Beachgoers on point
Pines Trailer Park lawsuit settled
By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter
A lawsuit challenging the closure of one of Bradenton Beach’s oldest neighborhoods has been settled.
Judge Edward Nicholas of the 12th Circuit Court dismissed on Aug. 8 the Pines Trailer Park Homeowners Association’s lawsuit against Pines Park Investors LLC after the parties reached a confidential settlement.
The Islander reached out to members of the park HOA but none would comment on the settlement.
In an Aug. 25 statement, the park ownership, which includes developer
1
newcomer in
Shawn Kaleta, said, “Pines Park Investors LLC … is happy to announce that a settlement agreement has been reached between PPI LLC and the Pines Trailer Park Homeowners Association. … PPI LLC can confirm Pines Park residents will be allowed to remain residing at the park for an agreed upon period of time.”
The park ownership did not respond to an Aug. 25 email from The Islander seeking details on how many units in the park are occupied or how long people will be allowed to stay.
Many of the 86 homes in the park at 103 Church Ave. were already vacant
at the time the parties’ announced the settlement.
Elayne Armaniaco, a resident of the park, told The Islander Aug. 28 she estimated that 20-25 residents remain.
The park operates under a landlease system, where homeowners pay the ownership to lease their homesite and maintain the property.
The HOA fi led its lawsuit March 28, accusing the ownership of violating Florida’s Mobile Home Act when it announced plans to close the park.
The suit alleged the ownership failed to provide proper notice, converted a
HB, no election for AM, BB
LBK road signs removed as state enforces Gulf rebrand
By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter
Some road signs on Gulf of Mexico Drive on Longboat Key were removed at the end of August as the Florida Department of Transportation enforced a new edict to replace references to “Gulf of Mexico” with “Gulf of America.”
The town of Longboat Key confirmed Aug. 26 that the DOT was taking down signage along State Road 789.
While the north-south artery will continue to be known locally as Gulf of Mexico Drive, the DOT formally recognizes only the state highway designation.
The sign removals follow directives from both Tallahassee and Washington, D.C.
Earlier this year, Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis approved House Bill 549, obligating state agencies and publications to adopt the “Gulf of America” name. The law’s passage followed Republican President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14172, issued in January and mandating that federal agencies adopt the use of “Gulf of America.”
Longboat Key Mayor Ken Schneier, in an Aug. 27 interview with The Islander, said the DOT’s action in August marked a shift from what town officials were first told.
3 incumbents retain seats in Anna
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
Maria
It’s going to be a quiet election season for Anna Maria voters.
With the qualifying closed, the only people to qualify with the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office before the Aug. 29 deadline, Commissioners John Lynch, Kathleen Morgan and Charlie Salem will retain their seats without opposition.
The incumbents’ current terms will expire in November, which opened their seats to challengers in November.
Lynch, Morgan and Salem qualified to run for reelection and no others stepped up to run, so the incumbents automatically will be awarded new two-
3 BB incumbents secure seats, plus a vacancy
By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter
Qualifying for Bradenton Beach’s Nov. 4 elections ended Aug. 29 with no contested races.
Three incumbents qualified for three posts, while no one qualified for a fourth post, the seat that is being vacated by Commissioner Jan Vosburgh.
Mayor John Chappie, who has lived in the city for nearly 50 years, qualified and, with no challenger, automatically wins another two-year term. Chappie, who has held the mayor’s office for more than 12 years across two separate tenures, said he wanted to serve again to continue to guide the city through its recovery from the 2024 hurricanes.
Holmes Beach has a race, 4 for 3 seats
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
Anna Maria Island’s lone race in the November election will be based in Holmes Beach, where four people qualified to run for three commission seats by the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office’s Aug. 29 deadline.
The field includes incumbents Steven Oelfke, Terry Schaefer and Carol Soustek and political newcomer Jessica Patel.
The incumbents were the only candidates with the SEO for much of the qualifying window that ran Aug. 25-29 and then Patel submitted qualifying forms Aug. 28 and Aug. 29.
Patel has been a Holmes Beach resi-
“We looked into this and the staff talked with FDOT and FDOT originally said, ‘We view Gulf of Mexico Drive as State Road 789. We have nothing to do with the naming. If the town wants to do something about the name of the road, then that’s up to (the town).’”
The mayor said the DOT later pointed to its authority over certain highway signage.
“The more recent development was that they apparently felt that … they had two signs that were under the control of FDOT that listed Gulf of Mexico Drive. So they were just going to take those down. There wasn’t any change, it was just taking them down,” Schneier said.
A town news release said addresses along Gulf of Mexico Drive remain unchanged.
Schneier said renaming Gulf of Mexico Drive would have consequences.
The Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992
TURN TO PINES PARK, PAGE 5
Beachgoers Aug. 27 walk along the shore at Bean Point in Anna Maria, where the city is considering a no-swimming zone. Turn to page 11 to read the story. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson
Municipal matters
Budgeting millions
Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short began his Aug. 29 email to The Islander with good wishes: “Hope you have a great Labor Day holiday. We plan to get out of town early afternoon for a long weekend and hopefully recharge the batteries.”
Short said the city had a slow news week, but he shared information on an increase in the city’s stormwater rate to generate an additional $320,000.
According to Short, the city focus will be on swale repairs, regrading and repairing/replacing outflow valves that control the flow of water into the waterways. The city also made a commitment to address the methodology used to assess properties and identify alternatives for the assessment calculation.
The city commission also reviewed a proposed capital projects budget for fiscal 2025-26. The total is $18,700,000, including $8.3 million to rebuild the Anna Maria City Pier, $1.3 million to complete a Pine Avenue paver project, $2.7 million for stormwater projects and $4 million in cash-flow for projects until reimbursements are received from other agencies.
Short also noted that the city commission agreed to move forward on establishing a no-swim zone at Bean Point, the island’s north end, between the Fern Avenue beach access and just around the point, where “the underlying currents are very strong and very close to the beach.”
Meanwhile, in Holmes Beach, Chad Minor, director of development services and planning and zoning administrator, emailed Aug. 29 to say the city commission reviewed a slate of new business, ranging from lease agreements to storm recovery planning.
THE Top Notch
the winner of the islander’s annual top notch pet photo contest is Kim trameri of Sarasota, who submitted this photo of her dog ringo, taken in January. trameri wins a gift certificate from ami Beach and dog Supply. and did you know? at the end of “a day in a Life,” the Beatles added a highfrequency sound that only dogs can hear.
Commissioners renewed a lease with Mainsail AMI Marina for boat slips.
Commissioners also approved construction of a new pickleball court, as well as authorized agreements with Aftermath Disaster Recovery, Digging Deep Construction Services, Looks Great Services and T.F.R. Enterprises for debris removal services.
The commission also approved orders with Superior Asphalt for road repairs at 37th Street and Gulf
“One of our concerns up front was that it’s not an easy task to change the name of your main road, in terms of effort and expense on the part of the public and private citizens,” he said. “There’d be a lot of dealings with the post office. There’d be a lot of dealings with signage with businesses that have (a Gulf of Mexico Drive) address. Anyone who’s got an address out there online for any business purpose, all that changes.”
The commission will take up the issue in a workshop Oct. 20 at the town hall, 501 Bay Isles Road.
The DOT did not respond to requests for comment as of press time Sept. 1.
Drive, as well as at the west end of 52nd Avenue.
Additionally, the commission passed a resolution for a meeting with the county board of commissioners, which is taking place Sept. 3.
Finally, Minor said, commissioners reached consensus on securing a beer and wine vendor for the city’s 75th Anniversary Celebration Dec. 5.
— Bonner Joy
GUlF SIGNS Continued from Page 1
Top Notch pet photo winner!
a road sign in the 6000 block of gulf of mexico drive, LBK. islander Photo: robert anderson
HB commissioner dredges up paid beach parking concept
By ryan Paice islander reporter
Holmes Beach City Commission Chair Dan Diggins sparked a conversation Aug. 26 about the potential implementation of paid beach parking in the municipality, with an exemption for residents.
He said paid beach parking would generate a new source of revenue and called for the commission to hold a formal discussion on the matter.
“I’m just wondering if it’s time for us to revisit our paid parking policy at some point in the future and maybe develop some type of plan for paid beach parking,” Diggins said. “I don’t know what it would look like, but I think it might be time to do that.”
“We all say it’s inevitable, but I don’t know when inevitable starts,” he added.
Diggins referred to a 2015 Urban Land Institute study on AMI that found “free and unrestricted parking creates conflicts and uses valuable land.”
The ULI study was a joint effort by the island municipalities to address concerns, such as traffic and parking, and it recommended charging for premium beach parking while also providing a free and convenient way for county residents to access island beaches.
Diggins said the island cities, along with the county, would need to implement paid beach parking together or the effort would “fall flat on its face.”
However, the idea was met with resounding oppo-
Q&A The Islander poll
The Islander poll
Should the island governments institute paid parking systems?
A. No, keep access free.
B. Yes, in limited areas.
C. Maybe, for what purpose?
D. Why didn’t they just build a garage?
To answer the poll and see poll results, go to islander.org.
sition from the other city officials.
Mayor Judy Titsworth acknowledged that paid beach parking on the island was inevitable, but said she favored keeping it free “a little bit longer.”
“I hope inevitable happens when I’m not in this chair,” she said. “A lot of the locals live on the other side of the bridge now because they were priced out. So the fact that they get to come out here and park for free and enjoy the beaches is good.”
Commissioner Carol Whitmore was opposed. “I think that we have so many more important things to do than charging more people for more stuff.”
Commissioner Steven Oelfke supported a discussion, but added, “I think we want to try to avoid that as long as possible,” but he liked the idea of looking for additional revenue sources.
Commissioner Carol Soustek said she did not mind talking about paid beach parking but would not support such a change at this time.
City and county officials were set to discuss paid beach parking during a joint meeting at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3, at the county administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
Elsewhere on the island, it’s unclear how much appetite there is for implementing paid parking.
Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short told The Islander Aug. 28 that his city’s budget for 2025-26 includes funding for a citywide parking study.
He called parking within the municipality “chaotic” since the city ends up receiving much of the overflow from the other island cities.
Short said the study would provide options to address the city’s parking challenges.
Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie did not respond to an Aug. 29 call from The Islander.
Holmes Beach approves $64K for road repairs
By ryan Paice islander reporter
Repairs are coming for a pair of beach-end streets in Holmes Beach.
City commissioners unanimously voted on motions Aug. 26 to approve $63,765 in work orders with Bradenton-based Superior Asphalt to repair the beach ends of 37th Street and 52nd Avenue.
City engineer and public works director Sage Kamiya said staff found a lack of asphalt at both locations.
“As we’ve continued to clean up and as the rainstorms come and clean off the road, we’ve realized there is no longer a road under there,” he said.
Both locations will have asphalt added at the road’s end at the beach, among other work from a list of other repairs Superior Asphalt has been hired to complete, including milling and paving at the intersection of
Marina Drive and 66th Street, as well as setting new asphalt for:
• 67th Street;
• 70th Street beach end;
• 73rd Street beach end.
That list also includes asphalt patchwork at:
• The intersection of Gulf Drive and 54th Street;
• A bicycle path across Gulf Drive at the Manatee Public Beach;
• 30th Street intersections with Avenues C and E.
The commission approved $129,602.25 for those repairs in June.
Kamiya said Superior Asphalt was supposed to have begun work on those repairs that same day, but the recent stretch of rain delayed them.
He added that the contractor would begin work on the list approved in June, as well as the new beach end repairs, as soon as weather permits.
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Anna Maria budgeting $18.6 million for projects, including pier
By ryan Paice islander reporter
The city of Anna Maria’s tentative budget for capital projects in the upcoming fiscal year is historically large.
Mayor Mark Short presented a $18,689,100 spending plan for capital projects in fiscal 2025-26, which begins Oct. 1, during an Aug. 28 city commission meeting.
That figure would be almost 90% of the $21,240,929 total budget for this year and almost $800,000 more than the budget for fiscal 2023-24.
The biggest chunk of the capital projects budget is $8,250,000 to rebuild the walkway of the Anna Maria City Pier. The walkway was destroyed last year by hurricanes Helene and Milton and the remnants were demolished earlier this summer.
Short said the cost of the rebuild was “hopefully” a one-and-done expenditure and would be funded by
elect am Continued from Page 1 year terms on the dais.
For Lynch, who was appointed in January to serve the remainder of Jon Crane’s term, it will mark his first full two-year term on the commission.
The same goes for Morgan, who was appointed to the city commission in January 2024 to serve the remainder of a two-year term vacated by Robert Kingan.
Salem was originally appointed to the commission in January 2023 to serve the remainder of Carol Carter’s term and was reelected without opposition later the same year.
Salem’s new term will mark his second full two-year term on the city commission.
Anna Maria city commissioners receive a $4,800 annual salary.
The automatic wins mean Anna Maria voters will not vote on Election Day, as this is an off-year, with no county, state or federal races to decide.
the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency, Manatee County and the state.
Another sizable chunk of the proposed capital projects budget for fiscal 2025-26 is $2.7 million in stormwater capital improvements, which will be partially funded with an increase in stormwater utility fees.
The budget also includes $1.3 million for finishing the Pine Avenue paver and crosswalk project, $300,000 to dredge Lake La Vista, $256,000 to harden and renovate city hall and $130,000 for seawall repairs.
Smaller items include $13,000 for two license plate readers, one of which will be positioned at the city’s entrance in the 8600 block of Gulf Drive; $20,000 for office furniture and fixtures; and $40,000 for a generator for the city hall annex.
The second largest chunk of the proposed capital projects budget is not a project, but a $4 million loan that Short said would be used to finance much of the actual work.
While $17.9 million of that budget will be funded by outside sources, some of the funding — like from FEMA — will be distributed through reimbursement.
Chappie also served six years on the city commission.
The commission is comprised of four wards, or districts, but voters select their representatives in a citywide poll.
Commissioner Debbie Scaccianoce, appointed in December 2023, also qualified and, unopposed, automatically wins a two-year term representing Ward 1.
Commissioner Ralph Cole qualified to serve a one-year term and, facing no opposition, is automatically returned to office. Cole lost his Ward 3 seat at one point, then regained it due to a city change in ward boundaries.
Vosburgh, who has served the city since 2013, decided not to seek reelection, and no one else qualified for the seat in Ward 4.
Under the city charter, vacancies on the dais are filled by commission appointment rather than voter election.
After Vosburgh’s departure in November, the commission will advertise the opening and then fill the vacancy for the two-year term from within the ward. Bradenton Beach commissioners earn $400 per month and the mayor earns $800 per month.
So the city will need to foot some of the bills to get work going, which is where the loan comes in.
The capital projects spending plan is the third and final piece of the puzzle for the city’s fiscal 2025-26 budget.
Short presented $27,238,000 in projected revenues for the upcoming fiscal year in July, then $7,692,900 in projected operating expenses in August.
Those numbers will be worked into a final budget that will go before city commissioners for a first reading, public hearing and potential vote at 5:01 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive. A second reading and potentially final public hearing and vote will be at 5:01 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, also at city hall.
Now that she has thrown her
in the ring, voters will have four candidates to choose from for three seats, each for a two-year term.
Oelfke was on the city’s planning commission from December 2022 until he was appointed to the city commission in February to serve the remainder of Pat Morton’s term.
Morton moved to live near family in West Virginia.
If he wins his seat back in the Nov. 4 election, he will serve his first full two-year term on the board.
Schaefer was elected to the board in 2019 and was reelected in 2021 and 2023. If reelected, he will serve his fourth full term on the commission.
Soustek is the longest-tenured member of the city commission. She was originally appointed to the board in November 2014 and was reelected every other year to two-year terms 2015-2023.
If she wins reelection, she will serve a sixth full term on the dais.
Holmes Beach city commissioners are paid a $8,210 annual salary, but that figure increases yearly based on cost-of-living adjustments. Next year, that salary will increase to $8,340.04.
This year’s election will be 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4.
The deadline to register to vote is Monday, Oct. 6.
Vote by mail ballots must be requested by 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23.
Chappie
Salem morgan Lynch
Cole Scaccianoce
oelfke
Schaefer Soustek Patel
Anna Maria doubles down on stormwater assessment fees
By ryan Paice islander reporter
The city of Anna Maria’s millage rate won’t increase in fiscal 2025-26, which begins Oct. 1, but taxpayers will still pay more next year.
To avoid a tax increase, the city would have to reduce millage to the rollback rate, the rate that would produce the same income and spending as last year.
Commission Chair Charlie Salem said he was “reluctant” to support the proposed increase since residents were still facing financial struggles due to last year’s storms.
City commissioners voted 3-1 Aug. 28 to approve a resolution increasing the municipality’s stormwater utility fee from $2 to $4 per 100 square feet of property in the upcoming fiscal year.
Salem voted “no.”
Commissioner John Lynch was absent with excuse.
The city’s current stormwater fee results in a $100 annual cost for a 5,000-square-foot property. The new rate would increase that annual cost to $200 for the same property.
Mayor Mark Short said city staff identified more than $15 million in stormwater improvement projects that need to be completed.
That work includes regrading and maintaining swales throughout the city, as well as repairing and/or replacing 19 WaStop valves impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton. The valves are designed to allow stormwater to drain into surrounding waters without allowing backflow into drainage pipes.
Short called the swale and valve work “mission critical” short-term fixes and proposed increasing the assessment fee to $4 per 100 square feet of property to raise an additional $328,000 in revenue.
He said the additional revenue would allow the city to accelerate its timeline for completing its $15 million slate of stormwater work.
Salem said he did not agree with the fee methodol-
PINeS PaRK Continued from Page 1
residential parking lot into paid public parking and acted in bad faith by offering to sell the land back to homeowners for $75 million, an amount nearly five times more than PPI paid for the property in 2023.
In January, PPI informed homeowners that the park “must be closed.”
The ownership has maintained that 2024 storm damage and financial strain were the reasons the park should no longer operate.
“After suffering extensive damage from 2024’s back-to-back hurricanes, PPI LLC, like many other nearby businesses, has lost its ability to generate enough revenue to operate as a trailer park,” the ownership’s Aug. 25 statement read. “The mutually agreed upon extension of time granted by PPI LLC will unfortunately result in significant time and financial losses to PPI LLC, but a settlement … was in the best interest of all parties involved.”
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ogy. It should be changed to more accurately represent a property’s impact on stormwater drainage, such as basing it on a lot’s proportion of pervious surface.
Commissioner Christopher Arendt said assessing pervious lot coverage would be a difficult and expensive task, but supported removing the coastal conservation area from the calculation.
Short agreed the methodology could be improved, and such a change would take time and effort.
City attorney Becky Vose said the city would need to hire a company to conduct a study to determine appropriate methods for allocating the tax.
In the meantime, Commissioners Gary McMullen and Kathleen Morgan said the increase was necessary to address flooding concerns.
“What we have now is an emergency. These things have to be taken care of,” Morgan said.
McMullen moved to approve the increase and Morgan seconded the motion, which passed.
Swale maintenance
City commissioners also unanimously voted to authorize Short to execute an agreement with Sarasota-based C-Squared CGC Inc. for swale maintenance throughout the municipality.
Swales are shallow ditches intended to collect stormwater runoff and prevent flooding. The city has more than 11,000 linear feet of swales, including those along:
• Jacaranda Road, from Newton Lane to North Bay Boulevard, as well as between Jacaranda Road and North Shore Drive;
• Magnolia Avenue, from Gulf Drive to behind property on South Bay Boulevard, as well as between Magnolia and Spring Avenues;
• North Bay Boulevard, from Crescent Road to North Shore Drive, as well as between North Shore Drive and Gladiolus Street;
• Spring Avenue, from city hall to behind property at South Bay Boulevard, as well as between Spring and Pine Avenues;
• The rear of properties on South Bay Boulevard, from Magnolia to Spring Avenues.
