane, left, and John van Zandt’s wife, christine van Zandt, center, join the recipients of scholarships established in John van Zandt’s honor. the center and the John van Zandt Scholarship committee recently announced the 2025 recipients of the scholarships, awarded to graduating seniors pursuing careers through technical training, certification or apprenticeship. the recipients, their career
a poster for
the cast. Albert Jones is in ‘Mindhunter.’ Keesha Sharp in the ‘Lethal Weapon’ TV series and Tom Lipinski in ‘Billions’ (among others, of course). … You’ll also recognize many locations!”
Recognizable locations include AMI’s beaches, the Doctor’s Office in Holmes Beach and Starfish Co. in Cortez. Another recognizable location — the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria — dates the film, as the pier was damaged by Hurricane Helene and destroyed by Hurricane Milton in 2024.
Dhand, who stayed with in-laws on Key Royale in Holmes Beach during filming, said he wanted to make a movie that “played on and revised” tropes in a classic detective movie.
“For me,” Dhand added, “this is a film about memory, policing and abusive relationships.”
For more information, go online to www.nealdhand.com.
pursuits and awards include:
John van Zandt,
the deck at the Starfish co. in cortez is a location in “dark My Light.” islander courtesy Photos
“dark My Light,” filmed in part on anna Maria island, and streaming on amazon Prime and apple tV.
John Van Zandt scholars named, honored
alyssa Sparks, dental hygienist $5,000; Luka Mangus, electrician, $5,000; cassie calvert, radiology, $5,000; and Kylie Barkley, real estate, $500. the scholarships, named for the late
are presented annually through an application process reviewed by the independent committee. islander courtesy Photo
By Lisa Neff
Roser to host guest speaker
Roser Memorial Community Church will host a guest speaker during 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. worship services Sundays, May 18 and May 25.
Inspirational speaker Justin Halas, who runs a life change program called High on Jesus and is the executive director of the nonprofit Hand Up to Victory, will address churchgoers.
Halas’ work involves offering people coming out of jail or off the street who are struggling with addictions “a hand up out of their situation.”
The church is at 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.
For more information, call Roser at 941-7780414.
Gloria Dei worshippers gather on social
Worshippers from Gloria Dei Lutheran Church are meeting up in a Facebook group to discuss “forming a new congregation in a more central location in the west Bradenton area.”
Gloria Dei, damaged last fall by hurricanes Helene and Milton, held its last worship service at the Holmes Beach location in January and the church property is now for sale.
A post on the church’s Facebook page invited people to a new group on the social media site: “Following Faith – Bradenton Lutheran Renewal Team.”
As of May 7, the group had 40 members.
gloria dei Lutheran church, 6608 Marina drive, Holmes Beach, is closed and the property is for sale. the church sustained damages during hurricanes Helene and Milton last year and closed after holding its last service Jan. 18. islander file Photo: Lisa neff
Memorial Day event coming up in Anna Maria
The city of Anna Maria’s annual Memorial Day Patriotic Symphony Salute is just around the corner.
The federal holiday is observed annually on the last Monday of May, dedicated to remembering and honoring those who have died in military service. It is a day of remembrance, not celebration, and is often marked by visits to cemeteries and memorials, parades and family gatherings.
This year Anna Maria’s remembrance will be a little different: the event will be hosted at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.
The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. Monday, May 26, and include a symphony salute performed by an orchestra in honor of fallen soldiers, veterans and active-duty service members, as well as their spouses and special others.
The orchestra will perform official service songs representing each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Parking will be available at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, where a free shuttle will provide rides to the center.
In previous years, the event took place in City Pier Park at Pine Avenue and Bay Boulevard. — ryan Paice
Raising the red, white and blue the american flag is raised along Manatee avenue at the Perico Bay club on Perico island. in a May 5 email to the islander, Lynn Zemmer wrote, “thought you might like to know that after all these months the landmark flag at Perico Bay club is flying again. due to storms, the pole had to be replaced and it took several months to do so.” Zemmer is on the community’s master board. islander courtesy Photo
attendees stand May 27, 2024, as Bishop Michael garrison from the episcopal church of the annunciation leads an invocation to open anna Maria’s Memorial day Symphony Salute at city Pier Park. dan Murphy stands nearby. the former mayor and military veteran founded the ceremony. islander file
ryan Paice
By Lisa neff
Assistance sought on AMI
• The Friends of the Island Library seeks volunteers, including for website management and graphic design. Info: 941-778-4255.
• The Bradenton Beach ScenicWAVES Partnership Committee seeks members. Info: 941-778-1005, ext. 215.
