The Islander Newspaper E-Edition: Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021

Page 1

VOLUME 30, NO. 5

Happy Thanksgiving

NOV. 24, 2021 Free

the Best News on anna maria island Since 1992 Astheworldterns. 6 anna maria leads charge for home rule. 3

Q&A 112421.

3

BB Scenic Waves seeks members. 4

Meetings. 4 am seeks grant for Pine avenue improvements. 5

Opinions. 6

10-20 YeArs Ago

Looking back. 7

BB reaches for utility grants. 7

islander.org

Awed by ‘Holiday in paradise’ tree

robert Kingan makes his case to join the city commission Nov. 17 as commissioner doug copeland’s successor. islander Photo: ryan Paice

destin gollamudi, 9, of Holmes Beach, appears awe-struck at the site of such a grand — 40-foot — lighted christmas tree at the citybusiness sponsored “Holiday in Paradise” event Nov. 20 in Bradenton Beach. islander Photo: Nemita “mom” daguinotas gollamudi

New Anna maria commissioner seated at dais By ryan Paice islander reporter

Happenings What’s up on ami?10-11

Save the date. 11-12

Gathering. 14 Obituaries. 14 GET STUFFED! 14 Where’s Tuna Street.

16-17

HB magistrate reduces fines in code cases. 18

StreetLife. 19 Wmfr selects officers. 19

get in the game. 20

ame kids rock. 21

RoadWatch. 22 Naturally inspiring ami.

23

Soccer playoffs, “zany” golf, horseshoes. 24 autumn fishing adjustments. 25

Isl Biz: ’tis the season. 26-27

PropertyWatch. 27 CLASSIFIEDS. 28 upside-down holiday meal tips. 30

NYT puzzle. 31

Island eyes huge Thanksgiving sales

sales the week of Thanksgiving. Julia Duytschaver, owner of the Original ’Tis the season — to shop. Sand Dollar boutique in the Island Shopping Island mom-and-pop businesses offering Center, 5302 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, Black Friday and Small Business Saturday said Nov. 15 conditions are ripe for an influx promotions have high expectations for huge of international and local customers. On Nov. 8, the Biden administration lifted an approximately 20-month travel ban on travelers to the United States from the European Union and England and opened borders to visitors from Canada and Mexico. “We’ve seen some (Europeans) come in and they’re so excited. I had a German customer last week and he’s like, ‘We’re out of exile,’” Duytschaver said. Local schools, including Anna Maria Elementary, are closed for fall break through Nov. 26 and Duytschaver anticipates the closures will drive locals to island businesses. “I think this island’s going to be really busy next week, like really busy. Just in time for Black Friday specials,” she said. Ben and morgan Bryant, owners of Live Original Sand Dollar features home Naturally, 5337 gulf drive, Holmes Beach, goods, soaps, candles, clothing, a variety of relax at the entry to their wellness store By Kane Kaiman islander reporter

Nov. 15. islander Photo: Kane Kaiman

turN to THAnKsGiVinG, Page 8

Attendance may have made a played a factor in the selection of Anna Maria’s newest city commissioner. Commissioners unanimously voted Nov. 17 to appoint eight-year resident Robert Kingan — the only candidate to present his case to the commissioners at the meeting — to a two-year term on the dais. Kingan will succeed Commissioner Doug Copeland, who served as commissioner 2013-19 and then rejoined the dais by commission appointment in July when Joe Muscatello vacated his seat to move to West Virginia. Copeland did not seek reelection. So his term will expire in December, but his fellow officials thanked him Nov. 17 for his second stint on the commission. Mayor Dan Murphy thanked Copeland for “stepping up to the plate and helping us turN to Commissioner, Page 2

speciAl tHis WeeK:

MAKE A WISH COME TRUE AND A HOLIDAY MERRY

The holidays are the time to take an extra moment to offer someone a smile or send a greeting, to give a hug or share words of praise. And, as we approach the 12th month of another difficult year, we need the smiles, greetings, hugs, praise — and help — even more. In our annual Wish Book, we present the wishes and needs of some dedicated and deserving organizations in our community. These community groups provide assistance to families and individuals, teach and mentor children, assist the elderly and the less fortunate, all with the goal of making Anna Maria Island a better place to live for all. With the Wish Book, we offer a special way for

you to share the holiday spirit and help others. We present their wishes. Your contribution, however small or grand, is deeply appreciated. Please, take time to peruse our Wish Book and select a gift — or two, or more — to add to your holiday shopping list. A small contribution can make a big difference. And to our generous sponsor advertisers, we offer thanks for making this publication possible. We hope you receive the same return as we have each year from The Wish Book — the joy of giving. Here’s wishing you all the happiest holidays and best wishes for 2022! — The Islander


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