About
the Pines Trailer Park
The Pines Trailer Park has stood since the mid1930s on the Bradenton Beach bayfront at 103 Church Ave.
For nearly 90 years, the Pines Park has been home to retirees, seasonal visitors and families who formed a tight-knit bayfront community.
In March 2023, the owners, the Jackson Partnership, listed the 2.78-acre property for $16 million. By August 2023, it was sold to PPI for $16.25 million.
The Pines operates as a land-lease park, where people own the homes but rent their land. When the Jackson Partnership announced plans to sell, homeowners tried but were unable to form a cooperative to bid on buying the park.
— robert anderson
C-Squared submitted a $593,881.25 bid in response to the city’s request for proposals to clean out and regrade those swales.
Two other contractors bid, but Short said C-Squared was recommended for being able to mobilize multiple crews in short order and concurrently tackle separate tasks and complete the job faster.
McMullen moved to authorize the execution of the contract with C-Squared and Morgan seconded the motion, which passed.
Save
the dates
Hearings ahead
Local governments are adopting budgets — and setting tax or assessment rates — for fiscal 2025-26 in September. Before final adoptions, local governments must hold two public hearings:
• Anna Maria: 5:01 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, 5:01 p.m.; Thursday, Sept. 25, city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.
• Bradenton Beach: 5:05 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 4; 5:05 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.
• Holmes Beach: 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11; 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.
• West Manatee Fire Rescue: 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, administration building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton. A first hearing occurred in August.
— Lisa neff
RoadWatch
Eyes on the road
Cortez Bridge utility relocation project: Pipe installation and related activities are ongoing in preparation for the construction of the new Cortez Bridge. Construction is expected 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday. Info: amiprojects.io.
Bradenton Beach street, beach access repairs: Through Oct. 31, the city is making improvements and repairs. Info: BBPD’s Facebook page.
75th Street West at Manatee Avenue West : Manatee County is working from 19th Avenue West to Second Avenue West. Motorists can expect delays during roadwork. Info: mymanatee.org/75th.
— Lisa neff
Church avenue in the Pines trailer Park in Bradenton Beach resembles a ghost town aug 29.
Good news, bad news
This week a little flower of good news broke through the clamor and chatter on the internet and social media.
You might say the little flower brightened my day, but first, let me say, I duck and hide from all holidays, especially the ones with fireworks.
I just don’t want to add to the chaos on the road, in parking lots or increase the burden on servers at restaurants who, quite frankly, don’t need me.
Once, long ago, while working in sales for the former Islander newspaper, the longtime sales rep there, Dolores, told me she didn’t go out on Sundays. Naturally, I questioned her as to “Why?”
She didn’t want people to have to work for her on Sundays. She believed in a day of rest.
That made me pause. And my appreciation for people who work on Sundays, more than often in my path at restaurants and grocery stores, grew.
I was skeptical when I saw a Labor Day special pop up from Harry’s Grill in Anna Maria.
But this deal was respectful of the workers at the restaurant. Harry’s owners were offering to pay their staff a $5 bonus on every check for every party they served on Labor Day.
And so it brought a little brightness to my day. This innovative effort brought me a smile.
And wouldn’t it be great if more proprietors did the same or something similar for their employees.
Thank you to the out-of-the-sandbox thinking from Harry’s Grill and kudos for leading the way.
Among our concerns this week, we heard that two of our state representatives, Rep. Will Robinson and Sen. Jim Boyd, renewed their threats to the three cities to withhold state funding for island projects if they don’t receive assurances of streamlined services, efficiencies and cost savings for island residents and taxpayers.
Unlike the legislators, I prefer to see the cities slow spending, tighten their belts and halt new and rising taxes until residents are back in their homes and we recover from the economic impacts of the 2024 storms.
Lastly, our guide fishing community and the many friends and family of Capt. Jason Stock, a great fisherman and a kind, generous, gregarious man, are reeling in sadness over his sudden death by suicide.
From Capt. David White, “He was an amazing fisherman. He inspired me and many others on the island. A tragic loss and sad ending.”
To you and all those who are grieving: Please, accept my sincere condolences.
— Bonner Joy
10-20-30 years ago
From the Aug. 31, 1995, issue
• The owners of the Bradenton Beach Marina were seeking permission from city hall to operate a tiki-style concession stand and sell beer and wine.
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• Manatee County announced it would hold a hearing on a proposal to limit the harvesting of shellfish from county waters. Anna Maria officials were pushing a ban or limits.
From the Aug. 31, 2005,
issue
• “Anna Maria kills island consolidation issue” read the headline on page one. Anna Maria commissioners, the story said, dealt a “death blow” to the concept of merging municipal services or governments on the island.
• The Anna Maria Planning and Zoning Board recommended the city commission vote to eliminate the category of medium-density residential zoning on the future land-use map.
• Holmes Beach announced the Florida Department of Transportation planned to replace the Key Royale Bridge in the spring of 2006. The cost was expected to be $2.1 million.
From the Sept. 2, 2015, issue
• Election season got underway with a four-way race for three commission seats in Anna Maria and two commission races in Bradenton Beach. Three incumbents seeking reelection in Holmes Beach lacked challengers.
• Islanders prepared for Tropical Storm Erika but the storm delivered about 3-5 inches of rain instead of the forecasted 15 inches.
— Lisa neff
The Islander is archived online by the University of Florida library at ufdc.ufl.edu.
Looking back officials inspect the interior of Webb’s island Pharmacy in Holmes Beach after extinguishing a fire in 1970. islander Photo: Courtesy manatee County Public Library archives
•
Compiled by Lisa neff, calendar@islander.org
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
ON AMI
Monday, Sept. 8
6 p.m. — Arthouse Cinema, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341, mymanatee.org.
ONGOING ON AMI
• Most third Mondays, 1 p.m., Center of Anna Maria Island Book Club, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941-778-1908, centerami.org.
ONGOING OFF AMI
• Through Jan. 11, “Yoshida Hiroshi: Journeys through Light,” The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies except Mondays. Info: 941-359-5700, ringling.org.
• Sept. 13-April 12, 2026, Ancestral Edge: Abstraction and Symbolism,” The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies except Mondays. Info: 941-359-5700, ringling.org.
• First Fridays, 6-9:30 p.m., Village of the Arts First Fridays Artwalk, 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Info: villageofthearts.com.
• Second and fourth Saturdays, 2-4 p.m., Florida Maritime Museum’s Music on the Porch, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Info: 941-708-6120, floridamaritimemuseum.org.
SAVE THE DATES
• Sept. 18-28, Island Players’ “Janus,” Anna Maria.
• Oct. 18, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s Bayfest, Anna Maria.
• Nov. 8, Nov. 10, Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota Rhinestone Cowboys and National Heroes concert, Bradenton.
• Nov. 13-23, Island Players’ “Doublewide, Texas Christmas,” Anna Maria.
• Nov. 16, Island Players’ “Murder by Misadventure” auditions, Anna Maria.
• Dec. 13, Dec. 15, Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota A Christmas Carol Concert, Bradenton.
• Dec. 31, Bradenton Alive New Year’s Eve Celebration, Bradenton.
KIDS & FAMILY
ON AMI
Thursday, Sept. 4
10 a.m. — Toddler Playdough, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341, mymanatee.org. Saturday, Sept. 6
10 a.m. — Read 2 Dogs, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341, mymanatee.org. Monday, Sept. 8
10 a.m. — Art with Leaves Monthly Kids’ Challenge, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341, mymanatee.org.
ONGOING ON AMI
• Most Fridays, 10 a.m., Forty Carrots, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341, mymanatee. org.
• Most Tuesdays, 10 a.m., Family Storytime, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341.
DEVINE DESIGN
dyani White Hawk’s “they gifted (day),” circa 2024, and “they gifted (night),” circa 2024, featured in the ringling’s “ancestral edge: abstraction and Symbolism in the Works of nine native american Women artists.” islander images: Courtesy dyani White Hawk/ tandem Press/the ringling
SAVE THE DATES
• Oct. 31, Halloween Celebration, Bradenton.
• Dec. 5, Winter Wonderland, Bradenton. CLUBS & COMMUNITY ON AMI
Wednesday, Sept. 3
6:30 p.m. — Town Hall with Manatee County Commissioner Tal Siddique, District 3, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341, mymanatee.org. Thursday, Sept. 4
1 p.m. — Sunshine Stitchers and Crochet, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341, mymanatee. org. Friday, Sept. 5
3 p.m. — Adult Coloring Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341, mymanatee.org.
ONGOING ON AMI
• Most Fridays and Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-6341, mymanatee.org.
• Most Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meets, Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. Info: 941-7300016.
SAVE THE DATES
• Sept. 11, 911 Tribute, Bradenton.
• Nov. 1, League of Women Voters of Manatee County Unite and Rise for Democracy, Bradenton.
• Nov. 1, the Bishop Museum’s A Celestial Affair gala, Bradenton.
• Nov. 8, Friends of Manatee County Animal Welfare Friendsgiving, Palmetto.
PUBLIC MARKETS
SAVE THE DATES
• Oct. 1, Coquina Beach Market, Bradenton Beach.
• Oct. 4-May 30, 2026, Bradenton Public Market, Bradenton. Oct. 4, UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County Plant Sale, Palmetto.
‘Ancestral Edge’ opening at the Ringling
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art will exhibit “Ancestral Edge: Abstraction and Symbolism in the Works of Nine Native American Women Artists” Sept. 13-April 12, 2026.
The exhibition brings together works by contemporary Native American artists making contributions to the field of abstraction, including Teresa Baker, Natalie Ball, Kiana Bell. Elisa Harkins, Erica Lord, Sarah Sense, Sara Siestreem, Marie Watt and Dyani White Hawk.