• All Island Denominations accepts financial donations at P.O. Box 814, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Info: 941-778-4769.
• The Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra seeks volunteers, donors and a venue space. Info: info@amicco.org.
• The Anna Maria Island Historical Society, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, seeks donations for restoration and volunteers. Info: 608-444-0084.
• The Anna Maria Island Privateers seeks a covered building and/or land for the Skullywag, sleigh and other items. Info: amiprivateers.org.
• The Island Players in Anna Maria seeks volunteers in every area to “come and be part of our family.” Info: 941-920-1362.
• Wildlife Inc., Education and Rehabilitation Center in Bradenton Beach seeks gift cards for supplies. Info: 941-778-6324.
Assistance offered on AMI
• Roser Food Bank welcomes applicants for food assistance, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941-778-0414.
• AID offers financial help. Info: 941-778-4769. Email listings for GoodDeeds to lisa@islander. org.
At your service
Obituaries are offered as a service to residents and families of residents, both past and present, as well as to those people with ties to the island. Submit to news@ islander.org. Obituaries are provided free — a service of your community newspaper.
Paid obituaries can be discussed with our advertising consultant at 941-778-7978.
Photo:
Anna Maria Island.
Review: Amazing ‘Grace & Glorie’ at the Island Players theater
By Lisa neff islander editor
“Better take one,” my wife said as “Grace & Glorie” director James Thaggard offered tissues to audience members before the curtain opened for the friends-and-family preview of the Island Players’ final production of the season.
I took a tissue from the box and thanked Thaggard.
Did I need it? Was there a dry eye at the end of the two-act, twocharacter play in the cozy playhouse at 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria?
I won’t say, but I will say there was a standing ovation May 7.
“Grace & Glorie” is an exploration of an unlikely friendship that’s genuinely funny, touching, poignant and relevant.
Thaggard and his crew have crafted a theatrical experience that resonates deeply with the audience. And the acting? Nancy Denton is amazing as Grace and Jennifer Kwiatkowski is glorious as Gloria — or Glorie as Grace calls her.
Grace is a feisty 90-year-old facing the end of her life, and Gloria is a college-educated hospice volunteer far from her New York City roots. What begins as a culture clash evolves into a deep and loving bond as
the women discover connections in a rustic cabin on a Virginia mountain.
nancy denton, right, is grace and Jennifer Kwiatkowski is gloria in the island Players’ production of “grace & glorie.” James thaggard directs the play, which runs through May 18 at the anna Maria theater, 10009 gulf drive. islander courtesy Photo
The strength of the show lies in its nuanced portrayal of the relationship between Grace and Gloria. Their initial friction — Grace’s rural straightforwardness and Gloria’s urban sophistication — generates laughs but the play transcends simple comedy to address life, death and purpose.
The intimate set creates the perfect atmosphere while thoughtful lighting evokes the light of day, the depth of dusk and the fright of night.
Hurricane relief effort earns Visit Sarasota honor
The Rock ’n’ Support hurricane relief fund that business and community leaders rallied around resulted in $355,250 grants to 781 hospitality workers on Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key and in Cortez, according to a May 6 news release from Oysters Rock Hospitality, the parent company for Anna Maria Oyster Bar.
The money was raised last November with a Lynyrd Skynyrd concert in Palmetto. Shuckin’ Good Cause and the Women’s Resource Center helped distribute the dollars.
The news release said a “powerhouse coalition of business, nonprofit and civic leaders” led the campaign, including Elliott Falcione and the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Manatee County government and the tourist development council; John and Amanda Horne, Eleni Sokos, Pam Beck and Amanda Harms and Oysters Rock Hospitality and
And the awards go to … center of anna Maria island executive director chris culhane, center, shows a Bradenton area convention and Visitors Bureau award for tourism ambassador of the year, while tiffany adell and audrey McLoughlin, owners of Beach Suites, show their tourism Partner of the year honors during a national travel and tourism Week celebration May 6 at the Sarasota Bradenton international airport. islander Photos: courtesy Karen riley-Love
Shuckin’ Good Cause; Chris Culhane and the Center of Anna Maria Island; Veronica Thames and the Manatee Community Foundation; and Ashley Brown, Lillian Elliott and the Women’s Resource Center.
“This was truly a team effort,” said Brown, WRC’s CEO and president. “Every member of our team approached this initiative with heart and determination, knowing each grant meant stability for a worker and their family.”
John Horne said, “Every single penny went to the people who needed support as they navigated challenges in the wake of hurricanes Helene and Milton.”
— Lisa neff
the Hornes of oysters rock Hospitality fame accept an award May 6 at SrQ from Visit Sarasota county recognizing them as the 2025 Voice of Sarasota. the award was presented during a national travel and tourism Week celebration presented by SrQ, Visit Sarasota and the Bradenton area convention and Visitors Bureau. the Hornes were recognized for the revitalization of cafe L’europe into cafe on St. armands, the expansion of the anna Maria oyster Bar, their leadership in hurricane recovery and championing the educational dive into reading program.
First performed off-Broadway starring Estelle Parsons and Lucie Arnaz and later adapted into a television movie featuring Diane Lane and Gena Rowlands, Tom Ziegler’s script receives respectful but fresh treatment in the island production.
“Grace & Glorie,” co-produced by The Ugly Grouper, opened May 8 and runs through May 18, with performances at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. The theater is dark Mondays.
The box offi ce is open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. MondaySaturday and an hour before curtain.
For more information, call the box office at 941778-5755 or go online to theislandplayers.org.
Anna Maria OKs scout project
By ryan Paice islander reporter
An Eagle Scout candidate will have a chance to complete one of the requirements to earn his wings in Anna Maria.
City commissioners unanimously voted May 8 to approve an Eagle Scout Service project proposed by resident William Pakbaz, 16, to revegetate the area between the Anna Maria City Pier and the Lake La Vista inlet to the north.
The area was heavily impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton last year and lost vegetation, as well as some beach to erosion.
The Boy Scouts of America, now known as Scouting America, is an organization chartered by Congress that involves teaching young people aged 11-18 values of the Scout Oath and Law.
Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the program and one of the many requirements needed to reach it is to complete a service project, such as William’s proposal.
Mayor Mark Short said William, a scout in the Manatee District’s Troop 108, contacted him to ask about how his service project could benefit the city.
Short said he met with the scout and they decided the revegetation project would be the best route to go. The project involves revegetating the roughly 450-foot stretch between the pier and the inlet with saltwater tolerable native plants that will not require upkeep from the city, such as sea grapes, saw palmetto, muhly grass, inkberry and green buttonwood trees.
The municipality will purchase the required materials while Pakbaz will lead his troop and interested volunteers in completing the project, with city supervision.
According to the proposal, the entire project is slated to be completed by May 30.
thaggard
Nesting notes
By Lisa Neff
Already adding up
Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring identified the first loggerhead sea turtle nest of the 2025 season May 3 and before the week was complete identified six more nests.
AMITW, which monitors the island beaches by ATV during a nesting season that runs May 1 through Oct. 31, also identified 10 false crawls and one adult disorientation in the first week.
“ It’s been a strong start to the nesting season, with seven loggerhead nests found in the first week,” AMITW executive director Kristen Mazzarella told The Islander May 9. “Looking forward to more in the coming weeks.”
AMITW also monitors for shorebird nesting activity and in April the team had identified a colony of black skimmers in north Bradenton Beach.
“We continue to watch the black skimmers in and around the area we posted at the end of April,” Mazzarella said. “We expanded the closure this week to protect the courting birds from pedestrian and vehicular traffic.”
Skimmers and some other shorebird species nest on the sand. So in areas that attract lots of people, cordoning off a zone is one conservation tool.
Mazzarella said the colony’s population number had dwindled by May 9, “which may indicate that they have chosen to nest elsewhere.”
Still, she said, “while the protective closure is in place, please keep your distance from the closure and do not disturb resting birds. We want to make sure that we keep the beach as welcoming as possible.”
AMITW continues to ask beachgoers and beachfront dwellers to observe best-practices to help create safe nesting habitat for sea turtles and shorebirds.
For the turtles
• Turn off or adjust lighting along the beachfront to prevent sea turtles from becoming disoriented and moving toward the glow of artificial light on land
It’s elementary
Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, during the 2024-25 academic year, invited teachers and students at Anna Maria Elementary School in Holmes Beach to compose questions about sea turtles, shorebirds and AMITW’s work on the beaches. Over the next couple of months, The Islander will share AME questions and AMITW answers.
Students in Kiley Flynn’s kindergarten class: What do sea turtles eat?
AMITW: Loggerheads like to eat crunchy things like crabs, clams and urchins.
They have big heads and jaws to help them crush the shells of these critters.
Green sea turtles mostly eat seaweed and algae. They have serrated — rough — jaws that help them rip these plants.
Talking turtles
instead of natural light reflecting on the surface of the water.