“The Ringling invites museum visitors and local communities to learn about contemporary Native American work of our time and to celebrate Native visual expression,” says Steven High, the museum’s executive director. “‘Ancestral Edge’ offers a broader consideration of abstraction, both in techniques and materials, as found in the visionary work by these exciting artists.”
The Ringling is at 5401 Bayshore Road, Sarasota.
For more information, go to ringling.org or call 941-359-5700.
LESSONS & LEARNING ON AMI
Wednesday, Sept. 3
2 p.m. — 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution program, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941778-6341, mymanatee.org.
SAVE THE DATES
• Sept. 18, Island Gallery and Studios’ Paint with a Pro, Bradenton.
SPORTS & FITNESS OFF AMI
Saturday, Sept. 6
6 p.m. — Center of Anna Maria Island’s 2025 Greg LaPensee Bowling Tournament, Bowlero Bradenton, 4208 Cortez Road, Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-778-1908, centerami.org.
ONGOING OFF AMI
• Through Sept. 7, various dates, Bradenton Marauders baseball, LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Info: 941-747-3031, milb.com/bradenton.
OUTDOORS & NATURE OFF AMI
Friday, Sept. 5
6 p.m. — Game Night at the NEST, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Info: 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org.
ONGOING OFF AMI
• Saturdays, 9 a.m., Manatee County Natural Resources Department’s Saturday Mornings at the NEST, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Info: 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org.
SAVE THE DATES
• Nov. 8, Kringles & Kayaks benefit, Bradenton. CALENDAR NOTES
KEEP THE DATES
• Through Oct. 31, Sea turtle nesting season continues. •Through Nov. 30, Atlantic hurricane season continues.
• Sept. 1, Labor Day.
• Oct. 13, Columbus Day.
• Oct. 13, Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Center launches fall youth program lineup
The Center of Anna Maria Island has announced its fall schedule of youth programs, offering activities ranging from before- and after-school care to specialized sports training and arts classes for children from kindergarten through 12th-grade.
The community center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, will provide before- and after-school care for elementary students, featuring STEAM activities, homework support and marine science experiences through a partnership with Mote Marine Laboratory.
Before-school care begins at 6:20 a.m. with van transportation to Anna Maria Elementary, while afterschool programming runs from 3:05-6 p.m.
Athletic programs include youth speed and conditioning training, with sessions focusing on acceleration, top speed development and direction changes.
The center also will offer martial arts classes for kindergarten through fifth-grade students, led by Sensei Kevin Bergquist of Kaizen Dojo Martial Art.
New this season is a skimboarding program with AMI Skim & Surf, taught by local surfer Evan Talucci.
Tennis instruction continues with the Future Ace’s program.
The center also plans basketball training with AMI Hoops coach Jonathan Castaneda, offering both group sessions and private instruction.
Creative programs include hip-hop and jazz dance classes with instructor Crystal Karuse, tumbling sessions with three skill levels from tots to advanced and art enrichment classes featuring ceramics and printmaking techniques.
A free soccer skills program for ages 8-11 will run Oct. 6-Nov. 10, led by Brooke Svoboda and Josh Ball.
The center requires pre-registration for most programs.
For costs, program details and more, call the center at 941-778-1908.
Players selling theater tickets
The Island Players opened sales for single tickets to productions in the 77th season, which opens Sept. 18 with “Janus.”
The theater group is selling single tickets online at theislandplayers.org and the box office, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, will open Monday, Sept. 8.
Box office hours are 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Saturday and an hour before curtain.
“Janus,” directed by Mike Lusk, runs Sept. 18-28 at the community theater.
For more information, call 941-778-5755.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library delivers books to kids
The Center of Anna Maria Island has partnered with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to provide free monthly books to children ages birth through 5 in select local ZIP codes.
Families residing in 34216, 34217, 34215, 34209 and 34228 can enroll their children to receive age-appropriate books delivered to their homes at no cost.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which launched in 1995, distributes more than 2 million books monthly to enrolled children across the United States, Canada United Kingdom, Australia and the Republic of Ireland.
People interested in enrolling their children can call the center at 941-778-1908.
Kiwanis meeting weekly
The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island will gather at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.
This meeting will mark the club’s resumption of its weekly schedule after a summer of monthly gatherings.
For more information, call Sandy Haas-Martens at 941-730-0016.
Island happenings
Compiled by Lisa neff
Bradenton gallery offers ‘Paint with a Pro’
Island Gallery and Studios in downtown Bradenton will host a “Paint with a Pro” at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, for novice artists who want to create a finished painting in a single session.
“Paint with a Pro” artists show off their work at island gallery and Studios in Bradenton. the gallery was founded on anna maria island and relocated to downtown main Street. islander Courtesy Photo
The workshop, led by artist Darryl Goldman, provides step-by-step instruction for participants with little to no painting experience.
All materials, including paints, brushes and canvas boards, are included in the $50 registration fee.
IGS is at 456 Old Main St.
For more information, call the gallery at 941-7786648.
Enriching the AME experience
Students join in an array of enrichment clubs at anna maria elementary School, 4700 gulf drive, Holmes Beach. the clubs launched for the 2025-26 academic year, coordinated by fifth-grade teacher nicole o’neill. “these clubs will provide students with additional opportunities to explore interests and build new skills,” principal Katie fradley told the islander. the clubs are offered before and after school on tuesdays and thursdays. islander Photos: Courtesy ame/Via facebook
School success
The Islander publishes notices of school success — awards, honors, achievements. Please, email news@islander.org with details and a contact name and phone number.
“anna maria Island,” a pictorial history book of the island by Bonner Joy is available at the islander office, 315 58th St., Holmes Beach. Joy is publisher of the islander newspaper. She launched the newspaper in 1992. She first came to the island in 1972.
Gathering
Roser shop to reopen
By Lisa Neff
The Roser Guild Thrift Shop operated by the Roser Women’s Guild will reopen after a summertime break at 9 a.m. Sept. 9.
Proceeds from the shop allow the guild to underwrite scholarships, community programs, local missions and to provide support to the church.
Store hours will be 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays.
The shop is located across the street from the church, which is at 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.
For more information, call the church offi ce at 941-778-0414.
Lord’s Warehouse closed
The Lord’s Warehouse at the Longboat Island Chapel is closed in September for deep cleaning.
The chapel is at 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key.
For more information, call the office at 941-3836491.
You can help preserve your community news by investing in the future. The Islander print and E-edition is free for now but we need your help to ensure it stays that way. Quality journalism is valuable and The Islander’s investment in bringing you the best reporting on AMI isn’t cheap. But YOU can help. Help us maintain the drive that brings the village together. Donate online at islander.org.
Roser hosts family nights
Roser Memorial Community Church will host Family Fellowship Nights on select Thursdays in September.
The events will be at 6 p.m. Sept. 4 and Sept. 18 in the church fellowship hall, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.
An invitation read, “From Candyland to chess, come spend the evening with friends old and new around the game table. Everyone is welcome! Bring your favorite game, snack and friend.”
For more information, call the church at 941-7780414.
GoodDeeds
Assistance sought on AMI
• All Island Denominations accepts financial donations at P.O. Box 814, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Info: 941-778-4769.
• Anna Maria Elementary seeks donors to help with landscaping and gardens, including donating mulch. Info: 941-708-5525.
• Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra seeks volunteers, donors and a venue space. Info: info@amicco.org.
• Anna Maria Island Historical Society, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, seeks donations for restoration and volunteers. Info: 608-444-0084.
• Anna Maria Island Privateers seeks a covered building and/or land for the Skullywag, sleigh and other items. Info: amiprivateers.org.
• Florida Maritime Museum in Cortez, which is closed for renovations and repairs, seeks a temporary space — a pop-up space — for public exhibits. Info: 941-708-6120.
• Friends of the Island Library seeks volunteers, including for website management and graphic design. Info: 941-778-4255.
• Island Players in Anna Maria seeks volunteers in every area to “come and be part of our family.” Info: 941-920-1362.
• Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center in Bradenton Beach seeks gift cards for supplies. Info: 941-778-6324.
Assistance offered on AMI
• Roser Food Bank welcomes applicants for food assistance, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Info: 941-778-0414.
• All Island Denominations offers financial help. Info: 941-778-4769.
Shoppers browse in the roser guild thrift Shop in 2024. the store, 511 Pine ave., anna maria, will reopen from a summer break at 9 a.m. Sept. 9. Volunteers also are accepting donations for resale. islander file
Gathering
Gathering is the religion section in The Islander. Please, send announcements with contact info to news@islander.org.
Also, go online to islander.org to find more religion news, including church listings and services.
Obituary
Paul Raymond Thomas
Paul Raymond Thomas, 75, of Bradenton and formerly of Anna Maria Island and Cortez, died Aug. 23.
thomas
He was born June 24, 1950, in Ashtabula, Ohio, and moved as a young boy with his family to Florida, where he enjoyed a lifetime of adventures, particularly surfing and sailing in the beautiful waters surrounding his home in Manatee County. He had a passion for service to others, having served his country in the U.S. Army and Navy. His kindness, compassion, generosity and joyful spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A celebration of life will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at Griffith-Cline Funeral Home, 720 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. The family asks that donations be made to Tidwell Hospice of Manatee County for the loving and compassionate care that Mr. Thomas received during his last days.
Mr. Thomas is survived by his partner Patti Knowles; sister Betsy Parker of Bradenton; brother Tim of West Virginia; lifelong friend, Bob Pitt; and many other cherished friends and relatives.
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.
Milestones
Email listings for GoodDeeds to lisa@islander. org. Please, include a contact number for publication.
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 story with contact information to news@islander.org.
Photo
Anna Maria moves forward with Bean Point no-swim zone
By ryan Paice islander reporter
The waters off the northern tip of Anna Maria Island may be closed off to swimmers.
Anna Maria city commissioners reached consensus Aug. 28 to move forward with making Bean Point, from the Fern Street beach access to the island’s northern tip, a no-swimming area.