Beachfront interior lights should be turned off with curtains closed after dark and exterior lighting should be from turtle-friendly bulbs.
Exterior lighting fixtures should be low to the ground and shielded from view at the shoreline.
• Avoid using flashlights or camera flashes on the beach at night. Such lights can distract sea turtles.
• Clear the way at the end of the day.
Sea turtles can become trapped, confused or impeded by items left on the beach.
Remove gear and furniture, as well as fill in holes and level sand sculptures.
For the birds
• Keep a distance. If birds become agitated or leave their nests, people are too close. A general rule is to stay at least 300 feet away from a shorebird nest.
• Keep pets away from nesting areas. Even wellbehaved pets can be perceived as a threat. Domestic cats should be kept indoors and attracting feral cats near the beach is discouraged.
• Do not force birds to fly. When birds are chased or disturbed, they use energy they need to reserve for nesting and
The city of Holmes Beach will host Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring for weekly talks about sea turtle and shorebird nesting.
Sea Turtle Tracks and Shorebird Facts talks continue Mondays at 10 a.m. through August at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.
For more information, call turtle watch at 941301-8434 or go to www.islandturtlewatch.com.
About AMITW
AMITW is a nonprofit focused on collecting data on threatened or endangered sea turtles. The organization also collects data on shorebirds. Nesting data is required by renourishment contracts and AMITW is compensated by the county for its service.
as of May 9, aMitW reported seven sea turtle nests, 10 false crawls and one disorientation.
the anna Maria island turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring team identifies the sea turtle activity on the beach May 3, that’s the day aMitW documented the first nest of the season and also a first false crawl. islander Photo: courtesy aMitW
All eyes on sports action at center, in Anna Maria and HB
By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander reporter
It was another full week of sporting action on the island with youth and adult soccer, adult basketball at the center, combined with golf and horseshoes.
With one week remaining in the 11-13 division standings in the youth soccer league at the Center of Anna Maria Island, La Creperie has the top seed for the playoffs locked up with a perfect 6-0 record. Westfall’s Lawn Care and Pest Control holds second place at 3-3 while Solid Rock Construction is in third at 2-4. AMI Outfitters completes the standings at 1-5.
Action for the 11-13s kicked off May 6 with AMI Outfitters taking on Solid Rock Construction.
Turner Worth and Isaac Roadman scored first-half goals for Solid Rock for a 2-0 lead. However, AMI Outfitters rallied on a pair of goals from David Zupa and kept up the pressure for a 4-3 victory.
Lucas Signor and Zupa finished with two goals each for AMI Outfitters, which received several strong saves from goalie Kyle Castagna in the victory.
Roadman finished with two goals and Worth had one to lead Solid Rock Construction, which also received seven saves from Carson Long in the loss.
The second 11-13 match of the night saw La Creperie showcasing their talent with a dominating 7-3 victory over Westfall’s Lawn Care and Pest Control.
Standings in the 8-10 division are tight at the top and a victory by Beach Bums in the last game of the season May 13 would clinch the top seed and a 5-0-1 record. A victory by Moss Builders would mean
to a 4-1 victory over Solid Rock Construction.
The 14-17 division standings have the Gitt Team-KW On The Water solidly in the top spot at 6-0. Better On Bikes and Moss Builders are tied for second place at 3-3, while HSH Designs is in fourth at 0-6. The Gitt Team showed why they are top seed in a 5-1 victory over Better On Bikes. Ryk Kesten led the way with two goals while Luke Dellinger, Kegan McGlade and Jesse Zaccagnino each scored a goal. Renan Kesten scored the lone goal for Better On Bikes in the loss.
The second 14-17 game of the night saw Moss Builders roll past HSH Design by a 7-2 score.
Adult soccer continues
With two weeks remaining in the regular season in the adult soccer league at the community center, half the teams have a mathematical chance of claiming top seed before the playoffs.
second seed at 4-0-2. And the top two seeds get a bye into semifinals.
Solid Rock Construction holds down third place with a 2-1-2 record, solidly ahead of fourth-place Shady Lady Horticultural Services. The Fish Guy Aquarium Services is alone in fifth, while Adrian Griffin Interiors holds down the sixth seed with an 0-3-2 record.
Action May 6 saw Beach Bums cruise to a 3-1 victory over the Fish Guy behind two goals from Parker Svoboda and a goal from Louis Bacon.
Chandler LaPensee notched the lone goal for the Fish Guy in the loss.
In other 8-10 action May 6, Shady Lady outscored Adrian Griffin Interiors 4-2 and Moss Builders cruised
Moss Builders is the logical choice with a 6-1 record that leaves them 3 points clear of second-place Florida Impact Windows at 4-0-3, and 4 points clear of third-place Language Services Associates at 4-1-2. Hampton Painting is right behind in fourth with a 4-2-1 record, while Ross Built is still alive at 4-3. Pool America follows at 2-3-2, just ahead of Sato Real Estate, Bubble Binz at 2-5 and Duncan Real Estate at 1-3-3. Slicker’s Eatery completes the standings at 0-7.
Basketball news
Halfway through the 3-v-3 adult basketball league at the center, Luxury Services and Slim’s Place are tied PLeaSe See SportS Page 17
Cassidy
Tim Sofran, center, teams up with Tom Skoloda, left, to win the May 7 games and follows with a May 10 win with gersey fernandes. Islander Photo: Courtesy aMI Pitchers
By Lisa Neff
Ahead of Atlantic season
Before an Andrea develops, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is assessing the lessons of the 2024 hurricane season to update its products and services.
The federal scientific and regulatory agency within the Department of Commerce is responsible for monitoring and predicting weather, studying the oceans and atmosphere and managing coastal and marine resources.
The National Weather Service and its National Hurricane Center are components of NOAA and in 10 days or so we’ll be getting their predictions for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.
But for now, we have NOAA’s “Lessons from the 2024 Hurricane Season” to digest:
• The season delivered 18 named storms, including 11 hurricanes, five of which became major hurricanes. There were 10 hurricane landfalls, including five in the United States, all on the Gulf coast.
• Water is still the main villain, responsible for 59% of direct deaths from tropical cyclones in the United States in 2024. Freshwater flooding accounts for the most direct deaths, including 95 in Hurricane Helene. Also, there were nine known fatalities from Helene’s storm surge, all in Pinellas County.
• Hurricanes can span significant tornadoes. For Milton, NWS issued 126 tornado warnings in Florida, the second largest number for a single state on a single day. The storm produced 45 known tornadoes, as well as a tornadic waterspout. Six fatalities were due to tornadoes.
• Wind gusts matter. There were 79 U.S. wind-related fatalities in 2024 from Beryl, Debby, Helene and Milton — the most in a year since at least 1963.
• Rapid intensification is — and likely will continue to be — a problem. NOAA, in 2024, reported 34 cases of rapid intensification in the Atlantic, nearly double the number in a typical year. Each case is defined as a 24-hour period of at least 35 mph increase in winds. Milton strengthened by 90 mph over 24 hours.
• Storm formation can be unexpected. Short-term
a house that once stood at the corner of gulf Drive South and 12th Street South in Bradenton Beach is found washed nearly 100 yards down 12th Street South on Sept. 28, 2024, after Hurricane Helene. Islander file Photo: robert anderson
genesis chances were 0% at the time Milton formed, although long-term chances were high.
Some updates NOAA plans for 2025 include mapping risk of rip currents and post-storm heat, as well as a slightly smaller cone of uncertainty.
According to another federal assessment, rescuers in 2024 saved the lives of 411 people using NOAA satellites, the same satellites that followed the moon’s shadow along the path of a total solar eclipse and tracked hurricanes Helene and Milton.
The polar-orbiting and geostationary satellites are part of a larger Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking System that can detect and locate distress signals from aircraft, boats and handheld “personal locator beacons.”
Since 1982, the system has helped complete more than 50,000 rescues, including nearly 11,000 in the United States.
The record for SARSAT rescues in the United States was set in 2019 with 421 but 2024 came close with 411, including 318 water rescues, 41 aviation-related rescues and 52 land-based rescues.
The state with the most rescues was Florida, at 122, followed by Alaska at 56 and Hawaii at 31.
Countdown to storm season
The Atlantic hurricane season will begin June 1 and continue through Nov. 30.
So look for The Islander’s annual storm preparation issue Wednesday, May 28.
Meanwhile, based on your experience with hurricanes Helene and Milton, is there guidance you have to share? A precaution that helped? Or failed?
Email advice to lisa@islander.org.
In one Florida incident, occurring June 1 about 30 miles southwest of Venice, the U.S. Coast Guard rescued eight people from a sinking fishing boat. The crew had activated an onboard PLB, which the Coast Guard linked to a Mayday call.
In another, occurring Oct. 9, a fishing vessel with just one person onboard became disabled as Hurricane Milton blew across the Gulf.
NOAA said, “The vessel’s captain rode out the hurricane overnight in a fishing cooler with a life vest and the vessel’s 406mHz emergency beacon. When the hurricane passed the following day, a USCG helicopter located the man using the beacon coordinates and hoisted him to safety.”