The action comes in response to recent incidents at Bean Point, where swimmers got caught in rip currents.
Cops & courts
DUI arrest in Holmes Beach
A Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputy arrested Bradenton resident Raymond Fernandez, 37, Aug. 24 on a second-degree misdemeanor for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.
Fernandez had been clocked driving 51 mph in a 35-mph zone in the 700 block of Manatee Avenue around 10:03 p.m. He was stopped by a Holmes Beach police officer on the east side of the Anna Maria Island Bridge and appeared to be impaired.
The offi cer contacted the MCSO and a deputy arrived at the scene and took over a DUI investigation.
Fernandez failed the field sobriety exercises. He was transported to the Manatee County jail, where he was released Aug. 25 after posting $500 bond.
If convicted, punishment for a second-degree misdemeanor includes up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.
An arraignment will be at 8:55 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
— ryan Paice
Streetlife
Island police reports
Anna Maria
No new reports.
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office provides law enforcement to the city.
Bradenton Beach
No new reports.
The Bradenton Beach Police Department polices the city.
Cortez
No new reports.
The MCSO polices the village.
Holmes Beach
Aug. 18, 500 block of 71st Street, threat of harm. A Holmes Beach police officer responded to a call that a woman had threatened to use a firearm on her husband after discovering he had cheated. The officer spoke
An Aug. 9 rescue involved Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Brett Getman entering the water, throwing a life ring to a 15-year-old caught in a rip current and pulling him ashore to safety.
The teen’s 45-year-old father also was rescued from the water. He suffered cardiac and died the next day in a Bradenton hospital.
Another father-son pair required rescue from the waters off Bean Point on Aug. 12, when MCSO deputy Matt Daugherty entered the water to help rescue them.
Daugherty and Getman, alongside deputies Vince Bowman and Nate Boggs, who relayed information to dispatch from the shore during the incidents, are nominated to receive MCSO Life Saving Awards for the water rescues.
At an Aug. 14 commission meeting, Mayor Mark Short proposed prohibiting swimming off of Bean Point so swimmers and first responders alike do not continue to be endangered by rip currents.
The mayor returned to the Aug. 28 commission meeting and asked for the board’s input on the proposed no-swimming area.
Short said people who live on the island know
Cops & courts
not to swim off of Bean Point, which has “tough” and “deceiving” currents, but visitors lack that knowledge.
Commissioner Gary McMullen, who has been visiting the island since the 1940s, said swimming off the Point has been dangerous for years.
He said he and his father used to avoid going further than knee-deep into the water in the area when they fished there in the past due to that danger.
McMullen added that he was “all for” prohibiting swimming off of Bean Point.
Commissioner Kathleen Morgan also voiced support for establishing the proposed no-swimming area. She said swimmers would only need to take a short walk south to enjoy the water in a safer area.
Short said the city needed to figure out some logistics for the no-swimming area, such as if it would use signs and/or buoys to inform beachgoers and mark off the area.
He said he would work with Manatee County and the city’s first responders to determine how to handle the matter.
The city commission will meet next at 5:01 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.
Charge reduced in fatal shooting in Cortez
By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter
Prosecutors have reduced a manslaughter charge against a Cortez man accused in the fatal shooting of his father.
Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court records show that on Aug. 18, the state attorney’s office amended Ian Turner Douglas’ charge from aggravated manslaughter of an elderly person, a first-degree felony, to manslaughter by culpable negligence with a firearm, a second-degree felony.
Douglas, 35, called 911 July 28 to report acciden-
with the woman, who said she was upset but not serious about using the firearm. She requested the officer take it, and it was placed in HBPD storage. The officer evaluated the woman and found she did not meet the criteria for detainment under the Baker Act.
Aug. 26, 500 block of 58th Street, trespass warning. An offi cer responded to reports that a woman wanted her son trespassed from her residence. The officer spoke with the woman, who said her son had been verbally abusive and she no longer wanted him to stay there. The officer trespassed her son from the property and transported him to a bus stop in Bradenton at his request.
The HBPD polices the city.
Streetlife is based on law enforcement reports and court documents.
— robert anderson and ryan Paice
tally shooting his father, Andrew Beardsley Douglas, 77, at their residence at 12301 Bay Pointe Terrace, Cortez. First responders attempted life-saving measures on the elder Douglas, but he was pronounced dead at 12:20 p.m., according to Manatee County Sheriff’s Office reports.
Ian Douglas admitted he knew the gun was loaded and he accidentally pulled the trigger. He told deputies he tried to apply pressure to the wound before paramedics arrived, according to the reports.
Douglas was released from the Manatee County jail Aug. 1 but was re-arrested the next day after detectives, during a search of the home he shared with his father, found more than 12 pounds of marijuana, THC edibles, resin and distribution tools.
He was arrested on a charge of possession of marijuana with intent to sell, a second-degree felony that could result in 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine if convicted.
Douglas is scheduled to appear at hearings at 9 a.m. Sept. 12, on the manslaughter charge and 9 a.m. Sept. 19, on the drug charge at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
Island watch In an emergency, call 911. To report information, call the MCSO Anna Maria, 941708-8899; Bradenton Beach police, 941-778-6311; or Holmes Beach police, 941-708-5804.
Nesting notes
By Lisa Neff
Soggy sand
Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring reported that some sea turtle nests were inundated with water — from rain and surf pushed by heavy wind — the week of Aug. 23-29.
Also, some of the yellow stakes that mark nest locations were washed away. However, AMITW, using GPS coordinates, was able to put up new markers.
“A couple of nests were washed out and others were impacted by the tides, which may have drowned eggs and hatchlings waiting to emerge,” AMITW executive director Kristen Mazzarella told The Islander. “Fortunately, some of the eggs and hatchlings survived these conditions, and those are the strong ones with good genetics that we hope survive to adulthood.”
As of Aug. 29, 154 nests remained on island beaches with September and October still to go in the season that began May 1.
Meanwhile, AMITW documented no new nests on the island beaches.
Stakes washed away from sea turtle nests during august storms are piled on the beach.
islander Photo: Courtesy maureen richmond
Lucky’s day
Kathy Caserta of Holmes Beach, on a morning beach walk aug. 28, encountered a sea turtle nest excavation near the 24th Street access, where a lingering hatchling was rescued by anna maria island turtle Watch and Shorebird monitoring. Caserta told the islander, “Since his right front flipper was not working well enough for the release, turtle watch was taking him to rest and gain strength for the journey and release later tonight.” She also said kids on the beach nicknamed the hatchling “Lucky.” islander Photo: Kathy Caserta
“It has been about two weeks since we saw our last adult turtle crawl on the beach, but we are still on the lookout for holdouts that might have one last nest before they depart the nesting area for their foraging grounds,” Mazzarella said.
as of aug. 29, amitW reported 541 total nests, 828 false crawls, 358 hatched nests, 25,750 hatchlings produced, 30 adult disorientations and 128 hatchling disorientations.
Winnie’s swim
Winnie, anna maria island’s entry in the 2025 tour de turtles presented by the Sea turtle Conservancy, has traveled about 149 miles in the science-focused migration marathon. the loggerhead, swimming in seventh place out of 12 sea turtles, was tagged with a satellite tracker June 23 at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. the tour de turtles officially began aug. 1 and continues through oct. 31. for more, go to tourdeturtles.org. islander Screenshot
After the storms: Stories of loss, recovery, revitalization
Nearly a year ago, Hurricane Helene struck Anna Maria Island, destroying buildings, disrupting lives and damaging businesses. Soon after, Hurricane Milton delivered another devastating blow to AMI.
As we approach the anniversary of these lifechanging storms, The Islander invites readers to share their recollections — not just of the hurricanes, but of the days that followed, the losses endured and the recovery that continues.
Share your words and images with The Islander at news@islander.org
Manatee River flushes fresh water, pushing fish into bays
By Capt. danny Stasny islander reporter
After several days of substantial rainfall, Anna Maria Island anglers are getting back on the water to find a bite.
Much of the water surrounding AMI is tainted and dark, resembling iced tea, due to the mass amount of freshwater — and the accompanying runoff of fertilizers and pesticides — flowing from the Manatee River into Anna Maria Sound.
Stasny
But don’t fret, this could yield good redfish action, as well as some good snook fishing.
Many reds and snook reside in the Manatee River and most likely will be moving into Tampa Bay as they search for water with slightly higher salinity levels than what they’re finding in the river. And, remember, the river is not included in the “catch” area for snook.
Terra Ceia Bay, Perico Bay and Anna Maria Sound
Snook season factoids
The recreational harvest of snook in all east coast and most west coast regions, including Sarasota Bay, opened Sept 1 and runs through Nov. 30.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission manages harvesting of the popular inshore fisheries using seven metrics to evaluate the fishery by region.
Sarasota Bay
Open: March 1-April 30, Sept. 1.-Nov. 30.
Bag limit: One fish per person per day.
Slot limit: 28-33 inches total length.
Boundaries: The northern coastal boundary in Manatee County is State Road 64 and the region extends south to 27°04.727 north latitude, near the Venice Municipal Airport. This region includes Palma Sola Bay, Phillippi Creek, Cow Pen Slough Canal and Curry Creek. It does not include the Braden and Manatee rivers.
For more information, go to myfwc.com/ snook
— Bonner Joy
Problems on shore at Palma
Sola a dead fish, seagrass and debris line the shore aug. 26 on the south side of Palma Sola Bay. Suncoast Waterkeeper reported aug. 21 that water samples from the area confirmed an algal bloom of Ceratium furca, which has been linked to fish kills. Harmful algal blooms, dead zones and fish kills are the result of a process called eutrophication, which occurs when an environment becomes enriched with nutrients, increasing the amount of plant and algae growth to estuaries and coastal waters. islander Photo: robert anderson
are great staging points for these fish, especially during the flood tides we should experience before and after the Sept. 7 full moon.
The higher than normal tides could produce good shallow-water fishing along mangrove edges and grass flats adjacent to the river’s mouth.