If this second report sounds familiar to Islander readers, it might be because Islander reporter Robert Anderson wrote about the rescue last fall in our poststorm coverage, which is at islander.org.
NOAA summarized the rescues to spotlight the importance of SARSAT but also to remind people to outfit their boats for emergencies and register their transmitters with NOAA.
Expect a lot more cautions and advice in the weeks to come, as we prepare for the 2025 season that begins June 1.
Ready or not is not a good approach.
Neff
By Lisa Neff
The nominees will be …
The Manatee Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations through Friday, June 6, for its 2025 Small Business of the Year Awards.
A notice in the chamber’s Insider newsletter read, “Help us recognize organizations that demonstrate leadership, innovation and the true commitment to our community. Whether it’s your go-to coffee shop, a family-run service provider or a nonprofit making a meaningful impact, this is your chance to help them gain well-deserved recognition.”
For forms and more details, go online to manateechamber.com. The chamber’s phone number is 941748-3411.
Almost roadtrippin’ time
AAA, in a May 6 Florida-focused forecast for summer travel, said a survey found 60% of Floridians plan to take a trip this summer, up from 56% in 2024.
However, 19% of Floridians surveyed plan to take fewer trips this summer than last, with a majority citing money concerns.
BizCal
By Lisa Neff
Thursday, May 15
11:30 a.m. — Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce luncheon, Pesto Bistro, 8799 Cortez Road W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-778-1541, terri@amichamber.org. DATE CHANGE SAVE THE
• May 22, 5-7 p.m., AMI Chamber business card exchange, SunMed, Cortez.
The island’s only 24/7 self-service laundromat is back up and running for the first time since Hurricane Helene hit in September 2024.
The Seaside Laundromat at the north end of the Island Shopping Center, 5400 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, reopened May 7 after months of renovation and restoration.
The Island Shopping Center sustained extensive damages during hurricanes Helene and Milton, which left many businesses, including the laundromat, closed for repairs.
The laundromat reopens with self-service washers and dryers available 24/7, as well as expanded pickup and drop-off premium laundry services, which includes professional wash and fold services.
Premium laundry services are offered weekdays 8 a.m.-5 p.m., with 3 p.m. the deadline to drop off laundry.
People can schedule pick up or learn more about
Lastly, a variety of other species are being caught at random, including Spanish mackerel, cobia, jack crevalle, ladyfish and juvenile tarpon.
Capt. David White is enthusiastic about working the backcountry. Redfish and catch-and-release snook are his clients most frequent catches, as well as plenty of spotted seatrout. White also is seeing numerous sharks while fishing the beaches and Tampa Bay. Spanish mackerel are around, which can either go in the cooler for dinner or cut for shark bait.
White also is putting his sport fi shers on some large examples of tarpon and anticipates the bite to get better during the next several weeks.
Capt. Johnny Mattay says May is a great time of year thanks to the many opportunities for fishers.
His offshore anglers are yielding a variety of species, including blackfin tuna, red grouper and mangrove snapper.
The exterior and interior of the Seaside Laundromat at the Island Shopping Center, 5400 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, described in a recent news release as “anna Maria Island’s only 24/7 self-service laundromat, offering a full range of laundry solutions — from coin-operated machines to professional pickup and delivery and wash and fold services.” Islander Courtesy Photos
the laundromat’s services on its website, seasidelaundromatami.com, or by calling 941-900-8941. — ryan Paice
Mattay has a tip for snapper hunters — the use of chunk bait and frozen sardines is deadly.
The nearshore bite is following suit, with cobia, permit, mangrove snapper, gag grouper and kingfish coming to the boat.
Moving inshore, snook, reds and spotted seatrout are abundant, according to Mattay, and live bait such as pinfish and shiners are working well just about everywhere.
Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.
FISHING CoNTINUeD froM Page 13
Seaside Laundromat reopens
Winners
advance to nationals
Three all-star flag football teams with players from the island hold trophies May 9 at Under the Lights at Lakewood ranch with thirdfourth graders,fifth-sixth and seventh-eighth and all three advanced to the 2025 Spring National Championship Tournament to be held July 19-20 at IMg academy in Bradenton. The teams are made up of homeschool kids, aMe students and middle schoolers from the Center of anna Maria Island. They will compete with teams from across the country in July. Islander Photos: Brooke Svoboda
SportS froM Page 14 for the top spot with matching 4-0 records, just ahead of Moss Builders and Solid Rock Construction, both at 3-1. Bradenton Home Inspections and Salty Printing follow at 2-2, while Primetime Lending and Slicker’s Eatery are right behind at 1-3. Coaster Continent and Edible Cookie Dough Cafe complete the standings with 0-4 records.
Key Royale golf news
Golf action at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach got started May 5 with the men’s weekly modified-Stableford system match.
Rich Salzburg grabbed clubhouse bragging rights for the day with a plus-5, a point ahead of second-place finisher Buddy Foy. Jim Bailey, Ron Huibers, John Kolojeski and Steve O’Reilly tied for third at plus-3.
The women played a nine-hole individual-low-net
match May 6 in two flights.
Roxanne Koche and Rene Chapman both carded 1-under-par 31s to finish in a tie for first place in Flight B. Margrit Layh, Sue Porterfield and Lori Waggoner tied for second place with matching even-par 32s.
Peggy Clauhs and Marilyn Manzer both fired even-par 32s to finish in a tie for first in Flight B. Sue Christenson was one stroke back in second place.
Members played a nine-hole scramble May 8 that saw a trio of teams share the top spot. The team of Janelle Clements, Jack Lowry, Larry Pippel and Terry Tarra matched the 3-under-par 29 carded by Marcia and Tim Friessen, Gary Risner and Steve Vasbinder, also matched by Ron Buck, Joe Godfrey, John Kolojeski and Bill Shuman.
Not sure which team had to buy the drinks in the clubhouse following the round.
Horseshoe action in Anna Maria
Horseshoe action May 7 at the Anna Maria City Hall pits was short and sweet as Tom Skoloda and Tim Sofran posted the lone 3-0 record in pool play and were the day’s outright champs.
Two teams advanced to the knockout stage with 3-0 pool-play records May 10. Sofran was back in the mix, this time teamed up with Gersey Fernandes for a 21-9 victory over Tom Farrington and Steve Augustine.
The action gets started at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays in Anna Maria. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by random team selection.
There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome.
Sporting news to share? Email news@islander. org.
ITEMS FOR SALE
GEM CaR STORaGE trunk for sale (older model). Very good condition. Pictures on request. $250. Pick up only. 610-730-1214.
62 MOVIE DVDS in original cases, $25. Bill, 724986-0314.
NEEDLE aRT BOOKS: Nice variety. 18 at $20. 941-782-8183, afternoons.
STUDIO aPaRTMENT FURNISHINGS: For sale, nightstands, bar stools, upholstered bench, dresser. 970-556-0596.
THREE GaLLONS UNOPENED Sherwin Williams white paint. Interior satin. Was $135, recently bought, now, $75. 941-778-6854.
a NTIQUE Pa RTNER DESK: a ll wood, $500. Inquire at 941-778-7978.
FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE
Individuals may place one free ad with up to three items, each priced $100 or less, 15 words or less. FREE, one week, must be submitted online. Email classifieds@islander.org. (limited time offer).
TRANSPORTATION
GOLF C a RT RENTa LS: Fun for residents and tourists! 941-213-5730. www.annamariacartrentals.com
BOATS & BOATING
HaVE a BOaT and wanna catch more fish, better bait or learn the water? 50-year local fisherman, your boat, my knowledge. Captain Chris, 941896-2915.
SUNCOaST BOTTOM PaINTING: Professional bottom painting. Mobile. Call 941-704-9382.
10,000 LB. BOaT LIFT. South Bay Blvd., anna Maria. $1,495/monthly. 650-906-7640.
LICENSED & INSURED
Paradise Improvements 941.792.5600
Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Specialist Replacement Doors and Windows Andrew Chennault FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED
BOATS & BOATING
C a PTa IN FOR HIRE and boat caretaker services: If you need help with your boat on or off the water, call Captain Dan. USCG, retired. 772486-8085.
WELCOME aBOaRD JOyFISH Charters for private fishing, sunset cruises, and dolphin watching. Check out joyfishcharters.com or follow us on Facebook. Call to reserve, 941-840-3181.
OCEaN KayaK: TWO-seater, for sale $200. Call 941-920-5355.
HELP WANTED
BREaKFaST/LUNCH LINE cook: apply Wednesday through Saturday, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.at Minnie’s Beach Cafe, 5360 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. 941-962-1687.
ROSER CHURCH SEEKS part-time a ssistant Facilities administrator to cover Friday to Sunday and special events. Read the job description RoserChurch.com/job-opportunity
NOW HIRING H a ND y M a N: Full-time professional services. $18 an hour and up, based on experience. Call JayPros, 941-962-2874.