As for spotted seatrout, they can be found on the flats, although you may find better conditions closer to the Gulf beaches, where deep grass flats and structure exist. This could be due to salinity levels or the fact that bait schools are congregating in these areas.
You should find other predators around bait schools, including macks, jack crevalle and lady fish.
When looking for a bite, you may want to check around the nearshore reefs. Mangrove snapper will have moved out into the Gulf of Mexico to escape the high levels of freshwater mixing into the waters of Tampa Bay and surrounding inshore waters.
Ultimately, there’s plenty of fishing to do as long as you’re willing to do your homework, brave the heat and get out there on the water.
On my Just Reel charters, I am catching mangrove snapper between the tides. Free-lining live shiners with the addition of a split shot leads to plenty of action on the feisty snappers. Most are 12-14 inches, with a few larger examples mixed in.
Spotted seatrout are hanging around the deeper grass flats on the western portions of Tampa Bay. Slotsize fish are harder to come by, although I anticipate seeing a new wave of fish after the full moon.
Targeting snook along the beaches and passes is yielding decent action when using live baits, such as shiners or pinfish. Linesiders are present along some mangrove edges, but they seem less motivated to bite compared to the fish along the beaches.
With numerous days of inclement weather, Capt. Johnny Mattay of Anna Maria Charters is working on inshore fishing. Targeting redfish along mangrove edges and oyster bars is working well for Mattay and his clients. Live bait — shiners and pinfish — are a good bet, although he says dead baits such as chunks of ladyfish are working, too.
Spotted seatrout are being found around deep grass flats, with a host of other species, including ladyfish, jack crevalle and macks. Freelined shiners are Mattay’s bait of choice here.
season.
With the snook season opening Sept. 1, Mattay was trying out his favorite flats where he frequently finds larger slot-size fish.
He says numerous snook, just under 28 inches, are being caught and released with a few slot-size fish in the mix. Mattay also is putting his anglers on some snook action along the beaches and passes.
Meanwhile, fishing over structure in the Gulf of Mexico is leading to hookups on gag grouper, blacktip sharks and Spanish mackerel.
Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.
Health dept. issues advisory for Palma Sola beach
The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County Aug. 29 issued a water quality health advisory for the Palma Sola South swim area along the causeway.
The health department said testing Aug. 25 and Aug. 27 indicated that the water quality at Palma Sola South did not meet the recreational water quality criteria for Enterococcus bacteria recommended by the state.
The department advised against water-related activities at this location due to an increased risk of illness.
The advisory will continue until bacteria levels are below the accepted health level.
Test results are posted at floridahealth.gov/healthybeaches.
Fishing tip! If you hook a bird: Reel, remove and release!
Craig Sabatino of Philly and Capt. david White take a measurement march 4 that resulted in a slot snook in the spring season. “We're looking forward to the next two months of snook season and our 14-day gag grouper
1 week to playoffs in center flag football, soccer on horizon
By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter
With one week left in the regular season of flag football at the Center of Anna Maria Island in Anna Maria, the league’s leaders are solid.
Rock solid, that is. Solid Rock Electrical is 7-1, while Solid Rock Construction follows at 6-1 with a game in hand. Slim’s Place holds down the third seed at 6-2 with Salty Printing right behind them at 6-3.
Coast Continent holds down the fifth seed at 5-3, while Moss Builders at 3-4 is solidly in sixth place. Cortez Pump & Sprinkler and G.I. Bins are the seventh and eighth seeds. Reel Coastal Properties follows at 1-7 after earning a forfeit victory, while Bubble Binz languishes in the cellar at 0-8.
The Aug. 29 games saw with the aforementioned forfeit by Bubble Binz, followed by action from Solid Cassidy
Rock Construction in a 52-31 victory over G.I. Bins behind five touchdown passes from Tuna McCracken, including four to Blake Balais. Raul Loera added a touchdown catch to complete the winning score.
G.I. Bins saw four touchdown passes from Steve Wolfe in the loss.
Coaster Continent rolled over Cortez Pump & Sprinkler 47-14 as Matt Manger threw six TD passes and ran for another. Steven Pavina had four TD catches and added an interception on defense. Olvin Izquierdo added two TD catches in the victory for Coaster Continent.
Kei Green carried Cortez Pump & Sprinkler with two TD passes to David Lopez in the loss.
Chase Richardson threw five TD passes, including two each to Jaden Grant and Connor Ludwig to lead Slim’s Place to a 34-14 victory over Moss Builders. Jacob Robertson added a TD grab and an extra point for Slim’s Place in the victory.
Ray Gardner connected with Ed Moss and James Roadman for touchdowns in the Moss Builders loss.
Center registering for fall sports leagues
The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, is gearing up for its fall soccer season, with registration closing this week. New to the center this year, the Fall Soccer League will host an adult division for players 35 and older. They will play Wednesdays beginning Sept. 17.
Registration remained open until Sept. 2. Members can join for $20 while the cost for nonmembers is $100.
For more information, contact center sports manager Tuna McCracken at sports@centerami.org or 941778-1908.
— Lisa Neff
Rock
and Salty
squared off Aug. 29 in a battle for the top seed in the upcoming Center of Anna Maria Island adult flag football league before the playoffs. Solid Rock electrical cruised to a 42-13 victory to solidify their spot in the standings.
The last game of the evening saw Solid Rock Electrical cruise past Salty Printing 42-13 behind five TD passes and a TD run from Cruz Rodriguez. Christian Hampton finished with four TD grabs while Evelyn Long added two TD catches in the victory.
Key Royale golf news
Golf action at Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach was limited this past week due to a rain out on Aug. 25 followed by a course closure Aug. 26 due to soggy conditions.
Action resumed Aug. 28 with a nine-hole scramble that saw the team of Mike Clements, Tom Nelson and Rich Salzburg tied at even-par 32 with Nicholas Cibel, Janelle Clements and Gerry Martinek.
Horseshoe action
Horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall pits Aug. 27 was short and sweet. The team of Gersey Fernandes and Tim Sofran posted a perfect record during pool play and were the day’s outright champs.
Sofran and partner Steve Augustine were back in the mix during the Aug. 30 games, but ran into a buzz saw named Tom Farrington in the championship match. Farrington cruised to a 22-8 victory in the final to earn the day’s bragging rights.
Play gets underway at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays in the Anna Maria. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by random team selection.
There is no charge to play and all are welcome.
Holmes Beach OKs $52K for pickleball court at city field
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
Holmes Beach’s pickleball opportunities are set to expand.
City commissioners unanimously voted Aug. 26 to approve a $52,808.90 contract with Bradenton-based C-Squared CGC Inc. to build a pickleball court at city field, between 59th Street, Flotilla Drive and 62nd Street.
The new court will be added directly to the north of two existing pickleball courts, between them and a
sandbag-filling station in the northern parking lot.
The new court will be oriented in the same way as the existing courts, which are set lengthwise northsouth — to reduce the impact of the sun’s glare on players.
Some parking spaces will be removed to make way for the court, but Sage Kamiya, the city engineer and public works director, said other changes could be made so there would be no net loss in parking.
According to Kamiya, adding wheel stops to change parking along the west side of Flotilla Drive from parallel to angled spaces would add enough spaces to make up for those lost by adding the pickleball court.
However, Mayor Judy Titsworth recommended maintaining parallel parking along Flotilla for now. She said the matter could be brought back to the commission if problems developed with the loss of parking in the area.
Commissioner Terry Schaefer moved to approve the contract with C-Squared and Commissioner Steven Oelfke seconded the motion, which passed.
Miguel Rodriguez had two TD passes to Logan Heath in the loss.
Gersey Fernandes, left, and tim Sofran pose with the horseshoe trophy on winning the Aug. 27 horseshoe competition at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Islander Photo: Courtesy AMI Pitchers
Solid
electrical
Printing
Islander Photo: Courtesy CofAMI
By Lisa Neff
Chirping about light pollution
Most of my mornings begin an hour before dawn, with coffee on the lanai, observing the transformation from still quiet to bustling daybreak.
These mornings aren’t always tech-free, as a phone app helps track the last bird calls of the night — usually owls — and the first bird songs of the day — usually a wren, a cardinal or a sparrow.
I don’t follow a similar routine in the evening, but I might start a backyard cocktail hour for the sake of my citizen-science.
Research published in August in Science magazine suggests that artificial light — light pollution — is influencing birds’ activity patterns.
Light pollution impacts a variety of species, which have evolved to respond to the circadian light-dark cycle. In the study looking at the impact of light pollution on the activities of more than 580 species of birds around the globe, researchers Brent Pease at Southern Illinois University and Neil Gilbert at Oklahoma State University compared more than 180 million bird vocalizations over a year with global satellite imagery.
Under the brightest skies, they found a bird’s day is extended by an hour.
They also found that birds that are more exposed, or entrained, to light were more affected, such as those with large eyes, open nests, migratory habits and large ranges.
The research project began at SIU in Carbondale, Illinois, where Pease was using two platforms:
• BirdNET, a collaboration between the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the Chemnitz University of Technology focused on the detection and classification of avian sounds.
• BirdWeather, a visualization platform that uses the BirdNET network to monitor bird vocalizations globally through active audio stations.
The tools helped the researchers learn how birds were responding to human forces, such as artificial lighting.
Ribbons to cut, seagrasses to study
serve as the foundation for
marine ecosystems and resilient coastal communities, which provide nursery habitats for key fisheries, improve water quality, prevent erosion and capture carbon. Yet, Florida’s seagrass meadows are vanishing due to dredging, runoff, reduced water clarity and climate-related impacts in many areas.
Birds, on average, were active an hour past normal quiet times, and the researchers said that looking at eyesight proved key — species with large eyes relative to their body size had a disproportionately stronger response to artificial light at night than birds with smaller eyes.
On average, birds, were vocalizing about 20 minutes earlier in the mornings and 30 minutes later at night.