REPORTER WaNTED: Full- to part-time. Newspaper experience required. apply via email with letter of interest to news@islander.org.
KIDS FOR HIRE
KIDS FOR HIRE ads are FREE for up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work. Call 941-778-7978.
SERVICES
IS yOUR HOME or office in need of some cleaning? Well, I’m your girl! Local, reliable, professional! Please, give me a call or text, 941-773 -0461.
CLEaNING: VaCaTION, CONSTRUCTION, residential, commercial and windows. Licensed and insured. 941-756-4570.
PRESSURE WaSHING, PaVER sealing, driveway, roof, fence, pool area. also, window cleaning. Licensed and insured. 941-565-3931.
BICyCLE REPaIRS: Just4Fun at 5358 Gulf Drive can do most any bicycle repair at a reasonable cost. Pick-up and delivery available. 941-8967884.
aPI’S DRyWaLL REPaIR: I look forward to servicing your drywall repair needs. Call 941-5248067 to schedule an appointment.
PC OR TECH issues? Not sure where to start? With years of experience, I’ll come to you with reliable solutions. Contact Gavin at 928-5871309. www.gse.codes
SaRaSOTa PaINTING: INTERIOR/exterior/cabinets: Call or text Don, 941-900-9398. Free estimates. Fully insured, twenty years’ experience.
RIDEEaSy 247 yOUR professional, reliable and courteous car service to airports and events since 2015. you can reach us via text 941-4477737 or email to mrfort5001@gmail.com We are available 24/7.
LOOK NO MORE! Residential, vacation rental and commercial cleaning. Give us a call, 941250-8548.
GOT DIRTy WINDOWS? Free estimates/insured. Five-star customer service rating. “We want to earn your business. Downeast Window Cleaning, 207-852-6163.
SERVICES Continued
OUR SERVICES: CLEaNING, home repairs, tile, concrete, remodeling, decks, steps, flooring, water drainage solutions, rental 24-hour services. Hurricane shutters and pre-storm service. New, low-cost generator and insulation (starts and runs on propane when power off). No permits needed. Islander, over 40 years here! Call 941404-9163.
IS yOUR POOL deck, driveway, or garage floor looking worn out and dated? Bring them back to life with our top-tier resurfacing services! Services offered: Pool deck resurfacing, Slip-resistant, cool-to-the-touch finishes that enhance safety and aesthetics. Driveway resurfacing, durable surfaces that stand up to heavy traffic and harsh weather. Garage floor resurfacing, easy-to-clean, stain-resistant surfaces that look great and perform even better. Don’t wait! Transform your spaces today with our trusted resurfacing services. Contact us now for a free consultation and estimate. Call U Plus Me LLC at 727-623-5050 or visit u-plus-me.com
aIRPORT SHUTTLE: QUaLITy transportation, 10 years by Lewber. 352-339-3478.
LOOKING FOR SOMEONE who needs me: Clean, house-sit. I can cook, make sandwiches. I can do anything you can do but better! I can run to the grocery store for you. I can walk pets or go out to lunch with you. Looking for a part-time job caregiving companion, I am your right arm! I love people and I love helping others. I have references and I’m reliable and dependable. My name is Dena Gray a.k.a. Sparkles! 941-524-2234.
IN-HOME SUPPORT: 26-plus years’ experience. Tammy Roberts, 941-580-4440.
aCHaUFFER4U FOR TR aNSPORTaTION anywhere in Florida. Properly insured and over 40 years in Bradenton. Dennis, 941-812-5930.
ONEC a LL CLE a NUP. Junk removal, water damage, and more. Fast, reliable service. Call, 941-544-1260.
aFFORDaBLE PRESSURE CLEaNING, painting or maid service. 941-356-1456.
NEED a RIDE to the airports? Service to Tampa, St. Pete or SRQ. Call Gary at 863-409-5875.
HOME WaTCHER: WHEN you can’t be at home, I’ll watch your home and send video of my inspection. I’m a State Certified Residential appraiser with background check. 317-997-4056.
BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS JD’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-9203840.
BEaCH SERVICE air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. Commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. Serving Manatee County and the Island since 1987. For dependable, honest and personalized service, call Bill Eller, 941-720-7411. Residential, call Nate, 941-5242248. CaC184228.
CLEaN TECH MOBILE Detailing. at your location. Cars, boats, RVs. Call or text Billie for an appointment. 941-592-3482.
LAWN & GARDEN
CONNIE’S LaNDSCaPING INC. Residential and commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-713-1965.
I SL a NDER a RCHIVE UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.