However, some species, including American robins, Northern cardinals and Northern mockingbirds, were more impacted by light pollution.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony Aug. 25 marks the openings of Mote Marine Laboratory’s three research facilities designed to advance the restoration, resilience and sustainability of seagrass ecosystems. the compound is at the Mote Aquaculture Research Park in Sarasota. Islander Courtesy Photos
A new research facility, which Mote president and CeO Michael Crosby says will provide a “transformational leap forward in Mote’s mission to restore Florida’s vital seagrass meadows.” Mote, which began in Sarasota, has grown to eight campuses — from tampa Bay to Key West — with a ninth under construction in Sarasota.
the BirdNet app is available for download to smartphones. the app can identify the vocalizations of more than 3,000 bird species. Islander Screenshot
Neff
Seagrasses
vibrant
Holmes Beach renews marina lease with Mainsail
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
The Waterline Marina isn’t changing hands anytime soon.
Holmes Beach city commissioners unanimously voted Aug. 26 to renew Tampa-based Mainsail AMI Marina’s lease for part of the marina for another 10 years.
The marina is located east of Marina Drive, between the roadway and the Waterline Villas near the downtown city center.
While much of the marina is already owned by Mainsail, the city owns the seawall along the west side.
An original 20-year lease, signed in August 2005, was held by Connecticut-based Reliance Tidemark LLC and allowed the company to build and operate docks attached to the city-owned seawall.
The lease was assigned to Mainsail AMI in August 2009.
The deal began with a $11,200 annual fee but has increased every year since in accordance with the consumer price index.
The cost will continue to increase alongside the CPI under the renewed lease, which will begin at $28,000.
The 2005 agreement allowed the lease to be renewed for three additional periods of 10 years, so the new term will be the first of those extensions.
Commissioner Terry Schaefer moved to approve the lease renewal and Commissioner Carol Soustek seconded the motion, which passed.
Business news Celebrate achievements? New in business? Expanding? Reopened after recovering? Email news@islander.org.
Coquina Beach Market to resume, venders sought
The Coquina Beach Market is accepting vendor applications for a new season at the park on AMI’s south beach.
The season will open Wednesday, Oct. 1.
A notice for the market said people interested in becoming market vendors can text 941-840-0789 to receive information.
The text should include the owner’s name, the business name, products to be sold and email address.
Chamber taking lunch reservations
The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce is taking lunch reservations for members and guests seeking to join a networking event at gRUB BBQ.
The chamber’s monthly luncheon will be at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, at the restaurant, 415 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.
The cost is $22 for members and $30 for others.
The menu options include a bacon jam burger, smoked brisket flatbread and a chicken salad sandwich.
Reservations are required by Tuesday, Sept. 9. For more information, contact the chamber at 941778-1541 or terri@amichamber.org.
On brand
Happy Birthday, JOSH!
Josh, you always bring a
for your
for storm season!
At the Grouper the Ugly Grouper in late August hosts Madison Marilla and tyler White of “Love on the Spectrum” fame. Marilla and White are featured in Season 3 of the Netflix series about autistic adults seeking love and companionship. the Grouper, in a post on social media, described the visit as “a day to remember.” the restaurant is at 5704 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call 941-7771187. Islander Courtesy Photo/via Facebook
the Drift-In AMI on Aug. 26 shares on social media: “Our marketing team is suggesting an update” and displaying a logo playfully poking at Cracker Barrel’s new rebranding campaign. Islander Courtesy Image
IslBizCal
By Lisa Neff
Thursday, Sept. 4
8 a.m. — Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting, AMI Beach Cafe, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Fee applies. Info: 941-778-1541, terri@amichamber.org. SAVE THE DATES • Sept. 11, 11:30
Capt. Connor Kesten, right, drops off David Frederick, of New Orleans, at the Waterline docks in Holmes Beach Aug. 27 after guiding Frederick and his wife on a charter fishing experience. Islander
Photo: Robert Anderson
Reopening celebration at Tortuga Inn
ABOve: Celebrants at an Aug. 25 ribbon-cutting for the reopening of the tortuga Inn in Bradenton Beach include general manager Katy Demick, center left, unit owner Marlene Masson, and staff Dorothy Winkler, from left, ethan Winkler, Mike Wood, Shayna Barr, edgar Montes, Susan Raulerson, Demick, Masson, Stephanie Watts, Bryon Morgan, eva Zavala-valencis and Melissa Glowacki.
Holmes Beach improves rating for flood insurance
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
The city of Holmes Beach’s efforts have led to a 25% discount on flood insurance premiums for property owners.
Chad Minor, director of development services, announced at an Aug. 26 city commission meeting that the municipality’s standing in the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System increased from Class 6 to Class 5.
The CRS credits communities that implement
Resources for hurricane season
One way to stay up to date is to search for hashtags for a storm — like #TSAndrea or #HurricaneBarry — on social media.
Additionally, the National Hurricane Center provides updates on X via @NWSNHC and @NHC_Atlantic.
The National Weather Service informs via @NWS and, for local info, via @NWSTampaBay.
A favorite Facebook follow: ABC Action News chief meteorologist Denis Phillips at @denisphillipsweatherman.
Government websites to bookmark include: Manatee County: mymanatee.org. Florida: floridadisaster.org. Federal: fema.gov.
For news: islander.org.
— Lisa Neff
flood-related activities beyond minimum program standards with discounts on insurance premiums within their jurisdictions.
The system involves 10 classes — the lowest is Class 10, which provides no discounts, and the highest is Class 1, which provides a 45% discount.
The city’s previous rating as a Class 6 community earned property owners a 20% discount on flood insurance premiums, but its new Class 5 rating will result in a 25% discount.
The new discount will go into effect for NFIP policies issued or renewed on or after Oct. 1.
Minor said city staff is working on a watershed management plan. This would possibly allow the municipality to improve its rating to Class 3 or Class 4 in the near future.
“The city is doing everything we possibly can to get your flood insurance rates lower,” building official Neal Schwartz said. “I hope I can be here within the next year, maybe year and a half, where I can come back and say, ‘Hey, we’re a four.’”
Commissioner Carol Soustek praised Schwartz and city staff for getting the community to Class 5.
“I appreciate it so much what you’ve done for the residents and the businesses of this city because that discount is a lot of money … and we need every bit of it,” she said. “So I don’t know if I could ever say thank you enough.”
Anna Maria building dept. changes ‘in motion’
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
Recent complaints about the firm the city of Anna Maria contracted for building department services may lead to action.
Mayor Mark Short said at an Aug. 28 city commission meeting that he met with local builders, as well as Joe Payne and Craig Green of Melbourne Beach-based Joe Payne Inc., and was exploring action to address the builders’ concerns.
Those concerns were aired by a group of builders headed by Frank Agnelli, owner of Agnelli Pools & Construction and Mason Martin Builders, during an Aug. 14 city meeting.
Agnelli and other contractors complained that they experienced resistance with permitting and the use of private inspectors since Green began as building official in April.
They called for the city to replace Green with a full-time building official.
The city hired JPI earlier this year to provide building department, floodplain management and some engineering services through Sept. 30.
Under the agreement, JPI’s designated building official, Green, is required to spend an average of 6-8 hours over at least one day a week at city hall. Otherwise, the contracted work is completed on a remote basis.
For payment, JPI receives half of the city’s building permit application fees every month of the contract, with a $35,000 guaranteed monthly minimum.
Short said he had met with local contractors Aug. 21.
The next day, the mayor met with Payne, the owner of JPI, and with Green on Aug. 26.
As a result of those meetings, potential action may be taken to address concerns with the firm’s services but, as of Aug. 29, it remained unclear what that action that might be.
“There are some things in motion that we are addressing and evaluating that I’m not prepared at this time to go into any detail with the respect to those things,” Short said.
During public comment, local builders again pushed the city to act.
Monica Simpson, who provides consulting services to local builders and property owners, said she recently received comments on a project from Green that were “basically all wrong.”
“We are spinning our wheels. We’re wasting our time. We have an official who is not representing the city well at all,” she said.
Kevin Hutchinson, a local contractor, alleged Green incorrectly claimed he exceeded the 50% rule on a project. He said the allegation had harmed his reputation and he had yet to receive an apology letter from Green and JPI.
Commission Chair Charlie Salem said he was looking forward to Short’s update on the matter.
The city commission will meet next at 5:01 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.
Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce representatives joined staff, unit owners and others Aug. 25 in a reopening and ribbon-cutting for the tortuga Inn in Bradenton Beach. Islander Photos: Courtesy AMICofC
I
ITEMS FOR SALE
OFFICE CHAIRS: BLACK. Two, like-new, $35 each. 941-920-2494.
ANTIQUE PARTNER DESK: All wood, $500. Inquire at 941-778-7978.
FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE
Individuals may place one free ad with up to three items, each priced $100 or less, 15 words or less. FREE, one week, must be submitted online. Email classifieds@islander.org (limited time offer).
TRANSPORTATION
GOLF CART RENTALS: Fun for residents and tourists! 941-213-5730. www.annamariacartrentals.com
BOATS & BOATING
HAve A BOAt and wanna catch more fish, better bait or learn the water? 50-year local fisherman, your boat, my knowledge. Captain Chris, 941-896-2915.
SUNCOAST BOTTOM PAINTING: Professional bottom painting. Mobile. Call 941-7049382.
CAPTAIN FOR HIRE and boat caretaker services: If you need help with your boat on or off the water, call Captain Dan. USCG, retired. 772-486-8085.
WeLCOMe ABOARD JOYFISH Charters for private fishing, sunset cruises, and dolphin watching. Check out joyfishcharters.com or follow us on Facebook. Call to reserve, 941840-3181.
25 FT C-Hawk, 2023 300 HP Yamaha, tower and trolling motors. $77,000/offers, 941-7202472.
HELP WANTED
ROSER CHURCH SEEKS part-time Assistant Facilities Administrator to cover Friday to Sunday and special events. Read the job description RoserChurch.com/job-opportunity
REPORTER WANTED: Full- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience required. Apply via email with letter of interest to news@islander.org
KIDS FOR HIRE
TECH HELP, TUTORING, custom projects: Tutoring (K-6) starts at $12/hour. Tech and projects vary by complexity. Serving Anna Maria Island. dominic.cusimano@gmail. com.
KIDS FOR HIRE ads are FREE for up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work. Ads must be placed by email, send to classifieds@islander.org.
SERVICES
IS YOUR HOME or office in need of some cleaning? Well, I’m your girl! Local, reliable, professional! Please, give me a call or text, 941-773 -0461.
CLEANING: VACATION, CONSTRUCTION, residential, commercial and windows. Licensed and insured. 941-756-4570.
PRESSURE WASHING, PAVER sealing, driveway, roof, fence, pool area. Also, window cleaning. Licensed and insured. 941-5653931.
BICYCLE REPAIRS: Just4Fun at 5358 Gulf Drive can do most any bicycle repair at a reasonable cost. Pick-up and delivery available. 941-896-7884.
API’S DRYWALL REPAIR: I look forward to servicing your drywall repair needs. Call 941524-8067 to schedule an appointment.
PC OR te CH issues? Not sure where to start? With years of experience, I’ll come to you with reliable solutions. Contact Gavin at 928-587-1309. www.gse.codes
SARASOtA PAINtING: INteRIOR/exterior/ cabinets: Call or text Don, 941-900-9398. Free estimates. Fully insured, twenty years’ experience.
RIDeeASY 247 YOUR professional, reliable and courteous car service to airports and events since 2015. You can reach us via text 941-447-7737 or email to mrfort5001@gmail. com We are available 24/7.
LOOK NO MORE! Residential, vacation rental and commercial cleaning. Give us a call, 941-250-8548.
OUR SERVICES: CLEANING, home repairs, tile, concrete, remodeling, decks, steps, flooring, water drainage solutions, rental 24-hour services. Hurricane shutters and pre-storm service. New, low-cost generator and insulation (starts and runs on propane when power off). No permits needed. Islander, over 40 years here! Call 941-404-9163.
GO t DIRt Y WINDOWS? Free estimates/ insured. Five-star customer service rating. “We want to earn your business. Downeast Window Cleaning, 207-852-6163.
I SLAND e R ARCHI ve. UofF Florida digital newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.
SERVICES Continued
AIRPORt SHUttLe: QUALItY transportation, 10 years by Lewber. 352-339-3478.
IS YOUR POOL deck, driveway, or garage floor looking worn out and dated? Bring them back to life with our top-tier resurfacing services! Services offered: Pool deck resurfacing, Slip-resistant, cool-to-the-touch finishes that enhance safety and aesthetics. Driveway resurfacing, durable surfaces that stand up to heavy traffic and harsh weather. Garage floor resurfacing, easy-to-clean, stain-resistant surfaces that look great and perform even better. Don’t wait! transform your spaces today with our trusted resurfacing services. Contact us now for a free consultation and estimate. Call U Plus Me LLC at 727-6235050 or visit u-plus-me.com
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.
ACHAUFF e R4U FOR t RANSPORtAt ION anywhere in Florida. Properly insured and over 40 years in Bradenton. Dennis, 941812-5930.
ONECALL CLEANUP. Junk removal, water damage, and more. Fast, reliable service. Call, 941-544-1260.
HOM e WAt CH e R: WH e N you can’t be at home, I’ll watch your home and send video of my inspection. I’m a State Certified Residential Appraiser with background check. 317-997-4056.
AFFORDABLE PRESSURE WASHING and small job painting. 941-356-1456.
AMI AIRPORt SHUttLe Guy: We pick up from tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota airports. Up to seven passengers with luggage Reliable, Licensed and friendly transportation to and from Anna Maria Island. AMIShuttle. com. 941-500-3388.
CLEANING SERVICES: Ten-plus years’ experience. Professional, prompt with a flexible schedule. Contact Jessica, 941-900-8051.
HOUS e -SI tt ING ON Anna Maria Island. Responsible retired man available to care for your home and pets. I’ll provide peace of mind while you’re away. excellent references. Call or text, 570-439-2323.
SERVICES Continued
LOCAL ISLAND PET sitter: Take care of your pet(s) including walks and playtime. 24/7. Call Dave, 513-967-0009.
BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS JD’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-920-3840.
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, 941-524-2248. 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.
COLLINS LANDSCAPE LIGHTING: Outdoor lighting, landscaping, irrigation services and maintenance. 941-279-9947. MJC24373@ gmail.com
SHeLL DeLIveReD AND spread. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, topsoil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, or “shell phone” 941-720-0770.
HOME IMPROVEMENT
VAN-GO PAINTING residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper. Island references. Bill, 941-795-5100. www. vangopainting.net.
GRIFFIN’S HOMe IMPROveMeNtS Inc. Handyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. Insured and licensed. 941-722-8792.
LANE’S SCREENING SERVICES: Replace your window, door or lanai screens. Many screen options available. Retired veteran serving our community! Free estimates, call 941-705-5293.
LOOKING FOR ANY home improvement?
JRCC Home Improvement, handyman service can get the job done. Please, contact us at 413-246-2410. We would love to help.
TILE-TILE-TILE: All variations of ceramic tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship, prompt, reliable, many Island references. Call Ashdown Flooring, 941-726-3077.
DONALD PeRKINS PAINtING LLC. Interior/exterior/pressure washing. Island references. dperkinspaint@hotmail.com. 941705-7096.
GORILLA DRYWALL RePAIR LLC. Let’s solve your drywall problems together. Give us a call at 941-286-0607.
tetI tILe: 40 years’ experience in Delaware, now on AMI and surrounds. tile, marble, murals. Free estimates. Call John teti, 302983-5774.
TRUE TONE PAINTING: Painting, power washing, epoxy floors. 941-224-4020.
HOME IMPROVEMENT Continued
CALL HYDRO CLEAN. Full-service pressure washing, sealing. Pavers, travertine and natural stone. Window washing, too, up to three stories. Call Jacob, 941-920-2094.
ISLAND HANDYMAN: I live here, work here, value your referral. Refinish, paint. Just ask. JayPros. Licensed/insured. References. Call Jay, 941-962-2874.
RENTALS
ANNA MARIA GULF beachfront vacation rentals. One- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941778-3143.
AVAILABLE NOW AND season: 1BR/1BA, seven-night minimum. carlesvacationrentals. co m . Special rates are available. 941-8071405.
PERICO ISLAND PATIO home: 3BR/2BA, privacy wall/gate, two-car garage, single fl oor, high ceilings, screened lanai. Call or text Alison, 859-771-6423.
2026 SEASONAL RENTAL: Just one block from the beach, Single-story 2BR/2BA private residence, screened patio. No smoking/ no pets. December-April. 64th Street, Holmes Beach. Call 813-833-4926.
CENTRAL HOLMES BEACH, 3BR/2BA completely remodeled, walk to beach, school, trolley, shopping. Annual, $2,595/month. 941713-6743.
AvAILABLe NOW! ANNUAL rental. Beautiful, bright renovated condo 2BR/2BA, one floor. Perico Bay Club, pool, hot tub, tennis, pickle ball, covered parking. $2,500/month. Call 612-802-8357.
ANNUAL ReNtALS AvAILABLe: Bradenton Beach, 2BR/1BA furnished cottage, $1,800/month, 2BR/2BA furnished home, $2,400/month. Off Island: Perico Isle, 3BR/2BA unfurnished pool home, $3,500/ month. Hidden Lake, 3BR/2BA furnished condo, $3,100/month. All require application, first, last and security. Wagner Realty, 941-778-2246.
SNOW BIRD SPECIAL: Discount for multiple months. 2BR/2BA, second floor condo in Holmes Beach. Pool, tennis/pickleball, inunit laundry, WiFi, screened lanai, covered parking. Available 2025/26 season beginning December 2025. Beautiful, bayside seating area. Pool/beach toys, bikes included. Call Jack, 312-835-2323 for more information/ photos.
HOLMeS BeACH WeStBAY Cove condo. Second floor, 2BR/2BA, large lanai with bay view and one block to Gulf beach. Pools, tennis, pickleball. December-March, $3,800/month, January-March, $4,000/ month. 941-778-8456. terryaposporos@ gmail.com
DUPLEX: 2409 AVE B. Rental, 2BR/2BA. Washer, dryer. Just steps to beach, park and pickle ball court. Month to three months. Cheryl, 419-610-4062.
REAL ESTATE
WINNIe MCHALe, ReALtOR, 941-5046146. Dalton Wade Real estate. You need an aggressive and experienced Realtor in today’s market! Selling island homes, Sarasota and Bradenton areas. Multi-milliondollar producer! “Selling Homes - Making Dreams Come true.”
2BR/2BA CONDO IN Mt. vernon for sale. Fully furnished, on lake with view of Sarasota Bay. Clubhouse, pool, workout room and hot tub. Minutes to beaches and shopping. Asking $370,000. Call Sharon, 941730-5645.
BEACH FIXER: 1BR/BA trailer: Partially remodeled in Bradenton Beach. $108,500. One-minute walk to beach/bay. 831-2122606.
GARDEN PARADISE: 3BR/2BA, two-car garage updated home in Bradenton. Community pool and courts. Lots of peace and quiet in very private location. Exceptional value at $550,000. Real Estate Mart, 941-356-1456.
NORTHWEST BRADENTON CUSTOMbuilt 2BR/2BA. Two-car garage single-family home. Community pool spa and clubhouse, boat docks. $795,000. Real Estate Mart, 941356-1456.
ANNA MARIA
ANNA MARIA
Scan to explore all Anna Maria Island listings! Jeff &
Andrew & Brooke Doucett
Betsy Hagan
Joe McCall
Chelsea Oelker
Kathy Harman
Dee Munn
Scott Toland
George Myers
Suzy Korinek
Amy Ward
Hannah Hillyard